Abstract: A thin-walled elastic sheath that can be stretched axially over an elongated imaging device to closely conform to the device and isolate the device from an external environment, and a method of forming such a sheath, are shown and described. The method includes the steps of heating at least a portion of a sheet of an elastomeric material to an elevated temperature to form a malleable heated portion of the sheet, pressing an elongated forming tool against the sheet at a location central with respect to the heated portion of the sheet, stretching the heated portion of the elastomeric material with the forming tool until an elastic conforming portion of the sheet is conformed to at least a portion of the length of the forming tool, and removing the forming tool from the conforming portion of the sheet to leave the thin-walled, elastic sheath having a wall thickness approximately equal to or less than 0.006 inches.

Abstract: A medical endoscope with a sealed housing that defines a shaft. A working passage, which is open at its ends, extends through the shaft in a sealed manner in the longitudinal direction. The passage projects proximally beyond the housing and has a lateral branch passage for connection of a flow line. The branch passage is arranged on the housing so as to pass through the housing wall and a wall defining the working passage.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a device for applying thermal therapy, treatment or comfort to a patient or user which includes a container having an upper side and lower side with a space therebetween containing a chemical composition adapted to provide a thermal effect, and a plurality of discrete attachment areas which generally define a central location in the container. The device has a nest configuration and automatically conforms to the user's geometry upon application of weight thereon. The discrete attachment areas are positioned to define an inner peripheral base portion and outer peripheral portion in the device which collectively form the nest configuration. The device is particularly useful in thermal treatment for infants.

Abstract: Prevention or treatment of hypothermia in a person is afforded by an inflatable cover with a surface for expelling air from the cover. A heater/blower unit is connected to the cover to inflate the cover with warmed air and to maintain the temperature of warmed air expelled through the surface in a range of 85.2° F. to 117.7° F. The heater/blower unit may also maintain the temperature of warmed air provided to inflate the cover in a range of 113.3° F. to 121.3° F. The heater/blower unit may also maintain the temperature of warmed air under the surface in a range of 103.8° F. to 112.5° F. A pattern of apertures in the surface or vents in sides of the inflatable cover may be provided in order to circulate the warmed air to edges of the inflatable cover.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a new device for adjustably attaching a tongue blade to an endoscope. In general, the device secures a tongue blade holder to the body of an endoscope and permits adjustment of the angle of the tongue blade with respect to the light source of the endoscope. Typically, the device has a clamp for receiving an endoscope body near the juncture of the handle and the light source of the endoscope. The clamp has a fastener for securing the clamp to the outer surface of the endoscope body and may be adapted for use with endoscopes somewhat larger or smaller in cross section than the clamp opening. The clamp has an attached tongue blade holder pivotably attached to the clamp and securable at an angle relative to the endoscope light source. The device also has several surfaces for the display of graphics.

Abstract: A band is provided for effecting body temperature changes, locally as well as core body temperature changes. The band includes a shell containing and easily replaced thermal insert filled with a high thermal capacity substance, and may also include thermal insulation, a radiant barrier, or an insulating airs space in order to increase thermal efficiency. The band may be strapped or otherwise attached to a user's body, preferably inside the forearms, directly over the wrists, where core body temperature changes may be effected.

Abstract: Cooling a patient's brain is performed by each of two hollow pads exclusively in an area of a patient's neck adjoining one of carotid arteries by circulating a cooling liquid through one of the pads independently from the other pad or through both pads, to cool either one half of the brain, or another half of the brain, or both halves thereof.

Abstract: An inflatable convective thermal pad is adapted for use under a patient. The pad has a surface on a layer that receives the patient and that provides for the passage of air through the layer and the surface toward the patient. One or more drain openings or channels are provided in the layer for draining fluid from the layer.

Abstract: A fastening element is provided for securing a rod-shaped element to a shaft of a medical instrument. The fastening element comprises a bracket for engaging at least partially the circumference of the rod-shaped element, where the bracket can be inserted into a side opening of the shaft portion. The fastening element further comprises a tensioning mechanism, which when actuated draws the bracket in the direction out of the opening, thereby clamping the rod-shaped element to the shaft portion. The clamping force of the tensioning mechanism for clamping the rod-shaped element is continuously adjustable when actuating the tensioning mechanism.

Abstract: An endoscope has a head and an outer tube joined to it. Received in the outer tube is an inner tube in which optical components are received. Light guides are guided in the interstice between the interior space and outer tube. A closure element made of transparent material, which closes off the distal end of the outer tube in hermetically sealed fashion, is provided. The closure element has a window in the region of the inner tube. The window is surrounded by an opaque layer that shields the window radially from the entry of illumination light.

Abstract: A flexible tube for an endoscope is provided with an outer tube member. A synthetic resin layer is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube member. A coating layer is further formed on the outer circumferential surface of the synthetic resin layer. The outer circumferential surface of the synthetic resin layer is provided with at least one groove or protrusion.

