Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument and method for passing a medical implement through tissue with magnetic forces. The implement can be an implant, either permanent or temporary, and is provided with a magnetic component. A magnetic field is established and the magnetic component and/or magnetic field is manipulated to drive the implant through tissue. Alternatively, the instrument itself is the implement and includes at least one magnetic element so that a magnetic field established by an external magnetic generator drives the instrument through tissue. In another embodiment, the instrument includes two magnetic elements that are moveable with respect to one another and interaction between the magnetic elements drives the instrument through the tissue. Examples of applications of the present invention include a suture passer and a tissue anchor.

Abstract: There is disclosed, among other things, embodiments of a biopsy needle for taking a full core sample through soft tissue. In the illustrated embodiments, the needle includes a single monolithic tubular member having a notch cut part-way through a distal portion of the tubular member to form an arch-shaped finger. At least a portion of the finger is bent toward the notch and into the lumen of the tubular member. Methods for using these embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A biopsy stylet and needle system is provided that is configured for navigation and spring-loaded deployment through at least one tortuous or otherwise confined length. The system includes a needle cannula through which a notched biopsy stylet is disposed. The notched biopsy stylet includes at least one outer diameter length that is about the same as, but preferably very slightly less than, the inner diameter of the needle cannula. The notched biopsy stylet also includes at least one outer diameter length that has a smaller diameter, the lengthwise position of which corresponds to the tortuous or otherwise confined length through which the system is to be operated. The smaller stylet diameter length is configured to prevent binding between the stylet and the needle cannula and/or between the needle cannula and an overlying access cannula or other access passage structure.

Abstract: A tissue sampling apparatus and method obtain a sample of tissue from a selected site and place a hemostatic plug at the selected site. The apparatus includes an external needle and an internal needle within the external needle. A chamber in the internal needle is divided by a divider member into a plug compartment for receiving a hemostatic plug, and a sample compartment for receiving a tissue sample. The divider member is resiliently biased into the plug compartment and the internal needle is movable relative to the external needle for admitting the hemostatic plug into the plug compartment and displacing the divider member into the sample compartment, and then closing the chamber. The apparatus then is advanced to the selected site where relative movement between the internal and external needles opens the chamber, allowing the divider member to expel the hemostatic plug from the plug compartment, and admitting a tissue sample into the sample compartment.

Abstract: Various surgical devices are provided for shielding tissue from potentially harmful byproducts generated by surgical devices that use energy to treat tissue. In general, a shield member is provided that includes a connector element for removably connecting the shield member to a surgical device and a shield body configured to extend adjacent to an energy-emitting end effector of the device. When energy is delivered to treated tissue captured by the end effector, the shield body can be configured to serve as a physical barrier between the end effector and tissue adjacent to the treated tissue. In this way, the shield member can protect the adjacent tissue from potentially harmful byproducts of the end effector, e.g., heat and steam, and/or can deflect the byproducts back toward the treated tissue.

Abstract: A vitrectomy probe includes a hand-graspable body and an outer tube extending from the hand-graspable body. The outer tube includes a closed distal end and a first port sized to receive tissue. The vitrectomy probe also includes an inner tube within the outer tube with a second port that is selectively alignable with a portion of the first port to allow fluid flow and uniquely sized to increase fluid flow. The inner tube includes a distal tip with a cutting edge on each of the distal and proximal sides of the tip. The distal tip has a smaller diameter than that of the inner tube at a proximal side of the second port. The proximal side of the second port includes a guiding surface that slidably bears on an inner surface of the outer tube to prevent the distal tip from excessively protruding from the first port of the outer tube.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes an outer tubular member coupled to a housing and a having a tissue resection window, an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the outer tubular member, a tissue trap having a sealed interior in fluid communication with a vacuum chamber, an open proximal end of the inner tubular member being disposed within the tissue trap interior, and an actuator moveably coupled to the housing and operatively connected to a movable piston in the vacuum chamber, such that movement of the actuator relative to the housing generates a vacuum in the tissue trap.

