Abstract: A new shape changing staple and instrument for the fixation of structures to include bone tissue and industrial materials. This new staple stores elastic mechanical energy to exert force on fixated structures to enhance their security and in bone affect its healing response. This staple once placed changes shape in response to geometric changes in the materials structure, including healing bone tissue. The staple is advanced over prior staples due to its: 1) method of operation, 2) high strength, 3) method of insertion, 4) compressive force temperature independence, 5) energy storing staple retention and delivery system, 6) compatibility with reusable or single use product configuration, 7) efficient and cost effective manufacturing methods, and 8) reduction in the steps required to place the device. In addition to the staple's industrial application an embodiment for use in the fixation of the musculoskeletal system is shown with staple, cartridge, and extrusion handle.

Abstract: A medical instrument for shaving, collecting, and removing vertebral disc material from a vertebral disc space of a spine, has a shaft defining a proximal shaft end and a distal shaft end, and an auger at the distal shaft end. The auger has a plurality of helical cutting flutes configured to shave and collect vertebral disc material from the vertebral disc through rotation of the auger. Each helical cutting flute has a cutting apex that together define a cutting tip, and a radially inward helical slot that collectively define an internal cavity for collection of cut vertebral disc material. The plurality of cutting apexes converge at the cutting tip, defining a point. The medical instrument includes a connector to allow attachment of a handle. A notch in the proximal shaft end that receives a flange of the handle prevents rotation of the handle relative to the auger.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an elongate channel that is configured to operably support a surgical staple cartridge therein. In at least one form, an anvil is pivotally coupled to a proximal end of the elongate channel such that the anvil is pivotal about a discrete, non-movable anvil axis defined by the elongate channel. A firing member is configured for axial travel within the elongate channel in response to an application of firing motions thereto. The firing member is configured to movably engage the anvil and the elongate channel to space the anvil relative to the elongate channel at a desired spacing as the firing member is axially driven through the elongate channel. A closure member is configured to move the anvil from an open position to closed positions relative to the elongate channel upon application of closure motions to the closure member.

Abstract: A cover for an articulation joint that is supported in an elongate shaft assembly of a surgical instrument that is operably coupled to a surgical end effector that includes at least one end effector conductor therein. The cover includes at least one electrically conductive pathway that extends from the distal end of the cover to form an electrically conductive pathway from the end effector conductor to a shaft conductor on the elongate shaft assembly while facilitating operation of the articulation joint. Various conductor arrangements facilitating the passage of electrical current between an end effector to a control system across the articulation joint are also disclosed.

Abstract: A closure device includes a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw has a first plate extending along an axial axis and at least one pair of first teeth projecting from the first plate. The second jaw has a second plate extending generally parallel to the first plate and at least one pair of second teeth projecting from the second plate. A thru-hole extends substantially perpendicularly, entirely through the second plate and a post is secured to and projects from the first plate along a longitudinal axis oriented substantially perpendicularly to the first and second plates. The post extends through the thru-hole in a rotationally fixed manner, whereby the at least one pair of first teeth face the at least one pair of second teeth.

Abstract: A surgical anchor device for being anchored on the mucous membrane of the inner wall of the intestine, the device having a temporary anchor element presenting anchoring that can be modified in a controlled manner and having a first substantially cylindrical multiply-perforated wall presenting properties of radial elasticity whereby the first wall presents an outer diameter that can be varied in controlled manner, wherein a portion of the inner surface of the first wall is lined with an independent leakproof inner sheath having only its longitudinal ends fastened to the anchor element to define a suction chamber between the inner sheath and the first wall, the temporary anchor element being coupled to a flexible or semi-rigid tube extending outside the anchor element, an open end of the injection-suction tube opening out into the suction chamber enabling air to be injected into or sucked out from the suction chamber.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a cerebral aneurysm are described. The device may include proximal and distal self-expanding resilient permeable shells each including a plurality of elongate resilient filaments having a braided structure. The distal permeable shell may include a first plurality of filaments gathered at least at the proximal end thereof. The proximal permeable shell may include a second plurality of filaments are gathered at least at the proximal end thereof. The expanded state of the distal permeable shell may have a convex shape at the distal end of the distal permeable shell and the expanded state of the proximal permeable shell may have a generally convex shape at the proximal end of the proximal permeable shell. The expanded states of the distal and proximal permeable shells may also define a toroidal cavity through which an elongate support member extends.

