Abstract: A surgical end effector. A first jaw is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge. A lockout system is supported within the end effector and is biased laterally into lateral retaining engagement with a firing member when the firing member is in a starting position to thereby retain the firing member in the starting position. The lockout system is configured to be laterally biased out of lateral retaining engagement when contacted by a cam assembly of a surgical staple cartridge that is seated within the first jaw and the cam assembly is in the unfired position.

Abstract: A motorized surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member configured to translate over a plurality of predefined zones. A motor comprising a shaft is coupled to the displacement member. A control circuit is coupled to the motor. A position sensor is coupled to the control circuit to monitor the rotation of the shaft. A timer circuit is coupled to the control circuit. The control circuit is configured to receive rotations of the shaft in a current zone defined by a set rotation interval, measure time at a set position of the rotation interval, wherein the measured time is defined as the time taken by the displacement member to traverse the rotation interval based on a predetermined number of shaft rotations, and set a command velocity of the displacement member for a subsequent zone based on the measured time in the current predefined zone.

Abstract: Circular and curved surgical stapling instruments are disclosed comprising a circular and curved stapling configurations. A circular staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples arranged in an inner row, an intermediate row, and an outer row. Staples in certain rows can vary in crown width to overlap gaps defined between staples in certain other rows which provide a stretch zone.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly comprising an implantable adjunct or layer assembly is disclosed. The implantable adjunct comprises a plurality of layers, wherein at least one of the layers has been melted to bond with one or more of the other layers of the implantable adjunct.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a handle assembly, a body portion extending distally from the handle assembly, a head portion including an anvil retainer and a shell assembly. The anvil retainer is movable in relation to the shell assembly between unapproximated and approximated positions. A tube surrounds a portion of the anvil retainer, wherein the anvil retainer includes a distal annular protrusion for releasably engaging an anvil assembly and wherein the anvil assembly includes a center rod.

Abstract: An absorbable and unidirectionally compressible intestinal anastomosis device, including a first through pipe portion and a second through pipe portion respectively including large ends and small ends; the large ends are used for fixing an intestinal canal; and the small end of the second through pipe portion is inserted into the small end of the first through pipe portion. The two large ends are drawn close to each other to achieve an intestine-intestine anastomosis. The outer sides of circular rings at the ends of the small ends of the first through pipe portion and the second through pipe portion are provided with gradually-expanded elastic horn-shaped openings. The device can make two stapled intestinal canals rest relatively, thereby avoiding adjustments required in other assembling modes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, and an anvil. The stapling head assembly includes a deck member, a plurality of staples, and a driver. The deck member includes a deck surface, an outer annular array of staple openings formed through the deck surface, an inner annular array of staple openings formed through the deck surface, and a plurality of recesses formed in the deck surface. At least a portion of the recesses are positioned between at least some of the staple openings. The driver is operable to drive the staples through the staple openings. The anvil is operable to compress tissue against the deck surface.

Abstract: A stapler according to the present invention is provided with: a holder provided with an accommodating portion that accommodates a plurality of staples with tips thereof, which pass through a suturing target, directed in one direction; a plurality of pushers that push out the staples accommodated in the accommodating portion in accordance with a plurality of groups thereof; an anvil that presses and deforms the staples pushed out from the accommodating portion by the pushers; driving-force transmitting mechanisms that are respectively connected to the individual pushers, in which the movement thereof in directions other than the directions in which the staples are pushed out is restricted at the individual connection portions, and that transmit driving forces that move the individual pushers toward the anvil.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering and detaching an implant within a body of a patient is described. A tether connects an implant with a delivery device. The delivery device includes a heater through which the tether passes. The inner lumen of the delivery system pusher may accommodate the lead wires which connect to the heater.

Abstract: An occlusive device, occlusive device delivery system, method of using, and method of delivering an occlusive device, and method of making an occlusive device to treat various intravascular conditions is described.

Abstract: A hemostatic device including a band that is wrapped around a limb of a living body at a site of the living body where bleeding is to be stopped and an inflatable portion which is inflated by injection of gas to cause the inflatable portion to press the site where bleeding is to be stopped. The hemostatic device includes an injection part that injects gas into the interior of the inflatable portion. The injection part includes a hole penetrating the injection part and communicating the housing space with outside environment. The hemostatic device includes a first support plate and a second support plate positioned adjacent one another along the longitudinal direction of the band. The second support plate is movably connected to the first support plate. The inflatable portion is on the first support plate and the injection part is on the second support plate.

