Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument (1) having a hermetic chamber (19), wherein at least one electrical connection (9-9VIII) is provided from the hermetic chamber (19) to outside the hermetic chamber (19) to an outer area (20). The surgical instrument (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the at least one electrical connection (9-9VIII) is applied to an electrically insulating substrate (21, 100), wherein a first insulating layer (14, 25) is applied at least to the electrical connection (9-9VIII) and a layer (15, 23) suitable for a hermetic connection and hermetically connected to a wall (16, 28, 29) of the surgical instrument (1), is applied to the first insulating layer (14, 25).

Abstract: An air shield for a videoscope imager to prevent obscuring of the optical input by body liquids and tissue particles. The imager is extended through a tube carrying a pressurized gas so that when the gas escapes from the end of the tube, it generates an air stream envelope around the optical input of the imager and prevents liquids and particles directed toward the optical input from contacting the optical input. The pressurized gas flows continuously during the medical or dental procedure to maintain a constant resistance to liquids and matter directed to the optical input of the imager.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion including a distal end portion, to be inserted into a subject; an observation optical system disposed in the insertion portion; an optical member configuring a part of an outer surface of the distal end portion, through which a photographing light to be incident into the observation optical system transmits; a first hydrophilic portion that is film-formed at least on a surface of the optical member; a second hydrophilic portion that is film-formed on a first surface of the distal end portion in which the optical member is disposed; and a third hydrophilic portion that is film-formed on a second surface separate from the first surface of the distal end portion.

Abstract: A method for operating a cleaning device or a cleaning system is proposed. In this case, the cleaning device is set up for carrying out a process for cleaning an article with a germicidal action. The method includes the following steps: information on a target germ with which the article could be contaminated is received; at least one process parameter of the cleaning process is selected according to the target germ in such a way that the target germ is killed with a high degree of probability during the cleaning process; and the cleaning process is carried out with the process parameter.

Abstract: An endoscope has a shaft which is composed of an outer tube and an inner tube, providing a channel therebetween. The proximal end of the shaft is connected to an endoscope head. The endoscope head is provided with a light guide connector. Light guides extend from said light guide connector to a distal end of said channel in said shaft. Said channel housing said light guides is filled with an adhesive.

Abstract: An endoscope sterilizing test pack includes an inner case having an open/close mechanism which can insert thereinto and remove therefrom an indicator for checking a sterilization effect of sterilization treatment; at least one tube connected to the inner case so that one end is opened and another end is communicated with an inside of the inner case; and a sheath member housing the tube and the inner case.

Abstract: A method provides flow to multiple channels in an endoscope during an endoscope decontamination procedure. A member is inserted into a chamber in a body of an endoscope through an opening into the chamber, the chamber being intersected by a first lumen and a second lumen. The member separates fluidly the first lumen from the second lumen. Fluid is flowed through a first channel through the member into the first lumen and through a second channel through the member into the second lumen. Additional lumens can be so treated at the same time. Fluids can include detergents and other cleaning fluids, disinfectants and sterilants.

Abstract: In a washing/disinfecting tank of an endoscope washing/disinfecting device, an endoscope connection portion to be joined to a connector portion of an endoscope body is provided, and receiving-side bases to be connected to each of pipelines of the endoscope body are provided. In washing/disinfecting the endoscope body, the connector portion is opposed to the endoscope connection portion in the predetermined positioned state, and then, a switch is turned on. Then, an electromagnet disposed at the endoscope connection portion is excited so as to attract and fix the connector portion by a generated magnetic force.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope for medical and non-medical purposes having a housing and a shaping element positioned in the housing containing a hygroscopic substance. To design a medical instrument of the aforementioned type in such a manner than the hygroscopic substance can be integrated into the housing simply and securely with the greatest possible drying effect, it is proposed in keeping with the invention that the binding agent is also a hygroscopically active substance.

