Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a first member including an inner surface defining a passageway and a lock. A second member is disposable within the first passageway. The second member comprises an inner surface defining a passageway and extending between a first end comprising a lock and a second end configured to engage tissue. A third member is disposable within the second passageway. The third member extends between a first end and a second end configured to penetrate tissue and form a cavity therein. The first lock is engageable with the second member to prevent relative movement of the second member and the second lock is engageable with the third member to prevent relative movement of the third member. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A vitrectomy apparatus is provided, including a pressure source, a cut valve connected to the pressure source, the cut valve configured to be turned on and off to provide pressure to selectively extend and retract a vitrectomy cutting device, a sensor configured to sense pressure provided from the cut valve, and a controller configured to control operation of the cut valve based on pressure sensed by the sensor. The controller is configured to monitor pressures encountered and alter cut valve timing based on pressure conditions previously encountered.

Abstract: A system is configured to create or enlarge a cavity in a tissue body and generally includes a cannula, a friction reduction covering, and a cavity creation member. The cavity creation member includes an end portion that is configured to transition between a first shape and a second shape that is different from the first shape. In operation, retracting the friction reduction covering relative to end portion causes the end portion to change shape from the first shape to the second shape such that the cavity creation member is configured to create or enlarge a cavity in the tissue body as the second end portion exits the friction reduction member.

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 or tubular body is longitudinally displaceable to move the tissue cutting portion between a non-deployed state and a deployed state.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described allow the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to be combined into a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique called NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Manual and robotic-controlled versions of a modular laparoscopic tool are described having a small diameter shaft that is delivered laparoscopically to a surgical site. Larger diameter working tips are delivered through a NOTES delivery tube inserted to the surgical site through a natural orifice and joined to the shaft of the modular laparoscopic tool. Larger diameter working tips improve the effectiveness of the modular laparoscopic tools and the number and size of laparoscopic ports used can also be reduced.

Abstract: A handheld medical device comprises an internal flow passage that is in axial alignment with an output drive shaft. The drive shaft is powered by a motor assembly that is offset from the internal flow passage and the output drive shaft. The drive shaft and the motor assembly can be connected by a gear train. A collet mechanism can be used to secure a surgical implement to the handheld medical device. A first button assembly and a second button assembly can be positioned on diametrically opposed portions of the handheld medical device.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly having jaw members movable between spaced-apart, first approximated, and second approximated positions. A knife is selectively movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, a first extended position, and a second extended position. A trigger is selectively actuatable between a un-actuated position, a first actuated position, and a second actuated position for moving the knife between its respective positions. A control member prevents movement of the trigger when the jaw members are disposed in the spaced-apart position, permits movement of the trigger to the first actuated position but prevents movement beyond the first actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the first approximated position, and permits movement of the trigger to the second actuated position but prevents movement beyond the second actuated position when the jaw members are disposed in the second approximated position.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions.

Abstract: A procedure for determining a plan for cutting a bone sample for use as an implant provides scanning the bone with a CT scanning system to provide slice images of the bone. The scanning system then determines the cortical or cancellous bone dimensions and density of the bone. Determining such dimensions and density permits accurate planning and preparation of an implant graft that is correlated to the predetermined plan without waste of bone through cutting test specimens to determine the bone parameters. Other images techniques that provide slice images are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and system are disclosed for downloading sensor data, stored in a memory device of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument, to an external or remote computer device. The process may involve storing data from one or more sensors of a surgical cutting and fastening instrument in a memory device of a control unit of the surgical cutting and fastening instrument during a surgical procedure involving the surgical cutting and fastening instrument. Next, after the surgical procedure, a data link between the control unit and the remote computer device is established. Then, the sensor data can be downloaded from the control unit to the remote computer device.

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. The device may also include a stapling element disposed within the second jaw. The cutting element and the stapling element may be contiguous so as to define a cutting and stapling element, such as a wedge having a blade disposed thereon.

