Abstract: A change-out handle system is provided for releasably coupling two elongated, axially relatively displaceable functional parts to a medical instrument unit. The change-out handle system includes a first and a second handle part disposed axially relatively displaceably, a first coupler for releasably axially rigidly immovably coupling a first of the two functional parts to the first handle part and a second coupler for releasably, axially rigidly immovably coupling the second of the two functional parts to the second handle part. The second handle part has a pass-through opening for passing at least the first of the two functional parts. The change-out handle system can be used, for example, for medical solids trapping instruments.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope with a watertight and air-tight endoscope handle that in preferred embodiments contains in its interior a solid-state light source and a gas permeable and liquid impermeable sealed compartment holding a battery and an electronic circuit, where the sealed compartment is preferably transverse to the long axis of the endoscope handle, and, in certain embodiments, at least partially surrounded by a movable structure.

Abstract: An acoustic speaker module of a portable electronic device includes an acoustic housing, an acoustic speaker, a chip card and an elastic member. The acoustic housing has an accommodation space, a first opening and a second opening. The acoustic speaker is seamlessly connected with the first opening. The chip card is disposed at the second opening. The elastic member and the chip card are disposed at the second opening to make the accommodation space to form a hermetical space.

Abstract: An endoscope including an insertion portion, an operation portion, an image pickup device provided in the operation portion, an image display device connected to the operation portion and provided with a monitor portion, an image processing portion such as an image pickup device control circuit processing an image pickup signal of a portion to be inspected picked up by the image pickup device, a cylindrical rotating shaft formed by an electromagnetic wave shielding member such as metal, slidably engaged with the operation portion, for rotatably connecting the operation portion and the image display device to each other, and an image pickup cable inserted through the rotating shaft and electrically connecting the image pickup device control circuit and the image pickup device to each other.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) is provided having a handle (2) and a probe part (3) that can be connected thereto, with an illumination system comprising at least one light emitting diode (6) and a video system having an image receiver being arranged in the handle (2). A carrier element (12) made of a heat-conducting material is provided for at least one light emitting diode (6) inside the handle (2), to which the light emitting diode (6) is directly connected. The carrier element thermally contacts the housing parts and/or installation parts of the handle (2) and the probe part (3) for heat conductivity and/or dissipation.

Abstract: A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.

Abstract: A handgrip for a colonoscope shaft is equipped with a novel compact multifunction force and torque sensor allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope manipulation during a colonoscopy procedure. A two-part hinge design of the handgrip in combination with the multifunction sensor provides for a light weight design in a compact package making using the handgrip convenient and natural. An electronic unit is provided to receive the sensor data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.

Abstract: An ergonomic holding assist device for endoscopes comprises an attachment mechanism to removably secure the hand assist device to an endoscope. An ergonomic component comfortably fills a space made between a naturally extended palm and the grip portion of the endoscope. A center plate sandwiched between the attachment mechanism and the ergonomic component provides an approximate ½-inch clearance to a top of the device so that the ergonomic component reaches a thenar crease of the palm more comfortably. The flexor tendon of the thumb is comfortably supported by the ergonomic component so that endoscope-work-related injuries are avoided.

Abstract: An ultrasonic control apparatus has a connector and a connector cover. The connector cover is attached to be slidable between a close position where the connector is covered and an open position where the connector is exposed, and has a press projection. When the connector is set on the press projection and then pressed down together with the connector cover, the connector is exposed and opposed to the connector, and the connectors can be connected with each other.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope. Certain embodiments of the invention include a single, large fluid source and pump installed upon an operator console, in combination with a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a proximal connector of the imaging endoscope, multiple fluid sources that feed a common fluid channel that are pressurized by a common pump, multiple fluid sources that feed dedicated fluid channels that are pressurized by dedicated pumps, and a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a handheld manual controller of the imaging endoscope. The fluid delivery endoscopic systems of the present invention provide the user with the flexibility of changing fluids either in advance of a procedure or on-the-fly as needed, instead of relying on fixed fluid sources only.

