Having Auxiliary Channel Patents (Class 600/153)
  • Patent number: 12150730
    Abstract: A handheld, steerable catheter robotic system includes a catheter having a flexible outer sheath, at least one flexible multi-lumen assembly and a robotic instrument for performing a surgical procedure. The catheter is removably insertable into an instrument channel of an endoscope. The flexible multi-lumen assembly extends through the outer sheath. The robotic instrument is operatively and removably attachable to a distal end of the multi-lumen assembly such that the robotic instrument is teleoperable. The catheter robotic system also includes a handle operatively and removably attachable to a proximal end of the catheter. The handle is configured for hand-held operation and includes a joystick for steering the robotic instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2024
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Michael Yip, Phillip Weissbrod
  • Patent number: 11988111
    Abstract: A method for refitting blade shrouds of a rotor wheel in an aircraft turbomachine is described. The rotor wheel has a disc bearing blades that each have an airfoil extending between a root and a shroud, the shroud of each blade having lateral edges including shapes complementary to the lateral edges of the shrouds of the adjacent blades. The lateral edges of the shrouds are interlocked in engagement with one another such that anti-wear coatings of these edges are in contact with one another in a desired interlocking engagement position, and at least one of the lateral edges of at least one of the shrouds being able to be disengaged from the lateral edge of an adjacent shroud in an undesired disengagement position. The method includes, when an undesired disengagement position is detected, a step of inserting a re-engagement device into the turbomachine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2024
    Assignee: SAFRAN AIRCRAFT ENGINES
    Inventors: Vijeay Patel, Robert Fiarda, Etienne Léon Francois, Bruno Marc-Etienne Loisel, Camille Maryse Martine Palomba
  • Patent number: 11957306
    Abstract: A distal end frame includes: a first distal end frame member that includes a resin molded product which constitutes a molded interconnect device; a housing chamber that is provided on a distal end side of the first distal end frame member, and is formed of a recessed portion a distal end and one side of which are opened; a second distal end frame member that is composed of the resin molded product constituting the molded interconnect device, and is configured to close the one side of the housing chamber; a signal pattern that is the metal pattern formed in a region including a first joining surface which is a joining surface with the second distal end frame member, on a surface of the first distal end frame member; and a solder material which is configured to join the first distal end frame member and the second distal end frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Daichi Kodama, Tomokazu Yamashita, Takuro Horibe, Hiroyuki Motohara
  • Patent number: 11911015
    Abstract: Various exemplary methods and devices for auto return of articulated end effectors are provided. In general, a surgical device can include an end effector configured to articulate. The device can include an actuator configured to be actuated to move the end effector from an articulated position to an unarticulated position. In at least some embodiments, the actuator can also be configured to be actuated to move the end effector from the unarticulated position to the articulated position. In at least some embodiments, the device can include the actuator and include another actuator configured to rotate the end effector about a longitudinal axis of an elongate shaft having the end effector at a distal end thereof. In at least some embodiments, the device can include the actuator and include another actuator configured to articulate the end effector from the unarticulated position to the articulated position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Cilag GmbH International
    Inventor: Chad P. Boudreaux
  • Patent number: 11889983
    Abstract: The invention refers to a housing sheath attachable to and detachable from an endoscope head body, which is provided on a distal side of an insertion portion of an endoscope. The housing sheath comprises: a sheath that is a hollow cylinder open at an attachment opening provided along a longitudinal direction of the hollow cylinder, and is provided with a tool opening cut out in a U-shape at a location facing the attachment opening; and an Albarran lever that is rotatably supported inside the sheath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: DIGITAL ENDOSCOPY GMBH
    Inventor: Stefan Kolberg
  • Patent number: 11882998
    Abstract: An endoscope is provided in which an attachment/detachment operation of the proximal end of a wire can be easily performed to/from an erecting operation mechanism and the wire can be prevented from meandering in a wire channel. An endoscope has an operation section 22 provided with an erecting operation lever, and a movable member 96 that moves in association with an operation of the erecting operation lever. The movable member 96 is arranged to be exposed to outside of the operation section 22. A wire 60 has a distal end side coupled to an erecting base, and a proximal end side coupled to an attachment member 98 that is attachable to and detachable from the movable member 96 by a one-touch operation. The wire 60 is configured of a wire body 60A and a gap filling member 60B.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Harada, Tomohiro Ohki, Shozo Iyama