Abstract: For cricothyrotomy and the like, a surgical device has, in one embodiment, a device body with a bi-directional scalpel, an end cap, and a tracheal hook that fits within a channel formed in the device body. With the end cap removed to expose the bi-directional scalpel blade and with the tracheal hook fully inserted within the body channel, the device can be held, e.g., in the dominant hand of an operator, and manipulated to make an opening in the patient's neck using the exposed scalpel blade. The tracheal hook can then be slid away from the device body with the hook's barbed tip entering the opening to enable the operator to easily and quickly secure the surgical airway. The design of the surgical device enables an economy of movements that otherwise would typically not be within the skill set of an operator who was not a surgeon.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a longitudinal first leg having a first distal tip portion pivotably coupled to a longitudinal second leg having a second distal tip portion. The first and second legs are transitionable between a first position such that the first and second tip portions are spaced apart from each other and a second position where the first and second tip portions are proximate each other. The first tip portion includes a concave face and the second tip portion includes a convex face configured such that the first and second faces oppose each other in the first and second positions and touch each other in the second position. The convex face fits within the concave face in the second position.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention includes a medical instrument for insertion into a subject including an elongate body which includes a proximal end and a distal end, a broad face, a narrow face, a lateral side and a counter-lateral side, said faces and sides defining a trapezoid shape along the length of the elongate body. The broad and narrow faces are generally parallel to one another and the lateral and counter-lateral sides each connect between the broad and narrow faces. The distal end of the instrument includes a cutting edge and is provided for insertion into the subject, wherein an incision made in a target area of the subject results in a linear penetration in the target area. An aperture may be disposed at or near the distal end of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A lung biopsy tool having a deployable snare and an inflatable pull type cutter for removing small samples of tissue.

Abstract: A dual port ablation cannula kit includes a trocar and a hollow shaft defining a longitudinal lumen. The shaft has a proximal segment and a distal segment, such that the distal segment includes a distal tip substantially aligned with the shaft to permit passage of the trocar within the hollow shaft. The distal tip also is configured with a tissue-gripping surface in as much as a plane of the tissue-gripping surface is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft, dual ports extending from an exterior surface of the hollow shaft, each port defining a hollow passageway into the hollow shaft, and dual couplers, one coupling a suction line to one of the dual ports and another coupling an irrigation line to another of the dual ports. Finally, the kit can include a laser fiber.

Abstract: A knife has a housing, an operating part shiftable on the housing between advanced and retracted positions, and a blade holder connected to the part and carrying a blade. The holder is shiftable on the part between offset first and second cutting positions with the blade projecting from the front end and a safety position with the blade recessed in the housing rearward of the front end. A spring biases the holder into the safety position. A brace element can shift between a position braced between the blade holder and the housing in the first cutting position and a position out of engagement with the blade holder or the housing in the second cutting position. The brace element when engaged holds the blade in the first cutting position but in the second cutting position is disengaged so the spring returns the holder to the safety position.

Abstract: A retractable universal safety scalpel with a handle; a blade carrier element on which is secured a blade slidably mounted within the housing for exposure from the housing; slider elements secured to the blade carrier element through a recess formed in the handle in a slidable arrangement with the housing and extending externally in an axial direction of the housing in multiple positions including covered and locked positions for pre-use, in-use and post-use disposal stages.

Abstract: A drive system for controlling movement of an elongate member includes a base unit having a first rotatable knob and a second rotatable knob, a follower assembly including a follower slidably coupled to a guide rail, a longitudinal movement wire, and a rotational movement wire. The follower includes a longitudinal movement pulley, a rotational movement pulley, and an alignment element structured to receive an elongate member such that the elongate member is attachable thereto. The longitudinal movement wire operably couples the first rotatable knob to the longitudinal movement pulley such that rotation of the first knob drives the follower in a longitudinal direction along the guide rail. The rotational movement wire operably couples the second rotatable knob to the rotational movement pulley such that rotation of the second knob rotates the alignment element and attached elongate member.

