With Means For Indicating Position, Depth Or Condition Of Endoscope Patents (Class 600/117)
  • Publication number: 20100324365
    Abstract: Disclosed is a compact ingestible capsule that can transmit gut-diagnostic data to a computer. In a preferred embodiment, the capsule can transmit data such as enzyme concentration and pH, while a program generates triggers that can be used to activate imaging equipment to disclose the location of the capsule at a trigger event.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: Daniel Victor Marquez
  • Patent number: 7854699
    Abstract: An endoscope inserting direction detecting method includes receiving an endoscopic image and judging from the endoscopic image whether or not an endoscope is located too closely to an object of observation. When it is judged that the endoscope is located too closely to the object of observation, information is produced for prompting pull-back of the endoscope. When it is judged that the endoscope is not located too closely to the object of observation, a detecting algorithm is selected and applied according to the endoscopic image from among plural detecting algorithms for detecting an inserting direction of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nishimura, Tetsuo Nonami
  • Patent number: 7850606
    Abstract: An endoscope device of the present invention has an insertion portion capable of attachment and detachment of a plurality of optical adapters. The endoscope device comprises a resistor for detecting attachment and detachment of the optical adapter as well as an attachment and detachment detection portion, a ROM for storing a setting table as a specific set value for each of the plurality of optical adapters, an LCD for displaying a list of the optical adapters on the basis of the setting table, and an operation switch for selecting one optical adapter from the list of the optical adapters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Masayoshi Yokota
  • Patent number: 7850605
    Abstract: An inserting shape detecting probe has a long and slender core wire, a plurality of shape detecting devices, signal lines, and an outer sheath. The plurality of shape detecting devices extended from the signal lines are fixed to the core wire at a predetermined interval. The core wire is inserted in the outer sheath. The inserting shape detecting probe has a thermal radiating member which is arranged along the outer circumference of at least one of the shape detecting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Niwa, Chieko Aizawa, Fumiyuki Onoda
  • Patent number: 7841981
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is that the examiner easily picks up a series of images over a desired region in a desired digestive tract without such troublesome examination work that the examiner successively knows the imaging field to the inside of the digestive tract. A body-insertable device system of the invention includes a capsule endoscope 1, a permanent magnet 3, and a position display sheet 2. In the capsule endoscope 1, a imaging unit for picking up the images of the insides of an subject 100, and a magnet are contained in a casing. The capsule endoscope sends a radio signal containing information of the images of the insides of the subject 100 to outside the capsule endoscope. The permanent magnet 3 generates a magnetic field for application to the capsule endoscope 1 in liquid Lq1 having been introduced into the subject 100 and changes at least one of a position and a posture of the capsule endoscope 1 by the magnetic field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Hironao Kawano, Hironobu Takizawa
  • Patent number: 7841980
    Abstract: A treatment system includes a guide component that is used to insert a treatment tool into a body cavity, a tilt sensor that is provided in the guide component and detects an angle of inclination of the treatment tool that has been inserted inside the guide component, an insertion amount sensor that is provided in the guide component and detects an amount that the treatment tool has been inserted inside the guide component, a switching device that switches an observation range of images of an interior of the body cavity that are acquired by an observation device that has been introduced into the body cavity and are then displayed on a display unit, and a system control unit that drives the switching device based on information about the angle of inclination and insertion amount of the treatment tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Ryo Minosawa, Takumi Dejima, Manabu Miyamoto, Kiyotaka Matsuno
  • Patent number: 7837616
    Abstract: An objective optical system is provided at a tip end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope. A plurality of markers capable of transmitting an electromagnetic wave is placed at a target portion in an affected area. Each of the plurality of markers is adapted to transmit at least an information for defining the three-dimensional coordinates of the shape of the target area. At the rear end or the tip end portion of the insertion portion of the endoscope, a sensor is provided for electromagnetically detecting the information defining the three-dimensional coordinates of the shape of the target area and for determining the relative positional relation between the insertion portion and the three-dimensional coordinates of the shape of the target area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyoshi Tsuji, Akira Taniguchi
  • Patent number: 7833152
    Abstract: An apparatus and technique for compensating the display of an image obtained from a video camera system associated with an endoscope as it is moved through various orientations are described. The received optical image is converted to an electrical signal with an image sensor that can be a CCD or a CMOS detector. The endoscope video camera system has an inertial sensor to sense rotations of the received image about the optical axis of the endoscope and the sensor's output signals are used to rotate either the image or the image sensor. In case of rotation of the image sensor the rotation sensor can be a gyroscope or a pair of accelerometers. In case of a rotation of the image obtained with the image sensor the inertial sensor, which can be an accelerometer or a gyroscope, the image is rotated within a microprocessor for subsequent viewing on a video display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc.
