Abstract: A flexible fiberoptic endoscope has an insertion member with a distal end portion split longitudinally into a plurality of independently operable working segments each provided with at least one longitudinally extending working channel. Visualization optics are provided in the working segments or a separate central segment surrounded by the working segments. A sheath temporarily joins the working segments to one another during an introduction procedure. The sheath is removed upon insertion of the endoscope, so that the working segments may be/separated from one another and independently maneuvered via proximal control heads to facilitate the performance of an endoscopic surgical procedure.

Abstract: An endoscope has an optics housing provided at a proximal end, with an outer shank releasably connected to the optics housing, and with an inner shank which is arranged inside and parallel to the outer shank and is releasably connected to the optics housing. A corresponding endoscope set and a set of endoscope shanks are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope channel cap that may be used separately with two or more endoscopes each having a cap interface portion with a different configuration. The channel cap also may include one or more seals to maintain insufflation pressure both when an endoscopic instrument is inserted in a working channel of the endoscope and when the instrument is not inserted in the channel.

Abstract: The invention uses optics and precision mechanisms to quantitatively assess the performance of medical endoscopes. By viewing standardized optical targets under well-controlled conditions, the optical quality of endoscopes can be easily determined in much the same fashion as getting one's eyes tested at the optometrist. The actual design, however, is much more complicated than your optometrist's eye chart and different types of endoscopes from different manufacturers require customization of the target geometry, the viewing distance, and the viewing angle. Also, there are several optical characteristics beyond image sharpness that need to be assessed, requiring other unique test geometries, including contrast, distortion, and vignetting. Clinically significant measurements are performed with simplicity and cost-effectiveness through the use of relatively inexpensive optical components and an embedded processor and graphical display system.

Abstract: An optical device for viewing an object at a range of working distances. The device comprises a slender tube of a certain length and having a distal end and a proximal end. The device farther comprises an imaging system disposed at the distal end and having a wide viewing angle. The device also comprises a telescopic system associated with the proximal end and having a narrow viewing angle. The imaging system is designed to form an image of the object at an image plane located on the device's optical axis and within the tube closer to the distal end than to the proximal end. The telescopic system is designed to enable viewing of the image of the object. The device is especially adapted to function as an endoscope in medical applications and may be disposable.

Abstract: An flexible tube for an endoscope having excellent resilience and durability is provided. The flexible tube for an endoscope includes a spiral coil formed by helically winding a band-shaped member, a reticular tube formed by braiding a plurality of fine wires and provided over the spiral coil, and a flexible outer cover provided over the reticular tube. The fine wires include at least one first fine wire having a coating layer mainly made from a resin material and at least one second fine wire having no such a coating layer, and the first fine wire is made more flexible than the second fine wire. The difference between the flexibilities of the first fine wire and the second fine wire can be obtained in such a way (method) that the first fine wire is made from a constituent material softer than a constituent material of the second fine wire, or that the diameter of the first fine wire is made to be smaller than the diameter of the second fine wire, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical instrument, in particular an endoscopic instrument, with a housing, containing at least one optical system and a hygroscopic substance, and in which an eyepiece is detachably secured to the housing. In order to design an optical instrument of the aforementioned type in such a way that the hygroscopic substance can be integrated easily and safely into the housing, the invention proposes that the hygroscopic substance should be imbedded in a moldable matrix material and that the matrix material caulked with the hygroscopic substance can be replaceably inserted in the eyepiece.

Abstract: An articulating shaft includes an outer tubular member having a longitudinal axis and portions defining a slot. An inner tubular member is disposed within the outer member and movable about the axis of the outer member. A wedge carried by the inner member is movable within the slot in an interference fit with the slot portions to articulate the outer member. In an associated method, the inner member can be turned in a first direction to bend the outer member in an associated second direction, and the inner member can be turned in a third direction to move the outer member in an associated fourth direction.

Abstract: An electric bending endoscope includes a bending portion arranged to an inserting portion and a bending driving unit which bends the bending portion. In the electric bending endoscope, the bending driving unit includes a motor which generates driving force for bending the bending portion, a first unit which holds the motor, a driving force transmitting member which transmits the driving force of the motor, and a second unit which bends the bending portion by the driving force of the motor. The electric bending endoscope further includes a first holding member which detachably supports, to the first unit, a rotating shaft arranged to the driving force transmitting member of the second unit.

Abstract: A system and method for image guided instrument targeting including a robot unit coupled with an instrument, an imaging unit, and a first control unit, which is coupled with the robot unit and coupled with the imaging unit. The control unit receives the imaging data about a target and about the instrument from the imaging unit and controls the robot unit to properly orienting the instrument for insertion, based upon the imaging data.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope guidance system including a member having an elongated flexible portion which can be guided to a desired position in a body cavity of a patient's body by manipulating a distal end portion of the member wherein the elongated flexible portion bends in accordance with an operation at a proximal end portion of the member, includes a capsule endoscope holding device, provided at a distal end of the elongated flexible portion, for removably holding a capsule endoscope; and a removal/attachment manipulation device provided on the proximal end portion, for manipulating removal and attachment of the capsule endoscope holding device.

