Abstract: A method includes receiving at an aspiration module of a pump assembly an input associated with a catheter parameter of a catheter coupled to the pump assembly. An aspiration profile associated with the catheter parameter is selected via the aspiration module from a list of preset aspiration profiles associated with different catheters and include upper and lower pressure limits, an aspiration speed, and an infusion speed. A first signal is sent to actuate the pump based on the aspiration profile to operate the pump in a first mode. A pressure signal is received at the aspiration module and a second signal is sent to actuate the pump based on the aspiration profile to operate the pump in a second mode, in which the pump is cycled between the aspiration speed and the infusion speed such that the catheter pressure cycles between the upper pressure limit and the lower pressure limit.

Abstract: An aspiration device to be used with an irrigation-aspiration handpiece may comprise a curved body having a radius of curvature based on a human equatorial lens diameter, an interface adapted to attach the curved body to a first end of an aspiration lumen in the irrigation-aspiration handpiece, and multiple aspiration ports formed in the curved body. The multiple aspiration ports may be adapted to draw material into the aspiration lumen when a suction source is used to apply vacuum pressure at a second of the aspiration lumen while the aspiration lumen is attached to the aspiration device. The multiple aspiration ports may be arranged to distribute the vacuum pressure over an aggregate surface area of the multiple aspiration ports while the suction source applies the vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for provided a phacoemulsification surgery handpiece including a convertible sleeve for phacoemulsification surgery and irrigation/aspiration procedures. In a retracted state, the sleeve is in a desired relationship with the exposed portion of a phaco tip of the handpiece to support normal phacoemulsification surgery. In an extended state, the sleeve features a distally placed aspiration hole located forward from the distal end of a phaco tip to allow typical irrigation/aspiration procedures. A distal tip segment of the hand piece is overmoldedby polyimide materials having a split feature to allow egress of a phaco tip.

Abstract: Methods and devices for harvesting cancellous bone are disclosed. The bone-harvesting device may include a cannula and a bone receptacle in communication with the cannula, wherein the cannula including a cutting surface positioned at or adjacent the distal end, the cutting surface being oriented at an angle, the angle being greater than 90 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the cannula, and the harvested bone is adapted to move from a position adjacent to the cutting surface through the cannula into the bone receptacle. The cutting surface of the cannula may be positioned at or adjacent the distal end, and positioned at least in part radially outward of the outer face of the cannula. The cannula may include a cutting surface positioned at or adjacent the distal end and an occluding geometry that partially occludes the distal end of the cannula adjacent the cutting surface. In addition, a suction port may be provided in communication with the bone receptacle.

Abstract: A suction device is shown and described. The suction device includes a body, an input port configured to receive a flow of matter, a suction port, and a suction lumen that couples the suction port to the input port. In some embodiments the suction device is configured to couple with a surgical instrument for use in a surgical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for managing occlusions and reducing eye tissue damage during phacoemulsification surgery. More specifically, the present invention provides automated control of the application of ultrasonic energy to a partial or full occlusion of a surgical tool. The present invention measures the vacuum pressure and automatically adjusts the application of ultrasonic energy when the vacuum pressure indicates an occlusion or an occlusion break.

Abstract: A surgical cassette for an ophthalmic surgical system includes an irrigation conduit that is in fluid communication with a handpiece and carries fluid toward a surgical site. An aspiration conduit is in fluid communication with the handpiece and carries fluid away from the surgical site. An aspiration pump creates a vacuum pressure in the aspiration conduit to draw fluid through the aspiration conduit towards a drain reservoir. A reservoir couples with a pressure-vacuum source to manage the reservoir pressure. A valve is in fluid communication with the aspiration conduit and the reservoir and provides one or more channels between the aspiration conduit and the reservoir. One or more pressure sensors detect a pressure associated with the surgical site. A computer controls the valve in response to the pressure detected by the one or more pressure sensors.

Abstract: A system and method to irrigate a user's auditory canal. A fluid can be dispensed from a reservoir through a fluid path and out through openings of a delivery element into the auditory canal. A pump may be used to facilitate the process of dispensing the fluid. The fluid can be delivered to the user's auditory canal for a predetermined period of time. Such a time period may be user selectable. The discharge from the irrigation is removed from the user's auditory canal via a discharge port located on the delivery element. The discharge exits the delivery element and proceeds to a discharge reservoir via a discharge path. A vacuum may be used to generate a negative pressure to facilitate the removal of the discharge from the auditory canal.

