Abstract: A valve mechanism for coupling to a trocar comprises a housing having an instrument bore extending therethrough from an upstream end to a downstream end and alignable with an instrument bore of the trocar. A gate valve comprising a pair of gate elements located in the housing is operable between a closed state closing the instrument bore and an open state clear of the instrument bore. First compression springs urge the gate elements into the closed state. A pair of engagement members, which are engageable with an instrument, for example, a laparoscope in the instrument bore, and which extend into the instrument bore from respective carrier elements through guide slots. The carrier elements are coupled to operating members of the gate elements through link members for operating the gate elements (22) from the closed state to the open state as the engagement members (33) are urged downwardly in in guide slots by an instrument being entered through the instrument bore.

Abstract: A multi-hair grooving device for use in obtaining natural results in hair transplantation. The multi-hair grooving device accommodating a goniometer and a direction meter, a counter, palm-use and includes a linear motor, a motor driver, a laser, an audible buzzer, a microprocessor, a digital screen, an accelerometer and goniometer, buttons, a battery reader, a power center, an ion battery and a micro-blades insertion apparatus.

Abstract: Provided is a medical device capable of easily changing a position of the device inside a biological lumen and effectively removing a cut object. The medical device for removing the object in the biological lumen has a drive shaft, a cutting portion, a first housing that accommodates the drive shaft to be rotatable, a second housing that is rotatable with respect to the first housing, and a support portion that supports the first housing and the second housing. The second housing and the support portion relatively move along an axis to restrict relative rotation of the first housing and the second housing. The support portion supports the second housing to be rotatable around the axis.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns medical devices, such as catheters and implantable devices, having radially adjustable features. More particularly, the catheters and implantable devices can radially expand and contract to perform various functions within the body. Expansion and contraction can be performed by a radially adjustable structure mounted on the medical device. For example, a medical device can include an body configured for in vivo introduction, a strip attached to the body and rolled into a ring such that layers of the strip radially overlap each other, and at least one motor actuatable by electrical energy to move the radially overlapping layers of the strip relative to one another and change a diameter of the ring and the body.

Abstract: A system for improving graft harvesting including a blade guide (320) having a handle (370) and a guide portion with an elongate slot (330). The system may also include a first blade assembly (750) that slides along the elongate slot (330), the blade assembly (750) having a cutting blade (765) rotatably coupled to a handle (780). The cutting blade (765) may include a leading cutting edge and a trailing cutting edge. The blade assembly (350, 750) and blade guide (320) may cooperate to control a depth of blade penetration into a tissue, as the blade slides along the elongate slot (330). The blade guide (320) may include means to stabilize the guide with the tissue.

Abstract: A cutting balloon catheter including a balloon mounted on a distal portion of a catheter shaft. The balloon includes a cutting member mounted on an exterior surface of the balloon which includes one or more features for providing the cutting member with enhanced flexibility for navigating tortuous anatomy and more closely conforms to the expansion characteristics of the balloon to which the cutting member is mounted.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes a housing, an outer tube having a distal portion configured for transcervical insertion into a uterus, an inner tube slidably disposed within the outer tube lumen, a vacuum generation chamber disposed within the housing, a movable piston slidably disposed in the vacuum generation chamber, a collection chamber, a manual actuator moveably coupled to the housing and operatively coupled to the piston, and proximal and distal one-way valves. The outer tube has an outer tube lumen, a tissue in-take opening proximate a distal end thereof, and a proximal end coupled to the housing. The inner tube has an inner tube lumen extending from an open inner tube distal end to an open inner tube proximal end, the open inner tube distal end comprising a cutting edge configured to sever intrauterine tissue extending through the tissue in-take opening in the outer tube.

