Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device comprising a slotted clear cannula, a blade and a housing, wherein the cannula is attached to the housing, and wherein the blade is enclosed in the housing and is slidable into the cannula is disclosed. The blade is enclosed within the housing and cannula, and has a horizontally-oriented pushing component and a vertically-oriented cutting component that protrudes through the slot of the cannula. A method for a performing an operative procedure on a target tissue in a subject using the endoscopic surgical device is also described.

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: In the case of an electrosurgical instrument, provision is made for a tool (16), for the operation of which at least one, preferably two pull/thrust elements (39, 40) and a sliding element (56) are required. The sliding element (56) is held between a pull/thrust element (39) and a thrust bearing, wherein the thrust bearing can be formed by means of a further pull/thrust element (40). This arrangement utilizes the fact that the sliding element must only be activated, when the pull/thrust element is tensioned tightly. This concept of guiding the sliding element at the pull/thrust element provides for the simple design of instruments comprising long shafts, wherein separate measures for laterally reinforcing the sliding elements do not need to be taken.

Abstract: A surgical instrument which both incises and splits the nucleus of a lens has a pair of 5 spring steel segments slidably received in a metallic tube. Each segment terminates in a tip. As the spring steel segments are drawn into the tube the tips come together to form a cutting edge useful for incising the lens. When the segments are extended from the tube the tips separate, forcing the incision open until the lens is split.

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. The tissue cutting member is further operable to mince the severed tissue specimen. The minced tissue may be mixed with a medical fluid component contained in a reservoir. A plunger may expel the medical fluid mixture from the needle. An applier tip may be coupled with the needle to facilitate administration of the medical fluid mixture at a target site in a patient. The needle may comprise a cannula with a needle adapter, which be removed from the cannula to allow the applier tip to be coupled with the cannula. The tissue cutting member may comprise a perforated disc or tube with inwardly projecting blades.

Abstract: A surgical device capable of interconnecting to an external motorized hand pieces, bending a distal end segment, rotating a window element positioned distal to the distal end segment and rotating independently of it, and actuating a cutting element positioned within the outer window element and rotating independently of it.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of micro-scale or millimeter scale devices and to the use of multi-layer multi-material electrochemical fabrication methods for producing such devices with particular embodiments relate to shredding devices and more particularly to shredding devices for use in medical applications. In some embodiments, tissue removal devices are used in procedures to removal spinal tissue and in other embodiments, similar devices are used to remove thrombus from blood vessel.

Abstract: An illuminated surgical instrument is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention comprises an illuminated vitrectomy probe. The vitrectomy probe has a cutting port disposed at a distal end of a cannula. An array of optical fibers terminates near the cutting port. The array of optical fibers is located adjacent to the cannula and encircling the cannula. The array of optical fibers can comprise two sets of fibers, one for providing illumination in a direction along a longitudinal axis of the vitrectomy probe and another for providing illumination in a direction at an angle to the longitudinal direction of the vitrectomy probe. The light source providing light to each set of fibers can be independently controlled so as to provide illumination cooperatively or singly.

Abstract: A cutting implement includes a V-shaped blade portion that defines an aperture through which a quadriceps tendon may pass as a doctor harvests the tendon through a minimally invasive procedure.

Abstract: A method of penetrating an intravascular occlusion including the steps of: obtaining an apparatus with a sleeve assembly defining an elongate passageway having a lengthwise axis, a stabilizing assembly, and a blade assembly; directing the sleeve assembly into an operative position within a vessel passage wherein an outlet from the elongate passageway is adjacent an occlusion within the vessel passage; through the stabilizing assembly, stabilizing the sleeve assembly in the operative position; and with the sleeve assembly stabilized in its operative position advancing the blade assembly in a first lengthwise direction relative to the sleeve assembly to penetrate the occlusion.

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: Ultrasound catheter devices and methods of the present invention generally provide for ablation and/or disruption of vascular occlusions. An ultrasound transmission member, such as a wire, transmits vibrational energy from an ultrasound transducer to a distal head of the catheter to disrupt vascular occlusions. An absorber member is disposed on or around the ultrasound transmission wire at a location adjacent the sonic connector of the catheter. The absorber member absorbs heat, vibrations, and/or the like from the ultrasound transmission wire at or near the area where the transmission wire is coupled with the sonic connector. The absorptive function typically slows the process of wear and tear on the transmission wire, thus extending the useful life of the ultrasound catheter.

