Abstract: The invention describes a disposable device for operations on the arteria haemorroidalis, which comprises a retractor tube (1), closed and rounded on the end (101) which is inserted in the anal cavity, and open and diverging on the external end (201) to which is connected a griping handle (M) which removable houses a luminous source (F). In the connection zone of the handle to the external mouth of the retractor there is provided a channel (C) which contains a parabola (5) which reflects the light supplied from said luminous source (F) and which sends the reflected light inside of the same retractor, to illuminate a lateral window (8) through which appears the rectal mucosa upon which the operation must be made for the ligature of the arteria haemorroidalis.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal tract examining apparatus includes a capsular endoscope which examines the gastrointestinal tract, a flexible tube member, a flexible string member which is inserted in the tube member, and a connecting portion which is arranged to the capsular endoscope. In the gastrointestinal tract examining apparatus, the tube member is separated from the capsular endoscope by detachably connecting the string member to the connecting portion.

Abstract: A medical system that allows a mentor to teach a pupil how to use a robotically controlled medical instrument. The system may include a first handle that can be controlled by a mentor to move the medical instrument. The system may further have a second handle that can be moved by a pupil to control the same instrument. Deviations between movement of the handles by the mentor and the pupil can be provided as force feedback to the pupil and mentor handles. The force feedback pushes the pupil's hand to correspond with the mentor's handle movement. The force feedback will also push the mentor's hand to provide information to the mentor on pupil's movements. The mentor is thus able to guide the pupil's hands through force feedback of the pupil handles to teach the pupil how to use the system.

Abstract: A method for autoclave sterilization of an endoscope 2 of the present invention includes the step of making a space, which is defined by the outer side of a channel and an outer covering member of the endoscope 2, communicate with the outside of the endoscope, while at least one end of the channel communicates with the outside of the endoscope 2 and the channel is inserted through the inside 47 of the endoscope. The space 47 and the outside of the endoscope are once brought into the negative pressure. Thereafter, steam is introduced in the space 47 and the outside of the endoscope, and the endoscope 2 is sterilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope head which is equipped with a plurality of function-related units such as an optical/lens system, illuminating elements, rinsing nozzles and the like. The endoscope head substantially comprises a plurality of modular plug-in or click-in function-related supports for receiving and/or forming the function-related units.

Abstract: Mounted internally of a casing of a manipulating head assembly of an endoscope is a branching passage member to connect a base end of a biopsy channel with a biopsy channel entrance way and a suction passage. The branching passage member is retained in position by threaded engagement with a biopsy channel entrance pipe which is fitted in the biopsy channel entrance way. Further, the branching passage member is provided with restrictive members thereby to restrict movements of the branching member except a movement toward the biopsy channel entrance pipe when the branching member is pulled into the biopsy channel entrance way for engagement with the entrance pipe.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic dip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The actuator includes a lever for opening and closing the jaws, a knob for rotating the jaw assembly, and a crank for dispensing clips. The knob and the lever are coupled to a single control member which extends through the coil to a joiner where it is joined to a pair of pull wires coupled to the jaws. The crank is coupled to a second control member which is threaded along a distal portion. The threaded portion engages a threaded member near the pusher and is coupled to the pusher such that rotation of the threaded control member by the crank causes the pusher to be moved distally.

Abstract: When a capsule is manufactured, a unique number such as a serial number is stored in non-volatile memory in the capsule. If the capsule is used with an external apparatus, the unique number is sent from the capsule to the external apparatus. The external apparatus relates each unique number with a capsule ID comprising a small number of bits in a management table formed in non-volatile memory and sends the capsule ID to the capsule, and the capsule ID with the small number of bits is set as an identifier in the capsule. In this manner, it is made unnecessary to provide a switch in the capsule for setting the identifier and it becomes possible to reduce and send the quantity of information sent as the identifier.

Abstract: In an adaptor for endoscope forceps opening: an adaptor connecting member includes an opening groove which is formed in its axial direction and from/to which the treatment tool is detached/attached, and an engaging groove integrally-formed to the opening groove; a treatment tool integrating member includes a flexible long member connected to the adaptor connecting member and an engaging projection which is fit into the engaging groove and fixes the treatment tool in close contact thereat; and a treatment tool position changing member is rotatably connected to the adaptor connecting member and includes a through-groove from which the treatment tool is detached and an opening notch portion communicated with the through-groove, wherein the opening groove, engaging groove, through-groove, and opening notch portion are arranged on the straight line.

Abstract: The multipurpose contact lens accessory comprises a casing having a contact end and a viewing end, the viewing end having a lens therein, wherein the contact end engages a contact thereon for viewing and/or insertion of same and the viewing end allows for viewing of the contact engaged to the contact end for determining if any visible defects exist in the contact and/or whether the contact is inside out.

