Abstract: A motor which can be mounted in an endoscope probe without bending an electric power supply wire in an endoscope probe body, and an endoscope probe using the motor are provided. The motor includes a magnet, a field coil, a housing, an electric power supply wire, and a shaft. A lead wire from the field coil is connected to the electric power supply wire. A cutout is provided in a housing end, and the electric power supply wire is received along the cutout and led out to the outside of the motor in the direction in which a shaft projects. When the motor is mounted in the endoscope probe, the motor is placed in the endoscope probe body so that the shaft projects in the direction opposite to the direction of the front end of the endoscope probe, and the electric power supply wire, which is led out to the outside of the motor, is routed along the longitudinal direction of the endoscope probe.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope, having a flexible sheath being made of electrically insulating material to be inserted through an instrument channel of the endoscope, an operation wire, which is adapted to be advanced and retracted in an axial direction of the sheath inside the sheath, a treatment instrument, which is arranged at a distal portion of the treatment tool and is adapted to be protruded and retracted from a distal end of the sheath, and a fluid channel with an opening, through which fluid is ejected toward the treatment instrument, is provided. The operation wire and the fluid channel are arranged inside the sheath in parallel with an axis of the sheath. The treatment instrument is connected to the operation wire in a laterally displaced position with respect to the operation wire, and is arranged in front of the opening of the fluid channel.

Abstract: In a capsule 3 as a medical apparatus inserted into a body cavity, the lengthwise direction of the capsule 3 is used as an insert axis, a manipulation/input device 8, which is magnetized in a direction orthogonal to the insert axis, is disposed at the center position of the insert axis. A magnetic field generation device 4, which is disposed outside of a body, is caused to generate a vibration magnetic field in a direction parallel with the insert axis of the capsule 3 by turning on a vibration (ON/OFF) switch 8f of a manipulation/input device 8 so that couples having lines of action, which are in parallel with the insert axis, are exerted on the capsule 3, thereby the capsule 3 executes a swiveling motion about the insert axis and smoothly travels along a cavity organ.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing gastrectomies and gastroplasties. In one embodiment, a method includes gaining access to a stomach of a patient through an opening formed in the patient's abdominal wall and an opening formed in the patient's vaginal wall. Tissue attached to the stomach can be tensioned using a surgical instrument inserted through one of the abdominal and vaginal openings and can be separated from the stomach to free the stomach fundus using a dissecting surgical instrument inserted through another opening, e.g., through one of the abdominal and vaginal openings. The fundus can be at least partially transected using a surgical stapler inserted through one of the abdominal and vaginal openings, thereby forming a stomach “sleeve.” In another embodiment, the method is modified to form another opening in the patient's abdominal wall instead of forming an opening in the vaginal wall.

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.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to readily initiate an operation of a capsule medical apparatus which is inserted into a subject and executes a predetermined function. In a capsule endoscope 3 according to the present invention, a reed switch 14 connected to a power supply unit and a function executing unit is arranged parallel to a direction of a longitudinal axis t of a capsule-like casing 16 in the substantially cylindrical capsule-like casing 16 of the capsule endoscope 3. A pair of movable electrodes of the reed switch 14 operates according to magnetic induction of a magnetic field of a magnet 6 applied substantially parallel to the direction t of the longitudinal axis of the capsule-like casing 16, and come into contact with each other. As a result, power supply from the power supply unit to the function executing unit is allowed.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope for observing the conditions inside a patient's digestive tract system includes a capsular housing, a substrate, and a plurality of metal-insert molded contacts. The capsular housing defines a sealed inner space and has an outer surface. The substrate is arranged in the sealed inner space of the capsular housing and is mounted with at least an electronic element provided thereon. The metal-insert molded contacts are embedded in the capsular housing at predetermined positions thereof and each includes a contact base and an exposed contact portion formed on the contact base. The contact bases each have a connecting section extended into the sealed inner space of the capsular housing to electrically connect to the substrate. The exposed contact portions each have a front surface exposed from the outer surface of the capsular housing for contacting with a signal contact correspondingly provided on a capsule holder that holds the capsular housing thereto.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to lung access devices and methods of using the devices to gain access to the interior of a lung or to the mediastinal space around the lung. In particular, the invention relates to auxiliary access devices and tools for use with conventional bronchoscopes or other endoscopes to enable the delivery of more and larger devices to a target site than is currently possible through a typical endoscope or bronchoscope.

Abstract: A protective cover set for a medical probe designated to be inserted into an endocavity or used intraoperatively in an incision of a human or an animal body, said cover set comprising a probe cover made from a film material, said probe cover having a mouth end with a mouth for inserting said probe and a closed end opposite to said mouth end; and an outer wrapper being joined to said probe cover, said outer wrapper covering at least a length of said probe cover; the probe cover comprising an adhesive element connected to said mouth end of said probe cover.

