Abstract: An endoscopic device having reduced cross-section and a steering section of enhanced compliance. The device defines a smaller cross-section by eliminating need for pull wires and torsion sleeves. Use of a single fiber optic for steering opens up cross-sectional space to augment both irrigation and aspiration channels within a common catheter shaft. The single fiber optic may be utilized for “pulling” and/or “pushing” on the steering section, thereby providing unidirectional or bidirectional steering with a single fiber or fiber bundle. A distal steering section is configured to enhance compliance in response to the forces exerted by the single fiber optic. The enhanced compliance reduces the stoutness required of the fiber optic enabling a reduction in the size of the single fiber optic, thereby freeing up cross-section of the catheter for other uses. The enhanced compliance also enables tighter and more predictable articulation for better steering dexterity.

Abstract: A laser system that includes a processing laser configured to generate a laser beam, a beam delivery system configured to direct the laser beam at a target, a user input device configured to receive input from a user, and a controller coupled to the processing laser and the user input device and configured to: receive initial user input data from the user input device, the initial user input data including at least one of: one or more properties of the beam delivery system, and one or more properties of the target, determine at least one initial laser operating parameter value and a corresponding initial laser operating parameter range based on the initial user input data, and electronically stored information, and control the processing laser using the at least one initial laser operating parameter value.

Abstract: A system for controlling pressure within a kidney that includes an irrigation channel configured with a pressure sensor, a distal end of the irrigation channel in fluid communication with an interior of a kidney, an aspiration channel in fluid communication with a drain reservoir, a distal end of the aspiration channel in fluid communication with the interior of the kidney, and a controller configured to: determine a fluid flow rate of irrigation fluid within the irrigation channel and receive a pressure measurement value from the sensor, calculate a pressure within the interior of the kidney based at least in part on the determined fluid flow rate and the pressure measurement, compare the calculated kidney pressure to a target kidney pressure value, and based on the comparison, control at least one of the fluid flow rates of irrigation fluid in the irrigation channel and the aspiration channel.

Abstract: An irrigation and aspiration system that includes a catheter shaft having a distal end that is in fluid communication with an interior of a kidney, an irrigation channel and an aspiration channel extending through the shaft, a bypass channel fluidly coupled with the irrigation channel and the aspiration channel a bypass valve configured to control a level of fluid communication between the irrigation and aspiration channels via the bypass channel, an aspiration pump, at least one valve disposed on the aspiration channel and configured to provide a pulsed flow of fluid in the aspiration channel, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior of the kidney, and a controller configured to: receive at least one pressure measurement, compare the measured pressure to a threshold, and based on the comparison, send a control command to at least one of the bypass valve, aspiration pump, and the at least one valve.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an electronic device for the operation of an endourological laser surgery system. The endourological laser surgery system comprises an endourological laser surgery device. The electronic device comprises a processor; memory; an interface comprising a display and an input device. The electronic device is configured for the acquisition of a configuration scheme of the endourological laser surgery device. The electronic device is configured for the determination, based on the configuration scheme, of an energy parameter associated with the light emission by the endourological laser surgery device. The energy parameter is determined based on an energy level and a pulse duration for the light emission by the endourological laser surgery device. The electronic device is configured for the representation, on the display, of a first user interface object which is representative of the energy parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system for endoscopic treatments, in particular for endourological interventions, comprising an evaluation unit (10) and a guide wire (20) which has at least one measurement device (40). According to the invention, the evaluation unit (10) can receive data of the at least one measurement device (40), and the evaluation unit (10) comprises a comparator that compares the data with a comparison value.

Abstract: Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can release or partially release the grip on the handle, thereby enabling the operator to relax and flex the hand, thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic applications, including urology. The instrument may include both irrigation and aspiration channels, effective attraction and suction of tissue and body stone fragments, enhanced viewing clarity of the operational area, illumination fibers with steering function for flexible version of the scopes. In some embodiments, a distal head is configured to locate a mouth of the working channel within a viewing angle of the visualization system. In some embodiments, a transparent cap is disposed at the distal end of endoscope to provide an enhanced view of the operational area. Irrigation and aspiration channels may be arranged so that consistent water flow will attract tissue and body stone particles and remove heated liquid. Illumination fibers may be utilized as pull linkages or push-pull linkages for deflection and steering of flexible embodiments of the scope.

Abstract: Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can release or partially release the grip on the handle, thereby enabling the operator to relax and flex the hand, thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: Catheter steering handles that are ergonomically designed to enable an operator to reduce hand fatigue. Various ergonomic aspects of the disclosed steering handles include geometries that more naturally conform to the palm of the hand and that enable the hand to be held in a natural, low stress posture during operation of the steering handle. In another aspect of the disclosure, the catheter steering handle is configured so that the operator can release or partially release the grip on the handle, thereby enabling the operator to relax and flex the hand, thereby reducing fatigue.

Abstract: Steering handles with manifolds that enable an operator to configure an endoscopic system in situ for a variety of tasks, including irrigation, aspiration, or both. In addition, the disclosed endoscopic systems facilitate rapid reconfiguration of the location of a laser fiber optic within a catheter assembly. The laser fiber optic, for example, can be removed from an irrigation channel of the endoscopic system and reinserted in the aspiration channel during a laser lithotripsy procedure. In some embodiments, the removal and reinsertion can be performed in situ, without removing the catheter from the patient or the treated organ. These aspects of the disclosed system reduce the time required to perform laser lithotripsy procedures, with less trauma to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system for endoscopic treatments, in particular for endourological interventions, comprising an evaluation unit (10) and a guide wire (20) which has at least one measurement device (40). According to the invention, the evaluation unit (10) can receive data of the at least one measurement device (40), and the evaluation unit (10) comprises a comparator that compares the data with a comparison value.