Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080207997 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTINUOUS GUIDANCE OF ENDOSCOPY - Methods and apparatus provide continuous guidance of endoscopy during a live procedure. A data-set based on 3D image data is pre-computed including reference information representative of a predefined route through a body organ to a final destination. A plurality of live real endoscopic (RE) images are displayed as an operator maneuvers an endoscope within the body organ. A registration and tracking algorithm registers the data-set to one or more of the RE images and continuously maintains the registration as the endoscope is locally maneuvered. Additional information related to the final destination is then presented enabling the endoscope operator to decide on a final maneuver for the procedure. The reference information may include 3D organ surfaces, 3D routes through an organ system, or 3D regions of interest (ROIs), as well as a virtual endoscopic (VE) image generated from the precomputed data-set. The preferred method includes the step of superimposing one or both of the 3D routes and ROIs on one or both of the RE and VE images. The 3D organ surfaces and routes may correspond to the surfaces and paths of a tracheobronchial airway tree extracted, for example, from 3D MDCT images of the chest. | 08-28-2008 |
20080207998 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus includes an operation section main body configured to include a frame body and bumper members provided to cover plural surfaces of the frame body. An operation section is configured to include the operation section main body and a grasping section. An endoscope is configured to include an insertion section extended out from one surface side of the operation section main body and including a bending section in a position more proximal than a distal end and a universal cable extended out from the other surface side of the operation section main body opposed to the one surface. On the other hand, the universal cable is connected to an apparatus main body. | 08-28-2008 |
20080214893 | ENDOSCOPE WITH ADJACENTLY POSITIONED GUIDING APPARATUS - An endoscope with guiding apparatus is provided. The endoscope has an elongate body with a steerable distal portion, an automatically controlled portion, a flexible and passively manipulated proximal portion, and an externally controlled and manipulatable guiding apparatus. The guiding apparatus may be positioned within the endoscope or may be positioned adjacent to the endoscope. An interlocking device is provided to slidably interlock the guiding apparatus and the endoscope. When the guide is in a flexible state, it can conform to a curve or path defined by the steerable distal portion and the automatically controlled portion. The guide can then be selectively rigidized to assume that curve or path. Once rigidized, the endoscope can be advanced along the guide in a monorail or “piggy-back” fashion so that the flexible proximal portion follows the curve held by the guide until the endoscope reaches a next point of curvature within a body lumen. | 09-04-2008 |
20080221389 | Hand assisted laparoscopic seal assembly with deflection feature - A seal assembly for permitting hand assisted laparoscopic procedures is disclosed. The seal assembly includes a seal cap having a seal positioned within a housing. The housing includes a lower seal ring having a track which supports an upper seal ring for relative rotational motion. The seal is supported between the upper seal ring and the lower seal ring for rotation between an open orientation and a closed orientation. A ratchet mechanism is provided for controlling motion of the upper seal ring relative to the lower seal ring. The ratchet mechanism includes a deflection feature and a series of gear teeth, wherein the series of gear teeth are oriented to engage the deflection feature. | 09-11-2008 |
20080221390 | Medico-Technical Device Comprising a Self-Lubricating Element - The invention describes a medico-technical device adapted to be engaged with a human or animal body and comprising a self-lubricating element exposed to internal friction in the device. | 09-11-2008 |
20080228034 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An endoscope apparatus comprises: an endoscope including an insertion section; a cylindrical insertion assisting tool that allows the insertion section to be inserted to assist insertion of the insertion section into a body cavity; and a ring-shaped seal member that is supported so as to slide on the insertion section with the insertion section inserted, wherein the seal member is detachably mounted on a base end of the insertion assisting tool to seal a gap between the insertion assisting tool and the insertion section. | 09-18-2008 |
20080242929 | Automatic insertion electronic endoscope apparatus and control program for the same - The invention is an automatic insertion electronic endoscope apparatus that includes: drive systems including motors and motor control unit for automatically inserting an insertion portion of an endoscope; a first control unit for controlling the drive systems; an image pickup unit including an image pickup device provided in a distal end portion of an insertion portion; a second control unit for converting a signal from the image pickup unit into a video signal for display, the second control unit being communicatively connected with the first control unit; and a monitor connected to the second control unit. When trouble occurs in the drive systems, the first control unit controls the drive systems to stop and transmits to the second control unit a notification signal indicating the trouble occurrence, and the second control unit causes the monitor to display a notice indicating the trouble occurrence when receiving the notification signal. | 10-02-2008 |
20080242930 | SECURABLE CANNULA AND METHOD - A medical device suitable for introducing a medical instrument into a patient includes an outer cannula and at least one arm connected to the cannula toward a proximal portion of the at least one arm. The at least one arm is deployable between a closed position and an open position. An inner member is telescopically received in the outer cannula to hold each arm in the closed position. The inner member is deployable to disengage from the arm after the device is inserted into a patient, thereby freeing the arm to be deployed to the open position where it helps hold the outer cannula in the patient. The inner member includes an inner cannula and/or a trocar. | 10-02-2008 |
20080249356 | Therapeutic method and endoscopic system that use overtube - With a first endoscope inserted through an overtube, the overtube is orally inserted into an object being examined, and a distal end portion of an insertion tube of the first endoscope is made to advance, within the object, from a jejunum via a jejunum-to-jejunum anastomosed portion and a jejunum-anastomosed bent portion so that the distal end portion is located adjacently to a Vater's papilla of a duodenum. The overtube is then sent to a position which is adjacent to the Vater's papilla along the insertion tube of the first endoscope. After this, the first endoscope is pulled from the overtube. A second endoscope is then inserted into the overtube to make a distal end portion of its insertion tube protrude from the distal end of the overtube and is located adjacently to the Vater's papilla. The second endoscope thus-approached is used to treat the Vater's papilla and the tissue therearound. | 10-09-2008 |
20080249357 | ENDOSCOPIC APPARATUS HAVING AN OUTER RAIL - An endoscope apparatus for endoscopic treatment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an endoscopic insertion tube comprising an outer surface including an outer rail formed longitudinally thereon and extending along a portion of the insertion tube. The outer rail has a predetermined shape. The insertion tube comprises an inner channel formed therethrough. An endoscope apparatus for endoscopic treatment is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an endoscopic insertion tube without a working channel and an outer surface including at least one outer rail formed longitudinally thereon and extending along a portion of the insertion tube. The outer rail has a first predetermined shape. At least one medical device includes an outer wall having at least one mounting unit formed thereon along a portion of the length of the outer wall. The mounting unit has a second predetermined shape cooperable with the first predetermined shape. The second predetermined shape is formed to complement and slidably cooperate with the first predetermined shape of the outer rail for slidably attaching the medical device thereto. | 10-09-2008 |
20080255417 | METHOD FOR REDUCING THE FRICTION OF A MEDICO-TECHNICAL RUBBER TUBE - There are described a method for reducing the friction of a medico-technical rubber tube, according to which first a tube is produced of rubber and is then after-treated by annealing and/or washing, as well as an endoscope. | 10-16-2008 |
20080262300 | ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM WITH DISPOSABLE SHEATH - An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. A shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262301 | STEERABLE OVERTUBE - A steerable overtube is provided having an elongate shaft comprising an oversized accessory channel that is configured for the introduction and advancement of elongate medical devices having relatively large cross-sections. The distal end of the overtube shaft is bendable or deflectable in at least one direction, and is preferably includes a shape locking mechanism for temporarily maintaining the shape of the distal end of the overtube shaft. An oversized accessory channel is provided. The overtube may also include a fixation mechanism for securing the proximal end and/or distal end of the overtube against movement relative to the patient. A fiber optic elongate medical device is provided for use with the steerable overtube of the present invention. | 10-23-2008 |
20080262302 | Endoluminal and transluminal surgical methods and devices - An access device adapted and configured to be inserted through a natural biological orifice, and related surgical methods are provided. The access device includes a body, a nozzle means and means for delivering a pressurized flow of fluid to the nozzle means. The body is configured and dimensioned to be inserted through a natural bodily orifice and has proximal and distal end portions and defines at least one lumen therethrough to accommodate passage of one or more surgical instruments. The nozzle means is operatively associated with the body for directing pressurized fluid into the lumen to develop a pressure differential in an area within a region within the lumen to form a fluid seal around the one or more surgical instruments passing therethrough. | 10-23-2008 |
20080287735 | MEDICAL TREATMENT ENDOSCOPE - A medical treatment endoscope according to the present invention is provided with: a flexible sheath capable of a bending operation; an arm section protruding from the tip of the sheath and capable of a bending operation; an operation stick formed to allow a procedure instrument to pass therethrough so that the operation stick is operated by an operator in an attempt to bend the arm section; and a channel unit having a first channel which allows the procedure instrument to pass therethrough so that the channel unit is inserted through the operation stick detachably. | 11-20-2008 |
20080294003 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND MEDICAL INSTRUMENT - According to the present invention, there is provided an endoscope system including: an endoscope having an elongated insertion portion; a medical instrument configured to be inserted in a channel of the insertion portion of the endoscope and to have an elongated flexible sheath; and an advancing and retracting apparatus configured to advance and retract the sheath of the medical instrument in the channel with two rollers, wherein the sheath of the medical instrument is configured to have an outer diameter larger than the distance between the roller surfaces of the two rollers, and to have a frictional resistance increasing unit for increasing frictional resistance between the respective roller surfaces and the outer peripheral surface of the sheath in contact with the respective roller surfaces in a state where the sheath is inserted between the two rollers. | 11-27-2008 |
20080306339 | ROTATIONAL FORCE TRANSMISSION MECHANISM, FORCE-ATTENUATING APPARATUS, MEDICAL DEVICE, AND MEDICAL INSTRUMENT-OPERATION MECHANISM - A rotational force transmission mechanism has: a rotation-inputting member freely rotative and driven in a predetermined first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction by a predetermined operating member; a first rotation-transmitting member for receiving a rotational driving force supplied from the rotation-inputting member in the first direction; a second rotation-transmitting member, disposed to face the first rotation-transmitting member, for receiving a rotational driving force supplied from the rotation-inputting member in the second direction; a connection section disposed so that the rotational force acts in the direction in which the first rotation-transmitting member and the second rotation-transmitting member face each other, the connection section in the facing position transfers the rotational driving force received by the first rotation-transmitting member in the first direction to the second rotation-transmitting member and transfers the rotational driving force received by the second rotation-transmitting member in the second direction to the first rotation-transmitting member; and a rotation-outputting member rotated and driven by the first rotation-transmitting member in the second direction, and rotated and driven by the second rotation-transmitting member in the first direction. | 12-11-2008 |
20080319261 | Cannula device for endoscopic surgical operations - Cannula device ( | 12-25-2008 |
20090012359 | Medical instrument insertion apparatus and medical instrument insertion apparatus system - An object of the present invention is to provide a medical instrument insertion apparatus and a medical instrument insertion apparatus system in which an insertion unit can securely be propelled forward in a body cavity while stabilized by a simple mechanism. The medical instrument insertion apparatus includes a helical structure unit provided in a long and thin insertion unit ( | 01-08-2009 |
20090018394 | Surgical Instrument System - The invention relates to a surgical instrument system, which comprises a hollow shaft as well as a shaft-type instrument that can be inserted into the hollow shaft. To create a surgical instrument system that consists of a hollow shaft and of a medical instrument that can be inserted into the hollow shaft and that is both simple in construction and capable of a range of uses, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one cam that reduces the inside diameter of the hollow shaft should be positioned on the interior of the hollow shaft. | 01-15-2009 |
20090023994 | Endoscope Insertion Portion and Endoscope - In order to realize an endoscope insertion portion and an endoscope system easily inserted into the body cavity such as a large intestine and is capable of improvement of invertibility into the body cavity without imposing pain on a patient, an endoscope insertion portion of the present invention includes an endoscope insertion portion capable of being inserted into a subject; a spiral tube as a propulsive force generation section mounted on the outer periphery side of the endoscope insertion portion and rotating around the longitudinal axis of the endoscope insertion portion; and a friction reduction spiral portion provided at a predetermined position on the outer periphery of a spiral-formed portion, for example, on the proximal end side, the friction reduction spiral portion being provided as a frictional force reduction member mounted on the spiral tube, reducing a frictional force generated between the spiral tube and a body-cavity inner wall. | 01-22-2009 |
20090023995 | Surgical instrument guide device - An instrument guide device comprises an elongated guide shaft having proximal and distal ends and including an instrument lumen for receiving therethrough a manually operated instrument having an instrument shaft. A distal bendable member is disposed at the distal end of the guide shaft and a proximal bendable member is disposed at the proximal end of the guide shaft. Actuation means extends between the distal and proximal bendable members and provides a bending of the distal bendable member controlled from the proximal bendable member. The proximal bendable member is controlled from the manually operated instrument to cause a corresponding bending of said distal bendable member. | 01-22-2009 |
20090030277 | Endoscope Insertion Portion and Endoscope System - To realize an endoscope insertion portion and endoscope system capable of providing a significant propulsive function by reducing a friction between a propulsive force generation section and an insertion portion, an endoscope insertion portion comprising: an introductory tube as an insertion portion; a spiral tube as a propulsive force generation section mounted on an outer peripheral surface of the introductory tube and rotating around the longitudinal axis of the introductory tube; and a plurality of ring members provided on an outer peripheral surface of an elastic cover tube at predetermined intervals between an inner peripheral surface of a spiral tube and the elastic cover tube | 01-29-2009 |
20090036738 | Device for creating a free transcutaneous access to an endoscopic operating area - The invention relates to a device for creating a free transcutaneous access to an endoscopic operating area, in particular to a hollow internal body organ, which device has a conical inset that is to be inserted into an incision. A device for creating a transcutaneous access that combines simple construction with good handling qualities for several medical instruments is, according to the invention, characterized in that several medical instruments can be inserted simultaneously into the operating area by way of the conical inset, so that the individual medical instruments are positioned in the conical inset at a secured angle to one another. | 02-05-2009 |
20090043158 | Conduit introducer, conduit assembly and conduit-implanting device - A conduit-implanting device includes a conduit introducer and a conduit assembly. The conduit introducer includes: a rod body having an inserting end located at a lower side of the rod body; an inflatable section disposed in the proximity of the inserting end; and an injection port for injecting liquid into the inflatable section. The conduit assembly includes a hollow tube body, a plunger and a plunger rod. The plunger includes an upper end face connected with the plunger rod, and a lower end face being an abutting end. The plunger moves upward in the hollow tube body by operating the plunger rod. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043159 | SLEEVE FOR ENDOSCOPIC MEDICAL PROCEDURES - A guide tube is used with a medical endoscope. The guide tube includes an elongated tubular member and a lubricating fluid. The elongated tubular member has an inner annular membrane, an outer annular membrane, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion opposite the proximal end portion. The inner and outer annular membranes define a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. The lubricating fluid is disposed between the inner annular membrane and the outer annular membrane. The lubricating fluid is disposed between the distal end portion and the proximal end portion. The inner annular membrane moves in a first axial direction along the medical endoscope as the medical endoscope is moved through a patient. The outer annular membrane correspondingly moving axially, but in a second, opposite axial direction, along the medical endoscope as the medical endoscope is moved through the patient. | 02-12-2009 |
20090043160 | SELF-PROPELLED COLONOSCOPE - A self-propelled colonoscope comprises a tubular flexible insertion portion ( | 02-12-2009 |
20090054728 | Manipulatable guide system and methods for natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery - A guide system for accommodating, supporting and manipulating endoscopic tools. In various embodiments, the guide system includes a hollow outer sheath that may have a steerable distal end. The system may further include inner sheaths that are configured relative to the outer sheath to enable the inner sheaths to be inserted one at a time into the outer sheath and moved therein. The inner sheaths may be configured with different numbers, sizes and shapes of working channels for accommodating a variety of different endoscopic tools. The device may also be equipped with seals such that the inner sheath as well as the various endoscopic tools supported by the inner sheath may be manipulated within the body cavity while maintaining insufflation thereof. | 02-26-2009 |
20090054729 | ENDOSCOPE INSERTION SUPPORT SYSTEM AND ENDOSCOPE INSERTION SUPPORT METHOD - According to the invention, a VOI generation setting section disposed in an endoscope insertion support apparatus comprises a VOI setting function section, a VOI extending function section, a VOI direction determining function section, a VOI branch determining function section, a VOI resetting function section, a VOI information storage function section, a VOI size determining function section and a VOI branch extracting function section. This configuration enables a VOI (Volume of Interest) to be effectively set in a tubular organ having a strictured part and tubular path area information on the tubular organ to be extracted. | 02-26-2009 |
20090062606 | ENDOSCOPE GUIDING TUBE DEVICE - There is provided an endoscope guiding tube device including a flexible insertion tube, an endoscope guiding channel arranged in the flexible insertion tube along, at least one bending portion having a framework including a plurality of barrel-shaped joint rings coupled to each other in series to be rotatable with respect to each other, a plurality of shape-holding wires of which tip ends are attached to a tip portion of the at least one bending portion, and an operation unit in which proximal ends of the plurality of shape-holding wires are movable freely in an axial direction. The operation unit includes a wire locking mechanism having a function of locking together all of the proximal ends of the plurality of shape-holding wires and a function of releasing a locked state of all of the proximal ends of the plurality of shape-holding wires. | 03-05-2009 |
20090062607 | Atraumatic Arthroscopic Instrument Sheath - An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while eliminating the need for a third portal during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site. | 03-05-2009 |
20090076323 | OPTICAL OBTURATOR - An optical obturator apparatus includes an obturator sleeve defining a longitudinal axis and having a longitudinal bore for receiving surgical instrumentation and a transparent window mounted to the obturator sleeve and being dimensioned and configured to pass through tissue. The transparent window is mounted for movement between a first position in general alignment with the longitudinal axis of the obturator sleeve and a second position radially displaced from the longitudinal axis to thereby expose the longitudinal bore of the obturator sleeve to permit passage of the surgical instrumentation. The transparent window may include a cutting blade, or alternatively two cutting blades, adapted to penetrate tissue | 03-19-2009 |
20090093677 | VISUAL OBTURATOR - An obturator assembly includes a housing configured for operable engagement by a user, a sleeve mounted to the housing and extending therefrom and having a longitudinal lumen, an image passing member positioned adjacent the distal end of the sleeve and adapted to permit an optical image to pass through the image passing member and into the longitudinal lumen of the sleeve, a penetrating member adapted for longitudinal movement relative to the image passing member through a longitudinal stroke of movement to at least partially extend the penetrating member beyond the image passing member and an adjustment member operatively connected to the penetrating member. The adjustment member is movable to selectively vary a longitudinal length of the stroke of movement of the penetrating member, to thereby selectively control extension of the penetrating member relative to the image passing member. The adjustment member may also be movable to selectively vary at least one of a retracted position and an extended position of the penetrating member relative to the image passing member. | 04-09-2009 |
20090105539 | ENDOSCOPE CAP WITH APERTURE - An end cap for an endoscope. The end cap is configured to allow the endoscope to be introduced into a patient body by a short-wire type of operation. | 04-23-2009 |
