Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for radiosurgical treatment of moving tissues of the heart, including acquiring at least one volume of the tissue and acquiring at least one ultrasound data set, image or volume of the tissue using an ultrasound transducer disposed at a position. A similarity measure is computed between the ultrasound image or volume and the acquired volume or a simulated ultrasound data set, image or volume. A robot is configured in response to the similarity measure and the position of the transducer, and a radiation beam is fired from the configured robot.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging device includes: a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to control ah ultrasound transducer to transmit a push pulse in response to input of an operation; set, based on an amount of movement of the ultrasound transducer in a predetermined time period according to the input of the operation, transmission parameter for transmitting a track pulse; and control the ultrasound transducer to transmit the track pulse toward a shear wave detection position set in an ultrasound image.

Abstract: Provided herein are containers for holding a portion of a biological sample such as a fecal sample. The containers include a body that can be sealed with an upper cap that is attached to a sampling pin and a grip member. The sampling pin is configured to collect a predetermined amount of sample in one or more sampling grooves, with excess sample amount optionally removed from the sampling pin by an interior flange of the container body. The grip member is configured to provide the user of the container with improved torque and grip, and to distance the fingers of the user from the sample being collected. Also provided are kits and methods including the disclosed containers.

Abstract: An object is to provide a stool-receiving sheet for stool collection that offers good floatability and dispersibility on/in water. As a solution, a stool-receiving sheet for stool collection is provided whose compounding quantity of a softwood pulp with a lumen width (l) to fiber diameter (D) ratio (l/D) of 0.6 or lower is 40 percent by weight or higher, while compounding quantity of a sizing agent is 0.05 percent by weight or higher but no higher than 0.12 percent by weight, relative to the total quantity of papermaking fibers, and whose density is 0.60 g/cm3 or lower.

Abstract: A medical swab includes a hollow tube shaft that has a distal end and a proximal end. A swab tip is mounted to the hollow tube shaft such that a first portion of the swab tip is positioned within the distal end of the hollow tube shaft and a second portion of the swab tip extends out from the distal end of the hollow tube shaft.

Abstract: A system for drug testing includes a collector configured to collect saliva, a processor configured to mate with the collector, and a detector. The collector comprises a mouthpiece, an elongate body, a vent to vent air from the body and a collection portion to collect saliva. The processor is configured to automatically extract a first sample of the saliva and a second sample of the saliva. The detector is configured to mate with the processor and to analyze the first sample to detect an amount of drug in the collected saliva.

Abstract: An ingestible apparatus for collecting samples from a target area of a gastrointestinal tract of a human or mammal and/or for delivering a health-related substance thereto. The ingestible apparatus has a housing comprising at least one first port and at least a volume-changeable first compartment communicable with the at least one first port, an actuation assembly for changing the volume of the first compartment for collecting the samples and/or discharging the health-related substance through the at least one first port, a delay structure for delaying the actuation assembly to change the volume of the first compartment until the ingestible apparatus is at or about the target area, and a circuit structure for detecting arrival of the ingestible apparatus at the target area and for detecting an end of the sample collecting and/or the health-related-substance discharging.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a sheath equipped with a removable stylet. The sheath including a terminus with a distal chamber configured with a forward facing cutting edge comprising a plurality of movable blades. The plurality of movable blades including two counter rotating blades configured perpendicular or beveled relative to a long axis of the distal chamber, each counter rotating blade configured to pivot from a separate axis. The biopsy device further comprises a manipulation end controllable by a user to plunge the forward facing cutting edge at a sampling locus after removal of the removable stylet at a depth and to engage a cutting action by the plurality of movable blades at the depth selected to acquire at least one specimen storable in the distal chamber.

Abstract: A method for making a braided medical device may involve positioning an insert inside a braided material, processing the braided material to form the braided medical device, dissolving and/or crushing the insert into multiple pieces, and removing the multiple pieces from the braided medical device. In some embodiments, the insert is made of gypsum. A braided medical device for occluding a defect in a heart may include a right disc for residing in a right side of the heart, a left disc having a partially circular shape for residing in a left side of the heart, and a waist extending between the right disc and the left disc and having a smaller diameter than that of either the right disc or the left disc.

Abstract: A method for treating alopecia is disclosed. The method includes embedding a plurality of first implants and a plurality of second implants in subcutaneous tissue of scalp in accordance with an arrangement, each of the first implant and the second implant comprising a body and a plurality of hooks on the body, wherein in the said arrangement, each of the plurality of hooks on the plurality of first implants and the plurality of second implants is pointing upward.

