Abstract: A surgical access device includes a cannula body, an obturator assembly, and a fixation mechanism. The fixation mechanism includes at least one wing, a first plurality of magnets disposed on an elongated portion of the obturator assembly, and a second plurality of magnets disposed on the at least one wing. The at least one wing is coupled to an elongated portion of the cannula body and is movable between a first position where the at least one wing is parallel to a longitudinal axis, and a second position where the at least one wing is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis. A predetermined amount of translation of the elongated portion of the obturator assembly within a channel of the elongated portion of the cannula body causes the at least one wing to move from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible mechanism including: a backbone extending in a lengthwise direction thereof; a first steering wire group including one or more steering wires disposed in a spiral direction of a first direction along the lengthwise direction of the backbone and configured to transfer a handling force applied to ends thereof to an end effector; and a second steering wire group including one or more steering wires disposed in a spiral direction of a second direction, which is different from the first direction, along the lengthwise direction of the backbone and configured to transfer a handling force applied to ends thereof to the end effector.

Abstract: In one representative embodiment, a steerable catheter device comprises a shaft comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, and first and second pull wires having respective proximal portions and respective distal portions. The proximal portions of the first and second pull wires extend through the proximal portion of the shaft in close proximity to each other. The distal portions of the first and second pull wires extend through the distal portion of the shaft in close proximity to each other over a first distance defining a primary flexing section, diverge away from each other over a second distance, and then extend parallel to each other at angularly spaced locations over a third distance defining a secondary flexing section.

Abstract: Described herein are rigidizing apparatuses (e.g., rigidizing apparatuses, and systems including one or more rigidizing apparatus, including, but not limited to overtubes) that are configured to prevent harm or damage to a patient when rigidized.

Abstract: An endoscopic hood and an endoscope to which the endoscopic hood is attached improve visibility for the user. The endoscopic hood includes a body formed of a transparent cylinder having two open ends and a conductive film embedded integrally in the body. The conductive film includes a transparent film and a transparent electrode pattern on the transparent film. The transparent electrode pattern includes a transparent electrode, a transparent wire portion extending from the transparent electrode, and a transparent terminal at an end of the transparent wire portion. The transparent terminal is exposed from the body. The endoscope includes an insertion portion insertable into a body of a subject, the endoscopic hood attached to a distal end of the insertion portion, and at least one wire having one end electrically connected to the transparent terminal and another end electrically connected to an external device.

Abstract: An endoscope has a pannable camera at the distal end of its insertion shaft, the pannable camera assembly being pivotable to provide a range of a field of view that can be equal to or greater than 180 degrees. A terminal light emitting element may be mounted to the camera assembly in order to illuminate the immediate field of view of the camera sensor regardless of the rotational position of the camera assembly. A fluid-carrying conduit of the insertion section may also be used to house functional components, including the camera assembly, actuation cables, a communications cable connected to the camera sensor, and/or a fiberoptic cable providing light to the light emitting element. A distal section of the endoscope handle may be rotatable relative to a proximal handheld section of the endo scope handle, a rotary encoder being provided to convert the rotational position of the insertion shaft relative to the handle into a signal for the purpose of image orientation correction by an electronic processor.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope insertion method includes: rotating a hollow organ by changing the body position to semilateral position or lateral position for observing the lateral wall of the lumen; turning the tip of the flexible endoscope to the lateral wall of the lumen by rotating the endoscope in the counter direction of the lumen; and retracting the organ with the endoscope itself by rotating the endoscope in the counter direction of the lumen. In other embodiments, the method includes: rotating a body cavity by changing the body position to the appropriate position for observing the lateral side of the organ; turning the tip of the flexible endoscope to the lateral side of the organ by rotating the endoscope in the direction of the lateral side of the organ; and retracting the organ with the endoscope itself by rotating the endoscope in the direction of the lateral side of the organ.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a first bending wire that is connected with a first connection part of a bending portion of an insertion portion inserted into a subject and bends the entire bending portion in a first bending direction by pulling; a second bending wire that is connected with a second connection part of the bending portion positioned on a proximal end side of the first connection part and bends a proximal end side part of the bending portion on the proximal end side of the second connection part in the first bending direction by pulling; an operation lever that pulls the first bending wire to the proximal end side; an operation lever that pulls the second bending wire to the proximal end side; and a coil pipe into which the first and second bending wires are inserted at a position on the proximal end side of the bending portion.

