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.

Abstract: An outer port sheathing an overtube, includes: a first cylindrical member having a distal end opening from which the overtube is delivered; a second cylindrical member that is rotatably connected to the first cylindrical member and has a base end opening into which the overtube is introduced; rotation restriction means that restricts rotation of the overtube with respect to the second cylindrical member; a spring member that is deformable between a rotation locked state where rotation of the second cylindrical member with respect to the first cylindrical member is restricted by engagement of the spring member with the first cylindrical member, and a rotation unlocked state where the engagement is released and the rotation is allowed; and a rotation operating member that is rotatable in an axial direction of the second cylindrical member and deforms the spring member between the rotation locked state and the rotation unlocked state.

Abstract: A treatment tool includes: a support portion which is formed in an axial shape; a treatment portion which is disposed at a distal end portion of the support portion; a treatment assisting portion which is disposed at the distal end portion of the support portion, which has an assisting portion, and in which the assisting portion is capable of being moved between a first position and a second position; a driving portion which moves the assisting portion of the treatment assisting portion; an operation detection portion which determines an amount of movement of the support portion, which is inserted into an introducing tool, with respect to the introducing tool, and an orientation of the support portion; an operating portion which is disposed at a proximal end portion of the support portion; and a control portion which controls the driving portion based on a detection result of the operation detection portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods make use of a fluid dispensing control apparatus having a sheath, a tubing system, and a fluid source to facilitate control of fluid during intra-operative defogging, surgical debris deflection, and cleaning of a laparoscope lens during minimally invasive surgery. The sheath has at least one lumen for providing fluid to the distal end of the sheath to clean the laparoscope. At the end of the lumen is a one-way control valve to prevent the uncontrolled flow of fluid from the lumen. The apparatus may also have a syringe assembly wherein a syringe is inserted into a syringe mating mechanism having a gasket which can facilitate the immediate relief of pressure in the fluid lumen once the pressure on the syringe plunger is released.

Abstract: An automatic suturing hook apparatus comprises a main body having a movement hole formed on one side surface thereof and having a first protrusion hole formed on the front end thereof; a needle part which is provided inside the main body and protrudes from the first protrusion hole; a slide body which slidably moves through the movement hole from one side surface of the main body to the front end or rear end of the main body and comes into close contact with the front end of the main body; a slide part which is provided inside the main body and slidably moves the needle part provided inside the main body to the outside of the main body; and a first trigger which is provided at the bottom of the rear end of the main body and operates the slide part which is provided inside the main body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fully integrated sterilizable one time use disposable tissue visualization device and methods for using such devices. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate the visualization of an internal tissue site while causing a minimum of damage to the surrounding tissue. Further preferred embodiments may allow for the delivery of fluids and other treatment to an internal tissue site.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a raising base rotatably installed in an insertion portion of the endoscope, a recess formed in the insertion portion, a flexible control wire which is movable along an axis thereof relative to said insertion portion, a link member provided in the recess and connecting one end of the control wire to the raising base, and a cover which is detachably attached to the insertion portion to close the recess. The link member includes a rotational shaft which is coaxial with a of rotational axis of the raising base, the rotational shaft provided in the recess to be irrotatable relative to the raising base and detachably connected to the raising base; and a connecting portion detachably and irrotatably connected to the rotational shaft in the recess, the one end of the control wire being connected to the connecting portion at a position offset from the rotational shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a system and method for providing transabdominal gastric surgical access system for medical, endoscopic, and surgical instruments through a percutaneous surgically constructed opening. More particularly, it concerns a delivery system and a surgery system having structures that includes a cannula working channel, an internal and external anchor system, a cap and insertion tool for creating an opening, to provide gastric access through at least one port for the insertion of instruments for medical/surgical procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and method for fixing and shortening the bowel at the time of endoscopy. The device and method can improve the shortening efficiency of the bowel when compared with the existing endoscope surgery, reduce the inspection time, and mitigate patient inconvenience. Furthermore, an endoscope machine that has been used by an operator can be used, thereby facilitating an operation, and the machine itself need not be separately purchased, thereby obtaining a cost reduction effect. Furthermore, through the application of principles of the device and method, a colonoscopy which is difficult due to the formation of a loop, or retrograde cholangiopancreatography inspection and treatment of a patient having an abnormal anatomical structure due to an operation can be further anticipated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices capable of (1) gasping tissue, (2) passing suture through the tissue, and (3) resetting both their tissue grasping and suture passing features without the device being removed from the incision.

