Abstract: A catheter device 10 with a cutting structure or means 16 on the distal portion 14 is disclosed, along with a medical procedure for using the device. The catheter 10 is configured in such a way as to create a permanent interatrial aperture in the heart, including creating a permanent interatrial hole and/or removing tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment method includes: inserting an endoscope into a digestive tract; forming a damaged area in at least a portion of the digestive tract along a circumferential direction by performing cauterizing while keeping a mucosal layer by observing with the endoscope; and forming an incomplete stenosis in the digestive tract, while restoring the damaged area, wherein the damaged area is formed by causing damage to a mucosal base layer, the mucosal base layer having an interface that contacts a submucosal layer.

Abstract: A tissue removal device, and methods of using the same, are described. An exemplary detachable, handheld tissue removal device comprises a hand piece and a blade assembly removably attachable to the hand piece. The blade assembly includes a rotatable resection member driven to rotate and surgically remove tissue from a target tissue site, and a coupling assembly including a locking member to detachably couple the blade assembly to the hand piece and operatively enable or disable the rotation of the blade assembly relative to the hand piece. The rotation of the blade assembly causes a change in rotating angle of the blade assembly. The coupling assembly can secure the rotating angle of the blade assembly during the tissue resection procedure.

Abstract: A coring device, for forming an opening in a tissue wall, includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal housing, a coring head having a transection blade and being movable between a rest position and an actuated position, an actuation mechanism for moving the head between the positions and having an actuation rod, at one end of which the head is placed, a lumen extending through at least the proximal end of the body, actuation rod and coring head in order to allow passage of a flexible guide element, and the distal end of the body forms a support for a surgical tool configured to receive a hollow surgical tool with a positive fit and to support this tool to permit linear guiding of the surgical tool during the movement of the latter toward the outside of the coring device.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a soft tissue device, such as a transverse carpal ligament cutting device having one or more balloons that are deflated when the device is in an inactive position and are inflated when the device is in an active position. Other embodiments provide a soft tissue cutting method, such as a method of cutting a transverse carpal ligament that uses a soft tissue cutting device.

Abstract: A surgical tool having an inner drive hub coupled to an inner shaft, the inner drive hub having a boss; an outer hub coupled to a hollow outer shaft, the outer drive hub having at least one hole; and a seal having a body and at least one tab; wherein the inner drive hub and the inner shaft are configured for insertion inside the outer hub and the hollow outer shaft such that the boss is positioned distally to the at least one hole; and the seal body is positioned outside of the outer hub and the at least one tab extends through the at least one hole and proximally to the boss to removably couple the inner drive hub and the inner shaft to the outer hub and the hollow outer shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the treatment of intravascular medical conditions is provided. The device comprising a handle assembly, an expandable portion defined by a plurality of struts oriented along a longitudinal axis and a tip member affixed to a distal end of the struts. The struts are moveable between a collapsed and an expanded position. A catheter tube extends from the handle assembly to the expandable portion. An elongate member is disposed within the catheter tube and is in communication with the handle assembly and the tip member.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein relate to releasable attachment devices for use with surgical tools that include a fixed jaw fixedly coupled to a joint housing, a moveable jaw rotationally coupled to the joint housing, and an actuation mechanism operably coupled to the joint housing.

Abstract: A flexible cannula device includes a solid cannula shaft, a solid cannula tip including an opening, and a coil positioned between and welded to the cannula shaft and cannula tip, the cannula shaft, coil, and cannula tip forming a lumen in fluid communication with the opening. A flexible cannulated drill includes a solid cannula shaft, a solid cannula tip shaped to drill through tissue, a coil positioned between and welded to the cannula shaft and cannula tip, and a handle connected to the cannula shaft. The coil can be a double helix coil comprising an inner coil within an outer coil. A tube inside the coil prevents fluid from leaking between rings of the coil. A cannula system includes an introducer needle and the flexible cannula device. A screw mechanism can adjust a length that the flexible cannula device extends beyond a distal end of the introducer needle.

Abstract: A catheter extraction tool has a head that can be placed in position to significantly surround a diameter of a catheter. The head is shaped to have a low enough profile above the catheter to allow the head to be slid down the catheter and into a subdermal region in which the catheter is subdermal with respect to a patient. The head of the catheter extraction tool is expanded sufficiently to slide the head over a catheter cuff located in the subdermal region. After the head of the catheter extraction tool slides over the catheter cuff, the head is contracted to engage the catheter so that a user can pull the catheter out of the patient using the catheter extraction tool.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing an orthopedic procedure in the sacroiliac region are disclosed. In one form, an aperture is formed that at least partially extends through at least one of an ilium and a sacrum. An undercutting system is inserted into the aperture. The undercutting system may include an insertion apparatus, a probe assembly, and a cutting assembly. The probe assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The probe assembly is manipulated within a joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the probe assembly is in the extended position. The cutting assembly is moved with respect to the insertion apparatus from a retracted position to an extended position. The cutting assembly is manipulated within the joint between the ilium and the sacrum while the cutting assembly is in the extended position to form a fusion region.

