Abstract: An imaging probe comprises a camera or endoscope with an external detector array, in which the probe is sized and shaped for surgical placement in an eye to image the eye from an interior of the eye during treatment. The imaging probe and a treatment probe can be coupled together with a fastener or contained within a housing. The imaging probe and the treatment probe can be sized and shaped to enter the eye through an incision in the cornea and image one or more of the ciliary body band or the scleral spur. The treatment probe may comprise a treatment optical fiber or a surgical placement device to deliver an implant. A processor coupled to the detector can be configured with instructions to identify a location of one or more of the ciliary body band, the scleral spur, Schwalbe's line, or Schlemm's canal from the image.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an imaging probe with a rotatable core which allows for rotating imaging assembly that is larger in diameter than the lumen in which the rotatable core resides, as well as methods to construct said probes. The imaging probes are generally elongate flexible imaging catheters for use in cardiovascular procedures. The ability to have a smaller lumen to hold the rotatable core simplifies the inclusion of other functional components to the catheter and may improve the quality of the images produced.

Abstract: A UV light delivery device for performing intra-corporeal ultraviolet therapy is provided. The device includes an elongated body separated by a proximal end and a distal end. The device also includes a UV light source configured to be received at the receiving space. In some examples, the UV light source is configured to emit light with wavelengths with significant intensity between 320 nm and 410 nm and is utilized in conjunction with an endotracheal tube or a nasopharyngeal airway.

Abstract: In teaching of a robot, a control device controls a movable unit in a first control mode in which the movable unit continuously moves according to a force detected by a force detector and a second control mode in which the movable unit moves by a predetermined movement amount according to the force detected by the force detector. A controller selects a first control mode or a second control mode according to a temporal change in the force detected by the force detector and a magnitude of the force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a working channel element for an endoscope. The working channel element has a tubular shape, which has an inner circumference and an outer circumference and through which an instrument can be pushed. The working channel element is adapted to be temporarily inserted into a working channel of an endoscope with its distal side ahead.

Abstract: A device for needle biopsy is presented. The device includes a handle member having proximal and distal portions. A proximal handle member is disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a distal handle member is disposed to the distal portion of the handle member. A sheath lumen is disposed within the handle member and extends from the distal portion of the handle member. A needle housing member is partially disposed to the proximal portion of the handle member and a needle is disposed within the sheath lumen. A plurality of protrusions is disposed upon the needle. A needle protection member is partially disposed to the distal portion of the needle housing member. The needle protection member includes a needle protection hub and a needle protection shaft.

Abstract: A method for operating a surgical instrument. The method includes linking a second drive member to a first drive member such that the second drive member moves with the first drive member. The method further includes applying first control motions to the first drive member to cause the second drive member to apply actuation motions to a surgical end effector. The method also includes discontinuing application of the first control motions to the first drive member and de-linking the second drive member from the first drive member such that the second drive member is locked in place by a locking system. The method also includes re-applying control motions to the first drive member.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is adapted for use through a port and within a body cavity. The device includes a gas supply supplying gas to a distal tip and a valve to regular such supply, and an electric supply for supplying electricity to the distal tip. A pressure relief system is provided to regulate an outflow of gas from within the body cavity to prevent exceeding a predetermined pressure. The inflow of the gas through the valve and outflow of gas through the pressure relief system may occur simultaneously.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices and systems for performing robotic procedures. The devices may include one or more robotic arms. The one or more robotic arms may comprise one or more joints. A joint may include a magnetic sensing system. The one or more robotic arms may be configured to move an elbow joint independently from an end effector or origin of the robotic arm. A working end of the robotic arm may be configured for insertion through a trocar into a body cavity of a subject and may be operatively coupled to a motor unit by one or more electrical or mechanical components housed in a support tube.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a housing having a proximal portion including a proximal opening, distal portion including a distal opening, and an intermediate portion sized to contain a medical device; and an inserter having at least a portion comprising a greater width than at least one other portion of the inserter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope head comprising an endoscope head body in which at least one working channel is formed, wherein a pivot member actuatable from the proximal side is provided on the distal side of the endoscope head body, wherein an Albarran lever capable of being pivoted is provided at the distal end portion of the working channel.

Abstract: A treatment-instrument insertion aid (10) for aiding insertion of a treatment instrument into a body includes an inner tube (20) having flexibility into which the treatment instrument is insertable, and an outer tube (30) having flexibility into which the inner tube (20) is insertable. Both end portions (20B) of the inner tube (20) are formed of a hard material, and an intermediate portion (20A) between both the end portions (20B) is formed of a soft material.

