Abstract: An endoscopic treatment system 1 of the present invention includes an overtube 2 that is inserted into the body of a patient. An endoscope 7 and a suturing device 8 are inserted into the overtube 2. The overtube 2 has a long and flexible tube main body 3, and a chamber 4 is provided at the distal end of the tube main body 3. The chamber 4 has a lateral hole 10 formed on the lateral surface thereof. The width of the lateral hole 10 is set such that a lesion can be drawn into the lateral hole 10 while preventing other organs on the periphery of the lesion from being drawn into the lateral hole 10.

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: A rotary self-propelled endoscope, including: a tubular outer shaft having an elongated insertion section main body with a distal end portion which is rotatable around a longitudinal axis and has at least partially a surface formed to have a helical configuration; an inner shaft which is rotatably inserted through the outer shaft and is coupled to the distal end portion of the insertion section main body; and a motor unit which causes the inner shaft to rotate around the longitudinal axis from the proximal end side.

Abstract: A method for improving the prevention of colorectal cancer in a patient, comprising: conducting a colonoscopy which includes a first medical professional navigating a colonoscope in a colon of the patient and, simultaneously, a second medical professional controlling a tip of the colonoscope to perform at least one medical procedure.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided, with a main body and a rigid shaft, extending from the main body, which has a first section which extends in a rectilinear manner, a curved second section adjoining it and a third section, adjoining the second section, which forms a distal end of the shaft. The shaft includes, for receiving an instrument, a one-piece instrument tube which extends to the distal end of the shaft and has an open end there, and an optics module by means of which an image of an area in front of the distal end of the shaft can be recorded. A cladding tube extending from the main body to the distal end is provided, in which the instrument tube and the optics module are arranged, and which includes a rectilinear part for the first section and a curved part, connected to the rectilinear part, for the second section.

Abstract: Broadband light BB and narrowband light NB are simultaneously irradiated to a subject. A blue signal B, a green signal G, and a red signal R are obtained by imaging the subject using a color CCD 33. A base image is generated from the signals B, G, and R of three colors. A B/G image having a B/G ratio is generated. A superficial blood vessel extraction image is obtained by extracting a pixel, in which the B/G ratio is equal to or less than a boundary value Ls between the mucous membrane and the superficial blood vessel, from the B/G image. A medium-deep blood vessel extraction image is obtained by extracting a pixel, in which the B/G ratio is equal to or greater than a boundary value Ld between the mucous membrane and the medium-deep blood vessel. The boundary values Ls and Ld differ depending on each observation mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for introducing a plurality of instruments to a target site through a working channel. The working channel can include a surface adapted to guide one or more instruments into select positions. The working channel can be defined by a portion of a guide tube or tip that may be coupled with an endoscope.

Abstract: The foregoing application describes a system and method of performing a minimally invasive surgical operation. More specifically, the invention involves the use of disposable cannula and slender dilators of variable lengths, which incorporate a source of illumination to carry light to a surgical site and video capabilities for capturing and displaying images from a CMOS or CCD camera device. According to one embodiment, fiber optics run semi-circumferentially or along walls of the cannula/dilator and terminate at about a centimeter from the distal end of the cannula/dilator, thereby preventing illumination from “bottoming out” at the floor of the incision. According to one alternate embodiment, the light fibers may be fashioned in an annulus around one or more camera chips to provide illumination and video of the surgical site.

Abstract: An illuminated suction apparatus including a hand-held surgical device combining a high-performance non-fiber optic optical waveguide with suction. This device is useful in a wide array of surgical procedures including open and minimally invasive orthopedics.

Abstract: A kit for surgically removing stones comprising: a double barreled sheath including a first barrel and a second barrel joined side-by-side; a first connector which is engaged at the proximal end of the first barrel; a second connector which is engaged at the proximal end of the second barrel; a first rigid tube interconnecting the first barrel with the first connector with the first connector being releasably engaged to the first rigid tube and the first rigid tube, first barrel and first connector being co-axial; a second rigid tube interconnecting the second barrel with the second connector with the second connector being releasably engaged to the second rigid tube and the second rigid tube, second barrel and second connector being co-axial; and a wire basket retriever adapted for insertion into one of the barrels and being releasably engaged with a connector or an actuation device.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; an image pickup section configured to pick up an image of inside of the subject; an operation portion configured to be connected to the insertion portion; a grasping portion configured to be able to be grasped by an operator, the grasping portion being connected to the operation portion and provided such that an axis in a longitudinal direction is substantially perpendicular to a central axis of the insertion portion; a protruding portion provided on a surface on the insertion portion side of the grasping portion, the protruding portion protruding so as to form an acute angle with respect to the central axis of the insertion portion, on the insertion portion side; and a switch portion provided on the protruding portion and disposed at an angle which makes a right angle with respect to the acute angle.