Abstract: An intubation assistance apparatus includes a main body having a proximal end portion; an intubation assistance instrument having an elongated insertion section for insertion into a target site or its vicinity of a patient from a mouth cavity of the patient, the inserting section being formed with a tube guide for leading the intubation tube toward the observation site; and an imaging device for taking an image of an observation site at a distal end portion of the insertion section as an electronic image. The main body includes a display having a screen for displaying the electronic image taken by the imaging device, and the screen of the display is adapted to indicate a target mark for adjusting or setting an advancing direction of the intubation tube to the observation site displayed on the screen in the electronic image displayed on the screen.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) having a distal end being arranged to be inserted into a body cavity of a patient to be examined and a proximal end which is arranged to be held by a user of the endoscope. The endoscope further comprises a handle (2) arranged at the proximal end of the endoscope, an insertion portion (3) arranged at the distal end of the handle, a bending portion (4) arranged at the distal end of the insertion portion, and two control wires (40,41) arranged between the handle and the bending portion, said control wires being used to control the bending of the bending portion via control inputs made at the handle.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a vehicle, comprising providing at an inspection site a hand-held inspection wand that transceives audio-visual information with a command/remote site a safe distance from the inspection site and that is staffed by law enforcement personnel, stopping the vehicle at the remote site, instructing an occupant of the vehicle to exit the vehicle and grasp the wand, transmitting instructions from the command site to the occupant via the wand, that direct the occupant to capture video of the vehicle at the remote site using the wand, capturing video of the vehicle using the wand, transmitting the captured video from the wand to the command site, and displaying the transmitted captured video at the command site.

Abstract: A handgrip for colonoscope shaft is equipped with force, torque, and acceleration sensors allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope shaft motion, including recognition of obstacles and recording of forces and torques applied at various times during a colonoscopy procedure. An electronic unit is adapted to receive sensors data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a medical device and methods of immobilizing and retrieving material from a body. The medical device, in an embodiment, includes an elongated member having a length extending from a distal end to a proximal end, and the elongated member having a first lumen and a second lumen. The medical device further includes a first tube and a second tube extending through the first lumen and the second lumen, respectively, from the proximal end of the elongated member to the distal end of the elongated member. An expandable member is fluidly coupled to a distal portion of each of the first tube and the second tube. The first tube, the second tube, and the expandable member are axially movable relative to the elongated member, and the expandable member is configured for deployment between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

Abstract: A diagnosis system composed of a fluoroscopic apparatus for obtaining a fluoroscopic image of an internal body be radiating x-rays to the body, and an endocopic apparatus for obtaining an optical image of the internal body part to be observed by inserting an insertion section of the endoscope into the body. In an operating section of the endoscope, a fluoroscope operating section for operating the fluoroscopic apparatus is disposed. Operation signals from the fluoroscope operating section are sent from a communication I/F of an endoscopic processor to the fluoroscopic apparatus. The fluoroscoptic apparatus receives the operation signals with a fluoroscopic processor and controls a fluoroscopic table.

Abstract: An improved laparoscopic instrument with an ergonomic handle comprising a large fixed ring for three fingers and a small moveable thumb ring. The invention enables a surgeon to use all controls on the instrument, including opening and closing of jaws, rotating and ratcheting them with one hand. The invention introduces a unique placement of ratchet mechanism in the large fixed ring where its use is possible with a very intuitive movement of middle and ring finger. The circular rotating knob is designed to be large in size, with large lateral projections and placed at a distance to be easily actuated. Its smooth rotation is ensured through a frictionless rotary bearing that also provides a solid fastening with the elongate tube. The high frequency (HF) connector is designed to ensure a definite and safe contact with the elongate conduit.

Abstract: A comprehensive system for objective assessment of colonoscope manipulation includes a handgrip for collecting and transmitting colonoscope handling data including force and motion data; a patient pain monitor for collecting and transmitting data on the level of patient's pain and discomfort; and digital processing means for extracting useful features such as colonoscope tip advancement speed from colonoscope-provided video images. All data is wirelessly transmitted to an electronic unit for processing and displaying on a monitor. A colonoscopy procedure is properly conducted when certain shaft advancement causes appropriate tip advancement, all without an increased level of patient's pain. The system of the invention is aimed at providing objective assessment data allowing for safer and less painful colonoscopies.