Abstract: An assist device which is applied to a treatment instrument including an insertion body to be inserted through a channel of an endoscope, and which is configured to assist movement of the insertion body relative to the channel, includes: a flexible tube including a passage into which the insertion body of the treatment instrument is inserted; a connector provided on the flexible tube and configured to connect to the endoscope to allow communication between the channel and the passage; a first retainer provided on the flexible tube and configured to hold an outer circumference of an insertion section of the endoscope or an outer circumference of an operation section connected to the insertion section; and a second retainer being movable relative to the first retainer and configured to hold the insertion body of the treatment instrument.

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: An endoscope includes: an insertion section inserted into a subject; an operating unit continuously connected to a proximal end of the insertion section; an observation unit disposed at a distal end of the insertion section, and configured to observe the subject; a treatment instrument insertion passage configured to allow insertion of a treatment instrument providing medical treatment to the subject, and project the treatment instrument from a distal end portion of the insertion section; a distal bending portion disposed at a distal end of the treatment instrument insertion passage, and configured to bend according to a raising operation of the operating unit, the distal bending portion including a tube including a super elastic alloy and including a slit formed to reduce power required for the bending operation, and being configured to raise the treatment instrument; and a coating portion provided to cover the distal bending portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument navigation system is provided that visually simulates a virtual volumetric scene of a body cavity of a patient from a point of view of a surgical instrument residing in the cavity of the patient. The surgical instrument navigation system includes: a surgical instrument; an imaging device which is operable to capture scan data representative of an internal region of interest within a given patient; a tracking subsystem that employs electro-magnetic sensing to capture in real-time position data indicative of the position of the surgical instrument; a data processor which is operable to render a volumetric, perspective image of the internal region of interest from a point of view of the surgical instrument; and a display which is operable to display the volumetric perspective image of the patient.

Abstract: It is described an endoscope to perform surgeries preferably by perforation in translumenal organs in internal organs, comprising an insertion tube (10?) having a distal end (12?) and at least two working channels, one working channel having a smaller diameter (20?) and one working channel having a larger diameter (30?), the working channels (20?,30?) being capable of receiving surgical tools, the endoscope comprising at least two command cables (9?) operatively associated with the working channel of smaller diameter (20?) and at least two command cables (9?) operatively associated with the working channel of larger diameter (30?), the command cables (9?) being capable of allowing the surgical tool, arranged on any of the working channels (20?,30?), to move in any direction, regardless of the movement of the distal end (12?) of the insertion tube (10?).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for simulating insertion of an elongated instrument attached to a tether into a structure. The apparatus comprises a casing having an aperture for receiving a distal end of the tether therethrough. The apparatus has a pulley having an outer tether receiving groove on a peripheral portion and an anchoring element therein for anchoring the distal end of the tether, the pulley rotating according to a longitudinal translation of the tether relatively to the casing. The apparatus has a sensing arrangement for sensing an angular position of the pulley representative of a relative longitudinal position of the elongated instrument. The apparatus has a feedback force actuator for applying an adjustable resistive force to a rotation of the pulley according to the sensed angular position and resistance characteristics of the structure. The present disclosure also relates to a medical insertion simulator comprising such an apparatus.

Abstract: An endoscopic system according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a head-mounted display, a detector, and a controller. The head-mounted display is worn by an operator. The detector is capable of detecting a motion of the operator. The controller causes each of the plurality of head-mounted displays to individually display an image. The controller includes an endoscopic image acquisition unit capable of obtaining endoscopic image data of an affected area of a patient and an image control unit capable of controlling the endoscopic image data based on an output from each of the plurality of detectors. The controller performs control to display the image based on an output from the image control unit.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system including: a manipulator provided with an elongated portion, a movable portion which has one or more joints, and a driving portion which is disposed at a proximal end of the elongated portion and which drives the movable portion; a medical device having a channel that can accommodate at least a portion of the elongated portion and the movable portion; a manipulation input portion that generates an operation instruction for moving the manipulator between a treatment state in which the movable portion protrudes from a distal end of the channel and an accommodated state in which the movable portion is accommodated in the channel in accordance with a manipulation instruction input; and a notifying portion that notifies a situation in which the manipulator is shifting from the treatment state to the accommodated state.