Abstract: A medical manipulator and a cleaning method therefor are provided. The medical manipulator includes an operation command unit equipped with a motor, and a working unit, which is detachable with respect to the operation command unit. A connector of the working unit is connected to the operation command unit, and includes pulleys that engage with the motor, the connector serving to rotatably retain the pulleys therein. The connector has an elongate shape extending in the longitudinal direction of a connecting shaft, and a first cleaning hole is arranged in an end portion of the connector that is opposite to a side on which the connecting shaft is connected. A second cleaning hole opens into an interior cavity, in the vicinity of an end portion on the side where the connecting shaft is connected. The end portions are shaped substantially hemispherically.

Abstract: An optical probe, for example, a medical endoscope, having a removable lens cell. In an embodiment, the optical probe has an elongated tube with a proximal portion terminating at a proximal end and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion terminating at a distal end. The elongated tube defines an axial lumen wherein a lens cell holder is disposed proximal the distal portion. The lens cell holder has an axial holder bore for at least partially containing the lens cell within and removably coupled with the holder bore.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion; a channel member that has one opening at a distal portion of the insertion portion and other opening at a portion other than the distal portion; an exterior member opening that communicatively connects an interior of the endoscope to outside; and a filter that is provided at the exterior member opening to prevent at least one of intrusion of dust into the interior and leakage of a lubricant agent stored in the endoscope out of the endoscope.

Abstract: A battery pack for a sterilizable instrument, such as a medical endoscope. The battery pack includes batteries removably positioned within an enclosure which mounts a first grouping of electrical contacts engaged with the battery contacts. The enclosure includes an outer end wall which sealingly encloses the first grouping of contacts. The outer end wall mounts a second grouping of electrical contacts which are normally resiliently maintained in a first position spaced from the contacts of the first grouping. The contacts of the second grouping sealingly penetrate through the outer end wall. When the battery pack is engaged on the instrument, the contacts of the second grouping engage third contacts on the instrument, causing the contacts of the second grouping to move into a second position where they directly engage contacts of the first grouping to provide electrical power to the instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope according to the present invention includes an endoscope main body, in which a channel having at least one end communicated with the outside is inserted and which is covered with an exterior member, and a communicating hole which is arranged in the halfway of the channel and which introduces vapor in the channel so as to sterilize the channel with the vapor.

Abstract: An apparatus which is self-contained, disposable, utilized for protecting the distal lens of endoscopes. The apparatus is sterile and is used as a holder or as an anti-fog solution applicator for the scope while protecting it from impact with a shock absorbent outer housing. A new method for protecting endoscopes by placing an inexpensive sterile protective cover over the distal lens of the endoscope which entails, placing the protector over the distal lens prior to medical procedure, protective cover is used intermittently and repeatedly during the medical procedure when the scope is not in use. Finally, at the end of the medical procedure the protective cover is placed over the distal lens and not removed until the scope reaches the area where it will be cleaned and sterilized. By protecting the scope prior to, during and after a medical procedure, endoscope repairs are reduced thereby saving hospitals money.

Abstract: A handle assembly facilitates the removal of a sterile inner tray containing sterile medical instruments from a medical kit during an OR procedure. The handle assembly may have a handle coupled with an elongated member having a male end and a female end. The inner tray may be wrapped in medical packaging. Subsequently, the elongated member may be wrapped around the inner tray and the male and female ends interconnected. The inner tray may be positioned inside of an outer tray. A bacterial barrier may be formed over a portion of the outer tray to enclose the inner tray. The inner tray, including the medical instruments, may then be sterilized by a sterilization process. During an OR procedure, the handle assemble allows a sterile nurse to remove the sterile inner tray from the non-sterile outer tray without making contact with the non-sterile outer tray and/or contaminating the sterile medical instruments.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning/disinfecting apparatus of the present invention includes a cleaning tub, a chemical solution tank for storing a germicide, a chemical solution collection pipe, a chemical solution pipe, a feed pipe, a germicide bottle tray which can be drawn from the body of the cleaning/disinfecting apparatus, and a control unit for performing control to prepare the germicide by mixing a basis, a buffering agent, and a diluent. The germicide bottle tray includes a storage part which stores at least a first bottle body out of the first bottle body for storing the basis or a second bottle body for storing the buffering agent, and a detection portion for outputting a detection signal in a state in which the bottle body is stored in the storage part. The control unit performs control based on the detection signal outputted from the detection portion to prepare the germicide.

