Abstract: A biopsy apparatus includes a biopsy probe assembly that is releasably attached to a driver assembly. The biopsy probe assembly has a vacuum cannula and a stylet cannula coaxially arranged. The vacuum cannula has a flared portion that extends distally from an elongate portion. The stylet cannula is movable between a first extended position and a first retracted position. The stylet cannula has a distal portion having a sample notch and a protrusion member that extends proximally in a lumen of stylet cannula along a portion of a longitudinal extent of the sample notch, wherein when the stylet cannula is in the first retracted position, the protrusion member is received within the flared portion of the vacuum cannula. The biopsy apparatus may further include a controller circuit that has a virtual energy reservoir, and the controller circuit executes program instructions to control current to motors when engaging dense tissue.

Abstract: A handle assembly for use in conjunction with a surgical cutting device is provided. The handle assembly can generally include two, detachable pieces or housings. The first housing can include electrical and mechanical components for driving a cutting assembly, such as a motor, while the second housing can include a fluid flow path that allows fluid to flow from the surgical site to a location outside of the cutting device. At least a portion of the fluid flow path can extend substantially adjacent to at least a portion of one or more components used to drive the cutting assembly to help manage the heat output of the components. The fluid flow path allows the fluid to exit the device without coming into contact with components like a motor, while also helping to cool the handle assembly. Systems and methods for cutting tissue are also provided.

Abstract: An orthopedic driver is provided that includes an elongate tubular body and an indicator assembly. The indicator assembly has a housing that has at least one opening and a visual indicator disposed in the at least one opening. The visual indicator is configured to be coupled with a guide pin such that lateral movement of the elongate tubular body relative to the guide pin causes the visual indicator to move between a flush or recessed configuration within the housing and an extended configuration. In the extended configuration, the visual indicator extends outward of an outer surface of the housing. The flush or recessed configuration corresponds to alignment of the guide pin relative to the elongate tubular body and the extended configuration corresponds to misalignment of the guide pin relative to the elongate tubular body.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument including a first tubular member, a second tubular member, a sleeve member, a third tubular member, and an orientation member. The first tubular member includes a cutting tip. The second tubular member has a distal region forming a cutting window. The first tubular member is co-axially disposed within the second tubular member such that the cutting tip is selectively exposed at the cutting window. The first and second tubular members are co-axially disposed within the sleeve member. The third tubular member is co-axially disposed around an intermediate section of the first tubular member, an intermediate region of the second tubular member and the sleeve member. The orientation member is rotatable to transmit a rotational force applied to the orientation member to selectively rotate the second and third tubular members relative to the sleeve member to effectuate spatial rotation of the cutting window.

Abstract: A surgical device includes an outer member, an inner member, and at least one locking element. The inner member is at least partially supported within the outer member. The at least one locking element is configured in a first arrangement of the surgical device to lock the inner member in a first position and configured in a second arrangement of the surgical device to unlock the inner member from the first position. The at least one locking element is configured to change from the first arrangement to the second arrangement upon coupling the inner member in an operational arrangement to a hand piece.

Abstract: Drill assemblies and methods for drilling into bone are provided. In general, a drill assembly can have a flexible distal portion configured to move between a substantially straight configuration, in which a longitudinal axis of the distal portion is aligned with a longitudinal axis of a proximal shaft portion of the drill assembly, and a curved configuration, in which the longitudinal axis of the distal portion is angularly offset from the longitudinal axis of the proximal shaft portion. The drill assembly can include a proximal shaft, a drill tip, and a plurality of segments located between the proximal shaft and the drill tip. The drill assembly can include a connecting element extending from the proximal shaft, through the segments, and to the drill tip at a distal end of the drill assembly. The drill assembly can include a conformal covering on the distal portion thereof that is configured to curve.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises a hand-held portion configured to be manipulated by a user and a pivoting portion operatively coupled to the hand-held portion. The pivoting portion is configured to pivot with respect to the hand-held portion according to first and second degrees of freedom. The pivoting portion includes a telescoping nose mechanism including a nose tube, an intermediate unit having a carriage extending from the nose tube to enable linear translation of the nose tube, and a drive motor cooperating with the carriage to linearly translate the nose tube relative to the hand-held portion with respect to a third degree of freedom.

