Abstract: A novel system and method for determining a viewing frustum for a wide angle camera system employs multiple detection sub-systems to detect the presence or occurrence of events and/or objects of interest within the entire captured field of view of the system and processes the results of those detection sub-systems in accordance with a Hierarchy of Interest to select a viewing frustum for providing a de-warped view of interest to a viewer. The Hierarchy of Interest can be predefined, or selected from a set of Hierarchies of Interest and/or can be adaptive is response to feedback from a viewer.

Abstract: Small diameter tools are provided, and methods of use described, to facilitate less invasive surgical procedures employing laser beams. Such tools include distal tips that enhance the precise placement of optical waveguides, as well as enable cutting and dissecting procedures. A rotary coupler allows precise control of flexible conduits in which waveguides may be disposed. Waveguide tips with conical features protect waveguide ends and allow unobstructed propagation of the laser beam out of the waveguide. A preferentially bending jacket for waveguides may be used to control an orientation of a waveguide disposed therein. Surgical waveguide assemblies may include various combinations of these components.

Abstract: An articulating instrument including a distal assembly having first and second configurations and intermediate configurations between them. At least one of the first and second configurations is substantially stable such that the distal assembly of the instrument has a tendency to remain in the stable configuration when placed in that configuration by a user of the instrument. Preferably, the distal assembly terminates in a distal tip unit defining at least one distal feature that is useful for manipulating tissue.

Abstract: An optical radiation delivery structure including a waveguide conduit having a surgical access portion and a handle portion. The handle portion includes a gripping portion and a waveguide lock, which is configured to have only a locked state and an unlocked state. In some embodiments, the handle portion includes a gripping portion and a counterbalance region, such that a center of mass of the waveguide conduit is disposed towards a proximal end of the waveguide conduit.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments describe soft robotic actuators for medical use, such as during surgeries and other medical procedures. According to one embodiment, a soft robotic incision retractor is provided. According to another embodiment, a soft robotic body tissue retractor is provided. The incision retractor and body tissue retractor may be used together, for example by using the incision retractor to hold open an incision while the body tissue retractor manipulates biological matter or an object accessible through the incision. Described embodiments offer the ability to conform to a given space, reduced risk of damage to surrounding structures as compared to traditional retractors, the ability to deliver varying amounts of force, the ability to be made from medically safe materials, and the potential for re-use or disposability.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments describe soft robotic actuators for medical use, such as during surgeries and other medical procedures. According to one embodiment, a soft robotic incision retractor provided. According to another embodiment, a soft robotic body tissue retractor is provided. The incision retractor and body tissue retractor may be used together, for example by using the incision retractor to hold open an incision while the body tissue retractor manipulates biological matter or an object accessible through the incision. Described embodiments offer the ability to conform to a given space, reduced risk of damage to surrounding structures as compared to traditional retractors, the ability to deliver varying amounts of force, the ability to be made from medically safe materials, and the potential for re-use or disposability.

Abstract: An optical radiation delivery structure including a waveguide conduit having a surgical access portion and a handle portion. The handle portion includes a gripping portion and a waveguide lock, which is configured to have only a locked state and an unlocked state. In some embodiments, the handle portion includes a gripping portion and a counterbalance region, such that a center of mass of the waveguide conduit is disposed towards a proximal end of the waveguide conduit.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments describe soft robotic actuators for medical use, such as during surgeries and other medical procedures. According to one embodiment, a soft robotic incision retractor is provided. According to another embodiment, a soft robotic body tissue retractor is provided. The incision retractor and body tissue refractor may be used together, for example by using the incision retractor to hold open an incision while the body tissue retractor manipulates biological matter or an object accessible through the incision. Described embodiments offer the ability to conform to a given space, reduced risk of damage to surrounding structures as compared to traditional retractors, the ability to deliver varying amounts of force, the ability to be made from medically safe materials, and the potential for re-use or disposability.

Abstract: An optical radiation delivery structure including a waveguide conduit having a surgical access portion and a handle portion. The handle portion includes a gripping portion and a waveguide lock, which is configured to have only a locked state and an unlocked state. In some embodiments, the handle portion includes a gripping portion and a counterbalance region, such that a center of mass of the waveguide conduit is disposed towards a proximal end of the waveguide conduit.

Abstract: A modular handpiece having a proximal handle module with a handle unit having at least one interior fluid cavity, having an exterior gripping surface, defining a fluid control port enabling fluid communication between the atmosphere and the interior fluid cavity, and capable of accommodating at least one waveguide for carrying optical radiation and capable of accommodating at least one RF electrode. The handpiece further comprises a cannula module having a distal portion with a distal tip, a central portion, and a proximal portion connectable with the handle module. All three cannula portions are capable of at least one of (a) defining a waveguide conduit, (b) carrying at least one RF electrode, and (c) defining a fluid passageway between the distal tip and the interior fluid cavity of the handle unit.

