Abstract: A handheld biopsy device is provided for the collection of soft tissue samples from a surgical patient. In a preferred embodiment, the biopsy device comprises a handpiece, a fluid collection system, and a power transmission source. The handpiece is configured for grasping by a single hand, and being independently manipulatable by hand for movement of the instrument toward and away from the patient. An elongated piercer extends from the distal end of the handpiece. The piercer has a sharpened distal end for entering the tissue and a port located proximal to the sharpened distal end for receiving a portion of tissue mass. An elongated cutter is disposed coaxially relative to a piercer lumen of the piercer. A distal blade of the cutter slides distally past the port of the piercer to severe the tissue portion drawn into the port by vacuum. The cutter is retracted to a most proximal position for removal of the tissue portion from a cutter lumen of the cutter.

Abstract: A safety scalpel that incorporates a reusable metal scalpel handle similar in shape and feel to the conventional metal handle preferred by most surgeons, and a disposable blade cartridge that covers the blade before, during and after use, and is easily mounted and released from the scalpel handle. The blade cartridge includes a blade with similar cutting profiles as standard surgical blades, a blade holder that is permanently fixed to the blade, and a blade guard that covers the blade and within which the blade holder is able to slide. The scalpel handle is reusable, while the blade cartridge is disposable. The blade cartridge is attachable and detachable from the scalpel handle.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the providing oxygenated blood to venous circulation. Embodiments include a femoral access approach to the creation of an Aorta-caval fistula at the bifurcation of the Aorta and the Inferior Vena Cava; an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of inserting an implant in a bone. In the bone, a thin slit is formed by a cutting tool in a mesiodistal direction around an insertion spot of the implant. The thin slit is cut and widened by a bone chisel. Into the implant insertion spot, a tool for forming cavity provided with a needle portion is squeezed while being rotated, and a cavity is formed. In the formed cavity and the slit, blood of a patient is collected, by which a tissue is rapidly regenerated and bonded to the inserted implant, and the implant is firmly fixed to the bone.

Abstract: An auger is axially fixed to and positioned within a cutter. The auger and cutter advance at the same time relative to a contact structure placed against a vessel, penetrating the wall of the vessel and cutting a tissue plug. When the auger and the cutter are retracted from the vessel wall, the tissue plug is retained by the auger and cutter and removed from the vessel wall. The auger and the cutter thus create an opening in the vessel wall, without the need for a prior incision in that wall.

Abstract: A handheld device comprises a housing, a motor, and a thermally conductive pad disposed in a space between the motor and the housing. Heat generated by the motor can be conducted by the thermal pad to the housing or to an internal fluid passage generally extending the length of the motor. In some embodiments, the thermal pad is configured to maintain the temperature of the housing in accordance with industry guidelines.

Abstract: An excision device configured to excise living tissue by ejecting liquid includes: a supplying unit configured to supply liquid to be ejected; a chamber configured to be filled with the supplied liquid; an ejection nozzle connected to the chamber; a drive member configured to be deformed in the direction to reduce the volume of the chamber when a drive voltage is applied more than a case where the drive voltage is not applied; a liquid ejecting unit configured to eject the liquid in the chamber in a pulsed manner from the ejection nozzle by applying the drive voltage to the drive member in a state in which the chamber is filled with the supplied liquid; and an air-bubble detecting unit configured to detect air bubbles in the chamber by detecting an electric current flowing in the drive member when the drive voltage is applied to the drive member.

Abstract: A catheter system for positioning an instrument within a body that includes a hub defining a lumen therethrough for passage of the instrument toward the body. The catheter system also includes an elongate tubular member defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen of the elongate tubular member is in communication with the lumen of the hub for further passage of the instrument toward the body. The system also includes a slitter member that is coupled to the hub. The slitter member is disposed to slit the elongate tubular member as the elongate tubular member moves relative to the hub.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a first cutting element, a second cutting element, a guide member and an actuation mechanism with the guide member being attached to either the first cutting element, second cutting element or the actuation mechanism. The first and second cutting elements are operatively connected to the actuation mechanism with the actuation mechanism adapted to move at least one of the two cutting elements to resection tissue. The actuation mechanism includes a handle, trigger grip and at least one connecting member that connects the trigger grip to either one or both of the cutting elements to cause movement of the cutting elements when the trigger grip is pressed. A surgical method for performing an image-guided resection of diseased tissue is also disclosed. Further, a kit for tissue resection is disclosed that includes a plurality of surgical instruments and various configured elongated pins.

