368 results about "Flexible endoscope" patented technology

The present invention is directed to a full-thickness resection system comprising a flexible endoscope and a stapling mechanism, wherein the endoscope is slidably received through at least a portion of the stapling mechanism. The stapling mechanism includes an anvil and a stapling head mounted to the anvil so that the anvil and the stapling head are moveable with respect to one another. A position adjusting mechanism is provided for moving the anvil and the stapling head relative to one another.An integrated surgical retainer for use in the full thickness resectioning device is described. The integrated surgical staple retainer comprises a calibrating portion, a retaining portion, and a grasping portion. The calibrating portion defines a circular opening which has a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of a working channel of the full thickness resectioning device. The retaining portion has a lower surface adapted to limit movement of the surgical staples in the full thickness resectioning device and is adjacent to the calibrating portion of the integrated surgical staple retainer.

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

An apparatus for performing endoluminal anastomosis of an organ comprises an operative head including an endoscope receiving lumen for slidably receiving a flexible endoscope therein, the operative head including an annular tissue receiving space extending around a circumference of a distal end thereof and a stapling mechanism for firing staples around an entire circumference of the tissue receiving space and a tissue gripping mechanism for drawing into the tissue receiving space a portion of tissue extending around an entire circumference of the organ.

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

An endoscopic capsule adapted for selective attachment to the distal end portion of an endoscopic device. The capsule is designed for insertion with an interconnected endoscopic device into a patient body to provide an open space in front of the distal end of the endoscopic device. The capsule facilitates the performance of endoscopic procedures providing a space in which to manipulate medical instruments within the patient body as well as improving a surgeon's field of vision within the patient body. In one embodiment, the capsule includes a housing having an internal chamber and two apertures. A first aperture is interconnectable to the end of an endoscopic device and provides operative access to endoscopic instruments contained therein. One or more of these endoscopic devices are advanceable into the internal cavity for selectively engaging patient tissue disposed relative to the second aperture.

Various embodiments for providing removable, pluggable and disposable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various rigid, flexible or expandable single use medical or industrial devices with an access channel, can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and / or image capture devices, and airtight means for suction and delivery within the device. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for 2D and 3D imaging, or for certain diagnostic purposes.

A flexible endoscope for ophthalmic orbital surgery includes a flexible probe housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The endoscope also includes an image fiber disposed in the lumen that communicates image information from the distal end of the flexible probe, a purge fluid / gas port disposed at the proximal end of the flexible probe that accepts purge fluid / gas and a purge fluid / gas conduit disposed in the lumen and in fluid communication with the purge fluid / gas port. The fluid / gas conduit delivers purge fluid / gas to the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope also includes an access conduit disposed in the lumen that receives one of an ablation instrument, a coagulating instrument and a medication delivery instrument.

Various embodiments for providing removable, pluggable and disposable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and / or image capture devices. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or other conditioning purpose. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged onto the exterior surface of another medical device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.

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.

A novel approach to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the peritoneal cavity is described. More specifically, a technique for accessing the peritoneal cavity via the wall of the digestive tract is provided so that examination of and / or a surgical procedure in the peritoneal cavity can be conducted via the wall of the digestive tract with the use of a flexible endoscope. As presently proposed, the technique is particularly adapted to transgastric peritoneoscopy. However, access in addition or in the alternative through the intestinal wall is contemplated and described as well. Transgastric and / or transintestinal peritoneoscopy will have an excellent cosmetic result as there are no incisions in the abdominal wall and no potential for visible post-surgical scars or hernias.

The present invention generally provides methods and devices for approximating tissue. The methods and devices utilize a device for applying an implantable tissue fastener and a variety of implantable tissue fasteners. The tissue-fastening device can be delivered endoscopically and can be adapted to function along side or in conjunction with a flexible endoscope. In general, the device can include a flexible shaft having an implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a distal end thereof and a handle for operating the implantable tissue fastener applier disposed at a proximal end thereof. A variety of implantable tissue fasteners can be used with the tissue fastener applier device including single and multi-anchor embodiments.

The present invention is a method for accessing the abdominal cavity of a patient in order to perform a medical procedure therein. The method can include the steps of introducing a medical device into the body cavity; providing a percutaneous incision to access the body cavity; and steering the medical device through the percutaneous incision. In one embodiment, a hollow steering element is advanced through the incision to guide a flexible endoscope postioned in the abdominal cavity.

