Abstract: A surgical robotic system and method for controlling an instrument feed rate. The surgical robotic system comprises a surgical manipulator for manipulating a surgical instrument and an energy applicator extending from the surgical instrument. At least one controller includes a feed rate calculator configured to calculate the instrument feed rate. A hand held pendant is operable by a user to adjust a defined feed rate of the surgical manipulator in the semi-autonomous mode.

Abstract: A surgical scalpel is presented which combines the attributes of cost-effectiveness in design while being ambidextrous and autoclavable. The design of the device affords left handed or right handed medical personnel with the feel, weight and balance of the original metal unguarded scalpel, while maintaining safety through the shielding of the blade during non-use and the ability to dispose of the blade in a safe controlled manner without having to place one's hands near the unguarded sharp. Surgeons of either dexterity are able to learn and operate using similar techniques and instruments heretofore not available to them. No longer must a left handed surgeon be forced into the right handed world to perform surgery. The device is designed to use existing styles of blades currently available without needing costly inventories of specially created blades for the multitude of other such devices on the market.

Abstract: A device for removing fat from a body can include a pair of nested hollow members that each has at least one opening and an adjustment means for adjusting the orientation of the nested hollow members from a first configuration to a second configuration to change an amount of overlap between openings in the nested hollow members. The nested members can be deformable to change the shape of the openings.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable base component including a handle and an electrically activatable modular component removably coupled to the base component. The modular component includes an end effector operable from the handle to treat tissue. The end effector is responsive to manipulation of the handle. A first energy storage component is disposed onboard the base component and is electrically coupled to a source of electricity. A second energy storage component is disposed onboard the modular component and is electrically insulated from the first energy storage component. The second energy storage component is arranged such that a current may be selectively induced in the modular component by delivery of electrical energy to the first energy storage component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for affecting an appearance of skin by harvesting small portions of tissue from a donor (first) site and applying them at a recipient (second) site. A plurality of micrografts can be formed from a piece of graft tissue and attached to a dressing material. The dressing material can then be expanded to increase a separation distance between the micrografts, and the dressing material having spaced-apart micrografts attached thereto can be applied to a prepared recipient site. An apparatus can be provided that expands the dressing material using a pressurized fluid. A further method can include providing a suspension of small portions of graft tissue in a solution. The solution can be injected into blisters formed at a recipient (second) site and the tissue portions allowed to attach and proliferate. A method and apparatus can also be provided for forming corresponding blisters at a donor site and at a recipient site.

Abstract: This disclosure describes compliant graspers for use in endoscopic surgeries.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided which is formed of a pair of engageable members each having first and second channels which define respective first and second tunnels through the removably engaged members. Apertures through a proximal endwall provide a path for a cabled imaging component through said first tunnel to provide images of tissue surrounding the device, and an opening in the endwall of the paired members provides access to the second tunnel for a surgical blade for cutting tissue positioned in a gap between the paired members.

Abstract: A surgical spray instrument is disclosed comprising a main body connectable to a transfer tube; a propellant actuator for selectively releasing propellant from the main body and along the transfer tube and out through a distal end thereof. An ion emitter is arranged along the tube, the ion emitter having an ion emission zone. This enables the directed and concentrated delivery of therapeutic, pharmacological and diagnostic agents to tissues inside or outside of the body. There is further disclosed a surgical assembly for enabling uniform deposition of a particulate material to a surface of an intracorporeal cavity of a patient. The surgical assembly comprises an ion emitter; a dispenser having an outlet locatable within the cavity and for dispensing the particulate material therefrom, and a processor for determining a location of the ion emission zone of the ion emitter in dependence upon the position of the outlet of the distributor within the cavity to provide for the uniform deposition.

Abstract: A tissue-removing catheter for removing tissue from a body lumen during a cutting operation includes an elongate catheter body configured for insertion into the body lumen and a tissue-removing element. A motor is operably connected to the tissue-removing element for rotating the tissue-removing element. A sensor is configured to detect a parameter of the catheter body during the cutting operation. A motor control circuit is in electrical communication with the sensor and the motor. During an operational control function, the motor control circuit is configured to receive a signal from the sensor based at least in part on the detected parameter, determine whether the received signal is indicative of inefficient movement of the tissue-removing element, and adjust a rotational speed of the tissue-removing element to increase efficiency of the tissue-removing element if the received signal is indicative of inefficient movement of the tissue-removing element.

