Abstract: A surgical method treats infections on a lead positioned at least partially within a patient's body. The surgical method includes uncoupling the lead from a pulse generator. The lead is then coupled to an ultrasound wave generator. Ultrasound waves are propagated from the ultrasound wave generator through the lead. Systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising: a closure assembly comprising: (a) a movement unit including (i) a bar and (ii) a contact element, wherein the bar, the contact element, or both move in a direction of a prescribed motion; (b) a latch unit comprising: (i) a latch plate including: (1) a hook latch that selectively receives the bar, the latch plate being movable between: (A) a lockable state where the hook latch is engageable by the bar, and (B) an unlockable state where the hook latch is unengageable by the bar; (c) an indicator mechanism that moves into alignment with the prescribed motion of the contact element, the bar, or both when the latch unit is in the unlockable state so that the indicator is contacted by the bar, the contacting element, or both generating an indication.

Abstract: A surgical end effector includes a clevis and two jaws rotatably coupled to the clevis. A rocking pin in the form of a solid of revolution is pivotally supported by the clevis. The rocking pin may be pivotally supported by the clevis at the midpoint between the first and second ends. The opposite ends of the rocking pin engage the jaws to constrain the jaws to have opposite motions around the axes of rotation of the jaws. The clevis may be coupled to an elongate shaft to provide an endoscopic instrument. The first and second jaws may be electrically isolated from one another for electrocautery and the rocking pin may be formed from a non-conductive material or electrically isolated from the first and second jaws by electrically non-conductive liners. The jaws may be opened and closed by pushing and pulling on wires coupled to the jaws.

Abstract: A cutting grasper for valve leaflet laceration is described. The cutting grasper extends from a distal end of a flexible shaft so that the flexible shaft is configured to advance the cutting grasper through a vascular system of a patient. The cutting grasper includes a base member having a proximal end that is attached to the distal end of the flexible shaft. The cutting grasper also includes an actuating member. A proximal end of the actuating member is rotatably attached to the distal end of the base member forming a hinge of the cutting grasper. The actuating member is configured to rotate relative to the base member about the hinge between open and closed positions. The cutting grasper is configured to grasp a target leaflet in the open position, close into the closed position with the target leaflet disposed between the base and actuating members, and divide the target leaflet.

Abstract: A method and device handle having a slide assembly are disclosed for controlling rotational speed of a catheter assembly under various rotational loads. The method includes setting a first current limit in a processor, activating the catheter assembly to rotate, calculating a current value in rotational period of a first current limit, updating a second current limit from the first current limit, and wherein the second current limit is lower than the first current limit.

Abstract: The invention provides a tissue cutting device comprising a handle, a first blade. and a second blade. The second blade is coupled to the handle. The second blade is rotatable relative to the first blade such that the second blade is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position. The second blade is in a same plane as the first blade when the second blade is in the first position. The second blade is rotated into a different plane from the first blade when the second blade is rotated from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: A system to be used for transmitting ultrasonic vibration, the system including a sonotrode designed to vibrate in a stationary wave having at least one node position between the distal end and the proximal end of the sonotrode, and a guide shaft with a through opening. During operation the sonotrode extends through the through opening of the guide shaft and the distal end of the guide shaft is situated on a distal side of the most distal node position of the sonotrode. The sonotrode and the guide shaft are adapted to each other for radial clearance between the sonotrode and the guide shaft to be a minimum for a sonotrode portion comprising the most distal node position.

Abstract: A catheter device for crossing occlusions includes an elongate catheter shaft, a rotatable tip configured to rotate relative to the elongate catheter shaft, a drive shaft, and an OCT imaging sensor. The rotatable tip includes a central guidewire lumen, a distal grinding surface, and a fluted portion. The distal grinding surface can be substantially perpendicular to the guidewire lumen and include divots and sharp points that form pyramidal features, where the sharp points extend distally from the distal grinding surface. The fluted portion can have flutes extending around a circumference of the rotatable tip proximal to the distal grinding surface. The fluted portion may not include the divots and sharp points that form the pyramidal features of the distal grinding surface.

