An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

An endoscope includes an insertion section, a channel, a raising base and a sterilizing device. The insertion section includes a distal end portion, and the distal end portion includes a recess. The channel is disposed in the insertion section, the channel communicating with the recess and the channel configured to receive a treatment instrument. The raising base is disposed in the recess, the raising base configured to guide the treatment instrument to protrude from the recess. The sterilizing device is disposed in the distal end portion, the sterilizing device configured to sterilize one or more of the channel and the recess and the raising base.

An endoscope includes an insertion section, a channel, a raising base and a sterilizing device. The insertion section includes a distal end portion, and the distal end portion includes a recess. The channel is disposed in the insertion section, the channel communicating with the recess and the channel configured to receive a treatment instrument. The raising base is disposed in the recess, the raising base configured to guide the treatment instrument to protrude from the recess. The sterilizing device is disposed in the distal end portion, the sterilizing device configured to sterilize one or more of the channel and the recess and the raising base.

A deflectable endoscope including an imaging structure, an outer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, an elongated column member extending distally from the outer member and an inner member positioned coaxial with the outer member and attached to the column member. The inner member extends distally of the outer member and has a distal tip portion. A reinforcement member is positioned over the column member to restrict axial movement of the column member such that when one of the inner member or outer member is moved with respect to the other, axial compression of the column member is restricted by the reinforcement member causing the distal tip portion of the inner member to deflect laterally.

A deflectable endoscope including an imaging structure, an outer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, an elongated column member extending distally from the outer member and an inner member positioned coaxial with the outer member and attached to the column member. The inner member extends distally of the outer member and has a distal tip portion. A reinforcement member is positioned over the column member to restrict axial movement of the column member such that when one of the inner member or outer member is moved with respect to the other, axial compression of the column member is restricted by the reinforcement member causing the distal tip portion of the inner member to deflect laterally.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for breaking a kidney stone(s) into smaller particles, fragments, and/or stone dust; and removing the same from a patient. The medical device may include a tube having a distal end, a proximal end, a port located proximal of the distal end, and a length of the tube extending between the proximal end and the distal end. A first portion of the tube may be proximal of the port and have a first cross-sectional area, while a second portion of the tube may be distal of the port and have a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area. A first lumen may extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the tube. A second lumen may in communication with the port to fluidly connect the proximal end of the tube with the port.

Devices, systems, and methods are provided for breaking a kidney stone(s) into smaller particles, fragments, and/or stone dust; and removing the same from a patient. The medical device may include a tube having a distal end, a proximal end, a port located proximal of the distal end, and a length of the tube extending between the proximal end and the distal end. A first portion of the tube may be proximal of the port and have a first cross-sectional area, while a second portion of the tube may be distal of the port and have a second cross-sectional area smaller than the first cross-sectional area. A first lumen may extend from the proximal end to the distal end of the tube. A second lumen may in communication with the port to fluidly connect the proximal end of the tube with the port.

An apparatus and method is provided for intraoperative tissue stimulation during port-based surgery. The apparatus includes an access port and electrical terminals attached to the access port for tissue stimulation. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus may include an access port, with or without electrical terminals attached to the access port for tissue stimulation, and electrocorticography sensors attached to the access port. The method includes inserting an access port into a tissue, applying an electrical potential to the tissue using electrical terminals attached to the access port, and measuring consequent neural activity using electrocorticography sensors attached to the access port.

Various surgical systems are disclosed. A surgical system can include a surgical robot and a surgical hub. The surgical robot can include a control unit in signal communication with a control console and a robotic tool. The surgical hub can include a display. The surgical hub can be in signal communication with the control unit. A facility can include a plurality of surgical hubs that communicate data from the surgical robots to a primary server. To alleviate bandwidth competition among the surgical hubs, the surgical hubs can include prioritization protocols for collecting, storing, and/or communicating data to the primary server.