Abstract: A robotic surgical system includes a sterile surgical instrument, a robotic surgical manipulator, and a sterile drape covering at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator. The surgical instrument has a proximal interface and a distal end effector. The proximal interface includes a gimbal assembly with two intersecting rotational axes coupled to the distal end effector. The robotic surgical manipulator has a drive plate that bears against the gimbal assembly. The drive plate has two degrees of rotational freedom about a center of motion that is coincident with an intersection of the axes of the gimbal assembly. The sterile drape includes a sterile sheet covers at least a portion of the robotic surgical manipulator, a frame bonded to the sterile sheet, an instrument interface that covers the drive plate of the robotic surgical manipulator, and a diaphragm that connects the instrument interface to the frame.

Abstract: A thin sheath of flexible, flaccid material is introduced through openings in the body of an animal or human patient to permit surgical tools or fluids to be inserted and removed, or debris removed, during surgeries anywhere in the body to protect the tissue of the body from the instruments used. The sheath is inserted by an obturator which holds the sheath thereon by suction through an aperture in the obturator at its distal end. Once the sheath is inserted, suction is removed to release the sheath. Then a balloon on the distal end of the sheath is expanded to hold the sheath in place in the body while the obturator is removed. The sheath then remains in place with the balloon holding the distal end in the open position to enable fluids to flow through the sheath. After a procedure, the balloon is deflated and the sheath removed.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes: a tubular member equipped with a propulsion power generating portion; a rotating portion for rotating the tubular member provided with the propulsion power generating portion around the longitudinal axis of the tubular member; and a distal portion which is provided on a more distal side than the tubular member rotated by the rotating portion, is slidably provided to the tubular member, and is disposed with an observation portion for observing a body to be examined.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises an endoscope comprising a first distal end portion, and a tube comprising a second distal end portion, wherein the endoscope and the tube are in a side-by-side relationship and are coupled at distal end portions of the endoscope and the tube using a single coupling device.

Abstract: A container case contains a capsule endoscope which incorporates a magnet. A magnetic body is disposed so as to guide, from one magnetic pole to the other magnetic pole, a magnetic field which is generated from the magnet of the capsule endoscope that is accommodated between and positioned by a first hold portion of an outer case and a second hold portion of an inner case which position the capsule endoscope. Thereby, there is provided a capsule medical apparatus containing device which can facilitate handling of a capsule medical apparatus and can enhance the efficiency in storage of the capsule medical apparatus.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a system for removing a cover from a medical instrument includes a flexible cover configured to cover at least a portion of a medical instrument, an insertion element coupled proximate a first end of the flexible cover, a pair of substantially parallel perforations formed in the insertion element, a pair of substantially parallel score lines formed in the cover and aligned with the pair of substantially parallel perforations. A portion of the insertion element between the pair of substantially parallel perforations is removable from the insertion element and a portion of the flexible cover between the pair of substantially parallel score lines is removable from the flexible cover when a force is applied to the portion of the insertion element between the pair of substantially parallel perforations.

Abstract: A holding apparatus is provided for holding a device to be used under sterile conditions. The apparatus includes a holder unit (1) to which the device (3) is to be fixed. The holder unit (1) has a holder portion for fixing a drape (9) so that a held device (3) and the holder portion are substantially air-tightly enclosed. A cavity (2) in the holder unit (1) has a cavity portion (10) for communicating with an intermediate space between a fixed drape (9) and the device (3). A pumping-out device (15) is in the cavity (2) for pumping air out of the cavity portion and the intermediate space. The cavity portion (10) is sealed in the pumping-out operation to prevent the make-up flow of air out of other regions than the intermediate space between a fixed drape (9) and the device (3) or the holder portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube disposed within a hydrophilic sheath or liner, and a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The sheath/liner may be disposable to permit reuse of the overtube. Loading devices may be provided for disposing the sheath/liner about the overtube. Tensioning mechanisms may be provided to selectively stiffen the overtube to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument, while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.

Abstract: A guide system for use with an endoscope, and a method of use is disclosed. The guide system can include a track, in the form of a rail, and a mating member for engaging the rail. The guide system can also include an accessory, such as an accessory guide tube through which a medical instrument can be carried external of the endoscope. An end cap can be provided to support the track relative to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A disposable endoscope sheath includes an extendable sleeve sized to accommodate an endoscope shaft having a viewing end. The extendable sleeve has a variable length. A distal portion of the sleeve is configured to direct irrigation fluid onto the viewing end of the endoscope to flush surgical debris from the viewing end of the endoscope.

