Abstract: An ultrasound imaging diagnosis apparatus and a method for supporting safe and exact puncturing into a target region in a patient's body are provided. In the apparatus, a regions setting unit sets a target tumor region for puncturing, blood vessel and organ regions that are located near the tumor region based on 3-D volume data. To avoid insertions into blood vessel and organ regions, a needle position detecting unit detects the tip position and inserting direction of the needle before and during insertion. An expected inserting position calculating unit calculates an expected inserting position and an insertion error region to the tumor region based on the tip position data, inserting direction data and needle characteristic data. A puncturing navigation data generating unit generates puncturing navigation data by composing tumor region data, organ region and blood vessel regions data, and data relating to the expected inserting position and insertion error region.

Abstract: A resistance control device and its lamp. The resistance control device includes: a shell, which is provided with an accommodating chamber and the first opening and the second opening connecting the accommodating chamber; and a control module, which includes the resistor and the external plug in the accommodating chamber. The external plug is electrically connected to the resistor. One end of the external plug is set extending the first opening. The external plug is used to connect the resistor to the lamp; and a boosting part, which is connected to the resistor and exposed in the second opening. The boosting part is used to twist or toggle the resistor to adjust the resistance value of the resistor accessing to the lamp. The resistance control device can be removed to achieve the quick separation and assembly of the lamp and improve the use convenience.

Abstract: Surgical systems and related methods verify the presence of an unfired surgical cartridge mounted to a surgical instrument. The cartridge includes an input that is actuated in a firing direction to operate the cartridge. An actuation input that is limited to less than or equal to a predetermined magnitude is generated. The actuation input includes at least one of a torque or a force. The actuation input is transferred to an output of a surgical instrument to attempt to actuate the output opposite to the firing direction by a predetermined amount. The output is drivingly coupled with the cartridge input when the cartridge is mounted to the surgical instrument. The resulting actuation of the output is measured and compared with a threshold actuation amount. A determination is made that the cartridge is present and unfired when the resulting actuation of the output is less than the threshold actuation amount.

Abstract: Various exemplary drive apparatuses and associated methods are disclosed for driving an elongated member, e.g., a guidewire or catheter. An exemplary drive apparatus for driving an elongated member may include a rotational component configured to apply a torque to the elongated member, where the rotational component is positioned a first distance away from an insertion site along the elongated member. The drive apparatus may further include a rotational support configured to apply an assistance torque to the elongated member. The rotational support may be positioned a second distance from the rotational component along the elongated member that is larger than the first distance.

Abstract: There are provided an endoscopic diagnosis apparatus, image processing method, and recording medium that enable easy measurement of the size of a lesion portion or the like based on an endoscopic image captured through a normal operation without a special operation. A region detecting unit detects, from an endoscopic image, a region of an artificial object or the like that is in contact with a subject. An imaging size calculating unit calculates, in number of pixels, an imaging size in the endoscopic image of the region of the artificial object or the like that is in contact with the subject. A pixel size calculating unit calculates an actual size corresponding to one pixel. A scale generating unit generates scales indicating an actual size of the subject in the endoscopic image. A control unit performs control to combine the endoscopic image and the scales and to display.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a flexible medical instrument to a target in an anatomical space with robotic assistance are described herein. The flexible instrument may have a tracking sensor embedded therein. An associated robotic control system may be provided, which is configured to register the flexible instrument to an anatomical image using data from the tracking sensor and identify one or more movements suitable for navigating the instrument towards an identified target. In some embodiments, the robotic control system drives or assists in driving the flexible instrument to the target.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a special light image acquisition unit that acquires a special light image having information in a specific wavelength band, a generation unit that generates depth information at a predetermined position in a living body using the special light image, and a detection unit that detects a predetermined region using the depth information. The image processing apparatus further includes a normal light image acquisition unit that acquires a normal light image having information in a wavelength band of white light. The specific wavelength band is, for example, infrared light. The generation unit calculates a difference in a depth direction between the special light image and the normal light image to generate depth information at the predetermined position. The detection unit detects a position in which the depth information is a predetermined threshold or more as a bleeding point. The present technology is applicable to an endoscope.

Abstract: A force transmission mechanism of a surgical instrument, which is configured to releasably engage with a drive interface device located at a patient side cart of a teleoperated surgical system, includes a housing. The housing is configured to cover one or more drive components of the force transmission mechanism. The housing includes a releasable coupling mechanism configured to releasably engage with the drive interface device. The housing and the releasable coupling mechanism are a monolithic construction.

