Abstract: A gastric tube for use in a bariatric surgical procedure includes an elongate tube and a movable component supported on an outer surface of the elongate tube. The elongate tube has a non-circular cross section along at least a portion of a length of the elongate tube. The movable component is movable between an unexpanded configuration and an expanded configuration. In the unexpanded configuration, the movable component is disposed in abutting engagement with the outer surface of the elongate tube. In the expanded configuration, the movable component bows outwardly from the outer surface of the elongate tube.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical apparatus for an endoscope with which an operator can change, as desired, the size of an image of a site to be observed that appears in an endoscopic image obtained by an endoscope or the size of the range of the site to be observed. An image processing unit (zooming means) of a processor device changes a zoom magnification factor of an endoscopic image from an endoscope through electronic zooming on the basis of the operation of a foot switch. In the non-sensing region of the slider, the activation and deactivation of the zooming operation by the foot switch are switched according to a relative position of a distal end of the endoscope with respect to a distal end of the treatment tool.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal-tract constricting method includes: while observing the gastrointestinal tract by inserting an endoscope into the gastrointestinal tract, forming a spreading block that suppresses infiltration of a substance, which damages a mucosa basal layer of the gastrointestinal tract, into the muscular layer underlying the mucosa basal layer, the spreading block being formed along a circumferential direction of the gastrointestinal tract and between the mucosa basal layer and the muscular layer; and supplying the substance to a gap between the spreading block and the mucosa basal layer while forming a contact surface between the spreading block and the substance along the circumferential direction of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: A method of inserting a circular stapling apparatus into a body lumen includes inserting a distal portion of a shell assembly of the circular stapling apparatus in an entrance to a body lumen, introducing an insufflation fluid through an aperture defined in an outer surface of the shell assembly, and inserting a remainder of the shell assembly and a portion of an elongated member into the body lumen. Introducing the insufflation fluid through the aperture flows insufflation fluid into the body lumen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube.

Abstract: An imaging module includes: an image-sensing device; a first substrate including a first insulating substrate main body that includes a plurality of surfaces, an electrode terminal, a first cable terminal disposed on only one of the plurality of surfaces of the first insulating substrate main body; a second substrate including a second insulating substrate main body and a second cable terminal; and a signal cable disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, that electrically connects the first cable terminal to the second cable terminal. The one of the plurality of surfaces of the first insulating substrate main body where the first cable terminal is connected to the signal cable and a surface of the second insulating substrate main body where the second cable terminal is connected to the signal cable are disposed on a same plane.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device having a slotted clear cannula, a blade and a housing, wherein the cannula is attached to the housing, and wherein the blade is enclosed in the housing and is slidable into the cannula is disclosed. The blade is enclosed within the housing and cannula, and has a horizontally-oriented pushing component and a vertically-oriented cutting component that protrudes through the slot of the cannula. The device further has a device for locking a viewing device in place relative to other components of the device. A method for a performing an operative procedure on a target tissue in a subject using the endoscopic surgical device is also described.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical device has a hand piece, a probe, and an electromechanical transducer assembly disposed inside the hand piece. The probe is mounted to a distal end of the hand piece and is operatively connected to the transducer assembly. An electrical connector is mounted at least indirectly to the hand piece, while an electrical circuit electrically or operatively connects the probe to the electrical connector. A wire or cable is operatively coupled at one end to the electrical connector and at an opposite end to electrical ground.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a medical device. Systems and methods are provided for accessing and visualizing the pancreatico-biliary system. The medical device may include a guide catheter with a first lumen and a second lumen. A first elevator may be disposed in the first lumen, wherein the first elevator is movable relative to the first lumen for elevating a first tool insertable into the first lumen. A second elevator may be disposed in the second lumen, wherein the second elevator is movable relative to the second lumen for elevating a second tool insertable into the second lumen.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: A robotic surgical system comprising a surgical instrument. The surgical instrument includes an elongate, hollow shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a flexible section. The surgical instrument also includes a sensor apparatus comprising an electromagnetic sensor. The robotic surgical system also includes a force transmission mechanism coupled to the proximal end of the shaft and a processor communicatively coupled to at least the sensor apparatus. The processor is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor apparatus and to use the sensor data with mechanical property data for the surgical instrument and material property data for the surgical instrument to determine external force information for the surgical instrument.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a retrieval device may include a distally located end effector movable between a contracted state and an expanded state. The end effector may include a plurality of support members each including a passage. The end effector may also include a plurality of movable members. A first movable member may include a first portion extending into a first passage of the support member passages. The retrieval device may also include a proximally located handle assembly including a longitudinal actuator and a twisting actuator coupled to the plurality of movable members. The longitudinal actuator and twisting actuator may be configured to longitudinally move and twist the movable members without longitudinally moving and twisting the support members.

