Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described allow the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to be combined into a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique called NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Manual and robotic-controlled versions of a modular laparoscopic tool are described having a small diameter shaft that is delivered laparoscopically to a surgical site. Larger diameter working tips are delivered through a NOTES delivery tube inserted to the surgical site through a natural orifice and joined to the shaft of the modular laparoscopic tool. Larger diameter working tips improve the effectiveness of the modular laparoscopic tools and the number and size of laparoscopic ports used can also be reduced.

Abstract: A handheld medical device comprises an internal flow passage that is in axial alignment with an output drive shaft. The drive shaft is powered by a motor assembly that is offset from the internal flow passage and the output drive shaft. The drive shaft and the motor assembly can be connected by a gear train. A collet mechanism can be used to secure a surgical implement to the handheld medical device. A first button assembly and a second button assembly can be positioned on diametrically opposed portions of the handheld medical device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described allow the techniques of endoscopic and laparoscopic surgery to be combined into a minimally invasive hybrid surgical technique called NOTES-assisted laparoscopic surgery. Manual and robotic-controlled versions of a modular laparoscopic tool are described having a small diameter shaft that is delivered laparoscopically to a surgical site. Larger diameter working tips are delivered through a NOTES delivery tube inserted to the surgical site through a natural orifice and joined to the shaft of the modular laparoscopic tool. Larger diameter working tips improve the effectiveness of the modular laparoscopic tools and the number and size of laparoscopic ports used can also be reduced.

Abstract: A method of treating disease in which intranasal red light devices are used to shine red light upon the brain structures in the basal prefrontal cortex.

Abstract: A skin cooling method for a dermatologic treatment procedure, by which a skin target region is exposed for a specified duration to irradiation with electromagnetic energy emitted from an electromagnetic energy exit opening of a skin treatment applicator and the target region is cooled at least during part of the duration of the exposure to electromagnetic energy irradiation, wherein a cooling procedure is performed including an air cooling step comprising ejection of a directional flow of cooling air towards the skin treatment region, said directional cooling air flow having a temperature T in the interval 0° C.<T?15° C. In an apparatus according to the invention this method may be combined with one or more contact cooling steps.