Abstract: Apparatuses and method for determining if an endoscope is contaminated may include a sheath device to cover both the inside and outside of the endoscope. The sheath device may include a flexible tubular external sheath that extends over the endoscope to form an external protective barrier, a tubular internal sheath that extends within a lumen of the endoscope that forms an internal protective barrier, and a cap sealed to both the external sheath and the internal sheath, and a proximal sealing collar that is configured to allow the space between the endoscope and the external and/or inner sheaths to be pressurized to detect leaks indicating contamination.

Abstract: A surgical system drape includes: a sheath having an interior cavity sized to cover a portion of a surgical system manipulator; an adaptor coupled to the sheath and including a manipulator interface and an instrument interface, the manipulator interface configured to couple with a drive interface of the manipulator, the instrument interface being configured to couple with a drive interface of a surgical instrument mounted to the manipulator; and a fluid conduit coupled to the sheath and extending within the interior cavity of the sheath, the fluid conduit configured to receive a flow of cooling fluid at a fluid port and convey the fluid along the interior cavity of the sheath to cool a component of a portion of the manipulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for keeping the field of view of an optical device (camera, laser, etc.) clean and unobstructed from dirt, contaminants, dust, chemicals, or other physical or chemical obstructions that hinder the performance of the optical device and, more particularly it employs a sacrificial transparent film positioned in front of and radially around a transparent main cylinder, within which an optical device is to be located.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for coupling to a probe and providing information regarding at least one structure can be provided. For example, the apparatus can include an electronics arrangement which is configured to obtain the information and transmit the information wirelessly, and a structural connection configuration which is structured and configured to be attached to the probe. The electronics arrangement can include a detector arrangement which is configured to detect at least one return radiation from at least one portion of at least one sample based on the predetermined patterns, and provide the data for the portion(s) based on the return radiation(s). In addition, a computer arrangement can be provided which is configured to generate the information with includes image data for the portion(s) as a function of the data and prior knowledge of the predetermined patterns.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a surgical apparatus comprising: a steerable member that is bendable and comprises a plurality of bending segments with channels therein; and a plurality of bending actuation wires that are arranged to pass through the steerable member and cause the steerable member to bend, the steerable member comprising at least one outwardly opening lumen through which the bending actuation wires pass.

Abstract: A hood for endoscope is attached to an endoscope including an insertion portion, a distal end portion and an air-feeding conduit, and the hood for endoscope includes a frame configured to be fitted to an outer circumference of the distal end portion, and a rectification plate configured to, so that gas spurted out forward in a longitudinal axis direction from an air-feeding port flows, changing an orientation in which the gas flows, from the longitudinal axis direction to a circumferential direction of the frame intersecting the longitudinal axis direction by the gas hitting the rectification member, guide the gas in a direction not toward a position of the distal end portion provided with an observation member.

Abstract: A handheld spectrometer apparatus may comprise an accessory coupled to a spectrometer, where the accessory is configured to receive a liquid sample pipette to facilitate measurement, using the spectrometer, of a liquid sample within the pipette. A handheld spectrometer apparatus to measure a body lumen of a subject can include an illumination unit, a spectrometer unit, a housing containing the illumination unit and the spectrometer unit and an accessory comprising a plurality of optical fibers. The optical fibers can be configured to guide light from the illumination unit to the body lumen and back from the body lumen to the spectrometer unit.

Abstract: An overtube device and an endoscope assembly are provided, the overtube device includes an overtube body having a proximal end and a distal end, the overtube body is provided with a bore which extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the overtube body, the bore is configured to allow a passing portion of the endoscope assembly to pass therethrough; a pulling lumen is formed in the overtube body, which extends from the distal end to the proximal end of the overtube body, the pulling lumen is configured to allow a pulling part to pass therethrough, and the distal end of the pulling part is fixed with the distal end of the overtube body.

Abstract: A placement device is provided for causing a catheter to be placed inside of a body. The placement device includes an insertion unit, a transmission unit and a supply member. The supply member includes a supply unit main body, and a projection. A through-hole is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the supply unit main body at a position closer to a distal end side of the supply portion main body than the projection, and the through-hole communicates with an inside of the supply unit main body at the distal end side of the supply unit main body.

