Abstract: A target substance, such as a thrombus, is removed from a patient's body via minimally invasive technique. A catheter is maneuvered and positioned near the target substance. The catheter may have a soft, atraumatic tip constructed from a metallic backbone covered by a polymer. Target substances are drawn into the catheter via an aspiration source. Near the catheter's distal end, a blade and opposing surface are housed within the catheter, and the blade moves relative to the opposing surface within the catheter lumen in order to fragment the target substance. The substances are fragmented within the catheter into discreet and relatively uniform particles. The aspiration source, which helps ensnare target substances, also serves to evacuate the substance fragments from the patient's body.

Abstract: A device and method is provided to gain access to interior body regions. The system includes a safety needle assembly, a stylet assembly, a blade assembly, an obturator assembly, and a dilator assembly. The safety needle assembly or stylet assembly accesses an interior body region, after which the blade assembly expands the pathway created by the safety needle assembly or stylet assembly. The obturator then further expands the pathway and delivers the dilator assembly to the desired location. The safety needle assembly, obturator assembly, and blade assembly are removed, leaving the dilator assembly in place for future procedures.

Abstract: An invaginating device includes an inner elongate member and an outer flexible tube with invaginated axial ends. The outer flexible tube is: disposed at a first axial end of the inner elongate member; concentric with the inner elongate member; sized to provide a radial gap there between; sealably connected at the axial ends of the outer flexible tube to the inner elongate member, with the axial spacing between such sealed axial ends being less than the axial length of the outer tube; and extendable to protrude from the first axial end of the inner elongate member and retractable to reduce such protrusion from the first axial end of the inner elongate member. Fluid contained within the radial gap defined between the inner elongate member and the outer flexible tube is either pressurized or a non-compressible fluid.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an endovascular sheath include a shaft portion with an interior lumen and an exit opening. The sheath may be introduced into a blood vessel along a guidewire that has already been placed within the vessel (typically via a Seldinger needle technique). Along the shaft is an opening that permits exit of a second guidewire introduced into the sheath lumen. The sheath may include, within the lumen, one or more features that encourage exit of the second guidewire through the opening at an optimal angle. A secondary lumen carries a stiffening wire for procedures involving tortuous vascular anatomy.

Abstract: A puncture apparatus includes: a needle member having a tubular shape and comprising a flexible portion that is deformable; and a puncture assisting member that is movable or deformable in an axial direction of the needle member between: a restricting position in which the puncture assisting member is located outside the flexible portion of the needle member in a radial direction of the needle member, and thereby restricts deformation of the flexible portion, and a permissive position in which the puncture assisting member is not located outside the flexible portion in the radial direction, and thereby permits deformation of the flexible portion. The puncture assisting member is configured to move or deform from the restricting position to the permissive position in conjunction with an operation of inserting the flexible portion into a living body at a time of puncturing the living body with the needle member.

Abstract: The present embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present embodiments provide sensor applicators and methods of use with activation that implant the sensor, withdraw the insertion needle, engage the transmitter with the housing, and disengage the applicator from the housing. Systems and methods according to present principles allow for such steps to occur without significant loss of spring force, and without deleterious effects such as seal slingshotting.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for insufflating abdomens of subjects under direct visualization. Such devices and methods, in some implementations, include features for cleaning the devices, and certain implementations of the methods permit procedures wherein it is not necessary to use a typical obturator to place a cannula, resulting in safer procedures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and method for reducing surgical smoke. An exemplary apparatus includes trocar comprising a tubular hollow body circumscribing a cavity extending through a longitudinal axis of the trocar with a gasket at a first end and an exit port at a second end, the tubular hollow body comprising a first wall circumscribing the cavity and a concentrically spaced apart second wall. The apparatus further includes a first plate operable to maintain an electric charged disposed within the cavity on the first wall, and a second plate operable to maintain an electric charge disposed between the first wall and the spaced apart second wall.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, inter alia, methods of improving sperm function and related methods of fertilization, together with preparations of activated or potentiated sperm. The disclosure additionally provides articles of manufacture suitable for performing the methods provided by the invention. The methods provided by the disclosure, in some embodiments entail energy depletion with subsequent staged reintroduction of different energy sources.

