Abstract: A liquid-jet scalpel for minimally invasive surgery, comprising a nozzle for ejecting a liquid jet, and a functional end effector for manipulating tissue at the surgical site.

Abstract: A blood inspection device capable of separately discharging a sensor and a filter by using a single discharger means. The blood inspection device has a housing provided with a circular hollow cylindrical body having an opening. A filter including a filter is provided inside the cylindrical body, and a sensor is provided outside the cylindrical body. A body of the discharger is slidable outside the cylindrical body. A first discharge section of the discharge comes into contact with the sensor unit to push out and discharge it. A second discharge section of the discharger comes into contact with the filter to push out and discharge it.

Abstract: A device for trimming an osteochondral implant according to which a body member has a bore for receiving the graft and a cutting slot extending transverse to the bore for receiving a cutting blade. A mechanism adjusts the graft in the bore relative to the slot so that the graft can be cut to a predetermined length with the cutting blade in the slot.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The inner cannula reciprocates at a rate that is greater than 1000 reciprocations per minute, and variable aspiration may also be provided to the device to control tissue traction and provide fine shaving and debulking.

Abstract: A puncture needle holder comprising a base frame, a link bar, a first seat part, a second seat part, and a positioning mechanism is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical appliance for taking out a transplant-use tendon in surgery and assisting reconstruction of the tendon after take out. The surgical appliance has a tendon cutter, guide tube, a grip portion and a guide needle. The guide tube is a hollow thin tube having open opposing ends, wherein a distal end opening constitutes a discharger port of the guide needle. A through hole is formed in the grip portion in the direction of a central axis, and the proximal end side outlet of the through hole constitutes an insertion port. The guide needle is provided with a sharp conical tip on a distal end side and a threading hole on a proximal end. The guide needle is inserted into the guide tube, such that the opposite ends may be exposed from the discharge port and the insertion port when it is inserted into the guide tube.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector and a housing mechanically coupled to the end effector. The end effector includes a first actuating device configured to perform a first surgical procedure and a second actuating device integrally associated with the first actuating device and configured to perform a second surgical procedure, the second surgical procedure being independently operable and different than the first surgical procedure. An outer portion of the first actuating device and an outer portion of the second actuating device form a portion of an outer housing of the end effector. The housing includes a first actuator, mechanically coupled to the first actuating device and configured to impart movement to the first actuating device and a second actuator, mechanically coupled to the second actuating device and configured to impart movement to the second actuating device.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device has an outer sleeve with a distal window and an inner cutting sleeve which moves past the window to cut tissue. The inner cutting sleeve has a lumen which may have a larger proximal diameter than distal diameter. A perimeter of the window may comprise a dielectric material. A distal edge of the inner sleeve may be displaced inwardly.

Abstract: A fluid injection device includes a fluid supply unit that accommodates and supplies fluid, a fluid injection unit that injects fluid supplied from the fluid supply unit, and a driving waveform generating device which is equipped with at least one adjusting device, a one-input multiple-control parameter changing unit that simultaneously changes plural control parameters for determining a fluid injection condition of the fluid injection unit on the basis of a signal from the at least one adjusting device, and a driving waveform generator that generates and outputs a driving waveform of the fluid injection unit on the basis of the control parameters set by the one-input multiple-control parameter changing unit.

Abstract: A micro-vitreoretinal (MVR) blade for incising tissue for a transvenous chorioretinotomy and similar procedures includes a shaft with a working tip having a chisel-type edge on its end or leading edge. Various embodiments of the inventive MVR blade have different chisel-type edge structures, such as a latitudinal chisel, an angled chisel, a chevron, a reverse chevron, a concave semi-lunar and a guarded or step-down working tip. The MVR blade may also include drug/chemical coatings, electrification or freezing to promote hemostasis or chorioretinal anastomosis formation.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument is placed into the abdomen without the creation of a skin incision. The laparoscopic instrument includes a shaft that does not exceed 1.6 mm in diameter. The shaft has a beveled end and is inserted into an abdomen similar to the placement of a needle, without use of a scalpel. Operating instruments are introduced into the abdomen through the umbilical port using a docking device, and are then docked to the beveled end of the shaft after the shaft is introduced through the abdomen. Multiple types of operating instruments can be placed on the beveled end of the shaft during the surgical procedure. Each operating instrument is docked with a holster during introduction into and withdrawal from the umbilical port and is removed from the holster only when in use. When removed from the holster it is locked to the shaft and cannot be dropped.

