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: A surgical apparatus comprises a rigid sheath, an object observation mechanism and an observation optical axis rotating mechanism. The sheath has a distal opening and a proximal opening. The object observation mechanism is inserted into the sheath from the proximal opening. The observation optical axis rotating mechanism rotates the object observation mechanism about the axis of the sheath.

Abstract: An endoscopic manual control knob which has a knob body proper in the form of a synthetic resin molding. The knob body is largely composed of a ring-like top plate and a peripheral side wall portion fringed along outer periphery of the top plate. The top plate is provided with an aperture to be fitted on a rotatable shaft, and a number of lever portions projecting radially outward from the outer periphery of the top plate at angularly spaced positions. The knob body has an implant block embedded in each one of the lever portions by insert molding.

Abstract: An end of a side-looking endoscope is constituted by covering an end body with a cap. The end body has a stand lever accommodation room in which a stand lever is accommodated, and a ridge is provided on a top surface of the stand lever accommodation room. A groove is formed inside the cap, and the groove is engaged with the ridge. The cap is thus prevented from dropping or rotating from the end body.

Abstract: A cover for preventing contamination of an operating portion covered on an operating portion of an endoscope a lower end of which is connected with an inserting portion. The cover is formed in a bag-like shape for enveloping a total of the operating portion, formed with a hole for passing the inserting portion at a lower end portion thereof and formed with a sleeve-like portion for inserting the hand to directly hold the operating portion at a rear face thereof.

Abstract: A casing of an endoscopic manipulating head assembly is largely constituted by and dividable into a main cover section adapted to support an operating means of an angulation control mechanism and a grip cover section provided between the main cover section and an insertion tube of the endoscope. Both of the main cover section and the grip cover section are formed of a synthetic resin material. A support plate of a rigid metal is provided internally of the manipulating head assembly to support the angulation control mechanism. A plural number of passage-forming tubular structural members are successively connected within the grip cover section for passing internal components to and from the insertion tube of the endoscope. The support plate is connected to one of the tubular structural members which is located at the proximal end of the grip cover section.

Abstract: A cover for preventing contamination of an operating portion covered on an operating portion of an endoscope a lower end of which is connected with an inserting portion. The cover is formed in a bag-like shape for enveloping a total of the operating portion, formed with a hole for passing the inserting portion at a lower end portion thereof and formed with a sleeve-like portion for inserting the hand to directly hold the operating portion at a rear face thereof.

Abstract: A sterile barrier, cover or drape for use with surgical endoscopic camera systems, or the like, which utilizes an optically clear elastomeric film mounted across the aperture of cooperating disks press-fit together to clamp the film and the drape between the disks for separation of the scope and the camera lens while maintaining a sterile field separation between the camera and the mating scope during exploratory and surgical procedures

Abstract: In one embodiment, a camera includes an image sensor, a sheath, and a housing. A first end of the sheath is closed to form a cavity to accommodate the image sensor, and the housing is adapted to mate with a second end of the sheath. One of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one tab, and the other of the housing and the second end of the sheath includes at least one slot, the at least one tab being adapted to mate with the at least one slot when the housing is mated with the second end of the sheath to inhibit the second end of the sheath from rotating with respect to the housing. In another embodiment, a camera includes a sheath, an image sensor, and a support.

Abstract: A disposable protective sleeve used for covering laryngoscope handles that is integrally formed of a flexible material. The sheath defines a hollow cavity adapted to enclose a laryngoscope handle. After use, the sleeve is disposed of and the laryngoscope handle is covered with a new sleeve before being used again.

Abstract: A surgical/diagnostic imaging device for use in interabdominal, interthoracic, and other surgical and diagnostic procedures includes an image sensor pivotally mounted at the distal end of a support. In use, the image sensor and support are contained within a disposable sterile sheath, and the distal portion of the sheath is inserted into the patient through an incision. The imaging device includes actuators to move the image sensor in elevation and azimuth.

