With Particular Distal Tip Configuration Patents (Class 600/129)
  • Patent number: 8870753
    Abstract: An imaging assembly for use in a medical imaging device such as an endoscope or the like. In one embodiment, the imaging assembly includes a transparent distal cap that is shaped to receive an image sensor insert. The image sensor insert has a cooling channel that supplies a cooling liquid or gas to one or more illumination sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis R. Boulais, Michael S. Banik, William Lucas Churchill, Sergey S. Grigoryants, Louis J. Barbato, Daniel G. Orband, Luis J. Maseda, Stephen D. Fantone
  • Patent number: 8864653
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for introducing a plurality of instruments to a target site through a working channel. The working channel can include a surface adapted to guide one or more instruments into select positions. The working channel can be defined by a portion of a guide tube or tip that may be coupled with an endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre D. St. Onge, Naroun Suon, Barry Weitzner
  • Patent number: 8855773
    Abstract: A system and method for selection of stimulation parameters for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) may include a processor that displays in a display device and in relation to a displayed model of a leadwire including model electrodes, a current field corresponding to a first stimulation parameter set, provides a user interface for receipt of user input representing a shift of the current field, in response to the user input, moves, in the display device, the current field with respect to the displayed model, determines a second stimulation parameter set that results in the moved current field, and outputs the second stimulation parameter set and/or sets a stimulation device with the second stimulation parameter set, where the stimulation device is configured for performing a stimulation using the leadwire in accordance with the second stimulation parameter set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Intelect Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Kokones, David Arthur Blum, Keith Carlton, Troy Sparks
  • Patent number: 8852084
    Abstract: An endoscope adapter ring for a needleless fluid delivery system for delivering therapeutic fluids to treatment sites within a patient. The needless fluid delivery system can include an automated injector source and a needleless access device. The access device can include a delivery scope and a treatment specific applicator. The adapter ring is operably attached to the endoscope to keep the injector lumen in a known orientation for the use of a side injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: AMS Research Corporation
    Inventor: Justin M. Crank
  • Patent number: 8845522
    Abstract: A deflection assembly of a medical instrument (such as an endoscope or a flexible ureteroscope) allows an operator to deflect a distal portion of the instrument using one or more controls located at a proximal portion of the instrument. The instrument allows the operator to achieve multi-directional deflection of the distal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Jon T. McIntyre, Jessica Hixon, Isaac Ostrovsky, Jozef Slanda
  • Patent number: 8834358
    Abstract: A cannula assembly includes a tubular element forming a lumen, a deployable element of a subassembly, and an electronic component mounted to the deployable element. The tubular element has a proximal end and a distal end adapted to be inserted into a body cavity. The deployable element is coupled through the subassembly to the tubular element, and is adapted to transition between a closed position and an open position. The electronic component has at least one imaging device and at least one illumination source. The subassembly, including the deployable element and the electronic component, are releasable from the tubular element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: EndoSphere Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur C. Mckinley, Jesse R. Plouffe, Melvin B. Prenovitz, Stephen J. Herman, Vivek Sikri
  • Patent number: 8827898
    Abstract: An assembly for the endoscope is composed of a tubular member, a positioning ring, and a sleeve. The tubular member on its external wall includes a first threaded portion and a second threaded portion spaced from the first threaded portion. The positioning ring includes a threaded part formed on an internal wall thereof for axial movement along the tubular member. The sleeve includes a threaded section formed on an internal wall thereof. When the sleeve is sleeved onto the tubular member, the threaded section is located between the first and second threaded portions and stopped against the first threaded portion; meanwhile, the positioning ring can be pushed against the sleeve to fasten the sleeve onto the tubular member. Accordingly, the sleeve can be accurately, rapidly, and conveniently positioned onto the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Intubation Technology Corporation
    Inventor: Sung-Nan Chen
  • Patent number: 8821381
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic endoscope which enables the image pickup apparatus of the electronic endoscope to be easily replaced with image pickup apparatuses of different specifications. The electronic endoscope according to the present invention is configured by including a distal end member which is provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion of the electronic endoscope, and which includes an image pickup apparatus mounting hole as a housing portion for housing an image pickup apparatus; and an outer shape adjusting member as an adjusting member which is provided between the image pickup apparatus and the image pickup apparatus mounting hole, and which fixes the image pickup apparatus in the image pickup apparatus mounting hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Akiba