Abstract: The subject invention is a surgical scalpel, scalpel instrument and/or scalpel system (collectively, scalpel), particularly designed for use in a transverse carpal ligament surgical procedure, that evaluates an incision path with respect to a nerve in the incision path, and is used to perform the incision if appropriate. The scalpel emits an evaluation signal through a potential incision path through tissue captured by the scalpel. The scalpel utilizes the emitted evaluation signal to determine the presence of a nerve in the incision path. The dissection and evaluation (surgical) instrument includes a blade that is retractable relative to a target tissue capture area thereof. Evaluation may include determining the presence of a nerve before incision and/or the evaluating whether the target tissue has been appropriately captured.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to access bone marrow at various target areas. Such apparatus may include an intraosseous device operable to penetrate bone at a selected target area and a depth limiter operable to control depth of penetration of the intraosseous device into bone and associated bone marrow. A manual driver and a guide may be included to optimize optimum insertion of the intraosseous device at a selected insertion site on a sternum.

Abstract: A small gauge surgical instrument is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. Devices and method described provide adjustability of the instrument without protruding into a gripping surface of the instrument.

Abstract: The present invention describes light source devices to provide white and blue (401-510 nm) light for the in vivo identification of diseased tissue using fluorescence based tissue targeting. The light source devices are configured with a variety of LED lights capable of emitting white and blue light with at least one excitation wavelength in the range from about 401 nm to about 500 nm (for example, 470 nm to 495 nm) to irradiate an in vivo body part of a subject containing tumor or diseased tissue. The tumor or diseased tissue has fluorophore-tagged targeting constructs attached. The fluorophores used in the targeting constructs have emission spectra greater than 515 nm. The fluorescence emanating from the fluorescent targeting construct in response to the excitation wavelength is directly viewed with long-pass filtered (515 nm) lenses and is used to determine the location and/or surface area of the diseased tissue in the subject.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members movable between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. A knife assembly having a cutting blade disposed at a distal end thereof is also provided. The knife assembly is translatable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the cutting blade extends between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween. The knife assembly includes a proximal component and a first distal component that includes the cutting blade. The proximal and first distal components are removably coupled to one another to facilitate replacement of the first distal component while the end effector assembly remains in a substantially assembled condition, i.e., without requiring substantial disassembly of the end effector assembly.

Abstract: A microfracture instrument for applying microfracture therapy to a bone, the microfracture instrument comprising: an elongated shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end; a needle comprising a body terminating in at least one sharp point, the needle being movably mounted to the distal end of the shaft for movement between an extended position for engaging the bone with the at least one sharp point of the needle and a retracted position for withdrawing the at least one sharp point of the needle from the bone; and a drive shaft movably mounted to the elongated shaft, the drive shaft being connected to the body of the needle so that movement of the drive shaft relative to the elongated shaft moves the needle between its extended position and its retracted position.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body: In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. A rotation lock provides for enablement and disablement of rotatability of the end effector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a contoured scalpel handle. The contoured shape of the handle provides for increased contact area with the user's hand using a larger diameter central portion and a smaller diameter trough. The generally circular cross-section allows rotation of the angle of the blade relative to the tissue without the need to change the grip on the handle. The contoured handle can be used as an adapter sleeve in which a scalpel handle can be inserted or can include a blade mounting element on which a blade is directly mounted.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly configurable for performing a dermatotomy in a percutaneous procedure and further configurable for performing cuts in open surgery includes a pointed scalpel blade and a hollow sheath body disposed to encapsulate the pointed scalpel blade inside a longitudinal instrument cavity to protect a user. The hollow sheath body is supported for longitudinal translation with respect to the scalpel blade. The hollow sheath may be positioned and locked at a first position to completely encapsulate the scalpel blade inside the instrument cavity for safe handling. The hollow sheath body is movable to second and third positions with different lengths of the surgical instrument extending out through a front face of the hollow sheath body. A compression spring biases the hollow sheath body toward the first safety position.

