Abstract: A medical accessory mounting system may include a medical device having a handle and an elongate shaft extending distally from the handle. The handle may include at least one connecting structure formed in an outer surface of the handle, the at least one connecting structure comprising a plurality of ridges. The at least one connecting structure may be configured to engage with an accessory connecting structure formed on an outer surface of an accessory device.

Abstract: Surgical visualization systems and related methods are disclosed herein, e.g., for providing visualization during surgical procedures. Systems and methods herein can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures, including spinal surgeries such as minimally-invasive fusion or discectomy procedures. Systems and methods herein can include various features for enhancing end user experience, improving clinical outcomes, or reducing the invasiveness of a surgery. Exemplary features can include access port integration, hands-free operation, active and/or passive lens cleaning, adjustable camera depth, and many others.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosures made herein are directed to devices, apparatuses, systems and methods for facilitating cleaning of an imaging element of imaging devices used with robotic systems. Devices, apparatuses, systems and methods in accordance with the disclosures made herein provide a lens cleaning device configured to perform one or more cleaning events to remove contaminating matter from an imaging element (e.g., lens) of an imaging device (e.g., a laparoscope). In preferred embodiments, such devices, apparatuses, systems and methods are adapted specifically for facilitating in-vivo cleaning of an imaging element of imaging devices that are used with robotic surgical systems. Advantageously, embodiments of such robotic surgical system implementations enable a surgeon to readily resolve sub-optimal visualization of the surgical field during robotic (e.g., laparoscopic) surgical procedures.

Abstract: An imaging probe is covered with a stiff sheath, which allows the imaging probe to move while the stiff sheath remains in a substantially fixed location for at least a portion of the surgical procedure while the probe moves within the stiff sheath. The stiff sheath may comprise sufficient stiffness to resist deformation as the imaging probe moves along an internal channel of the sheath. The sheath can be sized and shaped in many ways and may comprise one or more openings to allow fluid to move within the channel in which the probe is located.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and assembly each adapted for enabling an imaging element cleaning apparatus to be placed through an abdominal wall of the patient without the use of a trocar or cannula. By eliminating the need for and use of a cannular or trocar, such embodiments advantageously overcome dimensional compatibility issues exhibited between the inside diameter of the central passage of commercially-available trocars and cannulas and the outside diameter of the sheath of an imaging element cleaning apparatus comprising such a sheath. Such dimensional compatibility issues are overcome by enabling an imaging element cleaning apparatus of the present disclosures to be placed through the abdominal wall of a patient without the use of a trocar or cannula. As a result, the sheath of the aforementioned imaging element cleaning apparatus can be in direct contact with the abdominal wall tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and assembly each adapted for enabling an imaging element cleaning apparatus to be placed through an abdominal wall of the patient without the use of a trocar or cannula. By eliminating the need for and use of a cannular or trocar, such embodiments advantageously overcome dimensional compatibility issues exhibited between the inside diameter of the central passage of commercially-available trocars and cannulas and the outside diameter of the sheath of an imaging element cleaning apparatus comprising such a sheath. Such dimensional compatibility issues are overcome by enabling an imaging element cleaning apparatus of the present disclosures to be placed through the abdominal wall of a patient without the use of a trocar or cannula. As a result, the sheath of the aforementioned imaging element cleaning apparatus can be in direct contact with the abdominal wall tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.

Abstract: A device operable to clean an imaging element of a visualization scope comprises a visualization scope engagement body, a cleaning element having a first end portion thereof located adjacent to a distal end of the visualization scope engagement body and a cleaning head attached to the visualization scope engagement body at the distal end thereof. The first end portion of the cleaning element is engaged with the cleaning head. The cleaning head is movable between a deployed configuration relative to the visualization scope engagement body and a retracted configuration relative to the visualization scope engagement body. A centerline longitudinal axis of the visualization scope engagement body extends through the cleaning head when the cleaning head is in the deployed configuration and does not extend through the cleaning head when the cleaning head is in the retracted configuration. The cleaning element is movable for cleaning debris from the imaging element.

