Abstract: A shaft assembly for a surgical instrument that includes a movable drive member. In at least one form, the surgical instrument includes a spine assembly that is couplable to the surgical instrument and has a surgical end effector coupled thereto by an articulation joint. The shaft assembly in one form includes a proximal firing member and an intermediate firing member that is coupled to a distal firing member. The distal firing member is configured for selective travel through the surgical end effector. At least one articulation driver is coupled to the surgical end effector to apply articulation motions thereto. A clutch assembly interfaces with the primary and intermediate firing members and the articulation driver such that when in an articulation orientation, movement of the drive member results in movement of the articulation driver and when in a firing orientation, movement of the drive member results in movement of the intermediate and distal firing members.

Abstract: A method of performing a transperineal biopsy procedure including sliding a displacement member of a biopsy guide relative to a guide member of the biopsy guide such that the displacement member is proximate the perineal access site of the patient. The guide member may be secured to the ultrasound probe, and the guide member may include a pair of guide rails each having a planar top surface. The displacement member may include a platform having a planar bottom surface and at least one needle receiving port for guiding a needle, wherein the planar bottom surface of the platform opposes the planar top surfaces of the pair of guide rails during the sliding of the displacement member relative to the guide member. The method may further include inserting a needle into the perineal access site of the patient.

Abstract: An insertion device includes a shape-variable tube elastically returning while the shape-variable tube bends at a tube bending radius of a tube radius boundary value or more, and a shaft rotating around a shaft axis inside the shape-variable tube so that the shaft transmits a driving force to drive a motion section from a first extending direction toward a second extending direction. The shaft elastically returns while the shaft bends at a shaft bending radius of a shaft radius boundary value or more, and rotates without being deformed while the elastic return is impossible when the shape-variable tube bends in an elastically returnable range.

Abstract: A synthetic representation of a robot tool for display on a user interface of a robotic system. The synthetic representation may be used to show the position of a view volume of an image capture device with respect to the robot. The synthetic representation may also be used to find a tool that is outside of the field of view, to display range of motion limits for a tool, to remotely communicate information about the robot, and to detect collisions.

Abstract: A polygonal manipulator device for surgical interventions of the heart and other smooth organs is provided. A system implementing the device also is provided along with methods of use of the device and system. Methods of use of the device and system, such as for minimally-invasive cardiac intervention methods, are provided.

Abstract: Ablation visualization and monitoring systems and methods are provided. In some embodiments, such methods comprise applying ablation energy to a tissue to form a lesion in the tissue, illuminating the tissue with a light to excite NADH in the tissue, wherein the tissue is illuminated in a radial direction, an axial direction, or both, monitoring a level of NADH fluorescence in the illuminated tissue to determine when the level of NADH fluorescence decreases from a base level in the beginning of the ablating to a predetermined lower level, and stopping ablation of the tissue when the level of NADH fluorescence reaches the predetermined lower level.

Abstract: A shuttle, vial and injector are provided for storing and presenting an IOL to a patient. The shuttle includes operably engaged shuttle plates having a set of confronting surfaces that flex about a flexure interface between a storage configuration, with at least an optic of an IOL in a nominal state and a loading configuration, with at least an optic of an IOL in a deformed state. The vial engages the shuttle and maintains the shuttle in the storage configuration. The injector receives the shuttle from the vial and includes surfaces for flexing the portions of the shuttle plates to the loading configuration upon engagement with the injector, wherein the shuttle plates impart a predetermined curvature to at least a portion of the IOL.

Abstract: A surgical device for assisting in the placement of a prosthetic implant. One or more sheets of polymer are in the form of a conical frustum such that a proximal end is sealed and a distal end is open, with an elongated slit extending from the distal end toward the proximal end. A single opening is formed by the distal opening and the elongated slit with a set of inter-lockable fastener elements disposed along opposing sides and configured to seal the elongated slit such that the distal end remains open to allow for egress of the prosthetic implant for placement into a surgical pocket. A lubricious coating is applied to the interior cavity of the frustum in addition to one or more surface active coatings. Movement of the prosthetic implant across the one or more surface active coatings causes the coatings to provide one or more offered benefits.

Abstract: A tool driver for use in robotic surgery includes a base configured to couple to a distal end of a robotic arm, and a tool carriage slidingly engaged with the base and configured to receive a surgical tool. In one variation, the tool carriage may include a plurality of linear axis drives configured to actuate one or more articulated movements of the surgical tool. In another variation, the tool carriage may include a plurality of rotary axis drives configured to actuate one or more articulated movements of the surgical tool. Various sensors, such as a capacitive load cell for measuring axial load, a position sensor for measuring linear position of the guide based on the rotational positions of gears in a gear transmission, and/or a capacitive torque sensor based on differential capacitance, may be included in the tool driver.

