Abstract: A system can facilitate pre-treatment a biofluid sample for various applications for monitoring and/or tracking a subject's health. The system includes a sample collection component that can collect the biofluid sample. The system also includes a mixing component that includes a media with a material. Upon adding the biofluid sample to the mixing component, the biofluid sample mixes with the media. The system also includes a filter component that can filter the media from the biofluid sample. After the media is filtered from the biofluid sample, the biofluid sample can be provided to an analyte analysis application.

Abstract: An animal specimen collection tool may include a collection portion formed of a silicone or urethane material that is not easily torn in a soft material. When the animal bites and chews the collection portion directly in the mouth of the animal, the saliva of animal is absorbed in a sponge of a hydrophilic material provided inside through an inlet hole of the collection portion, the collection portion is removed from the mouth of the animal, and then inserted into the inside a tube portion and pressed to a tube adapter, and the saliva of animal absorbed in the sponge is discharged through the inlet hole of the collection portion and stored in the tube portion, which prevent contamination of the specimen, and thus DNA/RNA/antibody, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatuses, methods, and method of manufacture of a microfluidic device for detecting biomolecules in sweat, and a biosensor patch for detecting biomolecules in sweat, in which the microfluidic device and a biosensor are combined, the device and the patch being capable of detecting various target molecules present in sweat by electrochemical signals and also detecting the concentration of a target molecule.

Abstract: A method and system of imaging a tissue sample including receiving a biopsy device in a first channel of a microscopy cassette, injecting a first fluid into the biopsy device with a fluid to direct the tissue sample into a capture tube, injecting a second fluid into a second channel of the microscopy cassette, receiving the tissue sample in a removable insert, draining the first and second fluids from the removable insert, and acquiring an image of the tissue sample.

Abstract: Provided are tissue repair and sealing devices, and methods for the use of tissue repair and sealing devices, for use in both minimally invasive surgical (MIS) procedures and open, non-MIS procedures to rapidly repair tissue fenestrations and create a pressure-resistant, watertight seal in a tissue barrier. Tissue repair and sealing devices disclosed herein comprise an integrated graft and deployable clasp assembly and an applicator assembly having a clasp retain and release member that is slidably connected to a folded, deployable clasp. The applicator assembly places a graft on a tissue inner surface and a deployable clasp on a tissue outer surface to secure the graft to the tissue inner surface to, thereby, repair a tissue fenestration and create a watertight barrier.

Abstract: A catheter for the gentle opening of luminal valves and method of use is disclosed. The catheter comprises a suction lumen and a guidewire within. The suction lumen provides an atraumatic amount of suction force to draw valve leaflets open whereupon the guidewire can be advanced through the now open valve or the contents of the luminal organ beyond the valve can be aspirated into the device. When the guidewire is advanced, the catheter can follow the guide wire beyond the opened valve, thereby allowing retrograde access of luminal organs beyond normally closed valves. The process can be repeated to open a second valve located upstream of a first valve.

Abstract: A retractor, preferably a nerve root retractor, comprising three components: a base portion, an arm portion, and an anatomical structure retractor portion. The nerve retractor is designed to eliminate the requirement of having a person hold the retractor tool during a surgical procedure. The nerve retractor can be secured to a portion of the anatomical structure involved with, or near the surgical procedure site, and utilizes an actuating device which allows the user to manipulate the angle of orientation of the arm portion or anatomical structure retractor portion. The anatomical structure retractor may comprise a modular anatomical structure engaging member/head, allowing the surgeon to use multiple or differently configured structure engaging members/heads during a procedure as needed.

