Abstract: Gastrointestinal screening includes disposing a self-contained electronic capsule in a gastrointestinal tract. The electronic capsule is adapted to acquire data that is responsive to one or more physical conditions in the gastrointestinal tract and to compare the acquired data with stored threshold data to generate a discrete output relating to the condition of the gastrointestinal tract.

Abstract: In connection with imaging an inner surface of a body lumen, a mosaiced image is created from discrete images or a video produced with a small camera, as the camera is moved through the lumen. In one embodiment, a tethered capsule with a scanning optical fiber provides the images, although other types of endoscopic cameras can instead be used. A surface model of the lumen and camera pose estimates for each image or frame are required for this task. Camera pose parameters, which define camera alignment, are determined for six degrees-of-freedom. The size of each frame projected as a strip on the surface model depends on the longitudinal movement of the camera. The projected frames are concatenated, and the cylinder is unrolled to produce the mosaic image. Further processing, such as applying surface domain blending, improves the quality of the mosaic image.

Abstract: A system, device and method for a real time viewing of an in-vivo site. The in-vivo sensing system may include, for example an in-vivo sensing device (4), a receiver/recorder (6), a workstation (50), a portable device (40) and/or a portable memory (60). The receiver/recorder, the workstation and the portable device may display a stream of images while still downloading images from the receiver/recorder.

Abstract: Various compositions, methods, and devices are provided that use fluorescent nanoparticles, which can function as markers, indicators, and light sources. The fluorescent nanoparticles can be formed from a fluorophore core surrounded by a biocompatible shell, such as a silica shell. In one embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be delivered to tissue to mark the tissue, enable identification and location of the tissue, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the tissue. In another embodiment, the fluorescent nanoparticles can be used on a device or implant to locate the device or implant in the body, indicate an orientation of the device or implant, and/or illuminate an area surrounding the device or implant. The fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used to provide a therapeutic effect.

Abstract: An inserting portion has, at the proximal end thereof, an operating portion having a bending lever for bending operation. The operating portion has, on the front end side thereof, a grip portion gripped by an operator. The grip portion has therein a plate frame as an internal structure for ensuring predetermined strength. At the notch portion formed by partly notching the frame, an image pick-up unit is mounted to form an optical image transmitted by image guiding fibers to a CCD via a relay optical system. The image pick-up unit is fixed to the frame via an attaching member. Thus, predetermined strength is assured and the image pick-up unit is compactly accommodated with simple structure. A predetermined image pick-up function using the image pick-up unit is held without the action of high tension to the image guiding fibers by mounting a bending portion to the image guiding fibers.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam imagers and scanned beam endoscopes having a positionable light collector are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam imager includes a scanned beam source operable to scan a beam across a FOV and a light collector structured to collect light affected by the FOV. The light collector is positionable relative to the beam scanned by the scanned beam source. Scanned beam endoscopes and methods of performing endoscopy are also disclosed that implement the above teachings.

Abstract: When illumination light in an ultraviolet region and a visible light region is emitted from a light source lamp, a light quantity of the illumination light is adjusted by a first diaphragm mechanism and a second diaphragm mechanism, and sequentially irradiated to an observation target via a rotating filter. At this time, the first diaphragm mechanism adjusts the light quantities of excitation light and RGB light of a wavelength band of the illumination light, and the second diaphragm mechanism has a transmission property for light in the ultraviolet region and adjusts the light quantity of the RGB light without influencing the light quantity of the excitation light. Thereby, the light quantities of both the excitation light and RGB light emitted form one light source lamp are controlled, and optimal brightness balance can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system for illuminating and viewing a target in which an illumination element and a receiving means are disposed behind a single optical window, and which obtains data essentially free of backscatter and stray light. The optical window of the optical system is configured such that it defines a shape having at least one focal curve, i.e., an ellipsoid shaped dome. The illumination element and the receiving means are geometrically positioned on the focal curve plane or in proximity of the focal curve plane, such that, when illuminating, rays from the illumination elements, that are internally reflected from the optical window, will not be incident on the receiving means.

Abstract: An in-vivo imaging device for capturing one or more narrow band images of the gastrointestinal tract, or other body lumens or cavities of a patient, using one or more narrow band illumination sources and an imager having an array of light sensitive elements.

Abstract: A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes.

Abstract: A system for performing short wavelength imaging with a broadband illumination source includes an image processor that receives signals from a color image sensor. The image processor reduces the contribution of red illumination light to an image by computing blue, green, and blue-green (cyan) color components of display pixels from the signals received from the image sensor. The blue, green, and cyan color component values are coupled to inputs of a color monitor for display to produce a false color image of the tissue.

