Abstract: Guides, implants, devices, instruments, systems, and assemblies for achieving bone fusion are disclosed. A bone fusion system, including an implant template, a guide wire for insertion through the implant template, a bone plate for receiving the guide wire, and an alignment guide apparatus for coupling to the bone plate. Methods of using a bone fusion system for achieving bone fusion are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flail chest stabilization device is provided that includes a pair of lateral bridges, a pair of main stabilization bars, a screw and slider-element connector assembly, and a slider introducer tool, where the slider introducer tool positions the slider-element, where the main stabilization bars are connected by the screw and slider connector assembly to the lateral bridges, where the stabilization bars are in a parallel configuration or crossed configuration.

Abstract: A surgical screw configured to expand and prevent or minimize bone growth inside of the surgical screw is provided. Accordingly, the surgical screw is configured to increase the purchase of the surgical screw with respect to the bone, but also to be withdrawn from the bone without damaging the bone as a result of bone ingrowth. The surgical screw includes a center post with an inner bore and an outer sleeve concentric to the center post. An outer surface of the outer sleeve includes a thread to engage bone. The outer sleeve includes a cut pattern defining an expandable region configurable between a first state with a first radius measured from a longitudinal axis of the surgical screw to the outer surface and a second state having a second radius measured from the longitudinal axis to the outer surface.

Abstract: A self-drilling, self-tapping bone screw is described in which the bone screw has a drill tip free of threads and having a length at least as great as about the thickness of a proximal cortical bone layer, with the drill tip having opposed lands and a helical flute between each of the lands with each of the lands having a cutting edge configured to cut bone as the drill tip is rotated into the bone with the flutes conveying the bone debris away from the drill tip, where a lead thread begins to self-tap internal threads in the proximal cortical bone layer after the drill tip has drilled through the proximal cortical bone layer so as to avoid stripping the threads formed in the bone layer. A method of installation is also disclosed.

Abstract: The bone cement injection device includes an injection assembly and a filler assembly. The injection assembly includes a barrel, first needle member, second needle member, and plunger. The first needle member is movably housed inside the barrel, and includes a first member body, a first conduit, a side tube, and puller elements. The second needle member is housed in the first needle member, and includes a second member body, and a second conduit. A space is maintained between the first and second conduits. The plunger is joined to the first member body and is movably housed in the second member body. The filler assembly fills bone cement into the second member body. The first needle member is pulled backward, and the plunger injects the bone cement into the patient's bone. With an air compressor connected to the side tube, a negative pressure is created to facilitate bone cement injection.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for preparing and delivering medical material are disclosed. A material delivery apparatus includes a sheath that defines a lumen therethrough, a trough having an inner surface that defines a material receptacle, the trough being configured to slidably pass into the lumen, and a stylet configured to slidably pass into the material receptacle. The shape of the stylet complements the inner surface of the trough and a portion of the lumen when the trough is in the lumen of the sheath.

Abstract: A clamp for anchoring tensile members includes: a collet having a peripheral wall defining a central bore for accepting tensile members therethrough and an exterior surface, wherein the collet is configured to be swaged around the tensile members, and includes an array of longitudinal grooves defining webs configured to collapse inward in response to external compressive force; a sleeve having a peripheral wall defining interior and exterior surfaces, the sleeve positioned axially adjacent to the collet, so as to be movable parallel to a mutual central axis of the sleeve and the collet, between first and second positions; and wherein the sleeve and the collet are arranged such that movement of the sleeve from the first position to the second position will cause the interior surface of the sleeve to bear against the exterior surface of the collet, causing the collet to swage radially inwards around the tensile members.