Abstract: The main body of a device for fixing a protective cover on an endoscope in a state which prevents slippage is formed from a base, an engaging piece and an engaged piece which extend from the sides of the base and the ends of which can engage with each other by bending the base. An insertion hole is placed in the boundary part between the base and the engaging piece and an insertion hole is placed in the boundary part between the base and the engaged piece. A pressing part is placed on the lower surface of the engaging piece and a projecting part is placed on the upper surface of the base. The endoscope covered with the protective cover is inserted into the insertion holes and can be pressed onto the projecting part by the pressing part.

Abstract: An apparatus which is self-contained, disposable, utilized for protecting the distal lens of endoscopes. The apparatus is sterile and is used as a holder or as an anti-fog solution applicator for the scope while protecting it from impact with a shock absorbent outer housing. A new method for protecting endoscopes by placing an inexpensive sterile protective cover over the distal lens of the endoscope which entails, placing the protector over the distal lens prior to medical procedure, protective cover is used intermittently and repeatedly during the medical procedure when the scope is not in use. Finally, at the end of the medical procedure the protective cover is placed over the distal lens and not removed until the scope reaches the area where it will be cleaned and sterilized. By protecting the scope prior to, during and after a medical procedure, endoscope repairs are reduced thereby saving hospitals money.

Abstract: The present invention provides disposable illumination sheaths as a sterile barrier between an imaging device and a patient. An exemplary sheath can generally be usable with any imaging system known in the art, for example, an endoscopic imaging system, and can be designed to cover and/or enclose portions of the imaging device that may be exposed to patient tissue and/or bodily fluids. An exemplary sheath of the present invention can be designed to cover and protect the imaging shaft, optics housing, camera housing, handle, imaging output and/or other electrical and component cords, as well as any other portion of the imaging device that may be exposed to contamination. A used sheath can be disposed of after a first procedure and a new, sterile sheath can be used for a subsequent procedure. In this way, an imaging device can be utilized repeatedly without the need for a full sterilization between each procedure.

Abstract: An endoscope is described in which the diameter of the image relay assembly is less than that of the objective lens assembly. An endoscope sheath is also described for sheathing the endoscope and housing or directing optical fibers for use in illuminating the endoscope view of view. An endoscope-sheath system is further described comprising the combination of the endoscope and the endoscope sheath in eccentric alignment to reduce fluid flow impedance between the two.

Abstract: A covered-type endoscope includes an endoscope-cover and a cover-adapted endoscope to be inserted into the endoscope-cover. The endoscope-cover includes a tube and a cover-bending portion with a plurality of longitudinally joined cover-joint pieces. The cover-adapted endoscope includes a bending portion with a plurality of longitudinally joined joint pieces. The bending portion includes a guide portion which guides the tube in the longitudinal direction of the bending portion and cooperates with the cover-bending portion of the endoscope-cover to provide a tube placement chamber between the guide portion and the cover-bending portion of the endoscope-cover so that a conduit for the tube is maintained. The tube is flexible to bend in accordance with the bending of the cover-bending portion and the bending portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscope, in particular an ureterorenoscope. The endoscope comprises a lumen for insertion of a light and energy transmitting fiber. According to the invention during insertion of the fiber into a working channel of the endoscope the sharp edges of the fiber are protected by a flexible sleeve in order to avoid damages of a wall limiting the working channel. Prior to using the fiber for transmitting energy emitted by a laser the flexible sleeve is completely removed from the working channel in order to free a lumen that might be used for additional instruments or delivery of a fluid. Furthermore the stiffness of the endoscope is reduced by removing the flexible sleeve.

Abstract: In a storage case for accommodating a capsule endoscope in which a power supply can be operated by a predetermined magnetic force, when the capsule endoscope is retained by both a retaining portion provided in a blister pack and a hole portion provided in an inner cover portion while accommodated in the storage case, the blister pack, the inner cover portion, a sterilizing sheet, and a shield of the storage case are configured to cover an operable range for power supply of the capsule endoscope, and the storage case prevents malfunction of the capsule endoscope accommodated therein even if a magnet is unintentionally approximated.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting an instrument (1) in a flexible body cavity is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sheath (3) having an inner chamber (31) for accommodating the instrument (1) and an outer chamber (41) surrounding the inner chamber, thereby defining an enclosed space between the inner chamber and the outer chamber Fluid pressure is temporarily applied to thse enclosed space so as to expand the outer chamber to facilitate insertion of the instrument in the body cavity. In another embodiment the inner chamber is expandable to have a diameter equal to or greater than the diameter of the outer chamber, and wherein the outer chamber incorporates one or more lines of weakness for facilitating release and expansion of the inner chamber and withdrawal of the instrument from the inner chamber. In yet another embodiment the sheath includes at its distal end a convex lens for use by a camera in obtaining images of said body cavity.

