Abstract: A device and assembly for a cleaning adapter to be placed in an air/water port of an endoscopic device is described. The device can have a button to control a valve stem with openings to permit the control of air and water flow, depending on the position of the cleaning adapter, which a user controls. A method and system are also described. A tag is also described, instructing the users of the proper use of the device.

Abstract: A disposable suction valve is provided. In some embodiments, the disposable suction valve may include a stem providing an air passage through the stem, a spring, a spring stanchion cup, and a boot. A method for manufacturing a disposable suction valve may include several steps. A stem and spring stanchion cup are molded, and a bottom end of the stem is placed through the center of a spring. The bottom end of the stem is placed through a stem opening in the spring stanchion cup, and the tabs or the spring stanchion cup are placed into recessed apertures of the stem. The boot may be over-molded on the spring stanchion cup or molded and placed onto the spring stanchion cup.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an aspiration assembly for attaching to an endoscope. The aspiration assembly comprises an extendable suction tube for aspirating an object (e.g., smoke, blood, blood clot, bone debris, or tissue debris) at or near a surgical site during an endoscopic surgery. The aspiration assembly can further comprise an irrigation tube for directing a fluid to the surgical site for cleaning the endoscope lens. By integrating an extendable suction tube with the endoscope, the technology described herein obviate the need for instrument switching and/or multiple surgeons during the surgery.

Abstract: In a fee-setting system, an assessment unit assesses the degree of appropriateness in a medical facility regarding the use of a device relating to medical treatment used in the medical facility based on the degree of deviation and information regarding the medical facility, in which the degree of deviation that is obtained by comparing information indicating the usage status of the device that has been detected by a detection unit for detecting the usage status of the device with reference information regarding the method of using the device. A calculation unit calculates a fee to be charged to the medical facility based on the degree of appropriateness.

Abstract: A disposable air/water valve for an endoscope, including a shaft having a passage from an opening to a vent. The shaft has grooves and ridges and a protrusion formed at the vent. Seals are set within some of the grooves. An inner ring, having a diaphragm, extends from an outer circumference of the inner ring to an internal circumference of an outer cap. Hinges extend vertically downward from the diaphragm and ribs are formed along the internal circumference of the outer cap. A button cap has an internal ring that securely attaches to the shaft. A resilient member is securely disposed between the button cap and the diaphragm. The outer cap, inner ring, and internal ring of the button cap define a central bore to accommodate the shaft therein.

Abstract: A medical introducer includes an elongated tubular member having a proximal end, a distal portion, and a central lumen extending from the proximal end to a distal port in the distal portion. A frame structure is coupled to the distal portion of the elongated tubular member, where frame structure supports the distal portion of the elongated tubular member in a tapered shape and alternatively in a non-tapered shape. The elongated tubular member may include a rigid outer tube and a rigid inner tube carried in an interior lumen of the outer tube. The distal portion is typically a reinforced elastomeric tubular extension of the outer tube, and the reinforced elastomeric tubular extension may have a conical shape.

Abstract: An endoscope valve includes: a piston portion; and an attachment member including a surface forming a hollow space extending in a central axis direction. The piston portion includes: protrusions protruding in a direction perpendicular to the central axis and abutting a surface forming the hollow space of the attachment member; and a seal portion formed in a hollow disk shape with the central axis of the piston portion as a symmetry axis and configured to seal a portion between the attachment member and the seal portion. In the protrusions, when a length of the protrusion in a protrusion direction is indicated by dA, a length of the protrusion in the central axis direction is indicated by dB, and a shrinkage amount of the protrusion when the protrusion comes into pressure-contact with a pressure-contact object is indicated by dC, relationships of dB?dA and dC<dA are satisfied.

