Abstract: A surgical system can include a first instrument defining a first channel and a second instrument receivable by the first channel. The second instrument can include a second channel. A valve coupled to the first instrument controls fluid flow through the first channel. The valve has at least two positions and in one position, the impedance of fluid flow through the valve into the first channel (when the second instrument is not received in the first channel) is substantially the same as when the valve is the other position and the first channel partially blocked by the second instrument. In another aspect, a surgical system can include an outer member and the first instrument can be received within the outer member to define a second channel there between. The first instrument can include a visualization system and an illumination system.

Abstract: An operating portion which allows a bending treatment instrument to be inserted into an endoscope channel and bendably operated smoothly through intuition. The operating portion is connected with a device wire and bending wires and used to operate the treatment instrument and bend a freely bendable, bending treatment instrument, where the device wire is connected to a treatment instrument provided at a distal end of the bending treatment instrument and is used to operate the treatment instrument and the plurality of bending wires is used to bend the bending treatment instrument, the operating portion including: an operating portion body; a guide unit penetrated by the device wire; a bending wire pulling unit connected with the bending wires and swingably assembled onto the guide unit; and a grip portion connected with the device wire and configured to be reciprocable in an axial direction of the bending wire pulling unit.

Abstract: An endoscope pipe with a central, elongated observation window on the distal end, whereby several light outlet openings for fiberoptic end surfaces are positioned close to the observation window for illuminating the angle area observed through the observation window and the light outlet openings are positioned asymmetrically in relation to the longitudinal extension of the observation window and/or the fiberoptic end surfaces are held in the light outlet openings in such a way that light is beamed from the fiberoptic end surfaces into the angle area in various directions.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell-containing bioabsorbable tubular structure having molecular permeability, a device for manufacturing the tubular structure, and a method for manufacturing the tubular structure. According to the present invention, there is provided a tubular structure constituted with a cell structure which contains biocompatible polymer blocks and cells, in which the plurality of polymer blocks is disposed in voids between the plurality of cells.

Abstract: A manipulator including an elongated shaft, a distal-end treatment section disposed at a distal end of the shaft, a distal-end articulated section having a bendable joint and a rotatable joint, and a proximal-end operating section disposed at a proximal end side of the shaft, wherein the bendable joint has an axis intersecting a longitudinal axis of the shaft, the rotatable joint has an axis that intersects the axis of the bendable joint and that is substantially aligned with a central axis of the distal-end treatment section, the proximal-end operating section includes a first operating section gripped by one hand and causing the bendable joint to move about the axis intersecting the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and also includes a second operating section provided in the first operating section and causing the rotatable joint to move.

Abstract: An endoscope sheath comprising: a proximal end; a distal end having a distal end region; a surface extending between and connecting the proximal end and the distal end; and a plurality of positioning devices located along the surface; wherein the sheath is configured to: (1) receive all or a portion of an endoscope having a cylindrical end and (2) provide a conduit for communicating fluid between the proximal end of the sheath and the distal end of the sheath when the endoscope is inserted inside the sheath; and wherein the distal end region of the sheath includes the plurality of positioning devices that secure the cylindrical end of the endoscope against a portion of an inner wall of the surface extending between the proximal end and the distal end so that a fluid barrier is created between the cylindrical end of the endoscope and the inner wall.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a flexible tube having a curved part at a tip and an endoscope main body part operating a curving operation on the curved part for work, the endoscope having a treatment tool insertion part for inserting a treatment tool projecting from the endoscope main body part and for use in a treatment of a subject into a treatment tool insertion tube arranged in the curved part along an axial direction, wherein the treatment tool insertion part includes an attachment and removal part having an insertion tube and a body, the insertion tube having one end inserted in the endoscope main body part to be arranged to communicate to the treatment tool insertion tube and another end placed outside the endoscope main body part, and the body holding and fixing the insertion tube to the endoscope main body part.

Abstract: A medical overtube includes a multi-lumen tube provided with a plurality of lumens through which medical devices are to be passed; a braided tube which covers an outer side of the multi-lumen tube and is made of braided fibers; and an outer tube that covers an outer side of the braided tube, wherein a through hole is formed in the multi-lumen tube or the outer tube, the through hole is configured to connect a space, which is covered by the outer tube and the multi-lumen tube and in which the braided tube is disposed, to an exterior.

