Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for separating and collecting one or more tissue specimens from a target site within a patient and flushing the specimen to remove blood, debris and the like before the specimen is removed from the biopsy device. The flow of flushing fluid to the tissue collector is preferably controlled to coincide with delivery of one or more specimens to the collecting tray or basket of the device or after the receipt of the specimen within the tissue collector to ensure that the fluid is applied to a fresh specimen. The tissue tray or basket within the tissue collector has an open or foraminous portion to facilitate removal of fluid, such as the applied fluid and blood, and other debris from the tissue specimens on the tray. Vacuum is provided within the tissue collector, preferably under the tray to remove fluid and debris from the collector interior.

Abstract: A hand-held instrument, with a rotary power input to a camshaft, has cam and follower arrangement to provide a reciprocating shaft output. A cutter is provided on the output shaft. In one example, rotating cam percussion is transmitted to the cutter by engaging the cutter with the tissue to be cut, and pushing the instrument forward toward the cutter. In another example, rotating cam percussion is transmitted to the cutter by engaging the cutter with the tissue to be cut, and pulling the instrument back toward the user while maintaining engagement of the cutter with the tissue. In both examples, the cutter remains in idle condition until an axially directed load, forward in the one example, or backward on the other example, is placed on the cutter by moving the instrument forward or backward, respectively, while the camshaft is rotating. A distractor with frame is used to spread and maintain space between vertebral bodies, enabling entrance of the cutter.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgery apparatus capable of setting surgical conditions properly in accordance with hardness of a nucleus lentis and performing surgery with efficiency is disclosed. The ultrasonic surgery apparatus includes an ultrasonic vibration inducing unit, having an ultrasonic chip which induces ultrasonic vibrations to fragment and emulsify a nucleus lentis, an input unit which inputs a judgment result of hardness of the nucleus lentis, and a setting unit which sets a condition of the ultrasonic vibrations thereafter based on the inputted judgment result.

Abstract: An RFID ring illumination system includes an illumination ring and a printed circuit board. The illumination ring has a light refracting layer integral with the front of a surgical machine. The printed circuit board is located behind and close to the front of the surgical machine. The printed circuit board has an RFID reader antenna and a light source mounted on it. The light emitted by the light source travels through the illumination ring and is visible from the front of the surgical machine.

Abstract: An end-cutting vitrectomy probe 100 is provided that includes a hollow sleeve 102 having an opening 108 at the sleeve's distal end, and a tapered annular surface 112 disposed in the interior of the sleeve's distal end. The probe further includes a cutting member 120 disposed within the sleeve 102, and having a circumferential cutting edge 122 at its end. The cutting member 120 is moveable within the sleeve 102, such that the circumferential cutting edge 122 frictionally engages the tapered annular surface 112, to thereby cut any vitreous tissue disposed therebetween. The probe 100 may further include a drive mechanism 130 for slidably displacing the cutting member 120 within the hollow sleeve 102 in a reciprocating manner, to oscillate the cutting member 120 between engagement and disengagement with the tapered annular surface 112.

