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.

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 instruments with the actuator to deploy the at least one surgical instrument to the lung as needed during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A medical treatment endoscope includes: a flexible sheath capable of a bending operation; a viewing unit for observing the vicinity of the tip relative to the sheath; an arm section protruding from the tip of the sheath and capable of bending operation; an operation section for operating the arm section; and at least a transmission member, connected to the arm section and the operation section, for transmitting the operation of the operation section to the arm section. The transmission member is detachably connected to the operation section.

Abstract: A device and method for use in taking a sample from an item of medical equipment for the purpose of microbiological testing. The device includes attachment mechanism for attaching about a region of the item of medical equipment in an air-tight manner; and collection mechanism for collecting fluid which emanates from the item of medical equipment.

Abstract: A system (1) for delivering a staple (9) to the locus of an artery (2) comprises a delivery conduit (5) for inserting into the lumen of an artery through which conduit a staple can be delivered to the locus, and an elongate element (6) such as a catheter for a balloon (7) for translating axial advancement of the delivery conduit through the artery into movement of the distal end of the delivery conduit away from the longitudinal axis of the artery and towards the artery wall.

Abstract: An inner subassembly of a delivery system assembly extends within a lumen of an elongate outer tube of the assembly, and includes a flared distal end, which is preferably configured to conform to a proximal end of an implantable medical device; a distal-most portion of the outer tube is sized to contain both the flared distal end and an entirety of the medical device. The inner subassembly includes a core, an elongate pull-wire, extending along the core, and a sheath surrounding the pull-wire and the core; the sheath includes a slot opening that allows the pull-wire to pass laterally therethrough. The assembly preferably has a pre-formed curvature along a length of the sheath, and the slot opening extends along the pre-formed curvature. The outer tube is longitudinally moveable relative to the inner subassembly, for example, to deploy the medical device.

Abstract: An endoscopic system including an accessory that fits over an endoscopic device, the accessory including at least one collapsible tube which has a collapsed state and an expanded state, wherein in the collapsed state, the accessory increases an outer perimeter of the endoscopic device by not more than 10%, and in the expanded state, the at least one collapsible tube has fluid that flows therethrough and the accessory increases the outer perimeter of the endoscopic device by at least 10%.

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 endoscope apparatus includes an accessory including an actuation portion configured to be actuated, an operating unit for operating the actuation portion, an endoscope including an accessory insertion pass wherein the accessory is adapted to be inserted through the accessory insertion pass from a proximal end portion of the accessory insertion pass to a distal end portion of the accessory insertion pass, and projected from and retracted into the distal end portion of the accessory insertion pass, a detecting unit configured to detect a condition of a part of the accessory, which is projected from the distal end portion of the accessory insertion pass, and a control unit configured to control an actuation of the actuation portion by an operation to the operating detecting unit.

Abstract: A side-viewing endoscope includes an elongated tube for entry in a body cavity for imaging. A wire line is contained in the elongated tube, for moving in an axial direction back and forth. A guide device is coupled with a distal end of the wire line, caused to shift between first and second positions by the wire line, for orientation in a direction crosswise to the axial direction upon being set in the second position. An input lever is disposed at a proximal end of the wire line, for moving the wire line in the axial direction. A cam mechanism is connected between the input lever and the wire line, for shifting the guide device at a first shift between the first position and an intermediate position, and shifting the guide device at a second shift smaller than the first shift between the intermediate and second positions.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus for an endoscope includes a propulsion assembly for mounting on a tip device of the endoscope, for propulsion in a body cavity. First and second wire devices are disposed to extend from the tip device in a proximal direction, having a coil winding, for rotating to drive the propulsion assembly. First and second motors are connected with proximal ends of respectively the first and second wire devices, for rotating the first and second wire devices. A timer is actuated if a speed difference between rotational speeds of the first and second motors becomes equal to or more than a reference speed value, for measuring an elapsed time. A break detector detects breakage of the first wire device if the elapsed time becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined time. A controller controls the first and second motors in response to an output of the break detector.

Abstract: An endoscope system including an endoscope insertion part to be inserted into a body cavity via a trocar stabbed in a body wall, the endoscope system comprising: a detecting device detecting whether a tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar; and a trocar cleaning device cleaning the inside of the trocar by supplying a predetermined fluid into the trocar when it is detected by the detecting device that the tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar.

Abstract: An atherectomy catheter includes an elongate flexible catheter body, an elongate deflectable distal tip coupled to the catheter body at a hinge point, a rotatable cutter near the distal end of the catheter body, and a drive shaft extending within the catheter body and configured to rotate the cutter. The atherectomy catheter further includes an optical fiber extending through the drive shaft substantially on-axis with the catheter body and attached to the cutter. The optical fiber is configured to rotate with the drive shaft. The atherectomy catheter further includes a wedge configured to deflect the distal tip away from the catheter body at the hinge point upon axial movement of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope including: an insertion section inserted from a mouth ring provided at the base-end portion of a channel of the endoscope to the inside of the channel; an operation section provided at the base end of the insertion section; a rigid guide member having a tubular shape, externally fitted around the insertion section at the base end of the insertion section, and fixed to the operation section; and a fixing section that is externally fitted around the guide member, firmly attaches between the inner wall of the mouth ring or the channel and the guide member, and fixes the guide member to the inner wall of the mouth ring or the channel.

Abstract: An advance and retreat assist tool includes a base unit, a fixing unit and a first tubular member. The advance and retreat assist tool further includes a fixing portion which fixes the treatment instrument to the first tubular member, a rotary portion which provided in the first tubular member and an advance and retreat mechanism which advances and retreats the first tubular member on the basis of the a rotation force of the rotary portion.

Abstract: A self propelled, endoscopic apparatus formed of a flexible, fluid-filled toroid and a motorized or powerable frame The apparatus may be used to advance a variety of accessory devices into generally tubular spaces and environments for medical and non-medical applications. The apparatus when inserted into a tubular space or environment, such as the colon of a patient undergoing a colonoscopy, is advanced by the motion of the toroid. The toroid's surface circulates around itself in a continuous motion from inside its central cavity along its central axis to the outside where its surface travels in the opposite direction until it again rotates into its central cavity. As the device advances within the varying sizes, shapes and contours of body lumens, the toroid compresses and expands to accommodate and navigate the environment. The motion of the toroid can be powered or unpowered and the direction and speed may be controlled.

Abstract: An advance and retreat assist tool includes a base unit, an attachment portion which attaches the base unit to a treatment instrument insertion portion, a tubular member provided to advance and retreat relative to the base unit coaxially with a central axis of a hole portion and a fixing portion which fixes an endoscopic treatment instrument to the tubular member. The advance and retreat assist tool further includes a rotary portion which has an axis different from an axis of the tubular member and which rotates around the axis, and an advance and retreat mechanism.

Abstract: A surgical system performs a surgical procedure on a patient with manipulators and an endoscope. The surgical system has a display unit for simultaneously displaying a plurality of items of information including an endoscopic image captured by the endoscope, and a wireless image processor for transmitting information to the display unit and processing the plurality of items of information to be displayed by the display unit. The information about the endoscopic image is transmitted from the endoscope to the wireless image processor through a link including at least a portion based on wireless communications.

Abstract: A bronchoscope adapter is configured for one hand operation by providing a slide lock that is captured within a housing and a retaining nut that can be operated with a single finger or thumb. Rotation of the retaining nut is eased by isolating rotational force from a compression block with a spacer ring.

Abstract: A medical operation device is attachable to an insertion portion of a medical instrument for observation.

Abstract: A surgical instrument extends through a guide tube and exits at an intermediate position of the guide tube. The instrument includes a parallel motion mechanism that changes the position of a distal end of the surgical instrument without changing the orientation of the distal end. An image capture component is at the distal end of the guide tube, and a joint allows the image capture component to move while the intermediate position remains stationary. The configuration allows a cross section of the guide tube to be oblong. In some aspects, a joint for the image capture component is placed between exit ports for surgical instruments, which allows the guide tube cross section to be further reduced.

Abstract: A medical system includes: a treatment instrument having an insertion portion configured by an exterior member, and an insertion member that is inserted into the exterior member and is longer than the exterior member; an insertion portion inserting/pulling-out device to transmit a driving force to the exterior member or the insertion member configuring the insertion portion of the treatment instrument, the insertion portion inserting/pulling-out device advancing/retreating at least one of the exterior member and the insertion member; and a driving force non-transmitting portion provided to the insertion member, the driving force non-transmitting portion preventing a driving force of the insertion portion inserting/pulling-out device from being transmitted to the exterior member when the insertion member is moved by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A network based surgical system including a first medical device having a first network interface, a second medical device having a second network interface, a communications network over which the first medical device, through the first network interface, and the second medical device, through the second network interface, are communicable, wherein the first network interface and the second network interface employ the same network protocol for communicating over the communications network, and wherein the first network interface has a maximum throughput greater than a maximum throughput of the second network interface.

Abstract: An endoscopic treatment tool includes: a treatment part which is adapted to conduct treatment of tissue within a body cavity; an operation part which is adapted to operate the treatment part; an operation shaft member which connects the treatment part and the operation part; and a coil sheath part through which the operation shaft member passes so that the operation shaft member is capable of forward or backward movement, in which: the coil sheath part comprises: a first coil sheath around which wire is helically wound; and a second coil sheath that has a lower compressive resistance than the first coil sheath, and that has a higher rotation follow-up capability than the first coil sheath; the first coil sheath and the second coil sheath are disposed so as to coaxially and radially overlap; a first end part and a second end part of the second coil sheath are respectively connected to the treatment part and the operation part so as to be incapable of relative rotation around an axis of the second coil sheath;

Abstract: Apparatus includes Flexible Sheath extending from a proximal end which extends into living body; Capsule extending from a proximal to a distal end and having an opening formed in a proximal end thereof; Clip Assembly provided in Capsule and configured to be operably movable between a closed configuration in which first and second arms of Clip Assembly are drawn toward one another and an expanded configuration in which the first and second arms are separated from one another to receive target tissue therebetween; Bushing extending between a proximal end coupled to Sheath and a distal end releasably coupled to Capsule via a tab on the distal end of Bushing engaging the opening of Capsule; and Control Member a distal end of which is releasably coupled to Clip Assembly to transmit to Clip Assembly forces applied thereto to move Clip Assembly between the insertion and expanded configurations.

Abstract: A surgical instrument adapted and configured for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures includes a shaft, an end effector and a proximal handle. The longitudinal shaft has proximal and distal end portions, and defines a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument. The distal end effector is connected to the distal end portion of the shaft, and is adapted and configured for performing a surgical task. The proximal handle portion is operably connected to the proximal end portion of the longitudinal shaft and has an actuatable portion operably connected to the end effector to result in movement of the end effector. The distal end portion of the shaft can be laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the shaft and/or have one or more bends or curves formed therein. The proximal portion of the shaft can include at least one bend to allow for comfortable positioning of a surgeon's hands.

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 advance and retreat assist tool includes a base unit, an attachment portion which attaches the base unit to a treatment instrument insertion portion so that the base unit is rotatable around a central axis of a treatment instrument insertion hole portion, and a first tubular member. The advance and retreat assist tool further includes a rotary portion and an advance and retreat mechanism.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for a surgical instrument includes a lever moveable from an initial position to an actuated position for moving an end effector assembly from a first to a second state. A pin extends from the lever. A cantilever spring is operably engaged to the housing of the instrument. A pin track member is operably engaged to the cantilever spring at a free end thereof. The pin track member is configured to permit translation of the pin therealong between a first position corresponding to the initial position of the lever and a second position corresponding to the actuated position of the lever. The pin is configured to translate from the first to the second position along a first path and from the second position back to the first position along a second path and is configured to be releasably retained in the second position.

Abstract: An insertion device and an endoscope which are inserted and extracted through a small incision and have multiple functions. A device body has grip forceps as a treatment means. A first folding back section and a second folding back section are provided at a distal portion of the device body such that the first and second folding back sections are aligned in a row in the longitudinal direction of the device body. The first folding back section and the second folding back section respectively have image obtaining means. An operation means can move the first folding back section to a folded back position in which the first folding back section is folded back relative to the second folding back section, and can also move the second folding back section to a position in which the second folding back section is folded back relative to the device body.

Abstract: An endoscope for removing tissue at a surgical site includes an elongated tubular body insertable within a mammalian cavity of a patient. An instrument channel extends between a first opening at a distal end and a second opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical cutting assembly that includes an aspiration channel configured to remove material entering the endoscope via a distal end of the surgical cutting assembly. A torque generation component configured to generate torque is positioned within the distal end and configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component. The coupling component is positioned at the distal end of the elongated tubular member and configured to actuate a cutting component of the surgical cutting assembly responsive to actuation of the torque generation component.

Abstract: An applicator for use in the fitting of an occlusive plug of the screw in kind to a fallopian tube, said applicator comprising: a body member; an eyepiece fitted to one end of the body member; an elongate probe carried by, and projecting from the other end of the body member; a fibre optic cable extending from the eye-piece along the interior of the probe to a terminal end of the probe distal from the body member; a nose piece movably mounted at said distal end of the probe and adapted to releasably receive a rear, drive end of an occlusive plug; a mechanical connection extending between the body member and the nose-piece whereby the practitioner may, within limits, vary the angle of the nose-piece with respect to its carrier tube; and a rotational drive means extending between the body member and the nose-piece to apply torque & hence rotational movement to an occlusive plug temporarily held by the nose-piece.

Abstract: Endoscopes, medical devices for use with endoscopes, and methods for making and using endoscopes. An example medical device for use with an endoscope is a catheter having one or more ridges formed on an outer surface thereof. The ridges may interact, for example, with the elevator of an endoscope.

Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip comprises a handle assembly, a shaft connected to a distal portion thereof and a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of the shaft. The clip assembly includes clip arms and a capsule cooperating with the clip arms to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a control wire including a ball connector, the control wire extending from the handle assembly and coupled to the clip assembly by the ball connector to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the shaft, wherein the ball connector is detachable from the clip assembly to provide a second user feedback indicating separation of the clip assembly from the shaft.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes a distance information acquisition section that detects the position of a treatment tool and the position of a specific part, and acquires distance information about a distance between the specific part and the treatment tool based on the detected position of the treatment tool and the detected position of the specific part, a degree-of-closeness acquisition section that acquires the degree of closeness between the specific part and the treatment tool based on the distance information, and a treatment tool control section that controls at least one of an incision-related setting and a bleeding arrest-related setting of the treatment tool based on the degree of closeness.

Abstract: A bronchoscope adapter is configured for one hand operation by providing a slide lock that is captured within a housing and a retaining nut that can be operated with a single finger or thumb. Rotation of the retaining nut is eased by isolating rotational force from a compression block with a spacer ring.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for providing foldable, insertable robotic sensory and manipulation platforms for single port surgery. The device is referred to herein as an Insertable Robotic Effector Platform (IREP). The IREP provides a self-deployable insertable device that provides stereo visual feedback upon insertion, implements a backbone structure having a primary backbone and four secondary backbones for each of the robotic arms, and implements a radial expansion mechanism that can separate the robotic arms. All of these elements together provide an anthropomorphic endoscopic device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an endoscopic housing defining an opening disposed along a plane substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the endoscopic housing. A rotatable member may be coupled to the endoscopic housing and may have a proximal portion configured to move from a stowed configuration to a deployed configuration when the proximal portion of the rotatable member is rotated about an axis substantially normal to the longitudinal axis of the endoscopic housing. The proximal portion of the rotatable member may be disposed on a distal side of the plane when in the stowed configuration and disposed on a proximal side of the plane associated with the opening when in the deployed configuration.