Abstract: Visual-assisted guidance of an ultra-thin flexible endoscope to a predetermined region of interest within a lung during a bronchoscopy procedure. The region may be an opacity-identified by non-invasive imaging methods, such as high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) or as a malignant lung mass that was diagnosed in a previous examination. An embedded position sensor on the flexible endoscope indicates the position of the distal tip of the probe in a Cartesian coordinate system during the procedure. A visual display is continually updated, showing the present position and orientation of the marker in a 3-D graphical airway model generated from image reconstruction. The visual display also includes windows depicting a virtual fly-through perspective and real-time video images acquired at the head of the endoscope, which can be stored as data, with an audio or textual account.

Abstract: A protective sheath adapted to cover an elongate medical probe. The sheath includes an elongate sheath adapted to receive an insertion tube of a medical probe and isolate the insertion tube from body tissue and at least one light generating element mounted on the sheath.

Abstract: A light guide for endoscopes is constituted by a plurality of multimode optical fibers, of which at least a portion is bundled. The light guide propagates illuminating light beam that enters from a first end facet thereof to a second end facet thereof, to emit the illuminating light beam onto a portion to be observed. The light guide includes: a light input portion formed by the bundled plurality of multimode optical fibers; and a light output portion formed by the bundled plurality of multimode optical fibers. At least one of the light input portion and the light output portion is shaped in a tapered shape, while the number of multimode optical fibers at the light input portion and the light output portion are the same as that at other portions of the light guide.

Abstract: A light source unit may include a cooling device; a luminescent substance; an excitation radiation source having a laser source; and an optical element arranged between the radiation source and the substance; wherein the cooling device constitutes a heat sink, wherein the substance is linked thermally to the heat sink; and wherein the optical element is designed as an integrating optical element and is coupled between the radiation source and the substance in such a mariner that a part of the radiation emitted by the radiation source, entering in an acceptance angle range of the integrating optical element, is subjected to an internal reflection in the optical element before it exits the optical element and strikes the substance, and that a part of the radiation emitted by the substance enters the optical element and exits the optical element as effective radiation.

Abstract: Endoscope and method comprise a micro endoscope with insertion end that is about 1-2 millimeters in outer diameter and includes an optical fiber image bundle, two optical laser fibers, two illumination source optical fiber bundles, along with three focusing lenses for image bundle and laser fibers. Insertion end may be inserted in a female milk duct, other body cavity, or internal organ to inspect for cells and lesions. Visual inspection is aided by the use of special mixtures of light sources to observe the distinction between normal and abnormal cells. If abnormal cells or lesions are detected and the surgeon decides cells or lesions are non-cancerous, the surgeon may then use endoscope to precisely burn, ablate, or otherwise kill abnormal cells at their point of origin on the milk duct, other body cavity, or internal organ. The procedure is minimally invasive and much less costly than many other similarly functioning medical procedures.

Abstract: A forward-looking, optical coherence tomography, endoscopic probe is disclosed capable of high resolution with a small diameter. Light is focused and scanned during three passes through a lens. A light source supplies light to the proximal side of the lens. The light makes a first pass through the lens, and is reflected from a fixed mirror on the distal side. The reflected light makes a second pass from the distal side to the proximal side, and exits the lens at the proximal side, and is reflected by a scanning mirror. The light makes a third pass through the lens from the proximal side to the distal side to a sample to be imaged. The light is focused during each of the three passes through the lens. Light reflected from the sample passes back through and is focused by the same system.

Abstract: An endoscope having a hollow shaft for inserting an image guide, so that the distal end of the shaft is configured at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the shaft and the shaft is closed at the distal end by means of an end piece provided with a pass-through borehole for the image guide. To create an endoscope with an image transmission system of sufficient image size and image quality that can be autoclaved for cleaning purposes, it is proposed with the invention that the image guide should be positioned in the shaft in such a way that the bending radius of the image guide in the area of the bending of the shaft is greater than the bending radius of the shaft in the area of the bending.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a small diameter endoscope in which a handle is removably attached to a probe. The probe includes a fiber optic illumination channel that is concentric about an imaging channel. The handle includes an imaging device that detects light from the imaging channel and a sterile barrier that can be extended over the handle for use. Relay optics couples the small diameter imaging channel to the imaging device in the handle. The probe has a mounting hub that connects the probe to the handle and also serves to optically couple the fiber optic illumination channel to a light source.

