Abstract: A system for preventing or removing fogging from and endoscope which includes an endoscope having a distal end and a heating module disposed over the distal end of the endoscope. The heating module may include a heating element arranged as a single-segment heater, or in a series of elongated portions extending circumferentially around the distal end of the endoscope connected by bend portions that are parallel or tangent to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. The heating module may also be disposed on or adhered to an outside surface of the endoscope, and may include a heating element made from a resistive heating material. The heating module may be provided as a single-use disposable device, and may include an outside surface made from a biocompatible or sterilizable insulating material.

Abstract: A portable imaging system incorporating a portable light source powered by a battery, the output of which is conditioned and regulated to supply an output voltage of a selected level such that the light source provides illuminating light of a selected illumination level and a selected color temperature for use in illuminating the area of interest of an object whose image is observed by means of said portable imaging system.

Abstract: A surgical clamp system including a clamp, a delivery/retrieval device, and an actuator is provided. The clamp includes a pair of jaws actuatable relative to each other from a fully open to a fully closed position. The delivery/retrieval device is detachably connected to the clamp, and is operable by a surgeon to deploy the clamp, retrieve the clamp, or both. The actuator cooperates with the delivery/retrieval device and engages the clamp, and is operable by the surgeon to open and close the jaws of the clamp. The delivery/retrieval device and the actuator are operable to securely lock the jaws of the clamp in any position between the fully open and the fully closed positions, both during and after being detached from the delivery/retrieval device.

Abstract: A portable imaging system incorporating a portable light source powered by a battery, the output of which is conditioned and regulated to supply an output voltage of a selected level such that the light source provides illuminating light of a selected illumination level and a selected color temperature for use in illuminating the area of interest of an object whose image is observed by means of said portable imaging system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument, particularly a surgical instrument with a displaceable push/pull rod arranged on the proximal end of a hand manipulator for activating remote tool parts on the distal end, in which a force-limiting device is envisaged for limiting the transmission of force onto the remote tool parts from the hand manipulator via the push/pull rod. In order to design a simple and cost effective force-limiting device the push/pull rod is designed to be spring elastic in its lateral length.

Abstract: A surgical clamp system including a clamp, a delivery/retrieval device, and an actuator is provided. The clamp includes a pair of jaws actuatable relative to each other from a fully open to a fully closed position. The delivery/retrieval device is detachably connected to the clamp, and is operable by a surgeon to deploy the clamp, retrieve the clamp, or both. The actuator cooperates with the delivery/retrieval device and engages the clamp, and is operable by the surgeon to open and close the jaws of the clamp. The delivery/retrieval device and the actuator are operable to securely lock the jaws of the clamp in any position between the fully open and the fully closed positions, both during and after being detached from the delivery/retrieval device.

Abstract: A surgical thread cutter (10) has a blade (18) movable via an actuation mechanism (30) relative to an anvil (20) toward and away from the latter, and a spring by way of which the blade (18) can be acted upon by spring force in one movement direction. In the interest of better and safer handling, it is proposed that the spring act upon the blade (18) in the cutting direction, that a retention system be provided by means of which the blade (18) can be locked in a position remote from the anvil (20); and that the force of the spring be set in such a way that after the retention system is released, the blade (18) can be moved onto the anvil (20) in the manner of a guillotine (FIG. 1).

Abstract: What is described here is an electrode for HF surgery and especially for vaporizing tissue, comprising at least one electrode body which comes into contact with the tissue to be treated at least in parts, at least one lead via which the electrode body is connected to an HF supply unit. The invention is characterized by the provisions that each electrode body presents a smooth surface in that zone which comes into contact with the tissue, in which smooth surface regions of low electrical conductivity and a plurality of regions of high electrical conductivity are electrically interconnected, at least in parts.

Abstract: A cutting apparatus is provided with both a rotating inner blade and a stationary outer blade at its distal end and is connected to a drive unit disposed in the proximal region. The outer blade is spaced from the inner blade to form an irrigation passage through which an irrigation liquid is passed. A flushing duct is provided for fluid communication to the distal end. Additionally, a suction passage is provided to exhaust tissue particles.