Abstract: A medical device may include an elongated body, a balloon positioned at a distal portion of the elongated body, and one or more pressure-wave emitters positioned along a central longitudinal axis of the elongated body within the balloon. The one or more pressure-wave emitters may be configured to propagate pressure waves radially outward through the fluid to fragment a calcified lesion at the target treatment site. The at least one of the one or more pressure-wave emitters may comprise an electronic emitter including a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode may be arranged to define a spark gap between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the second electrode may comprise a portion of a hypotube.

Abstract: An articulation assembly (500) for use with a surgical device includes a drive bar (550), a locking pin (570), a drive gear (560), and a yoke (600). The drive bar (550) includes a base (552) and a stem (590) extending therefrom. The base (552) includes first teeth. The locking pin (570) engages the first teeth of the drive bar (550). The drive gear (560) is operatively coupled to the drive bar (550). The drive gear (560) includes second teeth defining a gap (564) between adjacent second teeth. The gap (564) is configured to receive a portion of the locking pin (570). The yoke (600) is operatively coupled to the drive gear (560) such that rotation of the drive gear (560) causes axial displacement of the yoke (600). Rotation of the drive bar (550) transitions the locking pin (570) from a locked state to an unlocked state and rotates the drive gear (560) when the locking pin (570) is in the unlocked state such that the yoke (600) is axially displaced.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a surgical apparatus comprising: a steerable member that is bendable and comprises a plurality of bending segments with channels therein; and a plurality of bending actuation wires that are arranged to pass through the steerable member and cause the steerable member to bend, the steerable member comprising at least one outwardly opening lumen through which the bending actuation wires pass.

Abstract: A surgical tool that has a pair of transmissions coupled to one another to effect driving of a cutting tool in both an oscillating manner and a reciprocating manner. The transmissions are driven by a motor coupled to one of the transmissions.

Abstract: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body; and a cutting unit having a first cutting portion and a second cutting portion, the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion being moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated body to capture a blood vessel between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, and being rotatable relative to one another circumferentially about the tip to cut the captured blood vessel.

Abstract: A thrombectomy device includes a coring member configured to disintegrate a thrombus in a vessel into fragments from a proximal side of the thrombus and a catch member configured to be anchored at a distal side of the thrombus to provide embolic protection. The coring member and the catch member are operable independently of each other. Methods of removing a thrombus from a vessel employ a rotating coring device to disintegrate the thrombus into fragments.

Abstract: Various embodiments of devices and systems comprising a polymer driveshaft for use in high-speed rotational medical procedures, e.g., atherectomy, are disclosed. Generally, the primary driveshaft for transferring torque and activating rotation of a tool attached thereto, e.g., an abrasive element, is constructed with at least a polymer outer and inner surface. In certain embodiments, the polymer driveshaft may comprise a metallic band for fixed attachment of a structure, e.g., an abrasive element, thereto. Various embodiments may comprise a coupler that connects a drive shaft connected with a prime mover, e.g., a turbine or electric motor, with the polymer drive shaft, the coupler comprising openings through the coupler wall to the inner diameter of the coupler to allow fluid flow to the inner diameter of the coupled polymer drive shaft.

Abstract: Imaging apparatus, atherectomy devices, systems, and methods of operation thereof are disclosed. The imaging apparatus further comprises one or more light transmittable windows defined along the dividing layer and a catheter outlet port defined along a ventral side of the catheter body. The catheter outlet port allows the guidewire to advance out of the second catheter lumen and the catheter outlet port is aligned with at least one of the light transmittable windows such that the guidewire is within a field of view of the imaging component when the guidewire extends partially though the catheter outlet port. The atherectomy device can comprise a tubular housing and an inflatable balloon coupled to an exterior side of the tubular housing. The tubular housing includes a cutting window and a rotatable cutter configured to debulk the atherosclerotic material extending into the cutting window.

