| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20090156900 | EXTENDED SPECTRAL SENSITIVITY ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A method according to an embodiment of the invention includes inserting an endoscope at least partially into a body lumen. At least a portion of the body lumen is illuminated at a first wavelength. The portion of the body lumen is illuminated at a second wavelength different than the first wavelength. A characteristic of an area of interest when the portion of the body lumen is illuminated at the first wavelength is compared with the characteristic of the area of interest when the portion of the body lumen is illuminated at the second wavelength. A medical device or treatment parameter is selected to treat the area of interest based on the comparing. In some embodiments, the body lumen is a ureter. In such an embodiment, a composition of a kidney stone within the ureter can be identified. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090237498 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF IMAGES GENERATED BY FIBEROPTIC IMAGING BUNDLES - A method according to an embodiment of the invention includes receiving a first optical image from an endoscope having a plurality of imaging fibers. A spatial frequency is identified that is associated with the plurality of imaging fibers. A second optical image is received from the endoscope. The spatial frequency is filtered from the second optical image. A method according to another embodiment includes producing an optical image of at least a portion of a body lumen using a fiberscope. The optical image is transmitted to a video camera coupled to the fiberscope. A honeycomb pattern associated with a fiber bundle of the fiberscope is removed from the optical image. In some embodiments, the honeycomb pattern can be removed in substantially real time. In some embodiments, prior to producing the optical image, a calibration cap is coupled to the fiberscope and used in a calibration process. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20100121147 | STEERING MECHANISM - A steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a elongate housing and an actuation system. The elongate housing is adapted to be coupled to the steerable portion of the medical device. The actuation system includes an actuator, a first cam, and a second cam. The actuator can move the first cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along a first axis (or about a second axis different than the first axis). Movement of the first cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a first plane. The actuator can move the second cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along the second axis (or about the first axis). Movement of the second cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a second plane different than the first plane. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100121161 | Ambulatory Urodynamics - An ambulatory urodynamic data gathering system includes one or more sensors disposed in the gastrointestinal tract, a sensor disposed in the bladder, a sensor disposed at the entrance to the urethra, and a data recorder worn by the patient that is disposed around the patient's waist. The sensors transmit data to the recorder unit, which stores the received data for subsequent analysis. The recorder unit also activates the various sensors as necessary to obtain information at certain predetermined intervals to limit battery usage. The recorder unit can also interrogate the various sensors to obtain the information. In one exemplary embodiment, the ambulatory urodynamic data gathering system includes a method and device for simultaneously recording radio transmitted pressure measurements from a swallowed self-contained capsule (pressure monitor, signal processing, transmitter, power source or coupling antenna), and a self-contained unit placed in the bladder, for the purpose of deriving urodynamic information. The system of the present invention enables collection of pressure wave information above the waist of the patient so that a doctor can subsequently analyze the data to determine where the problem may lie. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100286475 | ENDOSCOPE WITH DISTAL TIP HAVING ENCASED OPTICAL COMPONENTS AND DISPLAY ORIENTATION CAPABILITIES - An apparatus according to one embodiment includes an endoscope tip including a housing that is monolithically formed of a transparent material. At least one optical component is at least partially encased within the housing. The optical component can be, for example, a light source, a fiber optic, an imaging sensor, a lens, a reflector or a light shield. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes an endoscope having a distal end portion that includes a housing. The housing is monolithically formed with a transparent material and a light source is at least partially encased within the housing. The housing also includes a micro-defects portion within the transparent material of the housing. The micro-defects portion is configured to provide a selected output shape of a beam of light produced by the light source. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20110028987 | Medical retrieval device with frangible basket - The invention relates to a medical retrieval device with a basket that has at least one leg that is frangible (i.e., easily breakable) and/or able to dissociate from at least one other leg upon the application of a predetermined force to the basket. The invention allows an operator to release captured material (e.g., a stone) from the basket when the device is still inserted in the body. In an embodiment, the basket legs associate by a magnetic interaction that can be overcome by applying a predetermined force to the basket. In another embodiment, at least a portion of at least one basket leg is made from, or coated with, a substance that is adhesive or that joins at least two legs together when the substance is solid but which melts, dissolves or weakens upon the application of an electrical, thermal or chemical change. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a basket with at least two legs that are joined together by a joining member that can break, or from which one or more legs can dissociate, upon the application of a predetermined force. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a basket with at least two legs that are joined together by a joining member by means of at least one shear pin that can break upon the application of a predetermined force. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110106055 | FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPE WITH MODIFIABLE STIFFNESS - An apparatus includes a flexible elongate member that defines a lumen and is configured to be inserted within a body passageway of a patient. The flexible elongate member includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a medial portion disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The distal portion is movable between a substantially linear configuration and a curved configuration. A stiffening member is coupled to the flexible elongate member. The stiffening member is movable to a selected location along a length of the flexible elongate member to provide modified flexibility to the selected location of the flexible elongate member. The stiffening member may include a first portion and a second portion, the first portion having a first stiffness and the second portion having a second stiffness different than the first stiffness. The stiffening member may be disposed within a lumen or at an exterior portion of the flexible elongate member. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110160539 | EXPANDABLE MEMBER DISSECTION PORT - Embodiments of the invention include a device to provide working access to a surgical site in a patient. The device may include a port component including an elongate member configured to pass through an opening in the patient. The elongate member may include a bore extending between a distal end and a proximal end of the elongate member. The port component may also include an expandable member disposed on the elongate member that may perform dissection and may form a seal to maintain insufflation pressure in a working space. The device may also include an insert component configured to be removably received inside the bore in the elongate member of the port component. The insert component may include at least one lumen that may removably receive at least one working instrument. | 06-30-2011 |
