Abstract: The disclosed technology is directed to a medical instrument for endoscopic use. The medical instrument comprises an elongated open ended over tube configured to receive an endoscope in a direction along a longitudinal central axis of the over tube. The endoscope travels retractably from a distal end of the over tube. A tube is disposed concentrically outwardly of the over tube so that a treatment tool is inserted through the tube and is projected forwardly with respect to the over tube from a distal end of the tube. A balloon is disposed on an external surface of the over tube and is expandable outwardly in a radial direction of the over tube.

Abstract: A medical instrument system includes actuators, a medical instrument, and a control system operably connected to the actuators. The medical instrument includes an end portion and transmission systems, each of which couples the end portion to an actuator of the actuators such that the actuators are operable to drive the transmission systems to move the end portion. The control system is configured to execute operations including determining a difference between a current configuration of the end portion and a desired configuration of the end portion, and operating the actuators to apply tensions to the transmission systems based on the difference and based on constant offset tensions. The constant offset tensions are independent of current tensions experienced by the transmission systems.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and techniques for compensating for insertion of an instrument into a working channel of another instrument in a surgical system. According to one embodiment, a method of compensation includes: detecting insertion of an insertable instrument into a working channel of a flexible instrument; detecting, based on a data signal from at least one sensor, a position change of a distal portion of the flexible instrument from an initial position: generating a control signal based on the detected position change; and adjusting a tensioning of a pull wire based on the control signal to return the distal portion to the initial position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to traction systems, and methods of use thereof, for endoscopic procedures such as tissue dissection. For example, a traction system may include a filament extendable along an outer surface of an endoscope with a distal end of the filament attachable to a medical device engaged with a target tissue of a body lumen.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a mechanized surgical system that includes a roll drive unit operable by a motor. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, and an end effector and handle on the shaft. The handle includes an actuator manually operable by a user to mechanically actuate the end effector. The shaft includes a roll joint positioned between proximal and distal shaft portions, such that the distal shaft portion is longitudinally rotatable relative to the proximal shaft portion at the roll joint. The instrument further includes a drive segment on the distal shaft portion, the drive segment including first features rotationally engageable with second features of the roll drive unit such that operation of the motor causes the distal shaft portion to axially roll relative to the proximal shaft portion.

Abstract: An example endoscope cap attachable to and detachable from an endoscope including a lever pivotally provided at a distal end of an insertion part of an endoscope and a pivot part causing the lever to pivot, includes: a bottomed cylindrical cover having an opening end which is attachable to and detachable from a distal end of an insertion part of the endoscope; a first engagement part provided at an inner surface of a cylindrical part of the cover; and an elevator having a lever connection part connected to the lever and pivotally fixed to an inside of the cover.

Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting a vessel from a body, includes: a cannula having a dissector for advancing along the vessel to create a tunnel, the dissector having a transparent portion; and an energy tool moveably coupled to the cannula, wherein the energy tool is configured to separate a pediculated vessel having at least a segment of the vessel and a pedicle around the segment of the vessel from surrounding tissue, and wherein at least a part of the energy tool is visible through the transparent portion of the dissector during use of the energy tool.

Abstract: A variable stiffness device includes a first elongated member, and a second elongated member movable along the first member. The first member includes first high bending stiffness sections, first low bending stiffness sections, and a reinforcement member reinforcing a strength of the first member. The reinforcement member includes a contact coil formed of a first wire spirally wound around a longitudinal axis of the reinforcement member, and a stranded tube formed of second wires that are twisted around each other. The second member includes a second high bending stiffness section, and a second low bending stiffness section. The second member is configured to move inside the reinforcement member, thereby changing a stiffness of the variable stiffness device.

