Abstract: A surgical assistant system includes: an operation unit configured to give an input; an arm unit on which a treatment tool is mounted; an operation imaging unit configured to acquire an operation image that is an image including the operation unit; an endoscope configured to acquire an internal-body image; a mode control unit having a plurality of operation modes and configured to enable one of the plurality of operation modes to be set as a setting operation mode; a driving unit configured to enable the arm unit to be operated based on the input given by the operation unit and the setting operation mode; a synthetic image creation unit configured to synthesize images using at least the operation image to create a synthetic image based on the setting operation mode; and a display unit configured to display the synthetic image.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a jaw portion and a shaft portion that is pivotably coupled to the jaw portion. The shaft portion defines an interior space having first and second openings on respective radially-opposite sides of the shaft portion. A camera assembly is coupled to the shaft portion and is moveable between a first position, in which the camera assembly is positioned within the interior space of the shaft portion, and, for example, second and third positions, in which the camera assembly extends through a respective one of the first and second radially-opposite openings of the shaft portion. In this manner, the camera assembly may be positionable on, and may provide imaging data of, either side of the surgical device, irrespective of which lateral side the jaw portion is articulated relative to the shaft portion.

Abstract: The distal end of a surgical instrument is movable in all six Cartesian degrees of freedom independently of other components of a telemanipulated surgical system. The surgical instrument extends trough a guide tube. The distal end is moved by actuators that are telemanipulatively controlled.

Abstract: The invention is an endoscopic method for viewing a target portion of a patient's anatomy with access through the oral or nasal cavity. The method includes adjusting a variable direction of view endoscope to a direction of view of between about 0 degrees and 20 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope and a shaft orientation pointing toward the target portion of the patient's anatomy. The endoscope is then introduced straight into the oral or nasal cavity of a patient until the endoscope is positioned in the back of the cavity. The direction of view is adjusted to view the target portion of the patient's anatomy.

Abstract: An endoscope having a longitudinal axis, a view vector angularly offset from said longitudinal axis, an accelerometer, and an image rotator effectively responsive to said accelerometer, wherein said accelerometer is arranged for measuring rotations about a measurement axis which is generally parallel to said view vector. Through the use of this apparatus, an image is maintained in an upright orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intracorporeal probe (10), for example preferably for examining hollow organs or natural or artificially created body cavities in the human or animal body, the probe (10) being designed in the form of a capsule that can be introduced into the body without external connecting elements, comprising an elongate housing (16) and an image pickup unit (26) inside the housing (16) that is designed for optically recording a region (pickup region) outside the probe (10). The image pickup unit (26) is held in a fashion capable of moving inside the housing (16) in order to vary the pickup region by means of such a movement (FIG. 1).

Abstract: An endoprobe for ophthalmic microsurgical procedures including a hand-piece including a motor, a cannula assembly coupled to the hand-piece, and a transmission system coupling the motor to the cannula assembly is provided. The cannula assembly having an outer tube and an inner tube concentric with the outer tube, each able to rotate about the longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. The transmission system rotates the outer tube in a first direction and the inner tube in a second, opposing direction about the longitudinal axis. A method for scanning a light beam along a linear trajectory using a cannula assembly as above is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ingestible capsule and method for in vivo imaging and/or treatment of one or more diseased areas of interest within the gastrointestinal tract of an animal or human being.

Abstract: An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field, the endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes a transmission system with a lens system having f-sin(theta) distortion or substantially f-sin(theta) distortion that distributes the angle of incidence of the light rays gathered from the endoscopic field of view on to the image surface area in order to even out the information density across the surface area of the imager.

Abstract: A surgical introducer including a body portion, a shaft and a sensor is disclosed. The body portion includes a reference indicator. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis and is positionable adjacent the body portion. The shaft is rotatable with respect to the body portion and includes a longitudinal indicator and a circumferential indicator. The sensor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with a distal portion of the shaft and is adapted to provide physiological data pertaining to a surgical worksite. At least a portion of the sensor is substantially aligned with the circumferential indicator. Rotation of the shaft with respect to the body portion causes displacement between the circumferential indicator and the reference indicator. Longitudinal movement of the shaft with respect to the body portion causes displacement between the longitudinal indicator and the reference indicator.

