Abstract: Apparatuses and systems including an instrument for manipulating components within a knee joint of a patient are disclosed. Such manipulation can include inserting and/or removing such components to or from a bone of the knee joint. The instrument can include a handle, a body, a plunger, a detent and a collar. The handle can have a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal extent between the proximal end and the distal end. The body can be coupled to the handle and can extend distal of the distal end. The body can define a receptacle therein having an opening at a distal end portion of the instrument. The plunger can be moveably disposed within the body and can be moveable between a first position and a second position. The detent can be moveable by the plunger, such that with the plunger in the first position at least a portion of the detent can extend into the receptacle and with the plunger in the second position the detent can be recessed from the receptacle.

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

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, devices for facilitation of intraluminal medical procedures within the neurovasculature. A catheter advancement device includes a flexible elongate body having a proximal portion coupled to a proximal end region of the flexible elongate body and extending proximally to a proximal-most end of the catheter advancement element. A hardness of the flexible elongate body transitions proximally towards increasingly harder materials up to the proximal portion forming a first plurality of material transitions. At least a portion of the flexible elongate body is formed of a plurality of layers including a reinforcement layer. An outer diameter of the flexible elongate body is sized to be positioned coaxially within a lumen of a catheter such that a distal tip portion of the flexible elongate body extends distally beyond a distal end of the catheter to aid in delivery of the catheter to an intracranial vessel.

Abstract: An atherectomy device for removing deposits such as plaque from an interior of a vessel including an outer member, an inner member and a rotatable shaft positioned for rotational movement within the inner member. The outer and inner members are fixed axially. A rotatable tip is mounted to the distal region of the rotatable shaft for rotation about its longitudinal axis upon rotation of the shaft to remove deposits from the vessel.

Abstract: Described herein are shock wave devices and methods for the treatment of vascular plaques. One variation of a shock wave device may include a pair of elongated, flexible concentric tubes comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube and the outer tube may be connected together at one end, and at least a portion of the volume between the inner tube and the outer tube may be filled with a conductive fluid via the other end. At least two electrodes may be positioned between the inner tube and the outer tube, the at least two electrodes being electrically connectable to a voltage source and configured to generate shock waves in the conductive fluid in response to voltage pulses.

Abstract: Deflectable guide catheters and methods, including methods for using deflectable guide catheters to perform transnasal procedures within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium. Some deflectable guide catheters of the present invention comprise a substantially rigid tube, a helical spring attached to and extending from the distal end of the substantially rigid tube, a tubular plastic inner jacket, an outer plastic jacket substantially covering at least the helical spring member. The spring member is deflectable to cause the distal portion of the guide catheter to deflect to a curved configuration. In embodiments for transnasal use the deflectable guide catheter may have a length of less than 25 cm.

Abstract: Described here are methods, systems, and devices, useful for minimally invasive surgical procedures. The methods may include introducing a grasper through an opening into an abdominal cavity, grasping a portion of a left lobe of a liver with the grasper, rotating the grasper towards a control element located outside the abdominal cavity by applying a magnetic field to the grasper across a body wall, and moving the control element over a set of ribs such that the liver bends into a folded configuration.

Abstract: Surgical tools and related methods articulate an actuation rod assembly via an actuation tension member. A surgical tool includes an end effector, an instrument shaft assembly supporting the end effector, an actuation rod assembly drivingly coupled with the end effector, a guide surface, a flexible tension member connected to the actuation rod assembly, and an actuation portion. The actuation rod assembly is mounted to slide within the instrument shaft assembly. The flexible tension member is connected to the actuation rod assembly at a connection. The flexible tension member includes a first portion that extends distally from the connection to the guide surface, is wrapped around the guide surface, and extends proximally from the guide surface. The actuation portion is drivingly coupled with the flexible tension member and operable to articulate the tension member to articulate the actuation rod assembly to actuate the end effector.