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

Abstract: The present teachings provide one or more surgical implements for repairing damaged tissue, such as cartilage on the femoral head. A microfracture pick system for repairing cartilage on a femoral head is provided. The system can include a handle having a proximal end and a distal end. The system can also include an arcuate arm shaped to extend from the distal end of the handle and adapted to extend around the femoral head. The arcuate arm can have a distal tip extending toward the handle along a longitudinal axis of the handle. The system can also include an impaction member at the proximal end of the handle.

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 forceps includes a pair of shafts each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. One (or both) of the shafts is moveable relative to the other about a pivot pin between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to move the jaw members between an open position and a closed position. A knife assembly includes a knife blade mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and moveable between an initial position, wherein the knife blade is disposed within one of the jaw members, and an extended position, wherein the knife blade extends between the jaw members. An actuator arm(s) is mechanically keyed to the pivot pin and extends therefrom. The actuator arm(s) is moveable between an un-actuated position and an actuated position to rotate the pivot pin relative to the jaw members to move the knife blade between the initial position and the extended position.

Abstract: A forceps device is provided for performing a surgical procedure. The device comprises a closeable jaw comprising jaw members having one or more force sensors deployed in a manner to measure force applied to the jaws of the device.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for explanting implantable devices are described. In one aspect, a device includes an explant tool configured to explant an implantable device from a body. The explant tool includes an elongate shank comprising a forward portion defining a longitudinal passage and a front tip attached to the forward portion and defining an opening to the longitudinal passage defined by the forward portion. The front tip comprises a slanted surface that slopes in a direction so as to spread tissue during forward penetration of the front tip into the body.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The handpiece includes a proximal section that is angled with respect to a distal section.

Abstract: A forceps includes first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at a distal end thereof. The shaft members are moveable relative to one another between spaced-apart and approximated positions to move the jaw members between open and closed positions. A knife assembly is engaged within the second shaft member. The knife assembly includes an arm extending through a trough defined within the second shaft member and has a knife disposed at a distal end thereof. The arm is moveable between a first position, corresponding to a retracted position of the knife, wherein the arm defines an arched portion extending from the second shaft member, and a second position, wherein the arched portion defines a more linear configuration to elongated the arm distally to advance the knife between the jaw members to cut tissue grasped therebetween.

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: Disclosed herein are tools, systems, methods and surgical techniques for a disposable grasping, cutting, severing and/or biting surgical instrument having sharp cutting tips. Such instruments are lighter than their equivalent stainless steel instruments currently being used, and can be designed to employ a shearing/cutting or grasping mechanism that may be suited for specific cutting and sampling bone, cartilage and soft tissue. The surgical instrument includes a slideable upper body that may have an overmolded or removably connected cutting tip assembled onto an advancing face that translates along the handle body to produce a shearing, cutting or grasping action of tissue positioned within the jaws.

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

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The assembly also includes a thread-like member having a first end coupled to at least one jaw member and a drive member coupled to a second end of the thread-like member. The drive member is configured to position the thread-like member between a first position and a second position, wherein the thread-like member cuts tissue when positioned in the second position.

Abstract: A system and associated method for altering or destroying tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders. In one aspect, the system includes a device configured to deploy devices for altering the lobes of a prostate.

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

Abstract: An appliance for water-jet surgery is provided that includes a plurality of supply cylinder and piston arrangements in each of which is stored a working fluid that can be expelled, by means of the piston, through an outlet into a pressure conduit. At least one actuation device is provided to actuate the piston of each supply cylinder. By means of a change-over device to change the actuation from the piston of one supply cylinder to the piston of another supply cylinder, it is ensured that the working fluid can be expelled into the pressure conduit from consecutively emptying supply cylinders. As a result, an apparatus with a small structure that is achieved by simple means is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for hair treatment are disclosed which include applying treatment radiation to a skin treatment area and/or to one or more hairs to deposit energy in one or more hairs so as to modify the structure (e.g., the mechanical structure and/or the chemical structure of at least a portion of the hair(s)). The applied radiation can modify at least a portion of the hair (e.g., the hair tip) to make the hair less capable of re-entering the skin. Specifically, the proposed technique is directed to decreasing stiffness of at least portion of a hair through diminishing its flexural modulus as well as increasing the bend radius of its sharpest point. The methods and apparatus can treat and/or prevent pseudofolliculitis barbae (PFB) in the treatment area.

