A method of providing access to an intervertebral disc has been developed that involves using the patient's bony pedicle as an anchoring spot for a pedicle screw that temporarily attaches to the access port. Because this new procedure eliminates the need for the surgical table as an anchor, it also eliminates the assembly components extending from the table to the port at the access site, thereby unencumbering the surgeon's view and workspace while providing minimally invasive access. One key element of the method is an assembly comprising: a) a screw extension comprising a shaft having a distal end portion comprising a receiver adapted for receiving a screw and a proximal end portion comprising a pivoting feature, b) a port comprising: j) a tubular wall defining a central passageway, ii) a longitudinal slot in the wall defining opposed ends of the wall, iii) opposed flanges extending radially from each end of the wall, and iv) a mating feature disposed in each opposed flanges adapted to pivotally mate with the pivoting feature of the screw extension, wherein the mating feature of the tube pivotally mates with the pivoting feature of the screw extension.

Embodiments are described for creating and closing tissue access ports or defects, such as transapical access ports, which involve placement of an elongate prosthesis in a helical configuration across the tissue structure site to be crossed, and confirmation that such helical suture configuration is positioned appropriately, before further interventional steps. A plug member may be included to assist with closure of the ports of defects. The elongate prosthesis and plug member may comprise bioresorbable materials.

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.

A sutureless securing device for securing on an opening in a ventricular wall, includes: a hollow main body with an outer surface; a ring received at a first end of the hollow body, this ring being mobile along part of the outer surface of the hollow body; a tubular membrane covering the outer surface, whilst extending between the ring and the second end of the hollow body; a distal end of this tubular membrane, placed on the side of this second end, being self-expandable between a first configuration in which it has a tubular form, and a second configuration in which it defines a first flange extending radially, starting from the hollow body; the other end of this tubular membrane being able to be deformed by the displacement of the ring, such as to form a retention flange, the position of which can vary relative to the first flange.

Described here are methods and systems for the manipulation of ovarian tissues. The methods and systems may be used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The systems and methods may be useful in the treatment of infertility associated with PCOS.

According to an aspect, a medical device includes an elongate member and a sleeve. The elongate member defines a lumen and has a first end portion and a second end portion. The second end portion has a first configuration and a second configuration. The second end portion has a first size when the second end portion is in its first configuration and a second size when the second end portion is in its second configuration. The first size is smaller than the second size. The second end portion is biased to its second configuration. The sleeve defines a lumen extending from a first end portion of the sleeve to a second end portion of the sleeve.

A medical device for safely and effectively removing a clip or a suture from a heart valve is operable in association with a guidewire for positioning the device in proximity to the heart valve. The apparatus may include a blade for cutting a tissue bridge including the clip and an arrangement for removing the tissue bridge from the heart valve. The apparatus may include two arms that secure the clip. The blade may be deployed to core out a central portion of a tissue bridge, including the clip or the suture, from the heart valve. The blade may be activated by an actuator. A retrieval member may be configured to capture the tissue bridge and the clip or suture after excision by the blade.

A method includes coupling, at least temporarily, a support member adjacent to a target tissue. The support member is configured to support the target tissue and to define a path along which a cutting device can move. The method includes moving the cutting device along the path defined by the support member to cut and/or dilate the target tissue. In some embodiments, the method optionally includes disposing a cannula of a device within the cut defined in target tissue. The cannula is coupled to the target tissue such that a lumen defined by the cannula is in fluid communication with a volume defined at least in part by the target tissue.

This disclosure presents a MITLIF procedure. The procedure uses a single incision on one side and pedicle screws are placed on that side and through the same incision a facet screw is placed on the opposite side using a series of jigs, and, for example, the hole cutter, drill, guide shaft and screw driver described herein.

Novel and unique medical devices and associated methods are disclosed, for a medical device for puncturing tissue at a tissue site. The medical device is an elongate member having a proximal section, a distal section, and a rail section therebetween. The medical device includes an active tip at a distal end of the distal section and is operable to deliver energy to create a puncture through the tissue. The rail section is configured to both act as a rail for supporting installation of one or more tubular members thereupon, as well as be maneuverable for enabling access to the tissue site.