Abstract: A bone cutting assembly includes a manually actuated upper cutting element that carries a plurality of cutting blades configured to cut through frozen bone segments. A lower cutting element supports a bone segment to be cut and can include cutting blades aligned with the cutting blades of the upper cutting assembly. A pivoting linkage or a rack and pinion arrangement can be provided between the upper cutting element and a manually operated handle to provide sufficient mechanical advantage or leverage to allow an operator to manually cut through the bone.

Abstract: Tools and methods for expanding a precursor hole in a host material to receive a fixture. The precursor hole is enlarged by a rotary tool having helical flutes and interposed lands. The flutes have a negative rake angle. The lands each have a working edge that cuts the host material when the tool is rotated in a cutting direction, and that condenses the host material when the tool is rotated in a densifying direction. The body of the rotary tool has a stopper section that plugs the hole when a certain depth is reached. When the tool is used with a copious wash of irrigating fluid at or below the necessary depth, hydraulic pressure builds inside the precursor hole. The hydraulic pressure can be advantageously exploited in cutting mode to autograft a slurry of host material particles into the sidewalls of the hole and create an incipient densifying crust.

Abstract: A device for collecting a bone graft material comprises a canister extending defining a filter-receiving space therein, the canister including a connection for connecting to a vacuum source, a proximal end of the canister including a first locking feature and a filter element sized and shaped to be received within the filter-receiving space of the canister, the filter element including a channel extending therethrough, the channel defined via a mesh material and a proximal end of the filter element including a second locking feature releasably engageable with the first locking feature of the canister via a rotation of the filter element about a longitudinal axis thereof relative to the canister in combination with an extractor sized and shaped to be received within the channel of the filter element, the extractor defining a graft material receiving space therein and being releasably engageable with the extractor.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatuses and methods for microfracture (e.g., forming a plurality of microfractures in a bone to encourage cartilage regeneration).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include devices and methods for implanting arthroplasty devices. Some embodiments include designs that allow for use of x-ray images as the only images used to fully and accurately preoperatively and intraoperatively size and align arthroplasty device components and prepare all necessary tissue.

Abstract: A reentry apparatus has an outer catheter configured to accommodate a first reentry device and an inner catheter configured to fit within the outer catheter. The inner catheter has a series of expanding anchors extending from the outer surface of the inner catheter and a reentry channel configured to accommodate a second reentry device. A retaining wire extends along the upper surface of the expanding anchors. A reentry channel is located in the configured to accommodate a second reentry device.

Abstract: A calcification treatment device includes an outer body (12) including an inner cavity and at least one outer calcification treatment member (16) facing towards the inner cavity. An inner body (18) is movable into the inner cavity and includes at least one inner calcification treatment member (20) facing towards an inner surface of the outer body. One of the outer and inner calcification treatment members includes an expandable treatment member and one of the outer and inner calcification treatment members includes one or more fracturing elements capable of fracturing a calcification of a valve tissue.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns systems and methods for removal of material from the body of a patient, and particularly for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Systems according to the various embodiments of the disclosure include one or more of nested first and second components, for instance a scope nested within a suction or irrigation catheter, guidewires with self-expanding distal tips, and wash-out elements to facilitate rapid removal of stones through an access sheath.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for removal clots and other obstructive tissue and materials from humans located inside or outside of the patient's endovascular system using aspiration alone, and in combination with rotational maceration and aspiration.

