Abstract: The specification describes a manifold for use in a tip section of a multi-viewing elements endoscope. The manifold has: a first section attached to an elongated second section, where the proximal section has a proximal socket and the distal section has a distal socket; a groove having a first portion along a first axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of the manifold, and a second portion along a second axis tilted at an angle to the first axis; and a working channel tube wherein a distal segment of the tube extends along the first axis to lie within the first portion of the groove, and where a proximal segment of the tube extends along the second axis to lie within the second portion of the groove.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging device (E) comprising: at least one generator (1) of structured light; an emission first image guide (5, 5?) for uplinking the structured light from the generator (1) to an object to be observed; and a return second image guide (5?, 5) for downlinking the light reflected by said object to be observed to a system (2) for capturing said reflected light. Each of the two image guides (5, 5?) is able to uplink the structured light and downlink the reflected light, and the imaging device comprises an optical switch (3) configurable into three different operating modes.

Abstract: Control of the endoscope in a surgical system is described. In some embodiments, the endoscope can be controlled by movement of the surgeon's head or face at a surgeon's console. In some embodiments, the endoscope can be controlled using sensors integrated with a surgeon's headrest mounted on the surgeon's console.

Abstract: A flexible tube includes a first outer layer covering an outer side of a closely-wound region; a second outer layer forming a second flexible portion which is more difficult to bend than the first flexible portion; a third outer layer covering an outer side of the sparsely-wound region, and forming a third flexible portion which is as difficult to bend as the second flexible portion, or more difficult to bend than the second flexible portion; and a fourth outer layer arranged consecutively between the second and third outer layers to cover the outer side of a boundary position of the closely-wound region and the sparsely-wound region, and reducing a difference in bending difficulty/bending easiness at the boundary position.

Abstract: A dilation system includes a handle, guide member, balloon dilation member, balloon, dilation member movement actuator, and endoscope. The handle is configured to provide single-handed use to a user. The handle includes a first and second body member pivotably coupled together such that the first body member and the second body member are configured to pivot toward and away from one another. The handle includes a rotation mechanism configured to impart rotation upon the guide member. The handle further includes a locking feature configured to lock endoscope in position relative to the handle. The handle may further include a rotation limiting feature configured to limit rotation of the guide member and or the body members. The dilation member movement actuator is configured to translate to thereby cause translation of the balloon dilation member. One or more components of the dilation system may include a plurality of measure markings.

Abstract: An apparatus (20) for performing endoscopic surgery on a patient (12) includes at least two concentric tube manipulators (150) adapted to carry devices (152, 154) for performing a surgical operation. A transmission (200) operates the concentric tube manipulators (150). An endoscope tube (106) has a proximal end portion fixed to the transmission (200). The concentric tube manipulators (150) extend from the transmission (200) through an inner lumen (102) of the endoscope tube (106) and are operable to extend from a distal end (104) of the endoscope tube.

Abstract: The flexible tube includes a plurality of spiral tubes fitted with each other, and each spiral tube is formed by winding a band-like element and includes a densely wound portion and a loosely wound portion. The loosely wound portion of a first spiral tube is covered with the densely wound portion of a second spiral tube, so that the flexible tube has uniform hardness and resiliency. The flexible tube is suitably applied to an insertion device.

Abstract: A flexible tube used as a part of an insertion section which defines a central axis of an insertion apparatus to be inserted into a hole, the flexible tube includes: a helical tube comprising a closely-wound region including a concave-convex portion which is provided on each of a pair of edges of a strip-shaped member elongated along a longitudinal axis, and which alternately includes convex portions and concave portions on the concave-convex portion, wherein, in a state where the strip-shaped member is spirally wound, the convex portions of the concave-convex portions facing each other along the central axis are compressed to each other; and a cylindrical outer tube which covers an outer surface of the helical tube.

Abstract: A method of defogging and cleaning a laparoscope includes: (1) inserting a laparoscope into a sheath; (2) inserting the laparoscope and sheath into a body cavity; (3) providing gas to a plurality of gas lumens within a wall of the sheath such that the gas flows through the gas lumens and over a lens of the laparoscope to defog the lens while the laparoscope is in the body cavity; and (4) providing a fluid comprising a surface-active agent to a fluid lumen within the wall of the sheath such that the fluid flows through the fluid lumen and over the lens to clean the lens while the laparoscope is in the body cavity.

