Abstract: The present invention is a technology relating to a device for collecting exfoliative cells at cervix and its surrounding area for uterus examination. The present invention relates to a technology for providing good usability in collecting exfoliative cells at cervix and its surrounding area corresponding to their current state by dividing a brush for contacting the cervix and its surrounding area into an insertion brush and a tension brush and then letting the shape of the tension brush be gradually changing by user operation. The present invention has an advantage in that the separative rod may be robustly attached to the movable rod until user operation is applied to the push separation member even when the movable rod is sufficiently moved forward since the first latching hook of the movable rod and the second latching hook of the separative rod are hook-latched each other.

Abstract: A mixing and spraying assembly for a tissue sealant includes a mixing assembly, a spray tip assembly, and a malleable section having a proximal end connected with the mixing assembly and a distal end connected with the spray tip assembly for enabling the spray tip assembly to be angulated relative to the mixing assembly. The malleable section includes a flexible shaft having a length, a malleable wire conduit that extends along the length of the flexible shaft, and a malleable wire disposed in the malleable wire conduit. The malleable wire is longer than the flexible shaft and has a proximal end that is connected to the mixing assembly and a distal end that is connected to the spray tip assembly. First and second fluids are mixed within the mixing assembly to form a tissue sealant that is delivered through the malleable section for being expressed from the spray tip assembly.

Abstract: A collapsible medical device and methods for deploying the same are provided. The medical device includes a tubular metal fabric, which includes a plurality of braided metal strands and a proximal end and a distal end, the tubular metal fabric having a collapsed configuration for delivery and an expanded preset configuration for creating an occlusion of an opening. In the expanded preset configuration, the device has two expanded disk portions and a central portion, a first expanded disk portion and the central portion connected by a first reduced diameter portion, and a second expanded disk portion and the central portion connected by a second reduced diameter portion. Each of the first and second reduced diameter portions is smaller in diameter than both the two expanded disk portions and the central portion, and each of the first and second reduced diameter portions is recessed into the central portion.

Abstract: A surgical system includes an implant support engageable, in operation of the system, with a receiver of a bone fastener having a shaft fixed with vertebral tissue. The receiver being connectable to at least one extender tab. The implant support including a connector being releasably engageable with the at least one extender tab. The implant support further including an adaptor. At least a portion of the adaptor being movable relative to the connector to releasably engage a surgical instrument to distract and/or compress the vertebral tissue. Surgical instruments, constructs, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing spine surgery. A retractor may be positioned within a patient to facilitate maintaining a volume of fluid at the surgical site. The retractor includes an opening capable of receiving one or more surgical instruments, for example, a cutting instrument and an endoscope. A cutting member of the cutting instrument is submerged and operated within the volume of fluid to resect tissue, for example, within the intervertebral disc space. The volume of fluid is maintained at the surgical site improves cooling of the surgical site and visualization of the surgical site via the endoscope during resection. The volume of fluid is maintained at the surgical site via the surgical system. The surgical system may include a sensor for measuring the level of fluid in the retractor, an inflow source and an outflow source in fluid communication with the retractor, and a controller controlling the surgical system.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a deep orbital access retractor (DOAR) device which includes a manipulable body section including a compressible handle having a size and shape to be manipulated by at least two (2) digits of a clinician. A flexible head section having two (2) arms with each arm having a distal end and a proximal end, with the distal ends of the arms spaced apart forming a gap there-between at a distal tip section. A flexible flange material envelops and encloses the two arms and the gap and extends around a periphery of the flexible head section. A flexible diaphragm is attached to and extends between the two arms to provide a generally spoon-shaped flexible head section.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for repairing a cartilage tear, of the present invention, can simply and safely fix a first fixing piece (501) and a second fixing piece (502) to a torn cartilage through a very simple method for sequentially discharging the first fixing piece (501) and the second fixing piece (502) provided to be connected to suture threads (10) through a needle (411) at the tip of a push rod guide (410) while selectively moving a push rod (200) a predetermined width forward in multiple stages by means of an operation of pressing and lowering a push button (300), which is inserted into a button coupling hole (120) of an instrument body (100) so as to receive the elastic repulsive force of a spring (310), or releasing and lifting the pressed button.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for a syndesmosis treatment construct configured to be placed into a cinched configuration that presses a first bone against a second bone. The syndesmosis treatment construct comprises a proximal fixator to contact the first bone and a distal fixator to contact the second bone. A first suture and a second suture are parallelly looped through the distal fixator. A free splice slidably rides on proximal ends and distal ends of both of the first and second sutures. The distal ends are looped through the proximal fixator and bound within a stitch splice. The proximal ends are passed outside of the stitch splice and through the proximal fixator. The free splices compress and seize the proximal ends during pulling of the proximal ends by a practitioner so as to maintain the cinched configuration.

