With Valve Construction Or Valve Control Means Patents (Class 600/159)
  • Patent number: 8382661
    Abstract: When a suction button is pushed in a pushing operation direction, the suction button pushes down longer lever ends of inversion levers, shorter lever ends of the inversion levers are pushed up based on a seesaw operation and the principle of leverage, and a piston body coupled through a coupling body moves in a direction opposed to a pushing operation direction against an urging force of a spring in cooperation with this upward movement. As a result, a valve moving portion moves away from a valve receiving portion to open a suction duct valve portion and suction is carried out, but the piston body retires to an outer periphery side of a bent duct when the valve portion is opened, and hence a suction duct is widened, thereby facilitating suction of even, e.g., a fluid having high viscosity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Kenji Yamane
  • Patent number: 8357139
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Pulmonx Corporation
    Inventors: Mark E. Deem, Hanson S. Gifford, III, Ronald French, Douglas Sutton
  • Patent number: 8343041
    Abstract: Endoscope assemblies, biopsy caps, and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscope assembly may include an endoscope having a channel formed therein and a port that provides access to the channel. A cap may be coupled to the port. The cap may include a base having a securing member for securing the cap to the port, an outer shell, a locking member coupled to the outer shell, an inner seal member, and a central opening that extends to the channel. The inner seal member may include a plurality of flaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Ransom H. Byers, Alexander E. Dillon, Thomas C. Kochem, Daniel W. Rice, Allison L. Schmidt, Gary A. Jordan, Douglas Pleskow, Brian Tinkham
  • Patent number: 8333690
    Abstract: On a rigid tip end section at the distal end of an elongated endoscopic insertion member, an observation window washer means is provided to wash an endoscopic optical observation window, along with a fluid injection means to be used for injecting a fluid from an injection passage leading to an injection hole opened on the rigid tip end section of the insertion member. Connection ports to a wash liquid conduit and a compressed air conduit of the observation window washer means are opened at a conduit connection terminal of a multiplex connector on a proximal end of a universal connection cable. Disconnectibly connected to the conduit connection terminal is a conduit coupler member having a wash liquid conduit and a compressed air conduit to supply a wash liquid and compressed air to the wash liquid conduit and compressed air conduit on the side of the conduit connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventor: Toshiyuki Ikeda
  • Patent number: 8333693
    Abstract: An endoscope plug body includes a plug frame with which a venting cap is covered, an inner peripheral surface being formed in the venting cap, the inner peripheral surface being communicated with a channel arranged in an endoscope. The plug frame includes a latch member that latches the plug frame along the periphery of the venting cap to attach the plug frame to the venting cap; and a breaking member that breaks a partial area of the plug frame while maintained in a continuous state in a circumferential direction of the plug frame, the partial area reaching one end portion of the plug frame while including a part of a latched portion of the latch member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Olympus Corporation, Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Masanori Hamazaki
  • Patent number: 8317687
    Abstract: The inventive endoscopy system includes a cannula for arranging an endoscope and forming, between said cannula and endoscope, an irrigation or aspiration channel for transporting an irrigation or aspiration fluid, respectively, a connection ring mounted around the cannula and provided with a connection channel connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and a connector which is mounted on the connection ring and includes a transport channel with the connection channel and a first pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the transport channel. The connection ring is provided with a bypass circuit connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and the connector including a dead channel connectable to the bypass circuit and a second pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the dead channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Future Medical System S.A.
