Abstract: Biological navigation devices and methods are disclosed. The devices can be used as or to support colonoscopies or endoscopes. The devices can have one or more releasable, and/or everting, and/or pressurized tubes. The devices can be removably attached to elongated elements, such as colonoscopes or other endoscopes.

Abstract: A bendable portion, which is arranged at the distal end of an insertion tube of an endoscope, comprises a plurality of tube segments, each of said tube segments having connecting means that cooperate with the connecting means of the adjacent tube segment, as well as control wires that can control the bending of the bendable portion. The respective connecting means of a tube segment are provided such that they axially protrude from the faces of the tube segment and are located within the mantle of the tube segment and such that they do not exceed the thickness of the mantle. The connecting means, which are provided on the respective faces of adjacent tube segments and which are located opposite each other, complement each other in the manner of a hinge-type connection.

Abstract: In this invention, a drum around which an insertion portion is wound is integrally housed in a carrying case, and a cylinder for supplying a fluid to a hydropneumatic actuator and a solenoid valve unit for controlling the application of a hydropneumatic pressure are housed in the carrying case or drum. In addition, a joystick for operating the controlled variables of the solenoid valve unit can be housed in the carrying case.

Abstract: In an endoscope flexible tube and an endoscope device of the present invention, an endoscope flexible tube which exhibits flexibility to be inserted into a body cavity includes a bending portion formed at a distal end side, a first flexible tube portion connected in series to a proximal end of the bending portion, and a second flexible tube portion connected in series to a proximal end of the first flexible tube portion. When the bending portion and the first flexible tube portion pass a flexed portion of the body cavity, a curvature radius of the first flexible tube portion which is passively bent under a predetermined force is set to be larger than a curvature radius of the bending portion in a maximum bent state.

Abstract: A spectroscope for detecting vulnerable plaques includes an optical fiber extending through a catheter. The optical fiber has a field-of-view that is modified to preferentially collect light scattered from deep within the wall of a blood vessel. Obstructions or curved optical surfaces can be used to modify the field of view.

Abstract: An endoscope has a bendable portion configured to be operated to be bent within one plane which is parallel to an axial direction of an endoscope insertion part 13 on a distal end side of the endoscope insertion part 13. An outer peripheral surface of the bendable portion is covered with an elastic tube 31 having flexibility. A rigidity of the elastic tube 31 in directions L and R orthogonal to bending operation directions U and D is higher than that of the elastic tube in the bending operation directions U and D.

Abstract: A catheter introducer system for endoscopy is disclosed which includes a steering section and a propulsion section located near the end of the catheter that is introduced in a body cavity, and a non-collapsible sheath defining a working channel. The propulsion section is designed to pull the rest of the catheter inside the body cavity, so there is no need to push the catheter along. The propulsion section further includes gripping members, such as inflatable balloons, that are axially movable relative to the catheter. The catheter can thus be made very flexible in bending, and a larger diameter catheter can be used without discomfort to the patient.

Abstract: A flexible-shaft surgical instrument is provided that can be repeatably bent to one or more desired angles on demand by a user without the use of a special bending tool. The flexible-shaft surgical instrument can be repeatably bent and re-bent into multiple positions without plastic deformation of the flexible-shaft surgical instrument occurring in any of one or more bend portions.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope and an endoscope flexible section that can secure bending rigidity and have the resistance against high temperature-and-pressure steam during sterilization. The endoscope flexible section includes a spiral tube, a net-like tube, and an outer cover member. The spiral tube is formed by winding a belt-like member made of metal, in a spiral shape. The net-like tube is formed in an annular shape on the periphery of the spiral tube by braiding thin metal wires. The outer cover member is formed on the periphery of the net-like tube. In the outer cover member, a polyparaxylene resin layer is formed in a pattern on the periphery of a cover layer that covers the periphery of the net-like tube and is made of fluororubber. The polyparaxylene resin layer is a pattern of the plural rings that are disposed in a circumferential direction at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, systems, methods and kits for endoscopically accessing a body cavity and providing a directed pathway toward a target tissue within the cavity. The directed pathway is provided by an access sheath which is positioned in a desired configuration, generally directed toward the target tissue. Depending on the location of the target tissue and the desired angle of approach, the access sheath may be required to maintain one or more curves in one or more planes to properly direct the interventional devices. In addition, the access sheath has a locking feature to hold the sheath in place and maintain the desired configuration. Interventional devices may then be passed through the sheath to the target tissue.