Abstract: An implantable medical device for optically sensing action potential signals in excitable body tissue. The device includes an elongated tubular lead body carrying an optical fiber extending from a proximal lead end to a distal lead end to position the optical fiber at a target site. The lead body additionally carries a conduit for dispensing a voltage-sensitive fluorescent dye into tissue surrounding the target site. The optical fiber transmits excitation light to the fluorescent dye to cause the dye to fluoresce with varying intensity as the transmembrane potentials of local tissue cells vary due to passing depolarization wavefronts. The optical fiber transmits the fluorescence signal to the device to generate an action potential signal or fiducial points of an action potential signal for use in accurately measuring and characterizing electrical activity of excitable tissue.

Abstract: A tissue removal apparatus and needle assembly for extracting a tissue portion from tissue or the like, the needle assembly comprising an inner tube having an interior cavity, an outer cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and an interior cavity, the interior cavity of the outer cannula having an interior diameter to slidably receive the inner tube and a collapsible section operably engaged with the inner tube and the outer cannula whereby a forward movement of a portion of the inner tube within the interior cavity of the outer cannula changes the collapsible section from a neutral position to a collapsed position to engage the tissue portion. In some embodiments, the outer cannula further comprises an aperture configured to allow a tissue portion from within the needle assembly to pass through or otherwise be expelled outside of the needle assembly.

Abstract: A method and device for operating an RF surgical assembly for the RF surgical removal of pathological tissue in hollow organs of a patient wherein the RF surgical assembly includes an RF surgical device having an RF generator for generating an RF current and a bipolar loop having two mutually insulated loop sections which can be brought electrically in contact with the tissue and wherein the RF generator has a first and an antipolar second output.

Abstract: A system for image-guided surgery may include a visual imaging system, a medical tool comprising a shaft and a tip, wherein the shaft of the tool includes an optically detectable feature that allows a position of the tip to be determined, and a display configured to display a real-time representation of the medical tool including the position of the tip regardless of whether the tip is obstructed or visible.

Abstract: A microbiopsy device for taking biological samples, comprising a body including two or more cutting elements for cutting tissue to form a biological sample; and a chamber inside the body for receiving and retaining the biological sample, the chamber having an opening between the cutting elements, wherein the cutting elements are arranged to cut a section of tissue having a width of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for minimally invasive endoscopic surgical procedures. In certain embodiments, the surgical procedures include harvesting of a deep basilic or cephalic vein for creation of a brachial-basilic or brachial-cephalic AV fistula, with simultaneous transpositioning, harvesting of a deep basilic or cephalic vein for transposition of an existing brachial-basilic or brachial-cephalic AV fistula, and ligating and excising an aneurysmal radial-cephalic, brachial-cephalic, or brachial-basilic AV fistula from the upper or lower arm.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument driver includes a drive member having a laterally extending catch arm and movable between a distal, fired position and a proximal, armed position. A reversible motor has a rotatable output comprising or otherwise being operatively connected to a drive shaft, such that activation of the motor rotates the drive shaft. A translating member is threadably coupled to the drive shaft, wherein rotation of the drive shaft causes axial translation of the translating member along the drive shaft. A latch base is operatively associated with the translating member. A latch arm is pivotally coupled to the latch base, and has a distal portion configured to selectively engage and retain the drive member catch arm, and a proximal portion operatively coupled to the translating member, such that movement of the translating member relative to the latch base pivots latch arm distal portion.

Abstract: A vitrectomy probe for removing vitreous material from an eyeball, having a longitudinal axis and an outer tube with a closed end and a lateral surface, at least one inlet port located proximate to the closed end and configured to allow the vitreous material to enter into the outer tube; an inner tube arranged in the outer tube to relatively move with respect to the outer tube, the inner tube having an opening with a cutting profile through which the vitreous material can be cut and can enter the inner tube. A drive unit configured for causing the outer tube and the inner tube to move relatively with respect to each other, in such a way that the cutting profile cuts the vitreous material entering the inlet port.