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a single-use portion and a multiple-use portion. The two portions can be mated and un-mated. The single-use portion includes an elongated cannula that has a bendable section near its distal end providing a “steerable” distal tip. The distal tip includes LED illumination and an imaging module that feeds live video to a display screen forming which forms part of the multiple-use portion. Ergonomically designed steering control and significant portions of the steering structure reside in the multiple-use portion. The cannula is configured to rotate, which further expands the field of view when combined with steering deflection along a single axis. Some embodiments, include motorized distal tip deflection and/or omni-directional tip deflection.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope head including an endoscope head body in which at least one working channel is formed, wherein a pivotable Albarran lever is provided distally of the distal end of the working channel, wherein, on the endoscope head body, a pivot member actuatable from the proximal side is provided for pivoting the Albarran lever, wherein a pulling wire channel extends in the endoscope head body and has a pulling wire for actuating the pivot member guided therein, wherein the pivot member has a protrusion, and wherein the pulling wire is capable of displacing a sliding member having a surface on which the protrusion is supported, so that the pivot member is rotated by displacing the sliding member.

Abstract: Devices described herein include an actuated clot retrieval catheter system. The system includes a catheter having a frame disposed proximate the distal end of the catheter. The frame expands to form a seal with the inner wall of a vessel. In some examples, the frame also captures a clot for removal from the vessel. The frame is manufactured from a shape memory material that can be heat set into a predetermined shape. An electrical connection to an electronic circuit causes a current to run through the frame. The electrical resistance of the shape memory material causes the frame to heat and transition from a martensite to an austenite phase. When the frame is heat set into an expanded configuration, the current causes the frame heat and expand. When the frame is heat set into a closed configuration, the current causes the frame heat and collapse upon a clot.

Abstract: Provided herein is an endoscopic suturing system configured for attachment to, and use with, an endoscope.

Abstract: The resin tube is a porous resin that has a porosity changing in a radial direction from a larger porosity at the center of the tube to a non-porous resin layer on a radially outer surface of the tube.

Abstract: An advance and retreat assisting tool for a treatment instrument includes: a base; an attaching portion; a first cylinder which is attached to the base; a second cylinder which has a fixing portion fixing the treatment instrument and slides in an advance and retreat direction with respect to the first cylinder along a center axis of the first cylinder; an advance and retreat mechanism which advances and retreats the second cylinder along the center axis with respect to the first cylinder by rotation; and an assisting portion which urges the second cylinder in a predetermined direction along the center axis with respect to the base with an urging force smaller than a resistance force when the second cylinder slides and assists the rotation of the advance and retreat mechanism when the advance and retreat mechanism rotates in one direction.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for providing commanded movement of an end effector of a manipulator while providing a desired movement of one or more joints of the manipulator. Methods include augmenting a Jacobian so that joint movements calculated from the Jacobian perform one or more auxiliary tasks and/or desired joint movements concurrent with commanded end effector movement, the one or more auxiliary tasks and/or desired joint movements extending into a null-space. The auxiliary tasks and desired joint movements include inhibiting movement of one or more joints, inhibiting collisions between adjacent manipulators or between a manipulator and a patient surface, commanded reconfiguration of one or more joints, or various other tasks or combinations thereof. Such joint movements may be provided using joint velocities calculated from the pseudo-inverse solution of the: augmented Jacobian. Various configurations for systems utilizing such methods are provided herein.

Abstract: A handle (2) for an endoscope (1), the handle (2) having a proximal end, a distal end, a front and a back, and the handle (2) including a gripping section (12) separated by a transition section (17) from an operation section (13). The gipping section (12) surface is provided with grooves. The gripping section has a cross-section with mirror symmetry and varying radius of curvature, with the minimum radius (r) of curvature at the front of the handle (2).

Abstract: A medical securing device for securing an object with a securing member into a tissue comprises an elongated sheath with proximal and distal ends, and a securing member introduction device having proximal and distal ends. The securing member comprises first and second ends. The distal end of the securing member introduction device is configured to extend the second end of the securing member from the sheath and introduce it to or through the tissue via an introduction movement so to secure the portion of the securing member to the object and/or to the tissue. This is advantageously configured to happen without extending the securing member introduction device through the tissue whereupon no extra hole is made to the tissue by the securing member introduction device.

