Abstract: A surgical camera assembly includes a proximal member defining a longitudinal axis and a distal member defining a pointed tip configured to puncture tissue to permit insertion of the surgical camera assembly therethrough. The distal member is pivotably coupled to the proximal member and is movable relative thereto between a first position, wherein the distal member is aligned with the longitudinal axis, and a second position, wherein the distal member is angled off the longitudinal axis. First and second surgical cameras are disposed within the distal member in fixed position and longitudinally-spaced relative to one another. Each of the cameras is oriented to define a viewing area in a direction extending from an outer lateral periphery of the distal member. The cameras are configured to produce video images that are used in conjunction with one another to provide a three-dimensional video image of the internal surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical support apparatus is disclosed, including an elongate member, a first tissue penetrating member, and a second tissue penetrating member. The second tissue penetrating member includes two segments hingably attached to each other. A distal portion of the second segment of the second tissue penetrating member includes an engagement surface. The first tissue penetrating member has a distal portion including a receiving surface. The engagement surface radially approaches the receiving surface causing the secure engagement of the first and second tissue penetrating members. Surgical objects can be attached to the surgical support apparatus and supported within an internal body cavity. Also disclosed is a method of assembling the surgical support apparatus in an internal body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical support apparatus is disclosed, including an elongate member, a first tissue penetrating member, and a second tissue penetrating member. The second tissue penetrating member includes two segments hingably attached to each other. A distal portion of the second segment of the second tissue penetrating member includes an engagement surface. The first tissue penetrating member has a distal portion including a receiving surface. The engagement surface radially approaches the receiving surface causing the secure engagement of the first and second tissue penetrating members. Surgical objects can be attached to the surgical support apparatus and supported within an internal body cavity. Also disclosed is a method of assembling the surgical support apparatus in an internal body cavity.

Abstract: A laparoscope for introduction into a body cavity includes an elongated shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. Each of the proximal and distal portions has an outer surface. The distal portion is disposed in a bent configuration relative to the proximal portion once inserted into the body cavity. At least one illumination device is disposed on the outer surface of the distal portion and is in electronic communication with a control unit. At least one image capturing device is disposed adjacent the illumination device and is in electronic communication with the control unit and a display unit.

Abstract: An image output system includes a plurality of surgical instruments, where a positional and orientational relationship of each of the plurality of surgical instruments with respect to a target object of a patient's body is determined. The image output system further includes at least one video image capture unit positioned on each of the plurality of surgical instruments and configured to selectively capture actual images. An image generator is presented for selectively defining, generating, and assigning virtual images associated with the actual images relative to the target object of the patient's body, the virtual images derived from each of the plurality of surgical instruments. An image processor is also presented for processing the actual images captured and the virtual images generated. Additionally, an image output device for displaying combinations of the actual images captured and the virtual images generated in a plurality of configurations is presented.

Abstract: A surgical support apparatus is disclosed, including an elongate member, a first tissue penetrating member, and a second tissue penetrating member. The second tissue penetrating member includes two segments hingably attached to each other. A distal portion of the second segment of the second tissue penetrating member includes an engagement surface. The first tissue penetrating member has a distal portion including a receiving surface. The engagement surface radially approaches the receiving surface causing the secure engagement of the first and second tissue penetrating members. Surgical objects can be attached to the surgical support apparatus and supported within an internal body cavity. Also disclosed is a method of assembling the surgical support apparatus in an internal body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical camera assembly includes a proximal member defining a longitudinal axis and a distal member defining a pointed tip configured to puncture tissue to permit insertion of the surgical camera assembly therethrough. The distal member is pivotably coupled to the proximal member and is movable relative thereto between a first position, wherein the distal member is aligned with the longitudinal axis, and a second position, wherein the distal member is angled off the longitudinal axis. First and second surgical cameras are disposed within the distal member in fixed position and longitudinally-spaced relative to one another. Each of the cameras is oriented to define a viewing area in a direction extending from an outer lateral periphery of the distal member. The cameras are configured to produce video images that are used in conjunction with one another to provide a three-dimensional video image of the internal surgical site.