Abstract: A sterile interface for a surgical platform is provided, optionally to be used with a mechanical telemanipulator. The sterile interface is configured to allow for transmission of motion without dimensional inconsistencies between a non-sterile surgical platform and a sterile surgical instrument that are related to one another in a master-slave configuration. The sterile interface is configured to allow for multiple changes of sterile surgical instruments during a surgical procedure without contaminating the sterile field. The sterile interface allows for interchangeable sterile articulated surgical instruments to be attached to the surgical platform without coming into contact with non-sterile portions of the surgical platform.

Abstract: Retractor assemblies and methods of using them to retract tissue. A retractor assembly as described herein may include first and second arms pivotally coupled and each arm formed of a plurality of stacked and separated plates, spaced to define a gap therebeween, providing strength while affording a reduction in weight of the retractor assembly. The retractor assembly may also include a ratcheting locking mechanism.

Abstract: A cardiac retractor is disclosed. The cardiac retractor has an outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has a fixed collar fixedly coupled to a proximal end of the outer tube. The cardiac retractor further has a fixed link fixedly coupled to a distal end of the outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has an inner tube rotatable within the outer tube. The cardiac retractor further has a fixed key coupled to a proximal end of the inner tube and configured to rotate the inner tube relative to the outer tube. The cardiac retractor also has a keyed link coupled to a distal end of the outer tube.

Abstract: A wound healing aid device including a spacer, a ring and pair of flaps. The spacer is configured for implantation in an open wound. The spacer is positioned in the open wound in an area below a top layer of the wound. The ring is attached to the spacer and is configured to adhere to a top layer of skin surrounding the wound area. The pair of flaps are each positioned at an opposite side of the ring. The pair of flaps are configured to overlap one another in a closed positioned and are configured to separate from one another in an open position. The pair of flaps shield the open wound in the closed position and allow access to the wound in the open position.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical device includes a handle including a bore, and a trigger configured to advance or retract a needle through the bore of the handle. The trigger is configured to rotate about a pivot axis and is further configured to slide in distal and proximal directions. The device may be operated using one hand, and permits a user, such as a surgeon, to advance a needle through the device using intuitive, relatively easy thumb movements. While the device may be used in other techniques, it is particularly useful in meniscal repairs, including inside-out meniscal repairs.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a staple reload and a shipping wedge. In embodiments, the shipping wedge is configured to disable the use of a staple reload if the staple reload does not have an actuation sled. In other embodiments, the actuation sled includes a readable identifier that facilitates confirmation of the presence of an actuation sled within a staple reload from a location externally of the staple reload.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a staple reload and a shipping wedge. In embodiments, the shipping wedge is configured to disable the use of a staple reload if the staple reload does not have an actuation sled. In other embodiments, the actuation sled includes a readable identifier that facilitates confirmation of the presence of an actuation sled within a staple reload from a location externally of the staple reload.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly that has a cartridge assembly, an anvil assembly, and a dissector tip. The dissector tip is moveable between a first configuration aligned with a longitudinal axis of the tool assembly and a second configuration defining an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of the tool assembly.

Abstract: A hand-held electromechanical surgical instrument includes a handle housing, a shaft portion extending distally from the handle housing, a firing shaft configured to effect a stapling function of an end effector, and a manual lever coupled to the firing shaft for manually retracting the firing shaft and, in turn, opening the end effector.

Abstract: An adapter assembly selectively interconnects a surgical end effector that is configured to perform at least a pair of functions and a surgical device that is configured to actuate the end effector. The end effector includes a first axially translatable drive member and a second axially translatable drive member. The surgical device includes a first rotatable drive shaft and a second rotatable drive shaft.

Abstract: A manual retraction tool for use with a surgical tool assembly of a surgical device includes a shaft, a rotation mechanism, and a trigger. The shaft is dimensioned to be inserted into a rotational connector of a surgical tool assembly and to effect rotation of the connector upon rotation of the shaft. The rotation mechanism configured to rotatably support the shaft. The trigger is operably connected to the rotation mechanism such that when the trigger is actuated from a first position to a second position, the rotation mechanism rotates the shaft about a longitudinal axis in a first direction to effect rotation of the rotational connector of the surgical tool assembly.

Abstract: A method of stapling tissue is disclosed. The method can include obtaining a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples, wherein each staple has a base and a leg extending from the base. The stapling method can also include firing the staples from the staple cartridge, wherein the staples are fired into tissue in a staple line. The staple line can include a first portion having a first flexibility and a second portion having a second flexibility, wherein the second flexibility is different than the first flexibility. A method of stapling tissue can also include adapting an anvil with an anvil plate having an arrangement of staple-forming pockets that differs from the staple-forming pockets in the anvil.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly is disclosed comprising one or more wire staples and one or more staples formed from a sheet of material.

