Abstract: A surgical instrument for cutting a first tissue and detecting a second tissue includes a shaft, a cutting member, and a tissue monitor system. The shaft extends along a longitudinal axis and includes a shaft lumen and a shaft opening. The cutting member is disposed within the shaft lumen and configured to cyclically move from a first position to a second position relative to the shaft. The cutting member is further configured to cut a tissue portion of the first tissue for removal therefrom. The tissue monitor system is associated with at least one of the shaft or the cutting member configured to detect the second tissue distinct from the first tissue for selectively cutting and removing the first tissue relative to the second tissue.

Abstract: Various surgical devices and methods are disclosed herein. Also disclosed is multi-component prosthesis, which can be used as an ankle prosthesis. One of the disclosed surgical alignment systems includes a guide arm, a ratchet arm frame configured to be coupled slidably to the guide arm, a ratchet arm configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm frame, and a sagittal sizing guide body configured to be coupled to the ratchet arm. The sagittal sizing guide body includes a first radiopaque object disposed at a first position and a second radiopaque object disposed at a second position that is spaced apart from the first position.

Abstract: A method of performing an arthroplasty procedure on a shoulder that includes the following steps, among others. A step of accessing a posterior aspect of the humeral head. A step of cutting the humeral head in a posterior-to-anterior direction so as to form a resected bone surface. A step of cutting at least one channel into the resected bone surface and through a posterior aspect of the humeral cortex, the at least one channel extending in a posterior-anterior direction. A step of attaching a first component including a base plate of a joint replacement system to the resected bone surface, the base plate including at least one fin that is received within the at least one channel. A step of attaching a second component of the joint replacement system to the base plate.

Abstract: A microprojection array comprising a substrate with a plurality of microprojections protruding from the substrate wherein the microprojections have a tapering hexagonal shape and comprise a tip and a base wherein the base has two substantially parallel sides with a slight draught angle of approximately 1 to 20 degrees up to a transition point at which point the angle increases to from about 20 degrees to about 70 degrees.

Abstract: A fecal impaction removal device includes an elongated shaft extending along a central longitudinal axis. A dilation body is secured at a distal end of the elongated shaft for insertion into a rectum of a patient. The dilation body has a maximum radial extension in a direction orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis. The fecal impaction removal device includes a stop member that extends from a central region of the elongated shaft. The stop member has a length along a major axis that is greater than the maximum radial extension of the dilation body.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter includes a catheter body, an ultrasound transmission member, a sonic connector, a constraining member, and a vibrational absorber. The vibrational absorber has an opening through which the ultrasonic transmission member extends. The vibrational absorber is located in a recessed portion of the constraining member. The vibrational absorber is both longitudinally interposed between the constraining member and the distal portion of the sonic connector and laterally interposed between the recessed portion of the constraining member and the ultrasound transmission member. The recessed portion of the constraining member overlaps a portion of an exterior of the distal portion of the sonic connector.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter may be adapted for placement within a blood vessel having a vessel wall for treating a vascular lesion within or adjacent the vessel wall. The ultrasound catheter includes an elongate shaft extending from a distal region to a proximal region and an ultrasound transducer that is disposed relative to the distal region of the elongate shaft and is adapted to impart near-field acoustic pressure waves upon the vascular lesion in order to mechanically modify the vascular lesion. An inflatable balloon is disposed about the ultrasound transducer and is coupled to the elongate shaft, the inflatable balloon having a collapsed configuration suitable for advancing the ultrasound catheter through a patient's vasculature and an expanded configuration suitable for anchoring the ultrasound catheter in position relative to a treatment site.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and/or claimed inventive concept(s) relate, in general, to systems, kits, and techniques for performing embolectomies including, but not limited to, arterial and venous embolectomies.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device with an elongate shaft and an expandable section, the expandable section having a framework of interconnected strut elements distal of the elongate shaft, the strut elements forming an outer expandable body and an inner expandable body. At least a portion of the strut elements include a first coating of radiopaque material defining a plurality of micro-columns, wherein each micro-column includes a length extending between a first end coupled to one of the plurality of strut elements and a second free end opposite the first end, the length of each micro-column is longer than a width of each micro-column. The second free end is capable of moving further apart when a convex bend is applied to the respective strut element during use. Also including a second coating.