Abstract: A medical manipulator which includes: a plurality of arms formed in a cylindrical shape a distal end portion of which is made of a rigid member having a bending portion capable of bending; an insertion portion made of a rigid member having a plurality of channels in which base ends of the plurality of arms are connected to a distal end of the insertion portion so as to connect lumens of the arms to the plurality of channels; a photographic device provided at the distal end of the insertion portion; an operation portion that operates the bending portion; and a transmission member that connects the bending portion and the operation portion, in which the bending portion has: a first bending portion that is capable of bending in a predetermined direction by an operation of the operation portion, and a second bending portion provided in a base end than the first bending portion that is capable of fixing the plurality of arms in a bent state so as to mutually separate, and the transmission portion has: a first regi

Abstract: An endoscopic suturing system and method are disclosed as are devices for use with the system and method such as a suture dispenser, a cinch device, and a tissue grasper. In one embodiment the suturing system includes a cap assembly arranged at the distal end portion of an endoscope or guide member, with the cap assembly including a rotatable needle holder. The needle holder is actuated through a transmission element extending outside the endoscope or guide member. A needle capture device may be inserted through a channel of the endoscope or guide member in order to capture a needle held in the needle holder when the needle holder is rotated so that the needle punctures tissue.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has an insert section to be introduced into a human body cavity. A distal portion of the insert section contains a CCD and a printed circuit board to which the CCD is bonded. In the insert section, a cable bundle being a bundle of coaxial cables extends. Each coaxial cable consists of a signal line, insulation surrounding the signal line, a braided wire surrounding the insulation, and an insulating jacket. The cylindrical braided wire is stranded into a single line, and is soldered as a ground line to a ground terminal of the printed circuit board. The signal line is pulled out of the coaxial cable with a length longer than the ground line. The signal line is soldered to an input/output terminal of the printed circuit board with a larger sag than the ground line.

Abstract: A medical operation device is attachable to an insertion portion of a medical instrument for observation.

Abstract: In order to provide a rotating self-propelling endoscope and an endoscope system capable of easily achieving miniaturization of an operation portion by using a small-sized motor, and configured to obtain sufficient propulsive force with a smaller motor torque, the endoscope of the invention comprises a flexible elongate endoscope insertion portion insertable into a subject's body; and a flexible propulsive force generating portion rotatable on an outer circumferential side of the endoscope insertion portion and having a helically shaped portion on an outer circumferential surface of the flexible propulsive force generating portion, wherein the helically shaped portion has a lead angle that is set to be in a range from not less than 9 degrees to not more than 15 degrees.

Abstract: The invention provides an articulating mechanism useful, for example, for remote manipulation of various surgical instruments and diagnostic tools within, or to, regions of the body. Movement of segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. The proximal and distal segments are connected by a set of cables in such a fashion that each proximal segment forms a discrete pair with a distal segment. This configuration allows each segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a bending portion of a medical insertion apparatus includes, preparing a bending tube including cylindrical bending parts coaxially connected to each other and rotatable with respect to each other, preparing a braid tube including liner members made of a thermoplastic resin and forming a netlike shape, covering the braid tube on an outer peripheral portion of the bending tube, pushing-heating of protruding inwardly a part of the braid tube to be pushed into a push-in receiving portion of the bending part and heating the part to soften, and pushing-cooling of cooling the part to set.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope and an insertion unit guide member. The endoscope has an elongated insertion unit whose bending section adjoins a distal section thereof. The insertion unit guide member comprises a plurality of tubular members to be placed in a pipe. Each of the tubular members has a guide channel having a predetermined diameter that permits other tubular member or the insertion unit to smoothly pass through the guide channel. The plurality of tubular members has predetermined degrees of flexibility and predetermined lengths. At least one of the tubular members has a member that changes the advancing direction in which the insertion unit is advanced through the guide channel.

Abstract: A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope (2) of the type including: a distal end (14) including an illumination element and an electronic image acquisition member; a probe (12), one of the ends of which is connected to the distal end; and control elements (10) connected to the other end of the probe, characterized in that the probe includes a plastically malleable portion (20) suitable for preserving, under the effect of its own weight when the endoscope is in use, the shape which has been conferred on it by an operator, the malleable portion carrying the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising: a bending mechanism for bending a bending portion; a manipulating section for bending the bending portion through the bending mechanism on the basis of a manipulative force applied by an operator; a driving unit that applies a driving force on the bending mechanism; resetting unit that inputs an instruction to reset a state where the bending portion is bent as a new neutral point; and control unit that controls the driving unit so as to maintain the state where the bending portion is bent corresponding to the neutral point reset on the basis of the instruction input by the resetting unit.

