Abstract: Robotic devices, systems, and methods for use in robotic surgery and other robotic applications, and/or medical instrument devices, systems, and methods includes both a reusable processor and a limited-use robotic tool or medical treatment probe. A memory the limited-use component includes machine readable code with data and/or programming instructions to be implemented by the processor. Programming of the processor can be updated by shipping of new data once downloaded by the processor from a component, subsequent components can take advantage of the updated processor without repeated downloading.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed herein for treating organs within the thoracic cavity, such as the heart, by navigation through a natural respiratory opening and through a wall of an associated body lumen.

Abstract: A capsule type endoscope that is introduced into a subject, acquires information of the inside of the subject, and transmits the information of the inside of the subject to the outside of the subject has a plurality of transmitting electrodes arranged on an outer peripheral surface of the capsule type endoscope to transmit the information of the inside of the subject to the outside of the subject. A static protecting section is connected with the plurality of transmitting electrodes and limits a voltage that is generated in the transmitting electrodes due to static electricity that is equal to or higher than a threshold value.

Abstract: Less invasive surgical techniques for performing brain surgery are disclosed in which a dilating obturator and cannula assembly is inserted into brain tissue until the obturator tip and cannula are adjacent the target tissue. The obturator is removed and surgery is performed through the cannula. In preferred embodiments the obturator and cannula are placed using image guidance techniques and systems to coordinate placement with pre-operative surgical planning. A stylet with associated image guidance may he inserted prior to insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly to guide insertion of the obturator and cannula assembly. Surgery preferable is performed using an endoscope partially inserted into the cannula with an image of the target tissue projected onto a monitor.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insert section, a CCD is mounted at the end of the insert section, and a CCU for producing a video signal is arranged in a control unit connected to a proximal end of the insert unit. The CCU includes a general-purpose DSP board having the function of producing a standard video signal, and a function adjustment/expansion circuit board for correcting a signal delay due to the length of a signal line connected to the CCD. The DSP boards and the function adjustment/expansion circuit boards, respectively remaining the same in circuit arrangement, are used for a plurality of types of endoscopes having insert sections having different insertion lengths.

Abstract: A capsule type micro-robot moving system moves on an organ's wall covered with mucilage at a high speed. The present invention provides a capsule type micro-robot moving system, which is structured such that a head is formed in a semi-spherical shape and the outer surface of the capsule is coated with an anti-adhesion coating agent for reducing friction against organs during the movement, particularly, is structured to move as long as a linear stroke corresponding to the distance between the driving part and the inner cylinder in the state that the limbs folded in and unfolded out of the capsule completely contact and stick to the walls of the organs, resulting in providing the reliability and moving more rapidly.

Abstract: Medical devices, such as endoprostheses, and methods of making the devices are disclosed. The endoprostheses comprise a tubular member capable of maintaining patency of a bodily vessel. The tubular member includes a mixture of at least two compositions, where the presence of the second composition gives the mixture a greater hardness than that of the first composition alone. The first composition includes less than about 25 weight percent chromium, less than about 7 weight percent molybdenum, from about 10 to about 35 weight percent nickel, and iron. The second composition is different from the first and is present from about 0.1 weight percent to about 5 weight percent of the mixture.

Abstract: A laser energy delivery device is provided that is suitable for irradiating a body tissue with relatively long wavelength laser energy in the presence of an aqueous liquid without significant absorption of the laser energy by the liquid. The device includes an elongate hollow sheath that has an open aperture at its distal end portion and closed at its proximal end, a laser energy conduit such as an optical fiber or hollow wave guide, within the sheath, the distal end of the conduit being disposed near the open aperture at the distal end portion of the sheath, and the proximal end of the conduit being adapted for connection to a source of long wavelength laser energy. The sheath also includes an inlet port, spaced from the proximal end of the sheath, and adapted to receive and deliver a biologically compatible gas through the sheath to a body tissue site in contact with the open distal end of the sheath.

