Abstract: Methods and devices for both imaging and treating uterine fibroid tumors in one real-time system are provided. One minimally invasive method comprises introducing a sheath into a uterus and determining a location of a fibroid using a visualization element within or on the sheath. Upon identification, a portion of the sheath is steered to position at least one treatment needle at the determined location. The needle is then anchored in uterine tissue and the fibroid treated with the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a bod, an actuation assembly, and a guide catheter extending distally from the body. The guide catheter includes an open proximal end, an open distal end, a rigid proximal portion, a bendable distal portion, and a pull wire extending from the bendable distal portion to the rigid proximal portion. A proximal end of the pull wire is coupled with the actuation assembly. The actuation assembly is operable to translate the pull wire relative to the rigid proximal portion to thereby articulate the bendable distal portion.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an endoscope locking method in which a locking condition is set based on change in coordinates of a manipulation portion. When a sampled X coordinate and Y coordinate of the manipulation portion meet a set change in coordinates of the manipulation portion, a locking signal is sent out, and thus an endoscope is locked. The method can achieve one-hand manipulation, and automatically achieves the locking of the endoscope according to the change in coordinates of the manipulation portion.

Abstract: A catheter is provided that comprises at least one proximal tubular module and a distal tubular module, each of the tubular modules having at least one section with spiral cuts, each pair of adjacent tubular modules are coupled by a joint, the joint comprising, (a) at least one snap-fit connector on a first tubular module and a snap-fit acceptor positioned on the adjacent tubular module, the snap-fit connector being elastically deformable when engaged, and (b) at least one stabilizing element, including, a tongue element positioned on the first tubular module or the adjacent tubular module, and a groove element positioned on the opposite, first tubular module or the opposite, adjacent tubular module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steerable tool with proximal and distal ends comprising a mechanical transmission system (MTS), shaft region, omnidirectionally moveable bendable proximal part (BPP), and omnidirectionally moveable bendable distal part responsive to movement of the BPP, where the MTS comprises longitudinal members (LM) each having proximal and distal ends, arranged in a longitudinal direction around a fictive tube, and has a corresponding transmission shaft region (TSR), transmission bendable proximal part (TBPP) and transmission bendable distal part (TBDP), wherein a plane section of at least one LM has an anisotropic area moment of inertia, and the majority of the LMs are axially rotationally constrained at one or more constraining points along the TBDP or TSR, the LMs are longitudinally slidable with respect to each constraining point, and the MTS is configured such that the TBDP tip is axially rotatable in a bent position by a complementary rotation of the TBPP.

Abstract: In a driving device of an artificial muscle module and a driving method thereof, the driving device includes a fluid tank unit, a fluid providing line, a fluid collecting line, a circulation pump unit, a temp control unit and a fluid distributing unit. The fluid providing line includes high temp and low temp water tanks. The fluid providing line connects a first side of the artificial muscle module to the fluid tank unit. The fluid collecting line connects a second side of the artificial muscle module to the fluid tank unit. The circulation pump unit is positioned at least one of the fluid providing line and the fluid collecting line. The temp control unit controls temperature of the fluid. The fluid distributing unit is positioned at the fluid collecting line, and distributes the fluid in the fluid collecting line.

Abstract: Provided is a manipulator system including: a driver provided at a proximal end of a flexible elongated guide member to drive a distal end of the elongated guide member, a slider that is fixed to the proximal end of the elongated guide member and that is movable with respect to the driver in a longitudinal direction of the elongated guide member, and a controller that is configured to control the driver so as to change a moving amount of the slider in accordance with a bending state of the elongated guide member.

