Abstract: A closure for an open headed medical implant, such as a bone screw. The closure having a cylindrical body having an axis of rotation and also having a radially outer surface with a thread or other guide and advancement structure thereon. The body having a plurality of apertures that open onto a top surface of the body and that are parallel to but spaced from the axis of rotation. The closure also has a break-off head centrally attached by a neck to the top surface of the body.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of spinal stenosis that includes cutting off a muscle origin or insertion from a spinous process, cutting off the spinous process at the transition to the lamina arcus vertebrae, resecting at least a part of the lamina arcus vertebrae and thereby decompression of the spinal cord within the foramen vertebral, performing osteosynthesis of the spinous process and placing a suture anchor within the spinous process and reattaching the muscle origin or insertion to the spinous process.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may include at least one pedicle screw comprising a threaded base to be connected to a superior pedicle of a vertebra and a screw head attached to the threaded base. The system may further include at least one pars interarticularis clamp comprising an elongate body defining a screw head connection point to be connected to the screw head of the pedicle screw, and a laminar hook coupled to the elongate body and configured to wrap around an edge of the lamina and compress the pars interarticularis of the vertebra when the screw head connection point is connected to the screw head.

Abstract: Compression devices for joining tissue and methods for using and fabricating the same.

Abstract: Bone plates for engaging bone members are described herein. The bone plates can receive one or more screws to secure the bone plates to an underlying bone member. The one or more screws can be inserted into bone plate holes that can be considered locking or non-locking. The bone plates described herein can have particular combinations of locking and/or non-locking holes. Additional bone plate holes can be used to accept sutures, K-wire, or other instrumentation.

Abstract: Implants, systems and related methods for correcting bunions are disclosed. The implants, systems and methods may include a first bone engaging implant configured to couple to a first bone, and a second bone engaging implant configured to couple to a second bone that is adjacent the first bone. The implants, systems and methods may further include a flexible cable member extending between the first and second implants that allows motion between the first and second implants but for movement of the first and second implants away from each other. The length of the cable member may draw the first bone towards the second bone and decrease an angle formed between therebetween. The cable member may be rigidly or slidably coupled to the first and second implants.

Abstract: A bone screw comprises a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and a minor diameter. The shaft including a core having an angled surface relative to the axis. The angled surface extending from the minor diameter adjacent a proximal portion of the shaft to a distal portion of the shaft, and a wall disposed about the angled surface. The wall including at least one thread having an external thread form. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems and methods for treating disease and/or infection by the release of silver from an implant over an extended period of time. In particular, the devices described herein may be used to treat infections such as osteomyelitis by the controlled release of silver ions from multiple sites of an extended-use implant. This implant typically includes a plurality of arms that both anchor and help distribute the released ions within the tissue. Power may be applied to release the silver ions into the tissue.

Abstract: Screw inserter instruments and methods for implanting a bone screw are disclosed herein. In one exemplary embodiment, a screw inserter instrument can include a screw drive assembly having a first handle and a driver shaft coupled to the first handle, and a stylet assembly having a second handle and a stylet extending through the driver shaft. The first handle can have a locked configuration, in which the first handle and the driver shaft are coupled such that the first handle can maintain the driver shaft in a fixed position while the second handle is rotated relative to the first handle, and an unlocked configuration, in which the first handle and the driver shaft can rotate simultaneously in a first direction and the first handle can rotate independent of the driver shaft in a second opposite direction.