    Inventors: David Chatenever, Daniel Mattsson-Boze, Marc R. Amling
  • Patent number: 7828720
    Abstract: A surgical system is provided that includes a device body that has a working channel providing a pathway for an instrument, an extension adjuster engaged with the device body, the extension adjuster also including a stop. The stop is disposed a predetermined distance from the working channel such that the stop and the distal end of the working channel cooperate to define an effective working channel length. The instrument may be inserted through the working channel and protrude outwardly from the distal end of the working channel. The extent of the protrusion is limited by the effective working channel length whereby the stop prevents further insertion of the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Nico Corporation
    Inventors: Michael E. Miller, Joseph L. Mark
  • Patent number: 7824328
    Abstract: An endoscopic surgical navigation system comprises a tracking subsystem to capture data representing positions and orientations of a flexible endoscope during an endoscopic procedure, to allow coregistration of live endoscopic video with intra-operative and/or pre-operative scan images. Positions and orientations of the endoscope are detected using one or more sensors and/or other signal-producing elements disposed on the endoscope. The sensors include optical curvature sensors located along the endoscope, where the length of each optical curvature sensor decreases with increasing proximity to the distal end of the endoscope. Output signals of the sensors can be routed to the tracking subsystem through the light channel in the endoscope. A hybrid approach can be used to separately track the position and orientation of the (rigid) base and the flexible portion of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Stryker Corporation
    Inventors: Abhishek Gattani, Salmaan Hameed
  • Patent number: 7822461
    Abstract: A system and method for endoscopic path planning is provided. The method comprises: identifying a target in a lung, wherein the target is located in a peripheral airway of the lung; generating an endoscopic path to the target, wherein a peripheral artery is used as a surrogate for the peripheral airway; and viewing the endoscopic path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Medical Solutions USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernhard Geiger, Atilla Peter Kiraly, David P. Naidich, Carol L. Novak
  • Patent number: 7819799
    Abstract: Apparatus for controlling force applied to and for manipulation of a surgical instrument. Movement and/or forces applied to the surgical instrument are preferably sensed within the apparatus. An actuator is preferably used to apply force to the surgical instrument for control and manipulation of the instrument. The apparatus applies variable force feedback to apply force to the surgical instrument in one or more degrees of freedom to provide an enhanced haptic experience to the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Immersion Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory L. Merril, Richard L. Cunningham, J. Michael Brown, Robert F. Cohen, Philip G. Feldman
  • Patent number: 7822463
    Abstract: An autonomous device that may include for example a camera, a transmitter for transmitting a signal from the camera and a storage compartment for retaining a substance in the device. A method of delivering a medicament to a patient including imaging a gastro intestinal tract with an autonomous device, identifying a target location in such tract, and releasing a medicament from the device at the target location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.