  • Patent number: 8814781
    Abstract: A sheath assembly for an endoscope includes an elongate tubular body and a plug. The endoscope has a handle portion and a scope portion extending therefrom to a tip. The body includes first and second wall sections and extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second distal openings located at distal and proximal ends thereof, respectively. The first wall section extends radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen. The scope portion is receivable in the scope lumen with the distal and proximal ends. The second wall section extends radially about a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally between second distal and proximal end openings. The first and second wall sections define an integral suction lumen in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure. The plug is mated with the distal end opening and includes a lens surface through which energy is transmissible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Inventors: Rafi Avitsian, Andrew M. Zura, Robert B. Guthrie, Douglas W. Haight, James T. Callegari, Michael Collinson
  • Publication number: 20140235947
    Abstract: In an optics tube for an endoscope, a lens arrangement including at least one rod lens is received in the inside of the optics tube, wherein a sleeve is fixed on the at least one rod lens and at least partially encloses the rod lens, and wherein the sleeve is welded to the optics tube. The invention also relates to an endoscope having such an optics tube, and to a method for mounting at least one rod lens in the inside of an optics tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Jan Dahmen, Walter Vogel
  • Patent number: 8812086
    Abstract: A surgical imaging device and method configured to be inserted into a surgical site. The surgical imaging device includes a plurality of prongs. Each one of the prongs has an image sensor mounted thereon. The image sensors provide different image data corresponding to the surgical site, thus enabling a surgeon to view a surgical site from several different angles. The prongs may be moveable between a first position, suitable for insertion though a small surgical incision, and a second position, in which the prongs are separated from each other. In addition, the prongs may be bendable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventor: Michael P. Whitman
  • Patent number: 8801255
    Abstract: An endoscope includes: a distal end rigid portion that configures a distal end portion of an insertion portion of an endoscope and has a through hole; an LED ceramic substrate including an LED light source mounted on a distal end side thereof, and arranged in the through hole so as to emit light from the through hole; an LED cable configured to be inserted in the insertion portion of the endoscope and to supply electric power to the LED light source; a ceramic cutout portion that configures a proximal end side of the LED ceramic substrate, and allows a conductive pattern for electrically connecting the LED light source and the LED cable to be exposed from inside the LED ceramic substrate and connected to the LED cable; and a reinforcement member having rigidity and fixed to the LED ceramic substrate and configured to cover the ceramic cutout portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Akira Kudo
  • Patent number: 8795158
    Abstract: An insertion assisting device includes a rotary body in the form of toroid, and a support and drive part for supporting the rotary body in a rotatable manner and rotating it. The support and drive part has an approximately cylindrical supporting member for supporting the rotary body in a rotatable manner. The rotary body is provided with a convex portion for increasing the thickness to improve the strength thereof. A concave portion having a shape corresponding to the shape of the convex portion is formed on a portion of a front end surface of the supporting member, which is made in contact with the convex portion. The concave portion prevents the rotary body from stopping rotating, which may be caused by point contact between the convex portion and the supporting member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Shinichi Yamakawa, Tsuyoshi Ashida, Takayuki Nakamura, Yasunori Ohta, John J. Allen, Charles Alan Brantingham
  • Patent number: 8790249
    Abstract: An endoscope includes a distal end portion body 31 formed of a metal, a distal end portion cover 32 formed of an insulating resin to cover the distal end portion body 31, and a cover lens 25 disposed at a position at which the circumferential surface of the cover lens 25 is contactable with both the distal end portion body 31 and the distal end portion cover 32. In the above, the proximal end side of the circumferential surface of the cover lens 25 is bonded to the distal end portion body 31 by soldering along the circumferential direction. Meanwhile, the distal end side of the circumferential surface of the cover lens 25 is bonded to the distal end portion cover 32 by adhesion along the circumferential direction. Each of bonding surfaces of the cover lens 25 and the distal end portion body 31 is previously formed with a metal film for improving the flow of a liquid solder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Tetsuya Tanoue
  • Publication number: 20140206938
