ROTATE-TO-ADVANCE CATHETERIZATION SYSTEM

A steerable rotate-to-advance device for accessing a bodily passageway, said steerable rotate-to-advance device comprising: 1. A steerable rotate-to-advance device for accessing a bodily passageway , said steerable rotate-to-advance device comprising:an inner flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between said distal end and said proximal end, and a lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end;an outer flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between said distal end and said proximal end, and a lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end;the outer flexible tube being disposed coaxially over the inner flexible tube and being rotatable with respect thereto;an external thread disposed over said distal end of said outer flexible tube, said external thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when said outer flexible tube is disposed in a bodily passageway, rotation of said outer flexible tube about said longitudinal axis will result in longitudinal motion of said outer flexible tube along said bodily passageway; andat least one articulating cable secured to the distal end of said inner flexible tube at an attachment point, and extending proximally along said inner flexible tube, such that pulling the at least one articulating cable proximally causes the inner flexible tube to be bent toward the radial position of said attachment point, whereby to cause the steerable rotate-to-advance device to be steered in the direction of the attachment point.2. A steerable rotate-to-advance device according to comprising a pair of articulating cables claim 1 , and further wherein the pair of articulating cables have diametrically-opposed attachment points.3. A steerable rotate-to-advance device according to comprising a plurality of articulating cables claim 1 , and further wherein the plurality of articulating cables are ...

ROTATE-TO-ADVANCE CATHETERIZATION SYSTEM

A body-insertable apparatus comprising: 120-. (canceled)21. A method for visualizing an anatomical space , the method comprising: a tube sized to receive visualization apparatus disposed within a lumen of the tube;', 'a helical thread provided on the outer periphery of the tube, the helical thread being rotatable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tube and into which a filling material can be introduced, wherein the mechanical properties of the helical thread are varied by the filling material in the helical thread;', 'a pressure applying section that applies pressure to the filling material in the thread; and', 'a filling material evacuating section that is provided in the helical thread and which is activated by application of pressure so as to evacuate filling material from the helical thread;, 'providing a body-insertable apparatus comprisingmoving the body-insertable apparatus relative to anatomy by rotating the helical thread; andvisualizing the anatomical space using visualization apparatus disposed within the lumen of the tube.22. A method according to further comprising the evacuation of filling material from the helical thread so as to facilitate further movement of the body-insertable apparatus relative to the anatomy. This patent application:(i) is a continuation-in-part of pending prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/152,926, filed May 19, 2008 by James J. Frassica et al. for ROTATE-TO-ADVANCE CATHETERIZATION SYSTEM (Attorney's Docket No. FA-75), which claims benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/930,729, filed May 18, 2007 by James J. Frassica et al. for ROTATE-TO-ADVANCE CATHTERIZATION SYSTEM (Attorney's Docket No. FA-75 PROV);(ii) is a continuation-in-part of pending prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/467,836, filed May 18, 2009 by James J. Frassica et al. for ROTATE-TO-ADVANCE CATHETERIZATION SYSTEM (Attorney's Docket No. FA-77), which claims benefit of prior U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. ...

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.

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. 1. An apparatus configured to access a passageway comprising:a visualization apparatus configured to visualize an interior surface of the passageway;a tube being configured to receive the visualization apparatus;a helically-wound thread disposed on an outer wall of the tube and configured such that rotation of the tube causes the tube with the visualization apparatus to move along the passageway;an inner rotor disposed in the visualization apparatus;a watertight cover being configured to cover an outer surface of the inner rotor such that the watertight cover separates inside and outside of the visualization apparatus, the inner rotor being configured to contact with an interior surface of the watertight cover, wherein one or more projections are configured to form on an outer surface of the watertight cover; andan outer rotor configured to engage the one or more projections such that rotary motion of the inner rotor is transferred to the outer rotor across the one or more projections, the tube being configured such that the tube is coupled with the ...

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.

