With Additional Scope Patents (Class 600/113)
  • Patent number: 11864734
    Abstract: A tip section of a multi-camera endoscope includes a front-pointing camera on a planar surface of a distal end of the tip section and two side-pointing cameras positioned on a cylindrical surface in proximity to the planar surface such that the side field of view provided by the two side-pointing cameras partially overlaps with the front field of view provided by the front-pointing camera. The tip section further includes a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: EndoChoice, Inc.
    Inventor: Avi Levy
  • Patent number: 11783211
    Abstract: Techniques for synthetic data generation in computer-based reasoning systems are discussed and include receiving a request for generation of synthetic training data based on a set of training data cases. One or more focal training data cases are determined. For undetermined features (either all of them or those that are not subject to conditions), a value for the feature is determined based on the focal cases. In some embodiments, validity of the generated value may be checked based on feature information. In some embodiments, generated synthetic data may be checked against all or a portion of the training data to ensure that it is not overly similar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: Diveplane Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher James Hazard, Michael Resnick, Christopher Fusting
  • Patent number: 11750782
    Abstract: Systems and methods of enhancing images use a contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) algorithm in a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The images may be obtained by the imaging elements of a multiple imaging elements endoscope of an endoscopy system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: EndoChoice, Inc.
    Inventors: Itay Sidar, Tal Davidson, Achia Kronman, Lior Mor, Idan Levy
  • Patent number: 11690503
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to instruments and methods of performing an endoscopy. An endoscope for producing images of a surgery in vivo may include a hub and an imaging rod extending from the hub, the imaging rod being configured to receive light and direct the light to an imaging sensor located adjacent to a distal end of the imaging rod, the hub and the imaging rod being attached to form an assembly having a center of mass established distally of the hub. In other implementations, the hub may be omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: ARTHREX, INC.
    Inventors: Benjamin Perry Hedges, Andrew W. Melton, Ryan Kellar, Zachary Dominguez
  • Patent number: 11503985
    Abstract: The subject matter discloses a medical imaging device, comprising a rigid elongated member, a rigid distal member connected to the rigid elongated member, wherein said distal member comprises a front camera and a first side camera and a foldable circuit board located within the distal member, said front camera and said first side camera are connected to foldable arms of the foldable circuit board, wherein said foldable circuit board is designed to be put in a foldable position and inserted into said distal member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: 270 SURGICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Avraham Levy, Golan Salman, Amram Aizenfeld, Leonid Krivopisk
  • Patent number: 11460643
    Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a guarding wall mechanism (100) for an optical fiber (101). The mechanism (100) comprises a housing (202) adapted to house the optical fiber (101), wherein the housing (202) defines a space (108) between the optical fiber (101) and a guarding wall of the housing (202). A plurality of suction units (103) disposed in the space (108). Each of the plurality of suction units (103) are configured to selectively exert suction pressure on an examination surface in contact with a free end (109) of the optical fiber (101). The guarding wall mechanism (100) of the present disclosure eliminates leakage of light and reduces Fresnel losses. Also, the mechanism (100) improves comfort to the patient during examination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Inventors: Anupam Lavania, Shilpa Malik
  • Patent number: 10944949
    Abstract: A trocar with camera has a camera section. The camera section obtains a trocar image that includes an image of a white part on a surface of a puncture member by performing imaging when the puncture member of a trocar shaft is exposed at a deployed position. A white balance setting section for trocar image sets a white balance for the trocar image based on the image of the white part in the trocar image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: KYOCERA Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuto Miyazaki, Takaharu Fujii, Takashi Saotome
  • Patent number: 10881271
    Abstract: An adaptor associated with a stereoscopic field of view through a port. The adaptor includes a housing, frame, and cables. The housing includes circuits associated with imaging data. The frame is connected to the housing, and has a guide and aperture. The guide extends away from the frame and is configured to pass through an opening of the port. The guide includes a terminal end configured to extend into the port such that the aperture is in communication with the opening. The cables include sensors that receive the imaging data capable of producing the stereoscopic field of view. The sensors are disposed at a distance from one another at the terminal end of the guide, wherein the distance enables the sensors to receive the image data capable of producing the stereoscopic field of view. The cables extend from the sensors of the guide to respective integrated circuits in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Orthozon Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joshua Aferzon, Lee M. Nicholson
  • Patent number: 10828053
    Abstract: A medical insertion device may include a handle including a proximal portion, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. A delivery shaft may be coupled to a distal most end of the distal portion of the handle. The handle may further include a deflection lever, and a hub for introduction of a medical device, the hub and the deflection lever both being located in the proximal portion of the handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. H. Chu
  • Patent number: 10779882
    Abstract: An electrical ablation apparatus including first, second, and third electrodes is disclosed. Each of the first and second electrode is configured to be selectively extended outside and selectively retracted inside a distal end of its respective lumen and is configured to diverge from its respective longitudinal axis when extended outside the distal end of its respective lumen. The third electrode is non-rotatable and is configured to be selectively extended outside and selectively retracted inside a distal end of its respective lumen. The first, second and third electrodes are extendable into a tissue treatment region to create a first necrotic zone having a first shape. At least one of the first electrode or the second electrode is selectively rotatable within its respective lumen to create a second necrotic zone having a second shape. The third electrode is configured to positionally secure the electrical ablation apparatus at the tissue treatment region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: ETHICON ENDO-SURGERY, INC.