Abstract: Appropriate stereoscopic images of an affected site are easily acquired. Provided is a stereo-endoscope device that includes an inserted portion that can be inserted into a subject's body; two imaging devices that are disposed on the inserted portion with a space therebetween; driving units that change the relative angle of the optical axes of the imaging devices; a distance sensor for detecting the distance to the imaging devices from a treatment part of a treatment instrument that is inserted into the subject's body and is used to treat the affected site; and a swivel control section that controls the driving units based on insertion information of the treatment instrument, the insertion information including the distance detected by the distance sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivering a neurostimulator to a target tissue are provided which may include any number of features. One feature is a delivery tool comprising a handle portion, an elongate shaft comprising a contoured distal portion, a visualization system embedded in the elongate shaft, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft configured to deploy the neurostimulator. The contoured distal portion can be shaped and configured to maintain contact with a posterior maxilla and elevate a periosteum off of the posterior maxilla to avoid soft tissue dissection. In some embodiments, the neurostimulator is implanted in close proximity to or touching the sphenopalatine ganglion.

Abstract: Described is a medical assembly and delivery devices for performing minimally invasive medical procedures. In particular, described is a controllable articulating directional tip assembly consisting of interlocking segments creating an articulating directional tip and various components utilized with the directional tip for various tissue alterations and/or viewing within a tissue cavity such as, for example, non-soft tissue alterations such as bone within a non-soft tissue cavity. In particular, the disclosed device could be utilized as an osteotome device for altering, such as cutting, bone.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided that include a releasable mount device that may be utilized to couple an operative element, such as an ablation device, with a therapeutic or diagnostic device, such as an endoscope. The releasable mount device may include a tubular base. The tubular base may include a slot extending in a longitudinal direction between a distal end and a proximal end of the tubular base. The tubular base may be configured to radially expand whereby a slot width of the slot may increase from a first width to a second width in order to clamp the tubular base onto the therapeutic or diagnostic device. The tubular base may be configured without a slot, in some cases, with a diameter larger than the therapeutic or diagnostic device. The tubular base may include one or more gripping members. The releasable mount device may include a support member configured to couple with the operative element.

Abstract: A medical instrument system includes an elongated member having an inner space in a direction of a longitudinal axis, an insertion section installed at the inner space and having a bending section capable of being bent, a manipulation section configured to manipulate the bending section, a first manipulation member transmitting a driving force of the bending section in accordance with the manipulation by the manipulation section, a second manipulation member arranged in the direction of a longitudinal axis, a connecting section having a first connecting section and a second connecting section and capable of connecting the first manipulation member and the second manipulation member, and a switching mechanism having a first acting section and a second acting section and switching between a connection state and a release state in accordance with a relative movement between the elongated member and the insertion section.

Abstract: An apparatus applicable for the ligation of internal tissue in a created or natural cavity in animals or in the human body, for example varicose veins in the gullet or a duodenal diverticulum, by means of an elastic band (19) while observing the ligations through an endoscope. The apparatus includes an automatic trigger unit (1) mounted firmly on the handle of the endoscope which can release a number of elastic bands (19) with the aid of a single-stranded trigger cord (11). Only a single elastic band (19) is released for each ligation thereby establishing a one-man-operated apparatus.

Abstract: A trocar assembly is presented herein. The trocar assembly can include a tip assembly comprising an adapter sleeve and a jaw assembly component. The jaw assembly component can be hingeably coupled to the adapter sleeve such that it has a first position, such as a rest position, and a second position, such as an expanded position. The adapter sleeve can be configured to couple the jaw assembly to a trocar of the trocar assembly component. Additionally, the trocar assembly can have a trocar having a hollow elongate member that includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the hollow elongate member can be open. The first end can allow an implement to be inserted therein. The insertion of the implement can transition the jaw assembly component from the rest position to the expanded position.

Abstract: When light reflected off a treatment tool and light reflected off an organ during in vivo observation are equal in brightness and wavelength, both the treatment tool and organ appear clear with an unwanted object acting as a disturbing element. Also, there is a problem in that a desired object cannot be observed conversely in amniotic fluid due to high transparency when fiber is used alone. A treatment tool is made of transparent material, provided with illuminating light for treatment tool observation differing at least partially in wavelength from illuminating light for in vivo observation, and configured to allow intensity to be adjusted independently. Visibility of the treatment tool in a wavelength range of the illuminating light for treatment tool observation is configured to be higher than visibility of the treatment tool in a wavelength range of the illuminating light for in vivo observation.