Abstract: Inverting tube thrombectomy apparatus for removing clot that are configured to prevent compression of the apparatus that may separate the distal end of the apparatus from the clot and may make it difficult to advance the apparatus to engage with the clot, particularly in a tortious vessel. The apparatuses and methods of using them described herein may be adapted to prevent tension in the flexible tube that is rolling and inverting over the distal end of the inversion support catheter when capturing a clot. Also described herein are inverting tube thrombectomy apparatus that are configured to reload either automatically or manually within the vessel to capture additional clot material.

Abstract: Variations of integral navigation controls may be used in conjunction with a medical instrument to provide navigation functions for an image guided surgery (IGS) system that is in communication with the integral navigation controls. In some variations, a medical instrument with integrated navigation wheels allows movement of a cursor of the IGS system along the x and y axis by scrolling the wheel, or allows selection, zooming, or other controls by combined clicking and/or scrolling of wheels, and may be sterilized or discarded along with the device. In some other variations, a control overlay may be temporarily attached to the medical instrument to provide additional controls, such as buttons or a pointing stick, and then removed and sterilized or discarded after a procedure. In each variation, inputs may be communicated via wire or wirelessly to an IGS system to provide navigation of images during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods and apparatuses for surgical forceps for an easier and safer retrieval of foreign bodies in passages for better quality of care for patients.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier comprising an electric motor system is disclosed. The electric motor system is configured to drive one or more drive systems of the surgical clip applier. The surgical clip applier comprises a control system configured to control the electric motor system. The control system is configured to monitor a parameter of the electric motor system to assess the operation of the one or more drive systems. In at least one instance, the control system monitors the electric current drawn by an electric motor and adapts the operation of the electric motor based on the electric current being drawn by the motor. The control system slows the electric motor down when the electric current drawn by the electric motor exceeds a threshold. The control system modulates the width, or duration, of voltage pulses applied to the electric motor to control the speed of the electric motor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed including an end effector, a firing drive, and a mechanical closure system. The end effector includes a first jaw including a proximal end and a distal end, a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a closed position, a staple cartridge including staples removably stored therein, and a cutting member movable toward the distal end during a staple firing stroke. The firing drive includes a drive shaft operable to move the cutting member through the staple firing stroke, a gear drive train operably coupled to the drive shaft, an electric motor configured to actuate the gear drive train, and a firing trigger actuatable to actuate the electric motor. The mechanical closure system includes a closure member movable distally to close the second jaw during a closure stroke and a closure trigger rotatable between an unactuated position and an actuated position to advance the closure member through the closure stroke.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus comprises a body, an ultrasonic transducer, a shaft, and an end effector. The ultrasonic transducer is operable to convert electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The body comprises a pivotal trigger. The shaft couples the end effector and the body together. The end effector comprises a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic blade is operable to deliver ultrasonic vibrations to tissue. Pivotal movement of the trigger causes movement of the clamp arm. The trigger includes a compliant feature configured to limit the amount of force delivered to tissue by the clamp arm. The flexible feature may comprise a flexible band, living hinge, a series of living hinges, or a flexible tab.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes: a metallic component on which a concave surface concaved with respect to a surface of the metallic component is formed; and a covering that covers the concave surface while receiving a compressive force from the concave surface of the metallic component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the minimally invasive removal of tissue and to facilitate the direct approach to anesthetizing a body wall of a patient. A pull-type cutting device also is disclosed to introduce an opening into the body wall to provide access for intra-chest surgical interventions, for example a minimally invasive biopsy technique as also described for excising target tissue from within a patient, including a nodule from within the patient's lung.

