Endoscope Patents (Class 600/101)
  • Patent number: 8540624
    Abstract: An instrument for endoscopic surgery, with a housing having a grip element and a shaft-receiving element, the grip element having a fixed grip part and a pivotable grip part, and the shaft-receiving element being intended to receive and lock the proximal end of a tubular shaft, with a tool at the distal end of the shaft, and with an actuation member extending through the shaft and being longitudinally movable therein, or with a slide piece acting on the actuation member. The actuation member engages in the shaft-receiving element of the housing and is coupled to the grip part mounted pivotably on the housing, so that a pivoting of the grip part causes a longitudinal movement of the actuation member and an actuation of the tool. The grip element of the housing is rotatable relative to the shaft-receiving element of the housing about a rotation axis extending perpendicular to the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Guenter Bissinger Medizintechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Matthias Bissinger
  • Publication number: 20130237816
    Abstract: A method of occluding a defect in a patient is provided. The method includes inserting a placement member, such as a wire guide, into a defect; advancing the placement member to a desired location; inserting the placement member into a lumen in an occluding member, such as a plug or a graft; and advancing the occluding member to the desired location by inserting the placement member into a lumen in a pusher member and pushing the occluding member with the pusher member until the occluding member reaches the desired location. Medical devices and systems for occluding defects are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: David N. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8529433
    Abstract: A body-insertable apparatus system has a body insertable apparatus that is inserted into a subject and a control apparatus. The body-insertable apparatus includes a magnetic responding unit that is provided within a casing forming the body-insertable apparatus and has a magnetization direction; and a needle that is protruded and retracted with respect to a surface of the casing. The control apparatus includes a magnetic field generator that generates a magnetic field; and a control unit that causes the magnetic field generator to generate a magnetic field for changing an orientation of the magnetic responding unit based on the magnetization direction of the magnetic responding unit in the body-insertable apparatus, a position of the needle in the body-insertable apparatus, and a distal end direction of the needle, thereby changing an orientation of the entire body-insertable apparatus to enable the protruded needle to puncture a puncture target layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Hironao Kawano, Shinsuke Tanaka, Akio Uchiyama
  • Publication number: 20130231533
    Abstract: Endoscopes, particularly videoscopes, of small size and profile are applied to various medical devices such as intravascular catheters and feeding tubes. The endoscopes are of high flexibility, good resolution and low cost so as to be disposable after use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Stephanos Papademetriou, Theofilos Kotseroglou
  • Patent number: 8526112
    Abstract: A capsule endoscope is provided with an imaging lens, capsule body, and a transparent cover. The capsule body is formed hollow, and has an opening at an end. The imaging lens is provided such that a part thereof is positioned inside the capsule body and the rest is protruded from the opening. The transparent cover is formed into a dope shape, and is attached to the end of the capsule body to cover the imaging lens protruded from the opening. The inside of a patient's body is captured using the transparent cover and the imaging lens designed to satisfy the following condition: |fD|/fL?70 where fD is a focal length of the transparent cover, and fL is a focal length of the imaging lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Tomoyuki Baba
  • Patent number: 8527094
    Abstract: A multi-user medical robotic system for collaboration or training in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes first and second master input devices, a first slave robotic mechanism, and at least one processor configured to generate a first slave command for the first slave robotic mechanism by switchably using one or both of a first command indicative of manipulation of the first master input device by a first user and a second command indicative of manipulation of the second master input device by a second user. To facilitate the collaboration or training, both first and second users communicate with each other through an audio system and see the minimally invasive surgery site on first and second displays respectively viewable by the first and second users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh Kumar, Brian Hoffman, Giuseppe Prisco, David Larkin, William Nowlin, Frederic Moll, Stephen Blumenkranz, Gunter D Niemeyer, J. Kenneth Salisbury, Yulun Wang, Modjtaba Ghodoussi, Darrin Uecker, James Wright, Amante Mangaser, Ranjan Mauherjee
  • Patent number: 8514218