Abstract: An exemplary surgical probe and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary surgical probe may include a tubular body and a scissor assembly received at least partially within the body. The scissor assembly may include a first blade fixed to the tubular body that includes a body portion and an end portion. The scissor assembly may further include a second blade that is configured to move longitudinally within the tubular body. The body portions of the first and second blades may each define respective cross sections normal to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The cross sections may each define centrally disposed edges adjacent one another, and the cross sections may each be asymmetrical about a line substantially parallel to the centrally disposed edges.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method of treating a subject having diabetes or symptoms associated with diabetes is provided. The method includes delivering a neuromodulation catheter within a vessel (e.g., hepatic artery) having surrounding nerves that innervate the liver (e.g., sympathetic nerves of the hepatic plexus). The method may also include modulating (e.g., disrupting, ablating, stimulating) the nerves by mechanical compression, energy delivery, or fluid delivery.

Abstract: A full-thickness resection system is disclosed. In an embodiment for the resection system, the system may include a flexible shaft, a flexible guide member disposed within the flexible shaft, a stapling mechanism disposed around the flexible guide member, and a grasper. The stapling mechanism has an elongated portion that is at least partially disposed within the flexible shaft. The stapling mechanism includes a stapling arm and an anvil arm. The stapling arm has a longitudinal axis and includes a stapling head having a longitudinal axis. The anvil includes an anvil head. The stapling arm and anvil arm extend from the elongated portion of the stapling mechanism and are moveable with respect to each other between a tissue receiving position and a stapling position. The grasper extends through the flexible shaft and is adapted to grasp a portion of a tissue that is to be excised from an organ in the patient's body.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a manually operated surgical device comprises a proximal control means portion for manually operating the device; and a see-through distal operative means portion operably coupled to the proximal control means, wherein the distal operative means portion is formed of a material that is different than the material forming the proximal control means portion.

Abstract: An artificial mitral valve has a ring, an anterior cusp-side region, a posterior cusp-side region and a valve leaflet connected along an outer edge of the ring. The valve leaflet includes an anterior cusp forming member connected to the anterior cusp-side region and a posterior cusp forming member connected to the posterior cusp-side region. The anterior cusp forming member is provided with has an upper edge joined to the ring and a lower edge that forms a bifurcated portion. The upper edge is made up of a pair of right and left edges that incline inward and upward from the right and left sides, and a curved edge interposed between the inclined edges that curves along the anterior cusp-side region. The posterior cusp forming member has an upper edge joined to the ring and a lower edge that forms a bifurcated portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a first handle member having a first handle portion and a first shaft portion; a first end member connected to the first handle member having a first instrument portion and a tab; a second end member connected to the tab of the first end member having a second instrument portion and a shaft portion; a second handle member connected to the shaft portion of the second end member; and a lock that releasably connects the second handle member to the shaft portion of the first handle member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for creating holes in the articular process of the vertebra are provided. One embodiment of the invention comprises a drill head comprising a frame, punch arm with punch tip and opposing plate. Methods of using the resulting holes to anchor or stabilize facet joint prosthesis, and also altering the spacing and motion at the facet joints of the vertebral column, are provided.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a first jaw and a second jaw moveable relative to the first jaw between a first position, in which the first and second jaws are aligned within a plane, and a second position, in which the second jaw is in non-parallel correspondence to the plane. The surgical device may include a surgical member, e.g., a cutting and/or stapling element, disposed within the first jaw, and a second driver configured to cause relative movement of the surgical member in a direction parallel to the plane. The first and second jaws may include a camming arrangement that is configured to move the second jaw between the first and second positions. The camming arrangement may include a channel disposed along at least a portion of one or both of the first and second jaws, a ball bearing disposed within the channel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for cutting bone and other tissue. The surgical instrument is powered by a pressurized fluid and includes a rotatable shaft connected to a dissection tool. The instrument includes a housing member comprising a one-piece base. A rotor housing chamber is defined by the base, and the rotatable shaft is located in the rotor housing chamber. A first hearing housing is defined by the base, located adjacent the rotor housing chamber, and houses a first bearing that engages the rotatable shaft. A second bearing housing is defined by the base, located on an opposite side of the rotor housing chamber from the first bearing housing, and houses a second bearing that engages the rotatable shaft. A passage is defined by the base and operable to direct a pressurized fluid through the base to the rotor housing chamber in order to rotate the rotatable shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating spinal stenosis include endoscopic access devices and bone removal devices used to perform a foraminotomy or other bone removal procedures. A bone removal device includes a cannulotome with an endoscopic imaging lumen. Optionally, an endoscope retaining device can be used to facilitate advancement of the endoscope through the cannulotome.