Abstract: A guide catheter apparatus that comprises the following: (a) a guide catheter portion that includes a plurality of electroactive polymer actuators disposed along its axial length and (b) a control unit coupled to the actuators and sending control signals to the actuators. The actuators change the shape of the guide catheter portion based upon the control signals that are received from the control unit. In another aspect of the present invention, a method of introducing a guide catheter into a body lumen is provided. The method comprises: (a) providing a guide catheter apparatus like that above, and (b) inserting the guide catheter portion of the guide catheter apparatus into the body lumen, while using the control unit to control the shape of the guide catheter portion.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided with a pliable tube having an integument layer made of a resin constituting an insertion portion and at least one slender tube element inserted through the insertion portion. The amount of contraction of the pliable tube after application of a thermal load during a high-pressure steam sterilization step is set larger than the amount of contraction of the tube element after application of thermal load during the high-pressure steam sterilization step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a spherical parallel mechanism are disclosed. The invention involves a platform and at least three kinetic chains. The kinetic chains each comprise a link with one end pivotally coupled to the platform about a first axis and a second end pivotally coupled to an arm about a second axis. The arms in all of the kinetic chains share a common third axis. All of the first, second and third axes for all of the kinetic chains pass through a stationary point in space. Movement of the arms to selected angular positions about the common third axis adjusts an orientation and position of the platform about a spherical surface centered at the stationary point. The parallel mechanism has particular advantages for manipulating implements, such as cameras used in laparoscopic surgery, when the implements are mounted to the mobile platform.

Abstract: A sleeve is provided for placing over a flexible endoscope. The sleeve has a port between its distal and proximal openings and the port is connected to a vacuum source. Once the endoscope is retracted proximal to the suction port, the sleeve's proximal opening is sealed off and the entire sleeve is turned into a suction lumen. Devices and methods in accordance with the invention provide improvement in removing materials from body cavities, especially in removing stones from the upper urinary tract.

Abstract: An autoclavable endoscope, such as the type used in ophthalmological operations, has a probe that contains optical fiber guides such as an image guide, a laser guide and an illumination guide. The distal end of these guides are sealed to the distal end of the probe with a high temperature medical grade epoxy. The epoxy is selected to retain its structural and optical properties at autoclaving conditions. A preshrunk flexible plastic jacket extends proximal of the handle around the three guides. Because it is preshrunk at autoclavable temperatures, it is not further damaged during autoclaving. The epoxies used proximal to the probe have to be high temperature epoxies but are generally preferably a more flexible urethane type epoxy. Proximal connectors and ferule for the guides are selected metals to retain size and/or conduct heat.

Abstract: A flexible direct vision fiberoptical viewing cable is placed within a urinary catheter with its tip located at a distal end of the catheter such that the surfaces of the distal end of both the viewing cable and the catheter are aligned so as to fit together in such a way as to form a composite smoothly curved surface to facilitate negotiating obstructions. The cable is maintained in this position within the catheter with the surfaces that comprise the tip of the instrument, maintained in alignment. The urethra is then viewed therethrough during all or part of the insertion procedure for observing and identifying obstructions that may be present and thereafter the fiberoptic cable is withdrawn while allowing the catheter to remain in place within the urethra. Another form of instrument includes a working sheath and an obturator. A method is also described for facilitating endoscopic examination and surgical procedures through the sheath.

Abstract: A medical treatment method comprises orally inserting a first endoscope having a first treatment tool provided thereto into a body cavity, inserting a first insertion member insertion support tool from at least one of abdominal and transdermal cavities into the body cavity, inserting a second endoscope having a second treatment tool provided thereto into the body cavity through the first insertion member insertion support tool, grasping a lesioned part by the second treatment tool inserted into the body cavity by the second endoscope, cutting the lesioned part by the first treatment tool inserted into the body cavity by the first endoscope, and collecting the lesioned part.

Abstract: Insertion tube devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A dual bladed laryngoscope for quickly and easily intubating a patient. The invention has two blades pivotally hinged on one side while the opposing side is open allowing the laryngoscope to be easily removed after intubating a patient. The proximal end of the upper blade has a grip portion which can be moved closer to or farther away from the handle attached to the proximal end of the lower blade to open or close the distal ends of the lower and upper blades. The lower blade of the invention has a distal end adapted as an esophageal obturator for obstructing the esophagus. An arytenoid bumper to prevent the laryngoscope from penetrating too far into the esophagus is preferably secured to the distal end of the lower blade. The arytenoid bumper may have a ramp or wedge shape adapted to deflect an intubation tube through a patient's larynx and into the trachea.