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.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a reprocessing device for endoscopes the method including: logging one or more process parameters as well as a time of each reprocessing operation over a plurality of reprocessing operations for at least one endoscope in at least one reprocessing device; storing the logged one or more process parameters in association with the respective reprocessing operation, and performing a trend analysis of at least one logged process parameter in an evaluation device via the one or more logged process parameters.

Abstract: A guiding device is configured to guide a capsule medical device within a subject by means of a magnetic field. The guiding device includes a magnetic field generating unit configured to generate the magnetic field to define a specific position where the capsule medical device is restrained on an arbitrary horizontal plane, a position detecting unit configured to detect a position of the capsule medical device in the subject to output positional information, and a control unit configured to: compare a distance between the specific position and the capsule medical device with a first threshold value based on the positional information; and control the magnetic field generating unit to change distribution of the magnetic field relative to the capsule medical device so as to bring the specific position close to a position of the capsule medical device when the distance is determined to be greater than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A system for controlled sympathectomy procedures is disclosed. A system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. Methods for performing a controlled surgical procedure are disclosed. A system for performing controlled surgical procedures in a minimally invasive manner is disclosed. An implantable device for monitoring and/or performing a neuromodulation procedure is disclosed.

Abstract: A trocar including a distal-end tube portion that is disposed inside the body and has a first inner hole through which a medical device can be inserted; a proximal-end tube portion that is disposed outside the body and is connected to the distal-end tube portion, the proximal-end tube portion having a second inner hole that communicates with the first inner hole and has an axis which can be disposed in a direction not parallel to an axis of the first inner hole; and a movement facilitating portion that is disposed on at least one of the inner surface of the first inner hole and the inner surface of the second inner hole to facilitate the movement of the medical device inside the inner hole.

Abstract: This special gut microbe and chemical substance sampling technology, utilizing swallowable capsules, is for purpose of determining roles gut contents play in some 52 of most costly, in lives and dollars, of diseases with their known origin in the human gut. Gut microbes and substances are collected, analyzed, medicinal substances and objects deployed, and special provisions for attracting, capturing and preserving certain strains of microbes, and means for perturbing the gut environment and immune system are all intended to research, discover, and ultimately find both the causes and cures for the most devastating human diseases, and in the process, create gut microbiome profiles.

Abstract: A volume is defined in which a control system permits an instrument to move, and the volume is a sum of one volume that is defined by previous movements of the instrument and another volume that is defined by the boundaries of an image capture component.

Abstract: A voxel tagging system (100) includes a sensing enabled device (104) having an optical fiber (126) configured to sense induced strain within the device (Bragg grating sensor). An interpretation module (112) is configured to receive signals from the optical fiber interacting with an internal organ, e.g. heart, and to interpret the signals to determine positions visited by the at least one optical fiber within the internal organ. A data source (152, 154) is configured to generate data associated with an event or status, e.g. respiration, ECG phase, time stamp, etc. A storage device (116) is configured to store a history (136) of the positions visited in the internal organ and associate the positions with the data generated by the data source (152, 154).

Abstract: A protective cap for use on arthroscopic instruments and sheaths disposed over arthroscopic instruments. The cap protects the distal end of the instrument from accidental damage caused by other instruments used during a surgical procedure. The cap has a flange disposed within an inner diameter of a bore within the cap to prevent the sheath from being pushed into the cap.

Abstract: Implantation imaging techniques are presented herein to provide a surgeon with visual feedback during implantation of an implantable medical device in a recipient. The implantation imaging techniques may include the generation of a magnetic field that induces a voltage at a coil positioned in the recipient. The induced voltage is used to determine the orientation of the coil positioned in the recipient relative to direction of the magnetic field.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion shape observation probe that is elongatedly formed along a longitudinal axis direction and is insertable into a channel provided in an endoscope insertion section or is incorporated in the endoscope insertion section includes an electronic component, a housing section having a recessed shape that houses the electronic component, a pair of electric connection sections provided in the housing section, a pair of electric connection terminal sections provided in the electronic component and engaged with and electrically connected to the electric connection sections, the electric connection terminal sections mechanically holding the electronic component in the housing section, a groove section formed in the housing section, and two attaching-direction defining terminal sections provided in the electronic component, the attaching-direction defining terminal sections engaging into the groove section and defining a direction around a longitudinal axis in which the electronic component is attach

