Abstract: The system for the qualitative evaluation of human organs includes: a camera (101) for capturing an image of the organ, the organ being in the donor's body or already collected or placed in a hypothermic, normothermic and/or subnormothermic graft infusion machine at the time of image capture; an image processor (103, 104) configured to extract at least a portion of the organ image from the captured image and an estimator (103, 104) for estimating, from the extracted image, the health of the organ. In some embodiments, the device also includes a means of introducing into the donor's body at least one optical window of the image capture means as well as a light source to illuminate the donor's organ, while maintaining the sterility of the surgical field. In some embodiments, the image processor involves applying a clipping mask to the captured image.

Abstract: A method of providing and processing an ultrasound capable endoscope assembly that uses an endoscope having a proximal and a distal end, and that has been used previously. The endoscope is cleansed to a level appropriate for re-use within a human body. The method also uses an unused ultrasound assembly, sealed in antiseptic packaging, and which includes a multiple signal pathway connector; an ultrasound transducer head including an ultrasound transducer; and a set of signal pathways, extending from the ultrasound transducer to the multiconductor electrical connector. In the method, the ultrasound assembly is to the endoscope, so that the set of signal pathways extends along the elongate body of the endoscope and the ultrasound transducer head is attached at the distal end. After use, the ultrasound assembly is detached from the endoscope and permanently disposed.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a shaft defining a first channel having a distal opening, a printed circuit board (PCB) coupled to a distal end of the shaft to expose the distal opening to an external environment, wherein the PCB includes an imager and at least one light, the imager and the at least one light mounted on a distal facing surface of the PCB, and an optically clear covering, wherein the covering covers the imager and the at least one light.

Abstract: Controlling integral energy of a light pulse in a hyperspectral, fluorescence, and laser mapping imaging system is disclosed. A system includes an emitter for emitting pulses of electromagnetic radiation and an image sensor comprising a pixel array for sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation. The system includes an electromagnetic sensor for sensing energy emitted by the emitter. The system includes a controller configured to synchronize timing of the emitter and the image sensor. The system is such that at least a portion of the pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of a hyperspectral emission, a fluorescence emission, or a laser mapping pattern.

Abstract: A facet fusion tube assembly includes an elongated tube that defines a working channel to accept tools, instruments or materials for conducting a facet fusion. The tube includes a clip on its outer circumference that is configured to engage the outer surface of an adjacent tool or instrument used to access and engage the pedicle. A centering cap can be mounted at the proximal end of the elongated tube to align and center a working tool, such as a burring tool. An inner removable rod can extend through the tube to prevent soft tissue migration into the tube during insertion, and can be used for bone graft packing once the facet joint or other area of the spine is prepared for fusion. In use, the tube is clipped onto an adjacent instrument or tool to anchor the facet fusion tube assembly in a proper orientation relative to the facet joint.

Abstract: A distal end member of an insertion apparatus includes: a base; a recessed portion which is recessed on a surface of the base; an opening forming surface formed on a surface of the base so as to surround a periphery of an opening of the recessed portion; and a lid member with a plate shape including a contact surface which is larger than the opening of the recessed portion and is brought into contact with the opening forming surface, the lid member closing the opening of the recessed portion by bringing the contact surface into contact with the opening forming surface. The lid member is formed so as to expose at least a portion of a side surface of the lid member disposed adjacently to the contact surface of the lid member to an outer surface of the base.

Abstract: In an example, there is provided a method for manipulating a robotic surgery tool, the method comprising: applying tension to a first pull wire to cause a first link of a joint device of the tool to pivot in a first plane relative to a yoke attached to the first link; and applying tension to a second pull wire to cause a second link attached to the yoke to pivot in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein relate to various medical device components, including components that can be incorporated into robotic and/or in vivo medical devices. Certain embodiments include various modular medical devices for in vivo medical procedures.

Abstract: Systems combining an optical camera and an infrared camera in a single device having a single output, the systems provide low cost production and a hybrid output having optical and infrared elements processed by a processor embedded in the single device, the output of the single device having a relatively low size image overlay and providing a full video stream having optical and infrared elements as well as a hybrid image having an overlay of the optical and infrared elements.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a tip part assembly for an endoscope having a proximal end and a distal end opposite from the proximal end, the method including: providing a bending section having a proximal end and a distal end, providing a camera assembly including a camera module, providing a substantially tubular circumferential wall having a proximal end and a distal end opposite from the proximal end, providing a distal end wall, arranging the camera module to be held by or attached to the distal end wall, manufacturing a housing by adjoining the distal end wall to the distal end of the circumferential wall, the housing including the circumferential wall and the distal end wall and enclosing a spacing that houses at least a portion of the camera module, and adjoining the distal end of the bending section and the proximal end of the housing.