20090112062 | Detachable distal overtube section and methods for forming a sealable opening in the wall of an organ - An overtube for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument. In various embodiments, the overtube may comprise a hollow tubular member that has an implantable tip detachably affixed to a distal end thereof. The implantable tip may have at least one retention member formed thereon to retain the tip within an organ wall. The implantable tip may further have a lumen extending therethrough to form a passageway through the organ wall. A plug member may be provided to selectively seal off the lumen within the implantable tip. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112063 | Endoscopic overtubes - An overtube for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument. In various embodiments, the overtube may comprise a substantially flexible helically wound continuous member forming a series of helical coils that define a hollow passage sized to receive a portion of the endoscopic surgical instrument therethrough. The coils may be configured to selectively interlock with each other to stiffen the overtube. An actuation system may be employed to steer the overtube and selectively stiffen it. Some embodiments include a second substantially flexible helically wound member that may be selectively wound between the first substantially flexible helically wound member or segments thereof. | 04-30-2009 |
20090112064 | Endoscopic Lubricating and Gripping Device - A non-invasive device for lubricating and facilitating the insertion and removal of an endoscope into a body cavity. In one embodiment, the device consists of an annular outer tube having an inner diameter sized to permit sliding of an endoscope there through. The outer surface of the outer tube may be suitably textured for improved gripping. A reservoir is positioned on the outer tube and may be compressed to discharge lubricating fluid on a passing endoscope. The tube surface is textured to enhance control and ergonomics and is flexible to allow manipulation, removal and placement. A flange may be positioned at the proximal end of the tube to provide a barrier to movement of excess lubricant onto the central portion of the tube. The invention also comprises the use of a reservoir for lubricants to be applied to the endoscope as it passes through the device and the enhanced control by way of a threaded internal pattern that engages an endoscope outer surface. | 04-30-2009 |
20090118582 | MEDICAL INSTRUMENT, ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPE DEVICE - A medical instrument of the present invention comprises a spiral shaped portion provided at an insertion portion main body, for generating a force at the insertion portion main body to advance/retreat in a subject by a contact with a body wall of the subject, a balloon provided so as to expand radially in a radial direction of the insertion portion main body and capable of contact with the body wall, a suction opening portion provided between the spiral shaped portion and the balloon in the insertion portion main body, and a suction pipeline communicating with the suction opening portion, inserted into the insertion portion main body and connected to a suction pressure controller on a rear end side of the insertion portion main body in the insertion direction. | 05-07-2009 |
20090131751 | Anal surgical instrument guides - A surgical instrument guide configured to be at least partially inserted into a natural orifice of a patient to allow a surgeon to access a tissue treatment region with multiple surgical instruments during the course of a minimally invasive surgical procedure. In various embodiments, the surgical instruments can be inserted at various angles with respect to the tissue treatment region to provide the surgeon with better access to the surgical site during an operation. In at least one embodiment, the surgical instrument guide may include a body portion having a first port and a second port defined therein. In such embodiments, the first and second ports may each be configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough. Additionally, in various embodiments, at least one of the first and second ports can be configured to allow for pivotal movement of the surgical instrument within the body of the surgical instrument guide. | 05-21-2009 |
20090131752 | INFLATABLE ARTIFICIAL MUSCLE FOR ELONGATED INSTRUMENT - An inflatable artificial muscle for manipulating a flexible elongated instrument such as a medical endoscope that advantageously utilizes fluid pressure to facilitate insertion into a tortuous passage and maneuver of the instrument is described herein. The inflatable artificial muscle comprises a hollow cylinder-like bladder with a lumen or a plurality of such bladders joined end to end for receiving an elongated instrument. The bladder volume is divided into a plurality of chambers of varying configurations, which are in fluid communications with one another. There is provided a plurality of supply tubes for supplying and evacuating a pressurizing fluid to and from the bladder. The inflatable artificial muscle is activated by inflating the bladder with a pressurizing fluid to a predetermined internal pressure. The artificial muscle of the present invention is capable of straightening a portion of an elongated instrument in a bent configuration, which is enclosed within the lumen thereof. | 05-21-2009 |
20090137869 | SELF-ADVANCING DEVICE - A device which includes an elongate body with a movable mass arranged for sliding movement within the body is disclosed. The element is arranged to decelerate toward an end of the body in order to impart forward movement thereto, via momentum transfer, and is further arranged to accelerate away from said end in order to further drive the body forward, again using momentum transfer. | 05-28-2009 |
20090149707 | ENDOSCOPIC BONE DEBRIDEMENT PORTAL - The present invention relates to an endoscopic bone debridement portal extending between an incision and a surgical site and adapted for receiving plural surgical tools and an endoscopic trephine, said endoscopic bone debridement portal comprising an elongated sleeve presenting a central channel and extending between a medial incision associated with the incision and a lateral surface associated with the surgical site, said elongated sleeve having plural guide surfaces for centrally aligning plural surgical tools and said central channel extending circumferentially around a lumen and between the plural guide surfaces for the alignment of surgical tools extending through the lumen from the incision towards the surgical site. | 06-11-2009 |
20090171151 | Steerable, follow the leader device - A highly articulated robotic probe (HARP) is comprised of a first mechanism and a second mechanism, one or both of which can be steered in desired directions. Each mechanism can alternate between being rigid and limp. In limp mode the mechanism is highly flexible. When one mechanism is limp, the other is rigid. The limp mechanism is then pushed or pulled along the rigid mechanism. The limp mechanism is made rigid, thereby assuming the shape of the rigid mechanism. The rigid mechanism is made limp and the process repeats. These innovations allow the device to drive anywhere in three dimensions. The device can “remember” its previous configurations, and can go anywhere in a body or other structure (e.g. jet engine). When used in medical applications, once the device arrives at a desired location, the inner core mechanism can be removed and another functional device such as a scalpel, clamp or other tool slid through the rigid sleeve to perform. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used to construe the claims. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171152 | Insertion assisting instrument for medical device - An endoscope insertion assisting instrument | 07-02-2009 |
20090171153 | INSERTION ASSISTING TOOL FOR AN ENDOSCOPE - An insertion assisting tool when inserting an endoscope into the gastric fistula catheter that has been inserted in the fistula formed in the patient's body comprises a cylindrical body that can be engaged with a gastric fistula catheter wherein an endoscope can be inserted through a valve press member and a sealing member. The valve press member can be installed detachably by screwing the screw threads with the edge portion at an opposite side of the portion engaged with the gastric fistula catheter in the cylindrical body, and is formed in a cap form having a hole portion in the sealing portion. The sealing member seals the space between the cylindrical body and the endoscope when it is pressed against the endoscope set at the space between the end portion of the cylindrical body and the valve press member. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171154 | BENDING INSTRUMENT FOR AN ENDOSCOPE AND ENDOSCOPE SET - A bending instrument for an endoscope which is used when a fibrescope is inserted into a gastrostomy catheter. The bending instrument comprises a sheath which covers a fibrescope shaft of the fiberscope, and a bending member which allows the fibrescope shaft to bend together with the sheath. A light-transmissive window part is formed at the tip end of the sheath. Furthermore, the bending member comprises a fixed part which is attached to the tip end outer periphery of the sheath, a sliding part which is slidably attached further to the base end side of the sheath than the fixed part and which engages with a cylindrical engagement part of the gastrostomy catheter so as not to be able to go past an intra-stomach fixed part, and a linear linking part which links the fixed part and the sliding part. | 07-02-2009 |
20090171155 | ORAL CAVITY INSERTION INSTRUMENT AND PHARYNGOSCOPE APPARATUS - An oral cavity insertion instrument which is to be attached to a monitor device having a long scope portion is provided. The oral cavity insertion instrument is adapted to be used by being inserted into an oral cavity and has a long cover member having a bore which extends in a longitudinal direction thereof, wherein the scope portion of the monitor is adapted to be inserted into the bore. The oral cavity insertion instrument also has a long tongue depressor in the form of a plate. The tongue depressor is provided adjacent to and in contact with the cover member along the longitudinal direction thereof. The oral cavity insertion instrument includes an attachment unit used to attach the cover member to the monitor device. The tongue depressor includes a tip end having a width greater than that of the cover member. A pharyngoscope apparatus provided with the oral cavity insertion instrument is also provided. | 07-02-2009 |
20090182195 | ENDOSCOPIC GUIDE SYSTEM - Various devices for use in endoscopic surgery and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. In one embodiment, an endoscopic guide device is provided and includes an injection molded rail and a c-shaped channel defining a track extending through the rail. The channel includes a plurality of slots formed in the c-shaped channel during the injection molding process. A plurality of wings can extend from opposed sides of the c-shaped channel. | 07-16-2009 |
20090182196 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUALLY GUIDING AN ENDOSCOPE - An endoscopic guidance system is provided. The system comprises an endoscope and a first rail assembly having a rail member and a first rod secured thereto. The first rod is rotatable relative to the rail member by rotation means. A sleeve assembly is also provided. The sleeve assembly is coupled to the first rod, wherein the endoscope is releasably engageable with the sleeve assembly. Rotation of the first rod causes the sleeve assembly to move along the first rod to guide the endoscope to a desired position along a first degree of freedom. | 07-16-2009 |
20090187073 | MEDICAL DEVICE AND PROCESS OF INSTALLING MEDICAL DEVICE IN PATIENT - A medical device includes: a medical instrument introduced into a body cavity and having a contact portion that is fixed in contact with a wall within a body, and a wire; an extracorporeal device installed on a body surface and having a hole portion through which the wire can be inserted and removed, fixing mechanisms for fixing the wire inserted through the hole portion, and a housing that is fixed in contact with the body surface; and a pressure adjusting portion provided in one of the medical instrument and the extracorporeal device for maintaining a predetermined tensile force or more that is applied to the wire when the wire is fixed by the fixing mechanism with a body wall being sandwiched between the contact portion and the housing. | 07-23-2009 |
20090187074 | EPICARDIAL ACCESS AND TREATMENT SYSTEMS - Epicardial access and treatment systems are described herein where such devices may utilize multiple expanding frame members coupled to a flexible or rigid deployment catheter shaft. The multiple frame members may extend distally to collapse into a low-profile configuration and may further expand or open radially to create a working or surgical field under direct visualization and defined by the frame members and surrounding membrane while retracting any surrounding tissue. Moreover, the distal ends of each frame member may be tapered such that the frame members may close tightly relative to one another forming an atraumatic end. Any number of therapeutic tools can be passed through the catheter for performing any number of procedures on the tissue. | 07-23-2009 |
20090192352 | Operating Anoscope For Transanal Endoscopic Microsurgery - A surgical kit and method for transanal endoscopic surgical techniques. A medical instrument having an obturator tip with an insufflation channel and a tube for an optical device. A medical instrument having an insufflation channel and tube for an optical device, whereby a pressure system is used, such that auxiliary tools can be used to remove a tumor from a transanal cavity. A method for using the surgical kit and medical instruments individually and/or in sequence, whereby said surgical kit and medical instruments are used to access the transanal cavity by using a natural opening of the body. | 07-30-2009 |
20090198102 | Rectum Examination Device And Rectum Examination Set - This invention relates to a rectum examination device capable of connecting to an endoscope with an image capture element. The rectum examination device comprises a check pipe comprising a large open end and a small open end; the small open end can enter the rectum of a human body, and the caliber of the small open end is smaller than the caliber of the large open end; and a container installed in the inner side of the check pipe, the container being capable of containing and separating the image capture element, the container comprising an open portion and a closed portion. | 08-06-2009 |
20090209813 | SIGMOIDOSCOPE WITH OPTICAL COUPLING ELEMENT - A sigmoidoscope ( | 08-20-2009 |
20090209814 | FLEXIBLE TUBULAR LINER COATING SYSTEM - Flexible tubular liner coating systems are described herein. A method for coating and forming the flexible tubular inner liner may comprise, in one example, coating at least a first surface of a flexible elongate strip having a first and a second edge and then bringing the first and second edges of the flexible elongate strip into proximity of one another. Once the edges are brought towards one another, they may be joined such that a flexible tubular liner is formed having the coated first surface formed as an inner surface of the flexible tubular liner. Flexible tubular liner coating systems are described herein. A method for coating and forming the flexible tubular inner liner may comprise, in one example, coating at least a first surface of a flexible elongate strip having a first and a second edge and then bringing the first and second edges of the flexible elongate strip into proximity of one another. Once the edges are brought towards one another, they may be joined such that a flexible tubular liner is formed having the coated first surface formed as an inner surface of the flexible tubular liner. | 08-20-2009 |
20090209815 | Torque-Transmitting, Variably-Flexible, Corrugated Insertion Device and Method for Transmitting Torque and Variably Flexing a Corrugated Insertion Device - A torque-transmitting, variably-flexible, corrugated insertion device includes a hollow body having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument and a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument. A vacuum-activated device transitions the hollow body between a relatively flexible condition and a relatively stiff condition. A corrugated tube transmits torque from the proximal end toward the distal end. A method for transmitting torque and variably flexing an insertion device for receiving an instrument includes providing a hollow body, transmitting torque along the hollow body with a corrugated tube, applying suction to create a vacuum in the hollow body for placing the hollow body in a relatively stiff condition, and relieving the vacuum for placing the hollow body in a relatively flexible condition. | 08-20-2009 |
20090227838 | PROPELLABLE APPARATUS WITH PASSIVE SIZE CHANGING ABILITY - An apparatus includes a self-enclosed tube, sized and shaped to fit within and engage a human or animal body cavity, the tube comprising an inner surface defining an enclosed region and an outer surface that turns outward to engage the body cavity and turns inward to encompass a central region defining a concentric longitudinal path, wherein the tube is powerable to provide relative movement of the tube relative to the cavity in at least one of a forward or reverse direction with respect to the longitudinal path, and a compressible structure, configured to bias the outer surface of the tube outward to engage the body cavity at a first outer diameter, the compressible structure being deformable inward in response to a compressive force to provide a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter. | 09-10-2009 |
20090253958 | ENDOSCOPE, CONNECTION METHOD OF BENDING SECTION AND FLEXIBLE SECTION IN ENDOSCOPE, PRODUCTION METHOD OF ENDOSCOPE PROVIDED FOR THIS CONNECTION METHOD, ENDOSCOPE OVERTUBE, CONNECTION METHOD OF BENDING SECTION AND FLEXIBLE SECTION IN ENDOSCOPE OVERTUBE AND PRODUCTION METHOD OF ENDOSCOPE OVERTUBE PROVIDED FOR THIS CONNECTION METHOD - An endoscope includes a bending section formed to be bendable by aligning a plurality of substantially cylindrical node rings and coupling the adjoining node rings to each other to allow them to swivel, a flexible section directly coupled to the bending section by fitting a distal end thereof into a proximal end side node ring arranged on the most proximal end side of the bending section, an operation wire that is inserted into the flexible section and the bending section and operates the bending section, and a wire guide section that guides the operation wire inserted into the flexible section to the bending section in the flexible section. | 10-08-2009 |
20090253959 | MEDICAL MANIPULATOR SYSTEM - A medical manipulator system of the present invention includes: a medical instrument having a shape insertable into an elongated tube passage and in which one or a plurality of flexion portions are provided; a flexing actuator for supplying a driving force to flex the flexion portion; an actuator control section for controlling the flexing actuator; a detecting section provided inside the tube passage to output a detection signal when detecting that the flexion portion passes therethrough; and a computing section for performing computation to match a flexed state of the flexion portion passing through the detecting section to an operating state of an operation portion operable to flex the flexion portion based on an operation amount of the flexing actuator detected when the detection signal is inputted. | 10-08-2009 |
20090259103 | Endoscope cooling device and endoscope system - The endoscope cooling device for cooling an insertion portion having a bending portion that can be bent is provided with a guide tube into which the insertion portion including the bending portion is inserted to form a flow path of a cooling fluid between the insertion portion and the guide tube. The guide tube is provided with a cover portion for covering the bending portion, and other portions of the guide tube excluding the cover portion are more rigid than the cover portion. | 10-15-2009 |
20090259104 | ENDOSCOPIC OVERTUBE, TREATMENT INSTRUMENT AND ENDOSCOPE INCORPORATED INTO ENDOSCOPIC OVERTUBE, AND TREATMENT INSTRUMENT SYSTEM INCLUDING ENDOSCOPIC OVERTUBE - An endoscopic overtube of the present invention includes an endoscope insertion passage through which an endoscope is inserted, a treatment instrument insertion passage through which a treatment instrument is inserted, and an ultrasound transmission medium distributor capable of distributing an ultrasound transmission medium from the treatment instrument insertion passage to the endoscope insertion pass age. The thus configured endoscopic overtube of the present invention can hold the ultrasound transmission medium, excel in placing the ultrasound transmission medium, and smoothly supply the ultrasound transmission medium into the treatment instrument insertion passage. | 10-15-2009 |
20090281384 | Endoscope and endoscope system - In order to provide a rotating self-propelling endoscope and an endoscope system capable of easily achieving miniaturization of an operation portion by using a small-sized motor, and configured to obtain sufficient propulsive force with a smaller motor torque, the endoscope of the invention comprises a flexible elongate endoscope insertion portion insertable into a subject's body; and a flexible propulsive force generating portion rotatable on an outer circumferential side of the endoscope insertion portion and having a helically shaped portion on an outer circumferential surface of the flexible propulsive force generating portion, wherein the helically shaped portion has a lead angle that is set to be in a range from not less than 9 degrees to not more than 15 degrees. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281385 | Endoscope Having Distal End Body Adapted to Plural Types of Light Distribution Lens Units - An endoscope includes a distal end body provided at a distal end of an insertion part to be inserted into a body cavity, a light guide attached into the distal end body to emit light for illuminating the body cavity, a tube fitting hole provided in the distal end body such that any one of plural lens holding tubes is fitted therein, and a positioning step formed in the tube fitting hole to establish contact with any one of positioning end faces of the first lens holding tube and the second lens holding tube. The plural lens holding tubes hold respective lens units to diverge the light emitted, and have a common outer diameter and a common axial length defined as a distance between a distal end face and the positioning end face of each of the plural lens holding tubes. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281386 | DEVICES, SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE ABDOMINAL SURGICAL PROCEDURES - Apparatus, tools, device and methods provided for treating a patient including: making an incision or puncture though the patient's skin; establishing an initial tract through an opening formed by the incision or puncture; inserting a guide member having a flexible distal portion and a distal tip into the initial tract and extending the initial tract to form a delivery tract leading to a target location within the patient's body; wherein said distal tip and at least a portion of a remainder of said guide member are transparent and delivering an obturator and conduit assembly over said guide member to place a distal end of the conduit of said obturator and conduit assembly in a location at or near the target location, said obturator having been inserted into said conduit prior to delivering said assembly over said guide member such that a distal end of said obturator extends distally out of a distal opening of said conduit wherein said obturator comprises a central lumen adapted to closely follow said guide member while sliding thereover. | 11-12-2009 |
20090299139 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope has a long slender insertion section to be inserted in a body cavity. The insertion section is composed by connecting a flexible portion to a distal portion having a CCD image sensor with a bending portion. Inserted through the insertion section are an air/water tube, a signal cable and other long slender contents. The air/water tube is enlarged in diameter in an area of the bending portion, and increases a filling rate of the contents in the bending portion. | 12-03-2009 |
20100016663 | Device for the Guidance of Instruments in Cavities - The invention relates to an arrangement which can be fixed to the inside of a cavity by means of fixing means which are associated with said arrangement. Said fixing means fix the arrangement in relation to at least one part of the wall of the cavity which is to be examined, wherein the arrangement must at least partially be inserted. Said arrangement enables the instruments, which are used to examine/manipulate cavities, even when the arrangement and/or the instrument is displaced in a translatory and/or rotational manner, in particular, in angled cavities, to be guided in a reliable manner. | 01-21-2010 |
20100016664 | SURGICAL VISUAL OBTURATOR - An obturator apparatus for penetration of tissue and for permitting visualization includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, and defining a longitudinal axis and an optical transmitting member mounted adjacent the distal end of the elongated shaft. The optical transmitting member comprises a transparent material for permitting passage of light therethrough and has internal surfaces defining a hollow internal chamber and external surfaces adapted to penetrate tissue. The optical transmitting member is further adapted to provide an inclined field of view inclined relative to the longitudinal axis. The elongated shaft may include a longitudinal opening adapted for reception of an endoscope. | 01-21-2010 |
