Abstract: An optical probe has a tubular outer envelope, and a shaft rotatable about a rotating axis extending longitudinal direction of the outer envelope. A light guide disposed to extend along the shaft is connected to the shaft at its leading end portion, a light deflector connected to the leading end portion of the light guide deflects light radiated from the leading end portion of the light guide, and a collecting lens converges light radiated from the light deflector outside the outer envelope. Light emitted from the light deflector is scanned along the outer envelope in response to movement of the shaft and the light deflector is connected to the shaft in a position deviated from the axis of rotation of the shaft and is movable to the shaft so that the direction of light deflected by the light deflector can be changed in this position.

Abstract: An endoscope system capable of observing a front view and a side view simultaneously is provided by employing a beam splitter, a first shutter and a second shutter. A front view in a longitudinal direction can be observed when the first shutter is open such that light beams pass through the beam splitter. A side view in a perpendicular direction can be observed when the second shutter is open such that light beams through the open shutter are reflected by the beam splitter in the longitudinal direction. The front view and the side view can be observed simultaneously, when the first shutter and the second shutter are alternatively operated such that the first shutter is open while the second shutter is closed and vise versa.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope, including an omnidirectional lateral view optical system allowing observation of all directions as the objective optical system and also being capable of illuminating all the image pickup range satisfactorily, is provided. On a positioning plate inside the capsule, six LEDs are arranged at even angular intervals (60 degrees) with their light emitting surfaces facing a transparent cover of the capsule. The light emitting surface of each LED is placed at a position that is a prescribed distance ? inwardly apart from the interior surface of the transparent cover of the capsule.

Abstract: An endoscope with deflected distal viewing, comprises a rigid tube containing observation means, themselves comprising a distal deflector prism having a viewing axis that is inclined relative to the axis of the tube, and ultraviolet light guide means housed in the tube and opening out at their distal end onto a prism for deflecting the illuminating light beam in a direction that is substantially parallel to the viewing axis. The invention applies in particular to inspecting parts by the penetration test technique in the aviation field.

Abstract: What is provided is an endo-surgical tool that includes imaging optics therein, the various components of which, including its tools, electronics and visualization components, can be used in the sterile surgical field. In one particular embodiment of the invention, the cannula portion of the tool is adapted to a particular type of endo-surgical procedure, while the handle, which includes at least a portion of the imaging circuitry for the device, can be used with a plurality of differently adapted cannulas.

Abstract: A flexible variable direction of view endoscope with a pivotable view vector and a rotatable distal section.

Abstract: To provide an endoscope system that includes a light source, an insertion part to be inserted into a living organism for guiding a illumination light emitted from the light source and a light returned from the living organism, a deflection optical system for outwardly directing the illumination light in a radius direction of the insertion part and for introducing a light inwardly returned from the living organism in the radius direction into the insertion part, a part for capturing the returned light, a part for detecting an insertion speed of the insertion part, a part for adjusting a frame rate for the image capturing of the image capturing part based on the detected insertion speed, an image forming part for arranging acquired images at a pitch based on the insertion speed to form an image of the inside of the living organism, and a part for displaying the formed image.

Abstract: A direct view rigid video-endoscope (11) supported by an articulated and compensated arm (2), equipped with a grip (3) crossed by an air flow (92) originating from a generator (93) upstream of the device. The air flow (92) comes out of small holes (8) made in the distal end (28) of the grip (3), at the base of an optical tube (10).

Abstract: The invention uses light to determine the distance from the tip of a probe to the internal wall of the canal, and based on the position of the probe, this information is used to generate information about the shape of the canal. Light with a first and a second wavelength range is directed onto a semi-transparent mirror surface at the distal portion of the probe. Light in the first wavelength range is reflected from the mirror surface to illuminate a circumferential area of the internal surface of the canal, and light in the second wavelength range is transmitted through the mirror surface to illuminate an area in front of the distal portion of the probe. The received light is analyzed in the first wavelength range to determine the distance from the probe to the internal surface of the canal at points of the circumference, and analyzed in the second wavelength range to determine the distance from the probe to an object in front of the probe.