Abstract: A handgrip for colonoscope shaft is equipped with force, torque, and acceleration sensors allowing for a comprehensive characterization of colonoscope shaft motion, including recognition of obstacles and recording of forces and torques applied at various times during a colonoscopy procedure. An electronic unit is adapted to receive sensors data wirelessly and calculate a variety of motion parameters guiding a medical practitioner during the procedure and aimed at making colonoscopy safer and less painful.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument (10) for endoscopic surgery, with a housing having a grip element (12) and a shaft-receiving element (14), the grip element (12) having a fixed grip part (16) and a pivotable grip part (20), and the shaft-receiving element (14) being intended to receive and lock the proximal end of a tubular shaft (26), with a tool arranged at the distal end of the shaft (26), and with an actuation member being provided for the tool and extending through the shaft and being longitudinally movable therein, or with a slide piece (42) acting on the actuation member, the actuation member engaging with its proximal end in the shaft-receiving element (14) of the housing and being able to be coupled there, via a coupling mechanism (22, 24) arranged in the housing, to the grip part (20) mounted pivotably on the housing, in such a way that a pivoting of the grip part (20) causes a longitudinal movement of the actuation member and an actuation of the tool.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided wherein a variable rigidity portion is not restricted by a physical mechanism, and which allows a surgeon, in performing a rigidity varying operation, to operate the rigidity varying operation along with other operations without releasing inputting sections. The endoscope of the invention includes an inserting section and an operating section. The inserting section has variable-rigidity actuators. The operating section has a rigidity-variation controlling section, a trackball, and scope switches.

Abstract: First and second illumination and image pickup units are provided in the container body having opposite reference view field directions and are respectively freely tilted in an arbitrary direction within predetermined inclination angles from the reference view field direction.

Abstract: Provided is a treatment tool including: an elongated member which is formed of a flexible material and includes first and second terminals; a first body portion which is fixed to the first terminal so as to function in a target; a handle portion which is provided in the second terminal and is provided with a rotating holding portion holding the elongated member so as to be rotatable about the axis of the elongated member; and a second body portion which is attached to the handle portion so as to function in a target and is rotated relative to the elongated member when rotating the handle member relative to the elongated member. The treatment tool is capable of performing a cleaning treatment or the like while curtailing extraneous matter from being scattered in the vicinity thereof and reducing contamination thereof.

Abstract: An endoscope system comprises an endoscope, manipulating unit, and controlling unit. The endoscope is equipped with an elongated and flexible insertion tube being inserted into an object being examined and formed to be used in combination with a therapeutic instrument. The insertion tube has a distal section accommodating therein at least an optical system for imaging and presenting a longitudinal direction. The manipulating unit is manually manipulated for commanding operations of at least the therapeutic instrument and formed to be loaded to the insertion tube and slidable along the insertion tube in the longitudinal direction thereof. The controlling unit controls at least the therapeutic instrument based on a command from the manipulating unit.

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic clip applier includes a flexible coil with a manual actuator coupled to one end and a jaw assembly coupled to the other end. A store of clips is arranged adjacent to the jaw assembly and a clip pusher is arranged adjacent to the store of clips. The actuator includes a lever for opening and closing the jaws, a knob for rotating the jaw assembly, and a crank for dispensing clips. The knob and the lever are coupled to a single control member which extends through the coil to a joiner where it is joined to a pair of pull wires coupled to the jaws. The crank is coupled to a second control member which is threaded along a distal portion. The threaded portion engages a threaded member near the pusher and is coupled to the pusher such that rotation of the threaded control member by the crank causes the pusher to be moved distally.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for endoscopic interventions having a hollow shaft and a handle that supports the shaft, and in which the handle contains at least one channel that continues in the hollow shaft. To produce a medical instrument that can be flexibly inserted and in addition can be well cleaned it is proposed with the invention that the handle can be removably secured on the shaft by means of a coupling mechanism.