Abstract: In a method of ventilating excised lungs, a ventilation gas is supplied to an airway of a lung and a vacuum is formed around the lung. A quality of the vacuum is varied between a lower level and a higher level to cause the lung to breathe, while the pressure of the ventilation gas supplied to the airway is regulated to maintain a positive airway pressure in the airway of the lung. The vacuum may be cyclically varied between the two vacuum levels. The levels may be maintained substantially constant over a period of time, or one or both of the lower and higher levels may be adjusted during ventilation. The lung may be placed in a sealed chamber, and a vacuum is formed in the chamber around the lung.

Abstract: A backpack-type assembly may include: a body; and a base member. The body may include a cooling fan. The base member may include: a back plate attached to the body; and a harness attached to the back plate and configured to be worn on a user. The harness may include: a cooling port; and at least one shoulder belt configured to be worn on a shoulder of the user. The cooling fan may be configured to circulate cooling air into or out of the base member through the cooling port of the harness.

Abstract: A backpack-type assembly may include: a body; and a base member including a cooling port. The base member may include: a back plate attached to the body; and a harness attached to the back plate and configured to be worn on a user. The harness may include: at least one shoulder belt configured to be worn on a shoulder of the user; and a cooling fan. The cooling fan may be configured to circulate cooling air into or out of the base member through the cooling port of the base member.

Abstract: Devices and methods to measure gastric residual volume (GRV) are described where at least one additive component (a GRV indicator) may be dispersed in a body lumen such as a stomach. The GRV indicator may changes a physical (chemical, electrical, thermal, mechanical, optical, etc.) characteristic within the stomach by a measureable degree. This degree of change and/or the rate of return to the previous state, may be used to determine the GRV of a patient. The determined GRV can also be used to automatically or semi-automatically control the patient's feeding rate and/or volume and/or frequency to adequately nourish the patient but avoid complications. The physical characteristic(s) may also be used to detect that the feeding catheter or tube is in the correct location (ie stomach vs lung or esophagus.

Abstract: A surgical gas delivery system is disclosed for gas sealed insufflation and recirculation, which includes a gaseous sealing manifold for communicating with a gas sealed access port, an insufflation manifold for communicating with the gas sealed access port and with a valve sealed access port, a compressor for recirculating gas through the gas sealed access port by way of the gaseous sealing manifold, a first outlet line valve associated with the insufflation manifold for controlling a flow of insufflation gas to the gas sealed access port, a second outlet line valve associated with the insufflation manifold for controlling a flow of insufflation gas to the valve sealed access port, and a proportional valve associated the insufflation manifold and located upstream from the first and second outlet line valves for dynamically controlling the flow of insufflation gas to the first and second outlet line valves.

Abstract: Ablation devices useful for removing nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a cannula having an opening at a distal tip of the cannula, the opening configured for suction of a surgical site, and a movable tissue capture member having a portion disposed within the opening or adjacent to the cannula, the movable tissue capture member configured to capture tissue when moved in a first position. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to an aspiration catheter comprising a catheter body that can have a first end and a second end and an aspiration lumen extending through the catheter body. The aspiration lumen can have an aspiration opening located in a distal portion of the aspiration catheter. The catheter can have an assistive jet element extending through a wall of the aspiration lumen. The assistive jet element can have an assistive jet channel. The assistive jet element can be adaptable to draw blood through the assistive jet element from a location outside of the catheter body adjacent to the assistive jet element and into the aspiration lumen when suction is applied to the aspiration lumen and can be configured to break apart a thrombus or obstruction in the aspiration lumen.

Abstract: A suction catheter for fragmenting and removing obstructive material and thrombus from the body or other body cavities that comprises a tube-like body with a proximal and distal end and a pressure lumen and discharge lumen formed in the catheter body. At the distal end of the catheter is a suction opening adjacent to the opening of the nozzle injector formation. At the proximal end of the catheter the lumens are connected to an inlet port and a discharge outlet. A hub structure is coupled to the proximal end of the catheter tubular body and includes a pressure lumen for connecting a fluid source to the pressure inlet. At the proximal end of the tubular catheter a discharge lumen is connected at the proximal hub to a discharge reservoir. The suction port at the distal end of the catheter may be formed into a separate lumen within the catheter body and may include a guidewire lumen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for the removal of objects from the body. The device may be a urethral catheter configured to aspirate kidney stones from the urinary tract through one or more aspiration ports at the distal face or along a lateral side of the catheter. The catheter may include one or more irrigation ports at the distal face or along the lateral side of the catheter for dislodging kidney stones. The device may be steerable. The spatial arrangement of the one or more irrigation ports with respect to the one or more aspiration ports may vary. The device may include an irrigation tube and/or a shield member configured to spatially confine the kidney stones adjacent the catheter. Various temporal patterns of aspiration and irrigation are disclosed for optimizing removal of kidney stones.

