Abstract: The present disclosure related generally to ultrasound imaging, such as intravascular ultrasound imaging. For example, some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an ultrasound imaging system with improved acoustic impedance matching between an ultrasonic transducer and a vessel of interest. For example, in some implementations, an ultrasound imaging device includes a flexible elongate member and an ultrasound scanner assembly disposed at a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. The ultrasound scanner assembly includes a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged circumferentially, and an impedance matching structure is coupled to the plurality of ultrasound transducers. In some such embodiments, the impedance matching structure is disposed radially outward from the plurality of ultrasound transducers, and in some embodiments, the impedance matching structure is disposed radially inward from the plurality of ultrasound transducers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for shear wave elastography and a medium storing a corresponding program. The method comprises: obtaining an initial image of an object; defining a region of interest in the initial image; performing shear wave elastography on the object at a plurality of different vibration frequencies, and generating a plurality of images corresponding to the plurality of different vibration frequencies; and determining an image corresponding to a specific vibration frequency in the plurality of different vibration frequencies as an optimized image based on the region of interest. The present invention further provides a corresponding system and a medium storing a corresponding program.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound information of a subject region in response to ultrasound pulses transmitted toward the subject region can be collected. One or more ultrasound images of at least a portion of the subject region can be formed using the ultrasound information. The ultrasound information can be stored in a memory. In turn, the ultrasound information can be accessed from the memory. Subsequently, the ultrasound information accessed from the memory can be reprocessed to retrospectively generate one or more additional ultrasound images of at least a portion of the subject region.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging probe including a handle configured for handheld use; a support structure disposed within the handle and comprising a thermally-conductive material, the support structure further comprising a coupling surface and an external surface, the coupling surface disposed at a distal portion of the support structure; a continuous material layer coupled to the support structure, such that the continuous material layer is disposed on the coupling surface and the external surface, the continuous material layer thereby providing a heat transmission path between the coupling surface and the external surface; and an ultrasound sensor coupled to the support structure at the coupling surface and directly in contact with the continuous material layer at the coupling surface, such that heat from the ultrasound sensor is transmitted away to the support structure via the heat transmission path of the continuous material layer.

Abstract: Power supplies for electronic devices (e.g. medical imaging devices) are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a switched mode power supply is minimized in size and weight while maintaining efficiency and an artifact-free image using power supply design techniques tailored to increasing the power conversion frequency to be above the desired receive band of an ultrasound imaging system. In another embodiment, a switched mode power supply is minimized in size and weight while maintaining efficiency and an artifact-free image using power supply design techniques tailored to increasing the power conversion frequency to be just below the desired receive band of an ultrasound imaging system causing the third harmonic and possibly the second harmonic to fall just above the desired receive band.

Abstract: A liquid collecting mechanism that includes a liquid collection tube arm and a liquid collection tube head fixed at a front end of the tube arm. A sealing spacer is arranged at a joint connecting the liquid collection tube head and the liquid collection tube arm, and the liquid collection tube head is internally provided with a liquid collection cavity. An area of the liquid collection tube head located above the liquid collection cavity is a mesh collection area, and a plurality of collecting holes is provided in the mesh collection area. The mechanism includes a liquid suction tube passing through the tube arm and tube head, and the liquid suction tube has an open first end located in the liquid collection cavity and an open second end configured to connect with a pump body mechanism.

Abstract: A device and system for allowing real-time viewing of a procedure beyond a distal end of an endoscope. An exemplary device includes a sheath that has at least two lumens and a handle. The handle includes a connector that connects to a proximal end of an endoscope, a shaft portion that rotatably connects to a proximal end of the connector and a manifold that is slidably received by the shaft portion. The manifold connects to the sheath and allows for insertion of a radial ultrasound probe and a medical tool into the sheath. A stopping device in the manifold avoids accidental needle deployment.

