Abstract: An articulated tip part for an endoscope, and an endoscope, including segments including a distal end segment having an outer wall defining an inner spacing adapted to accommodate a camera assembly therein and a proximal wall having a proximal surface, the distal end segment having an outer surface, wherein adjacent of the segments are interconnected by at least one hinge member to enable bending of the articulated tip part; and an insertion guide adapted to guide a steering wire and including an entry provided in the outer surface of the distal end segment, the insertion guide also including an exit fluidly coupled with and leading to the inner spacing of the distal end segment, whereby an end of a steering wire can be guided into the inner spacing of the distal end segment via the entry of the insertion guide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for navigated punction, biopsy or ablation comprising a mobile electromagnetic field generator for generating an electromagnetic navigation field which is connected to an apparatus for medical imaging, a needle-like instrument (16), comprising a sterile distal portion (22) and an optionally non-sterile proximal portion (20), a removable protection device (30) for encapsulating the sterile distal portion (22), a sensor (38) suitable for carrying out measurements allowing for determining the position of the sensor (38) within the navigation field, and a sensor carrier (26). The sensor carrier (26) comprises an elongate carrier body (36) having proximal and distal ends. The sensor (38) is attached to or enclosed by said carrier body (36) close to its distal end.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a pencil-like optical fiber sensor probe, including an inner tube, a light screening casing, a clamping device, an optical fiber and an optical probe; a portable immunosensor, including the pencil-like optical fiber sensor probe, an immersion immune response reagent strip, a touch-screen computer, a compact battery-powered sensitive photon counting detector and a case; and a use of the immunosens in detecting inflammatory markers. The design of the pencil-like optical sensor probe greatly simplifies the immune analysis process by combining the immersion immune response reagent strip. Each optical probe allows for up to 10 immunoassays, which reduces the experimental cost and avoids frequent replacement of the probe. The integrated detecting system is powered by battery which is suitable for in-situ analysis and detection. The sensor also has a high stability and sensitivity.

Abstract: A medical endodevice for an intervention inside a human or animal body includes an elongated liaising structure having a distal end arrangeable inside a body of the human or animal being and a proximal end arrangeable outside the body while the distal end is inside the body. The endodevice has an intervention tool arranged to manipulate a target tissue inside the human or animal body. The intervention tool is arranged at the distal end of the liaising structure. The endodevice further includes a positioning unit having a moving formation arranged to dislocate the intervention tool relative to the target tissue, and an anchoring formation arranged to fix the moving formation to a fixing tissue inside the human or animal body such that the target tissue is positioned in a workspace of the intervention tool.

