Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for contrast-enhanced diagnostic imaging. In one embodiment, a method comprises estimating a time to perform a diagnostic scan of a patient based on demographics of the patient, and performing the diagnostic scan of the patient at the estimated time responsive to a confidence level of the estimated time above a threshold. In this way, a contrast-enhanced diagnostic scan may be performed without directly monitoring the contrast flow, thereby reducing radiation dose and contrast load while maintaining or improving image quality.

Abstract: A method of extracting mechanical activation of the left ventricle from a sequence of contrasted X-ray fluoroscopy images is provided. The method includes: processing the image sequence to perform segmentation of the coronary veins; annotating branches of the segmented coronary veins; tracking the positions of the annotations throughout the fluoroscopy image sequence; computing the principle components of the motion of the annotations from the tracked positions; projecting the motion of the annotations to the axis corresponding to a first principle component; and analyzing the resulting motion curves to identify a latest activating region of the left ventricle.

Abstract: Mammography-apparatus (1) for detecting malignant cells in a breast (2) comprising an x-ray source (3) and an x-ray detector (4?) that cooperates with the x-ray source (3) for providing an x-ray image of said breast (2), and further comprising a paddle (5) for flattening the breast (2) by pressing it against an x-ray detector cover (4), and comprising a contact area measuring device for measuring a contact area between the breast (2) and the mammography-apparatus (1), wherein the paddle (5) is replaceable and the contact area measuring device is only provided on or incorporated in the detector cover (4) facing the breast (2) and the paddle (5) is embodied without a contact area measuring device.

Abstract: A diagnostic method, a treatment method and a medical system are capable of selecting reasonably and effectively a favorable order of treatments capable of achieving desired effects when lesion areas in both left and right lower limb arteries are treated in order from an artery of an arm. The method of treating a patient having lesion areas X in both left and right lower limb arteries involves determining the lesion area X to be treated first, based on at least the two pieces of selected comparative information on each of the lesion areas X.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention relates to a method for generating a tilted tomographic X-ray map. In an embodiment, the method includes providing a 3D image data set; determining, based on the 3D image data set, synthetic mammograms corresponding to different angles within the defined projection angle range; determining a point of interest in one of the synthetic mammograms; calculating coordinates of the point of interest in the one synthetic mammogram or the 3D image data set; determining a tilted image plane through the examination object, the tilted image plane including the point of interest and the rotation axis; generating the tilted tomographic X-ray image in the tilted image plane based on the provided 3D image data set; and displaying the tilted tomographic X-ray image.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing a moving image obtained by irradiating an object with radiation, includes: an obtaining unit configured to obtain an amount of change between frames in the moving image; an estimating unit configured to estimate, based on the amount of change, a scattered ray component of the radiation scattered by the object in a frame of the moving image; and a scattered ray reducing unit configured to generate an image by subtracting the scattered ray component from the frame of the moving image.

Abstract: System and methods for automatically identifying anatomical regions in medical images are disclosed. A signature is computed from one or more images of a patient. The signature comprises a water equivalent diameter distribution generated from one or more images of the patient. A best matching atlas element is identified from an atlas. The atlas includes a group of atlas elements, each atlas element includes landmarks associated with a set of image data, and a signature associated with the set of image data. The signature of the best matching atlas element matches the signature of the patient the best among the atlas. Landmarks of the best matching atlas element are projected onto an image of the patient. The method can be used on its own for anatomy localization or used in conjunction with another anatomy localization method to correct the result of another method.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a plurality of imaging apparatuses configured to generate images based on radiation emitted from radiation generating apparatuses configured to perform radiation irradiation and a control apparatus configured to communicate with the plurality of the imaging apparatuses. The control apparatus comprises: an obtainment unit configured to obtain imaging information from each of the plurality of imaging apparatuses, a selection unit configured to select one imaging apparatus from the plurality of imaging apparatuses based on the imaging information obtained by the obtainment unit, and an image obtainment unit configured to obtain an image from the imaging apparatus selected by the selection unit, and the control apparatus further comprises a setting unit configured to set an imaging apparatus from which imaging information is obtained by the obtainment unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adjusting medical imaging parameters based on imaging parameters used during a previous imaging session. In one embodiment, a method for a computed tomography (CT) system includes reducing a radiation level of at least one CT scan of one or more successive CT scans performed on a patient based on CT scan information obtained from a previous CT scan performed on the patient, the radiation level reduced relative to a radiation level of the previous CT scan.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system, a radiographic imaging method, and a storage medium are capable of avoiding the collision of the operations, even if the operations based on a plurality of terminal apparatuses occur. The radiographic imaging system includes a radiographic imaging apparatus configured to generate a radiographic image based on radiation emitted from a radiation generating apparatus, and a control unit configured to control the radiographic imaging apparatus based on instructions from a first terminal apparatus and a second terminal apparatus. The second terminal apparatus acquires a right to control the control unit from the first terminal apparatus, and the control unit controls the radiographic imaging apparatus based on an instruction from the second terminal apparatus.

