A tissue segmentation device comprises segmenting wires, a grasper, an introducer tube that is shaped and sized to allow introduction of the segmenting wires and the grasper into a patient incision, a specimen bag configured to be deployed through the introducer tube and into the patient incision, at least one actuator positioned adjacent a proximal end of the introducer tube and coupled to proximal portions of the segmenting wires and the grasper, and wherein the at least one actuator is configured for manipulating the grasper to grasp a tissue specimen prior to or during tissue segmentation, wherein manipulation of the grasper further enables pulling the tissue specimen into the segmenting wires for segmentation, positioning the tissue specimen such that it contacts the segmenting wires, and/or enabling placement of the tissue specimen in the bag.

An apparatus comprises an end effector, a shaft assembly, and an interface assembly. The end effector is operable to manipulate tissue, the shaft assembly is in communication with the end effector and a portion of the shaft assembly extends proximally from the end effector. The interface assembly is in communication with the shaft assembly. The interface assembly comprises a housing portion, a shaft cartridge, and a base portion. The housing portion can engage the shaft cartridge. The shaft cartridge is able to rotate and articulate the end effector, and the shaft assembly extends from the shaft cartridge. The base portion and the housing portion are able to enclose the shaft cartridge.

Apparatus for excising and removing a clip or suture joining leaflets of a native heart valve. The apparatus includes an elongate shaft configured for remote access to a native heart valve, the elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen defined therein, and a clamp at the distal end of the elongate shaft, the clamp configured to receive a clip or suture joining native leaflet tissue, the clamp including a passageway extending along a length thereof in communication with the lumen. The apparatus further includes a cutter moveable within the passageway to encompass a clip or suture joining native leaflet tissue received within the clamp and cut native leaflet tissue proximate the clip or suture.

Various embodiments disclosed relate to a non-stick layer for insulative elements on electrosurgical cutting tools. The present disclosure includes systems, devices, and methods of making and using a non-stick layer on insulative element. The non-stick layer can include coatings, surface structures, or combinations thereof.

An endoscopic medical system can include an endoscopic end effector including three or more jaws. Each of the three or more jaws can respectively include a corresponding electromagnetic energy signal conductor. The end effector can also include two or more jaw linkages, an individual jaw linkage corresponding to a respective one of the jaws, such that at least two of the jaws are configured to move, independent of one another.

This invention relates to a surgical smoke evacuation system for use in removing gases and smoke created in surgical procedures form within an insufflated surgical cavity. Such a system comprises a discharge assembly adapted to form a gases path, and having an end which in use is located within said surgical cavity so that gases and/or surgical smoke inside said cavity can pass out of said cavity and through said discharge assembly along said gases path, a flexible discharge limb having an operational site end and an outlet end, and a self-supporting wall defining a gases flow passage between said operational site end and said outlet end, in use said open operational site end sealingly connected to said discharge assembly so that said gases and/or surgical smoke can pass out of said discharge assembly and into said discharge limb, a filter connected in use to the outlet end of the discharge limb, at least part of said wall of the discharge limb formed from a breathable material, said breathable material allowing the passage of water vapour through the wall of the discharge limb without allowing the passage of liquid water or surgical smoke or other gases.

This disclosure is relative to the field of laparoscopic surgery and gynecologic surgery. Specifically disclosed is a surgical technique for laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingectomy-oophorectomy which encompasses dissection and removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. The technique utilizes a single-entry port located at the umbilicus in conjunction with access through the vaginal opening to access and manipulate the organs within the abdominal cavity.

An endoscopic treatment tool, includes an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end; a braid disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the elongated member; a distal indicator disposed on the elongated member between a distal end and a proximal end of the braid, the distal indicator extending along a longitudinal axis of the elongated member; a proximal indicator disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the braid on the elongated member at a more proximal side of the elongated member than the distal indicator, the proximal indicator extending along the longitudinal axis; and a pre-curved shape portion formed in a curved shape, wherein each of the distal indicator and the proximal indicator has a width less than half of an outer circumferential surface of the elongated member in a circumferential direction of the elongated member, respectively.

Described herein are various implementations of systems and methods for accessing and modulating tissue (for example, systems and methods for accessing and ablating nerves or other tissue within or surrounding a vertebral body to treat chronic lower back pain). Assessment of vertebral endplate degeneration or defects (e.g., pre-Modic changes) to facilitate identification of treatment sites and protocols are also provided in several embodiments. Several embodiments comprise the use of biomarkers to confirm or otherwise assess ablation, pain relief, efficacy of treatment, etc. Some embodiments include robotic elements for, as an example, facilitating robotically controlled access, navigation, imaging, and/or treatment.

The invention relates to a medical instrument having a hollow shaft, whose proximal end can be connected to an operating unit and having a tool tip arranged at the distal end of the shaft having a tool arranged at the distal end of the tool tip, wherein the tool has two jaw parts, which can be pivoted relative to one another and wherein the jaw parts are pivoted via actuating elements, which are mounted so as to be axially displaceable in the shaft and which can be actuated on the proximal side via the operating unit and wherein the tool tip can be pivoted via a joint mechanism relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

In order to provide a medical instrument, which ensures a uniform transmission of tensile and compressive forces even via the pivot region to the tool tip, it is proposed according to the invention that the pivotable jaw parts are each coupled via an articulated drive element to the distal end of an actuating element mounted so as to be axially displaceable in the shaft such that the articulated drive element spans the region of the joint mechanism between the distal end of the shaft and the proximal end of the tool tip.