Abstract: Disclosed herein is an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus which includes a probe including a transducer installed to be rotatable, a driving device configured to rotate the transducer, at least one wire configured to transmit power of the driving device to the transducer, a handle case configured to accommodate the driving device therein, a cap coupled to the handle case to accommodate the transducer therein, and filled with oil, and a diaphragm formed of a deformable material and disposed between the cap and the handle case, wherein the wire is installed to pass through the diaphragm, and fixed to the diaphragm so that the diaphragm is deformed according to movement of the wire. Since the wire is fixedly installed to pass through the diaphragm and deformed according movement of the wire, oil in the cap is prevented from leaking to the handle case.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope includes: a distal end member attached to a distal end of an endoscope; a treatment part; a tube that is arranged in an axis direction of the endoscope and has a lumen formed therein; an insertion part that is inserted into the lumen and has a distal end to which the treatment part is fixed; a connecting member that connects the tube and the distal end member; a first pivot that couples the connecting member and the tube; and a second pivot that couples the connecting member and the distal end member. The second pivot is provided at a position at which the connecting member is capable of rotating such that the first pivot is moved from a position at a proximal end side relative to the second pivot to a position at a distal end side.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes a first drive control section controlling a drive state of a drive member in such a manner that a rotary unit rotates toward a first periaxial direction with a first rotation amount during a reference time. The insertion apparatus includes a second drive control section controlling the drive state of the drive member in such a manner that the rotary unit rotates toward a second periaxial direction with a second rotation amount smaller than the first rotation amount during the reference time.

Abstract: A blue signal B, a green signal G, and a red signal R are obtained by imagining a subject illuminated with white light W using a color CCD 44. Based on these signals B, G, and R, a normal light image in which a wavelength component of a visible light region is included is generated. Based on the signals B, G, and R, a brightness signal I ((B+G+R)/3) showing the average brightness of the subject is generated. A pixel region exceeding the fixed threshold value Th1 of the brightness signal I is extracted as a superficial microstructure P, such as a pit pattern. A microstructure enhancement image 72 is generated by combining the normal light image with a superficial microstructure image 70 obtained by extracting the superficial microstructure P. The generated microstructure and blood vessel enhancement image 72 is displayed on a monitor 14.

Abstract: A catheter for use in a patient's heart, especially for mapping a tubular region of the heart, has a catheter body, a deflectable intermediate section and a distal a mapping assembly that has a generally circular portion adapted to sit on or in a tubular region of the heart. A control handle of the catheter allows for single-handed manipulation of various control mechanisms that can deflect the intermediate section and contract the mapping assembly by means of a deflection control assembly and a linear control assembly. The deflection control assembly has a deflection arm and a rocker member. The linear control assembly has a linear control member, an inner rotational member and a cam. A pair of puller members are responsive to the deflection control assembly to bi-directionally deflect the intermediate section. A third puller member is responsive to the linear control assembly to contract the generally circular portion of the mapping assembly.

Abstract: An advance and retreat assist tool includes a base unit, an attachment portion which attaches the base unit to a treatment instrument insertion portion, a tubular member provided to advance and retreat relative to the base unit coaxially with a central axis of a hole portion and a fixing portion which fixes an endoscopic treatment instrument to the tubular member. The advance and retreat assist tool further includes a rotary portion which has an axis different from an axis of the tubular member and which rotates around the axis, and an advance and retreat mechanism.

Abstract: Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account.

Abstract: A sterilizable housing for a personal electronic device includes a base, a cover and a user interface. The base is configured for receiving the personal electronic device. The cover is selectively engageable to the base. Both the base and the cover are sterilizable. The user interface provides selective access to the personal electronic device, and is at least partially contiguous with a corresponding user interface of the personal electronic device.

Abstract: A printing device includes a printing device side wireless communication unit configured to execute wireless communication with a mobile terminal, an operation acquisition unit configured to acquire user operation thereof, and a processor. The processor is configured to acquire operation data which is generated as the operation acquisition unit acquires a user operation, acquire establishment data which is generated as the printing device side wireless communication unit establishes a wireless communication with the mobile terminal, and issue a request control to control the printing device side wireless communication unit to transmit request data requesting the mobile terminal to transmit print data necessary for printing, via the wireless communication, when the establishment data is acquired, the request control being issued in accordance with the operation data as acquired.

