Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to a treatment tool having a blade. The blade includes a treatment surface configured to engage with a treatment target. A heater is configured to be coupled to the blade. The heater includes respective first and second heat generating surfaces each of which extending in a direction transverse to the treatment surface. Respective first and second thermally conductive members each of which is interposed between the respective first and second heat generating surfaces and the blade so as to thermally engage the respective first and second heat generating surfaces and the blade to one another. The respective first and second thermally conductive members includes respective first and second thermal conductivity anisotropies each of which being higher in longitudinal directions of the blade and each of which being lower in widthwise directions of the blade that are transverse to the longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A tissue resection apparatus is provided which includes an outer tube with a helical coil disposed on a distal end. The coil is provided with a first electrode. A central tube has a distal edge profile comprising one or more surface segments. One of the surface segments includes a second electrode. The central tube is slidably disposed within the outer tube and positioned such that second electrode opposes at least a portion of the first electrode. A cutting tube is slidably disposed within the central tube and includes a cutting edge.

Abstract: A method for removing a tissue lesion where an anchor is established with the lesion. A channel is created in the tissue leading to the anchored lesion. A tissue core is created which includes the lesion. The tissue core is ligated, amputated and removed from the channel.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to systems and methods for irrigated bipolar radiofrequency ablation. Some examples of the system include an elongate inner electrode assembly and an elongate outer electrode assembly. An irrigation path for irrigation fluid flow is defined between the outer surface of the inner electrode assembly and the outer surface of the outer electrode assembly.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to a treatment tool having a blade configured to engage with a treatment target. A heater is configured to be spaced apart from the blade. A first thermally conductive member is sandwiched between the blade and the heater so as to transmit heat to the blade. The first thermally conductive member includes respective first and second portions each of which is disposed on respective distal-end and proximal-end sides in longitudinal directions of the blade for thermally conducting a different prescribed quantity of heat per unit time from each of the respective first and second portions to the blade via the heater. The first thermally conductive member includes a first thermal conductivity anisotropy that is higher in longitudinal directions of the blade and is lower in widthwise directions transverse to the longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A method of non-thermally ablating undesirable tissue in the body by application of pulsed, bipolar, instant charge reversal electrical fields of sufficient energy to cause complete and immediate cell membrane rupture and destruction. Energy is delivered through radio frequency pulses of particular frequencies, wave characteristics, pulse widths and pulse numbers, such that enhanced physical stresses are placed on the cell membrane to cause its immediate and complete destruction thereby spilling the entire cell content and membrane constituents into, the extracellular space without denaturing proteins so as to enable an immunological response to destroy and remove the target tissue and similarly marked tissue elsewhere in the subject.

Abstract: An elongated treatment tool having a treatment portion disposed on a longitudinal axis thereof. The treatment portion includes a first treatment surface having a first electrode and a first insulative surface formed therein. The first electrode is disposed at a center in direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The first insulative surface is disposed outwardly with respect to the first electrode. A second treatment surface having a second insulative surface and a second electrode formed therein. The second treatment surface is oriented in facing relationship with respect to the first treatment surface. When the first and second treatment surfaces are held in abutment against one another, the first insulative surface abuts against the second electrode and the second insulative surface and the second insulative surface abuts against the first electrode and the first insulative surface, thereby preventing a short circuit between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An illuminated energy device includes a handle, an optical waveguide coupled to the handle, and an energy tip such as an electrode coupled to the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide is preferably adjustably coupled to the optical waveguide, and adjustment of the optical waveguide moves a distal end of the optical waveguide closer to or further away from a target such as tissue in a surgical field.

Abstract: A system and method for locating a target nerve associated with a facet joint via nerve stimulation and monitoring of electrical muscle activity in a multifidus muscle adjacent the target nerve are described. The system includes a probe housed within a cannula and comprising a probe electrode; a recording electrode for monitoring electrical muscle activity in a medial fascicle of the multifidus muscle; a signal generator; and a controller coupled to the probe electrode and recording electrode. The controller delivers a nerve stimulation from the signal generator to the nerve via the probe electrode and monitors electrical muscle activity in the medial fascicle via the recording electrode. The probe's proximity to the nerve is determined by the electrical muscle activity in the medial fascicle elicited as a result of the nerve stimulation, where the controller provides feedback to a user to guide placement of the probe adjacent the nerve.