Abstract: An endoscope system is provided with an endoscope processor that processes an image signal output by an electronic endoscope, an endoscope controlling system connected to the endoscope processor to control operation of the endoscope processor or a device connected to the endoscope processor, an endoscope server that communicates with the endoscope controlling system through a first network, a service server that communicates with at least one of the endoscope processor and the device connected to the endoscope processor through a second network, and a surveillance circuit that surveys operation of the endoscope processor or the device connected to the endoscope processor, the endoscope controlling system transmits a surveying result to the endoscope server through the first network, and the endoscope server transmits the surveying result of the surveillance circuit to the service server through the second network.

Abstract: When a capsule is manufactured, a unique number such as a serial number is stored in non-volatile memory in the capsule. If the capsule is used with an external apparatus, the unique number is sent from the capsule to the external apparatus. The external apparatus relates each unique number with a capsule ID comprising a small number of bits in a management table formed in non-volatile memory and sends the capsule ID to the capsule, and the capsule ID with the small number of bits is set as an identifier in the capsule. In this manner, it is made unnecessary to provide a switch in the capsule for setting the identifier and it becomes possible to reduce and send the quantity of information sent as the identifier.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of medicine, in particular diagnostics and surgery. By applying endoscopy in the diagnostics and surgery sector, surgical instruments, apparatus or processes are used for examining the interior of living organisms and/or for operative interventions. As such, said invention relates to a medical instrument, in particular a surgical instrument, for use in the endoscopy, comprising a tubular element, work element and an operating element. The operating element advantageously consists of an ergonomic axial grip with an integrated locking mechanism and an instrument shaft cleaning connection.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a shaft having a longitudinal axis and a head disposed at a distal end of the shaft. The head has a cylindrical lateral surface and an end face oriented perpendicularly to the axis. The head has three shaping surfaces at a distal end of the cylindrical surface, each shaping surface extending at an acute angle to the axis. Each of the shaping surfaces intersects or is contiguous with both the cylindrical surface and the end face.

Abstract: A fistulectomy method of forming a fistula between a first duct and a second duct includes sticking a puncture needle into the second duct from the inside of the first duct through a wall surface of the first duct and a wall surface of the second duct, arranging the puncture needle at a position of a central axis and sticking a coil needle around the puncture needle from the first duct toward the second duct to couple the first duct with the second duct, maintaining the coil needle in a state where the first duct communicates with the second duct, and forming the fistula on an inner side of the coil needle.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic transducer array in which plural kinds of ultrasonic transducers having different areas of ultrasonic transmission/reception surfaces are arranged, electric impedances among the ultrasonic transducers are made substantially equal. The ultrasonic transducer array, in which at least two kinds of ultrasonic transducers having different areas of ultrasonic transmission/reception surfaces from one another and having substantially equal total thicknesses to one another are arranged, includes: a first ultrasonic transducer; and a second ultrasonic transducer having a larger number of layers than that of the first ultrasonic transducer and a smaller area of an ultrasonic transmission/reception surface than that of the first ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.

Abstract: An endoscope according to the present invention comprises an insertion portion, an operation portion, an image pickup device provided in the operation portion, an image display device connected to the operation portion and provided with a monitor portion, an image processing portion such as an image pickup device control circuit processing an image pickup signal of a portion to be inspected picked up by the image pickup device, a cylindrical rotating shaft formed by an electromagnetic wave shielding member such as metal, slidably engaged with the operation portion, for rotatably connecting the operation portion and the image display device to each other, and an image pickup cable inserted through the rotating shaft and electrically connecting the image pickup device control circuit and the image pickup device to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tool having a wrist mechanism that provides pitch and yaw rotation in such a way that the tool has no singularity in roll, pitch, and yaw. In one embodiment, a minimally invasive surgical instrument comprises an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, and a shaft axis between the working end and the proximal end; and an end effector. A wrist member has a flexible tube including an axis extending through an interior surrounded by a wall. The wall of the flexible tube includes a plurality of lumens oriented generally parallel to the axis of the flexible tube. The wrist member has a proximal portion connected to the working end of the elongate shaft and a distal portion connected to the end effector.