Abstract: There is provided a probe type living body tissue removing device comprising a probe unit having a probe formed in a capillary tube shape and an opening hole portion for internally aspirating a living body tissue, and also having a dissection device arranged within the probe and dissecting the living body tissue aspirated into the probe from the opening hole portion of the probe; wherein an aspiration force supplying device for supplying aspiration force to the probe unit, and a dissection driving source supplying device for supplying power or energy for fulfilling a function of the dissection device to the probe unit are connected to the probe unit; and the probe type living body tissue removing device dissects, and aspirates and removes the living body tissue by the dissecting means while the probe is inserted into the living body tissue and the living body tissue is aspirated through the opening hole portion; and a plurality of the opening hole portions of the probe are arranged.

Abstract: A tissue harvesting and processing apparatus comprises a body and a distally extending needle. The needle includes an aperture configured to receive tissue. A tissue cutting member is movable relative to the needle to sever a specimen from tissue protruding through the aperture. A tissue processor is operable to mince tissue severed by the tissue cutting member. The minced tissue may be mixed with a medical fluid component contained in a reservoir. The medical fluid mixture may be expelled through an applier tip coupled with the body. The tissue processor may comprise a mincing die such that tissue specimens are minced upon being extruded through the mincing die. The tissue processor may comprise a blade that cooperates with a sliding press. The tissue processor may comprise auger blade sections that cooperate with inwardly extending pins. A mixing piston may mix the minced tissue with the medical fluid component.

Abstract: A medical knife includes a blade plate and a blade portion formed at the distal end of the blade plate. Cutting edges extend from the distal end to the proximal end of the blade portion. Two blade surfaces in the width direction of a back-face portion of the blade portion are formed to gradually increase a distance between opposite side and cutting edge from one of the distal end and the proximal end to the other. The two blade surfaces in the width direction of a front-face portion of the blade portion are formed such that the distance between the opposite side and the cutting edge becomes equal in a zone corresponding to a distal end of the cutting edge and a zone corresponding to a proximal end of the cutting edge, over the entire cutting edge from the distal end to the proximal end of the cutting edge.

Abstract: A method for reducing human or animal tissue includes making a plurality of excisions to collectively form a patch of tissue to be reduced, instead of making a single large excision in the patch. Thus, scarring after healing is less noticeable. The treated regions of tissue may be arranged such that a total area of all removed tissue segments taken in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the patch changes gradually along said axis. The removed regions of tissue may be navicular in shape, and the patches may be navicular in shape in the event an elongated excision is made. The removal of tissue regions can be realized by proper treatment methods such as incisions and laser treatment.

Abstract: A method enabling relatively pain-free wound debridement is provided. The method entails double-delivering ultrasound to the wound and dissecting material to be debrided with a cutting edge. Delivering ultrasound energy via a coupling medium to an area of the wound within the vicinity of the material to be debrided and exposing the material to be debrided to ultrasound vibrations as to induce vibrations about the point of dissection, the double-delivery of ultrasound elicits an effect allowing for relatively pain-free debridement. While the effect elicited by the double-delivery is in place, the material to be debrided is dissected with a cutting edge.