Abstract: An exemplary medical imaging system includes an imaging device that includes a visible light camera configured to obtain image data representative of a two-dimensional visible light image of a scene and a depth sensor separate from the visible light camera and configured to obtain depth data representative of a depth map of the scene. The medical imaging system further includes a image processing system communicatively coupled to the imaging device and configured to generate, based on the image data and the depth data, a right-side perspective image of the scene and a left-side perspective image of the scene that together form a stereoscopic image of the scene.

Abstract: An endoscopic visualization system (10) includes an endoscopic subsystem (26) comprising an endoscope having an optical channel and an illumination channel, an image sensor operatively coupled to receive light from the optical channel and a solid-state light source operatively coupled to transmit light through the illumination channel; at least one electrical cable extending from the endoscopic subsystem; and a monitor subsystem (12) comprising a frame defining an inner compartment, a display screen and at least one port configured to receive the at least one electrical cable connected to the endoscopic subsystem.

Abstract: A surgical scope employing a multi-spectrum ring illuminated surgical camera with a ring lens and a plurality of sources of light set behind the camera and positioned radially about the longitudinal axis of the lens and/or scope.

Abstract: A medical instrument for providing access to the interior of the body comprises a shaft having an elongated base body and a handle. The base body extends between a distal end and a proximal end of the shaft. The handle is coupled to the base body of the shaft at the proximal end. The shaft defines at least a first channel and a second channel that extend through the shaft. The first channel provides a passage for surgical instruments through the shaft. The second channel is adapted to accommodate an observation optics. The second channel is adjacent to at least one secondary channel that is connected to the second channel.

Abstract: A joint ring includes a main body part and a pair of protrusion parts protruding from a first surface of the main body part in a direction of a central axis thereof and having spherical surfaces on protruding portions. The main body part includes a pair of engagement holes and a pair of receiving holes. The protrusion parts include engagement parts which are configured to be capable of being inserted into the engagement holes. When the joint rings are arranged in the direction of the central axis and the protrusion parts of a first joint ring enter the receiving holes of a second joint ring, the spherical surfaces come into contact with receiving surfaces inside the receiving holes, and the first joint ring and the second joint ring become rotatable relative to each other with a line segment connecting centers of the respective spherical surfaces as a rotational center.

Abstract: A medical system comprising a medical instrument including at least one elongated actuation member used to move at least a portion of the medical instrument, a motor coupled to the medical instrument and used to operate the at least one elongated actuation member, and a control system in communication with the medical instrument and with the motor. The control system is configured to receive at least one input from the medical instrument and determine a force on a tip of the medical instrument by applying the at least one input to a lumped model of the medical instrument. The lumped model comprises a mass of the motor and a spring parameter coupling the mass of the motor to a mass of the portion of the medical instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an objective optical system, an illuminator having a light-emitting region and the illuminator disposed at a position different from the objective optical system, and a dome-shaped transparent cover transparent in a range of field of view and sealing the object side of the objective optical system and the illuminator. The following Conditional Expressions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 0.5<?/?<0.95 (1), (?0.13×LP+0.86×DR)<DL<0.95×DR (2).

Abstract: Embodiments of claimed subject matter are directed to an illuminating surgical device comprising an array of illuminating elements and an array of louvers to direct light from the individual illuminating elements toward a surgical field.

Abstract: Provided are a photoacoustic image generation apparatus and an insert that can evaluate whether a plurality of materials with different absorption wavelengths are present in the vicinity of a puncture needle, without preparing a plurality of light sources. A puncture needle is at least partially inserted into a subject. An optical fiber guides light with a first wavelength. A light emitting portion emits the light guided by the optical fiber. A light absorption/conversion member absorbs the light with the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting portion and converts the light with the first wavelength into light with a second wavelength. In addition, the light absorption/conversion member generates photoacoustic waves with the conversion into the light with the second wavelength.

Abstract: The present specification describes a circuit board design that uses circuit boards for illuminator sets associated with the various optical assemblies. In one configuration, front and side illuminators are assembled on front and side illuminator circuit boards. Leaf connectors associated with each illuminator are provided to interface with a common base board.

Abstract: There is provided herein, an endoscope comprising an elongated shaft terminating with a tip section wherein said tip section comprises a permanent section connected to the elongated shaft and a removable section securely connectable to the permanent section, wherein the removable section comprises at least one capture device and at least one light source.

