With Particular Distal Tip Configuration Patents (Class 600/129)
  • Patent number: 8246534
    Abstract: When a guide wire 5 is maximally raised on a treatment instrument raising stand 35, a distal point of the guide wire 5 is operated so as to be capable of always observing a papillary opening portion 7, which is a subject to be treated, from the front (in a basic position where the portion to be treated is positioned at the center of the field of view). The treatment instrument raising stand 35 is maximally raised in order that the tilt angle ? of the guide wire 5 is equal to the tilt angle ? of a central axis of a field of view of an observation window 30. Then, the guide wire 5 is fixed and a treatment instrument such as a drainage tube is replaced, whereby a treatment instrument can be easily and more safely replaced via the guide wire 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Koji Yamaya
  • Publication number: 20120209072
    Abstract: An endoscope includes: a distal end rigid member to which an observation optical portion is fixedly provided; a distal end cover fixed to the distal end rigid member in an integrated manner, and including an illuminating window portion and a light-emitting device installing hole; a light-emitting device arranged in the light-emitting device installing hole and including a light-emitting portion that faces the illuminating window portion included in the distal end cover, and a conductive portion opposed to the opening of the light-emitting device installing hole; a substrate having thermal conductance and combining as a heat dissipating portion, and connected to the conductive portion of the light-emitting device, a power supply cable being connected thereto; and a heat dissipation member having thermal conductance, an end side of which being connected to the substrate and another end side projecting relative to the substrate to dissipate heat conducted to the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Takeshi OUE, Akira KUDO, Yosuke SATO
  • Patent number: 8241204
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a surgical device and methods of using the surgical device are disclosed. The surgical device may comprise a collar configured to fit over a distal face of an endoscope and rotate about a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. The surgical device may also comprise a flexible, elongate translating mechanism coupled to the collar and extending proximally from the collar. Applying a linear force to the translating mechanism may cause the translating mechanism to exert a rotational force on the collar. In addition, the surgical device may comprise a hollow cap coupled to a distal end of the collar. The cap may be pivotable relative to the collar in a plane parallel to the axis. In addition, the cap may have a first open end configured to face the endoscope and a second open end configured to face distally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Spivey
  • Patent number: 8241197
    Abstract: A method for generating a cardiogram is provided. The method includes contacting an anterior surface of a patient's heart with a magnetic mat. The magnetic mat is constructed and arranged to conform to and move with the heart as the heart contracts and relaxes. The method also includes placing an electromagnetic assembly on the patient's chest. The electromagnetic assembly includes an inductive coil and is in functionally cooperative relation with respect to the mat. The method also includes measuring a current generated in the coil by movement of the magnetic mat due to movement of the heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: John W Royalty
  • Patent number: 8235887
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end and an imaging device with a steerable extension. The proximal end of the extension is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end region and a rear-viewing imaging device at least partially disposed inside the distal end region. An endoscope includes an insertion tube having a distal end cap, an imaging device, and a link that couples the imaging device to the distal end cap of the insertion tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Avantis Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lex Bayer, Fred Rasmussen
  • Patent number: 8226544
    Abstract: The endoscope treatment tool 1 has a distal end member 3 which is installed in an endoscope. A connection member 4 is attached to the distal end member 3 in a freely rotatable manner. In the connection member 4, a portion which is supported by a cap 12 of the distal end member 3 is a second pivot shaft 15. A portion penetrating a supporting member 21 of a treatment portion 5 is a first pivot shaft 23. The first pivot shaft 23 is also a rotational axis of a pair of forceps members 22 provided in the treatment member 5. When the forceps members 22 are used, a coil sheath 6 is extended by an operation at the side of the proximal end. The connection member 4 rotates about the second pivot shaft 15, which is a fulcrum, and the treatment portion 5 moves forward beyond the cap 12. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to resolve the difficulty of procedures by positioning the treatment portion in an appropriate location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignees: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Yuta Muyari, Naohisa Yahagi
  • Patent number: 8226547
