Abstract: A device that uses an anatomic landmark or fiduciary point to establish a point of origin for device orientation in space is provided. The device controls the direction and depth of delivery of a needle, wire, trocar or cannula utilized for diagnostic or therapeutic intervention. The device guides the percutaneous delivery of a needle, wire, trocar or cannula to a target spatial location on or within tissue.

Abstract: A catheter that comprises a catheter configured for housing at least a portion of a catheter configured for insertion into a body lumen in proximity of a targeted anatomical site and having an imager at a distal end thereof and an adjustable chamber configured for covering the imager. The catheter is configured for introducing a wave conductive medium to the adjustable chamber to increase wave conductivity between the targeted anatomical site and the imager.

Abstract: This application presents to an endoscope having a compact distal tip, and to a method for constructing same. In some embodiments one or more optical and sensing elements are mounted directly on an internal surface of a lumen within an external housing, which housing comprises an outer wall of the endoscope tip. Space saved by eliminating intervening containing elements can be used to enhance endoscope performance and/or reduce endoscope size.

Abstract: This application presents to an endoscope having a compact distal tip, and to a method for constructing same. In some embodiments one or more optical and sensing elements are mounted directly on an internal surface of a lumen within an external housing, which housing comprises an outer wall of the endoscope tip. Space saved by eliminating intervening containing elements can be used to enhance endoscope performance and/or reduce endoscope size.

Abstract: A device that uses an anatomic landmark or fiduciary point to establish a point of origin for device orientation in space is provided. The device controls the direction and depth of delivery of a needle, wire, trocar or cannula utilized for diagnostic or therapeutic intervention. The device guides the percutaneous delivery of a needle, wire, trocar or cannula to a target spatial location on or within tissue.

Abstract: This application presents to an endoscope having a compact distal tip, and to a method for constructing same. In some embodiments one or more optical and sensing elements are mounted directly on an internal surface of a lumen within an external housing, which housing comprises an outer wall of the endoscope tip. Space saved by eliminating intervening containing elements can be used to enhance endoscope performance and/or reduce endoscope size.

Abstract: A catheter that comprises a catheter configured for housing at least a portion of a catheter configured for insertion into a body lumen in proximity of a targeted anatomical site and having an imager at a distal end thereof and an adjustable chamber configured for covering the imager. The catheter is configured for introducing a wave conductive medium to the adjustable chamber to increase wave conductivity between said targeted anatomical site and the imager.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for attaching and forming enclosed inflatable members on an endoscope assembly with a disposable sheath are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a flexible and resilient cuff member that is positioned on the outer surface of the disposable sheath and sealably and fixedly bonded to the sheath cover material at the cuff edges to form an annular space capable of being inflated. The inflatable member formed thereby is inflated through a lumen internal to the sheath that has an opening into the interior annular space. The inflatable member may be inflated to exert a longitudinal force on the insertion tube, thereby moving the endoscope assembly along a body passage. Alternately, a sheath may include a plurality of inflatable cuffs that may be inflated to create an isolated space therebetween within the body passage.

Abstract: A method of examining internal body portions of patients. The method includes providing an imaging capsule including an image capturing unit, mounting the imaging capsule on a first elongate tube suitable for insertion into a body cavity, in a manner which prevents release of the imaging capsule from the first elongate tube within a body cavity, inserting the first elongate tube with the capsule mounted thereon into a patient, retracting the first elongate tube from the patient, separating the imaging capsule from the first elongate tube, disposing of the first elongate tube, mounting the imaging capsule on a second elongate tube and inserting the second elongate tube with the imaging capsule mounted thereon into a patient.