Abstract: An endoscopic scope cleaning management system includes: an inspection order information storage unit which stores inspection order information including information of inspection date and time of an endoscope inspection using an endoscopic scope; an endoscopic scope specification unit which specifies an endoscopic scope to be used based on the inspection order information stored in the inspection order information storage unit; a cleaning necessity determination unit which stores cleaning history information of each endoscopic scope and determines whether it is necessary to clean the endoscopic scope to be used which is specified by the endoscopic scope specification unit, using the cleaning history information of the endoscopic scope to be used; and an information creation unit which creates and outputs information for notifying a user of the necessity to clean a cleaning-needed endoscopic scope for which it is determined by the cleaning necessity determination unit that the cleaning is required.

Abstract: Various exemplary methods, systems, and devices for robotic surgical instrument communication are provided. In general, a surgical tool includes a sensor configured to sense a parameter related to the surgical tool and to wirelessly communicate the sensed data to another device, e.g., another surgical tool. Each of the surgical tool and the other device are configured to be operatively connected to a robotic surgical system and to be controlled by the robotic surgical system. The other device is configured to transmit the data received from the surgical tool to the robotic surgical system.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is configured for coupling with an instrument drive unit that drives an actuation of the surgical instrument and operatively supports the surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes a housing, an elongate body extending distally from the housing, an end effector extending distally from the elongate body, and a plurality of driven members rotatably disposed within the housing. The plurality of driven members is nested with one another. Each driven member of the plurality of driven members is coupled to a respective cable that is attached to the end effector. The plurality of driven members is configured for engagement with an instrument drive unit.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for positioning an end effector or remote center of a manipulator arm by floating a first set of joints within a null-perpendicular joint velocity sub-space and providing a desired state or movement of a proximal portion of a manipulator arm concurrent with end effector positioning by driving a second set of joints within a null-space orthogonal to the null-perpendicular space. Methods include floating a first set of joints within a null-perpendicular space to allow manual positioning of one or both of a remote center or end effector position within a work space and driving a second set of joints according to an auxiliary movement calculated within a null-space according to a desired state or movement of the manipulator arm during the floating of the joints. Various configurations for devices and systems utilizing such methods are provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument and method for passing a medical implement through tissue with magnetic forces. The implement can be an implant, either permanent or temporary, and is provided with a magnetic component. A magnetic field is established and the magnetic component and/or magnetic field is manipulated to drive the implant through tissue. Alternatively, the instrument itself is the implement and includes at least one magnetic element so that a magnetic field established by an external magnetic generator drives the instrument through tissue. In another embodiment, the instrument includes two magnetic elements that are moveable with respect to one another and interaction between the magnetic elements drives the instrument through the tissue. Examples of applications of the present invention include a suture passer and a tissue anchor.

Abstract: Suture delivered patches adapted for interposition, augmentation or repair devices for use in tendon and ligament repair, including rotator cuff repair, have been developed as well as methods for their delivery using suture guided arthroscopic methods. The repair patches may be provided from suitable biocompatible materials. The patches may be delivered using anchored sutures already in use during a surgical repair including, open, minimally invasive, endoscopic, and arthroscopic repair procedures. Additionally, fixation of the suture delivered repair patch is secured along with the normal suture securing workflow of the one or more sutures used to deliver the patch.

Abstract: A jointed system for delivering a medical device to a target location within a human anatomy, comprising: a first segment that is a hollow cylinder, wherein a first flange and a second flange are attached to the distal end and extend distally away from the first segment; a second segment that is a hollow cylinder and has a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a third flange and a fourth flange are attached to the proximal end and extend proximally away from the second segment; a connector element having four cylindrical lugs extending radially away from a central point, wherein each lug passes, respectively, through a circular hole, and further wherein the connector element defines at least two separate openings extending in a direction from the distal end of the first segment to the proximal end of the second segment.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing fibers, the method having the steps of producing electrospun fiber; and directing the fiber to a plurality of targets, whereby only one of the targets is grounded at any one time. Also provided is a system for producing anisotropic fibers having a reservoir of electrospun fiber constituent' wherein an egress point of the reservoir is electrically charged; a plurality of electrodes opposed to the egress point, wherein only one of the electrodes is grounded at any one time while the remaining electrodes are at an initial floating voltage state; and a target substrate disposed between the egress point and the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: Provided is a medical system comprising a controller unit configured to be capable of generating a first code or coded message; and a medical device unit configured to be capable of generating a second code or coded message, the medical device unit configured to be in electronic communication with the controller unit, wherein the controller unit is configured to lock the medical device unit from being used or reused if the first code or coded message does not match or is not identical to the second code or coded message. Also provided is a method of preventing use or reuse of a medical device unit as described herein.

