Abstract: A soft suture anchor construct is provided for placement in or against tissue or bone. The anchor includes an all-suture anchor having two ends positioned in a first direction in a pre-deployment configuration. In a deployed configuration, the two ends are positioned in a second direction different from the first direction. The suture anchor construct also includes a filament passing through the anchor at a plurality of passing locations, where the filament changes direction at least once along the direction of the longitudinal axis of the anchor and forms at least one slack line. In the pre-deployment configuration, the filament extends a first length between adjacent passing locations, and in the deployed configuration, the filament extends a second length between adjacent passing locations. The second length is shorter than the first length. The suture anchor construct may be deployed in a bone hole with an inserter, anchor driver, or other deployment device.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for preparing a robotic system for surgery. In one aspect, the method includes a robotic arm, a sensor configured to generate information indicative of a location of the robotic arm, a processor, and at least one computer-readable memory in communication with the processor and having stored thereon computer-executable instructions. The instructions are configured to cause the processor to receive the information from the sensor, determine that the robotic arm is located at a first position in which a first axis associated with the robotic arm is not in alignment with a second axis associated with a port installed in a patient, and provide a command to move the robotic arm to a second position in which the first axis associated with the robotic arm is in alignment with the second axis.

Abstract: A suturing system including apparatus and methods for disposing sutures in a substrate.

Abstract: A suture passer includes a shaft having an axis, a first jaw mounted to the shaft in alignment with the axis, the first jaw being configured to releasably support a length of suture thereon; a second jaw movably mounted to the shaft, and a needle movably mounted to the shaft, the needle having a hook and being configured to reciprocate in alignment with the axis so that the hook can selectively pass by the second jaw and engage suture releasably supported on the first jaw, wherein the first jaw comprises a spring for selectively binding the suture to the first jaw, and further wherein the spring comprises a recess for receiving the suture therein.

Abstract: A bendable medical instrument including: a handle at a proximal end of the bendable medical instrument, a modular distal shaft including a plurality of vertebrae configured to bend and situated near a distal end of the bendable medical instrument, a bendable internal rod disposed through at least some of the plurality of vertebrae, the bendable internal rod having a modular cell structure, and a distal tip coupled to the modular distal shaft at the distal end. The plurality of vertebrae configured to bend to position the distal tip in a patient and the bendable internal rod configured to bend with the plurality of vertebrae.

Abstract: A suturing system including apparatus and methods for disposing stitches in a substrate comprising a thread carrier which inserts a thread in the substrate at a first location and withdraws the thread from the substrate at a second location.

Abstract: A device for closing a tissue opening includes a proximal housing portion having a first portion, a second portion, a third portion, and a fourth portion. The first portion and the fourth portion extending transversely to a longitudinal axis of the proximal housing portion on opposite sides of the proximal housing portion. A distal portion extends from the proximal housing portion. At least the second portion and the third portion are configured to move toward the first portion.

Abstract: A vessel closure device including a proximal end including a handle with first and second actuators, a distal end including a suturing mechanism, and first and second needles associated with the suturing mechanism. At least one of the first and second needles is coupled to the first actuator. The second actuator is coupled to the suturing mechanism. The suturing mechanism includes a pivotal element capable of being moved by the second actuator between an insertion and removal orientation, a first deployed orientation, and a second deployed orientation. The suturing mechanism is activated within the vessel through an opening in the wall of the vessel and the first and second needles are directed through the vessel wall adjacent to the opening to direct a tensile member adjacent to the opening for closing and sealing the opening.

Abstract: A suture passer includes a first shaft comprising a hollow tube and a distal portion located distally of a distal end of the hollow tube; a needle comprising a needle tip and a needle shaft translatably mounted in the hollow tube for passing a suture loaded holder through tissue positioned between the distal end of the hollow tube and the distal portion of the first shaft; an actuatable engagement located in the distal portion of the first shaft for retaining the suture loaded holder after the suture loaded holder has passed through the tissue; a sheath extending around an exterior of the needle shaft and translatable with the needle shaft for at least a portion of a stroke of the needle, wherein the sheath is moveable relative to the needle for actuating the engagement to an unlatched position to release the holder from the distal portion of the first shaft.

