Abstract: The present disclosure relates to negative pressure-based gripping system for gripping and retaining a target, preferably a moving target, such as a heart of a human or animal, in a fixed position, comprising: a catheter having a tubular body; a proximal end; and a remotely operable and flexible distal end section with a distal opening; a negative pressure generator, such as a vacuum pump, in connection with the tubular body; and a control unit configured to position the distal end of the catheter, wherein said control unit is further configured to control an operation of the negative pressure generator such that a negative pressure is generated in the tubular body to grip the target by the distal opening of the catheter upon positioning of the distal opening adjacent to the target. The disclosure further relates to method for gripping and retaining a target, preferably a moving target, such as a heart of a human or animal, in a fixed position in relation to the device.

Abstract: Surgical tool are disclosed that include a first tip and a second tip. The first tip and the second tip can have a first configuration, an intermediate configuration, and a second configuration. In the first configuration the tool operates as forceps and in the second configuration the tool operates as scissors. In the intermediate configuration the tool operates as a probe. The tips can be brought together to transition between the first configuration and the intermediate configuration. The tips can be rotated to transition between the intermediate configuration and the second configuration. Method are disclosed that include the step of providing a tool having a first tip extending distally and a second tip extending distally, moving at least one of the first tip and the second tip toward the other of the first tip and the second tip, and rotating the first tip and the second tip.

Abstract: In one instance, a medical device for harvesting epidermal tissue from a patient includes a first compartment that is mateable with a second, disposable compartment that goes against the skin. The first compartment has a floor that is formed, at least in part, by a first printed circuit board. The ceiling of the second, disposable compartment is formed at least in part by a second printed circuit board that electrically couples with the first printed circuit board when in a mated position. Suction is delivered to the second compartment to pull skin through apertures on the floor of the second compartment to form blisters that are harvested to obtain epidermal tissue. The first compartment remains uncontaminated in use and the second compartment is disposable. Other features are presented; some of which include a thermal sensor in the second compartment for temperature control, clear side walls, and a distributed heating element.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising harvesting epidermal tissue at a resection site and forming a first substance including the epidermal tissue. The method includes harvesting dermal tissue at the resection site and forming a second substance including the dermal tissue. A skin graft is formed comprising the first substance and/or the second substance.

Abstract: A device for separating tissue in an eye includes a body configured to be positioned on the eye surface. The body receives air from one or more air supplies. The body includes one or more air supply channels. The separation device includes a plurality of needles extending from the body. Each needle includes a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a passageway extending between the proximal and distal openings. The proximal openings of the needles are coupled to the one or more air supply channels. The distal openings of the needles are spaced from the body to be positioned in eye tissue. The one or more air supply channels direct the air from the one or more air supplies into the proximal openings, through the passageways, and out the distal openings of the needles and into the eye tissue. The air applies a pressure to separate the eye tissue.

Abstract: The present application provides a surgical instrument with an electric drive clamping mechanism, comprising a clamping arm and an electric drive clamping mechanism, wherein the electric drive clamping mechanism comprises a moving component, a static component and a driving component; the surgical instrument is characterized in that: the driving component comprises a magnetizing body and a magnetized body; one of the magnetizing body and the magnetized body is connected with the moving component, and the other one is connected with the static component; the moving component is connected with the clamping arm; the magnetizing body generates a magnetic force when current is connected, the direction and degree of the magnetic force can be changed by changing current direction and degree; the magnetized body is attracted or repelled by the magnetic force generated by the magnetizing body, thereby driving the moving component to get close to or keep far away from the static component and further driving the clampi

Abstract: A shaper for reaming tissue having a single articulating cutting head can be operably connected to a main shaft. The cutting head can be inverted by rotating the main shaft 180 degrees so that the remaining half-circle of tissue can be removed for a complete discectomy or other surgical procedure. The main shaft can be rotationally locked so that rotation does not occur until the user actuates a release mechanism.

