Abstract: A biopsy tracking kit includes a trocar, a stylet, a biopsy needle, a biopsy tracking cassette, and a fiducial marker. The trocar has a cannula with a blunt first end and a second end with a cup. The stylet has a conical tip at a first end and a cap on a second end that engages the cup of the trocar and prevents the stylet from falling through the trocar. The biopsy needle is used to obtain biopsy specimens when inserted through the trocar. The biopsy tracking cassette comprises an internal surface with a plurality of coded zones in a single column, and is used to differentiate the biopsy specimen into smaller regions. The fiducial marker is oriented to mark the position where the biopsy specimen was taken. Other systems, devices, and methods of use are also described.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to using wet foam elution for removal of particles from swabs and wipes. This allow users to capture particles from surfaces and recover them by elution into small sample volumes for subsequent detection for human clinical, veterinary, food safety, pharmaceutical, outbreak investigations, forensics, biodefense and bioterrorism response, environmental monitoring, and other applications where collection of samples from surfaces and humans or animals is required. More specifically, the swabs or wipes are used to collect samples in the standard ways that commercially available swabs and wipes are in use today; from, for instance, food preparation surfaces in food plants, from production equipment in pharmaceutical facilities, for collection of dry powders during bioterrorism event response, and for collection of clinical samples such as nasal, throat, nasopharyngeal, and wounds.

Abstract: A sample collector to take and hold a biopsy sample from an organism upon being driven by an actuator into the organism, the collector comprising a punch that includes a cutter with a cutting edge formed at a cutting end of the punch to remove and retain a biopsy sample, and a unique identifier on or in the collector, the identifier being machine or human readable at the time of use of the collector to take the sample.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes an elongate cannula coupled to and extending from a support structure, the cannula having a distal portion with a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof, and an elongate hollow introducer sized and configured to be mounted to the support structure over the cannula. The support structure and a proximal portion of the introducer are respectively configured for providing releasable attachment of the introducer to the support structure over the cannula in a first attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out an open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture unobscured by the introducer, and in a second attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out the open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture partially obscured by the introducer.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector configured to perform a plurality of end effector functions is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a drive shaft which is both rotatable and translatable to drive the end effector functions.

Abstract: Surgical tools for use during scarless or near scarless surgical procedures. At least some of the surgical tools can include a handle portion and a working end removably connected to the handle portion.

Abstract: A size-adjustable seton (1) for treating fistulae (32) is provided with first and second wire ends (4, 6), which are provided with connecting means (8, 10) for, in a connected state, forming a smooth connection (12); in such a way, the seton (1) is a smooth, closed loop (3). The invention also relates to a method of forming the closed loop using the aforesaid seton (1), and a melt clamp (40) for use when placing the seton (1) in a person (30).

Abstract: A method of treating a heart includes radially expanding a housing component within a native atrioventricular valve. The housing component includes an atrial anchoring mechanism for deployment in the left atrium and ventricular prongs for engagement with native tissue in the left ventricle. The housing component also includes an interior passageway sized for receiving a valve component. After the housing component has been deployed, the valve component is radially expanded within the passageway of the housing component. The valve component includes three leaflets configured for allowing blood to flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle. After expansion within the housing component, the valve component may have an inflow end portion that protrudes above the housing component into the left atrium. The housing component and valve component are preferably collapsible for advancement through a patient's vasculature using one or more catheters.

Abstract: An eye treatment apparatus for opening and holding eyelids of a patient open is described. The apparatus includes a supporting platform having a Y-type shape and including an upper beam configured for extending between a nose bridge and a forehead of the patient and for positioning on the forehead, a left leg and a right leg coupled to the upper beam, and configured for straddling a nose bridge of the patient and for positioning on patient's left and right cheeks, and a cross-arm mounted on the upper beam of the supporting platform. The apparatus also includes an opening assembly mounted on the cross-arm and configured for pulling an upper eyelid up for exposing an eye and retaining the eye of the patient in the open position. The also includes an adjustable annular band for placement around a head of the patient to secure the apparatus thereon.