Abstract: A reducer device for insertion into a surgical cannula includes a tubular member having a proximal opening and a distal opening and an electrically conductive component configured and positioned to provide an electrically conductive path from an interior of the tubular member to an exterior of the tubular member. The electrically conductive path is localized along an axial length of the tubular member. A method of configuring a surgical device includes positioning a surgical cannula within an incision of a patient's body wall, positioning a reducer device within the surgical cannula, and positioning a surgical instrument within the reducer device. Positioning the surgical instrument within the reducer device includes forming an electrically conductive pathway between the surgical cannula and the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A system for visualizing an anatomical target includes an imaging device (105) configured to collect real-time images of an anatomical target. A three-dimensional model (136) is generated from pre- or intra-operative images and includes images of structures below a surface of the anatomical target not visible in the images from the scope. An image processing module (148) is configured to generate an overlay (107) registered to the real-time images and to indicate the structures below the surface and a depth of the structures below the surface. A display device (118) is configured to concurrently display the real-time images and the overlay.

Abstract: A tool system for inserting into a cavity, the tool system including a first continuum having a flexible body defining a connection interface; and a second continuum having a flexible body defining a connection interface; and an engagement mechanism configured to couple the connection interfaces of the first and second continua together to form the tool.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a lesion information acquisition unit that acquires acquired lesion information; a lesion identification unit that compares existing lesion information with the acquired lesion information and determines whether the acquired lesion information corresponds to the same lesion indicated by the existing lesion information; a lesion count unit that counts a lesion count, which is the number of lesions detected in a single endoscopic examination; a display unit; and a control unit that increments the lesion count counted by the lesion count unit by one when the lesion identification unit determines that the acquired lesion information does not correspond to the same lesion indicated by the existing lesion information.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-propelled soft robot body, including a tube which is internally and axially provided with a tube cavity, and at least one propelling structure, comprising a first driving unit, a second driving unit and a third driving unit, which are evenly fixed on a peripheral wall of the tube cavity, relative to an axis thereof, and along the axis of the tube; and the first driving unit, the second driving unit and the third driving unit are respectively telescopic along the axis of the tube; at least two support structures, with each two adjacent support structures having at least one propelling structure arranged therebetween, the support structures are fixedly connected with the propelling structure and arranged on the peripheral wall of the tube cavity.

Abstract: A method of servicing a portion of a gas turbine engine includes inserting a rigid guide tube into an inspection port in a shroud of the gas turbine engine. The flexible guide tube is inserted into and through the rigid guide tube. The flexible guide tube is pre-shaped such that the flexible guide tube is biased towards a predetermined shape after being inserted through the rigid guide tube. A tool is pushed through the flexible guide tube such that the distal end of the tool moves out of and away from an end of the flexible guide tube. An area of interest of the gas turbine engine is then serviced with the tool.

Abstract: A flexible peristaltic robot with a built-in bidirectional gas pump for self-regulating gas flow. The robot includes a head-end airbag, an extension-retraction airbag, a tail-end airbag, a power module, a control module and a bidirectional gas pump. When there is harmful gas or less gas in the external environment, an additional airbag is provided in the flexible peristaltic robot to form a closed internal circulation of air flow. Otherwise, the robot directly exchanges gas with the external environment to form an open external circulation of air flow. The flexible peristaltic robot can either use multiple bidirectional air pumps or use a single bidirectional air pump and multiple electrically-controlled switches to control the expansion and contraction of the airbags to enable the robot to move forward.

Abstract: An endoscope decontamination sheath includes a terminal section for seeing therethrough for an image and a sleeve section connected to the terminal section for receiving an endoscope to insert therein. The terminal section is of a tubular configuration. The terminal section has a front end to which a lens is mounted and a rear end in which an insertion groove is formed. The sleeve section is of an elongated tubular configuration having a front end fit into the insertion groove of the terminal section. In medical treatment of endoscopy or intubation, the endoscope is inserted into and sleeved with the sleeve section, and the endoscope sleeved with the decontamination sheath is inserted into an endotracheal tube. The matched arrangement between the lens and a lens of the endoscope helps prevent image deterioration and thus making images clearer. The decontamination sheath, after use, can be disposed of to prevent cross infection.