Abstract: Retro guidewire reamers include a drill having a tubular shaft configured to be disposed over a guidewire and at least one cutting member movably disposed adjacent the distal end of the shaft. A slide actuator is moveably coupled to the shaft and to an actuator wire slidable along the shaft. The actuator wire is operative to move the at least one cutting member between a closed position and a deployed position when the slide actuator is moved along the shaft. The retro guidewire reamers include mechanisms to protect the mechanical joint between the actuator wire and the slide actuator which prevent the actuator wire from disengaging from the slide actuator when the cutting member is obstructed by a guidewire.

Abstract: The invention provides a rotational atherectomy device having, in various embodiments, a flexible, elongated, rotatable drive shaft with a system of eccentric abrading heads attached thereto. At least part of the eccentric enlarged abrading heads in the system have a tissue removing surface—typically an abrasive surface. In certain embodiments, the abrading heads may be at least partially hollow. Preferably the eccentric enlarged abrading heads have centers of mass spaced radially from the rotational axis of the drive shaft, facilitating the ability of the system of eccentric abrading heads to work together to open the stenotic lesion to a diameter substantially larger than the outer resting diameter of the enlarged abrading heads when operated at high speeds. Therefore, certain embodiments comprise a system having unbalanced centers of mass to not only stimulate greater rotational diameters but also arranged in a manner whereby a debris-removing augering effect occurs.

Abstract: Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical system comprising: (i) a handheld device (100) comprising: a base (1), an end-effector (2) for mounting a surgical tool or tool guide, an actuation unit (4) connected to said base (1) and end-effector (2), a support unit (5) designed to make contact with the treated part to be treated or an adjacent region to provide a partial mechanical link between the base (1) or end-effector (2), and the part to be treated, (ii) a tracking unit (200), (iii) a control unit (300) configured to: (a) compute in real time an optimized path of the end-effector, (b) detect whether said computed path of the tool or end-effector can be achieved without changing the pose of the base, and, if not, determine a possible repositioning of the base with respect to the part to be treated, (c) configure the actuation unit so as to move the end-effector according to said computed path, and (d) iterate steps (a) to (c) until the planned volume has been treated, (iv) a user interface (400).

Abstract: A differential dissecting instrument for differentially dissecting complex tissue comprising is disclosed. The differential dissecting instrument comprises a rotary drive train having a central, longitudinal axis, a distal end, and a proximal end. The differential dissecting instrument also comprises at least one differential dissecting bluntwheel, wherein the at least one differential dissecting bluntwheel is rotatably associated with the distal end of the rotary drive train, has at least one axis of rotation substantially transverse to the central, longitudinal axis of the rotary drive train, and is rotated by the rotary drive train. The bluntwheel may comprise projections that are configured to differentially dissect a complex tissue when the differential dissecting instrument is in operation.

Abstract: This document provides orthopedic and dental devices and methods for their use. For example, novel bone drills and dental drills are described. The bone and dental drills have at least some centers of mass that are offset from the drills' axis of rotation. Accordingly, the bone and dental drills may rotate and cut using a precessional pattern of motion. The design facilitates bone cutting, chip formation and hauling capacity, irrigation and bone harvesting. In some embodiments, the bone chips are collected in a removable apparatus fixed to the distal portion of the drill, and the collected bone chips can be used for bone grafting.

