Abstract: A bone drill guiding device including a drill entry part comprising a cannula having a distal end portion and sized to receive a bone drill, a drill exit part comprising a fixation tip portion and a coupling that rigidly couples the drill entry part and the drill exit part so that longitudinal axes of the cannula distal portion and the fixation tip portion are arranged on a single mutual axis. In some embodiments, the coupling is a linear sliding coupling that parallels the single mutual axis.

Abstract: A method and system for performing corrective surgery for pediatric or adult acquired flatfoot deformity (“AAFD”), namely, minimally invasive bone extra-articular reconstruction. The method and system comprises attaching a cutting guide to the bone to be operated wherein the cutting guide comprises two or more diverging K-wire channels and a slit configured to guide a burr used by a surgeon to perform osteotomy through the slit. Through the use of the cutting guide, the surgical procedure is simpler and reproducible. Patients will experience a quicker recovery, less pain, less operating room time, less narcotic use, and a better cosmetic result from smaller incisions. The present invention may also be applicable to intra-articular applications.

Abstract: A fixation/reconstruction system for treating syndesmotic ankle fractures includes a screw guide assembly configured to align the cannulated screw for insertion into, and securing within, the patients bone; and, a tension band alignment assembly configured to insert at least one tension band through a transverse opening in the patient s leg, and to secure the tension band.

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: A device for delivery of material or stimulus to targets within a body to produce a desired response, the targets being at least one of cells of interest, cell organelles of interest and cell nuclei of interest. The device includes a number of projections for penetrating a body surface, with the number of projections being selected to produce a desired response, and the number being at least 500. A spacing between projections is also at least partially determined based on an arrangement of the targets within the body.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition and a method of using the pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of thrombosis are provided. The pharmaceutical composition can include a mixture of proteolytic enzymes, and optionally, additional compounds. The pharmaceutical composition can include an antiaggregatory or anti-thrombotic compound, such as Lisini racemici acetylsalicylase. The method can include administering the pharmaceutical composition to a patient in need thereof, including administration of the pharmaceutical composition to a thrombus until the thrombus is dissolved. The method can also include administering one or more balloon catheters to the patient.

Abstract: A catheter system for imparting pressure to induce fractures at a treatment site within or adjacent a blood vessel wall includes a catheter, a fortified balloon inflation fluid and a first light guide. The catheter includes an elongate shaft and a balloon that is coupled to the elongate shaft. The balloon has a balloon wall and can expand to a first expanded configuration to anchor the catheter in position relative. The fortified balloon inflation fluid can expand the balloon to the first expanded configuration. The fortified balloon inflation fluid includes a base inflation fluid and a fortification component. The fortification component reduces a threshold for inducing plasma formation in the fortified balloon inflation fluid compared to the base inflation fluid. The fortification component can include at least one of carbon and iron. The first light guide is disposed along the elongate shaft and is positioned at least partially within the balloon.

Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes a first shaft and a second shaft telescopically movable relative to the first shaft. The second shaft supports an end effector assembly. The second shaft is movable relative to the first shaft between a retracted position and a deployed position. The end effector assembly includes a tissue specimen bag supported by a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arms open the tissue specimen bag when the second shaft is in the deployed position. The tissue specimen bag includes an insertion cap disposed on and extending outwardly from an exterior surface of the tissue specimen bag. The insertion cap is operably engaged with the distal portion of the first shaft when the second shaft is in the retracted position to define an atraumatic insertion tip.

Abstract: A medical extraction device comprising: (a) a sheath including a distal end configured to be inserted into a patient and a proximal end configured to be retained exteriorly of the patient; (b) a basket configured to extend from a distal end of the sheath and be repositionable between an expanded position and a retracted position, the basket including at least three loops, the basket also including a first guide and a second guide, where the first guide receives portions of the first loop and the third loop, where the second guide receives portions of the first loop and the second loop, where the second loop and the third loop are fixedly mounted to one another at a location interposing the first guide and the second guide; and, (c) a handle control operatively coupled to a proximal end of the sheath and being operatively coupled to the basket, the handle control configured facilitate repositioning of the basket with respect to the sheath between the retracted position and the expanded position.

Abstract: The devices and methods described herein relate to clearing of blockages within body lumens, such as the vasculature, by addressing the frictional resistance on the obstruction prior to attempting to translate and/or mobilize the obstruction within the body lumen.

