Abstract: A surgical headlamp assembly which can be remotely actuated at a wearer's chest and is suitable for surgical applications may include a headpiece. The headpiece may be sizable and configurable for placement on the head of a wearer. A lamp may be provided on the headpiece. The lamp may include at least one light source. At least one battery may be provided on the headpiece. The lamp may electrically interface with the battery. A remote lamp control module may operationally interface with the battery and the lamp. The lamp control module may be configured to control emission of a light beam from the lamp. The remote lamp control module may be suspendable from the headpiece and deployable in front of the chest of the wearer. In typical application of the surgical headlamp assembly, the lamp control module may be worn on the chest of the wearer.

Abstract: A continuous refrigeration system for kidney transplantation surgery includes: a kidney bag, an extracorporeal ring and an intracorporal ring. One end of the kidney bag is provided with a bag mouth that allows the kidney and crushed ice to enter the interior of the kidney bag; the extracorporeal ring and the intracorporal ring are spaced on the kidney bag, and a lead-out end is provided both outside and inside the bottom of the kidney bag. A partial length of the kidney bag is supported to form the through circulation passage through which the kidney enters the kidney bag and thus obtaining a carrier for entering the human body, making the operation simple, convenient and fast. The lead-out end is provided so that the kidney bag is adapted to laparoscopic surgery.

Abstract: A surgical access device is disclosed and includes a housing, a cannula, a guide, and an expandable member. The cannula extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. A wall of the cannula includes a first slot defined therein. The guide is engagable with the housing and defines a first channel. The first channel is disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The expandable member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the cannula and is transitionable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A first surgical instrument is insertable through the first channel of the guide and through the first slot of the cannula.

Abstract: The present invention relates to expandable sleeves, expandable sleeve systems, and their methods of use. In certain aspects, the expandable sleeves are compatible with commonly used speculums to enhance visualization and access of an orifice. The expandable sleeves sheathe over the blades of a speculum and form a taut barrier when the blades are opened to hold back the walls of a tissue orifice and cavity. The expandable sleeves include inflatable pouches that further push back the walls of the orifice. In certain aspects, the expandable sleeves are useful in performing pelvic exams, such as in patients having lax vaginal walls or excess surrounding tissue.

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: Disclosed is a mobile colposcopy device for early diagnosis of cervical cancer, which includes an insertion unit which is inserted into the vagina of a woman, has a penetrating hole formed in one end coming into contact with the uterus, and is provided with a capturing path communicating with the penetrating hole, a capturing unit which is provided in the insertion unit so as to capture the cervix through the capturing path, and a lighting unit which is provided on the capturing path of the insertion unit and irradiates a lighting to the cervix through the penetrating hole. According to the present disclosure, the mobile colposcopy device for early diagnosis of cervical cancer can be simply and easily used so as to perform cervical cancer screening using a mobile colposcopy without environmental constraints including hospitals and allows women to early diagnose cervical cancer.

Abstract: Techniques for retracting an instrument into an entry guide include receiving a retraction command for the instrument, the retraction command commanding movement of the instrument into the entry guide; causing, in response to the retraction command and using an instrument manipulator, movement of a rotational joint of the instrument that is external to the entry guide toward a distal end of the entry guide; actuating, after the rotational joint reaches a minimum distance from the distal end of the entry guide, the rotational joint to orient a link of the instrument so that the link can be retracted into the entry guide, the link being adjacent to and distal to the rotational joint; and causing, after the link is oriented so that the link can be retracted into the entry guide and using the instrument manipulator, further movement of the rotational joint toward the distal end of the entry guide.

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 modular surgical retractor including a handle and a blade. The handle includes a base and a neck. The neck projects from an end of the base to a tail region. The blade includes a head section and a blade member. The head section includes opposing side walls and a floor combining to define a slot sized to receive the neck. The blade member projects from the head section. The blade is removably attached to the handle. In some embodiments, a light source, such as an LED, is disposed within the neck and arranged to emit light along a face of the blade member. Two or more additional blades are provided, each additional blade including the head section and a differently configured blade member.