Abstract: A digital image processing method for multiple passes diagnostic alignment of in vivo images, comprising the steps of: acquiring images using an in vivo video camera system; forming an in vivo video camera system examination bundlette; transmitting the examination bundlette to proximal in vitro computing device(s); processing the transmitted examination bundlette; automatically identifying abnormalities in the transmitted examination bundlette; and setting off alarm signals to a local site provided that suspected abnormalities have been identified for each pass forming a registration bundle; selecting identification elements of an image from the registration bundle of one pass; and retrieving corresponding images from another pass.

Abstract: A virtual control panel controls the functionality of an electrosurgical generator in response to interrogating, preferably optically, an object, such as a user's finger, interacting with a control panel image as an act of control input over the functionality of the generator. The control panel image is presented, preferably by optical projection, on a display surface of a display surface structure. The control panel image may include, in addition to a contact control area where interaction with the object is interrogated, a display area where information describing the functionality of the generator is presented, preferably by optical projection. A virtual pad can be used with the virtual control panel to divide and separate control and display functionality.

Abstract: A virtual control system for an operating room establishes virtual control devices to control surgical equipment and patient monitoring equipment and to display control, status and functionality information concerning the surgical equipment and condition information of the patient. The virtual control devices permit direct interaction by the surgeon while maintaining a sterile field, and avoid the use of actual physical devices and electrical cables connecting them to the surgical equipment.

Abstract: An imaging optical system includes a spherical or nearly spherical viewing port, an objective lens that includes an aspheric surface and is formed as a single lens element, and a solid-state image sensor that receives an image formed by the imaging optical system. Specified conditions are satisfied by the imaging optical system and the objective lens so that an in-focus image having low distortion, sufficient contrast, and formed by light rays of restricted angles of incidence is formed even for an object in contact with the viewing port. The specified conditions relate to features of the imaging optical system such as focal length and f-number of the imaging optical system, astigmatism and distortion of the imaging optical system, and pixel pitch of the solid-state image sensor. An endoscope that includes the imaging optical system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical fiber includes placing a distal end of an optical fiber in an etch-proof fiber-holder such that a tip portion of the optical fiber is covered by the fiber-holder, and an etching portion of the optical fiber adjacent to the tip portion is not covered by the fiber-holder. The optical fiber is exposed to an etching solution to change a profile of the etching portion, and the distal end of the optical fiber is removed from the fiber-holder.

Abstract: The present invention provides balloon dissection apparatus and methods of use in which an elongate balloon is utilized to dissect along a region that follows a naturally existing path alongside a vessel or structure, such as an artery, a vein, a lymphatic vessel, the traches, the esophagus, or even a nerve bundle.

Abstract: A sterile, self-contained, disposable apparatus used for heating and applying solution to the distal end of endoscopes as well as an endoscopic lens protector. The heating mechanism is chemical, electrical or a combination of both. Further the apparatus serves as a self sealing container for the storage and application of anti-fog solution. By placing the apparatus over the distal scope prior to surgery, the scope is protected from damage from other instruments or trays. At the same time the distal lens is submerged in the warm anti-fog solution and it is uniformly and completely coated. Heat is transferred to the instrument from the solution in one example to act as an important and additional measure to prevent fogging of the lens. By heating the solution and the instrument, the drastic temperature difference between the interior of the body (98.6) and the instrument is eliminated. This inhibits the condensation of moisture, which always occurs upon inserting the cool scope inside the warm body.

Abstract: An endoscopically introducible expandable cautery device having a probe slidably received in a tube. The probe has a cauterizing end terminating in a balloon which is expandable upon inflation with fluid supplied through a first lumen in communication with a source of fluid such as a syringe. The surface of the balloon has at least one electrical contact that provides a cautery effect when in contact with tissue to be treated. The balloon is inflatable to a size larger than the bore of an endoscope though which it may be introduced.

Abstract: A system for medical detection and treatment comprising a number of treatment and/or detection devices which exchange data with each other within the context of a medical treatment, in particular a surgical or radiotherapeutic and/or radiosurgical operation, wherein the data are exchanged via radio interfaces in and/or on the devices.