Abstract: A medical device includes a shaft; and a cage coupled to the shaft, the cage comprising elongated cutting members configured to cut material(s) inside a blood vessel lumen, the cage including a first end and a second end, wherein one or both of the first end and second end are moveable along a longitudinal axis of the shaft to change a distance between them; wherein the cage has a naturally expanded configuration with a first cross sectional dimension; wherein the cage is collapsible to form a collapsed configuration in response to an increase in the distance between the first end and the second end of the cage; and wherein the medical device further comprises a control configured to apply a radial force to expand the cage beyond its naturally expanded configuration with a second cross sectional dimension that is larger than the first cross sectional dimension.

Abstract: A surgical device including a cannula having a base member at a proximal end, a sidewall connected to the base member, and a bore defined by the base member and sidewall. The sidewall further has an opening into the bore between axially-extending edges of the sidewall. A configurable guide insert includes a combination track having a circular opening for insertion of a camera device and a slot opening for insertion of a cutting instrument. The configurable guide insert may be permanently or detachably coupled to the base member and is positionable in a right orientation for a procedure in a patient's right side or in a left orientation for a procedure in a patient's left side. The combination track slidably receives a camera device through the circular opening into the bore and slidably receives a surgical implement through the slot opening and into an action area outside the bore.

Abstract: A puncture system that is configured to automatically puncture a radial artery of a hand of a patient includes: a grip to be gripped by the hand; a blood vessel detection unit that detects a position of an artery of the hand that grips the grip; an adjustment mechanism that adjusts a relative posture of the grip and a puncture needle a forward mechanism to move the puncture needle forward toward the grip; and a control unit that determines, in accordance with the position of the artery detected by the blood vessel detection unit, a relative posture of the grip and the puncture needle and a forward distance of the puncture needle, and controls operations of the adjustment mechanism and the forward mechanism on the basis of the posture and the forward distance having been determined.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly and method of use is disclosed. The surgical access assembly comprises an outer sheath and an obturator. The outer sheath and obturator are configured to be delivered to an area of interest within the brain. Either the outer sheath or the obturator may be configured to operate with a navigational system to track the location of either within the brain. Once positioned at a desired location, the obturator is removed, leaving a distal end of the outer sheath adjacent an area of interest, and creating a working corridor. Interrogation of the area of interest may be performed to evaluate a disorder and/or abnormality, as well as evaluate treatment regimes. Interventional devices may also be introduced to the area of interest, as well as a variety of treatments.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

Abstract: A nasal implant delivery tool includes an inner handle, an outer handle, a needle, and a push rod. The inner handle includes a loading chamber configured to receive a nasal implant. The outer handle is configured to move axially relative to the inner handle. The needle extends distally from the inner handle and has a central lumen and a distal opening. The push rod is configured to move the nasal implant from the loading chamber, through the central lumen, and out the distal opening of the needle. The push rod is coupled to the outer handle such that the push rod moves axially relative to the inner handle when the outer handle is moved axially relative to the inner handle. Also described herein are nasal implant guides and methods of using nasal implant delivery tools and nasal implant guides.

Abstract: A surgical access system comprises a trocar, an insufflating optical obturator slidably insertable into the trocar, and a laparoscope slidably insertable into the obturator. A distal end of the obturator comprises a tip, at least a portion of which comprises a wall with a generally uniform thickness comprising a transparent material. At least one vent hole disposed at the obturator tip is fluidly connected to a gas flow channel defined by an interior surface of the obturator and the laparoscope, which is fluidly connected to an insufflation gas inlet disposed at a proximal end of the trocar. Improved optical characteristics of the trocar system permit precise and accurate visual placement thereof into a body cavity. Accordingly the access system is suitable as a first entry surgical access system. Embodiments of the trocar access are also useful for drug delivery, and/or for fluid and/or tissue aspiration.