    Inventors: Gary L. Long, David N. Plescia, Omar J. Vakharia
  • Patent number: 10765449
    Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic surgical device and an overtube with which a surgeon can easily obtain a desired image and operability is high. The overtube includes a slider within an overtube body, which guides an endoscope and a treatment tool into a body cavity. An endoscope-coupled part and a treatment tool-coupled part are provided inside the slider, and the slider has a dead zone where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope or the treatment tool does not interlock with the movement of the other and a sensing zone where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope or the treatment tool interlocks with the movement of the other. F1>F2 is satisfied when a fixing force for fixing the endoscope-coupled part to the endoscope tool is defined as F1 and a fixing force for fixing the treatment tool-coupled part to the treatment tool is defined as F2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Dejima
  • Patent number: 10737064
    Abstract: A balloon catheter is provided, which includes a balloon guide tube, a balloon moving part, and a bending adjustment part for bending an end of the balloon guide tube, wherein the bending adjustment part includes first and second wires of which one ends are fixed to a ring part, respectively, and a steering handle to which the other ends of the first and second wires are fixed, the central portion of the steering handle is positioned on an extension line from a center line of the balloon guide tube, the other ends of the first and second wires are respectively inserted into wire guide holes of the steering handle formed at a same distance from the central portion of the steering handle, and a plane formed by the first and second wires is perpendicular to the central portion of the steering handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: IMEDICOM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Don Soo Ju
  • Patent number: 10561467
    Abstract: The invention relates to an interventional apparatus comprising an interventional device with a handle (6). The handle comprises a) a first guide (20, 51) guiding an optical fiber, which is also guided within the interventional device, from a first proximal opening (14) of the handle to a distal portion (21) of the handle, wherein the first guide only has radii of curvature being larger than 10 mm, and b) a second guide (22) for guiding an elongated interventional instrument from a second proximal opening (13) of the handle to the distal portion of the handle. Since the first guide is relatively straight, the optical fiber is substantially not bent or only slightly bent and the likelihood that the interventional instrument and the optical fiber press against each other can be significantly reduced. This allows for an improved accuracy of determining the position of the interventional device by optical shape sensing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Franciscus Reinier Antonius Van Der Linde, Franciscus Johannes Gerardus Hakkens, Cornelis Gerardus Maria De Haas, Cornelius Antonius Nicolaas Maria Van Der Vleuten, Adrianus Wilhelmus Dionisius Maria Van Den Bijgaart, Maurice Hubertus Elisabeth Van Der Beek
  • Patent number: 10448810
    Abstract: Provided are a surgical apparatus for an endoscope and an outer tube that ease limitation of the types of available medical instruments to improve convenience and improve operability. An outer tube, which passes through a body wall, is inserted into a body cavity, and guides an endoscope and a treatment tool into the body cavity, includes therein a slider that is an interlocking member that moves the endoscope and the treatment tool forward and backward in an interlocking manner. The slider is provided with a cylindrical pressure-contact member that is brought into pressure-contact with and coupled to an outer peripheral surface of the treatment tool. The pressure-contact member is formed of compressible foamed rubber having pores, and an oil component is held in the pores of the foamed rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Takumi Dejima
  • Patent number: 10406371
    Abstract: There is provided a method for controlling the movement of bile and/or gall stones in the biliary duct. The method comprises gently constricting (i.e., without substantially hampering the blood circulation in the tissue wall) at least one portion of the tissue wall to influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, and stimulating the constricted wall portion to cause contraction of the wall portion to further influence the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct. The method can be used for restricting or stopping the movement of bile and/or gallstones in the biliary duct, or for actively moving the fluid in the biliary duct, with a low risk of injuring the biliary duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Inventor: Peter Forsell
  • Patent number: 10321806
