Abstract: An endoscope (10) includes an endoscope shaft (13), with a distal shaft portion (20), a central shaft portion (30) and a proximal shaft portion (40), and a light admission face (11) at the distal shaft portion (20). A cross section of the central shaft portion (30) is smaller than the cross section of the distal shaft portion (20) and smaller than the cross section of the proximal shaft portion (40).

Abstract: An attachment assembly for a camera arm of a video laryngoscope including a spatula and a protective cap, wherein the spatula has a base body with a handle end and a patient end opposite the handle end as well as a channel formed in the base body for receiving the camera arm, wherein the channel is open both towards the handle end and towards the patient end, wherein the protective cap is a component part separate from the spatula, is insertable into the channel and includes an at least partially transparent protective section, wherein the protective cap is designed such that a tip of the camera arm of the video laryngoscope can be engaged in the protective section and to be covered by the protective section. Moreover, a video laryngoscope system is shown.

Abstract: A biopsy device may include a first jaw having a first distal tip configured to pierce tissue, and a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw between a closed configuration where the first jaw and the second jaw are axially aligned, and an open configuration where the first jaw and the second jaw are offset from one another, the second jaw having a second distal tip proximal to the first distal tip in the closed configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring mechanical energy in a handle to a cartridge to manipulate tissue or anatomical structures within the body of a human or animal subject for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders.

Abstract: A patent foramen ovale (PFO) tunnel filler medical device including device anchors coupled to and extending outwardly from a filler portion of a device frame that has a generally planar shape configured to fill a PFO tunnel, and a delivery system including the same are described herein. The medical device includes a fabric layer and the device anchors are configured to extend outwardly from the device frame.

Abstract: A cinch deployment system includes a delivery system and a releasable cinch including an inner tubular, a compressible gripper having a suture passage, the gripper positioned within the inner tubular housing, and a resilient structure biased to compress the gripper to reduce the size of the suture passage. The resilient structure has a first configuration in which the resilient structure is constrained from applying sufficient compression to the gripper to prevent movement of the gripper on the suture, and a second configuration in which sufficient compression is applied to secure the gripper on the suture. The resilient structure is moved from the first to the second configuration by movement of the retainer moved by the deployment system.

Abstract: A readily implantable knotless suture anchor that de-couples the angle of insertion of the anchor from the tissue passage step and other steps of conventional procedures. An anchor provides an internal locking mechanism configured such that: suture knots do not have to be tied; suture and tissue tension can be easily adjusted intraoperatively; and suture passage and tensioning can be done at a variety of positions and angles. A method includes: passing a first suture through a patient's tissue and then through a loop of a shuttle suture; pulling the free end of the shuttle suture until the first suture passes through an internal suture locking mechanism; applying tension in the first suture until adequate tension is achieved with respect to the tissue; automatically engaging an internal locking member; and securing the first suture against further relative movement with respect to the anchor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical instrument that includes a first elongated arm and a second elongated arm pivotally attached at a pivoting joint. The first and second elongated arms include a distal end, a proximal end, an inner surface and an outer surface. The first and second elongated arms define, along respective inner surfaces, opposing gripping portions and opposing cutting edges adjacent to the gripping portions. The first or second elongated arms also include a flange that outwardly deflects from either the first or second distal ends and the first and second elongated arms both include an outwardly deflecting flange. Embodiments enable the cutting of sutures at surgical sites possessing numerous sutures in an expedient manner without the instrument catching the sutures. The instrument also includes functionality to remove staples at a surgical site.

Abstract: Devices, systems and/or methods for fixating soft tissue at a soft tissue site are provided. The system includes a base member with multiple passer devices that carry a first suture therewith. The passer devices and first suture are passed through soft tissue to form loops adjacent at least a portion of the passer devices along one side of the soft tissue. A second suture is threaded through each of the loops and the passer devices are removed from the soft tissue. In this manner, first and second sutures may be coupled to the soft tissue.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering an anchor member to a bone of a patient may include a bone punch including an elongate shaft, a head at a proximal end of the elongate shaft, and a piercing tip at a distal end of the elongate shaft. The piercing tip may be configured to be driven into the bone. An anchor member may be disposed over at least a portion of the piercing tip with the piercing tip extending distal of the anchor member. The anchor member may be configured to penetrate the bone of the patient in cooperation with the piercing tip.