Abstract: An intravascular imaging system can include a catheter, a position sensor, and an intravascular imaging engine for receiving information from the catheter and the position sensor. The position sensor can include a reference element and a movable element, which can have a movable element position that is correlated to the position of an imaging transducer in the catheter. The relative position between the movable element and a reference element can be determined and can correspond to the relative movement of the transducer within a patient's vasculature. The imaging engine can receive position information from the position sensor and image information from the catheter and generate a display using the received information. Because relative movement of the transducer can be determined, spatial relationships between sets of imaging data can be determined, and image data from multiple transducer locations can be combined into one image.

Abstract: An apparatus may include an instrument including an elongated shaft and a shape sensor including an elongated optical fiber extending within the elongated shaft at a first radial distance from a neutral axis. The apparatus may also comprise a reference sensor disposed within the elongated shaft. The shape sensor may be fixed in a known first position relative to the reference sensor. The apparatus may also comprise a twist resistant feature disposed within the elongated shaft. The twist resistant feature may be coupled to the shape sensor to reduce twisting of the elongated optical fiber relative to the elongated shaft while permitting axial translation of the elongated optical fiber within the elongated shaft. The shape sensor may be coupled to the twist resistant feature at a known second position relative to the reference sensor.

Abstract: A medical system including a flexible instrument such as a lung catheter or bronchoscope provides a control mode in which direct manual control of insertion can be used with computer-assisted control of instrument characteristics such as the orientation or rigidity of a portion of the instrument. To facilitate manual insertion control, a mechanism can provide low inertia and friction for movement along an insertion axis. One implementation employs a manual grip of the instrument for control of insertion pressure, a joystick or other input device for computer-assisted steering, and a foot pedal for control of stiffness or compliance in the instrument. Another implementation employs a joystick for computer-assisted steering and for control of stiffness or compliance in the instrument.

Abstract: A method, including configuring, in a memory, a first buffer to store first buffer data, a second buffer to store second buffer data, and a variable indicative of a persisted size of real-time data persisted to a storage device. On the storage device, a file is configured to store the real-time data and a field is configured to store the variable. A stream of the real-time data is received, and the stream is appended to the first buffer data. Upon meeting a write criteria, the first buffer data in is swapped with the second buffer data, a buffer size of the second buffer data is added to the variable, and the second buffer data is conveyed from the second buffer to a write cache. Upon meeting a commit criteria, the stream stored in the write cache is appended to the file, and the variable is persisted to the field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless capsule endoscope and a power supply control method thereof. The method includes controlling the power supply of the capsule endoscope wirelessly and automatically adjusting power consumption of the power supply in the capsule endoscope. The wireless capsule endoscope includes a capsule casing, a light generator arranged at outside of the capsule casing, an opto-electronic switching starter arranged in the capsule casing, a power supply, a control module, a posture sensor, an illumination unit, an image processing device and a radio frequency transmission unit. The power supply being driven by the light generator in the present invention can effectively solve the incompatible problem between a traditional magnetic switch and a magnetic control device. Meanwhile, the control module and the posture detector enable the power supply to be in different working status under different states, which can prolong the service life of the power supply of the capsule endoscope.

Abstract: A phantom to determine navigational error in a surgical navigation system that tracks the location of an elongate tool having a tip and a shaft based on a plurality of fiducials attached to the elongate tool. The phantom includes a base portion that models a lower portion of a mammalian head and having a top surface with a plurality of touch points, each of the touch points being a respective indentation, and a frame detachably securable to the base portion and having an upper portion spaced apart from the top surface, the upper portion having defined therein a plurality of apertures. A tip of the elongate tool is to be inserted through said one of the apertures and in one of the touch points, and the surgical navigation system determines positional and angular error.

Abstract: A method for assisting navigation of an endoscopic device using a controller with the aid of a digital image data record of an imaging examination modality is provided. The digital image data record describes an image of an object to be examined with the aid of the endoscopic device in a cavity element. A digital two-dimensional or multi-dimensional model of the object to be examined is determined based on the image data record. An operating action that predetermines a relative location of a sensor of the endoscopic device in relation to the object based on the model is received. The model is registered with the endoscopic device and/or a digital endoscopic data record supplied by the endoscopic device. An initial location of the sensor is compared with the predetermined location, and a navigation signal for navigating the endoscopic device is generated taking into account the predetermined relative location.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging element configured to capture a subject image of inside of a subject, the imaging apparatus outputting an image signal obtained by capturing the subject image by the imaging element; a control apparatus configured to process the image signal to generate a video signal for display; and a signal transmission path configured to transmit the image signal from the imaging apparatus to the control apparatus. The imaging apparatus outputs, as the image signal, pixel signals of respective pixels in a specified pixel area out of a whole pixel area of the imaging element, the specified pixel area being smaller than the whole pixel area and containing the entire subject image.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle portion, first and second jaw members operably coupled to the handle portion, and first and second sensors associated with the first or second jaw members. The first sensor is configured to measure local perfusion in tissue grasped between the first and second jaw members, and the second sensor is configured to measure a pressure applied to the tissue by the first and second jaw members.

