Abstract: A staple instrument is provided. The staple instrument includes a staple holder, a rotational drive shaft, and a linkage operatively coupled to the staple holder. The linkage is configured to expand the staple holder via an expansion motion imparted thereon. A converter coupling intermediate the rotational drive shaft and the linkage converts rotational motion of the rotational drive shaft into expansion of the staple holder. The staple instrument also includes a housing that supports the linkage, converter coupling, and rotational drive shaft. The rotational drive shaft has a stop surface that engages a corresponding surface formed in the housing to inhibit proximal translation of the rotational drive shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: There is provided a staple instrument for inserting and removing staples from bone. A rotational drive shaft is turned to provide finite adjustments to open and close jaws used to hold and adjust the legs of a staple. A converter coupling converts the rotational motion of the drive shaft to liner motion to operate an articulated linkage system that moves the jaws. The jaws include a sharp edge to engage under a bridge of a staple inserted in bone segments and a convex pry surface that cooperates with the edge to pry a staple from the bone segments when the instrument is pulled away from the bone segments.

Abstract: A fixation assembly for bone fixation and a method for joining bones or bone fragments of a single bone and translating uniform compression to the bones. The fixation assembly comprises a post member coupled to a screw member. The post member comprises a head portion connected to an anchoring portion, wherein the head portion is offset from the anchoring portion by a first angle. The head portion may comprise a curved body annularly extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end is separated from the second end by a slot, and wherein the curved body defines a tapered annular bore therein. The anchoring portion comprises a first leg extending from the first end of the curved body and a second leg extending from the second end of the curved body. The screw member comprises a tapered bulbous portion connected to a threaded elongated portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for a surgical bending instrument for bending surgical implants. The surgical bending instrument comprises a body including a longitudinally extending threaded hole. A shaft comprising a threaded portion is rotatably engaged within the threaded hole. A handle is coupled to a proximal end of the shaft, and a distal extension of the shaft comprises a driver. A distal force applicator comprises the driver centered between a first grip and a second grip. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to retain a surgical staple, such that the surgical staple may be changed to a distracted configuration suitable for implantation at a bone fixation or fusion site of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal force applicator is configured to bend a bone fusion plate so as to tailor the plate to specific anatomy of the patient's bone.

Abstract: A bone plate has first and second sides, each with the same structure. The plate includes nodes separated by deformable bridges. Each node defines a screw hole, and wings extending laterally therefrom. The wings taper in thickness between the first and second sides. Screw holes are threaded into the nodes. The plate can be shaped to the bone by deformation at the bridges or removal of portions of the plate at bridges.

Abstract: A system including a catheter navigable to a location within a patient, a lumen extending through the catheter and ending at the distal end in an orifice, a fluid controller in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter and capable of supplying a fluid to or removing a fluid from an area proximate the desired location. The control of the fluid in the area proximate the desired location affecting a dielectric constant of the area proximate the desired location. The system includes a microwave energy source, and a microwave ablation probe connected to the microwave energy source, the microwave ablation probe being navigable to a desired location within the patient. Application of energy from the microwave energy source to the microwave ablation probe in an area proximate the desired location having the affected dielectric constant results in a substantially spherical tissue effect in the area proximate the desired location.

Abstract: The invention provides improved instruments and related methods for percutaneously delivering a revision implant to a surgical site in a spine of a patient having an existing implant installed therein. In one aspect, a percutaneous delivery instrument is provided with an inner shaft with a threaded portion at its distal end to engage a percutaneous revision implant, an outer sleeve with a hollow cavity, hinges, and features to engage the percutaneous revision implant at its distal end, and a translator in which the outer sleeve is disposed. The percutaneous delivery instrument may be employed to deliver and install a percutaneous revision implant to extend the existing implant such that it spans additional portions of the spine.

Abstract: An intramedullary bone fixation device is disclosed herein. The device includes a first longitudinally extending member, a second longitudinally extending member, and a coupling member. The first longitudinally extending member includes a connector end and a bone engagement end opposite the connector end. The second longitudinally extending member includes a connector end and a bone engagement end opposite the connector end. The coupling member is configured to engage the connector ends of the respective longitudinally extending members, thereby coupling the first longitudinally extending member to the second longitudinally extending member. The device may be provided in an kit form at least partially unassembled. The device may be delivered into a fracture and fully assembled within the fracture or adjacent bone via percutaneous or minimally invasive surgical procedures. The device, on account of its configuration and assembly, may be considered modular in some cases.