Abstract: An omnidirectional endoscope device 1 is provided at a distal end part of an insertion section 12 of an endoscope 10 with an omnidirectional light receiving unit 20 for receiving an incident light from all around the periphery in the peripheral direction and reflecting the light toward a relay lens optical system 13. The insertion section 12 slidably pierces through a retaining cylinder 33. A light guide 35 (illumination light transmitting means) is embedded in the retaining cylinder 33, and an outgoing surface at the distal end of this light guide 35 is faced with a distal end face of the retaining cylinder 33. The retaining cylinder 33 can be operated in a sliding manner by a grip 31 disposed at the basal end. By this, the illumination light can strike upon the view field of the omnidirectional light receiving mechanism regardless whether the inside space of an image to be observed is large or small.

Abstract: An end of a side-looking endoscope is constituted by covering an end body with a cap. The end body has a stand lever accommodation room in which a stand lever is accommodated, and a ridge is provided on a top surface of the stand lever accommodation room. A groove is formed inside the cap, and the groove is engaged with the ridge. The cap is thus prevented from dropping or rotating from the end body.

Abstract: An endoscope capable of capturing images of an in-vivo area behind a distal end of the endoscope's tube. The endoscope may have an imaging unit that may, for example, include a reflective surface that reflects an image of an area surrounding such tube onto an image sensor. Other optical systems may be used for imaging behind one end of an endoscope or imaging device.

Abstract: A deviated distal viewing endoscope is disclosed, wherein the rotation of the probe rotation control ring controls the rotation of the endoscopic probe as well as the rotation of a rotating tube housed in the handle and in the distal end of which a deviator prism is housed; the rotation of a focusing control ring controls the translation of the ring that acts to house the ocular lens; and the rotation of the ring controls the translation of a first cylindrical mount housing an ocular lens; and the rotation of a viewing angle variation control ring controls the translation of a second cylindrical mount integral with a cylindrical maneuvering tube, a longitudinal displacement of which controlling the tilting of the deviator prism of the endoscope.

Abstract: Certain embodiments include an endoscope and methods for imaging using the endoscope. The endoscope may include an imaging channel and a tip positioned at one end of the imaging channel, the tip adapted to collect light from a field of view that extends 360° around at least a portion of the endoscope and to transmit the light to the imaging channel. Certain embodiments may also utilize various sensors, controllers and processing mechanisms to record and process images into a representation, move the endoscope in and out of the endometrial cavity, and to biopsy a portion of the endometrium.

Abstract: A stereo laparoscope for producing a stereoscopic optical image of an intracorporeal region to be viewed through a small incision. The stereo laparoscope included multiple imaging assemblies disposed in a direction non-parallel to the axis of the laparoscope. The imaging assemblies are disposed in a fixed orientation relative. Selection and processing means are included for enabling the user to select a left imaging assembly and a right imaging assembly from three or more imaging assemblies. The left and right views provide three dimensional or stereoscopic viewing, and the distance between at least two assemblies can be greater than the diameter of the laparoscope.

Abstract: An end of a side-looking endoscope is constituted by covering an end body with a cap. The end body has a stand lever accommodation room in which a stand lever is accommodated, and a ridge is provided on a top surface of the stand lever accommodation room. A groove is formed inside the cap, and the groove is engaged with the ridge. The cap is thus prevented from dropping or rotating from the end body.

Abstract: A direct view rigid video-endoscope (11) supported by an articulated and compensated arm (2), equipped with a grip (3) crossed by an air flow (92) originating from a generator (93) upstream of the device. The air flow (92) comes out of small holes (8) made in the distal end (28) of the grip (3), at the base of an optical tube (10).

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing visual feedback to aid in the proper placement and location of a fetal sensor during a fetal oximetry monitoring procedure. An imaging device, such as an optical fiber can be used to image and illuminate the same or nearby region of tissue which the fetal sensor contacts. The image from the illuminated portion of tissue is transmitted along the optical fiber to an optical viewing device such as a hand-held image viewing instrument, camera, or an image processor/video display.