Abstract: An expandable delivery sheath includes an elastic outer tubular layer and an inner tubular layer. The inner tubular layer include a thick wall portion integrally connected to a thin wall portion. The thin wall portion can include longitudinal reinforcing members/rods that facilitate unfolding during the passage of the implant, thus decreasing the push force and increasing the consistency of the push force. The inner tubular layer can have a non-expanded or folded condition wherein the thin wall portion folds onto an outer surface of the thick wall portion under urging of the elastic outer tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer stretches and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. Once the implant passes, the outer tubular layer again urges the inner tubular layer into the non-expanded condition with the sheath reassuming its smaller profile.

Abstract: A device includes an anoscope including an elongated hollow member with a longitudinal slot configured to receive tissue in an interior of the hollow member. The device also includes a clip applicator. The clip applicator includes a body slidably received in the slot and jaws at a distal end of the body configured to hold a ligation clip. The clip applicator further includes a plunger slidably coupled to the body configured to actuate the jaws. When the clip applicator is inserted into the slot and the plunger is moved relative to the body, the jaws close and deform the ligation clip from an open position into a closed position around tissue received in the slot.

Abstract: A hollow probe enabling insertion and accommodation of endoscopic and other instruments advancing within a lumen includes a central valve unit featuring a central bore and at least one valve for controlling the introduction and withdrawal of fluid into the central bore. A sliding tubular sheath is movably disposed inside the central valve unit. An impermeable flexible sleeve is sealingly anchored to the central valve unit and folds over to cover both the inside and outside of the sheath to sealingly envelop the sheath and contain the fluid, together with the valve unit, while allowing sliding of the sleeve-covered-sheath. An endoscope adapter is mountable to the proximal end of the sleeve-covered-sheath, for allowing insertion of the endoscope through the adapter into the sleeve-covered-sheath, includes at least one gasket for sealing at least one gap between the endoscope and the sleeve-covered-sheath for withholding fluids from escaping.

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 percutaneous sub-xiphoid lifting device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a percutaneous sub-xiphoid lifting device including a beam assembly and a lifting assembly. The percutaneous sub-xiphoid lifting device includes a pair of beams, pivotably coupled at a distal end and configured to be releasably attached to the lifter block coupled to a handle. The percutaneous sub-xiphoid lifting device may further include a light source used for improved visualization. A method of using the percutaneous sub-xiphoid lifting device for increasing space beneath the sternum during a minimally invasive surgical procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical access device is disclosed and includes a housing, a cannula, a guide, and an expandable member. The cannula extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. A wall of the cannula includes a first slot defined therein. The guide is engagable with the housing and defines a first channel. The first channel is disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The expandable member is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the cannula and is transitionable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. A first surgical instrument is insertable through the first channel of the guide and through the first slot of the cannula.

Abstract: An anoscope and obturator apparatus is described for the diagnosis and/or treatment of identify anorectal concerns or diseases. The anoscope apparatus includes a narrow end and a wide end that is connected via a body, and the narrow end contains an opening that is adjacent to a slot. The wide end contains a lip and at least one handle that is aligned with the slot and that projects radially outward away from the lip and also curves away radially and axially from the wide end. If there are multiple handles, then one of them can include a tab that indicates alignment with the slot. The obturator includes a tip, an arm, and a body that that have circular elements that improve plastic weld or snap together manufacturability.

Abstract: An apparatus for advancing a device through a gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes first and second grabbing mechanisms adapted to grab and release tissue of the gastrointestinal tract, the first grabbing mechanism being releasably attachable to the device, the second grabbing mechanism being attached to an outer element configured to at least partially surround the device, the first and second grabbing mechanisms being axially movable with respect to each other along the gastrointestinal tract; and a radially expandable blocking element disposed proximal to the first grabbing mechanism and movable with the first grabbing mechanism with respect to the second grabbing mechanism, the blocking element being adapted to move tissue of the intestinal tract with respect to the second grabbing mechanism when the blocking element is moved toward the second grabbing mechanism. The invention also includes corresponding methods.

