Abstract: A surgical device comprising an elongated body, a tissue penetrating apparatus and a light projector. The elongated body can reach with distal end thereof a surface of an organ within a subject's body. The tissue penetrating apparatus can be extended from the elongated body distal end along a curved penetration path restricted to a chosen penetration plane. The light projector can generate a shaped illumination on the surface of the organ indicative of an intersection of the penetration plane with the surface of the organ.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising an elongated body, a tissue penetrating apparatus and a light projector. The elongated body can reach with distal end thereof a surface of an organ within a subject's body. The tissue penetrating apparatus can be extended from the elongated body distal end along a curved penetration path restricted to a chosen penetration plane. The light projector can generate a shaped illumination on the surface of the organ indicative of an intersection of the penetration plane with the surface of the organ.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for forming passage extending along a plane crossing an organ's volumetric region from an entry point to an opposing exit point at a surface of the organ, and for passing a tension member around the volumetric region by pulling the tension member from the exit point to the entry point through the passage. The apparatus can include a rigid outer tube with a tip for penetrating the organ and reach a penetration depth; an inner needle with elastic body configured to pass straightened through outer tube lumen and to partially protrude and voluntarily flex to a curved form greater than the diameter of the volumetric region; and a tension member passer with a pulling portion for engaging with portion of tension member and for pulling the tension member when withdrawn.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for forming a passage extending along a plane crossing an organ's volumetric region from an entry point to an opposing exit point at a surface of the organ, and for passing a tension member around the volumetric region by pulling the tension member from the exit point to the entry point through the passage. The apparatus can include a rigid outer tube with a tip for penetrating the organ and reach a penetration depth; an inner needle with an elastic body configured to pass straightened through the outer tube lumen and to partially protrude and voluntarily flex to a curved form greater than the diameter of the volumetric region; and a tension member passer with a pulling portion for engaging with a portion of the tension member and for pulling the tension member when withdrawn.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for forming passage extending along a plane crossing an organ's volumetric region from an entry point to an opposing exit point at a surface of the organ, and for passing a tension member around the volumetric region by pulling the tension member from the exit point to the entry point through the passage. The apparatus can include a rigid outer tube with a tip for penetrating the organ and reach a penetration depth; an inner needle with elastic body configured to pass straightened through outer tube lumen and to partially protrude and voluntarily flex to a curved form greater than the diameter of the volumetric region; and a tension member passer with a pulling portion for engaging with portion of tension member and for pulling the tension member when withdrawn.

Abstract: An apparatus (500) for compressing a tumor in an organ of a body of a subject for increasing pressure within the tumor until causing ischemia and/or necrosis in the tumor. The apparatus includes an elongated body (501) for reaching surface of the organ via surgical access formed in the body. The apparatus includes a tightening mechanism (502) for tightening a tension member around a volumetric portion of organ and/or the tumor. The tightening mechanism includes a pulling member (504,505) and a force manipulator unit (513) for applying a tensioning force via the pulling member to force the tension member into a tightened state. The apparatus includes a securing mechanism (503) for securing first and second portions of the tension member for maintaining the tension member in the tightened state.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method for forming passage extending along a plane crossing an organ's volumetric region from an entry point to an opposing exit point at a surface of the organ, and for passing a tension member around the volumetric region by pulling the tension member from the exit point to the entry point through the passage. The apparatus can include a rigid outer tube with a tip for penetrating the organ and reach a penetration depth; an inner needle with elastic body configured to pass straightened through outer tube lumen and to partially protrude and voluntarily flex to a curved form greater than the diameter of the volumetric region; and a tension member passer with a pulling portion for engaging with portion of tension member and for pulling the tension member when withdrawn.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a reflection-facilitation element, which is disposed in the pericardial cavity of a subject and on a first side of a tissue of the subject. The reflection-facilitation element comprises an inflatable member, having a first side and a second side, and configured to be inflated while disposed in the pericardial cavity, and a plurality of electrodes, comprising at least a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode being disposed on the first side of the inflatable member. The apparatus further comprises an ultrasound transducer placed on a second side of the tissue of the subject, and configured to apply ultrasound energy to the tissue of the subject such that at least a portion of the energy reaches the inflatable member. The inflatable member reflects at least a portion of the ultrasound energy that reaches the inflatable member.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a reflection-facilitation element, which is disposed in the pericardial cavity of a subject and on a first side of a tissue of the subject. The reflection-facilitation element comprises an inflatable member, having a first side and a second side, and configured to be inflated while disposed in the pericardial cavity, and a plurality of electrodes, comprising at least a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode being disposed on the first side of the inflatable member. The apparatus further comprises an ultrasound transducer placed on a second side of the tissue of the subject, and configured to apply ultrasound energy to the tissue of the subject such that at least a portion of the energy reaches the inflatable member. The inflatable member reflects at least a portion of the ultrasound energy that reaches the inflatable member.

Abstract: Apparatus for ablating tissue of a subject is provided. The apparatus includes a reflection-facilitation element (20) having an inflatable element (22), which is placed at a first side of the tissue of the subject; and an introducer (24), coupled to the inflatable element which delivers a fluid to the first side of the tissue, such that a portion of the fluid is disposed within the inflatable element, and another portion of the fluid is disposed outside of the inflatable element. The apparatus also includes an ultrasound tool (90), having at least one ultrasound transducer (92), which is placed at a second side of the tissue, and applies ultrasound energy such that at least a portion of the applied energy is reflected by the fluid. Other applications are also described.