Abstract: A housing is described to introduce an endosurgical or endoscopic instrument to a surgical site in a sterile manner with a sleeve that is filled with disinfecting fluid into which a the instrument can be placed and the sleeve has a membrane at one end that can be punctured by the instrument.

Abstract: An endoscope with a flexible elongate insertion shaft, an illumination guide extending longitudinally through the insertion shaft, and an image guide extending longitudinally through the insertion shaft. The insertion shaft is formed along an outer surface with at least one longitudinally extending channel longitudinally traversable by an elongate endoscopic instrument. The channel having a longitudinally extending slot so that the channel is open to the ambient environment along at least a portion of its length.

Abstract: A sheath device (1) suitable for endoscopic instruments (2) and comprising an elongated tubular member (4) having a proximal end (6), a distal open end (7), and at least one fluid channel (23). A flushing unit (5) is connected to the proximal end (6) of the tubular member (4) and comprises a proximal open end (8) suitable for receiving a first endoscopic instrument (2), a fluid inlet (16) in contact with said fluid channel (23), and a fluid outlet (17). The tubular member and the flushing unit together define a first interior guiding passage (10) for sheathing at least a part of said first endoscopic instrument (2). The connection between the tubular member (4) and the flushing unit (5) allows for axial rotation of the tubular member (4) in relation to the flushing unit (5).

Abstract: A seal assembly which includes a housing defining a longitudinal axis, a proximal portion and a distal portion and including a bellows disposed along a length thereof. A first sealing membrane and a second sealing membrane associated with the proximal portion of the housing, each sealing membrane configured to create a substantially fluid-tight seal around a surgical instrument inserted therethrough. The bellows configured to allow at least a portion of the housing to move radially with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention encompasses devices and methods used to keep the objective lens of a viewing or illuminating device, specifically an endoscope, free from obstructive fluid and dirt; specifically a device having a hollow body designed to fit over an endoscope, and a transparent lens cover film that is retained within the device and that is threaded in front of the objective lens of an endoscope, thereby maintaining a clear and unobstructed transparent window in front of the endoscope lens.

Abstract: An improved system for attaching devices to the distal end of endoscopic instruments is described. An attachment adapter comprises a distal stop, such as a complete or partial loop or cylinder, which limits the penetration of an endoscope into the adapter. The adapter has at least one flange protruding proximally along the endoscope. The adapter is secured on the endoscope by a securing means, which compresses the flange or flanges sufficiently to provide a friction fit. The flexibility of the inventive adapter system allows the adapter to work reliably with endoscopes that are used, damaged or repaired. The adapter may further provide a slit or window allowing viewing of the vessel wall by a lens on an endoscope, thereby improving the operator's ability to understand the location of the endoscope during operation. The adapter may carry any of a variety of devices, including devices for closing a surgical incision, or treating or manipulating tissue.

Abstract: An endoscopic overtube with articulating fingers extending from the distal end. The articulating fingers form an opening that may be expanded by a balloon. When positioned in a puncture site in a tissue wall, the articulating fingers dilate and enlarge the puncture site to allow for the body of the overtube to pass through the puncture site. In various embodiments, the fingers may further comprise cutting elements to assist in the dilation of the puncture site.

Abstract: A protective sleeve apparatus for protecting an endoscopic or laparoscopic instrument includes an elongated tubular member having an open proximal end and an open distal end. The elongated tubular member is sized and configured to receive a laparoscopic or endoscopic instrument therethrough. The tubular member has a folded section adjacent the distal end in releasable engagement with an intermediate section of the tubular member to define a substantially enclosed sleeve to receive the instrument and substantially prevent entry of contaminants within an interior of the tubular member. The folded section is releasable from the intermediate section upon exertion of a proximal force to the tubular member to facilitate removal of the tubular member along the instrument.