Abstract: An endoscope in which a reusable portion is inserted nearly all the way into a hollow, pistol-grip handle of a single-use portion and the protruding part of the reusable portion and an adjacent part of the handle are covered with a flexible and resilient cap. The same cap covers the open end of the handle when the single-use portion is shipped from a manufacturing site. At a user's facility, a health professional tears the pouch, removes the cap from the handle, inserts the reusable portion, and covers the distal end of the reusable portion and an adjacent part of the handle with the same cap. Typically, a remote display connects to the endoscope wirelessly or through a cable, with a connector that fits through a hole in the cap configured to keep fluids from entering around the connector. The wireless transmission preferably uses a proprietary protocol to preserve medical data confidentiality.

Abstract: A loading unit configured for engagement with a surgical instrument, and including a proximal body portion, an end effector, and an imaging device. The end effector is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the proximal body portion, and includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member. At least one of the first jaw member and the second jaw member is movable with respect to the other of the first jaw member and the second jaw member between an open position and an approximated position. The first jaw member includes a first tissue contacting surface, and the second jaw member includes a second tissue contacting surface. A distal portion of the first jaw member is disposed at a first angle with respect to the first tissue contacting surface. The imaging device is disposed on the distal portion of the first jaw member, and is configured to capture visual data.

Abstract: A medical device includes an operation portion, an insertion portion that is insertable into a treatment instrument insertion channel of a mother endoscope, and a mounting portion provided at an operation portion to detachably mount the operation portion onto a bending operation member of the mother endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope treatment tool includes: a cylindrical cap attached to an outer side of a distal-end section of an endoscope and having first and second radial directions intersecting each other; a treatment tool supported at an outer side of the cap in the first radial direction to be movable in the longitudinal direction; and a linear flexible coupling member coupling the treatment tool with the cap such that the grasper reaches a position where the grasper protrudes from a distal end of the cap. A swing section of the coupling member couples the cap with the treatment tool to allow relative movement in the second radial direction, and, in response to pressed forward in the longitudinal direction by the treatment tool, swings about a swing axis extending in the second radial direction while generating a tensile force and bending the treatment tool inward in the first radial direction.

Abstract: A tip part for an endoscope has a vision receptor having a vision sensor for providing an image from received light, a first lens, and a casing, the casing supporting the first lens so that the casing substantially maintains a position of the first lens in relation to the vision sensor; a first light source; an exterior housing; and a light shield positioned between the vision receptor and the first light source so as to prevent ingress of stray light from the first light source into the vision receptor by optically shielding the vision receptor; wherein the casing is formed integrally with the exterior housing so that the casing also substantially maintains the first lens in a position in relation to the exterior housing.

Abstract: A visualized surgical assembly is provided, characterized in that the visualized surgical assembly includes a disposable drainage tube and a functional tube for providing visualization function, the disposable drainage tube and the functional tube are connected detachable along the axial of the tube body, and the functional tube is provided with a self-destructive part for cutting the disposable drainage tube. A corresponding endoscope is also provided. The visualized surgical assembly is a combination structure of the disposable drainage tube and the functional tube which can provide visualization function. The disposable drainage tube can removable connect with the functional tube, and the functional tube can be repeated disinfection, which can reduce the cost and avoid the risk of cross infection.

Abstract: An appliance includes a handle, a speculum tube extending axially from the handle as far as a distal end where it has an opening, a video viewing system having a lens arranged in the speculum tube and a transmission device connected to the lens and connectable to a remote viewing screen, and a lens support for keeping the lens in a predetermined position with respect to the speculum tube, in which position the lens is near the opening and opposite the space situated beyond the opening, characterized in that the speculum tube has an end part and a main part extending between the end part and the handle, the end part being arranged around the support and delimiting the opening, the end part being elastically deformable and the main part being rigid.