Abstract: A cryoprobe having a head to which cryofluid is supplied via a capillary tube. A hose serves for removal of the cryofluid, wherein the capillary tube extends through the lumen thereof. The capillary tube comprises a flexible section that is bridged by a pull element. In this manner a cryoprobe that can be handled well is obtained that can be easily and very largely bent and still transmits tensile forces for sample extraction.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a chemical ablation apparatus for treating arrhythmia, comprising: a clamp body, a clamp head consisting of a pair of clamp jaws, a needle head assembly, a needle head extension and retraction control assembly, pipeline components, and an electrocardiographic mapping component. The chemical ablation apparatus can control needle heads to extend out of or retract into the clamp head by means of the needle head extension and retraction control assembly. A chemical ablation reagent may be injected to a cardiac muscle tissue to conveniently achieve complete ablation of the cardiac muscle tissue by applying a chemical ablation method. The ablation effect can be verified by the electrocardiographic mapping system, to thereby increase the success rate and lower the difficulty level of arrhythmia ablation operations, while also reducing the manufacturing cost of the ablation apparatus and corollary equipment thereof, and decreasing the expenses for atrial fibrillation surgical operations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending therefrom, an end effector assembly supported by the shaft, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a translatable drive member for actuating the end effector assembly, and a torsion spring including first and second legs. The first leg is configured to translate through the housing in response to movement of the movable handle relative to the housing. The second leg is configured to translate through the housing in cooperation with the first leg to move the drive member longitudinally when a force acting on the drive member is less than a threshold force, and to remain in fixed position, thereby tensioning the torsion spring and retaining the drive member in fixed position when the force acting on the drive member is equal to or exceeds the threshold force.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending therefrom, an end effector assembly supported by the shaft, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a translatable drive member for actuating the end effector assembly, and a torsion spring including first and second legs. The first leg is configured to translate through the housing in response to movement of the movable handle relative to the housing. The second leg is configured to translate through the housing in cooperation with the first leg to move the drive member longitudinally when a force acting on the drive member is less than a threshold force, and to remain in fixed position, thereby tensioning the torsion spring and retaining the drive member in fixed position when the force acting on the drive member is equal to or exceeds the threshold force.

Abstract: An engagement detection system (“EDS”) adapted to be positioned between, and in electrical communication with, an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument. The EDS adapted to electronically detect that the electrosurgical instrument is inserted into a trocar cannula, and thereafter deliver electrosurgical energy to the instrument. A method of operating an endoscopic electrosurgical instrument inserted into a trocar cannula, as well as a switch assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A testing device for an electrosurgical generator, including a first connection port and a second connection port for connecting the testing device to a patient circuit of the electrosurgical generator and including an apparatus for producing a direct voltage between the first connection port and the second connection port. The testing device is characterized in that an HF current path of the patient circuit, running from the first connection port to the second connection port, extends through the testing device and in that the apparatus for producing a direct voltage is fed by an HF current flowing through the HF current path.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for current control of energy delivery to ablate tissue are disclosed. A generator may include a set of electrode channels coupled to a set of electrodes during use. Each electrode channel from the set of electrode channels may include a first switch from a first set of switches and a second switch from a second set of switches. A set of energy sources may be coupled to a third set of switches. The third set of switches may be configured to switch from an OFF state to an ON state to couple the set of energy sources to the set of electrodes. A set of resistors may be coupled to the second set of switches. The second set of switches may be configured to switch from an OFF state to an ON state to couple the set of resistors to the set of electrodes.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue with irreversible electroporation and immunotherapy are described. The methods include placing a probe in tissue within a human body, wherein the probe has at least a first electrode, applying a plurality of electrical pulses through the first electrode and a second electrode, causing irreversible electroporation (IRE) of the tissue within a target ablation zone, and administering one or more exogenous agents into the tissue within the target ablation zone or to the human, thereby stimulating or otherwise modulating an immune system response within the body.

Abstract: A lighting device for attachment to a handheld electrosurgical instrument is disclosed, which includes an elongated housing having opposed proximal and distal end portions and defining an interior chamber containing a battery powered lighting assembly for illuminating a surgical site, the housing having a smoke evacuation tube associated therewith for removing smoke generated at the surgical site, wherein the smoke evacuation tube is adapted and configured to extend and retract relative to the distal end portion of the housing to accommodate different length end effectors associated with the handheld electrosurgical instrument.

Abstract: Described herein is a handheld skin treatment device (10) that delivers electromagnetic and/or electrical energy and fluid to a person's skin via a surface region (34) on the device; and a replaceable cartridge (40). The cartridge has a spout (42) having a tip (44). The device (10) has a locating feature (70) to position a tip at an opening (39) within the surface region. The spout may have a bend (53) and/or may meet a barrel of the cartridge at a location (51) that is laterally offset with respect to central longitudinal axis (47) of the barrel.

