Abstract: An observed image forming apparatus comprises: an apparatus body including a plurality of connector receivers to which electric connectors of a plurality of observation devices for obtaining an image of an object to be observed can be connected; a cap that is to be mounted to one of said plurality of connector receivers to which any of said plurality of electric connectors is not connected; and a cap insertion and extraction detecting circuit that detects whether or not the cap is mounted to the one of the connector receivers in the apparatus body, wherein, when mounting of the cap has been detected by the cap insertion and extraction detecting circuit, one of the observation devices an electric connector of which is connected to the other one of the connector receivers in the apparatus body is controlled to be driven.

Abstract: An endoscopic high-frequency knife includes immediately hood which is mounted to a distal end member fixed at a distal end of an endoscope to surround an end surface of the distal end member, an objective window being positioned on the end surface of the distal end member; a transparent hood portion which is formed on the hood to project forward from a portion of the hood in a vicinity of the end surface while being gradually curved inwards so as to cover the front of the end surface in a direction away from the end surface; and a high-frequency cutting electrode attached to the hood in a vicinity of a tip of the transparent hood portion, the high-frequency cutting electrode projecting forward from the transparent hood portion.

Abstract: A working unit of a manipulator includes a hollow joint shaft, wires disposed as power transmitting members in the hollow joint shaft, and a distal-end working unit mounted on an end of the hollow joint shaft and movable by the wires. The wires are wound around respective tubular members in the distal-end working unit. The hollow joint shaft has a pair of visual checking holes defined in respective side walls thereof near the distal end thereof for allowing the wires to be visually checked therethrough. The visual checking holes are positioned to expose the tubular members therethrough.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument readily made of one-use disposable plastic material with improved operative elements, and improved fatigue-reducing handgrip.

Abstract: A system configured for endoscopic treatment of tissue is provided. The system includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a working channel extending at least partially through the shaft. The elongate shaft further includes a longitudinally extending central axis. A distal end of the distal portion of the elongate shaft includes a distal tip having a curvilinear portion. The curvilinear portion is configured to dilate a stricture in a gastrointestinal tract for passing a portion of the system through the stricture to the tissue. The distal tip includes a working channel port connected to the working channel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the cutting efficiency and reducing the manufacturing costs associated with endoscopic cutting instruments by eliminating the distal bearing surfaces or providing means for making the contact at the distal bearing intermittent so that surfaces do no undergo high localized heat and galling. In one embodiment, this goal is achieved by modifying or removing the axial constraints on the inner sliding member that are characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers. In another embodiment, the improved cutting efficiency and reduced manufacturing cost is achieved by eliminating a closed end characteristic of conventional endoscopic shavers (e.g., removing the closed end of either the inner sliding member or the outer sliding member to thereby eliminate the associated bearing surface formed therebetween).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harvesting selected vessels in the body of a patient include manual manipulation of a rigid dissecting endoscope and the reconfiguration thereof to facilitate tissue dissection and tissue dilation in the formation of an anatomical space about the vessel within which side-branch vessels may be manipulated in preparation for severance and removal of the vessel from the anatomical space.

Abstract: An already-existing and general-purpose capsule endoscope for alimentary canal is enabled to be used to monitor a body cavity by directly diverting the already-existing and general-purpose capsule endoscope to a body-cavity-indwelling capsule endoscope in a simple and secure manner. An indwelling device for an encapsulated medical device of the invention includes a latching portion 203 which fixes a capsule endoscope 300 and a retaining unit 202 which mounts and retains a capsule endoscope 300. Therefore, the capsule endoscope 300 and the latching portion 203 are integral with each other only by mounting and retaining the capsule endoscope 300 to and in the retaining unit 202, and then the capsule endoscope 300 can be placed along with the latching portion 203 by setting the latching portion 203 to a desired region in the body cavity to fix the latching portion 203 to a body cavity tissue by endoscopic treatment.

Abstract: An endoscope device is provided. The endoscope device includes a capsule sensor entering a human body for detection and sending a signal, a driving device movably disposed outside of the human body and moving and rotating the capsule sensor in the human body with non-contact force for omni-directional human body detection, a data receiving device disposed outside of the human body and receiving signals from the capsule sensor, and a power supply device providing power to the driving device and the data receiving device.

Abstract: A marker to be attached to an endoscopic treatment tool for precisely directing a tip of the treatment tool to a target site with no additional physical burden to the patient is provided. A marker 1 used in an endoscopic treatment tool to be inserted in a guide sheath, the marker including: a body 2; and a tip section 4A for removably fixing the body 2 to a middle section of the endoscopic treatment tool, wherein the distance between the body 2 and a tip of the endoscopic treatment tool can be determined freely.

