Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for insufflating abdomens of subjects under direct visualization. Such devices and methods, in some implementations, include features for cleaning the devices, and certain implementations of the methods permit procedures wherein it is not necessary to use a typical obturator to place a cannula, resulting in safer procedures.

Abstract: A colpotomy device for performing a hysterectomy is provided. The device includes a flexible drive tube having a proximal end and a distal end and bendable therebetween. The device also has a rotatable cutting implement at the distal end of the flexible drive tube at a specified offset from a bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube. Furthermore, the device includes couplings located within the flexible drive tube and rotatable about the bendable longitudinal axis of the flexible drive tube. The couplings can be in a series that includes inter-coupling joints and transmits a rotational force between the proximal and distal ends of the flexible drive tube through a variable angle between the couplings. The variable angle can correspond to bending of the drive tube in order to drive rotation of the cutting implement at the specified offset about the axis of the flexible drive tube.

Abstract: The foot-exfoliating device may be adapted for a user to exfoliate a user's foot while the user is in a shower. The foot-exfoliating device may be mounted in a bottom corner of the shower where a floor meets a wall. The foot-exfoliating device may be adapted to exfoliate the user's foot when the user's foot is placed on a curved top surface with a heel of the user's foot pressed into a heel well and when a sole of the user's foot is dragged along a plurality of foot scrubbers that may be accessible on the curved top surface. The foot-exfoliating device may comprise a scrubber body and a mounting base. The scrubber body may be operable to exfoliate. The mounting base may couple the scrubber body to the shower.

Abstract: An implantable, modular spine stabilization system that allows for multi-level treatment of the spine by providing either rigid fixation or dynamic stabilization at different levels to be treated is provided. This modular spine stabilization system may be configured to span multiple spine levels, and have a curvature that closely matches the curvature of the spine over those multiple levels to be treated. Further, the modular spine stabilization system allows adjustment of the curvature of the overall system such that the system may be adapted for a patient for a customized fit. Instruments are also provided for the assembly and/or implantation of the modular spine stabilization system. The associated instruments may include instruments for adjusting the curvature of the system to the patient, and for implanting the curved system into the patient. The instruments may be configured for implantation of the system in a minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: A bone anchoring device includes a receiving part having a first end with an end surface, a second end, a recess at the first end for receiving a rod, and a flexible head receiving portion at the second end for pivotably holding a head of a bone anchoring element, and a clamping ring positionable around the head receiving portion and movable from a first position where the head is pivotable relative to the receiving part, to a second position where the clamping ring exerts a radial force onto the head receiving portion to lock the head. The receiving part further includes a first engagement structure at or adjacent the end surface extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the receiving part, such that a width of the receiving part including the first engagement structure is at least as wide as a maximum width of the clamping ring.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device for securing two stabilizing rods to bone has a threaded shaft for fastening to bone, a primary rod coupling head and a secondary rod coupling head. The first rod coupling head is connected to the threaded shaft and has a side wall and a cavity for receiving a rod, the cavity being open toward a top of the first rod coupling head. In a neutral position of the first rod coupling head, the first rod coupling head extends symmetrically around the longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft. The second rod coupling head is rotatably connected to the first rod coupling head, around an axis of rotation that is disposed at an angle that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft when the first rod coupling head is in the neutral position.

Abstract: A modular pedicle screw for spinal fixation. The pedicle screw includes a bone screw and a modular head assembly. The bone screw having a head and a shank, the head defining at least one groove. The modular head assembly includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a throughbore extending along a longitudinal axis of the housing between the proximal and distal ends of the housing, and an anvil disposed within the throughbore. The modular head assembly includes at least one protrusion sized and shaped to be received by the at least one groove for restricting relative movement between the housing and the bone screw to a single plane.

