Abstract: A centralized control apparatus is a centralized control apparatus configured to operate in a centralized manner, one or more operated devices used in a medical action, and includes a specification section configured to specify at least one of an operator and a procedure, an end operation section configured to receive an end operation to end the centralized operation of the operated device when the medical action ends, a recording section configured to record information on an operated device for which an end operation is necessary in association with at least one of the operator and the procedure, and a control section configured to, when the end operation section receives the end operation, acquire and execute setting items of an end process on the operated device linked by the recording section based on the specification result of the specification section.

Abstract: An endoscope cover attached in a lock state to a protruding lock portion of a distal framing portion of an insertion section of an endoscope, includes: a cover main body including an annular portion and which is attached to the distal framing portion along a longitudinal axis; a depressed lock portion provided on the cover main body and locked to the protruding lock portion of the distal framing portion; and a groove provided on a part including the proximal end of the annular portion and in which the protruding lock portion is configured to be located when the cover main body is turned with respect to the distal framing portion in the peripheral direction of the longitudinal axis and the protruding lock portion is unlocked from the depressed lock portion.

Abstract: An insertion device includes a long and thin insertion section, a rotating housing that is provided to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis, a drive shaft that is connected to a motor rotating the rotating housing, and that transmits a rotation of the motor, a rotor that is provided at a distal-end side of the drive shaft and that is provided to be movable in relation to the rotating housing in axial direction of the insertion section, and that transmits the rotation to the rotating housing via a coating of the insertion section, a sensor that detects that the rotor moves a predetermined amount in either forward or backward direction relative to the axial direction of the insertion section, and a control unit that controls, according to the detection by the sensor, a state of the motor including a positive rotation, a negative rotation, and rotation halt.

Abstract: A flexible circuit assembly for an endoscope or borescope having an image sensor. The flexible circuit assembly has a flexible circuit with a first end, a second end, and a length between its first and second ends, the first end of the flexible circuit electrically connectable with the image sensor. A strengthening member is adjacent to the flexible circuit and along the length of the flexible circuit. An electrically insulated layer retains the strengthening member adjacent to the flexible circuit and encloses at least of portion of the strengthening member and the flexible circuit. The strengthening member may comprise a nitinol wire, and the nitinol wire may have a neutral position such that the nitinol wire returns to the neutral position after being articulated to a different position.

Abstract: A hybrid apparatus for delivery of fluid in connection with endoscopic irrigation and lens cleaning including a connector which is adaptable to a flexible or rigid container, a connector arranged at the end thereof and connected via a tubing supply to a fluid, air and or gas source and to an endoscope during a procedure.

Abstract: A small gauge surgical instrument is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. Devices and method described provide adjustability of the instrument without protruding into a gripping surface of the instrument.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for operating a visualization system which includes a surgical microscope assembly for viewing a surgical region under magnification. The surgical microscope assembly is provided with a computer unit having a display for displaying image data. A detection arrangement is configured to detect endoscopic images in the surgical region and is operatively coupled to the surgical microscope assembly. A circuit actuable by a viewing person is configured to detect actuation data. The circuit is configured to set an operating state of the surgical microscope assembly matched to the detection arrangement in response to a presence of the actuation data for the surgical microscope assembly.

Abstract: A robot guiding system employing a robot unit (10) including an endoscope (12) and a robot (11), and a control unit (20) including an endoscopic image controller (22) and a robot controller (21). In operation, the endoscope (12) generate an endoscopic image of an anatomical region as the robot (11) move the endoscope (12) within the anatomical region in response to robot actuator commands. The endoscopic image controller (22) controls a display of the endoscopic image (14) of the anatomical region and generates endoscope pose commands to maintain a visibility of two or more interventional instruments within the display of the endoscopic image (14) relative to a center of the endoscopic image (14). The robot controller (21) generates the robotic actuator commands responsive to the endoscope pose commands.

Abstract: An endoscopic pedicle probe for use during spinal surgery to form a hole in a pedicle for reception of a pedicle screw has an enlarged proximal end for cooperation with the hand of the surgeon and an elongate shaft terminating in a distal tip that may be pushed through the pedicle to form the hole. The tip may be detachable for replacement. An endoscope extends through the shaft and is connected with a monitor to enable the surgeon to visually observe the area being treated. In a preferred form a light means extends through the shaft to illuminate the area being treated, and in a further preferred form a conduit extends through the shaft to convey a fluid to flush the area being treated. In a further embodiment, two endoscopes are associated with the probe.

Abstract: A light source device for endoscope includes a rotational body configured to rotate with a rotational axis as a center; a fluorescent body arranged in a predetermined area of the rotational body and configured to generate fluorescence by excitation light being radiated; an illuminating portion capable of selectively radiating excitation light of a first quantity and excitation light of a second quantity which is larger than the first quantity to a fluorescent body; and a control portion configured to switch between a first state of radiating the excitation light of the first quantity to the fluorescent body arranged in a first area and a second state of radiating the excitation light of the second quantity to the fluorescent body arranged in a second area.

