An accessory device for use with a medical device includes a first cuff secured to a distal end of the medical device, a second cuff secured to the medical device proximal of the first cuff, an actuator, and at least one actuation wire extending from the first cuff, through the second cuff, to the actuator.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an effective and reliable approach for cleaning an exposed surface of an imaging element (e.g., a lens) of apparatuses including but not limited to medical imaging instruments such as endoscopes and laparoscopes and the like. In the case of medical imaging instruments, cleaning apparatuses configured in accordance with embodiments the present invention can be cleaned while the distal end portion of the endoscope is in vivo. Such apparatuses have a cleaning member incorporated therein (e.g., a resilient polymeric wiper, a sponge, an absorbent pad or the like) that is used for cleaning the exposed surface of the imaging element. The apparatus is preferably adapted for being mounted on imaging apparatus but can also be entirely or partially integral with one or more components of the imaging apparatus or system of which it is a component.

This invention relates to a fluid conduit module for attaching a receptacle holding sterile water or detergent to air and water ports of an endoscope. A fluid conduit module comprises a first port for connection to an air line of an endoscope; a second port for connection to a water line of an endoscope; a connector configured to attach said receptacle to the fluid conduit module; a first fluid flow path between the first port and the connector; and a second fluid flow path between the second port and the connector.

An air feeding device includes: an endoscope connector connected to an endoscope conduit; a compressor connector connected to a compressor which discharges a gas; an air feeding conduit having one end connected to the endoscope connector, and another end connected to the compressor connector, an opening and closing valve disposed in the air feeding conduit; an atmosphere release valve connected to the air feeding conduit at a position between the other end and the opening and closing valve, the atmosphere release valve being capable of adjusting an atmosphere release rate of the gas from the air feeding conduit; a sensor configured to detect an internal pressure in the air feeding conduit; and a processor connected to the opening and closing valve, the atmosphere release valve, and the sensor.

A biopsy device includes an elongate tube comprising a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen. The biopsy device further includes a cutting member disposed in an opening of the distal end of the elongate tube, the cutting member being immovable relative to the elongate tube. The cutting member comprises a blunting surface that faces outward from the elongate tube, and a hollow truncated cone having a truncated end comprising a cutting surface that maintains a fixed radial distance from the elongate tube and that faces into the elongate tube and away from the distal end of the elongate tube, wherein the cutting surface has a contiguous perimeter, and wherein the truncated end is angled relative to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube such that the cutting member has a shape of a right circular hollow cone or an oblique oval hollow cone.

An endoscope including an insertion tube, a working, channel located within the insertion tube, and a protecting feature disposed within at least a portion, of the working channel The protecting feature may be adapted to protect the working-channel from thermal damage and/or from mechanical damage caused by a medical instrument located in the working channel. The protecting feature may be adapted to determine presence or absence of a medical instrument within the working channel, arid/or a location of the medical instrument within the working channel.

Disclosed herein are intestine pleating attachable structures for use with endoscopes and methods for using said structures. The intestine pleating attachable structures may act in conjunction with a gastrointestinal endoscope and, optionally, a balloon to improve visualization during endoscopic procedures. The intestine pleating attachable structures are coupled to the endoscope shaft, and include at least one flexible appendage to enhance contact between the structure and the intestinal wall. When the endoscope is retracted, the flexible appendage assists in moving the intestinal wall relative to the imaging system. This movement causes the intestine to pleat. Pleating reduces looping, improves efficiency, and results in a less painful endoscopic procedure for the patient. The attachable structures may be used in conjunction with a dome-shaped balloon that is inflated at the distal, imaging end of the endoscope. The balloon is transparent, such that the intestinal wall may still be visualized through the balloon while intestinal matter is prevented from obscuring the image.

A set of medical sampling parts for use with an endoscope, including: a sampling device; a sample container including a separator part located at a top of the sample container, a base located at a bottom of the sample container opposite of said top, and a container part at least partly enclosing a sample volume located at the bottom of the sample container, so that a container axis extends between said separator part and said base; and a connector for connecting the sampling device with the sample container, wherein the sample container can be detached from the sampling device by a translational movement along a detachment axis.

This document describes devices for reducing risks to healthcare staff from infectious agents. For example, this document describes a bite block with a shield element or a mask that can reduce risk of infectious or noxious agents exposure to healthcare staff.

An endoscope in which a reusable portion is inserted nearly all the way into a hollow, pistol-grip handle of a single-use portion and the protruding part of the reusable portion and an adjacent part of the handle are covered with a flexible and resilient cap. The same cap covers the open end of the handle when the single-use portion is shipped from a manufacturing site. At a user's facility, a health professional tears the pouch, removes the cap from the handle, inserts the reusable portion, and covers the distal end of the reusable portion and an adjacent part of the handle with the same cap. Typically, a remote display connects to the endoscope wirelessly or through a cable, with a connector that fits through a hole in the cap configured to keep fluids from entering around the connector. The wireless transmission preferably uses a proprietary protocol to preserve medical data confidentiality.