A surgical instrument includes a jaw tool with two branches that can be closed for grasping tissue. In order to transmit the closing force to at least one branch, the branch is coupled with a preferably manually actuatable pull/push element, and, for coupling, an actuating pin that supports a sleeve interacts via the sleeve with a coupling track, in which case the sleeve rolls off the coupling track. In this manner, any deformation, abrasion or burr formation on the coupling track is prevented to such an extent that, even after numerous closing movements of the branches, the branches can still be actuated unimpaired by any wear of the coupling track and the actuating pin, respectively.

A tissue specimen removal device comprises a specimen bag; a flexible ring, the flexible ring configured to form a top opening of the specimen bag; a cannula assembly comprising: an inner tube portion and an outer tube portion. The device may further comprise a connector carrier, the connector carrier configured to retain at least one connector housing, the at least one connector housing comprising one or more connector portions and reside within an interior of the connector carrier, and wherein the connector carrier can be moved from a position within the cannula assembly to outside the cannula assembly.

A lateral retractor system for forming a pathway to a patient’s intervertebral disc space includes a single dilator and a retractable dual-tapered-blade assembly. The dilator may feature a narrow rectangular body for insertion at an insertion orientation parallel to the fibers of the patient’s psoas muscle, at an approximate 45-degree angle to the patient’s spine. The retractable dual-tapered-blade assembly consists of only two blade subassemblies, each having a blade bordered by adjustable wings, along with built-in lighting and video capabilities. The dual-tapered-blade assembly may be passed over the single dilator at the insertion orientation and rotated approximately 45-50 degrees to a final rotated orientation parallel to the intervertebral disc space before the two blade subassemblies are retracted away from one another to create the surgical pathway, while simultaneously and continuously assessing for encroachment upon one or more nerve structures within 360-degrees of the instrument. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

Surgical instruments with articulatable surgical end effectors and rotary driven flexible drive members.

A handheld electrosurgical instrument with jaws at a distal end of a shaft. For moving the jaws, the instrument includes a linkage structure with at least three pivots which are movable relative to the housing and with at least pivot which is fixed to the housing. By this arrangement, one of the movable pivots may move as a substitute for movement of the jaws, and the instrument may therefore always have the same limits for handle movement e.g. also if the jaws are prevented from moving. Additionally, a more uniform closure pressure may be ensured independently on the force applied to the handle.

The present invention is directed at minimally invasive systems in which the proximal end portion of the working channel has either zero or a limited range of movement in the lateral direction. A first embodiment has a slidable collar attached to a pair of flanges, wherein movement of the collar is bounded by an annular frame. A second embodiment has a substantially spherical element attached to the tube. A third embodiment has a plurality of caps. A fourth embodiment is adapted for a larger working channel.

Surgical instruments with articulatable surgical end effectors and rotary driven flexible drive members.

Systems, devices, and methods are provided for securing soft tissue to bone. One exemplary embodiment of a device includes an anchor, a repair filament, and a connecting filament that is coupled to the repair filament, is in contact with the anchor's distal end, and is effective to connect the repair filament to the anchor such that the repair filament slides with respect to the anchor. The anchor can be rigid, and can include an axial bore extending therethrough. At least one of the repair filament and the connecting filament can extend through at least a portion of the axial bore, and the bore can be sized such that a portion of the filament extending therethrough barely fits to help maintain the connection between the anchor, repair filament, and connecting filament. Embodiments of the systems and devices disclosed can be used in a number of methods for repairing soft tissue.

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.

A low-friction medical device includes a first link, a second link, and a tension member. The first link is coupled to an instrument shaft and a first guide path is defined in the first link. The second link is rotatable relative to the first link through an angular range. A distal end portion of the second link is rotatably coupled to a tool member. A curved guide path is defined within the second link between the tool member and the first guide path. A curved guide surface of the second link defines a portion of the second guide path. A first portion of the tension member is parallel to a centerline of the first guide path, and a second portion is coupled to the tool member. A third portion of the tension member between the first and second portions is in contact with the curved guide surface throughout a portion of the angular range.