Method and devices for viewing one or more valve leaflets via a viewer. In some embodiments the viewer includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being closed and having a transparent viewing window, the second end arranged to be attached to an aorta or a pulmonary artery, and one or more ports arranged to provide fluid access to an internal portion of the viewer to pressurize the one or more leaflets. A diameter of the viewing window is larger than an outer diameter of the second end. An outer diameter of the first end of the body is larger than an outer diameter of the second end. The body is a tubular body.

A support device for an endoscope comprises a tubular member configured for removable attachment to an outer surface of the endoscope near, or at, its distal end and a plurality of projecting elements extending outward from the outer surface of the tubular member and circumferentially spaced from each other. The device includes an optically transparent cover coupled to the tubular member and configured for covering the distal end of the endoscope when the tubular member is attached to the outer surface of the endoscope. The projecting elements provide support for the endoscope, improve visualization and center the scope as it passes through a body lumen, such as the colon. In addition, the cover seals the distal end of the endoscope to protect the scope and its components from debris, fluid, pathogens and other biomatter.

A pulp cavity distance measurement system according to the present invention comprises: a first scan unit which acquires surface data; and a second scan unit which acquires volume data that is scan information different from the surface data, wherein the surface data and volume data are delivered via a database unit included in a control unit, and are merged into a single piece of data by a data merging unit. The shortest distance (pulp cavity distance) from the surface of the enamel of a tooth to the surface of the pulp cavity is calculated from the merged data, and the pulp cavity distance may be visually displayed by a distance stage display unit by using the calculated distance information (data). Here, the visual display may be expressed using colors or patterns having specific markings, and have a plurality of patterns so that the distance is displayed so as to be divided in stages. Accordingly, the system is advantageous in that a therapist can minimize tooth preparation in a part in which the distance to the pulp cavity is short, and reduce the discomfort of a patient due to vibrations caused by tooth preparation.

An image processing apparatus includes a processor including hardware. The processor is configured to: set a first acquisition condition and a second acquisition condition for a video processor configured to acquire a first image that is based on a display-purpose acquisition condition for acquiring an image for display at a frame rate for viewing and a second image that is based on an analysis-purpose acquisition condition for acquiring an image for image analysis at a frame rate that is lower than the frame rate for viewing, in a mixed manner, the first acquisition condition including the display-purpose acquisition condition, the second acquisition condition including the display-purpose acquisition condition and the analysis-purpose acquisition condition; generate support information based on an image analysis result; and control switching between the first acquisition condition and the second acquisition condition according to the image analysis result.

A camera system for use with retractors. The system includes a camera assembly configured for mounting on the proximal end of a retractor system, such as the proximal end of a blade such that the entirety of the camera assembly is disposed at the proximal end of the retractor system may be disposed such that the distal-most optical element overhangs the working channel established by the retractor, and includes a reflector and a rotatable mount for the reflector, camera assembly viewing axis may be altered without changing the position of the entire camera assembly.

A medical device including a handle including an actuation device, a sheath extending from the handle and having a longitudinal axis, the sheath defining an imaging lumen extending from the handle to a distal end of the sheath, an imaging device at a distal end of the sheath, and a piezoelectric member connected to the imaging device, where movement of the piezoelectric member moves the imaging device in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis.

Controlled motion capsules and associated systems and methods are described. Controlled motion capsules can decelerate, and stop, without damaging epithelial walls. If any components fail, a controlled motion capsule, without added energy, becomes its most compact shape, passing harmlessly through the GI tract. Controlled motion capsule may include a shape changing material, comprising a reversible soft copolymer, in a container in the capsule, with a nonionizing radiation emitter, and a controller to activate the nonionizing radiation to expand and contract the shape changing material, on detection of certain conditions or instructions. Expansion of the shape changing material, including contact with epithelial walls, decelerates and can stop the controlled motion capsule movement. Motion control allows scientists to study the microbiome, doctors to deliver intestinal drugs at precise locations, and to closely examine signs of precancerous growth.

An intervertebral disc surgical system has at least one optical cannula configured with a working channel and an optical channel, wherein the working channel and the optical channel are positioned parallel to one another. The working channel is configured to receive the elongated tubular member of an electrosurgical instrument and the optical channel is configured to receive an optical scope. The optical cannula has an optical cannula operative end for entering an operative field of a patient.

A method for imaging a patient's gastrointestinal tract using a capsule camera and a patient positioning system are disclosed. According to the method, the capsule camera is administered to a patient by swallowing the capsule camera through patient's mouth. For each target examination position selected from a set of examination positions: the patient positioning system is adjusted to a target positioner bed position associated with the target examination position with the patient on the positioner be. Adjusting patient positioning system comprises adjusting the positioner bed to tilt at a tilt angle, and wherein the set of examination positions comprises at least two different tilt angles; and the patient positioning system still is held at the target examination position for a pre-defined period of dwelling time to allow the capsule camera to capture stable pictures. Image data captured by the capsule camera are then collected.

Medical software tools platforms utilize a surgical display to provide access to specific medical software tools, such as medically-oriented applications or widgets, that can assist surgeons or surgical team in performing various procedures. In particular, an endoscopic camera may register the momentary rise in the optical signature reflected from a tissue surface and in turn transmit it to a medical image processing system which can also receive patient heart rate data and display relevant anomalies. Changes in various spectral components and the speed at which they change in relation to a source of stimulus (heartbeat, breathing, light source modulation, etc.) may indicate the arrival of blood, contrast agents or oxygen absorption. Combinations of these may indicate various states of differing disease or margins of tumors, and so forth. Also, changes in temperatures, physical dimensions, pressures, photoacoustic pressures and the rate of change may indicate tissue anomalies in comparison to historic values.