Abstract: A surgical system for manipulating tissue. A steerable instrument is at least partially disposed in a deformable conduit. The steering instrument may include a control element and a deflectable portion operatively connected to the control element. The steerable instrument is actuatable to move between at least a substantially straight configuration and a curved configuration when the deflectable portion protrudes from an access cannula positioned within the tissue. The deflectable portion of the steerable instrument moves away from a longitudinal axis of the access cannula in order to deform the deformable conduit so that the deformable conduit occupies a deformed position. The steering instrument is removable from the deformable conduit so as to allow withdrawal of the deflectable portion of the steerable instrument from the deformable conduit without substantially displacing the deformed position of the deformable conduit. Methods of manipulating tissue with the surgical system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical system is provided comprising a medical device including a handle and a mechanism for moving a distal end of the medical device; an auxiliary medical device comprising a basket retrieval device including a basket sheath disposed over a basket wire and received into a working channel of the medical device; a knob assembly in communication with the basket retrieval device, the knob assembly rotatable so that the basket sheath, wire, or both move within the working channel; and a base removably connecting the auxiliary medical device to the handle wherein the handle and the base are configured to be simultaneously gripped with a hand, and wherein the mechanism is configured to be moved with a first finger to move the distal end of the medical device and the knob assembly is configured to be rotated with a second finger to move the basket sheath wire, or both.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling device includes an expression member placed around an incision in the skin of a user, a compression member to contact and traverse the expression member, and a housing configured to contact the skin near the incision. The expression member is configured to repeatedly move from a relaxed position over the incision to a contracted position over the incision. The expression member is at least partially resilient in order to repeatedly squeeze and/or compress the skin around the incision.

Abstract: In an instrument for laparoscopic surgery, with an operating handle, a rectilinear first shaft section connected to the operating handle, a flexible second shaft section arranged at the distal end of the first shaft section and having an end part located at the distal tip of the second shaft section, wherein the second shaft section can be moved from a rectilinear extension position to a curved position in a predetermined plane of curvature with the aid of a tensioning means engaging on the end part, provision is made for a flexible connecting means to extend between the first shaft section and the end part, and the flexible connecting means has a restoring function with which the flexible second shaft section can be restored automatically to a rectilinear or predetermined extension position.

Abstract: There is disclosed a MicroFlex Scope (MFS). The MFS is a dexterous endoscope providing access, direct visualization, tissue sampling, and treatment, of body lumens. In one embodiment, the distal end of the MFS is an ultra-flexible tip that comprises a plurality of thin, curved shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator elements attached to at least one structural skeleton, a coil spring skeleton or hinge structure. The SMA actuator elements in each structural skeleton segment are indirectly heated by a heater element and produce force in response to their temperature relative to specific thresholds. In configurations comprising a plurality of actuator elements, multiplexing/demultiplexing of heating currents and sensor voltages may be accomplished via a parallel bus and demultiplexing circuit. In this regard, a demultiplexing circuit using standard microelectronic fabrication techniques may be designed to achieve individual sensing and control over each actuator element.

Abstract: A selectively shapeable medical device comprises an elongate tube, an activation component operatively coupled to the elongate tube, and means for actuating the activation component. The activation component has a first state and a second state different from the first state. The activation component alters a stiffness of at least a portion of the tube coupled to the activation component in the first state and does not alter a stiffness of the portion of the tube in the second state.

Abstract: Rotational shape-memory actuators and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a rotational shape-memory actuator includes a first anchor, a second anchor, a spring element extending between the first and second anchors, a first shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, a second shape memory element extending between the first and second anchors, and a communication line wrapped around the first and second shape memory elements. The first and second shape memory elements are configured to transition between a first configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are twisted together and a second configuration in which the first and second shape memory elements are less twisted together such that transitions of the first and second shape memory elements between the first and second configurations cause the second anchor to rotate with respect to the first anchor.

Abstract: A clip device 1 that has a coil-shaped tubular body 6 that is inserted through a curvable treatment instrument insertion channel of an endoscope, the tubular body 6 includes a proximal side coil (first coil) 10 that has a spring constant per unit length of 15 N/mm to 500 N/mm and is disposed on the proximal end side of the tubular body 6; and a distal end side coil 11 that is connected to the distal end of the proximal side coil 10, has a greater inner diameter than the inner diameter of the proximal side coil 10, has a spring constant per unit length of 15 N/mm to 500 N/mm, and has a spring constant that differs from the spring constant of the proximal side coil 10, with the ratio of the spring constants of the proximal side coil 10 and the distal end side coil 11 is greater than 1.0 and less than or equal to 2.0.

