WO2007027514A1 - Endoscope articulation joint joint and method manufacture - Google Patents
Endoscope articulation joint joint and method manufacture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2007027514A1 WO2007027514A1 PCT/US2006/033154 US2006033154W WO2007027514A1 WO 2007027514 A1 WO2007027514 A1 WO 2007027514A1 US 2006033154 W US2006033154 W US 2006033154W WO 2007027514 A1 WO2007027514 A1 WO 2007027514A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- articulation joint
- tubular body
- cable guide
- slots
- segments
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
- A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
- A61B1/0055—Constructional details of insertion parts, e.g. vertebral elements
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00071—Insertion part of the endoscope body
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00103—Constructional details of the endoscope body designed for single use
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/0011—Manufacturing of endoscope parts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
- A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
- A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
- A61B1/0057—Constructional details of force transmission elements, e.g. control wires
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
- A61B1/008—Articulations
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
- A61M25/0105—Steering means as part of the catheter or advancing means; Markers for positioning
- A61M25/0133—Tip steering devices
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M25/00—Catheters; Hollow probes
- A61M25/01—Introducing, guiding, advancing, emplacing or holding catheters
- A61M25/0105—Steering means as part of the catheter or advancing means; Markers for positioning
- A61M25/0133—Tip steering devices
- A61M25/0138—Tip steering devices having flexible regions as a result of weakened outer material, e.g. slots, slits, cuts, joints or coils
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/00234—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
- A61B2017/00292—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery mounted on or guided by flexible, e.g. catheter-like, means
- A61B2017/003—Steerable
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/00234—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
- A61B2017/00292—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery mounted on or guided by flexible, e.g. catheter-like, means
- A61B2017/003—Steerable
- A61B2017/00305—Constructional details of the flexible means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/00234—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
- A61B2017/00292—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery mounted on or guided by flexible, e.g. catheter-like, means
- A61B2017/003—Steerable
- A61B2017/00305—Constructional details of the flexible means
- A61B2017/00309—Cut-outs or slits
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B17/00—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets
- A61B17/00234—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery
- A61B2017/00292—Surgical instruments, devices or methods, e.g. tourniquets for minimally invasive surgery mounted on or guided by flexible, e.g. catheter-like, means
- A61B2017/003—Steerable
- A61B2017/00305—Constructional details of the flexible means
- A61B2017/00314—Separate linked members
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/4998—Combined manufacture including applying or shaping of fluent material
Definitions
- the present invention relates to medical devices in general and to articulation joints for use in medical devices in particular.
- Endoscopes are also commonly used to perform surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, or other medical procedures under direct visualization.
- a conventional imaging endoscope used for such procedures includes an illuminating mechanism such as a fiber optic light guide connected to a proximal source of light, and an imaging means such as an imaging light guide to carry an image to a remote camera, or eye piece, or a miniature video camera within the endoscope itself.
- most endoscopes include one or more working channels through which medical devices such as biopsy forceps, snares, fulguration probes and other tools may be passed in order to perform a procedure at a desired location in the patient's body.
- endoscopes include means for deflecting the distal tip of the scope to follow the pathway of the structure under examination, with minimum deflection or friction force upon the surrounding tissue.
- Control cables similar to bicycle brake cables are carried within the endoscope body in order to connect an articulation joint adjacent to the distal end to a set of control knobs at the proximal endoscope handle. By manipulating the control knobs, the operator is usually able to steer the endoscope during insertion and direct it to a region of interest.
- Single-use, disposable devices are packaged in sterile wrappers to avoid the risk of pathogenic cross-contamination of diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and other pathogens. Hospitals generally welcome the convenience of single-use disposable products because they no longer have to be concerned with product age, overuse, breakage, malfunction, and sterilization.
- One medical device that has not previously been inexpensive enough to be considered truly disposable is the endoscope, such as a colonoscope, bronchoscope, gastroscope, duodenoscope, etc.
- Such a single-use or disposable endoscope is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/811,781, filed March 29, 2004, and in a U.S. Continuation-in- Part Patent Application No. 10/956,007, filed September 30, 2004, that are assigned to Scimed Life Systems, Inc., now Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., and are hereby incorporated by reference.
- the articulation joint adjacent to the distal tip of a conventional endoscope is typically made from complicated stamped and formed parts that are brazed together.
- the brazing operation is expensive and the metal articulation joint segments require special tooling to produce.
- adhesives are often used to assemble the articulation joint segments to each other. Therefore, a need exists for a method of producing articulation joints from low cost materials that are easily assembled for use in a low-cost medical device such as a disposable endoscope.
- the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a medical device such as an endoscope.
- the articulation joint is comprised of a number of low cost, easily mass produced components that allow the distal end of the endoscope to be bent in a desired direction by one or more control cables.
- the articulation joint body comprises a plurality of interconnecting segments. Each segment comprises a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen. The outer wall includes a number of hinge elements therein and a series of slots therethrough. A plurality of cable guide elements having a passage for control cables are inserted into the slots and two or more cables are threaded through the plurality of cable guide elements and tensioned to form the articulation joint body.
- the articulation joint body is a tubular body comprising a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen.
- the outer wall includes a number of hinge elements therein and a series of slots therethrough.
- a plurality of annular rings are snap-fitted around the circumference of the tubular body at spaced intervals.
- Each annular ring has an outer circumference with a first end and a second end and a space therebetween.
- Also included in each annular ring is at least one pair of inwardly extending cable guide loops adapted to be inserted into the slots in the outer wall of the tubular body. Two or more cables are threaded through the plurality of cable guide loops and tensioned to form the articulation joint body.
- the present invention includes a method of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.
- the method comprises injection molding a plurality of segments having interconnecting structures.
- Each segment comprises a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen.
- the outer wall includes a number of hinge elements therein and a series of slots therethrough.
- the method includes injection molding a plurality of cable guide elements that each have a passage element adapted to be inserted through the slots on the outer wall.
- the method involves interconnecting two or more segments and inserting the cable guide elements into the slots in the outer walls of the segments. One or more cables are then threaded through the guide elements and tensioned to form the articulation joint.
- the method comprises injection molding a tubular body comprising a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen.
- the outer wall includes a number of hinge elements and a series of slots therethrough.
- a plurality of annular rings are formed, each ring having two or more guide loops sized to be received in the slots in the outer wall.
- the annular rings are snap-fitted over the tubular body such that the guide loops are fitted through the slots and at least two cables are threaded through the guide loops and tensioned to form the articulation joint.
- FIGURE 1 is a diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an endoscope having a distal end, a proximal end and an articulation joint adjacent the distal end formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGURE 2 illustrates an articulation joint positioned adjacent a distal portion of an endoscope shaft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGURE 3A illustrates a partial view of an articulation joint body comprising a plurality of interconnected segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGURE 3B is a detailed view of a segment of the articulation joint body shown in FIGURE 3 A;
- FIGURE 3 C is a perspective view of a cable guide element for use in assembling an articulation joint body comprising a plurality of interconnected segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGURE 4 is a partial perspective view of an articulation joint body comprising interconnected segments having four control cables threaded through four cable guide elements in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGURE 5 A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an articulation joint body comprising a unitary core having a plurality of annular rings fitted around the outer circumference of the unitary core at regular intervals, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGURE 5B is a detailed view of the embodiment of the annular ring shown in FIGURE 5A;
- FIGURE 5C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the articulation joint body shown in FIGURE 5A;
- FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an articulation joint body comprising a unitary core having a plurality of slots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGURE 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing an articulation joint body having a plurality of interconnected segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGURE 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing an articulation joint body having a unitary core in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- the present invention provides an articulation joint and a method of making an articulation joint for use in a medical device, such as an endoscope.
- the present invention provides many advantages over articulation joints used in conventional endoscopy systems.
- the articulation joints of the present invention are easy to assemble and do not require the use of adhesives or brazing, thereby providing an inexpensive and easily mass-produced joint that allows the distal end of a medical device, such as an endoscope, to be bent in any desired direction by one or more control cables.
- FIGURE 1 illustrates an exemplary endoscope 20, having an embodiment of an articulation joint 30 formed in accordance with the present invention.
- the endoscope 20 can be any single-use or reusable, flexible, or partially-flexible elongated probe, such as, for example, a bronchoscope or a colonoscope.
- the endoscope 20 includes an elongated shaft 21 with a distal end 22 that is advanced into a patient's body cavity and a proximal end 24 that is removably connected to a control cabinet (not shown) via a connector 34.
- the endoscope 20 includes the articulation joint 30 proximal to the distal tip 22 to provide sufficient flexibility to the distal section of the shaft 21 such that the distal end 22 can be directed over the required deflection range (180° or more).
- the endoscope 20 has a set of control cables 40, shown best in FIGURE 2, that control the motion of the distal end 22.
- the distal end of the control cables are attached at or adjacent to the distal end 22 of the shaft, while the proximal ends of the control cables are attached to actuators in a handle (not shown) or in a control unit (not shown).
- the endoscope 20 also includes a breakout box 26 that is positioned approximately midway along the length of the endoscope.
- the breakout box 26 provides an entrance to a working channel covered by a cap 32. In use, an operator can remove the cap 32 and insert a medical device such as a biopsy forceps, snare, etc., into the working channel of the endoscope to perform a desired procedure within the patient.
- FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the shaft 21 of the endoscope 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- the endoscope 20 generally comprises a hollow shaft having one or more lumens formed of plastic materials, such as polyurethane or polyethylene, which terminate at the distal end 22.
- the shape of the distal end 22 and shaft 21 are usually cylindrical but can be made in other shapes to facilitate passage into a body cavity.
- the distal end 22 comprises a cap that is secured within a central lumen to the distal end of the articulation joint 30.
- the distal end of the shaft 21 is secured to the proximal end of the articulation joint 30.
- the shaft 21 has a greater torsional stiffness and/or is better able to transmit torque towards the distal end of the endoscope than at the proximal end of the endoscope.
- the cap at the distal end 22 includes an imaging system with a light illumination port, an image sensor, an opening to a working channel, and a flushing port. Further detail of an exemplary imaging system and its operation can be found in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 10/811 ,781 , and 10/956,007, as discussed above.
- a number of control cables 40 extend from the proximal end of the shaft 21 where they comiect to actuators in the control cabinet or a manual handle (not shown).
- the control cables 40 extend through a plurality of cable guide elements 50 positioned along the walls of the articulation joint 30, and terminate either at the distal end of the articulation joint 30 or in the distal end section 22.
- the proximal portion of the control cables 40 may be routed within the center lumen of the shaft 21, or, as shown in FIGURE 2, may be routed through a number of cable guide elements or lumens formed within or along the walls of the shaft 21, as discussed in more detail below.
- the articulation joint 30 has a generally cylindrical configuration with a central lumen.
- an articulation joint body 100 is formed from a plurality of interconnected segments HOA, HOB that are axially aligned and secured to one another to create an articulation joint.
- FIGURE 3B shows further detail of the segment HOA.
- the articulation joint segment 110 comprises a cylindrical tube having an outer wall H lA and an open central lumen 102.
- One or more hinges 112, 114 are formed in the outer wall H lA along the longitudinal axes in order to facilitate bending of the assembled articulation joint body 100.
- each segment comprises two pairs of hinge elements 112, 114.
- Each hinge 112, 114 comprises a pair of opposing V-shaped slits in the outer wall 11 IA that are separated by a pair of opposing flex points 115A, 155B (hidden in FIGURE 3B) and 116A, 166B (hidden in FIGURE 3B) in the outer wall 11 IA.
- each hinge Upon tension of the control cables, each hinge allows the segment and/or the assembled tubular body comprising multiple segments to move back and forth in an amount that is determined by the widest part of the V-shaped slits.
- the hinges 112 and 114 are circumferentially arranged in an alternating 90 degree pattern to achieve articulation in two planes, although other arrangements would also be known to one of skill in the art.
- the angles of the V- shaped cuts that form the hinges 112 and 114 may be uniform, or may vary along the length of the articulation joint body 100.
- the distance between adjacent hinges 112 and 114 may be uniform or may vary in order to tailor the bending and torque fidelity characteristics of the articulation joint body 100.
- the segments 11 OA, HOB, etc. are preferably made from a molded plastic material and include a central lumen 102 through which the control cables 40 and other elements of the endoscope 20 are passed to allow electrical, irrigation and aspiration connections to extend into the distal end 22.
- Suitable materials for forming the articulation joint segments 11 OA, 11 OB include polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene or other biocompatible polymers.
- the articulation joint body 100 may be formed from any number of interconnecting segments 11 OA, HOB, etc., in order to provide an articulation joint having any total bend angle required.
- each segment includes the hinge 112 and 114, each having a closing angle of 30 degrees.
- FIGURES 3 A and 3 B additionally illustrate a representative set of interconnecting structures capable of interlocking the segments HOA and HOB to form a portion of the articulation joint body 100.
- the segment 11OA comprises an outer wall 11 IA having a first end 122 and a second end 124.
- the first end 122 of the segment HOA includes an outwardly extending rim having an outer diameter selected such that the rim is able to be received in a corresponding counter-bored detail of an adjacent segment.
- one end of the segment includes a set of tangs 130 and a set of notches 132 on the other end. The tangs 130 from one segment are received in the notches 132 of an adjacent segment to prevent the adjacent segments from axially rotating with respect to each other.
- the outer wall 11 IA of the segment 11 OA at the proximal-most end of the articulation joint body 100 is adapted to receive the distal end of the shaft 21, and the outer wall 11 IB of segment HOB at the distal-most end of the articulation joint body 100 is adapted to receive the distal end 22 of the endoscope 20.
- HOB also included adjacent to the first end 122 and second end 124 of the segments 11 OA, HOB are two or more slots 120 that each receive a cable guide element.
- the cable guide element is a seaming pin 150 that holds the adjacent segments together.
- the pin 150 has a head 152 sized to prevent the pin 150 from being pulled through the slot 120 and a tab 154 that fits into the slots 120 of the adjacent segments.
- the distal end of the tab 154 includes a hole 156 that forms a passage through which a control cable can be passed.
- two slots 120 are spaced at a 180 degree interval around the circumference of each segment 110.
- FIGURE 4 is a partial perspective view of two interconnected segments 11 OA,
- FIGURE 5A illustrates an articulation joint body 200 formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
- the articulation joint body 200 comprises an elongated unitary core 202 comprising a cylinder with an outer wall 203 and a central lumen 204.
- the outer wall 203 of the unitary core 202 comprises a series of hinges 210, 212 along its length that are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated unitary core 202.
- each hinge 210, 212 comprises a pair of opposing V-shaped slits in the outer wall 203 that are separated by a pair of opposing flex points 21 IA, 21 IB (hidden in FIGURE 5A) and 213A, 213B (hidden in FIGURE 5A) in the outer wall 203.
- the outer wall 203 also includes a plurality of circumferential grooves 216 located on the outside of the outer wall 203 at intervals spaced along the length of the unitary core 202.
- Each circumferential groove 216 is sized to receive an annular ring 220, best shown in FIGURE 5B.
- Each circumferential groove 216 further includes one or more slots 214, best shown in FIGURE 5C.
- Each slot 214 is adapted to receive an inwardly extending cable guide loop 230 that fits through the slot 214 such that a control cable can fit in the space between the inner wall of the shaft and the enclosed portion of the loop 230.
- one circumferential groove 216 is disposed between hinges 210 and 212 to form an alternating pattern, as shown in FIGURE 5 A.
- the elongated unitary core 202 may be formed by injection molding using a suitable biocompatible polymeric material, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene or other biocompatible polymers.
- FIGURE 5B illustrates an embodiment of the annular ring 220 that comprises an outer circumference with a first end 222 and a second end 224 having a space therebetween that allows the annular ring 220 to be snap-fitted over the outer wall 203 of the unitary core 202.
- Positioned at equally spaced intervals around the outer circumference of the annular ring 220 are inwardly extending cable guide loops 230 that are adapted to be inserted into the corresponding slots 214 and are capable of receiving a control cable 240.
- One or more annular rings 220 may be disposed within the circumferential grooves 216 in the outer wall 203 of the unitary core 202, as shown in FIGURE 5A.
- the annular ring 220 has four cable guide loops 230 inserted through the slots 214, through which four control cables 240A, 240B, 240C and 240D are threaded.
- a different number of cable guide loops and control cables may be provided, such as 2, 3, 4, or more than 4.
- the annular ring 220 may be made of a metal such as steel, brass, nitinol, etc., or molded from a biocompatible polymer.
- FIGURE 5C is a cross-sectional view of the articulation joint body 200 shown in
- FIGURE 5 A showing the annular ring 220 fitted into the circumferential groove 216 formed in the outer wall 203 of the unitary core 202.
- each circumferential groove 216 includes four slots 214.
- the four inwardly extending cable guide loops 230 protrude towards the central lumen 204 through the slots 214, to form guides through which control cables 240A, 240B, 240C and 240D are threaded.
- FIGURE 6 shows another embodiment of an articulation joint body 300 that has a unitary core 302 formed generally as a cylinder with an outer wall 303 and a central lumen 304.