Abstract: A method for producing an endoscopic drape includes positioning a portion of a sheath of flexible material (22) in abutment with a joining portion (23) of a first housing piece (14). A joining portion (24) of a second housing piece (16) is positioned close to joining portion (23) and the joining portions are then joined together, for example, by ultrasonic welding. This forms a housing (12) in which the portion of the sheath (22) is entrapped between the first housing piece (14) and the second housing piece (16). The portion of the sheath (22) may be joined to the first housing piece (14) by a thermoplastic gasket or o-ring (35) prior to joining the first and second housing pieces (14, 16) to improve the seal between the sheath (22) and the housing (12). The housing (12) includes a clear lens or window (27) that provides an optical pathway through the housing and also provides a sterility barrier.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an imaging unit to be mated with an image-producing scope via a coupler includes at least one imaging unit body, and an image sensor disposed within the at least one imaging unit body. The imaging unit further includes a refractive lens movably disposed within the at least one imaging unit body, and at least one first component adapted to receive an output from a focusing mechanism disposed on a body of the coupler. The at least one first component is configured and arranged so that movement of the focusing mechanism with respect to the coupler body causes the lens to move within the at least one imaging unit body to focus an image produced by the scope onto the image sensor. In another embodiment, a method for operating an imaging system including an image-producing scope, a refractive lens, and an image sensor involves providing a coupler that is free of the refractive lens.

Abstract: A method for producing an endoscopic drape includes positioning a portion of a sheath of flexible material (22) in abutment with a joining portion (23) of a first housing piece (14). A joining portion (24) of a second housing piece (16) is positioned close to joining portion (23) and the joining portions are then joined together, for example, by ultrasonic welding. This forms a housing (12) in which the portion of the sheath (22) is entrapped between the first housing piece (14) and the second housing piece (16). The portion of the sheath (22) may be joined to the first housing piece (14) by a thermoplastic gasket or o-ring (35) prior to joining the first and second housing pieces (14, 16) to improve the seal between the sheath (22) and the housing (12). The housing (12) includes a clear lens or window (27) that provides an optical pathway through the housing and also provides a sterility barrier.

Abstract: A film-made sheath is formed of a transparent film and a shrinkable film. These transparent and shrinkable films are in a contiguous relation and are adhered or fusion-bonded at edges thereof into sheath-shaped configurations. The transparent and shrinkable films may be dimensioned such that the sheath can accommodate therein a mouth insert portion of an intraoral camera. The mouth insert portion of the intraoral camera can be covered with the film-made sheath by inserting the mouth insert portion into the sheath such that a light-receiving portion of the intraoral camera is located on a side of the transparent film, and then heating the shrinkable film.

Abstract: A TV camera is attached to an eyepiece unit of an endoscope and includes a solid-state imaging device. A housing of the TV camera has an outer metallic sheathing. The outer metallic sheathing is hermetically coupled via an insulating material to a metallic housing frame of an electric connector which has contact pins connected to the solid-state imaging device and which is fixed hermetically using a hermetic seal. This structure defines a hermetically enclosed space which can withstand autoclaving. A shielding sheathing layer is formed inside an insulating layer within the hermetic space in order to shield an electric circuit including the solid-state imaging device and which is located inside the shielding sheathing layer. The shielding sheathing layer is designed to communicate with the housing metallic frame of the connector that is isolated and sheathed. This structure provides measures for solving problems concerning electromagnetic compatibility (EMC).

Abstract: A surgical/diagnostic imaging device for use in interabdominal, interthoracic, and other surgical and diagnostic procedures includes an image sensor pivotally mounted at the distal end of a support. In use, the image sensor and support are contained within a disposable sterile sheath, and the distal portion of the sheath is inserted into the patient through an incision. The imaging device includes actuators to move the image sensor in elevation and azimuth.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus for mating a first instrument having an image sensor to a second instrument includes: a coupler having first and second ends respectively adapted to mate with the first and second instruments; a sheath, mounted to the coupler, that is extendable to accommodate at least one portion of the first instrument when the first instrument is mated with the first end of the coupler; and a focusing mechanism to focus light onto the image sensor, the focusing mechanism being uncovered by the sheath when the first end of the coupling device is mated with the first instrument and the sheath is extended to accommodate the at least one portion of the first instrument. According to another embodiment, an apparatus for mating with an imaging-producing scope includes: an imaging unit including an image sensor and a lens; and a coupler having first and second ends, the first end being adapted to mate with the imaging unit and the second end being adapted to mate with the scope.

