Abstract: A method of making a surgical suture having a reformed tip includes providing an elongated fiber having a first end, a second end, a central axis extending between the first and second ends thereof, and an outer surface that defines a cross-sectional dimension of the elongated fiber, and compressing a center region of the elongated fiber that is located between the first and second ends thereof for reshaping the center region into a core mass and a deformed mass that extends laterally outside the cross-sectional dimension of said elongated fiber. The method includes separating the deformed mass of the center region from the core mass of the center region so that only the core mass remains for interconnecting the first and second ends of the elongated fiber, and after separating the deformed mass from the core mass, reshaping the core mass into a reformed mass having a reformed mass central axis that is offset from the central axis of the elongated fiber.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly including a controller and a first electrical connector. The surgical device also includes an adapter assembly having: a tubular housing having a proximal end portion configured to couple to the handle assembly, and a distal end portion; a second electrical connector disposed at the proximal end portion and configured to couple to the first electrical connector; an electrical contact assembly disposed at the distal end portion; and a wire harness disposed within the tubular housing and interconnecting the second electrical connector and the electrical contact assembly. The surgical device also includes a surgical end effector configured to couple to the distal end portion of the adapter assembly, the surgical end effector includes an electrical contact configured to couple to the electrical contact assembly.

Abstract: A surgical fastener cartridge is provided and includes a cartridge body having a tissue contacting surface that includes a plurality of fastener retention slots. A plurality of surgical fasteners is operatively disposed in the plurality of fastener retention slots. A plurality of pushers is operably associated with the plurality of surgical fasteners. Each pusher is configured for ejecting an associated surgical fastener towards a depression in an anvil. An actuation sled is housed within the cartridge body and includes a plurality of cam wedges. The plurality of cam wedges configured to sequentially contact the plurality of pushers such that a surgical fastener that is ejected closer to a cut line produces a greater compression force to stapled tissue than a surgical fastener ejected further from the cut line.

Abstract: The invention provides improved devices, systems, and methods for tissue approximation and repair at treatment sites. The invention provides devices, systems, and methods that may more successfully approximate and repair tissue by improving the capture of tissue into the devices. The invention may be a one-way mechanism that allows tissue to enter the mechanism but not easily exit, such as a leaf-spring, a protrusion, a pivoting arm and one or more frictional elements.

Abstract: A device for treating tissue includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough, the capsule releasably coupled to a proximal portion of the device and clip jaws, proximal ends of which are slidably received within the channel of the capsule so that the clip jaws are movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. Clip jaws are configured so that a distance between the distal ends of the clip jaws in an open configuration is between 15 and 18 millimeters. Clip jaws further include barbs extending from a distal portion thereof.

Abstract: Devices are used to modify a metabolic pathway of a digestive system by creating a pathway within the intestinal tract through an anastomosis between a proximal location within the intestinal tract and a distal location within the intestinal tract. A magnetic anastomosis compression device includes a first arm, a second arm, a resilient member, and a pair of magnets. The magnetic anastomosis compression device further includes a degradable retaining element. The retaining element temporarily holds the first arm and second arm in a wide configuration in opposition to the bias exerted by the resilient member. Upon the degradation of the retaining element, the resilient member causes the first arm and second arm to transition to a narrow configuration. The magnetic anastomosis compression device is configured to magnetically couple with another magnetic anastomosis compression device positioned within a different location within the intestinal tract.

Abstract: A reload assembly a shell housing, a staple cartridge, a pusher assembly, a knife carrier, an annular knife, and a spring clip. The shell housing includes an inner housing portion that defines a central bore. The knife carrier includes a body defining a longitudinal axis and a cutout and is movable within the shell housing between advanced and retracted positions. The spring clip is supported on the inner housing portion of the shell housing and has a locking tang and an engagement portion. The spring clip is movable from a first position in which the locking tang is received within the cutout of the knife carrier to obstruct advancement of the knife carrier to a second position in which the locking tang is removed from the cutout of the knife carrier.