- the articulation joint body 300 is substantially similar to the articulation joint body 200 described above, with the difference being that the plurality of circumferential grooves 216 are omitted in the joint body 300.
- a series of slots 314 are arranged around the outer circumference of the body 302 that are adapted to receive one or more cable guide loops 230 extending inward on the annular ring 220, as shown and described in reference to FIGURES 5A, 5B and 5C.
- FIGURE 7 is a flow chart of a process for manufacturing a segmented articulation joint.
- the process begins at 400 and comprises injection molding a plurality of segments comprising corresponding interfacing tangs and notches at 410.
- the segments may be injection molded using a suitable biocompatible polymeric material, such as, for example, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene or other biocompatible polymers.
- Each segment comprises a generally cylindrical body with an outer wall and a central lumen.
- the outer wall of each segment includes a number of hinge elements, such as V-shaped slits.
- the V-shaped slits may be molded into the segments or cut with a laser, waterjet or other material removal mechanism.
- the outer walls of the segments further include a series of slots adapted to receive a cable guide element.
- the process further includes injection molding a plurality of cable guide elements at 420.
- the cable guide elements include a retaining head connected to a passage sized to be received in the slots in the outer wall of the segments.
- the cable guide elements may be injection molded from a metal such as steel, brass, etc. or from a biocompatible polymer.
- a plurality of segments are interconnected by aligning the corresponding tangs and notches on each segment. Any number of segments may be connected together in order to provide various degrees of articulation.
- the passages of the plurality of guide elements are inserted into the slots on the interconnected segments. Once the cable guide elements are in place, cables are threaded through the corresponding cable passages at 440. The cables are then tensioned to form the articulation joint at 450.
- the cables are preferably made of a non-stretching material such as a stainless steel or a highly oriented polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) thread string.
- PET polyethylene-terephthalate
- the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an articulation joint comprising a unitary core as shown in FIGURE 8.
- the process starts at 500 and comprises injection molding a tubular body comprising a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen.
- the outer wall comprises a plurality of hinge elements such as V-shaped slits.
- the outer wall includes a series of slots arranged around the circumference of the outer wall that are each adapted to receive a guide passage on an annular ring.
- the outer wall further includes a series of circumferential grooves that are disposed over the slots.
- the process further includes injection molding, stamping, or otherwise forming a plurality of annular rings that each comprise an outer circumference with a first end and a second end having a space therebetween that allows the ring to be snap-fitted over the outer wall and received in one of the circumferential grooves.
- Each annular ring also includes. two or more oppositely formed, inwardly extending guide passages that are adapted to be received in the slots in the outer wall.
- the annular rings may be formed from a metal such as steel, brass, etc. or from a biocompatible polymer.
- the plurality of annular rings are snap-fitted over the tubular body such that the guide passages extend through the slots towards the central lumen. Once the annular rings are in place, one or more cables are threaded through the guide passages at 540. The threaded cables are then tensioned at 550 to form an articulation joint.
- the process ends at 560.
Abstract
An articulation joint (100) for use in a low cost medical device such as an endoscope intended for a single use is provided. In one embodiment, the articulation joint comprises a plurality of interconnected segments (110A,110B). In another embodiment, the articulation joint comprises an elongated tubular body. Each segment or the tubular body, respectively, comprises a cylinder with an outer wall (111A) and a central lumen (102), wherein the outer wall includes at least one hinge element therein and at least one slot (120) therethrough. The articulation joint further comprises at least one cable guide element comprising a passage extending through the slot. One or more control cables are threaded through the cable guide passage. Also provided are methods of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.
Description
ENDOSCOPE ARTICULATION JOINT AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to medical devices in general and to articulation joints for use in medical devices in particular.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It has become well established that there are major health benefits from regular endoscopic examinations of a patient's internal structures such as the alimentary canals and airways, e.g., the esophagus, stomach, lungs, colon, uterus, urethra, kidney, and other organ systems. Endoscopes are also commonly used to perform surgical, therapeutic, diagnostic, or other medical procedures under direct visualization. A conventional imaging endoscope used for such procedures includes an illuminating mechanism such as a fiber optic light guide connected to a proximal source of light, and an imaging means such as an imaging light guide to carry an image to a remote camera, or eye piece, or a miniature video camera within the endoscope itself. In addition, most endoscopes include one or more working channels through which medical devices such as biopsy forceps, snares, fulguration probes and other tools may be passed in order to perform a procedure at a desired location in the patient's body.
Navigation of the endoscope through complex and tortuous paths is critical to the success of the examination with minimum pain, side effects, risk or sedation to the patient. To this end, modern endoscopes include means for deflecting the distal tip of the scope to follow the pathway of the structure under examination, with minimum deflection or friction force upon the surrounding tissue. Control cables similar to bicycle brake cables are carried within the endoscope body in order to connect an articulation joint adjacent to the distal end to a set of control knobs at the proximal endoscope handle. By manipulating the control knobs, the operator is usually able to steer the endoscope during insertion and direct it to a region of interest. Common operator complaints about traditional endoscopes include their limited flexibility, limited column strength, and limited operator control of stiffness along the endoscope length. Conventional endoscopes are expensive, hand assembled medical devices costing in the range of $25,000 for an endoscope, and much more for the associated operator console. Because of this expense, these conventional endoscopes are built to withstand repeated disinfections and use upon many patients. Conventional endoscopes are
generally built of sturdy materials, which decreases the flexibility of the scope and thus can decrease patient comfort. Furthermore, conventional endoscopes are complex and fragile instruments that frequently need expensive repair as a result of damage during use or during a disinfection procedure. Low cost, disposable medical devices designated for a single use have become popular for instruments that are difficult to clean properly. Single-use, disposable devices are packaged in sterile wrappers to avoid the risk of pathogenic cross-contamination of diseases such as HIV, hepatitis, and other pathogens. Hospitals generally welcome the convenience of single-use disposable products because they no longer have to be concerned with product age, overuse, breakage, malfunction, and sterilization. One medical device that has not previously been inexpensive enough to be considered truly disposable is the endoscope, such as a colonoscope, bronchoscope, gastroscope, duodenoscope, etc. Such a single-use or disposable endoscope is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/811,781, filed March 29, 2004, and in a U.S. Continuation-in- Part Patent Application No. 10/956,007, filed September 30, 2004, that are assigned to Scimed Life Systems, Inc., now Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., and are hereby incorporated by reference.
The articulation joint adjacent to the distal tip of a conventional endoscope is typically made from complicated stamped and formed parts that are brazed together. The brazing operation is expensive and the metal articulation joint segments require special tooling to produce. In addition, adhesives are often used to assemble the articulation joint segments to each other. Therefore, a need exists for a method of producing articulation joints from low cost materials that are easily assembled for use in a low-cost medical device such as a disposable endoscope.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To address these and other concerns, in one embodiment the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a medical device such as an endoscope. The articulation joint is comprised of a number of low cost, easily mass produced components that allow the distal end of the endoscope to be bent in a desired direction by one or more control cables. In one embodiment, the articulation joint body comprises a plurality of interconnecting segments. Each segment comprises a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen. The outer wall includes a number of hinge elements therein and a series of
slots therethrough. A plurality of cable guide elements having a passage for control cables are inserted into the slots and two or more cables are threaded through the plurality of cable guide elements and tensioned to form the articulation joint body.
In another embodiment, the articulation joint body is a tubular body comprising a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen. The outer wall includes a number of hinge elements therein and a series of slots therethrough. A plurality of annular rings are snap-fitted around the circumference of the tubular body at spaced intervals. Each annular ring has an outer circumference with a first end and a second end and a space therebetween. Also included in each annular ring is at least one pair of inwardly extending cable guide loops adapted to be inserted into the slots in the outer wall of the tubular body. Two or more cables are threaded through the plurality of cable guide loops and tensioned to form the articulation joint body.
In another aspect, the present invention includes a method of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device. In one embodiment, the method comprises injection molding a plurality of segments having interconnecting structures. Each segment comprises a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen. The outer wall includes a number of hinge elements therein and a series of slots therethrough. The method includes injection molding a plurality of cable guide elements that each have a passage element adapted to be inserted through the slots on the outer wall. The method involves interconnecting two or more segments and inserting the cable guide elements into the slots in the outer walls of the segments. One or more cables are then threaded through the guide elements and tensioned to form the articulation joint.
In another embodiment, the method comprises injection molding a tubular body comprising a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen. The outer wall includes a number of hinge elements and a series of slots therethrough. A plurality of annular rings are formed, each ring having two or more guide loops sized to be received in the slots in the outer wall. The annular rings are snap-fitted over the tubular body such that the guide loops are fitted through the slots and at least two cables are threaded through the guide loops and tensioned to form the articulation joint.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to
the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a diagram illustrating a representative embodiment of an endoscope having a distal end, a proximal end and an articulation joint adjacent the distal end formed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 illustrates an articulation joint positioned adjacent a distal portion of an endoscope shaft in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 3A illustrates a partial view of an articulation joint body comprising a plurality of interconnected segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 3B is a detailed view of a segment of the articulation joint body shown in FIGURE 3 A;
FIGURE 3 C is a perspective view of a cable guide element for use in assembling an articulation joint body comprising a plurality of interconnected segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 4 is a partial perspective view of an articulation joint body comprising interconnected segments having four control cables threaded through four cable guide elements in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 5 A is a perspective view of an embodiment of an articulation joint body comprising a unitary core having a plurality of annular rings fitted around the outer circumference of the unitary core at regular intervals, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIGURE 5B is a detailed view of the embodiment of the annular ring shown in FIGURE 5A; FIGURE 5C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the articulation joint body shown in FIGURE 5A;
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an articulation joint body comprising a unitary core having a plurality of slots, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; FIGURE 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing an articulation joint body having a plurality of interconnected segments in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIGURE 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of manufacturing an articulation joint body having a unitary core in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Generally described, the present invention provides an articulation joint and a method of making an articulation joint for use in a medical device, such as an endoscope. The present invention provides many advantages over articulation joints used in conventional endoscopy systems. For example, the articulation joints of the present invention are easy to assemble and do not require the use of adhesives or brazing, thereby providing an inexpensive and easily mass-produced joint that allows the distal end of a medical device, such as an endoscope, to be bent in any desired direction by one or more control cables.
The various embodiments of the articulation joint described herein may be used with both conventional reusable endoscopes and low cost, disposable endoscopes, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/811,781, filed March 29, 2004, and in a U.S. Continuation-in-Part Patent Application No. 10/956,007, filed September 30, 2004, that are assigned to Scimed Life Systems, Inc., now Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., and are hereby incorporated by reference. FIGURE 1 illustrates an exemplary endoscope 20, having an embodiment of an articulation joint 30 formed in accordance with the present invention. The endoscope 20 can be any single-use or reusable, flexible, or partially-flexible elongated probe, such as, for example, a bronchoscope or a colonoscope. In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 1, the endoscope 20 includes an elongated shaft 21 with a distal end 22 that is advanced into a patient's body cavity and a proximal end 24 that is removably connected to a control cabinet (not shown) via a connector 34. The endoscope 20 includes the articulation joint 30 proximal to the distal tip 22 to provide sufficient flexibility to the distal section of the shaft 21 such that the distal end 22 can be directed over the required deflection range (180° or more). The endoscope 20 has a set of control cables 40, shown best in FIGURE 2, that control the motion of the distal end 22. The distal end of the control cables are attached at or adjacent to the distal end 22 of the shaft, while the proximal ends of the control cables are attached to actuators in a handle (not shown) or in a control unit (not shown).
In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 1, the endoscope 20 also includes a breakout box 26 that is positioned approximately midway along the length of the endoscope. The breakout box 26 provides an entrance to a working channel covered by a cap 32. In use, an operator can remove the cap 32 and insert a medical device such as a biopsy forceps, snare, etc., into the working channel of the endoscope to perform a desired procedure within the patient.
FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the distal portion of the shaft 21 of the endoscope 20 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The endoscope 20 generally comprises a hollow shaft having one or more lumens formed of plastic materials, such as polyurethane or polyethylene, which terminate at the distal end 22. The shape of the distal end 22 and shaft 21 are usually cylindrical but can be made in other shapes to facilitate passage into a body cavity. The distal end 22 comprises a cap that is secured within a central lumen to the distal end of the articulation joint 30. The distal end of the shaft 21 is secured to the proximal end of the articulation joint 30. In some embodiments, the shaft 21 has a greater torsional stiffness and/or is better able to transmit torque towards the distal end of the endoscope than at the proximal end of the endoscope. The cap at the distal end 22 includes an imaging system with a light illumination port, an image sensor, an opening to a working channel, and a flushing port. Further detail of an exemplary imaging system and its operation can be found in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 10/811 ,781 , and 10/956,007, as discussed above.
With continued reference to FIGURE 2, a number of control cables 40 extend from the proximal end of the shaft 21 where they comiect to actuators in the control cabinet or a manual handle (not shown). The control cables 40 extend through a plurality of cable guide elements 50 positioned along the walls of the articulation joint 30, and terminate either at the distal end of the articulation joint 30 or in the distal end section 22. The proximal portion of the control cables 40 may be routed within the center lumen of the shaft 21, or, as shown in FIGURE 2, may be routed through a number of cable guide elements or lumens formed within or along the walls of the shaft 21, as discussed in more detail below. In accordance with the various aspects of the invention, the articulation joint 30 has a generally cylindrical configuration with a central lumen. In one embodiment, shown in FIGURE 3 A, an articulation joint body 100 is formed from a plurality of interconnected segments HOA, HOB that are axially aligned and secured to one another
to create an articulation joint. FIGURE 3B shows further detail of the segment HOA. The articulation joint segment 110 comprises a cylindrical tube having an outer wall H lA and an open central lumen 102. One or more hinges 112, 114 are formed in the outer wall H lA along the longitudinal axes in order to facilitate bending of the assembled articulation joint body 100. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGURE 3 A, each segment comprises two pairs of hinge elements 112, 114. Each hinge 112, 114 comprises a pair of opposing V-shaped slits in the outer wall 11 IA that are separated by a pair of opposing flex points 115A, 155B (hidden in FIGURE 3B) and 116A, 166B (hidden in FIGURE 3B) in the outer wall 11 IA. Upon tension of the control cables, each hinge allows the segment and/or the assembled tubular body comprising multiple segments to move back and forth in an amount that is determined by the widest part of the V-shaped slits. In the embodiment of the articulation joint body 100 shown in FIGURE 3 A, the hinges 112 and 114 are circumferentially arranged in an alternating 90 degree pattern to achieve articulation in two planes, although other arrangements would also be known to one of skill in the art. As will be appreciated, the angles of the V- shaped cuts that form the hinges 112 and 114 may be uniform, or may vary along the length of the articulation joint body 100. Similarly, the distance between adjacent hinges 112 and 114 may be uniform or may vary in order to tailor the bending and torque fidelity characteristics of the articulation joint body 100. The segments 11 OA, HOB, etc., are preferably made from a molded plastic material and include a central lumen 102 through which the control cables 40 and other elements of the endoscope 20 are passed to allow electrical, irrigation and aspiration connections to extend into the distal end 22. Suitable materials for forming the articulation joint segments 11 OA, 11 OB include polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene or other biocompatible polymers. The articulation joint body 100 may be formed from any number of interconnecting segments 11 OA, HOB, etc., in order to provide an articulation joint having any total bend angle required. For example, in one embodiment of the articulation joint body 100, each segment includes the hinge 112 and 114, each having a closing angle of 30 degrees. In accordance with this embodiment, six segments 11 OA, HOB, HOC, HOD, HOE, and 11 OF (not shown), having a corresponding total of six hinges 112 and 114 for each axis disposed along the length of the articulation joint are required to provide a 360 degree range of movement.
FIGURES 3 A and 3 B additionally illustrate a representative set of interconnecting structures capable of interlocking the segments HOA and HOB to form a portion of the articulation joint body 100. As shown in FIGURE 3B, the segment 11OA comprises an outer wall 11 IA having a first end 122 and a second end 124. The first end 122 of the segment HOA includes an outwardly extending rim having an outer diameter selected such that the rim is able to be received in a corresponding counter-bored detail of an adjacent segment. As further shown in FIGURES 3A and 3B5 one end of the segment includes a set of tangs 130 and a set of notches 132 on the other end. The tangs 130 from one segment are received in the notches 132 of an adjacent segment to prevent the adjacent segments from axially rotating with respect to each other.
In the embodiment of the articulation joint body 100 shown in FIGURE 3 A, the outer wall 11 IA of the segment 11 OA at the proximal-most end of the articulation joint body 100 is adapted to receive the distal end of the shaft 21, and the outer wall 11 IB of segment HOB at the distal-most end of the articulation joint body 100 is adapted to receive the distal end 22 of the endoscope 20.
