Abstract: A cleaning device and a method therefor are provided. The cleaning device includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collecting container and a docking station to which the dust collecting container is coupled. The docking station includes a suction device configured to move air from the dust collecting container to inside of the docking station, a collector configured to collect a foreign substance that is moved together with the air by driving of the suction device, a suction flow path along which air moves inside the docking station, a flow adjusting device configured to open or close the suction flow path, and at least one processor configured to control the suction device to operate based on the dust collecting container being coupled to the docking station, and control the flow adjusting device to periodically open and close the suction flow path in a state in which the suction device operates.

Abstract: A vacuum hose has a switch that allows an operator to selectively send control signals to a transceiver to control the operation of a central vacuum unit. The switch may be located on a cuff or nozzle defining a distal end of the vacuum hose. The switch is not located on a head unit that couples to the cuff or nozzle and not located on a wall-mounted valve. The switch can be an energy harvesting switch that requires no batteries or no dedicated power source (i.e., not hardwired).

Abstract: A dock assembly is provided. The dock assembly is configured for docking with a robot. An alignment platform of said dock assembly is configured to receive a sweeper module from the robot when the robot is docked and said sweeper module disengages from the robot. The alignment platform has a plurality of cones positioned on a top side of the alignment platform. The plurality of cones are configured to engage a plurality of holes positioned on an underside of the sweeper module when the sweeper module becomes disengaged from the robot. The plurality of cones enable self-alignment of the alignment platform to the sweeper module as the plurality of cones engage the plurality of holes. The alignment platform has a plurality of support pads positioned on a bottom side of the alignment platform.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes an illumination system having lighting to illuminate a floor surface or other area being cleaned. The lighting for the illumination system includes a plurality of lights, light sources, and/or lighting zones disposed around a housing of the apparatus. The illumination system can output a condition, status, state, alert or error to a user by emitting visible light and varying an intensity, color, wavelength, temperature, or animation of the light. Methods for operating the illumination system are also provided.

Abstract: An endoscope. One or more image sensors are designed to capture image data in visible light. One or more image sensors are designed to capture image data in a nonvisible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. An insertion shaft is designed to support the visible and nonvisible image sensors at or near a distal tip with sufficient rigidity to permit guidance to a surgical site in a human body. Image processing software is trained through machine learning to enhance image quality of at least the nonvisible portion of the image, and to present the enhanced nonvisible image as a real-time, visible presentation to a surgeon. A handle has electronics for drive of illumination circuitry and to receive imaging signal from the imaging circuitry. A joint between the proximal handle portion and the insertion shaft is designed to separably connect the insertion shaft to the proximal handle portion. When separated, the joint permits removal of the insertion shaft for disposal and replacement.

Abstract: A direct intracardiac imaging catheter capable of entering chambers of the heart and providing an image through a vein or an artery percutaneously, or through direct access during open surgery. The intracardiac imaging catheter apparatus is a small optical fiber imaging system. The catheter is deflectable and capable of navigating within all heart chambers to acquire detailed images, and adjacent large vessels during percutaneous cardiac procedures. The catheter can access the arterial system to acquire blood vessel images. It can pass through the intra-atrial septum (foramen ovale) for cardiac procedures in the left chambers and large vessels adjacent the left heart, including pulmonary veins and the aorta. During open heart surgery, images can be provided from hard to access regions including the back of the heart during off pump cardiac surgery. The apparatus includes balloon tip that can be inflated and deflected based the movement of catheter.

Abstract: A medical apparatus including an endoscopic tool including first and second members longitudinally slidable relative to each other; and a control connected to a proximal end of the endoscopic tool. The control includes a housing and an actuation mechanism. The actuation mechanism is longitudinally slidably connected to the housing. The actuation mechanism has the first member and/or the second member connected thereto. The housing includes a connector configured to removably connect the housing to a control section of an endoscope.