Abstract: A suture assembly includes a translation assembly that is axially translatable within a working channel of an endoscope and is adapted to releasably secure and/or release a needle and a distal end cap that is securable to an end of the endoscope and is adapted to releasably secure and/or release the needle in order to pass the needle back and forth between the translation assembly and the distal cap. An attachment mechanism configured to releasably secure the distal endcap to an end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A Veress needle is modified to receive a forward-looking miniature videoscope through the cannula of an insufflation tube of the Veress needle. The modified instrument enables direct viewing of progress of the instrument through tissue to the peritoneal cavity of a patient, for proper location of the needle and insufflation of the cavity via the needle. The videoscope has an elongated shaft of smaller diameter than the cannula of the insufflation tube for passage of insufflation gas with the scope in place. In another embodiment a needle is fitted with a miniature videoscope to provide the same function, with the needle's cannula serving as an insufflation tube.

Abstract: A medical system for use in a lithotripsy procedure may include a processor configured to receive input from a first imaging device, wherein the first imaging device may be configured to send image data representative of an image captured in a lumen of a kidney, bladder, or ureter to the processor. The processor may be configured to display the image on a display device coupled to the processor, and analyze the image to sense the presence of an object within the image. If an object was sensed within the image, the processor may analyze the image to estimate a size of the object, and display the estimate on the display device.

Abstract: A snakelike surgical instrument, comprising a handheld structure (2); an manipulating structure (1) comprising an outer frame (13) hingedly connected to the handheld structure (2) so that the manipulating structure (1) has a rotational degree of freedom (R1?) around a first axis and an inner frame (14) hingedly connected to the outer frame (13) so that the manipulating structure (1) has a rotational degree of freedom (R2?) around a second axis, the first axis and the second axis forming an angle; an end unit (4) connected to the handheld structure (2) by means of a connecting component (3) and comprising a tool supporting base (41) and a snakelike structure (40) connected to the tool supporting base (41), the snakelike structure (40) having degrees of freedom of motion (R1, R2) in the same direction as the manipulating structure (1); and a transmission unit (5) comprising a flexible transmission structure connected to the inner frame (14) and the snakelike structure (40).

Abstract: A cannula assembly can allow an operator in an arthroscopic surgical procedure to control both an arthroscope and a surgical tool with a single hand. In some embodiments, for example, a scope tube may be combined with a tool tube to allow such control. The tool may be manipulated, for example, by causing the tool to rotate, and/or to move forward and backward in relation to the cannula assembly.

Abstract: A medical system is provided comprising a medical device including a handle and a mechanism for moving a distal end of the medical device; an auxiliary medical device comprising a basket retrieval device including a basket sheath disposed over a basket wire and received into a working channel of the medical device; a knob assembly in communication with the basket retrieval device, the knob assembly rotatable so that the basket sheath, wire, or both move within the working channel; and a base removably connecting the auxiliary medical device to the handle wherein the handle and the base are configured to be simultaneously gripped with a hand, and wherein the mechanism is configured to be moved with a first finger to move the distal end of the medical device and the knob assembly is configured to be rotated with a second finger to move the basket sheath wire, or both.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes a surgical fastener applier and a positioning guide. The positioning guide includes an implant guide. The implant guide defines a guide channel configured to receive a portion of an implant to support the implant relative to the end effector to enable the surgical fastener applier to fire one or more fasteners through the implant for securing the implant to tissue.

Abstract: An imaging probe comprises a camera or endoscope with an external detector array, in which the probe is sized and shaped for surgical placement in an eye to image the eye from an interior of the eye during treatment. The imaging probe and a treatment probe can be coupled together with a fastener or contained within a housing. The imaging probe and the treatment probe can be sized and shaped to enter the eye through an incision in the cornea and image one or more of the ciliary body band or the scleral spur. The treatment probe may comprise a treatment optical fiber or a surgical placement device to deliver an implant. A processor coupled to the detector can be configured with instructions to identify a location of one or more of the ciliary body band, the scleral spur, Schwalbe's line, or Schlemm's canal from the image.

Abstract: The portable cryosurgical device is economical, easy to use and operate, and delivers cryogenic material such as nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide gas in any direction or orientation. The delivered materials destroy target tissue using extremely cold temperatures and the abrasives formed when the cryogenic material becomes a solid. The device includes a portable countertop enclosure housing a cryogen source, a cryogen flow tube in fluid communication with the cryogen source, and a flow path assembly. The flow path assembly includes a valve between the cryogen source and the cryogen flow tube having substantially zero dead volume. The flow path assembly can include a quick-connect cryogen tank adapter and an in-line cryogen filter. The flow path assembly delivers liquefied compressed gas from the cryogen source to a terminal end of the cryogen flow tube without a phase change occurring in the flow path.