    Abstract: A method for automatic virtual endoscopy navigation, including: (a) using a fisheye camera to generate an endoscopic image and a depth image from a current position of the camera in lumen computed tomographic (CT) data; (b) segmenting a first region and a second region from the depth image, wherein the first region identifies a view direction of the camera and the second region is an area through which the camera can be moved without touching an inner surface of the lumen; (c) moving the camera from the current position, while pointing the camera in the view direction, to a next position in the second region; and (d) repeating steps (a-c) in sequence using the next position in step (c) as the current position in step (a).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wei Hong, Gianluca Paladini
  • Patent number: 8512219
    Abstract: Lumen-traveling biological interface devices and associated methods and systems are described. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices capable of traveling within a body lumen may include a propelling mechanism to produce movement of the lumen-traveling device within the lumen, electrodes or other electromagnetic transducers for detecting biological signals and electrodes, coils or other electromagnetic transducers for delivering electromagnetic stimuli to stimulus responsive tissues. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices may also include additional components such as sensors, an active portion, and/or control circuitry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, LLC
    Inventors: Bran Ferren, W. Daniel Hillis, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Lowell L. Wood, Jr., Victoria Y. H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20130211195
    Abstract: To develop a clinically useful composition and an endoscopic observation method that utilizes WOS properties. The composition for improving diagnostic performance, containing lipids as a component is characterized in that, by administering or loading said composition orally, by intubation or via an endoscope, the lipids are absorbed by gastric tumors, facilitating the detection of tumors and qualitative diagnoses by endoscope. Tumors are thus whitened by administering or loading this composition for improving diagnostic performance prior to endoscopic observation, making it easier to discover and qualitatively diagnose tumors by endoscopic observation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: FUKUOKA UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: Kenshi Yao
  • Publication number: 20130204086
    Abstract: An in vivo sensing device and system may contain or be used in conjunction with an image sensor and a body lumen clearing element or agent. A method may enable clearing a body lumen for in vivo sensing while using the device of the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: GIVEN IMAGING LTD.
    Inventor: GIVEN IMAGING LTD.
  • Publication number: 20130204085
    Abstract: A magnetic endoscopic system including a wireless endoscope. The wireless endoscope includes one or more cameras and one or more lights for viewing internal portions of a body. The wireless endoscope further includes one or more magnets. The magnetic endoscopic system also includes a positioner externally positioned against the body for moving the wireless endoscope when positioned entirely or partially within the portions of the body. The positioner includes at least one magnet for attracting the one or more magnets and magnetically moving the wireless endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Inventors: Ian J. Alexander, Brian D. Owens
  • Patent number: 8496573
    Abstract: A capsule includes a main body with at least one tail connected to the main body. At least two coils are disposed on each tail such that the coils are responsive to a magnetic field interacting with the coils such that a force is exerted on the tail. The capsule is controlled through application of a varying magnetic field with a constant current in the coils and/or by providing varying a current in the coils that interact with a constant magnetic field. The capsule can be disposed in a cavity, and the magnetic field can be provided from outside the cavity to affect movement of the capsule. An MRI device can be configured to control and image the capsule.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Hata, Peter Jakab, Gabor Kosa, Ferenc Jolesz
  • Patent number: 8496584
    Abstract: A machine for performing a method for immediate identification and rapid comparative assessment of indicators of the presence of infections and/or risk situations related to gastroduodenal pathologies, characterized in that it comprises a measurement unit that is constituted by a container supplied by means for aspirating gastric juices in which an agitator of the mixture of gastric juice, reagents and water operates, and at least one probe for sensing the values of the analysis, a hydraulic section that comprises a set of tanks for the reagents required for the analysis and for the water, which are connected to respective apparatuses for feeding said measurement unit and to a pump for feeding water into the stomach of the patient, an apparatus for controlling the temperature of said container, and an electrical section, which comprises a programmable control unit for actuating and controlling said feeder apparatuses and said measurement unit and is suitable to determine the test execution methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Antonio Tucci
  • Patent number: 8491466
    Abstract: An intraductal insertion device includes a thrust generating section installed at an insertion portion. The thrust generating section is made up of a flexible shaft adapted to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around a shaft axis. The thrust generating section is configured by winding the shaft axis of the flexible shaft around an axis of the insertion portion in an insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Hiromitsu Okada
