A needle assembly for use with an autonomous ultrasound imaging system includes a needle having a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted into a patient. The needle assembly also includes a needle transducer mounted to an exterior surface of the needle and is electrically coupled to a power source. The needle transducer is configured to receive data signals from the autonomous ultrasound imaging system which contain information relating to a plurality of ultrasound waves generated by an ultrasound probe of the autonomous ultrasound imaging system. The needle assembly further includes at least one processor configured to perform one or more operations, including but not limited to, generating a location signal for at least one portion of the needle based on the data signals from the autonomous ultrasound imaging system and modifying at least one characteristic of the location signal so as to improve visibility of the location signal on the display screen, wherein the modified location signal is displayed on a display screen during use of the needle assembly so as to locate the at least one portion of the needle.

A device to be used by an operator which may grasp objects in a sterile or non-sterile field, and may facilitate the precise placement and passage of a needle or pin into tissues while using X-ray guidance. The device provides a secure hold while keeping the hands remote from the radiation field, and by permitting non-obstructed viewing of the held instrument and tissues. A radiolucent hammer may be used to help drive a needle into firm tissues without obscuring visualization.

Practitioners who use sacral neuromodulation on a regular basis have sought ways to simplify the procedure and performing percutaneous nerve evaluations in the office setting have become increasingly more popular. However, many practitioners are limited by the lack of availability of fluoroscopy in the office setting and do not feel comfortable executing the procedure without it, for a variety of reasons. The disclosed system and method demonstrate an avenue to circumvent the lack of fluoroscopic guidance in the office setting enabling execution of percutaneous nerve evaluations successfully and efficiently.

A medical guidance apparatus (100) includes a base assembly (110) configured to be attached to a subject and a guide (150) configured to be removably mated with the base assembly (110). The base assembly (110) has an opening (160), and the guide (150) includes a rotatable ring (152) and an arc member (154). The arc member (154) includes a first end (162) and a second end (164), the first end of the arc member is connected to the rotatable ring (152) and the second end extends diametrically opposite to the first end across the rotatable ring. A probe holder (600) is mounted on the arc member (154) so as to hold a needle-like instrument (2161) at a desired angle relative to an axis (Ax) of the rotatable ring (152). In some embodiments, the arc member is monolithically integrated with the rotatable ring. In other embodiments, the arc member is pivotable and/or completely removable from the rotating ring.

The present disclosure relates to an ostomy method and an implantation method. The ostomy method includes steps of making an incision in the chest to expose the heart, puncturing the left ventricle with a puncture needle, thrusting the puncture needle into the ventricular septum and then into the right ventricle to form a puncture site on the ventricular septum, and dilating the puncture site of the ventricular septum with a dilator to form an opening. The method of the present disclosure can reduce the death rate.

A cannula assembly for treating a puncture site in a subcutaneous vessel includes a cannula and an elongated sleeve with a bore for receiving the cannula. The elongated sleeve includes a plurality of channels circumferentially spaced about the bore through which at least one of a flow of air can be drawn and a plurality of wires can be advanced to promote the formation of a seal between the elongated sleeve and the subcutaneous vessel around the puncture site. The cannula assembly can further include a plug which can be inserted into the bore of the elongated sleeve following removal of the cannula. A needle for insertion into the subcutaneous vessel includes a rigid shaft with an enlarged segment connected to a hub. The needle and cannula assembly can be utilized in a method for cannulating the subcutaneous vessel.

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.

A system and method for guidance of a device having a curved needle to a target tissue includes a tracking system having an imaging component, a processor, and a curved needle with known geometric parameters. The processor is configured to calculate a needle trajectory based on geometric considerations of the needle and the target tissue. Additional features and methods of the invention include a display with an annotated overlay for directing and tracking the curved device.

Described herein are methods and systems for performing a procedure for ovarian rebalancing. The methods and systems may be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The systems and methods may also be useful in the treatment of infertility associated with PCOS.

Described herein are membrane puncturing devices used for endovascular surgery.