Abstract: Flow stop assemblies are described herein. A flow stop assembly configured to control flow through a tubing includes a flow stop base and a pincher. The flow stop base includes a base wall, at least one pincher guard, a tubing guide, a pincher recess, a pincher protrusion, and a base extension. The pincher is movable relative to the base extension and is configured to move between a flow position and an occlusion position, wherein in the flow position the pincher surface is spaced apart from the pincher protrusion and in the occlusion position, the pincher surface is disposed adjacent to the pincher protrusion and is configured to obstruct flow through the tubing.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes a single-use cannula configured for insertion through a cervix into a uterus, a camera secured to a distal end region of the single-use cannula for acquiring images of the uterus, a connection hub secured to a proximal end region of the cannula, a reusable display configured to present the images acquired by the camera and that is securable to the connection hub, and a handle secured to the connection hub. The handle is pivotable between a first position in which the handle is stowed along the connection hub and arranged to prevent attachment of the reusable display to the connection hub and a second position in which the handle is deployed to an orientation that is antiparallel to the connection hub and arranged to permit attachment of the reusable display to the connection hub.

Abstract: A system for extending the visual capabilities and working channel of a bronchoscope including a probe having optic and/or tracking capabilities at a distal tip thereof and capable of being advanced through the working channel of a standard bronchoscope. The probe also includes a working channel through which various diagnostic and treatment tools may be advanced.

Abstract: Provided is an implant for a tissue lifting that is inserted between sagged or wrinkled skin and subcutaneous muscle to enable pulling and smoothing tissue, wherein the implant for tissue lifting can be inserted between skin and subcutaneous muscle, includes the bioimplantable thread having a distal portion where pulling is required and a proximal portion where the bioimplantable thread is pulled, and the mesh member that is fixedly coupled to the distal portion of the bioimplantable thread and has numerous pores wherein bodily tissues grow and fill the pores.

Abstract: An instrument (1), in which a main part (6) and a folding part (7) that can be extended therefrom are formed at the distal end (3) of a flexible shaft (2). The folding part (7) can be extended via a linkage (8) that can be adjusted by a spindle drive (9), and the spindle drive (9) can be driven from a proximal end (4) of the flexible shaft (2) via a flexible shaft (12).

Abstract: A monitoring system comprising: a uterine insert comprising an insert extension, wherein the insert extension comprises at least one sensor; a deployment module engageable with the insert, and configured to allow the insert extension to bend when the module is engaged with the insert; a system control device operationally coupled to continuously receive signals from the at least one sensor and to convert the signals into data representing the signals, and a display operationally coupled to display the data from the system control device.

Abstract: A rodent intubation system includes a main body member including a first port, a second port and a third port. The main body member further includes a magnification lens of approximately 3 to 7× magnification power, which lens is rotatably connected to the main body member so that an animal being intubated may be viewed through the magnification lens during use of the system. An intubation catheter is releasably connected to one port. An inflation bulb is removably connected to another port. Yet another port of the three port system is sized and dimensioned to receive a fiber optic cable there through.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensor attached to viscera to measure a change in length, in which the sensor includes a first layer having a first surface attached to the viscera and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a second layer having a third surface attached to the second surface and a fourth surface opposite to the third surface and expanded or contracted as the viscera is expanded or contracted, and a third layer having a fifth surface attached to the fourth surface and a sixth surface opposite to the fifth surface and attached to a catheter, and the first layer to the third layer are a film including silk fibroin and a calcium compound.

Abstract: Using a sling that includes a central portion and at least two arms extending from the central portion, a method of treating anal incontinence may include positioning the central portion posteriorly to the rectum and/or anus of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective obturator region. Using a sling having the same or similar structure, a method of treating pelvic organ prolapse may include positioning the central portion beneath the anorectum of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective thigh incision near the obturator region.

Abstract: An endoscope for removing tissue at a surgical site includes an elongated tubular body insertable within a mammalian cavity of a patient. An instrument channel extends between a first opening at a distal end and a second opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical cutting assembly that includes an aspiration channel configured to remove material entering the endoscope via a distal end of the surgical cutting assembly. A torque generation component configured to generate torque is positioned within the distal end and configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component. The coupling component is positioned at the distal end of the elongated tubular member and configured to actuate a cutting component of the surgical cutting assembly responsive to actuation of the torque generation component.