Abstract: A method for deploying a device in a tortuous vessel, comprising: creating a virtual representation of the tortuous vessel; placing a virtual generalized-cylinder within the virtual representation of the tortuous vessel, wherein the virtual generalized-cylinder is placed within the virtual representation of the tortuous vessel by (i) calculating the centerline of the virtual representation of the tortuous vessel, and (ii) generating the virtual generalized-cylinder by defining an extent along the centerline of the virtual representation of the tortuous vessel and constructing the virtual generalized-cylinder about the centerline; measuring length along the perimeter of the virtual generalized-cylinder at a pre-determined number of longitudes, wherein the longitudes extend parallel to the centerline, and further wherein measuring length along the perimeter of the virtual device at a pre-determined number of longitudes comprises marching down the centerline of the virtual generalized-cylinder, incrementally

Abstract: A treatment method on tissues in a body cavity includes: a first step of forming a hole for communicating first body tissue with second body tissue while both are in close contact with each other; and a second step of endoscopically inserting a treatment device into the second body tissue through the hole.

Abstract: A fiber-optic endoscopic instrument (Fistuloscope) is used to visualize anorectal fistula, and to accurately identify the course through the fistula. The instrument can be used to flush the fistula, to close the fistula tract by means of injecting sealants or placing grafts in the tract of the fistula or to pass setons, micro-instruments or other means to treat and seal the tract.

Abstract: Our invention disclosures a biodosimeter and method of measurements a dose of radiation and/or biological-chemical substances absorbed by human or animal body, microbes, plants. The invention describes a multiparametric analysis system to evaluate biochemical and physical patterns related to a range of doses of radiation and/or biological-chemical substances following exposure of human body by radiation and/or biological-chemical substances. In our invention we also propose to use a method of plasmon enhancement by which intrinsic biomolecular targets within human body may increase their fluorescence QY close to unity, especially for the variety of biochemicals. The disclosed robust biodosimeter provides fast-response field applications to normal populations exposed to radiation and/or biological-chemical substances release, and to first-responders evaluating those normal populations.

Abstract: A diagnosis supporting system acquires a reference image signal of a subject illuminated with visible light and a fluorescent image signal of the subject excited by irradiation with excitation light. The diagnosis supporting system calculates a difference between a brightness level of a pixel in the reference image signal and a brightness level of a pixel in the fluorescent image signal at the corresponding position for target pixels. An observation image signal is generated by converting the pixels in the reference image signal with differences larger than a predetermined value into red pixels. In the case a ratio of the red pixels in the observation image signal is higher than a predetermined level, more pixels become the target pixels to be processed than in the other case.

Abstract: Spiral-wound materials, spirals, and shafts made therefrom that have wraps with edges that may nest within one another are described. Such edges allow the spiral to achieve a smaller bending radius, meaning tighter turns and more flexibility due to the ability of adjacent wraps to nest within each other when the shaft is bent. Spirals having wraps with edges capable of nesting can be used in the medical field for devices that track anatomy, such as endoscopes, colonoscopes, catheters, and the like.

Abstract: A method for automatic centerline extraction for a virtual endoscopy image of an organ having a boundary surface includes centering on selected points of an initial path through the image, which is derived from an endoscopy dataset, respective spheres exhibiting respective maximal diameters short of contacting the boundary surface; and forming a centered path consecutively joining centers of the spheres.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus and method are disclosed wherein first and second light beams, each having different center wavelengths, illuminate an object. A detector and a light receiver optical system are provided that receive back-scattered light from first and second illumination devices. A processor is provided that calculates a value corresponding to the size of particles that back-scatter light of the first and second light beams that are incident onto the object, with the calculated value being independent of the concentration of the particles. The first illumination device and the second illumination device are arranged in a specified manner so that a specified condition is satisfied.

Abstract: In a capsule 3 as a medical apparatus inserted into a body cavity, the lengthwise direction of the capsule 3 is used as an insert axis, a manipulation/input device 8, which is magnetized in a direction orthogonal to the insert axis, is disposed at the center position of the insert axis. A magnetic field generation device 4, which is disposed outside of a body, is caused to generate a vibration magnetic field in a direction parallel with the insert axis of the capsule 3 by turning on a vibration (ON/OFF) switch 8f of a manipulation/input device 8 so that couples having lines of action, which are in parallel with the insert axis, are exerted on the capsule 3, thereby the capsule 3 executes a swiveling motion about the insert axis and smoothly travels along a cavity organ.