Abstract: A liquid injection device includes: a chamber to which the liquid to be injected is supplied and the injection nozzle is connected; a pump that pumps the liquid into the chamber; a volume varying unit that varies the volume of the chamber by being deformed according to a drive voltage applied thereto; and a drive voltage applying unit that applies the drive voltage having a predetermined voltage waveform to the volume varying unit in a state in which the liquid is supplied to the chamber, wherein the pump is a unit that pumps the liquid to the chamber in a state involving the pressure variations, and the drive voltage applying unit is a unit that applies the drive voltage to the volume varying unit while compensating the influence applied by the pressure variations of the pumped to the chamber on injection by varying the voltage waveform of the drive voltage.

Abstract: Device and method for rapid extraction of body tissue from an enclosed body cavity. Hollow entry cannula with optional core element provides entry into body tissue space such as bone marrow. Aspiration cannula is inserted through cannula into body tissue and is manipulated to advance directionally through body cavity. Optional stylet within aspiration cannula aids in advancing aspiration cannula through body tissue and is removed to facilitate extraction of body tissue through the aspiration cannula. Inlet openings near distal tip of aspiration cannula allow tissue aspiration, with negative pressure source at proximal end of aspiration cannula providing controlled negative pressure. Aspiration cannula may be withdrawn and its path adjusted for multiple entries through the same entry point, following different paths through tissue space for subsequent aspiration of more tissue.

Abstract: A device for trimming an osteochondral plug graft to an implantable configuration includes a blade assembly terminating in a configured leading cutting blade and a plug graft housing comprising a substantially longitudinal holding sleeve having a bore and oriented complementarily to the longitudinal structure of the blade assembly to receive the longitudinal structure within the sleeve bore with the assembly cutting blade in close tolerance along an inner bore surface of the longitudinal housing structure.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus having a tubular member for receiving an endocardial lead implanted within a patient's body. Disposed generally at a distal end of the tubular member is at least one blade or cutting surface. An adjustment mechanism moves the blade between retracted and extended positions to engage the cutting surface with the endocardial lead to cut the lead. Once severed, the cut portion of the lead remains within an inner channel of the tubular member and the apparatus and cut portion of the lead are removed from within the patient. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the cut portion of the lead is disposed externally to the tubular member, and the cut portion and the apparatus are removed from the patient, either separately or together. Various embodiments include the blade pivotally connected to the distal end of the tubular member and activated by a wire adjustment mechanism. Others include a metallic wire for slicing through the lead.

Abstract: A method and system of treating connective tissue to increase flexibility of the connective tissue or decrease tension in the connective tissue includes forming perforations in the connective tissue to at least 90% of the depth or thickness of the connective tissue and maintaining the perforations in the connective tissue. The method alters the tissue to enhance the . fundamental mechanisms involved the immunology, biochemistry, and molecular genetics of the metabolism of the connective tissue. The connective tissue may be any desired connective tissue, such as scleral tissue of the eye. The connective tissue of the eye may be removed to form a first desired pattern of perforations in the connective tissue of the eye at a first distance from the corneal center of the eye. The first desired pattern of perforations may have a plurality of perforations.

Abstract: A piercing tool (1) can safely and reliably pierce a piercing needle (411) into a skin layer. The piercing tool (1) comprises a belt-like flexible fixing member (2) having an opening (3) formed for raising skin, and a piercing needle moving means (4) mounted on the belt-like fixing member (2) for movably holding the piercing needle (411). By moving the piercing needle moving means (4), the piercing needle (411) is moved so as to be pierced into the skin raised from the opening (3).