Abstract: Medical implant which at least partially comprises a biocompatible, electrically conductive polymer with electrical resistivity p, having the property of being able to be heated and softened by a flow of current through the polymer.

Abstract: A surgical staple for compressing bones or bone fragments includes a first leg, a second leg, and a bridge monolithically formed with the first and second legs. The bridge has a first end section from which the first leg extends and a second end section from which the second leg extends. A connection between the first leg and the first end second forms a cross-sectional profile, and the bridge has an engagement portion at the first end section that extends away from the cross-sectional profile for engagement with an external tool to adjust the staple from a relaxed state to an expanded state. When the staple is in the relaxed state, at least a portion of the bridge is bent or curved, and free ends of the legs are closer to one another than are portions of the legs connected to the bridge.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for bending a bone fixation device, such as a bone plate during a surgical procedure. In some embodiments, the system may include an instrument having (a) a clamp with jaws and (b) a graspable handle portion that is manipulable while a bone plate is located between the jaws to bend the bone plate by application of pressure with the jaws at alternating positions along the bone plate. The clamp may allow the bone plate to be reoriented from an orientation for in-plane bending to an orientation for out-of-plane bending, and vice versa, while the bone plate remains between the jaws.

Abstract: A universal rod holder including a drive member and an elongated shaft member. The drive member has a proximal portion and a distal portion, and may include a handle disposed on the proximal portion, external threads disposed on the proximal portion of the drive member, and a tip disposed on a distal end of the distal portion of the drive member. The elongated shaft member includes a through hole, the through hole configured to receive the drive member, internal threads disposed on an inner surface of the through hole and configured to engage the external threads, and a hook member disposed on a distal end of the shaft member. The through hole extends into an opening of the hook member. The distal portion of the drive member is configured to slide through the through hole and into the opening of the hook member to secure a rod positioned therein.

Abstract: A bone fusion device includes a first anchor for insertion into a hole formed in a first phalange, and a second anchor for insertion into a hole formed in a second phalange. A rod includes a handle and a distal end, with the distal end being associated with each of the first anchor and the second anchor. The rod includes a breakaway portion between the handle and the distal end allowing the handle to be manually separated from the distal end.

Abstract: A method is provided and may include rotating a biocompatible, non-metallic threaded fastener at a rotational speed greater than 15,000 revolutions per minute and driving said fastener into a bone at said rotational speed.

Abstract: A process for producing the actuating part of an instrument for endoscopic applications, which instrument comprises a tubular member having a handling end portion with a flexible portion and an actuating device located at another end portion, which actuating device comprises a cylindrical part connected to the handling end portion, a cylindrical part connected to the actuating device and a number of longitudinal elements for transferring the movement of the actuating device to the handling end portion, the actuating device being made beginning with a full cylindrical tube which is provided with a number of longitudinal slits thereby forming the longitudinal elements.

Abstract: Methods and systems for bone plate bending are provided which include bending tools that couple relative to the bone plate to bend the plate. Such system permit bending without necessitating that the bending tools are in direct contact with the holes in the plate, which could deform the holes.

Abstract: System, including apparatus and methods, for bending a bone fixation device, such as a bone plate during a surgical procedure. In some embodiments, the system may include an instrument having (a) a clamp with jaws and (b) a graspable handle portion that is manipulable while a bone plate is located between the jaws to bend the bone plate by application of pressure with the jaws at alternating positions along the bone plate. The clamp may allow the bone plate to be reoriented from an orientation for in-plane bending to an orientation for out-of-plane bending, and vice versa, while the bone plate remains between the jaws.

Abstract: A bending instrument for a surgical element has two branches or arms which are pivotable relative to one another. A bending punch and two counter members are provided. The counter members interact with the bending punch to deform the surgical element. An actuator for the bending punch is adapted to convert an actuating movement of the branches or arms into a linear movement of the bending punch in a direction towards a region between the two counter members in order to bend the surgical element therebetween. First and second bending structures are provided for co-operatively bending the surgical element, wherein the bending instrument is configured to convert an actuating movement of the branches into a mating movement of the first and second bending structures towards one another.

