Abstract: An elastomer molded body for a medical device includes an elastomer portion and a filler. The elastomer portion contains a crosslinked fluorine-based elastomer. The filler is formed from a plurality of particles each of which has aspect ratio of 5 or more and specific surface area of 3 m2/g or more and 10 m2/g or less. The aspect ratio is defined as a ratio of a dimension in a long axis direction thereof to a dimension in a short axis direction thereof. The filler has an uneven distribution in a surface layer part of the elastomer portion and is oriented in a direction along a surface of the elastomer molded body.

Abstract: A cleaning management apparatus manages bedside cleaning for an endoscope connected to an examination apparatus. After an examination is completed, a measurement unit measures the operation time of a predetermined operation button of the endoscope. A recording control unit records that a preliminary cleaning has already been performed when the operation time that has been measured satisfies a completion condition. A notification unit gives notice of a message indicating that the preliminary cleaning is completed when the measured operation time satisfies the completion condition.

Abstract: In a data transmission terminal, a processor is configured to determine whether or not a change greater than or equal to a predetermined amount has occurred between values represented by multiple pieces of first sensor data stored on a memory when a state of communication has shifted from a normal state to a disconnected state. The processor is configured to classify the multiple pieces of the first sensor data as changed data and unchanged data when the processor determines that the change has occurred. The processor is configured to transmit the changed data to the external terminal by using a communicator. The processor is configured to transmit the unchanged data to the external terminal by using the communicator after the changed data are transmitted to the external terminal.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to an insertion assist system for an endoscope. The insertion assist system comprises a tube configured to control movement of an insertion portion of the endoscope during an advancing direction and a restrictor being disposed inside the tube and configured to restrict a protruding direction of the insertion portion. The tube includes an opening configured to receive the insertion portion to protrude therefrom. A guide surface is configured to control the advancing direction of the insertion portion and to restrict the protruding direction of the insertion portion. The restrictor is disposed facing the guide surface and is configured to press the insertion portion against the guide surface.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a surface light source that emits illumination light and a micro louver film that limits components of a divergence of the illumination light that are parallel to a light emission plane of the surface light source. The illumination apparatus satisfies the following conditional expression: 20°?A?60°??(1) where A indicates, with reference to a direction for which the micro louver film limits the divergence of the illumination light, the maximum spread angle of the illumination light passing through the micro louver film.

Abstract: A user assistance system for reusable medical devices and a method for monitoring processing. The user assistance system includes data glasses and a data memory in which a plurality of type datasets are saved that each include information relating to an identifying feature of a specific medical device type, and information relating to instructions for reprocessing these medical device types. The user assistance system records a user identifying feature and activates an associated user profile, to record a location identifying feature and to activate an associated location profile, and to display, as visual information, instructions assigned to the active user profile and the active location profile for reprocessing the medical device.

Abstract: An ultrasonic vibration transmittable probe includes a probe body configured to transmit ultrasonic vibration generated by an ultrasonic transducer. A treatment section is provided on a distal end side of the probe body along its longitudinal axis and is configured to cut a treatment object with the ultrasonic vibration. The treatment section includes first to third cutting surfaces disposed at progressively proximal positions. A portion of the first cutting surface has a dimension along a first orthogonal direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis that is smaller than a dimension of the second cutting surface along the first orthogonal direction.

Abstract: An optical module for endoscope includes an optical fiber, an optical element, a first substrate including, on a first principal plane, an insertion hole into which the optical fiber is inserted, the optical element being mounted on a second principal plane of the first substrate, a second substrate, on a third principal plane of which a recessed section in which the optical element is housed is present, and a solder ring that bonds a seal ring of the second principal plane of the first substrate and a guard ring of the third principal plane of the second substrate. The first substrate and the second substrate have the same external dimension in an optical axis orthogonal direction, and side surfaces of the first substrate and the second substrate are present in the same plane.