Abstract: An image sensor (e.g., a CMOS sensor) includes a pixel array portion and a circuitry portion, where the circuitry portion may be segregated, for example longitudinally, from the pixel array portion.

Abstract: A rod lens is used for fitting in an endoscopes. The rod lens has a rod-shaped body which is made at least in a section of a flexible, transparent solid piece of plastic material. (FIG.

Abstract: A capsule-type medical apparatus includes a capsule-shape sealed container accommodating an electric component for executing a predetermined function; and a switch unit arranged in a substantially center of the sealed container, and controlling supply of electric power for driving the electric component according to action of a magnetic field from outside of the sealed container.

Abstract: A method for performing a selective discectomy is disclosed whereby a path for insertion of a tissue removal device is created by inserting a cannula with a flexible distal end position into an intervertebral disc by entering the nucleus at a point contralateral or anterolateral to a herniation site or entering anterior or anterolateral relative to the herniation site. The path is followed by a cutting device with a cutting window and either or both of the cannula or cutting device may be positioned at a site of herniation using all of any of control wires, a set of styli, viewable markings on a component and/or visualization devices.

Abstract: A microendoscope with a distal probe tip which has, in particular, a diameter of up to approximately 1 mm is provided and inside of which an optical subassembly at least provided with a micro-objective and with an image transmitting element is accommodated. An image transmitting system is connected to the optical subassembly. An image-enlarging coupling element is provided between the optical subassembly of the probe tip and the image transmitting system connected thereto. The image transmitting system connected to the coupling element has a larger active diameter than the optical subassembly that is provided with the distal objective. As a result, the distal probe tip on a handgrip has the necessary small working diameter over the entire working length, and at the beginning or inside the handgrip, the optical coupling element is coupled to an image guide or to an image transmitting system or the like having a higher pixel count and thus a larger active diameter and, therefore, a larger outside diameter.

Abstract: There is provided an endoscope insertion portion capable of illuminating a diseased part corresponding to a part of an endoscope image by irradiation light in an amount approximately the same as that in non-enlarged display, when displaying the part of the endoscope image in an enlarged manner. The endoscope insertion portion of this invention includes: an insertion portion having a distal end surface; a first illumination optical system for irradiating light onto a subject; a second illumination optical system for irradiating light onto the subject; a first image pickup portion including on the distal end surface a first optical member for introducing light from the subject; and a second image pickup portion including a second optical member for introducing light from the subject, the second optical member being disposed in an area sandwiched by the first illumination optical system and the second illumination optical system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capsule endoscope (CE) having sensors configured to form or to conform to the shell of the CE. The sensors are curved to correspond to the capsule's shape. According to this embodiment, the sensors may be covered by a coating material to protect the sensors. The sensors may also form the capsule shell. Instead of being covered by a shell associated with the capsule, the sensors are formed as the capsule shell. The sensors may also form part of the capsule shell. For example, one half of the capsule shell may be formed from the sensors.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus has a single coaxial cable installed between a scope A and a processor unit B. Waveform superimposing circuits superimpose a video signal on power transmitted through the coaxial cable and sequentially superimpose scope-side reference pulses and processor-side reference pulses alternately on horizontal scanning blanking periods in one field of the video signal. At the same time, the scope A and processor unit B generate reference signals and various timing signals synchronized with the reference pulses of the counterpart and perform video processing based on them. This enables accurate sampling even when scopes with different pixel counts are used. Also, a scope information signal and electronic shutter control signal may be superimposed on a predetermined blanking period in the video signal.

Abstract: An assembling method of a capsule medical apparatus is provided. The capsule medical apparatus includes a sealed capsule container having an image pick-up unit which picks up an image of a portion illuminated by an illuminating unit, and an objective optical system which is arranged in front of the image pick-up unit. The assembling method includes a positioning step of positioning so that a relative position of a reference position of a fixing frame in the objective optical system matches a reference position of an image area of the image pick-up unit, and a fixing step of, after the positioning step, contacting a reference down-surface of the fixing frame with the top surface of the image pick-up unit and fixing the image pick-up unit and the fixing frame.

