Abstract: Irrigation devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. The system comprises a catheter with one or more lumens and an expandable portion. One or more pumps are used to supply a mixture of contrasting and dilating agents in an interior kidney volume and flush a portion of the mixture out of the interior kidney volume. The method comprises placing a catheter into the interior kidney volume through a ureter, occluding a portion of the ureter with a distal end of the catheter, forming an exit port through an exterior kidney surface, flowing the contrasting and dilating agents through the one or more lumens to supply the mixture in the interior kidney volume, and flushing a portion of the mixture out of the exit port.

Abstract: Irrigation devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. The system comprises a catheter with one or more lumens and an expandable portion. One or more pumps are used to supply a mixture of contrasting and dilating agents in an interior kidney volume and flush a portion of the mixture out of the interior kidney volume. The method comprises placing a catheter into the interior kidney volume through a ureter, occluding a portion of the ureter with a distal end of the catheter, forming an exit port through an exterior kidney surface, flowing the contrasting and dilating agents through the one or more lumens to supply the mixture in the interior kidney volume, and flushing a portion of the mixture out of the exit port.

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: A guidance device is disclosed. The device may comprise a tracking pad with a guiding opening and a plurality of sensors operable with at least one beacon on a needle to track the disposition of the needle at least when a distal end of the needle is inserted into the guiding opening. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A guidance method comprising: placing a tracking pad adjacent a body, the tracking pad including a guiding opening and a plurality of sensors, locating a distal end of a needle inside of the guiding opening at an insertion point adjacent the body, the needle including at least one beacon, operating the plurality of sensors with the at least one beacon to track an actual disposition of the needle, establishing a target disposition for the needle, moving the needle in a direction of movement to synchronize the actual disposition with the target disposition, and inserting the distal end of the needle into the body along an insertion axis.

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: 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: Irrigation devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. The system comprises a catheter with one or more lumens and an expandable portion. One or more pumps are used to supply a mixture of contrasting and dilating agents in an interior kidney volume and flush a portion of the mixture out of the interior kidney volume. The method comprises placing a catheter into the interior kidney volume through a ureter, occluding a portion of the ureter with a distal end of the catheter, forming an exit port through an exterior kidney surface, flowing the contrasting and dilating agents through the one or more lumens to supply the mixture in the interior kidney volume, and flushing a portion of the mixture out of the exit port.

Abstract: Irrigation devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. The system comprises a catheter with one or more lumens and an expandable portion. One or more pumps are used to supply a mixture of contrasting and dilating agents in an interior kidney volume and flush a portion of the mixture out of the interior kidney volume. The method comprises placing a catheter into the interior kidney volume through a ureter, occluding a portion of the ureter with a distal end of the catheter, forming an exit port through an exterior kidney surface, flowing the contrasting and dilating agents through the one or more lumens to supply the mixture in the interior kidney volume, and flushing a portion of the mixture out of the exit port.

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: A percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) needle may include a cannula including a shaft and a cannula hub coupled to a proximal end of the cannula shaft. A depth guide may be disposed on an outer surface of the cannula shaft. A stylet may be disposable within the cannula lumen and may include a tapered point at a distal end of the stylet and a stylet hub coupled to a proximal end of the stylet that is configured to be releasably securable to the cannula hub. An adjustable depth stop may be releasably securable to the cannula shaft at a desired position relative to the depth guide, the adjustable depth guide capable of being manipulated between an adjustment configuration in which the adjustable depth guide is moveable relative to the cannula shaft and a secured configuration in which the adjustable depth guide is secured relative to the cannula shaft.

Abstract: A guidance device is disclosed. The device may comprise a tracking pad with a guiding opening and a plurality of sensors operable with at least one beacon on a needle to track the disposition of the needle at least when a distal end of the needle is inserted into the guiding opening. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A guidance device is disclosed. The device may comprise a tracking pad with a guiding opening and a plurality of sensors operable with at least one beacon on a needle to track the disposition of the needle at least when a distal end of the needle is inserted into the guiding opening. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Irrigation devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. The system comprises a catheter with one or more lumens and an expandable portion. One or more pumps are used to supply a mixture of contrasting and dilating agents in an interior kidney volume and flush a portion of the mixture out of the interior kidney volume. The method comprises placing a catheter into the interior kidney volume through a ureter, occluding a portion of the ureter with a distal end of the catheter, forming an exit port through an exterior kidney surface, flowing the contrasting and dilating agents through the one or more lumens to supply the mixture in the interior kidney volume, and flushing a portion of the mixture out of the exit port.

Abstract: A fuel pump of a motor vehicle includes: a pump stage configured to induce fuel from a fuel tank; an electric motor configured to drive the pump stage; and control electronics configured to supply the electric motor with electrical current. The control electronics includes a memory storing a low temperature start program and a standard start program. The control electronics are connected to a temperature sensor and a selector configured to select the start program depending on the sensed temperature.

Abstract: Irrigation devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. The system comprises a catheter with one or more lumens and an expandable portion. One or more pumps are used to supply a mixture of contrasting and dilating agents in an interior kidney volume and flush a portion of the mixture out of the interior kidney volume. The method comprises placing a catheter into the interior kidney volume through a ureter, occluding a portion of the ureter with a distal end of the catheter, forming an exit port through an exterior kidney surface, flowing the contrasting and dilating agents through the one or more lumens to supply the mixture in the interior kidney volume, and flushing a portion of the mixture out of the exit port.

Abstract: A percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) needle may include a cannula including a shaft and a cannula hub coupled to a proximal end of the cannula shaft. A depth guide may be disposed on an outer surface of the cannula shaft. A stylet may be disposable within the cannula lumen and may include a tapered point at a distal end of the stylet and a stylet hub coupled to a proximal end of the stylet that is configured to be releasably securable to the cannula hub. An adjustable depth stop may be releasably securable to the cannula shaft at a desired position relative to the depth guide, the adjustable depth guide capable of being manipulated between an adjustment configuration in which the adjustable depth guide is moveable relative to the cannula shaft and a secured configuration in which the adjustable depth guide is secured relative to the cannula shaft.