Abstract: The sheath according to the present invention comprises the hard sheath member which can cover the entire hard insertion tube of the hard endoscope and the soft sheath member. So, when the hard insertion tube is inserted into the body cavity of a patient, it will not possibly be contaminated with the blood, bacteria or the like. The hard insertion tube can be used for a next endoscopy without the necessity of sterilization or disinfection. Also according to the present invention, the soft sheath member is fitted closely over the controller, so that the controller can be operated from outside the soft sheath member without any direct contact with the controller. The controller may not be sterilized or disinfected for a next use of the hard endoscope.

Abstract: A method for use in intra-abdominal surgery comprises, in accordance with the present invention, the steps of (a) inserting an incising instrument with an elongate shaft through a natural body opening into a natural body cavity of a patient, (b) manipulating the incising instrument from outside the patient to form a perforation in an internal wall of the natural internal body cavity, and (c) inserting a distal end of an elongate surgical instrument through the natural body opening, the natural body cavity and the perforation into an abdominal cavity of the patient upon formation of the perforation.

Abstract: A medical instrument, particularly an endoscope, is provided with a device to guide the instrument within the intestine. The device is forwardly movable stepwise within the intestine with intermittent contact with the intestine wall. The device is so constructed to enable one to first push together on the instrument a part of the intestine surrounding the instrument, and then the device can be quickly pushed forward by taking advantage of the intestine's own inertia.

Abstract: An adjustable modular off the shelf orthopedic brace for recumbent treatment of scoliosis includes an anterior upright and a posterior upright. A plurality of lateral shells are adjustably supported between the uprights. A plurality of connecting plates each affixed to a respective shell adjustably connects each shell to at least one of the anterior upright and posterior upright and allows for the adjustment of the positioning of the lateral shells along the anterior upright and posterior upright. Additionally, the plates allow for adjustment of the angular positioning and lateral positioning of the lateral shells relative to the anterior and posterior uprights.

Abstract: A coupling cartridge and end cap for protecting an endoscope from contamination during use. The coupling cartridge provides fluid communication between a pair of external fluid conduits and respective channels formed in an endoscope insertion tube, and between a biopsy channel port projecting from the cartridge and an additional insertion tube channel. In one embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by an external fluid control unit that is electrically controlled by respective switches mounted on the control handle of the endoscope. In another embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by a valve mechanism in the coupling cartridge that is controlled by either an actuator on the cartridge or an actuator on the control handle that is mechanically coupled to the valve mechanism. The coupling cartridge may be removed from endoscope after an endoscopic procedure for disposal or rigorous cleaning.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides a surgical apparatus for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures having a hand manipulatable proximal end portion, a working distal end portion, and a and a hinge member disposed between the end portions. The hinge member provides articulation of the distal end and is made from a temperature-responsive material which is substantially rigid at ambient temperatures and which is tractable above a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical obturator which includes a sleeve having a longitudinal bore between a proximal end and a distal end. The longitudinal bore of the sleeve is configured to receive at least a portion of an endoscope or like image transferring system. An image directing member is positioned at the distal end of the sleeve and is provided to direct optical images into the longitudinal bore of the sleeve. A movable blade is positioned distal to the image directing member to facilitate penetration of body tissue.

Abstract: A portable console includes a universal positioning arm employing a clamp having quick disconnect means for releasably holding a surgical instrument such as an endoscope during a surgical procedure. The clamp includes a shaft with a bayonet connector disposed thereon, for lockably engaging a collar attached to the positioning arm. The bayonet connector includes flared spring arms which compress and engage the collar for releasably coupling the clamp to the collar.

Abstract: A soft-goods type, custom "in situ" formable back brace for supporting a weakened or injured back and/or neck is disclosed having hardenable components which conform to the unique configuration of a patient's torso. An initially flexible rear torso component, generally extending circumferentially around the patient's back, is releasably coupled to the torso using a plurality of Velcro-type securing straps. Alternatively, an initially flexible front torso component in combination with a rear component may be releasably coupled to a patient's torso. Once properly secured, liquid, preferably water, may be introduced into each component to activate the activatable, hardenable material encapsulated therein. Each component may be further comprised of a plurality of panels or pads with elasticized, resilient material interposing adjacent panels. The panels or pads may be permanently or removably integrated into each torso component.

Abstract: An endoscope cover-sheathed endoscope is composed of an endoscope having an elongated insertional part that is inserted into a living body, and an endoscope cover including an insertional part cover in which an endoscope insertion channel into which the elongated insertional part is inserted is formed. A tube cap with which the terminal of a tube, which communicates with the endoscope insertion channel and feeds air to the endoscope insertion channel in order to enable insertion or removal of the insertional part into or from the endoscope insertion channel, is coupled is shielded with a cap cover, thus preventing spread of contamination.

Abstract: An instrument is described for the penetration of body tissue with a hollow shaft, the point of which is formed as a conical, beveled, or tapered window. An optic with a lighting unit is brought into the point through the hollow shaft. The optic ends at an axial distance behind the summit of the point. The instrument can be inserted within view. In so doing, the entry of the point can observed over the entire surface area thereof. Preferably, a second optic is run to the summit of the point, which in addition enables improved observation of the area lying directly in front of the point.

