Abstract: A balloon catheter having an elongated catheter shaft defining a fluid drainage lumen and a balloon inflation lumen. The balloon catheter includes a fluid drainage port disposed about the distal end of the catheter shaft in fluid communication with the fluid drainage lumen, and a balloon inflation port disposed about the distal end of the catheter shaft in fluid communication with the balloon inflation lumen. A balloon portion is disposed about the distal end of the catheter shaft in fluid communication with the balloon inflation port. A release device is disposed in fluid communication with the balloon portion and the fluid drainage lumen, and includes an activating member. A tether is attached to the activating member of the release device. Tension applied to the tether activates the release device, enabling fluid flow from the balloon portion into the fluid drainage lumen and out of the body.

Abstract: A virtual endoscope image generation unit receives, as an input, a three-dimensional medical image formed by a three-dimensional medical image formation unit, and generates a virtual endoscope image representing the body cavity viewed from a position in the three-dimensional medical image corresponding to the position of a treatment tool detected in real time by a treatment tool position detection unit. The generated virtual endoscope image is displayed on a WS display.

Abstract: A view optimizing assembly, method and kit for use in combination with a laparoscope having a lens located on the shaft tip of the laparoscope, and a source of insufflation CO2. The invention includes a multi-lumen sheath assembly, a deflector assembly in fluid communication with the lumens of the sheath assembly, wherein the flow of CO2 through the lumens forms a vortex when coming into contact with the deflector assembly, thereby preventing fogging of the laparoscope lens.

Abstract: Devices and processes for maintaining a narrow body lumen are described. One embodiment of the inventive device includes: (i) a hydraulic propulsion mechanism for propelling an imaging portion or a therapeutic portion through the narrow body lumen; and (ii) a retrieval mechanism for retrieving the imaging portion or the therapeutic portion from the narrow body lumen.

Abstract: The biological introduction apparatus includes a drive force generation and input mechanism, a drive force transmission mechanism, a helical rotation member, a holding member and a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism positions a proximal end portion of a main body portion which is arranged in the helical rotation member to an intermediate portion arranged between a distal end portion of an insertion unit and a proximal end portion of the insertion unit.

Abstract: Adapters for properly positioning a portion of a medical instrument that is positioned within an endoscope at site of interest is disclosed.

Abstract: A percutaneous delivery system with a high degree of flexibility is provided. In one embodiment, the system includes a catheter having a portion comprising multiple segments, linked in series by at least one connecting wire. Joints between the multiple segments provide a high degree of flexibility. In some embodiments, only a distal portion is made up of segments. In other embodiments, the whole length of the catheter is made up of segments. Manipulation of the at least one connecting wire enables manipulation of the segments to flex a portion of the catheter. In one aspect, the invention provides a delivery system that reduces the impact of the delivery system on the final release position of the implant delivered. The delivery system can be used to deploy and/or retrieve implantable medical devices, for example, patent foramen ovale (PFO) occluder.

Abstract: A locomotion device and related methods for navigation into an intracorporeal cavity such as a gastrointestinal tract are described. The locomotion device is based upon rotating pinching organs, associated actuators, and transmission systems wherein the rotating pinching organs are placed side by side and rotate in an opposite direction in order to draw and retain a tissue portion and establish an anchoring point of the locomotion device onto the substratum.

Abstract: A magnetic maneuvering system for capsule endoscope includes the capsule endoscope, an annular fitting sleeved around the outer surface of the capsule endoscope. A plurality of magnetic driven parts are provided and distributed on the annular fitting member. The control device includes a magnetic driving part for magnetically actuating the magnetic driven parts, thus enabling the capsule endoscope to rotate and move in an organism as a result of the actuation of the magnetic driven parts. By magnetically controlling the magnetic driven parts, the capsule endoscope is allowed to rotate or move under the control of the control device to achieve better image retrieval results and improve over the poor image retrieval results obtained by the prior art since the location and direction of a traditional capsule endoscope, relying solely on the contractions of the digestive tract, cannot be controlled.

Abstract: An insertion assisting device includes a rotary body formed in a toroidal shape, and a support and drive unit that rotatably supports and rotates the rotary body. The support and drive unit has two supports, a first support and a second support. The first support is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and rotatably supports the rotary body. The second support is formed in a substantially triangular tubular shape, is arranged inside the first support, and supports driving gears that transmit a driving force to the rotary body. The second support is shorter than the first support, and is arranged so that front and rear end portions thereof are located inside front and rear end portions of the first support.

