Abstract: Embodiments of a surgical instrument and its methods of use are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments of a surgical instrument may include a handle and an elongated shaft assembly distally extending from the handle. The elongated shaft assembly may include an articulable portion. An articulation control may be associated with the elongated shaft assembly. The articulation control may be movable between a first position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a first articulation position and a second position in which the elongated shaft assembly is arranged in a second articulation position. The surgical instrument may include a fastener deployment system with a locking member. The articulation control may block movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the first position. The articulation control may also permit movement of the locking member when the articulation control is located in the second position.

Abstract: A method of applying a buttress to a surgical stapler end effector comprises positioning a buttress assembly between an anvil and a staple cartridge of the end effector. The buttress assembly comprises a buttress body and an adhesive material. The adhesive material faces either an underside of the anvil or a deck of the staple cartridge. The anvil is in an open position relative to the staple cartridge during the act of positioning the buttress assembly between the anvil and the staple cartridge. The method further comprises moving the anvil toward the staple cartridge then moving the anvil back to the open position. The buttress assembly is adhered to the underside of the anvil or the deck of the staple cartridge via the adhesive material with the anvil moved back to the open position. The adhesive material comprises a bioabsorbable polymer.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided. The stapler employs circumferential channels through which staples are deployed along an arc pathway against an anvil surface. The curved channels allow staples with relatively longer legs to be used in the stapler having a smaller diameter at the jaws. Also, by utilizing a curved path, a much larger staple can be placed in the same diameter device. Specialized curved staples for use with the stapler of the present invention are also provided. To further enable the benefits of the stapler with circumferential channels and method of staple deployment, novel jaw reinforcement structures are provided in the present invention. The jaw reinforcement structures are located towards the center or bladeline of the device instead of around the circumference as in conventional staplers, thereby clearing the outer area near the circumference of the device to provide room for longer staples and staple firing components.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to medical devices and procedures for placement of a medical device between adjacent tissue structures. In particular, the present disclosure relates to endoscopic systems and methods for preventing or minimizing movement between tissue walls to facilitate placement of a stent therebetween.

Abstract: A suture-free clasp for vascular anastomosis, which relates to the technical field of vascular anastomosis. The clasp comprises a first end part (1), a second end part (2), a rotating shaft (3), a binding belt (4) and a rotation-stopping structure (5). The rotating shaft (3) is rotationally installed on the first end part (1); and one end of the binding belt (4) is fixed to the rotating shaft (3), and the other end of the binding belt (4) is fixed to the second end part (2). The second end part (2) is configured to be able to buckle with the first end part (1); and the rotation-stopping structure (5) is arranged between the first end part (1) and the rotating shaft (3), and the rotation-stopping structure (5) is configured to be able to lock the rotating shaft (3) on the first end part (1).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides description of applicators to implement modular magnetic anastomosis device. In one embodiment the delivery device is a laparoscopic instrument for MISS surgery, in another embodiment the delivery device is endoscopy or colonoscopy instrument for NOTES surgery.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly and an adapter assembly. The handle assembly includes a handle housing and a processor disposed within the handle housing. The adapter assembly includes a knob housing, an elongate body, a plurality of electrical components, and a flex circuit. The knob housing is configured to be connected to the handle housing. The elongate body extends distally from the knob housing and has a distal end configured to be coupled to an end effector. The electrical components are disposed within the elongate body. The flex circuit has a proximal end configured to be electrically connected to the processor, and a distal end configured to be electrically connected to the electrical components.

Abstract: A powered surgical device includes a power source and a motor coupled to the power source. The device may include a reload having a plurality of staples. The device may also include a transmission assembly movable by the motor. The device may also include a sensor configured to monitor operation of the transmission assembly and output sensor data. The device may also include a controller configured to: determine a position of the transmission assembly, and operate the motor based on the position of the transmission assembly to advance the transmission assembly to eject the plurality of staples from the reload. The controller is further configured to stop the motor once the plurality of staples is ejected from the reload for a preset period of time.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for pericardial access to the heart, including direct access to the left atrium. In certain embodiments, the device may comprise a device and/or an atrial appendage (AA) portal having a configuration such that the distal end of the device and/or the portal can access an atrial appendage while the proximal end of the device and/or portal can extend to outside of the subject. The devices and methods may also include a pericardial portal for emplacement of the device and/or the AA portal. Also, methods for using such devices and/or AA portals and pericardial portals to perform surgery on the heart, and systems (e.g., kits) comprising these devices and/or portals in combination with other therapeutic devices are disclosed.