Abstract: A surgical rib retractor has a housing and a body pivotably coupled to the housing and moveable between a closed position and an open position. The retractor also has a first arm unit coupled to the housing and configured to atraumatically receive tissue. The first arm unit has a first arm, a first strut movable relative to the first arm in a first plane defined by the first arm, and a first frame attached to the first strut. The retractor also has a second arm unit coupled to the body and configured to atraumatically receive tissue. The second arm unit has a second arm, a second strut movable relative to the second arm in a second plane defined by the second arm, wherein the second plane is not parallel to the first plane when the body is in the closed position, and a second frame attached to the second strut.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula body and a sleeve. The cannula body includes a housing, an elongated portion extending distally from the housing, and at least one pin extending radially outward from the elongated portion. The sleeve is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the elongated portion of the cannula body, and defines a track for slidingly engaging the at least one pin of the cannula body. The sleeve is slidable along the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion relative to the cannula body between a first position corresponding to a first length of the surgical access device and a second position corresponding to a second length of the surgical access device.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a medical device includes an elongate member and a sleeve. The elongate member defines a lumen and has a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion has a first configuration and a second configuration. The second end portion has a first size when the second end portion is in its first configuration and a second size when the second end portion is in its second configuration. The first size is smaller than the second size. The second end portion is biased to its second configuration. The sleeve defines a lumen extending from a first end portion of the sleeve to a second end portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A tissue repair assembly for attachment of tissue to bone or tissue to tissue having a soft anchoring implant 100 with a length of suture 120 there through for tensioning the implant and facilitating attachment of other tissue. The implant 100 is a soft, flexible, three-dimensional structure that has a resident volume 200. An inserter tube 310 facilitates the placement of the implant 100 into bone or adjacent soft tissue where it may be deployed. Upon deployment, the soft anchoring implant 100 shortens axially and expands radially, achieving a larger diameter than the hole through which it was placed, thus resisting pull out.

Abstract: The technology includes an anchor assembly for tissue repair having an open helical coil sleeve and a tip structure. The tip structure includes an aperture for passing a suture and a suture capture member for capturing a suture. The technology also includes an anchor driver for installing an anchor into bone. The anchor driver includes an outer shaft and a sleeve advancement member for advancing the sleeve as well as an inner shaft and a suture capture advancement member for advancing the suture capture member. The technology also includes a system for tissue repair having an anchor assembly and an anchor driver for installing the anchor assembly into bone.

Abstract: Methods and devices for fixation of soft tissue to bone are provided. In one embodiment, a suture anchor is provided having an elongate cylindrical body with proximal and distal ends and an inner lumen extending therethrough. The elongate body can be configured so that upon partial insertion into a bone hole, it is securely anchored within the bone hole and a suture extending through the inner lumen is freely slidable. It can also configured so that, upon further insertion into the bone hole, at least a portion of the elongate body compresses to lock the suture within the inner lumen such that the suture is prevented from sliding. In another embodiment, a suture anchor is provided having arms that have an open position for receiving a suture therebetween, and a closed position in which the suture is retained but allowed to slide freely.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a first flexible member having first and second ends and a first body extending therebetween, where the first body defines a first passage portion. A second flexible member can have first and second ends and a second body extending therebetween, where the second body defines second and third passage portions. The first end of the first flexible member passes into and through the second passage portion such that the first end extends outside of the second passage portion, and the second end of the first flexible member passes into and through the third passage portion such that the second end extends outside of the third passage portion. The first and second ends of the second flexible member pass into and through the first passage portion to form a self-locking adjustable flexible member construct.

Abstract: A medical apparatus that includes a distal member, a needle disposed in the distal member and proximally advanceable from the distal member, and a needle capture portion positioned proximal to the distal member and which includes a through-hole to direct the needle from the needle capture portion towards a graspable member at a trajectory narrower than a trajectory of the needle from the distal member to the needle capture portion.

