Abstract: A flexible tube for an endoscope comprises: a spiral tube including a band-shaped plate which is spirally wound; a braid which covers an outer circumferential surface of the spiral tube; and an outer skin made of a resin, which covers an outer circumferential surface of the braid, wherein the braid includes metal fibers deposited with a release agent and heat-resistant resin fibers deposited with a bonding material, the metal fibers and the resin fibers are blended in a mesh pattern, and the braid is bonded to the outer skin by the bonding material.

Abstract: A treatment tool insertion channel of an endoscope, which is arranged through an inside of an insertion part that includes a flexible tube and a bendable part, includes a flexible inner tube, a spiral groove formed around the flexible inner tube over an entire length of the bendable part and the flexible tube, at least one coil wound along a bottom of the spiral groove, and at least one type of filler with which the spiral groove is filled. The treatment tool insertion channel includes a first portion that includes a part inside the bendable part and a second portion at a proximal end side of the first portion, the first portion being configured more flexible than the second portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for detecting and treating malignant tissue, organs or cells in a mammal. The method comprises parenterally injecting a mammalian subject, at a locus or by a route providing access to the tissue or organ, with a composition comprising a monoclonal antibody (chimeric, humanized, fully human), partial antibody, Fab Fragment, antibody fragment that is tagged with a fluorophore with or without the addition of a therapeutic chemotherapy molecule, which specifically binds to the targeted organ, tissue or cell. Resection of the primary malignant tissue within the mammalian species (using the fluorescence of the fluorescing targeting construct) provides the advantage of identifying all bulk tumor as fluorescent at the time of the original tumor resection.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion, a resin tubular covering member, a fastening member and a contact surface. The insertion portion includes a bending portion. The resin tubular covering member is covering a covering target part in the insertion portion including the bending portion. The fastening member is wound around the outer periphery of at least one end of the covering member and fastens the end to the covering target part. The contact surface is provided on the side of the covering target part covered with the end, is placed in contact with the end face of the covering member and becomes thinner toward the side of the covering member.

Abstract: A tightening string is used in an endoscope for firmly securing an outer cover of a flexible tube of the endoscope onto an internal member disposed inside the outer cover. The tightening string is comprised of a filament assembly formed by bundling a plurality of filaments made of a synthetic resin. The invention also provides an outer cover securing method, a flexible tube for an endoscope, and an endoscope equipped with the flexible tube. Alternatively, the filament assembly may include a first filament having an elongation ratio at room temperature of greater than 10% and a second filament having a elongation ratio at room temperature of equal to or lower than 10%, in which the filament assembly is formed by twisting the first and second filaments. An outer cover securing method using the tightening string, a flexible tube for an endoscope equipped with the thus secured outer cover, and an endoscope equipped with the flexible tube are also provided.

Abstract: An endoscope or other medical device includes a number of lumens positioned in an outer shaft. The lumens are formed as a multiple lumen assembly. In one embodiment, individual lumens are connected to each other with a sheet or webbing material. The lumen assembly is rolled or folded along its length for incorporation into the outer shaft of the medical device. The sheet or webbing material may be notched or perforated to facilitate folding the lumen assembly and/or separating individual lumens from the lumen assembly.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising: a hand operation section; an insertion section including a leading end part, a curving part, and a flexible part that are placed in the stated order from a leading end side to a base end side on which the hand operation section is placed, the leading end part having a leading end surface on which an observation window for observing an inside of a subject's body is provided, the curving part being remotely operated for curving by operating the hand operation section so as to cause the leading end part to face a desired direction, the flexible part connecting the curving part with the hand operation section and being able to curve in a desired direction along an insertion into the subject's body; a gas supply channel formed inside of the insertion section; and a gas jetting port that is communicated with the gas supply channel, and is placed so as to be closer to the base end side than the leading end surface on which the observation window is provided.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a wire having an elongated body section and a distal portion decreasing in outer diameter from the body section. The guide wire may have a resin coating portion coating the body section and the distal portion and having a smooth outer surface; and a visually discernible mark provided at the resin coating portion.

Abstract: A robotic manipulator controller and system for use in flexible endoscopy, the manipulator comprising a flexible member configured to be coupled to an endoscope, and an arm connected to and movable by the flexible member, wherein the flexible member has a first end connected to the arm and a second end connectable to the controller to allow a physical movement of the arm to be controllable by a physical movement of the controller.

