An endoscope with an articulated bending section body (1) including a number of segments (4) where at least one hinge member (5) is provided between any adjacent segment (4). Each segment (4) has a first surface (9, 9″) and a second surface (10, 10′) delimited by an outer rim. The first surface (9, 9″) includes a first abutment part (11) adapted to abut the first opposing surface (10, 11) of an adjacent segment, wherein the first abutment part (11) is at a distance from the at least one hinge member (5) that is shorter than the shortest distance from the at least one hinge member (5) to the most remote part of the rim.

A video probe is disclosed herein that includes an elongated probe including an articulating portion, and a controller functionally coupled with the elongated probe. The articulating portion may include at least two interconnected links and each link may include opposing electromagnetic coils disposed within the link. The controller may be configured to stimulate the opposing electromagnetic coils to attract/repulse corresponding opposing electromagnetic coils of an adjoining link thereby causing the link to pivot about the axis of the single-axis joint.

A medical device including a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, first and second articulation wires coupled to the handle, and an articulation member at a distal end of the shaft, wherein the articulation member includes a central longitudinal axis within a first bending plane. The first and second articulation wires lie within the first bending plane, the articulation member includes a plurality of links arranged about the central longitudinal axis, a first link of the plurality of links is attached to an adjacent, second link of the plurality of links via a first pair of hinges, and a first hinge from the first pair of hinges is arranged on a first side the first bending plane, and a second hinge from the first pair of hinges is located on a second side of the bending plane, opposite the first side.

A medical device including a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, first and second articulation wires coupled to the handle, and an articulation member at a distal end of the shaft, wherein the articulation member includes a central longitudinal axis within a first bending plane. The first and second articulation wires lie within the first bending plane, the articulation member includes a plurality of links arranged about the central longitudinal axis, a first link of the plurality of links is attached to an adjacent, second link of the plurality of links via a first pair of hinges, and a first hinge from the first pair of hinges is arranged on a first side the first bending plane, and a second hinge from the first pair of hinges is located on a second side of the bending plane, opposite the first side.

In one aspect, the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a low cost medical device such as an endoscope intended for a single use. In one embodiment, the articulation joint comprises a plurality of interconnected segments. In another embodiment, the articulation joint comprises an elongated tubular body. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.

In one aspect, the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a low cost medical device such as an endoscope intended for a single use. In one embodiment, the articulation joint comprises a plurality of interconnected segments. In another embodiment, the articulation joint comprises an elongated tubular body. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.

An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link. The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera.

An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links. A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link. The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link. The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera.

A surgical apparatus is provided including an endoscope, a camera, a light source, and a structured light pattern source. The endoscope includes an elongate body having a plurality of segments manipulatable relative to one another. The camera, light source, and structured light pattern source cooperate to determine the topography of a surface within a patient. A method of performing surgery is also provided.

A surgical apparatus is provided including an endoscope, a camera, a light source, and a structured light pattern source. The endoscope includes an elongate body having a plurality of segments manipulatable relative to one another. The camera, light source, and structured light pattern source cooperate to determine the topography of a surface within a patient. A method of performing surgery is also provided.