A surgical access device assembly includes a cannula hub and a cannula tube. The cannula tube extends distally from the cannula hub along a longitudinal axis. The cannula tube defines a working channel. The cannula tube includes a tissue engagement feature and a balancing feature. The balancing feature is configured to promote lateral stability of the cannula tube and the cannula hub relative to the body cavity wall of the patient. The balancing feature includes a proximal portion of the cannula tube having a first wall thickness. The balancing feature also includes a distal portion of the cannula tube having a second wall thickness that is greater than the first wall thickness. At least a portion of the proximal portion is proximal relative to the tissue engagement feature. At least a portion of the distal portion is distal relative to the tissue engagement feature.

A system and method for video assisted percutaneous needle cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy to assist physicians in quickly intubating patients suffering from respiratory distress when oral or nasal intubation is not possible or contraindicated. The system and method includes a display monitor, a percutaneous needle assembly including a connection hub having a syringe port for removably attaching a syringe, a needle port for attaching a hollow needle, and a stylet port in communication with the needle port for receiving a fiber optic stylet that extends through the hollow needle. The fiber optic stylet includes one or more illuminators, and a camera for capturing and transmitting anatomical images for display on the display monitor to visually assist physicians in locating a patient's trachea lumen. The fiber optic stylet is positioned within the trachea lumen, and used as a guide wire to insert a dilator and cannula for ventilating the patient.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for insertion tools for implanting electrode leads. In one embodiment, an insertion tool comprises a shaft having an outer cannula and an inner cannula. An actuator may be configured to transition the insertion tool between at least three configurations. In a first configuration, the inner cannula and the outer cannula are configured to receive the lead in the shaft. In a second configuration, the inner cannula and the outer cannula are configured to secure the lead in the shaft. In a third configuration, the inner cannula and the outer cannula are configured to cause the lead to separate from the insertion tool and implant in adjacent tissue.

The present disclosure relates to a device for meniscal repair for use in areas of a human body where tissue can either be surgically reattached to bone or surgically repaired when a tear forms in the tissue. The device may take one of three forms; in a first form, the device comprises a handle and a deployment member permitting the deployment of anchors or sutures to the tissue requiring repair; subsequently the device may take a second form comprising the handle, still in place, and a cutter member for manipulating and cutting anchors and sutures to assist in repair of the tissue; in its third form, the device comprises the handle, still in place, and a fluid injection member for applying a fluid to aid in improving biological conditions for the tissue to heal.

A surgical robotic system has a tool drive coupled to a distal end of a robotic arm that has a plurality of actuators. The tool drive has a docking interface to receive a trocar. The system also includes one or more sensors that are operable to visually sense a surface feature of the trocar. One or more processors determine a position and orientation of the trocar, based on the visually sensed surface feature. In response, the processor controls the actuators to orient the docking interface to the determined orientation of the trocar and to guide the robotic arm toward the determined position of the trocar. Other aspects are also described and claimed.

Systems and methods for sonicating a body within an organ of a patient include supplying ultrasound energy to the body in order to produce a liquified material, which can then be aspirated from the body via a catheter. Image guidance is used during aspiration of the liquified material.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and methods to assist in the introduction of an instrument into a patient, and more particularly to medical devices for measuring and/or monitoring forces applied during introduction of an access sheath through a body lumen.

An ear examination tool comprises a handle and a speculum mount coupled to the handle. The speculum mount is configured for retaining a disposable speculum. An spacing element is coupled to the handle and extends from the handle. A smartphone mount is coupled to the spacing element, and the spacing element is configured to maintain an optical separation distance between the speculum mount and the smartphone mount. The tool enables a clear view of the ear canal while allowing access by, and manipulation of, a microsuction tool being inserted into the ear canal. The extensive optical and data processing functionality of a “smartphone” can be integrated at low cost into an ear examination tool to provide a substantially improved piece of equipment for assisting in ear examination and microsuction of the ear.

A method for gripping the pericardium uses a device with an outer part and an inner part. The device is pushed through an incision towards the pericardium until an end of the device touches the pericardium or the heart or a layer arranged on the heart. Subsequently, the inner part is moved until at least one outer part end and/or an inner part end is arranged on the pericardium. The device for gripping the pericardium has an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube and the outer tube have end surfaces with different surface structures.

A surgical instrument comprising an end effector is disclosed. The end effector comprises a surgical dissector. The surgical dissector can apply mechanical and/or electrosurgical energy to treated tissue.