Introducers for detachably coupling with an ablation probe are described herein. The ablation probe can be a cryoablation probe or other type of ablation probe such as microwave or RF ablation probe. An example introducer includes a hollow member; and a locking mechanism configured to secure the introducer and the ablation probe. An example system includes an ablation probe; and an introducer that is configured to detachably couple with the ablation probe. The introducer includes a hollow member, one or more energy elements arranged along an axial direction of the hollow member, and one or more sensor elements arranged along the axial direction of the hollow member.

A cutting guard for use with a wound retractor includes a body having a lumen including a flexible inner surface with a ground contact extending therethrough. A ground guard is included having proximal and distal openings that define a guard lumen therethrough, the ground guard encapsulating the flexible inner surface of the body lumen. A biasing element is disposed within the guard lumen and encircles the flexible inner surface and biases the flexible inner surface inwardly. A cutting electrode is disposed proximate the distal opening of the ground guard and connects to a first electrical potential and the ground guard connects to a second electrical potential. Upon externalizing of tissue through the distal opening, oversized tissue forces the flexible inner surface of the body lumen and the ground contact outwardly to engage the ground guard to complete an electrical circuit and energize the cutting electrode to excise oversized tissue.

Disclosed is a dilating incision device, which relates to a surgical tool and includes an outer shell, a dilating element and an incision assembly. The dilating element that is arranged at one end of the outer shell and communicated with the inside of the outer shell is used to drill into and expand a stenosis segment of the pancreatic or biliary duct or a puncture path between lumens of the digestive tract. A sliding groove is formed in a side wall of the outer shell, by which the inner cavity of the outer shell is communicated with the outside. The incision assembly includes an incision knife arranged in the outer shell and a sliding handle housing the outer shell. An intercommunicating hole is formed in one end of the dilating element, by which the inner cavity of the dilating element is communicated. with the outside.

An optically transparent actuator apparatus is provided that includes an optically transparent bi-stable member including an optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layer. The bi-stable member is structured to move from a first state to a second state in response to a first stimulus and from the second state to the first state in response to a second stimulus. Also, a display apparatus includes a plate member and an actuator assembly coupled to the plate member. The actuator assembly includes a number of optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layers, wherein each of the optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layers is structured to move from a first state to a second state in response to a first stimulus.

Methods and systems for modulating intraosseous nerves (e.g., nerves within bone) are provided. For example, the methods and systems described herein may be used to modulate (e.g., denervate, ablate) basivertebral nerves within vertebrae. The modulation of the basivertebral nerves may facilitate treatment of chronic back pain. The modulation may be performed by a neuromodulation device (e.g., an energy delivery device).

Disclosed are methods of transseptal crossing to permit introduction of large bore catheters into to the left atrium, such as to deploy left atrial appendage closure devices or to repair or replace a mitral valve. The method may include the steps of providing a single pass, large bore transseptal crossing system, having a tubular access cannula and an energy delivery wire movably extending through the tubular access cannula. A first electrode tip on the energy delivery wire is brought into contact with a fossa ovalis and energized. The energy delivery wire and cannula are advanced into the left atrium. A large bore sheath is advanced directly over the access cannula and into the left atrium. The cannula and energy delivery wire are removed, and a large bore index procedure catheter may be advanced through the large bore sheath and into the left atrium.

A single pass, large bore transseptal crossing catheter system is disclosed. An elongate, flexible tubular body has a proximal end, a distal end and an electrically conductive sidewall defining a central lumen. An insulation layer surrounds the sidewall and leaves exposed a first distal electrode tip. An inner conductive wire is provided, having a second distal electrode tip. The inner wire is axially movably extendable through the central lumen. A tubular insulation layer is provided in between the wire and the electrically conductive sidewall.

A method for delivering cancer therapy may comprise introducing a tissue resection device to the tissue site, using the tissue resection device to create a core of tissue, removing at least a portion of the core of tissue from the body to create a tissue cavity, and performing therapeutic management of malignant tissue via the tissue cavity.

System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a radial opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curveable cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curveable cannula comprising a curveable distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the radial opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curveable cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path.

An optically transparent actuator apparatus is provided that includes an optically transparent bi-stable member including an optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layer. The bi-stable member is structured to move from a first state to a second state in response to a first stimulus and from the second state to the first state in response to a second stimulus. Also, a display apparatus includes a plate member and an actuator assembly coupled to the plate member. The actuator assembly includes a number of optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layers, wherein each of the optically transparent liquid crystalline polymer layers is structured to move from a first state to a second state in response to a first stimulus.