Abstract: Provided is a high-frequency treatment tool including: a sheath having an inner hole that passes therethrough in a longitudinal direction; a first electrode portion that is formed in a rod shape, that passes through the inner hole of the sheath to protrude from a distal end of the sheath, and that is configured to apply a high-frequency current; a second electrode portion that is disposed at a position at which the second electrode portion is electrically connected with the first electrode portion; and a power source that uses the first electrode portion as a negative electrode, that uses the second electrode portion as a positive electrode, and that supply a current between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion so that a state in which attached matter attached to the first electrode portion is lifted from the first electrode portion due to osmosis is created.

Abstract: A control device includes a processor including at least one hardware unit, the control device controlling an endoscope having a channel through which a treatment instrument is inserted, the endoscope including an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject and a rigidity variable unit provided in the insertion portion and configured to be capable of partially changing rigidity of the insertion portion. The processor detects formation of a bent portion in the insertion portion based on a detection result of a shape of the insertion portion, and in a case where the processor detects the formation of the bent portion in the insertion portion, the processor performs control of increasing rigidity of the rigidity variable unit located on a proximal end side in the bent portion.

Abstract: A culture management apparatus includes a control device that estimates a state of a specific medium component constituting a culture medium based on images including both the culture medium and a cell in the culture medium acquired by an imaging device at different times.

Abstract: Provided is an output adjustment device for a laser lithotripsy apparatus including: a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to: pulse a laser beam; adjust an output of the pulsed laser beam; monotonically increase the output of the laser beam as a first period to generate a bubble binding body containing a plurality of bubbles from a laser emission end; monotonically decrease the output of the laser beam with a gradient larger than a predetermined gradient as a second period following the first period to cause the bubble binding body to disappear so that a crushing target is attracted to the laser emission end; and before the bubble binding body is generated, raise a liquid temperature in a region where the bubble binding body is generated by generating the bubbles and causing the bubbles to disappear.

Abstract: A method for controlling an excitation light source for endoscopic fluorescence imaging. The method including: one of receiving an excitation light request signal by a switch on an endoscope or generating the excitation light request signal; at least when the excitation light request signal is present, evaluating at least one image detected by the endoscope in real time to determine whether the at least one image originates from inside or from outside of a body; and controlling the excitation light source to only generate excitation light with full power when the excitation light request signal is present and the evaluation indicates that the at least one image originates from inside of the body. Wherein the evaluation of the at least one image is determined by an artificial neural network.

Abstract: Provided is a waveform control device for a laser lithotripsy apparatus including: a processor including hardware, the processor being configured to: pulse a laser beam; change an output of the pulsed laser beam; continuously emit the laser beam until a bubble generated from a laser emission end by an irradiation of the laser beam reaches a crushing target; and after the bubble generated from the laser emission end reaches the crushing target, reduce the output of the laser beam or turn off the irradiation of the laser beam during a period in which there is the bubble between the laser emission end and the crushing target, and the bubble does not couple the laser emission end and the crushing target.

Abstract: A method for generating training data for endoscopic applications, in which stored image data comprising individual images or video data from endoscopic procedures/examinations are prepared as training data for machine learning applications. Wherein the method includes: (a) subjecting the image data to an image recognition algorithm for determining: (i) whether the stored image data was captured inside or outside a body, and (ii) whether text information and faces are contained in the stored image data, and (b) subjecting the image data to an image processing algorithm, with which the image data, depending on the result in (a): (i) are anonymized by obscuring or removing text information and faces when the stored image data is determined to have been captured outside of a body, and (ii) are anonymized by obscuring or removing text information when the stored image data is determined to have been captured inside of a body.

Abstract: A bending operation mechanism includes a bending operation member configured to bend a bending portion, a wire pulling member configured to rotate along with rotation of the bending operation member, a lock operation member supported to a rotational axis, a cam member having a cam surface and integrally provided with the lock operation member, and a brake member having a cam follower surface capable of sliding relative to the cam surface. The cam member moves along with rotation of the lock operation member. The brake member moves in a direction in which a contact surface contacts a circumference of the wire pulling member as the cam follower surface slides on the cam surface in accordance with movement of the cam member.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an image pickup module having an optical axis that defines a visual field direction and provided with an electric contact, a cable that is disposed on a proximal end side of the image pickup module and transfers an image pickup signal generated by the image pickup module, a channel provided beside the image pickup module, and a movable board electrically connecting the electric contact and the cable to transfer the image pickup signal and including a movable portion capable of forming a curved surface that is freely displaceable in an optical axis direction. The movable portion of the movable board is arranged at a position where a distance between the curved surface and the channel is longer than a distance between the curved surface and the optical axis.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus in the invention includes: a multi-lumen tube provided in an insertion portion and formed in a bendable manner, the insertion portion being inserted into a subject, a distal end member arranged so as to cover a distal end of the multi-lumen tube; a braided tube into which the multi-lumen tube is inserted, a distal end edge portion of the braided tube being disposed between the distal end member and the multi-lumen tube; and a wire configured to bend the multi-lumen tube by traction, in which the braided tube includes a gap through which the wire passes from an outside of the braided tube to an inside of the braided tube.