Abstract: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; an inflatable, coated or conditioned tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body; and a cutting unit having a first cutting portion and a second cutting portion, the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion being moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated body to capture a blood vessel between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, and being rotatable relative to one another circumferentially about the tip to cut the captured blood vessel.

Abstract: A method, and associated system, includes receiving inputs from a medical instrument having at least one elongated actuation element used to manipulate a position of the instrument. The method also includes determining a force on a tip of the medical instruments by applying the inputs to a lumped model of the instrument, the lumped model comprising a mass of a motor user to operate the at least one elongated actuation member and a mass of at least a portion of a catheter body of the medical instrument.

Abstract: An imaging unit includes: an image sensor having an electrode pad and a light-receiving surface; a flexible printed circuit board having an inner lead connected to the electrode pad and extending from the image sensor in a direction opposite to where the light-receiving surface is provided; and one or more electronic components mounted on a first surface of the flexible printed circuit board, the first surface being on a side where the image sensor is provided. The flexible printed circuit board includes: an insulating base material; a first wiring layer on the base material on a side of the first surface; a first film for insulating the first wiring layer; a second wiring layer on the base material on a side of a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a second film for insulating the second wiring layer. The inner lead extends from the first wiring layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptor that is suitable for attachment to an endoscopic device for delivery of a secondary gas. The adaptor can comprise a substantially cylindrical body with a two, opposing closed ends, two fluid transport channels extending through the cylindrical body and opening at the closed ends, and an inlet port extending outward from the cylindrical body and being in fluid connection with one of the fluid transport channels. The adaptor may be used in endoscopy methods and is particularly useful for adding a secondary gas source in an endoscopy procedure.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a hermetically tight sheath, a heat source, a surface area thermally coupled to the heat source, a rotor arranged outside the hermetically tight sheath and serving to generate a flow of fluid at the surface, a magnet at the rotor, and means for generating a variable magnetic field in order to move the rotor. The means for generating a variable magnetic field is arranged inside the hermetically tight sheath.

Abstract: An in-vivo monitoring camera system that includes: a camera support tube (13) of which one end part is introduced into a body; a camera unit (11) which joins with the camera support tube in the body; a joining portion which joins the camera unit and the support tube to each other; a camera side cable (12) which is connected to the camera unit, and is drawn out toward the outside of the body through the camera support tube; a control system which is on the outside of the body, is connected to the camera side cable, and includes at least a display apparatus; and a cooling system (77) which cools the camera support tube to which heat of the imaging unit is transferred.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided to examine internal organs with front and rear views. The endoscope comprises a shaft extending from a distal end in a rearward direction along a longitudinal axis towards a proximal end, with the distal and proximal ends defining a hollow channel extended there-through. The endoscope further comprises a first lens positioned adjacent to the distal end and configured to receive a first image in a forward direction along the longitudinal axis, with the forward direction generally 180 degree from the rearward direction. The endoscope further comprises a rearview module positioned adjacent to the distal end. The rearview module comprises a second lens configured to be positioned adjacent to the distal end, and receive a second image in a target direction having a directional component in the rearward direction along the longitudinal axis, independently of the first lens receiving the first image in the forward direction.

Abstract: A laryngoscope has a first and second handle portion defining an internal cavity and forming a handle assembly. The laryngoscope includes a first and second blade portion defining an internal cavity and forming a blade assembly. A light and camera source within the internal cavity of the blade assembly illuminates at least a portion of the blade assembly and obtains images of the operation of the laryngoscope. A microprocessor coupled to the camera is mounted within one internal cavity and can record images from the camera. The microprocessor provides on-board recording capable of capturing video and audio and event data, such as from a simulator. A keypad is configured to provide for on-Board event flagging of the recorded data recorded by the microprocessor. The microprocessor may wirelessly transmit data from the laryngoscope.

Abstract: A medical device such as a catheter or endoscope device includes an illumination light source having one or more organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The OLEDs are energized to produce illumination light that is received by an image sensor or camera to produce images of tissue within a patient's body. A heat conductive polymer conducts heat away from the illumination light source.

