Abstract: By modifying existing methods for synthesizing polyaniline, a polyaniline polymer having a new constellation of material properties has been produced. The material properties of the polymeric compositions disclosed herein enhance the use of polyanilines in a wide variety of processes that use such materials, for example processes used in the formation of filtration membranes.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a tissue removal device including customizable tips. The tissue removal device may include an outer shaft and a threaded shaft. One aspect of disclosure may include a shaft cutting tool that emerges from the end of the outer shaft. Another aspect of the disclosure may include a flexible cutting blade extending from the threaded shaft. Threaded shaft may be driven by a driving mechanism in order to provide an auger-like suction mechanism to facilitate the transfer of removed tissue to a collection chamber that is coupled to the outer shaft and the threaded shaft.

Abstract: A surgical tool well suited for less invasive surgery. Uses include spinal surgery and microdecompressive techniques. The method and device are useful for rearchitecting the spine. A cutting tip or head on a shaft is shielded during non-use to protect tissue and neural elements. To further protect neural elements and tissue, an inflatable retractor is introduced into the body with the surgical tool.

Abstract: A fuel line assembly for an aircraft comprises a ferrule assembly comprising a ferrule affixed to an isolation tube, which may be directly affixed to a fuel tube or affixed to an extension tube, which in turn, is affixed to the fuel tube. The ferrule assembly provides electrostatic discharge protection and lightning protection as the isolation tube maintains a separation distance from the ferrule and fuel tube, both of which are made from metal. The isolation tube is made from a dielectric material, but which may have conductive particles added to aid in the dissipation of an electrostatic charge. The electrical resistance through the isolation tube has a lower limit to arrest the flow of the induced lightning current through the assembly. The amount of lightning protection afforded can be configured. The ferrule assembly components may be affixed by using thermo-welding, adhesive, or mechanical pressure.

Abstract: Over-the-wire self-sizing, self-centering valvulotomes sufficiently designed to cut valves through a wide range of vein diameters and adjust to the internal diameter of a vein as the valvulotome is being drawn through the vessel, and methods of use thereof during certain medical procedures that involve splitting valves, are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, an over-the-wire valvulotome includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein a first portion of a plurality of cutting tools engage the catheter at the distal end, and wherein an actuation mechanism engages the catheter at the proximal end; a retainer for temporarily shielding a second portion of the plurality of cutting tools, wherein the second portion includes cutting blades; and a sheath slidably movable over the plurality of cutting blades, wherein the catheter and the retainer have internal diameters configured for passing over a guidewire.

Abstract: An endoscope for removing tissue at a surgical site includes an elongated tubular body insertable within a mammalian cavity of a patient. An instrument channel extends between a first opening at a distal end and a second opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical cutting assembly that includes an aspiration channel configured to remove material entering the endoscope via a distal end of the surgical cutting assembly. A torque generation component configured to generate torque is positioned within the distal end and configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component. The coupling component is positioned at the distal end of the elongated tubular member and configured to actuate a cutting component of the surgical cutting assembly responsive to actuation of the torque generation component.

Abstract: In order to improve a sliding shaft for a surgical sliding shaft instrument, wherein the sliding shaft defines a longitudinal direction and comprises a first shaft part and a second shaft part which are arranged such that they are displaceable relative to each other, wherein said first shaft part carries a first tool element and said second shaft part carries a second tool element, wherein the second shaft part has a cut material collector with an inlet opening which is bounded by the second tool part and extends therefrom in the proximal direction, such that the cut material collector can be emptied in a simple and rapid manner, it is proposed that the cut material collector should have at least one emptying opening which is formed on the proximal side of the inlet opening and that the at least one emptying opening should be open in a lateral emptying direction which is oriented perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly with respect to the longitudinal direction and parallel or substantially parallel