Abstract: An powered hair restoration and surgical assembly includes a housing for gripping during a surgical procedure. A blunt dissector is removably coupled to the housing for manipulating an incision. A control circuit is positioned in the housing and an incising unit is movably positioned in the housing. The incising unit is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The incising unit is extendable outwardly through the blunt dissector to incise skin on a patient and the incising unit is retractable into the blunt dissector. A fluid dispenser unit is positioned in the housing and the fluid dispenser unit is electrically coupled to the control circuit. The fluid dispenser unit is in fluid communication with the incising unit to deliver a selectable volume of the fluid into the incision when the incising unit is extended outwardly through the blunt dissector. A control is positioned on the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a laparoscopic morcellating device and method for removing tissue from a body cavity. The morcellating device includes a containment mechanism having an aperture, a cutting mechanism designed to fit into an interior space of the containment mechanism and a retractor mechanism that is coupled to the cutting mechanism. The containment mechanism and cutting mechanism combination surrounds the tissue and the aperture of the containment mechanism is closed around the tissue. The morcellating device further includes a motor for actuating the retractor such that the cutting mechanism constricts and morcellates the tissue. The laparoscopic morcellating device further allows for torque balancing of the retractor mechanism, gas flow regulation of the body cavity, and safety feedback mechanisms that can alert the surgeon.

Abstract: Systems, instruments, methods, and compositions are described involving removing a portion of the epidermis within a donor site on a subject, and harvesting dermal plugs within the donor site. An injectable filler is formed by mincing the dermal plugs. The injectable filler is configured for injecting into a recipient site on the subject.

Abstract: A dilator assembly comprising an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a first lumen extending along the body, a second lumen extending along the body so that it is a parallel to the first lumen, and a joint lumen disposed adjacent the distal end of the body, wherein both the first lumen and second lumen are in fluid communication with the joint lumen. A guidewire has a first end and a second end, and the first end of the guidewire is slidably received in the first lumen and the second end of the guidewire is slidably received in the second lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a medical device to a subject's body, either directly to the subject's body or to an intermediary element on the subject's body. The apparatus prevents substantially any relative movement between the medical device and the subject's body. Such an apparatus comprises: (i) a back base positioned between the subject's body and a surface that the subject lies thereon, (ii) at least one set of straps connected to the back base and to at least one of the medical device and the intermediary element, and (iii) at least one set of connectors providing a connection between the at least one set of straps and one or more of the medical device, the intermediary element and the back base. The apparatus may further comprise any of pivoting connectors, a respiration sensor, and straps with a stretchable section. The apparatus may be used in combination with a sterile drape.

Abstract: The present embodiments herein relate to an improved needle design and control methodology for fractured directed guiding to a desired target. This system has the capability to control the insertion not only in 2D-plane, but also in 3D-space in a very controlled manner. A method of controlling the path of movement of a needle structure toward a target can include a stylet type of needle configuration or a water-jet needle configuration.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for adaptively and intraoperatively configuring an automated arm used during a medical procedure. The automated arm is configured to position and orient an end effector on the automated arm a desired distance and orientation from a target. The end effector may be an external video scope and the target may be a surgical port. The positions and orientations of the end effector and the target may be continuously updated. The position of the arm may be moved to new locations responsive to user commands. The automated arm may include a multi-joint arm attached to a weighted frame. The weighted frame may include a tower and a supporting beam.

