Abstract: A receiver of capsule endoscopic system downloads diagnostic information of a patient obtained by a past diagnosis from a data storage of work station. A data analyzer of the receiver compares the diagnostic information and present information obtained by use of a capsule endoscope during endoscopy. A CPU produces a control command in which a frame rate of image shooting by use of the capsule endoscope is set based on an analysis result of the data analyzer. The produced control command is wirelessly transmitted via a radio wave from the receiver. The capsule endoscope wirelessly receives the control command from the receiver via the radio wave, and performs image shooting with the frame rate set by the control command.

Abstract: A medical device for injection during endoscopy or arthroscopy, the device having a curved, hollow needle, optionally coated by a semi-rigid covering, all surrounded by a curved tubular sleeve, wherein the needle is attached to a base, separated from the sleeve by one or more removable extensions or tabs, and a connection means for connecting either directly to a syringe for a liquid or semi-liquid treatment or to an extension tube connected to such a syringe.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measuring endoscope apparatus which includes an endoscope that photoelectrically converts an image of an object to generate an imaging signal, a signal processing section that processes the imaging signal to generate image data, a distance measuring section that calculates an object distance based on a principle of triangulation using the image data, and a display section that displays the image of the object based on the image data. The measuring endoscope apparatus further includes a measuring section that calculates a size of the mark indicating a size of the object based on the object distance and a view angle of the endoscope. The display section also displays a mark along with the image of the object based on the image data.

Abstract: A navigation system or combination of navigation systems can be used to provide two or more navigation modalities to navigate a single instrument in a volume. For example, both an Electromagnetic (EM) and Electropotential (EP) navigation system can be used to navigate an instrument within the volume. Image data can also be illustrated relative to a tracked position of the instrument in the volume for navigation.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope which has an insertion portion which is provided with a distal end portion and a bendable bending portion at a distal end side and is inserted into a body cavity of a subject, a relative position calculation section which calculates a relative position of the distal end portion in the body cavity to the subject, a selection section which selects a search method corresponding to the position detected from a plurality of search methods for searching for a bending direction of the bending portion, based on the calculated relative position, a bending direction determination section which determines the bending direction of the bending portion according to the selected search method, and a bending drive section which bends and drives the bending portion based on the determined bending direction.

Abstract: Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account.

Abstract: The position of an antenna incorporated in a capsule-type endoscope 3 that moves in a body is estimated using a plurality of antennae, and where the distance dij between two positions Pti and P(t?1)j estimated at adjacent times falls within a predetermined value, pieces of information for these positions are related to each other and stored in a memory as connection information. Subsequently, processing for searching for a route from the connection information stored in the memory and calculating a track is performed.

Abstract: A system and method are described for determining candidate fiducial marker locations in the vicinity of a lesion. Imaging information and data are input or received by the system and candidate marker locations are calculated and displayed to the physician. Additionally, interactive feedback may be provided to the physician for manually selected or identified sites. The physician may thus receive automatic real time feedback for a candidate fiducial marker location and adjust or accept a constellation of fiducial marker locations. 3D renderings of the airway tree, lesion, and marker constellations may be displayed.

Abstract: A system and method for guiding a capsule medical device. The method includes: changing, by a control unit, a gradient distribution of a gradient magnetic field generated by a magnetic field generator in a vertical direction, the magnetic field generator generating at least the gradient magnetic field in the vertical direction to guide a capsule medical device that includes a magnetic-field responding unit; detecting, by a position detector, a position of the capsule medical device in the vertical direction based on a gradient distribution of the gradient magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator, a physical parameter of the capsule medical device, and a physical parameter of a liquid when the capsule medical device starts to move; and setting, by the control unit, the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator based on the detected position of the capsule medical device in the vertical direction.

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.

Abstract: The medical device system includes: first and second medical devices that are used in the body cavity and surfaces of which have conductivity; a first electrode electrically connected to the surface of the first medical device; a second electrode electrically connected to the surface of the second medical device; a resistance measuring unit for measuring an inter-device resistance value between the first electrode and the second electrode; a threshold storing unit for storing a predetermined lower limit threshold of the inter-device resistance value; a determining unit for determining, when the inter-device resistance value is lower than the inter-device resistance threshold, that the first medical device and the second medical device come into contact with each other; and a warning generating unit for generating a warning.