Abstract: A tissue clipping apparatus, comprises a flexible, elongate member, a proximal end of which remains external to the body accessible to a user while a distal end of the flexible member is inserted into the body to a location adjacent to target tissue to be clipped and a control wire extending through the flexible member in combination with a capsule releasably coupled to a distal end of the flexible member and a clip a proximal portion of which is received within the capsule. A joint releasably coupling the clip to the control wire, includes a yoke extending around a proximal end of the clip and a frangible link which fails when subject to a predetermined force to separate the clip from the control wire.

Abstract: A non-occlusive blood-restricting device is provided for treating a vascular malformation. The blood-restricting device includes a first section configured to assume a first shape when deployed from a microcatheter within a portion of the vascular malformation so as to at least partially cover an orifice of the vascular malformation, the portion of the vascular malformation including one or more anatomical features selected from the group consisting of: a neck of the vascular malformation and a wall of the vascular malformation. The first shape defines a sequence of loops having a gradually decreasing diameter and coaxial around a first central axis. The blood-restricting device also includes a second section configured to assume a second shape when deployed from the microcatheter. The second shape defines a single loop around a second central axis when the blood-restricting device is not restrained. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The invention describes systems and methods for retrieving blood clots (thrombi) from patients undergoing endovascular/neurointervention procedures following ischemic stroke. More specifically, a preloaded catheter and clot retrieval system (PCS) effective in positioning a clot retrieval system (CRS) or stent adjacent a clot and ensnaring and removing the clot are described as well as methods of utilizing these devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems and methods adapted for implementing intermittent displacement of blood to mitigate peripheral nerve neuropathy such as that induced by chemotherapeutic agents (i.e., chemotherapy-induced neuropathy (CIN)) that are administered to a patient. Such devices, systems and methods advantageously provide for precise, uniform and controlled blood flow occluding (and optionally blood displacing) compression along irregular surfaces of an appendage of a patient. Such precise, uniform and controlled blood occluding compression is imparted upon the epidermal and dermis skin layers within the aforementioned areas of a patient's extremities to decrease the time that free nerve endings located in the epidermal and encapsulated nerve endings located in the dermis skin layers are exposed to nerve damaging chemotherapy chemicals, thereby substantially decreasing CIN caused by prolonged exposure to such chemicals.

Abstract: A saw blade of a bone saw machine includes a distally arranged or configured row of saw teeth and a proximally arranged or configured coupling region for coupling the saw blade with an oscillating rotating tool receptacle of the bone saw machine. The saw blade is designed with two counter-rotating curvatures or bends approximately in the manner of an S shape.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument including a shaft including a head sized to be received in the socket of a medical device is disclosed. The orthopaedic surgical instrument includes a retaining flange that is rotatable relative to the head about an axis between a first position in which a tip of the retaining flange is aligned with the head and a second position in which the tip of the retaining flange is received in one of a number of apertures of the medical device when the head of the shaft is received in the socket of the medical device. A system and method including the orthopaedic surgical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for use in the surgical treatment of vertebrae and/or other bones, particularly tools for cutting and/or removing soft and/or hard tissues.

Abstract: The invention provides a reamer handle comprising: a shank having a distal tool coupling end adapted to releasably couple to a part of a surgical tool and a proximal end; a retractable catch which is linearly displaceable along the shank between a non-retracted position in which the catch captures the surgical tool within the distal tool coupling end of the tool holder and a retracted position in which the catch enables the tool to be released from the distal tool coupling end; a biasing member configured to bias the catch in the non-retracted position; and a sleeve extending along the shank. The sleeve comprises: a distally located catch contacting portion and a proximally located handle portion for manually displacing the sleeve relative to the shank such that displacement of the catch contacting portion moves the retractable catch between the non-retracted position and the retracted position to enable capture and release of the tool from the tool holder.