Abstract: A vessel closure device comprising a proximal end includes a first actuator, a distal end including a suturing mechanism, and first and second needles associated with the suturing mechanism. At least one of the first and second needles is coupled to the first actuator. The suturing mechanism is activated within the vessel through an opening in the wall of the vessel. The first and second needles are directed through the vessel wall adjacent to the opening to direct a tensile member adjacent to the opening for closing and sealing the opening.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering surgical fasteners to a controlled, specific depth in tissue and locking the fasteners closed to provide a secure and reliable attachment. Devices includes a body with a handle with a trigger extending therefrom; a shaft extending from the body; a delivery tip at a distal end of the shaft; a driver member disposed within the shaft; and a fastener with no points, barbs, or sharp edges held at the delivery tip. The fastener is inserted into a fixed depth and locks into a closed loop.

Abstract: Medical devices for applying a cinch to one or more suture and cutting the suture, and methods for making and using such devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an elongated shaft, a connection sleeve, a cinch sleeve coupled to the connection sleeve, and a cinch member. An elongated inner shaft may extend through and be longitudinally movable within the elongated shaft, connection sleeve, cinch sleeve, and cinch member.

Abstract: A technique for locating a target tag (110) using a short range radio based positioning system comprising a plurality of localization components (120) is provided, wherein the target tag (110) and the plurality of localization components (120) are configured to perform ranging measurements among each other using short range radio technology. A method implementation of the technique is performed by an orchestration component (100) of the positioning system and comprises sending, using long range radio technology, a ranging plan to the target tag (110) and one or more of the plurality of localization components (120), the ranging plan instructing the target tag (110) and the one or more of the plurality of localization components (120) to perform, using the short range radio technology, ranging measurements among each other enabling to locate the target tag (110).

Abstract: A bi-directional medical suturing device includes a first needle; a second needle being disposed distal to the first needle; a first thread control member including a first holding portion being movable between a position where the first holding portion prevents a movement of the first needle and a position where the first holding portion does not prevent the movement of the first needle; and a second thread control member including a second holding portion being located the first holding portion, the second holding portion being movable between a position where the second holding portion prevents a movement of the second needle and a position where the second holding portion does not prevent the movement of the second needle.

Abstract: Systems and methods of repairing tissue are disclosed. Systems and methods may repair an opening through a hip capsule. Systems and methods preferably repair the tissue while minimally encroaching on the tissue immediately behind the repair, such as the hip joint tissues. Some systems may repair the tissue with a suture passer having a needle that slides in axial alignment with the passer and includes a first recess for passing the suture in a first axial direction and a second recess for passing the suture in an opposing axial direction. Some systems may pass a portion of a repair construct in a retrograde direction, placing the repair construct in a preferred arrangement accommodating for the stresses on the tissue.

Abstract: A robotic suture knot tying system includes a first robotic arm, a second robotic arm, a suturing device including a suturing end effector operatively coupled to the first robotic arm, and a suture handling device operatively coupled to the second robotic arm. The system also includes a control system operatively coupled to the first robotic arm, the second robotic arm, the suturing device, and the suture handling device and configured to control operation thereof to cooperatively perform a suture knot tying procedure on a patient.

Abstract: Medical devices for cinching and cutting one or more suture, and methods for making and using such devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a shaft, a sleeve attached to the shaft, cutter slidable within the sleeve, a cinch sleeve releasably coupled to the sleeve, and a cinch member. An elongated inner shaft may extend through and be longitudinally movable within the elongated shaft, sleeve, cutter, cinch sleeve, and cinch member. The inner shaft may be actuated to cinch and cut one or more suture disposed within the device.

Abstract: A system including an anoscope having a first channel extending along a longitudinal axis and a second channel positioned at an angle to the first channel. For hemorrhoid treatment, an elastic band ligation device is insertable into the second channel, the elastic band ligation device carrying an elastic band and having an advancer movable in a distal direction to dislodge the elastic band.