    Inventors: Andre Francisco, Patrick Janin, Thierry Pascual, Armando Dias
  • Patent number: 8303489
    Abstract: The rear end side of treatment equipment-side duct which enables treatment equipment provided within an insertion unit to be inserted, and which also serves as a suction duct, is disposed generally in parallel with the tip side of a suction-side duct extending forward from a universal cable side so as to be an opening end, and both opening ends are detachably attached with a filter unit in which a forceps plug portion serving as a suction duct opening, and a filter portion for retrieving (storing) tissue by suction are provided, and a suction switchover valve for performing a suction switchover operation is provided at the backward side thereof, thereby enabling retrieval of tissue without influence of the periphery of the suction switchover valve. Thus, defects due to a long duct can be eliminated, and tissue can be retrieved without influence of the periphery of the suction switchover valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Jin Ito, Tsutomu Okada, Yasuhito Kura
  • Patent number: 8273014
    Abstract: An endoscopic fluid control apparatus includes a cylinder which is attachable to an attachment part attached to an endoscope, and includes a first channel which transfers fluid to an insertion channel of the endoscope, a piston which is set on the cylinder and includes a valve part movable relative to the cylinder between a position where the first channel is opened relative to the insertion channel and a position where the first channel is closed relative to the insertion channel, a connection port part for connecting a fluid tube, and a second channel which transfers the fluid from the connection port part to the insertion channel, an elastic member which holds the piston to be movable relative to the cylinder between the position where the first channel is closed and the position where the first channel is opened, a first engagement part which engages the piston and the elastic member with each other so as not to rotate about an axis of movement of the piston, and a second engagement part which engages the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Takanori Ushijima, Toshikazu Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 8262565
    Abstract: In the endoscope system 1, a tissue recovery device 3 that recovers tissue is directly mounted on an endoscope 2. The tissue recovery device 3 has a filter portion, and the filter portion is inserted so as to traverse the conduit of the suction conduit 20 that passes inside the endoscope operation portion 10. The suction conduit 20 opens to the distal end portion of the endoscope insertion portion 11, and the working channel 23 branches off from the branch portion 22 that is provided further on the distal end side than the insertion location of the tissue recovery device 3. With this endoscope system, it is possible to reduce operational burden of the operator with regard to the endoscope system that includes the tissue recovery device that recovers tissue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Tsutomu Okada
  • Patent number: 8262622
    Abstract: A surgical valve includes a housing with a proximal housing portion and a distal housing portion cooperating to define a gel cavity. A seal material is disposed in the gel cavity and includes a gel having flow characteristics and incompressible characteristics. A distal guide tube is provided to facilitate retrograde insertion of a surgical instrument into the seal material. During assembly, pressure is applied by the housing portions to the seal material in order to form a circumferential seal and to close an instrument channel. Manufacture can be facilitated by use of a mandrel for maintaining the structural elements in axial alignment. Complimentary screw threads disposed between the first and second housing portions can be used to pressurize the gel and thereby create a locking force on an inserted instrument. Detented tabs can be provided to facilitate control of this locking force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Medical Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Gonzales, Boun Pravong, Richard C. Ewers, Richard L. Myers
  • Patent number: 8251945
    Abstract: A device for suctioning material out of an instrument channel during an endoscopic procedure. The device includes a biopsy valve having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface. The biopsy valve defines an internal passage leading from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end is adapted for connection to an endoscope instrument channel inlet port. Tubing connects the biopsy valve second end to a suction source connector disposed remote from the biopsy valve. A flow controller is fixed to the tubing and disposed between the biopsy valve second end and the suction source connector. The device may include an irrigation port and an instrument entry port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: U.S. Endoscopy Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean J. Secrest, Christopher J. Kaye, Paul Davis, John P. Winstanley
  • Patent number: 8241208
    Abstract: A disposable protecting cover for an endoscope, the endoscope comprising a endoscope and a disposable valve disk, and the disposable protecting cover comprising a disposable sheath, a clamping tube, a disposable suction tube, a three-way sealing cap, a water air tube, and a protecting cover comprising a hand entrance and an instrument insertion opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventors: Kerang Jiang, Shoumei Jiang