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member having an inner surface defining a first passageway. A second member is disposable within the first passageway and movable relative to the first member. The second member defines a longitudinal axis and extends between a first end and a second end configured to engage tissue. The second end includes a first surface configured for a non-penetrating engagement with the tissue and a second surface including at least two spaced apart cutting members extending axially from the first surface. The cutting members are rotatable to excise a portion of the tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument is provided and includes a housing including an elongated shaft assembly extending distally therefrom. The elongated shaft assembly includes inner and outer shaft members. The inner and outer shaft members are removably coupled to the housing and the outer shaft member is movable with respect to the inner shaft member. An end effector is operably supported at the distal end of the outer shaft member and includes a pair of jaw members configured for treating tissue. A bushing operably couples to the inner and outer shaft members of the shaft assembly and selectively and releasably couples to the housing. The bushing includes one or more mechanical interfaces configured to engage one or more slots defined through the inner shaft member and one or more slots defined through the outer shaft member to release the inner and outer shaft members from the housing.

Abstract: An excisional device for either handheld or stereotactic table use may comprise an outer sheath that may comprise a distal scoopula shape configured to penetrate and/or cut tissue independently or in concert with work element(s). The articulable work element(s) may comprise articulable beak(s) and may be configured to translate and/or rotate at a first rate and to cut tissue in a direction implied by placement of the scoopula shaped outer sheath. A first helical element or equivalent assembly may be configured to transport tissue cut by the work element(s) and/or scoopula, may be co-axially disposed relative to the work element(s) and may be operative to rotate at a second rotation rate that is different than the first rate. A proximal sheath may be co-axially disposed relative to the work element(s) and the first helical element, and may be configured to rotate and actuate the work element(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to improving a surgical system for connecting bodily tissues, comprising a surgical instrument having two tool elements displaceable relative to each other, each comprising an HF electrode defining a minimum distance from each other, opposite each other, and facing one another in an approach setting of the tool elements, wherein in order for simple and secure connecting of the tissue parts to be connected to each other, the invention proposes that at least one of the HF electrodes is divided into at least two electrode segments and that the at least two electrode segments are electrically insulated from each other.

Abstract: A steerable laser probe may include a handle, an actuation mechanism of the handle, an optic fiber, and a housing tube. The housing tube may include a first housing tube portion having a first stiffness and a second housing tube portion having a second stiffness. The second stiffness may be greater than the first stiffness. The optic fiber may be disposed within the housing tube and within an inner bore of the handle. A portion of the optic fiber may be fixed to an inner portion of the housing tube.

Abstract: A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes an elongated proximal segment and a distal segment. The distal segments are configured to grasp tissue therebetween. The jaw members are biased towards a spaced-apart position relative to one another. A sliding unit is disposed about the first and second jaw members and is slidable relative to the jaw members between a first position, wherein the sliding unit is disposed about the elongated proximal segments of the jaw members, and a second position, wherein the sliding unit is disposed about the distal segments of the jaw members. The sliding unit is configured to transition the jaw members against the bias from the spaced-apart position to an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween upon sliding of the sliding unit from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A device for controlled translational displacement of an elongated element that terminates in a frontal functional end, in particular an instrument/tool that is designed to be brought to an internal site in a patient, more particularly an exploratory instrument/surgical tool placed in a catheter or in an operating channel or working channel of a flexible endoscope, whereby the device includes a linear actuator that acts at the rear end of the elongated element that is located opposite its frontal functional end. The device that is characterized in that the actuator includes of a direct-drive electromagnetic linear motor with a shaft that moves in translation relative to a stator and that drives the elongated element, whereby the shaft can also be coupled to a rotary motor.

Abstract: A surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed. A surgical stapling apparatus is disclosed. Also disclosed is a surgical instrument system, comprising a handle, comprising a rotary motion input configured to generate a rotary motion and a selector assembly configured to selectively transmit the rotary motion generated by the rotary motion input to the firing system and the articulation system.

