Abstract: A delivery device for positioning and deploying an implantable device within a lumen is provided. The device includes an inner tube positioned within an outer tube and capable of sliding therein, wherein the inner and outer tubes have proximal and distal ends. A side opening is defined in each of the inner and outer tubes, wherein each side opening is defined proximate to the implantable device and is capable of substantially aligning with the other side opening. The device includes an optical device capable of viewing at least a portion of the lumen prior to deploying the implantable device when the side openings are aligned with each other. A mechanism is coupled to at least one of the inner and outer tubes and is operable to deploy the implantable device within the lumen.

Abstract: A video endoscope includes a tube fitted at its distal end with an affixed objective lens, a video camera mounted behind the objective lens in the tube, the camera together with an elongated rotation element constituting a swivel unit that is supported both at the distal and proximal end zones in each case by swivel bearing at the tube. The swivel element being rotationally adjustable relative the tube by a swivel drive system. The distal swivel bearing is axially and radially bearing and the proximal swivel bearing is only radially bearing.

Abstract: An endoscopic shaft having multiple endoscopic elements set in a polymer common housing. The endoscopic elements may be drawn with the common housing to manufacture a component, called an EndoFiber, which forms the length of the endoscopic shaft. A second structure, called an Endocap, may be provided that includes optical elements and which is attached to the end of the EndoFiber to form the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to biopsy needle guidance which employs an x-ray/gamma image spatial co-registration methodology. A gamma camera is configured to mount on a biopsy needle gun platform to obtain a gamma image. More particular, the spatially co-registered x-ray and physiological images may be employed for needle guidance during biopsy. Moreover, functional images may be obtained from a gamma camera at various angles relative to a target site. Further, the invention also generally relates to a breast lesion localization method using opposed gamma camera images or dual opposed images. This dual head methodology may be used to compare the lesion signal in two opposed detector images and to calculate the Z coordinate (distance from one or both of the detectors) of the lesion.

Abstract: A method for assembling an endoscope with a first tubular channel for receiving image-transmitting components and with a second channel for receiving light guides. It is proposed to introduce the light guides first into a flexible tube and to introduce the unit made up of flexible tube and light guides into the second channel.

Abstract: A reduced diameter in vivo imaging device, such as a swallowable imaging capsule. The imaging device includes a first circuit board configured for accommodating at least an image sensor, and a second circuit board, which is in electrical communication with the first circuit board and which extends substantially perpendicularly from the bottom surface of the first circuit board.

Abstract: An insertion shape detecting probe includes shape detecting elements for generating or detecting magnetic field or magnetic; signal lines connected to the shape detecting elements; supporting members that support the shape detecting elements; inner sheaths into which the signal lines and the supporting members are inserted; and an outer sheath into which the inner sheaths, the shape detecting elements, and at least one portion of the supporting members are inserted. The inner sheaths are each formed from a multiple-lumen tube that has a first lumen formed at a substantially central portion of each inner sheath and second lumens formed around an exterior periphery portion of the first lumen, and the supporting members are elongated wire rods one portion of which is arranged along exterior peripheries of the shape detecting elements in an axial direction and other portion runs through the second lumens.

Abstract: A substantially spherical in vivo imaging device (40) may be used for imaging body lumens in the GI tract. The imaging device (40) may include for example a ballast or weight (74) for setting a preferred orientation of the device within the body lumen. The substantially spherical shape (52) of the in vivo imaging device (40) may facilitate capturing steady streams of imaging data in large body lumens. A method of manufacture is presented.

Abstract: The next generation colonoscope has multiple dual view modules that are attached along the length of its shaft. Each dual view module comprises of a forward and rear image lens and a forward and rear illumination bulb. Each dual view module is designed and attached to the shaft in a way that when deployed, the forward image lens and the forward illumination bulb face forwards and provide forward view; and the rear image lens and the rear illumination bulb face backwards and provide rear view. An actuator is used to selectively move the housings from a first non-deployed position to a second deployed position.

