Abstract: Three-dimensional detection of an interior space of a body is performed by an endoscope in which a projection device projects a color pattern onto a region of the interior space and a detecting device detects an image of the color pattern projected onto the region. The projection and detection devices are positioned at least in part in a distal end region of an elongate endoscope extent. The distal end region can be angled up to 180° in relation to the original elongate endoscope extent. Active triangulation can be used in evaluating 3D images of the region to simply and effectively enlarge the 3D images. Such endoscopes can be used particularly advantageously in minimally invasive surgery or in industrial endoscopy.

Abstract: A self-piercing blind rivet is provided for apposing biological tissue together with a device for setting the same, especially through the instrumental channel of a flexible endoscope. Without the help of further instruments, it is possible to fix, approximate and appose tissue layers, the contact force while connecting the tissue layers being adjustable. The rivets are stored in the setting device, so that they can be applied in order. The rivet and setting device enable the surgeon to combine tissue discontinuities conveniently by means of an endoscope. The surgical procedure is simplified further because the rivets can remain in the body.

Abstract: Stimulation system, comprising an implantable stimulation device (60), at least one implantable stimulation electrode (70) and at least one initializing sensor (40), whereby the initializing sensor (40) is configured to detect in the implanted state a voluntarily controlled muscle movement, a voluntarily induced brainwave or a voluntarily generated nerve pulse of a patient during the initial phase of a swallowing process and to generate a sensor signal in response thereto either continuously or in a clocked cycle or in response to the preceding and to send this signal to the stimulation device (60), and whereby the stimulation device (60) is configured to trigger the delivery of a stimulation pulse via the stimulation electrode (70) in response to such a sensor signal of the initializing sensor (40) which is based on a voluntarily initiated swallowing process.

Abstract: A trocar tube, trocar, obturator, rectoscope is suitable for transluminal endoscopic surgery via natural body cavities. A trocar tube (2) has a distal section (22) for positioning at least in the region of or outside the body cavity, and a proximal section (21) for positioning within the human or animal, wherein at least the proximal section has a substantially rigid or inflexible curvature. An obturator (3) and a rectoscope (5) may be adapted for use with such a trocar tube for this purpose.

Abstract: A self-piercing blind rivet is provided for apposing biological tissue together with a device for setting the same, especially through the instrumental channel of a flexible endoscope. Without the help of further instruments, it is possible to fix, approximate and appose tissue layers, the contact force while connecting the tissue layers being adjustable. The rivets are stored in the setting device, so that they can be applied in order. The rivet and setting device enable the surgeon to combine tissue discontinuities conveniently by means of an endoscope. The surgical procedure is simplified further because the rivets can remain in the body.

Abstract: Stimulation system, comprising an implantable stimulation device (60), at least one implantable stimulation electrode (70) and at least one initializing sensor (40), whereby the initializing sensor (40) is configured to detect in the implanted state a voluntarily controlled muscle movement, a voluntarily induced brainwave or a voluntarily generated nerve pulse of a patient during the initial phase of a swallowing process and to generate a sensor signal in response thereto either continuously or in a clocked cycle or in response to the preceding and to send this signal to the stimulation device (60), and whereby the stimulation device (60) is configured to trigger the delivery of a stimulation pulse via the stimulation electrode (70) in response to such a sensor signal of the initializing sensor (40) which is based on a voluntarily initiated swallowing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal actuator platform for guiding end effectors, for example, cameras, surgical, or medical tools, or instruments etc. in minimally invasive interventions, in which each end effector is introduced into a body cavity at an entrance point with at least one interface, for connecting at least one kinematic device, with an end effector, to at least one drive mechanism for the kinematic device and to a drive controller.

Abstract: An operating system and method for carrying out surgical interventions on a patient, having a storage device for storing image data of the patient, a surgical instrument, a position sensor fitted on the surgical instrument, and a processing device for calculating, the spatial relationship between the position of the surgical instrument and the organ which is represented by the image data, and for inserting the region of the image data that correspond to the surroundings of the surgical instrument at the correct position into a display device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an operating system for carrying out surgical interventions on a patient (1), having a storage device (4) for storing image data of the patient (1), a surgical instrument (2), a position sensor (6) fitted on the surgical instrument (2), and a processing device (5) for calculating the spatial relationship between the position of the surgical instrument (2) and the organ which is represented by the image data, and for inserting the region of the image data that correspond to the surroundings of the surgical instrument (2) at the correct position into a display device (8).

Abstract: In a navigation system and method, sensors at location-invariant points are used to define a coordinate system serves for identifying the motion of an organ. An image of the organ can be registered in parallel therewith, by selection of a point whose path in the coordinate system is identified and displayed, for which purpose the image plane attitude is also identified and displayed by acquisition of a further sensor. Alternatively, a sensor can be attached to the organ, this position thereof being identified and the motion path being determined therefrom. A sensor located at an instrument is acquired in parallel therewith. The position of the instrument in the coordinate system is identified and displayed. The instrument can be manually or automatically moved.