Abstract: A protection circuit for a direct-current (DC) ablation prostate therapy system. The protection circuit is selectively coupled to a power source that provides DC constant current to a plurality of electrodes in a catheter configured to deliver DC ablation therapy to prostate tissue. The protection circuit is controlled by a controller and a switching circuit to buffer energy from the power source in response to a monitoring circuit that monitors at least one parameter of the DC ablation therapy, such as voltage or impedance. The controller is configured to selectively activate the switching circuit based on the monitoring circuit detecting an undesirable increase in the energy delivered for the DC ablation therapy.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe with internal cooling for use in systems and methods for lesioning in bone and other tissue is disclosed. The probe includes a distal electrical insulator, a proximal electrical insulator, a distal electrical conductor defining a distal electrode with a closed distal end and a proximal electrical conductor defining a proximal electrode, the distal electrode longitudinally spaced apart and electrically isolated from the proximal electrode by the distal electrical insulator. The distal electrode has a closed proximal end formed by a distal face of the distal electrical insulator to thereby define a closed distal inner lumen for circulating the cooling fluid. The proximal electrode has a closed distal end formed by a proximal face of the distal electrical insulator and a closed proximal end formed by a distal face of the proximal electrical insulator to thereby define a closed proximal inner lumen for circulating the cooling fluid.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes a mechanical forceps including first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof for effecting movement of the jaw members relative to one another about a pivot. A disposable housing is configured to releasably couple to at least one of the shafts and an electrode assembly is configured to releasably couple to the disposable housing. The electrode assembly includes electrodes releasably coupleable to the jaw members. At least one of the electrodes includes a knife channel configured to receive a knife blade therethrough to cut tissue grasped between the jaw members. An actuation mechanism is configured to selectively advance the knife blade through the knife channel to cut tissue.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: (a) forceps including: (i) a first working arm and (ii) a second working arm; (b) a blade electrode; wherein the electrosurgical device is capable of being switched between a first electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a first therapy current through the first working arm, the second working arm, or both, and a second electrical configuration so that the electrosurgical device delivers a second therapy current through the blade electrode; and wherein the first working arm and the second working arm of the forceps are immobilized in the second electrical configuration so that both the forceps and the first therapy current are disabled.

Abstract: An end effector assembly (114) includes a first jaw member (114a) having a first tissue contact surface (122) and a second jaw member (114b) having a second tissue contact surface (122). The second jaw member (114b) is pivotally coupled to the first jaw member (114a). The tissue contact surfaces (122) may include raised steps (122b) that define an exhaust channel (124). A longitudinally extending knife slot (214) may be defined in one or both of the tissue contact surfaces (122). One or more exhaust slots (216), which may be defined in one or both of the tissue contact surfaces (122), are in communication with the knife slot (214). The exhaust channel (124) and the exhaust slots (216) direct fluid away from the jaw members (114a, 114b) to minimize thermal damage risks associated with tissue sealing.

Abstract: The tissue cutting device comprises an elongated assembly including both an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a tissue-receiving window, and the inner sleeve has a distal end which cuts tissue as the inner sleeve is advanced past the window. The tissue is received into a lumen of the inner sleeve, and the inner sleeve lumen is typically enlarged in a proximal direction to reduce the tendency of resected tissue to lodge therein. The tissue displacement member is optionally provided at a distal end of the outer sleeve to further aid in dislodging tissue which becomes captured in a distal end of the inner sleeve of the lumen.

Abstract: A medical device includes a shaft including a lumen configured to direct a flow of fluid through the shaft and an electrode. A proximal end of the electrode and a distal end of the shaft form a coupling configured to releasably couple the proximal end of the electrode with the distal end of the shaft. When the proximal end of the electrode is coupled to the distal end of the shaft, fluid delivered through the lumen is emitted from the electrode.

Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for administering an ablation treatment and other therapeutic or diagnostic protocols to a patient tissue involve a flexible stabilizer mechanism having an inner recess and an ablation mechanism coupled with the stabilizer mechanism.

