Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument for applying to biological tissue RF electromagnetic energy and/or microwave frequency EM energy, wherein the instrument tip has a protective hull with a smoothly contoured convex undersurface facing away from a planar body, and wherein the planar body has a tapering distal edge, and wherein an underside of the planar body extends beyond the protective hull at the tapering distal edge. Also disclosed herein is an interface joint for integrating into a single cable assembly all of (i) a fluid feed, (ii) a needle movement mechanism, and (iii) an energy feed (e.g. a coaxial cable), and a torque transfer device for permitting controlled rotation of the cable assembly within the instrument channel of an endoscope. The interface joint and torque transfer device may be integrated as a single component.

Abstract: A user interface assembly for a gaming device includes a first-side transceiver subassembly on a first side of a barrier, including a first-side antenna and a first-side transmitter circuit electronically coupled to the first-side antenna for transmitting an electromagnetic power signal through the barrier via the first-side antenna. The user interface assembly also includes a second-side transceiver subassembly on a second side of the barrier opposite the first-side transceiver subassembly, including a second-side antenna disposed opposite the first-side antenna relative to the barrier, and a second-side receiver circuit electronically coupled to the second-side antenna for receiving, via the second-side antenna, the electromagnetic power signal transmitted through the barrier.

Abstract: An intravascular device is provided having a catheter tube and an expandable portion including a plurality of struts capable of being moved between an open and a closed position. An incising element is provided on at least one of the struts and has a sharpened edge for creating an incision in atherosclerotic material located within a blood vessel when the expandable portion is in the opened position. An embolic protection device may be integrated with some or all of the expandable portion.

Abstract: A method and a system for generating an assistance function for an ophthalmological surgery are presented. The method includes capturing digital image data of a surgical microscope, which were generated during an ophthalmological surgery by an image sensor and which are annotated. The method furthermore includes capturing sensor data of a phaco system, which were generated during the ophthalmological surgery by a sensor of the phaco system and which are annotated, wherein the annotated sensor data and the annotated digital image data have synchronized timestamps and wherein the annotations refer in indicative fashion to a state of an ophthalmological surgery.

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter device includes an elongate body, a drive shaft extending proximally to distally within the elongate body, and a cutter attached to the drive shaft. The cutter includes a serrated annular cutting edge formed on a distal edge of the cutter and a recessed bowl extending radially inwards from the annular cutting edge to a center of the cutter. The recessed bowl has a first curvature. The cutter further includes a plurality of grinding segments extending inwardly from the distal edge within the bowl. Each of the plurality of segments has a second curvature that is different from the first curvature.

Abstract: An instrument includes an ultrasonic blade, a first fluid port, an irrigation member, a second fluid port, and a fluid communication assembly. The ultrasonic blade defines a distal opening. The ultrasonic blade is operable in a first mode to emulsify tissue that is distally positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The ultrasonic blade is further operable in a second mode to transect and seal tissue that is transversely positioned relative to the ultrasonic blade. The first fluid port is in communication with the distal opening of the ultrasonic blade. The irrigation member is positioned adjacent to the distal end of the ultrasonic blade. The second fluid port is in communication with the irrigation member. The fluid communication assembly is configured to couple the first fluid port with a fluid source, couple the first fluid port with a suction source, and couple the second fluid port with the fluid source.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of sonodynamic therapy comprising the co-administration of a microbubble-chemotherapeutic agent complex together with a microbubble-sonosensitiser complex. It further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these complexes and their use in methods of sonodynamic therapy and/or sonodynamic diagnosis. Such methods find particular use in the treatment of cancer, e.g. pancreatic cancer.

Abstract: An apparatus for inhibiting tissue migration during a procedure comprises a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough and a non-inflatable hood projecting distally from the deployment catheter and defining an open area. The open area is in fluid communication with the at least one lumen. The apparatus also comprises a visualization element disposed within or along the non-inflatable hood for visualizing tissue adjacent to the open area. The apparatus also comprises a tissue grasping end effector positioned within the open area and configured to temporarily engage the tissue adjacent to the open area such that distal migration of the tissue relative to the barrier or membrane is inhibited.