Abstract: An ablative apparatus that can be used to treat atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmias by ablating cardiac tissue is disclosed. When the distal end of the apparatus reaches the tissue to be ablated, an ablation probe driven by a transducer is vibrated. Scratching the tissue with abrasive members, the vibrating ablation probe is capable of mechanically ablating tissues. This mechanical ablation may be utilized to penetrate epicardial fat, thereby exposing the underlying myocardium. The ablative apparatus may then be used subject the exposed myocardium to mechanical ablation, cryoablation, ultrasonic ablation, and/or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A cutter (14) is telescopically received in a cannula (12). A detection device (54) may be inserted through the open-ended cutter and cannula to properly place the instrument in alignment with the tumor to be excised. The cutter and cannula are pressed into the tissue of the patient with the expectation that the circular core (60) of breast tissue formed by the cutter will have clear margins about the tumor. If the tumor extends too close to the circular incision, the cannula may be rotated so that its sidewall opening (26) faces the side of the remaining tissue to be excised and the surgeon can pull the remaining tissue through the sidewall and excise it, thereby avoiding a separate and delayed surgical procedure.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, a side tissue port communicating with the cutter lumen, and at least one fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue port. The inner cutter may be advanced in the cutter lumen past the side tissue port to sever a tissue sample. After the tissue sample is severed, and before the inner cutter is retracted proximally of the side tissue port, the cutter may be used to alternately cover and uncover the fluid passageway disposed distally of the side tissue.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods disclosed herein regard simplifying and improving the performance and reliability of pneumatic actuators operable to actuate surgical cutters or shears. Various embodiments include systems and methods for vitreous cutting apparatuses utilizing self-valving vitreous cutters that actuate at a frequency based on the properties of the vitreous cutter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical cutting device having a body, a piezoelectric actuator received within and secured to the body and a blade associated with and in communication with the actuator. The actuator is adapted for vibrating at a frequency to produce an oscillating displacement of the blade. A method of operating the surgical cutting device is also provided wherein the cutting device includes an actuator which is adapted for vibrating at a frequency to produce a sinusoidal displacement of the blade in the range of 250-500 ?m.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument for cutting tissue includes an outer cannula with a cutting opening and a cutting member within the cannula. The cutting member is connected to a source of reciprocation, and as the cutting member reciprocates the cutting member head is guided by a sloped member within the cannula to essentially a zero clearance position relative to a cutting edge of the cutting opening of the cannula. The instrument cleanly severs tissue extending through the cutting opening into the outer cannula.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus comprises a flexible elongate cutting member, and a tensioning arrangement to maintain the flexible elongate member in a tensioned condition. The tensioning arrangement comprises a carrying arrangement on which the flexible elongate member is arranged. The cutting apparatus further includes a driving arrangement to move the carrying arrangement, thereby causing the flexible elongate member to move and effect cutting of an article.

Abstract: Devices and methods for varying the size of a tissue sample in a biopsy device are disclosed. The biopsy device includes a needle with a tissue aperture and an inner cutter which translates within the needle. The inner cutter may be controlled to selectively block the aperture thereby varying the sample size. A half cylindrical sleeve may be resiliently attached to the exterior of the needle in order to block the aperture. The sleeve includes gripping flanges on its bottom surface, and a beveled distal tip configured to avoid damage from the inner cutter. The distal tip may include an inner metallic guide or may be heightened to avoid contact with the cutter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biopsy instrument with improved needle penetration for piercing dense tissue. The device may comprise a needle slidably retained in a housing. The device may further comprise an actuation member that may be adapted to communicate longitudinal motion to the needle in a first direction. The device may further include a propulsion element that provides the needle with return motion in a second direction. The device may be fired multiple times to create repeating reciprocal motion. In one version, the device may reciprocate several times as a result of a single engagement of the actuation member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for separating and collecting a tissue specimen from a target site within a patient. The device includes a probe component with an elongated tubular section, a penetrating distal tip and a tissue receiving aperture in the distal end of the tubular section proximal to the distal tip, and a tissue cutting member which is slidably disposed within the probe member to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of the device through the aperture by applying a vacuum to the inner lumen of the tissue cutting member. The device also has a driver component to which the probe component is releasably secured. The driver has a drive member for adjusting the orientation of the tubular section and thus the aperture therein and one or more drive members for moving the tissue cutting member within the tubular section to sever a tissue specimen from tissue extending into the interior of the tubular section through the aperture.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus having a disposable cutting element and a reusable handpiece is disclosed. The disposable cutting element includes an inner cannula that defines an inner lumen and terminates in a cutting edge. The inner cannula is slidably disposed within an outer cannula that defines an outer lumen that has a tissue-receiving opening. The inner cannula is driven by a rotary motor and a reciprocating motor. Both motors are constructed of a MRI compatible material.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a handle assembly, an elongated body portion defining a first longitudinal axis, a tool assembly pivotally supported on the distal end of the elongated body portion to form a pivot axis, and a flexible drive assembly that includes a flexible drive member extending from a position proximal of the pivot axis to a position distal of the pivot axis. The drive member has a distal end which is movable in relation to the tool assembly and a gear drive assembly to enable movement of the distal end of the flexible drive member. The flexible drive assembly includes a flexible knife drive beam that advances or retracts via a primary drive gear meshing with the flexible knife drive beam to effect movement of the flexible knife drive beam.