Abstract: A close-wound coil having a good rotation transmission performance, and a medical treatment tool using the close-wound coil. The close-wound coil is formed by winding a wire spirally and closely over a predetermined length around a predetermined first axis. The wire is formed, so that in the section vertical to a wire axis, the second moment of area concerning a second axis passing across the center of the section and vertical to the first axis is smaller than the second moment of area concerning a third axis passing across the center of the section and vertical to the second axis and parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A scope adapted for insertion, manipulation and improved visibility in a difficult pathway is disclosed. The scope comprises at least one module for manipulating the scope. The scope may further comprise an illumination source, an image sensor, a power source, and a viewing member for viewing images of a cavity or other anatomical member of a patient. The scope may further comprise alternative pathways for air or fluid flow to exit the distal tip for the purpose of minimizing trauma and improving visibility. In one embodiment the scope is intended to facilitate insertion of an intubating device, which comprises an elongated semi-rigid stylet including first and second ends and at least one inner lumen connected to a module. Additionally, a flexible tip is provided for manipulating one end of the scope and allowing greater flexibility when maneuvering a difficult pathway. A method for navigating a difficult pathway is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A surgical device is provided, the device having a tubular outer body member with a handle at its proximal end and a flexible distal end segment extending from its distal end. The surgical device also has an operable end extending from the distal end of the flexible distal end segment. The device is configured for selectively causing the flexible end segment to bend to adopt a desired curvature and for selectively rotating the operable end relative to the flexible distal end segment about an axis of the flexible distal end segment.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a flexible tube having a helical tube in which a thin strip plate is helically wound, a braid tube covering the outside of the helical tube, and a flexible outer tube covering the outside of the braid tube, a connection mouth ring plastically deformed and fixed to an end of the flexible tube, and a helical tube displacement preventing portion which prevents displacement of the strip plate of the helical tube at the end of the flexible tube to which the connection mouth ring is fixed, when the connection mouth ring is fixed to the end of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A medical device includes an articulating shaft with a pair of slat assemblies. By moving an articulator, the slat assemblies are configured to concurrently push while the other pulls in order to bend the articulating shaft. The articulating shaft includes a series of alternating pins and pivot members. Each pin defines an aperture that collectively forms a passageway for receiving an actuator or a tube. The pair of slat assemblies extend generally parallel to each other on opposite sides of the pins. A method for articulating a shaft of a medical device is also provided.

Abstract: A flexible steerable device comprising a plurality of interconnected segments configured to pivot relative to each other, each of the plurality of segments having a cavity disposed therein. The device also includes a flexible tube disposed within the cavities of the plurality of segments. The flexible tube includes at least one rigidizing chamber having fusible material disposed therein, wherein upon varying temperature of the fusible material, the fusible material shifts between a first state in which the flexible steerable device is flexible and a second state in which the flexible steerable device is rigidized.

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 insertion section of an endoscope has a flexible tube portion and a bending portion whose proximal end portion is coupled with a distal end of the flexible tube portion, a plurality of node rings are aligned in a bending tube serving as a base body portion of the bending portion, opening portions as through openings are provided in a node ring, protruding portions each having substantially the same shape as the opening portion are provided on an outer peripheral surface of a joint portion of the flexible tube portion that is inserted into the node ring, and a coupling structure according to the present invention couples the bending portion with the flexible tube portion by inserting the joint portion into the node ring and fitting the protruding portions into the opening portions.

Abstract: A placement method includes inserting an endoscope into a body, blocking a tubular tissue in the body with a distal end of the endoscope, pressurizing a detection target space between a placement member which is placed in the tubular tissue and blocks the tubular tissue and the distal end of the endoscope via a channel of the endoscope, and detecting a pressure state in the detection target space.

