Abstract: Contrast targets for medical imaging are disclosed herein which include a granule of superabsorbent polymer (SAP) material. The granule of SAP material has absorbed and formed crosslinks with a hydrogen-containing liquid to form an expanded SAP particle with at least one predetermined medical imaging physical property.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a bodily emission of a subject that is disposed within a toilet bowl. While the bodily emission is disposed within the toilet bowl, light is received from the toilet bowl using one or more light sensors. Using a computer processor, intensities of at least two spectral bands that are within a range of 530 nm to 785 nm are determined, by analyzing the received light, and a ratio of the intensities of the two spectral bands is determined. In response thereto, the computer processor determines that there is a presence of blood within the bodily emission. The computer processor generates an output on an output device, at least partially in response thereto. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: One implementation of the present disclosure is an apparatus including a mirror frame configured to support a mirror substrate that provides a reflection of one or more users in proximity of the mirror cabinet, a sensor cavity coupled to the mirror frame and a controller configured to analyze data received from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A device for collecting a biological sample in a subject, the device including an inflatable portion attached to a tubular member, and designed to expand from within the tubular member when inflated and to retract within the tubular member, a surface on the inflatable portion provided with varied thickness to facilitate movement of the inflatable portion between an expanded state and a retracted state, and a plurality of projections on the surface to allow collection of the biological sample when the inflatable portion is in the expanded state.

Abstract: A portable digital rectosigmoidoscope single-handed, digital intestinal endoscope, used by suitably trained healthcare workers to digitally view the anus, rectum and distal sigmoid colon in people with anorectal symptoms at point of care.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a heel insert for use with a phacoemulsification foot pedal that may shift a surgeon's foot forward on the treadle of a foot pedal to reduce the force required to actuate the foot pedal. The present invention may be easily attachable and removable and may provide a less complicated and alternative foot position for surgeons preferring different treadle mechanics.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for tracking an elongate instrument or other medical instrument in an image.

Abstract: A device for sealing an aperture in a tissue includes: a foot including a distal portion configured to be disposed distal to the tissue when the device is implanted in a position to seal the aperture; and a flexible wing positionable against a distal surface of the tissue adjacent the aperture such that the flexible wing is disposed between the distal portion of the foot and the distal surface adjacent the aperture.

Abstract: A defect hole closing material achieves low invasive treatment for an atrial septal defect with almost no fear of long-term failure. The defect hole closing material is formed by two cylindrical bodies (a first cylinder part and a second cylinder part) having stitch-like structures of a bioabsorbable material, has a sandglass shape, and includes a coil spring both ends of which are respectively engaged with a first end part and a second end part and is passed through inner parts of the first cylinder part and the second cylinder part from a side of the first end part to a side of the second end part via a substantially central part. An outer cylindrical body is provided at an outermost layer so as to cover a whole of the two cylindrical bodies from an outer side, the outer cylindrical body is a cylinder-shaped body obtained by knitting a bioabsorbable material, and both ends thereof are respectively joined to both ends of the two cylindrical bodies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for closing a tissue defect are disclosed. The systems may include a subcutaneous guide that is placed transcutaneously between two skin access sites and a self-locking strap that may be advanced into the body through a first access site via a first needle and then passed to a second needle. The strap may be withdrawn with the second needle through a second access site to the outside of the body. The strap may be withdrawn from the first needle, leaving the strap placed through both access sites and across the defect. As the subcutaneous guide is withdrawn from the body it pulls the captured strap such that both ends of the strap protrude from the first access site, allowing the strap to be tightened around the defect. Devices for closure of a tissue defect are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for spreading soft tissues covering the lumbar vertebrae, including a spreader having a back side which faces the soft tissues, a face side opposite to the back side and two longitudinal edges, the spreader including a rear portion forming a handle, and a front portion having a front end designed to serve as a support on a vertebra which can be pivoted in a main plane about a transverse axis that is perpendicular to the main plane, to apply the back side of the spreader to the soft tissues in order to displace the soft tissues, the front portion including at least one front transverse edge which is extended at the front by a support plate that is substantially parallel to the main plane and provided with an outline for hooking onto the vertebra.

