Abstract: This disclosure relates to suture-implant constructs, surgical devices configured to deliver suture-implant constructs, and methods of repairing damaged tissue.

Abstract: Surgical tools that are capable of both manipulating a needle and cutting surgical thread during a suturing operation can sometimes be problematic due to inadvertent severing of the surgical thread. Surgical tools capable of exposing a bladed cutting surface only when severing of surgical thread is desired can substantially alleviate this issue. Such surgical tools may comprise an end effector comprising an end effector axle, a first jaw and a second jaw rotatably mounted to the end effector axle, and a first cutting body having a first blade and second cutting body having a second blade. The first cutting body is configured to move in tandem with the first jaw and the second cutting body is configured to move in tandem with the second jaw, such that the first and second blades are occluded when the first and second jaws are closed or partially opened.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a plurality of suture needles, a first-thread holding mechanism, a needle moving mechanism, and a thread turning structure. The thread turning structure is configured to locally turn a portion of a first thread hooked on a distal end portion of each of a plurality of suture needles in the first thread stretched in a first direction around a needle axis thereof such that the portion of the first thread extends in a direction along a third direction intersecting the first direction and a second direction, in a state where the plurality of suture needles have been moved in the second direction. Each of the plurality of suture needles has a side surface formed with a threading recessed groove extending through the side surface in the first direction in a state where each of the plurality of suture needles has been moved in the second direction.

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

Abstract: Surgical instruments and their methods of use are described. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument includes a power transmission including a trigger and a fastener driver operatively coupled to the trigger. Actuation of the trigger from a first configuration to a second configuration moves the fastener driver between at least a first position and a second position. Additionally, an actuation lockout system operatively associated with the power transmission is moveable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. The actuation lockout system prevents movement of the fastener driver from the first position to the second position when the actuation lockout system is in the locked configuration. Actuation of the trigger from the first configuration towards the second configuration moves the actuation lockout system from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, an articulation system, a firing system, a closure system, a lock system, and a control unit is disclosed. The end effector comprises a pair of movable jaws. The articulation system articulates the end effector when the articulation system is in an active state. The closure system is actuatable to move the pair of jaws. The lock system prevents the closure system from actuating when the lock system is in a locked state. The control unit controls the supply of power from a power source to the articulation system, the firing system, and the lock system. The control unit transitions the lock system to the locked state and prevents the supply of power from the power source to the firing system when the articulation system is in the active state.

Abstract: Surgical stapler systems can include lockout mechanisms to restrict further movement of a jaw assembly and provide different functionality when a jaw assembly is empty and when a partially or fully fired reload cartridge is present in the jaw assembly. When the jaw assembly is empty, the empty jaw assembly lockout mechanism can arrest an open-close stroke of the jaw assembly. When an at least partially fired reload is present in the jaw assembly, a fired reload lockout mechanism can allow operation of the jaw assembly through a substantial portion of an open-close stroke, but restrict actuation of the jaw assembly in a firing stroke. The separate lockout mechanisms can be embodied in a single lockout lever actuatable by lockout actuators to three distinct positions or by two independently-operable lockout levers.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and instrumentalities may be described herein for automating a surgical task. The device may receive an indication of a surgical task to be performed with a surgical instrument. Capabilities of the surgical instrument may be associated with levels of automation. The device may monitor a performance of the surgical task with the surgical instrument operating at a first level of automation associated with the levels of automation. The device may detect a trigger event associated with the performance of the surgical task and switch operation of the surgical instrument from the first level of automation to a second level of automation associated with levels of automation, for example, based on the trigger event.