Abstract: A wireless laparoscopic camera system includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and a lens disposed at the distal end thereof. A chip package is disposed within the housing. The chip package is positioned proximally of the lens and includes an image sensor, a processing component, and a wireless transmitter. The image sensor, the processing component, and the wireless transmitter are configured as bare die and are stacked and coupled in sequence with respect to one another to form the chip package. The chip package is configured to convert an optical image produced by the lens into an electrical signal. The signal is transmitted wirelessly to a wireless receiver positioned remote of the housing.

Abstract: An imaging device includes: an image sensor including pixels and configured to receive light from outside, and generate and output an imaging signal according to an amount of the received light; a transmission cable connected to the image sensor and configured to propagate the imaging signal; a terminating resistor provided at a terminal of the transmission cable, the terminal resistor including an alternating current terminating resistor with variable resistance and a direct current terminating resistor with variable resistance, and having a constant combined resistance of the direct current terminating resistor and the alternating current terminating resistor; and a control unit configured to perform control to make a resistance of the direct current terminating resistor during a blanking period in which the image sensor does not output the imaging signal higher than that during a normal operation period in which the image sensor outputs the imaging signal.

Abstract: An image capturing system and a method of autofocusing are disclosed such that, for example, when a folded optics configuration is used, a field corrector lens can be placed on the image sensor of the system and a plurality of lenses can be placed perpendicular to the image sensor. The plurality of lenses can be movable relative to the image sensor such that acceptable MTF curve performances can be obtained when the image capturing system is focused at reference distances.

Abstract: A distal end bending piece subjected to processing for fastening a nail-plate portion so as to allow seesaw movements is assembled on a proximal end side of a distal end rigid portion, a sleeve is inserted from a rear side, and the sleeve is fitted and fixed to the distal end rigid portion in a state where a distal end bending piece is housed in the sleeve, thereby allowing a first nail-plate portion to elastically press an inner circumferential surface of the sleeve and allowing a second nail-plate portion to elastically press a bottom surface of a recessed portion of the distal end rigid portion at a predetermined contact pressure. Such a configuration enables a secure and stable electrical conduction between the distal end rigid portion and the distal end bending piece without interfering with a reduction in a diameter of the insertion portion.

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: An endoscope apparatus with which the inside of an inspection object can be observed in detail is provided. In addition, the structure of the endoscope apparatus is simplified. The endoscope apparatus includes a tubular insertion portion having an end portion, and the end portion is provided with a light-emitting device and an optical device. The optical device is provided on an end surface in the end portion, and the light-emitting device is provided along a side surface of the end portion.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes, in order to automatically detect a type of optical adapter and to generate to display an excellent image according to an intended purpose by performing an image signal processing control corresponding to the type of the optical adapter, a signal processing circuit for performing various image signal processings on an image signal from an image-pickup element, a plurality of optical adapters each including an image-formation optical system, adapter discriminating section, and LED, the optical adapters being detachably and selectively provided to the distal end of the endoscope section, and an apparatus main body including an image processing section for performing predetermined signal processing on the image signal from the signal processing circuit, an adapter detection section for detecting the adapter discrimination section, and a controller for controlling the whole endoscope system.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus having an image pickup system operating as follows. Before picking up a still image in a body cavity that almost no light can reach, the system extinguishes LED and resets charges accumulated in respective pixels in a CMOS image sensor. In this reset state, the system illuminates LED and allows the CMOS image sensor to pick up a still image. While the charges are being read from the pixels, the system extinguishes LED and prevents further charges from being accumulated in the pixels from which the charges have not been read yet.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of colorimetric abnormalities within a body lumen includes an image receiver for receiving images from within the body lumen. Also included are a transmitter for transmitting the images to a receiver, and a processor for generating a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value.

Abstract: An image transmission apparatus may include a transmission unit that transmits a moving image compressed by lossy compression as first image data to an external apparatus through wireless communication, the transmission unit transmitting image data corresponding to one image in the moving image as second image data, the second image data being image data compressed at a lower compression rate than the lossy compression or not compressed, an instructing unit that outputs a disconnection signal to disconnect the wireless communication in response to an external manipulation, and a control unit that receives the disconnection signal from the instructing unit, the control unit controlling to disconnect the wireless communication in the transmission unit after the transmission of the second image data in the transmission unit has been completed.

