Abstract: A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub, cannula, distal tip and an integrated needle and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module that is rotatable to allow viewing by the operator and others. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. The needle is actuatable to allow for both recessed and extended positions. The needle delivers liquid from a attached syringe that can be attached to the handle to move therewith or only connected to the endoscope by a flexible conduit. The surgical endoscope is configured for operation by a single clinician in many procedures.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing a combined hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling. Techniques for improving visual images include forward facing fluid ports for clearing tissue debris and LED positioning and design. Manufacturability is improved through separately formed tip and shaft pieces. User interface features are described including user-friendly handle-mounted buttons as well the use of an interactive integrated touch screen display. The handle and display can be mated to a docking station for storage and recharging batteries.

Abstract: A single use medical device can include a single use medical device module configured for use in a medical procedure. The single use medical device can also include an electronic component having a one-time programmable (“OTP”) component that is configured to render the single use medical device module unusable after being used in the medical procedure in the subject. The single use medical device can also include a self-sacrificing module (SSM) that is configured to self-destruct and render the single use medical device unusable upon being cleaned or sterilized after being used in the medical procedure in the subject. The SSM can be operably coupled with a system controller module (SCM), which can read the state of the SSM and determine whether or not the medical device has undergone cleaning or sterilization.

Abstract: A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use handle, cannula and an imaging module at a distal tip. A multiple-use display unit is removably mounted on and supported by the handle and includes a touch-sensitive display screen configured to respond to touch commands to control taking of images with the imaging module and further configured to display the images. The display unit and the handle include respective mechanical connectors that engage each other to removably mount the display unit on the handle by sliding motion relative to each other, and the display unit is removable tool-free from said handle for disposal of the handle and cannula after a medical procedure therewith.

Abstract: A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use handle, cannula and distal tip. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to a re-usable display module that connects off-axis to the disposable handle. A rechargeable battery module also attaches to the handle. The cannula includes two lumens for separate fluid in-flow and out-flow channels, as well as providing a working channel through which a surgical implement can be used. Extruded cannula and molded distal tip parts can be separately formed which aids in manufacturing and assembly. The working channel can have a substantially straight proximal access port.

Abstract: Installments and methods are described for performing endoscopically guided operative procedures. According to some embodiments, a re-usable portion of the instrument includes a handle, electronics and an integrated display screen while a fluid hub and a cannula which includes a CMOS imaging module and LED lighting, form a single use portion of the instrument. The cannula includes a working channel configured to accept an operative device for performing the operative procedures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are configured for combined fluorescence imaging and white light imaging of tissue such as during surgical endoscopic procedures. A chip-on-tip type endoscope can be equipped with both white light and blue light LEDs. A single camera or dual cameras are configured with backside illuminated CMOS image sensor(s) to receive and process the white light and fluorescence images. The light sources, image sensors and image processing circuitry are configured to synchronously emit light and record pixels for visible white light and fluorescence frames alternately. Global or quasi-global shuttering can be used on the image sensor(s). A modified color filter array and other filters can be provided to enhance fluorescence imaging capabilities. Insufflating gas clears debris from the camera field of view and aids in moving he cannula distally through a body passageway.

Abstract: A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module. The imaging module includes a lens system of no more than two lenses and provides the imaging module with a field of view greater than 120 degrees, preferably 130 degrees or more, and most preferably 140 degrees or more. LED illumination is provided by plural LED arranged symmetrically around an optical axis to provide a field of illumination that substantially coincides with the field of view of an imaging module. An image brightness balance arrangement selectively varies the illumination provided by different LEDs to reduce brightness differences between different areas of the displayed images.

Abstract: A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub and cannula, and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. The surgical endoscope is configured for operation by a single clinician in many procedures.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive imaging system. Systems according to embodiments of the invention include: an access device having a proximal end and distal end and an internal passageway extending from the proximal to distal end; and an elongated member dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device and having a proximal and distal end. In the systems of the invention, at least one of multiple visualization elements and multiple illumination elements are positioned among the distal ends of the access device and the elongated member. Also provided are methods of using the systems in imaging applications, as well as kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive tissue modification systems. Embodiments of the systems include a minimally invasive access device having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal passageway. Positioned among the distal ends of the devices are a visualization element and an illumination element. Also provided are methods of using the systems in tissue modification applications, as well as kits for practicing the methods of the invention. Internal tissue visualization devices having RF-shielded visualization sensor modules are also provided. Minimally invasive RF tissue modulation devices are provided. In some aspects, the devices include a hand-held control unit and an elongated member. In some aspects, RF tissue modulation devices are provided and include an adapter that operably couples to a hand-held medical device. The adapter generates RF energy for delivery to a plasma generator on an elongated member.