Abstract: A medical manipulator including a base section at which a support surface is formed, a movable part movably supported on the support surface, when a reference direction parallel to the support surface is defined, between a distal end position, which is a distal end side in the reference direction with respect to the base section, and a proximal end position, which is a proximal end side in the reference direction, a positioning mechanism configured to position the movable part at the distal end position with respect to the base section, a holding section movably supported in the reference direction with respect to the movable part and configured to detachably hold a proximal end portion of a treatment tool, and a driving unit configured to move the holding section in the reference direction with respect to the movable part.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes an elongate hollow member, an actuator that moves axially through the hollow member, and first and second end effectors with respective tissue engaging edges. At least one of the end effectors is rotatably coupled to the hollow member adjacent its distal end. At least one of the end effectors includes a base supporting a resilient leaf-spring portion that includes a respective cutting edge. The resilient leaf-spring portion extends from the base in a cantilevered arrangement and generates a spring force acting on the respective cutting edge such that in a loaded state there is an automatic preload force imparted between the cutting edges of the end effectors to maintain a consistent and continuous mating force between the two opposed tissue engaging edges preferably over the complete range of rotational movement of the end effectors.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a biopsy targeting assembly, a needle, and a biopsy device. The biopsy targeting assembly includes a cradle. The needle is releasably supported by the targeting assembly. The biopsy device includes a body having a tissue collection assembly and a cutter. The cutter is translatable relative to the body and extends distally from the body. The cradle of the targeting assembly releasably supports the body of the biopsy device distally of the tissue collection assembly. The biopsy device translates a distal portion of the cutter within the needle with the needle supported by the targeting assembly.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an improved clamp for securing two members together. The invention includes a pair of clamp jaws that may be positioned in spaced relation to each another and adjusted in three dimensions.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an outer shaft, a transmitting device arranged for transferring at least a force or torque and a tool having a coupling device for detachable mechanical connection of the tool and a coupling device on the distal end of the outer shaft and having a transferring coupling device for the detachable mechanical connection of the tool and a tool coupling device on the distal end of the transmitting device. The mechanical connection of the tool coupling device on the outer shaft and the outer shaft coupling device buildable by moving the outer shaft in relation to the tool in a first direction. The mechanical connection of the tool and transfer coupling devices on the transmitting device and device buildable by moving the transmitting device in relation to the tool in a second direction. The first direction opposite to the second direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for advancing a vascular implant into a blood vessel. The apparatus comprises a first elongate member, the first elongate member having sufficient column strength to function as a pusher member; and a second elongate member, the second elongate member being thinner than the first elongate member and extending to a distal end located at a first point which is at or near a distal end of the first elongate member. The elongate members form an implant retaining portion while the distal end of the second elongate member is located at the first point. The implant retaining portion is located proximal of the first point. The implant retaining portion comprises a space located between the elongate members and configured for receiving an implant portion, with the first elongate member on one side of the space and the second elongate member on another side. The implant retaining portion further comprises a proximal side and a distal side which further circumscribe the space.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a shaft, an end effector, and a push/pull drive element is provided. The push/pull drive element may include a head extending perpendicular to a push/pull direction of the push/pull element. The head of the push/pull drive element may have end portions each having a cross-section that differs from a cross-section of a main portion of the head between the end portions. The push/pull drive element may include an engagement portion in contact with the end effector to actuate the end effector. The engagement portion may have a first width and an end portion may have a second width, with the second width being greater than the first width. A surgical instrument is also provided that may include an electrical connector connecting at least one conduit providing electrical energy to the end effector. The end effector may be in sliding contact with a portion of the connector.

Abstract: A medical instrument with a shaft, a handle positioned on the proximal end of the shaft, a tool positioned on the distal end of the shaft with two jaw members that can be displaced between an open and a closed position, and with an actuating element by which the handle and tool are in active connection with one another and where each jaw member of the tool consists of an inner cheek and an outer cheek, which are connected with one another on the distal end of each jaw member and are distanced from one another in the proximal direction, and at least one connecting brace is positioned between the inner cheek and the outer cheek. The medical instrument has jaw members, while preserving flexibility, have an increased dimensional stability, in particular with respect to torsion impact.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical tool having opposing jaws, the working element of the robotic surgical tool is made of a different material from the drive element of the robotic surgical tool. The two elements may be manufactured independently and assembled together at a later stage. The material comprising each element may thus have properties more appropriate to the function each element plays in the robotic surgical tool. For example, the metal selected to comprise the blade of a surgical scissor may be corrosion resistant and capable of being sharpened to a high degree.

Abstract: A biopsy device may be used to obtain and store multiple tissue samples. The device permits the tissue samples to be stored in a sequenced fashion within a generally transparent tissue storage chamber disposed at a proximal end of the biopsy device. The tissue samples can be stored on flexible tissue sample strips arranged around the circumference of a rotating vacuum manifold disposed within the chamber.