Abstract: Knot pushers and suture cutter apparatuses to be used arthroscopically, for example, in an arthroscopic knee surgery may be operated with a single control to both lock the suture within the distal end of the apparatus and cut the suture once the knot has been pushed to the appropriate location. The apparatus may include a safety lock preventing deployment of the cutter until the safety lock (e.g., cutter release) has been released.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a soft tissue device, such as a transverse carpal ligament cutting device having one or more balloons that are deflated when the device is in an inactive position and are inflated when the device is in an active position. Other embodiments provide a soft tissue cutting method, such as a method of cutting a transverse carpal ligament that uses a soft tissue cutting device.

Abstract: Tissue is resected and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects resection and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the resected tissue through an extraction lumen of the resecting device. Resection is achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly including a first electrode on a resecting member and a second electrode within a resection probe or tool. Over a first resecting portion, radio frequency current helps resect the tissue and over a second or over transition region, the RF current initiates vaporization of the fluid or other liquid to propel the tissue from the resection device. In one embodiment, an extending element extends from a housing and into a channel in a resecting member as the resecting member moves toward a distal position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member defining an axis and including a cutting surface. A second member includes a cutting surface that is rotatable relative to the first member. A third member includes an outer surface. The cutting surface of the second member is rotatable relative to the outer surface to transfer the cut tissue along the axis. Systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument includes a main body assembly, and a cannula having a lumen and formed with a slot. An inner tube, which houses a spring-biased retractable cutting blade assembly having a cutting blade, is mounted on one end of the main body assembly and extends axially therefrom. The tube is receivable within the lumen of the cannula, and may be particularly oriented within the cannula lumen such that the cutting blade may be caused to project from both the tube and the cannula slot. The inner tube has a bore in which the distal end of an endoscope may be received. The instrument may be locked in one position to allow the endoscope to engage the blade assembly and cause the cutting blade to project from the cannula slot during a tissue cutting procedure, or may be locked in another position wherein the cutting blade remains retracted.

Abstract: A device includes a handle, an apparatus for probing and cutting, and an adaptor. The handle includes one or more triggers. The apparatus for probing and cutting is connectable to the handle and includes an elongated member, a probe, and a blade. The probe and the blade are selectively deployable from the elongate member via activation of the one or more triggers on the handle. The adaptor is configured to selectively connect the apparatus to the handle in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A rotatable surgical instrument, system, and method includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member contained, at least in part, within the outer tubular member and configured to rotate relative to the outer tubular member. A distal tip is coupled to and configured to rotate with the inner tubular member, the distal tip forming a channel around a portion of the distal tip. A bearing is rotatably positioned within the channel, wherein the channel inhibits radial and axial movement of the bearing, with respect to the distal tip, along a major axis of the outer tubular member and inner tubular member, and wherein the bearing is configured to inhibit deflection of the distal tip from the major axis.

Abstract: A tissue resecting device includes a housing having an outer shaft, the outer shaft including a tool portion disposed at a distal end thereof having a window defined therein with a proximal cutting edge. An inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft and includes proximal and distal ends, the inner shaft configured to rotate upon actuation thereof. A cork-screw member extends distally from the distal end of the inner shaft and into the window. The cork-screw member is configured to rotate concomitantly with the inner shaft and includes a barb at a distal end thereof configured to pierce and retain tissue thereon. Upon rotation of the inner shaft, the barb pierces and retains tissue and withdraws tissue proximally along the cork-screw member and into the outer shaft and wherein excess tissue is excised by the proximal cutting edge of the window as the tissue is withdrawn through the outer shaft.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece for removing tissue includes a housing defining a cavity therein, the housing having a proximal hub connector disposed at a distal end thereof. An end effector assembly is operably supported by the proximal hub connector and includes an outer shaft supporting a cutting shaft configured to remove tissue upon activation thereof via translation or rotation. A fluid pump is disposed within the cavity of the housing and is configured to evacuate fluid from the cutting shaft upon activation thereof. A motor is disposed within the cavity of the housing and includes a power coupler operably coupled to both the cutting shaft and the fluid pump for suppling power thereto.