Abstract: Devices and methods for dermatology and more particularly to fluid enhanced skin treatment system for skin rejuvenation that can use an abrasive probe for removing epidermal layers while contemporaneously providing for the infusion of therapeutic fluids into the skin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are strut attachments for external fixation frames. The strut attachments provide solutions for frame configurations in which it is not possible to attach a strut at its ends to corresponding rings. The strut attachments may be considered an outrigger type of mechanism that achieves more travel out of completely collapsed struts. The strut attachments, each having a pivot and a hinge joint, allow a strut to be attached on the level of a first ring and extend at least partially proximally or distally to a second ring depending on the frame of reference of the ring system. These strut attachments may be used when the fully collapsed length of the strut will not allow the rings to get any closer to one another than is needed or proscribed. In such cases, the strut attachments allow for even tighter ring to ring distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stable fixation of spine segments, allowing for fusion in, e.g., skeletally mature patients. More particularly, the invention relates to a bone fixation device that can be affixed to vertebrae of a spine to provide reduction (or enlargement) capabilities and allow for fixation in the treatment of various conditions, including, e.g., spondyloslisthesis, degenerative disc disease, fracture, dislocation, spinal tumor, failed previous fusion, and the like, in the spine. The invention also relates to a method for delivering and implanting the bone fixation device.

Abstract: A compressor/distractor instrument that provides internal set screw engagement for threaded reduction capabilities while also providing bending support of the screw extenders during compression or distractor manipulation. Threaded reduction is performed by engaging compressor/distractor support tubes at the proximal end with a compressor/distractor driver. A removable locking pull pin secures the left and right handles of the compressor/distractor driver together during use, and removal of the pin releases the compression and tension built up in the device for ease of removal.

Abstract: A spinal rod assembly includes a flexible spinal fusion rod including link members that articulate with one another so that the rod is formable into a curved orientation. A locking mechanism is coupled to the link members and can lock the link members so that the rod is maintained in the curved orientation.

Abstract: A spinal fixation device for securing two stabilizing rods to bone, such as the spine, pelvis or cranium, has a threaded shaft configured for fastening to bone, a first (primary) rod coupling head and a secondary rod coupling head. The threaded shaft has a longitudinal axis and the first rod coupling head is connected to the threaded shaft. The first rod coupling head has a side wall and a cavity for receiving a rod, the cavity being open toward a top of the first rod coupling head. In a neutral position of the first rod coupling head, the first rod coupling head extends symmetrically around the longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft. The second rod coupling head is rotatably connected to the first rod coupling head, around an axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is disposed at an angle that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the threaded shaft when the first rod coupling head is in the neutral position.

Abstract: A bone screw assembly includes a fastener including a shaft and a head disposed on the shaft. The fastener is configured to be anchored within a subject's bone. A receiving assembly is configured to be movably mounted on the head of the fastener. The receiving assembly includes a receiver disposable around at least a portion of the head of the fastener and defining a channel for receiving a rod member therein. A retaining ring is disposed within the receiver for holding the head of the fastener in the receiver. An insert is disposed in the receiver above the retaining ring. A saddle is disposed in the receiver above the insert. The saddle defines a cradle for seating the rod member in the receiver.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a pedicle screw assembly having a pedicle screw defining an axial channel in communication with a pair of lateral channels configures to receive a bone anchor therein that extends outwardly from the pair of lateral channels in a post-deployment position for anchoring the pedicle screw to bone tissue are disclosed.

Abstract: Bone anchor assemblies and related methods are disclosed herein that can provide for improved fixation of a primary bone anchor. A bone anchor assembly can include a wing with a distal portion that can define a plurality of auxiliary bone anchor openings. Each auxiliary bone anchor opening can receive an auxiliary bone anchor that can augment fixation of a primary bone anchor of the bone anchor assembly. The plurality of auxiliary bone anchor openings can be oriented such that, when the wing is coupled to a primary bone anchor assembly of a vertebral level in a first configuration, at least one auxiliary bone anchor can be driven to extend across a facet plane of the vertebral level and, when coupled in a second configuration, each auxiliary bone anchor received within the wing can be driven to conform to the vertebral level.

Abstract: A nail device for fixing proximal bone fractures and muscle tears. The nail device includes a flexible nail adapted to be inserted into a bone and a fixation bracket attached to the nail adapted to repair soft tissue injuries.