Abstract: A surgical staple, stapler, and related methods are disclosed. A surgical staple has a pair of staple legs and a backspan positioned between the pair of staple legs, the backspan and the pair of staple legs formed by bending a wire. At least one recess is positioned in the wire to influence a folding direction of at least one staple leg during tissue stapling. The surgical staple is configured to pierce tissue only once with each staple leg during the tissue stapling.

Abstract: Force modulating tissue bridges, and associated applicators, kits and methods are provided. A force modulating tissue bridge can be a medical article for at least partially covering a wound and/or scar tissue. The medical article can include an elastic arch extending over an area, and a medial strut connected to the arch and extending into the area over which the central section extends.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method may include providing a first intravascular device having a distal portion and at least one aperture and positioning the distal portion of the first intravascular device in the vascular wall. The method may further include providing a reentry device having a body and a distal tip, the distal tip having a natural state and a compressed state and inserting the distal tip, in the compressed state, in the distal portion of the first intravascular device. The method may further include advancing the distal tip, in the natural state, through the at least one aperture of the first intravascular device.

Abstract: The problem of positioning one or more nerve ends inside a sheathing implant is solved by the use of a pulley and cinching systems that pull a nerve end into an implant and that can adjust the diameter of an implant to conform the implant to the diameter of the nerve, respectively. The pulley system utilizes a suture that traverses the wall of an implant leaving one end outside the implant wall and another end that can be attached to a nerve. Pulling the suture end outside the wall pulls the nerve attached to the other end of the suture into the bore of the implant. A cinching system utilizes specially arranged sutures within the wall of an implant to tighten or cinch up the wall after a nerve is placed therein, so as to conform at least part of the implant to the diameter of the nerve. Methods are also disclosed by which such pulley systems can be formed during an intraoperative procedure.

Abstract: A method for authenticating the compatibility of a staple cartridge with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The method can comprise inserting a staple cartridge into a surgical instrument, receiving a first signal from a first RFID tag on a first component of the staple cartridge with an RFID reader system, receiving a second signal from a second RFID tag on a second component of the staple cartridge with the RFID reader system, comparing the first signal and the second signal to stored data for a compatible staple cartridge, and locking a staple firing system of the surgical instrument if the first signal and the second signal do not match the stored data for a compatible staple cartridge.

Abstract: A device for treating tissue includes a capsule defining a channel extending therethrough and clip arms. Each of the arms includes a proximal part releasably coupled to a distal part, a proximal portion of the distal part configured to be received within the channel of the capsule so that the arms move proximally and distally relative to the capsule between a tissue receiving configuration, in which distal ends of the arms are separated from one another, and a tissue clipping configuration, in which distal ends of the arms are moved toward one another. The proximal portion of each of the arms is configured to release from the corresponding distal part to lock the distal part of each of the arms over a portion of target tissue to be clipped while the proximal parts of the arms are removed from the body.

Abstract: A treatment system includes: an implant placed in a body; an insertion portion that is inserted into the body; and a flap having a first end and a second end located at a position closer to a distal end than the first end, the flap extending from the first end to the second end, wherein the second end has a receiving portion through which the implant can enter, and can be arranged at a spaced position, the spaced position being a position more spaced from a central axis of the insertion portion than the first end, and the flaps support the implant by abutting against the implant placed in the body.

Abstract: A band tightening apparatus for binding an intestine with a band according to an embodiment of the present disclosure pulls a holder that fixes a band so that the length of the band wound around the intestine is ideally adjusted. The apparatus can pull the band wound around the intestine so that the length of the band wound around the intestine is ideally adjusted and the apparatus can fix the band with a fixing pin for convenient use.

Abstract: An endovascular surgical tool may include a flexible, electrically-conductive delivery tube, a return conductor, a resistive heating element attached to the distal end of the delivery tube, and a therapeutic payload attached to a loop of the resistive heating element by a coil connecting member. The delivery tube may include at least one segment at its distal end which includes a plurality of transverse slots. Each slot of the plurality of slots includes an origin on the perimeter of the delivery tube, a terminus closer to a central axis of the delivery tube than the origin, and a depth between the origin and terminus. The origins of at least two slots of the plurality of slots may be located at different angular positions relative to the central axis. The return conductor may be electrically insulated from and positioned within the delivery tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a double balloon fluid-carrying catheter including an outer conduit and a balloon. Two Luer ports are provided at a proximal end of the outer conduit, of which one is used to inflate and deflate the balloon and the other is used to flush a guidewire lumen, and the balloon is provided near a distal end of the outer conduit, wherein the balloon is provided with two balloons, namely a proximal balloon and a distal balloon, and there is a certain distance between the proximal balloon and the distal balloon; a proximal end of the proximal balloon is provided with a plurality of side holes on a wall of the outer conduit, the side holes conduct an inside and an outside of the outer conduit, and a distal end of the distal balloon is provided with a bridging reflow hole.