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.

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.

Abstract: A capsule guidance system includes a capsule including an imaging unit that captures an in-vivo image, a transmitting unit that transmits the image, and a magnetic field response unit; a magnetic field generation unit that generates a magnetic field; a receiving unit that receives the image; a display unit that displays the image; an operation input unit that inputs operation information for magnetically guiding the capsule; a control unit that controls the magnetic field generation unit to guide the capsule in accordance with the operation information; and a selection unit that selects at least two of a liquid surface, a submerged area, and a liquid bottom that is a lower boundary surface between the liquid and the outside as guidance areas into which the capsule medical device is guided. The control unit switches the magnetic field to be generated in accordance with the selected guidance area.

Abstract: Provided is a position detecting device including a first magnetic-field generating unit including at least one magnetic-field generating coil and that generates a first magnetic field in a detection space where a detected object provided with a circuit including at least one built-in coil is disposed; a magnetic-field detecting unit having a plurality of detecting coils arrayed to detect an induced magnetic field generated from the built-in coil by the generated first magnetic field; and a second magnetic-field generating unit including at least one magnetic-field generating coil, that generates a second magnetic field, and including a magnetic-field component having a phase substantially opposite to the first magnetic field and entering the detecting coils, wherein the first magnetic-field generating unit and the detecting coils are disposed so that a generating direction of the first magnetic field and a detecting direction of the induced magnetic field intersect each other.

Abstract: An illuminated medical tubing set that provides visual indications of characteristics relating to the type and operating status of the tubing. An illuminated tubing set system generally comprises an optical element, a fluid conduit, and a power source. In general, the fluid conduit is used to transmit fluid in a critical care environment. The power source interfaces with the optical element. The optical element is configured to illuminate the tubing set after being powered by the power source. Optionally, the illuminated tubing set can further comprise a pressure sensor and a microcontroller. Additional sensors, such as to monitor other characteristics of the tubing, fluid, or surrounding environment, can also be included. For example, an occlusion sensor, temperature sensor, or flow sensor, or any combination thereof, can be included.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a distortion detection probe disposed in an insertion portion to be inserted into the interior of an examinee provided with a plurality of FBG sensor sections that detect distortion of the insertion portion, a coordinate calculation section that calculates first three-dimensional coordinates of the respective FBG sensor sections according to a first three-dimensional coordinate system whose origin is a predetermined position based on the detection results of the FBG sensor sections, a coordinate system setting section that sets a second three-dimensional coordinate system based on the first three-dimensional coordinates of the respective FBG sensor sections, a coordinate transformation section that transforms the first three-dimensional coordinates of the respective FBG sensor sections into second three-dimensional coordinates according to the second three-dimensional coordinate system set by the coordinate system setting section and a shape display section that displays the sha

Abstract: An interface between a surgeon and an automated assistant, including: at least one array comprising N RF transmitters, where N is a positive integer; at least one RF receiver provided with at least two directional antenna; means for attaching said RF transmitter array to at least one surgical tool; and a computerized operating system adapted to record the received signal strength (RSS) received by each antenna of the one RF receiver and to calculate therefrom the position of each of the N RF transmitters, and further adapted to provide automatically the results of the calculation to the surgeon.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a bending amount calculator, a setting portion, a determination portion, and a controller. The bending amount calculator is configured to calculate a bending amount of a first bending portion. The setting portion is configured to set a first threshold stored in advance and compared with the bending amount of the first being portion. The determination portion is configured to determine whether the bending amount of the first bending portion calculated by a bending amount calculator is more than the first threshold. The controller is configured to continuously output, to the driving portion, a bending drive signal that drives the second bending portion in the same direction as the bending direction of the first bending portion when determining that it is more than the first threshold.