Abstract: A treatment device according to the present invention includes: an elongated sheath having flexibility, the sheath being passed through an endoscope and introduced to an object to be treated; an incision knife section disposed approximately along an axial line of the sheath around an outer periphery at the distal end thereof, the incision knife section being used for incising tissue of the object to be treated; and a rotation-torque-transmitting section extending from a proximal end of the elongated sheath maneuvered by an endoscopist to an intermediate section of the incision knife section in the axial line direction, the rotation-torque-transmitting section rotating the sheath by transmitting rotation torque input at the proximal end of the sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a space that is not easily accessible, comprising a distally provided head, which can be equipped with an inspection organ and/or intervention organ, and which is designed to be introduced into a cavitous body, a proximal control member remaining permanently outside the body, and a connecting body extending between the control member and the distal head, wherein the connecting body is designed for being at least partly introduced into the body, and wherein the head is provided with at least one rotatable bypass organ for at least one coupling element, a first end of which at least one coupling element is coupled to a permanently fixed point and a second end is position-variable, and wherein the first and the second ends of the coupling element are located at the side of the control member, wherein the connecting body is not compressible and surrounds the at least one coupling element, acting as guide.

Abstract: An endoscope with a flexible, multilumen catheter probe 1, a grip 3 provided at the proximal end of the probe, a control element 13 attached to the distal end of the probe and movably guided in the axial direction on catheter probe 1, wherein the catheter probe 1 is to be connected non-rotatingly to the grip 3 by means of a releasable lock 2, the distal end of the optical lumen 4 has a transparent seal 5, and optical system 6 is displaceably disposed inside optic lumen 4 and can be removed from optic lumen 4.

Abstract: An insertion part of an endoscope includes at least a bending portion and two portions connected to one and the other ends of the bending portion. A bending structure of the bending portion is connected at it's other end adjoining area overlapping with an adjoining area of at least one of the two portions to the adjoining area of the at least one of the two portions by a fixing member. A thread member wound on an end portion of a flexible covering member covering the bending structure, the end portion corresponding to the fixing member, has a pulled-in part arranged between the outer peripheral surface of that end portion of the cover member and a winding portion formed by the wound thread member, and the pulled-in part is arranged in a side of the fixing member. The winding portion of the thread member is covered by a resin layer.

Abstract: An endoscope according to the present invention includes an insertion portion that is inserted into a duct, an observation window provided at a distal end in the insertion direction of the insertion portion for observing the inside of the duct, a balloon provided so as to extend in a radial shape in a diametrical direction of the insertion portion with respect to the insertion portion and which contacts an inner wall of the duct to fix the insertion portion to the inner wall, and a plurality of suction holes that are provided at a position that is further on the distal end side in the insertion direction than the balloon while being closer to a proximal end side in the insertion direction than the observation window in the insertion portion and that suck in dirt removed from the inner wall by contact between the balloon and the inner wall.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for traversing an anatomic wall. A system can include a port that mates with an anatomic wall and provides a lumen for the passage of a guide tube of a transluminal device. The port can inhibit the passage of biological materials through the anatomic wall. Further described herein are methods for implanting the port and/or for inserting the transluminal device into a body cavity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a surgical instrument which includes a housing and an endoscopic portion extending distally from the housing and defining a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes an end effector disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion. The end effector includes an anvil assembly and a cartridge assembly. The anvil assembly is pivotally coupled to the cartridge assembly to be movable from a first actuation position to at least one other second actuation position. The surgical instrument further includes a firing rod having a shaft defining a second longitudinal axis, the shaft having a cam member which is in mechanical cooperation with the anvil assembly and is configured to move the anvil assembly from the first actuation position to the at least one other second actuation position upon rotation of the firing rod about the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an endoscope insertion portion having a bendable bending portion and a bending mechanism configured to bend the bending portion. The bending mechanism includes a pulley, at least one annular member, a pulling member, and a pulling operation member. The pulley is rotatably driven. The annular member is formed into a C-shape with a cut-out, and can be elastically deformed. The annular member is externally fitted to the pulley with a gap. The pulling member has an intermediate portion wound around the annular member. The distal end portion of the pulling member is connected to the bending portion, and the proximal end portion of the pulling member is connected to the pulling operation member which pulls the pulling member. The width direction position at the winding start position of the pulling member wound around the annular member is made different from the width direction position at the winding end position of the pulling member.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body, and improved methods of assembling the tools. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. The articulation mechanisms comprise pairs of links, one link distal and the other proximal, configured such that movement of a proximal link is transferred to the distal link by way of tension bearing members. Embodiments of the invention include a guide for such tension bearing members that facilitates assembly of the tool. Embodiments also include improved methods for attaching tension bearing members to the links.