Abstract: A replaceable battery unit for a surgical power tool and a method of operating a surgical power tool including the replaceable battery unit. The replaceable battery unit includes a housing containing one or more battery cells, a motion sensor unit, and a controller. The controller is operable to determine, from an output of the motion sensor unit, a sudden movement of the replaceable battery unit indicative of a kickback event of the surgical power tool. The controller is also operable, in response to the determination, to disconnect power from the replaceable battery unit to the surgical power tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of an occlusive medical device including a frame and at least one closure coupled to the frame. The frame includes a distal annular flange having a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface, a proximal annular flange having a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface, and a waist portion extending between and connecting the distal annular flange to the proximal annular flange. The radially inner surface of the distal annular flange, the waist member, and the radially inner surface of the proximal annular flange define an unobstructed passageway through the frame. The at least one closure is configured to close the passageway to: (i) provide an occlusive effect, and (ii) enable subsequent access through the passageway.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments and methods of reducing or eliminating erosion resulting from the use of an occluder, as well as reducing or eliminating other interference with cardiac tissue by an occluder, including reducing pressure on cardiac tissue, minimizing micro-perforations, and/or minimizing residual leak by improving sealing around the occluder. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to providing an external skirt on an occluder that improves sealing of the occluder while reducing interference with the cardiac tissue by the occluder.

Abstract: Methods and systems for closing an opening or defect in tissue, closing a lumen or tubular structure, cinching or remodeling a cavity or repairing a valve preferably utilizing a purse string or elastic device. The preferred devices and methods are directed toward catheter-based percutaneous, transvascular techniques used to facilitate placement of the devices within lumens, such as blood vessels, or on or within the heart to perform structural defect repair, such as valvular or ventricular remodeling. In some methods, the catheter is positioned within the right ventricle, wherein the myocardial wall or left ventricle may be accessed through the septal wall to position a device configured to permit reshaping of the ventricle. The device may include a line or a plurality of anchors interconnected by a line. In one arrangement, the line is a coiled member.

Abstract: An annuloplasty implant comprises an elongate member, a plurality of anchors, and a gripper. The elongate member has a proximal end, and a distal portion that includes a distal end. The plurality of anchors are distributed along the elongate member. The elongate member extends proximally from a proximal-most anchor and through the gripper. The gripper comprises a locking element that, in a locked state, inhibits sliding of the elongate member through the gripper. An unlocker, disposed within the gripper, obstructs the locking element from assuming the locked state, and is pullable proximally out of the gripper. The gripper automatically assumes the locked state upon the unlocker being pulled proximally out of the gripper. A tool tensions the distal portion of the elongate member by pulling the elongate member proximally through the gripper while the unlocker obstructs the locking element from assuming the locked state. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A system for performing a minimally invasive percutaneous procedure comprises a medical device comprising a hydrogel delivery needle (4) with a tip and a hydrogel outlet (6), an injectable, shear-thinning, self-healing viscoelastic hydrogel that exhibits a storage modulus (G) of at least 600 Pa, and a tan ? (G?/G) from 0.1 to 0.6 in dynamic viscoelasticity measured by a rheometer at 1 Hz and 1% strain rate at 25° C. The system may also comprise a coaxial cannula (2) having a lumen configured for receipt of the hydrogel delivery needle (4), wherein the hydrogel delivery needle comprises an adjustable positioning mechanism (8) configured to limit the advancement depth of the hydrogel delivery needle through the coaxial cannula to a predetermined depth distal to a distal-most end of the coaxial cannula.