Abstract: A device includes a capsule extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and including a channel extending therethrough. The capsule is releasably coupled to a proximal portion of the device. Device also includes a first arm rigidly fixed to the distal end of the capsule to extend distally therefrom. In addition, Device includes a second arm, a proximal end of which is slidably received within the capsule so that the second arm is movable between an open configuration, in which the second arm is moved laterally away from the first arm and a distal end of the second arm is moved distally past the distal end of the first arm, and a closed configuration, in which the second arm is moved toward the first arm and the distal end of the second arm is moved proximally toward the distal end of the first arm.

Abstract: A sensing assembly for sensing contact with an object is disclosed. The contact sensing assembly may comprise an elongate tubular body. An electrode may be connected to the elongate tubular body. A vibration element is operatively connected with the electrode and configured to deliver a vibration-inducing signal to induce vibration of the electrode. A sensor is configured to monitor the electrode for a perturbation in the induced vibration. The perturbation results from contact between the electrode and the object.

Abstract: Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an imaging device chip having a chip connection portion; a tubular housing tube used to a scope tip portion of an endoscope; a substrate to which the imaging device chip is fixed, the substrate having a substrate connection portion, the substrate being capable of bending at near the substrate connection portion when the substrate is inserted into the housing tube; a lead wire connecting the substrate connection portion and the chip connection portion; flexible and non-conductive resin covering an entirety of the lead wire; and an imaging module including the substrate provided with the imaging device chip thereon, the imaging module inserted into the housing tube.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to robotic arm assemblies. The robotic arm assembly may include forearm segment, upper arm segment, and elbow coupling joint assembly. Upper arm segment includes a motor. Elbow coupling joint assembly connects forearm and upper arm segments. Elbow coupling joint assembly includes distal and proximal elbow joint subassemblies. Distal elbow joint subassembly is connected to the forearm segment. Distal elbow joint subassembly includes gear train system having gear stages including first distal elbow gear stage, second distal elbow gear stage, third distal elbow gear stage, and fourth distal elbow gear stage. First distal elbow gear stage includes bevel gears. Second distal elbow gear stage includes spur gears. Third distal elbow gear stage includes bevel gears. Fourth distal elbow gear stage includes a planetary gear assembly. Proximal elbow joint subassembly connects the upper arm segment to the distal elbow joint subassembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for injecting one or more agents into tissue within a patient's body. In one embodiment, an injection device includes a substantially axially incompressible elongate member including a lumen extending between proximal and distal ends thereof. A distal stop is provided on the distal end and a needle tip extends distally beyond the distal stop, the needle tip having a cross-section smaller than the distal end. The needle tip includes a passage communicating between the lumen and an outlet in the distal tip that has having a cross-section smaller than the lumen. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate member includes a coil extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a sleeve disposed within an interior region of the coil extending between the proximal and distal ends. The sleeve defines the lumen and may be free-floating within at least a portion of the coil.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical cannula for introducing instruments, scopes or tubing into body cavities while saline water can be provided or waste material can be removed at the same time. and within the same incision. The cannula has a tee shape with two ports on sides and is capable to combines the uses of supply saline water, remove damaged material and perform manipulation of surgical instruments within an incision. The cannula invention reduced at least one incision and saved time during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A fluid management system receives fluid from a fluid source and delivers the fluid to a medical probe having a first fluid infusion and aspiration circuit and a second fluid infusion and aspiration circuit. The system also transfers fluid from the medical probe to a collection container. A controller operates a first pump and valve assembly to selectively deliver fluid inflow from the fluid source to one of the first fluid infusion and the second fluid infusion and aspiration circuit. The controller further operates a second pump and valve assembly to selectively transfer fluid outflow to the collection container from one of the first fluid infusion and aspiration circuit of the medical probe and the second fluid infusion and aspiration circuit of the medical probe.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope apparatus which can notify an operator whether or not a forceps elevator is in a reclined state by simple and inexpensive means. The endoscope includes: a forceps elevator which is erectably provided at the distal end part of an operation part that is provided to the insertion part. The forceps elevator has an erecting motion range from a minimum angular position to a maximum angular position. The operation part includes an index which is shielded by the erecting operation member when the forceps elevator is in the minimum angular position, and which is exposed when the forceps elevator is in a position in which the forceps elevator is erected from the minimum angular position.