Abstract: A method of controlling motor velocity in a surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a displacement member, a motor coupled to the displacement member, a control circuit coupled to the motor, a position sensor coupled to the control circuit, and a timer coupled to the control circuit. The method includes receiving a first position of a displacement member from a position sensor, starting a timer, advancing the displacement member to a second position by setting a motor velocity to a first velocity, receiving the second positon from the position sensor, stopping the timer when the displacement member reaches the second position, receiving elapsed time from the timer, wherein the elapsed time is the time taken by the displacement to move from the first position to the second positon, and controlling, by the control circuit, velocity of the motor based on the elapsed time.

Abstract: A surgical fastener applier having a housing containing a compartment therein, an elongated member extending distally from the housing and first and second jaws. A firing mechanism is positioned within the housing movable to a second position to effect firing of fasteners. A power pack is removably loadable into the compartment, the power pack having one or both of a) a first motor and a first engagement member removably engageable with the firing mechanism when the power pack is loaded into the compartment to effect movement of the firing mechanism; and b) a second motor and a second engagement member removably engageable with an articulating mechanism in the housing of the surgical fastener applier to effect movement of an articulation mechanism to effect articulation. One or both of a firing position and an articulation position are tracked during the surgical procedure. Sensors are provided to detect select parameters and instrument functions.

Abstract: A treatment tool includes: an end effector configured to implement treatment of living tissue; an operation input portion configured to receive operation; a tubular portion provided along a longitudinal axis of the treatment tool, the tubular portion having a first end and a second end, the first end being connected to the end effector, the second end being provided with a first engagement portion; a driver configured to move along the longitudinal axis according to the operation on the operation input portion, the driver including a second engagement portion configured to engage with the first engagement portion; and a pusher configured to connect the tubular portion and the driver to each other by coming into contact with the tubular portion toward a central axis of the tubular portion in a state where the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion have engaged with each other.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a staple reload and a handle assembly that supports a drive rack, a motor assembly, a gear assembly, a reload select mechanism, and a safety toggle mechanism. The gear assembly is adapted to facilitate uncoupling of the motor assembly from the drive rack to allow manual movement of the drive rack. The reload select mechanism allows the length of a stroke of the drive rack to be selectively adjusted to allow the stapling device to accommodate different length staple reloads. The safety toggle mechanism is provided to move the stapling device from a non-firing state to a firing state to allow for firing of the stapling device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are non-woven graft materials for use in specialized surgical procedures involving nerve repair and regeneration. Some embodiments describe electrospun fiber products such as conduits, wraps, or grafts comprising a resorbable hybrid-scale matrix to facilitate nerve repair and regeneration.

Abstract: Occlusive implants are provided with various embodiments of active and/or passive release structures. Systems for delivering the occlusive implants as well as methods for making and delivering the implants are also provided.

Abstract: A device for implantation in a left atrial appendage of the heart comprises docking station comprising a radially expansible element that is adjustable between a contracted orientation suitable for transluminal delivery and a deployed orientation configured to anchor within the left atrial appendage and fluidically isolate the left atrial appendage from the left atrium, the docking station also includes a recessed socket accessible from the left atrium through an opening, and a closure coving the opening. A modular active element is configured for detachable engagement within the recessed socket of the docking station. The modular active element comprises a treatment element configured to electrically stimulate heart tissue, thermally stimulate heart tissue, electroporate heart tissue, or deliver a substance into heart tissue or a chamber of the heart, or a sensing element configured to detect a parameter selected from temperature, pressure, electrical signal, heart rate, or respiratory rate.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for occluding the left atrial appendage (LAA). The device excludes the LAA from blood flow to prevent blood from clotting within the LAA and subsequently embolizing, particularly in patients with atrial fibrillation. The implantable device is delivered via transcatheter delivery into the LAA and secured within the LAA. The implant comprises an expandable and compliant frame and an expandable and conformable tubular foam body. The device may have a thromboresistant cover at a proximal end. The frame may have recapture struts inclining radially outwardly from a central hub. The frame may have axially extending side wall struts, with adjacent pairs of side wall struts joined at one or more apexes. Anchors extend from the frame and into the foam to engage tissue.

