Abstract: An ultrasound transducer includes: a drive unit including a piezoelectric device; a proximal end block; and a distal end block. The distal end block includes a first portion, a supported portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The distal end block is configured such that a position of a boundary between the second portion and the third portion corresponds to or substantially corresponds to an antinode of the ultrasonic vibration while the piezoelectric device generates the ultrasonic vibration, and the ultrasonic vibration is being propagated to the proximal end block, the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion. A resonance frequency of the ultrasonic vibration differs according to a position of the boundary between the second portion and the third portion under a condition that a distance from the supported portion to a distal end of the third portion along the longitudinal axis is constant.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer includes: a piezoelectric element unit including a plurality of piezoelectric elements configured to generate an ultrasound vibration; and a horn that extends from a distal end toward a proximal end to define a longitudinal axis direction and that is connected to a distal end side of the piezoelectric element unit. The horn includes a first transformation portion whose cross-sectional area orthogonal to the longitudinal axis direction decreases toward a distal end, the first transformation portion being configured to amplify amplitude of the ultrasound vibration, and a second transformation portion that is provided between the first transformation portion and a connection position at which the horn and the piezoelectric element unit are connected, the second transformation portion being configured to amplify or attenuates the amplitude of the ultrasound vibration.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument and method of assembly with a predetermined alignment includes first and second modular assemblies and an electrical lockout. The first modular assembly includes at least a portion of an end effector configured to manipulate a tissue. The second modular assembly includes a transducer power circuit and an activation switch electrically connected to the transducer power circuit. The electrical lockout is electrically connected to the transducer power circuit and configured to inhibit the activation switch from powering the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies misaligned from the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in a locked-out state. The electrical lockout is further configured to allow the activation switch to power the ultrasonic transducer with the first and second modular assemblies in the predetermined alignment such that the first and second modular assemblies are in an operational state.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to provide hemostasis with tissue removal in order to inhibit one or more of blood loss or tissue drainage. In many embodiments, a nozzle releases a liquid jet in a liquid medium in order to provide cavitation and a plurality of shedding pulses. The liquid jet, its cavitation and the plurality of shedding pulses can affect vascular tissue in order to promote clotting in order to inhibit bleeding. In many embodiments, vessels of the vascular tissue are affected at a distance from a region where cavitation of the water jet contacts the tissue. In many embodiments, the cavitation and plurality of shedding pules are related to a pulsatile shear wave propagating along the blood vessel that is related to clot promoting changes of the blood vessel.

Abstract: An elongate tool with a cutting end. In some embodiments the end is bendable. Optionally, the end is bendable between two cutting edges. Optionally or alternatively, the end includes both a forward cutting edge and a side cutting edge. The tool may be sized for hand-held use, with control from outside the body, for treating a spinal stenosis.

Abstract: A wire for use with a vascular treatment device may have a proximal end, a distal end, and a main shaft extending therebetween. The distal end may have a distal free end and a first segment. The first segment may extend from the main shaft and may be biased to a first included angle that is defined between the main shaft and the first segment and less than 180 degrees.

Abstract: An insertion site for a cannula (23) on a skin (8) of a patient is prepared by applying a skin cover unit (1) of the type comprising a window (2) and a wall (3) in extension of the window (2) and connected to the window (2) by a bending region (4) for bending the wall (3) into an angled orientation relatively to the window (2); wherein the win-dow (2) comprises a stabilizing frame (5) and an ultrasonic-transparent flexible sheet (6) within the frame (5). The flexible sheet (6) is glued onto the skin (8) of the patient for ultrasonic investigation of the insertion site through the flexible sheet (6). By bending the bending region (4), the angular orientation of the wall (3) is adjusted into an approximately perpendicular orientation relatively to the window (2) for separating the insertion site from the flexible sheet (6) by the wall (3).

Abstract: A cannula comprising a monolithic, flexible body having a central passageway bounded by a first flange and a second flange, the central passageway having an irregular shape and a diaphragm positioned therein, the first diaphragm having the same irregular shape and including at least one first diaphragm slit, and a second diaphragm positioned adjacent to or at one of the first or second flanges and having at least one second diaphragm slit.

Abstract: A cap for a trocar assembly includes a housing configured to be removably attached to a proximal portion of a trocar. The housing defines an access port opening therethrough configured to be aligned for passage of a surgical instrument through the access port opening and into a main access port of the trocar. The housing defines at least one siphon opening for siphoning particles from the proximal portion of the trocar for filtration.

