Abstract: A system for rod bending for use in robotic spinal surgery, enabling the correct bending of a fusion rod to match the shape required to accurately pass through the heads of the pedicle screws. The system uses data generated by information provided to the robot by the surgeon's preoperative plan, optionally augmented by feedback from the robot control system of deviations encountered intraoperatively. Such deviations could occur, for example, when the surgeon decides intraoperatively on a different trajectory or even to skip screws on one vertebra, in which case, the robot will be commanded to perform the alternative procedure, with commensurate instructions relayed to the control system of the rod-bending machine. The system is also able to thin down the rod at predetermined locations along its length, adapted to be at selected intervertebral locations, for maintaining limited flexibility between vertebrae, instead of fixating them.

Abstract: Devices and methods for creating radial-linear lesions in pulmonary vein antral tissue are disclosed. In an embodiment, a device includes an elongate shaft structure with a distal tip ablation region including a spline and an ablation element slidably coupled to the spline. The ablation element includes at least one of an ultrasound emitter, a high frequency ultrasound emitter, a laser, a radiofrequency electrode, a virtual radiofrequency electrode, or a cryogenic source. A backing balloon may be configured to push or pull the spline and the ablation element toward or against the pulmonary vein antral tissue. In an embodiment, the distal tip ablation region includes a splineless cryoballoon with at least one thermally conductive region.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling tissue or a fluid for an elongate medical device comprising an elongate shaft extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a shaft proximal end and a shaft distal end; a support structure located at the shaft distal end, where the support structure is expandable from a contracted state to an expanded state, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements, wherein the thermoelectric elements are located on the support structure. A medical device comprising a first catheter end shape, a second catheter end shape located distally with respect to the first catheter end shape, a support structure that extends between the first and the second catheter end shape, and a plurality of thermoelectric elements. A system for cooling a tissue or a fluid for an elongate medical device, comprising a plurality of thermoelectric elements, a thermocouple, an electronic control unit (ECU).

Abstract: A balloon catheter for an intravascular catheter system includes an outer inflatable balloon and an inner inflatable balloon that is positioned substantially within the outer inflatable balloon. At a nominal working balloon pressure, the outer inflatable balloon has an outer balloon diameter and the inner inflatable balloon has an inner balloon diameter that is greater than the outer balloon diameter at the nominal working balloon pressure. The inner balloon diameter can be at least approximately 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% or 30% greater than the outer balloon diameter. The inner balloon diameter can be between approximately 29-35 millimeters, and the outer balloon diameter can be between approximately 23-29 millimeters. The inner inflatable balloon can be less compliant than the outer inflatable balloon. The outer balloon compliance can be at least approximately 2%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 15% or 20% greater than the inner balloon compliance.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a kit suitable for the non-surgical treatment of skin lesions including warts, verrucae, corns, and skin tags said kit comprising a cryogenic body comprising a housing hosting a coolant container and further comprising a cryogenic applicator head, whereby the housing and the cryogenic applicator head extend axially; said cryogenic applicator head is provided with a cryogenic tip for performing a cryogenic treatment to a skin lesion, whereby said coolant container contains a coolant suitable for cooling said tip; the kit further comprises an acid body comprising an acid container containing an acidic composition and having an acid outlet, and an acid dispenser head that axially extends from said acid container, is in fluid communication with said acid outlet, and is suitable for applying a dose of said acidic composition to a skin lesion. The invention also concerns a dosage regimen.

Abstract: In various embodiments, surgical devices and methods are provided. One such surgical device includes a ferromagnetic heater assembly. The ferromagnetic heater assembly includes an electrical conductor, a ferromagnetic heater, and an encapsulant. The electrical conductor has a first leg, a second leg, and a bend between the first and second legs. The bend is located at a distal tip of the electrical conductor, and the first and second legs are spaced apart from one another between the distal end and a proximal end of the electrical conductor. The ferromagnetic heater is disposed on the first leg of the electrical conductor. The encapsulant at least partially surrounds the ferromagnetic heater and a portion of the second leg opposite the ferromagnetic heater, and a surface of the ferromagnetic heater is at least partially exposed by the encapsulant.