Abstract: A special stabilizing anchor is disclosed which is secured to the spinous process, in addition to anchors which are stabilized against the lateral masses. These anchors couple with the spinous process anchor and upon coupling, the connecting stabilizing element is configured such that this element can be actuated, elevating the spinolaminar arch and thus expanding the canal, relieving the stenosis and completing the surgical procedure. A unique aspect of this system is that the lateral mass anchors of different levels can be secured to each other, stabilizing one or more target motion segments. Augmenting this is a system for identifying and extirpating the facet joints and replacing them with graft material to encourage a posterior/facet fusion.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a disposable force sensor pod that includes a load cell and a mounting feature. The surgical system also includes a computing system configured to be placed in electronic communication with the disposable force sensor pod and receive a force measurement from the disposable force sensor pod. The disposable force sensor pod is configured to be removeably coupled to a distraction device using the mounting feature.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical arm including at least a distal segment. The surgical system further includes a drape disposed over the surgical arm such that the surgical arm is at least partially covered by the drape. An instrument connector is coupled to the distal segment of the surgical arm through the drape and includes a stem and a shaft. The shaft is configured to receive a surgical instrument. When the instrument connector is coupled to the surgical arm, the instrument connector secures a portion of the drape against the distal segment of the surgical arm. Other example surgical systems and surgical arms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical port for protecting nearby tissue is described. In one example, the port includes a base portion connected to a hollow tubular portion having a beveled end. The base portion is sized and shaped to protect the surrounding tissue from heat and friction. The base portion may include one or more holes for receiving sutures to releasably secure the surgical port to the body during use. The beveled end of the tubular portion facilitates lateral movement of surgical instruments toward the short side of the bevel. The base portion may include an indicator such as a notch that provides a visual and tactile cue to the surgeon about the orientation of the beveled end. Using the indicator as a guide, the surgeon can release and rotate the surgical port to another orientation without removing it from the body and re-inserting it.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of tissue closures including medical devices that close openings in tissue during a surgical procedure. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices that transition from a constrained to an unconstrained configuration to engage tissue on opposing sides of a tissue opening, and hold opposing tissue portions together to maintain the opening in a closed configuration.

Abstract: The present invention includes producing a preliminary mold (10-1 or 20-1) provided with two-dimensional patterns (111 or 211) having a shape of a microneedle array (30) therein; producing microneedle array molds (10 and 10-2 or 20 and 20-2) having a three-dimensional shape by expanding air inside the patterns (111 or 211) having a two-dimensional shape to deform the patterns (111 or 211) having the two-dimensional shape into molds having the three-dimensional shape; and after pouring a biodegradable resin into the microneedle array molds (10 and 10-2 or 20 and 20-2) and solidifying the biodegradable resin, completing the microneedle array (30) by removing the microneedle array molds (10 and 10-2 or 20 and 20-2), thereby providing a mold for production of a microneedle array and a production method of the microneedle array using the same capable of tightly suturing an affected area without inducing pain.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a layer of material can comprise a body, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion. The proximal end portion can be releasably secured to a staple cartridge of a surgical end effector, and the distal end portion can be releasably secured to an anvil of the surgical end effector. The layer of material can comprise a tissue thickness compensator.

Abstract: A piece of buttress material and an end-effector of a surgical instrument including features which can aid a surgeon in properly and quickly attaching the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In various embodiments, a piece of buttress material can include retention features which can be engaged with portions of an end-effector to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to at least a portion of the end-effector. Similarly, an end-effector can include features configured to engage portions of a piece of buttress material to releasably retain the piece of buttress material to the end-effector. In at least one embodiment, more than one piece of buttress material can be releasably retained to an end-effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, or fastening instrument, may generally comprise a layer, such as a tissue thickness compensator, for example, releasably attached to a fastener cartridge and/or anvil by a flowable attachment portion. The flowable attachment portion may be indefinitely flowable. The flowable attachment portion may be flowable from the time that layer is installed to the fastener cartridge to the time in which the layer is implanted to patient tissue. The flowable attachment portion may comprise a pressure sensitive adhesive. The flowable attachment portion may comprise an adhesive laminate comprising a base layer comprising the tissue thickness compensator and an adhesive layer on at least a portion of a surface of the base layer comprising the pressure sensitive adhesive. Articles of manufacture comprising flowable attachment portion and methods of making and using the flowable attachment portion are also described.