Abstract: A rigid endoscope includes an outer housing subassembly that supports an optics subassembly. The outer housing subassembly includes concentric tubes with optical fiber for providing object illumination. The optics subassembly includes a tubular sheath sealed at both ends for carrying lenses and other optical elements. First and second positioners associated with the optics subassembly and the outer housing subassembly, respectively, limit the transfer of axial forces from the proximal end of the endoscope to the tubular sheath.

Abstract: Apparatus for tracking an object includes a plurality of field generators, which generate electromagnetic fields at different, respective frequencies in a vicinity of the object, and a radio frequency (RF) driver, which radiates a RF driving field toward the object. A wireless transponder is fixed to the object. The transponder includes at least one sensor coil, in which a signal current flows responsive to the electromagnetic fields, and a power coil, which receives the RF driving field and conveys electrical energy from the driving field to power the transponder. The power coil also transmits an output signal responsive to the signal current to a signal receiver, which processes the signal to determine coordinates of the object.

Abstract: An electrical device for performing a particular function includes a system circuit for performing the function, and a dedicated power supply for providing power to the circuit. Both the system circuit and the power supply are hermetically sealed within a housing. The device within the housing is intended to be sterilized using high temperature, reaching a sterilization temperature. According to the invention, the device includes a thermal switch which is electrically connected between the system circuit and the power supply. The thermal switch is switchable between an open position wherein the system circuit is electrically isolated from the power supply and receives no power therefrom and a closed position wherein the system circuit is electrically connected to the power supply and receives power therefrom. The thermal switch switches from its closed position to its open position in response to the temperature within the housing rising to a predetermined switch-open temperature value.

Abstract: A rigid endoscope includes an outer housing subassembly that supports an optics subassembly. The outer housing subassembly includes concentric tubes with optical fiber for providing object illumination. The optics subassembly includes a tubular sheath sealed at both ends for carrying lenses and other optical elements. A slow-curing adhesive material fills an annular gap between the optics and outer housing subassemblies. The adhesive material has a tear strength that seals and positions the optics subassembly for normal use and that enables the optics subassembly to be withdrawn from the outer housing subassembly for repair.

Abstract: A method detects proper connection of an endoscope to an endoscope processor by measuring pressure pulses applied to the connection point. The method can include measuring for the pressure pulses at a second connection point on the endoscope processor and measuring for a beat frequency produced variations in the frequency of pressure pulses input at each connection point. The method can also include looking for echoes of the pressure pulsations from physical structures within a lumen of the endoscope connected to the connection point.

Abstract: A system and associated method is used for warming an endoscope, laparoscope, or other such instrument to minimize fogging. The preferred embodiment comprises a pad for wrapping around an instrument, including a one or more substances operative to generate heat through an exothermic reaction; and an activation disc located around the periphery of the pad to provide for convenient user access. In the preferred embodiment, the activator is a mixture of water and sodium acetate, and the disc is made of perforated stainless steel. A housing contains the pad in sleeve form and an optional heat-conductive tube to receive the instrument around which the pad is wrapped. The pad may be partitioned.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope with a watertight and air-tight endoscope handle that in preferred embodiments contains in its interior a solid-state light source and a gas permeable and liquid impermeable sealed compartment holding a battery and an electronic circuit, where the sealed compartment is preferably transverse to the long axis of the endoscope handle, and, in certain embodiments, at least partially surrounded by a movable structure.