Abstract: A smart connector system includes a machine connector disposed on a face of a surgical machine, an illumination ring located on the face of the surgical machine and disposed around a periphery of the machine connector, an RFID reader antenna located in close proximity to the machine connector and the face of the surgical machine, and an accessory connector adapted to couple with the machine connector. The accessory connector has an RFID tag antenna and is capable of attaching a tool to the surgical machine. When the accessory connector is brought within close proximity to the machine connector, a communications connection is established between the RFID tag antenna and the RFID reader antenna.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tissue morcellator for minimally invasive surgery. The morcellator has a metallic cutting ring mounted on a visually transparent hollow cylinder, which in combination with a visually transparent outer morcellator tube enables a surgeon to visualize the inside of the morcellator shaft for detection of loose tissue fragments in the device. A tenaculum used with the morcellation device has a spacer for preventing contact with the blade. The cutting tube can oscillate, rather than rotate, along the longitudinal axis of the cutting tube. The morcellator utilizes an extendable tissue guide on the outer tube of the morcellator shaft for preventing the tissue from rotating along the longitudinal axis of the morcellator tube. This allows the tissue to be continuously rotated into the morcellator device for continuous peel. The tissue guide can also be fully retracted to allow for coring of the bulk tissue.

Abstract: A method and device for tissue removal. The device may be used to remove uterine fibroids and other abnormal gynecological tissue. According to one embodiment, the device includes a housing, an outer tube, and an inner tube. The outer tube is fixed to the housing and includes a side window proximate to its distal end. The side window may have sloped proximal and distal ends. The inner tube has a distal end positioned within the outer tube, the distal end being adapted to rotate and, at the same time, to move back and forth past the side window, with the rotational and translational movement of the inner tube being independently controllable. The distal end of the inner tube may have an external bevel. Suction is applied to the proximal end of the inner tube to draw tissue into the side window and to remove resected tissue through the inner tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cost effective working tool useful for lateral resection of biological tissues by means of a flexible blade with an adjustable curve size. Said rod-like tool has a distal end, adapted to be inserted into a body cavity, and a proximal end, located adjacent to a user. The longitudinal axis of said maneuverable blade is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the said tool or shifted in respect to the same. The working tool comprising a bending mechanism, adapted to adjust the bending of said blade to a predetermined measure and a rotating mechanism, adapted to rotate said blade in a lateral, bi-directional movement in respect to the resected tissue such that a side-to-side resection is obtained. A novel method of lateral resecting of biological tissues by the same is also presented.

Abstract: A converter for use in a high speed rotationally oscillating surgical burring device comprises an output shaft, and a rotationally oscillating secondary drive rotor coupled to the output shaft. The secondary drive rotor is arranged and configured with a size and mass to minimize its angular momentum. A unidirectionally rotating primary drive rotor is provided. A linearly reciprocating transmission converts unidirectional rotation to bidirectional rotational oscillation coupling the primary and secondary drive rotors. The transmission is arranged and configured with a size and mass to minimize its linear momentum. An input shaft is coupled to the rotating primary drive rotor to which a unidirectional rotational force is applied.

Abstract: Methods and device for extracting and collecting tissue, which can be used for example in tissue engineering and grafting applications, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a device can include an outer tube. A rotatable shaft can be disposed within the outer tube can have a tissue harvesting tip formed on its distal end, the tissue harvesting tip being effective to excise tissue upon rotation thereof A tissue collection device can be included to receive and collected excised tissue, and the tissue collection device can indicate the amount of tissue collected therein. For example, the tissue collection device can include a straining element which collects excised tissue and an indicator by which to assess the amount of collected tissue. In some embodiments, the tissue collection device can translate to indicate the amount of collected tissue.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument with an internal specimen collection mechanism is provided.

