Method and related system for marker-based navigation. A first image is capturing (S530) with a medical imaging apparatus (ENDO), whilst a light source (LS1) of an implanted marker device (MD) is in a low intensity state and a second light source (LS2) of the medical imaging apparatus (IA) is in a high intensity state, higher than the low intensity state of the marker. A second image is captured (S560) with the medical imaging apparatus (ENDO), whilst the light source (LS1) of the implanted marker device is in a high intensity state and the second light source (LS2) of the medical imaging apparatus (IA) is in a low intensity state, lower than the high intensity state of the marker. The two images may then be combined to obtain a combined image that represents the location of the marker at high signal-to-noise-ratio.

A marker for identifying a portion of a surgical margin includes a first element to attach the marker to the surgical margin of a surgical cavity located in a body of a patient, and a second element attached to the first element. The second element includes an indicator to uniquely identify the portion of the surgical margin through a radiological scan.

This disclosure provides a system (100) for determining patient (P) movement for a medical imaging system, comprising at least one marker (110), and at least one data processing unit (120), wherein the marker (110) is a solid configured to be swallowed by the patient (P). The marker (110) comprises a landmark forming component (111) configured to be detectable within the patient during a medical imaging procedure to determine the movement of the patient. The at least one data processing unit (120) is configured to obtain patient information data and/or medical imaging information data at least indicative for a type of medical imaging procedure intended for the patient. The at least one data processing unit (120) utilizes a computational model to estimate, based on one or more of the patient information data, the medical imaging information data and a configuration of the at least one marker, a position and/or distribution of the at least one marker inside the patient to a certain time and/or over a period of time after swallowing by the patient (P). The data processing unit (120) is configured to generate, based on the estimation of a distribution of the at least one marker, control data for timely controlling the medical imaging procedure.

Removable marker implants having fiducial markers disposed on multiple elongate members extend and splay laterally outward when deployed thereby providing improved 3D localization and tracking of a portion of the patient's body for stereotactic radiosurgery. Such an approach is particularly useful for tracking of the uterus during radiosurgery treatment of uterine fibroids. Such implants can include an outer sheath that contains the multiple elongate members during delivery into the portion of the body. The elongate members can be slidably disposed within the shaft and advanced into an expanded deployed position by advancement of an applicator shaft or rod within the sheath. Marker implant can also be integrally formed implants with flexible arms having fiducial markers thereon that can be constrained in a sheath for delivery and resiliently splay laterally outward when released from the shaft. Methods of delivery and deployment are also provided.

A surgical instrument for treating the stomach tissue of a patient is disclosed. The surgical instrument comprises a handle comprising a display, a shaft extending from the handle, and an end effector extending from said shaft. The surgical system comprises a tissue treatment system configured to treat the stomach tissue along a path, an imaging system configured to capture a tissue image of the stomach tissue, and a controller configured to determine an edge of the stomach tissue, generate an image representing at least a portion of the edge of the stomach tissue, and display the image along with at least a portion of the tissue image on the display.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for puncturing a maxillary sinus, the apparatus including: a main body gripped by an operator; a probing unit detachable from the main body and configured to detect a posterior fontanelle; a surgical procedure tube which is provided in the main body and formed of an endoscope unit configured to monitor the posterior fontanelle, a puncturing unit configured to puncture the posterior fontanelle, and an irrigation tube configured to irrigate the maxillary sinus through a punctured portion of the posterior fontanelle; and an operation unit provided in the main body and configured to operate the surgical procedure tube.

Embodiments relate to expandable tissue cavity markers and corresponding systems and deployment methods. In one embodiment, an expandable tissue cavity marker comprises a pouch and at least one radiopaque marker element. The pouch can transition between a compressed state, in which a profile or dimension of the tissue cavity marker is reduced such that the tissue cavity marker can be deployed through a minimally invasive surgical procedure incision, and an expanded state, in which a profile or dimension of the tissue cavity marker is increased such that the tissue cavity marker fills or defines a volume of a tissue cavity. In one embodiment, the pouch can be transformed between the compressed state and the expanded state by delivery of a fill material into the pouch. The pouch can comprise one or more functional materials in embodiments, including materials that provide an anti-infection, hemostasis, anti-migration, medicinal, or other function to the tissue cavity marker.

A locator system deployable at a target site in a first anatomical structure and identifiable from within a second anatomical structure. The locator system includes a signal generator and a tissue-engagement member. The tissue-engagement member engages tissue at the target site so that a delivery system may deliver the locator system and be withdrawn without disturbing the position of the locator system with the tissue-engagement member engaging tissue at the target site. The signal generator may be powered by a wireless energy source, such as a battery, or radio waves. The locator system may be deployed at a target site within a patient's intestines, and identified from within the patient's stomach to create an anastomosis between the stomach and the target site.

A surgical instrument comprising a shaft, an end effector, and an articulation joint is disclosed. The end effector is rotatably connected to the shaft about the articulation joint, wherein the end effector is rotatable between a first orientation and a second orientation, wherein the shaft comprises a longitudinal axis and the end effector comprises a tissue gap, wherein the tissue gap faces the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in its first orientation, and wherein the tissue gap extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in its second orientation. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation drive system configured to articulate the end effector relative to the shaft and a dampener configured to prevent the end effector from being back-driven from its second orientation into its first orientation.

Systems and methods for reducing pathogens near an implant are discussed. In some cases, the methods include reducing contaminants in a portion of a patient that has an implant and that is disposed interior to a closed surface of skin of the patient. The method can further include placing a conduit in the closed surface of skin and flowing an antimicrobial fluid into that portion of the patient to contact the antimicrobial fluid with a surface of the implant and tissue adjacent to the implant. In some cases, the antimicrobial fluid is then removed from the portion of the patient having the implant. As part of this method, biofilm near the implant can be mechanically, ultrasonically, electrically, chemically, enzymatically, or otherwise disrupted. Other implementations are described.