Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can include for example, an apparatus, which can include a manipulating arrangement configured to cause a medical device to move, where a portion of the manipulating arrangement can be partly composed of a non-magnetic material, and a computer arrangement in a communication with the manipulating arrangement, and configured to remotely operate the manipulating arrangement. The computer arrangement can include a computer. The communication can be a wired or wireless communication. The medical device can include (i) a catheter, (ii) an endoscope, or (iii) a needle. The manipulating arrangement can include a catheter as the medical device that can be attached to a manipulator.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can include for example, an apparatus, which can include a manipulating arrangement configured to cause a medical device to move, where a portion of the manipulating arrangement can be partly composed of a non-magnetic material, and a computer arrangement in a communication with the manipulating arrangement, and configured to remotely operate the manipulating arrangement. The computer arrangement can include a computer. The communication can be a wired or wireless communication. The medical device can include (i) a catheter, (ii) an endoscope, or (iii) a needle. The manipulating arrangement can include a catheter as the medical device that can be attached to a manipulator.

Abstract: Bone marrow access apparatus includes a bone attachment part attachable to bone, a tubular conduit part attached to the bone attachment part and defining a conduit communicating with a hollow interior of the bone attachment part, and a port attached to the conduit part. The port defines a hollow interior communicating with the conduit defined by the conduit part. One or more optional flow control components are arranged in a passage defined by the interior of the bone attachment member, the conduit of the conduit part and the interior of the port and operatively restrict inflow or outflow. A localization part is on or integrated into the port and enables the port to be located through skin. In use, a sampling device is inserted through skin overlying the port, into and through the passage defined by the apparatus, through the flow control component(s), when present, and into the marrow space. Marrow is captured and then the sampling device is removed.

Abstract: Bone marrow access apparatus includes a bone attachment part attachable to bone, a tubular conduit part attached to the bone attachment part and defining a conduit communicating with a hollow interior of the bone attachment part, and a port attached to the conduit part. The port defines a hollow interior communicating with the conduit defined by the conduit part. One or more optional flow control components are arranged in a passage defined by the interior of the bone attachment member, the conduit of the conduit part and the interior of the port and operatively restrict inflow or outflow. A localization part is on or integrated into the port and enables the port to be located through skin. In use, a sampling device is inserted through skin overlying the port, into and through the passage defined by the apparatus, through the flow control component(s), when present, and into the marrow space. Marrow is captured and then the sampling device is removed.

Abstract: A system and method to process an acquired image to differentiate a portion of subject anatomy to protect relative to a portion of anatomy to receive treatment is provided. The system includes a controller with program instructions to perform the steps of receiving an instruction to indicate a zone interest of the imaged anatomy to protect associated with treatment of the subject anatomy; calculating a first set of image elements associated with a first circulatory network in communication to supply a first zone of interest to treat and not in communication to supply a second zone of interest to protect; calculating a second set of image elements of the acquired image associated with a second circulatory network in communication to supply the second zone of interest to protect; and creating a display that differentiates the second set of image elements from a remainder of the acquired image.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a first cutting element, a second cutting element, a guide member and an actuation mechanism with the guide member being attached to either the first cutting element, second cutting element or the actuation mechanism. The first and second cutting elements are operatively connected to the actuation mechanism with the actuation mechanism adapted to move at least one of the two cutting elements to resection tissue. The actuation mechanism includes a handle, trigger grip and at least one connecting member that connects the trigger grip to either one or both of the cutting elements to cause movement of the cutting elements when the trigger grip is pressed. A surgical method for performing an image-guided resection of diseased tissue is also disclosed. Further, a kit for tissue resection is disclosed that includes a plurality of surgical instruments and various configured elongated pins.

Abstract: A system and method to process an acquired image to differentiate a portion of subject anatomy to protect relative to a portion of anatomy to receive treatment is provided. The system includes a controller with program instructions to perform the steps of receiving an instruction to indicate a zone interest of the imaged anatomy to protect associated with treatment of the subject anatomy; calculating a first set of image elements associated with a first circulatory network in communication to supply a first zone of interest to treat and not in communication to supply a second zone of interest to protect; calculating a second set of image elements of the acquired image associated with a second circulatory network in communication to supply the second zone of interest to protect; and creating a display that differentiates the second set of image elements from a remainder of the acquired image.

Abstract: To treat obesity, a tube is positioned so that it passes through a patient's abdominal wall into the upper digestive system of the patient. The patient is allowed to carry out his/her everyday affairs including ingesting food. After ingestion, food is extracted by pumping it out of the upper digestive system through the tube. The embodiments described herein take advantage of some properties of ePTFE to provide a number of significant advantages.