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

Abstract: A medical device having a flexible shaft is provided, the flexible shaft including an active deflection section. The medical device also includes at least one control wire passing through at least a portion of the flexible shaft such that actuation of the at least one control wire causes deflection of the active deflection section of the flexible shaft. At least one control wire guide is provided which surrounds the at least one control wire along at least a portion of a length thereof. The at least one control wire guide is formed from a superelastic metal alloy and is configured as a helical spring.

Abstract: An insertion instrument which is connected to a manipulating head grip is composed of an elongated flexible tube section, an articular section and a rigid tip end section in series from a proximal end which is connected to the manipulating head grip. The articular section can be flexed in an arbitrary direction by way of a flexion control means which is provided on the manipulating head grip. A flexible tube straightening means is provided internally of the flexible tube section to straighten the same into a rectilinear form. The flexible tube straightening means is activated into a straightening action in interlinked relation with a flexing operation of the flexion control means.

Abstract: A selectively rigidizable and actively steerable device is described. In one aspect, an articulatable device is described that includes a flexible inner tube having a first lumen, a flexible outer tube that receives the inner tube, and a multiplicity of overlapping, rigidizable scale-like strips. Each scale-like strip is coupled with the inner tube and positioned between the inner and outer tubes. Of particular note, the overlapping strips are actuatable between a non-rigidized state in which overlapping strips are slideable relative to one another and a rigidized state in which overlapping strips are not slideable relative to one another.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having a first part moveable from a first configuration to a second, different configuration, the instrument including a stiffener extending across the region that the first part is moveable from the first to the second configuration, the stiffener being moveable from a first position in which movement between the first and second configurations is inhibited and a second position in which movement between the first and second configurations is permitted. A method of using an endoscopic instrument.

Abstract: The invention provides a flexible tube for an endoscope, which is excellent in elasticity (impact resilience), has suitable flexibility and also has chemical resistance. Disclosed is a flexible tube for an endoscope including a flexible-tube material covered thereon with a jacket, wherein the jacket contains two or more thermoplastic polyester elastomers crosslinked therein.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer user control for operating remotely within regions of the body. These tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. An articulation lock allows the fixing and releasing of both neutral and articulated configurations of the tool and of consequent placement of the end effector. The tool may also include other features. A multi-state ratchet for end effector actuation provides enablement-disablement options with tactile feedback. A force limiter mechanism protects the end effector and manipulated objects from the harm of potentially excessive force applied by the operator.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope includes an elongate flexible extrusion. A central lumen extends longitudinally through the center of the extrusion, and a plurality of other longitudinally extending lumens are spaced around the central lumen. An optical fiber is inserted within the central lumen and is coupled to its inner surface. This optical fiber serves as a compression member and conveys light through the flexible endoscope. A first pair of tension members extend through lumens on opposite sides of the central lumen. Applying a tension force to one of these tension members causes a distal tip of the flexible endoscope to bend in a first direction, while applying a tension force to the opposite tension member causes the distal tip to bend in an opposite direction. Providing a second pair of tension members in lumens disposed orthogonal to the first pair enables bending of the distal tip relative to orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for viewing a visually obscured portion of a body cavity. The system includes an endoscopic-type instrument, an imaging apparatus, and a human interface apparatus. The endoscopic-type instrument includes a face tip assembly connected to a shaft assembly, the shaft assembly being connected to a handle and viewing assembly. The face tip assembly includes a plurality of input/output ports and a working channel extension to protect an optical image collector. The shaft assembly includes an actively flexible shaft segment and a passively flexible shaft. The method for viewing a visually obscured portion of a cavity includes the steps of providing an instrument having an actively flexible shaft segment and manipulating the actively flexible shaft segment to a desired angular deflection.

Abstract: A cannula coupled to a displacement limiting coupling. The cannula includes at least one rigidizable segment and means for rigidizing the rigidizable segment. The displacement limiting coupling couples to an insertable device and aligns the axes of the insertable device and the cannula and establishes limits on the relative axial displacement between the cannula and the insertable device. The insertable device may have a steerable tip that maintains an overlap with the rigidizable segment due to the axial displacement limits.