Abstract: A valve may have a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The valve may include a valve stem having a lumen extending from a first opening at a proximal portion of the valve stem to a second opening at a distal end of the valve stem. A plurality of seals may be positioned relative to the valve stem. The valve stem and seals may be configured so that a fluid entering the inlet is prevented from flowing to the outlet in a first position of the valve stem and relative to the inlet and the outlet. The valve stem and the seals may be configured so that a fluid entering the inlet flows to the outlet in a second position of the valve stem relative to the inlet and the outlet, the second position being more distal than the first position relative to the inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: Plug for endoscope includes a flexible tube-shaped sheath through which a plurality of wires are inserted. The plurality of wires is connected to an insertion tip portion having an image capturing portion. The plug includes a housing having a substrate accommodation portion and a sheath introduced portion. The substrate accommodation portion accommodates a substrate, a base end aperture portion of the sheath passed through an opening of the housing is arranged in the sheath introduced portion, and a part of the plurality of wires derived from the base end aperture portion is connected to the substrate. A liquid intrusion prevention wall is provided to stand on a bottom wall of the housing, and the bottom wall is arranged under the base end aperture portion of the sheath in a substantially vertical direction, and the substrate accommodation portion and the sheath introduced portion are spatially isolated from each other.

Abstract: A feeding tube assembly and feeding tube tip secure a viewing lens proximal of the distal end of the feeding tube tip. The feeding tube tip can include a plurality of protrusions that extend radially inward to secure the viewing lens. The feeding tube assembly and feeding tube tip can be used to improve image quality by keeping tissue from abutting the viewing lens as the feeding tube tip is inserted into a patient.

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: A disposable air/water valve for an endoscope, including a shaft having a passage from an opening to a vent. The shaft has grooves and ridges and a protrusion formed at the vent. Seals are set within some of the grooves. An inner ring, having a diaphragm, extends from an outer circumference of the inner ring to an internal circumference of an outer cap. Hinges extend vertically downward from the diaphragm and ribs are formed along the internal circumference of the outer cap. A button cap has an internal ring that securely attaches to the shaft. A resilient member is securely disposed between the button cap and the diaphragm. The outer cap, inner ring, and internal ring of the button cap define a central bore to accommodate the shaft therein.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for image-guided delivery of therapeutics to an eye. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) imager is configured to produce at least one OCT image of the eye. A therapeutic delivery system is configured to deliver a therapeutic to the eye through a distal end of a delivery mechanism. A system control is configured to determine a position of the distal end of the delivery mechanism and control the therapeutic delivery system according to at least the determined position.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing laryngoscopy is provided, the apparatus comprising a blade, a handle, and a medical gas supply device for provision of gas to a patient during laryngoscopy, wherein the medical gas supply device includes an outlet disposed on or in the handle of the device, or within the proximal half of the blade. A gas supply conduit supplies gas from a proximal aperture to outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed intended to expose a structure within a cavity of the human body for therapeutic and/or surgical treatment. The apparatus comprises an insufflator, comprising a gas output and an insufflator input mechanism adapted to input the gas from the gas output into the cavity of the human body, further comprising an insufflator controller for enlarging the cavity part by insufflation of gas from the gas output into the cavity; and a breathing rate detector; wherein the insufflator controller is arranged to real time adapt an insufflation frequency rate and flow in accordance with a detected or set breathing rate of the human body.

Abstract: A disposable suction valve is provided. In some embodiments, the disposable suction valve may include a stem providing an air passage through the stem, a spring, a spring stanchion cup, and a boot. A method for manufacturing a disposable suction valve may include several steps. A stem and spring stanchion cup are molded, and a bottom end of the stem is placed through the center of a spring. The bottom end of the stem is placed through a stem opening in the spring stanchion cup, and the tabs or the spring stanchion cup are placed into recessed apertures of the stem. The boot may be over-molded on the spring stanchion cup or molded and placed onto the spring stanchion cup.

Abstract: An insufflation and irrigation valve for an endoscope including a valve housing with a substantially cylindrical bore closed at one end by a bottom into which a gas inlet and outlet, and an irrigation inlet and outlet open, an outer plunger which is movable in the bore between an open position, in which the irrigation outlet is connected to the inlet, and a closed position, and an inner plunger movable in a longitudinal bore of the outer plunger, open toward the bottom, for connecting the gas outlet to the gas inlet in a position near the bottom and for separating the gas outlet from the gas inlet in a position remote from the bottom, wherein the gas inlet opens into the bore of the valve housing at a location nearer the bottom than the gas outlet.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container for use with an endoscope. More particularly, this invention relates to a container for storing and delivering sterile water to an endoscope.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes: an ultrasound probe arranged in a distal end rigid portion; a suction and forceps port provided in a vicinity of the ultrasound probe; a treatment instrument insertion channel and a negative pressure channel communicating with the suction and forceps port; and a control valve configured to variably regulate a negative pressure for suction that is transmitted to the suction and forceps port through the treatment instrument insertion channel and the negative pressure channel to two or more states.