Abstract: This invention is an intrasaccular aneurysm occlusion device with a flexible net or mesh which is deployed into an aneurysm sac and then expanded by the insertion of polymer longitudinal embolic members (e.g. polymer tubular strands) into the net or mesh. As the net or mesh expands, it comes into contact with the walls of the aneurysm sac and conforms to the shape of even an irregularly-shaped aneurysm sac.

Abstract: A method to close bodily outpouchings using a novel endovascular treatment mesh device that affixes at least one amorphous hydrogel layer expandable in vivo to any or all surfaces of an expandable body comprising at least one material adapted to close said outpouching in the body. The treatment mesh further includes a telescoping center-support bar disposed therein, the center-support bar having at least two telescoping elements that act as reinforcing extension elements to minimize the risk of collapse. Hydrogel is affixed to the surface of the telescoping elements to inhibit retraction. The method includes use of an embodiment of the novel device wherein the treatment mesh device is a stent.

Abstract: An embolisation device (10) for promoting clot formation in a bodily lumen (L) and having a collapsed delivery configuration for delivery of the embolisation device (10) into, and retrieval of the embolisation device (10) from, the bodily lumen (L) and an expanded deployed configuration for anchoring the embolisation device (10) in the bodily lumen (L). The embolisation device (10) comprises a tubular cage (20) having a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The embolisation device further comprises an embolisation member (30) disposed in the tubular cage (20), the embolisation member (30) comprising a stem (31) and a plurality of flexible bristles (32) extending outwardly from the stem, the plurality of flexible bristles having a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing an osteotomy are presented. Examples include forming a fusion osteotomy at a metatarsocuneiform joint of the first ray of a human foot.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (25), in particular a surgical cutting or drilling instrument, the surgical instrument (25) comprising: a drive unit; a cutting tool or drill bit (5) engageable with the drive unit; a measuring device (1) which is configured to measure the distance [x(t)] covered by the cutting tool or drill bit (5) along a cutting or drilling path with respect to time and relative to a reference position; a processing un and a digital data storage, wherein in the digital data storage reference data are stored which include at least one data set specifying a reference graph GRef within a time window (11) in the range of a transition and defining a reference point of a transition (21?), wherein the time window (11) includes a first time period before the reference point of a transition (21?) and a second time period after the reference point of a transition (21?) and wherein the processing unit (14) suitably programmed to compare the recorded graph G with the at least one reference graph GRef and to find

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying and determining the size and orientation of a reamed portion of a patient's bone are disclosed. A tracking array and/or point probe may be inserted into an adapter device. The adapter device comprising a plurality of openings, having various connection means therein, such that when the tracking array is inserted into the adapter, a secure and robust connection is created. A reamer, stem, or similar tool may then be inserted into the opposing side of the adapter, during which, a secure and robust connection is created between the adapter and the tool. Thus, through the use of Computer Assisted Surgery Systems, a more accurate representation of the patient's anatomy can be obtained.

Abstract: A clot retrieval catheter can have a tailored, highly flexible body section capable of navigating tortuous routes and an expandable tip for local flow restriction/arrest. The body can be a support tube of struts with a plurality of ribs and one or more axial spines. The support tube can also be a tubular section with a pattern of radial slots to increase flexibility while inhibiting kinking and binding. The ribs and spines can have strut widths which vary along the length of the support tube or can have curves with a non-planar cross section. The ribs can be formed such that they can move when subjected to the loads of a thrombectomy procedure. The structure of the support tube can also be a braided or woven pattern of strands. The support tube can also have a polymer jacket or membrane disposed around at least a portion of the structure.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for removal of clot material from a treatment site in a blood vessel, particularly in venous vasculature. A treatment device (101) can include a core member (115) having a distal portion (109) and an inner coil (111) surrounding the distal portion of the core member. A helical outer member (113) surrounds at least a portion of the inner coil, and a sheet of flexible material (117) extends between the inner coil and the helical outer member, such that the sheet extends helically around the inner coil to provide a surface for clot engagement at the treatment site.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic treatment tool including: a sheath that has a longitudinal axis; a first operation wire and a second operation wire that are inserted through the sheath so as to be able to be moved forward and backward; a treatment part constituted by a first wire rod and a second wire rod that have lower bending rigidity than bending rigidity of the second operation wire; a first joint part inside which the second wire rod passes and that joins a distal-end section of the first operation wire and a proximal-end section of the first wire rod; and a second joint part that joins a distal-end section of the second operation wire and a proximal-end section of the second wire rod.