Abstract: A treatment instrument used together with an endoscope includes a distal end grasping portion. The distal end grasping portion includes a distal end movable member capable of moving forward and backward along a longitudinal axis of the distal end grasping portion, and a distal end fixation member including a bending portion provided on a distal end side along the longitudinal axis with respect to a tilt portion of the distal end movable member. The bending portion of the distal end fixation member and the tilt portion of the distal end movable member constitute a grasping portion.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a treatment tool device that performs a treatment on a biological tissue in a liquid. The system includes a detector that detects turbidity information regarding turbidity in the liquid occurring due to the treatment tool device, and a controller configured to control the surgical system based on a detection result of the detector to reduce turbidity by controlling the surgical system in response to the detection result indicating an occurrence of turbidity in the liquid.

Abstract: A light source device includes a first light source, a second light source, and a processor. The processor controls, based on spectrum setting information, an emitted light amount of the first light source and an emitted light amount of the second light source so that the emitted light amount of the first light source becomes larger than the emitted light amount of the second light source. The observation object includes a region of interest, a merkmal, and a peripheral portion. The spectrum setting information is set based on a merkmal observed ratio that is a ratio between a spectral reflectance in the merkmal and a spectral reflectance in the peripheral portion. A degree of disassociation of the merkmal observed ratio in the first wavelength region from 1 is greater than a degree of disassociation of the merkmal observed ratio in the second wavelength region from 1.

Abstract: A medical endoscopic device for crushing urinary stones having an insertion portion including an optical window, an illumination window, a laser fiber, an elongate internal channel, and a procedure tube coaxially and movably disposed inside the elongate internal channel is disclosed. The distal end of the procedure tube is comprised of a distal tip portion having a diameter larger than that of the attached elongate portion. The distal tip portion of the tube also includes openings for flushing the fragments of the urinary stones and the like. The washed out fragments are suctioned through the opening between the inner diameter surface of the elongate internal channel and the outer peripheral surface of the tube and the distal tip portion may be used to scrape out the contaminated fragments of the urinary stones within the elongate internal channel.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging apparatus includes: a processor configured to set a detection position for detecting a shear wave that is generated due to an ultrasound wave that is applied to an observation target by an ultrasound transducer of an ultrasound probe, calculate feature data between the ultrasound transducer and the detection position, set a threshold in accordance with the feature data, acquire contact pressure between the ultrasound probe and the observation target, and determine whether the contact pressure is equal to or smaller than the threshold.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating biological tissue using high frequency electrical energy includes a cycle comprising a desiccating phase, a cutting phase and a coagulating phase. During the dessicating phase of the cycle, a first high frequency electrical energy applied to the tissue for desiccating the tissue is modulated. A first parameter associated with application of the first high frequency electrical energy to the tissue for desiccating the tissue is estimated. During the cutting phase, cutting energy applied to the tissue for cutting the tissue is then modulated based on the first parameter. During the coagulating phase, a second high frequency electrical energy applied to the tissue for coagulating the cut tissue is modulated.

Abstract: A fluid-tight hose connection for a surgical instrument including: a hose having an inner hose and an outer protective hose surrounding the inner hose, wherein the inner hose has a coiled hose portion at an end portion of the hose; and a sleeve having a wedge-shape in a longitudinal section, the sleeve being arranged between the coiled hose portion of the inner hose and the outer protective hose.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment device includes a clip unit having a first arm and a second arm connected with each other; a power transmission member; an applicator connected with the clip unit; an engaging portion provided in one of the proximal end portion or the power transmission member; and an engaged portion provided in the other of the proximal end portion or the power transmission member without the engaging portion, wherein the engaging portion includes a hook portion entering the engaged portion so as to be engageable with the engaged portion; a support portion continuing with the hook portion; and a protrusion portion having a dimension so as to be impossible to enter the engaged portion, and at least one of the hook portion and the support portion is deformed to release the engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion.