Abstract: A controllable sheath for optimizing the control of surgical instruments at the operation site includes a flexible sheath surrounding an endoscope and including a lumen extending along the walls of the sheath and adjacent to the endoscope. The lumen permits the passage of surgical instruments from the proximal end of the endoscopic device to the operation site. The lumen extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope and deflects at the distal end as desired by the operator's manipulation of a controller device. This distal end deflection may occur through various different techniques where the ability to deflect the lumen gives the operator increased control and maneuverability over the surgical implements located in the lumen. Depending upon the particular requirements of the surgical procedure, the controllable sheath may include any number of lumens capable of distal end deflection.

Abstract: A selectively rigidizable endoscopic device is described. In one aspect, an endoscopic medical 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 endoscope device having a curvable portion and a pivotable lever enclosed within a housing connected to a spring means for returning the trigger and the control wire to a resting position once a user is finished squeezing the trigger. The pivotable lever defines first and second ends connected to an adjustment wire and a control wire respectively. When the trigger is squeezed, the curvable portion curves in a controlled manner from a fully straight configuration.

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: The present invention provides, in part, a dexterous endoscope apparatus, referred to herein as a MicroFlex Scope (MFS). The MFS is an novel, small diameter, e.g., less about 1 mm to about 4 mm, about 1 mm to about 3 mm, etc., dexterous endoscope that allows for access, direct visualization, tissue sampling, treatment, etc. of body lumens. In one embodiment, the distal end of the MFS of the invention is an ultra-flexible tip that comprises a plurality of thin, curved shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator elements attached to at least one structural skeleton, e.g., a coil spring skeleton or hinge structure. The SMA actuator elements in each structural skeleton segment are indirectly heated by a heater element and produce force in response to their temperature relative to specific thresholds. In certain embodiments, the heater element may include an integrated heater/sensor element adapted to heat the actuator element and to sense the temperature and bend state of the actuator element.

Abstract: Embolic protection and plaque removal apparatus and methods are provided wherein an aspiration device aspirates, filters and reperfuses blood using a closed fluid circuit having a bi-directional working lumen. The plaque removal device includes a plurality of self-expanding cutting elements that form a cage that self-centers within the blood vessel to reduce the risk of trauma to the vessel lining.

Abstract: A controllable sheath for optimizing the control of surgical instruments at the operation site includes a flexible sheath surrounding an endoscope and including a lumen extending along the walls of the sheath and adjacent to the endoscope. The lumen permits the passage of surgical instruments from the proximal end of the endoscopic device to the operation site. The lumen extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope and deflects at the distal end as desired by the operator's manipulation of a controller device. This distal end deflection may occur through various different techniques where the ability to deflect the lumen gives the operator increased control and maneuverability over the surgical implements located in the lumen. Depending upon the particular requirements of the surgical procedure, the controllable sheath may include any number of lumens capable of distal end deflection.

Abstract: Intervertebral spacers are provided for use in orthopedic treatment of spinals defects. The intervertebral spacer is formed of a shape memory polymer. The spacer can be fabricated into a desired configuration and then deformed into an alternative or deformed configuration. Cooling the deformed spacer effectively freezes the spacer into its deformed conformation. The deformed configuration can be selected to facilitate implantation of the spacer into a prepared disc space between adjacent vertebrae. During operation, the surgeon can heat the spacer to allow it to revert to its original configuration. The spacer in its original conformation is sized to restore and/or maintain the adjacent vertebrae in a desired conformation and disc space height.