Abstract: A kit for removing a tissue lesion includes an anchor for securing a tissue lesion, incision blades for creating an incision in tissue, a tissue resection device for creating a tissue core that includes the tissue lesion and a tissue dilator to help open a channel of sufficient volume to receive the tissue resection device. The tissue resection penetrates tissue, creates a tissue core that includes the tissue lesion and seals and dissects the tissue lesion from surrounding tissue.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrosurgical instrument includes a handle having a shaft that extends therefrom, an end effector disposed at a distal end of the shaft, at least one electrode operably coupled to the end effector and adapted to couple to a source of electrosurgical energy, a titanium nitride coating covering at least a portion of the electrode, a chromium nitride coating covering at least a portion of the electrode and/or titanium nitride coating, and a hexamethyldisiloxane plasma coating covering at least a portion of the chromium nitride coating.

Abstract: A treatment system includes an energy source apparatus having a high frequency power supply and a heater power supply. An elongated treatment tool is configured to be attached to the energy source apparatus to receive electrical energy. The elongated treatment tool includes a main body, a shaft, and a treatment portion all of which are attached to one another and are disposed on a longitudinal axis thereof. The treatment portion is used to grip a treatment target so as to apply appropriate gripping pressure to a point where the treatment target is to coagulate and to form a sealed region therein from an initial stage to a terminal stage of the treatment.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to, for example, a high-thermal-sensitivity ablation catheter tip including a thermally-insulative ablation tip insert supporting a plurality of temperature sensors positioned within longitudinally-extending sensor channels and a radially-extending sensor channel within the tip insert. The sensor channels position the temperature sensors in thermal communication with a conductive shell that encapsulates, or essentially encapsulates, the ablation tip insert and the plurality of temperature sensors. Also disclosed is a method of controlling the temperature of an ablation catheter tip while creating a desired lesion using various ablative energies and energy delivery methodologies.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a shaft and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector has a distal end and a proximal end with a longitudinal intermediate point between the distal and proximal ends. The end effector is sized to fit in an anatomical passageway within a cardiovascular system. The end effector includes at least one sensor electrode and a reference electrode. The at least one sensor electrode is configured to contact cardiovascular tissue and thereby pick up potentials. The reference electrode is configured to pick up a potential from fluid in contact with the reference electrode. The reference electrode is located proximal to the longitudinal intermediate point of the end effector. The end effector is configured to prevent the reference electrode from contacting tissue.

Abstract: Methods for treating hypertension and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to methods for therapeutic renal neuromodulation that partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in renal nerves proximate a renal blood vessel of a human patient having a 24-hour heart rate at or above a median heart rate for a population of hypertensive patients. This reduction in sympathetic neural activity is expected to therapeutically treat one or more conditions associated with hypertension of the patient. Renal sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a neuromodulation assembly, e.g., a neuromodulation assembly configured to use electrically-induced, thermally-induced, and/or chemically-induced approaches to modulate the renal nerves.

Abstract: A fluid delivery balloon ablation catheter configured to allow uniform fluid distribution through each electrode by varying the diameter of the main lumen. The catheter comprises an elongated tubular catheter body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending longitudinally within the catheter body. A number of elution holes are provided in the catheter tip region, and these holes are in fluid communication with the lumen through ducts. As such, cooling fluid is delivered from the pump, through the lumen through the ducts, and out of the holes to the environment outside of the catheter. The main lumen has at least one tapered flow constrictors to restrict flow of fluid towards the distal region of the lumen. The catheter has multiple half-dome balloons, with the distal balloon being the smallest, and the proximal balloon being the largest balloon. The multiple-balloon catheter helps when using the ablation catheter in a funnel-shaped vessel.

Abstract: Catheter systems, tools and methods are disclosed for the selective and rapid application of DC voltage pulses to drive irreversible electroporation for minimally invasive transurethral prostate ablation. In one embodiment, a switch unit is used to modulate and apply voltage pulses from a cardiac defibrillator, while in another, the system controller can be configured to apply voltages to an independently selected multiplicity or subsets of electrodes. Devices are disclosed for more effective DC voltage application including the infusion of cooled fluid to elevate the irreversible electroporation threshold of urethral wall tissue and to selectively ablate regions of prostate tissue alone.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a patient for the purpose of lowering blood pressure and/or treating other medical conditions such as cardiac arrhythmias. A catheter having an ablation element is placed inside the body of a patient and is directed to a targeted location either on in the abdominal aorta where the right or left renal arteries branch from the aorta at or near the superior junction or ostia or on the inside of the inferior vena cava near the junction with the right renal vein or in the left renal vein at a position spatially near where the left renal artery branches from the abdominal aorta. Catheters designed for use in the method where these targeted locations are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: The device serves for the controlled conveying of a cable. The device has a housing, having a cover plate, on which are externally mounted a drive wheel and contact wheel which can be radially pressed onto the drive wheel, between which the cable can be clamped. The cable can be conveyed by means of the drive wheel being driven by a drive unit in the interior of the housing. The rotational motion of the drive wheel is guided through a stationary light barrier by means of a counting disc, running synchronously therewith and having radial slots or holes in the circumferential area, for determining the motion and rotational speed of the drive wheel. The cover plate and the housing can be sterilized. The drive unit in the interior of the housing is not sterilizable, yet is completely enclosed by the sterilized housing and cover plate.