  • Publication number: 20130184522
    Abstract: A pump unit which can be made to be small-sized, and which enables to achieve a sufficient flow and an endoscope apparatus using such pump are provided. The pump unit which transports a fluid in a channel upon generating a progressive wave which is propagated in a longitudinal direction of the channel, in a first flexible thin film which constitutes at least a part of a channel-wall surface, includes a vibration exciter unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicants: OLYMPUS CORPORATION, KEIO UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Keico University, Olympus Corporation
  • Publication number: 20130178700
    Abstract: A capsule endoscope includes a plurality of function executing sections and which acquire information inside a body of a subject, a battery which supplies power to the plurality of function executing sections, a switching section having a plurality of switches which independently control power supply from the battery to the respective function executing sections, a magnetic field sensing section which receives a control signal from outside the subject, and a power control section which controls the switching section according to the number of times the control signal is received by the magnetic field sensing section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130172671
    Abstract: Micro-patterned treads for endoscopes are disclosed. In an embodiment, the treads include a micro-patterned surface and a roller engaging surface. Micro-patterned tread bearing robotic capsule endoscopes are disclosed. In one embodiment, the endoscope includes a housing, a motor, a geared drive, rollers, and at least one micro-patterned tread. Methods of fabricating closed loop treads are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes forming a solid layer of PDMS on one side of double-sided tape and wrapping a micro-patterned PDMS strip together with the other side of the double-sided tape. In another embodiment, a method includes forming a timing belt PDMS strip on one side of double-sided tape and a micro-patterned PDMS strip together with the other side of the double-sided tape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: The Regents of the Unibersity of Colorado, a body corporate
    Inventor: The Regents of the University of Colorado, a body corporate
  • Patent number: 8469878
    Abstract: A hood attachment jig includes a holding member whose diameter is increasable and that holds an endoscope hood in a state where the holding member is inserted into the endoscope hood; a diameter increasing member that increases the diameter of the holding member by entering the holding member, so that the diameter of the endoscope hood increases; and a push-out member that, when an attachment operation is performed in a state where a tip portion of the endoscope enters the holding member with the increased diameter, pushes out the holding member and the endoscope to separate the holding member and the endoscope from the diameter increasing member so that the endoscope hood, a force of restitution of which reduces the diameter of the holding member, is brought into contact with an outer circumferential surface of the tip portion of the endoscope and further pushes out the endoscope to detach the endoscope from the holding member so that the endoscope hood is attached to the endoscope tip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Takanori Ushijima, Katsuya Kono
  • Patent number: 8460174
    Abstract: A capsule medical apparatus includes a plurality of rigid boards on which functional members are mounted; and a plurality of board-separation keeping units that sandwich the rigid boards to keep the rigid boards separated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Hidetake Segawa, Kanako Kataoka
  • Patent number: 8456762
    Abstract: An observation optical system has a negative lens unit placed at the most object-side position; an annular prism placed on the image side of the negative lens, having a reflecting surface on the negative lens side; and an imaging lens unit arranged on the image side of the negative lens and the annular prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Mizusawa
  • Patent number: 8449127
    Abstract: An endoscope objective lens includes, in sequence from an object side, a front group which includes a negative first lens having a concave surface faces at image side, a filter, and a positive second lens having a convex surface at the object side and a flat surface or concave surface at the image side; an aperture stop; and a back group which includes a positive third lens having a convex surface at the image side, and a combined lens formed of a plano-convex lens or a biconvex lens and a negative meniscus lens, and satisfies the Conditional Expression (1) and (2): n3>??3/12+5.5,??(1) 2.0>df/Ih>1.5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Yuko Katahira
  • Patent number: 8444572
    Abstract: A capsule medical device includes a capsule-shaped casing that can be introduced into an in-vivo region of a subject; and a rotation driving unit that generates torque along a circumferential direction of the capsule-shaped casing. The capsule medical device also includes a cutting-obtaining unit that rotates along the circumferential direction of the capsule-shaped casing due to the torque to cut out and obtain a mass of body tissue from the in-vivo region of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Shinsuke Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8439821
