An endoscope system includes: an endoscope having an insertion section adapted to be inserted into a subject; an optical member positioned at a distal end portion; a heating section configured to heat the optical member; a first temperature detector configured to detect first temperature information of the distal end portion; a second temperature detector connected in parallel with the heating section and configured to detect second temperature information of the distal end portion; a control unit configured to control the heating section based on the first temperature information; and an abnormality determination unit configured to determine presence or absence of abnormality in the first temperature detector and the second temperature detector based on the first temperature information and the second temperature information.

A Laparoscopic Visualization System comprising a sterile, self-contained, disposable apparatus used in medical procedures for heating and applying an anti-fog solution to the distal end of laparoscopes or surgical devices is presented. It additionally serves as an endoscopic lens protector and cleaner. An efficient heating and narrow range temperature control mechanism is used in combination with an anti-fog solution to provide clear visualization through a distal lens of the surgical device inserted into the system. The configuration prevents the anti-fog solution from spilling out of the system and is designed to also be used as a holder for the surgical scope, protecting the distal lens from impact with a shock absorbent outer shell, prior to, during, and after a medical procedure.

A camera head for an endoscope includes: a casing grasped by a user and detachably connected to an insertion unit inserted into a subject, the insertion unit taking an object image from the subject; an optical element having translucency and configured to seal the casing by being provided in the casing; an imaging element provided in the casing and configured to capture the object image taken into the casing through the optical element; and a dew condensation forming unit provided in the casing and having a smaller thermal resistance value than the optical element, the dew condensation forming unit functioning as a transmission path of heat between inside and outside of the casing.

A device and method for cleaning or defogging a surgical scope during minimally-invasive surgery, including a casing which houses a sponge and a heating element configured to be accessible to the surgical scope and the casing is configured to removably attach to a trocar during a surgical procedure.

Anti-fogging system for an endoscope including an endoscope having an outer housing, an imaging arrangement, and a distal window. A filter lens is located at the distal window, with the filter lens allowing a first portion of electromagnetic light to pass therethrough while absorbing a second portion of electromagnetic light in order to heat the filter lens.

Disclosed is an intraoral scanner, including: a main body having a light projector, a camera lens, and an intake fan disposed therein; a probe tip mount disposed at the front end of the main body, and formed with a light gate; and a probe tip having the probe tip mount inserted into the rear end portion thereof, and having a reflective member for reflecting the light irradiated from the light projector through the light gate into an oral cavity and reflecting the light reflected from the interior of the oral cavity to the camera lens through the light gate disposed on the front end portion thereof. The probe tip mount is further formed with a guide hole for guiding the air flowing into the main body by the intake fan to the reflective member.

A device having an optical element with a conductive coating. The device may include an optical element, a conductive material and at least one connector. The conductive material is disposed on at least a portion of the optical element. The optical element, for example, may be an object lens of an endoscope or an optical coupler. The connectors (acting as terminal(s)) are capable of providing energy (such as electrical energy) to the conductive material. In one aspect, the conductive material is an optically transparent material. Advantageously, the device may allow visualization of an objectsuch as body tissue or other matterconcurrent with the application of energy to the object via the conductive coating. This allows the user to observe the alteration of tissue and other matter in real time as the energy is delivered.

The invention relates to a window system for an intraoral scanner. Said window system comprises an optical element having a thermal conductivity of more than 1 W m.sup.1 K.sup.1. A window, which comprises a pane made for example of a plastic, glass, or corundum, is detachably disposed on the optical element at an average distance of less than 1 mm. At least one heat source is also connected to the optical element. The invention further relates to an intraoral scanner. Said intraoral scanner comprises the window system. The optical element and the at least one heat source are connected to the intraoral scanner. The window is disposed in a cover. Said cover can be disposed on the intraoral scanner such that the window has an average distance of less than 1 mm from the optical element.

An endoscope system includes: an endoscope including an insertion portion whose front end is inserted inside a subject; a heater disposed at the front end and configured to heat a predetermined member disposed at the front end; a plurality of thermometers disposed near the predetermined member at the front end and configured to detect temperatures at the front end; a power source configured to supply electrical power to the heater; determination circuitry configured to determine whether or not highest temperature, from among the temperatures detected by the plurality of thermometers, is equal to or higher than a first threshold value; and a power controller configured to control, based on determination result of the determination circuitry, the electrical power supplied by the power source to the heater.

A Laparoscopic Visualization System comprising a sterile, self-contained, disposable apparatus used in medical procedures for heating and applying an anti-fog solution to the distal end of laparoscopes or surgical devices is presented. It additionally serves as an endoscopic lens protector and cleaner. An efficient heating and narrow range temperature control mechanism is used in combination with an anti-fog solution to provide clear visualization through a distal lens of the surgical device inserted into the system. The configuration prevents the anti-fog solution from spilling out of the system and is designed to also be used as a holder for the surgical scope, protecting the distal lens from impact with a shock absorbent outer shell, prior to, during, and after a medical procedure.