Abstract: A ventilator adaptor for switching between ventilator devices while maintaining respiratory support to a patient is described. The ventilator adaptor has a first movable element with a first inlet and a second inlet, and a second movable element movably attached to the first movable element and with an outlet. The outlet has an inner diameter of 14.5-15.5 mm, preferably 15 mm, and the first inlet and the second inlet have an outer diameter of 14.5-15.5 mm, preferably 15 mm. The outlet is in fluid communication with the first inlet in a first position or with the second inlet in a second position by moving the second movable element relative to the first movable element thereby aligning the outlet with the first inlet or the second inlet. The outlet may be attached to an endotracheal tube in order to form a ventilation assembly.

Abstract: A surgical fluid manager includes a pump releasably engageable to tubing and a user interface. The user interface is configured to enable finger-touch selection of a fluid flow rate through the tubing and configured to operate in at least one of a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the flow rate is controlled via direct selection of one of a plurality of selectable digital numeric values, while in the second mode the flow rate is controlled via user selection of one alphanumeric identifier within a scale of alphanumeric identifiers. Each respective alphanumeric identifier directly corresponds to just one instrument size within a scale of instrument sizes.

Abstract: A cleaning catheter (200) insertable into a tracheal ventilation tube (160) and an input module (156) are provided for use with a suction source (601), the input module (156) coupled to the cleaning catheter (200) and including (i) an inflation module (330), including an inflation chamber (335) separate from the suction source (601); (ii) a flow regulator (700), configured to assume first and second fluid-control states; and (iii) a mechanical user control element (320), which is configured (a) to mechanically and non-electrically set the fluid-control states, (b) to assume first and second configurations, and (c) to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in an interior of an inflation chamber (335) during a transition of the mechanical user control element (320) from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is provided. The electrosurgical device can include an elongated member configured to be attached to an elongated shaft of an endoscope, the elongated member including a distal portion that, when axially extended beyond a distal end of the shaft, bends toward a longitudinal axis of the shaft. The electrosurgical device can include an electrode exposed at the distal portion of the elongated member. The electrosurgical device can include an electrical interconnect coupling the electrode to an electrosurgical energy connection at a proximal portion of the elongated member.

Abstract: An oxygenator includes: a housing; a bubble-removing hollow fiber membrane layer removing a bubble; a gas-exchanging hollow fiber membrane layer exchanging a gas with blood; and a discharge port to discharge the bubble removed by the bubble-removing hollow fiber membrane layer to the outside of the housing. The oxygenator further includes a gas permeable portion that is arranged between the discharge port and an end portion of the bubble-removing hollow fiber membrane layer, is formed by a member having gas permeability, and allows passage of the bubble removed by the bubble-removing hollow fiber membrane layer without allowing passage of plasma leaking through the bubble-removing hollow fiber membrane layer. A plasma capture chamber that captures the plasma leaking through the bubble-removing hollow fiber membrane layer is formed between the end portion of the bubble-removing hollow fiber membrane layer and the gas permeable portion.