Abstract: A visual veress needle assembly is provided including an optically conductive veress needle for puncturing tissue and having a hollow interior and an optical stylet insertable through the hollow interior of the veress needle. The veress needle is constructed of translucent material enabling light to pass through from a proximal end to a distal end to illuminate the area of the incision and the operative site. The optical stylet includes a lens at a distal end for obtaining an image of the operative site and a connector at the proximal end for transmitting optical data to auxiliary viewing devices. The distal end of the stylet is flexible and incorporates structure to orient the lens relative to the hollow veress needle.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope providing increased control to an operator or user, the flexible endoscope utilizing an ionic polymeric material positioned in the shaft of the endoscope, such that, upon application of an electrical current to the ionic polymeric material, the material contracts and becomes relatively rigid. The flexible endoscope may further include mechanical controls for control of the flexible shaft allowing the user to simultaneously actuate both the polymeric material and mechanically deflect the shaft.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes a groove formed in a surface of a shape memory alloy (SMA) substrate establishing a trace pattern for a layer of conductive material formed over an electrically insulative layer. The trace pattern includes a first end, a second end, and a heating element disposed between the first and second ends. The SMA substrate is trained to deform at a transition temperature achieved when electricity is conducted through the conductive material via first and second interconnect pads terminating the first and second ends of the trace pattern.

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

Abstract: A flexible endoscopic dip 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: A flexible endoscope providing increased control to an operator or user, the flexible endoscope utilizing an ionic polymeric material positioned in the shaft of the endoscope, such that, upon application of an electrical current to the ionic polymeric material, the material contracts and becomes relatively rigid. The flexible endoscope may further include mechanical controls for control of the flexible shaft allowing the user to simultaneously actuate both the polymeric material and mechanically deflect the shaft.

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 mechanism and method for steering a surgical instrument inserted into an endoscope such as a ureteroscope, nephroscope, or cystoscope, and/or for steering the endoscope, utilizes a shape memory structure secured to the surgical instrument or to the endoscope, the shape memory structure having a transformation temperature slightly greater than that of the human body so that bending of the shape memory structure, and therefore of the surgical instrument or endoscope, may be carried out by raising a temperature of irrigation fluid in the working channel. The steering mechanism may be used as a supplement to a tensioned-wire steering mechanism, reducing stress on the endoscope shaft and extending the service life and repair interval of the endoscope. In addition, when the surgical instrument is a glass optical fiber, the steering mechanism may be used to ensure that a tip of the optical fiber is within the field-of-view of fiber optics incorporated into the endoscope.

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: A steerable endoscopic sheath has a proximal end, a distal end and a working channel lumen disposed therein. A plurality of solid state light emitting devices such as light emitting diodes are positioned near the distal end of the sheath and are selectively energized to illuminate internal body tissues. An imaging device such as a photo diode or CCD array creates an image from light reflected from the tissue. The distal tip of the endoscopic sheath is selectively moveable with a deflection device that is insertable into the sheath. The deflection device includes a tip deflection mechanism that allows a user to move the tip of the deflection device. With the deflection device inserted in the sheath, movement of the distal tip causes a corresponding movement in the distal tip of the sheath. The distal tip of the sheath has a shape retaining mechanism that allows it to retain the shape imparted by the deflection device once the deflection device is removed from the sheath.

Abstract: A flexible ureteropyeloscope having a control section and a shaft extending from the control section. The shaft has a front end with a first active deflection section connected in series with a second active deflection section. The control section is adapted to independently deflect the first and second defection sections. The first and second active deflection sections are adapted to deflect such that a distal end of the ureteropyeloscope can be placed in a calyx of a lower pole of a kidney without the need to passively deflect the front end of the shaft against kidney tissue of a patient to reach the calyx of the lower pole.

Abstract: A controllable sheath for optimizing the control of surgical instruments at the operation site includes a flexible sheath surrounding an endoscope and including a lumen extending along the walls of the sheath and adjacent to the endoscope. The lumen permits the passage of surgical instruments from the proximal end of the endoscopic device to the operation site. The lumen extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope and deflects at the distal end as desired by the operator's manipulation of a controller device. This distal end deflection may occur through various different techniques where the ability to deflect the lumen gives the operator increased control and maneuverability over the surgical implements located in the lumen. Depending upon the particular requirements of the surgical procedure, the controllable sheath may include any number of lumens capable of distal end deflection.