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 speculum includes a first blade member and a second blade member, each of the first and second blade members having a distal end and an opposing proximal end. A portable illuminator having a light source and at least one battery includes a switch that is accessible through a slit or similar feature in the speculum. According to at least one version, the switch includes an extending tab portion that can extend through the slit or the end of a handle portion of the speculum to enable illumination. In another version, the portable illuminator can be attached to an articulation mechanism that is configured for moving the first and second blade members in relation to one another.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems are provided for scanning and measuring an anatomical cavity. An apparatus may include an absorbing medium assembly that is fluidly connected to an earpiece and configured to provide an absorbing medium to the earpiece. The absorbing medium assembly may include a medium container with a gas trap, as well as a tube fluidly connected to the medium container. The gas trap may be located at a top portion of the medium container. The tube may be coupled to the top portion or a bottom portion of the medium container. The system may include a dip tube disposed inside the medium container when the tube of the absorbing medium assembly couples to a top portion of the medium container. A gas relief valve configured to enable gas to escape may also be present in the apparatus.

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 surgical retractor includes a structure including a plurality of legs and a plurality of joints, each leg being connected to at least one second leg at a joint. The structure has a non-expanded state, and an expanded state in which the structure forms a three dimensional structure having an internal volume. The structure has first and second manipulator arms, each of the manipulator arms being connected to at least two joints of the structure. The manipulator arms may be manipulated by a hand of a user. The retractor also includes a connector that holds the first and second manipulator arms in a crossed position. The connector holds the first and second manipulator arms at a point of intersection. The connector allows a user to move the manipulator arms and cause an angle formed by the manipulator arms to change. Movement of the first and second manipulator arms causes the structure to move between the non-expanded state and the expanded state.

Abstract: A modular surgical retractor including a handle and a blade. The handle includes a base and a neck. The neck projects from an end of the base to a tail region. The blade includes a head section and a blade member. The head section includes opposing side walls and a floor combining to define a slot sized to receive the neck. The blade member projects from the head section. The blade is removably attached to the handle. In an attached state, an attachment face of each side wall contacts the end of the base, and the floor contacts the tail region. In some embodiments, a light source, such as an LED, is disposed within the neck and arranged to emit light along a face of the blade member. Two or more additional blades are provided, each additional blade including the head section and a differently configured blade member.

Abstract: The present disposable vaginal speculum invention, a clear cylinder shaped one-piece speculum, which improves the visualization of the vaginal walls, aids in the location of the cervix, and decreases the discomfort of the traditional two blade vaginal speculum. This disposable vaginal speculum design results in the enhancement of vaginal wall and cervical analysis.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of tissue dissection. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to medical devices which lift and retract tissue during a dissection procedure to improve visualization of the target tissue and mitigate obstruction of dissection tools. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a tissue retraction device which moves from a constrained to relaxed configuration to immobilize and retract the dissected portion of target tissue during a dissection procedure.

Abstract: An access port for minimally invasive surgery includes an elongate, tubular main body portion, a connector configured to fix at least a portion of the access port to a stationary object; and a slot extending over a length of the main body portion in a lengthwise direction, wherein the slot extends through a wall of the main body portion, from an outside surface of the main body portion to an inside surface of the main body portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of tissue dissection. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to medical devices which lift and retract tissue during a dissection procedure to improve visualization of the target tissue and mitigate obstruction of dissection tools. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a tissue retraction device which moves from a constrained to relaxed configuration to immobilize and retract the dissected portion of target tissue during a dissection procedure.

Abstract: A proctoscope, comprising a dilator body (2), having a longitudinal axis of extension (X) and internally hollow so as to define an internal volume (V), and at least one handle (5) applied to said dilator body (2), wherein the dilator body (2) has a distal portion (2a), having a substantially tubular shape and defining a zone of dilation of an internal cavity of a patient, and a proximal portion (2b) extending from the distal portion (2a) in a diverging fashion and defining a rear opening (4) for accessing said internal volume (V), wherein said distal portion (2a) of the dilator body (2) has at least one front opening (3) to enable access to the patient's mucosa or tissue from said internal volume (V), and wherein said diverging proximal portion (2b), or, alternatively, said at least one handle (5), has an anchorage means (6) for an adaptor body (100) suitable for placing a detection device (200) in a position such as to detect the internal volume of the proctoscope (1).