Abstract: The invention discloses an integrated tumor resection instrument and a simulation training system. The resection device comprises an imaging system, a minimally invasive incision, a processor, an operating device, a resection executing mechanism and a positioning control device. The operating device is connected to the input end of the processor, the resection actuating mechanism is provided with a resecting driver, and the positioning control device and the resecting driver are both connected to the output end of the processor; the simulation training system comprises the steps of designing a manikin; arranging the imaging system; integrated resection. The resection device can resect the whole tumor along the edge of the tumor, thereby avoiding the incomplete resection and even tumor recurrent caused by crushing in the process of resecting the tumor. The simulation training system can train an operator to quickly master the resection skill and operation of various positions.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a catheter system, a use of such catheter system and a manufacturing method for such catheter system. The catheter system includes an at least partially flexible catheter body, at least a ring electrode, and at least a strain gauge. The ring electrode surrounds at least a portion of the flexible catheter body. The strain gauge is allocated to the ring electrode and the strain gauge is configured to measure a deformation of the flexible catheter body at a position allocated to the ring electrode to detect a contact between the ring electrode and tissue.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods for delivering implantable leadless pacing devices are disclosed. An example delivery device may include an outer tubular member including a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof and an intermediate tubular member including a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. A distal holding section may be coupled to the intermediate tubular member and define a cavity therein for receiving a proximal implantable leadless pacing device and a distal implantable leadless pacing device in a linear arrangement. The distal holding section may have a proximal body portion and a distal body portion. The proximal body portion may be more flexible than the distal body portion. An inner tubular member including a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof may be slidably disposed within the lumen of the intermediate tubular member.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A dilation introducer for orthopedic surgery is provided for minimally invasive access for insertion of an intervertebral implant. The dilation introducer may be used to provide an access position through Kambin's triangle from a posterolateral approach. A first dilator tube with a first longitudinal axis is provided. A second dilator tube may be introduced over the first, advanced along a second longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from the first. A third dilator tube may be introduced over the second, advanced along a third longitudinal axis parallel to but offset from both the first and the second. An access cannula may be introduced over the third dilator tube. With the first, second, and third dilator tubes removed, surgical instruments may pass through the access cannula to operate on an intervertebral disc and/or insert an intervertebral implant.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a housing, a tubular member extending from the housing, a valve disposed on the housing, and a tip member at a distal end of the tubular member. The housing includes a seal and the tubular member includes a plurality of lumens extending therethrough. The valve is fluidly coupled with a first lumen of the plurality of lumens and the tip member includes a first port that is aligned and fluidly coupled with the first lumen of the plurality of lumens. The first port is configured to direct a fluid towards a predetermined location.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope tip assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope tip assembly may include a base configured to receive an endoscope tip configured to not disengage from the endoscope tip during a procedure. The endoscope tip assembly may also include a plurality of struts which is connected by a webbing, may fold flat during insertion, and may assume a balloon-like shape during withdrawal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems, methods and algorithms for determination of heart pump function and their use in livings subject are described. The invention further relates to complementary parts of such systems that work best in combination. Medical catheters, sheaths and shafts are disclosed that carry an arrangement of integrated digital sensor systems-on-chip (SoC) in the portion thereof residing inside the body. These devices combine at their portion that resides inside the body, the complete chain of signal transduction, signal analog-to-digital conversion and digital signal transmission, and allow to acquire single and multiple physical entities in a single setup. In specific instances the devices integrate wireless data transfer functionality, and in specific instances they integrate wireless energy harvesting for battery-free functionality.

Abstract: A computer-assisted medical system comprises a flexible elongate instrument. The flexible elongate instrument comprises a plurality of wires extending from a proximal end of the flexible elongate instrument to a distal end of the flexible elongate instrument. Each wire of the plurality of wires may be used to steer the distal end. The system also comprises a control system coupled to the flexible elongate instrument. The control system is configured to monitor movement of the flexible elongate instrument along a longitudinal central axis and determine an extent of motion of the flexible elongate instrument in a first direction along the longitudinal central axis based on the monitoring. The control system is also configured to alter a rigidity of the flexible elongate instrument based on a rigidity profile relative to the extent of motion by adjusting one or more forces applied by the plurality of wires to the distal end of the flexible elongate instrument.

Abstract: An attachment for an imaging device may include a first sheath including a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a second sheath positioned around an exterior of the first sheath; and a connector coupled to the first sheath and configured to be coupled to the imaging device.

Abstract: A medical method for a lumen of a body includes, introducing a first endoscope and a first overtube up to a strictured area inside the lumen, the first overtube having a first channel having an inner diameter such that the first endoscope can be introduced into the lumen, introducing a second overtube into the lumen by using the first overtube as a guide, the second overtube having a second channel having an inner diameter larger than an outer diameter of the first overtube such that a second endoscope can be introduced into the lumen, the second endoscope having an outer diameter larger than an outer diameter of the first endoscope, removing the first endoscope and the first overtube from an interior of the second channel, inserting the second endoscope into the lumen by using the second channel as a guide, and dilating the strictured area by using the second endoscope.

Abstract: An optical shape sensing system includes an attachment device (130) coupled at an anatomical position relative to a bone. An optical shape sensing fiber (102) is coupled to the attachment device and configured to identify a position and orientation of the attachment device. An optical shape sensing module (115) is configured to receive feedback from the optical shape sensing fiber and register the position and orientation of the attachment device relative to an anatomical map.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for providing a surgeon with improved viewing angles during arthroscopic surgical procedures are provided. In some embodiments, a cannula is provided that includes an elongate body that can extend along a longitudinal axis, the body having a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen extending through the body between openings at the proximal and distal ends. The cannula can have a first flange member that can extend at least partially around at least one of the openings, and the first flange member can have a distal-facing surface, where at least a portion of the distal-facing surface can be reflective.