Abstract: A kit including a sheath having a tubular body with proximal and distal ends, an axis extending between the ends and a wall defining a bore extending along the axis to the distal end of the body. A delivery tube having proximal and distal ends and a lumen is adapted for disposition within the bore of the sheath in sealing engagement with the sheath, the delivery tube being slideable distally relative to the sheath. An elongated cannula having proximal and distal ends and a lumen is adapted for disposition inside the lumen of the delivery tube and an elongated dilator is adapted to fit within the lumen of the cannula with a proximal portion of the dilator extending proximally beyond the proximal ends of the cannula and delivery tube and in sealing engagement with the delivery tube proximal to the cannula.

Abstract: A conduit control device includes a cylinder member, a piston member, an attachment section including a rigid cylinder, a compression spring, a first elastic member being brought into contact with a contact surface of the rigid cylinder and elastically deformed to thereby seal a gap in a state in which the piston member is depressed via the button section, and a second elastic member brought into contact with an exterior member and elastically deformed to thereby seal a gap in a state in which the piston member is depressed via the button section.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for image-guided delivery of therapeutics to an eye. An optical coherence tomography (OCT) imager is configured to produce at least one OCT image of the eye. A therapeutic delivery system is configured to deliver a therapeutic to the eye through a distal end of a delivery mechanism. A system control is configured to determine a position of the distal end of the delivery mechanism and control the therapeutic delivery system according to at least the determined position.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, a cutter, and a valve assembly. The needle extends distally relative to the body. The needle defines a first lumen and a second lumen. The first and second lumens extend along a first and second longitudinal axis, respectively. The needle includes an opening fluidly coupling the first and second lumens. The cutter is translatable relative to the needle. The valve assembly comprises a vent opening and a spool body. The spool body is movable relative to the vent opening between a first and second position. The second lumen is coupled to the vent opening when the spool body is in the first position. The second lumen is sealed relative to the vent opening when the spool body is in the second position. The spool body is configured to transition between the first and second position by translation of the cutter.

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: 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: A user friendly, safe and efficient continuous flow irrigation endoscope having only a single housing sheath without an inner sheath. The exclusion of the inner sheath increases the effective lumen of the endoscope. A long hollow cylindrical tube, capable of performing a to and fro and rotary motion, is placed inside the housing sheath to function as an endoscopic instrument, but also to serve as a conduit for evacuating waste fluid and detached tissue pieces present inside a tissue cavity. A single inflow port located at the proximal end of the single housing sheath allows the irrigation fluid to enter the tissue cavity via the lumen of the said housing sheath. The invented endoscope system has a single inflow port, a single outflow port, without an inner sheath so that all waste fluid and tissue debris present inside cavity are evacuated via the same single outflow port.

Abstract: A medical instrument for endoscopic procedures that is provided with a hollow shaft, such that at least two channels are configured in the shaft and the channels can be coupled on the proximal end with supply conduits. To create a medical instrument of the aforementioned type which is of simple structure and ensures secure connect ability, it is proposed according to the invention that the proximal end of at least one first channel positioned in the shaft and the distal end at least one supply conduit that is to be coupled with this first channel are configured with respect to their geometric structural design in such a way that this first channel and the corresponding supply conduit can be coupled only with one another.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope and a cleaning adapter or connector. The endoscope has a port device or end sleeve, to which the cleaning adapter is coupled. The cleaning adapter includes a connector housing and a coupling sleeve, which has a male tapered portion. The connector housing includes a female thread (fastening device) and a guide surface. The port device includes a flange and a male thread. The guide surface guides the port device by contacting the flange. Thus, a male tapered surface or tapered sealing surface is axially aligned with a female tapered surface or tapered bore surface. The male tapered surface tightly contacts the female tapered surface by threaded engagement between the male and female threads. Accordingly, air-tightness or liquid-tightness can be ensured even in use of a plurality of connectors couplable selectively for connecting a related apparatus.