  • Patent number: 11857162
    Abstract: An endoscope includes: a distal-end constituting portion provided at a distal end portion of an insertion portion; a distal end cover attachable to and detachable from the distal-end constituting portion; a movable portion provided in the distal-end constituting portion; a connecting member provided at the movable portion; a pulling and relaxing member that drives the movable portion by being pulled or relaxed; a connecting body provided to the pulling and relaxing member, and attachable to and detachable from the connecting member, the connecting body being detachable from the connecting member in a state where the distal end cover is removed from the distal-end constituting portion; and a tube having flexibility through which the pulling and relaxing member is inserted, the tube including a distal end and a proximal end and being disposed in the distal end portion, the proximal end being detachably connected to the distal-end constituting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Koji Yamaya
  • Patent number: 11805979
    Abstract: An endoscope conduit switching device includes: an attachment to be attached to an endoscope; a movable spring bearing that is movably held by the attachment and that has a rib that is cylindrical; a movable piston that has a rib receiver groove into which the rib is inserted and that is movable to be inserted into and removed from a conduit of the endoscope; and a shaft that is movably held by the movable spring bearing; a cap that is fixed to one end of the shaft; and a first coil spring configured to bias the movable spring bearing and the cap in directions away from each other, wherein a side surface of the rib of the movable spring bearing and a side surface of the rib receiver groove of the movable piston are at least partly joined with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kazuya Saiga
  • Patent number: 11781961
    Abstract: A method for measuring the fluid properties of a sequence of fluids, including at least a first fluid and a second fluid. The methods utilize a monitoring assembly, having a fluid-properties measurement device that includes a resonator, and a set of resonator extensions, each one adapted to attach to the resonator in a manner such that the resonator's response to excitation is affected by immersion of the resonator extension. In the method a first one of the resonator extensions is attached to the resonator and the fluid-properties measurement device is used to measure at least one fluid property of the first fluid. Then he first one of the resonator extensions is removed from the resonator and a second one of the resonator extensions is attached to the resonator. Finally, the fluid-properties measurement device is used to measure at least one fluid property of the second fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: RHEONICS GMBH
    Inventors: Joseph H. Goodbread, Sunil Kumar, Klaus Haeusler
  • Patent number: 11759092
    Abstract: An endoscope system comprises an image acquisition unit, a discrimination processing unit, and a discrimination processing control unit. The image acquisition unit acquires an endoscope image obtained by imaging an observation target using an endoscope. The discrimination processing unit discriminates a portion having a specific feature in the observation target by performing discrimination processing, using an endoscope image. The discrimination processing control unit controls a start or an end of the discrimination processing on the basis of a change in operation of an endoscope or the endoscope image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Oosake, Hiroaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11623067
    Abstract: In some examples, a catheter comprises an inner liner, an outer jacket, and a structural support member positioned between at least a portion of the inner liner and the outer jacket. The inner liner, the outer jacket, and the structural support member define a catheter body that comprises a proximal portion having a first outer diameter, a distal portion having a second outer diameter less than the first outer diameter, the distal portion including a distal end of the catheter body, and a medial portion positioned between the proximal portion and the distal portion, the medial portion tapering from the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2023
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventors: Brad Jackson, Rick Williams, John Nguyen, Anthony Huynh
  • Patent number: 11554255
    Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an elongate shaft having a proximal end region and a distal end region. A first lumen may be defined in the shaft. A second lumen may be defined in the shaft. The distal end region may include a common lumen region in fluid communication with the first lumen and the second lumen. A deflectable member may be disposed within the shaft. The deflectable member may be designed to shift between a first configuration where the deflectable member directs a first medical device disposed within the common lumen region into the first lumen and a second configuration where the deflectable member allows a second medical device to move between the common lumen region and the second lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anderson, Jose A. Meregotte, Eric Michael Petersen, David John Onushko, Lloyd Radman, Joseph Edward Adriaens