Abstract: A membrane removing instrument comprising a surgical blank having a surgical blank distal end and a surgical blank proximal end, the surgical blank configured for being at least partially disposed in a hypodermic tube wherein the surgical blank has dimensions configured for performing ophthalmic surgical procedures, and at least one micro-pick proximate to the surgical blank distal end, the micro-pick being configured to engage and incise an ophthalmic membrane and form a membrane flap.

Abstract: A tissue resecting instrument includes a drive assembly coupled to an inner cutting shaft and configured to drive translation and/or rotation of the inner cutting shaft, a trigger coupled to the drive assembly and configured for manual actuation to drive the drive assembly, a vacuum generator configured to generate vacuum to suction cut tissue through the inner cutting shaft and into the vacuum generator, and a tissue collection cartridge configured to engage the housing. The tissue collection cartridge defines a port configured to communicate with the vacuum generator such that the vacuum generator urges cut tissue from the vacuum generator through the port into the tissue collection cartridge. An auxiliary vacuum source is configured to selectively provide additional vacuum to increase suctioning of cut tissue through the inner cutting shaft and into the vacuum generator.

Abstract: A tissue resecting instrument includes a housing, a shaft rotatable relative to the housing and defining a proximal end portion disposed within the housing and a distal end portion distally-spaced from the housing, a cutting member operably associated with the distal end portion of the shaft, a turbine disposed within the housing and operably associated with the proximal end portion of the shaft, and a fluid outflow tube operably associated with the housing. The fluid outflow tube is adapted to connect to a suction source to enable the suctioning of fluid and resected tissue proximally through a lumen of the shaft, an interior of the housing, and into the fluid outflow tube. The turbine is configured such that proximal fluid flow across the plurality of fins of the turbine urges the turbine to rotate, thereby rotating the shaft relative to the housing to enable tissue resection with the cutting member.

Abstract: A retractable surgical blade includes a handle defining a channel and a surgical blade member. The surgical blade member includes a body to which is secured a surgical blade. The body has a portion which engages the channel so that the surgical blade member can move from a cutting position in which the surgical blade projects from the handle and can be employed in a surgical procedure to a retracted position in which the surgical blade is disposed in the channel. When in the retracted position, the surgical blade is unable to cut or stab persons associated with the surgical procedure. The device further includes cooperating locking members on the handle and the body to position the surgical blade member in the desired position. An associated method of performing a surgical procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapling system including a driver and a staple where the driver is connected to the staple. In previous surgical stapling systems, the driver and the staple were not connected. A surgical stapling system in accordance with the present invention may have fewer components, less assembly and manufacturing time, and may accommodate larger staples which are at least partially embedded in the driver. In various embodiments, a surgical stapling system comprises a staple, the staple including a deformable member, and a stapler, the stapler including an anvil, a staple cartridge for removably storing the staple, and a cam movable between a first position and a second position. In these embodiments, the surgical stapling system further comprises a driver attached to the staple, the driver being operatively engaged with the cam to move the staple toward the anvil when the cam is moved between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A method and a hand-held device for dermaplaning is disclosed that includes a blade assembly which includes a blade, a blade holder and a safety cage. In accordance with an important aspect of the invention, the safety cage limits the amount of penetration of the blade into the facial skin to enable the device to be safely used by non-professionals. The dermaplaning device includes a vibration generator that causes the blade to vibrate at a predetermined frequency. Various embodiments of the hand-held dermaplaning device are disclosed for vibrating the blade.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating a target site in a body lumen are provided. A medical device includes a stent-like structure including a plurality of scoring and non-scoring filaments interwoven with one another. Generally, the stent-like structure will have more non-scoring filaments than scoring filaments to provide greater structural support and to focus the scoring forces on only a few select areas. The stent-like structure is expanded within the target site to score the target site and to provide temporary structural support while the target site is infused with a therapeutic agent. Such therapeutic agent infusion occurs with the use of a drug eluting or drug coated balloon disposed within the stent-like structure or by occluding the target site and introducing a drug into the occluded target site to sit for a period of time.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to devices, systems, and methods for capturing and cutting fibrous and trabeculated structures (such as synechiae) in vessel lumens. In one embodiment, the present technology includes an intraluminal tissue modifying system configured to capture the fibrous structures, put the fibrous structures in tension, and controllably cut through the fibrous structures without applying appreciable additional force to the vessel wall. The system may include an expandable capture device and a cutting device.

Abstract: A medical device for removing an object in a body lumen includes a catheter and a drive device. The drive device includes a hub support portion with which a hub portion of the catheter is interlocked. The hub portion has first and second engagement portions interlocked with the hub support portion. The hub support portion includes a rotation blocking portion that is engaged with the first engagement portion to block the hub portion from rotating with respect to the hub support portion, a movement blocking portion that is engaged with the second engagement portion to block movement of the hub portion with respect to the hub support portion in an axial direction, and a releasing portion that releases a state in which a rotation of the hub portion is blocked while maintaining a state in which movement of the hub portion is blocked.