Abstract: A treatment system comprises a treatment tool and an energy source apparatus is used to electrically communicate with the treatment tool. The energy output source is configured to output high-frequency electric power to the bipolar electrodes so as to cause a high-frequency current to flow through a treatment target between the bipolar electrodes. A processor is used to control the energy output source. The processor performs an output control process on the heater electric power so that the heater reaches a target temperature and maintains at the target temperature. The processor detects a parameter related to the heater from the heater in the output control process based on the target temperature. The processor sets a threshold value used to determine to stop or to lower the output to the bipolar electrodes while the treatment target is being modified by the high-frequency current applied thereto based on the detected parameter.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe can detect flaws in an object in a non-destructive manner. The probe includes a row-column addressed (RCA) array with a plurality of row and column electrodes. The row and column electrodes are configurable to have at least four states: 1) a transmission state, 2) a reception state, 3) a ground state, and 4) a high impedance state. The probe also includes a control circuit to operate the RCA array in different transmission and reception configurations.

Abstract: A medical device holding apparatus having a first arm with a holding portion to hold a medical device; a second arm connected to the rotatable first arm; a base connected to the rotatable second arm and having a support shaft standing in a vertical direction; and a first counterweight portion connected to the second arm, wherein the second arm has a fulcrum around which the second arm is rotatable, and the first counterweight has a slit being connected to the proximal end portion of the second arm for guiding the proximal end portion of the second arm when the second arm is rotated around the fulcrum; and a guide for moving the first counterweight in the vertical direction after the guide receives a force generated when the proximal end portion of the second arm is guided and moved in the slit.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to an endoscopic system comprises an endoscope having a shank and a photodetector engaged with one another and having an optical axis in a direction transverse to the shank. A display device for displaying an image acquired through the photodetector. A first probe is disposed in the endoscope on or around the optical axis at a position off the shank. A second probe is disposed in the endoscope at or near a position where the shank and the optical axis intersect with each other. A sensor for detecting the position of the first probe and the position of the second probe and a controller. The controller is configured to establish a first reference direction in an actual space. To acquire a direction from the second probe toward the first probe and to perform a process for indicating the first reference direction to a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible coil circuit for a non-destructive inspection probe. The coil circuit is made of multiple layers of thin flexible ceramic material, each ceramic layer having a metallization layer deposited thereon. The circuit is capable of continuous operation at temperatures up to 350° C. The metallized layers are able to slide freely over one another as the probe is flexed, enabling the probe to conform to the circumference of pipes as small as 2 inches in diameter.

Abstract: A surgical procedure of preparing bone holes to dispose an implanted tendon to a femur when performing reconstruction of a ligament in a knee joint, includes: forming a first bone hole in the femur; and applying ultrasonic vibration from a treatment portion of an ultrasonic treatment instrument to the femur, thereby cutting and expanding the first bone hole from the inside of the knee joint to the first bone hole of the femur along a predetermined depth, and forming a second bone hole having a polygonal shape, an approximately polygonal shape, an elliptical shape or an approximately elliptical shape to receive the implanted tendon.

Abstract: Provided is a spectroscopic analysis apparatus including: an optical probe; and a spectroscopic analysis portion to which the optical probe is attached. The optical probe includes an optical fiber that guides illumination light coming from a light source and signal light coming from an observation target and an optical member that is disposed at least at a distal end of the optical fiber. The spectroscopic analysis portion includes an information separation portion that generates wavelength dependent characteristics by optically dispersing the signal light and that separates, from information about the signal light, information about first return light returning from the optical member and information about second return light returning from the optical fiber, a problem determining portion that determines a problem occurring at the optical probe based on the separated first return light and second return light, and a notification portion that notifies information about the determined problem.

