Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.

To provide a method of producing an endoscope flexible tube and the like which can realize an endoscope with high insertability. A method of producing the endoscope flexible tube including: continuously discharging a liquid resin into a film shape from an annular discharge port surrounding an axis and a side surface of a cylindrical substrate; bringing the discharged film-shape resin into contact with the entire periphery of the substrate on the downstream side of the discharge port; covering a side surface of the substrate with the resin while moving the substrate in an axial direction to separate a portion where the resin and the substrate are in contact from the discharge port; and curing the resin covering the side surface of the substrate.

A sinus entering endoscope according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a body including a plurality of operation parts; an insertion part extending from the front end of the body to be inserted into the sinus through the nasal cavity, and having at least one working channel; and an applicator load part which is disposed in the body and on which a plurality of applicators which can selectively enter through the working channel can be mounted.

The present invention is directed at minimally invasive systems in which the proximal end portion of the working channel has either zero or a limited range of movement in the lateral direction. A first embodiment has a slidable collar attached to a pair of flanges, wherein movement of the collar is bounded by an annular frame. A second embodiment has a substantially spherical element attached to the tube. A third embodiment has a plurality of caps. A fourth embodiment is adapted for a larger working channel.

Provided are a flexible tube for an endoscope, the flexible tube having good elasticity, good flexibility, and sufficient chemical resistance, an endoscopic medical device including the flexible tube for an endoscope, a method for producing the flexible tube for an endoscope, and a method for producing the endoscopic medical device. The flexible tube for an endoscope has a flexible-tube base that is tubular and that has flexibility and a polymer cover layer covering the flexible-tube base. The flexible-tube base has a spiral tube made of a metal strip and a tubular mesh member covering the spiral tube and made of braided metal wires, the tubular mesh member has a porosity of 2% to 10%, and the flexible tube has, between the flexible-tube base and the polymer cover layer, a primer layer including a silane coupling agent.

A stereo imaging system comprises an observation instrument having an image acquisition unit for detecting first image data and second image data, which can be combined for stereo observation. There is provided at least one position sensor for detecting an orientation of the instrument in relation to a position reference. There is provided a control device that is operable in a first representation mode and a second representation mode, depending on the orientation of the instrument. The control device is configured for outputting an image signal, which comprises a stereo signal that is based on the first image data and the second image data in the first representation mode, and a mono signal that is based on the first image data or the second image data in the second representation mode. The control device is configured to erect images that are output with the image signal in the second representation mode, depending on the orientation.

A device may include a first portion coupled to a shaft of an insertable medical device. The first portion may extend along a first portion longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end. The first portion may include a protrusion extending radially outwardly of the first portion longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the first portion may be received within a lumen of a second portion. The second portion may be axially moveable along the first portion longitudinal axis relative to the first portion. The second portion may include a longitudinally extending channel. A spring may be located radially between the first portion and the second portion.

An endoscope system having: an endoscope having: an endoscope insertion section wherein the endoscope defines a channel having a distal opening in the endoscope insertion section; and a first inductance element arranged to the channel, and configured to receive a high-frequency power to generate an AC magnetic field; and a treatment tool having: a treatment tool insertion section configured to be movably inserted in the channel; an electrically powered treatment device attached to the treatment tool insertion section; and a second inductance element arranged to the treatment tool insertion section, wherein the second inductance element is electrically connected to the electrically powered treatment device, and wherein the second inductance element is inductively coupled to the first inductance element such that the AC magnetic field induces an electromotive force to generate an induced current in the second inductance element to power the electrically powered treatment device.

A continuous flow endoscope device includes an elongated tubular member defining an interior, a first channel disposed within the interior of the elongated tubular member, a second channel disposed within the interior of the elongated tubular member, and an optics device disposed in a free space of the interior of the elongated tubular member. The second channel is configured to receive an instrument therein during a first portion of an operation. A lumen defined through the second channel is fluidly isolated from a lumen defined through the first channel. The free space of the interior of the elongated tubular member being a space within the interior of the elongated tubular member not occupied by either the first channel or the second channel.

An insertion device includes a thin and elongated insertion section, a rotating body which is rotated to advance or retreat the insertion section, a driving force supply source which supplies a driving force to the rotating body, a variable stiffness section provided for the insertion section and permitting stiffness of the insertion section to be varied, a stiffness detector which detects the stiffness of the insertion section varied by the variable stiffness section, and a controller which controls the driving force supply source in accordance with the stiffness of the insertion section detected by the stiffness detector.