Abstract: Endoscopic light refraction imaging techniques are described for configuring a viewing trocar and/or angled endoscope with a light refracting element, such as glass and/or plastic prism for instance. The light refracting element can be utilized in and/or with the viewing trocar to refract (i.e., bend) light passing into the trocar through the trocar's window. As a result, the angled endoscope's field of view can be substantially aligned with the field of view of the trocar's window, thus allowing the angled endoscope and viewing trocar to be used together to create ports in a patient, including initial ports of endoscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract: An ablation system including an image database storing a plurality of computed tomography (CT) images of a luminal network and a navigation system enabling, in combination with an endoscope and the CT images, navigation of a locatable guide and an extended working channel to a point of interest. The system further includes one or more fiducial markers, placed in proximity to the point of interest and a percutaneous microwave ablation device for applying energy to the point of interest.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue including displaying a path to a point of interest within a luminal network, navigating a locatable guide to the point of interest following the displayed path, and deploying one or more fiducial markers proximate the point of interest. The method also including percutaneously inserting a microwave ablation device into the point of interest and ablating the tissue at the point of interest.

Abstract: A minimally invasive viewing instrument including a cannula configured and adapted to house a scope having a lens. An attachment member including a skirt member is configured and adapted to maintain the lens of the scope at a distance away from the distal end of the skirt member to minimize the potential of lens contamination. Moreover, the materials shape, and/or contours of the skirt member is configured and adapted to divert the flow of bodily fluid away from the lens, thereby reducing the potential of lens contamination.

Abstract: A medical device may include a housing. The housing may include an outer wall, an inner wall spaced from the outer wall, and a cavity defined by the outer wall and the inner wall. The distal end of the outer wall may be disposed proximally from the distal end of the inner wall. The housing may further define a passageway therethrough. The cavity may be in fluid communication with a port configured to adjust pressure within the cavity.

Abstract: A one piece, one step, steerable video intubation device has an intubation device body having a downwardly extending stylet, a proximal handle, and a video display. The flexible stylet has firming and bending tendons controlled by a trigger for controlled anatomic shaping and anatomically accurate steerage of the stylet. The stylet is inserted into an endotracheal tube for an intubation procedure, or other tubes for insertion into various body orifices. The stylet and mounted endotracheal tube are guided by a video image from a camera and light on the distal tip end of the stylet. The intubation device is removed, with the endotracheal or other surgical tube remaining in proper place in the patient. Sterility is maintained via a disposible sheath or condom placed over the stylet during use.

Abstract: An endoscopic cryoablation apparatus for the ablation of unwanted tissues is disclosed. A method of utilizing the apparatus for ablating pancreatic cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, or other undesired tissue is also incorporated. The apparatus provides a cryoprobe needle tip covered by an outer sheath at a distal end of a catheter shaft such that the distal end includes a defined ablation zone. As implemented, the cryocatheter can be utilized alone or in combination with and endoscopic ultrasound. A moveable handle attached to the outer sheath is configured such that the handle retracts and protracts the outer sheath to expose and cover, respectively, the cryoprobe needle tip.

Abstract: A passively flexible ureteroscope having a diameter of less than about 2.5 millimeters is provided. The ureteroscope may help overcome many of the problems associated with the prior art devices and methods for removing kidney stones. The ureteroscope includes an elongate member having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and an inner conduit that extends longitudinally between the proximal and distal portions. The elongate member is made from a passively flexible material that is capable of being inserted and directed through a patient's body cavity, such as the ureter, by manual direction and pressure so that minimal, if any, additional mechanical or steering mechanisms are present. An imaging device and light source are provided at the distal portion of the elongate member to allow for positioning the device with respect to the stone. A laser fiber can be directed through the conduit to destroy a targeted stone.

Abstract: A handheld resector balloon system includes a balloon catheter with a resecting surface and hub coupled to a handheld pump. The hub includes an inflation port that supplies fluid to a first lumen of the catheter to repeatedly inflate and deflate the balloon in pulsed fashion to resect biological material. The hub may also include a delivery port for delivering an agent, such as drugs, to a second lumen of the catheter for delivery to the distal end of the catheter. The hub may also include an aperture for inserting a device, such as an imaging device, into the second lumen of the catheter. In some embodiments, an imaging module is coupled to a handheld pump, which may include a light source for supplying light, and image circuitry for converting an optical signal from the imaging device to electrical data to be output to a computer.