    Abstract: An endoscope device is provided. The endoscope device includes a housing connected to a manipulator, to be inserted into a human body, a replaceable tube detachably provided in the housing, and a guide tube fixedly passing through the housing, to allow the replaceable tube to be inserted thereinto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kaihotsu WATARU, Mun-Kue Park, Jin-Won Lee, Su-Kwang Lim
  • Patent number: 8784301
    Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian McDowall
  • Patent number: 8777847
    Abstract: An endoscope includes a rigid portion having an illuminating portion disposed therein and a cover integrally molded to include a transparent first resin member and a colored second resin member. The first resin member configures a first molded portion including an illumination window forming portion which includes an incident surface on which the illumination light is made incident and an emission surface from which the incident illumination light is emitted and an eaves portion projecting from the illumination window forming portion and including a first surface located on the emission surface side and a second surface located on the incident surface side. The second resin member configures a second molded portion forming a cover external shape that covers, the side surface of the illumination window forming portion, the first surface of the eaves portion, and the second surface of the eaves portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Yosuke Sato
  • Patent number: 8777845
    Abstract: A distal end portion successively provided from an insertion part distal end of an endoscope is provided with an air supply and water supply nozzle, an observation window, and illumination windows, and are formed with mutually parallel first and second flat surfaces. The surface of the observation window is disposed at the same position as the second flat surface. An inclined surface that connects the first flat surface and the second flat surface together is formed at a position that faces the air supply and water supply nozzle. Fluid guide surfaces are formed on both sides of the inclined surface. The fluid guide surfaces incline toward the illumination windows. A fluid jetted from the air supply and water supply nozzle impacts against the inclined surface, spreads to the observation window, and is guided to the fluid guide surfaces, and flows to the illumination windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Ikeda, Tomohiro Ohki
  • Patent number: 8771173
    Abstract: The present invention provides an access device for surgery. The access device includes a guide member and a head member. The guide member and head member define a channel configured to receive and guide a sterile flexible scope with a working channel. The guide member and head member cooperate to extend through a small opening of 2 cm or less to access tissue structures. The head member may include surfaces to separate a pericardium from a surface of the heart, stabilize a beating heart and, with the endoscope, provide visibility for the implantation of a therapeutic such as stem cells to the surface of the heart with improved safety and accuracy. Ranges of other diagnostic, application of therapeutics or biologics, and observational applications may be facilitated by the access device, such as TMR, ablation, echo-probe diagnostics, LAA isolation, observation of the same procedures, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Saint Joseph's Translational Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: James Fonger, Chris Jorgensen, Kevin Rego, Tahir Haque, Nick Patel
  • Patent number: 8764633
    Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian McDowall
  • Patent number: 8758229
    Abstract: Axial visualization systems which utilize axially aligned imaging instruments for visualizing through an imaging hood purged of blood via a transparent fluid are described where an imaging element extending from a support shaft may be aligned within a working lumen defined through a deployment catheter. The imaging element may be positioned distal to the hood in its collapsed state and within the hood in its expanded state. The imaging element may be configured to seat itself securely within the catheter or to angle itself to adjust the viewing angle. Additionally, a disposable visualization sheath having a transparent lens may also be utilized to house an imaging instrument therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Chris A. Rothe, Ruey-Feng Peh, Edmund Tam
  • Patent number: 8747303
    Abstract: The protective sheath front end of the disclosed curved section protective sheath for covering the curved section of an endoscope covers the outer periphery of the front end of the endoscope. A filamentous member is wound around the outer periphery of the protective sheath front end, affixing the protective sheath front end to the front end of the endoscope. An adhesive agent is layered on the outer periphery of the protective sheath front end so as to cover the filamentous member. A ring member is fitted to the protective sheath front end so as to cover the adhesive agent. The inner surface of the ring member is bonded to the filamentous member with the adhesive agent therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Furuta
  • Patent number: 8747304
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark S. Zeiner, Michael J. Stokes
  • Patent number: 8734328
    Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian McDowall
  • Patent number: 8734435