Abstract: An implant detachment system is described which utilizes a catheter utilizing an LC or tank circuit with an inductor and capacitor. The catheter electrically interacts with an implant delivered through the catheter to detach the implant.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for treating vascular defects are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, includes an occlusive device comprising an expandable mesh including an outer mesh and an inner mesh disposed within the outer mesh when the mesh is in an expanded, unconstrained state. The mesh may include a connection portion positioned at or within an inner cavity of the inner mesh and configured to be detachably coupled to a delivery member. The inner cavity may be configured to receive a distal portion of an elongated shaft and contain the distal portion while one or more coils is delivered through the elongated shaft into the inner cavity.

Abstract: A compression device includes an adhesion sheet including an adhesion surface; and a compression member mounted on the adhesion sheet and configured to compress a biological surface. The compression member includes a fixing portion fixed to the adhesion sheet on a side of the sheet opposite the adhesion surface in a thickness direction, and a compression main body portion provided in a portion of the compression member, in a plan view seen along the thickness direction, that does not overlap the adhesion sheet. The compression main body is configured to protrude or be protrusible further toward one side in the thickness direction than the adhesion surface. The adhesion sheet includes a first portion to which the fixing portion is fixed and a second portion to which the fixing portion is not fixed. The second portion is provided on at least a compression main body portion side of the adhesion sheet.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing total knee arthroplasty procedures with kinematic alignment are described herein. A method of performing a total knee arthroplasty can comprise positioning a femoral cut guide adjacent a distal end of a femur, positioning a tibial cut guide proximate a proximal end of a tibia adjacent an anterior surface of the tibia, adjusting a position of the femoral cut guide and the tibial cut guide relative to each other using a tibial positioning device, fixing the position of the femoral cut guide relative to the tibial cut guide using the tibial positioning device, and resecting the femur and tibia with parallel resections using the femoral and tibial cut guides.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for microfracture (e.g., forming a plurality of microfractures in a bone to encourage cartilage regeneration). Some of the present apparatuses and methods are configured to create microfractures with smaller transverse dimensions (e.g., diameters) and greater depths than previously known. Some of the present apparatuses and methods comprise a penetrator removal tab coupled to the penetrator and configured to retract the penetrator relative to the cannula.

Abstract: A drill bit is provided that includes a connector, which includes a shank, configured to receive torque; a proximal electrically-conductive coupler, which is disposed at a distal end of the shank, rotationally fixed with respect to the shank; and a distal electrically-conductive coupler. The distal electrically-conductive coupler is rotationally fixed with respect to the proximal electrically-conductive coupler, electrically isolated from the proximal electrically-conductive coupler, and shaped so as to define a distal-electrically-conductive external contact surface. The drill bit further includes a drill shaft including an electrically-conductive outer electrode and an electrically-conductive inner electrode. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A power tool for removing an intervertebral disc and preparing vertebral endplates is described. The power tool may include a cutting element, and the height of the cutting element may be adjustable. The cutting element may be a braided cable and may include one or more beads to enhance the effectiveness of the cable. The cutting element may have a minimum height requirement, which may not be satisfied in patients with a collapsed disc due to degenerative disc disorder. For these patients, also described are bone tamps for increasing the intervertebral distance and providing access to tissues distal to the tamp. One type of bone tamp features an inflatable balloon with an inner lumen. Another type of bone tamp includes an expanding distal end and an inner cannula. Also described is a manual expander scraper tool that is compatible with both types of bone tamp.

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: The present invention provides a jig for shoulder replacement surgery. In particular the present invention provides a pre-assembled jig that facilitates and guides the placement of glenoid component of the implant in shoulder replacement surgery. The present jig (P) is pre-assembled to ensure precision alignment, placing and sizing of the glenoid component of the implant for shoulder replacement surgery based on the difference of cuts in millimeters instead of the usual version measurements in degrees. The present invention (P) guides the glenoid component of shoulder replacement in the precise position and thereby provides accuracy in placement of the component.

Abstract: A thrombectomy device including a delivery catheter; a tapered dilator catheter configured to be movably disposed within the delivery catheter; and an expandable aspiration funnel configured to be movably disposed within the delivery catheter in a retracted position and at least partially outside the delivery catheter in an extended position, the funnel comprising a non-permeable covering, a diameter of a distal end of the funnel being greater in the extended position than in the retracted position, the funnel being configured to adapt its shape and length to a surrounding blood vessel such that the funnel lengthens as it narrows to retain a thrombus within the funnel. The invention also includes methods of using the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods can remove material of interest, including blood clots, from a body region, including but not limited to the circulatory system for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cerebrovascular embolism, and other vascular occlusions.