Abstract: A spatial change of a body part of an operator of a radiation image recording system is tracked and measured and setting(s) of the radiation image recording system are adjusted by an amount proportional or equal to the measured spatial change.

Abstract: A radiographic imaging system includes a radiographic detector having a scanning device to obtain patient identifying information. The detector is programmed to display the patient identifying information in human readable form and to access additional information about the patient stored in networked databases.

Abstract: A wireless stethoscope is described, having wireless sensors that are enclosed in disposable pads so that the same pads are not used on more than one patient, preventing cross-infection of patients associated with conventional stethoscopes. The present wireless stethoscope also detects pulmonary sounds and cardiac sounds, allowing the user to monitor one or the other without interference. Also described is a method for diagnosing a pulmonary condition using the wireless stethoscope.

Abstract: A therapeutic device comprises an ECG sensing electrode configured to be disposed on a torso of a subject, a therapy electrode to be disposed on the torso of the subject, the therapy electrode comprising a substrate and a conductive layer disposed on a lower surface of the substrate, and an acoustic sensor coupled to one of the ECG sensing electrode and the therapy electrode, the acoustic sensor being configured to acoustically couple to the torso of the subject and monitor heart sounds indicative of a state of health of a heart of the subject. The therapeutic device is configured to store data regarding the heart sounds monitored by the acoustic sensor and transmit the stored data to an external system for processing and analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly detaching an implant and for locating the detachment zone of a detachable implant. A sensor determines a sudden change in the local environment as the sensor passes from within a microcatheter to being exposed to the vasculature. The sensor may be a temperature sensor, ultrasonic sensor, pressure sensor or the like. If the detachable implant assembly uses a heater coil to detach the implant, the heater coil may be used as a sensor. Additionally, the implant itself may be used as a sensor if a change in electrical resistance is detectable as the implant exits the microcatheter and changes shape.

Abstract: Systems and methods can include a system for positioning an ultrasound probe proximal to anatomy of a patient on a radiation couch including a substantially planar base including engagement features to directly or indirectly index the substantially planar base to the radiation couch and a centrally located guide extending longitudinally along a top side of the base, a probe holder, configured to be coupled to, to translate longitudinally, and to be user-accessed and user-controlled from within, a central region of the substantially planar base, a clamp, configured to localize the probe holder at a specified location along a translation path in the central region of the substantially planar base, leg supports shaped to accommodate a patient's legs from behind, the pair of leg supports being shaped and arranged to provide a space therebetween that can accommodate an ultrasound probe holder.

Abstract: Systems and methods can include a system for positioning an ultrasound probe proximal to anatomy of a patient on an overlay on a radiation couch including a substantially planar base including engagement features to directly or indirectly index the substantially planar base to the radiation couch and a centrally located guide extending longitudinally along a top side of the base, a probe holder, configured to be coupled to, to translate longitudinally, and to be user-accessed and user-controlled from within, a central region of the substantially planar base, a clamp, configured to localize the probe holder at a specified location along a translation path in the central region of the substantially planar base, leg supports shaped to accommodate a patient's legs from behind, the pair of leg supports being shaped and arranged to provide a space therebetween that can accommodate an ultrasound probe holder.

