The present invention provides transseptal puncture devices configured to access structures on the left side of the heart from the right side of the heart without requiring open-heart surgery. The devices have adjustable stiffness to enter the vasculature in a flexible, atraumatic fashion, then become rigid once in place to provide a stable platform for penetration of the fossa ovalis. The devices are further configured to controllably and stably extend a needle to puncture the FO. The devices include an indwelling blunt stylus that can extend perpendicularly from the device to increase the accuracy of placement near the fossa ovalis.

A puncture device guide includes a body member configured to fixedly attach to an ultrasound probe, a slide member slidingly received within the body member; and a cradle member slidingly received within the slide member and longitudinally fixed relative to the body member. The cradle member is configured to receive a puncture device therein. Longitudinal movement of the slide member causes radial movement of the cradle member relative to the body member.

A biopsy device includes a disposable elongated probe component having a coaxial arrangement of an elongated tubular section and an elongated tissue cutting member, and having a coaxial arrangement of a first driven gear, a second driven gear, and a third driven gear. The first driven gear is configured to rotate the elongated tubular section. The second driven gear is configured to rotate to longitudinally move the elongated tissue cutting member. The third driven gear is configured to rotate or oscillate the elongated tissue cutting member. A driver component has a coaxial arrangement of a first drive gear, a second drive gear, and a third drive gear. The first drive gear is drivably engaged with the first driven gear. The second drive gear is drivably engaged with the second driven gear. The third drive gear is drivably engaged with the third driven gear.

An assembly for retracting soft tissue in a surgical incision is provided, the assembly including a supporting member having first and second ends; a retractor blade having a first distal end and a second proximal end retained at the first end of the support member; a retaining arm which co-operates with the support member and receives and supports a clamping assembly; and an adjusting assembly which engages the support member and allows the clamping assembly to advance and retract relative to the retractor blade.

An optically transparent actuator apparatus is provided that includes an optically transparent bi-stable member including an optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layer. The bi-stable member is structured to move from a first state to a second state in response to a first stimulus and from the second state to the first state in response to a second stimulus. Also, a display apparatus includes a plate member and an actuator assembly coupled to the plate member. The actuator assembly includes a number of optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layers, wherein each of the optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layers is structured to move from a first state to a second state in response to a first stimulus.

A transperineal biopsy guide including a guide member and a displacement member supported by the guide member. The guide member may be configured to operably couple with the transrectal probe and may include a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a length extending along a longitudinal axis between the distal and proximal ends. The displacement member may be configured to support the access needle and displace the access needle along at least a portion of the length of the guide member between the distal and proximal ends. The access needle may extend into the subcutaneous tissue when the access needle is displaced to the distal end.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing access to the renal capsule. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for performing a percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) procedure accurately and efficiently while minimizing exposure of the medical professional to harmful radiation.

An implanted article physical referencing apparatus comprises a guide body, a first guide shaft and a second guide shaft. The guide body includes a plurality of guide shaft receptacles therein. A longitudinal axis of each of the guide shaft receptacles extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal reference axis of the guide body. The first and second guide shafts each have a proximate end portion and a distal end portion. The proximate end portion of the first guide shaft includes an exterior surface adapted for being engaged with a corresponding interior surface of a selected one of the guide shaft receptacles to constrain unrestricted relative movement between the first guide shaft and the guide body. The proximate end portion of the second guide shaft is attached to the guide body. A longitudinal axis of the second guide shaft extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal reference axis of the guide body.

An adaptor for mounting on an imaging transducer includes a hollow housing configured to receive a portion of the imaging transducer. The housing comprises a coupling member for enabling releasable securement of a needle guide device to the housing, wherein the needle guide device includes a body member and a lockable mounting member. The coupling member comprises a projection portion that projects outwardly from the housing, wherein the projection portion includes first and second undercut recesses on opposing sides of the projection portion, wherein the projection portion is configured for receipt in a recess in the body member, the recess in the body member including at least one stop portion. The first undercut recess is configured to receive the stop portion, and the second undercut recess is configured to receive an engagement portion of the lockable mounting member when the lockable mounting member is moved from an unlocked position to a locked position to releasably secure the lockable mounting member to said coupling member, thereby releasably mounting the needle guide device on the imaging transducer.

A biopsy and therapy device comprising: a needling unit for holding and inserting a biopsy needle; an imaging module comprising an ultrasound probe and an actuator for moving the probe in a reciprocal action; a first arcuate slide; a second arcuate slide in sliding engagement with the first arcuate slide and a linkage to which the first arcuate slide is mounted; said linkage arranged to move the first and second arcuate slides within a vertical plane; said needling unit mounted to said arcuate slide wherein the first and second arcuate slides are mounted perpendicular to each other so as to rotate the needling unit about respective first and second principal axes.