Abstract: A console for an electrosurgical device may include a housing, an energy generator in the housing, a computer processor in the housing, a connector on the housing, for connecting the console with an energy delivery treatment device, a touchscreen display on the housing, and a non-transitory computer readable medium in the computer processor. The computer readable medium may contain computer-executable programming instructions for providing an active display on the touchscreen display. The active display may include a central circle, a countdown timer in the central circle for counting down a total time remaining in an energy delivery procedure, and an outer ring around the central circle, configured to indicate the total time remaining in the energy delivery procedure, a remaining time in an energy delivery stage of the energy delivery procedure, and a remaining time in a cooling stage of the energy delivery procedure.

Abstract: An electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another, an end effector assembly coupled to the pair of first and second shaft members, a knife selectively translatable through the first shaft member and the end effector assembly, and a knife deployment mechanism. The second shaft member has a flange extending therefrom toward the first shaft member. The knife deployment mechanism includes a distal extension movably coupled to the first shaft member and configured to engage the flange of the second shaft member when the knife is an extended position and the end effector assembly is in a closed configuration. The engagement between the distal extension and the flange resists movement of the end effector assembly from the closed configuration.

Abstract: An end effector assembly of a tissue resecting device and a tissue resecting device including the end effector assembly and a handpiece assembly. The end effector assembly including a proximal hub housing, an inner drive core at least partially disposed within the proximal hub housing, a cutting member extending distally from the proximal hub housing and engaged with the inner drive core such that rotation of the inner drive core rotates the cutting member, and a lock and release mechanism operably coupled between the inner drive core and the proximal hub housing. The lock and release mechanism is transitionable between a locked condition rotationally fixing the inner drive core and the proximal hub housing relative to one another thereby rotationally locking the cutting member, and a release condition enabling relative rotation between the inner drive core and the proximal hub housing thereby enabling rotation of the cutting member.

Abstract: An electrically energized medical instrument uses one or more drive cables to both actuate mechanical components of a wrist mechanism or an effector and to electrically energize the effector. Electrical isolation can be achieved using an insulating main tube through which drive cables extend from a backend mechanism to the effector, an insulating end cover that leaves only the desired portions of the effector exposed, and one or more seals to prevent electrically conductive liquid from entering the main tube. Component count and cost may be further reduced using a pair of pulleys that are shared by four drive cables.

Abstract: An end effector assembly for use with an instrument for sealing vessels and cutting vessels includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members which are movable relative to one another from a first spaced apart position to a second position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member includes a pair of spaced apart electrically conductive tissue contacting surfaces which each have an insulator disposed therebetween, the conductive surfaces are connected to an electrosurgical energy source. The first jaw member includes an electrically conductive cutting element disposed within the insulator which extends towards the second tissue contacting surface to create a gap therebetween. The cutting element is inactive during the sealing process while the two pairs of electrically conductive surfaces are activated to seal tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device having a stent structure (2) which is intended for insertion into intracranial blood vessels (6) of the human or animal body, wherein the stent structure (2) has an expanded state in which it is capable of abutting the inner wall of the blood vessel (6) and a compressed state in which it is movable through the blood vessel (6) when the stent structure (2) is inside a microcatheter (4), wherein the stent structure (2) is connected to an insertion aid (3) and wherein the stent structure (2) is capable of automatically transitioning into the expanded state upon release from the microcatheter (4), wherein the stent structure (2) has electrical conductors (13) via which electrical pulses, high-frequency pulses or ultrasonic pulses can be applied to nerve fibers extending in the vascular wall of the blood vessel (6) in order to temporarily or permanently reduce the function of the nerve fibers so as to allow prevention or treatment of vasospasm.