Abstract: A fixing sleeve that is fitted outward on a connecting portion between a connecting pipe and a treatment tool inserting tube for fixation of the connecting portion comprises a cylindrical sleeve body, an arc-shaped portion that is connected to a proximal end side of the sleeve body, is formed to be coaxial with a sleeve center axis of the sleeve body and has a center angle smaller than 180°, and a projection portion that is formed along a peripheral direction of the sleeve center axis on an inner peripheral surface in the arc-shaped portion in a radial inside of the sleeve center axis. A part of the treatment tool inserting tube is flexibly deformed in a convex shape by the projection portion, and the part thereof is supported by the projection portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endoscopy. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods suitable for resecting or dissecting large areas of mucosal or submucosal tissue. The system may apply tension to and continuously manipulate mucosal tissue such that large lesions may be resected or dissected by a cutting element disposed at the distal end of an endoscope.

Abstract: A Veress needle is modified to receive a forward-looking miniature videoscope through the cannula of an insufflation tube of the Veress needle. The modified instrument enables direct viewing of progress of the instrument through tissue to the peritoneal cavity of a patient, for proper location of the needle and insufflation of the cavity via the needle. The videoscope has an elongated shaft of smaller diameter than the cannula of the insufflation tube for passage of insufflation gas with the scope in place. In another embodiment a needle is fitted with a miniature videoscope to provide the same function, with the needle's cannula serving as an insufflation tube.

Abstract: A surgical instrument system includes a surgical instrument, a power supply, and an accessory. The surgical instrument has a first induction device positioned therein. The power supply is electrically coupled to the first induction device. The accessory is selectively operably couplable to the surgical instrument. The accessory includes a second induction device that is inductively coupled with the first induction device when the accessory is operably coupled to the surgical instrument such that the power supply provides power to the accessory.

Abstract: A method comprises steering a deployment catheter to locate a distal end of the deployment catheter at a position within a patient anatomy. The method further includes articulating a delivery catheter extending through and from the distal end of the deployment catheter while the distal end of the deployment remains at the position and deploying an instrument through the delivery catheter.

Abstract: An entry guide tube and cannula assembly, a surgical system including the assembly, and a method of surgical instrument insertion are provided. In one embodiment, the assembly includes a cannula having a proximal portion that operably couples to an accessory clamp of a manipulator arm, and a distal tubular member coupled to the proximal portion, the tubular member having an opening for passage of at least one instrument shaft. The assembly also includes an entry guide tube rotatably coupled to the proximal portion of the cannula, the entry guide tube including a plurality of channels for passage of a plurality of instrument shafts, wherein the entry guide tube is rotatably driven relative to the proximal portion of the cannula by rotation of at least one instrument shaft about a longitudinal axis of the entry guide tube.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope apparatus which can notify an operator whether or not a forceps elevator is in a reclined state by simple and inexpensive means. The endoscope includes: a forceps elevator which is erectably provided at the distal end part of an operation part that is provided to the insertion part. The forceps elevator has an erecting motion range from a minimum angular position to a maximum angular position. The operation part includes an index which is shielded by the erecting operation member when the forceps elevator is in the minimum angular position, and which is exposed when the forceps elevator is in a position in which the forceps elevator is erected from the minimum angular position.