Abstract: A dressing for treating a tissue site may include a base layer, a sealing member, a first and a second wicking layer, and an absorbent layer. The base layer may have a plurality of apertures and may be adapted to cover the tissue site. The sealing member and the base layer may define an enclosure. The first and the second wicking layer may each be disposed in the enclosure with the absorbent layer positioned between the first and the second wicking layer. A conduit comprised of an absorbent material that is vapor permeable and liquid impermeable may be in fluid communication with the dressing for providing reduced pressure to the dressing. Other dressings, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for a phacoemulsification handpiece. The phacoemulsification handpiece may include: a proximal portion having a longitudinal axis, and a first end and a second end, wherein at least aspiration, irrigation and power connectors couple with the first end; a distal portion along the longitudinal axis and comprising a coupling configured to couple a needle with the distal portion; and a lever connectively associated with the coupling extending outwardly from the coupling through the distal portion, wherein actuation of the outwardly extending aspect of the lever provides a rotation of the coupling independent of rotation of the distal portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of an actuated cannula seal are disclosed In some embodiments, a cannula seal includes a base portion that engages with a cannula; and a seal portion integrally formed with the base portion, the sealing portion capable of engaging with an instrument shaft, the sealing portion capable of being actuated by an actuator so that the sealing portion is continually in motion relative to the instrument shaft. The actuation of the sealing portion can be accomplished by rotation or vibration of the sealing portion relative to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification tip, including an aspiration tube presenting a cutting tip at a distal end. The aspiration tube has a tube wall presenting an internal face and an external face. The internal face supports at least one internally extending internal ridge. The at least one internal ridge presents an internal distal face, an internal proximal face and an internal apex. The internal distal face meets the internal face at an acute angle measured internally. The at least one internal ridge is structured to engage lens fragments separated from a crystalline lens to enhance proximal movement of the lens fragments and to inhibit distal movement of the lens fragments through the aspiration tube.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical device including an outer shaft, an inner shaft, first and second electrode surfaces, and an irrigation channel. The outer shaft defines a lumen, a proximal end and a distal end forming a cutting window. The inner shaft is rotatably disposed within the outer shaft, and defines a distal portion forming a cutting tip. The cutting tip and the cutting window combine to define a cutting implement. The first and second electrode surfaces are electrically isolated, and are formed at the cutting implement. The irrigation channel extends parallel to the outer shaft, and terminates in at least one outlet port. The outlet port is proximally spaced from the cutting window and is located radially outside of the outer shaft. Fluid (e.g., saline) is emitted at the exterior surface of the device near the cutting window and is readily present for interacting with the electrode surfaces.

Abstract: A vacuum aspiration control system for use with a vacuum source and an aspiration catheter includes a connecting tube configured to connect the vacuum source with a lumen of an aspiration catheter. An on-off valve is operatively coupled to the connecting tube, and a sensing unit is configured to detect flow within the connecting tube and provide a signal representative of flow. A controller receives the signal to decide whether to open or close the valve. The controller may automatically close the valve to stop flow when flow through the connecting tube is unrestricted, or according to a predetermined timing sequence. The controller can further periodically open a closed valve to determine whether flow has entered an acceptable range. The controller can still further engage pulsed aspiration with a pressure manipulation assembly when flow is restricted or occluded.

Abstract: Aspiration medical device as well as methods for making and using aspiration medical devices are disclosed. An example aspiration medical device may include a tubular member having a distal end region and defining an inflow orifice adjacent to the distal end region. An aspiration member may be disposed within the tubular member. The aspiration member may have a plurality of axially-spaced fluid jets formed therein.

Abstract: Cell separation systems and methods of separating cells are disclosed. In an embodiment, a cell separation system is described that comprises a non-transitory storage device that executes a centrifugation program to separate cell volume from biologic material volume; a heating mechanism; a containment mechanism; and an assembly comprised of a single-walled centrifugation bowl. In an embodiment, methods of separating cells are disclosed whereby cells are separated by agitating a volume of biologic material and a volume digestion media to form a digested volume of biologic material; centrifuging the digested volume of biologic material; removing a portion of a resulting waste via at least one fluid outlet; isolating a different portion of the waste, and removing the concentrated cell volumes from the reservoir.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device comprising: a) two or more functional states; b) a selector assembly that moves between at least a first position and a second position, the selector assembly including: i) one or more shuttles; ii) one or more buttons; iii) one or more circuit boards with one or more switches; and iv) one or more indicators; wherein the selector assembly in the first position is configured to provide a first one of the two or more functional states, and in the second position is configured to provide a second one of the two or more functional states; and wherein the one or more indicators communicates a first color, corresponding to the first functional state, and communicates a second color corresponding to the second functional state.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing instillation therapy with a negative-pressure source are described. The apparatus can include a housing having a dosing chamber and a negative-pressure chamber fluidly isolated from each other. The apparatus can also include a moveable barrier disposed in the housing between the dosing chamber and the negative-pressure chamber. The housing includes a fluid inlet in fluid communication with the dosing chamber and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with the dosing chamber. The housing can also include a negative-pressure inlet in fluid communication with the negative-pressure chamber and a biasing element coupled to the moveable barrier. The biasing element is operable to move the moveable barrier between a charge position and a discharge position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a transducer assembly with a housing having a conduit section and a base portion. A fluid passageway is defined through the conduit and base portion, an ultrasonic transducer including a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes are arranged in a stack configuration, where an electrode is located between each pair of piezoelectric elements. A first borehole is defined through the ultrasonic transducer and an end mass having a second borehole defined therethrough. A surface of the end mass is positioned adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer, the end mass is configured to engage with the housing, and the conduit section of the housing is configured to pass through the second borehole of the end mass. The end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic transducer against a surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing.