Abstract: An occlusive medical implant for implantation within a left atrial appendage may include an expandable framework configured to self-expand from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration, and an occlusive element disposed on a proximal portion of the expandable framework. At least a portion of the expandable framework may be mechanically expandable from the expanded configuration to a securement configuration. When the occlusive medical implant is disposed within the left atrial appendage, the expandable framework exerts a first radial force on the left atrial appendage in the expanded configuration and the expandable framework exerts a second radial force on the left atrial appendage in the securement configuration. The second radial force is greater than the first radial force.

Abstract: A surgical applicator for a fastener, the surgical applicator comprising: a handle; a trigger movable relative to the handle between an initial position, an actuated position, and an intermediate position between the initial position and the actuated position; and a lockout mechanism movable relative to the trigger between a locked position and an unlocked position, the lockout mechanism operatively arranged to: lock the trigger in the intermediate position when the trigger is moved from the initial position toward the actuated position; and permit movement of the trigger from the intermediate position toward the initial position or the actuated position when the lockout mechanism is moved from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A method for calibrating at least one solid-state sensor coupled to an elongate body comprising an expandable member is described herein. In some variations, the method may include advancing the expandable member to a target location in a blood vessel of a patient, injecting a calibration bolus into the expandable member, obtaining, using a controller, a first sensor data from an expandable member sensor, obtaining, using the controller, a second sensor data from the at least one solid-state sensor, and adjusting the second sensor data based on the first sensor data.

Abstract: An occlusive device, occlusive device delivery system, method of using, and method of delivering an occlusive device, and method of making an occlusive device to treat various intravascular conditions is described.

Abstract: A system, comprises a sheath, an operation body attached to the sheath, the operation body including a first wall, a clip configured to be inserted in and protruded from the sheath, the clip including a pair of arms, a wire inserted in the sheath, the wire including a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the clip, a handle attached to the second end and configured to move the wire against the operation body, the handle configured to open and close the pair of arms via the wire, and an obstruction attached to the wire and configured to generate a sliding resistance to the wire. The handle is configured to change a configuration of the clip between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the obstruction and the wire are placed in a relative position, the handle opens the arms, and the obstruction contacts the first wall.

Abstract: A hemostatic device can perform hemostasis by compressing a puncture site on a hand of a patient, and can prevent a movable range of fingers from being narrowed or can prevent misalignment at a wearing position, when the hemostatic device is worn on the hand. The hemostatic device has a covering portion to cover a site where bleeding is to be stopped on a hand of a patient, and a pressing portion that compresses the site where bleeding is to be stopped, in a state where the covering portion covers the site where bleeding is to be stopped. The covering portion includes a securing portion that surrounds at least a portion of the hand while covering the pressing portion, and a restriction portion that restricts a movement of the securing portion in an axial direction. The restriction portion is disposed between adjacent fingers and of the hand.

Abstract: An automated emergency pneumatic tourniquet system including multiple interchangeable tourniquet cuffs, each having an inflatable bladder and an indicator tag designating the type of cuff, preferred pressure of application, and other data. A detachable controller reads the indicator tag and inflates the bladder to a predetermined pressure, which can be modified once applied. The detachable controller may be used to inflate multiple cuffs individually and monitor the amount the pressure applied by the cuffs. It also allows for periodic reperfusion for reducing and/or preventing ischemia. The cuff is held in place on a limb using a manual tightening mechanism independent of the bladder and controller.

Abstract: A medical, motor-operated or hand-operated or operable instrument includes a number of bearings for supporting a shaft for applying torque to a tool, of which bearings at least two selected or selectable bearings form a bearing pair. A distance sleeve axially spaces apart the bearings of the bearing pair. The instrument includes a component located at least partly radially inside the distance sleeve. The component is or can be rotationally coupled to at least one of the two bearings to rotate together with a rotating part of the at least one of the two bearings, or to form a rotating part of the at least one of the two bearings. At least one permanent magnet is fastened or formed on or in the component. A coil is arranged on or in the distance sleeve.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis and including a cutting surface. A second member includes a cutting surface that is rotatable relative to the first member. A third member includes an outer surface. The cutting surface of the second member is rotatable relative to the outer surface to transfer the cut tissue along the axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a positioning system for posteromedial structure, posterolateral structure and medial patellofemoral ligament reconstruction, which relates to the technical field of ligament reconstruction.