Abstract: Visualization apparatus and methods for transseptal access are described herein where intravascular access across a septal wall is facilitated via devices which provide for direct visual viewing of tissue area. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. In use, 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 can be pumped into the imaging hood until the fluid displaces any blood leaving a clear region of tissue to be imaged via an imaging element in the deployment catheter. Any number of therapeutic tools or a guidewire can be passed through the catheter and into the imaging hood for crossing the septal wall and passing the guidewire or instruments therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring bladder pressure, comprising: a measurement rod inserted into the abdomen of a user to measure both abdomen pressure and bladder pressure; and a body unit provided to be worn on the waist of the user and electrically connected to the measurement rod so as to calculate and store urinary detrusor pressure measured by subtracting a measurement abdomen pressure from a measurement bladder pressure measured by the measurement rod.

Abstract: A passively flexible ureteroscope having a diameter of less than about 2.5 millimeters is provided. The ureteroscope may help overcome many of the problems associated with the prior art devices and methods for removing kidney stones. The ureteroscope includes an elongate member having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and an inner conduit that extends longitudinally between the proximal and distal portions. The elongate member is made from a passively flexible material that is capable of being inserted and directed through a patient's body cavity, such as the ureter, by manual direction and pressure so that minimal, if any, additional mechanical or steering mechanisms are present. An imaging device and light source are provided at the distal portion of the elongate member to allow for positioning the device with respect to the stone. A laser fiber can be directed through the conduit to destroy a targeted stone.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in performing impedance measurements on a subject, the apparatus including a probe having a plurality of electrodes, the probe being configured to allow at least some of the electrodes to be in contact with at least part of the subject and a processing system for, determining at least one first impedance value, measured at a site using a first electrode configuration, determining at least one second impedance value, measured at the site using a second electrode configuration and determining an indicator indicative of the presence, absence or degree of an anomaly using the first and second impedance values.

Abstract: Using a sling that includes a central portion and at least two arms extending from the central portion, a method of treating anal incontinence may include positioning the central portion posteriorly to the rectum and/or anus of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective obturator region. Using a sling having the same or similar structure, a method of treating pelvic organ prolapse may include positioning the central portion beneath the ano-rectum of a subject, and extending each arm of the sling to a respective thigh incision near the obturator region.

Abstract: A catheter system can include an electrical adapter and a catheter. The electrical adapter includes a hollow adapter body having a longitudinally extending channel and an electrical terminal positioned within the channel. The electrical adapter can be configured to connect to an energy source. The catheter can include an elongated body having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, and an electrical connector coupled to the proximal end portion. The electrical connector forms the outer periphery of the catheter along a portion of the longitudinal length of the catheter. The electrical terminal and the electrical connector contact each other when the electrical connector is advanced through the channel to an electrical contact position in the channel, and are isolated from each other when the electrical connector is proximal of the electrical contact position.

Abstract: A non-metal, polymeric tubular device for delivering a therapeutic fluid to a treatment site within a patient. The non-metal, polymeric tubular device can be fabricated using suitable high strength polymers and in some versions can be reinforced through the inclusion of reinforcement materials or braiding. The non-metal, polymeric tubular device can be fabricated so as to have a burst strength exceeding at least about 2,000 psi. The non-metal, polymeric tubular device can be fabricated so as to have distention properties, wherein an orifice or jet port located at a distal end of the polymeric tubular device retains its shape and/or size without suffering swelling that can have a detrimental impact on a fluid jet used to deliver the therapeutic fluid at the treatment site.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of LASP-1 in a urine sample obtained from a subject for diagnosing and/or grading transitional cell carcinoma. The invention furthermore relates to a method for diagnosing transitional cell carcinoma comprising detecting the presence or absence of LASP-1 in a urine sample obtained from a subject, wherein the presence of LASP-1 above 1 ng/500 ?l urine is indicative for transitional cell carcinoma and a method for grading transitional cell carcinoma comprising determining the level of LASP-1 in a urine sample obtained from a subject, wherein the level of LASP-1 correlates with the grade of the transitional cell carcinoma.

Abstract: The Personal Pelvic Viewer™, abbreviated PPV™, is a hand-held instrument which a woman may place by herself into her own vagina to conveniently view images of the interior of her vagina, cervix, external os and other anatomical organs. The PPV provides a convenient instrument that allows a lone female to observe the interior of her own vagina and related organs in total privacy for educational purposes, to determine her own fertility, and to observe her sexual response. Different types of tubular Personal Pelvic Viewers may be used by a lone female to view the interior of her vagina by using a mirror and a hand-held light. The slotted elongated tubular shaped personal pelvic viewer is particularly well suited for simultaneously examining the paraurethral sponge, the Skene's glands, and the urethra during orgasm.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intravaginal monitoring device, method of intravaginal monitoring, and system and network for intravaginal monitoring. The intravaginal monitoring device and or network includes multiple modes of operation that enable non-pregnancy monitoring, pregnancy testing, pregnancy monitoring, STD detection, precancerous condition monitoring, cancerous condition monitoring, pre-birth monitoring and prediction, neo-natal monitoring, ovulation monitoring, an automated rhythm method, among various applications of the device, method and network of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to intravaginal monitoring devices, supporting networks, web services, billing services, modes of operation of the devices and networks, and processing of data harvested by an intravaginal device and communication to the network. Methods, systems and networks for advertising are provided herein.