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an operation section, an insertion section, a first space provided in a distal end portion of the insertion section, a second space sealed against an inner space of a bending portion, a communication passage communicating between the first space and the second space, and an elongated tube member having one end portion coupled with the first space and another end portion provided inside the operation section and having a through hole in a longitudinal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Iizuka
  • Patent number: 10314470
    Abstract: A body cavity illumination apparatus has a position-controlling trocar and an intra-corporeal light element. The position-controlling trocar has a sticker, a positioning device, a trocar tube, and a trocar connector. The sticker has a through hole. The positioning device is deposited on the sticker. The trocar tube is connected to the positioning device, extends through the sticker, and has an inner end and an outer end. The trocar connector is connected to the outer end of the trocar tube. The intra-corporeal light element is detachably mounted in the position-controlling trocar and has a shaft, a shaft connector, a cable connector, and a light cable. The positioning-controlling trocar may provide a holding effect to the intra-corporeal light element without manual holding to keep the position. In use, the intra-corporeal light element may provide an intra-corporeal illumination effect at multi-angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Ribcure Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Chieh Su, Chun-Sung Liu
  • Patent number: 10238272
    Abstract: An endoscope can include an elongate, manipulable shaft with a distal-end visualization element and a handle body comprising at least one control surface for manipulating a distal region of the shaft, where the handle body includes a passage through which a length of the shaft is passable, and where the handle body includes a novel connection structure configured for firmly, securely, and removably mounting the handle to a channel of another endoscope in a manner axially aligning the passage with the channel to provide a path of communication for the shaft. A dual medical endoscope system can be constructed including a first and a second medical endoscope, where the first endoscope comprises an accessory channel with a proximal mounting port providing access thereto, and where the second endoscope comprises a handle body that is securely and removably attached to the proximal mounting port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Victor Anthony Simmons
  • Patent number: 10231609
    Abstract: A method of defogging and cleaning a laparoscope includes: (1) inserting a laparoscope into a sheath; (2) inserting the laparoscope and sheath into a body cavity; (3) providing gas to a plurality of gas lumens within a wall of the sheath such that the gas flows through the gas lumens and over a lens of the laparoscope to defog the lens while the laparoscope is in the body cavity; and (4) providing a fluid comprising a surface-active agent to a fluid lumen within the wall of the sheath such that the fluid flows through the fluid lumen and over the lens to clean the lens while the laparoscope is in the body cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Floshield, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne L. Poll, Matthew J. Huddleston, Caroline M. Crisafulli, Adam Landis, Gregory P. Drach
  • Patent number: 10080824
    Abstract: A system may include an elongate tubular member having a first lumen, a second lumen, and a crossover port extending in between the first and second lumens such that the two lumens are in fluid communication with each other via the crossover port. The first lumen may have a distal opening that is more restrictive than a distal opening of the second lumen. Fluid may be inserted into the first lumen, where it flows distally toward the crossover port. When the fluid reaches the crossover port, at least some of the fluid may enter the second lumen where the fluid passes through the distal opening of the second lumen to outside the tubular member. A blocking structure may be disposed near the distal opening of the first lumen, which may at least partially seal the distal opening of the first lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Travis E. Dillon
  • Patent number: 9955852
    Abstract: A dilation catheter system comprises a guide member, a dilation catheter, and an image sensor. The guide member includes a shaft comprising a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft further defines a longitudinal axis. The dilation catheter is movable relative to the guide catheter member and comprises an expandable dilator. The expandable dilator is sized to fit within one or both of a Eustachian tube or a passageway associated with a paranasal sinus. The image sensor is configured to provide visualization within anatomy of a patient. The image sensor is integral with the guide member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: ACCLARENT, INC.