Abstract: An improved flexible endoscopic instrument to precisely and efficiently obtains samples of flat polyps and multiple polyps from a patient by debriding one or more polyps and retrieving the debrided polyps without having to alternate between using a separate cutting tool and a separate sample retrieving tool and may be used with an endoscope. In one aspect, the cutting tool is coupled to a flexible torque coil or torque rope that is configured to transfer rotational energy from a powered actuator through the length of the endoscope onto the cutting tool.

Abstract: A surgical forceps includes a housing having one or more shafts attached thereto and an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes first and second jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. At least one jaw member is moveable from an open position to a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween. The jaw members include at least one sensing component that determines an output of one or both of cross-sectional diameter and composition of tissue disposed between the jaw members. A processing component is configured to receive the output and determine a seal pressure for adequately sealing tissue disposed between the jaw members based upon the output. A regulating component regulates the movement of the jaw members between the first and second positions such that the determined seal pressure is applied to tissue disposed therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for elongating a tendon including a cutting blade and a cutting guide supporting the cutting blade in such a way that the cutting blade is movable through at least a portion of a tendon in a helical path so as to make a helical cut in the tendon which allows elongation of the tendon.

Abstract: A cutting device includes a lower jaw extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end terminates with a cavity and a blunt tip. An upper jaw extends between a proximal end and a distal end. The upper jaw is configured for translation along the lower jaw. The upper jaw includes a cutting tip configured to cut bone.

Abstract: An adjustable awl for forming a hole for the insertion of a screw or other device in a pedicle or other body part. The awl comprises an elongated housing having an open end, and an elongated awl member movably mounted in the housing and being extendable beyond the open end to vary the length of the awl. The awl comprises means for locking the awl member in a selected position relative to the housing. The awl member is provided with markings thereon to indicate its position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A vitrectomy surgical system is disclosed herein. The surgical system includes a vitrectomy probe having a cutting portion comprising an inner cutting tube, an outer cutting tube, and an outer port. The inner cutting tube is movable relative to the outer cutting tube to cut vitreous humor during a vitrectomy procedure. The surgical system further includes a motor configured to move the inner cutting tube relative to the outer cutting tube and one or more pressure sensors coupled to the vitrectomy probe to measure a pressure proximate to a distal portion of the vitrectomy probe and provide pressure feedback. Related systems and methods are also included.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10, 100) configured to facilitate gripping and manual adjustment by a left-handed or righted-handed user. The surgical instrument includes a rod (11) having a first end (12a) attachable to a working end (13, 113) of the instrument via a mount (16). The rod has a second end (12b) coupled to a handle (14) having rotational directionality for gripping by a first hand of the user. The handle is rotatable about the rod so as to allow the user to adjust an angular displacement of the user's finger relative to the working end, and a locking member (20, 146) prevents rotation of the handle relative to the rod when the beveled indent is optimally located relative to the working end.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and at least one needle that is moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. A suture may be delivered transfascially with the instrument. The instrument may include a suture catch associated with each needle for retaining and releasing a suture segment. A shield may be provided to shield the sharp end of each needle when it is moved to the extended position. A method of delivering a transfascial suture may include inserting an instrument into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, each needle through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall. A suture or suture segment may be advanced across the fascia with the at least one needle.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope including: an insertion section inserted from a mouth ring provided at the base-end portion of a channel of the endoscope to the inside of the channel; an operation section provided at the base end of the insertion section; a rigid guide member having a tubular shape, externally fitted around the insertion section at the base end of the insertion section, and fixed to the operation section; and a fixing section that is externally fitted around the guide member, firmly attaches between the inner wall of the mouth ring or the channel and the guide member, and fixes the guide member to the inner wall of the mouth ring or the channel.

Abstract: An endoscope for removing tissue at a surgical site includes an elongated tubular body insertable within a mammalian cavity of a patient. An instrument channel extends between a first opening at a distal end and a second opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical cutting assembly that includes an aspiration channel configured to remove material entering the endoscope via a distal end of the surgical cutting assembly. A torque generation component configured to generate torque is positioned within the distal end and configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component. The coupling component is positioned at the distal end of the elongated tubular member and configured to actuate a cutting component of the surgical cutting assembly responsive to actuation of the torque generation component.