Abstract: An anchoring system can use an implant delivery device to deploy an implant into a pre-drilled bore, to secure one or more sutures between a threaded outer surface of an implant body and a wall of the bore. The implant delivery device can controllably rotate the implant about its longitudinal axis. The implant can further include a distal member positioned distal to the implant body and freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis. The implant delivery device can include a finger extending distally from a distal end of an inner shaft. The implant delivery device can controllably translate a wire between a distally extended position, at which the wire can form a closed loop with the finger and a distal end of the inner shaft, and a proximally retracted position, at which the wire can be at least partially retracted into the distal end of the inner shaft.

Abstract: A one-way knot pusher and/or locking device is provided and can be used for the adjustment of soft tissue anchoring components that create or improve continence. The device can be generally button- or disc-shaped and can include a carrier and a pin. When the device is pushed in the free sliding direction it acts as a knot pusher. However, when reversed the suture (e.g., the knot) jams or wedges inside of the cavity of the carrier, restricting or preventing motion in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatus and methods of use pertaining to a multiple suture threader. Embodiments of the multiple suture threader include a handle that is coupled with a first collapsible loop and a second collapsible loop that is axially offset from the first collapsible loop. In use, one or more sutures are doubled over each of the first and the second collapsible loops such that when the axially spaced loops are passed through a narrow axial passage of a surgical implant, a surgical instrument, or a bodily passage such as a bone tunnel, a twenty-five to fifty percent reduction in suture traffic, or in the maximum number of suture thicknesses that simultaneously pass through the narrow passage, is achieved. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for securing a suture to bone can include loading the suture in a distal opening of an inserter of an assembly. The suture can be coupled to soft tissue. The assembly can include the inserter, an anchor carried by the inserter, a distal tip and a driver each coupled to the inserter. A hole can be formed in the bone with the distal tip, and the distal opening and a portion of the suture can be positioned in the hole. The driver can be actuated to allow movement relative to the inserter and can be advanced in a first direction to drive the anchor about the inserter into the hole to secure the distal tip, anchor and suture to the bone with an absence of a knot. The driver can be moved in a second direction to remove the inserter from the distal tip, anchor and suture.

Abstract: A surgical suture module for a machine constructed and configured for automatic, continuous suturing for reduced or minimized scarring and reduced suturing time. A surgical suture module for continuous, subcuticular suturing. The module includes a generally circular needle with a needle shaft; a supply of thread; a thread guide; a hook with a hook shank, a holding arm mechanism; and a housing. The needle, rotationally movable between a first position and a second position, is configured to introduce the thread into a tissue. The hook is operable for hooking and lifting the thread in coordination with the needle and the holding arm mechanism is operable for pushing and catching the thread in automatic coordination with the hook. The needle, the hook, and the holding arm mechanism are held in position by the housing and the housing operable to attach to a power supply that provides power to the module.

Abstract: A suturing device includes an elongate body, an actuator, a needle holder and a knot pusher. The elongate body includes a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The actuator interacts with the elongate body and is operable between a first operating position and a second operating position. The needle holder extends away from the distal end portion or is provided as part of the distal end portion of the elongate body, and includes a distal end section having a distal-most tip. The needle holder defines a needle passage and a distal opening adjacent the distal-most tip. The knot pusher connects with and extends away from at least one of the elongate body and the needle holder.

Abstract: A surgical staple has two movable arms connected by a transverse connection area. Each one of the arms has a pinching area and a fastening end and the transverse connection area is deformable to allow the movable arms to be moved together by bending around the axis of the transverse connection area.

Abstract: A system for loading a surgical buttress with a radioactive material includes a surgical buttress, a radioactive material delivery instrument, and a radioactive material. The surgical buttress includes a body portion defining a first width when in a pre-loaded configuration and a second width when in a loaded configuration. The radioactive material delivery instrument includes an elongate body extending from a handle assembly. The elongate body defines a lumen therethrough and has an open distal end. The radioactive material is disposed within the lumen of the elongate body of the radioactive material delivery instrument.