Abstract: Syndesmosis fixation assemblies, systems, and methods thereof. A syndesmosis fixation assembly includes a suture retaining portion having a plurality of suture openings formed therein and a suture securing portion rotatably connected to the suture retaining portion. The suture securing portion is movable between a first position wherein a suture is moveable within the suture retaining portion and a second position wherein the suture is frictionally secured within the suture retaining portion. A bone insertion portion has a distal bone insertion end adapted for insertion into a bone, a proximal bone insertion end connected to the suture retaining portion, and a central longitudinal axis extending between the distal bone insertion end and the proximal bone insertion end.

Abstract: A new and innovative method of routing a strand of material for creating a self-locking construct that joins two objects is provided. More specifically, the provided routing method includes a crossover point at which the routed strand of material crosses over itself thereby enabling the strand portions routed through one of the objects to travel in a same direction when the self-locking construct is cinched. The strand portions traveling in the same direction generates less friction between the portions than if the portions traveled in opposite directions. Accordingly, the provided routing method helps enable a self-locking construct that generates less friction than typical self-locking constructs, which thereby helps reduce the occurrences of weaknesses in the final self-locking construct. The reduced friction generation also helps increase an ease of use for a user when cinching the self-locking construct.

Abstract: Medical devices for applying a cinch to a suture and methods for making and using such devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an elongated shaft including a proximal region and a distal region. The distal region may define a lumen having a lumen dimeter, and a distally facing end surface. The medical device may also include an outer cinch member defining a bore and having an outer surface defining a shoulder. An elongated inner shaft may extend through and be longitudinally movable within the lumen and the bore and including a distal end section. An inner cinch member may be engaged with the distal end section of the elongated inner shaft.

Abstract: A device for positioning in the body of an animal, the device comprising a first portion and a second portion that may be positioned in contact with one other, the first portion and the second portion each comprising a biocompatible conductive thermoplastic material, such that when the device is positioned in the body of an animal and electric current flows from the first portion to the second portion, heat is generated by electrical resistance at the point of contact between the first portion and the second portion so as to melt regions of the first portion and the second portion, and when the electric current is thereafter terminated, the melted regions of the first portion and the second portion re-solidify so that a weld is formed between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A magnet-assisted suture grasper for grasping a magnetic suture is provided. The magnet-assisted suture grasper includes a handle, a stem, first and second grasper jaws, a grasper magnet. and an actuator body. Distal ends of the first and second grasper jaws extend further distally than the grasper magnet. Translation of the actuator body within a stem lumen in a first direction along a stem body axis causes the first grasper jaw to pivot from a first position to a second position, thereby exposing the grasper magnet and allowing contact between the grasper magnet and a magnetic suture attracted thereto. Translation of the actuator body within the stem lumen in a second direction opposite the first direction along the stem body axis causes the first grasper jaw to pivot from the second position to the first position, thereby sequestering the grasper magnet and grasping the magnetic suture within the recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue approximation and fixation, and surgical staples and staple placement devices for surgery. The present invention includes surgical staples having solid first and second legs for anchoring into respective tissue portions, and an elastically deformable bridge monolithically formed with the first leg and the second leg, the legs each forming respective angles greater than 90 degrees with respective portions of said elastically deformable bridge. The present invention also includes staple insertion device comprising a handle portion and substantially parallel insertion portions extending from the handle, the insertion portions each having an interior lateral channel, and each insertion portions having a terminal point.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body and a shaft assembly. The body includes a rotary drive output, a linear drive output, and a control module. The shaft assembly includes a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end includes a type of end effector configured to operate on tissue. The proximal end is configured to removably couple with the body assembly. The proximal end includes one or both of a rotary drive input configured to couple with the rotary drive output or a linear drive input configured to couple with the linear drive input. The shaft assembly is configured to actuate the end effector in response to movement of one or both of the rotary drive input or the linear drive input. The control module is configured to selectively actuate the rotary drive output or the linear drive output based on the type of end effector of the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a clip assembly including clip arms movable relative to a channel of a capsule so that the clip arms are movable between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration. Also, the system includes an applicator releasably coupleable to the clip assembly. The applicator includes a bushing and a control member extending therethrough. The bushing includes deflectable fingers, each of the fingers including an engaging feature at a distal end thereof to engage a corresponding engaging feature of the capsule of the clip assembly and assembled with a pusher element configured to push the fingers to a radially outward position. The pusher element includes a U-shaped portion curving into a channel of the bushing and a longitudinal portion extending distally therefrom. A cam washer is slidable over a length of the control member and positioned distally of the U-shaped portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for anastomosis of tubular structures includes two annular bodies. Each annular body has a first side, a second side, a central axis extending between the first and second sides, an inner wall defining a passageway that is open to the first and second sides for passing a tubular structure therethrough, and a plurality of spikes each extending from a base connected to the second side of the annular body to a pointed free end configured to pierce the tubular structure. The spikes are angled relative to the central axis such that for each of the spikes, the free end is positioned farther from the central axis in a radial direction than the base is to the central axis.