Abstract: A cover includes a cover body and a covering portion. The cover body can include an opening edge exposing a part of a distal structure portion, an annular portion surrounding a periphery of the distal structure portion, a proximal edge, a dividing portion provided in the annular portion in a manner to define a slit that is continuous with the opening edge portion and the proximal edge portion, and an overlapping portion. The dividing portion includes a first cylindrical wall portion, and a second cylindrical wall portion. The first cylindrical wall portion and the second cylindrical wall portion overlap at least partly in the overlapping portion. The covering portion is configured to cover a part, where at least the dividing portion is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for providing sterile and cost-affordable handheld surgical devices with tactile operable controls. In some aspects, a surgical device includes a surgical probe including a probe detector and a set of operable controls; an exterior shell casing including an opening at one end leading to an interior cavity structured to have a size and shape to fit the surgical probe within and position the probe detector in a first region and a handle of the surgical probe in a second region, in which the first region of the exterior shell casing is configured to be inserted into an incision of a patient's body and the second region is configured to provide a user of the surgical device utilization of the operable controls of the surgical probe through the exterior shell casing; and a cap attachable to the exterior shell casing to close the opening.

Abstract: A distal-end cover is attached to a distal frame portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope main body, along a longitudinal axis of the insertion portion. The distal-end cover includes a cover main body attached to the distal frame portion and a wall provided on the cover main body. The wall is provided between a tube and a raising portion closer to the distal-end side along the longitudinal axis than a first opening edge portion of the distal frame portion when the cover main body is attached to an outside of the distal frame portion along the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion. The wall is deformed by the tube and an elongated member when the cover main body is removed from the outside of the distal frame portion.

Abstract: An endoscope cover includes a cover main body, a fragile portion, and a buffer portion. The cover main body includes a window and an annular portion. The window opens in a radial direction of a longitudinal axis of an insertion section. The annular portion is provided on a proximal side of the window along the longitudinal axis of the insertion section and surrounding the distal framing portion. The fragile portion is provided at a position on the annular portion which is adjacent to the window. The buffer portion is provided on the cover main body. The buffer portion includes an end portion. The end portion of the buffer portion is configured to reduce a force exerted from the distal side of the fragile portion onto the fragile portion along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an endoscope at least a part of which is inserted into an observation object and that propagates an image of an inside of the observation object irradiated with illumination light; a light source that emits the illumination light illuminating the inside of the observation object to the endoscope; an imager that captures an image of the inside of the observation object having been propagated from the endoscope and generates a captured image of the inside of the observation object; and control circuitry that performs driving control for the endoscope, the light source, and the imager. The control circuitry is configured to change the radiation angle of the illumination light in accordance with whether an insertion portion being a part of the endoscope is moving in the inside of the observation object or as stopped.

Abstract: A septal closure and port device for implantation in the atrial septum of a patient's heart includes an expandable frame with a central portion defining a lumen, and first and second opposing end portions. The frame can expand and contract between a compressed, tubular configuration for delivery through the patient's vasculature and an expanded configuration in which the first and second end portions extend radially outwardly from the opposite ends of the central portion. The device can also have a valve member supported on the frame and positioned to block at least the flow of blood from the left atrium to the right atrium through the lumen of the frame. The valve member permits a medical instrument to be inserted through the lumen and into the left atrium, for performing a subsequent medical procedure in the left side of the heart.

Abstract: A balloon tying device has a base and a cantilever supported by the base. The cantilever has a U-shaped cross-section and two ears defining generally parallel planes extending outwardly and terminating at a tip for retaining a loop of balloon material. Inside the U-shape of the cantilever is an axially oriented recess for passing ribbon and providing clearance for tucking an overhand knot in a balloon tail. A brace tab extends downward from the lower edge of the base.

