Abstract: A capacitive micro-machined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) device in which integrated probe circuitry includes both the ultrasound transmission and reception circuitry and a DC-DC converter for generating a bias voltage for the CMUT cell. The high voltage pulses of a pulser circuit and a high voltage DC bias voltage are both generated by a single probe circuit, which is local to the CMUT cell.

Abstract: An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus 1 includes a display unit 8, an operating unit 15, a measurement position designation reception unit 14 that receives designation of a measurement position on an ultrasound image from a user through the operating unit 15, a measurement target recognition unit 9 that recognizes a measurement target included in the ultrasound image of a recognition range decided based on the received measurement position, a measurement algorithm setting unit 12 that sets a measurement algorithm based on the recognized measurement target, and a measurement unit 10 that measures the measurement target based on the set measurement algorithm and displays a measurement result on the display unit 8.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a sheath comprising a plurality of openings at a distal end; an elongate first needle extendible perpendicularly from said sheath through one of said plurality of openings; and an assembly comprising at least two second needles arranged in a predetermined pattern relative to said first needle, and extendible perpendicularly from said sheath, wherein, when extended from said distal end of said sheath: (i) each of said second needles extends a different length from said distal end of said sheath, (ii) at least a distal portion of each of said second needles is resiliently biased to extend laterally outwardly in relation to said first needle, and (iii) a lateral spread region defined by said distal portions of all of said second needles is determined based, at least in part, on a distance of said extending from said distal end of said sheath.

Abstract: A lock for positioning a first medical device with respect to a second medical device includes a spacer for preventing advancement of the first medical device towards the second medical device. The spacer is movable between a lock position and an unlock position. In the lock position, the spacer is moved transverse to the longitudinal axis with respect to the unlock position. The lock further includes a rotary stop integral with the spacer for fixing the rotational position of the first medical device with respect to the second medical device. The lock further includes a clip integral with the spacer and removably securable to the first medical device in a first position to secure the spacer in the unlock position, and removably securable to the first medical device in a second position to secure the spacer in the lock position.

Abstract: The steerable catheter invention facilitates the tracking and selection of branch vessels, as well as provide the means for stiffening the catheter body across the tortuosity to anchor the catheter and minimize the potential for the catheter backing out of position while delivering interventional devices to the distal anatomy.

Abstract: A method for use in a lung access procedure to aid in preventing pneumothorax includes providing a cannula having a pair of balloons, the pair of balloons including a first balloon longitudinally spaced from a second balloon along the cannula; inserting the cannula along an access opening and through pleural layers, with the first balloon and the second balloon of the pair of balloons respectively positioned on opposite sides of the pleural layers; inflating the pair of balloons with a first amount of a two-component sealant to compress the pleural layers together; and inflating the pair of balloons with a second amount of the two-component sealant that is sufficient to rupture the pair of balloons so as to comingle a first sealant component and a second sealant component of the two-component sealant at the site of the pleural layers so as to adhere the pleural layers together.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods suitable for use with procedures performed at least partially percutaneously are provided. In some procedures, two or more access devices for providing access to adjacent surgical locations within a patient are used. Certain embodiments of the access device comprise an elongate body having a distal end with one or more cutouts. The cutouts on adjacent access devices are generally aligned with each other to permit passage of a portion of a fixation element from one access device to the other access device. A fastener with an elongated removable head may be delivered to the surgical site through the access device. After a distal end of the fastener is secured to the surgical site, a portion of the elongated housing is detached from the remainder of the fastener and removed from the patient.

Abstract: A balloon pulling device, comprising a core tube (11) portion and a balloon (12) portion, wherein the core tube (11) portion may inflate and deflate the balloon (12) portion by using a fluid; the present invention is characterized in that the balloon (12) portion comprises a plurality of expansion segments (13), the expansion segments (13) being larger than the remaining portion of the balloon (12) after being inflated with a fluid such that the entire balloon (12) forms a curved contour. A simple and reliable balloon pulling device capable of retracting at a long distance while being finely adjusted is achieved.

Abstract: An end effector for a suturing and grasping device includes a stationary jaw member, a suturing jaw member, and a grasping jaw member. The suturing jaw member is selectively movable relative to the stationary jaw member to drive a suturing needle between the suturing jaw member and the stationary jaw member. The grasping jaw member is selectively movable relative to the stationary jaw member to grasp tissue between the stationary jaw member and the grasping jaw member.

