Abstract: The device comprises an endoscope shaft through which extends a working channel ending at an outlet side of the shaft. A guiding element extends through the working channel, said guiding element being preferably guided in longitudinal direction in and along the working channel. The device is set up in such a manner that the distal end section of an instrument extending in longitudinal direction next to the shaft can be moved alongside the shaft beyond the outlet side in order to move the working section of the instrument away from the outlet side so as to lengthen the distal end section of the device. The instrument is coupled to the guiding element in order to guide the working section of the instrument in a transverse direction away from the outlet side in a region opposite the outlet side in order to work in the region with the instrument.

Abstract: For the miniaturization of an investigation instrument (1), which includes a sensor (3), which is arranged in the interior of a long shaft (2) and is electrically contact-connected by a connection (8), it is provided that a flexible bending section (10) is configured on the connection (8), and is thus connected with a contact-connection section (9), which is contact-connected with contacts (4) of the sensor (3) on the reverse side such that, firstly, the entire connection (8) is arranged in the shadow of the image sensor (3) and, secondly, the bending section (10) originates from the contact-connection section (9) within a field (5) which is subtended by the reverse-side contacts (4) of the sensor (3).

Abstract: An endoscopy system that includes a computer system with a high definition display monitor and a handheld portion. The handheld portion includes a re-usable handle portion and a single use portion that is configured to be disposed of following a single use. The single-use portion includes an elongated cannula with an imaging module and illumination modules at its distal tip. The handheld portion includes multiple sensors that can detect and measure rotation of the cannula relative to the handle portion, and rotation of the entire handheld portion. The sensor data is used to correctly orient and display images captured by the imaging module onto the high definition display monitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a camera to capture images inside a body cavity of a patient during a medical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus includes an insertion tube, a plurality of connected linkages extending from a distal end of the insertion tube, each linkage having a threaded actuator received on a threaded end of a drive shaft extending between the threaded actuator and a proximal end of the insertion tube. The apparatus also includes a camera disposed at a distal end of the plurality of connected linkages. Each connected linkage has at least one associated movement actuated by movement of the threaded actuator in response to rotation of the drive shaft, the associated movements of the connected linkages together operable to facilitate positioning of the camera within the body cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A sterile interface for a surgical platform is provided, optionally to be used with a mechanical telemanipulator. The sterile interface is configured to allow for transmission of motion without dimensional inconsistencies between a non-sterile surgical platform and a sterile surgical instrument that are related to one another in a master-slave configuration. The sterile interface is configured to allow for multiple changes of sterile surgical instruments during a surgical procedure without contaminating the sterile field. The sterile interface allows for interchangeable sterile articulated surgical instruments to be attached to the surgical platform without coming into contact with non-sterile portions of the surgical platform.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising: a tubular elongated member; a tensioning wire in a tensioning lumen along one side of the elongated member, between the proximal end and the distal end of the elongated member; a head arranged at the distal end of the elongated member and comprising: a tubular tensioning ring attached to the distal end of the tensioning wire and having a same external diameter as the elongated member; an imaging sensor having a rectangular cross section, arranged at a distal end of the head; and a tubular distal shell arranged longitudinally around the imaging sensor and having an inner diameter identical to or slightly larger than a diagonal of the rectangular cross section of the imaging sensor; wherein a tubular jacket sheathes the elongated member and the tensioning ring of the head.

Abstract: Reversibly attachable pressure-resistant cap for an endoscope sleeve, configured to seal a distal tip of the endoscope sleeve during pressurized inflation of the sleeve to assist insertion of the endoscope into the sleeve. The cap is operable to latch onto the distal tip. The cap is also configured to be easily removed from the distal tip after inflation is no longer needed.

Abstract: A sterile interface for a surgical platform is provided, optionally to be used with a mechanical telemanipulator. The sterile interface is configured to allow for transmission of motion without dimensional inconsistencies between a non-sterile surgical platform and a sterile surgical instrument that are related to one another in a master-slave configuration. The sterile interface is configured to allow for multiple changes of sterile surgical instruments during a surgical procedure without contaminating the sterile field. The sterile interface allows for interchangeable sterile articulated surgical instruments to be attached to the surgical platform without coming into contact with non-sterile portions of the surgical platform.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a plate member to which a member be operated to bend a bendable portion is fixed and which includes a through hole, and a tubular unit formed in a tubular shape to make a fluid flow and including a coupling portion which functions as a protruding portion disposed so as to be protruded from an outer surface. The endoscope further includes a positioning mechanism which positions the plate member and the tubular unit relative to each other so as to dispose the protruding portion around a periphery of the through hole including the through hole.

