Abstract: A medical image processing apparatus including a processor configured to acquire a medical image from a medical apparatus that sequentially captures images of a plurality of areas in a living body of a subject, acquire area information indicating an area in the living body in the acquired medical image, perform recognition on the medical image as a recognizer; and cause a display apparatus to display a result of the recognition in a mode suitable for the area indicated by the area information.

Abstract: A surgical visualization system comprises: (a) a set of one or more imaging devices, wherein the set of one or more imaging devices is adapted to capture a view of an interior of a cavity of a patient; (b) a display; and (c) a processor in operative communication with the set of one or more imaging devices and the display, wherein the processor is configured to present an interface on the display, the interface comprising a second field of view of the interior of the cavity of the patient, wherein the second field of view is comprised by the first field of view.

Abstract: A method is provided for controlling a tip velocity of an articulating flexible endoscope. The method comprises: generating a command to move a tip of an elongated member of the articulating flexible endoscope at an expected velocity; receiving sensor data acquired by a sensor disposed at a distal tip portion of the elongated member to calculate a tip velocity; calculate a disparity between the expected velocity and the tip velocity; and controlling the tip velocity based on the disparity.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an endoscope for facilitating a medical procedure by creating an anatomic space in or adjacent a target bodily tissue to be imaged. The endoscope can comprise a flexible, elongate tubular member defining a central lumen and an expandable dissecting member coupled to a distal end of the tubular member. The tubular member can further include at least one imaging channel extending longitudinally therethrough. The at least one imaging channel can include a visualization system for conveying an image from the distal end of the tubular member to a user. The expandable dissecting member can define a channel in fluid communication with the central lumen of the tubular member. The expandable dissecting member can extend beyond the distal end of the tubular member.

Abstract: An endoscope with a rotation drum or a rotation module and an elongated rigid and/or flexible shaft tube which, at a distal end, by means of a bearing fork, rotatably bears the rotation drum about a first axis of rotation, and wherein an optical imaging system is disposed within the rotation drum. The bearing fork here has at least one first fluid conduit and at least one nozzle in order to clean and/or to cool the imaging system.

Abstract: A method for treating spinal nerve compression includes sequential dilation to position an instrument cannula along a patient's spine. Instruments can be delivered through the instrument cannula to remove targeted tissue for a decompression procedure. One of the instruments can be a reamer instrument configured to abrade, cut, or otherwise affect tissue along the patient's spine.

Abstract: A scanner includes a lens assembly comprising a lens having a lens axis and a positioning system to adjust a focal plane of the lens assembly. The positioning system includes an outer element, an inner element coupled to the lens assembly, and a linear-motion bearing that couples the inner element to the outer element.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a distal-end constituting portion provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of the endoscope; an observation window having a field of view direction that intersects a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion; a first flat surface on which the observation window is arranged, the first flat surface constituting a part of a surface of the distal-end constituting portion and having a first intersection angle with respect to the longitudinal axis; a second flat surface constituting a part of the surface of the distal-end constituting portion, the second flat surface being provided on a distal end side or a proximal end side with respect to the first flat surface, and having a second intersection angle with respect to the longitudinal axis, the second intersection angle being smaller than the first intersection angle; and a supply unit arranged on the second flat surface.

Abstract: An endoscopic system may include an endoscope including a handle and an elongate shaft extending distally therefrom. The handle may include a non-motorized and non-ratcheting actuation mechanism configured to articulate a distal tip portion of the elongate shaft. The distal tip portion may be articulatable in response to a manually applied force exerted upon the actuation mechanism. Removal of the manually applied force may lock the distal tip portion in its then-current configuration. The non-motorized and non-ratcheting actuation mechanism may include a clutch mechanism actuatable in response to an electrical signal generated in response to sensing a user-applied force to the actuating mechanism by a strain gauge.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion, an operation portion, a bending portion, a pair of wires inserted into the insertion portion and configured to bend at least part of the bending portion in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, a first pulling mechanism configured to pull and loosen the pair of wires, a linear member inserted into the bending portion, a second pulling mechanism configured to pull the linear member in a direction parallel to a central axis, and a holding portion configured to hold the linear member in the bending portion at a position decentered from a center in a third direction or a fourth direction.

Abstract: Tissue modification devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the elongated member is dimensioned to pass through a minimally invasive body opening and includes a distal end integrated visualization sensor and tissue modifier. In some instances, the devices further include an integrated articulation mechanism that imparts steerabilily to at least one of the visualization sensor, the tissue modifier and the distal end of the elongated member. Also provided are methods of modifying internal target tissue of a subject using the tissue modification devices.