    Inventors: Gavriel Meron, Gavriel J. Iddan
  • Publication number: 20100268026
    Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes a contact detector that detects contact with an inner wall of a lumen in the subject; a magnet which is equipped in the capsule endoscope; a magnetic field generating device that is provided at a position, which is fixed with respect to the magnet, and generates a guidance magnetic field to apply to the magnet from the outside of the subject; and a magnetic field generation controller that performs control for guidance in a direction in which the capsule endoscope moves, which is the direction of the axis of the lumen, and performs guidance control for separating the capsule endoscope from the inner wall of the lumen based on a result of detection by the contact detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventor: Hironobu TAKIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20100268030
    Abstract: An endoscopic device including mechanisms to facilitate insertion of the device is disclosed. The device includes a sensing assembly configured for determining the position of the distal end of the device relative to a lumen. The device may further including a steering mechanism configured to direct the distal end of the device. A controller may be operably connected to the sensing assembly and the steering mechanism. The controller may be incorporated into the endoscopic device. Alternately, the controller may be positioned remote of the endoscopic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Frank Viola, Eric Taylor
  • Patent number: 7815563
    Abstract: A detecting system of the position and the posture of a capsule medical device includes a main body of the capsule medical device that is inserted in a living body, a coil in a capsule that is arranged to the main body of the capsule medical device and forms a resonant circuit, a magnetic field generating device that is arranged around the living body and generates the Alternating magnetic field for generating an induced magnetic field in the coil in the capsule, and a plurality of magnetic field detecting devices that detect the strength of the induced magnetic field generated by the coil in the capsule by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Aoki, Akio Uchiyama, Kenichi Arai, Kazushi Ishiyama, Shin Yabukami
  • Publication number: 20100261963
    Abstract: An in-vivo observation system includes a capsule endoscope and a magnetic field generating apparatus. The capsule endoscope includes an in-vivo observation section, a radio sending section, a battery, a magnetic field detection section for detecting a magnetic field signal, and a power supply control section for controlling state of power supply from the battery to the in-vivo observation section and the radio sending section by toggle operation based on a detection result by the magnetic field detection section. The magnetic field generating apparatus includes a magnetic field generating section, an operation switch for giving a command to start generating the magnetic field signal, a state determination section for determining the state of power supply, and a magnetic field generation control section for controling generation of the magnetic field signal based on the command from the operation switch and a determination result by the state determination section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fukashi YOSHIZAWA
  • Patent number: 7811226
    Abstract: An endoscope inserting direction detecting method includes receiving an endoscopic image, sampling pixels, which represent high densities, from data of the endoscopic image, defining an approximate expression for providing an approximate state of a distribution of sampling-pixels, evaluating a difference between a state of distribution of the sampling-pixels and a result of an approximation based on the approximate expression, and determining an endoscope inserting direction, in which an endoscope should be inserted, on the basis of a result of and evaluation of the fourth step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Nishimura, Tetsuo Nonami
  • Patent number: 7809421
    Abstract: A method for calibrating a medical system capable of generating a magnetic field for tracking a position of a medical device has various steps such as defining a mapping volume within the generated magnetic field and placing a metallic object within the mapping volume. A sensor is aligned at a first point within the mapping volume and the magnetic field at the first point is measured with the sensor to establish a first coordinate position (Xi, Yi, Zi). An interpolation technique in one embodiment and an extrapolation technique in another embodiment are used in the calibration method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Biosense, Inc.
    Inventor: Assaf Govari
  • Publication number: 20100249507
    Abstract: Landmark directional guidance is provided to an operator of an endoscopic device by displaying graphical representations of vectors adjacent a current image captured by an image capturing device disposed at a tip of the endoscopic device and being displayed at the time on a display screen, wherein the graphical representations of the vectors point in directions that the endoscope tip is to be steered in order to move towards associated landmarks such as anatomic structures in a patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Prisco, Vincent Duindam
  • Publication number: 20100249508
    Abstract: A capsule endoscope system provided with a magnetic field generating apparatus including an input section for inputting identification information A and a magnetic field generating section that generates a magnetic field signal that controls a capsule endoscope, and the capsule endoscope including an in-vivo information acquiring section, a battery, a magnetic field receiving section, a storage section that stores identification information B, a control section and a comparing section that compares the identification information A with the identification information B and judges whether both pieces of information are the same or different, wherein when the judgment by the comparing section is a judgment that both pieces of information are the same, the control section supplies or shuts off power from the battery to the in-vivo information acquiring section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ken SATO, Fukashi YOSHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20100249506
    Abstract: Navigation guidance is provided to an operator of an endoscope by determining a current position and shape of the endoscope relative to a reference frame, generating an endoscope computer model according to the determined position and shape, and displaying the endoscope computer model along with a patient computer model referenced to the reference frame so as to be viewable by the operator while steering the endoscope within the patient.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Intuitive Surgical, Inc.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Prisco
  • Patent number: 7803151
