An endoscope accessory, such as a coupler device, is provided that includes a main body with a visualization section for allowing viewing of tissue by the endoscope and a proximal end configured for attachment to a distal end portion of the endoscope. The device includes a passage within the main body having an exit portal and a proximal end aligned with the working channel of the endoscope. An instrument passing through the passage is capable of angular adjustment relative to the main body of the coupler device by actuation of the endoscope.

An otoscope that utilizes ambient light is disclosed. The otoscope includes a fiberoptic cable(s), as opposed to batteries, to illuminate the inspection area. The otoscope made of non-metallic and/or non-ferrous materials to permit its safe use in highly flammable oxygen or magnetic environments. The otoscope includes a handle, a head coupled to the handle, and a specula coupled to the head. An eye piece coupled to the head opposite the specula. A reflective lens is positioned within the head. A fiber optic cable is positioned within the handle. The handle includes a first end positioned opposite a second end. The head is coupled to the first end. The fiber optic cable provides light to the reflective lens. The fiber optic cable extends from the front end to the second end. The reflective lens is oriented to reflect light to the specula.

An optical force sensor along with an optical processing apparatus and method are disclosed. The optical force sensor includes an optical fiber, a core included in the optical fiber, an instrument including the optical fiber, the instrument having a distal region, and a tubular structure encasing an end of the optical fiber and secured to the first conduit at the distal region of the instrument. When an optical interferometric system is coupled to the optical fiber, it processes reflected light from a portion of the core included within the tubular structure that does not include Bragg gratings to produce a measurement of a force present at the distal region of the instrument.

An imaging scope includes an internal surface defining an internal cavity, a window permitting visual inspection of the internal cavity, a fluid in the internal cavity having a pressure different than ambient pressure, and a leak indicator transitionable between nonvisible and visible through the window when the pressure of the fluid changes toward ambient pressure.

A medical device and method for conducting therapeutic and diagnostic interventions in the subarachnoid space of a patient in a minimally-invasive manner are provided. The medical device may be provided in the form of a microcatheter (10) which may be inserted into the subarachnoid space, and then navigated within the subarachnoid space, such as along the spinal canal toward the cisterna magna at the base of the patient's brain or to or form any other location within the subarachnoid space. The microcatheter (10) may include a guidewire (14), a fiber-optic lighting element, and a fiber-optic probe (22) or other micro-camera (36) that enables the contents of the subarachnoid space within cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is typically clear, to be viewed in real-time as the microcatheter (10) is navigated within the subarachnoid space.

Ophthalmic endoscopes are provided that overcome deficiencies associated with current approaches to implanting ophthalmic stents and shunts for treatment of glaucoma. In various aspects, ophthalmic endoscopes are provided having an elongated body, an instrument port, a micro fiber-optic camera, and in some aspects an irrigation port, wherein the irrigation port extends at least the length of the elongated body from the proximal end to the distal end. The use of the fiber-optic camera and the angle of the irrigation port can allow the device to be operated with a single hand and to overcome the difficult positioning associated with conventional implantation procedures. Ophthalmic endoscopy systems are also provided including the endoscope and a video processor. Methods of implanting an ophthalmic implant using the ophthalmic endoscopes and endoscopy systems are also provided.

A method of manufacturing a laryngoscope may include forming a blade being straight and having a handle side and a non-handle side, the blade including a structure that extends from a proximal end to a distal end, and configured to connect to a handle at the proximal end. A first channel may be formed through the structure. The first channel may be configured to enable optical signals to pass therethrough. The first channel may include (i) a first aperture disposed at the proximal end of the first channel and (ii) a second aperture disposed at the distal end of the first channel. The second aperture may be oriented at an offset angle toward the handle side such that images captured via the second aperture are at the offset angle.

Described herein are various method of using a direct drive system to perform procedures at a distance. One exemplary method include tying a knot or suturing at a distance with a first and second end effector. The direct drive system can enable sufficient end effector dexterity, including the ability to control various degrees of freedom of end effector movement, and allow a user to perform complicated task at a distance. In one aspect the direct drive system includes flexible tools that permit access to surgical site via a natural orifice.

In one embodiment, a method for a stereo endoscope includes receiving electromagnetic radiation through an inner protective window; focusing the electromagnetic radiation with a left optical component toward a left pixel array of a stereo image sensor along an optical axis of the left optical component parallel with but offset from a center axis of the left pixel array; and focusing the electromagnetic radiation with a right optical component toward a right pixel array of the stereo image sensor along an optical axis of the right optical component parallel with but offset from a center axis of the right pixel array. The left pixel array and the right pixel array are offset from the center optical axis of the stereo endoscope to provide stereo image convergence.

A surgical instrument is inserted through a guide tube. The surgical instrument exits at an intermediate position of the guide tube and is oriented to be substantially parallel to the guide tube's longitudinal axis as it exits. A stereoscopic image capture component is on the guide tube between the intermediate position and the guide tube's distal end. The image capture component's field of view is generally perpendicular to the guide tube's longitudinal axis. The guide tube is jointed to allow the image capture component to be moved. The surgical instruments and the guide tube are telemanipulatively controlled.