Abstract: A spinal fixation device is provided, comprising a body member having a first side and an opposite second side, and an elongate flexible strap having a first section and a second section. The first section of the strap is attached or attachable to attachment means of the body member arranged at a first location thereof. The second section of the strap is sized and shaped to pass through a passageway arranged at a second location of the body member. The strap has a series of teeth and the passageway of the body member has a latch configured for engaging one of the teeth. The teeth and the latch are configured to allow a movement of the second section of the strap through the passageway in a tightening direction from the first side to the second side of the body member, and to prevent a movement of the second section in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to single tooth or full arch dental restoration. In cases where patients have insufficient bone stock for conventional root-form dental implants, current solutions often fail to restore function. The present disclosure describes a transalveolar dental implant for single tooth or full arch dental restoration. The transalveolar dental implant is comprised of a post and a bone plate, the bone plate having a contoured portion fabricated to match the topography of a bony surface of the facial skeleton. Through primary fixation of the contoured portion of the bone plate, the transalveolar dental implant improves function and outcomes in affected patients.

Abstract: A bone anchoring system having a flexible member with a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A fastener provided at a first end of the flexible member for retaining the flexible member within a bone. A rigid member is provided to ensure movement or pull-through of the flexible member does not occur.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a bone cement applicator having a cartridge with an interior, a cartridge head with a delivery opening, a mixing member which is movable in the interior with a mixing rod. A delivery plunger is arranged in the cartridge and is mounted in the interior and is pressable in the direction of the delivery opening. The delivery plunger rests with an outer cylindrical circumferential surface against an inner wall of the cartridge. A clamping element is arranged on the inner wall of the cartridge in the region of a back side of the interior. The clamping element projects out of the inner wall of the cartridge. The cylindrical circumferential surface of the delivery plunger is resiliently deformable by the clamping element in the direction of a central cylinder axis, such that the delivery plunger is clampable in place with the at least one clamping element on the back side of the cartridge.

Abstract: An assembly may include a medical device, an introducer sheath connected to the medical device, and a surgical instrument. The medical device may include a cage, a screw, a bone screw, a pedicle screw, and/or an implant. The introducer sheath may be connected to the medical device at a pre-determined breaking point. The introducer sheath may be hollow. The surgical instrument may comprise an extension. The extension may be configured to be inserted into the introducer sheath. The surgical instrument may comprise a pin. The surgical instrument may comprise a separator. The separator may be configured for breaking off the introducer sheath from the medical device at the pre-determined breaking point by rotating the extension about a longitudinal axis of the extension. A part of the medical device may be configured serve as a counter bearing to the rotation by accommodating the pin during rotation.

Abstract: An apparatus or device for performing cold atmospheric plasma procedures. The device or apparatus has a housing, a chamber within the housing, an entry port to the chamber, a plurality of exit ports from the chamber, and a plurality of electrodes mounted in the housing, each of the plurality of electrodes having a distal end adjacent one of the plurality of exit ports.

Abstract: An endovascular near critical fluid based cryoablation catheter for creating an elongated lengthwise-continuous lesion in tissue can comprise an elongated shaft, a flexible distal tissue treatment section, and a distal tip. A plurality of flexible tubes can extend through the distal treatment section to transport a near critical fluid to and from the distal tip. The distal treatment section can also include a flexible fluid-sealed cover or barrier layer surrounding the delivery tubes. The cover and tubes can collectively define a space which is filled with a fluidic thermally conductive media. The thermally conductive media, fluid delivery tubes, and the cover can be arranged such that a flow of the near critical fluid through the tube bundle transfers heat between a target tissue and the distal treatment section of the catheter thereby creating the elongated lengthwise-continuous lesion in the tissue.

Abstract: A method for preventing damage to adjacent tissue at a surgical site includes locating the tissue to be protected, placing a cryoprotective device at the tissue to be protected, injecting a cryoprotective substance (CPS) through the cryoprotective device at the tissue, at least one of positioning a temperature sensor at the CPS and positioning a temperature sensor at the tissue, monitoring a temperature of at least one of the CPS and the tissue with the temperature sensor, and carrying out cryotherapy at the surgical site without harm to the tissue.

