Abstract: Computer systems and computer-implemented analysis methods may be used for assistance in planning and/or performing a medical procedure, such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy or percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. The method may include receiving one or more radiographic images of an anatomical structure of a patient, generating a display of the radiographic image(s), generating at least one request for user input to identify features of the anatomical structure, receiving user input identifying the features of the anatomical structure, identifying at least one access plan based on the received user input, and generating a display of the identified access plan(s) associated with the radiographic image(s). The method may include generating a patient template that indicates an insertion site according to the identified access plan(s).

Abstract: Computer systems and computer-implemented analysis methods may be used for assistance in planning and/or performing a medical procedure, such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy or percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. The method may include receiving one or more radiographic images of an anatomical structure of a patient, generating a display of the radiographic image(s), generating at least one request for user input to identify features of the anatomical structure, receiving user input identifying the features of the anatomical structure, identifying at least one access plan based on the received user input, and generating a display of the identified access plan(s) associated with the radiographic image(s). The method may include generating a patient template that indicates an insertion site according to the identified access plan(s).

Abstract: Aspects of a device are described. One aspect is a device comprising: a housing having a first portion engageable with a scope, and a second portion engageable with a handle of a retrieval device; a platform that is movable relative to the housing, and engageable with a slider of the retrieval device; and a link assembly that is coupled the housing and the platform, and operable to move the platform and slider relative to the housing and handle. Aspects of related devices and systems also are described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for trimming a stent to a desired length with an outer tube and an inner tube having a distal end and a diameter configured to receive a portion of the stent in excess of the desired length. The inner tube may move within the outer tube and the distal end may include an end effector configured to trim the portion from the stent while the device and stent are within a patient.

Abstract: Devices for guiding an instrument into a body of a patient, at a targeted point of entry and along an insertion path at a targeted insertion angle, are described herein, such as a guide for an access needle in a PCNL procedure for accessing the kidney to remove kidney stones. The devices include base component aligned with a point of entry, and a guide assembly which cooperates with the base component to allow an instrument to be aligned and fixed at various circumferential and vertical angles. The devices and methods allow a medical professional to accurately and stably guide an instrument at a targeted point and angle and to a desired depth, while minimizing the exposure to radiation used to image the insertion path.

Abstract: Aspects of a device are described. One aspect is a device comprising: a housing having a first portion engageable with a scope, and a second portion engageable with a handle of a retrieval device; a platform that is movable relative to the housing, and engageable with a slider of the retrieval device; and a link assembly that is coupled the housing and the platform, and operable to move the platform and slider relative to the housing and handle. Aspects of related devices and systems also are described.

Abstract: Computer systems and computer-implemented analysis methods may be used for assistance in planning and/or performing a medical procedure, such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy or percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. The method may include receiving one or more radiographic images of an anatomical structure of a patient, generating a display of the radiographic image(s), generating at least one request for user input to identify features of the anatomical structure, receiving user input identifying the features of the anatomical structure, identifying at least one access plan based on the received user input, and generating a display of the identified access plan(s) associated with the radiographic image(s). The method may include generating a patient template that indicates an insertion site according to the identified access plan(s).

Abstract: Devices for guiding an instrument into a body of a patient, at a targeted point of entry and along an insertion path at a targeted insertion angle, are described herein, such as a guide for an access needle in a PCNL procedure for accessing the kidney to remove kidney stones, the devices comprising a base component, a guide assembly, and optionally an insertion mechanism. The base component is aligned in use with the point of entry and the guide assembly cooperates with the base component to allow for the instrument to be aligned and fixed at any circumferential angle around an axis perpendicular to the point of entry and at any vertical angle ranging from 0 to 45 degrees away from the axis in a direction toward the body. The optional mechanism allows for mechanical insertion once the instrument is aligned and fixed.

Abstract: Computer systems and computer-implemented analysis methods may be used for assistance in planning and/or performing a medical procedure, such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy or percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. The method may include receiving one or more radiographic images of an anatomical structure of a patient, generating a display of the radiographic image(s), generating at least one request for user input to identify features of the anatomical structure, receiving user input identifying the features of the anatomical structure, identifying at least one access plan based on the received user input, and generating a display of the identified access plan(s) associated with the radiographic image(s). The method may include generating a patient template that indicates an insertion site according to the identified access plan(s).

Abstract: This disclosure concerns systems and methods for removal of material from the body of a patient, and particularly for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Systems according to the various embodiments of the disclosure include one or more of nested first and second components, for instance a scope nested within a suction or irrigation catheter, guidewires with self-expanding distal tips, and wash-out elements to facilitate rapid removal of stones through an access sheath.

Abstract: Expandable access sheaths and methods for use thereof are disclosed. The access sheath may have an expandable element and flexible membrane. The access sheath may be configured to move between a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The access sheath may be biased towards the non-expanded configuration.

Abstract: Devices and methods for trimming a stent to a desired length with an outer tube and an inner tube having a distal end and a diameter configured to receive a portion of the stent in excess of the desired length. The inner tube may move within the outer tube and the distal end may include an end effector configured to trim the portion from the stent while the device and stent are within a patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods for trimming a stent to a desired length with an outer tube and an inner tube having a distal end and a diameter configured to receive a portion of the stent in excess of the desired length. The inner tube may move within the outer tube and the distal end may include an end effector configured to trim the portion from the stent while the device and stent are within a patient.

Abstract: Expandable access sheaths and methods for use thereof are disclosed. The access sheath may have an expandable element and flexible membrane. The access sheath may be configured to move between a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The access sheath may be biased towards the non-expanded configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes an elongate member having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a medial portion that is disposed between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion. The medial portion is configured to be disposed in a ureter of a patient. The apparatus further includes an expandable member that is coupled to the elongate member. The expandable member has an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The expandable member is further configured to be inserted into the ureter of the patient and configured to contact the ureter to help retain the elongate member in place within the patient.

Abstract: Expandable access sheaths and methods for use thereof are disclosed. The access sheath may have an expandable element and flexible membrane. The access sheath may be configured to move between a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration. The access sheath may be biased towards the non-expanded configuration.

Abstract: Aspects of a device are described. One aspect is a device comprising: a housing having a first portion engageable with a scope, and a second portion engageable with a handle of a retrieval device; a platform that is movable relative to the housing, and engageable with a slider of the retrieval device; and a link assembly that is coupled the housing and the platform, and operable to move the platform and slider relative to the housing and handle. Aspects of related devices and systems also are described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for trimming a stent to a desired length with an outer tube and an inner tube having a distal end and a diameter configured to receive a portion of the stent in excess of the desired length. The inner tube may move within the outer tube and the distal end may include an end effector configured to trim the portion from the stent while the device and stent are within a patient.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns systems and methods for removal of material from the body of a patient, and particularly for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Systems according to the various embodiments of the disclosure include one or more of nested first and second components, for instance a scope nested within a suction or irrigation catheter, guidewires with self-expanding distal tips, and wash-out elements to facilitate rapid removal of stones through an access sheath.

Abstract: Devices for guiding an instrument into a body of a patient, at a targeted point of entry and along an insertion path at a targeted insertion angle, are described herein, such as a guide for an access needle in a PCNL procedure for accessing the kidney to remove kidney stones, the devices comprising a base component, a guide assembly, and optionally an insertion mechanism. The base component is aligned in use with the point of entry and the guide assembly cooperates with the base component to allow for the instrument to be aligned and fixed at any circumferential angle around an axis perpendicular to the point of entry and at any vertical angle ranging from 0 to 45 degrees away from the axis in a direction toward the body. The optional mechanism allows for mechanical insertion once the instrument is aligned and fixed.