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with a forceps includes a pair of jaw members, a knife assembly, and one or more cam assemblies. One or more of the jaw members are moveable relative to the other about a pivot between open and closed positions. One or more of the jaw members include a knife channel. The pivot includes first and second sections defining a passage therebetween. The knife assembly includes a knife blade and an actuation shaft. The knife blade is disposed distally relative to the pivot. The actuation shaft is configured for slidable translation through the passage to allow selective advancement of the knife blade through the knife channel. The one or more cam assemblies are operably coupled to the one or more moveable jaw members and are actuatable to move the one or more jaw members between the open and closed positions for grasping tissue therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, which includes at least first and second focused ultrasonic transducers, which are arranged facing each other, and a controllable energy source. The energy source is configured to activate the focused ultrasonic transducers to simultaneously generate respective first and second focused ultrasound beams having respective first and second focal zones located in close proximity to each other. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for cutting biological and especially human tissue, having a hollow cutting tube that can rotate by means of an engine around its longitudinal axis, on whose distal end at least one blade is mounted, as well as with a handle in which the cutting tube is mounted for control purposes. In order to produce a medical instrument for cutting biological and especially human tissue in which the powering of the cutting tube is of simple construction and involves minor losses of capacity, it is proposed with the invention that the engine is configured as a hollow-shaft engine mounted on the cutting tube.

Abstract: Methods and tools are disclosed for inserting an implant device that treats snoring and apnea of a patient by altering the position of a soft palate. Methods and tools can make an incision in patient's soft and hard palate to create a cavity that can house the implant. The tools can have visually observable markings that can be aligned with the incision, thus controlling the depth of the cavity. A needle having an incision edge can be used to make an incision in patient's soft palate. The needle can be bent into a suitable longitudinal shape to allow easier access and visualization of the process. A blade that makes the cavity in the tissue can be housed inside a channel in the needle. The tools may have stoppers to prevent excessive extension and retraction of the blade thus preventing an excessive cavity depth. Some tools may also house the implant device, which may be implanted after the cavity is formed.

Abstract: A needle biopsy guide system is disclosed for attachment to an endoluminal ultrasound probe or like sonographic instrument. The device includes a biopsy-guide attachment that allows for trocar catheter placement for abscess drainage or like procedures, using the transvaginal or transrectal route under sonographic control. The device has a base portion, which is attachable to an ultrasound probe. A removable retainer is provided that slides into the base unit to hold a biopsy needle in place. A physician may locate the target area in the body with the ultrasound probe, insert the biopsy needle into the target area, and then remove the insert (retainer) from the base unit and ultrasound probe, and leave the biopsy needle in place in the body.

Abstract: A system and method of processing bone is disclosed. A tissue separator is utilized to separate tissue comprising at least one of muscle, periosteum and connective tissue from bone in a safe, sterile and efficient manner. In one aspect, the particle reducer can include an impeller positioned with respect to a cutting surface on a drum. At least one of the impeller and the drum is rotated by a power source such that harvested tissue frictionally engages the cutting surface. In another aspect, a source of pressurized fluid can be directed at tissue to separate bone from non-bone tissue.

Abstract: An expandable balloon for a medical device having a static state, at least one first expanded state, and at least one second expanded state, the expandable balloon having a substantially polygonal geometric shape in the static state.

Abstract: A surgical instrument with a tissue-clamping end effector, where actuation of the instrument is locked out when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within a specified thickness range. The end effector may comprise a tissue thickness module that senses the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector. The surgical instrument also comprises a control circuit in communication with the tissue thickness module. The control circuit prevents actuation of a working portion of the end effector when the thickness of the tissue clamped in the end effector is not within the specified thickness range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures, such as impinged lateral recesses and pathologically narrowed neural foramen. In some embodiments, a surgical tissue removal device includes a flexible elongate body that is adapted to conform with the target anatomy and a guidewire connector at the distal end region of the flexible elongate body configured to removably connect to the end of a guidewire so that the guidewire and flexible elongate body can be pulled distally. The body may have at least one blade edge, and the flexible elongate body may be a thin, flat, ribbon shaped flexible body that comprises a profile having a width that is substantially greater than a height.

Abstract: A tool for cutting or slitting the tubular sheath of a guide-catheter in the presence of a lead placed in this sheath. The tool (10) has a flattened, substantially planar blade holder body (12) with a cutting area (14) and a prehension area (16). The cutting area has a blade (18) and a tubular guide (22) receiving the lead for isolating it from the guide-catheter. The prehension area (16) has on a first side (30) an area for receiving the thumb and a lead holding pathway (68) spreading in the continuation of the tubular guide following an overall orientation forming an angle with this guide. The thumb reception area has a concave footprint (34) crossed through and through by the lead holding pathway (68), which spreads in the prehension area following an “S” shaped curve having a first curved area (74) and a second counter-curved area (76). The minimal distance between the blade (18) and the contour of the first footprint (34) is to the most equal to 15-20 mm.