Abstract: An energy source is offset from an elongate probe axis with an extension. The amount of offset of the energy source can be controlled by varying an amount of offset of the extension. The energy source rotated and translated at the offset distance to resect tissue. In some embodiments, the probe is configured to receive a second treatment probe comprising a second energy source, in which the second energy source is rotated and translated relative to the first treatment probe, which can improve positional accuracy and stability. The energy source and the extension can be coupled to a linkage to offset the energy source, and to translate and rotate the energy source with varying amounts of offset. The linkage can be coupled to a processor and one or more of the energy source moved in accordance with a treatment profile.

Abstract: A bone implant system may include a plurality of bone anchors, a superior rod attachable to a superior portion of a bone via the bone anchors, and an inferior rod attachable to an inferior portion of the bone via the bone anchors. The superior rod may have a superior end, and the inferior rod may have an inferior end. The superior rod may telescopically engage the inferior rod such that a cavity is present within at least one of the superior rod and the inferior rod and such that a length of the combined superior and inferior rods, measured between the superior end and the inferior end, is adjustable. The cavity may contain a micropump and a chamber. The micropump may be configured to expel fluid into the chamber to urge the length to increase.

Abstract: A catheter device for crossing occlusions includes an elongate catheter shaft, a rotatable tip configured to rotate relative to the elongate catheter shaft, a drive shaft, and an OCT imaging sensor. The rotatable tip includes a central guidewire lumen, a distal grinding surface, and a fluted portion. The distal grinding surface can be substantially perpendicular to the guidewire lumen and include divots and sharp points that form pyramidal features, where the sharp points extend distally from the distal grinding surface. The fluted portion can have flutes extending around a circumference of the rotatable tip proximal to the distal grinding surface. The fluted portion may not include the divots and sharp points that form the pyramidal features of the distal grinding surface.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering an action to an area of a hip joint or its surroundings, inside a human body, is provided. The hip joint of a patient comprises a collum femur and a ball shaped caput femur, being the proximal parts of the femoral bone, and an acetabulum, being a bowl shaped part of the pelvic bone. The medical device comprising; an elongated member, having a length axis along its elongated distribution, comprising a first portion, adapted to enter the body of the patient, and a mechanical element, adapted to be used during an operation in the hip joint or its surroundings, inside the body. The first portion of the elongated member comprises a holding member adapted to hold the mechanical element inside the body of the patient, wherein the first portion of the elongated member have a first portion cross-section area substantially perpendicular to the length axis of the elongated member.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one electronic, optical, or electro-optical component positioned within a distal portion of the device and one or more connectors positioned at a distal portion of the device. In some instances, the connectors are flexible coils, such as a ribbon coil, formed of a conductive material. In some particular instances, the conductive coil is embedded within a polymer tubing. Further, in some embodiments the electronic, optical, or electro-optical component is positioned within a flexible element at the distal portion of the device. In some instances the flexible element is a coil. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument assembly usable in a procedure. The instrument includes a connection for a working portion and to a tool handle. The assembly includes a method and system for interconnection and/or identification of the working portion and the handle. The instrument may also include various trackable features to allow for a navigated procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for creating a bore in bone. The devices and methods described involve driving a rotating bit in an axial direction such that both rotation and linear movement are controlled and measurable. The instrument is useful for a surgeon to control and simultaneously measure the travel of the tool into the bone and prevent injury to surrounding structures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a surgical device which is externally used as aiming device that permits accurate placement of surgical wire to mend a supracondylar fracture. The device of the invention decreases operative time, risks of the re-dislocation through continuous manipulation, radiology exposure for both the patient and operation room staff, and to decreases anesthesia duration. It is also directed to surgical use of the device for repair of a supracondylar fracture and to methods for making it.

Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for percutaneously inserting surgical devices, such as during glenoid labrum repairs or rotator cuff repairs of the shoulder, for example, may include a cannula and a cutting obturator insertable through the cannula. The cutting obturator may include a cutting tip configured for penetrating and dilating tissue during a percutaneous insertion into a joint space.