Abstract: A system for augmenting a bone structure. A shape memory device includes a deflectable distal segment including temperature-dependent memory metal material. The shape memory device is slidably received within a guide cannula. The deflectable distal segment may include a substantially longitudinally straightened form, such as when subjected to a force from the guide cannula. The deflectable distal segment forms a first deflected shape having a first bend away from said straight longitudinal axis at a first elevated temperature greater than an initial temperature, and forms a second deflected shape having a second bend away from said straight longitudinal axis at a second elevated temperature greater than said first elevated temperature. The shape memory device may create voids within the bone structure with the deflectable distal segment at the first and/or second bends. Methods for positioning a shape memory device within a bone structure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising: a handle assembly; a locking collar; and a set of replaceable bits that load into the handle assembly; wherein the locking collar is fully removable from the handle assembly, loads axially to a first position, and rotates between the first position and a second position; wherein, in the first position, the locking collar is free to be removed from the handle assembly and the replaceable bits are free to be loaded or unloaded from the handle assembly; wherein, in the second position, the locking collar is prevented from axial movement relative to the handle assembly and the replaceable bits are prevented from being received within, or removed from, the handle assembly; and the locking collar is guided to the first position and between the first position and the second position by a groove in the handle assembly mating with a member carried by the locking collar.

Abstract: A method of preparing a region between adjacent bones for fusion. A first aperture is formed that extends through one of the bones. An undercutting system is inserted into the first aperture. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. A first path is cut between the adjacent bones by extending or retracting the cutting assembly with respect to the insertion apparatus.

Abstract: Systems for tissue removal, delivery and/or transplantation include a dispensing canister having a canister wall and a beveled or sloped canister bottom panel carried by the canister wall, a pump disposed in fluid communication with the dispensing canister and a vibrational injection apparatus disposed in fluid communication with the pump. Injection apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for fracturing calcifications in heart valves includes a stabilizer assembly (20) for use with an impactor assembly (10). Relative motion between the impactor assembly (10) and the stabilizer assembly (20) with sufficient energy fractures a calcification located in tissue which is sandwiched between the stabilizer assembly (20) and the impactor assembly (10). The stabilizer assembly (20) includes a plurality of distal stabilizer struts (28) connected by stabilizer loops (30) which extend proximally backwards.

Abstract: A surgical drilling instrument with a Curved Burr Attachment having an adapter removably coupled to a drill motor and a burr attachment coupled to said adapter. The burr attachment includes a tube with a wire shaft supported therein and a coil wire surrounding said wire shaft and having each of the coils touch the outer periphery surface of the wire shaft and the inner peripheral surface of said tube to enhance cooling of said outer periphery of said tube from the heat generated by said wire shaft and attenuate vibrations while allowing said burr attachment to be bent without kinking.

Abstract: A burr attachment designed for use with a curved burr attachment or other chuck attachments that includes a tube with a wire shaft supported therein and a coil spring surrounding said wire shaft and having each of the coils touch the outer periphery surface of the wire shaft and the inner peripheral surface of said tube to enhance cooling of said outer periphery of said tube from the heat generated by said wire shaft and attenuate vibrations while allowing said burr attachment to be bent without kinking.

Abstract: An undercutting system for preparing a region between an ilium and a sacrum for sacroiliac fusion. The undercutting system includes an insertion apparatus and a cutting assembly. The cutting assembly is operably mounted with respect to the insertion apparatus. The cutting assembly has a distal end and a proximal end. The cutting assembly includes a plurality of cutting elements and a cutting element attachment mechanism. The cutting element attachment mechanism engages the cutting elements to operably mount the cutting elements with respect to the insertion apparatus. The cutting element attachment mechanism permits the cutting elements to pivot with respect to each other.