Abstract: A bioprinter and methods of using the bioprinter. The bioprinter permits selective three-dimensional movement of multiple nozzle assemblies during operation of the bioprinter. The bioprinter can be used to produce scaffold-free tissue constructs having a plurality of cellular elements interspersed among a semi-permeable vascular network. The bioprinter can also be used to print a tissue construct directly onto a tissue defect of a subject. The bioprinter can be provided as part of a bioprinting system that includes a scanner for imaging the tissue defect.

Abstract: Intravascular delivery system is designed for a safe and efficient access to secondary and tertiary vascular structures, such as the branches of the coronary sinus, to enhance the delivery and deployment of various catheters, such as, for example, pacemaker electrical leads. The over-the-wire system features a straight, or alternatively shaped, micro-catheter distal tip of an inner catheter that seamlessly cooperates with a peel-away reinforced outer catheter. The inner catheter and the peel-away reinforced outer catheter are advanced in their engaged mode of operation towards (or beyond) the target site. Subsequently, the inner and outer catheters are disengaged, and the inner catheter is removed from the outer catheter. A pacemaker lead may be advanced over the wire inside the outer catheter to the target site for deployment. Subsequently, the outer catheter is easily split and may be rapidly removed from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A foot operated traction device for allowing a pregnant woman to selectively self-induce dilatation of her cervix via her foot and a method for doing the same, the device comprising a balloon catheter comprising an inflatable balloon insertable above the cervix of the pregnant woman and an elongate catheter tube comprising a catheter tube proximal end portion and a catheter tube distal end portion coaxially mounted to the inflatable balloon, the inflatable balloon inflatable with a fluid to apply dilatative pressure against the cervix, and an elongate stirrup connected to the catheter tube at the catheter tube proximal end at a stirrup proximal end and removably engageable with the foot of the pregnant woman at a stirrup distal end, wherein the stirrup distal end is movable by the movement of the foot to selectively vary a traction force of the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a skin surface of a subject comprises heating a skin surface, abrading native skin tissue of a subject using a microdermabrasion device, wherein using the microdermabrasion device comprises moving the microdermabrasion device relative to the skin surface while simultaneously delivering at least one treatment fluid to the skin surface being treated and cooling the abraded skin surface.

Abstract: A clamping device of an external fixation system that has a jaw set with a passage at one end configured to hold an element from a first range of sizes and a second passage configured to hold an element from a different range of sizes. The jaw set includes a first jaw, a second jaw, and a slider interposed between the first and second jaws that moves to a first position when the first element is located in the first passage and to a second position when the second element is located in the second passage.

Abstract: A spinal implant comprises a collar, and a collet including an outer surface and an inner surface. The collet is connectable with a shaft. A crown includes a surface configured for disposal of a spinal rod. The collet is disposed with the collar such that the inner surface frictionally engages the spinal rod to capture the spinal rod with the crown. In some embodiments, implants, systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable anterior cervical plate having a stackable superior design, which deflects soft tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments herein are generally directed to spinal implants for use in orthopedic stabilization assemblies. In some embodiments, these implants may be used in conjunction with laminoplasty or laminectomy procedures.

Abstract: A flexible tubular member for guiding insertion of instrumentation to a bone screw affixed within bone includes a tubular body that is flexible, constructed of textile material, and defines a longitudinal axis. The tubular body also defines a proximal end and a distal end opposite each other along the longitudinal axis. The tubular body further defines a guide channel that extends from a proximal opening at the proximal end to a distal opening at the distal end. An attachment member is located at the distal end of the tubular body and is configured to couple the distal end to a proximal portion of the bone screw. The attachment member has an annular shape around the guide channel and is configured to expand responsive to a predetermined tensile force applied to the tubular body for decoupling from the bone screw.

Abstract: Provided is a novel rod reducing device including a screw jack mechanism that is moveably engaged with an elongated grasping fork assembly, the screw jack mechanism having an elongated threaded portion, the elongated threaded portion being connected at its most distal end to a rod contact member, which is positioned in sliding circumferential contact with each of the two opposing elongated grasping members and the most proximal end of the elongated threaded portion terminating in a controlling member, which can be activated in a measured and controlled manner. A method of using the device is also provided.

