Abstract: A lens cleaning device includes: a housing shaped to fit over an end of a camera lens; a wiper movably attached to the housing, the wiper movable across the housing from a first position adjacent a first side of the housing to a second position adjacent a second side of the housing; and at least one SMA wire mechanically associated with the wiper. When the SMA wire is activated, the wiper is moved between the first position and the second position of the housing such that the wiper sweeps debris from a field of view of the camera lens.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling an elongate device include an input control console. The console includes a first input control having an infinite length of travel in a first direction, a second input control having an infinite length of travel in more than one direction, one or more transceivers for coupling the console to a control unit for the elongate device, and interface circuits for coupling the first input control and the second input control to the one or more transceivers. The first input control provides a first command suitable for controlling an insertion depth of the elongate device. The second input control provides second commands suitable for controlling steering of a distal end of the elongate device. In some embodiments, the console includes raised rings or bezels within which the input controls are mounted. In some embodiments, pockets of a drape are anchored to the raised rings or bezels.

Abstract: A device and method for color correction of two camera systems each having an imaging device and an illumination source. The camera systems are separately white balanced with the imaging device outside a scene. Their white balance gains and color correction matrices are saved. Based on the measurements, combined white balance gains and combined color correction matrices are computed and saved. Thereafter, with the imaging devices in a scene, performing white balancing by measuring the R, G, and B values of both imaging devices together, and then white balancing by measuring the R, G, and B values of each separate imaging device with the other camera system's light off. Comparisons are made of each camera's scene measurements against the combined scene measurements. If they are significantly different, the combined light set of white balance gain and color correction matrix is applied to digital signal processing paths of each camera system.

Abstract: An endoscope having an elongate shaft and a system tube, which extends inside the shaft and in which an image carrier is arranged, the system tube is held in an axial direction of the shaft by means of at least one resilient latching element, and a method for producing such an endoscope and to a latching element for such an endoscope.

Abstract: A blocked end portion of a cylinder is provided closer to a distal end side in a direction of insertion of the piston into the cylinder than a minimum diameter portion. The blocked end portion includes a minimum diameter uniform portion which has the same inside diameter as the minimum diameter portion and a partial diameter increased portion which has an inside diameter that is increased as compared to the inside diameter of the minimum diameter portion.

Abstract: A decontamination system including a test fixture configured to engage an endoscope in order to retain the test fixture thereto, wherein the endoscope can comprise a valve chamber and a valve removable from the valve chamber such that the test fixture can be inserted therein. The test fixture can comprise, first, a frame having a first gripping portion and a valve member analog extending from the frame, and, second, a housing having a second gripping portion movable relative to the frame between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein the second gripping portion is configured to be moved toward the first gripping portion to position the housing in its unlocked position. The second gripping portion can be configured to be moved away from the first gripping portion to position the housing in its locked position such that the housing can engage a locking feature on the endoscope.

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: 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: 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: An inspection tube for use in the medical practice, in which sensors, such as a miniature electronic camera, are incorporated in the distal face of the tube. The sensors receive energy supplied via conduits running along the length of the tube, preferably embedded within the wall. Signals of the sensors are transmitted to the rear of the tube where they are fed into receivers. Sensor cleaning can be affected in some embodiments by conducting cleaning agents through a channel in the wall of the tube. An alarm procedure can be affected by comparing sensed pattern with a reference base pattern and defining a critical deviation from the reference base .

Abstract: A device and method are provided for flushing during endoscopic surgery to solve the problem of debris in the operating cavity. Included is the ability of reversing the inflow and outflow channels of the endoscope to make possible the beneficial cleaning of the ports of the endoscope from debris and e.g. bone particles without a need for removal of the optical instrument during such flushing procedure and consequently avoiding loss of pressure in the body cavity and spillage. Increased flushing occurs by providing a pressure-holding valve in the proximal opening of the double-channel endoscope, where the optical instrument is inserted, making it possible to remove the optical instrument and them enable the full channel of the endoscope sheath to be used for efficient evacuation of debris without loss of pressure in the operating cavity or spillage on the floor.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.

Abstract: An instrument for cleaning a lens of a scope includes an elongated sheath and a cleaner. The elongated sheath defines a lumen dimensioned and configured to slidably receive the scope therethrough. The cleaner is positioned within the sheath at a distal end portion of the lumen. The cleaner includes a fluid receiving portion configured to clean the lens of the scope in response to translation of the scope therethrough.