Abstract: A removal device and a removal system are configured to effectively remove an object in a body lumen while suppressing damage to another device. The removal device includes an elongated shaft part, and a cutting part fixed to a distal portion of the shaft part. The proximal portion of the cutting part includes a ring-shaped cutting blade, and a surface of the cutting part on which the cutting blade is positioned is inclined relative to center axis of the shaft part at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

Abstract: A self-expandable occluding device can both cover the neck of an outpouching and serve as a permanent embolic plug thereby immediately stabilizing the outpouching. The self-expandable device effectively covers the neck of an outpouching with, for example, a mesh, or other at least partially occluding component, in a desired orientation across the neck of the outpouching without projecting into the parent vessel. The device incorporates elements which immediately stabilize the device in the outpouching, in effect, functioning as a permanent embolic plug. An embolic disc is combined with retention arms of flexible material, which deploy within the outpouching and provide immediate stabilization thereby retaining the occluding component or mesh across the neck of the outpouching. In illustrative embodiments, the arms are in the form of coils configured to deploy into three dimensional structures.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes inserting an intramural crossing device into the vascular lumen, positioning at least the distal tip of the crossing device in the vascular wall, advancing an orienting device over the crossing device such that an orienting element of the orienting device resides in the vascular wall, inserting a reentry device, and re-entering the true vascular lumen.

Abstract: Surgical access assemblies include an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, a seal assembly disposed adjacent to the guard assembly, and a centering mechanism for maintaining the seal assembly and guard assembly centered within a cavity of the instrument valve. The seal assembly includes a multi-petal seal member and upper and lower support members. The upper and lower support members sandwich the multi-petal seal member therebetween to reduce and/or eliminate leaks through the multi-petal seal member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method for implantation of follicular units into the scalp of a patient, includes a non-incising cylindrical tip attached to a distal end of a handle body, wherein the non-incising cylindrical tip defines a lumen and a slot for cradling a follicular unit in preparation for implantation. The lumen and the slot are configured to load a follicular unit through the slot into the lumen and to accommodate the loaded follicular unit in the lumen.

Abstract: A device, including an insertion tool including an insertion guide that is flexible in a direction lying in at least a plane lying on a longitudinal axis thereof, the insertion guide having a slit and/or a gap extending in the longitudinal direction, the plane extending through the slit and/or gap, wherein the guide configured to maintain a pre-curved electrode assembly in a substantially straight configuration while preventing the electrode assembly from twisting in response to stresses induced by bias forces which urge the assembly to return to its pre-curved configuration, when the insertion guide is flexed in the plane.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing a female patient includes cutting into a fundus of a uterus of the female patient to form a flap. The method also includes securing the flap to a wall of the uterus to occlude a fallopian tube of the female patient.

Abstract: An artificial bone plate unit and an assemblable artificial bone plate are provided. The artificial bone plate unit includes a plate body, multiple connecting pins and multiple connecting holes. The plate body has two main surfaces and a peripheral surface. The peripheral surface is connected between the two main surfaces. The connecting pins and the connecting holes are formed on the plate body and along the peripheral surface on the plate body. The connecting holes correspond in shape to the connecting pins. The assemblable artificial bone plate is bendable and includes multiple artificial bone plate units. The artificial bone plate units are connected using the connecting pins and the connecting holes. The assemblable artificial bone plate is assembled from artificial bone plate units and then bent into the shape of the defect area of the skull, which saves material and time.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a bone anchoring element with a spherical segment-shaped head, a receiving part configured to couple a rod to the bone anchoring element, and having a top end, a bottom end, a first passage at the bottom end with a first longitudinal axis, and a second passage at the top end with a second longitudinal axis that intersects the first longitudinal axis, a compression element, and a locking element. The receiving part also has a recess for the rod, the recess extending from the top end towards the bottom end and having a bottom that extends along an axis that is perpendicular to the second longitudinal axis. The receiving part or the compression element further has a seat. The compression element is configured to move along the first longitudinal axis while the locking element is configured to move along the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part with a rod receiving portion having a first end, a second end, a recess for the rod, an outer surface, and a first engagement structure on the outer surface that extends farther radially outwardly than other parts of the rod receiving portion, and a flexible head receiving portion for inserting and clamping the head. The bone anchoring device also includes a locking ring configured to be arranged around the head receiving portion for locking the head, the locking ring having an outer surface and a second engagement structure on the outer surface that extends farther radially outwardly than the outer surface of the rod receiving portion. The engagement structures are configured to be engaged by an instrument to move the locking ring from a locking position to a position where the inserted head is pivotable.

