Abstract: A more effective larynx or vocal fold examination is facilitated when an image recording device, preferably a color image recording device comprising three modes is made available, a face-recording recording mode with a low recording frequency or image repetition frequency, respectively, but with a high resolution, a further face-recording recording mode with a higher image repetition frequency but with a lower resolution, and a one-dimensional, for example, row-recording mode also having a higher image repetition frequency. By the switchability of the image recording device between those modes the examining doctor is capable of first getting an overview by means of the slower image recording mode, wherein this may also be done in color, as due to the slower recording frequency this mode is not subject to the illumination problems like the high-speed camera.

Abstract: The automatic control and administration of program-controlled endoscopic apparatuses allocated to an operation within an operating theater belonging to a clinic region and connected amongst one another by way of a CAN-bus using the standardized layer-seven CANopen protocol for communication among one another and a master computer, is modified so that with the same CAN-bus, a double ring structure, a ring-star structure and a ring-ring structure may be logically formed, permitting peer-to-peer communication of the apparatuses, with which the apparatuses have equality of access to each other and the master computer. The apparatuses, connected to one another via the CAN-bus, of all operating theaters of a clinic communicate with and are centrally controlled by the master computer. All apparatuses are capable of informing the master computer of the occurring process data or parameters. System operation is possible at the master computer as well as at the apparatuses themselves.

Abstract: With this device the rinsing fluid is located in a container which may be set under pressure with a gas and into which pressurised gas via a cannula may be introduced and from which rinsing fluid may be removed via another cannula. The respective filled condition of the container is acquired with a sensor, wherein the temporal course of the gas pressure in the container or of the gas flow into the container is measured and on ascertaining a gas pressure fall or gas flow rise after points in time specific to the system the means may be deactivated.

Abstract: An apparatus for shock wave treatment includes a shock wave transducer with a cup-shaped body and with an X-ray location finding device for finding the location of a bodily concretion or tissue to be treated. The X-ray device includes an extensible X-ray tube with telescoping tube sections which are sealed against an acoustic coupling medium filling the delay path of the transducer by a balloon arranged within the X-ray tube. The balloon is secured to the upper section of the tube and to the lower section thereof. Overpressure or underpressure is applied to the interior of the X-ray tube to adjust its length in order to optimise X-ray location finding on the one hand, and shock wave treatment on the other hand.

Abstract: A lithotripsy ultrasound locating device comprises at least one locating transducer having a plurality of focal ranges and which is associated with a therapy transducer and is axially adjustable in relation to its focus; a position indicator which generates a signal representing the distance between the sound head of the locating transducer and the focus of the therapy transducer; a computer; a monitor on which a target mark representing the focus of the therapy transducer is displayed; and an electronic transmitter/receiver arrangement controlled by the computer in order to produce an image of a concretion to be destroyed which image is constantly optimal. The computer, controls, as a function of the signal emitted by the position indicator and by way of the transmitter/receiver arrangement, the focal range of the locating transducer which, at the given distance at that moment between the sound head and the focus of the therapy transducer always lies in the range thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for shock wave therapy comprises an electroacoustic therapeutic transducer for generating ultrasonic shock waves, which are transmitted by way of a coupling medium shock wave transmission section of the transducer, bounded by a membrane, to the body of a patient reclining on a therapy table. In the interest of hygiene the membrane is releasably attached by its marginal area to the therapy table, being thereby exchangeable so that a new membrane can be provided for each patient. The extraction of gas from the coupling medium following exchange of the membrane is provided for.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for locating objects within the body, and particularly concretions situated in body cavities, in three dimensions and for destroying them. The point of departure for this is an electro-acoustic treatment transducer for generating shock waves to be emitted to focus on the object concerned and a B-scanner connected to the treatment transducer to act as a locating transducer for locating the object, the locating transducer being adjustable relative to the treatment transducer co-focally therewith. The design proposed envisages the locating transducer being integrated into the treatment transducer so that the sound fields of both transducers travel the same distances through the same media and it is thus the correct position of the focus relative to the concretion seen in the image which is in fact shown.

Abstract: A diagnostic coupler is provided for transmitting ultrasonic waves from an ultrasonic locating transducer to a patient body, particularly for use in a lithotriptic apparatus having an ultrasonic shock wave transducer and at least one ultrasonic locating transducer. The coupler is a dimensionally stable body which is releasably arranged on the ultrasonic locating transducer by fitting to the shape of the ultrasound emitting end of the transducer. The material of the coupler has a characteritic wave impedance which is substantially the same as that of the patient body tissue.

Abstract: A lithotripter comprises a transducer for generating focussed ultrasonic shock waves, and having an axis, a focus on said axis, the focus being positionable on a concretion or tissue which is to be destroyed, at least one diagnostic X-ray imaging system for locating the concretion of tissue including an X-ray emitter having an axis and an image intensifier, and at least one ultrasonic locating transducer having an axis, the X-ray emitter and the ultrasonic locating transducer being connected to the shock wave transducer in such a way that the axes of the locating systems intersect at said focus, with the axes of the locating systems preferably being offset from the axis of the shock wave transducer.

Abstract: In a lithotriptor a shock wave transducer is provided with a focussing cup and with a forward section containing a coupling medium shut off by means of a diaphragm for application to a patient's body. In the wall of the cup there is mounted a locating system comprising an x-ray emitter the outlet of which is located in the coupling medium. The outlet is closed by means of a balloon which can be filled with gas and which can be evacuated. When the balloon is filled with gas, it expands in the direction of radiation of the x-rays up to or almost up to the diaphragm of the forward section.