Abstract: A bone distractor device and method of bone distraction in osteogenesis, the bone distractor having releasable bone plates, created using computer-aided design to conform to the surface of a bone, attached to a distraction mechanism, wherein the distractor device is affixed to the bone, the distraction mechanism is removed from the bone plates, the osteotomy is performed using a guide edge provided on at least one of the bone plates, and the distraction mechanism is re-attached to the bone plates such that distraction can be initiated.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a moveable bone plate implantation system, controlled movement assembly, and method. The moveable bone plate implantation system includes a movement instrument, translation member removeably coupled to the movement instrument, and a bone plate detachably connected to the translation member. The controlled movement assembly includes a translation member and a bone plate. The translation member includes a shaft with a first end and a second end and a head portion at the first end. The head portion includes an engagement groove recessed into the head portion and a lip extending out from a bottom portion of the engagement groove. The bone plate includes an engagement aperture for receiving the engagement groove and the lip engages a bottom surface of the bone plate during translation of the bone plate. A method for moving bones is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lateral spine implant has a plate, configured bone screws, and configured setscrews providing locking of bone screw movement. The plate has at least two identically configured bone screw bores, each one with a spherical seat at a bottom opening, and threads around the inner circumference of a top opening. Each setscrew has a cylindrical body with external threads that mate with inner threads of the bone screw bore in order to affix the setscrew to the plate. A threaded spherical pocket is provided in a bottom of the setscrew body which conjoins with the spherical bone screw head to secure the setscrew with the bone screw head, fixing bone screw orientation/angulation. The bone screw head has a formation or formations about at least a portion of its exterior circumference that cooperate with the threads of the spherical pocket of the plate in order to fix bone screw orientation/angulation.

Abstract: The device is a tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) plate is used to stabilize a stifle joint in an animal in veterinary surgery after a torn cranial cruciate ligament. The TPLO plate has a proximal portion and a distal portion, connected by an offset portion. The proximal portion and at least a portion of the distal portion are formed on two parallel planes.

Abstract: A system and method for providing greater control over the temperature of a thermal treatment element of a medical device, enabling an operator to extend a thawing period of a cryoablation procedure. The system may include a fluid flow path that bypasses a subcooler, giving the operator selective control over the temperature of refrigerant delivered to the treatment element and, therefore, treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include a fluid delivery conduit that is in communication with a liquid refrigerant and a gaseous refrigerant. Adjustment of the ratio of liquid to gaseous refrigerant also offers control over the treatment element temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include one or more valves and/or heating elements in the fluid delivery and recovery conduits to control the treatment element temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a catheter including a shaft having a distal end and a loop disposed near the distal end and configured to curl around a tissue and receive, via the shaft, energy to denervate at least a portion of the tissue. The loop includes: a first film capable of bending to curl around the tissue; a plurality of electrodes disposed on the first film and arranged in parallel to each other with a predetermined distance; a sensor disposed at a position corresponding to a position between the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for treating tight, hard-to-cross calcified lesions in which an angioplasty balloon is used to dilate the lesions and provide shock waves to restore normal blood flow in a patient's artery. An exemplary device includes an elongated tube and a balloon wrapped circumferentially around the tube and sealed to a distal end of the tube. During treatment, the device is advanced into a patient's vasculature and the balloon is inflated with conductive fluid such that the balloon is fixed to walls of the vasculature proximal to the calcified lesion. The balloon includes at least one low-profile emitter positioned near the distal end of the balloon, which may be activated to generate shock waves to break loose calcifications in the lesion. After calcium in the tight lesion has been modified, the balloon can be deflated and advanced further into the lesion to continue treatment.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides a transseptal insertion device which is suitable for facilitating precise and safe transseptal puncture of a cardiac interatrial septum. The transseptal insertion device includes a sheath that defines at least one lumen therein, one or more positioning balloons that are connected to a distal end of the sheath, a puncture member movably positioned within the at least one lumen, and a puncture member balloon located on the puncture member. The positioning balloons are inflated and deflated through hypotubes, and the puncture member balloon is inflated and deflated through an additional tube. The transseptal insertion device includes a wire member movably positioned in a center lumen formed in the puncture member. The wire member may be Brockenbrough needle, a radiofrequency tip needle, a radiofrequency wire, a pigtail catheter that delivers fluid or pharmaceuticals in the left atrial appendage, or a transseptal wire.