Abstract: A method for manufacture of a tip part for an endoscope including providing a camera assembly with an image sensor and a circuit board; providing a distal end segment having a distal end and a circumferential wall enclosing a spacing; providing an exterior housing having a circumferential wall enclosing a spacing; inserting the distal end of the camera assembly in the spacing of the exterior housing; positioning the proximal end of the exterior housing adjacent to the distal end of the distal end segment; injecting an adhesive into the spacing of the distal end segment so that at least parts of the circuit board are embedded in the adhesive; and allowing or causing the adhesive to harden; whereby the distal end segment, camera assembly and exterior housing form an assembled tip part of an endoscope attached to each other by means of the adhesive.

Abstract: Fluorescent imaging systems for performing an endoscopic procedure, such as a retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure may include a first light source for emitting light in the visible spectrum, or light in the near infrared (NIR) spectrum, or both. A light source bandpass filter may block the emitted light in the visible spectrum, or in the NIR spectrum, or both. A first sensor may be capable of detecting the light in the visible spectrum, or the light in the NIR spectrum, or both. A sensor bandpass filter may block the detected light in the visible spectrum, or in the NIR spectrum, or both. The first or a second light source, or the first or a second sensor, or combinations thereof, may be removably disposed on a duodenoscope.

Abstract: Ultrasonic surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a waveguide extending distally from handle assembly, an end-effector at distal end of the waveguide, and a clamp assembly removably mounted to the handle assembly. The clamp assembly includes a pivotally mounted clamp arm for pivotal movement with respect to the end effector, and is removably mounted to the handle assembly by axially aligned first and second bayonet mounts. Each of the bayonet mounts includes a female bayonet coupling having at least one bayonet slot configured to matingly receive a bayonet mounting pin of a male bayonet coupling, wherein the bayonet slots extend circumferentially about the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. A method of removing the clamp assembly of the ultrasonic surgical instrument is also provided, as well as an ultrasonic surgical shears instrument and a clamp assembly.

Abstract: An integrated scope and biopsy device having visualization for use in many different medical applications, such as, but not limited to, collection of uterine tissue biopsy is disclosed. The device may further include an integrated camera and light for visualizing the interior of the uterus and the tissue biopsy site itself. Further, the device is configured to evacuate tissue biopsies through aspiration and irrigation.

Abstract: An endoscope device and a cable assembly thereof are provided. The cable assembly includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a wire. The first substrate includes a first body and a first solder pad disposed on the first body. The second substrate is correspondingly disposed on the first substrate and includes a second body, a second solder pad disposed on the second body and corresponding to the first solder pad, and an accommodating portion corresponding to the second solder pad. The wire includes a soldering portion disposed in the accommodating portion. The first solder pad and the second solder pad are coupled to each other by at least one of a first solder and a second solder, and the soldering portion and the second solder pad are coupled to each other by the first solder.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an endoscope apparatus and an endoscopic method. The endoscope apparatus includes a release source, a tether connected to the release source, an elastic clamp member and a capsule endoscope. The elastic clamp member includes an elastic clamp cavity being interconnected to an air outlet of the release source through the tether. In a clamped state, at least a portion of the capsule endoscope is within the elastic clamp cavity, wherein the elastic clamp member has a tendency to recover from deformation to apply a clamping force to the capsule endoscope. In a released state, the elastic clamp member is expanded by the air pressure from the tether, and the capsule endoscope is released from the elastic clamp cavity.

Abstract: An ultrasonic surgical instrument having a handle assembly, a waveguide extending distally from the handle assembly, an end-effector located at a distal end of the waveguide, and a clamp assembly removably mounted to the handle assembly, the clamp assembly including a clamp arm pivotally mounted on the distal end of the clamp assembly for pivotal movement with respect to the end effector. The clamp assembly is removably mounted to the handle assembly by axially aligned first and second bayonet mounts, each of the bayonet mounts including a female bayonet coupling having at least one bayonet slot configured to matingly receive a bayonet mounting pin of a male bayonet coupling therein, wherein the bayonet slots extend circumferentially about a common longitudinal axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. A method of removing the clamp assembly of the ultrasonic surgical instrument is also provided, as well as an ultrasonic surgical shears instrument and a clamp assembly are also provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment an optical arrangement includes a multicore fiber having at least a first fiber core configured to guide a first illumination light and a second fiber core configured to guide a second illumination light, wherein the multicore fiber comprises a fiber scanner configured to deflect the multicore fiber or the multicore fiber is followed by a mirror scanner; and a wavelength dispersive beam combiner configured to spatially superimpose the first illumination light and the second illumination light in an object space.