Abstract: An instrument assembly can comprise a shaft comprising a first drive portion of a drive system, an end effector comprising a second drive portion of the drive system, and an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable between a first position and a second position about the articulation joint, wherein the first drive portion is not operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the first position, and operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the second position. The end effector can comprise a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position within a closure plane, and wherein the end effector is rotatable within an articulation plane which is co-planar with the closure plane.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to devices, systems, and methods for securing tissue, such as a tissue defect or wound resulting from an endoscopic procedure, e.g., an endoscopic mucosal resection or submucosal dissection procedure. In one example, a device for securing tissue may include a loop portion configured to be disposed about a distal end of a delivery device in a delivery configuration and configured to be secured about the tissue in a deployed configuration. A locking member may be disposed on the loop portion. A tether portion having a proximal end extendable proximally within the delivery device and a distal portion extending from the loop portion slidably through the locking member.

Abstract: Endovascular variable aortic control catheters (EVACC) are provided that are adapted to augment upstream blood pressure and regulate downstream blood flow for patients in shock. The EVACC devices provide improved treatment for truncal wounds, which may be used for example on a battlefield, thereby increasing survivability of injured soldiers. The devices are a catheter-based system having a proximal hand piece for controlled deployment of the device through a delivery sheath. A collapsible, wire framework supports an expandable and collapsible occlusion barrier. The wire basket and occlusion barrier expand to fit within the lumen of the aorta. Various movable elements are used to adjust an adjustable passageway to regulate controlled anterograde blood flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aneurysm in a blood vessel includes an occlusion element disposed on a wire, the occlusion element including a cover for covering a neck of an aneurysm and an inner anchoring member. The cover is configured to expand from a compressed configuration in a tube to an expanded configuration when advanced out of a distal end of the tube to cover the neck of the aneurysm. The cover includes a sphere of mesh material formed into a hemisphere including two layers of mesh that is formed by folding a top portion of the sphere into a bottom portion of the sphere. The inner anchoring member is coupled to and extends from the second surface of the cover and is configured to contact an interior surface of the aneurysm. The inner anchoring member may be a cylindrical stem extending from a central portion of the cover.

Abstract: An implant delivery system having an implant-pusher junction that has improved flexibility due to a shortened heater and tapered marker band. The heater capsule includes a coil having a complex shape made possible through additive manufacturing. The complex shape generates increased heat over a shorter length when compared to traditional linear coils. The marker band includes a tapered end that allows the implant to pivot relative to the pusher.

Abstract: A system for delivering an implant within a patient is disclosed. The activation of the heater coil causes the degradation, melting or reduction of a component that brings the heater coil into or out of electrical contact with another component, or causes the individual loops of the coil to contact each other, thereby resulting a notable change in resistance in the circuit supplying the heater coil with electricity. A core wire terminates prior to the distal end of the device, allowing for greater flexibility.

