Abstract: A medical device may comprise a handle, a first shaft extending from a distal end of the handle, and a second shaft extending a lumen of the first shaft. The handle may further include a first actuator and a second actuator. The first shaft may include (1) a plurality of lumens extending therethrough, (2) a distal face, and (3) a longitudinal axis. Actuation of the first actuator may articulate a distal portion of the first shaft. The second shaft may be axially movable relative to the first shaft such that the second shaft extends out of a distal opening of the first lumen and distally of the distal face. Actuation of the second actuator may articulate a distal portion of the second shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to an intraluminar method of treating a reflux disease in a patient by implanting a device comprising an movement restriction device that, when implanted in a patient, fills a volume in the patient's abdomen that is close to and at least partially above the patient's cardia when the patient is in a standing position. The invention further relates to a method of restoring the location of the cardia in a patient suffering from a reflux disease and to an instrument suitable to use with intraluminar method and/or restoration method. Also disclosed are instruments treating a patient suffering hiatal hernia and providing a movement restriction device to be invaginated in the stomach fundus wall.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope that can suppress increase in the temperature of a distal end portion of an insertion section while preventing increase in the number of components and increase in the diameter of the distal end portion.

Abstract: A radar system for interacting with navigation targets is provided. The radar system is configured to interact with navigation targets (target devices) that shift the phase of a received radar transmission to generate a phase shifted response signal. Phase shifters (e.g., silicon germanium phase shifters) are designed to assign specific frequency responses from one or more navigation modules to identify target locations. The radar module transmits at a modulated signal at first frequency, each navigation target receives the radar transmission, phase shifts the signal and returns the phase shifted signal. Where two or more navigation targets are used, each will apply a different phase shift to the received radar transmission, wherein the frequency identifies the navigation target devices. In a radar system, the modulated transmission signal is compared to the returned phase shifted signal to determine a frequency difference between the two signals.

Abstract: A cannula system and method for accessing a blood mass in the brain. The system comprises a cannula with a camera mounted on the proximal end of the cannula with a view into the cannula lumen and the surgical field below the lumen. A prism, reflector or other suitable optical element is oriented between the camera and the lumen of the cannula to afford the camera a view into the cannula while minimizing obstruction of the lumen. The system may also include an obturator with a small diameter shaft and a large diameter tip which is optically transmissive, so that a surgeon inserting or manipulating the assembly can easily see that the obturator tip is near brain tissue (which is white) or blood (which is red).

Abstract: An endoscope with a rotating drum or a rotation module, in particular for use as a sterile disposable instrument, having an elongate rigid and/or flexible shaft tube which at a distal end mounts the rotating drum, so as to be rotatable about at least one first axis of rotation, an optical imaging system being arranged in the rotating drum, with the at least one first axis of rotation running approximately transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft tube and with the endoscope having at least one control line for rotating the rotating drum. Here, the at least one control line of the rotating drum runs on an outer side/outer face of the shaft tube, and is fastened to the rotating drum at at least one lever distance (a) from the at least one first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A medical device that includes a shaft having a distal end and a cap at the distal end that defines a reservoir for storing a material. The medical device includes a deployment mechanism configured to eject the material from the reservoir, and the deployment mechanism is configured to apply a force to the reservoir. The cap includes a seal or a perforation that is configured to contain the material in the reservoir in the absence of the force applied by the deployment mechanism to the material.

Abstract: A video endoscope including an elongated shaft, wherein the shaft includes at least one shaft tube, a magnetic ring surrounding the shaft tube is freely rotatably arranged in a region of a proximal end of the shaft tube, and the magnetic ring is axially fixed between a proximal stop shoulder of the shaft tube and a distal retaining body, and wherein the retaining body having a sleeve-like configuration and is placed onto the shaft tube from the distal direction. The shaft tube has an indentation in a region of the retaining body, and the retaining body is fastened on the shaft tube by a fastener which penetrates the retaining body and extends into the indentation.

Abstract: A video imaging system is provided. The video imaging system is configured to maintain a video image displayed on a display unit in a predetermined orientation based upon a use. The video imaging system includes an endoscope, a camera head unit, a camera control unit configured to determine a focal distance, and a display control unit. The display control unit is configured to process the focal distance to determine a use. The use is processed by the display control unit so as to maintain the video image in the predetermined orientation. The contextual information may be focal distance, image data or endoscopic orientation.