Abstract: An endoscope system according to the present invention includes: an endoscope equipped with a long insertion portion; a medical instrument which includes a treating portion installed in a distal part and used to perform various treatments in a body cavity and a long sheath including a rigid portion with predetermined flexibility and a flexible portion more flexible than the rigid portion, the rigid portion and flexible portion being installed consecutively starting from a distal side, where the sheath is inserted in a channel of the insertion portion of the endoscope; an operation instruction apparatus used to give commands regarding operation of the medical instrument; a first medical instrument drive apparatus which operates the treating portion of the medical instrument; and a second medical instrument drive apparatus which moves the sheath forward and backward.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an apparatus comprising an elongate flexible tube sized to be received within a tract and having a proximal end and a distal end; a drive mechanism coupled to the proximal end of the tube; and a liquid column extending from the proximal end to the distal end; wherein the drive mechanism is configured to cause movement of the liquid column within the tube to impart forward momentum to the tube and thereby promote advancement of at least the distal end of the tube within the tract when at least the distal end is received within a part of the tract.

Abstract: An endoscopic device capable of autonomous locomotion through a body cavity with a pre-established direction of displacement, comprising a tubular body (1) made of an elastic material extending between two, front (2) and rear (3) end portions respectively comprising pneumatically actuated anchoring means (4) for temporarily and alternately attaching said end portions to the wall of the body cavity in synchronism with corresponding axial extensions and contractions of the tubular body. The tubular body incorporates a reinforcement structure (6, 7) distributed along its length that is substantially rigid in the radial direction and yielding in the axial direction. The tubular body wall is formed by superimposed inner (9) and outer (10) layers, the reinforcement structure being incorporated therebetween. Through openings (11, 12, 13) are formed on the outer layer for allowing air possibly entered between the inner layer and the outer layer from the inside of the tubular body to be discharged to the outside.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible tube for an endoscope, including: a metallic core material which has a helical tube formed by winding a band-shaped member in a helical form, and a reticulated tube formed along an outer periphery of the helical tube; a casing layer which is formed on a surface of the metallic core material, has a surface subjected to an atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, and contains an olefin-based elastomer or a styrene-based elastomer; an adhesiveness enhancing layer which is formed along an outer periphery of the casing layer and contains a soft epoxy resin; and an overcoat layer which is formed along an outer periphery of the adhesiveness enhancing layer and contains a fluororesin having a vinylidene fluoride unit.

Abstract: An endoscope has a tubular shaft whose interior contains components, in particular lenses, spacers, diaphragms, prisms and filters of an optical system, said components being at least partially surrounded by a support piece made of shrunk material. It is proposed that the components be surrounded by a transparent and tube-sleeve-shaped shrunk material which has been shrunk before the components are introduced into the tubular shaft.

Abstract: A medical flexible section includes an inner tube body which has a first bend allowing section configured to allow bending in a predetermined direction provided on a side surface thereof and forms a duct and an outer tube body which has a second bend allowing section configured to allow bending in a predetermined direction provided on a side surface thereof and in which the inner tube body is inserted. The medical flexible section includes an operation ring configured to change bendability of an insertion section constituted of the outer tube body and the inner tube body by rotating the inner tube body in a periaxial direction with respect to the outer tube body to adjust a relative positional relationship between the first bend allowing section and the second bend allowing section.

Abstract: A medical device shaft with varying flexibility along its length is provided. The shaft includes at least first and second elongate shaft portions that have differing geometries and differing flexibilities. The elongate shaft portions can be made of different materials.

Abstract: A medical device having a flexible distal tip. In some embodiments, a medical device includes a shaft and a distal tip. The distal tip can include an outer member having one or more balls disposed therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endosurgical extraction bag for collecting body tissue or body fluid, with a bag main part formed from a flexible envelope, and with a first admission opening for introducing tissue or fluid into the bag main part of the bag. Arranged in the bag main part, there is an inner envelope which is connected to the main part (bag) and opens toward the first admission opening, but adjoins the bag main part sealingly in respect of the first admission opening, and which has a second admission opening at its second end remote from the first admission opening and spaced apart from an end of the bag main part remote from the first admission opening, through which second admission opening the tissue or fluid can be introduced into the bag main part.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion includes a distal end side wire guide which is provided over a distal end side of a operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to a bending portion, a proximal end side wire guide which is provided over a proximal end side of a operation wire, and a portion of which is fixed to a insertion tube portion, a distal end side abutting portion provided at a proximal end of the distal end side wire guide, and a proximal end side abutting portion which is provided at a distal end of the proximal end side wire guide, and brought into abutment with the distal end side abutting portion when the operation wire is moved backward so that the bending portion is bent.