Abstract: An endoscopic image pickup unit includes: a first fixed lens frame which holds a first objective lens group; a second fixed lens frame which, being fitted over the first fixed lens frame, holds a second objective lens group; a movable lens frame which, being installed in the second fixed lens frame so as to be able to move forward and backward along a photographic optical axis, holds a movable lens; and a deformation preventing member which, being interposed between a distal end body and the second fixed lens frame, prevents the second fixed lens frame from being deformed by fixing force of the fixing member when the endoscopic image pickup unit is fixed to the distal end body.

Abstract: A scanning endoscopic device includes an optical fiber allowing irradiation light guided from a proximal side fiber portion to a distal side fiber portion to exit from a distal end thereof, and an actuator section placed to a distal direction side of the proximal fiber portion. The scanning endoscopic device includes a light absorbing section absorbing beam light having directivity in one direction, and the light absorbing section includes a black filling member filling a space between the proximal side fiber portion and an outer envelope tube in radial directions. The device further includes a light scattering section provided between the proximal side fiber portion and the outer envelope tube in the radial directions to scatter the beam of light.

Abstract: An insertion device includes a channel defining portion extended through an inside of an insertion section up to a base portion toward a distal direction and defining a channel that is open to an outside of the insertion section in an opening of an outer peripheral portion of the base portion, and a driving unit extended through an inside of the channel with a driving axis being an axial center and being rotatable in directions around the driving axis when driven. The insertion device includes a driving force receiving portion connected to a gear portion in the opening of the channel, and a support unit supporting the driving unit so that the driving axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis in the gear portion.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an endoscope that has a light guiding member that guides an illuminating light, an optical system that irradiates the illuminating light onto an object, and a drive portion that rocks the light guiding member so that the illuminating light is irradiated along a predetermined scanning pattern; a coordinate information acquisition portion that can identify an irradiation position; a storage portion in which information regarding chromatic aberration of magnification caused by the optical system, is previously stored a correction information acquisition portion that, upon detecting that light of the predetermined wavelength band is irradiated onto a position corresponding to a predetermined image height, detects an aberration amount of the light of the other wavelength band and outputs image correction information that corrects chromatic aberration of magnification based on the aberration amount; and an image processing portion that performs image correction processing based on the

Abstract: An endoscope with adjustable viewing angle includes a light outlet device on the distal end of the endoscope to radiate illuminating light at an angle of illumination and a light conductor to transmit illuminating light to the light outlet device such that the light outlet device can be moved to adjust the angle of illumination in relation to the endoscope and such that a flexible portion of the light conductor is configured and positioned in order to be elastically reshaped when the light outlet surface is moved.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with surgical tools and a camera extending out of its distal end. To supplement the view provided by an image captured by the camera, an auxiliary view including articulatable arms of the surgical tools and/or camera is generated from sensed or otherwise determined information about their positions and orientations and displayed on a display screen from the perspective of a specified viewing point. Intuitive control is provided to an operator with respect to the auxiliary view while the operator controls the positioning and orienting of the camera.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope with a handle, an endoscope shaft connected to the handle, and imaging optics arranged in the endoscope shaft. An object can be located in the direction of view of the imaging optics in front of the endoscope shaft. The endoscope may also include a swivellably housed deflecting element that sets the desired direction of view. The deflecting element can be positioned at the distal end of the endoscope shaft facing away from the handle. An actuating element can be attached to the handle, which is mechanically connected to the deflecting element, and with which the swivel position of the deflecting element can be changed in order to set a desired direction of view.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a handle and a shaft connected thereto. Imaging optics are arranged in the shaft that image an object located in the direction of view of the imaging optics in front of the shaft as an image and which to set the desired direction of view. The imaging optics comprise a swivellably housed deflecting unit positioned at the distal end of the shaft facing away from the handle. The possible swivel range of the imaging optics has a first and a second limit, as well as an actuating element, which is attached to the handle and which is mechanically connected to the deflecting unit. Thereby the swivel position of the deflecting unit within the swivel range can be changed in order to set a desired direction of view. A first mechanical stop is provided against which the deflecting unit lies when the first limit is reached.