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: To achieve a body-insertable apparatus such as a capsule endoscope that moves in a subject at a low speed at which acquisition of in-vivo information is sufficiently possible, the body-insertable apparatus is inserted into the subject and moves in the subject. The body-insertable apparatus includes an in-vivo information acquiring unit that acquires the in-vivo information, an external case member accommodating the in-vivo information acquiring unit, and a moving-speed suppressing unit positioned inside or outside of the external case member to generate a predetermined suppressing force for suppressing the moving speed between an inner wall of a passage route in the subject and the external case member.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for flushing during endoscopic surgery to solve the problem of debris in the operating cavity. Included is the ability of reversing the inflow and outflow channels of the endoscope to make possible the beneficial cleaning of the ports of the endoscope from debris and e.g. bone particles without a need for removal of the optical instrument during such flushing procedure and consequently avoiding loss of pressure in the body cavity and spillage. Increased flushing occurs by providing a pressure-holding valve in the proximal opening of the double-channel endoscope, where the optical instrument is inserted, making it possible to remove the optical instrument and then enable the full channel of the endoscope sheath to be used for efficient evacuation of debris without loss of pressure in the operating cavity or spillage on the floor.

Abstract: A cleaning device for use with a percutaneous visualization device includes a cannula and a cleaning swab. The cannula has a first section pivotably connected to a second section. The cleaning swab is positioned at a distal end of the cannula and is configured to pivot into a position to clean at least a portion of a percutaneous visualization device upon insertion into the cannula. In an alternative embodiment, the cleaning device includes a cannula and a seal. The seal is disposed within the cannula and configured to clean at least a portion of a percutaneous visualization device upon insertion and retraction in the cannula. Further, the cannula has a cleaning surface on at least a portion of an inner surface thereof. The cleaning surface is also configured to clean at least a portion of said percutaneous visualization device upon insertion and retraction in the cannula.

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning sheath includes a tube body and a distal end configuration portion. The tube body includes an endoscope disposition hole in which an insertion portion of an endoscope provided with at least an observation window is inserted and disposed, at least one liquid supply hole configuring a liquid supply channel, and at least one gas supply hole configuring a gas supply channel. The distal end configuration portion is fixed to a distal end portion of the tube body. On an inner surface of a distal end surface portion of the distal end configuration portion is provided a fluid mixing portion and a concave portion configuring an ejection opening that ejects a fluid mixture at an observation window of the endoscope. The fluid mixing portion causes liquid supplied through the liquid supply hole and gas supplied through the gas supply hole to merge to mix the liquid and gas.

Abstract: A method provides flow to multiple channels in an endoscope during an endoscope decontamination procedure. A member is inserted into a chamber in a body of an endoscope through an opening into the chamber, the chamber being intersected by a first lumen and a second lumen. The member separates fluidly the first lumen from the second lumen. Fluid is flowed through a first channel through the member into the first lumen and through a second channel through the member into the second lumen. Additional lumens can be so treated at the same time. Fluids can include detergents and other cleaning fluids, disinfectants and sterilants.

Abstract: In a washing/disinfecting tank of an endoscope washing/disinfecting device, an endoscope connection portion to be joined to a connector portion of an endoscope body is provided, and receiving-side bases to be connected to each of pipelines of the endoscope body are provided. In washing/disinfecting the endoscope body, the connector portion is opposed to the endoscope connection portion in the predetermined positioned state, and then, a switch is turned on. Then, an electromagnet disposed at the endoscope connection portion is excited so as to attract and fix the connector portion by a generated magnetic force.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting connectivity in a channel in an endoscope undergoing reprocessing using an automatic reprocessor, the apparatus including a source of pressurized fluid which may be a gas alone or gas and liquid and a back pressure detector connected to the channel or channels of interest in the endoscope, the method including providing a source of pressurized fluid, directing the pressurized fluid to a channel in an endoscope, monitoring the time for the back pressure in the pressurized fluid to decay to a predetermined level; and determining whether the channel is connected and open or disconnected by comparing the decay time of the actual back pressure to one or more predetermined values corresponding to the specific channel or channels and model of endoscope undergoing reprocessing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endoscope, in particular an ureterorenoscope. The endoscope comprises a lumen for insertion of a light and energy transmitting fiber. According to the invention during insertion of the fiber into a working channel of the endoscope the sharp edges of the fiber are protected by a flexible sleeve in order to avoid damages of a wall limiting the working channel. Prior to using the fiber for transmitting energy emitted by a laser the flexible sleeve is completely removed from the working channel in order to free a lumen that might be used for additional instruments or delivery of a fluid. Furthermore the stiffness of the endoscope is reduced by removing the flexible sleeve.

Abstract: An endoscope with a flexible elongate insertion shaft, an illumination guide extending longitudinally through the insertion shaft, and an image guide extending longitudinally through the insertion shaft. The insertion shaft is formed along an outer surface with at least one longitudinally extending channel longitudinally traversable by an elongate endoscopic instrument. The channel having a longitudinally extending slot so that the channel is open to the ambient environment along at least a portion of its length.