Abstract: According to one configuration, a hand tool attachment assembly includes a cap, an outer tube, and an inner tube. The cap includes a hollowed volume to matably secure the cap to a distal end of a hand tool. The outer tube is affixed to the cap opposite the hollowed region. The inner tube is disposed in the outer tube and rotates with respect to the outer tube. A fastening resource disposed on an inner surface of the cap enables securedly attaching of the cap to the distal end of the hand tool.

Abstract: A hand tool comprises: a handle, a cavity, and a drive adapter. The handle is disposed at a proximal end of the hand tool. The cavity is disposed at a distal end of the hand tool. The drive adapter is disposed in the cavity to rotate about an axis of the hand tool. In one embodiment, the drive adapter includes a hollowed volume extending through the drive adapter from a first opening at a tip of the drive adapter to a second opening (such as an a sidewall) of the drive adapter into the cavity. According to one configuration, the hollowed volume extends from the tip of the drive adapter to multiple openings disposed on a respective sidewall of the drive adapter. A respective sidewall of the drive adapter including one or more openings is free from contacting a circumferential surface in the hand tool defining the cavity.

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

Abstract: The disclosure provides a tissue removal device including customizable tips. The tissue removal device may include an outer shaft and a threaded shaft. One aspect of disclosure may include a shaft cutting tool that emerges from the end of the outer shaft. Another aspect of the disclosure may include a flexible cutting blade extending from the threaded shaft. Threaded shaft may be driven by a driving mechanism in order to provide an auger-like suction mechanism to facilitate the transfer of removed tissue to a collection chamber that is coupled to the outer shaft and the threaded shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating an object such as a pacing lead from a patient tissue involve a flexible and torqueable shaft having an internal lumen sized to receive the object, and a hard separating mechanism for separating the object from the tissue. Typically the shaft and separating mechanism are advanced along or toward the object, and the separating mechanism is contacted with the tissue. The shaft is rotated to effect separation between the object and the tissue. The systems and methods are well suited for use in cardiac pacing or defibrillator lead explant procedures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument, in particular a sliding shaft instrument, with a main part, and a moveable part relative thereto, with a handle attached to the main part, comprising a fixed grip and a grip actuating the moveable part, with at least one guide, through which, in relation to the main part, the moveable part is moveable between an initial position and a working position, and with a sliding surface attached to the movable part and pointing towards the main part, the sliding surface being slid along a guide surface attached to the main part and pointing towards the sliding surface, with at least the sliding surface or the guide surface are assigned to each other for the formation of a washable gap.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use in releasing soft tissue within the human body. The surgical instrument has a handle with proximal and distal ends with a tube connected to the distal end. The surgical instrument also includes a blade member that slidingly engages the tube moving along the length of the tube to cut soft tissue. Further included in the surgical instrument is a guard member that is attached to the blade member. The guard member has a hood portion and a capture portion. The hood portion is connected to the blade member with the distally positioned capture portion acting to displace surrounding tissue while capturing certain soft tissue structures resulting in the blade member being in operative position to cut and release the soft tissue. A surgical instrument kit including a plurality of modular surgical instruments and method for releasing soft tissue using the surgical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical blade is disclosed. The blade is of a low-profile design, having a downward angled cutting surface that is radiused at its upper end. The blade is part of an endoscopic knife assembly which also contains a knife tube. The endoscopic knife assembly is for use in endoscopic surgery by insertion of the assembly through a slotted cannula. The knife tube is hollow and allows the insertion of an endoscope for viewing of the surgical procedure. A method for a performing an operative procedure on a target tissue in a subject using an endoscopic knife assembly having a low-profile, downward angled blade is also described.