Abstract: An objective optical system includes, in order from an object side: a first group having a negative refractive power; a second group having a positive refractive power; and a third group having a positive refractive power, in which the first group and the third group are fixed and the second group is movable, the first group includes at least two lenses having a negative refractive power, the third group includes, in order from the object side, a 3-1st group having a positive refractive power, a 3-2nd group having a negative refractive power, a 3-3rd group having a positive refractive power, and a 3-4th group having a positive refractive power, and the following conditional expression (1)?? is satisfied: 1.5?Bk/f3?6??(1)??.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to surgical systems and methods. The system includes a main assembly having an IMU subsystem, camera, scope head assembly, and processor. Processor processes images and IMU information, including determining whether images include a distal end of the scope head assembly and a cannulation target. Responsive to a determination that images include the distal end of the scope head assembly, the processor generates 3-dimensional position of distal end of the scope head assembly. When images are determined to include the cannulation target, the processor generates 3-dimensional positions of the cannulation target. Processor also generates predictions of one or more real-time trajectory paths for the distal end of the scope head assembly to cannulate the cannulation target.

Abstract: A case or encasement for use with a smartdevice, such as a smartphone or tablet and an endoscope is disclosed. The encasement includes a power supply, logic for controlling wireless communications, a light source, and other accessories, for use with an endoscope. In an embodiment, the encasement includes a power supply that may be used to charge a smartdevice, power a light source and a wireless communications module. Other embodiments include a mechanism for communicating between the smartdevice and the encasement to control the light source and any other accessories coupled to the encasement.

Abstract: Offset illumination using multiple emitters in a fluorescence imaging system is described. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The emitter comprises a first emitter and a second emitter for emitting different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 795 nm and/or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to systems and methods for reducing the area of an image sensor by reducing the imaging sensor pad count used for data transmission and clock generation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an in-vivo detection apparatus and system based on a flexible tube. The apparatus includes: a detection component, a main circuit board, a detection circuit board, an auxiliary circuit board, a cable, and an outer tube. The in-vivo detection apparatus has improved welding strength and reliability particularly when a packaging size is limited.

Abstract: An imaging module includes: an image sensor; and a mounting board on which the image sensor is mounted together with a plurality of passive components. The mounting board includes: a first surface on which the image sensor is surface-mounted; a second surface that is located on an opposite side to the first surface and on which the passive component is mounted; a third surface that is continuous with the second surface via a step and on which the passive component is mounted; and a columnar cable connection block that rises from the second and third surfaces and to which a cable is connected.

Abstract: A cavity illumination system according to the present disclosure may include one or more illumination elements composed of a transparent or semi-transparent, biocompatible sterilizable polymer and one or more illumination sources. The sterilizable polymer operates as a waveguide. An illumination element may incorporate micro structured optical components such as for example gratings, prisms and or diffusers to operate as precision optics for customized delivery of the light energy. The micro structured optical components may also be used to polarize and/or filter the light energy entering or exiting the illumination element.

Abstract: A medical device with a valve for autoclavability is disclosed. The medical device may include a cavity. A channel connects the cavity to an autoclave environment. The channel has a distal end and proximal end. The distal end of the channel may open to the autoclave environment and the proximal end may open to the cavity. A valve may be positioned in or near the channel. The valve may permit gas to flow from the cavity when a pressure inside the cavity is greater than a pressure in the autoclave environment outside the cavity. The valve may also prevent gas from flowing into the cavity when the pressure in the autoclave environment outside the cavity is greater than the pressure inside the cavity.

Abstract: A core collector is shaped as a crescent in cross-section and has lateral sides formed into axially extending rows of axially spaced teeth. The arc angle of the crescent shape is sufficient to keep the core collector radially centered in a cannula by having the crescent's lateral sides bear against the inside of the cannula. The set of a core collector and cannula can be used in a known biopsy system to replace the known cannula and core collector of can be used in a new core biopsy instrument.