Abstract: A handheld biopsy device is provided for the collection of soft tissue samples from a surgical patient. In a preferred embodiment, the biopsy device comprises a handpiece, a fluid collection system, and a power transmission source. The handpiece is configured for grasping by a single hand, and being independently manipulatable by hand for movement of the instrument toward and away from the patient. An elongated piercer extends from the distal end of the handpiece. The piercer has a sharpened distal end for entering the tissue and a port located proximal to the sharpened distal end for receiving a portion of tissue mass. An elongated cutter is disposed coaxially relative to a piercer lumen of the piercer. A distal blade of the cutter slides distally past the port of the piercer to severe the tissue portion drawn into the port by vacuum. The cutter is retracted to a most proximal position for removal of the tissue portion from a cutter lumen of the cutter.

Abstract: A system for visually monitoring the position of a fetal probe in relation to a fetus includes a housing having a longitudinal axis, a first side and a second side, wherein the first and second sides are on substantially opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. An optical imaging assembly is positioned on the housing to visualize along the first side, and a sensor assembly and a spacing mechanism are positioned on a first side of the housing. The spacing mechanism creates a space between the optical imaging assembly and the fetus so as to provide a wide field of view for the optical imaging assembly.

Abstract: A substrate having a plurality of light emitting diodes united therewith lies on a plane containing the longitudinal axis of an insertion unit of an endoscope and its neighborhood. Likewise, part of a first objective surface lies on the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope and its neighborhood. As long as the diameter of the insertion unit remains unchanged, the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope and its neighborhood provides the largest area for the light emitting diodes. The light emitting diode sub-assembly is therefore placed on the plane, whereby the outer diameter of a distal endoscope part can be made as small as possible.

Abstract: An anoscope for surgery and/or inspection comprising: a tubular body (2) having a distal blind end and a proximal open end; an inner light reflecting surface (7) located at said distal blind end; at least one slot (3) formed in said tubular body; a light source (6) placed in light reflection relationship with said inner reflecting surface (7), and a maneuvering handle (5) arranged to act on said proximal end of said tubular body (2).

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus has a side view endoscope 10 for side viewing an object in a radial direction of a distal end constitutional portion 14 and a balloon catheter 40. With an insert portion 13 of a side view endoscope 10 inserted in an insert tube 41 of the balloon catheter 40, the balloon catheter 40 is inserted into a blood vessel B. The insert tube 41 is provided at its distal end with a transparent balloon 42. This balloon 42 encloses the distal end constitutional portion 14. By feeding air (fluid) to this balloon 42, the balloon 42 is expanded so as to be urged against an inside wall of the blood vessel B. This causes the blood to be discharged between the inside wall of the blood vessel B and the balloon 42, thus enabling to observe the inside wall of the blood vessel B through the side view endoscope 10.

Abstract: A deviated distal viewing endoscope characterized in that:

Abstract: An endoscopic optical adapter freely attachable to and detachable from an endoscope according to the present invention includes an adapter-side observational optical system facing an endoscope-side observational optical system provided with a solid-state image device placed in a tip constituent member of the endoscope, a unit body in which the adapter-side observational optical system is fixedly placed, an adapter body on which a first concave portion with the unit body placed therein while being free to rotate and a second concave portion with at least a part of the tip constituent member placed therein are formed, and a positioning portion which is provided in each of the adapter body and the tip constituent member and which adjusts the positional relationship between the tip constituent member and the adapter body to be a predetermined positional relationship.

Abstract: An optical system of an endoscope for investigation and observation of spaces in medicine and engineering. The construction permits the panoramic observation of the internal surface of the space or channel. The endoscope contains a tube in which a lens is installed along the axis of symmetry and coaxial along the entire internal surface of the tube a longitudinal fiber illumination light guide is installed. A lateral observation nozzle is installed on the tube with the possibility of unlimited rotation around the tube. The nozzle is provided with a unit of two reflection prisms, one is meant for lateral observation and the other for lateral illumination. The lateral observation prism is incorporated into the body of the lateral illumination prism. A diaphragm overlapping the face of the lateral observation prism presented to the lens is arranged, on the nozzle.

Abstract: A substrate having a plurality of light emitting diodes united therewith lies on a plane containing the longitudinal axis of an insertion unit of an endoscope. Likewise, part of a first objective surface lies on the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope. As long as the diameter of the insertion unit remains unchanged, the plane containing the longitudinal axis of the insertion unit of the endoscope provides the largest area for the light emitting diodes. The light emitting diode sub-assembly is therefore placed on this plane, so that the outer diameter of a distal endoscope part can be made as small as possible.

