Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive tissue modification systems. Embodiments of the systems include a minimally invasive access device having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal passageway. Positioned among the distal ends of the devices are a visualization element and an illumination element. Also provided are methods of using the systems in tissue modification applications, as well as kits for practicing the methods of the invention. Internal tissue visualization devices having RF-shielded visualization sensor modules are also provided. Minimally invasive RF tissue modulation devices are provided. In some aspects, the devices include a hand-held control unit and an elongated member. In some aspects, RF tissue modulation devices are provided and include an adapter that operably couples to a hand-held medical device. The adapter generates RF energy for delivery to a plasma generator on an elongated member.

Abstract: Robotic surgical methods and apparatuses, including systems, for determining positioning information using a combination of AI landmark-identification and visual imaging. Also described herein are methods and apparatuses for determining how to train the AI. Also described herein are end effector devices that may be used with any of the robotic surgical methods and apparatuses. Also described herein designs and techniques incorporating AR into robotic surgical procedures.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive imaging system. Systems according to embodiments of the invention include: an access device having a proximal end and distal end and an internal passageway extending from the proximal to distal end; and an elongated member dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device and having a proximal and distal end. In the systems of the invention, at least one of multiple visualization elements and multiple illumination elements are positioned among the distal ends of the access device and the elongated member. Also provided are methods of using the systems in imaging applications, as well as kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerabilily to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive tissue modification systems. Embodiments of the systems include a minimally invasive access device having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal passageway. Positioned among the distal ends of the devices are a visualization element and an illumination element. Also provided are methods of using the systems in tissue modification applications, as well as kits for practicing the methods of the invention. Internal tissue visualization devices having RF-shielded visualization sensor modules are also provided. Minimally invasive RF tissue modulation devices are provided. In some aspects, the devices include a hand-held control unit and an elongated member. In some aspects, RF tissue modulation devices are provided and include an adapter that operably couples to a hand-held medical device. The adapter generates RF energy for delivery to a plasma generator on an elongated member.

Abstract: A tissue visualization and modification device may include a rigid access body having a longitudinal axis, an internal passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and an access body imaging sensor positioned on the distal end of the body and protruding inward beyond an inner wall into the internal passageway. An elongated member may be slidably positioned within the rigid access body. The elongated member may include, when viewed substantially along the longitudinal axis, a dissection electrode in the shape of a semicircle, an irrigation channel positioned within the semicircle, an aspiration channel positioned partially within the semicircle and adjacent the irrigation channel, first and second illumination elements positioned adjacent the respective tips of the semicircle and an elongated member imaging sensor positioned adjacent the aspiration channel.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive tissue modification systems. Embodiments of the systems include a minimally invasive access device having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal passageway. Positioned among the distal ends of the devices are a visualization element and an illumination element. Also provided are methods of using the systems in tissue modification applications, as well as kits for practicing the methods of the invention. Internal tissue visualization devices having RF-shielded visualization sensor modules are also provided. Minimally invasive RF tissue modulation devices are provided. In some aspects, the devices include a hand-held control unit and an elongated member. In some aspects, RF tissue modulation devices are provided and include an adapter that operably couples to a hand-held medical device. The adapter generates RF energy for delivery to a plasma generator on an elongated member.

Abstract: Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerability to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive imaging system. Systems according to embodiments of the invention include: an access device having a proximal end and distal end and an internal passageway extending from the proximal to distal end; and an elongated member dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device and having a proximal and distal end. In the systems of the invention, at least one of multiple visualization elements and multiple illumination elements are positioned among the distal ends of the access device and the elongated member. Also provided are methods of using the systems in imaging applications, as well as kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive tissue modification systems. Embodiments of the systems include a minimally invasive access device having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal passageway. Also part of the system is an elongated tissue modification device having a proximal end and a distal end. The tissue modification device is dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device. The tissue modification device includes a tissue modifier. Positioned among the distal ends of the devices are a visualization element and an illumination element. Also provided are methods of using the systems in tissue modification applications, as well as kits for practicing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerability to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices.

Abstract: Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, an tissue modifier positioned at the distal end, and a linear mechanical actuator configured to linearly translate the RF electrode relative the distal end according to a linear translation waveform. The devices may be configured to operate the tissue modifier according to an operating waveform that is synchronized with the linear translation waveform. Also provided are methods of modifying an internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices.

Abstract: Internal tissue visualization devices having RF-shielded visualization sensor modules are provided. Also provided are systems that include the devices, as well as methods of visualizing internal tissue of a subject using the tissue visualization devices and systems.

Abstract: Tissue visualization systems having image processing modules configured to generate an alert signal are provided. Image processing modules of systems of the invention are configured to receive image data of an internal region of interest. The image processing module is further configured to compare the received image data with a reference that includes at least one of color descriptor data and anatomical descriptor data to make a determination as to whether an alert signal should be generated. Also provided are methods of visualizing internal tissue of a subject using the tissue visualization systems.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive imaging system. Systems according to embodiments of the invention include: an access device having a proximal end and distal end and an internal passageway extending from the proximal to distal end; and an elongated member dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device and having a proximal and distal end. In the systems of the invention, at least one of multiple visualization elements and multiple illumination elements are positioned among the distal ends of the access device and the elongated member. Also provided are methods of using the systems in imaging applications, as well as kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive internal target tissue site imaging devices. Devices according to embodiments of the invention include an elongate member dimensioned to access an internal target tissue location, e.g., an intervertebral disc, and having a proximal end and a distal end; a white light source at the distal end; a near-infra-red light source the distal end; and an imaging sensor at the distal end. Also provided are methods of using the systems in imaging applications, as well as kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive tissue modification systems. Embodiments of the systems include a minimally invasive access device having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal passageway. Also part of the system is an elongated tissue modification device having a proximal end and a distal end. The tissue modification device is dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device. The tissue modification device includes a tissue modifier. Positioned among the distal ends of the devices are a visualization element and an illumination element. Also provided are methods of using the systems in tissue modification applications, as well as kits for practicing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerability to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices.

Abstract: A variety of improved ablation catheters and methods for using such catheters are described. In one embodiment, the catheter includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced split electrode bands that are provided near the distal end of the catheter to monitor electrophysiological signals in the patient. The electrode bands each include a plurality of electrically isolated electrode segments. The number of electrode segments in each band may be widely varied, as may the number of electrode bands. In another embodiment, the catheter has a transducer that is movable longitudinally relative to the flexible tubular member. In one embodiment, the transducer is carried at the distal end of the transmission line and the transmission line is slideably received within the flexible tubular member such that the transducer can be positioned longitudinally relative to the electrode bands. In still another embodiment, the electrodes are ion implanted on the flexible tubular member.