Abstract: A retrieval device attachable to a scope includes a handle which has an attachment portion configured to couple the handle to the scope; a shaft coupled to the handle having a wire immovably coupled to the handle; and a sheath movable relative to the handle over the wire between a distal position and a proximal position via an actuator of the handle. The actuator actuates a slider assembly of the handle. The slider assembly is coupled to the sheath and movable relative to the attachment portion to move the sheath and an expandable end effector coupled to the distal end of the wire. The end effector is movable between a collapsed configuration when the sheath is moved distally to the distal position to cover the end effector and an expanded configuration when the sheath is moved proximally to the proximal position, uncovering the end effector.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to devices, systems, and methods for performing a surgical action. The device may comprise a port assembly, a camera arm assembly, and an instrument arm assembly. The port assembly comprises an access port and a plurality of anchoring portions. The camera arm assembly comprises at least one camera at a distal end and is configurable to insert into the access port and attach to one of the anchoring portions. The instrument arm assembly comprises a serial arrangement including a plurality of arm segments, a plurality of joint portions, and at least one end instrument attached to one of the arm segments by an instrument joint portion at a distal end. Each joint portion is configurable to provide an attached arm segment with at least one degree of freedom. Furthermore, the instrument joint portion is configurable to provide the end instrument with at least one degree of freedom.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to devices, systems, and methods for performing a surgical action. The system may comprise a port assembly and instrument arm assembly. The port assembly may include a central access channel formed through the port assembly and plurality of anchor ports. The instrument arm assembly may include a shoulder section securable to a first anchor port, first arm section secured to the shoulder section, elbow section secured to the first arm section, second arm section secured to the elbow section, wrist section secured to the second arm section, and end effector section secured to the wrist section. The image capturing assembly may include an image capturing device and multi-curvable body. The multi-curvable body may be configurable to curve at one or more locations along the multi-curvable body, in one or more of a plurality of curvatures, and in one or more of a plurality of directions.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter including an outer member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, an elongated column member extending distally from the outer member and an inner member positioned coaxial with the outer member and attached to the column member. The inner member extends distally of the outer member and has a distal tip portion. A reinforcement member is positioned over the column member to restrict axial movement of the column member such that when one of the inner member or outer member is moved with respect to the other, axial compression of the column member is restricted by the reinforcement member causing the distal tip portion of the inner member to deflect laterally.

Abstract: An interventional device for cutting tissue at a targeted cardiac valve, such as a mitral valve. The interventional device includes a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end. A cutting mechanism is positionable at the distal end, such as by routing the cutting mechanism through the catheter to position it at the distal end. The cutting mechanism includes one or more cutting elements configured for cutting valve tissue when engaged against the tissue. A handle is coupled to the proximal end of the catheter and includes one or more controls for actuating the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: An introducer catheter device comprising a handle and an elongate shaft coupled to the handle and extending therefrom. The shaft defines a lumen therethrough, a longitudinal axis, and a first aperture in connection with the lumen. The shaft includes a movable deployment element configured for deploying an ancillary device from the first aperture at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches a novel medical device for osteotomy, capable of simultaneous aspiration, cauterization, image-acquisition, irrigation and tissue-protection, adapted for ear, nose and throat procedures, but available or other cavity surgeries.

Abstract: The invention refers to an endoscope head comprising an endoscope head body, in which at least one working channel is formed, wherein an Albarran lever capable of being pivoted is provided at the distal working channel end portion. The Albarran lever can be attached at and removed from the endoscope head body.

Abstract: Provided is a capsulorhexis apparatus for incising an anterior capsule covering a crystalline lens by being inserted into an incision site of a cornea, the capsulorhexis apparatus including: an anterior capsule incision portion which has a closed curve shape, is inserted into the incision site of the cornea to incise the anterior capsule located below the cornea to a circle, and generates heat by using high frequency vibration to incise the anterior capsule; a body portion which is externally exposed when the anterior capsule incision portion incises the anterior capsule while slidingly moving in the body portion, and is internally inserted when the anterior capsule incision portion does not incise the anterior capsule; and a button portion which is formed on one side of the body portion and slidingly moves the anterior capsule incision portion inside the body portion.