Abstract: A knee hyperextension orthotic device includes an elongated plate which is curved to form a flush fit against a patient's leg, with an upper portion fastened anterior of the thigh, a lower portion fastened anterior of the lower leg and a central portion fastened anterior of the knee. The central portion of the plate has a narrower width than the upper and lower portions, forming rearwardly extending wings on the upper and lower plate portions. A pair of length adjustable straps are connected between the upper and lower wings on each side of the plate, to permit adjustment of the angle of maximum knee extension. A central strap is connected to the central plate portion and extends posterior of the knee to maintain the knee in appropriate position within the orthotic device. A plurality of apertures in the plate permit the leg to "breathe" when the device is being worn.

Abstract: A thermal bandage apparatus for simultaneously dressing and thermally treating a wounded bodily area includes a fluid absorbent member having a wound contacting surface for absorbing bodily fluids produced by an open wound and holding means adjacent and connected to the fluid absorbent member for holding a thermal medium against the fluid absorbent member such that heat is transferred between the thermal medium and the open wound by thermal conduction through the fluid absorbent member. There is also disclosed an arrangement for providing a continuous supply of heat or cold to a wound.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus for manipulating body tissue which comprises a handle member, a generally elongated member extending from the handle member, means positioned on said elongated member for holding a grasping instrument; a channel positioned in the elongated member for transporting fluid to the distal end portion of said elongated member, and a seal positioned on an outer surface of said elongated member.

Abstract: A disposable sheath (10) for a medical scope (11) and having a flexible, elongated body portion (13) formed from a translucent plastic material (15) with a rough-textured interior surface (19) and a flexible, transparent tip portion (22). The rough-textured interior surface includes projections (18) that result from a plurality of indentations (17) formed in the exterior surface (16) of the body portion of the sheath. The translucent plastic material of the body portion is bonded to the transparent tip portion of the sheath by high frequency heat sealing, which is pathogen impermeable. The plastic materials of the sheath are also pathogen impermeable. In one embodiment, the tip portion (46) of the sheath (33) is formed from a flat, foldable sheet (48) of plastic material. The lateral edges (51, 52) of the foldable sheet are heat sealed to each other, and the proximal edges (49, 50) are heat sealed to the distal end (47) of the body portion (35) of the sheath.

Abstract: The rehabilitating apparatus includes an elongated rigid main support plate conforming to a leg and having a first engaging unit at a bottom end thereof, a rigid foot support plate having a second engaging unit at a rear end and a plurality of fastening straps. The first engaging unit of the main support plate engages detachably the second engaging unit of the foot support plate to define an L-shaped member.

Abstract: A partially elastic protective sheath surrounding the insertion tube of an endoscope. The sheath is partially inflated while being installed on the endoscope and remains partially inflated during endoscopy. The sheath has an end cap with a gasket shaped to provide a seal around the insertion tube during installation and endoscopy. The sheath is provided with a window near its distal end positioned in front of the viewing window of the endoscope. The sheath may have one or more channels extending along its length to accommodate one or more biopsy or fluid tubes of the endoscope. The sheath may be used with either end-viewing endoscopes or side-viewing endoscopes.

Abstract: A weight bearing brace for a patient having femur or hip joint trouble has an upper socket removably attached to the periphery of an upper part of a thigh; a lower socket removably attached to the periphery of a lower part of the thigh; connectors for connecting the upper and lower sockets to each other, bearing patient's weight, and maintaining a required space between the upper and lower sockets; and a pelvis supporter disposed at an upper end of the upper socket, to substantially receive the weight of the upper half of the patient. The patient with the brace is able to move the hip joint. The pelvis supporter supports a lower part of the pelvis, to directly transfer the weight of the upper half of the patient from the upper socket to the lower socket, thereby avoiding the femur and hip joint from receiving the weight. The brace has a simple structure, is low cost, is easily attached to and detached from a thigh, and allows a knee joint with the brace to move, to smoothly carry out rehabilitation.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus of a type having a cover for covering the endoscope composed of a cover for an insert, a cover for a control unit, and a universal-cord cover, and the endoscope which uses the endoscope cover to cover the control unit having a handle in the body of the control unit, an elongated insert extending from the control unit to the leading portion and a universal cord extending from the control unit. At least two members of all members that form the cover for the insert of the endoscope cover, for example, a leading unit and an acceptor for fixing the control unit of the endoscope, are made of the same material such as polysulfone which is a thermoplastic resin which can be recycled, or all members forming the cover for the insert are made of a material which can be subjected to a combustion process, or the cover for the control unit integrally covers the insert and the handle of the endoscope with the endoscope cover.

Abstract: A tip cleaning accessory for enhancement in the utility of rigid endoscopic instruments is hereinafter disclosed. This accessory includes a complimentary tubular member adapted for use with a rigid endoscope. The endoscope contemplated for use with such an accessory includes a handset or handle, a rigid tubular shaft, having a plurality of functional channels adapted for acceptance of at least two fiber optic bundles, the first bundle for illuminating the operative field and a second bundle for visualization of the operative field, either directly through an eye piece (located within the instrument handset) or upon a video screen by coupling a video camera to the imaging bundle.