Abstract: Wound drain includes a body of elastomeric material. The body includes a flange having a generally planar form and an elongate shaft having a first portion extending to one side of the flange, and optionally a second portion extending to the opposite side of the flange. The flange has a cross-sectional length in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the shaft that is larger than a cross-sectional length of the shaft. The shaft includes one or more channels each extending along its entire length or a portion of its length, and along both the first and second portions of the shaft when the second portion of the shaft is present. The shaft also includes one or more longitudinally extending openings that each lead to one of the channels.

Abstract: The invention provides devices that can be used for any endoscopy procedure. In certain embodiments, the devices of the invention reduce the occurrence of looping in the most difficult segment of the colon to navigate—the splenic flexure. In other embodiments, the devices of the invention make colonoscopies more comfortable for patients and reduce the risk of damage to the colon. In yet other embodiments, the devices of the invention comprise a supportive, friction-reducing device that can be attached to the tip of existing endoscopes to help the scope advance better through the colon and intestinal tract.

Abstract: Methods of manipulating cancellous bone within a vertebral body. A steerable assembly is directed through an access cannula such that a deflectable portion of the steerable assembly protrudes from the access cannula to within the vertebral body. The steering instrument is actuated from an operating tension mode in which a tension is placed on the control element of the steering instrument to a slack tension mode in which the tension on the control element is released. The steerable instrument may exert substantially zero lateral force on the deformable conduit in the slack tension mode. The steering instrument is moved relative to the deformable conduit positioned within the vertebral body. The steering instrument is actuated to move the steering instrument from the slack tension mode to the operating tension mode in which the deflectable portion may assume a curved configuration not substantially coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the access cannula.

Abstract: A surgical laser system comprises a laser source configured to generate laser energy; a laser fiber optically coupled to the laser source and configured to discharge the laser energy generated by the laser source; a rocker arm configured to control an orientation of the discharged laser energy; and a controller configured to control a movement of the rocker arm in response to feedback of the discharged laser energy or to pre-defined settings of the laser source.

Abstract: Neurosurgical apparatus has a guidance device having a guide tube and a neurosurgical instrument for insertion into the guide tube. The inner surface of the guide tube is arranged, for example profiled, to at least partially engage the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument when inserted therein. The guide tube thus guides the neurosurgical instrument along a predefined path through the guide tube. At least one of the guidance device and the outer surface of the neurosurgical instrument are configured to provide a fluid return path for carrying any fluid displaced from within the guide tube during insertion of the neurosurgical instrument into the guide tube. A seal may also be provided for sealing the fluid return path.

Abstract: A rectal injection device and a method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the device includes: (1) a body having a handle, (2) a suction system associated with the body, (3) a trigger associated with the handle, (4) a pod coupled to the body via a neck and (5) multiple suction ports associated with the pod, each of the multiple suction ports configured to receive a ligation band thereabout, the suction system configured to provide a suction to the multiple suction ports to draw tissue thereinto, the pod configured to deploy the ligation bands upon activation of the trigger.

Abstract: A lens assembly includes an adjustable lens assembly including a handle. A telescopic tube is inserted at one end of the handle. A threaded rod is disposed inside the handle at an end close to the telescopic tube. An end of the threaded rod away from the telescopic tube penetrates through an outer wall of the handle and is connected to a turn button. An end of the telescopic tube inside the handle is sleeved with a driven gear. A driving gear is embedded in a surface of the handle above the driven gear. The driving gear and the driven gear enable the telescopic tube to rotate, thereby adjusting a direction of an insertion head at one end. The threaded rod and the turn button enable the telescopic rod to move within the handle, thereby adjusting the insertion head at one end to stretch out or draw back.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to facilitate the minimally invasive removal of tissue and to facilitate the direct approach to anesthetizing a body wall of a patient. A pull-type cutting device also is disclosed to introduce an opening into the body wall to provide access for intra-chest surgical interventions, for example a minimally invasive biopsy technique as also described for excising target tissue from within a patient, including a nodule from within the patient's lung.