Abstract: A method of registering a camera of a surgical navigation system for an augmented reality which realizes an augmented reality with lowered error range is disclosed. The method of registering the camera of the surgical navigation system for the augmented reality enables single person to do the work by calculating and adjusting the coordinate of the optical center of the camera by moving the optical tracker, the camera, or the pattern board with a second marker attached on the pattern board, not manually attached on the pattern board. And, there is an effect of improving accuracy and safety of a surgery by realizing an augmented reality without generating an accumulated error by the second marker, since the spatial coordinate of the second marker attached on the pattern board maintains uniform.

Abstract: A miniature intraoperative probe (30) capable of forward-imaging with optical coherence tomography. The probe includes a housing (130), an actuator (150) supported by the housing, and a single mode (146) fiber supported by the housing and configured to laterally scan light data reflected from a sample.

Abstract: An information management apparatus that is used in a capsule endoscope inspection system including a receiving device operated by a built-in rechargeable battery and that is capable of communicating with the receiving device.

Abstract: A system for evaluating patency includes a light sensor (128) positionable relative to a blood vessel to receive light from the blood vessel and convert the light into an image signal. A photo-plethysmography (PPG) interpretation module (115) is configured to receive the image signal and output pixel values in an image representing PPG information. An image generation module (148) is coupled to the PPG interpretation module to receive the pixel values and generate a PPG map to be output to a display for analysis.

Abstract: An insertion method includes: specifying a part of a mucous membrane which lies between a nasal cavity and a maxillary sinus and which is located in a space surrounded by an inferior nasal concha, a lacrimal bone, an ethmoid bone, and a palatine bone, as an opening formation position where an opening connected to the maxillary sinus is formed; forming the opening at the opening formation position; and inserting a medical device into the maxillary sinus through the formed opening.

Abstract: An intravascular sensor system including an array of pressure and/or temperature sensors for detecting pressure and/temperature. In one example, the sensors are interrogated with an optical catheter. In this example, the swept source is able to acquire both image and pressure/temperature data of a patient's vessel or artery. In another example, the intravascular pressure sensor system has a sheath embedded with pressure sensors in the sheath wall. Other examples include the process of making and using the intravascular pressure sensor system.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a flexible steerable needle and a shape sensor for measuring the shape of the needle. The surgical system can be manual (e.g., laparoscopic), robotic, or any combination of the two. By directly measuring the shape of the needle, complex and potentially inaccurate modeling of the needle to determine trajectory and insertion depth can be avoided in favor of much more robust direct measurement and modeling of needle shape and/or pose.

Abstract: A camera system having a camera head with an imaging device and a first connector; a camera control unit with a processor and a second connector configured to removably engage the first connector; and wherein the first connector and the second connector are configured to allow for contactless transfer of data from the camera head to the camera control unit and contactless transfer of power from the camera control unit to the camera head.

Abstract: A photography system includes an observation scope inserted into a hole of a case in which a plurality of subjects, which are cyclically disposed around a rotary shaft and rotate around the rotary shaft, are housed along with the rotary shaft and the hole is formed to penetrate through the case, the observation scope being configured to sequentially acquire light from the plurality of subjects. The photograph system includes an imaging section configured to generate an image by continuously imaging light acquired by the observation scope; a sensor configured to continuously detect states of the plurality of subjects which rotate and sequentially output detection values; and an image acquisition section configured to detect a position of the subject based on cyclic variation of the detection value and acquire the image including the subject at the detected position which is a predetermined position.

Abstract: A semiconductor device inspection system (1) includes a laser beam source (2), for emitting light, an optical sensor (12) for detecting the light reflected by the semiconductor device (10) from the light and outputting a detection signal, a frequency band setting unit (16) for setting a measurement frequency band and a reference frequency band with respect to the detection signal, a spectrum analyzer (15) for generating a measurement signal and a reference signal from the detection signals in the measurement frequency band and the reference frequency band, and a signal acquisition unit (17) for calculating a difference between the measurement signal and the reference signal to acquire an analysis signal. The frequency band setting unit (16) sets the reference frequency band to a frequency domain in which a level of the detection signal is lower than a level obtained by adding 3 decibels to a white noise level serving as a reference.