Abstract: An endoscope including an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft including: an inner shaft tube in which an optical system is received; an outer shaft assembly including an outer shaft tube and a tubular support body proximally abutting the outer shaft tube; at least one bundle of optical fibers disposed between the inner shaft tube and the outer shaft tube; and an electrical connector arranged between the inner shaft tube and the support body. Where the support body includes at least a first web and a second web each extending radially between an inner surface of the support body and an outer surface of the inner shaft tube, the first web and the second web also extending in a longitudinal direction of the shaft such that an annular space between the inner shaft tube and the support body is divided into at least two segments.

Abstract: A braider includes: a plurality of cylindrical bobbins around which flat foil yarns are wound so as not to be inverted; a plurality of carriers to which the bobbins are rotatably attached, the plurality of carriers being configured to feed out the flat foil yarns from the bobbins; a core material supply mechanism configured to supply a core material to be placed inside the outer conductor; a waveguide take-out mechanism configured to take out the flexible waveguide after the outer conductor is formed; and a carrier movement determination mechanism configured to determine movement of the carriers so that there are always three or more cross points formed by the individual flat foil yarns with other ones of the flat foil yarns in an enlarged portion before the flat foil yarns form a braided shape.

Abstract: Image capturing module with imager module including lens and image sensing circuitry is fixed within a recess of a frame by resin between the imager module and surface(s) of the recess. The top surface of the lens has a surface feature(s), structural feature(s) or surface modification(s) that, during a process of disposing the resin, prevents the resin from covering a central region of the top surface of the lens. Surface features (e.g., a groove), structural features (e.g., a groove or a protrusion or a strip of material), and surface modifications (e.g., change in wettability or difference in surface chemistry with respect to the resin) are suitably located on top surface of lens to maintain an area not covered by resin that allows sufficient light propagation through lens for operability of Image capturing module. Methods of manufacture of such image capturing modules are also disclosed.

Abstract: A connection structure of a waveguide includes a rod-like dielectric, and an outer conductor. A three-dimensional component includes a connection surface, an insertion hole, and a corner which forms an opening edge of the insertion hole over an entire circumference on the connection surface, the connection surface at least partially including a conductive region to which a connection enlarged portion of the outer conductor is connected, the insertion hole having conductivity over an entire circumference of an inner surface, the corner having conductivity and being conducted with the inner surface of the insertion hole. In a state where the waveguide and the three-dimensional component are connected with each other, the connection enlarged portion is electrically conducted with the inner surface of the insertion hole through electrical connection with the connection surface and the corner, and smooth connection is made at the corner.

Abstract: An energy treatment device includes a sheath including a hollow portion, a fixed handle provided at a proximal end of the sheath, a probe provided in the hollow portion, a movable handle including a jaw having a recessed portion along a rotation axis of the movable handle extending in a direction orthogonal to the central axis, a metal member provided at a position including the rotation axis, and a preventing member which prevents the metal member from falling out from its position. The sheath extends along a central axis of the energy treatment device and includes an attaching portion by which the movable handle is attached to a position offset from the central axis, the metal member is provided around the rotation axis such that the jaw is rotatable with respect to the sheath, and the prevention member is fixed to the recessed portion.

Abstract: A medical endoscope is an instrument having an elongate, tubular shaft. The instrument is commonly provided with a flushing device. The flushing liquid can be guided through corresponding separate liquid channels. In order to be able to control the flow of the liquid, the liquid channels have a stopcock. The stopcocks here are of complex construction, and for this reason both the production thereof and the cleaning thereof are complicated. The invention includes a stopcock and also a housing and a method for producing the housing, by way of which the production and the cleaning of the housing are simplified. This is achieved in that a housing and at least one spring element for form-fitting fixing of a plug in a position in the interior space of the housing are manufactured integrally from a single part, that is to say in one part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quantitatively detecting ?-1,3-1,6-glucan separately from ?-1,3-glucan and ?-1,3-1,4-glucan. The present invention is a method for measuring ?-1,3-1,6-glucan, the method including: a step for mixing ?-glucan in a test sample, a molecule that specifically binds to a ?-(1?3) bond, and a molecule that specifically binds to a ?-(1?6) bond to form a complex containing the molecule that specifically binds to a ?-(1?3) bond and the molecule that specifically binds to a ?-(1?6) bond; a step for detecting the complex; and a step for measuring the amount of ?-1,3-1,6-glucan in the test sample, on the basis of the results of the detection.