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for the central control of devices used during an operation, comprising a first control unit for control of said devices. The system is characterized in that a second control unit is provided which is connected to the first control unit for exchange of information. The first control unit may be embodied as closed system for control of at least those devices which carry out safety-related functions (safety-related devices), and the second control unit may be embodied as open system for control of the remaining devices which carry out non safety-related functions (non safety-related devices). The invention further relates to a method for the central control of devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Storz Endoskop GmbH
    Inventors: Heinz-Werner Stiller, Pavel Novak, Klaus M. Irion
  • Publication number: 20130096373
    Abstract: Method of determination of access areas from 3D patient images The invention relates to amethod for automatically determining at least one pre-operative portal for arthroscopy from acquired pre-operative medical images of a bone of a patient, the method comprising the following steps: i)constructing a 3Dsurface(S) of the bone from the 3D image of the bone; ii)determining anatomical landmarks of the bone from the 3D surface; iii)determining a bone reference coordinate system (Rbone); iv)selecting at least one predetermined portal in a database of positions of predetermined portals; v)determining a transform between the bone reference coordinate system (Rbone) and the model coordinate system (Ratlas) so that the bone of the patient and the bone of the reference person are matched in size, in position and/or shape; vi)inferring from the transform and the at least one predetermined portal the pre-operative portal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: A2 SURGICAL
    Inventors: Laurence Chabanas, Stéphane Lavallee
  • Patent number: 8419613
    Abstract: Tissue visualization device having a fluid barrier is described herein where an imaging hood is temporarily sealed against a region of tissue to be treated while under direct visualization. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. The imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to the tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A field of view of the imaging element can be expanded and the blood can also be purged in part by inflating a balloon beyond the imaging hood where the balloon is integrally formed along an interior surface of the hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Voyage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Ruey-Feng Peh, Edmund Tam, Amir A. Abolfathi, Chris A. Rothe
  • Patent number: 8398587
    Abstract: A steerable tube (100), comprising a hollow elongate tubular member (1) having a proximal end (2), distal end (3), a wall surface disposed between said proximal (2) and distal end (4), a bend-resistive zone (6) flanked by a proximal bendable zone (4) that forms a controller and a distal bendable zone (5) that forms an effector that moves responsive to movements of the controller, whereby the wall of the tubular member (1) in the bend-resistive zone (6) comprises a structure that is a plurality of longitudinal slits (7), forming a plurality of longitudinal strips (8, 8?), the wall of the tubular member (1) in the proximal bendable zone (4) and the distal bendable zone (5) comprises a structure that is a plurality of longitudinal wires (9, 9?, 10, 10?), at least one strip (8) is in connection with a wire (9) in the proximal bendable zone (4) and a wire (10) in the distal bendable zone (5), such that translation by said wire (9) in the controller is transmitted via the strip (8) to said wire (10) in the effector
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Steerable Instruments B.V.B.A.
    Inventors: Frank Dewaele, Cyriel Mabilde, Bart Blanckaert
  • Patent number: 8398541
    Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed. The method includes capturing and displaying camera images of a surgical site on at least one display device at a surgeon console; switching out of a following mode and into a masters-as-mice (MaM) mode; overlaying a graphical user interface (GUI) including an interactive graphical object onto the camera images; and rendering a pointer within the camera images for user interactive control. In the following mode, the input devices of the surgeon console may couple motion into surgical instruments. In the MaM mode, the input devices interact with the GUI and interactive graphical objects. The pointer is manipulated in three dimensions by input devices having at least three degrees of freedom. Interactive graphical objects are related to physical objects in the surgical site or a function thereof and are manipulatable by the input devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignees: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc., Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Simon P. DiMaio, Christopher J. Hasser, Russell H. Taylor, David Q. Larkin, Peter Kazanzides, Anton Deguet, Bálazs Peter Vágvölgyi, Joshua Leven
  • Patent number: 8394034
    Abstract: A device, system and method for in-vivo sampling. An in-vivo device and method for use thereof may include a sampling chamber and a gating mechanism. The sampling chamber may store a sample of a body lumen substance, and the gate may close and open an opening of the sampling chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.