Abstract: A portable hand-held medical device includes a body having a gun-type formation that includes a barrel. A guide wire device is housed in the body and is configured to advance and retract through the barrel. The guide wire device carries a bundled arrangement including a video system, an illumination system to support the video system, a fluid irrigation line, and a guide wire mechanism. The bundled arrangement is packaged as a unit in an insertion tube. The tip section of the insertion tube incorporates a camera, a light source, and a fluid irrigation port. A catheter is disposed at the end of the barrel, so that during operation the guide wire device passes through the catheter lumen. The combination guide wire device and catheter enter the urinary tract and perform a bladder evacuation process.

Abstract: A surgical system includes: a tool manipulator having a tool manipulator arm and a surgical tool; a console having a handling tool configured to receive a tool movement input of a surgeon for the surgical tool, the console being configured to transmit a tool movement command generated based on the tool movement input, the tool movement input including a translation amount and a rotation amount for the surgical tool; and a controller. The controller is configured to calculate an actual translation amount by multiplying the translation amount by a predetermined translation scale factor and move the surgical tool in accordance with the actual translation amount, and to calculate an actual rotation amount by multiplying the rotation amount by a predetermined rotation scale factor and move the surgical tool in accordance with the actual rotation amount. The translation scale factor and the rotation scale factor are different values.

Abstract: Systems for liquid biopsy and/or drug delivery may include a capsule endoscope and a tether coupled to the capsule endoscope. The tether may include a flexible member with a lumen in fluidic communication with a port configured to permit passage of fluid, and the port may be, for example, on the capsule endoscope or the tether. In methods for liquid biopsy and/or drug delivery, the capsule endoscope may be advanced into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, and navigated to a region of interest, where a patient sample may be withdrawn and/or a therapeutic substance may be administered through the lumen (e.g., through the port).

Abstract: A tissue-treating portion of a surgical instrument includes a body defining a cavity and a light-energy transmissible sphere captured within the cavity such that a portion of the light-energy transmissible sphere protrudes from the body. The light-energy transmissible sphere is capable of unlimited rotation in all directions relative to the body. The light-energy transmission cable extends through the body to a position spaced-apart from the light-energy transmissible sphere. The light-energy transmission cable is configured to transmit light energy to the light-energy transmissible sphere. The light-energy transmissible sphere, in turn, is configured focus the light energy towards tissue to treat tissue.

Abstract: This patent document discloses accessory devices and associated methods for catheter and guidewire management in a surgical setting. Implementations can include an accessory device having a manually deformable body that includes proximal and distal surfaces. The body may further define at least first and second apertures, each aperture extending through the body. The first aperture can be engageable with a proximal end portion of a first elongate medical device, and the second aperture can be configured to receive a second elongate medical device. The body can be slidable along the proximal end portion of the first elongate medical device and/or the second elongate medical device, and the proximal surface of the body may include a funnel leading into the first aperture, the second aperture, or both. The body may be incorporated into, or attached to, a proximal side of a hemostasis valve utilized for a medical operation.

Abstract: Endoscopic image analysis, endoscopic procedure analysis, and/or component control systems, methods and techniques are disclosed that can analyze images of an endoscopic system and/or affect an endoscopic system to enhance operation, user and patient experience, and usability of image data and other case data.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) including a handle (2) arranged at a proximal end and an insertion tube (3) extending from said handle (2) towards a distal end, a bending section (7) arranged at the distal end and controllable by and operator via control input means (8) arranged at the handle (2); and at least one insertion tube part with at least one lumen, wherein the bending section (7) is displaceable in said lumen so as to be movable relative to the insertion tube (3) from a retracted position within said lumen to an extended position at least partially outside said lumen.