Abstract: Systems and methods can include a system for positioning an ultrasound probe proximal to anatomy of a patient on a radiation couch including a substantially planar base including engagement features to directly or indirectly index the substantially planar base to the radiation couch and a centrally located guide extending longitudinally along a top side of the base, a probe holder, configured to be coupled to, to translate longitudinally, and to be user-accessed and user-controlled from within, a central region of the substantially planar base, a clamp, configured to localize the probe holder at a specified location along a translation path in the central region of the substantially planar base, leg supports shaped to accommodate a patient's legs from behind, the pair of leg supports being shaped and arranged to provide a space therebetween that can accommodate an ultrasound probe holder.

Abstract: Systems and methods can include a system for positioning an ultrasound probe proximal to anatomy of a patient on a radiation couch including a substantially planar base including engagement features to directly or indirectly index the substantially planar base to the radiation couch and a centrally located guide extending longitudinally along a top side of the base, a probe holder, configured to be coupled to, to translate longitudinally, and to be user-accessed and user-controlled from within, a central region of the substantially planar base, a clamp, configured to localize the probe holder at a specified location along a translation path in the central region of the substantially planar base, leg supports shaped to accommodate a patient's legs from behind, the pair of leg supports being shaped and arranged to provide a space therebetween that can accommodate an ultrasound probe holder.

Abstract: A dual modality endocavity imaging and treatment system for detection of cancer and targeted biopsy and treatment procedures, comprising: a housing; a nuclear detector system housed within the housing and configured for detecting nuclear radiation imaging data; an ultrasound detector system housed within the housing for detecting ultrasound imaging data; a needle associated with the housing and adjustably positionable relative thereto; and a data processing module configured to receive the nuclear radiation imaging data and the ultrasound imaging data and to generate and output an image showing the relative position of the needle and an endocavity object of interest. The needle may include a distinct radiation signature to facilitate imaging thereof.

Abstract: A backing member includes: a resin body including a lower surface and an upper surface opposite to each other; a plurality of leads each of which extends in a first direction from the lower surface toward the upper surface, and that are embedded at pitches in the resin body; and a plurality of insulating spacers each of which is provided between adjacent ones of the leads and extends in a second direction intersecting with the first direction, and that contact the leads.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic probe having improved heat dissipation capability. The ultrasonic probe includes a housing, an acoustic module disposed in the housing, and configured to transmit an ultrasonic signal to an object and receive an signal reflected from the object, an electronic circuit disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the acoustic module to drive the acoustic module, and a hole communicating an outside of the housing with the electronic circuit so that the electronic circuit is cooled by air outside the housing.

Abstract: Provided are an ultrasound probe including high-sensitive piezoelectric elements and a method of manufacturing an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements on a backing material arranged in an array along an arrangement direction. Each of the plurality of piezoelectric elements includes a laminate in which a first conductive part, a piezoelectric body part, and a second conductive part are laminated on a surface of the backing material in order. A plurality of acoustic matching part respectively arranged on the second conductive parts of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is provided. A plurality of third conductive parts acquired by respectively joining a part of the plurality of acoustic matching parts in an elevation direction to the second conductive parts of the plurality of piezoelectric elements is provided. A fourth conductive part that electrically connects the plurality of third conductive parts to each other is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasound probe. The ultrasound probe includes a first assembly having a first case, a second assembly coupled with the first assembly, having a second case, and configured to be rotatable between a first position of being unfolded with respect to the first assembly and a second position of being folded on the first assembly, a first acoustic module disposed in the inside of the first case, a second acoustic module disposed in the inside of the second case, and a first space reducing portion disposed in at least one of a portion of the first case toward the second assembly and a portion of the second case toward the first assembly, and configured to reduce a space between the first acoustic module and the second acoustic module when the second assembly is at the first position.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure described herein related to packaging an ultrasound-on-a-chip. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an ultrasound-on-a-chip that has through-silicon vias (TSVs) and an interposer coupled to the ultrasound-on-a-chip and including vias, where the ultrasound-on-a-chip is coupled to the interposer such that the TSVs in the ultrasound-on-a-chip are electrically connected to the vias in the interposer. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an ultrasound-on-a-chip having bond pads, an interposer that has bond pads and that is coupled to the ultrasound-on-a-chip, and wirebonds extending from the bond pads on the ultrasound-on-a-chip to the bond pads on the interposer.