Abstract: A device for use with an endoscope is disclosed. The device includes a body that defines a vessel for collecting fluid that may escape through the port and/or valve of the endoscope. The body includes a bottom and a side wall. The bottom and the side wall form a portion of a cradle surrounding the port of the endoscope. The bottom includes a portion configured to mate with the endoscope adjacent the port. The side wall is configured to partially wrap around the port of the endoscope. Further, the body of the device may be shaped to cover at least the neck portion of the port and may include an aperture. The aperture allows access to the port and facilitates attachment of the valve. Absorbent material may be used in the collection vessel to absorb the fluid. The device may also include a wire anchor for attaching a guide wire.

Abstract: A system and method for localizing an in vivo signal source using a wearable antenna array having at least two antenna elements. The signal is received and a signal strength is measured at two or more antenna elements. An estimated coordinate set is derived from the signal strength measurements.

Abstract: A control system for allowing a physician to control the orientation of a medical device or a medical instrument in a variety of directions with one hand. An actuator selectively tensions one or more control cables having ends secured at or adjacent a distal tip of the medical device in order to bend the distal tip in a desired direction. In one embodiment, a physician can adjust the movement of the distal tip in a desired direction without affecting the orientation of the medical device in other directions.

Abstract: A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen comprises an elongated body portion defining a lumen and an anchoring mechanism including an expanding structure on a distal portion of the elongated body portion. The anchoring mechanism moves the expanding structure from an insertion configuration in which the expanding structure is constricted against the device to an operative configuration in a body in which the expanding structure expands away from the device without altering a length of the anchoring mechanism in combination with a control mechanism for selectively engaging the anchoring mechanism.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for attaching one or more ancillary devices to an endoscope. The ancillary device can be any device that is used in conjunction with endoscopic procedures, such as, by way of non-limiting example, an accessory channel, tube, or sleeve, an indwelling tube or feeding tube, and surgical tools such as graspers, snares, etc. The ancillary device(s) can be positioned adjacent to and along side an external surface of an insertion portion of an endoscope for inserting into a body lumen, and one or more attachment devices can be used to mate the ancillary device(s) to the endoscope at one or more attachment locations. In use, the attachment device(s) will allow the ancillary device to move in coordination with the endoscope, thus allowing the endoscope and the ancillary device(s) to be introduced and guided through a tortuous pathway. In certain exemplary embodiments, the attachment device(s) can be configured to prevent radial movement, i.e.

Abstract: Methods of moving or vibrating cantilevered optical fibers of scanning fiber devices are disclosed. In one aspect, a method may include vibrating the cantilevered optical fiber at an initial frequency that is substantially displaced from a resonant frequency of the cantilevered optical fiber. Then, the frequency of vibration of the cantilevered optical fiber may be changed over a period of time toward the resonant frequency. Light may be directed through an end of the cantilevered optical fiber while the cantilevered optical fiber is vibrated.

Abstract: In an endoscopic device insertable into a body cavity attachable elements are moved over one another to move forwardly of each other and to leave each other behind, and to move along different paths so as not to be attached to the same areas of a wall of the body cavity.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a transparent member provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope to face an image pickup optical system, an ultrasonic transducer attached to an inner surface of the transparent member, and a deflection portion provided at an outer surface of the transparent member which changes a direction of propagation of an ultrasonic wave from the ultrasonic transducer. With the configuration, an ultrasonic wave for stain removal is efficiently propagated from the ultrasonic transducer into a region of an observation field of view in an observation window.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for penetrating tissue and/or effecting movement of devices relative to tissue. In general, a surgical instrument is provided having an at least partially fabric-covered distal tip that be used to at least partially penetrate tissue by contacting the tissue with the fabric and rotating the fabric to “drill” into the tissue. The surgical instrument can be configured for delivery proximate to tissue through a working channel of a delivery device and can include an elongate shaft having in its distal portion an end effector at least partially covered in fabric. The fabric, the end effector, and/or the shaft can rotate, thereby allowing at least the fabric to penetrate the tissue and, if sufficiently rotated, causing an opening to form in the tissue. The surgical instrument and/or the delivery device can be advanced through the opening.