Abstract: A cutting assembly for a surgical instrument. A tube assembly includes an outer tube having an outer cutting window, and an inner tube coaxially disposed within and rotatable relative to the outer tube. The inner tube includes an inner cutting window such that the inner and outer cutting windows define a cutting window of the tube assembly. A portion of the inner tube distal a proximal boundary of the cutting window may define a distal region of the inner tube. A projection is within a lumen of the inner tube with at least a portion of the projection disposed within the distal region. The projection may be an insert. The projection occupies a volume of the distal region and/or reduces a cross-sectional area of the lumen distal to the proximal boundary. The projection reduces the size of material removed through the cutting window to reduce clogging of the tube assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an ultrasonic transducer, an ultrasonic transmission waveguide extending from the ultrasonic transducer, and an ultrasonic blade acoustically coupled to the ultrasonic transmission waveguide. The ultrasonic blade includes a base and a curved body extending distally from the base. The curved body includes a tissue-treating surface extending on a first side of the curved body and a curved edge extending on a second side of the curved body opposite the first side. The curved edge has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is offset from the distal end in a first direction, wherein the proximal end is offset from the distal end in a second direction, and wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes providing an intravascular device having a distal portion with a side port, inserting the device into the vascular lumen, positioning the distal portion in the vascular wall, directing the distal portion within the vascular wall such that the distal portion moves at least partially laterally, and directing the side port towards the vascular lumen.

Abstract: A cutting balloon catheter including a balloon mounted on a distal portion of a catheter shaft. The balloon includes a cutting member mounted on an exterior surface of the balloon which includes one or more features for providing the cutting member with enhanced flexibility for navigating tortuous anatomy and more closely conforms to the expansion characteristics of the balloon to which the cutting member is mounted.

Abstract: A steering adjustment for a needle visualization ultrasound system includes a needle, an ultrasound interface and one or more processing electronics. The ultrasound interface receives ultrasound imaging information from a first set of ultrasound firings. The processing electronics are coupled to the ultrasound interface. The processing electronics utilize the information from the first set of firings and identify the angle of the needle and the optimized steering frame angle. The processing electronics are further configured to cause a second set of firings. The second set of firings are configured for the identified needle angle and steering frame angle. The processing electronics are further configured to utilize the ultrasound information from the second set of firings to adaptively and dynamically enhance the visualization of the needle.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgery system including a robot, a cannula assembly and a computer system. The robot has at least one movable robot arm and the cannula assembly is detachably mounted to the robot arm. The cannula assembly includes a cannula and a pattern generating member. The cannula has a distal end and a proximal end with a flange portion and an elongate cannula shaft portion extending from the proximal end to the distal end and an access port through the elongate cannula shaft portion. The pattern generating member includes a pattern light source and a projector temporarily or permanently fixed to the cannula shaft portion. The pattern light source is operatively connected to the projector for projecting a light pattern. The computer system is configured for in real time receiving image data representing light pattern reflections from a surgical surface and for determining a real-time spatial position of the cannula assembly relative to the surgical surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an expander set includes a first and second expander. The first expander includes an outer surface having a first engagement feature and a groove and the second expander includes an inside surface having a second engagement feature adapted to engage with the first engagement feature. The inside surface of the second expander is shaped to correspond to a portion of the outer surface of the first expander. Additionally, the groove on the outer surface of the first expander is sized and shaped to accommodate a rod of a retraction system such that when the first expander is advanced within the retraction system, the rod remains within the groove. When the first and second expanders are engaged with one another, they define an oblong cross-section.

Abstract: A medical device and method for artificial insemination are provided. The medical device has a shield and an arm secured to the shield at one end and extending outwardly from the shield. The arm is inserted into the cervical canal of a patient and the shield covers the external os of the patient. By inserting the medical device into a patient's cervical canal after insemination, a physical barrier that holds a semen sample within the cervical canal and prevents leakage from the cervical canal back into the vaginal cavity is established. The device may have a bore extending through the device for a catheter to pass through. The bore has a valve to allow passage of the catheter and prevent backflow of semen. The arm may have a circumferential bulge to help keep the device in place during use.