Abstract: Endoscopic instrument assemblies and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscopic instrument assembly includes an endoscope having a working channel and an endoscopic instrument slidably disposed in the working channel. The inside surface of the working channel and the outside surface of the endoscopic instrument each have a non-circular cross-sectional shape along at least a portion of their respective lengths.

Abstract: A device for delivering an apparatus or object to a targeted location within a human subject is disclosed. The device includes a body, a handle mounted to and movable relative to the body, a tube, a cable, and retention unit. The tube has a first end fixed to the body and a second end fixed to the retention unit. The cable has a first end fixed to the handle and a second end remote from the body. The cable extends substantially through the tube. The retention unit applies a retention force sufficient to retain the capsule during endoscopic delivery to the targeted release location. Manipulation of the handle in a direction relative to the retention unit generates a force on the apparatus greater than the retention force. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of performing an operation, e.g. a spinal operation, on a patient using a retractor comprising a pair of blade assemblies which are adapted to open about a set of axes that are not parallel to a third spatial axis, and further comprising a pair of arms, which are adapted to move the pair of blade assemblies apart from one another in the third spatial axis. In the method, the blade assemblies are closed to assume a low profile, inserted into a relatively small incision, and stretched apart from each other, thereby stretching the skin about the incision to form an aperture longer than the incision. The blade assemblies are then opened by rotating the blades about the set of axes, stretching the skin around the incision in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction (i.e. the direction of the incision.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing at least one treatment to at least one tissue having a first structural arrangement configured to expand a first portion at a distal end of the apparatus, a second structural arrangement configured to expand a second portion at the distal end and at least one lumen associated with at least one of the first structural arrangement and/or the second structural arrangement. The first structural arrangement and/or the second structural arrangement can be configured to position the at least one lumen at a particular position with respect to the tissue. A tip is configured to aid in the insertion of the apparatus into the tissue(s).

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention provide delivery systems and methods of using the delivery systems. The delivery systems facilitate stabilization of a handle assembly against an endoscope during deployment of an occlusion device.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting thermal effects of tissue ablation on a tissue of a patient includes an endoscope, a biopsy forceps, and an electrical measurement circuit. The method includes measuring a first value of an electrical property of the tissue and removing at least a portion of the tissue with the hot biopsy forceps. The method also includes measuring a second value of the electrical property of the remaining tissue. Accordingly, the electrical measurement circuit is configured to correlate the difference between the first and second values to a depth of ablation.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus according to the present invention includes an insertion portion having a distal end portion and at least two channels; an optical observation system provided on one surface of the distal end portion so as to face an axial direction different from a direction of an insertion axis X of the insertion portion; a first channel opening provided on one surface of the distal end portion near the optical observation system; an ultrasound transducer array provided on the one surface of the distal end portion and having a scanning surface Z parallel to the insertion axis; and a second channel opening provided on a proximal end side of the ultrasound transducer array.

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: The present invention relates to a method of laparoscopic surgery, and a kit which could be used in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

Abstract: A low coherence enhanced backscattering tomography (LEBT) method is disclosed for depth-selective sensing of the superficial layer of tissue. 3D images of the microarchitecture and molecular conformation of the superficial layer of tissue are obtained. The method combines the high resolution advantage of low coherence light and the high sensitivity advantage of light scattering to tissue structure and composition. Intact tissue can be examined without the need of excision or processing. The method can be applied in in situ measurements. According to the method, 3D images of the nuclear morphology and cellular structure for the superficial layer of the tissue are generated; this is particularly useful in detecting cancer and precancer at the earliest stage of carcinogenesis.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes insertion unit, a rotation drive mechanism, a first rotation member which is arranged inside the insertion unit and rotates by the rotation drive mechanism, a second rotation member which is attached to an outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit and is adjacent to the first rotation member, and a helical rotation member which is rotatable in accordance with rotation of the second rotation member. The insertion apparatus include a magnetic force generation mechanism which generates a magnetic force that enables the first rotation member and the second rotation member to be attracted to and coupled and enables the second rotation member to rotate follow rotation of first rotation member. The magnetic force generation mechanism is arranged at a tubular end portion of the first rotation member and a tubular end portion of the second rotation member adjacent to the end portion.