Abstract: A medical appliance including a medical instrument that is separable from an actuator support, the appliance including a connection and disconnection system including a connector carried by the instrument and including a guide for guiding at least one actuator rod retained elastically in the guide by a head, and a coupling endpiece carried by the support and including at least one engagement mechanism that is guided in rotation and that defines a reception setback for receiving the head of the actuator rod. The engagement mechanism is fitted with a rotary coupling member complementary to the rotary coupling member presented by the connector, and the endpiece also presents at least one hook connected to an actuator system.

Abstract: An endoscope including a shaft having a deflectable distal end; a handle at a proximal end of the shaft; and a deflection control connected to the distal end. The deflection control includes a combined lock and deflection control member at the handle. The control member is adapted to be moved to a selected location by a single finger of a user and thereby deflect the distal end. The control member is adapted to be locked at the user selected location by movement of the control member to a locked position by the single finger of the user.

Abstract: A surgical instrument that includes an instrument shaft having proximal and distal ends, a tool disposed from the distal end of the instrument shaft, a control handle disposed from the proximal end of the instrument shaft, a distal motion member for coupling the distal end of the instrument shaft to the tool, a proximal motion member for coupling the proximal end of the instrument shaft to the handle, actuation means extending between the distal and proximal motion members for coupling motion of the proximal motion member to the distal motion member for controlling the positioning of the tool and a locking mechanism for fixing the position of the tool at a selected position and having locked and unlocked states.

Abstract: An endoscopic accessory medical device is provided. The device can include a handle, a flexible shaft, and an end effector. The handle can include an actuator for operating the end effector through a wire or cable pulling member that extends through the flexible shaft. The handle and actuator can be operable with a single hand, such that the operation of the end effector can be accomplished with the same hand that is used to hold the handle and advance the end effector through an endoscope. The handle can include an actuation mechanism that is decoupled from operation of the end effector when the actuator is in a first open position, which becomes operatively coupled to the end effector when the actuator is moved to a second position, such as by squeezing the actuator, and which operates the end effector when the actuator is moved further to a third position.

Abstract: A harvesting device for an endoscope includes a harvesting member inserted through an outer tube member, including a harvesting portion arranged at the distal end portion of the outer tube member and to perform a harvesting, and configured to move so that the harvesting member moves and positions the harvesting portion at a harvesting position and a standby position, a wipe member inserted through the outer tube member, including a wipe portion arranged at the distal end portion of the outer tube member, and configured to move so that the wipe member moves the wipe portion to wipe a distal end portion of the endoscope, and a conversion mechanism to convert the movement of the harvesting member into that of the wipe member to interlock the wiping of the wipe portion with the positioning of the harvesting portion.

Abstract: A clip or flexible handles extension facilitate simultaneous retention and operation of a bronchoscope and associated bronchoscopic tools held in one hand to allow operation by a single practitioner. Also provided is an adapter for the connection port of the working channel of a bronchoscope which performs both sealing and tool-locking functions. Also disclosed is a guide sheath arrangement with a reduced flexibility proximal portion to facilitate insertion of tools into the guide sheath.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument has an insertion portion to be inserted in a channel of an endoscope, a treatment portion provided at a tip of the insertion portion for treating an objective part and a manipulation portion provided close to a proximal end of the insertion portion. The operator can move the insertion portion forward and backward at least relative to the channel by operating the manipulation portion in a state the endoscopic surgical instrument is inserted in the channel of the endoscope. In this manner, by the manipulation portion, the endoscopic surgical instrument can be operated to move forward and backward relative to the channel. Therefore in case the manipulation portion is located close to a channel entrance (forceps port) of the endoscope, the operator of the endoscope is able to manipulate the endoscopic surgical instrument without assistance from others.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscopic accessory control system that resides externally of the endoscope. The system comprises the endoscopic accessory with a working end to be placed at the distal end of the endoscope, a control sheath extending proximally external to the endoscope and a control handle joined to the proximal end of the control sheath. The control handle is slidably mounted to the exterior surface of the endoscope shaft and is configured to permit grasping of both the shaft and the handle. With the control handle and endoscope shaft grasped with one hand, the other hand of the user is left free to manipulate the endoscope distal tip controls. Additionally, the external arrangement of the control sheath leaves the working channel of the endoscope free for use of accessories or operations.

