Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample collecting swab tool and a method for detection of respiratory pathogens. The present invention relates to a swab tool in which two positions for gripping the swab tool, that is, two gripping points, are formed so as to make it easy to precisely control the force on the swab tool according to the sample collection site (e.g., nasal cavity or oral cavity), whereby swab samples can be collected from sample collection sites accurately and easily in an amount sufficient enough to detect respiratory pathogens. In addition, the swab tool of the present invention can be used not only for sampling by experts but also for self-sampling by non-experts, and respiratory pathogens can be detected from collected samples.

Abstract: Embodiments of devices and methods for collecting gastrointestinal samples using a capsule-shaped device that is swallowed are provided.

Abstract: An endoscopic tissue inversion and resection system employs an exemplary endoscopic tissue inversion and resection device configured to invert tissue to plicate the tissue between a pair of clamping tubes that advance a clamp component and guide clamp components around the plicated tissue. A clamp component may include magnets and/or a shape memory material. The magnets may produce a pinching force of the tissue. A shape-memory clamp component may have a preform shape that when configured around the plicated tissue clamps and retains the plicated tissue. An endoscope is configured between the first clamping tube and a second clamping tube and a tissue grasping device plicates the tissue. The endoscope may have an imaging device, to enable viewing of the interior of the body during a procedure to guide the endoscope to a desired location.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a ratchet having pawls biased to a locked position in which the pawls prevent movement of a ratchet body along a rack. A pinion and a cam disc of the ratchet cooperate to selectively release the pawls from the rack and impart ratcheted movement of the ratchet body along the rack. Rotation of a handle rotates the pinion and the cam disc. Due to such rotation, the cam disc periodically releases the pawls from the rack, and the pinion imparts movement of the ratchet body along the rack during the periodic release of the pawls.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a device and method for aiding in the repair of a dural tear. According to example embodiments, the device is placed substantially within a dural sac interior to a dural tear. The device provides a shield that prevents the underlying nerve roots (including rootlets) of the spinal cord from intruding into the torn area and prevents them from being injured during the repair procedure. The device also redirects cerebrospinal fluid from the area, which aids the surgeon in viewing the procedure site during suturing and/or repair.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a joint distractor configured to apply a distraction force to a first bone to distract a joint, a tracking system configured to track relative poses of the joint distractor and the first bone of the joint in contact with the joint distractor, and a computing system. The computing system is programmed to receive information indicating the relative poses of the joint distractor rand the first bone of the joint, determine, using the relative poses of the joint distractor and the first bone of the joint, a characteristic of the distraction force, and cause, using the characteristic of the distraction force, an adjustment of the distraction force.

Abstract: Reinforced surgical constructs and methods of reinforced anchor fixation in bone, as well as associated surgical repairs are disclosed. A reinforcement (anchoring device) is loaded onto a fixation device. The fixation device can be a knotless fixation device such as a hard-body anchor, or a knotless soft anchor such as an all-suture knotless anchor. The reinforcement can consist of an anchoring device that integrates with the fixation device, to improve and aid the fixation of the device into an existing tissue hole.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices for locking a suture in place on a wound without the need of tying a knot. The device has a substantially rectangular or circular shape with at least one aperture therethrough and at least one groove disposed across the device and connecting with the at least one aperture. The shape, dimensions and/or polymer content of the groove and the roughened inner surface or the teeth or flexible fingers disposed on the side surfaces of the grooves enables securement or binding of the suture. The devices may have secondary features that further tighten the suture.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for deploying a graft to a treatment site of a patient. Exemplary systems operate to fix a graft to bone or soft tissue by placing multiple anchors through the graft in different locations, with individual anchors interconnected by sutures fixing the graft to the patient tissue. Exemplary anchor assemblies include an initial anchor with a suture permanently affixed, intermediate anchors through which the running suture can pass freely after placement, and a final anchor which locks the running suture under tension once placed.

Abstract: A suture assembly includes a first strand having a first end, and a second end, the first strand configured to be secured to one or more suture anchors, a second strand having a third end, a fourth end, the second strand configured to be secured to the one or more suture anchors, a third strand coupled to first strand at a first intersection and the second strand at a second intersection, a fourth strand coupled to the first strand at a third intersection and the second strand at a fourth intersection, and a mesh attached to and extending between the first strand, the second strand, the third strand and the fourth strand.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an anchor and a plug is capable of anchoring a suture. The suture anchor has an anchor body having a top surface, a bottom surface distal to the top surface, a transverse bore and a well, the well having an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inner bottom surface. The plug has a post, a head, and a bottom face. The anchor body and the anchor plus form a suture anchor. The suture anchor may be used during surgical procedures and can be used in the re-tensioning of a suture.