Abstract: A rotation adapter for a minimally invasive surgical apparatus is disclosed. The rotation adapter has a proximal journal and a distal journal. The rotation adapter also has a rotation index coupled between the proximal and distal journals. The rotation adapter further has an actuator input wherein the actuator input comprises a keyed slot and an effector output.

Abstract: A method of superficial fat pad repositioning is disclosed in which three lifting vectors are established which synergistically cooperate to produce an enhanced lifting effect. A first lifting vector is substantially vertical and originates in the superficial orbital fat pad. A second lifting vector is oblique and originates below the nasolabial fold. A third lifting vector is also oblique and originates below the mandible. In a preferred embodiment, monofilament threads are utilized to establish each lifting vector.

Abstract: A method for closing a wound in a tubular organ using a suture thread introduced into the tubular organ, includes: inflating the tubular organ by supplying gas into the tubular organ; resecting a lesion while the tubular organ is inflated, so that the wound is formed; deflating the tubular organ by discharging gas from the tubular organ; passing the suture thread through a tissue around the wound; and gathering the tissue around the wound by pulling the suture thread passing through the tissue while the tubular organ is deflated.

Abstract: A suture device includes a suture ring that defines an arcuate channel extending therein. A first arcuate needle passer is slidingly disposed within a first side of the arcuate channel and a second arcuate needle passer is slidingly disposed within a second side of the arcuate channel. An arcuate needle is passable between the first arcuate needle passer and the second arcuate needle passer and includes a first latching feature adapted to releasably secure the arcuate needle to the first arcuate needle passer and a second latching feature adapted to releasably secure the arcuate needle to the second arcuate needle passer.

Abstract: A device includes an access cannula, a puncturing element, a handle. The access cannula includes a lumen extending therethrough. The access cannula is sized and shaped to extend through an endoscopic shaft to a target tissue within a living body. The puncturing element is sized and shaped to extend through the lumen of the access cannula and distally out a distal end of the access cannula. The handle includes a handle body and a mechanism for advancing the access cannula from a proximal position relative to the puncturing element, where a puncturing tip of the puncturing element is exposed distal to a distal end of the access cannula, to a distal position relative to the puncturing element, where the distal end of the access cannula covers the puncturing tip of the puncturing element.

Abstract: Described are methods and systems for transcervical access of the cerebral arterial vasculature and treatment of cerebral occlusions, including ischemic stroke. The methods and devices may include methods and devices which may provide aspiration and passive flow reversal, those which protect the cerebral penumbra during the procedure to minimize injury to brain, as well as distal catheters and devices to remove an occlusion. The methods and devices that provide passive flow reversal may also offer to the user a degree of flow control. Devices and methods which provide a way to securely close the access site in the carotid artery to avoid the potentially devastating consequences of a transcervical hematoma are also described.

Abstract: This disclosure provides tools and implant techniques utilizing such tools to gain access to and implant a medical device, such as a medical electrical lead, within extravascular spaces. In one example, this disclosure provides a tool for creating a sub-sternal tunnel in a patient. The tool comprises a relatively straight guide member extending from a first end thereof to a second end thereof, a tunneling member extending from a first end thereof to a tip thereof, the tunneling member extending alongside and coplanar with the guide member, the first end of the tunneling member and the first end of the guide member being joined together, and a handle coupled to the guide member.

Abstract: Surgical repair systems and techniques for plantar plate repairs. The surgical repair systems and methods reconstruct the plantar plate through a dorsal incision. The surgical repair system embodies a variety of instruments that provide visualization and access to the plantar plate using suture to complete the repair. The repair system may include some or all of the following instruments: a metatarsal head pusher employed in open surgical space, to move the “capital fragment” in a controlled manner; a suture retriever instrument and a suture retriever funnel (sleeve); a suture passer such as a Mini Scorpion DX and accompanying needle, or a variety of shaped Micro Suture Lassos; a measuring guide; and a small joint distractor.