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion, a resin tubular covering member, a fastening member and a contact surface. The insertion portion includes a bending portion. The resin tubular covering member is covering a covering target part in the insertion portion including the bending portion. The fastening member is wound around the outer periphery of at least one end of the covering member and fastens the end to the covering target part. The contact surface is provided on the side of the covering target part covered with the end, is placed in contact with the end face of the covering member and becomes thinner toward the side of the covering member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Takuroh Tsutsumi
  • Patent number: 8221311
    Abstract: A face tip assembly for an endoscope for viewing a visually obscured portion of a body cavity and for surgically treating a portion of a body cavity with an operating tool may include at least one operating tool port located in an outer wall surface of the face tip assembly, and the outer wall surface may generally lie in a plane which is disposed at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the face tip housing. This outer wall surface may have a generally U-shaped configuration. At least one optical image channel port may be located in another outer wall surface of the face tip housing, and this outer wall surface faces toward the distal end of the face tip housing. The outer wall surface in which the tool port is located extends from the outer wall surface in which the at least one optical image channel port is located, toward the distal end of the face tip housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jorge A. Campos
  • Patent number: 8221310
    Abstract: Tissue visualization devices and variations thereof are described herein where such devices may utilize a variety of methods for facilitating clearing of the device of opaque bodily fluids and sealing between the device and the underlying tissue surface. Additionally, methods and devices for enhancing navigation of the device through a patient body are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Voyage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Chris A. Rothe, Edmund Tam, Ruey-Feng Peh
  • Patent number: 8221306
    Abstract: In an endoscope therapeutic device having a plurality of introduction guide tubes for introducing a treatment tool into a body cavity, the introduction guide tubes are mutually joined at a position more proximal than bending portions thereof. Accordingly, the effects caused by the movement of the plurality of the introduction guide tubes are mutually invalidated at a joint portion as a fulcrum, so that the position of the introduction guide tube is relatively stabilized in the body cavity. As joining methods, there are integration, usage of a joint tool, and usage of an over tube. The operability is improved when the introduction guide tube is provided at the distal end thereof with a mechanism for retaining and/or rotating a distal end of a treatment tool inserted therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yuta Okada, Ryuta Sekine, Raifu Matsui
  • Patent number: 8206288
    Abstract: A medical endoscope and insertion portion for a medical endoscope having a fiber tube that encloses an image guide and is surrounded by optical fibers, the distal opening of said fiber tube being sealed by a window, which is heated by an electric resistance heater located close by, wherein the heater is designed as heating foil arranged on the outer surface of the fiber tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Winter & IBE GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Wieters, Andreas Mückner
  • Patent number: 8202214
    Abstract: There is provided an endoscope capable of observing cells at a desired position existing in the depth direction with a simple structure as compared to the conventional configuration. The endoscope includes an insert unit to be inserted into a biological body, a low-scaling observation system for observing an observation position in a biological body with a low scaling, and a high-scaling observation system for observing a target position of the aforementioned observation position as a local position with a high scaling. The high-scaling observation system includes a plurality of illumination units for applying illumination light for high-scaling observation of the target position. The illumination units are arranged at predetermined positions of the end face of the insert unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Doguchi, Hironobu Ichimura
  • Patent number: 8187172
    Abstract: An end cap for an endoscope. The end cap is configured to allow the endoscope to be introduced into a patient body by a short-wire type of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Gregory J. Skerven, John A. Karpiel
  • Patent number: 8182421
    Abstract: A medical endoscope (1) fitted with an optics duct (4) receiving an optical system (9, 10) enclosed by a system tube (6), the distal end of the optics duct (4) being closed by a window (5) to the inner surface of which is mounted an electrical heater (11), characterized in that the heating ring (11) rests against the inner surface of the window (5) while being pressed in that direction by a spring (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Winter & IBE GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Mückner, Harald Lücht
  • Patent number: 8182422