Abstract: A medical instrument system comprises an imaging probe including a distal tip that includes a first sealing feature. The system includes an elongated medical instrument including a distal portion and a working channel extending to an opening in the distal portion to permit fluid to pass from the working channel. The distal portion includes a second sealing feature. A first interlocking feature is on an external surface of the imaging probe and a second interlocking feature is on an internal surface of the working channel. The imaging probe is configured to be selectively interlocked with the elongated medical instrument when the imaging probe is positioned within the working channel of the elongated medical instrument. The first and second sealing features are complementarily shaped and configured to contact one another to prevent passage of the fluid therebetween when the distal tip of the imaging probe has been advanced within the distal portion of the elongated medical instrument.

Abstract: A video endoscope including: an elongated shaft having distal and proximal ends; an objective lens arranged in the shaft; and an image sensor arranged proximally to the objective lens; wherein the objective lens includes distal and proximal objective lens assemblies; the image sensor rotates about an axis of the shaft relative to the distal objective lens assembly which is arranged in an outer tube; a torque for rotating the image sensor is transmitted by an inner tube, which is arranged in the outer tube, the inner tube being rotatably fixed and axially slidably connected to a frame receiving the image sensor, the inner tube and the frame each including coupling portions that engage coaxially; one the coupling portions includes cut-outs extending parallel to the axis; and another includes elastic protrusions, the elastic protrusions extending toward and engage in a corresponding cut-out.

Abstract: According to an aspect, a medical device includes an elongate member having a sidewall. The sidewall defines a lumen. The lumen has a non-circular cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus to detect fetal acidosis during labor. This apparatus, which is noninvasive to the fetus, has a pH sensor and at least one fetal tissue detector. When the apparatus is inserted into the vaginal canal of a patient during labor, the pH reading determined by the pH sensor correlates to the pH of the fetus's blood. The fetal tissue detector may be a pulse oximeter, which may allow for a user to obtain the pulse rate reading of a surface contacted by the pH sensor. This pulse rate reading may be compared to an external reading of a pulse rate of the patient to confirm whether the pH sensor is contacting the fetus. During travel through the vaginal canal, the pH sensor may be protected by a protective sheath with an area of weakness to allow exposure of the pH sensor when the fetus is reached.

Abstract: In some embodiments, endoscopy systems and/or methods of using endoscopy systems are described. In some embodiments, an endoscopy system comprises a shaft having an image sensor within a distal tip of the shaft. The shaft can have an expandable cuff disposed on an outer surface of the shaft. The expandable cuff can be moved from a contracted configuration to a deployed configuration. In the deployed configuration, an outer surface of the expandable cuff can inhibit, reduce, or prevent fluid (e.g., blood) flow in the vessel. Inhibiting or preventing the fluid flow can permit direct visualization of the interior of the vessel by the image sensor without interference from the fluid.

Abstract: A bronchoscopic sheath adapted to be fit over the outside surface of the proximal portion of a bronchoscope to assist with measuring or spacing of treatment. The measurement or spacing sheath is preferably made of braided polymer filament and is configured to collapse under tension and open/expand when the ends of the sheath are pushed towards one-another. Markings are provided on the sheath at regular intervals to reflect distance. The markings may be woven into the braid, or printed on the exterior of the braid. The proximal end of the sheath may be flared and the distal end may be tapered. Each end may be provided with a cuff that may be part of the braid, or a separate elastomeric material, or a thermally sealed edge with atraumatic tip.

Abstract: An endoscope cover attached in a lock state to a protruding lock portion of a distal framing portion of an insertion section of an endoscope, includes: a cover main body including an annular portion and which is attached to the distal framing portion along a longitudinal axis; a depressed lock portion provided on the cover main body and locked to the protruding lock portion of the distal framing portion; and a groove provided on a part including the proximal end of the annular portion and in which the protruding lock portion is configured to be located when the cover main body is turned with respect to the distal framing portion in the peripheral direction of the longitudinal axis and the protruding lock portion is unlocked from the depressed lock portion.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate in part to endovascular prostheses and delivery catheter systems and methods for deploying same. Embodiments may be directed more specifically to graft bodies having self-expanding members, including inflatable graft bodies, and catheters and methods for deploying same within the body of a patient.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes, an insertion section; a distal structure portion provided at a distal end of the insertion section; a pivot base; an elongated pulling member connected to the pivot base; a tubular elastic member configured to cover the pulling member; a cylindrical cover configured to be attached to the distal structure portion, and including an opening portion; a cover removing tool configured to be capable of pushing an edge of the opening portion, in a state in which the cover removing tool is engaged with the cover; and a projection provided on the cover removing tool, the projection being configured to come in contact with the edge of the opening portion at a position apart from a position of the one end of the elastic member.

