Abstract: A rod reducer including a housing defining an opening, a body member defining an opening and a slot, a shaft disposed through the opening of the housing and coupled to the opening of the body member, an anvil including a linkage extending therefrom, the linkage coupled to the body member and the anvil, a plurality of arm members, and a biasing element disposed between the body member and the anvil. A pin of the linkage is slidably disposed within the slot, and the biasing element is configured to bias the anvil distally with respect to the body member. Rotation of the shaft translates into linear movement, relative to the housing, of the shaft, the body member, and the anvil. The arm members are coupled to the housing and movable towards a parallel configuration as the anvil is advanced away from the housing to engage a bone screw.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures, including bone implant fixation procedures. The assembly is configured to provide a faster and more accurate measurement of depth of holes for placement of bone screws and fasteners. The assembly includes a guidewire having a deployable distal hook member configured to securely anchor into a desired position relative to a hole drilled in a bone and thereby provide an accurate datum for a measuring instrument for determining a depth of the hole for subsequent screw placement. The assembly further includes a surgical depth instrument to cooperatively function with the guidewire and obtain one or more measurements while operably coupled to the guidewire.

Abstract: An implant and method for fixation of long bones. The implant provides rotational, longitudinal, and bending stability. The implant comprises one or more elongated members that span the intramedullary cavity of a long bone, a distal tip that expands radially relative to the long axis of the implant, and a locking mechanism at the proximal end of the implant.

Abstract: A cerclage adjunct device including a plate, having a plurality of lateral extending bores passing through the plate, with the laterally extending bores configured to accommodate a length of binding under tension when the plate is placed in contact with a bone, and with the plurality of laterally extending bores disposed at a fixed longitudinal distance relative to each other.

Abstract: Device for bone fixation with a head portion (5), a tapering front portion (8) and a shaft (3) between said head portion (5) and said tapering front portion (8), said shaft (3) having a distal portion (3a) adjacent to said tapering front portion (8) and a proximal portion (3b) adjacent to said head portion (5); whereby said distal portion (3a) being provided with a thread and having a constant outer diameter DA and an inner core diameter DI; at least the proximal portion (3b) of said shaft (3) has a core (2) consisting of a biologically non-degradable material with degradation rate BND and having a diameter d?DI; a sleeve (9) surrounding said core and consisting of a biologically degradable material with degradation rate BD, whereby BD>BND and said sleeve (9) being fixed to said core in a non-rotatable manner.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes fixation devices, such as an orthopedic screw or implant, that comprises one or more porous elements or fenestrations to aid in osteo-integration of the fixation device. The fixation device may be additively manufactured using biocompatible materials such that the solid and porous aspects of the screw are fused together into a single construct. In yet another aspect, the fixation device comprises at least a portion or section incorporating a porous structure, which enables bony ingrowth through the porous section/portion of the screw, and thereby facilitates biocompatibility and improve mechanical characteristics. Methods for using the fixation device are also described herein.

Abstract: Variable length orthopedic fasteners are described. The fasteners may include two or more distinct components which are slidingly operable to extend and/or shorten the length of the fastener. Various locking mechanisms may be provided to restrict movement of the distinct components when the fastener has been configured to a desired length. Additionally or alternatively, a variable length orthopedic fastener may be of one-piece construction. Such a fastener may comprise an engineered failure segment designed for separating the fastener into two or more pieces at a desired location.

Abstract: An apparatus to limit a seating depth of a fastener can include a cylindrical housing, a pin, a driver, and a biasing element. The cylindrical housing can include a proximal portion couplable to a tool, a distal portion engageable with a workpiece, and a bore extending from an opening on the distal portion towards the proximal portion along a longitudinal axis of the housing. The pin can be secured to the housing and can extend radially inward into the bore. The driver can be translatable within the bore of the housing and can extend beyond the opening on the distal portion to engage the fastener. The driver can include a slot that can be engageable with the pin to receive a torque from the pin and can rotate with the housing to transfer the torque to a fastener when the pin engages the slot.