Abstract: Body cavity drainage devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments a body cavity drainage device comprises a drainage tube having a proximal end and a distal end; and an automated means to move the distal end of the drainage tube about a body cavity of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal end of the drainage tube may be moved by one or more of the application of a magnetic field, the insertion or withdrawal of fluid from a closed lumen, and manipulation by an external motion generator. In additional embodiments, a body cavity drainage device includes at least a second open lumen for the insertion of a fluid into a body cavity. In yet further embodiments, an internal tissue may be massaged from within a body cavity of a patient.

Abstract: A method of laser processing a component within an assembled apparatus using a boroscope, which includes a working head having first and second ends. A first optical fiber extends through the boroscope to a position between the first and second ends. A second optical fiber extends through the boroscope to the second end. A laser optical fiber extends through the boroscope. At least one lens is arranged between the first and second ends of the working head and a mirror is gimballed to the second end. The laser optical fiber directs laser light transmitted through the laser optical fiber onto the lens and then onto the mirror. A first LED is arranged at a position between the first and second ends of the working head and a second LED is arranged at the second end and an actuator device adjust the position of the mirror.

Abstract: A system and method for dilating a Eustachian tube of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a protective sheath, a flexible endoscope and a balloon dilation catheter. The protective sheath includes an endoscope lumen and a balloon dilation catheter lumen. The balloon of the balloon dilation catheter is a low profile balloon particularly useful for dilating the Eustachian tube, and in particular, the Eustachian tube of a pediatric patient. The method involves advancing the balloon dilation catheter through a nasal passage of the patient to dilate a portion of the Eustachian tube.

Abstract: A method for preventing plugging of a continuous-reaction channel-system caused by a by-product of a continuous-reaction being carried out in said channel-system comprises the step of generating at least one ultrasonic wave travelling through said channel-system by coupling in a flow direction of at least one process fluid of a plurality of process fluids said at least one ultrasonic wave into said at least one process fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tube assembly for an endoscope comprising a disposable tube that surrounds a working channel and preferably also a flushing channel and fixing means for fixing the disposable tube to the endoscope. Said fixing means have a fixing unit which is used to fix the disposable tube on the distal end of the endoscope in a rotationally and axially fixed manner. The endoscope fixing means also have a guide device which is used to displaceably fix the disposable tube on respective sections of the endoscope that are at a distance from the distal end of said endoscope.

Abstract: The instrument ports for introducing instruments into a surgical site that are disclosed herein include a port body having a channel running therethrough from a proximal end to a distal end, an instrument sleeve in slidable contact with the channel, creating a gap therebetween, and a fluid flow element for removing emboli efficiently from the instrument port, wherein the fluid flow element includes the gap. Disclosed fluid flow systems are for use in the disclosed instrument ports. Methods are also disclosed for removably securing an instrument sleeve to a port body by anchoring the instrument port to heart tissue, making at least one flood line in a channel, flushing out emboli, and performing surgery with the instrument port.

Abstract: In the biopsy system according to one embodiment, the needle tube of the treatment tool has the minor axis of the flattened portion and the bending plane of the bending portion parallel to each other. Accordingly, the needle tube is easily bent in the bending direction of the bending portion, and even in an endoscope that has few bendable directions and is bendable, for example, in only two directions (e.g., up and down), the bending operation of the bending portion is not easily hindered. As a result, even after the treatment tool for endoscopes is inserted into the endoscope, the bending portion can be easily bent with a predetermined bending amount, and a procedure can be easily performed.

Abstract: An insertion body includes: a base arranged in the central axis; a rotating body provided on an outer periphery of the base and rotatable around the central axis; and a channel which includes a guide provided at the base such that the rotative force transmitting section is able to be guided between a first position in which the rotative force transmitting section in the longitudinal axis can be inclined from the central axis when the rotative force transmission unit is inserted from the outside to the inside and a second position in which the rotative force transmitting section in the longitudinal axis is parallel to the central axis and a rotative force can be transmitted to the rotating body from the rotative force transmitting section, and through which the rotative force transmission unit is inserted through the opening end and the guide.

Abstract: An advance and retreat assist tool includes a base unit, a fixing unit and a first tubular member. The advance and retreat assist tool further includes a fixing portion which fixes the treatment instrument to the first tubular member, a rotary portion which provided in the first tubular member and an advance and retreat mechanism which advances and retreats the first tubular member on the basis of the a rotation force of the rotary portion.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing removable and pluggable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and/or image capture devices. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or other conditioning purpose. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged in on the exterior surface of a device, inside the device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.