Abstract: A medical navigation system is provided, comprising a computing device having a processor coupled to a memory, a tracking camera for tracking medical devices, and a display for displaying an image; an automated arm assembly electrically coupled to the computing device and controlled by a signal provided by the computing device, the automated arm assembly including a multi-joint arm having a distal end connectable to an effector that supports a surgical camera electrically coupled to the computing device; and a medical device having a tracking marker attachable to the medical device.

Abstract: Implementations relate to anatomical models and surgical training. In some implementations, an anatomical training model includes a base portion and a top portion that form a hollow space between the base portion and top portion. A plurality of holes are positioned in the top portion. The model includes a plurality of cannula supports, where each cannula support is aligned with one or more corresponding holes in the top portion.

Abstract: An image calibration inspection tool includes: a plurality of substantially rectangular markers, two orthogonal sides of which are connected by an arc-shaped curve; and a calibration chart in which the plurality of markers are formed on a metal plate through machining, laser marking, or the like, wherein two of the markers in a diagonal direction are separated by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: An on-body sensor system includes a hub configured to be attached to a surface of a user. The hub being further configured to transmit electrical power and/or data signals into the surface and to receive response data signals from the surface. The system further including at least one sensor node configured to be attached to the surface. The sensor node being further configured to receive the electrical power and data signals from the hub through the surface and to transmit the response data signals into the surface. The electrical power from the hub can power the sensor node and cause or enable the at least one sensor node to generate sensor information that is transmitted back to the hub within the response data signals.

Abstract: An image obtaining unit obtains actual endoscope images, and a virtual endoscope image generating unit generates virtual endoscope images including a plurality of virtual endoscope branch images. A corresponding virtual endoscope image determining unit obtains a plurality of actual endoscope images which were obtained within a predetermined amount of time before the endoscope reached its current position, compares the plurality of actual endoscope images and the plurality of virtual endoscope branch images, and determines a corresponding virtual endoscope image that corresponds to the branch structure closest to the current position of the endoscope, through which the endoscope has passed. A matching unit performs matching between each of a plurality of actual endoscope path images and a plurality of virtual endoscope path images for each of a plurality of paths. A position identifying unit identifies the current position of a leading end of the endoscope based on the results of matching.

Abstract: An energy-based surgical system includes a light beam source and a probe defining a channel about a longitudinal axis thereof and a side opening near a distal end thereof. Methods of nerve detection using the system include positioning the probe adjacent targeted tissue, transmitting a beam of light from the light beam source through the channel of the probe and the side opening of the probe to the targeted tissue, measuring a response to determine the presence of a nerve within the targeted tissue, and delivering energy to the targeted tissue with the probe to treat tissue.

Abstract: A robotic system is described for determining and using an insertion force threshold to avoid too much force being applied to a flexible instrument placed within a patient. The robotic system comprises a medical instrument comprising an elongate body, and further comprises a robotic arm coupled to the instrument as well as a controller configured to receive instrument data based in part on a current location of the elongate body, access patient data associated with the patient, determine an insertion force threshold, receive an insertion force detected by a force sensor coupled to the robotic arm, compare the insertion force with the insertion force threshold, and responsive to the insertion force exceeding the force threshold, generate a recommendation signal for the robotic system.