Abstract: A clamp device for hemostasis or closure of tissue, including clamp housing and at least two clamp arms, wherein clamp arms can be coupled to distal end of control wire of medical instrument to stop bleeding of blood vessel, clamp device can be actuated to open and close clamp arms, which are coupled to each other or can be coupled at proximal ends, clamp arms is provided with guide groove, and guide grooves of clamp arms partially overlap each other, and guide pin attached to clamp housing, and extending in overlapping part of guide grooves and passing therethrough, so that by means of fitting of guide pin and guide grooves, movement of pivot axis is converted into closing movement of clamp arms or opening movement of clamp arms about pivot axis, holding hole being provided on each of clamp arm, holding hole extending from side thereof into guide groove.

Abstract: An inflatable belt 100 for use in a BFR system with an outer belt material 102 hermetically sealed to an inner belt material 101 along a perimeter, thereby forming a plurality of inflatable chambers 103, with at least one cutout relief between at least two of the plurality of inflatable chambers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an intramedullary nail has a body that includes proximal and distal ends and an inner surface that defines at least one locking hole that extends into an outer surface of the body so as to receive a bone anchor to lock the nail in a medullary canal of a bone. The body has a first biocompatible material that defines at least a portion of the outer surface. The nail has a second material that is different from, and at least partially encapsulated in, the first material. The second material can produce at least one of an electrical current and a magnetic field, and is supported by the nail body such that a position of the at least one bone-anchor locking hole can be detected based on the at least one of the electrical current and the magnetic field.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling gap height for posterior resection in a partial knee arthroplasty can comprise A) use robotic surgery planning software to adjust an extension gap to suit a flexion gap to manually position a manual posterior cut guide; B) use a surgical navigation system to determine a femur rotation axis to properly manually position a manual posterior cut guide; C1) use shims to adjust the position of a manual posterior cut guide; C2) use a robotically-guided femur and tibia partial cut guide block to position a robot-configured posterior cut guide relative to the distal end of a femur; and D) use a robotically-guided femur and tibia partial cut guide block to guide pin holes for a robot-configured posterior cut guide relative to the distal end of a femur.

Abstract: A system for improving graft harvesting including a tendon harvesting instrument for producing a graft from a tendon. The instrument includes a handle, a shaft and a blade portion operatively coupled to the shaft. The blade portion defines a cutting edge that at least partially corresponds to the shape of a graft cross section of the graft. The blade portion is inserted into the tendon by axially rotating the instrument shaft. The blade portion may include a free end for piercing the tendon as the blade portion is rotated into the tendon. The harvesting instrument may also include amputating means for removing the end connection of the graft to the tendon, the amputating means including a means of changing an orientation of an end portion of the cutting edge.

Abstract: An orthopaedic surgical instrument system includes a compression socket configured for coupling with a selected one of a number of compressible bases. Each compressible base is shaped to conform with a posterior surface of either a dome patella implant component or an anatomical patella implant component.

Abstract: Systems for less invasive medical procedures comprise a filter device mounted on an integrated guiding structure and an aspiration catheter. These components can be used together or separately, and the system can be used with other medical devices that are designed for less invasive procedures, such as procedures in a patient's vasculature. The catheter can have a radiopaque band that is held in place under metal wire embedded within the polymer forming the tube of the catheter. In some embodiments, the aspiration catheter has a small diameter distal portion that can access into small diameter vessels in which the distal portion has a smaller average diameter than the remaining tube of the catheter.