Abstract: A structure of a surgical instrument configured for thermally cutting tissue. The structure includes a frame and a thermal cutting element. The frame includes a proximal flange portion and a distal body portion. The distal body portion includes a proximal section extending from the proximal flange portion, a distal section, and a center section extending between the proximal and distal sections. The distal body portion includes first and second distal body portion segments. The distal body portion segments are disposed a first distance apart from one another at the proximal section, a second distance apart from one another at the distal section, and a third distance apart from one another at the center section. The third distance is greater than the first and second distances. The thermal cutting element is disposed within the distal body portion of the frame and extends from the proximal section, through the center section, to the distal section.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle housing, a handle operably coupled to the handle housing, an outer shaft, and an inner shaft. The outer shaft extends distally from the handle housing, and the inner shaft is axially disposed within the outer shaft. At least one of the outer shaft or the inner shaft is selectively movable relative to the other along a longitudinal axis in response to actuation of the handle. A piezoelectric actuator is coupled to the outer shaft or the inner shaft and is configured to adjust an axial position of the outer shaft and/or the inner shaft.

Abstract: A method for tumor suppression. The method includes inserting an active part of a wire into a cancerous tumor, electrostatically stimulating cancer cells of the cancerous tumor by injecting positive electrostatic charges to the cancer cells, and reducing size of the cancerous tumor responsive to the electrostatically stimulating cancer cells of the cancerous tumor. The active part of the wire is located at a first end of the wire. Injecting the positive electrostatic charges to the cancer cells includes accumulating the positive electrostatic charges on the inserted active part of the wire, and generating a positive electrostatic charge flow through the cancerous tumor responsive to accumulating the positive electrostatic charges on the inserted active part of the wire.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device having a tubular outer shaft and an inner shaft is disclosed. The tubular outer shaft includes an axis and a distal end region. The distal end region includes a distal-most tip and a cutting edge defining a window in the outer shaft proximal along the axis to the distal-most tip. The inner shaft inner shaft coaxially maintained within the outer shaft such that the inner shaft is movable about the axis with respect to the outer shaft and wherein a portion of the inner shaft is exposed in the window of the outer shaft. A first electrode is disposed on the outer shaft in a region proximal along the axis to the window, and a second electrode is electrically isolated from the first electrode and disposed on the inner shaft. The second electrode is exposed in the window of the outer shaft.

Abstract: A system including a medical probe having a tube with a distal end for insertion into a cardiac chamber, an electrode at the distal end that conveys energy to myocardial tissue, a temperature sensor at the distal end that outputs a signal indicating a temperature of the tissue, a channel contained within the tube that delivers fluid to the distal end, and a fluid port at the distal end and coupled to the channel. The system also includes a generator that applies a specified level of the energy to the electrode, a pump that forces the fluid into the channel at a controllable rate, and a processor that controls the rate responsively to the signal so that a difference between a specified temperature, which is no greater than 55° C., and the indicated temperature is no greater than ±2.5° C. while the generator applies a constant level of the energy.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongate shaft extending along a shaft longitudinal axis and includes a shaft proximal portion and a shaft distal portion. The medical device can include an electrode disposed on the shaft distal portion. The medical device can include a first conductor lead and a second conductor lead, each of the conductor leads electrically being coupled to the electrode. A thermocouple junction formed via a thermocouple conductor can be electrically coupled to the electrode and the first conductor lead.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for applying laser energy having desired pulse characteristics, including a sufficiently short duration and/or a sufficiently high energy for the photomechanical treatment of skin pigmentations and pigmented lesions, both naturally-occurring (e.g., birthmarks), as well as artificial (e.g., tattoos). The laser energy may be generated with an apparatus having a resonator with the capability of switching between a modelocked pulse operating mode and an amplification operating mode. The operating modes are carried out through the application of a time-dependent bias voltage, having waveforms as described herein, to an electro-optical device (e.g., a Pockels cell) positioned along the optical axis of the resonator.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems which can include a mathematical algorithm with software implementation and web deployment for use by a physician to plan treatment for deploying a braided stent in the neurovasculature of a patient. As the stent is deployed in a blood vessel, the crucial position of its proximal end is nonlinearly dependent on vessel diameter which typically varies in an irregular way along the a priori unknown length of the deployment. The systems and methods compute deployment path and deployed diameter along the path, allowing physicians in real-time to experiment with and visualize deployments for any combination of stent size and distal position.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting, from a series of cardiac implants having different sizes, the cardiac implant having optimum size for implantation in a patient. The method includes obtaining data representative of a patient-specific cardiac region and predicting the optimum size of the cardiac implant best matching a predefined criterion when deployed in the cardiac region. The predicting includes querying a database; determining parameter values for a parametric model representation of the patient-specific cardiac region; and/or entering the data representative of the patient-specific cardiac region into an artificial intelligence device.