Abstract: A cervical plate assembly is disclosed. The cervical plate assembly includes a base plate including: (1) at least two bone screw seats, each bone screw seat including a borehole dimensioned to receive a bone screw, and (2) a first blocking seat positioned between the at least two bone screw seats. The cervical plate assembly includes a blocking mechanism retained within the first blocking seat of the base plate. The blocking mechanism is selectively positionable between a closed position in which the blocking mechanism obstructs at least one bone screw seat to retain a bone screw with the base plate, and an open position in which the bone screw seats are unobstructed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and system for fixation of intra-articular and extra-articular fractures and non-unions of small bones and other small bone fragments, and more particularly to a threaded nail with a robust length and a trailing end with a cutting tip and longitudinal cutting flutes and a stepped diameter with cutting flutes at the transition point, and an optional cannulation along the central longitudinal axis of the nail.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant has a plate and bone screws. Configured bone screw pockets of the plate provide variable angling and positional locking of a received bone screw relative. Each bone screw includes distal threads, a neck, and a dual threaded head. The plate has a bone screw pocket on a distal end, a bone screw pocket on a proximal end, and a strut extending between the two bone screw pockets. The bone screw pockets are at least generally cup shaped for receipt of a bone screw. The lower periphery of the opening of each bone screw pocket has an arrangement of configured prongs with configured openings to receive threading on the underside of the dual threaded head of the bone screw. The prongs can preferably, but not necessarily, deform slightly and grab onto the threading of the bone screw head to lock the bone screw in the bone screw pocket. Each prong can act independently.

Abstract: A system for determining the torsion of a screw is provided. The system generally comprises a first washer, second washer, spring, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, and interrogation device. A screw is inserted through the system and provides the compression force necessary to bring the first washer and second washer separated by the spring in contact with one another, thus creating a complete circuit from the first circuit portion and second circuit portion of the signal transmitter. The interrogation device is used to send and receive information to and from the signal transmitter. An encasing may be used to encapsulate the first washer, second washer, spring, and signal transmitter in a way such that they are protected from the environment.

Abstract: A fastener includes an elongate fastener body defining a longitudinal axis substantially central thereto. The fastener body has a continuous outer fastener shell laterally surrounding the longitudinal axis. The fastener shell longitudinally separates a fastener head end and a fastener tip end. A tool-engaging feature is provided on the fastener head end. A plurality of teeth are located on the fastener shell and extend substantially laterally outward from the longitudinally axis. The fastener shell is comprised of at least one undulate face and at least one substantially flat face. The plurality of teeth are located only on the undulate faces. Each tooth is longitudinally separated from adjacent teeth along an undulate face. A method of installing the fastener into a receiving structure is also described.

Abstract: A device for mixing a bone material with a liquid is provided. The device comprises a chamber having a proximal end and a distal end, and the bone material disposed within the chamber, the bone material comprising a coherent mass of milled and lyophilized demineralized bone fibers; and a plunger having at least a portion slidably disposed within the proximal end of the chamber and configured to dispense the bone material mixed with liquid from the distal end of the chamber, when the plunger is in an extended position.

Abstract: A kyphoplasty system disclosed herein includes various instruments which can be selectively used to perform a kyphoplasty operation on a patient. For example, in some embodiments the kyphoplasty system includes an improved detachment mechanism between the balloon implant and its delivery shaft.

Abstract: An ultrapolar electrosurgery blade includes top and bottom thin elongated conductive members in vertical alignment and spaced apart from one another along their lengths, a non-conductive coating covering both the top and bottom thin elongated conductive members and the space located between them to create opposing non-conductive sides of the blade with conductive cutting and ends and conductive non-cutting ends exposed, and both return and active contact layers located on each of the opposing non-conductive sides of the blade. An ultrapolar electrosurgery blade assembly having argon beam capability further includes a non-conductive tube member having a slot positioned over the top of the ultrapolar electrosurgery blade and a conductive hollow tubular member contained within at least a portion of the non-conductive tube member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus with a retractable blade for use in cold plasma applications, electrosurgical cutting and mechanical cutting is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus employs a tip of the retractable blade as a sharp conductive point to generate a plasma beam or discharge. When the blade is retracted within the electrosurgical apparatus, it is electrically energized while an inert gas flows over it, producing a cold plasma discharge. In the de-energized state, the blade is advanced and used as a traditional, mechanical surgical blade.

Abstract: Electrosurgery blades including electrosurgery blade assemblies having argon beam capability. The electrosurgery blade includes a non-conductive planar member having opposite planar sides and a sharp cutting tip and a conductive layer located on one or both of the opposing planar sides of the non-conductive layer. In embodiments of the electrosurgery blade assemblies having argon beam capability, the electrosurgery blade assembly includes a non-conductive tube member having a hollow tubular shaped opening and a slot where at least a portion of the conductive layer of the electrosurgery blade is positioned within the slot of the non-conductive tube member.

