Abstract: A position monitoring system is provided that includes a tracheal tube having a distal portion with a radiopaque indicator. The tracheal tube is configured to be positioned within an airway of a patient. The position monitoring system also includes an external sensor configured to be positioned on an external surface of the patient. The external sensor includes an emitter configured to transmit energy into the patient and toward the distal portion and a detector configured to receive a reflected portion of the energy to permit identification of a position of the distal portion. The position monitoring system, in certain embodiments, further includes a video laryngoscope communicatively coupled to the external sensor. The video laryngoscope includes a display and a processor, and the processor is configured to instruct the display to present an indication of the position of the distal portion based on feedback from the detector.

Abstract: A hernia repair device including a main body, a plurality of suture needle ports, a plurality of suture needles and a central shaft. The central shaft includes a retractable distal flange disposed at a distal end portion of the central shaft and defines a central channel extending through the main body. The suture needle ports are adjustable between a first configuration in which the suture needle ports are housed entirely within the main body and a second configuration in which the suture needle ports partially extend from the distal end portion of the main body. The suture needles are adjustable between a first configuration in which the suture needles are housed entirely within the suture needle ports and a plurality of second configurations in which the suture needles partially extend from distal end portions of the suture needle ports. A hernia repair mesh is attached to the plurality of suture needles.

Abstract: A position monitoring system is provided that includes a tracheal tube having a distal portion with a radiopaque indicator. The tracheal tube is configured to be positioned within an airway of a patient. The position monitoring system also includes an external sensor configured to be positioned on an external surface of the patient. The external sensor includes an emitter configured to transmit energy into the patient and toward the distal portion and a detector configured to receive a reflected portion of the energy to permit identification of a position of the distal portion. The position monitoring system, in certain embodiments, further includes a video laryngoscope communicatively coupled to the external sensor. The video laryngoscope includes a display and a processor, and the processor is configured to instruct the display to present an indication of the position of the distal portion based on feedback from the detector.

Abstract: Medical instrument introducers including instrument drive assemblies to incrementally advance a medical instrument are described. Methods of inserting an instrument into a patient, including incrementally advancing the instrument into the instrument introduction site, are also described.

Abstract: A hernia repair device including a main body, a plurality of suture needle ports, a plurality of suture needles and a central shaft. The central shaft includes a retractable distal flange disposed at a distal end portion of the central shaft and defines a central channel extending through the main body. The suture needle ports are adjustable between a first configuration in which the suture needle ports are housed entirely within the main body and a second configuration in which the suture needle ports partially extend from the distal end portion of the main body. The suture needles are adjustable between a first configuration in which the suture needles are housed entirely within the suture needle ports and a plurality of second configurations in which the suture needles partially extend from distal end portions of the suture needle ports. A hernia repair mesh is attached to the plurality of suture needles.

Abstract: A dilation system (10) comprising a speculum (20) with a body and at least one jaw (24,26) pivotally attached to the body; and a sheath (30) that is attached on the body around the at least one jaw, and expandable from a constricted position to an expanded position. A dilation comprising: at least one proximal ring (133P) spaced apart from at least one distal ring (133D); a plurality of longitudinal ribs (32) spanning between each of the proximal and distal rings; and a web (34) spanning between at least each of the plurality of ribs, wherein the sheath is expandable from a constricted position to an expanded position. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A retainer to retain the viscera displaced from an internal body area to be accessed for surgery comprises an outer envelope of pliable material with an evacuation port. At least two sheets of material are arranged in face to face relation in the envelope. The sheets have a forming configuration in which they are relatively free to slide over one another in conforming the envelope to a desired shape and a form retained configuration in which the sheets are restrained from sliding relative to one another on evacuation of the envelope. In one case there are sheets of an inelastic material and sheets of an elastic material. Alternatively the sheets may be of the same inelastic material.

Abstract: A retainer to retain the viscera displaced from an internal body area to be accessed for surgery comprises an outer envelope of pliable material with an evacuation port. At least two sheets of material are arranged in face to face relation in the envelope. The sheets have a forming configuration in which they are relatively free to slide over one another in conforming the envelope to a desired shape and a form retained configuration in which the sheets are restrained from sliding relative to one another on evacuation of the envelope. In one case there are sheets of an inelastic material and sheets of an elastic material. Alternatively the sheets may be of the same inelastic material.