Abstract: A method of planning a procedure to fasten an implant to a bone includes displaying a model of the bone and a model of the implant on a display device. The model implant is positioned on the model bone in a desired implant position. A first boundary volume of a first fastener configured to fasten the prosthesis to the bone is also displayed on the display device. The first boundary volume represents a range of possible positions that the first fastener may have with respect to the prosthesis when fastened to the bone. The boundary volume may be used to determine a desired size, shape, and/or positioning of the fastener with respect to the bone.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a surgical step or surgical procedure with visual guidance using an optical head mounted display are disclosed.

Abstract: A registration fixture for use with a surgical navigation system for registration of a medical image or images to a three-dimensional tracking space that includes a first ring having at least one tracking marker, a second ring coupled to the first ring having at least one tracking marker and wherein the first ring and the second ring are spaced apart from one another and further include optical markers.

Abstract: A method of designing an orthopedic implant comprising: (a) iteratively evaluating possible shapes of a dynamic orthopedic implant using actual anatomical shape considerations and kinematic shape considerations; and, (b) selecting a dynamic orthopedic implant shape from one of the possible shapes, where the dynamic orthopedic implant shape selected satisfies predetermined kinematic and anatomical constraints.

Abstract: A method of designing an orthopedic implant comprising: (a) iteratively evaluating possible shapes of a dynamic orthopedic implant using actual anatomical shape considerations and kinematic shape considerations; and, (b) selecting a dynamic orthopedic implant shape from one of the possible shapes, where the dynamic orthopedic implant shape selected satisfies predetermined kinematic and anatomical constraints.

Abstract: A virtual reality surgical navigation method includes the steps of preparing a multi dimension virtual model associated with an anatomy inside of patient; receiving data indicative of a surgeon's current head position, including direction of view and angle of view; rendering a first virtual three-dimensional image from the virtual model, the virtual three-dimensional image being representative of an anatomical view from a first perspective at a location inside the patient, wherein the perspective is determined by data indicative of the surgeon's current head position; communicating the first rendered virtual image to a virtual headset display; receiving data input indicative of the surgeon's head moving to a second position, wherein the head movement comprises at least one of a change in angle of view and a change in direction of view; and rendering a second virtual three-dimensional image from the virtual model, the second virtual three-dimensional image being representative of an anatomical view from a seco

Abstract: Surgical tools include an end effector mounted to an instrument shaft for articulation relative to the instrument shaft. A surgical tool includes an instrument shaft, an intermediate member pivotally coupled to the instrument shaft, an end effector and four tension members. The end effector includes an end effector base that is pivotally coupled to the intermediate member. The end effector base includes four attachment features. Each of the four tension members interfaces with an associated one of the four attachment features. The four tension members extend distally within a lumen of the instrument shaft and are arranged in diagonally opposed pairs.

Abstract: A medical robot system, including a robot coupled to an effectuator element with the robot configured for controlled movement and positioning. The system may include a transmitter configured to emit one or more signals, and the transmitter is coupled to an instrument coupled to the effectuator element. The system may further include a motor assembly coupled to the robot and a plurality of receivers configured to receive the one or more signals emitted by the transmitter. A control unit is coupled to the motor assembly and the plurality of receivers, and the control unit is configured to supply one or more instruction signals to the motor assembly. The instruction signals can be configured to cause the motor assembly to selectively move the effectuator element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for computer-assisted systems using robotic technology are described. For example, this disclosure describes systems and methods that can be used in various contexts such as, but not limited to, minimally invasive computer-assisted tele-operated surgery using robotic technology. The disclosure describes instruments and mechanisms for actuating and controlling the motions of such instruments. The instruments and actuator mechanisms may be used in medical operations and non-medical operations.