Abstract: Instrument and method for removing material from an intervertebral disc. The instrument includes outer and inner tubular members. The outer tubular member defines a passage and a cutting window. The inner tubular member is coaxially disposed within the passage, and defines a central lumen and a cutting tip. The cutting tip forms an open mouth having a plurality of teeth. Upon assembly, the cutting tip is exposed within the cutting window combining to define a shaving head. A manual decorticating implement is coupled to the outer tubular member and defining a scraping surface. A powered handpiece is coupled to the inner tubular member, and the shaving head is inserted into an intervertebral disc and positioned such that the cutting tip contacts targeted material (e.g., nucleus, annulus and/or end plate). The handpiece is activated to rotate the cutting tip relative to the cutting window. Contacted material is sheared between an edge of the cutting window and the teeth of the cutting tip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a cutting member with an implement for cutting tissue, and a drive coupled to the cutting member to simultaneously rotate and translate the cutting member in response to a force applied to the drive. A method of cutting tissue includes positioning an outer member such that tissue is located within the outer member, engaging the tissue with an inner member, and simultaneously rotating and translating the inner member to cut the tissue. A tangential cutting force is applied to the tissue with the inner member to mechanically cut the tissue. The inner member is mechanically driven to undergo simultaneous rotation and translation.

Abstract: A medical device includes an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting member extends distally from the distal end of the elongated sleeve, and has sharp cutting edges. The cutting head is formed from a wear-resistant ceramic material, and a motor coupled to the proximal end of elongated sleeve rotate the cutting member. The cutter is engaged against bone and rotated to cut bone tissue without leaving any foreign particles in the site.

Abstract: According to a medical traction device containing a polymer molded article having biocompatibility as a weight for traction of a living tissue to be resected under observation with an endoscope, and a medical traction equipment containing the medical traction device and a grasping member connected to each other, such a medical traction device or traction equipment is provided that in ESD in a digestive tract, a dissected living tissue is efficiently removed from the operative field also in a direction that is different from the moving direction of the endoscope, thereby maintaining the field of view, and the procedures are thus performed safely and rapidly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a first member including an inner surface defining a passageway. The first member extends between a first end that defines a first opening and a second end that defines a second opening. A second member extends between a first end and a second end. A third member extends between a first end and a second end. The second end of the third member is releasably engageable with the first end of the second member within the passageway such that the first end of the first member prevents passage of the first end of the third member through the first opening and the second end of the first member prevents passage of the second end of the second member through the second opening. Systems and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for removing uroliths from the urinary bladder of a non-human, non-laboratory animal, comprising: (a) inserting a collapsed retrieval pouch through the urethra and into the bladder; (b) opening the retrieval pouch in the bladder; (c) identifying a urolith transrectally, and placing the urolith into the opened retrieval pouch by transrectal manipulation; (d) fragmenting the urolith while the urolith is in the opened retrieval pouch; (e) flushing the fragments of the urolith out of the pouch; and then (f) removing the retrieval pouch from the bladder.

Abstract: A tool set for implanting a rod in a human spine in conjunction with bone screws includes a pair of end guide tools that receive opposite ends of the rod in channels and under manipulation by a surgeon facilitate transport of the rod toward the bone screws attached to the guide tools. Each end guide tool includes a laterally extending, rigid, rod holding structure located near a bottom surface thereof. For bone screw implantation, the end guide tools and intermediate guide tools are assembled with a driver. For reducing a rod into the bone screw, a rod pusher is deployed that is coaxial with a respective guide tool and includes an outer sleeve that abuts the rod as the sleeve is translated along the guide tool and toward the bone screw. A method utilizing the tool set allows a surgeon to percutaneously implant the bone screws and the rod in the patient.

Abstract: A device for forming a circular arc-shaped bore includes: a stiff circular arc-shaped tube having a central axis; a flexible shaft insertable into the tube; and a head mountable to a first end of the shaft.

Abstract: The transoral repair of choanal atresia is a method for the surgical repair of choanal atresia that uses a transoral approach. The procedure includes the use of a curved drill, a curved shaver, curved grasping forceps, and a suction irrigator. After endotracheal intubation, a retractor is inserted to retract the tongue. A 120° angled telescope is inserted behind the soft palate into the nasopharynx to visualize the posterior choanae. A curved drill is used to drill the atretic plate from the vomer medially to the lateral pterygoid plate laterally. The drilled section of the atretic plate is removed to clear the obstruction.

