The present invention discloses access devices and methods to create an access channel for introduction of one or more working devices into an anatomical region. The access channel is created using a visualization modality that is later removed before inserting one or more working devices through the access channel. This allows the methods and devices of the present invention to be used even in small sized natural or surgically created insertion tracts leading to the anatomical region. The access channel can be made of a device such as a sheath, a guidewire, and an elongate device comprising a lumen. Examples of visualization modalities are endoscopes and body insertable ultrasound imaging devices. The working devices can be used to perform a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive procedures. Endometrial ablation devices and procedures have been used as an example to describe various aspects of the present invention.

The present invention discloses access devices and methods to create an access channel for introduction of one or more working devices into an anatomical region. The access channel is created using a visualization modality that is later removed before inserting one or more working devices through the access channel. This allows the methods and devices of the present invention to be used even in small sized natural or surgically created insertion tracts leading to the anatomical region. The access channel can be made of a device such as a sheath, a guidewire, and an elongate device comprising a lumen. Examples of visualization modalities are endoscopes and body insertable ultrasound imaging devices. The working devices can be used to perform a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive procedures. Endometrial ablation devices and procedures have been used as an example to describe various aspects of the present invention.

The present invention may be embodied as a retrievable device capable of sensing one or more properties of an individual (e.g., chemical or physical parameters). In use, the retrievable device can continuously determine the chemical concentrations within the vaginal tract. An embodiment of the retrievable device comprises a first housing having a light source and an image capture device, a second housing removably connected to the lust housing and having a sensor, and a fitting for retrieving the device. The sensor may be an analyte sensor configured to obtain at least one measurement of a concentration of an analyte in a fluid. The analyte sensor comprises a sensor substance in a sol-gel material so the sensor substance reversibly interacts with an analyte of interest. In addition, the retrievable device can be configured to determine different physical parameters and re-implanted.

The present invention may be embodied as a retrievable device capable of sensing one or more properties of an individual (e.g., chemical or physical parameters). In use, the retrievable device can continuously determine the chemical concentrations within the vaginal tract. An embodiment of the retrievable device comprises a first housing having a light source and an image capture device, a second housing removably connected to the lust housing and having a sensor, and a fitting for retrieving the device. The sensor may be an analyte sensor configured to obtain at least one measurement of a concentration of an analyte in a fluid. The analyte sensor comprises a sensor substance in a sol-gel material so the sensor substance reversibly interacts with an analyte of interest. In addition, the retrievable device can be configured to determine different physical parameters and re-implanted.

An ultrasound device includes an ultrasound body having a shaft and an ultrasound sensor assembly disposed at a distal end portion of the shaft. The ultrasound sensor assembly is configured to enable ultrasound imaging. A clip is configured for positioning about a portion of a surgical tool. The clip is configured to releasably engage the ultrasound body to thereby releasably couple the surgical tool with the ultrasound body. A surgical system includes the ultrasound device and the surgical tool.

There is provided a computer implemented method of providing a surgical controller with instructions to restrict a manipulation of an endoscopic tool during an endoscopic medical procedure in an intrabody cavity, comprising: inputting into classifier(s), indication(s) of instructions for manipulation of the endoscopic tool outputted by sensor(s), classifying by the classifier(s), the indication of instructions into an envelope defining a volume that restricts therein manipulation of the endoscopic tool, wherein the classifier(s) classifies the envelope based on previously obtained indications of instructions for manipulation of endoscopic tools during other endoscopic medical procedures performed in intrabody cavities of other patients, analyzing the indication of instructions for manipulation of the endoscopic tool according to the envelope to determine when the instructions are for manipulation of the endoscopic tool externally to the envelope, and providing the surgical controller with an indication of inappropriate manipulation according to the analysis.

There is provided a computer implemented method of providing a surgical controller with instructions to restrict a manipulation of an endoscopic tool during an endoscopic medical procedure in an intrabody cavity, comprising: inputting into classifier(s), indication(s) of instructions for manipulation of the endoscopic tool outputted by sensor(s), classifying by the classifier(s), the indication of instructions into an envelope defining a volume that restricts therein manipulation of the endoscopic tool, wherein the classifier(s) classifies the envelope based on previously obtained indications of instructions for manipulation of endoscopic tools during other endoscopic medical procedures performed in intrabody cavities of other patients, analyzing the indication of instructions for manipulation of the endoscopic tool according to the envelope to determine when the instructions are for manipulation of the endoscopic tool externally to the envelope, and providing the surgical controller with an indication of inappropriate manipulation according to the analysis.

An in vivo optical biopsy applicator of the vaginal wall for treatment planning, monitoring, and imaging guided therapy is described herein. The applicator may include an imaging probe operatively coupled to a laser ablation device. The applicator allows for non-invasive optical tissue monitoring in order to define pre- and post menopausal parameters, pre- and post-treatment microscopic changes, and offers an objective scientific tool in order to compare currently available medical, non-medicated, and energy-based treatment protocols.

An in vivo optical biopsy applicator of the vaginal wall for treatment planning, monitoring, and imaging guided therapy is described herein. The applicator may include an imaging probe operatively coupled to a laser ablation device. The applicator allows for non-invasive optical tissue monitoring in order to define pre- and post menopausal parameters, pre- and post-treatment microscopic changes, and offers an objective scientific tool in order to compare currently available medical, non-medicated, and energy-based treatment protocols.

A vaginal examination device includes a hollow cylindrical body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the hollow body is partitioned into two or more channels; one or more inner channels, wherein the inner channels allow insertion and removal of examination modules; one or more extendable blades, wherein the blades are attached to the distal end of the body; one or more levers at the proximal end of the body configured to actuate the one or more extendable blades; and one or more handles at the proximal end of the body. Also provided are methods of self-performing pelvic examination using a vaginal examination device.