Abstract: In order to easily and stably adhere an adhering body by suction to an easily deformable flexible object, the adhering body includes an elastically deformable body that moves back and forth between a closing position at which the elastically deformable body closes a communication port and an opening position at which the elastically deformable body opens the communication port, the elastically deformable body moving, in conjunction with movement of a movable contact part to a retreat position, so as to open the communication port.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing having an elongated body extending distally therefrom. The elongated body defines a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion. The elongated body defines a lumen therein. An end effector is supported at a distal end portion of the elongated body. A flexible waveguide extends through the lumen of the elongated body. A proximal end portion of the flexible waveguide connects to an ultrasonic transducer. A distal end portion of the flexible waveguide is connected with the end effector. the flexible waveguide defines a first articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide and a second articulating portion having a narrower thickness than a thickness of other portions of the flexible waveguide.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The actuation assembly includes an activation member that is operable to move in a first direction to select a mode of operation. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and includes an acoustic waveguide. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade that is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The activation member is operable to move in a second direction to activate the end effector in a mode of operation selected by movement of the activation member in the first direction.

Abstract: Surgical devices and systems having rotating end effector assemblies for treating tissue are provided. Methods for using the same are also provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes providing an intravascular device having a distal portion, inserting the device into the vascular lumen, positioning the distal portion in the vascular wall to at least partially surround the occlusion, and removing at least a portion of the surrounded occlusion from the lumen.

Abstract: A catheter can restore the patency of a body lumen, for example, by removing tissue from a body lumen (e.g., a blood vessel). The catheter can be a rotational catheter having a rotatable drive shaft and a tissue-removing element secured to the drive shaft to be driven in rotation by the drive shaft. The catheter can have an abrasive burr configured to abrade tissue in a body lumen. The catheter can have an expandable tissue-removing element. The catheter can include a balloon and an inflation conduit. The catheter can also be configured to move over a guidewire through a body lumen. In one embodiment, the catheter comprises an over-the-wire, balloon-expandable, rotational, and abrasive tissue-removing catheter.

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter for use in a vessel includes a catheter body, a nosecone and an annular cutter. The catheter body has a curved portion with a fixed jog section and an adjacent flexible section having a greater flexibility than a remainder of the catheter body. The fixed jog section and the flexible section include a frame having circumferential slits arranged in rows and in a circumferentially offset pattern. The circumferential slits of the flexible section are configured to allow the flexible section to passively bend in multiple directions during positioning of the catheter body within the vessel. The fixed jog section further includes a longitudinal spline having a pre-set curvature. The nosecone is attached to a distal end of the catheter body and includes a cutting window. The annular cutter configured to rotate with respect to the catheter body and positioned within the cutting window.

Abstract: A surgical knife safety device having a handle, a blade connected to the handle, and a guard carried by the handle for sliding movement between a retracted position in which the blade is exposed for use, and an extended position for covering the sharp cutting edge of the blade. In the retracted position, an enlarged guard radius is provided at the distal end of the handle to allow improved handle control and blade orientation. The enlarged guard radius is positioned to allow the user to firmly grip a large distal handle portion which is preferably molded as a single piece with the blade holder, preventing unwanted blade or handle movement due to guard mechanism tolerances. A spring, such as leaf spring or a cantilever beam, and a pair of detents or slots are provided to fix the guard in the extended or retracted position and to provide resistance during movement between the two positions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include a tissue and/or access device that allows for adjustability of placement of a needle for accessing a blood vessel of an individual in need thereof, particularly when used with an imaging device. The adjustability originates from both angle of the needle for insertion into the body of the individual and longitudinal placement of the needle on the body of the individual. In specific embodiments, a needle guide through which the needle traverses is detachable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for the placement of elongate medical members within a patients body using coaptive ultrasound. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a flexible tube includes a first balloon at a distal end of the tube, and a second balloon at the distal end of the tube and positioned within the first balloon. The first and second balloons are inflatable to form one or more echogenic windows between them, which echogenic window may be detected from within a patient's body by an ultrasound probe that is external to the patient's body. Detection of such echogenic window is used to identify an acceptable location on the patient's body at which to insert a guidewire configured to receive an elongate medical member without damage to surrounding patient tissues or organs.

