Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope and a wireless communication device. The capsule endoscope includes a first movement sensor, a determiner, an imager, and a first wireless receiver. The wireless communication device includes a second analyzer and a first wireless transmitter. The first analyzer analyzes first data and generates a first analysis result. The second analyzer analyzes second data and generates a second analysis result. The determiner determines an imaging timing at a period that is equal to or shorter than a reception period on the basis of any one of the first analysis result and the second analysis result.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has a light source configured to emit normal light toward an object and a rotating filter configured to be positioned in the path of light that passes from the light source to an image sensor. The rotating filter has an optical band-pass filter and a ND filter. The electronic endoscope has further a rotation controller that synchronizes a light-path traverse-interval of the band-pass filter and a light-path traverse-interval of the ND filter with a field/frame interval; and an image generator that generates a normal image from broadband image-pixel signals and generates a spectral image from specific-band image-pixel signals. The image generator has a brightness adjuster that increases a brightness level of the spectral image. Then, the ND filter reduces an amount of light emitted from the light source to an amount of light that corresponds to an increased brightness of the spectral image.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adaptor that is suitable for attachment to an endoscopic device for delivery of a secondary gas. The adaptor generally comprises an adaptor body with first and second fluid transport components and can include a gas inlet on one of the fluid transport components suitable for attachment to a secondary gas source. A sealing member can be included to prevent leakage of any fluid (e.g., liquid or gas) that is transported through channels extending through the fluid transport components. The adaptor may be used in endoscopy methods and is particularly useful for adding a secondary gas source in an endoscopy procedure.

Abstract: A medical instrument may comprise a plurality of links disposed in series along an axial direction. The plurality of links also may comprise a brake assembly comprise one or more first braking components coupled to a first link in the pair of adjacent links and one or more second braking components coupled to a second link in the pair of adjacent links. The one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components may have an interleaved arrangement with each other. The braking assembly may be actuatable between an engaged state and a disengaged state, wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components inhibit the pair of adjacent links from pivoting relative to one another in the engaged state of the brake assembly, and wherein the one or more first braking components and the one or more second braking components permit the pair of adjacent links pivoting relative to one another in the disengaged state of the brake assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for cardioscopic and pericardioscopic access to the heart, including direct access to the left atrium. In certain embodiments, the device may comprise an atrial portal having a configuration such that the distal end of the atrial portal can access the atrium while the proximal end of the portal can extend to outside of the subject. The devices and methods may also include a pericardioscopic portal for emplacement of the atrial portal. Also, methods for using such atrial portals and pericardial portals to perform surgery on the heart, and in some cases to directly access the left atrium, and systems (e.g., kits) comprising these portals in combination with other therapeutic devices are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improved control feedback of medical scopes. Buttons on a scope include both touch sensors and button press sensors. The touch sensors activate independently of a button press when a mere touch is applied to the button, causing a function indication to be displayed, preferably on the scope video display, showing which function will activate if the button is pressed. Touch indications may also be displayed identifying the button that is pressed. The buttons may be reconfigured along with the function and touch indications. Such a feedback scheme allows improved operation and safety as the operator does not need to look away from the display to identify a button to be pressed.

Abstract: An endoscopic system may include an endoscope including a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated sheath extending therebetween. The elongated sheath may define at least one lumen. The proximal end of the endoscope may include a handle operably coupled to a proximal portion of the elongated sheath. The endoscopic system also may include a clip coupled to the handle of the endoscope. The clip may include at least one retaining arm configured to receive a handle of an auxiliary tool. The at least one lumen may be configured to receive a distal portion of the auxiliary tool. Associated devices and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Some implementations of the disclosure are directed to a portable endoscope system. The portable endoscope system may comprise: an endoscope, comprising: a distal end; a proximal end; an endoscope housing integrated into a proximal part of the proximal end; an illumination device housed by the housing; and an endoscope connector to removably couple the endoscope to a first end of a cable connector; and a portable control box separate from the endoscope and to removably couple to the endoscope via the cable connector, the portable control box comprising: a portable control box connector to removably couple the portable control box to a second end of the cable connector; a power source to power the endoscope; a control board to control the endoscope; and a control box housing to house the power source and the control board.

Abstract: A cable connection structure includes: a substrate including a first core wire connection electrode, a second core wire connection electrode, and a shield connection electrode; a single-wire cable including a first core wire, and an insulant; at least two coaxial cables each including a second core wire, an inner insulant, a shield, and an outer insulant, wherein the second core wire, the inner insulant, and the shield are exposed in a step-by-step manner at a distal end portion, and the second core wire and the shield are respectively connected to the second core wire connection electrode and the shield connection electrode; and a conductive member connecting exposed portions of the shields. The conductive member is disposed directly on an upper surface of the insulant, and connects the shields on the shield connection electrode and/or a position closer to a proximal end side than the shield connection electrode.