Abstract: A catheter and method for the treatment of a patient having atrial flutter or other arrhythmia comprises an elongated catheter body having an outer wall, proximal and distal ends, and at least one lumen extending therethrough. Further it has a distal tip section comprising a flexible tubing having a proximal end and a distal end and a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The proximal end of the tip section is fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The tip section further comprises a nitinol tube having slots formed therein which causes the distal tip section to deflect using the same puller-wire action used to cause the deflectable catheter to deflect at a point proximal to the distal tip section.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including acquiring 3D image data of a targeted skeletal portion within a body of a subject, and a 2D radiographic image of the targeted skeletal portion. A machine-learning engine is used to generate machine-learning data based on (i) the 3D image data of the targeted skeletal portion, (ii) a database of 2D projection images generated from the 3D image data, and (iii) respective values of one or more viewing parameters corresponding to each 2D projection image. A computer processor receives the machine-learning data, receives the 2D radiographic image of the targeted skeletal portion, and registers the 2D radiographic image to the 3D image data by using the machine-learning data to find a 2D projection from the 3D image data that matches the 2D radiographic image of the targeted skeletal portion. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Surgical systems for use in surgical procedures utilizing robotic devices. The surgical system having one or more components for housing a sensor or one or more tools for anchor or sensor delivery. The surgical system may include a surgical sensor anchor and/or a surgical sensor anchor delivery tool. A method of performing a robotically assisted surgical procedure, comprising using a surgical sensor anchor during a surgical procedure which utilizes a robot to track movement of at least one portion of a body structure undergoing a surgical procedure or to track movement of a body structure near a surgical site.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer readable media related to detection in video of surgical instrumental deviations from surgical planes are disclosed. The methods may include receiving video frames from a surgical video feed. The frames are analyzed to identify a surgical instrument. The frames are evaluated with the identified surgical instrument to ascertain an interface area corresponding to a location of an interaction between the identified surgical instrument and tissue. Stored data is accessed characterizing a surgical plane corresponding to the interaction, and the stored data is used to determine whether the interface area is outside of the surgical plane. An out-of-surgical plane signal is outputted indicating a deviation from the surgical plane by the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a communication system coupled to communicate with one or more external devices that include first user preferences. The robotic system also includes memory storing a database including second user preferences. A controller is coupled to the user interface, the communication system, and the memory, and the controller includes logic that when executed by the controller causes the robotic system to perform operations. Operations may include retrieving the first user preferences using the communication system; retrieving the second user preferences from the database; resolving conflicts between the first user preferences and the second user preferences to create a final set of user preferences; and configuring the robotic system with the revised set of user preferences.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system and accessory having a robotic base or hand piece having a plurality of motors and a mechanical actuator each for operating a mechanical positioning arm in a different degrees of freedom. The robotic base is reusable and provides the platform for the system. The drive system has a port that interfaces with the robotic base and allows for insertion of surgical instruments into the base.

Abstract: A surgical robot comprising an articulated arm, the arm having a terminal portion comprising: a distal segment having an attachment for a surgical instrument; an intermediate segment; and a basal segment whereby the terminal portion is attached to the remainder of the arm; a first articulation between the distal segment and the intermediate segment, the first articulation permitting relative rotation of the distal segment and the intermediate segment about a first axis; and a second articulation between the intermediate segment and the basal segment, the second articulation permitting relative rotation of the intermediate segment and the basal segment about a second axis; wherein: the intermediate segment comprises a third articulation permitting relative rotation of the distal segment and the basal segment about third and fourth axes; and the first, second and third articulations are arranged such that in at least one configuration of the third articulation the first and second axes are parallel and the thir

Abstract: A robotized surgery system comprises at least one robot arm which acts under the control of a control console intended for the surgeon. The console comprises an eye tracking system for detecting the direction of the surgeon's gaze and for entering commands depending on the directions of the gaze detected. The console comprises advantageously a screen with at least one zone for viewing the operating field and, among the commands which can be performed depending on the gaze directions.

Abstract: The present invention provides for improved surgical methods for securely fix the L5 vertebrae to the S1 sacrum within the disc space for patients exhibiting a wide range of anatomies. The present invention has at least one advantage of providing practical and advantageous methods for accessing the spinal vertebrae to insert spinal implants in various manners that overcome the disadvantages of posterior, trans-sacro-iliac and anterior lateral approaches thereto and minimize surgical trauma to the patient. Thus the present invention provides for the unmet need for an improved method for performing spinal surgical procedures (e.g., spinal fusion and/or fixations) that can securely fix the L5 vertebrae to the S1 sacrum within the disc space for patients exhibiting a wide range of anatomies.