ASSIST TOOL, INSERTION APPARATUS TO WHICH THE ASSIST TOOL IS ATTACHED, AND INTRODUCTION APPARATUS INCLUDING THEM

An assist tool attachable to an insertion section of an insertion apparatus includes a tube including a longitudinal axis. The tube is provided with a lumen through which the insertion section is insertable. The tool includes a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism receives a drive force and is rotated together with the tube with respect to the insertion section inserted through the lumen. The tool includes a locking mechanism provided on a more distal end side than the connecting mechanism in the tube. The locking mechanism includes a convex portion or a concave portion engaged with the insertion section to restrict movement of the tube along the longitudinal axis with respect to the insertion section. Furthermore, an insertion apparatus to which the tool is attached and an introduction apparatus including them is provided. 1. An assist tool attachable to an insertion section of an insertion apparatus , comprising:a tube including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the tube including a longitudinal axis extending from the distal end portion to the proximal end portion, the tube being provided with a lumen through which the insertion section is insertable;a connecting mechanism provided in the tube, the connecting mechanism receiving a drive force and being rotated together with the tube with respect to the insertion section inserted through the lumen; anda locking mechanism provided on a more distal end side than the connecting mechanism in the tube, the locking mechanism including a convex portion or a concave portion to be engaged with the insertion section to restrict movement of the tube along the longitudinal axis with respect to the insertion section.2. The assist tool according to claim 1 , wherein an internal circumferential surface forming the lumen has a shape running along a shape of an external circumferential surface of the insertion section claim 1 , and the internal circumferential surface is slidably fitted onto the external ...

Cover member for roller of endoscope apparatus and method of processing endoscope apparatus

An endoscope apparatus having: an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis; a roller driven by a drive force to rotate around the longitudinal axis; and a cover member covering the roller, wherein the cover member has: a base layer having: an outer surface direction side; and an inner surface direction side arranged to contact the roller, wherein portions of the base layer covering the roller as the roller rotates around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion elastically elongate in an outer surface direction of the insertion portion, and wherein the base layer has a secondary material being a first color at a first temperature range and a second color at a second temperature range; and an external coating layer formed on at least one of the outer surface direction side and the inner surface direction side of the base layer.

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.

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. 1. A spiral cap comprising: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; anda 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.2. The spiral cap according to claim 1 , further comprising an insertion assisting fin portion provided on an outer surface of the cap body and forming a fin in cooperation with the main fin portion connected to the fin connector.3. The spiral cap according to claim 2 , wherein the fin connector includes a projection portion formed along a fin axis of the insertion assisting fin portion claim 2 , the projection portion being fitted on an inner wall of the main fin portion.4. The spiral cap according to claim 2 , wherein the insertion assisting fin portion is formed such that a fin height of the insertion assisting fin portion becomes higher toward the fin connector from the outer surface of the cap body.5. The spiral cap according to claim 2 , wherein the insertion assisting fin portion is formed integral with the fin connector.6. The spiral cap according to claim 2 , wherein the insertion assisting ...

ROLLERLESS TUBULAR CONNECTOR FOR TRANSFERRING ROTATIVE FORCE FROM INSERTION SECTION OF ENDOSCOPE TO SPIRAL TUBE

A tubular connector for use with a spiral tube used on an insertion section of an endoscope. The tubular connector including: an outer surface; an inner surface; and a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced on the inner surface to project radially inward from the inner surface, the plurality of cams extending in a longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams have one or more cam surfaces configured to engage a rotating member to rotate the spiral tube. The plurality of cams can alternatively be formed directly on an interior surface of the spiral tube. 1. A tubular connector for use with a spiral tube , the tubular connector comprising:an outer surface;an inner surface; anda plurality of cams circumferentially spaced on the inner surface to project radially inward from the inner surface, the plurality of cams extending in a longitudinal direction of the tubular connector;wherein each of the plurality of cams have one or more cam surfaces configured to engage a rotating member to rotate the spiral tube.2. The tubular connecter of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of cams are formed of a material different from a material forming other portions of the tubular connector.3. The tubular connector of claim 1 , wherein at least the one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams are configured to be coated with a material different from a material forming other portions of the tubular connector.4. The tubular connector of claim 1 , wherein at least the one or more cam surfaces of the plurality of cams are configured to be formed of a material different from a material forming other portions of the plurality of cams.5. A spiral tube for use with an endoscope insertion section having a rotating member claim 1 , the spiral tube comprising:a tube;a spiral fin disposed on an exterior surface of the tube; anda plurality of cams circumferentially spaced to project radially inward from an inner surface of the tube, the plurality of ...