    Abstract: An endoscope assembly with a main imaging device and a first light source is configured to provide a forward view of a body cavity, and further includes a detachable imaging device with an attachment member engageable with the distal end region of the endoscope, a linking member connected to the attachment member, and an imaging element with a second light source, wherein the detachable imaging device provides a retrograde view of the body cavity and the main imaging device. Light interference is reduced by using polarizing filters or by alternating the on/off state of the main imaging device, the first light source, the imaging element and the second light source so that the main imaging device and first light source are on when the imaging element and second light source are off and the main imaging device and first light source are off when the imaging element and second light source are on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Avantis Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Lex Bayer, Rupesh Desai, John Higgins
  • Publication number: 20120116165
    Abstract: A distal end hood for an endoscope configured to be mounted on a distal end portion of an endoscope including an observation window, and a distal end surface of the distal end portion on which an opening is formed, the opening configured to spray a feed gas, the distal end hood for an endoscope including a conduit including: a first end portion on which a first opening is formed, the first opening being fitted together by insertion with an opening of the distal end surface of the distal end portion of the endoscope and being connectable to the opening; and a second end portion on which a second opening is formed, the second opening being disposed at a position away from the distal end surface toward a proximal end side of the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuyuki TORISAWA, Koji Yoshida, Hiroshi Shibuya
  • Patent number: 8152713
    Abstract: A capsule endoscope including: an illumination board section on which an illumination portion is arranged; a lens support member that supports a lens; a hole that pierces through the illumination board section, the lens support member being fitted in the hole; and a supporting portion that positions and supports the illumination board section with respect to the lens support member when the lens support member is inserted into the hole, the supporting portion being provided in the lens support member. A method for assembling a capsule endoscope that includes an imaging board section on which an image sensor is arranged is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Noriyuki Fujimori
  • Patent number: 8131350
    Abstract: Systems for the stabilization of visualization catheters are described herein which facilitate the deployment and retraction of an imaging hood from a catheter. Such systems may include a deployment catheter and an imaging hood having one or more structural elements which may be integrated or advanced into the hood independently of the hood itself. Moreover, additional features such as rapid exchange ports may be integrated along the hood or along the catheter proximal to the hood to facilitate intravascular procedures and treatments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Voyage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid A. Saadat, Chris A. Rothe, Ruey-Feng Peh, Edmund Tam
  • Patent number: 8123680
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an image acquisition device, an objective optical system having a predetermined optical axis, first and second light guiding members that emit first and second illumination light, first and second optical systems that refract the first and second illumination light to intersect with the optical axis of the objective optical system, and a tube-like inserted portion having a distal end. The first and second optical systems are disposed at substantially mirror symmetrical positions at the distal end having a shoulder portion that becomes narrower toward the tip. When viewed from the optical axis direction of the objective optical system, the inclination directions at substantially the center of the outer surfaces of the first and second optical systems and straight lines that pass through the center of the objective optical system and the centers of the first and second optical systems form angles of 30° or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Takayuki Kato, Koichiro Ito
  • Patent number: 8114013
    Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion capable of illuminating a diseased part corresponding to a part of an endoscope image by irradiation light in an amount approximately the same as that in non-enlarged display, when displaying the part of the endoscope image in an enlarged manner. The endoscope insertion portion of this invention includes: an insertion portion having a distal end surface; a first illumination optical system for irradiating light onto a subject; a second illumination optical system for irradiating light onto the subject; a first image pickup portion including on the distal end surface a first optical member for introducing light from the subject; and a second image pickup portion including a second optical member for introducing light from the subject, the second optical member being disposed in an area sandwiched by the first illumination optical system and the second illumination optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Takashi Otawara
  • Patent number: 8109872
    Abstract: A delivery apparatus cooperable with a grasping slot of an elevator of endoscope for enhanced delivery to a target location in a patient is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a catheter including an inner lumen and an outer surface. The outer surface has a projection formed thereon. The projection radially extends from the outer surface. The projection is configured to receive the elevator for enhanced delivery in the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth C. Kennedy, II, Vihar C. Surti, David F. Waller