Abstract: A device for closing a tissue opening includes a body extending from a first end to a second end and a first anchoring element connected to the first end of the body and a second anchoring element connected to the second end of the body. At least one of the first anchoring element and the second anchoring element is movable between an insertion configuration, in which the at least one of the first and second anchoring elements is insertable through a target tissue such that the body extends across a tissue opening to be treated, and an anchoring configuration, in which the first and second anchoring elements engage target tissue on a first side and a second side, respectively, of the tissue opening.

Abstract: An implant insertion device is designed for use with a shape memory implant movable between an unconstrained shape and an insertion shape. The implant insertion device maintains the shape memory implant in its insertion shape until the delivery of the shape memory implant into tissue or bone. Upon the release of the shape memory implant from the implant insertion device, the shape memory implant attempts to move from its insertion shape to its unconstrained shape, thereby releasing mechanical energy into the tissue or bone.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height.

Abstract: A staple cartridge configured to be contained within a channel of a stapling device that has a sled that is selectively actuatable and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions to produce a different opening between the anvil portion and the staple cartridge in the open and closed positions is disclosed. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples, a cartridge body, a first staple driver defining more than one staple forming distance defining at least one first formed staple height, and a second staple driver defining more than one staple forming distance. At least one of the staple forming distances of the second staple driver is different than any of the staple forming distances of the first staple driver and defines at least one second formed staple height which is different than the at least one first formed staple height.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a sled and an end effector. The end effector includes a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, an anvil, and a cartridge channel. The staple cartridge includes a proximal end, a distal end, a cartridge body, and staples supported in the cartridge body, wherein the sled is movable to deploy the staples from the cartridge body against tissue captured between the staple cartridge and the anvil. The cartridge channel is configured to removably retain the staple cartridge, wherein a load is required to remove the staple cartridge from the cartridge channel, and wherein the sled is configured to reduce the cartridge removal load.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening system is disclosed including an end effector and an actuation console. The end effector includes an anvil and a firing member. The anvil moves in response to a closure motion from a first drive member. The firing member moves in response to a firing motion from a second drive member. A gear arrangement is configured to transmit the closure motion to the first drive member and the firing motion to the second drive member. The actuation console includes an input interface including a first input and a second input. The first input is configured to communicate the closure motion to the first drive member. The second input is configured to communicate the firing motion to the second drive member. The motor drive system cannot be operated to perform the firing motion until the closure motion has positioned the anvil in the closed position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a surgical end effector as well as a first drive member and a second drive member that are configured to apply actuation motions to the surgical end effector. A drive clutch assembly operably interfaces with the first and second drive members and is configured to move between an engaged position wherein the second drive member is linked to the first drive member and a second disengaged position wherein the first drive member is independently movable. A lock assembly is configured to move between a locked position wherein the second drive member is prevented from moving and an unlocked position wherein the second drive member is movable.

Abstract: An everter device to facilitate preparation of ends of arterial segments for end-to-end microvascular anastomosis. The device includes structure that provides sufficient support to prevent unwanted buckling of arterial tissue. The everter device offsets the tendency of the arterial tissue wall to recover its natural shape and fall off securement posts or pins of a coupler ring. The structure may be in the form of an intraluminal catheter balloon. Alternately, the structure may be in the form of a plunger. Alternately, the structure may be in the form of a radially expanding member provided on a shaft. The device further has a contoured surface on an everter end to evert a free end of arterial tissue over a coupler ring, and to cause the posts or pins of the coupler ring to pierce through the everted arterial tissue. The everter end is provided with one or more openings therein, such as a circumferential slot, to receive the posts or pins of the coupler ring.

