Abstract: An endoscopic guidance system is provided. The system comprises an endoscope and a first rail assembly having a rail member and a first rod secured thereto. The first rod is rotatable relative to the rail member by rotation means. A sleeve assembly is also provided. The sleeve assembly is coupled to the first rod, wherein the endoscope is releasably engageable with the sleeve assembly. Rotation of the first rod causes the sleeve assembly to move along the first rod to guide the endoscope to a desired position along a first degree of freedom.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a nontarget body tissue of a patient during electrocautery surgery, an electrocautery probe being adapted to provide an electrical field to electrocauterize a target body tissue of the patient, includes a stent. The stent is adapted to detect the electrical field and to produce a field proximity signal in response to the detected electrical field. An electrical source provides electrical power to the probe. An electrical controller is adapted to receive the field proximity signal and to regulate electrical power to the probe in response to the field proximity signal. A method for protecting a nontarget body tissue of the patient during electrocautery surgery is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting a nontarget body tissue of a patient during electrocautery surgery, an electrocautery probe being adapted to provide an electrical field to electrocauterize a target body tissue of the patient, includes a stent. The stent is adapted to detect the electrical field and to produce a field proximity signal in response to the detected electrical field. An electrical source provides electrical power to the probe. An electrical controller is adapted to receive the field proximity signal and to regulate electrical power to the probe in response to the field proximity signal. A method for protecting a nontarget body tissue of the patient during electrocautery surgery is also described.