Abstract: A fluid ejection device which ejects a fluid includes: an ejection pipe having an opening to eject the fluid; a fluid chamber which communicates with the ejection pipe and changes in volume due to displacement of a piezoelectric element; a supply channel which communicates with the fluid chamber; an opening/closing unit which is provided on the supply channel and opens and closes the supply channel; a fluid supplying unit which pressurizes the fluid and supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber via the supply channel; and a voltage controller which applies a drive voltage to the piezoelectric element. The voltage controller controls the drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric element so that the drive voltage reaches a predetermined voltage after the supply channel is opened by the opening/closing unit.

Abstract: A liquid ejection device ejecting a liquid includes: an ejection tube that has an ejection port ejecting the liquid; an actuator that communicates with the ejection tube and applies pulsation to the liquid that is flowed into and then supplies the liquid to the ejection tube; a casing that includes the ejection tube and accommodates the actuator on an inside thereof; a suction channel that is provided in the casing and is capable of sucking the liquid around the ejection port; and a suction adjustment mechanism that has an operation section for adjusting a degree of the suction of the suction channel, in which the operation section is provided in a position near the ejection port from the actuator of the casing.

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 liquid ejection device ejecting a liquid in a pulsed manner, includes: an ejection channel that includes an ejection port ejecting the liquid; an actuator that transports pulsed flow to the ejection channel by pressurizing the liquid supplied from outside; a suction channel that includes a suction port capable of sucking the liquid; and a storage container that accommodates a part of the suction channel and the actuator, and in which the ejection channel extends from one end thereof, in which the ejection channel is disposed near the suction channel on a side of the ejection port and is separated from the suction channel by being curved in the storage container, and in which the suction channel is a linear shape or a curved shape having a curvature that is less than that of a curve of the ejection channel in a portion in which the ejection channel is separated.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes a fluid chamber, a volume varying unit, a fluid supplying unit, and an ejection pipe. The volume varying unit generates pulsation in the pressure of a fluid in the fluid chamber. The fluid supplying unit supplies the fluid to the fluid chamber through a first channel. The ejection pipe receives the supply of the fluid, in which the pulsation is generated, from the fluid chamber through a second channel and ejects the supplied fluid from an ejection port. In a connecting part to the fluid chamber, the cross-sectional area of the second channel is five times or more as large as the cross-sectional area of the first channel. In the connecting part to the fluid chamber, the first channel and the second channel are arranged to be opposed to each other via the vicinity of the center of the fluid chamber.

Abstract: A wire-operated selective compliance mobile platform (100), in particular for endoscopic surgery devices, obtains a perfect and precise mobility and thus it allows to handle, in the most effective way, the supported instruments, and comprises a mobile surface (1), a connecting base (2) apt to be connected to a flexible tubular duct (4) for endoscopic uses, a plurality of supporting elements (3), apt to permit the motion of said mobile surface (1) relative to said base (2), characterized in that said supporting elements (3) have at least a selective compliance turning pair (31) and a number of joints (32, 34) so as to provide a predetermined number of degrees of freedom to said platform (100), neither determining any over-constraining, nor forcing the system to be deformed in unselected directions, each supporting element (3) being operated by moving means (51, 52) so as to move said mobile surface (1).

Abstract: A subcutaneous fasciotomy is performed to relieve pressure due to compartment syndrome. A small incision is made in a patient's skin. A surgical instrument is advanced through the entry location, and moved between the skin and the fascia of the patient to a remote location, with a cutter of the instrument in a stowed configuration. After reaching the remote location, the cutter is deployed to pierce an initial opening in the fascia at the remote location. The fascia is maintained adjacent a blade of the cutter via a notch shape that traps the fascia. The instrument is then withdrawn back toward the entry location with the blade incising the fascia to relieve pressure in the muscle compartment. The surgical instrument is then removed through the entry incision.

Abstract: A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.