Abstract: A surgical system for selective connection to a robotic arm includes an instrument drive unit, an instrument support platform coupled to the instrument drive unit, an instrument carriage coupled to the instrument support platform, and a surgical instrument releasably coupled to the instrument carriage. The surgical instrument includes an end effector controllable to perform surgery in response to telemanipulation of actuators in the instrument drive unit.

Abstract: A surgical drape is adapted for use by a woman during childbirth. The surgical drape includes a fecal collection panel having top, bottom, and opposing side edges. An adhesive is applied to a top marginal area of the collection panel directly adjacent its top edge. The adhesive is adapted for temporarily holding the top edge of the collection panel below the vagina and above the anus of the woman when disposed in a lithotomy position, while the bottom edge of the collection panel resides beneath the buttocks. The collection panel defines a protected access aperture designed for enabling ready access by a delivery assistant to the anus of the woman during childbirth. The protected aperture comprises a line of perforations extending perpendicular from the top marginal area of the collection panel towards the bottom edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for fixing a device in a selected position comprises a base having a deformable adherent material disposed thereon, and at least one stability feature associated with the base that allows the apparatus to be maintained in a location and position. The deformable adherent material substantially conforms to at least a portion of a shape of the device and removably fixes the device in the selected position. Although not limited thereto, the apparatus is useful in surgical and interventional procedures for quickly and reliably fixing a medical device such as a catheter at a selected position and orientation while allowing easy removing and repositioning of the device.

Abstract: It is the first surgical instrument holder designed specifically to maximize the efficiency of instrument exchange during surgery. It sits on top of the patient laying on the operating room table and fits the curvature of the average human torso while it places the chambers that hold the surgical instruments at the most natural angle for the hand of the standing surgeon. The size of the chambers is designed so it fits most laparoscopic surgical instruments in use today. It has two openings, an entrance opening and an exit opening. The entrance opening faces the surgeon and designed to enable the surgeon to insert the instrument without having to look at the holder. That enables the surgeon eyes to remain completely focused on the surgical field. That may increase the efficiency of instrument exchange. Which increases the efficiency of the operation. It also prevents the instruments from falling on the floor and the potential to break.

Abstract: A system includes a base, and an actuator having a first end and a second end. The system also includes a shaft configured to rotate relative to the base, and a drive link fixed to the shaft. The system further includes a support arm. A first end of the support arm being fixed to the shaft such that rotation of the shaft causes commensurate rotation of the support arm. The system also includes a timing link having a first end pivotably connected to the base and a second end opposite the first end. Additionally, the system includes a mount coupled to the second end of the timing link. The mount is configured to maintain a substantially constant orientation relative to the base as the support arm transitions between a raised position and a lowered position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to patient monitoring, such as hemodynamic monitoring. In order to perform provide monitoring in various scenarios, a patient monitoring device (10) is provided that comprises a patient medical monitoring unit (12) and an information unit (14). The patient medical monitoring unit is configured to perform monitoring at least one physiological parameter of a patient. The information unit is configured to provide a data carrier signal (16) indicative of information about the patient medical monitoring unit, for example, upon connection to a monitoring system. The data carrier signal is provided as an analogue sequence (18) comprising a predetermined waveform (20) indicative of the information about the patient medical monitoring unit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed including a housing assembly, a shaft assembly coupled to the housing assembly, at least one radio-frequency identification scanner configured to receive information from radio-frequency identification tags which correspond to components which are couplable to the surgical instrument, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to determine, for each component, authenticity of the component based on the information received from the radio-frequency identification tags.

