Abstract: A sleeve assembly is described for coupling a colonoscope insertion tube to an add-on tube. In some embodiments, the sleeve assembly defines an elongated lumen and comprises an inner sleeve sized to receive an insertion tube of a colonoscope, an outer sleeve encircling the inner sleeve, and one or more add-on tubes positioned between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve. In some embodiments, at least the inner sleeve is collapsible to fit tightly over a colonoscope insertion tube received within the inner sleeve. In some embodiments, the inner sleeve is coupled to the outer sleeve at one or more locations along the length of the inner sleeve so that collapsing of the inner sleeve brings the outer sleeve radially closer to the inner sleeve, approximating the one or more add-on tubes to a colonoscope insertion tube received within the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A control unit that includes a braking system for fixing the position of an endoscope tip is provided. The control system includes an up-down control knob and a right-left control knob. The brakes are engaged by rotating the control knob itself counter-clockwise from a free wheeling position. After the brakes have been engaged, a sufficient amount of force applied to the control knobs will move the endoscope tip slightly in the corresponding direction, allowing for fine tuning of tip position after braking.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for abdominal surgery is disclosed. The system can have a scope coupled to an introducer. The system can have one or more end effectors that can be attached to the introducer and inserted into the abdomen through a small puncture through the patient's umbilicus. The end effector can have a surgical tool, such as a grasper. The system can have a manipulatable control arm that can be inserted into the abdomen through a small puncture through the patient's body wall. The end effector can be attached to the control arm and simultaneously or concurrently detached from the introducer or tray. The control arm can then manipulate the end effector to perform the surgery.

Abstract: An endoscope including an operation part having a forceps entrance, a distal end part having a flat end surface, an observation window base part formed on the flat end surface of the distal end part so as to protrude distally from the flat end surface, an observation window disposed on the observation window base part, and a forceps exit disposed on the distal end part, a forceps being inserted through a forceps entrance protruding from the forceps exit. The observation window base part has a flat surface, and an outer peripheral shape of the observation window base part is inclined and connects the flat end surface of the distal end part with the flat surface of the observation window base part.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes a distal end member formed at a distal end portion of an insertion section inserted into a subject, a cylindrical member disposed in the distal end member, and an annular coupling ring into which the distal end member is inserted, a projecting section of the cylindrical member being pinched between the coupling ring and the distal end member.

Abstract: Endoscopic instrument with a control element, an instrument shaft, an adjustment element, a pull element, an actuator, an intermediate element which is operatively connected to the control element and to the adjustment element such that a force applied to the control element by the user can be transmitted to the adjustment element via the intermediate element in order to move the adjustment element, a detection device for detecting a torsion of the intermediate element, and an abutment device, which defines a free rotatory movement range of the control element relative to the adjustment element.

Abstract: A medical device includes a long shaft member, a curved portion configured to be curved, a support member that is configured to be deformed along a curved shape of the curved portion, a guide member that extends from a distal end of the curved portion, and a linear member that includes a connection portion connected to the guide member, the linear member being inserted into the support member, and that pulls the guide member in accordance with a change of the curved shape. A central axis of the guide member is positioned apart from the central axis of the support member. The linear member which protrudes from the support member is inclined with respect to a longitudinal axis of the guide member and is connected to the connection portion.

Abstract: An endoscope button unit includes a housing having two housing portions, a claw portion that is capable of being locked to a cylinder, and is provided at the housing portion, a connection portion that connects the two housing portions, a ring-shaped portion that is placed at an upper portion of the housing portion and is capable of being pulled with use of a finger or a jig, and a connection portion that connects the housing portion and the ring-shaped portion.

Abstract: A single-use electronic endoscope has a hub, a shaft extending from the hub, flexible or rigid as desired, and an expandable distal tip extending from the shaft. Within the distal tip, an image sensor provides a field of view external from the endoscope. Illuminating elements or light guides within the distal tip emit light to illuminate the field of view. The distal tip also has a variable profile working channel that permits tools to be passed from the hub and into the field of view. The expandable working channel changes cross-sectional shape from a generally noncircular shape to a shape to accommodate the cross-sectional shape of the tool when expanded.

