Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transmitting a video image signal from an endoscopic camera to a receiver or control unit for storage and/or display on a video monitor. Use of a frame-specific, variable compression algorithm capable of progressively encoding a data stream provides for a better performing and higher quality wireless endoscopic camera system capable of generating images at varying resolutions. Use of a short-range, high-performance wireless technology, such as Ultrawideband (UWB), improves the performance capabilities of the system, while minimizing power consumption and extending battery life. Implementations of error correcting codes, as well as the use of multiple transmitting and receiving antennas, further improve the fidelity of the wireless communication.

Abstract: A wireless endoscopic camera system includes a surgical endoscope for viewing tissue within a patient, an imager for converting an optical image viewed by the endoscope into digital image data, a processor for processing the digital image data, a transmitter for establishing at least one wireless link to a remote receiver and conveying the processed digital image data over the at least one wireless link, and a plurality of antennas of a camera head that are in communication with the transmitter for receiving the digital image data from the transmitter and wirelessly relaying the digital image data to the remote receiver.

Abstract: A wireless endoscopic camera system includes a surgical endoscope for viewing tissue within a patient, an imager for converting an optical image viewed by the endoscope into digital image data, a processor for processing the digital image data, a transmitter for establishing at least one wireless link to a remote receiver and conveying the processed digital image data over the at least one wireless link, and a plurality of antennas of a camera head that are in communication with the transmitter for receiving the digital image data from the transmitter and wirelessly relaying the digital image data to the remote receiver.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transmitting a video image signal from an endoscopic camera to a receiver or control unit for storage and/or display on a video monitor. Use of a frame-specific, variable compression algorithm capable of progressively encoding a data stream provides for a better performing and higher quality wireless endoscopic camera system capable of generating images at varying resolutions. Use of a short-range, high-performance wireless technology, such as Ultrawideband (UWB), improves the performance capabilities of the system, while minimizing power consumption and extending battery life. Implementations of error correcting codes, as well as the use of multiple transmitting and receiving antennas, further improve the fidelity of the wireless communication.

Abstract: An access and positioning arrangement for use during an endoscopic surgical procedure in which a pair of surgical tools are utilized, such as an endoscopic imaging device for providing an image of the surgical site and a surgical instrument for manipulating tissue at the surgical site. The arrangement includes a housing for positioning over a surgical portal defined in the patient through which the surgical site is accessed, which housing defines first and second channels which receive the respective surgical tools so that the tools can be maintained in a fixed orientation relative to one another within the surgical site and so that the tools can be readily positioned in the correct positions relative to one another at the surgical site.

Abstract: An electrosurgical tool for cauterizing or ablating patient tissue, which tool includes a tubular shaft which defines therein a conduit in communication with a suction source and which mounts an electrode at the distal end thereof. An electrode support element is provided at the distal end of the shaft for mounting and insulating the electrode. The support element and the electrode together define a suction opening at the treating surface of the electrode which minimizes clogging of the tool.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transmitting a video image signal from an endoscopic camera to a receiver or control unit for storage and/or display on a video monitor. Use of a frame-specific, variable compression algorithm capable of progressively encoding a data stream provides for a better performing and higher quality wireless endoscopic camera system capable of generating images at varying resolutions. Use of a short-range, high-performance wireless technology, such as Ultrawideband (UWB), improves the performance capabilities of the system, while minimizing power consumption and extending battery life. Implementations of error correcting codes, as well as the use of multiple transmitting and receiving antennas, further improve the fidelity of the wireless communication.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transmitting a video image signal from an endoscopic camera to a receiver or control unit for storage and/or display on a video monitor. Use of a frame-specific, variable compression algorithm capable of progressively encoding a data stream provides for a better performing and higher quality wireless endoscopic camera system capable of generating images at varying resolutions. Use of a short-range, high-performance wireless technology, such as Ultrawideband (UWB), improves the performance capabilities of the system, while minimizing power consumption and extending battery life. Implementations of error correcting codes, as well as the use of multiple transmitting and receiving antennas, further improve the fidelity of the wireless communication.

Abstract: An access and positioning arrangement for use during an endoscopic surgical procedure in which a pair of surgical tools are utilized, such as an endoscopic imaging device for providing an image of the surgical site and a surgical instrument for manipulating tissue at the surgical site. The arrangement includes a housing for positioning over a surgical portal defined in the patient through which the surgical site is accessed, which housing defines first and second channels which receive the respective surgical tools so that the tools can be maintained in a fixed orientation relative to one another within the surgical site and so that the tools can be readily positioned in the correct positions relative to one another at the surgical site.

Abstract: Sensing arrangements for a handpiece sense suction pressure or fluid flow within a suction path to determine the position of a movable cutting element relative to a fixed cutting element of a cutting accessory. A controller calculates actual speed of the movable cutting element from measured pressure or measured fluid flow. The cutting elements have openings that, when aligned, form a window. The controller controls power to a motor that drives the cutting element. When the handpiece is deactivated, the controller stops the movable cutting element at a predetermined position to close or partially close the window. The controller controls the cutting speed in view of joint pressure combined with suction pressure, or in view of fluid flow through the suction path, to maintain an optimal fluid flow rate that enhances the cutting action of the cutting accessory. Pressure or flow sensors may detect a clog in the suction path.