Abstract: A system (200) and method (600) for identifying cutting tools for use during a surgical procedure are described. For example, the system includes a cutting tool assembly (210) including a shaft (212) having a cutting element (214) and at least one identifying feature (216) that uniquely corresponds to the cutting element. The system further includes a drive assembly (220) including a reference pin (224), a motor (230) mechanically connected to the drive assembly, a control unit (240) configured to activate the motor to move the cutting tool assembly such that the reference pin engages with the at least one identifying feature, a sensor system (226) configured to determine positioning information related to the reference pin when the reference pin engages the at least one identifying feature, and a computing unit (250) configured to receive the positioning information from the sensor system and identify the cutting element based upon the position information.

Abstract: A shaft according to the application for an endoscopic instrument has a connecting section arranged in a distal end region of the shaft, with a connecting device for connection, in particular in the manner of a bayonet connection, with a replaceable working insert being formed at said connecting section, the connecting device having a first engagement structure for a connection engagement of an engagement element of a working insert of a first type, and the connecting device having a second engagement structure for a connection engagement of an engagement element of a working insert of a second type, wherein the first and the second engagement structures are arranged and/or formed differently. The application also relates to an endoscopic instrument and an endoscopic system.

Abstract: Devices for removing implanted objects from body vessels are provided. A device includes a sheath assembly having a cutting tip. The cutting tip includes a cutting surface that is adapted to cut tissue coupled to an implanted object as the cutting tip rotates. The sheath assembly further includes an outer shield carried outside of the cutting tip. The outer shield includes a distal opening, and the outer shield is translatable relative to the cutting tip from a first position to a second position and vice versa. In the first position the cutting surface of the cutting tip is disposed within the outer shield, and in the second position the cutting tip extends through the distal opening and the cutting surface is at least partially disposed outside of the outer shield.

Abstract: An apparatus for disrupting tissue in the intervertebral disc space that includes a barrier member having a first configuration for insertion into the disc space and a second configuration when deployed within the disc space. The second configuration of the barrier member is adapted to at least partially define a perimeter of a working region within the disc space. The apparatus also includes a tissue disruption tool configured for insertion into the working region.

Abstract: Systems and methods can remove material of interest, including blood clots, from a body region, including but not limited to the circulatory system for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cerebrovascular embolism, and other vascular occlusions.

Abstract: A medical device for cutting substances inside a body lumen includes a flexible and elongated drive shaft including a distal portion and a proximal portion, a cutting member connected to the distal portion of the drive shaft to be rotatable with the drive shaft, and a hub located at the proximal portion and supporting the drive shaft, the hub including a first bearing mounted on the drive shaft and an elastic ring that is made of an elastic material on an outer periphery of the first bearing.

Abstract: Medical devices as well as methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a steerable crossing catheter system. The steerable crossing catheter system may include an elongate catheter shaft having a proximal end region, a steerable distal end region, and a lumen extending therethrough. A core may be disposed within the lumen. The core may have a distal end. A penetrating member may be coupled to the distal end. A sensing assembly may be disposed adjacent to the distal end. The sensing assembly may be configured to estimate the location of the core within a body lumen.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns medical devices, such as catheters and implantable devices, having radially adjustable features. More particularly, the catheters and implantable devices can radially expand and contract to perform various functions within the body. Expansion and contraction can be performed by a radially adjustable structure mounted on the medical device. For example, a medical device can include an body configured for in vivo introduction, a strip attached to the body and rolled into a ring such that layers of the strip radially overlap each other, and at least one motor actuatable by electrical energy to move the radially overlapping layers of the strip relative to one another and change a diameter of the ring and the body.

Abstract: A fluid diversion device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, a housing including channels configured to receive respective tubes, and a bore that extends laterally across the plurality of channels. The device can include an occlusion member disposed in the bore, where rotation of the occlusion member selectively occludes either a first subset of tubes or a second subset of tubes. The device can include an actuator that enables rotation of the occlusion member to a first position and a second position such that the first subset of tubes and the second subset of tubes are alternatively occluded in the first position or the second position for fluid communication in different directions relative to chambers of a delivery device operable to deploy and recapture the medical device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating cellulite including an apparatus that applies or a method involving separating septa to eliminate or reduce the appearance of cellulite. In one approach, an interventional tool is placed between tissue layers to engage and treat septa connecting tissue layers between which fat deposits are contained.