Abstract: A clip for gripping tissue can having a first arm with a first claw at a distal end of the first arm, and second arm, with a second claw at a distal end of the second arm, in which the first arm and second arm are configured to move in a direction toward each other to close the clip. The clips include one or more anchors on the arms of the clip which protrude in a direction other than the direction that the first arm and second arm are configured to move toward each other to close the clip. Such anchors can more readily attach to tissue of a patient upon contact than clips without an anchor.

Abstract: An intraoperative clip loading device includes an elongate body that can be positioned at a surgical site through a cannula during an endoscopic surgical procedure to provide a supply of ligation clips to the clip applier. The elongate body includes structure for supporting and advancing the ligation clips within the elongate body.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a clip assembly including a pair of clip arms. Proximal ends of the clip arms are slidably received within a channel of a capsule to be moved between a tissue receiving configuration and a tissue clipping configuration. The system also includes a catheter assembly including a control member extending therethrough. The control member includes a distal end connected to the clip arms to move the clip assembly between the receiving and clipping configurations. The system further includes a coupler releasably coupled to a proximal end of the capsule and configured to be coupled to the distal end of the catheter assembly. The coupler fractures when a proximal force exerted on the coupler via the control member exceeds a first predetermined threshold value to disengage the capsule and deploy the clip assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for harvesting tissue from a donor site. Exemplary embodiments include a first and second conduit through which a flexible saw component is guided. Certain embodiments include a mechanism which facilitates insertion of the flexible cutting member component parallel to the transverse plane and slicing the graft parallel to the coronal plane to extract the graft.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing bone and/or tissue at a target location are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a shaft member having a drive end securable to a rotating drive unit, and a cutting head member at a remaining end of the shaft member distal to the drive end.

Abstract: A method of forming a cavity in bone, the cavity formed and instruments used to form the cavity with an ultrasonic, piezoelectric surgical device for subsequent insertion of a blade implant. The method includes inserting instruments into a cavity to abrade the bone and shape the thickness of the cavity to be equal to or smaller than the implant. The cavity is formed with a generally tapered shape with at least one necked-down portion that may be in a trabecular bone. The instruments include a tip having a working portion with faces angled relative to one another and surface formations that abrade a cavity sidewall surface when moved rapidly and held against the surface.

Abstract: A modular system for total knee arthroplasty includes a modular trial implant assembly. The modular implant assembly includes an elongate shaft configured for insertion into an elongate cavity in a bone, a reamer removably coupleable to the elongate shaft via a connection that allows the reamer to rotate while the elongate shaft remains in a substantially fixed angular orientation. The reamer has an outer surface that tapers toward the distal end configured to form a tapered cavity in an end of a bone in which the reamer is inserted and rotated. The modular trial implant assembly further includes a trial implant removably coupleable to a proximal end of the reamer. A modular final implant assembly includes an elongate stem, a tapered body and an implant body, each having a size and shape that can substantially correspond to a size and shape of the elongate shaft, the reamer and the trial implant, respectively.