    Abstract: A dual port ablation cannula kit includes a trocar and a hollow shaft defining a longitudinal lumen. The shaft has a proximal segment and a distal segment, such that the distal segment includes a distal tip substantially aligned with the shaft to permit passage of the trocar within the hollow shaft. The distal tip also is configured with a tissue-gripping surface in as much as a plane of the tissue-gripping surface is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the shaft, dual ports extending from an exterior surface of the hollow shaft, each port defining a hollow passageway into the hollow shaft, and dual couplers, one coupling a suction line to one of the dual ports and another coupling an irrigation line to another of the dual ports. Finally, the kit can include a laser fiber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Orthopaedic Development LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Greenberg, Scott S. Katzman
  • Publication number: 20140142384
    Abstract: An endoscope is provided and includes a flexible insertion tube; a distal end assembly provided at an end of the insertion tube; and a cooling medium tube provided in the inside of the insertion tube, and connected to the distal end assembly. A cooling medium for cooling the distal end assembly is introduced through one of the insertion tube and the cooling medium tube, and discharged through the other of the insertion tube and the cooling medium tube. Since the endoscope is configured such that the cooling medium directly contacts with a heating element or a conductor through which the heat of the heating element is conducted, the cooling effect of the front end portion of the endoscope is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hae-In CHUNG, Mun-Kue PARK, Jin-Won LEE
  • Patent number: 8727969
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an outer tube having a sharpened distal end and a retractable sleeve slidably disposed in the outer tube. An image conduit is attached to the distal end of the retractable sleeve for imaging any object in contact with the distal tip of the image conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Lighthouse Imaging, LLC
    Inventor: Dennis C. Leiner
  • Patent number: 8721531
    Abstract: An electronic endoscope includes a distal end portion of an insertion portion which incorporates an image pickup unit, a first metal frame which holds an observation window, a second metal frame which holds an objective optical system, a third metal frame which is made to fit with a rear portion of the second metal frame and holds an electronic component, an anti-fogging unit which prevents fogging of the observation window, and a thermal insulation member which thermally insulates the anti-fogging unit and the second metal frame from each other to inhibit transmission of heat generated in the anti-fogging unit to the third metal frame, an outer circumferential face of which fits with an inner circumferential face of the first metal frame, and an inner circumferential face of which fits with an outer circumferential face of the second metal frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Hironobu Ichimura, Tomohisa Takahashi
  • Patent number: 8721529
    Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing suction and/or irrigation to locations within a body cavity. In general, the methods and devices can allow instruments within a body cavity to be cleaned during a surgical procedure without having to remove the instruments from the body cavity. In one embodiment, an end effector is provided that includes an elongate body having a cleaning base formed thereon. The end effector can be configured as a modular element configured to be removably and replaceably attachable to a distal end of an elongate shaft. The cleaning base can have one or more ports formed through a surface thereof. The cleaning base can be configured to provide suction and/or irrigation through the one or more ports to clean a face of a surgical instrument seated in the cleaning base or in close proximity to the cleaning base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Hess, Duane Linenkugel, David B. Griffith
  • Patent number: 8721528
    Abstract: The present application relates to a medical gripping device (1) with a flexible shaft (2) with a front end (13) and a rear end (14) and a web (5) comprising at least one web element, wherein the web (4) is attached to the front end (3) of the shaft (2). The medical gripping device additionally has at least two branches (5, 6) which are hinged on the web (4), and at least two at least partly flexible control mechanisms (7, 151, 155, 8, 152, 156) which are at least partly arranged in the shaft (2), wherein each individual branch (5, 6) can be moved individually with respect to the web (4) by means of its individual control mechanism (7, 151, 155, 8, 152, 156). Furthermore, the medical gripping device has a grip (150) at the rear end (14) of the flexible shaft (2), by mans of which grip the medical gripping device (1) can be held and actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Ovesco Endoscopy AG
    Inventors: Chi-Nghia Ho, Gunnar Anhoeck, Marc O. Schurr
  • Patent number: 8721527
    Abstract: A dissection device comprising an elongate cannula having proximal and distal ends and a central axis and arranged to receive at least a remote viewing device therein, a handle arranged to be attached to the proximal end of the elongate cannula and a dissection tip arranged to be attached to the distal end of the elongate cannula, the dissection tip comprising a curved hollow shroud that when the dissection tip is orientated for use defines a substantially concave working cavity having an open underside, the hollow shroud comprising a pair of laterally extending lateral extensions, each wing extending from an opposing lateral portion of the periphery of the hollow shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Device Innovations Ltd.