Abstract: A surgical milling instrument, comprising two tubular cutters arranged one inside another, each of which has a cylindrical shaft tube, an integrally formed distal end piece in a hollow hemispherical shape, and a cutting window, wherein the outer tubular cutter is non-rotatably mounted on a main body and the inner tubular cutter is mounted in a rotationally driven manner thereon, is characterized in that at least one of the end pieces, in a hole surrounding the axis of the associated shaft tube, has an insert plate connected on the edge thereof to the edge of the hole.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to method and apparatus for crossing an obstruction in a tubular member, and more particularly to a medical device method for crossing of a chronic occlusion in a subintimal or interstitial space of an artery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microsurgical device 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 dual-blade device for cutting the trabecular meshwork (TM) in the eye. The device tip provides entry into the Schlemm's canal via its size (i.e., for example, 0.3-0.2 mm width) and configuration where the blade tip curves up providing a ramp-like action for cutting the TM. The dimensions and configuration of the blade is such that an entire strip of TM is removed without leaving TM leaflets behind and without causing collateral damage to adjacent tissues.

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

Abstract: Instruments and methods that allow for a minimally invasive way to probe, locate, and cut a meniscus during a meniscectomy procedure. The instrument is a single hybrid probe/cutter instrument provided with both probing and cutting means that allow probing and cutting of the meniscus with the same hybrid instrument. A minimally invasive technique for probing and cutting (resecting) a torn area of a meniscus by employing the single, hybrid probing/cutting instrument is also provided. The technique provides a consistently good-quality meniscus with improved cosmetic results, and is simple and easily reproducible, strong, and time-saving for meniscal repairs.

Abstract: An ultrasonic osteotome in accordance with the present invention comprises a shaft having a distal end portion with a lateral outer surface and further comprises a cutting blade connected to the distal end portion of the shaft at least in part at the lateral outer surface. The lateral outer surface extends so far on opposite sides of the blade as to block or stop penetration of the shaft into an incision formed in bone tissue by the blade. The blade can include a cutting notch or have a variable cutting depth depending on the angle of the distal end of the instrument to the surface of a target tissue mass.

Abstract: A cutting implement includes a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. Each tubular portion is hollow and includes a blade element at a distal end. The blade element helps define an aperture that allows access to the interior hollow portion of the tubular portion. A ligament graft element is threaded through the aperture of each tubular portion and the respective tubular portions are interoperated to cut the ligament graft.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for endoscopic surgery having a solid or transparent body and open windows on each of the opposing sides at the distal end, proximate a top open region. The open windows can be arcs or other configurations either open or with bars which are generally integral with the top and extend across the windows. An integrated tissue retractor spring, once activated, extends above the open region and when not activated rests within the open region. A marking member, that can be in fluid contact with a marking reservoir, can be placed at the distal end of the body. In another embodiment the body can be curved using a flexible blade shaft. In a further embodiment the handle has a linear body, containing a blade activation mechanism, at least one activation trigger, and a connector means.

Abstract: Devices and systems for ultrasonically imaging tissue and performing ablation therapy are disclosed. An ablation probe for treating and imaging body tissue includes an ablation electrode tip with a number of acoustic openings and a plurality of ultrasonic imaging sensors disposed within an interior lumen of the tip. The ultrasonic imaging sensors are supported within the interior lumen via an insert equipped with a number of recesses that receive the ultrasonic imaging sensors. An acoustically transparent shell disposed between the ultrasonic imaging sensors and the acoustic openings forms a fluid channel in the acoustic pathway of the sensors. During an ablation procedure, cooling fluid from an external fluid source is delivered through the fluid channel, providing an acoustic coupling effect between the ultrasonic imaging sensors and the surrounding body tissue.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for cutting and fastening tissue. In one embodiment, a surgical device can be used to at least partially transect a stomach by not cutting and/or not fastening a portion of tissue engaged in an end effector located at the device's distal end. A portion of the stomach can be engaged by the end effector, and the end effector can be actuated to cut and/or to apply one or more fasteners to tissue engaged in a distal portion of the end effector but not to cut and/or apply fasteners to tissue engaged in a proximal portion of the end effector. In a similar way, the surgical device can be used in any surgical procedure in which it is desired to cut and/or fasten a distal portion of tissue engaged by the end effector but not a proximal portion of tissue engaged by the end effector.