Abstract: A method detects proper connection of an endoscope to an endoscope processor by measuring pressure pulses applied to the connection point. The method can include measuring for the pressure pulses at a second connection point on the endoscope processor and measuring for a beat frequency produced variations in the frequency of pressure pulses input at each connection point. The method can also include looking for echoes of the pressure pulsations from physical structures within a lumen of the endoscope connected to the connection point.

Abstract: An endoscope processor, according to the present invention, provides for cleaning and sterilizing an endoscope having a body, and a first flexible tube attached to the body. It includes an operational housing and an enclosure which is attachable to and detachable from the operational housing, the enclosure being sealed from ingress of potentially contaminating microorganisms when detached from the operational housing. The enclosure is shaped, sized and oriented to receive the endoscope in an orientation with the first flexible tube depending vertically downwardly from the endoscope body. The enclosure includes a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet.

Abstract: A fiber-optic endoscopic instrument (Fistuloscope) is used to visualize anorectal fistula, and to accurately identify the course through the fistula. The instrument can be used to flush the fistula, to close the fistula tract by means of injecting sealants or placing grafts in the tract of the fistula or to pass setons, micro-instruments or other means to treat and seal the tract.

Abstract: An endoscopic fluid supply conduit system for use with an endoscope having an insertion tube and a universal cable connected to and from a manipulating head assembly. A fluid conduit is provided internally of the insertion tube to supply a fluid from a fluid feed port on the manipulating head assembly toward a fluid jet injection port feed port which is provided on a rigid tip end section at the fore distal end of the insertion tube. In addition, a second fluid conduit is provided internally of the universal cable and toward the manipulating head assembly. A fluid supply channel selector is provided at the fluid feed port to which a fluid feed adaptor is to be disconnectibly connected.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: An intraperitoneal cleaner to allow cleaning of a scope lens used in minimally invasive surgery is presented. Using existing super elastic alloys in combination with a standard spring, a purely mechanical cleaning action is provided, eliminating the reservoirs, vacuum pumps, or extra ports found in other cleaner designs. The scope body is inserted into the device prior to commencement of surgery, and the wiper of the cleaner rests just outside of the field of view of the lens of the scope. When debris or fluid obscures the field of view, a spring in the handle is compressed, allowing the cleaner to flex and provide a cleaning action. A cordless laparoscopic light source using LEDs and a pair of aspherical condensing lenses to focus the resulting light to a usable point is presented. By using battery power, the entire device is considerably smaller than the current xenon light source standard.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a lens of an endoscope inside a patient during a surgical procedure may include a cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and an opening, and an expandable member coupled with the cannula such that when fluid is introduced into the expandable member, it expands out of the opening in the cannula. A method for cleaning a lens of an endoscope inside a patient during a surgical procedure may involve: advancing a cannula into the patient; passing fluid into an expandable member coupled with the cannula to expand the expandable member, wherein some of the fluid passes through the expandable member to an outer surface of the expandable member; and contacting the endoscope lens with the outer surface of the expandable member, located inside the patient, to clean the lens.

Abstract: The present invention comprises the connection tube (10), having a basal end portion connected with the waste matter sucking tube (44) communicating with the waster matter tank provided with the sucking pump (30), and a jet nozzle (19) for jetting the rinsing water, having a basal end portion connected with a rinsing water tube 30 communicating with a rinsing water tank (33) provided with a compressor (31), and characterized by that the connection tube (10) and the jet nozzle (19) are installed with their respective end portions are installed orienting the same directions, so that the operation for changing the types of the rostral sucking nozzle 12 or the repetitive alternate operation for the jetting of the rinsing liquid and the operation for the drawing of the waste water resulting from the rinsing operation or the simultaneous operation for the both can be simplified.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system for anastomosis of a vein graft to an aorta comprising a novel anchoring means for affixing the vein to the aorta wall. The anchoring means for the vein graft comprises an expandible annular wire lattice having short radial projections to secure the lattice in the interior of the vein and longer, flexible prongs which are compressed against the outer wall of the vein while resident within the device, but which expand radially to prevent withdrawal of the vein from the aorta wall after the anchoring means is fully inserted into the aorta. The anchoring means is initially secured to the vein and advanced through a delivery sleeve by use of a balloon catheter.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided, being insertable in the colon of a patient, in a self-propelled manner, by driving a plurality of endless belts mounted along the outside surface of a flexible section of an insertion tube thereof, and having a cleaning mechanism therein to be easily cleaned after use. A self-propelled colonoscope (1) is an endoscope insertable in the colon by driving endless belts (10) mounted along the almost entire length of a flexible section (4) of an insertion tube (5), and having guide pipes, which guide returning endless belts, being mounted in the insertion tube thereof, each of said guide pipes being provided with an opening for a cleaning brush (35) and a casing (31), which surrounds the endless belt driving unit, being formed with a cleaning window (33), said window being provided with a lid (37).