Abstract: An apparatus is operable to provide an anastomosis coupling two hollow organs, such as a duodenum and ileum. The apparatus includes a first component that is inserted through an enterotomy in a first hollow organ and a second component that is inserted through an enterotomy in a second hollow organ. The first and second components are brought together to o align the enterotomies and compress apposed layers of tissue adjacent to the enterotomies. The compressed tissue eventually necroses and the apparatus may be removed or simply pass through the hollow organ. Each component may include a set of pivoting links and a resilient member that is configured to both bias the links to an expanded configuration and grip the tissue adjacent to the enterotomy. The components may include magnets that secure the positioning of the components relative to each other and provide a compressive force on the apposed tissue.

Abstract: An autoclavable bucketless cleaning system, including a vessel for storing fluid under pressure, a removably-connectable outlet regulator assembly for dispensing fluid from the vessel, a removably-connectable inlet regulator assembly for pressurizing the vessel, a removably-connectable outlet autoclave stem for installing in the outlet regulator assembly so that steam may pass through the outlet regulator assembly, and a removably-connectable inlet autoclave stem for installing in the inlet regulator assembly so that steam may pass through the inlet regulator assembly.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having reduced power consumption includes a clock-gating cell, a transistor and a flip-flop. The clock-gating cell receives a dynamic enable signal, generates a latched-enable signal and gates a clock signal provided to the flip-flop. The flip-flop includes first and second latches. The transistor receives an inverted latched-enable signal from the clock-gating cell and switches ON or OFF based on the logic state of the inverted latched-enable signal. The transistor provides a voltage signal to the flip-flop circuit based on the state of the flip-flop in order to control the state of the flip-flop, which reduces power consumption of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.

Abstract: Described embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product. In a described system, a receiver circuit receives at least two reference images of a patient body part. Each reference image includes a respective landmark subsurface feature of the patient body part, and each imaged landmark subsurface feature has a respective spatial relationship to a respective region of a surface of the patient body part imaged during a medical examination. A feature matching circuit determines a correspondence between (x) each atlas landmark subsurface feature of the patient body part included in a landmark subsurface feature atlas and (y) each respective imaged landmark subsurface feature. A reporting circuit generates informational data reporting a depiction of an area of the surface of the patient body part by at least two adjacent imaged regions of the surface of the patient body part. A communication circuit outputs the informational data.

Abstract: Overview images that represent the overview of a structure (e.g., the large intestine) are generated based on volume data, and displayed on a screen. Points within the overview images and points corresponding thereto in the volume data are set as target points. A target volume that includes the target points and line of sight vectors within the volume data having the target points as endpoints and a movable viewpoint as a starting point are set within the volume data. The directions of the line of sight vectors are changed by moving the viewpoint, and the target volumes are projected onto projection planes perpendicular to the directions of the line of sight vectors to generate detailed images that represent details of the structure in the vicinity of the target points. The detailed images are displayed on the screen.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus assist in planning routes through hollow, branching organs in patients to optimize subsequent endoscopic procedures. Information is provided about the organ and a follow-on endoscopic procedure associated with the organ. The most appropriate navigable route or routes to a target region of interest (ROI) within the organ are then identified given anatomical, endoscopic-device, or procedure-specific constraints derived from the information provided. The method may include the step of modifying the viewing direction at each site along a route to give physically meaningful navigation directions or to reflect the requirements of a follow-on live endoscopic procedure. An existing route may further be extended, if necessary, to an ROI beyond the organ. The information provided may include anatomical constraints that define locations or organs to avoid; anatomical constraints that confine the route within specific geometric locations; or a metric for selecting the most appropriate route.

Abstract: A medical robotic system has a joint coupled to medical device or a slave manipulator or robotic arm adapted to hold and/or move the medical device for performing a medical procedure, and a control system for controlling movement of the joint according to user manipulation of a master manipulator. The control system includes at least one joint controller having a sliding mode control for reducing stick-slip behavior on its controlled joint during fine motions of the joint. The sliding mode control computes a distance to a sliding surface, computes a reaching law gain, and processes the distance and reaching law gain to generate a sliding mode control action that is in absolute value less that a maximum desired feedback control action. The sliding mode control action is then further processed to generate a feedback torque command for the joint motor.

