Abstract: An image capturing device comprises a first elongated body portion formed of a first material and a second elongated body portion coupled to a proximal end of the first body portion. The second body portion is formed of a second material having a greater heat conductivity than the first material. The device further comprises an imaging window coupled to a distal end of the first body portion, a first housing within the first body portion, an image sensor mounted to the first housing, and an image processor mounted to the first housing and coupled to receive electrical signals from the image sensor. The device further comprises a second housing within the first body portion. The second housing is coupled to the first housing and to the window such that heat generated by the image sensor and image processor is transmitted through the second housing to the window.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a heat dissipation capacity. An apparatus comprises an elongate member, a housing, and a heat pump device. The elongate member has a distal end and a proximal end. The housing is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member. The heat pump device is coupled between the elongate member and the housing. The heat pump device is configured to transfer thermal energy between the elongate member and the housing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a heat dissipation capacity. An apparatus comprises an elongate member, a housing, and a heat pump device. The elongate member has a distal end and a proximal end. The housing is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member. The heat pump device is disposed between the proximal end of the elongate member and the housing. The heat pump device is disposed at least partially outside the housing and is configured to transfer thermal energy between the elongate member and the housing. The heat pump device has a maximum outer diameter that is greater than a maximum outer diameter of the elongate member.

Abstract: An image capturing device comprises an elongated body, an imaging window coupled to a distal end of the elongated body, and a heat source within the elongated body. The heat source is configured to apply heat to the imaging window to remove condensation from or prevent condensation from forming on the imaging window.

Abstract: A tissue contact detection system tracks, over time during a surgical procedure, a temperature of a surgical instrument associated with a surgical system used for the surgical procedure. The system determines, based on the tracked temperature of the surgical instrument, that the temperature of the surgical instrument changes from a first temperature to a second temperature that varies from the first temperature by at least a predetermined amount, and determines, based on the determination that the temperature of the surgical instrument changes from the first temperature to the second temperature, that the surgical instrument is in physical contact with patient tissue. The system performs, in response to the determination that the surgical instrument is in physical contact with patient tissue, a mitigation operation configured to mitigate the physical contact of the surgical instrument with the patient tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving a heat dissipation capacity. An apparatus comprises an elongate member, a housing, and a heat pump device. The elongate member has a distal end and a proximal end. The housing is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member. The heat pump device is coupled between the elongate member and the housing. The heat pump device is configured to transfer thermal energy between the elongate member and the housing.

Abstract: An image capturing device comprises an elongated body, an imaging window coupled to a distal end of the elongated body, and a heat source within the elongated body. The heat source is configured to apply heat to the imaging window to remove condensation from or prevent condensation from forming on the imaging window.