Abstract: An electrophysiological electrode includes multiple layers of materials to isolate liquid electrolytic gels from the conductive inks on the flexible circuit of the electrode substrate. Such an electrode has a much longer shelf life under normal storage conditions than other electrodes of such construction with high salt content liquid electrolytic gel, and is able to maintain acceptable impedance upon its eventual use.

Abstract: An endoscope comprises a hollow shank, optic viewing means positioned in the hollow shank for observing a body cavity, and a separate adjustable instrument channel which is axially, slidably arranged in an internal guiding region of the hollow shank. The instrument channel has a flexible curvature section and a laterally running end section with an end portion that is pivotably and articulably mounted in a radial passage in the distal circumferential wall region of the hollow shank. Sliding the instrument channel axially in the hollow shank results in flexing of the curvature section and pivoting of the end portion, such that an auxiliary instrument provided in the instrument channel is laterally deflected when guided through the hollow shank.

Abstract: A fibre-optic laryngoscope spatula (1) having a light-exiting first end and an opposite second end and comprising a base part (1) and an exchangeable light-guide part (8) having a first spring-loaded coupling member (14). The base part (1) and the light-guide part (8) are designed to fit precisely together in such a way that the light-guide part (1) can be pushed into the base part (1) from the second end as far as an end position and can be pushed out of the base part (1) from the end position in the opposite direction. When in the end position, the light-guide part (8) and the base part (1) are connected to one another by means of a snap connection and have interengaging surface parts which do not allow relative movement between the base part and light-guide part in any other than the push-out direction. Furthermore, when in the end position, at least one snap connection force has to be overcome in order to allow relative movement between the base part (1) and light-guide part (8) in the push-out direction.

Abstract: A device for allowing visual examination of the swallowing of fluids by an infant which includes a nipple mounted housing, a feeding tube for feeding fluid into the nipple, openings in the nipple to allow the fluid to pass or be sucked therethrough, a further opening centrally located in the nipple through which an endoscope is passed to allow for such visual examination.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for relieving stress on a heart muscle tissue in a wall of a heart having a chamber. A plurality of biocompatible and implantable elongate strips are configured to be connected to the heart wall and disposed about the chamber such that the elongate strips are arranged in spaced relation to one another. The elongate strips are bendable and are sufficiently resistant to elongation such that natural stretching of the heart wall does not cause elongation of the plurality of strips.

Abstract: A variable-view arthroscope or like instrument (endoscope, etc.) includes an elongated housing tube extending from an outer control end to an inner image input end that is closed by an input lens; the input lens preferably is a diverging lens. In the form shown FIGS. 6A-6C, the input lens has a concave inner surface and a concave outer surfaces. A lighting apparatus illuminates a surgical working area beyond the image end of the housing tube; the illumination may be projected outwardly through the input lens. A movable mirror intercepts light reflected from the surgical working area to produce a working image that is reflected to a fixed mirror that in turn reflects the working image to impinge upon the input end of a relay lens assembly. The working image is transmitted to a receptor, which is located near the outer (control) end of the housing tube. The relay lens applies the image to an image device, such as a conventional CCD unit, that transmits the image to a location exterior to the scope.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that permit the direct viewing of induced tissue fluorescence or other response by a human viewer through an endoscope without the need for bulky and expensive auxiliary apparatus such as imaging devices, sensor arrays, analyzing systems and computer hardware and software. The apparatus and methods provide an excitation energy, such as blue light, that is transmitted to the target, and then the endoscope collects the emitted response, which is typically fluorescent light of a wavelength longer than the UV or blue light used to induce the fluorescence. The endoscope then transmits the response through a series of filters in the endoscope and directly to the eye of a human user.

Abstract: An anesthetic laryngoscope for manual oxygen jet-ventilation, including a handle with a handle housing having a lower end, a first oxygen supply tube, and a battery container mounted in the handle housing. A blade having an observation light and a second oxygen supply tube mounted thereon is mounted on the lower end of the handle means. The first oxygen supply tube is connected to the second oxygen supply tube, and a manual oxygen on/off valve is provided on one of the first and second oxygen supply tubes. Preferably, the manual oxygen on/off valve is a manually controlled two-position, two-way valve to enable generation of a pulsing supply of oxygen through an ejector nozzle at the end of the second oxygen supply tube.

Abstract: A device for positioning components within endoscopic systems comprises a hermetically sealed housing. An outer ring element is mounted to rotate about the outer side of said housing and carries on its circumference at least one outer magnet. Further, an inner ring element is mounted inside said housing and carries likewise at least one inner magnet, said magnets being aligned in such a way that any rotation of said outer ring element has the effect to move said at least one inner magnet by magnetic coupling, such movement serving the purpose to position said respective components.In order to achieve a simple, relatively small and functionally safe structure it is proposed that both, said outer and said inner ring elements be configured as axially non-displaceable rings carrying said oppositely arranged magnets, and that said inner ring be mechanically connected with said component to be positioned.

Abstract: An endoscope fluid controller of the present invention controls the opening/closing and flow rate of a duct. To control the flow rate of a water feed duct, air feed duct, and the like, for example, three pinch valves are disposed in series in a soft duct, and the pushing amount of a pressing portion of the pinch valve is adjusted so that the collapsing amount of soft duct changes. By controlling the opening/closing of the pinch valve by using a control switch disposed in the operation section, the flow rate in the duct can be controlled variably. In this case, three-stage control of flow rate can be carried out. In the case of a suction duct, the pinch valve can be disposed on the atmosphere open duct side. Also, a display section indicating the operation state and flow rate of each of various ducts is provided on a control panel etc. of an electromagnetic valve unit. On the soft duct other than the valve portion, a hard covering member for preventing duct deformation is disposed.