Abstract: A digital device (100) facilitates body cavity diagnosis without using a speculum. The device (100) comprises a casing (101) for enclosing a probe with additional channels (102). The additional channels (102) comprises a plurality of instruments. The probe (103) is configured for optical and digital diagnosis of abnormalities in the body cavities. The probe (103) is connected to wireless communication components for displaying captured images. The probe (103) in association with angulation wires (107) facilitates capturing the images of abnormalities along with digital image diagnosis, wherein the angulation wires (107) provides maximum field of surround-vision. The casing (101) has a transparent cap (105) configured for visualizing structure of the cavity. The casing (101) comprises an expandable outer cuff (104), for separating the walls of a body part.

Abstract: A medical device such as a catheter or endoscope device includes an illumination light source having one or more organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). The OLEDs are energized to produce illumination light that is received by an image sensor or camera to produce images of tissue within a patient's body. A heat conductive polymer conducts heat away from the illumination light source.

Abstract: There is provided herein an endoscope assembly comprising at least one front-pointing viewing element on a front end of a distal section of the endoscope assembly, at least one side-looking viewing element on at least one side wall of the distal section of the endoscope assembly, a working channel configured for insertion of a medical tool towards the distal section, and a system for regulating the direction of exit of medical device wherein said system enables the medical device to exit at multiple angles to the long dimension of the endoscope device either from the front end or through side walls of the distal section of the device.

Abstract: A distance-measuring method includes acquiring a first curvature angle of a curved portion in a first state in which an endoscope is inserted into a body cavity and captures an observation target, a second curvature angle of the curved portion in a second state in which an insertion direction of the endoscope is changed with a position of a trocar as a pivot point while capturing the same observation target as in the first state, a change amount in an insertion angle due to a change in the insertion direction, and an insertion amount of the endoscope from the pivot point of the trocar to the curved portion, so as to calculate a distance from a distal end portion of the endoscope to the observation target in a state in which the endoscope is inserted into the body cavity via the trocar.

Abstract: Closed cavity adjustable sensor mount systems include a sealed, closed cavity enclosing a sensor and forming a closed cavity sensor assembly. The closed cavity sensor assembly may be tilted and/or translated relative to a platform in order to adjust the orientation of the sensor to align it with an imaging optical axis. Following alignment, the closed cavity sensor assembly may be permanently or reversibly fixed in place. The closed cavity adjustable sensor mount systems may be part of medical imaging systems such as endoscopic imaging systems and/or open field imaging systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscopic device, in particular medical or industrial endoscopic device, wherein the endoscopic device comprises, as components, a light source, an optical fiber, a camera, and an endoscope comprising an optical element or a plurality of optical elements, and at least one optical element comprises an optical marking for verifying an identity of the optical element and/or of the endoscope such that the optical marking can be detected by the camera for verifying the identity and/or a configuration of the endoscopic device. The invention furthermore relates to a method for verifying an identity of a component of an endoscopic device, and a computer program product for evaluating an image acquisition of an optical marking of an optical element and for identifying an endoscope of an endoscopic device.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided comprising an imaging probe and at least one delivery device. The imaging probe comprises an elongate shaft, a rotatable optical core and an optical assembly. The elongate shaft comprises a proximal end, a distal portion, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal portion. The rotatable optical core is positioned within the lumen of the elongate shaft and comprises a proximal end and a distal end. The rotatable optical core is configured to optically and mechanically connect with an interface unit. The optical assembly is positioned in the elongate shaft distal portion and proximate the rotatable optical core distal end. The optical assembly is configured to direct light to tissue and collect reflected light from the tissue. The imaging probe is constructed and arranged to collect image data from a patient site. The at least one delivery device is constructed and arranged to slidingly engage the imaging probe.

