Abstract: A probe operation is supported in ultrasound diagnosis of a breast. A tomographic image includes a mammary gland image, a pectoralis major image, and a boundary image between the mammary gland image and the pectoralis major image. By detection of the boundary image, an approximate straight line approximating the boundary image is calculated. An inclination angle of the approximate straight line is calculated. When the inclination angle exceeds a threshold, a support image showing that a probe contact posture is inappropriate is displayed. When the inclination angle is less than or equal to the threshold, a support image showing that the probe contact posture is appropriate is displayed. When the inclination angle exceeds the threshold, a CAD function may be stopped.

Abstract: A system and method for integrating diagnosis and treatment for internal tissues includes imaging at least a portion of an internal organ of a subject using a first technology capable of differentiating tissue types, and targeting and accessing biopsy sites using images of the first technology fused with images of a second technology capable of real-time image updates. Treatment of a biopsy site is planned using the images of the first technology. Instruments for treating the biopsy site are guided by fusing the images of the first technology with the images of the second technology.

Abstract: A system for generating ultrasound data in respect of an anatomical body being scanned makes use of a predetermined scan protocol, which specifies a sequence of types of ultrasound scan of structures of interest. These types may for example be different imaging modalities (static, dynamic, 2D, 3D etc.) which are most appropriate for viewing different structures within the anatomical body. From received ultrasound images, a model is used to identify the structures of interest within the ultrasound images. The best images for creating the types of scan of the protocol are then identified and a sequence is compiled of those best images. In this way, a sequence is created which combines different types of scan, in a structured way according to a predetermined protocol. This makes the analysis of the sequence most intuitive for a user, and simplifies comparison between different sequences.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for tracking a target tissue during therapy delivery. A system for identifying an anatomical structure and tracking the motion of the anatomical structure using imaging before and during delivery of a therapy to a patient includes an imaging module and a therapy module. In some cases, the imaging module is configured to identify a region of the anatomical structure in an image, and the therapy module is configured to deliver the therapy to a target tissue. A method for imaging during delivery of a therapy includes acquiring an image, identifying a region of an anatomical structure, tracking the region of the anatomical structure, integrating the tracking, generating a unique template library, determining if a pre-existing template matches the results or if the results should be updated as a new template, and delivering the therapy to the target tissue.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus, a medical imaging apparatus, a training device, an ultrasonic image display method, and a storage medium storing a program that can quickly set a region of interest on an ultrasonic image are provided. The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic image generation unit configured to generate an ultrasonic image of a subject, an inference unit configured to set, by using a trained model trained with a region of interest set on the ultrasonic image as teaching data, a region of interest on a new generated ultrasonic image, and a display unit configured to display the region of interest set by the inference unit along with the new generated ultrasonic image.

Abstract: The ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an evaluating circuit, a frequency setting circuit, and a drive circuit. The evaluating circuit is configured to analyze a received signal of a predetermined depth based on received signals of ultrasonic wave to evaluate a degree of beam penetration to a deep portion. The frequency setting circuit is configured to set a transmission frequency based on a result evaluated by the evaluating circuit. The drive circuit is configured to generate a drive pulse based on the set transmission frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a urine-sampling kit including, in some embodiments, a sampling-port access device, a package of hand sanitizer, a pair of sterile gloves, and a packaged antiseptic wipe, towelette, or swabstick. The sampling-port access device includes a barrel ending with a tip configured to fluidly connect the sampling-port access device to a urine-sampling port of a catheter assembly, and a hollow needle coaxial with the barrel. The needle is fluidly connected to but directed away from the tip of the barrel. Contents of the urine-sampling kit including the sampling-port access device, the package of hand sanitizer, the pair of sterile gloves, and the packaged antiseptic wipe, towelette, or swabstick are packaged in accordance with step-by-step instructions for aseptic urine sampling. A catheterization-and-urine-sampling kit including at least some of the foregoing components is also disclosed, as is a method for aseptic urine sampling with the urine-sampling kit and the catheterization-and-urine-sampling kit.

