Abstract: Devices and methods for cleaning and/or drying endoscopic instruments, such as endoscopes, are provided. A drying device for use with an endoscopic instrument comprises an elongate member configured for advancement through an internal lumen within the endoscopic instrument and a drying member removably coupled to a portion of the elongate member. The drying element comprises a variable pressure region shaped and configured to increase the hydrodynamic fluid friction force and fluid pressure force applied to the wall of the internal lumen of the endoscope to more effectively remove all of the moisture and fluid from the internal surfaces of an endoscopic instrument.

Abstract: Tools and systems for the delivery of medical devices or components, and more specifically, to tools and systems that assist or facilitate the delivery of one or more medical device or component over, onto, into, or against, another medical device or component are provided. More specifically, delivery tools and systems for the placement of an endoscopic device over, onto, into, or against, another instrument or endoscope are provided.

Abstract: A kit for use in an endoscopic procedure on a patient comprises a device for use in the endoscopic procedure, such as an external accessory device for an endoscope or an endoscopic device configured for advancement through an opening into a patient. The kit further includes a coupler device for an endoscope that comprises a main body having a proximal end configured to attach to the distal end portion of the endoscope, and a mechanism for articulating an instrument passing through the endoscope so that instruments can exit the endoscope at various angles. The coupler device also provides a protective cover to reduce the ingress of debris, fluid, bacteria, or other unwanted matter from the working end of the endoscope which could lead to infection and decreased performance of the scope.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cleaning and/or drying endoscopic instruments, such as endoscopes, are provided. A drying device for use with an endoscopic instrument comprises an elongate member configured for advancement through an internal lumen within the endoscopic instrument and a drying member removably coupled to a portion of the elongate member. The drying element comprises a variable pressure region shaped and configured to increase the hydrodynamic fluid friction force and fluid pressure force applied to the wall of the internal lumen of the endoscope to more effectively remove all of the moisture and fluid from the internal surfaces of an endoscopic instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope accessory, such as a coupler device, is provided that includes a main body with a visualization section for allowing viewing of tissue by the endoscope and a proximal end configured for attachment to a distal end portion of the endoscope. The device includes a passage within the main body having an open distal end and a proximal end aligned with the working channel of the endoscope. A locking element on the coupler device secures an angle of exit of an instrument passing through the passage.

Abstract: A device having an optical element with a conductive coating. The device may include an optical element, a conductive material and at least one connector. The conductive material is disposed on at least a portion of the optical element. The optical element, for example, may be an object lens of an endoscope or an optical coupler. The connectors (acting as terminal(s)) are capable of providing energy (such as electrical energy) to the conductive material. In one aspect, the conductive material is an optically transparent material. Advantageously, the device may allow visualization of an object—such as body tissue or other matter—concurrent with the application of energy to the object via the conductive coating. This allows the user to observe the alteration of tissue and other matter in real time as the energy is delivered.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the non-traumatic removal of a variety of devices placed over, or on, endoscopic instruments or endoscopes. A device removal system includes a removal element for gripping the device having a body with a central portion and adjacent gripping arms movably coupled to the central portion. The system further includes an insertion device coupled to the removal element and an expanding instrument. The insertion device has an elongate shaft configured for advancement into an opening or channel within the device to be removed. The expanding instrument is configured for insertion into the insertion device to expand the shaft of the insertion device and obtain a firmer grip on the device, thereby reducing the local pressure applied to any one portion of the device, which reduces the wear and tear on the instrument and minimizes damage to epoxy joints and other sealed areas.

Abstract: Tools and systems for the delivery of medical devices or components, and more specifically, to tools and systems that assist or facilitate the delivery of one or more medical device or component over, onto, into, or against, another medical device or component are provided. More specifically, delivery tools and systems for the placement of an endoscopic device over, onto, into, or against, another instrument or endoscope are provided.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for coupling an accessory device, such as a disposable coupler, to an endoscopic instrument, such as an endoscope. A loading device includes a main body or base element with a proximal portion configured to receive the endoscope and a distal portion configured to receive the accessory device. The main body or base element allows an operator to stabilize the delivery area of the endoscope in a predictable, consistent manner. The loading device may further include one or more fixation elements to stabilize the distal end of the endoscope, preventing it from flexing and articulating during delivery of the accessory device onto the endoscope. A system may further include a delivery device or insertion tool for advancing the accessory device into the channel of the loading device.

Abstract: Tools and systems are provided for the delivery of accessory devices to endoscopes. A device delivery system for delivering an endoscopic device to an endoscope, comprises an insertion instrument having a pair of pivotable arms. The arms extend from a device delivery portion of the insertion instrument at a first end, into a handle portion at an opposed, second end, and are connected together at a pivotable connection. A bracket is connected to a back plate for placement of a device to be delivered thereagainst. An extension shaft extends from the back plate for placement through a working channel of the endoscopic device to be delivered. The system further comprises a removable spacer for enclosing the device delivery end of the insertion instrument.

Abstract: A kit for use in an endoscopic procedure on a patient comprises a device for use in the endoscopic procedure, such as an external accessory device for an endoscope or an endoscopic device configured for advancement through an opening into a patient. The kit further includes a coupler device for an endoscope that comprises a main body having a proximal end configured to attach to the distal end portion of the endoscope, and a mechanism for articulating an instrument passing through the endoscope so that instruments can exit the endoscope at various angles. The coupler device also provides a protective cover to reduce the ingress of debris, fluid, bacteria, or other unwanted matter from the working end of the endoscope which could lead to infection and decreased performance of the scope.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cleaning and/or drying endoscopic instruments, such as endoscopes, are provided. A drying device for use with an endoscopic instrument comprises an elongate member configured for advancement through an internal lumen within the endoscopic instrument and a drying member removably coupled to a portion of the elongate member. The drying element comprises a variable pressure region shaped and configured to increase the hydrodynamic fluid friction force and fluid pressure force applied to the wall of the internal lumen of the endoscope to more effectively remove all of the moisture and fluid from the internal surfaces of an endoscopic instrument.

Abstract: Endoscopic instruments, such as endoscopes, and devices and methods for cleaning endoscopic instruments are provided. A cleaning device for use with an endoscopic instrument comprises an elongate member configured for advancement through an internal lumen within the endoscopic instrument and a cleaning member removably coupled to a portion of the elongate member. The cleaning element comprises a variable pressure region shaped and configured to increase the hydrodynamic fluid friction force and fluid pressure force of a cleaner or detergent against the wall of the internal lumen of the endoscope to more effectively clean all internal surfaces of an endoscopic instrument, including crevasses, scratches or other irregularities, without further damaging these surfaces.

Abstract: A device having an optical element with a conductive coating. The device may include an optical element, a conductive material and at least one connector. The conductive material is disposed on at least a portion of the optical element. The optical element, for example, may be an object lens of an endoscope or an optical coupler. The connectors (acting as terminal(s)) are capable of providing energy (such as electrical energy) to the conductive material. In one aspect, the conductive material is an optically transparent material. Advantageously, the device may allow visualization of an object—such as body tissue or other matter—concurrent with the application of energy to the object via the conductive coating. This allows the user to observe the alteration of tissue and other matter in real time as the energy is delivered.