Abstract: An endoscope insertion portion of the invention comprises: a distal end portion; first image pickup means for obtaining a first observation image, the first image pickup means being disposed to the distal end portion; second image pickup means for obtaining a second observation image, the second image pickup means being disposed to the distal end portion; a first object optical system for condensing photographing light incident on the first image pickup means, the first object optical system being located in the distal end portion; a second object optical system for condensing photographing light incident on the second image pickup means, the second object optical system being located in the distal end portion; and a plurality of illumination optical systems for irradiating light to a subject, the plurality of illumination optical systems being located in the distal end portion in a manner sandwiching each of the first object optical system and the second object optical system.

Abstract: A capsule medication administration system includes: a first capsule for internal body marking; a second capsule for medication; a marking device which makes a marking within a living body; a drug retention section which retains a drug; a release device which releases the drug; a detection device which detects the marking; a decision device which decides whether or not a marking which has been detected by the detection device is a specified marking; and a release control device which operates the release devices if it has been decided by the decision device that it is the specified marking; wherein the first capsule comprises the marking device. The second capsule comprises the drug retention section and the release device.

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

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes an endoscope that has a solid-state image-pickup device in which charges are accumulated in order to pick up an object image. The endoscope apparatus further comprises a memory in which a plurality of pieces of information on the accumulation period during which charges are accumulated in the solid-state image-pickup device is stored, and a drive unit that controls the accumulation period, during which charges are accumulated in the solid-state image-pickup device, on the basis of the pieces of information on the accumulation period stored in the memory. The endoscope further includes an optical member whose surface is shaped rotationally asymmetric. Correction information stored in a memory and associated with the optical element is used to correct an output signal of the solid-state image-pickup device.

Abstract: Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc.

Abstract: A capsule type endoscope includes an illumination device, an imaging device, and a transparent cover covering the illumination device and the imaging device. The imaging device has an objective optical system and an image sensor. When the objective optical system satisfies Condition (1) described below and a white cylinder with a reflectance of 90%, satisfying Condition (3) described below, is observed, illuminance of the imaging surface of the image sensor satisfies Condition (2) described below, in a state where a longitudinal center axis of a capsule coincides with the center axis of the white cylinder with a reflectance of 90%. ??50° ??(1) T1×0.5?T2 ??(2) D=1.

Abstract: Optical devices which accurately position optical elements and methods for producing such optical devices. Each optical element is carried by a support on an axis that has portions plastically deformed to overlap portions of the faces of the optical element adjacent an intermediate peripheral surface. This configuration locks the optical element axially in the support and produces a positive rigid retaining structure for each optical element.

Abstract: An apparatus for in vivo, endoscopic laser Raman spectroscopy probe and methods for its use are described. The probe comprises a fiber bundle assemble small enough to fit through an endoscope instrument channel, a novel combination of special coatings to the fiber bundle assembly, including a short-pass filter on the illumination fiber and a long-pass filter on the collection fiber bundle, a novel filter adapter comprising collimating lenses, focusing lenses, a band-pass filter, and a notch filter, and a round-to-parabolic linear array fiber bundle. The apparatus further comprises a laser to deliver illumination light and a spectrometer to analyze Raman-scattered light from a sample. The analysis of Raman spectra from in vivo measurements can discover molecular and structural changes associated with neoplastic transformations and lead to early diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are water-tight, portable endoscopes that include the light and power source incorporated into a sealed compartment (also referred to herein as sealed canister) within the endoscope handle. The description also features water-tight, endoscope handles that include the light and power source incorporated into a sealed canister within the handle. In some embodiments, the sealed compartment contains all of the electronic components of the endoscope.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically reconfiguring the magnification or zoom level of a surgical camera based upon the detection of a surgical instrument or defined anatomical feature. Utilizing image analysis algorithms, the video images generated by the surgical camera are analyzed for the presence of defined patterns, colors, motion and the like, representing a defined surgical instrument or anatomical feature. Upon detection of a surgical instrument or anatomical feature, the system can automatically adjust the actual or effective focal range of the surgical camera, and thus change the magnification or zoom level of the camera, based on the type of surgical instrument or anatomical feature detected.

Abstract: A capsular medical apparatus according to the present invention includes a capsule which can be swallowed or inserted in the body, a recording device which receives living body information transmitted from the capsule and which records the received information, and a display device of the living body information. Further, the capsular medical apparatus includes a USB connector which connects and disconnects the recording device and the display device, a voltage detecting circuit which detects the connection between the recording device and the display device, and a USB cable which transmits the living body information to the display device from the recording device.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention may relate to devices, systems, and methods for programmable in vivo imaging, for example, a programmable in vivo imager (46), and a method and system for using the programmable in-vivo imager.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a capsule-type endoscopic system with real-time image display, which includes a capsule-type endoscope and a display apparatus. The capsule-type endoscope extracts an endoscopic image inside of a human body, produces endoscopic image data, and transmits the endoscopic image data to the display apparatus. The display apparatus displays immediately the endoscopic image data. For patients suffering from digestive diseases, physicians can acquire real-time endoscopic images through the capsule-type endoscopic system according to the present invention. If, according to the real-time endoscopic images of the present invention, the patients suffer from digestive diseases that need emergent treatment, the physicians can perform treatments immediately to the patients. Thereby, the diseases can be cured at early stage, and deterioration of emergent and lethal digestive diseases due to delay in treatment can be avoided.