Abstract: Bodily fluid indicator devices and methods are provided. Such devices and methods can effectively indicate whether the amount of bodily fluid being produced is within a measurable range. In an exemplary embodiment, a bodily fluid indicator device includes a substrate having a surface. Some portions of the surface are covered with a region of absorbent material and other portions of the surface are devoid of the absorbent material. A graduated scale or a reactive feature is printed on the absorbent material. The device is configured to indicate an amount and/or a composition a bodily fluid present on an area of a patient or subject.

Abstract: An adapter assembly is provided and includes a housing for connection with a surgical device and for operative communication with at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device; an outer tube having a proximal end supported by the housing and a distal end for connection with a selected end effector, wherein the distal end of the outer tube is in operative communication with each of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector; at least one drive transmitting/converting assembly for interconnecting a respective one of the at least one rotatable drive shaft of the surgical device and one of the at least one force receiving drive member of the end effector; and a circuit board supported in the housing and storing at least one of operating parameters and life cycle information which are unique to the adapter assembly.

Abstract: A device for delivering an agent may comprise a source of agent; a mixing chamber for receiving fluid and the agent; an outlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber to deliver the fluid and the agent; and an actuator configured to (1) deliver a first flow of the fluid substantially free from the agent through the outlet; (2) after delivering the first flow, deliver a second flow of the fluid and the agent through the outlet; and (3) after delivering the second flow, deliver a third flow of the fluid substantially free from the agent through the outlet.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly includes a sleeve assembly, a base member, and a sealing assembly. The sleeve assembly includes a proximal ring, a distal ring, and a sleeve defining a passage therethrough. The base member includes an annular body including a coupling member. The annular body defines an opening in communication with the passage of the sleeve, and a circumferential groove configured to support the proximal ring of the sleeve assembly. The sealing assembly includes an annular frame and a seal dimensioned to cover the opening of the base member in a sealing relation. The coupling member of the base member releasably secures the sealing assembly to the base member. The annular frame of the sealing assembly is configured to be in registration with the annular body of the base member such that the proximal ring is interposed between the base member and the sealing assembly.

Abstract: A first end of a wire is transluminally advanced to a location adjacent an atrium of a heart of a subject, while a second end of the wire remains disposed outside of the subject. From the location, the first end of the wire is penetrated through tissue into the atrium. A capture device is transluminally advanced into the atrium. Using the capture device, the first end of the wire is captured and pulled out of the subject. From the first end of the wire, a first anchor is tracked along the wire into the atrium, and is anchored to an annulus of a valve of the heart. A second anchor is advanced into the atrium, and is anchored to the annulus. Subsequently, the annulus is reshaped by applying tension between the first and second anchors.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing ankle syndesmosis repairs includes, inter alia, a first button, a second button, and a suture connecting the first button and the second button. The first button and the second button are stainless steel buttons. At least one of the first button and the second button is oblong. The suture includes multiple strands that extend between the first button and the second button. A first free end of the suture is tensionable to shorten a length of the suture between the first button and the second button and thereby move the first button and the second button closer together.

Abstract: A suture anchor includes a material having thermoplastic properties and is fixated in a hard tissue opening by liquefying at least part of this material and letting it penetrate into walls of the hard tissue opening. During the named fixation and preferably towards the end of it, the suture being held in a distal suture conduit is locked relative to the hard tissue by being clamped between the suture anchor and the wall of the hard tissue opening or by being clamped or braked through collapse of the suture conduit.

Abstract: A system is transluminally advanced into the heart of a subject. A first portion of the system is positioned through a native valve of the heart, the system including wires disposed at the first portion. The first portion is stabilized at the native valve by positioning a distal portion of the system within a blood vessel of the subject. While the distal portion of the system remains within the blood vessel, the wires are induced to bow laterally such that the wires press against the native valve. While the wires remain pressed against the native valve, the shape of the wires is radiographically imaged. An anchor is transluminally anchored to tissue of the native valve, facilitated by the imaging. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A cutting device for surgical threads comprises a guide body that has an internal axial cavity and a first cutting area defined by an abutment surface; a cutting body that has a central portion that extends along a longitudinal axis and a second cutting area defined by an abutment surface, wherein the second cutting area abuts the second first cutting area when the cutting body is received in a housing portion of the guide body; and an actuator element capable of causing the cutting body to rotate relative to the guide body about the longitudinal axis between a first position, in which the first and second cutting areas, define a passageway that communicates with the internal axial cavity, and a second position, in which said passageway is at least partially obstructed by a counter-rotating movement of the abutment surfaces, which intersect tangentially so as to cut the surgical thread therebetween.

Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: A medical securing device for securing an object with a securing member into a tissue comprises an elongated sheath comprising proximal and distal ends, and a securing member introduction device having proximal and distal ends, said distal end being configured to extend from the sheath. The medical securing device comprises also a guiding trail. At least one point of the securing member introduction device is configured to travel along said first guiding trail and thereby control a defined movement of the distal end of said securing member introduction device when extending from the sheath and so to introduce the securing member to the object and to secure said object to the tissue with the securing member.

Abstract: A fixation assembly for bone fixation and a method for joining bones or bone fragments of a single bone and translating uniform compression to the bones. The fixation assembly comprises a post member coupled to a screw member. The post member comprises a head portion connected to an anchoring portion, wherein the head portion is offset from the anchoring portion by a first angle. The head portion may comprise a curved body annularly extending from a first end to a second end, wherein the first end is separated from the second end by a slot, and wherein the curved body defines a tapered annular bore therein. The anchoring portion comprises a first leg extending from the first end of the curved body and a second leg extending from the second end of the curved body. The screw member comprises a tapered bulbous portion connected to a threaded elongated portion.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus including an electrical conductor with a strain relief is provided. A tool assembly is supported on a body portion and is articulable relative to the body portion. The tool assembly includes an identification assembly in electrical communication with a powered handle assembly. An electrical conductor extends from a connection assembly in the body portion to the identification assembly. The electrical conductor includes a strain relief portion for accommodating the articulation of the tool assembly relative to the body portion.

Abstract: A method and a tool assembly maintain a tissue gap between distal portions of an anvil and a cartridge assembly of a stapling device. In embodiments, the tool assembly includes a locking member that is supported on one of the anvil and the cartridge assembly and is movable from an unlocked position to a locked position to secure distal portions of the anvil and the cartridge assembly together. In the locked position, the locking member is engaged with the distal portion of the other of the anvil and the cartridge assembly to maintain a tissue gap between the distal portion of the anvil and the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a staple cartridge assembly and a medical stapler using the staple cartridge assembly. A first jaw is provided with a limiting portion; a cutter is provided with a securing portion; when a firing block is located at a proximal end of a staple cartridge assembly, a cutting push rod drives the cutter and the firing block together to move; when the firing block is located at the distal end of the staple cartridge assembly, a driving mechanism drives the cutter and the first jaw to move relative to each other; and the limiting portion and the securing portion resist against each other to restrict the cutter from continuing moving toward the distal end of the staple cartridge assembly. As a result, doctors can be effectively prevented from closing the stapler when the replacement of the fired staple cartridge assembly is not completed.

Abstract: Surgical fasteners for use with articulating surgical instruments are disclosed. In one embodiment, a surgical fastener may include a head, a shaft extending distally from the head, and a through bore extending through the shaft from a proximal surface of the head to a distal end of the shaft. A fastener carrier of a surgical instrument may be slidably received in the through bore, and the through bore may be sized and shaped to have two or fewer contact points with the fastener carrier when the fastener carrier is in a fully articulated configuration. In another embodiment, a fastener may include a head, a shaft extending distally from the head and including a distal tip, a sloped surface sloping toward the distal tip, and a through bore passing through the head, shaft, and sloped surface. The sloped surface may terminate at two shoulders located on opposing sides of the through bore.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided that includes a first jaw having a first jaw axis and that includes a proximal portion pivotally mounted to the base to be pivotable about a pivot axis between an open and a closed positions and including a distal portion; a second jaw having a second jaw axis and including a proximal portion secured to the base and including a distal portion; a first side edge secured to the first jaw a second side edge secured to the second jaw; a third side edge secured to the first jaw; a drive member including a cross-beam, which is sized to slideably engage the first, second and third side edges, a first transverse beam portion, and a second transverse beam portion; and a lead screw configured to advance the drive member in a distal direction parallel to the second jaw axis while engaging one or the other of the first and second side edges and the second side edge.