Abstract: A medical device comprising an endoscope accessory for attachment to the working end of an endoscope. The coupler device provides a flexible working channel extension from the endoscope so that instruments can exit the endoscope at various angles. The device also provides a protective cover to reduce the ingress of debris, fluid, bacteria, or other unwanted matter from the working end of the endoscope which could lead to infection.

Abstract: An endoscope restraining system for restraining motion of an endoscope tube includes an attachment portion configured to attach the endoscope restraining system to a surface, a flexible tube coupled to the attachment portion at a proximal end of the flexible tube, a base plate coupled to a distal end of the flexible tube, and an endoscope restraint removably connected to the base plate. The endoscope restraint includes a plurality of supports configured to receive the endoscope tube to prevent changes in a torque position, degree of insertion, and lateral movement of the endoscope tube.

Abstract: A rotatory resectoscope is disclosed with a novel mechanism for endoscopic resection. Resection is performed by a rotary motion instead of the conventional linear motion. A novel resection loop and working element for controlling the movement of the resection loop allow the resection loop to move in clockwise and counterclockwise rotation. Embodiments include both monopolar and bipolar diathermy resectoscopes.

Abstract: The various inventions relate to robotic surgical devices, consoles for operating such surgical devices, operating theaters in which the various devices can be used, insertion systems for inserting and using the surgical devices, and related methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a device and method associated with the delivery of medical devices in the pericardial space using a minimally invasive approach with direct visualization. More specifically, the device can be used to deliver permanent pacing, defibrillation and cardiac resynchronization leads, as well as leadless pacemakers for cardiac rhythm management to the epicardial surface of the heart. A subxiphoid procedure is proposed as a minimally invasive alternative to thoracotomy, while the delivery tool incorporates a camera for direct visualization of the procedure. The tool also incorporates a steerable catheter to provide selective control of the placement and orientation of the medical device in the pericardial space.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an augmented reality head mounted device worn by a user. The device includes an image capture device configured to capture an image of a surgical environment and a transparent lens configured to display an augmented image based on the image of the surgical environment. An eye tracking module coupled to the transparent lens configured to determine a direction of a gaze of an eye of the user, wherein the direction of the gaze of the eye determined by the eye tracking module is used to manipulate the augmented image.

Abstract: An instrument for use with an endoscope may include an elongate section configured to move exterior to the endoscope. The elongate section may include a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument may also include an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate section, and an actuation device attached to the proximal end of the elongate section. The actuation device may be configured to operate the end effector. The instrument may also include a guiding member coupled to the elongate section. The guiding member may be configured to be coupled to an external surface of the endoscope to permit the guiding member to move longitudinally relative to the endoscope. The guiding member may be coupled to the elongate section such that the end effector may extend past a distal end of the endoscope and move in a transverse direction independent of the movement of the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the provision and use of a novel endoscopic device which is capable of stabilizing, straightening, expanding and/or flattening the side wall of a body lumen and/or body cavity so as to better present the side wall tissue for examination and/or treatment during an endoscopic procedure. The present invention also comprises the provision and use of a novel endoscopic device capable of steadying and/or stabilizing the distal tips and/or working ends of instruments inserted into a body lumen and/or body cavity, whereby to facilitate the use of those instruments.

Abstract: A dilation apparatus includes a handle assembly, a dilator, a guidewire, and a steering assembly. The dilator is connected to the handle assembly and is configured to transition between an unexpanded state and an expanded state. The guidewire is longitudinally fixed relative to the dilator. The steering assembly is configured to laterally deflect at least a portion of the guidewire relative to the handle assembly. The steering assembly includes an actuator coupled with the handle assembly and a pull wire extending between the actuator and guidewire. A portion of the pull wire is attached to the guidewire. The actuator is configured to move the pull wire relative to the handle assembly in order to laterally deflect the at least a portion of the guidewire.