Abstract: An automatic needle mover (1) for moving a medical threaded needle includes: two shafts (a first shaft (11) and a second shaft (12)) extending in the same direction and slidable relative to each other along a longitudinal direction; a needle holding portion (a second needle support portion (22)) provided on one end side of the second shaft (12); a needle-receiving portion (a first needle support portion (21)) provided on one end side of the first shaft (11); and a handle (30) serving as a control portion for controlling the sliding of the two shafts. The needle holding portion has a first groove portion provided in a first claw portion protruding in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the shafts. The needle-receiving portion has a second groove portion provided in a second claw portion protruding in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the shafts.

Abstract: An orthopedic fixation system includes an implant and an implant insertion device. The implant transitions between a natural shape and an insertion shape. The implant includes a bridge defining a slot with a first end and a second end and first and second anchoring members extending from the bridge. The implant insertion device moves between a loaded position and an unloaded position. The implant insertion device in its loaded position inserts through the slot of the bridge and engages the bridge at the first and second ends of the slot such that the implant insertion device constrains the implant in its insertion shape. The implant insertion device in its unloaded position releases the implant.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly, an anvil, a firing assembly, a motor, a user input feature, and an electrical circuit. The firing assembly actuates the stapling head assembly to drive an annular array of staples through tissue toward the anvil. The motor actuates the firing assembly through an actuation stroke to thereby actuate the stapling head assembly. The electrical circuit includes a trigger switch and an electrical latching feature. The trigger transitions from an open state to a closed state in response to the user input feature transitioning from a non-actuated state to an actuated state. The electrical circuit activates the motor in response to closure of the trigger switch. The electrical latching feature maintains activation of the motor to complete the actuation stroke even if the trigger switch is transitioned back to the open state before completion of the actuation stroke.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly for a surgical stapling device that includes a cartridge assembly having a plurality of rows of staples positioned on opposite sides of a central knife slot and different size staples in each of the rows of staples. The tool assembly is adapted to provide a more pronounced B-shape to the distal-most staple in an inner row of staples to improve gripping of tissue.

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

Abstract: Methods for draining pseudocysts and stent delivery systems for use therein are disclosed. An illustrative system may include a catheter shaft having an inflatable balloon affixed to a distal end region thereof. A cutting electrode may be disposed at the distal end of the system and at least one heating electrode may be disposed within the inflatable balloon. A self expandable stent may be disposed about the inflatable balloon. The stent may be formed of a shape memory polymer. The inflation fluid may be heated within the balloon to facilitate expansion of the stent.

Abstract: A stapling device includes a handle assembly, an adaptor assembly extending from the handle assembly, and a reload assembly supported on a distal end portion of the adaptor assembly. The reload assembly includes a shell housing, a staple cartridge, a first seal, a staple actuator, and a knife carrier. The first seal is disposed within a cavity of the shell housing and defines a staple actuator opening and a knife carrier opening. The staple actuator includes a proximal leg extending proximally therefrom and through the staple actuator opening of the first seal to provide a fluid seal therebetween. The knife carrier includes a proximal body portion extending proximally therefrom and through the knife carrier opening of the first seal to provide a fluid seal therebetween.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical clip for ligating a blood vessel or tissue structure. The surgical clip includes a first leg member including a first inner surface and a first plurality of protrusions disposed on the first inner surfaces. The surgical clip also includes a second leg member including a second inner surface and a second plurality of protrusions disposed on the second inner surface. The surgical clip further includes a hinge member joining the first leg member and the second leg member. The at least one of the first and second plurality of protrusions includes a gable structure that extends along a longitudinal direction of the first or second inner surface. The orientation and the geometric shape of the protrusions of the surgical clip allow for increased resistance to the migration or sliding of the clip along a longitudinal direction of the blood vessel or tissue structure, while providing a balanced closure force.

Abstract: A clamp for a medical procedure includes a first clamp member, a second clamp member, a hinge, a biasing member, a shaft, and an actuator. The hinge couples the first ends of the first and second clamp members such that the first clamp member is pivotable relative to the second clamp member. The biasing member couples the second ends of the first and second clamp members and is configured to apply a clamping force. The distal end of the shaft and the biasing member are fixedly coupled with at least one of the first clamp member or the second clamp member for a duration of the medical procedure. The actuator is operatively coupled with the biasing member such that the actuator selectively tensions the biasing member to provide the clamping force.