Abstract: A distal end portion of an endoscope includes a distal end portion body provided to a distal end of an insertion part of the endoscope, and a hood member configured to be projected in a shape of cylinder forward from an entire outer circumferential portion of the distal end portion body, which hood member includes an accordion-like portion configured to be stretched and shrunken in an axis line direction thereof and keep a desired length thereof.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal tract examining apparatus includes a capsular endoscope which examines the gastrointestinal tract, a flexible tube member, a flexible string member which is inserted in the tube member, and a connecting portion which is arranged to the capsular endoscope. In the gastrointestinal tract examining apparatus, the tube member is separated from the capsular endoscope by detachably connecting the string member to the connecting portion.

Abstract: A surgical instrument including a housing, an endoscopic portion, a drive gear, a drive motor, a shift motor and an end effector is disclosed. The endoscopic portion extends distally from the housing and defines a longitudinal axis. The drive gear is disposed at least partially within the housing and is rotatable about a drive gear axis which extends therethrough. The drive gear is selectively movable along the drive gear axis. The drive motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive gear and is configured to rotate the drive gear. The shift motor is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the drive gear and is configured to move the drive gear along the drive gear axis. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal portion of the endoscopic portion.

Abstract: An endoscopic securing system for use with a cap member disposed on the distal end of an endoscope, the securing system including a tether and a safety coupling. The safety coupling is attached around the body of an endoscope and is coupled to the cap member by the tether to prevent distal movement or dislodgment of the cap member. When the system is placed onto an endoscope, the tethers extend axially along the endoscope to the safety coupling. The clamp can also be disposed proximally adjacent to a ridge on the endoscope to prevent the safety coupling from moving distally toward the cap member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer according to the invention includes a flexible sheet, a rigid body portion including a lower electrode made of at least a thin-film conductive material on a surface of the flexible sheet, a dividing portion which divides the rigid body portion into segments, and a plurality of transducer elements including the divided rigid body portion, has at least one transducer cell composed of one of the segments, an insulating partition portion bonded to the segment, an air gap portion surrounded by the partition portion, an upper electrode opposed to the lower electrode extending to the partition portion to sandwich the air gap portion therebetween, and an upper insulating layer formed on the upper electrode, and includes an upper protection film which continuously covers a surface portion of the transducer elements and the dividing portion.

Abstract: An endoscope procedure instrument provided with: a tube part that is cylindrical in shape and attaches to the front end of the endoscope, the tube part having a slit provided to the side surface thereof extending along the direction of the central axis; and a grasping member that is disposed to the tube part extending along the slit, for holding a biologic tissue with respect to the endoscope.

Abstract: A catheter enables real-time light measurements, for example, without limitation, diffuse reflectance, fluorescence, etc., from biological materials, such as tissue (including blood), while performing RF ablation. The catheter tip design isolates illumination and collection paths within the tip electrode such that light for illuminating the tissue of interest (e.g., cardiac tissue or blood) is isolated within the tip electrode from light that returns from the tissue to the catheter tip, and vice versa. Such a design advantageously avoids saturation of the optical detector, and ensures diffusion of the illumination light within the medium of interest. The catheter has a catheter body and a tip electrode with a shell wall and a hollow cavity. The shell wall has at least an illumination opening and a collection opening.

Abstract: An endoscopic attachment apparatus for coupling an endoscope with an endoscopic instrument includes an attachment ring having a ring body with first and second apertures respectively shaped and dimensioned for the receipt of an endoscope and an endoscopic instrument. The attachment ring includes an annular body defining the first aperture and the annular body is provided with an endoscope release mechanism for facilitating release of the endoscope from the attachment ring.

