Identifying target anatomic locations in a subject's body, and delivering medicinal substances thereto, following transtissual progression (penetrating, cutting through body tissue) and reaching body tissue with medical device distal tip. Involves acquiring mechanical properties of body tissue. Exemplary medicinal substance is, or includes, a drug (anesthetic agent), and exemplary target anatomic location is epidural space in subject's body. Exemplary system includes: cannular member enclosing cannula lumen; pusher-probe having distal end in cannula lumen and positionable from retracted to protruding positions, wherein pusher-probe distal end protrudes out of cannula distal end; and extending mechanism including cam member, a follower shiftable from first to second stations on cam member, and plunger selectively traveling in cannula lumen while forcing relative motion between cam member and follower, wherein pusher-probe distal end repositions between retracted and protruding positions. Optionally, includes data-information analyzing device having triggering mechanism via a winged hub member and associated components.

A device to maintain a user's vein in position includes at least two branches separated by a gap of width greater than the size of the vein. A positioner to position the branches around the vein. The device can additionally includes a heater to heat at least one branch and a controller to control the heater. The device can further include a cooler to cool at least one branch and the controller is configured to activate the cooler.

A method of delivering a substance to a target location of a subject using an insertion apparatus having a base structure with at least one lumen extending along a length thereof, a cladding layer circumferentially surrounding the base structure and an optically-transmissive coating circumferentially surrounding an exterior of the base layer or an exterior of the cladding layer. The method includes inserting the insertion apparatus into the subject to access the target location, transmitting to tissue adjacent the insertion apparatus, a first optical radiation using the optically-transmissive coating or the cladding layer, receiving, from the tissue, at a processor, data characterizing a second optical radiation via the other of the optically-transmissive coating or the cladding layer based on the first optical radiation and determining whether a tip of the base structure is at the target location, and, if so, releasing a substance into or near the target location.

A system for infusing medication into a mammalian subject is provided. The system includes an injection system for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor is provided that detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor and the sensor continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system further includes a conductive element for providing electric nerve stimulation, wherein the system provides electric nerve stimulation in response to the sensor detecting a pressure exceeding an upper limit.

A detection device for recognizing the epidural space is provided. The detection device includes an upper case having a predetermined shape and a lower case coupled to the upper case to form a predetermined space part. A connection tube is provided at a predetermined position of the space part, one end of the connection tube communicates with a paracentesis needle part and the connection tube communicates with a pressure sensor for measuring pressure at a predetermined position of an outer peripheral part thereof. When the paracentesis needle part reaches the epidural space, the device allows a medicine injection catheter to be inserted into the connection tube thereby reaching the epidural space, with the connection tube and the paracentesis needle part connected to each other.

An intervertebral spacer assembly having a plurality of articulated intervertebral spacers coupled in series, each intervertebral spacer releasably and connectable to an adjacent intervertebral spacer, each intervertebral spacer having a cannula extending from a first exterior surface of a tail portion through a nose portion to reach a second exterior surface of the nose portion.

A device for penetrating tissue for fluid collection and delivery is provided having a driving actuator interconnected to and driving axial reciprocating motion of a penetrating member. A hollow member attached between the penetrating member and a reservoir permits axial reciprocation of the penetrating member while isolating the vibrations from the reservoir. A handpiece allows for one-handed use of the device. A slider device attached to the reservoir permits one-handed delivery and extraction of materials from the reservoir.

A system (5, 405) for infusing medication into a subject is provided. The system (5, 405) includes an injection system (50, 450) for controlling fluid flow from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor (20) detects a characteristic indicative of fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system (50, 450) controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor (20), which continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system may include a light assembly (100) connected with the injection system. The light assembly (100) may provide a continuously variable signal indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The system (5, 405) may further provide a mechanism that provides cues to the operator to insert the needle at a particular rate. The system may further include a conductive element (334) for providing electric nerve stimulation.

The present disclosure provides a novel method for accessing the spinal disc space, instrumentation for discectomy and implantation of spinal implants, and unique designs for intervertebral spinal implants. In particular, the present disclosure describes modular interlocking spinal implants that can be assembled during surgery, for the purpose of implantation between vertebral bodies that is unique to the disc space, creating vertebral stabilization, correction of spinal scoliosis, reducing segmental motion, greater arthrodesis potential, reduction of pain, and other benefits. The present disclosure provides increased permutation of implant shapes to match a subject specific spinal disease.

Tactile sensing devices, systems, and methods to image a target tissue location are disclosed. When force is applied to the tactile sensing device, voltage data is detected and visualized on a screen, indicating the target tissue location.