Abstract: The invention relates to the field of ultrasonic imaging detection, and more particularly, to an ultrasonic system of a contact type flexible conformal ultrasonic probe and a method for the same. The ultrasonic system comprises: a flexible probe, comprising a flexible detection surface, a plurality of probe units, and a soft film sensing surface; a switch module; a control module, comprising: a transmitting control unit for sequentially controlling the probe units in the probe array to transmit the ultrasonic signal; a receiving control unit for sequentially controlling the probe units in the probe array to receive the ultrasonic signal, and for processing the ultrasonic signal to obtain a ultrasonic image. The present invention has the following beneficial effects: the use of a flexible probe for acquiring an ultrasonic image allows to solve the problem that the operation process and imaging steps are complicated when using a rigid probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus of embodiments includes processing circuitry. The processing circuitry is configured to convert a signal into image information, the signal being generated by an ultrasonic probe receiving reflected waves of ultrasonic waves which have been transmitted from the ultrasonic probe and reflected from a subject, acquire information representing a relative relationship of the ultrasonic probe with respect to the subject, acquire at least one of information representing subject characteristics of the subject and information representing apparatus characteristics of the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, and generate an operation candidate for the ultrasonic probe on the basis of the acquired information representing the relative relationship of the ultrasonic probe with respect to the subject and the acquired at least one of the information representing the subject characteristics and the information representing the apparatus characteristics.

Abstract: An ultrasound controller unit (22) for controlling an ultrasound transducer unit (24) in acquiring ultrasound data for the purpose of deriving one or more physiological parameter measurements. The controller is adapted to control weighting coefficients applied to transmit and receive signals of each of a plurality of transducer elements (26) of the transducer unit. The controller is adapted to detect any artifact in received data affecting (e.g. obscuring) the output path of one or more of the transducers, and to identify the affected transducer elements. The weighting coefficients of the non-affected transducer elements are then adjusted so as to minimize an estimated noise component in the parameter measurement, if derived using only the non-affected transducer elements. Measurements of the one or more parameters are then derived by collecting data from the non-affected transducers only, these being configured with the optimized weighting coefficients.

Abstract: A puncture needle includes a shaft-part, a needle-tip-part disposed at a tip of the shaft-part, and processed-parts that are arranged on an outer peripheral part of the shaft-part along a length direction of the shaft-part and form an arithmetic progression in which arrangement intervals gradually decrease toward the needle-tip-part, wherein among the processed-parts, an arrangement interval between a first-processed-part which is separated from the needle-tip-part by a predetermined distance and is closest to the needle-tip-part and a second-processed-part which is second closest to the needle-tip-part is equal to or less than a tolerance of the arithmetic progression, or a distance from the needle-tip-part to the first-processed-part which is closest to the needle-tip-part is equal to or less than the tolerance of the arithmetic progression and equal to a difference between the arrangement interval between the first-processed-part and the second-processed-part which is second closest to the needle-tip-part

Abstract: An ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus includes: a power source control section that supplies power to a power source section which performs supply of power to each part of the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus; a battery that supplies the power to the power source control section: an external power supply section that supplies, to the power source control section, the power supplied from outside of the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus; and a power supply control section that controls supply of power from the battery and the external power supply section to the power source control section based on an operation state of the ultrasound image diagnostic apparatus and the presence or absence of the power supplied from the external power supply section.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for the measurement of fluids and the prevention of infections caused by probes comprising a module of fluid measurement and a probe infection prevention module. The fluid measurement module comprises an electronic module for the measurement of the body fluids; a disposable container for temporary retention of fluid during measurement; a fluid circulation tube arranged between the probe and the disposable container; and a disposable bag for the final disposal of waste fluids. The probe infection prevention module comprises a sheet equipped with adhesive allowing conformation of a flexible structure to the skin or mucosa of the patient. This module incorporates a gel externally that prevents infections, as well as internal antimicrobial components to inhibit passage of microorganisms through the system. The present invention allows non-invasive measurement of fluids utilizing existing probes while contributing to the reduction of infections in patients.

