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 &bgr; between the inside inclined surface 44b of the concave portion 40 and the front-end lens surface 34 is larger than the angle &agr; between the inside surfaces of the other parts adjacent to the concave portion 40 and the front-end lens surface 34.

Abstract: An appliance is provided for connecting the water-tight cap of an endoscope or bronchoscope to the proximal body of the endoscope or bronchoscope, respectively. In one version of the invention, one end of the appliance is connected to the “S” connector of the proximal body of the endoscope, as described in detail herein. In another version of the invention, one end of the appliance is wrapped around the proximal body of the endoscope, as described in detail herein. The invention also includes methods of operating the appliance.

Abstract: An endoscope having an elongate insertion section to be inserted into a body cavity with a distal end portion thereof forward. The endoscope comprises a tip member provided on the distal end portion and having a housing bore extending from a rear end side to a distal end side, a protrusion on an inner peripheral surface of the housing bore, and an optical member which is inserted into the housing bore from the rear end side and fixed to the tip member with the distal end portion thereof run against the protrusion.

Abstract: A proximal housing for a full-thickness resection device (FTRD) is provided with a plurality of chambers through which fasteners are introduced into a portion of tissue to be resected. The proximal housing has a noncircular cut-out opposite the plurality of chambers to receive a noncircular endoscope. The proximal housing also is provided with a resection cavity into which the tissue to be resected is to be received. In addition, shaft openings are provided through which mounting shafts may be inserted. A noncircular endoscope is also disclosed for insertion into the cut-out whereby the endoscope has passages to house the functions of remote viewing, illumination, insufflation and irrigation.

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: 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: A surgical system includes an endoscope, a pair of end effectors provided on the outside of the distal end of a endoscope (“on-scope”), in which one end effector is rotatable or otherwise movable relative to the second end effector and in which such movement is effected via controls elements which do not extend through a lumen of the endoscope, and another instrument extending through the lumen of the endoscope (“through-scope”), and which preferably also has a pair of end effectors. The on-scope device may be clamping jaws, needle passers, clip appliers, cautery devices, staplers, and releasable hemoclips, among other end devices. The through-scope end effectors may be graspers and clip appliers, among other end effectors.

Abstract: In a mucosa excising device using an endoscope according to the present invention, engagement pieces are provided in the vicinity of a claw portion formed at an end edge of a cap, the engagement pieces press the snare wire arranged along the claw portion, both the claw portion and the engagement pieces hold the snare wire, and the snare wire of a high-frequency snare is prevented from accidentally coming off at the time of insertion into a body cavity or during a treatment in the body cavity when conducting endoscopic mucosal resection.

Abstract: An endoscope including; a fixing member detachably mounted to a distal end portion of an endoscope insertion part for detachably fixing and holding a distal end portion of an indwelling tube or a distal end portion of a guide member for guiding the indwelling tube, both of which are provided along the axial direction of the insertion part, to the distal end portion of the insertion part.

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: A loop section has a bending portion at the distal end. The bending portion bends in a direction that intersects the plane formed by the loop section. A diathermic snare is used in combination with an endoscope. When the loop section expands along the inner circumference of an engagement projection of a cap section, the bending portion of the loop section conforms to the corner of the bending portion of the projection.

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 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 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 endoscope dirt remover according to the present invention comprises a tube through which an insert section of an endoscope is inserted, an elastic member coupled with the tube, and a wiper blade coupled with the elastic member at wiping the dirt of the objective lens, at least part of the wiper blade coming into contact with an objective lens of the endoscope and moving on the objective lens together with deformation of the elastic member.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle is located at the distal end of the second portion of the retractor, and may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when the surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A cap of an endoscope has an end part. On an inner periphery of the end part, a reference mark showing an ideal focus position and six marks are formed with regular intervals. When a circular end surface of the cap is pressed against a mucous membrane, the mucous membrane swells to the reference mark. Therefore, the mucous membrane can be kept at the ideal focus position for an object optical system.