Abstract: Tissue can be removed from a patient with a catheter or other medical device having a cutting member. A source of suction can be coupled to the device for suctioning removed tissue through a lumen in the device and out of the patient's body.

Abstract: A flexible-shaft surgical instrument has a compression member that is distally movable to provide a compression force between the compression member and a distal compression bearing to compress a plurality of links and rigidly lock a semi-rigid tube formed by those links at any of a variety of user-selectable predetermined positions. The semi-rigid tube is configured to be bent and locked at the user-selectable predetermined position and, upon proximal movement of the compression member, returned to an unlocked state without significant plastic deformation of the semi-rigid tube.

Abstract: A flexible surgical instrument employs sheaths around tendons that actuate an end effector or other mechanisms in a distal tip of the instrument. A liquid lubricant can be introduced in the sheaths to reduce friction, and the sheaths can be porous or non-porous. The lubricant can be confined, for example, with an o-ring or a bellow seal, to keep lubricant from leaking where the tendons extend out of the sheaths. More generally, the distal end of the instrument is sealed to prevent leakage of lubricant into a patient. To further reduce risks, a non-toxic water-based lubricant can be used.

Abstract: A rotatable operating head for removal of obstructive material from a target site in a body lumen or cavity is operably connected to a rotatable, translatable drive shaft, that is driven by a drive motor and received through an elongated catheter. The operating head includes a plurality of differential cutting blades, with at least one of the cutting blades being a stepped blade, the stepped blade comprising a raised cutting surface positioned adjacent, or in proximity to, a shoulder region.

Abstract: A spinal disc preparation tool is provided that includes an elongate shaft having an inner lumen extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis between proximal and distal ends thereof. A lower jaw is located on a distal end of the elongate shaft for receiving tissue and delivering tissue to the inner lumen, and an upper jaw is pivotally movable relative to the lower jaw. The tool can include various features to facilitate removal and/or collection of tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a housing supporting first and second actuators thereon, and an elongated shaft extending distally from the housing. First and second drive members extend through the elongated shaft to operatively couple respective actuators to respective jaw members such that independent manipulation of one of the actuators may induce pivotal movement of an individual jaw member. A locking member is operatively associated with the first and second drive members, and is selectively movable between locked and unlocked positions. When the locking member is in the locked position, the first and second drive members are coupled to one another and move concurrently to drive the jaw members in a bilateral manner. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the drive members are decoupled from one another and move independently to permit operation of the instrument in a unilateral manner.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a handle housing, an adapter, an elongated portion, an end effector, a first drive element, and a second drive element is disclosed. The adapter includes a first drive assembly configured to mechanically engage a portion of a first actuation mechanism of the handle housing. The elongated portion is configured to extend distally from the adapter. The first drive element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first drive assembly. The second drive element is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the first drive assembly. Rotation of the first drive assembly in a first direction about the longitudinal axis causes distal translation of the first drive element. Rotation of the first drive assembly in a second direction about the longitudinal axis causes distal translation of the second drive element. The first direction is opposite from the second direction.

Abstract: A forceps is provided. The forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The bipolar forceps also includes a hydraulic mechanism that includes a fluid line and a plunger operatively coupled to the fluid line. The plunger is translatable within at least a portion of the shaft from a proximal position to a distal position. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. Each of the first and second jaw members configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger when a fluid is caused to flow within the fluid line such that the first and second jaw members move from an open position for positioning to a closed position for grasping tissue.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument for use with a drive motor, and related system and method, is described. The surgical cutting instrument includes an elongated drive member, a cutting tip secured to the drive member, a non-conductive coupling body adapted for connection to a motor assembly, a housing maintaining the coupling body, a fluid coupling assembly and an electrical connector for connection to a stimulating energy source. The electrical connector is in electrical communication with the cutting tip via an electrical pathway.

Abstract: A medical instrument having an elongate frame with proximal and distal ends spaced in a lengthwise direction along a central axis. A working assembly at a distal region of the frame has a U-shaped portion defined by first and second legs meeting at a base. The U-shaped portion defines a cutting space. The working assembly further has a cutting assembly with a sharp edge in the cutting space. The working assembly and elongate frame are configured so that a tissue entryway is defined through which a tissue can be advanced to be moved into the cutting space and against the sharp edge. The medical instrument further has a first assembly configured to be operated to vary a configuration of the entryway.

