The present disclosure is generally directed to novel bead geometries that can provide improved sanding efficiencies in rotational atherectomy procedures. The abrasive elements disclosed herein may open stenotic lesions to diameters that are substantially larger than the maximum diameter of the abrasive element. In some embodiments, the abrasive elements may open stenotic lesions to diameters that are substantially larger than the maximum diameter of the sheath from which the abrasive element is delivered through. In some embodiments the abrasive elements are configured to expand when the abrasive elements are rotated at high speeds. In some embodiments, the abrasive elements have local centers of mass that are positioned at opposite diagonal ends. Accordingly, the abrasive elements disclosed herein may have improved sanding ranges, reduce treatment times, and prevent re-stenosis.

Certain embodiments of the invention relate to a surgical procedure resulting in the fusion of transverse processes. The disclosure herein presents novel approaches for accessing transverse processes of the spine, novel methods for the delivery of fusion material for the fusion of said transverse processes, and novel tools to facilitate the procedure. Certain embodiments of the invention include a graft delivery assembly, which has a delivery shaft, delivery sheath, and at least one curved rod. Bony material is position with a graft delivery assembly, in which retraction of the delivery shaft or sheath places the bone fusion material to the fusion site. The graft delivery assembly further includes features to decorticate and prepare the bone surface for fusion.

A two-part tissue thickness compensator assembly can include a first tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to an anvil of a surgical stapler, a second tissue thickness compensator configured to be positioned relative to a staple cartridge of the surgical stapler, and a hinge connecting the first tissue thickness compensator to the second tissue thickness compensator. The first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include additional engagement features, such as a raised ridge that engages a slot in the anvil and/or the staple cartridge. In certain embodiments, the first and/or second tissue thickness compensators may include an encasement that contains a suitable biologic agent. An end effector assembly may be provided for attachment to a surgical instrument that includes, for example, a staple cartridge, an anvil, a first tissue thickness compensator positioned on the anvil, and a second tissue thickness compensator positioned on the staple cartridge.

An end effector including an anvil and a staple cartridge assembly is disclosed. The staple cartridge assembly comprises a deck having steps defined thereon for compressing tissue positioned between the anvil and the staple cartridge assembly to different pressures. The staple cartridge assembly further comprises staples having different unformed heights removably stored therein. The staples are deformed against the anvil to different formed heights.

A staple cartridge comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises an uncompressed height, a compressed height, an outer encasement, and tubular structures aligned along the longitudinal axis. The tubular structures are configured to collapse when pressure is applied to the tissue thickness compensator by tissue during the firing motion.

A rotational atherectomy device advanceable over a guidewire. The rotational atherectomy device includes a drive shaft rotatably extending through an outer tubular member to rotate a cutting member positioned at a distal end thereof. The rotational atherectomy device further includes an insert positioned within the cutting member for frictional contact with the guidewire.

Methods and devices described herein facilitate improved treatment of body organs and relates to surgical instruments, useful in endoscopic, laparoscopic and/or open surgical procedures to effectively remove a suspect region of tissue such as a polyp, abnormal growth, cyst, tumor, lesion, or other abnormality from a base tissue structure.

An instrument assembly can comprise a shaft comprising a first drive portion of a drive system, an end effector comprising a second drive portion of the drive system, and an articulation joint rotatably connecting the end effector to the shaft. The end effector is rotatable between a first position and a second position about the articulation joint, wherein the first drive portion is not operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the first position, and operably engaged with the second drive portion when the end effector is in the second position. The end effector can comprise a first jaw and a second jaw, wherein the first jaw is movable relative to the second jaw between an open position and a closed position within a closure plane, and wherein the end effector is rotatable within an articulation plane which is co-planar with the closure plane.

A forceps having a first jaw and a second jaw, where at least one of the first and second jaws is capable of moving between an open position and a closed positions. The forceps including an inner shaft located within an outer shaft and extending along the longitudinal axis, and a drive bar coupled to and extending distally from the inner shaft. The drive bar including a pair of drive bar struts extending from a distal portion of the inner shaft and positioned laterally inward of at least one of first and second set of flanges of the first and second jaws. A drive pin is securable to the pair of drive bar struts and the drive bar is translatable within the outer shaft to translate the drive pin to move the first jaw and/or the second jaw between open and closed positions.

Systems and methods can remove material of interest, including blood clots, from a body region, including but not limited to the circulatory system for the treatment of pulmonary embolism (PE), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), cerebrovascular embolism, and other vascular occlusions.