Abstract: An ablation catheter (10) includes an elongate carrier (12). A first loop (14.1) is arranged at or adjacent a distal end of the carrier (12). At least one sensing electrode (40) is carried on the first loop (14.1) for sensing irregular activity in a patient's body. At least one further loop (14.2) is arranged proximally relative to the first loop (14.1) on the carrier (12) in a fixed orientation relative to the first loop (14.1). At least one ablating electrode (42) is carried on the second loop (14.2) for ablating a site of the patient's body where irregular electrical activity occurs. In another form of the invention, the ablation catheter includes a carrier (12) having a loop (14) defined at the distal end, the loop (14) comprising a first arm (18) and a second arm (22), the arms (18, 22) of the loop (14) being at least partly electrically isolated with respect to each other and at least one electrode (16, 20) arranged on each arm (18, 22) of the loop (14).

Abstract: A radio-electric conveyer includes one or more radiofrequency generators supplied by a power group; one or more irradiating antennas coupled with the generator and which are able to create a radiofrequency field; a variable modulator; and one or more electrodes connected to generator and able to be applied to one or more predetermined parts of a body object of the therapy treatment, placed inside the field, in order to convey radiofrequency currents to the body.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for incrementally advancing functional probes through tissue.

Abstract: At the time of irradiation of illumination light rays of an endoscope, a shadow is eliminated by leading illumination light rays passing through a second concave portion of a protruding portion of a hood main body to a shadow part of the protruding portion of the hood main body formed in an observation visual field range of the endoscope.

Abstract: A sterile, self-contained, disposable apparatus used for heating and applying solution to the distal end of endoscopes as well as an endoscopic lens protector. The heating mechanism is chemical, electrical or a combination of both. Further the apparatus serves as a self sealing container for the storage and application of anti-fog solution. By placing the apparatus over the distal scope prior to surgery, the scope is protected from damage from other instruments or trays. At the same time the distal lens is submerged in the warm anti-fog solution and it is uniformly and completely coated. Heat is transferred to the instrument from the solution in one example to act as an important and additional measure to prevent fogging of the lens. By heating the solution and the instrument, the drastic temperature difference between the interior of the body (98.6) and the instrument is eliminated. This inhibits the condensation of moisture, which always occurs upon inserting the cool scope inside the warm body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for surgery, in particular minimally invasive surgery. The instrument includes means for feeding back a force which is exerted on the working element of the instrument to the operating element. These means include at least a first force sensor for measuring the force which is exerted on the working element, a control unit and a first actuator. On the basis of a signal which originates from the first force sensor, the control unit controls at least the first actuator in order to control the operating element. Furthermore, the means preferably include a first position sensor for measuring a position of the working element with respect to the frame. The control unit advantageously determines an impedance which the working element is subject to as a result of the presence of a tissue or the like, on the basis of which impedance the control unit controls at least the first actuator.

Abstract: The electrode of a manipulator cuts tissue. The scalpel has rectifying circuit for supplying a rectified voltage to a radio frequency circuit which produces an output current signal at a substantially constant frequency to the electrode. The radio frequency circuit has an electronic switch controlled by an oscillator and pilot circuit. According to the method a wave form is applied to the electrode having such a power that the energy transferred to the manipulator is substantially equal to the sum of the energies required to break the bonds of the molecules of the tissue to be cut. The invention relates also to the electronic scalpel carrying out said method.

Abstract: A position control apparatus for controlling position along an axis, comprising: an extensible member that can be extended and contracted along said axis, comprising shape memory alloy locatable to expand and contract along said axis, heating means for controlling said temperature of said shape memory alloy, and a feedback mechanism for controlling said heating means and responsive to variations in said position, wherein said position is controllable by means of said heating means and can be stabilized by means of said feedback mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ablation method and apparatus used to close veins for treatment of venous insufficiency disease. The apparatus includes a catheter proportioned for insertion into a vein, a pair of inflatable balloons spaced apart on the catheter body, and an ablation electrode array disposed between the balloons. According to the disclosed method, the catheter is introduced into the vein to be treated and the balloons are distended. Blood is flushed and aspirated from the site between the balloons. RF power is applied to the electrode array, causing scarring of the vessel walls and eventual sealing of the vein.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode for performing an EFBL procedure comprises an elongated thin, forceps-shaped structure shaped to substantially match the curvature of the skull extending from the brow upward to a position at or above the hairline. The electrode terminates at a distal end in electrically-conductive spaced tips that are bare. The electrode is bipolar and is connected to electrosurgical apparatus capable of generating RF electrosurgical currents, preferably at a frequency of about 4 MHz. Bipolar forceps can also be provided at the end of a flexible tip handpiece, the forceps being manipulated by extending and retracting the forceps from the handpiece end.