Abstract: A ready-to-install electrode system designed for use with an endoscope for performing cardioversion through the esophagus, and an assembly of the system and an endoscope. The system is characterized in that it includes a globally tubular protective cover (3) designed to be fitted on the endoscope (40) to cover at least the distal end of the endoscope, at least one electrode (2a-d) including a conductive electric membrane (21) connected to an electric conduction wire designed to be connected by its free end to a cardioversion apparatus, first and second fixing elements adapted to fix the at least one electrode respectively on the distal end of the endoscope and on the tubular wall (31) of the cover, such that the conductive membrane is directly accessible from outside the cover.

Abstract: An endoscope assembly includes an insertion tube including a channel and a vibratory device inserted into the channel of the insertion tube.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the status of a battery in an in-vivo imaging device, prior to use of the in-vivo imaging device. The device may include a frame counter for counting the number of frames captured and may include monitoring the voltage of the battery. A warning signal is generated if it is determined that the battery is faulty prior to use. The warning signal can be generated by the device and/or by a receiver which receives data from the in-vivo imaging device and/or a by workstation which receives the data from the receiver.

Abstract: A method is provided for simulating a flexible tube in an environment. The method comprises determining a model of the flexible tube according to a plurality of internal constraints of the flexible tube and a plurality of external constraints of the flexible tube, determining a workspace of the flexible tube according to a model of the flexible tube, and determining a model of an active bending behavior of a tip of the flexible tube.

Abstract: In order to check endoscope channels, a predetermined quantity of liquid is led, at a predetermined pressure, through the channel that is to be checked, and the period of time for this is measured and evaluated. The predetermined quantity of liquid is determined via the volume of a liquid container whose outlet is capable of being connected to the channel that is to be checked. A compressed air source subjects the liquid in the container to a predetermined pressure. A sensor registers whether the liquid level in the container has dropped below a predefined value. A control unit measures the period of time within which the predetermined volume of liquid has flowed through the channel that is to be checked.

Abstract: A switch mechanism for use in medical apparatuses, includes an airtight unit being able to retain airtight therein, a first magnet provided outside the airtight unit, an operation unit provided outside the airtight unit and being able to move the first magnet with respect to the airtight unit, a second magnet provided in the airtight unit and being able to receive a force from the first magnet in accordance with a position of the first magnet, and a switch unit provided in the airtight unit and being able to be switched on and off by using a force acting between the first magnet and the second magnet.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus including an internal unit, adapted to be advanced into a gastrointestinal tract of a patient so as to enable inspection of the tract, an anchor unit, adapted to be held in a position outside the gastrointestinal tract and a flexible sleeve, having a proximal end fixed to the anchor and a distal end fixed to the internal unit, wherein at least a portion of the sleeve between the proximal end distal ends is held initially in a compact state at the internal unit and is arranged to feed out from the internal unit as the internal unit is advanced into the gastrointestinal tract. A method for endoscopic examination is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasound imaging system is provided with virus protection. Each file that enters the system (via the hard disk or the networking port) is scanned to detect the presence of any virus in the file. Before each file is written to the hard disk of the scanner, the Checksum and Size of the file are verified, along with other virus-identifying attributes, to determine if the file is infected with a virus or if the file itself is a virus. If there is a discrepancy in either the Checksum or Size, then a dialogue box appears, warning the system operator that the file being installed may contain a virus. In order to provide additional protection for the ultrasound scanner, all processes starting to run on the scanner are monitored. Each time a new process is started on the scanner, virus protection monitoring software will suspend the process and search for encrypted data identifying the starting process in a Registry table.

Abstract: An endoscope inserting section with a case comprises: an inserting section including a flexible inserting section main body to be inserted into a body cavity, having a distal end rigid section at its distal end part, and a rotatable barrel body which is rotatably fitted on the inserting section main body and has a helical part with a helical convex-concave structure; and a housing case, including, an inserting section housing case main body for housing the inserting section, and an insertion assisting tool through which the inserting section is inserted to be guided into a body cavity. The insertion assisting tool retracts the inserting section to a position where an image of the distal end part of the insertion assisting tool can be picked up, when the inserting section is retracted.