Abstract: A surgical system includes at least two laparoscopic instruments having distal portions positionable in a body cavity. An endoscopic camera is carried by a robotic automated assistant and is positionable in the body cavity to capture images of a surgical site and the distal portions of the laparoscopic instruments. At least one computerized platform is configured for receiving input from a user input device indicating a user selection of a selected one of the laparoscopic instruments, visually identifying the selected one of said laparoscopic instruments using a graphic designator on said displayed images of the surgical site, tracking the selected laparoscopic instrument using image information received from said endoscopic camera, and causing the automated assistant to maneuver the endoscopic camera so as to focus said endoscope on s the selected laparoscopic instrument.

Abstract: An intraoral scanner includes a projecting module, an image-capturing module, a linkage structure, and a manipulation part. The projecting module includes a first lens device and a light source. Light emitted by the light source is projected out of the intraoral scanner by the first lens device. The image-capturing module includes a second lens device and an image sensor. The image sensor receives the light from the outside of the intraoral scanner through the second lens device. The manipulation part is exposed from the intraoral scanner and is mechanically linked with the first or second lens device through the linkage structure. Therein, the manipulation part is operable to correspondingly move at least one first lens of the first lens device or at least one second lens of the second lens device through the linkage structure, so as to adjust a scanning zone of the intraoral scanner.

Abstract: A video imaging system is provided. The video imaging system is configured to maintain a video image displayed on a display unit in a predetermined orientation based upon a use. The video imaging system includes an endoscope, a camera head unit, a camera control unit configured to determine a focal distance, and a display control unit. The display control unit is configured to process the focal distance to determine a use. The use is processed by the display control unit so as to maintain the video image in the predetermined orientation. The contextual information may be focal distance, image data or endoscopic orientation.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a handle operation unit. The handle operation unit includes: an outer ring; a cam ring accommodated in the outer ring to rotate in accordance with rotation of the outer ring about a central axis and having a pair of guide holes; a pair of slide members accommodated in the respective guide holes and fixed to a force transmission member; and a support portion having a pair of slide grooves extending along a longitudinal direction of the endoscope, the support portion being accommodated in the cam ring to support the pair of slide members. The slide members slide in the respective slide grooves in accordance with the rotation of the outer ring. The field of view of the image-capturing unit is changed in accordance with sliding of the pair of slide members.

Abstract: An external mechanism for an endoscope includes: a bending wheel configured to engage with a second UD knob of a second bending operation device provided in an operation portion of an endoscope; a motor portion configured to generate a driving force for rotating the bending wheel; a housing case housing the bending wheel and the motor portion and detachably attached to the operation portion, and an operation switch arranged outside the housing case and configured to output a control signal to the motor portion due to the operating element being operated, in which the operation switch is pivotally supported by the rotation shaft and rotates with respect to the housing case.

Abstract: There is provided a medical holding apparatus including: a first actuator configured to cause a medical optical tool that guides light from a body cavity of a subject to a camera head during a surgical operation, to rotate about an optical axis of the medical optical tool and a rotation mechanism configured to support the camera head that acquires an image of the body cavity of the subject via the medical optical tool, the camera head being rotatable about the optical axis of the medical optical tool independently from the medical optical tool.

Abstract: A medical manipulator system includes: an endoscope; a first manipulator equipped with a first treatment tool at a distal end thereof; a second manipulator equipped with a second treatment tool at a distal end thereof; a display for a user to view; and a controller configured to generate an image to be displayed on the display. The controller is configured to: acquire a first image taken by the endoscope, the first image contains the first treatment tool; and in response to determining that the second treatment tool does not exist in the first image: calculate a relative distance and a relative direction between the first treatment tool and the second treatment tool; generate a second image showing the relative distance and the relative direction between the first treatment tool and the second treatment tool; and send the first image and the second image to the display.

Abstract: An image guided surgical system includes a marker attachable to and removable from an elongated surgical tool having a shaft, and at least one camera, and an image processing system in communication with the camera configured to obtain an image of the surgical tool. The image processing system is configured to operate in a calibration mode to generate a template and display the template on a display device and to receive a user input, after the image of the surgical tool is aligned to the template, to adjust a length of the template to substantially match a length of the surgical tool. A storage device in communication with the image processing system is included to store calibration information that associates a position of the marker with a position of the tip of the shaft of the surgical tool based on the adjusted length of the template.

