Abstract: Devices having a shaft for creating cavities within tissue and articulating without twisting of the articulated shaft and methods for using such devices. Where such devices and methods include using of a device with keyed portions and key receiving portions that nest together upon articulation and optionally a torque limiter to allow for rotation of the shaft upon exceeding a torque limit. Method and devices also including such devices with energy application portions.

Abstract: Apparatuses for performing minimally invasive medical procedures are disclosed herein. In one example, an apparatus includes an outer body that defines an opening at a distal end, and a cutting portion disposed at an edge of the opening. An inner body is movably disposed within the outer body and defines an opening at a distal end. The outer body and the inner body collectively have a first configuration in which the opening on the outer body is substantially aligned with the opening on the inner body and the opening on the outer body is configured to receive a portion of a tissue, and a second configuration in which the opening on the outer body and the opening on the inner body are substantially misaligned and the cutting portion on the outer body is configured to sever the portion of the tissue from a remaining portion of the tissue.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for performing minimally invasive medical procedures are disclosed herein. In one example, an apparatus includes an elongate body that has a deformable distal portion and defines a lumen, the lumen extends through the deformable distal portion. The deformable distal portion has a cutting portion and defines an opening. The elongate body has a first configuration in which the opening is a first size and a second configuration in which the opening is a second size smaller than the first size of the opening. The elongate body in the first configuration is configured to be percutaneously inserted at least partially into a tissue such that at least a portion of the tissue is disposed within the lumen. The elongate body is configured to move to the second configuration when the elongate body reaches a threshold temperature while inserted in the tissue.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for debulking a tissue in a patient's body are disclosed herein. In one variation, an apparatus includes a cannula configured to provide percutaneous access to an interior portion of a tissue. The cannula has a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a lumen defined between the distal portion and the proximal portion. A flexible member is coupled to the cannula and configured to steer the distal portion of the cannula within the tissue. An elongate body has a distal portion and is configured to be movably disposed within the lumen of the cannula. The distal portion of the elongate body defines a cutting portion configured to disrupt at least a portion of the tissue when the cutting portion is moved, for example, rotated and/or shuttled. In one variation, the disrupted portion of tissue includes a portion of a tumor.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongate body having a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The elongate body has a cutting portion at a distal portion of the elongate body, and the cutting portion defines an opening in the elongate body. The distal portion of the elongate body is configured to be inserted into a nucleus of an intervertebral disc when the elongate body is in the collapsed configuration. The cutting portion of the elongate body is configured to disrupt at least a portion of tissue within the nucleus of the intervertebral disc when the elongate body is in the expanded configuration. The elongate body is configured to capture the portion of tissue within the opening of the elongate body when the elongate body is moved from the expanded configuration to the collapsed configuration while disposed within the nucleus of the intervertebral disc.