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: Devices, methods, and systems for closure device for a left atrial appendage and, in particular, to a closure device that includes an anchor element and a disc element that are each individually chosen based on the anatomy of the patient's left atrial appendage and assembled before implantation. In one embodiment, a medical device comprises: an anchor element, the anchor element including a first connection element; and a disc element, the disc element including a second connection element pivotably coupled to the first connection element, the anchor element being sized to be received and retained within a left atrial appendage and the disc element being sized to completely cover an opening of the left atrial appendage.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward systems, methods, and apparatuses that include an occlusion device having a barrier member. The barrier member may include an enlargeable portion and a tail portion extending from the enlargeable portion. The enlargeable portion and the tail portion are releasably coupled to the delivery catheter such that the tail portion is radially unsupported and collapsible upon deployment.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a surgical tool for use in shoulder arthroplasty. The surgical tool includes a humeral head cut guide configured to fit within a rotator interval of a subject in need of shoulder arthroplasty. The cut guide can further include a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a back surface, and at least two sides. The surgical tool can also have at least two nonconverging pin holes and a receiving portion configured to permit reversible attachment of the cut guide to an attachment arm assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for holding a tool. The assembly may selectively reduce and/or eliminate vibrations received and felt by a user. Reducing vibrations may reduce or eliminate chatter at a working end of a tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are rasp adapters, rasp systems, and method of use thereof. The rasp adapter can include a body and a retention element. The body can define a body cavity, a handle opening, and a trunnion bore. The retention element can be located within the body cavity and can include a knuckle and a heal. The knuckle can be located proximate to and movable into and out of the trunnion bore. The heal can be located proximate the handle opening. Movement of the retention element due to a force applied to the heal can cause movement of the retention element and movement of the knuckle into the trunnion bore.

Abstract: A system for targeting a feature on a surgical device, includes a shape sensing element coupled to an interrogator and operable to provide information to related to said portion's position in a reference frame in communication with the targeted feature. The interrogator is operable to poll the shape sensing element for information related to said portion's position in the reference frame. A surgical tool is coupled to the targeting system in communication with the shape sensing element. The data processor is operable to communicate with the interrogator to output position information of the portion of the shape sensing element with respect to a calibrated position, defined as the position of the portion of the shape sensing element in the reference frame when the guide axis is aligned to the targeted feature. A display provides the user visual information comparing the position of the tool to the targeted feature.

Abstract: Surgical constructs, assemblies and methods of tissue fixation are disclosed. A self-positioning drill guide can automatically reference a drill point or drill angle for drilling tunnels in bones by using peripheral edges. A self-positioning drill guide can be a center point drill guide configured to automatically center drill tunnels in bones by using peripheral edges that precisely reference the center point. A centering guide helps to automatically determine the center of bones as well as to provide increased control during drilling.

Abstract: An aspiration system comprises an aspiration catheter, an aspiration source fluidly coupled to the aspiration catheter to create an aspiration flow path between the aspiration catheter and the aspiration source, a pressurized fluid source, and a passive pressure oscillation assembly fluidly coupled between the pressurized fluid source and the aspiration flow path. The passive pressure oscillation assembly is configured for being operated between a normal mode that prevents fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the aspiration flow path, and an oscillatory mode that pulses fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the aspiration flow path. The passive pressure oscillation assembly is configured for being triggered to switch from the normal mode to the oscillatory mode in response to a clog in the aspiration catheter.