    Inventors: Marjorie J. I. Braam, Markus J. C. Smeulders, John K. Stanley, David Cottier
  • Patent number: 8715170
    Abstract: An endoscope objective optical system includes, in order from an object side, a first lens composed of a negative single lens, a second lens composed of a positive single lens, an aperture stop, a third lens composed of a positive single lens, and a fourth lens composed of a positive combined lens, the third lens having a meniscus shape having a convex surface facing the image side. The endoscope objective optical system satisfies the following conditions: 0.3<Df/f<1.15,??(1) n1<1.79,??(2) n2>n1,??(3) 0.6<IH/f<0.83,??(4) and |r1|?|r2|+d1>1.8??(5) Df is the distance from a surface of the first lens facing the object side to the aperture stop, f is the focal length of the entire system, IH is the maximum image height of the entire system, and d1 is the center thickness of the third lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Akari Kanazawa, Tsutomu Igarashi
  • Patent number: 8715164
    Abstract: An endoscopic incision system includes: an endoscope; a cylindrical member for covering at least a distal end of an insertion section of the endoscope; and at least an incision section for incising a living tissue, the incision section being provided to a distal end of the cylindrical member and being capable of being exposed from the distal end of the cylindrical member outwardly. In this configuration, the radially expanding incision section will not be twisted or bent, and the incision section prevented from inadvertent fall-off can maintain the desirable shape when it is operated and rotated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Goto
  • Patent number: 8715166
    Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a hollow member having a sidewall provided with a window and a closure member movably connected to the hollow member for alternately covering and uncovering the window. The hollow member has a first clamping surface along an edge of the window, while the closure member has a second clamping surface opposing the first clamping surface and disposable substantially adjacent thereto in a clamping or closure configuration of the instrument. The instrument additionally comprises a tissue occlusion component mounted to at least one of the hollow member and the closure member for acting on tissues gripped between the first clamping surface and the second clamping surface, to couple the tissues to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Macroplata Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory Piskun
  • Patent number: 8696550
    Abstract: An endoscope sheath is provided for advancing medical devices into the anatomy of a patient. The endoscope sheath includes at least one lumen that may be used to advance devices alongside an endoscope. The endoscope sheath may include an endoscope cap configured to mate with the lumen. The endoscope may include one or more coupling members configured to mate with the openings of the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventor: Vihar C. Surti
  • Patent number: 8684914
    Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian McDowall, John Stern
  • Patent number: 8684912
    Abstract: An endoscopic support device configured to support an endoscope during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The endoscopic support device has a connection ring with a height smaller than its diameter and configured to be in an open or deployed position and in a closed or non-deployed position. The support device also has at least two guiding elements, an orientation component, and extension means for manipulating the ring between the deployed and non-deployed positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Université Libre de Bruxelles
    Inventors: Jacques Deviere, Nicolas Cauche, Alain Delchambre, Sylvie Evrard
  • Publication number: 20140081085
    Abstract: An endoscope tip part has impact resistance even when applied to a thin endoscope, and the light distribution characteristics thereof can be improved even at a wide angle of view. An endoscope tip part includes a tip part main body that is attached to the tip of an insertion section of an endoscope and a positive-power transparent-plastic tip lens that is integrated with the tip part main body through two-color molding. The tip lens is a lens that is located closest to an object, among optical elements constituting an illumination optical system of the endoscope, and the tip part main body is provided with an insertion hole into which two positive-power rear lenses that will be disposed behind the tip lens are inserted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Hideyasu Takato, Yuji Kamo, Yoshifumi Tsuji
  • Patent number: 8672838
    Abstract: In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc.