Abstract: A method for fusing a tibiotalar joint of a patient with an intramedullary device while leaving an adjacent subtalar joint intact includes the steps of placing an intramedullary nail through a talus and into a tibia of the patient without violating a posterior facet of the adjacent subtalar joint and fixing the intramedullary nail to the talus and the tibia.

Abstract: A surgical guide tool and methodology includes a non patient-specific platform including one or more supports for attaching to a body part of a subject. A non patient-specific block has a top planar surface and a bottom planar surface, and includes a guide aperture extending from the top planar surface to the bottom planar surface for guiding a surgical instrument in making at least one of a cut and a drill hole. An intermediate module is removably positioned between the platform and the block. The intermediate module has patient-specific dimensions such that the guide aperture has a desired alignment relative to the body part when the surgical guide tool is attached to the body part of the patient and the intermediate module is positioned between the platform and the block.

Abstract: A surgical template system for use in working on a bone comprises: a tool guide block comprising at least one guide aperture for receiving and guiding a tool to work on a bone; locating means comprising a plurality of locating members, each member having a respective end surface for positioning against a surface of the bone; and attachment means for non-adjustably attaching the tool guide block to the locating means such that, when attached, the member end surfaces are secured in fixed position with, respect to each other, for engaging different respective portions of the surface of the bone, and the at least one guide aperture is secured in a fixed position with respect to the end surfaces. Corresponding methods of manufacturing a surgical template system, methods of manufacturing locating means for a surgical template system, methods of fitting a prosthesis to a bone, surgical methods, and surgical apparatus are described.

Abstract: A surgical template system for use in working on a bone comprises: a tool guide block comprising at least one guide aperture for receiving and guiding a tool to work on a bone; locating means comprising a plurality of locating members, each member having a respective end surface for positioning against a surface of the bone; and attachment means for non-adjustably attaching the tool guide block to the locating means such that, when attached, the member end surfaces are secured in fixed position with, respect to each other, for engaging different respective portions of the surface of the bone, and the at least one guide aperture is secured in a fixed position with respect to the end surfaces. Corresponding methods of manufacturing a surgical template system, methods of manufacturing locating means for a surgical template system, methods of fitting a prosthesis to a bone, surgical methods, and surgical apparatus are described.

Abstract: A surgical guide includes a body having a shape that corresponds to a shape of an implant to be implanted. The body defines a first opening and at least one hole that is sized and configured to receive a tool. A first alignment feature configured to facilitate alignment of the surgical guide with a first anatomic plane is coupled to the body. Systems and methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, system for real time monitoring of catheter aspiration includes a housing having a first port adapted for connection to a vacuum source and a second port adapted for connection with an aspiration catheter, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior of the housing, a measurement device coupled to the pressure sensor and configured for measuring deviations in fluid pressure, and a communication device coupled to the measurement device and configured to generate an alert signal when a deviation in fluid pressure measured by the measurement device exceeds a pre-set threshold. In another embodiment, the system for real time monitoring of catheter aspiration further includes a vacuum source for connection to the first port and an aspiration catheter having an aspiration lumen for connection to the second port.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including, in some embodiments, a sonic connector at a proximal end of a core wire, a damping mechanism around a proximal end portion of the core wire, and a heat sink connected to the damping mechanism. The sonic connector is configured to couple to an ultrasound-producing mechanism and transmit vibrational energy to the proximal end of the core wire, which core wire includes a distal end portion configured to modify intravascular lesions. The damping mechanism includes a gasket system around the proximal end portion of the core wire in a damping-mechanism bore of the catheter assembly. The damping mechanism is configured to damp the vibrational energy. A system including, in some embodiments, the catheter assembly and the ultrasound-producing mechanism is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device catheter comprises a cavitation bubble chamber configured to contain a cavitation solution, and at least two electrodes positioned within the cavitation bubble chamber to be in contact with the cavitation solution and to form an electrode gap. A proximal end of the medical device catheter is adapted to remain outside the body of the patient during use of the catheter, and a first lumen is in fluid communication with the cavitation bubble chamber and the proximal end, configured to deliver the cavitation solution from the proximal end of the medical device catheter to the cavitation bubble chamber.

Abstract: A medical device for removal of an occlusion from a vessel in a patient’s body. The retrieval device having a retriever sub-system and an aspiration sub-system. The retriever sub-system having a delivery catheter and an elongated delivery member that includes proximal and distal expandable elements, the proximal element being removably engaged to the elongated delivery member and the distal element being fixed to the elongated delivery member. The proximal element adapted to move axially along the elongated delivery member in a distal direction toward the distal element when the proximal element is released from the elongated delivery member, whereby, when the proximal element is disposed on a distal side of the vessel occlusion and the distal element is disposed on a proximal side of the occlusion, the proximal and distal elements surround, isolate and contain the occlusion between the proximal and distal elements at the vessel occlusion site.