Abstract: The present invention involves a surgical hardware and software monitoring system and method which allows for surgical planning while the patient is available for surgery, for example while the patient is being prepared for surgery so that the system may model the surgical site. In one embodiment, the model may be used to track contemplated surgical procedures and warn the physician regarding possible boundary violations that would indicate an inappropriate location in a surgical procedure. In another embodiment, the hardware may track the movement of instruments during the procedure and in reference to the model to enhance observation of the procedure.

Abstract: This invention relates to an anoscope (1) that comprises a back piece (3) to stand on; a handle (6) with a longitudinal axis that faces the front piece (2) of the anoscope (1), particularly the sliding lid (5) and the window (11) when the lid (5) is opened; a broadly piece (7) that is located at the junction of the handle (6) and the front piece (2) and that sits on the front piece (2); a socket (8) on the surface of the atrium (23) of the broadly piece (7); a cylindrical extension (17) inside the broadly piece (7); a sliding lid (5) located on the front piece (2) that can either be separated totally from the front piece (2) or can form a window (11) that opens to the desired extent; a protrusion (12) located at the inner surface of the sliding lid (5) that facilitates the lid (5) being handled and pulled; a tongue (9) distal to the front piece (2) that sits on the socket (8) and manages locking and unlocking processes of the front piece (2) and the back piece (3); and a pillar (21) and a console (22) located

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

Abstract: A display device includes: a display unit that displays examination procedure information indicating an examination procedure of a subject; and a control unit that acquires position-related information of a capsule endoscope inserted into the subject, calculates a position of the capsule endoscope based on the acquired position-related information, determines a to-be-executed examination procedure of the subject corresponding to the calculated position, and performs control to display the examination procedure information indicating the determined to-be-executed examination procedure of the subject.

Abstract: An endoscopic form detection device includes a posture detecting section configured to detect a posture of each of sensor units based on measurement data in the sensor unit, and a linear form detecting section configured to detect a detected linear form of an inserting section on an assumption that a form between the respective sensor units is a linear link whose dimension is equal to an inter-sensor dimension based on the detected posture of each of the sensor units. The endoscopic form detection device includes a curve form detecting section configured to perform curve interpolation with respect to the detected linear form detected on an assumption that a form between the respective sensor units is an arc whose arc length is equal to the inter-sensor dimension, and configured to detect a detected curve form.

Abstract: A capsule medical system includes a capsule medical apparatus, a selecting unit, and a control unit. The capsule medical apparatus is introduced inside a subject and includes an imaging unit for taking an in-vivo image of the subject, a treating unit for treating a living tissue in the subject, and a driving unit for contributing to movement of the capsule medical apparatus. The selecting unit selects a treatment target of the treating unit from the in-vivo image. The control unit determines a relative distance between the treatment target and the treating unit, and moves the capsule medical apparatus in an imaging direction of the imaging unit by a distance corresponding to the relative distance using the driving unit.

Abstract: A method for mapping an internal structure of a patient with an elongate body is provided. The method includes detecting, at a plurality of instances, contact between a distal portion of an elongate body and an internal structure of the patient; determining a plurality of geometric configurations of the distal portion, the plurality of geometric configurations corresponding to the plurality of instances of contact between the distal portion and the internal structure; determining a plurality of positions of the distal portion, the plurality of positions corresponding to the plurality of geometric configurations; and generating a map of the internal structure based on the plurality of positions of the distal portion.

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: The invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for shock wave treatment of the human body. In particular, the invention relates to navigational aspects of the shock wave treatments, including apparatuses and methods which enable accurate focusing of shock waves.

Abstract: A method for a variable direction of view endoscope used in combination with an image guided surgical system to provide new diagnostic and surgical capabilities. The method provides the following capabilities: greatly improved endoscopic orientation capabilities, global monitoring of endoscopic viewing direction, and greatly improved surgical approach and procedure planning.

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

Abstract: An in-vivo information display device includes a communication unit that communicates with a receiving device that receives in-vivo information transmitted, at a predetermined time interval, from a body-insertable device that is introduced into a subject and acquires the in-vivo information regarding an inside of the subject; a transmission requesting unit that transmits a transmission request for the in-vivo information to the receiving device via the communication unit; and a display unit that displays the in-vivo information received via the communication unit from the receiving device in response to the transmission request. The transmission requesting unit transmits the transmission request to the receiving device at a first time interval smaller than the predetermined time interval, and the transmission requesting unit transmits the transmission request to the receiving device at a second time interval larger than the first time interval when one or more the in-vivo information is received.