Abstract: The present invention is a hole extender, in which a hole transporter includes a transport beam having a first flange with a first flange pin and a first flange hole, and at the other end of the transport beam is a second flange with a second flange hole. Key features of the present hole transporter include that the main direction of each flange is perpendicular to the beam, and the direction of the second flange hole is parallel to the direction of the first flange hole.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of spinal stenosis that includes cutting off a muscle origin or insertion from a spinous process, cutting off the spinous process at the transition to the lamina arcus vertebrae, resecting at least a part of the lamina arcus vertebrae and thereby decompression of the spinal cord within the foramen vertebral, performing osteosynthesis of the spinous process and placing a suture anchor within the spinous process and reattaching the muscle origin or insertion to the spinous process.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of spinal stenosis includes cutting off a muscle origin or insertion from a spinous process, cutting off the spinous process at the transition to the lamina arcus vertebrae, resecting at least a part of the lamina arcus vertebrae and thereby decompression of the spinal cord within the foramen vertebral, performing osteosynthesis of the spinous process and placing a suture anchor within the spinous process and reattaching the muscle origin or insertion to the spinous process.

Abstract: A resilient core is positioned between bony projections which are offset from a principal load bearing region of a spinal joint. Shaped projections extend from the core, and engage the bony projections by conforming to anatomical landmarks, and may be fastened to the bony projections. During flexion of the joint, the core absorbs some of the force of compression, and limits an extent to which the joint may compress. If the shaped projections are connected to the bony projections, extension of the joint is inhibited by the projections and the core, limiting the extent to which the joint may be distracted. In this manner, healing is fostered, and a weakened or damaged joint is protected from excessive movement.

Abstract: A bone screw includes a shaft with at least one thread having an external thread form. An implant receiver includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a solid configuration relative to the second portion. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A polyaxial pedicle screw includes a housing, a bone screw member, and an anvil. The bone screw member includes a head and a threaded shaft extending from the head. The head is selectively securable within the housing. The anvil is positionable within the housing adjacent to the head of the bone screw member when the anvil and the head of the bone screw member are positioned within the housing. The anvil may define one or more grooves in an outer surface of the anvil. The groove defines a flap that is flexibly attached to the anvil to enable the anvil to flex an amount sufficient to maintain the head of the bone screw in constant contact with the anvil when the bone screw member is moved relative to the anvil. A rod reducer may be secured to the polyaxial pedicle screw to secure a spinal rod within the housing.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a first member having an inner surface defining an implant cavity and at least one mating element. A second member includes a head and a shaft configured to penetrate tissue. The head includes at least one mating element engageable with the at least one mating element of the first member and a part. A third member includes an inner surface engageable with the part such that the members comprise a bone fastener having a selected movement. Systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system of devices and methods for use by which one or more target motion segments of the cervical spine are stabilized without any violation of the cortical bone of the target vertebrae. The devices are brought against strategic aspects of these vertebrae, thus permitting the disclosed inventions to achieve secure control of each vertebra. Connecting elements then stabilize the constructs. Preferred and alternative embodiments of the invention are disclosed, along with methods of implantation, and adjunct devices used in the implantation of the disclosed invention.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to orthopedic stabilization systems, and in particular, to systems including clamps. The clamps can be used in addition to or to replace hooks that grasp onto bone members, such as the lamina. One example of such a clamp is an in-line clamp that includes a central opening for receiving a rod member, a first opening for receiving a set screw and a second opening for receiving an elastic member therethrough. Another example of such a clamp is an off-set clamp that includes an upper plate, a bottom plate, and an opening for receiving a rod therein. The upper plate can be separated from the bottom plate to make space for an elastic member that can be secured within the plates. Tulip clamps that utilize one or more elastic members are also provided.