Abstract: An endoscopic accessory medical device is provided. The device can include a handle, a flexible shaft, and an end effector. The handle can include an actuator for operating the end effector through a wire or cable pulling member that extends through the flexible shaft. The handle and actuator can be operable with a single hand, such that the operation of the end effector can be accomplished with the same hand that is used to hold the handle and advance the end effector through an endoscope. The handle can include an actuation mechanism that is decoupled from operation of the end effector when the actuator is in a first open position, which becomes operatively coupled to the end effector when the actuator is moved to a second position, such as by squeezing the actuator, and which operates the end effector when the actuator is moved further to a third position.

Abstract: An endoscope system comprises an endoscope, a treatment instrument cartridge, an advancing and retracting device, a controlling device, and an operation instructing device. The endoscope includes a treatment instrument channel in an inserting portion. The treatment instrument cartridge includes a treatment instrument and a storage case. The treatment instrument includes a treatment instrument inserting portion having an elasticity which is inserted through the treatment instrument channel, a treatment section at the tip end thereof, and an operating portion at the base end thereof. The storage case includes an inserting portion storing section into which the treatment instrument inserting portion is wound, an extension port from which the tip end of the wound treatment instrument inserting portion is extended, and a holding section for holding the base end of the treatment instrument inserting portion or the operating portion.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is provided and includes a handle assembly for operating the surgical instrument, an articulatable neck assembly supported on and extending from the handle assembly, and an end effector operatively supported on the neck assembly. The handle assembly includes a housing; a trigger operatively supported on the housing; at least one actuation shaft operatively connected to the trigger and extending from the housing, wherein an actuation of the trigger imparts axial translation to the actuation shaft; and at least one articulation cable operable from the housing. The end effector includes a pair of pivotably mounted, juxtaposed jaws, wherein the jaws are movable at least between an open position and a closed position, and wherein a distal end of an actuation shaft is operatively engaged with the pair of jaws to effectuate opening and closing of the jaws.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment apparatus includes a drape for positioning over the wound site to create and maintain a substantially air-tight cavity between the wound site and the drape. A multi-lumen suction tube is provided to be attached to a reduced pressure source. The multi-lumen suction tube includes a center lumen and at least one outer lumen and is configured to deliver reduced pressure beneath the drape to the substantially air-tight cavity. The multi-lumen suction tube is adapted to allow fluid to be drawn from the wound site through the center lumen and pressure to be monitored at the wound site through the at least one outer lumen.

Abstract: A swing prism endoscope with an actuating mechanism that comprises a control element that oscillates in between proximal and distal ends of the endoscope and is coupled to a distally mounted swing prism, a control surface with a variable profile, and an engaging element that contacts the control surface and moves relative to the control surface while contacting the control surface causing the control element to oscillate. The distally mounted swing prism that alters the viewing angle of the endoscope between a forward direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope and a side direction that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laparoscopic apparatus. The apparatus comprises a handle having a body portion, a top surface, opposite bottom surface, a proximal and distal end. The top surface of the base is contoured to compliment the natural curve of the palm. The apparatus further includes a shaft projecting from the distal end of the handle. The shaft has a proximal and distal end. A control sphere is located on the handle. The control sphere can be moved by one or more of a user's fingers to indicate direction. An end effector is located at the distal end of the shaft. The end effector is connected to the control sphere such that movements made to the control sphere control cause movement (articulation) of the end effector.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical instrument configured to be ergonomic and anthropometrically correct, comprising: a) an ergonomic handle configured to orient a hand of a surgeon in a functional position, the handle comprising a wall structure defining an interior portion, and adapted to contain at least a portion of one or more working mechanisms; b) an actuating mechanism actuatable by the surgeon and supported within the interior portion of the handle; c) a working shaft having a proximal end coupled to and operable with the actuating mechanism, the working shaft having an elongate configuration and a distal working end configured to couple a surgical tool to be manipulated by the surgeon; and d) means for accessing the interior portion of the handle to expose an inner side of the wall structure and at least a portion of each of the working mechanisms for cleaning, sterilization and maintenance purposes.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system for observing living tissues inside a body cavity includes an illuminating apparatus having a white light source emitting white light and an excitation light source emitting excitation light, an electronic endoscope including an insertion part to be inserted into the body cavity, an imaging device that receives an optical image and outputs image signals corresponding to the optical image, an image forming system that forms the optical image, an operating pant provided at a rear anchor of the insertion part, and a plurality of operable members arranged at the operating part, a display device, an image processing system that receives the image signals outputted from the imaging device, the image processing system obtaining a normal image when the living tissues are illuminated with the white light and a fluorescence image when the living tissues are irradiated with the excitation light, and a control system that controls the whole of the electronic endoscope system.