Abstract: A method of tissue repair that includes installing a surgical construct in a bone hole. The surgical construct has a fixation device that is preloaded with a primary flexible strand. After installing the surgical construct in the bone hole, the method includes coupling at least one secondary flexible strand to the primary flexible strand for subsequent use in repairing the tissue.

Abstract: A positioning device for positioning an abnormal tissue is provided. The positioning device comprises a positioning tube and a positioning suture accommodated in the positioning tube. When the positioning suture is injected into the abnormal tissue, a head portion and a portion of a body portion of the positioning suture are retained inside the abnormal tissue while the rest of the body portion being exposed outside the abnormal tissue, thereby marking a specific area accordingly to facilitate the subsequent excision process.

Abstract: Suturing devices and systems used to close openings into a biological structure. The suturing device can comprise an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, one or more arms, and one or more needles. One or more sheaths may be used with the device to maintain or substantially maintain haemostasis while the device is used and while a procedure is performed in the biological structure.

Abstract: A device for guiding a barbed suture into a braider preferably includes an elongated body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis that extends from the proximal end to the distal end of the elongated body. The elongated body includes a first channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body and having a first distal opening at the distal end of the elongated body, whereby the said first channel has a first cross-sectional area, and a second channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body and having a second distal opening at the distal end of the elongated body, whereby the second channel has a second cross-sectional area that is different than the first cross-sectional area of the first channel. The device has an elongated slot extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body that interconnects the first and second channels. A barbed suture is loaded into the elongated body.

Abstract: The invention is a staple comprising a bridge member having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface defining a thickness between and two lateral edges defining a width therebetween and either the thickness or the width includes a center flared area, such as a “diamond-like” shape meaning that it has a v-shape on opposing lateral edges flanked by opposing fillets to form an inserter mount area and the staple has a pair of legs spaced apart along the axis and each joined at a rounded flared shoulder to the bridge member. In a four-legged version the bridge has a waist.

Abstract: A braided barbed suture includes a barbed monofilament insert including an elongated core having a thickness and a plurality of barbs projecting outwardly from opposite sides of the elongated core. The braided barbed suture includes a braided sheath surrounding the elongated core to form a composite core of the braided barbed suture. The composite core has a thickness and the elongated core is located in a center of the composite core. The elongated core thickness is about 6-8 mil and the composite core thickness is about 13-18 mil. A ratio of the elongated core thickness relative to the composite core thickness is between about 0.16 to 0.91. The elongated core has transition zones that form a concave profile. The braided barbed suture has a single breaking point for both the braided sheath and the barbed monofilament insert. The barbed monofilament insert has a PDS monofilament core, and the braided sheath is a VICRYL multifilament yarn braided sheath.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a housing assembly and an elongated shaft assembly. The elongated shaft assembly is selectively attachable to the housing assembly. The elongated shaft assembly includes an adapter assembly and a loading unit. The adapter assembly extends distally to a distal tip housing. The distal tip housing supports an adapter electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit is selectively attachable to the adapter assembly and extends distally to an end effector supporting one or more sensors therein. The loading unit supports a loading unit electrical connector assembly therein. The loading unit electrical connector assembly is positioned to contact the adapter electrical connector assembly when the adapter assembly and the loading unit are coupled together to electrically couple the one or more sensors to the housing assembly.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal tissue approximation clip (“GI TAC”) system for approximating tissue defects, the GI TAC system including an applicator that is sized to travel through an instrument channel of an endoscope; a plurality of tissue approximation clips that are transported to a plurality of locations about a tissue defect by the applicator; a suture coupled to at least one of the tissue approximation clips; and a clip approximation means for approximating the tissue approximation clips. The clip approximation means and the tissue approximation clips are sized respectively to travel through the instrument channel, and the tissue approximation clips are adapted to be detachably coupled to the applicator.