Abstract: An instrument and related process for measuring color, shade, gloss, shape and/or translucence of a tooth. First, the instrument uses searchlight illumination to illuminate a tooth with constant irradiance. Second, the instrument uses colorimetric imaging to collect time-separated frames of different wavelengths of light reflected from a tooth and to combine those frames into a color image. Third, the instrument includes a sanitary shield to establish a reference color and a predetermined distance to a target tooth. Fourth, the instrument provides line-of-sight viewing so an operator may simultaneously view a display of the image on the instrument and the object being measured. Fifth, the instrument is impervious to pollutants because it incorporates a sealed measurement window. Sixth, optical measurements of a tooth taken by a dentist are compared to optical measurements of a prosthetic restoration for that tooth to confirm satisfactory matching of optical characteristics of the tooth and restoration.

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: 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: An endoscope fill bar including a device to change the cross-section of a rounded end zone of the fill bar that protects distally beyond the endoscope distal end when the fill bar is in its functional position. The cross-sectional altering device is driven by an adjusting system mounted on the fill bar and through an adjustment link, and includes a lever resting at the distal end zone in a spreading-out and retracting manner.

Abstract: A proximal housing for a full-thickness resection device (FTRD) is provided with a plurality of chambers through which fasteners are introduced into a portion of tissue to be resected. The proximal housing has a noncircular cut-out opposite the plurality of chambers to receive a noncircular endoscope. The proximal housing also is provided with a resection cavity into which the tissue to be resected is to be received. In addition, shaft openings are provided through which mounting shafts may be inserted. A noncircular endoscope is also disclosed for insertion into the cut-out whereby the endoscope has passages to house the functions of remote viewing, illumination, insufflation and irrigation.

Abstract: A rotation restricting section is provided at an inner surface of a cap attached to a distal end portion of an insertion section of an endoscope and is set in abutting contact with a treating tool projected from the distal end of the inserting section to restrict the treating tool from being rotated about an axial direction of the insertion section.

Abstract: A resection head for endoscopic resection of tissue comprises an endoscope receiving channel extending therethrough so that an endoscope may be slidably received therein and a first position adjusting mechanism for moving the resection head relative to an endoscope received in the endoscope receiving channel between a first retracted position in which a distal end of the endoscope extends beyond a distal end of the resection head and a deployed position in which the distal end of the endoscope is received within the endoscope receiving channel. The resection head also comprises a resection chamber within an outer wall of the resection head, at least a first portion of the outer wall being moveable with respect to a second portion thereof to open the resection chamber to an exterior of the resection head and a resection mechanism for resecting tissue received within the resection chamber.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held endoscopic camera having all of the necessary components for performing endoscopic procedures comprises power source means, lens means, light source means, and video camera means. The portable endoscopic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of systems and includes a low wattage light source means. The camera is self-contained. A kit is also provided, the kit having all of the components necessary for performing endoscopic procedures.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscopic inserting system. The system includes an endoscope which is inserted into a lumen inside a body through a natural opening of a human body, an opening member which forms an opening for inserting the endoscope into a thoracic cavity or an abdominal cavity from the lumen inside the body at a wall portion of the lumen, and a retracting member which, when forming the opening, retracts the wall portion of the lumen.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscopic system.

Abstract: A rotation restricting section is provided at an inner surface of a cap attached to a distal end portion of an insertion section of an endoscope and is set in abutting contact with a treating tool projected from the distal end of the inserting section to restrict the treating tool from being rotated about an axial direction of the insertion section.

Abstract: A proximal housing for a full-thickness resection device (FTRD) is provided with a plurality of chambers through which fasteners are introduced into a portion of tissue to be resected. The proximal housing has a noncircular cut-out opposite the plurality of chambers to receive a noncircular endoscope. The proximal housing also is provided with a resection cavity into which the tissue to be resected is to be received. In addition, shaft openings are provided through which mounting shafts may be inserted. A noncircular endoscope is also disclosed for insertion into the cut-out whereby the endoscope has passages to house the functions of remote viewing, illumination, insufflation and irrigation.