Abstract: An operational remote controller integrates a joystick for bending a bending portion of an inserted portion in an endoscope. A bending lever stands on the joystick. For every automatically returning of the bending lever to a neutral position, a CPU of the operational remote controller detects the neutral position and sets an insensitive band within a predetermined range of the neutral position. Thus, the insensitive band can be set within a relatively narrow range irrespective of variation of neutral positions. The CPU supplies positional information of the bending lever to a control circuit for controlling a motor drive circuit. The control circuit controls a motor drive circuit based on the supplied positional information, and the motor drive circuit drives a motor to bend the bending portion of the inserted portion.

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: A thrombolysis catheter apparatus is disclosed comprising: (a) an elongated thrombolysis catheter portion comprising a plurality of independently controllable electroactive polymer actuators, which provide a curvature to the thrombolysis catheter based upon received control signals; (b) a control unit coupled to the plurality of actuators and sending the control signals to the plurality of actuators; and (c) an occlusion removal device. Also disclosed is a method of treating an arterial occlusion by advancing the thrombolysis catheter portion through the arterial vasculature of a patient to a position proximate the occlusion, while controlling the shape of the thrombolysis catheter portion using the control unit. The occlusion is then removed using the occlusion removal device.

Abstract: An enhanced endotracheal tube utilizing a fiber optic bundle positioned in its wall section to transmit light and a reflectively coated bore to transmit images is disclosed. Additional passages formed in the wall of the endotracheal tube are adapted to receive a stylette and to act as an air passage for inflating an inflatable cuff formed on the inner end of the endotracheal tube. The light transmitted through the fiber optic bundle aids in illuminating the patient's laryngeal area and the image is reflected along the reflectively coated bore to aid the physician in intubating the patient. Alternative embodiments using a bore with a sleeve having a different refractive index from that of the tube material and an enhanced endotracheal tube for use with children are shown.

Abstract: An operational remote controller integrates a joystick for bending a bending portion of an inserted portion in an endoscope. A bending lever stands on the joystick. For every automatically returning of the bending lever to a neutral position, a CPU of the operational remote controller detects the neutral position and sets an insensitive band within a predetermined range of the neutral position. Thus, the insensitive band can be set within a relatively narrow range irrespective of variation of neutral positions. The CPU supplies positional information of the bending lever to a control circuit for controlling a motor drive circuit. The control circuit controls a motor drive circuit based on the supplied positional information, and the motor drive circuit drives a motor to bend the bending portion of the inserted portion.

Abstract: A fully-swallowable endoscopic system includes a rod-shaped endoscope body which can be swallowed entirely by a patient to be examined so as to be placed in a body cavity, the rod-shaped endoscope body including two bendable portions respectively provided close to the opposite ends of the rod-shaped endoscope body and each being bendable along a curve of the body cavity, and an external device provided separately from the rod-shaped endoscope body having no mechanical connection with the rod-shaped endoscope body. The rod-shaped endoscope body is provided therein with at least one light emitter, at least one observing system, a transmitter for transmitting a radio wave which carries an image formed by the observing system, and a power supplying device. The external device includes a receiver for receiving the radio wave which carries the image.

Abstract: A flexible ureteropyeloscope having a control section and a shaft extending from the control section. The shaft has a front end with a first active deflection section connected in series with a second active deflection section. The control section is adapted to independently deflect the first and second defection sections. The first and second active deflection sections are adapted to deflect such that a distal end of the ureteropyeloscope can be placed in a calyx of a lower pole of a kidney without the need to passively deflect the front end of the shaft against kidney tissue of a patient to reach the calyx of the lower pole.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for their use in manipulating internal body objects are provided. The subject devices have proximal and distal ends separated by an elongate member. Located at the distal end is at least one articulated member, and usually two or more articulated members. A manual means for actuating the one or more distal articulated members is located at the proximal end of the device. The elongate member may be flexible or rigid. The subject devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in applications in which it is desired to manipulate an internal body object from a location external to the body.