Abstract: A kit (4000, 5100) including a guiding system and a cannulated bone material removal device, the bone material removal device (4004, 5200) having a longitudinal shaft (4024, 5202) and comprising on the longitudinal shaft a radially expandable cutting portion (4028, 5208) having a longitudinally-oriented cutting edge (2124), the radial expansion comprising an increase of a cross-sectional diameter of the bone material removal device at the longitudinal position of the expandable cutting portion; and the guiding system including an arcuate element (4008, 5102), a guiding element (4010, 5104) configured to be attached to the arcuate element, and a cannula (4002, 5106), slidably insertable into a portion of the arcuate element; wherein the bone material removal device is axially displaceable within said cannula. The kit can be used in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward catheter-based apparatuses, such as componentry utilized with or as part of catheters, or as catheters or catheter assemblies. As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments, a method and/or apparatus involves a filter having a frame that forms a perimeter of the filter and separates opposing surfaces thereof. An articulated arm is connected to the frame and configured therewith to, when deployed within a tubular organ, engage with opposing inner sidewall portions of the tubular organ and to utilize the inner sidewall portions to seal filter to the inner sidewall by applying force to the frame.

Abstract: An ultrasonic forceps comprises a housing, an acoustic assembly, and a tine. The housing joins the acoustic assembly and the tine to the forceps and permits the tine to pivot relative to the acoustic assembly. The acoustic assembly comprises a transducer, a waveguide, and ultrasonic blade, and a waveguide sheath. The transducer is configured to generate ultrasonic vibrations directing the ultrasonic vibrations to the waveguide. The waveguide communicates the ultrasonic vibrations distally to the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is configured to vibrate in response to the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer. When the tine is pivoted relative to the transducer, the tine is configured to move toward the ultrasonic blade. Tissue may be grasped between the tine and the ultrasonic blade. The tissue may be denatured when the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer vibrate the ultrasonic blade, thus resulting in the tissue being cut and/or sealed.

Abstract: An articulation assembly (200) for use with a surgical instrument (100) is provided. The articulation assembly (200) includes a plurality of joints (260), a plurality of cables (240), and a first drive member (220). Each joint (260) defines a plurality of openings (262) extending longitudinally therethrough, a central opening (263) extending longitudinally therethrough, a pair of projections (268) extending from a first surface, and a pair of grooves (266) extending at least partially through a second surface. Each groove (266) of at least one joint (260) is configured to engage one projection (268) of the pair of projections (268) from an adjacent joint (260). Each cable (240) extends through one opening (262) of the plurality of openings (262) of each joint (260). The first drive member (220) extends through the central opening (263) of each joint (260).

Abstract: Skin graft harvesting systems and methods based on impedance monitoring are disclosed that utilize impedance sensors to automate the harvesting of skin grafts or assist a user in deciding when the skin graft is ready to be harvested. Such systems and methods can reduce the burden of visual observation and ensure greater reliability and consistency of the grafts. The systems, methods, and devices disclosed herein are particularly useful with harvesters that rely upon suction and/or heating to raise a plurality of small or “micro” blisters simultaneously.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a patient with total or near total occlusion is provided. The device can include a support catheter for an occlusion crossing procedure. The support catheter can include an elongate body that extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The elongate body can have a lumen for receiving and, in some cases, supporting a guidewire. The support catheter can include a crossing tip disposed on a distal portion of the support catheter. The crossing tip can have a ring structure fixedly attached to the elongate body. The crossing tip can comprise a plurality of teeth disposed on a distal-facing surface of the crossing tip. The plurality of teeth have rounded and smooth edges adapted for abrading the occlusion.

