Abstract: Methods and systems identify defects in a medical device and tailor a protocol, namely, further recommended action, for the device based on a combination of the nature of the defects and procedural data including patient data and/or medical instrument record data. Computer-implemented instructions are used to determine the presence and nature of the defects. Artificial intelligence and/or algorithms may be used to implement the computer-implemented instructions, and process image data from a digital camera system. Upon identification of a defect present, the detection system may notify users of the presence of the defect, as well as provide further recommended action to be taken regarding the medical device, reducing potential instrument failure, patient injury or death. The methods and systems may be integrated into existing disinfection and sterilization systems and techniques currently used in medical facilities, such as hospitals and surgery centers.

Abstract: Identifying polyps or lesions in a colon. In some variations, computer-implemented methods for polyp detection may be used in conjunction with an endoscope system to analyze the images captured by the endoscopic system, identify any polyps and/or lesions in a visual scene captured by the endoscopic system, and provide an indication to the practitioner that a polyp and/or lesion has been detected.

Abstract: A detection system is adapted to perform methods for detecting defects in medical devices, during a reprocessing procedure, for example. The detection system may utilize computer-implemented instructions to determine the presence and nature of the defects, whether biological or mechanical, for example. The computer-implemented instructions may be adapted to include artificial intelligence and/or machine learning algorithms, and to process image data from digital inspection camera systems or proprietary camera systems. Upon identification of a defect present in a medical device, the detection system may notify users of the presence of the defect, as well as provide further recommended action to be taken regarding the medical device, if desirable, reducing potential instrument failure, patient injury or death. The disclosed detection system may be integrated into existing disinfection and sterilization systems currently used in medical facilities, such as hospitals and surgery centers, for example.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gamification system for overlaying user-controlled graphical targeting elements over a real-time video feed of an instrument being inspected, and providing interactive controls for firing virtual weapons or other graphical indicators to designate and/or record the presence of contaminants, defects, and/or other issues at specific locations within or on the instrument. The system may receive and present images of the instrument under inspection in a graphical user interface (“GUI”). The system may receive user input that tags a particular region of a particular image with an issue identifier, and may generate a visualization that is presented in conjunction with the particular image in the GUI in response to receiving the input. The visualization corresponds to firing of a virtual weapon and other gaming visuals associated with tagging the particular region of the particular image with the issue identifier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for assembling instrument sets that include correct instruments with one or more verified states for different procedures. The system may receive a request for a particular instrument, and may determine instrument states defined for the particular instrument or a procedure involving the particular instrument. The system may scan a first instrument using one or more sensors, may verify that the first instrument matches a make, model, or type of the particular instrument based on the scanning data, and may classify the first instrument states with at least a threshold probability based on the scanning data matching characteristics from a probabilistic model. The system may control the distribution of the first instrument to a first destination or a second destination based on whether or not the first instrument states satisfy the instrument states defined for the particular instrument or the procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for identifying polyps or lesions in a colon. In some variations, computer-implemented methods for polyp detection may be used in conjunction with an endoscope system to analyze the images captured by the endoscopic system, identify any polyps and/or lesions in a visual scene captured by the endoscopic system, and provide an indication to the practitioner that a polyp and/or lesion has been detected.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for assembling instrument sets that include correct instruments with one or more verified states for different procedures. The system may receive a request for a particular instrument, and may determine instrument states defined for the particular instrument or a procedure involving the particular instrument. The system may scan a first instrument using one or more sensors, may verify that the first instrument matches a make, model, or type of the particular instrument based on the scanning data, and may classify the first instrument states with at least a threshold probability based on the scanning data matching characteristics from a probabilistic model. The system may control the distribution of the first instrument to a first destination or a second destination based on whether or not the first instrument states satisfy the instrument states defined for the particular instrument or the procedure.

Abstract: An endoscope with a handle and an insertion shaft. The insertion shaft has solid state illumination and imaging circuitry at or near a tip designed to provide illumination and imaging of a body cavity for a surgeon during surgery. At least a portion of the insertion shaft is flexible or articulated. Controls on the handle permit control of flex or articulation of the insertion shaft to permit direction of illumination and field of view of the imaging circuitry. Control force transfer elements permit a surgeon to direct a direction of the imaging circuitry by transfer of mechanical force directed by a surgeon to the bendable distal portion to cause the bendable portion to bend under the surgeon's control.