Abstract: An elongated device with an improved attachment of its elements is provided. The device comprises a working element comprising a first connection portion extending proximally, the first connection portion having a first attachment surface; a pusher comprising a second connection portion extending distally, the second connection portion having a second attachment surface facing and extending longitudinally aligned to the first attachment surface to define an overlapping portion and to define first and second seams extending longitudinally along first and second lateral extents of the overlapping portion; a first weld attaching the first and second connection portions, extending from the first seam toward the second seam; and a second weld attaching the first and second connection portions, extending from the second seam toward the first seam. A method for connecting a working element to a pusher is also provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for managing surgical instruments throughout their lifecycle include disabling a usage based device lockout and providing notifications for devices nearing a usage based lockout. A device adaptor connected inline between a surgical instrument and a power source can be configured to alter a device EEPROM to allow for additional device usage despite a usage based lockout. Notifications and user prompts may be displayed requiring a user to acknowledge that a usage based device lockout has occurred in order to avoid an attempt to use an expired device in a future procedure.

Abstract: An atherectomy device for removing deposits such as plaque from an interior of a vessel including an outer member and a rotatable shaft positioned for rotational movement within the outer member and fixed axially within the outer member. A tip is mounted to the distal region of the rotatable shaft and is positioned distally of the distal end of the outer member to create a gap between the proximal end of the rotatable tip and the distalmost edge of the outer member. The rotatable tip has a longitudinal axis mounted to the rotatable shaft for rotation about its longitudinal axis upon rotation of the shaft, the shaft including a guidewire lumen for receiving a guidewire to enable over the wire insertion of the device.

Abstract: Provided is a guide device for puncturing with a puncture needle from a puncture point A provided at a vicinity of a first point B on a waist of a patient to a target point D inside a patient's body, the target point D corresponding to a second point C different from the first point B on the waist. The guide device includes a guide part for guiding the puncturing with the puncture needle, and a support base for supporting the guide part and abutting on the waist. A portion of the support base is configured to define a first angle with respect to a straight line connecting the puncture point A and the second point C, and the guide part is provided at a second angle with respect to a line perpendicular to the support base. The first angle is defined by the puncture point A, the second point C and the first point B, and the second angle is defined by the puncture point A, the target point D and the second point C.

Abstract: An implant device to facilitate access across pleura layers includes a tube having a side wall, a lumen, a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a central portion interposed between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The tube has a longitudinal extent, wherein each of the proximal end portion and the distal end portion extends outwardly from the central portion, and wherein the side wall has a longitudinal split to define a first lateral edge surface and a second lateral edge surface. Each of the first lateral edge surface and the second lateral edge surface longitudinally extends through each of the proximal end portion, the central portion, and the distal end portion.

Abstract: A bone fixation device configured to fix one or more bone segments is provided.

Abstract: There is proposed a bone fastener assembly comprising a bone fastener comprising a bone fastener head and a bone fastener shaft, a correction instrument and/or a locking insert, and a rod receiving head. The rod receiving head includes at least two rod receiving passages, and which can thus be connected to two rods. Moreover, the movement of the rod receiving head in relation to the bone fastener can be blocked prior to placing a rod into the rod receiving head. The proposed bone fastener assembly may be used for example for correcting larger spinal deformities.

Abstract: A method for securing a longitudinal connection member assembly into multiple bone anchors by inserting the assembly into the bone anchors before or after the assembly is tensioned. The assembly includes a tensionable cord, an outer end blocker, and a set screw. The cord has a first end portion fixedly connected to a first structure, extends through a through-bore of a second structure, and has a second end portion that extends through a blocker through-bore of the outer end blocker. The outer end blocker has oppositely spaced lateral external planar surfaces and a threaded closed bore. The set screw is releasably engageable to the outer end blocker via the threaded closed bore. The method further includes tensioning the cord from the second end portion, holding the planar surfaces during tensioning of the cord within the blocker, and securing the tensioned cord to the outer end blocker by the set screw.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part with a head receiving portion defining a seat for pivotably receiving a head of a bone anchor, and a rod receiving portion defining a recess for receiving a rod, the recess forming two legs each having an engagement surface for engaging a locking device to lock the rod in the recess, and an expansion limiting member having a surface configured to engage a portion of the receiving part spaced apart from the engagement surfaces of the legs. When the legs are urged radially outwardly, the head receiving portion is urged radially inwardly to compress and lock the head. The expansion limiting member is adjustable from a first configuration relative to the receiving part where the head receiving portion is expandable to permit the insertion of the head, to a second configuration where expansion of the head receiving portion is restricted.