Abstract: The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, a surgical cassette for an ophthalmic surgical system comprises an irrigation conduit that is in fluid communication with a handpiece and carries fluid toward a surgical site. An aspiration conduit is in fluid communication with the handpiece and carries fluid away from the surgical site. An aspiration pump creates a vacuum pressure in the aspiration conduit to draw fluid through the aspiration conduit towards a drain reservoir. A reservoir couples with a pressure-vacuum source to manage the reservoir pressure. A valve is in fluid communication with the aspiration conduit and the reservoir, and provides one or more channels between the aspiration conduit and the reservoir. Each sensor detects a pressure associated with the surgical site. A computer controls the valve in response to the pressure detected by the one or more pressure sensors to mitigate a pressure or volume change.

Abstract: A manifold assembly for a surgical gas delivery system is disclosed, which includes a manifold body including an inlet port for receiving a gas from an outlet side of a compressor and an outlet port for recirculating the gas to an inlet side of the compressor, a bypass valve communicating with the inlet port and the outlet port of the manifold body, an air ventilation valve for dynamically controlling an ingress of air from an atmosphere, a smoke evacuation valve for dynamically controlling an egress of the gas from the manifold assembly when the surgical gas delivery system is operating in a smoke evacuation mode, and a gas fill valve for dynamically controlling the a receipt of the gas from a source of surgical gas.

Abstract: A nutrient recycling device is provided that is configured to collect digestive contents from a first opening of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract and recycle and/or return the digestive contents to a second location in a patient's gastrointestinal tract. The device and associated method may find application in patients with a number of complaints, such as short bowel syndrome and/or prior to stoma reversal surgery. The device comprises a bag adapted to receive the digestive contents from a first GI opening, and a pump incorporated with the bag adapted to pump the digestive contents to a second GI location. The pump includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior of the bag, and an outlet connected to an outlet conduit adapted to provide a flow pathway for the digestive content to flow from the pump to second GI location.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a vacuum-actuated surgical grasper includes a suction head adapted to interface with patient tissue, a suction tube connected to and in fluid communication with the suction head, and a handle connected to the suction tube, the handle comprising an internal passage in fluid communication with the suction tube through which fluid from the suction tube can flow and a pivotable actuation lever that controls this flow through the passage.

Abstract: This application presents methods and devices for continuously cleaning a colon by at least partially filling a segment of the colon with liquid and agitating the fluid to dislodge matter adhering to the colon walls. Methods for automatic maintenance of liquid levels in the colon during continuous cleaning are taught.

Abstract: A pressure gradient wound therapy apparatus (50) including a pump assembly (10). The pump assembly (10) includes a diaphragm (12) comprising a magnetic material (16), an electromagnetic actuator (18) switchable between two or more operational states and a valve arrangement (24) including an inlet valve (26) and an outlet valve (28) for the introduction and/or removal of fluid into a fluid chamber (30) of the pump assembly (10). The actuator (18) is configured to move the diaphragm (12) with respect to the actuator (18) between a first position corresponding to a first operational state of the actuator (18) and a second position corresponding to the second operational state of the actuator (18).

Abstract: Provided is a medical device with portions configured for fitting and being retained simultaneously into two cavities on opposite sides of the body of a subject, for example the eustachian tubes or the fallopian tubes. The device may include an elongated member with a central segment and first and second peripheral segments extending therefrom. These segments differ in their intended function and eventual in situ positioning: the two peripheral segments intended for insertion and positioning within the two cavities and exerting their function within the cavities. The central segment serves as a link between two peripheral segments and may also be used for some other functions by its position. The elongated member may have elastic properties.