Abstract: It is possible to make data for manufacturing devices available in a standard format using an adapter that would automatically interrogate the device and use the information gained from the machine to generate a data translation file. The data translation file could subsequently be used by an agent to interpret a data stream provided by the adapter for the manufacturing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to force sensors and force sensor substrates for use with surgical devices. A force sensor includes a substrate, a plurality of sensing elements, a distal plate, and a pin block assembly. The substrate includes a proximal portion and a distal portion including a proximally-facing surface in fluid communication with a distal surface via an opening extending therebetween. The plurality of sensing elements are mounted on a sensing area of the distal surface of the substrate. The distal plate is welded to the distal surface of the substrate, hermetically sealing the plurality of sensing elements between the distal plate and the distal surface of the substrate. The pin block assembly is welded to the proximally-facing surface of the distal portion of the substrate, hermetically sealing distal ends of a plurality of conductive pins between the pin block assembly and the substrate.

Abstract: The Trocar structure for abdominal surgery comprises a cannula having at one end a guide element provided with a valve for maintaining the positive intracavitary pressure and a shaft having, at one end a head and at the opposite end a tip, advantageously the valve is made of a single piece of silicone and has first elastically deformable sealing means for maintaining the positive intracavitary pressure during the passage of the shaft and of a surgical instrument through the cannula and second elastically deformable sealing means engaging the guide element.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes improved microsurgical tools providing multiple degrees of freedom at the wrist level, including roll, pitch, and grasp DOFs, a tight articulation bending radius, low radial offset, and improved stiffness. Some implementations include an end effector platform moveable along a fixed trajectory on a fictional axle so as not to interfere with a central-axis aligned working channel; a crossed-arm mechanical linkage for articulating an end-effector platform throughout a pitch DOF with an amplified pitch angle; and a partial pulley system to articulate the arms while maximizing pulley radius to shaft diameter, and permitting a constant transmission efficiency to the arms throughout the range of articulation. In some implementations, a tool shaft outer diameter may be smaller than 3 mm; a pitch DOF range may be ±90°, a roll DOF range may be ±180°, and a grasp DOF range may be 30°.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an end effector, a shaft extending from the end effector, a firing driver movable relative to the end effector, a power-pack, a control system, and a handle connected to the shaft is disclosed. The handle comprises a motor configured to drive the firing driver. The handle is switchable between a plurality of operating states. The plurality of operating states comprises a control operating state in which the power-pack supplies the control system with a first amount of power and a firing operating state in which the power-pack supplies the motor with a second amount of power. The second amount of power is greater than the first amount of power.

Abstract: A vessel filter having a first region and a second region, the filter movable between a collapsed position for delivery to the vessel and an expanded position for placement within the vessel. The first region has a filter portion having a converging region to direct particles toward the center of the filter and includes a plurality of spaced apart filter struts. The struts each have a strut height defined as a distance between a first wall and a second wall. A plurality of hooks are at the second region, the hooks having a vessel penetrating tip and a width greater than the width of the strut from which it extends such that the penetrating tip portion of the hook extends beyond the first wall.

Abstract: A medical instrument comprising: (a) a first joint comprising a first member and a second member, the first member configured to be repositionable with respect to the second member in a first degree of freedom; (b) a second joint operatively coupled to the first joint, the second joint comprising a third member and a fourth member, the third member configured to be repositionable with respect to the fourth member in a second degree of freedom; (c) a pair of repositionable jaws operatively coupled to the first joint and the second joint; (d) an occlusion clip detachably mounted to the pair of repositionable jaws; and, (e) a controller operatively coupled to the first joint, the second joint, and the pair of repositionable jaws, the controller including a first control configured to direct repositioning of at least one of the first member and the second member, and a second control configured to direct repositioning of at least one of the third member and the fourth member, and a third control configured to dir