Abstract: A pivotal hone screw assembly includes a shank having a capture portion and an anchor portion, and a receiver assembly in a pre-assembled configuration that includes a receiver, a retainer, and a separate pressure insert. The receiver has a central bore with a lower chamber, with the retainer being pre-assembled and contained within a wider portion of the lower chamber prior to uploading the capture portion of the hone anchor through a bottom opening, and with the insert being pre-assembled into the receiver above the retainer. The pre-assembled insert and retainer have an overlapping engagement with each other prior to and during the uploading of the capture portion through the bottom opening, with the retainer configured to expand to receive the capture portion and then to close around and retain the capture portion within the lower chamber while providing for pivotal motion of the shank relative to the receiver.

Abstract: A medical implant assembly includes a shank having a head with a partial spherical outer surface opposite an anchor portion, and a receiver having a channel for receiving a rod and a central bore with a locking region adjacent a lower opening and a capture region and an inwardly-protruding horizontal ridge above the locking region. The assembly also includes a positioner disposed within the capture region, a resilient retainer disposed within the positioner, and an insert positionable above the positioner with side surfaces engaged with the horizontal ridge. The shank head is uploaded through the lower opening to expand the retainer and the positioner contained within the capture region, after which the retainer moves downward into the locking region to capture the shank head. The insert is downwardly displaceable with tooling until a top surface of the insert becomes engaged with the horizontal ridge to inhibit upward movement.

Abstract: A modular pedicle screw for spinal fixation. The pedicle screw includes a bone screw and a modular head assembly. The bone screw having a head and a shank, the head defining at least one groove. The modular head assembly includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a throughbore extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing between the proximal and distal ends of the housing, and an anvil disposed within the throughbore. The modular head assembly includes at least one protrusion sized and shaped to be received by the at least one groove for restricting relative movement between the housing and the bone screw to a single plane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for spinal the treatment of abnormal spinal stability and stenosis of the spinal canal. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide treatment via decompression and/or fixation of the spinal canal. One or more implants are used to fixate the posterior column of a spinal segment compromised of the superior and inferior immediately adjacent vertebral bones. In one variant, these disclosed devices are used to fixate the posterior column of a spinal segment while another orthopedic implant is placed into the anterior column of the same spinal segment, thereby providing circumferential decompression.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an interspinous process device. The interspinous process device may include a main body having a cavity formed therein, the main body being configured to be disposed between the two adjacent spinous processes; and a spacer configured to be arranged in the cavity of the main body. When the main body is disposed between the two adjacent spinous processes and the spacer is arranged in the cavity of the main body, a volume of the cavity may be greater than a volume of the spacer, a height of the cavity may be equal to a height of the spacer, and a width of the cavity may be greater than a width of the spacer.

Abstract: Instruments and methods for selectively coupling to an object are provided, for example surgical instruments that can form a rigid connection with an object and also be disassembled for cleaning, sterilization, etc. One embodiment includes an elongate shaft with a longitudinal groove, a first partial circumferential groove that intersects with a distal end of the longitudinal groove, and a second at least partial circumferential groove formed distal to the first partial circumferential groove. The instrument also includes a sleeve disposed over the elongate shaft that includes a protrusion extending from an internal wall that is received within the longitudinal groove to constrain movement of the sleeve relative to the elongate shaft. The sleeve further includes a lock that interfaces with the second at least partial circumferential groove when the protrusion is disposed in the first partial circumferential groove to further selectively constrain axial and rotational movement of the sleeve.

Abstract: A screw tower that is a single-use instrument that attaches to existing screws but remains open along a rod slot to allow for screws to intermesh and prevent interference of adjacent screws during screw and rod insertion. The screw tower interfaces with existing features of the screws to facilitate screw insertion, rod insertion, rod reduction, and locking cap insertion in a percutaneous approach. The tower is broken in half and removed from patient to end with a completed construct.