Abstract: A defibrillator is provided comprising an activation mechanism having an activator and a status indicator, wherein the activator is disposable in a first condition in which the defibrillator is deactivated and in a second condition in which the defibrillator is activated and the status indicator is operable in at least a first mode in which a ‘defibrillator ready’ status of the defibrillator is indicated and a second mode in which a ‘defibrillator not ready’ status of the defibrillator is indicated. By having an activation mechanism which includes the activator and the status indicator, users of the defibrillator are not confused between separate activation and status indication devices and are able to use the activator promptly.

Abstract: A knot pushing and suture-cutting device is disclosed including a handle having a multi-positional control and an inner shaft and outer tube extending from the handle. The inner shaft and outer tube both comprise slots and the outer tube is both axially and rotationally moveable relative to the inner shaft, to move the inner shaft and outer tube slots relative to each other. In a first configuration, the inner shaft and outer tube slots are aligned and configured to receive a suture therein. In a second configuration, the slots are configured to lock the suture within a lumen of the inner shaft. In a third configuration a cutting edge on the outer slot is configured to cut the suture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable electric nail file, and a system comprising an electric nail file handpiece having a motor and a power unit having a rechargeable battery for supplying power to said electric nail file. The power unit has manual digital control interface in the form of a click wheel to enable a user to control the direction and speed of the motor of the electric nail file. The interface communicates to a processor for controlling the operation of the electric nail file the processor executing stored software instructions. The device and system include a communication element for receiving signals from a foot pedal by low power radio signal control of the direction and speed of the electric nail file motor. A docking cradle engages the power unit and through metal contacts is operable to recharge the battery of the power unit. The cradle also incorporates display indicating speed and direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tissue cutting system for cutting tissue of a heart, such as tissue of a septum of a heart, comprising: an outer tubular member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, said distal portion comprising a tissue resection window; a resection element axially slidably arranged inside the outer tubular member configured to resect tissue extending through the tissue resection window; at least one pressure sensor; wherein the outer tubular member and resection element are arranged to establish: a first fluid flow channel suitable for transporting resected tissue away from an area adjacent to the resection element; at least one second fluid flow channel configured to assist the first fluid flow channel in transporting resected tissue. The present disclosure further relates to a method for resecting tissue using the disclosed tissue cutting system.

Abstract: A tool for surgically removing tissue of a patient includes a body, a flexible rotating shaft that drives a distal cutting tool and is drivingly coupled to a motor supported by bearings in a flexible tubular sheath to allow the shaft to rotate and be shifted longitudinally. Steering cables in the sheath control the flexion of the sheath. A processor controls the operation to ensure that the cutting tool operates within a predetermined resection area, controlling a combination of motor speed, sheath flexion, and shaft retraction to assist surgery in the resection area.

Abstract: A surgical method for placing an implantable medical device for constricting at least one of a patient's rectum, anal channel, anal sphincter or colon. The surgical method comprises creating an incision in a vaginal wall of a patient, inserting a surgical instrument through said incision. The instrument comprising an elongated main part, an elongated member having a proximal end fixed to a distal end of the elongated main part by means of a first adjustable joint having a pivotal axis, for adjusting a first angle between the main part of the instrument and the elongated member between 0 and 180 degrees, wherein the elongated main part and the elongated member lie in a first plane extending perpendicularly to the pivotal ax-is.

Abstract: An ultrasonic instrument includes a body, an actuation assembly, a shaft assembly, and an ultrasonic blade. The body defines a longitudinal axis and is configured to receive an ultrasonic transducer. The actuation assembly includes at least one annular activation member and at least one circuit. The at least one annular activation member extends angularly about the body along a 360 degree angular range. The at least one annular activation member is configured to move laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the body. The at least one circuit corresponds to the at least one annular activation member. The shaft assembly includes an acoustic waveguide. The ultrasonic blade is in acoustic communication with the acoustic waveguide. The at least one activation circuit is configured to activate the ultrasonic blade in response to lateral movement of the activation member relative to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a shaft and an articulatable end effector is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive system configured to articulate the end effector and means for retaining the articulation drive system in engagement with the end effector.

Abstract: Devices and methods to remove trabecular meshwork to treat glaucoma and other conditions which may not utilize cutting elements when stripping the trabecular meshwork. The trabeculorhexis parts tissue by applying non-cutting shear and tension to the tissue to disinsert the tissue from its attachments. Reducing or eliminating the need for sharp cutting implements in the eye reduces the likelihood of incisional bleeding, iris and scleral tissue maceration and further inadvertent tissue damage of the gonio structure of the eye. In another aspect, a cutting element may be used to form a circumferential slit in a wall of Schlemm's canal in conjunction with removal of trabecular meshwork or independently.

