Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery including a system for performing minimally invasive procedures including a flexible catheter having a working space expanding system positioned at a distal portion, the working space expanding system movable from a non-expanded insertion position to an expanded position forming an expanded region to expand the working space within the body lumen. A tissue retractor having an inner member positioned within an outer member has a plurality of closed loops at a distal portion forming a petal-like structure. The loops are positioned in a collapsed position within the outer member and are movable to an expanded position when exposed from the outer member.

A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and embodiments of a cutting head configured and arranged to receive a cervix. The cutting head can be configured and adapted to be used to cut the tissue joining the vaginal wall to the cervix and uterus to facilitate removal of the uterus in a minimally invasive manner.

An apparatus includes a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, an end effector, and an auto-tensioning feature. The handle assembly includes a body and a plunger. The shaft assembly includes an external sheath that is fixed to the handle body and an interior shaft that is coupled to the plunger. The interior shaft is slidable relative to the external sheath. The end effector is configured to encompass a bodily lumen and includes a flexible member extending distally from the interior shaft. A first coupling element is fixed to the distal tip of the flexible member. A second coupling element is fixed to the external sheath. The first and second coupling elements are magnetically attracted to each other and are biased toward each other such that the flexible member defines an adjustable loop. The auto-tensioning feature is configured to bias the plunger portion proximally relative to the handle body.

Exemplary embodiments of devices and method for affecting at least one anatomical tissue can be provided. A configuration can be provided that includes a structure which is expandable (i) having and/or (ii) forming at least one opening or a working space through which the anatomical tissue(s) is placed in the structure. For example, the structure, prior to being expanding, can have at least one partially rigid portion. In addition, or as an alternative, upon a partial or complete expansion thereof, the structure can be controllable to have a plurality of shapes. Further, the structure can be controllable to provide the working space with multiple shapes and/or multiple sizes.

A uterine manipulator can include a shaft including a first end, a second end, and embodiments of a cutting head configured and arranged to receive a cervix. The cutting head can be configured and adapted to be used to cut the tissue joining the vaginal wall to the cervix and uterus to facilitate removal of the uterus in a minimally invasive manner.

A collection device (1) for minimising dispersal of pathogens into the environment during insufflating of the peritoneal cavity (12) of a subject (3), and which are entrained in insufflating gases and other gases escaping through an incision (8) in the abdominal wall (9) of the subject (3), through which a trocar is entered into the peritoneal cavity (12) comprises a patch (5) supported on a support framework (30). The patch (5) terminates in an outer peripheral portion (20) with a pressure sensitive adhesive (21) coated thereon for sealably securing the outer peripheral portion (20) to the abdominal wall (9). A central access opening (24) formed in the patch (5) tightly and sealably engages the trocar (10). With the trocar (10) extending through the access opening (24) of the patch (5) and with the patch (5) bonded by the pressure sensitive adhesive (21) to the abdominal wall (9) of the subject, the patch (5) defines with the trocar (10) and the abdominal wall (9) of the subject an annular collection chamber (17) for collecting insufflating and other gases leaking through the opening (8) in the subject. An outlet port (25) extending from the patch (5) and communicating with the collection chamber (17) is connected through a filter (29) to a vacuum system (27) for drawing gases from the collection chamber (17) where they are filtered in the filter (29) for removing pathogens therefrom, and clean filtered gases are dispersed into the atmosphere from the vacuum system (27). Other access devices and apparatus for collecting and filtering insufflating gases and other gases leaking through an incision formed in the body of a subject or through other body orifices are also disclosed.

A medical device includes a medical instrument guide. The medical instrument guide includes a guide body, The guide body includes a foam and a bore through the foam. The foam includes a plurality of open cells that hold a biocompatible lubricant. And, the bore is sized to receive a medical instrument shaft and is defined at least in part by a surface exposing the plurality of open cells holding the biocompatible lubricant to the medical instrument shaft.

Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery including a system for performing minimally invasive procedures including a flexible catheter having a first lumen, a first flexible tube positioned in the first lumen, and a second flexible tube positioned in the first lumen. The first lumen defines a first space configured and dimensioned to receive an endoscope. The first flexible tube and second flexible tube are fixed at a proximal portion and configured to float within the first lumen of the catheter. First and second flexible guides are slidably positioned within the first and second flexible tubes and dimensioned to receive a first instrument for axial movement therein, the first and second flexible guides movable to an angled position with respect to a longitudinal axis. A working space expanding system positioned at a distal portion of the flexible catheter, the working space expanding system movable from a non-expanded insertion position to an expanded position forming an expanded region to expand the working space within the body lumen.

An apparatus includes a shaft including a distal shaft end. At least a portion of the shaft defines a first axis. The apparatus also includes a sleeve slidably coupled to the shaft. The sleeve includes a distal sleeve end. The apparatus further includes a colpotomy cup fixedly secured to the distal sleeve end, and a movable member extending distally from the distal shaft end. The movable member is configured to move relative to the shaft between a first state in which the movable member extends substantially along the first axis and a second state in which the movable member extends at least partially along a second axis transverse to the first axis for manipulating an anatomical structure.

An apparatus includes a modular colpotomy cup component and a modular shaft component. The modular colpotomy cup component includes a proximal base, an elongated sleeve, an expanding member, and a colpotomy cup. The proximal base is configured to couple to a distal end of a head of a robotic arm. The modular shaft component includes a coupling body and an elongated shaft. The coupling body is configured to couple to the head of the robotic arm such that the modular shaft component and the modular colpotomy cup component are attached to each other via the head of the robotic arm. The elongated shaft extends distally from the coupling body and is configured to be inserted through the opening of the proximal base such that the coupling body is configured to couple to the head of the robotic arm.