Patent classifications
A61B2017/303
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DEPLOYING SHEET-LIKE MATERIALS
Implant delivery systems for delivering sheet-like implants include a delivery shaft, an implant expander, a sheath, and a sheet-like implant. In some embodiments, the delivery shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The implant expander is mounted to the distal end of the delivery shaft. The implant expander includes a central portion and a plurality of leg portions radiating from the central portion. The implant expander is evertable between an unstressed configuration in which a distal surface of the implant expander defines a concave surface, and a first compact configuration in which the distal surface of the implant expander defines a convex surface. The implant expander has a first lateral extent when the implant expander is free to assume the unstressed configuration. The sheath defines a lumen having a lumen diameter. At least a portion of the delivery shaft is slidably disposed in the lumen. The lumen diameter is smaller than the first lateral extent of the implant expander so that the sheath holds the implant expander in the first compact configuration when slidably disposed therein. The sheet-like implant overlays at least a portion of the distal surface of the implant expander with portions of the sheet-like implant extending between the leg portions of the implant expander and the sheath. Methods of treating a rotator cuff of a shoulder are also disclosed.
ENDOSCOPIC GRABBER WITH CAMERA AND DISPLAY
An endoscopic grabber includes a proximal housing, a distal assembly, a flexible shaft extending between the proximal housing and the distal assembly, a flexible member within the flexible shaft having a distal end portion connected to the distal assembly and a proximal end portion connected to the proximal housing, and a camera within the distal assembly. A distal end portion of the flexible member is movably disposed within the distal assembly. A proximal end portion of the flexible member is connected to an actuator within the proximal housing. Actuation of the proximal end portion moves the distal end portion of the flexible member such that one or more elongate arms extending from the distal end portion deforms to form part of a grabber. The camera is configured to capture an image including a tip portion of the elongate arm. The elongate arms are configured to grab a target object.
Methods and apparatus for deploying sheet-like materials
Implant delivery systems for delivering sheet-like implants include a delivery shaft, an implant expander, a sheath, and a sheet-like implant. In some embodiments, the delivery shaft has a proximal end and a distal end. The implant expander is mounted to the distal end of the delivery shaft. The implant expander includes a central portion and a plurality of leg portions radiating from the central portion. The implant expander is evertable between an unstressed configuration in which a distal surface of the implant expander defines a concave surface, and a first compact configuration in which the distal surface of the implant expander defines a convex surface. The implant expander has a first lateral extent when the implant expander is free to assume the unstressed configuration. The sheath defines a lumen having a lumen diameter. At least a portion of the delivery shaft is slidably disposed in the lumen. The lumen diameter is smaller than the first lateral extent of the implant expander so that the sheath holds the implant expander in the first compact configuration when slidably disposed therein. The sheet-like implant overlays at least a portion of the distal surface of the implant expander with portions of the sheet-like implant extending between the leg portions of the implant expander and the sheath. Methods of treating a rotator cuff of a shoulder are also disclosed.
ENDOSCOPIC GRABBER WITH WIRELESS DEVICE AND COMPACT EXTENSIBLE CAMERA
An endoscopic grabber apparatus includes a proximal housing, a distal assembly, a flexible shaft extending between the proximal housing and the distal assembly, a flexible member within the flexible shaft having a distal end portion connected to the distal assembly and a proximal end portion connected to the proximal housing, and a camera within the distal assembly. A distal end portion of the flexible member is movably disposed within the distal assembly. A proximal end portion of the flexible member is connected to an actuator within the proximal housing. Actuation of the proximal end portion moves the distal end portion of the flexible member such that a protrusion extending from the distal end portion deforms to form part of a grabber. The camera is configured to capture an image including a tip portion of the protrusion. The endoscopic grabber device can include multiple protrusions configured to grab a target object
Multi-Pronged Tweezer
A multi-pronged tweezer is an apparatus that provides a variety of tips in order to effectively remove or position small items. The apparatus includes an elongated tweezing body, a first tip pair, a second tip pair, a third tip pair. The elongated tweezing body further includes a first tweezing arm, a second tweezing arm, a stabilizing tweezing arm, first tweezing end, and a second tweezing end. The first tweezing arm and the second tweezing arm position and orient the first tip pair, the second tip pair, and the third tip pair. The first tweezing arm and the second tweezing arm serve function as levers as the stabilizing tweezing arm transversally connects in between the first tweezing arm and the second tweezing arm. The first tip pair is slanted tip pair, the second tip pair is a straight tip pair, and the third tip pair is a pointed tip pair.