Abstract: There is provided an operating instrument insertion apparatus capable of easily inserting an operating instrument into the tissue. The operating instrument insertion apparatus includes a hollow tubular member for receiving an operating instrument therein, and a plurality of scoop-like members provided at a distal end of the hollow tubular member. The plurality of scoop-like members can be opened in such a manner that distal ends of the scoop-like members are moved away from each other in a direction transverse to an axial direction of said hollow tubular member, and the plurality of scoop-like members can be closed in such a manner that the distal ends of the scoop-like members are moved toward each other in this transverse direction, wherein the scoop-shape members in the opened condition cooperate so that an outside diameter formed thereby is no greater than an outside diameter of the hollow tube member.

Abstract: An endoscope having an endoscope shaft at the distal end of which a solid state image-recording system is disposed which is designed in the manner of lateral-view optics. The image-recording system has at least two image recorders, built in a distal region of the endoscope shaft in such a manner that the viewing directon of the solid state image-recording system being approximately parallel to the axis of a proximal part of the endoscope shaft in one position and being perpendicular to it in another position automatically assumed by the distal region.

Abstract: A confocal optical system includes a pinhole aperture for creating a point light source from light that is transmitted through an optical fiber, an optical scanning system for scanning the light that emerges from the pinhole aperture, and an optical focusing system. The optical focusing system focuses light from the pinhole aperture via the optical scanning system onto or within an object such that the pinhole aperture and the focused light region at the object are at conjugate positions of the confocal optical system. Thus, light reflected by the object is returned to the optical fiber via the pinhole aperture. At least one of the optical scanning system and the optical focusing system includes a reflective surface region and a region that has a different reflectivity than the reflective surface region.

Abstract: An optical endoscope assembly. The assembly includes an endoscope portion which can be optical or electrical, surrounded by a sheath. The sheath includes a window pointing generally to the side, and a mirror which changes a position of incoming light. The mirror can be fixed or movable. If a fixed mirror is used, then a set of interchangeable sheaths can be used, each of which has a different mirror angle. The sheath can also be rotated once in the body to change an orientation angle from which the light is received. An image processing circuit may process the image received from the endoscope, including inverting at least a portion of the image.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus has a side view endoscope 10 for side viewing an object in a radial direction of a distal end constitutional portion 14 and a balloon catheter 40. With an insert portion 13 of a side view endoscope 10 inserted in an insert tube 41 of the balloon catheter 40, the balloon catheter 40 is inserted into a blood vessel B. The insert tube 41 is provided at its distal end with a transparent balloon 42. This balloon 42 encloses the distal end constitutional portion 14. By feeding air (fluid) to this balloon 42, the balloon 42 is expanded so as to be urged against an inside wall of the blood vessel B. This causes the blood to be discharged between the inside wall of the blood vessel B and the balloon 42, thus enabling to observe the inside wall of the blood vessel B through the side view endoscope 10.

Abstract: An optical adaptor for an endoscope enabling an optically highly precise arrangement consists of a first frame member, a second frame member, and a distance restriction member. The first frame member is located at the distal part of the optical adaptor. A plurality of objective optical systems is stowed and held in the first frame member. The second frame member is located behind the plurality of objective optical systems. A relay optical system that transmits optical images formed by the objective optical systems and teams with an imaging optical system located in front of an imaging device in an endoscope to form an image transmission optical system is stowed and held in the second frame member. The distance restriction member is interposed between the first frame member and second frame member and thus sets the distance between the members to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for biopsying soft body tissue includes: (1) a distal barrel section, which includes: (a) a hollow barrel having an open, distal end and a proximal end; (b) a piston rod which movably extends substantially through the barrel; (c) a cutting mechanism coupled to the distal end of the barrel, which includes a movable surgical blade; (d) a trigger mechanism coupled to the cutting mechanism for releasing the movable blade; and (2) a proximal handle section coupled to the barrel and the piston rod. When the proximal handle section is compressed by a user, the piston rod retracts, and suction is created within the distal end of the barrel. When the trigger mechanism is pulled by the user, the movable blade moves from an open, ready position to a closed position, and the tissue sample is excised.