    Inventors: Randy J. Kesten, Ketan P. Muni, James Patrick Garvey, II, Hung V. Ha, Andy Nguyen
  • Patent number: 9827000
    Abstract: A treatment instrument for medical use includes a tubular insertion portion that includes a curvable flexible part, the tubular insertion portion being insertable into a body of a patient; and a dilating body that is provided at an outer circumference of the flexible part, the dilating body being configured to dilate in a radial direction relative to the flexible part. The tubular insertion portion includes a reduced-diameter part that is provided at a distal end of the tubular insertion portion in an axial direction, the reduced-diameter part having an outer diameter that is smaller than an outer diameter of the tubular insertion portion at a location proximal of the reduced-diameter part. A distal part of the dilating body is fixed to at least the reduced-diameter part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: TERUMO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Satoru Suehara, Taiga Nakano, Kenichi Kumoyama
  • Patent number: 9186050
    Abstract: A medical treatment endoscope includes: an insertion portion which has a lumen formed along a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion and is configured to be inserted into a body cavity, a lateral opening portion which extends in a lateral surface of the insertion portion, from a distal end surface of the insertion portion to a proximal end side of the insertion portion, an elastic member which is provided in an inner wall of the lumen at a position separated from an edge of a proximal end of the insertion portion in a direction toward a distal end side of the insertion portion, and a tubular arm which includes a bendable bending part provided at a distal end side of the tubular arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manabu Miyamoto, Yoshiaki Ito, Hirokazu Tanaka, Hideya Kitagawa, Taro Iede
  • Patent number: 9089631
    Abstract: Devices and methods of identifying and treating bodily passages, such as sinus cavities, are provided. More particularly, irrigation devices and methods useful in the identification and treatment of bodily passages, such as sinus cavities, are provided. The irrigation devices comprise an elongate tubular member and an optical fiber which assist with the transcutaneous identification and/or treatment of a bodily passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Darin Schaeffer, Patrick C. Melder, Thomas Cherry
  • Patent number: 8982199
    Abstract: A network based surgical system including a first medical device having a first network interface, a second medical device having a second network interface, a communications network over which the first medical device, through the first network interface, and the second medical device, through the second network interface, are communicable, wherein the first network interface and the second network interface employ the same network protocol for communicating over the communications network, and wherein the first network interface has a maximum throughput greater than a maximum throughput of the second network interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc R. Amling
  • Publication number: 20150057537
    Abstract: A dual medical endoscope system can be constructed including a first and a second medical endoscope, where the first endoscope comprises an accessory channel with a proximal mounting port providing access thereto, and where the second endoscope comprises a handle body that is securely and removably attached to the proximal mounting port. An endoscope, which may be the second endoscope, can include an elongate, manipulable shaft with a distal-end visualization element and a handle body comprising at least one control surface for manipulating a distal region of the shaft, where the handle body includes a passage through which a length of the shaft is passable, and where the handle body includes a connection structure configured for securely and removably mounting the handle to a channel of another endoscope in a manner axially aligning the passage with the channel to provide a path of communication for the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Travis DILLON, Kenneth C. KENNEDY, II
  • Patent number: 8961398
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua Makower, John Y. Chang, Ketan P. Muni, John H. Morriss, Hung V. Ha, Isaac J. Kim, Julia D. Vrany
  • Patent number: 8911358
    Abstract: A multiple viewpoint endoscope system having a multiple viewpoint camera setup and/or an intelligent or cognitive image control system and display device particularly adapted for localizing internal structures within a cavity or an enclosing structure, such as an animal body, for instance the abdomen of an animal or human, or for localizing a real or synthetic image of such internal structures within an overview image or on an overview 3D model.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
    Inventors: Philippe Koninckx, Thomas Koninckx, Luc Van Gool
  • Patent number: 8808171
    Abstract: An endoscopy device includes several light guides (1, 2, 3), each light guide having one or more optical fibers. The light guides are coupled with a sweeping system (4) arranged to direct an excitation light beam in alternation in one of the fibers of the guides from the proximal end of the guide including the one of the fibers. In this way, the proximal ends of the guides may make use of the same sweeping system, whereas the distal ends of the guides may be installed simultaneously in different zones of interest of an object or animal (10) under study for an almost simultaneous observation of the zones of interest. The invention also relates to an endoscopy method used in a device according to the invention. A device and a method according to the invention may be applied to quasi-simultaneous reflectance, fluorescence, multi-photon imaging of several areas of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Mauna Kea Technologies