Abstract: A surgical tool including a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, a yoke disposed within the housing between the proximal end and the distal end, a handle pivotally coupled to the housing, and a pivot assembly coupling the yoke to the housing. The pivot assembly includes a first link having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first link is rotatably coupled to the housing and the second end of the first link rotatably coupled to a second link at a first end of the second link. The second link has a second end rotatably coupled to the yoke. The handle is coupled to the pivot assembly such that movement of the handle causes movement of the yoke.

Abstract: An ablation treatment device for ablating treatment procedure used with endoscope device is disclosed. The ablation treatment device is inserted through the endoscope device and protruded into the human body, where the equipped neutral electrode and a gas channel for injecting inert gas is protruded. Together with another gas channel formed on the endoscope device, two types of gases are injected into the human body together with application of high frequency currents to perform ablation procedure. The ablation treatment device is controlled through a control circuit that administers control of the injection of the gases and application of high frequency currents.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes a liquid feeding device for feeding a quantity of liquid to the distal end of a shaft of a bipolar electrosurgical instrument, an impedance measuring device for measuring the impedance of an object arranged at the distal end of the shaft, and a control device that is connected to the impedance measuring device and the liquid feeding device and is configured to control and/or dose the quantity of liquid fed by the liquid feeding device to the distal end of the shaft as a function of the measurement of the impedance measured by the impedance measuring device.

Abstract: An electrosurgical handheld devices, and contact bodies of electrosurgical handheld devices, prove very difficult to clean. Cleaning them is very laborious, particularly when they have bores and receptacles of small diameters. Even mechanical cleaning cannot guarantee that the necessary degree of cleaning is achieved. The invention makes available an electrosurgical handheld device and a contact body that can be cleaned particularly easily and thoroughly and in a time-efficient manner. This is achieved by the fact that the contact body for an electrosurgical handheld device has at least one receptacle that is designed as a continuous bore through the contact body.

Abstract: A method for controlling a medical device for treating a biological tissue includes controlling the treatment procedure based on the heat capacity of the biological tissue being treated as observed by the medical device. A change in the rate of change of heat capacity from a decreasing rate to an increasing rate or exceeding a maximum threshold value of rate of change of the heat capacity indicates completion, e.g., cutting or sealing. The heat capacity of the biological tissue may be estimated by determining a ratio of energy input to an end-effector of the medical device over a sampling interval to a change in temperature of the biological tissue over that sampling interval. The method may be incorporated into a controller for a medical device for treating a biological tissue.

Abstract: Stent device having stent wires interlocking with each other in various ways is disclosed. In primary interlocking structures, the stent wires include a loop formed in a first stent wire through which the second stent wire is threaded. Additional loops can be included in the primary interlocking structures, on one or both of the two stent wires. Primary interlocking structures are positioned at peaks and valleys in the respective first and second stent wires. Secondary interlocking structures do not contain loop features in the interlocking structure, but rather include first and second stent wires engaged with each other by passing first stent wire over the second stent wire forming a hanging arrangement with, e.g., the peak of one of the stent wires located in the valley of the other stent wire. Including one or more primary interlocking structures minimizes or prevents axial shortening and provides flexibility to the stent device.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical tool including a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing having a central axis and a first aperture forming an opening disposed at the distal end, an insulator disposed within the housing and having a central bore and a second aperture, the insulator configured to extend distally from the first aperture along the central axis, and a knife disposed within the first aperture and including a tip. The knife having a retracted position and an extended position, wherein in the extended position, the knife is extended distally from the first aperture along the central axis and in the retracted position, the knife is retracted proximally towards the proximal end along the central axis. The endoscopic surgical tool including a biasing element coupled to the knife and biasing the knife toward the retracted position when the knife is in the extended position.

Abstract: A surgical tool including a housing having a proximal end and a distal end the housing including a guide rail. The tool also includes a yoke slidably coupled to the housing, a handle pivotally coupled to the housing, and a link coupling the handle to the housing, the link having a first end and a second end, the first end of the link rotatably coupled to the handle and the second end of the link rotatably coupled to the yoke and slidable within the guide rail. The tool further includes a yoke pivot pin pivotably coupling the second end of the link to the yoke and a handle pivot pin coupling the link to the handle, wherein the handle pivot pin is disposed proximal compared to the yoke pivot pin.