Abstract: A Device for producing cuts or perforations on a human or animal eye at the anterior or posterior opening of the eye lens (capsulatomy, rhexis) with a cutting element that can be inserted into the interior of the eye and a drive device which is arranged outside of the eye in order to cause movement, in particular oscillatory vibrations or rotation of the cutting element inside the interior of the eye, the drive device having a field generator for generating a magnetic or electromagnetic excitation field and the cutting element can be excited, in particular driven, by way of the excitation field generated by the field generator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transecting soft tissue, such as a ligament, and more particularly, the transverse carpal ligament. A pair of hollow introducer needles can be used to rout a thread-like, smooth and non-abrasive cutting element around tissue, such as a soft tissue, to enable a transection of the soft tissue using minimally invasive techniques. The cutting element is routed into position about the target soft tissue such that the cutting element both enters and exits the body from the same side of the soft tissue. The smooth and non-abrasive exterior surface of the cutting element serves to provide a kerf-less cut.

Abstract: A contoured forceps handle is presented having a first arm with a contoured surface and a second arm with a contoured surface to provide for rotation in the hand of a user. The forceps handle may be used with a forceps or may have tips attached. Contoured forceps onlays are also presented that may be attached to forceps.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from its distal end. Each jaw member is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween. A knife channel is configured to reciprocate a cutting mechanism therealong. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism. A switch is disposed on the first shaft and is configured to be depressed between a first position and at least one subsequent position upon biasing engagement with a mechanical interface disposed on the second shaft. The first position of the switch relays information to the user corresponding to a desired pressure on tissue and the at least one subsequent position is configured to activate the source of electrosurgical energy to supply electrosurgical energy to the jaw members.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in surgeries to treat disorders of the ear, nose, and throat including a hand-held device and rotating blade assembly. The apparatus may be connected to a vacuum source. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for performing layer treatment for skin blemish in which the target area of the skin is first treated by performing a deep layer treatment by cutting the fibrous bands and then performing a superficial skin treatment by using electromagnetic radiation and both of the treatment take place within the same day.

Abstract: A variety of surgical instruments include one or more elements that transmit RF energy to tissue. Some such instruments comprise a pair of jaws that open and close on tissue, with conductive tissue contact surfaces that are operable to weld tissue clamped between the jaws. Some surgical instruments also include a translating tissue cutting element. Some such instruments may be in the form of forceps having a scissor grip. When an electrosurgical instrument includes grasping jaws and tissue severing capabilities it may be desirable to avoid accidental cutting by the knife. Hence, the instrument may include a feature that prevents the knife from firing until the jaws are sufficiently closed upon the tissue. It may also be desirable to prevent the jaws from being opened until the knife has been retracted. One or both of these features can prevent the knife from being extended while the jaws are open.

Abstract: A variety of surgical instruments include one or more elements that transmit RF energy to tissue. Some such instruments comprise a pair of jaws that open and close on tissue, with conductive tissue contact surfaces that are operable to weld tissue clamped between the jaws. Some surgical instruments also include a translating tissue cutting element. Some such instruments may be in the form of forceps having a scissor grip. Forceps type instruments may in some instances provide a feature that allows the jaws of the forceps to be locked on tissue, so that the operator can remove his or her hands from the instrument. In such an instrument it may also be desirable to provide a circuit that is activated only when the forceps are closed and sufficient pressure is applied to the tissue between the jaws of the device.

Abstract: A depth-control mechanism for selectively-adjusting a lancing stroke depth of a lancet carrier. The depth-control mechanism includes a positioning tab that is configured to be repositioned along an axis that is orthogonal to the lancing stroke axis of the lancet carrier. The depth-adjustment mechanism also includes a tether that is pivotally coupled between the positioning tab and the lancet carrier. The positioning tab is configured to manipulate a pivot axis of the tether to adjust the lancing stroke length of the lancet carrier.

Abstract: Devices and methods for orthopedic support are disclosed. The device can have a first rigid section hingedly attached to a second rigid section. The device can be curved or rotated around obstructions along an access path to a target site. The device can be delivered to an intervertebral location in a patient.

