Abstract: An endoscope has an insertion portion and a tip unit detachably attached to a distal end of the insertion portion. The insertion portion is configured to be inserted into an object, and has a signal cable and a first optical fiber extending therethrough. The tip unit has a second optical fiber optically connected to the first optical fiber, and an actuator electrically connected to the signal cable. The actuator vibrates the second optical fiber so as to scan light irradiated from the second optical fiber over an observed area.

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

Abstract: An endoscope angle portion comprises an angle portion structure. The angle portion structure includes angle ring units each of which comprises pivoting joint portions extending from its both ends and has a shape that is notched obliquely in directions away from the pivoting joint portions, and wherein adjacent ones of the angle ring units is pivotally joined to form the angle portion structure, wherein a first angle ring unit of the angle ring units has a larger length dimension than that of a second angle ring unit of the angle ring units, and the first angle ring unit has a smaller notch width of a notched portion than that of the second angle ring unit, the first angle ring unit being nearer a base end of the endoscope angle portion than the second angle ring unit.

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

Abstract: An endoscope comprises an inserting unit main body, and a head unit that is freely detachably attached to the distal end of the inserting unit main body and that includes an image pickup device which picks up an image of an object and a light emitting element which irradiates illumination light to the object. A holding member holds the head unit such that distal extension of the holding member angles the head unit in a radial direction orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the distal end of the inserting unit main body.

Abstract: A surgical device and end effector connection system therefor include an easy-to-engage mechanism for connecting a handle/shaft/actuation rod unit to an end effector. This mechanism may utilize an axially engageable inner ball/socket inner connection with a threaded outer connection, or an inner bayonet connection with either an outer bayonet connection or an outer threaded connection. In each of the embodiments, an outer portion of the end effector preferably is statically engaged with the shaft, and an inner portion of the end effector is engaged with the actuation rod such that axial movement of the actuation rod can actuate a tool end of the end effector. The present invention further relates to methods of use for the laparoscopy device.

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

Abstract: A medical instrument includes a flexible catheter and a catheter accessory device. The catheter has a distal end insertable within a body lumen of a patient. The device is slidably engagable with the catheter. One of the catheter and the device includes magnetic material, and the other of the catheter and the device includes electrically-energizable windings. The catheter and the device are adapted to operate as a linear motor wherein controllably electrically energizing the windings while immobilizing one of the catheter and the device slidingly moves the other of the catheter and the device. A method for using the medical instrument, wherein the medical instrument also includes a controller operatively connected to the windings, includes inserting the distal end within the body lumen, immobilizing one of the catheter and the device, and activating the controller to advance the other of the catheter and the device within the body lumen.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam imagers and scanned beam endoscopes having a positionable light collector are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam imager includes a scanned beam source operable to scan a beam across a FOV and a light collector structured to collect light affected by the FOV. The light collector is positionable relative to the beam scanned by the scanned beam source. Scanned beam endoscopes and methods of performing endoscopy are also disclosed that implement the above teachings.

Abstract: A medical endoscope including a stem (1) receiving in its distal end part (3) a video camera (30), the end part (3) being pivotably adjustable relative to the main part (2) of the stem (1) and connecting lines (27, 31) running in the stem (1) from a proximal end region to the end part (3), wherein the main part (2) and the end part (3) are enclosed in sealing manner by rigid stem tubes (5, 8) which are supported in an abutting and sealing manner in a joint (4) by means of a hollow axle (16, 18) running perpendicularly to the stem parts (2, 3), the hollow axle being crossed by the connecting lines (27, 31) in the inside spaces of the stem parts (2, 3).

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

Abstract: A urological resectoscope stem (1) including an insulating muff (11) constituting the end zone of the stem (1), further including an outer tube (2, 9), an inner tube (3) and a cross-sectionally annular distally closed return flow duct (4) which is subtended at least over the larger part of its length between the outer tube (2, 9) and the inner tube (3), where the stem (1) is fitted with outwardly open, distally extending grooves (10), wherein the annular return flow duct (4) communicates directly by apertures (19) with the grooves (10).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed medical devices for illuminating and viewing a patient's internal body portion. The device may include an elongated flexible tube including a distal end and a proximal end. The tube defines a channel extending from the proximal end to an aperture at the distal end. An illumination device is housed within the channel and configured to emit a distally directed path of light. A light source is provided at the distal end of the flexible tube and configured to emit a laterally directed path of light. In one embodiment the light source is a organic light emitting diode.

