Drills Designed for Durability
Sturdy titanium housing and a high-performance, non-sterile battery ensure the longevity of Aesculap's Acculan 3Ti power tools. The battery doesn't need changing during a regular knee or hip replacement surgery and lasts up to about 400 recharging cycles. The sensitive control unit for each handpiece — essentially a small computer — is housed inside the battery for maximum protection and reliability.

Acculan 3Ti Power ($40,000 for a full standard set) "? Aesculap "? www.aesculapimplantsystems.com

Reusable Clip Applicator Reduces Per-Case Costs
The Challenger Ti-P clip applicator helps reduce supply costs because it can be reprocessed while assembled or disassembled and used an unlimited number of times. Clip cartridges ($1,499 for 12 cartridges with 12 small-medium clips; or $1,234 for 12 cartridges with 8 medium-large clips) are the only disposables you'll need. The newest evolution of the Challenger fires pneumatically with single triggering. CO2 cylinders, loaded into the pistol grip, are included in each box of cartridges.

ChallengerTi-P clip applicator ($2,388) "? Aesculap "? www.aesculapusa.com

Cut and Seal 50mm of Tissue in 1 Bite
The Lektrafuse Caiman has large 50mm jaws that are able to cut and seal tissue in less time because fewer passes are needed.

The device's radiofrequency generator uses an algorithm to modulate power and time in response to properties of the tissue in each bite. This helps prevent over- and under-sealing and limits thermal spread to protect nearby tissue. Available in 2 sizes: 44cm for laparoscopy and 24cm for open and minimally invasive procedures.

Lektrafuse Caiman tissue cutting and sealing instrument "? Aragon Surgical "? www.aragonsurgical.com

See Ahead and Behind in the Colon
The Third Eye Retroscope delivers a continuous retrograde view of the colon as well as a forward view of the colon lining. Clinical studies report the disposable Third Eye can help physicians find 13.2% more polyps than a conventional colonoscope.

Third Eye Retroscope ($20,000 for video processor; $350 per scope; $25 for disposable colonoscope polarizing filter cap) "? Avantis Medical Systems "? www.thirdeyeretroscope.com

Safe and Quick Transaction of the Uterine Cervix
Developed for laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, the Lap Loop's single-use monopolar cutting/coagulating loop is designed to limit collateral tissue damage during supracervical separation of the uterus at or above the level of the coagulated uterine vessels. The loop design eliminates the disadvantage of using straight rigid laparoscopic instruments to detach the uterus from the cervix regardless of the uterine size, says Blue Endo.

Lap Loop "? Blue Endo "? www.blueendo.com

Eliminate Shaky Images During Laparoscopy
EnView holds an endoscope completely still in a full range of angles during laparoscopy, freeing surgical assistants to do other tasks. Since the surgeon manually positions the endoscope with precision, there's less risk of miscommunication among team members. EnView also eliminates the hassle of dealing with failed batteries or tangled electrical cords during and after surgery.

EnView System "? CareFusion "? www.carefusion.com

Zero in on Tissues of Interest
Surgeons who use the gamma probe on this system can identify target tissues that contain a radioisotope label with greater efficiency and effectiveness, says Care Wise. The angled head of the 5-inch probe, which is suited for use during sentinel node biopsies, is designed for maneuvering in tight anatomical spaces. The full-color, high-visibility display and touchscreen interface promote ease of use. Options include a printer that simplifies recordkeeping and a cart for easy storage and transport.

C-Trak Galaxy System "? Care Wise "? www.carewise.com

Cut Tissue Precisely With No Charring
The fine beam of the SureGuide CO2 laser lets surgeons use a laser in the most delicate minimally invasive ENT, neuro and spine procedures with less trauma to tissue structures and no charring. As a result there's less swelling, better healing and improved outcomes. SureGuide also differs from other lasers because the handpiece is connected to a cable rather than a cumbersome articulating arm.

SureGuide CO2 laser delivery system ($49,000 for a complete system; $20,000 to upgrade existing laser) "? Clinicon Corporation "? www.clinicon.com

Reduce Blood Loss, Smoke and Procedure Times
ConMed has added 4 handpieces to its Argon Dissecting Electrode product line. The dissecting electrodes attach to the handpieces and let the surgeon switch between coagulation and dissect modes. New products include a 10mm laparoscopic probe, a 45 ? angled handpiece, a single-use nozzle for the company's reusable handpiece and a single-function, hand-control led pencil.