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: Methods and devices that displace bone or other hard tissue to create a cavity in the tissue. Where such methods and devices rely on a driving mechanism for providing moving of the device to form a profile that improves displacement of the tissue. These methods and devices also allow for creating a path or cavity in bone for insertion of bone cement or other filler to treat a fracture or other condition in the bone. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of bone or hard tissue where the tissue or bone is displaced to define a bore or cavity instead of being extracted from the body such as during a drilling or ablation procedure.

Abstract: Described herein are atherectomy catheters, systems and methods that include a distal tip region that may be moved laterally so that its long axis is parallel with the long axis of the main catheter body axis. Displacing the distal tip region laterally out of the main catheter body axis exposes an annular blade and opens a passageway for cut tissue to enter a storage region within the catheter. The annular blade may be internally coupled to a drive shaft that rotates the blade, and thus the exposed blade edge may have the same crossing profile (OD) as the rest of the distal end region of the catheter. Also described herein are gear-driven atherectomy devices that may use a cable drive shaft to actuate the annular blade. Both push-to-cut and pull-to-cut variations are described, as are methods for cutting tissue and systems including these atherectomy catheters.

Abstract: A vessel dissector for harvesting a target vessel from a donor has a generally cylindrical tip body with a sloping channel formed along a longitudinal side. A channel bottom provides a channel depth that decreases from a distal channel end to a proximal channel end. The tip body has a crescent-shaped forward lip extending distally from the channel. An arcuate collar is slidably disposed in an arcuate recess within the tip body to selectably bridge the channel at the distal end of the channel to form a ring profile with the forward lip. A first ferromagnetic heating element is disposed along a radially outward surface of the forward lip. A second ferromagnetic heating element is disposed on a distal edge of the arcuate collar. The first and second ferromagnetic heating elements are adapted to be energized simultaneously to make a vasiform cut including a pedicle around the target vessel.

Abstract: A surgical probe (e.g., for treating an eye of a patient) includes a body, a cutting element extending distally from the body including a sleeve member comprising a port at an end, and an inner member disposed within the sleeve member, the inner member being movable (e.g., axially) with respect to the sleeve member to open and close the port. The probe further includes an illumination element disposed within the sleeve member, the illumination element configured to project light out of the port.

Abstract: A medical laser safety feedback apparatus and method enhances the detectability of a feedback signal from the treatment site by modulating or encoding an aiming or reference beam that is used to provide a stimulated emission or reflected component of the feedback signal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical blade includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The distal end is movable relative to a longitudinal axis in accordance with ultrasonic vibrations applied to the proximal end. At least a portion of the outer surface of the body comprises a lubricious coating adhered thereto. The lubricious coating has a coefficient of friction that is less than the coefficient of friction of the outer surface of the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument control circuit. The control circuit includes a primary processor, a safety processor in signal communication with the primary processor, and a segmented circuit. The segmented circuit includes a plurality of circuit segments in signal communication with the primary processor. The plurality of circuit segments includes a power segment. The safety processor is configured to transition the primary processor and at least one of the plurality of circuit segments from an active mode to a sleep mode and from the sleep mode to the active mode.

Abstract: Surgical instruments are disclosed that are couplable to or have an end effector or a disposable loading unit with an end effector, and at least one micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device operatively connected to the surgical instrument for at least one of sensing a condition, measuring a parameter and controlling the condition and/or parameter.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a reusable component and a limited-use component. The reusable component includes a first electrical contact. The limited-use component is releasably engagable with the reusable component. The limited-use component includes a second electrical contact configured to electrically couple to the first electrical contact to establish electrical communication between the reusable component and the limited-use component. The second electrical contact is movable from a first position, wherein the second electrical contact is positioned to electrically couple to the first electrical contact upon engagement of the limited-use component and the reusable component to one another, to a second position, wherein the second electrical contact is positioned to inhibit electrical coupling to the first electrical contact upon engagement of the limited-use component and the reusable component to one another.

Abstract: A surgical instrument providing a passage to upper and lower portions of the flexor retinaculum, comprises: a hollow cannular needle having an end capable of penetrating the skin; and a blunt rod which enters the cannular needle and moves under the skin in correspondence to the passage, wherein the cannular needle can move along the blunt rod moved under the skin so as to provide the passage to upper and lower portions of the flexor retinaculum.

