Certain aspects relate to systems, devices and techniques for vessel sealing and cutting. In particular, an instrument is provided that is capable of performing multiple functions, including sealing and cutting. The instrument can be robotically controlled, and can include a shaft, a multi-DOF wrist, and an end effector. The end effector is capable of generating and delivering heat via different energy modalities to perform the various functions at different temperatures.

A positioning frame for supporting a patient to facilitate different surgical approaches to the spine includes a main support beam, first and second support structures, a torso-lift support, and a pelvic-tilt support. The main support beam has a first end, a second end, and a length extending between the first and second ends. The main support beam defines an axis of rotation relative to at least a first support structure and a second support structure, and the axis of rotation substantially corresponds to a cranial-caudal axis of the patient when the patient is supported on the positioning frame. The first and second support structures support the main support beam, and space the main support beam from the ground. The torso-lift support is attached to the main support beam, and is configured to pivot a chest support plate between at least a first position and a second position to move the torso of the patient between an unlifted position and a lifted position. The pelvic-tilt support is attached to the main support beam, and is configured to support the thighs and the lower legs of the patient. Portions of the pelvic-tilt support are pivotal with respect to one another to facilitate adjustment of the hips of the patient.

The present invention provides a combined patient handling and surgical positioning system for use with a mechanical lift for positioning a patient on a surgical table. A pad assembly has a base with a top surface. The base has a plurality of handles attached thereto. The handles have openings defined therein. A foam top is fixedly mounted to the top surface of the base. At least one strap is attached to the pad assembly. The pad assembly is configured to prevent bunching when lifting or repositioning the patient during surgical table positioning changes required during surgery and the pad assembly is configured for movement in multiple directions during surgery. An elongate support member is configured to extend through the openings in the plurality of handles on the pad assembly. A plurality of lifting slings are configured to removably attach to the elongate support bar to the mechanical lift in a surgical theater.

A surgical leg positioner capable of bending the knee in varus or valgus while simultaneously distracting the tibia from the femur, the leg positioner having a thigh clamp module, a swing arm module connected to the thigh clamp module in a manner that offsets a joint axis laterally to the side of the knee of the patient so as not to damage the opposite compartment of the knee when bent in varus or valgus. The swing arm module also distracts the knee simultaneously when the knee is bent in varus or valgus. The swing arm module also permits flexion and extension of the knee at the knee's natural flexion-extension axis. The surgical leg positioner also utilizes a thigh brace that property aligns the leg on the surgical leg positioner.

A device comprises a base. A support is attached to the base. The support is shaped to receive a calf of a person and adapted to receive a wire or pin for securing a tibia of a person. A foot plate is attachable to the base. The foot plate has a plurality of attached members. The members are configured for receiving at least a first wire or pin to fix a foot of the person relative to the foot plate while the foot plate is oriented normal to a superior-inferior direction of the foot. The foot plate is rotatable relative to the base while the foot plate is attached to the base.

Systems and devices oriented in a compact manner provide lift assistance to a spar of a surgery table for hip, leg-related surgeries, or generally lower limb related orthopedic procedures. The compact device does not impede the radiolucency of the spar below the patient's hip, trochanter, or femur.

Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for articulating medical instruments. In one aspect, the instrument includes a wrist having at least two degrees of freedom of movement, and an end effector coupled to the wrist. The end effector can include an upper jaw, a lower jaw, and a firing mechanism configured to form staples in tissue. Actuation of the firing mechanism can be decoupled from the movement of the wrist in the at least two degrees of freedom.

The present invention discloses a surgical traction system with a hand gripped tension adjustment device that slidably mounts onto a boom structure. When activated the tension adjustment device moves down the boom structure and incrementally adjusts the tension in a traction rope. The boom structure attaches to a bracket assembly that mounts onto the short end of a surgical table.

A device comprises a base. A support is attached to the base. The support is shaped to receive a calf of a person and adapted to receive a wire or pin for securing a tibia of a person. A foot plate is attachable to the base. The foot plate has a plurality of attached members. The members are configured for receiving at least a first wire or pin to fix a foot of the person relative to the foot plate while the foot plate is oriented normal to a superior-inferior direction of the foot. The foot plate is rotatable relative to the base while the foot plate is attached to the base.

Embodiments of a device facilitate controlled positioning and manipulation of an individual's relative head, neck and jaw positions to facilitate stable airway management. In various embodiments, the device includes a base to which support arms are movably attached. A thrust arm is movably attached to each support arm and a jaw disc is attached to each thrust arm and adapted for rotation in accommodating various shapes and sizes of patient jaws.