Abstract: A cannula assembly includes a tubular element forming a lumen, a deployable element of a subassembly, and an electronic component mounted to the deployable element. The tubular element has a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted into a body cavity. The deployable element is coupled through the subassembly to the tubular element, and is adapted to transition between a closed position and an open position. The electronic component has at least one imaging device and at least one illumination source. The subassembly, including the deployable element and the electronic component, are releasable from the tubular element.

Abstract: An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope further includes an imager comprising an imaging surface area that receives at least a portion of endoscopic image transmitted by the wide angle lens system and produces output signals corresponding to the endoscopic image field and image forming circuitry that receives the output signal and produces an image signal.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a condition within a patient's body includes locating a scanned beam imaging unit at an imaging location for a period of time to observe and characterize a portion of the patient's anatomy over at least a portion of the period of time. The scanned beam imaging unit is located at the imaging location using a locating instrument. The locating instrument is removed from the patient's body with the scanned beam imaging unit remaining at the imaging location. With the scanned beam imaging unit at the imaging location, a beam of light is scanned across the portion of the anatomy and light is received from the portion of the anatomy. A video image of the portion of the anatomy is produced from imaging data generated using detected light received from the portion of the anatomy.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope with a handle, an endoscope shaft connected to the handle, and imaging optics arranged in the endoscope shaft. An object can be located in the direction of view of the imaging optics in front of the endoscope shaft. The endoscope may also include a swivellably housed deflecting element that sets the desired direction of view. The deflecting element can be positioned at the distal end of the endoscope shaft facing away from the handle. An actuating element can be attached to the handle, which is mechanically connected to the deflecting element, and with which the swivel position of the deflecting element can be changed in order to set a desired direction of view.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope having a wide-angle lens that has an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope, such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide-angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes an imager comprising an imaging surface area that receives at least a portion of endoscopic image transmitted by the wide-angle lens system and produces output signals corresponding to the endoscopic image field and image forming circuitry that receives the output signal and produces an image signal. The wide-angle lens endoscope has a flexible distal end or tip.

Abstract: The application relates to an ingestible capsule and method for in vivo imaging and/or treatment of one or more diseased areas of interest within the gastrointestinal tract of an animal or human being.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a jaw portion and a shaft portion that is pivotably coupled to the jaw portion. The shaft portion defines an interior space having first and second openings on respective radially-opposite sides of the shaft portion. A camera assembly is coupled to the shaft portion and is moveable between a first position, in which the camera assembly is positioned within the interior space of the shaft portion, and, for example, second and third positions, in which the camera assembly extends through a respective one of the first and second radially-opposite openings of the shaft portion. In this manner, the camera assembly may be positionable on, and may provide imaging data of, either side of the surgical device, irrespective of which lateral side the jaw portion is articulated relative to the shaft portion.

Abstract: An endoscope with a wide angle lens that comprises an optical axis that is angularly offset from a longitudinal axis of the endoscope such that the optical axis resides at an angle greater than zero degrees to the longitudinal axis. The wide angle lens system simultaneously gathers an endoscopic image field, the endoscopic image field at least spanning the longitudinal axis and an angle greater than ninety degrees to the longitudinal axis. The endoscope includes a transmission system with a lens system having f-sin(theta) distortion or substantially f-sin(theta) distortion that distributes the angle of incidence of the light rays gathered from the endoscopic field of view on to the image surface area in order to even out the information density across the surface area of the imager.