Abstract: An in-situ non-reversed femoral-popliteal bypass procedure is provided, the procedural method embodies harvesting a portion of a saphenofemoral junction as the anastomosis for said in-situ non-reversed femoral-popliteal bypass, wherein a portion of the common femoral vein is the patch of the proximal end of the anastomosis. The practitioner may intubate the anastomosis through its distal end with an expandable balloon- prior to grafting said proximal end to the femoral artery; and selectively expanding the expandable balloon at or near said proximal end.

Abstract: A surgical stapler for applying a suture to tissue includes a first jaw and a second jaw configured to receive a cartridge. An actuation mechanism translates a drive member distally through the first and second jaws to apply staples to tissue such that a suture, in combination with the staples, forms a purse string when the stapler activated. The cartridge includes a first upper portion and a second lower portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a handle, a hollow shaft, and an end effector coupled to a distal end of the hollow shaft, the end effector being operatively connected to the handle through operating means extending within the hollow shaft. A multiaxial joint couples a distal end of the handle to a proximal end of the hollow shaft, the multiaxial joint allowing multiaxial rotation of the hollow shaft in relation to the handle. The multiaxial rotation includes rotation of the hollow shaft around a center axis of the hollow shaft, and rotation in at least two planes in relation to the distal of the handle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical devices comprising detachable balloons and catheter assemblies, wherein the detachable balloons are polymer balloons, metal balloons, polymer-coated metal balloons, and metalized polymer balloons. Various means of attachment and detachment of the balloons to the catheter assemblies are described. Kits and uses of systems having one or more medical devices, detachable balloons, and elongated or expandable bodies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A percutaneous procedural assembly for hemostasis in a blood vessel, and a method of using the same during damage control surgery is provided. The percutaneous procedural assembly provides a serial arrangement of a plurality of tubular segments that are selectively and independently movable between a deflated condition and an inflated condition in a consecutive and/or sequentially manner. The plurality of tubular segments define a lumen for maintaining patency, wherein a distal opening to the lumen provides a filter dimensioned to separate uncoagulated blood and coagulated blood so that upon withdrawal blood clots are removed from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A transcatheter treatment device for pulmonary embolism and a method of using the same is provided. The treatment device has a conduit extending between an expandable balloon and an aspirator inlet, therebetween the conduit provides one or more outlets fluidly coupled to lytic agents. The expandable balloon is adapted to be actuated between a collapsed condition and an expanded condition dimensioned to seal off a portion of the interior of the pulmonary artery. In the collapsed condition the treatment device is percutaneously inserted into the pulmonary artery over a wire until the aspirator inlet is adjacent the pulmonary embolism, wherein the expandable balloon actuates, sealing off a pulmonary bay between the expanded balloon and the occluding blockage, as which time the practitioner can selectively deliver lytic agents and suction into this closed system space of the pulmonary artery in such a way as to disintegrate the clot.

Abstract: Exemplary microfracture pick systems may include a microfracture pick, a strike plate, and a punch extension. The strike plate may be secured to a handle of the microfracture pick, and the punch extension is connectable to the strike plate. The punch extension is configured to apply an “off-axis” impact force to the microfracture pick. The “off-axis” impact force is generally aligned with an axis of a strike tip of the microfracture pick, thereby substantially preventing the strike tip from skiving across a bone surface during surgical uses.

Abstract: A surgical tool comprises a dilator, a cutter, a retractable brush, and at least one retractable drill. The dilator is configured to dilate tissue of a patient and can be positioned in an undilated configuration or a dilated configuration. The cutter is configured to cut the tissue and is disposed at a distal end of the dilator. The cutter is configured to move between a cutting position when the dilator is in the undilated configuration and a non-cutting position when the dilator is in the dilated configuration. The retractable brush is configured to brush a surface of an anatomical element of the patient to remove matter from the surface. The at least one retractable drill is configured to drill into the anatomical element.