Abstract: A force transmission with means for winding a first cable onto a first capstan and a second cable onto a second capstan with a first axis of rotation. The first and second cables wound such that when one of the two cables is payed out, the other of the two cables is payed in. The force transmission further includes means for passing the first and cables over an idler pulley in opposite directions. The idler pulley has a second axis of rotation substantially perpendicular to the first axis of rotation. The force transmission further includes means for coupling the first cable to a lever to rotate the lever in a first direction and means for coupling the second cable to the lever to rotate the lever in a second direction opposite the first direction, the lever having a third axis of rotation substantially parallel to the second axis of rotation.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shafts, each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. At least one jaw member is configured for reciprocation of a blade therethrough. A trigger assembly includes a trigger and at least one linkage coupled to the trigger and to the blade such that rotation of the trigger translates the blade between the retracted and the extended position. An interference member moveable between a locked position and an unlocked position is also provided. The interference member is configured to engage the linkage(s) when in the locked position to inhibit translation of the blade from the retracted to the extended position.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope and a treatment tool-standing mechanism that allows a distal-end-portion body to be reduced in size while ensuring good operability of a standing base. In a distal-end-portion body of an endoscope, a standing lever is connected to a standing base through a rotating shaft, and the standing base is rotated by the rotation of the standing lever about the rotating shaft that is caused by the push and pull of an operation wire. The standing lever includes a first arm portion that extends from the rotating shaft and a second arm portion that extends in a direction different from the direction of the first arm portion, and a useless space formed on the proximal end side of the distal-end-portion body is reduced depending on the shape of the standing lever.

Abstract: In a treatment instrument, one of a pair of jaws is supported by a supporter while being pivot able around the supporter with respect to the supporter. A drive member moves along a longitudinal axis so that the pair of the jaws are closed with respect to each other, thereby applying an axial force onto an elongated member from the drive member by way of the one of the jaws and the supporter in a direction along the longitudinal axis. A contact surface of the elongated member abuts on a housing when the elongated member moves with respect to the housing under the axial force, thereby suppressing rotation of the elongated member around the longitudinal axis with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system comprising a handle assembly is disclosed. The handle assembly comprises an actuation trigger comprising a curved proximal portion and a curved cylinder surrounding the curved proximal portion of the actuation trigger. The curved cylinder comprises an electroactive polymer. The surgical instrument system comprises an actuation rod which is configured to transmit an actuation force and a sensor system which is configured to detect the magnitude of the actuation force. The electroactive polymer is responsive to the actuation force and provides feedback to a user of the surgical instrument system.

Abstract: A rotatory resectoscope is disclosed with a novel mechanism for endoscopic resection. Resection is performed by a rotary motion instead of the conventional linear motion. A novel resection loop and working element for controlling the movement of the resection loop allow the resection loop to move in clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. Embodiments include both monopolar and bipolar diathermy resectoscopes.

Abstract: Methods and surgical tools for treating back pain use a spinal facet debridement tool with cautery and denuding action and minimally invasive protocol that can denude and cauterize soft tissue associated with a synovial capsule of the spinal facet joint whereby the synovial capsule between the spinal facet joint is removed by rotating the head of the combination debrider tool at a low rotation speed to scrape and cauterize the end plate receptor region so as to denude and denervate the joint preventing regeneration, and thereby treating back pain.

Abstract: Methods and surgical tools for treating back pain use a spinal facet debridement tool with cautery and denuding action and minimally invasive protocol that can denude and cauterize soft tissue associated with a synovial capsule of the spinal facet joint whereby the synovial capsule between the spinal facet joint is removed by rotating the head of the combination debrider tool at a low rotation speed to scrape and cauterize the end plate receptor region so as to denude and denervate the joint preventing regeneration, and thereby treating back pain.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument has a shaft and a probe head, the shaft and the probe head have a lumen or channel and a longitudinal axis and the probe head having a distal end face. The probe head has at least one operative surface engageable with organic tissues for the application of ultrasonic vibratory energy to the tissues. The end face is oriented at least partially transversely to the axis. The lumen or channel has a first outlet opening in the end face and at least one second outlet opening in a lateral surface of either the shaft or the probe head at a position spaced from the end face. The probe head has a plurality of teeth extending laterally from the end face, in two rows on opposing side of the end face.

Abstract: A cardiac ablation method including the following steps: inserting a treatment catheter into an atrium of a heart, the treatment catheter including an ultrasound emitter; positioning the ultrasound emitter to face heart tissue within the left atrium outside of a pulmonary vein; emitting ultrasound energy from the ultrasound emitter while rotating the ultrasound emitter about a rotation axis; and ablating heart tissue with the ultrasound energy to form a lesion outside of a pulmonary vein.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods related thereto may be used on patients for spinal delivery of cells, drugs, or vectors. The patient population may include patients with spinal traumatic injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, spinal ischemia, and other spinal neurodegenerative disorder that will require spinal cell, vector, or drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tool and method for performing a lumbar puncture. The tool may include a first arm and a second arm and may form a T-shape. The first arm may be longer than the second arm. Also included is a projection extending from one of the arms. The projection has a downward angle and a passageway that is sized to accommodate a needle. The tool is configured to maintain the perpendicular placement of a needle between vertebrae and a preferred angle of insertion of about 15° during a procedure.

