Abstract: Provided is an endoscope allowing two operating methods, that is, a surgeon's own manual operation and an operating method using a hand other than the surgeon regarding a hardness adjusting operation. An endoscope includes an insertion part having a flexible part; an operating part continuously provided on a proximal end side of the insertion part; a hardness adjusting mechanism serving as a first driving force input member that is provided from the operating part to the flexible part and adjusts the hardness of the flexible part; an operating ring that is provided in the operating part and is manually operated and inputs a driving force to the hardness adjusting mechanism; and a shaft serving as a second driving force input member that is provided separately from the operating ring and inputs a driving force to the hardness adjusting mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for endotracheal intubation of airways are disclosed. A malleable stylet having a distal end and a proximal end, a charged coupled device (CCD) at the distal end and a transmitter, at or near the proximal end or connected to the proximal end of the stylet with connectors, transmits video to a visualization device comprising a receiver means, a display means, and a display support adapted to be worn on an operator in a position so that the operator can view the display with one eye while simultaneously viewing the airway directly. The display support is typically worn on the head of a physician. A second display can be worn by a student or observer. In some instances, the transmitter means and receiver means are wireless.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed to address blood pressure control. More particularly, the present invention relates to correction of transient low blood pressure.

Abstract: A method of providing access to tissue for a surgical instrument through a body wall is provided. The method includes providing an expandable retractor having a flexible sheath, the retractor being in a collapsed state; introducing the retractor into the body and placing the retractor adjacent the tissue; expanding the retractor; deploying the flexible sheath by engaging the flexible sheath with a tool and driving the flexible sheath through the body wall with the tool; and inserting the surgical instrument from outside the body through the flexible sheath to provide access to the tissue by the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inflatable section on a medical device, which can be expanded or inflated to be precisely placed along or at a desired position in tissue during a medical or surgical procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the inflatable section or sections forms a retracted region, working space, or receiving or docking area for an ablation device, for example during an epicardial ablation procedure where ablation at the pulmonary vein and mitral isthmus regions is desired. Thus, methods and combinations with the devices of the invention can comprise ablation devices and ablation methods, including ablation devices with ultrasound ablation cells.

Abstract: A method for repairing a defect. The method comprises accessing a percutaneous space adjacent the defect using a tubular member, placing an introducer adjacent the percutaneous space, and conducting tissue repair for the defect through the introducer.