A medical probe for guided insertion into soft tissue, such as the brain, is disclosed. The medical probe may include a flexible, elongated body having a proximal end portion and an opposed distal end portion. The elongated body has a length of at least 1 cm and an outer diameter of 80 μm or less. The distal end portion may comprise a beveled tip such that the distal end portion of the medical probe can be steered independently to a target site in the soft tissue.

A medical probe for guided insertion into soft tissue, such as the brain, is disclosed. The medical probe may include a flexible, elongated body having a proximal end portion and an opposed distal end portion. The elongated body has a length of at least 1 cm and an outer diameter of 80 μm or less. The distal end portion may comprise a beveled tip such that the distal end portion of the medical probe can be steered independently to a target site in the soft tissue.

A surgical access assembly and method of use is disclosed. The surgical access assembly comprises an outer sheath and an obturator. The outer sheath and obturator are configured to be delivered to an area of interest within the brain. Either the outer sheath or the obturator may be configured to operate with a navigational system to track the location of either within the brain. Once positioned at a desired location, the obturator is removed, leaving a distal end of the outer sheath adjacent an area of interest, and creating a working corridor. Interrogation of the area of interest may be performed to evaluate a disorder and/or abnormality, as well as evaluate treatment regimes. Interventional devices may also be introduced to the area of interest, as well as a variety of treatments.

In an illustrative embodiment, an adjustable cradle assembly for adjusting a head position of a patient relative to a patient platform includes a base portion with a pair of vertical support members and a cradle portion. The vertical support members may each include at least one position aperture for setting a vertical height of the cradle portion relative to the base portion. The cradle portion may include a channel for receiving a head fixation ring. The cradle portion may include at least one set of adjustment connection points for aligning with position apertures of each vertical support member. The cradle may be pivotably connected to the vertical support members such that a pitch angle of a head position of a patient secured in the head fixation apparatus may be adjusted. A set of adjustment mechanisms may releasably secure the cradle to the base at a selected lateral and/or pitch position.

The present invention relates to a head immobilization system for immobilizing a patient's head in a supine position of the patient, the system comprising: a support rail structure adapted to be coupled to a patient rest and extending at least on both lateral sides of the patient's head, a mask frame adapted to be coupled to at least one deformable upper mask sheet, wherein the mask frame is releasably connected to the support rail structure via a first interface section and a second interface section, with at least two pins protruding from the first interface section in a first direction, and at least two pin-receptions provided at the second interface section, wherein each one of the pin-receptions receives one of the pins, and a catch-mechanism for each pin-reception and each corresponding pin, which allows the pin to be pushed further into the pin-reception in the first direction, but which interlocks in case of an attempted withdrawal of the pin from the pin-reception in a second, opposite direction.

A system and method of providing decision support for planning and performing neurosurgical operations. The method includes preparing a three-dimensional model of the tumor, as well as three-dimensional approach volumes representing regions of the brain occupied by at least a portion of the tumor. Initial paths to the tumor through each approach volume may be determined, and each initial path may be automatically modified to minimize distance through the brain, avoid disturbing adjacent brain tissue, avoid hazardous areas, and use available ventricles, fissures, and voids where possible. The resulting path options may then be presented to a user for consideration, and may be used during the procedure.

A tunable implant, system, and method enables a tunable implant to be adjusted within a patient. The tunable implant includes a securing mechanism to secure the implant in the patient, a actuation portion that enables the implant to move and an adjustment portion that permits adjustment of the implant after the implant has been positioned within the patient. The method of adjusting the tunable implant includes analyzing the operation of the implant, determining if any adjustments are necessary and adjusting the implant to improve implant performance. The implant system includes both the tunable implant and a telemetric system that is operable to telemetrically receive data from the tunable implant where the data is used to determine if adjustment of the tunable implant is necessary. The system also includes an instrument assembly that is used for performing spinal surgery where the instrument assembly includes a mounting platform and a jig.

A tunable implant, system, and method enables a tunable implant to be adjusted within a patient. The tunable implant includes a securing mechanism to secure the implant in the patient, a actuation portion that enables the implant to move and an adjustment portion that permits adjustment of the implant after the implant has been positioned within the patient. The method of adjusting the tunable implant includes analyzing the operation of the implant, determining if any adjustments are necessary and adjusting the implant to improve implant performance. The implant system includes both the tunable implant and a telemetric system that is operable to telemetrically receive data from the tunable implant where the data is used to determine if adjustment of the tunable implant is necessary. The system also includes an instrument assembly that is used for performing spinal surgery where the instrument assembly includes a mounting platform and a jig.

A three-dimensional (3-D) orthopedic drill guide device for accommodating a bone drill during an orthopedic surgery is disclosed. By establishing two specific angles in relation to the bone fascia, the device acts as a guide for bone drilling locations. In one specific instance, it is an optimal 3-D drill guide for the direction and Gamma angle (resulting from the devices Alpha and Beta angles of the device) of a drill hole in a femoral bone when used to replace an injured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

Devices for transferring fluid to or from a subject include an extension tube assembly with an axially extending inner tube configured to couple to an elongate tubular cannula having opposing proximal and distal ends with an axially extending lumen and an axially extending inner tube. The inner tube extending through the tubular cannula defines an exposed needle tip and is in fluid communication with the inner tube of the extension tube assembly. The needle tip extends out of a distal end of the tubular cannula a suitable distance.