Abstract: A scalpel blade accessory and cartridge are provided wherein a tubular guard is slideable over the scalpel blade carrier between a retracted position in which the blade carrier is positioned to expose any scalpel blade associated with it for use and an extended position in which the guard covers the blade carrier and any blade thereon. The scalpel blade has a mounting slot for attachment to a lug on a standard scalpel handle for use. The blade carrier has a bridge spanning an alignment face so as to provide space for a scalpel blade between the alignment face and bridge. A blade catch cooperates with a rear end of the mounting slot to hold a relevant scalpel blade captive. The blade catch is disengagable by assembling it onto a standard handle, in use.

Abstract: A method of treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises an anesthetic, fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.

Abstract: The invention includes a system and method for the loosening of tissue. In one embodiment, a device for use in an intervertebral tissue removal procedure includes a cannula having a first end portion for insertion into tissue, a feed passage within the cannula, a return passage within the cannula, and a loosening member movable within the feed passage and the return passage and at least partially deployable away from the first end portion of the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical tool and monolithic frame therefore are disclosed. The monolithic frame defines a longitudinal axis between opposite first and second ends thereof, and is adapted to receive the flexible drive shaft of a surgical tool, and to support at an end thereof the rotary cutting tool of a surgical tool. The monolithic frame is characterized by greater flexibility in opposite directions along a first axis defined normal to the longitudinal axis than in opposite directions along a second axis defined normal to both the first axis and the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises an anesthetic, fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.

Abstract: A device for cutting, stapling and dividing the bowel allowing surgery to be performed laparoscopically and associated method of use. The device is inserted transanally and positioned within the bowel, ligatures secure the bowel to the device. The bowel is then cut by the device while securing the open end to minimize spillage and the bowel stapled. The bowel can be re-attached using additional staples and further cuts made to allow the device to be removed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for delivering a bioactive agent in a needle track formed in a target tissue mass, following formation of the needle track, by avoiding impingement of the agent against target tissue at high velocity or by using capillary action to draw the bioactive agent out of the needle during needle withdrawal. The apparatus comprises a catheter and a needle disposed within the catheter and configured to be selectively extended into the tissue mass to a predetermined depth, while dispensing the agent simultaneously with retraction of the needle along the needle track. Alternatively, or in addition, the needle may be configured to create a tissue space surrounding a distal or lateral surface of the needle, into which the bioactive agent to be infused.

Abstract: A medical needle set for visualized tissue ablation within a subject's body includes a cannula and components configured for inclusion in the cannula, including a trocar for occlusion of the cannula lumen during needle placement, and a visualizing ablation probe used for simultaneous endoscopic viewing and ablation of tissue sites with a laser beam. The cannula can include a tissue-gripping surface for stabilization of the needle set on the target tissue. A surgical system for tissue ablation includes a visualizing ablation needle set operably connected to an endoscope and a laser. A surgical procedure using this system permits simultaneous visualization and ablation of tissues, including those of the facet joints of the spine.

Abstract: An apparatus for making an incision in skin and other body tissue includes an incising assembly having a resilient blade assembly and a fingerwheel for rotatably driving the blade assembly, and a spreader disposed within the blade assembly for deforming the resilient blade assembly.

Abstract: A fluid line device is for removing a fluid line from a body and may include a handle and a cutting head having a proximal end carried by the handle, and a distal end spaced apart from the proximal end. A fluid line channel may extend through the cutting head between the proximal end and the distal end for receiving the fluid line. The cutting head may also include a guide carried within the fluid line channel for supporting the fluid line therein during manipulation of the handle so that the cutting edge cuts body tissue away from the fluid line for removal thereof from the body.

Abstract: Visceral fat may be removed from a subject using a cannula that has an interior cavity and an orifice configured to permit material to enter the cavity. This is accomplished by generating a negative pressure in the cavity so that a portion of the tissue is drawn into the orifice. Fluid is then delivered in pulses, via a conduit, so that the fluid exits the conduit within the cavity and impinges against the portion of the tissue that was drawn into the orifice. The fluid is delivered at a pressure and temperature that causes the visceral fat to soften, liquefy, or gellify, without damaging the subject's internal organs that are in the vicinity of the visceral fat. The visceral fat that has been softened, liquefied, or gellified is then suctioned away.