Abstract: A knot pusher device for surgical port closure includes a head portion having at least one suture guide inlet and at least one suture retainer, the head portion being configured to contact a suture knot inside an incision to close a portion of a surgical port made by the incision, and a coupling member operatively connected to the head portion, the coupling member enabling releasable connection of the knot pusher device to a suturing device.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a minimally invasive cutting instrument includes a surgical cutting instrument. The surgical cutting instrument includes a drive unit, an end effector located at a distal end of the instrument, and a garage for housing the cutting blade when the cutting blade is not in use. The end effector includes gripping jaws and a cutting blade. To perform a cutting operation, the instrument extends the cutting blade from a first position to a second position, retracts the cutting blade from the second position to a third position between the first and second positions, and further retracts the cutting blade to the first position. While the cutting blade is not in use, the cutting blade is maintained in the first position using a restraining mechanism in the drive unit, force or torque applied by a motor or other active actuator to the drive unit, or both.

Abstract: A magnet-assisted suture grasper for grasping a magnetic suture is provided. The magnet-assisted suture grasper includes a suture retrieval needle, a retriever body, a grasper arm, and a grasper magnet. Translation of the retriever body within a needle lumen of the suture retrieval needle in a first direction causes the grasper arm to move from a first position to a second position, thereby exposing the grasper magnet and allowing contact between the grasper magnet and a magnetic suture attracted thereto. Translation of the retriever body within the needle lumen in a second direction opposite the first direction causes the grasper arm to move from the second position to the first position, thereby sequestering the grasper magnet and grasping the magnetic suture within the needle lumen. Another magnet-assisted suture grasper including a handle, a stem, first and second grasper jaws, a grasper magnet, and an actuator body also is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for delivering several sutures accurately and simultaneously around the perimeter of an annular prosthetic device (prosthetic heart valve, annuloplasty ring, etc.) to secure the prosthetic device within a native heart valve region. Devices can comprise a proximal handle portion including an actuator and a distal suturing portion including several curved and straight needles arrayed around the shaft axis. The straight needles and the curved needles are configured to simultaneously guide a plurality of sutures through the native tissue and through the annular prosthetic device. The actuator can cause the straight needles to move axially relative to the curved needles and can also cause the curved needles to rotate, such that the motions are coordinated to simultaneously place all the sutures.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector, a housing, a drive assembly, and a manually-driven actuator is disclosed. The end effector comprises a first jaw and a second jaw rotatable relative to the first jaw between an open position and a clamped position. The housing comprises a rotary input movable by a motor. The drive assembly is operably engaged with the rotary input. The drive assembly is movable by the motor in a motorized mode of operation to transition the second jaw toward the clamped position. The drive assembly is movable in a non-motorized mode of operation by the manually-driven actuator to permit a transition of the second jaw toward the open position to release tissue between the first jaw and the second jaw.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes a housing adapted for mounting on a finger of a user; and at least one guide tube attached along a length of the housing. The guide tube is configured for guiding a tissue repair implant from a proximal opening to a distal opening thereof.

Abstract: A soft anchor having a sleeve, being a circular braided suture defining a lumen, and defining a first terminus, having a first terminus opening and a second terminus having a second terminus opening. Also, a deployment suture is engaged to the sleeve by extending into the lumen through a first broach point, then out of the sleeve through the first terminus opening, then into the sleeve through a second broach point, on the bottom-side, and then out of the lumen though a third broach point, then into the lumen through the second terminus opening and out of the suture though a fourth broach point, thereby creating a first lateral trap, between the first broach point and the first terminus opening, a second lateral trap, between the second terminal opening and the fourth broach point, and a central trap, between the second and third broach points.

Abstract: The device relates to methods and devices for the treatment of obstmctive sleep apnea syndrome.

