An end effector assembly adapted to couple to an electrosurgical instrument, the end effector assembly including a plurality of spaced apart small seal plates on opposing jaw members where each seal plate forms a pair of seal plates with the corresponding seal plate on the opposing jaw member. Each pair of seal plates is individually activatable, and the pair of seal plates are activated in sequence. When the opposing jaw members are in an approximated position, the pairs of seal plates around the periphery of each jaw member define a gap therebetween that is larger than the gap between pairs of seal plates along the center of each jaw member.

The invention relates to novel internal fixation devices, such as bone plates, generally and novel craniomaxillofacial bone plates more specifically and systems for bonding the same. More specifically, the invention relates to bone plates made of a polymer blend of (poly)lactic acid and Ecoflex as well as a novel hot-melt adhesive polymer blend of the same material.

Disclosed is a delivery device, kit, system, method, etc. for localized fusion of leaflets of a tissue valve, for example, a native heart valve, using an adhesive. The delivery device can have one or more capture features for capturing separate leaflets, for example, the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets. An applicator can be configured to apply a biocompatible adhesive between the captured leaflets, and one or more curing elements can be configured to cure the applied biocompatible adhesive. The kit can have the aforementioned delivery device, and the biocompatible adhesive used therewith. The method can include positioning the aforementioned delivery device adjacent the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets, capturing the mitral leaflets between the paddles of the delivery device, applying a biocompatible adhesive between the captured mitral leaflets via the applicator, and curing the applied biocompatible adhesive via the energy elements to locally fuse the mitral leaflets.

The present invention provides a method for stabilizing a fractured bone. The method includes positioning an elongate rod in the medullary canal of the fractured bone and forming a passageway through the cortex of the bone. The passageway extends from the exterior surface of the bone to the medullary canal of the bone. The method also includes creating a bonding region on the elongate rod. The bonding region is generally aligned with the passageway of the cortex. Furthermore, the method includes positioning a fastener in the passageway of the cortex and on the bonding region of the elongate rod and thermally bonding the fastener to the bonding region of the elongate rod while the fastener is positioned in the passageway of the cortex.

A surgical instrument includes a transducer configured to produce vibrations at a predetermined frequency. An ultrasonic end effector extends along a longitudinal axis and is coupled to the transducer. The ultrasonic end effector comprises an ultrasonic blade and a clamping mechanism. A controller receives a feedback signal from the ultrasonic end effector and the feedback signal is measured by the controller. A lumen is adapted to couple to a pump. The controller is configured to control fluid flow through the lumen based on the feedback signal, and the lumen is located within the ultrasonic end effector.

Disclosed is a delivery device, kit, system, method, etc. for localized fusion of leaflets of a tissue valve, for example, a native heart valve, using an adhesive. The delivery device can have one or more capture features for capturing separate leaflets, for example, the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets. An applicator can be configured to apply a biocompatible adhesive between the captured leaflets, and one or more curing elements can be configured to cure the applied biocompatible adhesive. The kit can have the aforementioned delivery device, and the biocompatible adhesive used therewith. The method can include positioning the aforementioned delivery device adjacent the anterior and posterior mitral leaflets, capturing the mitral leaflets between the paddles of the delivery device, applying a biocompatible adhesive between the captured mitral leaflets via the applicator, and curing the applied biocompatible adhesive via the energy elements to locally fuse the mitral leaflets.

A surgical instrument includes a transducer assembly with a housing having a conduit section and a base portion. A fluid passageway is defined through the conduit and base portion, an ultrasonic transducer including a plurality of piezoelectric elements and a plurality of electrodes are arranged in a stack configuration, where an electrode is located between each pair of piezoelectric elements. A first borehole is defined through the ultrasonic transducer and an end mass having a second borehole defined therethrough. A surface of the end mass is positioned adjacent a first end of the ultrasonic transducer, the end mass is configured to engage with the housing, and the conduit section of the housing is configured to pass through the second borehole of the end mass. The end mass is configured to compress the ultrasonic transducer against a surface of the housing when the end mass is engaged with the housing.