Abstract: A device for providing an access opening in a body, in particular for a spinal operation, comprised of a tubular device body (12) that extends along a longitudinal axis (L) of a device body, said body having a distal end (14) that is to be positioned inside a body and a proximal end (16) that is to be positioned outside a body, wherein in the region of the proximal end (16) an optics-carrier arrangement (28) with a movable optics-carrier (36) is positioned or can be positioned to have a path of motion (B) about the longitudinal axis of the device body, characterized in that that the optics carrier arrangement (28) comprises a guideway element (30) that carries the optics carrier (36), said guideway element having a guideway region (34) that can be positioned by means of pivoting about a swivel axis (S) in an operating position in the region of the proximal end (16) of the device body (12).

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: 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: The present invention provides a surgical retractor that provides improved access to a surgical space, devised in the shape of a partial polyhedron, and also provides improved visualization of the surgical space with light emitting elements placed within the polyhedron structure.

Abstract: Complex steerable catheter visualization and tissue manipulation systems and their methods of use are disclosed herein. The deployment catheter is articulated using various steering mechanisms. Tissue visualization is accomplished from the visualization hood at the distal end of the deployment catheter, the hood having an ability to expand and other features to facilitate visualization and articulation at the tissue surface.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a surgical end effector coupled to an elongate tube and a rod that passes through the elongate tube. A control mechanism coupled to the elongate tube includes an input axle having a first axis of rotation, an idler pulley having a second axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis, and a lever coupled to the rod and having a third axis of rotation parallel to the second axis. First and second capstans are fixed to the input axle. Cables pass over the idler pulley and are coupled to the lever. Rotating the input axle in a first direction winds a first cable onto the first capstan, rotates the lever, and moves the rod in a second direction. Rotating the input axle opposite the first direction winds a second cable onto the second capstan, rotates the lever, and moves the rod opposite the second direction.

Abstract: A delivery instrument for placing an interbody implant into an intervertebral space of a patient comprises a plurality of elongated plates disposed adjacent one another. Each elongated plate has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion is sized and shaped to fit into the intervertebral space, and is configured to engage a vertebral body in the intervertebral space. An expandable member is coupled to the plurality of elongated plates so as to form an enclosed tube that is sized and shaped to receive the interbody implant. The expandable member allows for translation of the plurality of elongated plates relative to one another as the interbody implant passes through the tube.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems provide a surgical access device comprising an internal retractor device integrated with or coupled to a body wall or wound retractor. The wound retractor retracts an opening in a body wall into a body cavity, while the internal retractor permits a user to control the positions of internal structures within the body cavity, thereby permitting a user to define a surgical field. Embodiments of the internal retractor are adjustable.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.

Abstract: Systems for providing access across a site of obstruction and methods for manufacturing and using such systems. Such systems may include a sleeve having an inflation lumen; a bushing disposed in a distal section of the sleeve; and an everting member coupled to the sleeve with the bushing, the everting member being movable from an inverted position inside the sleeve to an everted position outside the sleeve in response to an increase in pressure in the inflation lumen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument comprising a handle portion or mounting portion and a functional portion and/or tip, wherein a display device is provided on the instrument and includes or enables displays which serve to assist in image-guided and/or navigation-assisted surgery. It also relates to a method for navigating a surgical instrument, wherein its position is determined and tracked by means of a medical tracking system and the position data is processed within the framework of medical navigation by means of a medical navigation system, wherein displays for navigation assistance and/or for assisting in image-guided surgery are provided on the instrument or on an element which is positionally assigned to the instrument or fastened to the instrument.

Abstract: A surgical retractor has a shaft with an integral blade. The shaft and the blade are joined at an angle. The blade has an upper surface. A plurality of LED lights are embedded within the blade and are exposed at the upper surface. The blade surrounding the LED lights is opaque. The retractor may further include a camera mounted on the blade. Also disclosed is a surgical retractor kit including a mounting ring, at least one of the aforementioned surgical retractors, and a coupler for releasably mounting the retractor to the ring.