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 includes: a distal end rigid portion that configures a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and has a through hole; an LED ceramic substrate including an LED light source mounted on a distal end side thereof, and arranged in the through hole so as to emit light from the through hole; an LED cable configured to be inserted in the insertion portion of the endoscope and to supply electric power to the LED light source; a ceramic cutout portion that configures a proximal end side of the LED ceramic substrate, and allows a conductive pattern for electrically connecting the LED light source and the LED cable to be exposed from inside the LED ceramic substrate and connected to the LED cable; and a reinforcement member having rigidity and fixed to the LED ceramic substrate and configured to cover the ceramic cutout portion.

Abstract: A light-source driver for a light-source, detachable from an endoscope body includes a first switch, a pilot lamp, a warning lamp, a second switch, and a light switcher. The first switch switches between the On-state and Off-state in connection with the attachment and detachment of the light-source to the endoscope body. The pilot lamp indicates that the illumination light source is energized. The warning lamp indicates that the output voltage of a battery has dropped below a predetermined value. The second switch switches the warning lamp between the On-state and Off-state in connection with the On-state and Off-state of the first switch. The light switcher switches the pilot lamp to the Off-state and enables the second switch when the second switch is set to the On-state and the output voltage has declined to or below the predetermined value.

Abstract: A self-contained surgical, e.g., endoscope, system. The surgical, e.g., endoscope, system may include a sterilizable shaft having a light source and/or an image capture device mounted at the distal end of the shaft or connected to the distal end of the shaft by fiber optics. The light source is a light emitting diode or an array of light emitting diodes, and may have its own power source located at the distal end of the shaft. The shaft includes a working channel, an irrigation/aspiration channel, and an electric cable. The shaft is coupled at its proximal end to a control module having a video processor and an integrally-mounted display screen for displaying image data from the image capture device. The control module may also include an irrigation/aspiration system, a control unit, and a controller. The control module is coupled to a power module. The power module includes steering motors connected to steering cables in the shaft. In addition, the power module includes drive motors and a power source.

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: An endoscope apparatus includes: a long insertion portion that is inserted into an examination object; an illumination portion provided at a distal end portion of the insertion portion, that irradiates illumination light at the examination object; an image pickup portion provided inside the distal end portion, that picks up reflected light captured in the insertion portion; and a heat radiating member that radiates heat emitted from at least one of the illumination portion and the image pickup portion. A distal end of the heat radiating member is disposed on a further proximal end side of the insertion portion than a maximum external diameter portion of the image pickup portion within the distal end portion. Therefore, not only can heat be radiated from the distal end portion of the insertion portion, but the distal end portion of the insertion portion can also be formed with a narrow diameter.

Abstract: A liquid cooled endoscopy unit having plurality of LED light source units integrated into the proximal end of the arthroscope. The LED light source is cooled by the sterile conventional irrigation fluid circulating inside a cooling chamber located in the body of the arthroscope and conveniently capable on demand of emitting UV light for fluorescein endoscopy. The inventive device conveniently incorporate and contains all tubing and power supply cables for the camera and LED light source in a single tubing.

Abstract: An illumination system for producing light and for launching the light into a proximal end of an optical cable of an observation apparatus for endoscopy or microscopy has a light source having at least one LED. In addition, the illumination system has an optical light guiding element between the light source and the proximal end of the optical cable for introducing the light emitted by the light source into the proximal end of the optical cable, wherein a first end region of the optical light guiding element on a side facing the light source has a smaller cross-sectional area than a second end region of the optical light guiding element on a side facing the proximal end of the optical cable. Furthermore, the illumination system has a cooling apparatus which has at least one cooling body and which is thermally conductively connected to the light source in order to remove heat produced by the light source from the illumination system.

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 system for wirelessly powering various devices positioned on an endoscope, including, for example, a light source, various electronics including an imager and/or a memory device. The system is further provided such that video signal processing parameters are automatically set for an endoscopic video camera system based upon characteristics of an attached endoscope, with reduced EMI and improved inventory tracking, maintenance and quality assurance, and reducing the necessity for adjustment and alignment of the endoscope and camera to achieve the data transfer.

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

Abstract: An inspection apparatus can comprise at least one light source for illuminating a target. The at least one light source can be disposed and/or controlled in such manner as to reduce a heat generation by the at least one light source and in such manner as to reduce a power consumption of the at least one light source.