Abstract: A cutting balloon catheter and method of making and using the same. The cutting balloon catheter may include a catheter shaft having a balloon coupled thereto. One or more cutting members or blades may be coupled to the balloon. The cutting members may configured to be more flexible.

Abstract: The present invention provides a puncture aid comprising a housing in which a lancet holder with a lancet is displaceably mounted, the lancet holder being connected to a spring element. The lancet holder has at least one bearing element and the housing has a support surface arranged such that the bearing element rests on the support surface in a first position of the lancet holder. A trigger unit is provided, actuation of which transfer the lancet holder to a second position by means of a relative rotational movement of the bearing element and the support surface, so that the bearing element falls from the support surface in the second position of the lancet holder, and the tensioned spring element at least partially relaxes and moves the lancet holder such that the tip of the lancet emerges from the opening of the housing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument. The surgical instrument has an end effector and a trigger in communication with the end effector. The surgical instrument also has a first sensor and an externally accessible memory device in communication with the first sensor. The first sensor has an output that represents a first condition of either the trigger or the end effector. The memory device is configured to record the output of the first sensor. In various embodiments, memory device may include an output port and/or a removable storage medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a passage into the body for use in, among other things, medical procedures, including tracheostomies and cricothyroidectomies is described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing a passage into the body includes a first slider unit and a second slider unit operably connected to a slider track for retractable deployment of a scalpel and a tissue spreader attached respectively thereto, and for the auto-retraction of the scalpel due to movement of the second slider unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining a utilization level (UL; ULtot) indicating a degree of utilization of a re-usable cutting accessory (4) for endoscopic surgery, such as an arthroscopic shaver blade, removably connectable to a handpiece (2) comprising a motor (21) driving the cutting accessory (4) during surgical procedures. The method provides a reliable measure of the utilization level of the cutting accessory (4) by determining the utilization level (UL) of the cutting accessory (4) through calculation of at least one utilization factor (UF1, UF2) that is calculated based on a torque (40) measured when said cutting accessory (4) is driven by said motor (21).

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. The first jaw member includes a jaw frame fixedly engaged to the first shaft member and a disposable jaw housing releasably engageable with the jaw frame. The disposable jaw housing includes a knife assembly disposed therein. The knife assembly includes a knife blade biased toward an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within the jaw housing. The knife blade is moveable between the initial position and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends at least partially from the jaw housing to cut tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: An artificial mitral valve 10 is provided with a ring 12 divided along the circumferential direction into two; an anterior cusp-side region 44 and a posterior cusp-side region 45 and an artificial valve leaflet 11 connected along an outer edge of the ring 12. The artificial valve leaflet 11 is made up of a symmetric anterior cusp forming member 14 connected to the anterior cusp-side region 44 and a symmetric posterior cusp forming member 15 connected to the posterior cusp-side region 45. The anterior cusp forming member 14 is provided with an upper edge 17 joined to the ring 12 and a lower edge 22 connected to the upper edge 17 and forming a bifurcated portion 20. The upper edge 17 is made up of a pair of right and left inclined edges 24 inclined inward and upward from the right and left sides and a curved edge 25 interposed between the inclined edges 24 and curve-shaped along a reference region 48 of the anterior cusp-side region 44.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for releasing a ligament. In one embodiment, the system includes a proximal handle, a tubular body, and a flexible body. The tubular body includes a proximal end and a distal end. The handle is coupled to the proximal end. The flexible body extends through the tubular body and includes a tissue cutting portion. The flexible body is longitudinally displaceable relative to the tubular body to move the tissue cutting portion between a non-deployed state and a deployed state.

Abstract: A surgical instrument guide for facilitating treatment of a target tissue is provided. The surgical instrument guide may be placed between two groups of tissue such that a first group of tissue is cut and a second group of tissue is protected from being cut. The surgical instrument guide may lift tissue and slide tissue along a surface so that a target tissue may be cut to a desired depth more easily during a surgical procedure. The surgical instrument guide may be releasably attachable to a surgical instrument or integrally formed therewith.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The first and second shaft members are pivotably coupled to one another toward the distal ends thereof. One or both of the first and second shaft members is moveable relative to the other between an open position and a closed position for correspondingly moving the jaw members between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A knife assembly is also provided. The knife assembly includes a handle and a knife extending from the handle. The knife assembly is selectively translatable between a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the knife extends between the jaw members. The handle is disposed between the first and second shaft members and is configured to regulate a closing pressure of the jaw members.

