Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus includes a shaft assembly, an end effector secured to the shaft assembly, a firing assembly, an articulation assembly, and an articulation guide. The firing assembly includes a flexible knife bar assembly that is selectively advanceable through the end effector for firing the end effector. The articulation assembly has an articulation link assembly and a pivotable bar guide assembly. The articulation link assembly is coupled to the end effector. The articulation link assembly is actuatable to cause the end effector to move relative to the shaft assembly between an unarticulated position and an articulated position. The articulation guide is associated with the pivotable bar guide assembly to enable the flexible knife bar assembly to advance through the pivotable bar guide assembly when the end effector is disposed in the unarticulated position or the articulated position.

Abstract: An end effector for use with a surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw to grasp tissue therebetween, and a staple cartridge. The staple cartridge comprises staples deployable into the tissue. The end effector further comprises a magnetic sensor configured to measure a parameter indicative of an identifying characteristic of the staple cartridge, an impedance sensor configured to measure a parameter indicative of an impedance of the tissue, and a processing unit in communication with the impedance sensor. The processing unit is configured to determine a property of the tissue based on an output of the impedance sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for repairing a damaged peripheral nerve is provided. A coupler includes a stabilizing assembly applied to a distal end of a damaged area of the nerve and applied to a proximal end of the damaged area, the coupler adapted so that the proximal end and the distal end are maintained in a stabile abutting relationship in which nerve repair can occur. A chamber is placed in proximity to the damaged area, having a therapeutic agent. Illustratively, the distal end and the proximal end are severed from each other. The coupler can define one of (a) coupler halves that surround the proximal end and the distal end and allow fixing members to be applied to the proximal end and the distal end and (b) cuffs that engage, and are fixed to, each of the proximal end and the distal end and are engaged by overlying coupler halves.

Abstract: A surgical stapler for applying a suture to tissue includes a first jaw and a second jaw configured to receive a cartridge. An actuation mechanism translates a drive member distally through the first and second jaws to apply staples to tissue such that a suture, in combination with the staples, forms a purse string when the stapler activated. The cartridge includes a first upper portion and a second lower portion.

Abstract: An example assembly for use with a vacuum system and an esophageal positioning device esophageal positioning device includes an introducer, in which the esophageal positioning device includes a first segment and a second segment. The second segment is pivotally connected to the first segment. A gap portion of an outer tube of the introducer is defined along a longitudinal axis between a tube tip of the introducer and the distal end of the second segment of the esophageal positioning device when the esophageal positioning device is disposed within the introducer. The gap portion defines one or more radial vacuum holes.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling movement of a wire configured to deploy an implant is presented herein. The apparatus can include a wire including a bump and a valve including a friction element configured to apply a friction force to the wire. The friction force can vary based on one or more of: a speed at which the wire is pulled through the friction element, a direction in which the wire is pulled through the friction element, and a contact between the bump and the friction element. The wire can be configured to deploy an implant upon a proximal retraction of the wire.

Abstract: Occlusion devices are disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, the present technology includes a mesh configured to be positioned within an aneurysm cavity, the mesh having a low-profile configuration for delivery through a catheter to the aneurysm cavity and an expanded configuration for implantation in the aneurysm cavity. The mesh can comprise a first portion configured to be positioned over the aneurysm neck and a second portion configured to be positioned between the first portion and a dome of the aneurysm. The mesh can comprise a copper material at the second portion of the mesh, wherein the copper material is configured to promote thrombosis within the aneurysm cavity.