Abstract: A drying agent arrangement for optical instruments, in particular for endoscopic instruments, having a hygroscopic substance in the instrument housing, such that the hygroscopic substance, configured as individual molded bodies, is positioned in an intake receptacle that can be replaceably inserted in the instrument housing. To provide a drying agent arrangement that, along with simple, versatile application, allows the intake of a great quantity of drying agent, the intake receptacle may be configured as a double-walled sleeve, such that the two walls, forming an intake space for the molded bodies of the hygroscopic substance, are radially distanced from one another and positioned in such a way that the walls, closing the intake space at one axial end of the sleeve, are connected with one another at the end and on the other axial end of the sleeve, releasing the intake space, are radially distanced from one another at the end.

Abstract: A visual field apparatus for an image transmission apparatus including a channel that connects the proximal end and the distal end of the visual field apparatus, for inputting the image transmission apparatus, and an optical device on the distal end of the channel that is configured to influence the visual field or the focusing of the image transmission apparatus. A method for preparing an endoscope for a succeeding use including determining a visual field required for the succeeding use, selecting a visual field apparatus with the determined visual field and a channel, and combining the image transmission apparatus with the selected visual field apparatus. A method for autoclaving a visual field apparatus for an image transmission apparatus, including closing the channel on the proximal end so that it is fluid-tight, autoclaving the visual field apparatus after the fluid-tight closing, and opening the channel on the proximal end after autoclaving.

Abstract: A probe includes a connector having a connection end surface, a first cover covering the connection end surface of the connector and defined by a surface perpendicular to a first direction corresponding to the direction toward which the probe is inserted, and a second cover configured to move in a second direction corresponding to a direction opposite to the first direction and which covers the connector by being stretched from the outer circumference of the first cover toward the second direction. The second cover moves in the second direction by receiving a press force directed toward the second direction from a wall surface formed by an opening of the adapter unit at the time of insertion of the connector into the adapter unit. The first cover is configured to be broken by the connector's press force directed in the first direction when the second cover moves in the second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable flexible membrane (1) suitable for adhesion to an objective lens, especially an objective of a camera for laparoscopic operations, the membrane (1) being transparent and comprising two opposite faces, a first face (4) comprising a hydrophobic surface, and a second face (6) comprising a surface of reversible adhesiveness. The invention further relates to a method for temporarily protecting the objective lens of a camera comprising the step of manually positioning such a membrane onto said lens and further manually removing said membrane from said lens.

Abstract: An elongate medical instrument that may comprise steering mechanisms, optical sensors, light emitters, and/or fluid flow paths is disclosed. A removable sheath may be utilized to isolate the instrument from contamination when the instrument is used within the human body. The sheath may be disposable or reusable. In some instances, the elongate device may be used to position other components, such as elongate tubes.

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: Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.

Abstract: The endoscope apparatus of the present invention includes: an insertion portion having a bending portion; an observation device that is provided at the insertion portion; an illumination unit that is provided at the insertion portion, and that illuminates a visual field of the observation device; a main body unit that is formed having a size that enables it to be held and operated by one hand of a user; an operating section that is used to operate the bending portion; a display unit that is connected to the insertion portion, and that displays images acquired by the observation device; a light emitting component that is provided in the main body unit, and that is connected via a light guide to the illumination unit; a heat discharge unit that is provided at the main body unit such that at least a portion thereof is exposed, and that is thermally connected to the light emitting component; and a shielding portion that is provided at the main body unit, and that covers at least a portion of the periphery of the

Abstract: An endoscope includes a substantially rigid shaft having a distal end and a proximal portion, the shaft having a first lumen and a second lumen separate from the first lumen, the second lumen containing one or more objective lenses disposed at the distal end thereof. A housing is mounted on the proximal portion of the shaft, the housing including an eyepiece mount and a light input port. An image fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the image fiber bundle extending proximally from adjacent the one or more objective lenses to the eyepiece mount. An illumination fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the illumination fiber bundle extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft to the light input port.

Abstract: An inner casing according to the present invention includes a hole which is a holding portion that is provided at the center of a base portion having a planar shape so as to protrude in a direction orthogonal to a principal surface of the base portion and hold a capsule endoscope and a plurality of step portions each protruding from a side surface of the hole and abutting on an area of an outer surface of a hemispheric dome portion, which is located inside an optical viewing angle of the capsule endoscope and which does not contribute to generation of an image captured by the capsule endoscope to realize alignment in a longitudinal direction of the capsule endoscope.

