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 tissue separation device includes: a sheath; a tube having a deformation part; a restriction member; and an inner structure. The tissue separation device is used in an assembled state where the tube is movably inserted in the sheath, the restriction member is inserted in the tube, and the inner structure is movably inserted in the restriction member. The inner structure includes: wires and which are expandable and contractible; an operation unit which operates expansion of the wires; a tubular body; and a traction shaft. The wires are expanded by being curved so as to protrude in opposite directions. When dissecting a biological tissue, the wires in an expanded state are moved within the tube in relation to the tube, without moving the tube relative to the living body.

Embodiments of the disclosure may include a method for providing access within a patient that may include inserting a medical device through an opening of the patient. The medical device may include an overtube having a lumen and a slot and an elongate member disposed within the lumen of the overtube, wherein the elongate member may include an expandable member configured to expand and collapse. The method may further include positioning the medical device proximate a site in the patient, positioning the overtube relative to the elongate member such that a portion of the expandable member faces the slot, and the slot faces the site, and expanding the portion of the expandable member out of the slot and toward the site.

A mastopexy implant for maintaining the breast in an elevated and aesthetically pleasing position includes a lower pole support comprising end portions which may be affixed to the chest wall or to a previously installed upper suspension strut. The implant is loaded in an insertion device. The insertion device is inserted through a small incision and into a subcutaneous pocket created in an inferior half of the breast. The lower pole support may have various constructs and in one embodiment includes a unitary conformable mesh having a plurality of arm or band members which are attached across the breast parenchyma and to the chest wall.

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.

The present disclosure is directed to a kit including a balloon dissector assembly to facilitate forming an anatomical space within the body of a patient during a surgical procedure. The dissector assembly includes an elongate shaft and a plurality of detachable balloons that are releasably connectable to the distal end of the elongate shaft. The balloons are of various shapes and sizes to permit a health care practitioner such as a surgeon to select a balloon having a configuration best suited for the surgical procedure being performed. The kit also includes spacers that may be releasably attached to an elongate shaft of the balloon dissector by a surgeon for limiting the depth of insertion of the elongate shaft of the dissector assembly into a body of a patient.

A method is provided for accessing a pericardial space of a subject. The method includes advancing a guide member toward a heart, having (a) a transparent blunt distal end, and (b) a side-facing suction port. During advancing of the guide member, an imaging device disposed in the guide member generates an image of part of the heart. Subsequently to contacting the pericardium with the suction port, the imaging device is retracted proximally in the guide member. Subsequently, a portion of the pericardium is drawn into the guide member through the suction port. Following the drawing of the portion into the guide member, an image of the pericardium disposed within the suction port, is generated. Subsequently, a puncturing element is advanced in the guide member to puncture the portion of the pericardium that is in the guide member. Other applications are also described.

An inflatable bone tamp for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a shaft having a primary region and a reduced diameter region, and an, inflatable structure surrounding at least a portion of the reduced diameter region. The reduced diameter region of the shaft allows the deflated size of, the inflatable structure to be minimized, while at the same time eliminating the need for the conventional dual lumen balloon catheter construction.

A trans-endoscopic hydraulic balloon dilation apparatus includes a fluid reservoir containing a hydraulic fluid. A shaft has a lumen in fluid communication with a leading end of the fluid reservoir. A balloon is mounted on the shaft and an opening in the shaft enables hydraulic fluid to flow through the opening into or from the balloon. A piston secured to a leading end of a piston rod is slideably positioned within a lumen of the fluid reservoir. A hub secured to a trailing end of the fluid reservoir is centrally apertured to accommodate the piston rod so that a trailing end of the piston rod is external to the fluid reservoir. Displacement of the piston rod in a trailing-to-leading direction causes expansion of the balloon. Displacement of the piston rod in a leading-to-trailing direction causes deflation of the balloon. The piston can be locked into any position.

A surgical grooved director including a fixed or removable handle with a tubular member having a lumen extending therethrough with an aperture at its proximal end and a blunt dissecting distal tip. An access window is formed through the wall of the tubular member in a distal portion of the instrument and is in communication with the lumen. An integral side rail is integrally mounted on the tubular member and defines a linear groove adapted to receive and allow slideable movement of a knife.