Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for providing an adjustable flow resistor. The adjustable flow resistor can include a chamber into which fluid is introduced, having an input end and an output end. A flow modifier can be situated within the chamber, between the input end and the output end, to modify a flow rate of the fluid. An adjustable resistance member can be positioned to interact with the flow modifier within the chamber to controllably modify the constant flow rate out of the adjustable flow resistor.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present disclosure provides an independent passive variable resistor that can be interposed between a fluid reservoir at an inlet pressure and receptacle at an outlet pressure. The resistor can adjust resistance to the pressure difference from the input to the output so that the flow rate through it is a constant rate. The resistor can include a moveable element and a biasing mechanism located in a chamber to create a flow channel. Each side of the moveable element is exposed to the inlet and outlet pressures and moves within the flow channel to modify the resistance of the flow through the chamber in response to the pressures. The balance of these forces determines the position moveable element, which interacts with the fluid channel to determine the flow resistance through variable resistor. The biasing mechanism can provide the necessary pressure to establish equilibrium flow rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a monopolar knife assembly attached to the distal end of the shaft, the monopolar knife assembly comprising a knife; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion and an articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle and the articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the articulating portion deflects; wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the knife, such that when the actuation element is moved, the knife is moved; and wherein the actuation element transmits electrical power from the handle to the knife.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present disclosure provides an independent passive variable resistor that can be interposed between a fluid reservoir at an inlet pressure and receptacle at an outlet pressure. The resistor can adjust resistance to the pressure difference from the input to the output so that the flow rate through it is a constant rate. The resistor can include a moveable element and a biasing mechanism located in a chamber to create a flow channel. Each side of the moveable element is exposed to the inlet and outlet pressures and moves within the flow channel to modify the resistance of the flow through the chamber in response to the pressures. The balance of these forces determines the position moveable element, which interacts with the fluid channel to determine the flow resistance through variable resistor. The biasing mechanism can provide the necessary pressure to establish equilibrium flow rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion, a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle, the first articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion, and the second articulating portion extends distally from the first articulating portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the first articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the first articulating portion deflects; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend from the handle to the second articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the second articulating portion d

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a monopolar knife assembly attached to the distal end of the shaft, the monopolar knife assembly comprising a knife; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion and an articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle and the articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the articulating portion deflects; wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the knife, such that when the actuation element is moved, the knife is moved; and wherein the actuation element transmits electrical power from the handle to the knife.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a tool comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion extending distally from the proximal end of the shaft, and an articulating portion extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft, and wherein the articulating portion comprises a flexible spine; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend through the shaft from the handle to the flexible spine, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the flexible spine bends; wherein a rotatable element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the rotatable element is rotated, the end effector rotates; and wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the actuat

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end, a proximal end and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion and an articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle assembly and the articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion, and further wherein the articulating portion is configured to articulate relative to the flexible portion; a handle assembly attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extends from the handle assembly to the articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the articulating portion bends relative to the flexible portion of the shaft; wherein the plurality of articulation cables are mounted to the handle assembly such that movin

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present disclosure provides an independent passive variable resistor that can be interposed between a fluid reservoir at an inlet pressure and receptacle at an outlet pressure. The resistor can adjust resistance to the pressure difference from the input to the output so that the flow rate through it is a constant rate. The resistor can include a moveable element and a biasing mechanism located in a chamber to create a flow channel. Each side of the moveable element is exposed to the inlet and outlet pressures and moves within the flow channel to modify the resistance of the flow through the chamber in response to the pressures. The balance of these forces determines the position moveable element, which interacts with the fluid channel to determine the flow resistance through variable resistor. The biasing mechanism can provide the necessary pressure to establish equilibrium flow rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a tool comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion extending distally from the proximal end of the shaft, and an articulating portion extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft, and wherein the articulating portion comprises a flexible spine; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend through the shaft from the handle to the flexible spine, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the flexible spine bends; wherein a rotatable element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the rotatable element is rotated, the end effector rotates; and wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the actuat

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a monopolar knife assembly attached to the distal end of the shaft, the monopolar knife assembly comprising a knife; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion and an articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle and the articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the articulating portion deflects; wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the knife, such that when the actuation element is moved, the knife is moved; and wherein the actuation element transmits electrical power from the handle to the knife.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope, the sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; a fore balloon movably mounted to the sleeve so that the fore balloon may be advanced relative to the sleeve; and a locking assembly for releasably securing the sleeve to the endoscope.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a tool comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion extending distally from the proximal end of the shaft, and an articulating portion extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft, and wherein the articulating portion comprises a flexible spine; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend through the shaft from the handle to the flexible spine, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the flexible spine bends; wherein a rotatable element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the rotatable element is rotated, the end effector rotates; and wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the actuat

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion, a first articulating portion and a second articulating portion, wherein the flexible portion extends distally from the handle, the first articulating portion extends distally from the flexible portion, and the second articulating portion extends distally from the first articulating portion; wherein at least one articulation cable extends from the handle to the first articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to the at least one articulation cable, the first articulating portion deflects; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend from the handle to the second articulating portion, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the second articulating portion d

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope, the sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; a fore balloon movably mounted to the sleeve so that the fore balloon may be advanced relative to the sleeve; and a locking assembly for releasably securing the distal end of the sleeve to the endoscope.

Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure comprises a first assembly and a second assembly. The first assembly comprises an articulating probe assembly and a first housing. The articulating probe assembly comprises an outer probe and an inner probe. The outer probe comprises: multiple articulating outer links and a first connector. The inner probe comprises multiple articulating inner links and a second connector. The first housing comprises: a proximal portion; a distal portion; and an opening positioned in the first housing distal portion. The articulating probe is constructed and arranged to pass through the first housing opening.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a sleeve adapted to be slid over the exterior of an endoscope, the sleeve having a distal end and a proximal end; an aft balloon secured to the sleeve; a fore balloon movably mounted to the sleeve so that the fore balloon may be advanced relative to the sleeve; and a locking assembly for releasably securing the distal end of the sleeve to the endoscope.

Abstract: Provided is an articulating bench configured to support a user, comprising a longitudinally-extending frame structure pivotably supporting back-supporting and independently-pivotable leg supporting portions. Removable arm supporting portions may be provided that pivot about the back supporting portion. In various example embodiments the articulating bench structure may be foldable for compact storage. Various adjustment mechanisms and methods of use are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for performing a minimally-invasive procedure, the apparatus comprising: a tool comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a handle attached to the proximal end of the shaft; and an end effector attached to the distal end of the shaft; wherein the shaft comprises a flexible portion extending distally from the proximal end of the shaft, and an articulating portion extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft, and wherein the articulating portion comprises a flexible spine; wherein a plurality of articulation cables extend through the shaft from the handle to the flexible spine, such that when tension is applied to at least one of the plurality of articulation cables, the flexible spine bends; wherein a rotatable element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the rotatable element is rotated, the end effector rotates; and wherein an actuation element extends through the shaft from the handle to the end effector, such that when the actuat