A device may include an elongated housing formed of an optically transparent material, the housing extending from a proximal end to a distal end and including a lateral wall extending from the proximal end to a distal tip of the housing, the housing defining a lumen extending into the housing from a proximal opening in the proximal end of the housing. The device also may include a first port extending through the lateral wall of the housing to open the lumen of the housing to an exterior of the housing, the first port being sized and shaped to receive therein a target portion of tissue to be inspected and/or treated.

An end effector assembly for a surgical instrument includes first and second jaw members each including a jaw housing, an electrically-conductive tissue-treatment plate, and a longitudinally-extending channel. The first and/or second jaw member is movable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. A cutting mechanism is disposed at least partially within the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may include an inflatable bladder, a fluid line coupled to the inflatable bladder, and a knife coupled to the inflatable bladder. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include a fluid line, a knife, and a sealing member that defines a variable-volume sealed chamber within the longitudinally-extending channel of the second jaw member. The cutting mechanism may alternatively include at least one electromagnet, at least one electrical wire coupled to the at least one electromagnet, and a knife operably coupled to the at least one electromagnet.

A biopsy device comprises a needle, a body portion, and a needle firing assembly. The needle firing assembly is operable to fire the needle distally relative to the body portion. The needle firing assembly includes two translating members, a resilient member, and a motor. The motor is operable to selectively move the first translating member distally and proximally. The second translating member is secured relative to the needle such that the needle and the second translating member translate unitarily. The resilient member compresses as the first translating member is moved distally toward the second translating member. The first translating member is then secured to the second translating and the translating members are moved proximally while holding the resilient member in the compressed state. The second translating member is released from the first translating member when they reach a proximal position, which allows the resilient member to fire the needle distally.

A method of operating an aspiration catheter having a proximal end and a distal end includes the acts of at least partially blocking the distal end of the aspiration catheter with an embolus, creating a vacuum at the distal end of the aspiration catheter with a vacuum source adjacent the proximal end of the aspiration catheter, at least partially relieving the vacuum at the distal end of the catheter by at least one of interrupting the vacuum from the vacuum source and venting the aspiration catheter with a vent fluid adjacent the proximal end, and repeating the acts of interrupting the vacuum and venting the aspiration catheter in a timing cycle that maximizes the time that the aspiration catheter is at vacuum and changes pressure at the distal end of the catheter from vacuum to at least atmospheric pressure during each cycle.

An ultrasound catheter with fluid delivery lumens, fluid evacuation lumens and a light source is used for the treatment of intracerebral hemorrhages. After the catheter is inserted into a blood clot in the brain, a lytic drug can be delivered to the blood clot via the fluid delivery lumens while applying ultrasonic energy to the treatment site. As the blood clot is dissolved, the liquefied blood clot can be removed by evacuation through the fluid evacuation lumens.

A staple cartridge comprising a tissue thickness compensator is disclosed. The tissue thickness compensator comprises an uncompressed height, a compressed height, an outer encasement, and tubular structures aligned along the longitudinal axis. The tubular structures are configured to collapse when pressure is applied to the tissue thickness compensator by tissue during the firing motion.

Systems and methods for minimally invasive procedures include a computer-assisted system comprising a manipulator assembly configured to couple to a cannula and a controller coupled to the manipulator assembly. The cannula has a lumen configured to receive a shaft of an instrument. The controller is configured to position a remote center of motion for the manipulator assembly at a first location relative to the cannula, and in response to an indication to reposition the remote center of motion relative to the cannula, reposition the remote center of motion to a second location relative to the cannula while constraining the second location to be located along the cannula. The second location is different from the first location.

Surface debriding systems and instruments are provided that efficiently and effectively dislodge and remove debris, coatings, microorganisms and fluids from the dorsum of the tongue or other surfaces. The instrument has a debriding surface with cleaning elements and a number of spaced apart openings to a hollow interior that is configured to couple with a vacuum source. The shape of the openings may be configured to amplify suction force from the vacuum source. The system also has a vacuum source and a collecting vessel with backflow valves to store removed material and to stop movement of material into the vacuum source or back out to the instrument. The system can be self-contained or the instrument may be coupled to a dental high-volume evacuator (HVE) vacuum source.

A gastroscopic method and instrument for treating obesity of a patient, using a device adapted to stretch a part of the stomach wall of said patient. The method comprises the steps of: inserting the device into the stomach through the esophagus, placing the device in contact with the stomach wall, and fixating the device to the stomach wall such that the device can stretch a part of the stomach wall.

Mechanical atherectomy and/or thrombectomy devices configured to remove obstructions (e.g., plaque material) of different consistencies and/or sizes from blood vessels. The devices may include a tractor comprising a flexible tube of material that inverts as it rolls over itself while being drawn into the open distal end of a catheter in a conveyor-like motion. The flexible tube can include features that facilitate engagement with the obstruction, enhance smooth tractor motion and/or promote movement control of the device within the blood vessel.