Abstract: An adjustable rongeur includes a first handle portion pivotally connected to a second handle portion. A shank is connected to the first handle portion at a proximal end of the shank, wherein the shank has a footplate at a distal end thereof. A crossbar is slidably engaged with the shank, wherein the crossbar is connected to the second handle portion, wherein a cutting opening is formed between a distal end of the crossbar and the footplate of the shank. An opening selection actuator is positioned within at least one of the first and second handle portion, wherein the opening selection actuator engages between the first and second handle portions to control a length of the cutting opening.

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 the hollow entry cannula into the body tissue and is manipulated to advance directionally through the body cavity. Optional stylet within the aspiration cannula aids in advancing the aspiration cannula through the body tissue and is removed to facilitate extraction of the body tissue through the aspiration cannula. Inlet openings near distal tip of the aspiration cannula allow tissue aspiration, with negative pressure source at the proximal end of the aspiration cannula providing controlled negative pressure. The aspiration cannula may be withdrawn and its path adjusted for multiple entries through a same entry point, following different paths through the body tissue space for subsequent aspiration of more tissue.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of use during arthroscopic surgery. The method includes inserting a cannulated needle into a joint area of the body, inserting a guidewire through the needle, removing the needle, and inserting an arthroscopy knife into the joint area via the use of the guidewire. An arthroscopy knife and another method of its use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chip-removing tool of a surgical torque-transferring instrument includes a distal engagement segment which is adjoined by a tool shaft whose proximal end portion is prepared for a torque-transferring insertion into a tool mounting of the instrument. The proximal end portion is subdivided at least in a functional section “torque transmission” and a functional section “axial locking” which is axially spaced therefrom. The functional section “axial locking” is arranged with respect to the engagement segment so as to be proximal relative to the functional section “torque transmission”.

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: A robotic surgical system includes a surgical instrument configured to cut biological tissues and an imaging system configured to image the biological tissues. Based on one or more images of the biological tissue generated by the imager, the robotic surgical system operates the surgical instrument to cut the biological tissue according to a desired dissection of the tissue. The robotic surgical system operates the surgical instrument to partially or wholly automatically perform one or more cuts into the biological tissue to achieve the desired dissection.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system is disclosed, the system including a first component and a second component, the first component being a reload assembly and the second component being selected from a group consisting of a handle assembly and an adapter assembly, the surgical instrument system including at least one chip assembly having a housing assembly on the first component, the housing assembly containing a chip, and a plug assembly on the second component, the chip having data for, and being configured to, prevent use of the reload assembly if the reload assembly is unauthorized.

Abstract: An implantable vascular access port for providing repeated therapy to a patient in need of such therapy, the access port, upon repeated use, presents each time an access needle at a new location so as to minimize scarring injury to the skin of the patient. The vascular access port may include a body, a cover comprising a plurality of openings, at least one needle comprising a tip and a shaft, the shaft defining a lumen, a needle elevator mechanism to operate the position of the at least one needle in at least a retracted position in which the at least one needle is disposed in the body and the needle tip below the cover and an extended position in which the at least one needle is engaged through at least a first one of the openings, and a needle shift mechanism to move the at least one needle from a first position in which the needle can engage the at least a first one of the openings, to a second position in which the needle can engage at least a second one of the openings.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device which ejects a fluid includes: an ejection tube which ejects the fluid; a fluid chamber which communicates with the ejection tube; a piezoelectric element capable of changing a volume of the fluid chamber; a controller which controls a drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric element; and a fluid supplying unit which supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber at a predetermined flow rate. If a maximum frequency available to be set of the drive voltage is fmax [Hz] and an amount of change in the volume of the fluid chamber when a maximum value available to be set of the drive voltage is applied to the piezoelectric element to drive the piezoelectric element is V1 [ml], the fluid supplying unit supplies the fluid at the predetermined flow rate above V1×fmax [ml/s].

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a body, a shaft assembly, an end effector, a transducer assembly, and a loading assembly. The end effector is coupled with a distal end of the shaft assembly. The transducer assembly is removably coupled with the proximal end of the shaft assembly. The loading assembly comprises an actuator that is operable to couple the distal end of the transducer assembly with the proximal end of the shaft assembly. The loading assembly is operable to drive the transducer assembly through at least two stages of rotation to couple the distal end of the transducer assembly with the proximal end of the shaft assembly.

