The present specification is directed towards endoscopes, such as colonoscopes, that provide a broader field of view and allow extended access of surgical tools and also enable efficient packing of all necessary elements in the tip section, while maintaining their functionality. Also described are methods and systems for capturing and displaying still and video images using an endoscope corresponding to a left-side looking, a front-looking and a right-side looking viewing element of an endoscopic tip generated in a native aspect ratio.

A disposable endoscope (200) and system, the disposable endoscope (200) comprising: a tubular component (201), a linear drive piece (202) controlling the tubular component (201) to bend, an image pickup unit (203) installed at the front end of the tubular component (201) and a wiring harness connected thereto, a cladding layer (204) wrapping around the integral structure, and a connector head (205) and a disposable fixing piece (206) both disposed at one end of the linear drive piece (202) away from the tubular component (201). A first connector (2021) is fixed at a connector head (205) at one end of the linear drive piece (202) and is detachably engaged with a corresponding second connector (301) of an external control base (300); the first connector (2021) is fixed by the disposable fixing piece (206) with respect to the connector head (205), and can be moved in a length direction within a through hole (2051) of the connector head (205) after the disposable fixing piece (206) is removed. The disposable endoscope system separates the control base (300) used to control a drive from the disposable endoscope (200) inserted into a cavity of a human body and used to capture images, realizing disposability of an endoscope, and thereby omitting existing complicated cleaning and sterilization processes.

An operation switching mechanism includes a wire, a reciprocating movement member, a first biasing member, a second biasing member, switching members configured to switch states in which the first biasing member and the second biasing member perform biasing, and an operation member configured to operate the switching members according to operation from an outside and move the reciprocating movement member to a first movement position or a second movement position.

A linear member delivery device for the endoscope includes: a nozzle including an inlet, an outlet, and an insertion path; a fitting portion fitted to an endoscope; a holding portion configured to hold a linear member; and a switching portion configured to connect the fitting portion and the nozzle such that a crossing angle of an opening of the endoscope and a center axis of the nozzle can be switched to a plurality of angles in a state that the fitting portion is fitted to the endoscope.

In a robot-assisted steerable medical device, such as a catheter, a magnetic connector hub is configured to establish mechanical and magnetic connection between a drive cable and an actuator, or between multiple modules in a single insert-and-twist motion. The connector hub creates a magnetic breakaway feature for automatically decoupling the actuator from the drive cable, while the catheter remains attached. This prevents damage to the catheter/tool and/or patient when an excessive force is applied, and adds a safety element and helps protect the patient. And when the breakaway occurs the system can be automatically reengaged catheter without damage, so that normal operation can resume. Connection can also be broken at any point in the operation based on threshold forces or emergency situations.

A system, device and method for serializing and authorizing a single use imaging device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention provides a single use imaging device comprising a memory having a stored code that includes a unique serial identifier. In another embodiment, the invention provides a system for authorizing a single use imaging device comprising a single use imaging device with an image of a verification object that includes a serial identifier uniquely associated with the device, a control unit capable of electronically receiving the verification object image, a decoder capable of extracting a serial identifier from the verification object image, a database of authorized serial identifiers, and means for determining if the single use imaging device is authorized.

A video endoscope including an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; a tubular sleeve arranged in the shaft so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the shaft; a connector arranged at the proximal end of the shaft; an objective arranged at the distal end of the shaft; at least one image sensor arranged in the shaft so as to be proximal to the objective, the at least one image sensor being surrounded by the tubular sleeve; a flexible signal line connecting the at least one image sensor to the connector; and a fastener for detachable fastening the flexible signal line.

Medical borescopes, such as laparoscopes. In some embodiments, a medical borescope may comprise a handle and a tube extending from the handle, which tube may be configured to reduce electromagnetic interference within the tube. The borescope may further comprise a tip assembly positioned at a distal end of the tube, which may comprise an image sensor configured to take images through the distal end of the tube. The borescope may further comprise a dongle comprising an image processor configured to receive image data from the image sensor. The dongle may be removably coupleable with the medical borescope such that the dongle can be coupled with a plurality of distinct medical borescopes.

An endoscope including an insertion portion which is provided with a channel to insert a treatment instrument therethrough, an operation portion which is operated the insertion portion, and an operation lever which holds and moves the treatment instrument to transmit force of the operation to the treatment instrument; and an assistant instrument which assists the movement of the treatment instrument, the assistant instrument comprising a flexible tube in which the insertion path is formed to insert the treatment instrument, a coupling portion which is formed so that the channel is coupled to the insertion path, and a holding portion which is attached to the vicinity of the other end of the flexible tube and which holds the operation portion so that the other end of the flexible tube faces toward the side where the operation lever is disposed.

An endoscope connector includes: a fitting portion that has a cylindrical shape, and electrically connects an endoscope for observation of a subject to an external apparatus, the external apparatus processing information of the observed subject; a planar part provided on at least a portion of the cylindrical shape of the fitting portion; and an electroconductive part that is provided to be electrically conductive on the planar part and performs communication with the external apparatus.