Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes insertion unit, a rotation drive mechanism, a first rotation member which is arranged inside the insertion unit and rotates by the rotation drive mechanism, a second rotation member which is attached to an outer peripheral surface of the insertion unit and is adjacent to the first rotation member, and a helical rotation member which is rotatable in accordance with rotation of the second rotation member. The insertion apparatus include a magnetic force generation mechanism which generates a magnetic force that enables the first rotation member and the second rotation member to be attracted to and coupled and enables the second rotation member to rotate follow rotation of first rotation member. The magnetic force generation mechanism is arranged at a tubular end portion of the first rotation member and a tubular end portion of the second rotation member adjacent to the end portion.

Abstract: A deflectable tip videoarthroscope of 5.4 mm diameter or smaller, comprising a miniaturized chip-in-tip CCD with four-way angulations mounted on the distal end of the arthroscope. The deflectable tip videoarthroscope may be provided with a replaceable distal window made of a thin material (such as polycarbonate or acrylic) or a glass (sapphire or other) with very high light transmission properties, connected to a sheathing system that is disposable or limited-reusable, which could be discarded if a shaver burr or ablation probe contacts the lens. This design protects the distal window of the videoarthroscope during use and reduces scope repair costs and system down-time. The deflectable tip videoarthroscope may additionally include a steering wheel, which allows 360 degree rotation of the instrument during arthroscopic procedures. The videoarthroscope may further include an irrigation channel or a wireless imager control system.

Abstract: There is disclosed a probe (50) for directing light to an object to be measured and receiving light returned from the object to be measured, the probe including: an optical path (21) for transmitting light from a light source (10); a mirror member (52) for reflecting the light transmitted through the optical path (21); and a rotational oscillation mechanism (56) for rotatably oscillating the mirror member (52) and a tip end portion of the optical path (21) about a longitudinal axis of the optical path (21); wherein the rotational oscillation mechanism (56) is adapted to perform the rotational oscillation within a range defined by a torsional elasticity limit of the optical path (21). This configuration can provide an optical rotary probe with a simple structure and with high reliability, which is capable of suppressing optical losses and reflection ghosts.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing solid state illumination for endoscopy or borescopy are provided. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating devices located thereon. The solid state or compact electro-optic illuminating device can include, but is not limited to, a light emitting diode (LED), laser diode (LD), or other Infrared (TR) or Ultraviolet (UV) source. Solid state sources of various wavelengths may be used to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or otherwise conditioning purpose. The solid state illuminating device may be placed on the exterior surface of the device, inside the device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.

Abstract: A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway, comprising providing a visualization system comprising an endoscope comprising a rotatable drive collar configured for rotation relative to the endoscope; a disposable drive tube comprising an elongated tube having a deformable helical thread disposed on an exterior surface of the elongated tube, the elongated tube being configured for coaxial disposition about the endoscope; and a mount for releasably securing the drive tube to the drive collar; mounting the drive tube coaxially about the endoscope so that the drive tube is secured to the drive collar of the endoscope; inserting the visualization system into the passageway, with the helical thread being in a reduced profile configuration; transforming the helical thread into an expanded profile configuration; rotating the drive tube so as to bring together a site which is to be visualized and the visualization apparatus; and visualizing the passageway.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument includes a housing having shaft. The shaft includes an articulating section disposed thereon. An end effector assembly operatively connects to a distal end of the shaft and is configured to treat tissue. A plurality of tendons operably couples to the articulating section and is translatable along a longitudinal axis to effect articulation of the shaft about the articulating section. Each of the tendons includes a respective locking ferrule disposed thereon. A locking catheter is disposed within the shaft and between the plurality of tendons to selectively engage each respective locking ferrule. The locking catheter is rotatable within the shaft from a first position to allow articulation of the shaft about the articulating section, to a second position to prevent articulation of the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscope having a rotating device to axially rotate a bending member. The endoscope includes a flexible member which is freely bendable upon receiving external force, a bending member provided at a front end of the flexible member, the bending member being bendable with one degree of freedom, a rotating device rotatably coupled to the flexible member in an axial direction of the flexible member and serving to rotate the bending member in the axial direction, and an operating unit connected to the rotating device and having a rotation operation unit to rotate the rotating device.