Abstract: A self-propelled colonoscope includes a tubular flexible insertion portion inserted into the colon, an endless belt arranged on a circulating path around the outer and inner walls of the flexible insertion portion, a driving mechanism to drive the endless belt, and a guide pipe extending along the circulating path and guiding the endless belt inside the flexible insertion portion. At the distal end of the flexible insertion portion, the guide pipe passes through a guide hole penetrating the flexible insertion portion to the outside, and the flange section formed at the distal end of the guide pipe adheres to the outer wall of the flexible insertion portion. Accordingly, the body of the colonoscope (especially the insertion tube) can be kept from being contaminated when the endless belts are driven or the body of the colonoscope is cleaned.

Abstract: A diagnosis system composed of a fluoroscopic apparatus for obtaining a fluoroscopic image of an internal body be radiating x-rays to the body, and an endocopic apparatus for obtaining an optical image of the internal body part to be observed by inserting an insertion section of the endoscope into the body. In an operating section of the endoscope, a fluoroscope operating section for operating the fluoroscopic apparatus is disposed. Operation signals from the fluoroscope operating section are sent from a communication I/F of an endoscopic processor to the fluoroscopic apparatus. The fluoroscoptic apparatus receives the operation signals with a fluoroscopic processor and controls a fluoroscopic table.

Abstract: An endoscope control system comprises a network server device which is provided with an interface for executing an external application software and stores a graphical user interface (GUI) which is a display information which is written in at least a server language and external application software, and a network interface (network I/F). By doing this, it is possible to control remotely the endoscope device without connecting the endoscope device and the control section.

Abstract: In an endoscope, scopes that include a scope-side memory and a connector are selectively and detachably connected to a processor that includes a processor-side memory and a connection member. A parameter stored in the scope-side memory can be written to the processor-side memory. The connector that is connectable to the connection member is used for connecting the scope to the processor. When the connection member that is movable is in the first position, the connector is detachably connectable to the connection member. When the connection member is in the second position, the subject is observable. When the connection member is moved from the first position to the second position, the parameter is written to the processor-side memory. When the connection member is moved from the second position to the first position, the parameter is written to the scope-side memory.

Abstract: Surgical method and apparatus for resectioning tissue, preferably lumenal tissue, with a remaining portion of an organ being anastomized with staples or other fastening devices, preferably endolumenally. The apparatus may be inserted via a naturally occurring body orifice or a surgical incision and then advanced using either endoscopic or radiological imaging guidance to an area where surgery is to be performed. Under endoscopic or diagnostic imaging guidance the apparatus is positioned so tissue to be resected is manipulated into an inner cavity of the apparatus. The apparatus then cuts the diseased tissue after stapling and retains the diseased tissue within the apparatus. The rent resulting in a border of healthy tissue is anastomosed with surgical staples.

Abstract: A computer-based video recording and management system is provided which is used in conjunction with medical diagnostic equipment. The system allows a physician or medical personnel to record and time-mark significant events during a medical procedure on video footage, to index patient data with the video footage, and then to later edit or access the video footage with patient data from a database in an efficient manner. The system includes at least one input device that inserts a time-mark into the video footage; and a workstation that associates an index with each time-mark, extracts a portion of the video footage at the time-mark beginning just before and ending just after the time-mark, concatenates the portion of the video footage with other portions of video footage, into a shortened summary video clip, and stores both the video footage and summary video clip into a searchable database.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endoscope image sensing apparatus which can switch suitable color matrixes in accordance with the type of observation region, the type of light source used, or the like, and obtain good color reproduction corresponding to the type of observation region or the type of light source used. This apparatus uses a one-chip color CCD as an image sensing means. A CPU reads out corresponding color matrix coefficients from a ROM, and outputs the coefficients to a color separation circuit. The color separation circuit executes a matrix computation based on the color matrix to convert luminance and color difference signals into primary color signals.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus has a moving-image displayer that reads image-pixel signals from an image sensor at predetermined time intervals to display a moving-image, a light-amount adjuster that adjusts an amount of light for illuminating a subject, and a still-image recorder that performs a series of actions for recording a still image. The still-image recorder is capable of reading the image-pixel signals at a still-image electronic shutter speed, which corresponds to a reading time interval shorter than the predetermined time interval. When the series of actions is started, the still-image recorder controls the light-amount adjuster such that the light-amount becomes a standard light-amount corresponding to the recording of the still image. Then, the still-image recorder performs a recording process in accordance with the still-image electronic shutter speed when the light-amount becomes the standard light-amount.