Abstract: A method of controlling an endoscope includes, inserting an insert part having an imaging unit at a distal end through the body; making an imaging direction of the imaging unit variable by bending of a bending part, wherein the bending part is included in the insert part; detecting an amount of insertion of the insert part through the body; and determining whether the bending part is to be bent or not on the basis of operation of a direction input part depending on the amount of insertion.

Abstract: The medical device warmer is adapted for use with endoscopes. Specifically, the medical device warmer is a mechanical apparatus that is adapted to store and warm an endoscope during an endoscopic procedure. The medical device warmer is provisioned as a support kit. The support kit contains the medical device warmer as well as associated equipment and materials required for an endoscopic procedure. During an endoscopic procedure the support kit is clipped with a plurality of clips to the surgical draping used in the procedure to allow medical personnel ready access to the equipment. The medical device warmer comprises a warming cylinder, a cap and a support kit.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a longitudinal axis therebetween. A handle is coupled to the proximal end of the shaft, and an image sensor is carried on the distal end of the shaft. A channel extends through at least a distal shaft portion and has a channel diameter, and a section of the channel is re-configurable between a constricted shape and a non-constricted shape to accommodate tools introduced therethrough. The combined diagonal dimension and channel diameter is usually greater than the outer shaft diameter. The image sensor may be connected to a connector on the housing by a first slack flex circuit and a lights source on the shaft may be connected to a connector on the housing by a second slack flex circuit.

Abstract: A system for detecting and recording head orientations of a person includes: a first sensor device capable of providing sensor data regarding a head orientation of a person in a three-dimensional space; a medical data acquisition system configured for storing and outputting the sensor data from the first sensor device; and a processor configured for processing the sensor data from the medical data acquisition system, outputting a first signal representing the head orientation, and generating an image for presentation by a graphical display; wherein the image comprises: a first reference indicator; an orientation indicator, wherein a position of the orientation indicator in the image is determined based on the first signal from the processor, and a feedback indicator when a first condition is met.

Abstract: A probe for traversing a tubular passage includes an introducer to be supported at an entrance to the tubular passage. The probe also includes a probe tip to traverse the tubular passage, and a tube with an inflatable tube segment. In some embodiments, the inflatable tube segment is storable in the probe tip. The inflatable tube segment is configured to be inflated to push the probe tip away from the introducer toward an end of the tubular passage. In some embodiments, the probe includes a sealing mechanism, where the sealing mechanism can be positioned between the inflatable tube segment of the tube and the introducer to maintain the inflatable tube segment in a deflated configuration until inflation of the inflatable tube segment.

Abstract: A guidewire that is specifically designed for performing an intracardiac transseptal puncture procedure is described. A piercing head for the guidewire has a conically-shaped section that tapers to a cutting section comprised of three tapered facets extending to a pointed tip. The three facets form three cutting edges that each provide for smooth cutting of body tissue, for example, cutting of the septum wall. The cut tissue does not tend to close or relax as readily as if the tissue had been punctured with a conically-shaped piercing tip, for example, one that has a structure similar to a pencil tip, This helps with subsequently moving a catheter and similar medical device through the pierced body tissue. Consequently, the faceted piercing head leaves an opening having a diameter that is substantially similar to the maximum outer diameter of piercing head.