Abstract: This laryngoscope has a blade whose height is tapered shorter at the end that is connected to the handle and whose other end has two pivotally connected tips. The tips are manually operated on by a mechanism that is controlled by the operator's thumb. When the blade is in place and the tips are activated, one tip displaces the epiglottis anteriorly and the other tip displaces the posterior wall of laryngopharynx posteriorly thereby exposing the aditus of larynx for intubation. In addition, the width of the blade tips flare out beyond the width of the blade.

Abstract: Instrumentation comprising an automatic positioning and retracting laryngoscope, detachable periscope, and method of endotracheal intubation are disclosed. The device comprises an anterior blade which contacts the tongue and a posterior blade which contacts the hard palate. The blades are moveable apart in a prescribed manner according to the shape of an arm. Manually opening the device causes the airway soft tissue retraction and epiglottic lifting required for visualization of the trachea. The blades remain open via a releasable racheting device. An illuminating periscope can be snapped onto the device allowing indirect tracheal visualization. The entire assembly is sized to fit beneath an airway mask to allow ventilation during the entire intubation process.

Abstract: A sleeve for medical instruments such as endoscopes is disclosed. The sleeve is attachable in any axial or rotational orientation on the endoscope tube. A clamp-like locking means holds the sleeve securely to the endoscope tube without causing damage, while a locking screw permits easy locking, releasing or adjustment. A flared extension at the distal end of the sleeve facilitates stabilization during medical procedures.

Abstract: An endoscopic insertion tube includes a helically wound spiral tube and a net-like braid disposed in overlaying relation. A polymeric adhesive layer is applied over the length of the spiral tube and the outer peripheral surface of the braid. A pre-expanded hollow tubular sheath member is placed over the adhesive layer and is shrunk thereupon using heat to cross-link with the polymeric adhesive layer. The sheath includes a preferably multi-layer structure including at least an inner and an outer layer which can be co-extruded or applied to the assembly in separate sections. According to a preferred embodiment, the outer layer is a clear high-polymer material that allows printing applied to the exterior of the upper layer to be protected.

Abstract: A TV camera is attached to an eyepiece unit of an endoscope and includes a solid-state imaging device. A housing of the TV camera has an outer metallic sheathing. The outer metallic sheathing is hermetically coupled via an insulating material to a metallic housing frame of an electric connector which has contact pins connected to the solid-state imaging device and which is fixed hermetically using a hermetic seal. This structure defines a hermetically enclosed space which can withstand autoclaving. A shielding sheathing layer is formed inside an insulating layer within the hermetic space in order to shield an electric circuit including the solid-state imaging device and which is located inside the shielding sheathing layer. The shielding sheathing layer is designed to communicate with the housing metallic frame of the connector that is isolated and sheathed. This structure provides measures for solving problems concerning electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

Abstract: What is described here is an endoscope including an endoscope optical system and a desiccant which is introduced into and fixed in the mounting space of the endoscope optical system. The invention excels itself by the provisions that the desiccant is present in the form of a plurality of spheres (5) and/or rod-shaped elements which are inserted into at least one recess (4) in the mounting space, and fixed by means of at least one fixing element which contacts the spheres or the rod-shaped elements merely over part of their surface.

Abstract: A hard endoscope used for assisting a micro-operation includes a body and an insert portion extending from the body. The insert portion includes a first linear portion, and a second linear portion longer than the first linear portion. The first and second linear portions are arranged forwardly in order from the body. A connecting portion is disposed between the first linear portion and the second linear portion. The insert portion thus constructed exhibits a bent configuration. The first and second linear portions have a first and a second relay lens, respectively, therein. The connecting portion has a prism therein. This prism transmits the light coming through the first relay lens to the second relay lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope having an opening of a channel tube retracted from a distal end face having an observation window of the insert therein toward a proximal end side. When a plurality of polyps are removed, a picked-up polyp is moved back from the distal end face of the insert toward the proximal side of the insert in order for the picked-up polyp not to interfere with observation by the endoscope and operation by a cutting tool extending through the endoscope channel.

Abstract: An endoscope system in accordance with the present invention comprises a plurality of endoscope modules having different treatment instruments mounted therein, an endoscope to which the endoscope modules can be attached, and a coupling member fixed to the distal part of an insertion unit of the endoscope and used to make the plurality of endoscope modules freely exchangeable. The plurality of endoscope modules having the different treatment instruments mounted therein are freely exchangeable to be coupled to the distal part of the insertion unit of the endoscope.

Abstract: A seal for the accessory port of a medical instrument comprises a first region having an aperture formed in elastomeric material. The aperture permits an accessory of slightly greater diameter to be sealably introduced through the accessory port of the instrument. The seal includes a second region of elastomeric material distal to the first region, which includes a hatch with a closeable passageway. The hatch sealably engages the accessory and also seals the accessory port when no accessory is in place. The first region and/or the second can be stretched and distorted as an accessory passes therethrough. Therefore, it is preferable to dispose a relief cavity between the aperture and the hatch. The relief cavity separates the two regions so that the aperture and hatch can each independently maintain an effective seal around an accessory. The relief cavity also provides a break between the aperture and hatch that minimizes drag on the accessory.