Abstract: A medical device may include an elongate member including a proximal end and a distal end. The medical device may also include a rotatable member at the distal end of the elongate member. The rotatable member may be rotatably coupled to the distal end of the elongate member. The rotatable member may include a longitudinal axis, and may be configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The rotatable member may also include a gripping element configured to engage a layer of tissue. The gripping element may be configured to selectively couple at least a portion of the layer of tissue to a surface of the rotatable member, to restrict relative movement between the portion of the layer of tissue and the surface of the rotatable member, during rotation of the rotatable member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a housing. A pair of tissue manipulating jaws extend distally from the housing. The jaws have an opened position and a closed position. A driver is slideably positioned in the housing and operatively connected to the jaws. The driver has a tissue piercing end projecting proximally from the housing. A percutaneous instrument comprises inner and outer coaxial shafts each having a proximal end and a distal end. An actuator is connected to the proximal ends of the coaxial shafts. Mating features on the distal ends of the coaxial shafts are adapted to engage the driver and housing. A loader comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. An actuator is attached to the proximal end of the loader elongate shaft. A tube on the distal end of the loader shaft is adapted to releasably hold the end effector.

Abstract: A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.

Abstract: A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.

Abstract: A surgical accessory for use in implanting a medical device in a cranial bone of a human patient may serve as a template during a craniectomy for cutting a hole in which a ferrule for a medical device may be situated and then secured. The surgical accessory is dimensioned to allow a surgeon to gauge how far above the outer surface of the cranium the medical device will extend once the ferrule has been secured to the outer bone table and the medical device has been cradled in the ferrule.

Abstract: A method and system for operating a surgical instrument. A surgical instrument can operate in an initial operating state and a secondary operating state. The secondary operating state can be one of a warned operating state or a modified operating state. After receiving feedback from the surgical instrument, an operator of the surgical instrument can decide whether to proceed to the warned operating state or the modified operating state.

Abstract: Suture tracking dilators and methods for removing implanted medical devices such as microstimulators or microsensors from living tissue are described. A suture tracking dilator has a slit running along its axial length. The slit can have a curved portion. A suture is attached to a medical device prior to its implantation. To remove the implanted medical device, the free end of the suture is exposed and inserted in the slit in the suture tracking dilator. The suture is held under tension at its free end, the dilator is inserted in the living tissue and the dilator follows the suture to the implanted medical device. The medical device is removed by pulling on the free end of the suture.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device for ejecting fluid includes an ejection tube including an opening to eject the fluid, a pulsation applying part which communicates with the ejection tube and applies pulsation to the fluid, a supply flow path to supply the fluid to the pulsation applying part, and a cooling part to cool the fluid in the supply flow path.

Abstract: Instruments and methods that allow for a minimally invasive way to harvest a tissue graft which has been typically done as a full open procedure. The instrument is a hybrid stripper/cutter device provided with both stripping and cutting blades/mechanisms that allow stripping and cutting of the tissue graft with the same hybrid instrument. The present invention also provides a minimally invasive technique for stripping and cutting (resecting) a tissue graft by employing a single, hybrid stripper/cutter instrument. The technique provides a consistently good-quality graft with improved cosmetic results, and is simple and easily reproducible.

Abstract: A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.

Abstract: An apparatus may be used to form an opening in a sinus wall. The apparatus comprises a first cutting member and a second cutting member. The first cutting member comprises a sharp tip and a helical blade. The second cutting member is slidably disposed about the first cutting member. The second cutting member comprises a sharp distal edge. An outer sheath is slidably disposed about the first and second cutting member. The sheath may be retracted to uncover the helical blade. The sharp tip may be used to pierce the sinus wall and the helical blade may be used to drive the first cutting member through the sinus wall. The second cutting member may be advanced over the first cutting member to form a circular opening in the sinus wall.

Abstract: A novel capture device apparatus comprising: (a) a capture device portion, at least a part of which is adaptable for insertion into a patient and (b) a control unit. The capture device portion comprises one or more apertures and one or more electroactive polymer actuators that open and close the one or more apertures based on control signals sent from the control unit. In another aspect of the present invention, a method of capturing a specimen within a patient's body of provided. The method comprises (a) providing a capture device apparatus like that above, (b) inserting at least a portion of the capture device portion of the apparatus into the patient such that the capture device portion is adjacent the specimen; and (c) closing the one or more apertures using the control unit, thereby capturing the specimen.