Abstract: A system and method of using a source of low-pressure refrigerant for a cryotherapy procedure. The system may generally include a fluid reservoir and a fluid flow path in thermal exchange with the fluid reservoir, the fluid flow path including a thermal exchange device in thermal exchange with the fluid reservoir, a compressor in fluid communication with the thermal exchange device, a condenser, a reversing valve located between the compressor and the condenser, and an expansion valve located between the condenser and the thermal exchange device. The method may include transferring a low-pressure refrigerant to a first fluid reservoir, reducing the temperature of the refrigerant within the first fluid reservoir, increasing the temperature of the refrigerant within the first fluid reservoir, and transferring the pressurized refrigerant from the first fluid reservoir to a second fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Electrosurgical procedures. At least some of the example methods for detecting that an electrosurgical wand is effected by a blockage, including supplying a high frequency energy to an active electrode of an electrosurgical wand; drawing an electrically conductive fluid from the vicinity of the active electrode; sensing a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the electrically conductive fluid drawn from the vicinity of the active electrode; and cycling the high frequency energy supplied upon the temperature of the electrically conductive fluid drawn from the vicinity of the active electrode exceeding a first threshold temperature.

Abstract: A method for applying cold atmospheric plasma treatment to target tissue comprising the steps of selecting through a graphical user interface a particular soft tissue sarcoma cell line associated with target tissue, retrieving, with said computing device, settings data associated with said selected soft tissue sarcoma cell line from a database of cell line data and associated settings data in a storage, and applying, with said computing device, said retrieved settings data to a cold atmospheric plasma system.

Abstract: Provided is a method for managing radio frequency (RF) and ultrasonic signals output by a generator that includes a surgical instrument comprising an RF energy output and an ultrasonic energy output and a circuit configured to receive a combined RF and ultrasonic signal from the generator. The method includes receiving a combined radio frequency (RF) and ultrasonic signal from a generator, generating a RF filtered signal by filtering RF frequency content from the combined signal; filtering ultrasonic frequency content from the combined signal; generating an ultrasonic filtered signal; providing the RF filtered signal to the RF energy output; and providing the ultrasonic filtered signal to the ultrasonic energy output.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a medical instrument comprises an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end and a pair of electrodes or electrode portions (for example, a split-tip electrode assembly). Systems and methods are described herein that perform contact sensing and/or ablation confirmation based on electrical measurements obtained while energy of different frequencies are applied to the pair of electrodes or electrode portions. The contact sensing systems and methods may calibrate network parameter measurements to compensate for a hardware unit in a network parameter measurement circuit or to account for differences in cables, instrumentation or hardware used.

Abstract: An inventive system and method for touch free operation of an ablation workstation is presented. The system can comprise a depth sensor for detecting a movement, motion software to receive the detected movement from the depth sensor, deduce a gesture based on the detected movement, and filter the gesture to accept an applicable gesture, and client software to receive the applicable gesture at a client computer in an ablation workstation for performing a task in accordance with client logic based on the applicable gesture. The system can also comprise hardware for making the detected movement an applicable gesture. The system can also comprise voice recognition providing voice input for enabling the client to perform the task based on the voice input in conjunction with the applicable gesture. The applicable gesture can be a movement authorized using facial recognition.

Abstract: A device for ablating target tissue of a patient with electrical energy is provided. An elongate shaft includes a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a radially expandable element is attached to the distal portion. An ablation element for delivering electrical energy to target tissue is mounted to the radially expandable element. The device can be constructed and arranged to ablate the duodenal mucosa of a patient while avoiding damage to the duodenal adventitial tissue. Systems and methods of treating target tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A cautery pen tip accessory cover comprises a cylindrical member that can receive a cautery pen in a first end and the tip of the cautery pen can extend from a second opposite end when the cover is in a retracted configuration. The cylindrical member has an opened lateral exposure that allows the feel of the cautery pen therethrough. A cover exposure opening in the cylindrical member to provide access to a trigger of the cautery pen when the cautery pen tip cover is in the retracted configuration. A resilient member urges the cautery pen tip cover to the non-retracted configuration where access to the cautery pen trigger is prevented. The cylindrical member is easily retracted by a finger ring configured permanently into the cylindrical member, allowing easy retraction of the cover by the operator squeezing the cover to a resistance bar stabilization system accessory configured over the cautery pen.