Abstract: A medical tool includes a flexible sleeve placed over a flexible endoscope tube of an endoscope, with the flexible sleeve having one or more channels for providing additional access to the interior of a patient's body. Various tools may be inserted into the channels in order to perform surgical techniques within the body, such as within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the patient. Such insertable tools may include scalpels, scissors, or gripping tools. The tools may be flexible tools, and may include electrically-powered tools or non-electrically-powered tools.

Abstract: An endoscope including a handle and an insertion tube, adapted for insertion into a patient, connected to the handle. In addition, the endoscope includes at least one valve, mounted on the handle, for controlling flow through one or more channels, which valve has at least two stable states. In the stable states the valve does not apply a force to leave the state.

Abstract: A protective cover set for a medical probe designated to be inserted into an endocavity or used intraoperatively in an incision of a human or an animal body, said cover set comprising a probe cover made from a film material, said probe cover having a mouth end with a mouth for inserting said probe and a closed end opposite to said mouth end; and an outer wrapper being joined to said probe cover, said outer wrapper covering at least a length of said probe cover; the probe cover comprising an adhesive element connected to said mouth end of said probe cover.

Abstract: A protector for a light conducting conduit is provided herein which includes at least one sheath surrounding or capable of surrounding at least a portion of the length of a distal end of the light conducting conduit; wherein the at least one sheath comprises a proximal end and a distal end; the sheath is capable of being connected to the light conducting conduit; the sheath and the light conducting conduit define a void extending longitudinally between the sheath and the light conducting conduit along at least a portion of a length of the sheath; and the sheath comprises a material having a low heat conductivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic flexible tube, including a spiral tube, a mesh tube covering the spiral tube, and a sheath coating the outer surface of the mesh tube, the sheath being composed of a sheathing resin material containing closed cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hygiene protection for endoscopes having at least one working channel (14), wherein the hygiene protection (2) comprises on its distal end a cap (15) with a working channel tube (17) arranged thereon and a protective sheath (21) connected to the cap (15). The hygiene protection is characterized in that the working channel tube (17) is arranged at the cap (15) with a distance to the circumference of the cap (15). Furthermore an endoscope (1) and a method for applying a hygiene protection (2) onto an endoscope (1) are described.

Abstract: An over-tube for use in an endoscopic treatment in an abdominal cavity using an endoscope includes an over-tube main body which is inserted from a distal portion thereof via a natural opening in a patient's body to access the inside of the abdominal cavity from the distal portion through a lumen wall, and an internal cover which is disposed in a passage of the endoscope disposed in an inner cavity of the over-tube main body and which is extractible from a proximal portion of the over-tube main body.

Abstract: An endoscope cover, which is detachably fitted on an insertion section of an endoscope, includes a sheath main body support member to which a proximal end of a sheath section of the endoscope cover is connected, and a built-in tube support member to which a built-in tube that is disposed in the sheath section is connected. The built-in tube support member is coupled to the sheath main body support member in a manner to be movable relative to the sheath main body support member in a longitudinal axial direction of the sheath section.

Abstract: A guide system for use with an endoscope, and a method of use is disclosed. The guide system can include a track, in the form of a rail, and a mating member for engaging the rail. The guide system can also include an accessory, such as an accessory guide tube through which a medical instrument can be carried external of the endoscope. An end cap can be provided to support the track relative to the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use with a percutaneous visualization device includes a cannula and a cleaning swab. The cannula has a first section pivotably connected to a second section. The cleaning swab is positioned at a distal end of the cannula and is configured to pivot into a position to clean at least a portion of a percutaneous visualization device upon insertion into the cannula. In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning device includes a cannula and a seal. The seal is disposed within the cannula and configured to clean at least a portion of a percutaneous visualization device upon insertion and retraction in the cannula. Further, the cannula has a cleaning surface on at least a portion of an inner surface thereof. The cleaning surface is also configured to clean at least a portion of said percutaneous visualization device upon insertion and retraction in the cannula.

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. In some embodiments, a shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable. In other embodiments, the flexible sheath has a composite construction that provides improved torque transmission capabilities.

Abstract: This protection for an endoscope includes a sheath with a rigid cylindrical tubular part (8), and an associated flexible sleeve. The rigid cylindrical tubular part (8) is made of a material permitting transport of light. The rigid cylindrical tubular part (8) is treated in such a way as to guide the light from a light source at its proximal end (10) to its distal end (12). The distal end (12) of the cylindrical tubular part (8) has elements (14, 16) for diffusing and/or orienting the light guided via the cylindrical tubular part (8). The endoscope is designed to use a protection in order to illuminate the cavity to be examined in the patient's body.

