Embodiments of this invention relate to endoscopic and laparoscopic surgical instruments. More specifically, embodiments of this invention relate to an open loop polypectomy system including a means for securely closing the loop. In some embodiments, the open loop polypectomy system comprises a snare wire and a capture mechanism wherein, when the snare wire is advanced, the snare wire extends from a distal portion of the open loop polypectomy system along a path passing through the capture mechanism. After the snare wire has advanced through the plane of the capture mechanism, retraction of the capture mechanism secures the snare wire, creating a formed loop around a target tissue. Retraction of at least one of the snare wire and capture mechanism contracts the formed loop, resecting the target tissue.

An apparatus and method of manufacture includes a helical wire coil and a core wire. The core wire has a first wire portion and a second wire portion. The first wire portion of the core wire extends through the helical wire coil. The second wire portion of the core wire is intertwined with the first helical wire coil to fixedly secure the core wire relative to the first helical wire coil. The core wire is formed from a first material that is non-extensible. The core wire is fixedly secured relative to a distal portion of the helical wire coil such that the core wire inhibits longitudinal elongation of the helical wire coil along a longitudinal coil axis.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

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.

An attachment system for detachably attaching an additional channel to an endoscope, the attachment system comprising: a sleeve for receiving a distal end of the endoscope and a distal end of the additional channel in use, the sleeve having: a sleeve body defining a sleeve channel, through which the distal end of the endoscope and the distal end of the additional channel will extend in use, and having a first open end and a second open end; a rupture mechanism for rupturing the sleeve body to allow separation of the distal end of the additional channel from the distal end of the endoscope.

Improved fluoresced imaging (FI) and other sensor data imaging processes, devices, and systems are provided to enhance use of endoscopes with FI and visible light capabilities. A first optical device is provided for endoscopy imaging in a white light and a fluoresced light mode with an image sensor assembly including one or more image sensors. A mechanism in the first optical device to automatically adjust the focus of the first optical device wherein the automatic focus adjustment compensates for a chromatic focal difference between the white light image and the fluoresced light image caused by the dispersive or diffractive properties of the optical materials or optical design employed in the construction of the first or second optical devices, or both. Adjustment mechanisms are provided using liquid lenses or repositioning sensors. The design may be integrated with a scope or detachable.

A medical manipulator system includes a guide instrument having a treatment tool channel, an insertion body inserted into the treatment tool channel, a power source unit attachable to and detachable from the insertion body, a guide rail having a first region corresponding to a state in which the joint part is located in the treatment tool channel and a second region corresponding to a state in which the joint part is exposed from the distal end of the treatment tool channel, and the guide rail guides the power source unit to advance and retract in a predetermined linear direction defined by the first region and the second region, and a regulating part interposed in a boundary between the first region and the second region and the regulating part regulates a movement of the insertion body from the second region toward the first region.

An enhanced flexible robotic endoscopy apparatus includes a main body and flexible elongate shaft. The main body comprises a proximal end, a distal end and a housing that extends to the proximal end and the housing comprises a plurality of surfaces and a plurality of insertion inlets which reside on at least one of the surface of the housing at the proximal end of the main body, through which a plurality of channels for endoscopy are accessible. Each of the insertion inlets has insertion axis corresponding thereto, along which flexible elongate assemblies are insertable, with the insertion axes of the insertion inlets being parallel to the central axis of the flexible elongate shaft at the proximal end of the flexible elongate shaft.

A duodenoscope protected with disposable consumables is provided. An insertion portion of a duodenoscope body (1) is covered with a cuff (3). A disposable forceps passage tube (4) is inserted into a tube of the duodenoscope body (1). A distal end of the duodenoscope body (1) is covered with an end cap (2) which is integrally connected to the cuff (3) and the disposable forceps passage tube (4). An elongated opening (2.1), which is of the same shape as the opening of a head end (1.1) of the duodenoscope body (1), is formed in a side face of the end cap (2). A forceps-lifting unit (1.2) is disposed in the head end (1.1) of the duodenoscope body (1). The end cap (2) is made of a transparent elastic material. A soft connection port (5) is disposed in the elongated opening (2.1) of the end cap (2). The soft connection port (5) is shaped like a smoking pipe and made of an elastic film. A large-orifice end of the soft connection port (5) is glued to the elongated opening (2.1) of the end cap (2), while a small-orifice end (5.2) thereof sleeves and is glued to a distal end of the disposable forceps passage tube (4). A pulley (1.4) is disposed on the head of the forceps-lifting unit (1.2), and a groove (1.5) is formed in the periphery of the pulley (1.4). The duodenoscope protected with disposable consumables can protect both the external surface of the duodenoscope and the internal surface of the tube.

An endoscope for removing tissue at a surgical site includes an elongated tubular body insertable within a mammalian cavity of a patient. An instrument channel extends between a first opening at a distal end and a second opening at a proximal end of the tubular body and is sized and configured to receive a surgical cutting assembly that includes an aspiration channel configured to remove material entering the endoscope via a distal end of the surgical cutting assembly. A torque generation component configured to generate torque is positioned within the distal end and configured to provide the generated torque to a coupling component. The coupling component is positioned at the distal end of the elongated tubular member and configured to actuate a cutting component of the surgical cutting assembly responsive to actuation of the torque generation component.