Abstract: An end effector of an electrosurgical forceps includes a first jaw member, a second jaw member, and a cap. The first jaw member has a pivot pin extending inwardly from an inner lateral side thereof. The second jaw member is pivotably coupled to the pivot pin. The cap couples the first and second jaw members to one another.

Abstract: A medical device system for the delivery of energy to a region of a patient's anatomy is provided. An introducer tube defines a lumen therein and bears a first electrode. A second electrode is movable within the lumen between a retracted position and an extended position. In the retracted position, the second electrode is substantially disposed within the lumen. In the extended position, the second electrode extends at least partially beyond the distal end of the introducer tube. In one form, the introducer tube is configured to substantially hold the second electrode within the lumen in a predetermined orientation in the extended position, and the introducer tube prevents the second electrode from substantially rotating within the lumen of the introducer tube during movement into the extended position. In one form, the introducer tube is more flexible in a first plane than in a second plane.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed, including methods and systems/apparatus, that can be used to treat cancerous tissue by exploiting the fact that such tissues have vascular branching with fractal descriptions and fractal dimensions, which are different from those found in normal soft tissue vascular branching. Such fractal branching of diseased tissue can produce resonances, or preferential energy absorption, when irradiated by either ultrasound and/or radio frequencies of EM energy; these resonances are not shared by the vascularization in normal soft tissue. Accordingly, one or more specific arrangements of multiband radiation (e.g., RF and/or ultrasonic) used to irradiate such diseased tissue will cause heating and possibly localized necropsy of tumor blood vessels, with little or minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Embodiments can utilize ablation devices in conjunction with RF and/or ultrasonic sources.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes an elongate shaft having a proximal shaft portion and a malleable distal shaft portion. The elongate shaft is configured to be secured to a supporting surgical instrument. An ablation head is coupled to the malleable distal shaft portion and includes at least one electrode operable to deliver RF energy to tissue for ablating the tissue. The ablation head is sized to fit within the nasal cavity of a patient with a distal end of the supporting surgical instrument. The proximal shaft portion is configured to operatively couple with an RF energy source operable to energize the at least one electrode with RF energy. The malleable distal shaft portion is configured to bend relative to a longitudinal shaft axis defined by the proximal shaft portion for selectively orienting the ablation head relative to the longitudinal shaft axis.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a cardiac ablation system, including an ablation probe including at least one ablation application element to ablate tissue in a chamber of a heart of a living subject, a tracking module to track a position of the at least one ablation application element within the heart, a memory to store a map of the chamber of the heart and store a different, respective default ablation-parameter set for each different region of the chamber, and processing circuitry to segment the map of the chamber into the different regions, receive a user input indicative of commencement of an ablation procedure, identify, responsively to the tracked position, a region of the chamber with which the at least one ablation application element is in contact, retrieve the respective default ablation-parameter set assigned to the identified region, and apply the retrieved default ablation-parameter set in controlling the ablation procedure.

Abstract: Systems for nerve and tissue modulation are disclosed. An illustrative system may include an intravascular nerve modulation system including a catheter shaft, an expandable basket and one or more electrode assemblies affixed to the expandable basket. The one or more electrode assemblies may be affixed to the expandable basket using one or more covers or coatings.

Abstract: A method of constructing an electrophysiology catheter having a flex circuit electrode assembly includes: providing a flex circuit having a substrate, a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer; removing the first conductive layer to expose a first surface of the substrate; forming the wiring electrode in the second conductive layer with one exclusion zone; forming a first through-hole in the substrate to provide one conductive via and forming a second through-hole to provide an irrigation aperture in alignment with the exclusion zone; forming the contact electrode on first surface of the substrate; placing conductive material into the first through-hole to form the conductive via, the conductive via extending through the substrate and electrically coupling the wiring electrode and the contact electrode; and coupling a first conductor and a second conductor to the wiring electrode to form a thermocouple.

Abstract: Provided and described herein are exemplary embodiments of apparatus, system, computer-accessible medium, procedure and method according to the present disclosure which can be used for providing laser steering and focusing for, e.g., incision, excision and/or ablation of tissue in minimally-invasive surgery. For example, an exemplary apparatus is provided that can include at least one optical element which can be configured to refract and/or diffract light provided in a structure which can be configured to be inserted into a body, where at least one of the optical element(s) is structured to receive the light at a first angle and generate a refracted and/or diffracted light at a second angle which can be different from the first angle relative to an optical axis.