Abstract: An optical fiber scanner is used for multiphoton excitation imaging, optical coherence tomography, or for confocal imaging in which transverse scans are carried out at a plurality of successively different depths within tissue. The optical fiber scanner is implemented as a scanning endoscope using a cantilevered optical fiber that is driven into resonance or near resonance by an actuator. The actuator is energized with drive signals that cause the optical fiber to scan in a desired pattern at successively different depths as the depth of the focal point is changed. Various techniques can be employed for depth focus tracking at a rate that is much slower than the transverse scanning carried out by the vibrating optical fiber. The optical fiber scanner can be used for confocal imaging, multiphoton fluorescence imaging, nonlinear harmonic generation imaging, or in an OCT system that includes a phase or frequency modulator and delay line.

Abstract: An anoscope includes a first hollow body open at opposite ends and a second hollow body open at opposite ends shapingly coupled with the first hollow body and arranged to coaxially rotate inside the first hollow body, the second hollow body being provided with a window arranged to make a portion of rectal mucous accessible. The window has an operating window and has dimensions and a shape such as to enable a surgical device to intervene on the portion. An angular positioning element is arranged to regulate the angular position of the second hollow body in the first hollow body in preset reciprocal angular positions, which reciprocal angular positions correspond to a same number of positions that can be taken up by the window.

Abstract: A capsule casing is inserted into the living body, a thin-film substrate is cylindrically-shaped with approximately the same size of the inner surface of the casing and a coil for receiving an AC magnetic field is formed, and thus AC power is generated by the AC magnetic field from the outside of the living body with a small mounting space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for articulating an elongate articulatable body which is adapted to be delivered within a body cavity. Particularly, systems and methods for enhancing an articulating force on the elongate body without increasing an actuation force applied by an actuator.

Abstract: To provide an endoscope apparatus in which the number of signal lines inserted through an endoscope insertion section and the number of signal lines in an optical adapter are reduced to make it possible to reduce a diameter of the endoscope insertion section and reduce a size of the optical adapter. In an optical adapter 4 detachably attachable to a distal end portion of the endoscope insertion section, an LED 11 to which plural LED elements are connected in series and a resistor 12 for connection detection are connected in parallel to two electric contacts 14. To two signal lines 17a and 17b connected to electric contacts 15 connected to the two electric contacts 14, an attachment-and-detachment determining power supply 21 is connected through a switching circuit 18 and an optical-adapter-attachment-and-detachment determining section 24 is connected.

Abstract: An ultrasonic endoscope comprises an insertion portion comprising a distal hard portion which has: an endoscopic observation unit; and an ultrasonic observation unit having ultrasonic transducers arranged circumferentially on an outer circumferential section of the distal hard portion, wherein the ultrasonic observation unit comprises an ultrasonic-wave transmission/reception unit having an tunnel-shaped path which has an inner circumferential surface formed as a backing layer; a distal block is arranged on a distal side in an axial direction of the distal hard portion with respect to a location where the ultrasonic-wave transmission/reception unit is arranged, and distal ends of respective members constituting the endoscopic observation unit are fixed to the distal block; and part of the members which constitute the endoscopic observation unit are fitted so as to be partially protruded from an inside diameter of the tunnel-shaped path toward an outer circumferential side thereof.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a radiation system (1) comprising an excentric gantry (100) arranged in connection with multiple treatment rooms (61-68) separated by radiation-shielding separating members (71-78). A movable rotation head (120) is connected to the gantry (100) and is able to move between, and direct a radiation beam (110) into, the treatment rooms (61-68). A simulator head (200-1 to 200-8) is preferably arranged together with the radiation system so it can be used in each respective treatment room (61-68). In such a case, while a first subject (40-1) is being irradiated in a first room (61), a treatment set-up procedure, including correct positioning of subjects (40-2 to 40-8) and irradiation simulation, can simultaneously take place for the other subjects (40-2 to 40-8) in the other treatment rooms (62 to 68).

Abstract: This invention relates to an endoscope, particularly a bronchoscope, incorporating one or more multifunctional component made of a material that is multifunctional. The endoscopes of this invention comprise at least one multifunctional component having more than one function wherein the functions were previously performed separately by individual components.

Abstract: An endoscope has a tubular shaft whose interior contains components, in particular lenses, spacers, diaphragms, prisms and filters of an optical system, said components being at least partially surrounded by a support piece made of shrunk material. It is proposed that the components be surrounded by a transparent and tube-sleeve-shaped shrunk material which has been shrunk before the components are introduced into the tubular shaft.