Abstract: A surgical gripping/holding instrument having two instrument branches which are coupled pivotably with respect to one another. Each branch has a distal gripping/holding portion, a proximal instrument actuating portion, and an intermediate region which connects the distal and proximal portions preferably integrally, and having an instrument lock, of which the locking elements which can be brought into latching engagement with one another are arranged or formed on the instrument branches. The actuation of the instrument for opening and closing is functionally separated from actuation of the instrument for locking and unlocking the instrument by the positioning of the instrument lock in the intermediate region of the instrument. Therefore, each actuation can be carried out individually.

Abstract: The stapler of the invention is a surgical stapler/cutter that allows latero-lateral intestinal anastomosis, for both open surgery and laparoscopic surgery, at a distance from the openings used to insert the instrument. The stapler is based on the conventional structure of this type of stapler, and one of the fundamental features thereof is that an interspace (12) that determines a space for inserting the free ends (13, 13?) of the tissues (8, 8?) to be joined, is determined between an articulation shaft (3) of the two jaws (4, 5) of the stapler and the front end at which are disposed forms (6) and vertically movable teeth (9) on which staples (7) are disposed. This prevents the staples for the anastomosis and those for the removal of the pathological area from crossing when the area to be removed is cut.

Abstract: Magnetic anastomosis devices constructed from magnetic segments coupled together with members that help the devices spontaneously transform from a linear delivery configuration to a polygonal deployment configuration. When two devices are joined together over tissue(s), the compressive force causes the tissue(s) to necrose and form an anastomosis. By altering the arrangement of the magnetic poles of the magnetic segments in the devices, the magnetic interaction between paired devices can be altered. This property gives surgeons flexibility in choosing how much attractive force the devices will experience during a procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of urine in a urethra of a patient is disclosed, comprising an implantable adjustable constriction device for constricting the urethra to influence the flow in the urinary tract, a control device for controlling the constriction device, an operation device for operating the constriction device to change the constriction of the urethra, an energy source for supplying energy for the operation device, and an internal control unit connected to an internal signal transmitter. The internal control unit is arranged to receive measurements related to a current state of the energy source measured on a regular basis and arranged to transmit a control signal reflecting at least a portion of the received measurements to an external signal receiver connected to an external control unit comprised in the control unit.

Abstract: This tool is for treating an excised end of a body organ and is provided with: a long and thin, flexible first band section having a distal end and a proximal end that are made of a biodegradable-absorptive polymer; a long and thin, flexible second band section having a distal end and a proximal end that are made of a biodegradable-absorptive polymer; and a first locking section having a first ratchet claw made of a biodegradable-absorptive polymer, wherein the first locking section is formed at the distal end of the second band section, the distal end of the first band section and the proximal end of the second band section are joined together, at least one ratchet tooth that is capable of meshing with the first ratchet claw is formed on the external surface of the first band section, and the engagement of the ratchet tooth with the first ratchet claw forms a flattened ring which is used to bind a body organ so as to ligate a tube or cavity that opens at an excised end of the body organ.

Abstract: In a ligation device for performing ligation by inserting a string-shaped body wound around a target into a tubular body, an object is to provide a ligation device that does not require a special instrument during the insertion of the string-shaped body and offers excellent workability. A means for solving the problem is a ligation device 1 for ligating a target V. The ligation device 1 includes a tubular body 2 having a tubular shape and including a hollow part 5 into which a string-shaped body 20 can be inserted. The tubular body 2 includes a proximal opening and a distal opening at a proximal end part 3 and a distal end part 4, respectively. The proximal opening and the distal opening communicate with each other via a lumen 5 of the tubular body 2. The side of a first end part 21 of the string-shaped body 20 can be inserted into the hollow part 5.

Abstract: A ligation device includes a cylindrical inner cylinder having a distal end portion, a slider having a cylindrical shape, attached around the inner cylinder, movable with respect to the inner cylinder along an axial direction of the inner cylinder, and having annular grooves extending along a circumferential direction on an inner peripheral face, and ligation rings attached around the inner cylinder and located in the annular grooves.

Abstract: A vascular occluding device for modifying blood flow in a vessel, while maintaining blood flow to the surrounding tissue. The occluding device includes a flexible, easily compressible and bendable occluding device that is particularly suited for treating aneurysms in the brain. The neurovascular occluding device can be deployed using a micro-catheter. The occluding device can be formed by braiding wires in a helical fashion and can have varying lattice densities along the length of the occluding device. The occluding device could also have different lattice densities for surfaces on the same radial plane.