Abstract: A surgical tool configured to facilitate delivery of a neurostimulator to a craniofacial region of a subject includes a handle portion, an elongate shaft having a contoured distal portion, and an insertion groove on the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft is configured to be advanced under a zygomatic bone along a maxillary tuberosity towards a pterygopalatine fossa. The distal portion includes a distal dissecting tip. The insertion groove is configured to receive, support, and guide a medical device or instrument.

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: A device for passing a needle and suture longitudinally through a target tissue includes a proximal jaw including a proximal recess and a proximal retention mechanism for releasably engaging a first end of a needle received within the proximal recess and a distal jaw movably coupled to the proximal jaw such that the proximal and distal jaws are longitudinally movable relative to one another. The distal jaw includes a distal recess and a distal retention mechanism for releasably engaging a second end of the needle received within the distal recess. The proximal and distal jaws are movable between a first state, in which the proximal retention mechanism is in a locked configuration and the distal retention mechanism is in an unlocked configuration, and a second state, in which the proximal retention mechanism is in an unlocked configuration and the distal retention mechanism is in a locked configuration.

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: A steerable imaging catheter is provided, including an elongated catheter tube, at least one steering cable extending along the catheter tube to control the movement of the distal end thereof, and a fiber optic cable extending along the catheter tube. The fiber optic cable transmits illumination light from its proximal end to its distal end and transmits an image from its distal end to its proximal end. In one embodiment, two or more steering cables are used, and the catheter tube is configured to have greater flexibility near its distal end than its proximal end so as to concentrate the movement (flexing) of the catheter tube at its distal end. The use of two or more steering cables, together with the catheter tube having varying flexibility, permit better control of the distal end of the catheter tube while reducing undue twisting of the remainder of the catheter tube.

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 optical instrument, in particular an endoscope, with a hollow instrument housing for receiving optical elements, wherein the distal end and/or proximal end is closed in a fluid-tight manner via an end window. In order to create an optical instrument which, while being easy to assemble, ensures a reliable fluid-tight seal of the instrument housing even during autoclaving, it is proposed according to the invention that the end windows are each sealed off in a fluid-tight manner with respect to the instrument housing via at least one spring-loaded sealing element.

Abstract: A first housing region A which is provided in the operation portion and in which a bending drive mechanism is housed, a second housing region B which is provided in the operation section and in which a flexible member is housed, and a third housing region C which is provided in the operation portion and in which an electric part is housed are provided, the first housing region A and the second housing region B are located to be lined up in an orthogonal direction Q, and the third housing region C is located to be adjacent to both of the first housing region A and the second housing region B so that a first boundary line T1 is orthogonal to a second boundary line T2.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for harvesting at least a portion of a blood vessel, such as the radial artery in the upper extremity and the saphenous vein in the lower extremity. In certain embodiments, an endoscopic surgical system includes a blunt tip trocar (BTT) for insertion into an incision in the extremity, a cannula for insertion through the BTT, a bisector/bipolar device, and an endoscope. The endoscope may have a dissection tip at its distal end for dissecting tissue from the blood vessel and, with the tip removed, may provide a visual field at its distal end. The endoscope is sized to fit into the cannula and provides visualization of the blood vessel during bisection with the bisector/bipolar device.

Abstract: Medical systems are disclosed and may include an elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end, one or more channels extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and a handle operably coupled to the proximal end. The handle may include one or more ports in communication with the one or more channels. The medical systems may further include a docking station supporting the proximal end of the elongate member. The docking station may include a receiver adapted to receive and secure the handle and an adaptor guide unit having a distal end, a proximal end, and one or more passages formed therethrough, the one or more passages communicating with the one or more channels.

Abstract: The present energy treatment device has an insertion part, a pair of arms which are provided in a distal portion of the insertion part and which are capable of performing an opening-closing operation, a treatment member which is attachably and detachably provided in a first arm, a locked part which is provided in a second arm and which is capable of locking the treatment member, and a manipulation part which causes the pair of arms to perform an opening-closing operation, wherein the treatment member includes a knife wire, and a locking member which is positioned with respect to the first arm, being attachable to and detachable from the first arm, and capable of being locked by the locked part, the locked part has a retainer which is capable of holding the locking member with a force stronger than a force of the first arm to hold the locking member.

Abstract: A lever latching system comprising: a housing; a lever having a latch pin fixedly mounted to the lever, the lever being movably mounted to the housing so that the latch pin moves in an arc; and a latch plate movably mounted to the housing for linear movement with respect to the housing, the latch plate comprising a labyrinth for receiving the latch pin.