Abstract: [Object] To acquire distance information concerning a living tissue through an endoscope with higher accuracy irrespective of the diameter of the endoscope. [Solution] An imaging device according to the present disclosure includes: a ranging light source section configured to output ranging light for measuring a distance at a predetermined timing; an image sensor on which an image of the imaging target is formed; a ranging light image sensor on which optical feedback of the ranging light from the imaging target is imaged; a branch optical system configured to coaxially branch incident light into three types of optical paths different from one another; and a distance information calculating section configured to calculate distance information concerning the imaging target on a basis of a result of detection of the optical feedback.

Abstract: A video laryngoscope and elongate laryngoscope insertion section for a video laryngoscope, comprising a viewing port through which an imaging device within the insertion section can obtain images of a larynx, the insertion section extending between a distal end for insertion into a subject and an opposite proximal end, and having an inferior surface and an opposed superior surface, wherein the insertion section comprises a proximal region where the insertion section extends through a subject's teeth in use, a distal region extending to the distal end and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the inferior surface of the insertion section comprises or consists of a curved region which extends from the proximal region through the intermediate region to the distal region, wherein the curved region of the inferior surface is continuously longitudinally curved along the length of the longitudinally curved region and wherein the longitudinal curvature of the curved region of the inferior surface varies in the

Abstract: Some implementations of the disclosure relate to an endoscope, comprising: a shaft comprising: a distal end; and a proximal end comprising a rigid attachment segment configured to be removably coupled to an adapter or instrument, a surface of the rigid attachment segment comprising: a groove and a section adjacent the groove, the section protruding relative to the groove and comprising a recessed indentation or protrusion; and a housing coupled to the shaft. The surface of the rigid attachment segment may include multiple grooves and multiple sections alternating along the longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment; each of the sections protrudes relative to the grooves and comprises a recessed indentation or protrusion; and the multiple sections and the multiple grooves are configured such that the instrument or the adapter can be coupled to the endoscope in a plurality of lengthwise positions.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an optical adapter for an optical scope. The optical scope includes a tube defining a conduit. The optical adapter is coupled to an end of the tube. The optical adapter defines a proximate end and a distal end. The optical adapter includes a casing defining a longitudinal direction. The casing includes a first wall and a second wall, in which the first wall and the second wall define a first viewing port therebetween. The second wall defines a second viewing port. The optical adapter further includes a hinge coupled to the first wall, a reflecting lens defining a first end separated from a second end in the longitudinal direction, in which the first end is coupled to the hinge, and an actuator coupled to the first wall and to the second end of the reflecting lens. The actuator pivots the reflecting lens about the hinge from a retracted position adjacent to the first wall to an extended position toward the second wall.

Abstract: An endoscopic device includes: an insertion portion configured to be inserted into a subject; an imaging unit configure to capture the subject image; a lens unit including a focus lens configured to adjust a focus by moving along an optical axis; a detection processor configured to perform detection processing of positioning a position of the focus lens at an in-focus position based on an image within the detection frame; a lens controller configured to position the focus lens at the in-focus position based on a processing result from the detection processor; a distal end detector configured to detect a distal end of a treatment tool in the captured image based on the captured image; and a detection frame setting unit configured to perform setting processing of setting a position of the detection frame in the captured image based on a position of the distal end of the treatment tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscopic device, in particular for medical applications, comprising an endoscope with a shaft that is introducible into a subject under examination, and a data processing unit, three or more optical imaging units having respective imaging elements arranged distally on the shaft and image sensors associated therewith for providing image data sets for the data processing unit, wherein the data processing unit is configured and programmed such that it uses the image data sets to determine corresponding image points therein and generates a 3D surface data set of an object imaged by the imaging units in the subject under examination. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for endoscopic examination.