Abstract: A system comprises a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen and a hood projecting distally from the deployment catheter and defining an open area. The open area is in direct fluid communication with the at least one lumen. The system also comprises an elongate channel directly coupled to the hood such that the elongate channel terminates distally into the open area. The elongate channel extends proximally from an outer surface of the hood and is bounded proximally at a proximal pocket surface. The system also comprises an imaging element. The imaging element is sized to pass into the elongated channel at a distal end of the elongate channel. Proximal movement within the elongated channel is restricted by the proximal pocket surface. The system also comprises a control member extending within the elongate channel and through the proximal pocket surface for moving the imaging element through the elongate channel.

Abstract: A medical device for manipulating a portion of tissue. The device may have one or more opposing jaws. One of the jaws may be configured to be placed between the portion of tissue and an underlying portion of tissue, and have an orifice configured to direct a fluid towards a surface of the other jaw so as to move the portion of tissue towards the said other jaw. A fluid delivery channel may extend between the orifice and a fluid source. A switch may be operable to flow the fluid from the source, through the channel, and out of the orifice. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Current invention relates to a combined system developed for the purpose of use in the treatment of anorectal fistulas. Fistulectomy Set is a system consisting of fistulectomy units which functions fully controlled and transmitting the pivoted movement which comes from the movement providing and transmitting part to the cutting edge by moving it on a central guide with the help of a motion carrier flexible shaft consisting of hexahedron spheroid parts. It consists of a cannulation apparatus which provides a simultaneous rotation, vibration and reciprocating movement and which detects the fistula trace fully and accurately. With this cutting edge, a channel surrounded by living tissue is obtained by cutting around the fistula trace cylindrically with suitable thickness, and thus cutting the secretory mucosa, dead tissues and fibrotic structures. With the developed system, it is believed that important progress will be made in the treatment of anorectal fistula; an important social and medical problem.

Abstract: Provided is a pipe joining body in which a wire rod and a tubular member are joined. The wire rod includes a concave portion formed by plastically deforming a part of an outer periphery of the wire rod. The tubular member includes a deformed portion that is formed so as to enter the concave portion by inserting the wire rod into the tubular member and by pressing a portion of the tubular member covering the concave portion toward the concave portion to plastically deform the portion. A maximum displacement amount of the tubular member when the deformed portion is formed is not larger than a maximum displacement amount of the wire rod by the plastic deformation when the concave portion is formed. The concave portion is formed by bringing a mold having a convex surface into contact with the part of the outer periphery of the wire rod to press.

Abstract: Irrigation devices, methods, and systems are disclosed. The system comprises a catheter with one or more lumens and an expandable portion. One or more pumps are used to supply a mixture of contrasting and dilating agents in an interior kidney volume and flush a portion of the mixture out of the interior kidney volume. The method comprises placing a catheter into the interior kidney volume through a ureter, occluding a portion of the ureter with a distal end of the catheter, forming an exit port through an exterior kidney surface, flowing the contrasting and dilating agents through the one or more lumens to supply the mixture in the interior kidney volume, and flushing a portion of the mixture out of the exit port.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting a flow of a purging fluid from a tissue visualization device comprises positioning an imaging hood attached to a distal end of a flexible elongate shaft in proximity to a tissue region to be visualized The method also comprises introducing the purging fluid into an inflation member suspended within an open area of the imaging hood. The inflation member includes at least one aperture on a proximal portion of the inflation member. The method also comprises inflating the inflation member to a partially inflated state in which the inflation member is circumferentially separated from an inner surface of the hood to form an annular flow path for the purging fluid from the at least one aperture, between the inner surface of the hood and the inflation member, and into fluid communication with an environment external to the hood.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting motion is presented. The system and method includes identifying a region of interest in the plurality of images corresponding to a subject of interest. Furthermore, the system and method includes determining signal characteristics corresponding to the region of interest. In addition, the system and method includes generating a composite signal, where the composite signal comprises an aggregate of the signal characteristics corresponding to the region of interest. The system and method also includes analyzing the composite signal to detect motion in the region of interest.