Abstract: An in-vivo monitoring camera system includes an image capturing portion (camera unit 11) that is capable of being introduced into a body, a support tube (13) that has a connection portion (trocar connection portion 13x) with a tubular tool (trocar 31) which is capable of being introduced into the body on one end side and has a joining portion (protrusion type joining portion 13y) to the image capturing portion on another end side, a cable (camera-side cable 12) that is connected with the image capturing portion and passes through the support tube, and a control system that is electrically connected with the cable and includes at least a display device (18).

Abstract: A patient monitoring, feeding, and mechanical breathing system, the system including an endotracheal probe including a first longitudinal member connected to a first camera and a semi-rigid longitudinal member inserted in an ET tube such that the first camera is aligned with a tip of the ET tube; an OG probe including a second longitudinal member configured to be inserted in an oral gastro (OG) tube, the second longitudinal member including a side camera, configured to be placed facing a window of the OG tube, wherein the side camera includes a tapered side; an enhanced OG probe, including a second camera and a motion sensor placed at the tip of the enhanced OG tube; a device communicatively coupled to the endotracheal, OG and enhanced OG probes, and having a screen configured to display images from any of the first camera, the side camera, and the second camera.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular endoscope system in which a plurality of connecting pieces, tools, and cannulas which are selected according to the use thereof are assigned to a single optics. The connecting pieces and the cannulas are preferably designed for single use, so that merely the optics has to be decontaminated.

Abstract: A manually articulated stylet assembly for placing an endotracheal tube. The stylet assembly has a steering shaft that carries a flexible distal tip at one end and is attached to a handle at the other end. The distal tip is manipulated via sheathed cables controlled by a remote actuator in the handle. A biasing member inside the remote actuator maintains continuous tension on the cables to improve control. A video camera is carried in a recessed lens pocket in the steering shaft but spaced from the distal tip. The camera FOV captures movement of the distal tip with foreshortened perspective. A collar seat in the handle receives the collar connector of a standard endotracheal tube, providing quick disconnect when removing the stylet assembly upon placement.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion part that includes a distal end and a proximal end, and a distal-end-portion body that is provided on a distal end side of the insertion part and formed with a treatment tool outlet from which a treatment tool is led out. The distal-end-portion body includes an observation window, a nozzle that ejects washing water to the observation window, a standing base that is disposed in a standing base-housing portion adjacent to the treatment tool outlet and is rotationally moved between a standing position and a falling position, and a guide wall that is disposed at a position facing the nozzle with the observation window interposed therebetween and guides the washing water to the standing base-housing portion. Washing water, which has been ejected from the nozzle and has passed the observation window, is guided to the standing base-housing portion by the guide wall.

Abstract: A variably-flexible, locking insertion device includes a hollow body having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument, a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument, and a handle to be gripped by an operator. A device transitions the hollow body between a relatively flexible condition and a relatively stiff condition. Tendons are disposed within the hollow body for maintaining the hollow body in the relatively flexible and relatively stiff conditions, the tendons being neither in tension nor compression when the hollow body is in the relatively stiff condition.

Abstract: An arthroscopic surgical temperature control system and method able to monitor and control the temperature within a surgical site during arthroscopic ablation procedures in order to prevent tissue damage is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first end configured to connect to a control of an endoscope object removal tool; a second end having a connector configured to removably connect to a handle of an endoscope; and a spine connecting the first end to the second end. The spine comprises a plurality of serially interconnected members which are rotatable relative to each other. Connections of the members to one another comprise friction locks. The friction locks are configured to be temporarily unlocked by overcoming friction forces at the friction locks such that the spine is semi-flexible.

Abstract: The disclosure extends to methods, devices, and systems for removing speckle from a coherent light source, such as laser light. The methods, devices, and systems help eliminate or reduce speckle introduced from a coherent light source, such as laser light, by utilizing the teachings and principles of the disclosure.

Abstract: A system for dilating the sinus ostia with a device including a series of elongated members, each having a central channel and increasing outer diameters where the members are positioned one over the other such that the members are advanced to incrementally dilate the sinus ostia. The central channels of each member allow for various procedures to be performed including, for example, the application of wireless energy (e.g., ultrasonic, RF, etc.) to the sinus ostia, the introduction of an irrigating fluid and aspiration from the sinus ostia, and the introduction of a drug to the sinus ostia.

Abstract: A method for assisting navigation of an endoscopic device using a controller with the aid of a digital image data record of an imaging examination modality is provided. The digital image data record describes an image of an object to be examined with the aid of the endoscopic device in a cavity element. A digital two-dimensional or multi-dimensional model of the object to be examined is determined based on the image data record. An operating action that predetermines a relative location of a sensor of the endoscopic device in relation to the object based on the model is received. The model is registered with the endoscopic device and/or a digital endoscopic data record supplied by the endoscopic device. An initial location of the sensor is compared with the predetermined location, and a navigation signal for navigating the endoscopic device is generated taking into account the predetermined relative location.