Abstract: An apparatus for the insertion, placement, attachment, and removal of a surgical device includes a handle and an elongate shaft. Opposing spring fingers that open and close relative to one another are partially and slidably disposed within the distal end of the elongate shaft opposite the handle. The opposing spring fingers are adapted to grasp a surgical device and power the surgical device via physical conductors on the spring fingers or graspers attached thereto, resulting in the surgical device being fully functional. A first trigger mechanism opens and closes the spring fingers via a piston disposed within the elongate shaft. A second trigger mechanism rotates the surgical device grasped by the spring fingers.

Abstract: An imaging device for in vivo medical applications that enables minimally invasive surgical procedures. The imaging device includes an elongated frame having a base, a module housing, and an optional helical member interposed between the base and module housing. The imaging device further includes an actuation unit positioned within the frame that engages the module housing causing the frame to bend at the optional helical member. The module housing includes an imaging module and may include other modules including tools used for laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: This invention is in the domain of minimally invasive surgery and is a method and apparatus that transforms and displays images of internal organs and tissues taken from internally located imaging devices on external skin. The image displayed on the skin aligns with the actual physical location, orientation, and size of the internal organs and tissues in a way that viewers have the perception that the skin is transparent. This method and apparatus enables surgeons to have the same hand-eye coordination as in an open surgery during a minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: An imaging device for in vivo medical applications that enables minimally invasive surgical procedures. The imaging device includes an elongated frame having a base, a module housing, and a helical member interposed between the base and module housing. The imaging device further includes an actuation unit positioned within the frame that engages the module housing causing the frame to bend at the helical member. The module housing includes an imaging module and may include other modules including tools used for laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A system for performing non-invasive networked medical procedures including a number of in vivo medical devices, a communication path between at least two of the devices, an ex vivo control unit to control the behavior of the devices, and a wireless communication path between the control unit and at least one of the devices. An associated method for performing non-invasive networked medical procedures is also provided.