Thin-walled spiral tube for use with endoscope

A polymeric device including: an elongated hollow tube having an outer surface; and a spiral fin wound around the outer surface of the hollow tube; wherein the hollow tube and the spiral fin are formed of a single unitary piece through a molding process. The polymeric device can further include a longitudinal projection projecting from the outer surface of the hollow tube, the longitudinal projection having a greater thickness than other portions of the hollow tube and the longitudinal projection extending at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the hollow tube.

Flexible instrument

A remote control flexible instrument system, employing a shaft which supports a tool, is described in which the has proximal and distal ends with at least a portion thereof extending through a lumen of the human body so as to locate the shaft at an internal target site. A master station including an input device provides control of the instrument situated at a slave station. The master station can control at least one degree-of-freedom of the flexible instrument. A controller intercouples the master and slave stations and is operated in accordance with a computer algorithm that receives a command from the input device for controlling at least one degree-of-freedom of the catheter so as to respond in accordance with action at the input device. The flexible instrument further comprises a controlled flexible segment along the shaft, for controlled bending at the flexible segment to guide the shaft and to dispose the tool at an operative site.

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.

Rotate-to-advance catheterization system

A steerable rotate-to-advance device for accessing a bodily passageway, said steerable rotate-to-advance device comprising: an inner flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between said distal end and said proximal end, and a lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end; an outer flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between said distal end and said proximal end, and a lumen extending from said distal end to said proximal end; the outer flexible tube being disposed coaxially over the inner flexible tube and being rotatable with respect thereto; an external thread disposed over said distal end of said outer flexible tube, said external thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when said outer flexible tube is disposed in a bodily passageway, rotation of said outer flexible tube about said longitudinal axis will result in longitudinal motion of said outer flexible tube along said bodily passageway; and at least one articulating cable secured to the distal end of said inner flexible tube at an attachment point, and extending proximally along said inner flexible tube, such that pulling the at least one articulating cable proximally causes the inner flexible tube to be bent toward the radial position of said attachment point, whereby to cause the steerable rotate-to-advance device to be steered in the direction of the attachment point.

Vertebrae for a bending section of an endoscope

A bending section of an endoscope is constructed from non-round vertebrae. The vertebrae are D-shaped, having a planar portion and an arcuate portion. A first pair of protrusions extends from a first surface of the vertebra, defining a vertical bending axis. A second pair of protrusions extends from a second surface of the vertebra, defining a horizontal bending axis. Because the vertebra is D-shaped, the second pair of protrusions are farther from the longitudinal bending axis of the bending section than the first pair of protrusions. To provide uniform, symmetrical bending of the bending section, the first pair of protrusions are shorter than the second pair of protrusions. In addition, the first pair of protrusions extends at a different angle than the second pair and thus have a different shape, so that the first and second pair of protrusions are not symmetrically shaped with respect to each other. The asymmetrical shape of the non-round vertebra is exactly compensated for by the asymmetrical shape of the protrusions to provide symmetrical bending of the bending section. In addition, the apex of each protrusion is flat, providing a flat contact surface between adjacent vertebrae.

Endoscope articulation system to reduce effort during articulation of an endoscope

An endoscope having an articulation system that provides a mechanical advantage and facilitates articulation of the distal section of the endoscope insertion tube. The endoscope includes a handle held by a user during an endoscopic procedure and an insertion tube attached at its proximal section to the handle. A plurality of control cables extending the length of the insertion tube are securely attached to the insertion tube's distal section and are axially movable to articulate the distal section. Control wheels are rotatably attached to the handle and positioned to be manipulated by the user during the endoscopic procedure. The articulation system is connected at one end to the control cables and at the other end to the control wheels. The articulation system transmits movement of the control wheels to the control cables. The articulation system is partially linearly movable between the control wheels and the control cables upon movement of at least one control wheel so as to provide a mechanical advantage in converting force from the control wheel to the control cable. The articulation system is configured with approximately a two-to-one mechanical advantage, such that a force exerted on the control wheel is approximately one-half of the force that is transmitted to the control cable to move the control cable axially, thereby articulating the insertion tube's distal section.