Abstract: A spinal implant includes a post with a receiver having a first mating surface and a stop. A connector defines an implant cavity. The connector includes a base having a second mating surface being positionable with the first mating surface to attach the connector with the receiver. The base defines a transverse passageway. A securing element is disposable in the passageway and engageable with the stop. In some embodiments, systems, surgical instruments, implants and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein provide devices and associated methods for treating spinal disease by implanting one or more interspinous process spacing devices. In one embodiment, an interspinous process spacing device includes a first attachment side, a second attachment side, a spacer tray, and a securing means. The spacer tray extends from the first attachment side and is slideably insertable through a spacer tray slot formed in the second attachment side. The spacer tray is adapted to be positioned between a spinous process of a first vertebra and a spinous process of an adjacent second vertebra, and the spacer tray includes a trough formed in a top surface of the spacer tray. The securing means is configured to engage the trough of the spacer tray to secure the second attachment side relative to the first attachment side.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a first surgical instrument having a selected configuration and an image guide disposed relative to a sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the image guide. A passive image guide is fixed with vertebral tissue and is disposed relative to the sensor to communicate a signal representative of a position of the passive image guide. The passive image guide includes a first surface. A second surgical instrument is connectable with the first surgical instrument and includes a second surface engageable with the first surface in a mating configuration to provide verification of the selected configuration. Surgical instruments, implants, spinal constructs and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An instrument is configured for use with a receiving part defining a recess for receiving a rod to connect the rod to a bone anchoring element. The instrument includes a tube having a first end and a second end, and defining a coaxial internal channel that opens towards the first and second ends, and at least one protruding portion monolithically formed with the tube that is engageable with the recess of the receiving part to prevent rotational movement of the tube relative to the receiving part. The first end of the tube forms a closed ring. The at least one protruding portion has a first region that extends radially outwardly from an outer surface of the tube at the first end and a second region that extends axially away from the first end in a direction opposite the second end.

Abstract: A method and a device for bone adjustment in a mammal is presented, wherein a device is implanted in the medullar cavity of a bone in the body of said mammal, said device being a device exerting a force to anchoring devices anchored in said bone. The method and device has utility in therapeutic and cosmetic bone adjustments, including the lengthening, reshaping and realigning of bones, for example in the correction of congenital deformations, restorative orthopaedic surgery and the like.

Abstract: A two-part implant insertable in two bone segments that are intended to be fused together, wherein the implant provides built-in axial compressive forces that aid in maintaining the two bone segments in compression against each other so as to facilitate fusion.

Abstract: A catheter balloon includes a membrane having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of substrates are bonded about the membrane. The ability of a bond's ability to withstand repeated stresses during use may be improved by using a reinforcement or a stress relief, while also minimizing the overall thickness of the balloon proximate to its distal end. The reinforcement may comprise a portion of an unassembled membrane. Alternatively, the reinforcement may comprise an adhesive-margin tip. The stress relief may be a serpentine portion of a distal tail of a substrate.

Abstract: A cryoablation catheter comprises a catheter shaft, a guidewire lumen disposed within the catheter shaft, a cryoballoon having a first end connected to the catheter shaft and an opposite second end connected to the guidewire lumen, the cryoballoon configured to transition between a deflated state and an inflated state, the cryoballoon having a maximum circumference in the inflated state, a proximal electrode array having a plurality of proximal electrodes arranged around the cryoballoon and located proximally of the maximum circumference of the cryoballoon, and a distal electrode array having a plurality of distal electrodes arranged around the cryoballoon and located distally of the maximum circumference of the cryoballoon. The cryoablation catheter has no electrodes located at the maximum circumference of the cryoballoon.

Abstract: A medical system for ablating tissue within a gallbladder having a gallbladder wall includes a medical device. The medical device includes a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, and an inflatable treatment element coupled to the distal portion of the shaft and transitionable between a first deflated free-form configuration and a second inflated coiled configuration.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering coolant to an energy delivery device used to treat tissue with electromagnetic energy. A cooling system includes a pump that is configured to pump a coolant to the energy delivery device.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for applying energy to tissue, and more particularly relates to a system for ablating or modifying structures in a body with systems and methods that generate a flow of vapor at a controlled flow rate for applying energy to the body structure.