Abstract: Assemblies and methods provide for implantation of multiple medical leads to a defined space within the body, such as the epidural space, through a single entry. A catheter having multiple lumens or alternatively a single oblong lumen may be used. A distal end of the catheter enters the defined space through the single entry such that the distal ends of the multiple lumens or the oblong lumen are present in the defined space. Medical leads are introduced through the multiple lumens or the oblong lumen into the defined space. In some cases, the distal end of the catheter may be deflectable to direct the medical leads within the defined space. In other cases, sheaths may be present within each lumen of the catheter where the sheaths may be extended into the defined space and deflect to direct the medical leads that are being passed through a lumen of the sheaths.

Abstract: An access port for sealing an opening of a natural orifice and supplying access to a body cavity through the natural orifice including: a sealing unit; an unobstructed single lumen cannula extending to the body cavity; a connector connecting the cannula to the sealing unit; an access opening through the sealing unit to the single lumen; a cap including a plurality of cap openings configured to seal between medical instruments inserted into the openings and the access opening.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula body, an obturator assembly, and a fixation mechanism. The fixation mechanism includes at least one wing, a first plurality of magnets disposed on an elongated portion of the obturator assembly, and a second plurality of magnets disposed on the at least one wing. The at least one wing is coupled to an elongated portion of the cannula body and is movable between a first position where the at least one wing is parallel to a longitudinal axis, and a second position where the at least one wing is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis. A predetermined amount of translation of the elongated portion of the obturator assembly within a channel of the elongated portion of the cannula body causes the at least one wing to move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of a cannula seal are disclosed. In some embodiments, a cannula seal can include a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion that slidebly engages with an instrument shaft such that an insertion frictional force between the seal portion and the instrument shaft for insertion of the instrument shaft is symmetrical and substantially equal with a retraction frictional force.

Abstract: An instrument access device of a teleoperated surgical system includes an envelope, a clamp, and a plurality of ports. The envelope includes a distal opening and a cavity. The clamp is in the distal opening of the envelope. The plurality of ports are coupled to the envelope. The plurality of ports are proximal to the clamp and the distal opening of the envelope. Each of the plurality of ports includes a seal, which is sized and shaped to seal an outer surface of a cannula and to fix a position of the cannula relative to the port and the envelope.

Abstract: An insertion tool for creating a subcutaneous pocket and implanting a device in the pocket. The tool may include a cannula extending from a handle, a dissector tip disposed at a distal end of the cannula, and a rod. The cannula and dissector tip may create the pocket. The cannula may include a passage and an opening into the passage, and the cannula may be disposed in the passage and move along the passage between a retracted position and an extended position. The rod and the cannula may be configured such that, when the rod is at the retracted position, the cannula holds the device in the passage, and as the cannula moves from the extended position to the retracted position, the rod forces the device through the opening at the distal end of the cannula, at least partially out of the cannula, and at least partially into the pocket.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for inserting prosthesis implants into surgically-created implant pockets in a subject and for preventing capsular contracture resulting from surgical insertion of prosthesis implants. The apparatus includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface and having an aperture formed therein which extends through the upper surface and the lower surface of the base. The apparatus also includes a tubular member that is coupled to the base. The inner bore of the tubular member is operable to receive the implant and has a substantially uniform cross-sectional width over the predetermined length. The apparatus is capable of shielding the implant from microbial contamination, including contamination by the endogenous flora of the subject, during insertion of the implant into the surgically-created implant pocket.

Abstract: A medical device and a treatment method are disclosed which allow easy formation of a hole using energy and easy expansion of the formed hole without loss of tissue and allow an increase in working efficiency. A medical device is disclosed for forming a hole in a tissue in a living body and expanding the hole, the medical device including: a dilator having a first lumen formed inside and having a tip portion in which the first lumen opens on a distal side; and an output unit that outputs energy for denaturing the tissue and forming a hole, in which the output unit is disposed on a tip portion and formed discontinuously in the circumferential direction of the tip portion, and the outer diameter of the tip portion gradually decreases toward the distal side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction device for foreign substances from the body, which may comprise: a suction body that has an internal space, extends a predetermined length, and is brought into contact with the skin; a gripping tube body that extends from the suction body so as to be able to slide up and down along the outer circumferential surface of the suction body, and which can be wrapped and gripped by hand; and a piston body that is connected to the gripping tube body to be provided in the internal space of the suction body and selectively generates a negative pressure in the internal space while interlocking with the up-and-down motion of the gripping tube body. According to the present invention, foreign substances that penetrated the skin can be quickly sucked and removed through a simple operation.