Partially inflated protective endoscope sheath

A partially elastic protective sheath surrounding the insertion tube of an endoscope. The sheath is partially inflated while being installed on the endoscope and remains partially inflated during endoscopy. The sheath has an end cap with a gasket shaped to provide a seal around the insertion tube during installation and endoscopy. The sheath is provided with a window near its distal end positioned in front of the viewing window of the endoscope. The sheath may have one or more channels extending along its length to accommodate one or more biopsy or fluid tubes of the endoscope. The sheath may be used with either end-viewing endoscopes or side-viewing endoscopes.

Rotate-to-advance catheterization system

A method for visualizing a bodily passageway, comprising the steps of deployment in the bodily passageway of a system comprising a tube, at least a portion of the distal end being rotatable relative to the proximal end, a visualization apparatus disposed within the lumen of the tube, and a helical thread disposed on the exterior surface of the rotatable portion of the distal end of the tube, the helical thread having a structure, such that when the tube is disposed in the bodily passageway the helical thread engages the interior side wall of the bodily passageway, rotation of the distal end of the tube inducing a relative movement between the tube and the side wall of the bodily passageway, inserting the system into the bodily passageway, and rotating the rotatable distal end of the tube to bring together the site which is to be visualized and the visualization apparatus.

Spiral unit, insertion device, and spiral unit manufacturing method

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.

Anatomical model

An anatomical model comprising: an inner lumen; and an outer lumen, wherein the inner lumen is disposed inside of the outer lumen so as to create a space therebetween; and further wherein a fluid is disposed within the space, interior to the outer lumen and exterior to the inner lumen, whereby the inner lumen can accurately simulate the mucous membrane lining a mammalian tract.

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.

Rotate-to-advance catheterizaton system

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: providing a visualization system for deployment in the bodily passageway, the visualization system comprising: an endoscope comprising a rotatable drive collar configured for rotation relative to the endoscope; a disposable drive tube comprising an elongated tube having a deformable helical thread disposed on an exterior surface of the elongated tube, the elongated tube being configured for coaxial disposition about the endoscope; and a mount for releasably securing the disposable drive tube to the rotatable drive collar of the endoscope.

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: providing a visualization system for deployment in the bodily passageway, the visualization system comprising: a tube; visualization apparatus disposed within the lumen of the tube; and a deformable helical thread disposed on the exterior surface of the tube, the deformable helical thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in the bodily passageway so that the deformable helical thread engages the interior side wall of the bodily passageway, rotation of the tube will induce a relative movement between the tube and the side wall of the bodily passageway; 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 a reduced profile configuration; transforming the deformable helical thread into an expanded profile configuration; rotating the tube so as to induce relative movement between the bodily 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 bodily passageway.

Rotate-to-advance catheterization system

Apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway, the apparatus comprising: a flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the lumen being sized to receive matter to be transported through the bodily passageway; and an external thread disposed over the distal end of the tube, the external thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in a bodily passageway, rotation of the tube about the longitudinal axis will result in longitudinal motion of the tube along said bodily passageway.

Kateteriseringssystem med roterende fremføring

Light processing adapter for endoscope

An adapter for an endoscope system comprises a housing, a light conducting element, a sensor to receive light waves emitted from the light conducting element, a converter connected to the sensor to convert light waves into an electrical signal comprising instructions for generating light with a light generator of an endoscope, and an electrical coupler connected to the converter to convey the electrical signal out of the housing to the endoscope. A method for communicating light control signals from an imaging and control system to an endoscope having light generating capabilities comprises generating light with a light generator, receiving light from the light generator at an adapter, sensing an intensity of light with a sensor, converting the intensity sensed by the sensor to light control signals for generating light with a light generator of the endoscope, and transmitting the light control signal to the light generator of the endoscope.

Rollerless tubular connector for transferring rotative force from insertion section of endoscope to spiral tube

A tubular connector for use with a spiral tube used on an insertion section of an endoscope. The tubular connector including: an outer surface; an inner surface; and a plurality of cams circumferentially spaced on the inner surface to project radially inward from the inner surface, the plurality of cams extending in a longitudinal direction of the tubular connector; wherein each of the plurality of cams have one or more cam surfaces configured to engage a rotating member to rotate the spiral tube. The plurality of cams can alternatively be formed directly on an interior surface of the spiral tube.