Abstract: Provided is a medical bladed device reduced in piercing resistance by coating with a silicone. Also provided is a coating method by which a satisfactory silicone coating is formed on a medical bladed device. A medical bladed device (knife (A)) having a cutting portion (1) with an edge (3) on the periphery thereof and a shank (2) is subjected to coating to coat the cutting portion (1) including the edge (3) with a silicone having a thickness of from 25 nanometers to 5 micrometers. While holding the medical bladed device, with the cutting portion (1) lower and the shank (2) upper, the cutting portion is immersed in a silicone solution so that the angle between the upper or lower side of the cutting portion and the solution surface (21) of the silicone solution is 0-90 degrees. Thereafter, the medical bladed device is raised at a rate of 500 mm/min or less while keeping the angle in that range to separate the cutting portion from the silicone solution.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a pneumatic system valve for a surgical console may be controlled by a controller configured to adjust a valve duty cycle (VDC) of the valve to reduce a difference between the valve's differential pressure and a desired differential pressure. In some embodiments, average differential pressures may be detected and relayed from a pressure sensor, coupled to one or more ports of the valve, to the controller. The controller may compare the measured average differential pressure against the desired average differential pressure (e.g., received from the user). The controller may then determine a modified VDC to reduce a difference between the desired average differential pressure and the measured average differential pressure. In some embodiments, the desired average differential pressure may be determined based on input received from a user of the surgical console.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods involve using reduced pressure to position a portion of tissue in a cutting head and cutting the tissue to debride a tissue site. A cutting head includes a debridement conduit having a distal end and a proximal end. A portion of the debridement conduit adjacent to the distal end comprises a tissue treatment area. The cutting head also includes an opening to the tissue treatment area formed at the distal end of the debridement conduit. The tissue treatment area is adapted to receive the portion of tissue through the opening under reduced pressure. The cutting head also includes a selectively moveable cutting member associated with the debridement conduit at the tissue treatment area. The cutting member is for cutting the portion of tissue from the tissue site while the portion of tissue resides in the debridement conduit. Other methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a surgical intervention device, including a surgical instrument capable of passing through human or animal tissue and a system comprising so-called “passive” components capable of measuring deformation or a local strain of the instrument and/or so-called “active” components capable of imposing a local strain on the instrument, the system comprising at least two series of passive components arranged at the surface of the instrument so as to establish a biunivocal relation between the position of the instrument or the position of the distal end of the instrument and all the data originating from the series, and, where required, at least two series of active components arranged at the surface of the instrument. The disclosure also relates to a process for determining the position of the distal end of a surgical instrument capable of passing through human or animal tissue.

Abstract: A device for trimming an osteochondral plug graft to an implantable configuration includes a blade assembly terminating in a configured leading cutting blade and a plug grail housing comprising a substantially longitudinal holding sleeve having a bore and oriented complementarily to the longitudinal structure of the blade assembly to receive the longitudinal structure within the sleeve bore with the assembly cutting blade in close tolerance along an inner bore surface of the longitudinal housing structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical pump, especially for water jet surgery, in which a pump unit is assembled as a single use article and can be reversibly connected to a pump actuating device. Within the pump, the pump actuating device is also used to open up the connection between the pump unit and the pump actuating device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and systems for increasing hair growth in subjects in need thereof due to male- or female-pattern hair loss, pathological hair loss, or hair loss after injury. By any use of any appropriate mechanical, electromagnetic, or chemical means, the present disclosure pertains to the segmentation of hair follicles into two or more disunited subunits in order to form new follicles from the respective subunits. In contrast with known techniques for bisecting hair follicles and as described more fully herein, the present methods and systems permit the bisection of single follicles or populations of follicles with a high degree of efficiency, and thereby represent an effective treatment option for those in need of increased hair growth.

Abstract: An atherectomy system having a variably exposed cutter wherein a distally located positionable tip closely associated with the cutter and a high pressure fluid jet emanator can be variably and angularly deployed about a hinge mechanism subsequent to entry into the vasculature. The fixed cutter slices or parts atheromatous material and/or thrombotic material from a blood vessel for interaction with high pressure jets to macerate, break up or otherwise reduce the materials for evacuation from the site.