Abstract: A delivery system for an occlusive implant may include a delivery sheath having a delivery lumen extending proximally from a distal end of the delivery sheath, the delivery sheath being formed from a polymeric material, and a core wire slidably disposed within the delivery lumen. The core wire may be configured to releasably engage the occlusive implant. The delivery sheath may include a circumferential ring monolithically formed therewith at the distal end of the delivery sheath and a plurality of longitudinal slots disposed proximal of the circumferential ring. An occlusive implant system may include an occlusive implant configured to shift between a delivery configuration and a deployed configuration, and the delivery system for the occlusive implant. The occlusive implant may be disposed within a distal portion of the delivery lumen in the delivery configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a surgical apparatus for performing a controlled resection of the neck of a femur during a hip replacement procedure, the surgical apparatus comprising: a body portion. The body portion comprises a frame that is mountable on a femoral head of the femur to position the body portion with respect to a centre of the femoral head. The body portion also includes a resection guide for indicating a position of a resection plane on the femoral neck, and an arm extending from the frame and including markings for reading off a femoral head offset. The apparatus also includes a connector for mounting the body portion on an intramedullary rod located in an intramedullary canal of the femur, and for slidably receiving the arm. The connector includes a pointer. The femoral head offset is indicated by reading the position of the pointer relative to the markings on the arm.

Abstract: An all-in-one osteotomy fixation device, along with various related components, systems, and methods. The various embodiments include a device body, a bone attachment structure, a removable slot body, and a movable cutting guide moveably attached to the body via a guide coupling structure. The various methods include using any single device embodiment herein to perform all of the steps of the osteotomy procedure.

Abstract: A patient specific instrument is disclosed for correcting a condition present in a patient. The patient specific instrument includes a body that includes an inferior side having a bone engagement surface shaped to match a first surface of a first bone and a second surface of a second bone of a joint. The instrument also includes a superior side having a first guide feature and a second guide feature that together, with the bone engagement surface overlying the first surface and the second surface, are positioned to guide resection of the first bone and the second bone during a surgical osteotomy for correcting the condition. The body is configured to seat transverse to the joint with the bone engagement surface engaging the first surface of the first bone and the second surface of the second bone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutting tool for surgical procedures. More specifically, the present cutting tool is suitable for bi-directional cutting and removal of soft and hard tissues for surgical procedures. The cutting tool includes a substantially rigid shaft having a shaped end portion. The shaped end portion includes a plurality of shaped talons; each talon including a body bent to retain tissue, and each talon including a cutter end. The cutter end includes both acute and obtuse cutting surface relief angles for diverse cutting action with respect to hard and soft tissues.

Abstract: A fully steerable flexible curved drilling robot device comprises a first flexible tube including a concentric through hole centered on a longitudinal axis, a second flexible tube including an eccentric through hole, wherein the second flexible tube is positioned in the concentric though hole of the first flexible tube, and configured to move translationally along the longitudinal axis and rotationally about the longitudinal axis, and a drill bit connected via a bearing to a flexible drive shaft, the drill bit positioned at a distal end of the first flexible tube, and wherein the flexible drive shaft extends through the eccentric through hole of the second flexible tube and is configured to provide a rotational torque to the drill bit. A steerable flexible curved drilling robot system and drilling method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bone tissue collection device is provided with an exterior collection container and a porous interior filter container. The device includes a lid having an upper face and is configured to releaseably seal the exterior collection container and interior filter container. A suction inlet tube and a suction outlet tube are operably coupled to the lid and angled from the upper face of the lid.

Abstract: A bone cutting instrument may include a first component having one or more cutting features configured to remove a fossa of a scapula and a second component having one or more cutting features configured to remove at least a vault of the scapula. The second component can be selectively moveable relative to the first component to remove at least a portion of the vault and is configured to engage the first component to drive the first component for removing the fossa.

Abstract: Reamer instruments and related methods are disclosed for use in preparing bone, such as a glenoid bone surface, to receive an implant requiring one of two or more possible surface geometries. Described reamer instruments can have a modular or multi-component design. A minimal number of components can be particular to a particular required geometry, which can allow assembly and use of reamer instruments of the present disclosure to be flexible, intuitive, and efficient. In some embodiments, a disposable reamer head assembly can be driven by a disposable drive tip through a pin-on-pin connection. The remaining components of the reamer instrument can be sterilized and re-used. To prepare bone for a half-wedge implant, a half-wedge housing can be coupled to a reamer instrument handle and a depth stop can be coupled to the housing to achieve the required geometry. Alternatively, a full-wedge housing can be coupled to the instrument handle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the intravascular treatment of clot material within a blood vessel of a human patient are disclosed herein. A device in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a plurality of interconnected struts forming a unitary structure having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The struts can form a plurality of first cells in the proximal portion and a plurality of second cells, smaller than the first cells, in the distal portion. The device can be pulled against clot material within a blood vessel to engage, disrupt, and/or capture the clot material.