Abstract: Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account.

Abstract: A rod lens is used for fitting in an endoscopes. The rod lens has a rod-shaped body which is made at least in a section of a flexible, transparent solid piece of plastic material.

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 provides surgical or diagnostic tools and associated methods that offer improved user control for operating remotely within regions of the body, and improved methods of assembling the tools. In some embodiments these tools include a proximally-located actuator for the operation of a distal end effector, as well as proximally-located actuators for articulational and rotational movements of the end effector. Control mechanisms and methods refine operator control of end effector actuation and of these articulational and rotational movements. The articulation mechanisms comprise pairs of links, one link distal and the other proximal, configured such that movement of a proximal link is transferred to the distal link by way of tension bearing members. Embodiments of the invention include a guide for such tension bearing members that facilitates assembly of the tool. Embodiments also include improved methods for attaching tension bearing members to the links.

Abstract: An over-tube was developed for receiving and guiding endoscopic instruments into a patient's anus, through the colon, and into the peritoneum. The over-tube has a flexible sheath adapted for insertion into the anus through the colon and out the peritoneum of a patient. A stiffened region is used to protect the colonic wall from injury during insertion of medical instruments through the patient's lower gastrointestinal tract. The proximal end of the over-tube is surrounded by two narrow inflatable balloons on either side of the colotomy to keep the device in place with its lumen open into the peritoneum and further prevent leakage of insufflation. The device may comprise two channels, one for duel channel endoscopes and larger medical instruments or single lumen endoscopes, and an additional channel for surgical instruments. A distal valve prevents insufflation leakage, making the device especially useful in NOTES surgeries.

Abstract: An endoscope of the invention is the endoscope for applying a propulsion force in a direction of insertion axis of an insertion portion main body in accordance with rotation of the insertion portion main body based on driving force of a driving member, and the endoscope includes a flexible elongated inner layer tube configured as a shaft of the insertion portion; and a spiral-shaped portion rotatable around the inner layer tube as an axial center based on the driving force of a motor, the spiral-shaped portion forming an outer surface of the insertion portion main body, in which the spiral-shaped portion is formed by a nondensely wound coil and a resin thin film provided so as to cover gaps of a wire forming the metal coil.

Abstract: A flexible shaft for an endoscope comprises a shaft body which, in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, has a first portion with a first degree of flexibility, and, proximally from the first portion, has at least a second portion with a second degree of flexibility which is less than the first degree of flexibility, the shaft body having, in the first portion, at least a first spring element, and, in the second portion, at least a second spring element. A spring hardness of the second spring element is increased by a permanent pretensioning of the second spring element, as a result of which the flexibility of the shaft body is reduced in the second portion.

Abstract: A guide system for accommodating an endoscopic tool. The guide system comprises a flexible inner sheath and a handle coupled to the inner sheath adjacent a proximal end of the inner sheath. The inner sheath includes a plurality of working channels. The working channels are bundled over a common portion of their respective lengths, and the working channels collectively define a substantially honeycombed cross-sectional area.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for locating a patent foramen ovale (PFO) with a positioning device that can be configured to occlude the PFO. Methods, apparatus, and systems include the use of a positioning device that can be seated on the limbus of a septum secundum (SS). The positioning device includes a piercing member that can pierce the SS and a septum primum.

Abstract: A medical tubular assembly includes four medical coilpipes together having a distal end portion insertable into a patient. The four medical coilpipes include a central coilpipe and three peripheral coilpipes disposed outward of the central coilpipe. The four medical coilpipes are wound from a continuous length of wire. In one example, a lengthwise translatable medical-end-effector activation cable is located in the central coilpipe, a separate and lengthwise translatable medical-instrument-member articulation cable is located in each of the three peripheral coilpipes, and the distal end portion is endoscopically insertable into the patient. Other examples are left to those skilled in the art.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided with a bending tube including sequentially connected plural bending pieces constituting a bending section which is provided in a slim and elongated insertion portion and which is brought into a bending operation by remote control, a distal end section which is provided in the front end side of this bending tube and which constitutes the front end side of the insertion portion, a flexible tube section which is provided in the base end side of the bending tube and which constitutes the rear end side of the insertion portion, and a covering member which is disposed to cover the bending tube and which has elasticity in order that both end portions of the covering member are fixed to the distal end section or the flexible tube section by being fastened radially inward, wherein the relationship represented by 0.3D<d<1.0D is established between a thickness d of the covering member fixed by fastening and the thickness D of the covering member before being fixed by fastening.