Abstract: An orthopedic bone transport system includes an external fixation frame and a cable pulling device. The external fixation frame is attachable to a fixed bone segment with the external fixation frame oriented in a first plane. The cable pulling device includes a main body configured to be secured to the external fixation frame, a reel, and a transmission. The reel is rotatable about said main body and configured to wind up a cable to be secured to a transport bone segment to move said transport bone segment towards said fixed bone segment. The main body is secured to the external fixation frame with an axis of rotation of the reel oriented substantially parallel to the first plane, the axis of rotation of the reel thereby substantially lying on a transverse plane with respect to the fixed bone segment. The transmission drives the reel in order to wind up the cable.

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 proximal fixator and oppositely looped through the distal fixator. Distal ends of the first and second sutures are fixated within a washer disposed between the proximal fixator and the first bone. Proximal ends of the first and second sutures are passed through openings in the washer and through the proximal fixator. Pulling of the proximal ends by a practitioner places the syndesmosis treatment construct into a cinched configuration. Any of various suitable suture knots may be formed so as to fixate the cinched configuration.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and associated methods for correcting spinal column deformities that help minimize a number of attachment anchors utilized for correction, facilitate use of straight or contoured rods, and/or help promote a more natural, physiologic motion of the spinal column.

Abstract: A bone anchor assembly includes a shank having a head and an anchor portion, and a receiver having a first channel to receive a rod and an axial bore with an upper internal thread, interference abutment surfaces below the upper internal thread, and a bottom opening. The assembly also includes an insert having a second channel to receive the rod and opposite lateral protrusions positioned above the interference abutment surfaces upon loading into a first position within the axial bore. The assembly further includes a resiliently expandable retainer positionable within the axial bore adjacent the bottom opening to capture and hold the head in the receiver.

Abstract: A pivotal bone anchor system includes a plurality of bone anchors with rounded capture portions having a circumferentially extending outer engagement surface without flat side faces. The system also includes multi-planar receiver sub-assemblies, each comprising a multi-planar receiver defining a cavity with a multi-planar seating surface, and a multi-planar pivoting retainer configured for multi-planar motion upon engagement with both the multi-planar seating surface and the outer engagement surface of a bone anchor. The system further includes uni-planar receiver sub-assemblies, each comprising a uni-planar receiver defining a cavity with a uni-planar seating surface, and a uni-planar pivoting retainer configured for uni-planar motion upon engagement with the uni-planar seating surface and the outer engagement surface of another bone anchor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spinal plate which is used to perform fixation surgery on a spine in orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery. The spinal plate comprises a central body and a pair of rotation portions which are disposed on both sides in a longitudinal direction of the central body and each of the pair of rotation portions has bone screw. The spinal plate also comprises spike screw in each of the pair of rotation portions. Each of the pair of rotation portions include a rotation connection portion, and the central body includes a rotation support portion. Rotation pins are used to connect the central body with the pair of rotation portions disposed on both sides in a longitudinal direction of the central body and enable the pair of rotation portions to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise with respect to the central body.

Abstract: A spinal jack adapted for installation between first and second vertebral processes, including first and second inter-expandable jack halves arranged between retracted and expanded positions. Each of the jack halves further includes gripping portions adapted for engaging the vertebral processes. A worm gear mechanism provides for expanding or retracting the jack halves in order to establish a corrected adjusted orientation between the processes and includes each of stationary rotatable slave gears along with support stems with integrated worm gear interfaces for expanding the jack halves relative to each other.

Abstract: A spinous process plate fixation assembly is provided that has a pin plate including a first central aperture and a pin plate interior surface. The assembly has a lock plate including a second central aperture and a lock plate interior surface opposingly facing the pin plate interior surface. The interior surfaces have a pluralities of spikes extending therefrom. A pin receptacle is disposed within the pin plate and is configured to receive a lock pin. A pivoting lock mechanism is disposed within the lock plate. A connector shaft extends from the pin plate to the lock plate and passes through the first central aperture and the second central aperture. The connector shaft includes a pin side configured to receive the lock pin, and a lock side opposite the shaft side, the lock side configured to operatively engage the pivoting lock mechanism so as to secure the plates and the shaft.