Abstract: An atherectomy device has a drive circuit which rotates a direct-current motor. The drive circuit has a three-terminal regulator having an ADJ terminal. A partial pressure resistor is connected between the ADJ terminal and an output terminal of the three-terminal regulator. Moreover, one end of six variable resistors whose resistances are set to be different from each other is connected to the ADJ terminal. The other end of the six variable resistors is selectively connected to the negative electrode of a battery by a change-over switch which is a rotary switch having six contacts. When the variable resistors are switched by the change-over switch, the output current of the three-terminal regulator becomes large. Thus, the rotation speed of a cutter which is rotated by the direct-current motor becomes high.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes an elongate cannula coupled to and extending from a support structure, the cannula having a distal portion with a tissue receiving aperture in a side wall thereof, and an elongate hollow introducer sized and configured to be mounted to the support structure over the cannula. The support structure and a proximal portion of the introducer are respectively configured for providing releasable attachment of the introducer to the support structure over the cannula in a first attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out an open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture unobscured by the introducer, and in a second attachment configuration, in which the distal portion of the cannula extends out the open distal end of the introducer with the tissue receiving aperture partially obscured by the introducer.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of method and apparatus are provided for resurfacing of skin that includes formation of a plurality of small holes, e.g., having widths less than about 1 mm or 0.5 mm, using a mechanical apparatus, thus avoiding generation of thermal damage as occurs with conventional laser resurfacing procedures and devices. The holes formed can be well-tolerated by the skin, and can exhibit shorter healing times and less swelling than conventional resurfacing procedures. The apparatus includes one or more needles adapted to remove a small portion of tissue when inserted into and withdrawn from the skin. The fractional surface coverage of the holes can be between about 0.1 and 0.7, or between about 0.2 and 0.5. The exemplary method and apparatus can produce cosmetic effects such as increases in collagen content, epidermal thickness, and dermal/epidermal junction undulations in the skin.

Abstract: A processing method for implementing high resolution output of a capacitive touch pad on a low-end single-chip microcomputer. The low-end single-chip microcomputer device comprises a master control single-chip microcomputer unit (MCU), a self-checking capacitance sensing module and a capacitive touch pad. The master control single-chip microcomputer module controls the self-checking capacitance sensing module to obtain source data acquired by the self-checking capacitance sensing module from the capacitive touch pad, then the source data are subjected to touch position computing by the master control single-chip microcomputer to obtain an original coordinate data of a touch point, and then a coordinate position can be obtained through an optimizing computation processing.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a probe body, a cannula extending distally from the probe body, a cutter moveable relative to the cannula to sever tissue, and a tissue sample holder coupled with the probe body. The tissue sample holder comprises a rotatable member having a plurality of recesses to receive tissue samples. The rotatable member can be operable to successively index each recess relative to a lumen defined by the cutter. A cover portion may be associated with the rotatable member and permits one or more recesses to be viewable through the cover. The recesses may be configured to carry one or more tissue samples as the rotatable member is rotated.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis implantation device includes a barrel having a bore, and an obturator that is received within the bore and is configured to slide along a longitudinal axis of the bore relative to the barrel. A distal end of the obturator includes a needle clamp and one or more bore engaging members. The needle clamp is configured to hold a thread attachment end of a needle. Each bore engaging member includes a surface that engages an interior wall of the bore. A gap extends between a central portion of the obturator and the one or more bore engaging members.

Abstract: A tissue removal apparatus and needle assembly for extracting a tissue portion from tissue or the like, the needle assembly comprising an inner tube having an interior cavity, an outer cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and an interior cavity, the interior cavity of the outer cannula having an interior diameter to slidably receive the inner tube and a collapsible section operably engaged with the inner tube and the outer cannula whereby a forward movement of a portion of the inner tube within the interior cavity of the outer cannula changes the collapsible section from a neutral position to a collapsed position to engage the tissue portion. A method of tissue removal comprising the steps of positioning a needle assembly in a tissue, engaging a tissue portion and withdrawing the needle assembly to remove the tissue portion from the tissue.