    Inventors: Francois Lacombe, Bertrand Viellerobe, Nicolas Boularot, Francois Doussoux, Aymeric Perchant
  • Patent number: 8764632
    Abstract: An endoscopic system may include a catheter or tubing and at least one optical sensor disposed along the catheter or tubing and configured to capture image information from a body lumen when disposed within the body lumen and activated. The system may further include an untethered module operatively arranged with the at least one optical sensor and configured to store or transmit image information captured by the at least one optical sensor. The catheter or tubing, at least one optical sensor and module may be portable during use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Inventors: Eric James Kezirian, Robert Andrew Howard, Jonathan Patrick Summers, Jeffrey William Servaites, Matthew Charles Archer Durack
  • Patent number: 8715168
    Abstract: A method of examining a hollow body cavity using an endoscope to achieve receiving two images in two opposite directions inside the hollow cavity is provided. The endoscope comprises a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, having distal and proximal ends, and defining a hollow channel therethrough, and a first lens positioned adjacent to the distal end for receiving a first image in a first direction along the longitudinal axis. The method comprises interposing the shaft within the hollow cavity, inserting a catheter into the hollow channel, extending the catheter inside the hollow channel to advance a distal section thereof and a coupled second lens to a position adjacent to the distal end, actuating a bending section thereof to achieve retroflexion of the distal section such that the second lens is positioned to receive a second image in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Inventor: Nitesh Ratnakar
  • Publication number: 20140107418
    Abstract: An endoscope is provided to examine internal organs with front and rear views. The endoscope comprises a shaft extending from a distal end in a rearward direction along a longitudinal axis towards a proximal end, with the distal and proximal ends defining a hollow channel extended there-through. The endoscope further comprises a first lens positioned adjacent to the distal end and configured to receive a first image in a forward direction along the longitudinal axis, with the forward direction generally 180 degree from the rearward direction. The endoscope further comprises a rearview module positioned adjacent to the distal end. The rearview module comprises a second lens configured to be positioned adjacent to the distal end, and receive a second image in a target direction having a directional component in the rearward direction along the longitudinal axis, independently of the first lens receiving the first image in the forward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Nitesh Ratnakar
  • Patent number: 8696548
    Abstract: Systems and methods employing a small gauge steerable catheter (30) including a locatable guide (32) with a sheath (40), particularly as an enhancement to a bronchoscope (14). A typical procedure is as follows. The location of a target in a reference coordinate system is detected or imported. The catheter (30) is navigated to the target which tracking the distal tip (34) of the guide (32) in the reference coordinate system. Insertion of the catheter is typically via a working channel of a convention bronchoscope. Once the tip of the catheter is positioned at the target, the guide (32) is withdrawn, leaving the sheath (40) secured in place. The sheath (40) is then used as a guide channel to direct a medical tool to target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Pinhas Gilboa
  • Patent number: 8636650
    Abstract: Provided are a capsule-type image photographing apparatus and endoscopy using the same. The apparatus includes a shell unit having a globular shape and a main body unit capable of freely rotating in the shell unit. The main body unit includes an image photographing system, a wireless transmitter, a battery, a counterweight for determining the center of gravity of the main body unit, and an encapsulant for fixing the image photographing system, the wireless transmitter, the battery, and the counterweight. The apparatus may be a long-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatus or a short-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatus depending on the position of the counterweight. By use of the long- and short-distance capsule-type image photographing apparatuses, the interior of the tested person's body can be effectively photographed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Kolen Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jong-Jin Lee
  • Patent number: 8633975
    Abstract: A network based surgical system including a first medical device having a first network interface, a second medical device having a second network interface, a communications network over which the first medical device, through the first network interface, and the second medical device, through the second network interface, are communicable, wherein the first network interface and the second network interface employ the same network protocol for communicating over the communications network, and wherein the first network interface has a maximum throughput greater than a maximum throughput of the second network interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Marc R. Amling
  • Publication number: 20130345510