Abstract: A method for closing a wound in a tubular organ using a suture thread includes: a first step of connecting a first edge portion and a second edge portion with the suture thread; and a second step of connecting a third edge portion and a fourth edge portion with the suture thread. The first step includes passing the suture thread through a first position on a mucosal surface of at least one of the first edge portion and the second edge portion. The second step includes passing the suture thread through a third position on the mucosal surface of at least one of the third edge portion and the fourth edge portion. A shortest distance between the wound and the third position is larger than a shortest distance between the wound and the first position.

Abstract: An image annotation support system generates classification information that classifies a plurality of target regions constituting a target image, based on a feature represented in the target image, the target image being an image serving as a candidate to be annotated, and arranges, on a screen of a display device, a classified image that visualizes the classification information, in a manner capable of being compared with the target image.

Abstract: A medical instrument is presented having a proximal main body and an elongated shaft disposed distally of the main body, wherein the shaft includes a first shaft tube and a second shaft tube coaxially arranged around the first shaft tube, the interior of the first shaft tube forming a first fluid space, and an annular space between the first shaft tube and the second shaft tube forming a second fluid space. The instrument wherein the proximal ends of the first shaft tube and the second shaft tube are received in a common retaining body arranged in the main body, wherein the retaining body includes a first supply channel to the first fluid space and a second supply channel to the second fluid space and is configured as a one-piece injection moulded body.

Abstract: Ultrasonic treatment device includes a blade configured to apply ultrasonic vibrations to target tissue and a jaw movable relative to the blade between open and closed configurations. In some examples, the jaw includes a base having an inner channel and a plurality of slots in communication with the inner channel, and a pad having a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion configured to be received within a different slot of the plurality of slots. In further examples, the jaw includes a base having a pair of side walls defining an inner channel, one of the side walls including a rail member extending into the channel, and a pad having a single groove for receiving the rail member when the pad is positioned within the channel. A surface of the groove is configured to contact a surface of the rail when a force is applied against a grasping surface of the pad.

Abstract: A stent device including a stent cover having differing porosity ratio is disclosed. The stent covers the stent body comprising of stent wires and stent cells enclosed by the stent wires. The stent cover differs in porosity ratio for areas covering the stent wires and the areas covering the stent cells. The porosity ratio for areas covering the stent wires may have a higher porosity rate in order to promote endothelialization of the stent device. A bilayer stent cover differing in porosity ratio may be used to cover the stent body, as well as stent cover not covering the entirety of the stent body.

Abstract: A clip device includes a sheath having a lumen with at least one open end and a plurality of clip arms movable between a first configuration in which the plurality of clip arms are opened to receive a target tissue, and a second configuration in which the plurality of clip arms are closed to grip the target tissue. Locking mechanisms respectively provided on the plurality of clip arms engage one another for maintaining the second configuration. A restraining mechanism is optionally configured to be associated with the locking mechanisms to prevent the target tissue from being pinched between the locking mechanisms.

Abstract: Treatment device for ultrasonic treatment and high frequency treatment procedure is equipped with an ultrasonic transducer including piezoelectric elements converting electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The treatment device includes a transmission rod with a treatment probe and jaw for clasping objects. The transmission rod includes one or more features for damping, to minimize or prevent excess vibrations and to, among other things, decrease frictional heat caused by the friction between the damping features and the transmission rod arising from attenuating the ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: A vibration transmission member for an ultrasonic treatment tool includes: a main body including a central axis, a distal end (DE), and a proximal end (PE), a center moving portion (CMP) at a distal side of a node where the DE meets the CMP, the node being at a most DE of the main body, and a curved portion (CP) at a distal side of the CMP. In a direction from a PE of the CP toward a DE of the CP, the CP is curved in a first direction. The center of gravity of the CMP moves along the CMP toward the DE of the CMP, the center of gravity moves relative to the central axis in a second direction. The CP extends from the DE of the main body to the PE of the CP. The CP includes a plurality of notches along a periphery of the CP.

Abstract: Treatment device for ultrasonic treatment and high frequency treatment procedure is equipped with an ultrasonic transducer including piezoelectric elements converting electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The treatment device includes a transmission rod with a treatment probe and jaw for clasping objects. The transmission rod includes features for damping, such as a sheath, a geometry of the outer surface of the transmission rod, or combinations of such features, to minimize or prevent excess vibrations and to, among other things, decrease frictional heat caused by the friction between the damping features and the transmission rod arising from attenuating the ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes: a processor configured to detect a flicker cycle of a light source; generate a difference image between an image in which a light intensity fringe is not present and an image in which a light intensity fringe is present based on the flicker cycle; divide the difference image into a plurality of regions; identify a first color unevenness occurrence region, a second color unevenness occurrence region, and a color unevenness non-occurrence region; determine a center position of an exposure period in the identified color unevenness non-occurrence region, and controls exposure; and control exposure such that, in a direction perpendicular to an image reading direction of an image sensor, the center position of the exposure period located in the color unevenness non-occurrence region satisfying predetermined conditions.

Abstract: An endoscope distal end structure includes: an image sensor; a composite cable that is formed by bundling a plurality of signal cables; a substrate that includes a plurality of electrodes for connecting respective core wires of the plurality of signal cables; a cable fixing portion configured to hold the plurality of signal cables that are exposed from an end portion of the composite cable and the end portion of the composite cable; a sealing resin configured to protect connection portions between the core wires of the plurality of signal cables and the plurality of electrodes; and a shrinkable tube. The cable fixing portion includes a first fixing portion that is arranged on a surface of the substrate, and the first fixing portion includes grooves that are divided by wail portions, the grooves being configured to house the respective signal cables.

Abstract: Method, device and treatment system for sealing living tissue using high frequency electrical energy provided to the living tissue by an end effector of a treatment instrument applies N cycles (N=natural number from 1 to 5, inclusive) of electrical energy to the living tissue by increasing, in each cycle, an amount of the high frequency electrical energy provided to the living tissue until the impedance of the living tissue increases to an impedance threshold value for that cycle, after which the amount of high frequency electrical energy is decreased to decrease the impedance of the living tissue by a predetermined value. The cycle repeats, with each subsequent cycle having an impedance threshold value greater than in the prior cycle, and the cycles stop when an N+1-th impedance reaches a impedance stop value. Initial values of impedance can be used to determine parameters of the cycles.

Abstract: Treatment device for ultrasonic treatment and high frequency treatment procedure is equipped with an ultrasonic transducer including piezoelectric elements converting electrical power into ultrasonic vibrations. The treatment device includes a transmission rod with a treatment probe and jaw for clasping objects. The transmission rod includes features for damping, such as a sheath, a coating, a geometry of the outer surface of the transmission rod, or combinations of such features, to minimize or prevent excess vibrations and to, among other things, decrease frictional heat caused by the friction between the damping features and the transmission rod arising from attenuating the ultrasonic vibrations.

Abstract: In known electrosurgical handheld devices, a strengthening tube is firmly connected to a working element or a main body. Before the strengthening tube is connected to the main body, a contact body has to be pushed over the strengthening tube. For this purpose, the contact body has a corresponding bore. When the contact body is replaced for maintenance reasons or because of defects, the strengthening tube has to be removed with difficulty from the main body in order to be able to withdraw the contact body from same. The invention makes available an electrosurgical handheld device and a contact body which is able to be manipulated and maintained in a particularly simple and also time-efficient manner. This is achieved by the fact that a contact body for an electrosurgical handheld device has a slit parallel to a continuous bore and also parallel to a longitudinal axis of the handheld device.

Abstract: A cell collecting apparatus includes: a culturing device having a culture vessel and a collecting channel; and a control device. The culturing device cultures cells in a state where the cells are suspended in a liquid medium stored in the culture vessel. The control device controls the culturing device such that a suspension height, which is a height at which the target cell is suspended in the liquid medium, approaches a collection height, which is a height of an inlet of the collecting channel, the inlet configured to be used for cell collection from inside the culture vessel.

Abstract: Provided is a bendable tube unit of a medical guide sheath. The bendable tube unit includes, a coil in which an elastic wire is wound in a spiral form, and a rod that is arranged inside the coil along and n near a generating line in a circumferential direction of the coil, and that has a distal end portion and a rear end portion, the distal end portion being fixed to a front end portion of the coil, the rear end portion being connected to an operating portion configured to apply a bending action to the coil, the rod being configured to bend the coil by moving toward a distal end side of the coil to apply a stretching force to widen a space between parts of the wire near the generating line deviated from an axis of the coil.

Abstract: A medical device and a method of operating the same are provided. In a method of operating a medical device for ultrasonic treatment, the medical device including an ultrasonic instrument having a vibration transmission member that vibrates ultrasonically, a power source configured to supply electric energy to the ultrasonic instrument, and a processor including a control unit operably connected to the power source, the method includes: controlling supply of the electric energy to the ultrasonic instrument, obtaining a temperature value related to a temperature of the vibration transmission member, the vibration transmission member being separate from a transducer, and controlling the power source to reduce or stop the supply of electric energy of the power source based on the rate of change of the temperature value.