Abstract: A vertebral plate and method is disclosed. The vertebral plate comprises a frame having a triangular shape. A screw hole is present on each corner of the frame. Each screw hole is designed to receive a screw. Optionally, a viewing window is disposed within an interior of the frame.

Abstract: An assembly for assisting with positioning of an intervertebral implant, including an implant holder having an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between first and second ends, the first end being adapted to be attached to the stabilising wedge of an intervertebral implant, the first end of the implant holder having a deflection device including an opening having a central axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the implant holder but not converging with the longitudinal axis, the opening allowing the braid of an implant to pass therethrough in such a way that, when in use, the braid may have a first portion extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis from the implant to the opening, and a second portion extending from the opening to the free end in a plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the implant holder to allow the tensioning of the braid.

Abstract: An implant and method for spinal facet joint stabilization uses a wedge and plate adapted to accept prongs of a surgical instrument for installing the implant into a posterior spinal facet joint. The wedge has an anterior end with a threaded bore. A notch in each lateral side of the plate aligns with a groove in each lateral side of the wedge. Each notch and groove pair receives a prong of the surgical instrument to hold the wedge and plate during implantation. A superior tube of the surgical instrument supports a superior rod having an end configured for installing a bone screw attaching the plate to the superior vertebra of the spinal facet joint. An inferior tube of the surgical instrument supports an inferior rod having an end configured to attach to the threaded bore of the wedge along with the plate during introduction of the implant into the spinal facet joint, and installing the set screw to attach the plate to the wedge.

Abstract: A cervical spine spacer includes a spacer body configured to be disposed between adjacent cervical vertebrae in the cervical spine and to maintain a desired spacing between the adjacent cervical vertebrae. The cervical spine spacer also includes a channel passing completely through the spacer body from a first surface of the spacer body to a second surface of the spacer body and a fastener configured to pass through the channel. At least one of the first surface and the second surface is configured to contact one of the adjacent cervical vertebrae and the channel is sized to accommodate the fastener passing through the channel at a plurality of angles.

Abstract: A facet joint replacement device includes an enclosing element including an enclosing body and an inferior attachment member. The enclosing body includes an inner cavity defined by an interior surface of the enclosing body, wherein a portion of the interior surface of the enclosing body forms a superior articulating surface. The facet joint replacement device also includes an inferior articulating element including an articulating body and a superior attachment member. The inferior articulating body is positioned within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element and is configured to move within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element. The inferior articulating body includes an inferior articulating surface. The movement of the articulating body of the inferior articulating element is constrained in at least one direction within the inner cavity of the enclosing body of the enclosing element.

Abstract: Various surgical instruments, implants, and their methods of use are disclosed. The surgical instruments are usable to insert various implants into a patient through an access portal in a minimally-invasive manner. The implants are rotatable between different orientations using the instruments to change the footprint of the implant and allow the implant to be inserted through the minimally-invasive access portal.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cannulated body extending along an axis and having a first working end spaced along the axis from a second working end. The surgical instrument may be used with a fenestrated screw assembly, a delivery unit, and an alignment guide wire. The first working end of the surgical instrument is configured to transmit a force to a delivery unit in a direction about the axis and the second working end is configured to transmit a force to a delivery unit in a direction generally transverse to the axis. The first working end may be used to rotate the delivery unit to thereby removably attach the delivery unit to the fenestrated screw assembly. The surgical instrument may be repositioned to engage the second working end with the proximal end of the delivery unit to maintain the rotational position of the delivery unit.

Abstract: An extramedullary compression and fixation apparatus consists of a pre-curved, malleable band having a first end and a second end, and at least one bone engaging structure protruding from the band toward an interior space defined by the band. The band is configured to be compressed (e.g., crimped) over a bone fracture site to conform the curvature of the band to a curvature of a surface of bone around the bone fracture site. The at least one bone engaging structure is configured to dig into the outer cortex of the bone when the band is compressed. The band is configured to maintain compression of the bone across the bone fracture upon the band being compressed without additional external fixation devices.