20100016665 | CATHETER INTRODUCER SYSTEM FOR EXPLORATION OF BODY CAVITIES - A catheter introducer system for endoscopy is disclosed which includes a steering section and a propulsion section located near the end of the catheter that is introduced in a body cavity, and a non-collapsible sheath defining a working channel, disposed inside the catheter, extending substantially from the proximate to the distal end and maintaining a substantially circular cross-section even when bent along an axis. The propulsion section is designed to pull the rest of the catheter inside the body cavity, so there is no need to push the catheter along. The catheter can thus be made very flexible in bending, and a larger diameter catheter can be used without discomfort to the patient. | 01-21-2010 |
20100048996 | Medical Instrument Insertion Guide System - A medical instrument insertion guide system according to the present invention includes: a medical instrument including an insertion portion to be inserted into a body cavity; a double flexible bag member that is an annular member made of flexible material and supplied with a gas and then sealed, and includes an inner surface and an outer surface to be continuously moved in a longitudinal axis direction; and a pressing member that intermittently presses the inner surface near a rear end surface in the axial direction of the double flexible bag member, and turns outward and advances a distal end surface of the double flexible bag member, wherein the pressing member introduces the insertion portion of the medical instrument into the body cavity using the longitudinal axis direction of the double flexible bag member as a guide. | 02-25-2010 |
20100048997 | INTRA-BODY-CAVITY INSERTION INSTRUMENT FASTENER - An intra-body-cavity insertion instrument fastener includes an insertion section that is inserted into a body cavity and is held, partially exposed to outside of a human body, and a fastening section that fixes, to a predetermined position, a position of a predetermined point of an intra-body-cavity insertion instrument inserted into the body cavity from an insertion hole different from an insertion hole from which the insertion section is inserted into the body cavity. The fastening section is formed at a top end of the insertion section. | 02-25-2010 |
20100063356 | ACCESS SHEATH WITH REMOVABLE OPTICAL PENETRATING MEMBER - A system for accessing underlying tissue includes an elongated access sheath defining a longitudinal axis and a penetrating tip releasably mounted to the access sheath and dimensioned for facilitating passage through tissue. The penetrating tip is removable through the access sheath. The penetrating tip may include a transparent region adapted to permit passage of light. | 03-11-2010 |
20100063357 | ENDOSCOPE INSERTION AID, ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS AND ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS INSERTION METHOD - An endoscope insertion aid of the present invention includes a tube body that is inserted into an entrance of an intestinal tract and held by an intestinal wall, a passage hole through which an insertion portion of an endoscope can pass, the endoscope having an insertion path through which a guide wire can pass and a fixing unit that fixes, with the insertion portion passed through the passage hole, a distal end portion of the guide wire protruding from an opening on a distal end side of the insertion portion to the tube body. | 03-11-2010 |
20100069715 | Flexible Conduit with Locking Element - A flexible conduit for insertion into a body lumen comprises a plurality of elements coupled end to end to define a conduit lumen. A first one of the elements includes a male portion and a female portion. A second element includes a female portion having an inner surface configured to engage a male portion of an outer surface of the first element to form a first ball joint. A third element includes a male portion, an outer surface of the male portion of the third element configured to engage an inner surface of the female portion of the first element to form a second ball joint. The male and female portions of the first element are adapted to frictionally engage the female portion of the second element and the male portion of the third element to establish a rigid connection therebetween. | 03-18-2010 |
20100069716 | FLEXIBLE GUIDE CONDUIT - A guide conduit for facilitating insertion of flexible instruments into body lumens, the conduit defining a lumen extending from an opening at a proximal end of the conduit to a distal opening at the distal end of the conduit, the conduit comprises an outer layer forming a substantially smooth outer surface and a plastically deformable layer radially within the outer layer, the plastically deformable inner layer constructed to maintain its shape when subjected to a force below a predetermined threshold level and to assume a new shape when subjected to a bending force greater than the threshold level, wherein the threshold level is selected to be greater than a range of forces to which the conduit will be subjected by instruments inserted therethrough. | 03-18-2010 |
20100081875 | Surgical Device For Minimal Access Surgery - The present invention is directed to devices and methods for performing minimal access surgery; in various embodiments, to a surgical device comprising an insertable instrument attached to a trocar, as well as methods of performing a surgical procedure comprising inserting in insertable instrument/trocar combination into the body of a patient through an incision. | 04-01-2010 |
20100094086 | MEDICO-TECHNICAL FLEXIBLE POLYMER TUBE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A medico-technical flexible polymer tube of thermoplastic or of thermoplastics, a method of manufacturing a medico-technical flexible polymer tube of thermoplastic or of thermoplastics as well as an endoscope comprising a medico-technical flexible polymer tube of thermoplastic or of thermoplastics is provided. | 04-15-2010 |
20100125168 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ENDOSCOPE CONTROL IN A BODY CAVITY - Methods and devices are provided for controlling an endoscope in a body cavity. In one exemplary embodiment an endoscopic surgical system is provided that includes an endoscope and a steering tether coupled to at least a portion of the endoscope. The steering tether is configured to be manipulatable to effect directional movement of a distal end of the endoscope. The steering tether can include a loop formed on a distal end thereof such that a proximal portion of the steering tether can control the loop, which in turn controls the movement of the distal end of the endoscope. An overtube can optionally be included in the system. The overtube can be coupled to endoscope and adapted to receive at least a portion of the endoscope and the steering tether. In one embodiment, the endoscope includes an accessory mount extending over at least a portion of a length of the endoscope and the steering tether can be disposed on the accessory mount. Various methods for controlling movement of an endoscope in a body cavity are also provided. | 05-20-2010 |
20100145147 | MAGNETIC DEVICE FOR GUIDING CATHETER AND METHOD OF USE THEREFOR - One or more external magnets that are suitable for placement on the back or front of a patient's neck and methods for using the external magnet(s) to guide a feeding tube containing one or more internal magnets through the esophagus are described herein. The external magnet is applied to the back or the front of the patient's neck and the feeding tube is inserted into the patient's nose and advanced within the patient's body. The magnetic field of the external magnet combines with the magnetic field of the internal magnet to produce a sufficient magnetic force to pull or push the feeding tube apparatus against the posterior wall of the esophagus to prevent placement of the stylet in the patient's trachea or windpipe to prevent insertion into the patient's lungs. | 06-10-2010 |
20100152536 | GUIDE TUBE, GUIDE TUBE APPARATUS, AND ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - A guide tube having a tube; a ciliary portion including many cilia inclined in a longitudinal direction of the tube, provided in an outer peripheral portion of the tube; and a vibration portion provided on the tube for vibrating the ciliary portion so as to move the tube in the longitudinal direction. | 06-17-2010 |
20100160729 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIRECTING INSTRUMENTS TO VARYING POSITIONS AT THE DISTAL END OF A GUIDE TUBE - Described herein are various systems and methods for directing endoscopy instruments to varying positions at a target site. In one aspect, at least one instrument channel has multiple exit points at the distal end of the guide tube, and the position of an instrument delivered through the channel may be switched between the different exit points. In another aspect, an instrument channel splits into multiple branches at the distal end of the guide tube, and the position of an instrument at the target site may be changed by selectively directing the instrument into a different channel branch. In yet another aspect, the guide tube, or a portion thereof, may be rotated to reposition an instrument at the target site. The capability of changing the instrument positions during a procedure would enable a physician to examine or treat multiple target sites within an operative field, without necessitating the full retraction of the instruments or the guide tube from the operative field. | 06-24-2010 |
20100160730 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An operation portion of an endoscope includes: an insertion-portion-side housing ( | 06-24-2010 |
20100185053 | Transverse surgical tunneling - The present invention is directed to a method for providing an access point for laparoscopic intra-abdominal surgery disconnected from the area of the ultimate intra-abdominal procedure. This method allows for the necessary skin incision(s) for insertion of the laparoscopic equipment to occur in a favorable area, transverse below one or more tissue layers to a secondary insertion point in a favorable area, and for the further insertion of the laparoscopic equipment. Favorable area selection affords the surgeon the ability, for example, to select a region of the patient that may result in a less obvious scar of the cutaneous layer of the abdominal wall for the first incision and optimal location in regards to mechanical stability of the muscular layer of the abdominal wall for the second incision. The invention further includes devices for performing such described method. | 07-22-2010 |
20100185054 | Systems and Methods for Internal Tissue Penetration - A medical system is a medical device, such as a catheter, that includes an inner core and an imager that is extendable from within an elongated tubular member and configured to penetrate a body tissue within a living body. The elongated tubular member has a distal end and is configured to slideably receive the inner core. The distal end is further configured to allow the inner core to advance outside the elongated member. The inner core has a distal end and is configured to rotate radially around a longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The device can further include an imager located at the distal end of the inner core, and the imager can be configured to image a body tissue and output an image signal to an imaging system communicatively coupled with the imager. The imaging system is configured to generate an image of the body tissue from the image signal of the imager when the imager is rotated and placed into contact with the body tissue such that the imager penetrates the body tissue. | 07-22-2010 |
20100198011 | SELF-PROPELLABLE APPARATUS AND METHOD - A self propelled, endoscopic apparatus formed of a flexible, fluid-filled toroid and a motorized or powerable frame. The apparatus may be used to advance a variety of accessory devices into generally tubular spaces and environments for medical and non-medical applications. The apparatus when inserted into a tubular space or environment, such as the colon of a patient undergoing a colonoscopy, is advanced by the motion of the toroid. The toroid's surface circulates around itself in a continuous motion from inside its central cavity along its central axis to the outside where its surface travels in the opposite direction until it again rotates into its central cavity. As the device advances within the varying sizes, shapes and contours of body lumens, the toroid compresses and expands to accommodate and navigate the environment. The motion of the toroid can be powered or unpowered and the direction and speed may be controlled. The apparatus may be used to transport a variety of accessory devices to desired locations within tubular spaces and environments where medical and non-medical procedures may be performed. | 08-05-2010 |
20100204546 | SEMI DISPOSABLE ENDOSCOPE - A disposable endoscope body having an enclosure in its distal end for a non-disposable element, such as a video camera head. Because of its complexity and sensitivity, the camera head is non-disposable and cannot be sterilized. The camera head is sealed in the endoscope body, such that it does not contaminate the patient during the procedure. Sealing is achieved using an end cap. After use, the camera is withdrawn from the proximal end of the endoscope, which, being near to or within the workstation, has not been inserted into the subject and should be free of patient contamination. Passage of the camera out through the proximal end therefore avoids contamination by the patient, such that it can be used again without need for sterilization. A dispensing kit is described, for supplying the sterile endoscope body and for installing and sealing the camera with a minimum of manual intervention. | 08-12-2010 |
20100210906 | CATHETER INTRODUCER SYSTEM FOR EXPLORATION OF BODY CAVITIES - A catheter introducer system for endoscopy is disclosed which includes a steering section and a propulsion section located near the end of the catheter that is introduced in a body cavity, and a non-collapsible sheath defining a working channel, disposed inside the catheter, extending substantially from the proximate to the distal end and maintaining a substantially circular cross-section even when bent along an axis. The propulsion section is designed to pull the rest of the catheter inside the body cavity, so there is no need to push the catheter along. The catheter can thus be made very flexible in bending, and a larger diameter catheter can be used without discomfort to the patient. | 08-19-2010 |
20100240954 | MEDICAL DEVICE POSITIONING SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention include a medical device for accessing a patient's body portion and used for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. Embodiments of the invention may include a particular endoscopic positioning mechanism for placing an endoscope and an additional treatment device within desired body portions in order to assist in diagnosis and treatment of anatomical diseases and disorders. In particular, a medical device according to an embodiment of the invention may include an outer flexible tube and a positioning mechanism configured for rotating one portion of the flexible tube relative to another portion of the flexible tube. | 09-23-2010 |
20100261962 | NATURAL ORIFICE TRANSLUMINAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY OVERTUBE AND METHOD OF INTRODUCING MULTIPLE ENDOSCOPES - An endoscopic overtube and method for achieving safe and effective endoscope passage and maintenance of pneumoperitoneum, thereby facilitating natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in a body cavity is provided. The endoscopic overtube is designed to facilitate simultaneous use of at least two endoscopes and includes an sheath that has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a passageway extending between the proximal portion and the distal portion. A cuff is coupled to the distal portion of the sheath and is inflatable. When the cuff is inflated, a distally facing surface of the cuff contacts an inner lumenal wall, and a proximally facing surface of the cuff contacts an outer peritoneal wall. An inflation lumen is connected to the cuff to deliver inflation fluid to inflate and/or deflate the cuff. A closure device is also provided with the endoscopic overtube for closing an incision in a tissue wall. | 10-14-2010 |
20100268028 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR GUIDING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS - Methods and devices are provided for guiding surgical instruments during minimally invasive surgical procedures. In one embodiment, a surgical instrument is provided that includes a flexible, cannulated elongate shaft having an inner wall of variable thickness. The inner wall of the shaft can have a first thickness in a proximal portion of the device and can have a second, larger thickness in a distal portion of the instrument. The instrument can also include at least one guide mechanism configured to guide at least one surgical device through at least a portion of the cannulated interior of the elongate shaft. | 10-21-2010 |
20100280318 | Colonoscope Guide and Method of Use for Improved Colonoscopy - A guide and method for tilting a colonoscope in the rectum leftward toward the descending colon to advance the colonoscope through the colon during colonoscopy. The guide comprises a rigid elongated body member and a handle attached to or integral with the body member. The body member has an insertion length selected so as to not be inserted past the patient's rectum. The body member can be curved or tubular to better engage the colonoscope. A soft liner can be utilized to protect the endoscope during use. Preferably, the body member has a semi-circular cross-section with a flexible inner tubular member attached thereto that receives the endoscope. A longitudinal slot facilitates loading the endoscope into the tubular member. In another embodiment, the body member comprises upper and lower rigid body members connected by an engaging mechanism. The user tilts the colonoscope with the guide to minimize or avoid sigmoid looping. | 11-04-2010 |
20100286478 | FLEXIBLE SURGERY ACCESS SYSTEMS - A flexible surgery access and instrument management system includes a base unit and an insertion unit. The base unit provides a platform having a connection mechanism to which the insertion unit is attached. The insertion unit includes an elongated conduit having one or more tubes providing instrument passages, and a connection mechanism adapted to selectively couple with the mating connection mechanism provided on the base unit. The elongated conduit of the insertion unit is preferably steerable. One or more flexible instruments may be inserted through the tubes of the elongated conduit, with the proximal ends of the instruments being attached to the base unit such that the user is able to control and manipulate the instruments. | 11-11-2010 |
20100298642 | MANIPULATABLE GUIDE SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR NATURAL ORIFICE TRANSLUMENAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY - A guide system for accommodating an endoscopic tool. The guide system comprises a flexible inner sheath and a handle coupled to the inner sheath adjacent a proximal end of the inner sheath. The inner sheath includes a plurality of working channels. The working channels are bundled over a common portion of their respective lengths, and the working channels collectively define a substantially honeycombed cross-sectional area. | 11-25-2010 |
20110004060 | MEDICAL TUBE - A medical tube includes: a tube main body through which a conduit, through which an insertion portion of a cholangioscope is insertable, is pierced from a distal end to a rear end; a side hole that is formed between the distal end and the rear end of the tube main body and causes an outer circumferential side of the insertion portion and the conduit to communicate with each other; and a hardness changing portion that can change the hardness of at least a part of the tube main body including the side hole according to operation by an operator. | 01-06-2011 |
20110004061 | OPTICAL TROCAR WITH SCOPE HOLDING ASSEMBLY - An optical access apparatus for receiving an endoscope to permit visualization during passage through tissue includes an access member dimensioned for insertion through body tissue. The access member defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal opening for receiving an endoscope. The access member has a closed penetrating end adapted to pass through tissue. The closed penetrating end is transparent to permit visualization of tissue with the endoscope. The optical access apparatus further includes a locking collet coaxially mounted relative to the longitudinal axis of the access member and a manual member mounted adjacent the locking collet and operatively engageable therewith. The locking collet has internal surfaces defining an internal passage to permit passage of the surgical instrument. The manual member is adapted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis to reduce an internal dimension of the internal passage of the locking collet to cause the internal surfaces of the locking collet to securely engage the surgical instrument. | 01-06-2011 |
20110004062 | ANTI-LEAK VALVE UNIT FOR OVERTUBE - An anti-leak valve unit ( | 01-06-2011 |
20110009696 | ENDOSCOPE INSERTION APPARATUS - An endoscope insertion apparatus is provided that has an inner-side unit in which a plurality of inner-side fixing sections having an inner-side arm are uniformly arranged in a circumferential direction, an outer-side unit in which a plurality of outer-side fixing sections having an outer-side arm are uniformly arranged in a circumferential direction and in which slit portions that extend in a direction perpendicular to the circumferential direction and from which the inner-side arms protrude are uniformly arranged in the circumferential direction between the outer-side fixing sections, and an insertion operation portion that changes a front/rear relationship between the inner-side arms and outer-side arms. | 01-13-2011 |
20110040149 | OBTURATOR ASSEMBLY - An optical obturator for penetrating tissue includes an outer member defining a longitudinal axis and having proximal and distal ends, a leading member disposed adjacent the distal end of the outer member and having an optical window adapted to permit passage of light therethrough for detection by a clinician, and a penetrating member mounted adjacent the leading member and having a penetrating surface adapted to facilitate penetrating of tissue. The leading member is adapted for longitudinal movement between a first longitudinal position and a second longitudinal position. The penetrating surface of the penetrating member is at least partially exposed upon movement of the leading member from the first longitudinal position to the second longitudinal position. | 02-17-2011 |
20110046442 | INSERTION PATH SECURING APPARATUS AND MANTLE TUBE - It is an insertion path securing apparatus for guiding an insertion instrument to be inserted into a body-cavity, by an insertion portion having a longitudinal axis. The insertion path securing apparatus includes a first bending member configured to be bendable by operating a first bending operation portion, a second bending member configured to be bendable at a position differing from that of the first bending member by operating a second bending operation member, and a hardness changing member. A hardness variable portion of the hardness changing member can change hardness between a flexible state in which flexibility, with which the insertion portion is bendable by the first or second bending member, is given to the insertion portion by operating the hardness changing operation portion, and a rigid state in which a curved shape given to the insertion portion by the first and second bending members is maintained. | 02-24-2011 |
20110071354 | OVERTUBE AND MEDICAL PROCEDURE VIA NATURAL ORIFICE USING THE SAME - An overtube according to this invention includes: an insertion part, that is inserted into a subject and has a lumen, through which a device insertion part of a device for performing a medical procedure inside a body of the subject is removably inserted, the insertion part being inserted into the subject; and a tissue incising part that is disposed at a distal end side of the insertion part so as to cross the lumen and incises a tissue of the subject. | 03-24-2011 |
20110077463 | OPTICAL PROBE AND ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - According to the optical probe of an aspect of the present invention, the flexible and optically transparent partition wall separates the imaging core lumen and the guidewire lumen, and the pressure increasing/decreasing port increases/decreases the pressure inside the imaging core lumen that is at a proximal part of the imaging core lumen. It is therefore possible to advance the probe along the guidewire as far as an affected area, and by pulling back the guidewire to a handle portion to push out the imaging core to the distal end portion, it is possible to observe a distal part and obtain an image without guidewire artifacts. | 03-31-2011 |
20110098531 | DILATOR WITH DIRECT VISUALIZATION - Dilators with a threaded distal portion and direct visualization capability may be used for penetrating and dilating stiff tissues and bones. The threaded portion of a dilator engages the tissue between the insertion site and the target site, and may be rotated for advancing through the target tissue in a more controlled fashion. The direct visualization capability may be used to visualize the ligament as the threaded distal portion passes through the ligamentum flavum. The devices and methods described may be used in procedures, for example, where ligaments surrounding the epidural space need to be dilated in order to deliver one or more surgical instruments into the epidural space. | 04-28-2011 |