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: The insertion part of the endoscope has a cap fixed to the distal end face of a distal end body. A projecting part of the cap is inserted in a receiving hole formed on the distal end face. The inserted projecting part is fixed to the distal end body with a screw inserted in an attachment hole, which is formed on the periphery of the distal end body and connects with the receiving hole. Bending rubber covers the attachment hole as well as the outer periphery of the distal end body.

Abstract: A tip component is provided at an extremity of an insertion part of an endoscope. The tip component includes a body member, in which a forceps aperture is formed. A forceps tube is arranged inside the insertion part. A hard part is formed at the end of the forceps tube, at which the forceps tube is sandwiched between an inner cylinder and an outer cylinder. The hard part is inserted into the forceps aperture of the body of the tip component and is fixed with a screw. A connecting part between the forceps tube and the forceps aperture is thus formed in the body of the tip component, and the length of the tip component is reduced as a result.

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: 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 invention relates to an endoscope fill bar comprising a device to change the cross-section of a rounded end zone distally projecting beyond the endoscope distal end when said bar is in its functional position, the cross-sectionally altering device being driven by an adjusting system mounted on the fill bar and through an adjustment link, and is characterized in that the device comprises a lever resting on the distal end zone in spreading-out and retracting manner.

Abstract: In an endoscope, an aspirated mucosa movement regulating portion is provided in a position intermediate between the distal end and the bottom of a tip hood for ensuring that the mucous membrane aspirated from the distal end of the tip hood toward an aspiration port will not get to viewing window.

Abstract: A treatment tool support device comprises a moving mechanism support member and a sheath connecting cap. The moving mechanism support member is manufactured by bending a plate in such a manner that a first bottom portion defining a part of a support groove is formed. A treatment tool moving mechanism for moving a biopsy forceps is supported. The sheath connecting cap is provided on an end portion of a sheath, in which an operating member for operating the biopsy forceps is provided. The sheath connecting cap is manufactured by deep drawing such as press molding. The first bottom portion of the moving mechanism support member is connected to a second bottom of the sheath connecting cap through crimping, welding or brazing.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus to treat a tissue in a body cavity is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base disposed in the vicinity of a tip-end portion of an endoscope, and an in-tissue inserting portion including a base end supported by the base and a tip end insertable in the tissue in the body cavity in a direction substantially parallel to the surface of the tissue, and extending to the tip end from the base end in a tapered shape. The in-tissue inserting portion has an inner side disposed in the vicinity of the surface of the tissue when inserted into the tissue. The apparatus further comprises a high-frequency electrode, for treating the tissue, supported by the base and disposed in the vicinity of the inner side of the in-tissue inserting portion, and a cable which supplies power to the high-frequency electrode from a high-frequency power source outside the body.

Abstract: An inspection system for performing a test selected from the group consisting of field of view, angle of view, distortion, image quality, depth of field, illumination system transmission efficiency, illumination profile, relative transmission of imaging system and centering error of a rigid, rod lens endoscope. The inspection system includes a testing station supporting a plurality of targets for measuring an optical performance of the endoscope, and a controller controllably displacing the testing station linearly toward and away from the endoscope and rotating the testing station at a nominal angle of view of the endoscope about a first axis and rotating the targets about a second axis parallel to the first axis to selectively displace each of the targets into the field of view of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope including; a fixing member detachably mounted to a distal end portion of an endoscope insertion part for detachably fixing and holding a distal end portion of an indwelling tube or a distal end portion of a guide member for guiding said indwelling tube, both of which are provided along the axial direction of said insertion part, to the distal end portion of said insertion part.

Abstract: A retractor and a surgical tool are positioned within a cannula, and a dissection cradle of the retractor is positioned at the distal end of the cannula. The retractor includes a first portion with an axis approximately parallel to the axis of the cannula and a second portion with an axis skewed relative to the axis of the cannula. The dissection cradle is located at the distal end of the second portion of the retractor, and may include two substantially parallel, spaced legs with the retractor shaped in a loop between and in a plane skewed relative to the axes of the legs, and with the loop directed away from the surgical tool. Thus, in operation, when the surgeon locates a vessel and side branch of interest, the surgeon extends the retractor to cradle the vessel in the dissection cradle. Once cradled, the retractor may be fully extended to urge the vessel away from the axis of the cannula to isolate the side branch for exposure to the surgical tool.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held endoscopic camera having all of the necessary components for performing endoscopic procedures comprises power source means, lens means, light source means, and video camera means. The portable endoscopic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of systems and includes a low wattage light source means. The camera is self-contained. A kit is also provided, the kit having all of the components necessary for performing endoscopic procedures.