ABC Handpieces ($72 to $135) "? ConMed Electrosurgery "? www.conmed.com

Anatomic Femoral Tunnel Guides
Locating, sizing and drilling anatomic femoral tunnels with a medial portal approach just got a whole lot easier with ConMed Linvatec's new Bullseye Femoral Footprint Guides. The angled, oblique face of the guide sits flush on the femoral condyle, letting the surgeon see the outline of the tunnel diameter to be drilled and the resulting true oblique insertion of the graft before drilling. The guides, available in 5mm through 11mm sizes, are designed to accomplish both anatomic single-bundle and double-bundle ACL reconstructions.

Bullseye Femoral Footprint Guides ($599 per guide) "? ConMed Linvatec "? www.conmed.com

Ergonomic Access to the Hernia Site
This open ventral hernia repair system features a 20-tack, short-shaft fixation device and skirted hydrophilic polyester and collagen composite mesh. The 18.5cm shaft gives surgeons ergonomic access to the defect and eliminates the need for piloting sharps. The Parietex Open Skirt Mesh combines a compliant, hydrophilic polyester mesh that promotes strong, fast tissue in-growth with a resorbable porcine collagen film that prevents visceral attachment to the implant.

AbsorbaTack 20 Short Fixation Device and Parietex Composite Open Skirt Mesh "? Covidien "? www.covidien.com

Better Access and Tissue Compression
This single-handed, articulating mechanical stapler provides surgeons with improved access and precision when placing the device during surgery. The stapler's wide proximal-to-distal jaw provides easy tissue positioning and facilitates gentle manipulation. By compressing before stapling, the stapler helps push fluid out of tissue, which reduces tissue damage. And since the device compresses and staples, fewer instrument exchanges are needed.

Echelon Flex 45 Endopath Stapler "? Ethicon Endo-Surgery "? www.ethiconendo.com

A Fistula Plug That Won't Dislodge
The Gore Bio-A Fistula Plug is made of a bioabsorbable polymer scaffold for sphincter-preserving repairs. Each plug has a disk at the end to help keep the plug in place at the internal end of the fistula. Once inserted, the plug's hollow tubes expand to create a snug fit. By trimming it with scissors or removing tubes, the Bio-A is easily configured to fit the geometry of each fistula.

Bio-A Fistula Plug "? Gore Medical "? www.goremedical.com

Lock Down Accessories With More Force
Attach vertical and horizontal bars to your OR tables with the EZ Grip Rail Clamp from Innovative Medical Products. This easy-to-spot, bright green clamp has plenty of tightening power thanks to the handle's innovative rubber coating and diameter shape. The clamp drops right into a table's side rail opening and accepts both round and flat-end accessory bars. The rubber-coated knob improves gripping.

EZ Grip Rail Clamp ($123.50) "? Innovative Medical Products "? www.innovativemedical.com

Reusable Access for Transumbilical Laparoscopy
Do away with disposables thanks to the X-Cone, which offers a full lateral range of motion for up to 4 instruments 5mm to 12mm in size. The device has 2 halves that can be inserted through a 2.5cm incision. A slender design makes the X-Cone well suited for reconstructive procedures. It's also compatible with HD cameras and special curved instruments that help with triangulation and precise manipulation of tissue and structures.

X-Cone "? Karl Storz "? www.karlstorz.com

One Device for Incisions, Coagulating and Dissecting
Megadyne's newest electrosurgery instrument saves the time it takes to pass instruments and reduces the risk of sharps injuries. In clinical trials the ACE Cutting System's blades provided cosmetic results similar to those of a scalpel, according to the company. The blade electrodes are available in 2.75-inch, 4-inch and 6.5-inch lengths. They're also available pre-loaded in electrosurgical pencils.