Abstract: A bone plate having at least one screw hole adapted to receive a bone screw, a blocker having a blocking end for blocking a bone screw from further backout of bone the blocker being predisposed in a blocking position wherein the blocking end at least partially overlaps a portion of the screw hole, the blocker being moveable from the blocking position by contact with the bone screw during insertion of the bone screw into the screw hole, and a blocker fixation element having an open orientation at which the blocker can move from the blocking position and a closed orientation preventing substantial movement of the blocker from the blocking position. The blocker fixation element cannot be moved to the closed orientation unless the screw head passes the blocker, thereby revealing that the blocker fixation element is in position to prevent substantial movement of the blocker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a series of orthopedic plates for use in repair of a bone. The plate has a Y-shaped profile or an X-shaped profile which includes an elongate central trunk with a complex contour and either one or two terminal pairs of arms that have a first arm and a second arm that form differing angles and lengths relative to the trunk portion of the plate. The arms include locking screw holes where the screws converge toward each other to provide for multiplanar fixation but which do not impinge.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a proximal portion including an inner surface defining an implant cavity. A first member is configured for disposal with the proximal portion and includes a wall defining a cavity. A second member is configured for disposal with the cavity. A distal portion includes a first end disposed within the members and a second end configured to penetrate tissue. The proximal portion overlaps the second member to limit movement of the first end of the distal portion. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Articulating implant connectors and related methods are disclosed herein. Exemplary connectors can include first and second bodies that are rotatable relative to one another about a rotation axis and selectively lockable to resist or prevent such rotation. Each of the bodies can be configured to couple to a rod or other fixation component, and the connector can be used to lock first and second rods together even when the rods are obliquely angled with respect to one another.

Abstract: Bone anchors providing tensioning between adjacent bones, including a vertebrae. Various embodiments use combinations of bone fasteners and staples to attach a tethering head to a bone. In some embodiments, the tether is attached to the head by means of a separate ring. In still other embodiments the tension in the tether is adjusted by use of a variable depth pocket within the head and/or the bone anchor.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a main body having a base and an extension extending from the base. The extension includes an inner surface defining a passageway. The main body includes an opening that extends through the extension. The opening is in communication with the passageway. A first plunger is configured to be positioned within the passageway. The first plunger includes a lumen extending through and between opposite proximal and distal end surfaces of the first plunger. A second plunger is configured to be positioned within the lumen. Kits and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical torque hand tool, which comprises a holding part, a torque adjusting device, a torque damping device, and a surgery tool. The holding part is disposed in a hollow member. The torque damping device is disposed in said holding part. The torque adjusting device passes through said holding part. The torque adjusting device and the torque damping device control the elastic deformation of an elastic member for controlling the torque of screwing an object.

Abstract: A device is described for treating a nasal airway by modifying a property of a nasal tissue of or near a nasal valve of the airway, without using a surgical incision or an implant, to decrease airflow resistance or perceived airflow resistance in the nasal airway. Various embodiments include an elongate shaft, a bipolar radiofrequency delivery member extending from one end of the shaft, and a handle attached to the elongate shaft at an opposite end from the radiofrequency delivery member. The radiofrequency delivery member is sized to be inserted into a nose and configured to at least temporarily deform the nasal tissue and deliver radiofrequency energy. The radiofrequency delivery member includes two rows of protruding electrodes disposed on a tissue contact surface, and the device is configured to deliver radiofrequency energy from one row of electrodes to the other row of electrodes.