Abstract: An endoscope hood (1) has a cylindrical shape with both ends opened and is mounted on a tip end portion (3) in a longitudinal axis direction of an endoscope (2) provided with an optical system at least including an observation system (5) and a treatment system to be used. The endoscope hood (1) is provided with an endoscope mounting unit (18) having a base end side opening (21) configured to be mounted on the tip end portion (3) of the endoscope (2) and a hood main body (17) having a tip end side opening (10) of which outer diameter perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction is smaller than the outer diameter of the base end side opening (21), wherein, in a state in which the base end side opening (21) is mounted on the tip end portion (3) and the tip end portion (3) is seen in the longitudinal axis direction, the optical system and the treatment system are located on the inside of the tip end side opening (10).

Abstract: The illumination system is a cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating a surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for optics and or surgical tools. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at any appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location. Thus, the sheath provides structure-guided illumination resulting in the illumination of the surgical site.

Abstract: An endoscope has a shaft housing a lighting and an image transmission system and said endoscope being designed to be autoclavable. The shaft has a distal end portion which is made deflectable. An outer part is provided which is attached to said shaft. The outer part has a deflector mechanism for deflecting said deflectable distal end portion of said shaft and said outer part can be attached to said shaft by being releasably mounted laterally onto said shaft.

Abstract: An instrument for taking a tissue sample includes a tissue receiving element with a distal end and a proximal end and at least partly has a spiral or helix that has an outer surface and a central longitudinal axis (X-X?). The spiral or helix has at least has one zone where the distance (dd) from the outer surface to the central longitudinal axis (X-X?) is smaller than at a more proximally located part of the spiral or helix.

Abstract: An endoscopic sleeve includes a tubular member from which spaced projecting elements. The projecting elements are bendable towards both proximal and distal directions of the tubular member. The force (insertion force) required to bend the projecting elements towards the proximal direction is less than a force (extraction force) required to bend the projecting elements towards the distal direction. An outer periphery of the projecting elements decreases as the extraction force increases.

Abstract: A driving force transmitting unit includes a line portion extending along a driving axis in a channel, and a slider portion attached to a proximal portion of the line portion and movable relative to the line portion along the driving axis. The driving force transmitting unit includes an urging portion contracting in response to a movement of the slider portion relative to the line portion toward a distal direction and thereby applying an urging force toward the distal direction to the line portion.

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: A propelling device includes a traveling body that rotates in a state of being brought into contact with an inner wall of an alimentary canal, an external cylinder around which the traveling body is wound, and a mounting cylinder on which a tip end portion of an endoscope is mounted. Three driven rollers are rotatably attached to the external cylinder. The traveling body is pinched between the driven rollers and driving gears. As the driving gears rotate, the traveling body travels in a circulating manner. A rotating shaft of the driven roller located at the center among the three driven rollers is held by a shaft hole that is made long in a gear arrangement direction in which the driving gears are disposed side by side.

Abstract: An encapsulated medical device guidance system, and a method of controlling the system, in which a magnetic generator acts on a magnet built into a capsulated medical device, and generates a magnetic field for controlling the position and/or posture of the capsulated medical device, and a control unit has a dynamic torque estimation unit to estimate a dynamic torque to be applied to the encapsulated medical device in a target posture, controls a magnetic field generated from the magnetic field generator so that a magnetic torque generated by the magnetic field generator becomes proportional to a dynamic torque estimated by the dynamic torque estimation unit, and controls the posture of a capsule endoscope by considering gravity applied to the capsule endoscope itself.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.

Abstract: Laparoscopic instruments and cannulas are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the C-shaped trocar sleeves or through the cannula and instrument holder unit provide markedly improved degrees of instruments' freedom during trans-umbilical laparoscopic procedures.

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: Biological navigation devices and methods are disclosed. The devices can be used as or to support colonoscopies or endoscopes. The devices can have one or more releasable, and/or everting, and/or pressurized tubes. The devices can be removably attached to elongated elements, such as colonoscopes or other endoscopes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling pressure during percutaneous and endoscopic surgeries, including percutaneous renal procedures, endoscopic uterine procedures, transurethral endoscopic procedures for the bladder or prostate, or any percutaneous or endoscopic procedure. The system can include a sheath and/or endoscope each having an inflow port providing access to an inflow channel extending from the inflow port to a distal portion of the sheath, and an outflow port providing access to an outflow channel extending from the outflow port to the distal portion of the sheath. The sheath can also include a pressure sensor configured to generate a pressure measurement, and an electronic processor configured to control fluid through at least one of the inflow port and the outflow port based on the pressure measurement.