Abstract: An implant for the purpose of osteosynthesis, for the immobilization and stabilization of tubular bones, especially of tubular bones that have a fracture or an osteotomy, especially of rib bones, comprises at least a first implant component that has an attachment section with means of attachment for the purpose of attaching the first implant component to a tubular bone, especially in a region of the tubular bone close to a fracture or osteotomy. The first implant component further has a connection section, with the connection section being formed for insertion of a second implant component and immobilization of the second implant component in a position adjustable relative to the first implant component. The connection section comprises a guide device for the purpose of guiding the second implant component as the second implant component is being positioned relative to the first implant component.

Abstract: Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.

Abstract: A bone plate system for reshaping a bone plate to conform to contours of bone surfaces. The system comprises a bone plate, a pair of spaced-apart guides removably attached to the bone plate, and a bending tool. The bending tool comprises a handle and a head attached to a distal end of the handle. The head defines a cavity sized and shaped to engage the pair of spaced-apart guides. The bone plate system is configured to transfer a leverage force applied by a user to the bending tool while the cavity of the head is fitted over the pair of spaced-apart guides to a regionalized bending moment to the bone plate through the pair of spaced-apart guides to reshape the bone plate.

Abstract: A bending tool can be configured to bend an orthopedic implant and includes a first jaw assembly and a second jaw assembly. The first jaw assembly includes a first base and a first adjustment member that is movably coupled to the first base. The second jaw assembly is movably coupled to the second jaw assembly. The second jaw assembly includes a second base and a second adjustment member that is movably coupled to the second base.

Abstract: A surgical method of treating morbid obesity via bariatric procedures, carried out endoluminally and transluminally using endoscopic devices that are introduced through natural body openings without the necessity of creating any incisions in the abdominal wall.

Abstract: A bone plate includes first and second longitudinal sides, a plurality of through holes longitudinally displaced in the bone plate between the first and second longitudinal sides, and a plurality of tubular guide elements coupled relative to the plurality of through holes. Plate bending tools are provided. Each includes a handle having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, and an end effector coupled to the first end of the handle. The end effector includes a retaining arm that is provided with a bore having a bore axis extending transverse relative to the longitudinal axis and a fulcrum. The bore is sized to received a portion of a tubular guide element coupled to the bone plate such that the retaining arm can stably engage the tubular guide element. The fulcrum is adapted to bear against one of longitudinal sides of the bone plate.

Abstract: A bone plate system for reshaping a bone plate to conform to contours of bone surfaces. The system comprises a bone plate, a pair of spaced-apart guides removably attached to the bone plate, and a bending tool. The bending tool comprises a handle and a head attached to a distal end of the handle. The head defines a cavity sized and shaped to engage the pair of spaced-apart guides. The bone plate system is configured to transfer a leverage force applied by a user to the bending tool while the cavity of the head is fitted over the pair of spaced-apart guides to a regionalized bending moment to the bone plate through the pair of spaced-apart guides to reshape the bone plate.

Abstract: A surgical instrument handle assembly includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A proximal opening is formed at the proximal end of the housing. A distal opening is formed at the distal end of the housing. The proximal and the distal openings define a longitudinal axis. A handle extends downwardly from the longitudinal axis. The handle defines a proximal contact surface, a saddle surface, and a stabilization tail. A trigger is pivotally attached to the housing and is pivotally moveable relative to the handle.

Abstract: A surgical device for bending an implant is described. The device comprises first and second mould members adapted to at least partially receive the implant between them, wherein the mould members are shaped in three dimensions in accordance with one or more cranio-facial features. The device further comprises an actuation mechanism adapted to convert a manually exerted force into an actuation force acting on at least one of the mould members to bend the implant received between the mould members.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting thermal radiation emanating from two different intracranial depths in a patient includes a transducer having a surface for placement against the patient's cranium. The transducer includes a first antenna with an aperture adjacent that surface the antenna being tuned to a first frequency and producing a first signal indicative of thermal radiation received within an antenna pattern extending a first distance from the surface and a second antenna having a second aperture adjacent to that surface within the first aperture. The second antenna is tuned to a second frequency and produces a second signal indicative of radiation received within an antenna pattern extending a selected second distance from the working surface, the second distance being shorter than the first distance. The two signals are coupled to a receiver/control unit which thereupon monitors and displays the temperature at the two intracranial depths.

Abstract: A bending tool is provided for reshaping a bone plate that is preassembled with a pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements removably attached to the bone plate and extending above the top surface of the bone plate. The bending tool has a handle and a distal head attached to the distal end of the handle. The distal head has a cavity that is sized and shaped to fit over the pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements. The user, while holding the bone plate, may manually apply a leverage force to the bending tool while the cavity of the distal head is fitted over the pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements to transmit a sufficient, regionalized bending moment to the bone plate through the pair of threaded, cylindrical elements to reshape the bone plate.