Abstract: An endoscope is provided, being insertable in the colon of a patient, in a self-propelled manner, by driving a plurality of endless belts mounted along the outside surface of a flexible section of an insertion tube thereof, and having a cleaning mechanism therein to be easily cleaned after use. A self-propelled colonoscope (1) is an endoscope insertable in the colon by driving endless belts (10) mounted along the almost entire length of a flexible section (4) of an insertion tube (5), and having guide pipes, which guide returning endless belts, being mounted in the insertion tube thereof, each of said guide pipes being provided with an opening for a cleaning brush (35) and a casing (31), which surrounds the endless belt driving unit, being formed with a cleaning window (33), said window being provided with a lid (37).

Abstract: An endoscope is provided, being insertable in the colon of a patient, in a self-propelled manner, by driving a plurality of endless belts mounted along the outside surface of a flexible section of an insertion tube thereof, and having a cleaning mechanism therein to be easily cleaned after use. A self-propelled colonoscope (1) is an endoscope insertable in the colon by driving endless belts (10) mounted along the almost entire length of a flexible section (4) of an insertion tube (5), and having guide pipes, which guide returning endless belts, being mounted in the insertion tube thereof, each of said guide pipes being provided with an opening for a cleaning brush (35) and a casing (31), which surrounds the endless belt driving unit, being formed with a cleaning window (33), said window being provided with a lid (37).

Abstract: A set (310) of lumen cleaning devices (310a, 310b, . . . ) is provided, with each consisting of a flexible shaft (312), a radial bristle brush (314) at one end of the shaft, and a swab (316) on the other end of the shaft. The brushes have particular brush diameters, may be stepped or tapered in diameter, and the swabs are dimensioned in conjunction with the maximum diameters of the brushes. The lumen of a medical device such as a catheter to be cleaned is first brushed with the brush end of a cleaning device selected to approximately match the lumen diameter. After brushing, the device is reversed, or preferably simply pushed through the lumen to be cleaned, and the swab end is used to remove any film remaining after the brushing. In a preferred method of cleaning, the brush end of the cleaning device is inserted into an end of the lumen to be cleaned, and pushed through only once, to avoid recontamination of the lumen by matter remaining on the brush.

Abstract: An apparatus for surgically manipulating tissue without causing irreparable damage to the tissue during retention and manipulation is disclosed. The tissue manipulator apparatus includes a shaft having proximal and distal ends, a rod member with proximal and distal ends circumferentially contained within the shaft, a contact member having at least one tissue contact surface area comprising a plurality of projections connected to the distal end of the rod member, and a handle member attached near the proximal end of the shaft. The plurality of projections preferably point in the direction of retraction of the targeted tissue. The apparatus is designed to distribute the interdentating contact over the tissue micro surface area in an effort to reduce reliance on pressure induced friction alone.

Abstract: An endoscope system in accordance with the present invention comprises: an endoscope having an insertional part, operation unit, and connector unit set in array, and including channels that communicate with an opening formed in the distal section of the insertional part and an opening formed in the operation unit or connector unit; and at least one cleaning instrument having a flexible tube that can be connected to the opening formed in the operation unit or connector unit of the endoscope and that has the overall length thereof set to 30 cm or larger.

Abstract: A channel system for use with a conventional endoscope is provided. The system comprises a collapsible access channel that is connected to a first distal end of the endoscope. The collapsible channel includes an access opening communicating between the two ends of the collapsible channel. The endoscope may be provided with a protective sheath and/or an endcap that is integral with the collapsible channel. The collapsible access channel allows a physician to insert functional instruments such as a biopsy device or tubes for supplying air, water, suction and irrigation.

Abstract: An improved endoscope assembly for exploratory and general surgery which permits exceptional vision while eliminating the requirement of both washing of the lense and expansion of the body cavity. Using a standard endoscope, a housing is placed over the end of the endoscope. The housing is equipped with a window for viewing through by the endoscope's viewing tip. The window is arranged at an angle different from the angle of the viewing tip so that light is reflected back into the housing, and not into the viewing tip. The interior of the housing is coated with a light absorbing material to eliminate back-scattering of light into the viewing tip of the endoscope which degrades the endoscope's vision. An air-chamber between the viewing tip of the endoscope and the window assures the crispest vision possible. Further, fogging of the window is eliminated through the use of heating wires, dry gases, or the like so that the endoscope is also useful for cadaver lessons.