Cover member for roller of endoscope apparatus and method of processing endoscope apparatus

An endoscope apparatus having: an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis; a roller driven by a drive force to rotate around the longitudinal axis; and a cover member covering the roller, wherein the cover member has: a base layer having: an outer surface direction side; and an inner surface direction side arranged to contact the roller, wherein portions of the base layer covering the roller as the roller rotates around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion elastically elongate in an outer surface direction of the insertion portion, and wherein the base layer has a secondary material being a first color at a first temperature range and a second color at a second temperature range; and an external coating layer formed on at least one of the outer surface direction side and the inner surface direction side of the base layer.

Cover member for roller of endoscope apparatus and method of processing endoscope apparatus

An endoscope apparatus having: an insertion portion extending along a longitudinal axis; a roller driven by a drive force to rotate around the longitudinal axis; and a cover member covering the roller, wherein the cover member has: a base layer having: an outer surface direction side; and an inner surface direction side arranged to contact the roller, wherein portions of the base layer covering the roller as the roller rotates around the longitudinal axis of the insertion portion elastically elongate in an outer surface direction of the insertion portion, and wherein the base layer has a secondary material being a first color at a first temperature range and a second color at a second temperature range; and an external coating layer formed on at least one of the outer surface direction side and the inner surface direction side of the base layer.

Thin-walled tube with integral external spiral profil for use with endoscope

Conversion adapter for endoscope

An adapter for connecting an endoscope to a video processor comprises a housing extending between a first end portion and a second end portion, a first connector located at the first end portion, the first connector comprising a standardized computer peripheral connector, and a second connector located at the second end portion, the second connector comprising a non¬ standardized computer peripheral connector. A method for communicating signals between an endoscope and an imaging system of an endoscope system comprises connecting the endoscope to a first connector of a conversion adapter, the first connector comprising a standardized computer periphery connector, connecting the imaging system to a second connector of the conversion adapter, the second connector comprising a non -standardized computer peripheral connector, and transmitting a communication signal from the imaging system to the endoscope through the first connector and the second connector.

Lichtverarbeitungsadapter für endoskope

Ein Adapter für ein Endoskop-System umfasst ein Gehäuse, ein lichtleitendes Element, einen Sensor zum Empfangen von Lichtwellen, die von dem lichtleitenden Element emittiert werden, einen mit dem Sensor verbundenen Wandler zum Umwandeln von Lichtwellen in ein elektrisches Signal, das Anweisungen zum Erzeugen von Licht mit einem Lichtgenerator eines Endoskops umfasst, und einen elektrischen Koppler, der mit dem Wandler verbunden ist, um das elektrische Signal aus dem Gehäuse zu dem Endoskop zu übertragen. Ein Verfahren zur Übertragung von Lichtsteuersignalen von einem Bildgebungs- und Steuersystem zu einem Endoskop mit Lichterzeugungsfähigkeiten umfasst die Erzeugung von Licht mit einem Lichtgenerator, den Empfang von Licht vom Lichtgenerator an einem Adapter, die Erfassung einer Lichtintensität mit einem Sensor, die Umwandlung der vom Sensor erfassten Intensität in Lichtsteuersignale zur Erzeugung von Licht mit einem Lichtgenerator des Endoskops und die Übertragung des Lichtsteuersignals an den Lichtgenerator des Endoskops.

Thin-walled tube with integral external spiral profil for use with endoscope

A polymeric device including: an elongated hollow tube having an outer surface; and a spiral fin wound around the outer surface of the hollow tube; wherein the hollow tube and the spiral fin are formed of a single unitary piece through a molding process. The polymeric device can further include a longitudinal projection projecting from the outer surface of the hollow tube, the longitudinal projection having a greater thickness than other portions of the hollow tube and the longitudinal projection extending at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the hollow tube.