Abstract: Electric vitrectomy handpieces are provided. The handpiece includes a motor, a clutch mechanism, an oscillating drive mechanism, a cutting tip and a handle. The motor is attached to the clutch, and the clutch is attached to the oscillating drive mechanism. When the motor is operational, the clutch expands to engage the oscillating drive mechanism and the oscillating drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the clutch to the reciprocating motion of the cutting tip. When the motor is at rest, the clutch retracts to allow aspiration.

Abstract: A rotary surgical instrument includes an outer member having an aperture in a distal portion thereof, and an inner member for being rotatably disposed within the outer member to move a cutting element on the inner member past the aperture to cut anatomical tissue. The inner member has an aperture, and the cutting element comprises first and second rows of cutting teeth extending longitudinally along opposite sides of the inner member aperture. Each cutting tooth is convexly curved, the cutting teeth of one row curving in opposition to the cutting teeth of the other row. The rows of cutting teeth have their tips staggered.

Abstract: A tool (1, 31) for cutting bone comprises an elongate blade (7,37) connectable to a generator of longitudinal-mode ultrasonic vibrations. The blade (7,37) has two lateral cutting edges (9,10) linked by a rounded distal tip (8). A series of triangular teeth (13) extends along each cutting edge (9,10) and the distal tip (8). The blade (37) may taper towards each cutting edge (9,10) and the distal tip (8). A variant of the tool (21) comprises an elongate part-cylindrical blade (27) connectable to a generator of torsional-mode ultrasonic vibrations. The blade (27) has a cutting edge at its distal tip (28) provided with a plurality of triangular teeth (23). All forms of the tool (1, 21, 31) are particularly suitable for cutting cancellous bone around an implant to be removed during revision of a joint arthroplasty.

Abstract: A vitrectomy probe has a disposable tip portion and a reusable hand piece portion. The disposable tip portion has a shaft terminating in a blade and a sleeve with an opening. The shaft is slideably disposed within the sleeve and capable of reciprocating in the sleeve. The reusable hand piece has a channel for receiving the shaft, first and second coils for driving the shaft in a reciprocating fashion, and a housing enclosing the channel and the first and second coils. The first and second coils are alternately energized to drive the shaft in a reciprocating fashion.

Abstract: A vitrectomy probe that minimizes retinal traction by balancing infusion inflow and aspiration outflow near its cutting port.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical tool for cutting a hard material wall, having a shaft which has over at least a part of its length a working region which upon vibration or rotation develops an abrasive effect. So that a handling-friendly continuous cutting of the hard material wall is achieved, there is arranged at the forward end of the shaft a flat guide sliding element projecting laterally from the shaft and intended for engagement below the hard material wall, which element is constituted smoothly at its upper side.

Abstract: The invention relates to shielded reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue material. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard to access sites under a direct vision mechanism included in the system. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to the surgical file for precision bone and/or tissue removal. A pulsatile pump mechanism is operatively coupled with the transmission mechanism and provides irrigating fluid to the surgical site.

Abstract: The invention is directed to tissue cutting members and biopsy devices with such tissue cutting member for separating a tissue specimen from a patient's body at a target site. The tissue cutting member is slidably disposed within an inner lumen of an elongated probe member of the biopsy device to cut a tissue specimen drawn into the interior of an outer cannula of the biopsy device through a tissue receiving aperture in the probe. The tissue cutting member has a tubular distal portion with a distal tip having an outer tissue cutting edge, an inner tissue receiving aperture, and a longitudinally oriented opening with a closed proximal end and open distal end which opens to the inner tissue receiving aperture to facilitate flaring of the distal tubular portion. The cutting member has at least one opening in a wall of the tubular portion to maintain a vacuum during use.

Abstract: A device for accessing and for isolating a desired site within a patient's body, and for obtaining a body of tissue from a patient at the site that includes an electrosurgical cutting electrode near the distal tip of a shaft, an anchoring mechanism and an electrosurgical side-cutting device. Methods are provided for accessing a target site within a patient's body, anchoring a body of tissue at the site, and isolating the body of tissue at the site. The method may be performed for a surgical biopsy or lumpectomy at the target site within a patient's body.