Abstract: A releasable elongated assembly includes a release member having a length and an opening that extends along the length. The releasable elongated assembly includes a first elongated element having a first coupling member disposed in the opening and a second elongated element having a second coupling member disposed in the opening opposite the first coupling member along the length. The first and second elongated elements are interlaced with each other in the opening at a location between the first coupling member and the second coupling member such that the first and second elongated elements are attached to each other. The release member is moveable from a first position where the first and second coupling members are captured in the opening to a second position where the first and second coupling members are released from the opening so as to detach the first and second elongated elements from each other.

Abstract: A buttress assembly is configured to temporarily adhere to a wet surgical stapler end effector. The buttress assembly includes a buttress body and a humidity tolerant adhesive material. The humidity tolerant adhesive material is applied to at least one side of the buttress body. The humidity tolerant adhesive material is configured to hold the buttress body to an underside of an anvil or a deck of a staple cartridge for at least five minutes in an environment of 100% relative humidity at approximately 37° C.

Abstract: A surgical stapler end effector comprises a staple cartridge, an anvil, and a buttress assembly. The staple cartridge comprises a plurality of staples and a deck. The staple cartridge is operable to drive the staples through the deck. The anvil is movable from an open position toward the staple cartridge to reach a closed position. The anvil includes an underside having staple forming surface configured to receive staples driven through the deck. The buttress assembly comprises a buttress body and an adhesive material. The adhesive material comprises a polymer. The polymer is bioabsorbable. The polymer has an inherent viscosity at or below 3.0 dL/g.

Abstract: A surgical stapler includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member, and a clamp member operable to releasably clamp the first elongate member against the second elongate member. A distal portion of the first elongate member supports an anvil surface having a plurality of staple forming pockets. A distal portion of the second elongate member is configured to receive a staple cartridge. A firing assembly of the surgical stapler is translatable from a first longitudinal position to a second longitudinal position to fire the staple cartridge when the first elongate member is clamped against the second elongate member. A retaining assembly of the surgical stapler includes a first retaining member configured to releasably couple a proximal end of the first elongate member with a proximal end of the second elongate member, and a second retaining member configured to releasably retain the firing assembly in the first longitudinal position.

Abstract: A wound closure device is provided. The wound closure device includes a first pad with an adhesive surface and a second pad with an adhesive surface. The wound closure device also includes a first tension adjusting pad with a first section, a first connecting element and a second connecting element. The first tension adjust pad is configured to move the first pad towards the second pad when the first tension adjusting pad is moved away from the first pad. The wound closure device also includes a second tension adjusting pad with a second section, a third connecting element and fourth connecting element. The second tension adjusting pad is configured to move the second pad towards the first pad when the second tension adjusting pad is moved away from the second pad. The wound closure device further includes a first cross bar for securing the first and third connecting elements.

Abstract: Ring comprising: an outer belt (3) equipped with closing means (7) for closing the ring (1) around a duct (2); an inner chamber (4) that can be inflated and deflated; a flexible inflation/deflation tube (5); wherein the lips have contact surfaces facing each other, the closing means comprising at least one perforation arranged on the contact surface of a first of the two lips and at least one protrusion protruding from the contact surface of a second of the two lips, the protrusion and the perforation being configured so that the protrusion is retained in the perforation by fitting, the fitting being selected to be released in the event of overpressure in the ring.

Abstract: An indwelling clip includes a pair of arm plate portions that can be opened in a substantially V shape with an elastic force and claw portions formed on respective tip portions of the arm plate portions. The indwelling clip also includes a fastening ring attached to the arm plate portions so as to be movable along a longitudinal direction of the pair of arm plate portions and be able to close the pair of arm plate portions by moving in a direction toward the claw portions. The arm plate portion is provided with a fluorescent body containing a fluorescent pigment emitting red or near infrared light by being irradiated with excitation light. According to some embodiments, the indwelling clip allows easy visual recognition of light emission of a fluorescent body from the outside of a hollow organ and enables excellent attachment stability to the inner wall of the hollow organ.