Abstract: The disclosure provides example methods, systems and apparatus for stabilization of a rib. An example method includes: (a) accessing a medullary canal of a rib having a fracture, (b) advancing a guidewire into the medullary canal across the fracture, (c) advancing a delivery catheter containing a stent over the guidewire into the medullary canal and across the fracture, (d) retracting the delivery catheter relative to the stent, and (e) expanding the stent in the medullary canal.

Abstract: Bone nail (1) with a front portion (2), suitable for insertion into the bone and having a free end (3), a rear portion (5) having a free end (6), an outer surface (4); and a nail axis (7); wherein the rear portion (5) has a through hole (8) with a central axis (12) and with an inlet opening (9) located at the rear free end (6) and an outlet opening (10) located on the outer surface (4) of the rear section (5) whereby the through hole (8) is formed for receiving a polyaxial bone screw (11).

Abstract: A bone plate defines an interior surface that defines: a hole extending through the plate along an axis; plate threads configured for locking with a threaded head of a locking screw; first, second, and third columns sequentially located about the axis; a first corner extending tangentially from the second to the first column; and a second corner extending tangentially from the third to the first column. The first and second corners are substantially equidistantly spaced from the axis. The plate threads extend across the first, second, and third columns and the first and second corners. The interior surface defines a recess between the second and third columns and facing the first column. An apex of the recess is spaced further from the axis than are the first and second corners, such that the recess circumferentially interrupts at least a portion of at least one of the plate threads.

Abstract: A device used in conjunction with fixation hardware to provide a two-stage process to address the competing needs of immobilization and re-establishment of normal stress-strain trajectories in grafted bone. A method of determining a patient-specific stress/strain pattern that utilizes a model based on 3D CT data of the relevant structures and cross-sectional data of the three major chewing muscles. The forces on each of the chewing muscles are determined based on the model using predetermined bite forces such that a stiffness of cortical bone in the patient's mandible is determined. Based on the stiffness data, suitable implantation hardware can be designed for the patient by adjusting external topological and internal porous geometries that reduce the stiffness of biocompatible metals to thereby restore normal bite forces of the patient. A method of 3D printing nitinol to create a patient-specific device to facilitate the establishment of a normal stress-strain trajectory in grafted bone.

Abstract: Provided is a slot anchor guide that includes a medial portion and a lateral portion, the medial portion includes a medial projection configured to span a slot of a fixation plate, where the slot anchor guide is configured to guide an anchor through a predetermined position of a slot of the fixation plate and to mate with the fixation plate to allow a surgeon to place the fixation plate on a bone face by manipulating the lateral portion. Also provided is a tuberosity fracture plate that includes a tuberosity end having a first portion configured to overlay a first tuberosity and a second portion opposite the first portion, a distal portion coupled with and extending away from the tuberosity portion.

Abstract: A bone screw implant comprising a bone screw and a sleeve. The bone screw includes a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a cannula extending from the first end to the second end, an externally treaded portion provided between the first end and the second end, and at least one cutting flute. The at least one cutting flute extending from the first end toward the second end, where the cutting flute comprises at least one window extending through the cutting flute and in communication with the cannula. The sleeve comprising a cylindrical body portion extending about the second end of the bone screw, and a plurality of projections extending from the cylindrical body portion configured to engage bone as the bone screw is threadingly advanced.

Abstract: A bone cement mixing and dispensing system and method for mixing and delivering bone cement therefrom. The system has a mixing container for holding a bone cement mixture, the mixing container extending along an axial length and having opposed first and second ends, the first end comprising a downstream opening for dispensing the bone cement downstream from the mixing container; a mixing element movably disposed within the mixing container; and a plunger comprising a piston movably disposed within the mixing container. In this system. with a first coupling, the mixing element moves by assistance of a motor along the axial length of the mixing container without translation of the plunger to mix the bone cement. In this system. with a second coupling, the mixing element and plunger are driven together along the axial length of the mixing container.

Abstract: A fracture treatment system can include a pair of implants cross-pinned into the medullary canal of a bone, guided by at least one guide wire with at least two diameters. The system allows for more accurate sizing of the length of implants needed to achieve bicortical purchase for enhanced stability, as well as anti-rotation of the fracture site. The more accurate sizing and placement of the cross-pinned implants additionally allow both ends of the implants to recess beneath or be flush with the outer surface of the bone, which can reduce the risk of infection. The guide wire can allow the implants to be inserted using a cannulated technique for easier surgical procedure and better outcome, with the implants having sufficient wall thickness for the desired length to achieve bicortical purchase while keeping the shaft outer diameter of the implant to be similar to a diameter of the guide wire.