Abstract: A peripheral vessel tissue modification system includes a first longitudinal member, a second longitudinal member, and a radiofrequency energy source. The first member is configured for advancement into a peripheral vessel of a patient, is coupled to the energy source, and extends along a length between a proximal end and a distal end. The first member includes an inner lumen extending along its length and a distal electrode located on an outer surface proximate to the distal end and electrically coupled to the energy source. The second member is configured for insertion into the vessel through the lumen, is coupled to the energy source, and extends along a length between a proximal end and a distal end including a tip electrode. The second member is moveable with respect to the first member to create a bipolar arrangement between the distal electrode and the tip electrode for delivery of radiofrequency energy.

Abstract: A method and system provide two light beams which intersect at a remote center of motion (RCM) of a robot having an end-effector at a distal end thereof; capture images of a planned entry point and a planned path through the RCM; register the captured images to three-dimensional pre-operative images; define an entry point and path for the RCM in the captured images using the light beams; detect and track in the captured images a reference object having a known shape; in response to information about the entry point, the path, and the reference object, compute robot joint motion parameters to align the end-effector to the planned entry point and planned path; and communicate the computed robot joint motion parameters to the robot to align the end-effector to the planned entry point and the planned path.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for rapid generation of simulations of a patient's spinal morphology that enable pre-operative viewing of a patient's condition and to assist surgeons in determining the best corrective procedure and with any of the selection, augmentation or manufacture of spinal devices based on the patient specific simulated condition. The simulation is generated by morphing a generic spine model with a three-dimensional curve representation of the patient's particular spinal morphology derived from existing images of the patient's condition.

Abstract: A computer that determines at least an anatomic feature associated with an aortic valve is described. During operation, the computer generates a 3D image associated with an individual's heart. This 3D image may present a view along a perpendicular direction to a 2D plane in which bases of a noncoronary cusp, a right coronary cusp and a left coronary cusp reside. Then, the computer may receive information specifying a set of reference locations that are associated with an aortic-root structure. Next, the computer automatically determines, based, at least in part, on the set of reference locations, at least the anatomical feature, which is associated with an aortic valve of the individual and a size of an aortic-valve device used in a transcatheter aortic-valve replacement (TAVR) procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for planning delivery of an object via a catheter, such as transseptal delivery of a prosthetic mitral valve to a patient's heart are disclosed.

Abstract: A virtual reality system providing a virtual robotic surgical environment, and methods for using the virtual reality system, are described herein. The virtual reality system may simulate a robotic surgical environment in which a user may operate both a robotically-controlled surgical instrument using a handheld controller and a manual laparoscopic surgical instrument while adjacent a patient table.

Abstract: Robotic surgical systems are operated in a manner that improves user experience and user control. The robotic surgical system systems are configured to have a carrying mode, a camera reposition mode, and/or a targeting mode, one or more of which is selectable by the user.

Abstract: A method for automatic detection of a medical instrument orientation for robotic surgery is presented. The method determines the orientation of a marker device attached to the medical instrument in relation to the robotic system by comparing movement information. The method compares the information about a movement of the marker device from a tracking system with the information about a movement of the robotic arm, which movement data can be acquired by the robotic system. The orientation of the medical instrument with respect to the robotic system can be determined automatically and used for subsequent calculations such as an automatic and efficient precise alignment to a target trajectory or a correct positioning assistance for a mechatronic arm. A computer-implemented medical method of automatically determining an orientation of a medical instrument base in relation to a robotic system is provided.

Abstract: Certain embodiments may relate to apparatuses and methods for performing surgical procedures. For example, a method may comprise initiating detection and tracking of at least one surgical instrument (including associated surgical material) within a surgical area. The method may further comprise performing a surgical procedure with the at least one surgical instrument and material and ending detection and tracking of the at least one surgical instrument and material within the surgical area. The method may further comprise displaying at least one indication of location status of the at least one surgical instrument.

Abstract: A system and a method are disclosed that allow for generation of a model or reconstruction of a model of a subject based upon acquired image data. The image data can be acquired in a substantially mobile system that can be moved relative to a subject to allow for image acquisition from a plurality of orientations relative to the subject. The plurality of orientations can include a first and final orientation and a predetermined path along which an image data collector or detector can move to acquire an appropriate image data set to allow for the model of construction.