Abstract: Vertebral retaining devices and instruments are provided. A retaining device may include a first monolithic body having a first handle and first jaw pivotably coupled to a second monolithic body having a second handle and a second jaw. The first body and the second body may be pivotably coupled to one another at an intermediate region between the respective handles and jaws. In some aspects, the first and second bodies may be polymeric. The first jaw and second jaw may be shaped to provide an access region between the first jaw and the second jaw when the retaining device is coupled to bone fasteners attached to the vertebrae. The retaining device may include a locking assembly coupled to the first handle and the second handle, and configured to retain the first jaw and the second jaw in a spaced relationship relative to one another.

Abstract: An implantable osteodistraction device includes an inductive power transfer circuit at least partially within one of outer and inner tubes. A shape-memory-alloy actuator includes a shape-memory-alloy element powered by the inductive power transfer circuit and configured to transition from a first phase to a second phase with a corresponding change in shape responsive to threshold resistive heating. A force transmission apparatus includes a locking clutch connected to the shape-memory-alloy actuator and slidably connected to another one of the outer and inner tubes. The locking clutch converts change in shape of the shape-memory-alloy element, by transition from one of the first and second phases to the other one of the first and second phases, to an extension of the inner tube from within the outer tube and prevents contraction of the inner tube into the outer tube when the shape-memory-alloy element oppositely transitions.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of orthopedic implants and methods for surgically repairing hammertoe are disclosed. According to at least one illustrative embodiment, an orthopedic implant includes a proximal segment comprising a number of spring arms forming an anchored barb at a first end of the implant, a distal segment extending between the proximal segment and a second end of the implant, and a central segment disposed between the proximal and distal segment.

Abstract: A compression screw for applying compression at a bone joint. The compression screw includes an axial screw body extending from a distal end to a proximal end with the distal end including a series of bone engaging threads configured to be self-drilling and self-tapping and the proximal end including a head which defines a radially extending shoulder. At least one proximal rotary cutting structure is defined proximally of the bone engaging threads. The at least one proximal rotary cutting structure is configured to be self-drilling such that a proximal portion of the axial screw body cuts into and advances within a bone of the bone joint as the axial screw body is advanced. A method of inserting the compression screw is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides medical instruments and medical instrument components having targeted torsional failure. Such targeted torsional failure helps prevent a surgeon from applying excessive torque that may damage an implant or bone, and also helps avoid the problems and complications that arise when medical instruments break within patients during surgical procedures. To provide such targeted torsional failure, the disclosed medical instrument components include a breakaway section designed so that the component breaks at a desired amount of torque, at a desired location, and in a desired way. The provided medical instrument components may also include a sleeve to increase side-loading strength that may otherwise be reduced due to the breakaway section. The increased side-loading strength may help prevent accidental bending-type failures. The presently disclosed medical instrument component therefore provides targeted torsional failure without sacrificing side-loading strength.

Abstract: An insertion guide for guiding a fastener having a head and a shaft. The insertion guide includes a sidewall constructed of a biocompatible material having an entrance end, an exit end, and a cavity extending from the entrance end to the exit end. The sidewall has a guide portion and a fastener connector portion. The guide portion of the sidewall extends from the entrance end toward the exit end, and the fastener connector portion of the sidewall extends from the exit end toward the guide portion. The sidewall in the guide portion is configured such that the cavity has a first cross-sectional distance greater than the head of the fastener. The sidewall in the fastener connector portion has a second cross-sectional distance greater than the shaft, and less than the head.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a probe, containing a first lumen and a second lumen and having a distal end that contacts tissue of a living subject. A fluid supply delivers a cryogenic fluid through the first lumen to the distal end and receives cryogenic fluid returning via the second lumen. A temperature sensor is located at the distal end. A pressure sensor located at a proximal end of the first lumen measures a pressure of the cryogenic fluid. A processor controls a delivery rate of the cryogenic fluid from the fluid supply, so that, when a temperature measured by the temperature sensor is less than a preset guard temperature, the delivery sate is a preset low rate, and when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the preset guard temperature, the delivery rate is set in response to a pressure measured by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system and method for control of an electrosurgical system with an enhanced reality display system wirelessly connected to the gas-enhanced electrosurgical system. The electrosurgical system comprises a gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator, a voice-recognition system connected to said gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator, a robotic system, and an enhanced reality display system wirelessly connected to said gas-enhanced electrosurgical system. The gas-enhanced electrosurgical generator may comprise a power module, a gas control module, and a control module, wherein said control module is configured to provide voice control of said power module and said gas module.