A system and method for cutting soft tissue with a retractable surgical cutting device (10). The device (10) includes a handle (12) having a first channel (24) extending therethrough and a switch (18) located thereon. The switch (18) is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. An actuator (26) with a blade (16) extends through the first channel (24) and connects to the switch (18) within the handle (12). An outer sheath (14) is connected to the handle (12) and surrounds the actuator (26) and at least a portion of the blade (16). A drive mechanism (28) is connected to the switch (18) within the handle (12) such that when the switch (18) moves from the retracted position to the extended position, the actuator (26) moves from a retracted position to an extended position. In the retracted position, the blade (16) can be entirely within the outer sheath (14) and in the extended position, at least a portion of the blade (16) is positioned outside of the outer sheath (14).

A gear arrangement including two drive units (210, 220, 310, 320, 410), and two translatory transmission elements (151, 152, 251, 252, 351, 352), to each of which a rotationally movable function unit (141, 142) of a distally arranged two-part end effector (140) can be coupled. The first drive unit (210, 310, 410) has at least one proximally arranged rotation element (311, 411) or a thrust element (210) for opening or closing the end effector (140) by rotation of at least one function unit (141, 142). The second drive unit (220, 320), with which the translatory transmission elements (151, 152, 251, 252, 351, 352) are movable in opposite directions, has at least one proximally arranged rotation element (224, 320, 421) for simultaneous and unidirectional pivoting of the function units (141, 142) of the end effector (140). A surgical instrument includes the gear arrangement (200, 300, 400) in the handle (180).

An improved flexible endoscopic instrument to precisely and efficiently obtains samples of flat polyps and multiple polyps from a patient by debriding one or more polyps and retrieving the debrided polyps without having to alternate between using a separate cutting tool and a separate sample retrieving tool and may be used with an endoscope. In one aspect, the cutting tool is coupled to a flexible torque coil or torque rope that is configured to transfer rotational energy from a powered actuator through the length of the endoscope onto the cutting tool.

A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and embodiments of a cutting head configured and arranged to receive a cervix. The cutting head can be configured and adapted to be used to cut the tissue joining the vaginal wall to the cervix and uterus to facilitate removal of the uterus in a minimally invasive manner.

The present disclosure relates to a tissue cutting system for cutting tissue of a heart, such as tissue of a septum of a heart, comprising: an outer tubular member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, said distal portion comprising a tissue resection window; a resection element axially slidably arranged inside the outer tubular member configured to resect tissue extending through the tissue resection window; at least one pressure sensor; wherein the outer tubular member and resection element are arranged to establish: a first fluid flow channel suitable for transporting resected tissue away from an area adjacent to the resection element; at least one second fluid flow channel configured to assist the first fluid flow channel in transporting resected tissue. The present disclosure further relates to a method for resecting tissue using the disclosed tissue cutting system.

An apparatus includes a housing, a cable guide, a first cable, and a second cable. The housing is coupled to a shaft of a medical instrument. The cable guide is coupled to the housing, and defines a shaft opening into a passageway defined by the shaft. A first guide groove and a second guide groove are defined by the cable guide, with each of the first guide groove and the second guide groove being splayed outward from the shaft opening. The first cable is routed within the first guide groove and through the shaft opening, and is configured to slide within the first guide groove. The second cable is routed within the second guide groove and through the shaft opening, and is configured to slide within the second guide groove.

The present disclosure describes an implantable channel guide configured to identify and/or a channel created in a patient via an endoscopic navigation procedure. The channel guide includes an elongate body having at least one snare on one end portion thereof and at least one anchor member on a second opposite end portion thereof.

A surgical instrument including one or both of a shield on a distal end portion of a shaft and a counterweight in a handle for enhanced functionality, efficiency and/or efficacy. The shield covers portions of a linkage that extend beyond outer dimensions of the shaft during operation of the instrument. The counterweight is proximal to a hand grip and configured to locate a center of gravity of the instrument within the hand grip. The instrument may be configured as a video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) and/or minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) device.

An articulating working channel system for use with a plurality of flexible tools which are adapted to be interleaved in a single surgical procedure, comprising: a working channel subassembly including a hollow flexible shaft; and a surgical tool subassembly including the flexible tool, wherein the flexible tool includes a flexible tube which is adapted to be inserted into the flexible shaft and wherein the flexible shaft is adapted to be articulated and the flexible tube is adapted to be passively articulated therewith.

Apparatus for excising and removing a clip or suture joining leaflets of a native heart valve. The apparatus includes an elongate shaft configured for remote access to a native heart valve, the elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen defined therein, and a clamp at the distal end of the elongate shaft, the clamp configured to receive a clip or suture joining native leaflet tissue, the clamp including a passageway extending along a length thereof in communication with the lumen. The apparatus further includes a cutter moveable within the passageway to encompass a clip or suture joining native leaflet tissue received within the clamp and cut native leaflet tissue proximate the clip or suture.