Abstract: A screw nail correcting apparatus used for treating ingrown nails seen in human feet and/or hands adapts to different nail widths and to the changes that may occur in time on the same nail and practically enables pulling of the nail with an amount of force complying with the requirement. The fact that the apparatus is not a single piece and that it can be mounted separately from both sides of the nail provides ease of use, and the screw mobile part in the middle thereof helps to adjust the tautness according to the requirement of the nail at the concerned moment.

Abstract: Plate shaping tools may be attached to a plate having pre-assembled guides while the plate is located on the bone to effect alteration of the plate shape in an effective and precise manner. The tools are designed such that a drill and K-wires can be inserted through the guides while the tools are coupled to the guides. In accord with tools disclosed and methods described, the plates are reconfigurable in shape.

Abstract: Bending forceps (10) for surgical elements such as bone plates (30) are described. The bending forceps (10) have two branches (12, 14) which can pivot relative to one another and with together two counter bearings (26, 28) for the surgical element to be bent. A bending punch (32) for co-operation with the surgical element is provided in a region between the two counter bearings (26, 28). An actuating movement (40) of the branches (12, 14) is converted into a linear movement of the bending punch (32) in the direction of the surgical element by means of an actuating device (40), for example an elliptical linkage gear mechanism.

Abstract: A pair of plate benders are provided for bending a bone plate. Each bender includes a lever arm having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a fulcrum for placement on the upper surface of the plate, and a foot insertable through the oblong screw hole to contact the lower surface of the plate. The second end includes a cut-out with a central divider. The cut-out has a length dimensioned to extend widthwise about the plate at the location of the oblong screw hole with the divider extending into the oblong screw hole for stability. The second end may also be provided with a deep slot that accommodates the thickness of the plate. In use, plate benders with such structure can be used in pairs to longitudinal bend the plate; bend the plate in plane; or twist the plate along its axis.

Abstract: A combination of bone fixation device and bending tool. The bone fixation device comprising a plurality of screw receiving members. Each screw receiving member having an aperture extending there through for receiving a screw. The screw receiving members being connected together in a line by plastically deformable connecting arms extending therebetween. The bending tool comprising first and second bending arms. Each bending arm comprising a first face, a second face and a side wall extending therebetween. The side wall comprising a recess extending between the first and second faces. The intersection of the recess with the first and second faces defining first and second connecting arm receiving apertures respectively. The recess being adapted to receive a screw receiving member.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for tensioning a tether. In one embodiment, a tether tensioning device is provided and includes a tensioning mechanism adapted to couple to a tether extending along a path between at least two bone anchors implanted in adjacent vertebrae. The tensioning mechanism can be adapted to apply a tensioning force to the tether along the path of the tether to thereby move the tether along the path. The device further includes an actuation mechanism movably coupled to the tensioning mechanism such that the actuation mechanism is adapted to effect movement of the tensioning mechanism to control the tensioning force applied to the tether.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in a medical procedure. In one form, the device includes a bending mechanism having a plurality of engaging members are selectively positioned relative to a receiving area. In one embodiment, a first set of engaging members is positioned in a select arrangement, and a second set of the engaging members is movable relative to the select arrangement of the first set of engaging members to compressingly engage the elongate member to bend the elongate member to a desired shape/contour. The device also includes a heating element configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. In one form, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material, and heat is applied to soften one or more portions of the elongate member to provide added flexibility to facilitate bending.

Abstract: Plate shaping tools may be attached to a plate having pre-assembled guides while the plate is located on the bone to effect alteration of the plate shape in an effective and precise manner. The tools are designed such that a drill and K-wires can be inserted through the guides while the tools are coupled to the guides.

Abstract: Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.

Abstract: A microwave antenna assembly comprising an elongate shaft having proximal and distal ends and a lumen defined therebetween, a conductive member at least partially disposed within the inner lumen of elongate shaft, conductive member being selectively deployable relative to a distal end of elongate shaft from a first condition wherein a distal end of conductive member at least partially abuts the distal end of elongate shaft to a second condition wherein the distal end of conductive member is spaced relative to the distal end of elongate shaft and a first dielectric material disposed between elongate shaft and conductive member, wherein a portion of conductive member is distal to the distal end of elongate shaft and adapted to penetrate tissue.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for bending an elongate member used in a medical procedure. In one form, the device includes a bending mechanism having a plurality of engaging members are selectively positioned relative to a receiving area. In one embodiment, a first set of engaging members is positioned in a select arrangement, and a second set of the engaging members is movable relative to the select arrangement of the first set of engaging members to compressingly engage the elongate member to bend the elongate member to a desired shape/contour. The device also includes a heating element configured to apply heat to one or more portions of the elongate member to facilitate bending. In one form, the elongate member is formed of a heat deformable material, and heat is applied to soften one or more portions of the elongate member to provide added flexibility to facilitate bending.