Abstract: There is provided a method of attaching an end effector to a surgical instrument having a center rod with a distal tip. The method includes providing an end effector having a base and a coupler defining a pocket and movably mounted within the base. The end effector is moved over the center rod such that the distal tip of the center rod is seated within the pocket of the coupler. There is also disclosed an end effector including a base having a slot, a coupler movably mounted within the base and defining a pocket for receipt of a moving member of a surgical instrument and an operative member movably mounted on the base and connected to the coupler.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drive shaft for a surgical handpiece including a first prong and a second prong, wherein the first prong and the second prong are asymmetric. A surgical handpiece and a method of coupling a surgical handpiece and a cutting tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical instrument for guiding a tool into an operating space including a shaft having first and second shaft segments connected to each other in an articulated manner, and an adjustment element arranged on one of the first and second shaft segments so as to be longitudinally movable along an adjustment direction, and adjustable in order to pivot the first and second shaft segments relative to each other. Furthermore, a connection element is provided as being connected in an articulated manner to the adjustment element via a first hinge connection and connected in an articulated manner to the other of the first and second shaft segments via a second hinge connection, such that, by adjusting the adjustment element along the adjustment direction, the first and second shaft segments are pivotable relative to each other. Accordingly, a medical instrument is disclosed that is easy to handle and permits advantageous force support.

Abstract: A method for detaching an object from a patient includes providing a tool having a sheath, and a separating assembly operably coupled to a distal end of the sheath. The separating assembly includes a separator moveably coupled to a tip via a threadable connection. The separating assembly is placed near patient tissue that is attached to the object, the sheath is rotated to move the separator distal to the tip, and the separator is applied to the patient tissue that is attached to the object, so as to separate the tissue. A separating system includes a sheath, and a separator threadably coupled with a distal end of the sheath. The separator is adapted to switch between a first configuration where a separating means is deployed, and a second configuration where the separating means is undeployed.

Abstract: A guard for use with a surgical cutting system. The guard includes a housing and wiring. The housing defines a longitudinal passageway, and is configured for releasable attachment to an instrument handpiece. The wiring is coupled to the housing and includes an electrically conductive wire and an insulative material. The wire defines opposing, first and second ends, with the first end being positioned within the passageway. The insulative material covers the wire apart from the first end such that the first end of the wire is exposed within the passageway. The first end of the wire establishes an electrical connection with a cutting tool shank upon placement within the passageway.

Abstract: An endoscopic vessel harvester includes a vessel keeper for capturing a target vessel within a tunnel that has been dissected along the target vessel. A cutter member cuts and cauterizes side branches while the target vessel is slidably captured in the vessel keeper. A spray nozzle carried by the vessel keeper delivers a preservative fluid via a manual control valve and a conduit. The preservative fluid is sprayed on the target vessel proximate a respective side branch immediately after being cauterized. Thus, a harvested vessel is bathed in preservative fluid prior to being actually removed from the body, enhancing endothelial preservation from cascading events.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for re-entering the true lumen of a vessel. The re-entry catheters employ deflectable struts to stabilize and support the distal tip in a subintimal location while a passageway back into the true lumen is formed. Re-entry to the true lumen can be effected with a cutting element or with a conventional guidewire.

Abstract: An interchangeable tip comprising: a stylet; a blade module including: an enclosure that electrically connects, signally connects, or both the interchangeable tip to a power source, a signal source, or both; and blade circuitry having: one or more control buttons, one or more switches, or both for controlling operation one or more functions of the interchangeable tip.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for passively dissipating a rotational speed of a fluid-driven rotatable shaft. In particular, a dissipation member is provided for dissipating the rotational speed of a shaft having an end effector formed thereon. As the rotational speed of the shaft increases, the dissipation member will apply a counter-torque to the shaft, thereby limiting the rotational speed of the shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the counter-torque has a non-linear dependence on the rotational speed of the shaft, such that the counter-torque increases at a rate greater than a rate of increase in the rotational speed.

