Abstract: A support stand (10) for a minimally invasive surgical instrument (12), comprising first and second scissored arms (22 and 24) intersecting each other at an arm pivot (54); and an instrument holder (20) for holding the minimally invasive surgical instrument (12), the instrument holder (20) being supported by the first and second arms (22 and 24); wherein the first and second arms (22 and 24) are selectively pivotable relative to each other about the arm pivot (54) and wherein the arm pivot (54) is selectively movable along the first and second arms (22 and 24).

Abstract: A face mask including shape memory materials to improve fit to the face and/or create a cavity in front of the mouth to facilitate breathing.

Abstract: An actuating assembly (10) for a wire steered device (12) provided with at least one steering wire (14). The actuating assembly (10) includes a body (22) for mounting the wire steered device (12), an axle (38) mounted to the body, a wheel (24) mounted to the axle and including a wire attachment (96) for attaching the steering wire (14) thereto with the steering wire (14) wound around at least part of the wheel (24), and an actuator (34) for selectively rotating the axle (38). The wheel (24) is movable between configurations in which the wheel (24) is either rotatable about the axle (38) or fixed in rotation relative to the axle (38).

Abstract: A system using a guide to assist in insertion of a helicoidal member in a target biological tissue. The system adheres to tissues using suction to allow insertion of the helicoidal member.

Abstract: A system using a guide to assist in insertion of a helicoidal member in a target biological tissue. The system adheres to tissues using suction to allow insertion of the helicoidal member.

Abstract: A system for driving an helical anchor into biological tissue including concentric inner and outer drivers defining a driver passageway therebetween for mounting the helical anchor thereinto, the inner and outer drivers being axially rotatable and longitudinally fixed relative to each other. The inner driver includes a protrusion protruding in the driver passageway and configured for engaging the helical anchor to prevent pure translation of the anchor along the inner driver while allowing helical movements of the helical anchor relative to the inner driver. The outer driver is includes a slot extending therealong from an outer driver distal end towards an outer driver proximal end, the slot receiving the anchor protrusion thereinto and allowing movements of the anchor protrusion therealong. An actuator selectively rotates the inner and outer driver relatively to each other.

Abstract: A method using a guide to assist in insertion of a helicoidal member in a target biological tissue. The method includes abutting a substantially longitudinally extending portion of the guide against a target tissue exposed surface with the helicoidal member mounted thereto so that at least a portion of the guide is inserted in a helicoidal member passageway substantially parallel to a helicoidal member longitudinal axis of the helicoidal member; adhering the substantially longitudinally extending portion of the guide to the target tissue exposed surface with the helicoidal member longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the target tissue exposed surface; and advancing the helicoidal member in the target biological tissue in a substantially helicoidal movement with the guide remaining substantially fixed relative to the target biological tissue.