Abstract: An intraluminal imaging device includes a flexible elongate member sized and shaped for insertion into a vessel of a patient, the flexible elongate member including a proximal portion and a distal portion; and an imaging assembly disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate member, the imaging assembly including a flex circuit disposed in a rolled configuration, the flex circuit comprising a spine member and a plurality of rib members extending from the spine member. Associated devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method for generating ultrasonic panoramic image and an ultrasonic device. The invention first analyzes the degree of overlap area between two black-and-white images and determines the Doppler signal error of two corresponding color images once the overlap area is large enough. A plurality of black-and-white characteristic images and color characteristic images are then determined from the captured black-and-white images and color images and used for generating a black-and-white panoramic image and a color panoramic image respectively using an image stitching algorithm. The color panoramic image is then overlaid with the black-and-white panoramic image to form an output panoramic image.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is operated to acquire an ultrasound image of a region of the body containing suspect anatomy such as a suspected lesion. A body marker template of the region of the body is displayed on a touchscreen display of the imaging system. The operator records the location of the suspect anatomy by touching a corresponding point on the body marker template displayed on the touchscreen display. The mark on the template can be finely adjusted by one or more controls on the imaging system control panel. The body marker template can also record a graphic indicating the orientation of the ultrasound probe relative to the body when the suspect anatomy was imaged. A report generator produces a report containing both the ultrasound image of the suspect anatomy and the body marker template with the indicated location of the suspect anatomy.

Abstract: An ECG system acquires ECG signals for the production of ECG lead data which is analyzed for ST elevation characteristics. The ST elevation information is further analyzed to identify a coronary artery or region of the myocardium which may be affected by an obstruction or occlusion. The identity of an obstructed coronary artery or affected myocardium is related to a spatial location in an ultrasound image of the heart to target an ultrasound probe at the coronary artery or myocardial region which may be obstructed or affected by an obstruction. Sonoreperfusion is then performed at the coronary artery or myocardial region targeted by the ultrasound probe.

Abstract: A force-sensing ultrasound imaging device uses multiple force sensors to capture the spatial distribution of a contact force between the imaging device and a target surface. In another aspect, the device may provide an external force stimulus in order to facilitate synchronization of different hardware systems that independently acquire force sensor data and ultrasound transducer data.

Abstract: A probe (1) for transient elastography comprising a probe casing (PC), at least one ultrasound transducer (US) having a symmetry axis (A), at least a vibrator (VIB), said vibrator (VIB) being located inside the probe casing (PC), a position sensor (POS) coupled to the probe casing (PC), the position sensor (POS) being arranged to measure the displacement of the probe (1), wherein the vibrator (VIB) is arranged to induce a movement of the probe casing (PC) along a predefined axis, the predefined axis being the symmetry axis (A) of the ultrasound transducer (US), the ultrasound transducer is bound to the probe casing (PC) with no motion of the ultrasound transducer (US) with respect to the probe casing (PC), and the probe comprises comprises a feedback circuit comprising the position sensor and a control loop and configured to use the displacement of the probe as a feedback signal and to control the movement of the vibrator inside the probe casing and the shape of a low frequency pulse applied by the probe.

Abstract: An ultrasonic signal processing device that performs speed analysis by a color flow mapping method by executing ultrasonic transmission/reception to/from a subject by driving a plurality of transducers arranged in array on an ultrasonic probe, includes: a transmitter that repeatedly executes a process of selecting two or more transmission conditions in predetermined order and transmitting an ultrasonic wave prescribed under the selected transmission condition into the subject; a reception beam former that generates an acoustic line signal on the basis of a reflected ultrasonic wave in synchronization with the ultrasonic transmission by the transmitter; a quadrature detector that performs quadrature detection on the acoustic line signal to generate a complex acoustic line signal; and a speed calculator that performs a process of grouping a plurality of complex acoustic line signals as a packet for each transmission condition and analyzes per packet to generate speed information in the subject.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging for analyzing shear wave characteristics utilizes a background motion compensation subsystem which acts as a spatial filter of pulse-to-pulse autocorrelation phases over the ROI of tracking pulse vectors to compensate for background motion. The subsystem is configured to compute the sum of all lag-1 autocorrelations of tracking line ensemble data over the tracking ROI, for each PRI. The inventive technique does not significantly reduce sensitivity to shear waves, because the shear wave is spatially smaller than the ROI.