Abstract: An endoscopic aspiration device is mounted on a manipulating head of an endoscope, from which an elongated insertion rod member is extended forward, the endoscopic aspiration device being composed of a valve casing which is mounted on the manipulation head in communication with an aspiration passage running through the insertion rod member, and a valve assembly unit including a valve member, a valve guide member and a connector member attached to the valve guide member to communicate same with a proximal aspiration passage on the side of a suction source. The valve member is put in a sliding displacement along the valve guide member to bring the aspiration passage into and out of communication with the proximal aspiration passage on the side of a suction source. The valve guide member is coupled with the valve casing through a coupling mechanism which permits to turn the valve assembly unit on and relative to the manipulating head.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an attachment unit detachably attached to an outer peripheral direction side of an insertion section to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis with respect to an insertion main body, and including a gear portion formed over an all-round inner peripheral portion of the attachment unit, a rotary gear meshing with the gear portion to allow the attachment unit to be attached to the insertion section, and a base portion defining a gear arrangement portion where the rotary gear is arranged on an outer peripheral portion of the insertion section. In the endoscope, a channel, extended through an inside of an operation section and an inside of the insertion section from an outer surface of the operation section and opened to an outside of the insertion section in the gear arrangement portion, is defined.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation lead for the treatment of biological conditions includes a lead body with an electrical connector at one end and a pair of monopolar branches at the other end. The lead body has a length ranging from 390 mm to 490 mm to allow for implantation from an incision site further removed from the final positioning site of the electrodes. The branches have lengths ranging from 50 mm to 120 mm for the both branches. These lengths facilitate successful laparoscopic implantation at sites with confined anatomy, such as, near the gastroesophageal junction. The branches include needles and sutures at their ends for suturing anchors positioned on the branches to surrounding tissue. The needles have curves designed to facilitate maneuvering in confined anatomy. A separate lead includes a suture loop connecting the ends of the first and second branches rather than needles. The loop is used to pull the lead through the working channel of an endoscope.

Abstract: A sheath apparatus includes, a plurality of node rings configured to be tilted with respect to each other, each node ring defining a substantially cylindrical wall and having at least one hole passing through said cylindrical wall, the plurality of node rings being arranged next to each other along a linear axis such that consecutive node rings contact each other at a contact plane; a manipulating wire going through the holes in said stacked node rings; and a position restoring component configured to restore said stacked node rings from a tilted position to an original position, wherein said position restoring component is located inside or outside of the stacked node rings.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present inventions provide stabilization devices and methods for use of the stabilization devices with minimally invasive gynecological procedures such as methods of preventing pregnancy by inserting intrafallopian contraceptive devices into the fallopian tubes.

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: Process and device for directly medicinally treating interior tissue during or after intubation of a patient by passing medicinal radiant energy transversely through the intubation device to irradiate the internal patient tissue for promoting healing or for an antimicrobial effect. The invention is useful in conjunction with endoscopies and catherizations, such as urinary catherization, gastric and pulmonary endoscopies, and the like procedures. The process and device can also provide liquid flow and/or vision.

Abstract: An endoscope system having an endoscope, an external tube associated with said endoscope and extending alongside said endoscope, an endoscope tool extending through said external tube and having formed along at least part of an elongate surface thereof a hydrophilic coating; and a liquid communication port associated with said external tube for providing liquid communication with the interior of said external tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and associated methods for use when performing endoscopic procedures. According to one aspect, a sheath positionable within a working channel of an endoscopic device, and adapted for receiving one or more instruments, is provided. The sheath can include a first channel and a second channel, the first channel and the second channel extending at least partially along a length of the sheath, wherein at least one of the first channel or the second channel includes an open edge open along at least part of the length of the respective channel.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a distance information calculator that calculates distance information corresponding to a distance to an imaging object at each of portions in an image; a feature data calculator that calculates feature data at each portion in the image; a feature data distribution calculator that calculates a distribution of the feature data in each of regions that are classified according to the distance information in the image; a reliability determining unit that determines the reliability of the distribution of the feature data in each of the regions; and a discrimination criterion generator that generates, for each of the regions, a discrimination criterion for discriminating a specific region in the image based on a determination result of the reliability and the distribution of the feature data in each of the regions.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a distal end rigid portion that configures a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and has a through hole; an LED ceramic substrate including an LED light source mounted on a distal end side thereof, and arranged in the through hole so as to emit light from the through hole; an LED cable configured to be inserted in the insertion portion of the endoscope and to supply electric power to the LED light source; a ceramic cutout portion that configures a proximal end side of the LED ceramic substrate, and allows a conductive pattern for electrically connecting the LED light source and the LED cable to be exposed from inside the LED ceramic substrate and connected to the LED cable; and a reinforcement member having rigidity and fixed to the LED ceramic substrate and configured to cover the ceramic cutout portion.