Abstract: Self-describing calibration targets for inclusion in medical imagery and automated quality control and calibration are provided. In various embodiments, a medical image is received. The medical image includes a calibration target in its field of view. A description of the calibration target is read from the calibration target. The description includes size and at least one color reference. Based on the description of the calibration target, correction parameters are determined for the medical image. The correction parameters include pixel shape correction parameters, scale correction parameters, contrast correction parameters, or color correction parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wireless capsule endoscope and a power supply control method thereof. The method includes controlling the power supply of the capsule endoscope wirelessly and automatically adjusting power consumption of the power supply in the capsule endoscope. The wireless capsule endoscope includes a capsule casing, a light generator arranged at outside of the capsule casing, an opto-electronic switching starter arranged in the capsule casing, a power supply, a control module, a posture sensor, an illumination unit, an image processing device and a radio frequency transmission unit. The power supply being driven by the light generator in the present invention can effectively solve the incompatible problem between a traditional magnetic switch and a magnetic control device. Meanwhile, the control module and the posture detector enable the power supply to be in different working status under different states, which can prolong the service life of the power supply of the capsule endoscope.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for registration of location sensors. In one aspect, a system includes an instrument and a processor configured to provide a first set of commands to drive the instrument along a first branch of the luminal network, the first branch being outside a path to a target within a model. The processor is also configured to track a set of one or more registration parameters during the driving of the instrument along the first branch and determine that the set of registration parameters satisfy a registration criterion. The processor is further configured to determine a registration between a location sensor coordinate system and a model coordinate system based on location data received from a set of location sensors during the driving of the instrument along the first branch and a second branch.

Abstract: A medical system includes: a treatment tool including a treatment portion configured to treat a living body, a joint portion configured to move the treatment portion, a first indicator portion provided to correspond to a position of the joint portion, a sheath portion connected to the joint portion, and a driving portion connected to the sheath portion and configured to displace the joint portion; an overtube including a flexible tube portion having a distal end and a proximal end and holding the treatment tool such that the treatment portion is capable of protruding from the distal end, and a second indicator portion provided at the flexible tube portion to identify a predefined space where calibration of the treatment tool is performed; and a calibration mechanism configured to calibrate the treatment tool when the first and second indicator portions have a predetermined positional relationship.

Abstract: Objects in a voxel based computer generated three dimensional environment are identified by traversing adjacent voxels meeting a predetermined criterion with respect to a scalar metadata value associated with each voxel, such as opacity or density. These adjacent voxels may be explored in accordance with a tree-crawling algorithm such as a breadth first or depth first algorithm. Once all adjacent cells meeting the criterion are identified, these are determined to represent a discrete object, and displayed as such. The starting point for the traversing process may be the voxel closest to a virtual camera position along the line of sight of that virtual camera meeting the criterion.

Abstract: Described are various embodiments of micro-optical surgical probes and micro-optical probe tips and methods of manufacture therefor. In some embodiments, multichannel micro-optical probe tip structures are directly manufactured upon respective optical channel waveguides, or again manufactured to integrally define respective optical coupling to these waveguides. In some embodiments, micro-optical probe tip structures are manufactured via a 3D laser printing process. Specific embodiments include, but are not limited to, spectroscopic or particularly Raman spectroscopy probes and their associated multichannel probe tip structures, and multichannel endoscopes.

Abstract: A system comprises a housing, a light source, a light guide configured to guide a light from the light source. The light guide includes a plurality of detection target configured to provide optical effect on the light in accordance with a bend state of the light guide. A light detector is configured to detect the light emitted from the light guide and provide information of the detected light. A communication unit is configured to transmit wirelessly the information of the detected light. The communication unit is disposed in the housing.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes: an insertion portion to be inserted into a predetermined luminal organ in a subject; an image pickup section provided in a vicinity of a distal end of the insertion portion, the image pickup section picking up an image of a predetermined range; an image pickup information acquiring section acquiring position information and gaze information about the image pickup section; a model image generating section generating a planar model image of the predetermined luminal organ; an image pasting processing section generating a pasted image obtained by pasting a subject image of an inside of the predetermined luminal organ onto the planar model image based on the position information and gaze information about the image pickup section; and an image pasting/presentation processing section presenting an image pickup range of the image pickup section on the pasted image based on the position information about the image pickup section.

Abstract: A catheter has single axis sensors mounted directly along a portion of the catheter whose position/location is of interest. The magnetic based, single axis sensors are on a linear or nonlinear single axis sensor (SAS) assembly. The catheter includes a catheter body and a distal 2D or 3D configuration provided by a support member on which at least one, if not at least three single axis sensors, are mounted serially along a length of the support member. The magnetic-based sensor assembly may include at least one coil member wrapped on the support member, wherein the coil member is connected via a joint region to a respective cable member adapted to transmit a signal providing location information from the coil member to a mapping and localization system. The joint region provides strain relief adaptations to the at least one coil member and the respective cable member from detaching.