Abstract: A medical device comprising an endoscope accessory for attachment to the working end of an endoscope. The coupler device provides a flexible working channel extension from the endoscope so that instruments can exit the endoscope at various angles. The device also provides a protective cover to reduce the ingress of debris, fluid, bacteria, or other unwanted matter from the working end of the endoscope which could lead to infection.

Abstract: A holder for mounting a communication device to a grease gun, which has a housing and a control disposed within the housing, includes a bracket connected with the grease gun. The bracket has a first end coupled with the grease gun housing and a second end coupleable with the communication device so as to secure the device to the grease gun. Preferably, the holder further includes a frame coupled with the bracket second member for receiving the communication device to removably couple the communication device with the grease gun. The communication device may be a smartphone, a portable media player, a portable computing device or any similar device and wirelessly communicates with a control within the grease gun housing.

Abstract: Provided is a sensing catheter having an outer flexible sheath and a proximal section containing a sensing system having a sensing means, a radiant energy providing means and radiation transmitting means, preferably all housed within a fluid channel.

Abstract: A hub assembly for use with an endoscopic assembly of a reposable surgical clip applier includes an outer housing defining a channel therethrough, a driver gear slidably disposed within the channel, a transmission gear slidably and rotatably supported within the channel, and a display gear slidably and rotatably supported within the channel. Each of the driver gear, transmission gear, and display gear is configured for reciprocal movement within the channel. Distal advancement of the driver gear causes a corresponding distal advancement of the transmission gear and distal advancement of the transmission gear causes a corresponding distal advancement of the display gear. The transmission gear is caused to the rotated in a first direction during each distal advancement of the driver gear and the display gear is caused to be rotated in the first direction during a predetermined distal advancement of the transmission gear.

Abstract: An elevator provided in a treatment tool leading section of a leading end section of the endoscope includes a wide body portion that is provided on a distal end side with respect to a rotation shaft, and has a width more than that of a narrow body portion provided on a proximal end side. The wide body portion projects through an opening in an upper portion in an elevator accommodation groove in a state where the elevator rises most. The wide body portion prevents the treatment tool from dropping into a gap in a side when the elevator is lying. Meanwhile, when the elevator is cleaned with a cleaning brush, raising the elevator enables side faces of the elevator to be easily cleaned.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, a housing configured to house at least a portion of the catheter, and an actuator movably coupled to the housing. The housing has a first port configured to receive a proximal end portion of the catheter and a second port configured to couple the housing to an indwelling vascular access device. A portion of the actuator is disposed within the housing and is configured to be movably coupled to a portion of the catheter. The actuator is configured to be moved a first distance to move a distal end portion of the catheter a second distance greater than the first distance from a first position to a second position. The distal end portion of the catheter is disposed within the housing when in the first position and is distal to the indwelling vascular access device when in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscopic instrument (1) having an elongate body with a distal end (4) designed to be introduced into the body of the patient so as to come into proximity with an internal organ, the distal end carrying a tool (7) for intervention on the internal organ. The endoscopic instrument has a fool (10) rigidly connected to the distal end and designed to bear on the internal organ, and also controllable means (13) for conferring movements on the tool, at least in directions transverse to a longitudinal axis (X) of the distal end of the endoscopic instrument, when the foot is bearing against the internal organ.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to apparatuses, devices, and methods for connecting a device to an endoscope. In one implementation, an apparatus for connecting a device to an endoscope includes a multi-tined connector and a locking sleeve. The multi-tined connector is configured to engage with a port of an endoscope having a non-circular flange. The multi-tined connector includes a body portion and a plurality of tines connected to the body portion. The body portion has a lumen axially extending therethrough and an outer locking interface. The tines are radially deflectable, have outer tapered surfaces, and operate between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein in the engaged position, the tines engage with the port. The locking sleeve operates between a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking sleeve holds the tines in the engaged position, and in the unlocked position, the locking sleeve leaves the tines in the disengaged position.