Abstract: Provided is a quantum dot surface ligand exchange method. The method comprises the steps: pre-treating proton-containing ligands using a deprotonating agent to obtain deprotonated ligands; mixing a pre-prepared quantum dot solution having original ligands with the deprotonated ligands, after stirring for a predetermined amount of time at room temperature, a ligand exchange reaction occurring, and after washing, obtaining a quantum dot having the deprotonated ligands on the surface. The quantum dot ligand exchange method has a high reaction rate and is easy to operate; after the ligand exchange, the deprotonated ligands firmly bind to cations on the surface of the quantum dot, and after the ligand exchange, the quantum dot provides a stable colloidal solution, and has good solubility and high luminous efficiency.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for adaptively and intraoperatively configuring an automated arm used during a medical procedure. The automated arm is configured to position and orient an end effector on the automated arm a desired distance and orientation from a target. The end effector may be an external video scope and the target may be a surgical port. The positions and orientations of the end effector and the target may be continuously updated. The position of the arm may be moved to new locations responsive to user commands. The automated arm may include a multi-joint arm attached to a weighted frame. The weighted frame may include a tower and a supporting beam.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and methods for providing a scope having an imaging sensor which provides a two thousand pixel by two thousand pixel array of pixels. The imaging sensor allows for an angle of view to be changed within a field of view by selecting a one thousand pixel by one thousand pixel set within the two thousand pixel by two thousand pixel array of pixels containing imaging data that corresponds to a desired angle of view.

Abstract: A medical visualisation system including a first medical visualisation device having a first device colour identifier, a second medical visualisation device having a second device colour identifier, a third medical visualisation device having a third device colour identifier, and a monitor device, the first device colour identifier being a first colour, the second device colour identifier being a second colour, and the third device colour identifier being a third colour. The first colour has a first hue angle, the second colour has a second hue angle, and the third colour has a third hue angle, wherein the first hue angle and the second hue angle differ by more than 40 degrees, the second hue angle and the third hue angle differ by more than 40 degrees, and the third hue angle and the first hue angle differ by more than 40 degrees.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an information processing apparatus, an assistance system, and an information processing method that enable suitable assistance to be performed on a surgeon. [Solving Means] An information processing apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit extracts, on the basis of a first image obtained by picking up an image of a surgical part including an affected part and metadata of a situation obtained from past surgery or examination, a parameter of assistance performed with respect to the situation, which is made to correspond to the metadata.

Abstract: A medical observation apparatus includes: a camera configured to capture an observation object to output an imaging signal; a support configured to movably support the camera; and controller circuitry configured to control, when a normal observation mode with white light is switched to a special-light observation mode with special light, the support such that the camera is moved to a position so as to obtain a working distance that is set for the special-light observation mode and that is shorter than a working distance in the normal observation mode.

Abstract: [Object] To provide an information processing apparatus, an assistance system, and an information processing method that enable suitable assistance to be performed on a surgeon. [Solving Means] An information processing apparatus includes a control unit. The control unit extracts, on the basis of a first image obtained by picking up an image of a surgical part including an affected part and metadata of a situation obtained from past surgery or examination, a parameter of assistance performed with respect to the situation, which is made to correspond to the metadata.

Abstract: A trocar for inserting a surgical instrument in a body may include: a pipe including an outer cylinder relatively slidable in an axial direction, and an inner cylinder; a head located on a proximal end of the pipe; a camera that is journaled in a distal end notch of the pipe inner cylinder so as to be turnable between a deployment state in which the camera rotates to the outside of the pipe and a storage state in which the camera is stored inside the pipe; and a coil spring biasing the camera to the deployment state.

Abstract: An endoscope illumination apparatus includes a light convertor including first and second light conversion members that receive primary light emitted from a primary light source and convert at least one of the optical properties of the primary light, a detector that receives at least part of first light conversion light converted by the first light conversion member as detection light, and outputs a detection signal corresponding to a quantity of the detection light, and an operation estimation circuit that estimates, based on an amount of change in the detection signal output from the detector, whether any one of the first and second light conversion members is in an abnormal operation or both of the first and second light conversion members are in an abnormal operation.

Abstract: Methods and system perform tool tracking during minimally invasive robotic surgery. Tool states are determined using triangulation techniques or a Bayesian filter from either or both non-endoscopically derived and endoscopically derived tool state information, or from either or both non-visually derived and visually derived tool state information. The non-endoscopically derived tool state information is derived from sensor data provided either by sensors associated with a mechanism for manipulating the tool, or sensors capable of detecting identifiable signals emanating or reflecting from the tool and indicative of its position, or external cameras viewing an end of the tool extending out of the body. The endoscopically derived tool state information is derived from image data provided by an endoscope inserted in the body so as to view the tool.