20110105843 | Surgical Instrument With Tendon Preload-and-Locking Device - A surgical instrument includes a handle, an elongated shaft and an end effector extending distally from the shaft. A tensile member is preloaded with a tensile force and extends at least partially through the shaft. A preload mechanism for adjusting the tensile force includes first and second guides in contact with the tensile member to restrain the tensile member at respective first and second lateral distances from a longitudinal axis. A third guide is disposed longitudinally between the first and second guides and is in contact with the tensile member to restrain the tensile member at a third lateral distance from the longitudinal axis. The third guide is movable to vary the third lateral distance and a corresponding length of the tensile member disposed longitudinally between the first and second guides to thereby vary the tensile force. | 05-05-2011 |
20110112364 | Minimally Invasive Surgical Apparatus in the Form of a Cannula - A minimally invasive surgical apparatus in the form of a cannula has a length with opposite proximal and distal ends, and differing characteristics of malleability along the cannula length. A switch can be provided on the cannula adjacent the distal end. The switch can be intra-abdominally activated to selectively provide suction and/or irrigation in minimally invasive surgical procedures such as general laparoscopic surgery, single incision laparoscopic surgery, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and robotic surgery. | 05-12-2011 |
20110130628 | Method for Transmitting Torque and Variably Flexing a Corrugated Insertion Device - A method for transmitting torque and variably flexing an insertion device for receiving an instrument includes the steps of providing a hollow body having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument, a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument, an outer jacket and an inner sleeve, maintaining the hollow body in relatively flexible and relatively stiff conditions with wires disposed at least partly between the outer jacket and the inner sleeve and being free of at least one of the outer jacket and the inner sleeve, transmitting torque along the hollow body with a corrugated tube disposed between the outer jacket and the inner sleeve, and applying suction to create a vacuum between the outer jacket and the inner sleeve for placing the hollow body in the relatively stiff condition and relieving the vacuum for placing the hollow body in the relatively stiff condition, with a transitioning device for frictionally locking the wires and the corrugated tube in place. | 06-02-2011 |
20110137119 | Lubricant Supplying Device for the Everting Tube Drive of an Endoscope - A lubricant supplying device of an endoscope everting tube drive comprises a drive tube everted at least once to thus form an outer and an inner tube portion. Inside the inner tube portion an endoscope shaft is mounted in an axially displaceable manner. In addition a drive device is provided which encompasses the drive tube everted at least once or the inner tube portion thereof so as to apply a driving force for an advancing movement of the endoscope shaft onto the inner tube portion, the drive means being in fluid connection with a lubricant supplying line and a lubricant discharge line for introducing a lubricant via the drive device into the drive tube everted at least once and/or for discharging it. The lubricant supply line and the lubricant discharge are connected to the drive device in two locations thereof diametrically opposite with respect to the endoscope shaft. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137120 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - The endoscope applicator according to the present invention allows lubricant to be supplied uniformly to the entire inner surface of the endoscope applicator without increasing the diameter of the endoscope applicator because the lubricant supply path is laid on the outer surface of the endoscope applicator extending from the base end portion to the tip portion of the endoscope applicator and a plurality of openings are formed in the lubricant supply path and endoscope applicator at predetermined intervals in such a way that their opening areas of the opening increase from the base end portion to the tip portion. Moreover, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention can improve the maneuverability of the insert portion and applicator during pull-in operation. Furthermore, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention makes it possible to determine pull-out force quantitatively. | 06-09-2011 |
20110137121 | ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - The endoscope applicator according to the present invention allows lubricant to be supplied uniformly to the entire inner surface of the endoscope applicator without increasing the diameter of the endoscope applicator because the lubricant supply path is laid on the outer surface of the endoscope applicator extending from the base end portion to the tip portion of the endoscope applicator and a plurality of openings are formed in the lubricant supply path and endoscope applicator at predetermined intervals in such a way that their opening areas of the opening increase from the base end portion to the tip portion. Moreover, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention can improve the maneuverability of the insert portion and applicator during pull-in operation. Furthermore, the endoscope apparatus according to the present invention makes it possible to determine pull-out force quantitatively. | 06-09-2011 |
20110144433 | Endoscope shaft made of a composite tube - An endoscope shaft made of a composite tube comprises an external tube and an internal tube which is softer and more resilient compared to the external tube as well as a helical spring for stiffening the composite tube. According to the invention, the helical spring in the relaxed state has an outer diameter which is larger than the inner diameter of the internal tube. Furthermore the helical spring is inserted in the internal tube preferably loosely at a spring bias, whereby it is radially pressed against the internal tube. | 06-16-2011 |
20110144434 | INTRADUCTAL INSERTION DEVICE - An intraductal insertion device includes a thrust generating section installed at an insertion portion. The thrust generating section is made up of a flexible shaft adapted to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around a shaft axis. The thrust generating section is configured by winding the shaft axis of the flexible shaft around an axis of the insertion portion in an insertion direction. | 06-16-2011 |
20110152616 | ADVANCING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - A system is provided for advancing medical devices along an endoscope to a selected target anatomy in a patient. The advancing system includes a tether having a first portion disposed through a working channel of an endoscope and a second portion disposed external the endoscope. The advancing system may include a guiding device configured to advance a medical device beyond a distal portion of the endoscope to a selected target anatomy. | 06-23-2011 |
20110178370 | Rotate to advance catheterization system - A system of rotate-to-advance medical devices including catheters, dilators, occluders, stents, suprapubic catheters and camera introducers configured with external screw threads and depending substantially on rotation for means of advancement and emplacement in mammalian genitourinary and gastrointestinal passages and organs. | 07-21-2011 |
20110207999 | TORQUE TRANSMISSION DEVICE HAVING CONTROL WIRE - A torque transmission device is a steerable device for an endoscope, and includes a first link element having a first guide lumen. A second link element is disposed at a distal end of the first link element in a longitudinal axis direction, and has a second guide lumen. A control wire is disposed through the first and second guide lumens movably in the longitudinal axis direction. A pivot mechanism couples the first link element to the second link element in a rotatable manner about a pivot axis being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis direction. The control wire through the first and second guide lumens extends in a coplanar manner with the pivot axis and crosswise thereto. Preferably, there is a flexible section having the first and second link elements. A steering unit has third and fourth link elements. | 08-25-2011 |
20110237888 | GUIDE TUBE FOR GUIDING ENDOSCOPE OR SURGICAL TOOL IN OR INTO BODY CAVITY - In order to secure a path of insertion for an insertion rod | 09-29-2011 |
20110245610 | ENDOSCOPE HOOD - An endoscope hood includes: a hood part placed on a forward side of a part of a periphery of the leading end surface of an insertion part of an endoscope or an entirety of the periphery; an abutment surface formed in the hood part on a surface opposite to a central axis of the insertion part, the abutment surface being formed on a plane which obliquely intersects with the central axis; and a pass-through hole which is formed in the hood part, and allows a probe of the endoscope pushed out from a tube passage exit to pass therethrough from a side of the central axis to a side of the abutment surface in the hood part, wherein the abutment surface is pressed against a region to be measured in a state where the probe has passed through a pass-through hole, to thereby fix the probe to the region to be measured in a state where the probe is abutted thereagainst in an axial direction of the probe. | 10-06-2011 |
20110282149 | SHAPE-TRANSFERRING CANNULA SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE - The present invention is directed to a novel shape-transferring cannula system, which provides access to tortuous and unsupported paths. The shape-transferring cannula system and method enables exploration of hollow body structures, and creates a custom-contoured access port for insertion and removal of, for example, diagnostic, surgical, or interventional instruments to and from a site within the body to which the physician does not have line-of-sight access. | 11-17-2011 |
20110282150 | GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - A self-propelled type of guide assembly for an endoscope includes a barrel for receiving an elongated tube of the endoscope in an axial direction. A rubber ring retains the barrel to the elongated tube in a form with a clearance space defined between the barrel and the elongated tube. The barrel includes a barrel sleeve, having a first inner diameter according to an outer diameter of the elongated tube. An end cup is formed to extend from an end of the barrel sleeve, has a second inner diameter larger than the first inner diameter, for allowing the steering device in the elongated tube to steer. Furthermore, a movable endless track device has an annular surface, movable on an endless track outside the barrel, for pushing a wall of a body cavity for propulsion in the axial direction. A drive roller moves the endless track device relative to the barrel. | 11-17-2011 |
20110288375 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope is provided that includes: an insertion portion; a bending portion having an independently bendable first bending region, and a second bending region that is bendable in the same direction as a bending direction of the first bending region together with the first bending region; a flexible tube portion; a first wire that, when pulled, causes only the first bending region to bend; a first guide pipe through which the first wire is inserted, and which has a distal end that is fixed to an intermediate pipe sleeve; a second wire that, when pulled, causes the second bending region to bend in conjunction with bending of the first bending region; and a second guide pipe through which the second wire is inserted, and which has one part that is fixed to a connecting pipe sleeve, and has a distal end that is positioned inside the second bending region in a condition in which the distal end protrudes forward by a first length from a distal end of the flexible tube portion in a non-fixed state. | 11-24-2011 |
20110295065 | SEGMENTED INSTRUMENT HAVING BRAKING CAPABILITIES - One embodiment of present invention is a segmented instrument having braking capabilities that includes an elongate body having a plurality of links and a hinge connecting a pair of adjacent links in the plurality of links. There is also brake assembly coupled to each link in the pair of adjacent links and positioned to span the distance between the pair of adjacent links. Another embodiment of the present invention is a segmented instrument having a plurality of links and at least one lockable and articulatable joint positioned to connect a pair of adjacent links in the plurality of links. In addition, the at least one lockable and articulatable joint is adapted and configured to increase the number of frictional surfaces available between the pair of adjacent links. There are also provided methods for controlling a segmented instrument. Exemplary steps of the method include introducing a segmented instrument into a patient where the segmented instrument has a plurality of links wherein adjacent links are joined by a hinge. Next, there is the step of manipulating the links about the hinges to maneuver the segmented instrument to provide access to a surgical site within the patient. In one aspect, the manipulating step produces a sliding motion between a plurality of complementary shaped components within a portion of a brake assembly between adjacent links. Next there is the step of actuating the brake assembly to substantially prevent movement about the hinge of the links attached to the braking mechanism. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295066 | CONTINUOUS FLOW ENDOSCOPE SYSTEMS - Endoscopes having a hollow outer sheath configured for insertion into a patient's body are disclosed. A hollow inner sheath is receivable within the outer sheath, and is configured to slideably receive a first internal instrument. A working element can be configured to rotatably support at least the first internal instrument and a second internal instrument such that at least the first internal instrument and the second internal instrument are rotatable about a common axis of rotation being substantially coextensive with a longitudinal axis of the outer sheath. The working element can have at least one guide rail extending longitudinally of the axis of rotation and an actuator block can be slideably mountable to the at least one guiderail and so securable to at least one of the instruments as to be able to urge the at least one of the internal instruments longitudinally of the outer sheath. | 12-01-2011 |
20110295067 | REMOTE TRACTION AND GUIDANCE SYSTEM FOR MINI-INVASIVE SURGERY - A guide and remote traction system for mini-invasive surgery in a body cavity that is easily positioned and hooked and causes lower injury, comprising: | 12-01-2011 |
20110301414 | INTELLIGENT ENDOSCOPY SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Endoscope sheaths and associated endoscopy data collection and analysis systems and methods are described. In one implementation an endoscope sheath include a body and one or more sensors disposed in the body. The sheath may further include a leak detection apparatus configured to detect leaks in the sheath body. In addition, the sheath may include actuator apparatus, such as a balloon catheter or other surgical instrument. Data from the endoscope and endoscope sheath may be collected, fused and displayed for use in medical procedures and/or analysis. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301415 | ENDOSCOPIC SYSTEM THAT USES OVERTUBE - With a first endoscope inserted through an overtube, the overtube is orally inserted into an object being examined, and a distal end portion of an insertion tube of the first endoscope is made to advance, within the object, from a jejunum via a jejunum-to-jejunum anastomosed portion and a jejunum-anastomosed bent portion so that the distal end portion is located adjacently to a Vater's papilla of a duodenum. The overtube is then sent to a position which is adjacent to the Vater's papilla along the insertion tube of the first endoscope. After this, the first endoscope is pulled from the overtube. A second endoscope is then inserted into the overtube to make a distal end portion of its insertion tube protrude from the distal end of the overtube and is located adjacently to the Vater's papilla. The second endoscope thus-approached is used to treat the Vater's papilla and the tissue therearound. | 12-08-2011 |
20110301416 | MEDICAL TREATMENT ENDOSCOPE - The medical treatment endoscope according to the present invention includes a sheath having a flexibility; at least one arm member having a bending part that projects out from a front end of the sheath and performs bending actions; an open/close mechanism which directs the arm member from a direction along a central axis of the sheath to a direction deviated from the central axis of the sheath, and from a direction deviated from the central axis of the sheath to a direction along the central axis of the sheath; and a viewing device and an illuminating member that are disposed to the front end side of the sheath. | 12-08-2011 |
20110313249 | ENDOLUMINAL CRAWLER - An endoluminal crawler used in endoscopic procedures includes a body and an actuation unit. The body includes a tubular portion. The actuation unit includes an actuator providing a rotational output and a traction belt. The traction belt includes a traction portion and an engaging portion. The traction portion protrudes out of a slot defined in the tubular portion and the engaging portion operatively engages the actuator. | 12-22-2011 |
20110319713 | ROTATE-TO-ADVANCE CATHETERIZATION SYSTEM - A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway at a remote location, the method comprising the steps of:
| 12-29-2011 |
20120029281 | Rotate-to-Advance Catheterization System - An apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion configured to inserted into the bodily passageway; a drive tube including a lumen configured to receive the endoscope; a helically-wound thread disposed on an outer wall of the drive tube and configured such that rotation of the drive tube causes the drive tube with the endoscope to move along the passageway; a flexible drive shaft configured to transfer rotary motion generated by a power supply; and a rotatable drive collar disposed on the endoscope and configured to rotate the drive tube relative to the endoscope, the rotatable drive collar including a stator, a rotor rotatable over the stator and detachably coupled to the drive tube, a rotary gear configured to transfer the rotary motion from the flexible drive shaft to the rotor to rotate the drive tube, and a watertight seal disposed between the stator and the rotor. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029282 | GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - A guide assembly of a self-propelled type for an endoscope having an elongated tube for entry in a body cavity is provided. First and second self-propelled units are secured to a steering device provided in the elongated tube, arranged in an axial direction of the elongated tube, the second self-propelled unit receiving force for driving from an external drive source. A flexible connector connects the second self-propelled unit to the first self-propelled unit and transmits the force applied to the second self-propelled unit to the first self-propelled unit. Preferably, the connector includes at least two coil springs having diameters different from one another, and combined in such a multi layer form that winding directions thereof are opposite to one another. The force is torque in a rotational direction about an axis of the axial direction. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029283 | GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - A guide assembly of a self-propelled type for an endoscope including an elongated tube for entry in a body cavity is provided. First and second self-propelled units are mounted on a steering device of the elongated tube in an axial direction thereof, for contacting a wall of the body cavity for propulsion. The first and second self-propelled units include respectively first and second driving devices, actuated with force by an external drive source, for converting the force for the propulsion. The first self-propelled unit includes a first torque coil structure for transmitting the force from the drive source to the first driving device. The second self-propelled unit includes a second torque coil structure for transmitting the force from the drive source to the second driving device discretely from the first torque coil structure. The first self-propelled unit is fixedly mounted on the steering device. | 02-02-2012 |
20120029284 | OPTICAL PENETRATING ADAPTER FOR SURGICAL PORTAL - An optical penetrating adapter for mounting to a surgical portal to permit visualization through the surgical portal includes an adapter member defining a longitudinal axis and having a transparent window adapted to penetrate tissue and to permit visualization therethrough and means for coupling the adapter member to the surgical portal. The transparent window may have various shapes and configurations adapted to penetrate, dissect, resect or separate tissue in a non traumatic manner. Alternatively, the transparent window may incorporate structure such as cutting edges blades, points, etc to pierce, cut or incise tissue. | 02-02-2012 |
20120041260 | Endoscope gripping device - A gripping device for an endoscope insertion tube utilizing first and second arms that are hingedly attached to one another. Each arm includes an opening to accommodate the insertion tube of an endoscope such that the endoscope insertion tube spans both arms. First and second jaws are associated with first and second arms and are positioned in opposition to one another. The movement of the arms toward one anther causes the jaws to engage the insertion tube which is guided through the arms by the apertures found in the arms. | 02-16-2012 |
20120065471 | INTRODUCER GUIDE - An introducer guide ( | 03-15-2012 |
20120071719 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING SURGICAL ACCESS - One embodiment is directed to a method for providing surgical access across a wall of a tissue structure, comprising: installing a guiding member into the wall of the tissue structure to a desired guiding depth; using the installed guiding member as a positional guide, advancing a helical member into the wall of the tissue to a desired helical member depth, the helical member comprising a helical member distal end removably coupled to an anchor member which is coupled to a distal end of a suture member, such that advancing the helical member into the wall causes the anchor member to be advanced into the wall and to pull a distal portion of the suture member along with the anchor member into the wall to substantially encapsulate a number of helical loops of suture member that is greater than about 1 loop and less than about 3 loops; withdrawing the helical member from the wall of the tissue structure, leaving the anchor member in a deployed configuration decoupled from the helical member and coupled to at least a portion of the wall of the tissue structure; and tensioning the suture member to apply a load to the deployed anchor member. | 03-22-2012 |
20120078047 | ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE INSERTABLE INTO A BODY CAVITY AND MOVABLE IN A PREDETERMINED DIRECTION, AND METHOD OF MOVING THE ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE IN THE BODY CAVITY - In an endoscopic device insertable into a body cavity attachable elements are moved over one another to move forwardly of each other and to leave each other behind, and to move along different paths so as not to be attached to the same areas of a wall of the body cavity. | 03-29-2012 |
20120101331 | APPARATUS FOR DELIVERY OF AUTONOMOUS IN-VIVO CAPSULES - A guide for an endoscope capsule includes a hollow sleeve. The distal end of the sleeve has attached an invertible member for fitting the capsule within. The invertible member may be inverted via hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to expel the capsule from the guide and into a desired location within a patient's body lumen. The guide may be attached to an actuator which contains a fluid and an actuating member. The actuating member pressurizes the fluid distally through the hollow sleeve thereby inverting the invertible member and expelling the capsule into the body lumen. The guide may be used with an endoscope or may be a stand-alone device. | 04-26-2012 |
20120108902 | ROTATE-TO-ADVANCE CATHETERIZATION SYSTEM - Apparatus comprising a tube sized to receive visualization apparatus; a deformable helical thread disposed on the exterior surface of the tube, the deformable helical thread (i) being transformable between a first configuration wherein the deformable helical thread comprises a reduced profile and/or a reduced rigidity and a second configuration wherein the deformable helical thread comprises an expanded profile and/or an increased rigidity, and (ii) when in its second configuration, having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in a bodily passageway so that the deformable helical thread engages the interior wall of the bodily passageway, rotation of the tube will induce a relative movement between the tube and the wall of the bodily passageway; and a thread varying element dynamically varying at least one of the height of the deformable helical thread and the rigidity of the deformable helical thread. | 05-03-2012 |