Abstract: Systems for producing a cosmetic effect in skin tissue of a patient are provided. The systems comprise a treatment module and an actuation assembly. The treatment module comprises at least one coring element configured to remove a portion of skin tissue when the coring element is inserted into and withdrawn from the skin tissue. The actuation assembly is operably attached to the treatment module and is configured to translate and/or actuate the treatment module in one or more directions relative to a surface of the skin tissue. The system is configured to perform a microcoring procedure that provides a cosmetic effect to the patient. Methods of performing a microcoring procedure are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments include a system comprising a cannula assembly configured for rotational fractional resection (RFR). The cannula assembly includes at least one cannula configured for rotational operation and enclosed in a depth guide configured to control an insertion depth of the at least one cannula. The depth guide includes a vacuum chamber configured to maintain vacuum to evacuate resected tissue generated by the RFR.

Abstract: Embodiments include devices and methods configured to fractionally resect skin and/or fat. Fractional resection is applied as a stand-alone procedure in anatomical areas that are off-limits to conventional plastic surgery due to the poor tradeoff between the visibility of the incisional scar and amount of enhancement obtained. Fractional resection is also applied as an adjunct to established plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, and is employed to significantly reduce the length of incisions required for a particular application. The shortening of incisions has application in both the aesthetic and reconstructive realms of plastic surgery.

Abstract: Embodiments include devices and methods configured to fractionally resect skin and/or fat. Fractional resection is applied as a stand-alone procedure in anatomical areas that are off-limits to conventional plastic surgery due to the poor tradeoff between the visibility of the incisional scar and amount of enhancement obtained. Fractional resection is also applied as an adjunct to established plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction, and is employed to significantly reduce the length of incisions required for a particular application. The shortening of incisions has application in both the aesthetic and reconstructive realms of plastic surgery.

Abstract: A puncture needle includes a shaft part, a needle tip part disposed at a tip of the shaft part, and a plurality of processed parts that are arranged on an outer peripheral part of the shaft part along a length direction of the shaft part and form a geometric progression with a geometric ratio of 2 in which arrangement intervals gradually decrease toward the needle tip part, in which a distance between a reference point which is located on a needle tip part side from a first processed part closest to the needle tip part among the plurality of processed parts and is located at a predetermined distance from the needle tip part and the first processed part is equal to an arrangement interval between the first processed part and a second processed part which is second closest to the needle tip part.

Abstract: A surgical device, including a tubular outer shaft and an inner element having an elongated shape, the outer shaft comprising a distal and a proximal outer hinges, the inner element comprising an inner hinge, the surgical device having: a first and a second distal stiffnesses considered at the distal outer hinge; and first and second proximal stiffnesses considered at the proximal outer hinge; each of the second distal and proximal stiffnesses being superior to, respectively, the first distal and proximal stiffness; the inner element being able to move angularly and/or axially in the tubular outer shaft, between a first configuration and a second configuration, so that in the first configuration, the surgical device has the second distal stiffness and the first proximal stiffness.

Abstract: A system for performing an endoscopic surgical procedure in a surgical cavity of a patient that includes a multi-lumen tube set including a dual lumen portion having a pressurized gas line and a return gas line for facilitating gas recirculation relative to the surgical cavity of the patient, and a single lumen portion having a gas supply and sensing line for delivering insufflation gas to the surgical cavity of the patient and for periodically sensing pressure within the surgical cavity of the patient, a first gas sealed single lumen access port communicating with the dual lumen portion of the tube set and a second valve sealed single lumen access port communicating with the single lumen portion of the tube set.

Abstract: Medical devices for accessing the central nervous system, as well as making and using medical devices, are disclosed. An example medical device may include an expandable access port. The expandable access port may include a housing having a plurality of tines coupled thereto. A thrust washer may be disposed along the housing. An actuation member may be coupled to the housing. The actuation member may be designed to shift the plurality of tines between a first configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device for assisting in the extraction of a lead of a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) from a subject. The device is therefore capable of correcting most life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The device is designed to prevent any movement of the lead and/or the coil of the pacemaker or ICD and allowing to extract the lead by an anchoring member (e.g. a stylet that is designed to be introduced into that lead and to anchor in a certain portion within the lumen of the lead) and/or applying vibrations thereto through the anchoring member. The device is configured to allow the anchoring member to pass therethrough such that it is locked to a certain position within the lumen of the lead at a first end thereof and the second end is available for applying vibrations thereto and pulling it to extract the lead.