Abstract: A method of treating a vessel in a subject comprises the steps of advancing a device distally across a treatment zone in a vessel, wherein the device comprises an elongated catheter having a lumen and a distal end, and a radially expansive treatment element disposed in the lumen and configured for axial movement relative to the catheter; deploying the radially expansive treatment element proud of the distal end of the catheter to radially expand and circumferentially impress against the vessel lumen at a distal end of the treatment zone; and withdrawing the deployed radially expansive treatment element proximally along the treatment zone with the treatment element circumferentially impressed against the vessel lumen to mechanically and circumferentially denude the treatment zone of the vessel. The radially expansive treatment element is then recaptured into the lumen of the catheter, before the device is withdrawn from the treated vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible surgical instrument system, comprising: a distal structural body comprising at least one distal structural segment, the at least one distal structural segment comprising a distal fixing disk and distal structural backbones; a proximal structural body comprising at least one proximal structural segment, the at least one proximal structural segment comprising a proximal fixing disk, proximal structural backbones, and driving backbones, the distal structural backbones being securely connected in one-to-one correspondence to or the same as corresponding proximal structural backbones, and a driving unit comprising a linear motion mechanism operable to convert a first rotary motion into linear motions to cooperatively push or pull a pair of driving backbones of the driving backbones to turn the at least one proximal structural segment.

Abstract: Medical or surgical devices, instruments, systems, and methods for use in optically sensing loads acting on a patient's anatomy may include a surgical device or instrument configured for insertion to a surgical site and an interrogator coupled to the surgical device or instrument via an optical fiber having a sensing area at a location of the surgical device or instrument at which a load is to be sensed. The measured load may be used as being indicative of a load acting on a patient's anatomy. Such measured or determined load may be used to make decisions before, during, or after a patient procedure.

Abstract: A trocar-cannula insertion tool for ophthalmic procedures may include a cap with a body having a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. A marking element extends in a distal direction from the distal end of the body and includes at least one marking tip for forming one or more indentations on a patient's eye during an ophthalmic procedure. A manipulation element extends from the body in a direction different from the marking element and includes at least one manipulation tip for gripping a tissue of the patient's eye during the ophthalmic procedure. The cap may further include at least one window for exposing a photoluminescent cannula of the trocar-cannula insertion tool to light, enabling the cannula to absorb photons prior to insertion thereof.

Abstract: A method includes forming a bone tunnel through a first bone and a second bone and inserting a flexible construct through the bone tunnel. The flexible construct includes a first anchoring element and a second anchoring element coupled by at least one flexible strand defining an adjustable loop. The at least one flexible strand includes a first end extending from the first anchoring element in an opposite direction from the adjustable loop. A length of the adjustable loop is adjusted to position the first bone and the second bone in a selected spacing. The first end of the at least one flexible strand is coupled to a tissue section using a third anchoring element.

Abstract: Anchor delivery systems include anchors having a generally cylindrical body with a rail on top for positioning within a delivery device slot. The rail incorporates a side-bulge as a retaining feature which axially extends along a majority of the length of the rail. The bulge interferes with a corresponding hourglass cutout in the delivery device slot to prevent the anchor from stripping out of the delivery device when the delivery device is retracted through tissue. The anchors are symmetrical along a length and width to facilitate loading within the delivery device. The distal portion of the delivery device includes a series of distally-extending barbs that intentionally change the penetration force required to push the device tip through tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a suturing device including: a fixed arm having a fixed jaw including a first grasping slot configured to receive a needle; a movable arm coupled to a movable jaw including a second grasping slot configured to receive the needle, the movable arm configured to pivot relative to the fixed arm to pivot the movable jaw relative to the fixed jaw until the needle is received in the first grasping slot and the second grasping slot; and a needle transfer mechanism configured to grasp the needle in the first grasping slot or the second grasping slot. In some aspects, the suturing device includes a safety member configured to control when the movable arm moves. The present disclosure includes a loading apparatus including a loading slot configured to receive a fixed jaw and a slider configured to move the needle towards into the fixed jaw.