Abstract: A device for treating orthopaedic trauma includes a device body having an exterior surface and a cannulation formed therein that extends from one longitudinal end of the device body to an opposite longitudinal end of the device body and at least one porous ingrowth material region associated with the exterior surface of the device body and fluidly coupled to the cannulation. The at least one porous ingrowth material region is configured to deliver a therapeutic agent from the cannulation to a region outside the device body.

Abstract: A vapor delivery needle is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, or denature tissues of the prostate. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.

Abstract: Provided is a catheter including a shaft having a distal end and a loop disposed near the distal end and configured to curl around a tissue and receive, via the shaft, energy to denervate at least a portion of the tissue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an electrosurgical generator capable of supplying energy in a waveform that causes electroporation in biological tissue. The electrosurgical generator may comprise an electroporation waveform supply unit that is integrated with means for generating microwave electromagnetic signals and radiofrequency electromagnetic signals for treatment. The electrosurgical generator may be configured to deliver different types of energy along a common feed cable. The electroporation waveform supply unit comprises a DC power supply and a DC pulse generator. The DC power supply may include a DC-DC converter for up-converting a voltage output by an adjustable voltage supply. Each DC pulse may have a duration in the range 1 ns to 10 ms and a maximum amplitude in the range 10 V to 10 kV.

Abstract: Systems, tools and methods are disclosed for the selective and rapid application of DC voltage to drive irreversible electroporation, with the system controller capable of being configured to apply voltages to independently selected subsets of electrodes and capable of generating at least one control signal to maintain the temperature near an electrode head within a desired range of values. Electrode clamp devices are also disclosed for generating electric fields to drive irreversible electroporation while modulating temperature to elevate the irreversible electroporation threshold utilizing a variety of means such as cooling fluid or solid state thermoelectric heat pumps.

Abstract: An electric surgical instrument to be detachably connected to a robot arm of a robotic surgical system according to one or more embodiments may include: a shaft; an end effector provided at a distal end side of the shaft via a wrist structure; a connection part which is provided at a proximal end side of the shaft and is to be connected to the robot arm; and a cover including an elongated hollow structure to accommodate therein the wrist structure and containing therein an electrical insulation material and an X-ray contrast agent.

Abstract: An electrosurgical wand is disclosed for treating a plurality of tissues at a variety of tissue locations. The electrosurgical wand includes a handle on a proximal end and an elongate shaft with a combination active electrode at the distal end. The combination active electrode includes with a blade and screen portion; the blade portion extending along and laterally from the wand longitudinal axis, forming a dissecting tip. The screen portion extends from the blade portion at an obtuse angle and has at least one aspiration aperture through it. The wand also includes a second and third electrode, proximally spaced from the combination active electrode. The second electrode spans a portion of an outside surface of the wand adjacent the blade portion, while the third electrode spans a portion of the outside surface of the wand opposite the second electrode.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical fusion/sealer and dissector is provided that is arranged to simultaneously fuse and cut tissue captured between jaws of the instrument. The jaws include particularly positioned, shaped and/or oriented electrodes along with a compressible landing pad to perform the simultaneous fusion and cutting of tissue. An electrosurgical generator is arranged to supply RF energy through the instrument and monitors a phase angle of the supplied RF energy and adjusts or terminates the supplied RF energy based on the monitored phase angle to optimally fuse and dissect the tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and end effector coupled to the distal end of the shaft. An electrical transmission conduit extends along the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end and is configured to deliver electrical energy to energize the end effector. A connector assembly electrically couples the electrical transmission conduit to the end effector, and the end effector is pivotably coupled to the connector assembly. In another aspect, a surgical instrument includes a pin, an electrically conductive connector including a contact portion and an attachment, the contact portion surrounding the pin. An electrical conduit is electrically coupled to the attachment of the connector. An electrically conductive jaw including an aperture is pivotable around the contact portion, and the contact portion electrically contacts the jaw at the aperture of the jaw.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a needle for gaining access to the pericardial cavity of a heart. The needle includes an elongate member (e.g. a main shaft) defining a lumen and a side-port in fluid communication with the lumen; a blunt atraumatic tip for delivering energy for puncturing tissue; and a guiding surface (e.g. a ramp) for directing a device (e.g. a guidewire) through the side-port. The method includes using the needle for tenting a pericardium and delivering energy for puncturing the pericardium, and advancing a guidewire or other device through the needle and into the pericardial cavity.