Abstract: An aspiration device can be used to aspirate an obstruction from a blood vessel. The aspiration device is configured to allow controlled one-handed aspiration yet maintain a syringe plunger feel of vacuum. The aspiration device also allows one-handed injection to empty the device when needed. Furthermore, mechanisms enable one-handed locking of a plunger position of the device to maintain vacuum when the user releases the device.

Abstract: A crossing catheter system for crossing chronic total occlusion includes or consists of a support catheter having a support catheter shaft defining a support catheter lumen capable of receiving a dilator. A dilator is arranged within the support catheter lumen. A locking handle is arranged at a proximal support catheter end. The dilator has a proximal segment with a uniform radial circumference and a distal segment that has a radial circumference that is smaller than the radial circumference of the proximal segment.

Abstract: Thrombectomy systems including a stroke length detection assembly. An illustrative drive unit for a thrombectomy system may comprise one or more panels enclosing an internal structure of the drive unit, a vertically oriented reciprocating linear actuator assembly extending between one or more support structures in an upper region of the drive unit and including a reciprocating linear actuator secured to a mounting plate and an actuator shaft, a bracket including a first portion extending generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the actuator shaft and a second portion extending generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the actuator shaft, the second portion coupled to the actuator shaft, a magnetic strip affixed to a surface of the first portion of the bracket, and a magnetic sensor positioned adjacent to a first end region of the bracket. The magnetic sensor may be configured to determine a relative position of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for removing material from patient vasculature. In some embodiments, an aspiration device may include a sheath and a catheter slidably disposed within the sheath and defining a lumen. The catheter may include a distal end portion and an elongate portion, the distal end portion being disposable adjacent to a clot, the elongate portion being couplable to a vacuum source that is configured to apply a negative pressure to the lumen to draw the clot into the distal end portion. The distal end portion may include a plurality of sections, each of the plurality of sections having a different cut pattern.

Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system includes an aspiration catheter configured to accommodate fluid and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system includes connection tubing coupled to the aspiration catheter and configured to act as a common conduit for fluid communication. The system further includes controllable valves operable to control a level of pressure, and pressure sensors positioned downstream from the distal end of the aspiration catheter. A controller is configured to detect and identify pressure levels associated with an open flow state of the aspiration thrombectomy system, and to determine a vascular pressure level of the patient.

Abstract: An aspiration thrombectomy system includes an aspiration catheter configured to accommodate fluid and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system includes connection tubing coupled to the aspiration catheter and configured to act as a common conduit for fluid communication. The system further includes controllable valves operable to control a level of pressure, and pressure sensors positioned downstream from the distal end of the aspiration catheter. A controller is configured to determine a vascular pressure level of the patient, and to determine one or more therapeutic-benefit metrics associated with continuance of the aspiration thrombectomy procedure.

Abstract: A platform of computing systems is configured to receive thrombectomy procedure data that is associated with a user of an aspiration thrombectomy system. The procedure data includes sets of temporal datapoints associated with a thrombectomy procedure. The platform of computing systems is further configured to generate thrombectomy analytics data based on baseline procedure data and the sets of datapoints. The platform of computing systems is further configured to visually display the thrombectomy analytics data, and to provide comparative data metrics for selection on an interactive interface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein shock wave catheters comprising one or more shock wave electrodes for cracking calcifications located within blood vessels. In some variations, a shock wave catheter has first and second shock wave electrodes each circumferentially disposed over the outer surface of the catheter. In certain variations, the first electrode has a recess and the second electrode has a protrusion that is received by the recess and a spark gap is located along the separation between the recess and the protrusion. The second electrode can also have a recess that receives a protrusion from a third shock wave electrode, where the separation between the second and third electrodes along the separation between the recess and the protrusion forms a second spark gap. A shock wave can be initiated across these spark gaps when a voltage is applied over the electrodes.