Abstract: A nerve repair conduit configured to be secured on first and second portions of a selected nerve. The nerve repair conduit includes a polymeric body having a proximal end, a distal end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining an interior lumen. In addition, the nerve conduit includes at least one drug reservoir to hold agent(s) that may facilitate nerve regeneration. The drugs diffuse from the drug reservoir(s) into the nerve repair conduit through an outlet (such as a hole or a semipermeable membrane) in proximity to the first and second portions of a selected nerve. The nerve repair conduit may be configured to deliver the agent(s) at a rate having substantially zero-order kinetics and/or at a constant rate over a selected period of time.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, a central body extending distally from the handle assembly, and a head portion including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The shell assembly includes an annular knife having an inner surface and an outer surface and first and second angled surfaces defining a blade edge. The first angled surface defines an angle S1 with a longitudinal axis of the stapling device and the second angled surface defines an angle S2 with the longitudinal axis of the stapling device.

Abstract: An implantable restriction device includes a plurality of beads and a plurality of links that join the beads together. The beads include a housing including a contact surface, a passageway extending through the hosing along an axis, and at least one magnet disposed around the passageway. Portions of the links are slidably disposed in corresponding passageways of the beads such that the beads are operable to transition between a constricted configuration and an expanded configuration. The contact surfaces of adjacent beads abut against each other in the constricted configuration. Adjacent magnets within adjacent beads generate an interactive magnetic field foxed on the abutting contact surfaces of adjacent beads.

Abstract: Non-expandable space-occupying devices for treating voids within the body are disclosed. The devices can have multiple non-expandable space-occupying elements connected to a flexible leader. Methods of making and using the devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for using a clot retrieval device for treating a clot in a blood vessel for use in the treatment of ischemic stroke to reperfuse an obstructed vessel.

Abstract: An end effector for a surgical clip applier includes an elongate body and a clip track provided within the body and containing one or more surgical clips. Each surgical clip includes a crown and a pair of legs extending longitudinally from the crown and diverging from each other at a diverging opening angle. A pre-forming region is provided within the body and arranged to receive and deform the one or more surgical clips from a first state, where the pair of legs diverge at the diverging opening angle, and a second state, where the diverging opening angle is minimized. First and second jaw members are positioned at a distal end of the body and arranged to receive the one or more surgical clips from the pre-forming region in the second state.

Abstract: A clip unit including: a clip main body having a first arm portion, a second arm portion, and a middle portion; a pressing tube formed in a tube shape to be capable of accommodating the clip main body, the pressing tube being provided to deform the clip main body so as to make a distal end of the first arm portion and a distal end of the second arm portion to approach to each other, as the middle portion, the first arm portion, and the second arm portion are moved toward a proximal end side of the clip unit; a locking portion configured to protrude from an inner circumferential surface of the pressing tube on the proximal end side of the pressing tube; and a first locked portion configured to protrude from a lateral surface of the first arm portion.

Abstract: A system and method for rapidly accessing a tourniquet located in a pouch with a pull-away cover. The tourniquet holder allows users to safely store in a fabric pouch a prepared tourniquet that is quickly accessible and coupled to a removable cover of the pouch. Users are able to fold tourniquet in a manner that allow the tourniquet to be removed from the pouch and used nearly instantaneously.

Abstract: A system for reducing the damaging effects of radiant energy, blast, or concussive events includes applying pressure to at least one jugular vein to reduce the egress of blood from the cranial cavity during or before the incidence of the imparting event. Reducing blood outflow from the cranial cavity increases intracranial volume and/or pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury and injuries to the spinal column. Reducing blood outflow further increases the intracranial pressure and volume, and thereby increases the pressure and volume of the cochlear fluid, the vitreous humor and the cerebrospinal fluid to thereby reduce the risk of injury to the inner ear, internal structure of the eye and of the spinal column. In addition, increasing intracranial pressure and volume reduces the likelihood of brain injury and any associated loss of olfactory function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tourniquet apparatus that can be inflated hands-free. The tourniquet apparatus includes a sleeve and a pressurizing device to provide pressurized air to inflate the sleeve as required. In the tourniquet apparatus, the pressurizing device includes a pedal that is foot-operated and can be used to regulate the flow of pressurized air therein.