Abstract: A receiving apparatus is for selecting and receiving a radio signal in a frame structure having an information body part including at least information body and an additional part including information for receiving field intensity measurement by using a plurality of antennas. The apparatus includes a controller that measures a receiving field intensity of not a first antenna which has received the information body in a transmission period of the additional part in a current frame but a second antenna, and measures a receiving field intensity of the first antenna in a transmission period of the information body part in the current frame, and if the receiving field intensity of the second antenna exceeds the receiving field intensity of the first antenna, selects and changes to the second antenna as the first antenna of a next frame.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system which is largely composed of a scope and a processor. The processor includes a primary or patient's circuit and a secondary circuit which are so connected as to be able to communicate with each other for data transmission in an electrically insulated state. The secondary circuit on the side of the processor includes first MPU and first rewritable ROM which is connected with the first MPU through a first bus, a PC card slot connected to said first bus. In addition to data of picture images captured by an image sensor device mounted on a fore distal end portion of an insertion tube of a scope, a PC card stores a firmware version-up program to be executed for updating a firmware in the first ROM as soon as PC card is booted, starting from an address described in MBR of PC card. An update program of the firmware version-up program is transferred to and written into the first ROM at a high speed depending upon a clock speed of the first bus.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting in-vivo content, may include an in-vivo imaging device for capturing a stream of image frames in a GI tract, a content detector for detecting and/or identifying one or more image frames from the stream of image streams that may show content, and a graphical user interface (GUI) to display image frames detected.

Abstract: Medical carriers that include a low-impedance conductor are provided. The low-impedance conductors are configured to provide electrical conductivity along a length of the medical carrier. An aspect of the low-impedance conductors is the presence of a longitudinally extended region configured as a non-coiled repetitive pattern that imparts fatigue resistance to the longitudinally extended region. Also provided are systems and methods of making the medical carriers, as well as methods of using the medical carriers.

Abstract: The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting in-vivo content, may include an in-vivo imaging device for capturing a stream of image frames in a GI tract, a content detector for detecting and/or identifying one or more image frames from the stream of image streams that may show content, and a graphical user interface (GUI) to display image frames detected.

Abstract: Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Devices and methods for visually confirming the positioning of a distal end portion of an illuminating device placed within a patient include inserting a distal end portion of an illuminating device internally into a patient, emitting light from the distal end portion of the illuminating device, observing transillumination resulting from the light emitted from the distal end portion of the illuminating device that occurs on an external surface of the patient, and correlating the location of the observed transillumination on the external surface of the patient with an internal location of the patient that underlies the location of observed transillumination, to confirm positioning of the distal end portion of the illuminating device.

Abstract: Two stereo images are created by splitting a single image into two images using a field of view dividing splitter. The two images can be displayed side by side so that they can be viewed directly using stereopticon technology, heads-up display, or other 3-D display technology, or they can be separated for individual eye viewing. The two images focus on one imager such that the right image appears on the right side of the monitor and the left image appears on the left side of the monitor. The view of the images is aimed to converge at a given object distance such that the views overlap 100% at the object distance. Measurement is done with at least one onscreen cursor.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope which is introduced into a subject; a change unit which changes a position or posture of the capsule endoscope in the subject with respect to the subject; a storage unit which stores in advance a change procedure of the capsule endoscope as a control parameter of the change unit; and a controller which controls the change unit in accordance with the parameter stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a flexible tube and a connection mouth ring. The flexible tube includes a helical tube, a braid tube disposed outside the helical tube, and an outer tube disposed outside the braid tube. The endoscope further includes a caulking member which caulks the end of the braid tube from the outside of the connection mouth ring in a state held therebetween. The end of the helical tube is connected by thermal action to the connection mouth ring, and a part where the end of the helical tube is connected to the connection mouth ring is positioned differently along the axis of the connection mouth ring from a part where the end of the braid tube is caulked against the connection mouth ring.

Abstract: A protective body packages an exterior of a capsule endoscope body of a capsule endoscope such that a field of vision of an objective lens system is not obstructed. As a result, even if the capsule endoscope collides against a wall surface inside an object being examined, a circular cylinder portion of the protective body is elastically deformed so that the protective body itself becomes a shock absorbing portion and protects each portion inside a case as well as actual LED covers and a lens cover. As a result, the capsule endoscope body can be recovered in an undamaged condition, and unnecessary costs can be reduced by reusing the capsule endoscope body.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an endoscope includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion is configured to be inserted into a body lumen. An electrical component is disposed within the distal end portion of the elongate member and configured to produce a signal. An elongate conductive mechanical component has a proximal end portion and a distal and portion. The distal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component is electrically coupled to the electrical component and configured to conduct the signal or electrical power from/to the electrical component to/from the proximal end portion of the elongate conductive mechanical component.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placing a treatment device within a patient involve advancing a magnetic first introducer into the patient, advancing a magnetic second introducer into the patient, coupling the first introducer with the second introducer via magnetic force, and using the introducer devices to place a treatment device at a desired location within the patient. Optionally, such techniques involve visualization of the introducers or treatment devices during the procedure.