Abstract: An inflatable in-vivo capsule endoscope and method of operation is provided. The inflatable in-vivo capsule endoscope may include a sensing device for capturing in-vivo images and one or more permanent magnets for magnetically guiding the endoscope, housed interior to a capsule-shaped body. The inflatable in-vivo capsule endoscope may include an inflatable buoy attached externally to the capsule-shaped body. An inflation device may inflate the in-vivo capsule endoscope to reduce its specific gravity by injecting gas into the inflatable buoy, such that when the inflatable buoy is injected with an above threshold volume of gas, the inflatable in-vivo capsule endoscope floats in liquid. The inflatable in-vivo capsule endoscope may be magnetically guided via its permanent magnets when exposed to an externally generated magnetic field. A reduced magnetic field strength and external magnet size may be used to magnetically navigate an inflated capsule floating in liquid than a conventional uninflated capsule.

Abstract: An articulated tip part for an endoscope, and an endoscope, including segments including a distal end segment having an outer wall defining an inner spacing adapted to accommodate a camera assembly therein and a proximal wall having a proximal surface, the distal end segment having an outer surface, wherein adjacent of the segments are interconnected by at least one hinge member to enable bending of the articulated tip part; and an insertion guide adapted to guide a steering wire and including an entry provided in the outer surface of the distal end segment, the insertion guide also including an exit fluidly coupled with and leading to the inner spacing of the distal end segment, whereby an end of a steering wire can be guided into the inner spacing of the distal end segment via the entry of the insertion guide.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pencil-like optical fiber sensor probe, including an inner tube, a light screening casing, a clamping device, an optical fiber and an optical probe; a portable immunosensor, including the pencil-like optical fiber sensor probe, an immersion immune response reagent strip, a touch-screen computer, a compact battery-powered sensitive photon counting detector and a case; and a use of the immunosens in detecting inflammatory markers. The design of the pencil-like optical sensor probe greatly simplifies the immune analysis process by combining the immersion immune response reagent strip. Each optical probe allows for up to 10 immunoassays, which reduces the experimental cost and avoids frequent replacement of the probe. The integrated detecting system is powered by battery which is suitable for in-situ analysis and detection. The sensor also has a high stability and sensitivity.

Abstract: A medical endodevice for an intervention inside a human or animal body includes an elongated liaising structure having a distal end arrangeable inside a body of the human or animal being and a proximal end arrangeable outside the body while the distal end is inside the body. The endodevice has an intervention tool arranged to manipulate a target tissue inside the human or animal body. The intervention tool is arranged at the distal end of the liaising structure. The endodevice further includes a positioning unit having a moving formation arranged to dislocate the intervention tool relative to the target tissue, and an anchoring formation arranged to fix the moving formation to a fixing tissue inside the human or animal body such that the target tissue is positioned in a workspace of the intervention tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for navigated punction, biopsy or ablation comprising a mobile electromagnetic field generator for generating an electromagnetic navigation field which is connected to an apparatus for medical imaging, a needle-like instrument (16), comprising a sterile distal portion (22) and an optionally non-sterile proximal portion (20), a removable protection device (30) for encapsulating the sterile distal portion (22), a sensor (38) suitable for carrying out measurements allowing for determining the position of the sensor (38) within the navigation field, and a sensor carrier (26). The sensor carrier (26) comprises an elongate carrier body (36) having proximal and distal ends. The sensor (38) is attached to or enclosed by said carrier body (36) close to its distal end.