Abstract: A dark field endoscopic microscope includes an illumination system, an objective lens unit arranged in an optical path of the illumination system, an optical fiber bundle optically coupled to the objective lens unit, and an observation system arranged in an optical return path from the optical fiber bundle. The illumination system provides oblique off-axial illumination while axial rays are at least attenuated.

Abstract: A light-conducting device for an endoscope for conducting observation light from a proximal end of the endoscope to a distal end of the endoscope includes a number of optical fibers. Each optical fiber includes a proximal end with a light inlet surface, which is provided for positioning on a proximal end of an endoscope, and a distal end with a light outlet surface, which is provided for positioning on a distal end of an endoscope. Each of the number of optical fibers including in a proximal region a first cross-section with a first surface area, and in a distal region a second cross-section with a second surface area. The first surface area is larger than the second surface area.

Abstract: A choledochoilluminating drainage device is disclosed, which includes a drainage catheter and at least one optical fiber disposed in or on there. The optical fiber includes at least one light-emitting structure. While the drainage catheter is put into a duct in an organism, light can be emitted out from the light-emitting structure guided by the optical fiber disposed in or on the drainage catheter, passing through the walls of the drainage catheter and the organism's duct, thereby illuminating the organism's duct and the surrounding region.

Abstract: Disclosed is an endoscope having an extra-fine diameter capable of improving strength and durability of outer and/or inner tube constituting an insertion portion of the endoscope while maintaining good insertion performance and operability, capable of easily and precisely locating lenses when various kinds of lenses are arranged. As such outer and/or inner tube constituting the insertion portion of the endoscope having an extra-fine diameter, a specific electrocast tube formed by a predetermined manufacturing method is used.

Abstract: A method for viewing a portion of a patient's anatomy that comprises placing a scanner assembly including an oscillating reflector in the anatomy, securing the scanner assembly to an anatomical structure, scanning the anatomy with the scanner assembly secured to the anatomical structure, collecting radiation returned from the scanned anatomy, and generating a displayable image of the anatomy.

Abstract: Provided is an optical connector including: an SI-type light source side optical fiber which is disposed on the light source side and an SI-type light receiving side optical fiber which is disposed on the light receiving side. Both optical fibers are optically coupled to each other by disposing an end surface of the light source side optical fiber and an end surface of the light receiving side optical fiber so as to face each other. The light source side optical fiber and the receiving side optical fiber are attachable to and detachable from each other. The light source side optical fiber includes a taper portion in which the diameter of the core portion increases toward the end surface of the light source side optical fiber.

Abstract: An illuminated medical instrument comprises an insertion portion (1) for insertion into a body opening and defining an elongate passageway (2), the passageway extending along a longitudinal axis (3) and having a proximal end (4) and a distal end (5). An obturator (19) is fitted into the passageway (2). A light emitting structure (7) has a distal end arranged to direct light from the insertion portion (1) into the body opening. The obturator (19) is movable in the passageway (2) between a first position within the passageway and a second position proximal of the first position and is constructed and arranged so that when in its first position it substantially covers in the direction of the longitudinal axis the distal end of the light emitting structure (7).

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging device for endoscopy in a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises an annular illumination tube comprising an annular illumination fiber for illuminating a body vessel during endoscopy. The device further includes a first imaging tube comprising a first imaging fiber for gross examination and navigation through the body vessel. The first imaging fiber is disposed within the annular illumination tube. The device further comprises a second imaging tube comprising a second imaging fiber for cellular imaging. The second illumination fiber is disposed adjacent the first imaging tube and within the annular illumination tube.