    Inventors: Gavriel J. Iddan, Elisha Rabinovitz
  • Patent number: 8396276
    Abstract: A method for imaging a patient using an intravascular ultrasound imaging system includes inserting a catheter into a target imaging region within patient vasculature. The catheter includes at least one transducer coupled to a control module. A plurality of image frames is generated as the at least one transducer is moved within patient vasculature. The image frames are based on data obtained from a plurality of echo signals reflected from patient tissue in response to a plurality of acoustic signals output from the at least one transducer. Each image frame includes a motion-blur component. A motion-blur-intensity estimate is quantified for each image frame to form a motion-blur-estimation signal that varies over time and that includes periodic local motion blur minima. Temporal variations of the motion-blur components are filtered to reduce variation in the motion-blur-intensity estimate arising from vessel structure variation. Image frames are selected that contain local motion blur minima.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific SciMed, Inc.
    Inventors: Carlo Gatta, Petia Ivanova Radeva, Josepa Mauri Ferré, Oriol Pujol Vila, Oriol Rodriguez, David Rotger, Eduardo Fernandez-Nofrerias, Francesco Ciompi
  • Patent number: 8388376
    Abstract: An electronic endoscope has an insert section to be introduced into a human body cavity. A distal portion of the insert section contains a CCD and a printed circuit board to which the CCD is bonded. In the insert section, a cable bundle being a bundle of coaxial cables extends. Each coaxial cable consists of a signal line, insulation surrounding the signal line, a braided wire surrounding the insulation, and an insulating jacket. The cylindrical braided wire is stranded into a single line, and is soldered as a ground line to a ground terminal of the printed circuit board. The signal line is pulled out of the coaxial cable with a length longer than the ground line. The signal line is soldered to an input/output terminal of the printed circuit board with a larger sag than the ground line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Goki Yamamoto, Kazuaki Takahashi, Takashi Yashiro, Ryou Kitano, Kazushige Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8388518
    Abstract: A handgrip for a colonoscope shaft is equipped with a novel compact multifunction force and torque sensor allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope manipulation during a colonoscopy procedure. A two-part hinge design of the handgrip in combination with the multifunction sensor provides for a light weight design in a compact package making using the handgrip convenient and natural. An electronic unit is provided to receive the sensor data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Artann Laboratories Inc.
    Inventors: Armen P. Sarvazyan, Aleksandr Pasechnik, Sergey Tsyuryupa, Vladimir Egorov
  • Patent number: 8382657
    Abstract: The invention relates to test equipment for rigid endoscopes, but also for flexible endoscopes and video endoscopes. The equipment includes an enclosure having a cover hingedly coupled to a base, an optical test target coupled to the cover, an endoscope support stand pivotably coupled to the enclosure and a bed contained within the base including a plurality of indentations shaped for receiving individual pieces of endoscope testing equipment. The testing equipment can include magnification loupes, light post adapters, battery powered light sources, cleansing tissues and a ruler. A support bracket is coupled between the cover and the endoscope support stand wherein the endoscope support stand is pivotably coupled to the support bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Integrated Medical Systems International, Inc
    Inventors: Zoltan A. Bodor, Matthew T. Goodale, Oscar Jerome Williams, Marius Todor, Shusheng Ye, Jurgen Zobel
  • Patent number: 8376931
    Abstract: A medical needle set for visualized tissue ablation within a subject's body includes a cannula and components configured for inclusion in the cannula, including a trocar for occlusion of the cannula lumen during needle placement, and a visualizing ablation probe used for simultaneous endoscopic viewing and ablation of tissue sites with a laser beam. The cannula can include a tissue-gripping surface for stabilization of the needle set on the target tissue. A surgical system for tissue ablation includes a visualizing ablation needle set operably connected to an endoscope and a laser. A surgical procedure using this system permits simultaneous visualization and ablation of tissues, including those of the facet joints of the spine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Orthopaedic Development, LLC
    Inventor: Scott S. Katzman
  • Publication number: 20130035247
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of determination of a global DNA methylation index (GDMI) in a sample from a subject, using a variety of methods which can detect global, genome-wide, and gene-specific DNA methylation to create methylation portraits that can be used for early detection, diagnosis, and clinical management in the personalized medicine space. Further, the invention provides methods of diagnosis of cancer, including gastric cancer and hepatocellular cancer in a subject, by comparing the GDMI in a sample obtained from a subject to the methylation index of standard controls. These methods allow diagnosis of gastric carcinoma and liver cancer in patients who may be asymptomatic or have inconclusive pathology, and allowing earlier treatment of the subject.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: THE JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Rafael Guerrero-Preston, David Sidransky
  • Patent number: 8366674
    Abstract: Apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway, the apparatus comprising: a flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the lumen being sized to receive matter to be transported through the bodily passageway; and an external thread disposed over the distal end of the tube, the external thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in a bodily passageway, rotation of the tube about the longitudinal axis will result in longitudinal motion of the tube along said bodily passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Endo Technology America Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Frassica, Robert E. Ailinger
  • Patent number: 8358890
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignees: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., Coherent, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Zerfas, Richard P. Tumminelli
  • Patent number: 8357193
    Abstract: Transluminal access system includes a stent delivery catheter having a handle control mechanism. The catheter comprises a number of components for establishing an initial penetration between adjacent body lumens and subsequently implanting a stent or other luminal anchor therebetween. Manipulation of the stent components is achieved using control mechanisms on the handle while the handle is attached to an endoscope which provides access to a first body lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Xlumena, Inc.