Abstract: A treatment instrument for an endoscope includes: a front end hood that is provided to a distal end of an inserting portion of the endoscope; a supporting member that is provided inside the front end hood; a treatment member that is rotatably supported by the supporting member; and an operating wire that is coupled to the treatment member and extended rearwardly from the front end hood. The treatment member is rotated about the supporting member by operating to extract and retract the operating wire at a base side of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope for high-frequency treatment includes a flexible inserting section and an operation unit connected thereto. At least one terminal is provided to the operation unit and is connected to a high-frequency power supply. The endoscope further includes a hood having at least one treatment electrode for the high-frequency treatment and at least one contact, which are connected with at least one conductive line. The endoscope further includes a tip unit provided to a tip end of the inserting section. The tip unit has a hood receiving portion to which the hood is detachably coupled and one power supply electrode which contacts the at least one contact of the hood when the hood is coupled to the tip unit. The at least one power supply electrode is connected with the at least one terminal provided to the operation unit through a conductive wire which is inserted in the inserting section.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for performing endoscopic mucosal resection and endoscopic submucosal dissection of tissue. In a first embodiment, a hood member having a hood portion and a lever portion is provided. The hood portion is adapted to be disposed over a distal region of an endoscope. A portion of the lever portion is configured to be inserted beneath a section of mucosal tissue having a lesion, and the lever portion is configured to be rotated or otherwise maneuvered to lift the mucosal tissue in an upward direction, thereby facilitating removal of the tissue comprising the lesion. Optionally, a surgeon may advance a needle knife through the endoscope and lever portion to further incise submucosal tissue while the lever portion is disposed beneath the lesion. If desired, a flushing fluid may be provided to a target site during the procedure.

Abstract: At the time of irradiation of illumination light rays of an endoscope, a shadow is eliminated by leading illumination light rays passing through a second concave portion of a protruding portion of a hood main body to a shadow part of the protruding portion of the hood main body formed in an observation visual field range of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope system for retrieving a capsule endoscope includes an endoscope and a receptacle. The endoscope includes an insertion section having a distal end and a proximal end and configured to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient, and an operation section arranged at the proximal end of the insertion section. The receptacle is provided in the distal end of the insertion section of the endoscope and configured to hold the capsule endoscope in order to retrieve the same.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing and positioning an endoscope using various braided devices and suture techniques. Related endoscopic surgical procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rigid tip end section which is connected to an angle section at the fore distal end of an insertion instrument of an ultrasound endoscope is housed in a casing which can be split into a main casing and a separable head block to facilitate maintenance and service of internal component parts of the rigid tip end section. An ultrasound transducer is accommodated in a front side portion of the main casing, while endoscopic observation means including an illumination means and an optical image pickup means are fitted in an inclined wall rising obliquely upward on the rear side of the ultrasound transducer. An outlet opening of a biopsy channel outlet passage is located between the ultrasound transducer and the endoscopic observation means. The main casing is adapted to accommodate the ultrasound transducer and its wiring, while the separable head block is adapted to accommodate at least part of component parts of the endoscopic observation means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shield member for shielding the lens of a flexible or rigid surgical endoscope from body fluid, tissue debris, and condensation deposited on a working port valve as the lens passes through the working port lumen in a posterior direction to gain access to the intra-abdominal or pleural cavity regions. The shield member has a shield lumen and is telescopically and slidably carried within the lumen. The shield member is so dimensioned and proportioned such that the distal end of the shield member may be selectively positioned posteriorly of the working port valve thereby permitting the lens to advance axially within the shield lumen and by-pass the working port valve without coming in physical contact with the working port valve.

Abstract: A cap installable on a distal end portion of an endoscope according to the present invention has: a cap body that is constituted by a hollow member having a distal end opening and a proximal end opening, and has a proximal end portion to be installed on the distal end portion of the endoscope; a first slit that is formed in the cap body and into which tissue is to be drawn, and that extends in a first direction from the distal end opening; and a second slit that is formed in the cap body and into which tissue is to be drawn, and that is connected to the first slit and extends in a second direction differing from the first direction.

Abstract: An endoscope hood has a protrusion portion which protrudes in an observation visual field direction of an endoscope at an end of a cylindrical press fitting fixing portion attached by press fitting in a state that an attachment position in a circumferential direction is positioned at a distal end portion of an endoscope insertion portion in an appropriate direction. Further, there is provided attachment state confirming device which increases an area of the protrusion portion displayed in an endoscope observation image when the press fitting fixing portion is attached to a distal end portion of a second endoscope insertion portion having a size different from that of a first endoscope insertion portion to which the press fitting fixing portion can be appropriately attached, and gives a warning about an inappropriate attachment state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mounting adapter for releasably securing accessories, tools, or their medical instruments to the distal end of an endoscope. The adapter is compatible with endoscopic accessories that have a cylindrical mounting surface, which becomes positioned over a length of the distal end of an endoscope. The adaptor is preferably provided in two components to support both ends of a cylindrical accessory on the endoscope surface. The adapter is configured to hold the accessory on the endoscope shaft by frictional engagement and is configured to maintain the accessory concentric with the shaft along its length. The adapter also is configured to mount an accessory to a wide range of commercially available endoscope diameters.