Abstract: A bone fusion system including a collection vessel, an abrading and harvesting device, tubing and a probe. The abrading and harvesting device includes a needle portion and a sharpened tip. The needle portion has a central bore extending therethrough. The needle portion has a distal end. The sharpened tip is attached to the distal end of the needle portion. The tubing is operably connecting the collection vessel and the abrading and harvesting device. The probe has a threaded portion and a tip portion at a distal end of the threaded portion. The threaded portion has a thread on an outer surface thereof. The tip portion is unsharpened and does not have a thread on an outer surface thereof. The probe is extendible through the central bore.

Abstract: A device having a hub assembly and a lever coupled with the hub assembly is provided. The device includes a sheath coupled with the lever and extending from the hub assembly. The sheath has a surgical elevator with a surgical elevator edge along with a hypotube having an access hole. The device has a shaver blade assembly with an outer shaft having an outer blade and an inner blade within the outer blade. The outer shaft has a stop and an access hole near the outer and inner blades. The sheath partially surrounds the outer shaft and the lever moves between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the surgical elevator edge abuts the outer shaft stop and the outer shaft access hole aligns with the hypotube access hole. In the second position, the surgical elevator edge is spaced apart from the outer shaft stop.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for inserting an intraocular lens (IOL) into an eye, are provided. The apparatus comprises an IOL cartridge comprising a nozzle, a compartment, a plunger, and a plunger case. The nozzle is in fluid communication with the compartment, and the plunger case is in fluid communication with the compartment. The plunger is disposed within the plunger case. The plunger case includes flexible members extending from an outer surface of the plunger case. The IOL cartridge is configured to removably attach to a handpiece.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to safety blades for use in utility knives, related assemblies and methods of manufacturing. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to safety blades for use in utility knives, related assemblies and methods of manufacture which limit user exposure to associated cutting edges.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, the medical device includes an outer tubular member made from one or more rigid materials having a first bend element including a distal end portion of the outer tubular member and a second bend element proximal to the first bend element in a natural state; and a treatment member on the distal end portion configured to grind a substance inside a body lumen, and wherein an outer diameter of the treatment member is larger than an outer diameter of the outer tubular member, and a difference between the outer diameter of the treatment member and the outer diameter of the outer tubular member is less than a thickness of a blood vessel wall.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes within a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus for slidably moving multiple features relative to a sheath inserted into a body and positioned relative to a reference point includes a primary actuator configured to move a primary electrode, a secondary actuator configured to move a secondary electrode, and a control mechanism. The control mechanism is configured to selectively prevent movement of at least one of the primary actuator based on a position of the secondary actuator and of the secondary actuator based on a position of the primary actuator and lock positions of the primary actuator and the secondary actuator.

Abstract: A fixation device for securing a linear element to a workpiece includes a contact component and a fixation component. The contact component typically includes (i) a first contact surface for application to a workpiece and (ii) a first opening for receiving a linear element. The fixation component typically secures a portion of the linear element on a side of the first contact component opposite the first contact surface. The fixation component engages the contact component to prevent passage of the linear element's secured portion through the workpiece when a tension is applied to the linear element in a direction opposite the contact surface.

Abstract: A robotic surgical tool includes a tool driver, and a drive housing inductively coupled to the tool driver when mounted to the tool driver and generating a magnetic field, the drive housing including one or more component parts made of or including a magnetically responsive material. A computer system is programmed to process an intensity of the magnetic field and a field distortion caused by the one or more component parts, and further programmed to generate a notification when the field distortion changes.