Abstract: An apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion configured to inserted into the bodily passageway; a drive tube including a lumen configured to receive the endoscope; a helically-wound thread disposed on an outer wall of the drive tube and configured such that rotation of the drive tube causes the drive tube with the endoscope to move along the passageway; a flexible drive shaft configured to transfer rotary motion generated by a power supply; and a rotatable drive collar disposed on the endoscope and configured to rotate the drive tube relative to the endoscope, the rotatable drive collar including a stator, a rotor rotatable over the stator and detachably coupled to the drive tube, a rotary gear configured to transfer the rotary motion from the flexible drive shaft to the rotor to rotate the drive tube, and a watertight seal disposed between the stator and the rotor.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a second bending drive mechanism. The second bending drive mechanism passively bends the second bending portion in accordance with external force when the drive force is not transmitted to the first bending portion. The second bending drive mechanism bends the second bending portion in a predetermined direction in a case that the second bending portion has received external force in the predetermined direction, and generates force against the external force in a direction different from the predetermined direction in the second bending portion in a case that the second bending portion has received the external force in the different direction while the drive force to bend the first bending portion in the predetermined direction has been transmitted to the first bending portion.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical apparatus for transanal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) in which a thin and long endoscope and surgical instruments are inserted through a natural orifice of a human body and the endoscope and surgical instruments are conveyed to the operation area in the body to perform the operation area in the body. According to the surgical apparatus for TEM, a rotation function is added to a barrel of the surgical apparatus for TEM to enable manual rotation of the barrel to a required extent and adjustment of an operation area, without separation of the surgical apparatus for TEM from a fixing frame during an operation. In addition, since the endoscope is disposed outside the barrel, it is possible to reduce the outer diameter of the barrel and uniformly maintain a visual direction of the endoscope even when the barrel is rotated. Further, since the rotation function is added to both the barrel and the surgical instrument insertion hole, more convenient operation is possible.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion unit, an operation unit, an operation-unit engagement part, an insertion-unit engagement part, a water-tight sealing member, and a torque control member. The torque control member is provided between the operation-unit engagement part and the insertion-unit engagement part in radial directions of the insertion unit, so as to make tight contact with the operation-unit engagement part and the insertion-unit engagement part, and controls resistive torque of the insertion unit during rotation of the insertion unit by applying frictional resistance of a direction about the axis to the insertion unit when the insertion unit rotates in relation to the operation unit.

Abstract: A device for dilating an ostium of a paranasal sinus of a human or animal subject may include: a handle; an elongate shaft having a proximal end coupled with the handle and extending to a distal end; a guidewire disposed through at least a portion of the shaft lumen; a dilator having a non-expanded configuration and an expanded configuration; and a slide member coupled with at least one of the guidewire or the dilator through the longitudinal opening of the shaft for advancing the guidewire and/or the dilator relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway comprising providing a system comprising a plurality of concentric telescoping shafts; visualization apparatus disposed within the telescoping shafts; and a helical thread disposed on the exterior of the telescoping shafts, the helical threads having a sufficient structural integrity and surface profile such that when the telescoping shafts are disposed in the passageway, rotation of the telescoping shafts induces a relative movement between the telescoping shafts and the passageway; wherein the telescoping shafts are configured to be selectively coupled together and de-coupled from one another; inserting the system into the passageway; rotating the telescoping shafts so as to draw the passageway onto the telescoping shafts in a pleating fashion; de-coupling the telescoping shafts; rotating the innermost telescoping shaft so as to draw the passageway onto the innermost telescoping shaft in a pleating fashion; and visualizing the interior of the pass

Abstract: An instrument guide device comprises an elongated guide shaft having proximal and distal ends and including an instrument lumen for receiving therethrough a manually operated instrument having an instrument shaft. A distal bendable member is disposed at the distal end of the guide shaft and a proximal bendable member is disposed at the proximal end of the guide shaft. Actuation means extends between the distal and proximal bendable members and provides a bending of the distal bendable member controlled from the proximal bendable member. The proximal bendable member is controlled from the manually operated instrument to cause a corresponding bending of said distal bendable member. A locking mechanism has locked and unlocked positions and includes a ball and socket arrangement disposed about the proximal bendable member and a cinch member for locking the ball and socket arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for control of a procedure, comprising: a communications interface; a control console, wherein the control console is adapted to provide control commands via the communications interface to at least one of: at least one imaging device or at least one medical instrument used to perform the procedure; and, at least one radiation shield attached to the control console and positioned between the control console and a patient on which the procedure is being performed, wherein the apparatus is separately movable from at least one of the at least one imaging device, the patient or the at least one medical instrument.