Abstract: A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub and cannula, and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. The surgical endoscope is configured for operation by a single clinician in many procedures.

Abstract: A tissue visualization and modification device may include a rigid access body having a longitudinal axis, an internal passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and an access body imaging sensor positioned on the distal end of the body and protruding inward beyond an inner wall into the internal passageway. An elongated member may be slidably positioned within the rigid access body. The elongated member may include, when viewed substantially along the longitudinal axis, a dissection electrode in the shape of a semicircle, an irrigation channel positioned within the semicircle, an aspiration channel positioned partially within the semicircle and adjacent the irrigation channel, first and second illumination elements positioned adjacent the respective tips of the semicircle and an elongated member imaging sensor positioned adjacent the aspiration channel.

Abstract: A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub, cannula, distal tip and an integrated needle and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module that is rotatable to allow viewing by the operator and others. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. The needle is actuatable to allow for both recessed and extended positions. The needle delivers liquid from a attached syringe that can be attached to the handle to move therewith or only connected to the endoscope by a flexible conduit. The surgical endoscope is configured for operation by a single clinician in many procedures.

Abstract: A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module. The imaging module includes a lens system of no more than two lenses and provides the imaging module with a field of view greater than 120 degrees, preferably 130 degrees or more, and most preferably 140 degrees or more. LED illumination is provided by plural LED arranged symmetrically around an optical axis to provide a field of illumination that substantially coincides with the field of view of an imaging module. An image brightness balance arrangement selectively varies the illumination provided by different LEDs to reduce brightness differences between different areas of the displayed images.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for performing a combined hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling. Techniques for improving visual images include forward facing fluid ports for clearing tissue debris and LED positioning and design. Manufacturability is improved through separately formed tip and shaft pieces. User interface features are described including user-friendly handle-mounted buttons as well the use of an interactive integrated touch screen display. The handle and display can be mated to a docking station for storage and recharging batteries.

Abstract: A handheld endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub, cannula and distal tip and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The electrical connection between the single-use and reusable portions is distally spaced from their mechanical connection and from the fluid hub. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module that is rotatable to allow viewing by the operator and others. The cannula and fluid hub are rotatable relative to the handle and includes separate lumens for fluid flow and an electrical cable. The fit resists rotation to maintain the relative positions of the cannula and handle until the application of a torque threshold. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via the physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. Extruded cannula and molded distal tip parts can be separately formed which aids in manufacturing and assembly.

Abstract: A single use medical device can include a single use medical device module configured for use in a medical procedure. The single use medical device can also include an electronic component having a one-time programmable (“OTP”) component that is configured to render the single use medical device module unusable after being used in the medical procedure in the subject. The single use medical device can also include a self-sacrificing module (SSM) that is configured to self-destruct and render the single use medical device unusable upon being cleaned or sterilized after being used in the medical procedure in the subject. The SSM can be operably coupled with a system controller module (SCM), which can read the state of the SSM and determine whether or not the medical device has undergone cleaning or sterilization.

Abstract: A handheld surgical endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub, cannula, distal tip and an integrated needle and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module that is rotatable to allow viewing by the operator and others. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. The needle is actuatable to allow for both recessed and extended positions. The needle delivers liquid from a attached syringe that can be attached to the handle to move therewith or only connected to the endoscope by a flexible conduit. The surgical endoscope is configured for operation by a single clinician in many procedures.

Abstract: A handheld endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub, cannula and distal tip and a re-usable portion that includes a handle and display module. The electrical connection between the single-use and reusable portions is distally spaced from their mechanical connection and from the fluid hub. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module that is rotatable to allow viewing by the operator and others. The cannula and fluid hub are rotatable relative to the handle and includes separate lumens for fluid flow and an electrical cable. The fit resists rotation to maintain the relative positions of the cannula and handle until the application of a torque threshold. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via the physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. Extruded cannula and molded distal tip parts can be separately formed which aids in manufacturing and assembly.