Abstract: A device and method for intravascular treatment of an embolism, and particularly a pulmonary embolism, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a clot treatment device that includes a support member having a plurality of first clot engagement members and second clot engagement members positioned about the circumference of a distal portion of the support member. In an undeployed state, individual first clot engagement members can be linear and have a first length, and individual second clot engagement members can be linear and have a second length that is less than the first length. The clot engagement members can be configured to penetrate clot material along an arcuate path and hold clot material to the clot treatment device.

Abstract: A device for removing clot from a blood vessel includes a shaft. An expandable framework of struts is fixedly coupled to a distal region of the shaft. The struts can be radially expandable from a first to a second radially expanded state in a deployed configuration. An actuation cable can be connected to a plurality of connections of the engaging framework of struts to apply an expansion force, by the struts, as the struts are actuated by the actuation cable from the first radially expanded state to the second radially expanded state. In the first radially expanded state, a distal end of the struts is spaced a first axial distance away from the shaft, and wherein in the second radially expanded state, a distal end of the struts is spaced a second axial distance, different than the first axial distance, away from the shaft.

Abstract: A platform of devices for removing obstructions and other objects within a blood vessel or other interior lumen of an animal is provided. The system may be deployed in the lumen from a catheter(s) and the system includes a proximal hub, and a distal basket comprised of a plurality of cells. A number of different baskets designs are disclosed. Methods of manufacturing such baskets out of a single tube of a memory metal without the need for any welding, and methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A clot removal device can include a caged portion which can include a distal end; a proximal end; an inner cage having a network of inner struts; and an outer cage having a network of outer struts. The inner cage and the outer cage can include a delivery configuration within a microcatheter and a deployed configuration distal of the microcatheter operable to retrieve at least a portion of the clot. The device can include a distal pinching portion located proximate the distal end of the caged portion, and a proximal pinching portion located proximate the proximal end of the caged portion, each pinching portion can include at least one pinching cell can include a collapsed state and an expanded state distal of the microcatheter operable to tweeze at least a portion of the clot.

Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein can be used in a variety of grasping, cutting, and manipulating operations. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a first joint member, a second joint member, and a flexure. The first joint member includes a first connection portion and a contact surface. The second joint member including a second connection portion. A first end portion of the flexure is coupled to the first connection portion, and a second end portion of the flexure is coupled to the second connection portion. The flexure is configured to deform elastically when the first joint member and the second joint member move from a first configuration to a second configuration. When in the first configuration, the central portion of the flexure is spaced apart from the contact portion. When in the second configuration, the central portion of the flexure contacting the contact portion.

Abstract: A tethered laparoscopic probe for deployment through a trocar into a cavity of a subject includes a probe head shaped for insertion through the trocar. The probe head includes an elongated casing and a sensor arranged within the casing. The sensor defines a sensing direction of the probe head. The tethered laparoscopic probe also includes a tether coupled to the probe head and for, in use, tethering the probe head through the trocar, and a collar grip fitted to the tether. The collar grip is grippable by jaws of a surgical instrument and includes a first plurality of fins grippable by jaws of a surgical instrument. The first plurality of fins extend in a radial direction and a circumferential direction from the collar grip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surgical instrument, and, specifically, to a surgical instrument which can be manually or automatically operated in order to be used in a laparoscopic surgery or various surgeries, and which comprises a lock device capable of locking or unlocking for at least one motion.