Abstract: A specimen collection and delivery apparatus for collecting clinical specimens and delivery of samples thereof to, e.g., microfluidic testing devices for diagnostic analysis is disclosed. The specimen collection and delivery apparatus includes a closure housing for coupling with a sample tube at one end, an open luer for coupling with a complementary luer on a microfluidic device at the other end, and a filter matrix disposed in the interior. The filter matrix is air permeable and liquid impermeable at atmospheric pressure and prevents sample from flowing through the open luer end when coupled to a sample tube containing a specimen. Under vacuum, the liquid sample fraction of the specimen can be drawn through the filter matrix and into the microfluidic testing device through the luer connection for diagnostic analysis.

Abstract: A brush for non-invasive biopsy may include a distal tip forming a cavity, where an opening of the cavity faces proximally. A shaft may be included, where the shaft is movable relative to the distal tip, where a distal end of the shaft is located within the cavity when the brush is in a first state, and where at least a portion of the distal end of the shaft is located outside the cavity when the brush is in a second state. A set of bristles may be located at the distal end of the shaft, where the bristles at least partially move from within the cavity of the distal tip to outside the cavity of the distal tip when the brush moves from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A biological specimen collection instrument configured for collecting a biological specimen to be analyzed includes: (a) a handle; (b) an elongate flexible or elastomeric stem extending from said handle, said stem having a distal portion terminating at a tip; and (c) a flexible or elastomeric lattice collection element connected to said stem distal portion, said lattice collection element having a body portion and a distal end portion, with at least said body portion, and optionally said distal end portion, having openings therein in a configuration that forms at least one biological specimen collection space.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration device and related method includes an introducer assembly and an aspiration assembly to couple to the introducer assembly. The introducer assembly includes an introducer cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The introducer cannula defines a lumen between the distal and proximal ends, the distal end being configured to penetrate bone of a patient. The aspiration assembly includes an aspiration cannula that is receivable in the lumen of the introducer cannula and that extends beyond the distal end of the introducer cannula. The aspiration cannula includes a port to aspirate bone marrow, the port being distal to the distal end of the introducer cannula. The aspiration device further includes a mechanism at the introducer assembly to move the introducer cannula and the aspiration cannula in tandem relative to a distal end of the mechanism when the aspiration cannula is positioned within bone.

Abstract: A tissue biopsy system includes a biopsy needle having an elongated shaft with a distal tip configured to pierce and capture a sample of tissue. The elongated shaft includes a needle bore defined therein having a helical feature defined along an inner periphery thereof. Upon rotation of the biopsy needle and insertion of the biopsy needle into tissue, the helical feature of the needle bore advances tissue proximally into the needle bore for containment and retention.

Abstract: A ratcheting handle for a medical instrument is provided that includes a ratchet shifter, a tool connector, a ratchet coupler, and a rear power housing. The handle provides clockwise and counterclockwise ratcheting. In one aspect, the ratcheting handle may include a drive shaft removeably connected to a power tool or, alternatively, to a handle grip for manual manipulation.

Abstract: Medical devices for repairing perforations in tissue, such as the tissue forming the tympanic membrane, methods of manufacturing medical devices, and methods of implanting a medical device are described. An example method of manufacturing a medical device includes obtaining a first piece of material, obtaining a second piece of material, obtaining a divider defining an passageway that extends through the divider, positioning the divider between the first piece of material and the second piece of material such that the divider contacts the first piece of material and the second piece of material, attaching a portion of the first piece of material to a portion of the second piece of material within the passageway defined by the divider, and removing the divider from between the first piece of material and the second piece of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device suitable for application of a curable fluid composition to encircle a bodily organ. The device comprises a monolithic piece of a flexible material having a length dimension with an inner surface and an outer surface, a first end and a second end, a width dimension, and two spaced-apart sides, wherein a portion of the length dimension proximal to the first end is configured to contact a portion of the length dimension proximal to the second end, the inner surface defining a hollow area between the two spaced-apart sides; and at least one inlet providing fluid communication between the outer surface and the inner surface, for introduction of the fluid into the hollow area.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a variety of prostheses, delivery systems and techniques to facilitate closure of transvascular or transcameral access ports. Various embodiments of prostheses are provided including a plurality of radially expandable discs that can be filled with material to facilitate coagulation and to reduce or stop leakage from punctures in vessel walls.