Abstract: A method for attempting to fragment or comminute an object in a body using ultrasound includes producing a burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) waveform by a therapy transducer. The BWL waveform is configured to fragment or comminute the object. The BWL waveform includes a first burst of continuous ultrasound cycles and a second burst of continuous ultrasound cycles. A burst frequency corresponds to a frequency of repeating the bursts of the BWL waveform. The method also includes determining a cycle frequency f of the continuous ultrasound cycles within the first burst and the second burst based on a target fragment size D, where the cycle frequency is: f(MHz)=0.47/D(mm).

Abstract: A minimally invasive blood clot capturing invention made of nitinol. The nitinol is shaped into a plurality of fingers to form a frame for a basket and funnel to capture and remove blood clots. The basket and funnel being delivered to the blood clot by a catheter. The basket and funnel are capable of being collapsed within a catheter capable of being deployed into a blood vessel, and capable of being retracted into the catheter for removal from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A system configured to control operation of an ultrasonic surgical instrument is disclosed. The system comprises a generator configured to generate a signal, and a computer communicably coupled to the generator. The computer is configured to receive a first set of variables corresponding to a first signal at a first power level of the instrument, evaluate the first set of variables with a model to generate a first output, wherein the first output comprises a value between the first set of variables and a condition set, and wherein the condition set comprises a plurality of conditions that correspond to a plurality of responses, determine the first output meets a first threshold value for a first condition; determine a first response corresponding to the first condition, wherein the first response is a second power level for the instrument, and transmit the second power level to the generator for a second signal.

Abstract: Occlusion crossing devices and systems. An inner shaft may be configured to rotate and extend within an outer shaft. The inner and outer shafts may include engagement regions to limit distal movement of the inner shaft within the outer shaft. The outer shaft may include a distal opening that is angled to form a tapered distal end. The inner shaft may include a distal end having a fluted tip with cutting edges that are configured to extend through the distal opening of the outer shaft. The inner shaft may include an imaging window. When the cutting edges are fully extended distally through the distal opening of the outer shaft, the tapered distal end of the outer shaft may be configured to occlude the imaging window at a defined rotational position as the inner shaft is rotated relative to the outer shaft to provide a registration mark for imaging.

Abstract: A method for removing an eye and ocular structures through a supraorbital fossa in a camel is disclosed herein, the method comprising: making a U-shaped incision along a supraorbital fossa of the camel; dissecting one or more tissues surrounding the supraorbital nerve in the camel; and removing eye globe and surrounding tissues through the supraorbital fossa.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a flexible obturator for use with an access assembly of an intraosseous device are disclosed. The flexible obturator can include elastic properties and relatively low columnar strength, relatively low shear strength, and/or relatively high compressive strength. When the obturator is supported in the needle, the obturator can prevent bone fragments and tissue from blocking the needle lumen. When removed from the needle, the obturator can deform under a force to prevent accidental needle stick injuries. The flexible obturator can define a radially symmetrical profile and can conform to the inner profile of the needle lumen. The flexible obturator can extend beyond a distal tip of the needle and be trimmed flush to a beveled surface of the needle. This simplifies the manufacturing process, allowing a single size obturator to be fitted to multiple sizes of needle.

Abstract: A system for use during a surgical procedure includes a control unit configured to obtain a first anatomical characteristic of a patient; measure a second anatomical characteristic of a patient; create a targeted second anatomical characteristic; and convert at least one of the measured second anatomical characteristic and the targeted second anatomical characteristics to a patient position.

Abstract: A fastener configured for spinal applications includes a head having a channel adapted to receive a spinal rod and a shaft extending from the head to a distal tip and having a thread, at least a portion of the thread being serrated. The serrated portion of the thread includes peaks and troughs and can extend along about 35 percent of a length of the thread.

Abstract: A medical implant assembly includes a shank having a head and an anchor portion, and a receiver having a central bore with a locking recess adjacent a bottom opening, an expansion recess above the locking recess, and a horizontal ridge extending circumferentially above the expansion recess. The assembly also includes an insert uploadable into a first position within the central bore with outer surfaces engageable with the horizontal ridge in a first position, a locking ring initially positionable within the lower locking recess or the upper expansion recess, and a blocking ring positionable within the central bore at least partially above the locking ring. The locking ring is first expanded within the expansion recess during uploading the shank head through the bottom opening, and then moves downward into the locking recess to capture the shank head within the central bore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a spinal fixation assembly and method to provide adequate rigidity and support for a vertebral column without requiring additional pedicle screws and spinal rods. The spinal fixation assembly includes a spinal rod loop with multiple sides configured to be attached to a vertebral body with two or more pedicle screws. Each pedicle screw is adapted to fit at various locations along the spinal rod loop.