With reference now to FIGURE 3 B, also included adjacent to the first end 122 and second end 124 of the segments 11 OA, HOB are two or more slots 120 that each receive a cable guide element. In one embodiment the cable guide element is a seaming pin 150 that holds the adjacent segments together. As shown in FIGURE 3C, the pin 150 has a head 152 sized to prevent the pin 150 from being pulled through the slot 120 and a tab 154 that fits into the slots 120 of the adjacent segments. The distal end of the tab 154 includes a hole 156 that forms a passage through which a control cable can be passed. In some embodiments, two slots 120 are spaced at a 180 degree interval around the circumference of each segment 110. In other embodiments, three slots 120 are spaced at 120 degree intervals around the circumference of each segment 110. In further embodiments, four slots 120 are spaced at 90 degree intervals around the circumference of each segment 110. In some embodiments, the outer extending portion of the slots 120 are a counter-bored detail for receiving the head 152 on the pin 150. In a preferred embodiment, the pins 150 are injection molded. FIGURE 4 is a partial perspective view of two interconnected segments 11 OA,
HOB, including pins 150 inserted into the slots with control cables 160A, 160B, 160C, 160D threaded through the holes 156 in the tabs 154 to couple the adjacent segments together. Variations in bending and torque fidelity along the length of the articulation
joint can be achieved by varying the durometer rating of materials that are used to mold the different segments. Also, as mentioned above, the flexibility of the articulation joint may be varied by changing the distance between adjacent hinges in each segment and/or by varying the angles of the V-shaped slits that form the hinges. FIGURE 5A illustrates an articulation joint body 200 formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The articulation joint body 200 comprises an elongated unitary core 202 comprising a cylinder with an outer wall 203 and a central lumen 204. The outer wall 203 of the unitary core 202 comprises a series of hinges 210, 212 along its length that are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated unitary core 202. As shown in FIGURE 5 A, each hinge 210, 212 comprises a pair of opposing V-shaped slits in the outer wall 203 that are separated by a pair of opposing flex points 21 IA, 21 IB (hidden in FIGURE 5A) and 213A, 213B (hidden in FIGURE 5A) in the outer wall 203. In the embodiment of the articulation joint body 200 shown in FIGURE 5 A, the hinges 210 and 212 are arranged in an alternating 90 degree pattern, although other arrangements would also be known to one of skill in the art. The outer wall 203 also includes a plurality of circumferential grooves 216 located on the outside of the outer wall 203 at intervals spaced along the length of the unitary core 202. Each circumferential groove 216 is sized to receive an annular ring 220, best shown in FIGURE 5B. Each circumferential groove 216 further includes one or more slots 214, best shown in FIGURE 5C. Each slot 214 is adapted to receive an inwardly extending cable guide loop 230 that fits through the slot 214 such that a control cable can fit in the space between the inner wall of the shaft and the enclosed portion of the loop 230. In one embodiment, one circumferential groove 216 is disposed between hinges 210 and 212 to form an alternating pattern, as shown in FIGURE 5 A. The elongated unitary core 202 may be formed by injection molding using a suitable biocompatible polymeric material, such as polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene or other biocompatible polymers.
FIGURE 5B illustrates an embodiment of the annular ring 220 that comprises an outer circumference with a first end 222 and a second end 224 having a space therebetween that allows the annular ring 220 to be snap-fitted over the outer wall 203 of the unitary core 202. Positioned at equally spaced intervals around the outer circumference of the annular ring 220 are inwardly extending cable guide loops 230 that are adapted to be inserted into the corresponding slots 214 and are capable of receiving a
control cable 240. One or more annular rings 220 may be disposed within the circumferential grooves 216 in the outer wall 203 of the unitary core 202, as shown in FIGURE 5A.
In the embodiment shown in FIGURE 5B, the annular ring 220 has four cable guide loops 230 inserted through the slots 214, through which four control cables 240A, 240B, 240C and 240D are threaded. However, a different number of cable guide loops and control cables may be provided, such as 2, 3, 4, or more than 4. The annular ring 220 may be made of a metal such as steel, brass, nitinol, etc., or molded from a biocompatible polymer. FIGURE 5C is a cross-sectional view of the articulation joint body 200 shown in
FIGURE 5 A, showing the annular ring 220 fitted into the circumferential groove 216 formed in the outer wall 203 of the unitary core 202. In the embodiment shown, each circumferential groove 216 includes four slots 214. As shown, the four inwardly extending cable guide loops 230 protrude towards the central lumen 204 through the slots 214, to form guides through which control cables 240A, 240B, 240C and 240D are threaded.
FIGURE 6 shows another embodiment of an articulation joint body 300 that has a unitary core 302 formed generally as a cylinder with an outer wall 303 and a central lumen 304. The articulation joint body 300 is substantially similar to the articulation joint body 200 described above, with the difference being that the plurality of circumferential grooves 216 are omitted in the joint body 300. A series of slots 314 are arranged around the outer circumference of the body 302 that are adapted to receive one or more cable guide loops 230 extending inward on the annular ring 220, as shown and described in reference to FIGURES 5A, 5B and 5C. In another aspect, the present invention includes a method for manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device, such as a low cost endoscope. FIGURE 7 is a flow chart of a process for manufacturing a segmented articulation joint. The process begins at 400 and comprises injection molding a plurality of segments comprising corresponding interfacing tangs and notches at 410. The segments may be injection molded using a suitable biocompatible polymeric material, such as, for example, polyurethane, polyethylene, polypropylene or other biocompatible polymers. Each segment comprises a generally cylindrical body with an outer wall and a central lumen. The outer wall of each segment includes a number of hinge elements, such as V-shaped
slits. The V-shaped slits may be molded into the segments or cut with a laser, waterjet or other material removal mechanism. In some embodiments, the outer walls of the segments further include a series of slots adapted to receive a cable guide element. The process further includes injection molding a plurality of cable guide elements at 420. In one embodiment, the cable guide elements include a retaining head connected to a passage sized to be received in the slots in the outer wall of the segments. The cable guide elements may be injection molded from a metal such as steel, brass, etc. or from a biocompatible polymer. At 430 a plurality of segments are interconnected by aligning the corresponding tangs and notches on each segment. Any number of segments may be connected together in order to provide various degrees of articulation. The passages of the plurality of guide elements are inserted into the slots on the interconnected segments. Once the cable guide elements are in place, cables are threaded through the corresponding cable passages at 440. The cables are then tensioned to form the articulation joint at 450. The cables are preferably made of a non-stretching material such as a stainless steel or a highly oriented polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) thread string. The method ends at 460.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an articulation joint comprising a unitary core as shown in FIGURE 8. The process starts at 500 and comprises injection molding a tubular body comprising a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen. The outer wall comprises a plurality of hinge elements such as V-shaped slits. In one embodiment, the outer wall includes a series of slots arranged around the circumference of the outer wall that are each adapted to receive a guide passage on an annular ring. In another embodiment, the outer wall further includes a series of circumferential grooves that are disposed over the slots. At 520 the process further includes injection molding, stamping, or otherwise forming a plurality of annular rings that each comprise an outer circumference with a first end and a second end having a space therebetween that allows the ring to be snap-fitted over the outer wall and received in one of the circumferential grooves. Each annular ring also includes. two or more oppositely formed, inwardly extending guide passages that are adapted to be received in the slots in the outer wall. The annular rings may be formed from a metal such as steel, brass, etc. or from a biocompatible polymer. At 530 the plurality of annular rings are snap-fitted over the tubular body such that the guide passages extend through the slots towards the central lumen. Once the annular rings are in place, one or more cables are threaded through the guide passages at 540. The
threaded cables are then tensioned at 550 to form an articulation joint. The process ends at 560.
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be determined from the following claims and equivalents thereof.
Claims
1. An articulation joint for use in a medical device, the articulation joint comprising a tubular body comprising: a plurality of interconnected adjacent segments, wherein each segment comprises a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen, and wherein the outer wall of each segment includes at least one hinge element therein and at least one slot therethrough; at least one cable guide element comprising a passage capable of extending through the slot and means for retaining a portion of the cable guide element from passing through the slot; and one or more control cables threaded through the cable guide element comprising the passage.
2. The articulation joint of Claim 1, wherein the passage of the at least one cable guide element extends through the at least one slot and into the central lumen of the segment.
3. The articulation j oint of Claim 1 , wherein the means for retaining a portion of the cable guide element comprises a retaining head connected to the passage, wherein the retaining head prevents the cable guide element from passing through the slot.
4. The articulation joint of Claim 1, wherein the at least one cable guide element comprises an annular ring comprising an outer circumference with a first end and a second end having a space therebetween, wherein the space is sized to allow the annular ring to be fitted around the circumference of the tubular body at spaced intervals.
5. The articulation joint of Claim 4, wherein the annular ring comprises at least one pair of inwardly extending cable guide passages adapted to be inserted through the slots and into the central lumen.
6. The articulation joint of Claim I5 wherein each segment includes at least one opposing pair of hinge elements therein and a series of slots therethrough.
7. The articulation joint of Claim 6, wherein each segment includes at least one opposing pair of V-shaped slits oriented to provide flexibility along a first axis.
8. The articulation joint of Claim 7, wherein each segment further includes at least one opposing pair of V-shaped slits oriented to provide flexibility along a second orthogonal axis.
9. The articulation joint of Claim 8, wherein the V-shaped slits each have a closing angle of about 30 degrees.
10. The articulation joint of Claim 6, wherein each segment includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end has a counter-bored detail adapted to receive a cooperating shape of the second end.
11. The articulation joint of Claim 10, wherein adjacent segments comprise interfacing tangs and notches that connect with one another to form a non-articulating interface.
12. The articulation joint of Claim 1, wherein the articulation joint comprises at least six interconnected adjacent segments.
13. The articulation joint of Claim 1, wherein the plurality of segments are molded.
14. The articulation joint of Claim 13, wherein the plurality of segments are molded from a biocompatible polymeric material.
15. The articulation joint of Claim 1, wherein the articulation joint comprises at least two segments molded from polymeric materials having durometer values .that differ from one another.
16. The articulation joint of Claim 1, wherein the one or more control cables threaded through the at least one cable guide element are tensioned to couple the plurality of adjacent segments together to form the tubular body.
17. An articulation joint for use in a medical device, the articulation joint comprising:
a tubular body comprising a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen, wherein the outer wall includes a plurality of hinge elements therein and a series of slots therethrough; a plurality of annular rings around the circumference of the tubular body at spaced intervals, each annular ring comprising at least one pair of inwardly extending cable guide passages adapted to be inserted into the slots on the tubular body; and at least two cables, wherein each cable is threaded through the plurality of cable guide passages on the annular rings that extend through the slots and into the central lumen.
18. The articulation joint of Claim 17, wherein each annular ring comprises an outer circumference with a first end and a second end having a space therebetween sized to allow the annular ring to be snap-fitted over the tubular body.
19. The articulation joint of Claim 18, wherein the tubular body further comprises a series of circumferential grooves formed in the outer wall, wherein the circumferential grooves are adapted to receive the annular rings.
20. The articulation joint of Claim 17, wherein the tubular body includes at least one opposing pair of V-shaped slits oriented to provide flexibility along a first axis.
21. The articulation joint of Claim 17, wherein the hinge elements comprise a series of opposing pairs of V-shaped slits that are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tubular body.
22. The articulation joint of Claim 21, wherein the tubular body further includes at least one opposing pair of V-shaped slits oriented to provide flexibility along a second orthogonal axis.
23. The articulation joint of Claim 22, wherein a number of the slots on the tubular body are circumferentially disposed between one opposing pair of V-shaped slits oriented to provide flexibility along the first axis and one opposing pair of V-shaped slits oriented to provide flexibility along the second orthogonal axis.
24. The articulation joint of Claim 17, wherein the tubular body is molded.
25. The articulation joint of Claim 24, wherein the tubular body is molded from a biocompatible polymeric material.
26. The articulation joint of Claim 17, wherein the plurality of annular rings are metal.
27. A method of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device, the method comprising: injection molding a plurality of segments having interconnecting structures, wherein each segment comprises a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen, wherein the outer wall includes at least one hinge element therein and at least one slot therethrough; injection molding a plurality of cable guide elements, wherein each cable guide element comprises a passage adapted to be inserted through selected slots of the segments; interconnecting at least two segments; inserting the cable guide elements through the selected slots in the segments; and threading at least two control cables through the passages on the cable guide elements and tensioning the control cables to form the articulation joint.
28. A method of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device, the method comprising: injection molding a tubular body comprising a cylinder with an outer wall and a central lumen, wherein the outer wall includes at least one hinge element therein and at least one slot therethrough; forming a plurality of annular rings, wherein each annular ring includes at least one pair of inwardly extending guide passages sized to be received in the slots on the tubular body; fitting one or more annular rings over the tubular body such that the guide passages are fitted through the slots and into the central lumen; and threading at least two cables through the guide passages on the annular rings and tensioning the control cables to form the articulation joint.
29. The method of Claim 28, wherein each annular ring comprises an outer circumference with a first end and a second end having a space therebetween sized to allow the annular ring to be snap-fitted over the tubular body.
