Abstract: An actuator (12) includes a moving member (18) pivotally connected to a base unit (14) for rotation about an axis. The driving force for rotation of the moving member (18) relative to the base unit (14) is provided by a pair of antagonistically operating shape memory alloy (SMA) wires (48, 50) and transmitted via a torsional spring (56). An endoscope, or a snake-like robot (66), may include one or more of the actuators (12).

Abstract: A device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field including a base body, which closely surrounds an incision all-side frame-shaped and with at least two webs mounted on the base body, which can be introduced into an intercostal space, by which two ribs arranged next to each other can be moved apart. To create a device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field which allows individual pressing apart of the ribs, it is proposed according to the invention that the at least two webs are mounted adjustable relative to each other on the base body.

Abstract: An actuator (12) includes a moving member (18) pivotally connected to a base unit (14) for rotation about an axis. The driving force for rotation of the moving member (18) relative to the base unit (14) is provided by a pair of antagonistically operating shape memory alloy (SMA) wires (48, 50) and transmitted via a torsional spring (56). An endoscope, or a snake-like robot (66), may include one or more of the actuators (12).

Abstract: A seal comprises a first sealing member and a second sealing member. The sealing members each have an accessway to facilitate access from one side of the sealing member to the other side of the sealing member. The accessways are offset to facilitate sealed access of an object through the sealing members.

Abstract: A seal comprises a first sealing member and a second sealing member. The sealing members each have an accessway to facilitate access from one side of the sealing member to the other side of the sealing member. The accessways are offset to facilitate sealed access of an object through the sealing members.

Abstract: A medical equipment support system includes a support structure for holding at least one medical device, the support structure being configured for being held in a substantially vertical direction by contacting a floor and a ceiling of a medical room, wherein the support structure including a vertical column to which at least one holder including a substantially horizontal arm is attached for supporting the at least one medical device, the substantially horizontal arm being an articulating arm.

Abstract: A medical equipment support system includes a support structure extending in a substantially horizontal direction for supporting at least one medical device, at least two supports arranged at opposing ends of the support structure for supporting the support structure in an overhead position, wherein the at least two supports are pillars extending in a substantially vertical direction, the pillars being adapted for standing on a floor of a medical room.

Abstract: A surgical tissue anchor comprising a plurality of jaws suitable for clamping onto tissue, clamp component(s) operable to bias the jaws in a closed position and attachment structure operable for attachment of the anchor to one or more tethers for retracting the clamped tissue. The one or more tethers are guided to the desired region using a surgical guide.

Abstract: A device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field including a base body, which closely surrounds an incision all-side frame-shaped and with at least two websmounted on the base body, which can be introduced into an intercostal space, by which two ribs arranged next to each other can be moved apart. To create a device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field which allows individual pressing apart of the ribs, it is proposed according to the invention that the at least two webs are mounted adjustable relative to each other on the base body.

Abstract: A medical instrument for manipulating, in particular retracting tissue or an organ in the human or animal body, comprises an elongated shaft having a distal portion introducible into the body, and at least one working element arranged at a distal end portion of the shaft for manipulating the tissue or organ. The at least one working element comprises at least one magnetically acting element producing a magnetic field for manipulating the tissue or organ. A method for manipulating, in particular retracting tissue or an organ uses the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical tissue anchor comprising a plurality of jaws suitable for clamping onto tissue, clamp component(s) operable to bias the jaws in a closed position and attachment structure operable for attachment of the anchor to one or more tethers for retracting the clamped tissue. The one or more tethers are guided to the desired region using a surgical guide.

Abstract: Piezoelectric nanotransducers for use in an in vivo treatment of cell stimulation through electrical stimulation are described. The nanotransducers are localized in a target site, and an electrical stimulus is induced in the same site through external stimulation of the nanotransducers by ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A micro-robotic platform and a method for deploying the platform in a body cavity for performing endoluminal surgical interventions in a fully bimanual fashion. The platform comprises a first (1) and a second (2) surgical robot each provided with a surgical tool (5, 6) and being configured to be attached to the body cavity wall. The first and the second surgical robot each comprises a first (11) and a second (12) snake-like robotic unit, the first snake-like robotic unit (11) comprising a first central unit (13) and first articulated attachment means (7a, b; 8a, b; 9) extending from said first central unit (13) for attaching the first central unit to the body cavity wall.