Surgical tools that can be used in single port laparoscopic procedures can include a low-profile handle assembly to minimize tool interference adjacent the incision site. For example, a handle assembly for a surgical instrument can have a generally in-line configuration extending linearly along a central longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft of the instrument. A linkage mechanism including a trigger, an actuation link, and an actuation shaft can be positioned within the in-line handle. The linkage mechanism can be pivoted between an open position in which end effectors of the instrument are open and a toggle position in which the end effectors are locked closed. A locking mechanism such as a ratchet mechanism can also be used to lock the end effectors. A surgical dissector can include gripping jaws having a curved profile or an angled elongate shaft to minimize tool interference and maximize visibility within a procedure site.

A catheter device includes a tube, and an extracorporeal unit coupled to a proximal end of the tube. An implant includes a series of anchors and a tether. The series of anchors includes a first anchor and other anchors, arranged along the extracorporeal unit. Each of the anchors includes a tissue-engaging element, and a head that defines an eyelet. The tether extends, along the extracorporeal unit, through the eyelet of each of the other anchors to the first anchor such that (i) the first anchor is advanceable, with a distal end of the tether, distally into and through the tube toward the tissue, and (ii) subsequently, the other anchors are slidable, sequentially, over and along the tether, distally into and through the tube toward the first anchor. Other applications are also described.

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a surgical dissector. The surgical dissector can apply mechanical and/or electrosurgical energy to treated tissue.

A surgical stapling instrument is disclosed. An end effector for the surgical stapling instrument comprises a staple cartridge assembly and an anvil. The staple cartridge assembly comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a cartridge body comprising a shortened nose at the distal end. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises staples removably stored in the cartridge body, a driver configured to support at least one of the staples, and a sled movable toward the distal end. The sled comprises a ramp configured to lift the driver and at least one of the staples and a base, wherein the shortened nose of the cartridge body is shorter than the base of the sled. The anvil comprises a staple forming surface comprising a plurality of staple forming pockets and a blunt distal nose extending downward toward the staple cartridge assembly.

A deployment device for an all suture anchor having a braided anchor and a suture filament extending through the braided anchor. A fork extends longitudinally through the body of the device and is moveable between an extended position and a withdrawn position to position and then release the braided anchor. A ratchet wheel drives a spool coupled to the ratchet wheel by a frangible link to wind up the suture filament to deploy the braided anchor. When sufficient tension is achieved to fully deploy the braided anchor, the frangible link will break, thereby releasing the suture filament to leave the deployed braided anchor in place with the suture filament extending from the pilot hole. All operations are accomplished by one lever that selectively withdraws the fork, rotates the ratchet wheel, and then allows release of the filament with the use of just a single hand.

A tissue retraction system comprising a drive gear coupled to a shaft. The tissue retraction system includes a first plurality of linking members located along a second axis and configured to rotate along the second axis based on contact with the drive gear as the drive gear is rotated. The tissue retraction system includes a linking member selector configured to rotate along the first axis, wherein the linking member selector comprises a cylindrical body integrally formed with a handle. The tissue retraction system includes a right arm assembly configured to move along a first trajectory. The tissue retraction system includes a first retractor blade coupled to the right arm assembly. The tissue retraction system includes a left arm assembly configured to move along a second trajectory. The tissue retraction system includes a second retractor blade coupled to the left arm assembly.

A handle assembly of a hand-held surgical instrument includes a motor and an actuation trigger. Clamping and/or stapling tissue may be carried out by actuation of the trigger. The motor may be activated to assist the manual actuation of the trigger. The handle assembly may include distinct gears for effecting discrete functions of an attached end effector.

A surgical drill for use with a drill bit. The drill includes a handpiece with a motor and a brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is a sliding rack adjacent a first end and a second end with a stop adjacent the drill bit. An actuator is mounted to the handpiece and a plunger is coupled to the actuator. A sensor asserts a signal when the drill bit penetrates bone. When the sensor asserts the signal indicting the drill bit penetrated bone, the actuator moves the plunger into engagement with the rack to prevent further insertion of the drill bit.

A bone material dispensing device is provided. The bone material dispensing device comprises a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. The proximal end has a first opening and the distal end has a second opening. The first opening and the second opening are configured to slidably receive at least a portion of a plunger. A tubular member is provided that is pivotably connected to the housing and is configured for lateral movement relative to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The tubular member comprises a proximal opening, a distal opening and a channel disposed therebetween. The proximal opening, the distal opening and the channel of the tubular member are configured to receive at least the portion of the plunger. The tubular member is movable in a first position to align the proximal opening of the tubular member with the second opening of the housing to allow the tubular member to receive at least the portion of the plunger to dispense the bone material. A method of implanting bone material with the bone material dispensing device is also provided.

A retractor for spine surgery includes a body. Left, right, and center retracting arms are coupled to the body. Left, right, and center blades are operatively coupled to proximal ends of the respective retracting arms. A retractor adaptor is configured to couple the retractor to a mount.