Abstract: A method for guiding resection of local tissue from a patient includes generating at least one image of the patient, automatically determining a plurality of surgical guidance cues indicating three-dimensional spatial properties associated with the local tissue, and generating a visualization of the surgical guidance cues relative to the surface. A system for generating surgical guidance cues for resection of a local tissue from a patient includes a location module for processing at least one image of the patient to determine three-dimensional spatial properties of the local tissue, and a surgical cue generator for generating the surgical guidance cues based upon the three-dimensional spatial properties. A patient-specific locator form for guiding resection of local tissue from a patient includes a locator form surface matching surface of the patient, and a plurality of features indicating a plurality of surgical guidance cues, respectively.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods, and computer-readable media for registering an electromagnetic registration of a luminal network to a 3D model of the luminal network include accessing a 3D model of a luminal network based on computed tomographic (CT) images of the luminal network, selecting a plurality of reference points within the 3D model of the luminal network, obtaining a plurality of survey points within the luminal network, dividing the 3D model of the luminal network and the luminal network into a plurality of regions, assigning a plurality of weights to the plurality of regions, determining an alignment of the plurality of reference points with the plurality of survey points based on the plurality of weights, and generating a registration based on the alignment, the registration enabling conversion of the plurality of survey points within the luminal network to points within the 3D model of the luminal network.

Abstract: An articulation assembly for a surgical instrument, surgical instrument including the same, and robotic surgical system including a surgical robot and the surgical instrument including the articulation assembly. The articulation assembly includes proximal gear assemblies arranged in diagonally-opposed pairs and distal gear assemblies coupled to the respective proximal gear assemblies and likewise arranged in diagonally-opposed pairs. Each distal gear assembly defines an opposite configuration as its diagonally-opposed distal gear assembly. First and second coupling gears couple the diagonally-opposed pairs of proximal gear assemblies such that an input to one of the proximal gear assemblies of a diagonally-opposed pair provides opposite outputs of the corresponding distal gear assemblies.

Abstract: An articulation assembly for a surgical instrument, surgical instrument including the same, and robotic surgical system including a surgical robot and the surgical instrument including the articulation assembly. The articulation assembly includes lead screw assemblies each including a lead screw and a collar operably engaged about the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw translates the collar about the lead screw. Articulation cables are operably coupled to the collars of the lead screw assemblies such that proximal movement of one of the collars about the respective lead screw tensions the corresponding articulation cable and such that distal movement of one of the collars about the respective lead screw de-tensions the corresponding articulation cable. Proximal gear assemblies are coupled to the lead screws. Coupling gears couple pairs of the proximal gear assemblies with one another to maintain a pre-tension on the corresponding articulation cables.

Abstract: An articulation assembly, surgical instrument including the same, and robotic surgical system including the same. The articulation assembly includes a lead screw assembly including a lead screw and a collar operably engaged about the lead screw such that rotation of the lead screw translates the collar about the lead screw. The lead screw defines a proximal input end rotatably received within a first base assembly and a distal dock end rotatably received within a second base assembly. An articulation cable is operably coupled to the collar such that movement of the collar about the lead screw tensions or de-tensions the articulation cable. A set screw is threadingly engaged within the second base assembly and operably coupled to the distal dock end of the lead screw such that proximal rotational driving of the set screw urges the lead screw proximally, thereby urging the collar proximally to tension the articulation cable.

Abstract: A system comprises a robotic manipulator for control of motion of a medical tool. The robotic manipulator including a joint and a link connected to the joint. The link is configured to connect to the medical tool. A processing unit of the system is configured to receive first data from an encoder of the joint. A first tool tip estimate of a first parameter of a tool tip coupled at a distal end of the medical tool is generated using the first data. The first parameter of the tool tip is a position or a velocity of the tool tip. Second data is received from a sensor system located at a sensor portion of the link or the medical tool. The joint is controlled based on a first difference between the first tool tip estimate and a second tool tip estimate generated using the first and second data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing minimally invasive surgical procedures, especially for removal of tumors, and especially for brain tumors, using a robotically inserted therapeutic probe, which first detects tumorous tissue on a pre-planned path through the patient's tissue, before performing therapeutic procedures on the tissue, such as ablation. This pre-treatment detection procedure is thus able to avoid the destruction of healthy tissue. This also ensures that the therapeutic process indicated in a preoperative surgical plan is only performed on tumorous tissue, without sole reliance on preoperative image indications. This is important for neurosurgical operations performed on the brain, since preoperative images may not be accurate due to brain shift occurring during the procedure. Detection can be performed optically or ultrasonically, and treatment by laser or RF ablation. The probe insertion can be performed at 90° to the insertion axis of the device, thus minimizing passage through healthy tissue.