Abstract: An ultrasonic therapy system delivers ultrasonic therapy energy to a therapy site in the body which is infused with microbubbles. A system without an image guidance capability has an array transducer which delivers therapy energy, a therapy transducer driver which causes the array transducer to deliver therapeutic energy, a control for controlling the intensity of the therapeutic energy, and a display of the sonotherapy signal strength of the energy and the concentration of microbubbles at the therapy site. A system with ultrasonic imaging capability will display an ultrasound image for therapeutic guidance and a measure of the microbubble concentration. The method of the present invention is performed as an adjunct to a standard drug therapy or other treatment regimen, following such treatment with an infusion of ultrasound and delivery of ultrasound therapy energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for treating endovascular disease. Vibrational energy is delivered to change compliance and increase permeability at the treatment area. To improve clinical outcomes, one or more therapeutic drugs may be delivered to the treatment area.

Abstract: An integrated guidewire includes a wire and a flexible tube. The wire is sized and shaped to move in an anatomical material transportation system of a patient. The flexible tube is sized and shaped to move in the anatomical material transportation system, having proximal and distal ends, the proximal-end is coupled to a device external to the patient, the flexible tube is configured to transfer fluids between the distal-end and the device, and the wire and the flexible tube are intertwined with respect to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured to provide hemostasis with tissue removal in order to inhibit one or more of blood loss or tissue drainage. In many embodiments, a nozzle releases a liquid jet in a liquid medium in order to provide cavitation and a plurality of shedding pulses. The liquid jet, its cavitation and the plurality of shedding pulses can affect vascular tissue in order to promote clotting in order to inhibit bleeding. In many embodiments, vessels of the vascular tissue are affected at a distance from a region where cavitation of the water jet contacts the tissue. In many embodiments, the cavitation and plurality of shedding pules are related to a pulsatile shear wave propagating along the blood vessel that is related to clot promoting changes of the blood vessel.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods, devices and systems relating to applying drugs or therapeutic agents to biological conduits, e.g., vascular lumens. More specifically, the present invention comprises enhancing the uptake of drugs or therapeutic agents encapsulated in microbubbles in combination with ultrasound energy as well as applying drugs or therapeutic agents in a cyclic manner using a pulse generator that may be matched in frequency with a patient's blood pulsing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an RF treatment apparatus including micro needles, a method of controlling the same, and a treatment method using the same according to the present invention have effects in that they can prevent damage to a tissue and perform optimized treatment because RF energy can be adjusted and applied based on a current-carrying area that belongs to a portion of the micro needles and that has been inserted into a tissue.

Abstract: Surgical assemblies, instruments, and related methods are disclosed that control tissue gripping force. A method for controlling grip force in a robotic surgical instrument includes actuating an input link of a spring assembly. An actuation force is transferred from the input link to an output link of the spring assembly. Relative movement is inhibited between the input link and the output link when the transferred actuation force is below a predetermined level with a preloaded spring of the spring assembly. The input link is moved relative to the output link by deforming the preloaded spring when the transferred actuation force increases above the predetermined level. A grip mechanism is actuated via the output link.

Abstract: An energy delivery probe is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. In some embodiments, the energy can be applied with a vapor media. The energy delivery probe can include a vapor delivery member configured to extend into a transition zone prostate tissue. A condensable vapor media can be delivered from the vapor delivery member into the transition zone tissue, wherein the condensable vapor media can propagate interstitially in the transition zone tissue and be confined in the transition zone tissue by boundary tissue adjacent to the transition zone tissue. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.

