Abstract: An endoscope is provided with a pliable tube composed of an integument layer formed from a resin and a metal tube integrally fitted into this integument layer in an insertion portion. The inner diameter dimension of the pliable tube at ambient temperature after application of the thermal load of the high-pressure steam sterilization step is larger than the inner diameter dimension at ambient temperature before application of the thermal load.

Abstract: An endoscope shaft comprising a working conduit and a number of supply and/or functional conduits. The supply and/or functional conduits have an excessive length with respect to the endoscope shaft and are arranged in spirals, in serpentine and/or zigzag shape around or along the working conduit, whereby a flexibility and bendability of the endoscope shaft is achieved.

Abstract: A torque-transmitting, variably-flexible insertion device includes a hollow body having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument and a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument. A vacuum-activated device transitions the hollow body between a relatively flexible condition and a relatively stiff condition. A torque braid transmits torque from the proximal end toward the distal end. A method for transmitting torque and variably flexing the insertion device includes transmitting torque along the hollow body with the torque braid, applying suction to create a vacuum in the hollow body for placing the hollow body in the relatively stiff condition, and relieving the vacuum for placing the hollow body in the relatively flexible condition.

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: Spiral-wound materials, spirals, and shafts made therefrom that have wraps with edges that may nest within one another are described. Such edges allow the spiral to achieve a smaller bending radius, meaning tighter turns and more flexibility due to the ability of adjacent wraps to nest within each other when the shaft is bent. Spirals having wraps with edges capable of nesting can be used in the medical field for devices that track anatomy, such as endoscopes, colonoscopes, catheters, and the like.

Abstract: A method is provided for simulating a flexible tube in an environment. The method comprises determining a model of the flexible tube according to a plurality of internal constraints of the flexible tube and a plurality of external constraints of the flexible tube, determining a workspace of the flexible tube according to a model of the flexible tube, and determining a model of an active bending behavior of a tip of the flexible tube.

Abstract: A self-propelled colonoscope includes a tubular flexible insertion portion inserted into the colon, an endless belt arranged on a circulating path around the outer and inner walls of the flexible insertion portion, a driving mechanism to drive the endless belt, and a guide pipe extending along the circulating path and guiding the endless belt inside the flexible insertion portion. At the distal end of the flexible insertion portion, the guide pipe passes through a guide hole penetrating the flexible insertion portion to the outside, and the flange section formed at the distal end of the guide pipe adheres to the outer wall of the flexible insertion portion. Accordingly, the body of the colonoscope (especially the insertion tube) can be kept from being contaminated when the endless belts are driven or the body of the colonoscope is cleaned.

Abstract: An endoscope has a first segment with a proximal end and a distal end and is symmetric about an axis. A second segment, comprising a flexible and interconnected linkage system, is pivotably coupled to the first segment and, when subject to an applied force, is configurable along an arc having a variable radius of curvature. The linkage system is capable of articulation through an angle from zero degrees through about 280 degrees.

Abstract: An endoscope device includes an insertion portion cover as an insertion portion main body insertable into an examinee's body and having flexibility, and a helical shaped portion as a propulsion force generating portion which is rotatably placed around an outer circumference of the insertion portion cover, centered around the axis thereof, and formed in a clockwise winding toward a distal end side of the insertion portion cover. The endoscope device can thus achieve good operationality of the insertion portion, low cost, and improved insertability into a deep part in a body cavity without inflicting a pain on a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body having a torus skin with inner and outer layers, and a drive system configured to propel the apparatus by moving the inner layer relative to the outer layer. The active skin propulsion system allows movement and steering of a device. A drive system includes a plurality of drive segments coupled together so that the skin engaging unit of the drive segment frictionally moves the inner layer of the torus skin relative to the outer layer of the torus skin. As a result of the relative skin motion and contact with the surface by the outer layer of the torus skin, the body is propelled and may be steered.

Abstract: A catheter according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a flexible tubular insert section having, in the outer surface of the distal end side of the insert section, a plurality of notches arranged in the longitudinal direction of the insert section on one side of a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the insert section, an operating wire passed through the insert section and capable of advancing or retreating to bend the distal end side of the insert section having the notches, and a reinforcing tube put on the insert section to cover substantially the overall length of the whole region of the insert section, except the distal end side of the insert section on which the notches are formed, and to restrain longitudinal compression of the insert section.

