Abstract: A device, comprising: a syringe body, the syringe body including (i) a compartment having a fluid disposed therein, (ii) a plunger in fluid communication with the compartment, (iii) a resilient member biased against the plunger, and (iv) a needle in fluid communication with the compartment. When the needle is advanced into a pleural space, the resilient member effects movement of the plunger such that pleural air is communicated to and visible in the fluid in the compartment. A catheter section associable with the syringe body includes a manually-secured anchor configured to maintain the catheter section in fluid communication with the pleural space of the subject following separation of the catheter section from the syringe body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an articulable endoscopic instrument including an articulable retractor configured to pass through a working channel of an endoscope, the articulable retractor including an end effector mounted to a distal end of the articulable retractor, and a handle to which the articulable retractor is mounted, the handle comprising controls that enable a user of the instrument to both articulate the retractor and actuate the end effector, wherein the retractor can be articulated using the controls to form two independent bends lying within one plane, the bends together forming a complex curve.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an articulable endoscopic instrument including an articulable retractor configured to pass through a working channel of an endoscope, the articulable retractor including an end effector mounted to a distal end of the articulable retractor, and a handle to which the articulable retractor is mounted, the handle comprising controls that enable a user of the instrument to both articulate the retractor and actuate the end effector, wherein the retractor can be articulated using the controls to form two independent bends lying within one plane, the bends together forming a complex curve.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sterile connector includes an inner member having a connection fitting configured to couple with a separate component that is to be connected to the sterile connector and an inner passage through which fluids can travel, and an outer member in which the inner member is received, the outer member having an inner sealing mechanism that seals the connection fitting within the outer member to protect the connection fitting from contamination, wherein the connection fitting can be passed through the sealing mechanism and extended from the outer member to enable the connection fitting to couple with the separate component.