Abstract: The present application relates to a panorama stitching camera, including: a base provided with a fixing plate; a main shaft passing vertically through the fixing plate; and a plurality of lenses disposed at one end of the main shaft, wherein, a limiting protrusion and a shaft end retaining ring that abut respectively against two opposite sides of the fixing plate are disposed at the other end of the main shaft. When the angle of view of the panorama stitching camera is being adjusted, the plurality of lenses can rotate around the axis of the main shaft simply by rotation of the main shaft. Thus, the adjustment of the angle of view of the lens along the circumferential direction of the main shaft is achieved, and the operation of adjusting the angle of view of the panorama stitching camera is greatly simplified. Thus, the problem that the angle of view of an existing panorama stitching camera cannot be adjusted readily during use is solved.

Abstract: A laparoscopic trainer platform assembly includes: a training platform; a base, configured to accommodate at least one target array; the target array including a planar surface upon which are disposed a plurality of protruding targets oriented at various angles on the base; a left side support for supporting the training platform on the base; and a right side support for supporting the training platform on the base.

Abstract: An operation switching mechanism includes a wire, a reciprocating movement member, a first biasing member, a second biasing member, switching members configured to switch states in which the first biasing member and the second biasing member perform biasing, and an operation member configured to operate the switching members according to operation from an outside and move the reciprocating movement member to a first movement position or a second movement position.

Abstract: An optical assembly adapted to be positioned within an endoscope tip and having three modular camera units, comprising: a front modular camera unit defined by a front central axis and a first and second side modular camera units defined by first and second side central axes that are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the front central axis. Each modular camera unit further comprises a holder for housing an associated optical element and an image sensor in data communication with a corresponding printed circuit board. The front, first side and second side modular camera units are respectively positioned in first, second and third compartments of an assembly holder.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an outer shaft with a distal end whose surface is configured by a cylindrical mantle surface and a curved front surface, such that the distal end of the outer shaft includes a mantle component and a curved front component that is joined to the mantle component. A distance of an interface between the mantle component and the front component from an edge between the mantle surface and the curved front surface is no greater than a wall thickness of the mantle component or no greater than a wall thickness of the front component.

Abstract: An endoscope with a viewing angle that can be adjusted within a predetermined angular range includes a movable light-diverting device on the distal end of the endoscope on whose orientation the viewing angle of the endoscope depends, and a jointed device to movably hold the light-diverting device. The jointed device is configured for a movement of the light-diverting device that includes more than only a pivoting about a single pivot axis.

Abstract: A variable direction of view endoscope system including an endoscope having an image receiver with a variable direction of view adjustable over a viewing range bound by a first limit and a second limit and a single button for adjusting the variable direction of view of the image receiver, wherein actuation of the single button advances the variable direction of view sequentially through the viewing range. When the image receiver is at the second limit of the viewing range, actuation of the single button adjusts the image receiver back to the first limit of the viewing range.

Abstract: An optical assembly adapted to be positioned within an endoscope tip and having three modular camera units, comprising: a front modular camera unit defined by a front central axis and a first and second side modular camera units defined by first and second side central axes that are substantially parallel to one another and substantially perpendicular to the front central axis. Each modular camera unit further comprises a holder for housing an associated optical element and an image sensor in data communication with a corresponding printed circuit board. The front, first side and second side modular camera units are respectively positioned in first, second and third compartments of an assembly holder.

Abstract: A steerable probe having high-power-density actuators positioned at joints along the length of the probe. The actuators are moveable about and between a straight position and a curved position in response to selective actuation.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a scanning system includes optical elements and a movement system. The optical elements include an optical fiber and a gradient-index (GRIN) lens. The optical fiber has a fiber axis that extends to an imaginary fiber axis, and is configured to transmit a light ray. The GRIN lens has a GRIN perimeter and a GRIN lens optical axis, and is configured to refract the light ray. The movement system moves a first optical element relative to a second optical element in a closed path such that the GRIN lens optical axis substantially aligns with the imaginary fiber axis at at least one point of the path and the GRIN perimeter intersects the imaginary fiber axis at at least two points of the path.