    Abstract: A calibration system for a surgical instrument. The calibration system includes an actuator, such as a motor system and a flexible shaft. The calibration system also includes a surgical instrument actuatable by the actuator. The calibration system also include calibration data corresponding to the surgical instrument. A processor is configured to process the calibration data for determining a position of the surgical instrument. The calibration system may include a sensor configured to provide a signal corresponding to a movement of the actuator, the processor being further configured to process the signal for determining a position of the surgical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Power Medical Interventions, LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Whitman
  • Patent number: 7798958
    Abstract: A medical device control system improves an inducing stability and operability of a medical device having its direction controlled with magnetism, which is used for the inspection or treatment in a subject's body. The control system is formed of a medical device including an insertion member inserted into the subject's body, and a magnetic field response portion disposed within the insertion member for generating torque in response to the magnetic field applied from outside the subject's body, a direction detection unit that detects an insertion direction of the insertion member, a user interface through which the information with respect to the control of the insertion direction is input and output, a magnetic field generation portion that generates a magnetic field that directs the insertion member to a control direction, and a user interface control unit that controls the user interface based on a discordance between the control direction and the insertion direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Hironao Kawano, Akio Uchiyama, Hironobu Takizawa
  • Publication number: 20100234685
    Abstract: A coil system for the contact-free magnetic navigation of a magnetic body with a magnetic dipole moment in a working chamber, a number of coils and a current control unit for controlling the respective currents in the multiple coils. The current control unit generates a force on the magnetic body in a predefined direction by setting the currents in the multiple coils so that the direction of the force generated by the currents on the magnetic body at each position among a number of positions in a volume in the working chamber essentially corresponds to the predefined direction of force. This coil system has the advantage that the position of the magnetic body in the working chamber does not need to be known exactly in order to move the body in a desired direction or to align the body in a desired orientation direction. This coil system suitable for use in a medical device and by special preference in a device for capsule endoscopy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Aleksandar Juloski, Johannes Reinschke
  • Patent number: 7794388
    Abstract: A method for generating at least one section of a virtual 3D model of a body interior, in particular a hollow organ, uses data that are provided by at least one endoscope introduced into the body interior. The data comprise at least one position and orientation of the endoscope, the at least one position and orientation being assigned at least one distance between the endoscope and the at least one point on a surface of the body interior, and at least one endoscopic image of the surface of the body interior in the region of the at least one point on the surface of the body interior. From the said data relating to a number of different positions and orientations of the endoscope is/are generated the section or sections of the 3D model in superposition with the associated endoscopic image. An appropriate apparatus is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignees: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG, Ludwig-Maximilian-Universitaet
    Inventors: Wolfgang Draxinger, Margarita Noll, Herbert Stepp, Klaus M. Irion
  • Patent number: 7789822
    Abstract: An endoscopic therapeutic instrument has a therapeutic section, a flexible transmission member which transmits operating driving forces to the therapeutic section by moving forwardly and reversely, and a sheath section in which the transmission member can move forwardly and reversely. A proximal side of this transmission member is connected to an operating tube section, and the therapeutic section is driven by forward and backward movements of the operating tube section. An endoscope having a channel into which the endoscopic therapeutic instrument is insertable, contains a mechanism for driving the sheath section and a mechanism for driving the operating tube section. The endoscope controls these mechanisms to cooperate with each other in controlling the endoscopic therapeutic instrument operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Keita Suzuki
  • Publication number: 20100191056
    Abstract: An endoscope shape analysis apparatus includes a coordinates obtaining portion for obtaining coordinate values of an insertion portion; a storage portion for storing the coordinate values; a straight line setting portion for setting a first straight line A and a second straight line B, based on the coordinate values; a coordinate transformation portion for transforming coordinates of a previous second straight line B1, based on a positional relationship between a previous first straight line A1 and the first straight line A, to calculate a third straight line B2; a determination portion for determining whether there is an error in a position display from a positional relationship between the first straight line A, the second straight line B, and the third straight line B2; and a correction portion for correcting the second straight line B.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventor: Hideki TANAKA
  • Publication number: 20100185055
    Abstract: Ingestible event marker systems that include an ingestible event marker (i.e., an IEM) and a personal signal receiver are provided. Embodiments of the IEM include an identifier, which may or may not be present in a physiologically acceptable carrier. The identifier is characterized by being activated upon contact with a target internal physiological site of a body, such as digestive tract internal target site. The personal signal receiver is configured to be associated with a physiological location, e.g., inside of or on the body, and to receive a signal the IEM. During use, the IEM broadcasts a signal which is received by the personal signal receiver.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Timothy Robertson, George Savage, Mark Zdeblick, Yashar Behzadi, Benedict Costello, Jeremy Frank, Hooman Hafezi, Tariq Haniff, David O'Reilly
  • Patent number: 7761134
    Abstract: A system and method to model a tracking curve of an in-vivo device capturing in-vivo data of the colon is provided. Data analysis is performed on a raw tracking curve to identify one or more milestone data points that correspond to defined locations in the colon. A modeled path may be defined between and along the selected milestone data points. Raw tracking curve data may be translated to modeled data along the modeled path. The modeled tracking curve may be displayed alongside a streaming display of captured in-vivo image frames of the colon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Given Imaging Ltd.