Abstract: A method for performing through-port off-pump beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery is provided. A port device is positioned in the chest wall and directed as necessary. A heart stabilizer is coupled to the port, and operated to apply a compressive force against the heart wall surrounding a location the required bypass such that the location is substantially immobilized. An instrument stabilizer includes a cannula which is inserted through a hole in the chest cavity, and the distal tip of the cannula is located adjacent the surgical site. The instrument stabilizer dampens movement of a surgical instrument, e.g., a scalpel or needle holder, extended therethrough. Once the bypass procedure is complete, the instruments, heart stabilizer, instrument stabilizers, and port are removed from the body of the patient.

Abstract: An insertion facilitating device for an intestinal endoscope has a cylindrical body in which an insertion portion of an endoscope for a large intestine is inserted while holding an anal sphincter of a patient in an open position. The cylindrical body is provided at one end thereof with a conical opening.

Abstract: A resectoscope for internal surgery generally comprising an operating handle having extendible instruments such as a cutting tool, viewing means such as a telescope and a light conduit and passageways to supply and remove aspirating fluid to lubricate and to wash the surgical site wherein said extendible instruments are contained within a tube divided in cross section by longitudinal wall into first and second sectors, said first sector being smaller than the second sector and containing the viewing means and providing a passageway for the supply of as pirating fluid, said second sector containing the cutting tool and providing a large passageway for the removal of aspirating fluid and surgical morsels for collection and optionally having a valving mechanism activated by retraction or extension of the cutting tool.

Abstract: A flexible bag is formed with a opening for placing the bag about the head of the patient and a separate connector for connection to an air supply. The open end has a closure unit permitting the collapse of the opening about the neck to enclose the head. Alternatively, the open end can be placed beneath the ears and over the nose to enclose the upper portion of the head. A separation wall within the bag separates and defines an upper air supply chamber and a lower head heating chamber. The wall has openings including flaps to distribute the air from the air supply chamber to the head enclosing chamber and thereby heating the head with the blood passing therefrom to heat the body of the patient. The head heating chamber includes air directing elements therein. The air supply chamber is L-shaped to direct air over the top of the head and to the side or back of the head.

Abstract: An instrument stabilizer minimizes unwanted motion at the distal end of a surgical instrument by applying a damping force to the instrument. According to one embodiment, the instrument stabilizer preferably includes a cannula through which an instrument can extend, and a distal bushing adapted to contact the instrument. The instrument stabilizer also includes a proximal housing which includes a mechanism which applies a stabilizing or damping force to the proximal portion of the cannula. The mechanism which applies the force may be, by way of example, one or more of elastic bands, springs, struts, etc. When a surgical instrument is extended through the cannula and contacts the bushing, movement of the cannula and consequently the surgical instrument is damped by the stabilization force on the proximal portion of the cannula. In addition, a swivel device for angularly orienting the instrument stabilizer relative to a body of patient is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided an operating instrument insertion apparatus capable of easily inserting an operating instrument into the tissue. The operating instrument insertion apparatus includes a hollow tubular member for receiving an operating instrument therein, and a plurality of scoop-like members provided at a distal end of the hollow tubular member. The plurality of scoop-like members can be opened in such a manner that distal ends of the scoop-like members are moved away from each other in a direction transverse to a direction of insertion of the scoop-like members into the tissue, and the plurality of scoop-like members can be closed in such a manner that the distal ends of the scoop-like members are moved toward each other in this transverse direction.

Abstract: The present invention is a cap tester for a water resistant cap for medical video equipment that comprises a neck capable of insertion within the cap. The neck has an air duct extending therethrough. Preferably, the neck further comprises at least one projection extending outwardly from the neck. The projection mates with interior grooves of the cap to releasably connect the cap tester to the cap. A collar extends outwardly beyond the neck to provide a cover to the neck upon insertion into the cap. A conduit extends above the collar and substantially aligns with the duct within the neck that may be connected to a positive air supply. Thus, upon placing a cap tester within the cap, the method of the present invention comprises pressurizing the cap and cap tester, submersing the cap and cap tester in liquid and observing the immersed cap and cap tester for air bubbles thereby indicating a leak in either the cap frame or any seal located therein.

Abstract: The hysteroscope port includes a cylindrical cannula dimensioned for insertion through a vagina to penetrate a cervix. A balloon element having a nonsmooth surface is positioned adjacent the distal end of the cannula for dilating the cervix and for maintaining the cervix in a dilated state. The balloon is inflatable between a narrowed insertion and withdrawal position and an expanded dilatation position. An introducer's distal portion is dimensioned for insertion through the cannula's lumen and is sufficiently long to extend beyond the cannula's distal end. The introducer's distal tip is tapered and smooth for ease of insertion. The introducer's proximal portion protrudes from the cannula's proximal opening for being grasped for insertion into and removal from the cannula.

Abstract: A curve control wire, which is inserted in a curved part of an endoscope, is inserted and guided in guide holes of connecting pins, which are rotatably provided inside a plurality of joint rings. A body of the connecting pin is inserted into a hole formed in the joint ring, and the connecting pin body is provided with a flange for preventing the body from falling into the inside of the joint ring and an annular plate for preventing the body from falling to the outside of the joint ring. By such a structure, the curve control wire can be easily inserted into the guide holes. A protection member is attached to the end of the connecting pin. The outer peripheral face of the protection member is made of a material softer than internal members, which are arranged inside the curved part, such as a light guide, a signal cable, a forceps tube, and an air and water supply tube. Thus, the internal members are prevented from being damaged.