Abstract: Rotary endoscope has a deflected distal sight. The endoscope includes a cylindrical handle. An endoscopic probe includes a distal optical deflector which introduces one-way inversion of an image of an object observed through a distal lateral lens port, a lens, and an optical image conveying system. The endoscopic probe has a proximal end which is accommodated in a distal part of the cylindrical handle, and is adapted to convey the image of the object observed along an optical axis to an ocular lens. An adjustment device moves the ocular lens in a controlled manner by an outer ring. The ocular lens is arranged in a median part of the cylindrical handle and is movable longitudinally along the optical axis. A one-way image rectifier is arranged in a proximal part of the cylindrical handle. The one-way image rectifier compensates for the one-way image inversion introduced by the distal optical deflector. A rotation device is movable in a controlled manner by an outer ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscope having an endoscope shaft at the distal end of which a solid state image-recording system is disposed which is designed in the manner of lateral-view optics.

Abstract: A video scope has an entry section which can advance into an object; and a grip section which is disposed at the back of the entry section and to be held by an operator, wherein a light reflecting body, an objective lens, a solid-state image pickup device, a light source, a window of incidence for image pickup rays and illumination windows located in the vicinities of the window of incidence are disposed in the entry section, and wherein at least a power source is disposed in the grip section for driving the light source. A portable accommodation case has an accommodation space for accommodating the video scope; and a lid which has a thin display attached thereto, and can rotate freely and stop at an optional position, wherein the thin display is capable of displaying an image which is picked up by the video scope.

Abstract: Methods for utilizing a device for blocking (e.g., embolizing) the side branches of an anatomical passageway under endoscopic guidance. The device comprises an elongate catheter body having a side branch blocking apparatus, such as an embolization catheter, disposed therein and further incorporating an endoscope (e.g., an angioscope). The incorporated endoscope is useable to a) visually locate side branches which emanate from the anatomical passageway and b) visually observe the operation of the side branch blocking apparatus. Disclosed are methods for performing in situ embolization of the side branches of a vein, under angioscopic visualization. The endoscopic component of the device may also be utilized to visually observe the use and/or effect of one or more separate device, such as valvulotome(s) used for cutting venous valves located within the lumen of a vein.

Abstract: A stereo laparoscope for producing a stereoscopic optical image of an intracorporeal region to be view through a small incision. The stereo laparoscope includes a conventional elongate tubular casing having an illuminating window and left and right observation windows disposed in a distal extremity thereof, said distal extremity for insertion within the human body. At least two separate optical imaging assemblies are disposed within the casing to produce a stereoscopic optical image. At least one of the optical imaging assemblies is moveable relative to the other. Focusing devices are synchronized with variation in depth perception to permit variation in image distance responsive to variation in depth perception.

Abstract: The device for blocking (e.g., embolizing) the side branches of an anatomical passageway under endoscopic guidance. The device comprises an elongate catheter body having a side branch blocking apparatus, such as an embolization catheter, disposed therein and further incorporating an endoscope (e.g., an angioscope). The incorporated endoscope is useable to A) visually locate side branches which emanate from the anatomical passageway and b) visually observe the operation of the side branch blocking apparatus. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing a device of the forgoing character, including methods for performing in situ embolization of the side branches of a vein, under angioscopic visualization. The endoscopic component of the device may also be utilized to visually observe the use and/or effect of one or more separate device, such as valvulotome(s) used for cutting venous valves located within the lumen of a vein.

Abstract: A fiber optic periodontal endoscope includes a lens and light housing assly attached to a handle end tip containing fiber optic bundles transmitting light from the source to illuminate the probe tip. The returning image traveling back through the handle along the fiber optic bundle is reflected off a mirror toward the magnification lens housed in a portion of the assembly which is at right angles to the light housing portion. The probe has two rotating joints, one between the tip and handle and the other between the assembly and handle to enable rotation of the lens for ease of viewing and additional rotation of the probe tip to allow for illumination and visualization at the side of the tip.