Abstract: A laparoscopic device includes a flexible insertion part including an imaging optical system and an illumination optical system that are covered with an exterior tube; and an operational part connected to a base end of the insertion part. The insertion part is inserted into a peritoneal dialysis catheter for observation of an abdominal cavity, and the insertion part includes a distal extended part that is extendable from the peritoneal dialysis catheter in the abdominal cavity during use and formed in a shape with a curved part having a cumulative central angle between 180° and 360°.

Abstract: A distal cap apparatus for use with an endoscope, having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween, includes a mount configured for mounting to the distal end of the endoscope, and a strap connected to the mount and configured for banding about the distal end of the endoscope when the distal end of the endoscope is received in the mount. The mount defines a strap slot configured to receive an end of the strap to configure the strap in the banded configuration. The strap may be elastic. A tool is provided to facilitate properly seating of the strap within the mount of the cap assembly. The tool includes a window and a swing arm rotatable within the window to cause a portion of the arm to contact a free end of the strap to force the strap into a fully seated position.

Abstract: There is provided herein, a device for treating and/or diagnosing a sinus or an ear condition, the device comprising a housing comprising or functionally connected to: a hollow cannula defining a lumen extending at least partially along the length thereof, the cannula is configured to be at least partially inserted through an ostium into a sinus cavity/ear of a subject; and a flexible grinding wire movable within the cannula's lumen and configured to be inserted into and retrieved out of the sinus cavity through the cannula's lumen, and to rotate along a longitudinal axis thereof and thereby grind, chop and/or stir material present in the sinus cavity and/or inside the hollow cannula, wherein the cannula is in fluid flow communication with an irrigation/aspiration source; and a wire handle functionally connected to the wire, allowing a user to advance and retrieve the wire within the cannula and into and out of the cannula lumen, wherein the device is handheld by a gripping handle.

Abstract: Disclosed are lighting and optical devices, systems, and methods for use in laparoscopic surgical procedures. The disclosed devices, systems, and methods advantageously do not require tethers in order to receive power or transmit data, such as camera images, to and from an external device. In addition, the disclosed devices, systems, and methods utilize improved camera mechanisms and reduce costs and improve accessibility with respect to laparoscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for insufflating abdomens of subjects under direct visualization. Such devices and methods, in some implementations, include features for cleaning the devices, and certain implementations of the methods permit procedures wherein it is not necessary to use a typical obturator to place a cannula, resulting in safer procedures.

Abstract: A sheathed tubular semi-rigid balloon catheter for performing probing, irrigation, dilation, suction and potential intubation of the nasolacrimal system or paranasal sinus system to treat for stenosis or obstruction. The catheter includes a sheathed tubular probe portion through which a tracer fluid can be injected and through which suctioning of blood or other material can be conducted. The sheath portion of the device can have a distal segment that is inflated in order to dilate parts the nasolacrimal or paranasal sinus system. The high axial load accommodating catheter tool includes a more secure and inexpensively manufactured bond between the metallic semi-rigid tube of the probe portion and the plastic hand-manipulable, multi-connector hub using an enlarged bonding collar.

Abstract: Provided is an integrated monitoring and management system for endoscopic surgery, in which the system simultaneously monitors and manages the surgical environment such as pressure, temperature, humidity, smoke, and the like inside the human body, and the type and access of surgical instruments used for surgery throughout the surgical procedure at the time of endoscopic surgery, such that an optimal surgical environment is maintained according to a monitoring result, and when an accident occurrence factor is monitored during the surgical procedure, it is possible to prevent an accident from occurring by informing of the accident occurrence factor, and it is possible to quantify a safe and successful surgical procedure by analyzing accumulated big data.

Abstract: An otoscope provides a disposable speculum sleeve that conducts light to a narrow tip holding an electronic camera. By removing the light source from the tip, the diameter of the tip may be further reduced to allow the space of the ear canal to be shared between the otoscope and a tool such as a curette for removing foreign objects or to permit the tip to navigate around ear obstructions. The sleeve may provide for multidirectional illumination of the ear structure for improved visualization. The tip and sleeve may be flexible for increased patient comfort when using a compact tip design.