Abstract: A surgical device controllable by a surgical robotic system is provided. The surgical device includes a housing capable of being coupled to the surgical robotic system; a drive system at least partially mounted in the housing; and a shaft rotatably coupled to the drive system at a first end of the shaft. The surgical device further includes a tissue-removal assembly coupled to the second end of the shaft. The tissue-removal assembly includes a first cutting member having a plurality of rotatable blades. The first cutting member is coupled to a second end of the shaft. The tissue-removal assembly further includes a second cutting member, one or more support elements slidably or fixedly coupled to the second cutting member, and one or more extendable elements slidably or fixedly coupled to the second cutting member.

Abstract: A system for intracranial access that includes a support assembly is described. The system includes a tubular probe shaft that may be advanced through a hole in the patient's skull. The tubular probe shaft houses a rotating element that cuts clot, and is connected to a vacuum source to aspirate clot fragments and blood from the site. The rotating element may have a bident shape.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument assembly usable in a procedure. The instrument includes a connection for a working portion and to a tool handle. The assembly includes a method and system for interconnection and/or identification of the working portion and the handle. The instrument may also include various trackable features to allow for a navigated procedure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a temperature sensor and a control unit that is operable to deactivate an end effector of the surgical instrument. In some versions the temperature sensor detects the temperature of a transducer, while in others the temperature sensor detects the temperature of the end effector. The surgical instrument may also include a trigger and a trigger position sensor. A force sensor or a position sensor may be included to determine the force and/or position of the transmission assembly. The end effector may also include a force sensor or a micro coil. A surgical instrument having a sensor may be included in a surgical system that includes a control unit and a remote controller. In some instances the remote controller may have one or more force-feedback components. In addition, a device interface and a surgeon interface may be included to remotely adjust the settings of the control unit.

Abstract: A medical drive unit receives and rotationally drives a medical, preferably surgical tool, by a motor, preferably an electric motor, housed in the drive unit which can be operated via a control or regulation unit. The medical drive unit includes a sensor device for directly or indirectly detecting or determining a movement of the drive unit or a holding movement of the user which is triggered by the motor corresponding to the power applied to the tool and a kickback control which automatically effects a reduction of the driving power or turning off of the motor upon detection of a predetermined drive unit or holding movement or a predetermined drive-unit or holding-movement amount.

Abstract: Microfracture apparatuses with a cannula and a penetrator. The cannula has a first end, a second end, and a channel extending between the first end and the second end through which a penetrator can move between a retracted and an extended position substantially without rotation of the penetrator. The cannula has a primary portion and a distal portion between the primary portion and the second end, with the distal portion configured such that the distal portion and/or the second end of the channel is disposed at a nonparallel angle relative to the primary portion, for example, with a curve between the primary portion and the distal portion. The penetrator is configured to flex around such a curve and/or to flex to align with the angle of the send end of the channel and/or the distal portion of the cannula.

Abstract: A tissue-resecting end effector assembly includes an outer shaft having a hub housing disposed about a proximal end portion thereof, an inner shaft rotatably disposed within the outer shaft and having a distal driver disposed about a proximal end portion thereof, a proximal driver, a retainer cap, and an RFID chip. The proximal driver is slidably coupled to the distal driver in fixed rotational orientation. The retainer cap is fixedly engaged with the hub housing, thereby fixing the retainer cap relative to the hub housing and the outer shaft. The retainer cap is configured to selectively lock the proximal driver in fixed rotational orientation, thereby selectively locking the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft. The RFID chip is disposed within a pocket of the retainer cap that is closed upon engagement of the retainer cap with the hub housing, thereby retaining the RFID chip therein.

Abstract: The robot controller includes: a memory configured to store a first value representing a position of a first movable member detected by a first position detector when a first tool including the first movable member and the first position detector is detached from a robot or when the first movable member moves to a predetermined position; and a processor configured to execute a predetermined process in accordance with a difference between the first value stored in the memory and a second value representing a position of a second movable member detected by a second position detector when a second tool including the second movable member and the second position detector is attached to the robot or when the second movable member moves to the predetermined position after the second tool is attached to the robot.

Abstract: An end-effector assembly includes opposing first and second jaw members, at least one of which is movable relative to the other from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to at least a second position closer to one another wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes an electrically-conductive, tissue-engaging structure extending along a length thereof. Each electrically-conductive, tissue-engaging structure is configured to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue grasped between the opposing first and second jaw members to effect a tissue seal. The end-effector assembly includes a split electrode including a first electrode portion and a second electrode portion spaced apart from the first electrode portion and electrically-isolated therefrom by a gap defined therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ophthalmic knife and methods of its use for treatment of various conditions including eye diseases, such as glaucoma, using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The invention relates to a multi-blade device for cutting the tissues within the eye, for example, a trabecular meshwork (TM).

