A method for performing percutaneous spinal interbody fusion on a spine of a patient can include inserting without direct visualization a neuro-monitoring dilating probe into the patient, performing neuro-monitoring via the neuro-monitoring dilating probe, advancing the neuro-monitoring dilating probe into a disc space, passing a second dilator over the neuro-monitoring dilating probe, and advancing the second dilator into the disc space. A kit for performing percutaneous spinal interbody fusion can include a neuro-monitoring dilating probe, a second dilator, a tissue removal tool, an access portal comprising an adjustable depth stop, and a discectomy verification device.

Brain drainage device having a rod-shaped hollow body with an inner drainage channel for insertion through the cranium into the brain, a first sensor arrangement with at least one sensor for measuring a physical parameter, and a signal interface; wherein the rod-shaped hollow body has a first region A which configured to protrude into the ventricle situated in the brain; wherein the rod-shaped hollow body has a second region B, which is arranged proximally from the first region, wherein the second region is configured to lie in the region of the brain mass; wherein the first sensor arrangement is arranged in the second region in order to measure a physical parameter of the brain mass; wherein the first sensor arrangement is connected to the signal interface such that measurement data determined by the first sensor arrangement are transmitted to a measuring system.

Systems and methods for supporting image-guided procedures include an elongate device including a steerable distal end and a shape sensor located along a length of the elongate device and one or more processors coupled to the elongate device. While the elongate device is being traversed through one or more passageways of a patient, the one or more processors are configured to detect a data collection event, and capture, in response to detecting the data collection event, a plurality of points along the length of the elongate device using the shape sensor. In some embodiments, an insertion depth of the elongate device is monitored. In some embodiments, the data collection event is detected when the insertion depth is beyond a threshold insertion depth, no change of the insertion depth is detected for longer than a threshold period of time, or the insertion depth is beyond a threshold retraction distance.

A non-transitory recording medium recoding a program that causes a computer to execute processing includes: recording operation field images obtained by chronologically shooting an operation field under endoscopic surgery; determining presence or absence of a predetermined or larger amount of bleeding based on the operation field images; and playing back partial images according to a set playback mode in a time range from a time before a start of bleeding to the time after the bleeding among the recorded operation field images, when it is determined that the predetermined or larger amount of bleeding is present.

The present invention discloses a device for acquiring a functional image of tissue and a method for acquiring a functional image by using same, the device comprising: a light source for irradiating a tissue to be imaged with coherent light; an image acquisition unit for acquiring an image of a speckle pattern which is formed by scattering the light emitted from the light source over the tissue, and acquiring multiple images having different exposure times; an image processing unit for generating a functional image of the tissue on the basis of the multiple images acquired by the image acquisition unit; and a control unit for adjusting the light quantity of the light emitted to the tissue such that the multiple images having different exposure times have brightness values in a common range, and controlling the operation of the image acquisition unit.

An upper coil assembly for use with a lower RF coil assembly mounted to provide an RF probe arranged to be engaged with a head of a patient in MRI includes a plurality of coil loops arranged in a row defining a phase shift coil array with each coil loop including an independent output conductor for communicating signals to a respective preamplifier for independent amplification and each coil loop including a plurality of capacitors at spaced positions therearound. To decouple the loops each coil loop partly overlaps a next coil loop with a first decoupling capacitor shared on a common portion of each coil loop and each next coil loop. The first and third coil loops are also decoupled by using third decoupling capacitor in a connecting conductor between the first and third coil loops.

A system for performing a surgical procedure includes a camera configured to capture real-time near infrared images, an injection system configured to inject a fluorescent dye into a patient's blood stream, and a workstation operably coupled to the camera for retrieving a three-dimensional (3D) model of the patient's anatomy based on pre-procedure images, retrieve an indication of a targeted critical structure within the 3D model, observe, using the captured real-time near infrared images, perfusion of the fluorescent dye through tissue to identify critical structures illuminated by near-infrared light, and register the real-time near-infrared images to the 3D model using the identified illuminated targeted critical structure in the real-time near infrared images captured by the camera and the identified targeted critical structure in the 3D model as a landmark.

Disclosed is an implant intended to be introduced into a human or animal body cavity, and includes two walls intended to grip between them a biological protuberance present in the cavity in order to attach the implant to the biological protuberance. Each wall includes a structural element having corrugations such that the structural element is folded up on itself several times, enabling the wall to be folded up before the introduction of the implant, then deployed inside the cavity.

Electronic devices that detect their position and/or orientation with respect to earth's frame of reference are described. A coupler can removeably maintain the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can have a housing and the coupler can be included on the housing and arranged to physically connect the housing of the electronic device to the housing of at least one other electronic device. Alternatively, the coupler can be a packaging that maintains the electronic devices in physical proximity of one another. Each electronic device can be calibrated using the orientation or position information obtained by other electronic devices maintained by the coupler. Further, each electronic device can include a power source that remains inactive until the device is ready for use.

An esophageal monitoring device includes a camera and, optionally, one or more lights to enable visualization of an interior of a subject's esophagus. Visualization of the interior of the subject's esophagus before and after a left atrial ablation procedure may enable a healthcare provider to determine whether or not the left atrial ablation procedure has damaged the subject's esophagus before the subject experiences any symptoms of such damage. An esophageal monitoring device may also include sensors and/or markers that enable a determination of its location within a subject's esophagus. Such an esophageal monitoring device may be configured for three-dimensional mapping, and enable the generation of an accurate three-dimensional map of the physical relationship between a subject's esophagus and the left atrium of his or her heart. Methods of monitoring a subject's esophagus while a left atrial ablation procedure is being conducted on the subject's heart are also disclosed.