Abstract: Reusable instruments, such as reusable medical instruments, and related systems and methods, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the reusable instrument can be an endoscope.

Abstract: Signal charge that has accumulated in photodiodes of a photoreceptor area in a CCD is multiplied by a charge multiplier and then applied to a floating diffusion amplifier, which has been set to a small conversion coefficient, or to floating gate amplifier, which has been set to a large conversion coefficient. If the accumulated amount of signal charge is small, the charge is converted to a video signal by the floating gate amplifier having the large conversion coefficient. If the accumulated amount of signal charge is large, the charge is converted to a video signal by the floating diffusion amplifier having the small conversion coefficient. Thus a video signal having a high level is obtained even if the amount of signal charge is small. Since it is unnecessary to change driving pulses that are applied to the charge multiplier, the multiplication factor of the charge multiplier will not fluctuate.

Abstract: A method for determining instructions for handling a flexible instrument comprises parameterizing the flexible instrument according to a plurality of parameters for handling the instrument, determining at least one instrument configuration, wherein the configuration describes at least one parameter, and determining instructions for handling the instrument according to the configuration.

Abstract: By reducing the outer diameter, increasing the overall length, and correcting chromatic aberration well, the invention realizes an objective optical system and examination apparatus that are suitable for in-vivo examination with a sufficiently increased length and widened observation range. The invention provides a compact objective optical system and an examination apparatus comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens group having positive power; a second lens group including a compound lens; a third lens group formed of a biconvex lens; a fourth lens group having positive power and including a compound lens; and a fifth lens group having positive power. Joining surfaces of the compound lens included in the second lens group and the compound lens included in the fourth lens group have negative power.

Abstract: A method to detect a structure of interest includes shading a target from ambient light. A first plurality of images is acquired from the target. Background in the first plurality of images is reduced to minimize or eliminate brightness variation in the images and to generate a first plurality background-reduced images. A second plurality of images is acquired from the target. Background in the second plurality of images is reduced to generate a second plurality of background-reduced images. Noise in the second plurality of background-reduced images is reduced to generate a noise-reduced image, which is then multiplied to generate an amplified image. A structure of interest is detected in the amplified image. An imaging device that can be used to carry out the method is also included and includes an illuminator that shades the target from ambient light and scatters light.

Abstract: Stereoscopic device including at least two apertures, each including a light valve, a multi wavelength light sensor array and a controllable multi wavelength illumination unit, producing at least two alternating beams of light, each of the beams of light is characterized as being in a different range of wavelengths, wherein each light valve is operative to open at a different predetermined timing and wherein the multi wavelength light sensor array detects a plurality of images, each of the images corresponding to a predetermined combination of an open state of a selected one of the light valves and a selected one of the modes.

Abstract: A capsule type endoscope includes an illumination device, an imaging device, and a transparent cover covering the illumination device and the imaging device. The imaging device has an objective optical system and an image sensor. When the objective optical system satisfies Condition (1) described below and a white cylinder with a reflectance of 90%, satisfying Condition (3) described below, is observed, illuminance of the imaging surface of the image sensor satisfies Condition (2) described below, in a state where a longitudinal center axis of a capsule coincides with the center axis of the white cylinder with a reflectance of 90%. ??50°??(1) T1×0.5?T2??(2) D=1.