Abstract: A design bringing together mechanical thrombectomy and stenting for more efficient treatment of occlusions and stenotic lesions in the cerebral vasculature features a dual-layer setup. The outer layer consists of an expandable stent cage with large cell openings which can allow thrombus to pass through the openings into the inner expandable capture section layer. The clot capture section can be configured to grip and extract the occlusion. The outer cage is configured to be detached from the remainder of the device and left implanted as a stent to exert an outward radial force to support and/or dilate the region of stenosis. The device can have a distal fragment protection element to prevent the distal migration of elements liberated during the procedure.

Abstract: Thrombectomy apparatuses including multiple regions arranged to ensnare and stabilize a thrombus for removal from a blood vessel. Different regions of the apparatus can expand with different radial forces to improve engagement and retention of the thrombus. Different regions of the apparatus can have different diameters for encompassing the clot and for conforming to different portions of a blood vessel. Different regions of the apparatus can have a higher mesh density for capturing or retaining break away material of the clot. A junction region between the different regions of the apparatus can be arranged to enhance expansion and contraction of the apparatus.

Abstract: A two phase method for reducing the formation of biofilm includes an evacuation of ambient air from a region about the surgical or treatment site, to extract airborne or aerosolized bacteria ejected from the site by the treatment. The extracted bacteria are prevented from settling back onto the cleansed tissue surface, thus at least reducing colonial bacteriological growth and concomitantly exuded biofilm material. A second phase involves the attachment of one or more ultrasonic transducers to the patient over or near a surgical treatment site after the surgery is terminated. Each applied ultrasonic transducer is used to vibrate the patient's tissues at the treatment site to disrupt biofilm formation.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and techniques are described for creating pockets in tissue for accepting implantable medical devices. For example, a surgical tool includes a shaft defining a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, a handle coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, and one or more blades configured to move between a retracted configuration and a deployed configuration, wherein the one or more blades extend, in the deployed configuration, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis at the distal end of the shaft. The one or more blades may be configured to separate tissue in the deployed configuration.

Abstract: A catheter device 10 with a cutting structure or means 16 on the distal portion 14 is disclosed, along with a medical procedure for using the device. The catheter 10 is configured in such a way as to create a permanent interatrial aperture in the heart, including creating a permanent interatrial hole and/or removing tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument comprises an ultrasonic transducer, an acoustic waveguide, and an ultrasonic blade. The blade includes a pair of obliquely extending edges. The obliquely extending edges diverge away from the longitudinal axis of the waveguide and away from each other along respective paths extending distally in relation to the waveguide. A distal portion of the blade is wider than a proximal portion of the blade along a plane. The blade further includes a curved distal edge and several laterally presented surfaces. The laterally presented surfaces may provide combinations of concave and convex curvatures. The laterally presented surfaces may be angled and/or curved along one or more orthogonal planes associated with the longitudinal axis of the waveguide.

Abstract: A thrombectomy device includes a handle at a proximal end portion of the device, a first tube connected to the handle, and a second tube extending to a distal end portion of the device. The thrombectomy device also includes a cage at the distal end portion of the device, the cage being adjustable between a contracted orientation and an expanded orientation and including a scraping element formed with one or more of a round wire, a flat wire, or a blade disposed between a proximal end portion of the cage and a distal end portion of the cage, and a suction device, including a source of suction connected to the proximal end portion of the device, the suction device being configured to apply suction towards an interior of the second tube and to an extraction passage formed between the first tube and the second tube in a radial direction.

Abstract: A hair follicle implant device includes a needle holding assembly configured to hold a plurality of needles and a needle guide slidably coupled thereto and configured to provide a skin stop surface while guiding the plurality needles. A plurality of pistons is configured to slide within a respective one of the plurality of needles. A piston base is slidably coupled to the needle holding assembly and is configured to hold the pistons to slide within the plurality of needles when actuated during implantation. A spring, carried between the needle holding assembly and the piston base, is configured to bias the piston base in a retracted position, wherein the spring is offset from a central axis of the piston base. The needle holder holds the plurality of needles in the staggered arrangement offset from the central axis of the piston base.