Abstract: The endoscope light source device includes a semiconductor light source, optical fibers that are inserted into an endoscope, guide first light beams from the semiconductor light source, and are arranged in plural rows in at least an angle portion of the endoscope, an optical coupling circuit that is arranged at a distal end side of the endoscope with respect to the angle portion, and couples the first light beams guided by the optical fibers arranged in the plural rows to obtain a coupled light beam and a wavelength conversion part that is arranged at a distal end side of an endoscope insertion section in the optical coupling circuit, and converts a part or all of the coupled light beam from the optical coupling circuit into a converted light beam having a given wavelength by a phosphor.

Abstract: A hand manipulated endoscopic medical device is disclosed. The medical device includes a body having a proximal end, which is hand manipulated, and a distal end which includes a manipulator. A light emitting device is centrally disposed at the distal end. An imaging device is centrally disposed at the distal end for imaging at least a portion of the region illuminated by the light emitting device. Also disclosed is a tool for extracting an artificial lumbar disc from between a pair of vertebral plates. The extraction tool includes a handle, a member for transmitting force, and a sharpened end, specially configured to be placed between the artificial disc and the vertebral plate. Further disclosed is a tool for implanting or explanting a ball to or from an artificial lumbar disc. The implanter/explanter includes a pinion shaft and a pinion shaft enclosure. A tightening knob is disposed at the proximal end of the shaft enclosure and coupled to the pinion shaft.

Abstract: There is described a double-clad fiber coupler (DCFC) composed of two double-clad fibers that have been fused together and tapered. The DCFC allows the propagation of light in the fundamental mode in its single-mode core with very little loss. Back reflected light may be collected two ways: by the core of the double-clad fiber and by the inner cladding of the double-clad fiber.

Abstract: A probe (4) is provided with at least a light projecting optical fiber (9) and a light receiving optical fiber (10) and is configured so that excitation light guided by the light projecting optical fiber is applied to the portion of a living organism which is to be observed and then light emitted, due to the excitation light, from the portion to be observed is received by the light receiving optical fiber. The probe (4) is also provided with an illumination means used for the capture of an image by the image capturing means of an endoscope body. The illumination means is, for example, a light emitting diode which is provided to the front end of the probe, a light guiding optical fiber (11) which guides illumination light from an illumination light source (5c) to the front end of the probe, or a light emitting substance piece which is disposed at the front end of the probe and emits white fluorescent light by excitation.

Abstract: A scanning optical head for a catheter is locally controlled by a motor at an insertion end of the catheter uses a hollow motor through which a longitudinal optical path of the catheter passes. This permits the motor to be positioned between a control base of the catheter and avoids rotating the whole fiber, and therefore makes the beam scanning stable and accurate. In addition, because there is no coupling component, it also eliminates the light reflection between additional surfaces as well as varying fiber birefringence, which becomes a cause of noise when imaging the deep structure.

Abstract: An endoscope which includes a flexible tube and a protective tube placed in the flexible tube, the protective tube containing a plurality of elongated built-in components including an optical fiber bundle, characterized in that a solid lubricant containing rice-bran ceramics is interposed at interstices between the optical fibers placed in the protective tube and between the protective tube and the flexible tube.

Abstract: The illumination system is a cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating a surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for optics and or surgical tools. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at any appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location. Thus, the sheath provides structure-guided illumination resulting in the illumination of the surgical site.

Abstract: An anchored guide wire is described including at least one expansion apparatus having an outer surface for contacting surrounding tissue, an elongated guide wire with at least one lumen for supplying fluid to the expansion apparatus, and a pump that supplies fluid to the lumen to inflate the expansion apparatus, wherein the outer surface of the expansion apparatus has a textured surface for preventing slippage on surrounding tissue. A method of securing a guide wire in a bodily cavity is also described including inserting an elongated guide wire with an expansion apparatus having a textured outer surface and a lumen for supplying fluid to the expansion apparatus, into the bodily cavity, supplying fluid to the lumen with a pump until the expansion apparatus is inflated, moving a medical device along the elongated guide wire, deflating the expansion apparatus, and withdrawing the guide wire from the bodily cavity.