Abstract: An image-capturing apparatus and a repair method thereof are provided. The image-capturing apparatus includes a lens frame to which one or more lenses are fixed; an image-capturing frame to which an image-capturing device is fixed; and a fixing member for fixing the lens frame and the image-capturing frame to each other without adhering a fitted portion between the lens frame and the image-capturing frame. The repair method for the image-capturing apparatus includes destructing a fixing member for fixing to each other a lens frame to which one or more lenses are fixed and an image-capturing frame to which an image-capturing device is fixed, and releasing fixing between the frames; replacing at least either of the lens frame and the image-capturing frame; and fixing to each other the lens frame and the image-capturing frame.

Abstract: An endoscope storage cabinet for use with at least one endoscope having at least one signal emitting member associated therewith and configured to emit a signal indicative of at least one attribute of the at least one endoscope to which it is associated, the cabinet including: an enclosed structure formed by a plurality of walls defining an inner area which is accessible by at least one door; at least one hanger arrangement configured to support at least a portion of at least one endoscope positioned thereon; at least one signal receiving device associated with the enclosed structure and configured to receive the signal emitted by the at least one signal emitting member; and a local control device in communication with the at least one signal receiving device and configured to receive and process the signal emitted by the at least one signal emitting member.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a hermetically tight sheath, a heat source, a surface area thermally coupled to the heat source, a rotor arranged outside the hermetically tight sheath and serving to generate a flow of fluid at the surface, a magnet at the rotor, and means for generating a variable magnetic field in order to move the rotor. The means for generating a variable magnetic field is arranged inside the hermetically tight sheath.

Abstract: The endoscope apparatus includes a heat exchanger, a first tube, and a second tube. The front-end portion is cooled down by repeating alternately, the other operation which is opposite an one operation, which is an operation of generating a flow of the cooling liquid from the other end of the first tube to the one end of the first tube, and a flow of the cooling liquid from the one end of the second tube to the other end of the second tube, and the one operation which is an operation of generating a flow of the cooling liquid from the other end of the second tube to the one end of the second tube, and a flow of the cooling liquid from the one end of the first tube to the other end of the first tube.

Abstract: An adjustable accessory for a medical device having an elongate tube and a lumen extending therein, the adjustable accessory including a handle adapted for connection to a proximal end of the elongate tube. The handle including a longitudinal axis and a slot on the handle transverse to the longitudinal axis. The slot includes multiple detent positions and a fitting movably disposed in the slot. The fitting is configured to be releasably secured within one of the detent positions, and the fitting includes a port in communication with the lumen of the elongate tube.

Abstract: An optical coupler is disclosed for mounting at a distal end of an optical imaging device for visualizing a surface area covered with an opaque fluid and/or particulate matter. The coupler includes a visualization section at one end of the coupler and an attachment section connected to and extending away from the visualization section. The attachment section is dimensioned to be mounted at the distal end of the optical imaging device. The visualization section includes a proximal surface for engaging the distal end of the optical imaging device. The visualization section includes an outer surface spaced apart from the proximal surface. The outer surface extends continuously from a first outer side boundary across to a second opposite outer side boundary of the visualization section. The visualization section may include a hollow instrument channel extending from the proximal surface toward the outer surface.

Abstract: An electronic endoscopic apparatus includes an endoscopic scope and an image processing processor. The endoscopic scope includes a solid-state imaging device, an imaging-side multiplying unit, and an imaging synchronization signal generating unit. The image processing processor includes a display clock generating unit, a monitor synchronization signal generating unit, a master imaging clock generating unit, a processor-side multiplying/dividing unit, a phase-comparison oscillation control unit, and a display timing adjustment unit.