Abstract: A battery pack for a sterilizable instrument, such as a medical endoscope. The battery pack includes batteries removably positioned within an enclosure which mounts a first grouping of electrical contacts engaged with the battery contacts. The enclosure includes an outer end wall which sealingly encloses the first grouping of contacts. The outer end wall mounts a second grouping of electrical contacts which are normally resiliently maintained in a first position spaced from the contacts of the first grouping. The contacts of the second grouping sealingly penetrate through the outer end wall. When the battery pack is engaged on the instrument, the contacts of the second grouping engage third contacts on the instrument, causing the contacts of the second grouping to move into a second position where they directly engage contacts of the first grouping to provide electrical power to the instrument.

Abstract: An electrosurgical tool for cauterizing or ablating patient tissue, which tool includes a tubular shaft which defines therein a conduit in communication with a suction source and which mounts an electrode at the distal end thereof. An electrode support element is provided at the distal end of the shaft for mounting and insulating the electrode. The support element and the electrode together define a suction opening at the treating surface of the electrode which minimizes clogging of the tool.

Abstract: Sensing arrangements for a handpiece sense suction pressure or fluid flow within a suction path to determine the position of a movable cutting element relative to a fixed cutting element of a cutting accessory. A controller calculates actual speed of the movable cutting element from measured pressure or measured fluid flow. The cutting elements have openings that, when aligned, form a window. The controller controls power to a motor that drives the cutting element. When the handpiece is deactivated, the controller stops the movable cutting element at a predetermined position to close or partially close the window. The controller controls the cutting speed in view of joint pressure combined with suction pressure, or in view of fluid flow through the suction path, to maintain an optimal fluid flow rate that enhances the cutting action of the cutting accessory. Pressure or flow sensors may detect a clog in the suction path.

Abstract: A surgical fluid flow handpiece provides a range of relatively low flow rates with relatively fine manual control in selecting a flow rate in such relatively low range, and also provides for manual selection of a relatively high flow rate namely a flow rate well above such range. The handpiece is shaped to complement the shape of a user's hand.

Abstract: A battery pack for a sterilizable instrument, such as a medical endoscope. The battery pack includes batteries removably positioned within an enclosure which mounts a first grouping of electrical contacts engaged with the battery contacts. The enclosure includes an outer end wall which sealingly encloses the first grouping of contacts. The outer end wall mounts a second grouping of electrical contacts which are normally resiliently maintained in a first position spaced from the contacts of the first grouping. The contacts of the second grouping sealingly penetrate through the outer end wall. When the battery pack is engaged on the instrument, the contacts of the second grouping engage third contacts on the instrument, causing the contacts of the second grouping to move into a second position where they directly engage contacts of the first grouping to provide electrical power to the instrument.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly transmitting a video image signal from an endoscopic camera to a receiver or control unit for storage and/or display on a video monitor. Use of a frame-specific, variable compression algorithm capable of progressively encoding a data stream provides for a better performing and higher quality wireless endoscopic camera system capable of generating images at varying resolutions. Use of a short-range, high-performance wireless technology, such as Ultrawideband (UWB), improves the performance capabilities of the system, while minimizing power consumption and extending battery life. Implementations of error correcting codes, as well as the use of multiple transmitting and receiving antennas, further improve the fidelity of the wireless communication.

Abstract: This invention relates to a surgical irrigation system having an improved reusable, motorized console and a separable/attachable irrigation pump cassette, including, at least in one embodiment improved mechanical and electrical inner-connection structure therebetween, and at least in one embodiment improved pump priming structure and methods.

Abstract: A pump for rapidly discharging irrigation fluid to a surgical site. The pump includes a cabinet with an opening. Inside the pump there is a static plate and a dynamic plate that extends towards/retracts from the static plate. The space between the plates is a bag well in which a bag containing irrigation fluid can be inserted/replaced through the cabinet opening. A lid covers the opening. A sensor monitors the open/closed state of the lid. A drive motor actuates the dynamic plate. A control unit regulates the actuation of the motor. Only when the lid sensor determines that the lid is closed does the control unit actuate the motor. The dynamic plate can be placed in various open positions relative to the static plate so bags containing different volumes of fluid can be used with the pump.

Abstract: A surgical fluid flow handpiece provides a range of relatively low flow rates with relatively fine manual control in selecting a flow rate in such relatively low range, and also provides for manual selection of a relatively high flow rate namely a flow rate well above such range. The handpiece is shaped to complement the shape of a user's hand.

Abstract: A surgical fluid flow handpiece provides a range of relatively low flow rates with relatively fine manual control in selecting a flow rate in such relatively low range, and also provides for manual selection of a relatively high flow rate namely a flow rate well above such range. The handpiece is shaped to complement the shape of a user's hand.