Abstract: An endovascular treatment device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes a catheter and a vessel occluder coupled to the catheter. The occluder includes a construction of elastic filaments that are fixed to the outer surface of the catheter. The filaments extend radially and distally outward from their proximal ends and then invert and are fixed back at the catheter proximal of the distal end of the catheter. The occluder can be elastically deformed to fit vessels of various sizes. The catheter includes a lumen through which a therapeutic agent is delivered beyond the occluder.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a method for occluding a left atrial appendage (LAA) and other cavities or openings within a body. Some embodiments of the method can include an implant configured to be deployed within the LAA or other cavity, configured to be expanded or moved against a wall portion of the LAA or other cavity, and configured to twist at least a portion of the LAA or other cavity when the implant is rotated. Thereafter, one or more securing elements, staples, sutures, or other fasteners can be implanted in the gathered tissue to hold the tissue in the gathered state, thereby occluding the opening of the LAA or other cavity. In some embodiments, the opening of the LAA or other cavity can be occluded by elongating or otherwise reshaping the opening using an implant device, and securing the opening in the occluded state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tourniquet 1 comprising a tension sensor 8 and loop portion 4 ensuring that an intended pressure has been achieved on a body part on which the tourniquet is applied. The tension sensor comprises a plurality of cuts 20 arranged in a predetermined pattern. The present disclosure also relates to a dispenser comprising a plurality of such tourniquets, and a kit comprising a tourniquet.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing cerebral blood flow for improving the flow of blood to the brain during and/or following an ischaemic stroke. The apparatus includes a plurality of inflatable cuffs to be positioned, in use, around a respective limb of a patient. Once inflated, the cuffs exert a pressure upon the limb to reduce blood flow to the limb below the point at which the cuff is positioned. Reducing blood flow to the limbs causes an increase in blood flow to the brain, and will therefore improve stroke outcomes. The apparatus includes a control module for controlling inflation and deflation of each cuff. The control module detects, measures and monitors cerebral blood flow and uses these measurements to control inflation and deflation of each cuff such that cerebral blood flow is maintained above a baseline level during treatment of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical saw blade has an upper surface and a lower surface, and includes a first end having right and left side edges, where the first end is configured to connect to an oscillating head of a powered saw. The saw blade also has a cutting end; and an elongated shank connecting the first end and the cutting end. The first end of the saw blade may be narrower than the shank, and a stopping surface may connect the first end to the elongated shank. The stopping surface is configured to engage the oscillating head of the powered saw, so as to ensure correct positioning of the saw blade relative to the oscillating head. The elongated shank of the saw blade may have an elongated hole through the shank, where the size and shape of the elongated hole are configured to optimize a resonant frequency and/or a dynamic stiffness of the saw blade. The cutting end of the saw blade may have a plurality of first teeth thereon, where each first tooth is mounted on a distal end of a tine.

Abstract: The present application describes various embodiments of guides that include one or more removable struts. The guides may include at least two guide portions that are connected to one another via at least one strut. In embodiments, the at least one strut may be designed such that it could be disconnected from at least one of the guide portions. The removable feature of the strut allows a surgeon to perform an osteotomy procedure by using the cutting slots and other relevant markings defined on the secured portions of the guide.

Abstract: A milling head for a milling tool for prosthetic surgery operations and a milling tool comprising said milling head.

Abstract: In a particular implementation, an apparatus configured to measure bone temperature during drilling includes a processor and an infrared (IR) sensor coupled to the processor and configured to measure temperature data indicating a temperature at an interface between a drill bit and a bone of a patient.

Abstract: A device for implanting an intramedullary nail includes a base member and an adjustable member coupled together and translatable relative to each other along a direction. The device includes an insertion handle configured to carry the nail and mount to the adjustable member. A drill guide is attachable to the base member and configured to carry one or more guide sleeves for alignment with locking holes of the intramedullary nail. A first reference member extends from the base or adjustable member and has a first contact portion configured to contact an exterior location of a patient's limb. A second reference member extends from the other of the base and adjustable members and has a second contact portion configured to contact another exterior location of the limb. At least one of the first and second reference members is positionally adjustable relative to the base or adjustable member from which it extends.

Abstract: In an improved cranial drill guide for guiding a drill bit during drilling a brain-access hole in a skull, the improvement comprising an elongate guide-body having a wall defining an internal through-hole therealong, the through-hole sized to receive the drill bit, and a side-opening in the wall for passage of bone debris from the drill bit to outside the guide-body.