Abstract: A magnetic suture has a ferrule with a tapered region in which a knotted suture is provided and secured with an adhesive, and a straight region in which a magnet is provided. The magnetic suture can be manufactured and assembled by knotting a suture, threading it through the tapered portion, and applying adhesive. The structure and method provide a magnetic suture provide increased manufacturing tolerances and decreased failure rates, thereby reducing waste of components and time while increasing the manufacturing/assembly speed and reliability of magnetic suture assembly.

Abstract: A trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger, a first linkage, a second linkage, and a slider block configured such that moving the manipulation portion in a first direction relative to a housing of the surgical instrument translates the slider block along a longitudinal axis relative to the housing. Another trigger assembly of a surgical instrument includes a trigger and a coupling sphere rotatably captured within a cavity of a retention portion of the trigger such that movement of a manipulation portion of the trigger relative to the housing translates the coupling sphere along the longitudinal axis relative to the housing.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument comprises an end effector that has a shaft coupled thereto that is coupled to a robotic system. A tool mounting portion includes an electric, DC motor connected to a drive train in the shaft for powering the drive train. A power pack that comprises at least one charge-accumulating device connected to the DC motor for powering the DC motor is provided.

Abstract: A surgical stapler. The surgical stapler includes a drive system, an electric motor, a battery and a control system. The drive system includes a movable drive member. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the drive system. The battery is electrically couplable to the electric motor. The control system is electrically connected to the electric motor and includes an accelerometer. The control system is configured to control a force applied to the drive system based on an acceleration of the movable drive member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes a shaft assembly that defines a shaft axis and includes a proximal articulation joint that defines a first articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and a distal articulation joint that defines a second articulation axis that is transverse to the shaft axis and the first articulation axis. The instrument further includes an anvil that is non-removably attached to the shaft assembly and a channel that is removably attachable to the shaft assembly and configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: Surgical end effectors and fastener cartridges having firing lockout arrangements for preventing or limit a firing stroke when a cartridge has not been operably installed in the end effector or a spent cartridge has not been replaced.

Abstract: Various cartridge assemblies for surgical instruments are provided. Cartridge assemblies can include active sensors for applying stimuli to a tissue clamped by an end effector of the surgical instrument and a circuit configured to determine a tissue type of the tissue according to a change in the tissue parameter detected by the sensor resulting from a stimulus from the active element. Cartridge assemblies can also include physical features and/or stored data that identify the cartridge. Surgical instruments further can be configured to resolve conflicts when the physical features and/or stored data are not consistent with each other in their identification of the cartridge type.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device for wound closure having a first arm having a proximal end and a distal end, a second arm having a proximal end and a distal end, the second arm connected to the first arm. A first rake member is connected to the distal end of the first arm and has a first plurality of tissue engaging members extending therefrom to engage tissue. A second rake member is attached to the distal end of the second arm, the second rake member having a second plurality of tissue engaging members extending therefrom to engage tissue. A transverse bar can extend through the first and second rake members such that the first and second rake members movable along the transverse bar. Systems and methods for wound closure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A degradable intestinal complete diversion device, made of biocompatible degradable materials, includes a circular tube constituting the bridge for the intestinal incisions on both sides to crawl towards each other and anastomosed; the end of the circular tube is connected with a gradually expanding flared opening, and a convex ring for binding the broken end of the intestine is arranged on the circular tube near each flared opening, and the hollow inner cavity of the circular tube is provided with a barrier film for blocking the hollow inner cavity. The invention used with a drainage tube realizes complete intestinal diversion without secondary operations of stoma reintroduction.

Abstract: An anastomosis clamp (1) and a delivery system thereof, where the anastomosis clamp (1) includes inner lancets (102, 602), round corners (103, 603), and outer rings (101, 601) that are sequentially connected; the delivery system may be used in cooperation with the anastomosis clamp (1); and the delivery system includes a distal end (2), a middle flexible sheath (3), and a handle (4).