    Inventors: Eli Horn, Daniel Gat, Raphael Rabinovitz, Yaacov Nitzan
  • Patent number: 7751866
    Abstract: A detecting system of the position and the posture of a capsule medical device includes a main body of the capsule medical device that is inserted in a living body, a coil in a capsule that is arranged to the main body of the capsule medical device and forms a resonant circuit, a magnetic field generating device that is arranged around the living body and generates the Alternating magnetic field for generating an induced magnetic field in the coil in the capsule, and a plurality of magnetic field detecting devices that detect the strength of the induced magnetic field generated by the coil in the capsule by the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Isao Aoki, Akio Uchiyama, Kenichi Arai, Kazushi Ishiyama, Shin Yabukami
  • Publication number: 20100168516
    Abstract: A capsule guiding system includes a capsule medical device having an imaging device that takes an in-vivo image of a subject and a magnet with a magnetization direction that is relatively fixed with respect to the imaging device; a magnetic guiding device that applies a magnetic field to the magnet in the subject and guides the capsule medical device; a display unit that displays the in-vivo image of the subject; and a control unit that causes the magnetic guiding device to apply a magnetic field in a reference direction to the magnet, initializes a rotation angle of an image taken by the imaging device when the magnetization direction of the magnet is oriented to the reference direction following the magnetic field in the reference direction, performs, referring to the image, rotation correction on subsequent in-vivo images, and causes the display unit to sequentially display the corrected in-vivo images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventor: Akio UCHIYAMA
  • Publication number: 20100168517
    Abstract: An endoscope and method for determining a position of an endoscope body within the human body are disclosed. The endoscope (100) includes at least one first electrode (200) provided in an endoscope body and adapted to generate and transmit an electric signal, at least one second electrode adapted to receive the electric signal transmitted from the first electrode (200), a database for storing electric potential values depending on positions of the endoscope body, and a controller for determining the position of the endoscope body by comparing the electric signal with the electric potential values. The endoscope can recognize the position of the endoscope within the internal organs of the human body with the use of the electric signal induction arrangement and thus, can recognize accurate positions of illness symptoms of the internal organs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicants: INTROMEDIC CO., LTD., I3SYSTEM
    Inventors: Han Bo Shim, Jung Jin Hwang, Kwang Seop Kim, Young Dae Seo, Byung Hyuk Kim, Yong Woo Lee, Chul Cha, Bong Ki Baek
  • Publication number: 20100168515
    Abstract: A scanning endoscope apparatus, comprising a first transmitter, an actuator, a first optical filter, a second optical filter, a second transmitter, a first photo-detection unit, and a position determiner, is provided. The first transmitter transmits light to a first emission end. The actuator moves the first emission end. The first optical filter reflects the light of the first band. The second optical filter transmits the light of the first band at a transmittance that varies according to the position. The second transmitter transmits the light of the first band from a second incident end to a second emission end. The first photo-detection unit detects an amount of the light of the first band. The position determiner determines a position of the first emission end on the basis of the amount of the light of the first band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideo SUGIMOTO
  • Patent number: 7744528
    Abstract: Embodiments include devices and methods. One embodiment includes a method for imaging an endometrial cavity, including acquiring a plurality of images using an imaging system. A first part of the imaging system is positioned within the endometrial cavity. At least portions of two or more of the images are combined into a representation of at least a portion of the endometrial cavity. The combining at least portions of two of the images may include determining any motion of the first part of the imaging system, between the two or more of the images. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Infinite Biomedical Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey M. Wallace, Ananth Natarajan, Santosh Venkatesha, Keith Peacock, Nitish V. Thakor
  • Publication number: 20100160732