Abstract: An infrared fiber-optic device is able to monitor esophageal temperature during an ablation/cryoablation procedure over a volume of interest to sense whether the temperature is too high or too low. The device may include a plurality of optical fibers each with a wide angle lens collectively disposed circumferentially and longitudinally to cover the volume of interest, as the particular region over which undesirable temperature may not be known beforehand. In other examples, the device may include an embedded array of infrared sensors extending sufficiently to encompass a volume of interest. The device may be used as part of a feedback control to regulate and stop operation of the ablation/cryoablation procedure to prevent vessel damage.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a location of a physical structure in a body is provided. The system includes an electronic control unit configured to register a first image of a portion of the body in a three-dimensional coordinate system. The electronic control unit is further configured to identify the location of the physical structure in the three-dimensional coordinate system responsive to flow of a fluid shown in the image. The fluid may comprise blood. In one embodiment, the electronic control unit is further configured to generate a second image, such as a three dimensional model, incorporating a representation of the physical structure within a larger physical environment in the three-dimensional coordinate system.

Abstract: A coil system for the contactless magnetic navigation of a magnetic body in a work space, has a plurality of coils and a current controller for controlling the respective currents in the plurality of coils. In order to navigate the magnetic body to a variably predeterminable position in the work space, the current controller is designed such that the currents in the plurality of coils are such that the magnetic forces generated by the currents and acting upon the magnetic body at multiple positions at the edge of a convex environment around the predetermined position are directed into the environment. The coil system has the advantage that a movement of the magnetic body toward a spatial position is achieved without any mechanical movement of the coil system and without a positioning system for determining the position of the magnetic body. The coil system is utilized particularly in a medical device, wherein a magnetic body in the form of a probe is moved in the body of a patient.

Abstract: A handle used to control movement of a medical instrument. The medical instrument may be coupled to a robotic arm that is connected to a controller. The medical instrument may have a plurality of functions such as wrist locking and motion scaling. One of the functions may be selected through a graphical user interface operated by the end user. The handle may have a plurality of buttons. One of the buttons may allow the end user to control the selected function. For example, when wrist locking/unlocking is selected, depressing the button can toggle the medical instrument wrist between a locked state and an unlocked state.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of colorimetric abnormalities within a body lumen includes an image receiver for receiving images from within the body lumen. Also included are a transmitter for transmitting the images to a receiver, and a processor for generating a probability indication of presence of colorimetric abnormalities on comparison of color content of the images and at least one reference value.

Abstract: Provided is a capsule-type endoscope that has a power receiving coil that wirelessly receives an electric power from outside a body of an individual to be examined, a processing circuit that performs predetermined processing, and an adjusting reactance section that is capable of adjusting a reactance that is connected to the power receiving coil.

Abstract: In the optical structure observation apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention, a middle layer of a measured object having a layer structure at least including a surface layer and the middle layer is extracted and flattened to be a same flat plane, the optical stereoscopic structure image is reconstructed with the flattened middle layer as the reference layer, the three-dimensional converted optical structure image is generated, and at least the three-dimensional converted optical structure image is imaged and displayed on the display device, whereby the structure information with the middle layer in the measured object having the layer structure as a basal plate can be visually determined.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe (10) that scans a subject with beams of high frequency sound. The probe (10) includes a transducer (26) to produce high frequency sound waves, a means to steer the sound waves in the proper direction, a printed circuit board (22) with a non-volatile memory (38), a micro electrico-mechanical accelerometer integrated circuit (32) and an outlet connector (19). The accelerometer (32) is configured to detect the movement of the probe (10) in from two to three axes when the probe (10) is rotated or moved in a linear direction to allow the probe (10) to detect images from more than one plane.

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. A positively positionable multi-disk wrist mechanism includes a plurality of disks or vertebrae stacked in series. Each vertebra is configured to rotate in pitch or in yaw with respect to each neighboring vertebra. Actuation cables are used to manipulate and control movement of the vertebrae. In specific embodiments, some of the cables are distal cables that extend from a proximal vertebra through one or more intermediate vertebrae to a distal vertebra, while the remaining cables are medial cables that extend from the proximal vertebra to one or more of the intermediate vertebrae. The cables are actuated by a pivoted plate cable actuator mechanism.