Abstract: An electrocautery device with a retractable suction tube is described. The electrocautery device includes a suction tube assembly that can move between an extended or retracted position using vacuum force generated by a suction source. In some embodiments, the suction tube assembly automatically locks into the extended position when extended such that axial force cannot cause the suction tube assembly to retract. The device may be suitable for use in laparoscopic procedures. The suction tube may be coaxially aligned with the electrocautery tip.

Abstract: A medical system for ablating a tissue site by electroporation with real-time pulse monitoring during an electroporation treatment procedure is provided. The treatment control module monitors applied pulses and detect an abnormal condition that indicates either an ineffective electroporation of the tissue or an imminent excessive current such as a spark event that may exceed the capacity of the pulse generator. Rather than terminating the procedure entirety, the treatment control module temporarily pauses the procedure to allow the user to adjust the pulse parameters so as to complete the procedure without starting the procedure over again.

Abstract: An end-effector and a surgical instrument including the end-effector are disclosed. The end-effector includes a clamp arm and an ultrasonic blade configured to acoustically couple to an ultrasonic transducer and to electrically couple to a pole of an electrical generator. The clamp arm incudes a clamp jaw, a cantilever electrode, and a clamp arm. The cantilever electrode is biased in a direction toward the clamp jaw and the clamp arm includes a retainer to oppose a biasing force and maintain the cantilever electrode in a substantially flat configuration relative to the ultrasonic blade. A skirt may be disposed around the clamp jaw. The clamp arm pad may include multiple support elements arranged in multiple rows to support the cantilever electrode.

Abstract: A forceps is provided and 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 at least one of 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: Aspects of the present disclosure are presented for a medical instrument configured to adjust the power level for sealing procedures to account for changes in tissue impedance levels over time. In some aspects, a medical instrument may be configured to apply power according to a power algorithm to seal tissue by applying a gradually lower amount of power over to time as the tissue impedance level begins to rise out of the “bathtub region,” which is the time period during energy application where the tissue impedance is low enough for electrosurgical energy to be effective for sealing tissue. In some aspects, the power is then cut once the tissue impedance level exceeds the “bathtub region.” By gradually reducing the power, a balance is achieved between still applying an effective level of power for sealing and prolonging the time in which the tissue impedance remains in the “bathtub region.

Abstract: Described here are methods and systems for the manipulation of ovarian tissues. The methods and systems may be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The systems and methods may be useful in the treatment of infertility associated with PCOS.

Abstract: A catheter and handle assembly for use in treating tissue. More specifically, the invention relates to a catheter assembly having an elongate shaft, ablation assembly coupled to one end of the shaft, and a handle coupled to the other end of the shaft. The handle facilitates both axial and circumferential positioning of the ablation assembly via the shaft in an airway, conduit, or vessel for treatment of the tissue. Embodiments include the use of a handle to facilitate the axial and circumferential positioning of the shaft and ablation assembly through and independent of a working channel of a bronchoscope during treatment for pulmonary disease like COPD and asthma.

Abstract: The invention provides for a device (100) for use in electrical nerve modulation in a subject, characterized in that it comprises a rotational and linear actuator (110); a tubular element (101) having a proximal end connected to the actuator (110) and a distal end; a flexible shaft (102) coaxially disposed within the tubular element (101), comprising a proximal end operably connected to the actuator (110) and a distal end, and adapted to be slid along the tubular element (101); a conformable support (103) comprising a proximal end operably connected to the tubular element's (101) distal end, and a distal end operably connected to the flexible shaft's (102) distal end, having a portion of its length helically wrapped about a distal portion of the flexible shaft (102) so to define a pitch (500) and a radius (400); and a plurality of electrodes (104) operably disposed along the helically configured portion of the conformable support (103), and electrically connectable to a generator (200), adapted to contact the

Abstract: A system includes an expandable distal end of a catheter and a processor. The expandable distal end has multiple electrodes that are configured to be placed in contact with a tissue in an organ and to apply ablative power to tissue. The processor is configured to, during application of the ablative power, determine whether a physical contact between the electrodes and tissue meets a predefined contact quality, and, if the physical contact of an electrode among the electrodes with the tissue does not meet the predefined contact quality, re-use the electrode for electrophysiological (EP) sensing.