Abstract: Everting balloon systems and methods for using the same with an alignment element for stability and anti-rotation of the everting balloon are disclosed herein. The systems can be configured to access and deliver instruments, media, or other catheters into bodily lumens and cavities. The alignment element can eliminate the potential for the everting membrane to become twisted or rotated which could impact access or the ability of the system to deliver materials. A compliance member can facilitate internal pressurization of the everting catheter system. An everting catheter system can be configured for use with transvaginal ultrasound and a lower profile speculum is described.

Abstract: Osteotomy fixation systems and surgical methods are provided herein. A fixation system can comprise a body, a curved portion, a dorsal extension, a medial extension, and at least three fixation holes. The curved portion can be configured to conform to a curvature of a first cuneiform. The dorsal extension can be configured to conform to a curvature of a dorsal side of a first metatarsal. The medial extension can be configured to conform to a curvature of a medial side of the first metatarsal.

Abstract: A fixture rod includes a plurality of layers of a reinforcing fiber layer and a plurality of layers of any one of a resin layer, a reinforcing fiber layer having fibers different from those of the reinforcing fiber layer, and a reinforcing fiber layer having fibers obliquely oriented with respect to a fiber direction of the reinforcing fiber layer, in which the plurality of layers are each alternately formed as viewed in a cross-section. The fixture rod reduces damage at the time of fixing with a screw, has high rigidity and high durability against a deformation load, and has greatly improved safety even at the time of breaking.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system includes a plurality of bone anchors, each having an anchor portion and a shank head with an upper spherical surface having a first diameter extending downward to an inner edge of an annular shelf spaced below a hemisphere plane, and a lower spherical surface having a second diameter greater than the first diameter extending downward from an outer edge of the annular shelf toward a neck extending between the shank head and anchor portion. The system also includes both pivoting and non-pivoting receiver sub-assemblies, with each receiver sub-assembly including a receiver having a central bore with a seating surface adjacent a bottom opening and a channel for receiving a rod. Each receiver sub-assembly also includes one of a multiplanar retaining structure, a monoplanar retaining structure, or a monoaxial retaining structure positioned therein and slidably engageable with the seating surface after capturing the shank head upon its uploading through the bottom opening.

Abstract: A method of assembling a pivotal bone screw assembly includes positioning a capture portion of a shank and a ring shaped structure into a central bore of a receiver, the central bore having an upper retaining recess and a support surface adjacent a lower opening and the capture portion having a partial spherical lower surface to provide for pivotal motion of the shank relative to the receiver. The method also includes top loading an insert into the central bore, the insert having an upward-facing insert channel for engaging the rod, laterally-outward-projecting flanges at an upper end, and a bottom surface for applying downward compressive force to the ring shaped structure. The method further includes downwardly displacing the insert within the central bore as the flanges resiliently deflect inwards and then spring back outwards to snap into the upper retaining recess to prevent the insert from moving back up within the receiver.

Abstract: Implementations described herein include a system that may include a deliver device, an annular anchor and an implant. The delivery device may include a distal end, a proximal and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The annular anchor may be removably coupleable to the distal end of the delivery device. The annular anchor may be implantable at a target site in a patient via manipulation of the delivery device. The delivery device may be extendable outside the patient when the anchor is implanted at the target site. The implant may be deliverable through the delivery device to the target delivery site and implantable through the annular anchor. The delivery device may be coupled to the annular anchor to control a trajectory of the implant to the target site.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for implanting a pedicle screw assembly using an inserter device. In some aspects, a device for inserting and implanting a screw into a bone of a patient may include a carrier, handle, and screwdriver. The carrier may include a first portion, a threaded second portion opposite the first portion, an opening extending from the first portion to the second portion and configured to receive a stylet, and a lock. The lock may be in communication with the opening and may be moved between a locked position and an unlocked position, where the lock engages the stylet to lock a position of the stylet relative to the carrier. The handle may have a threaded portion that engages the threaded second portion of the carrier. The screwdriver may couple to the handle, be configured to engage a threaded screw, and comprise a lumen configured to receive the stylet.