Abstract: A method for computer-assisted planning of a transplant surgery is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surgery device for osteotomy comprises a first body component, a second body component. The first body component has a side guide edge and an upper guide edge for forming a cutting track. The second body component has a lower guide edge disposed below the upper guide edge. A guide groove is formed between the upper guide edge and the lower guide edge for guiding the saw blade to cut. The upper guide edge has a first correcting perforation. The lower guide edge has a second correcting perforation. There is a regulative angle between a first hole axis of the first correcting perforation and a second hole axis of the second correcting perforation. Compared to the prior art, the present invention can improve the efficiency and accuracy of the surgery.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for microfracture (e.g., forming a plurality of microfractures in a bone to encourage cartilage regeneration). Some of the present apparatuses and methods are configured to create microfractures with smaller transverse dimensions (e.g., diameters) and greater depths than previously known. Some of the present apparatuses and methods comprise a penetrator removal tab coupled to the penetrator and configured to retract the penetrator relative to the cannula.

Abstract: A power tool for removing an intervertebral disc and preparing vertebral endplates is described. The power tool may include a cutting element, and the height of the cutting element may be adjustable. The cutting element may be a braided cable and may include one or more beads to enhance the effectiveness of the cable. The cutting element may have a minimum height requirement, which may not be satisfied in patients with a collapsed disc due to degenerative disc disorder. For these patients, also described are bone tamps for increasing the intervertebral distance and providing access to tissues distal to the tamp. One type of bone tamp features an inflatable balloon with an inner lumen. Another type of bone tamp includes an expanding distal end and an inner cannula. Also described is a manual expander scraper tool that is compatible with both types of bone tamp.

Abstract: A burr attachment designed for use with a curved burr attachment or other chuck attachments that includes a tube with a wire shaft supported therein and a coil spring surrounding said wire shaft and having each of the coils touch the outer periphery surface of the wire shaft and the inner peripheral surface of said tube to enhance cooling of said outer periphery of said tube from the heat generated by said wire shaft and attenuate vibrations while allowing said burr attachment to be bent without kinking.

Abstract: An orthopaedic device for correcting deformities in a bone is disclosed, the device including first and second end portions to fix to first and second bone regions either side of a growth plate, and a connection portion extending between the first and second end portions. At least the first end portion can protrude relative to the connection portion such that it is at least partly receivable in a first recess formed in the first bone region. The first end portion can be in the form of an end cup and can be fixed to the first bone region by a fixation device such as a screw. A head of the screw can sit within the end cup. The second end portion can be similar to the first end portion or alternatively may comprise a hook, blade or staple.

Abstract: A patient-specific guide tool for guiding an object toward a glenoid face of a scapula of a patient for implantation of a shoulder prosthetic device is disclosed. The guide tool includes a guide portion that includes a guide surface. The guide surface is configured to guide movement of the object toward the glenoid face. Furthermore, the guide tool includes a patient-specific portion that is operably coupled to the glenoid portion. The patient-specific portion includes at least one patient-specific surface that is three-dimensionally contoured and that is configured to nest and closely conform to a corresponding surface of the scapula to thereby position the guide surface at a predetermined position relative to the glenoid face.

Abstract: A surgical guide assembly for selecting a target site for insertion of a fixation implant, the surgical guide used in conjunction with fluoroscopy or other x-ray-based imaging for selecting a target site into bone based upon a rendered radiographic image of the bone. The guide includes a planar radiolucent guide tool with radiopaque markers and seats for accommodating securement components that can be engaged in apertures within securement seats of the radiolucent guide tool and contacted or positioned adjacent target bone for establishing a path to a bone target to guide the placement of an implant relative to a reference point, such as a first implant. In the guide tool may include visual indicia corresponding with one or more of the securement seats.