Abstract: A manipulating device includes a hollow tube having a tube wall formed with distal cutouts that define at least one deformable member in the tube wall and proximal cutouts that define an actuator in the tube wall connected to the at least one deformable member. Movement of the actuator deforms the at least one deformable member from a first orientation to a second orientation.

Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval device includes first and second shafts telescopically movable relative to one another. The second shaft supports an end effector that is movable relative to the first shaft between a retracted position, wherein the end effector is disposed within the first shaft, and a deployed position, wherein the end effector extends distally from the first shaft in an expanded configuration. The end effector includes a bag brim having first and second ends that operably engage the distal end of the second shaft. The bag brim is transitionable from a first collapsed configuration for disposition within the first shaft to an expanded, configuration upon deployment from the first shaft. The bag brim includes a spring assembly disposed between the first and second ends thereof that is configured to facilitate automatic expansion of the bag brim to the expanded configuration upon deployment thereof from within the first shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector configured to perform a plurality of end effector functions is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises a drive shaft which is both rotatable and translatable to drive the end effector functions.

Abstract: Remodeling of body tissue using a bioabsorbable implant that maintains or otherwise mechanically assists a more permanent implant or other treatment take, for example, by the treatment causing fibrosis. For example, the apparatus and methods can be used for hernia, organ prolapse and cosmetic purposes, such as breast and face lifts.

Abstract: A system and method of positioning a spinal implant into an intervertebral space comprises the steps of: cutting an incision through the skin toward an intervertebral space between a L5 and S1 vertebra; inserting an uncoupled first, second and third retractor blade into the incision to pre-position the retractor blades prior to retraction; coupling the pre-positioned first retractor blade to a connector arm to connect the first retractor blade to a table arm; attaching a blade to blade connector and mini flex arm to couple the second blade to either the first blade or third blade; and wherein the three uncoupled blades, once pre-positioned and then coupled, the blades are retracted to open the incision and expose the vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing separate loops of suture with a coaxial mechanical fastener. Separate loops of suture extend from opposite ends of the mechanical fastener. A wire snare facilitates pulling the suture through the fastener. A suturing instrument provides for the infusion of pressurized physiologic solutions into the left ventricle so that the proper replacement suture length can be demonstrated real time prior to crimping the fastener. The instrument incorporates a slotted release site so that the fastener and suture can be released from the device tip once the fastener is secured. A method of securing suture coming from cardiac valve leaflets and or other structures like papillary muscles permits a more atraumatic orientation of the fastener coaxial with the suture strands.

Abstract: A locking device is provided. The locking device includes a locking assembly, a handle, and a locking feedback element. The locking assembly is configured to lock a target object. The locking assembly is coupled with the handle. The handle comprises a movable portion and a fixed portion. The movable portion is configured to move relative to the fixed portion to drive the locking assembly to lock the target object. The locking feedback element is movably disposed in the fixed portion, and is configured to cooperate with the movable portion of the handle to feed back whether the target object is locked. The disclosure further provides a heart valve repair system.

Abstract: A surgical tool configured for operation in connection with a robotic system. The surgical tool includes a shaft and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. The end effector comprises a first jaw member and a second jaw member movable relative to the first jaw member from a closed position to an open position in response to at least one axial motion. In addition, the surgical tool includes a motor configured to generate at least one rotational motion and a motion conversion assembly operably coupled to the motor and the second jaw member, wherein the motion conversion assembly is configured to convert the at least one rotational motion to the at least one axial motion.

Abstract: An assembly used in osteosynthesis comprising a delivery instrument in combination with an implant wherein the delivery instrument releasably holds the implant in a first configuration prior to attachment of the implant to bone. The delivery instrument allows the implant to be affixed to bone before the implant is released from the instrument. And the instrument may comprise guide means for drills, depth gauges, screws, pins, pegs, blades and or drivers which are used or implanted when the implant is releasably attached to the instrument. After the implant is affixed to bone and released from the delivery instrument, the implant assumes at least a second configuration which provides compression and or distraction and or control of spatial orientation.