Abstract: A system for ablation is described herein including an inner electrode assembly with an inner elongate shaft and a distal electrode, an outer electrode assembly having an outer elongate shaft and a proximal electrode, wherein the outer electrode assembly defines a central passage configured to slidably receive the inner electrode assembly, wherein the distal electrode or the proximal electrode is axially moveable with respect to the other, and an energy source configured to be electrically connected to the distal electrode and the proximal electrode and configured to deliver a pulsed electric field (PEF). One of the distal electrode and proximal electrode is part of a first expandable electrode array comprising two or more electrode elements moveable between an unexpanded position and an expanded position.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft and an inflatable sleeve catheter. The shaft is configured for insertion through a sheath into a cavity of an organ of a patient. The inflatable sleeve catheter is fixed to a distal end of the shaft, with the inflatable sleeve catheter including (i) a resilient inner end section, which is fixed to the distal end of the shaft and is formed so as to assume a predefined shape when unconstrained, (ii) an inflatable sleeve that envelopes the inner end section, and a plurality of electrodes that are disposed over the inflatable sleeve and are configured to contact tissue.

Abstract: Ablation systems and methods of the present disclosure include a catheter including one or more image sensors. The one or more image sensors can facilitate, for example, positioning an ablation electrode at a treatment site of an anatomic structure and, additionally or alternatively, can facilitate controlling delivery of therapeutic energy to a treatment site of an anatomic structure.

Abstract: Ablation systems and methods of the present disclosure include a catheter including one or more image sensors. The one or more image sensors can facilitate, for example, positioning an ablation electrode at a treatment site of an anatomic structure and, additionally or alternatively, can facilitate controlling delivery of therapeutic energy to a treatment site of an anatomic structure.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent a calcified region of a body. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The apparatus further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the calcified region adjacent the balloon. The shock wave generator includes a plurality of shock wave sources distributed within the balloon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating a root canal in a tooth or hard and/or soft tissue within a tooth and surrounding tissues by pulsing a laser light into a reservoir, preferably after introducing liquid fluid into the reservoir, so as to disintegrate, separate, or otherwise neutralize pulp, plaque, calculus, and/or bacteria within and adjacent the fluid reservoir without elevating the temperature of any of the dentin, tooth, bones, gums, other soft tissues, other hard tissues, and any other adjacent tissue more than about 5° C.

Abstract: An artificial intelligence eye disease screening and diagnostic system based on an ophthalmic robot, comprising a human eye positioning analysis module, an image information collection module, an AI picture quality monitoring module, an eye disease analysis and diagnosis module, a data storage management module, and an execution control module. The system can replace ophthalmologists to perform eye disease diagnosis tasks in regions lacking ophthalmologists, and assists the ophthalmologists in eye disease screening and diagnosis in large hospitals with a large number of patients, thus improving diagnosis efficiency.

Abstract: A process for assessing at least one characteristic of a user's vision includes determining a characteristic of at least one camera of a mobile device; using the at least one camera, capturing at least one image of an object; determining, with reference to a portion of the at least one image composed of the object, a distance from the mobile device to the object at a time of capture of the at least one image; and receiving input from the user in response to material presented on the object.