Abstract: The present invention is characterized by arranging along the lengthwise direction within a lens barrel: a side view mirror or prism which reflects in the lengthwise direction of said lens barrel the optical image incident from a translucent window that opens to the tip side surface; an image focusing optical system which focuses that optical image; and a CCD element which captures the optical image focused by said image focusing optical system; and is characterized by mounting in the light route reaching from aforementioned side view mirror or prism to said CCD element optical image inversion mirror or prism which reflects the optical image inverted by said side view mirror or prism such that it faces said CCD element in a reinverted state.

Abstract: An endoscope optics has a rigid and substantially tubular housing containing several optical components, the housing being sealed against entry into the housing of steam or water vapor from the ambient housing atmosphere. At least one of the optical components is displaceable. The housing has at least one deformable wall segment such as a membrane or bellows which, when deformed, drives an adjustment member engaging the displaceable optical component and adjusts the position of the optical component within the housing.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system for producing a flatly deployed expansion image of a tubular body cavity. The endoscopic imaging system essentially includes a photoelectric line sensor rotatably mounted on a distal end portion of an endoscopic insertion instrument for picking up a series of slit images around inner periphery of a tubular intracavitary wall sequentially at predetermined angular positions within an axial range commensurate with axial length of the line sensor; and an expansion image generating means arranged to produce a frame of picture signals for a flatly deployed expansion image of the tubular intracavitary wall from picture signals of slit images sequentially received from the image sensor.

Abstract: A side view type endoscope includes a front end body having a view window on the side surface thereof, a detachable front end cover which covers the front end body, an opening provided on the side surface of the front end cover, through which the view window is exposed to the exterior, air and/or water supply passages which supply cleaning air and/or water, and a nozzle connected to the air and/or water supply passages to selectively inject air or water toward the view window, wherein the air and/or water supply passages are provided on said front end body and the nozzle is provided on the front end cover.

Abstract: The device for blocking (e.g., embolizing) the side branches of an anatomical passageway under endoscopic guidance. The device comprises an elongate catheter body having a side branch blocking apparatus, such as an embolization catheter, disposed therein and further incorporating an endoscope (e.g., an angioscope). The incorporated endoscope is useable to A) visually locate side branches which emanate from the anatomical passageway and b) visually observe the operation of the side branch blocking apparatus. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing a device of the forgoing character, including methods for performing in situ embolization of the side branches of a vein, under angioscopic visualization. The endoscopic component of the device may also be utilized to visually observe the use and/or effect of one or more separate device, such as valvulotome(s) used for cutting venous valves located within the lumen of a vein.

Abstract: A measuring method for determining the distance between the distal end of an endoscope and an object to be examined uses an optical radar and an endoscope, which comprises a distance measuring device. For carring out the measuring, a transmitting fiber optic and a receiving fiber optic in the endoscope are guided separately to respective separate optic modules at the front end of the endoscope. A semiconductor laser feeds a high frequency amplitude-modulated light in the transmitting fiber optic, which is projected by the transmitting optic module on the object in the form of a light spot. The light reflected from the object is received by the receiving optic module and guided through the receiving fiber optic in the endoscope to a light detector of a control unit. In the control unit a phase measurement is carried out and an evaluation device computes the distance information from the phase difference.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes an endoscopic tube for insertion into a cavity to be viewed; an optical system including a video camera and illuminating means for viewing the cavity, the image on the screen being a noninverted image; and a removable, rigid, sterilizable or discardable sheath completely enclosing the endoscopic tube and the illuminating means to prevent their exposure to the cavity environment.

Abstract: An optical device for illuminating and inspecting the interior of restricted spaces at a distance, comprising an elongated tubular housing having a distal end, a proximal sight end, and two apertures adjacent to the distal end and on the outer surface of the housing, namely, a first aperture through which a focused light beam reflected off of a first mirror is directed into a restricted space, and a second aperture through which reflected light and the image within the restricted space is received and reflected off of a second mirror through the sight end.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes an endoscopic tube for insertion into a cavity to be viewed; an optical system including a video camera and illuminating means for viewing the cavity, the image on the screen being a noninverted image; and a removable, rigid, sterilizable or discardable sheath completely enclosing the endoscopic tube and the illuminating means to prevent their exposure to the cavity environment.