Abstract: Devices and methods for improved controlled and targeted decortication of the bone of a spinal facet joint are provided. In one aspect, a decortication tool is provided. The decortication tool may include a shaft with proximal and distal end portions. A handle may be connected to the proximal end portion of the shaft. A decortication head may be coupled to the distal end portion of the shaft. In another aspect, a multi-use instrument for use in a spinal system is provided. The instrument may include a body including opposing first and second sides, and opposing first and second surfaces. A cavity may be defined in the body, the cavity being open to the second surface. The instrument may include a bar attached to the second side of the body. A portion of the bar may extend beyond the second surface of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are patient-specific cutting guides for guiding a surgical instrument for resecting a portion of a glenoid of a patient. The cutting guides include a base portion having a contact surface shaped to substantially match at least a portion of a cavity of the glenoid. The base portion has a guide hole extending therethrough in which the guide hole has an axis coaxial with an axis of rotation. The cutting guides include one or more stabilization members extending outwardly from the base portion and having a contact surface shaped to substantially match an outer surface of a portion of a scapula of the patient. The stabilization members are oriented to take into account the patient's anatomy in orienting and stabilizing the guide with respect to the glenoid. The guide hole of the base portion is for guiding the surgical instrument to create a guide hole in the glenoid.

Abstract: A system for improving graft harvesting is disclosed including a tendon harvesting instrument for producing a graft from a tendon. The instrument includes a handle, a shaft and a blade portion operatively coupled to the shaft. The blade portion defines a cutting edge that at least partially corresponds to the shape of a graft cross section of the graft. The blade portion is inserted into the tendon by axially rotating the instrument shaft. The blade portion may include a free end for piercing the tendon as the blade portion is rotated into the tendon. The harvesting instrument may also include amputating means for removing the end connection of the graft to the tendon, the amputating means including a means of changing an orientation of an end portion of the cutting edge.

Abstract: Instruments, implants, bone plates, systems and methods for correcting bone deformities and fractures in the lower extremity and applying compression across joints to be fused are disclosed. Specifically, targeting instruments, implants, bone plates, systems and methods used for correcting bone deformities and/or fractures in the foot and applying compression across joints to be fused are disclosed.

Abstract: A drill guide for controlling the first metacarpal while maintaining the proper trajectory of the drill. The drill guide includes a guide rail having an elongated shaft and a guide body with an aperture extending therethrough. The aperture is configured to receive the elongated shaft of the guide rail. The drill guide also includes a distal ring connected to the elongated shaft. A spike and a hook are both attached to the distal ring and extend therefrom. The hook and the spike extend from opposing positions along the distal ring. A trigger end of the guide body has a trigger that, when actuated, allows the guide body to slide along the guide rail in a proximal direction. A drilling end of the guide body has a rotatable drill bullet extending distally therefrom. The drill bullet includes a pair of arms lined with teeth for engaging the first metacarpal.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for removing a blood clot (10) from a blood vessel (12). Various uses of suction pressure and positive pressure, proximal and/or distal to the blood clot (10) assist with clot dislodgement and removal. The pressure(s) may be constant and/or cycled/pulsed to assist with clot dislodgement and/or removal. Various further devices assist with separating the clot (10) from the vessel (12).

Abstract: Clot removal from a patient's vessel, such as an artery, are described using aspiration and hydraulic forces supporting the removal process. Hydraulic forces can be generated by occluding the vessel distal to the clot and delivering liquid between the clot and the occlusive device. The aspiration catheter is positioned proximal to the clot. Catheters designed to facilitate the delivery of hydraulic forces can be based on single lumen designs or dual lumen designs. The catheters may have a fixed internal wire, or in some embodiments the catheters can ride over a wire with a valve/seal positioned to restrict flow into or out from the guide lumen such that the guide lumen can further function for balloon inflation and/or for infusion of liquid.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument (1, 134) for inserting into a body of a patient includes a tubular shank (3, 47, 137) and at least two electrical, mechanical and/or optical leads (11, 13, 15, 19, 57, 59, 65, 67, 123, 181) which run through the shank (3, 47, 137). A fluid channel (7, 53) is formed in the shank (3, 47, 137). The instrument includes a sealing device (89) which forms a proximal end of the fluid channel and comprises feed-throughs (93, 97, 99, 101, 103) for the leads (11, 13, 15, 19, 57, 59, 65, 67, 123, 181).