Abstract: Insertion devices and associated systems and methods for the percutaneous placement of patient leads are disclosed herein. A system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a cannula having a lumen and a first dilator. The first dilator can be positioned within the lumen and the first dilator and the cannula can be used to create a percutaneous entry point. An additional dilator can be positioned over the first dilator and advanced into the percutaneous entry point to expand the percutaneous entry point. A final dilator can be inserted into the patient and two leads can be advanced into the patient through the final dilator.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to monitor performance of an intraosseous device by using a supporting structure and an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism releasably secures the supporting structure proximate an insertion site for the intraosseous device. The supporting structure includes an opening formed therein and sized to receive at least a portion of the intraosseous device. A sensor detects parameters associated with providing fluids and/or medications through the intraosseous device to the bone marrow. The attachment mechanism and the supporting structure cooperate with each other to minimize movement of the intraosseous device relative to the insertion site when the portion of the intraosseous device is disposed in the opening of the supporting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for penetrating bone and accessing bone marrow is provided. The apparatus may include a penetrator assembly and a powered drill. The penetrator assembly may include an inner penetrator having a stylet. The penetrator assembly may also include an outer penetrator having a hollow cannula and a luer lock attachment. The powered drill may include a housing enclosing a motor and a power supply and associated circuitry. The powered drill may also include a connector receptacle for receiving a penetrator assembly connector of the penetrator assembly. The powered drill may include a magnetic connection which releasably locks the penetrator assembly connector into place with the powered drill. The power supply may include a rechargeable battery within the housing for supplying power to the motor. A battery indicator may be provided to indicate a level of the battery.

Abstract: An integral dual rod spinal construct for immobilizing and stabilizing vertebral bodies of the spine is described.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to an apparatus for aligning vertebrae of a curved spine that may include a coupler having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end, wherein the proximal end comprises first threads, wherein the distal end comprises a mating surface for disposition around a rod attached to a spinal column, and wherein the coupler applies a compressive clamping force to the rod. The apparatus further may include a nut having second threads corresponding to the first threads, wherein the nut is attachable to the coupler proximal end. The apparatus further may include a driver disposable at least partially around the coupler, wherein the driver applies a clamping force to the coupler, and wherein the nut applies a linear force to the driver when tightened.

Abstract: There is provided a pedicle screw assembly for dynamic and static fixation, which is able to be assembled during the operation and allows a doctor to make an emergency choice between fusion fixation and non-fusion fixation. The pedicle screw assembly is used for inner fixation in spine surgery. During the operation, a pedicle screw is firstly implanted in a pedicle, and then a spherical head of the pedicle screw is enclosed by a connecting claw. After a screw seat is connected to the connecting claw by means of threads, a connecting rod is inserted in a groove and finally a locking screw is tightened to complete the fixation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to orthopedic fixation devices that comprise a coupling element and a bone fastener, whereby the bone fastener can be loaded into the coupling element through the bottom of a bore in the coupling element. The orthopedic fixation devices described herein can include modular locking clamp assemblies that can be fixed onto fasteners that are already implanted in bone. The modular locking clamp assemblies can include polyaxial locking clamp assemblies, as well as monoaxial locking clamp assemblies.

Abstract: A posterior spinal implant system configured to immobilize and stabilize spinal segments as an adjunct to fusion in the thoracic, lumbar, and/or sacral spine. The implant system includes a pedicle screw, a spinal rod; a connector connecting the pedicle screw to the spinal rod. The connector includes a connector body, a polyaxial screw receiver positioned on the connector body and configured to receive the pedicle screw and permit polyaxial orientation of the connector relative to the pedicle screw, a polyaxial rod receiver positioned in the connector body and configured to receive the spinal rod and permit polyaxial orientation of the spinal rod relative to the connector, and a lock installed in the polyaxial rod receiver. The lock is operable to lock the connector relative the pedicle screw, lock the polyaxial rod receiver relative to the connector, and lock the spinal rod relative to the polyaxial rod receiver.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating spinal deformities are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a low-profile spinal anchoring device is provided for receiving a spinal fixation element, such as a tether, therethrough. The device generally includes a staple body that is adapted to seat a spinal fixation element, a fastening element for fixing the staple body to bone, and a locking assembly for coupling a spinal fixation element to the staple body. In one embodiment, the locking assembly includes a washer that is adapted to couple to the staple body such that the spinal fixation is disposed therebetween, and a locking nut that is adapted to engage the staple body to mate the washer to the staple body.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an interspinous process fusion device, a method of fabricating the interspinous process fusion device, and a surgical method for maintaining a space between two spinous processes in a spine of a patient using the fusion device. The interspinous process fusion device including a distal tip member, a middle plate, a proximal plate, an elongate member, and a plurality of movable wings. The elongate member having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second end. The distal tip member is connected to the first end of the elongate member, the proximal plate is connected to the second end of the elongate member, and the middle plate and plurality of wings are positioned intermediate the distal tip member and the proximal plate along the longitudinal axis to form the interspinous process fusion device assembly.