Abstract: An piercing member is axially fixed to and positioned within a cutter, both of which are components of a stand-alone tool for creating an opening in the wall of a tubular tissue structure. The stand-alone tool includes an impulse source connected to the piercing member and to the cutter. An actuator is operationally connected to the impulse source, where the actuator causes the impulse source to release energy to and provide an impulse to the piercing member and the cutter. The tool may be configured to make multiple openings in the tissue of the same patient. Where the tool is configured to make multiple openings in the tissue of the same patient, the tool allows the piercing member and cutter to be moved back to an initial pre-deployment position after each use.

Abstract: A high-speed pneumatic cutting system having a cutter and an actuator. The cutter is a guillotine-type, pneumatic cutter that receives a train of pressure pulses from the actuator. The actuator is designed to capture pressure pulses it receives from a pneumatic energy source in a surgical machine, such as a vitrectomy machine, or to generate its own pneumatic energy. The actuator has an accumulator coupled to the outlet of the pneumatic energy and a pressure transducer that senses the pressure level inside the accumulator. A control and display unit with a plurality of input mechanisms receives inputs from a user who selects a desired cutting rate or frequency for the cutter. The control and display unit produces an output signal based on the inputs received. The outputs from the control and display unit and the pressure transducer are sent to a waveform shaping circuit. The waveform shaping circuit produces a command signal based on the inputs that it receives.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning and controlling the movement of a bone removal device, and thus of controlling the profile of material removed by the device. Also an improved drive mechanism for a bone removal device, where the drive shaft is readily removable for maintenance or replacement, without significant disassembly of the device.

Abstract: A medical retrieval instrument of the present invention includes a plurality of filaments for holding an object and a hollow section through which a first end of each of said plurality of filaments passes. The hollow section comprises a plurality of fixing sections for fixing a second end of each of said plurality of filaments, for example. The hollow section is arranged in a distal end portion of a sheath. The hollow section is inserted into the body cavity by the sheath and then holds an object such as renal calculus or ureteral calculus in the body cavity and retrieves them to outside the body.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.

Abstract: A medical instrument for dissecting tissue in the human or animal body comprises a shaft. At least one movable tool is arranged at a distal end of the shaft. At least one movable grip element is arranged at a proximal end of the shaft. A force transmission element extends along the shaft, which force transmission element is movable relative to the latter and transmits thrust and/or tension forces and whose proximal end is non-positively joined to the at least one movable grip element and whose distal end is non-positively joined to the at least one movable tool. The shaft is further provided with a bend at least one point between the distal end and the proximal end. The force transmission element is configured, at least in the region of the bend, as a flexible tubular element conforming to the bend, which is guided in contact with the shaft.

Abstract: A device and method of using the device to access a desired tissue site within a patient's body and separating a tissue specimen from the tissue site suitable for evaluation. The device includes a probe member having an arcuate tissue-cutting RF powered electrode secured to and distally spaced from the distal end of the probe and a small dimensioned distal extremity which when an inner lumen thereof is subjected to a vacuum, secured tissue for the specimen to the surface of the distal extremity. A circular tissue-cutting blade preferably secured to the distal end of a supporting tube is configured to rotate and move longitudinally along the shaft of the probe member effective to sever a tissue specimen from tissue secured to the surface of the distal extremity of the probe member. The supporting tube covers the separated specimen, and may be disposed within an accessing cannula.