Abstract: Suturing apparatuses can be configured to suture biological tissue, such as an anatomical valve. The suturing apparatuses can include a suturing device having an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, one or more tissue grasping arms, and a handle with actuators. The suturing device can further include at least two needles. One of the tissue grasping arms can have at least two suture mounts each loaded with a suture portion. The suture portions on the suture mounts can form a single suture strand. Methods for suturing bodily tissue may be performed with the suturing apparatuses. The tissue grasping arms can grasp tissue therebetween and at least two needles can be deployed toward the suture mounts, engage the suture portions, and be retracted through the tissue. A knot can be tied on the ends of the suture strand retrieved by the needles.

Abstract: Disclosed are a hollow hydrogel suture for bidirectional liquid delivery and sensing communication, and preparation methods thereof, which belong to the technical field of biomedicine. The hollow hydrogel suture includes a hydrogel suture body and a compound with a sensing communication function doped in the hydrogel suture body, wherein the compound with the sensing communication function is at least one of polypyrrole and copper-doped zinc sulfide, and the hydrogel suture body is made of polyvinyl alcohol.

Abstract: A medical device for joining materials is provided. The device comprises a piercing element configured to penetrate materials to be joined. The piercing element is sufficiently sharp to penetrate materials to be joined and comprises a hollow interior along at least a portion of its length configured to distal advancement of a fastener therethrough; and an open tip through which the fastener can be pushed. The device can be used for fastening materials including tissue, synthetic mesh, and biologic mesh (e.g., ADM).

Abstract: An improved surgical stapling apparatus for inserting a staple into a shoulder tendon or bone to treat a shoulder tendon tear. The surgical stapling apparatus also includes a surgical stapling assembly having a pointed driver having a housing and having a proximal and a distal end and at least one staple having a proximal end and a distal end that is loaded within the driver. The driver drives a staple through an augmentation patch into tendon or bone.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle portion; an elongated shaft extending from the handle portion to a distal side; an end effector; and an joint assembly, a articulating mechanism and a lockout assembly, the lockout assembly comprises a first lock member and a second lock member, the first lock member is operated to selectively lock a bending operation of the articulating mechanism, and the first lock member is arranged to selectively lock the bending operation of the articulating mechanism under an operation of the articulating mechanism; and the second lock member is arranged to selectively lock a position of the joint assembly under an operation of the handle portion.

Abstract: An assembly for an end-to-end anastomosis includes a self-supporting, radially contractible and radially expandable hollow tubular metallic member having opposed open ends. A textile graft is securably disposed over one of the open ends of the hollow tubular member. The other end of the hollow tubular member may be disposed within a bodily lumen for an end-to-end anastomosis. The assembly may further include a suture needle and suture material, where the suture material is securably disposed to a portion of the tubular member.

Abstract: A system for forming an anastomosis between first and second sections of a digestive tract includes Optical Scope Device (“OSD”) having a lumen extending therethrough and positioned at a first target site within the first section, OSD including an imaging component at a distal end thereof for viewing the first target site; First Endoscope (“FE”) including a working channel extending therethrough and positioned at a second target site within the second section; Capture Device (“CD”) extending from a proximal end to a distal end including a loop, CD extends through the lumen; First Flexible Element (“FFE”) extends through FE, FFE including a coupling element which passes through the loop to couple FFE to CD, connecting the first and second sections, the coupling element moving between insertion and locking configurations; and Stent having a lumen extending therethrough which provides fluid communication between the first and second sections.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating an aneurysm includes an occlusion element configured to be releasably coupled to an elongate delivery shaft and having a distal end, a proximal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, the occlusion element configured to be delivered in a collapsed configuration and further configured to expand to an expanded configuration, the occlusion element comprising an inverted mesh tube having an outer layer and an inner layer, the outer layer transitioning to the inner layer at an inversion fold located at or adjacent the distal end of the occlusion element, the inversion fold defining an inner diameter, the occlusion element further comprising a maximum outer diameter, wherein the inner diameter is between about 35% to about 85% of the maximum outer diameter, and wherein an outer diameter of the occlusion element increases along the longitudinal axis to the maximum outer diameter.

Abstract: Neurovascular flow diverter and delivery systems, and methods of using the same are described herein. The systems can include a customizing member including an introducer sheath, a catheter, a deployable flow diverter that can be contained in the introducer sheath or in the catheter, a core wire, and one or several deployment features coupled to the core wire and engaging the flow diverter. The customizing member includes a tubing extending along and around a distal portion of the introducer sheath. This tubing is cuttable and contains a distal end of the flow diverter. The length of the flow diverter can be customized by cutting through the tubing and the therein contained flow diverter.