Abstract: An orthopedic drill bit that is configurable to form a first bone tunnel having a first bore when inserted through a bone and a second, larger bore as the drill is partially withdrawn from bone to produce a reverse counterbore for accepting an anchor. The drill bit has a shaft with a pivotal cutting tip that is movable from a narrow boring configuration into a wider boring configuration. The drill bit has a body enclosing the shaft that is biased into engagement with the cutting tip. Rotation of the body allow a user to move the cutting tip from the narrower bore configuration used to drill a pilot hole into a wider bore configuration used to drill a reverse counterbore for accepting the anchor.

Abstract: A system includes an access cannula, a deployment cannula having a plurality of engagement arms, and a containment bag. The deployment cannula is slidable within the access cannula between an initial condition, wherein the engagement arms are retained in a contracted configuration, and a deployed condition, wherein the engagement arms are disposed in an expanded configuration. The containment bag includes an open end portion configured to receive the first elongated tubular member and the second elongated tubular member. In the initial condition, a portion of the containment bag towards the open end portion is positioned adjacent at least one of the first elongated tubular member or the second elongated tubular member. In the deployed condition, the portion of the containment bag is expanded such that the portion of the containment bag is spaced-apart from the at least one of the first elongated tubular member or the second elongated tubular member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system, method, and apparatus for harvesting follicular units from an epidermis. The disclosed apparatus includes a hollow tubular structure having a central axis and a trumpet bell structure that is attached to an end of the hollow tubular structure. The trumpet bell structure terminates at a flat annular face that is substantially in a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The flat annular face has a sharp outer edge, and an inner surface of the trumpet bell structure inward from the flat annular face is smoothly varying.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of apparatus and method for obtaining one or more portions of biological tissue (“micrografts”) to form grafts are provided. For example, a hollow tube can be inserted into tissue at a donor site, and a pin provided within the tube can facilitate controlled removal of the micrograft from the tube. Micrografts can be harvested and directly implanted into an overlying biocompatible matrix through coordinated motion of the tube and pin. A needle can be provided around the tube to facilitate a direct implantation of a micrograft into a remote recipient site or matrix. The exemplary apparatus can include a plurality of such tubes and pins for simultaneous harvesting and/or implanting of a plurality of micrografts. The harvested micrografts can have a small dimension, e.g., less than about 1 mm, which can promote healing of the donor site and/or viability of the harvested tissue.

Abstract: The tissue cutting device comprises an elongated assembly including both an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve. The outer sleeve has a tissue-receiving window, and the inner sleeve has a distal end which cuts tissue as the inner sleeve is advanced past the window. The tissue is received into a lumen of the inner sleeve, and the inner sleeve lumen is typically enlarged in a proximal direction to reduce the tendency of resected tissue to lodge therein. The tissue displacement member is optionally provided at a distal end of the outer sleeve to further aid in dislodging tissue which becomes captured in a distal end of the inner sleeve of the lumen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting element indication include an end effector having a jaw for clamping a material and a cutting element within the end effector and a processor. The cutting element is moveable relative to the end effector. The cutting element is driven by a drive element and a mechanism coupling the drive element to the cutting element. The processor is configured to determine a position of the cutting element relative to the end effector via a displacement of the drive element and a displacement of the mechanism and display, on a user interface, an indicator of the position of the cutting element relative to the end effector.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices include at least one electronic, optical, or electro-optical component positioned within a distal portion of the device and one or more connectors positioned at a distal portion of the device. In some instances, the connectors are flexible coils, such as a ribbon coil, formed of a conductive material. In some particular instances, the conductive coil is embedded within a polymer tubing. Further, in some embodiments the electronic, optical, or electro-optical component is positioned within a flexible element at the distal portion of the device. In some instances the flexible element is a coil. Methods of making and/or assembling such intravascular devices/systems are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device in the form of a perforating trocar and is intended in particular to be used for surgery and interventional radiology. The device comprises an outer sleeve (5) having a rigid tube (8), and a mandrel (6) having a rod (18). The rod (18) is suitable for sliding in the outer sleeve (5) and has, at its distal end, a perforating tip (21, 33). The rod (18) additionally has a longitudinal groove (20) arranged on the surface of the rod (18), and extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the rod (18), in order to allow the device to slide on a guide pin.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for treating mitral valve regurgitation that include members that assist the valve in closing during the cardiac cycle. Such devices may include members configured to alter the shape of mitral valve annulus. In certain embodiments, one or more wires may be anchored on one extremity to an element positioned along the posterior part of the mitral annulus, in the coronary sinus, and on another extremity to an element along the anterior part of the mitral annulus, fibrous trigon. The reshaping of the mitral annulus may be accomplished by pulling the wire or wires. Reducing the length of the wire or wires may provide the displacement of the posterior leaflets towards the anterior, thereby increasing the coaptation surface for the valve leaflets and reducing the regurgitation.