Abstract: A high efficiency electrosurgical ablator which is subjected to a combined oscillatory and mechanical debridement motion during resection of tissue is disclosed. The electrosurgical ablator is positioned in the proximity of the tissue to be treated in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid. A high frequency voltage is applied to the electrode of the ablator, and the electrode is subjected to an oscillatory or other repetitive motion created by an element located within the ablator assembly. The ablator electrode is further connected to a suction assembly that supplies suction from an external source.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to ultrasonic surgical instruments and, more particularly, to an intracorporeal ultrasonic surgical instrument for sonodynamic therapy. Disclosed is an ultrasonic surgical system comprising: a generator and an instrument comprising: a housing; a transducer; a semi-permeable membrane; a pharmaceutical agent; and an agent delivery system. The transducer is adapted to convert the electrical energy of the generator into mechanical energy. The pharmaceutical agent, delivered into a chamber of the semi-permeable membrane, is driven through the semi-permeable membrane by the mechanical energy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methodology of and apparatus for accurately positioning devices for performing endoscopic cannulation, papillotomy and sphincterotomy and similar procedures. The sphincterotome with a steerable or adjustable distal segment of the present invention allows the physician to control the position of the distal tip of the device independently of the endoscope and adjust for inconsistencies in the device and the anatomy. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a threaded portion of a cable assembly cooperates with a torque transmission element and a cog to enable the operator to rotate a cutting wire into a desired position relative to the catheter. Alternate embodiments allow the operator to fix the depth of a needle knife while allowing, if desired, accurate rotational positioning of the associated catheter. Threaded stabilizing elements, pivot elements and a steering wire may be used together or individually to accomplish these features.

Abstract: A device for withdrawing blood for diagnostic purposes including a lancet and a lancet drive having a loadable elastic drive spring provided within an elongated housing. A relaxing motion of the drive spring is converted into a puncturing motion to move the lancet at high speed in a puncturing direction until its tip exits out of an opening of the housing. The device includes a transmission in the housing that has an input side that transforms the motion of a loading element along a linear loading path into a rotational motion of a lancet drive rotor to load the lancet drive rotor by tensioning the drive spring. When the lancet drive is triggered, the output side of the transmission converts a rotational motion of the lancet drive rotor, driven by the drive spring, into the puncturing motion in a direction along the main axis.

Abstract: A biopsy device having an insert and related method are disclosed. The insert permits a user to obtain a tissue sample surrounding a center core(s) of removed tissue. The additional tissue provides an effective evaluation of whether all the desired tissue has been excised and a determination of whether an acceptable margin of healthy tissue has been removed.

Abstract: A device for surgery of the cornea comprising: an annular base (100) for fixing the apparatus to the eye of a patient; a cutter head (200) comprising a body (200a) and a blade (201) suitable for being displaced along a plane trajectory parallel to the annular base (100); guide means (106) for guiding the cutter head (200) relative to the base (100); drive means (302) for driving the blade (201) in the cutter head (200) with reciprocating linear motion parallel to its cutting edge (201b); and drive means (303) for driving the cutter head (200) relative to the annular base (100) along said trajectory. Said drive means (302, 303) comprise two independent motor units surmounting the cutter head and having mutually parallel outlet shafts (306, 310) perpendicular to the plane of the trajectory of the cutter head (200).

Abstract: Liposuction devices and methods and surrounding aspiration systems and methods that reduce the chances of burning and necrosis. The devices include an evacuation tube surrounding an ultrasonic probe, including the distal end thereof to define a liquefaction and/or rupture chamber. The evacuation tube has one or more openings in the distal end through which tissue such as fatty tissue may enter for rupture/liquefaction therein. Containing the ultrasonic probe within the evacuation tube avoids any possible contact with surrounding tissue other than tissue that gets drawn into the liquefaction and/or rupture chamber. The size of the liquefaction and/or rupture chamber may be variable by adjustment of the axial position of the evacuation tube relative to the ultrasonic probe, or by selection of evacuation tubes of the desired length. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrosurgical coagulating and cutting instrument employing pairs of clamping arms having wrist portions proximal to closing ramps and jaws and configured to close at their wrists first, then their distal tips and lastly, their heels. The instrument includes mechanisms for preventing the advancement of a cutting blade when the jaws are not closed. An actuator for closing the jaws includes an actuator handle and a drive head having teeth formed therein and a pawl mounted in the handle for engaging the teeth, these latter structures forming a ratcheting mechanism. Said mechanism is controllably releaseable.