Abstract: Systems for enabling delivery of very high peak power laser pulses through optical fibers for use in ablation procedures preferably in contact mode. Such lasers advantageously emit at 355 nm wavelength. Other systems enable selective removal of undesired tissue within a blood vessel, while minimizing the risk of damaging the blood vessel itself, based on the use of the ablative properties of short laser pulses of 320 to 400 nm laser wavelength, with selected parameters of the mechanical walls of the tubes constituting the catheter, of the laser fluence and of the force that is applied by the catheter on the tissues. Additionally, a novel method of calibrating such catheters is disclosed, which also enables real time monitoring of the ablation process. Additionally, novel methods of protecting the fibers exit facets are disclosed.

Abstract: A surgery assistive system includes an instrument having a tool and a manipulator connected to the tool, a spatial sensor system for detecting spatial information of the tool, and a computer system for manipulating a kinematic state of the manipulator. A method for obtaining surface information by the surgery assistive system includes the steps of: defining a target region and a plurality of reference points on a virtual anatomical model of a subject; prompting a user to generate sampling information by using the instrument to sample a plurality of sampling points on the subject corresponding to the reference points; and designating the sampling information as surface information of the sampling points. Each piece of the sampling information includes a coordinate of one of the sampling points, an angle of a contact of the tool at the sampling point, and parameters associated with the contact.

Abstract: A method for determining an acceptable spinal surgical plan for a subject using pathology prediction, comprising generating a potential spinal surgical plan, obtaining clinically relevant data of the subject, obtaining pre-operative three-dimensional images of a spinal region of the subject, determining relationships between pairs of vertebrae in the images, predicting relationships between pairs of vertebrae that are expected from the surgical plan, accessing a multiple patient database, obtaining sets of data from the database for patients with similar characteristics to the subject, determining risks of pathology types for the subject, using artificial intelligence to combine the determined risks to calculate an overall risk for pathology types for the subject, and if the overall risks are unacceptable, selecting an alternative spinal surgical plan, and if the said overall risks are acceptable, determining that said surgical plan is acceptable.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting multi-probe guidance are disclosed. The system comprises: a medical guidance apparatus comprising: a rotatable portion which is rotatable around a first axis; an arc guide attached to or integrally formed with the rotatable portion, and a probe holder movably mounted on the arc guide. The probe holder is rotatable around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis by being translated along an arcuate path defined by the shape of the arc guide. In one embodiment, the probe holder includes a plurality of probe channels to guide a corresponding plurality of probes parallel to each other towards a subject. In other embodiment, the probe holder includes a single probe channel which is offset from a center point of the guidance apparatus by a fixed distance such that each probe can be inserted sequentially through a different insertion point without colliding at the center point.

Abstract: A system for surgical planning and assessment of spinal deformity correction is provided that has a spinal imaging system and a control unit. The spinal imaging system is configured to collect at least one digitized position of one or more vertebral bodies of a subject. The control unit is configured to receive the at least one digitized position, and calculate, based on the at least one digitized position, an optimized posture for the subject. The control unit is configured to receive one or more simulated spinal correction inputs, and based on the inputs and optimized posture, predict an optimal simulated postoperative surgical correction.

Abstract: One variation of a method for augmenting a surgical field with virtual guidance content includes: accessing a scan representing a tissue of a patient; combining the scan with a generic virtual anatomical model to define a custom virtual anatomical model of the tissue; defining a cut trajectory along an intersection between a virtual model of a surgical implant and the custom virtual anatomical model of the tissue; aligning a virtual cut surface to the cut trajectory to locate the virtual model of the surgical guide relative to the custom virtual anatomical model; accessing an image of a surgical field; detecting the tissue in the image; aligning the custom virtual anatomical model to the tissue detected in the image; defining a target real location for a real surgical guide in the surgical field; and generating a frame depicting the target real location of the surgical guide in the surgical field.