Abstract: For robotically operating a catheter, translation and/or rotation manipulation is provided along the shaft or away from the handle, such as near a point of access to the patient. A worm drive arrangement may allow for both translation and rotation of the shaft. Some control may be provided by robotic manipulation of the handle, while other control (e.g., fine adjustments) are made by robotic manipulation of the shaft.

Abstract: A braking assembly for a strain wave gearing of a surgical robotic manipulator, the braking assembly including a first braking member fixedly coupled to an input portion of a strain wave gearing of a surgical robotic manipulator; and a second braking member fixedly coupled to an output portion of the strain wave gearing, and wherein during a braking operation the first braking member contacts the second braking member to mechanically brake the input portion to the output portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimally invasive computer-assisted telesurgery are described. For example, this disclosure describes computer-assisted teleoperated surgery instruments with cable-actuated joint mechanisms Some such joint mechanisms include linkages that maintain the joints in operable configurations without relying on cable tension to do so.

Abstract: An articulable medical device includes a link, a transfer member, a tool member, and a non-drive wire. The tool member has a base portion movably coupled to the transfer member, and a contact portion configured to engage a target tissue. The transfer member is rotatably coupled to the link to rotate with the tool member relative to the link from a first orientation to a second orientation. The non-drive wire has a first end portion coupled to an energy source, a second end portion coupled to the tool member contact portion, and a central portion between the first and second end portions that includes a transition portion disposed within a cavity defined within the base portion of the tool member, a distal portion of the link, or the transfer member, which has a compact first configuration in the first orientation and an expanded second configuration in the second orientation.

Abstract: A surgical robot drape for providing a sterile barrier over a portion of a surgical robot, the drape comprising a plurality of accessibility portions spaced apart from one another in the drape for providing selective access through the drape at the respective locations of the accessibility portions, each accessibility portion comprising a separation line joining neighbouring portions of the drape and being configured to permit the separation of the neighbouring portions of the drape about the separation line for allowing access through an opening thereby formed in the drape.

Abstract: A mobile surgical control console is provided and includes a base housing, a lower frame assembly, a plurality of vertical supports, a monitor, and an upper frame assembly. The lower frame assembly further includes a proximal end, a distal end and an opening defined therethrough which extends through the proximal end thereof. The lower frame assembly is coupled to the base housing. The plurality of vertical supports each have an inferior end and a superior end, and each vertical support is attached to the base housing. The monitor is attached to the superior end of each vertical support. The upper frame assembly includes an upper frame and a mobile section. The upper frame includes a proximal end, a distal end and an opening defined therethrough. The upper frame is supported on each vertical support. The mobile section is supported by the upper frame.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a cart for a surgical robotic arm having a coupler releasably coupleable to a coupling site on a surgical table. The cart can include a base and a first engagement feature. The base can be freely movably on a support surface between a first location remote from the surgical table and a second location adjacent the surgical table. The first engagement feature can be configured for engagement with a second engagement feature associated with the surgical table such that, when the first engagement feature and the second engagement feature are engaged, the coupler of the robotic am is disposed in a position in which the coupler of the robotic arm can be engaged by the coupler of the surgical table.

Abstract: A stabilizing apparatus for a transcatheter delivery system includes a housing having an aperture to receive the transcatheter delivery system. An engagement member is disposed in the housing. A biasing element urges the engagement member against a surface of the transcatheter delivery system when the transcatheter delivery system is placed in the housing.