  • Patent number: 8235889
    Abstract: An endoscope comprises: an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity; an operation portion provided continuously from a proximal end side of the insertion portion; and a cylinder in which a gas to be fed to the distal end of the insertion portion is compressed and filled, the cylinder being detachably attached to the operation portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Kohno
  • Patent number: 8231523
    Abstract: An endoscopic system includes an endoscope having a delivery member available to supply a body cavity of a specimen and, in addition thereto, a gas supply apparatus from which predetermined gas is supplied to a body cavity via a delivery member. The endoscopic system further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a status in which, the gas supply device needs to supply gas to the body cavity, and a control unit that selectively and automatically control a permit and stop for the gas supply to be implemented by the gas supply apparatus depending on a determined result of the determination unit, which are formed in a unitary structure with, for instance, the gas supply unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Takefumi Uesugi, Daisuke Sano, Yoshimine Kobayashi, Mutsumi Ohshima, Takehiro Nishiie, Atsuhiko Kasahi, Kenji Noda
  • Patent number: 8231525
    Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscope channel cap that may be used separately with two or more endoscopes each having a cap interface portion with a different configuration. The channel cap also may include one or more seals to maintain insufflation pressure both when an endoscopic instrument is inserted in a working channel of the endoscope and when the instrument is not inserted in the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam L. Cohen, John Golden, Liem T. Vu
  • Patent number: 8221313
    Abstract: A gas supply source for supplying gas and a channel along which the gas is supplied can be easily switched by providing an instrument channel for passing an endoscope treating tool, a gas and water supply channel for supplying carbon dioxide etc. to the inside of a body, a gas supply source for a visceral cavity capable of supplying gas at a predetermined pressure, a gas supply source for a lumen capable of supplying gas at an optional pressure, and a switch device for switching from any of and an instrument channel and a gas and water supply channel to any of the gas supply source for a visceral cavity and the gas supply source for a lumen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Kenji Noda, Masatsugu Oyama
  • Patent number: 8216128
    Abstract: A medical system includes an endoscope which is a first medical instrument, a gas supply apparatus which is a second medical instrument that supplies a gas to an insertion site at which an insertion portion of the endoscope is inserted, a biological information acquiring apparatus which is a biological information detection section that detects a blood flow rate at the insertion site as a biological information detected value, a manipulation information acquiring apparatus which is a manipulation information detection section that contacts the insertion portion of the endoscope and is combined with a roller that rotates as the insertion portion moves forward or backward to detect an amount of rotation of the roller as manipulation information, and a system control apparatus provided with a control section that outputs an instruction signal for changing an amount of gas supply to the gas supply apparatus according to the detected value detected by the biological information acquiring apparatus and the manipula
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Wataru Matsuura, Kazuki Honda, Yasuhito Kura, Yuji Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20120130174
    Abstract: The present invention relates to surgical instruments used in combination with endoscopes during gastrointestinal procedures for clearing a surgical site of unwanted obstructions, such as blood and/or clots. More particularly, the irrigation devices according to the invention comprise a handle comprising valves for controlling fluid flow, at least one channel for transporting fluid, and a connection port adapted to communicate directly or indirectly with an endoscope for delivering fluid to and receiving fluid from and through the endoscope. The irrigation devices and systems incorporating them can be used in any endoscopic gastrointestinal surgical procedure to clean, clear, or evacuate an area of the gastrointestinal tract, such as the stomach, in cases of accidental poisoning, drug overdose, or gastrointestinal bleeding. The irrigation device according to the present invention is capable of clearing a stomach within seconds or up to 1-2 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Harry W.R. Simmons
  • Patent number: 8182419
    Abstract: An endoscope comprises: an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity; an operation portion continuously provided from a proximal end side of the insertion portion; and a suction section that performs suction from an distal end of the insertion portion, wherein the suction section comprises: a cylinder in which a gas is compressed and filled; a nozzle unit that generates a negative pressure inside the nozzle unit by jetting out the gas in the cylinder; and a liquid receiver tank communicated with the distal end of the insertion portion, the negative pressure inside the nozzle unit being transmitted to the liquid receiver tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Shinichi Kohno