30. The method of Claim 29, wherein the plurality of annular rings are metal.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/215,704 US8052597B2 (en) | 2005-08-30 | 2005-08-30 | Method for forming an endoscope articulation joint |
US11/215,704 | 2005-08-30 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2007027514A1 true WO2007027514A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
Family
ID=37450904
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2006/033154 WO2007027514A1 (en) | 2005-08-30 | 2006-08-24 | Endoscope articulation joint joint and method manufacture |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (5) | US8052597B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007027514A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105911687A (en) * | 2016-05-30 | 2016-08-31 | 上海熠达光电科技有限公司 | Bent part of endoscope |
Families Citing this family (121)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US8231524B2 (en) * | 2005-09-20 | 2012-07-31 | Ai Medical Devices, Inc. | Endotracheal intubation device |
JP2009540952A (en) | 2006-06-20 | 2009-11-26 | エーオーテックス, インコーポレイテッド | Torque shaft and torque drive |
US7824270B2 (en) * | 2007-01-23 | 2010-11-02 | C-Flex Bearing Co., Inc. | Flexible coupling |
US20080200934A1 (en) * | 2007-02-15 | 2008-08-21 | Fox William D | Surgical devices and methods using magnetic force to form an anastomosis |
US7655004B2 (en) | 2007-02-15 | 2010-02-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Electroporation ablation apparatus, system, and method |
US20080200762A1 (en) * | 2007-02-16 | 2008-08-21 | Stokes Michael J | Flexible endoscope shapelock |
EP2117417B1 (en) | 2007-02-27 | 2014-10-29 | Carnegie Mellon University | System for releasably attaching a disposable device to a durable device |
US7815662B2 (en) | 2007-03-08 | 2010-10-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical suture anchors and deployment device |
US8075572B2 (en) * | 2007-04-26 | 2011-12-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical suturing apparatus |
US8100922B2 (en) | 2007-04-27 | 2012-01-24 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Curved needle suturing tool |
US7771416B2 (en) * | 2007-06-14 | 2010-08-10 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Control mechanism for flexible endoscopic device and method of use |
US8568410B2 (en) | 2007-08-31 | 2013-10-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Electrical ablation surgical instruments |
US8262655B2 (en) | 2007-11-21 | 2012-09-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Bipolar forceps |
US8579897B2 (en) | 2007-11-21 | 2013-11-12 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Bipolar forceps |
US20090112059A1 (en) | 2007-10-31 | 2009-04-30 | Nobis Rudolph H | Apparatus and methods for closing a gastrotomy |
US8480657B2 (en) | 2007-10-31 | 2013-07-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Detachable distal overtube section and methods for forming a sealable opening in the wall of an organ |
US20090227842A1 (en) * | 2008-03-07 | 2009-09-10 | Fujifilm Corporation | Angle wire fixing structure of endoscope |
US8262680B2 (en) | 2008-03-10 | 2012-09-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Anastomotic device |
ES2750844T3 (en) | 2008-03-10 | 2020-03-27 | Fortimedix Surgical B V | Instrument for endoscopic applications |
TW200938150A (en) * | 2008-03-14 | 2009-09-16 | Everest Display Inc | G-I endoscope with flexible steering structure and flexible steering tube thereof |
US20120238952A1 (en) | 2008-04-02 | 2012-09-20 | Usgi Medical, Inc. | Endoluminal surgical tool with small bend radius steering section |
EA023597B1 (en) | 2008-04-18 | 2016-06-30 | Фортимедикс Сёрджикал Б.В. | Instrument for endoscopic applications |
US8317806B2 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2012-11-27 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Endoscopic suturing tension controlling and indication devices |
US8652150B2 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2014-02-18 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Multifunction surgical device |
US8070759B2 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2011-12-06 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical fastening device |
US8114072B2 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2012-02-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Electrical ablation device |
US8679003B2 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2014-03-25 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical device and endoscope including same |
US8771260B2 (en) | 2008-05-30 | 2014-07-08 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Actuating and articulating surgical device |
US8906035B2 (en) | 2008-06-04 | 2014-12-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Endoscopic drop off bag |
US8403926B2 (en) | 2008-06-05 | 2013-03-26 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Manually articulating devices |
US8361112B2 (en) | 2008-06-27 | 2013-01-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical suture arrangement |
US20100010294A1 (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2010-01-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Temporarily positionable medical devices |
US8888792B2 (en) | 2008-07-14 | 2014-11-18 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Tissue apposition clip application devices and methods |
US8262563B2 (en) | 2008-07-14 | 2012-09-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Endoscopic translumenal articulatable steerable overtube |
GB0813990D0 (en) * | 2008-07-31 | 2008-09-10 | Surgical Innovations Ltd | Endoscopic surgical instrument |
US8211125B2 (en) | 2008-08-15 | 2012-07-03 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Sterile appliance delivery device for endoscopic procedures |
US8529563B2 (en) | 2008-08-25 | 2013-09-10 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Electrical ablation devices |
US8241204B2 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2012-08-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Articulating end cap |
US8480689B2 (en) | 2008-09-02 | 2013-07-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Suturing device |
US8409200B2 (en) | 2008-09-03 | 2013-04-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical grasping device |
JP5656313B2 (en) | 2008-09-05 | 2015-01-21 | カーネギー メロン ユニバーシティ | Articulated endoscopic device with a spherical distal assembly |
US8114119B2 (en) | 2008-09-09 | 2012-02-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical grasping device |
US8092722B2 (en) * | 2008-09-30 | 2012-01-10 | Sabic Innovative Plastics Ip B.V. | Varnish compositions for electrical insulation and method of using the same |
US8337394B2 (en) | 2008-10-01 | 2012-12-25 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Overtube with expandable tip |
US8157834B2 (en) | 2008-11-25 | 2012-04-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Rotational coupling device for surgical instrument with flexible actuators |
US8172772B2 (en) | 2008-12-11 | 2012-05-08 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Specimen retrieval device |
US8348834B2 (en) * | 2008-12-18 | 2013-01-08 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Steerable surgical access devices and methods |
US8361066B2 (en) | 2009-01-12 | 2013-01-29 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Electrical ablation devices |
US8828031B2 (en) | 2009-01-12 | 2014-09-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Apparatus for forming an anastomosis |
US8252057B2 (en) * | 2009-01-30 | 2012-08-28 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical access device |
US9226772B2 (en) | 2009-01-30 | 2016-01-05 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical device |
US8037591B2 (en) | 2009-02-02 | 2011-10-18 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical scissors |
US20100227697A1 (en) * | 2009-03-04 | 2010-09-09 | C-Flex Bearing Co., Inc. | Flexible coupling |
US20100249700A1 (en) * | 2009-03-27 | 2010-09-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instruments for in vivo assembly |
US20110112365A1 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2011-05-12 | Gyrus Acmi, Inc. | Endoscope shaft |
US20100331618A1 (en) * | 2009-06-24 | 2010-12-30 | Gyrus Acmi, Inc. | Endoscope shaft frame member with wavy slot |
DE102009037317A1 (en) * | 2009-08-14 | 2011-02-17 | Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Device and method for centering the inner and outer tubes of an endoscope |
US20110098704A1 (en) | 2009-10-28 | 2011-04-28 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Electrical ablation devices |
US8608652B2 (en) | 2009-11-05 | 2013-12-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Vaginal entry surgical devices, kit, system, and method |
US8496574B2 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2013-07-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Selectively positionable camera for surgical guide tube assembly |
US8353487B2 (en) | 2009-12-17 | 2013-01-15 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | User interface support devices for endoscopic surgical instruments |
US9028483B2 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2015-05-12 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument comprising an electrode |
US8506564B2 (en) | 2009-12-18 | 2013-08-13 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument comprising an electrode |
US9005198B2 (en) | 2010-01-29 | 2015-04-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument comprising an electrode |
US8708593B2 (en) * | 2010-02-04 | 2014-04-29 | Eric M. Stratton | Cross-flexural pivot |
US9375139B2 (en) * | 2010-07-29 | 2016-06-28 | Cannuflow, Inc. | Arthroscopic system |
US20120029289A1 (en) * | 2010-07-29 | 2012-02-02 | Cannuflow, Inc. | Optical Cap for Use With Arthroscopic System |
US8974372B2 (en) | 2010-08-25 | 2015-03-10 | Barry M. Fell | Path-following robot |
WO2012024740A1 (en) * | 2010-08-27 | 2012-03-01 | Resmed Limited | Pap system |
US8702594B2 (en) * | 2010-10-21 | 2014-04-22 | Avram Allan Edidin | Imaging system having a quick connect coupling interface |
JP5678204B2 (en) * | 2010-12-02 | 2015-02-25 | ジャイラス・エーシーエムアイ・インコーポレーテッド | Endoscope shaft |
US10092291B2 (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2018-10-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical instrument with selectively rigidizable features |
US9198561B2 (en) | 2011-01-31 | 2015-12-01 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Articulation section with locking |
US9254169B2 (en) | 2011-02-28 | 2016-02-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Electrical ablation devices and methods |
US9233241B2 (en) | 2011-02-28 | 2016-01-12 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Electrical ablation devices and methods |
US9314620B2 (en) | 2011-02-28 | 2016-04-19 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Electrical ablation devices and methods |
US9049987B2 (en) | 2011-03-17 | 2015-06-09 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Hand held surgical device for manipulating an internal magnet assembly within a patient |
US8986199B2 (en) | 2012-02-17 | 2015-03-24 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for cleaning the lens of an endoscope |
US9427255B2 (en) | 2012-05-14 | 2016-08-30 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Apparatus for introducing a steerable camera assembly into a patient |
WO2013190910A1 (en) * | 2012-06-22 | 2013-12-27 | オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 | Bending tube and medical instrument |
US9078662B2 (en) | 2012-07-03 | 2015-07-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Endoscopic cap electrode and method for using the same |
US9204783B2 (en) | 2012-07-20 | 2015-12-08 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Elongate medical device with articulating portion |
US9545290B2 (en) | 2012-07-30 | 2017-01-17 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Needle probe guide |
US10314649B2 (en) | 2012-08-02 | 2019-06-11 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Flexible expandable electrode and method of intraluminal delivery of pulsed power |
US9572623B2 (en) | 2012-08-02 | 2017-02-21 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Reusable electrode and disposable sheath |
US9277957B2 (en) | 2012-08-15 | 2016-03-08 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Electrosurgical devices and methods |
ES2768351T3 (en) * | 2013-01-07 | 2020-06-22 | Ambu As | An articulated tip piece for an endoscope |
US10098527B2 (en) | 2013-02-27 | 2018-10-16 | Ethidcon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | System for performing a minimally invasive surgical procedure |
US10149720B2 (en) * | 2013-03-08 | 2018-12-11 | Auris Health, Inc. | Method, apparatus, and a system for facilitating bending of an instrument in a surgical or medical robotic environment |
US9339271B2 (en) | 2013-03-14 | 2016-05-17 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Articulating surgical instruments |
US9937323B2 (en) * | 2014-02-28 | 2018-04-10 | Cook Medical Technologies Llc | Deflectable catheters, systems, and methods for the visualization and treatment of bodily passages |
WO2016056417A1 (en) * | 2014-10-06 | 2016-04-14 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
US10869592B2 (en) | 2015-02-23 | 2020-12-22 | Uroviu Corp. | Handheld surgical endoscope |
WO2016139550A1 (en) | 2015-03-02 | 2016-09-09 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Single piece bending neck for an articulating ultrasound probe |
EP3265160B1 (en) | 2015-03-02 | 2018-12-19 | Koninklijke Philips N.V. | Variable configuration bending neck for an articulating ultrasound probe |
CN105832280B (en) * | 2016-03-21 | 2018-01-23 | 珠海普生医疗科技有限公司 | A kind of curved part of endoscope structure |
NL2016900B1 (en) | 2016-06-06 | 2017-12-13 | Fortimedix Surgical B V | Steerable instrument comprising a cylindrical diameter adaptation section |
WO2018044898A1 (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2018-03-08 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Articulated meniscal repair instrument |
US11832797B2 (en) | 2016-09-25 | 2023-12-05 | Micronvision Corp. | Endoscopic fluorescence imaging |
US11684248B2 (en) | 2017-09-25 | 2023-06-27 | Micronvision Corp. | Endoscopy/stereo colposcopy medical instrument |
CN109922704B (en) | 2016-10-03 | 2022-04-26 | 富通麦迪资产二有限公司 | Bendable pipe with improved elastic hinge |
CN108303794B (en) * | 2017-01-12 | 2020-06-16 | 台湾先进医学科技股份有限公司 | Steering structure of endoscope |
USD867589S1 (en) * | 2017-03-23 | 2019-11-19 | Pioneer Medical Instrument Co., Ltd. | Steerable structure for endoscope |
WO2018172565A1 (en) | 2017-03-24 | 2018-09-27 | Ambu A/S | Articulated tip part for an endoscope |
EP3641631B1 (en) | 2017-06-20 | 2023-04-19 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Devices and methods for determining blood flow around a body lumen |
US11357392B2 (en) | 2017-06-26 | 2022-06-14 | Ambu A/S | Bending section for an endoscope |
US20190038791A1 (en) * | 2017-08-02 | 2019-02-07 | Sanovas Intellectual Property, Llc | Medical Device Inspection and Sterilization |
US10918268B2 (en) * | 2017-08-29 | 2021-02-16 | Opcom Inc. | Insert tube and endoscope using the same |
US11771304B1 (en) | 2020-11-12 | 2023-10-03 | Micronvision Corp. | Minimally invasive endoscope |
CN107951455A (en) * | 2017-11-03 | 2018-04-24 | 珠海普生医疗科技有限公司 | A kind of snake bone steel wire position limiting structure |
EP3539445A1 (en) * | 2018-03-14 | 2019-09-18 | Ambu A/S | Method for manufacturing a tip housing |
CN108553070B (en) * | 2018-05-17 | 2020-09-18 | 黄琴 | Controllable bent pipe structure |
EP3968837A1 (en) | 2019-05-15 | 2022-03-23 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Medical device having asymmetric bending |
EP3797671A1 (en) | 2019-09-26 | 2021-03-31 | Ambu A/S | A tip part for an endoscope and the manufacture thereof |
DE102020111458A1 (en) * | 2020-04-27 | 2021-10-28 | Schölly Fiberoptic GmbH | Flexible endoscope with a skeletal structure |
US11839359B2 (en) * | 2020-06-26 | 2023-12-12 | Cook Medical Technologies Llc | Endoscope bending section |
EP3988006B1 (en) | 2020-10-20 | 2023-08-09 | Ambu A/S | An endoscope |
DE102021109022A1 (en) | 2021-04-12 | 2022-10-13 | Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg | Shaft for a flexible endoscope or for a flexible endoscopic instrument |
GB2610646B (en) | 2021-09-14 | 2023-11-29 | I Q Endoscopes Ltd | Endoscopy system & elements thereof |
GB2610645B (en) | 2021-09-14 | 2023-11-29 | I Q Endoscopes Ltd | Endoscopy system & elements thereof |
CN117398134A (en) * | 2022-07-09 | 2024-01-16 | 深圳市精锋医疗科技股份有限公司 | Flexible surgical instrument, catheter and joint assembly |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6270453B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2001-08-07 | Suzuki Motor Corporation | Bending device for examining insertion tube |
US20030036748A1 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2003-02-20 | Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | Surgical tool having positively positionable tendon-actuated multi-disk wrist joint |
US20050075538A1 (en) * | 2003-04-01 | 2005-04-07 | Banik Michael S. | Single use endoscopic imaging system |
Family Cites Families (594)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3060972A (en) * | 1957-08-22 | 1962-10-30 | Bausch & Lomb | Flexible tube structures |
US3190286A (en) * | 1961-10-31 | 1965-06-22 | Bausch & Lomb | Flexible viewing probe for endoscopic use |
US3266059A (en) * | 1963-06-19 | 1966-08-16 | North American Aviation Inc | Prestressed flexible joint for mechanical arms and the like |
US3470876A (en) | 1966-09-28 | 1969-10-07 | John Barchilon | Dirigible catheter |
US3583393A (en) * | 1967-12-26 | 1971-06-08 | Olympus Optical Co | Bendable tube assembly |
US3572325A (en) * | 1968-10-25 | 1971-03-23 | Us Health Education & Welfare | Flexible endoscope having fluid conduits and control |
US3581738A (en) | 1968-11-12 | 1971-06-01 | Welch Allyn Inc | Disposable illuminating endoscope and method of manufacture |
US4108211A (en) | 1975-04-28 | 1978-08-22 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Articulated, four-way bendable tube structure |
JPS5641684Y2 (en) | 1977-11-24 | 1981-09-30 | ||
JPS5586436A (en) | 1978-12-22 | 1980-06-30 | Olympus Optical Co | Endoscope |
JPS6041203Y2 (en) * | 1979-04-03 | 1985-12-14 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Curved tube part of endoscope |
US4315309A (en) * | 1979-06-25 | 1982-02-09 | Coli Robert D | Integrated medical test data storage and retrieval system |
US4294162A (en) | 1979-07-23 | 1981-10-13 | United Technologies Corporation | Force feel actuator fault detection with directional threshold |
JPS5645629A (en) | 1979-09-20 | 1981-04-25 | Olympus Optical Co | System for transmitting data of endoscope |
JPH0122641Y2 (en) | 1979-10-20 | 1989-07-07 | ||
JPS56138601U (en) * | 1980-03-24 | 1981-10-20 | ||
DE3214615C2 (en) * | 1981-04-21 | 1985-04-25 | Kabushiki Kaisha Medos Kenkyusho, Tokio/Tokyo | Curvature control arrangement for an endoscope |
