Abstract: Reversibly attachable pressure-resistant cap for an endoscope sleeve, configured to seal a distal tip of the endoscope sleeve during pressurized inflation of the sleeve to assist insertion of the endoscope into the sleeve. The cap is operable to latch onto the distal tip. The cap is also configured to be easily removed from the distal tip after inflation is no longer needed.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a distal end surface provided at a distal end of an insertion part; an observation window provided on the distal end surface; a nozzle; and a first protective projection, a second protective projection, and a third protective projection disposed at an outer peripheral part of the distal end surface and provided to project forward of the observation window. In all combinations of imaginary planes capable of coming into contact with the first protective projection, the second protective projection, and the third protective projection from a front side, the imaginary planes are disposed forward of the observation window, the imaginary planes are disposed at the same height as or forward of the nozzle, and the observation window and a portion of the nozzle are included within an outer ring region surrounded by the first protective projection, the second protective projection, and the third protective projection.

Abstract: Medical imaging camera head attachment devices and methods are provided using light captured by an endoscope system or other medical scope or borescope. Various camera head attachments are provided with a camera head design and system allowing recognition of the attachments, and enabling processing algorithms associated with each. The camera head optics are designed to work with a variety of attachments. Several attachments optical designs are provided.

Abstract: A medical system includes a medical instrument, at least one actuator, and a controller. The medical instrument defines a central axis and includes a steerable tip. The controller is configured to command the at least one actuator to cause active steering control of the medical instrument according to an insertion control mode after movement of the medical instrument is detected and exceeds a first threshold value in an insertion direction and to deactivate the at least one actuator to cause the steerable tip of the medical instrument to move freely, without the active steering control, in reaction to forces exerted against the medical instrument by a wall of the anatomic passageway after axial movement of the medical instrument is detected by the medical system and exceeds a second threshold value in a retraction direction. At least one of the first or second threshold values comprises a velocity threshold value.

Abstract: A control apparatus controls an operation of a self-propelled mechanism of an endoscope. The control apparatus includes a drive circuit that outputs a motor current, a motor current detection circuit that acquires a value relating to magnitude of the motor current as a detection value, a storage circuit that stores a limit value relating to the detection value, and a control circuit that performs an operation as a first controller that controls the drive circuit so as to stop the motor when it is determined that the detection value exceeds a value relating to the limit value, and performs an operation as a second controller that controls the drive circuit so as to stop the motor when it is determined that the detection value exceeds the value relating to the limit value.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope holder capable of turning or swinging an endoscope inserted into a body with the endoscope fixed at a predetermined insertion position. An endoscope holder (1) includes a holder main body (3) having an insertion hole (2), gripping members (7a) and (7b) configured to pinch an endoscope E inserted into the insertion hole (2), first elastic members (12a) and (12b) configured to urge in a direction in which the gripping members (7a) and (7b) are separated from each other, a pressing member (13) configure to press the gripping member (7a) toward the gripping member (7b), a switching mechanism (17) configured to hold or release a pressing state, rollers (10) provided in gripping members (7a) and (7b), and a second elastic member (15) configured to swingably support the gripping member (7b).

Abstract: A bending operation mechanism of an endoscope includes a bending operation lever, a seal unit having a tubular member and an elastic member. The elastic member has a fixed part attached to an outer circumference of the tubular member in a circumferential manner along a longitudinal axis direction N of the tubular member. An extending part that extends from an outer circumference of the fixed part to the outside of the fixed part in a radial direction K into a shape of a circle substantially concentric with the fixed part. A region extends from the outer circumference of the fixed part would extend with a predetermined angle.

Abstract: A deflection device of steerable endoscope includes a first base, a second base, elastic reposition members and tendon wires. The second base is located above the first base along the endoscope center axis. The elastic reposition members are inlaid between the first and the second bases. Each elastic reposition member includes a first plate connecting to the first base, a second plate connecting to the second base, and a waveform bar connecting the first and the second plates. The wave-height of the waveform bar is not parallel to the endoscope center axis. The tendon wires are located on the two opposite sides of each elastic reposition member. The tendon wires are parallel to and distant from the endoscope center axis. Bending of the steerable endoscope is precisely controlled, and structure of the deflection device is simplified in the invention.

Abstract: A device may be configured for white balancing a medical videoscopic camera system prior to videoscopic medical procedures, as well as optionally simultaneously or non-simultaneously applying a fog-prohibiting agent to the distal lens of a medical videoscope such as an endoscope or laparoscope. The device combines a white balancing mechanism, protective mechanism, and defogging mechanism in one simple easy to use device.

