An apparatus includes a shaft assembly, an end effector, and a sensor. The shaft assembly defines a longitudinal axis. The end effector is positioned at a distal end of the shaft assembly. A portion of the end effector is offset from the longitudinal axis. The sensor is configured to generate a signal in response to a magnetic field. The signal is configured to indicate a position of the end effector within three-dimensional space. The sensor is coaxially positioned about the longitudinal axis.

Improved tissue fasteners are disclosed that can be inserted into (and optionally through) tissue structures underlying a tissue surface for affixing overlapping tissues and tissue planes together, and the like. In some embodiments, an elongate anvil body may protrude distally and/or laterally from a fastener support disposed along the base. The anvil body may have a sharpened end and be configured to penetrate into the tissue, with the elongate anvil body optionally having a bend from a more distal orientation adjacent the clip support to a more lateral orientation adjacent the sharpened end during at least a portion of the deployment. The first leg can be driven through a desired location on the surface of the first tissue and against a receptacle of the anvil body so as to deform the fastener and affix it to the first tissue.

Systems, devices, and methods for implanting target-specific multiple intrafascicular electrodes in peripheral nerves are provided to facilitate an implantation process that can reduce the difficulty of the implanting procedure and the time taken to implement the procedure. A longitudinal intrafascicular electrode implantation facilitator (LIFT) and a method for utilization of the LIFT for intrafascicular electrode implantation are provided. The LIFT can flatten the nerve to increase access to the number of fascicles available for implantation and supports the nerve during electrode implantation.

The present invention relates to an integrated device for hair follicle extraction and implanting, comprising a body mechanism and a connecting mechanism, the body mechanism comprising a body supporting frame, a first motor, a transmission frame, a second motor, a clamping component, a transmission mechanism and a pushing needle, the connecting mechanism comprises a connecting head, a fixing head and a cutter head, wherein the first motor of the body mechanism controls the up and down movement of the cutter head through the cooperation of the transmission frame and the transmission mechanism, and the second motor controls the pushing needle by the rotary motion of the clamping unit, simultaneously controls the rotational movement of the cutter head through the transmission mechanism. Compared with the prior art, the invention realizes the integrated operation of hair follicle extracting and implanting, and makes the operation of hair follicle implanting more convenient.

The apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention is comprised of a flexible sheath instrument, a flexible guide instrument, and a tool. The flexible sheath instrument comprises a first instrument base removably coupleable to an instrument driver and defines a sheath instrument working lumen. The flexible guide instrument comprises a second instrument base removably coupleable to the instrument driver and is threaded through the sheath instrument working lumen. The guide instrument also defines a guide instrument working lumen. The tool is threaded through the guide instrument working lumen. For this embodiment of the apparatus, the sheath instrument and guide instrument are independently controllable relative to each other.

The present invention discloses a suturing method and system 10 for repairing hernia. The method comprises applying multiple layers of sutures for closing a primary defect 101. The invention comprises a suturing means for strengthening the repair by securing the primary defect to non-damaged tissue 120 The method of the present invention can decrease the chances of recurring hernia.

A meniscal repair instrument includes an articulating mechanism configured to move a needle on the tip in a controlled arc. Multiple directions of motion are provided in order to facilitate the deployment of suture anchors. In one aspect, the articulating mechanism includes a series of movable members that are coupled together by two wires that are provided with a push/pull force via a control mechanism.

An accurate and precise surgical guide for dental procedures, especially a procedure involving a subject with few or no teeth as well as methods for making and use of such guides.

Apparatus (220/20) and methods are described including a transluminal ablation catheter (40) that includes at least one ultrasound transducer (50/52/150). The at least one ultrasound transducer is inserted into a chamber (190) of a subject's heart and is configured (a) to ablate tissue of the subject by applying ultrasound energy to the tissue, and (b) to image tissue of the subject by applying non-ablating ultrasound energy to the tissue. An expandable cage (30/301) is disposed around the at least one ultrasound transducer. The at least one ultrasound transducer is configured to rotate and axially translate back and forth within the expandable cage, such as to generate a three-dimensional image of the tissue. Other applications are also described.

An instrument for therapeutically cytotoxically ablating parathyroidal tissue is disclosed. A substance is capable of transforming the parathyroid gland from overproduction of parathyroid hormone when the substance's quantity exceeds a set amount, and is capable of transforming the parathyroid gland from overproduction only when activated by application of sufficient units of an electromagnetic energy having a frequency ranging from 400 THz to 30 PHz when the substance's quantity is below the set amount. A delivery device is operable to introduce the substance into the parathyroidal tissue and to quantitatively limit the quantity to below the set amount. An energy device is operable to apply units of the electromagnetic energy after the substance has been introduced. A sensor is operable to monitor the activation of the substance as the electromagnetic energy is applied. The energy device is further operable to modulate applying the electromagnetic energy when the substance has been activated.