Abstract: A device is provided having a proximal portion and a distal portion. An ultrasound transducer is disposed within the distal portion, wherein the transducer is configured to scan tissue and detect certain portions of a patent's anatomy during the scanning process.

Abstract: Aspects described herein disclose devices, systems, and methods for use in contexts such as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). Methods of use of radio frequency (RF) techniques for improved nerve detection in association with an ultrasound detection system are described. The methods include the use of RF echoes in the detection of tissue dependent features. The methods also include use of an RF classifier to reduce false positives. System dependent features are accounted for through use of a calibration spectrum or through non-parametric model estimation using machine learning.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an access trajectory to a target site to safely place a surgical access instrument (e.g., guide wire, dilator, cannula, etc.) through a tissue (e.g., muscle, fat, brain, liver, lung, etc.) without damaging nearby neurovascular structure is described herein. The trajectory determination system includes a nerve stimulation probe and a dilator guide having a plurality of guide channels and registerable to an operating table in a fixed orientation. Motor nerve stimulation (e.g., EMG, MMG) is performed with the stimulation probe positioned in each of said plurality of guide channels to generate a map of nerve locations within intervening anatomical structures (e.g., muscle, bone, etc.) between the dilator guide and the surgical target site. Available access pathways are determined based on the nerve location data and displayed on a display unit.

Abstract: Aspects described herein disclose devices, systems, and methods for use in contexts such as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). A device is provided herein having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an ultrasound transducer may be disposed within the distal portion and configured to scan tissue and identify certain portions of a patent's anatomy during the scanning process. The results of the detection may be presented to an operator of the device aurally and/or visually, such as in a 3-D volumetric image. By scanning the tissue, identifying the anatomy, and presenting the results to an operator, unnecessary damage to elements of the patients anatomy may be avoided or lessened. In some aspects, multiple transducers may be positioned on the device to increase the scanning range and/or scanning accuracy of the device. The device may provide an inner channel for the passage of surgical tools while scanning tissue.

Abstract: Aspects described herein disclose devices, systems, and methods for use in contexts such as minimally invasive surgery (MIS). A device is provided herein having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an ultrasound transducer may be disposed within the distal portion and configured to scan tissue and identify certain portions of a patent's anatomy during the scanning process. The results of the detection may be presented to an operator of the device aurally and/or visually, such as in a 3-D volumetric image. By scanning the tissue, identifying the anatomy, and presenting the results to an operator, unnecessary damage to elements of the patients anatomy may be avoided or lessened. In some aspects, multiple transducers may be positioned on the device to increase the scanning range and/or scanning accuracy of the device. The device may provide an inner channel for the passage of surgical tools while scanning tissue.

Abstract: A device is provided having a proximal portion and a distal portion. An ultrasound transducer is disposed within the distal portion, wherein the transducer is configured to scan tissue and detect certain portions of a patent's anatomy during the scanning process.

Abstract: A method for identifying a target anatomy by use of a device having an ultrasound transducer. Using the ultrasound transducer, a portion of a patient's anatomy is scanned during a scanning process. A voltage trace of the patient's anatomy is determined and compared to a predetermined trace. If the voltage trace of the patient's anatomy matches the predetermined trace, a notification may be output.