Abstract: A surgical connector useful to link spine rods together. The connector may be used adjacent a pair of mounting screws in one vertebra to limit movement between the screws or may be used to apply a lateral force to a portion of the spine to change curvature. A method of performing spinal surgery is also provided to reinforce a patient's spine.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses, systems, and methods for vertebral disc repair. An example apparatus includes a first surface including a concave opening configured to receive an artificial disc, a second surface, and an aperture extending through the first surface and the second surface, wherein the aperture is configured to receive a bone screw.

Abstract: A bone plate that includes apertures for bone screws and locking screws is disclosed. The locking screws can be in an aperture adjacent to the locking screw aperture such that when the locking bone screws and locking screws are in place, the head of the locking screw at least partially covers the head of the bone screw. In another example, the locking screw aperture is threaded, and the locking screw is placed on top of the bone screw.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first arm having a slot and a part defining a cavity configured for disposal of a spinal implant. The part is sagittally movable relative to vertebrae and selectively fixable relative to the first arm. A second arm includes a slot and a part defining a cavity configured for disposal of the spinal implant. The part of the second arm is sagittally movable relative to the vertebrae and selectively fixable relative to the second arm. The first arm has a member that is movable within the slot of the second arm and the second arm has a member that is movable within the slot of the first arm to facilitate movement of a first vertebral surface relative to a second vertebral surface. Systems, spinal constructs, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A tulip rasp comprising a body, a handle adjacent a proximal end of the body, a head adjacent a distal end of the body, the head having at least one extension, each of which has a cutting edge, and a receiving space defined by the at least one extension.

Abstract: Intramedullary nails, aiming guide assemblies, and methods. The aiming guide assembly can include an aiming guide having an elongate proximal handle portion. A generally arcuate distal implant alignment tip connector portion is connected to the proximal handle portion and has a distal implant alignment tip extending along a tip axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the proximal handle portion. A recon module may be releasably attached to a proximal end of the proximal handle portion. An oblique module may be releasably attached to the distal implant alignment tip portion.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to spinal treatments and, more particularly, to a fenestrated pedicle nail, wherein the pedicle nail performs as an anchored system for pedicle instrument constructs that prevents fracturing from over-compressing of bone of poor quality. Embodiments include a pedicle nail comprising a shank and a nail head. The shank may comprise a proximal end and a distal bone engagement end. The nail head may be disposable on the proximal end of the shank, wherein the nail head may threadably engage the proximal end thereof. The nail head may have external bone threads.

Abstract: A dynamic bone anchor includes an anchor member having first and second ends and a tubular section between the ends, a longitudinal axis extending from the first to second end, an outer surface, and a bone engagement structure for engaging a bone on at least a portion of the outer surface; and a longitudinal core member having a first portion and a second portion configured to be received in the tubular section and to connected to the anchor member, with the first portion configured to be spaced apart from the anchor member and movable with respect to it. The core member is made at least partially of a nickel-titanium (Ni—Ti) based shape memory alloy such that its shape after transitioning from a martensitic to austenitic phase is configured to result in a press-fit connection between the second portion and the anchor member with the second portion in the austenitic phase.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method of making hydrated bone material is provided, the method comprising providing a bone material in a chamber, the bone material comprising a plurality of shaped bone particles or macroparticles, each of the plurality of shaped bone particles or macroparticles having a substantially uniform size, shape and porosity; and mixing each of the plurality of shaped bone particles with liquid in the chamber under pressure so as to cause the liquid to hydrate each of the plurality of shaped bone particles to form uniformly hydrated bone material. In some embodiments, a device for mixing a bone material with a liquid is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for securing a bone implant are provided. The implant may be an expandable implant. The implant may be a non-expandable implant. The implant may be for repairing a bone fracture. The implant may be secured to a bone by anchors. The implant may include anchor receiving features. The anchor receiving features may be configured to direct an anchor into cortical bone. The anchor receiving features may be configured to receive an anchor driven through cortical bone. The implant may include bone engaging members configured to engage cancellous bone. An implant may include different profiles. The different profiles may be configured to secure the implant. The profiles may be configured to support the bone. The implant may have different flexing properties configured to position the implant in the bone. The implant may be positioned to receive an anchor driven through an outside of the bone.