Abstract: Tissue is resected and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects resection and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the resected tissue through an extraction lumen of the resecting device. Resection is achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly including a first electrode on a resecting member and a second electrode within a resection probe or tool. Over a first resecting portion, radio frequency current helps resect the tissue and over a second or over transition region, the RF current initiates vaporization of the fluid or other liquid to propel the tissue from the resection device. In one embodiment, an extending element extends from a housing and into a channel in a resecting member as the resecting member moves toward a distal position.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed. An apparatus may include a linear shaft including a distal portion positionable near a tissue wall. The linear shaft can be configured to deflect to position the distal portion near the tissue wall. The apparatus can include a plurality of electrodes disposed on the distal portion of the linear shaft, where the plurality of electrodes are configured to generate a pulsed electric field that produces an ablation zone in the tissue wall having a depth that is independent of an orientation of the distal portion relative to the tissue wall.

Abstract: A microwave amplifier having a load network which provides more efficient amplification of a low power microwave frequency signal. The amplifier comprises a transistor and a load network coupled to the transistor output to shape a waveform of an amplified microwave signal at the transistor current source plane. The load network comprises: a fundamental matching network to provide impedance matching at a fundamental frequency; a half-wave transmission line for a second harmonic frequency disposed between the transistor output and the fundamental matching network; a quarter-wave stub and a five-quarter-wave stub for a third harmonic frequency arranged on the half-wave transmission line to provide an open circuit condition at the third harmonic; and a quarter-wave stub for the second harmonic frequency and a quarter-wave stub for the fundamental frequency, arranged on the half-wave transmission line to provide a short circuit condition at the second harmonic frequency.

Abstract: Laser fiber probe consists of a suction sheath with a suction window in the distal end of the sheath and a fiber conduit with fiber position regulator to limit and position the fiber laser window. The suction sheath and the fiber conduit are constructed that the suction window is used to catch up the surgery targets and also functions as the entrance of the surgery debris, where the fiber laser window is in contact with the sucked surgery targets. Hereby the surgery targets sucked by the suction window are made into debris through the laser energy emitted from the fiber laser window, while the surgery debris is evacuated all the way out of the patient through the suction, which improves the surgery efficiency and ultimately reduces the procedure time.

Abstract: Described herein is a method of preparing a bone graft product, comprising computer-guided precision cutting an unshaped piece of bone from a human cadaver or a bovine animal to provide a shaped piece of bone having a predetermined shape that is determined by a human being using computer-aided design. Bone graft products prepared using this method and methods of grafting these products are also disclosed.

Abstract: Implementations generally relate to determining the position of a tool tip of a surgical instrument and the orientation of the surgical instrument. In some implementations, a method includes receiving at least one image frame of a plurality of image frames. The method further includes detecting a surgical tool in the at least one image frame. The method further includes determining a position of a tip of the surgical tool. The method further includes determining an orientation of the surgical tool.

Abstract: A tracking system for tracking a marker device for being attached to a medical device is provided, whereby the marker device includes a sensing unit comprising a magnetic object which may be excited by an external magnetic or electromagnetic excitation field into a mechanical oscillation of the magnetic object, and the tracking system comprises a field generator for generating a predetermined magnetic or electromagnetic excitation field for inducing mechanical oscillations of the magnetic object, a transducer for transducing a magnetic or electromagnetic field generated by the induced mechanical oscillations of the magnetic object into one or more electrical response signals, and a position determination unit for determining the position of the marker device on the basis of the one or more electrical response signals.