Abstract: A deflectable endoscope including an imaging structure, an outer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, an elongated column member extending distally from the outer member and an inner member positioned coaxial with the outer member and attached to the column member. The inner member extends distally of the outer member and has a distal tip portion. A reinforcement member is positioned over the column member to restrict axial movement of the column member such that when one of the inner member or outer member is moved with respect to the other, axial compression of the column member is restricted by the reinforcement member causing the distal tip portion of the inner member to deflect laterally.

Abstract: An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

Abstract: A method comprises, based on a position of a medical instrument within a patient anatomy, determining, by a control system, whether an obstruction is on a surface of a lens of the medical instrument. The method further comprises, based on a determination that the obstruction is on the surface of the lens, instructing, by the control system, a valve control mechanism to open a valve to release a flow of pressurized fluid through a nozzle of the medical instrument and over the surface of the lens. The valve is configured to control provision of the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A cover 20 for covering a circumferential portion of an outer circumferential surface of a rigid endoscope 10 having an observation window portion 14 provided at a tip thereof includes a flexible outer cover member 22 covering the circumferential portion of the circumferential surface of the rigid endoscope 10 and a tubular member 26, provided inside the outer cover member 22, through which a cleaning fluid to be supplied from a base end of the rigid endoscope 10 to the observation window portion 14 of the rigid endoscope 10 flows inside, and the outer cover member 22 is attached to the outer circumference surface of the rigid endoscope 10 by flexing the outer cover member 22.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes an endoscope, a first air feeding apparatus, a first air suction apparatus, a second air feeding apparatus, a second air suction apparatus, a pressure detector, an operation detector and a controller, and the controller performs first control on the second air feeding apparatus and the second air suction apparatus so that the amount of gas per predetermined time period fed from the second air feeding apparatus becomes equal to the amount of gas suctioned by the second air suction apparatus, and when the operation detector detects the operation and the pressure detector detects that the pressure in a subject changes from a first pressure to a second pressure, the controller maintains the first control to perform air feeding/air suction into/from the subject at the second pressure.

Abstract: A variable-stiffness actuator system includes a shape-memory member in which a stiffness increases by being heated and decreases by radiating heat, a heating member configured to generate heat, a channel arranged along the longitudinal axis of the shape-memory member, a transfer section configured to selectively supply and stop first and second heat transmission fluids into the channel, and a controller configured to control the transfer section. The controller causes the transfer section to supply the first heat transmission fluid and then supply the second heat transmission fluid into the channel, and further to stop the supply of the second heat transmission fluid so that retention of the first and second heat transmission fluids simultaneously occurs in the channel.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a first flat surface formed at a distal end portion of an insertion part to be inserted into a subject, and orthogonal to an axial direction of the insertion part, an observation window provided at the distal end portion for allowing image light of the subject to be taken therethrough, with a surface of the observation window as a light incidence plane, a forceps outlet disposed on the first flat surface, a first illumination window provided at the distal end portion to irradiate a subject with illumination light, a second illumination window provided at the distal end portion to irradiate the subject with illumination light, a fluid jetting nozzle arranged at the first flat surface to jet a fluid toward the observation window and fixed at the distal end portion of the insertion part, and an inclined surface formed around the observation window.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and assembly each adapted for enabling an imaging element cleaning apparatus to be placed through an abdominal wall of the patient without the use of a trocar or cannula. By eliminating the need for and use of a cannular or trocar, such embodiments advantageously overcome dimensional compatibility issues exhibited between the inside diameter of the central passage of commercially-available trocars and cannulas and the outside diameter of the sheath of an imaging element cleaning apparatus comprising such a sheath. Such dimensional compatibility issues are overcome by enabling an imaging element cleaning apparatus of the present disclosures to be placed through the abdominal wall of a patient without the use of a trocar or cannula. As a result, the sheath of the aforementioned imaging element cleaning apparatus can be in direct contact with the abdominal wall tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on the imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.

Abstract: An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the lens of a visualization device integrated into a ventilation tube positioned inside a patient, wherein the tube comprises a ventilation lumen and the lens is positioned proximal to the distal end of the ventilation lumen, the method comprising providing a suction catheter comprising a brush at its distal end; positioning the catheter inside the ventilation lumen such that the brush protrudes from the distal end of the ventilation lumen; and manipulating the catheter at its proximal end to cause the brush to make contact with the lens in order to clean the lens.