Abstract: A tissue gripping device is formed from a shape-memory material, and has a base section, a first arm, and a second arm disposed opposite the first arm, each arm having a first end coupled to the base section and a free end extending from the base section. The arms of the tissue gripping device are configured to resiliently flex toward a relaxed configuration in a distal direction as the tissue gripping device is moved from a pre-deployed configuration toward a deployed configuration. The tissue gripping device is usable in a method for gripping tissue. The method includes positioning the tissue gripping device near target tissue and moving the tissue gripping device from a pre-deployed configuration toward a deployed configuration in order to grip the target tissue.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to implantable medical devices comprising an electrical circuit for powering one or more active components of the device, such as an actuation element, an engine, or a sensor. The electrical circuit can include one or more inductors having a plurality of receiving coils that generate a current in response to being exposed to an electromagnetic field. The current generated by the receiving coils can be used to directly or indirectly power the one or more active components. The inductors can have one or more wires having a non-concentric configuration such that, in addition to generating the current for powering the device, the receiving coils also anchor a portion of the device when it is implanted. For example, the receiving coils can be at least partially composed of a superelastic material such that they exhibit superelastic properties at body temperature.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, an anvil, an anvil adjustment assembly, a trigger, and a lockout assembly. The stapling head assembly is operable to drive an annular array of staples. The anvil is configured to couple with the stapling head assembly. The anvil adjustment assembly includes a translating member, which translates relative to the body to thereby adjust the longitudinal position of the anvil relative to the stapling head assembly. The trigger is operable to actuate the stapling head assembly. The lockout assembly includes an electrically powered braking feature. A method of operating the surgical instrument includes providing the lockout assembly in a first state to permit translation of the translating member. The translating member is then translated. The lockout assembly is then transitioned to a second state to prevent further translation of the translating member.

Abstract: A tissue clipping device for clipping tissue and methods of using the same. The device includes a tissue clipping assembly for clipping tissue and a drive assembly operable to control the operation of the tissue clipping assembly. The tissue clipping assembly includes a distal arm that is linearly extendable and retractable to clip tissue. The tissue clipping assembly may be decoupled from the drive assembly after tissue is clipped. Additional clipping assemblies may be deployed with the drive assembly to close larger defects.

Abstract: A tourniquet for applying pressure to a limb to stop the flow of blood is disclosed. The tourniquet includes a plate, a first band and a second band. The first band draws through the plate. The first band includes a tensioning member. The second band positions within the first band such that one end of the second band connects to the first band and the other end of the second band connects to the tensioning member. The first band receives the limb of the user while the plate remains on the limb. The tensioning member operates to draw the second band towards the tensioning member allowing the first band to put pressure on the limb and stop the flow of blood. In one embodiment, the plate connects to a holster. Further, the plate suspends from a waist strap wrapped around a waist of the user.

Abstract: A vascular constricting device for constricting vascular lumens to regulate blood flow in a vascular system includes a cuff having an inflatable body and a frame adapted for wrapping round a vascular lumen, such as a native blood vessel or non-native graft, and a pump having an internal reservoir for doling a fluid and a fluid circuit for controlling the flow of fluid between the reservoir and the inflatable body for selectively inflating and deflating the inflatable body. In a hemodialysis treatment, the vascular constricting device is actuated to inflate the inflatable body to restrict blood flow and lower blood flow rate during off-treatment periods, and is actuated to deflate the inflatable body to permit an unrestricted blood flow and a higher blood flow rate during on-treatment periods.

Abstract: A distal femur alignment system includes a resection guide, in particular a cutting guiding block, for guiding a resection cutting instrument, and an adjustment device for adjusting the resection guide which is adapted to be temporarily fixed to a femur. The adjustment device includes an angle adjustment module for adjusting an angle between the resection guide and the femur and a height adjustment module for adjusting a cutting height between the resection guide and the femur. The angle adjustment module and the height adjustment module each include a manually operable user adjustment element. The user adjustment elements are supported on and rotatable about a common rotation axis so as to be separately and independently operable for angle adjustment and height adjustment.

Abstract: A method of producing a customized tibial resection guide locator comprising: mapping a contoured surface of the proximal tibia onto a digital model of a resection guide locator to create a digital model of a customized resection guide locator; and manufacturing the customized resection guide locator to include: a complementary surface of the proximal tibia, a wall having a shape that is complementary to an outer profile of a tibial resection guide such that a pocket is defined that is configured to receive the tibial resection guide therein.

Abstract: A system is provided that includes a first implant including first and second screw receiving holes having respective first and second longitudinal axes. A second implant includes third and fourth screw receiving holes having respective third and fourth longitudinal axes. At least one drill guide has respective fifth and sixth longitudinal axes. A targeting guide is provided for aligning the drill guides with each of the first and second implants simultaneously, so that the first, third and fifth longitudinal axes lie along a same line as each other, and the second, fourth and sixth longitudinal axes lie along a same line as each other.