Abstract: Expendable video camera cover for medical use comprises a sleeve-shaped cover means shaped such as to cover a video camera and its electrical cable, and rigid ring-shaped case means for holding the cover means therein. The case has a generally U-shaped cross-section with its outer and lateral sides closed and leaving a central hole open, and the cover means is contained in said case in a tightly packed state resulting from the cover means having, first, one of its ends fixedly attached to said case, and second, the rest of the cover means being gradually crushed against the outer and lateral sides of the case means such as to leave a central hole in the cover means in its packed state, and leaving the second end of the cover means free.

Abstract: In an endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section insertable into a cavity under inspection and an operation section having at least one operation switch, the operation section being connected to a proximal end of the insertion section and a disposable protection cover having an insertion section cover for covering said insertion section of the endoscope and an operation section cover for covering the operation section of the endoscope, the insertion section cover includes a forceps channel through which existing forceps for use in ordinary coverless endoscopes can be inserted. An inner diameter of the forceps channel is determined to be slightly larger than an outer diameter of most frequently used forceps or standard forceps whose number is maximized in the outer diameter series of the forceps.

Abstract: An endoscopic video camera drape for completely segregating a video camera lens and camera assembly from an attached endoscopic lens assembly. The video camera is attached to a coupling. The coupling is shaped to hold a flared end of an endoscope. The drape has a conventional elongated flexible covering for covering the camera body and at least a portion of the cable of the camera. An optically transparent, flexible and tough polymeric film is attached in an airtight manner to the open end of the elongated flexible covering. The optically transparent bag is then placed over the coupling and is capable of receiving an endoscope and providing a transparent window between the video camera and endoscope without having to center a conventional rigid window.Preferably the polymeric film bag is made from coextruded, biaxially oriented polypropylene film.

Abstract: A surgical drape having a transparent, flexible tubular body for enclosing a non-sterile video camera includes a closed end and an opening adjacent the closed end. A flat reinforcing washer formed to the tubular body adjacent the opening defining an access opening into the tubular body for receiving a male threaded connection of a sterile camera coupler. The access opening of the reinforcing washer is sized to snugly fit the male threaded connection of the coupler so that the drape is readily secured to the coupler for providing an effective seal. When the coupler is screwed onto the camera, there is a clear optical channel between the camera and the coupler. With such an arrangement, the coupler is accessible from outside the drape. The drape separates the camera from the coupler and in operation, the coupler is sterilized prior to the start of the surgical procedure. As a result, both the coupler and the endoscope are easily accessible during the procedure.

Abstract: In an endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section and an operation section and a disposable protection cover having an insertion section cover having formed therein a forceps channel and a forceps inlet opening through which a forceps can be inserted into the forceps channel, the forceps inlet opening is selectively closed by a forceps plug which is made of resilient material and separately formed from the insertion section cover. The forceps plug is preferably formed such that it can be detachably secured to a forceps inlet opening of an ordinary coverless (without-cover} endoscope.

Abstract: For use with a surgical microscope having an objective lens barrel protruding therefrom, drapes, methods of draping the microscope and methods of manufacturing the drapes. In one embodiment, a drape includes: (1) a sheet, having an elastically-deformable objective lens aperture therethrough, that covers at least a portion of the surgical microscope, the objective lens aperture adapted to receive the objective lens barrel therethrough and elastically constrict about the objective lens barrel and (2) a transparent objective lens cover, separate from the sheet and having a flexible barrel adapter, the flexible barrel adapter expandable to fit about and cover the objective lens barrel, the sheet and the objective lens cover cooperating to cover the portion of the surgical microscope, including the objective lens barrel.