Abstract: A touch sensing catheter having a strain sensor assembly that may resolve the magnitude and direction of a force exerted on a distal extremity of the catheter, the strain sensor assembly being substantially insensitive to bulk temperature changes. A deformable structure having a plurality of optical fibers associated therewith that are strained by the imposition of a contact force transferred thereto. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to effect variable gap interferometers, such as Fabry-Perot resonators, that vary in operative length when a force is exerted on the deformable structure. The strain sensor assembly is rendered insensitive to bulk temperature changes by matching the coefficient of thermal expansion of the deformable body with that of the optical fibers. The strain sensor assembly may also be configured to mitigate the effects of thermal gradients using various thermal isolation techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed medical devices for illuminating and viewing a patient's internal body portion. The device may include an elongated flexible tube including a distal end and a proximal end. The tube defines a channel extending from the proximal end to an aperture at the distal end. An illumination device is housed within the channel and configured to emit a distally directed path of light. A light source is provided at the distal end of the flexible tube and configured to emit a laterally directed path of light. In one embodiment the light source is a organic light emitting diode.

Abstract: Imaging techniques. Radiation is directed from a source onto a sample using an endoscope having cellular or subcellular resolution. The endoscope includes one or more fibers. The fibers have a proximate end and a distal end, and the distal end is lensless. A focal plane of the endoscope is substantially at a tip of the distal end. Radiation from the sample is directed onto a detector to diagnose or monitor the sample.

Abstract: A light guide for an endoscope is equipped with an optical fiber. The optical fiber has an input side tapered portion and an output side tapered portion. The input side tapered portion is a predetermined portion of the optical fiber that includes an input end into which the illumination light enters the optical fiber, and the core of the optical fiber having a shape that becomes thicker toward the input end in the light input side tapered portion. The light output side tapered portion is a predetermined portion of the optical fiber that includes an output end through which the illumination light is output, and the core of the optical fiber having a shape that becomes thicker toward the output end in the light output side tapered portion. The core diameter at the input end is greater than the core diameter at the output end.

Abstract: An endoscopic light guide for guiding illumination light to an observation target is equipped with: an optical fiber; and a radiation mode inducing means for causing propagation mode light propagating through the optical fiber to make side face radiation in the vicinity of an output facet of the optical fiber through which the propagation mode light exits, thereby converting the propagation mode light to radiation mode light such that the radiation mode light can be utilized as the illumination light.

Abstract: An endoscope includes an image acquisition device, an objective optical system having a predetermined optical axis, first and second light guiding members that emit first and second illumination light, first and second optical systems that refract the first and second illumination light to intersect with the optical axis of the objective optical system, and a tube-like inserted portion having a distal end. The first and second optical systems are disposed at substantially mirror symmetrical positions at the distal end having a shoulder portion that becomes narrower toward the tip. When viewed from the optical axis direction of the objective optical system, the inclination directions at substantially the center of the outer surfaces of the first and second optical systems and straight lines that pass through the center of the objective optical system and the centers of the first and second optical systems form angles of 30° or less.

Abstract: There is disclosed an endoscopic instrument comprising a shaft having a distal end at which at least one optical sensor is arranged and a proximal end configured for a connection to a supply unit, further comprising a data transmission element which is provided between the at least one optical sensor and the proximal end and which is configured to differentially transmit at least two signals. The data transmission element is embodied as a star quad cable.

Abstract: An endoscope device includes an optical coupler, an image pickup module, a second bundle of optical fibers, a photodetector and an image processing module. The optical coupler has an input end optically coupled to a light source, a first output end and a second output end. The image pickup module includes a lens module and a first bundle of optical fibers. A end of the first bundle of the optical fibers is optically coupled to the output end of the optical coupler. An opposite end of the first bundle of the optical fibers is configured for emitting the light to illuminate an object. The second bundle of optical fibers has a end optically coupled to an image side of the lens module. An opposite end of the second bundle of the optical fibers and the second output end of the optical coupler are optically coupled to the photodetector.