Abstract: A manipulator is used to operate a surgical device that treats a body tissue. The manipulator includes a drive mechanism having a stationary section to be attached on a housing of a drive unit containing with at least one motor. A movable part is supported rotatably about a predetermined axis on the stationary section and having a connecting portion configured to be connected to the at least one motor when the stationary section is attached on the housing. A cover is configured to seal a gap between the movable part and the stationary section so as to prevent fluid from entering the gap between the movable part and the stationary part. A power transmission member is connected to both the movable part and the surgical device to transmit power from the motor to the surgical device.

Abstract: An object suction device that more effectively sucks an object includes a pipe, a rotating member that is rotatably provided in the pipe and conveys an object that enters from an opening portion provided at a distal end of the pipe toward a rear end of the pipe, an air motor that rotates the rotating member, a nozzle that sucks the object discharged from the rear end of the pipe, and a channel that is connected to both the nozzle and the air motor and forms a flow of air and the object.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion, a suction conduit, a by-pass conduit, a suction button, and a solenoid valve; a high-frequency knife; and a valve opening/closing portion.

Abstract: The insertion device is adapted to hold a high-frequency treatment tool for performing high-frequency current treatment, by means of a distal-end component of a flexible tube for insertion into lumens. The insertion device includes: a first indicator disposed on the front portion of the distal-end component; a first cover formed of an insulating elasto-plastic material and covering the first indicator at the time of the prescribed attachment; an electrical insulation part as a second indicator disposed at the joint portion between the distal-end component and the flexible tube; and a second cover closely contacting the first cover and the electrical insulation part to apply an elastic force to each of them and covering the second indicator at the time of the prescribed attachment so that the leakage of high-frequency currents is prevented.

Abstract: An optical trocar system that includes an elongated obturator member having a first diameter. The elongated obturator member has a distal region, the distal region having a first diameter section having a diameter that is substantially equal to the first diameter of the elongated obturator member. The elongated obturator member has a second diameter section having a diameter that is less than the first diameter. The optical trocar system also includes an optical member attached to the distal region of the elongated obturator member such that the optical member encapsulates the second diameter section of the elongated obturator member and at least a portion of the first diameter section. A longitudinal bore through the elongated tubular obturator member is configured to receive an endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an image pickup device; a glass lid that is provided on a distal end side ahead of a light receiving surface of the image pickup device and is fixed to a front face of the image pickup device in an integrated manner; and a frame body that covers at least a part of the image pickup device and the glass lid. The frame body includes a fixing region for fixing an image pickup circuit portion provided on a proximal end side opposite to the front face of the image pickup device, and a non-fixing region that keeps the distal end side relative to the light receiving surface of the image pickup device and the glass lid fixed to the light receiving surface of the image pickup device in a non-fixed state.

Abstract: System for fixation of leaflets of a heart valve including a delivery catheter having an elongated shaft, a proximal end portion and a distal end portion configured to be positioned proximate native leaflets of a heart valve from a remote vascular access point, the delivery catheter further includes a rotatable actuator rod having a threaded fastener at a distal end thereof, and a fixation device releasably coupled by a threaded connection to the threaded fastener of the actuator rod. The fixation device includes a first arm moveable between a closed position and an open position, and a second arm moveable between a closed position and an open position.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided comprising an imaging probe and at least one delivery device. The imaging probe comprises an elongate shaft, a rotatable optical core and an optical assembly. The elongate shaft comprises a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion. The rotatable optical core is positioned within the lumen of the elongate shaft and comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The rotatable optical core is configured to optically and mechanically connect with an interface unit. The optical assembly is positioned in the elongate shaft distal portion and proximate the rotatable optical core distal end. The optical assembly is configured to direct light to tissue and collect reflected light from the tissue. The imaging probe is constructed and arranged to collect image data from a patient site. The delivery device is constructed to engage the imaging probe.