    Abstract: An auxiliary endoscopic imaging catheter is configured for insertion via a longitudinal working channel of an endoscopic. The endoscopic imaging catheter comprises a longitudinally extending tubular shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and outer surface, and a longitudinal axis; one or more transparent or translucent elements positioned in the outer surface of the distal end of the shaft; and an imaging system comprising a reflector/refractor element and an imaging sensor, the imaging system being positioned interior of the distal end of the shaft. The reflector/refractor can be rotated or wobbled to obtain images of up to or over 360°. An illumination system is positioned on or in the distal end of the shaft, the illumination system being capable of illuminating a corporeal lumen or organ adjacent to the distal end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Ron HADANI
  • Publication number: 20130310645
    Abstract: A telescopic endoscope employing a primary endoscope (30, 50) having a instrument channel, a miniature secondary endoscope (40, 60) deployed within the instrument channel of the primary endoscope (30, 50), and an endoscope tracker including one or more sensors (32, 61) and one or markers (41, 52) for sensing any portion of the miniature secondary endoscope (40, 60) extending from a distal end of the instrument channel of the primary endoscope (30, 50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Adrien Emmanuel Desjardins, Gert Wim 'T Hooft, Maya Ella Barley, Luis Felipe Gutierrez, Raymond Chan, Robert Manzke
  • Publication number: 20130310641
    Abstract: An enhanced flexibility auxiliary endoscope assembly for use with an endoscope, the assembly including at least one flexible elongate element and a flexible sleeve having a first lumen for accommodating a distal portion of an endoscope capable of assuming at least a first curvature and a second lumen for accommodating the at least one flexible elongate element, the second lumen being configured to allow the at least one flexible elongate element to assume the at least first curvature as well as at least a second curvature about the first curvature, thereby to enhance flexibility of the auxiliary endoscope assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: GAD TERLIUC, GILAD LURIA, OHAD SHAFRAN
  • Patent number: 8585584
    Abstract: An endoscope system is provided for examination of a hollow body component. The endoscope system includes an endoscope having an outer periphery and a distal end housing a first image lens for receiving images in a first direction. The endoscope defines a hollow channel therethrough. A catheter is received within the channel of the endoscope and has proximate and distal ends. A rear view module is positioned at the distal end of the catheter and includes a second image lens. At least a portion of the module is movable between a first position and a second position wherein the second lens receives images in a second direction at an angle to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventor: Nitesh Ratnakar
  • Publication number: 20130289351
    Abstract: An endoscope for performing minimally invasive surgery includes along a portion of its length a means such as a groove for slidingly engaging with a corresponding means such as a tongue in a second endoscope and guiding the second endoscope into the patient. Multiple endoscope may be connected together and guide one another into or out of a patient. The tongue structure may include incongruous portions to permit two endoscopes to be partially connected and guided by one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Biagio Ravo
  • Patent number: 8485965
    Abstract: An endoscope main body constituting an endoscope in a state in which an elongated detachable observation optical system is attached to the endoscope main body, and in a proximal end of an insertion section of the endoscope main body, a branch member is disposed. The branch member is provided so that a first extended section and a second extended section are branched from each other and thereby first and second operating sections are separately arranged. Furthermore, the branch member has an opening as an inlet which guides an imaging module in a distal end of the observation optical system to a hard portion of the insertion section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Olympus Corporation, Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Ito, Taro Iede, Hirokazu Tanaka, Hideya Kitagawa, Manabu Miyamoto
  • Patent number: 8475361
    Abstract: A medical procedure and a system are provided so that two visions are obtainable through natural orifices by means of two observational apparatuses, or one the two visions is selectable. The medical procedure through a natural orifice comprises: forming an orifice in a hollow organ by using a device inserted into the hollow organ from a natural orifice of a patient; introducing a first observation device from said orifice formed in said hollow organ into an abdominal cavity; introducing a second observation device from said orifice formed in said hollow organ into the abdominal cavity; arranging said second observation device in a position different from that of said first observation device; simultaneously or selectively displaying an image obtained from said first observation device and an image obtained from said second observation device; and performing a desired procedure in the abdominal cavity while confirming the images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: David E Barlow, Takayasu Mikkaichi, Kensei Nakahashi
  • Patent number: 8465417