Abstract: A screw driver system includes a screw driving bit and a guide clamp. The screw driving bit includes a unitary body having a first end and a second end with a longitudinal axis defined therebetween and an outer surface having a cylindrical portion between the first and second ends. The screw driving bit includes a first circumferential groove and a second circumferential groove that are affixed in coaxially positioned arrangement about the longitudinal axis on the outer surface of the cylindrical portion each having a bottom surface. The bottom surface of the first circumferential groove defines a first outer diameter that is larger than a second outer diameter defined by the second circumferential groove. The guide clamp includes a jaw for holding the screw driving bit. When engaged with the first circumferential groove, the guide clamp prevents rotation of the screw driving bit. When engaged with the second circumferential groove, the guide clamp does not prevent rotation of the screw driving bit.

Abstract: Presented are a method and apparatus for evacuation. An exemplary fluid evacuation system includes a surgical apparatus having a fluid conduit therethrough. The system further includes a vacuum tube fluidly coupled with the fluid conduit, and an electrostatic precipitator fluidly coupled with the fluid conduit. Additionally, the system includes a vacuum source fluidly coupled with the vacuum tube, wherein the vacuum source is operable to create a flow of fluid through the fluid conduit, the vacuum tube and the electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods provide access to the renal pelvis of a kidney to treat renal nerves embedded in tissue surrounding the renal pelvis. Access to the renal pelvis may be via the urinary tract or via minimally invasive incisions through the abdomen and kidney tissue. Treatment is effected by exchanging energy, typically delivering heat or extracting heat through a wall of the renal pelvis, or by delivering active substances.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for identifying an area of ablated tissue. Specifically, the device, system, and method may include a device having one or more fiber sensors and a processing unit for receiving emitted and/or reflected light from tissue and making one or more determinations based on the received light regarding ablated tissue, tissue contact, and/or occlusion. Each of the fiber sensors may include at least one multimode waveguide segment and at least one singlemode waveguide segment, or each of the fiber sensors may be singlemode waveguide. Further, each fiber sensor may have a core with long-period grating for optically coupling light from tissue to the fiber sensor. The processing unit may include a beam processing apparatus and a hyperspectral imaging and analysis apparatus, and may optionally include a light source.

Abstract: A vapor delivery system and method is provided that is adapted for treating prostate tissue. The vapor delivery system includes a vapor delivery needle configured to deliver condensable vapor energy to tissue. In one method, the vapor delivery system is advanced transurethrally into the patient to access the prostate tissue. The vapor delivery system is properly positioned by measuring and advancing the system based on a field-of-view of an endoscope or camera disposed within the system.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical generator having active and return terminals, an electrosurgical instrument including an active electrode, a return instrument including a return electrode, an active plug configured to connect to the active terminal of the generator, a return plug configured to connect to the return terminal of the generator, an active cable extending from the return plug to the electro surgical instrument, a return cable extending from the return plug to the return instrument, a connector cable extending from the active plug to the return plug, and a mechanical switch mechanism disposed within the return plug. The mechanical switch mechanism has a disengaged position in which the active plug is electrically disconnected from the active cable and an engaged position in which the active plug is in electrical communication with the active cable.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an active terminal, a return terminal, an active electrode, a return electrode, an active plug configured to connect to the active terminal, and a return plug configured to connect to the return terminal. The return plug is coupled to the return electrode and coupled between the active plug and the active electrode. The return plug is configured to break an electrical connection between the active plug and the active electrode when the return plug is not connected to the return terminal and to establish an electrical connection between the active plug and the active electrode when the return plug is connected to the return terminal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for distributing electrical energy to tissue which minimize Joule heating, thermal effects, and/or thermal damage, without sacrificing efficacy of treatment, are described. The methods and systems are particularly suitable to electrical energy-based therapies employing multiple electrodes, such as arrays of electrodes.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another, an end effector assembly coupled to the pair of first and second shaft members, and a resilient, compressible pivot assembly pivotably coupling the first and second shaft members to one another.

Abstract: A system for controlling a robotic end-effector is disclosed. The system includes a robotic arm, a surgical tool including an end-effector with articulatable arm and a clamp jaw. A tool driver is coupled to the surgical tool and a motor is coupled to the tool driver and is configured to drive the surgical tool. A sensor is configured to sense external forces applied to the end-effector. A central control circuit is configured to control the tool driver. The central control circuit is configured to receive a sensed parameter from the sensor, receive a sensed motor current (I) from the motor, and control the tool driver based on the sensed parameter and the motor current (I).

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A handle of the first shaft member may be moved against a resilient bias of a spring element.