Abstract: An endoscope reprocessor having a water supply disinfection filter and a method for self-disinfection of the filter employ a pair of connectors to switch from a normal operating mode into a self-disinfection mode in which circulating germicidal fluid within the reprocessor flows through the filter, while the water supply remains connected to the system and isolated from the circulating fluid.

Abstract: An appliance is provided for connecting the water-tight cap of an endoscope using the distal end of the appliance to connect the water-tight cap over a venting pin connector to the proximal body of the endoscope or bronchoscope over the “S” connector by the proximal end of the appliance. In one version of the invention, one end of the appliance is connected to the “S” connector of the proximal body of the endoscope, as described in detail herein. In another version of the invention, one end of the appliance is wrapped around the proximal body of the endoscope, as described in detail herein. The invention also includes methods of operating the appliance.

Abstract: An inserting portion has, at the proximal end thereof, an operating portion having a bending lever for bending operation. The operating portion has, on the front end side thereof, a grip portion gripped by an operator. The grip portion has therein a plate frame as an internal structure for ensuring predetermined strength. At the notch portion formed by partly notching the frame, an image pick-up unit is mounted to form an optical image transmitted by image guiding fibers to a CCD via a relay optical system. The image pick-up unit is fixed to the frame via an attaching member. Thus, predetermined strength is assured and the image pick-up unit is compactly accommodated with simple structure. A predetermined image pick-up function using the image pick-up unit is held without the action of high tension to the image guiding fibers by mounting a bending portion to the image guiding fibers.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is absolute elimination of medical cross-infection by endoscopy. It offers an endoscope system with a disposal sheath. The disposal sheath via anterior end cap connects the capsule which covers the outside of the endoscope and the disposal channel which sheathe in the endoscope channel and the fluid-air channel, and all these parts are joined together in a whole body. After the disposal channel is passed through the endoscope channel, its posterior disposal channel can be blocked into the elastic sealing cap via the guide tube, the posterior disposal channel's orifice need to be heated and melted and cut up simultaneously and its cut edge is in shape of V-shape by using one kind of heat fusion forceps after the use and before the retracting from the endoscope channel.

Abstract: An endoscope has a shaft housing a lighting and an image transmission system and said endoscope being designed to be autoclavable. The shaft has a distal end portion which is made deflectable. An outer part is provided which is attached to said shaft. The outer part has a deflector mechanism for deflecting said deflectable distal end portion of said shaft and said outer part can be attached to said shaft by being releasably mounted laterally onto said shaft.

Abstract: Hermetically sealed enclosures and constructions are disclosed for use in endoscopic systems, particularly endoscopic systems with electronic imaging and illumination systems in the enclosures. Compound optical windows are also disclosed for use in the systems. The compound optical windows may have separate panes for an imaging system and an illumination system, and contrast-reducing optical boundaries are between panes.

Abstract: A method for autoclave sterilization of an endoscope 2 of the present invention includes the step of making a space, which is defined by the outer side of a channel and an outer covering member of the endoscope 2, communicate with the outside of the endoscope, while at least one end of the channel communicates with the outside of the endoscope 2 and the channel is inserted through the inside 47 of the endoscope. The space 47 and the outside of the endoscope are once brought into the negative pressure. Thereafter, steam is introduced in the space 47 and the outside of the endoscope, and the endoscope 2 is sterilized.

Abstract: The present application discloses various embodiments of optical windows for use within an endoscope and includes a substrate sized to be coupled to the endoscope and defining a first surface and at least a second surface, and at least one autoclavable coating applied to at least one of the first surface and second surface.