Abstract: Device for removal/evacuation of an implant including a collection container with a connector for connection to a suction source and a rimmed opening sized and shaped to enter an implant pocket and to adhere to or juxtapose the implant, such that when suction is applied, the implant is sucked into the collection container.

Abstract: A fixation clamp for use in an external fixation system for holding bone fragments adjacent to each other with the help of fixation elements has at least one clamping assembly having a pair of jaws with at least two different size grooves to accommodate a bone fixation element such as a pin or rod. An alternate clamping assembly has at least three grooves wherein at least two of the grooves have a different size adapted to accommodate a correspondingly sized bone fixation element such as a bone pin. The longitudinal axes of the grooves define a polygon. The jaw pairs can be rotated about a central longitudinal axis to present different size reception cavities towards the pins or rocks depending on their diameter.

Abstract: An external fixation system for the correction of long bone deformities includes an elongate beam element having an engagement feature along a longitudinal edge of the elongate beam element, a connector element secured to the elongate beam and structurally configured to support a first bone anchor extending from the external fixation system, and a movable carriage engaged with the engagement feature along the longitudinal edge of the elongate beam element and selectively movable along the engagement feature of the elongate beam element. The movable carriage is selectively lockable into a position along the elongate beam element. The movable carriage is structurally configured to support a second bone anchor extending from the external fixation system.

Abstract: Device for the angular correction of a lower limb in pediatric patients, comprising: a first fixator body and a second fixator body which are both shaped like a ring or ring portion and can be placed around a lower limb and fixed to two bone sites of said lower limb straddling a growth cartilage, said first fixator body and said second fixator body being constrained together slidably along their annular extension; and adjusting means suitable for allowing relative sliding of said first fixator body with respect to said second fixator body.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a spinal fixation system comprising a telescoping spinal rod, as well as methods of its use and a guide tower for use therewith. The telescoping rod can be extended after it has been inserted into the patient below the fascia, which permits it to be extended in the sub-fascial space.

Abstract: The present invention is about an intra-corporal telescopic osteo-distraction device for locking the length of the bone and for providing axial, torsional and bending stability; an extra-corporal force producing device for producing a force for extension causing a lengthening of the intra-corporal device and the bone; a method for bone lengthening and a bone lengthening arrangement utilizing the devices of the invention.

Abstract: A flexible connecting system consists of a flexible connecting rod manufactured from a rigid material, a leading segment and a trailing segment. The body has at least one flexible center section, each having at least one slot to provide flexibility. The slot follows a sinuous, serpentine path to form a plurality of interlocking teeth that can follow a helical or a concentric path. One or more flexible sleeves are dimensioned to fit over the connecting rod to prevent the ingress or egress of material. One or both of the ends of the flexible connecting rod and flexible sleeve can be open or sealed.

Abstract: A method of applying a bone plate across a tarsometatarsal joint or two different portions of a metatarsal may involve positioning a bone plate across a separation between two bone portions. The bone plate can have at least two fixation holes and a bend between the holes. A locking screw can be inserted through one or both holes that has a head thread and a shaft thread, where the shaft thread has a pitch greater than a pitch of the head thread. The locking screw can be screwed into an underlying bone portion until the bend in the bone plate is deformed.

Abstract: Clavicle fixation devices and methods thereof. A clavicle fixation device includes an elongated plate extending between first and second ends, the elongated plate defining a plurality of spaced apart screw holes. At least one pair of relief cuts extends into the elongated plate on opposite sides thereof, the at least one pair of relief cuts axially positioned between a pair of the spaced apart screw holes and at least one pair of suture holes along opposite sides of the elongated plate, the at least one pair of suture holes axially positioned between a pair of the spaced apart screw holes. At least one pair of relief cuts is axially aligned with a pair of suture holes to define combined holes on opposite sides of the elongated plate.

Abstract: Systems for the minimally invasive repair, stabilization and/or fixation of a fractured bone, such as a rib, are disclosed. The systems include one or more rods/support members that are designed to extend along a dimension of a bone being repaired and secure the fractured bone. The support members can be photodynamic and are formed using an expandable member that is filled with a light-sensitive liquid that is cured to form the rigid support member. Two or more clamps are used to secure the support member(s) to the rib or other bone. Minimally invasive surgical methods for securing the systems to a fractured bone are also disclosed.