20120116160 | OPTICALLY GUIDED MEDICAL TUBE AND CONTROL UNIT ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF USE - An optical medical tube and control unit assembly and methods of using the same are provided. The optical medical tube may include a steering mechanism and an imaging device which provides the user a visual aid when placing a tube in the body of a patient. The optical medical tube may be coupled to a coupling adaptor to enable quick and easy connecting of the imaging device and steering mechanism of the tube with a control unit such that a single control unit may be used to place multiple feeding tubes or confirm that a feeding tube remains in its proper position without the need for lengthy sterilization procedures between uses. | 05-10-2012 |
20120116161 | OPTICALLY GUIDED MEDICAL TUBE AND CONTROL UNIT ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF USE - An optical medical tube and control unit assembly and methods of using the same are provided. The optical medical tube may include a steering mechanism and an imaging device which provides the user a visual aid when placing a tube in the body of a patient. The optical medical tube may be coupled to a coupling adaptor to enable quick and easy connecting of the imaging device and steering mechanism of the tube with a control unit such that a single control unit may be used to place multiple feeding tubes or confirm that a feeding tube remains in its proper position without the need for lengthy sterilization procedures between uses. | 05-10-2012 |
20120123206 | Methods of advancing a cannula system into a body - A cannula coupled to a displacement limiting coupling. The cannula includes at least one rigidizable segment and means for rigidizing the rigidizable segment. The displacement limiting coupling couples to an insertable device and aligns the axes of the insertable device and the cannula and establishes limits on the relative axial displacement between the cannula and the insertable device. The insertable device may have a steerable tip that maintains an overlap with the rigidizable segment due to the axial displacement limits. | 05-17-2012 |
20120123207 | Cannula System and Method of Use - A cannula coupled to a displacement limiting coupling. The cannula includes at least one rigidizable segment and means for rigidizing the rigidizable segment. The displacement limiting coupling couples to an insertable device and aligns the axes of the insertable device and the cannula and establishes limits on the relative axial displacement between the cannula and the insertable device. The insertable device may have a steerable tip that maintains an overlap with the rigidizable segment due to the axial displacement limits. | 05-17-2012 |
20120130169 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING TRANSESOPHAGEAL CARDIOVASCULAR PROCEDURES - An apparatus for performing a transesophageal cardiovascular procedure includes an elongated tubular main access device having a first lumen with an open proximal end and a distal side opening, and a second lumen with a rigid outer wall and a collapsible inner wall. The second lumen is adapted to receive an elongated probe or surgical device. The apparatus further includes an inflatable sealing means on the outside of the main access device above and below the side opening, and a first fluid conduit extending along the main access device for inflating the sealing means so that when the main access device is inserted into a patient's esophagus and the sealing means are inflated. The portion of the esophagus opposite the side opening is isolated from the remainder of the esophagus above and below the side opening. | 05-24-2012 |
20120143003 | MOUTHPIECE AND METHODS OF USE OF SAME - Various embodiments of mouthpieces for use during endoscopic procedures are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a mouthpiece may include a shield, a primary instrument channel, a bite block, an oxygen administration channel and a tongue depressor. The shield, bite block, oxygen administration channel and tongue depressor may be integrally formed. | 06-07-2012 |
20120149982 | Access Device for Surgery - The present invention provides an access device for surgery. The access device includes a guide member and a head member. The guide member and head member define a channel configured to receive and guide a sterile flexible scope with a working channel. The guide member and head member cooperate to extend through a small opening of 2 cm or less to access tissue structures. The head member may include surfaces to separate a pericardium from a surface of the heart, stabilize a beating heart and, with the endoscope, provide visibility for the implantation of a therapeutic such as stem cells to the surface of the heart with improved safety and accuracy. Ranges of other diagnostic, application of therapeutics or biologics, and observational applications may be facilitated by the access device, such as TMR, ablation, echo-probe diagnostics, LAA isolation, observation of the same procedures, etc. | 06-14-2012 |
20120149983 | ENDOSCOPIC CANNULA AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - The present disclosure provides methods and systems for endoscopic visualization inside the human body and performing clinical procedures under endoscopic guidance. In one embodiment, an endoscopic cannula of the present disclosure may include an elongated body having a channel along which an endoscope can be advanced. The cannula further includes a tip about a distal end of the elongated body, which can be inflated from a substantially firm collapsed state to an expanded state. The cannula also includes a tube situated within the channel and attached at its distal end to a distal region of the tip to permit forward advancement of the tube along with the tip when the tip is expanded. The tube in combination with the channel form a working conduit for passing surgical instruments beyond the tip. | 06-14-2012 |
20120165607 | GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - A guide assembly for an endoscope having an elongated tube includes a first inner sleeve, a first outer sleeve, an endless track device, engagement rollers, a second inner sleeve and idler rollers. The endless track device has an annular surface, is supported around the first outer sleeve, for endlessly moving in an axial direction of the elongated tube in contact with a wall of the body cavity, for propulsion of the elongated tube. A setting device as second outer sleeve is shiftable between a set position and a release position, for pressing the idler roller on the engagement roller when in the set position, to nip the endless track device therewith, and for retracting the idler roller from the engagement roller in an outward direction when in the release position, to facilitate removal of the endless track device from the first outer sleeve. | 06-28-2012 |
20120178993 | GUIDE ASSEMBLY AND ENDOSCOPE - A guide assembly for an endoscope has an elongated tube for entry in a body cavity. Plural endless belts move in an axial direction of the elongated tube in contact with a cavity wall of the body cavity, to propel the elongated tube. A driving device is engaged with a first belt surface of the belts, for rotating to drive the belts. A pressure roller has a smaller width than a width of the belts in a transverse direction crosswise to the axial direction, for pressing the belts by contacting a second belt surface reverse to the first belt surface, to apply tension thereto together with the driving device. A regulating projection is formed to project from the second belt surface and to extend in the axial direction, for contacting a side surface of the pressure roller in the transverse direction, to prevent lateral misalignment of the belts. | 07-12-2012 |
20120184815 | GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes a section of an elongated tube for imaging an object by entry in a body cavity. For use with this, a guide assembly includes a shaft sleeve for mounting on the elongated tube by reception thereof. A housing sleeve is supported around the shaft sleeve. Three endless belts are secured to the housing sleeve, for endlessly moving in an axial direction of the elongated tube, and propelling the elongated tube by contacting a cavity wall of the body cavity. A drive sleeve is contained in the housing sleeve, for driving the endless belts. Side projections as side rail portions are disposed on the housing sleeve, for covering lateral side portions of each of the endless belts at least partially, to keep the endless belts slidable. Preferably, the side projections cause curving of a center portion of the endless belts outwards with respect to a transverse direction. | 07-19-2012 |
20120184816 | GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope has an elongated tube for entry in a body cavity. A guide assembly includes a shaft sleeve for mounting on the elongated tube. A housing sleeve is supported around the shaft sleeve. Three endless belts are secured to the housing sleeve, for endlessly moving in an axial direction of the elongated tube, and propelling the elongated tube by contacting a cavity wall of the body cavity. A driving device is contained in the housing sleeve, for driving the endless belts. Three curved walls constitute the housing sleeve, and support the endless belts movably and in a transversely curved state. Each of the endless belts includes an upper belt run, curved by the curved walls convexly outwards, for contacting the body cavity. A lower belt run is disposed inside, and tensioned between the driving device and the belt rollers. | 07-19-2012 |
20120184817 | INSERTION AID AND ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS - An insertion aid including a long guide portion arranged relatively movable in a longitudinal direction along an insertion portion of an endoscope to be inserted into a subject, the guide portion being able to undergo a state change between a first state where flexural rigidity is low, and a second state where flexural rigidity is high, wherein the guide portion includes a strength variable member arranged to extend along a longitudinal direction of the guide portion and whose strength varies according to temperature, and wherein a flexural rigidity of a proximal end side of the guide portion is set to be relatively higher than the flexural rigidity of a distal end side by setting a boundary temperature at which a proximal end side of the strength variable member starts hardening to be relatively lower than the boundary temperature of a distal end side of the strength variable member. | 07-19-2012 |
20120197082 | ROTARY SELF-PROPELLED ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - A rotary self-propelled endoscope system includes an insertion section body, an insertion section, a drive unit, a torque detection unit, and a control unit. In a distal end portion of the insertion section body, a rigid distal end portion including an image pickup apparatus is disposed. The insertion section is rotatably fit to the outside of the insertion section body, and includes a rotary tubular member having a helical portion formed by a helical concave-convex portion. The drive unit applies the rotary tubular member with axial and rotational drive force. The torque detection unit detects torque information of the rotary tubular member. On the basis of the torque information detected by the torque detection unit, the control unit compares a present value with a preset limit value for controlling the torque of the rotary tubular member, and controls the drive unit on the basis of the comparison result. | 08-02-2012 |
20120203066 | ENDOSCOPE, GUIDE UNIT, GUIDE WIRE, MEDICAL-DEVICE GUIDING SYSTEM, AND MEDICAL-DEVICE GUIDING METHOD - An endoscope and a surgical instrument are easily manipulated to desired positions and orientations independently while the state of treatment with the surgical instrument can be easily observed using an endoscopic image. Provided is a medical-device guiding method comprising a U-shape forming step of placing both ends of a guide wire outside the pericardium and placing the guide wire, with an intermediate portion curved in a substantially U-shape in the pericardial cavity; an endoscope inserting step of inserting an endoscope into the pericardial cavity along the guide wire from one end of the ends placed outside the pericardium in the U-shape forming step; a guide-unit inserting step of inserting the guide unit into the pericardial cavity along the guide wire from the other of the ends placed outside the pericardium in the U-shape forming step; and an opposing step of opposing the distal end portions of the endoscope and the guide unit, which are inserted into the pericardial cavity in the endoscope inserting step and the guide-unit inserting step, respectively, at intermediate positions of the guide wire. | 08-09-2012 |
20120215067 | Atraumatic Arthroscopic Instrument Sheath - An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while providing fluid management during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope thereby creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site. | 08-23-2012 |
20120232346 | INSERTION DEVICE AND ENDOSCOPE - An insertion device and an endoscope which are inserted and extracted through a small incision and have multiple functions. A device body has grip forceps as a treatment means. A first folding back section and a second folding back section are provided at a distal portion of the device body such that the first and second folding back sections are aligned in a row in the longitudinal direction of the device body. The first folding back section and the second folding back section respectively have image obtaining means. An operation means can move the first folding back section to a folded back position in which the first folding back section is folded back relative to the second folding back section, and can also move the second folding back section to a position in which the second folding back section is folded back relative to the device body. | 09-13-2012 |
20120238813 | PROPULSION ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - A propulsion assembly is for an endoscope having an elongated tube for entry in a tube of a body cavity. The propulsion assembly includes endless belts for contacting a surface of the body cavity, for propulsion by turning around in an axial direction of the elongated tube. A support sleeve supports the endless belts movably. A distal cover frame is secured to a distal side of the support sleeve. An idler roller is contained in the distal cover frame, engaged with a distal end of the endless belts, for regulating the endless belts in the axial direction. A proximal cover frame is secured to a proximal side of the support sleeve. A driving roller is contained in the proximal cover frame, engaged with a proximal end of the endless belts, for regulating the endless belts in the axial direction. The driving roller drives the endless belts. | 09-20-2012 |
20120238814 | GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - A guide assembly for an endoscope includes a shaft sleeve, barrel sleeve, support sleeve and endless track device for propulsion by endlessly moving in an axial direction of an elongated tube. A rotation wheel is supported on the barrel sleeve, for driving the endless track device by rotating. An idler roller is supported on the support sleeve in a rotatable manner, for keeping the endless track device movable in cooperation with the rotation wheel. A small diameter portion is formed with two axial ends of the rotation wheel by decreasing a wheel diameter thereof along a wheel axis, for allowing leaving of the idler roller from the rotation wheel upon rotationally shifting the support sleeve around the barrel sleeve, so that the endless track device is released from tight contact therewith, and separated from the barrel sleeve in the axial direction with the support sleeve. | 09-20-2012 |
20120238815 | INSERTION AID FOR ENDOSCOPE - An insertion aid for an endoscope includes a tubular body having a passage through which the insertion part is passed; and a sidewall opening part disposed in a distal portion of a sidewall portion of the tubular body, a distal end of the insertion part passed through the passage being capable of being fed from the sidewall opening part, wherein the sidewall opening part is composed of a slot whose longitudinal direction corresponds to an axial direction of the tubular body, and the sidewall opening part is provided with a tapered portion having an opening width gradually decreasing in the longitudinal direction, and is configured to satisfy the following inequality relationship: Wmin09-20-2012 | |
20120238816 | Cleaning System for Medical Imaging Device - An imaging catheter device includes a catheter body with a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen; a cleaning member disposed at the distal end; and an imaging device movably disposed in the lumen and through the cleaning member; wherein the cleaning member includes a conduit through which the imaging device moves and a flexible material at least partially occluding the conduit such that the imaging device displaces at least some of the flexible material when moved through the conduit. A method of cleaning an imaging catheter device includes disposing a cleaning member including a conduit and a flexible material at least partially occluding the conduit at a distal end of a catheter lumen; positioning an imaging device in the catheter lumen; and cleaning the imaging device by moving it through the conduit such that it displaces at least some of the flexible material. | 09-20-2012 |
20120245417 | SURGICAL RETRACTOR AND USE THEREOF FOR A THORACOSCOPIC OPERATION - The present patent application relates to a novel surgical retractor and the use thereof for thoracoscopic operations. | 09-27-2012 |
20120265013 | PROPULSION ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - A propulsion assembly for an endoscope having a section of an elongated tube for entry in a tube of a body cavity is provided. The propulsion assembly includes a shaft sleeve, an endless track device, a support sleeve and a control wire. A first bevel gear is supported on the shaft sleeve, secured to a distal end portion of the control wire, for rotating about a first axis extending in an axial direction of the elongated tube upon rotation of the control wire. A second bevel gear is supported on the shaft sleeve in a rotatable manner about a second axis extending in a transverse direction of the elongated tube, meshed with the first bevel gear, engaged with the endless track device, for moving the endless track device in the axial direction. Preferably, the first bevel gear has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the second bevel gear. | 10-18-2012 |
20120271105 | ENDOSCOPE INSERTION ASSISTING DEVICE - An insertion assisting device includes a rotary body formed in a toroidal shape, and a support and drive unit that rotatably supports and rotates the rotary body. The support and drive unit has two supports, a first support and a second support. The first support is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and rotatably supports the rotary body. The second support is formed in a substantially triangular tubular shape, is arranged inside the first support, and supports driving gears that transmit a driving force to the rotary body. The second support is shorter than the first support, and is arranged so that front and rear end portions thereof are located inside front and rear end portions of the first support. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271106 | SELF-PROPELLED DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPE - A self-propelled device nips an endless belt between a worm wheel and a driven roller. The endless belt is circulated by rotating the worm wheel, and thereby an insertion section of an endoscope advances and retreats inside a body cavity. The driven roller has a width larger than the worm wheel, and is provided with a pair of flanges at both ends. The worm wheel is disposed between the pair of flanges. When the endless belt is nipped between the worm wheel and the driven roller, the endless belt is deformed by the pair of flanges. | 10-25-2012 |
20120271107 | SELF-PROPELLED DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPE - A self-propelled device includes a mounting part mounted on an insertion part of an endoscope, a hollow toroidal rotary body, and a rotary body supporting tube that is arranged in the internal space of rotary body and supports the rotary body from the inside. The rotary body supporting tube is attached to the outside of the mounting part. The mounting part is provided with a worm wheel, and the rotary body supporting tube is provided with a driven roller. The rotary body is sandwiched between the worm wheel and the driven roller, and is circulated and moved with the rotation of the worm wheel. Wipers for closing the gap formed between the mounting part and the rotary body are provided at the front and rear ends of the mounting part, and thereby preventing entering of foreign body from the gap. | 10-25-2012 |
20120277530 | ENDOSCOPE INSERTION ASSISTING DEVICE - An insertion assisting device includes a rotary body in the form of toroid, and a support and drive part for supporting the rotary body in a rotatable manner and rotating it. The support and drive part has an approximately cylindrical supporting member for supporting the rotary body in a rotatable manner. The rotary body is provided with a convex portion for increasing the thickness to improve the strength thereof. A concave portion having a shape corresponding to the shape of the convex portion is formed on a portion of a front end surface of the supporting member, which is made in contact with the convex portion. The concave portion prevents the rotary body from stopping rotating, which may be caused by point contact between the convex portion and the supporting member. | 11-01-2012 |
20120283513 | ORAL AIRWAY DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THEM - Airway devices are provided for introducing an endoscope into a patient's gastrointestinal system that include a tubular proximal portion sized for placement in an oral cavity and including a passage for receiving an endoscope therethrough, and a curved distal portion. The distal portion may have a “C” shaped wall defining a channel extending from the passage to a distal tip of the distal portion. The proximal portion may include a flange for placement adjacent the patient's teeth when the airway device is inserted into the oral cavity, and the airway device may include sampling and fluid delivery lumens including ports on the face of the flange. The sampling lumen may include an inlet port within the passage, and the fluid delivery lumen may include an outlet port communicating with the channel such that the outlet port is offset distally relative to the inlet port. | 11-08-2012 |
20120302830 | GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes a head assembly having a first central axis for entry in a body cavity. In combination with the endoscope, a guide assembly includes a shaft sleeve having a lumen, for mounting on the head assembly therewith. An endless track device is supported around the shaft sleeve, for endlessly moving along the first central axis, for propulsion of the head assembly inside the body cavity. A support sleeve is disposed between the shaft sleeve and the endless track device, having a second central axis different from the first central axis, for supporting the endless track device movably. Preferably, the endoscope includes an imaging window area formed in a distal surface of the head assembly and offset from the first central axis. A position shift between the first and second central axes is predetermined according to a position shift between the imaging window area and the first central axis. | 11-29-2012 |
20120302831 | GUIDE APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope has a head assembly for entry in a body cavity. A guide apparatus for propulsion of the head assembly is provided, and includes a shaft sleeve, a support sleeve, a drive sleeve, drive gears, an endless track device, two intermediate gears, and a motor. Two wire devices are disposed to extend in an axial direction, have distal ends to which the intermediate gears are respectively secured, for transmitting rotation of the motor to the intermediate gears. In fail-safe control, if one of the wire devices is broken, the broken wire device is detected. When the broken wire device is detected, a limited mode is set for driving the endless track device with a normal one of the wire devices in limited performance relative to normal operation. In a preferred embodiment, the guide apparatus has a differential device and two brake devices. | 11-29-2012 |
20120323074 | INSERTION ASSISTING TOOL FOR ENDOSCOPE - An insertion assisting tool for an endoscope comprising:
| 12-20-2012 |
20130006053 | ENDOSCOPE PROPELLING DEVICE - A propelling device includes a traveling body that rotates in a state of being brought into contact with an inner wall of an alimentary canal, an external cylinder around which the traveling body is wound, and a mounting cylinder on which a tip end portion of an endoscope is mounted. Three driven rollers are rotatably attached to the external cylinder. The traveling body is pinched between the driven rollers and driving gears. As the driving gears rotate, the traveling body travels in a circulating manner. A rotating shaft of the driven roller located at the center among the three driven rollers is held by a shaft hole that is made long in a gear arrangement direction in which the driving gears are disposed side by side. | 01-03-2013 |