Abstract: An image processing device comprises: one or more processors comprising hardware, the one or more processors being configured to: generate a high-resolution combined image by aligning a plurality of time-series images with each other in a high-resolution image space having a resolution higher than the plurality of time-series images based on an amount of displacement between the plurality of time-series images, and combining the plurality of time-series images; generate a low-resolution combined image by aligning the plurality of time-series images with each other in a low-resolution image space having a resolution equal to or lower than the resolution of the plurality of time-series images based on the amount of displacement, combining the plurality of time-series images through weighted addition; calculate a feature quantity pertaining to a pixel-value change direction at each region in the generated low-resolution combined image; and correct the high-resolution combined image based on the calculated featur

Abstract: An operating method for a medical system for performing a surgical procedure, where the medical system includes at least one artificial intelligence, an intraoperative artificial intelligence and an output unit. The operating method including: supplying the intraoperative artificial intelligence with preoperative output data and intraoperative data; processing the preoperative output data and the intraoperative data by the intraoperative artificial intelligence; and outputting output data from the intraoperative artificial intelligence to the output unit that provides a user output based on the output data from the intraoperative artificial intelligence.

Abstract: A treatment system includes a treatment tool and an energy source apparatus used to supply electrical energy to the treatment tool. The treatment tool includes a heater and bipolar electrodes to grip a treatment target. The energy source apparatus includes a processor to control the output to the bipolar electrodes and the heater, respectively. The processor directs the output to the bipolar electrodes and detects an initial value of the impedance of the treatment target. The processor determines whether or not the impedance has reached a minimum value and then retrieves a parameter that is detected before the minimum value of the impedance is detected. The processor performs a first process and/or a second process based on the acquired parameter after the minimum value is detected. The first process determines whether or not the output to the heater is required. The second process sets a target value.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a display controller configured to cause a display to display an image including a first pointer having a predetermined shape superimposed thereon and move a position of the first pointer within the image in accordance with an input position that is input from an input device; a region-of-interest setting circuit configured to set a region corresponding to the position of the first pointer within the image as a region of interest when a confirmation operation for confirming the input position is input to the input device; and a distance determining circuit configured to determine a distance between a first representative position of the first pointer and a second representative position of the region of interest within the image.

Abstract: An inspection method for inspecting a counting function of an imaging system that captures an image of a phase object includes: capturing an image of a reference standard plate that includes a base region and a plurality of counting target regions having a phase amount in a thickness direction different from a phase amount of the base region, under a condition where the number of counting target regions positioned within a field of view of the imaging system is specified among the plurality of counting target regions; counting the counting target regions included in the captured image of the reference standard plate; and outputting at least a counted result of the counting target regions.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes: a bend preventing member having a first opening and a second opening; an exterior member connected to the bend preventing member in a state where the exterior member abuts against a second surface side, and a projection which is formed on the second surface circumferentially in a protruding manner toward the exterior member, the projection being elastically deformable such that the projection is inclined in an outside direction of the bend preventing member by making the projection abut against the exterior member.

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: An endoscope system includes an endoscope that acquires an image of a subject and a processor. The processor acquires position and posture information of the endoscope, estimates a three-dimensional shape of the subject based on the image and the position and posture information, generates, based on the position information, a cross section crossing a trajectory on which the endoscope passed, and determines an erroneous estimation portion based on a shape characteristic of the three-dimensional shape on the cross section.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope, includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject, acquire an optical subject image, and transmit and receive ultrasound; an ultrasound transducer configured to emit the ultrasound in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the insertion portion, and perform scanning in a circumferential direction of an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction; a forward field optical portion that is provided at a distal end of the insertion portion in the longitudinal direction, the distal end being where observation light coming from a forward field enters; and a side field optical portion that is provided at a distal end side of the insertion portion in the longitudinal direction and is where observation light from a side field including a part of a scan plane of the ultrasound transducer enters, the side field being a field in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope configured to pick up an image of an inside of a subject to acquire an image, and a processor including hardware. The processor estimates a three-dimensional position of a target portion within the subject based on an image, sets for the three-dimensional position a reliability corresponding to a predetermined parameter related to the endoscope system determined when the image is acquired, and selects, when a plurality of three-dimensional positions for the target portion exist, a predetermined three-dimensional position among the plurality of three-dimensional positions depending on the reliability and generates a three-dimensional shape image.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus for endoscope includes: an imager, an optical device, an optical module on which the optical device is mounted, an optical fiber optically coupled with the optical device, a ferrule having an insertion hole into which the optical fiber is inserted, and a wiring board including a first rigid board, a second rigid board and a flexible intermediate board. The ferrule is fixed to the second rigid board or a first principal surface of the optical module. A first side surface of the optical module is glued to the first rigid board, and the first principal surface is glued to the second rigid board.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes: a plurality of image pickup devices configured to pick up images of a same object and sequentially read the images for each line; an objective optical system configured to form the images at different image-forming positions on the image pickup devices; a memory configured to record predetermined time differences for reading the leading positions of the effective pixels of the images at the same timing; and an I2C control circuit configured to control the image reading timing of the image pickup devices by generating a plurality of synchronizing signals based on a master synchronizing signal and supplying the synchronizing signals to the image pickup devices after shifting the synchronizing signals by the respective predetermined time differences.