Abstract: Various embodiments of multielectrode radiofrequency (RF) ablation probes are described herein that disclose methods and apparatus for improved control and predictability of the size and shape of RF thermal electrocoagulations. The features of the invention include the ability to make irregularly shaped ablations in order to conform to irregularly shaped target tissue volumes, and to make very large ablations without the requirement for electrode cooling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for adaptive multivariate control for performing a radiofrequency (RF) ablation procedure with an energy delivery device. The system includes an energy source for delivering energy to a patient's body; one or more energy delivery devices; two or more sensors for measuring at least two factors related to an ablation procedure, respectively; and at least one processor.

Abstract: A method for coagulating and dissecting tissue. The method includes measuring a tissue property and delivering multiple energy modalities to the tissue based on the tissue property. The energy modalities being delivered from a generator either alone or in combination.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an end effector assembly, a display, and a controller. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members each defining a tissue-treating surface. At least one of the first or second jaw members is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue between the tissue-treating surfaces thereof. At least one of the first or second jaw members includes a sensor. The controller is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor, generate a tissue indication based upon the sensor data, and output the tissue indication to the display. The display is configured to display the tissue indication. The tissue indication indicates a location along the first jaw member at which tissue is grasped between the tissue-treating surfaces of the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A tissue removal system includes an electrosurgical generator including an active electrode port and a return electrode port, an active electrode device configured to connect to the active electrode port, and a return tissue guard configured to connect to the return electrode port. Another tissue removal system includes an electrosurgical generator including an active electrode port and a return electrode port, an active electrode device configured to connect to the active electrode port, and a return specimen bag configured to connect to the return electrode port.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to methods of treating various conditions including bladder conditions in a patient, comprising: positioning at least one ablative element of an ablative device on or over an adventitial surface of the bladder; and using the ablative device to denervate bladder nerve fibers. Other aspects of the present disclosure pertain, for example, to devices and kits for of treating bladder conditions.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a probe configured for insertion into a body of a patient and including a plurality of electrodes configured to contact tissue within the body. An electrical signal generator applies bipolar trains of pulses having a voltage amplitude of at least 200 V and having a duration of each of the bipolar pulses less than 20 ?s between at least one pair of the electrodes in contact with the tissue, thereby causing irreversible electroporation of the tissue between the at least one pair of the electrodes. One or more electrical sensors sense an energy dissipated between the at least one pair of the electrodes during the trains of the pulses. A controller controls electrical and temporal parameters of the trains of the pulses applied by the electrical signal generator, responsively to the one or more electrical sensors, so that the dissipated energy satisfies a predefined criterion.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a shaft and an expandable flexible distal-end assembly. The shaft is configured for insertion into a cavity of organ of a patient. The expandable flexible distal-end assembly, which is fitted at a distal-end of the shaft, includes a flat flexible backing sheet, including irrigation channels, and two flexible substrates having respective arrays of electrodes disposed thereon, the substrates attached one on either side of the backing sheet.

Abstract: A system for working biological tissue, the system comprising: a tool comprising a laser operable to perform at least one action of work; positioning means for positioning the tool relative to the biological tissue to perform the at least one action of work; a controller; storage storing electronic program instructions for controlling the controller; and an input means; wherein the controller is operable, under control of the electronic program instructions, to: receive input via the input means; process the input and, on the basis of the processing, control the positioning means and the tool to work the biological tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques described herein can include delivery of a surgical laser beam for tissue excision or to facilitate hemostasis. The surgical laser beam can be generated, for example, using an ultrafast laser source. Such an approach can provide non-invasive treatment in relation to, for example, aerodigestive anatomy, such as for treatment of laryngeal, oropharyngeal, bronchial, and oral cavity tissues. Other generally available laser sources and their associated treatments may present various drawbacks making them less suitable for treatment for laryngeal, pharyngeal or bronchial pathologies, and use of the apparatus and techniques described herein can address such drawbacks.