Abstract: An optical probe includes a lens combination, an optical fiber assembly, and a cover. The lens combination includes a first lens and a second lens. The first lens has a generally planar first lens surface defining an oval edge. The second lens has a generally planar second lens surface operatively coupled to the first lens surface. The second lens has four primary edges and at least two secondary edges connecting pairs of the primary edges. Each primary edge extends in substantially a straight line between two spaced-apart points at the oval edge of the first lens. The optical fiber and the lens combination are configured such that a light beam exiting the optical fiber enters the lens combination at an entering surface of the first lens, passes through the first lens and exits the first lens at the first lens surface. The cover circumferentially surrounds the optical fiber assembly.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for insertion instrument includes: a cleaning cap configured to be attachable to and detachable from a distal end component portion provided on a distal end side of an insertion portion in an endoscope and covered by a tubular cover when the endoscope is used, attachment and detachment of the cleaning cap to and from the distal end component portion being performed in a state where the cover is removed from the distal end component portion; and a cap-side engaging portion provided on the cleaning cap and configured to be engaged with a distal end component portion-side engaging portion provided on an outer peripheral surface, at least a part of which is covered by the cover, of the distal end component portion.

Abstract: An endoscope has a distal end constituting portion provided at a distal end of an insertion section to be inserted into a subject, a distal end cover that is integrally formed to include a translucent plate-shaped first member and a second member arranged around the first member and that is attached to an end surface of the distal end constituting portion, and a resin portion that is annularly applied to a portion including a boundary portion between the first member and the second member and that prevents transmission of a fluid.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical device used for minimally invasive procedures comprises a handheld component and a power control module. The handheld component consisting of a handle, and a conduit houses a wireless imaging module and a single LED light source. The imaging module comprises a wired or wireless camera coupled to an optically folded assembly or imaging assembly. A battery-operated power module can control both the intensity of the LED and the camera action. The handle and conduit are designed to accommodate surgical tools, wherein the imaging model is parallel offset to the tool, or the tool are parallel offset to the imaging. In alternative embodiments, the handheld component is self-contained.

Abstract: A tip part for an endoscope has a vision receptor; a first light source; an exterior housing accommodating the vision receptor and the first light source; the exterior housing comprising a window positioned at a distal end of the tip part, the window being of a transparent material, the window comprising an exterior front surface positioned at least partly in front of the vision receptor and the first light source, wherein the window integrally comprises a first optical well of the transparent material, the first optical well being an interior protrusion positioned between the first light source and the vision receptor so that a portion of light emitted from the first light source and reflected from the exterior surface enters the first optical well, whereby stray light is at least partially prevented from entering the vision receptor.

Abstract: A full-screen image display and an optical assembly thereof are provided. The full-screen image display includes a first display module and a second display module. The first display module is an organic LED display, a liquid crystal display or an LED display for providing a first image, and the second display module is an LED display for providing a second image. The first display module and the second display module are adjacent or connected to each other, and the first image and the second image are combined to form a continuous image. The second display module includes a circuit substrate, an image display unit disposed on the circuit substrate, and a plurality of electronic units disposed on the circuit substrate. The image display unit includes a plurality of LED chips disposed on the circuit substrate, and the second image is provided by the LED chips.

Abstract: A Veress needle is modified to receive a forward-looking miniature videoscope through the cannula of an insufflation tube of the Veress needle. The modified instrument enables direct viewing of progress of the instrument through tissue to the peritoneal cavity of a patient, for proper location of the needle and insufflation of the cavity via the needle. The videoscope has an elongated shaft of smaller diameter than the cannula of the insufflation tube for passage of insufflation gas with the scope in place. In another embodiment a needle is fitted with a miniature videoscope to provide the same function, with the needle's cannula serving as an insufflation tube.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, and devices are disclosed for obtaining optical images of a targeted object or scene such as a person's organ or tissue based on a fiber bundle having imaging optical fibers and optical phase modulation for improved imaging quality without using an objective lens to receive light from a target. Among its applications is an endoscope that bears no lens at the distal end, which affords miniaturization and bendability, and that has adjustable focal distance.

Abstract: A laryngoscope that includes a low-profile, straight laryngoscope blade that is thin and tapered in width and height, and designed to be intuitive in use and function. A distal tip of the blade may be configured to be placed in the anterior oropharynx with the angled camera (e.g., 10 degrees-40 degrees), thereby providing views of the airway and facilitating blade advancement. Real-time image data collected during a laryngoscopy may be communicated to a medical professional for immediate and ongoing feedback during a laryngoscopy or communicated to an electronic medical record. The laryngoscope provides first responders and airway managers of varying abilities a unique, portable, wireless laryngoscope to optimally manage airways and provide the greatest likelihood of safe, atraumatic airway access. The laryngoscope with the transformational laryngoscope blade design having an angled camera and wireless video forms a singular, effective instrument for airway managers and medical professionals.

Abstract: An antifogging device includes: a heater configured to apply heat to an optical member; a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature; a circuit board with a surface mounted the heater and the temperature sensor; a sealing member that is made of a resin material and that is applied to the surface to seal the heater and the temperature sensor; and a joining part that is provided on at least part of the surface and that is made of an inorganic material, the joining part being configured to: extend along a periphery of the surface in a state of being exposed to a side surface of the circuit board; and contact the sealing member.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, the circumferential position of a protrusion portion of a light guide member is aligned with the position of a second groove portion of a pressing member and a tip portion of the light guide member is inserted into an insertion hole. Next, the light guide member is rotated to align the circumferential position of the protrusion portion of the light guide member with the position of a first groove portion of a mounting hole, and the tip portion of the light guide member is mounted in the mounting hole of a tip portion body. After that, a screw member is inserted into a through hole of the pressing member, is threadedly inserted into a screw hole of the tip portion body, and fixes the pressing member to a base end face of the tip portion body.

Abstract: A forward-imaging optical coherence tomography probe is provided, comprising: a substantially cylindrical housing comprising: a longitudinal axis; an interior side; a distal end that is optically transparent; and a mirror located at the interior side, adjacent the distal end; an optical fiber located inside the cylindrical housing along the longitudinal axis; a wedge lens located inside the cylindrical housing, adjacent the distal end, the wedge lens configured to receive light from the fiber, and direct the light towards the mirror; and, at least one motor configured to both: rotate the fiber and the wedge lens about the longitudinal axis and inside the cylindrical housing; and, linearly displace the fiber and the wedge lens along the longitudinal axis and inside the cylindrical housing; the mirror configured to: receive light from the wedge lens and reflect the light out of the distal end as the wedge lens moves linearly and rotationally.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope head on a deflecting end of an endoscope, comprising an MID (molded interconnect device) molded element (1) comprising at least one conducting path (21-28) applied on the same; at least one electronic instrument (3) which is seated in the MID molded element (1) and can be electrically supplied by said at least one conducting path (21-28) thereof; and a sensor (6). The invention further relates to an endoscope head on a deflecting end of an endoscope, comprising an endoscope head body (1) with at least one conducting path (21-28) applied on the same; at least one electronic instrument (3) which is seated in the endoscope head body (1) and can be electrically supplied by said at least one conducting path (21-28) thereof; and at least one pulling cable (4) whose pulling cable anchoring (41) is seated in the endoscope head body (1); wherein the at least one pulling cable (4) is electrically connected to the at least one conducting path (21-28) of the endoscope head body (1).

Abstract: Provided herein is an illuminated microsurgical instrument system and an illuminated microsurgical instrument. In one implementation, the system includes a microsurgical instrument having a distally projecting tubular member arranged to perform a medical procedure at an interventional site. The tubular member has a distal tip and an outer surface, the outer surface having a flat surface formed therein. The instrument includes a sheath member surrounding a portion of the tubular member and extending toward the distal tip of the tubular member and an optical fiber extending along a length of the flat surface between the tubular member and the sheath member. The instrument may further include a slack chamber, collar structure, and fiber guard member to support and guide the optical fiber to the distal tip.

Abstract: Cleaning performance or wiping performance for an observation window is improved in an endoscope. In a distal end face of a distal end part of the endoscope, a guide part rising to a distal end side is provided between an observation window and a fluid injection nozzle. A width of the guide face of the guide part has a narrowed part, and a portion with the narrowest width serves as a fluid guiding part. The fluid guiding part guides fluid passing through a position of the fluid guiding part, in fluid injected from the fluid injection nozzle, to a first fluid route through which the fluid is guided to the observation window. Fluid deviated from the fluid guiding part is guided to a region adjacent to the observation window through a second fluid route.