Abstract: A medical image display device provided with storage means for storing a sliced image of an object to be examined obtained by a medical image diagnostic apparatus, extraction means for extracting a center line passing through the region of a hollow organ of the object and the center thereof from the sliced image stored by the storage means, and 3-dimensional image generation means for generating a virtual 3-dimensional image of the inner wall of the hollow organ seen from a viewpoint while sequentially moving the viewpoint from one end to the other end of the center line is provided, with means for changing the direction in which the virtual 3-dimensional image seen from the viewpoint is generated to the direction of bending curvature of the hollow organ according to the bending curvature thereof.

Abstract: An endoscope with an adjustable viewing direction includes a shaft, an image transmission device for transmitting an image from a distal end of the endoscope to a proximal end of the endoscope, a hermetically tight sheath around the image transmission device, with a light admission window at the distal end of the endoscope, a manipulating device at the proximal end of the endoscope, a swivel actuation device on the manipulating device for manual adjustment of an angle between the viewing direction and a longitudinal axis of the shaft, a magnetic coupling device for magnetically transmitting a force, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, between the swivel actuation device and a force transmission device inside the hermetically tight sheath, and a rotation actuation device on the manipulating device for manually rotating the viewing direction about the longitudinal axis of the shaft relative to the manipulating device.

Abstract: A method of examining a hollow body cavity using an endoscope to achieve receiving two images in two opposite directions inside the hollow cavity is provided. The endoscope comprises a shaft extending along a longitudinal axis, having distal and proximal ends, and defining a hollow channel therethrough, and a first lens positioned adjacent to the distal end for receiving a first image in a first direction along the longitudinal axis. The method comprises interposing the shaft within the hollow cavity, inserting a catheter into the hollow channel, extending the catheter inside the hollow channel to advance a distal section thereof and a coupled second lens to a position adjacent to the distal end, actuating a bending section thereof to achieve retroflexion of the distal section such that the second lens is positioned to receive a second image in a second direction generally opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A system, method and device for immobilizing an imager in-vivo and/or focusing images on the imager reflected from an in-vivo site to be monitored with for example a moveable or otherwise adjustable focusing mechanism. The imaging sensor may for example be positioned on an acute angle to an in-vivo surface to which the device is immobilized so that the device may for example image an in-vivo area that is opposed to such device. Sensors in addition to or other than an imaging sensor may be used.

Abstract: A biocular display system is provided for use with a transmissive micro-LCD display and a biocular lens, where the biocular system includes a relay lens that can transfer a digital image from the transmissive micro-LCD display to a micro-resolution screen surface where a micro-diffusion surface is applied to a single planar transparent substrate that has a smooth surface on a side opposite the micro-diffusion surface, and the micro-diffusion surface has at least some surface features that can diffuse the light passing therethrough at greater than a 60-degree diffusion angle.

Abstract: An endoscopic image pickup device includes a tubing, an image pickup module consisting of a lens and an image sensor and installed in one end of the tubing, a first light source installed in the same end of the tubing relative to the image pickup module and having an illumination range directly intersected with the image pickup range of the image pickup module, a second light source installed in the tubing and having an illumination range deviated from the illumination range of the first light source a predetermined angle and intersected with the illumination range of the first light source directly or indirectly, and a light source control means adapted for controlling on and/or off of said first light source and/or said second light source. Subject to the design that the illumination direction of the second light source is deviated from that of the first light source, the invention provides an extra illumination range, enhancing image clarity.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a surgical device. The surgical device includes a jaw assembly and a camera assembly coupled to the jaw assembly. The camera assembly includes a camera housing defining an interior space having at least one opening on a side thereof, first and second support arms pivotally coupled within the camera housing and deployable therefrom, and a camera body coupled to the first and second support arms and moveable between a first position, in which the camera body is positioned within the interior space of the camera housing, and a second position, in which the camera body extends from the at least one opening of the camera assembly.