  • Publication number: 20120029285
    Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having a first part moveable from a first configuration to a second, different configuration, the instrument including a stiffener extending across the region that the first part is moveable from the first to the second configuration, the stiffener being moveable from a first position in which movement between the first and second configurations is inhibited and a second position in which movement between the first and second configurations is permitted. A method of using an endoscopic instrument.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: David Main
  • Publication number: 20120022329
    Abstract: In one embodiment, an endoscope includes a body, an elongated shaft that extends from the body, the elongated shaft ending in a distal tip, a first anchoring device that is fixed to the elongated shaft, and a second anchoring device that is extendable from the elongated shaft. In one embodiment, an endoscope advancing apparatus includes a first anchoring device adapted to be fixed to an elongated shaft of an endoscope, and a second anchoring device adapted to be mounted to an opposite side of the elongated shaft in a manner in which the second anchoring device can be axially extended from the elongated shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Mihir S. Wagh, Roberto Montane, JR., Carl D. Crane
  • Patent number: 8100823
    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 under a direct vision mechanism. A transmission mechanism converts rotary motion from a motor into reciprocating motion and provides it to the surgical file for precision removal of bone or other tissue. A pulsatile pump mechanism is operatively coupled with the transmission mechanism and provides irrigating fluid to the surgical site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Surgitech, LLC
    Inventor: Richard J. Harp
  • Patent number: 8100822
    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 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Macroplata Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory Piskun
  • Publication number: 20120010469
    Abstract: A catheter guiding tool includes a handle of the guiding tool, the handle including an inner cavity extending between a proximal end and a distal end of the handle; a flexible wire guide; a cover closing the proximal end of the handle, wherein the proximal end of the wire guide forms a coil spring, the coil spring being positioned in the inner cavity of the handle and held in rotation by the cover, the cover being solidary in rotation of the handle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: SOMEDICS RD
    Inventor: Jean Michel Boyer
  • Patent number: 8092375
    Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion of the invention includes a plurality of observation windows having different outer diameters for leading incident light to a plurality of image pickup portions, and disposed on a distal end surface of the distal end portion; and an air/water feeding portion for spouting out a gas or liquid toward the plurality of observation windows, and disposed to the distal end portion. One of the plurality of observation windows having the largest outer diameter is disposed on the distal end surface at a position closest to the air/water feeding portion than the other of the plurality of observation windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Takashi Otawara
  • Patent number: 8088061
    Abstract: An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip comprises a handle assembly, a shaft connected to a distal portion thereof and a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of the shaft. The clip assembly includes clip arms and a capsule cooperating with the clip arms to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a control wire including a ball connector, the control wire extending from the handle assembly and coupled to the clip assembly by the ball connector to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the shaft, wherein the ball connector is detachable from the clip assembly to provide a second user feedback indicating separation of the clip assembly from the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Keith Wells, Lance Alan Wolf, Gregory R. Furnish, Vasily P. Abramov, William C. Mers Kelly, Russell F. Durgin
  • Patent number: 8083668
    Abstract: A hemostatic clip assembly for mounting on a delivery device comprises a capsule and a clip slidably mounted within the capsule so that, when the clip is drawn proximally into the capsule, arms of the clip are drawn together to a closed position, an abutting surface of at least one of the arms contacting a corresponding surface of the capsule when the clip is drawn to a predetermined position within the capsule to provide a first user feedback indicating closure of the clip in combination with a tension member connected to the clip arms and biasing the clip arms toward an open, tissue receiving configuration and a yoke slidably received within the capsule and releasably coupled to the tension member, the yoke including a ball cavity for receiving a ball connector of a control element of the delivery device to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the delivery device, wherein the control element is frangible to detach the yoke from the delivery device and to provide a second user feedback and, wherein release
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell F. Durgin, William C. Mers Kelly, Lance Alan Wolf, Brian Keith Wells, Vasily P. Abramov, Gregory R. Furnish
  • Patent number: 8083670
    Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope comprising: an insertion unit which is to be inserted into a body; and a pipeline provided inside the insertion unit for supplying a fluid to a balloon mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit, wherein the pipeline has a plurality of openings in an axial direction of the insertion unit on the outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit. Therefore, the endoscope of the present invention can easily fix a balloon and keep airtightness after the fixation, and can raise a degree of freedom of a mounting location of the balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8075478
    Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for viewing a visually obscured portion of a body cavity. The system includes an endoscopic-type instrument, an imaging apparatus, and a human interface apparatus. The endoscopic-type instrument includes a face tip assembly connected to a shaft assembly, the shaft assembly being connected to a handle and viewing assembly. The face tip assembly includes a plurality of input/output ports and a working channel extension to protect an optical image collector. The shaft assembly includes an actively flexible shaft segment and a passively flexible shaft. The method for viewing a visually obscured portion of a cavity includes the steps of providing an instrument having an actively flexible shaft segment and manipulating the actively flexible shaft segment to a desired angular deflection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: Jorge A. Campos
  • Patent number: 8066631
    Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope having a bendable guide element, by means of which a tool can be securely guided and simultaneously steered outward into a broad operating area at the head of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Viktor Josef Wimmer
  • Patent number: 8062213
    Abstract: An endoscope has a shaft having a distal end, the distal end terminates in an endoscope head having at least one light inlet and at least one channel for passing a flushing medium, the endoscope head having a body, a segment of the body being able to be detached from the body, the segment having a deflecting element arranged at a distance in front of a mouth of the at least one channel for passing the flushing medium, the deflecting element serves for guiding the flushing medium emerging the channel towards the light inlet, the segment being received captively and in a defined position on the body and being secured thereon by means of a holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Vitali Jerjomin
  • Patent number: 8052596
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using an imaging device. The endoscope includes an image photographing means and an object insertion means. The image photographing means includes a head housing to which an imaging device and an illumination means are mounted, and functions to photograph an image. The object insertion means includes an arc-shaped flexible thin foil, an insulating adhesive film, a circuit film and an insulating protective film which are layered and inserted into an interior of an object to be inspected. The object insertion means is connected at one end thereof to the image photographing means and connected at the other end to a transmission cable via a connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Korea Plant Service & Engineering Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gyung-Sub Kim
  • Patent number: 8050746
    Abstract: Tissue visualization device and method variations are described herein where an imaging hood is temporarily sealed against a region of tissue to be treated while under direct visualization. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. The imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to the tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A translucent or transparent fluid is pumped into the hood until the fluid displaces any blood leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element. Temporary sealing against the tissue can be achieved in a number of ways such as circumferential balloons inflatable within the hood or other sealing techniques. A field of view of the imaging element can be expanded by inflating the balloon beyond the imaging hood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Voyage Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Vahid Saadat, Ruey-Feng Peh, Edmund Tam, Amir A. Abolfathi, Chris A. Rothe
  • Patent number: 8046057
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying tissue structures in advance of a mechanical medical instrument during a medical procedure. A mechanical tissue penetrating medical instrument (22) has a distal end for penetrating tissue in a penetrating direction. An optical wavefront analysis system (32-50) provides light to illuminate tissue ahead of the medical instrument and receives light returned by tissue ahead of the medical instrument. An optical fiber (30) is coupled at a proximal end to the wavefront analysis system and attached at a distal end to the medical instrument proximate the distal end of the medical instrument. The distal end of the fiber has an illumination pattern directed substantially in the penetrating direction for illuminating the tissue ahead of the medical instrument and receiving light returned therefrom. The wavefront analysis system provides information about the distance from the distal end of the medical instrument to tissue features ahead of the medical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Inventor: Dana S. Clarke
  • Patent number: 8038604
