Methods and devices for performing minimally invasive procedures useful for Fallopian tube diagnostics are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the proximal os of the Fallopian tube is accessed via an intrauterine approach; an introducer catheter is advanced to cannulate and form a fluid tight seal with the proximal os of the Fallopian tube; a second catheter inside the introducer catheter is provided to track the length of the Fallopian tube and out into the abdominal cavity; a balloon at the end of the second catheter is inflated and the second catheter is retracted until the balloon seals the distal os of the Fallopian tube; irrigation is performed substantially over the length of the Fallopian tube; and the irrigation fluid is recovered for cytology or cell analysis.

A method of inserting an intervertebral disc implant into a disc space includes accessing a spinal segment having a first vertebral body, a second vertebral body and a disc space between the first and second vertebral bodies. The method includes securing a first pin to the first vertebral body and a second pin to the second vertebral body, using the first and second pins for distracting the disc space, and providing an inserter holding the intervertebral disc implant. The method also desirably includes engaging the inserter with the first and second pins, and advancing the inserter toward the disc space for inserting the intervertebral disc implant into the disc space, whereby the first and second pins align and guide the inserter toward the disc space.

An optical marker apparatus or device for tracking and compensating for patient motion during a medical imaging scan can comprise one or more optical markers, one or mounts, and a substrate. The one or more optical markers can be adapted to be detected by one or more detectors and/or cameras of a medical imaging scanner and/or motion tracking system. One or more mounts can be configured to attach the one or more markers to the substrate. The substrate, in turn, can be configured to be attached to one or more regions of a subject patient's body. For example, in some embodiments, a substrate can be adapted to be placed or otherwise attached over a nose bridge of a patient.

A more accurate radiotherapy is implemented by using a vessel marker for radiotherapy having a deformation fixed shape for engaging with the inner wall of a vessel by deformation after being inserted into the vessel, and a position notification shape for notifying an outside of a radiation irradiation position. Also provided are a radiotherapy support method for supporting radiotherapy to be performed by using the vessel marker, a radiation irradiation control apparatus that irradiates, with radiation, a patient in which the vessel marker is indwelled, and a vessel marker indwelling support apparatus to be used when indwelling the vessel marker.

A system and associated instruments for locating, and accurately and controllably delivering, a device to an area sufficiently near a bone defect using anatomical landmarks is provided. The instruments allow the surgeon to navigate to the area around the bone defect quickly and easily, while so facilitating proper insertion of the device. In some embodiments, the defect is located on a femur. Guide instruments having a plurality of device portals are also provided for use as standalone instruments or as accessories to the system. In addition, a protective guide sleeve is provided for the insert of small diameter devices.

Methods and systems are provided useful in various procedures, including hair harvesting and implantation, and further including computer-implemented and/or robotic hair transplantation. Methodologies are provided which enable a tool, such as a hair harvesting or a hair implantation tool, to proceed at least under a partial computer control in a selected direction of travel along a donor or recipient area of the patient, as well as changing direction of travel based on desired harvesting and/or implantation criteria.

A device for inserting a marker into tissue at a biopsy site including an elongate shaft that moves conjointly with a plunger, and a spring secured to the distal end of the shaft. The device may comprise a cannula configured to receive a distal end of the shaft, and with a crimp, dimples, or other features formed near the shaft's distal end. The cannula may comprise a lateral aperture where a marker may be ejected from the lumen thereof. A ramp portion may be formed in communication with the lateral aperture, and the ramp portion may comprise a preselected slope that controls the angle at which the marker is ejected.

Disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as localization markers during a surgical procedure. Adaptation includes incorporation of materials detectable under ultrasound during surgery, as well as features for co-registration with image guidance or other real-time imaging technologies during surgery. Such biopsy markers, when used as localization markers, improve patient comfort and reduce challenges in surgical coordination and surgery time. Additional disclosed biopsy markers are adapted to serve as monitoring and/or detection apparatuses. Localization of an implanted marker may be done with ultrasound technology. Ultrasound image data is analyzed to identify the implanted marker. A distance to the marker or a lesion may be determined and displayed. The determined distance may be a distance between the ultrasound probe and the marker or lesion, a distance between the marker or lesion and an incision instrument, and/or a distance between the ultrasound probe and the incision instrument.

Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method for resecting a tissue mass. The system for resecting a tissue mass includes a surgical instrument and a first sensor for measuring a signal corresponding to the position and orientation of the tissue mass. The first sensor is dimensioned to fit inside or next to the tissue mass. The system also includes a second sensor attached to the surgical instrument configured to measure the position and orientation of the surgical instrument. The second sensor is configured to receive the signal from the first sensor. A controller is in communication with the first sensor and/or the second sensor, and the controller executes a stored program to calculate a distance between the first sensor and the second sensor. Accordingly, visual, auditory, haptic or other feedback is provided to the clinician to guide the surgical instrument to the surgical margin.

A medical device is disclosed for cutting substances inside a body lumen. The medical device includes: a drive shaft that is rotatable; at least one strut that is rotatably connected to a distal side of the drive shaft, the at least one strut extending along a rotation axis, and wherein a central portion of the at least one strut is bent so as to be expandable radially outwardly; and a support portion that is rotatably connected to the distal side of the drive shaft, and wherein the support portion is formed in a mesh shape and a tubular shape while including multiple gaps, at least a portion of which is positioned on a radially inside of the at least one strut, and which is expandable radially outwardly by a central portion in a direction extending along the rotation axis being bent.