  • Publication number: 20120101339
    Abstract: An embodiment of the invention includes a quantum fluid flow management apparatus which controls and facilitates delivery of liquid and/or air to the surgical site during a surgical procedure via a trumpet valve, various restriction (crimping) devices, and a network of tubing for selectively passing air or fluid through to the surgical site. The trumpet valve allows for selective control of air or fluid or both or neither. Additionally the flow management apparatus controls the application and suction of fluids from the surgical site which may be used in cooperation with the injection of a fluid such as water to irrigate the surgical site to remove body fluids, debrided material or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: JAMES K. BRANNON
  • Publication number: 20120095293
    Abstract: A combined tube set for a disposable water bottle for a medical instrument includes a cap with threads suitable for attachment to various water bottles. The combined tube set provides a first tube set for rinsing that includes an air and water tubes, and air/water connector The combined tube set also provides a second tube set for irrigation that includes an irrigation connector, backflow valve(s), and flexible tubing section. In some embodiments, the tube set can provide warm and/or humid gas to the endoscope.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: Minntech Corporation
    Inventors: Travis Henry Bendele, Christopher Steven Adams, Dina Grudo, Don Byrne, Leon Russ Smith
  • Publication number: 20120088975
    Abstract: A switching valve assembly for an endoscope includes a cylinder, a piston unit, a button device, a flow channel in the piston unit, and plural flow openings. The piston unit changes over plural flow lines between communication and interruption by changing a combination of the flow openings with the flow channel for communication. The switching valve assembly includes a cylinder cap device and a slide device of a cup shape. An end ring keeps the slide device contained in the cylinder cap device. A first coil spring is disposed between the slide device and cylinder cap device, for biasing the slide device in an upward direction from the cylinder. A second coil spring is disposed between the button device and slide device, for biasing the button device in the upward direction with smaller force of bias than the first coil spring. The slide device includes an inner guide sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Yasuhiko MORIMOTO
  • Patent number: 8152716
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of endoscopy and specifically to endoscopic apparatus used for endoscopic procedures during which a flexible tube is inserted into the rectum and colon for examination of the colon interior for abnormalities. More particularly, the present invention refers to a control system for supplying a fluid medium, e.g. air, carbon dioxide, water, to the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Stryker GI Ltd.
    Inventors: Amram Aizenfeld, Victor Levin, Golan Salman, Omer Shezifi, Dan Oz, Avi Levy
  • Patent number: 8152715
    Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope with a watertight and air-tight endoscope handle that in preferred embodiments contains in its interior a solid-state light source and a gas permeable and liquid impermeable sealed compartment holding a battery and an electronic circuit, where the sealed compartment is preferably transverse to the long axis of the endoscope handle, and, in certain embodiments, at least partially surrounded by a movable structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Optim, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas V. Root, Robb M. Gavalis, Robert J. Krupa, Anthony J. Parillo, William F. Laflash, Aleksandra Levshina
  • Patent number: 8142347
    Abstract: A snare device and methods of making and using the same. The snare device may include a sheath having a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a shaft slidably disposed therein. A handle may be coupled to the shaft and disposed adjacent the proximal end region. The snare device may also include a swivel disposed adjacent the distal end region of the sheath and coupled to the shaft and to a snare loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: John A. Griego, Yem Chin
  • Patent number: 8118729
    Abstract: An endoscopic instrument with a hollow shank which on the proximal side is provided with a connection part with at least one suction connection and/or rinsing connection, with a coupling part for fixing a working insert. The coupling part is mounted rotatably with respect to the connection part and the coupling part is detachably connected to the connection part. The endoscopic instrument further includes an annular axial seal which is arranged between the connection part and the coupling part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Richard Wolf GmbH
    Inventors: Klaus-Peter Hipp, Ludwig Bonnet, Michael Fritz, Thomas Ernst, Hubertus Riedmiller
  • Patent number: 8062214
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Cemal Shener, Christopher R. Newell, Petter Hedstrom, Kenneth W. Krause
  • Patent number: 8052660
    Abstract: A liquid applicator for an endoscope configured to apply liquid to in vivo tissue includes a flexible tube to be inserted into and extracted from a treatment tool insertion channel of the endoscope, a brush member provided at a distal end of the flexible tube, and a fluid channel formed in the flexible tube to supply the liquid to the brush member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Yamamoto, Tetsuya Nakamura, Yae Kurosawa, Yusuke Iimori, Pilryon Lee