Abstract: An electrode loop assembly for a catheter includes a form wire shaped as a loop, an activation wire coupled to the form wire, and a support tube defining a lumen and enclosing the form wire and the activation wire therein. The activation wire is operable to selectively vary a diameter of the loop, and is routed along a radial inner side of the form wire. The support tube extends along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end, and has an oblong cross-section having a major axis. The support tube is twisted about the longitudinal axis such that an orientation of the major axis changes along a length of the support tube.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle, a catheter, and an end effector. The catheter extends distally from the handle. The catheter includes a body, a first cable, a second cable, and a third cable. The first cable is positioned in a first lumen of the catheter body and is operable to translate relative to the body of the catheter. The second cable is positioned in a second lumen of the catheter body and is operable to translate relative to the body of the catheter. The third cable is positioned in a third lumen of the catheter body and is operable to translate relative to the body of the catheter. The end effector extends distally from the catheter. The end effector includes at least one electrode.

Abstract: A system includes an interface and a processor. The interface is configured to receive data that characterizes an initial ablation operation applied to a region of a heart of a patient. The processor is configured to automatically specify, based on the received data, if found required, a complementary ablation operation to be applied to the region.

Abstract: Left atrial appendage (LAA) occlusion device including a membrane, a plurality of fixation splines, at least two electrical conductors and an interconnect, the interconnect positioned in the membrane for coupling the fixation splines and the electrical conductors, the fixation splines for affixing the LAA occlusion device to an ostium of the LAA and the electrical conductors for applying high voltage electricity to the ostium of the LAA, wherein the membrane physically occludes the LAA and the electrical conductors are used to electroporate the ostium of the LAA via the high voltage electricity, thereby electrically isolating the LAA.

Abstract: System and method for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery are disclosed. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of energy delivered to the nerve. The method includes at least the steps to evaluate a change in physiological parameters after energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and to determine the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (none, sympathetic or parasympathetic) based on the evaluated results. The system includes at least a device for delivering energy to the wall of blood vessel; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display results obtained using this method. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.

Abstract: An injectate delivery device for expanding tissue is provided. The injectate delivery device comprises: at least one fluid delivery tube comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therebetween; at least one fluid delivery element in fluid communication with the at least one fluid delivery tube lumen; a radially expanding element comprising the at least one fluid delivery element; a supply of vacuum constructed and arranged to cause tissue to tend toward the at least one fluid delivery element; and at least one control constructed and arranged to perform a function. The at least one control can be constructed and arranged to expand the radially expandable element and activate the supply of vacuum. Systems and method of injectate delivery are also provided.

Abstract: A medical device for treating a vein, including component parts thereof, wherein the device comprises a vein stretching member; a vein stretching member for use with the device; a kit of parts including the device and one or more vein stretching member and a method for treating a vein including use of the device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system comprises a return electrode that includes a conductive element disposed between two pads. The conductive element comprises a flexible, conductive fabric material and an electrical bus bar disposed along an edge of the fabric. The return electrode, including the conductive element, is transparent to RF waves and other wavelengths used in medical imaging systems.

Abstract: Smoke evacuation system for removal of aerosolized chemical compounds and biological fine particles produced during laser treatment of tissue. The rapid smoke evacuation is achieved by coupling a low capacity vacuum pump to a vacuum valve and a vacuum reservoir to create very high flow rate for very short durations. The opening time of the valve could at least partially overlap the laser pulse duration.

Abstract: A medical system includes an insertion device including a handle and a delivery portion, a laser fiber, a conductive wire, and a lock. The laser fiber extends through the insertion device and is coupled to a laser slider to control a position of the laser fiber relative to a distal end of the delivery portion. The conductive wire extends through the insertion device and is coupled to a wire slider to control a position of the laser fiber relative to a distal end of the delivery portion. The lock is positioned within the handle and is movable in order to selectively lock either the movement of the laser slider or lock the movement of the wire slider.