Abstract: A handle device is provided comprising a first wing and a second wing. The first wing and the second wing are configured to pivot about a common axis to one another. The first wing has one or more first ridge, and a first one or more clearance spaces. The second wing has one or more second ridges and a second one or more clearance spaces. The one or more first ridges is configured to be received within the second one or more clearance spaces and the one or more second ridges is configured to be received within the first one or more clearance spaces when the first wing is pivoted about the common axis to the second wing in a folded configuration.

Abstract: An example introducer is disclosed. An example introducer includes an inner liner including a lumen, a proximal region, and at least one folded portion extending longitudinally along the proximal region. The introducer further includes an expandable support member. The support member includes a plurality of ribs extending along a length of the support member. The introducer further includes a sheath attached to at least a portion of the support member and the support member is designed to shift from a first position to an expanded position.

Abstract: Implantation of a cardiac stimulus system using the intercostal veins. Superior, intercostal, and inferior access methods are discussed and disclosed. Superior access may be performed by entering the brachiocephalic vein from a jugular, subclavian, or other vein, and then accessing the internal thoracic vein, traversing a portion of the internal thoracic vein and then accessing an intercostal vein therefrom. Inferior access may be accomplished inferior to the lower rib margin via the superior epigastric vein, advancing superiorly into the internal thoracic vein and then accessing an intercostal vein therefrom. Intercostal access may include creating an opening in an intercostal space between two ribs and advancing a needle using ultrasound guidance to enter the intercostal vein directly.

Abstract: An occlusion device includes a body having a plurality of layers and defining a first diameter. Each layer of the plurality of layers is releasably coupled to a respective inwardly-adjacent layer. An outermost layer of the plurality of layers is removable from the respective inwardly-adjacent layer. Removal of the outermost layer reduces an outer diameter of the body from the first diameter to a second diameter that is less than the first diameter.

Abstract: A cost-effective, small, light-weight, portable thin strip device for quickly, safely, effectively, easily, hygienically removing ticks attached to skin. The device comprises a tick engagement section, and two adhesive sections foldable onto the tick and the tick engagement section. The device is configured to encapsulate and preserve the removed tick in a clear, viewable position for medical inspection and eventual disposal. The device enables the catch and encapsulation of ticks without physically touching or handling the ticks directly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for stabilization of bone segment and an extending assembly thereof. The device comprises a screw assembly, two supporting members and two extending members. The screw assembly comprises a receiver and an anchoring member. The receiver has a retainer and two opposite arms extending along the longitudinal axis of the device from the positions adjacent to the retainer. The anchoring member is connected to the retainer. The supporting members are connected to the arms respectively and extend along the longitudinal axis. Each one of the extending members has a through hole respectively. The extending members are connected to the arms with the supporting members passing through the through holes respectively.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a polyaxial fixation device having a shank with a spherical head formed on a proximal end thereof, and a receiver member having an axial passage formed therein that is adapted to polyaxially seat the spherical head of the shank. The polyaxial bone screw further includes an engagement member that is adapted to provide sufficient friction between the spherical head and the receiver member to enable the shank to be maintained in a desired angular orientation before locking the spherical head within the receiver member.

Abstract: In one aspect, a bone anchor assembly is provided having a bone anchor with a head, a resilient locking cap extending about a portion of the bone anchor head, and a cap drive member having a depending annular wall. In another form, a bone plate system is provided including a bone plate having an elongated throughbore and a resilient support member received therein. In another aspect, an insertion device is provided for manipulating and inserting a spinal device at or within a spinal joint. The insertion device is configured to actively pivot the implant about the implant gripping end of the device and to allow manipulation and release of the implant in any pivoted orientation from approximately 0 to 90 degrees.