Abstract: Devices for easily and quickly tying complex suture knots are disclosed. The knot tying accessories described herein provide a means for introducing a complex knot pattern into a bight of suture using a device body and a guide thread. The device body includes system for maintaining the guide thread and suture in a convoluted pathway, either with the use of channels, protrusions, or a combination of both within its interior, on its exterior, or both. The guide thread may include a coupler at one end for holding a suture end while the guide thread leads the suture through the convoluted path defined within the guide body. Pull tabs may also be included to aid with exchanging the guide thread for the suture ends.

Abstract: A surgical snare assembly is disclosed. The surgical snare assembly has a suture fastener having an entrance and an exit. The surgical snare assembly also has first and second suture engaging loops. The surgical snare assembly further has first and second handles configured such that: a) movement of the first handle a first distance away from the suture fastener causes the first suture engaging loop to move through the suture fastener from the exit to the entrance; and b) movement of the second handle a second distance away from the suture fastener causes the second suture engaging loop to move through the suture fastener from the entrance to the exit.

Abstract: A barbed suture is provided. The barbed suture includes an elongate body and at least one barb extending from the elongate body. The elongate body defines a recess adjacent the at least one barb. Also provided is a method of making a barbed suture. The method includes the steps of providing a suture nest and a punch apparatus configured for operable engagement with the suture nest, loading a suture through the suture nest, engaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest, and disengaging the punch apparatus with the suture nest.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a firing member driven by an electric motor is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a control system configured to evaluate the duty cycle of the electric motor and adjust the speed of the firing member based on the detected duty cycle of the electric motor.

Abstract: A surgical device having at least one rotary input screw in the end effector is provided. A rotary input screw can extend through a central longitudinal portion of the end effector. The end effector can include an improved closure system, firing systems, leveraging and alignment features between the staple cartridge and the surgical device, staple cartridges having multi-staple drivers, single-firing knifes and lockout/safety features for the same, and/or modified staple patterns, for example. Certain components can be 3D-printed components.

Abstract: Stapler cartridges and surgical apparatus that include a stapler cartridge can include a knife that retracts into the stapler cartridge after cutting stapled tissue to prevent an operator being cut by the knife during replacement of the used stapler cartridge with a new stapler cartridge. A stapler cartridge includes a staple pushing shuttle, a knife member slidably coupled with the staple pushing shuttle, and a cartridge body. The staple pushing shuttle is slidably coupled to the cartridge body. The cartridge body includes a guide track engaged by the knife member and configured so that a cutting blade of the knife member protrudes from the cartridge body during a first portion of a distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle and the cutting blade is retracted into the cartridge body during a second portion of the distal movement of the staple pushing shuttle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, a stapling head assembly, and an anvil. The stapling head assembly includes an annular deck member, a plurality of staples, and a driver. The deck member includes a deck surface that has a curved profile defined by a curve extending from the inner diameter of the deck member to the outer diameter of the deck member. The deck member further includes an outer array of staple openings and an inner array of staple openings. The driver is operable to drive the staples through the staple openings. The anvil is operable to compress tissue against the first deck surface.

Abstract: A surgical stapler, a cartridge for a surgical stapler, a cutting mechanism for a surgical stapler, and a method of applying surgical staples in a patient are disclosed herein. The stapler may have an anvil movably coupled to a support jaw between a clamped configuration and a closed configuration. The cartridge may be configured to fit within an envelope diameter and to removably house a plurality of B-form staples, at least one of the plurality of B-form staples having a base length and a leg length, the leg length at least 53% of the envelope diameter. The cartridge may have slots shaped to house at least a second one of the plurality of staples at an angle oblique to the first one of the plurality of staples.