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, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened 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: An endoscope hood comprises a cap section which has A cap section which has a nail section inside of an inner surface of a tip margin, an attaching section which is disposed to a base terminal of the cap section to be attached to a tip of an inserting section of the endoscope, a soft tube 16 of which tip aperture connects to an inside of the cap section so as to insert the snare sheath therethrough, a snare wire which is inserted in the cap section via the soft tube 16, and a snare wire feeding section which is formed by making a notch section in a part of the soft tube in the nail section in a corresponding position to the tip aperture, such that the snare wire can be spread in the cap section so as to be disposed inside of the nail section, and the center axis of the soft tube is disposed so as to pass through a range of the snare wire feeding section.

Abstract: At least one concave portion 40 is provided as a part of a protrusion 38 of an end portion of a hood body 37a while protruding frontward from the location of a front-end lens surface 34 with a protrusion length shorter than those of the parts other than the concave portion, an inclined surface 44 divergent frontward from the location of the front-end lens surface 34 is provided on the inside surface of at least one of the concave portions 40, and the angle ? between the inside inclined surface 44b of the concave portion 40 and the front-end lens surface 34 is larger than the angle ? between the inside surfaces of the other parts adjacent to the concave portion 40 and the front-end lens surface 34.

Abstract: Guide wire fixing means is provided for an insertion portion of an endoscope, and a guide wire is releasably engaged when inserting/removing a therapeutic instrument running on the guide wire with a distal end portion of the guide wire inserted into a therapeutic instrument insertion channel of the endoscope being led out from a distal end opening portion of the channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for obtaining biopsy samples using an endoscope assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, an assembly adapted for use with an endoscopic insertion tube includes a sheath having a body portion adapted to at least partially encapsulate a distal portion of the insertion tube, and a biopsy sampling device attached to the sheath and including a collection member proximate an end of the body portion. The biopsy sampling device may be attached to the body portion of the sheath, or alternately, may be attached to an enclosed distal end of the sheath. The assembly may also include a cover attached to the sheath and positionable proximate the biopsy sampling device. An actuation member may be attached to the cover and may extend along the sheath, allowing the operator to actuate the cover between a covered position and a collecting position.

Abstract: One of a first endoscopic treatment instrument setting state and a second endoscopic treatment instrument setting state is selectable. In the former state, when a first diathermic snare is removably inserted in a flexible tube, a loop portion is circumferentially broadened and disposed along a first projection portion. In the latter state, when a second diathermic snare is removably inserted in the flexible tube, a loop portion is circumferentially broadened and disposed along a second projection portion.

Abstract: The invention uses optics and precision mechanisms to quantitatively assess the performance of medical endoscopes. By viewing standardized optical targets under well-controlled conditions, the optical quality of endoscopes can be easily determined in much the same fashion as getting one's eyes tested at the optometrist. The actual design, however, is much more complicated than your optometrist's eye chart and different types of endoscopes from different manufacturers require customization of the target geometry, the viewing distance, and the viewing angle. Also, there are several optical characteristics beyond image sharpness that need to be assessed, requiring other unique test geometries, including contrast, distortion, and vignetting. Clinically significant measurements are performed with simplicity and cost-effectiveness through the use of relatively inexpensive optical components and an embedded processor and graphical display system.

Abstract: The present invention includes systems and methods for decreasing the pain and discomfort commonly associated with endoscopic procedures, where such procedures may be performed with lower dosage levels of sedative and analgesic drugs. The invention includes use of an anesthetic collar coupled to an endoscope with a flexible shaft. The anesthetic collar allows lubricants, local anesthetics, dyes, and/or other desirable fluids to be passed through the existing lumen of the flexible shaft into an annulus, where the fluid may be distributed through expulsion pores into the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: An obturator tip for a trocar is disclosed. The obturator comprises a shaft having a distal or penetration end for insertion into a patient and a handling or proximal end for gripping by a surgeon. The penetration end of the shaft comprises a tip having an upper flat face and a lower flat face which taper away from the shaft toward the distal end. The tip further comprises flat side faces which also taper or slope from the shaft toward the distal end. A glide tip has a rounded end and extends outwardly along the side faces.

Abstract: Devices and methods for protecting components of imaging devices are provided. In the illustrative embodiment, a plano-concave protective cover is provided which is bonded to an imager window by applying a thick, quick-setting adhesive to the exterior of the cover and of the imager window.