Abstract: An end effector assembly adapted to couple to an electrosurgical instrument, the end effector assembly including a plurality of spaced apart small seal plates on opposing jaw members where each seal plate forms a pair of seal plates with the corresponding seal plate on the opposing jaw member. Each pair of seal plates is individually activatable, and the pair of seal plates are activated in sequence. When the opposing jaw members are in an approximated position, the pairs of seal plates around the periphery of each jaw member define a gap therebetween that is larger than the gap between pairs of seal plates along the center of each jaw member.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a monopolar knife assembly attached to the distal end of the shaft, the monopolar knife assembly comprising a knife; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion and an articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle and the articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the articulating portion deflects; wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the knife, such that when the actuation element is moved, the knife is moved; and wherein the actuation element transmits electrical power from the handle to the knife.

Abstract: Ablation device including a probe structure 10 having a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14. Probe structure 10 includes a tubular first catheter 16, a tubular second catheter 18 surrounding the first catheter and a tubular guide catheter extending within the first catheter 16. The first catheter 16 carries a cylindrical ultrasonic transducer 20 adjacent its distal end. The transducer 20 is connected to a source of electrical excitation. The ultrasonic waves emitted by the transducer 20 are directed at the heart wall tissue. Once the tissue reaches the target temperature, the electrical excitation is turned on and off to maintain the tissue at the largest temperature. Alternatively, the transducer 20 is subjected to continuous excitation at one power level and upon the tissue reaching the target temperature, the power level of the continuous excitation is switched to a second lower power level.

Abstract: A handle for longitudinal movement of a first tubular member over a second tubular member includes a handle body, a nose cone, a locking mechanism, and a retraction control. The nose cone has a sleeve and an outer wall that define a control channel therebetween. The nose cone is moveable over the handle body between extended and retracted positions. The locking mechanism has locked and unlocked positions for selectively fixing the nose cone in the extended and retracted positions. A finger of the retraction control is positioned within the control channel of the nose cone. The retraction control has first and second positions relative to the nose cone for transitioning the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked position and for moving the nose cone between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A treatment method for non-ablative tissue regeneration includes directing at least one laser pulse having a wavelength onto a tissue surface of a human or animal body, and controlling an energy delivery time ted of the at least one laser pulse, during which the second half of the pulse energy is delivered, to be sufficiently short, so that, given the wavelength and thus a corresponding penetration depth ? of the at least one laser pulse, a thermal exposure time texp of the tissue surface is smaller than 900 microseconds. The thermal exposure time texp of the tissue surface is defined as a time interval in which the temperature of the tissue surface is above To+(Tmax?To)/2, wherein To defines the initial temperature of the tissue surface, before the laser pulse arrives, and Tmax is a maximal temperature of the tissue surface.

Abstract: A catheter kit includes a catheter having an optical fiber, and a catheter accommodating tool which accommodates the catheter. The catheter accommodating tool has a tubular hoop, and a position adjustment mechanism provided at the hoop. The hoop has a hoop tip end portion at which a catheter tip end portion from which laser light transmitted through the optical fiber is emitted is disposed, and a hoop base end portion which is opposite to the hoop tip end portion. The position adjustment mechanism is provided at the hoop base end portion and changes a position of the catheter tip end portion with respect to the hoop tip end portion.

Abstract: A light measurement device measures the intensity of laser light output from a catheter tip end portion of a catheter having a built-in optical fiber. The light measurement device includes a light receiving part which receives the laser light output from the catheter tip end portion and a mounting part which is disposed at a position facing the light receiving part. The mounting part defines a position of a tubular hoop, which accommodates the catheter, with respect to the light receiving part. In a state in which the position of the hoop is defined by the mounting part, the light measurement device obtains the intensity of the laser light by inputting the laser light to the light receiving part.

Abstract: A medical endodevice (1) for an intervention inside a human or animal body comprises an elongated liaising structure (2) having a distal end arrangeable inside a body of the human or animal being and a proximal end arrangeable outside the body while the distal end is inside the body. The endodevice has an intervention tool arranged to manipulate a target tissue (51) inside the human or animal body. The intervention tool is arranged at the distal end (23) of the liaising structure (2). The endodevice (1) further comprises a positioning unit (3) having a moving formation (32) arranged to dislocate the intervention tool relative to the target tissue (51), and an anchoring formation arranged to fix the moving formation (32) to a fixing tissue (51) inside the human or animal body such that the target tissue (51) is positioned in a workspace of the intervention tool.

