A control apparatus controls an operation of a self-propelled mechanism of an endoscope. The control apparatus includes a drive circuit that outputs a motor current, a motor current detection circuit that acquires a value relating to magnitude of the motor current as a detection value, a storage circuit that stores a limit value relating to the detection value, and a control circuit that performs an operation as a first controller that controls the drive circuit so as to stop the motor when it is determined that the detection value exceeds a value relating to the limit value, and performs an operation as a second controller that controls the drive circuit so as to stop the motor when it is determined that the detection value exceeds the value relating to the limit value.

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing access to body passageways. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods to facilitate entry of an endoscopic accessory tool into and/or through patient-specific anatomies. For example, the devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure may transmit mechanical motion to the distal end of an endoscopic accessory tool to facilitate atraumatic access to tortuous or otherwise restricted anatomies.

Systems and methods are disclosed including apparatuses and methods for endoscopy such as an endoscope device operable to produce suction. An endoscope can include or use a cylinder for use at a distal end of an endoscope, and the cylinder can include a cylinder channel extending from a first end of the cylinder to a second end of the cylinder, and a rotor arranged within a working channel of the endoscope at the distal end of the endoscope. The rotor can be movable within the cylinder or the channel such as to help fragment or clear foreign bodies during a procedure.

An external mechanism for an endoscope includes: a bending wheel configured to engage with a second UD knob of a second bending operation device provided in an operation portion of an endoscope; a motor portion configured to generate a driving force for rotating the bending wheel; a housing case housing the bending wheel and the motor portion and detachably attached to the operation portion, and an operation switch arranged outside the housing case and configured to output a control signal to the motor portion due to the operating element being operated, in which the operation switch is pivotally supported by the rotation shaft and rotates with respect to the housing case.

Airway management methods, devices, assemblies and systems. Methods, devices, assemblies and systems may include robotic movement and control of an intubation tube introducer or guide, and may include utilizing image data from one or more image sensors. The methods, devices, assemblies and systems may optionally be used in endotracheal intubation procedures.

Implementations described herein are directed toward an improved orthopedic arthroscopy system that reduces the number of necessary arthroscopic portals while at the same time improving endoscopic visualization and instrumentation capability within the joint space. Main embodiments of the disclosed system replace the traditional rod endoscope with a rotatable, optical cannula through which instruments can be used to manipulate tissue and perform surgery. By adding the cannula rotation capability, visualization of instrument tool tip can be easily adjusted. The disclosed system would eliminate the need for unnecessary wrist rotation by the surgeon thereby making it easier to coordinate hand position while performing surgical tasks.

An insertable robot for minimally invasive surgery includes a tube array having a guide tube housed within a straightening tube. The guide tube includes a curved working end. The guide tube may be axially translated and rotated relative to the straightening tube such that the curved working end is constrained inside the straightening tube, causing the curved working end to achieve a smaller dimension. The tube array is inserted into a working channel on an endoscope, resectoscope or trocar. Once the tube array is inserted, the curved working end of the guide tube is translated forward beyond the distal end of the working channel, allowing the curved working end to return to its pre-formed shape. A surgical tool is inserted through the guide tube for an operation. The straightening tube allows the guide tube curved working end to be temporarily straightened during insertion and removal of the tube array.

A medical device drive system can include a rotational input, a coupling member engaged with the rotational input, a first gear having an engagement feature sized and shaped to engage with the coupling member, and a second gear coupled with the first gear, the second gear coupled to a movable element. The system can have a first system state and a second system state. In the first system state the coupling member is not engaged with the engagement feature and the first gear rotates without moving the coupling member. In the second system state the coupling member is engaged with the engagement feature of the first gear and rotation of the rotational input turns the coupling member, the first gear, and the second gear to move the movable element.

A movement transfer mechanism for a surgical scoping device, wherein a rotational proximal input force is transformed into a longitudinal force that is conveyed down the length of an instrument channel of the scoping device, where it is transformed again into an operational movement of a distal instrument. The operational movement can be rotational movement, but may be any movement that changes the orientation or configuration of the distal instrument. By conveying a linear force along the instrument channel rather than a twisting force, the problems of slipping and discontinuous operation of the distal instrument due to friction between the instrument and the instrument channel can be reduced or eliminated.

A medical system according to the present invention comprises: a medical device comprising an insertion part comprising an angulating part, and angulation wires attached to the angulating part; and an actuator, detachably connected to the medical device, that electrically actuates the angulation wires to angulate the angulating part. The angulation wires comprise a first angulation wire and a second angulation wire. When the medical device is not attached to the actuator, the first angulation wire and the second angulation wire are in a mechanically connected looped state. When the medical device is connected to the actuator, the first angulation wire and the second angulation wire are in a second state in which the two are independently electrically actuated.