  • Patent number: 8047215
    Abstract: A laparoscopic lens cleaner which is suitable for maintaining the lens of a laparoscope in a clean, dry condition during a laparoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the laparoscopic lens cleaner includes an elongated cleaner sheath having a sheath interior, a fluid conduit provided in the cleaner sheath, a fluid discharge nozzle provided in the sheath interior and communicating with the fluid conduit, a gas conduit provided in the cleaner sheath and a gas discharge nozzle provided in the sheath interior and communicating with the gas conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Inventor: Larry Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20110264005
    Abstract: A bronchoscopy oxygenation system may be used to permit the introduction of oxygen (or other gaseous substance) through a bronchoscopy device while also permitting various interventional procedures, for example, but not, limited to biopsy, lavage, and/or suction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: Kenneth Willeford
    Inventors: Kenneth L. Willeford, Richard J. King
  • Patent number: 8021295
    Abstract: An endoscope system and an observation method using the same includes an agent dispensing portion for dispensing towards an acquisition object a fluorescent agent; a light source portion for emitting excitation light for exciting the fluorescent agent and irradiation light having different spectral characteristics from the excitation light; an optical system for transmitting the excitation light and the irradiation light towards the acquisition object; image-acquisition means, disposed at a portion that is inserted inside a body cavity and capable of acquiring fluorescence excited from the acquisition object by the excitation light, and light in a different wavelength band, which is excited from the acquisition object by the irradiation light; and control means for controlling the agent-dispensing means so that the acquisition object is irradiated with the irradiation light before the fluorescent agent is spouted out towards the acquisition object and for synchronizing at least the operation for spouting the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Koki Morishita, Akira Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8021294
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Cemal Shener, Christopher R. Newell, Petter Hedstrom, Kenneth W. Krause
  • Publication number: 20110208003
    Abstract: In a suction valve in which a suction conduit is connected from a treatment instrument insertion channel through a branch portion so as to open/close this suction conduit, there is no passage between a side face of a valve-portion passage in the valve and a side face of a piston shaft, but only the valve-portion passage and an inner-shaft passage of the piston shaft are used, and their diameters d3 are made larger than a diameter d2 of the suction conduit. Also, the diameter d2 of the suction conduit is made larger than an inner diameter d1 of the treatment instrument insertion channel. As a result, a suction load when a solid substance, a substance with high viscosity or the like is suctioned is reduced, and clogging by the suctioned substances in a passage in the suction valve is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kenji YAMANE
  • Patent number: 8002725
    Abstract: Embolic protection and plaque removal apparatus and methods are provided wherein an aspiration device aspirates, filters and reperfuses blood using a closed fluid circuit having a bi-directional working lumen. The plaque removal device includes a plurality of self-expanding cutting elements that form a cage that self-centers within the blood vessel to reduce the risk of trauma to the vessel lining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: NovoStent Corporation
    Inventor: Michael Hogendijk
  • Patent number: 8001984
    Abstract: A laparoscopic lens cleaner which is suitable for maintaining the lens of a laparoscope in a clean, dry condition during a laparoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the laparoscopic lens cleaner includes an elongated cleaner sheath having a sheath interior, a fluid conduit provided in the cleaner sheath, a fluid discharge nozzle provided in the sheath interior and communicating with the fluid conduit, a gas conduit provided in the cleaner sheath and a gas discharge nozzle provided in the sheath interior and communicating with the gas conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Larry S. Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7972264
    Abstract: An endoscope plug body comprises a plug frame, a lid member and a plug member and shuts off an inside of a treatment instrument insertion channel from an outside. The plug frame is provided with annular projection portions, a plug body destruction portion and a plug-frame destruction operation portion. A flange portion is arranged between the annular plug portions and fitted to a base of the endoscope. The plug body destruction portion and the plug-frame destruction operation portion releases the lock state by destruction. The plug frame is cylindrical and communicates with a pipe line disposed inside the endoscope. The lid member is separate from the plug frame and has a lid portion disposed at an opening at the other end of the plug frame. The plug member is separate from the plug frame, formed of an elastic member and has a plug-member treatment instrument insertion portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventor: Masanori Hamazaki