Abstract: An improved venous ablation catheter and method of use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a radio-frequency ablation catheter that ablates and injects tumescent from inside a vein simultaneously. The catheter device comprises a distal end, proximal end, a needle and lumen for the needle to pass through, and an interior housing. After the vein to be ablated is cannulated and the catheter device is advanced into the vein, the needle is advanced through the venous wall into the peri-venous sheath and tumescent fluid or other fluid or gas is injected around the vein through the needle. The vein segment that has been injected with tumescent is sequentially ablated with the catheter device, and the catheter device is then drawn a distance out of the vein. At this point, the needle can be advanced through the venous wall again injecting tumescent or other fluid.

Abstract: A system for ablation is described herein including an inner electrode assembly with an inner elongate shaft and a distal electrode, an outer electrode assembly having an outer elongate shaft and a proximal electrode, wherein the outer electrode assembly defines a central passage configured to slidably receive the inner electrode assembly, wherein the distal electrode or the proximal electrode is axially moveable with respect to the other, and an energy source configured to be electrically connected to the distal electrode and the proximal electrode and configured to deliver a pulsed electric field (PEF). One of the distal electrode and proximal electrode is part of a first expandable electrode array comprising two or more electrode elements moveable between an unexpanded position and an expanded position.

Abstract: A guidewire includes an elongated member and a shaft extending distally from the elongated member, wherein the elongated member and shaft are configured to be navigated through vasculature of a patient. The guidewire further includes a first conductor extending around the shaft to define an outer perimeter of the guidewire and a first electrode adjacent the shaft. The first conductor is configured electrically connect the first electrode to an energy source. The guidewire further includes a second electrode and a second conductor configured to electrically couple the second electrode to the energy source. The first and second electrodes may be configured to deliver an electrical signal to fluid contacting the first and second electrodes to cause the fluid to undergo cavitation to generate a pressure pulse wave within the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to multiple piece irrigated ablation electrode assemblies wherein the irrigation channels are insulated or separated from at least one temperature sensing mechanism within the distal portion of the electrode assembly. The present invention further pertains to methods for improved assembly and accurate measurement and control of the electrode temperatures while effectively irrigating the device and target areas.

Abstract: A system includes a pulse waveform generator and an ablation device coupled to the pulse waveform generator. The ablation device includes at least one electrode configured for ablation pulse delivery to tissue during use. The pulse waveform generator is configured to deliver voltage pulses to the ablation device in the form of a pulsed waveform. The pulsed waveform can include multiple levels of hierarchy, and multiple sets of electrodes can be activated such that their pulsed delivery is interleaved with one another.

Abstract: A catheter has a composite and segmented construction in a distal section that includes deflectable members and support member arranged in alternating sequence, with each support member carrying a ring electrode and the deflectable members being flexible to allow deflection of the distal section as a whole. Carried on an outer surface of the support member is a coil location sensor. The distal section is configured with a distal irrigation fluid path extending axially through the deflectable members and the support members to deliver irrigation fluid to the ring electrode and the tip electrode. A method of constructing a catheter includes building a section of the catheter from the inside out by mounting the support members on a tubing at predetermined locations and filling gaps in between with a more flexible material to form the deflectable members by extrusion segments or injection molding over assembled components internal to the catheter.

Abstract: A method, consisting of ablating tissue for a time period, measuring a contact force applied during the time period, and measuring a power used during the time period. The method further includes ceasing ablating the tissue when a desired size of a lesion produced in the tissue, as estimated using an integral over the time period of a product of the contact force raised to a first non-unity exponent and the power raised to a second non-unity exponent, is reached.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems are provided for non-invasive delivery of microwave therapy. Microwave energy may be applied to epidermal, dermal and subdermal tissue of a patient to achieve various therapeutic and/or aesthetic results. In one embodiment, the microwave energy is applied to a target tissue via an energy delivery applicator connected to an energy generator. The energy delivery applicator may comprise one or more antennas, including monopole, dipole, slot and/or waveguide antennas (among others) that are used to direct the microwave energy to the target tissue. The energy delivery applicator may also comprise a cooling element for avoiding thermal destruction to non-target tissue and/or a suction device to localize thermal treatment at specific portions of a skin fold.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are disclosed for addressing body conditions, monitoring body conditions and adapting treatment of internal and/or external body conditions.