Abstract: The present device is designed to enhance the efficiency of endoscopic surgeries by allowing for in situ cleaning of the lens via a combination of fluid flow and wiping mechanisms. By removing the need for intermittent halts in surgery, this device may provide a more seamless and fluid operation process, enhancing surgeon convenience and contributing to patient safety by providing a more consistent and clearer field of view for surgeons to operate in.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.

Abstract: The present specification describes a control mechanism to control fluid flow through one or more fluid channels that supply fluid to the distal tip of an endoscope. A pump is provided with an endoscope to control the flow of fluid from an external source to a combination of fluid channels within the endoscope, which supply fluid to front and side jets of a multi-jet endoscope assembly. The pump is preferably dual-direction pump that enables control of fluid to either the front jet or to the front and side jets of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a distal end cover provided on a distal end of an insertion portion; a holding member fitted with the distal end cover and holding built-in components; a cylindrical member inserted into the distal end cover and the holding member, the cylindrical member having a groove portion formed on an outer circumference; an elastically deformable elastic member engageably inserted into the groove portion and fixing the cylindrical member to the distal end cover and the holding member; first accommodating portions formed at least on a surface of the holding member and accommodating the elastic member; and second accommodating portions communicating to the first accommodating portions and accommodating the elastic member which, at time of inserting and detaching the cylindrical member, comes out from the groove of the cylindrical member, comes into contact with the outer circumferential portion of the cylindrical member and bends by elastic deformation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a housing for a laparoscopic trocar assembly with an integrated scope-cleaning structure. The housing may include a shell forming a wall portion of a chamber and a cleaning element forming at least a portion of an internal surface of the chamber, the cleaning element configured to remove debris from a distal end of a scope upon contact between the cleaning element and the distal end of the scope. The cleaning element may be movable with respect to the shell of the housing in response to an input force upon the shell that moves a portion of the shell and a portion of the cleaning element between a default state and a displaced state.

Abstract: A fluid plug unit includes a cylinder connected to a first conduit and a second conduit, and a piston configured execute switching between a first position where leakage of a fluid in the first conduit to an outside is suppressed, and a second position where the fluid is sucked. The fluid plug unit includes a first passage configured to communicate with the first conduit and the second conduit when the piston is disposed in the first position, and to shut off communication with the first conduit when the piston is disposed in the second position, and a second passage configured to shut off communication with the first conduit when the piston is disposed in the first position, and to communicate with the first conduit and the second conduit when the piston is disposed in the second position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a trocar assembly with an integrated scope-cleaning structure. The trocar assembly may include a chamber with a proximal opening configured to receive a distal end of a scope. A cannula extend distally from the chamber and may be configured to extend distally into a patient body. The cannula may be further configured to receive the distal end of the scope such that the scope can be maneuvered through the cannula to a location within the patient body. The trocar assembly may include a cleaning element forming a surface within the chamber, where the surface of the cleaning element is configured to remove debris from at least one non-longitudinal, end-facing surface of the scope.

Abstract: A heat resistant sheath for endoscope includes a main body sheath into which an insertion portion of an endoscope apparatus is inserted, and into which a cooling fluid is supplied by a cooling device, a sheath distal end portion at which an endoscope distal end portion is arranged, and that is connected to a distal end of the main body sheath, an observation hole formed at a middle part of a circumferential side portion of the sheath distal end portion, and configured to expose an observation window of the endoscope distal end portion to allow observation of an object, and an exhaust hole formed in the circumferential side portion of the sheath distal end portion, on a distal end side with respect to the observation hole, and configured to discharge the cooling fluid in a direction different from an observation direction of the endoscope apparatus.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical instrument including a viewing instrument and a wiper mechanism configured and adapted to clean a lens of the viewing instrument. The wiper mechanism includes a wiper that is configured and adapted to contact and translate across a surface of the lens. An actuator moves the wiper across the lens to clean the lens.

Abstract: A multi-camera endoscope which includes an elongated shaft terminating with a tip section turnable by way of a bending section, wherein the tip section includes: a front-pointing camera and a discrete front illuminator associated therewith; a front fluid injector configured for cleaning at least one of said front-pointing camera and said discrete front illuminator; a side-pointing camera and a discrete side illuminator associated therewith; a side fluid injector configured for cleaning at least one of said side-pointing camera and said discrete side illuminator; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.