Abstract: An irrigation system for anal or stomal irrigation includes a tubing system attachable between a reservoir and a catheter. The tubing system has a proximal portion attachable to the reservoir and a distal portion including a distal end that is attachable to the catheter, with the tubing system providing an irrigation flow path from the proximal portion attachable to the reservoir through the distal end attachable to the catheter. A pump is operable to move the liquid through the irrigation flow path to provide the anal or stomal irrigation out of the catheter. A pressure control device is attachable to the distal portion of the tubing system and communicates with the catheter. The pressure control device has a valve that is adapted to limit an irrigation pressure for the anal or stomal irrigation out of the catheter to a value less than a pre-determined pressure threshold.

Abstract: Some aspects of this disclosure relate to a method of treating an ophthalmic disease affecting an eye of a patient comprising forming a covalently-crosslinked hydrogel for controlled release of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A method for ultrasonically treating tissue includes accessing a surgical site with an ultrasonic surgical instrument, dissecting tissue with a first portion of the blade, and sealing tissue with a second portion of the blade. The instrument includes a blade that defines a longitudinal axis. The blade is configured to oscillate along the longitudinal axis to ultrasonically treat tissue.

Abstract: An arrival position information estimation unit that estimates arrival position information at which an extension line of a peripheral branch included in a bronchial region arrives at a surface of a lung region, and estimates assumed mapping information other than the arrival position information of a specific peripheral branch on the basis of a preset condition in a case where the specific peripheral branch is set as a target branch, and a display control unit that generates a mapping image obtained by mapping the arrival position information of the specific peripheral branch and the assumed mapping information to a surface of the lung region and displays the mapping image on a display unit are included.

Abstract: An ultrasonic medical probe has a horn or shaft, a shank at a proximal end of the shaft, a probe head at a distal end of the horn or shaft, opposite the shank, and at least one polymeric component fixed to at least one of the horn or shaft, the shank, and the probe head. The shank is provided at a proximal end opposite the horn or shaft with an externally threaded connector for attaching the probe to a source of ultrasonic vibratory energy. The polymeric component is of a composition that transmits and is essentially impervious to ultrasonic vibratory energy but that degrades or decomposes upon exposure to a source of extreme energy (other than ultrasonic vibratory energy), rendering the probe inoperative for use.

Abstract: Wireless and non-wireless drug delivery integrated circuits, systems, and methods of delivering therapeutic pharmaceutical compounds are provided. The system can include a control module, a wireless drug delivery integrated circuit, a first electrode and a second electrode that are both attached to the wireless drug delivery integrated circuit, an electroactive polymer, and a pharmaceutical compound. The electroactive polymer and the pharmaceutical compound can be formed as films on one of the electrodes and, when placed in a solution, a voltage potential can be applied across the electrodes causing the pharmaceutical compound to be released into the solution.

Abstract: A method of controlling a surgical instrument comprising an end effector may comprise detecting a first signal indicating that an end effector component of a surgical instrument is positioned between a first position and a second position; and automatically controlling operation of the end effector component when a second signal is not detected within a predetermined delayed response time period after detecting the first signal, wherein the second signal indicates that the end effector component is in one of the first position or the second position.

Abstract: An imaging system for a patient comprises an imaging probe. The imaging probe comprises: an elongate shaft for insertion into the patient and comprising a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion; a rotatable optical core comprising a proximal end and a distal end, the rotatable optical core configured to optically and mechanically connect with an interface unit; a probe connector positioned on the elongate shaft proximal end and surrounding at least a portion of the rotatable optical core and an optical assembly positioned in the elongate shaft distal portion and proximate the rotatable optical core distal end, the optical assembly configured to direct light to tissue and collect reflected light from the tissue. A shear-thinning fluid can be provided between the elongate shaft and the rotatable optical core, such as to reduce undesired rotational variations of the rotatable optical core.