Abstract: An antenna connection unit is a unit to which receiving antennas for receiving a wireless signal transmitted from a capsule endoscope introduced into a subject, is connectable. The antenna connection unit includes a received electric field strength detector configured to detect received strength of the wireless signal according to a plurality of pieces of input power from the receiving antennas, a correction parameter generation unit configured to generate a received strength correction parameter for correcting the received electric field strength detector, which is obtained by correcting the plurality of pieces of input power and the received strength corresponding to each input power, based on a reference parameter indicating a relationship between each input power and a detection strength obtained by performing a measurement for a received electric field strength detection circuit as a reference in advance, and a storage unit for storing the received strength correction parameter.

Abstract: An image pickup portion picks up an image of a suspected substance and produces a video signal. Optical fibers transmit the video signal output from the image pickup portion. A video signal processing portion processes the video signals transmitted by the optical fibers and then outputs the processed video signals to a monitor. A trouble detection portion detects trouble in a transmission state of the optical fibers. The video signal processing portion outputs to the monitor only the video signal transmitted by the optical fiber in which the trouble detection portion has not detected trouble.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention is featured by including: an endoscope which has a connector main body; an apparatus main body to which the connector main body can be detachably mounted; a closed space which, after the connector main body is mounted to the apparatus main body, is formed in exterior housings of the apparatus main body and the connector main body by being closed by the exterior housings; a heat generating portion which is provided in the closed space; and a fan which is provided in the closed space, and performs at least one of dissipation of heat of the heat generating portion to the closed space and transfer of heat in the atmosphere in the closed space to the exterior housing.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope having an ultrasound probe that is provided at a rigid portion at a distal end of an insertion portion, a cable that transmits electrical signals to and from the ultrasound probe, and a rigid flexible substrate that is interposed between the ultrasound probe and the cable to transmit the electrical signals, and configures a part of a planar member in which a plurality of layers including a wiring layer are stacked as a flexible portion further including an insulating layer, and the other portion as a rigid portion further including a rigid layer, wherein the ultrasound probe is connected to the rigid portion, and at least a part of the flexible portion is disposed in a spiral shape to surround a wiring connection portion of the cable and the rigid flexible substrate, and an uncovered portion of a distal end side of the cable.

Abstract: The disclosed method for processing a broadcast signal for 3D (3-Dimensional) broadcast service comprises encoding 2D (2-Dimensional) video stream including a 2D video frame, encoding depth information including depth of a 3D image relative to a plane of a display, encoding signaling information for signaling the encoded 2D video stream and the depth information, wherein the signaling information includes a 3D service location descriptor including codec type information specifying encoding type of the encoded depth information, generating the broadcast signal including the encoded 2D video stream, depth information and signaling information, and transmitting the generated broadcast signal.

Abstract: Retractor cannula systems may be used for accessing and visualizing the spine and related methods of treatment, including a forward-looking retractor cannula system for creating a working space and the retractor cannula system having atraumatic dissection capability to allow visualization in spine. The devices and methods described may be used, for example, to perform annulus repair, herniated disc excision, and denervation of neurological tissue; to dispense pharmacological agents and/or cell or tissue therapy agents; to diagnose disc degeneration and bony degeneration, spinal stenosis, and nucleus decompression, and to perform disc augmentation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for treating heart failure by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal The present disclosure includes methods for creating and maintaining an opening in the atrial septum. Tools for making an opening and enlarging the opening are also disclosed. Use of the techniques and tools described herein prolongs the patency of an intra-atrial pressure relief opening.

Abstract: A fistulectomy method of forming a fistula between a first duct and a second duct is provided. The method including: inserting an insertion portion of an endoscope having a channel into the first duct; inserting a treatment instrument into the channel; feeding a distal end of the treatment instrument into the second duct through the first duct; discharging a first magnet from the distal end of the treatment instrument to the second duct; pulling the treatment instrument from the second duct; discharging a second magnet to the first duct; and attaching the first magnet and the second magnet magnetically when the first and second ducts are between the first and second magnets.