Abstract: A fluid control arrangement for a medical device. The fluid control arrangement has a fluid control circuit with at least one fluid control component, through which a fluid flows. For controlling the at least one fluid control component, a control circuitry with at least one electric and/or electronic component is provided. A first carrier part has a first coupling surface and a second carrier part has a second coupling surface. In the first coupling surface at least one first fluid channel cavity and/or in the second coupling surface at least one second fluid channel cavity is provided. By connecting the carrier parts with each other with facing coupling surfaces, at least one main fluid channel is formed in the area of the separating location. At the first carrier part a first mounting surface for the at least one fluid control component can be provided.

Abstract: An electrosurgical method and device for simultaneously cutting and coagulating tissue with an electrosurgical device having an electrode and a channel wherein said channel has a port near a proximal end of said electrode, wherein the method comprises the steps of causing an inert gas to flow through said channel and exit said port, applying high-frequency energy to said electrode while said inert gas flows through said channel, wherein said high-frequency energy applied to said electrode continuously plasmatizes inert gas exiting said port, initiating an electrical discharge from said electrode through said continuously plasmatized inert gas to said tissue, cutting tissue with said electrode, maintaining said electrical discharge from said electrode through said plasmatized inert gas while cutting tissue with said electrode to cause coagulation of said tissue simultaneously with said cutting.

Abstract: An adaptive flow rate control system for a surgical device, whereby the control system includes one or more nonintrusive sensors configured to be positioned on an aspiration conduit extending downstream from a handheld surgical device to measure flow and reduce clogging within the aspiration conduit is disclosed. The nonintrusive sensor may provide data to a controller of a handheld surgical device system to enable it to control operation of the handheld surgical device based at least in part on the data from the adaptive flow rate control system to prevent clogging of the aspiration system. The adaptive flow rate control system may also include a clog tracking module and a clog prediction module. The adaptive flow rate control system may include a wireless communication system configured to communicate with other components of a surgical device system and may communicate with a external network and resources on the internet.

Abstract: An electrosurgical pencil includes a body. The body includes a track extending along a distal end of the body. A treatment blade extends from the distal end of the body and is electrically connected to a first potential of a source of electrosurgical energy. The treatment blade is configured to treat tissue upon activation thereof. A protective guard is configured to slide along a track between a first position concealing a distal end of the treatment blade and a second position exposing the distal end of the treatment blade. A return electrode is disposed on an exposed surface of the protective guard. The return electrode is electrically connected to a second potential of the source of electrosurgical energy. A biasing member includes a first end operably connected to the distal end of the body and a second end operably connected to the protective guard.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical electrode in which an end portion capable of emitting a high frequency has a surface treatment film that includes a first coating and a second film in the order mentioned. The first coating is formed by contacting a surface treatment agent (X) with or over the entirety or a part of the surface of the end portion at least, which surface treatment agent (X) contains at least an amino group-containing compound, and the second film is formed by contacting a surface treatment agent (Y) with a part or the entirety of the surface of the first coating, which surface treatment agent (Y) contains: a silicone resin (A); a compound (B) containing a metal element selected from titanium, platinum, rhodium and palladium; and an aromatic hydrocarbon-based solvent (C), and satisfies: (I) the content of the silicone resin is in a range of 90% by mass to 99.

Abstract: A bipolar surgical instrument comprises a body, first and second opposed jaws located at the distal end of a shaft, the first jaw being movable with respect to the second jaw between an open position in which the first and second jaws are spaced apart from one another, and a closed position in which the first and second jaws are adjacent one another. The first and second elongate jaw members have respective first and second electrodes. A controller is operable to determine a starting voltage for application to the jaws.

Abstract: Provided are an end tool of a surgical instrument and a surgical instrument for electrocautery including the same, and in particular, an end tool of a surgical instrument and a surgical instrument for electrocautery including the end tool that is capable of rotating in two or more directions and intuitively matching a movement of a manipulation portion, wherein the surgical instrument may be installed on a robot arm or manually operable in order to be used in laparoscopic surgery or other various surgeries.

Abstract: A medical RF apparatus using an RF pulse and a method of controlling the medical RF apparatus are provided. The medical RF apparatus includes an RF generator, which generates a test pulse for detecting characteristics of tissue, a monitoring unit, which monitors the change in the information on the tissue state while the test pulse is transmitted to the tissue, and a measurement unit, which determines the tissue characteristics of a patient by comparing the values monitored in the monitoring unit with the reference data.