Abstract: For the purpose of efficiently converting a beam profile of laser light with a simple configuration, provided is a beam profile converter including: a first optical fiber that outputs guided light from a first end surface; and a second optical fiber being a multi-mode optical fiber to which the light is input to a second end surface and configured to guide the light, in which a core diameter of the second optical fiber is larger than a core diameter of the first optical fiber at the first end surface, and the light output from the first end surface is input to a core portion of the second end surface at a position separated from an optical axis of the second optical fiber in a direction inclined with respect to the second end surface.

Abstract: A follicular growth inducing apparatus is suitable for a surgical procedure for inducing follicular growth and is less invasive and less likely to degrade the ovarian functions. The follicular growth inducing apparatus includes an ovarian puncture needle that forms a puncture hole by puncturing an ovary in a traveling direction of ultrasound emitted from a probe in a transvaginal ultrasound device toward the ovary, for inducing growth of follicles, and an optical fiber that guides a laser beam emitted from a laser generator. The ovarian puncture needle includes a needle tube including a basal end, a shaft supported on the basal end, and a needle tip continuous with the shaft. The needle tip punctures the ovary. The optical fiber is installable in the needle tube to have a distal end of the optical fiber adjacent to the needle tip.

Abstract: A method and system for non-invasive assessment and therapy planning for coronary artery disease from medical image data of a patient is disclosed. Geometric features representing at least a portion of a coronary artery tree of the patient are extracted from medical image data. Lesions are detected in coronary artery tree of the patient and a hemodynamic quantity of interest is computed at a plurality of points along the coronary artery tree including multiple points within the lesions based on the extracted geometric features using a machine learning model, resulting in an estimated pullback curve for the hemodynamic quantity of interest.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for supporting medical personnel during a resection. In the method, a preoperative three-dimensional (3D) data set of an examination object on which the resection is to be carried out is acquired. Furthermore, a resection surface is acquired by ultrasound to generate an ultrasound data set describing the resection surface. The ultrasound data set is registered with the respective current 3D data set. The current 3D data set is updated with the resection surface acquired by ultrasound.

Abstract: Methods, system, and media for identifying one or more ablation locations in an atrial tissue region in an atrial fibrillation (AF) patient with atrial fibrosis are disclosed. Three-dimensional imaging data representing the atria of the patient may be received. A patient-specific model of the atria may be generated from the three-dimensional imaging data. Simulation of the AF on the patient-specific model may be conducted to identify AF-perpetrating regions. One or more ablation locations in the atria may be identified from the AF-perpetrating regions.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices for pre-operatively planned shoulder surgery guides and implants. Pre-operative planning methods for designing glenoid placement guides and depth-control pins based on considerations of multiple factors affecting the outcome of shoulder surgery. Methods of using surgery guides and implants, including glenoid placement guides and depth-control pins, in patients undergoing shoulder surgery.

Abstract: The accuracy of an intervention site in surgery is predicted and the predicted intervention site is presented to a surgeon. A surgery support apparatus includes a prediction data generation unit that generates prediction data predicting an intervention site based on data before an intervention using an artificial intelligence algorithm. The artificial intelligence algorithm is an artificial intelligence algorithm learning an intervention site by analyzing data before the intervention and intervention site data for an object, and outputs coordinates, a region, or a shape of one point of the intervention site as prediction data. Data before the intervention used for learning of the artificial intelligence algorithm and input data input to the artificial intelligence algorithm to generate prediction data correspond to image data, a segment image, a feature point, etc. The prediction data is displayed on a display apparatus together with an image of a patient acquired in advance.

Abstract: A system includes a dilation catheter and a guide member. The dilation catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a dilator, a navigation sensor, and a force sensor. The dilator is positioned proximal to the distal end and is configured to transition between a non-dilated configuration and a dilated configuration. The navigation sensor is positioned distal to the dilator and is configured to cooperate with a guidance system and thereby provide signals indicating a position of the dilation catheter in three-dimensional space. The force sensor is positioned distal to the dilator and is configured to provide signals indicating a force encountered by the force sensor. The dilation catheter is configured to slide relative to the guide member. A distal portion of the guide member is sized and configured to fit in a nasal cavity of a patient.