Abstract: An imaging device can include: an imaging module; a lens associated with the imaging module; and an optically transmissive inflatable member surrounding the lens. The inflation tube can be fluidly coupled with the inflatable member. An inflation port can be fluidly coupling the inflation tube and inflatable member. A fastener that fastens the inflatable member can be coupled to a housing of the imaging module. A flushing tube can be fluidly coupled to a flushing port that is directed outward from a housing of the imaging module. The inflation tube and/or flushing tube are coupled to a pneumatic system that can pump fluid therethrough. The inflatable member can be an inflatable membrane, balloon, bladder, or bag.

Abstract: A protective sheath for an endoscope includes an elongated shaft with a longitudinal bore extending from a proximal opening at the shaft proximal end to a distal opening at the shaft distal end. The longitudinal bore is sized for receiving an endoscope tube inserted axially into the bore. The shaft distal end includes a shovel-shaped portion comprising a bowl, a bowl rim having a flange portion, and a distal cutting edge for dividing soft tissue a surgical procedure. The surfaces of the shovel-shaped portion are adapted for retracting soft tissue during such a procedure.

Abstract: A device for the sterile sheathing of a sterilization-sensitive operating part, which can be connected to a medical instrument for surgical intervention, having a handling element, which comprises a bundled sterile hose at a distal end, whereby the handling element further comprises an opening, through which the sterilization-sensitive operating part can be inserted from proximal to distal into the sterile hose such that the sterilization-sensitive operating part can thereby be sheathed with the hose.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes: an image pickup unit incorporated in a medical instrument body for picking up an image of the subject to be examined from an observation window; an airflow generating unit provided rotatably with respect to the medical instrument body so as to cover the image pickup unit by a covering unit having an opening formed therein, the airflow generating unit being configured to generate an airflow for preventing adherents from sticking to the observation window, by rotation of the covering unit; a fixing unit for indwelling and fixing the medical instrument body inside the subject to be examined; and a drive unit incorporated in the medical instrument body, for driving the airflow generation unit.

Abstract: A clear, sealable isolation sleeve for use in a medical environment especially with hand-held electronic devices, for the purpose of reducing the spread of infectious diseases. The sleeve offers an isolated containment for such hand-held medical devices while in patient proximity. The sleeve features a perforated tear zone for easy removal and disposal. Embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured from a clear material that allows the hand-held device to read bar codes through it, while also allowing the clinician to read displayed data and manipulate keypads on the device all while contained within the sleeve.

Abstract: An automatic video instillator that can accurately and easily administer inhalation into an airway of an animal by providing images of a throat is provided. An automatic video instillator includes a case defining a space, a guide unit that protrudes frontward from the case to secure an airway of an animal by being inserted through a throat of the animal, an image pickup unit that is installed on a front end of the guide unit to capture images of portions in front of the guide unit, an administration unit that is installed through the case and the guide unit to administer an inhalation, an administration switch for adjusting administration of a predetermined amount of the inhalation directed to the administration unit into the airway of the animal, and an image display unit that is connected to the image pickup unit to allow a user to see the images captured by the image pickup unit.

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: Bending operation knobs, a first switch button provided in a first surface, and a second switch button provided side by side with the first switch button in the first surface and positioned on the side distant from the bending operation knobs relative to the first switch button are included. The second switch button is formed so as to have an outer diameter smaller than that of the first switch button, an outer circumferential side of the second switch button is covered by a fitting portion, and a projection portion is formed at a site of the fitting portion, the site facing the first switch button, on an outer circumference of the second switch button, the projection portion projecting toward the side away from the first surface relative to another site of the fitting portion.

Abstract: A medical device removal system includes a vessel filter repositioning or removal device to remove and/or reposition a medical device, such as a vessel filter. The system includes a gripper to grip a medical device that is located within a body vessel, and a detector, linked to the gripper, to detect the proximity of the medical device to the gripper. The system may also include an output to indicate a signal from the detector.

Abstract: A medical instrument used by being introduced into a body and fixed thereto, includes a camera body provided with a fixing section to be fixed to a body wall in the body, an image pickup section incorporated in the camera body that picks up an image of an object to be examined in the body from an observation window formed in the camera body, a contamination removing section provided by being fixed to the camera body, a transparent cover member, an outer surface of which is in contact with the contamination removing section, movably disposed on the observation window and a drive section incorporated in the camera body that drives the cover member to make a sliding contact with the contamination removing section, and can thereby easily and reliably remove deposits stuck to the observation window and obtain a clear observation image even when deposits are being removed.