Abstract: A transparent material having an air-layer-purging function is disposed between a cover tip portion of a protective cover covering an inserting portion of an endoscope, and a front end face of the inserting portion of the endoscope, so as to keep illumination light from reflecting between an illumination window and the cover tip portion, thus preventing flare and ghost from being generated by this reflected light. Disposed Between a front end face 1A of an inserting portion 1 of the endoscope and a transparent cover 11 constituting a protective cover 10 for the endoscope is a transparent material 15 whose form can conform to the transparent cover 11, illumination window 2, and viewing window 3 without intervening an air layer therebetween, such as deaerated water, cedar oil, jelly-like material, gel-like material, or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for enclosing a non-sterile camera setup comprising a video camera, its trailing cables, and a standard optical connector for use of the unsterile camera setup in the sterile environment of an operating room. The apparatus includes a coupler having a first end for attachment to the unsterile camera setup and a second end for attachment to a sterile endoscope. A passageway is formed inside the coupler that extends from the first end to the second end thereof providing an optical pathway whereby an image from the endoscope may be transmitted to the unsterile camera setup. A transparent window is mounted transversely across the passageway between the first and second ends of the coupler providing a sterile barrier therebetween. In operation, a sterile drape is positioned over the first end of the coupler and extends over the unsterile camera setup.

Abstract: A surgical/diagnostic imaging device for use in interabdominal, interthoracic, and other surgical and diagnostic procedures includes an image sensor pivotally mounted at the distal end of a support. In use, the image sensor and support are contained within a disposable sterile sheath, and the distal portion of the sheath is inserted into the patient through an incision. The imaging device includes actuators to move the image sensor in elevation and azimuth.

Abstract: An operating portion cover for covering an operating portion of a cover-sheathed endoscope is provided with a finger putting portion to which a finger of the operator can be put in order to operate a movable operating member such as a bending operation knob inside of the operating portion cover. The operator can easily operate the movable member by putting a finger to this operating finger putting portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed an endoscope cover attaching apparatus including: a cover holding stage for holding an endoscope cover in the form of a straight line, the endoscope cover including an insertion part cover for covering the insertion part of an endoscope, and an insertion part inlet aperture located at an end of said insertion part cover near a hand operation position, wherein a tube is disposed in said endoscope cover; an operation part holding stage for holding the operation part of the endoscope, the endoscope including the insertion part in which an observation optical system is disposed, and the operation part which also serves as a grip of the endoscope; and rotation means for adjusting the rotational position of the operation part of the endoscope relative to the rotational position of the insertion part inlet aperture of the endoscope cover, wherein the rotation means is disposed at least either on the operation part holding stage or on the cover holding stage.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope and a disposable protection cover for covering the endoscope and provided with at least one channel tube. The endoscope has an insertion section which is insertable into a cavity to be inspected, and an operation section connected to a proximal end of the insertion section. The channel tube is arranged relative to the protection cover with a first layout at the operation section and at the proximal end of the protection cover, and with a second layout at the distal end of the protection cover to provide a natural operation feel. A package cover assembly includes package covers for covering the protection cover and the operation section of the endoscope, respectively, and these package covers are detachably attached to a mouthpiece at the proximal end of the insertion section.

Abstract: An endoscope system for use in an endoscopic procedure including a plurality of endoscopes each having an insertion section to be inserted into a cavity under inspection and an operation section to which the insertion section is connected, and a plurality of disposable protection covers each having an insertion section cover for covering said insertion section of the endoscope and an operation section cover for covering said operation section of the endoscope. The operation section of the endoscope is provided with angle knobs for bending a distal end of the insertion section into a desired direction and said angle knobs are detachably secured to a shaft. In said operation section cover, there is formed an aperture through which said shaft is protruded from the operation section cover. All the angle knobs and shafts of all the endoscopes are constructed such that all the angle knobs can be detachably secured to any of the shafts.