ACE Cutting System (box of 12 blades, $191 to $199; box of 50 pencils, $873) "? Megadyne Medical Products "? www.megadyne.com

Eliminate Fog and Debris From Scopes
FloShield directs a curtain of air over the end of a laparoscope to eliminate condensation and prevent debris from settling on the lens. The sleeve takes just a minute to set up and lets the OR team focus on the procedure without having to pause to remove the scope and clean it. Fits 10mm laparoscopes; will soon be available for 5mm scopes.

FloShield ($125) "? Minimally Invasive Devices "? www.floshield.com

A Flexible and Durable Ureteroscope
Olympus and Gyrus ACMI have completely resigned the flexible segment of this ureteroscope to increase its maneuverability and flexibility and to improve its durability during reprocessing.

The scope's passive bending section acts as a shock absorber against any stress placed on the tip, and the single-lever 270/270 deflection lets the surgeon easily access every kidney calyx. The scope's optics create sharp images and are compatible with popular HD video systems.

Dur-8Ultra ($17,995) "? Olympus and Gyrus ACMI "? www.gyrusacmi.com

Debris-Free High-Def Images
An auxiliary water channel on this 9.9mm diameter HDTV gastroscope maintains a clear, high-definition view by flushing away blood, mucus and other upper GI tract debris. Narrow-Band Imaging capability lets the endoscopist better see the different-sized blood vessels in the mucosal layer, while the camera's high-definition CCD chip delivers a crisp image. The optics let the user move the camera up to 2mm away from the object in view without having to adjust the electronic magnification.

GIF-H180J HD gastroscope "? Olympus America "? www.olympusamerica.com

Do More During LESS
Olympus has expanded its laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) offerings. The QuadPort access system lets surgeons introduce up to 4 instruments, including a laparoscope, through a single incision. Olympus's TriPort system is placed into an umbilical incision, allowing single-port access for up to 3 straight, bent or flexible instruments. The HiQ LS is a 5-mm diameter instrument curved at both ends to prevent interference with other LESS devices. It features excellent ergonomics and force transmission for both grasping and dissecting tissue with minimal effort, says Olympus.

QuadPort, TriPort system and HiQ LS "? Olympus America "? www.olympusamerica.com/less

Meniscal Repair Comes Full Circle
Your surgeons will enjoy greater flexibility in deploying implants for meniscal repair with Smith & Nephew's improved Fast-Fix 360 Meniscal Repair System. The new model features 360-degree actuation and a spring-action design that lets the physician deploy implants with either a vertical or horizontal hand motion on either side of the meniscus. A stiffer, lower-profile needle shaft and a built-in, adjustable depth limiter also distinguish the 360 from previous Fast-Fix iterations.

Fast-Fix 360 Meniscal Repair System ($359) "? Smith & Nephew "? www.endoinnovation.com

Versatile and Anatomic ACL Surgery
Named after its 2 defining characteristics — versatile and anatomic ACL reconstruction — Stryker's VersiTomic system lets your orthopods place an anatomically correct femoral tunnel without hyper-flexing the knee. The system's versatility means surgeons can do trans-tibial or anterior-medial femoral drilling for BTB or soft-tissue ACL reconstruction with the system, and use it with either interference screws or extra-cortical fixation methods.

VersiTomic Flexible ACL System "? Stryker "? www.stryker.com

High Viscosity, Long-Lasting Bone Cement
VertaPlex HV, a bone cement designed for vertebroplasty and vertebral augmentation, is part of a full line of vertebral compression fracture solutions from Stryker Interventional Spine. It achieves a highly viscous state that lasts for 18 minutes or longer, on average, as soon as it's mixed. The cement's thick viscosity lends itself to controlled fills, fast set times and a lower creep rate to help reduce risk of leakage.

VertaPlex HV "? Stryker Interventional Spine "? www.strykerIVS.com

Prevent Looping During Endoscopy
The Entrada Colonic Overtube helps reduce sigmoid loops that can form during colonoscopy and make the endoscope difficult to advance. Once a loop is reduced, the overtube can prevent it from reforming, letting the clinician advance the scope with improved control, says US Endoscopy. The device has a hydrophilic coating for ease of insertion and scope movement. It features a flexible design to form a smooth transition between the overtube and a range of colonoscopes.

Entrada Colonic Overtube "? US Endoscopy "? www.usendoscopy.com