Abstract: A scalpel handle includes a body defining a first end and a channel therein and an insert defining a blade holder disposed at a first end thereof and positionable within the channel of the body with the blade holder extending outwardly away from the first end of the body. A shield is coupled with the body such that the blade holder is positionable within the shield, and a removal wedge is defined on the body, fixed with respect to the shield, and disposed in a substantially fixed lateral position at least partially aligned with a portion of the blade holder.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, and an end effector. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade, a clamp arm, and a blade guard. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The clamp arm is configured to pivot toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm has a first tine. The blade guard extends from the shaft. The blade guard has a longitudinally extending arm defining a concave pathway and a second tine located distal to the longitudinally extending arm. The ultrasonic blade is partially housed within the concave pathway. The first tine and the second tine are configured to grasp tissue when the clamp arm pivots toward the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for grinding substance inside a body lumen. The medical device includes a rotatable tubular drive shaft; a treatment member connected to the drive shaft so that rotation of the drive shaft results in rotation of the treatment member; an outer sheath configured to house the drive shaft; a handle located at a proximal portion of the drive shaft and at a proximal portion of the outer sheath; a guide wire lumen tube disposed within the tubular drive shaft and the treatment member, the guide wire lumen tube having a guide wire lumen; a distal end of the guide wire lumen tube located at a distal end of the treatment member or distal to the distal end of the treatment member; and a proximal portion of the guide wire lumen tube configured to penetrate a wall of the handle.

Abstract: A transseptal needle or punch is described wherein the distal end of the transseptal needle is able to articulate laterally out of the longitudinal axis of the steerable transseptal needle. The transseptal needle includes a blunted distal end configuration that is minimally traumatic. Under control by the user or a computer, the transseptal needle can be articulated to generate various curves with high bending force. The transseptal needle is configured for use with an introducer which can also include side windows.

Abstract: Device for accessing a pericardial space of a subject in need thereof, the device including a tubular member having an atraumatic distal end and a thread formed on, and at least partially around, the outer surface of the tubular member, proximally to the distal end; wherein the thread is configured to cut, puncture and/or penetrate a pericardium.

Abstract: An access system having a communication component that interfaces with a first device and a second device, where the first device is located inside or on an entity and coupled to a biological organism of the entity, and where the second device is located outside the entity and a controller component that controls a function of the first device, employing the communication component, to provide treatment to the biological organism of the entity coupled to the first device based on a request received from the second device.

Abstract: A guard for providing a cut-resistant pathway through a body orifice or incision to circumferentially protect tissue at the margin is provided. The guard is made of flexible, cut-resistant mesh material having a plurality of interwoven thermosetting filaments. The guard has a central lumen and at least one flared end. The flared end, which serves to anchor the guard in the body opening, is deformable into a reduced configuration to facilitate its insertion and removal. The layer of mesh stretches laterally to increase the diameter of the central lumen. The flexibility and expandability of the guard allows the guard to conform to body openings of different sizes. The guard may include a drawstring to cinch the flared distal end from the proximal end. The guard is thermoset with the flared distal end that is biased to spring back to its normal, undeformed configuration when released from a deformed configuration.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that comprise an introducer apparatus for facilitating subcutaneous implantation of a medical device. In certain instances, the apparatus may include a housing, an inserter configured to pass the medical device through the housing, and a tunneler configured to form a subcutaneous pocket for the medical device.

Abstract: Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and dilate body lumen and cavities. For example, the systems can be used to dilate the cervix and access the uterine cavity. The systems can also be used to occlude the cervix. The systems can also be used to occlude the urethra.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to fastener or fixation members, such as bone screws, for use in orthopedic stabilization assemblies.

Abstract: A bone screw includes a shaft including at least one thread having an external thread form and an implant receiver. A ring includes a mating surface engageable with the implant receiver and an outer surface, at least a portion of the outer surface having a coarse configuration to promote tissue on-growth with the outer surface. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An open implant closure structure includes a helically wound guide and advancement structure having at least two helically wound forms thereon providing a multi-start closing mechanism for use between spaced arms of a cooperating open medical implant having mating helically wound structure thereon. Illustrated structures include interlocking flange forms, v-threads, square threads, reverse angle threads and buttress threads and receivers with break-off extensions and cooperating tooling.