Abstract: An improved system and method for cleaning a scope during a surgical procedure using a hinged tip is herein described. A scope cleaning apparatus can comprise a tube configured to be slidably received by a cannula, a hinged tip connected to the tube, and a lens-cleaning portion. The tube can comprise a proximal portion and a distal portion. Furthermore, the tube, across the proximal portion and the distal portion together can comprise an outer surface, an inner surface, and a lumen. The inner surface can be configured to slidably receive a viewing scope. The lumen can be defined by the inner surface. The lens-cleaning portion can be coupled to the hinged tip and can be configured to engage at least a portion of the viewing scope.

Abstract: A cart or man-portable system and method for performing endoscopic procedures is provided. A portable display device, such as a laptop computer, is coupled to a handle comprising a miniature camera and fiber optic illumination subsystem. A sterile disposable portion is fitted over the illumination subsystem and inserted into a target area on a patient. Images of the target area are conveyed from the camera to the display device while an endoscopic procedure is performed, thus facilitating real-time diagnosis during the procedure.

Abstract: Ultrasound devices and guidance systems for ultrasound devices for subdermal devices (e.g., needles) used in conjunction with the ultrasound devices are described. The guidance systems can includes features for easy release of a device from the system following targeting to a subdermal site. A guidance system can be ambidextrous such that a needle can be released by use of either the left or right hand and by use of either a thumb or a finger of an operator. Embodiments that include guidance tracks and slidable guidance cartridges that grasp the hub of a subdermal device are also described.

Abstract: An endoscopic device in which the empty spaces between the plurality of tubes, wires, and cables are utilized as a channel that enables liquid or gas to flow from the handle section to the distal tip is described. Also described is a method of reducing the diameter of an endoscope device by utilizing the empty spaces between the plurality of tubes, wires, and cables as a channel that enables liquid or gas to flow from the handle section to the distal tip. Additionally a distal tip comprising a pattern of alternating grooves and lands on its outer surface and a cap that fits tightly over the lands is described. The tight fitting cap changes the grooves into closed channels through which liquid or gas can flow.

Abstract: A distal end of an endoscope insertion passage of an overtube is provided with a fluid supply and discharge port. When an observation window of the endoscope insertion part inserted through the endoscope insertion passage is cleaned, an operator can set a distal end surface at a predetermined positioning position using a positioning mechanism, without extracting the endoscope insertion part from the endoscope insertion passage. A concave cleaning storage part that communicates with the fluid supply and discharge port is formed inside the endoscope insertion passage on the distal end side. Cleaning water is supplied from the fluid supply and discharge port to remove foreign matter from the observation window, and stored in the cleaning storage part, and then, the cleaning water stored in the cleaning storage part is suctioned from the fluid supply and discharge port.

Abstract: A robotic surgical apparatus includes at least two tubes having a nested, concentric configuration with an inner tube positioned in an outer tube. The tubes are configured to deliver surgical therapy. A first tube carrier connected to the outer tube and a second tube carrier connected to the inner tube. The first tube carrier and its associated outer tube and the second tube carrier and its associated inner tube form a robotic arm assembly. An actuator for actuating the robotic arm assembly is configured to receive the robotic arm assembly via a tube insertion interface into which the robotic arm assembly can be inserted.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a first flat surface formed at a distal end portion of an insertion part to be inserted into a subject, and orthogonal to an axial direction of the insertion part, an observation window provided at the distal end portion for allowing image light of the subject to be taken therethrough, with a surface of the observation window as a light incidence plane, an illumination window provided at the distal end portion to irradiate a subject with illumination light, a fluid jetting nozzle arranged at the first flat surface to jet a fluid toward the observation window and fixed at the distal end portion of the insertion part, and an inclined surface formed around the observation window and arranged at a position that faces the fluid jetting nozzle.