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

Abstract: When examining a living organism exhibiting dynamic behavior such as pulsing, the dynamic behavior is suppressed and clear images are acquired. The invention provides an objective lens unit including a lens barrel for supporting optical components, wherein an end surface of the lens barrel is disposed farther towards the distal side than an optical component at the extreme distal end, and channel-shaped indented portions extending in the diametrical direction are formed in the end surface of the lens barrel.

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

Abstract: A hard distal component formed at the distal part of an inserting section and a leading bending piece included in a bending section are joined using a substantially cylindrical hard joint pipe. Build-in components including an imaging device that is a CCD are placed in the joint pipe. An adhesive is poured into the surroundings of the built-in components in the joint pipe, whereby the built-in components are locked. Thus, the structure of the distal component is simplified and the surroundings thereof are made thinner.

Abstract: An endoscope image pickup unit is disclosed that captures magnified images of an object. An objective optical system of the image pickup unit includes, in order from the object side, a front lens group having positive refractive power and an aperture stop. Various conditions are satisfied so as to provide an observation scale factor in the range of about 200 to 2000 so that cellular details can be observed, as in a microscope, while keeping the objective optical system sufficiently compact for insertion within a patient. Also disclosed is a focus adjustment apparatus and method for the endoscope image pickup unit, and a focus range check apparatus and method for the endoscope image pickup unit.

Abstract: An endoscope is described in which the diameter of the image relay assembly is less than that of the objective lens assembly. An endoscope sheath is also described for sheathing the endoscope and housing or directing optical fibers for use in illuminating the endoscope view of view. An endoscope-sheath system is further described comprising the combination of the endoscope and the endoscope sheath.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus in which an imaging head having an observation hole for intaking images of an object to be observed formed at a top end is exchangeably mounted to a main body having an imaging device and an illumination light source wherein the imaging head is provided with a plurality of optical fibers for guiding a light from the illumination light source and illuminating the same to the object, light incident ends of respective optical fibers are disposed at positions opposing to emission ends of the illumination light source, and the light emission ends are circularly disposed around the image pick-up optical axis, whereby an appropriate illumination light in accordance with a magnifying ratio can be illuminated without disposing an illumination light source such as of LEDs to an imaging head such as an exchangeable lens unit.

Abstract: An endoscopic device for use at a site within a body includes an inner portion and a sheath surrounding the inner portion. The inner portion defines an operative channel and an optical channel. The operative channel provides a path for fluid to or from the body site. The sheath defines a pressure-sensing channel and a fluid channel that provides a path for fluid to or from the body site. The pressure-sensing channel and the fluid channel are defined between the sheath and the inner portion. The pressure-sensing channel is configured to couple to a pressure sensor to sense pressure at the body site.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube, a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The overtube may be selectively stiffened to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly for the treatment of hemorrhoids includes an anoscope and a hemorrhoid occlusion device. The anoscope includes a hollow body closed at a distal end and at least partially open at a proximal end to define a longitudinal channel. The hollow body has a sidewall provided with a window spaced from the distal end and the proximal end. A shutter member is slidably attached to the hollow body for selectively covering the window during an insertion operation and for opening the window to allow hemorrhoidal tissues to protrude through the window into the anoscope. The hemorrhoid occlusion device includes an instrument shaft provided at a distal end with two jaws, at least one of the jaws including a C- or U-shaped clamping member movable alternately away and towards the other of the jaws for clamping and occluding hemorrhoidal tissues protruding through the window into the anoscope.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an image pick-up device and an endoscope in which a lens member and a solid-state image pick-up device are prevented from exposure to water vapor during autoclave sterilization, and in which the diameter of an insertion portion is narrow, a rigid tip end portion is short, and assembly is performed easily. The image pick-up device of the present invention comprises an image pick-up unit for capturing an optical image obtained from incident light entering an internal cavity of a frame, and outputting an image signal of the optical image, wiring extending from the image pick-up unit in an opposite direction to the direction in which the incident light enters, this wiring being capable of transmitting the image signal, and a substrate which is disposed in the internal cavity of a frame, has holes for engaging with the wiring, one surface of which is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction of the frame, and which is formed of a member having a light-transmitting property.