Abstract: In a flexible catheterization probe a resilient member couples the tip to the distal portion of the probe and is configured to deform in response to pressure exerted on the tip when engaging tissue. A position sensor in the distal portion of the probe senses the position of the tip relative to the distal portion of the probe. The relative position changes in response to deformation of the resilient member. The position sensor generates a signal indicative of the position of the tip responsively to a magnetic field produced by a magnetic field generator located in the position sensor. The position sensor has a first coil of conductive wire having first windings, and three second coils of conductive wire having respective second windings. The second coils are symmetrically distributed about the longitudinal axis of the first coil.

Abstract: A device is provided that includes an endoscope; an image sensor array is disposed to image a field of view adjacent to the endoscope, each sensor includes a pixel array that is separate from the pixel arrays of other sensors; and a light source is disposed to illuminate the field of view.

Abstract: A moving device includes an elastic tube, a sectional shape of which is elastically deformable according to an internal pressure given by fluid, a slider unit capable of moving forward and backward in a longitudinal direction of the elastic tube according to a change in the sectional shape of the elastic tube, a brake provided in the slider unit and configured to be deformed in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elastic tube to be capable of coming into sliding contact with a target object, and a fluid adjusting section configured to supply air to or discharge air from the elastic tube respectively via first and second fluid supply pipes that respectively communicate with insides on a distal end side and a proximal end side of the elastic tube.

Abstract: Various exemplary systems, devices, and methods are provided for resisting torque in articulating surgical tools. In general, a surgical tool can include an elongate shaft having at a distal end thereof an end effector configured to engage tissue. The end effector can be configured to articulate relative to the elongate shaft. The surgical tool can include a cutting element configured to translate longitudinally along the end effector to cut the engaged tissue. When the end effector is articulated, the longitudinal translation of the cutting element along the end effector exerts a torque force on the end effector that urges the end effector away from its current angled orientation. The surgical tool can be configured to have a corrective tension or force applied thereto that counteracts the torque force.

Abstract: A capsule device configured to navigate through a patient's GI track is disclosed. System and method to turn on the capsule device based on acceleration is described. First the capsule is monitored at a slow sampling mode. Then the capsule is monitored at a fast sampling mode. A user can input hand motion to change the acceleration to turn on the capsule device.

Abstract: There is provided a physiological detection system including a physiological detection device and a host. The physiological detection device is configured to transmit a physiological data series to the host according to a local oscillation frequency. The host is configured to calculate a physiological value according to the physiological data series and determine a correction parameter according to a receiving data parameter and a reference data parameter, wherein the correction parameter is configured to correct the physiological value, process the physiological data series or adjust the local oscillation frequency of the physiological detection device.

Abstract: An on-body sensor system includes a hub configured to be attached to a surface of a user. The hub being further configured to transmit electrical power and/or data signals into the surface and to receive response data signals from the surface. The system further including at least one sensor node configured to be attached to the surface. The sensor node being further configured to receive the electrical power and data signals from the hub through the surface and to transmit the response data signals into the surface. The electrical power from the hub can power the sensor node and cause or enable the at least one sensor node to generate sensor information that is transmitted back to the hub within the response data signals.

Abstract: A system for reconstructing a trajectory of an optical fiber is described. The system comprises an optical fiber to be inserted into an object, wherein the optical fiber has a length and at least one bending sensor unit arranged along its length. The system also comprises a measurement device configured to measure insertion length increments of the optical fiber and an interrogation device configured to detect optical feedback signals from the at least one bending sensor unit. The system further comprises a processor device configured to reconstruct the trajectory of the optical fiber along its inserted length using data pairs which are based on measured insertion length increments and detected optical feedback signals assigned thereto. Furthermore, a method for reconstructing the trajectory of the optical fiber and a computer program product for executing the method are described.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical manipulator system including: a manipulator provided with a treatment tool having at least one joint and a drive portion that is attached to the treatment tool to drive the treatment tool; a manipulation input portion with which manipulation for causing, by driving the drive portion, the treatment tool to perform a desired operation is input; and a control portion that controls the drive portion on the basis of the manipulation that has been input via the manipulation input portion, wherein the treatment tool is provided with an identification-information retaining portion that retains identification information of the treatment tool, the manipulation input portion is provided with a manipulation-side reading portion that performs short-distance communication with the identification-information retaining portion, thus reading the identification information of the treatment tool, and the control portion controls the drive portion based on the read identification information of the treatm