Abstract: Methods for understanding external and internal anatomy of bones through the use of imaging data and 3D modeling to facilitate the design of anatomically correct plates, devices and implants are disclosed. In one aspect the method results in an implant or plate that includes at least one curved surface wherein a contour of the at least one curved surface corresponds to an anatomic shape of a subject. The anatomic shape of the subject being determined based on an image of the bone.

Abstract: According to an aspect of some embodiments there is provided a bone anchor including an elongated core having a tip at a distal end and coupled to a head at a proximal end, and a segmented helical thread defining one or more gaps therein, each gap defining at least a trailing wall, the trailing wall having a cutting surface including at least one cutting edge. The bone cutting surface and the cutting edge configured to cut bone and guide bone fragments radially inwards. According to an aspect of some embodiments there is further provided a bone anchor kit and a method for implanting the bone anchor in bone.

Abstract: Disclosed are bone screw assemblies and kits including the same. Also disclosed are methods for anchoring of bone parts using a bone screw, for example, in order to fix parts of a broken bone in a desired relative orientation. Embodiments of the bone screw assemblies include a screw with an enlarged screw head and a cap having an internal cavity in which the screw head is retained wherein the internal cavity and screw head are dimensioned to allow, during use, a limited movement of the screw head within the cavity including translation of the screw head in a direction parallel to the X-axis of the cap.

Abstract: Catheter system, devices and methods for diagnosing and treating lateral stenosis causing back pain and or leg pain. The devices comprise a tubular part for insertion into a working cannula to self-position itself safely within the foramen, and minimize the risk of displacement medially or laterally, to prevent nerve or dura injury. An expandable membrane is configured to maintain the catheter device within the foramen. Expansion of this membrane would decompress the nerve within the foramen by opening the foraminal canal as the membrane expands.

Abstract: A catheter comprises an expandable spline structure defining a distal tip portion of the catheter. The spline structure comprises a plurality of individual splines, and each spline is configured to support a plurality of energy transfer elements and/or temperature sensors. An expandable balloon configured to be associated with the spline structure is unattached to the spline structure along its length.

Abstract: System and methods of an electrosurgical controller having multiple modes of operation that are configured for treatment of a specific targeted tissue type and the electrosurgical effect desired where the treatment and effect are provided by a single controller and an electrosurgical probe. The electrosurgical controller includes an integrated fluid control apparatus or pump where activation of the controller allows for selective energy delivery and corresponding fluid volume flow rates. The electrosurgical probe includes a fluid transport lumen and is in communication with the controller and the pump for operation of the probe in the various user selected modes with accompanying energy delivery and fluid control directed to the desired treatment and surgical effect.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for irrigated bipolar radiofrequency ablation. The system includes an ablation probe that includes an elongate inner electrode assembly and an elongate outer electrode assembly. An irrigation path for irrigation fluid flow is defined between the outer surface of the inner electrode assembly and the outer surface of the outer electrode assembly. The irrigation path enables cooling fluid to be circulated within the probe body, cooling the outer electrode during ablation.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting member extends distally from the distal end of the elongated sleeve and has sharp cutting edges. The cutting head is formed from a wear-resistant ceramic material, and a motor coupled to the proximal end of elongated sleeve rotate the cutting member. The cutter is engaged against bone and rotated to cut bone tissue without leaving any foreign particles in the site.

Abstract: A system for selectively actuating a heating current conductible from a bipolar generator to a surgical tool may comprise an actuator assembly having an output receptacle, an input plug, and an actuating component. The output receptacle may be configured to receive a complementary tool plug of the surgical tool. The input plug may be configured for mating with a generator receptacle receivable of the heating current from the bipolar generator. The generator receptacle may be complementary to the tool plug. The actuating component may have at least one of a switch and a lever arm and may be configured to communicate with the bipolar generator for selectively actuating the heating current to flow from the input plug to the output receptacle upon engagement of the switch or the lever arm.