Abstract: Surgical tools for removal of tissue, namely instruments, devices and methods for surgical tissue cutting with a cylindrical cutting burr bit extending from an elongated hollow member and connected to a shaft for actuating rotation motion of said burr bit to cut/remove tissue from a target location, while mitigating the harm of damaging surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Expandable electrophysiology catheters having electrodes mounted on splines of an expandable member are described. The splines of the expandable member include subsegments between a proximal location and a distal intersection at a central axis. The subsegments can include respective top-down profiles, and at least one of the top-down subsegment profiles is straight between the central axis and an adjacent top-down subsegment profile. The subsegments can be interconnected to extend continuously about the central axis from the proximal location to the distal intersection. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A surgical stapler. The surgical stapler includes a drive system, an electric motor, a battery and a control system. The drive system includes an actuation member. The electric motor is mechanically coupled to the drive system. The battery is electrically couplable to the electric motor. The control system includes an H-bridge circuit electrically couplable to the electric motor. The control system is configured to control the electric motor based on a sensed parameter associated with the electric motor, a position of the actuation member and a velocity of the actuation member.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter device for treating atherosclerotic material located within a blood vessel includes an expandable portion is secured to a catheter tube having a centerline. The expandable portion includes a plurality of struts pivotably attached to the expandable portion for movement between a closed position where the struts extend parallel to the centerline and an opened position where the struts splay outwardly at an angle from the centerline. A sharpened edge associated with at least one of struts creates an incision in the atherosclerotic material when the expandable portion is placed in the opened position and retracted axially through the blood vessel.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a shank extending along an axis and an interface comprising at least one outermost drive portion spaced at a first interface distance from the axis. The drill bit further comprises a resilient arm extending from a proximal end of the shank. The resilient arm comprises an outer arm surface facing away from the axis and a retention surface facing toward a distal end of the shank. The retention surface may be radially aligned about the axis with respect to the outermost drive portion. The resilient arm is movable between: a first position where the outer arm surface is spaced from the axis at a first arm distance greater than the first interface distance, and a second position where the outer arm surface is spaced from the axis at a second arm distance less than or equal to the first interface distance.

Abstract: A surgical method is provided, comprising: providing an information structure in a computer readable storage device that associates an indication of surgeon skill level in at least one surgical activity performed using the surgical instrument with a surgical instrument actuator safety state of the surgical instrument for use during performance of the at least one surgical activity using the surgical instrument by a surgeon having the indicated skill level; tracking surgical instrument actuator state of a surgical instrument during performance of a surgical procedure by a surgeon; and transitioning the surgical instrument actuator state of the surgical instrument to the surgical instrument safety state during performance of the at least one surgical activity by the surgeon using the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to endoscopic reposable surgical clip appliers having a reusable handle assembly, at least one reusable shaft assembly, and at least one disposable clip cartridge assembly.

Abstract: A dual blade device and method useable for performing an ab interno procedure within a human eye to remove a strip of trabecular meshwork tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body assembly, a shaft, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an end effector, an articulation drive assembly, and a locking feature. The shaft extends distally from the body assembly. The waveguide comprises a flexible portion. The articulation drive assembly is operable to drive articulation of the articulation section to thereby deflect the end effector from the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The articulation drive assembly comprises an actuator. The actuator is movable relative to the body assembly to drive articulation of the articulation section. The locking feature is in communication with the actuator. The locking feature is movable between an unlocked state and a locked state. The locking feature is configured to permit movement of the actuator relative to the body assembly in the unlocked state. The locking feature is configured to prevent movement of the actuator relative to the body assembly in the locked state.

Abstract: A vertebral body shaver assembly may include a shaver inserter and a shaver instrument. The shaver inserter may be used to insert the shaver instrument into an intradiscal space between vertebral body endplates in a non-expanded condition with a footprint area A1. The shaver instrument may then be adjusted into a to an expanded condition with a footprint area A2that is greater than footprint area A1. As the shaver instrument is adjusted into the expanded condition, at least one blade may shave osteochondral material off at least one of the first vertebral body endplates.

Abstract: A device for severing and removing tissue parts (20), from a body of a living being, by means of a fixed guide rail (1, 30) along which a slide rail (6, 31) is movable, wherein the guide rail (1, 30) and the slide rail (6, 31) form, in the distal region, a cutting or punching mouth (17, 32) for severing the tissue part (20), wherein a conduit (18) for supplying a liquid is assigned to the cutting or punching mouth (17).