Abstract: An alignment guide includes a base, a swing arm for coupling to the base such that the swing arm is movable relative to the base, and a locking device for selectively fixing a position of the swing arm relative to the base. The base defines at least one first hole sized and configured to receive a first fixation element and defines at least one second hole sized and configured to receive a second fixation element. The swing arm extends from a first end to a second end. The second end of the swing arm including a coupling mechanism for coupling another guide to the second end of the swing arm. Methods also are disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for drilling a pilot hole within an object at a predetermined angle. The device includes a spacer having a lateral surface established by a first surface and a second surface and at least a portion of the lateral surface includes an extension. The extension having a proximal end and a distal end where the proximal end abuts the lateral surface and the distal end is configured to couple to a first end of a body. A guide body is also provided and is coupled to the device. The guide member includes a bore extending from a first end to a second end. Subsequent to disposing the spacer within the object, a drilling instrument may be disposed within the guide body thereby drilling out the pilot hole at the prescribed angle.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for treating an occlusion within a body lumen. The system may comprise an insulated outer sheath; an elongated conductive tube, wherein the insulated outer sheath is circumferentially mounted around the elongated conductive tube; and an insulated wire having a helically coiled portion at a distal end of the insulated wire. The coiled portion includes an exposed distal tip, and a distal portion of the elongated conductive tube is circumferentially mounted around the distal coiled portion of the insulated wire. When a voltage is applied across the insulated wire and the elongated conductive tube, a current is configured to flow from the exposed distal tip of the insulated wire to the elongated conductive tube to generate a plurality of cavitation bubbles. In an alternate embodiment, an elongated central electrode is used in place of the conductive tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fecalith treatment system for the removal of an impacted fecalith from a formed diverticula. The fecalith treatment system having an endoscopic device having a steerable line configured to be introduced into a patient via the endoscopic device; and an articulable fecalith treatment device coupled to a distal end of a treatment conduit that is configured to be received therein the steerable line to be delivered to an operative position within the patient. Subsequently, the fecalith treatment device is configured to allow for the removal of the impacted fecalith without damaging the underlying diverticula tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the intravascular treatment of clot material within a blood vessel of a human patient are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, engaging an interventional device of a catheter system with clot material in a blood vessel and withdrawing the interventional device and the portion of the clot material through a guide catheter. In some embodiments, the catheter system can include an attachment/valve member coupled to a proximal portion of the guide catheter, and the method can include unsealing the attachment/valve member to facilitate withdrawing the interventional device through the attachment/valve member without significant retention of clot material within the attachment/valve member. The method can further include resealing and aspirating the guide catheter before advancing another interventional device to the clot material to again engage and remove clot material from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A clot removal device for removal of an occlusion from a lumen in a patient's body is provided. The clot removal device has a lumen, an elongated member positioned within the lumen and extending axially from a proximal end to a distal end of the lumen, a handle attached to the proximal end of the lumen, a first expandable member positioned along a length of the elongated member, a second expandable member positioned along the length of the elongated member, wherein the second expandable member is distal to the first expandable member relative to the handle.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for occluding an anatomical passage between first and second anatomical structures. The device includes a tip portion having a proximal element connected to a distal element through a member. The proximal element and/or distal element is movable axially along the tip portion while the other element preferably remains fixed in place. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the tip portion through a shaft. The tip portion is positioned across the anatomical passage so that the proximal element occludes a first side of the passage and the distal element occludes a second side of the passage. A locking structure, such as a nut, is positioned or crimped against the proximal element, and, once done, the tip portion is released at the occluded passage.

Abstract: A retriever device for removal of unwanted material from a vessel in a patient's body comprising a retriever sub-system and an aspiration sub-system. The retriever sub-system comprising a delivery catheter and a delivery wire having first and second expandable bodies disposed thereon that are adapted to expand from a pre-expansion configuration to an expanded configuration. The second expandable body is further adapted to slidably translate along the delivery wire in a distal direction toward the first expandable body when the second expandable body is released from the delivery wire, whereby, when the first expandable body is disposed on a distal side of at least a first portion of the unwanted material in the vessel and the second expandable body is disposed on a proximal side of the first portion of the unwanted material, the first expandable body and the second expandable body surround and contain the first portion of the unwanted material between the first expandable body and the second expandable body.

Abstract: A mechanical thrombectomy device includes several clot arrestors mounted on a support wire. The clot arrestors have rings of expandable frame cells. The frame cell rings include an open frame cell ring, having a gap between adjacent frame cells in the ring, and a closed frame cell ring, having no gap between adjacent frame cells. The gap allows clots to enter the clot arrestor for retrieval from a target anatomy. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A treatment device includes: an end effector that includes a pair of grippers for gripping a target region; a channel for supplying a fluid to the end effector; and a fluid source for supplying the fluid to the channel. The treatment device is capable of controlling fluid flow to the end effector based on an open or closed state of the end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first and second jaw actuatable between an open and closed position, a buttress assembly having a compressible material, and a fastener assembly associated with the second jaw. The fastener assembly and the buttress assembly may cooperatively grasp tissue while the first and second jaws are in the closed position. The fastener assembly includes a deck defining a plurality of openings and a plurality of fasteners each housed within a respective opening of the plurality of openings. Each fastener can actuate out of the respective opening and into the buttress assembly. Each fastener includes a first leg having a piercing tip, and an attachment feature associated with the first leg. The attachment feature can engage the buttress assembly to couple the first leg with the buttress assembly without bending a portion of the first leg associated with the piercing tip.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument assembly usable in a procedure. The instrument includes a connection for a working portion and to a tool handle. The assembly includes a method and system for interconnection and/or identification of the working portion and the handle. The instrument may also include various trackable features to allow for a navigated procedure.