Abstract: A flexible tube for an endoscope has an elongated tubular core body, and an outer cover which is provided over the core body. The outer cover is composed of an inner layer, an outer layer and at least one intermediate layer. In this flexible tube, any one of the layers is different from one of the other layers in its property. Further, at least one of the layers has a thickness-varying region where the thickness of the layer varies in its longitudinal direction. In addition, the inner layer of the outer cover has projections which are integrally formed on the inner layer so that the projections project into holes and/or the recesses formed on the core body. This structure makes it possible to produce a flexible tube for an endoscope that has high durability, high flexibility and high chemical resistance as well as excellent operationability.

Abstract: A wire-stranded hollow coil body (1) has a multitude of coil line elements (2) stranded along a predetermined circular line to form a flexible wire tube having a central axial hollow portion (3), the flexible wire tube is stranded under a strand-turn resistant load and heat treated to remove a residual stress upon formation so as to provide a high rotation-following capability and a high straightness. Further, a method provides a way to strand the coil line elements (2) under a strand-turn resistant load while heat treating the coil line elements (2).

Abstract: A micromanipulator comprising a tubular structure and a structural compliance mechanism that are formed from a tube made of an elastic and/or superelastic material. Fabricated with laser machining and has no mechanical joints, the micromanipulator can be manipulated in various motions and degree-of-freedoms without permanent deformation. Shape Memory Alloys (SMAs) in one embodiment are implemented as main actuators of the micromanipulator. The micromanipulator can be implemented with multiple SMAs to manipulate the mechanism with multiple degree-of-freedom. In another implementation, multiple segments of the mechanisms are formed and arranged in various configurations, including a “double-helix”-like configuration, for enabling intricate motions of the micromanipulator. The micromanipulator is useful for intravascular interventional applications and particularly ultrasonic imaging when coupled with an ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: A catheter introducer system for endoscopy is disclosed which includes a steering section and a propulsion section located near the end of the catheter that is introduced in body cavity, and a non-collapsible sheath defining a working channel, disposed inside the catheter, extending substantially from the proximate to the distal end and maintaining a substantially circular cross-section even when bent along an axis. The propulsion section is designed to pull the rest of the catheter inside the body cavity, so there is no need to push the catheter along. The catheter can thus be made very flexible in bending, and a larger diameter catheter can be used without discomfort to the patient.

Abstract: An endoscope comprises a plurality of members constituting the endoscope, and parts-bonded sections each having at least members thereof bonded together using an adhesive. The temperatures of thermal destruction at which the adhesives included in the parts-bonded sections are thermally destroyed are made equal to or higher than the maximum temperature attained during a high-pressure steam sterilization process. At the same time, the temperatures of thermal destruction are made equal to or lower than the heat-resistance temperatures above which members bonded using the adhesives or members located near the bonded members included in the parts-bonded sections fail to resist heat.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a medical device having a deflecting shaft and related methods of manufacture and use are disclosed. For example, the device may include a proximal handle, a distal assembly for performing a medical procedure, and a wire coil connecting the proximal handle to the distal assembly, wherein actuation of the proximal handle may cause the distal assembly to perform the medical procedure. The wire coil may have a proximal portion comprised of a first wire and a distal portion comprised of a second wire. The second wire may have a diameter less than a diameter of the first wire so that the distal portion of the wire coil may have a flexibility greater than a flexibility of the proximal portion.

Abstract: A flexible tube for an endoscope includes a tubular core member, and an outer cover provided around the core member, the outer cover being formed of a material containing as a major component thereof polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer and polyolefin, wherein the amount of the polyolefin contained in the material is 5 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomer. The polyolefin is mainly constituted from polypropylene, and the average thickness of the outer cover is 0.08 to 0.9 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus including a handle; a first tubular body coupled to the handle and a second tubular body comprising a polymer material coupled to a distal end of the first tubular body and the distal end defining a guide face, wherein the first tubular body and the second tubular body are co-linearly aligned and collectively define a first lumen therethrough extending from an entry port to the guide face; wherein the second tubular body has a dimension adequate for insertion into a uterus of a human subject, and wherein the guide face comprises an outside diameter less than an outside diameter of the second tubular body. Also, a method of using a hysteroscope having a single operating channel.

Abstract: An flexible tube for an endoscope having excellent resilience and durability is provided. The flexible tube for an endoscope includes a spiral coil formed by helically winding a band-shaped member, a reticular tube formed by braiding a plurality of fine wires and provided over the spiral coil, and a flexible outer cover provided over the reticular tube. The fine wires include at least one first fine wire having a coating layer mainly made from a resin material and at least one second fine wire having no such a coating layer, and the first fine wire is made more flexible than the second fine wire. The difference between the flexibilities of the first fine wire and the second fine wire can be obtained in such a way (method) that the first fine wire is made from a constituent material softer than a constituent material of the second fine wire, or that the diameter of the first fine wire is made to be smaller than the diameter of the second fine wire, or the like.