  • Patent number: 7951073
    Abstract: Various embodiments of a surgical device that combines tissue cutting and spraying in a single device and related methods of use are disclosed. The device may include an elongated member having a proximal end and a distal end, an end effector proximate the distal end of the elongated member, and a nozzle member configured to substantially seal the distal end of the elongated member. The nozzle member may define a flow path in fluid communication between inside and outside of the elongated member when the distal end of the elongated member is sealed with the nozzle member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Limited
    Inventor: David I. Freed
  • Patent number: 7918788
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Szu-Min Lin, Robert C. Platt, Jr., Vinod Mirchandani
  • Publication number: 20110071357
    Abstract: An endoscopic fluid control apparatus is provided in an endoscope including a channel for performing suction and air-feed, and controls the suction and air-feed for the channel. The endoscopic fluid control apparatus includes air-feed channels which communicate with the one channel, a suction channel which communicates with the one channel, a first valve which is provided on the air-feed channels and opens only during the air-feed, and a second valve which is provided on an operation button to be operated for suction operation, and shuts off communication between one of the air-feed channels and another of the air-feed channels among the air-feed channels into which the operation button is inserted, when the operation button is operated to carry out the suction operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Inventor: Takanori USHIJIMA
  • Publication number: 20110065998
    Abstract: An endoscopic fluid control apparatus includes a cylinder which is attachable to an attachment part attached to an endoscope, and includes a first channel which transfers fluid to an insertion channel of the endoscope, a piston which is set on the cylinder and includes a valve part movable relative to the cylinder between a position where the first channel is opened relative to the insertion channel and a position where the first channel is closed relative to the insertion channel, a connection port part for connecting a fluid tube, and a second channel which transfers the fluid from the connection port part to the insertion channel, an elastic member which holds the piston to be movable relative to the cylinder between the position where the first channel is closed and the position where the first channel is opened, a first engagement part which engages the piston and the elastic member with each other so as not to rotate about an axis of movement of the piston, and a second engagement part which engages the
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Takanori USHIJIMA, Toshikazu YAMAZAKI
  • Publication number: 20110065997
    Abstract: Systems and methods provide for more efficient cleaning and sterilizing of surgical handpieces by using a removable valve assembly. The valve assembly is removable to provide access to a first suction passageway and a second suction passageway for cleaning purposes. The first suction passageway may also be removable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: James Hamer, Philip O'Quinn, Kenneth M. Adams, Randall Hacker
  • Patent number: 7901350
    Abstract: A cleaning adapter unit for connecting a cleaning fluid supply device to different type endoscopes comprises adapter valve assemblies which correspond to the different endoscopes, respectively. Each adapter valve assembly comprises a valve sleeve detachably connectable to the cleaning fluid supply device and a valve body received in the valve sleeve for slide movement and forming a valve chamber leading to the passage in the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve has a passage and is provided with a first fitting at one end thereof which is formed so as to be hermetically received in a valve casing of one of the different endoscopes, and the valve body is provided with first and second passages formed separately therein and opens at opposite ends, respectively, and with a second fitting at one ends thereof opposite to the one end of the valve sleeve at which the first fitting is formed so as to be hermetically received in the valve casing of the other different endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: Fujinon Corporation
    Inventor: Masayuki Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7892167
    Abstract: The inventive endoscopy system includes a cannula for arranging an endoscope and forming, between said cannula and endoscope, an irrigation or aspiration channel for transporting an irrigation or aspiration fluid, respectively, a connection ring mounted around the cannula and provided with a connection channel connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and a connector which is mounted on the connection ring and includes a transport channel with the connection channel and a first pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the transport channel. The connection ring is provided with a bypass circuit connectable to the irrigation or aspiration channel, respectively and the connector including a dead channel connectable to the bypass circuit and a second pressure sensor for detecting pressure in the dead channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Future Medical System S.A.