Abstract: A pair of plate benders are provided for bending a bone plate. Each bender includes a lever arm having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a fulcrum for placement on the upper surface of the plate, and a foot insertable through the oblong screw hole to contact the lower surface of the plate. The second end includes a cut-out with a central divider. The cut-out has a length dimensioned to extend widthwise about the plate at the location of the oblong screw hole with the divider extending into the oblong screw hole for stability. The second end may also be provided with a deep slot that accommodates the thickness of the plate. In use, plate benders with such structure can be used in pairs to longitudinal bend the plate; bend the plate in plane; or twist the plate along its axis.

Abstract: A tool system for working on a bone plate is described. The tool system includes a first tool and a second tool, used at the same time as the first tool to shorten or bend the bone plate. Each of the two tools includes one or more introduction openings with which in turn one or more blades may be associated.

Abstract: A method and devices for facilitating fixating and joining of bone fractures utilizing expandable devices that are positioned within the bone and across the fracture site. The stress from the expanded may enhance and expedite bone healing.

Abstract: Removable guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes of a fracture fixation plate. The guide tips may be used with or without drill guides to guide a drill along the axes of threaded holes defined in the plate. In addition, the tips may be used with bending tools to contour the plate laterally, longitudinally and with twist. More particularly, such plate contouring can be performed while the plate is located on the bone.

Abstract: A bending tool is provided for reshaping a bone plate that is preassembled with a pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements removably attached to the bone plate and extending above the top surface of the bone plate. The bending tool has a handle and a distal head attached to the distal end of the handle. The distal head has a cavity that is sized and shaped to fit over the pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements. The user, while holding the bone plate, may manually apply a leverage force to the bending tool while the cavity of the distal head is fitted over the pair of spaced-apart threaded, cylindrical elements to transmit a sufficient, regionalized bending moment to the bone plate through the pair of threaded, cylindrical elements to reshape the bone plate.

Abstract: Removable guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes of a fracture fixation plate. The guide tips may be used with or without drill guides to guide a drill along the axes of threaded holes defined in the plate. In addition, the tips may be used with bending tools to contour the plate laterally, longitudinally and with twist. More particularly, such plate contouring can be performed while the plate is located on the bone.

Abstract: Removable guide tips are pre-assembled into threaded holes of a fracture fixation plate. The guide tips may be used with or without drill guides to guide a drill along the axes of threaded holes defined in the plate. In addition, the tips may be used with bending tools to contour the plate laterally, longitudinally and with twist. More particularly, such plate contouring can be performed while the plate is located on the bone.

Abstract: A system for contouring a locking plate includes a locking plate and at least one bender. The locking plate includes a plurality of threaded screw holes connected to one another by one or more ribs. The at least one bender includes a threaded tip configured to threadably engage one or more of the plurality of threaded screw holes and a shoulder operable to transmit mechanical force to the locking plate once the threaded tip is threadably engaged with one of the plurality of threaded screw holes.

Abstract: Bending forceps (10) for surgical elements such as bone plates (30) are described. The bending forceps (10) have two branches (12, 14) which can pivot relative to one another and with together two counter bearings (26, 28) for the surgical element to be bent. A bending punch (32) for co-operation with the surgical element is provided in a region between the two counter bearings (26, 28). An actuating movement (40) of the branches (12, 14) is converted into a linear movement of the bending punch (32) in the direction of the surgical element by means of an actuating device (40), for example an elliptical linkage gear mechanism.

Abstract: Bending pliers are described for perforated bone plates with two jaws movable relative to one another. A receiving jaw has two spaced receptacles for insertion into holes of a bone plate to be received. A pressure-exerting jaw comprises a pressure-exerting element which, when the bending pliers are actuated, cooperates with a received bone plate in a region between the two receptacles. The receptacles have an outside diameter which is variable along their axial extent in order to cooperate, preferably in a form-fitting manner, with different hole types.