Abstract: An endoscope operation portion includes: an operation portion body provided being connected to a grasping portion; a joystick-type bending operation lever provided on a back side of the operation portion body, including a lever shaft body, and configured to perform a bending operation of a bending portion; and a suction button provided on a front side of the operation portion body so that an angle formed by an operation axis in a pressing-down operation direction relative to a central axis of the lever shaft body is an obtuse angle, and an intersection point between the central axis and the operation axis is positioned inside the operation portion body.

Abstract: The invention discloses a percutaneous puncture and dilation visible irrigation-suction system and a method of using the same. The system comprises a main tube, which is contiguous with the sheath tube and has an end for an endoscope insertion. The sheath tube comprises an inner sheath and an outer sheath joined together in a sleeve type. There is a space between inner and outer sheath. The inner sheath is connected to main tube, together building a channel via which the endoscope is inserted and withdrawn. The sheath tube is connected to main tube after completing puncture and dilation, then endoscope system is introduced for observation and operation. The present invention provides a percutaneous puncture and dilation visible irrigation-suction system and a method of using the same, with a continuous controllable visible negative pressure aspirator, achieving high irrigation and powerful suction efficiency, as well as clear endoscopic view.

Abstract: A treatment instrument lifting adjusting portion including a lifting member and an operation wire is disposed outside of a treatment instrument guiding-out path including an exit member and a tube in a distal end portion. Thus, cleaning work can be performed by inserting, for example, a brush into the treatment instrument guiding-out path, and is easily performed similarly to an endoscope of a type having no treatment instrument lifting function.

Abstract: Biological navigation devices and methods are disclosed. The devices can be used as or to support colonoscopies or endoscopes. The devices can have longitudinally extensible cells that can be selectively inflated. The devices can have articulable links. The devices can be removably attached to elongated elements, such as colonoscopes or other endoscopes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guided endotracheal intubation endoscope. A guide catheter is used to position an endoscope and a tube for intubation of a patient. The endoscope can include a steering device for steering the endoscope in at least two directions, as well as suction, irrigation and retraction devices for maintaining a clear field of view.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) having a distal end being arranged to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient to be examined and a proximal end which is arranged to be held by a user of the endoscope. The endoscope further comprises a handle (2) arranged at the proximal end of the endoscope, an insertion portion (3) arranged at the distal end of the handle, a bending portion (4) arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion, and two control wires (40, 41) arranged between the handle and the bending portion, said control wires being used to control the bending of the bending portion via control inputs made at the handle.

Abstract: A view optimizing assembly, method and kit for use in combination with a laparoscope having a lens located on the shaft tip of the laparoscope, and a source of insufflation CO2. The invention includes a multi-lumen sheath assembly, a deflector assembly in fluid communication with the lumens of the sheath assembly, wherein the flow of CO2 through the lumens forms a vortex when coming into contact with the deflector assembly, thereby preventing fogging of the laparoscope lens.

Abstract: An endobronchial tube which contains an integrated camera and light source and a cleaning nozzle arrangement disposed within dedicated peripheral lumen within the tube's wall.

Abstract: A gripping device for an endoscope insertion tube utilizing first and second arms that are hingedly attached to one another. Each arm includes an opening to accommodate the insertion tube of an endoscope such that the endoscope insertion tube spans both arms. First and second jaws are associated with first and second arms and are positioned in opposition to one another. The movement of the arms toward one anther causes the jaws to engage the insertion tube which is guided through the arms by the apertures found in the arms.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to endoscopic systems. The system includes an elongated main body having a first end. The system may further comprise an anchor assembly attached to the main body near the first end of the main body. The anchor assembly may comprise a first expandable member. The first expandable member may be configurable to expand radially away from the main body. The anchor assembly may further comprise a second expandable member provided between the first expandable member and the first end of the main body. The second expandable member may be configurable to expand radially away from the main body. The anchor assembly may be operable to secure the main body with respect to an interior wall forming the cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A case or encasement for use with a smartdevice, such as a smartphone or tablet and an endoscope is disclosed. The encasement includes a power supply, logic for controlling wireless communications, a light source, and other accessories, for use with an endoscope. In an embodiment, the encasement includes a power supply that may be used to charge a smartdevice, power a light source and a wireless communications module. Other embodiments include a mechanism for communicating between the smartdevice and the encasement to control the light source and any other accessories coupled to the encasement.