Abstract: A biopsy needle, a biopsy needle assembly and methods to perform biopsy are disclosed. The biopsy needle includes a primary needle section formed as a hollow tube; a converging section accurately converging from a wall of the hollow tube of a first end of the primary needle section to form a piercing tip; a secondary needle section; and a body. The converging section of the biopsy needle further includes an opening on a lateral wall having a third cutting edge. The body of the biopsy needle is coupled to a second end of the primary needle section and may be coupled to an actuator to control a linear and a rotational movement of the biopsy needle.

Abstract: A guidewire device comprising an elongated outer member having an outer surface and an interior surface forming a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein an outer diameter of said distal end is larger than an outer diameter of said proximal end; and an inner member disposed within a portion of said lumen, and embodiments thereof.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter comprises an inner liner, an outer jacket, and a structural support member positioned between at least a portion of the inner liner and the outer jacket. The inner liner, the outer jacket, and the structural support member define a catheter body that comprises a proximal portion having a first outer diameter, a distal portion having a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, the distal portion including a distal end of the catheter body, and a medial portion positioned between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the medial portion tapering from the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for managing liquid flow associated with a tissue site that involves using reduced pressure to control fluid flow. In one instance, an apparatus includes a first valve and a second valve in fluid communication with a reduced-pressure source. The valves are movable between an open position and a closed position and are operable to change flow status (open to closed or vice versa) based on a presence of reduced pressure. At least one of the first valve or the second valve is in the closed position to obstruct a flow of a liquid while the other is in the open position. The apparatus also includes a reservoir fluidly coupled to the first valve and the second valve. Other systems, methods, and apparatuses are presented.

Abstract: An imaging catheter device includes a catheter body with a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen; a cleaning member disposed at the distal end; and an imaging device movably disposed in the lumen and through the cleaning member; wherein the cleaning member includes a conduit through which the imaging device moves and a flexible material at least partially occluding the conduit such that the imaging device displaces at least some of the flexible material when moved through the conduit. A method of cleaning an imaging catheter device includes disposing a cleaning member including a conduit and a flexible material at least partially occluding the conduit at a distal end of a catheter lumen; positioning an imaging device in the catheter lumen; and cleaning the imaging device by moving it through the conduit such that it displaces at least some of the flexible material.

Abstract: The present disclosure is for an endoscope assembly comprising an endoscope and a disposable sheath cover. The endoscope comprises an illumination window adjacent to an observation window situated along a lateral side of a distal end portion, and an elongated slot to accommodate biopsy instruments. The sheath further comprises an end cap fitted around the end portion of the endoscope with a capsule secured to its inner wall. When the end cap engages the endoscope, the capsule is ruptured to release a transparent liquid immersing the illumination window and the observation window. A soft connector is bonded to the end cap covering the elongated slot, and to an outer surface of a biopsy channel. The soft connector further comprises an opening allowing the biopsy channel to pass through. The sheath can accommodate air/water tubes, and is secured onto the shaft of the endoscope via a cuff.

Abstract: The invention has been particularly developed for a controlled embolisation application in arterial and venous embolisation, and relates to a device used for halting the progression of aneurysm and reflux closing/aneurysms, blocking/arteries closing/arteriovenous malformations/-venous reflux procedures.

Abstract: Systems are provided which analyze the large intestine contents and utilize acoustic signals detected during delivery of water into the large intestine and drained large intestine contents to derive large intestine characteristics such as microbiotal analysis from at least two portions of the large intestine. Systems may include a water delivery unit including a water supply and a nozzle connected thereto, configured to introduce water controllably into a patient's large intestine, and an analysis unit that provides information about the drained contents using optical examination or biological assays. The information may be related to acoustic analysis of signals from acoustic sensors that are attachable to a patient's abdomen. A variety of sensor configurations, positioning options, analysis strategies and large intestine characteristics are presented.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an article such as a flexible endoscope is performed in a sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied in the sterilization chamber while the article is contained in the sterilization chamber. A sterilant is then introduced into the sterilization chamber. The pressure within the sterilization chamber is incrementally increased to provide a step-wise transition from a high vacuum state to atmospheric pressure. The article is thereby sterilized.