JPS5846308A (en) | 1981-09-12 | 1983-03-17 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Zoom lens for endoscope with moving solid-state image pickup element |
DE3277287D1 (en) * | 1981-10-15 | 1987-10-22 | Olympus Optical Co | Endoscope system with an electric bending mechanism |
JPS5878635A (en) | 1981-11-02 | 1983-05-12 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope apparatus |
JPS58141135A (en) | 1981-10-20 | 1983-08-22 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Image transmitting system of endoscope using solid image sensor |
JPS5869528A (en) | 1981-10-20 | 1983-04-25 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Signal transmission system in endoscope |
EP0078017B1 (en) | 1981-10-22 | 1988-03-30 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus with motor-driven bending mechanism |
JPS5886129A (en) * | 1981-11-17 | 1983-05-23 | 旭光学工業株式会社 | Flexible tube of endoscope and production thereof |
JPS5878635U (en) | 1981-11-24 | 1983-05-27 | 株式会社東芝 | Semiconductor die bonding equipment |
JPS58132812A (en) | 1982-01-22 | 1983-08-08 | ブリテイツシユ・エアロスペイス・パブリツク・リミテツド・カンパニ− | Controller |
DE3382431D1 (en) | 1982-01-22 | 1991-11-14 | British Aerospace | CONTROL UNIT. |
US4425113A (en) * | 1982-06-21 | 1984-01-10 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Flow control mechanism for a plasmaspheresis assembly or the like |
US4491865A (en) * | 1982-09-29 | 1985-01-01 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Image sensor assembly |
GB2132378B (en) * | 1982-11-19 | 1986-05-21 | Gwyndann Group | Illumination of optical instruments |
SE442852B (en) | 1983-04-18 | 1986-02-03 | Saab Scania Ab | PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR CONTROL SYSTEM TO ASTADKOMMA Elevated Torque Gradient for Small Maneuvering Disorders |
US4515444A (en) | 1983-06-30 | 1985-05-07 | Dyonics, Inc. | Optical system |
JPS6048011A (en) | 1983-08-27 | 1985-03-15 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope device |
US4615330A (en) | 1983-09-05 | 1986-10-07 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Noise suppressor for electronic endoscope |
JPH0685762B2 (en) | 1983-09-05 | 1994-11-02 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscopic imaging device |
DE3435598C2 (en) | 1983-09-30 | 1986-06-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Tokio/Tokyo | Endoscope arrangement |
JPS6077731A (en) | 1983-10-03 | 1985-05-02 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope apparatus using solid-image pick-up element |
JPS6081979A (en) * | 1983-10-12 | 1985-05-10 | Omron Tateisi Electronics Co | Image pickup device |
JPS60104915A (en) * | 1983-11-11 | 1985-06-10 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
JPS60169818A (en) | 1984-02-15 | 1985-09-03 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Objective lens for endoscope |
JPS60179713A (en) | 1984-02-28 | 1985-09-13 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope device |
US4617915A (en) | 1984-03-27 | 1986-10-21 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Construction of manual control section of endoscope |
JPS60182001U (en) * | 1984-05-16 | 1985-12-03 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope with observation surface image projection and recording device |
US4586923A (en) | 1984-06-25 | 1986-05-06 | Cordis Corporation | Curving tip catheter |
US4651718A (en) * | 1984-06-29 | 1987-03-24 | Warner-Lambert Technologies Inc. | Vertebra for articulatable shaft |
JPS6122734U (en) | 1984-07-17 | 1986-02-10 | 日清製粉株式会社 | heavy packaging bag |
JPH0648327B2 (en) | 1984-07-28 | 1994-06-22 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
US4616630A (en) | 1984-08-20 | 1986-10-14 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope with an obtusely angled connecting section |
JPS6150546A (en) | 1984-08-20 | 1986-03-12 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPS6150478A (en) | 1984-08-20 | 1986-03-12 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
JPS6142513U (en) * | 1984-08-23 | 1986-03-19 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope |
JP2655568B2 (en) | 1984-08-31 | 1997-09-24 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope using solid-state imaging device |
JPH0614707B2 (en) | 1984-08-31 | 1994-02-23 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Imaging device |
JPS6162453A (en) * | 1984-09-03 | 1986-03-31 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Tissue biopsy recording apparatus for endoscope |
US4580551A (en) * | 1984-11-02 | 1986-04-08 | Warner-Lambert Technologies, Inc. | Flexible plastic tube for endoscopes and the like |
US4643170A (en) * | 1984-12-05 | 1987-02-17 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus |
JPH0535374Y2 (en) * | 1984-12-28 | 1993-09-08 | ||
JP2628627B2 (en) | 1985-01-11 | 1997-07-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Aspheric objective lens for endoscope |
US4971034A (en) | 1985-01-16 | 1990-11-20 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Body cavity pressure adjusting device for endoscope and laser medical treatment apparatus including body cavity pressure adjusting device |
US4667655A (en) | 1985-01-21 | 1987-05-26 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus |
US5215338A (en) * | 1985-04-09 | 1993-06-01 | Tsubakimoto Chain Co. | Flexible supporting sheath for cables and the like |
JPS626212A (en) * | 1985-07-02 | 1987-01-13 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Image signal processing circuit |
DE3633444A1 (en) * | 1985-10-02 | 1987-04-09 | Olympus Optical Co | ENDOSCOPIC PHOTOGRAPHER |
US4633604A (en) * | 1985-12-02 | 1987-01-06 | Russell Corporation | Automatic garment portion loader |
US4700693A (en) | 1985-12-09 | 1987-10-20 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Endoscope steering section |
JPH07104492B2 (en) | 1985-12-28 | 1995-11-13 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Illumination optical system for endoscope |
US4649904A (en) * | 1986-01-02 | 1987-03-17 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Biopsy seal |
JPH0783486B2 (en) | 1986-02-06 | 1995-09-06 | 株式会社東芝 | Endoscope device |
US4714075A (en) | 1986-02-10 | 1987-12-22 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Biopsy channel for endoscope |
JPH0693777B2 (en) | 1986-02-27 | 1994-11-16 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic endoscopic device |
US4686963A (en) | 1986-03-05 | 1987-08-18 | Circon Corporation | Torsion resistant vertebrated probe of simple construction |
JPS6365840A (en) | 1986-04-04 | 1988-03-24 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPS62261332A (en) | 1986-05-08 | 1987-11-13 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope |
JPH06105800B2 (en) | 1986-05-08 | 1994-12-21 | 日本電気株式会社 | Electrostrictive effect element |
DE3715417A1 (en) | 1986-05-13 | 1987-11-19 | Olympus Optical Co | SEMICONDUCTOR IMAGE GENERATION DEVICE, AND ENDOSCOPE HERE EQUIPPED WITH IT |
US4727417A (en) * | 1986-05-14 | 1988-02-23 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope video apparatus |
US4819077A (en) | 1986-05-14 | 1989-04-04 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Color image processing system |
JPH07111500B2 (en) | 1986-05-22 | 1995-11-29 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
US4748970A (en) | 1986-05-30 | 1988-06-07 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope systems |
DE3722075A1 (en) | 1986-07-02 | 1988-03-17 | Toshiba Kawasaki Kk | Image diagnostics system |
JPS6335226A (en) | 1986-07-30 | 1988-02-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPS6338430A (en) | 1986-08-01 | 1988-02-19 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope |
JPS6389138A (en) | 1986-10-03 | 1988-04-20 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Cover of curved pipe for endoscope |
DE3734979A1 (en) * | 1986-10-16 | 1988-04-28 | Olympus Optical Co | ENDOSCOPE |
US4721097A (en) * | 1986-10-31 | 1988-01-26 | Circon Corporation | Endoscope sheaths and method and apparatus for installation and removal |
US4895431A (en) * | 1986-11-13 | 1990-01-23 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Method of processing endoscopic images |
JP2543862B2 (en) | 1986-12-03 | 1996-10-16 | 株式会社東芝 | Image data management system |
JPS63143025A (en) * | 1986-12-04 | 1988-06-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Suction controller of endoscope |
JPS63164935A (en) | 1986-12-27 | 1988-07-08 | 株式会社東芝 | Suction apparatus of endoscope |
JPS63164931A (en) | 1986-12-27 | 1988-07-08 | 株式会社東芝 | Constant pressure apparatus of endoscope |
US4918521A (en) | 1987-01-20 | 1990-04-17 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Solid state imaging apparatus |
US4800869A (en) * | 1987-02-13 | 1989-01-31 | Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. | Endoscope |
US4845555A (en) | 1987-02-13 | 1989-07-04 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus |
US4853772A (en) | 1987-02-26 | 1989-08-01 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus having isolated patient and secondary circuitry |
US4869237A (en) | 1987-03-02 | 1989-09-26 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus |
JP2602823B2 (en) | 1987-03-11 | 1997-04-23 | 株式会社東芝 | Liquid feeding device for endoscope |
US4905666A (en) * | 1987-03-27 | 1990-03-06 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Bending device for an endoscope |
JPH069540B2 (en) * | 1987-04-03 | 1994-02-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPS63286131A (en) | 1987-05-18 | 1988-11-22 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Hue control apparatus of endoscope |
JPS63290539A (en) * | 1987-05-22 | 1988-11-28 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Image input apparatus for endoscope |
JPS63290091A (en) | 1987-05-22 | 1988-11-28 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Image data compression device for endoscope |
JP2697822B2 (en) | 1987-05-25 | 1998-01-14 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
JPH07104494B2 (en) | 1987-06-26 | 1995-11-13 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Illumination optical system for endoscope |
US4806011A (en) * | 1987-07-06 | 1989-02-21 | Bettinger David S | Spectacle-mounted ocular display apparatus |
US4790294A (en) | 1987-07-28 | 1988-12-13 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Ball-and-socket bead endoscope steering section |
US4796607A (en) * | 1987-07-28 | 1989-01-10 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Endoscope steering section |
US4762119A (en) | 1987-07-28 | 1988-08-09 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Self-adjusting steering mechanism for borescope or endoscope |
IT1235460B (en) | 1987-07-31 | 1992-07-30 | Confida Spa | FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPE. |
US4831437A (en) | 1987-08-11 | 1989-05-16 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Video endoscope system provided with color balance adjusting means |
US4787369A (en) | 1987-08-14 | 1988-11-29 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Force relieving, force limiting self-adjusting steering for borescope or endoscope |
JPS6454978A (en) * | 1987-08-26 | 1989-03-02 | Toshiba Corp | Solid-state image pickup element |
JPH045126Y2 (en) * | 1987-09-03 | 1992-02-14 | ||
US4920980A (en) | 1987-09-14 | 1990-05-01 | Cordis Corporation | Catheter with controllable tip |
JPH0824668B2 (en) | 1987-09-14 | 1996-03-13 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscopic device |
JPS6485631A (en) | 1987-09-28 | 1989-03-30 | Toshiba Corp | Electronic endoscopic apparatus |
US5001556A (en) | 1987-09-30 | 1991-03-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus for processing a picture image of an object based on a selected wavelength range |
US4884134A (en) | 1987-10-07 | 1989-11-28 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Video endoscope apparatus employing device shutter |
JPH0796005B2 (en) | 1987-10-27 | 1995-10-18 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope device |
US4986642A (en) * | 1987-11-20 | 1991-01-22 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Objective lens system for endoscopes and image pickup system equipped with said objective lens system |
US5061994A (en) | 1987-11-25 | 1991-10-29 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope device using a display and recording system with means for monitoring the status of the recording medium |
US5172225A (en) | 1987-11-25 | 1992-12-15 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope system |
JPH01160525A (en) | 1987-12-17 | 1989-06-23 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US4928172A (en) | 1988-01-07 | 1990-05-22 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope output signal control device and endoscope apparatus making use of the same |
JP2933165B2 (en) * | 1988-01-08 | 1999-08-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
JP2693978B2 (en) | 1988-02-26 | 1997-12-24 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
JPH0773569B2 (en) | 1988-01-14 | 1995-08-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPH078441Y2 (en) | 1988-01-29 | 1995-03-01 | 株式会社吉野工業所 | Semi-paste pouring container |
JPH0673517B2 (en) | 1988-02-04 | 1994-09-21 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope system |
US4901143A (en) | 1988-02-16 | 1990-02-13 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope system provided with a means of imaging frozen pictures having few picture image smears |
JP2594627B2 (en) | 1988-02-26 | 1997-03-26 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
US4931867A (en) | 1988-03-01 | 1990-06-05 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus having an isolation circuit for isolating a patient circuit from a secondary circuit |
US5005558A (en) | 1988-05-16 | 1991-04-09 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Endoscope |
JP2917995B2 (en) | 1988-05-25 | 1999-07-12 | 株式会社東芝 | Endoscope device |
JP2821141B2 (en) | 1988-07-28 | 1998-11-05 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Automatic dimming control device for endoscope |
US4882623A (en) | 1988-08-11 | 1989-11-21 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Signal processing apparatus for endoscope capable of changing outline enhancement frequency |
US4899732A (en) * | 1988-09-02 | 1990-02-13 | Baxter International, Inc. | Miniscope |
US5005957A (en) | 1988-09-07 | 1991-04-09 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Objective lens system for endoscopes |
JP2940827B2 (en) | 1988-09-07 | 1999-08-25 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Medical image filing equipment |
JP2596810B2 (en) | 1988-09-12 | 1997-04-02 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Optical system for endoscope |
JPH07122692B2 (en) * | 1988-09-29 | 1995-12-25 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Objective lens for endoscope |
JP2807487B2 (en) | 1988-11-02 | 1998-10-08 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope device |
US5174293A (en) | 1988-11-17 | 1992-12-29 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Medical apparatus including on isolating transformer apparatus for isolating medical apparatus from non-medical apparatus to prevent electrical shocks to patients |
US4875468A (en) | 1988-12-23 | 1989-10-24 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Elastomer-ePTFE biopsy channel |
US4960127A (en) | 1989-01-23 | 1990-10-02 | L.O.N. Research, Inc. | Disposable transducer manifold |
JP3217343B2 (en) | 1989-03-23 | 2001-10-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Image processing device |
JPH0617942B2 (en) | 1989-02-15 | 1994-03-09 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic endoscopic device |
US5018509A (en) | 1989-02-21 | 1991-05-28 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope insertion controlling apparatus |
JP2542089B2 (en) | 1989-03-16 | 1996-10-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Light source device for endoscope |
JP2559510B2 (en) | 1989-04-06 | 1996-12-04 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscopic device |
US4919112B1 (en) | 1989-04-07 | 1993-12-28 | Low-cost semi-disposable endoscope | |
JPH0681614B2 (en) | 1989-04-12 | 1994-10-19 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic endoscopic device |
US4996974A (en) * | 1989-04-17 | 1991-03-05 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Adjustable steering control for flexible probe |
US5198931A (en) | 1989-04-19 | 1993-03-30 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Objective optical system for endoscopes |
JPH02277015A (en) * | 1989-04-19 | 1990-11-13 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope objective optical system |
JPH034831A (en) * | 1989-06-01 | 1991-01-10 | Toshiba Corp | Endoscope device |
US4979497A (en) | 1989-06-06 | 1990-12-25 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope |
US5068719A (en) | 1989-06-07 | 1991-11-26 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope photometric apparatus |
US5040069A (en) | 1989-06-16 | 1991-08-13 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope with a mask bump bonded to an image pick-up device |
JPH0329521A (en) | 1989-06-27 | 1991-02-07 | Hitachi Ltd | Equalizer |
US4982725A (en) * | 1989-07-04 | 1991-01-08 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus |
CA1337714C (en) * | 1989-07-31 | 1995-12-12 | Karen E. Kullas | Irrigation system for use with endoscopic procedure |
JP3017245B2 (en) | 1989-09-22 | 2000-03-06 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
US5331551A (en) | 1989-10-02 | 1994-07-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope image recording system for compressing and recording endoscope image data |
US4941456A (en) | 1989-10-05 | 1990-07-17 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Portable color imager borescope |
US4941454A (en) | 1989-10-05 | 1990-07-17 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Servo actuated steering mechanism for borescope or endoscope |
US5209220A (en) | 1989-10-05 | 1993-05-11 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope image data compressing apparatus |
JPH03128028A (en) * | 1989-10-13 | 1991-05-31 | Machida Seisakusho:Kk | Angle for curving operation device |
JP2920670B2 (en) | 1989-10-13 | 1999-07-19 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
US5140265A (en) | 1989-12-20 | 1992-08-18 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd | Eddy current flaw detecting endoscope apparatus which produces signals which control other devices |
JP2938486B2 (en) * | 1989-12-28 | 1999-08-23 | 株式会社町田製作所 | Curved tube and manufacturing method thereof |
US5049989A (en) | 1990-01-04 | 1991-09-17 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Method and circuit for reducing the influence of a bright image area in an endoscope image signal |
JPH03218723A (en) * | 1990-01-24 | 1991-09-26 | Toshiba Corp | Endoscope |
US5290283A (en) | 1990-01-31 | 1994-03-01 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Power supply apparatus for electrosurgical unit including electrosurgical-current waveform data storage |