  • Patent number: 11478139
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward a laryngoscope having a handle, a rigid tube, and an optical subassembly. The handle has a distal end and a proximate end. The tube is hollow and also has a distal end having a distal opening and a proximate end having a proximate opening. The optical subassembly includes a light source located within the handle, a power source located within the handle and in communication with the light source and a light carrier extending between the handle and the tube and in communication with the light source and providing light inside and along the entire length of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Adroit Surgical, LLC
    Inventor: Nilesh R. Vasan
  • Patent number: 11399821
    Abstract: A control handle for use with a suture device operable through an endoscope includes a grip attachment configured to be secured to an endoscope and a control housing operably secured to the grip attachment. A catheter housing is moveably disposed within the control housing and adapted to releasably secure the suture catheter such that translation of the catheter housing causes translation of the suture catheter. A lever is rotatably securable relative to the catheter housing such that rotation of the lever relative to the catheter housing causes the catheter housing to move relative to the control housing. A sliding tab is disposed relative to the lever such that movement of the sliding tab relative to the lever causes the suture catheter to translate relative to the control wire disposed within the suture catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Deuel, Shaun D. Comee, Kevin Windheuser, Todd M. Pfizenmaier, Briana J. Moretti, Stan Gilbert, Thomas Jones, Ashrita Raghuram, Andrew Jones, Evan Hunter Williams, Brian Yoo
  • Patent number: 11246479
    Abstract: An integrated endoscope cleansing system (IECS) comprises both an independent cleansing system (ICS) evacuation conduit in communication with an independent cleansing system working station (IWS), and an endoscope insertion tube with a working channel functionally coupled to a vacuum source, under control of an endoscope working station (EWS). In some embodiments, the ICS evacuation conduit is located within the insertion tube, while being functionally coupled to an ICS vacuum source, controlled by the IWS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Motus GI Medical Technologies Ltd.
    Inventors: Boris Shtul, Koby Luleko, Mark Pomeranz
  • Patent number: 11172955
    Abstract: According to one aspect, a medical device may include a shaft including a distal tip with a distal-facing surface. The shaft also may include a fluid lumen extending to the distal tip and a nozzle at a distal end of the fluid lumen. The nozzle may be configured to emit a fluid jet from the distal tip. The shaft also may include a vacuum lumen extending to the distal tip and a vacuum chamber at the distal tip. The vacuum lumen may open into the vacuum chamber, and the vacuum chamber may be wider than the vacuum lumen. The shaft may further include a vacuum opening, and the vacuum chamber may open into the vacuum opening. The vacuum opening may be defined by the distal-facing surface of the distal tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Dayton, Katharine Eckerline, Bryan Bannon, Jeff Gray, Barry Weitzner, Bora Gumustop
  • Patent number: 11051800
    Abstract: An endoscopic suturing system includes an endoscope, a suturing device, a needle assembly movable through tissue by the suturing device, and first and second devices used in association with the suturing device. The cap assembly includes a rotatable needle arm supporting the needle assembly and actuatable by a proximal handle via a transmission assembly. First and second separate lumen extends outside the endoscope from the cap assembly to a proximal handle to advance instruments therethrough to engage the needle assembly and target the tissue. The cap assembly is retained at an end of the endoscope by a securing arm. The securing arm may be resilient or rotatable. Ancillary clips are also provided about the first and second lumen and transmission assembly to couple them to the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: Apollo Endosurgery US, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Mitelberg, Thomas Neudeck, John Mims
  • Patent number: 10772652
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: COVIDIEN LP
    Inventor: Cemal Shener-Irmakoglu
  • Patent number: 10702352
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignees: Kyushu University, National University Corporation, HOGY MEDICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ryu Nakadate, Hajime Kenmotsu, Makoto Hashizume, Hiroyasu Fujita, Shunsuke Nagai, Jiro Kato
  • Patent number: 10624526
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2020
    Assignee: Karl Storz SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Fang Lei, Ulrich Weiger
  • Patent number: 10576184
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kentaro Nakamura
  • Patent number: 10561471
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masao Nichogi
  • Patent number: 10478052
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: GYRUS ACMI, INC.