Abstract: An injection needle has a point designed to pierce flesh of a living body, and has a fluid passage therethrough designed for delivery of a therapeutic agent at a delivery site within the body, the delivery site to be reached by piercing at which an injection fluid is to be delivered via the fluid passage. The outer diameter of the needle is no more than about 2.1 mm. Solid state illumination circuitry and an imaging sensor are designed to provide illumination and imaging, and are mounted within supporting structure designed to support the illumination circuitry and imaging sensor within the needle arranged for illuminating and viewing the delivery site reached by piercing.

Abstract: Consistent with the present disclosure, a detection system is adapted to perform methods for detecting defects in medical devices, during a reprocessing procedure, for example. The detection system may utilize computer-implemented instructions to determine the presence and nature of the defects, whether biological or mechanical, for example. The computer-implemented instructions may be adapted to include artificial intelligence and/or machine learning algorithms, and process image data from currently available digital inspection camera systems or proprietary camera systems, as desired. Upon identification of a defect present in a medical device, the detection system may notify users of the presence of the defect, as well as provide further recommended action to be taken regarding the medical device, if desirable, reducing potential instrument failure, patient injury or death.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for identifying polyps or lesions in a colon. In some variations, computer-implemented methods for polyp detection may be used in conjunction with an endoscope system to analyze the images captured by the endoscopic system, identify any polyps and/or lesions in a visual scene captured by the endoscopic system, and provide an indication to the practitioner that a polyp and/or lesion has been detected.

Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.

Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.

Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking the three-dimensional position and orientation of a surgical instrument as the instrument is being utilized within the interior of a patient body. A stereoscopic camera system generates a stereoscopic image of the patient body which is subsequently rendered on a display device. A wireless signal transmitted by an electromagnetic field generator is received by a sensor on the surgical instrument. Utilizing this sensor data, a processor calculates the position and orientation of the surgical instrument and then superimposes upon the rendered stereoscopic image of the patient body a graphical representation indicative of the position and orientation of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking the three-dimensional position and orientation of a surgical instrument as the instrument is being utilized within the interior of a patient body. A stereoscopic camera system generates a stereoscopic image of the patient body which is subsequently rendered on a display device. A wireless signal transmitted by an electromagnetic field generator is received by a sensor on the surgical instrument. Utilizing this sensor data, a processor calculates the position and orientation of the surgical instrument and then superimposes upon the rendered stereoscopic image of the patient body a graphical representation indicative of the position and orientation of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides an Electro Surgical Generator (ESG) optimized for lung biopsy. The ESG is exclusively battery operated and fits within the handpiece of modern endoscopic electrosurgical/electrocautery instruments, thereby avoiding wires, adapters, and coupling mechanisms. The ESG is adaptable to generate different waveforms that vary with respect to frequency, pulse width, amplitude, etc. through the use of timing circuits and voltage control (i.e. transformers). The ESG is both energy-efficient and safe. A closed loop feedback system featuring a monitor and controller ensure no more power than necessary is provided to achieve a goal current level. Dynamic Power Control (DPC) and Dynamic Temperature Control (DTC) systems vary power to maintain temperature with the lowest possible power. These features prolong battery life and guard against tissue damage.

Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.

Abstract: A wireless foot control apparatus allows an operator to control multiple medical devices during an endoscopic medical procedure. The apparatus comprises a control console with controls designed for foot operation to control various medical devices. The controls include one or more foot pedals and foot switches to control the devices, including a selection switch to allow selection of the device to be controlled at a particular time. The console transmits signals over a wireless medium, to cause a remote receiver unit to select the device to be controlled and to control the selected device over a wired medium, in response to operation of the foot controls. The console may include a rechargeable battery, which may be sealed within the console's housing and charged inductively when the console is placed in a charging station. The receiver unit and the charging station can be separate units or integrated within a single housing.