An endoscope includes an endoscope body and a working channel for guiding medical tools and/or for the through-flow of media. The working channel extends in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope body and forms a working channel outlet in a distal end portion of the endoscope body. An endoscope head is arranged in a distal end region of the endoscope body and has at least one optical unit. The working channel is partially enclosed in the circumferential direction by a part of the endoscope body that is extensionally rigid in the radial direction, over a predefined circumferential portion, preferably one third to two thirds and more preferably more than half of the total circumference. The endoscope body is expandable at least in parts from a first state having a smaller cross-sectional area to a second state having an enlarged cross-sectional area.

An operative cannula includes an elongate shaft that includes a wall structure and a channel extending along the wall structure. The wall structure defines an interior pocket sized to receive a tubular member and is configured to grasp the tubular member when the tubular member is disposed within the interior pocket. The channel is configured to allow passage of an instrument from a proximal end region of the elongate shaft through a distal end region of the elongate shaft.

An access port or retractor tube provides access through tissue to a surgical site or field, such as at the brain or spine, in a minimally invasive manner. The access port permits a user to clearly view and access the surgical field, including areas medial thereto, in a minimally invasive manner by dilating or separating tissue rather than cutting tissue. Neuro monitoring and neuro navigation are tools essential to neuro surgery to protect vital and eloquent tissues. Combining navigation and monitoring into the access ports/retractor tubes would enable the surgeon to be more precise and efficient during minimally invasive procedures while still being maximally effective in protecting non operative tissues.

A delicate tissue retraction system having a retractor, an introducer and a clamp mechanism. The retractor has a hollow retractor passage extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal retractor end to a distal retractor end. The introducer has an introducer channel extending from a proximal introducer end to a distal introducer end. The introducer is configured to be removably installed within the retractor such that the proximal introducer end and distal introducer end are located along the longitudinal axis and the distal introducer end extends beyond the distal retractor end. The clamp mechanism is located on the introducer and includes a clamp axially aligned with the introducer channel, and control member configured to move the clamp between an open position and a closed position. The clamp may be used to hold a navigation probe inside the introducer, and a registration indicator may confirm the proper installation of the probe.

Percutaneous access systems, including trocars, for accessing desired locations within a subject's body through the subject's skin or other tissues that are configured to minimize incision sizes are disclosed. Such a percutaneous access system includes a cannula and an obturator. The cannula includes a passageway with a tapered section and an expandable section at its distal end. The expandable section may include leaves that are configured to extend radially outward as an elongated instrument that has an outer diameter that exceeds a minimum relaxed inner diameter of the tapered section of the passageway is forced through the tapered section. Methods for using such a percutaneous access system, including medical procedures, are also disclosed.

A hollow rod developable actuator tool including a first link comprising an outer cylinder, a deployment ring including second link comprising a first portion pivotably connected to the first link at a first joint mounted in a first cavity in the wall of the outer cylinder and a third link comprising a second tool portion pivotably connected to the first portion at a second link, and a fourth link comprising an inner cylinder to which the second portion of the deployment ring is also pivotably connected at a third link mounted in a second cavity in the wall of the inner cylinder. When the inner cylinder of the fourth link is rotated in relation to the outer cylinder of the first link the actuator tool transitions from a first state where the deployment ring is stowed within the tool to a second state where the deployment ring is deployed externally.

Systems and methods for preventing the seeding of cancerous cells during morcellation of a tissue specimen inside a patient's body and removal of the tissue specimen from inside the patient through a minimally-invasive body opening to outside the patient are provided. One system includes a cut-resistant tissue guard removably insertable into a containment bag. The tissue specimen is isolated and contained within the containment bag and the guard is configured to protect the containment bag and surrounding tissue from incidental contact with sharp instrumentation used during morcellation and extraction of the tissue specimen. The guard is adjustable for easy insertion and removal and configured to securely anchor to the body opening. Protection-focused and containment-based systems for tissue removal are provided that enable minimally invasive procedures to be performed safely and efficiently.

A pad is provided having a body for providing a gas seal over a surgical site, a port extending between a first surface of the body and a second surface of the body and sized accept a surgical instrument, and a lumen situated along the body and having a first opening and a second opening, the second opening aligned with the surgical site for communicating a fluid flow to the surgical site.

Surgical visualization systems and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for providing visualization during surgical procedures. Systems and methods herein can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries such as minimally-invasive fusion or discectomy procedures. Systems and methods herein can include various features for enhancing end user experience, improving clinical outcomes, or reducing the invasiveness of a surgery. Exemplary features can include access port integration, hands-free operation, active and/or passive lens cleaning, adjustable camera depth, and many others.

An access port or retractor tube provides access through tissue to a surgical site or field, such as at the brain or spine, in a minimally invasive manner. The access port permits a user to clearly view and access the surgical field, including areas medial thereto, in a minimally invasive manner by dilating or separating tissue rather than cutting tissue. Neuro monitoring and neuro navigation are tools essential to neuro surgery to protect vital and eloquent tissues. Combining navigation and monitoring into the access ports/retractor tubes would enable the surgeon to be more precise and efficient during minimally invasive procedures while still being maximally effective in protecting non operative tissues.