US5820591A (en) | 1990-02-02 | 1998-10-13 | E. P. Technologies, Inc. | Assemblies for creating compound curves in distal catheter regions |
US5208702A (en) | 1990-04-11 | 1993-05-04 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Objective lens system for endoscopes |
US5191878A (en) | 1990-04-12 | 1993-03-09 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope device |
JPH0427285A (en) | 1990-04-13 | 1992-01-30 | Toshiba Corp | Image recorder |
JP3041015B2 (en) | 1990-04-18 | 2000-05-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope image file system |
US5431645A (en) | 1990-05-10 | 1995-07-11 | Symbiosis Corporation | Remotely activated endoscopic tools such as endoscopic biopsy forceps |
JP2987452B2 (en) * | 1990-05-17 | 1999-12-06 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
US4989581A (en) * | 1990-06-01 | 1991-02-05 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Torsional strain relief for borescope |
JPH0452614A (en) | 1990-06-20 | 1992-02-20 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US5060584A (en) | 1990-06-22 | 1991-10-29 | Energy Products Of Idaho | Fluidized bed combustion |
JP2649185B2 (en) | 1990-06-25 | 1997-09-03 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Ultrasonic inspection equipment |
JPH0759236B2 (en) | 1990-06-29 | 1995-06-28 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscopic treatment device |
US5379757A (en) * | 1990-08-28 | 1995-01-10 | Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. | Method of compressing endoscope image data based on image characteristics |
JP2848574B2 (en) | 1990-09-21 | 1999-01-20 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Color shift correction device |
JP3003944B2 (en) | 1990-10-04 | 2000-01-31 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Solid-state imaging device |
JPH06104102B2 (en) | 1990-10-09 | 1994-12-21 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic endoscopic device |
JP2598568B2 (en) | 1990-11-20 | 1997-04-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
NL194053C (en) | 1990-12-05 | 2001-05-03 | Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv | Device with a rotationally symmetrical body. |
JP3007698B2 (en) | 1991-01-25 | 2000-02-07 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope system |
JP3041099B2 (en) | 1991-02-01 | 2000-05-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
US5400769A (en) | 1991-02-18 | 1995-03-28 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electrically bendable endoscope apparatus having controlled fixed bending speed |
US5223982A (en) | 1991-03-05 | 1993-06-29 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Objective lens system for endoscopes |
JP3078085B2 (en) | 1991-03-26 | 2000-08-21 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Image processing apparatus and image processing method |
JP3063784B2 (en) | 1991-03-26 | 2000-07-12 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope device |
US5201908A (en) | 1991-06-10 | 1993-04-13 | Endomedical Technologies, Inc. | Sheath for protecting endoscope from contamination |
US5159446A (en) | 1991-06-21 | 1992-10-27 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope system provided with a separate camera controlling unit and motor controlling unit |
US5257628A (en) | 1991-07-11 | 1993-11-02 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Ultrasound internal examination system |
JPH0523291A (en) * | 1991-07-24 | 1993-02-02 | Machida Endscope Co Ltd | Curved tube of endoscope |
JP2994101B2 (en) | 1991-07-31 | 1999-12-27 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic endoscope operation device |
EP0529902B1 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1999-02-10 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Fluid management system |
JPH0591972A (en) | 1991-10-02 | 1993-04-16 | Toshiba Corp | Curve displaying apparatus |
US5889670A (en) | 1991-10-24 | 1999-03-30 | Immersion Corporation | Method and apparatus for tactilely responsive user interface |
US5485316A (en) * | 1991-10-25 | 1996-01-16 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Illumination optical system for endoscopes |
US5855560A (en) * | 1991-11-08 | 1999-01-05 | Ep Technologies, Inc. | Catheter tip assembly |
US5271381A (en) | 1991-11-18 | 1993-12-21 | Vision Sciences, Inc. | Vertebrae for a bending section of an endoscope |
US5228356A (en) | 1991-11-25 | 1993-07-20 | Chuang Keh Shih K | Variable effort joystick |
US5235964A (en) * | 1991-12-05 | 1993-08-17 | Analogic Corporation | Flexible probe apparatus |
US5469840A (en) | 1991-12-10 | 1995-11-28 | Olympus Optical, Ltd. | Electromotive warping type endoscope with velocity control |
WO1993013704A1 (en) | 1992-01-09 | 1993-07-22 | Endomedix Corporation | Bi-directional miniscope |
US5892630A (en) | 1992-02-10 | 1999-04-06 | Linvatec Corporation | Disposable endoscope |
US5645075A (en) | 1992-02-18 | 1997-07-08 | Symbiosis Corporation | Jaw assembly for an endoscopic instrument |
US5658238A (en) | 1992-02-25 | 1997-08-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus capable of being switched to a mode in which a curvature operating lever is returned and to a mode in which the curvature operating lever is not returned |
JP2660994B2 (en) * | 1992-03-02 | 1997-10-08 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
US5299559A (en) | 1992-03-13 | 1994-04-05 | Acuson Corporation | Endoscope with overload protective device |
DE4237286A1 (en) | 1992-04-06 | 1994-05-05 | Laser Medizin Zentrum Ggmbh Be | Method and device for increasing the efficiency of an optical work shaft for photo-thermotherapy |
JP3302074B2 (en) | 1992-04-23 | 2002-07-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope device |
JPH05307139A (en) | 1992-04-28 | 1993-11-19 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope objective |
US5619380A (en) | 1992-05-25 | 1997-04-08 | Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. | Objective optical system for endoscopes |
US5325845A (en) | 1992-06-08 | 1994-07-05 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Steerable sheath for use with selected removable optical catheter |
US5311858A (en) | 1992-06-15 | 1994-05-17 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Imaging tissue or stone removal basket |
US5482029A (en) * | 1992-06-26 | 1996-01-09 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Variable flexibility endoscope system |
US6449006B1 (en) | 1992-06-26 | 2002-09-10 | Apollo Camera, Llc | LED illumination system for endoscopic cameras |
US5342299A (en) | 1992-07-06 | 1994-08-30 | Catheter Imaging Systems | Steerable catheter |
US5402768A (en) | 1992-09-01 | 1995-04-04 | Adair; Edwin L. | Endoscope with reusable core and disposable sheath with passageways |
US5347989A (en) | 1992-09-11 | 1994-09-20 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Control mechanism for steerable elongated probe having a sealed joystick |
JP2790948B2 (en) | 1992-09-25 | 1998-08-27 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Signal processing circuit of electronic endoscope device |
JPH06105800A (en) | 1992-09-28 | 1994-04-19 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope device |
US5412478A (en) | 1992-09-30 | 1995-05-02 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope system which changes over switches in interlocking relation to each other within video processor and image display apparatus to perform display of endoscope image |
US5495114A (en) | 1992-09-30 | 1996-02-27 | Adair; Edwin L. | Miniaturized electronic imaging chip |
JP3372273B2 (en) | 1992-10-01 | 2003-01-27 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope device |
WO1994009694A1 (en) | 1992-10-28 | 1994-05-11 | Arsenault, Dennis, J. | Electronic endoscope |
US5674182A (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1997-10-07 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope system including endoscope and protection cover |
JP3219521B2 (en) | 1993-03-01 | 2001-10-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPH06254048A (en) | 1993-03-01 | 1994-09-13 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscopic image pickup device |
US5695450A (en) | 1993-03-05 | 1997-12-09 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Cover-type endoscope apparatus |
ATE225964T1 (en) | 1993-03-31 | 2002-10-15 | Luma Corp | INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN AN ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM |
JPH06327628A (en) | 1993-05-20 | 1994-11-29 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Signal processing circuit of synchronous electronic endoscope equipment |
DE4320962C2 (en) * | 1993-06-24 | 1997-04-17 | Osypka Peter | Catheter made of a flexible plastic tube |
JPH078441A (en) | 1993-06-29 | 1995-01-13 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US5447148A (en) | 1993-07-08 | 1995-09-05 | Vision Sciences, Inc. | Endoscopic contamination protection system to facilitate cleaning of endoscopes |
US5721566A (en) * | 1995-01-18 | 1998-02-24 | Immersion Human Interface Corp. | Method and apparatus for providing damping force feedback |
US6057828A (en) | 1993-07-16 | 2000-05-02 | Immersion Corporation | Method and apparatus for providing force sensations in virtual environments in accordance with host software |
US5701140A (en) | 1993-07-16 | 1997-12-23 | Immersion Human Interface Corp. | Method and apparatus for providing a cursor control interface with force feedback |
US5739811A (en) | 1993-07-16 | 1998-04-14 | Immersion Human Interface Corporation | Method and apparatus for controlling human-computer interface systems providing force feedback |
US5767839A (en) | 1995-01-18 | 1998-06-16 | Immersion Human Interface Corporation | Method and apparatus for providing passive force feedback to human-computer interface systems |
US5805140A (en) | 1993-07-16 | 1998-09-08 | Immersion Corporation | High bandwidth force feedback interface using voice coils and flexures |
US5724264A (en) | 1993-07-16 | 1998-03-03 | Immersion Human Interface Corp. | Method and apparatus for tracking the position and orientation of a stylus and for digitizing a 3-D object |
US5731804A (en) | 1995-01-18 | 1998-03-24 | Immersion Human Interface Corp. | Method and apparatus for providing high bandwidth, low noise mechanical I/O for computer systems |
US6014630A (en) * | 1993-08-26 | 2000-01-11 | Patient Education Services, Inc. | Customized system for providing procedure-specific patient education |
JP3236716B2 (en) | 1993-10-15 | 2001-12-10 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Shield structure of electronic endoscope device |
JP3271838B2 (en) | 1993-10-18 | 2002-04-08 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Image processing device for endoscope |
US5436640A (en) | 1993-10-29 | 1995-07-25 | Thrustmaster, Inc. | Video game and simulator joystick controller with geared potentiometer actuation |
US5868666A (en) * | 1993-11-26 | 1999-02-09 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus using programmable integrated circuit to constitute internal structure thereof |
US5659334A (en) | 1993-12-15 | 1997-08-19 | Interlink Electronics, Inc. | Force-sensing pointing device |
US5789047A (en) | 1993-12-21 | 1998-08-04 | Japan Gore-Tex, Inc | Flexible, multilayered tube |
US5473235A (en) | 1993-12-21 | 1995-12-05 | Honeywell Inc. | Moment cell counterbalance for active hand controller |
JPH07191265A (en) | 1993-12-27 | 1995-07-28 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope optical system |
US5841126A (en) | 1994-01-28 | 1998-11-24 | California Institute Of Technology | CMOS active pixel sensor type imaging system on a chip |
EP0669756B1 (en) | 1994-02-23 | 2001-10-17 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Camera head with memory |
US5464007A (en) | 1994-02-23 | 1995-11-07 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Fluid insensitive braking for an endoscope |
JPH07299029A (en) | 1994-03-11 | 1995-11-14 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscopic device |
CA2145232A1 (en) | 1994-03-24 | 1995-09-25 | Arie Avny | Viewing method and apparatus particularly useful for viewing the interior of the large intestine |
US5590660A (en) | 1994-03-28 | 1997-01-07 | Xillix Technologies Corp. | Apparatus and method for imaging diseased tissue using integrated autofluorescence |
US5685823A (en) | 1994-03-30 | 1997-11-11 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | End structure of endoscope |
US5704896A (en) * | 1994-04-27 | 1998-01-06 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Endoscope apparatus with lens for changing the incident angle of light for imaging |
US5591202A (en) * | 1994-04-28 | 1997-01-07 | Symbiosis Corporation | Endoscopic instruments having low friction sheath |
US5496260A (en) | 1994-05-16 | 1996-03-05 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Torque override knob for endoscopes, borescopes, or guide tubes |
JP3482238B2 (en) | 1994-05-27 | 2003-12-22 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope imaging device |
NL9401107A (en) | 1994-07-01 | 1996-02-01 | Cordis Europ | Controlled bendable catheter. |
JPH0819507A (en) | 1994-07-07 | 1996-01-23 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US5821920A (en) | 1994-07-14 | 1998-10-13 | Immersion Human Interface Corporation | Control input device for interfacing an elongated flexible object with a computer system |
US5708482A (en) * | 1994-09-08 | 1998-01-13 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Image-signal clamping circuit for electronic endoscope |
US5647840A (en) | 1994-09-14 | 1997-07-15 | Circon Corporation | Endoscope having a distally heated distal lens |
US5829444A (en) | 1994-09-15 | 1998-11-03 | Visualization Technology, Inc. | Position tracking and imaging system for use in medical applications |
US5698866A (en) | 1994-09-19 | 1997-12-16 | Pdt Systems, Inc. | Uniform illuminator for phototherapy |
JPH08106043A (en) | 1994-10-05 | 1996-04-23 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Objective lens for endoscope |
US5873816A (en) * | 1994-11-02 | 1999-02-23 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope having an insertional portion a part of which is a conductive armor |
US5695491A (en) | 1994-11-22 | 1997-12-09 | Washington Research Foundation | Endoscopic accessory and containment system |
AU4413796A (en) | 1994-12-05 | 1996-06-26 | Daniel S. Kline | Posture training device |
US5836869A (en) | 1994-12-13 | 1998-11-17 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Image tracking endoscope system |
US5569159A (en) | 1994-12-16 | 1996-10-29 | Anderson; Keven C. | Endoscopic sleeve |
JP3331273B2 (en) | 1994-12-26 | 2002-10-07 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope |
US5762995A (en) * | 1995-01-13 | 1998-06-09 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Flexible sheathing tube construction, and method for fabrication thereof |
US6690963B2 (en) * | 1995-01-24 | 2004-02-10 | Biosense, Inc. | System for determining the location and orientation of an invasive medical instrument |
JP3070032B2 (en) | 1995-02-14 | 2000-07-24 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope hand operation structure |
JP3500219B2 (en) | 1995-03-03 | 2004-02-23 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
US5876326A (en) | 1995-03-10 | 1999-03-02 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope with grounded spirally-wound lead wires |
DE19510712C2 (en) | 1995-03-15 | 2001-03-29 | Dmv Medizintechnik Gmbh | Method and device for introducing a gas |
DE19509116C2 (en) * | 1995-03-16 | 2000-01-05 | Deutsch Zentr Luft & Raumfahrt | Flexible structure |
GB9506954D0 (en) | 1995-04-04 | 1995-05-24 | Street Graham S B | Method and apparatus for image enhancement |
US6080104A (en) | 1995-05-16 | 2000-06-27 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic endoscope system |
JP3498426B2 (en) | 1995-05-16 | 2004-02-16 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope flexible tube |
US5703724A (en) | 1995-05-16 | 1997-12-30 | Fuji Photo Film, Co., Ltd. | Objective lens system for endoscope |
US5830124A (en) | 1995-05-18 | 1998-11-03 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Guide structure for electronic endoscope systems |
US5691898A (en) | 1995-09-27 | 1997-11-25 | Immersion Human Interface Corp. | Safe and low cost computer peripherals with force feedback for consumer applications |
WO1996039917A1 (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1996-12-19 | Chilcoat Robert T | Articulated endospcope with specific advantages for laryngoscopy |
US5589854A (en) | 1995-06-22 | 1996-12-31 | Tsai; Ming-Chang | Touching feedback device |
US5812983A (en) | 1995-08-03 | 1998-09-22 | Kumagai; Yasuo | Computed medical file and chart system |
US5788714A (en) | 1995-08-14 | 1998-08-04 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Flexible tube for an endoscope |
US5724068A (en) | 1995-09-07 | 1998-03-03 | Microsoft Corporation | Joystick with uniform center return force |
DE19535179A1 (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1997-03-27 | Wolf Gmbh Richard | Angled pipe and process for its manufacture |
US5999168A (en) | 1995-09-27 | 1999-12-07 | Immersion Corporation | Haptic accelerator for force feedback computer peripherals |
US5959613A (en) | 1995-12-01 | 1999-09-28 | Immersion Corporation | Method and apparatus for shaping force signals for a force feedback device |
US5810715A (en) | 1995-09-29 | 1998-09-22 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope provided with function of being locked to flexibility of insertion part which is set by flexibility modifying operation member |
US6283960B1 (en) | 1995-10-24 | 2001-09-04 | Oratec Interventions, Inc. | Apparatus for delivery of energy to a surgical site |
US6100874A (en) | 1995-11-17 | 2000-08-08 | Immersion Corporation | Force feedback mouse interface |
US6007531A (en) | 1995-11-21 | 1999-12-28 | Catheter Imaging Systems, Inc. | Steerable catheter having disposable module and sterilizable handle and method of connecting same |
US5860953A (en) * | 1995-11-21 | 1999-01-19 | Catheter Imaging Systems, Inc. | Steerable catheter having disposable module and sterilizable handle and method of connecting same |
US6061004A (en) | 1995-11-26 | 2000-05-09 | Immersion Corporation | Providing force feedback using an interface device including an indexing function |
US6078308A (en) | 1995-12-13 | 2000-06-20 | Immersion Corporation | Graphical click surfaces for force feedback applications to provide user selection using cursor interaction with a trigger position within a boundary of a graphical object |
US5749828A (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1998-05-12 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Bending neck for use with invasive medical devices |
IT1277690B1 (en) * | 1995-12-22 | 1997-11-11 | Bieffe Medital Spa | VERTEBRAL SUPPORT AND IMPLEMENTATION SYSTEM IN PARTICULAR FOR SURGICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC INSTRUMENTS |
JP3627344B2 (en) | 1996-01-09 | 2005-03-09 | フジノン株式会社 | Fluid delivery device for body cavity inspection device |