Abstract: An articulating shaft includes an outer tubular member having a longitudinal axis and portions defining a slot. An inner tubular member is disposed within the outer member and movable about the axis of the outer member. A wedge carried by the inner member is movable within the slot in an interference fit with the slot portions to articulate the outer member. In an associated method, the inner member can be turned in a first direction to bend the outer member in an associated second direction, and the inner member can be turned in a third direction to move the outer member in an associated fourth direction.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided with a pliable tube having an integument layer made of a resin constituting an insertion portion and at least one slender tube element inserted through the insertion portion. The amount of contraction of the pliable tube after application of a thermal load during a high-pressure steam sterilization step is set larger than the amount of contraction of the tube element after application of thermal load during the high-pressure steam sterilization step.

Abstract: Insertion tube devices are disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscope with guiding apparatus is provided. The endoscope has an elongate body with a steerable distal portion, an automatically controlled portion, a flexible and passively manipulated proximal portion, and an externally controlled and manipulatable guiding apparatus. The guiding apparatus may be positioned within the endoscope or may be positioned adjacent to the endoscope. An interlocking device is provided to slidably interlock the guiding apparatus and the endoscope. When the guide is in a flexible state, it can conform to a curve or path defined by the steerable distal portion and the automatically controlled portion. The guide can then be selectively rigidized to assume that curve or path. Once rigidized, the endoscope can be advanced along the guide in a monorail or “piggy-back” fashion so that the flexible proximal portion follows the curve held by the guide until the endoscope reaches a next point of curvature within a body lumen.

Abstract: An endoscope whose bending section is moved with supply or discharge of fluid comprises: a fluid-pressure actuator that is included as a bending section in an insertion unit and has fluid chambers associated with a plurality of bending directions; and fluid supply tubes over which fluid is supplied from a fluid pressure source to the respective fluid chambers of the fluid-pressure actuator or fluid supplied to the respective fluid chambers is discharged. The fluid-pressure actuator comprises: a soft multi-lumen tube that has a center through hole and a plurality of penetrating holes which surrounds the center through hole and which realizes the fluid chambers; an internal tubular member that is inserted in the center through hole; and an external tubular member that is put on the periphery of the multi-lumen tube with a gap, which allows each fluid chamber to axially stretch and radially slightly expand during supply of fluid to the fluid chamber and thus eases bending, created between them.

Abstract: A transesophageal probe shaft has a cover which is formed by a plurality of separate layers joined by a pressure sensitive adhesive. In a preferred embodiment the cover forms the outer cover of an articulating section of the probe. The layers are chosen to be thin enough so that the stiffness of the cover does not significantly restrain the bending of the articulating section. The adhesive viscosity is chosen to enable the joined layers to be able to move relative to each other as the probe is bent, and to be able to flow to fill any small cut in the cover caused by biting through the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscope shaft comprising a movable distal end portion which is bendable by means of an operating device, the distal end portion having at least one decentralized hose member extending along the distal end portion, said hose member being integrally formed of a plurality of directly superimposed expansion bellows and forming a continuous pressure chamber so as to expand in the longitudinal direction when pressure is applied.

Abstract: An endoscope has a first bending portion, a second bending portion, and a hand-held unit. The first bending portion is the distal portion of an elongated insertion member and has a plurality of joint pieces concatenated so that the joint pieces can rotate freely. The second bending portion is located at the proximal end of the first bending portion, and has a plurality of joint pieces concatenated so that the joint pieces can rotate freely. The hand-held unit is located at the proximal end of the insertion member, and has a control section that is used to bend the first bending portion and second bending portion. In the endoscope, the control section of the hand-held unit has an angling knob that is used to bend the first bending portion, and a second angling lever that is used to bend the second bending portion.

Abstract: An insertion unit for an endoscope includes a flexible tube having an inner diameter D1 and an inner cross-sectional area S, and a plurality of components inserted and arranged in said flexible tube. The plurality of components include at least one optical fiber bundle. The insertion unit is configured such that the inner diameter D1 is not less than 6.5 mm and the inner cross-sectional area S satisfies the condition of 0.5??s/s?0.6, where ?s represents a sum of cross-sectional areas of the components arranged in the flexible tube. Alternatively, the insertion unit is configured such that the inner diameter D1 is less than 6.5 mm and the inner cross-sectional area S satisfies the condition of 0.5??s/s?0.65.