Abstract: Applications related to non-invasive magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) in a patient's vasculature are described. For example, the applications can include an ablation procedure, an occlusion procedure, a cauterization procedure, and the like. Accordingly, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method for performing an MRgFUS application that includes selecting a target area within a patient's vasculature, configuring multifocal acoustic waves, and applying the multifocal acoustic waves to the target area to heat sequential locations in the target area simultaneously to facilitate the MRgFUS application.

Abstract: A tonsillectomy suction dissector apparatus (100) having a proximal handle (101) and a distal curved tip (102) which has a suction channel (103) within and along the tip connecting at least one suction inlet port (105) to a vacuum port. The apparatus has a flexible cutting blade member (106) slidably retained and orientated widthwise within a corresponding slot (107) and configurable by hand operable locking mechanism (108) between an extended position wherein a distal cutting end (109) of the cutting blade member extends from the end of the tip and a retracted position. The shape and orientation of the blade allows the blade to bend within the slot when being extended for cutting.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a robotic manipulator, a first surgical instrument removably mountable to the robotic manipulator and maneuverable within a body cavity by the robotic manipulator. The instrument has end effector and a working channel proportioned to receive an implement therethrough. Robotic control of the first surgical and, optionally, the implement, is managed using input from a user interface.

Abstract: A medical device includes a shaft, an end effector at a distal end of the shaft, the end effector having a first jaw that pivots relative to a second jaw about a pivot axis, a control mechanism engaging a surface of the first jaw, such that when the control mechanism translates relative to the pivot axis from a first state to a second state, the surface of the first jaw moves relative to the control mechanism and pivot about the pivot axis. The medical device further includes an actuator extending through the shaft and coupled to the control mechanism, where translation of the actuator translates the control mechanism from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: An instrument for a surgical assistance robot is provided with a bending structure that enables a joint function part to be bent and is provided with an outer coiled part formed of a wire wound in a coiled shape and an inner coiled part formed of a wire wound in a coiled shape and arranged in the outer coiled part, wherein the outer coiled part has a plurality of gaps to distance adjacent coils, and coils of the inner coiled part are provided so as to correspond to the gaps of the outer coiled part and fit between the adjacent coils while being in contact with the adjacent coils of the outer coiled part.

Abstract: A combination (2290) of an annular rotary knife blade (2300) and blade housing assembly (2400) for a power operated dermatome (2000). The rotary knife blade includes an inner wall (2310) defining an interior region (2301) and including a lower tissue-directing surface (2370) adjacent a cutting edge (2360) and a radially recessed upper portion (2380). The blade housing assembly includes a blade housing (2410) having a first end (2412) and an axially spaced apart second end (2414) and an inner wall (2416) and a radially spaced apart outer wall (2418). The blade housing includes a blade housing cover (2450) extending from the inner wall into the blade interior region. The blade housing cover includes a shield (2470) extending along the recessed upper portion of the rotary knife blade inner wall and having an inner surface (2472) adjacent and continuing the lower tissue-directing surface of the rotary knife blade inner wall.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A ceramic cutting member includes both a cutting window having sharp edges and one or more flutes with cutting burrs circumferentially spaced-apart from the cutting window. An electrode may be placed between a pair of flutes and opposite to the cutting window. A motor drive is coupled to the proximal end of the elongated sleeve to rotate the ceramic cutting member cut bone with the flute(s) and soft tissue with the cutting window. The electrode provides cautery or radiofrequency ablation of tissue when the sleeve and ceramic cutting member are not being rotated.

Abstract: Devices for removing implanted objects from body vessels are provided. A device includes a sheath assembly having a cutting tip. The cutting tip includes a cutting surface that is adapted to cut tissue coupled to an implanted object as the cutting tip rotates. The sheath assembly further includes an outer shield carried outside of the cutting tip. The outer shield includes a distal opening, and the outer shield is translatable relative to the cutting tip from a first position to a second position and vice versa. In the first position the cutting surface of the cutting tip is disposed within the outer shield, and in the second position the cutting tip extends through the distal opening and the cutting surface is at least partially disposed outside of the outer shield.