Abstract: A surgical kit and method for milling a bone, the surgical kit including: a rotatable milling tool including a receiving bore with an abutment portion; a positioning pin insertable in the bone for guiding the milling tool along a milling axis and towards the bone, the positioning pin including a pin shaft receivable in the receiving bore and a pin depth determination element, the pin shaft being abuttable against the abutment portion of the milling tool; and a bone milling guide positionable at a predetermined location on the bone for guiding the positioning pin when the positioning pin is inserted into the bone, the bone milling guide including a pin shaft guiding channel for receiving the pin shaft and a guide depth determination element cooperable with the pin depth determination element to provide an indication that the positioning pin is inserted in the bone at a predetermined depth.

Abstract: Patient-specific guide systems and methods for performing bone resections for ankle arthroplasties comprises a bone guide body and a bone resection block. The bone guide body comprises a patient-specific surface for engaging a surface of a talus or a tibia, and a first pin hole and a first socket in the bone guide body. The bone resection block is removably insertable into the first socket, receives a first pin that can be inserted in the first pin hole, and includes a resection guide surface. The system further comprises a floating bone trial that attaches to the bone resection block via a floating bone guide. The floating bone trail receives a chamfer spacer and guide for further resecting the bone. The system further comprises a stylus for engagement with the resection guide surface to confirm resection depth. The bone guide body includes alignment pin and resection block snap lock features.

Abstract: A percutaneous targeting device comprises a body holding an extension. The body has a target guide holding a target pin which may be a K-wire. The exten-sion has two guide sleeves, holding a guide wire. All wires are held in a common plane. The guide wires serve as a guide for cannulated fixation screws. The ex-tension is movable against the body to adjust the angle between the target pin and the guide wires.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the intravascular treatment of clot material within a blood vessel of a human patient are disclosed herein. A device in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a plurality of interconnected struts forming a unitary structure having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The struts can form a plurality of first cells in the proximal portion and a plurality of second cells, smaller than the first cells, in the distal portion. The device can be pulled against clot material within a blood vessel to engage, disrupt, and/or capture the clot material.

Abstract: A device and a method for increasing or restoring a flow in a body lumen are provided. The device and the method may treat conditions related to a stroke, such as an ischemic stroke, by removing an occlusion from a blood vessel and/or reopen a blood vessel. The device may comprise a tubing compartment, a central wire, and an engaging compartment. The engaging compartment may comprise a distal engaging element and a proximal engaging element. A clot or occlusion present in the body lumen such as an artery may be engaged in and/or between the distal and proximal engaging elements. Further, the positions of one or both of the engaging elements and the distance therebetween can be adjusted to ensure the engagement of the clot or occlusion.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes: a sheath; an operating wire in the sheath; a gripping portion provided at a distal end of the operating wire and having one or more wires; a tip attached to a distal end of the sheath; and a resin member disposed at a position adjacent to the tip on a radially inner or outer side thereof, wherein the tip includes clearance grooves extending toward a proximal end of the tip from a distal end of the tip, passing therethrough from an inner circumferential surface of the tip to an outer circumferential surface of the tip, and having sizes enabling the wires to pass therethrough, and at least proximal-end sides of the grooves overlap with the member in a radial direction of the tip and a distal end of the member is disposed farther on a distal-end side than proximal ends of the grooves are.

Abstract: A device for capturing an obstruction in a vasculature can include an expandable braid, an invertible braid, and elongated members such as tubes or wires that can be moved to cause the expandable braid to expand and the invertible braid to form a pocket facing toward the expandable braid to thereby capture the obstruction within the pocket. The expandable braid can form a cap at an open end of the pocket so that the pocket and cap define a cavity in which the obstruction can be confined. The device can also have an expandable framework between the expandable braid and the invertible braid that can engage the obstruction to further secure the obstruction between the expandable braid and invertible braid.

Abstract: A gear arrangement including two drive units (210, 220, 310, 320, 410), and two translatory transmission elements (151, 152, 251, 252, 351, 352), to each of which a rotationally movable function unit (141, 142) of a distally arranged two-part end effector (140) can be coupled. The first drive unit (210, 310, 410) has at least one proximally arranged rotation element (311, 411) or a thrust element (210) for opening or closing the end effector (140) by rotation of at least one function unit (141, 142). The second drive unit (220, 320), with which the translatory transmission elements (151, 152, 251, 252, 351, 352) are movable in opposite directions, has at least one proximally arranged rotation element (224, 320, 421) for simultaneous and unidirectional pivoting of the function units (141, 142) of the end effector (140). A surgical instrument includes the gear arrangement (200, 300, 400) in the handle (180).