Abstract: A surgical valve includes a housing with a proximal housing portion and a distal housing portion cooperating to define a gel cavity. A seal material is disposed in the gel cavity and includes a gel having flow characteristics and incompressible characteristics. A distal guide tube is provided to facilitate retrograde insertion of a surgical instrument into the seal material. During assembly, pressure is applied by the housing portions to the seal material in order to form a circumferential seal and to close an instrument channel. Manufacture can be facilitated by use of a mandrel for maintaining the structural elements in axial alignment. Complimentary screw threads disposed between the first and second housing portions can be used to pressurize the gel and thereby create a locking force on an inserted instrument. Detented tabs can be provided to facilitate control of this locking force.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a sleeve, a electro-mechanical transducer containing a hollow passage for producing mechanical vibrations in response to a magnetic field, an ultrasonic horn mechanically connected to the transducer, containing a hollow passage communicating with that in the transducer, for amplifying the produced vibration such that dissection of biological tissue is produced and a tip having a hollow passage, mechanically connected to the horn and whose passage communicates with that in the horn, for contacting such tissue, connection of the passage to a source of vacuum and a sheath connected to the instrument and surrounding the tip and horn, with a connection to a source of irrigating fluid and a structure for mounting the transducer and horn within the sleeve permitting retracting and extension of the transducer and horn within and with respect to the sheath. The transducer, horn and tip are immersed in the irrigating solution.

Abstract: An implantable urodynamic system includes an implantable first device deployable in a patient's bladder, an implantable second device deployable in a patient's vaginal canal, and a data acquisition and analysis module or processing unit external to the body of the patient. The first device includes a magnet and an inductive coil, and the second device includes a magnet, an inductive coil and a battery. When deployed in the patient's body, attraction between the magnets maintains the two devices in close proximity to one another to effect an inductive coupling between the coils so that the first device may be powered by the battery of the second device. The urodynamic system is intended to facilitate measurement, collection, and wireless transmission of real-time, or near real-time, data (bladder pressure, abdominal pressure, and temperature) from an ambulatory patient.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a waveguide. The waveguide may include a distal end surface which may be substantially normal to a centerline of a distal end portion of the waveguide. The apparatus may further include a cover which may be coupled to a portion of the waveguide. The cover may include a portion distal to the distal end surface of the waveguide, and the portion of the cover may be made of a material which may be configured to be removed when exposed to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a portion of the distal end surface of the waveguide.

Abstract: A surgical method, including inserting an internal viewing device via a ureter into a first calyx of a kidney, inspecting the first calyx with the internal viewing device, and determining whether the first calyx contains one or more stones. If the first calyx does contain one or more stones, it is marked with a first marking material, but if the first calyx does not contain one or more stones, it is marked with a second marking material different from the first marking material.

Abstract: A medical instrument in particular a uretero-renoscope has a proximal head part and an elongate thin shaft for introduction into a small diameter elongate hollow organ. An instrument channel and at least one further channel is disposed within the shaft. The instrument channel is arranged centrally in the shaft.

Abstract: A uretero-renoscope includes a shaft, on whose distal end an instrument head is arranged. The instrument head tapers continuously in the distal direction.

Abstract: Glycerophosphate salts have been found to drastically improve the treatment of urogenital disorders such as urethral strictures and vaginal atrophy. Methods, devices and kits are described for treating urogenital disorders using a composition comprising an effective amount of a glycerophosphate salt.

Abstract: An endoscope including a handle and an insertion tube, adapted for insertion into a patient, connected to the handle. In addition, the endoscope includes at least one valve, mounted on the handle, for controlling flow through one or more channels, which valve has at least two stable states. In the stable states the valve does not apply a force to leave the state.