Abstract: An external mechanism for endoscope includes a wheel engaged with a second bending operation up and down knob of a second bending operation apparatus provided in an operation portion of an endoscope, a motor configured to generate driving force for rotating the wheel, an operation switch for outputting a driving control signal to the motor, a container case containing the wheel and the motor, a case attachment and detachment fixation member with which the container case can be attached to and detached from the operation portion, a switch case attached to the container case and configured to be able to turn between a first position covering a part of the operation portion and a second position away from the first position, and a dummy switch provided in the switch case and configured to operate a remote switch arranged in the operation portion in the first position via the switch case.

Abstract: Provided is an ultrasound imaging system configured to generate data of an ultrasound image based on an echo signal received by each of a plurality of elements included in an ultrasound transducer, the ultrasound imaging system includes: a determining circuit configured to determine, using a signal corresponding to the echo signal obtained by receiving from each of the plurality of elements, concerning the elements, whether a decrease in reception sensitivity occurs; and a control circuit configured to cause, based on a position of an element where the determining circuit determines that the decrease in the reception sensitivity occurs, a display to display at least one of display data indicating an image region where sensitivity decreases in the ultrasound image and information for informing that a sensitivity decreased element in which a decrease in reception sensitivity occurs is present.

Abstract: An external mechanism for endoscope includes a wheel configured to be engaged with a second bending operation up and down knob of a second bending operation apparatus provided in an operation portion of an endoscope, a motor configured to generate driving force for rotating the wheel, an operation switch configured to output a driving control signal for the motor, a container case that contains the wheel and the motor, a case attachment and detachment fixation member with which the container case can be attached to and detached from the operation portion, and a switch case attached to the container case and configured to be able to turn between a first position that covers a part of the operation portion and a second position away from the first position.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a first endoscope including an insertion section, an operation section, and a bending operation device; a second endoscope including an insertion section, an operation section, and a bending operation device; and a fixing member configured to connect and fix the operation sections to each other such that the bending operation device of the first endoscope is made to protrude toward the operation section of the second endoscope, the bending operation device of the second endoscope is made to protrude toward the operation section of the first endoscope, and the bending operation device of the second endoscope is spaced apart from the bending operation device of the first endoscope toward an insertion section side.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to a treatment instrument that comprises a sheath main body having opposed respective distal and proximal end regions. The sheath main body includes an outer diameter such that the sheath main body capable of being fit into the channel for insertion of the treatment instrument of the endoscope. The sheath main body includes a lumen extending along a longitudinal axis in the distal end region. A wire-shaped incising portion is configured to engage with the sheath main body so as to protrude from an outer circumferential surface of the sheath main body in the distal end region and extending along the longitudinal axis of the sheath main body. The wire-shaped incising portion is used to incise a tissue. A wire is attached to at least a portion of the sheath main body and having a region in which the wire has different bending resistances.

Abstract: An optical scanning endoscope device includes: a laser element; an optical fiber that guides laser light from the laser element; a first detector that detects a guided light amount of the laser light in the optical fiber; a second detector that detects light from a subject and outputs a detection signal; a first calculator that calculates an optical coupling ratio between the laser element and the optical fiber on the basis of the guided light amount; a second calculator that calculates a degradation ratio of the laser element on the basis of the guided light amount; a first adjuster that adjusts the magnitude of the detection signal on the basis of the optical coupling ratio; and a second adjuster that adjusts the output light amount of the laser light from the laser element on the basis of the degradation ratio.