Abstract: In an example, a system includes an ultrasound sensor configured to transmit ultrasound energy and receive ultrasound energy reflected in a region of a patient and one or more processors configured to generate a reference ultrasound image of the region of the patient based on a portion of the ultrasound energy that was received by the ultrasound sensor prior to a medical instrument or medical device causing obstruction in the received ultrasound energy, generate a live ultrasound image based on a current portion of the received ultrasound energy obtained by the ultrasound sensor, register the reference ultrasound image and the live ultrasound image, and control a display device to display the reference ultrasound image with at least a portion of the live ultrasound image.

Abstract: An interventional device (110) includes an elongate shaft and a transducer strip (112). The transducer strip includes a first edge and an opposing second edge. The first edge and the second edge are separated by a width dimension, and the first edge and the second edge each extend along a length direction of the transducer strip. The transducer strip also includes a piezoelectric transducer (116) that extends along a transducer direction that 5 forms an acute angle with respect to the length direction. The transducer strip is wrapped in the form of a spiral around the elongate shaft of the interventional device such that the piezoelectric transducer forms a band around the elongate shaft. The width dimension is defined such that the adjacent first and second edges of consecutive turns of the spiral abut or overlap one another.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member including a drive engageable with a first mating surface of a bone fastener. A second member is rotatable relative to the first member and includes an element engageable with a second mating surface of the bone fastener. The members are engageable with the bone fastener in a release configuration, an intermediate configuration and a locked configuration. Systems, surgical adaptors, spinal implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system (100) and device (300) for mounting and tracking a tracker array during a surgical procedure are described. For example, the system includes a surgical navigation system (700) including a position tracking system (702) configured to track one or more tracker arrays, and a device (300) for mounting a tracker array (306) onto a patient during the surgical procedure. The device includes an intramedullary (IM) canal component (304) configured to be inserted into an IM canal (310) within a bone (312). The device further includes a tracker pin (308) configured to penetrate at least a portion of the bone and engage an inserted end (411, 413) of the IM canal component, and a tracker array (306) affixed to the tracker pin. The IM canal component is configured to engage the IM canal of the bone to stabilize the tracker array during the surgical procedure.

Abstract: A method of controlling a surgical tool includes capturing, with an endoscope, real-time images of surgical tools in a field of view within the body cavity. Image processing of the images is performed in real time to detect movement of at least a portion of a first one of the surgical tools. The system determines if the detected movement is within one of the plurality of predetermined protocols of input movement and, if it is, a corresponding predetermined output commands is carried out such that a second one of the surgical tools is robotically maneuvered or activated.

Abstract: An insertable robot for minimally invasive surgery includes a tube array having a guide tube housed within a straightening tube. The guide tube includes a curved working end. The guide tube may be axially translated and rotated relative to the straightening tube such that the curved working end is constrained inside the straightening tube, causing the curved working end to achieve a smaller dimension. The tube array is inserted into a working channel on an endoscope, resectoscope or trocar. Once the tube array is inserted, the curved working end of the guide tube is translated forward beyond the distal end of the working channel, allowing the curved working end to return to its pre-formed shape. A surgical tool is inserted through the guide tube for an operation. The straightening tube allows the guide tube curved working end to be temporarily straightened during insertion and removal of the tube array.

