Abstract: A camera system for use with retractors. The system includes a camera assembly configured for mounting on the proximal end of a retractor system, such as the proximal end of a blade such that the entirety of the camera assembly is disposed at the proximal end of the retractor system may be disposed such that the distal-most optical element overhangs the working channel established by the retractor, and includes a reflector and a rotatable mount for the reflector, camera assembly viewing axis may be altered without changing the position of the entire camera assembly.

Abstract: A cannula system and method for accessing a blood mass in the brain. The system comprises a cannula with a camera mounted on the proximal end of the cannula with a view into the cannula lumen and the surgical field below the lumen. A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element is oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen. The system may also include an obturator with a small diameter shaft and a large diameter tip which is optically transmissive, so that a surgeon inserting or manipulating the assembly can easily see that the obturator tip is near brain tissue (which is white) or blood (which is red).

Abstract: A camera system for use with retractors. The system includes a camera assembly configured for mounting on the proximal end of a retractor system, such as the proximal end of a blade such that the entirety of the camera assembly is disposed at the proximal end of the retractor system may be disposed such that the distal-most optical element overhangs the working channel established by the retractor, and includes a reflector and a rotatable mount for the reflector, camera assembly viewing axis may be altered without changing the position of the entire camera assembly.

Abstract: A tool for treating hematoma in the brain, and other tissue in the body, especially suited for use through a cannula. The tool may include a cautery probe for sealing blood vessels in the brain, and a macerating structure for disrupting a hematoma, and aspiration features for removing macerated hematoma debris from the body.

Abstract: A cannula system and method for accessing a blood mass in the brain. The system comprises a cannula with a camera mounted on the proximal end of the cannula with a view into the cannula lumen and the surgical field below the lumen. A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element is oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen. The system may also include an obturator with a small diameter shaft and a large diameter tip which is optically transmissive, so that a surgeon inserting or manipulating the assembly can easily see that the obturator tip is near brain tissue (which is white) or blood (which is red).

Abstract: A tool for treating hematoma in the brain, and other tissue in the body, especially suited for use through a cannula. The tool may include a cautery probe for sealing blood vessels in the brain, and a macerating structure for disrupting a hematoma, and aspiration features for removing macerated hematoma debris from the body.

Abstract: The devices and methods for visualization of a surgical workspace in the brain while using a surgical tool such an aspirator. A tool is fitted with a camera assembly, at a position at the proximal end of an insertion portion and distal tip of the tool. Illumination is provided through a light guide (a cylindrical light guide or bundle of optical fibers) which terminates proximal to the distal tip of the tool. The camera assembly is aimed to intersect the long axis of the tube near the distal tip. The camera is disposed on the proximal end of the tool such as it resides outside the body when the tool tip is disposed in the surgical workspace, while providing images of tissue in the workspace while a surgeon manipulates the tool within the surgical workspace.

Abstract: A camera system for use with retractors. The system includes a camera assembly configured for mounting on the proximal end of a retractor system. The camera assembly viewing axis may be translated between a first and second position to obtain a stereographic image pair, and a control system is operable to control the camera assembly and an associated display to present the stereographic image pair as a wigglegram which conveys 3D information to the user.

Abstract: A camera system for use with retractors. The system includes a camera assembly configured for mounting on the proximal end of a retractor system. The camera assembly viewing axis may be translated between a first and second position to obtain a stereographic image pair, and a control system is operable to control the camera assembly and an associated display to present the stereographic image pair as a wigglegram which conveys 3D information to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide for identification and visualization of nerves proximate a surgical site within the brain during brain surgery. The system includes a nerve monitoring system that includes a tool suitable for insertion into the brain of a patient, response sensors suitable for mounting on the skin of the patient, a nerve monitoring control system. The system also includes a fluoroscopic imaging system used to obtain fluoroscopic images of the brain and the tool during the surgery. The nerve monitoring system is interoperable with the fluoroscopic imaging system to determine the location of the tool tip corresponding a signal from the response sensors, and present a screen element in a corresponding location in the fluoroscopic images.

Abstract: A cannula system and method for accessing a blood mass in the brain. The system comprises a cannula with a camera mounted on the proximal end of the cannula with a view into the cannula lumen and the surgical field below the lumen. A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element is oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen. The system may also include an obturator with a small diameter shaft and a large diameter tip which is optically transmissive, so that a surgeon inserting or manipulating the assembly can easily see that the obturator tip is near brain tissue (which is white) or blood (which is red).

Abstract: A retractor, distractor, and camera system with the camera system and/or distractor configured to provide releasable attachment of the camera system to the distractor, and also provide for rotation of the camera assembly relative to the distractor to allow for adjusting the aim of the camera viewing axis to obtain an image of the surgical workspace established by the retractor.

Abstract: A cannula suitable for use in minimally invasive surgery is improved with a highly polished and very smooth luminal wall and/or LED's or other light sources focused at particular angles relative to the axis of the cannula. The devices provide for improved lighting and/or reduced lighting requirements for cannulas used for minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: Devices for localizing an intracerebral hematoma or blood mass in brain tissue. The devices include an elongate probe a color sensors and a light emitter on the distal end of the probe. The color sensors produce a signal corresponding to the color of light reflected into the color sensors. A display is provided to indicate the color detected.

Abstract: An anchoring system for cannulas or tools to be inserted into a surgical workspace in the body, particularly the brain, of a patient. The system comprises a mounting ring which may be fixed to the skull to both secure the system to the skull and protect the skull opening from passage of cannulas and tools, a resilient clip with grasping jaws adapted to firmly grasp a cannula or tool, and a flexible membrane secured to the outer rim of the mounting ring and the clip.

Abstract: A cannula system and method for accessing a blood mass in the brain. The system comprises a cannula with a camera mounted on the proximal end of the cannula with a view into the cannula lumen and the surgical field below the lumen. A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element is oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen. The system may also include an obturator with a small diameter shaft and a large diameter tip which is optically transmissive, so that a surgeon inserting or manipulating the assembly can easily see that the obturator tip is near brain tissue (which is white) or blood (which is red).

Abstract: A macerating and aspiration tool for removing blood masses from the brain.

Abstract: A camera and expandable bladed retractor system. The system includes a camera, with a distal-most optical element disposed over the proximal end of the lumen or surgical channel established by the retractor blades. The camera may be fixed to the retractor, either to the proximal end of a blade or to a frame member.

Abstract: A cannula system and method for accessing a blood mass in the brain. The system comprises a cannula with a camera mounted on the proximal end of the cannula with a view into the cannula lumen and the surgical field below the lumen. A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element is oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen. The system may also include an obturator with a small diameter shaft and a large diameter tip which is optically transmissive, so that a surgeon inserting or manipulating the assembly can easily see that the obturator tip is near brain tissue (which is white) or blood (which is red).

Abstract: A macerating and aspiration tool for removing blood masses from the brain.