Abstract: A plate configured for placement on an outer surface of a bone includes a plate-shaped body comprised of a malleable material and having an outer perimeter, wherein a portion of the outer perimeter defines an open-ended peripheral seat configured to be located beneath a portion of a head of a fastener, wherein the portion of the outer perimeter defining the open-ended peripheral seat has an open end and an opposite terminal end, the terminal end sized to interact with a single fastener. A surgical method includes inserting a fastener into a bone such that a head of the fastener is not in contact with an outer surface of the bone, placing the plate such that the open-ended peripheral seat is disposed beneath a portion of the head of the fastener, and inserting the fastener further into the bone to contact the head of the fastener to the plate.

Abstract: A kit for installation of prosthetic components and/or biomedical implants includes a prosthetic component having an intraosseous taproot, formed of one piece with the prosthesis, for the attachment of the prosthetic component to the bone of a patient. The prosthetic component and the taproot are made of a biocompatible metal material, and the taproot has at least one portion with a triangular cross-section, as viewed in a horizontal cross-sectional plane. At least one first guiding component for a guide wire, for guiding the insertion of a guide wire into the bone, and at least one second guiding component for an impactor having a triangular section are also included.

Abstract: The present application relates to a bone fixation apparatus comprising a shaft portion, a head portion, and a spring. The shaft portion includes bone engaging threads. The head portion is associated with the shaft portion such that the head portion can move with respect to the shaft portion. The spring provides a force on both the shaft portion and the head portion and is enclosed between the head portion and the shaft portion.

Abstract: A system includes a main correction assembly having a fixation body configured to be fixed to a first bone of a patient, a movable body configured to move relative to the fixation body. The movable body includes an anchor body configured to be fixed to a second bone of the patient, a first portion configured to rotate the anchor body relative to the fixation body in a first rotating direction in a first plane. The main correction assembly defines a rotation axis about which the anchor body is rotated, by the first portion, relative to the fixation body in the first plane. The main correction assembly is configured such that the rotation axis is disposed substantially within a joint adjacent the second bone when the fixation body is fixed to the first bone.

Abstract: A device including a first plate configured to interface with a first bone structure of a joint; a second plate configured to interface with a second bone structure of the joint opposite the first bone structure; and at least one mechanical actuation mechanism disposed between the first plate and the second plate and configured to apply a distraction force along an axis between the first plate and the second plate so as to urge the first plate and the second plate away from one another, wherein the device is configured so as to have a range of motion ranging from a minimum distance between the first plate and the second plate to a maximum distance between the first plate and the second plate, and wherein the mechanical actuation mechanism is configured such that the distraction force is substantially constant distraction force across the range of motion.

Abstract: A surgical extractor including an extractor device having a proximal end and a distal end, a first jaw and a second jaw configured to engage a fastener and carried at the distal end of the extractor device, and a ratchet handle device extending from the proximal end of the extractor device.

Abstract: This document describes methods and materials for treating ventricular fibrillation. For example, this document describes methods and devices for delivering pulse-electric field electroporation for ablation in a selective and non-thermal means that has high specificity for tissue destruction while minimizing collateral damage. In one aspect, this document is directed to a catheter device that includes: a catheter shaft; a balloon member attached at a distal end portion of the catheter shaft; one or more electrodes on an outer surface of the balloon or in an interior of the balloon member and configured to deliver pulsed-electric field non-thermal electroporation ablation energy to treat ventricular fibrillation of a heart; and a control system configured to adjust a pressure within the balloon member.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to thermal thrombectomy systems and methods. The thermal thrombectomy systems can apply heat to a thrombus, softening and/or melting the thrombus, which can include one or more proteins and/or biopolymers of the thrombus, to ease removal. The thermal thrombectomy systems can include a heated wire that can be navigated to the thrombus. The distal portion of the wire can apply heat to the thrombus while the proximal portion may be insulated. The heated wire can include coils and or other features to facilitate engagement with the thrombus.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for automatic smoke evacuation using an RF sensor. The system and apparatus utilizes an RF sensor for automatic activation of an evacuator that evacuates smoke and/or debris during the use of any electrosurgical instrument or surgical instrument that is capable of generating smoke and/or debris and capable of producing a radiofrequency during its operation. Exemplary embodiments of the system and apparatus for automatic smoke evacuation include both wired and wireless embodiments.