Abstract: A single body port or body flange access device having an oval shape and associated stabilizer anchor for performing laparoscopic surgery is disclosed. The device is slipped into the body anchor stabilizer first so that the anchor stabilizer lifts up fat and peritoneum inside the body thereby keeping the operating area clear and acting to hold the body flange in place. The device further has a plurality of crisscrossing conduits assuming the shape of a cone 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. Due the oval shape of the device, the device minimally rotates while instruments are manipulated.

Abstract: A transluminal surgery kit and method of using the same. In one embodiment, the kit may include an endoscope, a surgical instrument, and an overtube. The surgical instrument may be an injection needle. The overtube, whose primary function is to provide a substantially sterile pathway for the surgical instrument, may include a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end and a plurality of longitudinal bores. A film may cover the distal end of the tubular member. One of the bores may be appropriately dimensioned to coaxially receive the distal end of the endoscope, with the proximal end of the endoscope preferably not being inserted into the bore but extending proximally therefrom. A fastener for securing the tubular member to a lumen wall within a patient, together with a tool for inserting the fastener through the lumen wall, may be disposed within another one of the bores.

Abstract: A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform.

Abstract: An illumination system includes an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise be used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an access sheath includes a sheath assembly including sheath tubing, the sheath tubing having a main lumen and a secondary lumen that extends along the length of the main lumen. The main lumen has a first cross-sectional area, a first length, and a distal end outlet. The secondary lumen has a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, a second length less than the first length, and a distal end outlet terminating proximal of the main lumen distal outlet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wireless terminal for performing independent distributed-type wireless communication with a portable wireless terminal. The wireless terminal is provided with: a channel setting section for setting a channel on which wireless communication with the portable wireless terminal is performed; a trigger receiving section for receiving a trigger; a free channel search section for searching for a free channel in response to the trigger received, and for delivering a signal, which changes the set channel in accordance with the search result, to the channel setting section; and a transmission section for transmitting to the portable wireless terminal a signal which reports the change.

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 rotary self-advancing endoscope system which produces propulsion by rotating, with a motor, a rotating cylindrical body provided on an outer periphery side of an insertion portion main body and causes the insertion portion main body to move forward into an examinee's body, wherein the system is configured to periodically repeating a combination of a state in which the rotating cylindrical body forward-rotates at a predetermined RPM and a state in which the rotating cylindrical body is stopped from rotating and releases accumulated elastic energy and, when a drive current to the motor has reached a predetermined threshold value, reverse-rotate the motor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for off-axis visualization are described herein. An endoluminal tissue manipulation assembly is disclosed which provides for a stable endoluminal platform and which also provides for effective triangulation of tools. Such an apparatus may comprise an optionally shape-lockable elongate body defining a longitudinal axis and adapted for endoluminal advancement in a patient body, at least one articulatable visualization lumen disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulating visualization lumen being adapted to articulate off-axis relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and at least one articulatable tool arm member disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body, the at least one articulatable tool arm member being adapted to articulate off-axis and manipulate a tissue region of interest.

Abstract: An endoscope collar for use with an endoscope. The endoscope collar comprising a main portion comprising a proximal end that detachably couples to an end of the endoscope and a collar protrusion extending from the main portion. The collar protrusion is configured to be removably located within the aperture of a tube (e.g., a feeding tube).

Abstract: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument. The distal tip of the sheath may comprise a dissimilar material of a higher modulus of elasticity than the material comprising the remainder of the tube.

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

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 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 method of treating a prostate condition, including the steps of providing a needleless injector that includes a body at a proximal end, an injection shaft extending from the body to a distal end of the injection shaft, an injection orifice at the distal end of the injection shaft and positioned for fluid ejection in a lateral direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the injection shaft, a pressure source in communication with the fluid chamber, and an extendable tissue tensioner located at the distal end of the injection shaft proximal to the injection orifice; inserting the injection shaft into a urethra so the injection orifice is located within the prostatic urethra; actuating the tissue tensioner to contact urethral tissue, and injecting fluid from the injection orifice into the prostate.