Abstract: A spinal treatment system includes a constraint device having an upper tether portion, a lower tether portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The upper tether portion is coupled with a superior spinous process of a spinal segment in a patient and the lower tether portion is coupled with an inferior spinous process or sacrum of the spinal segment. The length or tension in the constraint device is adjustable so that the construct of the tether portions and the compliance member provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. The system also includes a first prosthesis coupled with the spinal segment, wherein the constraint device modulates loads borne by the prosthesis or by tissue adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A system for installing a vertebral stabilization system. The system includes an installation tool including a handle portion and a shaft extending distally from the handle portion. The shaft includes a conduit and a staple mechanism. The system also includes a flexible implant member extending along the conduit configured to be advanced out from a distal end of the shaft, and a staple housed in the staple mechanism. The staple is configured to secure the flexible implant member to a vertebra. The handle portion is configured to selectively advance the flexible implant member from the shaft and to selectively actuate the staple mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods of operating a tower extender in conjunction with a bone anchor housing can comprise positioning a plurality of deflectable members of a distal end of the tower extender proximate the bone anchor housing, pushing the distal end of the tower extender into engagement with the bone anchor housing to flex the plurality of deflectable members around the bone anchor housing to attach the tower extender relative to the bone anchor housing, rotating a knob to lock the plurality of deflectable members from deflecting away from the bone anchor housing, performing a portion of a surgical procedure with the tower extender, rotating the knob to deflect the plurality of deflectable members away from the bone anchor housing and puling the tower extender away from the bone anchor housing.

Abstract: Implantable devices for fixation of curved bone such as the pelvic ring pubic symphysis and acetabulum, and methods for the use of the devices are disclosed. The implantable devices are convertible between a flexible state and a rigid state, and include an elongate structure having a proximal bone interface, a main body, and a distal bone interface. In a flexible state, the devices may be inserted along, and conform to a curved pathway, and in the rigid state, the devices may support the mechanical loads required to fixate a fracture.

Abstract: A subtalar plate implant (12) for correcting and/or altering the alignment of a hyperpronated foot (10) comprises a plate portion (22) and an insert portion (24) that is connected to the plate portion (22). The plate portion (22) is selectively attachable to a lateral aspect of the calcaneus (16). The insert portion (24) is positionable within the subtalar joint (18). The insert portion (24) includes a top surface (236) that Is selectively positionable substantially adjacent to a base of the talus (14), the top surface (236) being angled to allow the talus (14) to articulate over the top surface (236). The insert portion (24) further includes a bottom surface (238) that is selectively positionable substantially adjacent to a dorsal surface of the calcaneus (16), The insert portion (24) can include a groove (356) that is formed along the bottom surface (238) substantially parallel to the plate portion (22).

Abstract: A cryoablation catheter system comprises a cryoablation catheter having a shaft, a guidewire lumen member and an expandable balloon attached to the shaft and the guidewire lumen member, and an auxiliary device configured for use in combination with the cryoablation catheter, the auxiliary device including a location sensor configured to provide a sensor output indicative of a location of the location sensor within a localization volume responsive to a localization field. A user-accessible relative position indicator is located on one or both of the cryoablation catheter and the auxiliary device and is configured to provide an indication of a relative position of the cryoballoon and the location sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of a probe, containing a lumen and having a distal end configured to contact tissue of a living subject. A temperature sensor is located at the distal end, and a pump, having a pump motor, is coupled to deliver a cryogenic fluid through the lumen to the distal end of the probe and to receive the cryogenic fluid returning from the probe. There is a separator, coupled to separate the returning cryogenic fluid into a returning cryogenic liquid and a returning cryogenic gas, and a flow meter, coupled to measure a rate of flow of the returning cryogenic gas. A processor is configured to control a rate of pumping of the pump motor in response to a temperature measured by the temperature sensor and the rate of flow of the returning cryogenic gas.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to improved medical devices, systems, and methods. In many embodiments, devices, systems, and methods for locating and treating a target nerve with integrated cold therapy and electrical stimulation systems are provided. For example, nerve stimulation and cryoneurolysis may be delivered concurrently or alternately with the cryo-stimulation device. In some embodiments, the device may be operated by a single operator or clinician. Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure may improve nerve targeting during cryoneurolysis procedures. Improvements in nerve localization and targeting may increase treatment accuracy, physician confidence in needle placement during treatment, and clinical efficacy and safety. In turn, such improvements may decrease overall treatment times, the number of repeat treatments, and the re-treatment rate.