Abstract: An endoscope of the present invention includes a distal end main body portion provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion, a disposing hole having a first space and a second space that is formed in the distal end main body portion, and an objective lens. The endoscope also includes an image pickup unit that is provided inside disposing hole such that objective lens faces a second opening and that has a shape formed along a part of first space and second space. Image pickup unit is fixed inside disposing hole by a screw that is inserted into distal end main body portion through a screw hole formed in distal end main body portion at an intersecting region between first space and second space.

Abstract: A manipulator comprises an operation command unit provided with an attitude adjusting unit and an end effector control unit, a connecting unit having one end connected to the operation command unit, a working unit connected to the other end of the connecting unit and provided with an end effector and a support unit supporting the end effector for motions, and a control unit that transmits an operation command provided by the attitude adjusting unit to the support unit to adjust the attitude of the end effector and transmits an operation command provided by the end effector control unit to the end effector to operate the end effector. The support unit includes a first joint capable of turning about a first axis perpendicular to the center axis of the connecting unit, and a second joint capable of turning about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The end effector can be turned for rolling about an axis substantially parallel to the second axis of the second joint.

Abstract: An endoscope has an endoscope tube and a lens system arranged in the endoscope tube. The lens system has endoscope lens components and air gaps between the lens components. An illumination system is arranged within the endoscope tube. The endoscope lens components each have an axial lens length; the endoscope lens components include first lens components and second lens components, wherein the axial lens length of the first lens components is the shortest axial lens length, respectively, and wherein the axial lens length of the second lens components is longer than the shortest axial lens length. The first lens components with the shortest axial lens length are arranged in an area of an axial center of the endoscope tube. The second lens components having the longer axial lens length have a first half and a second half and an air gap arranged between the first and second halves.

Abstract: A medical instrument used as a sigmoidoscope (1) for internal examination of the rectum and sigmoid colon of a patient. The instrument includes an outer tubular member in the form of a speculum (2) having a forward insertion end (3) and a rearward observation end (4). An inner tapered guide tube (10) is disposed at least partially within the speculum (2). A retractable obturation tube (15) is disposed between the speculum (2) and the inner guide tube (10) for relative movement between a retracted position substantially within the speculum (2) and an extended position in which the obturation tube (15) protrudes longitudinally beyond the forward end (3) of the speculum (2).

Abstract: A dental/medical instrument is provided for use in diagnostic and related patient inspection/examination. The device includes a body having an integral speculum with a video image capture device, a power supply and a display. These components, and user actuatable controls, are integral with the body. The body is adapted for convenient engagement and manipulation by a user's hand to provide a unitary, hand-held device capable of illuminating and capturing an image of a patient, and displaying the image. An autofocus device moves an image sensor relative to a fixed lens array. Components of the image capture device, such as a lens and light emitter, are disposed on a nose portion of the speculum, which is modularly replaceable with alternate nose portions sized and shaped to facilitate various discrete medical/dental examination procedures. Embodiments also includes a tube and controller configured to apply material, capture data, and/or effect movement of the speculum.

Abstract: A predictive robot includes a prediction-related item storage to store terms related to prediction performance, a first communicator which transmits stored prediction-related terms and receives a search result of information search with regard to the prediction-related terms, a search controller to control information search of the prediction-related terms stored in the prediction-related item storage via the first communicator, a media converter to convert the search result into a notification medium, and a notification section to provide the search result by the notification medium. Preferably, predictive information is provided spontaneously.

Abstract: In a wireless power supply system including a power feeding system equipped with a transmission antenna for wirelessly transmitting an electric power from a power sources and a receiver antenna formed by winding a receiver coil around an outer periphery of a substantially bar-like core member for receiving the transmitted electric power, the length of the core member of the receiver antenna is more than 10 times longer than the diameter of the core member.

Abstract: Optical devices which accurately position optical elements and methods for producing such optical devices. Each optical element is carried by a support on an axis that has portions plastically deformed to overlap portions of the faces of the optical element adjacent an intermediate peripheral surface. This configuration locks the optical element axially in the support and produces a positive rigid retaining structure for each optical element.