Abstract: The invention discloses an integrated tumor resection instrument and a simulation training system. The resection device comprises an imaging system, a minimally invasive incision, a processor, an operating device, a resection executing mechanism and a positioning control device. The operating device is connected to the input end of the processor, the resection actuating mechanism is provided with a resecting driver, and the positioning control device and the resecting driver are both connected to the output end of the processor; the simulation training system comprises the steps of designing a manikin; arranging the imaging system; integrated resection. The resection device can resect the whole tumor along the edge of the tumor, thereby avoiding the incomplete resection and even tumor recurrent caused by crushing in the process of resecting the tumor. The simulation training system can train an operator to quickly master the resection skill and operation of various positions.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a catheter system, a use of such catheter system and a manufacturing method for such catheter system. The catheter system includes an at least partially flexible catheter body, at least a ring electrode, and at least a strain gauge. The ring electrode surrounds at least a portion of the flexible catheter body. The strain gauge is allocated to the ring electrode and the strain gauge is configured to measure a deformation of the flexible catheter body at a position allocated to the ring electrode to detect a contact between the ring electrode and tissue.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods for delivering implantable leadless pacing devices are disclosed. An example delivery device may include an outer tubular member including a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof and an intermediate tubular member including a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. A distal holding section may be coupled to the intermediate tubular member and define a cavity therein for receiving a proximal implantable leadless pacing device and a distal implantable leadless pacing device in a linear arrangement. The distal holding section may have a proximal body portion and a distal body portion. The proximal body portion may be more flexible than the distal body portion. An inner tubular member including a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof may be slidably disposed within the lumen of the intermediate tubular member.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a housing, a tubular member extending from the housing, a valve disposed on the housing, and a tip member at a distal end of the tubular member. The housing includes a seal and the tubular member includes a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The valve is fluidly coupled with a first lumen of the plurality of lumens and the tip member includes a first port that is aligned and fluidly coupled with the first lumen of the plurality of lumens. The first port is configured to direct a fluid towards a predetermined location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope tip assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope tip assembly may include a base configured to receive an endoscope tip configured to not disengage from the endoscope tip during a procedure. The endoscope tip assembly may also include a plurality of struts which is connected by a webbing, may fold flat during insertion, and may assume a balloon-like shape during withdrawal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods and algorithms for determination of heart pump function and their use in livings subject are described. The invention further relates to complementary parts of such systems that work best in combination. Medical catheters, sheaths and shafts are disclosed that carry an arrangement of integrated digital sensor systems-on-chip (SoC) in the portion thereof residing inside the body. These devices combine at their portion that resides inside the body, the complete chain of signal transduction, signal analog-to-digital conversion and digital signal transmission, and allow to acquire single and multiple physical entities in a single setup. In specific instances the devices integrate wireless data transfer functionality, and in specific instances they integrate wireless energy harvesting for battery-free functionality.

Abstract: A computer-assisted medical system comprises a flexible elongate instrument. The flexible elongate instrument comprises a plurality of wires extending from a proximal end of the flexible elongate instrument to a distal end of the flexible elongate instrument. Each wire of the plurality of wires may be used to steer the distal end. The system also comprises a control system coupled to the flexible elongate instrument. The control system is configured to monitor movement of the flexible elongate instrument along a longitudinal central axis and determine an extent of motion of the flexible elongate instrument in a first direction along the longitudinal central axis based on the monitoring. The control system is also configured to alter a rigidity of the flexible elongate instrument based on a rigidity profile relative to the extent of motion by adjusting one or more forces applied by the plurality of wires to the distal end of the flexible elongate instrument.

Abstract: An attachment for an imaging device may include a first sheath including a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a second sheath positioned around an exterior of the first sheath; and a connector coupled to the first sheath and configured to be coupled to the imaging device.

Abstract: A medical method for a lumen of a body includes, introducing a first endoscope and a first overtube up to a strictured area inside the lumen, the first overtube having a first channel having an inner diameter such that the first endoscope can be introduced into the lumen, introducing a second overtube into the lumen by using the first overtube as a guide, the second overtube having a second channel having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the first overtube such that a second endoscope can be introduced into the lumen, the second endoscope having an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the first endoscope, removing the first endoscope and the first overtube from an interior of the second channel, inserting the second endoscope into the lumen by using the second channel as a guide, and dilating the strictured area by using the second endoscope.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing a surgeon with improved viewing angles during arthroscopic surgical procedures are provided. In some embodiments, a cannula is provided that includes an elongate body that can extend along a longitudinal axis, the body having a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending through the body between openings at the proximal and distal ends. The cannula can have a first flange member that can extend at least partially around at least one of the openings, and the first flange member can have a distal-facing surface, where at least a portion of the distal-facing surface can be reflective.

Abstract: An optical shape sensing system includes an attachment device (130) coupled at an anatomical position relative to a bone. An optical shape sensing fiber (102) is coupled to the attachment device and configured to identify a position and orientation of the attachment device. An optical shape sensing module (115) is configured to receive feedback from the optical shape sensing fiber and register the position and orientation of the attachment device relative to an anatomical map.

