Abstract: A handgrip for colonoscope shaft is equipped with force, torque, and acceleration sensors allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope shaft motion, including recognition of obstacles and recording of forces and torques applied at various times during a colonoscopy procedure. An electronic unit is adapted to receive sensors data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.

Abstract: A comprehensive system for objective assessment of colonoscope manipulation includes a handgrip for collecting and transmitting colonoscope handling data including force and motion data; a patient pain monitor for collecting and transmitting data on the level of patient's pain and discomfort; and digital processing means for extracting useful features such as colonoscope tip advancement speed from colonoscope-provided video images. All data is wirelessly transmitted to an electronic unit for processing and displaying on a monitor. A colonoscopy procedure is properly conducted when certain shaft advancement causes appropriate tip advancement, all without an increased level of patient's pain. The system of the invention is aimed at providing objective assessment data allowing for safer and less painful colonoscopies.

Abstract: A handgrip for colonoscope shaft is equipped with force, torque, and acceleration sensors allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope shaft motion, including recognition of obstacles and recording of forces and torques applied at various times during a colonoscopy procedure. An electronic unit is adapted to receive sensors data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.

Abstract: A comprehensive system for objective assessment of colonoscope manipulation includes a handgrip for collecting and transmitting colonoscope handling data including force and motion data; a patient pain monitor for collecting and transmitting data on the level of patient's pain and discomfort; and digital processing means for extracting useful features such as colonoscope tip advancement speed from colonoscope-provided video images. All data is wirelessly transmitted to an electronic unit for processing and displaying on a monitor. A colonoscopy procedure is properly conducted when certain shaft advancement causes appropriate tip advancement, all without an increased level of patient's pain. The system of the invention is aimed at providing objective assessment data allowing for safer and less painful colonoscopies.

Abstract: A handgrip for a colonoscope shaft capable of measuring and presenting to the operator of radial and longitudinal forces applied by the operator during the manipulation with the colonoscope. The handgrip includes an internal sleeve positioned over the shaft of the colonoscope so that it can be released and repositioned by depressing a release button. And external sleeve covers the internal sleeve and provides for a convenient grip by the operator. The only means of transmission of force applied by the operator from the external sleeve to the internal sleeve is the engaging means such as a flexible rectangular bar or a set of engaging plates imbedded between the external sleeve and internal sleeve. The engaging means are equipped with a set of sensors such as strain gages positioned on all sides of the bar to measure the forces between the sleeves, which correspond to the forces applied by the operator to the shaft of the colonoscope.

Abstract: The centralized collection of geographically distributed data is accomplished using a system which takes advantage of an interactive programming language, such as JAVA™ and existing wide area networks, such as the Internet including the world wide web, to collect high quality data in an information center. The information center being connected to remote sites through the wide area network. One or more levels of validation of the data prior to storage in a database is provided for.

Abstract: The centralized collection of geographically distributed data is accomplished using a system which takes advantage of an interactive programming language, such as Java® and existing wide area networks, such as the Internet including the world wide web (4), to collect high quality data in an information center (10). The information center being connected to remote sites (1) through the wide area network. One or more levels of validation of the data prior to storage in a database is provided for.

Abstract: The centralized collection of geographically distributed data is accomplished using a system which takes advantage of an interactive programming language, such as Java® and existing wide area networks, such as the Internet including the world wide web to collect high quality data. One or more levels of validation of the data prior to storage in a database is provided for.

Abstract: A method of inducing a temporary substantial paralysis of an area of interest in a patient undergoing a medical procedure is provided. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a patient undergoing an endoscopy or other medical procedure.

Abstract: A method of inducing a temporary substantial paralysis of an area of interest in a patient undergoing a medical procedure is provided. The method involves administering a therapeutically effective amount of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) admixed with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier to a patient undergoing an endoscopy or other medical procedure.