Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system includes a reusable control cabinet having a number of actuators that control the orientation of a lightweight endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope is used with a single patient and is then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. A polymeric articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the control cabinet. The endoscope is coated with a hydrophilic coating that reduces its coefficient of friction and because it is lightweight, requires less force to advance it to a desired location within a patient.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion unit configured to be inserted into a subject, and allow a treatment tool to protrude from a distal end thereof. The insertion unit includes: a rigid member having a treatment tool insertion hole; a raising base that adjusts, by turning, a protruding direction of the treatment tool; a first guide groove that is formed on an outer surface of the raising base and holds the treatment tool; and a second guide groove that is formed on at least a part of an inner surface of the treatment tool insertion hole and includes an opening having a width smaller than a diameter of the treatment tool insertion hole. The first guide groove and the second guide groove have the treatment tool interposed therebetween in all of set states of the raising base.

Abstract: The present specification describes a circuit board design that uses circuit boards for illuminator sets associated with the various optical assemblies. In one configuration, front and side illuminators are assembled on front and side illuminator circuit boards. Leaf connectors associated with each illuminator are provided to interface with a common base board.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.

Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to a cover removal jig for an endoscope that removes a tip cover applied to a distal end of an insertion section of an endoscope. The cover removal jig includes an enclosing portion and a cylinder connected to the enclosing portion. The enclosing portion is to be applied to the tip cover to surround its circumference, and has a portion engageable with the tip cover. The cylinder is made from elastic material and capable to come into close contact with a part of an outer surface of the insertion section.

Abstract: An improved system for attaching devices to the distal end of endoscopic instruments is described. An attachment adapter comprises a distal stop, such as a complete or partial loop or cylinder, which limits the penetration of an endoscope into the adapter. The adapter has at least one flange protruding proximally along the endoscope. The adapter is secured on the endoscope by a securing means, which compresses the flange or flanges sufficiently to provide a friction fit. The flexibility of the inventive adapter system allows the adapter to work reliably with endoscopes that are used, damaged or repaired. The adapter may further provide a slit or window allowing viewing of the vessel wall by a lens on an endoscope, thereby improving the operator's ability to understand the location of the endoscope during operation. The adapter may carry any of a variety of devices, including devices for closing a surgical incision, or treating or manipulating tissue.

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning or defogging a surgical scope during minimally-invasive surgery, including a casing which houses a sponge and a heating element configured to be accessible to the surgical scope and the casing is configured to removably attach to a trocar during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Devices for assisting manipulation of input mechanisms of medical instruments are disclosed. According to an aspect, a device includes a body defining an interior shaped to substantially surround and attach to the input mechanism of a medical instrument. The device also includes multiple protrusions attached to the body and each extending in one or more directions towards the medical instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope including: a flexible sheath extending in a longitudinal direction; a rigid body portion connected to an end portion of the flexible sheath; a ferrule provided in the rigid body portion and having a connection portion; and a tube inserted into the flexible sheath and including an end portion connected to the ferrule. The tube includes: an inner resin layer having a solid structure and that extends along an entire length of the tube in the longitudinal direction; and an outer layer provided on the inner layer and including a first portion that covers at least part of an outer periphery of the connection portion and has a porous structure, and a second portion having a solid structure and that is located on a side of the first portion that is away from the end portion of the tube.

Abstract: A disposable air/water valve may include a main stem providing an air passage through the center bore of the main stem. A method for manufacturing a disposable air/water valve may include several steps. The main stem is molded, and placed in a mold for over-molding seals onto the main stem. Prior to the next steps, the retaining ring, button cap, and boot may be molded. The back end of the main step is placed through the center of the retaining ring and resilient member (e.g., spring). The button cap is then placed on and secured to the main stem.