Abstract: A staple cartridge assembly for use with a surgical stapling instrument includes a staple cartridge including a plurality of staples and a cartridge deck. The staple cartridge assembly also includes a compressible adjunct positionable against the cartridge deck, wherein the staples are deployable into tissue captured against the compressible adjunct, and wherein the compressible adjunct comprises a first biocompatible layer comprising a first portion, a second biocompatible layer comprising a second portion, and crossed spacer fibers extending between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a staple parameter of a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The method includes determining, by a control circuit of the surgical stapling instrument, a first stroke length for a first staple driver of the surgical stapling instrument to drive a first row of staples of a circular stapling head assembly of the surgical stapling instrument; detecting, by the control circuit, a malformed staple in the first row of staples; adjusting, by the control circuit, the staple parameter, based on the detection of the malformed staple; and determining, by the control circuit, a second stroke length for a second staple driver of the surgical stapling instrument to drive a second row of staples of the circular stapling head assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are coating compositions, processes, and designs for endowing vascular devices with thromboresistant and endothelializing properties. Also disclosed are designs of vascular devices used as aneurysm treating devices for assisting in the delivery, packing, and maintenance of embolization coils within an aneurysm, particularly a neurovascular aneurysm.

Abstract: A medical system may include a left atrial appendage closure device including an expandable framework and a proximal hub centered on a central longitudinal axis of the framework. An insert may be disposed within the proximal hub and include a collar configured to engage the proximal hub, a recess extending into the insert from a proximal end, and a post member disposed within the recess. The post member may be radially spaced apart from the collar and may extend proximally from a distal end of the recess to a proximal surface. The insert may include a first connection structure disposed distal of the proximal surface. The medical system may include a delivery catheter having a second connection structure configured to engage the first connection structure in a delivery configuration. The distal end of the delivery catheter includes a hollow portion configured to receive the post member in the delivery configuration.

Abstract: A trauma dressing article includes a body on which a cap of absorbent material is disposed. A wrap strip is attached to the body at one end of the wrap strip. The trauma dressing article is particularly suited for treating wounds at junctional locations of the body (e.g. armpits, groin) to prevent exsanguination. The body of the article is oriented such that the absorbent material is positioned towards the wound site, and then the body is moved to press the absorbent material into the wound site. The wrap strip is then wrapped around portions of the injured person's body and over the article to create an inward pressure against the wound site.

Abstract: A surgical power drill system includes a housing unit, a driving unit, a tool holder, and a screw member. The driving unit is movably mounted in the housing unit and includes a motor and a motor shaft coupled to the motor. The driving unit is movable relative to the housing unit between a distal position, where the driving unit is distal from a front end of the housing unit, and a proximate position, where the driving unit is proximate to the front end of the housing unit. The tool holder is coupled to a first end portion of the motor shaft. The screw member is coupled to a second end portion of the motor shaft.

Abstract: In general, data modules for surgical instruments and methods of using data modules for surgical instruments are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a data module is configured to be removably attached to a powered surgical tool such as an electrosurgical tool. The data module is a standalone device including electronic components that are configured to, with the data module attached to the electrosurgical tool, interact with the electrosurgical tool.

Abstract: An anchor delivery system includes both a straight and curved drill guide along with a flexible drill, a flexible obturator and a flexible anchor inserter. The curved drill guide has a distal tip with approximately a 15° bend from the primary axis of the drill guide. Both the drill and the obturator have a reduced diameter section to improve flexibility during passage through the curved drill guide. Additionally, a surface of the inserter shaft has a laser cut pattern which permits flexing of the inserter around the inner diameter of the curved drill guide.

Abstract: A method of using a combination device includes accessing a glenoid of a shoulder and coupling a power extension and the combination device, the power extension configured to couple with a power tool. The method further includes reaming a portion of the accessed glenoid using the coupled power extension and combination device and then decoupling the power extension and the combination device. Next, a manual extension and the combination device are coupled and the coupled manual extension is used to align a first drill guide of the combination device with a desired trajectory of a first fixation peg of a glenoid component with the combination device positioned against the reamed portion of the accessed glenoid. A drill bit is guided with the aligned first drill guide to bore a first fixation peg bore in the glenoid.