Abstract: An electrosurgical lysing device and related methods. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a lysing tip comprising one or more beads. The bead(s) may comprise an at least substantially electrically non-conductive surface and may define, at least in part, both a distally-facing and a proximally-facing recess. At least one electrically conductive lysing member configured to deliver electrosurgical energy may be positioned adjacent to the at least one bead, the at least one lysing member defining at least one lysing segment extending within a recess at least partially defined by the at least one bead.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the disclosure describes a catheter system for applying energy to a vessel, such as a vein. The system may include an elongate catheter shaft having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, and an energy application device coupled to the distal end of the elongate catheter shaft. The energy application device may be configured to apply energy to the vessel. The system may also include a gauge positioned relative to a working surface. The gauge may be configured to determine a distance that the elongate catheter shaft travels with respect to a treatment zone.

Abstract: Exemplary methods and devices can be provided for improving the appearance of dermal melasma. This can be done, e.g., focusing electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength between about 600 nm and 850 nm into a region of the pigmented dermal tissue at a depth between about 150 and 400 microns, using a lens arrangement having a large numerical aperture between about 0.5 and 0.9. The exemplary local dwell time of the focused radiation can be less than a few milliseconds, and a local fluence provided in the focal region can be between about 50 and 500 J/cm2. The focal region can be scanned through the dermal tissue at speeds on the order of a few cm/s. Such parameters can provide sufficient energy absorption by pigmented cells in the dermis to disrupt them while avoiding damage to the overlying tissue and unpigmented dermal tissue.

Abstract: A laser can produce pulses of light energy for tissue-type selective ejection of a volume of the target tissue, and the energy can be delivered to a treatment site through a waveguide, such as a fiber optic waveguide. The incident laser energy can be absorbed within a volume of the target tissue with a tissue penetration depth and pulse direction such that the propagation of the energy from the tissue volume is inhibited and such that the target tissue within the volume reaches the spinodal threshold of decomposition and ejects the volume, for example without substantial damage to tissue adjacent the ejected volume. The pulses are set to be tissue selective.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure pertain to a device with an elongated body having a distal end. The distal end may comprise a port that permits discharge of a laser energy towards a tissue from an optical fiber located in the distal end. An exterior surface of the distal end may include a cauterization portion that permits discharge of a cauterization energy towards the tissue. In some aspects, the device includes an insulative portion that attaches the distal end to the elongated body and limits energy transfer therebetween. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hand piece for handling an optical fiber during a laser-surgical intervention comprises a handle body elongated along a main axis and having a through hole extending along the main axis. A guide tube having a tube lumen aligned and communicating with the through hole is attached to the handle body. A fixing device is provided in the handle body for fixing the optical fiber extending through the through hole and the tube lumen in direction of the main axis. The guide tube is made of a shaped memory alloy, which has a transition temperature between 50° C. and 120° C., and which has a straight base shape. Below the transition temperature, the guide tube is bendable by plastic deformation out of the straight base shape into a curved shape, and, when heated up above the transition temperature, the guide tube returns to its straight base shape.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for determining a position and orientation of an implant (100) for a joint replacement surgery are described. For example, the system includes a sleeve (200) configured to be worn by a patient and to collect (415) biomechanical information related to movement of the joint, and a surgical system (320). The surgical system is configured to receive (605) the collected biomechanical information, determine (605) clinical measurement information related to the joint, generate (610) a musculoskeletal simulation for the joint based upon the collected biomechanical information and the determined clinical measurement information, determine (615) one or more surgical parameters for the patient based upon the musculoskeletal simulation, and determine (620) at least one of a position and orientation of an implant component to be inserted into the joint based upon the one or more surgical parameters.