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

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive treatment system includes a delivery assembly and a vaso-occlusive device detachably coupled to the delivery assembly by a delivery assembly junction. The vaso-occlusive device includes a braided portion formed out of one or more wires, the braided portion including a packed end bundle. The vaso-occlusive device also includes a coiled portion coupled to the braided portion. The vaso-occlusive device further includes an intra-device junction coupling the braided portion to the coiled portion, the intra-device junction including a stretch-resistant member spanning from the packed end bundle to the delivery assembly junction.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treatment of a patient's vasculature are described. The device includes a self-expanding permeable implant having a radially constrained state and an expanded state with a shortened configuration, a plurality of elongate filaments which are woven together in a tubular braid, and a fixation element. The fixation element may be a hook, barb, protrusion, bioadhesive, or pore. The implant includes at least some nitinol filaments and at least some composite filaments. Methods of treating a cerebral aneurysm are also described. The methods include advancing a permeable implant to the aneurysm, deploying the implant, and delivering embolic material into the cerebral aneurysm adjacent a portion of the permeable implant that spans the neck.

Abstract: A detachment mechanism and a delivery catheter are used to enable delivery and detachment of an implant (1). The detachment mechanism includes a detacher (10), a first control member (20) and a second control member (30). A distal end of the detacher (10) is configured for engagement of the implant (1) therewith. The detacher (10) defines a through hole (11). The first control member (20) and the second control member (30) are detachably engaged with or directly joined to each other. When distal ends of the first control member (20) and the second control member (30) are inserted through the through hole (11) and engaged with each other, the first control member (20) and the second control member (30) are locked against the detacher (10). When the first control member (20) is pulled and removed from the through hole (11), the first control member (20) and the second control member (30) are detached from the detacher (10).

Abstract: A visual pressure regulating catheter includes: a catheter body, and a hydraulic dilation balloon and a pressure regulating handle both of which are disposed on the catheter body, an endoscope pressure regulating cavity and a dilation liquid perfusion cavity are formed in the catheter body, the dilation liquid perfusion cavity is communicated with the hydraulic dilation balloon, and the pressure regulating handle is provided with a perfusion port which is communicated with the dilation fluid perfusion cavity and a pressure regulating port which is communicated with the endoscope pressure regulating cavity; an observation channel is opened at a position on the endoscope pressure regulating cavity axially opposite to the hydraulic dilation balloon, a camera at a front end of the endoscope sequentially passes through the pressure regulating port, the endoscope pressure regulating cavity and the observation channel and extends into the hydraulic dilation balloon.

Abstract: A double-balloon multi-lumen catheter is disclosed. The catheter comprises an elongate catheter body including a plurality of lumens. The catheter also includes a plurality of occlusion balloons connected to one or more lumens, and one or more entry ports associated with the plurality of lumens. The catheter also includes an attachable catheter hub comprising a plurality of entry ports. The catheter hub is arranged to receive a proximal end of the clongate catheter body and fluidly connect one or more of the plurality of lumens to associated one of more of the plurality of entry ports. The entire length of the catheter body is configured to pass through the working channel of a gastrointestinal endoscope. The catheter hub is configured to be attached to the proximal end of the clongate catheter body allowing endoscope removal from the catheter body without disrupting the balloon position.

Abstract: Tissue anchoring devices including a radially expandable frame having a plurality of longitudinal struts and a plurality of deployable anchors configured to penetrate a stent graft and tissue, and systems for delivering and deploying the tissue anchoring devices at a target location are provided. The adjacent longitudinal struts are interconnected by a plurality of expandable struts, and a ring of these expandable struts may be angled radially outward relative to a remainder of the expandable struts in an expanded configuration. Each of the plurality of anchors may include one or more anti-buckling mechanisms to facilitate penetration into the graft/tissue.