Abstract: A system includes a robotic manipulator including a serial chain comprising a first joint, a first link, and a second link. The second link is between the first joint and the first link in the serial chain. The system further includes a processing unit including one or more processors. The processing unit is configured to receive first link data from a first sensor system located at the first link, generate a first joint state estimate of the first joint based on the first link data and a kinematic model of the robotic manipulator, and control the first joint based on the first joint state estimate.

Abstract: Irrigation devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. The system comprises a catheter with one or more lumens and an expandable portion. One or more pumps are used to supply a mixture of contrasting and dilating agents in an interior kidney volume and flush a portion of the mixture out of the interior kidney volume. The method comprises placing a catheter into the interior kidney volume through a ureter, occluding a portion of the ureter with a distal end of the catheter, forming an exit port through an exterior kidney surface, flowing the contrasting and dilating agents through the one or more lumens to supply the mixture in the interior kidney volume, and flushing a portion of the mixture out of the exit port.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing a sheath tip with an angled distal face to conform the sheath to a surface of tissue toward which the sheath is being extended to potentially help reduce or avoid tissue damage upon extending a sheath to convey an elongated instrument for sampling or treatment. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a sheath tip positionable at an end of a sheath configured to convey an elongated medical instrument to a location adjacent a detection range of a detecting device. The sheath tip includes a distal member that extends a finite distance beyond the end of the sheath. The distal member is detectable by the detecting device when the end of the sheath is within the finite distance of the detection range of the detecting device.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a spring extending from the distal end of the shaft and curving away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft, the spring having a predetermined width and a thickness substantially smaller than the predetermined width to provide preferential bending in a direction of the curvature of the spring, and a tip extending from a distal end of the spring, said tip including an attachment surface for attaching an absorbent material thereto.

Abstract: An insertion device for a single port robotic surgery apparatus can include an insertion section with first and second camera channels and an instrument channel, the first camera channel configured to facilitate insertion and removal of a primary camera, the second camera channel configured to enclose a secondary camera, and the instrument channel configured to permit insertion and removal of a surgical instrument from the insertion section, The insertion device can include a housing attached to the insertion section, the housing including a passage configured to permit at least a portion of the primary camera to pass through the housing into the first camera channel and exit the first camera channel. The secondary camera can be configured to provide image data of a surgical site to facilitate insertion into the surgical site of at least one of the surgical instrument or the primary camera.

Abstract: A distal cap apparatus for use with an endoscope, having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, includes a mount configured for mounting to the distal end of the endoscope, and a strap connected to the mount and configured for banding about the distal end of the endoscope when the distal end of the endoscope is received in the mount. The mount defines a strap slot configured to receive an end of the strap to configure the strap in the banded configuration. The strap may be elastic. The strap may be a continuous band. In one embodiment, a distal cap apparatus includes a mount having a strap and a buckle for adjusting a size of a loop formed at least partially by the strap about the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a surgical instrument mountable to a robotic manipulator. The surgical instrument comprises an elongate arm. The elongate arm comprises an actively controlled bendable region including at least one joint region, a passively bendable region including a distal end coupled to the actively controlled bendable region, an actuation mechanism extending through the passively bendable region and coupled to the at least one joint region to control the actively controlled bendable region, and a channel extending through the elongate arm. The surgical instrument also comprises an optical fiber positioned in the channel. The optical fiber includes an optical fiber bend sensor in at least one of the passively bendable region or the actively controlled bendable region.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for tracking an elongate instrument or other medical instrument in an image.

Abstract: A treatment-instrument insertion aid (10) for aiding insertion of a treatment-instrument into a body includes an outer tube (30) having flexibility including a plurality of guiding portions (31) circumferentially spaced apart on an inner peripheral surface and extend in an axial direction from a distal end to a proximal end, a plurality of rail members (40) having flexibility, extend in an axial direction from a distal end to a proximal end and include guided portions (41) to be engaged with the guiding portions (31) respectively, and an inner tube (20) having flexibility and includes an engaged portion (21) to be engaged with an engaging portion (50) formed between the inner peripheral surface of the outer tube (30) and the adjacent rail members (40). The rail members (40) are fixed to a hard portion (30B) nearest to the distal end side of the outer tube (30).