Abstract: An arthroscope having an elongated core with a square radial cross section.

Abstract: An example endoscope cap attachable to and detachable from an endoscope including a lever pivotally provided at a distal end of an insertion part of an endoscope and a pivot part causing the lever to pivot, includes: a bottomed cylindrical cover having an opening end which is attachable to and detachable from a distal end of an insertion part of the endoscope; a first engagement part provided at an inner surface of a cylindrical part of the cover; and an elevator having a lever connection part connected to the lever and pivotally fixed to an inside of the cover.

Abstract: An external mechanism for endoscope includes a wheel configured to be engaged with a second bending operation up and down knob of a second bending operation apparatus provided in an operation portion of an endoscope, a motor configured to generate driving force for rotating the wheel, an operation switch configured to output a driving control signal for the motor, a container case that contains the wheel and the motor, a case attachment and detachment fixation member with which the container case can be attached to and detached from the operation portion, and a switch case attached to the container case and configured to be able to turn between a first position that covers a part of the operation portion and a second position away from the first position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are endoscope assemblies, and more particularly endoscopes with a working channel for use in hysteroscopy, and methods of use thereof. Devices and systems related to an integrated hysteroscopic treatment system including an endoscopic viewing system, a fluid management system, a resecting device and a controller for operating all the systems. Also disclosed are integrated hysteroscopic treatment systems that include an endoscopic viewing system, a fluid management system, a resecting device and a controller for operating all the systems.

Abstract: An external mechanism for endoscope includes a wheel engaged with a second bending operation up and down knob of a second bending operation apparatus provided in an operation portion of an endoscope, a motor configured to generate driving force for rotating the wheel, an operation switch for outputting a driving control signal to the motor, a container case containing the wheel and the motor, a case attachment and detachment fixation member with which the container case can be attached to and detached from the operation portion, a switch case attached to the container case and configured to be able to turn between a first position covering a part of the operation portion and a second position away from the first position, and a dummy switch provided in the switch case and configured to operate a remote switch arranged in the operation portion in the first position via the switch case.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes: a plurality of image pickup devices configured to pick up images of a same object and sequentially read the images for each line; an objective optical system configured to form the images at different image-forming positions on the image pickup devices; a memory configured to record predetermined time differences for reading the leading positions of the effective pixels of the images at the same timing; and an I2C control circuit configured to control the image reading timing of the image pickup devices by generating a plurality of synchronizing signals based on a master synchronizing signal and supplying the synchronizing signals to the image pickup devices after shifting the synchronizing signals by the respective predetermined time differences.

Abstract: Biological navigation devices and methods are disclosed. The devices can be used as or to support colonoscopies or endoscopes. The devices can have longitudinally extensible cells that can be selectively inflated. The devices can have articulable links. The devices can be removably attached to elongated elements, such as colonoscopes or other endoscopes.

Abstract: Provided are a navigation device and a navigation method capable of reducing the size and the cost of an endoscope, and an endoscope system including the navigation device.

Abstract: An endoscope add-on assembly adapted to be attached to a target endoscope. The assembly includes an ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, including a communications cable connected to an ultrasound imaging head and an imaging head movement sub-assembly, including a conduit, holding a tension member that is attached to the ultrasound imaging head. Further included are connective elements, adapted to permit the endoscope add-on assembly to be attached to the target endoscope. Finally, the imaging head movement sub-assembly is detachable from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, thereby permitting the imaging head movement subassembly to be processed separately from the ultrasound imaging sub-assembly, after use.

Abstract: A surgical system including an endoscopic navigation catheter, at least one laparoscopic access port, a laparoscopic tool, and an endoscopic tool. The endoscopic navigation catheter is configured for navigation of a luminal network to an area of interest. The at least one laparoscopic access port is placed adjacent to the area of interest. The laparoscopic tool is configured for insertion through the at least one laparoscopic access port, and the endoscopic tool is configured for insertion through the endoscopic navigation catheter. The laparoscopic tool and endoscopic tool enable a combined laparoscopic and endoscopic approach to the area of interest.

Abstract: A handheld endoscope has a disposable, single-use portion that includes a fluid hub, cannula, distal tip and is steerable by the operator though actuation of one or two levers. The endoscope also includes re-usable portion that has a handle and display module. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to the display module that is rotatable to allow viewing by the operator and others. The single-use and re-usable portions mate and un-mate with each other via physically separated mechanical and electrical connectors. The single use portion can include grasper device that can be actuated by an operator using an actuation tab.