Abstract: A steerable, tendon-driven endoscope is described herein. The endoscope has an elongated body with a manually or selectively steerable distal portion and an automatically controlled, segmented proximal portion. The steerable distal portion and the segment of the controllable portion are actuated by at least two tendons. As the endoscope is advanced, the user maneuvers the distal portion, and a motion controller actuates tendons in the segmented proximal portion so that the proximal portion assumes the selected curve of the selectively steerable distal portion. By this method the selected curves are propagated along the endoscope body so that the endoscope largely conforms to the pathway selected. When the endoscope is withdrawn proximally, the selected curves can propagate distally along the endoscope body. This allows the endoscope to negotiate tortuous curves along a desired path through or around and between organs within the body.

Abstract: In an outer sheathed endoscope, an outer sheath (20) for shielding a flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13) from the outside is disposed to detachably cover the flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13). The basal end of the flexible insertion portion is connected to an operation portion (15). In the outer sheathed endoscope, A break prevention member (100) which is formed by an elastic material is disposed to surround a basal end part of the flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13), and the outer sheath (20) is formed to cover continuously the flexible insertion portion (11, 12, 13) and the break prevention member (100).

Abstract: An endoscope is provided with a pliable tube having an integument layer made of a resin constituting an insertion portion and at least one slender tube element inserted through the insertion portion. The amount of contraction of the pliable tube after application of a thermal load during a high-pressure steam sterilization step is set larger than the amount of contraction of the tube element after application of a thermal load during the high-pressure steam sterilization step.

Abstract: An endoscope has a first bending portion and a second bending portion. The first bending portion is the distal portion of an elongated insertion member and bent in four directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion member. The second bending portion is bent in at least two directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the insertion member. The endoscope further includes a hand-held unit having a control section that is used to bend the first bending portion and second bending portion. The control section of the handheld unit has an angling knob that is used to bend the first bending portion, and a second angling lever that is used to bend the second bending portion.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for an automated self-propelling endoscope. The system augments the conventional “proximal-push” mechanism commonly used in colonoscopy with an innovative “distal-pull” mechanism. The distal-pull mechanism includes external application of a force at the proximal end of the endoscope that is translated into force that is exerted upon and moves the distal (leading) end of the scope further into the colon.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided with a pliable tube composed of an integument layer formed from a resin and a metal tube integrally fitted into this integument layer in an insertion portion. The inner diameter dimension of the pliable tube at ambient temperature after application of the thermal load of the high-pressure steam sterilization step is larger than the inner diameter dimension at ambient temperature before application of the thermal load.

Abstract: An apparatus including a handle; a first tubular body coupled to the handle and a second tubular body comprising a polymer material coupled to a distal end of the first tubular body and the distal end defining a guide face, wherein the first tubular body and the second tubular body are co-linearly aligned and collectively define a first lumen therethrough extending from an entry port to the guide face; wherein the second tubular body has a dimension adequate for insertion into a uterus of a human subject, and wherein the guide face comprises an outside diameter less than an outside diameter of the second tubular body. Also, a method of using a hysteroscope having a single operating channel.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion shaft is disclosed comprising a tubular member having an axis and including at least one aperture for imparting desirable mechanical characteristics to the shaft. A composite, laminated or fused material comprises at least one layer encasing or jacketing the tubular member.

Abstract: An optical fiber viewing assembly for an endoscope has a light guide with an elastically flexible portion and a substantially rigid pre-curved distal portion. The viewing assembly is particularly suited for traversing bends of relatively small radii in an endotracheal breathing tube without scraping accumulated biological material from the inner surface of the breathing tube that could collect on the distal end of the light guide and obscure the endoscopic view.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intubation imaging stylet for intubating a patient by use in a tube/imaging stylet combination, said imaging stylet comprising: a malleable stylet having a longitudinal axis and a proximal end and a distal end; a flexible image guide having a longitudinal axis and a proximal end and a distal end, said image guide being connected to said stylet such that a portion of said image guide runs parallel to a portion of said stylet along the longitudinal axis of said stylet and such that the distal end of said image guide is co-extensive with the distal end of said stylet; and at least one flexible illumination fiber having a proximal end and a distal end, said illumination fiber being connected to said stylet such that a portion of said illumination fiber runs parallel to a portion of said stylet along the longitudinal axis of said stylet and such that the distal end of said illumination fiber is co-extensive with the distal end of said stylet; such that in use, said imaging stylet is disposed within

Abstract: An endoscope has a first bending portion and a second bending portion. The first bending portion is the distal portion of an elongated insertion member, and the second bending portion is located at the proximal end of the first bending portion. The dimension of the second bending portion in the longitudinal axis of the insertion member is smaller than the dimension of the first bending portion therein. The endoscope includes a hand-held unit having a control section that is used to bend the first bending portion and second bending portion. The control section of the hand-held unit has an angling knob that is used to bend the first bending portion, and a second angling lever that is used to bend the second bending portion.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided with a pliable tube having an integument layer made of a resin constituting an insertion portion and at least one slender tube element inserted through the insertion portion. The amount of contraction of the pliable tube after application of a thermal load during a high-pressure steam sterilization step is set larger than the amount of contraction of the tube element after application of a thermal load during the high-pressure steam sterilization step.