    Abstract: An endoscope system of the invention includes: a first endoscope capable of picking up an image of a subject; a first illuminating section capable of emitting first illuminating light; a second endoscope capable of picking up an image of the subject illuminated by the first light from a direction different from the first endoscope; a second illuminating section capable of emitting second illuminating light; a video signal processing section for generating a video signal based on a signal picked-up by the second endoscope; a display section for displaying an image of the subject obtained by the video signal processing section; an emphasis instructing section for instructing an emphasis on an image obtained based on the first light; and an emphasis control section for controlling to emphasize the subject image obtained based on the first light according to an operation of the emphasis instructing section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Seiji Yamaguchi
  • Publication number: 20130116506
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end and an imaging device with a steerable extension. The proximal end of the extension is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end region and a rear-viewing imaging device at least partially disposed inside the distal end region. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end cap, an imaging device, and a link that couples the imaging device to the distal end cap of the insertion tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Avantis Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lex BAYER, Fred RASMUSSEN
  • Patent number: 8353816
    Abstract: A capsule endoscope is swallowed by a patient, to capture images from inner wall surfaces of patient's digestive tract, while detecting imaging positions of the capsule endoscope. A doctor observes the images captured by the capsule endoscope, to select an aimed point image that contains a portion suspected of a lesion, and some images that represent pass points on an insertion route of a balloon endoscope. While a probing tip of the balloon endoscope is being inserted into the patient for the sake of thorough examination of the suspected portion, a degree of similarity between an image captured by the balloon endoscope and an image of a destination point, which is one of the pass points and the aimed point, is detected to judge by the similarity whether the probing tip has reached the destination point or not. So the doctor can get the probing tip to the aimed point easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Kunimasa Shimizu, Kenichi Otani, Naoto Kinjo
  • Patent number: 8328712
    Abstract: An image processing method includes the steps of: receiving image data from a body-insertable apparatus having a plurality of imaging units that captures an image of inside of a subject and generates image data and an identification information adding unit that adds identification information for identifying an imaging unit that generates the image data to the image data; displaying a list of the selected image data by the identification information; and switching image data to be displayed in the list displaying step from image data of the one identification information being displayed to image data of the other identification information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Takeshi Nishiyama, Katsuyoshi Taniguchi
  • Publication number: 20120277528
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical apparatus, in particular, a mother-baby endoscope system consisting of hard mother-hysteroscope and flexible baby-falloposcope which comprises a hard mother-hysteroscope system and a flexible baby-falloposcope system. The hard mother-hysteroscope system comprises a hard hysteroscope and a sheathing canal of the hysteroscope. The flexible baby-falloposcope system is a flexible falloposcope which comprises a flexible front end and a liquid channel. At least one instrument channel is provided in the endoscope body of the hard hysteroscope such that the flexible front end of the flexible falloposcope can be place thereinto. The mother-baby endoscope system not only can be used to treat the lesions in uterine cavity, but also observe the lesions in oviduct, thereby it extends the using scope of hysteroscope in gynecological surgery and improves the accuracy of examination and treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Inventor: Tie Qiao
  • Patent number: 8289381
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion tube having an end, and an imaging catheter assembly. The imaging catheter assembly includes a tubular body, an imaging device, and a shape memory link that connects the imaging device to the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Avantis Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lex Bayer, Rupesh Desai, John Higgins
  • Patent number: 8277373
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: USGI Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy D. Maahs, Richard C. Ewers, Arvin T. Chang, Chris Rothe, Eugene C. Chen, Marvin C. Elmer, Gilbert Madrid, Kabir Gambhir
  • Patent number: 8267853
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for overlaying ultrasound imagery on a laparoscopic camera display. The system may include a laparoscope configured to capture a laparoscopic image of a surgical field and a laparoscopic ultrasound probe configured to capture an ultrasonic image of a structure in the surgical field. The system may further include a tracking system configured to detect a position and orientation of the laparoscope and a position and orientation of the laparoscopic ultrasound probe. The system may further include data associated with the laparoscope wherein the data indicates a distortion in the laparoscopic image. The system may further include a computer configured to receive the laparoscopic image, the ultrasonic image and the distortion data associated with the laparoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Southwest Research Institute
    Inventors: James Brian Fisher, Steven P. Bowers, Kent R. Van Sickle, Warren Carl Couvillion, Jr., Robert D. Wright, Jeremy W. Cannon