Abstract: A radio frequency ablation system, includes a single frequency RF signal generator, control circuitry configured to set phases and amplitudes of a plurality of replicas of the RF signal, a plurality of non-linear amplifiers, configured to amplify the plurality of replicas of the RF signal, and to drive a respective plurality of ablation electrodes in a patient body with the amplified replicas. A processor is configured to receive a superposition of the plurality of replicas as a return signal from a body surface patch electrode, and to adaptively adjust phases and amplitudes of the amplified replicas in response to the return signal with the control circuitry to zero crosstalk currents. In a tissue contact check mode of operation the phases of the amplified replicas are identical, and in an ablation mode of operation the phases of the amplified replicas differ from one another.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a continuum dexterous manipulator (CDM) with a specially designed flexible tool, to be used as a handheld or robotic steerable device for treatment of hard-tissue-related diseases. The CDM of the present invention works well in treatment of soft and sticky material (similar to a lesion) as well as milling the hard tissues (e.g. sclerotic liner of osteolytic lesions) and bone tumors. The present invention is also directed to flexible drilling tools as well as characterization and evaluation of integrating these tools with the CDM in curved-drilling of hard bone towards treatment of hard tissue related diseases (e.g. osteonecrosis or pelvic fracture). The present invention can also include use of various types of drill geometries, aspiration and irrigation, and endoscope view in curved-drilling and trajectory planning.

Abstract: A self-flushing connector includes a housing having a cavity, a first inlet port, a second inlet port, and an outlet port. A collapsible valve is disposed within the cavity. A first flow path extends from the first inlet port to the outlet port. The first inlet port and the second inlet port are fluidly connected through a gap defined between the body of the collapsible valve and an inner wall of the housing defining the cavity. A second flow path extends from the second inlet port to the first flow path. When the collapsible valve is in a closed state, the collapsible valve fluidly disconnects the second flow path from the first flow path while allowing fluid to flow through the first flow path. When the collapsible valve is in an open state, the second flow path is fluidly connected to the first flow path.

Abstract: In a method of ventilating excised lungs, a ventilation gas is supplied to an airway of a lung and a vacuum is formed around the lung. A quality of the vacuum is varied between a lower level and a higher level to cause the lung to breathe, while the pressure of the ventilation gas supplied to the airway is regulated to maintain a positive airway pressure in the airway of the lung. The vacuum may be cyclically varied between the two vacuum levels. The levels may be maintained substantially constant over a period of time, or one or both of the lower and higher levels may be adjusted during ventilation. The lung may be placed in a sealed chamber, and a vacuum is formed in the chamber around the lung.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade and a clamp arm assembly. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with an acoustic waveguide of the shaft assembly. The clamp arm assembly is pivotable toward and away from the ultrasonic blade. The clamp arm assembly includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are operable to cooperate to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue.

Abstract: A hydrophobic filter for filtering an airflow or another gaseous flow in a medical application has a housing encompassing a filter chamber, an inlet port arranged on the housing and forming an inlet opening, an outlet port arranged on the housing and forming an outlet opening, and a hydrophobic structure extending along a plane of extension and separating the filter chamber into an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber. The inlet opening opens into the inlet chamber and the outlet opening opens into the outlet chamber. Herein, the outlet opening opens into the outlet chamber at a first location when viewed along the plane of extension and the inlet opening opens into the inlet chamber at a second location different from the first location when viewed along the plane of extension.

Abstract: There is provided feeding tubes including an electromagnetic sensor including a sensor body comprising a core positioned at a distal end of the sensor lumen, and a wire extending along the length of the feeding tube, wherein an RF induced heating of the feeding tube in an MRI environment is below 5 degrees.

Abstract: A method includes inserting a flexible cannula between a sclera and a choroid of an eye. The needle is advanced from a distal end of the flexible cannula, such that the needle pierces the choroid to access a subretinal space of the eye. The needle is used to deliver a first volume of leading bleb fluid to the subretinal space. The delivery of leading bleb fluid is ceased for a duration of time. After expiration of the duration of time, the needle is used to deliver a second volume of the leading bleb fluid to the subretinal space. The combination of the delivered first and second volumes of the leading bleb fluid causes a substantial portion of the retina to detach from the choroid. A therapeutic agent may then be delivered to the subretinal space in the region where the retina is detached from the choroid.

Abstract: Therapeutics and methods of treatment to repair, preserve and grow cartilage are presented. In addition, systems and methods for delivering a therapeutic to a hard to reach anatomical area, such as, for example, the BCI, are presented. A cannulated delivery device provided with a cutting tip, cutting flutes and threads on its distal end can be provided. Using such an exemplary device, various novel therapies for joint and cartilage repair, preservation and generation can be implemented. The device may have two-needles, with a first cannula/needle, with a finger grip at its distal end, and a longer inner needle to penetrate through the outer needle into the disc, and introduce therapeutics, for example, via a syringe. When provided with a septum at the inner needle's proximal end, the PIARES device is a completely closed system, and its use minimizes trauma.