Abstract: A robotized laparoscopic system capable of executing commands of an operating surgeon is provided. The laparoscopic system includes a cylindrical tube inserted through an incision. A small-sized camera is attached to one end of the tube to capture the images of the surgical site. A bending portion is adapted to bend the tip of the tube in any direction. A driving unit controls a bending direction and a bending angle of the bending portion. A movement device moves the tube forward or backward in a longitudinal direction. A control unit independently controls the driving unit and the movement device. An input unit receives commands from the surgeon. A conversion unit converts the command input from the surgeon into digital signals and transmits the digital signals to the control unit. A support unit supports the weight of the movement device by being connected to an operating table or the floor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removal of bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient includes a surgical instrument having an introducer for bodily insertion and maintaining an irrigation duct and a nozzle. A distal portion of the introducer is transitionable between a plurality of bend angles relative to a proximal portion thereof. In particular, the instrument is adapted to independently maintain the distal portion at each of the plurality of bend angles relative to the proximal portion. The nozzle is maintained relative to the distal portion of the introducer and is adapted to dispense pressurized irrigant from the irrigation duct toward a layer of bacterial biofilm.

Abstract: A device with a flexible member configured to take on a curvilinear profile can be used to perform arthroscopic procedures. The device can be used to perform such procedures through two access ports, providing visualization and access to the entire site of the procedure, e.g. hip joint, without switching cannulated access portals or providing additional access portals.

Abstract: A flexible tube for an endoscope and an endoscope device are provided. According to the present invention, a flexible tube for an endoscope is included in an insertion portion of the endoscope to be inserted into a body cavity and the flexible tube for the endoscope includes a bending portion provided at a distal end side and configured to perform a bending operation corresponding to an operation of an operator, and a flexible tube portion having a distal end and a proximal end and the distal end is connected to a proximal end side of the bending portion. The bending portion has a region that is bent at a first curvature radius when the bending portion is maximally bent, and at the distal end side of the flexible tube portion, a region that is set to be bent at a second curvature radius smaller than the first curvature radius when the bending portion is passively bent by a predetermined force quantity is provided.

Abstract: A medical apparatus includes a flexible sheath adapted to receive an endoscope. A first flexible rail is formed on the flexible sheath. The first flexible rail extends longitudinally along the length of the flexible sheath. A first rigidizable guide member includes a first track channel adapted to receive the first flexible rail. The first rigidizable guide member is adapted to slideably move along the first flexible rail and the first track channel.

Abstract: A flexible tube to be used with a hollow tube is disclosed. The flexible tube comprises a flexible body which comprises a front end, a rear end, and an elastic segment located between the front end and the rear end. The elastic segment is capable of changing its shape on the basis of the variation of its position relative to the hollow tube so as to change the orientation of the front end.

Abstract: A method for performing a selective discectomy is disclosed whereby a path for insertion of a tissue removal device is created by inserting a cannula with a flexible distal end position into an intervertebral disc by entering the nucleus at a point contralateral or anterolateral to a herniation site or entering anterior or anterolateral relative to the herniation site. The path is followed by a cutting device with a cutting window and either or both of the cannula or cutting device may be positioned at a site of herniation using all of any of control wires, a set of styli, viewable markings on a component and/or visualization devices.

Abstract: This invention uses a two-part reaction type adhesive obtained by mixing a base compound containing at least one of a bisphenol A type epoxy resin and bisphenol F type epoxy resin and 5 to 15 wt % of a fine acrylic rubber powder having an average particle size of 300 nm or less, and a curing agent containing dimer acid, diethylenetriamine, and a diethylenetriamine monomer as main components.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic dip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The actuator includes a lever for opening and closing the jaws, a knob for rotating the jaw assembly, and a crank for dispensing clips. The knob and the lever are coupled to a single control member which extends through the coil to a joiner where it is joined to a pair of pull wires coupled to the jaws. The crank is coupled to a second control member which is threaded along a distal portion. The threaded portion engages a threaded member near the pusher and is coupled to the pusher such that rotation of the threaded control member by the crank causes the pusher to be moved distally.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation device having a curvable portion and internal optics or a viewing device which facilitate the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient. The curvable portion comprises a portion of the tubular element having one or more sets of slits to provide flexibility. The curvable portion curves in a controlled manner from a fully straight configuration.