Abstract: An endoscope having a control section and a shaft extending from the control section. The shaft comprises an outer cover; a tubular braid member located, at least partially, inside the outer cover; and a support frame located, at least partially, inside the tubular braid member. The support frame comprises a shape memory member which is spiral shaped. The shape memory member is comprised of a superelastic shape memory alloy. A first length of the support frame comprises the shape memory member having a first width and/or thickness a second length of the tubular shape comprises the shape memory member having a different second width and/or thickness such that the support frame has different respective stiffnesses along the first and second lengths.

Abstract: An endoscope having an endoscope shaft at the distal end of which a solid state image-recording system is disposed which is designed in the manner of lateral-view optics. The image-recording system has at least two image recorders, built in a distal region of the endoscope shaft in such a manner that the viewing directon of the solid state image-recording system being approximately parallel to the axis of a proximal part of the endoscope shaft in one position and being perpendicular to it in another position automatically assumed by the distal region.

Abstract: A medical scope adapted for use in viewing an image of an interior section of a body includes a housing having a viewing mechanism for viewing the image. An elongated shaft extends from the housing and includes a sheath and an image transmitting mechanism extending through the sheath for optically transmitting the image from the interior section to the viewing mechanism. The sheath is made from a superelastic material such that the sheath has an elasticity greater than that of the image transmitting mechanism, whereby the bending of the shaft and hence the image transmitting mechanism is restricted primarily by the elastic limit of the image transmitting mechanism and not by the elastic limit of the sheath. The medical scope of the present invention can be any type of medical scopes, including rigid, semi-flexible and flexible endoscopes, medical telescopes, hysteroscopes, bronchialscopes and cystoscopes.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods for their use in manipulating internal body objects are provided. The subject devices have proximal and distal ends separated by an elongate member. Located at the distal end is at least one articulated member, and usually two or more articulated members. A manual means for actuating the one or more distal articulated members is located at the proximal end of the device. The elongate member may be flexible or rigid. The subject devices find use in a variety of applications, and are particularly suited for use in applications in which it is desired to manipulate an internal body object from a location external to the body.

Abstract: The fiberscope (referred to as an “endoscopic stylet” by the inventor) has a largely semi-rigid insertion cord which permits a user to pre-form the endoscopic stylet to follow the anticipated contours of the airway leading to the trachea and to insure that it reliably shepherds the associated endotracheal tube to the intended tracheal position. By visually tracking the progress of the endoscopic stylet through the airway, specifically through the vocal cords and into the trachea, placed at the proper distance above the carina, as permitted by the fiberoptic portions of the endoscopic stylet, proper positioning of the endotracheal tube is virtually assured, and post-intubation verification would be unnecessary in most instances since intubation is itself verification of proper endotracheal tube placement.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a system for imaging the human airway having highly advantageous optical, mechanical, ergonomical and physical characteristics. In a specific embodiment, the human airway can be imaged during the intubation procedure. The subject imaging scopes can incorporate a malleable stylet which retains its shape when bent, in order to facilitate intubation of a patient. In a preferred embodiment, a solid metal stylet, for example, a conventional endotracheal tube stylet, can be utilized. In a specific embodiment the subject intubation scope allows for a user to utilize conventional techniques for the insertion of an endotracheal tube, reducing the training needed for use of the subject intubation scope. Preferably, the subject imaging scopes also incorporate at least one illumination fiber to convey light to the distal tip of the subject imaging scopes, for illumination of the objects to be imaged.

Abstract: A flexible ureteropyeloscope having a control section and a shaft extending from the control section. The shaft has a front end with a first active deflection section connected in series with a second active deflection section. The control section is adapted to independently deflect the first and second defection sections. The first and second active deflection sections are adapted to deflect such that a distal end of the ureteropyeloscope can be placed in a calyx of a lower pole of a kidney without the need to passively deflect the front end of the shaft against kidney tissue of a patient to reach the calyx of the lower pole.