Abstract: Wound drain includes a body of elastomeric material. The body includes a flange having a generally planar form and an elongate shaft having a first portion extending to one side of the flange, and optionally a second portion extending to the opposite side of the flange. The flange has a cross-sectional length in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the shaft that is larger than a cross-sectional length of the shaft. The shaft includes one or more channels each extending along its entire length or a portion of its length, and along both the first and second portions of the shaft when the second portion of the shaft is present. The shaft also includes one or more longitudinally extending openings that each lead to one of the channels.

Abstract: The invention provides devices that can be used for any endoscopy procedure. In certain embodiments, the devices of the invention reduce the occurrence of looping in the most difficult segment of the colon to navigate—the splenic flexure. In other embodiments, the devices of the invention make colonoscopies more comfortable for patients and reduce the risk of damage to the colon. In yet other embodiments, the devices of the invention comprise a supportive, friction-reducing device that can be attached to the tip of existing endoscopes to help the scope advance better through the colon and intestinal tract.

Abstract: Methods of manipulating cancellous bone within a vertebral body. A steerable assembly is directed through an access cannula such that a deflectable portion of the steerable assembly protrudes from the access cannula to within the vertebral body. The steering instrument is actuated from an operating tension mode in which a tension is placed on the control element of the steering instrument to a slack tension mode in which the tension on the control element is released. The steerable instrument may exert substantially zero lateral force on the deformable conduit in the slack tension mode. The steering instrument is moved relative to the deformable conduit positioned within the vertebral body. The steering instrument is actuated to move the steering instrument from the slack tension mode to the operating tension mode in which the deflectable portion may assume a curved configuration not substantially coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the access cannula.

Abstract: A surgical laser system comprises a laser source configured to generate laser energy; a laser fiber optically coupled to the laser source and configured to discharge the laser energy generated by the laser source; a rocker arm configured to control an orientation of the discharged laser energy; and a controller configured to control a movement of the rocker arm in response to feedback of the discharged laser energy or to pre-defined settings of the laser source.

Abstract: Neurosurgical apparatus has a guidance device having a guide tube and a neurosurgical instrument for insertion into the guide tube. The inner surface of the guide tube is arranged, for example profiled, to at least partially engage the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument when inserted therein. The guide tube thus guides the neurosurgical instrument along a predefined path through the guide tube. At least one of the guidance device and the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument are configured to provide a fluid return path for carrying any fluid displaced from within the guide tube during insertion of the neurosurgical instrument into the guide tube. A seal may also be provided for sealing the fluid return path.

Abstract: A rectal injection device and a method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the device includes: (1) a body having a handle, (2) a suction system associated with the body, (3) a trigger associated with the handle, (4) a pod coupled to the body via a neck and (5) multiple suction ports associated with the pod, each of the multiple suction ports configured to receive a ligation band thereabout, the suction system configured to provide a suction to the multiple suction ports to draw tissue thereinto, the pod configured to deploy the ligation bands upon activation of the trigger.

Abstract: A lens assembly includes an adjustable lens assembly including a handle. A telescopic tube is inserted at one end of the handle. A threaded rod is disposed inside the handle at an end close to the telescopic tube. An end of the threaded rod away from the telescopic tube penetrates through an outer wall of the handle and is connected to a turn button. An end of the telescopic tube inside the handle is sleeved with a driven gear. A driving gear is embedded in a surface of the handle above the driven gear. The driving gear and the driven gear enable the telescopic tube to rotate, thereby adjusting a direction of an insertion head at one end. The threaded rod and the turn button enable the telescopic rod to move within the handle, thereby adjusting the insertion head at one end to stretch out or draw back.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the minimally invasive removal of tissue and to facilitate the direct approach to anesthetizing a body wall of a patient. A pull-type cutting device also is disclosed to introduce an opening into the body wall to provide access for intra-chest surgical interventions, for example a minimally invasive biopsy technique as also described for excising target tissue from within a patient, including a nodule from within the patient's lung.