A cannula supporting a percutaneous pump can include a proximal section with a first flexural modulus. The cannula can include one or more distal sections with a flexural modulus that is different than the first flexural modulus. The material and its arrangement along the length of the cannula can be selected so as to influence bending properties. This can, for example, allow efficient positioning of the cannula in a desired location without displacing the guidewire.

An access sheath is provided. The access sheath comprises: an outer sheath extending in one direction and having a cavity formed along a longitudinal axis of the outer sheath; and an inner sheath arranged in the cavity of the outer sheath, and having a plurality of balloons configured to expand, wherein the outer sheath includes: an outer body formed of a first material; and an elastic connection part formed of a second material which is more flexible than the first material of the outer body, and wherein a diameter of the outer sheath increases by the elastic connection part which expands according to an expansion of the balloons.

A cannula mounting fixture may include a base, a first arm with a first cannula mounting bracket and a second arm with a second cannula mounting bracket. The first arm may be coupled to the base so that a first cannula mounted at the first mounting bracket is positioned within an opening in a patient's body. The second arm may be coupled to the base and includes a joint that allows a second cannula mounted at the second mounting bracket to be inserted through the opening. A cannula stabilizing fixture may include a base and a repositionable arm. The base may be configured to be securely and removably coupled to a first cannula that extends into an opening in a patient's body. The repositionable arm may include a first cannula holder coupled to the base and is configured to support a second cannula that extends into the opening.

A surgical probe and a method for forming and enlarging an access opening through a psoas muscle to provide for minimally invasive lateral approach for surgical access to a lumber intervertebral disc. A distal end portion of the probe is equipped with an electrode useful for confirming proper location of the probe and includes an inflatable dilator body for enlarging an access opening through tissue adjacent to a spinal column. The probe includes a cannula through which a K wire can be extended to anchor the probe to a patient.

A dilation system for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a plurality of open sided dilators having non-circular cross sections and configured to slidably and non-rotationally engage with one another in a sequential manner. In another version, the dilation system includes an expandable dilator movable from a closed condition to an expanded condition.

A sheath for inserting a cannula of an endoscope into a cavity of a patient is described herein. The sheath comprises an introducer, a support channel and a pull-tab. The introducer has an open end being sized and shaped to accept a tip of the cannula and a tip end adapted to be deflected in an outward direction by the tip of the cannula passing into the introducer. The support channel is adapted to receive a shaft of the cannula and guide the tip of the cannula into the introducer; and the pull provides a finger hold for a user to grasp the sheath. In some aspects, the introducer includes a plurality of extending segments having a normally closed position defining a conical exterior shape of the introducer, with the plurality of tapered segments adapted to be separated by the tip of the cannula passing through the introducer.

Systems, methods, and kits for performing endoscopic fusion with neuromonitoring. The endoscopic fusion may be performed, for example, through a cannula providing a portal to the disc space. Throughout various steps in the procedure, neuromonitoring may occur to minimize the possibility of injuring or contacting a nerve.

A delicate tissue retraction system for use with a navigation probe having a probe shaft and a probe tip at a distal end of the probe shaft. The delicate tissue retraction system includes a retractor and an introducer that is removably installed within the retractor. The introducer has a wall forming a hollow channel extending from a proximal introducer end to a distal introducer end. A mount is integrally formed with the introducer and extends from the distal introducer end into the channel. The mount is positioned to surround the probe tip when the navigation probe is at a fully inserted position within the introducer with the probe tip at the distal introducer end.

A vaginal dilation device is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it is configured to dilate vaginal tissue during labor to prevent tissue damage. Another feature of the vaginal dilation device is that it can be manually controlled to dilate vaginal tissue, or can be automatically controlled to dilate vaginal tissue. In some embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to measure a force applied by the device to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to apply a constant force to tissue. In other embodiments, the vaginal dilation device is configured to expand at a constant rate. Methods associated with use of the vaginal dilation device are also provided.

Systems and methods for reducing insufflation loss due to gas leakage during a laparoscopic surgical procedure are provided. The surgical procedure includes the use of a surgical instrument having an end effector and a trocar through which the surgical instrument is inserted for access to the abdominal cavity of a patient receiving laparoscopic surgery. The trocar includes a lip, a lip seal disposed within the lip, and a cannula located beneath the lip. The systems and methods reduce or prevent a loss of insufflation when using conventional systems and methods to insert the surgical instrument through a conventional trocar.