Abstract: The invention is a system for performing a routine vaginal examination. The examination is carried out using a medical imaging device that is optimally shaped to match the shape of the vaginal canal and comprises an imaging sensor, wide field of view optics, illumination means, electronic circuitry, and communication means. In addition a medical image and analysis (MIUA) unit comprising a processor and a dedicated MIUA algorithm is provided, either as part of the device or as a separate unit. The system is characterized in that the dedicated MIUA algorithm compares the acquired images to a predefined standard of quality and verifies that sufficient images of a predefined region of interest (ROI) have been obtained; saves the acquired images that meet the predefined standard and also show the ROI; and signals the user carrying out the examination when a sufficient number of images having sufficient image quality and taken at appropriate viewing angles of the area being examined have been acquired.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a ureteroscope having a notch or other structure at a distal end configured to engage a guide wire and facilitate cannulation.

Abstract: The Personal Pelvic Viewer™, abbreviated PPV™, is a hand-held instrument which a woman may place by herself into her own vagina to conveniently view images of the interior of her vagina, cervix, and external os. The PPV provides a convenient instrument that allows a lone female to observe the interior of her own vagina in total privacy for educational purposes, to determine her own fertility, and to observe her sexual response. Different types of tubular Personal Pelvic Viewers may be used by a lone female to view the interior of her vagina by using a mirror and a hand-held light. Those images may also be recorded with a camera or video camera. Other types of Personal Pelvic Viewers incorporate a sealed video camera and use wireless communications to display images of the interior of the vagina on a television set or video monitor.

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: Embodiments include a method and apparatus for treating stress urinary incontinence transurethrally. In one embodiment, the method includes entering the urethra of a patient through a urethra opening from the patient's body and connecting a bladder to a fascia using an apparatus and one or more connecting members, which may optionally be connected to a remote viewing apparatus. Embodiments of the apparatus may include a curved instrument capable of placing one or more connecting members through a bladder wall and through the fascia. In some embodiments, minimal or no incisions are made in a body of the patient.

Abstract: A fluid irrigation system comprises a small, flexible endoscope and a flexible sheath which is positioned coaxially over the endoscope. A working channel of the endoscope provides a path for introducing an irrigant fluid into a target body lumen or cavity. The irrigant and other fluids may then be removed from the target body lumen or cavity through an axial passage of the sheath. The volume or pressure of the irrigant fluid introduced into the body lumen or cavity is controlled by adjusting the outflow of fluid drained through the sheath.

Abstract: A prostrate cancer detection apparatus has a measurement sensor for detection of at least one prostate cancer-specific biomarker, an evaluation unit for determination of at least one risk value from at least one prostate cancer-specific biomarker detected by the measurement sensor, and a display unit to display the at least one determined risk value.

Abstract: Described herein are endoscopes having outer perimeter shapes configured to conform to the particular anatomy through which they will navigate. The outer perimeter cross-section of the endoscope may have one or more regions (e.g., longitudinal protuberances, edges, or narrow regions) that may allow the endoscope to conform with or fit within narrow or irregularly shaped regions of a body lumen, channel or passageway. Thus, the cross-sectional shape of the insertion tube of the endoscope may have an outer perimeter cross-section that is substantially D-shaped, oval, triangular, lobular, teardrop shaped, or the like. These non-circular cross-sectional shapes are matched approximately to the geometry of the region of the body into which the endoscope will be inserted, thereby allowing the endoscope to more precisely fit within a body lumen.

Abstract: A flexible cytoscope having an injection device with a cross-sectional profile allowing for irrigation flow without the risk of buckling or lateral deflection of the injection device. The cross-sectional profile is configured such that the injection device is constrained by the cytoscope lumen. The cross-sectional profile of the injection device can be formed integrally with the injection device or can alternatively comprise a secondary structure that is attached about an exterior portion of the injection device. The cross-sectional profile can be present at intervals along the length of the injection device or can extend the entire length of the injection device. The injection device can be configured such that the cross-sectional profile centers the injection device within the cytoscope lumen or in an off-set or non-centered position depending upon the treatment being performed.

Abstract: An endoscope has an optics housing provided at a proximal end, with an outer shank releasably connected to the optics housing, and with an inner shank which is arranged inside and parallel to the outer shank and is releasably connected to the optics housing. A corresponding endoscope set and a set of endoscope shanks are also provided.

Abstract: A flexible direct vision fiberoptical viewing 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. Another form of instrument includes a working sheath and an obturator. A method is also described for facilitating endoscopic examination and surgical procedures through the sheath.