Abstract: A kyphoplasty system disclosed herein includes various instruments which can be selectively used to perform a kyphoplasty operation on a patient. For example, in some embodiments the kyphoplasty system includes an inflation plunger that is used to deliver a balloon inflation medium to enlarge an implantable balloon device. Further, some embodiments described herein include a connection system between the implantable balloon device and its delivery shaft that is simple to construct and easy to use. For example, in some embodiments one or more sutures are used to releasably connect the implantable balloon device to its delivery shaft.

Abstract: Methods and devices for correcting hallux valgus and tailor's bunion are disclosed. An implant includes a bone engaging feature on each end connected by an intermediate portion. The implant is configured to be positioned on the dorsal side of the metatarsals and stabilizes two adjacent metatarsals toward one another, thereby decreasing the intermetatarsal angle. Depending on the severity of the deformity, a single or multiple implants may be used. In addition, the implant may be used as an adjunctive device in combination with other surgical procedures.

Abstract: Cerclage constructs, systems, kits and methods of cerclage repairs are disclosed. A cerclage construct can create a repair without metal cerclage and cabling (metal wires, cables, etc.) and/or metal components (metal fittings, screws, etc.). A cerclage construct includes a plurality of interconnected flexible strands that secure a first bone (bone graft or bone block) to a second bone (bone graft or bone block) with a simple and compact design. The cerclage construct is a flexible, tensionable construct that eliminates the need for metal components in a fracture repair.

Abstract: This disclosure describes exemplary screw and intramedullary devices that are better able to bring bone fragments into close proximity with each other, generate a compressive load, and maintain that compressive load for a prolonged period of time while healing occurs. The devices are made of a shape memory material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bone screw system, an implant system and a method of locking a bone screw system into a bore. The bone screw system comprises a bone screw and a washer. The screw comprises a screw head and a screw shaft. The washer comprises a washer bore. A diameter of the washer bore is larger than an outer diameter of the screw shaft. This allows a displacement of the screw shaft within the washer bore. The diameter of the washer bore is smaller than an outer diameter of the screw head. This prevents the screw head from moving through the washer bore. The screw and the washer comprise each an engagement portion for an engagement with each other. At least one of these engagement portions comprises an inclined surface. The inclined surface is configured to force the screw shaft sideward upon screwing in of the screw so that a longitudinal axis of the screw is tilted relative to the axis of the washer bore.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a device for producing a bone cement paste from a monomer liquid and a cement powder as parent components of the bone cement paste and for delivering the mixed bone cement paste, the device having a cartridge having a cylindrical interior. The interior of the cartridge is closed on the front side except for a delivery opening for expelling the bone cement paste. A delivery plunger is arranged in the interior of the cartridge. The cement powder is arranged in the interior of the cartridge. A closure is arranged on the front side of the delivery plunger. The closure closes the delivery opening when the delivery plunger is pressed against the front side of the interior of the cartridge.

Abstract: An ablation applicator for an ablation device for ablating tissue of a blood vessel having a tubular body defining an inner lumen to which an ablation medium is conductable, a control mechanism for converting the tubular body between a passive operation mode for inserting the ablation applicator into the blood vessel and an active operation mode for ablating tissue of the blood vessel, and an ablation medium supply line for supplying the ablation medium to the inner lumen and positioned within the inner lumen and having a number of openings for passing the ablation medium from the ablation medium supply line to the inner lumen for thermally contacting the ablation medium with the tubular body wherein at least some of the openings are distributed along the ablation medium supply line with a predetermined spacing between neighboring openings.