Abstract: An articulating instrument including a distal assembly having first and second configurations and intermediate configurations between them. At least one of the first and second configurations is substantially stable such that the distal assembly of the instrument has a tendency to remain in the stable configuration when placed in that configuration by a user of the instrument. Preferably, the distal assembly terminates in a distal tip unit defining at least one distal feature that is useful for manipulating tissue.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments describe soft robotic actuators for medical use, such as during surgeries and other medical procedures. According to one embodiment, a soft robotic incision retractor is provided. According to another embodiment, a soft robotic body tissue retractor is provided. The incision retractor and body tissue refractor may be used together, for example by using the incision retractor to hold open an incision while the body tissue retractor manipulates biological matter or an object accessible through the incision. Described embodiments offer the ability to conform to a given space, reduced risk of damage to surrounding structures as compared to traditional retractors, the ability to deliver varying amounts of force, the ability to be made from medically safe materials, and the potential for re-use or disposability.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having at least one axially-aligned annular flange defining a central opening and a support having a rim and a support surface. The support may be disposed in a nested position wherein the support surface is disposed within the central opening and an inverted position wherein the support surface is disposed away from the central opening. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its inverted and nested positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: An optical radiation delivery structure including a waveguide conduit having a surgical access portion and a handle portion. The handle portion includes a gripping portion and a waveguide lock, which is configured to have only a locked state and an unlocked state. In some embodiments, the handle portion includes a gripping portion and a counterbalance region, such that a center of mass of the waveguide conduit is disposed towards a proximal end of the waveguide conduit.

Abstract: Small diameter tools are provided, and methods of use described, to facilitate less invasive surgical procedures employing laser beams. Such tools include distal tips that enhance the precise placement of optical waveguides, as well as enable cutting and dissecting procedures. A rotary coupler allows precise control of flexible conduits in which waveguides may be disposed. Waveguide tips with conical features protect waveguide ends and allow unobstructed propagation of the laser beam out of the waveguide. A preferentially bending jacket for waveguides may be used to control an orientation of a waveguide disposed therein. Surgical waveguide assemblies may include various combinations of these components.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for treating and/or controlling obesity and type II diabetes. In one aspect of the invention, a device for treating obesity includes a flow restrictor and an anchor coupled to the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor is movable between a first or collapsed configuration sized and shaped for endoscopic advancement through the patient's esophagus and into a distal region of the stomach and a second or operative configuration sized and shaped for inhibiting a flow of chyme from the stomach to the pyloric sphincter. It is believed that this will cause the prolongation of satiety, and result in fewer meals being eaten and/or smaller meals being ingested.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having a disc-shaped inlet and a helical flange. The helical flange may be disposed in a contracted position defining a contracted length and a contracted diameter and an extended position defining an extended length and an extended diameter, wherein the extended length is longer than the contracted length and the extended diameter is smaller than the contracted diameter. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its contracted and extended positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve for regulating the flow of fluids in the pyloric region a patient's gastrointestinal tract is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pyloric valve includes a plurality of axially connected blocking members located along a longitudinal axis of the valve in a proximal to distal direction. Each blocking member of the valve preferably includes at least one blocking portion defining at least one entryway adapted to receive fluids such as chyme therethrough. The at least one entryway of each blocking member is preferably not aligned with the at least one entryway of each blocking member adjacent thereto along the longitudinal axis. The non-alignment of the at least one entryways of the blocking members preferably creates a non-linear path for fluids such as chyme to travel through the pyloric region of the patient.

Abstract: A pyloric valve is provided for inhibiting the flow of chyme through the pyloric region of the gastrointestinal tract. The pyloric valve includes a blocking portion having at least one axially-aligned annular flange defining a central opening and a support having a rim and a support surface. The support may be disposed in a nested position wherein the support surface is disposed within the central opening and an inverted position wherein the support surface is disposed away from the central opening. The pyloric valve may further include a sleeve that may have a beveled distal end. The pyloric valve may be constructed of silicon. Also provided are methods of inserting and removing the pyloric valve, which each include a step of manipulating the support between its inverted and nested positions. Insertion and removal systems are also provided for use with the pyloric valve.

Abstract: A pyloric valve for regulating the flow of fluids in the pyloric region a patient's gastrointestinal tract is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a pyloric valve includes a plurality of axially connected blocking members located along a longitudinal axis of the valve in a proximal to distal direction. Each blocking member of the valve preferably includes at least one blocking portion defining at least one entryway adapted to receive fluids such as chyme therethrough. The at least one entryway of each blocking member is preferably not aligned with the at least one entryway of each blocking member adjacent thereto along the longitudinal axis. The non-alignment of the at least one entryways of the blocking members preferably creates a non-linear path for fluids such as chyme to travel through the pyloric region of the patient.