Abstract: A spinal implant system includes a spinal implant template configured to provide three dimensional coordinates of a selected implant configuration. An implant bending device includes work surfaces engageable with a spinal implant to manipulate the spinal implant to the selected implant configuration and an implant contact sensor. Surgical instruments, spinal constructs, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for predicting an unfolded state of a foldable implant in biological tissue, the device comprising: a receiving unit configured to receive pre -treatment 3D planning image data and treatment image data, the treatment image data comprising catheter image data, the catheter image data comprising landmark image data; a segmentation module configured to segment the pre-treatment 3D planning image data resulting in segmented 3D planning image data; a search unit configured to locate the landmark image data within the treatment image data resulting in a known landmark position and a known landmark orientation; a registration module configured to register the segmented 3D planning image data to the treatment image data resulting in registered treatment image data; and a simulation unit configured to simulate an unfolded state of a foldable implant in biological tissue based on the known landmark position and the known landmark orientation in the biological tissue resulting i

Abstract: A surgical procedure on a patient is monitored at a sensor to provide an observation. A current surgical state is estimated as a belief state over of a plurality of surgical states, representing different phases of the surgery, from the observation and an observation function for each surgical state. A world state of a plurality of world states representing a state of one of the patient, a medical professional performing the surgical procedure, and the environment in which the surgical procedure is being conducted is estimated from the estimated surgical state. From the estimated surgical state, the estimated world state, and a model, at least one surgical state that will be entered during the surgical procedure is predicted and an output representing the predicted at least one surgical state is provided O at an associated output device.

Abstract: A computer system is disclosed comprising a processor arrangement communicatively coupled to a data storage arrangement storing a digital model of a section of a lumen system of a patient; and a communication module communicatively coupled to said processor arrangement and arranged to receive sensor data pertaining to an internal parameter of said lumen system from a sensor within said section of the lumen system. The processor arrangement is arranged to receive said sensor data from the communication module; retrieve said digital model from the data storage arrangement; simulate an actual physical condition of said lumen system by developing said digital model based on the received sensor data; and generate an output relating to said simulated actual physical condition for updating an electronic device. Also disclosed is a method of monitoring a patient with such a computer system, a computer program product for implementing such a method and a patient monitoring system.

Abstract: A method is provided for planning, performing, and assessing of surgical correction to the spine during a spinal surgical procedure. This method is implemented by a control unit through a GUI to digitize screw locations, digitize anatomical reference points, accept one or more correction inputs, and generate one or more rod solution outputs shaped to engage the screws at locations distinct from the originally digitized locations.

Abstract: A virtual stent placement apparatus, a virtual stent placement method, and a virtual stent placement program for preventing a stent from blocking a branch of a blood vessel in a case in which the stent is virtually placed in the blood vessel extracted from a medical image are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for generating a PSI jig model for implant revision comprises a reference anchor surface identifying module to identify at least one reference anchor surface from at least one patient specific image of a bone and of an implanted implant, the reference anchor surface configured to receive a guide reference(s). An implant abutment surface determining module determines an implant abutment surface from the patient specific bone image.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the placement of a prosthetic heart valve in a structure of interest. The method comprises acquiring one or more depictions of an anatomical region of interest that includes the structure of interest, wherein each depiction shows the structure of interest and/or the blood pool volume of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) of the patient's heart. The method further comprises designating one or more positions in at least one of the one or more depictions wherein each position corresponds to a respective position in the structure of interest at which the prosthetic valve may be placed. The method still further comprises predicting, for each of the one or more designated positions, an amount of blood flow obstruction through the LVOT of the patient's heart that would occur if the prosthetic valve was to be placed at a corresponding position in the structure of interest.