Abstract: This invention describes an energy delivery apparatus for delivering electrical energy at a target location, said energy delivery apparatus being usable in combination with a magnetic field and comprising an electrical conductor having a substantially elongated configuration; an electrode for delivering electrical energy at the target location, with the electrode being electrically coupled to the electrical conductor and having an exposed surface with at least a portion of the exposed surface having one of its principal radii of curvature smaller than 0.35 mm; an insulating dielectric coating along a substantial portion of the length of the electrical conductor, with the dielectric coating having a dielectric constant smaller than about 3; at least one guiding element mounted to the electrical conductor, with at least one of the guiding elements including a magnetically responsive material.

Abstract: This invention describes an energy delivery apparatus for delivering electrical energy at a target location, said energy delivery apparatus being usable in combination with a magnetic field and comprising an electrical conductor having a substantially elongated configuration; an electrode for delivering electrical energy at the target location, with the electrode being electrically coupled to the electrical conductor and having an exposed surface with at least a portion of the exposed surface having one of its principal radii of curvature smaller than 0.35 mm; an insulating dielectric coating along a substantial portion of the length of the electrical conductor, with the dielectric coating having a dielectric constant smaller than about 3; at least one guiding element mounted to the electrical conductor, with at least one of the guiding elements including a magnetically responsive material.

Abstract: Devices for the generation and detection of an ablative plasma discharge in a subject are presented. Methods of use, including navigation and operation of the devices to facilitate minimally invasive therapeutic procedures are disclosed.

Abstract: Various systems for advancing medical devices within a subject's body are provided that configured to engage the outer surface of the medical device at a number of points about the circumference of the medical device, to thereby grip the medical device for enabling advancement of the device. The advancing systems include engaging portions configured to engage the outer surface of a medical device at a number of points about the circumference of the medical device. The engaging portions preferably engage opposing sides of the medical device's outer surface over a predetermined longitudinal length, to clamp against a longitudinal portion of the medical device that provides improved surface contact with the medical device over conventional roller guides. Various methods for performing medical procedures utilizing various medical devices and advancer systems are also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that enables intra-chamber needle injection treatment using a navigable interventional device. The method includes navigation steps to systematically inject cells, drugs, or other agents in diagnostically identified target tissues, such as ischemic heart wall tissues. Magnetic navigation of a specifically designed needle catheter permits safe access to remote structures of the heart and depth-adaptable needle injections.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The tube is preferably comprised of multiple sections of different flexibility, arranged so that the flexibility of the catheter increases from the proximal end to the distal end. There is a first generally hollow electrode member at the distal end. At least one magnetically responsive element is disposed at least partially in the hollow electrode, for orienting the distal end of the catheter with an externally applied magnetic field. Multiple magnets can be distributed over the distal portion of the device. The end electrode can have openings for delivering irrigating fluid, and/or a sleeve can be provided around the tube to create an annular space for the delivering of irrigating fluid. A temperature sensor can be provided to control the operation of the catheter. A localization coil can also be included to sense the position and orientation of the catheter.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The tube is preferably comprised of multiple sections of different flexibility, arranged so that the flexibility of the catheter increases from the proximal end to the distal end. There is a first generally hollow electrode member at the distal end. At least one magnetically responsive element is disposed at least partially in the hollow electrode, for orienting the distal end of the catheter with an externally applied magnetic field. Multiple magnets can be distributed over the distal portion of the device. The end electrode can have openings for delivering irrigating fluid, and/or a sleeve can be provided around the tube to create an annular space for the delivering of irrigating fluid. A temperature sensor can be provided to control the operation of the catheter. A localization coil can also be included to sense the position and orientation of the catheter.

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter includes a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therebetween. The tube is preferably comprised of multiple sections of different flexibility, arranged so that the flexibility of the catheter increases from the proximal end to the distal end. There is a first generally hollow electrode member at the distal end. At least one magnetically responsive element is disposed at least partially in the hollow electrode, for orienting the distal end of the catheter with an externally applied magnetic field. Multiple magnets can be distributed over the distal portion of the device. The end electrode can have openings for delivering irrigating fluid, and/or a sleeve can be provided around the tube to create an annular space for the delivering of irrigating fluid. A temperature sensor can be provided to control the operation of the catheter. A localization coil can also be included to sense the position and orientation of the catheter.