Abstract: A device for use for the treatment of a hemorrhoid prolapse, particularly by HAL surgery, attaching a tightening suture, or a rubber band ligation, using a tube having a tube shell wall and a closing device having a closure shell wall enclosing a hollow space. The tube shell wall is supported displaceably and/or rotatably in the hollow space of the closure shell wall, and the tube shell wall and the closure shell wall can be inserted into a rectum of a patient. The tube shell wall has at least one tube wall opening, and the closure shell wall has at least one closure shell opening which can be at least partially aligned with one another in an open position with a web arranged thereof protruding at least partially into the tube shell opening and/or into the closure shell opening.

Abstract: A deflectable medical device incorporates a strut that is configured to reduce or eliminate axial shortening of the deflectable portion of the medical device, for example, the deflectable distal end portion of a catheter or access sheath. The strut may is coaxially disposed in the medical device in the section that is contemplated to undergo the repeated deflection. The strut provides improved column strength and axial restoration. The strut may be stent-like device, an elongate device having opposing ends coupled by a connecting lattice involving a plurality of helical connecting elements or a tube having a plurality of circumferentially-extending slots arranged in longitudinally-extending rows.

Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope is positionable at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium to accomplish visualization. A method of use includes introducing the variable direction of view endoscope into a nasal cavity with the endoscope adjusted to a first direction of view between about 0 degrees and about 15 degrees relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. A therapeutic device is introduced into the nasal cavity and the endoscope is adjusted to a second direction of view directed toward the sinus opening or passageway. The method also includes advancing the therapeutic device into or through the sinus opening and viewing at least one of the sinus opening or passageway or the therapeutic device using the endoscope adjusted to the second direction of view.

Abstract: A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway at a remote location, the method comprising the steps of: providing a visualization system for deployment in the bodily passageway, the visualization system comprising: a tube; visualization apparatus disposed within the lumen of the tube; and a deformable helical thread disposed on the exterior surface of the tube, the deformable helical thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in the bodily passageway so that the deformable helical thread engages the interior side wall of the bodily passageway, rotation of the tube will induce a relative movement between the tube and the side wall of the bodily passageway; inserting the visualization system into the bodily passageway at a location remote from the site which is to be visualized, with the deformable helical thread being in a reduced profile configuration; transforming the deformable helical thread into an expanded pr

Abstract: Dilators with a threaded distal portion and direct visualization capability may be used for penetrating and dilating stiff tissues and bones. The threaded portion of a dilator engages the tissue between the insertion site and the target site, and may be rotated for advancing through the target tissue in a more controlled fashion. The direct visualization capability may be used to visualize the ligament as the threaded distal portion passes through the ligamentum flavum. The devices and methods described may be used in procedures, for example, where ligaments surrounding the epidural space need to be dilated in order to deliver one or more surgical instruments into the epidural space.

Abstract: An actuatable joint is disclosed having a transmission member, for example a ring gear, associated with a member of a joint and rotatable about a longitudinal axis through the member. In particular a two degree of freedom actuatable joint is disclosed comprising tendon driven joint arrangements having a transmission member disposed around or inside a body of the joint arrangement, to provide transmission of a force from a driving means to two tendons actuating a rotational degree of freedom of the joint arrangement. Further disclosed is a segmented device, for example an endoscope, comprising a plurality of such joints, for example to define a flexible and steerable conduit for an instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides scanning mechanisms for imaging probes for imaging mammalian tissues and structures using high resolution imaging, including high frequency ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography. The imaging probes include adjustable rotational drive mechanism for imparting rotational motion to an imaging assembly containing either optical or ultrasound transducers which emit energy into the surrounding area. The imaging assembly includes a scanning mechanism including a movable member configured to deliver the energy beam along a path out of said elongate hollow shaft at a variable angle with respect to said longitudinal axis to give forward and side viewing capability of the imaging assembly. The movable member is mounted in such a way that the variable angle is a function of the angular velocity of the imaging assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a sideways looking video endoscope which offers a rigid endoscope tube. The optical system has one prism, and an image sensor located behind the optical system, provided on the distal end of the endoscope shaft. On the proximal end of the shaft, a knurled wheel is arranged so as to rotate freely. This wheel is provided with permanent magnets that are arranged at identical angular separations, and associated with Hall sensors located on the front face of the tool holder. The angular position of the rotatable wheel can thus be detected by means of the Hall sensors together with an electronic system that evaluates the signals, and displayed on a monitor. By turning the rotating wheel, the image can be rotated, thus correcting the image position when the endoscope is rotated, such that the viewing direction corresponds to the actual position of the object.