Abstract: A system and method for the safe delivery of treatment energy to a patient, which includes verification of system integrity before, during, or after the delivery of treatment energy and provides several mechanisms for rapid termination of the delivery of potentially harmful energy to the patient when a fault condition in the device and/or system is identified. The system may include an energy generator having processing circuitry to determine if there is a fault condition in the system and to automatically terminate a delivery of treatment energy when the processing circuitry determines there is a fault condition. The method may generally include performing a series of pre-checks, synchronizing a treatment energy delivery to the proper segment of the heart's depolarization pattern, configuring the system for treatment energy delivery, delivering the treatment energy, and performing post-treatment evaluation.

Abstract: A user interface presents a 3D view of the tissue and treatment plan. The 3D view comprises a plurality of transverse images arranged along a one or more longitudinal images. The user adjusts the treatment profile with input to the user interface, and an updated treatment profile is shown on the other views. The user to one or more of zoom, pan, or rotate the 3D view with the treatment profile overlaid on the 3D view, and the treatment profile moves with the 3D view to maintain registration with the 3D view. In some embodiments, a 3D treatment plan is generated in accordance with a plurality of angles between a treatment probe and the one or more tissue structures. An AI algorithm can be used to identify tissue structures and plan the treatment angles and energy delivery in accordance with the tissue structures, which can provide a more customized treatment.

Abstract: An embodiment of this disclosure provides an electrode device includes a plurality of high-frequency electrodes for cauterization of a lesion tissue; a multi-functional electrode for injecting a fluid or measuring a temperature of a surrounding tissue; a temperature sensor provided inside the multi-functional electrode; and a main body which has an electrode line for supplying a high frequency to each of the plurality of high-frequency electrodes, a cooling line for circulating and supplying cooling water to the inside of each of the plurality of high-frequency electrodes, a fluid line for supplying a fluid to the inside of the multi-functional electrode, and a temperature sensor line connected to the temperature sensor, and which is coupled to the plurality of high-frequency electrodes and the multi-functional electrode via flexible tubes, respectively.

Abstract: Proposed are a radiofrequency ablation system and a method of controlling the radiofrequency ablation system, the system and the method being capable of selectively executing a monopolarity mode, in which heat is concentratedly generated around each of one pair of electrodes, or a bipolarity mode, in which heat is concentratedly generated between one pair of electrodes, without increasing pressure with a lesion by inserting a plurality of electrodes into the surrounding tissue instead of direct insertion thereof into the lesion. With the system and the method, efficiency in heat generation can be maximized, and a tumor recurrence ratio can be reduced.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for heating biological tissue via RF energy. The system comprises a source of RF energy at a frequency in excess of 25 Mhz and an applicator incorporating an electrode connected to the RF source for introducing RF energy into the biological tissue. The electrode comprises a hollow cylinder of which an end remote from the RF source defines an annular surface for contacting the biological tissue, the annular surface having an out diameter in excess of 3 cm.

Abstract: An RF electrode can have a straight shaft to generate an RF heat lesion that is asymmetric about the central axis of the cannula through which the RF electrode is introduced into bodily tissue.

Abstract: An elongated medical sheath is configured to be movable and positionable proximate to a biological feature of a patient. An expandable-and-collapsible support structure is configured to be selectively movable, at least in part, between an interior of the elongated medical sheath and an exterior of the elongated medical sheath. An energy-emitting assembly is supported by the expandable-and-collapsible support structure.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an end effector assembly including first and second jaw members each defining an electrically-conductive tissue-contacting surface. At least one of the jaw members is movable between spaced-apart and approximated positions for grasping tissue between the tissue-contacting surfaces. At least one temperature sensor is associated with the end effector assembly. An electrosurgical generator is configured to supply electrosurgical energy for treating tissue grasped between the tissue-contacting surfaces.