Abstract: The present invention is a bone growth stimulating and promoting cytokine type biological implant preferably comprising PTH coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the concave side of a scoliotically curved spine in combination with a bone growth inhibiting type biological implant preferably comprising methotrexate or like anti-metabolite coated with a controlled release biodegradable coating that is implanted preferably in the convex side of a scoliotically curved spine. The insertion of the biological implant is highly non-invasion, especially as compared to more conventional spine surgical methods, and the biological implant does not decrease spinal mobility or spinal range of motion.

Abstract: A minimally invasive method of correcting a bunion includes performing an osteotomy to divide the metatarsal into first and second portions, creating a pocket in the first portion implanting a nail in the pocket, securing a suture to the joint capsule, tensioning the suture to align the great toe with the metatarsal, attaching the suture to the nail, and fastening the nail to the second portion. The nail includes an anchor portion for anchoring in the first portion, a head for attachment to a second portion, a passage for attachment of the suture, a first aperture for a fastener to attach the head with the first portion, and a second aperture for a fastener to attach the head with the second portion.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for use in spinal surgeries. The system may include a fastener system comprising a fastener, a staple, and a locking cap. A cord may extend along the spine and through at least one fastener system. An instrument may be provided for tensioning the cord. The system may, for example, apply fixation on the convexity of the scoliotic vertebrae to limit growth on the convex side and allow unilateral growth on the concave side.

Abstract: A bottom loading fastening system that consists of the polyaxial ball and socket joint used in conjunction with an anchoring bone screw. The system allows attachment of a connector assembly to the anchoring bone screw having a spherical ball connector using a blocker ring preloaded with a split ring. Upon installation, the blocker ring and split ring are expanded into an expansion slot, causing relocation of said split ring into a lower groove, permanently attaching said connector assembly to said anchoring bone screw. The blocker ring having a counter-bored inner surface allowing said split ring to be preloaded to facilitate manufacturing. Dislodgement of the split ring from the blocker ring produces an audible and tactile indication that the sufficient force has been applied to lock the connector assembly to the bone screw.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a connector can be configured to couple a first fixation element (e.g., a first rod) to a second fixation element (e.g., a second rod). One or both of the first and second fixation elements can be included with the connector, or one or both can be separately provided. In some instances, at least one of the fixation elements is previously implanted in a patient. The connector can provide one or more degrees of freedom between the first and second fixation elements. The connector can also include a locking element configured to (1) lock one or more of the fixation elements to the connector, and (2) lock one or more of the degrees of freedom between the fixation elements. The connector can be configured to snap onto or otherwise engage a fixation element in a manner that provides tactile and/or audible feedback to the surgeon.

Abstract: A revision connector is configured to couple a new spine fixation rod to a previously implanted spine fixation rod that is secured to a plurality of vertebrae. The new spine fixation rod can be implanted and secured to vertebrae that are caudal and/or cranial with respect to the previously secured vertebrae.

Abstract: Methods and devices for providing access to an intervertebral disc using the patient's bony pedicle as an anchoring spot for a pedicle screw that temporarily attaches to an access port are disclosed herein. The disclosed methods and devices can eliminate the need for a surgical table as an anchor, as well as the need for components extending from the table to the port at the access site, thereby unencumbering the surgeon's view and workspace while providing minimally invasive access.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a distal portion configured for penetrating tissue. A proximal portion includes a drive surface, a guide surface and a retention surface. The surfaces being disposed in a serial configuration. The retention surface is engageable with a surface of a surgical instrument to define a retention interface. Instruments, systems, constructs and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a hip implant offering minimal invasiveness is described. The system comprises means for positioning the implant under optical and X-ray control, an implant and an applicator for screwing and expanding the implant. The implant includes an insert body and an expansion tube with cut-outs and slits defining legs. The legs expand radially through windows in the insert body when the expansion tube is pushed against the sloped distal portion of the insert body. The expansion process may be ensured by using an anti-rotation device to prevent the insertion tube from rotating within the insert body. Applicator and implant are provided with means preventing cold welding during the implantation process.