内視鏡のためのプルワイヤーテンショニングメカニズム

【課題】内視鏡のためのプルワイヤーテンショニングメカニズムを提供すること。【解決手段】内視鏡は、ハンドピースハウジングと、ハンドピースハウジングから延在する細長い可撓性のシャフトと、ハンドピースハウジングから細長い可撓性のシャフトの中へ延在するプルワイヤーと、プルワイヤーにおける張力を調節するように構成されているテンショニングメカニズムとを含む。内視鏡のためのコントローラーのプルワイヤーにおける張力を調節するための方法は、処置の前に内視鏡を使用する準備をするステップと、ノブドウェルを低減させるために内視鏡の可撓性の細長いシャフトを偏向させるためにプルワイヤーにおける張力を調節するステップと、内視鏡によって内視鏡処置を実施するステップとを含む。【選択図】図２

Zugdraht-spannmechanismen für endoskope

Ein Endoskop umfasst ein Handstückgehäuse, einen länglichen flexiblen Schaft, der sich von dem Handstückgehäuse erstreckt, einen Zugdraht, der sich von dem Handstückgehäuse in den länglichen flexiblen Schaft erstreckt, und einen Spannmechanismus, der so eingerichtet ist, dass er die Spannung in dem Zugdraht einstellt. Ein Verfahren zum Einstellen der Spannung in einem Zugdraht eines Steuergeräts für ein Endoskop umfasst das Vorbereiten eines Endoskops zur Verwendung vor einem Verfahren, das Einstellen der Spannung in einem Zugdraht zum Ablenken eines flexiblen länglichen Schafts des Endoskops, um das Spiel des Knopfes zu verringern, und das Durchführen eines endoskopischen Verfahrens mit dem Endoskop.

Pull wire tensioning mechanisms for endoscopes

An endoscope comprises a handpiece housing, an elongate flexible shaft extending from the handpiece housing, a pull wire extending from the handpiece housing into the elongate flexible shaft, and a tensioning mechanism configured to adjust tension in the pull wire. A method for adjusting tension in a pull wire of a controller for an endoscope comprises preparing an endoscope for use before a procedure, adjusting tension in a pull wire for deflecting a flexible elongate shaft of the endoscope to reduce knob dwell, and performing an endoscopic procedure with the endoscope.

Sheath apparatus for endoscopes and methods for forming same

Thin-walled tube with integral external spiral profil for use with endoscope

A polymeric device including: an elongated hollow tube having an outer surface; and a spiral fin wound around the outer surface of the hollow tube; wherein the hollow tube and the spiral fin are formed of a single unitary piece through a molding process. The polymeric device can further include a longitudinal projection projecting from the outer surface of the hollow tube, the longitudinal projection having a greater thickness than other portions of the hollow tube and the longitudinal projection extending at least a portion of a longitudinal length of the hollow tube.

Sheath apparatus for endoscopes and methods for forming same

Sheath apparatus for endoscopes and methods for forming same

Cover member for roller of endoscope apparatus

Image processing adapter for endoscope

An adapter for an endoscope system comprises a housing, an input device for receiving imaging signal inputs from an endoscope, an imaging signal processor configured to receive imaging signal inputs and perform an image processing technique to imaging signal inputs to generate imaging signal outputs, the imaging signal processing technique configured to alter a display characteristic of imaging signal inputs, and an output coupler for providing imaging signal outputs to an imaging and control system. A method for transforming a flat image to a distorted image comprises mapping pixels of the flat image to a first table correlating the pixels to locations in the flat image, correlating the locations of the first table to locations in a second table for the distorted image, and generating the distorted image by moving pixels from the locations of the first table to associated locations in the second table.

Assist tool, insertion apparatus to which the assist tool is attached, and introduction apparatus including them

An assist tool attachable to an insertion section of an insertion apparatus includes a tube including a longitudinal axis. The tube is provided with a lumen through which the insertion section is insertable. The tool includes a connecting mechanism. The connecting mechanism receives a drive force and is rotated together with the tube with respect to the insertion section inserted through the lumen. The tool includes a locking mechanism provided on a more distal end side than the connecting mechanism in the tube. The locking mechanism includes a convex portion or a concave portion engaged with the insertion section to restrict movement of the tube along the longitudinal axis with respect to the insertion section. Furthermore, an insertion apparatus to which the tool is attached and an introduction apparatus including them is provided.

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.