    Inventor: Ian McDowall
  • Patent number: 8672834
    Abstract: A reciprocating surgical file system for precisely removing bone and/or other tissue is described. The system allows a user to maneuver the system and navigate into hard-to-access sites. The tool may be used to perform a spinal decompression by removing tissue that impinges a spinal nerve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Surgitech, LLC
    Inventor: Richard J. Harp
  • Publication number: 20140058201
    Abstract: An electronic endoscope device with enhanced heat resistance and durability is provided. In the electronic endoscope device, an optical member, and a frame body made of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient different from the optical member and holding the optical member are arranged at an insertion section to be inserted into a subject. The optical member and the frame body are connected to each other via adhesive layers of a three-layer structure having mutually different thermal expansion coefficients.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Akira MIZUYOSHI
  • Publication number: 20140046129
    Abstract: A steerable imaging catheter is provided, including an elongated catheter tube, at least one steering cable extending along the catheter tube to control the movement of the distal end thereof, and a fiber optic cable extending along the catheter tube. The fiber optic cable transmits illumination light from its proximal end to its distal end and transmits an image from its distal end to its proximal end. In one embodiment, two or more steering cables are used, and the catheter tube is configured to have greater flexibility near its distal end than its proximal end so as to concentrate the movement (flexing) of the catheter tube at its distal end. The use of two or more steering cables, together with the catheter tube having varying flexibility, permit better control of the distal end of the catheter tube while reducing undue twisting of the remainder of the catheter tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael P. BOUTILLETTE, David Micky GRAVES, M. Kevin RICHARDSON, David I. FREED, Paul M. SCOPTON
  • Patent number: 8647260
    Abstract: The invention relates to an image apparatus for endoscopes, which makes sure easier viewing especially at a peripheral portion of a screen while taking care of the observing angle of view and size of an optical system. The image apparatus comprises an optical system adapted to form an optical image of an object, an image pickup device adapted to convert the formed optical image into electric signals to obtain image data, and an image processing means adapted to move and transform a position of the optical image acquired by the image pickup device. A radiation direction magnification is transformable by the image processing means independently from a concentric direction magnification, and a magnification for a conformal object is higher at a peripheral portion than at a central portion of a screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Yuji Kamo
  • Patent number: 8632458
    Abstract: The teachings provided herein are directed to a methods and devices for treating a hemorrhoid in a subject in a manner that produces substantially less post-procedural pain in the subject, the method minimizing or avoiding a removing or a necrosis of a rectal tissue fold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Macroplata Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory Piskun, Patrick Gutelius, Oleg Shikhman
  • Patent number: 8628467
    Abstract: A flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a moisture sensor disposed within the outer sheath configured to detect moisture within the outer sheath. Another flexible shaft includes a flexible, elongated outer sheath, at least one flexible drive shaft disposed within the outer sheath and a coupling connected to a distal end of the outer sheath configured to couple to a surgical attachment. A sleeve includes an elongated shaft configured to receive a flexible shaft therein and a securing arrangement configured to selectively and variably retain the elongated shaft in any one of a number of longitudinal positions along the flexible shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Michael P. Whitman, John E. Burbank, David A. Zeichner
  • Patent number: 8617056
    Abstract: Provided is an endoscope with a handle and an endoscope shaft connected to the handle, which has a bendable section and a rigid section, adjoining it, with a support extending in the longitudinal direction of the endoscope shaft, wherein the bendable section has a flexible outer tube the end of which facing the rigid section rests on the support, wherein a fixing sleeve is connected to the end section and covers the end of the outer tube facing the rigid section such that said end is clamped for fixing between the fixing sleeve and the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Henke-Sass, Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Haeckl, Daniel Seeh
  • Patent number: 8602970
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Yuta Muyari, Keita Suzuki, Tsutomu Okada, Shunsuke Motosugi
  • Patent number: 8602979
    Abstract: A distal portion of an electronic endoscope is formed with a cutaway portion and a distal end surface. The distal portion is provided with side-viewing and front-viewing capturing optical systems. The side-viewing capturing optical system has a side-viewing objective lens, a prism with a half mirror surface, and a varifocal lens. Light incident on the half-mirror surface from the side-viewing objective lens is reflected to be incident on a CCD through the varifocal lens. Moving the varifocal lens allows the side-viewing capturing optical system to switch from normal observation to magnifying observation and vice versa. In the magnifying observation, a best focus position resides on an extension, of an outer circumferential surface of the distal portion, facing the cutaway portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Ryou Kitano
  • Patent number: 8602971
    Abstract: Various embodiments for providing removable and pluggable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, image capture devices, and heat dissipation mechanisms. The illumination elements may have different wavelengths and can be time synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or otherwise conditioning purpose. The optoelectronic modules may include means for optical and/or wireless communication. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged in on the exterior surface of a device, inside the device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Vivid Medical. Inc.
    Inventor: Mina Farr
  • Patent number: 8602980
    Abstract: A folding endoscope with incorporated optical sensors and light sources includes a housing having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis and at least one channel extending between the first and second ends and associated ports at the first and second ends for inserting surgical instruments through the housing into a surgical site. The endoscope includes at least two elongate arms having proximal and distal ends and being pivotally connected at the distal ends thereof to the first end of the housing. A camera and light source are mounted on each of the elongate arms such that when the elongate arms are deployed the cameras have a field of view in a generally forward direction away from the housing. A linkage mechanism is connected to the elongate arms, and an actuator is connected to the linkage mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: The Hospital for Sick Children
    Inventors: Harmanpreet Bassan, Peter Kim, Thomas Looi