Abstract: A tissue removal tool for use with an endoscope. The tool includes a loop formed by a piece of wire. The loop is movable between an open position and a closed position. The shape of the loop is defined in the open position by a proximal portion and a distal portion. The piece of wire may have a cross-sectional height in the proximal portion unequal to a cross-sectional height in the distal portion.

Abstract: Ligation bands are provided having improved compression and anti-slip properties. For example, a ligation band can be provide with a substantially ring-shaped elastic body that has a first tissue-contacting surface, a second tissue-contacting surface opposite the first tissue-contacting surface, and an aperture that extends therethrough. At least one of the tissue-contacting surfaces can have a plurality of protrusions that define an interlinking web-pattern with a plurality of recesses.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide water bottle cap assemblies suitable for attachment to an endoscopic device and a water source. The water bottle cap assembly can include a plurality of ports and an engageable member to sealingly engage the cap with a water source. The assembly also includes a plurality of tubular members, each tubular member coupled to a respective port so as to be in fluid communication therewith. The assembly can include a cap having a grippable surface that is overmolded onto the cap. The cap can also have a soft inner seal on the interior surface, and the soft inner seal can be integrally formed with the overmolded grippable surface. The cap can have a top that is pressfit onto the main portion of the cap. The grippable surface material can be overmolded over the top of the cap.

Abstract: A rotatable jaw device for use with an endoscope, and method for using such a device. The device includes a fork, and two jaws pivotally mounted to the fork. The jaws are movable between a predetermined closed position and a predetermined open position. At least one jaw has at least one protrusion on a surface of the jaw. The at least one protrusion prohibits movement of the two jaws in the opening direction beyond the predetermined open position.

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: The present subject matter provides improvements of endoscopic retrieving devices. In specific, the present subject matter provides a net element with an extra wide tail section. The present subject matter provides a new weaving pattern. The present subject matter provides a new shape of the loop. The present subject matter provides a net with a combination of net elements, such as combinations of different net geometries and/or different net materials. The present subject matter provides a new and inventive loop. The present subject matter provides an improved second end of the tubular member. The present subject matter provides a new and inventive arm.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a first jaw and a second jaw pivotally connected to the first jaw through a pivot. The second jaw has a lever arm extending rearward from the pivot when the second jaw is closed. A wire having an end is connected to the lever arm of the second jaw. A suction tube is disposed between the first and second jaw.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using an endoscope pre-cleaning and cleaning device. The device includes an elongated and flexible substrate and an abrasive element running along the length of the substrate. The abrasive element extends in an outward direction from the substrate and can have bristles in a continuous line along the substrate. The bristles can be various lengths, thicknesses, materials, and grouped in various densities along the substrate.

Abstract: An endoscopic resection assembly includes an adaptor configured to adapt to an endoscopic device. A pusher is disposed on the adaptor by inserting the adaptor into the central opening defined by the pusher. A cutting device includes a snare loop and a snare drive cable, and is removably coupled to the pusher. The cutting device is configured to resect a tissue when the snare loop is contracted by activation of the snare driver. A clip for engaging onto the tissue can be loaded onto the adaptor at a position distal to the pusher.

Abstract: An endoscopic device for retrieving an object from within a human body is disclosed. The device includes a support assembly, a transmitting assembly, a wire, and a net element. The support assembly has a base and a tubular member. The transmitting assembly includes a handle and a motion transmitting link fixed to the handle and extending through at least a portion of the tubular member. The wire defines a loop portion and two leg portions. A proximal end of each leg portion is secured to the link by a first connection and the two leg portions are secured to each other by at least a second connection distal from the first connection. The net element has a distally protruding portion secured to the loop portion and a proximally protruding portion secured relative to the leg portions.

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 thermoset 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: An endoscopic surgical device for retrieving severed tissue or foreign bodies from within a subject is disclosed. The device comprises a support unit and a tissue retrieving net system. The net system is carried by the support unit and may be inserted into the subject through an orifice or small incision and operated to retrieve tissue that has been severed by a conventional method. The net system comprises a net, a net actuator, a net deployment and retrieval assembly for transmitting motion between the net and its actuator. The net system further comprises at least one net connector disposed such that only one connector is within an articulation zone, defined by locations of severe bending of the device during operation.

Abstract: An endoscopic device for retrieving an object from within a human body is disclosed. The device includes a support assembly, a transmitting assembly, a wire, and a net element. The support assembly has a base and a tubular member. The transmitting assembly includes a handle and a motion transmitting link fixed to the handle and extending through at least a portion of the tubular member. The wire defines a loop portion and two leg portions. A proximal end of each leg portion is secured to the link by a first connection and the two leg portions are secured to each other by at least a second connection distal from the first connection. The net element has a distally protruding portion secured to the loop portion and a proximally protruding portion secured relative to the leg portions.

Abstract: An endoscopic device for retrieving an object from within a human body is disclosed. The device includes a support assembly, a transmitting assembly, a wire, and a net element. The support assembly has a base and a tubular member. The transmitting assembly includes a handle and a motion transmitting link fixed to the handle and extending through at least a portion of the tubular member. The wire defines a loop portion and two leg portions. A proximal end of each leg portion is secured to the link by a first connection and the two leg portions are secured to each other by at least a second connection distal from the first connection. The net element has a distally protruding portion secured to the loop portion and a proximally protruding portion secured relative to the leg portions.

Abstract: An adapter for coupling a disposable 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 thermoset 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. By using a thermoplastic elastomer and/or thermoset elastomer material, a simplified adapter is provided, which substantially reduces design and manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A tissue collection apparatus maximizes the collection and retention of tissue samples from within a patient. The apparatus comprises a handle with a hollow catheter flexibly extending distally from the handle. A cytology brush is stored within the hollow at a distal end of the cannula, and can be extended and retracted from the cannula by manipulating the handle. The cytology brush has a cylindrical proximal brush, a cylindrical distal brush, and a tissue collection gap longitudinally separating the proximal and distal brushes. The bristles of the brushes can have different material properties and can have an effective diameter greater than the cannula. In use, tissue samples accumulate within the bristles and within the tissue collection gap. When retracted into the hollow of the cannula, the apparatus maximizes the amount of tissue collected by folding the bristles over the tissue collection gap to shield the tissue samples collected within.

Abstract: A valve apparatus device provides surgical instruments with sealable access to an inlet port of an endoscope instrument channel. The valve has a hollow body with a distal end that releasably attaches to the inlet port, and a flexible diaphragm seal dividing the body into a proximal chamber and a distal chamber. An instrument opening extends through the diaphragm seal for the passage of instruments therethrough, and connects the chambers together. The diaphragm seal is configured to seal with a surgical instrument inserted into the instrument opening. At least one fluid transfer member is provided to fluidly interconnect the proximal chamber to the distal chamber when the surgical instrument is sealed within the instrument opening.

Abstract: A valve apparatus device provides surgical instruments with sealable access to an inlet port of an endoscope instrument channel. The valve has a hollow body with a distal end that releasably attaches to the inlet port, and a flexible diaphragm seal dividing the body into a proximal chamber and a distal chamber. An instrument opening extends through the diaphragm seal for the passage of instruments therethrough, and connects the chambers together. The diaphragm seal is configured to seal with a surgical instrument inserted into the instrument opening. At least one fluid transfer member is provided to fluidly interconnect the proximal chamber to the distal chamber when the surgical instrument is sealed within the instrument opening.