A medical device includes a guide unit having a guide tube with a longitudinal axis, a proximal first coupling part fixedly connected to the guide tube, and a distal pivoting head with a cylindrical surface. An actuating tube is axially movable in the guide tube and is connected to the pivoting head. The actuating tube causes a pivoting movement of the pivoting head via a proximal operating element. In the device, in order to orient a distal guide element for a rotatable surgical tool more precisely and thus angularly orient the working head of such a tool, the operating element is pivotable about the longitudinal axis and causes the pivoting movement of the pivoting head by the axial displacement of the actuating tube.

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.

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.

An automatic detection of surgical instruments with respect to a type and a location thereof is provided with a detection system, which includes at least two surgical instruments, which each include at least one cavity extending along a longitudinal axis of the instrument and a proximal entry region to the cavity. An angle of the proximal entry region in relation to the longitudinal extension of the cavity is different in the two instruments. A sensor unit includes two electromagnetic sensors and is insertable into the cavity. One of the sensors extends axially in the cavity, and the other sensor is arranged in the entry region. A field generator generates an electromagnetic field. An analysis unit analyzes signals transmitted by the sensors to the analysis unit in accordance with the location thereof in the field of the field generator.

An automatic detection of surgical instruments with respect to a type and a location thereof is provided with a detection system, which includes at least two surgical instruments, which each include at least one cavity extending along a longitudinal axis of the instrument and a proximal entry region to the cavity. An angle of the proximal entry region in relation to the longitudinal extension of the cavity is different in the two instruments. A sensor unit includes two electromagnetic sensors and is insertable into the cavity. One of the sensors extends axially in the cavity, and the other sensor is arranged in the entry region. A field generator generates an electromagnetic field. An analysis unit analyzes signals transmitted by the sensors to the analysis unit in accordance with the location thereof in the field of the field generator.

A system for extending the visual capabilities and working channel of a bronchoscope including a probe having optic and/or tracking capabilities at a distal tip thereof and capable of being advanced through the working channel of a standard bronchoscope. The probe also includes a working channel through which various diagnostic and treatment tools may be advanced.

An overtube assembly for use with an elongate medical tool includes an overtube including a flexible tubular body having a proximal end and distal end. The flexible tubular body includes a split extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The overtube assembly further includes an inflatable balloon coupled to a distal portion of the flexible tubular body. The flexible tubular body is disposable over a section of the elongate medical tool by inserting the elongate medical tool through the split.

An overtube assembly for use with an elongate medical tool includes an overtube including a flexible tubular body having a proximal end and distal end. The flexible tubular body includes a split extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The overtube assembly further includes an inflatable balloon coupled to a distal portion of the flexible tubular body. The flexible tubular body is disposable over a section of the elongate medical tool by inserting the elongate medical tool through the split.

An endoscopy device for introducing an expandable body into a cavity includes a first endoscope having a working channel, a further endoscope accommodating the expandable body and insertable with the expandable body in the working channel of the first endoscope, and a video unit located in the further endoscope in parallel relation to the expandable body and having a distal end situated next to a distal end of the expandable body in order to place the expandable body under visual control in the cavity prior to expansion. The video unit is designed to form an abutment at a proximal end of the expandable body after positioning of the expandable body and when the further endoscope is withdrawn.

A valve assembly (1, 12, 21, 31, 44, 52, 60) includes a hollow tube (2). The valve assembly (1, 12, 21, 31, 44, 52, 60) also includes a first set of one or more valves (3) 5 arranged within the hollow tube (2). The first set of valves (3) is configured to permit sliding passage of a substantially cylindrical object (4). The valve assembly (1, 12, 21, 31, 44, 52, 60) also includes a second set of valves (5) arranged within the hollow tube (2) and spaced apart from the first set of valves to (3) define a chamber. The second set of valves (5) are configured to permit sliding passage of the cylindrical object (4). The 10 valve assembly (1, 12, 21, 31, 44, 52, 60) also includes one or more ultraviolet light sources (10) within the chamber (6) and/or a first port (13) connecting the chamber (6) to the exterior of the hollow tube (2) and configured for connection to a fluid flow path (14) for supply and/or extraction of fluid (19).