20130012779 | ROTATE-TO-ADVANCE CATHETERIZATION SYSTEM - A body-insertable apparatus comprising:
| 01-10-2013 |
20130041222 | ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes a drive force transmitting section attached to an insertion main body, and configured to transmit rotational drive force that rotates an attachment unit to the attachment unit, and a member inserting portion provided to a proximal direction side of an insertion section. The endoscope includes a first linear member insertable into the insertion section from the member inserting portion and removable from the insertion section through the member inserting portion, and has a distal end connectable to the drive force transmitting section while being inserted into the insertion section. The first linear member is configured to transmit the rotational drive force to the drive force transmitting section when rotated while being connected to the drive force transmitting section. | 02-14-2013 |
20130053643 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF CONTROLLING ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - An endoscope system including an endoscope insertion part to be inserted into a body cavity via a trocar stabbed in a body wall, the endoscope system comprising:
| 02-28-2013 |
20130072756 | ROTATE-TO-ADVANCE CATHETERIZATION SYSTEM - A method for visualizing the interior of a bodily passageway comprising providing a visualization system comprising a tube, visualization apparatus disposed within the tube, and a deformable helical thread disposed on the exterior surface of the tube, the deformable helical thread being transformable between a first configuration wherein the deformable helical thread comprises a reduced profile and/or a reduced rigidity and a second configuration wherein the deformable helical thread comprises an expanded profile and/or increased rigidity; inserting the visualization system into the bodily passageway at a location remote from the site which is to be visualized, with the deformable helical thread being in its second configuration; rotating the tube so as to induce relative movement between the passageway and the tube, whereby to move the visualization apparatus and the site which is to be visualized closer together; and using the visualization apparatus to visualize the interior of the passageway. | 03-21-2013 |
20130079595 | MEDICAL OPERATION APPARATUS - A medical operation device is attachable to an insertion portion of a medical instrument for observation. The medical operation device includes: rotary cylinder rotatably disposed in device main body that has insertion portion inserting hole through which insertion portion is inserted; insertion portion pressing member that presses insertion portion inside rotary cylinder; insertion portion mounting section cover provided inside insertion portion inserting hole that prevents insertion portion directly touching inner face of insertion portion inserting hole, vicinity of opening of insertion portion inserting hole, and insertion portion pressing member; switching instruction portion that switches whether insertion portion pressing member presses insertion portion to specify state where rotary cylinder and insertion portion are united and state where insertion portion moves forward/rearward with respect to rotary cylinder; and rotation mechanism that, when rotary cylinder and insertion portion are united, rotates rotary cylinder to rotate insertion portion unified with rotary cylinder around insertion portion axis. | 03-28-2013 |
20130090526 | ANASTOMOSIS SYSTEM - There is provided an endoscopic system. | 04-11-2013 |
20130090527 | COVERING FOR A MEDICAL SCOPING DEVICE - The present invention relates to a cover having a plurality of moveable, external, angled projecting elements for use with flexible medical scoping devices such as endoscopesor enteroscopes. The invention includes the cover with an over cuff and use of the disposable removable covering in methods of medical scoping procedures or examinations. The invention also includes an applicator for assisting in placing the covering about or over a medical device and a kit of parts. | 04-11-2013 |
20130096383 | ATTACHMENT UNIT AND ENDOSCOPE - An attachment unit rotates in directions around a longitudinal axis with respect to an insertion main body when rotary drive force is transmitted from a drive force transmission unit provided to an insertion section, and allows propulsive force in one of directions parallel to the longitudinal axis to act on the insertion section by rotating in contact with a paries. The attachment unit includes a fin portion which is spirally extended along the longitudinal axis and whose dimension from the longitudinal axis to an outer peripheral end vary in accordance with how external force different from the propulsive force acts in the directions parallel to the longitudinal axis in a state that the attachment unit does not rotate with respect to the insertion main body. | 04-18-2013 |
20130102847 | ATTACHMENT UNIT, ENDOSCOPIC INSERTION SECTION AND ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope includes an attachment unit detachably attached to an outer peripheral direction side of an insertion section to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis with respect to an insertion main body, and including a gear portion formed over an all-round inner peripheral portion of the attachment unit, a rotary gear meshing with the gear portion to allow the attachment unit to be attached to the insertion section, and a base portion defining a gear arrangement portion where the rotary gear is arranged on an outer peripheral portion of the insertion section. In the endoscope, a channel, extended through an inside of an operation section and an inside of the insertion section from an outer surface of the operation section and opened to an outside of the insertion section in the gear arrangement portion, is defined. | 04-25-2013 |
20130102848 | ATTACHMENT UNIT AND ENDOSCOPE - An attachment unit includes a tube main body extended along a longitudinal axis in a state that a gap is provided between itself and an outer peripheral portion of an insertion section or a member on the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section, and a tube proximal end portion, provided to a proximal direction side of the tube main body, to which a proximal end of the attachment unit is placed. The tube proximal end portion includes a proximal side gap reducing portion eliminating or reducing the gap as compared with a part to an inner peripheral direction side of the tube main body between itself and the outer peripheral portion of the insertion section or the member, and is placed to a distal direction side of an insertion opening in a use situation. | 04-25-2013 |
20130131450 | ENDOSCOPE STABILIZATION SYSTEM - The exemplary embodiments illustrated provide the discovery of systems, methods, and apparatuses of endoscope stabilization devices for use with, for example, slim scopes, so as to provide, for example, a flexible outer structure capable of bending and holding a fixed position so as to provide, for example, support to make cannulation with a slim scope and target anatomy easier and more efficient. | 05-23-2013 |
20130137927 | PROPULSION ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE AND DRIVING METHOD - A propulsion assembly includes a support sleeve for mounting on a tip device of an endoscope. An endless track device is supported on the support sleeve in an endlessly movable manner, for contacting a wall of a body cavity, for propulsion of the tip device relative to the body cavity. A drive sleeve drives the endless track device. First and second torque wire devices have proximal and distal end portions, the proximal end portion being rotated by a motor, the distal end portion actuating the drive sleeve. Plural helical windings of a first group constitute the first wire device, and are so wound as to increase tightness thereof upon moving the endoscope in a distal direction. Plural helical windings of a second group constitute the second wire device, and are so wound as to increase tightness thereof upon moving the endoscope in a proximal direction. | 05-30-2013 |
20130144123 | PROPULSION ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE AND FASTENING METHOD - A propulsion assembly for an endoscope includes a support sleeve and an endless track device. A clamping sleeve is contained in the support sleeve. Male and female threads cooperate for moving the clamping sleeve between operative and non-operative states upon rotation of the clamping sleeve. The operative state is on a side of a proximal direction from the non-operative state along a central axis. A sealing device is contained in the support sleeve, has a C-shape in a resiliently deformable manner, is disposed around the endoscope and between the clamping sleeve and a receiving surface. The sealing device is pushed by the clamping sleeve when the clamping sleeve is in the operative state, for squeezing the endoscope by radially compressing thereabout, and released from push of the clamping sleeve when the clamping sleeve is in the non-operative state, for releasing the endoscope by radially returning to expand thereabout. | 06-06-2013 |
20130158353 | PROPULSION ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - A propulsion assembly for an endoscope includes a support sleeve and a barrel unit. An endless track device is disposed to extend along inner and outer surfaces of the barrel unit, for endlessly moving in an axial direction of an elongated tube of the endoscope, and contacting a wall of a body cavity, for propulsion of the elongated tube. Worm wheels are disposed on the support sleeve, for driving the endless track device by engagement therewith. Plural idler rollers are disposed on the inner surface of the barrel unit in a rotatable manner, for keeping the endless track device movable in driving of the worm wheels. An guide projection is formed on the endless track device. A guide groove is formed in the barrel unit, for receiving the guide projection, to guide the endless track device on the barrel unit in the axial direction. | 06-20-2013 |
20130158354 | ENDOSCOPY INSTRUMENT GUIDE PORT - An endoscopy instrument guider port includes a main body member where at least one surgical instrument entrance part is disposed at an upper surface, a protective tube extending downwards from the main body member, a retaining ring body fixed to a lower end portion of the protective tube, the retaining ring body being freely deformed and restored, and a control ring body disposed at a predetermined position along a length direction of the protective tube to be coiled around the protective tube through a folding motion and control a length of the protective tube. According to the present invention, the control ring body disposed at the protective tube facilitates length adjustment and traction generation of the protective tube, appropriate handling of surgical situations is possible because an upper body may be turned and separated, and surgical delays may be prevented while endoscopy operations may be made easier. | 06-20-2013 |
20130165754 | Rotate-to-Advance Catheterization System - An apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion configured to inserted into the bodily passageway; a drive tube including a lumen configured to receive the endoscope; a helically-wound thread disposed on an outer wall of the drive tube and configured such that rotation of the drive tube causes the drive tube with the endoscope to move along the passageway; a flexible drive shaft configured to transfer rotary motion generated by a power supply; and a rotatable drive collar disposed on the endoscope and configured to rotate the drive tube relative to the endoscope, the rotatable drive collar including a stator, a rotor rotatable over the stator and detachably coupled to the drive tube, a rotary gear configured to transfer the rotary motion from the flexible drive shaft to the rotor to rotate the drive tube, and a watertight seal disposed between the stator and the rotor. | 06-27-2013 |
20130172679 | ENDOSCOPE INSERTION ASSISTING DEVICE - If an instruction indicating advance is input, first and second motors are driven to rotate first and second torque wires. A rotary body is circulated by the rotation of the first and second torque wires, and a propelling unit advances. The first and second TGs detect the rotating speeds of the first and second torque wires. If disconnection of the first torque wire is detected by a disconnection detecting section, a motor control section stops driving of the first motor coupled to the disconnected first torque wire, and rotates the second motor coupled to the second torque wire that is not disconnected at a low speed to rotate the second torque wire at a low speed. Through the low-speed rotation of the second torque wire, the propelling unit advances at a low speed or retreats at a low speed. | 07-04-2013 |
20130178703 | Endoscope Shaft With Malleable Section - An endoscope including a control section; and a shaft extending from the control section. The shaft includes a malleable section and a distal active deflection section. The shaft includes a frame and at least one active deflection control wire extending through the malleable section between the control section and the distal active deflection section. The frame includes a malleable frame member at the malleable section. The malleable frame member connects a frame member of the frame at the distal active deflection section to the control section. | 07-11-2013 |
20130197307 | PROPULSION APPARATUS AND DRIVE APPARATUS FOR ENDOSCOPE - A propulsion apparatus for an endoscope includes a propulsion assembly for mounting on a tip device of the endoscope, for propulsion in a body cavity. First and second wire devices are disposed to extend from the tip device in a proximal direction, having a coil winding, for rotating to drive the propulsion assembly. First and second motors are connected with proximal ends of respectively the first and second wire devices, for rotating the first and second wire devices. A timer is actuated if a speed difference between rotational speeds of the first and second motors becomes equal to or more than a reference speed value, for measuring an elapsed time. A break detector detects breakage of the first wire device if the elapsed time becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined time. A controller controls the first and second motors in response to an output of the break detector. | 08-01-2013 |
20130204087 | BODY CAVITY ACCESS TUBE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE - A body cavity access tube assembly includes a body cavity access tube having an external surface. A collapsible protective sleeve is positioned over the external surface and has a proximal end attached to the body cavity access tube and a distal end attached to a repositioning device The repositioning device is supported on the external surface of the body cavity access tube and has a released configuration wherein the repositioning device and the distal end of the collapsible protective sleeve are movable relative to a longitudinal axis of the body cavity access tube. The repositioning device also has an engaged configuration wherein the repositioning device and the distal end of the collapsible protective sleeve have a fixed position relative to the longitudinal axis of the body cavity access tube. | 08-08-2013 |
20130225925 | AUXILIARY TOOL FOR COLONOSCOPY - An auxiliary tool for colonoscopy is disclosed. The auxiliary tool for colonoscopy includes an anal intubation body and a feces-holding body. The anal intubation body has an aperture surface on one side and an anus cover on the other side, and also has a hollow part having a first diameter formed inside. The anus cover is shaped as a cap having a round curved surface. The feces-holding body has one side coupled to an inner side of the anus cover, has a holding part formed inside, and has a leakage prevention body formed on the other side. The holding part has a second diameter and is connected with the hollow part, and the leakage prevention body is configured to permit passage of an endoscope tube but prevent leakage of fecal matter held in the holding part to the other side. | 08-29-2013 |
20130225926 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIRECTING INSTRUMENTS TO VARYING POSITIONS AT THE DISTAL END OF A GUIDE TUBE - Described herein are various systems and methods for directing endoscopy instruments to varying positions at a target site. In one aspect, at least one instrument channel has multiple exit points at the distal end of the guide tube, and the position of an instrument delivered through the channel may be switched between the different exit points. In another aspect, an instrument channel splits into multiple branches at the distal end of the guide tube, and the position of an instrument at the target site may be changed by selectively directing the instrument into a different channel branch. In yet another aspect, the guide tube, or a portion thereof, may be rotated to reposition an instrument at the target site. The capability of changing the instrument positions during a procedure would enable a physician to examine or treat multiple target sites within an operative field, without necessitating the full retraction of the instruments or the guide tube from the operative field. | 08-29-2013 |
20130231534 | FLOATING, MULTI-LUMEN-CATHETER RETRACTOR SYSTEM FOR A MINIMALLY-INVASIVE, OPERATIVE GASTROINTESTINAL TREATMENT - Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner. | 09-05-2013 |
20130261390 | ENDOSCOPIC ACCESSORY FOR ENDOSCOPIC DEVICE - An endoscopic system including an accessory that fits over an endoscopic device, the accessory including at least one collapsible tube which has a collapsed state and an expanded state, wherein in the collapsed state, the accessory increases an outer perimeter of the endoscopic device by not more than 10%, and in the expanded state, the at least one collapsible tube has fluid that flows therethrough and the accessory increases the outer perimeter of the endoscopic device by at least 10%. | 10-03-2013 |
20130261391 | PROPULSION ASSEMBLY FOR ENDOSCOPE - A propulsion assembly for mounting on a tip device of an endoscope includes a barrel sleeve having inner and outer surfaces. A flexible endless track device is disposed to extend along the inner and outer surfaces of the barrel sleeve, for endlessly moving in an axial direction, for propulsion by contacting a wall of a body cavity. A drive gear is engaged with the endless track device, for moving the same. A driving mechanism rotates the drive gear. Engaging teeth are formed on the endless track device at a predetermined pitch, arranged serially, moved by the drive gear in mesh therewith. A peripheral surface of the engaging teeth is curved without a sharp form. Furthermore, a support sleeve is disposed between the driving mechanism and the endless track device, for supporting the drive gear in a rotatable manner. | 10-03-2013 |
20130274553 | MULTI-LUMEN-CATHETER RETRACTOR SYSTEM FOR A MINIMALLY-INVASIVE, OPERATIVE GASTROINTESTINAL TREATMENT - Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner. | 10-17-2013 |
20130296653 | APPARATUS, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING THE AIRWAY WITH MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS WITHOUT INTERRUPTION OF ASSISTED RESPIRATION - Systems for use in assisted respiration can permit insertion of one or more elongated medical instruments into the proximal and/or distal airway of a patient during administration of assisted respiration, which may, in some instances, proceed with a patient awake or only minimally sedated. In some systems, a bite block is coupled with a mask and is movable relative to the mask such that the system is capable of accommodating differing patient anatomies. | 11-07-2013 |
20130303851 | APPARATUS FOR INTRODUCING A STEERABLE CAMERA ASSEMBLY INTO A PATIENT - A cannula assembly including a seal for an endoscopic internal magnetic camera tether. The seal may include stacked compliant membranes with an aperture in each membrane through which a camera tether may pass. The apertures may overlap. The at least one aperture may be arranged as a slit. Each of the apertures may comprise a wedge-shaped gap. The membranes may include engagement members that couple to engagement members on the cannula assembly. The cannula assembly may provide separate ports for the camera tethers and for a trocar or other endoscopic instrument passing through the cannula assembly. The cannula assembly also may include a rotating housing with two openings and a seal arranged in each opening. The cannula assembly may include a sleeve that encases a cannula tube. The sleeve may include a seal on its end and a channel on its periphery through which a camera tether may pass. | 11-14-2013 |
20130310646 | DRIVING FORCE TRANSMISSION DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPE AND AUXILIARY THRUST DEVICE COMPRISING THEREOF - An auxiliary thrust device includes a membrane, a carrier tube, and a drive cylinder. First and second insertion holes into which first and second torque wires are inserted are formed in a wire sheath. First and second gears are fixed to tip portions of the torque wires, which protrudes from a tip of the wire sheath, respectively. The first gear fixed to the first torque wire meshes with a spur gear portion of the drive cylinder, and the second gear connected to the second torque wire meshes with the first gear. Since the respective torque wires are inserted into one wire sheath and are bent in the same shape, a frictional force generated between the first torque wire and the inner surface of the wire sheath is substantially the same as that generated between the second torque wire and the inner surface of the wire sheath. | 11-21-2013 |
20130317298 | OPTICAL TROCAR WITH SCOPE HOLDING ASSEMBLY - An optical access apparatus for receiving an endoscope to permit visualization during passage through tissue includes an access member dimensioned for insertion through body tissue. The access member defines a longitudinal axis and has a longitudinal opening for receiving an endoscope. The access member has a closed penetrating end adapted to pass through tissue. The closed penetrating end is transparent to permit visualization of tissue with the endoscope. The optical access apparatus further includes a locking collet coaxially mounted relative to the longitudinal axis of the access member and a manual member mounted adjacent the locking collet and operatively engageable therewith. The locking collet has internal surfaces defining an internal passage to permit passage of the surgical instrument. The manual member is adapted for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis to reduce an internal dimension of the internal passage of the locking collet to cause the internal surfaces of the locking collet to securely engage the surgical instrument. | 11-28-2013 |
20130345511 | FLOATING, MULTI-LUMEN-CATHETER RETRACTOR SYSTEM FOR A MINIMALLY-INVASIVE, OPERATIVE GASTROINTESTINAL TREATMENT - Improved methods and devices for performing an endoscopic surgery are provided. Systems are taught for operatively treating gastrointestinal disorders endoscopically in a stable, yet dynamic operative environment, and in a minimally-invasive manner. Such systems include, for example, an endoscopic surgical suite. The surgical suite can have a reversibly-expandable retractor that expands to provide a stable, operative environment within a subject. The expansion can be asymmetric around a stabilizer subsystem to maximize space for a tool and an endoscope to each be maneuvered independently to visualize a target tissue and treat the target tissue from outside the patient in a minimally invasive manner. | 12-26-2013 |
20130345512 | OPTICAL OBTURATOR - An optical obturator for penetrating tissue and being at least partially positionable within a cannula assembly. The obturator may include an obturator housing at a proximal end of the obturator and may configured to be grasped by a user. The obturator housing may define an opening for receiving an endoscope, the obturator housing including an endoscope retention mechanism adapted for securing and stabilizing an endoscope inserted therethrough. The obturator housing may also include at least one attachment mechanism for enabling selective attachment and detachment of the obturator housing to the cannula assembly. The obturator may also include an obturator shaft integrally formed with the obturator housing. The obturator shaft may define a hollow interior configured to receive the endoscope inserted through the opening. A penetrating member is disposed at the distal end of the obturator shaft. The obturator may be formed as a single component, preferably from transparent material. | 12-26-2013 |
20140005478 | ENDOSCOPIC ACCESS SYSTEM HAVING A DETACHABLE HANDLE | 01-02-2014 |
20140012083 | Endoscopic Cannulas and Methods of Using the Same - Endoscopic cannulas and methods of their use are disclosed. In some embodiments, an endoscopic cannula may include an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A viewing channel and a working channel may extend through the elongated body. The viewing channel can be configured for passing therethrough an endoscope to the distal end of the elongated body for viewing outside the elongated body, while the working channel can be configured for passing therethrough an injection needle distally of the elongated body. The cannula may also include a suction pod disposed on a bottom surface of the elongated member, the suction pod being in communication with a suction channel extending through the elongated body to create suction between the suction pod and a tissue surface to temporary attach the elongated body to the tissue surface. | 01-09-2014 |