Abstract: A system and associated method is used for warming an endoscope, laparoscope, or other such instrument to minimize fogging. The preferred embodiment comprises a pad for wrapping around an instrument, including a one or more substances operative to generate heat through an exothermic reaction; and an activation disc located around the periphery of the pad to provide for convenient user access. In the preferred embodiment, the activator is a mixture of water and sodium acetate, and the disc is made of perforated stainless steel. A housing contains the pad in sleeve form and an optional heat-conductive tube to receive the instrument around which the pad is wrapped. The pad may be partitioned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule endoscope system and method of processing image data thereof and is suitable for capturing the inner parts of human body using a capsule endoscope having an internally-usable capsule size and receiving to display image data generated from the capturing. By the present invention, a possible-disease part of a patient is selected and observed through a number of image data received from a capsule endoscope, attribute information containing diagnostic details are supported to facilitate an overall diagnostic result to be interpreted, and internal organs in numerous image data received from a capsule endoscope are easily discriminated from each other.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscopic system. The system comprises a flexible endoscope insertable into a first tubular organ from a natural opening of a human body. The system further comprises an opening member which forms on a wall part of the first tubular organ an opening used to insert the endoscope into an abdominal cavity from the first tubular organ in the body, an anastomosing member which is able to anastomoses the first tubular organ with a second tubular organ in the abdominal cavity, and a cutting member with which the second tubular organ is able to be cut.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an in vivo imaging device comprising the steps of: coating an electrical component with a scaffold micro-structure; assembling the micro-structure on a circuit board; and encapsulating the circuit board in a swallowable capsule.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for configuring several modules each individually small enough to pass through a digestive tract; and a tether or other means for releasably configuring at least the several modules in a group. Such a tether may (directly or indirectly) couple some of the modules via at least a gap in another module from which the tether may slip free, in some embodiments. Such methods may include modes of administering a medication or otherwise taking an action in response to the one or more phenomena.

Abstract: A battery self-containing body, which self-contains a battery or a battery accommodating body, which accommodates a battery removably is attached to a capsule body including a drive circuit for driving an imaging device and an illuminating device. Thus, the power supply can be turned ON easily. In addition, the inside portion is sealed water-tightly. Thus, the battery self-containing body or a battery can be exchanged easily, which allows the easy reuse. The direction of the visual field of the imaging device is diagonal with respect to the axis of the capsule body. Furthermore, spiral-shape projections are provided on the peripheral surface of the cylinder form. Thus, the rotation allows the surface of canal cavity wall to be examined easily.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes a capsule and a transparent cover having a central axis and that is located in front of an objective optical system within the capsule. The objective optical system has a depth of field, a field of view, and an image surface that has curvature of field, and is arranged on the central axis of the transparent cover and the capsule. The field of view of the objective optical system includes a spherical surface that is tangent to the transparent cover at a periphery of the field of view, and the near point of the depth of field on the optical axis of the objective optical system is positioned farther from the objective optical system than is the transparent cover. Various conditions are satisfied so as to provide high quality imaging.

Abstract: A method for performing percutaneous interbody preparation and placement of an interbody device is disclosed. The method includes the steps of inserting a guide mechanism into the disc space from a posterolateral orientation and then working over the guide mechanism with cannulated, self-distracting tools and implants to prepare and place the desired implant. Means for performing the percutaneous interbody preparation and implant placement procedure are also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible spine for use in one or more surgical instruments including a catheter and/or sheath of a robotic instrument system. The spine includes an elongate body that defines a central lumen and that is a unitary structure having a plurality of discrete sections, each of which has a distinguishing structural attribute that differentiates it from the other sections. Such distinguishing structural attributes may include, without limitation, materials, material attributes, shapes, sizes and/or attributes related to apertures in a wall of the elongate body, such as a number, shape, size, spacing and degree of overlap of such apertures. The arrangement of discrete, structurally different sections results in varying flexibility of the elongate spine and of corresponding sections of a surgical instrument incorporating the spine.

Abstract: RFID circuitry is used in an endoscopic light source unit to track cumulative light bulb use information. An inductively powered RFID tag is affixed to the light bulb assembly, and communicates wirelessly with an RF transceiver within the light source unit via a low-frequency modulation wave. The RFID tag includes memory which stores a value representing cumulative duration of use of the light bulb. The transceiver reads the value from the RFID tag and communicates the value to control circuitry in the light source unit, which tracks use of the light bulb within the light source unit. Based on such tracking, the transceiver periodically updates the value in the RFID tag via the wireless link. Cumulative bulb usage hours is displayed on the light source unit. The RFID tag also may store a custom password and/or other information.