Abstract: A method for sensing at least one property with an instrument, wherein the instrument comprises an elongate shaft body; the method comprising the steps of: securing a sensor film conformally to the elongate shaft body, the sensor film comprising: at least one substrate core having a first surface and a second surface; at least one sensing element; a first conductive layer residing on the first surface, the first conductive layer having first solder mask coated thereon, and wherein the first conductive layer is grounded; a second conductive layer residing on the second surface, the second conductive layer having a second solder mask coated thereon, and coupled to the at least one sensing element; causing the at least one sensing element to measure at least one property and output a sensed signal and to convey the sensed signal via the second conductive layer to an electronics module.

Abstract: A sensor film comprising: a substrate core having a first surface and a second surface; at least one sensing element for sensing at least one property; a first conductive layer residing on the first surface, the first conductive layer having first solder mask coated thereon, and wherein the first conductive layer is grounded; and a second conductive layer residing on the second surface, the second conductive layer having a second solder mask coated thereon, and coupled to the at least one sensing element.

Abstract: An endoscopic tool comprises a manipulator coupled to a distal instrument via a filament or filaments such that the instrument is directed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope. For example, a snare, wire or cannula extends transversely from a tubular lumen of the tool. The distal instrument may comprise grasping jaws, and a surface of the grasping jaws may be of an elastomeric polymer.

Abstract: A filament cutting device may include an outer sheath. A bushing may be coupled to a distal end of the outer sheath. An inner diameter of the bushing may be a cutting edge at a distal tip of the bushing. An actuation wire may be slidably extendable within the outer sheath and bushing. An engaging body may be coupled to a distal end of the actuation wire. A cavity may be defined along a length of the engaging body configured to capture a portion of the filament within the cavity. Movement of the actuation wire and engaging body with the filament captured within the cavity may cause the cutting edge to sever the filament.

Abstract: An instrument with a motor drive assembly detachable from a handle assembly and detachable from a gear assembly, where the gear assembly is inside the handle assembly and further the instrument comprising a standard telescope which is detachable from the instrument and a cutter/blade assembly detachable from an outer sheath. In an aspect, an instrument (1) includes a motor drive assembly (2) that is detachable from a handle assembly (3) and detachable from a gear assembly (5), wherein the gear assembly (5) is positioned inside the handle assembly (3), and wherein the motor drive assembly (2) is detachable for the purpose of being reused after cleaning or its replacement.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device including an elongate waveguide having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, and a blade extending away from the distal end of the waveguide, the blade including a curved portion that includes first and second opposed faces extending lengthwise along at least a portion of the length of the blade. Each of the first and second faces has a width that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide and a length that extends orthogonal to the width. A pair of hook portions are located on opposite sides of the blade. A method of fabricating an ultrasonic surgical device is also provided.

Abstract: A catheter for scoring or slicing a lesion. The catheter has a first receiver at a distal end of an expandable portion of the catheter shaft. A first carrier at least partially within the first receiver is moveable axially along the catheter shaft to deploy a first cutter along the expandable portion for cutting or scoring the lesion. In an alternative embodiment, the first carrier may be a wire having a loop, and thus forming a first length including the first cutter and a second length including a second cutter. Actuation of the wire thus causes simultaneous, reciprocal movement of the first and second cutters. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter for actively scoring or slicing a lesion. A catheter body includes first and second lateral openings. A selectively deployable cutter is connected to the catheter body. The cutter has a retracted configuration in which it does not perform a slicing or scoring function, such as while tracking through the vasculature, and a deployed configuration for slicing or scoring an obstruction. The cutter may include a plurality of retractable blades, such that when deployed, each blade projects in a different direction, such as from one of the lateral openings. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In an aspect, a device includes a body structure including a core and a sleeve disposed around at least a portion of the core, the core defining a channel through the core extending from a first end of the core to a second end of the core, the sleeve including a flange adjacent the second end of the core; and a deployable portion coupled to the body structure adjacent the first end of the core, the deployable portion having a wired structure transitionable between a retained configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein a top portion of the wired structure extends beyond the first end of the core in a longitudinal direction when the wired structure is in the retained configuration, and wherein first end of the core extends beyond the top portion of the wired structure when the wired structure is in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: Described herein are various implementations of systems and methods for accessing and modulating tissue (for example, systems and methods for accessing and ablating nerves or other tissue within or surrounding a vertebral body to treat chronic lower back pain). Assessment of vertebral endplate degeneration or defects (e.g., pre-Modic changes) to facilitate identification of treatment sites and protocols are also provided in several embodiments. Several embodiments comprise the use of biomarkers to confirm or otherwise assess ablation, pain relief, efficacy of treatment, etc. Some embodiments include robotic elements for, as an example, facilitating robotically controlled access, navigation, imaging, and/or treatment.

