A method for positioning a treatment instrument in a subject involves positioning a tissue protector of a visualization instrument in an epidural space of the subject. The tissue protector is viewed and positioned in the epidural space using fluoroscopy. A treatment instrument between a first vertebra and a second vertebra and while viewing the tissue protector positioned in the epidural space. A decompression procedure is performed using the treatment instrument.

A surgical probe and a method for forming and enlarging an access opening through a psoas muscle to provide for minimally invasive lateral approach for surgical access to a lumber intervertebral disc. A distal end portion of the probe is equipped with an electrode useful for confirming proper location of the probe and includes an inflatable dilator body for enlarging an access opening through tissue adjacent to a spinal column. The probe includes a cannula through which a K wire can be extended to anchor the probe to a patient.

An apparatus for mechanically manipulating hollow organs within the body of a subject, or an organ manipulation apparatus, includes a manipulation section. The manipulation section may include a substantially two-dimensional element, which may have a width that exceeds a distance across a portion of the interior of a hollow organ within which the manipulation section is to be positioned. The manipulation section is configured to manipulate at least a portion of a hollow organ from within, which may modify at least one of a shape, orientation, or location of at least part of the hollow organ. Methods for manipulating hollow organs are also disclosed, as are operating techniques, such as left atrial ablation, in which the shapes, orientations, and/or locations of hollow organs are manipulated to move the hollow organs away from the site of the medical procedure, reducing the potential for damage to the hollow organs.

A surgical instrument and method of operating on a tissue includes a shaft assembly and an end effector. The end effector extends in a longitudinal direction from the shaft assembly and has a first jaw, a second jaw, and a deformable hydraulic member. The second jaw is movably mounted relative to the first jaw and is configured to transition between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The first and second jaws are thus configured to have the tissue positioned therebetween in the closed configuration. The deformable hydraulic is configured to contain a fluid. With the fluid contained in the deformable hydraulic member, the deformable hydraulic member is configured to sever the tissue positioned between the first and second jaws in the closed configuration.

Devices and methods are disclosed herein for accessing the hip joint. A first device can be securely attached to the capsule of a joint. The first device can tent the capsule to increase the volume of the peripheral compartment. A second device can be biased against the first device to pierce the tented capsule and create a portal. Devices and methods are also disclosed herein for distending the capsule of a joint. A distention device may access a portal established within the capsule. The distention device can expand the capsule by applying an expansive force within the peripheral compartment. The distention device can maintain distention of the peripheral compartment while other devices access the joint.

An assembly and/or system having a cutting device configured to cut tissue, and an inflatable device configured for insertion into the cut tissue to further separate the cut tissue. The inflatable device may be wedge shaped to separate the cut tissue upon insertion into the cut. The inflatable device is inflatable and otherwise adjustable to separate the tissue to a medically indicated extent. For instance, the inflatable device may be moved axially with respect to the cutting device; and/or may be sheathed or unsheathed to adjust an exposed inflated length thereof; and/or may include two or more separately inflatable elements. The inflatable device thus may be used to achieve blunt tissue dissection after an initial cut is made into the tissue with a sharper instrument.

A surgical probe and a method for forming and enlarging an access opening through a psoas muscle to provide for minimally invasive lateral approach for surgical access to a lumber intervertebral disc. A distal end portion of the probe is equipped with an electrode useful for confirming proper location of the probe and includes an inflatable dilator body for enlarging an access opening through tissue adjacent to a spinal column. The probe includes a cannula through which a K wire can be extended to anchor the probe to a patient.

Some embodiments provide a soft tissue device, such as a transverse carpal ligament cutting device having one or more balloons that are deflated when the device is in an inactive position and are inflated when the device is in an active position. Other embodiments provide a soft tissue cutting method, such as a method of cutting a transverse carpal ligament that uses a soft tissue cutting device.

Methods and devices described herein facilitate diaphragm entry for posterior access of body organs.

A method for performing a surgical procedure within lungs of a patient. The method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of surgical instruments and providing a housing. Attaching a flexible, elongated shaft with distal and proximal ends to the housing. Engaging at least one working end to the distal end of the housing, the working end including a plurality of tubes disposed therein that define a corresponding plurality of working channels for housing a corresponding plurality of surgical instruments. Controlling an actuator to engage at least one of the corresponding plurality of surgical instruments, wherein rotation of the working end with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft engages at least one of the plurality of surgical instrument with the actuator to deploy the at least one surgical instrument to the lung as needed during a surgical procedure.