Abstract: A method includes accessing training images that collectively depict multiple stages of a surgical procedure. The method also includes accessing labels that indicate, for each of the training images, characteristics of one or more surgical tools depicted and a stage of the multiple stages of the surgical procedure depicted. The method also includes training a computational model, using the training images and the labels, to associate runtime images with a stage of the multiple stages based on characteristics of one or more surgical tools that are depicted by the runtime images. Another method includes associating, using a computational model, runtime images with a stage of a surgical procedure based on characteristics of one or more surgical tools depicted by the runtime images and generating output that indicates the stage associated with each of the runtime images.

Abstract: Systems and methods for surgical training are provided. The system may include an operating display console for a first surgeon to view a video feed of a surgery while the first surgeon performs the surgery. The system may also include a training display console for a second surgeon to view the video feed of the surgery while the surgery is performed. The system may further include a controller that interfaces with the operating display console and the training display console. The training display console may include a training interface for pausing the video feed displayed on the training display console, and for switching from a display mode to a simulation mode for simulating one or more surgical steps of the surgery.

Abstract: Robotic surgery systems and methods of surgical robot operation are provided. A method of surgical robot operation includes moving a surgical instrument through a tissue using the surgical robot, where the surgical robot attempts to move the surgical instrument to a desired position. The method further includes measuring an actual position of the surgical instrument, and calculating a difference between the actual position and the desired position. The actual position of the surgical instrument is adjusted to the desired position using the surgical robot.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an introducer device including an outer tube defining a first lumen, and an inner tube defining a second lumen, and a sheath coupled thereto. The first end of the inner tube is positioned in the first lumen of the outer tube, and the inner tube is configured to translate within the first lumen in a direction towards the first end of the outer tube from a first position to a second position. The first end of the sheath is coupled to the first end of the outer tube, and the second end of the sheath is coupled to the first end of the inner tube. The introducer device further includes an inlet port in fluid communication with the inner surface of the outer tube, and one or more steering wires coupled to the sheath that are configured to bias a direction of a leading edge of the sheath as the sheath everts from a retracted position to an extended position.

Abstract: Image guided surgery includes capturing a primary modality image of a surgical field of a patient with a camera system, obtaining a secondary modality image of the surgical field registered to the primary image, generating a surgical guidance image based at least in part upon the secondary modality image, and projecting the surgical guidance image onto the patient. The surgical guidance image presents visual augmentations on or over the patient to inform a medical practitioner during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for surgical training are provided. The system may include an operating display console for a first surgeon to view a video feed of a surgery while the first surgeon performs the surgery. The system may also include a training display console for a second surgeon to view the video feed of the surgery while the surgery is performed. The system may further include a controller that interfaces with the operating display console and the training display console. The training display console may include a training interface for pausing the video feed displayed on the training display console, and for switching from a display mode to a simulation mode for simulating one or more surgical steps of the surgery.

Abstract: A method includes classifying, via a computational model, images of a source image stream as valid images or invalid images based on whether the images include biological tissue or a surgical tool; and generating a condensed image stream that includes the valid images. Another method includes classifying input images as valid images or invalid images using: a clustering algorithm that classifies each of the input images into either a first group or a second group and using labels that indicate whether the input images include a surgical tool. The method also includes training a computational model to identify the valid images based on whether the valid images include biological tissue or a surgical tool, or whether the valid images have at least a threshold level of clarity.

Abstract: Systems, kits, and related methods of making fecal transplants are described. In an embodiment, the system comprises a sample collector defining a sample collection chamber shaped to collect a fecal sample from fecal matter; a sample processing module defining a sample port shaped to receive the sample collector and comprising: a channel positioned to receive at a proximal end of the channel the fecal sample from the sample collection chamber when the sample collector is received by the sample port; and a capsule fluidically coupled to a distal end of the channel adapted to receive a portion of the fecal sample passed therethrough; and a sample processing unit comprising: a housing defining an opening shaped to receive the sample processing module; and an actuator disposed in the housing and configured to urge the sample from the sample collection chamber through the channel to the capsule.

Abstract: Systems and methods for surgical training are provided. The system may include an operating display console for a first surgeon to view a video feed of a surgery while the first surgeon performs the surgery. The system may also include a training display console for a second surgeon to view the video feed of the surgery while the surgery is performed. The system may further include a controller that interfaces with the operating display console and the training display console. The training display console may include a training interface for pausing the video feed displayed on the training display console, and for switching from a display mode to a simulation mode for simulating one or more surgical steps of the surgery.