Abstract: A tissue removal device including customizable tips and method of use thereof. The tissue removal device may include an outer shaft having a removable tip attached to the outer shaft and a rotatable inner shaft extending through the outer shaft and having a rotatable cutting portion extending from the inner shaft. Disc material may be cut and removed from a surgical area using an auger-like and/or suction mechanism to facilitate the transfer of removed tissue away from the surgical area.

Abstract: A retrograde cutting instrument and method of retrograde drilling using such an instrument. A method of forming a socket includes providing a retrograde cutter, inserting the cutter into a joint with a blade of the cutter in a straight position, pivoting the blade to a non-straight flip position, locking the blade in the flip position, and retrograde drilling a socket using the blade in the flip position.

Abstract: Devices and methods useable for forming opening in trabecular meshwork of mammalian eyes.

Abstract: Provided are a device whereby, during process of a process target such as a cell or the like, localized process of a process part is possible without inflicting damage due to heat, and rejoining and regeneration may proceed readily subsequent to process, and whereby an injection substance may be introduced efficiently; and a device for generating bubbles containing a plasma. Through the use of a localized ablation device employing a bubble jetting member having a core formed from a conductive material, a shell part formed from an insulating material, covering the core and including a section extending from the tip of the core, and a space formed between the extended section of the shell part and the tip of the core, a process target can be treated in localized fashion and without inflicting damage.

Abstract: A chuck assembly for a medical device is provided. The chuck assembly includes a mounting base structured to couple to a tool; a housing coupled to the mounting base; and a cam sleeve within the housing and movable with respect to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position, the cam sleeve having an annular base, an arm extending from the annular base, and a cam extending laterally from the arm.

Abstract: Medical methods and devices for treating aortic dissections. A catheter-based cutting device permits cutting a septum of acute or chronic aortic dissections, in a retrograde manner. The catheter includes a base section having a central lumen therethrough and two flexible arms extending from a distal end thereof. The flexible arms can each have a guide wire channel therethrough. With distal ends of the two flexible arms separated, the two arms form a Y-shape with the base section. In one embodiment, with distal ends of the two flexible arms together, the two arms have a longitudinal profile, about a periphery thereof, identical to a longitudinal profile of the base section. A cutting component resides between the two arms. The cutting component can face distally outward between the two arms with the distal ends of the two flexible arms separated.

Abstract: A method of fusing a first bone and a second bone. An abrading and harvesting device is provided that includes a needle portion having a sharpened tip. The needle portion has a central bore extending therethrough. The needle portion has a proximal end and a distal end. The sharpened tip is attached to the distal end of the needle portion. A probe is provided having an unsharpened tip portion. The probe is extended between the first bone and the second bone. The needle portion is extended over the probe by passing the proximal end of the probe through the central bore. The first bone and the second bone are abraded with the sharpened tip to cause bleeding bone to be exposed on the first bone and the second bone. A device is placed along a path formed by the needle portion between the first bone and the second bone.