Abstract: An endoscopic cleaning device capable of properly removing wet cerumen from an auditory canal while the interior of an auditory canal is illuminated. The device allows an image of the interior of the auditory canal to be acquired while the auditory canal is being cleaned. The device has an ear picking main body that also serves as a light guide to provide the illumination. The ear picking main body rotates about a light guide containing the micro lens used to acquire the image, so that the image remains stable. The ear picking main body is inserted through a removable, elastically deformable tubular ear picking part having a through hole and an outer layer made of fibrous material. In this way light can be delivered to the end of the ear picking main body, and the fibrous material of the ear picking part can be used to remove wet cerumen.

Abstract: An endoscope hood of the present invention is provided with a cylindrical main hood body attached to an endoscope. The main hood body includes a fixing portion located substantially in a center. The fixing portion allows the inner circumferential surface of the main hood body to be forcibly fixed to the outer circumference of the distal end portion of the endoscope. The main hood body also includes a projection projected from the distal end portion of the main hood body and a non-fastened portion located at the rear end of the main hood body. The non-fastened portion is fitted with the outer circumference of the distal end portion of the endoscope without being fastened.

Abstract: An endoscopic capsule adapted for selective attachment to the distal end portion of an endoscopic device. The capsule is designed for insertion with an interconnected endoscopic device into a patient body to provide an open space in front of the distal end of the endoscopic device. The capsule facilitates the performance of endoscopic procedures providing a space in which to manipulate medical instruments within the patient body as well as improving a surgeon's field of vision within the patient body. In one embodiment, the capsule includes a housing having an internal chamber and two apertures. A first aperture is interconnectable to the end of an endoscopic device and provides operative access to endoscopic instruments contained therein. One or more of these endoscopic devices are advanceable into the internal cavity for selectively engaging patient tissue disposed relative to the second aperture.

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: It is provided a hood member fitting jig to mount a hood member on the end section of an inserted section of an endoscope. The hood member fitting jig includes a base section, a first position regulating section provided on the base section to regulate the position of the hood member with respect to the hood member fitting jig, and a second position regulating section provided on the base section to regulate the position of the hood member fitting jig with respect to an end section of the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism for attaching accessory devices to the distal end of an endoscope or catheter. The engagement mechanism comprises a bracing member (392) that engages a surface of the endoscope (20) and a ramp surface (360), which applies a gripping force to an opposing surface of the endoscope, preferably through a wedge member (372). The bracing member (392) may comprise an elongate element that extends partially into the working channel of the endoscope or may comprise an element that engages a portion of the total circumference of the outside surface of the endoscope. The ramp surface (360) is inclined at an acute angle from the longitudinal axis of the endoscope and preferably engages with a slidable wedge in a cooperative arrangement that serves to reduce the distance between the wedge (372) and the bracing member (392) as the wedge slides on the ramp to engage a portion of the endoscope therebetween.

Abstract: With respect to an endoscope distal hood component of the present invention, a protrusion of a distal hood component fitted to the distal end of an endoscope is formed to be elastically deformable in order that when this protrusion is pressed against an observation target, the protrusion is deformed due to an external force at that time, and a part thereof is entered into the range of the observational field of view. Since a part of the protrusion is entered into the range of the observational field of view, the surgeon becomes aware that the protrusion is pressed against the observation target, and does not further press the protrusion against the observation target.

Abstract: A multiple biopsy device has a number of chambers into which tissue samples are received. A cutting mechanism, such as a blade, moves relative to the chambers to cut a tissue sample that is within a chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the multiple biopsy device is removably secured to the distal end of an endoscope/bronchoscope.

Abstract: It is provided an endoscope apparatus including an observing device that displays an observation view area. The observation view area is displayed on the observing device of this endoscope as a non-circular observed image. A hood member is mounted on an end of an inserted section of the endoscope and includes a hood section projecting in the direction of the observation view area. At least a part of the hood section is provided with a slope that is shaped so as to correspond to the observation view area.

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, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened 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: In the present invention, a distal hood component 20 is detachably provided at the distal end 11 of an insertion portion 10 of an endoscope 1. The distal hood component 20 is formed from a soft, elastic soft material. The distal hood component 20 includes a protrusion 21 protruding from the distal end 11 and an endoscope fixation portion 22 into which the distal end 11 is fitted. Convex portions 24 and 24 and concave portions 23 and 23 are provided on the protrusion 21. The shapes of the convex portions 24 and 24 and concave portions 23 and 23 are adjusted in order that the convex portions 24 and 24 of the protrusion 21 are deformed by a force of 0.29 Mpa or less applied from the end of the protrusion 21.