Abstract: A surgical screw according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a shaft portion that extends between a proximal end and a distal end, the shaft portion including a first thread having a variable pitch and a head portion extending from the proximal end of the shaft portion. The head portion includes a second thread having a pitch that is equal to a pitch of at least a portion of the variable pitch.

Abstract: A bone screw for treating a bone fracture having a detent assembly on a body portion thereof. The detent assembly includes a detent member that is movable between a first and second position. The detent assembly operative to secure the body whereby said plunger portion moves independent of said body. The bone screw may also include a plunger assembly having a plunger with a threaded portion and a plunger portion. The plunger portion is slidably disposed within a chamber of the body.

Abstract: A differential compression bone screw and a method are provided for compressing adjacent bone portions together to encourage bone fusion. The compression bone screw is comprised of a head portion and a shank. A center hole extends from the head portion to a distal end of the shank. A superior end of the head portion includes a shaped opening that receives a tool for driving the compression bone screw into a hole drilled in a patient's bone. An inferior end of the head portion includes barbs that engage with surrounding bone tissue. A smooth portion of the shank is disposed between proximal threads and distal threads that rotatably engage within the hole in the patient's bone. A thread pitch of the distal threads is greater than a thread pitch of the proximal threads, such that the compression bone screw comprises a differential pitch configured to compress the adjacent bone portions.

Abstract: A surgical injection device includes at least one tubular element defining a passageway. The passageway is configured for disposal of a selected volume of an agent and an evacuator disposed within the passageway. An actuator is engageable with the evacuator to entirely expel the selected volume of the agent from the passageway to a selected site. Spinal constructs, implants, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed which provides a safe means of passing a cerclage wire around a bone and the technique for accomplishing this task is described. This device uses the tactile sensation of the human hand to achieve appropriate placement of the cerclage wire. Thus, Irregularities in the bone fragments of a fracture or bone graft augmenting a fracture can safely be encircled and secured. The device permits retrograde placement of the cerclage wire compatible with available manufactured devices.

Abstract: A system for bending an implant includes a drill guide extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, the drill guide including a distal portion having a first threading extending therealong to engage a threading along an interior of a bone fixation element receiving hole of an implant and a proximal portion having a second threading extending therealong and a bending pin extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end including a recess extending proximally therefrom, the recess sized and shaped to receive the proximal portion of the drill guide and including a corresponding threading therealong for engaging the second threading.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an outer shaft defining a passageway. An inner shaft is disposed within the passageway and defines a lumen. An expandable structure has a first end coupled to a second end of the outer shaft and a second end coupled to a second end of the inner shaft. The expandable member defines a chamber. A delivery shaft includes a first end positioned within the passageway and a second end positioned within the chamber. The delivery shaft defines a channel configured to deliver a coolant out of an opening in the second end of the delivery shaft and into the chamber to move the expandable structure from an unexpanded configuration to an expanded configuration. A variable exhaust valve is in communication with the passageway and is configured to regulate pressure within the chamber. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The current invention concerns systems, devices and methods for the ablation of a ablation of the wall of one or more pulmonary veins (PV) from the inside, preferably transmural ablation and preferably at the level of the antrum. Hereby, one or more implant devices can be implanted in the vessels and can subsequently be heated by external energy-providing means.

Abstract: An inventive system and method for touch free operation of an ablation workstation is presented. The system can comprise a depth sensor for detecting a movement, motion software to receive the detected movement from the depth sensor, deduce a gesture based on the detected movement, and filter the gesture to accept an applicable gesture, and client software to receive the applicable gesture at a client computer in an ablation workstation for performing a task in accordance with client logic based on the applicable gesture. The system can also comprise hardware for making the detected movement an applicable gesture. The system can also comprise voice recognition providing voice input for enabling the client to perform the task based on the voice input in conjunction with the applicable gesture. The applicable gesture can be a movement authorized using facial recognition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunctional medical device, apparatus or system that is capable of performing a surgical procedure or operation and also capable of removing or reducing smoke particles generated by the surgical procedure or operation on a subject, the apparatus comprising a plurality of electrodes, two of which are configured to be in electrical communication with or being electrically connectable to opposite poles of a source of high voltage dc electricity to ionize, and remove or reduce smoke particles, and at least one of which is also configured to be part of a RF circuit to perform a surgical procedure or operation such as tissue cutting, cauterization, tissue sealing or coagulating at a surgical site on the subject. Also disclosed is a method of employing the above disclosed device, apparatus or system or variations thereof to perform a surgical procedure or operation at a surgical site and to remove or reduce smoke particles generated during the surgical procedure or operation.