Abstract: A vascular catheter which comprises a catheter shaft, said catheter defining a first surface which is of undulating shape with a plurality of curved peaks, said peaks being spaced so that a second surface in contact with the first surface is spaced from at least a substantial portion of the first surface, to reduce friction of the catheter.

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: Means to Solve The flexible endoscope 20 has a flexible insertion portion 22 to be inserted in an observation zone 11 of a MRI apparatus 10. The insertion portion 22 has an inner tube 71 made of resin, triple helical tubes 72 covering the inner tube 71 and an outer tube 73 made of resin and covering the triple helical tubes 72. The triple helical tubes 72 include a first helical band 721 helically wound around an outer peripheral surface of the inner tube 71, a second helical band 722 helically wound around an outer periphery of the first helical band 721 in a direction opposite to a winding direction of the first helical band 721 and a third helical band 723 helically wound around an outer periphery of the second helical band 722 in a direction opposite to the winding direction of the second helical band 722. The first to third helical bands 721, 722, 723 are made of phosphor bronze or copper-silver alloy, which are materials having low magnetic susceptibility.

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: An endoscope capable of preventing the cover member from being damaged and also preventing the airtight failure from being caused is disclosed. A projection 172 can reparably join with an opening 137. It becomes possible for the cover fitting member 170 and the cover member 130 to rotate together as one body when they join with each other. When they enter in this state, the cover fitting member 170 is screw-joined with a sleeve 120, thereby fitting the cover member 130 thereto. After this, the cover member 130 is moved in the axial direction to separate the projection from the opening, thereby it becoming for the cover member 130 to turn round the axis. On one hand, the movement of the cover member 130 in the axial direction is restrained by the cover fitting member 170 and the slide restraint member 180 as well.

Abstract: A control handle for use with a steerable endoscopic device. The endoscopic device having a pair of control wires to effect steering. The control handle includes a steering mechanism that includes an actuator, such as a control knob, drivingly connected to a drive member, such as a sprocket or drive gear. To transmit force from the drive member to the control wires, a length of transmission structure, such as bead chain, is connected to the proximal ends of the control wires and is engaged with the drive member. In one embodiment, a single-use endoscope may be provided, which includes a control handle, a steerable endoscopic device, and a umbilical cord or communications conduit for functionally connecting the control handle to a control cabinet of an endoscopic imaging system.

Abstract: A sheath useful for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of a flexible instrument, including e.g. an endoscope, received through the sheath.

Abstract: A camera assembly for positioning within a bodily passageway, including a camera, a catheter adapted to retain the camera, and a rotary coupling interconnecting the catheter and the camera. The catheter is provided with helically-wound threads thereon. The rotary coupling permits the catheter to rotate and thereby move axially while the camera remains rotationally stationary.

Abstract: A bend section is disposed on an insertion section. A rotary body, on which a proximal end portion of a wire for a bend operation, which has a distal end portion connected to the bend section, is rotatably supported in a large-diameter section. Driving force transmission portion, which converts linear movement of a working shaft that is operable in a linear direction to rotational movement of the rotary body, is provided in the large-diameter section. A driving source unit is detachably coupled to the large-diameter section on the proximal end side of the insertion section. The driving source unit is provided with operation section which linearly moves the working shaft, in accordance with an operation of a driving shaft that operates in a linear direction by a driving force from a driving motor.

Abstract: A method of making catheters is disclosed in which various additives are consolidated into polymer walls of the catheters. The method includes providing a core, spraying a base polymer material over the outer surface of the core, spraying an additive material over or together with the base polymer material, and consolidating the additive material and the base polymer material together to form the catheter wall. The base polymer material and additive material are each applied as a fine particulate powder or solution of fine particulate, which can be sprayed over an outer surface of the core and the catheter wall as the catheter is formed. The additive material can be selected from several therapeutic agents, diagnostic agents, and/or polymers for modifying the base polymer materials. The additive material can be consolidated with the base polymer material throughout the polymer wall or primarily on the outer surface of the polymer wall.