Abstract: Various presbyopia measurement systems are presented. Solutions include a consumer friendly system using a consumer's smart phone to present a test image. The test image by be viewed through a first lens, second lens and optional added lens such that the image is perceived to be approximately eight inches to two feet away from the consumer's eye. In addition to a lens system that may be attached to a consumer's smart phone, the systems presented include a presbyopia kit that my comprise an eyeglass kit comprising near vision attachments, mid vision attachments, clip on lenses and Plano frames. Disclosed systems include the use of the use of both the eyeglass kit and lens system that attaches to the consumer's phone.

Abstract: A system and method for home testing of patient focal length, and detecting for the presence or changes in myopic conditions utilizing a multi-colored testing screen. Utilizing the varied refractive properties of each wavelength of light (colors), changes in myopia and focal length can be monitored in each of the separate colors. Baseline visual acuity is determined, and the testing occurs with relevant-sized optotypes. Optotypes are displayed in red, white, and green, simultaneously on a display screen set at four meters distance. Games and acuity tests are conducted to determine the focal acuity at each of the wavelengths. Results are recorded and used for future diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosure provide a diabetic retinopathy recognition system (S) based on fundus image. According to an embodiment, the system includes an image acquisition apparatus (1) configured to collect fundus images. The fundus images include target fundus images and reference fundus images taken from a person. The system further includes an automatic recognition apparatus (2) configured to process the fundus images from the image acquisition apparatus by using a deep learning method. The automatic recognition apparatus automatically determines whether a fundus image has a lesion and outputs the diagnostic result. According to another embodiment, the diabetic retinopathy recognition system (S) utilizes a deep learning method to automatically determine the fundus images and output the diagnostic result.

Abstract: A system to determine a binocular alignment, comprises a first optical unit, including a first display, to display images for a first eye, actuatable along a longitudinal direction according to a simulated distance and an optical power of the first eye, and a first eye tracker assembly, to track a gaze direction of the first eye, adjustable in a horizontal lateral direction to accommodate a pupillary distance of the first eye; and a second optical unit, including a second display, to display images for a second eye, actuatable along the longitudinal direction according to a simulated distance and an optical power of the second eye, and a second eye tracker assembly, to track a gaze direction of the second eye, adjustable in the horizontal lateral direction to accommodate a pupillary distance of the second eye; and a computer, to determine the binocular alignment based on the gaze directions.

Abstract: A wearable eyewear device, methods of use and systems are described that allow a person wearing the eyewear device to accurately measure the intraocular pressure of their eye, and dispense a medication to the eye when needed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for guiding position and orientation of a robotic device holding a surgical tool are disclosed herein. For example, a method for guiding a robotic device holding a surgical tool configured for working a planned region of an anatomical structure can include detecting a presence of a distal tip of the tool in a target region on the anatomical structure, changing a visual aspect of a virtual representation of the target region when the tool tip is detected in said target region, computing a virtual goal defining a spatial range of position and orientation of the robotic device in which the tool is capable of working at least a determined part of the planned region, displaying the virtual goal and a representation of a tool base axis, and changing a visual aspect of the virtual goal when the representation of the base axis is inside the virtual goal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for an interventional procedure using medical images. The system includes: a master device configured to perform control so that a medical tool of a robot arm follows intervention trajectories; an image processing device configured to register plan images, in which a surgical plan including the intervention trajectories of the medical tool is set up, and preoperative (pre-op) images acquired at a surgical site before surgery so that the surgical plan is transferred to the pre-op images and register the pre-op images and intraoperative (intra-op) images acquired at the surgical site during the surgery; and a user interface device configured to visualize the predicted arrival location of the tip of the medical tool for a target point when the robot arm operates according to the surgical plan by using the pre-op images and the intra-op images in conjunction with the image processing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to aid in planning at least a portion of a total knee arthroplasty procedure. The system and method automatically aligns the implant components and the bones according to a desired clinical alignment goal with minimum user input. The system and method further allows the user to adjust the position and orientation of the femur, tibia, or implant in a clinical direction regardless of a pre-adjusted position and orientation of the femur, tibia, or implant. The graphical user interface is provided that includes a three-dimensional (3-D) view window, a view options window, a patient information window, an implant family window, a workflow-specific tasks window, and a limb and knee alignment measures window.