Abstract: An advance and retreat assist tool includes a base unit, an attachment portion which attaches the base unit to a treatment instrument insertion portion so that the base unit is rotatable around a central axis of a treatment instrument insertion hole portion, and a first tubular member. The advance and retreat assist tool further includes a rotary portion and an advance and retreat mechanism.

Abstract: The invention is an endoscopic device comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a first location positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. The endoscopic device comprises an optical system that terminates with an objective lens that is located at the first position. A lens protector unit is positioned between the objective lens and the distal tip in order to protect the objective lens. The lens protector unit comprises a rotating window that is located at the distal end of the endoscopic device. The endoscopic device also comprises a source of light located on the distal end. The source of light is adapted to illuminate the space in front of the distal end of the endoscopic device.

Abstract: An instrument system that includes a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber and a controller is provided. The first optical fiber is operatively coupled to an elongate body that is adapted to be placed inside a patient. The second optical fiber is operatively coupled to the patient, to an actuating element adapted to actuate the elongate body, or to a portion of an imaging system adapted to identify a location of the portion relative to the elongate body. The controller is operatively coupled to the first optical fiber and the second optical fiber and is adapted to receive a first signal from the strain sensor provided on the first optical fiber, receive a second signal from the strain sensor provided on the second optical fiber; and determine a position or orientation of the elongate body based on the first signal and based on the second signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for image monitoring during an interventional procedure by at least one instrument in a patient's vascular system having vessels. The method includes checking, using positional data of the instrument, whether at least a part of the instrument lies outside of the vessels described by the vascular dataset. If at least a part of the instrument lies outside of the vessel through which the instrument is guided and which is described by the vascular dataset, the method further includes determining an adjusted centerline for the vessel in such a way that the part of the instrument molds itself to fit the boundary of the vessel described by the adjusted centerline, updating the vascular dataset on the basis of the adjusted centerline, and determining the overlay image from the updated vascular dataset.

Abstract: Provided is a method for discriminating a tissue of interest and a method for generating photo-acoustic images to detect a calcified tissue, which includes: detecting an intensity of each pixel of a tissue-of-interest image obtained for each wavelength; matching an index corresponding to an image, which has a greatest intensity corresponding to each pixel, to each pixel; generating a signal weight corresponding to each pixel in consideration of a wavelength absorbed by the tissue of interest; and applying the generated signal weight of each pixel to each pixel of an image obtained with a wavelength, which is the most absorbed by the tissue of interest, to generate an image in which a background is discriminated.

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: A phacoemulsification system and method, and a foot pedal device, system and method. The devices, systems and methods may include a console comprising a plurality of modes for at least one physically associated surgical instrument, and a foot pedal communicatively associated with said console and suitable for varying ones of the plurality of modes. The foot pedal may include a foot pedal base, and at least two electronically actuated sensors physically associated with the foot pedal base, communicatively connected to the console, and suitable for receiving physical indications of variations in ones of the plurality of modes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for image guidance, which may include an image processing unit, cameras, and handheld real-time imaging components or handheld displays, wherein the cameras observe visual features on patients, tools, or other components, and wherein said features allow camera or object positions to be determined relative to secondary image data or a reference position, and wherein the image processing unit is configured to dynamically register observations with secondary image data, and to compute enhanced images based on combinations of one or more of secondary image data, positioning data, and real-time imaging data.

Abstract: A shape sensing apparatus comprises an instrument including an elongated shaft with a neutral axis. The shape sensing apparatus also includes a first shape sensor with an elongated optical fiber extending within the elongated shaft at a first radial distance from the neutral axis. The apparatus also includes a shape sensor compensation device extending within the elongated shaft. The apparatus also comprises a tracking system for receiving shape data from the first shape sensor and compensating data from the shape sensor compensation device for use in calculating a bend measurement for the instrument.

Abstract: A method, system, and program product are provided for providing a medical tracking interface. The method comprises the steps of: receiving tracking data from at least one tracking tool in any one of a plurality of data formats; converting the tracking data to a uniform data format; and outputting the tracking data in the uniform data format to an IGI application.