Abstract: An articulated endoscope for performing endoscopic procedures in a tubular organ of a patient is provided, comprising a chassis, a plurality of pressure driven linear actuators mounted, by proximal ends, in oppositely facing pairs to the chassis, control means mounted to the chassis for storing a predetermined pressure distribution sequence therein and for outputting the predetermined sequence in response to a directional input from a user, means for receiving and distributing pressure to the plurality of pressure driven linear actuators in the predetermined pressure distribution sequence in response to control signals from the control means, the means for receiving and distributing being mounted to the chassis, and a tube delivering pressure to the means for receiving and distributing pressure, whereby self-propelled motive force is produced by pushing against interior surfaces of the tubular organ with distal ends of the plurality of pressure driven linear actuators as pressure is applied to the plurality o

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for enclosing a non-sterile video camera, its trailing cables, and a standard optical connector such as a "C" mount for use of the camera in the sterile environment of an operating room. The apparatus includes a coupler having a first end for attachment to the unsterile optical connector and a second end for attachment to a sterile endoscope. A passageway is formed inside the coupler that extends from the first end to the second end providing an optical pathway whereby an image from the endoscope may be transmitted to the camera. A transparent window is mounted transversely across the passageway between the first and second ends of the coupler which provides a sterile barrier therebetween. A sterile drape is positioned over the first end of the coupler and is secured to a neck portion that joins the first and second ends of the coupler. The sterile drape is secured such that a fluid and airtight seal is formed between the ends of the coupler.

Abstract: An endoscope system detachably provided with a cover endoscope possible of being fitted with a cover and used by covering its outer surface with the cover and a coverless endoscope used without being fitted with the cover. A display range and a visual field range of an image that are obtained in the cover endoscope have substantially the same configurations as those of a display range and a visual field range of an image that are obtained in the coverless endoscope.

Abstract: An insert cover portion having channels including an air-supply tubular passage, a water-supply tubular passage and a suction tubular passage sidewards extending from a joint adjacent to an operator in a direction of the longitudinal axis of the insert cover portion, the insert cover portion having channels further including an external tubular passage extending outwardly. The insert cover portion has the operation facility realized by considering to prevent hindering of the operation by various tubular passages extending from the joint.

Abstract: In an endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section insertable into a cavity under inspection and an operation section having at least one operation switch, said operation section being connected to a proximal end of said insertion section and a disposable protection cover having an insertion section cover for covering said insertion section of the endoscope and an operation section cover for covering said operation section of the endoscope, said insertion section cover includes a forceps channel through which existing forceps for use in ordinary without-cover endoscopes can be inserted. An inner diameter of the forceps channel is determined to be slightly larger than an outer diameter of most frequently used forceps or standard forceps whose number shows a peak in the outer diameter series of the forceps.

Abstract: In an endoscope system including an endoscope having an insertion section to be inserted into a cavity under inspection, a bending portion which is provided in said insertion section near a distal end thereof and is bendable in at least two different directions and an operation section to which a proximal end of the insertion section is connected and a disposable protection cover having an insertion section cover for covering said insertion section of the endoscope and having formed therein an insertion section inserting channel into which said insertion section of the endoscope is insertable and at least one conduit channel, said insertion section and bending portion of the endoscope are formed to have a non-circular lateral cross section, a direction in which said non-circular cross section has a larger size is aligned with a direction in which said bending portion is bent by a maximum bending angle or a direction in which said non-circular cross section has a smaller size is aligned with a direction in whi

Abstract: A sterile connector and video camera cover is provided including a connector assembly for connecting a sterile endoscope to an unsterile surgical camera and a light fiber cable. The camera cover is extendable over the camera, its trailing cables and the light fiber cable. The connector assembly includes a coupling and a light fiber connection. The coupling includes a transverse window providing a sterile barrier and an optically clear path for light to pass through. The light source connection is mounted on the connector assembly enabling a light fiber cable to be optically coupled with the fiber optics of an endoscope. The coupling and the light source connector have a common exterior surface and are housed within the connector assembly. An adapter is provided enabling connection of the connector assembly with endoscopes having either threaded connections or compression-type fittings.

Abstract: A cover type endoscope apparatus includes a cover, a covered endoscope which is inserted into this cover and used, and a cover holder for holding various peripheral units connected to the covered endoscope and the cover, wherein an indication device for indicating whether or not an apparatus should handle a clean area in a sterile state or other area is provided in each of the components.