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.

An endoscopic ablation system is provided for use with a flexible endoscope for the ablative treatment of diseased tissue on the interior lining a body lumen. The endoscopic ablation system includes a support member for supporting at least two electrodes that are electrically connected to a RF generator. The electrodes have a shape, size, and spacing that provide ablation between the electrodes, while minimizing ablation of tissue directly underneath the electrodes. The endoscopic ablation system can also include a sheath that fits over a flexible endoscope. A flexible coupling can join the support member to the sheath to facilitate intubation. The support member can include a side opening, and the sheath can include a seal, so that the aspiration means of the endoscope may be used to evacuate the air from inside the body lumen and pull the tissue to be treated into intimate contact with the electrodes.

The invention is directed to a method and an arrangement for high-resolution microscopic imaging in laser endoscopy based on laser-induced object reaction radiation and for performing microscopic cuts in biological tissue. In using multiphoton processes for endoscopic applications in biological materials with an accuracy of under one millimeter, radiation of a pulsed femtosecond laser is focused into an object by means of a transmission focusing optics unit comprising a transmission system and miniature focusing optics having a high numerical aperture greater than 0.55 to trigger a local object reaction radiation in the micrometer to nanometer range, and the distal end of the transmission focusing optics unit is moved in at least two dimensions for highly spatially resolved scanning of the object and for transmitting object reaction radiation which is scanned in a locally progressive manner to an image-generating system with a photon detector. In an other embodiment the femtosecond laser radiation is energy enhanced is applied to the same transmission focusing optics unit to perform microendoscopic surgery in biological tissue.

This present invention relates to a fluorescence endoscope apparatus, developed for diagnosing various illnesses within a body, especially for diagnosing a tumor inflamed region; and an application method of the same. The purpose of this invention is to enhance the accuracy of the examination. The fluorescence light endoscope apparatus in accordance with the present invention is comprised of an endoscope probe; a multiple light source that provides illumination light or excitation light of short wavelength onto a diagnostic region; a color CCD camera and a high sensitive monochromatic CCD camera placed on the back of an endoscope ocular lens; a reference test sample; a computer; and a monitor. The method of the present invention embodies a preliminary correction of the fluorescence endoscope apparatus of the present invention in accordance with the reference test sample; a general endoscopy using the illumination light, and an image observation and examination of the same diagnostic region using the fluorescence light and the reflected excitation light simultaneously; an auto-correction of brightness and unevenness of the fluorescence light images of the diagnostic region according to the reference test sample data; an evaluation of the brightness of the fluorescence light in the diagnosis region; storing numerical data that characterizing images and brightness of the fluorescence light in the diagnosis region; and storing image collected via two cameras as digital video clips.

Various embodiments for providing solid state illumination in conjunction with wavelength multiplexing imaging schemes for mono and stereo endoscopy or borescopy are provided. In one embodiment, the current disclosure provides a device configured for insertion into a body cavity. The device can include a tubular portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the tubular portion can be configured to be at least partially inserted into the body cavity. The device can also include a solid state electro-optic element located on the tubular portion. Furthermore, the device can include a power source electrically coupled to the solid state electro-optic element.

A method and a system for simulating the minimally invasive medical procedure of urological endoscopy. The system is designed to simulate the actual medical procedure of urological endoscopy as closely as possible by providing botha simulated medical instrument, and tactile and visual feedback as the simulated procedure is performed on the simulated patient. Particularly preferred features include a multi-path solution for virtual navigation in a complex anatomy, the simulation of the effect of the beating heart on the urethra as it crosses the illiac vessel, and the simulated operation of a guidewire within the urethra In addition, the system and method optionally and more preferably incorporate the effect of dynamic contrast injection of dye into the urethra for fluoroscopy. The injection of such dye, and the subsequent visualization of the urological organ system in the presence of the endoscope, must be accurately simulated in terms of accurate visual feedback. Thus, the system and method provide a complete solution to the complex and difficult problem of training students in urological endoscopy procedures.