Abstract: A method of making an introducer includes providing a translucent material that is formed into an elongate introducer, wherein the introducer has a lumen on an end thereof, and sealing the lumen with a sealing mechanism, wherein the seal is one of a duckbill seal or a one-way valve.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes two jaw members, at least one of which creates conditions of frustrated total internal reflection at a tissue-contacting surface when tissue is grasped between the two jaw members. The first jaw member may include an optical element having a tissue-contacting surface. The medical instrument also includes a light source that provides a light beam for sealing tissue. The light source is positioned so that the light beam is totally internally reflected from an interface between the tissue-contacting surface and air when tissue is not grasped by the jaw members. When tissue is grasped by the jaw members, at least a portion of the light beam is transmitted through that portion of the tissue-contacting surface that is in contact with the tissue. The light source may be movably coupled to a jaw member to scan the light beam and/or to change the incident angle based on optical properties of the tissue.

Abstract: A system for extending the visual capabilities and working channel of a bronchoscope including a probe having optic and/or tracking capabilities at a distal tip thereof and capable of being advanced through the working channel of a standard bronchoscope. The probe also includes a working channel through which various diagnostic and treatment tools may be advanced.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: a camera including an imaging unit configured to receive light and convert the light into an electric signal; a first cable configured to transmit the electric signal, one end of the first cable being connected to the camera; an operating unit connected to another end of the first cable and including an electrooptic conversion unit configured to convert the electric signal transmitted through the first cable into an optical signal, and a switch configured to receive user operations; a second cable configured to transmit the optical signal, one end of the second cable being connected to the operating unit; and a connector provided to another end of the second cable and configured to connect the other end of the second cable to an external device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling an endoscope, comprising a. an endoscope adapted to provide real time images of FOV within a body cavity; said FOV defines FOVx-axis, FOVy-axis and FOVz-axis, b. a maneuvering system for maneuvering said endoscope; said maneuvering system defines an X-axis, a y-axis; and, a z-axis; c. control means adapted to receive commands of motions from a user to maneuver said endoscope; and d. a data processing system in communication with said control means, adapted to instruct said maneuvering system to maneuver said endoscope according to said commands of motions; wherein said data control means instructs said maneuvering system to maneuver said endoscope according to said commands of motions relative to said FOVx-axis, said FOVy-axis and said FOVz-axis, regardless of said X-axis, said y-axis and said z-axis as defined by said maneuvering system.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes two jaw members, at least one of which creates conditions of frustrated total internal reflection at a tissue-contacting surface when tissue is grasped between the two jaw members. The first jaw member may include an optical element having a tissue-contacting surface. The medical instrument also includes a light source that provides a light beam for sealing tissue. The light source is positioned so that the light beam is totally internally reflected from an interface between the tissue-contacting surface and air when tissue is not grasped by the jaw members. When tissue is grasped by the jaw members, at least a portion of the light beam is transmitted through that portion of the tissue-contacting surface that is in contact with the tissue. The light source may be movably coupled to a jaw member to scan the light beam and/or to change the incident angle based on optical properties of the tissue.

Abstract: An endobronchial tube comprising at least two lumens of different lengths for selectively associating with a patient about at least two locations relative to the Tracheal Carina.

Abstract: A surgical retractor includes a plurality of cameras integrated therein. One such retractor includes a tubular retractor and an insert supporting said plurality of cameras can be disposed within a tubular retractor.

Abstract: An endoscope or treatment instrument including: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; an electrodeposition portion configured to electrodeposit a lubricant applied to an outer surface, the outer surface including: a conductive portion provided on the insertion portion and made of a conductive material; and an insulating portion covering an outer surface of the conductive portion, exposed to a surface of the insertion portion, and made of an electrically insulating material; a connection portion connected to the conductive portion of the electrodeposition portion to take an electric charge; and a static electricity generation apparatus connected to the connection portion and configured to electrodeposit the conductive portion of the electrodeposition portion in a state that the insulating portion electrically insulates the conductive portion and an outside of the endoscope or treatment instrument.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a medical device. The medical device may include an elongate member, having a proximal end and a distal end and at least two lumens extending therebetween. At least one of the lumens may be an imaging lumen configured to hold an imaging device, and an imaging device may be disposed inside the imaging lumen. A signal transmitting device may extend longitudinally through the imaging lumen. A distal end of the signal transmitting device may be operably coupled to the imaging device and a proximal end may be operably coupled to a processor. The processor may be located outside of the imaging lumen. The signal transmitting device may transmit signals between the imaging device and the processor. A grounded, braided catheter may be disposed within and extend the length of the elongate member, surrounding the imaging lumen.