Abstract: A small diameter surgical tool implements an agonist-antagonist deflectable joint. The deflectable joint is an actuatable bendable structure that uses push-pull, agonist-antagonist action of a pair of nested tubes to actuate the joint. The tubes are designed to have non-central, offset neutral axes, and they are fixed together at locations distal to the deflectable joint, such as at their distal ends. Axial translations of the tubes relative to each other causes a push-pull, agonist-antagonist action between the tubes, which causes the deflectable joint to bend. In one implementation, a deflectable joint can be created in nested tubes by configuring radial portions of the tube sidewalls extending along the joint to have an axial region of reduced stiffness. As a result, axial agonist-antagonist motion between the tubes can cause bending of the deflectable joint.

Abstract: A small diameter surgical tool implements an agonist-antagonist deflectable joint. The deflectable joint is an actuatable bendable structure that uses push-pull, agonist-antagonist action of a pair of nested tubes to actuate the joint. The tubes are designed to have non-central, offset neutral axes, and they are fixed together at locations distal to the deflectable joint, such as at their distal ends. Axial translations of the tubes relative to each other causes a push-pull, agonist-antagonist action between the tubes, which causes the deflectable joint to bend. In one implementation, a deflectable joint can be created in nested tubes by configuring radial portions of the tube sidewalls extending along the joint to have an axial region of reduced stiffness. As a result, axial agonist-antagonist motion between the tubes can cause bending of the deflectable joint.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of an implant such as a cochlear implant relative to a structure of interest such as a tissue wall. The implant has an electrode array including a first electrode and a second electrode. The electrode array is insertable into an electrically-conductive volume relative to the inner wall of the scala tympani of the cochlea. A pulse generator generates a biphasic, constant-current pulse on the first and second electrodes. A controller measures the differential voltage across the pair of electrodes during the current pulse. The controller determines the proximity between the inner wall and the segment of the electrode array between the first and second electrodes based on the differential voltage between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A small diameter surgical tool implements an agonist-antagonist deflectable joint. The deflectable joint is an actuatable bendable structure that uses push-pull, agonist-antagonist action of a pair of nested tubes to actuate the joint. The tubes are designed to have non-central, offset neutral axes, and they are fixed together at locations distal to the deflectable joint, such as at their distal ends. Axial translations of the tubes relative to each other causes a push-pull, agonist-antagonist action between the tubes, which causes the deflectable joint to bend. In one implementation, a deflectable joint can be created in nested tubes by configuring radial portions of the tube sidewalls extending along the joint to have an axial region of reduced stiffness. As a result, axial agonist-antagonist motion between the tubes can cause bending of the deflectable joint.

Abstract: A small diameter surgical tool implements an agonist-antagonist deflectable joint. The deflectable joint is an actuatable bendable structure that uses push-pull, agonist-antagonist action of a pair of nested tubes to actuate the joint. The tubes are designed to have non-central, offset neutral axes, and they are fixed together at locations distal to the deflectable joint, such as at their distal ends. Axial translations of the tubes relative to each other causes a push-pull, agonist-antagonist action between the tubes, which causes the deflectable joint to bend. In one implementation, a deflectable joint can be created in nested tubes by configuring radial portions of the tube sidewalls extending along the joint to have an axial region of reduced stiffness. As a result, axial agonist-antagonist motion between the tubes can cause bending of the deflectable joint.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the location of an implant such as a cochlear implant relative to a structure of interest such as a tissue wall. The implant has an electrode array including a first electrode and a second electrode. The electrode array is insertable into an electrically-conductive volume relative to the inner wall of the scala tympani of the cochlea. A pulse generator generates a biphasic, constant-current pulse on the first and second electrodes. A controller measures the differential voltage across the pair of electrodes during the current pulse. The controller determines the proximity between the inner wall and the segment of the electrode array between the first and second electrodes based on the differential voltage between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A steerable surgical needle (10) includes an elongated needle shaft (12), a beveled tip portion (14), and a flexural element (16) that connects the needle shaft (12) with the tip portion (14) and permits the tip portion to deflect relative to the needle shaft. A method for steering the surgical needle (10) through tissue includes the steps of advancing the needle in the body tissue to induce tip flexure which causes the needle to follow a curved trajectory, and rotating the needle about its longitudinal axis in place, without advancement, to remove the tip flexure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and apparatus for implementing a method for identifying tube parameters of a curved tube of an active cannula for operating on a target in a patient. The method includes the step (a) of acquiring a model of the patient anatomy including the target. The method also includes the step (b) of selecting a set of parameters characterizing a curved tube. The method also includes the step (c) of computing a workspace for an active cannula having the selected curved tube parameters. The method also includes the step (d) of comparing the workspace to the anatomical model to determine the degree to which an active cannula having the selected curved tube parameters covers the target. The method also includes the step (e) of repeating steps (b) through (d) through a defined number of curved tube parameter sets. The method also includes the step (f) of identifying the curved tube parameters that provide an active cannula with an optimal degree of target coverage.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for performing endoscopic surgery on a patient (12) includes at least two concentric tube manipulators (150) adapted to carry devices (152, 154) for performing a surgical operation. A transmission (200) operates the concentric tube manipulators (150). An endoscope tube (106) has a proximal end portion fixed to the transmission (200). The concentric tube manipulators (150) extend from the transmission (200) through an inner lumen (102) of the endoscope tube (106) and are operable to extend from a distal end (104) of the endoscope tube.