Abstract: A bend section is disposed on an insertion section. A rotary body, on which a proximal end portion of a wire for a bend operation, which has a distal end portion connected to the bend section, is rotatably supported in a large-diameter section. Driving force transmission portion, which converts linear movement of a working shaft that is operable in a linear direction to rotational movement of the rotary body, is provided in the large-diameter section. A driving source unit is detachably coupled to the large-diameter section on the proximal end side of the insertion section. The driving source unit is provided with operation section which linearly moves the working shaft, in accordance with an operation of a driving shaft that operates in a linear direction by a driving force from a driving motor.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insert section, a CCD is mounted at the end of the insert section, and a CCU for producing a video signal is arranged in a control unit connected to a proximal end of the insert unit. The CCU includes a general-purpose DSP board having the function of producing a standard video signal, and a function adjustment/expansion circuit board for correcting a signal delay due to the length of a signal line connected to the CCD. The DSP boards and the function adjustment/expansion circuit boards, respectively remaining the same in circuit arrangement, are used for a plurality of types of endoscopes having insert sections having different insertion lengths.

Abstract: There is provided a capsule-type device, which is provided with a power generator that generates power by receiving at least one of a time-varying electric field and a time-varying magnetic field, and a casing that surrounds the power generator. The power generator includes a plurality of receiving elements having different directionalities with regard to the at least one of the time-varying electric field and the time-varying magnetic field.

Abstract: A system of self-organizing mobile robotic agents (MRAs) in a multi-robotic system (MRS) is disclosed. MRAs cooperate, learn and interact with the environment. The system uses various AI technologies including genetic algorithms, genetic programming and evolving artificial neural networks to develop emergent dynamic behaviors. The collective behaviors of autonomous intelligent robotic agents are applied to numerous applications. The system uses hybrid control architectures. The system also develops dynamic coalitions of groups of autonomous MRAs for formation and reformation in order to perform complex tasks.

Abstract: An insertion portion of an endoscope includes a bendable flexible tubular framework composed of a plurality of short-cylindrical joint rings which are coupled in series via rotatable connecting shafts, and a plurality of flexible internal elements which are inserted into the flexible tubular framework and arranged to extend straightly in an axial direction of the flexible tubular framework upon distal ends of the flexible internal elements being fixed to a distal end of the insertion portion. Inner end surfaces of each of the connecting shafts are positioned between two adjacent flexible internal elements of the flexible internal elements around a perimeter of the plurality of flexible internal elements.

Abstract: A robot arm includes a drive assembly and an articulated arm assembly pivotally connected to the drive assembly. The articulated arm includes a pivoting base link system, a wrist link system, and a first elbow link system rotatably connected to the base link system by a pair of upper arms and connected to the wrist link system by a pair of forearms, a second elbow link system rotatably connected to the base link system by another at least one upper arm and connected to the wrist link system by another at least one forearm, wherein the drive assembly is connected to at least one of the upper arms and the base link system to provide three degrees of freedom by driving the at least one of the upper arms and pivoting the pivoting base link system to position the wrist link system at a given location with a predetermined skew relative to an axis of translation.

Abstract: An endoscope having restricted dimensions and comprising at least one image gatherer, at least one image distorter and at least one image sensor shaped to fit within said limited dimensions, and wherein said image distorter is operable to distort an image received from said image gatherer so that the image is sensible at said shaped image sensor.

Abstract: A communication system for safe wireless control of an maneuverable object. A control unit includes an operator for operating the object and a receiver for receiving wireless information. A portable operating unit has a transmitter for transmitting wireless information. The information is divided in time slots, each including a data package. The receiver includes a detector for detecting in a time part of a time slot the presence of the data package and a calculator for calculating upon a reception failure the number of time parts having no presence of the data package following a time slot with presence of the data package. The control unit exercises a control command when a data package with a correct information has been received within a number of time parts just exceeding a full time slot.

Abstract: A casing of an endoscopic manipulating head assembly is largely constituted by and dividable into a main cover section adapted to support an operating means of an angulation control mechanism and a grip cover section provided between the main cover section and an insertion tube of the endoscope. Both of the main cover section and the grip cover section are formed of a synthetic resin material. A support plate of a rigid metal is provided internally of the manipulating head assembly to support the angulation control mechanism. A plural number of passage-forming tubular structural members are successively connected within the grip cover section for passing internal components to and from the insertion tube of the endoscope. The support plate is connected to one of the tubular structural members which is located at the proximal end of the grip cover section.