TRACKING MARKER SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND SURFACE REGISTRATION METHODS EMPLOYING THE SAME FOR PERFORMING NAVIGATED SURGICAL PROCEDURES
Devices and methods are provide for facilitating registration and calibration of surface imaging systems. Tracking marker support structures are described that include one or more fiducial reference markers, where the tracking marker support structures are configured to be removably and securely attached to a skeletal region of a patient. Methods are provided in which a tracking marker support structure is attached to a skeletal region in a pre-selected orientation, thereby establishing an intraoperative reference direction associated with the intraoperative position of the patient, which is employed for guiding the initial registration between intraoperatively acquired surface data and volumetric image data. In other example embodiments, the tracking marker support structure may be employed for assessing the validity of a calibration transformation between a tracking system and a surface imaging system. Example methods are also provided to detect whether or not a tracking marker support structure has moved from its initial position during a procedure.
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR APPROXIMATING AND SECURING TISSUE
Disclosed is a device that uses suture to close various layers of tissue quickly and precisely. The device and methods enhance the efficiency, consistency and cost-effectiveness of traditional hand-suturing without compromising cosmetic or wound healing outcomes. Adjustable instruments on either side of the device are applied to opposing sides of the desired layer of tissue to approximate the edges of the tissue to be closed. The user may control the delivery of a single stitch or a series of stitches at an adjustable interval to the desired layer of tissue. An instrument may perform the stitch or series of stitches as the operator guides the device along the tissue opening. Once the device has delivered the appropriate stitch(es), the user may remove excess suture material and release the tissue from the instruments on either side of the incision and the process may be repeated as necessary to close a wound.
Medical grasping device
A medical grasping device is disclosed. The medical grasping device may be configured to retrieve an object from within a body lumen. A medical grasping device assembly, wherein a portion of the medical grasping device is disposed within a lumen of a delivery sheath, and methods of using the medical grasping device assembly are also disclosed.
Tracking marker support structure and surface registration methods employing the same for performing navigated surgical procedures
Devices and methods are provide for facilitating registration and calibration of surface imaging systems. Tracking marker support structures are described that include one or more fiducial reference markers, where the tracking marker support structures are configured to be removably and securely attached to a skeletal region of a patient. Methods are provided in which a tracking marker support structure is attached to a skeletal region in a pre-selected orientation, thereby establishing an intraoperative reference direction associated with the intraoperative position of the patient, which is employed for guiding the initial registration between intraoperatively acquired surface data and volumetric image data. In other example embodiments, the tracking marker support structure may be employed for assessing the validity of a calibration transformation between a tracking system and a surface imaging system. Example methods are also provided to detect whether or not a tracking marker support structure has moved from its initial position during a procedure.
Hinged Forceps with Finger Grips
Hinged forceps which aid in grasping and moving various objects such as food items or tools. The hinged forceps generally include a plurality of arms which are interconnected by a hinge such that each of the arms may independently pivot with respect to the hinge. Each of the arms may include one or more finger grips which may be positioned at various locations along the length of each arm; the finger grips being adapted to support one or more fingers of the user. The hinge interconnecting the arms may allow uninhibited movement of one arm relative to the other arm. Each arm may be adjustable to spread or contract with respect to the other arms such that the effective distance between arms may be adjusted. The finger grips may be adjustably mounted on an arm such that they are capable of rotating in position and/or being repositioned on the arm.