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a surgical instrument including: an end tool including a first jaw and a second jaw configured to rotate independently; an operator including a pitch operator controlling a pitch motion of the end tool, a yaw operator controlling a yaw motion of the end tool, and an actuation operator controlling an actuation motion of the end tool; an operating force transmitter including a first jaw wire connected with the first jaw to transmit an operation of the operator to the first jaw, a second jaw wire connected with the second jaw to transmit an operation of the operator to the second jaw, and one or more differential members transmitting a rotation of the yaw operator or the actuation operator to the first jaw or the second jaw via the first jaw wire or the second jaw wire; and a connector configured to extend in a first direction (X axis) and having one end portion coupled to the end tool and the other end portion coupled to the operator to connect the operator and th

Abstract: Provided is an external fixator for reduction of a fractured or deformed bone, which includes a first frame through which the bone passes, a second frame through which the bone passes, the second frame being spaced apart from the first frame, and a variable leg connected to the second frame by a ball joint and having a first leg and a second leg at which a thread is formed respectively. The ball joint includes a ball connected to the first leg through a ball axle and having a perforation hole passing through a center thereof, a ball housing located at the second frame and having a fitting groove into which the ball is fit and a pair of insert holes formed at an outer surface thereof along a direction traversing the fitting groove to face each other, and a pin member provided on the insert hole to pass through the perforation hole. As the ball housing rotates, the first leg rotates to fasten or release screw coupling between the first leg and the second leg and thus change a length of the variable leg.

Abstract: A surgical tool including a handle, a functional tool, and a torque limiter is described. The handle is sized and dimensioned for manipulation by a surgeon in a surgical environment. The functional tool is supported by the handle. The torque limiter is supported by the handle and is located between the handle and the functional tool. The torque limiter permits the handle and the functional tool to move relative to each other based on an amount of force applied to the functional tool.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of generating electrical signal waveforms by a generator. The generator includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor. The memory defines a first and second table. The processor retrieves information from the first table defined in the memory, where the information is associated with a first wave shape of a first electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure. The processor retrieves information from the second table defined in the memory, where the information is associated with a second wave shape of a second electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure. The processor combines the first and second wave shapes to create a combined wave shape of an electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure and the combined wave shape electrical signal waveform for performing a surgical procedure is delivered to a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing that houses drive cable capstans operatively coupled to corresponding drive inputs, an elongate shaft that extends from the drive housing, and an end effector operatively coupled to a distal end of the elongate shaft. A plurality of drive cables extend between the drive housing and the end effector, and each drive cable is associated with a corresponding one of drive cable capstans. A manual release assembly is coupled to the drive housing and includes a release lever that is manually movable between a stowed position, where the drive cable capstans are operatively coupled to the drive inputs, to an actuated position, where the drive cable capstans are disengaged from the plurality of drive inputs. Moving the release lever to the actuated position also rotates the drive cable capstans to manually articulate the end effector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and a strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs, a proximal end of the tube portion that operably couples to a shaft of a surgical instrument that operably couples to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion that proximally couples to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for controlling manipulator movements include a manipulator arm coupled to a proximal base. The manipulator arm is configured to support an end effector and robotically move the end effector relative to the proximal base. The manipulator arm includes a plurality of joints between the end effector and the proximal base and a processor. The processor is configured to calculate joint movements of the plurality of joints that provide a desired position of the end effector using inverse kinematics of the manipulator arm and when a first set of one or more joints of the plurality of joints is at corresponding joint range of motion limits: determine a constraint based on a relationship between joint movement of the first set and a second set of one or more joints of the plurality of joints and apply the constraint within the inverse kinematics to provide haptic feedback.

Abstract: A medical guidance apparatus includes a base assembly including a base ring having an inner circumference defining an opening; and a guide rotateably mateable with the base assembly, the guide including: a frame comprising: an inner circumference defining an opening; and an outer circumference, wherein, in a configuration where the guide is mated with the base assembly, the opening of the frame overlays the opening of the base ring; a gap extending from the inner circumference of the frame to the outer circumference of the frame; and an arc member including a first end integrally formed with the frame and a second end integrally formed with the frame, wherein the first end of the arc member is diametrically opposed to the second end of the arc member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus comprising an electrosurgical instrument for delivering RF energy and/or microwave frequency energy into biological tissue, an interference cable for conveying radiofrequency (RF) and/or microwave frequency energy between an electrosurgical generator and the electrosurgical instrument, wherein a sterile barrier sheath surrounds a connection interface between the instrument and interface cable. The sterile barrier sheath and instrument may be a sterilisable unit suitable for repeated use.