Abstract: A structure having a proximal open end for inserting a treatment instrument into a channel of the insertion portion that opens to a display panel side, and is provided on the frame of the display portion, wherein the treatment instrument inserted from the proximal open end (forceps-port) that extends out from the open end of the distal portion.

Abstract: A hard distal component formed at the distal part of an inserting section and a leading bending piece included in a bending section are joined using a substantially cylindrical hard joint pipe. Build-in components including an imaging device that is a CCD are placed in the joint pipe. An adhesive is poured into the surroundings of the built-in components in the joint pipe, whereby the built-in components are locked. Thus, the structure of the distal component is simplified and the surroundings thereof are made thinner.

Abstract: A variable view arthroscope includes a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis and an input end, an input lens and a CCD in the input end of the housing for capturing and relaying an image object. In some embodiments, a variable view arthroscope with a plurality of viewing positions in a viewing range between a first end viewing position and a second end viewing position includes a tubular housing having a longitudinal axis and an input end, an input lens and a mirror in the housing for obtaining an image object, and a prism, a focusing lens, and a CCD in the housing for capturing and relaying the image object. The input lens and mirror are movable around an axis for varying the view of the arthroscope. In certain embodiments, the tubular housing has a longitudinal axis and an input end and the input lens and CCD are mounted in an input lens holder in the input end of the housing. The input lens and the CCD are movable for varying the view of the arthroscope.

Abstract: A robotic system, and corresponding method, performs the function of a human scrub technician in an operating room. A device, and associated method for using the device, performs one, or more, of the following functions: instrument identification, instrument localization, instrument handling, interaction with a human, and integration of functions through a cognitive system. A method for movement of the device comprises the steps of modeling the arm of the robot to create a model comprising elements of finite mass joined by junctions, using an algorithm to calculate results of the effect of applying force to the elements of the model, using attractive, replusive and postural forces in the algorithm, and using the results of the model to direct motion of the device.

Abstract: An optical device for viewing an object at a range of working distances. The device comprises a slender tube of a certain length and having a distal end and a proximal end. The device further comprises an imaging system disposed at the distal end and having a wide viewing angle. The device also comprises a telescopic system associated with the proximal end and having a narrow viewing angle. The imaging system is designed to form an image of the object at an image plane located on the device's optical axis and within the tube closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. The telescopic system is designed to enable viewing of the image of the object. The device is especially adapted to function as an endoscope in medical applications and may be disposable.

Abstract: An endoscopic device for the partial fundoplication for the treatment of GERD, comprises: a) a distal bending portion and a flexible portion suitable to be positioned in extended shape within the esophagus of a subject; b) a positioning assembly comprising two separate elements, one of which is located on said distal bending portion, and the other on said flexible portion; c) a stapling assembly comprising a staple ejecting device, wherein said staple ejecting device is located on either said bending portion or on said flexible portion, said staple ejecting devices being in working positioned relationship when said two separate elements of said positioning assembly are aligned; and d) circuitry for determining when said two separate elements of said positioning assembly are aligned.

Abstract: A robot system for use in surgical procedures has two movable arms each carried on a wheeled base with each arm having a six of degrees of freedom of movement and an end effector which can be rolled about its axis and an actuator which can slide along the axis for operating different tools adapted to be supported by the effector. Each end effector including optical force sensors for detecting forces applied to the tool by engagement with the part of the patient. A microscope is located at a position for viewing the part of the patient. The position of the tool tip can be digitized relative to fiducial markers visible in an MRI experiment. The workstation and control system has a pair of hand-controllers simultaneously manipulated by an operator to control movement of a respective one or both of the arms. The image from the microscope is displayed on a monitor in 2D and stereoscopically on a microscope viewer. A second MRI display shows an image of the part of the patient the real-time location of the tool.

