An excision apparatus for removing cellular tissue includes a housing provided with a fixation portion. The fixation portion is configured to be arranged on cellular tissue such that a closed space is formed by the cellular tissue and an inner surface of the fixation portion. The fixation portion is configured to fixedly retain the cellular tissue near the inner surface by removal of air from the closed space via an air evacuating means. The apparatus further includes a cutting element moveably arranged in the housing such that the cutting element is movable between a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the fixation portion. The cutting element includes an electrode arranged at a distal end of the cutting element and is configured for cutting a section of cellular tissue retained by the fixation portion when the cutting element is in the extended position.

A suturing apparatus comprises an invaginating device secured to a distal end of an endoscope for invaginating two parts of the interior of a wall of a vessel, for example, a stomach to be sutured together to form a gastric sleeve. The invaginating device includes a suction chamber for forming invaginated parts of the interior of the wall of the vessel. A suturing instrument extending through an instrument channel of the endoscope extends into the invaginating device, and is urged into or adjacent the suction chamber for inserting a suture into the invaginated part in the suction chamber. The next invaginated part is then formed, and the suture is inserted into it. The suture is then tightened to draw the two invaginated parts together.

Provided herein are expandable devices, rail systems, and motorized devices, in one embodiment, an expandable device comprises an expandable sac having a tool housed therein. The expandable device is optionally configured for operation while inside a body cavity. The expandable device optionally comprises at least one rail in the sac, and at least one railed device coupled to the rail for movement there on. Movement of the railed device on the rail is provided by, for example, a motor such as an electromagnetic motor or an inch-worm type motor. Expandable devices can be used, for example, to perform minimally invasive medical procedures requiring access to a body cavity. Expandable devices can also be used, for example, to provide safe and stable transport of instruments to the body cavity.

Disclosed herein is a disposable cap for an eye imaging apparatus with an optical window and related methods. The disposable cap can comprise an optically transparent window cover, a ridge, a side wall and a locking element. The window cover can comprise a convex back surface to match a concave shape of the optical window. The ridge of the disposable cap can extend distally and radially outward from the window cover and the side wall can extend proximally and radially outwardly from the ridge. The locking element can comprise one or more radially inward projections and one or more radially outward releasing tabs. A disposable packaging shell of the disposable cap also disclosed. Disclosed herein is also a plug-in disposable system comprising the disposable cap and the disposable packaging shell, configured to enable the disposable cap to be attached to and detached from the eye imaging apparatus.

Devices and methods to stabilize an eye and suture with wound visibility are shown. In selected examples, a forceps is shown that includes one or more transparent projections. In use, the one or more transparent projections can be concurrently pressed against the wound while holding an eye stable with gripping surfaces of the forceps. The one or more transparent projections and the gipping of the forceps work together to aid in a suture placement.

Systems and methods of delivering a patch to a target site of a patient are described herein. The patch may comprise a biomaterial such as chitosan or extracellular matrix and may be biocompatible and/or bioresorbable. The system may include an endoscope, a patch, and one of an instrument or a cap, the patch being coupled to the respective instrument or cap and detachable therefrom. Methods of delivering the patch to the target site may include introducing an endoscope into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient, e.g., the patch being in a folded or crimped configuration, navigating a distal end of the endoscope proximate a target site; and applying the patch to the target site while releasing the patch from the endoscope.

An improved draping system with a drape and a lock device. The drape includes an area defined by a predetermined length and a predetermined width, as well as a selectively separable portion. The drape also has a first perforation, as well as a z-shaped fold over the perforation. The lock device may be a poly seal with a second perforation. The draping system is secured to an operating table to maintain sterility about that operating table. When ready for removal, the draping system is simply pulled in opposite directions. When this occurs, the second perforation breaks, which disengages the lock device. Upon further pulling, the z-shaped fold is unfolded. Further pulling still results in the second perforation breaking.

A medical system may include an insertion device including a delivery shaft with at least one lumen, a tube coupled to an exterior of the delivery shaft, and an adaptor coupling a distal end of the delivery shaft to a distal end of the tube. One of the delivery shaft and the tube may be configured to receive an energy delivery device, and the other of the delivery shaft and the tube may be configured to be coupled to a suction source to apply suction.

Systems, devices and methods to improve safety and efficiency in an operating room comprise providing a suture package that holds new suture needles and needle receptacles for storing used needles. The devices can be safely worn for the surgeon to self-dispense new suture needles in the near surgical field and to secure the used needles into a needle trap or a needle retainer located on his extremity, on his operative instruments or on the surgical drapes. The device may provide automated and/or simplified needle counting both during use and after removal from the surgical field. The device may be configured for ergonomic and efficient use so as to minimize the actions and motions of the surgeon to dispense and secure the needle.

A method includes: delivering a biodegradable expandable member into a body cavity of a patient; insufflating the biodegradable expandable member in the body cavity to expand the body cavity; sealing the biodegradable expandable member against an inner wall of the body cavity to seal the body cavity internally; and delivering an endoscope into the body cavity.