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument (1, 134), for inserting into a body of a patient, includes a tubular shank (3, 47, 137) which is coupled or can be coupled to a handling device (5, 135) and is with a working channel (15). A shank tool can be led through the working channel (15). The working channel (15) includes a proximal working channel opening (153) for inserting the shank tool and a fluid inlet (148) which is separate from the proximal working channel opening.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument (1, 134), for inserting into a body of a patient, includes a tubular shank (3, 47, 137) which is coupled or can be coupled to a handling device (5, 135), and at least two electrical, mechanical and/or optical leads (11, 13, 15, 19, 57, 59, 65, 67, 123, 181) which run through the shank (3, 47, 137). The handling device (5, 135) includes a housing (23) which at a proximal end has two limbs (141, 143) which are arranged obliquely to one another and enclose a contact surface (145). At least one of the leads (11, 13, 15, 19, 57, 59, 65, 67, 123, 181) is led outwards out of the handling device (5, 125) out of one of the limbs (141, 143).

Abstract: An elongate embolectomy device having a radially constrained configuration and a radially expanded configuration, the embolectomy device being formed out of a plurality of elongate clot engaging structures, each clot engaging structure comprising a plurality of interconnected struts forming an open cell pattern, wherein, when the embolectomy device is in the radially expanded configuration, the clot engaging structures each have a semi-tubular arcuate profile, including a convex face and an concave face facing opposite the convex face, extending along a length of the embolectomy device, the clot engaging structures being longitudinally disposed relative to each other such that the concave faces are facing radially outward, and the convex surfaces are facing radially inward, respectively, relative to a longitudinal axis of the embolectomy device.

Abstract: A method and means effectively evacuates smoke plumes, vapors, aerosol release, mists, tissue and small particles produced from an operative nasal cavity and any other gas- or air-borne materials provided in or produced in the surgical environment. To this end, an evacuator tube is placed in the contralateral (suction) nasal cavity surrounded by a sealing member which blocks the space between the evacuator tube and nares and/or nasal vestibule.

Abstract: A forceps having at least a first jaw with a longitudinal axis is disclosed. The first jaw can include a body portion, a first flange, a second flange and a cam pin. The first flange can define a first cam slot with a longitudinal extent along the longitudinal axis. The second flange can be spaced from the first flange a distance transverse to the longitudinal axis of the first jaw and can have a second cam slot. The cam pin, with a longitudinal axis, can be moveably secured within the first cam slot and the second cam slot. A diameter of the cam pin can be less than a width between a first longitudinal edge that defines a first side of each of the first cam slot and the second cam slot and a second longitudinal edge that defines a second opposing side of each of the first cam slot and the second cam slot so that the cam pin is moveably received by both the first cam slot and the second cam slot.

Abstract: A handle of a device such as an endoscopic surgical appliance is provided with a grip for actuation of an effector mechanism positioned at a distal end. A grip force attenuator within the handle absorbs excessive force after the grip force required to fully actuate the effector mechanism has been reached. The handle includes a first spring which deflects in response to hand grip force up to a predetermined level for actuation of the effector mechanism and a second spring which deflects in response to hand grip force which exceeds the predetermined level without applying such excess force to the first spring.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument includes a main body assembly, and a cannula having a lumen and formed with a slot. An inner tube, which houses a spring-biased retractable cutting blade assembly having a cutting blade, is mounted on one end of the main body assembly and extends axially therefrom. The tube is receivable within the lumen of the cannula, and may be particularly oriented within the cannula lumen such that the cutting blade may be caused to project from both the tube and the cannula slot. The inner tube has a bore in which the distal end of an endoscope may be received. The instrument may be locked in one position to allow the endoscope to engage the blade assembly and cause the cutting blade to project from the cannula slot during a tissue cutting procedure, or may be locked in another position wherein the cutting blade remains retracted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for resecting a tissue mass. The system for resecting a tissue mass includes a first sensor for measuring a signal corresponding to the position and orientation of the tissue mass. The first sensor is dimensioned to fit inside of or next to the tissue mass. The system also includes a second sensor attached to a surgical instrument configured to measure the position and orientation of the surgical instrument. A controller is in communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, and the controller executes a stored program to calculate a distance between the first sensor and the second sensor. Accordingly, visual, auditory, haptic or other feedback is provided to the clinician to guide the surgical instrument to the surgical margin.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer device can include an ultrasound transducer, and first electrodes that abut second electrodes. Each first electrode can have an annular shape about a rotation axis of the ultrasound transducer device. The first electrodes can be annular and can each have different diameters. The device can also include first support members that includes a support base and first deformation portions, and each first deformation portion can protrude from the support base along the rotation axis. The first deformation portions can be annular and can each have different diameters.