Abstract: A system or method may be used to provide registration, calibration, or tracking of patient anatomy using a camera and a robotic surgical system. The camera may include a structured light camera. The camera may be used to acquire an image of patient anatomy or a reference object. A method may include determining a distance (e.g., from the camera) or a location of the patient anatomy or the reference object. The robotic surgical system may include a robotic arm that may be configured to move based on the distance or location of the patient anatomy or the reference object.

Abstract: A method of operating a shape sensing apparatus comprises receiving shape data from a first shape sensor. The first shape sensor includes a first plurality of optical cores extending between a first section and a second section of an elongated optical fiber. The method further comprises receiving shape data from a second shape sensor. The second shape sensor includes a second plurality of optical cores extending between the first and second sections of the elongated optical fiber. The method further comprises determining a shape of the elongated optical fiber between the first and second sections by combining the shape data from the first and second shape sensors.

Abstract: The method of locating at least one mobile perception device of a navigation platform, the mobile perception device intended to be worn or carried by a user in a surgical scene, the navigation platform including at least one perception sensor, comprises: —acquiring, by the at least one perception sensor, a plurality of successive images of the scene including the portion of the body of the patient intended to be subjected to the surgical operation; —processing the plurality of successive images to evaluate a relative position of the mobile perception device and the portion of the body intended to be subjected to the surgical operation, wherein the relative position of the mobile perception device and the portion of the body takes into account a movement of the mobile perception device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical robot which is hygienic and capable of precisely transferring a catheter, a driving device mounted on the medical robot, and a roller module mounted on the driving device. The roller module includes: a driving unit; and a roller unit rotated about the vertical axis by the driving unit, wherein the roller unit includes at least one roller and at least one shaft independently coupled to the at least one roller of the roller unit and rotated by the driving unit, wherein at least one groove is formed on the at least one roller of the roller unit and at least a part of the at least one shaft of the roller unit is disposed on the at least one groove.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, apparatus, and methods for precise placement and guidance of tools during a surgical procedure, particularly a spinal surgical procedure. The system features a portable robot arm with end effector for precise positioning of a surgical tool. The system requires only minimal training by surgeons/operators, is intuitive to use, and has a small footprint with significantly reduced obstruction of the operating table. The system works with existing, standard surgical tools, does not required increased surgical time or preparatory time, and safely provides the enhanced precision achievable by robotic-assisted systems.

Abstract: A tool driver for use in robotic surgery includes a base configured to couple to a distal end of a robotic arm, and a tool carriage slidingly engaged with the base and configured to receive a surgical tool. In one variation, the tool carriage may include a plurality of linear axis drives configured to actuate one or more articulated movements of the surgical tool. In another variation, the tool carriage may include a plurality of rotary axis drives configured to actuate one or more articulated movements of the surgical tool. Various sensors, such as a capacitive load cell for measuring axial load, a position sensor for measuring linear position of the guide based on the rotational positions of gears in a gear transmission, and/or a capacitive torque sensor based on differential capacitance, may be included in the tool driver.

Abstract: Methods of articulating and actuating an end effector of a surgical tool include equal rate rotation of an input shaft of the end effector via a drive shaft. A method includes supporting an end effector base of the end effector by an elongate shaft of the surgical tool via a wrist assembly of the surgical tool. Orientation of the end effector base relative to the elongate shaft is controlled via four tension members. An input shaft of a shaft driven mechanism of the end effector is rotated around an input shaft axis by rotating a drive shaft of the surgical tool around a drive shaft axis. A rate of rotation of the drive shaft and a rate of rotation of the input shaft are equal when the end effector base is pivoted relative to the elongate shaft.