Abstract: Medical systems, devices and methods are provided for engaging tissue, e.g. for clipping tissue, closing a perforation or performing hemostasis. Generally, the medical system including a housing, first and second jaws rotatable relative to the housing, a driver, and an elongate drive wire. The elongate drive wire may be disconnected from the driver, first and second jaws, and the housing, which are left in vivo engaged with the tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a reusable handle assembly and a removable and disposable transmission assembly. The handle assembly includes a trigger, a housing having a distal aperture formed in a distal end of the housing, a button disposed on a top surface of the housing, and a biasing member in communication with the button. The transmission assembly includes a proximal shaft, a rotator knob having a coupling feature, a distal shaft assembly extending distally from the proximal shaft, and an end effector at the distal end of the distal shaft assembly. The biasing member of the handle assembly is adjustably coupled to the coupling feature of the transmission assembly. Another version includes a movable yoke configured to engage an inner tube of the transmission assembly. Yet another version includes a waveguide of the transmission assembly non-threadably coupled to a transducer via a biasing force.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes an elongated member (1), a dissection module (10), and an extraction module (701). The dissection module is removably attachable to a first end of the elongated member and includes a tissue separating device (10). The extraction module is removably attachable to the first end of the elongated member and includes a suction port and a tissue removal implement (13,14) disposed within the suction port.

Abstract: A spinal surgery retractor and method of use. The retractor includes a slotted keyway for integrating a keyed spinal distractor. The retractor and distractor combination slide together to displace a portion of the intervertebral disk space to restore or maintain intervertebral spacing and facilitate retraction of surrounding soft tissues while disk space surgery is performed. The distractor head and mating portion of the retractors have matching profiles that enable the retractor to maintain distraction of the vertebra after removal of the distractor portion of the tool, permitting access to increase at the operating site.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position, a first approximated position, and a second approximated position. One or both of the jaw members including a first stop member coupled thereto and disposed between the jaw members. The first stop member is longitudinally translatable along a surface of the at least one jaw member from a first position, wherein the first stop member inhibits approximation of the jaw members beyond the first approximated position, and a second position, wherein the first stop member inhibits approximation of the jaw members beyond the second approximated position.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing a spinal disc are provided herein. Discectomy instruments are disclosed that can remove a spinal disc in a single-pass, i.e., without repeatedly inserting and removing the instrument from a patient. In an exemplary embodiment, the discectomy instrument includes a distal housing, at least one cutting blade, and a handle. When the distal housing is positioned adjacent to a spinal disc, a handle can be actuated to advance the cutting blade along a substantially arc-shaped path through the disc. In certain aspects, the path of the blade can correspond to the anatomy of the disc and to the approach used to access the spine. A second cutting blade can be advanced through the disc and can intersect with the arc-shaped path, forming a complete cut. The cut disc can be received in the distal housing and removed from the patient.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle for collecting tissue, cell and/or fluid specimens from a patient that uses a multi-channel connector having a first channel for accepting a vacuum source that will fluidly connect with a hollow needle at the distal end, and a second channel for receiving a stylet therein, an outer sheath having proximal and distal ends with the proximal end being operatively connected to a lower portion of a leur-lock, an inner tube fluidly connected to the multi-channel connector and an outer needle assembly connected to or as part of the inner tube, an inner needle or a stylet having a proximal end attached to a cap removably connected to the second channel, the stylet having a distal end connected to an inner needle or slidingly positioned within the outer needle, and a fluid pathway from the multi-channel connector to the interior of the outer needle.

Abstract: A surgical device for use in combination with a percutaneous elongate shaft defining a longitudinal axis. The shaft comprises a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end comprising an attachment mechanism. A surgical end effector is selectively attachable in vivo and detachable in vivo to the attachment mechanism of the percutaneous elongate shaft. A percutaneous elongate loader comprises an articulating distal end. The distal end comprises a tube with an opening at the distal tip, the tube being dimensioned to receive the surgical end effector. The distal end further comprises an engagement feature capable of frictionally holding the surgical end effector in the tube during in vivo attachment to and in vivo detachment from the percutaneous elongate shaft.

