Abstract: A tool for breaking rocks comprising a tool head supported by a guide means to be linearly displaceable with respect to the guide between a retracted position and an extended position, a distal end of said tool head extending from said guide to engage a surface to be broken when the tool head is in its extended position; a drive adapted to drive said tool head towards its retracted position in a first operation and to drive the tool head towards its extended position in a second operation, said drive including a drive part mounted on said guide and a driven part mounted on the tool head and engaged by said drive part to be linearly displaceable with respect to the guide upon operation of the drive part of the drive; and a controller adapted to control operation of the drive .

Abstract: An electrical impedance probe is provided that includes a surgical needle. In an exemplary embodiment, the probe is a two-part trocar needle designed to acquire impedance measurements at its tip. The impedance measurements are representative of the local properties of a biological substance at the needle tip. Thus, the probe may be used to confirm needle insertion into a desired anatomical target or to identify the nature of the cells surrounding the tip of the needle. In urology, this sensor is used for confirming the needle insertion into the urinary tract, for localizing renal cell carcinoma, and prostate cancer.