    Abstract: A position detecting apparatus includes receiving antennas to receive a radio signal, transmitting antennas to transmit a radio signal for power supply to a capsule endoscope, a first and second linear magnetic field generators that generate first and second linear magnetic fields, a diffuse magnetic field generator that generates a diffuse magnetic field, a processing device that performs a predetermined process on the radio signal, and a magnetic field sensor that functions as a body-size information detector. The magnetic field sensor detects magnetic field strength at an arranged position as body-size information, and the processing device controls the first linear magnetic field generator based on the magnetic field strength detected by the magnetic field sensor. Thus, the position detecting apparatus is capable of generating a magnetic field for position detection having an optimal strength according to a difference in body sizes of subjects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuo Minai
  • Publication number: 20100160728
    Abstract: An active medical apparatus system includes: an active medical apparatus having a joint; an active medical apparatus driving section; an instruction input section; an instruction input section driving section to which information of a force acting on the active medical apparatus is fed back and inputted, and which drives the instruction input section according to the information of force, a determining section which determines whether or not a movement of the instruction input section in the acting direction of the driving force driving the instruction input section is generated in an amount of a threshold value or more; and a control section which, when the movement of the instruction input section is generated in the amount of the threshold value or more, suppresses at least one of the driving in the instruction input section driving section and the driving in the active medical apparatus driving section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventor: Michifumi YOSHIE
  • Publication number: 20100160731
    Abstract: An endoscopic access system is provided including an outer cannula and a penetrating stylet. The stylet provides an enhanced echogenic profile configured to provide for effective navigation under ultrasound visualization in a patient body. The cannula may include a rounded distal margin configured to provide for efficient passage though the cannula distal end of tools such as a wire guide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Marc Giovannini, Darach McGrath
  • Publication number: 20100160733
    Abstract: Systems and methods employing a small gauge steerable catheter (30) including a locatable guide (32) with a sheath (40), particularly as an enhancement to a bronchoscope (14). A typical procedure is as follows. The location of a target in a reference coordinate system is detected or imported. The catheter (30) is navigated to the target which tracking the distal tip (34) of the guide (32) in the reference coordinate system. Insertion of the catheter is typically via a working channel of a convention bronchoscope. Once the tip of the catheter is positioned at the target, the guide (32) is withdrawn, leaving the sheath (40) secured in place. The sheath (40) is then used as a guide channel to direct a medical tool to target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventor: Pinhas Gilboa
  • Patent number: 7740578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a direct reading endoscopic measuring instrument and, more specifically, to a manually operated measuring instrument that is placed in close proximity to an internal anatomical feature and a related method for operation of the measuring instrument. The direct reading endoscopic measuring instrument includes a distal reticule that is passed through an endoscope in a folded position. When extended past the distal end of the endoscope proximate to an anatomical structure to be measured, a remote actuator unfolds the reticule along an axis perpendicular to the endoscope. Graduations on the reticule can be observed to directly measure the size of the anatomical structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Inventor: Paul K. Little
  • Publication number: 20100152538
    Abstract: Provided is a device that can be attached to an endoscopic device and when so attached is capable of protecting said endoscope from damage that may be caused by errant laser fire. Also provided is a device that can determine the potential for damage from errant laser fire to a connected endoscopic device and emit a warning of such potential damage and, if required, can place the laser in a standby mode to avoid damage from errant laser fire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Christopher M. Gleason, Myles J. Stone
  • Patent number: 7724928
    Abstract: A device, system and method for motility measurement and analysis. For example, a system includes a processor to determine contractile activity within a body lumen based on an analysis of data received from an autonomous in-vivo device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Given Imaging, Ltd.