Abstract: Methods and systems for manufacturing a swallowable sensor device are disclosed. Such a method includes mechanically coupling a plurality of internal components, wherein the plurality of internal components includes a printed circuit board having a plurality of projections extending radially outward. A cavity is filled with a potting material, and the mechanically coupled components are inserted into the cavity. The cavity may be pre-filled with the potting material, or may be filled after the mechanically coupled components have been inserted therein. A distal end of each projection abuts against a wall of the cavity thereby preventing the potting material from covering each distal end. The cavity is sealed with a cap causing the potting material to harden within the sealed cavity to form a housing of the swallowable sensor device, wherein the distal end of each projection is exposed to an external environment of the swallowable sensor device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an optical fiber that may have a surface non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical fiber and incident on the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a doped silica cap that may be fused to the optical fiber such that the surface of the optical fiber may be disposed within a cavity defined by the doped silica cap.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an image pickup section equipped with a color separation section that picks up an image of returning light from a subject illuminated by an illumination section, an emphasis processing section that performs emphasis processing on sharpness of an image signal generated from the output signal of the image pickup section and a storage section that stores information for modifying processing contents of the emphasis processing, wherein the storage section stores information for setting image signals to be subjected to emphasis processing in first and second observation modes in which images are picked up under illumination of white light and narrow band light respectively to a luminance signal and a color difference signal, and the emphasis processing section performs emphasis processing on the luminance signal with a greater emphasis characteristic than the color difference signal over an entire frequency domain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical instrument (100; 200) comprising: an elongated arm (111; 207) according to a longitudinal axis and having a distal end (105; 204) mounted with a pivot joint on the elongated arm according to an axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis; a drive shaft (103; 3), substantially coaxial with the elongated arm, comprising means forming a universal joint (104; 206) facing the pivot joint; and, distal tool (9) securely fastened on the drive shaft and rotatively mounted on and in the extension of the distal end of the elongated arm, such that the distal tool has two rotational degrees of freedom, distinct and independent of each other, one being around an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated arm and the other being around an axis substantially collinear to an own axis of the distal tool, characterized in that the means forming a universal joint comprise a flexible drive sleeve (104; 206).

Abstract: A 3D image processing apparatus includes: L and R graphic decoders which decode coded stream data to generate left-eye and right-eye image data; an image output control unit which outputs the generated image data; and a control unit which, when a decoding error occurs in generating one of the image data, and a successful decode occurs in generating the other of the image data, (i) shifts, by a preset offset, a pixel position of the other of the image data, to generate pseudo image data as the one of the image data, and (ii) outputs the pseudo image data to an image output control unit, wherein the image output control unit outputs the other of the image data and the pseudo image data, when the decoding error occurs in generating the one of the image data and the successful decode occurs in generating the other of the image data.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for use with an imaging device (31) that acquires a pre-procedure image of a portion of a subject's body disposed at a pre-procedure position. An input unit receives from a user an indication of two or more lines within the image that correspond to respective branches of a multi-branch luminal structure. A probe (1) moves within the portion along two or more lines in the structure that respectively correspond to the two or more lines within the image. A location sensor (18) coupled to the probe senses location coordinates along the two or more lines, while the portion is at a current position. A control unit (34) registers the image of the portion with the portion's current position by registering (a) the two or more lines within the image, with (b) the location coordinates along the two or more lines. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for pericardial access to the heart, including direct access to the left atrium. In certain embodiments, the device may comprise a device and/or an atrial appendage (AA) portal having a configuration such that the distal end of the device and/or the portal can access an atrial appendage while the proximal end of the device and/or portal can extend to outside of the subject. The devices and methods may also include a pericardial portal for emplacement of the device and/or the AA portal. Also, methods for using such devices and/or AA portals and pericardial portals to perform surgery on the heart, and systems (e.g., kits) comprising these devices and/or portals in combination with other therapeutic devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing an endoscope with a distal end and a proximal end, wherein a tube is provided, which has an opening for receiving a window. The method including, inserting a window into the opening of the tube, permanently fixing the window in the opening of the tube, and galvanically applying a noble metal to the tube in the area of the window and around the window. Also provided is an endoscope with a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the endoscope includes a tube, which extends up to the distal end, wherein a window is inserted into the tube on the distal end, which is permanently fixed in the tube by means of a hermetically sealing material. Wherein the tube on the distal end and the hermetically sealing material are coated on the outside with a noble metal.

Abstract: An anatomical probe system comprises an elongated flexible body and an elongated probe extending within the flexible body. The probe has a distal end and includes an outer wall defining a channel. The probe also includes an access port in the outer wall in communication with the channel. The access port is spaced proximally of the distal end.