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

Abstract: An endoscope having a sheath having a plurality of lumens, an imaging bundle received in a first lumen in the sheath, and a lighting bundle received in one or more second lumens in the sheath. A distal tip connects to a distal end of the sheath and includes an objective lens disposed in the distal tip, wherein the objective lens is spaced apart from the distal end of the imaging bundle.

Abstract: A percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy catheter including a top portion having a conical shape, wherein the conical top portion is hollow and has an opening formed at the top end thereof. The opening has such size that an engaging head formed at a top end of a guide wire passes there through. The inside of the conical hollow top portion is larger than the opening in diameter, and the hollow conical top portion is provided with an engaging piece on the inside thereof, the engaging piece allowing the head of the guide wire, which is inserted through the opening, to pass therethrough and preventing the head from being pulled out.

Abstract: An endoscope comprises a sheath, an articulation section adjacent to its distal tip, and two or more separate optical channels that produce two or more distinct views. Each of the optical channels comprises an objective lens and a means of capturing and/or viewing the image. The objective lens or lenses of the optical channel that produces the first distinct view, is located at a first location on the distal tip. The objective lens or lenses of the optical channel that produces the second distinct view is located at a second location on the proximal end of the articulation section or on the sheath of the endoscope adjacent to or located proximally of the articulation section.

Abstract: An autoclavable endoscope, such as the type used in ophthalmological operations, has a probe that contains optical fiber guides such as an image guide, a laser guide and an illumination guide. The distal end of these guides are sealed to the distal end of the probe with a high temperature medical grade epoxy. The epoxy is selected to retain its structural and optical properties at autoclaving conditions. A preshrunk flexible plastic jacket extends proximal of the handle around the three guides. Because it is preshrunk at autoclavable temperatures, it is not further damaged during autoclaving. The epoxies used proximal to the probe have to be high temperature epoxies but are generally preferably a more flexible urethane type epoxy. Proximal connectors and ferule for the guides are selected metals to retain size and/or conduct heat.

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

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

Abstract: An imaging device assembly for an electronic stereoscopic endoscope system comprises right and left solid state image pick-up modules set out side by side and right and left circuit boards with circuits formed thereon, respectively, that are connected to the right and left image pick-up modules, respectively. Each circuit board comprises a front section having a width approximately equal to a width of the solid state image pick-up module and a rear section broader than the front board section which is shaped to project laterally so as to overhang a rear section of the other circuit board and on which electronic parts incorporated in the circuit are mounted.

Abstract: A probe, which includes a plurality of first optical fibers and a plurality of second optical fibers that are tied as a composite bundle at a distal end side with forming a center channel through which a treatment instrument can be drawn. The first optical fibers are tied as a first branch bundle at a proximal end side and the second optical fibers are tied as a second branch bundle that is separated form the first branch bundle at the proximal end side. With this construction, a treatment instrument is available even if the probe is drawn through a forceps channel of an endoscope because the treatment instrument can be drawn through the center channel formed in the composite bundle.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes means for illuminating an object, means for imaging the object, and a transparent cover having a center of curvature. The transparent cover covers the illumination means and the imaging means, and the imaging means includes an objective optical system and an image detecting element. The illumination means is positioned relative to the image detecting element, as viewed axially from the object side of the capsule endoscope, so that an area that is symmetrically positioned about the optical axis of the objective optical system from a light emitting area of the illumination means overlaps an area of the image detecting element, but does not overlap any areas of the image detecting element that are used for image detection.

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

Abstract: An endoscope includes an imaging probe, positioned at the distal end of the elongated member; a pivot mechanism mechanically coupled to the imaging probe; and an actuating assembly extending through the passage of the elongated member and coupled to the pivoting mechanism. The imaging probe includes an objective lens, an imager positioned to receive an image from the objective lens, and a light source for illuminating a target. Upon actuation of the actuating mechanism, the pivot mechanism rotates the imaging probe relative to a point at the distal end of the elongated member.