Abstract: A surgical endoscopic cutting device includes cutting elements fitted in a protective tube. The device has an inlet for fluid, a discharge outlet for tissue and fluid, and a further outlet that discharges most of the fluid.

Abstract: A method and tool for creating a location for a fixation device to be secured to a bone. The method includes bringing a bone cutting tool extending along a longitudinal axis into engagement with an outer surface of the bone. The bone cutting tool is rotated about the longitudinal axis while driving it from the outer surface of the bone to a predetermined depth in the bone to form a bore. The bone cutting tool is then continuously rotated at the predetermined depth to establish an enlarged bone pocket at a distal end of the bore. The bone pocket defines a shoulder extending around a circumference between the bone pocket and bore. The bone cutting tool is removed from the bone pocket and bore. The fixation device is then inserted into the bone pocket through the bore, where it is seated against the bone pocket shoulder.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided, the device having a tubular outer body member with a handle at its proximal end and a flexible distal end segment extending from its distal end. The surgical device also has an operable end extending from the distal end of the flexible distal end segment. The device is configured for selectively causing the flexible end segment to bend to adopt a desired curvature and for selectively rotating the operable end relative to the flexible distal end segment about an axis of the flexible distal end segment.

Abstract: A device comprising: a handpiece having one or more attachment ports; a tubeset having one or more attachment features for connecting the tubeset to the one or more attachment ports in the handpiece; a removable tip having an attachment arm for attaching to the one or more attachment ports in the handpiece; wherein the device comprises one or more of the following: the handpiece includes an attachment port that attaches the handpiece to an active lead and a return lead and the device is adapted to use only the active lead or both leads so that the device can switch between bi-polar energy and mono-polar energy; the tubeset has one or more fluid conduits that are in fluid communication with the removable tip, wherein the removable tip is located at a distal end of the device; and the handpiece connects to one or more electrical input lines; the tubeset connects to one or more fluid lines, and the removable tip is free of direct connection to both the one or more electrical input lines and the one or more fluid

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter having an inner drive shaft which rotates a distal rotary tissue borer with a helical cutting surface which enables the catheter to cut through and cross a CTO. Additionally, the atherectomy catheter has a distal cutting element rotated by an outer drive shaft configured to cut material from the wall of a vessel at a treatment site as the catheter is pushed distally through the treatment site. The atherectomy catheter includes a collection chamber positioned proximally of the cutting element and rotary tissue borer. The atherectomy catheter may include means to direct material cut from the treatment site into the collection chamber, means to break down larger portions of material that may block or clog the collection chamber and means of transporting the material collected from the treatment site to a proximal opening in the atherectomy catheter.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting strips of tissue from masses of tissue inside or outside of the bodies of human or animal subjects. The device generally comprises a) an elongate cutting tube that has a distal end and a lumen that opens through an opening in the distal end and b) first and second cutting edges formed on generally opposite edges of the distal end of the cutting tube and separated by a distance D. The device is advanced through tissue to cut a strip of tissue of approximate width W. Width W is approximaely equal to distance D.

Abstract: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices may comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A conical tip may be disposed at the distal end of the elongated body. In addition, the surgical instrument may include one or more surgical instruments moveable in a longitudinal direction along an axis substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the cannula from a retracted position proximally of a distal end of the tip to an advanced position toward the distal end of the tip to seal and cut a blood vessel.

Abstract: Endoscopic instrument having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal direction along which the endoscopic instrument extends from the proximal end to the distal end, an end effector on the distal end, which end effector has a first end effector part and a second end effector part, a connecting element on the distal end, on which connecting element the first and second end effector parts are mounted and which connecting element extends along a transverse direction, a first pushing element, a second pushing element, a third pushing element, and a fourth pushing element, wherein the pushing elements each extend along the longitudinal direction and are displaceable relative to one another along the longitudinal direction, and wherein the first pushing element is articulately arranged at the first end effector part, the second pushing element is articulately arranged at the second end effector part, the third pushing element is articulately arranged at the connecting element, and the fourth pushing element is

Abstract: Phase end point determination is provided to automatically halt the application of energy to tissue. Prior to the application of energy, the phase end point determination is identified by measuring the product of permittivity and conductivity of the tissue to be treated. An electrosurgical system can include an electrosurgical generator, a feedback circuit or controller, and an electrosurgical tool. The feedback circuit can provide an electrosurgery endpoint by determining the phase end point of a tissue to be treated. The electrosurgical system can include more than one electrosurgical tool for different electrosurgical operations and can include a variety of user interface features and audio/visual performance indicators. The electrosurgical system can also power conventional bipolar electrosurgical tools and direct current surgical appliances.