Abstract: A Robotic control system has a wand, which emits multiple narrow beams of light, which fall on a light sensor array, or with a camera, a surface, defining the wand's changing position and attitude which a computer uses to direct relative motion of robotic tools or remote processes, such as those that are controlled by a mouse, but in three dimensions and motion compensation means and means for reducing latency.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with and for selective connection to an instrument drive unit includes an end effector, an instrument drive connector including a plurality of drive assemblies, and a plurality of drive members in mechanical cooperation with the instrument drive connector and the end effector. Each drive assembly of the plurality of drive assemblies includes a drive screw including an elongated threaded body and a drive nut threadedly engaged with the elongated threaded body of the drive screw such that rotation of the drive screw results in longitudinal movement of the drive nut. Each drive member of the plurality of drive members includes a proximal end portion secured to a respective drive nut of one of the plurality of drive assemblies such that longitudinal translation of the respective drive nut causes longitudinal translation of the drive member to drive a function of the end effector.

Abstract: A controller changes a position and/or orientation of a treatment head by controlling an operation of a robot arm according to an external input. A probe driver changes a projection amount of a diagnostic probe with respect to an irradiator. Further, the controller performs synchronous control to synchronize the probe driver and the robot arm with each other so that the relative position between the irradiator and the distal end of the diagnostic probe changes while holding the distal end position of the diagnostic probe.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system configured to control movement of a first instrument and a second instrument, each of which is on a robotic manipulator. In described modes of operation, movement of the first instrument is surgeon controlled based on surgeon input to the robotic system. Movement of the second instrument is also surgeon controlled, but its motion is defined by the chosen mode of operation which sets the amplitude and direction of the second instrument's motion relative to the actual or instructed motion of the first instrument. In this way, two instruments are simultaneously moved based on input from a single surgeon input device.

Abstract: The application discloses a power mechanism and a slave operating device. The power mechanism, for connecting to an operating arm, includes a body and a power mechanism. A side surface of the body defines a mounting groove. The mounting groove passes through a bottom surface of the body. A distal end of the operating arm is located out of the mounting groove. The power portion is disposed on the body for connecting to the operating arm and providing power for the operating arm. The above power mechanism enables the operating arm to be simpler and more rapid to install.

Abstract: A low-friction medical device includes a first link, a second link, and a tension member. The first link is coupled to an instrument shaft and a first guide path is defined in the first link. The second link is rotatable relative to the first link through an angular range. A distal end portion of the second link is rotatably coupled to a tool member. A curved guide path is defined within the second link between the tool member and the first guide path. A curved guide surface of the second link defines a portion of the second guide path. A first portion of the tension member is parallel to a centerline of the first guide path, and a second portion is coupled to the tool member. A third portion of the tension member between the first and second portions is in contact with the curved guide surface throughout a portion of the angular range.

Abstract: Image-guided microrobotic systems, methods and methods that employ micromotor(s) having imaging agent(s) and cargo in a microcapsule, each micromotor having a partial coating over a reactive particle and/or asymmetrical geometry, when activated the microcapsule disintegrates releasing the micromotor(s) and active propulsion is generated when fluid contacts the reactive particle.

Abstract: A surgeon input device (400) for controlling a robotic surgical system (100) is disclosed herein. The surgeon input device (400) comprising a housing (401) and at least one sensor (407) disposed within the housing (401). The at least one sensor (407), in operative communication with an electromagnetic signal transmitter (307), configured to detect at least one of a position and orientation of a surgeon's hand within a predefined electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic signal transmitter (307).

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of heart conditions, and other medical purposes, include cardiac pacing systems. For example, this document describes temporary transvenous endocardial pacemaker systems and devices for deploying such systems without the need for conventional imaging procedures.

Abstract: An infant car seat challenge testing station. The testing station has a car seat holding area with means to secure straps to the holding area and an infant car seat. The testing station has a bracket to which monitoring equipment may be secured, the bracket being moveably attached to the testing station. The testing station further has storage areas and wheels for mobility.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging material for medical purposes. The packaging material comprises a packaging base material having an outer paper surface, a release lacquer that coats an entirety of the outer paper surface, and a sealing medium that is applied on the release lacquer in a grid pattern. The invention further relates to a method for producing the packaging material and its use.