Abstract: A dental/medical instrument is provided for use in diagnostic and related patient inspection/examination. The device includes a body having an integral speculum with a video image capture device, a power supply and a display. These components, in addition to user actuatable controls, are disposed integrally with the body. The body is adapted for convenient engagement and manipulation by a user's hand to provide a unitary, hand-held device capable of illuminating and capturing an image of a patient, and displaying the image. Components of the image capture device, such as a lens and light emitter, are disposed on a nose portion of the speculum. The nose portion is modularly replaceable with alternate nose portions sized and shaped to facilitate various discrete medical/dental examination procedures. The instrument also includes a tube and controller configured to apply material, capture data, and/or effect movement of the speculum.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes at least one of a connector on the side of a scope unit and a connector on the side of a fixed unit in a connector portion disposed in an detachable portion of a base unit and the fixed unit of the scope unit is a movable connector, and in the detachable portion, the base unit is connected to the fixed unit by positioning means for positioning the fixed unit side to the base unit side, when the connector on the fixed unit side is connected to that on the base unit side.

Abstract: A surgical device adapted for use with an image guided surgical system to facilitate monitoring inter-dependently mobile bone elements. A rigidly connected multiple-point anchor assembly is releasably engageable to at least two inter-dependently mobile bone elements and immobilizes the bone elements such that no relative movement therebetween is possible, and a complex rigid body comprising the immobilized bone elements and the multiple-point anchor assembly is formed. A trackable member is fastened to the multiple-point anchor assembly and comprises a detectable element adapted to be located and tracked in three dimensional space by the image guided surgical system, thereby defining position and movement of the complex rigid body.

Abstract: A teleoperator system with telepresence is shown which includes right and left hand controllers (72R and 72L) for control of right and left manipulators (24R and 24L) through use of a servomechanism that includes computer (42). Cameras (46R and 46L) view workspace (30) from different angles for production of stereoscopic signal outputs at lines (48R and 48L). In response to the camera outputs a 3-dimensional top-to-bottom inverted image (30I) is produced which, is reflected by mirror (66) toward the eyes of operator (18). A virtual image (30V) is produced adjacent control arms (76R and 76L) which is viewed by operator (18) looking in the direction of the control arms. Use of the teleoperator system for surgical procedures also is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image pick-up device and an endoscope in which a lens member and a solid-state image pick-up device are prevented from exposure to water vapor during autoclave sterilization, and in which the diameter of an insertion portion is narrow, a rigid tip end portion is short, and assembly is performed easily. The image pick-up device of the present invention comprises an image pick-up unit for capturing an optical image obtained from incident light entering an internal cavity of a frame, and outputting an image signal of the optical image, wiring extending from the image pick-up unit in an opposite direction to the direction in which the incident light enters, this wiring being capable of transmitting the image signal, and a substrate which is disposed in the internal cavity of a frame, has holes for engaging with the wiring, one surface of which is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the frame, and which is formed of a member having a light-transmitting property.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope (CE) having a field of view that may be dynamically adjusted. The CE includes an illuminator that may be an optical or acoustical illuminator designed to illuminate the lining of a GI tract. A scanner, such as a MEMS scanner may be used to scan the illumination source onto the lining. The scanner may be controlled to dynamically adjust the field of view. A lenslet array may also be used to focus the illumination. The sensor is formed such that it may be curved to a contour and includes a support having sufficient flexibility such that it can be formed to the contour. The substrate includes the sensor and is formed sufficiently thin so that it can be shaped to the contour. The substrate is coupled with the support such that the combination can be formed to the contour.

Abstract: A manipulator comprises an operation command unit provided with an attitude adjusting unit and an end effector control unit, a connecting unit having one end connected to the operation command unit, a working unit connected to the other end of the connecting unit and provided with an end effector and a support unit supporting the end effector for motions, and a control unit that transmits an operation command provided by the attitude adjusting unit to the support unit to adjust the attitude of the end effector and transmits an operation command provided by the end effector control unit to the end effector to operate the end effector. The support unit includes a first joint capable of turning about a first axis perpendicular to the center axis of the connecting unit, and a second joint capable of turning about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis. The end effector can be turned for rolling about an axis substantially parallel to the second axis of the second joint.

Abstract: An optical device for viewing an object at a range of working distances. The device comprises a slender tube of a certain length and having a distal end and a proximal end. The device farther comprises an imaging system disposed at the distal end and having a wide viewing angle. The device also comprises a telescopic system associated with the proximal end and having a narrow viewing angle. The imaging system is designed to form an image of the object at an image plane located on the device's optical axis and within the tube closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. The telescopic system is designed to enable viewing of the image of the object. The device is especially adapted to function as an endoscope in medical applications and may be disposable.