Abstract: A digestive tract medication administration system and a medication administration capsule are provided. In an assembled state, with the constraint of a limit structure formed by a rotation limit pin on an inner shell of the capsule and a rotation limit slot in an outer shell of the capsule, and an angle exists between the N-S directions of the first magnetic column and the second magnetic column, a torque is present between the two magnetic columns, which makes parts inside the capsule tightly coupled. When an external magnetic field is applied, at least one or both of the two magnetic columns rotate under the action of the external magnetic field. When the external magnetic field is applied, the administration ports are in opened state, and when the external magnetic field is removed, the administration ports are in closed state.

Abstract: A three-dimensional endoscope system includes: an imaging unit configured to capture a first image and a second image having parallax with respect to each other; and an image generation unit configured to generate a display image for stereoscopic viewing by performing image processing on the first image and the second image captured by the imaging unit, wherein the image generation unit generates the display image based on the first image and a third image obtained by replacing a part of the second image with a part of the first image at a corresponding position.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.

Abstract: A disposable cover for use with an endoscope includes an elongated sheath having and having an open proximal end and a closed distal end. A channel extends along a central axis of the sheath from the open proximal end to the closed distal end, and the channel is configured to accommodate insertion of an endoscope. A proximal region of the sheath is formed as a rigid thin-wall sleeve and a distal region of the sheath is formed as a flexible thin-wall sleeve. The flexible thin-wall sleeve is configured to allow deflection of said distal region in cooperation with an articulating distal end of an endoscope.

Abstract: Exemplary aspects of a medical instrument system are disclosed. The system may have a support frame movably coupled to a patient table, the support frame having a computer display support, and an endoscope holder, wherein the computer display support and the endoscope holder are coupled to move together as a single unit. In some aspects, the system includes a computer display device, and an endoscope, wherein the computer display device and the endoscope are coupled to the support frame to move together as a single unit, and the patient table, computer display device, and the endoscope are arranged along a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for creating a curvilinear cavity within a vertebral body or other body structure. An example method of forming a void in bony structure includes accessing a bony structure with a cannula, inserting a distal end of a combined drill and reaming device through the cannula and into the bony structure, manipulating the distal end of the combined drill and reaming device to create a void in the bony structure, and removing the distal end of the combined drill and reaming device from the cannula.

Abstract: An application of a radiofrequency catheter ablation system to treatment of essential hypertension. The treatment process is under ultrasonic guidance, an electrode needle is made to penetrate into target tissue of a patient, electrification is conducted to start ablation, the needle is withdrawn or made to penetrate into the other side of the target tissue for target ablation after reaching ablation temperature and duration time, and overall ablation treatment is completed. The system can treat a secondary center for regulating the activity of a whole-body sympathetic system to reduce its activity, thus, the blood pressure level of a patient can be reduced, and fewer kinds and smaller dosage of antihypertensive drugs taken or ceased altogether. By treating the secondary center, the activity of the whole-body sympathetic system, insulin resistance and whole-body fibrosis is reduced, and other diseases characterized in activity abnormity of the sympathetic system might be treated too.

Abstract: An instrument port for introducing instruments into a surgical site, including a port body having a channel running therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end, an instrument sleeve in slidable contact with the channel, creating a gap therebetween, and fluid flow for removing emboli efficiently from the instrument port, wherein the fluid flow includes the gap is provided. A fluid flow system for use in an instrument port is provided. A method of removably securing an instrument sleeve to a port body by anchoring the instrument port to heart tissue, making at least one flood line in a channel, flushing out emboli, and performing surgery with the instrument port.

Abstract: An endoscope cover that is to be attached to a distal framing portion of an endoscope, includes: a cover main body having an annular portion configured to surround a periphery of the distal framing portion; a fragile portion provided in the annular portion of the cover main body, having a mechanical strength lower than a rest of the annular portion.

Abstract: An endoscopic tool for facilitating injection of fluid into a submucosal layer of tissue includes a first cannula, a suction source, a fluid lumen, and a second cannula. The first cannula has a suction surface disposed at a distal end, and defines a suction lumen. The suction source is coupled to the first cannula and creates a negative pressure within the suction lumen. The second cannula is disposed in a fluid lumen separate from the suction lumen, is adapted to be coupled to a source of fluid, and carries a needle at a distal end thereof. The tool draws the mucosal layer via the suction, which enlarges the submucosal layer, and injects a fluid into the enlarged portion of the submucosal layer via the needle, thereby creating a raised portion of tissue around the injection site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a minimally-invasive surgical system and methods of use which can mimic a mosquito proboscis to efficiently penetrate tissue. The delivery system can utilize a plurality of modular strut instruments to create a working tissue canopy and apply any number of surgical actions to a target tissue.