Abstract: Methods and devices for improving the interface between a surgeon and an operating medical assistant or between the surgeon and an endoscope system for laparoscopic surgery. A device is useful for controlling an endoscope system for laparoscopic surgery and includes a wearable interface for enhancing the control of an endoscope system during laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: Some implementations can include a retraction system that provides broad based retraction for minimally invasive procedures (e.g., laparoscopic or robot-assisted) similar to that achieved by fixed retractors often used in open surgery. The retraction system can hold viscera out of the pelvis, for example. Some implementations can include a first instrument, a first locking trocar, a second instrument, and a second locking trocar. The first instrument can include an articulated first device having a mesh net. The first device is capable of unfurling the mesh net and winding the net back up into the first device. The second instrument can include a second device that articulates and engages an edge of the mesh net. The second device can engage the mesh net and assist in unfurling the mesh net by pulling the mesh net so that the mesh net unwinds from the first device and can be used to retract the viscera.

Abstract: The present teachings generally relate a delivery system having an implant retention mechanism. Specifically, the delivery system includes a delivery sheath, a delivery catheter, and a flexible or a rigid implant retention mechanism. The flexible implant retention mechanism includes an implant retention string having a fixed end and a free end where the free end extends from the fixed end, crosses a retention outlet of an implant, and extends proximally through a lumen of the delivery sheath. The rigid implant retention mechanism includes an implant retention wire having a fixed end and a free end where the free end extends from the fixed end, crosses a retention outlet of an implant, and extends proximally through a lumen of the delivery sheath.

Abstract: Described herein are various method of using a direct drive system to perform procedures at a distance. One exemplary method include tying a knot or suturing at a distance with a first and second end effector. The direct drive system can enable sufficient end effector dexterity, including the ability to control various degrees of freedom of end effector movement, and allow a user to perform complicated task at a distance. In one aspect the direct drive system includes flexible tools that permit access to surgical site via a natural orifice.

Abstract: An improved holder and storage system for prosthetic heart valves that pre-shields or pre-constricts the commissure posts of the valve to prevent suture looping. Pre-shielding and pre-constriction mean at the time of manufacture, so that the valves are stored with the commissure posts shielded and/or constricted. The holders may have solid legs that directly contact and constrict and hold the commissure posts without the use of sutures in tension that might creep over the time in storage. The holder may have a base in contact with the inflow end and a shaft portion that projects through the valve leaflets and cooperates with movable legs on the outflow end of the valve in contact with the commissure posts. The holders may, alternatively, have flexible leg members that extend through the valve and have distal end portions configured to extend over and shield the tips of commissure posts.

Abstract: An adapter assembly for connecting an end effector to an actuation assembly includes a base member defining a plurality of notches spaced at least partially about a circumference of the base member, a handle supported on the base member and rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the base member, and a latch mechanism supported on the handle assembly and selectively engageable with the base member. The latch mechanism includes a button member and a locking member. The button member is movable between a first position in which the locking member is received within one of the plurality of notches to lock the handle relative to the base member, and a second position in which the locking member is spaced from the plurality of notches to unlock the handle relative to the base member.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided having a positioning device having a positioning arm with a flange at the end of the positioning arm, a controller at least electrically coupled to the positioning device, and an end effector joystick controller for connecting to the flange of the positioning arm. The controller has a processor coupled to a memory and a display. The end effector joystick controller includes a mating component for connecting to the flange of the positioning arm, and a joystick portion extending from the mating component.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to robotic surgical system that includes an operating console configured to operate at least one robotic arm and at least one drive motor configured to receive an input from the operating console and control the at least one robotic arm based on the input from the operating console. A surgical instrument is coupled to the at least one robotic arm. The surgical instrument is inserted into a patient and captures an image of a region of interest inside the patient during a surgical procedure. A controller receives the image and applies at least one image processing filter to identify at least one non-visible property of an object in the region of interest. A display displays the image to a user.

Abstract: A robotic system includes a jointed mechanism, position sensors, and a controller. The mechanism has an end-effector, and further includes actively-controlled joints and passive joints that are redundant with the actively-controlled joints. The position sensors are operable for measuring joint positions of the passive joints. The controller is in communication with the position sensors, and is programmed to execute a method to selectively control the actively-controlled joints in response to the measured joint positions using force control and/or a modeled impedance of the robotic mechanism. Possible control modes in impedance control include an Autonomous Mode in which an operator does not physically interact with the end-effector and a Cooperative Control Mode in which the operator physically interacts with the end-effector.