Abstract: Robotic surgery systems and methods of surgical robot operation are provided. A method of surgical robot operation includes moving a surgical instrument through a tissue using the surgical robot, where the surgical robot attempts to move the surgical instrument to a desired position. The method further includes measuring an actual position of the surgical instrument, and calculating a difference between the actual position and the desired position. The actual position of the surgical instrument is adjusted to the desired position using the surgical robot.

Abstract: A method of surgical robot operation includes moving a surgical instrument through a medium using the surgical robot, where the surgical robot attempts to move the surgical instrument to a desired position. The method further includes measuring an actual position of the surgical instrument, and calculating a difference between the actual position and the desired position. The actual position of the surgical instrument is adjusted to the desired position using the surgical robot.

Abstract: A surgical probe is configured to be inserted into a body cavity and to emit beams of light to ablate tissue within the body cavity. The probe further includes sensors to detect properties of tissue in the body cavity and a source of suction to remove material produced by ablation of tissue within the body cavity. The sensors could be configured to operate in combination with beams of light emitted by the surgical probe to detect the location, geometry, fluorophore content, or other information about tissue in the body cavity. The surgical probe can additionally include suction port(s) to secure portions of tissue relative to the surgical probe to allow ablation of portions of the secured tissue and to allow detection of properties of portions of the secured tissue that are maintained in contact with the surgical probe by the suction port(s).

Abstract: A method of surgical robot operation includes moving a surgical instrument through a medium using the surgical robot, where the surgical robot attempts to move the surgical instrument to a desired position. The method further includes measuring an actual position of the surgical instrument, and calculating a difference between the actual position and the desired position. The actual position of the surgical instrument is adjusted to the desired position using the surgical robot.

Abstract: A method of surgical robot operation includes moving a surgical instrument through a medium using the surgical robot, where the surgical robot attempts to move the surgical instrument to a desired position. The method further includes measuring an actual position of the surgical instrument, and calculating a difference between the actual position and the desired position. The actual position of the surgical instrument is adjusted to the desired position using the surgical robot.

Abstract: Image guided surgery includes capturing a primary modality image of a surgical field of a patient with a camera system, obtaining a secondary modality image of the surgical field registered to the primary image, generating a surgical guidance image based at least in part upon the secondary modality image, and projecting the surgical guidance image onto the patient. The surgical guidance image presents visual augmentations on or over the patient to inform a medical practitioner during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a surgical instrument configured to cut biological tissues and an imaging system configured to image the biological tissues. Based on one or more images of the biological tissue generated by the imager, the robotic surgical system operates the surgical instrument to cut the biological tissue according to a desired dissection of the tissue. The robotic surgical system operates the surgical instrument to partially or wholly automatically perform one or more cuts into the biological tissue to achieve the desired dissection.

Abstract: A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery has an angle section joined to a conical section, with the conical section having a central axis not parallel to a central axis of the angle section. A body section is joined to the angle section, with the body section having a length at least twice the length of the angle section. The conical section, the angle section and the body section may be a flexible or compliant material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for selecting surgical approaches. One example method involves (1) receiving data indicating (a) one or more surgical target regions and (b) one or more surgical portals; (2) determining a plurality of surgical pathways; (3) determining a plurality of surgical approaches; (4) for each surgical approach in the plurality of surgical approaches, determining at least one approach characteristic, for each determined surgical pathway in the respective surgical approach, determining at least one pathway characteristic, and determining a surgical-approach ranking based on the determined at least one approach characteristic and the determined at least one pathway characteristic; (5) selecting a subset of the plurality of surgical approaches based on the determined surgical approach rankings; and (6) causing an output device to provide a representation of the selected subset of the plurality of surgical approaches.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for determining a level of accommodation to be provided by an eye-mountable device (EMD) for a user viewing a 3D stereoscopic display. In one embodiment, the EMD in disposed in or on an eye of the user, and an angle of vergence between the user's eyes is detected. Based on the angle of vergence, the EMD provides a level of accommodation that results in the user having a blurred viewing of an object in the stereoscopic display. The blur induces the user to change the accommodation provided by the eye on which, or in which, the EMD is disposed. Inducing the user to perform such a change in the eye's accommodation more closely approximates what the user would do when viewing real world physical objects. This tends to result in a better viewing experience by the user. In another embodiment, the angle of vergence is detected based on exposure of the EMD to a magnetic field.

Abstract: A surgical sheath for use in endoscopic trans-nasal or intra-ocular surgery has an angle section joined to a conical section, with the conical section having a central axis not parallel to a central axis of the angle section. A body section is joined to the angle section, with the body section having a length at least twice the length of the angle section. The conical section, the angle section and the body section may be a flexible or compliant material. The sheath reduces collateral trauma to the tissues in the surgical pathway.