Abstract: A handle assembly and a surgical stapler including the handle assembly is provided, wherein the handle assembly includes a first handle and a second handle. A first limit portion and a second limit portion are provided on one end of the first handle and one end of the second handle, respectively. The first limit portion is on a proximal end side of the second limit portion. As the first handle is at its initial position, the first limit portion abuts the second limit portion to prevent the first handle from rotation in a second direction. In an invalid state, the first handle can still be squeezed; meanwhile, the first and the second limit portions limit the initial angular position of the first handle and the initial position of the second handle. When the first handle is not rotated, the second handle cannot be rotated and the stapler cannot be fired.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and an adapter assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle housing and a processor disposed within the handle housing. The adapter assembly includes a knob housing, an elongate body, a plurality of electrical components, and a flex circuit. The knob housing is configured to be connected to the handle housing. The elongate body extends distally from the knob housing and has a distal end configured to be coupled to an end effector. The electrical components are disposed within the elongate body. The flex circuit has a proximal end configured to be electrically connected to the processor, and a distal end configured to be electrically connected to the electrical components.

Abstract: The invention provides a clamping instrument and a clamping assembly, which mainly comprises a positioning base, a moving base, at least two clamping arms connected with the moving base, at least two linkage arms respectively connected with each of the clamping arms and the positioning base, and an actuating rod respectively penetrating through the positioning base and the moving base, wherein the positioning base is rotated circumferentially and fixed axially relative to the actuating rod, and the moving base is rotated circumferentially and moves axially relative to the actuating rod; when the movable rod is rotated circumferentially, a distance between the moving base and the positioning base can be changed, and then each of the clamping arms is linked to be rotated around the moving base to be in an unfolded position or a clamped position so as to clamp a preset site of a human tissue.

Abstract: A reposable surgical clip applier includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and a clip cartridge assembly. The shaft assembly includes a pair of jaws and a drive assembly. The clip cartridge assembly includes a stack of surgical clips supported therein and a clip pusher. When the shaft assembly is releasably engaged with the handle assembly and the clip cartridge assembly is releasably engaged within the shaft assembly, a pusher bar of the drive assembly is operably positioned relative to the clip pusher and the handle assembly is operably associated with the drive assembly such that actuation of a trigger of the handle assembly moves the pusher bar distally to load the distal-most clip of the stack of surgical clips into the pair of jaws and moves the jaws-engaging portion distally to cam the pair of jaws towards one another to form the distal-most clip about tissue.

Abstract: Ligation bands are provided having improved compression and anti-slip properties. For example, a ligation band can be provide with a substantially ring-shaped elastic body that has a first tissue-contacting surface, a second tissue-contacting surface opposite the first tissue-contacting surface, and an aperture that extends therethrough. At least one of the tissue-contacting surfaces can have a plurality of protrusions that define an interlinking web-pattern with a plurality of recesses.

Abstract: The devices and methods can prevent pulmonary aspiration thereby allowing for procedures, such as an endoscopic procedure, to be performed under sedation without general anesthesia. The device may include a first end, a second end, and a length therebetween. The body may have a central lumen along the length. The device may include a first base member fixedly disposed at the first end and a second base member fixedly disposed at the second end. The device may also include an expandable assembly movable along the length of the body with respect to the first base member. The expandable assembly may be configured to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable assembly may also be configured to expand radially with respect to the body when in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments and methods of reducing or eliminating erosion resulting from the use of an occluder. In particular, the present disclosure is directed to reducing or eliminating erosion resulting from the use of an occluder while maintaining the fundamental function and effectiveness of the occluder with an improved occluder braid pattern. The embodiments and methods disclosed herein reduce or eliminate erosion, for example, by reducing the friction and force of an occluder on cardiac tissue and/or by increasing occluder disc compliance to cardiac structures and movement.