Abstract: There is provided a laminate membrane for an implant, comprising: an inner layer having an inner layer thickness; a first covering layer disposed on one side of the inner layer, the first covering layer having a first covering layer thickness; and a second covering layer disposed on another side of the inner layer, the second covering layer having a second covering layer thickness.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering and detaching an implant within a body of a patient is described. A tether connects an implant with a delivery device. The delivery device includes a heater coil through which the tether passes. The inner diameter of the heater coil is about the same size or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the tether, allowing the tether to more efficiently break the tether during delivery.

Abstract: This is a device, belonging to the medical and hospital artifacts industry, developed to accelerate the hemostatic process for patients undergoing radial punctures, partially compressing the artery subjected to treatment; said cryo-hemostatic device is essentially presented in the form of a wristband (1), providing end bands (2) providing velcro-based closing, interconnected by an intermediate band (3) below which a first cryogenic reservoir pad is located (4), which can be filled with a saline substance by the action of a syringe connected to the first connection nipple (5) attached to the first tube (6), flanked by the second external reservoir pad (7), also provided with a second connection nipple (8), attached to the second tube (9).

Abstract: A bone resection instrument, comprising means of support and positioning for the correct alignment of the tool with respect to the bone to be cut, a cutting guide, connected to the means of support and positioning, comprising a support attachable to a bone to be cut. The cutting guide comprises a gauge block having a cutting surface and removably connected to said support. The instrument is part of a bone resection kit comprising a plurality of gauge blocks, each differing in height from one another.

Abstract: Am electronic drill guidance system includes an arm unit and a drill unit. The arm unit is attachable to a C-Arm and the drill unit is attachable to a surgical drill. The arm unit sends target angular information to the drill unit. The drill unit determines whether the surgical drill is in an appropriate positon based on the received target information and measured angular position of the drill.

Abstract: Provided is a method for designing a patient-specific surgical device for performing knee surgery, which includes determining a first alignment axis and/or a second alignment axis from a knee joint in extension and/or flexion respectively and subsequently designing said surgical device based on the first and/or second alignment axes. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a patient-specific surgical device designed by the aforementioned method. A patient-specific surgical device designed and/or manufactured by the above methods and a method of performing knee surgery with said patient-specific surgical device is further provided.

Abstract: Devices described herein include a stentriever for removing an occlusive clot. The stentriever can include a membrane cover on the proximal end which can be sized to form a seal with the tip of an intermediate catheter. Clot engagement sections and/or a distal engagement section of the stentriever can also include a full or partial membrane covering to control the direction of aspiration and/or areas where the aspiration applies suction to the thrombus or clot. The membranes can be used to direct the aspiration so as to pull the clot deeper into the clot engagement sections of the stentriever, thereby improving grip on the clot. The design can also increase the effectiveness of clot fragment protection for friable clots by providing pores and/or clot cells in a distal engagement section.

Abstract: A device (1) for removing thrombi from blood vessels, wherein the device (1) has an expanded state in which it is set free temporarily in the blood vessel and a compressed state in which it is introduced into and removed from the blood vessel through a microcatheter, wherein the device (1) has a proximal (2), a middle (3) and a distal portion (4), with the middle portion (3) having a substantially cylindrical structure and the proximal portion (2) being coupled to an insertion aid (5), and the distal portion (4) having a substantially cylindrical basic structure, with a constriction (6) being arranged between the middle (3) and distal portion (4), and the distal portion (4) being at least partially covered by a membrane (7). The inventive device (1) is characterized by the fact that thrombus fragments becoming detached from the thrombus to be captured are safely retained and removed from the blood vessel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a percutaneous retrograde endovascular filter and embolectomy/thrombectomy device (RET-D) according to various aspects of the present technology include a constraining sleeve housing a deployable filter and a set of closure struts positioned at the end of a flexible tube. The RET-D is deployed into a target vessel in retrograde fashion through a conventional hemostasis sheath such that the open end of the filter engages the antegrade flow of blood. The closure struts are configured to prevent loss of filtered debris when the filter is closed according to where the closure struts are positioned relative to an end of the constraining sleeve.