Abstract: The present application describes a urine sensing probe and a system for detecting urine. The urine sensing probe includes a needle having a tubular portion and one or more optical fibers positioned within the needle. The one or more optical fibers have a distal surface that is oriented towards a beveled distal section of the needle and is oriented to one of its lateral sides. The distal surface of the one or more optical fibers ranges from about 90 to a critical angle with respect to a vertical axis of the needle. The present application also describes a system for sensing urine including a urine sensing probe.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a system and method for ablating tissue. The method may comprise, for example, aligning a needle of a medical device with the target tissue; piercing tissue adjacent to the target tissue with the needle; sliding into the target tissue a laser fiber moveably disposed within the needle, wherein the needle is hollow and the laser fiber includes a prism; and delivering laser energy through the laser fiber and prism.

Abstract: A lens having a quadrangular outer shape in a direction perpendicular to its center, an imaging element having a quadrangular outer shape in the direction perpendicular to the center axis, an element cover glass covering an imaging surface of the imaging element, a light guide placed outside at least one side of the lens and extending along the center axis, and a cylinder holder disposed between the lens and the light guide are disposed in a tip portion of an endoscope.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus is adapted for use in an optical instrument having an elongated shaft with a transparent distal end portion. The imaging apparatus includes and image sensor assembly, a first articulating structure, and a second articulating structure mounted on the first articulating structure. First and second lateral side support structures at the lateral sides of the image sensor assembly are each mounted on the second articulating structure so as to position the image sensor assembly in an operating position in the instrument transparent end portion. The connection to the second articulating structure allows an articulation of the image sensor assembly about a lateral articulation axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft distal end portion. This lateral articulation is in addition to the ability of the first articulating structure to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the shaft distal end portion.

Abstract: A device for visualizing and providing suction for a surgical procedure in an ear may include a handle, a main shaft extending from the handle, an imaging sensor at a distal end of the main shaft, a light source at the distal end of the main shaft, and a suction shaft extending from the handle. The device may also include a spring coupled with the suction shaft and/or the handle, such that when the suction shaft is advanced in a distal direction and then released, the suction shaft retracts automatically. The suction shaft may have a distal curved portion, and the device may have a thumb depress portion that allows a user to spin the suction shaft to suction in different directions. Some embodiments may include a suction shaft with a sharp distal tip that is configured for placing an ear tube in the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a joining material that can easily join materials to be joined even when characteristics and physical properties thereof differ greatly. To solve the above problem, the joining material according to the present invention is characterized by including a base material, a first layer that is disposed on one surface of the base material, and a second layer that is disposed on the other surface of the base material and includes a phase having a different coefficient of thermal expansion to that of the phase configuring the first layer, at least one of the first and second layers including glass having a softening point of 600° C. or lower.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter includes a substantially rigid inner guide member and a movable shaft coupled to a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. To treat a sinus cavity of a subject using the balloon dilation the substantially rigid inner guide member is advanced into a drainage pathway of the sinus (e.g., frontal recess) of the subject via a nasal passageway. The shaft and balloon are advanced in a distal direction over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place the balloon in the drainage pathway. The balloon is inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a rigid section having an opening situated between two ends. The endoscope also includes a handle for manipulation and at the first end. An image capturing device is near the second end and is configured to provide a first view when pointed in a first direction. The image capturing device is moved with respect to a longitudinal axis of the rigid section in response to a movement of an extension portion of a shaft located in the opening and operatively coupling the handle and a first base part resulting from the manipulation of the handle. A fixing member is rigidly coupled to the rigid section and pivotably coupled to the first base part at a second pivot portion of the first base part, and a second base part is pivotably connected to the fixing member at a pivot portion of the second base part.

Abstract: Some implementations provide an apparatus for percutaneous delivery of laser energy, the apparatus including two or more hollow spikes, each having an insertion end and a coupling end, each including an optical fiber embedded as a permanent fixture therein, each optical fiber capable of emitting laser from the insertion end of the corresponding hollow spike; and\a hub coupled to the two or more hollow spikes at the respective coupling ends of each hollow spike, the hub including a connector for coupling the apparatus to a laser generator.

Abstract: An intravascular rotary blood pump possesses a catheter (10), a pumping device (50) disposed distally of the catheter and having at its distal end a flexible flow cannula (53) through which blood is either sucked or discharged by the pumping device (50) during operation of the blood pump, and at least one pressure sensor (27, 28A, 30) having at least one optical fiber (28A) which is laid along the flow cannula (53). The optical fiber (28A) and, where applicable, a sliding tube (27) in which the optical fiber (28A) is laid extend along a neutral fiber of the flow cannula (53).