Abstract: There is provided a medical support arm device including a multi-joint arm having a distal end configured to host a medical device, said multi-joint arm configured to have a higher degree of freedom than a degree of freedom necessary for controlling a spatial position and pointing direction of the medical device. The multi-joint arm is configured to controllably displace at least one of a plurality of joints of the multi-joint arm while the spatial position and the pointing direction of the medical device are controlled.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscopic surgical device and an overtube with which a surgeon can easily obtain a desired image and operability is high. The overtube includes a slider within an overtube body, which guides an endoscope and a treatment tool into a body cavity. An endoscope-coupled part and a treatment tool-coupled part are provided inside the slider, and the slider has a dead zone where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope or the treatment tool does not interlock with the movement of the other and a sensing zone where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope or the treatment tool interlocks with the movement of the other. F1>F2 is satisfied when a fixing force for fixing the endoscope-coupled part to the endoscope tool is defined as F1 and a fixing force for fixing the treatment tool-coupled part to the treatment tool is defined as F2.

Abstract: An endoscope having a camera and a tubular enclosure. A distal end of the camera may be movable from a first position in line with a longitudinal axis of the tubular enclosure to a second position lateral of the longitudinal axis of the tubular enclosure. Some embodiments are configured such that no portion of the endoscope obstructs a view from the distal end of the camera as the distal end of the camera is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An endoscope and methods of use thereof is provided with at least one multi-functional, multi-directional arm supporting a plurality of imaging, lighting and other sensory elements. The multi-functional arms provide a mounting platform upon which cameras, lights and sensors may be mounted to generate multiple-angled images and video, arena-like lighting and other data relevant to performing a diagnostic or MIS procedure. The multi-directional arms may be inserted through a single portal in the endoscope and deployed in multiple directions from a single portal once inserted into a body cavity. The pitch, roll, length and curvature of each of the extending arms may be individually or jointly adjusted to create a customized view of an internal space during an endoscopic procedure. The extending arms may also include communication elements to wirelessly transmit the images and other data generated by the sensory elements to a remote computing and display device.

Abstract: Multi-spectrum ring illuminated surgical cameras and scopes having a ring lens and a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs set behind an electronic imaging sensor (camera) and positioned radially about the longitudinal axis of the lens and/or scope.

Abstract: Multi-spectrum ring illuminated surgical cameras and scopes having a ring lens and a plurality of LEDs. The LEDs set behind an electronic imaging sensor (camera) and positioned radially about the longitudinal axis of the lens and/or scope.

Abstract: An image processing device for an endoscope outputs a video signal to an image display part that displays an observation image based on the video signal. The image display part is configured such that a first side of a display screen that displays the observation image is shorter than a second side intersecting with the first side, and is configured to be set in both a first setting state in which the first side is along a vertical direction and a second setting state in which the second side is along the vertical direction. The image processing device includes: a setting state recognition part configured to recognize the setting state; and a video signal generation part configured to generate the video signal such that the subject image in the observation image has an orientation corresponding to the setting state of the image display part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover having a plurality of moveable, external, angled projecting elements for use with flexible medical scoping devices such as endoscopes or enteroscopes. The invention includes the cover with an over cuff and use of the disposable removable covering in methods of medical scoping procedures or examinations. The invention also includes an applicator for assisting in placing the covering about or over a medical device and a kit of parts.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an image pickup device configured to output a digital signal; an EEPROM in which predetermined information concerning an endoscope is recorded; a signal control portion capable of selectively converting data of one of the digital signal outputted from the image pickup device and the predetermined information of the EEPROM to serial data and outputting the serial data; an electro-optical conversion portion configured to convert the data outputted from the signal control portion to an optical signal and output the optical signal; a universal cable; and a data switching portion switched to transfer the predetermined information from the EEPROM by the signal control portion and then transfer the digital signal by the signal control portion. The signal control portion decides through which of a metal transmitting member and an optical transmitting member the predetermined information is transmitted, based on a data amount of the predetermined information.

Abstract: A device facilitating removal of tissue includes a sheath and a deployable assembly deployable from the sheath. The deployable assembly includes a funnel, a proximal apex portion, a distal base portion, and a plurality of guards. Each guard defines a fixed end attached to a portion of an annular perimeter of the distal base portion of the funnel by a living hinge. In the deployed condition of the deployable assembly, the guards are disposed in a presented condition wherein the guards extend radially inwardly from the annular perimeter of the distal base portion of the funnel in overlapping relation relative to one another such that the guards extend across the distal base portion of the funnel to enclose an interior of the funnel. A containment bag for sealingly encapsulating the funnel therein is also provided as part of a system with the device. Methods of use are provided as well.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an endoscopic sleeve apparatus for mitigating propulsion-related epithelial tearing, said apparatus comprising: an elastomeric, pliable, and rotatable sleeve for encasing an elongated shaft member of an endoscope; any one of a right-turn or left-turn helical threading disposed on the outer surface of the sleeve from a proximal base of the endoscope and radially extending to a distal tip of the endoscope; a distal tip port opening configured for allowing at least one channel and, or lumen axially disposed within the elongated shaft member of the endoscope to be engaged to the distal tip port opening for release and, or capture of any agent; a proximal end housing comprising at least one motor coupled to at least one actuator gear, whereby said actuator is in operable communication to the rotatable sleeve via a sleeve-actuator junction seal; a finger-led control disposed on a surface of the proximal end housing and operably coupled to the motor and, or actuator gear for triggerin

