A diagnostic tool and methods of using the tool are provided to quantify an amount of nasal collapse in a patient. The diagnostic tool includes a mask with an endoscope port and an opening to allow air flow, an endoscope with a camera adapted to take an image of the nasal valve, and an air flow sensor adapted to measure an inhalation rate of the patient. The diagnostic tool can quantify a size difference between the nasal valve during inhalation and zero flow by calculating a percentage difference in an area or one or more dimensions of the nasal valve during inhalation and zero flow.

A diagnostic tool and methods of using the tool are provided to quantify an amount of nasal collapse in a patient. The diagnostic tool includes a mask with an endoscope port and an opening to allow air flow, an endoscope with a camera adapted to take an image of the nasal valve, and an air flow sensor adapted to measure an inhalation rate of the patient. The diagnostic tool can quantify a size difference between the nasal valve during inhalation and zero flow by calculating a percentage difference in an area or one or more dimensions of the nasal valve during inhalation and zero flow.

An articulating stylet usable with a tracheal intubation system is disclosed. Methods for using the articulating stylet and systems that incorporate the articulating stylet are also disclosed. In some examples, a stylet adapted for mounting an endotracheal tube comprises a shaft and a control wire. The shaft comprises a distal shaft portion, a proximal shaft portion, and an expanding connection joining the distal shaft portion to the proximal shaft portion. The proximal shaft portion has a body portion and a tip portion. The tip portion includes a tip and has greater flexibility than the body portion. The control wire is at least partially disposed within both the distal shaft portion and the proximal shaft portion and is configured to cause the tip portion of the proximal shaft portion to deform.

An articulating stylet usable with a tracheal intubation system is disclosed. Methods for using the articulating stylet and systems that incorporate the articulating stylet are also disclosed. In some examples, a stylet adapted for mounting an endotracheal tube comprises a shaft and a control wire. The shaft comprises a distal shaft portion, a proximal shaft portion, and an expanding connection joining the distal shaft portion to the proximal shaft portion. The proximal shaft portion has a body portion and a tip portion. The tip portion includes a tip and has greater flexibility than the body portion. The control wire is at least partially disposed within both the distal shaft portion and the proximal shaft portion and is configured to cause the tip portion of the proximal shaft portion to deform.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

An ear nose and throat (ENT) imaging and analysis system includes an endoscope usable to capture images of the nasal canal and other aspects of patient anatomy. Endoscopic images may be presented to a user via a touchscreen display, and the software may provide different imaging modes that aid in identifying particular anatomical structures or areas within the nasal canal. In one mode, the system uses an object recognition process to identify the nasal valve opening within the images at a relaxed state, and during forceful inhalation, and then calculates the difference between the two states, which may be suggestive of nasal valve collapse. In other modes, the system is configured to identify abnormalities of the inferior turbinate, septum, or other anatomy, as well as empty spaces within the nasal canal, as well as areas and volumes of empty space and user defined boundaries.

An ear nose and throat (ENT) imaging and analysis system includes an endoscope usable to capture images of the nasal canal and other aspects of patient anatomy. Endoscopic images may be presented to a user via a touchscreen display, and the software may provide different imaging modes that aid in identifying particular anatomical structures or areas within the nasal canal. In one mode, the system uses an object recognition process to identify the nasal valve opening within the images at a relaxed state, and during forceful inhalation, and then calculates the difference between the two states, which may be suggestive of nasal valve collapse. In other modes, the system is configured to identify abnormalities of the inferior turbinate, septum, or other anatomy, as well as empty spaces within the nasal canal, as well as areas and volumes of empty space and user defined boundaries.

An ENT tool has a tool chassis having a chassis channel and a tool chassis distal end. A tubular probe is dimensioned to be inserted into a human patient orifice, the probe is rotatable about a probe axis of symmetry, and the probe has a probe proximal end rotatingly connected to the tool chassis distal end. A balloon insertion mechanism is slidingly located within the chassis channel, and is configured to fixedly accept a balloon sinuplasty mechanism penetrating the tubular probe. A guidewire adjustment section is fixedly attached to the balloon insertion mechanism, and the section has a rotatable enclosure. A plurality of rollers are disposed within the enclosure and are configured so that on rotation of the enclosure the rollers grip and rotate a guidewire positioned between the rollers, and, absent rotation of the enclosure, release the guidewire and permit distal and proximal translation of the guidewire.

An ENT tool has a tool chassis having a chassis channel and a tool chassis distal end. A tubular probe is dimensioned to be inserted into a human patient orifice, the probe is rotatable about a probe axis of symmetry, and the probe has a probe proximal end rotatingly connected to the tool chassis distal end. A balloon insertion mechanism is slidingly located within the chassis channel, and is configured to fixedly accept a balloon sinuplasty mechanism penetrating the tubular probe. A guidewire adjustment section is fixedly attached to the balloon insertion mechanism, and the section has a rotatable enclosure. A plurality of rollers are disposed within the enclosure and are configured so that on rotation of the enclosure the rollers grip and rotate a guidewire positioned between the rollers, and, absent rotation of the enclosure, release the guidewire and permit distal and proximal translation of the guidewire.