Abstract: A vein removal device includes a housing, a blade element disposed at least partially within the housing, and a hook element disposed at least partially within the housing. A cutting edge of the blade element is selectively exposed for making an incision in a patient. The blade element is disposed at one end of the housing and the hook element may be disposed at an opposite end of the housing. The blade element may be selectively exposed via actuation of a first user input that imparts a movement of the blade element relative to the housing and towards an extended position where the cutting edge of the blade element is exposed. The blade element may be biased toward the extended position via a biasing element, which may urge the blade element toward the extended position responsive to actuation of the first user input.

Abstract: An arthroscopic suture cutting device according to embodiments of the invention includes an outer tube; an inner rod including an outer surface and an aperture, a distalmost edge of a second distal opening located distally of a distalmost edge of a first distal opening, the inner rod can receive a suture extending through both distal openings; in a loading position, the inner rod extends distally of the outer tube to receive the suture; in an intermediate position, the distal openings are closer to the outer tube, such that the suture is permitted to slide through the aperture without release; and in a cut position, the distalmost edges of the distal openings are within the outer tube. Moving from intermediate position to cut position draws the suture between outer tube and inner rod, urging the inner rod radially toward the second distal opening, cutting the suture between the outer tube and the distalmost edge of the second distal opening.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a first jaw and a second jaw disposed in opposed correspondence with the first jaw. The second jaw is mechanically coupled to the first jaw at a proximal end opposite a distal end. A cutting element is disposed within the second jaw, and a first driver is configured to move the cutting element proximally from the distal end toward the proximal end of the second jaw to cut a section of tissue disposed between the first and second jaws.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for medical treating prostatic tissues are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes removing prostatic tissues adjacent the urethra and enlarging the lumen of the urethra, whereby the treatment conserves a natural wall of the urethra.

Abstract: A surgical system having feedback control for pneumatic actuators includes a pneumatic pressure source and a vitrectomy cutter having a cutting mechanism, a first pneumatic input port, and a second pneumatic input port. A pneumatic actuator is configured to direct pneumatic pressure to one of the first and second pneumatic input ports. A first pressure transducer is located and configured to detect actual pressure at the first pneumatic input port, and a second pressure transducer is located and configured to detect actual pressure at the second pneumatic input port. A controller communicates with the first and second pressure transducers and the pneumatic actuator. It is configured to change the pneumatic actuator actuation timing based on the data communicated from the first and second pressure transducers.

Abstract: A scalpel enabling both safe blade engagement or disengagement and safe passing among personnel during surgical procedures. The blade arm assembly of the scalpel is positionable in three positions, including a retracted position, an operational extended position and a fully extended position for engagement and disengagement of the blade.

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

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating a surgical biopsy system. The biopsy system includes a biopsy instrument and control unit. The biopsy instrument includes a piercer, rotatable cutter, and a port for receiving tissue samples. The method comprises the steps of translating the cutter distally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at an extended position and recording the extended position. The cutter is then translated from the extended position proximally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at a retracted position proximal to the extended position. The retracted position is recorded. The method further comprises the step of rotating the cutter to a rotation speed while the cutter is located at the retracted position and, if determined that the rotation speed is within a predetermined rotation speed range, a feedback signal is provided on the display allowing the operator to progress to the next procedural step.

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: A dermatome has a blade that generally defines a plane and a body generally defining a longitudinal axis. The body also that has at least one flat outer surface for engaging the tissue and an end portion that is configured to hold the blade so that the plane of the blade is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and non-parallel to the flat outer surface at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a housing, a cannula, a hollow cutter, and a rotatable tissue sample holder. The cannula extends distally from the housing and is rotatable with respect to the housing. The cutter is movable with respect to the cannula for severing tissue received by the cannula. The tissue sample holder includes a plurality of separate tissue sample compartments, the tissue sample compartments being disposed about an axis of rotation of the tissue sample holder. The biopsy system transports severed tissue samples to the tissue sample holder.

Abstract: A liquid ejection device includes a drive waveform generator generating a drive waveform signal; a modulator performing pulse modulation on a signal from the drive waveform generator to provide a modulated signal; a digital power amplifier performing power amplification on the modulated signal to provide an amplified digital signal; a lowpass filter smoothing the amplified digital signal to provide a drive signal of an actuator; a compensator advancing the phase of the drive signal to provide a negative feedback signal; and a subtractor providing a differential signal between the drive waveform signal and the negative feedback signal as an input signal to the modulator. The liquid ejection device can be used as a liquid ejection surgical instrument.