Abstract: Medical systems are disclosed and may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, one or more channels extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a handle operably coupled to the proximal end. The handle may include one or more ports in communication with the one or more channels. The medical systems may further include a docking station supporting the proximal end of the elongate member. The docking station may include a receiver adapted to receive and secure the handle and an adaptor guide unit having a distal end, a proximal end, and one or more passages formed therethrough, the one or more passages communicating with the one or more channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas water bottle adaptor that is suitable for attachment to a water bottle and to a bottle cap. The adaptor can include a gas inlet on one side thereof suitable for attachment to the gas connection of an endoscope. A sealing member can be affixed to the adaptor to prevent leakage of any fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) that is inside of the water bottle. The adaptor may be used in endoscopy methods and is particularly useful for adding a secondary gas source to a water bottle.

Abstract: Medical devices are described herein. More particularly, the disclosure relates to medical devices, systems, and methods for the visualization and treatment of bodily passages, such as an airway, sinus cavity, or sinus passages. An exemplary medical device comprises an elongate member, an actuator moveable between an actuator first position and an actuator second position, and a wire member. The elongate member has a first straight, or substantially straight configuration, when the actuator is in the actuator first position and a second curved configuration when the actuator is in the actuator second position.

Abstract: Endoscopic cannulas and methods of their use are disclosed. In some embodiments, an endoscopic cannula may include an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A viewing channel and a working channel may extend through the elongated body. The viewing channel can be configured for passing therethrough an endoscope to the distal end of the elongated body for viewing outside the elongated body, while the working channel can be configured for passing therethrough an injection needle distally of the elongated body. The cannula may also include a suction pod disposed on a bottom surface of the elongated member, the suction pod being in communication with a suction channel extending through the elongated body to create suction between the suction pod and a tissue surface to temporary attach the elongated body to the tissue surface.

Abstract: A bending device includes a bending section, a wire, a wire receiver, a cover, a fixed section against which a distal end of the cover is buttable when the cover advances and retracts, and a coil sheath against which a proximal end of the cover is buttable when the cover advances and retracts.

Abstract: There is provided herein an endoscope assembly, the assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a first front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a second front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.

Abstract: A coil structure used in an endoscope includes a coil tube formed by densely winding a wire rod, both ends of the coil tube being fixed, a first contact surface formed on one surface of the wire rod on a distal end side, and a second contact surface formed on the other surface of the wire rod on a proximal end side, the first contact surface coming into contact with the second contact surface. The first contact surface is formed as a convex curved surface arcuate in cross section, a curvature center of which is located further on an inner side than an outer circumferential portion of the coil tube. For the convex curved surface, a curvature radius larger than a radius of the coil tube and smaller than a curvature radius during maximum bending of an insertion section is set.

Abstract: An access system includes a proximal handle, an overtube coupled to the handle, and an endoscope port extending through handle and overtube sized for receiving an endoscope therethrough. The overtube includes anatomic wall securing system that secures a distal portion of the overtube within a hole in the anatomic wall. The overtube is provided with a shaped distal portion or a controllably shapeable distal portion that aids in directing an endoscope inserted through the port to a particular location within the peritoneal cavity. The access system includes a system for insufflating/deflating the peritoneal space separately from the body cavity accessible via a natural orifice. The access system includes a closure system to cinch closed the hole made in the anatomical wall after the access system has been removed from the hole. Methods are provided for inserting the access system through the anatomical wall to perform intra-abdominal surgery.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes an endoscope which utilizes a single coherent fiber bundle for simultaneously carrying imaging and illumination light.

Abstract: A catheter and method for managing fluid in a patient, the catheter having an elongated shaft with a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft defines at least one lumen extending substantially therethrough, the shaft further defining a plurality of drainage holes along a distal portion of the shaft, with the drainage holes in fluid communication with the lumen. The catheter further has a substantially transparent tip portion attached to the distal end of the shaft with an outer distal leading surface that is substantially rounded to assist insertion through tissue.

Abstract: A telescopic wire guide is disclosed. The telescopic wire guide comprises an outer wire having a proximal end and a distal end. The outer wire has a lumen formed from the proximal end through the distal end. The telescopic wire guide further comprises a core wire disposed within the lumen and slidably movable therealong relative to the outer wire for distally telescopically extending the wire guide a predetermined length.