Abstract: A variably-polarizing optical probe assembly. The assembly includes an optical probe having one or more optical light delivery channels that emit incident light from the sample end of the probe toward a sample being investigated, and one or more optical light-receiving channels that receive incident light from the sample. A variably-polarizing substrate assembly is coupled to the sample end of the probe. The substrate assembly includes an optically transmitting substrate and one or more discrete polarizer areas on a face of the substrate, each such polarizer area defining a polarization orientation, with the polarizer areas together defining one or more different polarization orientations. The substrate assembly is arranged relative to the probe such that one polarizer area covers at least one light delivery channel and one polarizer area covers at least one light-receiving channel.

Abstract: Methods of creating tooling designs for, and the production of, one or more polarizer groups on a workpiece. Each such group includes an optically transmitting substrate with one or more discrete polarizer pixels thereon. The polarizer groups are used with optical instruments having a number of optical channels. In the method, one or more physical characteristics of at least one optical channel of the optical instrument are measured. Based on the determined physical characteristics, one or more discrete polarizer groups to be created on the substrate are defined, by defining for each such group a location on the substrate for the group, the size, shape and location within the group of each polarizer pixel of the group, and the polarization orientation for each such polarizer pixel of the group. The area of each polarizer pixel is then filled with tooling information that will establish its polarization orientation.

Abstract: An endoscope comprises a sheath, an articulation section adjacent to its distal tip, and two or more separate optical channels that produce two or more distinct views. Each of the optical channels comprises an objective lens and a means of capturing and/or viewing the image. The objective lens or lenses of the optical channel that produces the first distinct view, is located at a first location on the distal tip. The objective lens or lenses of the optical channel that produces the second distinct view is located at a second location on the proximal end of the articulation section or on the sheath of the endoscope adjacent to or located proximally of the articulation section.

Abstract: A method includes advancing an apparatus having an elongated member transorally into the stomach. The apparatus includes a distal end effector having first and second members configured to engage tissue. The first and second members are movable relatively toward one another generally in a first plane. The method includes moving the distal end effector relative to the elongated member in the first plane such that the distal end effector is retroflexed out of alignment with the elongated member to position the first and second members for engagement with the tissue. At least one of the first and second members carries a fixation device for fixing engaged portions of tissue together.

Abstract: A fluid atomizer is disclosed. The fluid atomizer comprises a body having a proximal end and a distal end. A removable reservoir containing a fluid disposed therein is connected to the body. A discharge plate is disposed at the distal end, wherein the discharge plate includes a plurality of openings extending therethrough. An ultrasonic oscillator is disposed in the body for transmitting the fluid from the reservoir to the discharge plate and through the plurality of openings, wherein transmission of the fluid through the plurality of openings atomizes the fluid.

Abstract: A medical instrument for engaging tissue includes a flexible shaft, a tissue piercing coil at a distal portion of the shaft, and a tissue stabilizer positioned over the shaft and biased in a distal direction such that as the tissue piercing coil enters tissue, the tissue stabilizer is urged against a surface of the tissue. A medical instrument for reconfiguring tissue includes a flexible shaft defining a lumen housing actuating controls, and a distal actuating assembly with a sealing portion configured to substantially seal the shaft lumen from contact with bodily fluids. A cartridge assembly includes first and second members configured for releasable attachment to a medical instrument, and a holder configured to receive the first and second members and to be released from the first and second members upon action of the first and second members attaching to the medical instrument.

Abstract: A medical instrument for engaging tissue includes a flexible shaft, a tissue piercing coil at a distal portion of the shaft, and a tissue stabilizer positioned over the shaft and biased in a distal direction such that as the tissue piercing coil enters tissue, the tissue stabilizer is urged against a surface of the tissue. A medical instrument for reconfiguring tissue includes a flexible shaft defining a lumen housing actuating controls, and a distal actuating assembly with a sealing portion configured to substantially seal the shaft lumen from contact with bodily fluids. A cartridge assembly includes first and second members configured for releasable attachment to a medical instrument, and a holder configured to receive the first and second members and to be released from the first and second members upon action of the first and second members attaching to the medical instrument.

Abstract: A medical instrument for engaging tissue includes a flexible shaft, a tissue piercing coil at a distal portion of the shaft, and a tissue stabilizer positioned over the shaft and biased in a distal direction such that as the tissue piercing coil enters tissue, the tissue stabilizer is urged against a surface of the tissue. A medical instrument for reconfiguring tissue includes a flexible shaft defining a lumen housing actuating controls, and a distal actuating assembly with a sealing portion configured to substantially seal the shaft lumen from contact with bodily fluids. A cartridge assembly includes first and second members configured for releasable attachment to a medical instrument, and a holder configured to receive the first and second members and to be released from the first and second members upon action of the first and second members attaching to the medical instrument.

Abstract: A medical instrument for engaging tissue includes a flexible shaft, a tissue piercing coil at a distal portion of the shaft, and a tissue stabilizer positioned over the shaft and biased in a distal direction such that as the tissue piercing coil enters tissue, the tissue stabilizer is urged against a surface of the tissue. A medical instrument for reconfiguring tissue includes a flexible shaft defining a lumen housing actuating controls, and a distal actuating assembly with a sealing portion configured to substantially seal the shaft lumen from contact with bodily fluids. A cartridge assembly includes first and second members configured for releasable attachment to a medical instrument, and a holder configured to receive the first and second members and to be released from the first and second members upon action of the first and second members attaching to the medical instrument.

Abstract: A hand-held dental mirror carrying a sharpening stone for a dental instrument such as a curette, comprising a shaft supporting a mirror, a hand grip coupled to the shaft, and a sharpening stone coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscope comprising two or more optical channels that produce two or more distinct views. The endoscope of the invention is suitable for performing various surgical procedures, including fundoplications, stapling of the stomach for obesity management, bladder neck sling procedures for incontinence management, and other procedures that may benefit from having multiple interior views. Such treatments may be performed percutaneously, or by gaining access via natural body canals such as the esophagus or urethra.

Abstract: A method includes advancing an apparatus having an elongated member transorally into the stomach. The apparatus includes a distal end effector having first and second members configured to engage tissue. The first and second members are movable relatively toward one another generally in a first plane. The method includes moving the distal end effector relative to the elongated member in the first plane such that the distal end effector is retroflexed out of alignment with the elongated member to position the first and second members for engagement with the tissue. At least one of the first and second members carries a fixation device for fixing engaged portions of tissue together.

Abstract: A lens surrounded by a protective chamber is focused by utilizing a magnetic field to adjust the position of the lens within the chamber. By using a magnetic field to adjust the lens position, it is not necessary to pass a mechanical device through the surface of the chamber, thereby allowing the chamber to be completely sealed to prevent contaminants from contacting the lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a videoarthroscope which is longitudinally compact so tht it can be held and controlled with one hand. the videoarthroscope of the present invention includes a needle assembly and a focusing assembly rotatable relative to each other to permit rotation of the needle tip. The focusing assembly includes a rotatable focusing ring. All confronting rotating surfaces are sealed by a multilobed seal and provided with a lubricant to promote both ease of movement and sealing of movable joints. The videoarthroscope includes in its optical assembly a movable focusing group comprised of two lenses and an optional fixed telescope lens.