Abstract: A method of removing material from a blood flow lumen includes providing a device having a cutting element and an opening, the cutting element being movable relative to the opening. The method then includes advancing the device through a patient's vascular system to the blood flow lumen. Finally, the method involves moving the cutting element and the opening relative to the blood flow lumen so that a continuous piece of material is severed by the cutting element and directed into the opening as the cutting element and opening move through the blood flow lumen, the continuous piece of severed material being directed into the device for removal from the patient. The method may include providing a device having a rotatable cutter that, in some embodiments, is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the device, is movable, has retracted and deployed positions, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: Suture cutters and methods of cutting suture in a surgical procedure. The suture cutter may include an actuator, an intermediate cannula portion and a movable cutting assembly. The cutting assembly may be operatively coupled to the actuator and include a cutting element. An adjustably sized cutting window receives the suture. The adjustably sized cutting window may be bound on at least one side with the cutting element for cutting the suture received inside the cutting window. Actuation moves the cutting assembly to cut the suture.

Abstract: Ocular lens cutting devices and methods for cutting and removing tissue such as lens fragments from an eye of a patient are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ocular lens cutting device includes an outer member and an inner member positioned within the outer member. The outer member and the inner member can each include at least one cutting edge. The at least one cutting edge of the outer member and the at least one cutting edge of the inner member can cooperate to form a cutting structure as the inner member moves with respect to the outer member. The ocular lens cutting device can also be connected to a vacuum source which can allow the ocular lens cutting device to grasp the tissue to be cut and remove the cut fragments from the surgical area.

Abstract: A method and device for the treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The device includes a cutting device for resection of a thickened myocardium. The operator positions the cutting device adjacent to the myocardium that is to be resected and then slides a tubular blade within an outer shell of the cutting device to resect the septum.

Abstract: A surgical milling cutter includes a milling cutter bracket, a locking device and a bottom electric motor connected successively. The milling cutter bracket includes a fixing seat with a through hole. A finger guide apparatus with an L-type first bracket at the top end thereof is provided on the upper part of the fixing seat. The end of the L-type first bracket's short side is provided with a downward projection. The lowest point of the projection is lower than that of the milling cutter's cylindrical head when the milling cutter is working normally. The surgical milling cutter utilizes the projection to prevent the possibility of an object contacting with the cylindrical head, thus avoiding an object being cut unevenly. Meanwhile, the L-type bracket can be driven by the finger guide apparatus to rotate so as to change the running direction of the milling cutter, thus facilitating surgical procedures.

Abstract: A tissue sampling device includes a cannula having an elongate tubular body with a sharpened coring tip. A shaft extends within the cannula and is coupled with a cutter having an axially advancing wire extending between a distal end of the shaft and the sharpened coring tip. The axially advancing wire is movable in a cutting path defining an arc about the longitudinal axis, by way of rotating the shaft relative to the cannula.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical console may include a pneumatic valve to drive a pneumatic tool coupled to the surgical console. The console may further include a controller operable to control and adjust the valve open/close cycle times according to a valve duty cycle. The valve may switch between ports (valve open time for a first port and valve close time for a second port) such that a total valve time may approximately equal the valve open time plus the valve close time. The valve duty cycle may indicate a percentage of the total valve time for the controller to signal the valve to open and may include an adjustment that corresponds to a signal timing of the open and/or closed valve positions that will result in open and closed operating pressures above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A surgical endoscopic cutting device includes cutting elements fitted in a protective tube. The device has an inlet for fluid, a discharge outlet for tissue and fluid, and a further outlet that discharges most of the fluid.

Abstract: A cutting implement includes a first tubular portion and a second tubular portion. Each tubular portion is hollow and includes a blade element at a distal end. The blade element helps define an aperture that allows access to the interior hollow portion of the tubular portion. A ligament graft element is threaded through the aperture of each tubular portion and the respective tubular portions are interoperated to cut the ligament graft.