Abstract: A topical composition can be used to treat or inhibit onset of fibrillar collagenous growths, including but not limited to keloids. The composition includes elemental iodine carried in a non-migratory vehicle. Application of the composition can result in a significant reduction in the size of such a growth or, if applied to an area of skin susceptible to such a growth, inhibit the onset thereof.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument including an ultrasonically actuated blade or end effector having a treatment portion. The blade can define a central axis and at least one axis which is transverse to the central axis, wherein the transverse axis can lie within a plane which is perpendicular, or normal, to the longitudinal axis and can define a cross-section of the treatment portion. Such a cross-section can include a central portion and a step extending from the central portion, wherein the central portion can comprise a width, and wherein the step can comprise a cutting edge. In at least one embodiment, the cutting edge can be defined by first and second surfaces which define an angle therebetween. In various embodiments, the position of the cutting edge and/or the angle between the cutting edge surfaces can be selected in order to balance the blade with respect to the transverse axis.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a handpiece and more particular an ergonomic handpiece having two or more segments coupled together and capable of independently rotating around a longitudinal axis of the handpiece. In addition, one of the segments of the handpiece may have a tubing/cord management segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of removing a lesion from a patient. A method of removing a lesion from a patient includes positioning wire loops of a probe device relative to the lesion. The wire loops are simultaneously rotated and expanded to cut material from the lesion. Irrigation fluid is supplied, via the probe device, to irrigate the material cut from the lesion. The supplied irrigation fluid is aspirated, via the probe device, to facilitate removal of the material cut from the lesion.

Abstract: An ultrasonic horn for an ultrasonic transducer assembly of an ultrasonic surgical instrument includes a body and a nose. The body defines a tubular configuration having a hollow interior and a plurality of slots therethrough extending into the hollow interior. The nose extends distally from the body. The body defines a proximal connector configured to enable the body to be secured to a piezoelectric stack and the nose defines a distal connector configured to enable the nose to be engaged with a waveguide for transmission of ultrasonic energy produced by the piezoelectric stack to the waveguide.

Abstract: Devices and methods to remove trabecular meshwork to treat glaucoma and other conditions which may not utilize cutting elements when stripping the trabecular meshwork. The trabeculorhexis parts tissue by applying non-cutting shear and tension to the tissue to disinsert the tissue from its attachments. Reducing or eliminating the need for sharp cutting implements in the eye reduces the likelihood of incisional bleeding, iris and scleral tissue maceration and further inadvertent tissue damage of the gonio structure of the eye. In another aspect, a cutting element may be used to form a circumferential slit in a wall of Schlemm's canal in conjunction with removal of trabecular meshwork or independently.

Abstract: The invention provides a therapeutic system comprising: a console, wherein the console comprises a controller and an energy generator; a therapeutic device comprising: an operational head configured for transmitting the energy output from to a biological tissue; and a memory device comprising control instructions, wherein said control instructions comprise instructions for controlling the console; a reversible memory operable linkage linking the memory device to the controller; and a reversible connector configured for operably linking the energy generator to the operational head. Optionally, the energy generator is a generator of ablation energy or heat energy (e.g. RF generator) and the control instructions comprise instructions for controlling the output of the energy generator. Optionally, the control instructions comprise one or more parameters of energy output or an algorithm configured for controlling the energy output.

Abstract: A system (1) for infectious disease screening. The system is for use with an assay device (2) which incorporates an ultrasonic transducer for generating ultrasonic waves to lyse cells in a biological sample. The system (1) comprises a frequency control module which is configured to control the ultrasonic transducer (49) to oscillate at an optimum frequency for cell lysis, a PCR arrangement (16) which is configured to receive and amplify the DNA from the sample; and a detection arrangement (70) which is configured to detect the presence of an infectious disease in the amplified DNA and to provide an output which is indicative of whether or not the detection arrangement (70) detects the presence of an infectious disease in the amplified DNA.

Abstract: A vapor delivery device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vapor delivery device is that it can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate tissues of the prostate. The vapor delivery device can include a handle portion and a cartridge portion. The cartridge portion can be configured to be inserted into a lumen of the handle portion to align and position a vapor coil of the cartridge portion within a RF coil of the handle portion. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.