Abstract: An endoscopy system including a balloon-equipped endoscope including a balloon which is configured for slidable frictional engagement with an interior wall of a body passageway and axial stretching of the interior wall when inflated to a slidable frictional engagement pressure and displaced axially along the body passageway and a balloon inflation subsystem operative to selectably inflate the balloon to the slidable frictional engagement pressure.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including: a main body; an elongated shaft tube connected to the main body, the shaft tube having at least one working channel tube arranged in an interior of the shaft tube, the at least one working channel tube extending in a longitudinal direction of the shaft tube; and a connection body coupled to a proximal end region of the main body; wherein a proximal end region of the at least one working channel tube is accommodated inside the connection body and is sealed with respect to the connection body.

Abstract: A lens for a distal end of an optical channel of an endoscope shaft is provided, wherein the lens defines an outer side and an inner side as well as a circumferential surface connecting the two sides, wherein a light-absorbing coating is applied to the circumferential surface and an area of the inner side connected thereto, and wherein a solderable layer is applied to the light-absorbing coating in the area of the circumferential surface with the result that the lens can be soldered in the distal end such that the distal end is sealed.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a body and a circuit board mounted within the body. A cable couples the circuit board to an imaging system. A common-mode choke is mounted within the body and is configured to electrically isolate the cable from the body at cautery frequencies. A method includes twisting a plurality of wires together to form a twisted set of wires. The twisted set of wires is wound around a core so that windings do not overlap, and so that a first winding and a last winding are separated from each other. Wires in the twisted set of wires are coupled to a plurality of wires in the cable. Also, these wires in the twisted set of wires are also coupled to the circuit board.

Abstract: A device for visualizing and providing suction for a surgical procedure in an ear may include a handle, a main shaft extending from the handle, an imaging sensor at a distal end of the main shaft, a light source at the distal end of the main shaft, and a suction shaft extending from the handle. The device may also include a spring coupled with the suction shaft and/or the handle, such that when the suction shaft is advanced in a distal direction and then released, the suction shaft retracts automatically. The suction shaft may have a distal curved portion, and the device may have a thumb depress portion that allows a user to spin the suction shaft to suction in different directions. Some embodiments may include a suction shaft with a sharp distal tip that is configured for placing an ear tube in the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: A steering mechanism may comprise an actuation system for one-fingered operation by a user, the system configured to move at least a distal portion of the medical device such that 360 degree articulation is achievable, and a housing coupled to the system, the housing having proximal and distal ends. The system may comprise a first lever rotatable about a first axis, the first lever coupled to a first cam and configured to move the first cam from a first position to a second position when rotated about the first axis to deflect the distal portion; and a second lever rotatable about a second axis, the second lever coupled to a second cam and configured to move the second cam from a first position to a second position when rotated about the second axis to deflect the distal portion, wherein the first lever is coupled to the second lever.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a spring extending from the distal end of the shaft and curving away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft, the spring having a predetermined width and a thickness substantially smaller than the predetermined width to provide preferential bending in a direction of the curvature of the spring, and a tip extending from a distal end of the spring, said tip including an attachment surface for attaching an absorbent material thereto.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument according to the invention includes an elongate tube, which has an axially continuous and substantially cylindrical main lumen for receiving a shaft of an endoscope lens system, and a tool, which is arranged at a distal end of the tube and can be controlled via an elongate transmission element from a proximal end of the tube, wherein the tube has an axially continuous secondary lumen which adjoins the main lumen in a transverse direction, is connected to the main lumen via a narrowed transition area and receives the transmission element. The invention also relates to an endoscopic instrument system.

Abstract: An endoscope according to one aspect of the present invention includes: an operation lever portion that is provided in an operation portion, includes an operation shaft, and is capable of adjusting a bending angle of a bending portion in conjunction with a tilting operation; and an exterior cover that is water-tightly fixed to the operation portion so as to cover an outer periphery of the operation shaft, and is formed in a stair shape in cross section, including a hardly deformed region and an easily deformed region that is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the hardly deformed region.