Abstract: A medical device includes: a housing; a switch provided on the housing; and a converter provided in the housing. The switch is configured to allow switching between a plurality of states and is configured to output a first signal in response to one of the states to which the switching is performed. The converter is configured to convert the first signal into a second signal of a different system when the converter receives the output of the first signal, and is configured to output the second signal to an outside configured to detect the second signal.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and methods relate to detecting coupling or uncoupling of an external cable from an output port of an electrosurgical generator when a cable detection switch is unavailable or inoperable. The electrosurgical generator includes internal cabling having a first end portion connected to the output port and a second end portion. The disclosed technology includes supplying power from the electrosurgical generator, measuring current and voltage at the second end portion of the internal cabling within the electrosurgical generator, accessing one or more parameters associated with internal cable compensation corresponding to the internal cabling within the electrosurgical generator, and determining coupling or uncoupling of an external cable from the output port based on the measured current, the measured voltage, and the one or more parameters associated with internal cable compensation.

Abstract: Cardiac ablation is carried out by placing two ablation electrodes on opposite sides of a wall of the heart to generally oppose one another. The effective current transmission area of one of the electrodes is then varied according to the distance between the two electrodes or the thickness of the wall. Sufficient electrical current is transmitted between the two electrodes to achieve transmural ablation.

Abstract: A medical member improved in yield is provided. The medical member is assembled with an assembly unit, is movable relative to at least part of the assembly unit, and is provided with: a conductor including a plurality of curved portions and a through hole extending along a plane including the plurality of curved portions; and a coating portion integrally formed with the conductor in such a manner as to cover the periphery of the conductor and fill the interior of the through hole.

Abstract: An interchangeable tool assembly is disclosed. The interchangeable tool assembly includes a first jaw configured to support a staple cartridge during a first time period and a radio-frequency cartridge during a second time period. A second jaw is coupled to the first jaw. A surface of the second jaw defines a plurality of staple forming pockets configured to form staples driven from the staple cartridge. An electrically insulative material covers segments of the surface of the second jaw other than the staple forming pockets. The staple forming pockets define at least one return path for radio-frequency energy delivered by the radio-frequency cartridge.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: An ultrapolar telescopic electrosurgery pencil/handpiece with or without smoke evacuation that is capable of cutting with a sharp non-conductive cutting end of an electrosurgery blade and cutting and coagulating with activation of active and return contacts both contained on each side of the electrosurgery blade.

Abstract: An irrigated electrophysiology catheter has a tip electrode having a shell, and a support member configured to plug the shell and support one or more tip components and/or facilitate their functions. Advantageously, the support member has an electrically-conductive interface portion and an insert-molded portion, wherein the interface portion, typically constructed of a precious metal alloy, is structurally minimized, yet still configured for electrical connection with the shell and the lead wire, so as to reduce the amount and hence the cost of its manufacture, whereas the insert-molded portion is constructed of a significantly less-costly material and is readily configured with micro-complex 3-D geometry adapted to support tip structure and functions including irrigation, force sensing and temperature sensing, as a further cost savings in the manufacturing of the tip electrode by reducing materials, labor and time.

Abstract: A method, consisting of modeling physical parameters representative of a probe in proximity to body tissue during an ablation procedure performed by the probe. The method also includes measuring a subgroup of the physical parameters during a non-ablation stage of the ablation procedure so as to generate measured non-ablative values of the subgroup, and measuring the subgroup of the physical parameters during an ablation stage of the ablation procedure so as to generate measured ablative values of the subgroup. In response to the modeling, the method includes generating calculated non-ablative values of the subgroup for the non-ablation stage, and generating calculated ablative values of the subgroup for the ablation stage. The method compares the measured non-ablative values with the calculated non-ablative values, and compares the measured ablative values with the calculated ablative values, so as generate optimal values of the physical parameters.