Abstract: The present invention is a surgical ring form structure including a surgical ring where the surgical ring is a circular structure adapted to receive a surgical implement rigidly affixable with respect to the surgical patient and the surgical ring, an electrical circuit allowing the surgical implement to be electrically communicable with a remote controller, a surgical implement as an effector unit, an effector unit configurable to operate a laser, ultrasound device, lights, camera, and other imaging and monitoring devices capable of two-dimensional and three-dimensional capture, a circular rail respective to the surgical ring whereupon controlled motion of the surgical implement or effector unit is provided, remote display and interfacing capabilities with the surgical implements, remote controlling interfaces for controlled motion of the surgical implements with respect to the surgical ring and the patient, and an electrical circuit having contacts extending along the periphery of the surgical ring.

Abstract: The devices and methods generally relate to treatment of occluded body lumens. In particular, the present devices and method relate to removal of the occluding material from the blood vessels as well as other body lumens.

Abstract: A method of accessing target tissue adjacent to a spinal nerve of a patient includes the steps of accessing a spine location of the patient by entering the patient through the skin at an access location, inserting a flexible tissue modification device through the access location to the spine location, advancing a distal portion of the first flexible tissue modification device from the spine location to a first exit location, passing through the first exit location and out of the patient, advancing the first or a second flexible tissue modification device through the same access location to the spine location and to a second exit location, and passing through the second exit location and out of the patient.

Abstract: An anchor assembly configured to locate and anchor body tissue surrounding an opening in the body tissue. The anchor assembly can include a plurality of anchor elements. Each anchor element can include an elongate portion and an anchor portion extending from the elongate portion. The elongate portion can be configured to be manipulated by a user. The anchor portion can have a contracted configuration capable of passing through the opening in the body tissue and can have an expanded configuration capable of anchoring the body tissue surrounding the opening. The anchor portion and the elongate portion can be integrally formed from a single wire.

Abstract: A combination surgical device is provided and includes a dissection blade moveably mounted in a first jaw of the surgical device. The surgical device includes a second jaw movably mounted relative to the first jaw and a handle assembly. The handle assembly includes an advancement mechanism for incrementally advancing the blade out of the first jaw and a lever to open and close the first and second jaws. A lock member is provided to maintain the blade in an extended condition and a release lever is provided to disable the lock member. The surgical device additionally includes a safety or lock out mechanism which prevents the jaws from moving while the blade is in the extended condition.

Abstract: A tissue resection device comprises inner and outer coaxial sleeves. The outer sleeve has a cutting window formed therein, and the inner sleeve has a distal cutting end that can be reciprocated past the cutting window. The sleeves comprise electrodes to provide electrosurgical cutting, and an edge portion of the window includes a dielectric material.

Abstract: A skin care device comprising a handle and swappable heads connected via a magnetic drive. Avoidance of a mechanical coupling between the handle and the head enhances safety. The magnetic power is converted to electrical power to operate the LEDs and anything else needing electrical power as well as mechanical forces releasing therapeutic cream upon the consumer's skin. The device may further apply RF to the skin for complementary treatment. Using the magnetic drives allows the transfer of power without using serrated gears and because there are no electrical connectors allows using swappable heads on the same handle in humid or wet conditions. The handle is charged inductively.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus for joint cutting system using robot includes a shaft combined with a motor in a part of a robot arm, a cutter having a cutting head at the end of the shaft, a sleeve in which the shaft is inserted, and a cutter support member having a sleeve base where the sleeve is fixed, characterized in that the sleeve is a standalone member of a hollow bar with a center hole and is separable from and combinable with the sleeve base. The sleeve and the sleeve base are so separable that it is possible to reinforce the strength of the sleeve, which retrains the bending force to the sleeve, though the diameter of the sleeve is minimized.