Abstract: A method of operating an endoscopy system includes concurrently illuminating a tissue with NIR excitation light and visible light, imaging the tissue using a single detector, and independently adjusting an intensity of the NIR excitation light and an intensity of the visible light.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a first flat surface formed at a distal end portion of an insertion part to be inserted into a subject, and orthogonal to an axial direction of the insertion part an observation window provided at the distal end portion for allowing image light of the subject to be taken therethrough, with the surface of the observation window as a light incidence plane, an illumination window provided at the distal end portion to irradiate a subject with illumination light, a fluid jetting nozzle arranged at the first flat surface to jet a fluid toward the observation window, and an inclined surface formed around the observation window and arranged at a position that faces the fluid jetting nozzle, wherein the distal end portion is formed with a second flat surface arranged on the distal end side of the first flat surface and parallel to the first flat surface.

Abstract: There is provided herein a tip section of a multi-viewing element endoscope, the tip section comprising: two or more side-pointing viewing elements positioned at or in proximity to a distal end of said tip section, wherein each of said two or more side-pointing viewing elements having a discrete illuminator associated therewith, wherein the field of view provided by the two or more side-pointing viewing elements covers a front and side views; a working channel configured for insertion of a surgical tool; and a pathway fluid injector for inflating and/or cleaning a body cavity into which the endoscope is inserted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflection probe for measuring properties of liquid and/or solid substances, and to the use thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a multi-lumen tube with an integral visualization apparatus, such as a camera. The multi-lumen tracheal tube system may include a camera apparatus that is positioned to facilitate left or right bronchial intubation. In addition, the camera apparatus may be a unitary assembly that functions to hold and position the camera relative to the tube and provides an acceptable profile for comfortable intubation. The camera apparatus may include additional components, such as integral light sources and flushing or cleaning devices to remove any buildup from the camera or optical components.

Abstract: A hybrid apparatus for delivery of fluid in connection with endoscopic irrigation and lens cleaning including a connector which is adaptable to a flexible or rigid container, a connector arranged at the end thereof and connected via a tubing supply to a fluid, air and or gas source and to an endoscope during a procedure.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion which includes a distal end hard portion having a hole portion passed through a distal end surface, and a nozzle including an opening. The nozzle includes a cover member including an annular portion, a cylindrical coupling portion coupled with the distal end hard portion and a cylindrical core member which has one end having the annular portion arranged thereon and the other end having the coupling portion arranged thereon and which includes a flow path communicating with the opening.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for microsurgical instruments of the type having screw-type mechanisms used to advance or retract a plunger has a hollow sleeve into which the injector is liquid-tightly inserted, the sleeve being configured to hold the plunger in a fixed position when the plunger is disengaged from the injector body. A cap having an inlet port is liquid-tightly attached to the sleeve and cleaning liquid is forced from a syringe into and through the inlet port, flushing detritus from the injector. Various sizes and shapes of sleeves are used to accommodate different injectors.

Abstract: Provided is an image processing device including an illuminating portion that irradiates a subject with illumination light and excitation light; a fluorescence image-acquisition portion that acquires a fluorescence image by capturing fluorescence generated at the subject; a return-light image-acquisition portion that acquires a return-light image by capturing return light returning from the subject; a color-image generating portion that generates a plurality of color images by adding different types of color information that constitute a color space to the acquired fluorescence image and return-light image; and an image combining portion that combines the plurality of color images that have been generated, wherein at least one of the fluorescence image and the return-light image is subjected to, by the color-image generating portion), correction processing in which exponents for distance characteristics, which are approximated to exponential functions, for the fluorescence image and the return-light image are

Abstract: An endoscope sheath comprising: a tube having: a proximal end having a proximal end region and a distal end; and a conduit that extends through a portion of the endoscope sheath so that the proximal end region of the endoscope sheath and the distal end of the endoscope sheath are in fluid communication when an endoscope is inserted inside the endoscope sheath; and wherein the endoscope sheath is configured to receive all or a portion of the endoscope; wherein the distal end of the endoscope sheath has a flow director configured to direct irrigation fluid across a lens on the distal end of the endoscope; and wherein the flow director is a flexible flap.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a lens, or one or more lenses, of an endoscopic camera while the endoscope is deployed in a patient during a medical procedure, such as a minimally invasive procedure, or a therapeutic or diagnostic procedure, is disclosed. The cleaning apparatus generally includes a conduit having a fluid delivery port, an alignment system, and a flexible supply tube to fluidly connect the conduit to one or both of a source of a fluid and a suction device.