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a left optical system having a first focal position, a right optical system having a second focal position that is different from the first focal position. An image capturing device generates a first image and a second image respectively from images of a subject that are obtained by the left optical system and the right optical system. A display device displays the first image or the second image. A proper image determiner determines the magnitude relationship between the position of the subject in a predetermined area displayed on the display device and at least one threshold value Th is established between the first focal position and the second focal position. A video signal processor switches to the first image or the second image depending on a determined result from the proper image determiner and displays the image on the display device.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to a treatment tool having a blade configured to engage with a treatment target. A heater is configured to be spaced apart from the blade. A first thermally conductive member is sandwiched between the blade and the heater so as to transmit heat to the blade. The first thermally conductive member includes respective first and second portions each of which is disposed on respective distal-end and proximal-end sides in longitudinal directions of the blade for thermally conducting a different prescribed quantity of heat per unit time from each of the respective first and second portions to the blade via the heater. The first thermally conductive member includes a first thermal conductivity anisotropy that is higher in longitudinal directions of the blade and is lower in widthwise directions transverse to the longitudinal directions.

Abstract: A landmark estimating method estimates a position of a landmark that is a hole existing in an object and is a site through which an insertion portion penetrates, in an endoscope image obtained by picking up an image of the object by an endoscope with the insertion portion bent. The landmark estimating method includes estimating an axis of the insertion portion, estimating a boundary of the insertion portion and the object, and estimating the position of the landmark based on the axis and the boundary that are estimated.

Abstract: A video endoscope including an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a tubular sleeve arranged in the shaft so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft; a connector arranged at the proximal end of the shaft; an objective arranged at the distal end of the shaft; at least one image sensor arranged in the shaft so as to be proximal to the objective, the at least one image sensor being surrounded by the tubular sleeve; a flexible signal line connecting the at least one image sensor to the connector; and a fastener for detachable fastening the flexible signal line.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical system includes an ultrasonic transducer, a probe, and at least one circuit. The ultrasonic transducer is designed to ultrasonically vibrate. The probe is coupled to the ultrasonic transducer and is designed to treat a living tissue by the ultrasonic vibration. The circuit performs functions including detecting a pressing force of the probe against the living tissue, calculating a value of a product of the pressing force, an amplitude of the ultrasonic vibration, and a resonance frequency of the probe, comparing the calculated value with a predetermined product value, and generating a predetermined signal based on a result of the comparison.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an insertion portion having a distal end portion; an optical path switching unit configured to switch an optical path so that only one of a first subject image and a second subject image is imaged on an image forming area, the second subject image being an image of a subject formed by light emitted from a second objective optical system disposed at the distal end portion and having an optical magnification higher than that of the first objective optical system; an imaging element configured to generate an image acquired by picking up the first subject image and the second subject image formed in the image forming area; and an endoscope processing unit configured to control switching of the optical path based on an input zoom magnification and apply image processing to the image generated by the imaging element.

Abstract: A medical system, having a treatment tool; an endoscope having an image sensor configured to capture an image; a driver configured to drive the endoscope; and a processor configured to control the driver, wherein the processor is configured to determine a locus of the treatment tool and control the driver for operating the endoscope according to the determined locus.

Abstract: A light source device configured to irradiate an object with visible light and excitation light, an imaging device including a first substrate on which a plurality of first photoelectric conversion elements configured to detect a visible light within reflected light from the object are formed, a second substrate on which a plurality of second photoelectric conversion elements configured to detect light of an infrared region within the reflected light transmitted through the first substrate are formed, and an interlayer filter configured to attenuate the light of the visible region transmitted through the first substrate, and a setting device configured to set a light emission intensity of the visible light radiated by the light source device so that first photoelectric conversion elements is able to detect the visible light and a detection value of light detected by second photoelectric conversion element become less than or equal to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A probe is connected to an ultrasonic transducer capable of generating ultrasonic vibration. The probe includes an elongated main body portion, and a cylindrical engagement portion. The main body portion is capable of transmitting the ultrasonic vibration. The ultrasonic vibration is input to the engagement portion. The engagement portion includes: a connection portion that is connected to the ultrasonic transducer, and a holding cylindrical portion that is continuous to the connection portion, and that holds the proximal end portion of the main body portion.