Abstract: A view optimizing assembly for use with a laparoscope includes an elongate cylindrical body configured to hold a laparoscope therein and a deflector assembly attached to the elongate cylindrical body. The elongate cylindrical body includes a plurality of channels in a wall thereof, and the plurality of channels are configured to allow a flow of fluid or gas therethrough. The deflector assembly is configured to circumferentially enclose a distal end of the laparoscope and extend beyond the distal end of the laparoscope. The deflector assembly includes a plurality of passageways within a wall thereof, and each passageway is aligned with a different channel of the elongate cylindrical body so as to direct the flow of gas or fluid exiting the channels across a lens of the laparoscope in a plurality of different flow paths.

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

Abstract: There is provided herein an endoscope assembly, the assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a first front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a second front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments illustrated provide the discovery of systems, methods, and apparatuses of endoscope stabilization devices for use with, for example, slim scopes, so as to provide, for example, a flexible outer structure capable of bending and holding a fixed position so as to provide, for example, support to make cannulation with a slim scope and target anatomy easier and more efficient.

Abstract: A septal closure and port device for implantation in the atrial septum of a patient's heart includes an expandable frame having a central portion defining a lumen, and first and second opposing end portions. The frame is configured to expand and contract between a compressed, tubular configuration for delivery through the patient's vasculature and an expanded configuration in which the first and second end portions extend radially outwardly from the opposite ends of the central portion. The device can further include a valve member supported on the frame and positioned to block at least the flow of blood from the left atrium to the right atrium through the lumen of the frame. The valve member is configured to permit a medical instrument to be inserted through the lumen and into the left atrium, such as for performing a subsequent medical procedure in the left side of the heart.

Abstract: A semi-submersible microscope objective includes a microscope objective having a protective barrel with an optical inlet and optical outlet, and a protective element affixed to the microscope objective, sealing the optical exit but not the optical inlet. A transparent portion of the protective element is aligned with the optical exit. The protective element is separable from the microscope objective without damaging the microscope objective. Use of the semi-submersible microscope objective in a multiphoton imaging method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A distal end structure of an endoscope includes: an opening of a treatment instrument insertion channel formed on a distal end of an insertion portion in the endoscope and including an opening having a long side and a short side; a first wall portion extending in a longitudinal direction so as to face the opening, at the distal end; and a second wall portion facing the first wall portion in a short side direction so as to sandwich the opening and extending in the long side direction, at the distal end, wherein a first end surface in the first wall portion and a second end surface in the second wall portion are inclined such that inclination directions in the longitudinal axis direction are opposite to each other.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method of measuring stress. The apparatus includes: a light source configured to emit light to the subject; a sensor configured to measure light reflected from the subject; a data extractor configured to obtain, from the reflected light, data that indicates at least one object material included in the subject; and a data processor configured to generate information about the stress of the subject based on a correlation between the obtained data and a reference value of stress.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a tip portion main body provided at a tip portion of an insertion section; a camera unit attachment hole provided so as to penetrate the tip portion main body; a camera unit of which tip portion is fitted into a tip portion of the camera unit attachment hole; a locking member disposed at an outer peripheral surface of the camera unit so as to be movable in a direction that is orthogonal to the axial direction; a projection provided on either one of the locking member and the camera unit; a sliding portion provided on the other one of the locking member and the camera unit; and a locking biasing member configured to bias the locking member in the direction t orthogonal to the axial direction within the camera unit attachment hole and to push the locking member against the camera unit attachment hole.

Abstract: An optical penetrating adapter for mounting to a surgical portal to permit visualization through the surgical portal includes an adapter member defining a longitudinal axis and having a transparent window adapted to penetrate tissue and to permit visualization therethrough and means for coupling the adapter member to the surgical portal. The transparent window may have various shapes and configurations adapted to penetrate, dissect, resect or separate tissue in a non traumatic manner. Alternatively, the transparent window may incorporate structure such as cutting edges blades, points, etc to pierce, cut or incise tissue.