Abstract: An endovascular stapler for securing an endograft to a vessel is disclosed. The stapler includes a staple housing adapted for storing at least one staple therein. The staple housing having an exit area for discharge of the at least one staple therethrough. The stapler also includes an actuating assembly adapted for discharging the at least one staple through the exit area and a displacement mechanism in operative association with the staple housing near the exit area. The displacement member is operative for pushing the exit area against the endograft when discharging the at least one staple therethrough. The displacement mechanism may comprise a balloon adapted to be inflated and deflated positioned near the exit area. The unbent staples may be shaped as elongate W shapes, or may alternatively be straight wire segments. The staples may be bent upon discharge.

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

Abstract: An endoscope of the present invention includes a flexible tube section having an outer sheath layer composed of resin for constituting an endoscope insertion section and a slender tube member inserted into the endoscope insertion section, wherein the amount of shrink of the tube member after the completion of a high temperature/high pressure steam sterilization process is set as much as or greater than the amount of shrink of the flexible tube section after the completion of the high temperature/high pressure steam sterilization process.

Abstract: An apparatus including a handle; a first tubular body coupled to the handle and a second tubular body comprising a polymer material coupled to a distal end of the first tubular body and the distal end defining a guide face, wherein the first tubular body and the second tubular body are co-linearly aligned and collectively define a first lumen therethrough extending from an entry port to the guide face; wherein the second tubular body has a dimension adequate for insertion into a uterus of a human subject, and wherein the guide face comprises an outside diameter less than an outside diameter of the second tubular body. Also, a method of using a hysteroscope having a single operating channel.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising a control section and a shaft extending from the control section. The shaft has a frame with a one-piece tube along a majority of a length of the shaft. The tube comprises a superelastic alloy and slots into the tube along at least one-section of the tube. Superelastic properties of the superelastic alloy allow the tube to bend proximate the slots without substantial permanent deformation of the tube. The superelastic alloy provides the shaft with adequate stiffness and torque resistance to be inserted into a patient's body.

Abstract: An improved device for performing medical procedures, preferably minimally invasive medical procedures, includes a shaft with a proximal and distal end and a bendable tip extending from the distal end of the shaft. In some preferred embodiments, a fastener applicator extends from the bendable tip. In other preferred embodiments, a malleable section is located between the bendable tip and the shaft. The bendable tip can include a plurality of articulating segments. The improved directional device can be used to repair native valves in a patient, especially heart valves.

Abstract: An endoscope has built-in components, which include a spiral tube, a braid, angulation wires, and angulation coils, passed through a sheathing of a flexible tube that is an integral part of a soft insertion member. Conditions are determined so that the sum total of strengths of forces the built-in components exert in correcting their extent of deformation that is caused by sterilization with high-temperature high-pressure steam will be larger than the strength of force the sheathing exerts in correcting its extent of deformation during the high-temperature high-pressure steam sterilization (which includes a high temperature load). Thus, the extent of deformation derived from sterilization with high-temperature high-pressure steam is suppressed.

Abstract: A catheter according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a flexible tubular insert section having, in the outer surface of the distal end side of the insert section, a plurality of notches arranged in the longitudinal direction of the insert section on one side of a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the insert section, an operating wire passed through the insert section and capable of advancing or retreating to bend the distal end side of the insert section having the notches, and a reinforcing tube put on the insert section to cover substantially the overall length of the whole region of the insert section, except the distal end side of the insert section on which the notches are formed, and to restrain longitudinal compression of the insert section.

Abstract: A grounding system for a fiberscope utilizing an electrically conductive braid surrounding at least a portion of a flexible hollow tube containing fiber optic bundles. The fiberscope also includes an electrically conductive member surrounding the bundle end. The system further possesses connections between the electrically conductive braid and the end member. An electrically conductive ferrule underlies and links the fiberscope housing and the electrically conductive braid. A conductor connects to the ferrule, extending to the exterior portion of the housing for accessibility to the user.