Abstract: A deflectable tip videoarthroscope of 5.4 mm diameter or smaller, comprising a miniaturized chip-in-tip CCD with four-way angulations mounted on the distal end of the arthroscope. The deflectable tip videoarthroscope may be provided with a replaceable distal window made of a thin material (such as polycarbonate or acrylic) or a glass (sapphire or other) with very high light transmission properties, connected to a sheathing system that is disposable or limited-reusable, which could be discarded if a shaver burr or ablation probe contacts the lens. This design protects the distal window of the videoarthroscope during use and reduces scope repair costs and system down-time. The deflectable tip videoarthroscope may additionally include a steering wheel, which allows 360 degree rotation of the instrument during arthroscopic procedures. The videoarthroscope may further include an irrigation channel or a wireless imager control system.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image apparatus for endoscopes, which makes sure easier viewing especially at a peripheral portion of a screen while taking care of the observing angle of view and size of an optical system. The image apparatus comprises an optical system adapted to form an optical image of an object, an image pickup device adapted to convert the formed optical image into electric signals to obtain image data, and an image processing means adapted to move and transform a position of the optical image acquired by the image pickup device. A radiation direction magnification is transformable by the image processing means independently from a concentric direction magnification, and a magnification for a conformal object is higher at a peripheral portion than at a central portion of a screen.

Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope system including an endoscope having an image receiver with a variable direction of view adjustable over a viewing range bound by a first limit and a second limit and a single button for adjusting the variable direction of view of the image receiver, wherein actuation of the single button advances the variable direction of view sequentially through the viewing range. When the image receiver is at the second limit of the viewing range, actuation of the single button adjusts the image receiver back to the first limit of the viewing range.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing removable and pluggable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, image capture devices, and heat dissipation mechanisms. The illumination elements may have different wavelengths and can be time synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or otherwise conditioning purpose. The optoelectronic modules may include means for optical and/or wireless communication. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged in on the exterior surface of a device, inside the device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.

Abstract: A folding endoscope with incorporated optical sensors and light sources includes a housing having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis and at least one channel extending between the first and second ends and associated ports at the first and second ends for inserting surgical instruments through the housing into a surgical site. The endoscope includes at least two elongate arms having proximal and distal ends and being pivotally connected at the distal ends thereof to the first end of the housing. A camera and light source are mounted on each of the elongate arms such that when the elongate arms are deployed the cameras have a field of view in a generally forward direction away from the housing. A linkage mechanism is connected to the elongate arms, and an actuator is connected to the linkage mechanism.

Abstract: A distal portion of an electronic endoscope is formed with a cutaway portion and a distal end surface. The distal portion is provided with side-viewing and front-viewing capturing optical systems. The side-viewing capturing optical system has a side-viewing objective lens, a prism with a half mirror surface, and a varifocal lens. Light incident on the half-mirror surface from the side-viewing objective lens is reflected to be incident on a CCD through the varifocal lens. Moving the varifocal lens allows the side-viewing capturing optical system to switch from normal observation to magnifying observation and vice versa. In the magnifying observation, a best focus position resides on an extension, of an outer circumferential surface of the distal portion, facing the cutaway portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscopic visioning system and related method for both forward and backward viewing of a body lumen. According to an embodiment, the system includes an endoscope, a vision head including a light source and a vision chip on both a proximal and a distal side of the vision head, and an extension arm for moving the vision head away from and back toward the endoscope. Alternatively, the light source and vision chip may be contained in a distal end of the endoscope. In such an alternative embodiment, the vision head is a parabolic mirror mounted on the extension arm for reflecting images, for example, from behind the distal end of the endoscope to the vision chip in the distal end of the endoscope to permit, for example, a retrograde view of the surgical site entrance.