Abstract: Surgical systems are disclosed. Surgical systems can include evacuation systems for evacuating smoke, fluid, and/or particulates from a surgical site. A surgical evacuation system can be intelligent and may include one or more sensors for detecting one or more properties of the surgical system, evacuation system, surgical procedure, surgical site, and/or patient tissue, for example.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes an insertion part that is insertable into a first treatment tool channel of an endoscope of an endoscope system, an operation part, and a single operation wire pulled through operation of the operation part. The insertion part includes a distal end portion that has an openable and closable grip portion, a bending portion that is able to be bent, and a connecting-portion that connects the bending portion to the operation part. The connecting-portion is moved forward and backward along a longitudinal axis of the connecting-portion and is rotated about the longitudinal axis. As the connecting-portion is moved forward and backward or is rotated, the grip portion moves forward and backward or rotates, through the operation of the operation part. As the operation wire is pulled, the grip portion is closed, and the bending portion bends in a state where the grip portion is closed.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: a light source including one or more semiconductor light sources; an image pickup apparatus configured to pick up an image of the object irradiated with the illumination light to obtain the image; and a processor. The processor is configured to detect brightness of the image, to change one of a current value and an application period of a current applied to the semiconductor light source when the brightness of the image belongs to a first brightness range, to change the brightness of the image by predetermined processing, to which the image is subjected, when the brightness of the image belongs to a second brightness range, and to change the other of the current value and the application period of the current applied to the semiconductor light source when the brightness of the image belongs to a third brightness range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improved imaging of internal tissue structures, such as lesions in the peritoneum, are disclosed employing Differentially Polarized Light (DPL) imaging. The optical system can include a laparoscope having at least one optical illumination waveguide for directing illuminating radiation and an optical collection waveguide having an aperture for collecting and transmitting radiation backscattered from a tissue region to a detector. The system further can include a polarizer for polarizing the illuminating radiation and a second analyzing polarizer disposed in the optical return path, whereby backscattered radiation of differing polarizations can be passed to the detector. End cap assemblies are also disclosed that that can be fitted to conventional laparoscopes, e.g., by a threaded connection or the like, to facilitate DPL imaging by polarizing the illuminating light of the laparoscope. For example, the end cap can include a polarizing film within a stainless steel housing.

Abstract: A light source for illuminating a target for medical imaging include a first light emitter package comprising a first light emitter that emits light having a first wavelength band and a second light emitter that emits light having a second wavelength band that is different than the first wavelength band; and a controller for operating the light source in a first mode in which the first light emitter is activated and the second light emitter is deactivated and a second mode in which the first light emitter is deactivated and the second light emitter is activated.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes: a first light source; a second light source configured to emit light having a dimming resolution lower than a dimming resolution of the first light source; a holder configured to hold the first light source and the second light source on a first surface of the holder; a substrate provided to face a second surface of the holder, the second surface being different from the first surface, and a circuit configured to control driving of the first light source and the second light source being mounted on the substrate; a first wiring configured to electrically connect the first light source and the substrate; and a second wiring configured to electrically connect the second light source and the substrate, wherein a length of the first wiring is shorter than a length of the second wiring.

Abstract: A device and method for color correction of two camera systems each having an imaging device and an illumination source. The camera systems are separately white balanced with the imaging device outside a scene. Their white balance gains and color correction matrices are saved. Based on the measurements, combined white balance gains and combined color correction matrices are computed and saved. Thereafter, with the imaging devices in a scene, performing white balancing by measuring the R, G, and B values of both imaging devices together, and then white balancing by measuring the R, G, and B values of each separate imaging device with the other camera system's light off. Comparisons are made of each camera's scene measurements against the combined scene measurements. If they are significantly different, the combined light set of white balance gain and color correction matrix is applied to digital signal processing paths of each camera system.