Abstract: Systems and methods for credit-based usage of surgical instruments include one or more surgical instruments having associated therewith a usage amount, a pre-determined maximum usage amount, and an available usage credit amount that is less than the pre-determined maximum usage amount. The systems implement and the methods include comparing the usage amount to the pre-determined maximum usage amount and inhibiting further use of the at least one reusable component when the usage amount is equal to the pre-determined maximum usage amount, and identifying the available usage credit amount and inhibiting further use of the at least one reusable component when there is no available usage credit remaining.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reprocessing a medical device includes a decontamination basin, a first flush conduit, a second flush conduit, and a manifold. The first and second flush conduits have respective first and second coupling ports configured to fluidly connect to the medical device positioned within the decontamination basin. The manifold is fluidly connected to the first and second flush conduits and configured to distribute the fluid received therein accordingly. The apparatus also includes a first valve, a second valve, and a primary pump configured to discharge the fluid into the manifold at a predetermined supply flow rate. The first and second valve are positioned respectively in the first and second flush conduits for balancing the respective flow rates discharged therefrom at a first predetermined conduit flow rate and a second predetermined conduit flow rate.

Abstract: In order to improve work efficiency of inserting manipulators into proximal ends of an over tube, a medical manipulator system includes: manipulators having, at the proximal ends, proximal-end driving parts; an over tube having channels through which the manipulators pass; and a base provided with support parts to which proximal end parts of the over tube are attached, and driving sources that supply driving force to the proximal-end driving parts, wherein each support part includes a movable part movable between a first position where the longitudinal axis of the proximal end part is supported horizontally and a second position where the proximal end is supported at a further position from the top surface, and an urging part that moves the movable part to the second position during the proximal-end driving part is not connected to the driving source.

Abstract: A medical image diagnosis apparatus according to an embodiment includes a lumen image generating unit, a running line generating unit, an image synthesizing unit and a control unit. The lumen image generating unit generates a lumen image depicting a shape of a lumen having a branch based on volume data. The running line generating unit generates a plurality of running lines based on the shape of the lumen. The image synthesizing unit generates a synthetic image by superimposing, on the lumen image, the plurality of the running lines indicating moving paths of a viewpoint in a virtual endoscopy image. The control unit displays the synthetic image and controls the image synthesizing unit to perform depiction that distinguishes between a range of a running line along which a virtual endoscopy image is displayed and a range of a running line along which no virtual endoscopy image is displayed.

Abstract: A sensor assembly has a flexible body, and a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) sensor inserted into the body, the FBG sensor includes an optical fiber extending in a length direction of the body and a plurality of lattices disposed in the optical fiber, a variation of a wavelength spectrum of light, caused by a variation of an interval of the plurality of lattices, is detected, and at least one of force information applied to the body and temperature information of the body is extracted together with refraction information of the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to medical systems and methods for combining and synergizing information in an expedient format for viewing on a display screen. In one embodiment, a method for combining and synergizing data from different medical systems comprises obtaining from a first medical system an image disposed relative to a first coordinate system, obtaining from a second medical system supplemental data; synchronizing first and second clocks of the first and second medical systems, respectively, and displaying in synchronicity the supplemental data combined with the image. In other embodiments, coordinate systems of the first and second medical systems can be co-registered. In another embodiment, sensor integration time and spatial accuracy of the first and second medical systems can be used with an algorithm to produce synergized information.

Abstract: Methods and systems for insertion of an instrument into a body cavity of an animal for performing a surgical procedure using a processor circuit controlled robotic surgery system are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method involves receiving body cavity image data representing an interior view of the body cavity captured by a camera inserted into the body cavity, determining, by the processor circuit, instrument parameters associated with physical extents of the instrument to be inserted, determining, by the processor circuit, an instrument envelope identifying a region through which the instrument is capable of moving in the body cavity, and generating, by the processor circuit, display signals operable to display a composite view of the interior of the body cavity on a display, the composite view being based on the body cavity image data and including an envelope overlay image generated to represent the instrument envelope.

Abstract: An endoscope sheath comprising: a proximal end; a distal end having a distal end region; a surface extending between and connecting the proximal end and the distal end; and a plurality of positioning devices located along the surface; wherein the sheath is configured to: (1) receive all or a portion of an endoscope having a cylindrical end and (2) provide a conduit for communicating fluid between the proximal end of the sheath and the distal end of the sheath when the endoscope is inserted inside the sheath; and wherein the distal end region of the sheath includes the plurality of positioning devices that secure the cylindrical end of the endoscope against a portion of an inner wall of the surface extending between the proximal end and the distal end so that a fluid barrier is created between the cylindrical end of the endoscope and the inner wall.