Abstract: A self-cleaning endoscope and methods of using the same are described. The self-cleaning endoscope includes a housing having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end, a lens positioned at the distal end of the housing, and a lens protector coupled to the distal end of the housing external to the lens. The self-cleaning endoscope also includes a shaft extending longitudinally through the housing. The shaft is operatively coupled to the lens protector and configured to rotate the lens protector about an axis of rotation coaxial with the shaft. The self-cleaning endoscope further includes a motor at the proximal end of the housing. The motor is operatively coupled to the shaft and configured to drive rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: A method of processing images for interventional imaging, wherein a region of interest is visualized, is provided. The method comprises acquiring a series of 2D images of the region of interest in a patient during at least one respiratory phase, acquiring an electrocardiographic signal which is synchronized with the acquisition of the series of 2D images, processing the electrocardiographic signal to estimate at least one deformation phase of the region of interest induced by the patient's respiratory movement, and registering the different successive 2D images in relation to the estimated deformation phase.

Abstract: An inspection system for inspecting a surgical instrument lumen at a cleaning station. The system includes a waterproof housing and a waterproof borescope assembly. The housing carries an image processor electronically connected to a display screen, and provides an imaging port. The borescope assembly includes a borescope, an image sensor and a connector assembly. The connector assembly is configured to selectively connect with the imaging port. When connected, signals from the image sensor are delivered to the image processor. A cleaning implement (e.g., wipe) is optionally provided with the borescope. During a cleaning operation, the inspection system is located in close proximity to cleaning liquid, affording the operator the ability to inspect lumen(s) of the surgical instrument throughout the cleaning operation without fear of damaging the inspection system. The borescope assembly can be disconnected from the housing and repeatedly sterilized or disinfected.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method to move a magnetic capsule linearly both horizontally and linearly in a very controllable fashion, wherein the direction of a combined external magnetic field, the force experienced by the magnetic capsule, the movement direction of the capsule and magnetic direction of the magnetic capsule can be all aligned in parallel to each other.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an insertion part having a bending part; an observation unit; an operation unit configured to operate the bending part; a driving mechanism configured to generate a driving force used to drive the bending part; a control unit configured to control the driving mechanism; and a display unit configured to display a visual field image acquired by the observation unit, wherein the control unit has a normal mode and a lock-on mode as control modes, and the control unit is configured to stop an automatic driving of the bending part temporarily and allow the operation unit to perform a resetting of an interested position when an output from the operation unit exceeds a predetermined threshold value, and resume the automatic driving on the basis of the updated interested position when an output from the operation unit satisfies a predetermined termination condition during the lock-on mode.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a device, method, and wireless viewing system. The wireless viewing system includes a light emitter integrated in a first portion. The wireless viewing system also includes a lens positioned proximate the light emitter in the first portion. The light emitter and the lens are inserted into a body. The first portion is interchangeable. The wireless viewing system further includes a connector physically securing the first portion to the second portion. The second portion is not inserted into the body. The wireless viewing system further includes a camera capturing video content received through the lens. The wireless viewing system further includes a wireless transmitter transmits the video content to a receiver associated with a displaying device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless capsule endoscope and a power supply control method thereof. The method includes controlling the power supply of the capsule endoscope wirelessly and automatically adjusting power consumption of the power supply in the capsule endoscope. The wireless capsule endoscope includes a capsule casing, a light generator arranged at outside of the capsule casing, an opto-electronic switching starter arranged in the capsule casing, a power supply, a control module, a posture sensor, an illumination unit, an image processing device and a radio frequency transmission unit. The power supply being driven by the light generator in the present invention can effectively solve the incompatible problem between a traditional magnetic switch and a magnetic control device. Meanwhile, the control module and the posture detector enable the power supply to be in different working status under different states, which can prolong the service life of the power supply of the capsule endoscope.

Abstract: An overtube, which is punctured into a body wall and guides an endoscope and a treatment tool into a body cavity, includes an interlocking member that interlocks the forward and backward movements of the endoscope and the treatment tool with each other. The interlocking member is constituted of a first sleeve coupled to the endoscope, a second sleeve coupled to the treatment tool, and a coupling member having an elastic body, which couples the first sleeve and the second sleeve together. Accordingly, in a case where the stretching of the coupling member is small, the endoscope interlocks with the forward and backward movement of the treatment tool at a slow response, and in a case where the stretching of the coupling member is large, the endoscope interlock with the forward and backward movement of a treatment tool at a quick response.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a capsule endoscope with specific gravity control. The capsule endoscope comprises a housing to enclose various components, an inflatable device attached to a first longitudinal end of the capsule unit and an enteric coated shell attached to the first longitudinal end of the capsule unit to enclose the inflatable device between the enteric coated shell and the capsule unit. The various components include a camera sub-system for capturing image frames. The inflatable device comprises an inflatable membrane and an effervescent formulation inside the inflatable membrane. The enteric coated shell fits tightly onto the first longitudinal end of the capsule unit to prevent body liquid from leaking into a space between the enteric coated shell and the capsule unit when the capsule unit travels in human gastrointestinal tract after being swallowed.