Abstract: A surgical towel which can be used in any surgical procedure to deposit samples from procedures such as hysterectomies, orthopedic and breast biopsies. The surgical safety towels are sterile and have markings thereon which facilitate identification and categorization of the collected tissue sample. The surgical safety towel preferably includes discrete areas for placing tissue samples from different parts of the body. In one embodiment, the surgical safety towel has an area marked left and an area marked right which may be used to segregate tissue samples taken from the left or right side of the body. Additionally, the surgical safety towels desirably have length markings on at least one side which provide reference indicators against which the tissue samples may be measured and photographed.

Abstract: A head stabilization device or HFD includes a plurality of integrated markers. The HFD may be in the form of a skull clamp, vacuum bag, combinations thereof, or other supporting structure. The integrated markers include MRI markers detectable by an MRI scanner and fiducial markers detectable by a registration tool of a navigation system. The markers provide a reference point relative to an operation site in a patient for use in a navigation guided procedure and aid in registering or calibrating the location of the patient with captured images used in the navigation guided procedure.

Abstract: A lighting device for attachment to a handheld electrosurgical instrument is disclosed, which includes an elongated housing having opposed proximal and distal end portions and defining an interior chamber containing a battery powered light assembly for illuminating a surgical site, the housing having at least one smoke evacuation passage that extends from an inlet located adjacent to or near the distal end portion of the housing to an outlet located adjacent to or near the proximal end portion of the housing for removing smoke generated at the surgical site.

Abstract: Taught herein is a new contact-based optical imaging technology, en-face differential optical topography (en-face DOT), which performs real-time visualization of subsurface tissue heterogeneity within a depth up to 3 mm and over a 9.5 mm diameter FOV with a modest mm-level lateral resolution. An embodiment of the probe fits in a 12 mm port and houses at its maximum 128 cop-per-coated 750 ?m fibers that form radially alternating illumination (70 fibers) and detection (58 fibers) channels. By simultaneously illuminating the 70 source channels of the laparoscopic probe that is in contact with a scattering medium and concurrently measuring the light diffusely propagated to the 58 detector channels, the presence of near-surface optical heterogeneities can be resolved in an en-face 9.5 mm field-of-view in real-time. Visualization of subsurface margin of strong attenuation contrast at a depth up to 3 mm is demonstrated at one wavelength at a frame rate of 1.3 Hz.

Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of a hinge defining a hinge axis, and a pair of opposing jaws, including a movable jaw and a fixed jaw having a predetermined part radiopaque, so that the fixed jaw location is identifiable from a fluoroscopic image of the fixed jaw. The opposing jaws terminate at proximal and distal regions, and the proximal regions are connected to the hinge so that the movable jaw rotates about the hinge between a jaws closed state and a jaws open state. The jaws are curved in planes parallel to the hinge axis, and terminate in narrowed ends at the distal regions, so that in the closed state the jaws grip one or more sections of vertebrae. The apparatus also has a support structure that retains the hinge and the pair of opposing jaws, and a multiplicity of sharp teeth disposed on respective inner surfaces of the opposing jaws.

Abstract: A dental implant guiding tool set and a dental implant guiding sleeve thereof are disclosed. The dental implant guiding tool set includes a handpiece, a dental implant guiding sleeve and a tooth mold fastening device. The dental implant guiding sleeve includes a handpiece head guiding hole disposed axially and corresponding to a shape of the handpiece head of the handpiece, a lateral opening disposed on a side of the handpiece head guiding hole and corresponding to a connection handle of the handpiece. The dental implant guiding sleeve can directly guide the handpiece head of the handpiece, to prevent the dental implant guiding sleeve from directly contacting the drill bit mounted on the handpiece. Therefore, a conventional drill bit can be directly used for a guiding dental implant operation, and the minimal required operation space of the dental implant guiding tool set can be reduced.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for a dental surgical guide for placing at least one dental implant in a patient's mouth. The surgical guide is a formed prosthesis with a contour to fit upon a patient's teeth. The formed prosthesis providing; at least one guide sleeve disposed in the formed prosthesis and structured and arranged to guide a surgical tool into a patient's jaw at a predetermined location, the guide sleeve defining a tool alignment pathway; at least one irrigant port structured and arranged to receive an irrigant line from a remote irrigant source and conduct the irrigant to a spout disposed proximate to each guide sleeve. A hydraulically activated valve may also be disposed within the spout. An associated method of use is also provided.