Abstract: A three dimensional magnetic sensor attached to a surgical nail is located based on an applied monotonic magnetic field gradient. Another three dimensional magnetic sensor locates a surgical drill. A display generates a real time image of the relative alignment of the surgical drill and of the surgical nail, allowing a surgeon to repair bone fractures.

Abstract: A drill sleeve, including: an outer sleeve with an internal collet at a distal end of the outer sleeve, a slot, and an inner opening; a handle connected to the outer sleeve; an inner sleeve with an inner opening configured to receive and guide a drill bit, wherein the inner sleeve is configured to slide inside the inner opening of the outer sleeve; a trigger; a connection member connected to trigger and the inner tube, wherein the connection member passes through the slot in the outer sleeve and a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force between the handle and the trigger wherein the biasing force drives the inner sleeve into the outer sleeve, wherein when a distal end of the inner sleeve engages the internal collet, the internal collet is configured to engage a screw hole in a bone plate, align the drill sleeve with a nominal axis of the screw hole, and secure the drill sleeve to the screw hole.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and measuring changes in angular position with respect to a reference plane is useful in surgical procedures for orienting various instruments, prosthesis, and implants with respect to anatomical landmarks. One embodiment of the device uses dual orientation devices of a type capable of measuring angular position changes from a reference position. One such device provides information as to changes in position of an anatomical landmark relative to a reference position. The second device provides information as to changes in position of a surgical instrument and/or prosthesis relative to the reference position.

Abstract: A bone displacement system includes a body having a first arm and a second arm. The first arm is connected to a first leg configured to engage a plate configured to be located on a first bone portion. The second arm is connected to a second leg configured to be connected to a second bone portion. A force application fixture is coupled to the first arm and the first leg and configured to apply a force between the first arm and the first leg. The plate has screw holes aligned to allow screws to connect the plate to the first bone portion and the second bone portion after a movement of the first bone portion relative to the second bone portion by the force applied by the force application fixture.

Abstract: A humerus cutting assembly includes a guide frame having an attachment member adapted to be secured to a humerus adjacent to a humeral head. A cutting guide is releasably connected to the guide frame, the cutting guide configured to guide a tool in altering the humeral head. One or more inertial sensor units is on the cutting guide, the inertial sensor unit tracking an orientation of the cutting guide relative to the humerus based on the releasable connection between the cutting guide and the guide frame.

Abstract: A retrieval device attachable to a scope includes a handle which has an attachment portion configured to couple the handle to the scope; a shaft coupled to the handle having a wire immovably coupled to the handle; and a sheath movable relative to the handle over the wire between a distal position and a proximal position via an actuator of the handle. The actuator actuates a slider assembly of the handle. The slider assembly is coupled to the sheath and movable relative to the attachment portion to move the sheath and an expandable end effector coupled to the distal end of the wire. The end effector is movable between a collapsed configuration when the sheath is moved distally to the distal position to cover the end effector and an expanded configuration when the sheath is moved proximally to the proximal position, uncovering the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed comprising a plurality of drive systems and one or more shifting systems. The functionality of the surgical instrument is controlled by the shifting systems.

Abstract: A uterine fibroid tissue removal device includes an inner tube disposed within an outer tube and configured to be translated and rotated relative to the outer tube, and a separately formed unitary distal tip member attached to a distal end of the inner tube, such that the distal tip member translates and rotates relative to the outer tube along with the inner tube, wherein a distal facing open cutting end of the distal tip member in fluid communication with an axial lumen of the distal tip member translates across a tissue resection window in a sidewall of the outer tube so as to sever tissue extending therethrough, the distal tip member axial lumen being in fluid communication with an axial lumen of the inner tube, wherein an outer diameter of the distal tip member is greater than an outer diameter of the inner tube.