Abstract: A rongeur including a stationary shaft having a length that terminates in a foot plate, a cutting slide slideably coupled with the stationary shaft and terminating in a cutting edge, a breach extending between the foot plate and the cutting edge for receiving human tissue, and handle means for slidably moving the cutting slide longitudinally relative to the shaft member. The cutting slide is provided with a pair of opposing tracking arms arranged about a distal end of the cutting slide and a third tracking arm arranged about the proximal end of the cutting slide. The tracking arms are slidably and detachably received within corresponding tracking slots in the shaft member when the rongeur is in a closed position. The tracking arms are disengaged from the tracking slots by rotating the cutting slide about a pivot axis that extends substantially parallel to the length of the shaft member thereby placing the rongeur in an open position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing and containing a blade from a round scalpel handle comprising a sharps container having a wall portion that defines one side of a containment volume; a slot of a first type having a length and width dimensioned to receive a blade mounted around scalpel handle and prevent its rotation, the slot of the first type formed through the wall portion of the sharps container which slot allows rotation of the handle so the blade becomes disengaged from the handle and disposed in the containment volume.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue excision method that excises a partial tissue within an excision region set in a hollow organ over an entire thickness direction. The tissue excision method includes a first process of gripping a peripheral edge portion of the excision region from the inside of the hollow organ; a second process of moving the portion and drawing the folded hollow organ into a slit with a predetermined width; a third process of suturing a part located outside the excision region so as to be integral over the thickness direction; and a fourth process of cutting the portion of the drawn hollow organ along the peripheral edge of the excision region. In the second process, a portion of a fluid within the hollow organ is moved out of the hollow organ to keep the internal pressure within a fixed range while drawing the portion of the hollow organ.

Abstract: A trocar needle includes an elongate body having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, a penetrating tip formed at the distal end portion of the body, and an attachment portion formed at the proximal end portion for attaching a tether thereto. A grip region can further be provided and can be formed for example, at the proximal end portion of the body to facilitate gripping by a surgical grasping device. Additionally or alternatively, a notch or otherwise reduced cross-sectional area can be provided. Such a feature can be formed, for example, at the distal end portion of the body, arranged proximal from a distal end thereof for enhancing haptic perception by a surgeon when utilizing the needle.

Abstract: A fluid ejection device includes: a pulse generation unit that changes the volume of a fluid chamber using a volume changing section to eject pulsating flow; a fluid supply unit including a pump chamber and a pump chamber volume changing section that changes the volume of the pump chamber to supply the fluid to the pulse generation unit; a drive control unit that inputs a pulsating flow drive signal for driving the pump chamber volume changing section and inputs a fluid supply drive signal for driving the fluid supply unit; and an operation command input unit that inputs an operation command to the drive control unit, wherein the fluid supply drive signal and the pulsating flow drive signal are input in conjunction with the input of the operation command.

Abstract: A puncturing apparatus includes a housing having a first case and a second case, the housing configured to move at least one of the first case and the second case so that the cases are in an overlapping state in which the first case and the second case overlap one another or a non-overlapping state. A puncturer is housed in the housing and a puncture starting mechanism, having a puncturing button, is configured to activate the puncturer. A first safety section is configured to prevent at least one of the puncturing opening and the puncturing button from being exposed, by placing the first case and the second case in the overlapping state, and a second safety section is configured to disable operation of the puncture starting mechanism in the non-overlapping state of the first case and the second case.

Abstract: Full-thickness excision of tissue of a lesion in a lumen is performed through a natural orifice. Specifically, the tissue surrounding the lesion that is in a folded state is joined and severed using a linear stapler. The linear stapler includes a cutter and is inserted into the lumen. Joining and cutting is performed while organs outside of the lumen are pushed in a direction away from the lesion with the tip of the linear stapler. As a result of these steps being repeatedly performed along the periphery of the lesion, the lesion is excised.