Abstract: An instrument system that includes an elongate body, an optical fiber, and a controller is provided. The optical fiber is operatively coupled to the elongate body and has a plurality of strain sensors provided on the optical fiber. The controller is operatively coupled to the optical fiber and adapted to obtain signals from one of the plurality of strain sensors more frequently than from another of the plurality of strain sensors and to determine a position of the elongate body based on the obtained signals from the one of the plurality of strain sensors.

Abstract: An instrument system that includes an elongate body in a geometric configuration, an optical fiber, and a controller is provided. The optical fiber is operatively coupled to the elongate body and has a strain sensor provided on the optical fiber, wherein at least a portion of the optical fiber is in the geometric configuration. The controller is operatively coupled to the optical fiber and adapted to receive, from a source other than the optical fiber, information indicative of the geometric configuration, receive a signal from the strain sensor, and associate the signal with the geometric configuration.

Abstract: An instrument system that includes an elongate body, a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, and a controller is provided. The first optical fiber is operatively coupled to the elongate body and has a first strain sensor provided on the first optical fiber. The second optical fiber is not directly coupled to the elongate body and has a second strain sensor provided on the second optical fiber. The controller is operatively coupled to the first optical fiber and to the second optical fiber. The controller is adapted to receive a first signal from the first strain sensor and to receive a second signal from the second strain sensor. The first optical fiber has a different size than the second optical fiber.

Abstract: An instrument system that includes an elongate body, an optical fiber, a localization sensor and a controller is provided. The optical fiber is operatively coupled to the elongate body and has a strain sensor provided on the optical fiber. The localization sensor is operatively coupled to the elongate body. The controller is operatively coupled to the optical fiber and to the localization sensor and is adapted to receive a first signal from the strain sensor, receive a second signal from the localization sensor, and determine a position or orientation of the elongate body based on the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: An instrument system that includes an elongate body, a first optical fiber, a second optical fiber, and a controller is provided. The first optical fiber is operatively coupled to the elongate body and has a first strain sensor provided on the first optical fiber. The second optical fiber is operatively coupled to the elongate body and has a second strain sensor provided on the second optical fiber. 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 first strain sensor and a second signal from the second strain sensor and to compare the first signal with the second signal.

Abstract: An instrument system that includes an elongate body, an optical fiber, and a controller is provided. The optical fiber is operatively coupled to the elongate body and has a plurality of strain sensors provided on the optical fiber. Each of the plurality of strain sensors has a reflectivity, wherein one of the plurality of strain sensors has a different reflectivity than another one of the plurality of strain sensors. The controller is operatively coupled to the optical fiber and adapted to: receive one or more signals from the plurality of strain sensors; and determine a position of the elongate body based on the one or more signals.

Abstract: An endoscopic form detection device includes a sensor tentative position detecting section configured to detect a tentative position of each sensor unit on the assumption that a portion between the respective sensor units is a linear tentative link whose dimension is equal to an inter-sensor dimension. The endoscopic form detection device includes a sensor position correcting section configured to correct a position of each sensor unit from the tentative position to a final position based on an absolute value of a difference between an arc length of each tentative arc and the inter-sensor dimension, and a final curve form detecting section configured to perform curve interpolation between the final positions of the respective sensor units by using a final arc to detect a final curve form of an inserting section.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope for ophthalmic orbital surgery includes a flexible probe housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The endoscope also includes an image fiber disposed in the lumen that communicates image information from the distal end of the flexible probe, a purge fluid/gas port disposed at the proximal end of the flexible probe that accepts purge fluid/gas and a purge fluid/gas conduit disposed in the lumen and in fluid communication with the purge fluid/gas port. The fluid/gas conduit delivers purge fluid/gas to the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope also includes an access conduit disposed in the lumen that receives one of an ablation instrument, a coagulating instrument and a medication delivery instrument.

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.