Abstract: A dual-instrument resectoscope which includes an outer sheath having a distal portion that is inserted into a body cavity, a proximal portion that remains outside the body, and a longitudinal axis, referenced X; an optical system, for viewing the body cavity from said proximal portion, said optical system including an optical tube, located within said outer sheath and extending throughout the length of said outer sheath, an eye piece and a light source at said proximal portion, in communication with said optical tube, and an endoscope at said distal portion, in communication with said optical tube; first and second surgical instruments, located at said distal portion, for performing surgery in the body cavity; a first transmission mechanism, in communication with said first surgical instrument, and a second transmission mechanism, in communication with said second surgical instrument, each of said first and second transmission mechanisms providing its respective surgical instrument with independent motion, sa

Abstract: The Personal Pelvic Viewer™ abbreviated PPV™ is a hand-held instrument which a woman may place by herself into her own vagina to conveniently view and record video images of the interior of her vagina and cervix on a remote monitor, such as a television, computer display, or computer monitor. The PPV possesses a sealed video camera and may obtain its battery power through a short cable to a remote transceiver unit which also provides a wireless communication link to a base station transceiver which in turn provides the video information to be displayed on the television, computer display, etc. The PPV provides a convenient instrument that allows a lone female to observe the interior of her own vagina in total privacy for medical reasons, to determine her own fertility, and to observe her sexual response.

Abstract: A modular endoscope valve assembly is releasably mounted on the handpiece of an endoscope. This valve assembly includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a valve manually operable selectively to block and to allow the flow of irrigation fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port. The valve assembly is releasably held to the handpiece of the endoscope by a mechanical fastener such as a pressure-sensitive adhesive, a strap, a snap lock, or otherwise. Once the valve assembly is releasably mounted to the handpiece, the physician using the endoscope can manually control the flow of irrigation fluid, and optionally suction, with the same hand as the one that supports the handpiece, thereby leaving the other hand of the physician free for surgical procedures. The modular valve assembly of this invention can be used with the widest variety of endoscopes, including flexible, rigid and semi rigid ureteroscopes as well as various percutaneous endoscopes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a vaginal speculum with a single-lens colposcope for use in a screening process for detecting mucosal abnormalities of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive cancer, e.g., in the vaginal cavity or on the external parts of the genitalia, as an addition to a Pap Smear screening process. The vaginal speculum is identical to a conventional speculum in its shape, dimensions, and function and differs from a conventional instrument only by having on the inner surface of the lower blade a small projection with a slot for guiding a single-loop colposcope. The latter consists of a tubular rod that can be slidingly inserted into the aforementioned slot and support on its distal end an optical lens. The lens may have a central opening for insertion of surgical instruments, e.g., a biopsy sampler. The proximal end of the tubular rod may support a rubber bulb for suction fluids from the distal end of the lower blade via the tubular rod.

Abstract: An anoscope for surgery and/or inspection comprising: a tubular body (2) having a distal blind end and a proximal open end; an inner light reflecting surface (7) located at said distal blind end; at least one slot (3) formed in said tubular body; a light source (6) placed in light reflection relationship with said inner reflecting surface (7), and

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a working sheath and an obturator. A method is also described for facilitating endoscopic examination and surgical procedures using such an instrument. The sheath is an elongated self-supporting tube with a lumen of sufficient size to accommodate other-surgical instruments. During use, the instrument is placed in the body percutaneously or through a body passage with the removable obturator located in the lumen to facilitate insertion of the sheath into the body. Once inserted, the obturator can be removed. The sheath is held in place by an inflatable bulb provided on the distal end of the sheath while the operation is being completed. A peripheral duct is also preferably provided for introducing anesthetic or lubricant during insertion.

Abstract: A hysteroscope port includes a cannula member that has an elongated, generally cylindrical distal portion. The distal portion has a lumen that extends between a proximal opening and a distal opening. The distal portion is dimensioned for insertion through a human vagina and into a cervix uteri. The distal portion has a surface that is adapted to resist slippage against vaginal and cervical tissue, and has a cervix-engaging section proximal of the distal opening having a threaded outer surface for increasing resistance to slippage against the cervical canal.

Abstract: The self-propelled colonoscope (1) is self-inserted into a colon by driving endless belts (17) mounted on the outside of the bending section (15) of the insertion tube (9). The cross section of the endless belt (17) is a substantially circle and a rack gear teeth having a cross section of circle are formed on the outside of the endless belts (17). And, a recess having a cross section of semi-circle and pinion gear teeth which are corresponded to the shape of the endless belt and the rack gear teeth. Since the endless belt (17) has across section of circle so as to have equal bending ability in all radial direction, the endless belt (17) can easily bend in all direction. So, on the insertion of the insertion tube (9) into the colon, the endless belt (17) can be easily followed the motion of the insertion tube (9).

Abstract: An insertion facilitating device for an intestinal endoscope has a cylindrical body in which an insertion portion of an endoscope for a large intestine is inserted while holding an anal sphincter of a patient in an open position. The cylindrical body is provided at one end thereof with a conical opening.