Abstract: An endoscope configured to be carried with a hand includes an insertion portion extending in a longitudinally axial direction, and an operation portion coaxially connected to a proximal end portion of the insertion portion and extending in the longitudinally axial direction, the operation portion includes an axially directional grasp portion extending in the longitudinally axial direction, a bending operation portion provided on a more proximal end side than the axially directional grasp portion, and a widely directional grasp portion provided on a more proximal end side than the bending operation portion wherein at least a part of the bending operation portion is located within a widely directional length of the widely directional grasp portion, and the widely directional grasp portion includes a grasp part protruding farther toward one widely directional side than the bending operation portion.

Abstract: A device and method for facilitating the insertion, manipulation and removal of an endoscopic medical device within a body cavity is disclosed. The device may comprise a body portion and a lining. The body portion may be configured to wrap around the outer surface of the insertion tube. The body portion may comprise an outer surface, an inner surface, two ends, and a longitudinal slit extending from one end of the body portion to the other end. The lining may be attached to the interior surface of the body portion. The lining may comprise an at least partially raised surface that contacts the outer surface of the insertion tube at least when a user squeezes the body portion of the device.

Abstract: A remote inspection device is provided for inspecting visually obscured locations. The device is generally comprised of a imager housing and a display housing disposed on opposite ends of a modular, flexible cable. An imaging device is embedded in the end of the cylindrical imager housing, such that the imaging device is able to capture an image of a viewing area proximate to the distal end of the flexible cable. One or more light sources also protrude from the outwardly facing end of the cylindrical imager housing along a perimeter of the imaging device such that the imaging device is recessed between the light sources. A display housing is coupled to the other end of the flexible cable and configured to be grasped by a user of the device. A display device supported by the display housing receives a video signal from the imaging device and converts the video signal to a video image.

Abstract: A central neutral position in a rotational movement range of a stick shaft of a joystick apparatus attached to a main body part of a remote controller operation portion and rotationally moving about a rotational movement supporting point is set to a tilt angle tilted toward a grip portion by a predetermined angle and the joystick apparatus is arranged to be tilted to the side of the grip portion, so that it is made easy for a finger of an operator to reach the stick shaft of the joystick apparatus even in a state that the operator has grasped the grip portion.

Abstract: The present invention discloses means and methods for providing trans-Douglas endoscopic surgical procedures in the pelvis and in other body portions, and especially gynecological, cardiological, urological, vascular, neurological or surgical operations; said method comprising steps of opening the Pouch of Douglas; inserting an U-shapeable or S-shaped endoscopic surgical device into the vagina in parallel to the blood vessels; introducing the distal end into the abdominal cavity; U-shaping or S-shaping the tubular assembly; and carrying out an operation in the pelvis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microvalve having a valve plug, connecting legs, anchors and actuators, allowing the valve plug to move vertically to open or close the valve. The valve plug can contain magnetic materials, and be operated by an actuator.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for use in a surgical procedure is described. The assembly can includes a sensor for implantation into a body part, a sensor cord attached to and extending from the sensor and a handle fastened to the sensor cord. The handle is fastened so that a force can be applied to the sensor cord via the handle. The handle comprises a force indicator to which force applied to the sensor cord is applied and which can provide an indication of the force applied to the sensor cord via the handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope with a watertight and air-tight endoscope handle that in preferred embodiments contains in its interior a solid-state light source and a gas permeable and liquid impermeable sealed compartment holding a battery and an electronic circuit, where the sealed compartment is preferably transverse to the long axis of the endoscope handle, and, in certain embodiments, at least partially surrounded by a movable structure.