Abstract: Components for an endoscopic vessel harvesting system suitable for harvesting target vessels such as the saphenous vein or radial artery for cardiac artery bypass graft surgery. The main components of such systems include a vessel dissector and a vessel harvester, both of which work in conjunction with a separately provided endoscope. The vessel dissector is an elongated cannula having a blunt tip for separating layers of facial around vessels. The tip may be movable, and is typically transparent to permit viewing forward of the tip using the endoscope. Internal features of the tip may reduce glare back to the endoscope. Several devices improve visibility through the tip by reducing interference from tissue or fluid on the tip. The vessel harvester also has an elongated cannula for receiving the endoscope. Several tools within the harvester permit manipulation, severing, and sealing of vessels forward of the distal end.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for simulating insertion of an inner elongated instrument attached to a tether into a structure through an outer elongated instrument. The apparatus has a carriage for mounting the outer elongated instrument, for translation according to a translation of the outer elongated instrument. The apparatus has a pulley for anchoring a tether and rotating according to a longitudinal translation of the tether into the outer elongated instrument. The apparatus has a feedback force actuator for applying an adjustable resistive force to a translation of the carriage according to the sensed longitudinal position of the carriage and resistance characteristics of the structure, and for further applying an adjustable resistive force to a rotation of the pulley according to the sensed angular position of the pulley and the resistance characteristics. The present disclosure also relates to a medical insertion simulator comprising such an apparatus.

Abstract: The present teachings generally relate to translation catheter systems and method of using thereof in treating defective mitral valves. Specifically, a translation catheter system includes a catheter configured to move substantially laterally along the mitral annulus and the lateral movement of the catheter is substantially continuous and substantially adjustable. Accordingly, a method of using such a translation catheter includes advancing a first wire across the mitral annulus at a first treatment location, delivering a catheter at or near the first treatment location, moving the catheter substantially laterally to a second treatment location, and advancing a second wire across the mitral annulus, where the distance between the first and second treatment locations is substantially adjustable and optionally visualized.

Abstract: The invention concerns a module for guiding an elongate medical part along an elongation axis for a robotic system comprising: mobile apparatus mounted so as to rotate relative to a base about a rotational axis, and defining a space for receiving the elongate medical part, and comprising a rotational guiding system comprising a passage region for the elongate medical part corresponding to the location of the passage of the elongate medical part through the mobile apparatus, and a plurality of rotary guiding portions distributed about the rotational axis, an access aperture comprising an angular aperture of at least 30°.

Abstract: A multi-utility surgical instrument may include a nosecone, a handle, a housing sleeve, an actuation facilitating sleeve, a piston tube, a hypodermic tube, and an end plug. The hypodermic tube may be disposed within the piston tube; the piston tube may be disposed within the actuation facilitating sleeve; the actuation facilitating sleeve may be disposed within the housing sleeve; the end plug may be disposed within a portion of the housing sleeve; the housing sleeve and the end plug may be disposed within the handle; the nose cone may be fixed to a distal end of the handle; and the hypodermic tube may be fixed to the nosecone.

Abstract: A sealability acquiring mechanism disposed in a medical apparatus has a raising base unit constituted of a raising base operating mechanism, a raising tube path portion, a guide tube and a raising base. In the raising tube path portion, there is disposed a sealing member that is water-tightly or air-tightly fixed to a wire fixing portion to be connected to a raising wire inserted into an outer peripheral member and the outer peripheral member, a fluid supplied from an opening of the outer peripheral member flows between an inner peripheral surface of a raising tube path and an outer peripheral surface of the sealing member, and the raising base operating mechanism is water-tightly or air-tightly separated from the raising tube path.

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: In an introduction assembly for an articulated probe, a feeding mechanism has actuators for controlling the articulated probe. The introduction device is fixed in a positional relationship to the feeding mechanism. The introduction device includes a support member configured to support an articulated probe. A proximal end of the support member has an entrance configured to guide the articulated probe into contact with the support member. A distal end of the support member has an exit configured to guide the articulated probe from the support member into a region of interest.