Abstract: A method of placing a dental implant at an implant site in the jaw bone of a patient, said method comprising: (a) without reflecting soft tissue covering the implant site causing a tip of a piezoelectric device to pierce the soft tissue so that the tip comes into direct contact with underlying jaw bone at the implant site; (b) making a starter bore, but not a full-depth osteotomy, at the implant site with the piezoelectric device; and (c) placing the dental implant into the implant site through the starter bore. Alternatively, a tissue punch may be used to create a hole in the soft tissue through which hole access can be gained to the underlying jaw bone for subsequent starter boring with the piezoelectric device.

Abstract: An orthodontic absorbing retractor and methods for retracting regions of a mouth of a patient with the orthodontic absorbing retractor. The orthodontic absorbing retractor includes a braided cotton roll having a cylindrical shape, and has a central axis, a first end and a second end. The orthodontic absorbing retractor further includes a shape retention wire coaxially located within the braided cotton roll between the first end and the second end. The orthodontic absorbing retractor further includes a flexible hydrophobic plastic thread wrapped around an exterior of the braided cotton roll from the first end to the second end. The flexible hydrophobic plastic thread prevents sticking of the orthodontic absorbing retractor to an interior surface of the mouth.

Abstract: A custom oral device is provided that fits on the maxillary or mandibular arch of a wearer. The oral device comprises a tray that corresponds with the shape and size of a wearer's oral anatomy. A soft liner is disposed within an occlusal channel of the tray having an upper surface that comprises an impression having features that correspond to at least a portion of the wearer's dentition and in which the wearer's teeth align. An apparatus and a method for making the custom oral device are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for inserting an implant into skin or other tissue of a patient can include an insertion device that can enclose and support a hyaluronic thread as it is injected into a patient's skin or other tissue. The device can include a cover member, a non-tubular support member, and the thread. The cover member can have a proximal portion, a closed distal portion, and an inner cavity extending from the proximal portion toward the closed distal portion. The thread can be positioned along a longitudinal length of support member, between the support member and the cover member. The non-tubular support member can extend within the inner cavity of the cover member. The cover member can be moveable relative to the support member to expose the thread.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to ureteral stents having an elongated stent body and one or more deformable bladders secured thereto, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including inserting an implantable device (20) into a blood vessel of a subject while the implantable device is disposed inside a delivery device and is constrained in a constrained configuration by the delivery device. The implantable device is released from the delivery device into the blood vessel, thereby causing the implantable device to assume a non-constrained configuration by an upstream end of the implantable device radially expanding (120), a central portion (122) of the implantable device radially expanding such that along the central portion of the implantable device the inner surface (24) of the implantable device defines a diverging portion (25) of a conduit (26), and the implantable device forming a folded portion (128) between the upstream end of the implantable device and the central portion of the implantable device. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prosthetic capsular bag and method for inserting the same. The prosthetic capsular bag helps to maintain the volume of the natural capsular bag, thereby stabilizing the effective lens position of an IOL so that refractive outcomes may be improved with cataract surgery. The prosthetic capsular bag further provides an integrated refractive surface, providing a means for experimentally determining an effective lens position prior to inserting an IOL.

Abstract: Hybrid Accommodating Intra Ocular Lens (AIOL) assemblages including two discrete component parts in the form of a discrete base member for initial implantation in a vacated capsular bag and a discrete lens unit for subsequent implantation in the vacated capsular bag for anchoring to the discrete base member. The lens unit includes a lens optics having at least two segmented lens haptics radially outwardly extending therefrom.

Abstract: A mechanical prosthetic heart valve having a ring, multiple hinges, and multiple leaflets. The hinges are attached to the ring and are evenly spaced from one another along the inner circumference of the ring. Each leaflet is rotably attached to a hinge by an opening located in the center of the lower portion of the leaflets. The ring can include multiple protrusions located along the inner circumference of the ring. The protrusions of the ring limit the opening angle of the leaflets. By limiting the opening angle of the leaflets, wear and tear of the hinges and leaflets, as well as the probability of malfunction of the mechanical prosthetic heart valve are reduced. In addition, limiting the opening angle of the leaflets may increase the opening and closing speed of the leaflets, thus improving performance of the mechanical prosthetic heart valve when the patient is experiencing an elevated cardiac frequency.