Abstract: A liquid ejection control apparatus, which controls a drive voltage waveform applied to a piezoelectric element so as to control ejection of a pulsed liquid jet, includes a first operation unit that receives input of an index value for setting a position of an inflection point in a rising portion of the drive voltage waveform, and a control unit that sets the position of the inflection point in the rising portion of the drive voltage waveform according to the index value so as to control changing of the drive voltage waveform.

Abstract: The pericardial heart valve replacement (1) is constructed from living tissue of autologous pericardium containing living pericardial interstitial cells (PICs) and a living extracellular matrix (ECM) in the following way: in the first step the size and shape of the patient's native pathological heart valve is determined using real-time three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) or computer tomography (CT angiography) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); in the next step a stented (2) or a stentless pericardial heart valve replacement (1) is constructed from a single sheet of living autologous pericardium obtained from the patient; the size and shape of the pericardial heart valve replacement (1) corresponds to the size and shape of the patient's native heart valve and aortic or pulmonary root.

Abstract: A cutter apparatus includes a housing shaped to be hand-held, a blade holder configured to support a blade, and multiple actuators for extending the blade from the housing, the actuators including a safety actuator (e.g., a blade guard) that drives at least one of the other actuators while repositioning to extend the blade. The multiple actuators include, for example, a slider and a blade guard configured such that the slider when pushed forward repositions independently of the blade guard to extend the blade from the housing and such that the blade guard when pushed forward repositions the blade as the blade guard is deployed.

Abstract: A liquid ejection control apparatus, which controls a drive voltage waveform applied to a piezoelectric element so as to control ejection of a pulsed liquid jet, includes a first operation unit that receives input of an index value for setting a flow velocity peak timing of a main jet of the pulsed liquid jet, and a control unit that sets a rising portion of the drive voltage waveform according to the index value so as to control changing of the drive voltage waveform.

Abstract: In a liquid ejection control apparatus, an operation unit includes an energy dial used to input an energy indication value related to kinetic energy of a pulsed liquid jet ejected from a liquid ejection device, and a repetition frequency dial used to input a repetition frequency indication value related to the number of times of ejection per unit time of the pulsed liquid jet. A control unit includes a rising waveform shape setting section which sets a rising waveform shape of a drive voltage waveform so that the kinetic energy has the energy indication value on the basis of voltage amplitude of the drive voltage waveform and the repetition frequency indication value. The repetition frequency dial may be omitted, and a repetition frequency may be fixed to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a body, a transmission assembly, and a switch. The body comprises a control unit and an integral power source. The power source is operable to selectively deliver power to the control unit. The transmission assembly extends distally from the body. The transmission assembly also includes an end effector driven by the control unit. The switch is in communication with the control unit and the power source. The transmission assembly is operable to actuate the switch to enable delivery of power from the power source to the control unit.

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: One or more wedges may be introduced into the bevel of a surgical knife near its tip, to thereby increase the bevel surface area of the knife, and thus increase the cutting edges of the knife, and render the knife more effective and/or easier to use in surgical applications such as ophthalmic procedures.

Abstract: A liquid injection device that injects a liquid includes a liquid chamber, a first channel connected to the liquid chamber and feeding a liquid to the liquid chamber, a second channel connected to the liquid chamber, to which the liquid is fed from the liquid chamber, and an injection tube that communicates with the second channel and injects the liquid, and the second channel has a curved shape.

Abstract: Methods and devices for separating an implanted object, such as a pacemaker lead, from tissue surrounding such object in a patient's vasculature system. Specifically, the surgical device includes a handle, an elongate sheath and a circular cutting blade that extends from the distal end of the sheath upon actuating the handle. The circular cutting blade is configured to engage the tissue surrounding an implanted lead and cut such tissue in a coring fashion as the surgical device translates along the length of the lead, thereby allowing the lead, as well as any tissue remaining attached to the lead, to enter the device's elongate shaft. The surgical device has a barrel cam cylinder in the handle assembly that imparts rotation of the blade and a separate cam mechanism in the tip of outer sheath assembly that imparts and controls the extension and retraction of the blade.