    Inventors: Gregory S. Konstorum, Ming J. Cheng, Daniel R. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 10314467
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: SG ENDOSCOPY PTE. LTD.
    Inventor: Jin Mei Fan
  • Patent number: 10314663
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shotaro Takemoto
  • Patent number: 10232150
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Harrison M. Lazarus
  • Patent number: 10207367
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: James Kell, Clive Grafton-Reed, Dragos Axinte
  • Patent number: 10143591
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Acclarent, Inc.
    Inventors: Hung V. Ha, Ketan P. Muni, Andrew Nguyen, Siddhi K. Desai, Ronak Muni
  • Patent number: 10058840
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: LONZA LTD.
    Inventors: Dominique Roberge, Fabio Rainone, Wilhelm Quittmann, Michael Gottsponer, Markus Eyholzer
  • Patent number: 9931019
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Ingoscope Systems GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo F. Herrmann, Bruno Matteja
  • Patent number: 9844394
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignees: Children's Medical Center Corporation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Christopher DiBiasio, Keith Durand, Jonathan Brigham Hopkins, Zach Traina, Alexander Slocum, Samir Nayfeh, Pedro J. del Nido, Nikolay V. Vasilyev
  • Patent number: 9839414
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Matsuno, Hirofumi Eto, Katsuji Uemichi
  • Patent number: 9677599
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kimihiko Naito
  • Patent number: 9033870
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: VIVID MEDICAL, INC.
    Inventors: Mina Farr, Franklin J. Wall, Jr., Chris Togami, Gary D. Sasser
  • Patent number: 9033866
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventors: Tetsuhiro Yamada, Mayumi Shimazaki
  • Patent number: 9033865
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: OLYMPUS MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORP.
    Inventor: Naoto Suda
  • Patent number: 9028398
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Alka Kumar, Atul Kumar
  • Patent number: 9005114
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Carnegie Mellon University
    Inventors: Brett Zubiate, Howard Choset, Amir Degani, Sarjoun Skaff
  • Patent number: 8992417
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Peter C. Belafsky, Robert J. Stinauer
  • Patent number: 8992422
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.
    Inventors: James T. Spivey, Mark S. Ortiz, Frederick E. Shelton, IV
  • Publication number: 20150080659
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Kenton W. Gregory, Amanda Dayton (formerly Senrud)
  • Patent number: 8974377
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Yamane
  • Publication number: 20150038784
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Luis J. MASEDA, Barry WEITZNER, Roy SULLIVAN, William CHURCHILL
  • Patent number: 8944994
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventors: Kenji Yamane, Shozo Iyama, Yasuyuki Hosono, Yasunori Ohta, Takao Ozaki
  • Publication number: 20150031950
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: John R. Drontle, Chad G. Harris, Anthony J. Hanson, John A. Gauvin, Paul R. Lesch, Timothy B. Petrick, Thomas V. Ressemann
  • Patent number: 8939900
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Yamane
  • Patent number: 8932207
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Benny Greenburg, Oded Zur, Raphael Meloul
  • Patent number: 8926502
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: EndoChoice, Inc.
    Inventors: Avi Levy, Moshe Levi
  • Patent number: 8915836
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshiro Okazaki, Hiromu Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8911354
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Hiromitsu Okada, Mamoru Machiya, Kei Kobayashi