Abstract: There is provided a tube for an endoscope, including a tubular member forming a conduit line, a net layer which covers an outside of the tubular member and is formed of a hard linear member, and a covering layer which covers an outside of the net layer, wherein the covering layer is formed of a material includes thermoplastic resin, and has a thickness ranging from 0.02 to 0.5 mm.

Abstract: The invention provides an endoscope tip protector for protecting the distal tip of an endoscope and an endoscope assembly including the tip protector affixed thereto. The endoscope tip protector can include a main body with an opening through the main body sized to accept an endoscope sheath and a white surface arranged to face a distal end of an endoscope sheath when the sheath is placed in the endoscope tip protector. Methods of making and using the tip protector and assembly are also provided.

Abstract: In an endoscopic treatment instrument having a plurality of sheaths, a supporting member for directly and indirectly supporting the plurality of sheaths, and a connecting member for directly/indirectly bringing the sheaths and an endoscope in a connected state are provided. The supporting member constrains a relative position of the plurality of sheaths and the connecting member can change the connecting state. Therefore, when an operator changes the connecting state of the connecting member, the positional relation of the endoscope and the plurality of sheaths can be changed, while the positional relation of the plurality of sheaths is still constrained. Accordingly, for example, left and right sheaths can be easily exchanged.

Abstract: A protective sheath comprising a cap member configured for attachment to the distal end of an endoscope and a flexible, elongate outer sleeve attached to the cap member and adapted to unfold over the endoscope in a proximal direction along a substantial portion of the endoscope to protect the endoscope from bodily fluids.

Abstract: An endoscope has a tubular shaft whose interior contains components, in particular lenses, spacers, diaphragms, prisms and filters of an optical system, said components being at least partially surrounded by a support piece made of shrunk material. It is proposed that the components be surrounded by a transparent and tube-sleeve-shaped shrunk material which has been shrunk before the components are introduced into the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A protective body packages an exterior of a capsule endoscope body of a capsule endoscope such that a field of vision of an objective lens system is not obstructed. As a result, even if the capsule endoscope collides against a wall surface inside an object being examined, a circular cylinder portion of the protective body is elastically deformed so that the protective body itself becomes a shock absorbing portion and protects each portion inside a case as well as actual LED covers and a lens cover. As a result, the capsule endoscope body can be recovered in an undamaged condition, and unnecessary costs can be reduced by reusing the capsule endoscope body.

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 portion of the cap that covers a view port on an arthroscope is transparent in order to allow a user to see through the instrument and through the cap.

Abstract: A guidewire having an embedded matrix polymer construction and methods of making and using the same. The guidewire may include a core wire or member having a proximal region and distal region, a jacket disposed over the distal region, and a coil disposed over the jacket. The coil may include a coating and may be embedded within the jacket.

Abstract: An endoscope has a tubular shaft whose interior contains components, in particular lenses, spacers, diaphragms, prisms and filters of an optical system, said components being at least partially surrounded by a support piece made of shrunk material. It is proposed that the components be surrounded by a transparent and tube-sleeve-shaped shrunk material which has been shrunk before the components are introduced into the tubular shaft.

Abstract: Flexible tubular liner coating systems are described herein. A method for coating and forming the flexible tubular inner liner may comprise, in one example, coating at least a first surface of a flexible elongate strip having a first and a second edge and then bringing the first and second edges of the flexible elongate strip into proximity of one another. Once the edges are brought towards one another, they may be joined such that a flexible tubular liner is formed having the coated first surface formed as an inner surface of the flexible tubular liner. Flexible tubular liner coating systems are described herein. A method for coating and forming the flexible tubular inner liner may comprise, in one example, coating at least a first surface of a flexible elongate strip having a first and a second edge and then bringing the first and second edges of the flexible elongate strip into proximity of one another.

Abstract: A battery self-containing body, which self-contains a battery or a battery accommodating body, which accommodates a battery removably is attached to a capsule body including a drive circuit for driving an imaging device and an illuminating device. Thus, the power supply can be turned ON easily. In addition, the inside portion is sealed water-tightly. Thus, the battery self-containing body or a battery can be exchanged easily, which allows the easy reuse. The direction of the visual field of the imaging device is diagonal with respect to the axis of the capsule body. Furthermore, spiral-shape projections are provided on the peripheral surface of the cylinder form. Thus, the rotation allows the surface of canal cavity wall to be examined easily.

Abstract: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument.