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 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 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 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: 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: 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 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 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, 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 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, 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;