Abstract: A method includes retrieving from a memory a stored sensitivity table that associates magnetic position sensor readings with measured magnetic fields. One or more calibration values for the magnetic position sensor are estimated during a catheterization procedure in which a magnetic position sensor, fitted at a distal end of a catheter, is placed in an organ of a patient, based on (i) the stored sensitivity table and (ii) readings acquired by the magnetic position sensor while in the organ. Based on the one or more calibration values, a location of the distal end in the organ is magnetically tracked.

Abstract: A method for displaying guidance information during an image-guided surgical procedure comprises receiving, by one or more hardware processors, data from a tracking system associated with an elongate device comprising a flexible body and calculating, by the one or more hardware processors, at least one condition along a length of the flexible body based on the data. The method further comprises determining, by the one or more hardware processors, supplemental guidance information based on the at least one condition and augmenting, by the one or more hardware processors, one or more images with the supplemental guidance information to produce one or more augmented images. The method further comprises displaying the one or more augmented images on a display device at a surgeon console.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for estimating relative pose between two or more implants that are rigidly coupled to respective fiducial markers using instrumentation for the purposes of guidance and/or planning. The systems and/or methods can further include receiving visual and sensory information indicative of the relative pose.

Abstract: A process is provided to recover a bone-to-image, image-to-system, and/or bone-to-system registration, when bone movement occurs during a computer-assisted surgical procedure. The process may be implemented with a computer-assisted surgical system. Examples of surgical systems that can exploit the recovery process illustratively include a 1-6 degree of freedom hand-held surgical system, a navigated surgical system, a serial-chain manipulator system, a parallel robotic system, or a master-slave robotic system.

Abstract: A system and apparatus is disclosed to automatically determine the identification and selected information relating to instruments. The identification information may be read or determined by various reader systems and then transferred for various purposes. The identification information may be stored on the instrument with a storage system or printing and/or recalled from a memory once the identification is made.

Abstract: Disclosed is a navigation system. The navigation system may be used to at least assist in a procedure. The system may assist in delineating objects and/or determining physical boundaries of image elements. The system may assist in planning and/or a workflow of the procedure.

Abstract: A system and method of registration includes detecting a first motion of a table that causes motion of a computer-assisted device, determining a first angular direction of the first motion in a table coordinate frame, determining a second angular direction of the motion of the computer-assisted device in a computer-assisted device coordinate frame, determining a first angular relationship between the table and the computer-assisted device based on the first and second angular directions, and aggregating the first angular relationship in a composite angular relationship. The second angular direction includes a direction of a second motion of a first articulated arm of the computer-assisted device or an aggregation of a plurality of angular directions, wherein, for each angular direction of the plurality of angular directions, that angular direction is of a respective third motion, of a respective articulated arm of a plurality of articulated arms of the computer-assisted device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a navigation system configured to track an object. The navigation system comprises a tracker configured to couple to the object and a localization device configured to track the tracker. The tracker and the localization device are configured to wirelessly communicate using a first communication method operable on a first spectrum and to wirelessly communicate using a second communication method operable on a second spectrum different from the first spectrum. The localization device utilizes the first communication method to track the tracker and utilizes the first communication method to manage an operating parameter of the tracker with respect to the second communication method.