Abstract: A body-insertable apparatus comprising: a tube sized to receive visualization apparatus disposed within a lumen of the tube; a helical thread provided on the outer periphery of the tube, the helical thread being rotatable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube and into which a filling material can be introduced, wherein the mechanical properties of the helical thread are varied by the filling material in the helical thread; a pressure applying section that applies pressure to the filling material in the helical thread; and a filling material evacuating section that is provided in the helical thread and which is activated by application of pressure so as to evacuate filling material from the helical thread.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for dissipating loops in an elongated medical device having one end secured to an anchor point, such as a housing. The system includes a selectively rotatable shaft coupler that connects a shaft to the anchor point that allows a limited amount of shaft rotation during use, but which sets a restriction on the maximum amount of shaft rotation. In another embodiment, the invention provides a shaft coupling system for connecting a proximal end of an endoscope shaft to an object without the use of adhesives or fasteners. In another embodiment, the invention provides a rotatable shaft coupling system for rotatably coupling a first and second shaft segment.

Abstract: A video endoscope comprises an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, and a handpiece at the proximal end of the shaft, a distal end of the shaft being provided with a lens and, in the proximal direction from the lens, with an electronic image pickup. The image pickup is connected, via an electrical connection extending along the shaft, to an electrical connector piece arranged on the handpiece. The image pickup and the connector piece can rotate relative to each other about the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The electrical connection comprises at least one flexible, elongate circuit board, which is able to twist about its longitudinal direction and has at least one conductor track.

Abstract: An image diagnostic system controls a probe to perform rotational and axially-moving scanning within a body cavity and to acquire reflected signals through the probe. Based on the acquired reflected signals, the system forms and outputs tomographic image of the body cavity and biotissue surrounding the body cavity. The system is provided with a detection unit which detects a direction of movement of the probe in the axially-moving scanning and a control unit which controls the rotational speed of the probe in the rotational scanning. The control unit includes a determination unit which determines whether or not the rotational speed of the probe is to be changed upon detection of movement of the probe toward the distal direction within the body cavity, and changes the rotational speed of the probe upon determination of a change at the determination unit.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument, in particular an endoscope, with a jointed portion of a shaft for an endoscopic instrument, in particular for an endoscope, for bendably connecting a distal part of the shaft with a proximal part of the shaft. For this purpose the distal shaft part is connected with the proximal shaft part by two rigid jointed bars of different lengths, which each attaches with a joint on the distal and on the proximal shaft part.

Abstract: An optical instrument has an outer shank (15) with a viewing window (31) arranged near the free shank end and a handle part (1) at the other end of the outer shank. An opto-electrical a transducer (26) is rotatably arranged within the outer shank, and is attached on an inner shank (12) which is rotatably mounted within the outer shank. Actuation means (10) for rotating the transducer (26) are provided in the outer shank. An axial bearing is provided between the outer shank and the inner shank (12). Moreover, a spring element impinging the inner shank (12) with force in the direction of the axial bearing is provided.

Abstract: A rotating self-traveling endoscope system of the invention comprising an insertion portion having an image pickup unit at its distal end portion and a helical structure formed on the outer surface, a rotating driving device for rotating the insertion portion around a long axis, and a rotating self-traveling insertion assisting tool through which the insertion portion can be freely inserted and which is provided with a flexible tube having a bending portion disposed therein is capable of passage of the insertion portion through a space in a body cavity and passage through a valve in the body cavity, which improves insertion performance into a small intestine.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes: an introducing duct including; insertion portion cover portion for covering an insertion portion extending from a distal side portion of a handling portion constituting an endoscope; and a spiral duct which is disposed on an inner circumferential surface side of the insertion portion cover portion, and has on a circumferential surface of the spiral duct, a propulsion power generating portion for applying a propulsion power for introducing the insertion portion into a deep portion in a body cavity, to the insertion portion covered by the insertion portion cover, and a rotating device comprising a rotating portion for rotating the spiral duct equipped to the introducing duct.