Abstract: The present relates to a method of making a prosthetic valve that can take a first form wherein the valve is open and a second form wherein the valve is closed, the valve comprising a leaflet, a supporting element, and a stent to which the leaflet and supporting element are attached, the leaflet having a free margin that can move between a first position wherein the valve takes the first form and a second position wherein the valve takes the second form, the method comprising:—providing a woven textile structure,—forming the leaflet and the supporting element from this textile structure, such that a selvedge of the textile structure forms the free margin of the leaflet, and—forming the valve therewith, wherein the textile structure has a single layer thickness of between 40 to 150 ?m and comprises yarn comprising polymeric filaments, the yarn having a linear density of less than 120 dtex and an elongation at break of 10% or less, and wherein the leaflet is attached to the stent by making stitches through at l

Abstract: Medical instrument (60, 160, 260, 360) comprising at least one first, second and third joint member (71, 72, 73), at least two pairs of tendons (90, 190, 191, 192) connected with the same joint member and adapted to move said third member (73) with respect to said second member (72), pulling it; and wherein each of said joint member (71, 72, 73) comprises a main structural body comprising in a single piece one or more convex contact surfaces (40, 80, 86, 140, 180), all said convex contact surfaces (40, 80, 86, 140, 180) defining with their prolongations thereof at least partially a single convex volume for each joint member; and wherein the main portion of each tendon is in contact with said jointed device (70, 170, 270) only on said convex contact surfaces; and wherein at least two tendons of said at least two pairs of tendons (90, 190, 191, 192) are in contact with a same convex contact surface.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling a robotic system includes receiving a signal in response to movement of an input device through an input distance, determining the position of a repositioning control disposed on the input device, and moving the tool of the robotic system in response to movement of the input device the input distance. The input device is coupled to an input shaft of an input arm. The robotic system moving the tool a first distance when the repositioning control is in a deactivated position and moves the tool a second distance when the repositioning control in an activated position. The first distance is greater than the second distance.

Abstract: A medical device handle may include a handle housing including a cavity disposed within the handle housing. The medical device handle may include a carriage assembly disposed within the cavity and operatively connected to the tubular member and the medical implant, the carriage assembly being longitudinally movable between a distal position and a proximal position by rotation of a control knob with respect to the handle housing, the control knob being disposed around a proximal end of the handle housing. The carriage assembly may include a carriage member, a first sliding member, a second sliding member, and a locking element configured to releasably fix the first sliding member and the second sliding member relative to the carriage member. The locking element may be rotatable relative to the handle housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating on tissue includes a body assembly, a shaft assembly, an acoustic waveguide, an articulation section, an articulation control assembly, an end effector, and an articulation lock. A portion of the articulation section encompasses a flexible portion of the waveguide. The articulation includes a first member and a second member that is longitudinally translatable relative to the first member. The articulation control assembly is configured to move relative to the shaft assembly in order to longitudinally translate the second member relative to the first member. The end effector includes an ultrasonic blade in acoustic communication with the waveguide. The articulation lock is configured to prevent movement of the articulation control assembly relative to the shaft assembly.

Abstract: Various forms are directed to systems and methods apparatus for operating a surgical instrument that includes an adapter configured to couple to a generator. The generator configured to provide an energy signal for treating tissue The adapter includes at least one input port configured to receive the energy signal from the generator, where the energy signal includes an energy component comprising one or more energy modalities. An energy storage circuit is configured to charge and store energy from the generator as a DC output. The adapter also includes at least one output port configured to couple to one or more surgical instruments for treating tissue. The one or more energy modalities comprises any one of an ultrasonic, a bipolar radio frequency (RF), a monopolar RF, a reversible electroporation, an irreversible electroporation, or a microwave component, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A surgical device for assisting in the placement of a prosthetic implant within a surgical pocket of a patient such that placement minimizes tissue stress along and inside the surgical pocket. The surgical device comprises a bag shaped as a conical frustum in which a proximal end of the conical frustum is sealed and a distal end of the conical frustum is open, with an elongated slit extending from the distal end towards the proximal end. An opening formed by the distal opening and the elongated slit is sufficiently large enough to accept the prosthetic implant into the bag. According to one embodiment, an adhesive is affixed along a portion of the elongated slit to seal the elongated slit such that the distal end remains open, thereby allowing for egress of the implant from the bag and placement into the surgical pocket.