Abstract: A minimally invasive medical instrument comprises an elongate flexible body including a proximal portion, a distal portion, an inner sheath defining a central lumen, and an outer sheath. The inner sheath comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. The instrument further comprises a plurality of conduits embedded within the inner sheath. The plurality of conduits extend through the inner sheath and terminate within the inner sheath. Each conduit includes a conduit lumen and a distal end, and the distal end is directly secured to the inner sheath. The instrument further includes at least one tendon extending through the conduit lumen of at least one conduit of the plurality of conduits from the proximal portion and beyond the distal end of the at least one conduit into the distal portion of the elongate flexible body. The at least one tendon is actuatable to steer the distal portion.

Abstract: Cleaning devices disclosed herein provide, for example, an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of an imaging device (e.g., an endoscope). Cleaning devices disclosed herein enable an imaging element to be cleaned while located within a concealed operation site (e.g., an in-vivo surgical site). To enhance imaging device compatibility, cleaning devices disclosed herein have integral therewith a seating adjustor that allows a user to selectively adjust the position of an imaging device seated thereon. Cleaning devices disclosed herein are thus able to accommodate imaging devices that would otherwise be incompatible due to a distance between the imaging element of the imaging device and a position of a cleaning member of the cleaning device being either too big or too small.

Abstract: An endovascular delivery system an elongate outer tubular sheath, an elongate inner tubular member releasably disposed within the elongate outer tubular sheath and an elongate crossover guidewire slidably disposed within the elongate outer tubular sheath.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens, and an endcap configured to engage opposing edges of the lens cover film in a sealing manner.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns systems and methods for removal of material from the body of a patient, and particularly for percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Systems according to the various embodiments of the disclosure include one or more of nested first and second components, for instance a scope nested within a suction or irrigation catheter, guidewires with self-expanding distal tips, and wash-out elements to facilitate rapid removal of stones through an access sheath.

Abstract: A device for preventing air escape and maintaining colonic air distension can include a body, a distal gasket coupled to a distal end of the body, a proximal gasket coupled to a proximal end of the body, and a diaphragm coupled to the proximal gasket. The distal and proximal gaskets can form a fluid-tight seal with a colonoscope positioned within central bores of the distal gasket, the body, and the proximal gasket, and the diaphragm can conform to and form a fluid-tight seal with at least one of an anus and a stoma of a subject.

Abstract: The present invention is premised upon an improved balloon dilator, more particularly to an improved balloon dilator comprising an expandable balloon, a core wire which extends through the expandable balloon, and a single visual marker band positioned at a geometric center within the balloon dilator which may selectively reflect certain wavelengths of light.

Abstract: Maximum hardness of a flexible tube section of an endoscope is set such that substantial maximum hardness at a time when an over-tube is attached is equal to or lower than maximum hardness of a flexible tube section of an endoscope. That is, the maximum hardness of the flexible tube section of the endoscope is set substantially equal to hardness obtained by subtracting hardness of the over-tube itself from the maximum hardness of the flexible tube section of the endoscope. In the endoscopes including a hardness changing mechanism, maximum hardness of the endoscope, to which the over-tube is not attached, and maximum hardness of the endoscope, to which the over-tube is attached, are set substantially equal.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope including an insertion section formed in an elongated shape, a flexible tube portion provided at a proximal end side of the insertion section, and a rigidity changing mechanism portion provided inside the flexible tube portion, and configured to change rigidity of the flexible tube portion by an operation performed on a hand side, and a flexible overtube formed in a cylindrical shape extending in an axial direction, into which the insertion section is inserted, where a rigidity change region of the flexible tube portion by the rigidity changing mechanism portion is set to be from an intermediate portion to a proximal end portion of the flexible tube portion, and a total length of the overtube in the axial direction is set to be shorter than a total length of the rigidity change region.

Abstract: A medical device insertion method includes: inserting an endoscope into an overtube until a distal end of the endoscope protrudes from a distal end of the overtube; grasping a part of the endoscope protruding from the distal end of the overtube and inserting the endoscope into the large intestine until the distal end of the endoscope is between the splenic flexure and the sigmoid colon of the large intestine; and inserting the overtube together with the endoscope into the large intestine until the distal end of the endoscope is beyond the splenic flexure while grasping the overtube from an outer radial direction so as to deform the overtube in an inner radial direction until an inner surface of the overtube is pressed against an outer circumferential surface of the endoscope, and then inserting the overtube into the large intestine until a reinforced region is placed in the splenic flexure.