Abstract: Provided are a method of obtaining a contrast image and an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus for performing the method. The ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes: an ultrasound transceiver; a display; and a controller configured to obtain an ultrasound image and a contrast image of an object by using the ultrasound transceiver, determine a region of interest (ROI) in at least one of the ultrasound image and the contrast image, transmit a flash pulse to destroy a contrast agent in the ROI from among regions of the object, image the contrast agent re-introduced into the ROI, and control the display to display the contrast image of the ROI.

Abstract: A container contains a tissue sample tray with tissue samples disposed thereon. The container fits in a radiograph machine and thereby allows the tissue samples to be radiographically imaged. The container also defines openings allowing fixation fluid to immerse the tissue samples in the container when the container is immersed in the fixation fluid. The container includes a base and a lid. The base includes a floor and sidewalls that cooperate to define a compartment, which is configured to receive a tissue sample tray. A plurality of bosses extend upwardly from the floor and are configured to maintain positioning of a tissue sample tray received in the compartment. The lid is configured to enable placement of a tissue sample tray in the compartment when the lid is open. The lid is configured to enclose a tissue sample tray in the compartment when the lid is closed.

Abstract: A biopsy unit is for fixing to a mammography device. In an embodiment, the biopsy unit includes a fixing device and a receptacle for a biopsy needle. The biopsy unit is permanently connectable to the mammography device, and wherein the biopsy unit is pivotable between a rest state and an operating state.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of an apparatus can be provided for obtaining portions or samples of tissue from a target region of a biological tissue. One or more needles can be provided that have a small internal diameter, e.g., about 1 mm or less, and the needles can be configured to extract the tissue portions when the needles are inserted into and withdrawn from the tissue. Windows and/or markings can be provided on the wall of the needles to facilitate access to the sample. The needles can be provided in an enclosure, and an actuator can be provided to direct the needles into the tissue and/or withdraw them. A plurality of tissue portions having known relative locations in the target region can be obtained, and extraction of the tissue portions can be well-tolerated by the tissue as compared with conventional punch biopsies or the like.

Abstract: A core needle biopsy device including a needle assembly, a cutter drive assembly, a piercer drive assembly and a piercer retraction assembly. The needle assembly includes a piercer and a hollow cutter. The piercer includes a sharp distal tip and a notch proximal to the distal tip. The piercer is slidably disposed within the cutter to sever a tissue sample into the notch. The cutter drive assembly is configured to selectively fire the cutter. The piercer drive assembly is configured to selectively fire the piercer. The piercer retraction assembly is configured to retract the piercer independently of the cutter while the needle assembly is disposed within a patient to expose the notch of the piercer to an exterior of a patient.

Abstract: Closure devices for sealing a puncture and methods of sealing a puncture are described herein. A closure device may be used to position a sealant in a puncture. The sealant may be provided in a sheath which is retracted to expose the sealant in the puncture. A support member may be advanced to compress the sealant. The device may have a lock that prevents the support member from advancing prematurely. The lock may be unlocked when the sheath is at least partially retracted. The device may have an actuator that controls movement of the sheath and the support member. The lock may remain in a locked position until the sheath is at least partially retracted.

Abstract: A wound closure apparatus can be a self-contained device for delivery and deployment of a wound plug. The apparatus can include a post having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the post includes a coupling attachment. The apparatus can include a rod having a first end, a second end and a rod cavity that extends from the first end of the rod to the second end of the rod. The apparatus can also include a wound plug, having a first end, a second end, and a breakaway connection located between the first end and second end of the wound plug. In in an assembled configuration, the post can extend through the rod cavity and be detachably coupled to the breakaway connection such that the first end of the wound plug is positioned adjacent the second end of the rod.