Abstract: A needle driver device includes an arc-shaped track and an arc-shaped needle configured to be received in the arc-shaped track. The arc-shaped needle is moveable along a curved path including the arc-shaped track. The needle driver device further includes a rotary drive mechanism and a needle driver link. The needle driver link has a distal end portion configured to removably engage the arc-shaped needle and a proximal end portion coupled to the rotary drive mechanism. The needle driver device also includes a guide member coupled to the needle driver link and defining a pivot location of the needle driver link between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion of the needle driver link. The needle driver link is rotatable about the pivot location, and the guide member is moveable in response to movement of the needle driver link.

Abstract: A suture device is utilized in forming a purse string suture during, e.g., laparoscopic end to end anastomosis procedure, to effect joining of two opposing intestinal sections. The suture device is utilized in other procedures such as, e.g., transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for removal of low rectal and ultra-low rectal tumors and preservation of anal sphincters to avoid permanent stomas. In particular, the suture device is utilized in forming surgical stitches used to close an internal anal structure or to narrow a passage for performing further transanal dissection to create total mesorectal excision.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an end effector for use with a surgical device is provided. The end effector includes a drive assembly, a driver, a needle assembly and a biasing element. The driver is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive assembly. Rotation of the drive assembly in a first direction causes distal translation of the driver with respect to the drive assembly. The needle assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the driver. Distal translation of the driver causes a corresponding distal translation of the needle assembly. The biasing element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the needle assembly and is configured to bias the needle assembly proximally.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a reusable meniscus suture device that comprising a handle for handling the device; a single-part needle comprising an elongated solid body which extends from the handle and a free end opposite the handle endowed with a cutting tip; and at least a portion of the elongated body gradually tapers in thickness towards the cutting tip, forming a portion of greater thickness in the region near the handle, and a portion of lesser thickness in the region near the tip, and wherein the portion of lesser thickness is malleable and curvable; and wherein the tip of the distal end has a lumen for the passage of the suture thread.

Abstract: The present invention reveals a needle set of laparoscopic surgery and knotting device thereof, the needle set comprising a body and an axis sleeve. Near the body side is formed a barrier, and the other side have a concave groove. The axis sleeve is hollow tube and fixedly run through the body. Therefore the needle set can axial insert into to the axis sleeve, and achieve the effect that minimizing the complicate of overall structure, reducing the length of a knotting device, and more convenient to operate.

Abstract: A device for passing a needle and suture longitudinally through a target tissue includes a proximal jaw including a proximal recess and a proximal retention mechanism for releasably engaging a first end of a needle received within the proximal recess and a distal jaw movably coupled to the proximal jaw such that the proximal and distal jaws are longitudinally movable relative to one another. The distal jaw includes a distal recess and a distal retention mechanism for releasably engaging a second end of the needle received within the distal recess. The proximal and distal jaws are movable between a first state, in which the proximal retention mechanism is in a locked configuration and the distal retention mechanism is in an unlocked configuration, and a second state, in which the proximal retention mechanism is in an unlocked configuration and the distal retention mechanism is in a locked configuration.

Abstract: A suture device is provided comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal axis and opposite proximal and distal ends. The distal end inserts into a wound and the proximal end operates the device. A suture needle connects with the elongate body at or near the distal end and is movable relative to the elongate body in longitudinal direction along a needle trajectory having a suturing space. A spreader connects with the elongate body at or near the distal end and engages tissue to be sutured adjacent the needle trajectory and provides a pulling force on the tissue to pull a portion of the tissue into the suturing space; and/or comprises a spring. The device is configured to urge at least a portion of the suture needle from a first position to a second position along a needle trajectory past a suturing space by a spring action of the spring.

Abstract: A suturing device includes a hollow needle. The hollow needle has a length extending between a proximal end and a distal end and defining a lumen having an inner diameter. The suturing device further includes a length of surgical suture having a leading end and a trailing end and an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the lumen. At least a portion of the surgical suture is located within the lumen of the hollow needle. A surgical kit including the suturing device and methods of using the suturing device of the present invention are also disclosed.