Abstract: Certain aspects relate to manually and robotically controllable medical instruments. A manually and robotically controllable medical instrument can include an elongated shaft articulable by pull wires. The elongated shaft can be connected to an instrument handle that attaches to an instrument drive mechanism. The instrument handle can include a pulley assembly on which the pull wires can be mounted. Rotation of the pulley assembly can actuate the pull wires to cause articulation of the elongated shaft. The medical instrument also includes a manual drive input connected to the pulley assembly such that manual actuation of the manual drive input causes rotation of the first pulley assembly and a robotic drive input configured to engage with a robotic drive output of the instrument drive mechanism such that rotation of the first robotic drive output causes rotation of the pulley assembly.

Abstract: A single body port or body flange access device and method for performing laparoscopic surgery are disclosed. The device comprises a plurality of crisscrossing conduits through which surgical instruments may be inserted. The instruments are manipulated so that triangulation is obtained using one patient body flange while standard surgical procedures are performed on the patient.

Abstract: A stiffening assembly comprises a bulkhead including an inner surface defining a central lumen. The bulkhead further includes an outer surface surrounding the inner surface and includes a wall connecting the outer surface to the inner surface. The wall is shaped to form a plurality of holes spaced apart and surrounding the central lumen. The stiffening assembly further comprises a plurality of longitudinal beams. Each beam extends through a corresponding hole of the plurality of holes. The stiffening assembly further comprises a clamping assembly configured to contact the plurality of beams. The stiffening assembly is adjustable between a flexible state in which each beam is movable within the corresponding hole and a stiffened state in which the clamping assembly clamps the plurality of beams against the bulkhead such that a transfer of forces in a radial direction between the plurality of beams and the bulkhead stiffens the stiffening assembly.

Abstract: A therapeutic endotracheal tube assembly is provided for insertion into a patient's trachea to ventilate, to maintain patency of the patient's airway, and to deliver therapeutic electromagnetic radiation (EMR) to the patient. The therapeutic endotracheal tube assembly has an endotracheal tube and an EMR delivery system. The EMR delivery system has an EMR source for emitting non-ultraviolet, therapeutic EMR having intensity sufficient to activate desired therapeutic properties within the patient and an EMR conduction line conducive to the propagation of EMR from the EMR source along the endotracheal tube. The EMR conduction line is removably insertable into the endotracheal tube. The therapeutic endotracheal tube assembly may be custom made or may be constructed by retrofitting a removably insertable EMR delivery system to an existing endotracheal tube.

Abstract: Various rotatable shafts and linkage mechanisms configured to allow imaging and access to tissue within a body are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, an introducer system has a rotatable sheath and a linkage that can rotatably engage each other. The rotatable sheath has a distal portion extending at a non-zero angle relative to a proximal portion thereof. The linkage has an exit lumen on its distal end and a plurality of entry lumens on its proximal end. The linkage merges the plurality of entry lumens into the exit lumen, and the exit lumen is aligned with the rotatable sheath upon engagement. Fluid and/or surgical instruments can thus be passed from the plurality of entry lumens of the linkage, through the exit lumen of the linkage, and into the rotatable sheath. The linkage and the rotatable sheath can both receive an imaging device therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a trocar system for a minimally invasive work station, comprising an endoscopic instrument (2) having imaging means (3) and a device for transmitting the signals containing the image information to a display unit (6) and, as required, work tools, further comprising a trocar assembly (7 to 16) having a trocar sleeve, which is designed to receive a pin, including imaging means (8, 14), provided with a tip that is permeable to imaging media having different wavelengths, wherein the imaging means are provided to make the work field visible through the distal end of the pin and a device (16) is provided for transmitting the signals containing the image information to a display unit (6). The trocar assembly (7 to 16) and the minimally invasive instrument (3) are provided for separate use and for displaying the respective image information for the same display unit (6). The pin is provided with an on/off switch (13).