Abstract: A subcutaneous wound closure assembly having a closure apparatus, an insertion assembly and a retracting structure. The closure apparatus includes a substrate having a central axis and an outer perimeter. Radial ribs having micro needles extend therefrom. The insertion assembly includes an outer sheath and an applicator. Retracting structures in the form of sting members are coupled to the closure apparatus. A method of use is likewise set forth.

Abstract: A composite suture needle configured for passing through a smaller cannula used in minimally invasive surgery includes a curved elongated body made of stainless steel. The curved elongated body has a proximal end and a distal end with a pointed tip. The composite suture needle includes a sheath overlying the curved elongated body. The sheath is curved for conforming to the shape of the curved elongated body. The sheath is made of a material that is more elastic than the curved elongated body. The pointed tip of the curved elongated body extends distally beyond the distal end of the sheath. The curved elongated body is made of stainless steel and the sheath is made of a material, such as nitinol, that is more elastic than the elongated body.

Abstract: A staple cartridge for use with a stapling device that has an actuator that is selectively actuatable in an axial direction and an anvil portion that is selectively movable between open and closed positions is disclosed. Various embodiments of the present invention include a cartridge body that movably supports first and second staple drivers. The staple drivers each support a staple thereon and serve to drive the staples into forming contact with the anvil upon actuation by the actuator. The various embodiments of the present invention enable the final formed heights of the staples to be varied without the need to use different sizes of staples.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device that comprises an end effector. According to various embodiments, the end effector comprises a circular anvil having a staple forming surface and a plurality of staples facing the staple forming surface of the anvil. The end effector also comprises a staple driver assembly comprising a plurality of staple drivers. Each staple driver supports one of the plurality of staples and is configured such that, when the staple driver assembly is actuated, each staple driver drives the staple into the staple forming surface of the anvil. A first quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a first height and a second quantity of the plurality of staple drivers has a second height, wherein the first height is less than the second height.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical instrument having an interlock mechanism, and the surgical instrument includes a handle portion having a handle housing; an elongated body, defining a longitudinal axis of the instrument; an end effector, arranged on distal portion of the elongated body for operating tissues; a rotatable sleeve, circumferentially fixed with proximal portion of the elongated body and provided with a plurality of teeth; a rotatable knob, operatively to be reciprocated along the longitudinal axis; and an articulation gear assembly including an annular gear and a planet gear assembly.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. An E-beam firing bar moves distally through the clamped end effector to sever tissue and to drive staples on each side of the cut. The E-beam firing bar affirmatively spaces the anvil from the elongate channel to assure properly formed closed staples, especially when an amount of tissue is clamped that is inadequate to space the end effector. In particular, an upper pin of the firing bar longitudinally moves through an anvil slot and a channel slot is captured between a lower cap and a middle pin of the firing bar to assure a minimum spacing. Forming the E-beam from a thickened distal portion and a thinned proximal strip enhances manufacturability and facilitates use in such articulating surgical instruments.

Abstract: An end effector of a surgical stapler includes first and second jaw members and a buttress releasably secured to the first jaw member. The first jaw member defines a first projection and a second projection distal of the first projection. The buttress defines a first slot and a first aperture distal of the first slot. The first slot is dimensioned to receive the first projection of the first jaw member, and the first aperture is dimensioned to receive the second projection of the first jaw member.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. Various embodiments are configured to be operably attached to a robotic system to receive actuation/control motions therefrom.

Abstract: A surgical severing and stapling instrument, suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic clinical procedures, clamps tissue within an end effector of an elongate channel pivotally opposed by an anvil. Various embodiments are configured to be operably attached to a robotic system to receive actuation/control motions therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a complex surgical device for carrying out an anastomosis in the intestine including: a—a protective device (5) comprising an anchor element consisting of a stent (1) and a flexible outer sheath (2), and b—an introducer (10) comprising at least a first deformable guide tube (12), characterized in that the downstream end of said outer sheath is connected to said first guide tube (12) or to a first connecting piece (11), said outer sheath (2) being folded inside said first deformable guide tube (12), said stent being held in radial compression inside said first deformable guide tube.