Abstract: A system for performing a medical procedure on a patient includes an articulating probe assembly. At least one tool is configured to translate through one of the at least two working channels of the probe assembly. A camera device includes a shaft comprising an articulating distal portion with a distal end and a camera assembly positioned on the distal end of the shaft. The system is configured to articulate the shaft distal portion to position the camera distal assembly outside of the probe assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for moving or manipulating robotic arms are provided. A group of robotic arms are configured to form a virtual rail or line between the end effectors of the robotic arms. The robotic arms are responsive to outside force such as from a user. When a user moves a single one of the robotic arms, the other robotic arms will automatically move to maintain the virtual rail alignments. The virtual rail of the robotic arm end effectors may be translated in one or more of three dimensions. The virtual rail may be rotated about a point on the virtual rail line. The robotic arms can detect the nature of the contact from the user and move accordingly. Holding, shaking, tapping, pushing, pulling, and rotating different parts of the robotic arm elicits different movement responses from different parts of the robotic arm.

Abstract: A method of reprocessing a surgical instrument includes converting force associated with a flow of fluid used during reprocessing of a surgical instrument to a drive force to drive an input drive member of a transmission mechanism of the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided that includes an elongated shaft that includes a proximal end and a distal end; a cantilever beam is disposed at the distal end of the shaft; an optical fiber extends within a channel that extends within between proximal and distal portions of the cantilever beam; a first fiber Bragg grating (FBG) is formed in a segment of the optical fiber within the proximal portion of the beam; a second FBG is formed in a segment of the optical fiber within the distal portion of the beam.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for guiding an elongated flexible instrument, the apparatus comprising a variable-length support assembly adapted to maintain a length of the elongated flexible instrument in a fixed configuration relative to the variable-length support assembly as the variable-length support assembly is moved along a longitudinal axis. The variable-length support assembly includes a plurality of linkages connected in series along the longitudinal axis, and the variable-length support assembly has a compact configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a controller, a surgical instrument supporting an end effector, and one or more connector members coupled to the end effector and movable to operate the end effector. Memory is operably coupled to the controller and is configured to maintain reference data of the one or more connector members. A sensor is secured to the one or more connector members and is disposed in electrical communication with the controller. The sensor is configured to register real-time data of the one or more connector members and communicate the real-time data to the controller. The controller is configured to compare the real-time data to the reference data and provide an output signal in response to a comparison of the real-time data to the reference data. A pair of connector members may be coupled to the end effector to impart three outputs.

Abstract: Safety-blade dispensers for safely storing surgical blades prior to surgery and optionally for retrieving used surgical blades after surgery. In either case, the safety-blade dispenser is configured to store one or more surgical blades in an orientation that allows a user to simply and safely attach a surgical tool handle to the surgical blades (and optionally remove the handle from the surgical blades) without requiring the user to physically touch or manipulate the surgical blades by hand. The safety-blade dispensers disclosed herein may be used alone or in conjunction with a system and method of preventing wrong-site surgery.

Abstract: A medical device that includes an introducer and a sensor. The introducer is configured to be inserted into a body cavity through a constricted channel. The introducer includes a predetermined section. The sensor is configured to generate a signal while the predetermined section of the introducer is located inside of the body cavity.

Abstract: A head fixation device in the form of a skull clamp comprises an integrated rail for attaching accessories thereto. One or more clamps are configured to engage with the integrated rail. Additional accessories can be attached to the one or more clamps, which also include a starburst interface and an integrated rail. The clamps use a linear translating closure mechanism to engage the clamps to the integrated rail of the skull clamp. In some versions, the head fixation device is configured with a navigation adapter that attaches to an upper portion of the skull clamp.