Abstract: A surgical robot system includes a support structure for positioning relative to a patient. The support structure includes a plurality of mounting structures. One or more robotic tool cassettes that are configured to interchangeably connect with any of the mounting structures. Each tool cassette includes a concentric tube manipulator and a transmission for operating the concentric tube manipulator. The support structure also includes a tube collector including a tube assembly associated with each of the mounting structures. The tube assemblies are configured to receive the concentric tube manipulators and guide the manipulators to extend along predetermined trajectories relative to each other.

Abstract: A small diameter surgical tool implements an agonist-antagonist deflectable joint. The deflectable joint is an actuatable bendable structure that uses push-pull, agonist-antagonist action of a pair of nested tubes to actuate the joint. The tubes are designed to have non-central, offset neutral axes, and they are fixed together at locations distal to the deflectable joint, such as at their distal ends. Axial translations of the tubes relative to each other causes a push-pull, agonist-antagonist action between the tubes, which causes the deflectable joint to bend. In one implementation, a deflectable joint can be created in nested tubes by configuring radial portions of the tube sidewalls extending along the joint to have an axial region of reduced stiffness. As a result, axial agonist-antagonist motion between the tubes can cause bending of the deflectable joint.

Abstract: Systems and method are described for counterbalancing the force required to deform a flexure joint. The system includes an elastically deformable flexure joint, a control joint, and an energy balance system. The control joint is mechanically linked to the flexure joint such that movement of the control joint causes a corresponding deformation of the flexure joint. The energy balance system provides a spring force to aid movement of the control joint and to overcome an elastic force required to deform the flexure joint.

Abstract: A movement dampening system for a surgical tool. The system includes a height-adjustable base positionable adjacent to a surgical site on a patient. An elastic damper is disposed adjacent to the height-adjustable base, A channel extends through the elastic damper and the height-adjustable base to the surgical site. A portion of the channel extending through the elastic damper is sized to receive the surgical tool and to restrict movement of the surgical tool.

Abstract: A multipurpose tissue sampling device is provided for extracting at least one tissue sample from a tissue sampling site. An outer sheath has a cutting surface and an outer sheath lumen extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end. An inner stylet has a solid inner stylet cutting tip, sampling notch, and an inner stylet lumen extending from an inner stylet proximal end to the sampling notch. The inner stylet exterior wall is configured to pass through the outer sheath lumen. A fine needle aspiration needle has an FNA needle body configured to pass through the inner stylet lumen. The FNA needle has an FNA needle lumen and a sampling feature. An actuator has a proximal port and a distal port with inner port walls that are configured to accept at least a portion of at least one of the outer sheath and inner stylet.

Abstract: A surgical robot system includes a support structure for positioning relative to a patient. The support structure includes a plurality of mounting structures. One or more robotic tool cassettes that are configured to interchangeably connect with any of the mounting structures. Each tool cassette includes a concentric tube manipulator and a transmission for operating the concentric tube manipulator. The support structure also includes a tube collector including a tube assembly associated with each of the mounting structures. The tube assemblies are configured to receive the concentric tube manipulators and guide the manipulators to extend along predetermined trajectories relative to each other.

Abstract: A multipurpose tissue sampling device is provided for extracting at least one tissue sample from a tissue sampling site. An outer sheath has a cutting surface and an outer sheath lumen extending from an outer sheath proximal end to an outer sheath distal end. An inner stylet has a solid inner stylet cutting tip, sampling notch, and an inner stylet lumen extending from an inner stylet proximal end to the sampling notch. The inner stylet exterior wall is configured to pass through the outer sheath lumen. A fine needle aspiration needle has an FNA needle body configured to pass through the inner stylet lumen. The FNA needle has an FNA needle lumen and a sampling feature. An actuator has a proximal port and a distal port with inner port walls that are configured to accept at least a portion of at least one of the outer sheath and inner stylet.

Abstract: The needle-sized surgical tools used in arthroscopy, otolaryngology, and other surgical fields could become even more valuable to surgeons if endowed with the ability to navigate around sharp corners to manipulate or visualize tissue. A needle-sized bendable joint design that grants this ability. It can be easily interfaced with manual tools or concentric tube robots and is straightforward and inexpensive to manufacture. The bendable joint includes of a nitinol tube with several asymmetric cutouts, actuated by a tendon.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for performing transforaminal therapy utilizes a cannula positioned in the foramen ovale and a probe that is operable through an actuator to access the brain via the cannula. According to one aspect, the actuator can be a manual mechanical actuator. According to another aspect, the actuator can be a robotic actuator. According to a further aspect, the actuator can be adapted for use in an imaging environment, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a medical device on a patient includes a support structure adapted to be fitted to the patient's body. The medical device is connectable to the support structure. At least one mounting pad is connected to the support structure and is adapted to engage the patient's anatomy. The at least one mounting pad includes a frictional jamming structure configured so that, in a non-actuated condition of the mounting pad, the mounting pad conforms to the patient's anatomy and, in an actuated condition of the mounting pad, the mounting pad becomes rigid in its conformed shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and apparatus for implementing a method for identifying tube parameters of a curved tube of an active cannula for operating on a target in a patient. The method includes the step (a) of acquiring a model of the patient anatomy including the target. The method also includes the step (b) of selecting a set of parameters characterizing a curved tube. The method also includes the step (c) of computing a workspace for an active cannula having the selected curved tube parameters. The method also includes the step (d) of comparing the workspace to the anatomical model to determine the degree to which an active cannula having the selected curved tube parameters covers the target. The method also includes the step (e) of repeating steps (b) through (d) through a defined number of curved tube parameter sets. The method also includes the step (f) of identifying the curved tube parameters that provide an active cannula with an optimal degree of target coverage.