A system for polarimetric characterization of a target that includes a liquid light guide (LLG) for propagating light from a light source to the target (S) at least one of a Polarization State Analyzer (PSA) serving to analyze polarization of light having propagated into the LLG and that has been reflected by the target, and a Polarized State Generator (PSG) for modulating the polarization of light injected into the LLG, an optical detector for detecting light backscattered by the target (S) that has been illuminated by the LLG.

A variable stiffness actuator includes a shape-memory member, and a heater configured to receive power to heat the shape-memory member so as to cause the shape-memory member to change from a first phase as a low stiffness state to a second phase as a high stiffness state showing a higher stiffness than the low stiffness state. The actuator also includes a first conductive wire having one end connected to the heater and constituting a part of a power supply line for the heater, and a second conductive wire having one end connected to the other end of the first conductive wire, thicker than the first conductive wire, and having an electrical resistance per unit length lower than that of the first conductive wire.

The present invention provides medical devices comprising at least one visualization device sealed to, attached to or otherwise combined with at least one of the following second devices: an oral airway, ventilating mask, urinary catheter, trocar, a tool tube, and a medical glove. The present invention also provides methods for rapid and accurate placement of a medical device in a patient and continuous real time monitoring, including a remote monitoring, of the patient after the placement.

A variable stiffness device includes a first elongated member in a hollow shape extending along a longitudinal axis, and a second elongated member including a heater, disposed inside an inner circumference of the first elongated member, and extending in parallel to the first elongated member along the longitudinal axis. The first elongated member includes a high bending stiffness portion and a low bending stiffness portion alternately aligned along the longitudinal axis. One of the first elongated member and the second elongated member includes a shape-memory pipe. The heater extends through an inner space of the shape-memory pipe and configured to heat the shape-memory pipe to increase stiffness of the shape-memory pipe.

The present invention discloses an insertion unit, a bending section and an intubation system for use in a body lumen of a patient. The insertion unit comprises an inner elongated shaft structure being capable of torque transmission around its length axis and having spring-like and flexibility properties and an outer elongated shaft structure at least partially surrounding the inner elongated shaft structure and having spring-like properties and a continuous and flat outer surface. The inner elongated shaft structure has a distal end, and is capable of being connected to an optical head. The insertion unit is configured to transmit pushing and rotation forces along a length of the insertion unit. The integral insertion unit is configured and operable to bend the distal tip in all directions and to fully rotate the distal tip.

A rigidizing device includes an elongate flexible tube, a stiffening layer positioned radially outwards of the elongate flexible tube, an outer layer over the elongate flexible tube and the stiffening layer, and a vacuum or pressure inlet between the elongate flexible tube and the outer layer and configured to attach to a source of vacuum or pressure. The elongate flexible tube includes a first reinforcement element and a second reinforcement element. The second reinforcement element is counterwound relative to the first reinforcement element. The rigidizing device is configured to have a rigid configuration when vacuum or pressure is applied through the inlet and a flexible configuration when vacuum or pressure is not applied through the inlet.

A rigidizing device includes a plurality of layers and an inlet between the elongate flexible tube and the outer layer and configured to attach to a source of vacuum or pressure. The rigidizing device is configured to have a rigid configuration when vacuum or pressure is applied through the inlet and a flexible configuration when vacuum or pressure is not applied through the inlet.

A rigidity variable apparatus includes: a rigidity variable member having a cylindrical shape, a bending rigidity of the rigidity variable member increasing by being heated; a heater having a cylindrical shape and arranged along the rigidity variable member on an inside of the rigidity variable member in a radial direction, the heater being configured to heat the rigidity variable member; a filler arranged so as to fill a gap between the heater and the rigidity variable member in the radial direction, the filler being configured to transfer heat from the heater to the rigidity variable member; and a tube arranged along the heater on an inside of the heater in the radial direction.

An instrument having a flexible and elongated body includes at least a lumen and a flex member disposed within the lumen. The flex member may be capable of providing steering control to a first portion of the elongate body while providing load bearing support to a second portion of the elongate body. A pull wire may be disposed within the flex member, and at least a distal portion of the pull wire may be coupled to the elongate body and a proximal portion of the pull wire may be operatively coupled to a control unit. The control unit may be coupled to a proximal portion of the elongate body. In addition, a control member may be operatively coupled to the control unit such that a distal portion of the control member may be positioned near a proximal portion of the flex member. The control member may be configured to support the flex member and control the movement or displacement of the flex member. Furthermore, the flex member may be configured to selectively decouple articulation or steering forces of a first portion of the elongate body away from a second portion of the elongate body; thereby, preventing compression of the second portion of the elongate body while maintaining elasticity or flexibility of the second portion of the elongate body.

The present invention provides a variable stiffness catheter comprising a pneumatic actuator lumen system that allows manipulation of shape and curvature at one or more locations along the catheter.