Abstract: A process according to certain embodiments includes generating a distal femur model including an intercondylar surface model, receiving information related to user-selected points on the intercondylar surface model, generating a datum line extending between the points, generating an axis line, and determining an AP axis based upon the axis line. Generating the axis line includes performing an axis line procedure including generating a plurality of planes along the datum line, generating a plurality of contours at intersections between the intercondylar surface model and the planes, generating saddle points at local extrema of the contours, and fitting the axis line to the saddle points. The process may further include generating an updated datum line based upon the axis line, and performing a subsequent iteration of the axis line procedure using the updated datum line.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a patient's suitability for a proposed surgical procedure is disclosed in which a simulated, procedure specific, whole-body, hemodynamic profile of an individual patient is obtained using a whole-body hemodynamic simulation module operating on a digital processor using a patient specific, whole-body, hemodynamic calculation parameter set. This is used by a trained clinician to evaluate whether the patient is a suitable candidate to undergo the proposed surgery. The patient specific, whole-body, hemodynamic calculation parameter set is obtained by optimizing a generic, whole-body, hemodynamic calculation parameter set. Optimization is done automatically by adjusting the generic, whole-body, hemodynamic calculation parameter set based on the comparison of simulated, whole-body, profiles corresponding to measured hemodynamic profiles of the patient in a non-operation situation. The automatic adjustment is guided by a Damped Least Squares Method and related algorithms.

Abstract: Disclosed is an instrument assembly usable in a procedure. The instrument includes a connection for a working portion and to a tool handle. A tracking device or assembly may be associated with the instrument for determining a position of the instrument.

Abstract: A markerless robot tracking system (10) employing a surgical RCM robot (20) including a primary revolute joint (22) rotatable about a primary rotational axis and a secondary revolute joint (22) rotatable about a secondary rotational axis. A plurality of unique landmark sets are integrated into the robot (20) with each unique landmark set including landmark(s) (30) in a fixed orientation relative to the primary rotational axis and further including additional landmark(s) (30) in a fixed orientation relative to the secondary rotational axis. The system (10) further an optical camera (41, 51) for visualizing a subset of the plurality of unique landmark sets within a camera coordinate system (43, 53), and a robot tracking controller (70) for estimating a robot pose of the surgical RCM robot (20) within the camera coordinate system (43, 53) derived from the visualization by the optical camera (41, 51) of the subset of landmark(s) within the camera coordinate system (43, 53).

Abstract: Holographic image-guidance can be used to track an interventional device during an endovascular percutaneous procedure. The holographic image guidance can be provided by a head-mounted device by transforming tracking data and vasculature image data to a common coordinate system and creating a holographic display relative to a patient's vasculature to track the interventional device during the endovascular percutaneous procedure. The holographic display can also include graphics to provide guidance for the physical interventional device as it travels through the patient's anatomy (e.g., the vasculature).

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for surface rendering using medical imaging data is provided. A display device is controlled to render a first model of imaging data showing depth positions corresponding to a given surface threshold value, and further controlled to replace the first model with a second model of the imaging data showing respective depth positions corresponding to the given surface threshold value, the second model being faster to compute than the first model. The given surface threshold value is changed to an updated surface threshold value, for example using a slider input. The display device updates rendering of the second model to show updated respective depth positions corresponding to the updated surface threshold value. When an acceptance is received, the display device is controlled to replace the second model with the first model showing updated depth positions corresponding to the updated surface threshold value.

Abstract: A system for facilitating a collaboration includes a database for storing content. The system further includes a plurality of head mounted displays. The system further includes a computer server comprising one or more processors, one or more computer-readable tangible storage devices, and program modules stored on at least one of the one or more storage devices for execution by at least one of the one or more processors. The program modules include a first program module for retrieving the content from the database. The program modules further include a second program module for synchronously delivering the content to the plurality of head mounted displays. The program modules further include a third program module for receiving data representative of an interaction with the content. The program modules further include a fourth program module for synchronously delivering updated content to the plurality of the head mounted displays based on the received interaction.