Abstract: A method for treating a treatment site within or adjacent to a vessel wall or a heart valve, includes the steps of (i) generating light energy with a light source; (ii) positioning a balloon substantially adjacent to the treatment site, the balloon having a balloon wall that defines a balloon interior that receives a balloon fluid; (iii) receiving the light energy from the light source with a light guide at a guide proximal end; (iv) guiding the light energy with the light guide in a first direction from the guide proximal end toward a guide distal end that is positioned within the balloon interior; and (v) optically analyzing with an optical analyzer assembly light energy from the light guide, wherein the light energy that is analyzed moves in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A lithotripsy apparatus includes: a treatment laser beam source that emits a treatment laser beam that crushes a stone; a guide light source that emits guide light; a photodetector that detects return light that returns as a result of the emitted guide light being reflected at the stone; and a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to: measure a distance from the treatment laser beam source to the stone on the basis of the return light; determine a condition of a bubble occurring between the treatment laser beam source and the stone on the basis of the measured distance; and adjust a light quantity of the treatment laser beam on the basis of the determined condition of the bubble.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided for measuring eye refraction without a lens, and more particularly, for measuring eye refraction with a mobile device application. An exemplary method includes measuring a distance between a patient and a mobile device, presenting to the patient one or more visual targets sized and shaped to represent perfect vision such as by using Vernier targets or grating targets, instructing the patient to indicate whether the patient can accurately read the visual targets and, if not, to move closer to the mobile device until the patient can accurately read the visual targets, calculating a vision prescription for the patient based on the visual targets and a final distance between the patient and the mobile device, and displaying the vision prescription for the patient.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method to determine a binocular alignment, the method comprising: measuring a disassociated phoria of a first eye and a second eye of a patient at an apparent distance; and determining an accommodative convergence of the first eye and the second eye at the apparent distance using the measured disassociated phoria. In other embodiments, a system to determine a binocular alignment comprises a stereo display, for a projection of images for a first eye and a second eye; an accommodation optics, to modify the projection of the images according to an apparent distance; an eye tracker, to track an orientation of the first eye and the second eye; and a computer, coupled to the stereo display, the accommodation optics and the eye tracker, to manage a determination of the binocular alignment.

Abstract: An ophthalmic apparatus of an embodiment example applies an OCT scan to an anterior segment and constructs an image from acquired data. Further, the ophthalmic apparatus analyzes the image to detect an artifact along an A-scan direction and moves an OCT optical system based on the artifact. Also, the ophthalmic apparatus analyzes the image to detect a corneal image and judges whether an intersection between the artifact and the corneal image is located within a predetermined area. In addition, the ophthalmic apparatus calculates an image quality evaluation value of the image, and controls the OCT optical system to perform an OCT scan of a predetermined pattern if the intersection is located within the area and the image quality evaluation value is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a gaze detector with which it is possible to detect a gaze (start point and gaze direction) by a simple configuration. The gaze detector detects a person's gaze, wherein the gaze detector is provided with a camera unit 10 for imaging the face of the person, a projector unit 20 for projecting a prescribed pattern light to the face of the person, a control unit 30 for controlling the presence of projection of the pattern light by the camera unit 10 and the projector unit 20, and a gaze detection processing unit 40 for detecting a gaze from the image of the face of the person imaged by the camera unit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method of determining a scattering spectrum of an eye. The method comprises receiving data from a detector indicative of a reflected wave of radiation reflected from the retina, wherein the reflected wave of radiation is formed by an incident wave of masked radiation directed towards a retina of the eye, such that at least one region masked from the incident wave is present on the retina, determining a first back scattering spectrum indicative of light scattered from an optical media of the eye in dependence on a portion of the reflected wave of radiation corresponding to the at least one masked region, determining a second back scattering spectrum indicative of light scattered from a neural retina of the eye in dependence on retinal structure information representative of neural retinal structure, and determining the scattering spectrum of the eye in dependence on the first back scattering spectrum and the second back scattering spectrum.

Abstract: An ocular alignment system for aligning a subject's eye with an optical axis of an ocular imaging device comprising one or more guide light and one or more baffle configured to mask the one or more guide light from view of the subject such that the one or more guide light is only visible to the subject when the eye of the subject is aligned with the optical axis of an ocular imaging system.

Abstract: A method for providing clinical support for surgical guidance during robotic surgery.

Abstract: A joint alignment method comprises using imaging data of at least a portion of a leg to create a leg model, wherein the leg model includes a femur having medial and lateral condyles and a tibia having tibial plateaus that are configured to engage the medial and lateral condyles at a knee joint, displaying an image of the leg model for manipulation by a user, locating a pivot point within one of the medial or lateral condyles, and rotating, in the displayed image, the tibia with respect to the femur, about the pivot point, to obtain a desired knee joint articulation in a specified plane.

Abstract: A surgical assistance system includes a processing unit; and a non-transitory computer-readable memory communicatively coupled to the processing unit and comprising computer-readable program instructions executable by the processing unit for: obtaining a video feed of a surgical procedure and monitoring the surgical procedure from the video feed; detecting, from an image processing of the video feed, a condition requiring a deviation from the surgical procedure, the deviation being defined as being outside of a standard surgical flow; and outputting a recommendation of deviation by intra-operatively providing the recommendation to an operator of the surgical procedure.