Abstract: A clip includes first and second jaws, first and second hinges, and a connection portion. Each of the jaws extends along a curve from a first end to a second end. The first hinge connects the first ends and the second hinge connects the second ends so that the jaws are movable between at open configuration, in which the jaws are separated from one another, and a closed configuration, in which the jaws are drawn toward one another to grip tissue therebetween. The first and/or second hinges is/are biased to draw the clip toward the closed configuration. The portion connects an end of each of the hinges to a corresponding one of the first and second ends. The connecting includes an engaging feature engaging via a through-the scope device to extract the clip from a tissue over which it has been clipped upon a deployment thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed involving an electronic medical records (EMR) system and security platform adapted for the safety and security of newborn babies. An exemplary device comprises a wireless-enabled umbilical cord clamp apparatus having a wireless-enabled tag and a tamper-evident switch. An exemplary system further includes a server, a wireless transceiver, a console apparatus, and a wireless-enabled umbilical cord clamp apparatus. The wireless transceiver may act as a tag reader within a matrix of other tag readers distributed throughout a hospital. The console interacts with the wireless tag and the server. The wireless tag is used to generate location data and status data for determination by the server and/or console of the location and status of the clamp apparatus within the hospital matrix. The server and/or console may receive and interpret such tag data, and compute appropriate responses thereof, such as locking down hospital perimeter doors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a clip apparatus. The clip apparatus may include a conveying device and a plurality of clip devices. The conveying device may include a sheath pipe provided with a passage. The plurality of clip devices are provided outside of the passage of the sheath pipe. The plurality of clip devices are releasably connected in sequence, and each of the plurality of clip devices is configured to clip tissue.

Abstract: A concentric tube drilling robot device comprises an outer tube including a proximal end, a distal end, and a concentric through hole centered on a longitudinal axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end, at least one inner tube nested within the outer tube including a proximal end, a distal end, and a concentric through hole centered on the longitudinal axis, wherein the at least one nested inner tube is concentric with the outer tube, and a flexible drive shaft including a proximal end, a distal end and a tool tip positioned at the distal end, wherein the flexible drive shaft extends through the concentric through hole of the at least one inner tube, and is configured to provide a rotational torque to the tool tip. A drilling robot system and drilling method are also disclosed.

Abstract: System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a distal opening at the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curved cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curved cannula comprising a curved distal end configured to be extended outward from the distal opening to generate a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curved cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured to allow a treatment device to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.

Abstract: A reaming device for preparing a glenoid of a patient may include a base configured for mounting to bone and an oscillatory rasp configured to be translatable in a proximal-distal direction relative to the base while the base is coupled to the glenoid of the patient.

Abstract: A medical instrument fashioned as an articulating curette for decorticating vertebral endplates of vertebrae of a spine via a cannula has a handle, a controller connected to the handle, two opposing arms extending from the controller, a control shaft between the two opposing arms and coupled to the controller for longitudinally axial movement thereof by the controller relative to the two opposing arms, a bladed decorticating head for decorticating vertebral endplate bone material from vertebral endplates and pivotally connected to the two opposing arms for articulation from 0° to 90° relative to the longitudinal axis of the control shaft, and a pivot mechanism between the bladed decorticating head and the control shaft providing controlled articulation of the bladed decorticating head through longitudinally axial movement of the control shaft. Rotational movement of the controller moves the control shaft axially relative to the two opposing arms to articulate the bladed decorticating head.

Abstract: A targeting system for use with a bone plate includes a body having an upper side and an opposite lower side, a first lateral side and a second opposite lateral side, a first plurality of holes extending through the upper and lower sides and arranged in a first pattern, a second plurality of holes extending through the first and second lateral sides and arranged in a different second pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and systems for performing thrombectomies and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A catheter system fits within a blood vessel wall includes a shock wave generator aligned along a length of a catheter within a balloon proximal to the tip end of the catheter to produce shock waves that propagate outward through the balloon toward the blood vessel wall for treatment.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a thrombectomy device comprising a cylindrical proximal portion, a dome-shaped distal portion, a transition portion, and a coil. The cylindrical proximal portion forms a stent frame having a first lattice network of a first plurality of interconnecting segments. The first plurality of interconnecting segments is configured to exert a first radial force against an inner wall of a blood vessel. The dome-shaped distal portion forms a protection cage having a second lattice network of a second plurality of interconnecting segments. The second plurality of interconnecting segments is configured to exert a second radial force against the inner wall of the blood vessel. The transition portion is arranged between the stent frame and the protection cage. The coil is formed at a distal end of the protection cage.

Abstract: Mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses including an inverting, rolling conveyor region (“tractor”) at the distal end that are configured to grab and remove thrombus material. In particular, described herein are mechanical thrombectomy apparatuses that are adapted to prevent premature deployment of the tractor, e.g., by including a tractor hold (e.g., a housing, a lock, a clamp, etc.) or the like to secure the outer end of the tractor against and/or relative to the elongate inversion support.