Abstract: A heart valve prosthesis for replacing a native mitral valve includes a self-expanding frame with a plurality of anchoring members disposed along the lower region. A valve body is positioned within the self-expanding frame and includes a plurality of leaflets configured to allow blood flow through the self-expanding frame in only one direction. A skirt surrounds the self-expanding frame and is spaced apart therefrom for contacting surrounding tissue and impeding blood flow around the self-expanding frame. The skirt may be reinforced with wires to help maintain a desired shape. The leaflets in the valve body are preferably connected to the self-expanding frame through one or more intermediate components such that the valve body is spaced radially inwardly from an inner surface of the self-expanding frame.

Abstract: Heart valve implants and methods utilizing those valves designed to reduce or eliminate the regurgitant jet associated with an incompetent atrioventricular valve. The heart valve implants, which are deployed via a transcatheter venous approach, comprise a collapsible framework connected to an anchored guide shaft, a valve portion and an apron which permits ingrowth of native heart tissue into the apron.

Abstract: A transcatheter prosthetic heart valve includes a stent frame and at least one sheet of leaflet material formed in to a tube, which includes a lower portion disposed on an exterior of the stent frame and an upper edge portion disposed within the stent frame. The upper edge portion includes at least a portion configured to wrap around a first portion of the top edge of the stent frame and fold towards an exterior of the stent frame. The upper edge portion also includes at least another portion configured to weave through the stent frame and fold towards the interior of the stent frame.

Abstract: A prosthetic heart valve includes a self-expanding wire frame body, a valve disposed in the body, a leaflet clip coupled to the body, and a control element operably coupled to the leaflet clip. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. The leaflet clip is configured to be transitioned between a first configuration in which the prosthetic valve can be inserted into a heart, and a second configuration in which the leaflet clip is disposed to capture a native valve leaflet between the leaflet clip and the wire frame body when the body is disposed in a native annulus of an atrioventricular valve of a heart. The control element extends from the leaflet clip through a ventricle of the heart and out a wall of the ventricle to allow a user to transition the leaflet clip from its first configuration to its second configuration.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic device such as might be used to treat poor function of a diseased heart valve in a medical patient includes a body portion and an anchor portion including a plurality of paddles. Clasps attached to the paddles include fixed arms and moveable arms operable to secure the device to the patient's native valve leaflets.

Abstract: A coronary artery check valve includes a stent configured to attach to an inner wall of a coronary artery of a living subject, and a tapered helical coil coupled to the stent and configured to regulate blood flow in the coronary artery. The coronary artery check valve is configured to prevent retrograde flow of the coronary blood supply during diastole by closing during systole of the heart when the tapered helical coil compresses longitudinally, and opening when the tapered helical coil expands longitudinally to permit blood flow into the coronary artery when a coronary pressure of the living subject drops below diastolic blood pressure.

Abstract: A penis erection stimulation system comprises one or more infusion needles disposed within and implanted along with one or more housings adjacent the patient's left and right corpora cavernosa. A reservoir and a pump are also implanted inside the patient's body to supply the infusion needle with infusion liquid. A drive unit also adapted for implantation inside the patient's body is arranged for advancing and retracting the tip end of the infusion needle such that it penetrates the housing at least in two different penetration areas either simultaneously or in immediate time succession, thereby injecting drugs along with the infusion liquid into the patient's body for stimulating penis erection.

Abstract: A bone structural device including a plurality of bone structural segments, wherein adjacent bone structural segments are pivotally connected to one another about a pivot axis, and the bone structural segments are expandable in height, which is in a direction generally parallel to the pivot axis.