Abstract: A resecting probe includes a shaft assembly having an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has an axial bore and an outer window in a distal side thereof, and the inner sleeve has an axial extraction channel and inner window in a distal side thereof. The inner sleeve is rotationally disposed in the axial bore of the outer sleeve to allow the inner sleeve window to be rotated in and out of alignment with the outer sleeve window, and the shaft assembly forms a flow aperture in a distal portion when the inner cutting window and the outer cutting window are out of alignment. An electrode is carried on the inner sleeve, and a motor drive is coupled to rotate the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve. A controller is coupled to the motor drive and controls rotation of the inner sleeve.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device: (a) power cable comprising: (i) a primary lead that connects to a first pole of an AC power source and (ii) one or more auxiliary leads; wherein the power cable includes a dual core having the primary lead on a first side and the one or more auxiliary leads on a second side with a web being located between the first side and the second side.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of promoting hair growth or hair stimulation in a subject comprises applying vacuum or suction using a handpiece assembly along a targeted portion of the subject's skin surface where hair growth or hair stimulation is desired and providing at least one treatment material to said targeted portion of the subject's skin surface, wherein the application of vacuum or suction helps promote hair growth or stimulate hair.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical cutting apparatus for cutting biological material including a handle, an outer tube attached to the handle and having a closed tip, a port formed in a side wall of the outer tube with a cusp formed by two or more intersecting surfaces, and an inner tube slidable within the outer tube and having a longitudinal axis and an open tip. The inner tube is in fluid communication with the handle, and the cusp of the port and the open tip interface during a cutting motion to fracture and cut biological materials and direct cut materials radially inward into the port.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a vascular treatment includes an intraluminal member that is controllingly moved during the vascular treatment. The intraluminal member of the vascular treatment device can be connected to a motor. The intraluminal member may be configured to retain endothelium during the vascular treatment procedure.

Abstract: A device for extracting lens material from an eye including a distal, disposable portion releasably coupleable to a proximal, reusable portion. The disposable portion includes a cutting tube having a distal cutting tip and an inner lumen having an open distal end. The disposable portion includes an aspiration pump fluidly coupled to the inner lumen of the cutting tube and a cutting tube drive mechanism configured to oscillate the cutting tube. The reusable portion includes an aspiration pump motor configured to drive the aspiration pump and a coupler for releasably operatively coupling the pump motor to the aspiration pump. Related devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A tissue resecting instrument includes an outer shaft defining a window at a distal end portion thereof, an inner cutting shaft extending through the outer shaft and configured to translate and rotate relative to the outer shaft to cut tissue extending through the window, and a drive assembly coupled to the inner cutting shaft. Actuation of the drive assembly in a first configuration drives translation of the inner cutting shaft at a first linear speed and rotation of the inner cutting shaft at a rotational speed. Actuation of the drive assembly in a second configuration drives translation of the inner cutting shaft at a second linear speed different from the first linear speed and rotation of the inner cutting shaft at the rotational speed.

Abstract: A tip is formed for use with an ultrasonic handpiece. The handpiece, when actuated, is capable of causing the tip to go into ultrasonic vibrations. The tip has a shaft from which a head extends. Teeth extend from the head. At least the teeth have a case hardened outer layer. The case hardened outer layer reduces the wearing of the teeth when the teeth are vibrated against hard tissue.