CA2242861A1 (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1997-07-17 | Bruce H. Diamond | Flexible microsurgical instruments incorporating a sheath having tactile and visual position indicators |
DE69719030T2 (en) | 1996-02-15 | 2003-10-23 | Biosense Inc | METHOD FOR CONFIGURING AND USING A PROBE |
US6203493B1 (en) | 1996-02-15 | 2001-03-20 | Biosense, Inc. | Attachment with one or more sensors for precise position determination of endoscopes |
ES2243976T3 (en) | 1996-02-15 | 2005-12-01 | Biosense Webster, Inc. | MOBILE TRANSMISSION OR RECEPTION COILS FOR LOCATION SYSTEM. |
US5868664A (en) * | 1996-02-23 | 1999-02-09 | Envision Medical Corporation | Electrically isolated sterilizable endoscopic video camera head |
US5933809A (en) | 1996-02-29 | 1999-08-03 | Medcom Solutions, Inc. | Computer software for processing medical billing record information |
US5704371A (en) * | 1996-03-06 | 1998-01-06 | Shepard; Franziska | Medical history documentation system and method |
US6050718A (en) | 1996-03-28 | 2000-04-18 | Immersion Corporation | Method and apparatus for providing high bandwidth force feedback with improved actuator feel |
JP3315859B2 (en) | 1996-04-03 | 2002-08-19 | 旭光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope |
US5843000A (en) | 1996-05-07 | 1998-12-01 | The General Hospital Corporation | Optical biopsy forceps and method of diagnosing tissue |
EP0904127B1 (en) | 1996-05-17 | 2005-02-23 | Biosense Webster, Inc. | Self-aligning catheter |
US6154248A (en) | 1996-05-24 | 2000-11-28 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic endoscope |
US6496099B2 (en) | 1996-06-24 | 2002-12-17 | Computer Motion, Inc. | General purpose distributed operating room control system |
US6911916B1 (en) | 1996-06-24 | 2005-06-28 | The Cleveland Clinic Foundation | Method and apparatus for accessing medical data over a network |
US5823948A (en) | 1996-07-08 | 1998-10-20 | Rlis, Inc. | Medical records, documentation, tracking and order entry system |
US5857963A (en) * | 1996-07-17 | 1999-01-12 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Tab imager assembly for use in an endoscope |
JP3708238B2 (en) | 1996-08-08 | 2005-10-19 | オリンパス株式会社 | Manufacturing method of gradient index optical element |
JP3688822B2 (en) | 1996-09-03 | 2005-08-31 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic medical record system |
US5882293A (en) | 1996-09-05 | 1999-03-16 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Treatment accessories for endoscope |
US6002425A (en) | 1996-09-12 | 1999-12-14 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | All pixels read type electronic endoscope system |
US6078353A (en) | 1996-09-12 | 2000-06-20 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | All-pixels reading type electronic endoscope apparatus |
JP3780044B2 (en) | 1996-10-11 | 2006-05-31 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
US6221070B1 (en) | 1996-10-18 | 2001-04-24 | Irvine Biomedical, Inc. | Steerable ablation catheter system having disposable shaft |
US5828197A (en) | 1996-10-25 | 1998-10-27 | Immersion Human Interface Corporation | Mechanical interface having multiple grounded actuators |
EP0873013A3 (en) * | 1996-11-05 | 2001-01-03 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Decoding of real time video imaging |
US5876331A (en) | 1996-11-12 | 1999-03-02 | Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc. | Endoscope with improved flexible insertion tube |
JP3448169B2 (en) | 1996-11-14 | 2003-09-16 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | All-pixel readout electronic endoscope |
US5941817A (en) | 1996-11-14 | 1999-08-24 | Vista Medical Technologies, Inc. | Endoscope wherein electrical components are electrically isolated from patient-engaging components |
US6142956A (en) | 1996-11-25 | 2000-11-07 | Symbiosis Corporation | Proximal actuation handle for a biopsy forceps instrument having irrigation and aspiration capabilities |
US5897507A (en) | 1996-11-25 | 1999-04-27 | Symbiosis Corporation | Biopsy forceps instrument having irrigation and aspiration capabilities |
US6128006A (en) | 1998-03-26 | 2000-10-03 | Immersion Corporation | Force feedback mouse wheel and other control wheels |
JP3615890B2 (en) | 1996-12-04 | 2005-02-02 | フジノン株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
JP3532368B2 (en) | 1996-12-10 | 2004-05-31 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Endoscope |
US5950168A (en) | 1996-12-18 | 1999-09-07 | Knowmed Systems | Collapsible flowsheet for displaying patient information in an electronic medical record |
US5821466A (en) | 1996-12-23 | 1998-10-13 | Cable Design Technologies, Inc. | Multiple twisted pair data cable with geometrically concentric cable groups |
US6146355A (en) | 1996-12-30 | 2000-11-14 | Myelotec, Inc. | Steerable catheter |
US6030360A (en) * | 1996-12-30 | 2000-02-29 | Biggs; Robert C. | Steerable catheter |
JPH10192220A (en) | 1997-01-14 | 1998-07-28 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US5876427A (en) | 1997-01-29 | 1999-03-02 | Light Sciences Limited Partnership | Compact flexible circuit configuration |
JP2815346B2 (en) | 1997-01-31 | 1998-10-27 | 株式会社亀田医療情報研究所 | Medical planning support system |
US5928136A (en) | 1997-02-13 | 1999-07-27 | Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. | Articulated vertebra for endoscopes and method to make it |
JP3853899B2 (en) | 1997-02-27 | 2006-12-06 | オリンパス株式会社 | Composite coaxial cable for electronic endoscope and electronic endoscope |
JPH10260348A (en) | 1997-03-19 | 1998-09-29 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Objective for endoscope |
US5876373A (en) | 1997-04-04 | 1999-03-02 | Eclipse Surgical Technologies, Inc. | Steerable catheter |
US5827186A (en) | 1997-04-11 | 1998-10-27 | Light Sciences Limited Partnership | Method and PDT probe for minimizing CT and MRI image artifacts |
US5873877A (en) * | 1997-04-11 | 1999-02-23 | Vidamed, Inc. | Medical probe device with transparent distal extremity |
US6020876A (en) * | 1997-04-14 | 2000-02-01 | Immersion Corporation | Force feedback interface with selective disturbance filter |
JP3684025B2 (en) | 1997-04-14 | 2005-08-17 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope shape detection device |
EP0975257B1 (en) | 1997-04-16 | 2003-02-26 | Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG | Endoscopic system |
EP1019793A4 (en) | 1997-05-12 | 2002-01-02 | Mlk Software | Method and apparatus for the centralized collection of geographically distributed data |
JP4113591B2 (en) | 1997-06-23 | 2008-07-09 | コーニンクレッカ フィリップス エレクトロニクス エヌ ヴィ | Image guided surgery system |
US5991729A (en) | 1997-06-28 | 1999-11-23 | Barry; James T. | Methods for generating patient-specific medical reports |
US5857964A (en) * | 1997-07-08 | 1999-01-12 | Circon Corporation | Endoscope with interlocking articulating deflection system |
JPH1132986A (en) | 1997-07-16 | 1999-02-09 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope system |
DE19731894C1 (en) | 1997-07-24 | 1999-05-12 | Storz Karl Gmbh & Co | Endoscopic instrument for performing endoscopic interventions or examinations and endoscopic instruments containing such an endoscopic instrument |
US5956689A (en) | 1997-07-31 | 1999-09-21 | Accordant Health Services, Inc. | Systems, methods and computer program products for using event specificity to identify patients having a specified disease |
US6184922B1 (en) * | 1997-07-31 | 2001-02-06 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscopic imaging system in which still image-specific or motion picture-specific expansion unit can be coupled to digital video output terminal in freely uncoupled manner |
CN100354680C (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2007-12-12 | 奥林巴斯株式会社 | Objective of endoscope |
US6059719A (en) | 1997-08-06 | 2000-05-09 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope system |
US6132369A (en) | 1997-08-21 | 2000-10-17 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Opening/closing and flow rate controller for an endoscope pipe |
US5956690A (en) | 1997-09-03 | 1999-09-21 | The Detroit Medical Center | Bundled billing accounting computer systems |
US6211904B1 (en) | 1997-09-11 | 2001-04-03 | Edwin L. Adair | Surgical devices incorporating reduced area imaging devices |
US5929901A (en) | 1997-10-06 | 1999-07-27 | Adair; Edwin L. | Reduced area imaging devices incorporated within surgical instruments |
US6043839A (en) | 1997-10-06 | 2000-03-28 | Adair; Edwin L. | Reduced area imaging devices |
US5980468A (en) | 1997-09-22 | 1999-11-09 | Zimmon Scientific Corporation | Apparatus and method for serial collection storage and processing of biopsy specimens |
JPH11112889A (en) | 1997-09-29 | 1999-04-23 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Signal transmission circuit for solid-state image pickup element |
US5986693A (en) | 1997-10-06 | 1999-11-16 | Adair; Edwin L. | Reduced area imaging devices incorporated within surgical instruments |
US6310642B1 (en) | 1997-11-24 | 2001-10-30 | Micro-Medical Devices, Inc. | Reduced area imaging devices incorporated within surgical instruments |
US5991730A (en) | 1997-10-08 | 1999-11-23 | Queue Corporation | Methods and systems for automated patient tracking and data acquisition |
US6095971A (en) | 1997-10-22 | 2000-08-01 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope fluid controller |
JP4121615B2 (en) * | 1997-10-31 | 2008-07-23 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
US6104382A (en) | 1997-10-31 | 2000-08-15 | Immersion Corporation | Force feedback transmission mechanisms |
US6020875A (en) * | 1997-10-31 | 2000-02-01 | Immersion Corporation | High fidelity mechanical transmission system and interface device |
IL122111A (en) | 1997-11-04 | 2004-06-01 | Sightline Techn Ltd | Video rectoscope |
US6982740B2 (en) | 1997-11-24 | 2006-01-03 | Micro-Medical Devices, Inc. | Reduced area imaging devices utilizing selected charge integration periods |
US5935085A (en) | 1997-11-24 | 1999-08-10 | Stephen W. Welsh | Method for prepping a patient for an endoscopic procedure |
US5980454A (en) | 1997-12-01 | 1999-11-09 | Endonetics, Inc. | Endoscopic imaging system employing diffractive optical elements |
JP3370916B2 (en) | 1997-12-11 | 2003-01-27 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | An electronic endoscope device that displays a display without a scope |
US6032120A (en) * | 1997-12-16 | 2000-02-29 | Acuson Corporation | Accessing stored ultrasound images and other digital medical images |
US6847933B1 (en) * | 1997-12-31 | 2005-01-25 | Acuson Corporation | Ultrasound image and other medical image storage system |
US6489987B1 (en) | 1998-01-09 | 2002-12-03 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus |
DE19802572A1 (en) | 1998-01-23 | 1999-08-05 | Siemens Health Service Gmbh & | Medical system architecture |
JPH11216113A (en) | 1998-02-03 | 1999-08-10 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope device |
US6216104B1 (en) | 1998-02-20 | 2001-04-10 | Philips Electronics North America Corporation | Computer-based patient record and message delivery system |
US7090683B2 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 2006-08-15 | Hansen Medical, Inc. | Flexible instrument |
US20020095175A1 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 2002-07-18 | Brock David L. | Flexible instrument |
US7371210B2 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 2008-05-13 | Hansen Medical, Inc. | Flexible instrument |
US20020087048A1 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 2002-07-04 | Brock David L. | Flexible instrument |
US6309347B1 (en) | 1998-03-17 | 2001-10-30 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Air and water supply system for endoscopes |
US6141037A (en) | 1998-03-18 | 2000-10-31 | Linvatec Corporation | Video camera system and related method |
JP3367415B2 (en) | 1998-03-18 | 2003-01-14 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Flexible tube for endoscope and method for manufacturing the same |
US6155988A (en) | 1998-03-26 | 2000-12-05 | Nivarox-Far S.A. | Device for taking samples, for example for a biopsy, and rack system fitted to such a device |
JP4175711B2 (en) | 1998-03-31 | 2008-11-05 | オリンパス株式会社 | Imaging device |
US6067077A (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2000-05-23 | Immersion Corporation | Position sensing for force feedback devices |
US6545703B1 (en) | 1998-06-26 | 2003-04-08 | Pentax Corporation | Electronic endoscope |
JP2000019427A (en) | 1998-07-06 | 2000-01-21 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Image-pickup device assembly unit for endoscope |
US6149607A (en) | 1998-08-04 | 2000-11-21 | Endonetics, Inc. | Multiple sample biopsy device |
US6139508A (en) | 1998-08-04 | 2000-10-31 | Endonetics, Inc. | Articulated medical device |
DE19836481C1 (en) | 1998-08-12 | 2000-03-30 | Storz Karl Gmbh & Co Kg | Handle for a medical instrument |
JP2000066115A (en) | 1998-08-21 | 2000-03-03 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Light source device for endoscope |
US6488619B1 (en) | 1998-09-08 | 2002-12-03 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Distal endoscope part having light emitting source such as light emitting diodes as illuminating means |
US6478730B1 (en) | 1998-09-09 | 2002-11-12 | Visionscope, Inc. | Zoom laparoscope |
JP4223596B2 (en) * | 1998-09-16 | 2009-02-12 | Hoya株式会社 | Electronic endoscope system |
JP3669471B2 (en) | 1998-09-30 | 2005-07-06 | フジノン株式会社 | Video signal transmission device |
US6690410B1 (en) | 1999-06-09 | 2004-02-10 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Image processing unit with expandable image signal processing capability and endoscopic imaging system |
JP4014186B2 (en) * | 1998-11-30 | 2007-11-28 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
US6152877A (en) | 1998-12-16 | 2000-11-28 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Multimode video controller for ultrasound and X-ray video exchange system |
US6381029B1 (en) | 1998-12-23 | 2002-04-30 | Etrauma, Llc | Systems and methods for remote viewing of patient images |
US6574629B1 (en) | 1998-12-23 | 2003-06-03 | Agfa Corporation | Picture archiving and communication system |
US6083152A (en) | 1999-01-11 | 2000-07-04 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Endoscopic insertion tube |
US6597390B1 (en) | 1999-01-11 | 2003-07-22 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus |
JP4183819B2 (en) * | 1999-01-26 | 2008-11-19 | オリンパス株式会社 | Medical image filing system |
US6346075B1 (en) * | 1999-02-01 | 2002-02-12 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Air and water supply valve structure in endoscope |
JP3809026B2 (en) * | 1999-02-02 | 2006-08-16 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Endoscope air supply safety device |
JP2000236555A (en) | 1999-02-12 | 2000-08-29 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Electronic endoscope device |
US6602185B1 (en) | 1999-02-18 | 2003-08-05 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Remote surgery support system |
US6425858B1 (en) | 1999-03-19 | 2002-07-30 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus having magnification changing function |
US6715068B1 (en) | 1999-03-31 | 2004-03-30 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Multi-microcomputer system |
US6565554B1 (en) | 1999-04-07 | 2003-05-20 | Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | Friction compensation in a minimally invasive surgical apparatus |
US20040044350A1 (en) * | 1999-04-09 | 2004-03-04 | Evalve, Inc. | Steerable access sheath and methods of use |
JP3623894B2 (en) * | 1999-04-13 | 2005-02-23 | ペンタックス株式会社 | In-vivo endoscope |
JP3574590B2 (en) * | 1999-04-14 | 2004-10-06 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Endoscope flexible tube |
US6491626B1 (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 2002-12-10 | Nuvasive | Articulation systems for positioning minimally invasive surgical tools |
JP3579615B2 (en) | 1999-05-07 | 2004-10-20 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope with variable magnification function |
US6482149B1 (en) | 1999-05-12 | 2002-11-19 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Curved part of endoscope |
US6902527B1 (en) | 1999-05-18 | 2005-06-07 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope system with charge multiplying imaging device and automatic gain control |
US6928490B1 (en) | 1999-05-20 | 2005-08-09 | St. Louis University | Networking infrastructure for an operating room |
DE19924361C2 (en) | 1999-05-27 | 2002-05-08 | Winter & Ibe Olympus | endoscope |
DE19924440A1 (en) | 1999-05-28 | 2000-12-07 | Storz Karl Gmbh & Co Kg | Shaft for a flexible endoscope |
JP3394742B2 (en) | 1999-05-31 | 2003-04-07 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Data filing system for endoscope |
IL130486A (en) | 1999-06-15 | 2005-08-31 | Given Imaging Ltd | Optical system |
US6506196B1 (en) * | 1999-06-22 | 2003-01-14 | Ndo Surgical, Inc. | Device and method for correction of a painful body defect |
JP2001008199A (en) | 1999-06-24 | 2001-01-12 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Electronic endoscope device |
JP2001061861A (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2001-03-13 | Siemens Ag | System having image photographing means and medical work station |
DE19932022A1 (en) | 1999-07-09 | 2001-02-08 | Etm Endoskopische Technik Gmbh | Endoscopic device, especially for emergency intubation |
JP2001034631A (en) | 1999-07-22 | 2001-02-09 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Image file device and data base production method of the image file device |
JP3565099B2 (en) | 1999-08-02 | 2004-09-15 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope fluid supply device |
US6785410B2 (en) | 1999-08-09 | 2004-08-31 | Wake Forest University Health Sciences | Image reporting method and system |
EP1077041B1 (en) * | 1999-08-17 | 2010-11-10 | Fujinon Corporation | Mechanical- and electrical-mode changeable endoscope conduit controller |
JP2001061764A (en) | 1999-08-25 | 2001-03-13 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope device |
US6796939B1 (en) | 1999-08-26 | 2004-09-28 | Olympus Corporation | Electronic endoscope |
US6651669B1 (en) | 1999-09-07 | 2003-11-25 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Systems and methods to identify and disable re-used single use devices based on cataloging catheter usage |
WO2001018585A1 (en) | 1999-09-08 | 2001-03-15 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Image pickup optical system for endoscope |
US6697101B1 (en) * | 1999-09-20 | 2004-02-24 | Pentax Corporation | Electronic endoscope |
DE19945228C1 (en) * | 1999-09-21 | 2001-06-07 | Storz Karl Gmbh & Co Kg | Medical instrument |
JP4317297B2 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2009-08-19 | フジノン株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
JP2001095747A (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2001-04-10 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Electronic endoscope |
JP3651329B2 (en) * | 1999-09-30 | 2005-05-25 | フジノン株式会社 | Angle section of endoscope |