Abstract: An endoscope system is provided for examination of a hollow body component. The endoscope system includes an endoscope having an outer periphery and a distal end housing a first image lens for receiving images in a first direction. The endoscope defines a hollow channel therethrough. A catheter is received within the channel of the endoscope and has proximate and distal ends. A rear view module is positioned at the distal end of the catheter and includes a second image lens. At least a portion of the module is movable between a first position and a second position wherein the second lens receives images in a second direction at an angle to the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice, passageway or cavity, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. The elongate may achieve access in an endoluminal or a laparoscopic fashion. Methods of using the apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: A medical apparatus system includes: an image generating section that generates an image in an observation field of view obtained from an observing section including an objective lens; an information collecting section that collects information of a treatment instrument; a distortion setting section that sets virtual distortion on the outside of the observation field of view from a characteristic of distortion of the objective lens; a distorted image generating section that generates a distorted image on the outside of the observation field of view with respect to the treatment instrument; and an image combining section that generates a combined image such that an image of the treatment instrument on the inside of the observation field of view and a distorted image of the treatment instrument coincide with each other in a boundary of the observation field of view.

Abstract: An ingestible scanning device includes, in an embodiment, a capsule housing having a transparent window and sized so as to be ingestible, a photo-sensing array located within the capsule housing, a mirror located within the housing and oriented to direct an image from a surface outside the transparent window to the photo-sensing array, and a light source for illuminating the surface outside the transparent window.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes: an image pickup unit incorporated in a medical instrument body for picking up an image of the subject to be examined from an observation window; an airflow generating unit provided rotatably with respect to the medical instrument body so as to cover the image pickup unit by a covering unit having an opening formed therein, the airflow generating unit being configured to generate an airflow for preventing adherents from sticking to the observation window, by rotation of the covering unit; a fixing unit for indwelling and fixing the medical instrument body inside the subject to be examined; and a drive unit incorporated in the medical instrument body, for driving the airflow generation unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice or passageway, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope includes a cylindrical transparent cover whose observation window in a cylindrical part is transparent, a body part that has a cylindrical part provided continuously to the cylindrical part of the transparent cover, a lens holder that revolves about a center axis of the transparent cover in an inside of the transparent cover and the body part and that moves in a direction of the center axis, an objective mirror that is provided in the lens holder and that reflects, toward the body part, light entering through an objective lens provided at a position facing the cylindrical part of the transparent cover, an imaging device that receives light reflected from the objective mirror and that converts the light into an electric signal, and a driving section provided inside the body part and that drives and revolves the lens holder.

Abstract: A rigid, rod-shaped endoscope for medical applications includes a distal end having a light-permeable distal window and a light outlet disposed adjacent to the distal window, which includes a device configured to prevent the incidence of stray light onto sides of the deflection prism facing the distal window. An endoscope shank includes a plurality of telescoping hollow tubes. An inner fixed optical tube includes a moveable optical deflection prism and an optical system configured to transmit light beams. The optical deflection prism is mounted rotatably on a shaft that is disposed at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. At least one moveable sliding tube is configured to move relative to the inner fixed optical tube in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the endoscope using magnetic forces generated by a plurality of moveable permanent magnets.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a processor based method for generating positional and other information relating to a stent in the lumen of a vessel using a computer. The method includes the steps of generating an optical coherence image data set in response to an OCT scan of a sample containing at least one stent; and identifying at least one one-dimensional local cue in the image data set relating to the position of the stent.

Abstract: A medical apparatus according to the present invention is a medical apparatus used in a state in which the medical apparatus is led into a body and fixed. The medical apparatus includes: a fixing section that fixes the medical apparatus on a body wall in the body; an image pickup section that picks up an image of a subject in the body and is provided pivotably around a first axis; and a holding section that includes the fixing section and holds the image pickup section pivotably around a second axis different from the first axis. Therefore, the medical apparatus can change a photographing range and a visual field direction as desired to photograph the subject by performing magnified observation and photographing the subject from different directions without using a zoom function in the state in which the medical apparatus is fixed in a limited space in the body.