Abstract: An adapter-type endoscope includes a distal end adapter and an insertion portion. The distal end adapter includes a light-emitting device substrate and an adapter-side electrical connection portion. The insertion portion includes a distal end portion to which the distal end adapter is detachably mounted, and has an insertion portion-side electrical connection portion connected to an adapter-side electrical connection portion, and a dual-purpose wire for power supply and heat release serving as both a heat releasing wire and a power source wire. The adapter-side electrical connection portion includes an electrical connection portion main body serving as both an electrical connection portion and a heat conducting portion and whose distal end surface closely contacts the light-emitting device substrate.

Abstract: A cannula assembly includes a tubular element forming a lumen, a deployable portion of the tubular element, and an electronic component mounted to the deployable portion of the tubular element. The tubular element has a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted into a body cavity. The deployable portion of the tubular element is engaged near the distal end of the tubular element so as to transition between a closed position and an open position. The electronic component is at least partially disposed in the lumen when the deployable portion is in the closed position.

Abstract: An endoscope that has an insertion portion that is inserted into an interior of an object and an image pickup device that is provided in the insertion portion, and that observes the interior of the object via the image pickup device, includes: a first LED unit that is provided in the insertion portion and has an LED chip that is used to irradiate light into the interior of the object; a second LED unit that is provided in the insertion portion and has an LED chip that is used to irradiate light into the interior of the object; and an alternating conduction control unit that conducts power alternatingly to the first LED unit and the second LED unit.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a probe adapted to be inserted into an orifice of an animal's body. The instrument includes an emitter of electromagnetic radiation that is sensed by a sensor mounted on the probe. The sensor can then determine, by variations in the amount of radiation received from the emitter, whether a probe cover is mounted over the probe. A sensor can also be used to determine whether the walls of the body orifice block the radiation received from the emitter, thereby indicating position of the sensor, and thus, the probe within the orifice. A special probe cover is disclosed, and methods of using the medical instrument are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for video rate or near video rate quantitative imaging of tissue physiological and morphological properties from visible/NIR light spectral images obtain rapid multi-spectral reflectance images by illuminating with a series of spectra containing multiple narrow wavelength bands. An iterative light-transport based inversion algorithm may be applied for correcting the intensity of the spectral images from the geometry/coupling effect as well as from the scattering amplitude distortions. The method can produce video rate absorption as well as scattering spectral images that can be further analyzed very rapidly, using matrix-based rapid inversion algorithms to produce more detailed quantitative images containing information relevant to tissue physiology and morphology.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a small diameter endoscope in which a handle is removably attached to a probe. The probe includes a fiber optic illumination channel that is concentric about an imaging channel. The handle includes an imaging device that detects light from the imaging channel and a sterile barrier that can be extended over the handle for use. Relay optics couples the small diameter imaging channel to the imaging device in the handle. The probe has a mounting hub that connects the probe to the handle and also serves to optically couple the fiber optic illumination channel to a light source.

Abstract: A side-viewing endoscope structure includes a front tubular section, an intermediate tubular section, a rear cap and an optical imaging unit. The front tubular section includes a tube, a reflector holder, and a reflector. The tube includes a main body and a coupling portion. The reflector holder is fitted in the main body of the tube and provided on one side of an outer wall surface thereof. The reflector is arranged on the reflector holder. A length of the intermediate tubular section has a reduced outer diameter to match the coupling portion. The rear cap has a rear wall provided with a cable hole. The optical imaging unit is located in the intermediate tubular section and the rear cap, and includes a flexible printed circuit board, a camera lens, a light source and a cable so as to transmit images.

Abstract: An illuminated medical instrument comprises an insertion portion (1) for insertion into a body opening and defining an elongate passageway (2), the passageway extending along a longitudinal axis (3) and having a proximal end (4) and a distal end (5). An obturator (19) is fitted into the passageway (2). A light emitting structure (7) has a distal end arranged to direct light from the insertion portion (1) into the body opening. The obturator (19) is movable in the passageway (2) between a first position within the passageway and a second position proximal of the first position and is constructed and arranged so that when in its first position it substantially covers in the direction of the longitudinal axis the distal end of the light emitting structure (7).