Abstract: A biopsy system includes a cannula, a cutter, and a tissue sample holder. The cannula includes a closed distal end and a lateral tissue receiving port. The cutter is coaxially disposed with the cannula for severing tissue received in the tissue receiving port. The tissue sample holder includes a plurality of discrete tissue sample compartments. The biopsy system transports individual tissue samples to the discrete tissue sample compartments of the tissue sample holder.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to permit selective cutting and coagulation required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The apparatus includes two body members having proximal ends and distal ends with jaw members located adjacent the body member's distal ends. The body members are joined at a pivot located adjacent to the first and second jaw members joining the first and second body members where the body members' rotation about the pivot defines a plane of rotation. The scissors are adapted for selective application of energy to at least one jaw member by a switch located in the plane of rotation.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: A tissue repair device. The tissue repair device includes a tubular shaft having a longitudinal bore for delivering biological material to a soft tissue defect, and an awl having a distal end configured for microfracturing bone underlying the defect. The tubular shaft and the awl are movable relative to one another such that the awl is at least partially positioned within the longitudinal bore of the tubular shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for identifying the flexor retinaculum of the carpal tunnel, injecting an effective amount of an agent into at least a portion of flexor retinaculum or tissue adjacent thereto, wherein the agent is configured to weaken the flexor retinaculum. The system may further include means for increasing the tensile stress in the flexor retinaculum post-injection using hand exercises, thereby weakening its structural integrity and decreasing the pressure within the carpal tunnel that impairs median nerve function.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an elongated shaft having a shaft distal end and a shaft proximal end. An end effector is coupled to the shaft distal end and includes opposed jaws. A housing is included in one of the jaws, the housing having a housing proximal end, a housing distal end, an upper surface, a distal garage having lateral surfaces that extend above the upper surface, and a plurality of staple openings extending through the upper surface. A knife member is supported within the housing for movement distally. The knife member is moveable into a predetermined parked position such that a first portion of the cutting blade displaces below the upper surface and a second portion remains displaced above the upper surface. There is enough lateral clearance in the predetermined parked position between the lateral faces and the second portion to accommodate a dislodged staple.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a body, a reservoir, a filter, and a tab. The body is configured to be held in a fixed relationship relative to a stem, wherein the body comprises an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is configured to receive a fluid from a surgical instrument via the stem. The outlet is configured to output a first portion of the fluid from the cartridge. The reservoir is configured to receive the fluid from the inlet. The filter is configured to filter the first portion of the fluid as the first portion of the fluid is directed from the inlet, through the filter, and to the outlet. The tab connected to the body and configured to engage with the stem. The tab is configured to, when the cartridge is moved to disengage from the stem, at least one of break away from the body and become functionally inoperable.

Abstract: A guarded surgical knife handle includes a handle portion with a blade holder, a chamber within the handle portion, and a slot. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a guard having an open distal end slidably mounted within the handle portion that can slide longitudinally between an unguarded position and a guarded position. The guard is sized to surround the blade in the guarded position. The guarded surgical knife handle also includes a latch that latches the guard when the guard is slid into the guarded position and a first button that disengages the latch. The guarded surgical knife handle includes a bias member that forces the guard in a proximal direction to an unguarded position when the latch is disengaged along with a second button extending through the slot used to slide the guard in a distal direction into the guarded position.

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to compositions, methods, devices, systems, and products regarding frozen particles. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles include materials at low temperatures. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles provide vehicles for delivery of particular agents. In certain embodiments, the frozen particles are administered to at least one biological tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic needle device comprises a handle and a catheter sheath connected to the handle, wherein the catheter sheath has at least one lumen, for example a needle lumen and a stabilization lumen, extending therethrough. A needle is selectively movable within the needle lumen between a needle retracted position and a needle extended position and a stabilization element is selectively movable within the stabilization lumen between a stabilizer retracted position and a stabilizer extended position. A linking mechanism may operatively connect the needle and the stabilization element so that when the needle is in the needle retracted position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer extended position and when the needle is in the needle extended position the stabilization element is in the stabilizer retracted position.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus and method according to which a cable assembly is connected to a handpiece and includes a sensing element, and a member adapted to move relative to the sensing element to control the operation of a motor in the handpiece.