Abstract: An instrument driver comprises a base and a jaw assembly coupled to the base. The jaw assembly includes a first jaw having a gripping surface and a second jaw having a gripping surface. The instrument driver further comprises a driver assembly operably coupled to the jaw assembly to advance an elongated member relative to the base by translating the first and second jaws toward each other, thereby closing the jaw assembly and gripping the member between the respective gripping surfaces of the first and second jaws, translating the jaw assembly in a first axial direction when the jaw assembly is closed, translating the first and second jaws away from each other, thereby opening the jaw assembly and releasing the member from between the respective gripping surfaces of the first and second jaws, and translating the jaw assembly in a second axial direction when the jaw assembly is opened.

Abstract: A cannulation device is disclosed, having a fixed blade, a retractable wedge, and an adjustment nut for mating with a cannula or a cannula assembly. Another cannulation device is disclosed, having a tube with proximal and distal ends. The fixed blade, coupled to the distal end of the tube, comprises a transition edge configured to cover a lead edge of a cannula. The cannulation device has a control rod movable within the tube; a retractable wedge; an actuator coupled to the control rod; and is configured to move the retractable wedge from a piercing position, where the retractable wedge is aligned with the fixed blade, to a retracted position where the retractable wedge has been retracted within the tube. The cannulation device has a cannula adapter and an adjustment nut movable to change a distance between the adjustment nut and the fixed blade.

Abstract: A self-propelled device for locomotion through a lumen, comprising a set of serially arranged inflatable chambers, the end ones of which expand at least radially when inflated. Connecting passages provide fluid communication between each pair of adjacent chambers. A fluid source is attached to one of the end chambers. The connecting passages are such that the fluid inflates the chambers in a sequence, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The same sequence occurs when the chambers deflate, beginning with the chamber closest to the source, and ending with the chamber furthest from the source. The fluid source can either be a fluid supply tube, extending to a supply outside the lumen, or it can be built-in and carried by the device. The device can crawl either along the lumen wall or on an inserted guide wire.

Abstract: An information handling system coordinates presentation of a visual item with a flat panel display and head mounted display using tokens detected by one or more sensors, such as a depth camera and ultrasonic sensor. Upon detection of a token by a sensor, gestures detected by at least one sensor manipulate a three dimensional image presented at a location by the head mounted display. A visible surface determination of the view area sorts upright extents of the items presented by the head mounted display and flat panel display so the united view of an end user is uncluttered with image overlap.

Abstract: An instrument for use with an endoscope may include an elongate section configured to move exterior to the endoscope. The elongate section may include a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument may also include an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate section, and an actuation device attached to the proximal end of the elongate section. The actuation device may be configured to operate the end effector. The instrument may also include a guiding member coupled to the elongate section. The guiding member may be configured to be coupled to an external surface of the endoscope to permit the guiding member to move longitudinally relative to the endoscope. The guiding member may be coupled to the elongate section such that the end effector may extend past a distal end of the endoscope and move in a transverse direction independent of the movement of the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A catheter rotation drive apparatus includes first and second drives that are engageable to an output shaft. When the first drive is engaged to the output shaft and rotated, the output shaft rotates in an output rotation direction, and when the second drive is engaged to the output shaft and rotated, the output shaft rotates in the output rotation direction.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgery device that can easily acquire an image desired by a surgeon, and that has high operability. The endoscopic surgery device includes: an outer tube body; an endoscope insertion path that is provided inside the outer tube body; a treatment tool insertion path that is provided inside the outer tube body; a position sensor that detects a movement amount of the treatment tool insertion part with respect to the outer tube body; and a control unit that has a non-sensitive area where a range of an observation image is not changed if the movement amount of the treatment tool insertion part is within a predetermined range, and a sensitive area where the range of the observation image is varied in accordance with the movement amount of the treatment tool insertion part if the movement amount of the treatment tool insertion part is not within the predetermined range.