Abstract: An atherectomy device includes a catheter, and the catheter includes an outer sheath. The outer sheath includes a proximal portion coupled to and extending distally relative to a handle, and the proximal portion defines a longitudinal axis of the catheter. The outer sheath also includes a distal portion coupled to and extending distally relative to the proximal portion, and the distal portion normally has a curved configuration and is offset from the longitudinal axis. The catheter further includes a drive shaft carried within and rotatable relative to the outer sheath. A cutter assembly is coupled to and extends distally relative to the distal portion of the outer sheath. A cutter is coupled to the drive shaft and rotates about a cutter rotation axis upon rotation of the drive shaft relative to the outer sheath. The cutter rotation axis is normally disposed at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A predictive needle insertion device including a needle having a proximal needle end and a distal needle end is disclosed. A probe is movably coupled to the needle such that the probe is capable of extending beyond the distal needle end. An actuator is operable to actuate the probe to apply a mechanical force to a tissue composition. A force sensor and position sensor are configured to determine a resistive force of the tissue composition and an insertion distance of the probe, respectively. A processor is communicatively coupled to the force sensor and the position sensor, and is configured to receive sensor data indicative of a mechanical response to the mechanical force and the insertion distance of the probe, and to implement a predictive model that, based on the sensor data, predicts a forward distance to a remote position of a remote tissue portion of the tissue composition.

Abstract: A threading support facility is for threading an object into a guide apparatus. The threading support facility is connectable to the guide apparatus and is configured to support threading of the object into the guide apparatus. In an embodiment, the threading support facility includes a wall connecting a first aperture of the threading support facility and a second aperture of the threading support facility. The first aperture is embodied as an inlet for insertion of the object into the threading support facility and the second aperture is embodied as an outlet out of the threading support facility. Further, a sub-guide runs along the wall of the threading support facility and runs in a direction from the first aperture to the second aperture. The sub-guide is configured to support guiding of the object, after insertion through the first aperture, into the threading support facility in a direction of the second aperture.

Abstract: A cannula assembly includes an elongate shaft assembly that is adjustable by a clinician to vary the length of the cannula assembly. In particular, the elongate shaft assembly may be transitioned to provide various lengths of the cannula assembly by selectively positioning a plurality of segments of the elongate shaft assembly. In this manner, a single cannula assembly may be tailored to each patient or a surgical procedure being performed.

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: A kit and method for intrauterine insemination is provided. The steps of the method include self-monitoring of a menstrual cycle of a patient by said patient, making an abrasion on the endometrial lining of a uterus of the patient following menstruation by the patient, predicting timing of ovulation by using an ovulation monitoring system or inducing ovulation; preparing sperm for insemination during ovulation by the patient, guiding an intrauterine insemination catheter accompanied by a cervical shield into the patient, depositing a semen sample into the uterine cavity or cervical canal, removing the catheter from the body of the patient while using a holding tool to hold the cervical shield in place at the entrance to the uterine cavity, and leaving the cervical shield in place for a predetermined time period.