Abstract: A catheter winder/unwinder comprising at least a first system and a second system is disclosed wherein, the first system comprises a first receptacle that receives a catheter and a first drive mechanism that applies movement to the catheter, the second system comprising a second receptacle that receives a guide and including an outlet, said second receptacle being rotatable relative to the first receptacle, and a second drive mechanism that applies movement to the guide. The outlet includes a fastener device for fastening to the catheter.

Abstract: A biopsy forceps as one of treatment instruments for endoscope includes: a tubular coil sheath introduced into a body cavity through a treatment instrument channel included in an endoscope insertion portion; a treatment portion disposed closer to a distal end side than a distal end surface of the coil sheath; an operation wire for transmitting a turning force to turn the treatment portion in a circumferential direction, the operation wire being inserted in the coil sheath in a forwardly/backwardly movable manner and turned in the circumferential direction; and a turn restricting mechanism portion for restricting a turn position of the treatment portion turned by the turning force transmitted by the operation wire with respect to the coil sheath at a first turn-restricting position or at a second turn-restricting position.

Abstract: A viewing instrument with a variable direction of view is disclosed generally comprising an outer instrument shaft, such as endoscope shaft, with a viewing element at its distal end, and an inner drive shaft within the outer shaft for moving the viewing element in order to change the direction of the view vector. First and second on-board actuators, such as motors, are arranged in the proximal portion of the instrument for rotating the outer and inner shaft, respectively, in order to rotate the viewing element through two degrees of freedom. In certain embodiments, the axes of the shafts are coincident, and the viewing element rotates about a rotational axis substantially perpendicular to shaft axes. In some embodiments, the axes of the motors are substantially parallel.

Abstract: An insertion apparatus includes: a tubular member equipped with a propulsion power generating portion; a rotating portion for rotating the tubular member provided with the propulsion power generating portion around the longitudinal axis of the tubular member; and a distal portion which is provided on a more distal side than the tubular member rotated by the rotating portion, is slidably provided to the tubular member, and is disposed with an observation portion for observing a body to be examined.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an operation portion side member, an insertion portion side member rotatable integrally with the insertion portion, an elastic member provided in one of the operation portion side member and the insertion portion side member, a frictional surface which is provided in the other of the operation portion side member and the insertion portion side member and which generates a frictional force between the frictional surface and the elastic member when the frictional surface is pressed onto the elastic member and the insertion portion is rotated, and a movement adjusting mechanism which relatively moves the operation portion side member and the insertion portion side member to continuously adjust press force acting between the elastic member and the frictional surface while deforming the elastic member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a positioning mechanism configured for movement through at least two degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope comprising an endoscope head which is connected to an endoscope shaft by means of a bendable end piece to form a tubular component. According to the invention, an additional rotary member is inserted between the endoscope shaft and the bendable end piece for rotation of the bendable end piece about the longitudinal axis of the endoscope shaft.

Abstract: A sheath device (1) suitable for endoscopic instruments (2) and comprising an elongated tubular member (4) having a proximal end (6), a distal open end (7), and at least one fluid channel (23). A flushing unit (5) is connected to the proximal end (6) of the tubular member (4) and comprises a proximal open end (8) suitable for receiving a first endoscopic instrument (2), a fluid inlet (16) in contact with said fluid channel (23), and a fluid outlet (17). The tubular member and the flushing unit together define a first interior guiding passage (10) for sheathing at least a part of said first endoscopic instrument (2). The connection between the tubular member (4) and the flushing unit (5) allows for axial rotation of the tubular member (4) in relation to the flushing unit (5).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube.

Abstract: Devices and methods for passing optical radiation into and out of a body lumen which can include a rotatable ferrule for use in an optical guidewire and methods for using a rotation ferrule. The rotatable ferrule may be either rotatably captured by and free to rotate within a guidewire, or may rotate upon release from a releasable, mechanically stable friction-fit engagement with a guidewire. Sterile interfaces for readily connecting and disconnecting an optical guidewire with and from other optical instrumentation while maintaining the sterility of the guidewire are provided as well as methods for using a sterile interface device. Interface devices can provide either direct or indirect optical and mechanical connection between an optical guidewire and peripheral instrumentation.