Abstract: An apparatus for breast and buttock modification is provided which includes first and second tubes that extend alongside each other, and each of which has a lumen. The apparatus also includes an inflatable balloon having a valve that is detachably coupled to a distal end of the second tube such that a portion of the distal end extends through the valve. The balloon is adapted to be introduced to a space in a body and inflated in the space in the body by fluid introduced through the valve through the second tube. And the second tube is detached from the inflated balloon to leave the inflated balloon positioned in the space in the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for breast and buttock modification is provided which includes first and second tubes that extend alongside each other, and each of which has a lumen. The apparatus also includes an inflatable balloon having a valve that is detachably coupled to a distal end of the second tube such that a portion of the distal end extends through the valve. The balloon is adapted to be introduced to a space in a body and inflated in the space in the body by fluid introduced through the valve through the second tube. And the second tube is detached from the inflated balloon to leave the inflated balloon positioned in the space in the body.

Abstract: A signaling apparatus including a substantially transparent panel, a light emitting element attached to a surface of the transparent panel, substantially transparent means for delivering power to the light emitting elements, and means for selectively controlling energization of the light emitting elements. The signaling apparatus being substantially transparent when the light emitting elements are not in an energized state. The light emitting elements might be LEDS, organic LEDS (OLEDs), electroluminescent displays, LCDs, or incandescent bulbs. The signaling apparatus is adapted to be mounted on a vehicle window for providing selectable patterns, variable rate flashing, changeable colors, textual or graphic messages, strobe lights, and other types of displays. Cooling channels or a cooling plenum may be provided to allow higher power (e.g., high intensity) operation.

Abstract: A method for treating obesity in a human patient is provided whereby an ablation source is introduced into the small intestine of the patient via a working channel of an endoscope, and the intestinal mucosa of the patient is ablated over a length of the small intestine in a range of approximately 40 cm to 100 cm.

Abstract: A guide device is provided for a laparoscopic ultrasound probe. The guide device includes a sheath that is adapted to fit over at least a portion of the ultrasound probe, and a guide coupled to the sheath for guiding a medical tool inserted therethrough to position the medical tool in a plane of an ultrasound image obtained via the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for treating obesity. A tube is positioned that passes through a patient's abdominal wall into the upper digestive system of the patient. The patient is allowed to carry out his/her everyday affairs including ingesting food. After the patient has ingested food, the food is extracted by pumping it out of the upper digestive system through the tube. The present invention is less invasive than current surgical procedures for reducing weight and allows patients to live a normal and active lifestyle without experiencing adverse side effects.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for treating obesity. A tube is positioned that passes through a patient's abdominal wall into the upper digestive system of the patient. The patient is allowed to carry out his/her everyday affairs including ingesting food. After the patient has ingested food, the food is extracted by pumping it out of the upper digestive system through the tube. The present invention is less invasive than current surgical procedures for reducing weight and allows patients to live a normal and active lifestyle without experiencing adverse side effects.

Abstract: A tunneling device is provided which includes a substantially rigid rod, an energy emitting part at a distal end of the rod, a catheter holding part at a proximal end of the rod, an energy source connected to the energy emitting part, and a control section for activating the energy source to transmit energy to the energy emitting part, so as to cause the energy emitting part to emit cutting and/or cauterizing energy. The substantially rigid rod is adapted to be guided through body tissue while the energy source is active so as to facilitate movement and control of the guided rod.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided which includes (i) a transabdominal tube having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and (ii) a pump that is attachable to the distal end portion of the tube. The tube is inserted into a patient such that the proximal end portion of the tube is disposed in the upper digestive system of the patient and the distal end portion of the tube extends externally from the patient. The pump is connected to the distal end portion of the tube, and the pump is controlled to remove partially digested food from the upper digestive system of the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for superimposing the position and orientation of a diagnostic and/or treatment device on a previously acquired three-dimensional anatomic image such as a CT or MRI image, so as to enable navigation of the diagnostic and/or treatment device to a desired location. A plurality of previously acquired three-dimensional images may be utilized to form a “movie” of the beating heart which can be synchronized with a patient's EKG in the operating room, and the position of the diagnostic and/or treatment device can be superimposed on the synchronized “movie” of the beating heart. An electrophysiological map of the heart can also be superimposed on the previously acquired three-dimensional antaomic image and/or the “movie” of the beating heart.

Abstract: Method for ablating a tumor in a body while protecting a nearby structure from the effects of the ablation in which an ablation shield is interposed between the tumor and the nearby structure and then one or more ablation sources of an ablation device is activated to ablate the tumor while the nearby structure is shielded by the ablation shield. Preferably, the ablation procedure is performed while imaging at least a region including and surrounding the tumor so that the ablation device can be guided toward the tumor based on the imaging. The ablation shield can also be guided percutaneously between the nearby structure and the tumor based on the imaging. Additional surgical instruments for percutaneous use and method for performing surgery using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for superimposing the position and orientation of a diagnostic and/or treatment device on a previously acquired three-dimensional anatomic image such as a CT or MRI image, so as to enable navigation of the diagnostic and/or treatment device to a desired location. A plurality of previously acquired three-dimensional images may be utilized to form a “movie” of the beating heart which can be synchronized with a patient's EKG in the operating room, and the position of the diagnostic and/or treatment device can be superimposed on the synchronized “movie” of the beating heart. An electrophysiological map of the heart can also be superimposed on the previously acquired three-dimensional antaomic image and/or the “movie” of the beating heart.