Abstract: An implant for occluding a left atrial appendage may include an expandable framework including a body portion and a disk portion, wherein the expandable framework is configured to shift between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration, and an occlusive disk element disposed within the disk portion. The disk portion may include a first disk portion integrally formed with the body portion, and a second disk portion movably attached to the first disk portion by at least one hinge member.

Abstract: A compression device includes an adhesion sheet including an adhesion surface; and a compression member mounted on the adhesion sheet and configured to compress a biological surface. The compression member includes a fixing portion fixed to the adhesion sheet on a side of the sheet opposite the adhesion surface in a thickness direction, and a compression main body portion provided in a portion of the compression member, in a plan view seen along the thickness direction, that does not overlap the adhesion sheet. The compression main body is configured to protrude or be protrusible further toward one side in the thickness direction than the adhesion surface. The adhesion sheet includes a first portion to which the fixing portion is fixed and a second portion to which the fixing portion is not fixed. The second portion is provided on at least a compression main body portion side of the adhesion sheet.

Abstract: Devices, assemblies, systems, and techniques described herein may facilitate the closure of hollow anatomical structures (e.g., veins) with adhesive delivered within the hollow anatomical structure. For example, a medical assembly may include a plurality of medial compression members extending from a central body in a first direction, each medial compression member of the plurality of medial compression members comprising a first attachment element, and a plurality of lateral compression members extending from the central body in a second direction different than the first direction, each lateral compression member of the plurality of lateral compression members comprising a second attachment element. Each first attachment mechanism may be configured to attach to the respective second attachment element to create a respective loop configuration with a respective medial compression member and lateral compression member pair to compress a portion of the limb of the patient.

Abstract: A vascular hemostasis system includes a first compression member and a second compression member separated from the first compression member to create a body part receiving space that is adapted to receive a body part having a vascular opening in need of hemostasis. A compression mechanism connects the first compression member to the second compression member, and the compression mechanism is configured to selectively move the first compression member towards or away from the second compression member to adjust the size of the space and thereby provide varying amounts of compression to the body part. An optional control system includes a detecting system, such as a pulse sensor, and a controller. The controller may be adapted to control the compression mechanism in response to the detecting system. In one version, the compression mechanism includes a locking mechanism that can selectively prevent the first compression member from moving away from the second compression member.

Abstract: A mill head for replaceable attachment to a base so as to collectively form a bone mill. The mill head includes shell with: a first opening in which bone stock is introduced into the head; and a second opening through which the bone chips are discharged. A cutting device is mounted in the shell to both rotate and move laterally. Attached to the cutting device are coupling features for engaging a drive spindle able to rotate the cutting device. Also attached to the housing is an alignment feature. The alignment feature engages a complementary alignment feature associated with the drive spindle so as a result of the engagement of the alignment features, the cutting device moves within the shell so that the cutting device coupling features are positioned to engage the drive spindle.

Abstract: A bone drilling cover fixing device includes an upper fastening member and a lower fastening member. The upper fastening member includes a first base portion and a first coupling portion. The first coupling portion protrudes from an underside of the first base portion and can be inserted into a drilled hole. The lower fastening member includes a second base portion and a second coupling portion. The second base portion includes at least one first arm and at least one second arm. The first arm has a length equal to that of the second arm. The length of the first arm and the length of the second arm are greater than a radius of the drilled hole. When in use, the first and second arms are inserted in an oblique manner into the drilled hole to be positioned at two ends of an underside of the drilled hole.

Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of guides that are designed in accordance with one or more anatomical landmarks near an operated bone (or portion thereof). In aspects, at least a portion of a guide is designed to conform to the shape of one or more anatomical landmarks in order to attach (or latch) the guide to at least one of the one or more anatomical landmarks. In aspects, the contact surface (or inner contour) of a guide may also be designed to follow at least a portion of the contour of the operated bone. The landmark-conforming and/or contour-following design of the guide may assist surgeons in the placement of the guide.