An operation switching mechanism includes a wire, a reciprocating movement member, a first biasing member, a second biasing member, switching members configured to switch states in which the first biasing member and the second biasing member perform biasing, and an operation member configured to operate the switching members according to operation from an outside and move the reciprocating movement member to a first movement position or a second movement position.

An insertion device includes an insertion section extending along a longitudinal axis, a rotor provided in the insertion section rotating around the longitudinal axis, and an assistance tool attached to the insertion section in a state to cover the rotor from an outer peripheral side. The assistance tool rotates around the longitudinal axis together with the rotor when press force is applied from a first projection of the rotor to a second projection of the assistance tool by a rotation of the rotor. An angular position of the second projection around the longitudinal axis can be recognized from an outside of the assistance tool.

A system and method for use in surgical procedures. The system includes an endoscope, an imaging device coupled to the endoscope, an imaging processor coupled to the imaging device, and at least one management system coupled to the imaging processor, in which a function of the management system is automatically adjusted upon receipt of a communication from the imaging processor.

A baby endoscope which forms a medical device includes: a rotary member; an exterior member which rotatably holds the rotary member about a predetermined rotation axis, houses the rotary member in the exterior member, and has a surface which is brought into contact with a portion of an outer peripheral surface of an operation section of a mother endoscope on an outer peripheral portion; and a bending operation lever mounted on the rotary member, and is disposed within a width of the exterior member in a direction of the rotation axis when the exterior member is viewed in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis.

An adapter for endoscopy can operably connect camera features and light source features of a portable electronic device with a respective viewfinder and illumination element of a medical endoscope. Systems including an endoscope, adapter, and handheld electronic device with a microphone, light source, and camera can, when connected, be used to perform stroboscopic endoscopic examinations.

An insertion apparatus includes an insertion section, a rotational housing, a motor, and a controller. The motor rotates the rotational housing. The controller designates a rotational direction of the motor. The controller limits the rotational direction of the motor to allow the insertion section to move only in a removal direction when inspection control for inspecting an operation relative to an insertion direction of the insertion section is initiated.

An automated control, a switch and automated actuator for spring-based end effectors of a medical instrument to be used by a single operator without assistance for multiple biopsy, clipping, clamping, grasping, snaring, cutting, dissecting or other operative functions with electrical connections for cautery or hot biopsy used independently or combined with a rigid or flexible endoscope of any size. The actuator may be a spring(s), gear(s), electrical solenoid or motor, air or hydraulic pressure activated piston or a combination thereof. Automated action may be initiated by a voice, hand or foot operated switch. The actuator may be disposable, attached to or separable from the end effector or permanently attached to be reusable. The actuator and end effector may be disposable, attached to or separable from the endoscope or permanently attached to be reusable. The automated device may be incorporated into an endoscope or attached to the outside.

Provided is a system for advancing an article along a path. The system may include a head member, a dispatching member, and an eversion sleeve. Also provided is a method for assembling a system for advancing an article along a path.

A distal end cover for endoscope attached to and detached from a distal end portion of an insertion section of an endoscope includes a first cover including a nozzle for spraying fluid to at least an observation window or a part located in a visual field range of the observation window and a second cover including a flow channel for circulating, to the nozzle, the fluid fed from a fluid passage

A method and apparatus for improving a heat dissipation capacity. An apparatus comprises an elongate member, a housing, and a heat pump device. The elongate member has a distal end and a proximal end. The housing is coupled to the proximal end of the elongate member. The heat pump device is disposed between the proximal end of the elongate member and the housing. The heat pump device is disposed at least partially outside the housing and is configured to transfer thermal energy between the elongate member and the housing. The heat pump device has a maximum outer diameter that is greater than a maximum outer diameter of the elongate member.