Abstract: A system for preparing a bone for implantation of a component of an orthopedic implant device. The system includes a forming tool having a sleeve member that is selectively received within a handle member. The sleeve member has a guide slot that is sized to receive axial passage of at least a portion of a guide. The guide slot and/or sleeve member may be positioned and/or configured to facilitate at least linear and/or rotational displacement of the forming tool about, or relative to, the guide, and thereby provide a degree of freedom in the location at which the forming tool may form a shape or opening in the bone relative to one or more reference axes. The handle member may include a connection member that is structured to be operably coupled to a bone preparation device that is structured to facilitate the displacement of bone material.

Abstract: A kit of tarsometatarsal joint arthrodesis tools include a metatarsal multi-tool, a first ray multi-tool, a cuneiform cut guide, and a joint compressor-distractor. The metatarsal multi-tool is configured for securement to a first metatarsal establishing an anatomic reference for carrying out a surgical procedure and guiding a surgeon to perform the metatarsal base cut. The first ray multi-tool is configured for securement to the first metatarsal using a fixation method. The first ray multi-tool is also configured to be secured to the medial cuneiform. The cuneiform cut guide is configured for removable attachment to the first ray multi-tool and is configured to guide the surgeon to perform the cuneiform head cut. The compressor-distractor is configured to apply a force to the first ray multi-tool such that the position of the first metatarsal may be adjusted toward or away from the medial cuneiform.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method is disclosed for correcting a condition present in a patient. In some implementations, the apparatus may include a proximal end. In addition, the apparatus may include a distal end. The apparatus may include a body having a superior side, an inferior side, a medial side, a lateral side, a proximal side, and a distal side. Moreover, the apparatus may include a marker configured to identify a location for a reference feature that corresponds to a model reference for a bone of the patient's foot. Also, the apparatus may include a bone engagement surface configured to register to an anatomical structure of the bone, the bone engagement surface defined based on medical imaging taken of the bone.

Abstract: Forceps including a housing, a first body, a second body and a drive shaft. The first body has a passageway extending therethrough. The drive shaft extending through the passageway and connected to the first body such that the first body and the drive shaft are slidable with respect to the housing to drive jaws located at a distal portion of the drive shaft between an open position and a closed position. The second body having a second passageway. The drive shaft extending through the second passageway such that the second body is guided by the drive shaft and is slidable relative to the first body and the drive shaft to displace a blade shaft between a retracted position and an extended position.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and instrumentalities are described herein for autonomous operation of a surgical device within a predefined boundary. A discrete signal associated with clamping control (e.g., closure of a clamping jaw) may be received by the surgical device. The discrete signal may be triggered by a healthcare professional or autonomously activated. The surgical device, in response to the discrete signal and based on an algorithm, may generate a continuous signal to cause a continuous application of force or deployment of an operation. The surgical device, based at least on a measurement associated with one of tissue, inrush current, or the distance between the smart energy device and the smart grasper may determine a safety adjustment associated with the operation of the surgical device.

Abstract: A tissue traction device having a segment defined along a limited extent about the perimeter of the tissue traction device and more flexible than surrounding regions of the tissue traction device. The tissue traction device is actuatable to bend along the more flexible segment thereof, generally in a direction of a side of the tissue traction device opposite the more flexible segment thereof. The tissue traction device may be formed from one or more flexible tubular elements, with the flexible segment along a limited extent about the perimeter of the one or more tubular elements. A tissue traction system may be configured to provide actuation medium, such as an inflation medium, to the tissue traction device to control movement of the tissue traction device. The tissue traction system may include one or more flexible tubular elements, a distal end of which forms the tissue traction device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with a handle, a shaft extending from the handle into a distal direction, and an effector, preferably a (medical/surgical) forceps or a scissor, at a distal end of the shaft. The handle comprises a plurality of manual actuating members being adapted to manipulate the effector for rotating, tilting and open-closing movements. The plurality of manual actuating members comprise a first actuating member being rotatable around a rotational axis, which is a longitudinal axis of the shaft or that is parallel offset to the longitudinal axis, and a second actuating member being rotatable around a rotational axis, which is identical to the rotational axis of the first actuating member or is parallel offset thereto and being movable (axially) along the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument shaft assembly comprising a cannulated outer shaft having an outer shaft flexible section, and a cannulated inner shaft having an inner shaft flexible section. The outer shaft flexible section and the inner shaft flexible section each comprises a respective plurality of segmented floating links. The inner shaft is configured and dimensioned to be inserted into the outer shaft in an operating position in which at least a portion of the inner shaft flexible section is surrounded by at least a portion of the outer shaft flexible section, such that the inner shaft flexible section and the outer shaft flexible section can flex in unison, and the inner shaft is rotatable within the outer shaft. The instrument shaft may be used with a surgical tissue shaver. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical tissue shaver having: a shaft having a tubular body defining a cannula; and a cutter head at a distal shaft end and extending along a longitudinal axis. The cutter head has a cutter opening in fluid communication with the cannula, and at least a portion of the cutter opening extending along the longitudinal axis is defined between a first row of teeth and a second row of teeth opposite the first row of teeth with respect to the longitudinal axis. At least one tooth of the first row of teeth is defined by a respective proximal tooth surface and a respective distal tooth surface that intersect at a respective tooth edge, and wherein the respective tooth edge is oriented at a respective angle of less than 90° relative to the longitudinal axis. Methods of forming a tissue shaver are also provided.