Abstract: An instrument (10) provided for simultaneous coagulation and dissection of tissue has tissue receptacles between the cutting electrode and the sealing electrode for the formation of tissue bulges to secure the tissue in the tool during the sealing process. In order to make it possible to form voluminous tissue bulges and to prevent their atrophy, the cutting electrode is supplied by a current limiting component, preferably in the form of a coupling capacitor. Thereby, in particular, in tissue that can be cut through easily, but which requires a long time for sealing, a high degree of process safety is achieved.

Abstract: Surgical tools are disclosed that include a first handle having a first recess, a second handle having a second recess, a first tip disposed in the first recess and extending distally, and a second tip disposed in the second recess and extending distally. The first tip has a first external surface and a first internal surface. The second tip has a second external surface and a second internal surface. The surgical tool has a first configuration wherein the surgical tool operates as forceps. The surgical tool has a second configuration wherein the surgical tool operates as scissors. The first internal surface can be moved adjacent to the second internal surface to permit rotation of the first tip relative to the first recess and permit rotation of the second tip relative to the second recess. The rotation of the first tip and the second tip transitions the surgical tool between the first configuration and the second configuration.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a handle assembly, a knife drive assembly, and a lockout assembly. The end effector includes a pair of jaws, a knife, and an RF electrode. The handle assembly includes a housing associated with the first jaw, and an arm associated with the second jaw. The arm is pivotably coupled with the housing and pivots the second jaw between the open position and the closed position. The knife drive assembly includes a trigger slidably coupled with the housing, an actuating assembly, and a return assembly. The actuation assembly converts proximal translation of the trigger into distal actuation of the knife. The return assembly automatically actuates the knife from the fired position to the pre-fired position in response to the trigger reaching a predetermined proximal position. The lockout assembly prevents activation of the electrode and distal actuation of the knife while in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector, a handle assembly, and a knife drive assembly. The end effector includes a pair of jaws, a knife, and an RF electrode assembly. The knife actuates between a pre-fired position and a fired position. An arm of the handle assembly is configured to pivot the second jaw between the open position and the closed position. The knife drive assembly includes an input assembly, a rotary assembly, and an output assembly. The input assembly travels a first proximal distance to rotate the rotary assembly. The rotary assembly rotates in response to travel of the input assembly along the first proximal distance to drive the output assembly a first distal distance to thereby actuate the knife from the pre-fired position toward the fired position. The first distal distance is greater than the first proximal distance.

Abstract: Electrosurgical instruments with passive articulation and thermal insulation are described herein. Such instruments can provide the advantages associated with passive articulation while protecting tissue and other structures from unintentional thermal damage when an end effector is pressed thereagainst to effect articulation while at an elevated temperature due to use. In one embodiment, such an instrument can include a distal end effector with jaws to clamp tissue, a proximal actuating portion, an energy delivery surface that contacts grasped tissue, and a passive articulating portion disposed between the end effector and the actuating portion. The articulating portion can be configured to selectively permit movement of the end effector relative to the actuating portion in response to external forces acting on the end effector. Further, an outward-facing surface of at least one of the first and second jaws can be covered in a thermally insulating material.