Abstract: A living body observation system of the invention includes a living body information acquiring apparatus including: a living body information acquiring section; a wireless transmission section; a power source section for supplying driving power for driving the living body information acquiring section and the wireless transmission section; a magnetic field detecting section for outputting a detection result of a magnetic field from outside as an electric signal; and a power supply control section for controlling a supplying state of the driving power based on the electric signal, a magnetic field generating coil, a driving circuit for outputting a drive signal to the magnetic field generating coil, a switch for switching a generation state of a magnetic field, and a timer for outputting a signal for stopping output of the drive signal when a predetermined period has passed following switching from off to on of the switch.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope that includes a capsule-shaped casing and a detecting unit that is provided inside the casing to detect a magnetic field orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the casing, the endoscope being activated when the detecting unit detects a magnetic field of a threshold or more; a capsule container that houses the endoscope; a route portion in which a route is formed on which the container moves on a planar face; an activation magnetic field generating unit that is arranged at an interval along the route, and includes magnets for generating magnetic fields in a direction vertical to a direction in which the container moves on the route, the magnets being arranged such that respective magnetization directions are different; and a response unit that has a magnetization direction orthogonal respectively to a center axis direction of the longitudinal direction and a direction of the detected magnetic field.

Abstract: A handgrip for a colonoscope shaft is equipped with a novel compact multifunction force and torque sensor allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope manipulation during a colonoscopy procedure. A two-part hinge design of the handgrip in combination with the multifunction sensor provides for a light weight design in a compact package making using the handgrip convenient and natural. An electronic unit is provided to receive the sensor data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to test equipment for rigid endoscopes, but also for flexible endoscopes and video endoscopes. The equipment includes an enclosure having a cover hingedly coupled to a base, an optical test target coupled to the cover, an endoscope support stand pivotably coupled to the enclosure and a bed contained within the base including a plurality of indentations shaped for receiving individual pieces of endoscope testing equipment. The testing equipment can include magnification loupes, light post adapters, battery powered light sources, cleansing tissues and a ruler. A support bracket is coupled between the cover and the endoscope support stand wherein the endoscope support stand is pivotably coupled to the support bracket.

Abstract: Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account.

Abstract: There is provided a magnetic field control method and a magnetic field generator which are capable of moving a local maximum point of magnetic field intensity on a predetermined plane easily to any given point within a predetermined area on the predetermined plane. A magnetic field generator 10 includes a pair of permanent magnets 16a, 16b provided axially of a predetermined axis A, with a gap G in between. The permanent magnet 16a is formed on a drive unit 14a in such a way that a center region 30a of a first main surface 26a is off the predetermined axis A. The permanent magnet 16b is formed on a drive unit 14b in such a way that a center region 30b of a first main surface 26b is off the predetermined axis A. The permanent magnet 16a revolves on a path R1 as a rotating member 24a rotates. The permanent magnet 16b revolves on a path R2 as a rotating member 24b rotates.

Abstract: A system measures a change in position of a medical appliance, such as an endoscopy capsule. A device uses this measurement in order to influence the position of the medical appliance. The medical appliance sends a signal that is received by a multiplicity of spatially separate receiving devices. The time profile of the phase differences between the received signals and a reference signal provides an indication of whether the medical appliance has moved. In the event of a movement being detected, a maneuvering device can be regulated by a regulating means in such a way that the maneuvering device generates forces and/or torques and applies them to the medical appliance to counteract the detected movement.

Abstract: An electromechanical surgical device includes: a housing; an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a distal end of the elongated shaft being detachably coupleable to a surgical instrument; at least two axially rotatable drive shafts disposed within the elongated shaft, a distal end of each of the drive shafts being configured to couple with the surgical instrument; a steering cable arrangement, the steering cable arrangement being configured to steer the distal end of the elongated shaft; and a motor system disposed within the housing, the motor system being configured to drive the drive shafts and the steering cable arrangement. A control system may be provided for controlling the motor system. A remote control unit may also be provided for controlling the motor system via the control system. Sensors, such as optical or Hall-effect devices, may be provided for determining the position of the elements of the surgical instrument based on the detected rotation of the drive shafts.