Abstract: A method for endoscopic treatment that performs treatment on a subject under an endoscope includes irradiating the subject with white light, performing predetermined treatment on a living tissue of the subject after irradiation with the white light, and switching from irradiation with the white light to irradiation of the subject with narrow band light having a predetermined peak wavelength according to a condition of bleeding from the living tissue in the predetermined treatment.

Abstract: A device for removing an implanted object from a body vessel includes an actuator having an elongated sheath extending therefrom, the elongated sheath including a proximal portion and a distal portion. A tubular outer member has a proximal end attached to the distal portion of the elongated sheath, with a ramped surface at a distal end of the tubular outer member which constricts a diameter of a bore formed in the tubular outer member. A tubular inner member is located within the tubular outer member, the tubular inner member including a proximal end operably connected to the actuator and a distal end opposite the proximal end, the distal end of the tubular inner member including a plurality of resiliently flexible blades positioned to interact with the ramped surface of the tubular outer member such that the ramped surface is operable to deflect the resiliently flexible blades radially inwardly as the tubular inner member is advanced distally within the tubular outer member.

Abstract: Technologies are provided for an opto-mechancial device is provided for enabling surgeons to rapidly simulate proposed intestinal/colorectal anastomosis cut lines and assess their impact upon tissue perfusion prior to their implementation. The pre-selection process enables a surgeon to decide upon the locations of the anastomotic cut lines that are most likely to reduce ischemia, while preserving most of the intestinal tissue length. The opto-mechanical device may simulate a cut line by applying pressure to intestinal tissue and detecting a light pattern transmitted through the intestinal tissue before and after the applied pressure. A perfusion map may be generated to estimate perfusion quality around the circumference of the intestinal tissue at the site of a simulated cut line, and the perfusion map may be displayed as a two-dimensional graphic image of the proposed anastomosis site. Once the site of the best cut line is selected, the surgeon may activate a cutting blade to implement the cut.

Abstract: An endo-surgical device, system and method are provided. The endo-surgical device includes a flared prow that limits the displacement and rotation of the cannula to keep the knife away from tissues that are not intended to be cut. The endo-surgical tool can be utilized as part of a system for performing an endo-surgical procedure.

Abstract: A device (100) for the excision of a heart valve via a percutaneous route having a proximal (20) and distal (30) end, comprising an expandable cutting instrument, ECI, that forms a receptacle in the open configuration for receiving, compacting and containing the excised heart valve, an expandable cutting block, ECB, and a displacement mechanism (5, 6) for adjusting the distance between the ECI and the ECB (70).

Abstract: In a background-art medical gripping device, when a wall surface of an in vivo tissue has a large tear, a side portion of the tear can be gripped by the gripping device, but the other side portion opposed to the side portion cannot be gripped simultaneously. Therefore, to close the tear, complicated operation is required to be performed using plural gripping devices. A medical gripping device according to the present invention includes a fixed clip, a pair of movable clips made from an elastic material and provided to face the fixed clip, the movable clips having lower ends fixed to the fixed clip and the other ends opened, and a control mechanism which shifts from each other a timing at which a gripping target is gripped between one of the movable clips and the fixed clip and a timing at which the target is gripped between the other movable clip and the fixed clip.

Abstract: An instrument for the surgical removal of a defective heart valve. The instrument has elements that can be collapsed, in which the instrument cutting elements are collapsed when the instrument is introduced into the surgical field and are covered by means of contact protective sheaths. The instrument cutting elements are formed as cutting ring halves that can fold in around a hinge axis, these cutting ring halves being elastically deformable during the folding-in process, whereby their deformation is achieved by fish joints that also serve to aid in mutually moving the contact protective sheaths onto each of two body members.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for both chopping and splitting the nucleus of an eye has a handle housing a shaft mounted within a guide tube which slides into and out of the instrument to bring first and second jaws into and out of contact with one another. The jaws are planar and positioned approximately perpendicular with the axis of the handle. The bottom edges of the jaws are brought into alignment to form a cutting edge when the jaws are forced together, and separate to perform a splitting action within a cut when the jaws are moved apart.