Abstract: A Laparoscopic Visualization System comprising a sterile, self-contained, disposable apparatus used in medical procedures for heating and applying an anti-fog solution to the distal end of laparoscopes or surgical devices is presented. It additionally serves as an endoscopic lens protector and cleaner. An efficient heating and narrow range temperature control mechanism is used in combination with an anti-fog solution to provide clear visualization through a distal lens of the surgical device inserted into the system. The configuration prevents the anti-fog solution from spilling out of the system and is designed to also be used as a holder for the surgical scope, protecting the distal lens from impact with a shock absorbent outer shell, prior to, during, and after a medical procedure.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, and a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens.

Abstract: In a cleaning mechanism provided in an insertion section of an endoscopic device, two straight lateral faces obliquely and straightly extending toward the center side of a cylindrical lens are joined to a laterally circumferential face, a pedestal section inside which a liquid-sending route of a cleaning liquid, and a gas-sending route are internally provided is arranged, and an angle which a gushing direction of the cleaning liquid gushed from each of wash nozzles provided on the lateral faces toward the laterally circumferential face forms with a perpendicular line passing through the center of the cylindrical lens is an acute angle, the gushed cleaning liquid intersecting the perpendicular line.

Abstract: An endoscope gas feed system includes a fluid curtain nozzle for blowing a fluid curtain-forming gas toward an observation window provided on a distal end surface of the insertion part of an endoscope, the distal end surface including at least the observation window and an opening for spraying a constant-pressure feed gas, and the fluid curtain nozzle is provided on an opposite side of the opening with respect to the observation window, a gas/water feed nozzle for cleaning the observation window, the gas/water feed nozzle being provided on the distal end surface, a constant-pressure gas feed unit for supplying the constant-pressure feed gas, so as to spray the constant-pressure feed gas from the opening, and a fluid curtain-forming gas feed unit for supplying a gas, so as to blow the fluid curtain-forming gas from the fluid curtain nozzle.

Abstract: A stereoscopic endoscope includes an insertion portion, an objective optical system provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, an objective optical system provided at the distal end portion, a first opening portion provided a predetermined distance apart from an optical axis center of the objective optical system and configured to deliver fluid to the objective optical system, and a second opening portion provided a distance equivalent to the predetermined distance apart from an optical axis center of the objective optical system and configured to deliver the fluid in a supply direction same as a supply direction of the first opening portion to the objective optical system.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing irrigation and/or suction to a surgical site and maintaining clear visibility through a lens of a scoping device during a surgical procedure. In general, the methods and devices can allow for a surgical instrument to maintain visibility during a surgical procedure using a fluid conduit coupled to the surgical instrument. A surgical device can include a sheath having at least one lumen extending therethrough configured to allow a surgical viewing instrument to be disposed therein. The sheath can also have a passageway extending therethrough configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough. The fluid conduit can be configured to be movable between positions that can allow alternative directions of fluid toward and/or away from a viewing element on the surgical instrument and fluid away from the viewing element and toward a surgical field in a body cavity.

Abstract: A scope adapted for insertion and manipulation 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. 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. In another embodiment, fluids are provided through an interior portion of the scope, allowed to at least partially contact the lens located at the distal end of the scope, and subsequently cleanse or defog the lens for improving vision via the scope.

Abstract: The present invention is an integrated and automated irrigation and aspiration system for use in an endoscopic imaging system. The system provides for the automated cleaning of poorly prepared patients during a colonoscopy procedure as well as automated cleaning of an imaging system of an endoscope. The invention analyzes images obtained from an image sensor to detect the presence of an obstructed field of view, whereupon a wash routine is initiated to remove the obstruction. The wash routine may be adjusted in accordance with environmental conditions within the patient that are sensed by one or more sensors within the endoscope. In another embodiment, insufflation is automatically controlled to inflate a patient's colon as a function of one or more sensor readings obtained from one or more environmental sensor(s) on the endoscope.