Abstract: A surgical device is described. The surgical device may comprise a rotatable cutter configured to cut tissue for insertion of a cannula, and a first driver configured to be driven by a motor arrangement and to rotate the cutter. The surgical device may further include, for example, the cannula, at least one of the rotatable cutter and the first driver being disposed in a bore of the cannula. In one embodiment, the rotatable cutter may include an auger having a cutting thread. In another embodiment, the rotatable cutter may include a disk-shaped blade.

Abstract: Driving apparatuses for surgical instruments are provided. Such apparatuses are capable of reuse without having to be sterilized in an autoclave. This reduces time as well as costs associated with surgical interventions in the areas of orthopaedic surgery and surgery related to trauma, for example.

Abstract: A hysteroscopy system includes a scope having an internal channel, a sheath removably coupled to the scope, and an outflow channel. The sheath has a distal flange extending internally towards an outer surface of the scope. The outflow channel is formed between an inner surface of the sheath and an outer surface of the scope. The distal flange forms a distal end of the outflow channel and is generally located between the scope and the sheath.

Abstract: A surgical tool for use through laproscopic ports having improved haptic and tactile feedback.

Abstract: An article comprising: (i) a handheld device including (a) a housing, (b) a powered element within the housing: (ii) a battery pack, wherein the handheld device is connected by an external cable to a functional system, wherein the battery pack is attached to the external cable, and wherein the battery pack supplies power to the powered element.

Abstract: A system is provided for inserting and securing, through a suprapatellar region of a leg, a nail into a medullary canal of a bone. The system can include a flexible sleeve configured to be partially inserted in the leg. The flexible sleeve can define a leading end and a trailing end spaced apart from the leading end along a first axis. The flexible sleeve can define a first cannulation that extends along the first axis between the leading and trailing ends. The first cannulation can be sized to receive therethrough at least the intramedullary nail. The system can further include a retaining member configured support at least a portion of the flexible sleeve. The retaining member can be configured to position the flexible sleeve through the suprapatellar region of the leg such that the flexible sleeve leading end is aligned with the proximal end of the bone. The intramedullary nail can be insertable through the flexible sleeve and into the medullary canal.

Abstract: A medical instrument serves for cutting off tissue and cartilage from a body. It comprises an outer shaft having at least a first window in a distal end area thereof. A hollow inner shaft is received within the outer shaft and can be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the outer shaft. The hollow inner shaft has at least one opening cooperating with the at least one window of the outer shaft in a cutting action when turning the inner hollow shaft. A further window is provided in the distal end area of the outer shaft which further window is surrounded by a curette having a separating edge. Tissue and cartilage separated by the curette can be cut into small pieces by the cutting edges of the rotatable inner shaft and then be sucked in through an opening of the inner hollow shaft.

Abstract: A surgical device is described. The surgical device may comprise a rotatable cutter configured to cut tissue for insertion of a cannula, and a first driver configured to be driven by a motor arrangement and to rotate the cutter. The surgical device may further include, for example, the cannula, at least one of the rotatable cutter and the first driver being disposed in a bore of the cannula. In one embodiment, the rotatable cutter may include an auger having a cutting thread. In another embodiment, the rotatable cutter may include a disk-shaped blade.

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: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that is motorized. The instrument comprises in one embodiment a charge accumulator device, separate from a battery, that provides additional power to the motor under certain conditions. In addition, the motor may comprise multiple windings.

Abstract: A tool for removing debris from sockets containing screws of electrical conductors of medical pacemakers, to allow engagement of screw heads for unthreading. The tool includes a body, with a screw driving blade projecting from one end and a cutting blade of diameter similar to that of the screw driving blade projecting from an opposed end. Optionally, the body encloses torque limiting components limiting torque applied to the screw driving blade. The screw driving blade may be polygonal. The cutting blade may be a fluted drill bit. Where the torque limiting components are not provided, the body may bear external splines, with the screw driving blade and cutting blade being monolithic with the body.

Abstract: A surgical cutting and fastening instrument that is motorized. The instrument comprises in one embodiment a charge accumulator device, separate from a battery, that provides additional power to the motor under certain conditions. In addition, the motor may comprise multiple windings.