Abstract: A method for checking situation and position data of an instrument with at least a first section having at least a first sensor and at least a second sensor. The method encompasses the metrological determination of the situation or position, or its change, of the first sensor and the second sensor, determining a variable feature of the spatial reference between the situation or position of the first sensor and the situation or position of the second sensor at least at a first point in time, at a second point in time and at a third point in time. The method further encompasses determining, by means of a criterion, whether a difference of the variable feature between a first expression at a first point in time and a second expression at a second point in time still exists at a third point in time.

Abstract: A medical device may include one or more operable components and one or more limited-use portions. The limited-use portion(s) is configured to transition from a first state to a second state upon being subjected to sterilization above a sterilization threshold. In the second state, the limited-use portion(s) inhibit the operability of the one or more operable components.

Abstract: A probe is a probe insertable through a channel provided in an endoscope insertion portion. The probe is provided with a plurality of accommodation portions for accommodating a plurality of coil units having a predetermined length and a predetermined height, and a plurality of axial portions. Each accommodation portion includes a base portion having a length substantially equal to the predetermined length in a longitudinal direction of the probe, and two wall portions provided to stand upright at both ends of the base portion in the longitudinal direction at a height substantially equal to the predetermined height from the base portion, and the base portion and the wall portions are integrally formed. The plurality of axial portions extend from the wall portions in the longitudinal direction and connect between the plurality of accommodation portions.

Abstract: A blade inspection apparatus has a borescope and a PC. The borescope has a distance sensor for detecting an insertion length when an insertion section of the borescope is inserted through a hole provided in a casing in which a rotor of an engine is housed, an acceleration sensor for detecting an attitude of the insertion section, and distance sensors for detecting two distances from the insertion section to two stator vanes on a stator. The PC compares the insertion length, attitude and two distances detected in the borescope with the insertion length, attitude and two distances relating to an inspection image stored in a HDD. When a match occurs therebetween, the PC outputs match information.

Abstract: A closed loop, optical feedback synchronization system provides real time feedback and control of a light emitting fiber when scanning or displaying an image. The light emitting fiber is driven by an actuator in an angular pattern to scan the image. Light reflected from a lens assembly is received by an optical synchronizer integrated circuit that includes a slot located between walls of the circuit. The reflected light is directed toward a multi-mode fiber in optical communication with the circuit. A radial position of the reflected light as it passes the slot may be used to compensate for a drift in angular velocity of the light emitting fiber.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an imaging unit which takes an image of an object; a display which displays the image and a cursor; an illumination unit which illuminates the object; a pointing device which is for placing the cursor; and a control unit which continuously monitors a cursor position placed by the pointing device, and continuously controls the illumination unit in accordance with a luminance of a partial region of the image corresponding to the cursor position so as to modulate a luminance condition of the image.

Abstract: A system for inspection of a three-dimensional environment by a user may include a tool arranged to be introduced in a vicinity of the three-dimensional environment, the tool including one or more cameras arranged at or near a distal end of the tool, the one or more cameras arranged to generate respective images of the three-dimensional environment; a display unit arranged to receive said respective images; and a motion tracking system arranged to determine a position of at least a portion of the user for selecting an image generated by the cameras or for causing the one or more cameras to generate the image on demand and for displaying the image on the display. A method, a tool, and a display unit for enabling inspection of an object by a user, as well as use of a tool, may include at least one camera in the system as set forth in the foregoing.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an image processing portion that performs image processing on a signal of an image picked up by an image pickup device provided at a distal end portion of an endoscope insertion portion to generate an endoscope image; a gravity direction detecting portion that detects information about a gravity direction of the distal end portion; a gravity signal processing portion that performs predetermined signal processing on a signal of the information about the gravity direction detected by the gravity direction detecting portion to detect gravity information. The recording medium reading/writing portion of the endoscope apparatus stores data of the endoscope image generated by the image processing portion and data of the gravity information detected by the gravity signal processing portion in two AVI files and records the files on a recording medium.

Abstract: A real-time tracking of surgical tools relative to a pre-operative surgical plan and intra-operative images involves an image-based registration and tool tracking registration. The image-based registration implements an integration of a plurality of images of an anatomical region of a body including a pre-operative scan image (31) (e.g., a 3D CT/MRI image), an intra-operative fluoroscopic image (42) (e.g., an 2D X-ray image) and an intra- operative endoscopic image (23) (e.g., an 2D arthroscopic image). The tool tracking registration implements a representation within the pre-operative scan image (31) and/or the intra-operative fluoroscopic image (42) of a tracking of one or more surgical tools within the intra-operative endoscopic image (23).