Abstract: A treatment tool for an endoscope including: an insertion section inserted from a mouth ring provided at the base-end portion of a channel of the endoscope to the inside of the channel; an operation section provided at the base end of the insertion section; a rigid guide member having a tubular shape, externally fitted around the insertion section at the base end of the insertion section, and fixed to the operation section; and a fixing section that is externally fitted around the guide member, firmly attaches between the inner wall of the mouth ring or the channel and the guide member, and fixes the guide member to the inner wall of the mouth ring or the channel.

Abstract: A continuous flow irrigation endoscope and a continuous flow irrigation fluid management system, both designed to be compatible to each other and to function as a single system. The endoscope and the fluid management system are synergistic to each other such that both enhance the efficiency of each other. The invented system allows a body tissue cavity to be distended by continuous flow irrigation so that detached tissue pieces and waste fluid present inside a body tissue cavity are continuously automatically evacuated from the tissue cavity without causing the cavity to collapse at any stage and without the need of withdrawing the endoscope of a part of the endoscope from the tissue cavity. No type of feedback mechanism, such as mechanical or electrical, or valve or valve like systems, are incorporated in the endoscope to influence or facilitate the removal of detached tissue pieces or waste fluid in any manner.

Abstract: An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link. The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera.

Abstract: An endoscope collar for use with an endoscope. The endoscope collar comprising a main portion comprising a proximal end that detachably couples to an end of the endoscope and a collar protrusion extending from the main portion. The collar protrusion is configured to be removably located within the aperture of a tube (e.g., a feeding tube).

Abstract: Devices and systems are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device by means of a robotic system. In one embodiment, systems and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide intraluminal delivery of a bandage structure within a body lumen or hollow body organ, e.g., for treating an injured gastrointestinal tract or an esophageal hemorrhage in a non-invasive way using endoscopic visualization. The systems and methods can be sized and configured to apply a chitosan bandage structure within a body lumen or hollow body organ, to take advantage of the mucoadhesive, antimicrobial, hemostatic, and potential accelerated wound healing properties of the chitosan material.

Abstract: A main body that has an installation portion which is formed from an elastic material having a cylinder shape, and installed at the metal opening at one end side; a lid insertion portion which cylindrically protrudes to the other end side, and a lid connected to the main body by a flexible connection portion having flexibility, that is formed from an elastic material, that has a tube shape with a cylindrical insertion channel, and that, at both sides where both ends of the insertion channel are respectively open, has first and second installation portions with different external shapes to each other which are installed by selectively inserting to the lid insertion portion. The first installation portion has a larger external shape than the second installation portion, at least a portion of a diameter of the insertion channel decreases when installed to the lid insertion portion of the first installation portion.

Abstract: Endoscopic instrument assemblies and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscopic instrument assembly includes an endoscope having a working channel and an endoscopic instrument slidably disposed in the working channel. The inside surface of the working channel and the outside surface of the endoscopic instrument each have a non-circular cross-sectional shape along at least a portion of their respective lengths.

Abstract: A device for sterilization check for an endoscope, comprising: an elongated insertion member insertable into an inner pipeline of the endoscope, wherein a plurality of indicator holding members each capable of holding a sterilization indicator for checking a sterilization effect by a sterilizing medium introduced to the inner pipeline are arranged on the insertion member along a longitudinal direction of the insertion member, and ones of the indicator holding members adjacent to each other along the longitudinal direction of the insertion member are coupled together via a flexible coupling member deformable along a shape of the inner pipeline of the endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a substantially rigid shaft having a distal end and a proximal portion, the shaft having a first lumen and a second lumen separate from the first lumen, the second lumen containing one or more objective lenses disposed at the distal end thereof. A housing is mounted on the proximal portion of the shaft, the housing including an eyepiece mount and a light input port. An image fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the image fiber bundle extending proximally from adjacent the one or more objective lenses to the eyepiece mount. An illumination fiber bundle is disposed in the second lumen, the illumination fiber bundle extending proximally from the distal end of the shaft to the light input port.

Abstract: A flange is formed in a ferrule. A forceps stopper has a fixing member engaging with the flange and a stopper body that holds the fixing member. The fixing member has detachable first and second pieces. The stopper body has a fixing member accommodation hole that accommodates the fixing member in a combined state. The stopper body has a fixing member holding portion that holds the fixing member that is accommodated in the fixing member accommodation hole. The fixing member holding portion has an annular contact portion that comes into contact with the fixing member and a connection portion that connects the outer periphery of the annular contact portion to the opening peripheral edge portion of the fixing member accommodation hole. When the stopper body is pulled, the connection portion is broken, so that the holding of the fixing member using the fixing member holding portion is released.