Abstract: A method for excising a portion of an articular surface using a retrograde procedure. An access tunnel is provided extending through a bone and to the articular surface. A central shaft is inserted through the access tunnel to the articular surface and a cutter is coupled to the central shaft. The cutter is coupled to the central shaft to allow the cutter to rotate with the central and to allow the cutter to be tiltable relative to the central shaft. The cutter is rotated and a retrograde force is applied to the cutter to urge the cutter into the articular surface.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use with an access device includes a seal housing defining a central longitudinal axis, an inner wall and an outer wall. The inner wall defines a longitudinal opening to permit passage of instrumentation through the seal housing. A gimbal mount is at least partially accommodated within a space defined between the inner wall and the outer wall of the seal housing. The gimbal mount includes a seal member defining an aperture for substantial sealed reception of a surgical instrument. The gimbal mount is adapted for angular movement relative to the central longitudinal axis upon angulation of the surgical instrument while substantially maintaining the sealed reception of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Various methods and devices are provided for cutting tissue using a high pressure fluid jet. In one exemplary embodiment, a high pressure fluid jet delivery device is provided having a nozzle adapted to direct fluid to a tissue site. A heating element is disposed on the nozzle and is adapted to heat fluid surrounding a high pressure fluid jet flowing from the nozzle to form at least one vapor bubble. The vapor bubble can reduce the interaction between the high pressure fluid jet and the fluid surrounding the high pressure fluid jet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methodology of and apparatus for accurately positioning devices for performing endoscopic cannulation, papillotomy and sphincterotomy and similar procedures. The sphincterotome with a steerable or adjustable distal segment of the present invention allows the physician to control the position of the distal tip of the device independently of the endoscope and adjust for inconsistencies in the device and the anatomy. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a threaded portion of a cable assembly cooperates with a torque transmission element and a cog to enable the operator to rotate a cutting wire into a desired position relative to the catheter. Alternate embodiments allow the operator to fix the depth of a needle knife while allowing, if desired, accurate rotational positioning of the associated catheter. Threaded stabilizing elements, pivot elements and a steering wire may be used together or individually to accomplish these features.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microfracture pick having a shaft and a handle. The shift has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end includes an angled tip. The handle has a body with a first end portion, a second end portion, and an impact surface located therebetween. The handle is operatively coupled to the proximal end of the shaft at the first end portion. Methods of microfracture stimulation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scalpel (10) having a handle assembly (16) and one of a plurality of modular blade assemblies (18). Each blade assembly includes a casing (46) within which is a retractable rod (48) having a distal end to which is permanently affixed a blade (12), and also includes a spring (56) having an unstressed state wherein the retractable rod and its blade are retracted within the casing. The handle assembly (16) includes a handle casing (20) within which is slidably disposed a handle rod (32) that is manipulatable between a retracted position and an active position with respect to the handle casing. In the active position, the handle rod's distal end engages and pushes the proximal end (66) of the retractable rod (48) to urge the blade (12) distally for performance of a procedure, while in the retracted position, the handle rod (32) permits the retractable rod (48) to self-retract within its casing (46).

Abstract: A scalpel for performing complex surgeries, such as c-sections, is formed of a body that is preferably elongated and shaped and sized to fit ergonomically into the hands of surgeons. The body has surfaces that are joined to each other by smooth transition elements to insure that the body has no points or sharp edges that could cut or scratch the surgeon or the patient. The body is formed with a triangular notch formed of a beak and an extension. A surgical blade, preferably a standard off-the-shelf surgical blade, is imbedded in the body and the only portion of the blade that is accessible is a portion of its cutting edge spanning the notch. The scalpel is used by introducing the beak into a slit in the tissue with the blade portion facing the direction in which the cut is to be made. The body of the scalpel is then grasped firmly and advanced to make the cut. The initial incision can be made with the tip of the beak. In one embodiment, the body is molded around the blade.

Abstract: A surgical method, system, kit, and various devices are provided for use in, among other things, vaginal entry during a natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgical procedure. A system and/or method provide for the rapid creation of a conduit and/or multiple ports in a natural orifice, such as a patient's vagina, while accommodating anatomical variation to reduce the need to excise additional tissue from the patient.