Abstract: Arrangements, apparatus, systems and systems are provided for obtaining data for at least one portion within at least one luminal or hollow sample. The arrangement, system or apparatus can be (insertable via at least one of a mouth or a nose of a patient. For example, a first optical arrangement can be configured to transceive at least one electromagnetic (e.g., visible) radiation to and from the portion. A second arrangement may be provided at least partially enclosing the first arrangement. Further, a third arrangement can be configured to be actuated so as to position the first arrangement at a predetermined location within the luminal or hollow sample. The first arrangement may be configured to compensate for at least one aberration (e.g., astigmatism) caused by the second arrangement and/or the third arrangement. The second arrangement can include at least one portion which enables a guiding arrangement to be inserted there through.

Abstract: The medical image processing device comprises a detection part, a storage part, an image generation part, and a display-control part. The detection part detects positions and directions of an endoscope. The storage part stores medical image data showing tubular tissues generated by a medical imaging device different from the endoscope. The image generation part generates virtual endoscopic image data showing the internal portion of the tubular tissues based on the medical image data having a position that is a predetermined distance away from the position of the endoscope as a viewpoint. The display-control part receives endoscopic image data showing the internal portion of the tubular tissues generated by the endoscope and displays an endoscopic image based on the endoscopic image data and a virtual endoscopic image based on the virtual endoscopic image data on a display part.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a distance determining device for determining a distance between an optical system and an object. The method includes providing a detecting system having marking elements and a measuring camera. Using the distance determining device, a light structure is projected onto a carrier that provides a calibration pattern. The measuring camera detects the marking elements or the calibration pattern to determine the spatial position of the optical system. Coordinates of a calibration pattern in a coordinate system associated with the measuring camera are determined. An image of the calibration pattern and the light structure is created using a camera of the optical system. Coordinates of an image of a calibration pattern and the light structure in a coordinate system associated with the camera image plane are determined. The distance determining device is calibrated using the determined coordinates and the determined spatial position of the optical system.

Abstract: A multi-point measuring apparatus of FBG sensor has an optical fiber, a wide-band wavelength light source, a light-source side light modulator for controlling time of a light entering into the optical fiber, among lights from this light source, a detector side light modulator for controlling time, during which a reflection light from a diffraction grating of the optical fiber penetrates through, a wavelength shift amount calculator for processing a signal obtained through detection of the reflection light from this light modulator, a temperature/distortion calculator for calculating an amount of deformation of a target to be measured from a result of this calculator, and a display portion for displaying information relating to the amount of deformation of this target to be measured.

Abstract: A master operation input device operates a slave manipulator provided with joints adapted to multiple degrees of freedom. The master operation input device includes a grip portion and a first operation portion. The grip portion is variable in position and orientation while being gripped by an operator. The grip portion is configured to give command values regarding the position and orientation of a distal end of the slave manipulator in accordance with the variation in position and orientation. The distal end is the farthest end when the slave manipulator is viewed from a fixed end thereof. The first operation portion is located to be operable by a fingertip of the operator when the grip portion is gripped. The first operation portion is operable independently of the grip portion.

Abstract: An endoscope system including an endoscope insertion part to be inserted into a body cavity via a trocar stabbed in a body wall, the endoscope system comprising: a detecting device detecting whether a tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar; and a trocar cleaning device cleaning the inside of the trocar by supplying a predetermined fluid into the trocar when it is detected by the detecting device that the tip of the endoscope insertion part has been drawn inside the trocar.

Abstract: In a robotic endoscope system, the orientation of a captured camera view at a distal tip of a robotic endoscope and displayed on a screen viewable by an operator of the endoscope is automatically maintained at a roll orientation associated with a setpoint so as not to disorient the operator as the endoscope is moved, flexed and its tip turned in different orientations. A processor generates a current commanded state of the tip from operator input and modifies it to maintain the setpoint roll orientation. To generate the modified current commanded state, the current commanded roll position and velocity are constrained to be a modified current commanded roll position and velocity that have been modified according to a roll angular adjustment indicated by a prior process period commanded state of the tip and the setpoint. The processor then commands the robotic endoscope to be driven to the modified commanded state.

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.