An internal intramedullary fixation device for the stabilization of bone in arthrodesis and fractures of the foot and hand is disclosed. During implantation in medullary canals of bones, the device grasps the edges of the canals, stabilizing the bones, internally, during a healing process. The intramedullary fixation device comprises arrow-shaped proximal and distal heads comprising tips and a pairs of wings, the heads being sized to fit within an intramedullary canal of a bone. The intramedullary fixation device also comprises a rigid body defining a longitudinal axis connecting the proximal and distal heads. The rigid body comprises an intermediate portion, a distal neck portion connecting the rigid body to the distal head, and a proximal neck portion connecting the rigid body to the proximal head, the neck portions having a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-section area of the intermediate portion.

A surgical apparatus comprising: a mechanism that is configured to perform an operational motion of the surgical apparatus; and at least one transformation member having an original shape and a deformed shape, the at least one transformation member connecting the mechanism together, when the at least one transformation member is in the deformed shape so that the mechanism is capable of performing the operational motion; and wherein after the transformation member is subject a transition temperature, the at least one transformation member changes from the deformed shape to the original shape and disengages a portion of the mechanism so that the mechanism is prevented from performing the operational motion.

A surgical access device is insertable into tissue and includes a housing and a tubular member extending from the housing. A balloon is attached to an outer surface of the tubular member. The balloon has an outer surface with a plurality of depressions thereon. The plurality of depressions is arranged such that a portion of the balloon has a contact patch with an area that is less than an area of tissue surrounding the contact patch. The contact patch of the balloon has surface area that is greater than the area of tissue surrounding the contact patch of the balloon.

There is provided a method for controlling the movement of bile and/or gall stones in the biliary duct. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, or for actively moving the fluid in the biliary duct, with a low risk of injuring the biliary duct.

A surgical apparatus comprising: a mechanism that is configured to perform an operational motion of the surgical apparatus; and at least one transformation member having an original shape and a deformed shape, the at least one transformation member connecting the mechanism together, when the at least one transformation member is in the deformed shape so that the mechanism is capable of performing the operational motion; and wherein after the transformation member is subject a transition temperature, the at least one transformation member changes from the deformed shape to the original shape and disengages a portion of the mechanism so that the mechanism is prevented from performing the operational motion.

A deployable tube apparatus may include a spool and a flexible sheet coiled about the spool in a laterally unfurled condition. The flexible sheet may have a first lateral margin and a second lateral margin, and may be deployable from the laterally unfurled condition with the first and the second lateral margins spaced from each other to a deployed tubular condition where the first and the second lateral margins are coupled to each other to form an enclosed lumen. The deployable tube apparatus may provide lateral support to an elongated flexible instrument, such as a catheter. Methods of creating and using the deployable tube apparatus are described.

Various embodiments of tool assemblies are provided having at least one rotary input coupling and at least one linear input coupling for allowing either a rotary output or a linear output (e.g., from a tool driver on a surgical robot) to activate at least one mechanism of the tool assembly. For example, mechanisms of the tool assembly can include a clamping assembly, a firing assembly, an articulation assembly, and a roll assembly. The clamping assembly can open and close jaws of an end effector, the firing assembly can translate a knife assembly through the end effector to fire staples and cut tissue, the articulation assembly can articulate the end effector, and the roll assembly can rotate the elongate shaft and/or the end effector.

Disclosed herein is a medical device. The medical device includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member has a distal end, an open window disposed at the distal end, and one or more dimples. The inner tubular member has a distal tip and one or more axial grooves. The inner tubular member is configured to be received within the outer tubular member. The one or more axial grooves and the one or more dimples are configured to align the distal tip of the inner tubular member with the open window of the outer tubular member. The open window of the outer tubular member and the distal tip of the inner tubular member are configured to cut tissue.

Tap guide assembly devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. A tap guide assembly can have a body assembly, a tension pin assembly, a tension spring, and a setscrew. The body assembly can have an elongate body and a drill bushing. The drill bushing can have a diameter that is less than the diameter of the elongate body and can be positioned within a portion of the elongate body. The tension pin assembly can have a pin and a collar and can be configured to be received within the body assembly. The tension spring can be positioned proximate to the collar. The setscrew can be securely positioned proximate to the tension spring and within the second opening of the elongate body.

A surgical device including a handle assembly, an elongated body extending from the handle assembly, and an articulation mechanism connected to the handle assembly and configured to selectively articulate and lock an articulable tool assembly in one or more positions is provided. The articulation mechanism includes a main shaft member mounted for rotation and connected to an articulation linkage, a locking member configured to be received about the shaft portion of the main shaft member, the locking member defining a plurality of notches, an articulation handle fixedly secured to shaft portion of the main shaft member and configured for rotation relative to the locking member, and a lug member operatively mounted on the articulation handle and including a locking tab configured to be selectively received within a notch of the plurality of notches formed in the locking member.