Abstract: Retractor cannula systems may be used for accessing and visualizing the spine and related methods of treatment, including a forward-looking retractor cannula system for creating a working space and the retractor cannula system having atraumatic dissection capability to allow visualization in spine. The devices and methods described may be used, for example, to perform annulus repair, herniated disc excision, and denervation of neurological tissue; to dispense pharmacological agents and/or cell or tissue therapy agents; to diagnose disc degeneration and bony degeneration, spinal stenosis, and nucleus decompression, and to perform disc augmentation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical device including an adapter assembly for selectively interconnecting an end effector and the device housing. The adapter assembly includes at least one drive converter assembly that converts and transmits a rotation of the rotatable drive shaft to an axial translation of at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector. A first drive converter assembly includes a first drive element, a nut, an articulation sleeve, an articulation bearing, and an articulation link. Rotation of the rotatable drive shaft results in rotation of the first drive element. Rotation of the first drive element results in axial translation of the nut, the articulation sleeve, the articulation bearing, the articulation link, and the at least one axially translatable drive member of the end effector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-function laparoscopic surgical instrument that meets niche needs in the expanding field of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a sheath that may be inserted into a patient, wherein the sheath contains at least two interchangeable surgical instruments that may be advanced into or retracted from the patient through a single outlet in the sheath. It is intended for use in laparoscopic and thoracoscopic surgical procedures, including intra-abdominal, intra-thoracic, intra-pelvic and arthroscopic MIS procedures, and is particularly well suited to single incision laparoscopic surgery and Natural Orifice Translumenal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES).

Abstract: A method for performing a surgical procedure within lungs of a patient. The method comprising the steps of providing a plurality of surgical instruments and providing a housing. Attaching a flexible, elongated shaft with distal and proximal ends to the housing. Engaging at least one working end to the distal end of the housing, the working end including a plurality of tubes disposed therein that define a corresponding plurality of working channels for housing a corresponding plurality of surgical instruments. Controlling an actuator to engage at least one of the corresponding plurality of surgical instruments, wherein rotation of the working end with respect to a longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft engages at least one of the plurality of surgical instrument with the actuator to deploy the at least one surgical instrument to the lung as needed during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: An endoscope robot inserted into a duct to perform a predetermined work includes a flexible first tube body, a joint structure coupled to an end of the first tube body, and an end-effector connected to the joint structure so that location and direction of the end-effector are adjusted by the joint structure. The joint structure includes a fixed arm coupled to an end of the first tube body, and a plurality of pivotal arms arranged in order in a row from the fixed arm and pivotally connected to each other. The first tube body curves and linearly moves in the duct to move the end-effector to a working position. The plurality of pivotal arms is pivoted at the working position to adjust location and direction of the end-effector.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a part to be monitored that is arranged inside a mechanical member, said part to be monitored including a plane wall and a curved wall presenting an angle between them. The system comprises a probe endoscope (20) carrying a head (30), said head (30) presenting a plane face (31) that is suitable for being pressed against said plane wall, said head (30) having an ultrasound probe (35) and at least one magnet (36) flush with said plane face (31), said head (30) having a curved face (32) that is perpendicular to the plane face (31) and that matches the shape of the curved wall of the part to be monitored, the plane face (31) and the curved face (32) forming an L-shaped structure that is suitable for being held against the part to be monitored via each magnet (36), while allowing said part to be monitored to rotate relative to said head (30).

Abstract: A catheter configured for imaging objects substantially in focus is described herein. An imaging device is disposed on the distal end of the catheter. The imaging device has an effective focal plane that is located in front of the imaging device. The catheter also includes a transparent focal instrument that has an outer periphery that is positioned at the effective focal plane of the imaging device, to enable objects in contact with the outer periphery of the transparent focal instrument to be imaged substantially in focus.

Abstract: An advance and retreat assist tool includes a base unit, a first tubular member, a rotary portion and an advance and retreat mechanism. The advance and retreat assist tool further includes a hinge mechanism which switches to either a coaxial condition or a slanted condition.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a substantially rigid shaft having a distal end and a proximal portion, the shaft having a first lumen and a second lumen separate from the first lumen, the second lumen containing one or more objective lenses disposed at the distal end thereof. A housing is mounted on the proximal portion of the shaft, the housing including an eyepiece mount and a light input port. An image fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the image fiber bundle extending proximally from adjacent the one or more objective lenses to the eyepiece mount. An illumination fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the illumination fiber bundle extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft to the light input port.

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 includes a positioning mechanism configured for movement through at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) system can include a catheter and a translation mechanism for translating the catheter. Engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism may be detected, and the translation mechanism can be placed in a connected or disconnected mode, accordingly. When in connected mode, certain IVUS operations may be enabled when compared to disconnected mode, wherein such operations may be disabled. Thus, some embodiments may ensure proper engagement between the catheter and the translation mechanism prior to allowing certain IVUS operations to be carried out.