    Inventors: Arkady Glukhovsky, Mordechai Frisch, Zvika Gilad, Daphna Levy
  • Publication number: 20100125164
    Abstract: An improved system for attaching devices to the distal end of endoscopic instruments is described. An attachment adapter comprises a distal stop, such as a complete or partial loop or cylinder, which limits the penetration of an endoscope into the adapter. The adapter has at least one flange protruding proximally along the endoscope. The adapter is secured on the endoscope by a securing means, which compresses the flange or flanges sufficiently to provide a friction fit. The flexibility of the inventive adapter system allows the adapter to work reliably with endoscopes that are used, damaged or repaired. The adapter may further provide a slit or window allowing viewing of the vessel wall by a lens on an endoscope, thereby improving the operator's ability to understand the location of the endoscope during operation. The adapter may carry any of a variety of devices, including devices for closing a surgical incision, or treating or manipulating tissue.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Inventor: Denis LaBombard
  • Publication number: 20100121145
    Abstract: Measured locations of position sensors on a steerable medical device are used to determine the insertion depth of the steerable medical device with respect to a foundation point, which is initialized by an operator. The insertion depth, in turn, is used to determine the state of each segment that has passed the foundation point, i.e., is distal to the foundation point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventor: Caitlin Donhowe
  • Publication number: 20100121146
    Abstract: A scanning endoscope comprising a first transmitter, an actuator, a first mirror, and a second mirror, is provided. The first transmitter emits a beam of radiant light from an emission end. The actuator moves the emission end along a spiral course. The first mirror is arranged from the emission end toward a first direction. The first mirror comprises a first reflection surface around the first direction. The first reflection surface reflects the radiant light emitted from the first transmitter. The second mirror is arranged around the first reflection surface. The second mirror comprises a second reflection surface. The second reflection surface reflects the radiant light reflected by the first mirror in a direction that includes the first direction as a positive vector toward any points on the first line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Hideo SUGIMOTO
  • Patent number: 7713191
    Abstract: A balloon controller for an endoscope apparatus which enables an operator to correctly and immediately grasp circumstances relating to an abnormal condition at the time of occurrence of the abnormal condition. The balloon controller controls expansion and shrinkage of each of a first balloon attached to an insertion portion of an endoscope and a second balloon attached to an insertion assist implement, by supplying air to the balloon or drawing air from the balloon. Pressure indicating portions on which the values of pressures in the first and second balloons are displayed are provided in a front surface of a main body of the balloon controller. When an abnormal condition occurs, an error code and the pressure values are alternately displayed on the pressure indicating portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventors: Tadashi Sekiguchi, Tetsuya Fujikura
  • Publication number: 20100113876
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus including an insertion portion for insertion into a body cavity; an image-acquisition unit disposed at a tip thereof that acquires an image of the inside of the body cavity; an insertion-length measuring unit disposed at a base end of the insertion portion that measures an insertion length of the insertion portion inside the body cavity; a storage unit that stores the image acquired by the image-acquisition unit in association with the insertion length measured by the insertion-length measuring unit; a following decision unit that determines whether insertion movement at the tip follows insertion movement at the base end; and a correcting unit that corrects the insertion length of the insertion portion associated with the acquired image to cancel a change in the insertion length measured in a non-following period on the basis of the result of that determination.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasushige Ishihara
  • Publication number: 20100113877
    Abstract: A medical apparatus having a medical device that is utilized to perform a predetermined medical action, includes an energy supply source including an attachment/detachment portion to/from which the medical device is attached/detached, and supplies energy when the medical device is utilized to perform the predetermined medical action, an energy output adjustment unit which adjusts the energy supplied from the energy supply source to medical action energy suitable for performing the predetermined medical action by using the medical device when the medical device is connected to the attachment/detachment portion, and an energy supply detecting mechanism for detecting a state that the energy supply source has supplied the medical action energy. When the determination mechanism detects a state that the energy supply source has supplied the medical action energy, the energy output from the energy supply source is prevented from being supplied to the medical device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Akira SUZUKI
  • Publication number: 20100113917
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a position transponder for operation inside the body of a subject is provided. The transponder comprises a variable resistor and a magneto resistor coupled to the variable resistor. The variable resistor comprises an electronic device having a gate terminal, a source terminal and a drain terminal and a sensor coil coupled to the electronic device between the gate terminal and the source terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Peter Traneus Anderson
  • Patent number: 7706859
    Abstract: Position detecting elements are disposed in an endoscope insertion portion at predetermined intervals. Even when the endoscope insertion portion is bent, position data representing the detected positions of the elements is used to infer or detect the shape of the insertion portion. A virtual element is disposed between adjoining elements so that a predetermined condition will be met. Position data of the virtual element is used together with the actually detected position data in order to interpolate data for the purpose of detecting the shape of the insertion portion. Consequently, as if a larger number of elements were disposed, the shape of the insertion portion can be detected highly precisely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Chieko Aizawa, Fumiyuki Onoda, Sumihiro Uchimura, Akira Taniguchi