Abstract: A trocar system, comprising a trocar having an optical channel extending coaxially in the trocar for receiving an optical unit, and a hollow transparent distal tip of the trocar, which can be observed from the interior. The distal working end of an instrument having two working parts movable relative to one another is formed on the distal tip, wherein a first working part is an integral component of the tip and the second working part is mounted movably on the tip, wherein an actuating channel is constructed in the wall of the trocar surrounding the optical channel, which channel extends axially parallel from the proximal end of the trocar into the distal tip thereof, and wherein an actuating element is received in the actuating channel such as to be axially displaceable.

Abstract: An electrical connector assembly includes a connector, an inner printed circuit board, and a light guide member made of transparent or semitransparent material. The connector comprising an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts received in the insulative housing, and each contact has a contacting portion and a soldering portion. The inner printed circuit board is welding with the soldering portions of the contacts and defines an LED. The light guide member is neighboring to the LED and exposed out of the electrical connector assembly. The inner printed circuit board defines a control module thereon for controlling the LED on or off and a touch switch arranged in front of the control module, the LED is electrically connected with the control module and the touch switch.

Abstract: Endoscope connection portions, a fluid feeding duct, a liquid supply duct, a pump, a first atmospheric exposure duct including one end connected to the fluid feeding duct and the other end exposed to atmosphere, a relief valve disposed at an intermediate position of the first atmospheric exposure duct, a first stop section disposed at an intermediate position of the first atmospheric exposure duct, and a control section that performs control to supply a liquid to ducts of endoscopes and controls at least opening/closing operation of the first stop section are included.

Abstract: A medical apparatus to support an endoscopic investigation that includes a housing with a base surface, a front surface and a rear surface, and a light source that is positioned in the housing to generate light to illuminate an object that is to be investigated with an endoscope. In addition the medical apparatus includes a coupling device to couple a proximal end of an endoscope on the medical apparatus and to transmit light from the medical apparatus to the endoscope. The medical apparatus includes a screen, which is positioned on the front surface of the housing to observe an image taken by means of the endoscope, where the front surface and rear surface are each inclined toward the rear at an angle between 5 and 15 degrees with respect to a plane perpendicular to the base surface.

Abstract: A surgical endoscopic cutting device includes cutting elements fitted in a protective tube. The device has an inlet for fluid, a discharge outlet for tissue and fluid, and a further outlet that discharges most of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas water bottle adaptor that is suitable for attachment to a water bottle and to a bottle cap. The adaptor can include a gas inlet on one side thereof suitable for attachment to the gas connection of an endoscope. A sealing member can be affixed to the adaptor to prevent leakage of any fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) that is inside of the water bottle. The adaptor may be used in endoscopy methods and is particularly useful for adding a secondary gas source to a water bottle.

Abstract: An endoscope system including an endoscope insertion part to be inserted into a body cavity via a trocar stabbed in a body wall, the endoscope system comprising: a detecting device detecting whether a tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar; and a trocar cleaning device cleaning the inside of the trocar by supplying a predetermined fluid into the trocar when it is detected by the detecting device that the tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar.

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: A continuous flow irrigation endoscope and a continuous flow irrigation fluid management system, both designed to be compatible to each other and to function as a single system. The endoscope and the fluid management system are synergistic to each other such that both enhance the efficiency of each other. The invented system allows a body tissue cavity to be distended by continuous flow irrigation so that detached tissue pieces and waste fluid present inside a body tissue cavity are continuously automatically evacuated from the tissue cavity without causing the cavity to collapse at any stage and without the need of withdrawing the endoscope of a part of the endoscope from the tissue cavity. No type of feedback mechanism, such as mechanical or electrical, or valve or valve like systems, are incorporated in the endoscope to influence or facilitate the removal of detached tissue pieces or waste fluid in any manner.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insert section to be inserted into the body cavity, an illumination window for directing illumination light therethrough and an observation window for observing an illuminated internal portion of the body cavity, arranged at a distal end portion of the insert section, and a blood flow changing section for changing a blood flow of blood flowing through a vessel in a near-surface region of a living organ inside the body cavity by providing one of a temperature change and vibration energy.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a gas-delivery device to supply a noble gas or other inert gas to a tissue-treatment region and a rinsing device for rinsing a target region, in particular a tissue-treatment region. In the instrument the rinsing pressure is generated by the inert gas supplied by the gas-delivery device.