Abstract: An endovascular method for bypassing an occlusion is disclosed. A distal end of a guidewire may be advanced through a microcatheter and into a subintimal space of an artery of a patient, where a knuckle may be formed at the distal end of the guidewire, and the guidewire with the knuckle at the distal end thereof may be advanced to the occlusion. An inflatable balloon catheter may be placed over the advanced guidewire and distal to the occlusion, and the inflatable balloon catheter may be inflated to form at least one opening in a layer separating the subintimal space from a true lumen, whereby the guidewire may traverse the at least one opening.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transmission circulation system of an ultrasound treatment head and method therefor are provided. In the system and the method therefor according to an embodiment, the supply, discharge, and circulation of the ultrasonic transmission medium with respect to the ultrasound treatment head are all possible by means of a single pump. Further, in the system and the method therefor according to an embodiment, a single system is driven by changing a passage through selective opening and closing of the valves in the system according to the material of a membrane, so that there is no need to drive a separate system for each membrane material.

Abstract: A multifunctional handpiece includes a main body provided with a proximal opening for the entry of a power supply and control cable, with control assembly, and with a distal opening for the connection of a stem; the handpiece further includes: at least one temperature sensor, arranged inside the body and a cable made of electrically conducting material; at least one ultrasound transducer connected to a sonotrode rigidly coupled to the stem. The stem is at least partially electrically conducting and includes, on a proximal part of the external surface, a cladding made of an electrically insulating material, and accommodates within its internal cavity the cable. A distal portion of the stem, without external cladding, is adapted for the transfer of radiofrequency energy to the tissues of a patient against which it is juxtaposed: the energy is adjusted by the external control and management unit electrically connected to the stem.

Abstract: A medical device includes a blade support, a blade supported by the blade support, and a pin. The blade support includes a bore with an inner portion oriented toward the blade and an outer portion oriented away from the blade. A discontinuity is located at a boundary between the inner and outer portions of the bore. The pin includes a longitudinal axis and a yaw plane is defined perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. A rotational yaw degree of freedom is defined about the longitudinal axis of the pin. The blade support is operable to rotate about the pin in the yaw degree of freedom, contact the pin at the discontinuity of the bore, and tilts away from the yaw plane at the discontinuity of the bore in response to a force applied in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A device suitable for use in a body lumen and comprises an elongated control member having a distal and a proximal end, and a radially expansible member disposed at or near the distal end and adapted for collection and/or shearing of matter (i.e. thrombus) from a wall of the body lumen (i.e. a vein or an artery). The radially expansible member has a proximal end and a distal end and is adjustable between a contracted orientation and an expanded orientation. The elongated control member comprising a proximal arm connected at or adjacent to the proximal end of the radially expansible member and a distal arm connected at or adjacent to the distal end of the radially expansible member such that movement of one arm relative to the other arm effects adjustment of the diameter or radial strength of the radially expansible member. The device comprises a control mechanism operatively connected to both arms and adapted to provide resistance to the movement of one arm relative to the other.

Abstract: A fasciotomy knife is provided and includes an elongated shaft, a holding tab portion at one end of the shaft, and a knife head at a second end of the shaft. The head portion includes two projecting portions and a channel formed therebetween. A surgical blade is positioned within the shaft adjacent the head portion, with a cutting edge located within the channel. The knife may be selectively used in conjunction with a two part spatula-type retractor and an image scope. The knife and retractor are pushed into the human body with their form and dimensional relationships serving to separate adjacent vital tissues away from the facia tissue. The form and dimensions of the knife serve to guide the facia into its channel. As the knife is pushed forward, the facia is directed into the cutting blade formed at the base of the channel.

Abstract: A steerable surgical apparatus comprises a steerable surgical tubular needle, a needle manipulation apparatus with multiple actuators (permitting adjustment of needle rotation, translation, and bending), fiducial markers affixed to the needle manipulation apparatus, encoders configured to sense movements initiated by actuators, and a control unit. The needle manipulation apparatus is devoid of ferrous materials, and is configured to be placed and operated within an MRI machine bore. The control unit determines position and orientation for: (i) the needle manipulation apparatus relative to the MRI machine bore, such as by MRI imaging of the fiducial markers, and (ii) the needle inserted into a patient within the MRI machine bore, such as by kinematics utilizing signals of the encoders.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for guiding surgical tools to a surgical site, and more particularly, to systems and methods for guiding a tool sheath of a delivery system to a surgical site such as a location in a subject's brain and associated surgical procedures.