Abstract: Implants for the fusion or fixation of two bone segments are described. For example, the implants can be used for the fusion or fixation of the sacroiliac joint. The implants can have a matrix structure, have a rectilinear cross-sectional area, and have a curvature.

Abstract: A bone fastener includes a screw shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion is formed by a first manufacturing method and defines a distal face. The distal portion is formed onto the distal face by a second manufacturing method. In some embodiments, systems, spinal constructs, surgical instruments and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and kits include configured to assist in at least partially withdrawing an orthopedic implant previously implanted in bone segment(s) include a shaft extending from a first end to a second end, where the first end includes screw threads with a first threaded alignment, a head positioned on the second end and including an enlarged terminal end segment including (1) a socket for receiving a tool adapted for rotating the implant into the bone segment(s), and (2) a threaded cannula portion centrally located at a focus point of the enlarged terminal end segment and extending along a cannula for at least a portion of a length of the head and comprising a second threaded alignment opposite the first threaded alignment and configured to receive an instrument head adapted for rotating the implant for removal.

Abstract: An ablation system comprises: an ablation catheter and a console. The ablation catheter comprises: a shaft including a proximal end, a distal portion and a distal end; an ablation element configured to deliver energy to tissue; and a force maintenance assembly comprising a force maintenance element and configured to control and/or assess contact force between the ablation element and cardiac tissue. The console is configured to operably attach to the ablation catheter and comprises: an energy delivery assembly configured to provide energy to the ablation element. Methods of ablating tissue are also provided.

Abstract: Presented are a method and apparatus for evacuation. An exemplary fluid evacuation system includes a surgical apparatus having a fluid conduit therethrough. The system further includes a vacuum tube fluidly coupled with the fluid conduit, and an electrostatic precipitator fluidly coupled with the fluid conduit. Additionally, the system includes a vacuum source fluidly coupled with the vacuum tube, wherein the vacuum source is operable to create a flow of fluid through the fluid conduit, the vacuum tube and the electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, systems and methods for treating kidney disease in a human patient are disclosed. A method includes advancing a collapsible array of RF electrodes through a urinary tract of the patient in collapsed form and into a position in or near a renal pelvis. The effector is deployed to an expanded form to engage at least a portion of an interior wall of the renal pelvis. RF energy delivered through the array of electrodes target afferent nerves proximate the interior wall of the renal pelvis to inhibit or destroy their function. eGFR of the patient can be raised after treatment according to the method.

Abstract: The invention disclosed here generally relates to devices that can modify a property of a nerve. Specifically, the subject invention is contemplated to modify the posterior nasal nerve signal conduction in such a way so as to reduce the signals transmitted to the nasal cavity. Reduction or interruption of the nerve signals results in the reduction of the distal organ activity. In particular, embodiments of the present invention allow for increased lateral contact or apposition of the target tissue region having at least one posterior nasal nerve with the end effector surface by lateral and/or longitudinal translation of the end effector relative to the surgical probe shaft. This improved lateral surface contact has several benefits, including improved patient outcomes and patient safety as the end effector is adequately in contact with target tissue for subsequent ablation therapy.

Abstract: An ablation apparatus for creating a lesion in target tissue has a handle, an elongate shaft extending from the handle and a distal ablation portion. The distal ablation portion includes a cryogen flow manifold defining a plurality of fluid pathways between an insert body and a sleeve. Cryogen is circulated through the plurality of fluid pathways to create the lesion in the target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RF treatment apparatus, the method of controlling the RF treatment apparatus and the skin treatment method using RF energy according to the present invention have an effect in that they can improve the accuracy and efficiency of treatment because whether a target tissue corresponds to a treatment temperature is determined based on impedance of the tissue and the volume of the target tissue corresponding to the treatment temperature can be maximized while maintaining the target tissue to the treatment temperature for a predetermined time.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to controlling electrical power of an electrotherapeutic signal that is provided to a biological tissue engaged by an electrosurgical instrument during a medical procedure. Electrical power—a product of a voltage difference across and an electrical current conducted by the engaged biological tissue—is controlled according to a therapeutic schedule. The electrotherapeutic schedule can be reduced or terminated in response to a termination criterion being met. In some examples, the termination criterion is a current characteristic, such as, for example, a decrease in current conducted by the engaged biological tissue. In some examples, the termination criterion is a biological tissue resistance characteristic, such as, for example, an increase in the biological tissue resistance that exceeds a predetermined delta resistance value.