Abstract: A video endoscope includes a tube fitted at its distal end with an affixed objective lens, a video camera mounted behind the objective lens in the tube, the camera together with an elongated rotation element constituting a swivel unit that is supported both at the distal and proximal end zones in each case by swivel bearing at the tube. The swivel element being rotationally adjustable relative the tube by a swivel drive system. The distal swivel bearing is axially and radially bearing and the proximal swivel bearing is only radially bearing.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned, the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a handle assembly, a body, a tool assembly and an articulation assembly is disclosed. The articulation mechanism includes a receptacle, and a main shaft. A lower clutch is fixedly positioned within the receptacle and has a serrated portion including a plurality of serrations. An upper clutch includes at least one projection positioned to engage the serrations of the lower clutch to releasably retain the main shaft at a rotatably fixed position. An angle between a first pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a first angle, an angle between a second pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a second angle, and an angle between a third pair of adjacent serrations is defined as a third angle. The first angle, the second angle, and the third angle are each different from one another.

Abstract: A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway at a remote location, the method comprising the steps of: providing a visualization system for deployment in the bodily passageway, the visualization system comprising: a tube; visualization apparatus disposed within the lumen of the tube; and a deformable helical thread disposed on the exterior surface of the tube, the deformable helical thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in the bodily passageway so that the deformable helical thread engages the interior side wall of the bodily passageway, rotation of the tube will induce a relative movement between the tube and the side wall of the bodily passageway; inserting the visualization system into the bodily passageway at a location remote from the site which is to be visualized, with the deformable helical thread being in a reduced profile configuration; transforming the deformable helical thread into an expanded pr

Abstract: A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway comprising providing a system comprising a plurality of concentric telescoping shafts; visualization apparatus disposed within the telescoping shafts; and a helical thread disposed on the exterior of the telescoping shafts, the helical threads having a sufficient structural integrity and surface profile such that when the telescoping shafts are disposed in the passageway, rotation of the telescoping shafts induces a relative movement between the telescoping shafts and the passageway; wherein the telescoping shafts are configured to be selectively coupled together and de-coupled from one another; inserting the system into the passageway; rotating the telescoping shafts so as to draw the passageway onto the telescoping shafts in a pleating fashion; de-coupling the telescoping shafts; rotating the innermost telescoping shaft so as to draw the passageway onto the innermost telescoping shaft in a pleating fashion; and visualizing the interior of the pass

Abstract: A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway at a remote location, the method comprising the steps of: providing a visualization system for deployment in the bodily passageway, the visualization system comprising: a tube having a distal end and a proximal end, at least a portion of the distal end being rotatable relative to the proximal end; visualization apparatus disposed within the lumen of the tube; and a helical thread disposed on the exterior surface of the rotatable portion of the distal end of the tube, the helical thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in the bodily passageway so that the helical thread engages the interior side wall of the bodily passageway, rotation of the rotatable portion of the distal end of the tube will induce a relative movement between the tube and the side wall of the bodily passageway; inserting the visualization system into the bodily passageway at a location remote from

Abstract: An insertion device comprises a long-sized insertion portion to be inserted into a subject, a propulsion force generating portion provided on the outer peripheral face of the insertion portion, a rotating portion for rotating the propulsion force generating portion on the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion, an image capturing device for observing the image of the subject, provided at the tip of the insertion portion so as to be rotatable according to the rotation of the propulsion force generating portion, a first electric contact which is connected electrically to the image capturing device and moves rotationally according to the rotation of the propulsion force generating portion provided on the insertion portion, and a second electric contact, on which the first electric contact which moves rotationally according to the rotation of the propulsion force generating portion, is provided slidably, and is connected electrically to the first electric contact.

Abstract: An apparatus for imparting motion from at least one of a plurality of motion sources into linear, rotary, or combined linear and rotary motion of an elongated device, the apparatus comprising a transmission for translating the motion to linear or rotary motion of the elongated device.

Abstract: An electric bending endoscope includes an elongate insertion portion provided with a bending portion, a drive unit, and an operation unit, wherein the drive unit and the operation unit respectively include a drive unit side electric contact portion and an operation unit side electric contact portion configured to be coupled to and separated from each other by moving the drive unit and the operation unit close to and apart from each other in a coupling and separating axial direction, and the drive unit and the operation unit includes a lock mechanism configured to lock and unlock the drive unit and the operation unit to and from each other with respect to the coupling and separating axial direction.