    Abstract: An endoscope distal end cover includes a cover portion provided with a coupling port for covering at least a part of an outer circumferential portion of a distal end portion main body configuring an insertion portion of an endoscope; an opening portion for allowing a surface of the distal end portion main body to be in communication with outside when the cover portion is disposed on the distal end portion main body; a finger-hooking portion provided on the cover portion and located away from an edge portion of the coupling port by a predetermined distance; a plastic-deformation portion formed adjacent to the finger-hooking portion and along a predetermined direction of the cover portion; and convex portion engaged with an engaging portion provided to the distal end portion main body, the convex portion being provided on an inner surface of the cover portion adjacent to the plastic-deformation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Masanori Hamazaki, Seiji Kitano
  • Patent number: 8038603
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Moriyama
  • Patent number: 8038606
    Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion of this invention includes an air/water feeding portion for spouting gas or liquid from a spouting port to outer surfaces of the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system, which is disposed on the distal end portion so as to line up with the first observation optical system and the second observation optical system on a generally straight line. The air/water feeding portion is disposed on the distal end portion such that a spouting direction of the gas or the liquid has a first angle with respect to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Takashi Otawara
  • Patent number: 8033990
    Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion of the invention includes a distal end portion, and a plurality of image pickup portions each including an image pickup device for obtaining an endoscope image, wherein the plurality of image pickup portions are disposed in the distal end portion such that agreement is made between first and second electric charge transfer directions in which electric charges are transferred from each photoelectric conversion device of the respective image pickup devices, thus avoiding a sense of incongruity (stress to a user) from being caused by endoscope images displayed on a monitor, which are obtained by a plurality of image pickup units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Takashi Otawara
  • Patent number: 8033988
    Abstract: An endoscope apparatus comprises: an endoscope comprising an insertion portion, wherein an air hole is formed at a distal end of the insertion portion; and a balloon attached to the distal end of the insertion portion, the balloon being expanded by supply of air through an inlet/outlet port of the air hole and contracted by suction of air through of the inlet/outlet port, wherein the inlet/outlet port of the air hole is formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle to an axis of the insertion portion of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Tetsuya Fujikura
  • Publication number: 20110245679
    Abstract: An endoscope hood includes: an opening portion which is placed on a far side with respect to a leading end surface of an insertion part of an endoscope, wherein an opening is formed on the opening portion in a direction substantially orthogonal to an axial direction of the insertion part; and a flexible hood part configured to cover a portion other than the opening, on the far side with respect to the leading end surface of the insertion part, wherein gas inside of the hood part is sucked from a gas suction port of the insertion part, the opening is adsorbed onto a region to be measured, and the hood part is deformed so as to be closely adhered to the region to be measured within a range of the opening and a probe, to thereby fix the probe to the region to be measured in a state where the probe is set therealong.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Hiroshi YAMAKITA
  • Patent number: 8029438
    Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion including a distal end portion, to be inserted into a subject; an observation optical system disposed in the insertion portion; an optical member configuring a part of an outer surface of the distal end portion, through which a photographing light to be incident into the observation optical system transmits; a first hydrophilic portion that is film-formed at least on a surface of the optical member; a second hydrophilic portion that is film-formed on a first surface of the distal end portion in which the optical member is disposed; and a third hydrophilic portion that is film-formed on a second surface separate from the first surface of the distal end portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Masahiro Hagihara, Takao Yamaguchi, Kiyoshi Tsuji, Atsushi Goto, Hiroaki Kinoshita, Hirofumi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8016753
    Abstract: An endoscope including an inserted portion, which is adapted to be inserted into an organ, having a distal portion with a distal surface, a liquid outlet, which is formed in the distal portion, and is adapted to eject liquid therefrom toward an object located in vicinity to the distal portion, and a flow attracting member, which is adapted to attract a flow of the liquid ejected from the liquid outlet, is provided. The flow of the liquid ejected from the liquid outlet is angled by the flow attracting member so that the liquid is directed at a predetermined portion of the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Noriyuki Sugita