Abstract: A medical image processing device includes a motion amount calculating unit configured to compare a first image obtained by capturing a subject image taken by an endoscope with a second image obtained by capturing the subject image at a chronologically different timing from the first image and calculate a motion amount for the second image every two or more areas in the first image; and an area specifying unit configured to specify a mask area other than the subject image included in the first image from an inside of a mask candidate area in which the motion amount is equal to or less than a specific first threshold value in the first image.

Abstract: An articulated tool positioning apparatus comprising a base member, an intermediate member, an end member and a first tool holder arranged in succession, each of the base member, intermediate member, end member and tool holder having a respective central opening. A first plurality of coupled guides id positioned between the base member and the intermediate member and a second plurality of coupled guides is positioned between the intermediate member and the end member. A third plurality of coupled guides is diposed between the end member and the tool holder. The base member, intermediate member, end member, first tool holder and first second and third pluralities of coupled guides all have a central opening and guide openings or securing points for securing pluralities of flexible control links to the base member or to an object separated from the base member.

Abstract: Medical systems are disclosed and may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, one or more channels extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a handle operably coupled to the proximal end. The handle may include one or more ports in communication with the one or more channels. The medical systems may further include a docking station supporting the proximal end of the elongate member. The docking station may include a receiver adapted to receive and secure the handle and an adaptor guide unit having a distal end, a proximal end, and one or more passages formed therethrough, the one or more passages communicating with the one or more channels.

Abstract: An endoscopic probe for use during spinal surgery has an enlarged proximal end for cooperation with the hand of the surgeon and an elongate shaft terminating in a functional distal tip. The tip may be detachable for replacement. An endoscope extends through the shaft and is connected with a monitor to enable the surgeon to visually observe the area being treated. In a preferred form, a light means extends through the shaft to illuminate the area being treated, and in a further preferred form a conduit extends through the shaft to convey a fluid to flush the area being treated. In a further embodiment, two endoscopes are associated with the probe.

Abstract: An image acquisition unit acquires a first medical image in a first color expression form and a second medical image in a second expression form different from the first color expression form. A conversion unit acquires a converted second medical image by converting the second expression form of the second medical image into the first color expression form. A similarity calculation unit calculates similarity between the first medical image and the converted second medical image.

Abstract: An instrument chassis for a robotic surgical system comprises a bridge member, a first instrument guide member configured to receive a first surgical instrument, and a second instrument guide member configured to receive a second surgical instrument. Each of the first instrument guide member and the second instrument guide member is moveably coupled to the bridge member such that each of the first instrument guide member and the second instrument guide member is moveable in at least one degree of freedom relative to the bridge member. The instrument chassis further comprises a central instrument guide member coupled to the bridge member between the first instrument guide member and the second instrument guide member. The central instrument guide member is configured to receive a third surgical instrument. Each of the first instrument guide member and the second instrument guide member is slidably movable relative to the bridge member.

Abstract: Apparatus, consisting of a probe, having a proximal end and a distal end, which is deflectable in first and second directions. The apparatus includes a probe manipulator, which is coupled to the proximal end of the probe and has first and second tactile control elements. The elements are operable by a user of the probe to deflect the distal end in the first and second directions, respectively, and are tactilely distinguishable one from the other.

Abstract: A remote-control manipulator system includes a manipulator configured to receive a manipulating instruction from an operator, a slave arm configured to perform a series of works comprised of a plurality of processes, a camera configured to image operation of the slave arm, a display device configured to display an image captured by the camera, a storage device configured to store information related to environment in a workspace as an environment model, and a control device. The control device is configured, while operating the slave arm manually or hybridly, to acquire circumference information that is information related to a circumference area of an area imaged by the camera based on the environment model stored in the storage device, and display on the display device so that the image captured by the camera and the circumference information are interlocked.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of devices and method for affecting at least one anatomical tissue can be provided. A configuration can be provided that includes a structure which is expandable (i) having and/or (ii) forming at least one opening or a working space through which the anatomical tissue(s) is placed in the structure. For example, the structure, prior to being expanding, can have at least one partially rigid portion. In addition, or as an alternative, upon a partial or complete expansion thereof, the structure can be controllable to have a plurality of shapes. Further, the structure can be controllable to provide the working space with multiple shapes and/or multiple sizes.