Abstract: A method of displaying an operational parameter of a surgical system is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a cloud computing system of the surgical system, first usage data, from a first subset of surgical hubs of the surgical system; receiving, by the cloud computing system, second usage data, from a second subset of surgical hubs of the surgical system; analyzing, by the cloud computing system, the first and the second usage data to correlate the first and the second usage data with surgical outcome data; determining, by the cloud computing system, based on the correlation, a recommended medical resource usage configuration; and displaying, on respective displays on the first and the second subset of surgical hubs, indications of the recommended medical resource usage configuration.

Abstract: A method of displaying an operational parameter of a surgical system is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a cloud computing system of the surgical system, first usage data, from a first subset of surgical hubs of the surgical system; receiving, by the cloud computing system, second usage data, from a second subset of surgical hubs of the surgical system; analyzing, by the cloud computing system, the first and the second usage data to correlate the first and the second usage data with surgical outcome data; determining, by the cloud computing system, based on the correlation, a recommended medical resource usage configuration; and displaying, on respective displays on the first and the second subset of surgical hubs, indications of the recommended medical resource usage configuration.

Abstract: A method of displaying an operational parameter of a surgical system is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a cloud computing system of the surgical system, first usage data, from a first subset of surgical hubs of the surgical system; receiving, by the cloud computing system, second usage data, from a second subset of surgical hubs of the surgical system; analyzing, by the cloud computing system, the first and the second usage data to correlate the first and the second usage data with surgical outcome data; determining, by the cloud computing system, based on the correlation, a recommended medical resource usage configuration; and displaying, on respective displays on the first and the second subset of surgical hubs, indications of the recommended medical resource usage configuration.

Abstract: A method of displaying an operational parameter of a surgical system is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a cloud computing system of the surgical system, first usage data, from a first subset of surgical hubs of the surgical system; receiving, by the cloud computing system, second usage data, from a second subset of surgical hubs of the surgical system; analyzing, by the cloud computing system, the first and the second usage data to correlate the first and the second usage data with surgical outcome data; determining, by the cloud computing system, based on the correlation, a recommended medical resource usage configuration; and displaying, on respective displays on the first and the second subset of surgical hubs, indications of the recommended medical resource usage configuration.

Abstract: A medical apparatus, including a clamp, a work head and a handle; the work head includes a casing, a firing forcing member, a firing rod, a receiving cavity, and a clip-cartridge assembly; an inner cavity communicating with the receiving cavity is formed in the casing; a positioning block is arranged in the inner cavity; the firing forcing member includes a toggle piece and a movable member, the toggle piece having a first connecting part, a second connecting part, and a third connecting part; in condition that the positioning block moves forwards, the toggle piece rotates towards the clamp through the first connecting part to drive the firing rod to control the clamp to open; and in condition that the positioning block moves backwards, the toggle piece rotates towards the handle through the first connecting part to drive the firing rod to control the clamp to close.

Abstract: The ligation device includes a clip unit, an applicator, and the applicator includes a sheath, an operation wire, a second link that is provided on the operation wire, and is capable of being fitted to the first link at a protrusion position, the second link configured to be restricted a releasing of fitting to the first link at an accommodation position, a slider connected to the operation wire and is configured to move with a first operation, and a limiter including a switch member configured to move in an intersecting direction that intersects a direction of the first operation with a second operation. The limiter is configured to limit a movement range of the slider when the second operation is not performed, and configured to release a limitation of the movement range of the slider with the second operation and to allow the second link to move toward the protrusion position.

Abstract: A ligation device includes a first arm, a second arm, a holding tube, an operation wire, a sheath, and a link mechanism having a first link and a second link which are connected to each other and engage the holding tube with the sheath, wherein the link mechanism is configured to be switch between a disengaged configuration in which engagement between the holding tube and the sheath is released and an engaged configuration in which the holding tube is engaged with the sheath due to the operation wire.