    Inventors: Hoang Phan, John Lunsford, Kenneth F. Binmoeller
  • Publication number: 20130018223
    Abstract: Based on the present disclosure, a minimal time interval can be achieved between the last ingestion of a picosulfate composition and the performance of the colonoscopy. For example, the present disclosure is directed to a method of timing a colonoscopy procedure performed on a patient in need thereof, comprising: administering, to the patient, a picosulfate bowel composition kit according to the kit's instructions; performing the procedure less than about 4 hours after the administration of the kit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: Raymond E. Joseph
  • Patent number: 8353818
    Abstract: An endoscope tracking system includes an endoscope, at least one endoscope tracking transmitter carried by the endoscope, a plurality of anatomy mapping transmitters, a receiver communicating with the at least one endoscope tracking transmitter and the anatomy mapping transmitters and a processor communicating with the receiver. The processor is adapted to generate an anatomical map based on input from the anatomy mapping transmitters and an endoscope tracking image based on input from the at least one endoscope tracking transmitter and superimpose the endoscope tracking image on the anatomical map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Larry Sasaki
  • Patent number: 8353817
    Abstract: A self propelled, endoscopic apparatus formed of a flexible, fluid-filled toroid and a motorized or powerable frame. The apparatus may be used to advance a variety of accessory devices into generally tubular spaces and environments for medical and non-medical applications. The apparatus when inserted into a tubular space or environment, such as the colon of a patient undergoing a colonoscopy, is advanced by the motion of the toroid. The toroid's surface circulates around itself in a continuous motion from inside its central cavity along its central axis to the outside where its surface travels in the opposite direction until it again rotates into its central cavity. As the device advances within the varying sizes, shapes and contours of body lumens, the toroid compresses and expands to accommodate and navigate the environment. The motion of the toroid can be powered or unpowered and the direction and speed may be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Troy J. Ziegler, Timothy P. Sheridan, William T. Ryder
  • Patent number: 8337521
    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 includes an elongate shaft having a working end, a proximal end, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas G. Cooper, S. Christopher Anderson
  • Patent number: 8328793
    Abstract: A device for coupling at least two medically applicable instruments, which are coupled to at least two control apparatuses, includes a central control unit coupled to input and/or output connections of said at least two control apparatuses. The central control unit includes at least one processor that receives output signals from the at least two control apparatuses and converts the output signals into a unified format. At least one processor receives inputted control signals, converts the control signals into formats corresponding to the respective at least two control apparatuses, and transfers the converted control signals to the at least two control apparatuses to control the at least two medically applicable instruments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Brainlab AG
    Inventors: Rainer Birkenbach, Stefan Vilsmeier
  • Patent number: 8317678
    Abstract: A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway at a remote location, the method comprising the steps of: providing a visualization system for deployment in the bodily passageway, the visualization system comprising: an endoscope comprising a rotatable drive collar configured for rotation relative to the endoscope; a disposable drive tube comprising an elongated tube having a helical thread disposed on an exterior surface of the elongated tube, the elongated tube being configured for coaxial disposition about the endoscope; and a mount for releasably securing the disposable drive tube to the rotatable drive collar of the endoscope; wherein the helical thread has a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the disposable drive tube is disposed in the bodily passageway so that the helical thread engages the interior side wall of the bodily passageway, rotation of the disposable drive tube will induce a relative movement between the disposable drive tube a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Endo Technology America Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Frassica, Robert E. Ailinger
  • Patent number: 8303485