Abstract: An illumination system for monitoring and illuminating an operating region comprises at least one light assembly comprising at least one illumination source configured to selectively direct a light emission in a portion of the operating region. At least one imager is configured to capture image data in a field of view in the operating region. A controller is in communication with the light assembly and the imager. The controller is configured to process image data captured in the field of view and identify a plurality of objects detected in the image data based on an object library. Track a location of each of the plurality of objects and store the location of each of the objects.

Abstract: An immersive display for use in a robotic surgical system includes a support arm, a housing mounted to the support arm and configured to engage with a face of the user, at least two eyepiece assemblies disposed in the housing and configured to provide a three-dimensional display, and at least one sensor, wherein the sensor enables operation of the robotic surgical system, and wherein the support arm is actuatable to move the housing for ergonomic positioning.

Abstract: The invention relates to a marker device and a tracking system for tracking the marker device, wherein the marker device comprises a rotationally oscillatable magnetic object and wherein the rotational oscillation is excitable by an external magnetic field, i.e. a magnetic field which is generated by a magnetic field providing unit 20, 31 that is located outside of the marker device. The rotational oscillation of the magnetic object induces a current in coils, wherein based on these induced currents the position and optionally also the orientation of the marker device is determined. This wireless kind of tracking can be carried out with relatively small marker devices, which can be placed, for instance, in a guidewire, the marker devices can be read out over a relatively large distance and it is possible to use a single marker device for six degrees of freedom localization.

Abstract: A medical handling device comprises an instrument holder for holding an observation instrument that is equipped with an image capturing unit for capturing an image section of an object plane. The handling device further comprises a robotic handling unit that supports the instrument holder and a control device that comprises a handling control unit for controlling the robotic handling unit and an instrument control unit for controlling the observation instrument. An input device is coupled to the control device for selecting an image section to be reproduced. The control device is adapted to detect a present orientation of the observation instrument and to control the robotic handling unit, while taking into account the present orientation of the observation instrument, in response to user inputs at the input device. The observation instrument is movable with respect to a pivot point in the object plane at a defined object distance along a curved path.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a dental suction system. The valve assembly includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. The valve assembly also includes a valve plug positioned at least partially within the valve body and including a through-passage. The valve plug is rotatable relative to the valve body to selectively alter a flow of fluid along the fluid flow path. The fluid flow path exhibits a varied cross-sectional area along a length of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A dental extraction device includes a gripping assembly including first and second gripping arm, a prying element including a driving arm and an abutting and hooking portion, two first cushioning members defined on the second gripping arm, a first spacing portion formed between the first cushioning members, and a second cushioning member defined on the second gripping arm at one side of the first spacing portion. To extract a tooth, a tooth holding member is first fixed to a tooth to be removed and then the first or second cushioning members are placed on one or more teeth that are not to be removed to serve as a support point and the abutting and hooking portion is set in engagement with the tooth holding member. The first and second gripping arms are then moved to cause the driving arm to drive the abutting and hooking portion for pulling out the tooth.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure create an “exchange” where dentists who invest in on-site restoration technologies can share their restoration design, restoration supplies, characterization knowledge, and idle milling time with local dentists. Suppliers can further offer quality control by double checking designs and selections. The platform of shade measurements, block selections, and characterization recommendations further serves as a resource to the dental community at large for improving shade matching in dentistry restorations.

Abstract: Cheek and lip expansion devices including an upper frame portion configured to extend about an upper dental arch, and a lower frame portion configured to extend about a lower dental arch. The upper and lower frame portions may each include first and second side members, each with anterior and posterior regions. An upper connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the upper side members. A lower connecting member may extend between the anterior regions of the lower side members. The posterior regions of the upper and lower side members on respective sides of the frame are joined to one another to form a bendable radius that resists bending at a distinct point. The bendable radius on opposed sides permits the frame to be collapsed top to bottom. The frame may be collapsible side-to-side. A posterior crossbar may be provided extending between the posterior regions of the side members.