Abstract: A medical device and can remove an object inside a biological lumen while allowing a positional change of the device inside the biological lumen. The medical device includes a drive shaft, an outer tube accommodating the drive shaft, a cutting portion fixed to a distal portion of the drive shaft, and a hub unit housing proximal portions of the drive shaft and the outer tube. The hub unit has an operation unit fixed to the outer surface of the outer tube to rotate the outer tube, a first support portion rotatably supporting the operation unit, a first housing having an aspiration port for discharging fluid to outside, and causing communication of an aspiration lumen of the outer tube with the aspiration port, and a first seal between the first housing and the outer tube. The first support portion and the first seal are disposed in parallel along an axial direction.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a soft tissue device, such as a transverse carpal ligament cutting device having one or more balloons that are deflated when the device is in an inactive position and are inflated when the device is in an active position. Other embodiments provide a soft tissue cutting method, such as a method of cutting a transverse carpal ligament that uses a soft tissue cutting device.

Abstract: A surgical device includes an outer member, an inner member, and at least one locking element. The inner member is at least partially supported within the outer member. The at least one locking element is configured in a first arrangement of the surgical device to lock the inner member in a first position and configured in a second arrangement of the surgical device to unlock the inner member from the first position. The at least one locking element is configured to change from the first arrangement to the second arrangement upon coupling the inner member in an operational arrangement to a hand piece.

Abstract: A system and method for locating and guiding a peripheral nerve evaluation (PNE) lead. The system comprising an X-ray system to capture images of the patient. The images are processed by the system and are provided to a user to utilize a measurement device for inserting a needle for placing leads for the PNE procedure.

Abstract: A device for orienting a medical object in respect of an object under examination includes an orientation element, a guide element, an ancillary element, and a light guiding device. The orientation element is movably mounted about a center of rotation and is configured for the longitudinal guidance of the medical object along a guide axis. The ancillary element includes an identification marker configured to be arranged in the center of rotation. The light guiding device is configured to emit a predefined distribution of light for specification of a path. The arrangement of orientation element and ancillary element may be moved about the center of rotation arranged on the path, such that the predefined distribution of light illuminates the identification marker with a predefined light pattern, when the guide axis of the orientation element is oriented in a defined positional relationship in respect of the path.

Abstract: A catheter system for implant delivery is provided. The delivery system includes a primary rotary knob and a secondary rotary knob. The primary rotary knob moves a catheter shaft to load or unload an implant whereas the secondary rotary knob is connected to an inner shaft. The inner shaft comprises an implant holder to engage with the implant during loading and unloading. The movement of the inner shaft due to rotation of the secondary rotary knob improves positioning of the implant and ensures detachment of the implant from the implant holder due to micro movements of the implant holder.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and compositions are provided for implanting an implantable device into a biological tissue (e.g., muscle, brain). A subject implantable device includes: (i) a biocompatible substrate, (ii) a conduit (e.g., an electrode, a waveguide) that is disposed on the biocompatible substrate, and (iii) an engagement feature (e.g., a loop) for reversible engagement with an insertion needle. The biocompatible substrate can be flexible (e.g., can include polyimide). The implantable device is implanted using an insertion needle that includes an engagement feature corresponding to the engagement feature of the implantable device. To implant, an implantable device is reversibly engaged with an insertion needle, the device-loaded insertion needle is inserted into a biological tissue (e.g., to a desired depth), and the insertion needle is retracted, thereby disengaging the implantable device from the insertion needle and allowing the implantable device to remain implanted in the biological tissue.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for transseptal access of septa within a patient. The device can be advanced to a septum, e.g., towards a fossa ovalis. Instead of applying positive pressure to “tent” the septum, a negative pressure is applied to a lumen within a sheath, e.g., within an elongated member slidable within the sheath, via a negative pressure source such as a syringe on the proximal end of the sheath. This results in the septum pulling inward. The sheath employs a stationary needle-like central core component contained within the lumen of the sheath that punctures the septum when the same is pulled passed it by the negative pressure. The stationary needle-like central core component may be hollow and may form a portion of the elongated member or may be coupled to a distal end thereof.

