An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

Apparatus for securing an object to bone, the apparatus comprising: an anchor, the anchor comprising: a body comprising an opening for receiving a filament therein; and a locking element movably mounted to the body for selectively locking the filament to the body; and an inserter for deploying the anchor in bone, the inserter comprising: a handle; an overtube extending distally from the handle; a carriage movably mounted to the handle; a shaft movably mounted within the overtube and connected to the carriage and releasably connected to the body of the anchor, the shaft being hollow; and a rod movably mounted within the shaft and connected to the locking element.

Apparatus for securing an object to bone, the apparatus comprising: an anchor, the anchor comprising: a body comprising an opening for receiving a filament therein; and a locking element movably mounted to the body for selectively locking the filament to the body; and an inserter for deploying the anchor in bone, the inserter comprising: a handle; an overtube extending distally from the handle; a carriage movably mounted to the handle; a shaft movably mounted within the overtube and connected to the carriage and releasably connected to the body of the anchor, the shaft being hollow; and a rod movably mounted within the shaft and connected to the locking element.

A joint clamp for a surgical retractor system includes clamps, a cam bolt, and a cam lever. The cam bolt passes through the clamps. A cam lever comprising a cam head pivotally attached an upper portion the cam bolt to permit rotation about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cam bolt. The cam head includes an outer surface that results in a distance between the pivot axis and an upper surface of the clamps being greater when the cam lever is rotated about the pivot axis to a clamping position than when the cam lever is rotated about the pivot axis to a non-clamping position. The clamping force may be calibrated or set via a cam bolt having an adjustable length and/or via a setting screw.

A system and method for an articulated arm stabilization includes an arm stabilizer for use with articulated arms of a computer-assisted medical device. The stabilizer includes a spine, a first vibration absorbing mount attached to the spine, a second vibration absorbing mount attached to the spine, a first clamp attached to the first vibration absorbing mount, and a second clamp attached to the second vibration absorbing mount. The first clamp is adapted to hold a first attachment point of a first articulated arm without slipping. The second clamp is adapted to hold a second attachment point of a second articulated arm without slipping. In some embodiments, the arm stabilizer stabilizes and reduces vibration in the first and second articulated arms. In some embodiments, the vibration is in a range from 0.5 to 14 Hz. In some embodiments, the spine limits relative motion between the first clamp and the second clamp.

Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of adapters that can be used to translate and/or rotate the position of a delivery system, such as for use with a replacement mitral valve. The adapters can allow for three-dimensional motion of the delivery system, thus allow for precise positioning and movement of the delivery system during use by an operator.

Disclosed herein are embodiments of adapters that can be used to translate and/or rotate the position of a delivery system, such as for use with a replacement mitral valve. The adapters can allow for three-dimensional motion of the delivery system, thus allow for precise positioning and movement of the delivery system during use by an operator.

Disclosed adjustable retaining arm systems can include a multi-segmented, articulable arm that holds one or more interchangeable tools and can be made relaxed to set a desired position and made rigid to fix the desired position by adjusting tension in a cable running through the arm. The arm can quickly attach and detach from a support structure. The support structure include a cable tensioning system, sensors, control system, power system, etc. A user input device, such as a foot pedal or button on the arm, can be used by a surgeon to change the arm between relaxed and rigid states. The arm and attachable tools can be detachable, disposable and/or sterilizable, while other system components can remain mounted in a fixed location as the arm is removed and replaced. The arm can hold multiple tools in any desired orientation around subject work location.