Abstract: A stereoscopic optical system including: left and right channels; an electromagnetic actuator including a stator and rotor; wherein first optical components of the left channel are arranged in a left tube and second optical components of the right channel are arranged in a right tube; the stator is arranged outside the guide tubes; the rotor includes a left rotor, in which one or more of the first optical components is accommodated, and a right rotor, in which one or more of the second optical components is accommodated; the left and right rotors are mounted in one of the left and right tubes to be movable in a longitudinal axial direction; the left and right rotors include paramagnetic and/or ferromagnetic material and are movable by an electromagnetic field; the stator includes distal and proximal permanent magnets oppositely polarized; and the stator includes an electric coil for generating the electromagnet field.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to an endoscope having respective first and second operations, a movable member, respective support and friction members, a cam member and a click mechanism all of which are engaged with one another to operate the endoscope during an operation. First and second operation members are disposed in the endoscope and are rotationally operated around a predetermined axis to carry out operation of the endoscope. A movable member is disposed inside the first operation member and is movable between a first position and a second position. A cam member having a cam surface that is made with an inclination with respect to the predetermined axis and abuts against part of the movable member. A click mechanism holds the cam member at the first position or the second position.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to an electrosurgical system, to a method for operating an electrosurgical system, and to an electrode for an electric surgical system. An image detection system of the surgical instrument detects an image of the electrode. The corresponding image data is compared with data sets in a database, in which an identifying feature of the electrode and at least one operating parameter for the electrode are assigned to each other. After the electrode type has been identified, the corresponding operating parameters are transmitted to a controller of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for insertion instrument includes: a cleaning cap configured to be attachable to and detachable from a distal end component portion provided on a distal end side of an insertion portion in an endoscope and covered by a tubular cover when the endoscope is used, attachment and detachment of the cleaning cap to and from the distal end component portion being performed in a state where the cover is removed from the distal end component portion; and a cap-side engaging portion provided on the cleaning cap and configured to be engaged with a distal end component portion-side engaging portion provided on an outer peripheral surface, at least a part of which is covered by the cover, of the distal end component portion.

Abstract: In a solid-state imaging device, first electric charge is generated by at least two first photoelectric conversion elements in a first exposure period. At least two pieces of the first electric charge are added in a floating diffusion. A first memory stores a first pixel signal that is based on the first electric charge. Second electric charge is generated by at least one second photoelectric conversion element in a second exposure period. At least part of the second exposure period overlaps at least part of the first exposure period. The second electric charge is held in the floating diffusion. A second memory stores a second pixel signal that is based on the second electric charge.

Abstract: A medical device includes a snare wire advanceable and retractable inserted through a channel in an insertion portion that is inserted through an endoscope; a substantially tubular cap member including a first portion and a second portion connected to a distal end of the insertion portion, the cap member having an annular distal end surface, the first portion being attachable to the distal end of the insertion portion in phase with the channel, and the cap member having an internal space formed by the first portion and the second portion; and a guide member being linearly extended along an internal surface of the distal end side of the cap member at a side of the second portion, the guide member being configured to guide the snare wire to form a loop and to restrict a retraction of the snare wire toward the side of the insertion portion.

Abstract: An energy surgical instrument includes first and second grasping pieces for grasping a blood vessel. At least one of the grasping pieces is designed to apply treatment energy to a grasped blood vessel. The instrument also includes a processor designed to set a wall thickness of the blood vessel, and a grasping force adjuster designed to adjust a grasping force applied by the first and second grasping pieces. A first grasping force is applied when the wall thickness set by the processor is larger than a predetermined thickness, and a second grasping force, which is larger than the first grasping force, is applied when the wall thickness set by the processor is equal to or smaller than the predetermined thickness. A treatment method includes applying treatment energy to a blood vessel grasped by the first and second grasping pieces of the instrument to seal the blood vessel.