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine, and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for correcting spinal deformities includes a tubular body adapted to receive a second instrument through the tubular body. The tubular body forms a transverse passage adapted to receive a longitudinal fixation element through the tubular body. The tubular body further includes first and second arms for connecting the surgical instrument to a vertebral anchor. The first and second arms include one or more anti-splaying features adapted to mate with anti-splaying features on the second instrument to prevent the first and second arms from splaying as the second instrument is inserted into the tubular body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrumentation with a navigation system which comprises an optical detection unit comprising a camera, and a data processing unit coupled to the detection unit, with a medical article and with a marking device which is held directly or indirectly on the article and is positioned in a defined spatial arrangement in relation thereto, or which marking device is comprised by or formed by the article, the location and orientation of the marking device being determinable with the navigation system, it being possible for at least one image of the marking device and the article to be taken by means of the detection unit and for the position and shape of the article to be determined by the data processing unit on the basis of an image. The invention also relates to a method for determining the shape of a medical article.

Abstract: A kit of parts for inserting a deformable implant into a cavity in a bone of a patient is described. An inserter instrument comprises a body having a cavity extending along a longitudinal axis from a distal end to a proximal end. An attachment mechanism is provided at the distal end and to which a deformable implant can be releasably attached. A drive mechanism is provided at the proximal end of the body. An insertion stop is mounted on the body and arranged to control the depth of insertion of the inserter instrument into a guide tube. A push rod is freely and slidably arranged within the cavity and has a distal end engageable with a part of the deformable implant and a proximal end abutable by the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism is operable to drive the push rod toward the distal end of the body. The kit also includes an impactor dimensioned for slidable engagement within the cavity.

Abstract: An implant apparatus for use in uniting a pair of bone segments, the apparatus including a first stem configured to be implanted in an intramedullary cavity of a first bone segment; a second stem configured to be implanted in an intramedullary cavity of a second bone segment; and a connector for connecting the first stem to the second stem, the connector including a first connector segment and a second connector segment, wherein the first connector segment and the second connector segment are coupled together at a lap joint connection.

Abstract: An insert for receipt within a plate aperture having an inner wall along the plate aperture includes a body and collar. The body has inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface defines an insert aperture having a longitudinal axis. The collar extends from the outer surface in a first radial direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and extends along only a portion of the outer surface in a second radial direction transverse to the first radial direction and the longitudinal axis. The collar defines a first radial distance from the longitudinal axis at a first position of the collar and a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis at a second position of the collar that differs from the first radial distance. A fixation system includes the plate and insert which is receivable within the plate aperture such that the collar contacts and is slideable along the inner wall.

Abstract: Provided is a locking plate system for treatment of a distal radius fracture including a locking plate (4) that is a flat laminate of intermediate molding materials that includes carbon fibers as a reinforcing material and thermoplastic resin as a matrix; a screw anchor (5) having a shaft portion (10) which has a principal thread (13) achieving a self-tapping action formed thereon and an outer circumference of a head portion of the screw anchor (5) which has an auxiliary thread (13) achieving a self-tapping action tapped thereon; and a through-hole (6) in the radius locking plate (4), which allows the radius main body (3) and the fractured bone piece (2) to be threadably fixed to the radius locking plate (4) and having a diameter that is oversized relative to the principal thread (11), and that is undersized relative to the auxiliary thread (13).

Abstract: The present invention discloses bone plates, bone plate systems, and methods of using the bone plates. The bone plate includes at least one protuberance at a first end, a first projection at a second end, a second projection at the second end adjacent to the first projection, and a coupling segment positioned between the first and second projections. The bone plate system includes a bone plate and at least one fastener. The bone plate includes at least one tab at a first end, a second end with a first projection and a second projection adjacent to the first projection, and a coupling segment positioned between the first and second projections. The at least one fastener including at least one first fastener for coupling to the at least one tab and a second fastener for coupling to the coupling segment. Methods of using the bone plates is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular bone fixation linkage includes a plurality of interconnected links that can angulate with respect to an adjacent one of the links in-plane or out-of-plane. The links can further include fixation holes that are configured to receive fixation members that secure the links to an underlying anatomical structure.

Abstract: A method for fixating or stabilizing a subject's mandible and maxilla includes providing multiple bone fasteners, providing two arch bars, attaching a first grouping of the bone fasteners to the subject's mandible, then securing the first arch bar to the first grouping of bone fasteners, attaching a second grouping of the bone fasteners to the subject's maxilla, then securing the second arch bar to the second grouping of bone fasteners, and then fastening the first arch bar to the second arch bar.