Abstract: An improved probe designed in particular but not exclusively for measuring the concentration of live biomass. The probe has an insulating body portion arranged to carry a first and second electrode where the probe has a longitudinal axis and the first and second electrodes extend in this longitudinal axis. The body portion has a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by a major axis and minor axis, wherein the length of the body portion in the major axis is greater than the length of the body portion in the minor axis. The first and second electrodes are positioned on either side of the major axis. This reduces the effect of impedance between the electrode and the liquid through increasing the effective distance between the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a one-piece stent implanter, including a front handle and a rear handle; the front end of the front handle is provided with an outer pipe whose top is flexibly connected with a cautery tip, the outer pipe is internally provided with a middle pipe and a stent; the rear handle includes a stainless steel pipe for supporting and an inner pipe positioned in the stainless steel pipe, the top of the inner pipe is fixedly connected to the cautery tip; one end of the middle pipe is mutually touched and connected with one end of the stent, while the other end of the middle pipe is mutually connected with the stainless steel pipe; one end of the stent is close to the cautery tip, with a certain gap kept; when the front handle is retreated along the stainless steel pipe, the outer pipe simultaneously retreats and separates from the cautery tip, positions of the middle pipe and the rear handle remain unchanged, and the stent is automatically released.

Abstract: An excisional biopsy and delivery device may comprise one or more rotating, penetrating and cutting rod elements. The rod elements may be configured to advance from a stored and confined first position and rotate about an axis, while being simultaneously revolved about a central axis. The rod elements may then assume a second released and expanded configuration that is operative to cut around and surround target tissue. In this manner, the rod elements are operative to move through the surrounding tissue to create a volume of revolution and to sever and capture the target tissue contained within the volume of revolution from the surrounding tissue. The severed and captured volume of revolution containing the target tissue may then be removed.

Abstract: The device is used to remove tissue from a patient and to also place a marker in the patient. The device has an opening through which tissue enters the device. The tissue which enters the opening is cut and the tissue is removed. The device may be used a number of times to remove a number of tissue masses. The device also includes a marker which the user may release in the patient at the desired time.

Abstract: A bone access instrument comprising a shaft having a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first shaft portion has a first diameter, a distal end, and at least one cutting edge formed on the distal end. The second shaft portion has a second diameter and a tapered distal end. The second diameter is less than the first diameter, and the second shaft portion extends axially from the distal end of the first shaft portion.

Abstract: An atraumatic microsurgical forceps may include an actuation structure, an actuation sleeve having an actuation sleeve distal end and an actuation sleeve proximal end, a surgical blank, and atraumatic forceps jaws of the surgical blank having atraumatic forceps jaws distal ends and atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends. The surgical blank may be disposed within the actuation sleeve wherein at least a portion of the atraumatic forceps jaws extends from the actuation sleeve distal end. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to gradually extend the actuation sleeve over the atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends. An extension of the actuation sleeve over the atraumatic forceps jaws proximal ends may be configured to gradually close the atraumatic forceps jaws wherein the atraumatic forceps jaws initially contact at the atraumatic forceps jaws distal ends.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a coring cannula, a retract stylet, and a localization needle. The coring cannula has a longitudinal axis and a shaft centered on the axis. The stylet has a tip containing at least one blade and a central passage. The localization needle has a channel and is slidably disposed within the central passage. A drive mechanism rotates the cannula and moves the cannula in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cannula. A guide element has a first end and a second end and is slidably disposed within the channel of the localization needle. The guide element is movable from a first position to a second position within the localization needle.

Abstract: A medical device for reducing the force necessary to penetrate living being tissue using a variety of reciprocating motion actuators. The reciprocating actuator drives a penetrating member, such as a needle, through the tissue at a reduced force while the device detects the passage of the penetrating member through the tissue. Upon passage of the penetrating member through the tissue, a feedback system monitors electromechanical properties of a control signal of the device and automatically modifies control based thereon, e.g., electrical power to the reciprocating actuator is automatically terminated.

Abstract: Discectomy kits with obturator, guard cannulas are provided. The kits have a safe and efficient cutting heads for removing a target tissue from a subject during a surgical procedure are provided, the cutting heads composing a part of systems that address several problems, including clogging of state-of-the-art systems during removal of such tissue, for example. The target tissue can include any tissue that is accessible through a small surgical opening, for example, a joint tissue such as a meniscus or an intervertebral tissue, such as a nucleus pulposus. The devices can be referred to as orthopedic tissue removal devices having cutting heads associated with vacuum systems, making the systems useful in several procedures, including X-LIF (lateral approach to an intervertebral fusions) procedures, T-LIF (transforaminal approach to intervertebral fusions) procedures, P-LIF (posterior approach to intervertebral fusions), and a percutaneous, transforaminal approach (Kambin triangle access).