20140012084 | BIOLOGICAL INTRODUCTION APPARATUS AND ENDOSCOPE HAVING BIOLOGICAL INTRODUCTION APPARATUS - The biological introduction apparatus includes a drive force generation and input mechanism, a drive force transmission mechanism, a helical rotation member, a holding member and a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism positions a proximal end portion of a main body portion which is arranged in the helical rotation member to an intermediate portion arranged between a distal end portion of an insertion unit and a proximal end portion of the insertion unit. | 01-09-2014 |
20140012085 | Variably Flexible Insertion Device and Method for Variably Flexing an Insertion Device - A torque-transmitting, variably-flexible device, comprising a hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end, a torque-transmitting element operable to transmit torque from the proximal end towards the distal end of the hollow body, and a steering element operable to steer the distal end of the hollow body. | 01-09-2014 |
20140012086 | SELF-PROPELLING DEVICE - A self-propelling device includes a turning unit and a supporter. The supporter includes a first support sleeve, a second support sleeve and a cover formed respectively cylindrically. A drive wheel is secured to the first support sleeve in a rotatable manner. A pair of follower rollers are secured to the second support sleeve together. The cover is fitted on an outer surface of the second support sleeve externally, and disposed in the turning unit together with the second support sleeve. The turning unit is pressed by the follower rollers to the drive wheel. When the drive wheel rotates, the turning unit is circulated around the second support sleeve in a longitudinal direction of the first support sleeve. An inner wall of a body cavity will not be damaged, as the follower rollers are covered by the cover and do not appear externally even if the turning unit breaks. | 01-09-2014 |
20140024896 | ENDOSCOPE OVERTUBE FOR INSERTION THROUGH A NATURAL BODY ORIFICE - An endoscope overtube includes a flexible tubular member and a hub assembly provided at the proximal end of the tubular member. The hub assembly includes an elastic sleeve seal cuff extending about the inner surface of a body member of the hub. The ends of seal cuff are coupled to the body member. An inflation line extends into the body member in communication with the outer surface of the seal cuff. When fluid is pressurized through the inflation line, the cuff is distended inward to reduce the size of the opening through the port such that the cuff forms a seal about an endoscope received through the hub. The body member is preferably coupled to each of the flexible tubular member and to the elastic seal cuff using a snap-fit engagement of parts such that no fasteners, welds, glues, etc. are necessary for securing the hub assembly together. | 01-23-2014 |
20140046133 | SELF-PROPELLING DEVICE - A self-propelling device includes a drive unit and a toroid unit supported thereabout. The toroid unit includes a track structure of a toroid shape and a roller support sleeve inside the track structure. Three belt portions are provided in the track structure with high rigidity. The drive unit includes an inner sleeve for mounting on an introducer of an endoscope, and an outer sleeve supported around the inner sleeve. An inner surface of the roller support sleeve and an outer surface of the outer sleeve extend triangularly. Drive wheels are disposed upstream and downstream of respectively flat portions of the outer sleeve. Two follower rollers are disposed on respectively each of flat portions of the roller support sleeve. The drive wheels and follower rollers nip the belt portions of the track structure to move the track structure endlessly. | 02-13-2014 |
20140046134 | GUIDE SHEATH - Provided is a guide sheath that is maintained in a desired shape and at a desired position even after a dilator has been pulled out therefrom so that the guide sheath can guide an insertion section to an appropriate position. A cylindrical guide sheath that guides an insertion section of a medical device to be inserted into a body cavity includes a base-end opening that is provided at a base end of a guide sheath body and into which the insertion section is inserted; a distal-end opening that is provided at a distal end of the guide sheath body and from which the insertion section extends out; and a shape maintainer that extends in an axial direction at an inner surface of the guide sheath body and has photo-curable resin that is cured by light. | 02-13-2014 |
20140051928 | CANNULA ARRANGEMENT FOR MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY - An arrangement for surgery including a hub and a cannula assembly connected thereto. The cannula assembly defines a first fully enclosed chamber extending substantially along a length of the cannula assembly, with the first fully enclosed chamber being coextensive with a head central passage of the hub such that a first tool is configured to extend through the hub and the first fully enclosed chamber. The cannula assembly defining a second fully enclosed chamber that extends along only a portion of the length of the cannula assembly and spaced from the hub. The second fully enclosed chamber having an entrance and an exit being spaced from the hub for allowing a second surgical tool to extend through the second fully enclosed chamber without also passing through the hub or the first fully enclosed chamber. The first fully enclosed chamber and the second fully enclosed chamber being substantially parallel. | 02-20-2014 |
20140066713 | INSERTION DEVICE, ROTATING TUBULAR MEMBER, AND DRIVING UNIT - An insertion device includes a channel defining portion extended through an inside of an insertion section up to a base portion toward a distal direction and defining a channel that is open to an outside of the insertion section in an opening of an outer peripheral portion of the base portion, and a driving unit extended through an inside of the channel with a driving axis being an axial center and being rotatable in directions around the driving axis when driven. The insertion device includes a driving force receiving portion connected to a gear portion in the opening of the channel, and a support unit supporting the driving unit so that the driving axis is parallel to the longitudinal axis in the gear portion. | 03-06-2014 |
20140066714 | ENDOSCOPY SYSTEMS - Preparing an endoscope insertion assembly for performing endoscopy by providing the endoscope insertion assembly including an endoscope insertion tube operative for passage through a body cavity, and an optical assembly operative for inspection of said body cavity, and selectably inserting the optical assembly within said endoscope insertion tube. | 03-06-2014 |
20140081084 | SHARED BITE BLOCK - A shared bite block is disclosed which can be employed to simultaneously establish a viable airway for a patient, while providing surgical access to the esophagus of the patient. Structurally, the device includes a hollow, tubular shaped body portion that is formed as a sidewall with open ends. The sidewall surrounds an interior space and a partition extends across the interior space to divide the space and establish a hole and a guideway. A pair of extensions is each attached to the proximal end of the body portion and a flange is formed at the distal end of the body portion. In use, the patient bites down on the body portion between the extensions and the flange. An airway tube can then be inserted into the guideway of the body portion. Unobstructed surgical access into the esophagus is established through the hole of the body portion of the device. | 03-20-2014 |
20140094657 | CONDITION CHECKING DEVICE FOR ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope system includes an endoscope, having a tip device for entry in a body cavity, and a viewing window portion formed in the tip device. A sleeve-shaped condition checking device is disposed on a distal side in an axial direction, for resiliently deforming in a transverse direction crosswise to the axial direction when pushed on an inner wall of the body cavity, to enter a viewing area of the viewing window portion. Furthermore, a propulsion assembly constitutes the condition checking device, and exerts force of propulsion to the tip device, for assistance to entry in the body cavity. The condition checking device includes a resilient end ring, disposed distally of a support sleeve, covered by a propulsion assembly, and having a tapered wall of which a diameter decreases in the axial direction from the support sleeve. | 04-03-2014 |
20140094658 | GUIDE SHEATH AND MEDICAL SYSTEM - A guide sheath includes: an elongated member extending along a longitudinal axis; a manipulation wire extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated member so as to be capable of advancing and retracting; a bent section formed of a thermoplastic resin in a tubular shape and configured to be bent in accordance with advance or retraction of the manipulation wire; and a first hard section provided at a distal end surface of the bent section and formed by cross-linking the thermoplastic resin to which a distal end section of the manipulation wire is fixed. | 04-03-2014 |
20140107419 | ASSIST ASSEMBLY FOR PROPULSION OF ENDOSCOPE - An assist assembly for propulsion of a tip device of an endoscope in a body cavity includes an attachment sleeve and a support sleeve. A deformable circulation device is disposed to extend over inner and outer surfaces of the support sleeve, for endlessly moving in an axial direction of the tip device. Plural rollers are disposed on the support sleeve in a rotatable manner, for pressing an inner surface of the circulation device. An alignment projection is formed on the inner surface of the circulation device to project at a height L | 04-17-2014 |
20140107420 | TRACK-FORMING DEVICE - A track-forming device can form an insertion route (track) along which a treatment tool is easily inserted. The track-forming device includes: a plurality of track-forming segmented members that are arranged in the longitudinal direction with spaces therebetween; a soft wire that connects the plurality of track-forming segmented members; and a wire pulling section that brings the plurality of track-forming segmented members into contact with each other in the longitudinal direction. When the plurality of track-forming segmented members are brought into contact with each other by the wire pulling section, a predetermined track is formed. | 04-17-2014 |
20140114128 | APPLICATOR FOR AN ENDOSCOPE - A device for applying an attachment to an endoscope is disclosed. The device comprises an applicator supporting the attachment, an end of the attachment being accessible such that the endoscope is insertable into the attachment in a longitudinal direction. The attachment is removably secured to the applicator to enable the attachment to be withdrawn from the applicator together with the endoscope. | 04-24-2014 |
20140128676 | Non-Rebreathing Mask With Closeable Aperture and Auxilliary Flow Tube - A non-rebreathing oxygen mask for supplying a continuous flow of oxygen to a patient. The non-rebreathing oxygen mask includes a face mask portion for enclosing the mouth and nose of a patient, an oxygen reserve bag for receiving a supply of oxygen from an external source, and an intermediate oxygen entry port for regulating the flow of oxygen into the oxygen reserve bag from an external source. The mask further includes a closeable aperture through which an endoscope or larger sized medical instrument may be inserted, and an auxiliary tube for monitoring carbon dioxide exhalation by the patient. | 05-08-2014 |
20140128677 | Enema and Coloscopy Aide - A colonoscopy or enema aide is described which decreases friction or “rub” on the anus. Specifically, the colonoscope or enema tube is placed through the device which is then inserted into the rectum. The device prevents air from escaping. The device comprises a circular base and a conical section extending from the base to a tip through which the scope or tube is passed during use. | 05-08-2014 |
20140128678 | AMBIDEXTROUS ERGONOMIC FACE MASK - A face mask that may be used for bag-mask ventilation, during the induction of general anesthesia for example, and allows for two-handed or ambidextrous use. The face mask includes a dome connected to a deformable rim, which forms an enclosed air space when the rim is pressed against a patient's face. The dome has a connection port and a contoured outer surface adjacent the connection port. The contoured outer surface includes contour features such as a pair of crossed composite recesses which may each receive a different one of a user's thumbs. The connection port is aligned with the patient's mouth when the mask is in use and an adapter may be included that attaches to the connection port and provides a ventilation port as well as an intubation port that is aligned with the mouth. | 05-08-2014 |
20140135578 | INSERTION DEVICE AND ROTATING TUBULAR MEMBER - An insertion device includes a support member supporting a rotating tubular member between a base member and the rotating tubular member in diametrical directions and holding the rotating tubular member at a position where a rotation driving force is transmittable from a driving unit to an inner peripheral portion of the rotating tubular member connected to the driving unit. The insertion device includes a distal side ring member maintaining liquid-tightness between an outer peripheral portion of the base member and the inner peripheral portion of the rotating tubular member to a distal direction side of the driving unit placement cavity, and a proximal side ring member maintaining liquid-tightness between the outer peripheral portion of the base member and the inner peripheral portion of the rotating tubular member to a proximal direction side of the driving unit placement cavity. | 05-15-2014 |
20140155695 | CANNULOTOME - Systems and methods for treating spinal stenosis include endoscopic access devices and bone removal devices used to perform a foraminotomy or other bone removal procedures. A bone removal device includes a cannulotome with an endoscopic imaging lumen. Optionally, an endoscope retaining device can be used to facilitate advancement of the endoscope through the cannulotome. | 06-05-2014 |
20140171739 | Multi-Purpose Trocar with Lens Cleaner - An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a scope lens cleaning system disposed within a trocar shaft to allow the surgeon to clean the scope lens without losing orientation of the operative field. The lens cleaning system is configured to remove solid debris, liquid, and condensation from the scope lens. The cleaning system includes a first cleaning component configured to remove the solid debris from the scope lens. A second cleaning component is configured to remove the liquid and condensation from the scope lens. A third cleaning component wicks the solid debris and liquid away from the cleaning components and the scope lens and allows it to fall out the end of the trocar shaft. The cleaning system minimizes distraction during the surgical procedure to improve efficiency and safety. | 06-19-2014 |
20140187859 | ENDOLUMINAL INTRODUCER - An introducer for use during endoscopic procedures provides insufflation, washing, and aspiration functions, and provides for the protection of the endoluminal surface during laparoscopic examination of an anastomosis or suture line following low anterior resection of the bowel. The introducer may be designed for the insertion of an endoscope capable of white light and/or near infra-red fluorescence imaging into the rectum for analysis of an anastomosis following low anterior resection of the bowel. | 07-03-2014 |
20140187860 | GUIDABLE ENDOSCOPE - A guidable endoscope is described, which includes a rigid guiding part, a bending controllable part, a rigid endoscope body and a handle part. The rigid guiding part has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The bending controllable part has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end of the bending controllable part is directly connected to the second end of the rigid guiding part. The rigid endoscope body has a first end and a second end opposite to each other. The first end of the rigid endoscope body is directly connected to the second end of the bending controllable part, and the bending controllable part can be bent relative to the rigid guiding part or the rigid endoscope body. The handle part is connected to the second end of the rigid endoscope body. | 07-03-2014 |
20140194688 | CLOSED SUCTION SET INSERTABLE WITH BRONCHOSCOPE - A closed suction set insertable ( | 07-10-2014 |
20140194689 | FLUID SEAL FOR ENDOSCOPE - A seal is provided for effectively inhibiting the egress of fluids from the working channel of an endoscope when an elongate device having a region with a non-circular cross-sectional shape is disposed therein. The seal has a body portion with a proximal end adapted for insertion of the elongate device, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of the endoscope, and a wall defining a lumen adapted to receive the elongate device and to provide access to the working channel of the endoscope. The seal includes a sealing element for sealing the region of the elongate device with a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The sealing element conforms to the profile of the non-circular region. | 07-10-2014 |
20140206938 | ENDOSCOPE DEVICE - An endoscope device is provided. The endoscope device includes a housing connected to a manipulator, to be inserted into a human body, a replaceable tube detachably provided in the housing, and a guide tube fixedly passing through the housing, to allow the replaceable tube to be inserted thereinto. | 07-24-2014 |
20140221750 | ENDOSCOPE WITH GUIDE - An instrument for use with an endoscope may include an elongate section configured to move exterior to the endoscope. The elongate section may include a distal end and a proximal end. The instrument may also include an end effector attached to the distal end of the elongate section, and an actuation device attached to the proximal end of the elongate section. The actuation device may be configured to operate the end effector. The instrument may also include a guiding member coupled to the elongate section. The guiding member may be configured to be coupled to an external surface of the endoscope to permit the guiding member to move longitudinally relative to the endoscope. The guiding member may be coupled to the elongate section such that the end effector may extend past a distal end of the endoscope and move in a transverse direction independent of the movement of the distal end of the endoscope. | 08-07-2014 |
20140235946 | OPTICAL OBTURATOR VISUALIZATION SYSTEM - A visualization system includes an obturator assembly and an endoscope. The obturator assembly includes two body halves defining a longitudinal split line. Each of the two body halves includes a housing portion and an elongate member portion extending distally from the housing portion. The two body halves define a longitudinal bore extending between proximal and distal ends thereof. The endoscope is configured for insertion into the longitudinal bore of the obturator assembly, wherein at least a portion of the obturator assembly is transparent to permit visualization of tissue with the endoscope. | 08-21-2014 |
20140243598 | OPTICAL PROBE DELIVERY AND RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Optical probe delivery and retrieval systems and methods are disclosed. The optical probe includes a dissolvable capsule that contains micro-components that are substantially smaller than the size of the capsule. The capsule is allowed to dissolve in the stomach after imaging data is collected in the esophagus. Thus, only the optical fiber tether and the relatively small micro-components attached thereto need be retrieved. Delivery devices that facilitate comfortable delivery and retrieval of the optical probe are also disclosed. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243599 | SURGICAL TOOL INTRODUCER - A tool introducer is configured for introduction in an elongated body including a straight tube, wherein the tube encloses a tube lumen opened at its distal end with a tube opening. The tool introducer includes locking means to selectively lock or unlock an interchangeable surgical tool to the tube from displacing axially and/or rotationally in the tube lumen, the locking means being configured such that, at the locking, a tool connector of the tool projects towards the tube opening and is distanced therefrom by at least 3 cm. A method includes positioning the surgical tool introducer such that a distal portion thereof projects in a body cavity, manipulating and/or extending the tool introducer to reach and engage an elongated shaft introduced percutaneously into the body cavity; and inserting the elongated shaft into the tube lumen via the tube opening and connecting the tool to the elongated shaft. | 08-28-2014 |
20140243600 | OXYGEN MASK ADAPTABLE FOR UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL (UGI) ENDOSCOPY PROCEDURES PROVIDING ENHANCED OXYGEN CONCENTRATION TO MAINTAIN PATIENT OXYGENATION - An oxygen mask adaptable for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy procedures providing enhanced oxygen concentration to maintain patient oxygenation. An oxygen mask in accordance with the present invention provides an aperture of sufficient dimensions to enable substantially unimpeded placement and manipulation of an endoscope during an endoscopic procedure while an overlying closure is in an open position and yet may also be closed to cover the aperture when the procedure is not being performed. | 08-28-2014 |
20140249370 | System and Method for Cleaning a Cannula during a Surgical Procedure - Cannula and scope cleaning apparatus and associated methods of use are provided which allow for the clearing/cleaning of a cannula and cleaning of a viewing scope during a medical procedure, wherein the apparatus can be configured such that the viewing scope need not be removed from within the cannula in order for debris and/or fogging to be removed from a lens portion of the scope. In particular embodiments, the cannula and scope cleaning apparatus can be deformable, having an adjustable lumen therein such that when the apparatus can be disposed within a cannula, viewing scopes having various outside diameter sizes can be slidably introduced and stabilized within a cannula. | 09-04-2014 |
20140249371 | OPTICAL TROCAR SYSTEM - An optical trocar system that includes an elongated obturator member having a first diameter. The elongated obturator member has a distal region, the distal region having a first diameter section having a diameter that is substantially equal to the first diameter of the elongated obturator member. The elongated obturator member has a second diameter section having a diameter that is less than the first diameter. The optical trocar system also includes an optical member attached to the distal region of the elongated obturator member such that the optical member encapsulates the second diameter section of the elongated obturator member and at least a portion of the first diameter section. A longitudinal bore through the elongated tubular obturator member is configured to receive an endoscope. | 09-04-2014 |
20140275784 | CONSCIOUS SEDATION AIRWAY - A conscious sedation airway, CSA, useable during conscious or unconscious sedation. The CSA includes an elongate body with an anterior flange depending therefrom. The body includes a central portion with superior and inferior plates extending a distance beyond a distal end of the body in an inferiorly curved arrangement. A midline opening and two lateral openings extend through the length of the central portion and are configured to receive apparatus, like endoscopes, cannula, and catheters. The superior and inferior plates aid to maintain a position of the tongue and to guide apparatus inserted through the midline opening toward the posterior oropharynx. The anterior flange prevents swallowing the CSA. The body does not extend into the pharynx to enable use in conscious patients and/or those with intact gag reflexes. And a nasopharyngeal airway can be placed without removing the CSA to allow bag ventilation of the patient. | 09-18-2014 |
20140303440 | INSERTION ASSIST DEVICE, INSERTION BODY, AND INSERTION APPARATUS - An insertion assist device in an insertion apparatus, the insertion assist device provided outside an insertion body including a first flexible tube, a second flexible tube different from the first flexible tube, and a base including a small-diameter portion coupled to the first flexible tube and a large-diameter portion coupled to the second flexible tube and being larger in diameter than the small-diameter portion and in which a rotation force transmission portion disposed and rotated when rotation force of the rotation force transmission unit is transmitted to the rotation force transmission portion, includes: an inner cylindrical body meshing with the rotation force transmission portion and rotatable around the base while the rotation force transmission portion is disposed in the base; and a tube supporting the inner cylindrical body and configured to cover at least part of the first flexible tube while the inner cylindrical body is in mesh with the rotation force transmission portion. | 10-09-2014 |