Abstract: A shock wave and/or ultrasound therapy system has an ultrasound and/or shockwave source with an ultrasonic transducer for ultrasonic imaging or an X-ray imaging system which is configured for providing a video signal, and which is coupled to a video processor. The video processor includes a neural network and is configured for detecting in the video signal at least one kidney stone and/or at least one kidney itself, which are marked in the video signal and displayed on a display.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a tool and a motor configured to drive movement of the tool. The tool is supported on a shaft assembly and the shaft assembly and the motor include a plurality of components that cooperate to support or drive the tool. One or more indicators are disposed proximate one or more of the plurality of components and are configured to provide feedback indicative of one or more properties of one of the plurality of components either prior to, during or after use of the surgical device. The plurality of components may include at least one of gears, shafts and bearings, and the indicators may include any one of: thermochromic indicators, thermally-activated elements, thermal fuses, thermocouples, and thermistors.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece includes a motor that has a torsional transducer assembly along a central axis of the surgical handpiece. The motor is configured for operative connection to a power source. The torsional transducer assembly includes a plurality of torsional transducers. Each torsional transducer has a support band surrounding the torsional transducer. The surgical handpiece includes a surgical attachment that has a first end detachably connected to the motor and a second end defining a working plane for engagement with biological tissue.

Abstract: An articulating rotary cutting tool configured to articulate a distal cutting tip upon a trigger being operated. The trigger can be locked into various articulating positions. The velocity of rotation of a cutting bit is substantially constant in both articulating and non-articulating positions. An articulation joint is one of a hex ball joint or a flexible spring joint. A button is included to release a locking pressure holding the trigger in a locked position. The trigger may employ articulating sliding surfaces that provide constraint to a flexed head in both directions of articulation.

Abstract: A method comprises steps of in response to an initiating signal, providing a drive signal with a first amplitude range for a first period to drive an transducer of the ultrasonic surgical instrument; subsequent to the first period, providing a first transition signal with a decreasing amplitude for a first predetermined interval; subsequent to the first predetermined interval, providing a drive signal with a second amplitude range for a second period, wherein an upper limit of the second amplitude range is lower than a lower limit of the first amplitude range; subsequent to the second period, providing a second transition signal with an increasing amplitude for a second predetermined interval; and subsequent to the second predetermined interval, providing a drive signal with a third amplitude range for a third period, wherein a lower limit of the third amplitude range is higher than the upper limit of the second amplitude range.

Abstract: An ultrasonic treatment tool includes a grip part that is provided at a distal end part and that grips a biological tissue in a subject, an ultrasound oscillator that transmits ultrasonic oscillation to the biological tissue gripped by the grip part, and a stress concentration structure that is provided at the grip part and that protrudes from a grip surface facing the biological tissue, in which the stress concentration structure is a long protrusion disposed along a longitudinal direction of the grip part, and a distal end part from the grip surface in a protruding direction is formed in a continuous sawtooth shape.

Abstract: A medical device may include an inflatable balloon secured to a distal region of a catheter shaft. A blade assembly may extend over and be secured to the inflatable balloon. The blade assembly may include a plurality of blades and at least two rings that are adapted to secure each of the plurality of blades. Each of the rings include an inner surface adapted to be secured to the inflatable balloon and an outer surface. A number of living hinges are formed within the inner surface and the outer surface that cooperate to allow the blade assembly to move between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A system comprising a handpiece and drive system configured to removably couple to a proximal end of a housing. A scalpet assembly is configured to removeably couple to the housing, and includes a scalpet array comprising at least one scalpet configured for rotation. The scalpet array is configured to harvest dermal plugs via fractional resection. A collection chamber is configured to collect the dermal plugs, and to house formation of an injectable filler by mincing the dermal plugs, and mixing the dermal plugs with a carrier. The injectable filler is configured for bulk fill. The collection chamber includes a loading port, and a cannular syringe is configured to mate with the loading port to receive the injectable filler, and to deliver the injectable filler for the bulk fill.

Abstract: A fluid management system for use with a fluid reservoir includes an inflow pump and an outflow pump. The inflow pump is connectable to a probe for delivering a distention fluid to a body cavity. The outflow pump removes the distention fluid through the same probe, thus establishing a re-circulating volume of distention fluid within the body cavity. The removed fluid is filtered and returned to a fluid reservoir for eventual recycling to the body cavity. A controller adjusts the flow rates of the inflow pump and the outflow pump to maintain a pre-selected fluid pressure or volume within the body cavity.

Abstract: A laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy specimen retrieval device provides a plug assembly that rides along an outer circumference of the introducer tube. The plug assembly is moveable between a locked condition and an unlocked condition. A distal end of the plug assembly provides a seal portion dimensioned and adapted to engage a vaginal cavity in a sealed engagement, whereat a user may form a locked condition to prevent insufflated gas from escaping the vaginal cavity while the retrieval bag of the laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy specimen retrieval device is deployed, utilized, and retracted into the introducer tube.