Abstract: A medical instrument includes an image pickup section incorporated in a medical instrument body and movably provided in the medical instrument body that picks up an image of the object to be examined from an observation window, a covering section movably provided at the medical instrument body so as to cover the observation window and in which an opening portion is formed, a drive section that drives the covering section or the image pickup section, and a control section that controls the drive section so as to drive the covering section or the image pickup section by synchronizing a timing for the image pickup section to pick up the object image with a timing at which the opening portion and the observation window match, and can thereby prevent sticking of deposits to the observation window and obtain a clear observation image.

Abstract: A medical device removal system includes a vessel filter repositioning or removal device to remove and/or reposition a medical device, such as a vessel filter. The system includes a gripper to grip a medical device that is located within a body vessel, and a detector, linked to the gripper, to detect the proximity of the medical device to the gripper. The system may also include an output to indicate a signal from the detector.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead configured to be coupled to a pulse generator in a cardiac rhythm management system. The lead comprises a proximal terminal connector configured for coupling the lead to the pulse generator, and a plurality of longitudinally arranged lead segments each configured to exhibit one or more predetermined physical characteristics based on the implantation location for the respective segment. The lead segments may be pre-fabricated as separate modules optimized for the operating environment and/or delivery requirements of the respective segments. The pre-fabricated modules are longitudinally arranged and joined to form the lead.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for positioning one or more members within the gastro-intestinal tract is disclosed. The sheath can be provided with texture on an inside surface to facilitate installation of the endoscope in the sheath, and to permit the endoscope to be gripped through the sheath.

Abstract: A cavity examination device has an optical receiving element, such as a lens or a camera, and enables insertion into the cavity, in which the reception element does not touch the cavity wall. The cavity examination device has an optical receiving element which receives light emitted or reflected by a wall of a cavity and a screen made of a flexible material. The screen has a first opening and a second opening. The cross section of the second opening is larger here than the cross section of the first opening, and the second opening is selected with regard to the shape and dimension such that, predominantly, it resiliently rests against the wall of the cavity. The screen is attached by the first opening to a body of the cavity examination device on a side of the cavity examination device, which is inserted first into the cavity.

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: 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: 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 endoscope having an endoscope shaft is provided, which has an observation opening on its distal end, which is hermetically sealed using a transparent cover, and having an imaging optic, comprising multiple optic elements, which is situated inside the endoscope shaft in the area of its distal end spaced apart from the cover, a sealing ring being provided, which seals an area between the cover and the optic element of the imaging optic closest to the cover in relation to the remaining inner chamber of the endoscope shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides delivery systems for and methods of delivering conduction protein genetic material to cardiac cells in localized areas of the heart to improve the conductance therein. More specifically, there is provided a system and method for delivering connexin proteins or nucleic acid molecules encoding connexin proteins to a site in the heart which has been determined by mapping procedures to have a conduction disturbance. For cases where conduction is impaired, selected genetic material is delivered to cells around the disturbance area, in order to enhance overall conductivity patterns; in other cases, genetic material is selected to slow conduction in affected areas, so as to prevent, e.g., brady-tachy syndrome.

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 and shaft system include an access shaft and an endoscope which can be inserted into the access shaft, the proximal end of the access shaft has a grip part, and the endoscope is held in a connecting piece. The connecting piece can be detachably connected to the grip part, and the connecting piece can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the endoscope relative to the grip part when the connecting piece is connected to the grip part.

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: 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 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 drive signal from an SSG drives a CCD through a delay circuit and the like. An imaging signal from the CCD is converted to a video signal in a CDS circuit, which is driven by a sample hold signal given through the delay circuit, and is converted to a video signal that can be displayed on a monitor through an A/D converter circuit, a video signal processing circuit and a digital encoder to be output. Here, by correcting phases of the imaging signal and the sample hold signal, length of a signal line is corrected. Also, since the delay circuit is constructed by being incorporated in a DSP for video signal processing, which includes a video signal processing circuit and the like, the construction is simplified. Thus, the number of parts is reduced, and it can be constructed inexpensively.

Abstract: An air shield for a videoscope imager to prevent obscuring of the optical input by body liquids and tissue particles. The imager is extended through a tube carrying a pressurized gas so that when the gas escapes from the end of the tube, it generates an air stream envelope around the optical input of the imager and prevents liquids and particles directed toward the optical input from contacting the optical input. The pressurized gas flows continuously during the medical or dental procedure to maintain a constant resistance to liquids and matter directed to the optical input of the imager.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring volume and size of features such as lesions, tumors, sores, and wounds external to animal, human and plant skin, using 3D structured light scanners are provided. These methods and systems obtain a point cloud of the scanned feature, and employ algorithms to adjust the suggested feature geometry parameters to minimize deviations of the point cloud from suggested feature geometry. Obtained geometry parameters permit the calculation of the features' sizes and volumes.

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.