Abstract: A tissue collection device including a biopsy needle support arrangement to support a biopsy needle so that a tissue compartment in the biopsy needle may be located at a collection position. The tissue collection device includes a carrier medium adapted to adhere to and carry a tissue sample deposited thereon and adapted to be arranged at a deposition position permanently spaced from the collection position. The tissue collection device includes a swiping element adapted to swipe sideward relative to the longitudinal direction through the tissue compartment located at the collection position and in the direction of the deposition position in order to thereby move a tissue sample from the tissue compartment to the carrier medium and to thereby press the tissue sample onto the carrier medium so that the tissue sample is deposited on the carrier medium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for closing an opening or defect in tissue, closing a lumen or tubular structure, cinching or remodeling a cavity or repairing a valve preferably utilizing a purse string or elastic device. The preferred devices and methods are directed toward catheter-based percutaneous, transvascular techniques used to facilitate placement of the devices within lumens, such as blood vessels, or on or within the heart to perform structural defect repair, such as valvular or ventricular remodeling. In some methods, the catheter is positioned within the right ventricle, wherein the myocardial wall or left ventricle may be accessed through the septal wall to position a device configured to permit reshaping of the ventricle. The device may include a line or a plurality of anchors interconnected by a line. In one arrangement, the line is a coiled member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical apparatus for closing an aperture, an incision, a puncture, a passage through tissue and/or a communication with a blood vessel or other body lumen (short: aperture) of a tissue of a patient, the medical apparatus comprising a closing device holder, for releasably receiving one or more closing devices; and a retracting unit to come into contact with opposite sides of the aperture and for retracting them and/or for spreading the aperture causing it to change its shape into a slit or a slit-like or a more slit-like aperture or to spread or to augment the dimension or diameter of the aperture in at least one or in exactly one dimension of the aperture.

Abstract: A medical device is provided in which one or both ends of the device encourage the formation of tissue across substantially the entire area of the respective end that is exposed to the blood flow for reducing the risk of a thrombotic embolism. The medical device includes a tubular structure having at least one expanded volume portion and a tapered transition portion. The tubular structure may be made through the braiding of a number of strands, and a first end feature may be used to secure the proximal strand ends. The proximal strand ends may be secured via the proximal end of the first end feature, such that the tapered transition portion is formed over the circumferential surface of the first end feature, and only a proximal end surface (or a portion of the proximal end surface) of the first end feature is exposed to the path of flowing blood.

Abstract: Access devices including access ports and retractors, which enhance the working area and access to a surgical site. The access port includes a tubular body with at least one sidewall defining an interior path along the length of the tubular body. The sidewall includes a rigid portion and a flexible portion. The flexible portion is able to stretch or deform, for example, to accommodate an angled trajectory of a surgical implement. A surgical access device for retracting tissue includes a plurality of retractor blades. The outer surface of the retractor blades form a substantially circular cross-sectional configuration with a plurality of spiral ridges projecting therefrom such that advancement of the retractor into the surgical site may be improved.

Abstract: A method for creating space in a joint formed at the convergence of two bones, the method comprising: applying force to a body part so as to separate the two bones from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state, whereby to distract the joint and create an intrajoint space; inserting an assembly of three balloons into the intrajoint space while the assembly of three balloons is in a contracted condition; expanding the assembly of three balloons within the intrajoint space; and reducing the force applied to the body part so that the joint is supported on the assembly of three balloons, with the two bones remaining separated from one another by a distance which is greater than the distance that they are normally separated from one another when the joint is in a healthy state.

Abstract: Implants, instruments, and methods for performing surgical procedures on the spine, including one or more of creating an operative corridor to the spine, delivering implants to the spine, fusing one or more segments of the spine and fixing one or more segments of the spine.

Abstract: A deployment system includes a sheath, a shaft having a handle positioned at its proximal end, a micro motor having a motor shaft at the shafts distal end, a detachable helical first suture anchor positioned at the motor shafts distal end and an elongate suture fixedly coupled to the suture anchor. The deployment system can be positioned at a first tissue, and the motor shaft rotated to advance the helical first suture anchor into engagement with the first tissue. The motor shaft is detached from the first suture anchor thereby deploying it at the first tissue location. The deployment system can be reloaded with multiple suture anchors to deploy at multiple tissue locations. The suture extending between the anchors can then be drawn together to reconfigure the coupled tissue.

Abstract: A vessel closure device comprising a proximal end includes a first actuator, a distal end including a suturing mechanism, and first and second needles associated with the suturing mechanism. At least one of the first and second needles is coupled to the first actuator. The suturing mechanism is activated within the vessel through an opening in the wall of the vessel. The first and second needles are directed through the vessel wall adjacent to the opening to direct a tensile member adjacent to the opening for closing and sealing the opening.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle system, an elongate shaft assembly, and an end effector extending from the elongate shaft assembly is disclosed. The elongate shaft assembly comprises a first drive member and a second drive member. The end effector comprises an elongate channel configured to support a staple cartridge therein, an anvil movably coupled to the elongate channel, and a cutting member. When the handle system is engaged with the first drive member, a first actuation of the handle system advances the cutting member a first distance. When the handle system is engaged with the second drive member, a second actuation of the handle system moves the cutting member a second distance. The second distance is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus is provided. The surgical apparatus includes a proximal body portion, a distal body portion selectively articulable relative to the proximal body portion at an articulation joint, and a first drive gear disposed within the distal body portion. The distal body portion has a diameter and a length. The length of the distal body portion is substantially the same as the diameter of the distal body portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laparoscopic stapler for suturing body tissue cut during laparoscopic surgery, and more particularly, to a laparoscopic stapler in which implant binding pins to be continuously fired can be correctly positioned using an implant alignment unit for aligning an implant assembly, and an implant assembly pressing member. Therefore, malfunctioning is prevented, and implant loading, transport, and discharge can proceed smoothly.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device includes a tool assembly and a drive assembly for actuating the tool assembly. The tool assembly includes an anvil assembly that defines a notch and a cartridge assembly that includes a staple cartridge having a cartridge body that supports staples and pushers and an actuation sled that supports a knife. The drive assembly supports a lockout mechanism that is movable between unlocked position and locked positions. The knife includes a protrusion that engages the lockout mechanism to move the lockout mechanism to the unlocked position as the drive assembly is moved from a retracted position towards an advanced position. When a knife is not present within the staple cartridge, the lockout mechanism remains in the unlocked position to prevent advancement of the drive assembly.

Abstract: A surgical end effector includes a cartridge. The cartridge includes first and second sensor arrays disposed in the cartridge. The first sensor array is configured to sense a function of a first component located within the cartridge and the second sensor array is configured to sense a function of a second component located within the cartridge. The first and second sensor arrays are electrically coupled to an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit includes a control circuit configured to receive signal samples from the first sensor array, receive signal samples from the second sensor array, and process the signals samples received from the first and second sensor arrays to determine a status of the cartridge.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a staple cartridge and at least two independent antenna arrays configured to communicate with the staple cartridge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a surgical instrument, comprising: an end effector configured to grasp tissue. The end effector comprises a jaw, and a staple cartridge seatable in the jaws, wherein the staple cartridge comprises a sensor array. The surgical instrument further comprises a power source configured to supply power to the staple cartridge, and a transmission system configured to wirelessly transmit at least one of the power and a data signal between the staple cartridge and the surgical instrument, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to detect a bandwidth of data transmission through the transmission system, detect a discharge rate of the power source, and select a sensor sampling rate of the sensor array based on a detected value of the bandwidth and a detected value of the bandwidth and a detected value of the discharge rate.

Abstract: A staple cartridge comprising a cartridge body, staples removably stored in the cartridge body, a sled configured to eject said staples from said cartridge body, and a deployable tissue cutting knife. During use, a firing member of a stapling instrument is advanced into the staple cartridge to deploy the tissue cutting knife and advance the sled distally through a staple firing stroke.

Abstract: A method of coating a slip ring for use with a surgical instrument is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a slip ring including a plurality of conductive elements, and depositing a material less conductive than the conductive elements onto the conductive elements of the slip ring.

Abstract: A surgical staple cartridge is disclosed comprising a plurality of staples removably stored within the surgical staple cartridge. The staples comprise staple legs which extend from a staple base portion. The staple legs comprise staple tips configured to pierce tissue and contact a corresponding forming pocket of an anvil of surgical stapling instrument. The staples further comprise zones having different hardnesses.

Abstract: A method for resetting a stapling apparatus includes providing an apparatus with a cam member in a fired position. A circuit of the apparatus is then changed from a first polarity state to a second polarity state. A motor of the apparatus is then activated to rotate the cam member from a fired position back to a home position while the circuit is in the second polarity state.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to ligators, actuation devices, and methods for deploying ligation bands around a portion of tissue, utilizing an endoscope for suction, visualization, and support. In some embodiments, a ligator may include an elongate member having a lumen, and a ligating band dispenser extending from a distal end of the elongate member. The ligating band dispenser may include a cap and at least one ligating band on the cap. The ligator may further include an actuation device extending around the elongate member, wherein the actuation device includes a body, and a bobbin coupled to the body by support arms. A suture may be coupled between the bobbin and the at least one ligating band, wherein rotation of the bobbin draws the suture towards a proximal end of the elongate member to deploy the at least one ligating band from the cap.

Abstract: A system and method of delivering and detaching an implant within a body of a patient is described. A tether connects an implant with a delivery device. The delivery device includes a heater through which the tether passes. The inner lumen of the delivery system pusher may accommodate the lead wires which connect to the heater.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess effectiveness of an endovascular aneurysm coiling procedure. A system is provided that can include a flow sensing element supported by a structure that can position and retain the sensing element within the aneurysm. A computer in communication with the sensing element can detect a measurement of fluid flow entering the aneurysm based on data obtained by the sensing element after positioning the structure and element within an aneurysm. A wire segment can pass through the elongate member and form a coil in the aneurysm as the wire segment is passed through the elongate member. The sensing element can provide fluid flow measurements from within the aneurysm after the elongate member is removed from the vasculature.

Abstract: In some examples, a tissue compression device includes a base including a major surface configured to engage a dorsal surface of a hand of a patient, a flexible backing adjustably mechanically connected to the base and configured to engage a palmar surface of the hand when the dorsal surface of the hand is engaged with the base, and an expandable member mechanically connected to the flexible backing. The expandable member is configured to be positioned over an ulnar region of the patient when the palmar surface of the hand is engaged with the flexible backing and the dorsal surface of the hand is engaged with the base, such that inflation of the expandable member may apply pressure to tissue near the ulnar artery of the patient.

Abstract: Surgical systems and methods for use with a hand-guided tool. The surgical system includes a robotic manipulator that holds a tool guide. The tool guide receives and guides the surgical tool to enable the tool to manipulate a bone. The robotic manipulator autonomously aligns the tool guide to a target orientation relative to the bone. The tool guide is moved to an initial location adjacent to the bone while remaining aligned with the target orientation. The initial location is suitable for the tool to perform an initial manipulation of the bone. The robotic manipulator facilitates withdrawal of the tool guide away from the initial location to a spaced location after the initial manipulation of the bone while maintaining alignment of the tool guide with the target orientation at the spaced guide location. The spaced guide location is suitable for the tool to perform a further manipulation of the bone.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cutting tool for surgical procedures. More specifically, the present cutting tool is suitable for bi-directional cutting and removal of soft and hard tissues for surgical procedures. The cutting tool includes a substantially rigid shaft having a shaped end portion. The shaped end portion includes a plurality of shaped talons; each talon including a body bent to retain tissue, and each talon including a cutter end. The cutter end includes both acute and obtuse cutting surface relief angles for diverse cutting action with respect to hard and soft tissues.

Abstract: A handle assembly is disclosed for firmly holding a surgical tool. The handle assembly comprises a handle and a locking mechanism attached to the handle. The locking mechanism includes a locking ring, a collet, and a compressible locking pin engageable with the locking ring and collet. The locking ring is moveable between first and second positions relative to the handle. The first position is an unlocked position whereby the locking pin is in a decompressed state relative to the locking ring and the collet. In the first position, a surgical tool may be inserted and withdrawn from the collet of the locking mechanism. The second position is a locked position whereby the locking pin is in a compressed state relative to the locking ring and the collet. In the second position, a surgical tool is anchored in the collet of the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A root canal length measuring device includes a display for displaying a control mode figure indicating an execution control mode executed among a plurality of control modes and a control unit for controlling the display to display the figure. A plurality of elements for displaying the control mode figure include a shaft portion extending in an arc shape or a fan shape and a clockwise head portion and a counterclockwise head portion indicating a first direction and a second direction as rotation directions of a cutting tool, respectively. The control unit controls the display according to the execution control mode in a root canal treatment device so that, among the plurality of elements, an entirety or a part of the shaft portion and the clockwise head portion and/or the counterclockwise head portion are displayed on the display.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems for performing a surgical procedure using a power tool or power instrument with systems, devices and/or control units for reducing vibration of the power tool or power instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10) for scraping and collecting bone particles, comprising: a gripping handle (20); a blade (30) supported by the handle (20); and a collection chamber (40) of particles scraped by the blade (30), wherein the blade (30) comprises a plurality of cutting edges (320) separated from each other.

Abstract: Surgical instruments for performing wedge-shaped osteotomies are disclosed herein. One surgical instrument includes a body including a distal end, a proximal end, and a top surface. The top surface includes a slope extending upward and along a single plane from the distal end to the proximal end. Multiple columns of cutting blades positioned on the top surface and each of the cutting blades includes a respective uniform height that extends vertically along at least a portion of the slope. Another surgical instrument includes a top surface including a flat plane. Multiple columns of cutting blades are positioned on the top surface and the columns of cutting blades are spaced apart and positioned on at least a portion of the top surface. Each cutting blade extends horizontally along the top surface and includes an increasing slope extending upward and along a single plane from the distal end to the proximal end.

Abstract: An instrument for use in entering bone, comprising a blade having at least two prongs and a center cannulation to accommodate a guide wire, wherein the center-cannulated guide wire allows for precise placement of the instrument within the proximal femoral neck of an individual in the treatment of certain orthopedic conditions, including those related to the surgical correction of specific deformities, particular in children and adolescents, namely, proximal femoral deformities.