Abstract: A medical instrument system includes an elongate flexible instrument body with an optical fiber substantially encapsulated in a wall of the instrument body, the optical fiber including one or more fiber gratings. A detector is operatively coupled to the optical fiber and configured to detect respective light signals reflected by the one or more fiber gratings. A controller is operatively coupled to the detector, and configured to determine a twist of at least a portion of the instrument body based on detected reflected light signals. The instrument may be a guide catheter and may be robotically or manually controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed is a modular endoscope system in which a plurality of connecting pieces, tools, and cannulas which are selected according to the use thereof are assigned to a single optics. The connecting pieces and the cannulas are preferably designed for single use, so that merely the optics has to be decontaminated.

Abstract: A scanning optical head for a catheter is locally controlled by a motor at an insertion end of the catheter uses a hollow motor through which a longitudinal optical path of the catheter passes. This permits the motor to be positioned between a control base of the catheter and avoids rotating the whole fibre, and therefore makes the beam scanning stable and accurate. In addition, because there is no coupling component, it also eliminates the light reflection between additional surfaces as well as varying fiber birefringence, which becomes a cause of noise when imaging the deep structure.

Abstract: A cart or man-portable system and method for performing endoscopic procedures is provided. A portable display device, such as a laptop computer, is coupled to a handle comprising a miniature camera and fiber optic illumination subsystem. A sterile disposable portion is fitted over the illumination subsystem and inserted into a target area on a patient. Images of the target area are conveyed from the camera to the display device while an endoscopic procedure is performed, thus facilitating real-time diagnosis during the procedure.

Abstract: An illumination lens to be disposed in a front end of a light guide of an endoscope includes an entrance face and an exit face. The entrance face has positive power. The exit face has positive power. The following Expression (1) is satisfied while the following Expression (2) is satisfied. 1.2<1/r1×?<1.8,??(1) 0.24<1/r2×?<0.96,??(2) where ? [mm] is a diameter of the lens, r1 [mm] is a curvature radius of the entrance face, and r2 [mm] is a curvature radius of the exit face.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion including a distal end portion, to be inserted into a subject; an observation optical system disposed in the insertion portion; an optical member configuring a part of an outer surface of the distal end portion, through which a photographing light to be incident into the observation optical system transmits; a first hydrophilic portion that is film-formed at least on a surface of the optical member; a second hydrophilic portion that is film-formed on a first surface of the distal end portion in which the optical member is disposed; and a third hydrophilic portion that is film-formed on a second surface separate from the first surface of the distal end portion.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes a first endoscope having a first observation optical system with a first viewing angle and a first illumination optical system; and a second endoscope having a second observation optical system with a second viewing angle wider than the first viewing angle and a second illumination optical system. A second illumination region of illuminating light that is emitted by the second illumination optical system and has a predetermined illuminance is wider than a first illumination region of illuminating light that is emitted by the first illumination optical system and has a predetermined illuminance, at any imaging distance that is pointed in an observation direction from a distal end of an insertion portion of each of the first endoscope and the second endoscope.

Abstract: An endoscope has a shaft, a head disposed at a proximal end of said shaft and a light connection disposed at said head. Optical fibers extend from said proximal light connection to a distal end of said shaft. A sleeve in which a proximal end section of said light fibers is fixed is designed in such a way that it can be introduced in a linear movement without turning it into the light connection. Said sleeve is axially movable in said connecting piece.

Abstract: The illumination system comprises an arthroscope, endoscope or other suitable surgical tool and an attachable cannula comprising a transparent or semi-transparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating the surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for the optics of the arthroscope. The arthroscopic illumination system further comprises one or more illumination sources disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at the hub or other appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope has a video-scope with an image sensor, a light source, a signal reading processor, a shading member, a driver, and a driving controller. The signal reading processor alternately reads odd-line image-pixel signals and even-line image-pixel signals over one-frame reading interval, when forming a still image on the basis of one frame worth of image-pixel signals generated by a one-time exposure. The shading member blocks the illuminating light. The driver selectively arranges the shading member at a non-shading position that enable the illuminating light to pass and at a shading position that blocks the light. The driving controller controls the driver by a sequence of pulse signals so as to position the shading member at the shading position for a shading-interval in the one-frame reading interval, and so as to position the shading member at the non-shading position for a remaining reading-interval.