Abstract: Tissue may be cut and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects cutting and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the cut tissue through an extraction lumen of the cutting device. The cutting may be achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly, including a first electrode on a cutting member and a second electrode within a cutting probe or tool. Thus, over a first cutting portion, radio frequency current may help cut the tissue and over a second or over transition region, the RF current may initiate vaporization of the fluid or other liquid to propel the tissue from the cutting device.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus including a system controller, a hand-held scalpel assembly, a first communication link interconnecting the hand-held scalpel assembly with the system controller, an actuator, and a second communication link interconnecting the actuator with said system controller.

Abstract: A surgical cutlery and a manufacturing method thereof, which prevent over-etching and reduce pierce resistance, are provided. The manufacturing method of the surgical cutlery made of a round bar material 15 of austenitic stainless steel with a fibrous structure includes the steps of: forming a working portion 16 of the cutlery from the round bar material 15 for piercing or cutting a living tissue, wherein the fibrous structure runs along an axis a; forming a wheel mark 24 on the working portion of the surgical cutlery; and etching the working portion 23 after etching. The etching is performed to the limit that allows creation of a plurality of craters on the working portion, but does not allow creation of grooves along the fibrous structure. Afterwards, application of silicone is performed on the resulting surface.

Abstract: Disposable items made from bioplastic resins include a biodegradable resin; and a plasticizer; wherein the resin and plasticizer are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic that is formed to provide the device. A disposable device includes a multidose syringe, a specimen tube, a scalpel, a lancet, a sharps container, or a suction canister. A method of disposing of an item includes providing an item made from a biodegradable resin and a plasticizer that are intermixed to provide a generally homogenous bioplastic; sterilizing the item utilizing radiation or ethylene oxide gas; shredding the item; and composting the item into a compost end product, thereby disposing of the item.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method are presented by which certain surgical procedures normally done by powered surgical handpieces may be accomplished by powered arthroscopic handpieces, thus obviating the need to use powered surgical handpieces.

Abstract: A work 10 made of a hard wire rod of austenitic stainless steel is pressed at a rolling reduction of 60% or greater, into a paddle-shaped end 10b, and then subjected to work hardening, making the hardness of the end 10b 550 Hv or greater. Afterwards, the paddle-shaped end 10b is cut through machining, forming a main body 10c of a medical knife and cutting blades 10d. As a result, a medical knife, which is easily fabricated, is corrosion resistant, has sufficient hardness and sharpness, high toughness preventing cracks, can be provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a water-jet device. The aim of the invention is to improve the adaptation of one such water-jet device to different applications. To this end, the piston cylinder unit (2) is connected to the eccentric drive device (20) in a separable manner and is embodied as an application-specific set with the suction line (4), the pressure line (7), and the operating handpiece (3). According to the invention, the piston cylinder unit (2) is especially provided with an annular fixing region (25) in which the sealing element of the piston (17) plunges and loses tension in the drawn-out end position of the piston (17), and the membrane (26) has sufficient free space to move.

Abstract: A medical knife of the invention having a cutting edge formed along the outer periphery of a blade portion includes a shank; and a blade portion formed continuously from the shank, the blade portion includes a tip portion including a tip whose projected plane shape is formed at an extreme end portion; a maximum width portion having a largest width: a side surface portion formed between the tip portion and the maximum width portion; a cutting edge; a first slanting surface formed along the cutting edge; and a second slanting surface formed along the first slanting surface, wherein the first slanting surface constituting the tip portion has a width larger than that of the first slanting surface constituting the side surface.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes inserting an intramural crossing device into the vascular lumen, positioning at least the distal tip of the crossing device in the vascular wall, advancing an orienting device over the crossing device such that an orienting element of the orienting device resides in the vascular wall, inserting a re-entry device, and re-entering the true vascular lumen.