Abstract: Surgical procedures, tools and implants are disclosed for both conventional and reverse shoulder implant surgeries. The improved procedures, tools and implants relate to humeral head resurfacing, humeral head resection for standard implants, humeral head resection for reverse shoulder implants, glenoid resurfacing for standard shoulder implants and glenoid resurfacing for reverse shoulder implants. 3D scans and x-rays are used to develop virtual models of the patient anatomy, identify patient specific landmarks for anchoring guide wire installation blocks, templates and drill guides. 3D scans are also used to design patient specific tools and implants for the shoulder implant procedures and to pre-operatively determine the appropriate inclination and retroversion angles.

Abstract: Mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses (devices, systems, etc.) and methods for positioning them within a vessel and using them to remove a thrombus, e.g., clot, from within a vessel. In particular, described herein are methods of advancing an inverting tractor thrombectomy apparatus having a tractor comprising a flexible tube of material that inverts over itself as it rolls over a distal end opening of an elongate inversion support by extending the tractor region and/or a puller coupled to the tractor distally beyond the end of the catheter. Also described herein are power-driven mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses.

Abstract: A guidance device may include a base member including a hole extending therethrough. The guidance device may include a handle coupled to the base member. Additionally, a driver may be positioned within the base member and coupled to a shaft extending between the base member and the handle.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to electro-hydraulically actuated lithotripters and methods for fragmenting stones using such lithotripters. In an embodiment, a lithotripter apparatus for fragmenting at least one stone in a body is disclosed. The lithotripter apparatus includes a chamber configured to contain an electro-conductive fluid, which includes a proximal end wall and a distal end wall spaced from the proximal end wall. A chisel is coupled to the chamber and located at least proximate to the distal end wall. A proximal electrode is located at least partially in the chamber. A distal electrode is located at least partially in the chamber and spaced from the proximal electrode. Responsive to an effective voltage applied between the proximal and distal electrodes, the proximal and distal electrodes are configured to electrically discharge into the electro-conductive fluid to generate shock waves in the chamber that accelerate the chisel toward the at least one stone.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising: a closure assembly comprising: (a) a movement unit including (i) a bar and (ii) a contact element, wherein the bar, the contact element, or both move in a direction of a prescribed motion; (b) a latch unit comprising: (i) a latch plate including: (1) a hook latch that selectively receives the bar, the latch plate being movable between: (A) a lockable state where the hook latch is engageable by the bar, and (B) an unlockable state where the hook latch is unengageable by the bar; (c) an indicator mechanism that moves into alignment with the prescribed motion of the contact element, the bar, or both when the latch unit is in the unlockable state so that the indicator is contacted by the bar, the contacting element, or both generating an indication.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly that releasably attaches to the body assembly, and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The body assembly includes a first support structure, a first electrical contact supported by the first support structure, and a first sealing surface. The shaft assembly includes a second support structure, a second electrical contact supported by the second support structure, and a second sealing surface. When the shaft assembly attaches to the body assembly, the first and second electrical contacts electrically couple to establish an electrical connection therebetween, and the first and second sealing surfaces sealingly engage to block fluid from reaching the electrical connection. At least one of the first or second sealing surfaces is movable relative to the respective support structure to facilitate the sealing engagement.

Abstract: A grasping instrument for clamping tissue includes an outer tube, first and second jaw members supported by the outer tube, a carriage mounted within the outer tube and configured for longitudinal movement between an initial proximal position and an advanced distal position to cause corresponding movement of the first and second jaw members between an approximated condition and an open condition, a piston operatively coupled to the carriage, an inflatable membrane disposed within the piston and being selectively inflatable to a predefined internal pressure to cause corresponding distal longitudinal movement of the piston a predetermined distance and to cause proximal longitudinal movement of the carriage to apply a clamping force to the tissue disposed within the first and second jaw members and an indicator bar having visual indicators corresponding to various degrees of thickness of the tissue disposed within the first and second jaw members.