Abstract: A device for accessing a cavity includes a tube and a trocar. The trocar extends through the tube and includes a handle, a sheath, and a tip member. The sheath is opposite the handle. The tip member is disposed in the sheath. The tip member is biased in an extension direction away from the handle. The tip member also includes an indicator indicating a position of the tip member relative to the handle.

Abstract: Among the various aspects of the present disclosure is the provision of devices, systems, and methods for tracking the positions and orientations of at least one bone screw implanted within a surgical site. The disclosed device includes an extension that includes an extension base configured to couple to the bone screw, a marker arm coupled at one end to the extension base in a hinged arrangement, and an optical marker attached to a free end of the marker arm opposite the hinged attachment. The optical marker includes a pair of lenticular arrays in a coplanar arrangement in which the major axes of the lenticular arrays are mutually perpendicular. Each lenticular array is configured to display different hues at different viewing angles. The disclosed method includes transforming a single image of a surgical site containing at least one bone screw and extension into the global positions of each bone screw based on the pixel positions and hues corresponding to the lenticular arrays of each optical marker.

Abstract: A medical apparatus having a bar, the bar having a slot extending laterally along the bar; and a plurality of hooks, wherein the bar is an arch bar that is configured to be attached to a mandible or a maxilla. Such medical apparatuses may also have a plurality of arch bar fasteners, wherein each arch bar fastener is a bone screw having a threaded shaft and a compound head, the compound head having a threaded bore configured to receive a set screw. The medical apparatus may be used in methods to fixate a maxillary or mandibulary arch, or to aid in reducing a fracture of the mandible or maxilla.

Abstract: Various implementations include implants and related methods for moving bone. Certain implementations include an implant for moving bone in a patient's body, the implant including: an implantable biocompatible housing having a first cavity; a first adjustment rod at least partially contained within the first cavity; and a drive mechanism configured to drive the first adjustment rod to enable both translation axially relative to the housing and rotation about a primary axis of the housing.

Abstract: A deployable bone anchor comprises an implantable body comprising a first end comprising a first attachment member to couple to a prosthetic component and a second attachment member to couple to a deployment device, a second end for insertion into bone that comprises a third attachment member to couple to the deployment device, and a sidewall that comprises a living hinge portion to flex when the second and third attachment members are pulled toward each other by the deployment device. A method of implanting a prosthetic component comprises forming a bore in a surface of a bone, inserting a distal end of a deployable bone anchor into the bore, attaching a deployment device to a proximal end of the deployable bone anchor, radially expanding the deployable bone anchor with the deployment device, detaching the deployment device, and attaching a prosthetic component to the deployable bone anchor.

Abstract: A method for configuring a surgical guide and an associated implant. The implant and surgical guide are for maxillofacial osteosynthesis. Three-dimensional models of the pre- and post-operative anatomy are used to define attachment points. These attachment points are used to determine a structure for the implant and surgical guide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a maxilla repositioning implant (1) for three-dimensional precise alignment of a maxilla displacing portion (5) relative to a remaining maxilla portion (3) that is fixed to the skull, wherein the maxilla repositioning implant (1) comprises a base (2), which has at least one plate (7) in which screw holes (10) are provided, wherein a portion of the material of the plate (7) defines, as a rim (11), a respective screw hole (10) that is provided for receiving a bone screw (17) in order to ensure fastening, via the bone screw (17) to be inserted into the respective screw hole (10), to the remaining maxilla portion (3) that is fixed to the skull, wherein the maxilla repositioning implant (1) also comprises a connection portion (4), which is spaced apart from the base (2) by connecting bridges (6), wherein the connection portion (4) comprises at least one plate (7) in which screw holes (10) are provided, and wherein a portion of the material of this plate (7) defines, as a rim (11), a respec

Abstract: An apparatus and technique for infernally securing a plurality of bone segments together. The device incorporates a plate-like structure stabilizing the fracture and integrated fasteners to attach straps circumscribing the bone segments.