Abstract: An endoscope system is provided with an endoscope processor that processes an image signal output by an electronic endoscope, an endoscope controlling system connected to the endoscope processor to control operation of the endoscope processor or a device connected to the endoscope processor, an endoscope server that communicates with the endoscope controlling system through a first network, a service server that communicates with at least one of the endoscope processor and the device connected to the endoscope processor through a second network, and a surveillance circuit that surveys operation of the endoscope processor or the device connected to the endoscope processor, the endoscope controlling system transmits a surveying result to the endoscope server through the first network, and the endoscope server transmits the surveying result of the surveillance circuit to the service server through the second network.

Abstract: A device includes a first member including a first material, an optical window, and a second member including a second material dissimilar to the first material, wherein the second member is bonded to the optical window and explosion welded to the first member. An implementation of the device includes an autoclavable medical device including an aluminum body, a stainless steel bridge explosion welded to the body, and a sapphire window bonded to the bridge. A method of manufacturing the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: When a capsule is manufactured, a unique number such as a serial number is stored in non-volatile memory in the capsule. If the capsule is used with an external apparatus, the unique number is sent from the capsule to the external apparatus. The external apparatus relates each unique number with a capsule ID comprising a small number of bits in a management table formed in non-volatile memory and sends the capsule ID to the capsule, and the capsule ID with the small number of bits is set as an identifier in the capsule. In this manner, it is made unnecessary to provide a switch in the capsule for setting the identifier and it becomes possible to reduce and send the quantity of information sent as the identifier.

Abstract: The present invention provides, according to some embodiments, an in vivo imaging device, comprising a mount having at least one illumination source. The mount may be in electrical communication with the illumination source. The device may further include a circuit board and a contact clip for securing the mount to the circuit board and for providing electrical communication therebetween.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for high-resolution microscopic imaging in laser endoscopy based on laser-induced object reaction radiation and for performing microscopic cuts in biological tissue. In using multiphoton processes for endoscopic applications in biological materials with an accuracy of under one millimeter, radiation of a pulsed femtosecond laser is focused into an object by means of a transmission focusing optics unit comprising a transmission system and miniature focusing optics having a high numerical aperture greater than 0.55 to trigger a local object reaction radiation in the micrometer to nanometer range, and the distal end of the transmission focusing optics unit is moved in at least two dimensions for highly spatially resolved scanning of the object and for transmitting object reaction radiation which is scanned in a locally progressive manner to an image-generating system with a photon detector.

Abstract: An autonomous in vivo sensing device may include a polarizing filter to polarize light emitted by an illumination unit, and to block light specularly reflected from a turbid media from reaching an imager of such device. An autonomous in vivo sensing device with monochromatic illumination units to alternatingly illuminate a target area with light of different wavelengths, and to subtract an image illuminated by light in a first wavelength from an image illuminated by light in a second wavelength, to produce an image of a sub-surface layer of such target area.

Abstract: A histofluorescent stain for endoscopy having good fluorescent stainability for the inner part of tissues is provided. A histofluorescent stain composition for endoscopy, containing a compound represented by the following Formula (1) wherein R1 and R2, which may be identical or different, each represent an alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; and X? represents an anion residue.

Abstract: A fluorescence endoscopy video system includes a multimode light source that produces light for color and fluorescence imaging modes. Light from the light source is transmitted through an endoscope to the tissue under observation. The system also includes a compact camera for color and fluorescence imaging. Images obtained through the endoscope are optically divided and projected onto one or more image sensors by a fixed beam splitter in the camera. The fixed beam splitter eliminates the need for inserting a movable mirror into the light path between the endoscope and the image sensors. Image signals from the camera are processed in the system processor/controller where a contrast enhancement function can be applied. The contrast enhancement function increases the color contrast between normal tissue and tissue suspicious for early cancer. Finally, the system also includes a calibration feature whereby the system performance can be maintained when used with different endoscopes.