    Inventors: Andre Francisco, Patrick Janin, Thierry Pascual, Armando Dias
  • Patent number: 7871372
    Abstract: An endoscope includes an insertion portion; a channel member that has one opening at a distal portion of the insertion portion and other opening at a portion other than the distal portion; an exterior member opening that communicatively connects an interior of the endoscope to outside; and a filter that is provided at the exterior member opening to prevent at least one of intrusion of dust into the interior and leakage of a lubricant agent stored in the endoscope out of the endoscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiro Nishiie, Atsushi Watanabe, Hiroki Moriyama
  • Patent number: 7857756
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and methods for depositing materials on a substrate, and for performing other selected functions, such as material destruction and removal, temperature control, imaging, detection, therapy and positional and locational control. In various embodiments, the apparatus and methods are suitable for use in a tabletop setting, in vitro or in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sciperio, Inc.
    Inventors: William L. Warren, Robert L. Parkhill, Robert L. Stewart, Anatoly M. Kachurin, Robert M. Taylor, Kenneth H. Church
  • Patent number: 7850603
    Abstract: An endoscope according to the present invention includes an endoscope main body, in which a channel having at least one end communicated with the outside is inserted and which is covered with an exterior member, and a communicating hole which is arranged in the halfway of the channel and which introduces vapor in the channel so as to sterilize the channel with the vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Seisuke Takase, Hiroki Moriyama, Takehiro Nishiie, Masaaki Miyagi
  • Patent number: 7824329
    Abstract: A control system for supplying fluid medium to an endoscopic apparatus which comprises an operation handle and an insertion tube provided with an insufflation channel, an irrigation channel and a suction channel extending therealong. The control system is provided with a system control unit with at least one source of a first fluid medium, with a source of a second fluid medium, with a source of vacuum and with a multifunctional connector for bringing the operation handle in fluid and electrical communication with the system control unit. The source of the first fluid medium and the source of the second fluid medium are simultaneously connectable to and disconnectable from the insufflation channel and the irrigation channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Stryker GI Ltd.
    Inventors: Amram Aizenfeld, Victor Levin, Golan Salman, Omer Shezifi, Dan Oz, Avi Levy
  • Patent number: 7794393
    Abstract: A surgical instrument has a channel dimensioned to receive a viewing instrument and enable the viewing instrument to be moved to or from a position near an optically transparent portion of a blunt, enclosed distal end of a shaft to provide unobstructed viewing through the distal end, and a position to the proximal side of an enclosed working area to provide viewing of the enclosed working area. A surgical instrument also or alternatively has a fluid routing switch within a shaft which can selectively connect a fluid infusion channel to at least one fluid export pore or a return channel. A method involves moving a viewing instrument to or from a position near an optically transparent portion of a blunt, enclosed distal shaft end and a proximal side of an enclosed working area. A method also or alternatively involves changing a position of a fluid routing switch within the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Inventor: Dane M. Larsen
  • Patent number: 7792657
    Abstract: A pressure display apparatus that includes a detected signal processor for processing a detected signal Si obtained from a pressure detector for detecting a pressure P, a pressure value display for displaying a detected pressure value Pd at least based on a processed signal Dd obtained from the detected signal processor, and a reference point adjuster for adjusting the display for a given reference pressure value Ps. The reference point adjuster has a reference pressure value setting function to set the reference pressure value Ps for a given magnitude, a deviation value setting capability for obtaining and setting a detected pressure value Pd corresponding to the reference pressure value Ps and the deviation value Ed of the reference pressure value Ps, and a correction capability for correcting at least the detected pressure value Pd regarding the pressure P and displayed on the display based on the deviation Ed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Nagano Keiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiaki Kobayashi, Hideki Muramatsu, Hidebumi Seki, Hiroyuki Sakai
  • Patent number: 7775970
    Abstract: A harvesting device for an endoscope includes a harvesting member inserted through an outer tube member, including a harvesting portion arranged at the distal end portion of the outer tube member and to perform a harvesting, and configured to move so that the harvesting member moves and positions the harvesting portion at a harvesting position and a standby position, a wipe member inserted through the outer tube member, including a wipe portion arranged at the distal end portion of the outer tube member, and configured to move so that the wipe member moves the wipe portion to wipe a distal end portion of the endoscope, and a conversion mechanism to convert the movement of the harvesting member into that of the wipe member to interlock the wiping of the wipe portion with the positioning of the harvesting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Medical Systems Corp.
    Inventors: Seiji Maeda, Akihito Kano