Abstract: An instrument for performing thorascopic repair of heart valves includes a shaft for extending through the chest cavity and into a heart chamber providing access to a valve needing repair. A movable tip on the shaft is operable to capture a valve leaflet and a needle is operable to penetrate a capture valve leaflet and draw the suture therethrough. The suture is thus fastened to the valve leaflet and the instrument is withdrawn from the heart chamber transporting the suture outside the heart chamber. The suture is anchored to the heart wall with proper tension as determined by observing valve operation with an ultrasonic imaging system.

Abstract: A suture passer comprising: a shaft having an axis; a first jaw mounted to the shaft in alignment with the axis, the first jaw being configured to releasably support a length of suture thereon; a second jaw movably mounted to the shaft; and a needle movably mounted to the shaft, the needle having a hook and being configured to reciprocate in alignment with the axis so that the hook can selectively pass by the second jaw and engage suture releasably supported on the first jaw; wherein the first jaw comprises a spring for selectively binding the suture to the first jaw, and further wherein the spring comprises a recess for receiving the suture therein.

Abstract: A surgical tensioner and methods for surgical repairs. A tensioner can tension a flexible strand (suture or wire) attached to tissue (for example, graft or bone segments). A tensioner can include an angled tip with a split hole to past-point on a knot and lock the construct during tensioning. A tensioner can include a securing mechanism that can capture a flexible strand and lock it into place.

Abstract: A suture-material-handling device includes a suturing head having first and second jaw sections, which can move relative to each other, and a first needle element associated with the jaw sections and designed to perform a first piercing and thread bring-along operation of a first thread end of the thread in a closed relative position of the jaw sections. A second needle element associated with the suturing head can be actuated separately from the first needle element and is adjacent to the first needle element. The second needle element is designed to perform a second piercing and thread bring-along operation for the second thread end of the thread in the closed relative position of the jaw sections. The second thread end is opposite the first thread end, and in order to perform locally spaced apart and consecutive double piercing of a suture carrier, the second needle element is designed to perform a pivoting and/or curved motion that brings along the second thread end.

Abstract: A device for suturing an incision in an artery has a handle, a supply of suture stored on spindle housed in the handle, a tube extending from the handle having a lumen through which suture extends, and a curved needle at a distal end of the handle, the curved needle having an opening through which a free end of the suture extends. A method for suturing an incision in an artery includes creating sequential openings in first and second flaps of the incision, with loops of suture extending through openings in one flap, with a free end of suture extending through the second flap being pulled through the loops and secured to another free end of suture extending through the first flap, to close the incision.

Abstract: A method for closing a puncture in tissue that includes advancing a guide member into proximity with the tissue, the guide member having a needle guide, positioning a distal end of the guide member with the needle guide toward the tissue to present an opening of the needle guide toward the tissue the needle guide cooperating with a suture securing device that is slidably coupled to the guide member and a suture attached to the suture securing device, deploying the suture securing device, the suture securing device comprising a body with an anchor point for the suture and features that allow the suture securing device to pierce the tissue and resist retraction through the tissue, and establishing tension in the suture to move the suture securing device toward another suture securing device to thereby close the puncture in the tissue.

Abstract: A soft anchor construct, having a cross-member suture of braided suture material and a cinching suture that has a first end and a second end. The cinching suture, starting at its first end, extends to the cross-member suture, and engages and traverses the cross-member suture at a first central point and then extends from the first central point to a first lateral point, and engages and traverses the cross-member suture at the first lateral point. The cinching suture then extends from the first lateral point to a second lateral point, opposed to the first lateral point, and engages and traverses the cross-member suture at the second lateral point and then extends from the second lateral point to a second central point and engages and traverses the cross-member suture at the second central point and extends from the second central point to the second end.

Abstract: A method for treating a heart valve involves delivering a catheter into a ventricle of a heart, advancing a coil from the catheter, rotating the coil at least partially around a papillary muscle of the ventricle, embedding a distal end of the coil in tissue of the ventricle, and manipulating a suture coupled to the coil to adjust a position of the papillary muscle.