Abstract: A capsule-type medical apparatus holds a drug such that a drug release such as dissolution can be realized under the same condition as in a case where the drug is delivered to an interior of a living body by itself, and realizes confirmation on whether the drug delivered to the interior of the living body is actually released to a site in the living body or not. The capsule-type medical apparatus includes a capsule-like casing which is formed in a suitable size for insertion into the living body, a net-like drug holding unit which houses a drug in a releasable manner with respect to a site in the living body, and an imaging unit which captures an image covering the drug held in the drug holding unit and a surrounding area of the drug. The imaging unit 4 captures an image as drug-source information indicating a release condition of the drug with respect to the site in the living body.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope apparatus has a distal part, an imaging unit, a light emitting unit, and a transmitting unit. The imaging unit converts light applied to the distal part, into an electrical signal. The light emitting unit converts the electrical signal supplied from the imaging unit, into an optical signal. The transmitting unit, which is attached to the distal part, guides the optical signal supplied from the light emitting unit. The electrical signal output from the imaging unit is converted into an optical signal. This optical signal is transmitted from the distal part through the transmitting unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system for illuminating and viewing a target in which an illumination element and a receiving means are disposed behind a single optical window, and which obtains data essentially free of backscatter and stray light. The optical window of the optical system is configured such that it defines a shape having at least one focal curve, i.e., an ellipsoid shaped dome. The illumination element and the receiving means are geometrically positioned on the focal curve plane or in proximity of the focal curve plane, such that, when illuminating, rays from the illumination elements, that are internally reflected from the optical window, will not be incident on the receiving means.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope is disclosed that includes a light source, an objective optical system that forms an image of an object that is illuminated by the light source, an image pickup device that receives the image formed by the objective optical system; and a transparent cover that is positioned in front of the objective optical system. Specified conditions are satisfied by the objective optical system so that objects having a shape that conforms with the shape of the transparent cover at the periphery of the field of view, as well as more distant objects on-axis, are within the depth of field of the objective optical system's field of view. The transparent cover itself is purposely kept from being within the depth of field of the objective optical system's field of view.

Abstract: An endoscope of the invention includes: an LED for supplying illumination light to illuminate a subject; an image pickup device for picking up an image of a region to be inspected of the subject; a video display device provided with a monitor portion on which an endoscope image of the region to be inspected picked up by the image pickup device is displayed and an exterior member for holding the monitor portion; a power supply control circuit for supplying electric power to drive the LED and cause the LED to emit illumination light; and a heat radiation portion for radiating heat generated by the power supply control circuit formed on a rear surface opposing to a disposition surface of the exterior member on which the monitor portion of the video display device is provided.

Abstract: An imaging optical system includes a spherical or nearly spherical viewing port, an objective lens that includes an aspheric surface and is formed as a single lens element, and a solid-state image sensor that receives an image formed by the imaging optical system. Specified conditions are satisfied by the imaging optical system and the objective lens so that an in-focus image having low distortion, sufficient contrast, and formed by light rays of restricted angles of incidence is formed even for an object in contact with the viewing port. The specified conditions relate to features of the imaging optical system such as focal length and f-number of the imaging optical system, astigmatism and distortion of the imaging optical system, and pixel pitch of the solid-state image sensor. An endoscope that includes the imaging optical system is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a capsule endoscope illuminating units are disposed around an image capturing unit in such a manner that an optical axis of the illuminating units do not intersect with an optical axis of the observation unit, and illumination areas of the illuminating units overlap at substantially a central portion of an image capturing area of the image capturing unit.

Abstract: A method and system for in-vivo sensing may transmit data that may identify or relate to the sensing device or a component within the device. The data that may identify the sensing device and the sensing data may be transmitted separately or in combination, for example, in a data block. The data that may identify or relate to the sensing device may be received, recorded, displayed, processed or used in any suitable way, for example, to verify, access or select compatible in-vivo sensing system components.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope for endoscopic imaging is swallowable in a body, for image pickup of an object. In a capsule endoscopic system, a receiver receives image data in a form of a radio signal from the capsule endoscope, and for storing the image data. A computer as image processor produces an object image according to the image data from the receiver. A spectral image generator produces data of a spectral image having a wavelength band by arithmetic operation according to the image data. To this end, the spectral image generator arithmetically operates with a coefficient matrix to form the spectral image. Furthermore, capsule type information, assigned to the capsule endoscope discretely, is retrieved. The capsule type information is stored in a data storage medium, and read by the spectral image generator to determine the coefficient matrix.