Abstract: A medical needle set for visualized tissue ablation within a subject's body includes a cannula and components configured for inclusion in the cannula, including a trocar for occlusion of the cannula lumen during needle placement, and a visualizing ablation probe used for simultaneous endoscopic viewing and ablation of tissue sites with a laser beam. The cannula can include a tissue-gripping surface for stabilization of the needle set on the target tissue. A surgical system for tissue ablation includes a visualizing ablation needle set operably connected to an endoscope and a laser. A surgical procedure using this system permits simultaneous visualization and ablation of tissues, including those of the facet joints of the spine.

Abstract: A laparoscopic insufflation device is provided in the configuration of a coil with a blunt tip. The device is capable of passing through the abdominal wall without cutting tissue, and exiting the abdominal wall substantially parallel to the inner surface. While rotation of the coiled device results in forward movement through the abdominal wall, a counter force can be applied to the device to create a safety space between the wall and the interior organs. With the blunt distal tip, parallel exit angle, and safety space, there is substantially no threat to the interior organs during placement of the device. Further space can be generated with the use of pressured gas to produce an abdominal cavity for the subsequent placement of trocars. By rotatably attaching the coiled insufflation device to a trocar, the advantage of a counter force can be used not only to establish the safety space but also to pull the trocar into the abdominal wall with a counterforce which resists tenting.

Abstract: An end of a side-looking endoscope is constituted by covering an end body with a cap. The end body has a stand lever accommodation room in which a stand lever is accommodated, and a ridge is provided on a top surface of the stand lever accommodation room. A groove is formed inside the cap, and the groove is engaged with the ridge. The cap is thus prevented from dropping or rotating from the end body.

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

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

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

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

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

Abstract: An endoscopic pedicle probe for use during spinal surgery to form a hole in a pedicle for reception of a pedicle screw. The probe has an enlarged proximal end for cooperation with the hand of the surgeon so that the probe can be pushed through the pedicle in a controlled manner, and an elongate hollow shaft terminating in a distal tip end. A fiber optic cable or endoscope is placed in the hollow shaft and connected with a monitor to enable the surgeon to visually observe the structure adjacent the tip end of the probe during surgery, whereby the probe may be accurately placed in the pedicle for subsequent accurate placement of the pedicle screw in the hole formed with the probe.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a node rotatably mounted within a restraining structure at the distal end of a shaft. The node can be rotated allowing manipulation and orientation of a surgical tool extending from the node at the distal end of the shaft through control remote from the distal end of the shaft. Cameras may also be located at the distal end of the shaft allowing stereoscopic imaging to be conveyed to an operator. The surgical instrument is well suited for administering biologically active substances to a desired location. The method of administration comprises insertion of a flexible shaft comprising a channel, controlling the location of the distal end of the shaft through control cables within the shaft, and projecting the biologically active substance from the end of the channel at the desired location.

Abstract: A flexible direct vision fiberoptical viewing or cable is placed within a urinary catheter with its tip located at a distal end of the catheter such that the surfaces of the distal end of both the viewing cable and the catheter are aligned so as to fit together in such a way as to form a composite smoothly curved surface to facilitate negotiating obstructions. The cable is maintained in this position within the catheter with the surfaces that comprise the tip of the instrument, maintained in alignment. The urethra is then viewed therethrough during all or part of the insertion procedure for observing and identifying obstructions that may be present and thereafter the fiberoptic cable is withdrawn while allowing the catheter to remain in place within the urethra.

Abstract: A rigid endoscope optics including an outer tube (1) of which the distal aperture is closed by a window (2) affixed to the outer tube in a sealed manner. The outer tube encloses an image transmitter (4, 5) running through it and a light guide (6) running parallel to the transmitter, the transmitter and pipe being configured by their distal ends (5, 7) looking and radiating, respectively, through the window. The light guide is cross-sectionally separated from the image transmitter's cross-section at least in the region of defined between their distal ends and the window by an optically opaque partition (3). The partition rests by its distal edge against the window, wherein an elastic and opague insert is disposed between the distal end of the partition (3) against the window (2).