Abstract: A trocar assembly for eye surgery with a blade configured to accommodate multiple cannulas simultaneously. The blade may include one or more detents for retaining any cannulas in advance of cannula placement. Accommodating multiple cannulas in this manner facilitates new techniques for eye cannula placement in which trocar assembly disposal is minimized and efficiencies associated with tool change out for the surgery are enhanced.

Abstract: A surgical access port comprises a cannula comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion comprising a flexible section. The access port further comprises an instrument guide configured to be positioned within the cannula. The instrument guide comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a plurality of instrument guide channels between the proximal and distal ends of the instrument guide. Each instrument guide channel of the plurality of instrument guide channels defines a corresponding guide channel opening. An outside surface of the instrument guide fits closely to an inner wall surface of the cannula when the instrument guide is within the cannula. A guide channel opening of a first instrument guide channel of the plurality of instrument guide channels is open to the outside surface of the instrument guide.

Abstract: An access port is disclosed for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures performed within a patient's abdominal cavity, which includes a body defining a bore configured to guide at least one surgical instrument into the abdominal cavity, and concave and convex anchoring regions for securing the access port relative to the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A method of making a reducer device for a cannula comprising forming a tubular member having a proximal end opening, a distal end opening, and an interior passage extending between the proximal end opening and the distal end opening; forming a protrusion extending radially outwardly from an exterior surface of the tubular member; and coupling an electrically conductive structure to the tubular member such that the electrically conductive structure forms an electrically conductive pathway that extends from the interior passage to an exterior of the tubular member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for enhanced implantation of an electrode lead for neuromuscular electrical stimulation of tissue associated with control of the lumbar spine for treatment of back pain, in a midline-to-lateral manner are provided. The implanted lead may be secured within the patient and used to restore muscle function of local segmental muscles associated with the lumbar spine stabilization system without disruption of the electrode lead post-implantation due to anatomical structures.

Abstract: A portable and passive safety intraosseous device to allow for direct introduction of medications, etc., within the intermedullary space of a subject patient's bone or, if needed, the removal of certain substances from such a subject patient's bone. Such a device permits direct drilling and placement of a cannula within the subject bone with access external to the subject patient's skin, permitting, as well, connection of a tube for such introduction/removal purposes. The ability to provide a passive safety unit allows for facilitated utilization in, for instance, emergency situations with the entire device provided for utilization thereof. The device includes a drilling component with a permanently attached stylet and a removable cannula, a power supply for a single drilling operation, a mechanism to draw the stylet back into the drill component after use and disengagement from the cannula, and an automatic closure that activates with the separation of the cannula.

Abstract: A flexible fastening band connector can comprises a recess to receive a distal end portion of a flexible fastening band and lumen to receive the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band. The lumen guides the proximal end portion of the flexible fastening band toward a fastening mechanism. The flexible fastening band connector can comprise an opening to receive a spinal rod. In operation, the spinal rod is coupled to additional devices to secure the spinal rod to portions of one or more vertebra. In some embodiments, a method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using the disclosed connector is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a skull pin with excellent disposability and the ability to reduce artifacts. The skull pin of the present invention is capable of fixing the head of an animal and comprises a body part of the skull pin having a first reinforced plastic, which includes 30 to 70 wt % of a first reinforcing fiber and 30 to 70 wt % of a first resin, and a tip part fixed to the tip of the body part, which is capable of contacting the head and includes at least one of metal, ceramics, cermet, and a second reinforced plastic.

Abstract: Described is a clamp of an external fixation device for the treatment of bone fractures, including a first locking unit designed to lock two bone screws, a second locking unit and a third locking unit each designed to lock a respective connecting bar.