The present invention relates to a device for endoscopy or endosonography-guided transluminal interventions whereby two luminal structures in the body may be drawn toward each other and a fluid conduit formed in between. The device may have a hollow central member to which is coupled a distal retention member and in one embodiment a proximal retention member. The retention members may each be positioned inside one of the luminal structures and expanded from a first condition to an expanded second condition having an increased radius. The length of the central member may be shortened and its diameter expanded to approximate the two retention members and thereby the luminal structures.

A system for stapling tissue comprises a flexible endoscope and an operative head including a pair of opposed, curved tissue clamping jaws sized to pass through an esophagus, the jaws being moveable with respect to one another between an open tissue receiving configuration and a closed tissue clamping configuration, a first one of the curved jaws including a stapling mechanism and a second one of the jaws including a staple forming anvil surface, the stapling mechanism including staple slots through which staples are fired arranged in a row extending from a proximal end of the first jaw to a distal end thereof in combination with a control handle which, when the operative head is in an operative position within one of a patient's stomach and esophagus, remains outside the patient, the control handle including a first actuator for moving the jaws relative to one another and a second actuator for operating the stapling mechanism.

Describeed is a full-thickness resection system which includes a control unit coupled to a proximal end of a flexible endoscope. The control unit remains outside of a body when the stapling head is in an operative position within a body lumen. The control unit includes (i) an anvil actuator coupled to an anvil in the stapling head, actuation of the anvil actuator moves the anvil axially relative to a stapling mechanism in the stapling head to compress a folded full-thickness portion of lumenal tissue between the anvil and the stapling mechanism. In addition, the control unit includes (ii) a stapler actuator coupled to the stapling mechanism in the stapling head, actuation of the stapler actuator causing the stapling mechanism to drive staples through the folded lumenal tissue against the anvil. Also, the control unit includes (iii) a tissue cutter actuator coupled to a tissue cutter in the stapling head, actuation of the tissue cutter actuator causing the tissue cutter to resect portions of the folded lumenal tissue.

A magnetically navigable device has a magnet element with a greater extent in one direction than at right angles thereto. The magnet element is arranged asymmetrically with respect to a central axis of the device which points in the direction in which the magnet element extends. The device may be, for example, a video capsule from medical technology, such as for endoscopy.

A novel approach to diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in the peritoneal cavity is described. More specifically, a technique for accessing the peritoneal cavity via the wall of the digestive tract is provided so that examination of and / or a surgical procedure in the peritoneal cavity can be conducted via the wall of the digestive tract with the use of a flexible endoscope. As presently proposed, the technique is particularly adapted to transgastric peritoneoscopy. However, access in addition or in the alternative through the intestinal wall is contemplated and described as well. Transgastric and / or transintestinal peritoneoscopy will have an excellent cosmetic result as there are no incisions in the abdominal wall and no potential for visible post-surgical scars or hernias.

A method of and a device for the endoscopic fluorescence diagnosis of tissue, wherein the tissue is exposed to stimulating light via an endoscope for stimulation of fluorescence, which stimulating light is suitable, on account of its spectral distribution, to stimulate at least two different fluorescence modes in the tissue without filter switching in the stimulation beam path, and wherein the fluorescence light of the different fluorescence modes can be selectively observed.

Instruments, systems and methods are provided for performing submucosal medical procedures in a desired area of the digestive tract using endoscopy. Instruments include safe access needle injection instruments incorporating electrosurgical capability, a submucosal tunneling instrument, a submucosal dissection instrument, a mucosal resection device and submucosal biopsy system. Systems include a combination of one or more of such instruments with or without injectable agents. Embodiments of various methods for performing the procedures are also provided.

A flexible RF device (1) can be deployed through a flexible endoscope. An electrode structure has a central electrode (12) and outer electrode (11). Flexible electrodes (30), circular electrodes (51, 53) and circular loop assemblies (55, 56) with different diameters are also disclosed, as well a tweezer electrodes (41) with pads (43) for increasing contact area. Retractable electrodes (100) are also disclosed.

Various embodiments for providing removable, pluggable and disposable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided for use with portable display devices. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, and / or image capture devices. The illuminating elements may have different wavelengths and can be time-synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or other conditioning purpose. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged onto the exterior surface of another medical device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.

A magnetically navigable device has a magnet element with a greater extent in one direction than at right angles thereto. The magnet element is arranged asymmetrically with respect to a central axis of the device which points in the direction in which the magnet element extends. The device may be, for example, a video capsule from medical technology, such as for endoscopy.