  • Patent number: 8012085
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for collecting/transporting a medical capsule by holding the medical capsule using an endoscopic apparatus comprising: an endoscope having an inserting section to be inserted in a body cavity with a distal end including an observation section to observe a subject and an suction opening; a sucking device in communicated with the suction opening; and a generally cylindrical hood member which is attached to the distal end of the inserting section, the method comprising: a sucking step of making an inside of the hood member vacuum by actuating the sucking device to suck the inside of the hood member through the suction opening; and a holding step of attracting and holding the medical capsule to the hood member sucked by the sucking step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignees: SRJ Corporation, Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Hironori Yamamoto, Katsuaki Ohashi, Mamoru Machiya
  • Patent number: 8007432
    Abstract: Devices and methods useful for manipulating tools at a surgical site are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, an accessory device is provided and can include an insertion member and a control wire. The insertion member can have a lumen for receiving a tool therethrough, such as an endoscope. The control wire can be coupled to the insertion member and have a distal portion extending distally from the insertion member and be adapted to receive and to manipulate a tool extending through the insertion member. The control wire can have a wide variety of configurations, and in certain exemplary embodiments the control wire can be slidably received in one or more control wire lumens formed through the insertion member. In use, the control wire can be manipulated, for example by axially sliding the control wire in one or more control wire lumens to control a tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: Omar J Vakharia, David Stefanchik, James T Spivey
  • Patent number: 8007504
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for functionally occluding the lumen of the left atrial appendage (LAA) is provided. Access to the LAA is through an epicardial approach. The devices function to capture the LAA through various non-invasive means. After capturing the LAA with the devices and methods provided, a clamping device is preferably disposed about the base of the appendage. In certain embodiments, the appendage remains viable subsequent to the functional occlusion of the lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: University of Pittsburgh of The Commonwealth System of Higher Education
    Inventors: Marco Zenati, David S. Schwartzman, Mark J. Gartner, Daniel T. McKeel
  • Patent number: 8002697
    Abstract: An endoscope system includes a first endoscope having a first observation optical system with a first viewing angle and a first illumination optical system; and a second endoscope having a second observation optical system with a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle and a second illumination optical system. A second illumination region of illuminating light that is emitted by the second illumination optical system and has a predetermined illuminance is wider than a first illumination region of illuminating light that is emitted by the first illumination optical system and has a predetermined illuminance, at any imaging distance that is pointed in an observation direction from a distal end of an insertion portion of each of the first endoscope and the second endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroki Moriyama
  • Patent number: 7998064
    Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion of the invention comprises: a distal end portion; first image pickup means for obtaining a first observation image, the first image pickup means being disposed to the distal end portion; second image pickup means for obtaining a second observation image, the second image pickup means being disposed to the distal end portion; a first object optical system for condensing photographing light incident on the first image pickup means, the first object optical system being located in the distal end portion; a second object optical system for condensing photographing light incident on the second image pickup means, the second object optical system being located in the distal end portion; and a plurality of illumination optical systems for irradiating light to a subject, the plurality of illumination optical systems being located in the distal end portion in a manner sandwiching each of the first object optical system and the second object optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Takashi Otawara
  • Patent number: 7985177
    Abstract: An endoscope for magnified image observation configured to observe a magnified image of in vivo tissue comprises an insertion part configured to be inserted into a body, a magnified image observation port configured to take in the magnified image of the in vivo tissue in one of a state where the magnified image observation port is in contact with the in vivo tissue and a state where the magnified image observation port is in proximity to the in vivo tissue, the observation port being provided at a distal end of the insertion part, and a marking unit configured to mark the in vivo tissue in one of the state where the magnified image observation port is in contact with the in vivo tissue and the state where the magnified image observation port is in proximity to the in vivo tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Nakamura, Akira Yamamoto, Yae Kurosawa, Yusuke Iimori, Pilryon Lee