Provided herein are robotic systems, for example, MRI guided robots, for image-guided robot-assisted surgical procedures and methods for using the same to perform such surgical procedures on a patient. The robotic systems comprise a robotic manipulator device or global positioner, means for actuating the robotic manipulator or global positioner that is mechanically linked thereto and a computer having a memory, a processor and at least one network connection in electronic communication with the robotic system. The actuating means comprises at least one transmission line having a flexible component comprising a displaceable medium, a rigid component comprising rigid pistons or a combination through which actuation is transmitted to the robotic manipulator or global positioner. The computer tangibly stores in memory software modules comprising processor-executable instructions to provide interfaces between the robotic system, an imaging system and an operator and to control operation thereof.

A flexible shaft arrangement is described herein having a flexible hollow shaft (1, 2) which has an end at the drive side and an end at the output side, wherein the hollow shaft is reinforced sectionally between these ends by a core (3, 4) extending in its interior. Stiffer and more flexible sections can hereby be selectively positioned within the shaft arrangement.

Filamentary fixation devices may be used in a variety of surgical procedures to secure soft tissue to bone. The present invention provides various devices, systems, kits and instrumentation for performing such surgical procedures including preparation of soft tissue and bone, preparation and manipulation of such filamentary fixation devices, and insertion and utilization of the fixation devices within a patient's anatomy. In one embodiment, a method for securing soft tissue to bone, the method includes accessing the soft tissue and the bone, passing a filament through the soft tissue, preparing a bore hole in the bone, loading the filament into a filamentary fixation device, implanting the filamentary fixation device, with the filament, into the bore hole, and tensioning the filament so that the filamentary fixation device and filament are secured within the bore hole.

A flexible shaft arrangement is described herein having a flexible hollow shaft (1, 2) which has an end at the drive side and an end at the output side, wherein the hollow shaft is reinforced sectionally between these ends by a core (3, 4) extending in its interior. Stiffer and more flexible sections can hereby be selectively positioned within the shaft arrangement.