Abstract: An example assembly for use with a vacuum system and an esophageal positioning device esophageal positioning device includes an introducer, in which the esophageal positioning device includes a first segment and a second segment. The second segment is pivotally connected to the first segment. A gap portion of an outer tube of the introducer is defined along a longitudinal axis between a tube tip of the introducer and the distal end of the second segment of the esophageal positioning device when the esophageal positioning device is disposed within the introducer. The gap portion defines one or more radial vacuum holes.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices and materials for the in situ formation of an implant for treating a nerve. A treatment site on a nerve is positioned within a cavity defined by a form. A transformable media is introduced into the form cavity to surround the treatment site. The media is permitted to undergo a transformation from a first, relatively flowable state to a second, relatively non flowable state to form a protective barrier surrounding the treatment site. A hydrophilic characteristic of the media cooperates with a hydrophobic characteristic of the surface of the cavity to facilitate a rapid release of the implant from the cavity following the transformation. The implant may be a growth inhibiting nerve cap to inhibit neuroma formation following planned or traumatic nerve injury, a growth permissive conduit for facilitating reconnection of a severed nerve, or an anchor for stabilizing a pain management electrode with respect to a nerve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a first responder bracelet that includes a sleeve and a tassel both connected at one end and another end engages when user wears it. The bracelet unfolds into a tourniquet. The tourniquet includes a strap within a sleeve. The strap is fixed with a strap lock with a buckle at one end. Additionally, a twist lock is fixed to the strap at the other end. The twist lock is capable of twisting and engaging with the strap lock near the buckle area.

Abstract: A tourniquet includes: a baseplate with first and second ends; a strap having first and second ends, the strap having a first portion adjacent its first end, and a second portion adjacent its second end; a lever with proximate and distal ends, wherein the proximate end is pivotally connected to the baseplate, and the distal end is free; wherein the first end of the strap is pivotally connected to the lever intermediate to the proximal and distal ends; and a connector assembly operable to selectively connect the second portion of the strap to the baseplate, so as to form a closed loop, the connector assembly operable to permit a length of the closed loop to be adjusted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for resecting a knee joint using a navigated pin guide driver system. The navigated pin guide driver system communicates with a navigation system to aid a user in placing cut block pins into the knee joint. The navigated pin guide driver system may include a handle, a reference element that electronically communicates with the navigation system, one or more pin guide tubes that may correspond to one or more cut blocks, and a distal tip that is configured to attach to the bone.

Abstract: A bone cutting system includes an elongated surgical bone cutting tool having a first extremity for fixing the bone cutting tool to a cutting robot or machinery and a second extremity opposite thereto at the end of the elongated surgical bone cutting tool. The protection system comprises a protection element attachable to the elongated bone cutting tool. The protection element includes an interposing portion covering, when the protection element is attached to the elongated cutting tool, at least the second extremity of the elongated cutting tool, so that the interposing portion is being interposed between the soft tissue and the bone cutting tool during cutting with the elongated cutting tool, for preventing the bone cutting tool from cutting into the soft tissue. During cutting with the bone cutting tool, the protection element follows in congruence with the bone cutting tool.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle having first and second ends and a passage that extends between the ends, wherein a maximum height of the handle is less than a lateral length of the handle, a shaft having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis that extends between the ends, and a coaxial channel that extends completely through the shaft, wherein the shaft is releasably connectable to the handle when the first end of the shaft is inserted from the second end of the handle into the passage to a position closer to the first end of the handle than to the second end of the handle, and a secondary instrument configured to be inserted from the first end of the shaft into the channel and to extend out of the second end of the shaft when the shaft and the handle are connected to one another.

Abstract: A system for preparing an ankle bone to receive an ankle prosthesis is provided. The system includes a patient specific cutting guide that has an anterior surface, a posterior surface, and at least one cutting feature extending through the guide from the anterior surface. The posterior surface comprising a first protrusion or other member that extends from a first end fixed to the posterior surface to a second end disposed away from the first end of the first protrusion. The posterior surface has a second protrusion or other member that extends from a first end fixed to the posterior surface to a second end disposed away from the first end of the second protrusion. The first and second protrusions are spaced apart and have a length such that when the patient specific cutting guide is coupled with first and second bone references, which can include bushings implantable in bones, a clearance gap is provided between the posterior surface and the ankle bone.