Abstract: A method facilitates touchless control of medical equipment devices in an OR. The method involves: providing a three-dimensional control menu, which comprises a plurality of menu items selectable by the practitioner by one or more gestures made in a volumetric spatial region corresponding to the menu item; displaying an interaction display unit (IDU) image corresponding to the three-dimensional control menu to provide indicia of any selected menu items; estimating a line of sight of a practitioner; and when the estimated line of sight is directed within a first spatial range around a first medical equipment device, determining that the practitioner is looking at the first medical equipment device. Then the method involves providing a first device-specific three-dimensional control menu displaying a first device-specific IDU image.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising: a rigid shaft, at least one elbow joint hingedly coupled to the rigid shaft and a wrist joint coupled to the at least one elbow joint, wherein the wrist joint is configured to provide a first degree of freedom of movement and a second degree of freedom of movement, wherein the second degree of freedom of movement is substantially perpendicular to the first degree of freedom of movement.

Abstract: An obstruction detection system for a robotic catheter system including a robotic catheter manipulator assembly including one or more catheter manipulation bases and one or more sheath manipulation bases. Each manipulation base may be generally linearly movable on one or more tracks relative to the robotic catheter manipulator assembly. The obstruction detection system may include one or more obstruction detection sensors disposed on the track or on the manipulation bases to detect an obstruction along a path of motion of one or more manipulation bases. A software system may be provided for monitoring movement of the catheter and sheath manipulation bases, and/or a status of the obstruction detection sensors.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to systems and techniques for compensating for compression in elongated shafts of medical instruments. Medical instruments can include elongated shafts that may experience compression when articulated. The medical instruments can be attached to instrument positioning devices that are configured to move the medical instruments to compensate for this compression. For example, an instrument positioning device can advance a medical instrument to compensate for compression in an elongated shaft of the medical instrument. In some instances, the amount of compression is determined using a compression compensation parameter. The compression compensation parameter can be determined during a calibration process of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A method of operating a surgical control system comprises displaying an image of a surgical environment, from a field of view of an imaging instrument, on a display system. The display system is configured for mounting to a head of a user. The method also includes detecting an imaging control input from the user and responsive to the detection of the imaging control input, enabling an imaging control mode of the surgical control system. The method also includes detecting a movement of the head of the user. While the surgical control system is in the imaging control mode and responsive to the user's head movement, an image of the surgical environment from a changed field of view of the imaging instrument is displayed. The changed field of view corresponds to the detected movement of the user's head.

Abstract: A graphical user interface on a display of a user interface of a robotic surgical system includes a work area and a ribbon. The work area is configured to display a representation of a first end effector at a surgical site. The ribbon has a first icon that is configured to display end effector data of the first end effector.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a surgical robotic system including a suspension structure 1, a carriage 2 arranged to be mounted to the suspension structure, and a manipulator arm 3 arranged to be detachably docked to the carriage via a docking mechanism. The docking mechanism includes a first docking connector on the manipulator arm and a second docking connector on the carriage. The first and the second docking connector may establish an electrical connection between the manipulator arm and the carriage when the manipulator arm is docked. The manipulator arm includes a connector for connecting the manipulator arm via a cable to an electric power supply, and be configured to supply the carriage with the electrical power via the electrical connection when the manipulator arm is docked.

Abstract: A robotic surgical instrument comprising a shaft, a first end effector element, an articulation connecting the first end effector element to a distal end of the shaft, the first end effector element being movable relative to the articulation, and a drive mechanism at a proximal end of the shaft. The drive mechanism comprises a first actuator connected to the first end effector element by a first pair of driving elements. The first pair of driving elements are configured such that a tension force applied by the first actuator to a first one of the first pair of driving elements causes the first end effector element to move relative to the articulation in a first motion direction, and the tension force applied to a second one of the first pair of driving elements causes the first end effector element to move relative to the articulation in a second motion direction.

Abstract: A steerable catheter system may include a flexible elongate catheter body, a drive mechanism at the proximal end of the catheter body, and at least one group of pullwires extending along a length of the catheter body. The catheter body may include a distal articulating section and a proximal non-articulating section. Each group of pullwires includes at least two pullwires, and each of the pullwires is anchored at a first end to the distal end of the catheter body and at a second end to the drive mechanism. The pullwires of each group are positioned close to one another in the catheter wall to concentrate the forces and cause deflection along the articulating section of the catheter body and diverge away from one another to reach a more separated distribution around a circumference of the catheter body to distribute the forces and prevent deflection along the non-articulating section.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system including: a treatment tool unit including an arm portion having an arm with a joint and an end effector attached to the arm; an overtube having a lumen through which the treatment tool unit is inserted; a drive source configured to generate a drive force for driving the joint; a controller configured to generate an operation signal for operating the drive source; and a detector configured to detect friction generated between an inner surface of the lumen and the treatment tool unit. The controller calculates a correction amount for adjusting the operation signal based on the detected friction.

