According to an embodiment, an autonomous endoscopic system capable of controlling movement of an endoscope inserted into a protective sheath installed in the body of a patient may comprise: an endoscope operating device capable of operating a relative position of the endoscope with respect to the protective sheath, a rolling angle of the endoscope, and a bending angle of a bending portion which is located at the end of the endoscope and is bendable; and a control unit for controlling the endoscope operating device, wherein the control unit controls the endoscope operating device on the basis of a driving record of the endoscope.

An apparatus for advancing a device through a gastrointestinal tract. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes first and second grabbing mechanisms adapted to grab and release tissue of the gastrointestinal tract, the first grabbing mechanism being releasably attachable to the device, the second grabbing mechanism being attached to an outer element configured to at least partially surround the device, the first and second grabbing mechanisms being axially movable with respect to each other along the gastrointestinal tract; and a radially expandable blocking element disposed proximal to the first grabbing mechanism and movable with the first grabbing mechanism with respect to the second grabbing mechanism, the blocking element being adapted to move tissue of the intestinal tract with respect to the second grabbing mechanism when the blocking element is moved toward the second grabbing mechanism. The invention also includes corresponding methods.

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 applicator for positioning a sleeve accessory on medical speculum, and a method for using the applicator, is provided. The applicator has a flat, oblong shape with a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being broader than the distal end. The distal end of the applicator includes a first prong and a second prong. At least a portion of the distal end of the applicator is configured to slide into a lumen of a sleeve accessory to facilitate positioning of the sleeve accessory on a medical speculum.

A surgical instrument that can include a proximal control mechanism that includes an opening through which a resilient latch arm is inserted into the proximal control mechanism and engages a locking surface of a fixed latch structure contained within the proximal control mechanism; means for receiving a release tool through an outer periphery of the proximal control mechanism and beyond the opening through which the resilient latch arm enters the proximal control mechanism, the means for receiving the release tool remaining uncovered when the resilient latch arm is attached to the fixed latch structure, and means for providing a fulcrum for the release tool on the outer periphery of the proximal control mechanism such that the release tool can release the surgical instrument by prying the resilient latch arm away from the locking surface of the fixed latch structure using the release tool as a lever.

A method includes forming, by atomic layer deposition, a first barrier layer on a surface of a printed circuit board (“PCB”) and on an outer surface of an electrical component attached to the surface of the PCB; forming an adhesion promotion layer on a surface of the first barrier layer; and forming, on the adhesion promotion layer, a second barrier layer including Parylene.

There is provided a mask for use in endoscopic procedures that includes a unitary concave and bowl-shaped body portion having an inner surface and an outer surface with the body having a first opening for receiving an instrument, where the first opening in the body is defined by an edge, and the outer surface radially extends from the edge with a unitary curved wall having a peak and extending from the peak to a rim. The rim defines a second opening that is wider than the first opening and having a diameter of sufficient width to cover a patient's nose and open mouth. The mask has at least one filter positioned on the body portion to permit air to pass through the body portion, and a seal is positioned around or over the first opening to secure the instrument hermetically when received through the first opening. The filter is of a size to prevent known viruses and microbials, including coronavirus, from transmitting into the air external to the mask.

An endoscopic deployment device includes a body mountable on an endoscopic device, the body having a movable carrier couplable to an end effector device, the end effector device having an end effector shaft covered by an outer sheath and an end effector extending from a distal end of the end effector shaft, the outer sheath being sized and shaped for insertion through a working channel of the endoscopic device, the body having a carrier channel for the carrier to slide therein, wherein the end effecter is actuatable between an open position and a closed position; and a motor having a drive shaft coupled to the carrier, rotation of the drive shaft sliding the carrier in the carrier channel and actuating the end effector in response to a signal from one or more actuation buttons; wherein at least one vibration motor generates vibrations as an angular position of the motor changes.

Provided herein is a distal tip of an endoscope configured to mitigate smudging of window elements at the front face thereof, utilizing various mitigating elements. Further provided are methods of fabricating and using the same in endoscopic procedures.