    Abstract: A magnetically guiding system includes: a capsule medical device that has a magnet provided therein; an information acquiring unit that acquires physical information about magnetic guiding of the capsule medical device; a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field for magnetically guiding the capsule medical device; and a control unit that sets a magnetic field condition based on the physical information acquired by the information acquiring unit and controls the magnetic field generating unit to generate a magnetic field corresponding to the magnetic field condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Hidetake Segawa, Atsushi Chiba, Atsushi Kimura
  • Patent number: 8303519
    Abstract: This invention provides a guide wire whose structural features can be determined through an endoscope. The guide wire is inserted into a patient's body and used in the lumen. It has markings at the positions where the structural features change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Seiko Yunoki, Kenji Shibaki, Masayuki Iwasaka
  • Patent number: 8303508
    Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope has an ultrasound probe which is disposed at a distal end side of a distal end rigid portion configuring a distal end portion out of a flexible tube portion, a bending portion and the distal end rigid portion configuring an insertion portion, and forms an ultrasound scanning surface having a normal line in a direction orthogonal to an endoscope insertion axis L1, and a treatment instrument outlet of a treatment hole in the distal end rigid portion. The ultrasound probe is configured by a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged in a convex circular arc shape, and a center of curvature of the plurality of ultrasound transducers is disposed at a proximal end side from the treatment instrument outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Katsuhiro Wakabayashi, Hideo Adachi, Takanao Fujimura, Yukihiko Sawada, Akiko Mizunuma, Takuya Imahashi, Sunao Sato
  • Patent number: 8301229
    Abstract: A biological observation apparatus comprises a color image signal creating section that performs signal processing on either a first image pickup signal for which a subject to be examined illuminated by white illumination light is picked up by a color filter having a transmitting characteristic of a plurality of broadband wavelengths or a second image pickup signal for which a subject to be examined is picked up under illumination of frame sequential illumination lights which cover a visible range, and creates a color image signal. The biological observation apparatus comprises a spectral image signal creating section that creates a spectral image signal corresponding to a narrowband image signal through signal processing on a color image signal based on the first or second image pickup signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Kazuhiro Gono, Shoichi Amano, Tomoya Takahashi, Mutsumi Ohshima
  • Patent number: 8294817
    Abstract: There is provided an image pickup module which can be formed by a simple process while securing the mechanical strength of an inner lead at the time of bending and when fixed, without increasing an outer dimension of the image pickup module. The image pickup module includes an image pickup element having an image pickup surface, and a flexible substrate is drawn to be directed rearward of the image pickup surface. A guide member which fixes the image pickup element and the flexible substrate is provided, and the guide member includes a portion which is extended along a rear surface of the image pickup element, and a portion which is extended along a gap between the image pickup element and the flexible substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Motohara, Yoshiro Nishimura
  • Patent number: 8285368
    Abstract: An endoscopic swept-source Fourier Domain optical coherence tomographic system (FDOCT system) for imaging of tissue structure includes a Fourier Domain mode locked (FDML), high speed, narrow line-width, wavelength swept source, an OCT interferometer having a sample arm, a reference arm, a detection arm, and a source arm coupled to the swept source, an endoscopic probe coupled to the sample arm, and a data processing circuit coupled to the detection arm. The swept source includes a long optic fiber functioning as a cavity, a high optical gain lasing module, and a tunable narrow bandwidth bandpass filter for wavelength selection combined to form a unidirectional ring laser cavity, where the tunable narrow bandwidth bandpass filter is driven synchronously with the optical round-trip time of a propagating light wave in the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Zhongping Chen, Jun Zhang, Matthew Brenner
  • Patent number: 8274558
    Abstract: An electronic endoscope system is provided that includes an RGB transformer, an R-signal amplifier, and a GB-signal amplifier. The RGB transformer transforms image signals to RGB signals. The R-signal amplifier changes the amplitude of the R signals of the RGB signals to a predetermined gain value. The GB-signal amplifier nonlinearly changes the amplitude of the G signals and B signals of the RGB signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Takayama