Abstract: A forceps includes a housing having a shaft. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One or both of the first and second jaw members is movable relative to the other jaw member from a clamping position to an open position. A resilient member operably couples to the first and second jaw members. The resilient member is configured to bias the first and second jaw members in the clamping position and provide a closure force on tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A controller, system and method for determining whether an ablation performed by an ablation catheter creates a lesion having a depth reaching or exceeding a predetermined depth, e.g. whether the lesion is transmural. The system comprises an ablation catheter with at least two electrodes for performing an ablation on tissue. One of the electrodes is an ablation electrode and the other electrode or electrodes are reference electrodes. A processor is used to determine, e.g. in real time, whether the depth of the lesion resulting from the ablation has reached or exceeded the predetermined depth based on ablation-dependent variables. The ablation-dependent variables may comprise an electrical signal received by the ablation electrode and one or more impedance values between the electrodes. A machine learning algorithm can thus be used to classify the tissue which is being ablated. The inputs, i.e.

Abstract: Methods and systems for combining ablation therapy with navigation of the ablation device. An ablation system may be configured for use with one of two methods to prevent loss of navigation signals during ablation energy delivery. In the first method, ablation energy signals are filtered from the navigation signal. In the second method, the delivery of ablation energy is sequenced with the delivery of navigation energy such that ablation energy and navigation energy are not delivered at the same time and navigation signals received by the system are time-division multiplexed to reconstruct the navigation signals and determine a location of the device within the patient.

Abstract: A method for ablating tissue by applying at least one pulse train of pulsed-field energy. The method includes delivering a pulse train of energy having a predetermined frequency to cardiac tissue, the pulse train including at least 60 pulses, an inter-phase delay between 0 ?s and 5 ?s, an inter-pulse delay of at least 5 ?s, and a pulse width of 5 ?s.

Abstract: A method to treat a human patient including: advancing a catheter through a natural airway of the patient and positioning a distal portion of the catheter in the natural airway of a lung of the patient to a target region in the lung, injecting a conductive hypertonic saline solution having a concentration of at least 5% of sodium chloride by weight/volume from the distal portion of the catheter into the target region; delivering energy from the distal portion into the conductive hypertonic saline solution in the target region, wherein the energy heats the liquid in the portion of the airway, and ablating the target region with the heated liquid.

Abstract: Intra-cardiac voltage data display systems display a plurality of data sets derived at least from intra-cardiac voltage data sampled by an electrode. In some embodiments, at least some of the data sets are derived from a portion of the intra-cardiac voltage data that excludes an excludable portion of the intra-cardiac voltage data having a relationship with an occurrence of a particular cardiac event to facilitate identification of the existence of a transmural lesion in tissue adjacent the electrode. In some embodiments, the particular cardiac event is the occurrence of an R wave in the cardiac cycle, and the excludable portion is a V wave in the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue of a patient uses a device including a mother case, a belt, at least one treatment unit and at least two applicators. The treatment method may include attaching first and second applicators to the belt at a working distance to the patient's surface, and providing different treatment energy to the first applicator and the second applicator. A treatment pattern is created by the applicators providing the different treatment energies. The hardware pattern or positions of the applicators on the belt may be changed before and/or during the treatment. The hardware pattern may be based on selected treatment effect and body part.

Abstract: Energy profile regulating waveguide, and laser-based medical apparatus having such waveguide. In a medical device, an optical fiber or a waveguide includes, at an internal side thereof, a refracting optical element or a deflecting optical element or both; which diverts laser energy, that propagate along the optical fiber or waveguide, to exit therefrom sideways through a side-wall and to provide laser energy to an in-vivo location that is located sideways relative to the general propagation direction of the laser energy within the optical fiber or waveguide. Optionally, some of the laser beams that propagate within the optical fiber or waveguide, exit from it sideways and intersect or super-impose at a focal point or focal region, at which a laser-based medical procedure is performed.

Abstract: A source-side coupler (10) for injecting light from an associated light source (4) into an associated fiber optic catheter (2) includes: an optical output aperture (14) configured to inject light from the associated light source into the associated fiber optic catheter; a plurality of mechanical switches (16) configured to be engaged by pins (34) of a catheter-side coupler; and an electronic processor (20) programmed to receive information from the associated fiber optic catheter via the connection by: electrically receiving the information if the connection establishes an electrical connection between the electronic processor and the associated fiber optic catheter, or mechanically receiving the information based on which mechanical switches of the plurality of mechanical switches are engaged by pins of the catheter-side coupler if the connection does not establish an electrical connection between the electronic processor and the associated fiber optic catheter.