Abstract: A viewing head cap that is made of an elastic material includes a cylindrical cap body and a spray nozzle formed integrally with the cap body and provides a drain port which is located at a location opposite to the spray nozzle with respect to a viewing window and opens between the cap body and a viewing head and which is communicated with a forceps channel functioning as a suction channel through a drain path.

Abstract: A large area thermal ablation apparatus for use with an endoscope includes a housing and at least one electrode. The housing is removably attachable to a distal terminating end of the endoscope. The housing includes an outer surface and a cross-sectional area that is at least as large as a cross-sectional area of the distal terminating end of the endoscope. The electrode is supported by the outer surface of the housing. The electrode is capable of delivering energy to a tissue region inside a body to ablate the tissue region.

Abstract: A cap of an endoscope has an end part. On an inner periphery of the end part, a reference mark showing an ideal focus position and six marks are formed with regular intervals. When a circular end surface of the cap is pressed against a mucous membrane, the mucous membrane swells to the reference mark. Therefore, the mucous membrane can be kept at the ideal focus position for an object optical system.

Abstract: The insertion part of the endoscope has a cap fixed to the distal end face of a distal end body. A projecting part of the cap is inserted in a receiving hole formed on the distal end face. The inserted projecting part is fixed to the distal end body with a screw inserted in an attachment hole, which is formed on the periphery of the distal end body and connects with the receiving hole. Bending rubber covers the attachment hole as well as the outer periphery of the distal end body.

Abstract: An endoscope has a removable suction tube to facilitate cleaning and reduce the risk of patient infection. The endoscope includes an elongated flexible probe with a slot extending along its length and an opening on the distal end of the probe. The housing at the proximal end of the probe is used to control the direction and operation of the probe, and for viewing images from the distal end of the probe. The suction tube can be removably inserted into the slot on the probe. Optionally, the distal tip of the probe can be equipped with a connector within the slot that removably secures the distal opening of the suction tube in communication with a suction opening on the distal tip of the probe. A suction tube connector at the proximal end of the suction tube allows the suction tube to be removably secured to the housing and also provides a connector for removable attachment to an external suction line.

Abstract: A hood for an endoscope which is detachably mounted near a distal end portion of the endoscope. The hood has a balloon adapted to be expanded into a substantially cylindrical configuration by injecting a fluid into the balloon, and to be contracted by discharging the fluid out of the balloon. A visual field of the endoscope can be secured by expanding the balloon, and can be prevented from being shaded by contracting the balloon.

Abstract: A sheath for use on a closed loop Joule-Thomson cryosurgical probe, and the combination of the sheath and the closed loop probe. The sheath is slipped over the probe, thereby separating the probe from the environment. The sheath has a grip which fits over the handle of the cryosurgical probe, and an extendible shroud which can be longitudinally extended to cover tubing and which are attached to the handle. The sheath has a hollow multi-lumen catheter shaped and sized to fit snugly over the cannula of the cryosurgical probe. The catheter is not thermally conductive, preventing transfer of heat from the ambient to the gas mixture, and preventing the freezing of tissues at undesired locations along the catheter. A thermally conductive cap or tip is attached to the distal end of the hollow catheter. The thermally conductive cap or tip is biased against the cold tip on the probe by a biasing element in the sheath assembly, to promote heat transfer.

Abstract: A surgical instrument and method is provided for optically penetrating bodily tissue for creating an initial body cavity such as during a vessel harvesting procedure. The surgical instrument comprises an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. The surgical instrument further comprises an optical penetrating tip having a cylindrical portion attached to the distal end of the shaft, and a tapered portion extending distally therefrom. The tapered portion has an apex spaced laterally apart from the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment of the present invention, a handle is attached to the proximal end of the shaft.