20140316200 | OPTICAL TROCAR ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEM - An optical trocar assembly has an elongated tubular member for receiving an endoscope which defines a longitudinal axis and has an open proximal end and a closed, optically clear distal end which is adapted for penetrating body tissue. The optical trocar assembly has a handle releasably connected to the elongated tubular member and which defines a passage which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis and which has a distal portion and proximal portion. The distal portion receives the open proximal end and the proximal portion defines a tapering opening. A locking collet is positioned within the tapering opening having a through bore which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis and the tapering external surface. One of the tapering opening and the tapering external surface has a helical rib and the other of the tapering opening and the tapering external surface defines a helical recess engaging the helical rib | 10-23-2014 |
20140316201 | INSERTION APPARATUS - An insertion apparatus includes a first drive control section controlling a drive state of a drive member in such a manner that a rotary unit rotates toward a first periaxial direction with a first rotation amount during a reference time. The insertion apparatus includes a second drive control section controlling the drive state of the drive member in such a manner that the rotary unit rotates toward a second periaxial direction with a second rotation amount smaller than the first rotation amount during the reference time. | 10-23-2014 |
20140323805 | ROTATION UNIT, INSERTION APPARATUS, INSERTION BODY, AND INSERTION SYSTEM - A cylindrical rotation unit attachable to an elongated insertion unit which includes a base in which a central axis is defined, and a rotation member provided on an outer circumference of the base movably in an axial direction of the central axis relative to the base and rotatably around the central axis in response to the rotation of a rotation force transmission portion which is rotatable around a longitudinal axis parallel with the central axis of the base includes: an engagement portion attachable to and detachable from an outer circumferential surface of the base; and a contact portion which is provided to contact on the rotation member away from the engagement portion and which disposes the rotation member on an outer circumference of the rotation force transmission portion while the engagement portion is engaged with the outer circumferential surface of the base. | 10-30-2014 |
20140330079 | LIVING BODY INTRODUCTION APPARATUS - In a living body introduction apparatus, an inner rotating cylinder is covered with a stretchable cover having an inner circumferential length shorter than an outer circumferential length of the inner rotating cylinder. A portion of the cover pushed out in a protruding form by a roller disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the inner rotating cylinder enters a circular groove formed inside an outer rotating cylinder. Rotation of the inner rotating cylinder circularly moves the protruding portion on the outer circumferential surface. The protruding cover portion pushes the circular groove to rotate the outer rotating cylinder. | 11-06-2014 |
20140343360 | RAPID LAPAROSCOPY EXCHANGE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF - A system for positioning an interchangeable tool in a body cavity includes a channel having a lumen in direct communication with the body cavity; a tool introducer having a longitudinal axis and a distal end, the tool introducer capable of traveling through the channel lumen; and a tool holder covering at least a portion of the interchangeable tool that is pivotally connected to the tool introducer allowing angular positioning of the interchangeable tool after the tool holder emerges from the channel into the body cavity. A method for engaging an interchangeable tool with a distal portion of a tool manipulator in a body cavity includes inserting a tool introducer into a channel, orienting the distal portion of the tool manipulator in the body cavity; emerging the interchangeable tool from the channel into the body cavity; and positioning the interchangeable tool eccentrically to the lumen of the channel. | 11-20-2014 |
20140350339 | ATRAUMATIC ARTHROSCOPIC INSTRUMENT SHEATH - An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while providing fluid management during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope thereby creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site. | 11-27-2014 |
20140371531 | ATRAUMATIC ARTHROSCOPIC INSTRUMENT SHEATH AND METHOD - A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument. | 12-18-2014 |
20140371532 | NESTED CANNULAS WITH GUIDED TOOLS - A medical instrument includes a guide ( | 12-18-2014 |
20140378765 | Triangulation Mechanism for a Minimally Invasive Surgical Device - A surgical device including a seal anchor that includes leading and trailing portions. A plurality of ports longitudinally extends between the leading and trailing portions. The ports are adapted and configured to receive surgical objects therein. At least one of the surgical objects is a viewing instrument including a viewing portion. During a surgical procedure, surgical objects inserted in the other ports are selectively positionable with respect to the viewing instrument. | 12-25-2014 |
20150011826 | MEDICO-SURGICAL ASSEMBLIES - A video bougie | 01-08-2015 |
20150011827 | MEDICAL TREATMENT INSTRUMENT - A medical treatment instrument includes an insertion tube configured to be inserted into a body of a patient; an image information acquisition device configured to be inserted in a withdrawable manner in the insertion tube; and a first conveyance path configured such that an object is conveyable into the insertion tube via the first conveyance path, the first conveyance path being located at an intermediate portion of the insertion tube so as to communicate with the insertion tube. The medical treatment instrument is configured such that the image information acquisition device is retractable to a retracted position proximal of the conveyance path when the object to be conveyed is conveyed through the insertion tube via the conveyance path. | 01-08-2015 |
20150025317 | SCENTED AND FLAVORED ORAL AIRWAYS - An oral airway includes a first component having a first guiding surface and a second component having a second guiding surface. The first component and the second component are adapted to be removably coupled together such that the first guiding surface and the second guiding surface collectively define and encompass an interior passage through the oral airway that is dimensioned to direct, for example, a fiber-optic scope or an endotracheal tube extending through the interior passage for tracheal intubation. The first and second components are configured to be decoupled and independently removed from a patient's mouth without disrupting an endotracheal tube that has been extended through the conduit for tracheal intubation. The first and second components may be maintained in coupled disposition by an interlocking mechanical structure. The first and second components also may be maintained in coupled disposition by magnetism. | 01-22-2015 |
20150031952 | Flexible/Rigid sheath guiding mechanism and integrated all-around adjustable flexible/rigid endoscope thereof - A flexible or rigid sheath guiding mechanism, comprises: a splitter ( | 01-29-2015 |
20150057499 | MINIATURIZED SCANNING SYSTEM - A miniaturized scanning system to generate movement of a flexible device positioned at a distal part of a medical tool. The miniaturized scanning system includes an inner shaft with a longitudinal axis, adapted to guide said flexible device along the longitudinal axis, an abutment comprising an external surface and adapted to maintain said device, and a pusher mechanism adapted to engage with said abutment. The miniaturized scanning system includes at least one end portion adapted to contact said external surface of the abutment at a contact point, wherein said end portion is configured to translate along said longitudinal axis of the inner shaft and wherein the translation of said end portion results in a bending of the device in a bending plane defined by the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft and said contact point. | 02-26-2015 |
20150073214 | ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM HAVING CONNECTOR - An endoscope system includes an endoscope and a cleaning adapter or connector. The endoscope has a port device or end sleeve, to which the cleaning adapter is coupled. The cleaning adapter includes a connector housing and a coupling sleeve, which has a male tapered portion. The connector housing includes a female thread (fastening device) and a guide surface. The port device includes a flange and a male thread. The guide surface guides the port device by contacting the flange. Thus, a male tapered surface or tapered sealing surface is axially aligned with a female tapered surface or tapered bore surface. The male tapered surface tightly contacts the female tapered surface by threaded engagement between the male and female threads. Accordingly, air-tightness or liquid-tightness can be ensured even in use of a plurality of connectors couplable selectively for connecting a related apparatus. | 03-12-2015 |
20150073215 | ENDOSCOPE OVERTUBE - Disclosed is an endoscope overtube such that friction during turning can be reduced. The endoscope overtube of the present invention has a first insertion passage into which an endoscope can be inserted, and has a second insertion passage into which a treatment instrument can be inserted, in a wall constituting the first insertion passage, wherein the second insertion passage has, on a side face thereof, an opening which passes through a surface of the overtube. | 03-12-2015 |
20150080656 | ANOSCOPE - An anoscope kit includes an anoscope having a plurality of spaced apart fingers having free ends and a dilator removably positionable within the anoscope to aid insertion of the anoscope. The dilator has a proximal region, an intermediate region and a distal region. The distal region includes an enlarged distal head. A ramped surface extends from the enlarged distal head toward the intermediate region. The intermediate region has an outer surface to contact the fingers of the dilator. | 03-19-2015 |
20150087906 | ATRAUMATIC ARTHROSCOPIC INSTRUMENT SHEATH - A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument. The distal tip of the sheath may comprise a dissimilar material of a higher modulus of elasticity than the material comprising the remainder of the tube. | 03-26-2015 |
20150094535 | ROTARY SELF-ADVANCING ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM, PROGRAM, AND METHOD FOR DRIVING ROTARY SELF-ADVANCING ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM - A rotary self-advancing endoscope system which produces propulsion by rotating, with a motor, a rotating cylindrical body provided on an outer periphery side of an insertion portion main body and causes the insertion portion main body to move forward into an examinee's body, wherein the system is configured to periodically repeating a combination of a state in which the rotating cylindrical body forward-rotates at a predetermined RPM and a state in which the rotating cylindrical body is stopped from rotating and releases accumulated elastic energy and, when a drive current to the motor has reached a predetermined threshold value, reverse-rotate the motor. | 04-02-2015 |
20150099930 | Ureteral Access Sheath - In one embodiment, an access sheath includes a sheath assembly including sheath tubing, the sheath tubing having a main lumen and a secondary lumen that extends along the length of the main lumen. The main lumen has a first cross-sectional area, a first length, and a distal end outlet. The secondary lumen has a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area, a second length less than the first length, and a distal end outlet terminating proximal of the main lumen distal outlet. | 04-09-2015 |
20150119645 | CONTROLLED PRESSURE ENDOSCOPIC AND PERCUTANEOUS SURGERY - The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling pressure during percutaneous and endoscopic surgeries, including percutaneous renal procedures, endoscopic uterine procedures, transurethral endoscopic procedures for the bladder or prostate, or any percutaneous or endoscopic procedure. The system can include a sheath and/or endoscope each having an inflow port providing access to an inflow channel extending from the inflow port to a distal portion of the sheath, and an outflow port providing access to an outflow channel extending from the outflow port to the distal portion of the sheath. The sheath can also include a pressure sensor configured to generate a pressure measurement, and an electronic processor configured to control fluid through at least one of the inflow port and the outflow port based on the pressure measurement. | 04-30-2015 |
20150133731 | BIOLOGICAL NAVIGATION DEVICE - Biological navigation devices and methods are disclosed. The devices can be used as or to support colonoscopies or endoscopes. The devices can have one or more releasable, and/or everting, and/or pressurized tubes. The devices can be removably attached to elongated elements, such as colonoscopes or other endoscopes. | 05-14-2015 |
20150148606 | ENDOSCOPIC SLEEVE - An endoscopic sleeve includes a tubular member from which spaced projecting elements. The projecting elements are bendable towards both proximal and distal directions of the tubular member. The force (insertion force) required to bend the projecting elements towards the proximal direction is less than a force (extraction force) required to bend the projecting elements towards the distal direction. An outer periphery of the projecting elements decreases as the extraction force increases. | 05-28-2015 |
20150148607 | DRIVING FORCE TRANSMITTING UNIT, INSERTION INSTRUMENT, ROTARY UNIT, INSERTION BODY ASSEMBLY, AND INSERTION DEVICE - A driving force transmitting unit includes a line portion extending along a driving axis in a channel, and a slider portion attached to a proximal portion of the line portion and movable relative to the line portion along the driving axis. The driving force transmitting unit includes an urging portion contracting in response to a movement of the slider portion relative to the line portion toward a distal direction and thereby applying an urging force toward the distal direction to the line portion. | 05-28-2015 |
20150289753 | GUIDE TUBE, GUIDE DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR USING GUIDE DEVICE - A guide tube according to the present invention has an initial form designed in advance according to a shape of an internal space. When an external force is applied, the guide tube deforms from the initial form to another form. When the applied external force is removed, the guide tube returns to the initial form. The guide tube includes a first end portion. The first end portion is preferably closed. | 10-15-2015 |
20150297064 | ENDOSCOPE GUIDE TUBE - Described herein are endoscopic guide tube devices, systems and methods for using the guide tubes to facilitate insertion of an endoscope into a body cavity. The device may include a pressurization chamber having a nozzle, an everting tube mounted within the pressurization chamber, and a valve located at or proximate the distal end of the everting tube. The valve can be configured to open when the everting tube is fully deployed. A tether can be attached to the distal end of the everting tube to restrain the everting tube from fully deploying until a release mechanism is engaged. The valve can be formed from two sheets that are adjacent to each other and/or can include a viscous gel. | 10-22-2015 |
20150342686 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR MICROACCESS TRANSESOPHAGEAL SURGERY - Provided are minimally invasive approaches to perform translumenal surgery, including transesophageal surgery. In some embodiments, barrier devices and methodologies are provided to manage translumenal access to internal anatomy and surrounding structures to perform a body of surgical procedures (e.g., orthopedic, and neurosurgical procedures in the mediastinum, cervical, and thoracic cavities). In one embodiment, a translumenal barrier is used to demarcate a surgical access point within a patient's lumen (e.g., esophagus). In one example, the barrier is constructed of an elastic material (e.g., rubber) that includes a pre-defined opening biased to remain closed. The barrier covers a portion of the patient's lumen and manages access to the lumen at the pre-defined opening. In one example, surgical devices can be configured to deform the barrier to enter the pre-defined opening, and upon removal, the barrier returns to a closed position covering the body lumen and closing any opening the lumen. | 12-03-2015 |
20150374211 | Variably Flexible Insertion Device and Method for Variably Flexing an Insertion Device - A torque-transmitting, variably-flexible device, comprising a hollow body having a proximal end, a distal end and a given length, a torque-transmitting element that extends substantially entirely over the given length of the hollow body, a steering element that steers the distal end of the hollow body, the steering element being comprised of steering tendons disposed within the hollow body, and stiffening tendons disposed within the hollow body to selectively maintain the hollow body in a relatively stiff condition, wherein the stiffening tendons are unassociated with the steering element of the device. | 12-31-2015 |
20160038015 | ANOSCOPE - An anoscope kit includes an anoscope having a plurality of spaced apart fingers having free ends and a dilator removably positionable within the anoscope to aid insertion of the anoscope. The dilator has a proximal region, an intermediate region and a distal region. The distal region includes an enlarged distal head. A ramped surface extends from the enlarged distal head toward the intermediate region. The intermediate region has an outer surface to contact the fingers of the dilator. | 02-11-2016 |
20160038018 | MERGED TROCAR-OBTURATOR DEVICE FOR OPTICAL-ENTRY IN MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY - The present invention provide for improved optical entry systems and methods for minimally invasive surgery. According to some aspects of the disclosure, an obturator and trocar are merged to provide a device that can be used with an integrated visualization means (e.g. laparoscope) to provide optical entry into a patient's body cavity. Further, a reconfigurable tip is configured to be in an entry state and a visualization state. Said aspects and associated method steps can significantly reduce the complexity of the entry process and do not require removal and reinsertion of surgical instruments which eliminates the need for valves in the trocar and reduces the possibility of contamination of the visualization means' objective lens. | 02-11-2016 |
20160051280 | SURGICAL DEVICE, OUTER TUBE, ENDOSCOPE, AND TREATMENT TOOL - A surgical device, an outer tube, an endoscope and a treatment tool that have a simple configuration and excellent operability are provided. The outer tube includes a slider in an outer tube body. When the endoscope and the treatment tool are inserted into the outer tube, the endoscope and treatment tool are held by an endoscope holding part and a treatment tool holding part each being provided in the slider, and are combined into a single unit. Consequently, when the treatment tool is moved in the axial direction, the endoscope is moved in the axial direction in interlock with the movement. The outer tube is configured such that the inner diameter of the opening type hermetic valve part for the endoscope that is provided at a valve member is smaller than the inner diameter of the elastic member that is provided for causing the endoscope holding part to hold the endoscope. | 02-25-2016 |
20160095502 | BRONCHOSCOPIC SHEATH FOR MEASURING OR SPACING - A bronchoscopic sheath adapted to be fit over the outside surface of the proximal portion of a bronchoscope to assist with measuring or spacing of treatment. The measurement or spacing sheath is preferably made of braided polymer filament and is configured to collapse under tension and open/expand when the ends of the sheath are pushed towards one-another. Markings are provided on the sheath at regular intervals to reflect distance. The markings may be woven into the braid, or printed on the exterior of the braid. The proximal end of the sheath may be flared and the distal end may be tapered. Each end may be provided with a cuff that may be part of the braid, or a separate elastomeric material, or a thermally sealed edge with atraumatic tip. | 04-07-2016 |
20160100743 | SPIRAL UNIT, INSERTION APPARATUS, AND MANUFACTURING METHOD OF SPIRAL UNIT - A spiral unit includes a base tube extended along a longitudinal axis and made of a first thermoplastic resin, and a fin disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the base tube along a fin axis spirally extended around the longitudinal axis and made of a second thermoplastic resin. The fin includes a strip portion provided in a state of being bonded to the outer peripheral surface of the base tube and spirally extended along the fin axis. The second resin being mixed with a magnetic material in the strip portion. | 04-14-2016 |
20160100744 | SPIRAL UNIT AND INTRODUCTION APPARATUS - A spiral unit into which an insertion section of an introduction apparatus having a longitudinal axis is to be inserted, and is rotatable to the insertion section in a state of being disposed on the insertion section, includes a regulator which is removably arranged in a tubular section, holds a state of expanding an inner diameter of the tubular section to regulate reduction of the inner diameter of the tubular section. | 04-14-2016 |
20160135661 | SPIRAL CAP, CAP UNIT, SPIRAL UNIT, AND INTRODUCING DEVICE - A spiral cap includes: a cap body with one end portion fitted to one end of a tube body which is rotatably attached to an insertion section of an introducing device; and a fin connector provided on the cap body and formed on a side closer to the other end of the tube body than the end of the cap body which is fitted to the one end of the tube body, the fin connector being connected to an end portion of a main fin portion which is provided on an outer surface of the tube body in a spiral shape about a longitudinal axis of the tube body. | 05-19-2016 |
20160143513 | ENDOSCOPE GUIDE TUBE AND ENDOSCOPE - An endoscope guide tube includes a tube member including a live part, the tube member being constructed by including a tube body that makes up an outer layer and a braid that braids, into a tubular form, wound metal members and insulating members wound in a direction opposite to a winding direction of the metal members, a connection member provided with a first contact connecting ends of the metal members and a second contact connecting ends of the metal members, at least one of a first contact side conduction detection section that detects that the live part contacts the metal members and a second contact side conduction detection section, and a signal output section that outputs a notification signal to a notification section. | 05-26-2016 |
20160150945 | INSERTING DEVICE | 06-02-2016 |
20160174820 | ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL DEVICE AND OUTER SLEEVE | 06-23-2016 |
20160175004 | ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL DEVICE AND OUTER SLEEVE | 06-23-2016 |
20160175005 | ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL DEVICE AND OUTER SLEEVE | 06-23-2016 |
20160175006 | ENDOSCOPIC SURGICAL DEVICE AND OUTER SLEEVE | 06-23-2016 |
20160183975 | FIRST-ENTRY TROCAR SYSTEM - A surgical access system comprises a trocar, an insufflating optical obturator slidably insertable into the trocar, and a laparoscope slidably insertable into the obturator. A distal end of the obturator comprises a tip, at least a portion of which comprises a wall with a generally uniform thickness comprising a transparent material. At least one vent hole disposed at the obturator tip is fluidly connected to a gas flow channel defined by an interior surface of the obturator and the laparoscope, which is fluidly connected to an insufflation gas inlet disposed at a proximal end of the trocar. Improved optical characteristics of the trocar system permit precise and accurate visual placement thereof into a body cavity. Accordingly the access system is suitable as a first entry surgical access system. Embodiments of the trocar access are also useful for drug delivery, and/or for fluid and/or tissue aspiration. | 06-30-2016 |
20160192828 | RETRACTOR CANNULA AND METHOD OF USE | 07-07-2016 |
20160249791 | DEVICE FOR TRANSMITTING A DEFLECTION MOVEMENT, ENDOSCOPE BENDING CONTROL UNIT, AND ENDOSCOPE | 09-01-2016 |
20160249796 | TREATMENT METHOD | 09-01-2016 |
20160374659 | INTERVERTEBRAL DISTRACTING PORTAL - A distracting portal device for use between two adjacent vertebrae during an intervertebral surgical procedure. The distracting portal device is a three-dimensional object having a two-dimensional cross-section extended into a third dimension, where the cross-section has a shape which defines one or two portal openings. Each portal opening creates a space between the vertebrae into which a surgeon has clear access to perform the surgical procedure, such as a discectomy. Opposing top and bottom surfaces of the portal device are configured for contact with and distraction of the two adjacent vertebrae. The portal device is selected from a family having a single portal opening and having a cross-section resembling one of the letters “C”, “O” or “U”, or a family having two portal openings and having a cross-section resembling one of the letters “H” or “I”. | 12-29-2016 |
20170231481 | INSERTION DEVICE ASSEMBLY FOR NASAL SINUSES | 08-17-2017 |