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 adapter for coupling a water bottle to an endoscope including a cap manufactured from a thermoplastic elastomer material. The cap is removably secured to an associated water bottle. The cap includes a first port and a second port. The adapter further includes a scope connector manufactured from the thermoplastic elastomer and/or themoset elastomer having a first scope connector port and second scope connector port, wherein the scope connector is configured to be frictionally coupled to an endoscope. A first supply tube couples to the first port of the cap and the first scope connector port and a second supply tube coupled to the second port of the cap and the second scope connector port.

Abstract: Chronic sinusitis is treated by the application of cold plasma or plasma-activated species to the infected mucosal surfaces through use of an endoscope having a steerable end which may be projected into the sinus cavities through the nasal cavity. The cold plasma is generated at either the distal end of the endoscope with a power source by application of a power, or at the distal end by gas and electrical connections extending through the endoscope. The cold plasma or plasma-activated species act to destroy bacterial cells but not eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A vessel harvesting apparatus is provided for removing a vessel from a patient. An endoscopic instrument has a distal end with a vessel harvesting tip and has a proximal end with a handle. The endoscopic instrument has an insufflation channel adapted to receive an insufflation gas from a regulated source at the proximal end. The insufflation channel has an outlet at the distal end adapted to expel the insufflation gas subcutaneously in the patient. A damping device has a flexible bladder with an inside space in fluid communication with the insufflation channel. The inside space has a volume that varies between a rest volume and an inflated volume in response to an amount of insufflation gas flowing to or from the flexible bladder.

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 continuous flow irrigation endoscope and a continuous flow irrigation fluid management system, both designed to be compatible to each other and meant to function as a single system. The endoscope and the fluid management system are synergistic to each other such that both enhance the efficiency of each other. The system allows a body tissue cavity to be distended by continuous flow irrigation so that the detached tissue pieces and waste fluid present inside a body tissue cavity are continuously automatically evacuated from the tissue cavity without causing the cavity to collapse at any stage and without the need of withdrawing the endoscope or a part of the endoscope from the tissue cavity.

Abstract: Described herein are various detachable secondary imaging endoscopic devices that can be used in conjunction with an endoscope to provide additional fields of view so that multiple regions of a body cavity may be imaged simultaneously. In one variation, a secondary imaging endoscopic device comprises an endoscope attachment member configured to be disposed over an endoscope, a first imaging element and a corresponding first light source at a first location on the endoscope attachment member, and a second imaging element and a second light source at a second location that is adjacent to the first location. In some variations, a secondary imaging device comprises a fluid delivery module having one or more ports for fluid delivery. The multiple simultaneous images acquired by the secondary imaging endoscopic device imaging elements and the main endoscope imaging element can be combined or arranged together to form a continuous view of 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: Systems and methods make use of a view optimizing assembly having a deflector assembly with critical physical, pneumatic, and optical characteristics that make possible intra-operative defogging, surgical debris deflection, and cleaning of a laparoscope lens during minimally invasive surgery, while also maintaining visualization of the surgical site. The view optimizing assembly can incorporate a quick exchange feature, which makes possible a surgical method for maintaining clear visualization that includes the ability to make a quick exchange of laparoscopes having different operating characteristics (e.g., laparoscopes with different tip angles, lengths, or diameters) entirely on the sterile operating field and without interference with the preexisting surgical set-up on the sterile operating field. The view optimizing assembly integrates with the existing suite of minimally invasive instrumentation.

Abstract: The herein disclosed invention is directed to methods of treating difficult to treat refractory or recalcitrant rhinosinusitis involving the steps of (1) topical application of antimicrobials/antibiotics and corticosteroids, (2) endoscopic debridement and cleansing to remove debris and biofilm, (3) endoscopic instillation of antimicrobials/antibiotics plus corticosteroids to the sinuses, and (4) hydrotherapy to disrupt/inhibit bacterial/fungal biofilm attachment to the sinus mucosa. Also disclosed is a kit of components for carrying out the treatment of this invention.

Abstract: A reinforced arthroscope comprising external ribs to provide for a number of separate fluid channels, such as inflow, outflow and interstitial tissue drainage, when the arthroscope is slipped into a disposable external sheath. The arthroscope is constructed to be sufficiently rigid so as to penetrate and move within a joint without damaging the rod optics inside. The externality of the arthroscope channels allow for cleaning and sterilizing the scope between uses.