Abstract: A robotic arm control system including a medical instrument to be inserted into a body-part, a force sensor to detect force applied by the instrument to the body-part, a robotic arm attached to the instrument, a first position sensor to track an instrument position of the instrument in the body-part, a second position sensor to track a body position of the body-part, and a controller to compute, responsively to the instrument position and the body position, a location of the instrument relative to the body-part, compare the detected force applied by the instrument to a permitted force level for application to an anatomical feature at the computed location and send a control command to, or cut power of, the robotic arm to loosen a rigidity of at least one robotic joint in response to the detected force applied by the instrument being greater than the permitted force level.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a hand controller apparatus for controlling a tool in a robotic surgery system can include a body including a proximal end and a distally located interface end configured to be coupled to an input apparatus configured to control a surgical tool. The hand controller apparatus can include a control lever attached to a pivot joint proximate a side surface of the body and extending along the body and away from the proximal end, the control lever being laterally moveable relative to the side surface of the body about the pivot joint. The control lever can include a tail region adjacent to the pivot joint and a paddle region connected to the tail region and extending toward the distally located interface end. The tail region can include an inner surface facing the body and an outer surface opposing the inner surface, and at least part of the outer surface of the tail region can be outwardly curved.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a hand controller apparatus for controlling a tool in a robotic surgery system can include a body including a proximal end and a distally located interface end configured to be coupled to an input apparatus configured to control a surgical tool. The hand controller apparatus can include a feedback device supported by the body and configured to provide feedback to a user in response to a change in a function of the hand controller apparatus from a first mode to a second mode, the second mode different from the first mode. The function can include at least one: controlling a camera that images a surgical site, instrument clutching to reposition the hand controller apparatus, a pre-set surgery routine, or an operation to control the surgical tool. The change from the first mode to the second mode can be configured to occur within the same function.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a hand controller apparatus for controlling a tool in a robotic surgery system can include a body configured to be moved to generate a first operator input to cause a tool to move corresponding to the movement of the body. The hand controller apparatus can also include an input control interface formed on a surface of the body and configured to sense one or more of a plurality of second operator inputs associated with a plurality of tool functions, the plurality of second operator inputs being different from the first operator input. The hand controller apparatus can also include a processor configured to control the tool to perform one or more of the plurality of tool functions in response to the sensed one or more second operator inputs.

Abstract: A robotic surgical cart (300) for a robotic arm (201) is disclosed herein. The robotic surgical cart (300) comprises a column (401) having a first end (403) and a second end (405). The robotic surgical cart (300) further comprises a top plate (407) affixed on the first end (403) of the column (401), where the top plate (407) is configured to mount the robotic arm (201) thereon, and at least one guiding shaft (411) affixed on one end to the top plate (407), that provides a controlled channel for movement of the robotic arm (201).The robotic surgical cart (300) further comprises a telescopic pillar (415) including two or more tubular members (417, 419), affixed below the top plate (407).

Abstract: A robotic surgical cart (300) is disclosed herein. The robotic surgical cart (300) comprises a set of omni-directional wheels (425) affixed to a base plate (427). Each omni-directional wheel in the set of omni-directional wheels (425) comprises a hub (433), a plurality of roller mounting brackets (435) coupled to the hub (433), and a plurality of rollers (437) each rotatably coupled to at least one of the roller mounting brackets (435). The robotic surgical cart (300) further comprises at least one guiding shaft (429) affixed to the base plate (427), that provides a controlled channel for movement of the set of omni-directional wheels (425). The robotic surgical cart (300) further comprises an actuator (431) affixed to the base plate (427) at one end, defining an axis to provide upward and downward movement of the set of omni-directional wheels (425) in the channel provided by the at least one guiding shaft (429).

Abstract: An exemplary drive apparatus may include a roller assembly and a roller support. The roller assembly may have a first continuous surface, a second continuous surface, an open configuration for receiving an elongate member, and a closed configuration for securing the elongate member in the roller assembly. The roller assembly imparts axial motion to the elongate member along the first continuous surface, which maintains contact with the elongate member during the axial motion. The roller support rotates the roller assembly about the second continuous surface, which maintains contact with the roller support during rotational motion. The roller assembly and roller support to impart axial and rotational motion, respectively, independently of one another.