Abstract: An anoscope kit includes an anoscope having a plurality of spaced apart fingers having free ends and a dilator removably positionable within the anoscope to aid insertion of the anoscope. The dilator has a proximal region, an intermediate region and a distal region. The distal region includes an enlarged distal head. A ramped surface extends from the enlarged distal head toward the intermediate region. The intermediate region has an outer surface to contact the fingers of the dilator.

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

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope and a cleaning adapter or connector. The endoscope has a port device or end sleeve, to which the cleaning adapter is coupled. The cleaning adapter includes a connector housing and a coupling sleeve, which has a male tapered portion. The connector housing includes a female thread (fastening device) and a guide surface. The port device includes a flange and a male thread. The guide surface guides the port device by contacting the flange. Thus, a male tapered surface or tapered sealing surface is axially aligned with a female tapered surface or tapered bore surface. The male tapered surface tightly contacts the female tapered surface by threaded engagement between the male and female threads. Accordingly, air-tightness or liquid-tightness can be ensured even in use of a plurality of connectors couplable selectively for connecting a related apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscope overtube such that friction during turning can be reduced. The endoscope overtube of the present invention has a first insertion passage into which an endoscope can be inserted, and has a second insertion passage into which a treatment instrument can be inserted, in a wall constituting the first insertion passage, wherein the second insertion passage has, on a side face thereof, an opening which passes through a surface of the overtube.

Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a controller with a master input device. An instrument driver is in communication with the controller and has a guide instrument interface including a plurality of guide instrument drive elements responsive to control signals generated, at least in part, by the master input device. An elongate guide instrument has a base, distal end, and a working lumen, wherein the guide instrument base is operatively coupled to the guide instrument interface. The guide instrument includes a plurality of guide instrument control elements operatively coupled to respective guide drive elements and secured to the distal end of the guide instrument. The guide instrument control elements are axially moveable relative to the guide instrument such that movement of the guide instrument distal end may be controlled by the master input device.

Abstract: A path-following robot, such as for creating a path to a target surgical site, includes a series of interconnected elements including a lead element at one end thereof, and a plurality of actuators each operably coupled to one of the plurality of elements. Each actuator is capable of effecting rotational and spherical motion of one element with respect to another element. The actuators are arranged to receive commands which individually control the relative position of one element compared with another element, where a position of the lead element determines a path and corresponding positions for all subsequent elements to create a path-following motion.

Abstract: A magnetically guiding system includes: a capsule medical device that has a magnet provided therein; an information acquiring unit that acquires physical information about magnetic guiding of the capsule medical device; a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field for magnetically guiding the capsule medical device; and a control unit that sets a magnetic field condition based on the physical information acquired by the information acquiring unit and controls the magnetic field generating unit to generate a magnetic field corresponding to the magnetic field condition.

Abstract: A surgical introducer including a body portion, a shaft and a sensor is disclosed. The body portion includes a reference indicator. The shaft defines a longitudinal axis and is positionable adjacent the body portion. The shaft is rotatable with respect to the body portion and includes a longitudinal indicator and a circumferential indicator. The sensor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with a distal portion of the shaft and is adapted to provide physiological data pertaining to a surgical worksite. At least a portion of the sensor is substantially aligned with the circumferential indicator. Rotation of the shaft with respect to the body portion causes displacement between the circumferential indicator and the reference indicator. Longitudinal movement of the shaft with respect to the body portion causes displacement between the longitudinal indicator and the reference indicator.

Abstract: A miniaturized scanning system to generate movement of a flexible device positioned at a distal part of a medical tool. The miniaturized scanning system includes an inner shaft with a longitudinal axis, adapted to guide said flexible device along the longitudinal axis, an abutment comprising an external surface and adapted to maintain said device, and a pusher mechanism adapted to engage with said abutment. The miniaturized scanning system includes at least one end portion adapted to contact said external surface of the abutment at a contact point, wherein said end portion is configured to translate along said longitudinal axis of the inner shaft and wherein the translation of said end portion results in a bending of the device in a bending plane defined by the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft and said contact point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.

Abstract: A medical robotic system includes an entry guide with articulatable instruments extending out of its distal end, an entry guide manipulator providing controllable four degrees-of-freedom movement of the entry guide, and a controller configured to limit joint velocities in the entry guide manipulator so as to prevent movement of tips of the articulatable instruments from exceeding a maximum allowable linear velocity when the entry guide manipulator is being used to move the entry guide.