Abstract: Described herein are various implementations of systems and methods for accessing and modulating tissue (for example, systems and methods for accessing and ablating nerves or other tissue within or surrounding a vertebral body to treat chronic lower back pain). Assessment of vertebral endplate degeneration or defects (e.g., pre-Modic changes) to facilitate identification of treatment sites and protocols are also provided in several embodiments. Several embodiments comprise the use of biomarkers to confirm or otherwise assess ablation, pain relief, efficacy of treatment, etc. Some embodiments include robotic elements for, as an example, facilitating robotically controlled access, navigation, imaging, and/or treatment.

Abstract: Access assemblies include an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, and a seal assembly disposed adjacent the guard assembly. The seal assembly includes a plurality of seal segments defining a substantially hexagonal body. Each seal segment of the plurality of seal segments includes a base portion and a seal portion extending from the base portion. Each base portion including an outer edge formed of three segments. Each seal segment of the plurality of seal segments is disposed relative to an adjacent seal segment of the plurality of seal segments such that two of the three segments of the outer edge of the respective seal segments align with each other. The valve assembly also includes a centering mechanism for biasing the seal assembly and guard assembly towards a center of the cavity of the instrument valve.

Abstract: The present application provides a passive holding device for handling a trocar and a modular surgical system. The passive holding device has a fastening device with a coupling portion. A pivoting mechanism is connected to the coupling portion via a rotary joint. The pivoting mechanism has two L-shaped branches arranged parallel to one another, each having a short leg that is connected to a long leg via a pivot joint. The short leg of the first branch is longer than the short leg of the second branch and is connected to the long leg via a rotary shaft. The trocar holder has a gripping device and has an instrument brake. A tilting brake is arranged at the coupling portion, operatively connected to the rotary joint, and a pivoting brake is arranged at the coupling portion operatively connected to at least one of the terminal pivot joints.

Abstract: An assistance device and an associated obstetrical instrument, in particular of the forceps type, for extracting a fetus during childbirth having two branches. Each branch being equipped at one end with a gripping handle and at the other end with cephalic blades. The instrument further includes a measurement device using the blades and connector between the measurement device and the blade. The measurement device includes: a pressure measurement instrument configured to measure the pressure exerted by the blade on the fetus, a position measuring instrument to measure the positioning of the obstetrical instrument, a power supply, and a transmitter configured to transmit the measurements to a processing unit.

Abstract: An implant delivery device for introducing and positioning implants within patients may include a sheath member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a central longitudinal axis, the sheath member defining a lumen along the central longitudinal axis. The implant delivery device may additionally include an implant delivery shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, the implant delivery shaft disposed at least partially within the sheath member and an implant spreader assembly disposed at the distal end of the implant delivery shaft. In some embodiments, the implant delivery device may further include a cap disposed at the distal end of the sheath member, the cap obstructing at least a portion of an opening into the lumen of the sheath member.

Abstract: The present application provides external bone fixation systems. The systems include one or more pairs of bone fixation platforms in the form of rings or partial rings. The platforms may be coupled to corresponding bone segments. The pair of platforms are configured to accept a plurality of struts extending therebetween. The struts are configured to attach to the platforms via joints that provide three degrees of rotation. The struts are also configured such that their longitudinal length extending between the joints/platforms can be incrementally adjusted while attached to the platforms. The struts are further configured such that their total range of length adjustment can be increased by coupling at least one add-on component to the struts in situ. The lengths of each of the plurality of struts may be adjusted to arrange the platforms, and thereby the bone segment coupled thereto, in particular relative positions and orientations.