Abstract: A method of making an ultrasonic catheter, disposing an ultrasound member in the main lumen of a flexible catheter body; providing an intermediate member and a tip, wherein at least a tip maximum-diameter portion is disposed in the intermediate member, wherein an intermediate-member outer diameter substantially matches a main lumen inner diameter, and wherein a tip distal cross-section has a tip distal cross-section area less than a tip proximal cross-section area of a tip proximal cross-section; and attaching the intermediate member to the catheter body and to the tip, wherein at least one of the tip and the intermediate member is configured to prevent separation of the tip of the ultrasound member from the catheter body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a switch base, a power bus coupled to the switch base, an electrical lead coupled to the power bus, an actuator operatively engaged with the power bus, an actuator operatively engaged with the power bus, a membrane, and a housing. The switch base has top, bottom, and side surfaces. The membrane is disposed over the top surface of the switch base and over the power bus to seal the top surface of the switch base. The housing defines proximal and distal ends and a switch base cavity between the proximal and distal ends. The housing includes bulkheads that form a plurality of fluid impermeable seals that are disposed adjacent one of the proximal and distal ends. The fluid impermeable seals are configured to deter fluid from penetrating a proximal portion of the switch base cavity within which the electrical lead is coupled to the power bus.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a skin surface of a subject comprises heating a skin surface, abrading native skin tissue of a subject using a microdermabrasion device, wherein using the microdermabrasion device comprises moving the microdermabrasion device relative to the skin surface while simultaneously delivering at least one treatment fluid to the skin surface being treated and cooling the abraded skin surface.

Abstract: A fluid stream is directed toward tissue to generate a plurality of shedding clouds. The fluid stream can be scanned such that the plurality of shedding clouds arrive a different overlapping locations. Each of the plurality of shedding clouds can remove a portion of the tissue. In many embodiments, an apparatus to ablate tissue comprises a source of pressurized fluid, and a nozzle coupled to the source of pressurized fluid to release a fluid stream, in which the fluid stream generates a plurality of shedding clouds.

Abstract: Provided herein are vitrectomy instruments and related systems and methods in which example vitrectomy instruments have multiple rotating cutting edges for severing vitreous fibers. An example vitrectomy instrument may include a handle; an outer tube; and an inner tube configured to be rotated within the outer tube in multiple oscillating rotational cycles. The outer tube may include a port disposed at a distal end thereof. The inner tube may include at least first and second forward cutting edges, so that rotation in a first rotational direction results in both the first and second forward cutting edges cutting vitreous fibers drawn into the port. The inner tube may also include one or more backward cutting edges, so that rotation in a second rotational direction results in one or more backward cutting edges cutting vitreous fibers drawn into the port. Additional forward and/or backward cutting edges may be provided.

Abstract: A surgical hand piece has a source of ultrasonic energy connected to a one-piece member that transmits the ultrasonic energy. The one-piece member is connected directly to the source of ultrasonic energy without intervening structure. A distal end of the member is a surgical work tip for performing surgery. The member transmits the ultrasonic energy to the work tip. The member is a one-piece structure, whereby the handpiece is less expensive to make than members with multiple piece structures.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a skin surface of a subject comprises heating a skin surface, abrading native skin tissue of a subject using a microdermabrasion device, wherein using the microdermabrasion device comprises moving the microdermabrasion device relative to the skin surface while simultaneously delivering at least one treatment fluid to the skin surface being treated and cooling the abraded skin surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, system, and apparatus that adds rotational functionality to a conventional clot maceration device. The rotational functionality can be imparted by a wide variety of mechanical devices, such as by a hand operated rack and pinion type gear system or an electrically driven motor. An outer member (such as a catheter) of a declotting apparatus may be rotated while an inner member remains substantially fixed in position. The degree of rotation of the inner member may be between 60 and 180 degrees in a clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. In one embodiment, the rotating mechanism is coupled to a sliding and/or lateral mechanism to impart both lateral and rotational movement to the declotting apparatus. The deformable members of a basket or jacket of the declotting apparatus may form a helical structure and/or each comprise a bundled wire.

Abstract: Frequency-domain signal processing of pressure sensor signals and/or flow signals is used to provide on-demand control of a multi-component fluidic system. An example method, implemented in a phacoemulsification system comprises receiving a signal from each of one or more sensors, the one or more sensors comprising at least one pressure sensor, and converting each of one or more of the received signals, including at least one signal from a pressure sensor, to a frequency-domain representation of the received signal. The method further comprises identifying, based on the frequency-domain representations of received signals, at least one event from a set of predetermined events, and controlling one or more fluid control devices, responsive to the identifying.