Abstract: A fixation system for coupling a first and a second portion of bone together. The fixation system includes a first fixation element, a second fixation element, and an interconnect. The first fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the first portion of bone and a first tapered mating surface. The second fixation element includes an external surface configured to engage the second portion of bone and a second tapered mating surface. The interconnect includes a first and a second tapered surface disposed at generally opposite ends. The first and the second tapered surfaces are configured to frictionally engage the first and the second tapered mating surfaces of the first and the second element, respectively, to form frictional interference connections therebetween.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses and methods for bone fusion are disclosed. In particular, a fixation screw assembly is provided that comprises a bone engagement portion including a shaft and a head member. The assembly also includes a flexible washer member that can be operably attached and secured around the head member of the bone engagement portion. The washer member is polyaxial relative to the bone engagement portion, such that it can assume a variety of angles. The washer member can help prevent back out of the bone engagement portion when the bone engagement portion is implanted into a bone member. The design of the fixation screw assembly can be used in different fusion procedures, including fusion of the sacroiliac joint.

Abstract: A receiver assembly includes a receiver with a central bore and a bottom opening, a channel for receiving a rod, and a discontinuous horizontal recess and one or more vertically-aligned side pockets formed into sidewall surfaces of the central bore. The assembly also includes a pressure insert with an upwardly-open rod-seating surface, opposite flanges projecting radially outward from an upper portion of an outer cylindrical surface, and one or more side protuberances projecting radially outward below the opposite flanges. The pressure insert is positionable into the central bore in a first position and then rotatable from the first position to a second position in which the side protuberances are interferingly forced into the side pocket recesses to inhibit further rotation of the pressure insert and the opposite flanges are rotated under downwardly-facing surfaces of the horizontal recess to inhibit upward movement of the pressure insert within the central bore.

Abstract: A device for preparing a bone cement paste from two starting components, comprising a mixing unit comprising a hollow cylindrical cartridge with an interior, wherein a bone cement powder as a first starting component is stored in the interior, and a cartridge head which seals the interior in terms of fluid conduction at a proximal cartridge end, and a reservoir for a monomer liquid as a second starting component, comprising a conduit which connects the interior of the mixing unit to the reservoir in terms of fluid conduction, wherein the conduit extends through a cartridge head duct of the cartridge head of the mixing unit, and the conduit and the cartridge head duct form a first form closure.

Abstract: A method of performing a cryoablation treatment includes initiating a flow of cryogen to a tip of the cryoprobe and obtaining ice formation data characterizing a shape of ice forming at a target tissue in a patient. The method also includes comparing the ice formation data to a predetermined ice formation profile and energizing a heating portion on the cryoprobe to limit growth of ice in a first direction relative to a predetermined location on the cryoprobe while the cryogen flows to the tip of the cryoprobe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating actinic keratosis of tissue of a patient, the method including contacting non-thermal, atmospheric pressure plasma over areas of the tissue having actinic keratosis for a time and at treatment conditions effective to give rise to an at least partial amelioration of the keratosis.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft extending therefrom, an end effector assembly supported by the shaft, a movable handle, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a translatable drive member for actuating the end effector assembly, and a torsion spring including first and second legs. The first leg is configured to translate through the housing in response to movement of the movable handle relative to the housing. The second leg is configured to translate through the housing in cooperation with the first leg to move the drive member longitudinally when a force acting on the drive member is less than a threshold force, and to remain in fixed position, thereby tensioning the torsion spring and retaining the drive member in fixed position when the force acting on the drive member is equal to or exceeds the threshold force.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical unit electrically coupled to a surgical retractor. The electrosurgical unit includes an RF output and an RF return. The surgical retractor includes a return pad electrically coupled to the RF return of the electrosurgical unit. The electrosurgical unit includes an RF output configured to be coupled to an electrosurgical device, such as an electrosurgical device configured in a monopolar mode. A controller is configured to determine an impedance in tissue at a surgical area electrically disposed between the RF output and the and the RF return. The surgical retractor includes a handle and a blade configured to interface with tissue. The blade includes a return electrode.