Abstract: A robot arm comprising a joint mechanism for articulating one limb of the arm relative to another limb of the arm about two non-parallel rotation axes, the mechanism comprising: an intermediate carrier attached to a first one of the limbs by a first revolute joint having a first rotation axis and to a second one of the limbs by a second revolute joint having a second rotation axis; a first drive gear disposed about the first rotation axis, the first drive gear being fast with the carrier; a second drive gear disposed about the second rotation axis, the second drive gear being fast with the second one of the limbs; a first drive shaft for driving the first drive gear to rotate about the first rotation axis, the first drive shaft extending along the first one of the limbs and having a first shaft gear thereon, the first shaft gear being arranged to engage the first drive gear; a second drive shaft for driving the second drive gear to rotate about the second rotation axis, the second drive shaft extending along

Abstract: A robotic surgery method for cutting a bone of a patient includes characterizing the geometry and positioning of the bone and manually moving a handheld manipulator, the handheld manipulator operatively coupled to a bone cutting tool having an end effector portion, to cut a portion of the bone with the end effector portion. The handheld manipulator further comprises a manipulator housing and an actuator assembly movably coupled between the manipulator housing and the bone cutting tool. The method further includes causing the actuator assembly to automatically move relative to the manipulator housing to maintain the end effector portion of the tool within a desired bone cutting envelope in response to movement of the manipulator housing relative to the bone.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a drive housing having a shaft extending distally therefrom, first and second drive members extending distally from the drive housing along the shaft, and first and second translating gears rotationally fixed to the shaft within the drive housing and operatively coupled to the first and second drive members, respectively. First and second drive gears are rotatably mounted within the drive housing to act on the first and second translating gears, respectively. Rotating the first and second drive gears in opposite angular directions causes the first and second translating gears to move axially along the shaft in opposing directions and thereby move the first and second drive members. Rotating the first and second drive gears in a same angular direction causes the first and second translating gears to rotate the shaft about a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a hand controller apparatus for controlling a tool in a robotic surgery system can include a body with a proximal end and a distally located interface end configured to be coupled to an input apparatus configured to control the tool. The hand controller apparatus can also include a control lever attached to a pivot joint proximate a side surface of the body and extending along the body and away from the proximal end, the control lever being laterally moveable relative to the side surface of the body about the pivot joint. The hand controller apparatus can additionally include a lateral movement detector configured to magnetically or inductively detect a lateral movement of the control lever.

Abstract: A glove with thinner and thicker parts is disclosed. The thinner parts, in one version of the glove, cover all of a thumb and index finger and a distal phalanx of a middle and ring finger. The rest of the glove, in such an embodiment, is thicker. The thicker parts can include the palm and dorsal side of the hand. The thinner region palmar side of the distal phalanx of the middle and ring finger include, in embodiments of the disclosed technology, a pad with a peelable cover which reveals a local anesthetic and disinfectant. Such pads can further be used/attached with a version of the glove with only thinner material throughout. In this manner, one can grasp with greater dexterity with the thinner regions of the glove compared to the thicker regions and also use a disinfectant followed by an anesthetic.

Abstract: A tissue expander having an integrated drain includes an outer shell having an opening and one or more drainage holes. An injection port is disposed in the opening of the shell and forms a fluid-tight seal with the shell. The injection port includes a needle guard having a needle guard base with a top surface, and a barrier membrane that overlies the top surface of the needle guard base. The barrier membrane defines an inflation chamber located between the top surface of the needle guard base and a bottom surface of the barrier membrane, and a drainage chamber overlying a top surface of the barrier membrane. The tissue expander includes one or more inflation ports that are in fluid communication with the inflation chamber for inflating and deflating the outer shell with a first fluid. A drainage conduit is in fluid communication with and extends between the drainage chamber and the one or more drainage holes for draining a second fluid from outside the shell.