Abstract: A surgical cannula assembly includes an elongate cannula member having a plurality of longitudinal ribs extending along the longitudinal axis with adjacent longitudinal ribs defining a longitudinal channel therebetween, a fluid port mounted adjacent the proximal end of the cannula member and configured for coupling to a source of inflation fluids, a conduit positioned within at least one longitudinal channel of the cannula member and in fluid communication with the fluid port, and an expandable balloon mounted adjacent the distal end of the cannula member and in fluid communication with the conduit. The expandable balloon is configured to transition from an initial unexpanded condition to an at least partially expanded condition upon passage and entry of inflation fluids from the fluid port, through the conduit and within an internal volume of the expandable balloon.

Abstract: A cannula, in particular for lumbar puncture and lumbar injection, with a proximal end and a distal end, can include a cannula tube with an inner side, and outer side, a cannula canal having a first end region and a second end region. The cannula tube can include at the second end region a tip which forms the distal end of the cannula, and the cannula tube can include an opening of the cannula canal, and a coating is provided about the opening of the cannula canal on the inner side.

Abstract: Access assemblies include an instrument valve housing and a valve assembly disposed within the cavity of the instrument valve housing. The valve assembly includes a guard assembly, and a seal assembly disposed distal of the guard assembly. The seal assembly includes a support member including a ring portion and a seal portion disposed within the ring portion. The seal assembly further includes a plurality of seal sections extending from the ring portion of the support member. The support member and the plurality of seal sections are integrally formed.

Abstract: A system for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is described. The system includes an introducer needle having an elongated body. The introducer needle is configured to create an opening in a tongue of a patient for implantation of a lead for treating OSA. One or more electrically conductive areas are located on the elongated body. A medical device is configured to deliver a stimulation signal via the introducer needle through the one or more electrically conductive areas to the tongue of the patient to stimulate one or more motor points of a protrusor muscle within the tongue of the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be employed for trans-tympanic membrane access to the middle ear for delivery of a formulation or implant device to a target location under direct visualization. The systems and methods can also be used to improve accessibility and visualization for various otological surgical procedures, such as, but not limited to, cholesteatoma removal, tympanic membrane repair and ossicular chain repair.

Abstract: An insertion tool for creating a subcutaneous pocket and implanting a device in the pocket. The tool may include a cannula extending from a handle, a dissector tip disposed at a distal end of the cannula, and a rod. The cannula and dissector tip may create the pocket. The cannula may include a passage and an opening into the passage, and the cannula may be disposed in the passage and move along the passage between a retracted position and an extended position. The rod and the cannula may be configured such that, when the rod is at the retracted position, the cannula holds the device in the passage, and as the cannula moves from the extended position to the retracted position, the rod forces the device through the opening at the distal end of the cannula, at least partially out of the cannula, and at least partially into the pocket.

Abstract: Systems and methods can be employed for trans-tympanic membrane access to the middle ear for delivery of a therapeutic agent, for example, to the round window niche adjacent to the cochlea under direct visualization. The systems and methods can also be used to improve accessibility and visualization for various otological surgical procedures, such as, but not limited to, cholesteatoma removal, tympanic membrane repair and ossicular chain repair.

Abstract: A uterine manipulator device useful for laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures or other minimally-invasive gynecologic procedures.

Abstract: A clamping system includes a first clamp body including a first jaw, a second jaw, and a first aperture configured to receive a bone pin, the first clamp body is configured to receive a first connector rod between the first jaw and the second jaw, a second clamp body coupled to the first clamp body and including a third jaw, a fourth jaw, and a second aperture configured to receive the bone pin, the second clamp body configured to receive a second connector rod between the third jaw and the fourth jaw, and a securing assembly movable between a first position and a second position, such that moving the securing assembly from the first position to the second position reduces a distance between the first jaw and the second and reduces a distance between the third jaw and the fourth jaw.