Abstract: Some embodiments described herein relate to an arm cart operable to transport a robotic arm to and/or from a surgical table. The robotic arm can be coupled to the arm cart via a connector. The connector can be slideably mounted to the arm cart such that the connector and the robotic arm, collectively, can move relative to the arm cart. For example, when the arm cart is adjacent to the surgical table, the connector and the robotic arm can be movable to provide final, fine adjustments to align the robotic arm with a coupling portion of the surgical table.

Abstract: An organizing device for use during medical procedures is disclosed which, when used during laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgery, enables the surgeon to keep multiple tubes, wires and cables organized. In a first embodiment, this device may have a rectangular shaped body, a top section with an integral ring at its center and a bottom section having a plurality of slots optimized for the insertion and retention of cables and tubes. The end sections contain, on one end a second integral ring, and on another a pivot point allowing a friction-closure latch mechanism to secure the slots. In a second embodiment, the device may have a donut shaped body, an integral ring at the center and a plurality of slots radially arranged at the periphery and secured through a cylindrical latching mechanism.

Abstract: A medical safety device for holding and protecting medical circuitry connected between a medical patient and medical equipment is provided. The device can include an outer shell with an exterior sidewall and an interior sidewall defining an open interior. The outer shell can include a door that can be opened to allow access to the interior of the shell. The outer shell can include at least one latch for selectively securing the door in a closed position. The exterior shell can include connecting components for connecting the device to a hospital or surgical bed frame. The interior of the outer shell can include a grooved section having one or more grooves. The grooves can be configured to hold and retain different types of medical circuitry, such as cords, wires, tubes and the like.

Abstract: A fluid injection device can include a plurality of needles, a hub from which the needles project, and a base component. The hub can have a directing portion extending therefrom. The plurality of needles can each be in fluid communication with a respective needle base, and the needle bases can at least partially surround the directing portion. The directing portion can extend in a direction away from the hub for diverting flow toward the plurality of needle bases. The base component can be separate from and couplable to the hub such that when coupled thereto, the hub directing portion extends into a cavity of the base component upstream of the plurality of needle bases.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating rhinitis are described where the devices are configured to ablate a single nerve branch or multiple nerve branches of the posterior nasal nerves located within the nasal cavity. A surgical probe may be inserted into the sub-mucosal space of a lateral nasal wall and advanced towards a posterior nasal nerve associated with a middle nasal turbinate or an inferior nasal turbinate into a position proximate to the posterior nasal nerve where neuroablation of the posterior nasal nerve may be performed with the surgical probe. The probe device may utilize a visible light beacon that provides trans-illumination of the sub-mucosal tissue or an expandable structure disposed in the vicinity of the distal end of the probe shaft to enable the surgeon to visualize the sub-mucosal position of the distal end of the surgical probe from inside the nasal cavity using, e.g., an endoscope.

Abstract: A surgical illumination apparatus comprises a fiber optic input, and illuminated surgical instrument, and an optical coupling bracket for coupling the fiber optic input to the illuminated surgical instrument. The coupling bracket comprises an elongate frame having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central channel extending therebetween, wherein the central channel is sized to receive and support optical fibers of the fiber optic input. The proximal end of the bracket is coupled to the fiber optic input, and the distal end of the bracket is coupled to an illumination element of the illuminated surgical instrument. The apparatus may further comprise a shroud disposed around the illumination element that is coupled to the bracket.

Abstract: A medical instrument display includes an image storage that stores a plurality of image data of a medical instrument, a data analyzer that searches a plurality of image data stored in the image storage on a certain condition, and a display controller that causes a display to display a first medical instrument image that has been selected from thumbnail images, the thumbnail images being based on a plurality of the image data obtained by the search, and a second medical instrument image in good order, the second medical instrument image being different from the first medical instrument image.

Abstract: A method of compliance-based cleaning includes receiving a piece of equipment to be cleaned in a compliance-based cleaning device, performing a cleaning process on the piece of equipment upon receiving the piece of equipment in the compliance-based cleaning device, monitoring the cleaning process performed on the piece of equipment, and transmitting compliance data from the compliance-based cleaning device to a compliance database in response to performing the cleaning process on the piece of equipment. The compliance data includes identifying information obtained during the cleaning process. Cleaning records stored in the compliance database indicate which one of a plurality of medical practitioners cleaned which one of a plurality of pieces of equipment.