Abstract: A medical equipment includes an optical connector that detachably connects a plug to a receptacle provided in an equipment main body to optically connect a plug-side optical fiber fixed to the plug and a receptacle-side optical fiber fixed to the receptacle. The plug and the receptacle have plural engagement pairs each having a protrusion that protrudes in an insertion direction of the plug and an engagement part that is adapted to be engaged with the protrusion. Engagement beginning positions of the engagement pairs where the protrusions and the engagement parts begin to engage are different along the insertion direction. Each engagement pair has a narrower engagement gap between the protrusion and the engagement part than that between the protrusion and the engagement part of any pair which begin to engage earlier as the plug is inserted than the protrusion and the engagement part of each engagement pair.

Abstract: An endoscope has a shaft which is composed of an outer tube and an inner tube, providing a channel therebetween. The proximal end of the shaft is connected to an endoscope head. The endoscope head is provided with a light guide connector. Light guides extend from said light guide connector to a distal end of said channel in said shaft. Said channel housing said light guides is filled with an adhesive.

Abstract: A rectoscope has a tube and a handle protruding therefrom. A number of light-emitting elements are arranged circumferentially distributed at the distal end of the tube. The tube includes an inner pipe, an outer pipe and an annular body at the distal ends of the inner and outer pipe. The annular body includes an end ring provided with bores for receiving the light-emitting elements. The annular body also includes an annular flange extending away proximally and having an outside diameter corresponding to a clear inside diameter of the outer pipe. The end ring has an outside diameter corresponding approximately to an outside diameter of the outer pipe.

Abstract: A solid-state light source includes a semiconductor light source for emitting light and an optical system having a fiber optic element. The fiber optic element has an input for receiving emitted light from the semiconductor light source. The fiber optic element also has an output for emitting light received from the solid-state light source. The semiconductor light source and the fiber optic element in aggregate form an illumination path.

Abstract: An endoscope has a fiber optic waveguide that transmits an image from a distal end to a proximal end, the waveguide having an outer diameter of less than 3 mm. A lens system is positioned at the distal end of the fiber optic waveguide. An imaging device is optically coupled to the proximal end of fiber optic waveguide. A disposable sheath extends about the fiber optic waveguide to provide a sterile barrier, and in a preferred embodiment the sheath includes an illumination channel. In a preferred embodiment, the lens system has a first lens element, a second lens element and an aperture stop.

Abstract: A low cost camera and radio frequency transmitter are detachably coupled to an endotracheal tube to obtain an image in real time of tissue at the distal end of the endotracheal tube. The image recorded by the camera is transmitted to a low cost radio frequency receiver nearby and conveyed to a video monitor to display the image. The use of a wireless transmission system avoids the presence of wires and cords that otherwise might become entangled and cause the endotracheal tube to be inadvertently repositioned or pulled out of the patient.

Abstract: An endoscope (1) in which at least two light outlets (7, 10) for illuminating the field of view are provided, each of which forms a light cone (8, 11). The angles of beam spread (9, 12) of the light cones (8, 11) are different and at least the light cone (11) with the smaller angle of beam spread (12) can be switched on and off.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for scanned beam endoscopes, endoscope tips, and scanned beam imagers are disclosed. In one aspect, a scanned beam endoscope includes an endoscope tip having a scanner, an illumination optical fiber, and at least one light detection element. The illumination optical fiber may be positioned so that a beam emitted from it passes through one of the openings in the scanner. In another aspect, a scanned beam endoscope includes an endoscope tip having a handle substrate that may be attached to the scanner and include one or more vias formed therein for selectively positioning and aligning the illumination optical fiber, detection optical fibers, or both.