JP4454078B2 (en) * | 1999-10-08 | 2010-04-21 | 株式会社町田製作所 | Endoscope bending tube and method of manufacturing the same |
US6749560B1 (en) | 1999-10-26 | 2004-06-15 | Circon Corporation | Endoscope shaft with slotted tube |
US6780151B2 (en) | 1999-10-26 | 2004-08-24 | Acmi Corporation | Flexible ureteropyeloscope |
US6611846B1 (en) | 1999-10-30 | 2003-08-26 | Medtamic Holdings | Method and system for medical patient data analysis |
DE10055725B4 (en) | 1999-11-11 | 2007-12-27 | Pentax Corp. | Electronic endoscope system |
US6858004B1 (en) * | 1999-11-12 | 2005-02-22 | Pentax Corporation | Electronic endoscope system including a plurality of video-processors |
US6677984B2 (en) * | 1999-11-30 | 2004-01-13 | Pentax Corporation | Electronic endoscope system |
US6533722B2 (en) | 1999-12-03 | 2003-03-18 | Pentax Corporation | Electronic endoscope having reduced diameter |
JP3689294B2 (en) | 1999-12-13 | 2005-08-31 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Endoscopic flexible tube and method for manufacturing endoscope flexible tube |
DE19961027B4 (en) | 1999-12-16 | 2007-01-18 | Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Medical instrument for treating tissue or bone cement in the human or animal body |
GB2357856B (en) | 1999-12-29 | 2001-12-19 | Keymed | Annular light source in borescopes and endoscopes |
US6364828B1 (en) * | 2000-01-06 | 2002-04-02 | Hubert K. Yeung | Elongated flexible inspection neck |
JP3842941B2 (en) * | 2000-01-14 | 2006-11-08 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Electronic endoscope |
DE10102433B4 (en) | 2000-01-21 | 2008-07-10 | Pentax Corp. | Flexible tube for an endoscope |
US6589162B2 (en) | 2000-02-21 | 2003-07-08 | Pentax Corporation | Endoscope system and video camera for endoscope |
US6398724B1 (en) | 2000-03-16 | 2002-06-04 | Medivision, Inc. | Focusable optical instrument with a sealed optical system having no internal optical moving parts |
US6858005B2 (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2005-02-22 | Neo Guide Systems, Inc. | Tendon-driven endoscope and methods of insertion |
US6837846B2 (en) * | 2000-04-03 | 2005-01-04 | Neo Guide Systems, Inc. | Endoscope having a guide tube |
US6800056B2 (en) | 2000-04-03 | 2004-10-05 | Neoguide Systems, Inc. | Endoscope with guiding apparatus |
US6842196B1 (en) * | 2000-04-04 | 2005-01-11 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Method and system for automatic correction of motion artifacts |
IL135571A0 (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2001-05-20 | Doron Adler | Minimal invasive surgery imaging system |
JP2001353124A (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2001-12-25 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscopic apparatus |
US6673012B2 (en) * | 2000-04-19 | 2004-01-06 | Pentax Corporation | Control device for an endoscope |
WO2001080935A1 (en) | 2000-04-21 | 2001-11-01 | Universite Pierre Et Marie Curie (Paris Vi) | Device for positioning, exploring and/or operating in particular in the field of endoscopy and/or minimally invasive surgery |
EP1149555A3 (en) | 2000-04-24 | 2002-04-17 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Fluorescent endoscope apparatus |
US6582536B2 (en) | 2000-04-24 | 2003-06-24 | Biotran Corporation Inc. | Process for producing steerable sheath catheters |
US6860849B2 (en) | 2000-05-08 | 2005-03-01 | Pentax Corporation | Flexible tube for an endoscope |
US6663598B1 (en) | 2000-05-17 | 2003-12-16 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Fluid seal for endoscope |
JP4237917B2 (en) | 2000-05-22 | 2009-03-11 | 株式会社Ihi環境エンジニアリング | Dust removal equipment |
US6468204B2 (en) | 2000-05-25 | 2002-10-22 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Fluorescent endoscope apparatus |
US6829003B2 (en) | 2000-06-02 | 2004-12-07 | Pentax Corporation | Sampling pulse generator of electronic endoscope |
US6475141B2 (en) | 2000-06-29 | 2002-11-05 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope device using separated area photometry |
US6530882B1 (en) | 2000-06-30 | 2003-03-11 | Inner Vision Imaging, L.L.C. | Endoscope having microscopic and macroscopic magnification |
JP4574806B2 (en) | 2000-07-04 | 2010-11-04 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
JP4472130B2 (en) | 2000-07-14 | 2010-06-02 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope device |
JP3945133B2 (en) | 2000-08-02 | 2007-07-18 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope observation window cleaning device |
US6717092B2 (en) * | 2000-08-11 | 2004-04-06 | Pentax Corporation | Method of manufacturing treatment instrument of endoscope |
JP2002065582A (en) | 2000-08-25 | 2002-03-05 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Electronic endoscope device |
US6540669B2 (en) | 2000-08-31 | 2003-04-01 | Pentax Corporation | Flexible tube for an endoscope and electronic endoscope equipped with the flexible tube |
JP3927764B2 (en) | 2000-09-01 | 2007-06-13 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Endoscope flexible tube |
US6595913B2 (en) | 2000-09-07 | 2003-07-22 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Cable structure in electronic endoscope |
US6605035B2 (en) | 2000-09-07 | 2003-08-12 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope |
JP2002078674A (en) * | 2000-09-08 | 2002-03-19 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Curved surface structure of endoscope |
JP3835146B2 (en) | 2000-09-13 | 2006-10-18 | フジノン株式会社 | Flexible tube and manufacturing method thereof |
JP3533163B2 (en) * | 2000-09-18 | 2004-05-31 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Endoscope tip |
JP2004513684A (en) * | 2000-09-23 | 2004-05-13 | ザ ボード オブ トラスティーズ オブ ザ リーランド スタンフォード ジュニア ユニバーシティ | Endoscope targeting method and system |
JP3600194B2 (en) | 2000-10-02 | 2004-12-08 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
JP3923718B2 (en) | 2000-10-02 | 2007-06-06 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
JP2002177198A (en) * | 2000-10-02 | 2002-06-25 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US6663561B2 (en) | 2000-10-05 | 2003-12-16 | Pentax Corporation | Video endoscope system |
US7106479B2 (en) | 2000-10-10 | 2006-09-12 | Stryker Corporation | Systems and methods for enhancing the viewing of medical images |
US6716226B2 (en) | 2001-06-25 | 2004-04-06 | Inscope Development, Llc | Surgical clip |
US6569085B2 (en) * | 2001-08-16 | 2003-05-27 | Syntheon, Llc | Methods and apparatus for delivering a medical instrument over an endoscope while the endoscope is in a body lumen |
JP2002185873A (en) | 2000-12-13 | 2002-06-28 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Video signal output device |
JP4786790B2 (en) | 2000-12-14 | 2011-10-05 | Hoya株式会社 | End of the endoscope |
JP3961765B2 (en) | 2000-12-28 | 2007-08-22 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Electronic endoscope system |
US6758806B2 (en) * | 2001-01-12 | 2004-07-06 | Napoli, Llc | Endoscopic devices and method of use |
US6699181B2 (en) | 2001-01-19 | 2004-03-02 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Connector device for endoscope |
US6454162B1 (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2002-09-24 | David Teller | Process for controlling the misuse of disposable medical products |
US6736773B2 (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2004-05-18 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Endoscopic vision system |
US6871086B2 (en) | 2001-02-15 | 2005-03-22 | Robin Medical Inc. | Endoscopic examining apparatus particularly useful in MRI, a probe useful in such apparatus, and a method of making such probe |
JP3958526B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2007-08-15 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Observation site display system for electronic endoscope apparatus |
JP4005318B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2007-11-07 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Flexible endoscope device |
JP4643044B2 (en) * | 2001-03-16 | 2011-03-02 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | Electronic endoscope apparatus having a zooming function |
JP4578708B2 (en) | 2001-03-26 | 2010-11-10 | オリンパス株式会社 | Biological tissue clip device |
DE10262282B4 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2008-09-11 | Fujinon Corporation | Curvature actuating device for an endoscope |
JP3922890B2 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2007-05-30 | フジノン株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
JP2002306509A (en) | 2001-04-10 | 2002-10-22 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Remote operation supporting system |
US6669629B2 (en) | 2001-04-24 | 2003-12-30 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope system comprising an electrically bendable endoscope |
JP2003010101A (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2003-01-14 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Imaging method and device of endoscope system |
JP3720727B2 (en) | 2001-05-07 | 2005-11-30 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope shape detection device |
US6808491B2 (en) | 2001-05-21 | 2004-10-26 | Syntheon, Llc | Methods and apparatus for on-endoscope instruments having end effectors and combinations of on-endoscope and through-endoscope instruments |
US6846286B2 (en) * | 2001-05-22 | 2005-01-25 | Pentax Corporation | Endoscope system |
JP2002345733A (en) | 2001-05-29 | 2002-12-03 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Imaging device |
JP2002357773A (en) | 2001-06-04 | 2002-12-13 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Optical component and endoscope and endoscopic optical system using the same |
US6855109B2 (en) * | 2001-07-18 | 2005-02-15 | Pentax Corporation | Portable endoscope |
US6614969B2 (en) | 2001-07-26 | 2003-09-02 | The Ludlow Company, Lp | High speed electronic remote medical imaging system and method |
US6745065B2 (en) | 2001-08-02 | 2004-06-01 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope apparatus |
US6916286B2 (en) | 2001-08-09 | 2005-07-12 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Endoscope with imaging probe |
JP3870049B2 (en) * | 2001-08-17 | 2007-01-17 | Necトーキン株式会社 | Electromagnetic relay device |
US6749561B2 (en) | 2001-08-23 | 2004-06-15 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Autofocusing endoscopic system |
US6758807B2 (en) | 2001-08-27 | 2004-07-06 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope with power scaling function |
JP2003075113A (en) | 2001-08-30 | 2003-03-12 | Seiko Epson Corp | Mark detection method and device and lens alignment method and device |
JP3869692B2 (en) | 2001-09-03 | 2007-01-17 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Electronic endoscope apparatus and electronic endoscope system |
US6692431B2 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2004-02-17 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Endoscopic system with a solid-state light source |
US6728599B2 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2004-04-27 | Computer Motion, Inc. | Modularity system for computer assisted surgery |
US20030161105A1 (en) | 2001-10-04 | 2003-08-28 | Vijay Kataria | Thermal dissipation assembly for electronic components |
JP3869698B2 (en) | 2001-10-23 | 2007-01-17 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
JP2003135381A (en) * | 2001-10-31 | 2003-05-13 | Machida Endscope Co Ltd | Curved tube and its manufacturing method |
JP2003180628A (en) | 2001-12-14 | 2003-07-02 | Pentax Corp | Board structure of electronic scope |
JP2003188489A (en) | 2001-12-14 | 2003-07-04 | Pentax Corp | Substrate structure for electronic scope |
JP4197877B2 (en) | 2002-02-25 | 2008-12-17 | オリンパス株式会社 | Electric bending endoscope apparatus and calibration method |
DE10209124A1 (en) | 2002-03-01 | 2003-10-16 | Wolf Gmbh Richard | Suction valve for an endoscope |
DE10209986B4 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2004-07-29 | Stm Medizintechnik Starnberg Gmbh | Endoscope shaft with a movable end section |
JP4026744B2 (en) * | 2002-03-22 | 2007-12-26 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope suction valve |
US7137981B2 (en) | 2002-03-25 | 2006-11-21 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Endoscopic ablation system with a distally mounted image sensor |
US6858014B2 (en) * | 2002-04-05 | 2005-02-22 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Multiple biopsy device |
US6711426B2 (en) | 2002-04-09 | 2004-03-23 | Spectros Corporation | Spectroscopy illuminator with improved delivery efficiency for high optical density and reduced thermal load |
US6830545B2 (en) | 2002-05-13 | 2004-12-14 | Everest Vit | Tube gripper integral with controller for endoscope of borescope |
US7250027B2 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2007-07-31 | Karl Storz Endovision, Inc. | Articulating vertebrae with asymmetrical and variable radius of curvature |
JP2004029554A (en) | 2002-06-27 | 2004-01-29 | Olympus Corp | Image pickup lens unit and image pickup device |
US6824539B2 (en) | 2002-08-02 | 2004-11-30 | Storz Endoskop Produktions Gmbh | Touchscreen controlling medical equipment from multiple manufacturers |
US6863668B2 (en) | 2002-08-16 | 2005-03-08 | Edwards Lifesciences Corporation | Articulation mechanism for medical devices |
US6892090B2 (en) | 2002-08-19 | 2005-05-10 | Surgical Navigation Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for virtual endoscopy |
JP4169549B2 (en) | 2002-09-06 | 2008-10-22 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
JP4323149B2 (en) | 2002-09-30 | 2009-09-02 | オリンパス株式会社 | Electric bending endoscope |
JP4311994B2 (en) | 2002-09-30 | 2009-08-12 | オリンパス株式会社 | Electric bending endoscope |
JP4323150B2 (en) | 2002-09-30 | 2009-09-02 | オリンパス株式会社 | Electric bending endoscope |
JP4200731B2 (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2008-12-24 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope forceps plug |
US6908427B2 (en) | 2002-12-30 | 2005-06-21 | PARÉ Surgical, Inc. | Flexible endoscope capsule |
US20040225186A1 (en) * | 2003-01-29 | 2004-11-11 | Horne Guy E. | Composite flexible endoscope insertion shaft with tubular substructure |
JP2004251779A (en) | 2003-02-20 | 2004-09-09 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Three-dimensional shape detector for long flexible member |
US7276062B2 (en) * | 2003-03-12 | 2007-10-02 | Biosence Webster, Inc. | Deflectable catheter with hinge |
WO2004096008A2 (en) | 2003-05-01 | 2004-11-11 | Given Imaging Ltd. | Panoramic field of view imaging device |
US6943946B2 (en) | 2003-05-01 | 2005-09-13 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. | Multiple aperture imaging system |
US7090637B2 (en) * | 2003-05-23 | 2006-08-15 | Novare Surgical Systems, Inc. | Articulating mechanism for remote manipulation of a surgical or diagnostic tool |
US7410483B2 (en) * | 2003-05-23 | 2008-08-12 | Novare Surgical Systems, Inc. | Hand-actuated device for remote manipulation of a grasping tool |
US8133171B2 (en) * | 2003-06-02 | 2012-03-13 | Karl Storz Endovision, Inc. | Wire spring guide for flexible endoscope |
JP4383107B2 (en) | 2003-07-04 | 2009-12-16 | オリンパス株式会社 | Objective optical system |
WO2005023082A2 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2005-03-17 | Image In Ltd. | Endoscope |
US6905057B2 (en) | 2003-09-29 | 2005-06-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instrument incorporating a firing mechanism having a linked rack transmission |
JP2005160660A (en) | 2003-12-02 | 2005-06-23 | Olympus Corp | System and method for examination management |
US7708688B2 (en) | 2004-03-15 | 2010-05-04 | Paradigm Optics, Incorporated | Polymer endoscopic shaft |
JP2005301434A (en) | 2004-04-07 | 2005-10-27 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Examination reservation method and system, and server used therefor |
JP4923231B2 (en) * | 2004-04-15 | 2012-04-25 | クック メディカル テクノロジーズ エルエルシー | Endoscopic surgical access instrument and method for articulating an external accessory channel |
US7678117B2 (en) * | 2004-06-07 | 2010-03-16 | Novare Surgical Systems, Inc. | Articulating mechanism with flex-hinged links |
DE102004027850A1 (en) * | 2004-06-08 | 2006-01-05 | Henke-Sass Wolf Gmbh | Bendable section of an introducer tube of an endoscope and method for its manufacture |
US7785252B2 (en) * | 2004-11-23 | 2010-08-31 | Novare Surgical Systems, Inc. | Articulating sheath for flexible instruments |
JP2010167180A (en) * | 2009-01-26 | 2010-08-05 | Fujifilm Corp | Endoscope |
JP5653604B2 (en) * | 2009-09-17 | 2015-01-14 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope bending part |
-
2005
- 2005-08-30 US US11/215,704 patent/US8052597B2/en active Active
-
2006
- 2006-08-24 WO PCT/US2006/033154 patent/WO2007027514A1/en active Application Filing
-
2011
- 2011-09-22 US US13/240,884 patent/US9439557B2/en active Active
-
2016
- 2016-08-17 US US15/238,878 patent/US10052013B2/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-07-16 US US16/036,559 patent/US11191424B2/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-11-04 US US17/519,105 patent/US20220053996A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6270453B1 (en) * | 1998-12-28 | 2001-08-07 | Suzuki Motor Corporation | Bending device for examining insertion tube |
US20030036748A1 (en) * | 2001-06-29 | 2003-02-20 | Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | Surgical tool having positively positionable tendon-actuated multi-disk wrist joint |
US20050075538A1 (en) * | 2003-04-01 | 2005-04-07 | Banik Michael S. | Single use endoscopic imaging system |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN105911687A (en) * | 2016-05-30 | 2016-08-31 | 上海熠达光电科技有限公司 | Bent part of endoscope |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US10052013B2 (en) | 2018-08-21 |
US9439557B2 (en) | 2016-09-13 |
US20120245418A1 (en) | 2012-09-27 |
US20180325357A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 |
US20070049800A1 (en) | 2007-03-01 |
US8052597B2 (en) | 2011-11-08 |
US20160353971A1 (en) | 2016-12-08 |
US20220053996A1 (en) | 2022-02-24 |
US11191424B2 (en) | 2021-12-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20220053996A1 (en) | Method for forming an endoscope articulation joint | |
US10123682B2 (en) | Articulating torqueable hollow device | |
EP2378987B1 (en) | Steerable surgical access devices | |
US8197400B2 (en) | Selectively rotatable shaft coupler | |
US5817015A (en) | Endoscope with reusable core and disposable sheath with passageways | |
AU2010313314B2 (en) | Flexible endoscope with modifiable stiffness | |
US20080300462A1 (en) | Active controlled bending in medical devices | |
US20220304550A1 (en) | Systems and methods for modular endoscope | |
JP2022509461A (en) | Directional controller and disposable endoscope | |
EP4282317A1 (en) | Endoscope comprising a bending section having individual segments | |
WO2023129458A1 (en) | Systems and methods for robotic endoscope shaft |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase |
Ref document number: 06813727 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |