Systems and methods for forming a handle apparatus may include shaping a strip of composite material with a flexible central portion, two grips, and two end portions. The strip may be bent onto itself such that the end portions are fastened together by a fastening device. The handle apparatus may also include a hole disposed in the flexible central portion through which a tool actuator may be passed.

A surgical instrument comprising a lockout is disclosed.

A device for acoustic calculi fracture can include an acoustically-transmissive elongated probe body extending between a distal portion and a proximal portion and an acoustically-transmissive probe tip that can be selectively user-interchangeable with the probe body. The probe body can have a lumen longitudinally therethrough. A method of fracturing calculi can include interchanging a probe tip with a probe body by a user without requiring an additional tool and transmitting acoustic energy via the probe body and the probe tip to a calculus to at least partially fracture the calculus.

Reinforced biocomposite materials. According to at least some embodiments, medical implants are provided that incorporate novel structures, alignments, orientations and forms comprised of such reinforced bioabsorbable materials, as well as methods of treatment thereof.

A composite comprising: a barrier, said barrier being configured to selectively pass water, and said barrier being degradable in the presence of water; a matrix material for disposition within said barrier, wherein said matrix material has a flowable state and a set state, and wherein said matrix material is degradable in the presence of water; and at least one reinforcing element for disposition within said barrier and integration with said matrix material, wherein said at least one reinforcing element is degradable in the presence of water, and further wherein, upon the degradation of said at least one reinforcing element in the presence of water, provides an agent for modulating the degradation rate of said matrix material in the presence of water.

A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a proximal body portion, a distal body portion selectively articulable relative to the proximal body portion at an articulation joint, and a first drive gear disposed within the distal body portion. The distal body portion has a diameter and a length. The length of the distal body portion is substantially the same as the diameter of the distal body portion.

Apparatus and method for repairing a fractured bone. The apparatus and methods may involve an intramedullary rod. The rod may include a first elongated member and a second elongated member. Each of the first and second elongated members may be configured to bend in a first direction and to resist bending in a second direction. The first and second elongated members may be arranged such that: (1) the rod is bendable when the first direction of the first elongated member is aligned with the first direction of the second elongated member; and (2) the rod is rigid when the first direction of the first elongated member is aligned with the second direction of the second elongated member. Some embodiments may include rods that have sections that may be configured to be curved and rigid.

The present invention is related to an apparatus to close and control the fistula especially in the enteroatmospheric fistulas occurred in surgical patients, characterized in that it comprises a silicon plug (1) that is made of silicon, and has a flexible, flat and circular shape; a2 connection part (2) that is integrated with silicone plug (1) made of same material and connecting the silicon plug to the suspensory band; at the other end of the connection part, a suspensory band (3) made of latex and having flexible circular form; and a bridge part (6) which is connected to the said structures in order to carry thereof, two surfaces of which are covered with thin sponge part (4), which has an easily bendable thickness and softness, and comprises an aluminum part (5) between sponge parts (4) at the center.

A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly can include a first jaw, a second jaw, an articulation joint, a closure drive comprising a first flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint, and a firing drive comprising a second flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint and rotatable independent of the first flexible rotary drive. The surgical stapling assembly can further include a 3D-printed component. The surgical stapling assembly can be configured to form different staple shapes, such as non-planar staples and planar staples, can include an eccentrically-driven firing assembly, and/or can include a floatable component. The surgical stapling assembly can include a staple cartridge including a longitudinal support beam.

A surgical stapling assembly is disclosed. The surgical stapling assembly can include a first jaw, a second jaw, an articulation joint, a closure drive comprising a first flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint, and a firing drive comprising a second flexible rotary drive extending through the articulation joint and rotatable independent of the first flexible rotary drive. The surgical stapling assembly can further include a 3D-printed component. The surgical stapling assembly can be configured to form different staple shapes, such as non-planar staples and planar staples, can include an eccentrically-driven firing assembly, and/or can include a floatable component. The surgical stapling assembly can include a staple cartridge including a longitudinal support beam.