Abstract: Intraluminal devices and methods of fabricating intraluminal devices may be provided. In one implementation, an intraluminal device may be formed of a plurality of wires and may include a distal coil, a proximal coil, and an expandable mesh segment positioned between the distal and proximal coils. The distal coil, proximal coil, and expandable mesh segment may be formed as a single, unitary structure, with at least one wire of the plurality of wires extending continuously from the proximal coil to the distal coil.

Abstract: Clamping forceps device includes two clamps in pivotal connection to one another and each having an operator end for being operated by a health care provider. The device also includes an extension extending aft of the operator end of each clamp, the extension forming a space therebetween sized to form a disconnecting wedge mechanism for separating a tube from a patient tube connector. Each extension defines a ramped surface increasing in thickness moving from an extension tip towards the operator end.

Abstract: A tethered laparoscopic probe for deployment through a trocar into a cavity of a subject and manipulatable by fenestrated laparoscopic graspers includes opposing fenestrated jaws. The tethered laparoscopic probe also includes a probe head shaped for insertion through the trocar and including an elongated casing, a sensor arranged within the casing and defining a sensing direction of the probe head, and a grip for secure grasping by the fenestrated laparoscopic graspers. The grip has protrusions for mating with the fenestrated jaws. The tethered laparoscopic probe further includes a tether coupled to the probe head. The protrusions are positioned and shaped to enable the grip to be grasped securely by the fenestrated laparoscopic graspers at a first angle relative to the sensing direction of the probe head and at a second angle relative to the sensing direction of the probe head, the second angle being different from the first angle.

Abstract: A transporter for a resectoscope for endoscopic surgery, wherein the transporter has a connection body and, for connection to a system component in the connection body, a latch system including an elongate latch element, which is arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the transporter and has an engagement opening or an engagement groove, and a spring element, wherein one or more irrigation channels, arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the latch element, are formed between latch element and connection body. The invention further relates to a resectoscope for use in endoscopic surgery, wherein it includes a transporter according to one of the preceding claims and preferably a system component latched in the transporter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating cellulite including an apparatus that applies or a method involving disrupting, stretching, re-orienting or tearing septa to eliminate or reduce the appearance of cellulite. In one approach, an expandable member is placed between tissue layers to stretch or tear septa connecting tissue layers between which fat deposits are contained.

Abstract: The present application provides a reusable ultrasonic surgical instrument, comprising a cannula subassembly, a scalpel waveguide, a base and a clamping driving component, wherein the cannula subassembly comprises a pair of clamp forceps at a distal end, an external cannula and an internal cannula, and the external cannula and the internal cannula are both provided by being coaxial with the scalpel bar; two rotating shafts are provided at a proximal end of the clamp forceps, one of the two rotating shafts is rotatably connected with the external cannula, the other rotating shaft is rotatably connected with the internal cannula; the cannula subassembly can be dismounted from the base and the clamping driving component towards a distal end direction of the axis of the scalpel bar or be mounted on the base or the clamping driving component towards a proximal end direction of the axis of the scalpel bar; the external cannula is connected with the base by one or multiple first detachable structures; and the intern

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to guide and support a medical device, such as a needle, relative to the skin of a patient. In some embodiments, the apparatus is attached to the skin of a patient through suction or adhesive materials, and allows for accurate placement of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A guidance system for performing a percutaneous access incision comprises an access needle comprising a shaft and a tip located at a distal end of the shaft, and a guidance pad comprising a dermal side, an outward side, an opening to receive the access needle, the opening extending between the dermal side and the outward side, and a feedback device viewable from the outward side to provide an indication of a depth of the tip beneath the guidance pad and a trajectory of the shaft from the opening. A method for planning guidance of an access needle into a patient in preparation for a minimally invasive surgical procedure comprises determining a location for an access point on the patient, positioning a guidance pad over the access point, inserting a tip of the access needle through the pad, and displaying guidance information on the guidance pad.

Abstract: An endoscopic cannula includes an elongate shaft having a distal end portion sized for insertion in a body cavity and a camera secured to the distal end portion of the elongate shaft. The camera is configured for viewing the body cavity. The distal end portion of the elongate shaft is adjustable between a straight configuration and a bent configuration to examine the body cavity.