Abstract: A tissue expander having an integrated drain includes a shell having an opening and one or more drainage holes, and an injection port disposed in the opening of the shell and forming a fluid-tight seal with the shell. The injection port includes a needle guard having a needle guard base with a top surface. The injection port includes a moveable barrier membrane overlying the top surface of the needle guard base. The moveable barrier membrane is moveable between a first position for inflating and deflating the shell with a first fluid and a second position for draining a second fluid from outside the shell. A magnet is coupled with the moveable barrier membrane, and a compressible spring is connected with the magnet. The compressible spring is compressed for storing energy as the moveable barrier membrane moves from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A minimally invasive medical device for tissue expansion is provided. The medical device has an expandable balloon and a sturdy substantially hollowed core. A membrane-covered port is provided at one end of the balloon to receive an insertion apparatus or an injection member. The balloon is inflatable by injecting a gas or a liquid through the membrane-covered port via the insertion apparatus or the injection member. A shell is provided to substantially encase the balloon and the insertion apparatus is provided to assist with maneuverability of the medical device. A method of tissue expansion includes implanting the medical device into an expandable tissue and inflating the balloon. A method of expanding a breast tissue of a patient after a mastectomy includes placing a patient under local anesthesia, making a small incision into an expandable tissue, implanting the minimally invasive medical device, and inflating the device gradually.

Abstract: A surgical end effector includes an anvil assembly; a cartridge assembly including a plurality of fasteners; a drive assembly movable longitudinally to approximate the anvil assembly relative to the cartridge assembly; and a strain gauge circuit disposed within the cartridge assembly, the strain gauge circuit configured to measure a strain imparted on the cartridge assembly by the drive assembly.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient. The surgical instrument navigation system includes: a surgical instrument; an imaging device which is operable to capture scan data representative of an internal region of interest within a given patient; a tracking subsystem that employs electro-magnetic sensing to capture in real-time position data indicative of the position of the surgical instrument; a data processor which is operable to render a volumetric perspective image of the internal region of interest from a point of view of the surgical instrument; and a display which is operable to display the volumetric perspective image of the patient.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, systems, methods, and media for selectively presenting images captured by confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) are provided. In some embodiments, a method comprises: receiving images captured by a CLE device during brain surgery; providing the images to a convolution neural network (CNN) trained using at least a plurality of images of brain tissue captured by a CLE device and labeled diagnostic or non-diagnostic; receiving an indication, from the CNN, likelihoods that the images are diagnostic images; determining, based on the likelihoods, which of the images are diagnostic images; and in response to determining that an image is a diagnostic image, causing the image to be presented during the brain surgery.

Abstract: A surgical clamp comprising two halves, each halve with an upper (2) and a lower portion (3), the lower portions forming two jaws (3) adapted to be in contact with a surgical site, one of the upper portions (2) being provided with a kinematic coupling mechanism (4, 5) and a passive circuit with a predetermined impedance value such that it is possible to identify different clamps because of their different impedances.

Abstract: To realize torque control based on an estimated external force and to cope with more various situations. Provided is a medical support arm system including: a support arm that is a multilink structure having a plurality of links connected by a joint unit including an actuator, and configured to support a medical unit; and a control device including an external force estimation unit configured to estimate an external force acting on the joint unit on the basis of a drive characteristic of the actuator, and a joint control unit configured to control drive of the joint unit on the basis of an external torque estimated by the external force estimation unit.

Abstract: A method of identifying upon insertion into soft tissue a microelectrode of a set of three or more microelectrodes each comprising an electrically conductive body comprises providing the microelectrode with a unique metallic pattern of three or more sections separated from each other and disposed in an axial direction on the body and/or on one or more insulating layers on the body; inserting the microelectrode into the tissue simultaneously or consecutively with the other microelectrodes of the set; detecting the pattern by computer tomography (CT) or X-ray. Also disclosed are microelectrodes provided with unique patterns and sets of such microelectrodes and their use.