Abstract: An electrical medical device assembly that includes a handheld unit, adapted to be manipulated by a medical professional and requiring multi-conductor electrical connection to a base unit; a base unit adapted to provide electrical power to the handheld unit; a multi-conductor electrical cable connecting the handheld unit to the base unit; and a multi-conductor electrical connector interposed between the handheld unit and the base unit, the connector including a first half and a second half and wherein relative rotation is permitted between the first half and the second half.

Abstract: A retractable safety knife has a hollow handle with an opening at an end thereof, a pusher that is movably disposed within the handle and is operable by a user, and a blade that is connected with an end of the pusher. When the pusher moves from a blade-retracted position to a blade-extended position, the blade extends outwardly from the handle opening and rotates from a nested position to an extended position.

Abstract: A surgical knife safety device having a handle, a blade connected to the handle, and a guard carried by the handle for sliding movement between a retracted position in which the blade is exposed for use, and an extended position for covering the sharp cutting edge of the blade. In the retracted position, an enlarged guard radius is provided at the distal end of the handle to allow improved handle control and blade orientation. The enlarged guard radius is positioned to allow the user to firmly grip a large distal handle portion which is preferably molded as a single piece with the blade holder, preventing unwanted blade or handle movement due to guard mechanism tolerances.

Abstract: A safety knife for ophthalmic surgical procedures has handle to which a blade holder is attached at one end, holding a pre-installed surgical blade. A blade guard is extended and retracted responsive to the movement of an actuator button on the handle. The blade assumes a curved shape as it is extended, to shape itself about and protect the blade. When the guard is retracted it straightens to allow it to slide into the handle, exposing the blade for use.

Abstract: A surgical knife safety device having a handle, a blade connected to the handle, and a guard carried by the handle for sliding movement between a retracted position in which the blade is exposed for use, and an extended position for covering the sharp cutting edge of the blade. In the retracted position, an enlarged guard radius is provided at the distal end of the handle to allow improved handle control and blade orientation. The enlarged guard radius is positioned to allow the user to firmly grip a large distal handle portion which is preferably molded as a single piece with the blade holder, preventing unwanted blade or handle movement due to guard mechanism tolerances. A spring, such as leaf spring or a cantilever beam, and a pair of detents or slots are provided to fix the guard in the extended or retracted position and to provide resistance during movement between the two positions.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic operation apparatus according to the present invention, in order to detect the initial resonance frequency (Fro) promptly once a foot switch is pressed, under the control of a sweeping speed control circuit, the D/A converter D/A converts 8-bits of signals (phase difference amount signal ??) representing the amount of the phase difference detected by the phase comparator, and the output of the D/A converter is output to a VCO so as to become a clock for a sweep circuit. When a phase difference amount between ?i and ?v is large and a drive frequency setting signal (Fs) is far from Fro, the sweeping speed for Fro detection is increased. When a phase difference amount between ?i and ?v is small and Fs is close to Fro, the sweeping speed for Pro detection is decreased.

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 modality of twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (IMS) pain relief therapy employs an EMG needle having a Teflon coated shaft and exposed conductive tip to apply micro-electrical stimulation locally and focally to muscle motor end plate zones or regions of adjacent motor end plate zones. The electrical stimulation facilitates the elicitation of strong twitch responses from muscle fibers associated with the stimulated motor end plates, generally without requiring physical needle manipulation following the initial pin insertion. Less skill is required to effectively elicit pain relieving twitch responses, thus facilitating training of medical personnel to carry the procedure. Rapid movement between multiple treatment sites is possible allowing treatment of a larger number of afflicted muscles and muscle areas in a single treatment session. The strength and number of twitches obtained at the treatment sites can provide substantial relief from regional and diffuse myofacsial pain of radiculopathic origin.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel includes an elongate handle defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The scalpel has a cartridge removably mounted to the handle that has a blade holder with a proximal end and a distal end. There is a blade fixedly attached to blade holder disposed so that the blade projects distally outwardly when the cartridge is mounted on the handle. The cartridge also has a shield with a proximal end, a distal end and a bottom mounted onto the blade holder. The shield is slidably movable between a distal position where the shield substantially prevents inadvertent access to the blade and a proximal position where the shield substantially surrounds a portion of the handle and the blade is exposed for use. The cartridge is releasably mountable to the handle and has elements for substantially preventing movement of the shield with respect to the blade holder unless the cartridge is mounted on the handle.