Abstract: An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of pivotably coupled first and second jaw members. The jaw members are movable relative to one another. A drive mechanism includes a driving structure. A link assembly includes two or more links that are operably coupled to each other and the drive structure. The two or more links are operably coupled to respective ones of the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing forward fluid delivery through an electrosurgical device, while avoiding coring when energy is delivered to the electrosurgical device. The device has a distal face defining an opening, with the distal face including at least one cutting portion and at least one non-cutting portion. An embodiment of the electrosurgical device for puncturing tissue includes an elongate member defining a lumen for receiving a fluid; a distal face defining at least one aperture; and the distal face including at least one cutting portion and at least one non-cutting portion cooperating to produce an elongated cut in a tissue when electrical energy is delivered to the distal face while avoiding coring of the tissue.

Abstract: A medical probe for insertion has at least one distal electrode coupled to an energy source to apply energy to tissue inside the body. A plurality of apertures are formed in the electrode. A fluid-directing assembly is disposed in the distal section of the probe having an axial channel that is in fluid communication with at least one trans-axial channel disposed at right angles to the axial channel and leading to an exterior of the assembly. A blocking terminus is disposed forward of the at least one trans-axial channel that prevents irrigation fluid from flowing axially in a forward direction so that the fluid flows outwardly into the lumen of the electrode in at least one trans-axial direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a device that performs ablation of tissue. The device has a catheter with a shaft through which an ablative agent can travel, a first positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a first position and a second positioning element attached to the catheter shaft at a second position. The shaft also has ports through which the ablative agent can be released.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, systems, and devices for increasing heat shock protein expression and treating conditions for which increased heat shock protein expression is expected to be beneficial using thermal ablation.

Abstract: A catheter tip is disclosed comprising a tip electrode comprising a ledge feature, and a center cavity and a manifold assembly comprising a fluid lumen manifold and a stop tube. The stop tube can be coupled to the fluid lumen manifold and configured to abut the ledge feature such that a distal end of the fluid lumen manifold extends a pre-determined distance into the center cavity of the tip electrode. The fluid lumen manifold can comprise a plurality of sideholes which can be sized and configured to distribute an irrigant to the tip electrode. The catheter tip can comprise a flexible tip electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of a probe configured to be inserted into contact with a myocardium, and an electrode attached to the probe. A temperature sensor, incorporated in the probe, is configured to output a temperature signal. A pump irrigates the myocardium, via the probe, with an irrigation fluid at a controllable rate, and a radiofrequency (RF) signal generator applies RF power via the electrode to the myocardium, so as to ablate the myocardium. The apparatus also has processing circuitry that measures a temperature of the probe, based on the temperature signal, while the RF power is applied and, when the measured temperature exceeds a preset target temperature, iteratively reduces the RF power applied by the signal generator and concurrently iteratively varies a rate of irrigation of the irrigation fluid provided by the pump, until the measured temperature is reduced to the preset target temperature.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed, with the device including a set of splines coupled to a catheter for medical ablation therapy. Each spline of the set of splines may include a set of electrodes formed on that spline. The set of splines may be configured for translation to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration. The devices described herein may be used to form a lesion via focal ablation.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for electroporation ablation therapy are disclosed herein, with a cinch device for positioning an ablation catheter relative to tissue during a cardiac ablation procedure. In some embodiments, a distal end of a first device may be advanced into a proximal end of a first lumen of a second device. The first device may be advanced from a distal end of the first lumen and the first device may be looped around tissue of a patient. The first device may be advanced into a distal end of a second lumen of the second device. The distal end of the first device may be advanced from a proximal end of the second lumen. The proximal and distal ends of the first device may be advanced away from a proximal end of the second device to increase contact between the first device and the tissue.

Abstract: The infrared denaturing device of the present invention is provided with: an infrared lamp which emits infrared light; a light guide which guides the infrared light; and a light projecting body which radiates the infrared light guided from the light guide onto an object to be denatured. The light projecting body is provided with: a reflecting surface which reflects the infrared light; and a radiating surface which radiates the infrared light reflected by the reflecting surface onto an object to be irradiated. Further, there is also provided a denaturing detection sensor which detects denaturing, by means of the infrared light, of a region being denatured.