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

Abstract: There is provided herein an endoscope assembly comprising at least one front-pointing camera and at least one front illuminator associated therewith, at least one side-pointing camera and at least one of side illuminator associated therewith, a front working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool and a side service channel configured for insertion of a medical tool.

Abstract: An endoscope and a surgical instrument are easily manipulated to desired positions and orientations independently while the state of treatment with the surgical instrument can be easily observed using an endoscopic image.

Abstract: A channel tube inserted into an insertion portion of an endoscope includes: a rear side tube including, on a part of an outer surface thereof, a helical-shaped groove; and a front side tube including, on a part of an outer surface thereof, a helical-shaped groove; a connecting pipe for connecting one end of the rear side tube and one end of the front side tube; and a coil wound on the groove of the rear side tube. The rear side tube is connected to the connecting pipe at a part where the groove is formed and the coil is not wound, and the front side tube is connected to the connecting pipe at a part where a coil is not wound.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a tube having a single layer structure or a laminated structure made up of a plurality of layers, a branching member that branches a tubular path in an endoscope operation section and has a tube connection section to which the tube is connected, a channel locking member that sandwiches the tube with the tube connection section to thereby fix the tube to the branching member in close contact, and a fastening member that presses and brings into close contact the tube sandwiched between the tube connection section and the channel locking member, in which the channel locking member is formed so as to have a tapered portion that covers an outer circumference of the tube and have at least one flat surface on an outer circumferential face of the tapered portion.

Abstract: A continuous flow irrigation endoscope and a continuous flow irrigation fluid management system, both designed to be compatible to each other and meant to function as a single system. The endoscope and the fluid management system are synergistic to each other such that both enhance the efficiency of each other. The system allows a body tissue cavity to be distended by continuous flow irrigation so that the detached tissue pieces and waste fluid present inside a body tissue cavity are continuously automatically evacuated from the tissue cavity without causing the cavity to collapse at any stage and without the need of withdrawing the endoscope or a part of the endoscope from the tissue cavity.

Abstract: Endoscopes, endoscopic instruments, and methods for making and using the same. An illustrative endoscopic instrument includes a catheter that can extend through the working channel of an endoscope. The catheter may include an end effector passing region.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes a proximal side contact portion coming into air-tight contact with an outer peripheral portion of the insertion section, and a cavity is defined between the insertion section and a fixed member to a distal direction side of the proximal side contact portion. In a protruding state of a hood, a first path which makes an inside of the hood communicate with the cavity is defined, and the hood is in air-tight contact with the fixed member over an entire circumference in circumferential directions at a distal side contact portion. In a housed state of the hood, a second path which makes the cavity to communicate with an outside of the fixed member is defined.

Abstract: Apparatuses of the type broadly applicable to numerous medical applications in which it is desirable to insert one or more steerable or non-steerable catheters or similar devices into a working channel of an associated device, such as an endoscope, catheter, etc., or passageway of a patient, are disclosed. The apparatuses may include catheters having a dedicated guide wire channel and one or more of the following: viewing capabilities, a working channel, and auxiliary channels, such as insufflation/irrigation channels. The catheters may include a guide wire channel that is configured to provide the catheter or other device with rapid exchange capabilities.

Abstract: A hybrid apparatus for delivery of fluid in connection with endoscopic irrigation and lens cleaning including a connector which is adaptable to a flexible or rigid container, a connector arranged at the end thereof and connected via a tubing supply to a fluid, air and or gas source and to an endoscope during a procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for introducing a plurality of instruments to a target site through a working channel. The working channel can include a surface adapted to guide one or more instruments into select positions. The working channel can be defined by a portion of a guide tube or tip that may be coupled with an endoscope.

