Abstract: A cannula control device (70) employs a platform (80) and one or more cannula control units (40). Each cannula control unit (40) includes a cannula (30), a rotation motor assembly (50) mechanically connected to the cannula (30) for rotating the cannula (30) to a specific rotational orientation relative to a calibration orientation associated with cannula control unit (40) and/or the platform (80), and a translation motor assembly (60) mechanically connected to the platform (80) for translating the cannula control unit (40) to a specific translational position relative to a calibration position associated with the cannula control unit (40) and/or the platform (80). The cannula(s) (30) of device (70) are capable of precisely reaching numerous target locations, particularly within an anatomical region of a same body or different bodies.

Abstract: An active cannula (10) can include a plurality of hollow tubes (100, 110, 120), a plurality of blocks (200, 210, 220), and a track (1800). Each of the blocks can be connected to one of the hollow tubes. Each of the blocks can be operably connected to the track for movement therealong. In a first position, the blocks can be separate from each other along the track and the plurality of hollow tubes can be nested. In a second position, the blocks can be adjacent to each other along the track and the plurality of hollow tubes can be extended. In the second position, the plurality of hollow tubes can provide access to the targeted anatomical region from outside of the body. Other embodiments are disclosed.