Abstract: A device for occluding a vasculature of a patient including a micrograft having an absorbent polymeric structure with a lumen of transporting blood. The micrograft has a series of peaks and valleys formed by crimping. The occluding device is sufficiently small and flexible to be tracked on a guidewire and/or pushed through a microcatheter to a site within the vasculature of the patient. Delivery systems for delivering the micrografts are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible surgical instrument system with a prepositioned drive input, the flexible surgical instrument system comprising a flexible continuous body structure and a driving unit. The flexible continuous body structure comprises a distal structural body, a proximal structural body and a middle connecting body. The distal structural body comprises at least one distal structural segment. The distal structural segment comprises distal spacing disks, a distal fixing disk and structural backbones. The proximal structural body comprises proximal structural segments having the same number as the number of distal structural segments. The proximal structural segment comprises proximal spacing disks, a proximal fixing disk and structural backbones. The middle connecting body comprises two channel fixing plates, and a structural backbone guide channel provided between the two channel fixing plates. The driving unit comprises a driving unit fixing plate provided in front of the middle connecting body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible surgical instrument system, comprising a flexible continuum structure consisting of a distal structure, a middle connecting body and a proximal structure linked in sequence, and further comprising a transmission driving unit linked to the proximal structure. The transmission driving unit comprises a plurality of transmission mechanisms respectively driving corresponding proximal segments. The transmission mechanisms can convert a pair of rotary motion inputs with axes parallel to each other into a pair of rotary motion outputs with axes orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed are a flexible surgical instrument and a driving unit thereof. The flexible surgical instrument may comprise a flexible continuous body structure composed of a distal structural body, a middle connecting body and a proximal structural body linked in sequence. The driving unit is linked to the flexible continuous body structure. When a structural backbone driving mechanism in the driving unit drives the proximal structural body to turn in any direction, the distal structural body correspondingly turns in the opposite direction. A surgical end effector driving mechanism in the driving unit can drive a surgical end effector linked to the distal end of the distal structural body to implement the action control of the surgical end effector.

Abstract: Tactile sensing devices, systems, and methods to image a target tissue location are disclosed. When force is applied to the tactile sensing device, voltage data is detected and visualized on a screen, indicating the target tissue location.

Abstract: A bioadhesive delivery catheter includes a manifold, a dual lumen tube, and a mixing member. The manifold includes a delivery device passage and an injection port. The tube is insertable into the delivery device passage and includes first and second lumens positioned side-by-side. The first lumen extends proximal of the second lumen within the delivery device passage, and the second lumen is in flow communication with the injection port. The mixing member is positioned between a proximal inlet of the injection port and the second lumen and is configured to help mix a bioadhesive material that is delivered through the injection port into the second lumen.

Abstract: A screw-based retractor comprises an elongate rack having a rack axis, a plurality of arms slidably supported for translational movement on the rack, and a plurality of blades, one each supported by a respective arm at a distal portion thereof. At least one of the arms includes at its distal portion a blade releasably attached thereto. Such blade is attached to a blade receptacle movably attached to the at least one arm in a manner to provide articulation of the blade receptacle and hence the attached blade about an articulation point spaced from and not located on such arm. Such blade is additionally movable relative to the rack in multiple degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A surgical access system facilitates access to a surgical site within a patient's body through an incision in the body. Surgical access systems can have at least one retention member and a fluid transportation member configured to deliver fluid to a surgical site or to remove fluid from a surgical site. In some embodiments, a surgical access device irrigates a surgical site to reduce surgical site infections and removes fluid from the surgical site to increase a physician's visibility into the surgical site.

Abstract: An organ retention device and system, and use of the same for laparoscopic surgery is provided. The organ retention device includes a biologically compatible flexible barrier configured to restrain one or more organs. First and second anchor strings extend from first and second connection regions of the flexible barrier respectively and have a first and a second loop distal from the flexible barrier. At least one expansion element is configured to expand the flexible barrier generally perpendicularly to an axis between the first connection region and the second connection region when the first loop and the second loop are held apart in tension. A retraction device is also provided having a sharp distal end configured to enter an abdominal cavity by puncturing the abdominal wall, and a hook proximate to the sharp distal end configured to catch and retract one of the loops.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for introducing a plurality of instruments to a target site through a working channel. The working channel can include a surface adapted to guide one or more instruments into select positions. The working channel can be defined by a portion of a guide tube or tip that may be coupled with an endoscope.