Abstract: A wound protector and retractor device 1 comprises a sleeve 2, a distal member provided by a distal ring 3 of resilient material and a proximal member provided by a proximal ring 4. The sleeve 2 is led around the ring 3 and is free to move axially relative to the distal ring 3 somewhat in the manner of a pulley. The proximal ring 4 is fixed to the sleeve 2, in this case at the proximal inner end thereof. The sleeve 2 terminates in a handle or gripping portion which is reinforced by a gripping ring 15. The sleeve extends from the proximal ring 4 and the distal ring 3 is contained between inner and outer layers 2a, 2b of the sleeve 2. The resilient distal ring 3 is scrunched up and inserted through the incision 6. The sleeve 2 is then pulled upwardly. On pulling of the sleeve 2 upwardly the outer layer 2b is pulled up while the inner layer 2a is drawn around the proximal ring 3.

Abstract: An anoscope kit includes an anoscope having a plurality of spaced apart fingers having free ends and a dilator removably positionable within the anoscope to aid insertion of the anoscope. The dilator has a proximal region, an intermediate region and a distal region. The distal region includes an enlarged distal head. A ramped surface extends from the enlarged distal head toward the intermediate region. The intermediate region has an outer surface to contact the fingers of the dilator.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include an endoscope including a distal chamber and related methods of use, for example, with an endoscopic instrument.

Abstract: A delicate tissue retraction system having a hollow tubular retractor, a hollow tubular introducer that is removably installed within the retractor, and a navigation module that is removably installed within the introducer. The navigation module has a shaft with a proximal shaft end and a distal shaft end, and a navigation unit mounted to the proximal shaft end. When assembled, the distal shaft end is contained generally within the introducer and the navigation module outside the introducer. The navigation module indicates the location of one or more points on at least one of the retractor and the introducer to a navigation system.

Abstract: In one form, a system for use in percutaneous surgical procedures includes a cannula having an elongate body extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end and including a working channel dynamically expandable from a first, unexpanded configuration. The system also includes a device that is positionable in and engageable with the working channel to expand the working channel from the first configuration as the device is moved through the working channel. In response to disengagement of the device with the working channel, the working channel returns to the first, unexpanded configuration. In one aspect of this form, the device includes an interbody spinal implant that is deliverable to a surgical site through the working channel of the cannula. In another form, a method for performing a percutaneous surgical procedure is provided. However, different forms and applications are envisioned.

Abstract: A speculum includes a first blade member and a second blade member, each of the first and second blade members having a distal end and an opposing proximal end. A portable illuminator having a light source and at least one battery includes a switch that is accessible through a slit or similar feature in the speculum. According to at least one version, the switch includes an extending tab portion that can extend through the slit or the end of a handle portion of the speculum to enable illumination. In another version, the portable illuminator can be attached to an articulation mechanism that is configured for moving the first and second blade members in relation to one another.

Abstract: A device for examining and surgically operating on a body cavity, in particular an anal or vaginal cavity, includes an elongate hollow body exhibiting an insertion portion for at least a partial insertion of the device internally of the cavity and an open portion, arranged on an opposite side to the insertion portion, through which the cavity is at least partially visible or reachable by at least a surgical instrument. At least a part of the hollow body exhibits a structural sector which is interposed between the insertion portion and the open portion in order to be positioned in the cavity. The structural sector has a longitudinal window through which a portion of the cavity affected by a pathology can be isolated.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is adapted and configured for use in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The surgical instrument includes at least one pair of segments including a plurality of articulating links having gaps therebetween. At least one gap stabilizer stabilizes the articulating links and facilitates maintaining equally sized gaps between the articulating links during bending of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: This disclosure contains methods, devices, and systems for object removal from a body, including removal of a stent from a body. Some methods of the present disclosure include inflating a balloon on a catheter, engaging a stent with a socket defined by a surface of the balloon, the surface inwardly sloped toward a lumen of the catheter, and retracting a portion of the stent through the socket and into the lumen. The present disclosure also includes methods for making a catheter, including forming a balloon, inverting a portion of the balloon, and attaching the balloon to a catheter such that a surface of the balloon defines a socket that is inwardly sloped toward a lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: A delicate tissue retraction system having a hollow tubular retractor, a hollow tubular introducer that is removably installed within the retractor, and a navigation module that is removably installed within the introducer. The navigation module has a shaft with a proximal shaft end and a distal shaft end, and a navigation unit mounted to the proximal shaft end. When assembled, the distal shaft end is contained generally within the introducer and the navigation module outside the introducer. The navigation module indicates the location of one or more points on at least one of the retractor and the introducer to a navigation system.