Abstract: A system for mechanical cutting and radiofrequency (RF) treatment of bone and soft tissue includes a probe and an RF power supply. The probe includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting member formed of a dielectric material is mounted on the elongated sleeve, and a metal electrode is attached to a surface of the cutting member and configured to deliver RF current. The RF power supply generates current having a pulsed RF waveform and may be connected to the metal electrode to deliver the current having the pulsed RF waveform to the tissue. The use of a pulsed RF waveform reduces a thermal stress on the dielectric material at the interface of the metal electrode and the dielectric material of the cutting member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include generating a 3D model of a body cavity, and receiving, from a position transducer associated with a medical probe configured to be inserted into the cavity and having at least one elongated electrode disposed along a distal end of the probe, signals indicating orientation and location coordinates of the distal end within the body cavity. Based on the model and the signals, while parts of the given electrode other than the identified segment are not in contact with the inner surface of the cavity, a segment along a length of a given electrode that is in contact with tissue at a site on an inner surface of the cavity is identified. A graphical representation of the model with a visual marker at a location on the model corresponding to the site contacted by the segment of the given electrode is rendered to a display.

Abstract: Catheter systems, tools and methods are disclosed for the selective and rapid application of DC voltage to drive irreversible electroporation, with the system controller configurable to apply voltages to an independently selected subsets of electrodes, such that voltages of one polarity are applied to a multiplicity of electrodes on a first medical device and voltages of the opposite polarity to a multiplicity of electrodes on a second medical device. The first and second medical devices can be epicardial catheters positioned such that their opposing distal tips are approximately aligned and whose segments with electrodes collectively wrap around the pulmonary veins.

Abstract: Cardiac ablation catheters include an outer balloon positioned at a distal end of the catheter and configured to have an inner balloon disposed therein. The outer balloon is inflated with a first fluid that has a temperature less than 100 degrees Celsius, while the inner balloon is inflated with heated vapor. An area of contact between the two balloons, comprising a surface area less than the total surface area of either balloon, creates a hot zone for ablating cardiac tissue through the transfer of thermal energy from the contact area to the cardiac tissue.

Abstract: A bipolar ablation device for treatment of a stenosis within an implanted metallic stent may include an elongate shaft slidably disposable within an endoscope, the elongate shaft including at least one electrode configured to form a first pole of the bipolar ablation device, and an electrode lead slidably disposable within the endoscope. The electrode lead may be configured to electrically engage the implanted metallic stent to form a second pole of the bipolar ablation device. The elongate shaft may be positionable within a lumen of the implanted metallic stent.

Abstract: A laser beam treatment system that delivers laser beam pulses to a dental treatment area according to a particular pattern is described. In various instances, the spacing of the pattern (e.g., locations at which pulses are delivered and the distances therebetween) and/or the timing of the pattern (e.g., amount of time between the delivery of pulses to a first location and a later location that abuts the first location) can have a demonstrable effect on ablation performance. The effects can include, for example: improved ablation efficiency, improved surface smoothness, improved material removal rate, and/or the absence of melt, carbonization or other negative surface features.

Abstract: An ablation probe comprising an elongate body extending a length along a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end, the first end extending into a housing and the second end comprising an ablation probe tip configured for insertion into a biopsy tract in a patient. In example forms, the elongate body of the ablation probe can be inserted into a patient through an existing trocar needle or biopsy access cannula following completion of a biopsy. In other example forms, the elongate body of the ablation probe defines a lumen. In one example form, the lumen contains a wire for heating the ablation probe tip, which may be composed of graphite, a resistive metal, or another electrically-resistive material. In another example form, the lumen additionally contains a thermocouple or other temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature of the ablation probe tip.

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

Abstract: Techniques related to vision correction are disclosed. The techniques involve establishing a visual model associated with a patient. The visual model includes data related to a quality of the patient's vision. A boundary is established as a function of the data associated with the visual model. The boundary is indicative of an area to be corrected within the patient's vision. A retinal map is established as a function of the boundary. An image from a camera associated with the patient is captured and corrections are applied to the image based on the retinal map to generate a corrected image. The corrected image is presented to the eye of the patient.