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

Abstract: The present application disclosed a cutting device and a cutting balloon, the cutting device includes a connection tube, at least one cutting component and a collapsible tube; the collapsible tube is made of elastic material and configured to be sleeved on the connection tube; the at least one cutting component includes a cutter body and cutting connection segments connected to the cutter body, the cutting connection segments are connected to a peripheral side of the connection tube (100) and are located in the collapsible tube; and the collapsible tube is in elastic contact against the cutting connection segments.

Abstract: A medical device for grinding substance inside a body lumen includes a rotatable tubular drive shaft, a treatment member connected to the drive shaft, and a tubular member possessing an axially extending lumen that extends throughout the tubular member. The tubular member is mounted on the treatment member and surrounds a portion of the treatment member so that the treatment member is rotatable relative to the tubular member. The treatment member includes a shearing portion, and the tubular member includes a protrusion that projects toward the lumen of the tubular member. The protrusion is located axially in front of the shearing portion and interacts with the shearing portion during relative rotation between the treatment member and the tubular member to shear debris resulting from the grinding of the substance.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue in a body lumen includes an elongate body and a tissue-removing element mounted on a distal end portion of the elongate body. The tissue-removing element is configured to remove the tissue as the tissue-removing element is rotated by the elongate body within the body lumen. An inner liner is received within the elongate body. The inner liner defines a guidewire lumen. The inner liner isolates an interior of the guidewire lumen from the elongate body and tissue-removing element such that rotational forces are not transferred from the elongate body and tissue-removing element to the interior of the guidewire lumen when the elongate body and tissue-removing element are rotated during removal of tissue from the body lumen.

Abstract: A device for dividing a fibrous structure comprising a catheter; an expandable member positioned near a distal end of the catheter and in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter; and a cutting element situated on an outer surface of the expandable member. A method for dividing a fibrous structure comprising positioning, proximate the fibrous structure, an expandable member having a cutting element situated thereon; expanding the expandable member outwards to tension the fibrous structure across the cutting element; and activating the cutting element to weaken or cut the fibrous structure. A method for treating carpal tunnel syndrome comprising inserting a needle into the carpal tunnel; directing a guidewire to a position proximate the transverse carpal ligament; advancing, along the guidewire, a device having an expandable member and a cutting element; positioning the cutting element; tensioning the ligament across the cutting element; and weakening or cutting the ligament.

Abstract: A method of performing a transperineal biopsy procedure with a transperineal biopsy guide secured to a transrectal probe configured to provide imaging. The method includes adjusting an angular orientation of a platform of the transperineal biopsy guide relative to the transrectal probe to which the transperineal biopsy guide is attached. The platform is pivotally coupled to a stabilizing structure of the transperineal biopsy guide. The stabilizing structure is operably coupled to a mount attachable to the transrectal probe. The method further includes inserting a tubular structure into the perineum of the patient, so the tubular structure penetrates the perineum, the tubular structure being supported by the platform and positioned within the sagittal imaging plane. The method further includes inserting a biopsy instrument into the prostate of the patient through the tubular structure penetrating the perineum of the patient.

Abstract: A transperineal biopsy guide for use with a tubular structure and a transrectal probe. The tubular structure is sized to receive a biopsy instrument therethrough. The transrectal probe including a longitudinal axis and configured to provide imaging in a sagittal plane of the transrectal probe. The transperineal biopsy guide includes a mount attachable to the transrectal probe, and an opening above the mount and pivotable relative to the mount about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the transrectal probe when the mount is attached to the transrectal probe. When the tubular structure is received by the opening and the mount is attached to the transrectal probe, the tubular structure can be pivoted in the sagittal plane of the transrectal probe via pivoting of the opening relative to the mount.

Abstract: A surgical access device including a cannula body, a fixation mechanism, and an illumination mechanism is disclosed. The fixation mechanism includes a collar, a sleeve, an expandable member, and a distal ring. The illumination mechanism includes at least one light disposed on the expandable member, and a switch. Distal translation of the collar relative to an elongated portion of the cannula body causes the expandable member to move from a first position defining a first gap between a mid-portion of the expandable member and the elongated portion of the cannula body, to a second position defining a second gap between the mid-portion of the expandable member and the elongated portion of the cannula body, the second gap being greater than the first gap.