Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for insertion of implantable medical devices, and more particularly to insertion of implantable devices with a vibrating insertion tool. More specifically, a vibrating insertion tool is described, the insertion tool comprising an insertion tool controllable by a user to support and guide movement of an object, the insertion tool comprising an elongate arm having a proximal end region and a distal end region, the distal end region having a receiving region, a user-controllable vibration source for generating vibrations in accordance with a selected vibration profile, and an elongate rigid spine, connected to the vibration source and the receiving region, configured to deliver the vibrations to the receiving region.

Abstract: Systems and Methods are provided for inserting a steerable array into an anatomical structure of the body. The system includes an insertion module for holding a proximal end of the steerable array and a force sensor configured to detect force on the steerable array and to produce force information. The system includes a position sensor configured to detect a position of the insertion module and to produce position information, the position information including a lateral position along an insertion axis and a first approach angle relative to a first reference axis. The system further includes a processor configured to receive the force information from the force sensor and the position information from the position sensor. The processor outputs performance information to a user. The performance information includes an indication of a first differential approach angle relative to an insertion path plan.

Abstract: A hand-held directional irrigation tube and a suction tube surgical instrument includes a finger or thumb operated aperture on the suction tube communicating with the lumen thereof that serves to selectively by-pass and connect the suction pump with the surgical site and the irrigation tube being removably supported in a sleeve attached to the suction tube that includes a gear-like member having circumferentially spaced valleys or slots attached to the sleeve cooperating with a projection attached to the irrigation tube so that the surgeon can slide the irrigation tube to disengage the projection and rotate it and re-insert it into another slot in the gear-like member to re-direct the spray of irrigation fluid egressing from the irrigation tube to different locations in the surgical site.