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: Devices and methods useful for transluminally accessing a body cavity are disclosed. In one embodiment, a transluminal access device adapted to be inserted through a body lumen is provided and can include an inner shaft having an opening at its distal end and adapted to be positioned adjacent to an inner wall of a body lumen. The inner shaft can include one or more sealing mechanisms, such as one or more seals with suction ports formed thereon for isolating a portion of a body lumen. The isolated portion may be sterilized and serve as an access point or otomy site for penetrating the wall of the body lumen to access a body cavity.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided with a pliable tube composed of an integument layer formed from a resin and a metal tube integrally fitted into this integument layer in an insertion portion. The inner diameter dimension of the pliable tube at ambient temperature after application of the thermal load of the high-pressure steam sterilization step is larger than the inner diameter dimension at ambient temperature before application of the thermal load.

Abstract: A sterile, self-contained, disposable apparatus used for heating and applying solution to the distal end of endoscopes as well as an endoscopic lens protector. The heating mechanism is chemical, electrical or a combination of both. Further the apparatus serves as a self sealing container for the storage and application of anti-fog solution. By placing the apparatus over the distal scope prior to surgery, the scope is protected from damage from other instruments or trays. At the same time the distal lens is submerged in the warm anti-fog solution and it is uniformly and completely coated. Heat is transferred to the instrument from the solution in one example to act as an important and additional measure to prevent fogging of the lens. By heating the solution and the instrument, the drastic temperature difference between the interior of the body (98.6) and the instrument is eliminated. This inhibits the condensation of moisture, which always occurs upon inserting the cool scope inside the warm body.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a medical device comprises a photo-interrupter that can designate specified functional operations, an air-tight unit that can accommodate this photo-interrupter air-tightly, a moving member which is disposed inside the air-tight unit, and which moves between a position in which the photo-interrupter designates an operation and a position in which the photo-interrupter does not designate an operation, a coil spring which directly or indirectly biases the moving member to the position in which no operation is designated, an operating member which is disposed on the outside of the air-tight unit, and which can be operated by an operator, and a pair of magnets which transmit a magnetic force that moves the moving member into the position in which an operation is designated against the elastic force of the coil spring in accordance with the operation of the operating member.

Abstract: In order to check endoscope channels, a predetermined quantity of liquid is led, at a predetermined pressure, through the channel that is to be checked, and the period of time for this is measured and evaluated. The predetermined quantity of liquid is determined via the volume of a liquid container whose outlet is capable of being connected to the channel that is to be checked. A compressed air source subjects the liquid in the container to a predetermined pressure. A sensor registers whether the liquid level in the container has dropped below a predefined value. A control unit measures the period of time within which the predetermined volume of liquid has flowed through the channel that is to be checked.

Abstract: A sigmoidoscope comprises at least one disposable part, in combination with a device for insufflation of a body cavity with a medium via the sigmoidoscope, the medium being susceptible to contamination by a contaminant during use of the sigmoidoscope. The insufflation device and the sigmoidoscope are connected, or adapted for connection, to one another. The sigmoidoscope and/or the insufflation device are provided with a disposable contamination prevention device, or being so formed and arranged, that no non-disposable part of the sigmoidoscope and no non-disposable part of the insufflation device is exposed to any contaminated medium during use of the sigmoidoscope.

Abstract: A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.

Abstract: An imaging system includes: an optical-system holding member for holding an optical system to form an optical image of a subject; an imaging-device holding member for holding an imaging device to obtain the optical image formed by the optical system; a case for hermetically enclosing the optical-system holding member and the imaging-device holding member; a hermetic connector for hermetically sealing the case, the hermetic connector being electrically connected to the imaging device; a power generator for generating a driving force to move either of the optical-system holding member and the imaging-device holding member; and a driving-force transfer member for connecting the power generator and either the optical-system holding member or the imaging-device holding member to transfer the driving force of the power generator to either the optical-system holding member or the imaging-device holding member.

Abstract: Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope, which can be cleaned by sterilization. In certain embodiments, a method of sterilizing includes sterilizing the endoscope or portion thereof in a sterilization chamber while maintaining a pressure differential between the interior and exterior of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope suitable for autoclaving in accordance with the present invention has a barrier that separates an interior from an exterior. When the barrier is located at a predetermined position, consideration is taken into a displacement of the barrier between the position of the barrier observed before start of autoclaving and the position thereof observed after completion of the autoclaving during which predetermined pressure is applied and a thermal load is imposed.