Abstract: The foregoing application describes a system and method of performing a minimally invasive surgical operation. More specifically, the invention involves the use of disposable cannula and slender dilators of variable lengths, which incorporate a source of illumination to carry light to a surgical site and video capabilities for capturing and displaying images from a CMOS or CCD camera device. According to one embodiment, fiber optics run semi-circumferentially or along walls of the cannula/dilator and terminate at about a centimeter from the distal end of the cannula/dilator, thereby preventing illumination from “bottoming out” at the floor of the incision. According to one alternate embodiment, the light fibers may be fashioned in an annulus around one or more camera chips to provide illumination and video of the surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a first instrument defining a first channel and a second instrument receivable by the first channel. The second instrument defines a second channel. A valve coupled to the first instrument controls fluid flow through the first channel, such that impedance of fluid flow through the first channel is substantially the same without the second instrument received in the first channel and with the first channel partially blocked by the second instrument. In another aspect, a surgical apparatus includes an outer member and an inner member received within the outer member to define a first channel therebetween. The inner member houses an optical lens and defines a second channel for receiving a surgical instrument. The first and second channels are configured such that a pump having an inflow rate of up to about 0.7 L/min connected to the second channel can maintain fluid pressure inside an organ.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system may include a medical delivery device and an electrosurgical device to perform an electrosurgical procedure. The electrosurgical device may have a monopolar configuration. An outer surface of the medical delivery device may include a conductive portion that is part of a return path for a bipolar configuration. Current may be supplied through an active member of the electrosurgical device to perform the procedure. After passing through tissue, the current may be drawn to the electrode portion of the medical delivery device to complete the circuit.

Abstract: An endoscopic aspiration device is mounted on a manipulating head of an endoscope, from which an elongated insertion rod member is extended forward, the endoscopic aspiration device being composed of a valve casing which is mounted on the manipulation head in communication with an aspiration passage running through the insertion rod member, and a valve assembly unit including a valve member, a valve guide member and a connector member attached to the valve guide member to communicate same with a proximal aspiration passage on the side of a suction source. The valve member is put in a sliding displacement along the valve guide member to bring the aspiration passage into and out of communication with the proximal aspiration passage on the side of a suction source. The valve guide member is coupled with the valve casing through a coupling mechanism which permits to turn the valve assembly unit on and relative to the manipulating head.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide devices and associated methods for use when performing endoscopic procedures. According to one aspect, a sheath positionable within a working channel of an endoscopic device, and adapted for receiving one or more instruments, is provided. The sheath can include a first channel and a second channel, the first channel and the second channel extending at least partially along a length of the sheath, wherein at least one of the first channel or the second channel includes an open edge open along at least part of the length of the respective channel.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises an endoscope comprising a first distal end portion, and a tube comprising a second distal end portion, wherein the endoscope and the tube are in a side-by-side relationship and are coupled at distal end portions of the endoscope and the tube using a single coupling device.

Abstract: An internal treatment apparatus for a patient having a flexible tubular body to be introduced into a patient includes a center opening for inserting therethrough an endoscope for observing a target site, the center opening being circular in cross section and disposed at a center of an end face of the flexible tubular body; and a plurality of circumferential apertures through which surgical instruments are inserted for performing a surgical procedure on the target site, the plurality of circumferential apertures being provided in the flexible tubular body at equi-angular intervals around the center opening.

Abstract: A probe manipulator which has a grip device that can be held by a user in order to facilitate manipulation of a probe when the latter has been inserted into a channel of an endoscope. Connection devices are provided for releasably connecting the grip device to the probe in such a way that the probe may be rotated or displaced by rotation or displacement of the grip device. The connection device is connectable such that the probe need not be fed through the grip device, but that the grip device may be placed at any point along the length of the probe.

Abstract: Described herein are various systems and methods for directing endoscopy instruments to varying positions at a target site. In one aspect, at least one instrument channel has multiple exit points at the distal end of the guide tube, and the position of an instrument delivered through the channel may be switched between the different exit points. In another aspect, an instrument channel splits into multiple branches at the distal end of the guide tube, and the position of an instrument at the target site may be changed by selectively directing the instrument into a different channel branch. In yet another aspect, the guide tube, or a portion thereof, may be rotated to reposition an instrument at the target site. The capability of changing the instrument positions during a procedure would enable a physician to examine or treat multiple target sites within an operative field, without necessitating the full retraction of the instruments or the guide tube from the operative field.

Abstract: A medical device such as an endoscope, a laparoscope, or other device including an entry guide uses outriggers or arms that are mounted on the distal end of the entry guide and rotationally deployed to provide separation of instruments when the entry guide reaches a work site. Deployment can be implemented with as few as one cable or actuator to operate the arms. This mechanism may achieve working separation in a short axial length without complicating instrument channels that may be used for other instruments introduced through the entry guide.