Abstract: Various methods of treating a heart of a patient having a cardiac arrhythmia are disclosed. The method can comprise dissecting tissue at an inferior aspect of a right inferior pulmonary vein of the patient to create an oblique sinus defect, dissecting tissue to open a space between a superior vena cava and a left atrium, and dissecting tissue to open a space across a transverse sinus between a pulmonary artery and a roof of the left atrium. The method can further comprise passing a catheter through an oblique sinus defect underneath the heart and beyond a left ventricle and passing a first flexible guiding device across the transverse sinus and under the superior vena cava and the pulmonary artery.

Abstract: A medical device for treating coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease or varicose veins includes an elongated support and a heat expandable element of muscle polymer carried on that elongated support. The medical device may also include a heating element. When activated, the heating element produces heat that causes the muscle polymer to expand into a position in closer proximity to the tissue to be treated.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical instrument having an electrode with a polymeric dielectric coating; and an electrosurgical generator, which includes a power converter configured to generate RF energy; a sensor coupled to the power converter and configured to sense a parameter of the RF energy; and a controller coupled to the sensor and the power converter. The controller is configured to control the power converter to output an RF waveform to achieve conductor breakthrough through the polymeric dielectric coating. The controller is further configured to determine whether the conductor breakthrough occurred based on the parameter; and execute a treatment algorithm based on a determination of the conductor breakthrough.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system including an electrosurgical generator and an adapter connected to the electrosurgical generator. The adapter is configured to selectively transmit one or more energy outputs from the electrosurgical generator to an end effect device. At least one of the electrosurgical generator and the adapter are configured to be controlled by one or more control device. An electrosurgical system can include a control device connected to an electrosurgical generator. The control device can be configured to selectively transmit control instructions to the electrosurgical generator. The control device can be configured to receive a control signal from a user. An electrosurgical apparatus can include a pair of blades configured to deliver at least mechanical and electrical energy to tissue. Each blade can include a portion configured to protrude to the other side of a central plane.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing, an end effector and an elongated shaft extending therebetween. The end effector is movable between open and closed configurations. The elongated shaft includes a distal portion that is movable between aligned and articulated configurations. The surgical instrument further includes a driving assembly that induces motion in the end effector between open and closed configuration and maintains a closure pressure in the range of about 3 kg/cm2 to about 16 kg/cm2 between aligned and articulated configurations of the elongated shaft.

Abstract: A transoral ultrasound probe for imaging a temporomandibular joint and a method of imaging a temporomandibular joint using a transoral probe.

Abstract: An electrosurgical probe can be detachably secured to a handpiece having a motor drive unit and an RF current contact. The electrosurgical probe includes an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, a distal dielectric tip, and a proximal hub which is detachably securable to the handpiece. A hook electrode is reciprocatably mounted in the distal dielectric tip, and an RF connector on the hub is couplable to the RF current contact in the handpiece when the hub is secured to the handpiece. A drive mechanism in the hub mechanically couples to the hook electrode, and drive mechanism engages a rotational component in the motor drive unit when the hub is secured to the handpiece. The drive mechanism converts rotational motion from the rotational component into axial reciprocation and transmits the axial reciprocation to the hook electrode to axially displace the hook electrode between a non-extended position and an extended position relative to the dielectric tip.