Abstract: An endoscope comprises a plurality of members constituting the endoscope, and parts-bonded sections each having at least members thereof bonded together using an adhesive. The temperatures of thermal destruction at which the adhesives included in the parts-bonded sections are thermally destroyed are made equal to or higher than the maximum temperature attained during a high-pressure steam sterilization process. At the same time, the temperatures of thermal destruction are made equal to or lower than the heat-resistance temperatures above which members bonded using the adhesives or members located near the bonded members included in the parts-bonded sections fail to resist heat.

Abstract: An endoscope having a sheath having a plurality of lumens, an imaging bundle received in a first lumen in the sheath, and a lighting bundle received in one or more second lumens in the sheath. A distal tip connects to a distal end of the sheath and includes an objective lens disposed in the distal tip, wherein the objective lens is spaced apart from the distal end of the imaging bundle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical instrument, in particular an endoscopic instrument, with a housing, containing at least one optical system and a hygroscopic substance, and in which an eyepiece is detachably secured to the housing. In order to design an optical instrument of the aforementioned type in such a way that the hygroscopic substance can be integrated easily and safely into the housing, the invention proposes that the hygroscopic substance should be imbedded in a moldable matrix material and that the matrix material caulked with the hygroscopic substance can be replaceably inserted in the eyepiece.

Abstract: An autoclavable endoscope, such as the type used in ophthalmological operations, has a probe that contains optical fiber guides such as an image guide, a laser guide and an illumination guide. The distal end of these guides are sealed to the distal end of the probe with a high temperature medical grade epoxy. The epoxy is selected to retain its structural and optical properties at autoclaving conditions. A preshrunk flexible plastic jacket extends proximal of the handle around the three guides. Because it is preshrunk at autoclavable temperatures, it is not further damaged during autoclaving. The epoxies used proximal to the probe have to be high temperature epoxies but are generally preferably a more flexible urethane type epoxy. Proximal connectors and ferule for the guides are selected metals to retain size and/or conduct heat.

Abstract: A rigid endoscope includes an outer housing subassembly that supports an optics subassembly. The outer body subassembly includes concentric tubes with optical fiber for providing object illumination. The optics subassembly includes a tubular sheath sealed at both ends. A compression spring is positioned between a proximal most relay lens element and a distal most eyepiece element. The spring exerts a distally acting force on the elements of an optical objective and relay lens system. It also produces a proximally directed force on optical elements in the eyepiece. This minimizes differential thermal expansion stresses during autoclaving operations.

Abstract: An autoclavable endoscopic optical coupler includes the capability to optically couple an endoscope and a camera, so that a focused image will be communicated to the camera head. Furthermore, the coupler has the capability of withstanding multiple autoclave sterilization treatments without allowing moisture to penetrate the interior. The coupler includes a lens holder assembly that has an endobody on one portion and a second portion that is inserted into and coupled to a coupler body. The coupler body has a camera attached at one of its ends. A focus ring is physically coupled to the coupler body, which is coupled to the lens holder assembly. Turning the focus ring causes a translation motion of the lens holder assembly and endoscope with respect to the camera head.

Abstract: An illuminational optical system and an observational optical system mounted to lens frames are arranged at the tip part of an insertion portion. The observational optical system has resistance to high-temperature steam sterilization, and is sealed steam-tight in order to avoid entering of steam into the inside. On the other hand, the illuminational optical system is sealed liquid-tight with an adhesive, and even when steam enters into the inside, the entered steam can be discharged by the heat accompanying illumination light during an endoscope inspection. Consequently, cost reduction can be achieved and repairability, etc., can be ensured with almost no degradation in observation performance.