An endoscope includes a detachable wireless imaging device and an insertion tube having a distal end region. The attachment of the detachable wireless imaging device detachably attaches the detachable wireless imaging device to the distal end region of the insertion tube.

A system for visualizing a tissue region of interest comprises a deployment catheter defining a lumen and a hood coupled to and extending distally from the deployment catheter. The hood has a low-profile configuration within a delivery sheath and a deployed configuration when extended distally of the delivery sheath. The hood in the deployed configuration defines an open area in fluid communication with the lumen. A distal portion of the deployment catheter extends into the open area. An imaging element is coupled to an imager support member. When in the deployed configuration, the imaging element is configured to extend distally of the distal portion while the imager support member extends within the deployment catheter. The imaging element comprises a tapered surface and the deployment catheter comprises a complementary tapered surface. Retraction of the imaging element causes the imaging element to shift radially outward from a longitudinal axis.

A system for visualizing a tissue region of interest comprises a deployment catheter defining a lumen and a hood coupled to and extending distally from the deployment catheter. The hood has a low-profile configuration within a delivery sheath and a deployed configuration when extended distally of the delivery sheath. The hood in the deployed configuration defines an open area in fluid communication with the lumen. A distal portion of the deployment catheter extends into the open area. An imaging element is coupled to an imager support member. When in the deployed configuration, the imaging element is configured to extend distally of the distal portion while the imager support member extends within the deployment catheter. The imaging element comprises a tapered surface and the deployment catheter comprises a complementary tapered surface. Retraction of the imaging element causes the imaging element to shift radially outward from a longitudinal axis.

The present invention relates to a tube member having excellent local bending properties that is capable of being freely bent only on a given region thereof at a working temperature, thereby enabling the bending angle thereof to be freely adjusted by a user, and a method for manufacturing the tube member. According to the present invention, the tube member having excellent local bending properties, which is made of an alloy, may include a first region and a second region having different alloy structures from each other. According to the present invention, the first region may be in a cold-worked state or have an austenite phase at a given working temperature, and the second region may have a martensite phase at the given working temperature and a yield stress value lower than a yield stress value of the first region.

According to one embodiment, a tissue penetrating device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending there between. A first needle is disposed within the lumen of the elongate shaft and is extendable therefrom between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the first needle is disposed within the elongate shaft's lumen and is substantially aligned with an axis of the lumen. In the second configuration, the first needle extends distally of the elongate shaft's distal end and bends away from the lumen's axis. A second needle is disposed within a lumen of the first needle and is extendable therefrom when the first needle is positioned in the first configuration and when the first needle is positioned in the second configuration. The second needle may be extended from the first needle to penetrate tissue of a patient.

A flexible endoscope of the present invention includes a catheter portion and a connection plug. The catheter portion includes an image guide, a light guide, and a catheter tube that surrounds the image guide and the light guide in a longitudinal direction, and the connection plug includes a hollow cover that accommodates the proximal end of the catheter tube, a flexible tube that protrudes from the hollow cover and through which the catheter tube is passed, a first connection terminal that is connected to the light guide extending from the proximal end of the catheter tube, and a second connection terminal that is connected to the image guide extending from the proximal end of the catheter tube. The image guide and the light guide are slidable inside the catheter tube, and at least one of the image guide and the light guide is arranged curved inside the hollow cover of the connection plug.

A flexible endoscope of the present invention includes a catheter portion and a connection plug. The catheter portion includes an image guide, a light guide, and a catheter tube that surrounds the image guide and the light guide in a longitudinal direction, and the connection plug includes a hollow cover that accommodates the proximal end of the catheter tube, a flexible tube that protrudes from the hollow cover and through which the catheter tube is passed, a first connection terminal that is connected to the light guide extending from the proximal end of the catheter tube, and a second connection terminal that is connected to the image guide extending from the proximal end of the catheter tube. The image guide and the light guide are slidable inside the catheter tube, and at least one of the image guide and the light guide is arranged curved inside the hollow cover of the connection plug.

An apparatus, method, and system for a steerable medical device, configured to be used in conjunction with guide tools and devices in medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, cutting tools and catheters.

A system comprising an adjustable mount arm, a bronchoscope coupled to the adjustable mount arm, an attachment coupled to the bronchoscope, and a steerable sheath coupled to the attachment and configured to be inserted through the bronchoscope. The system further includes a flexible probe configured to be inserted through the steerable sheath and the bronchoscope.

A cholangioscope includes a catheter that is to be inserted into a body and has a curved shape, a camera shaft that can be inserted into the catheter and is formed in a curved shape, and a CMOS image sensor that is provided at a distal end portion of the camera shaft. The catheter further includes a forceps channel into which a medical instrument can be inserted, and a camera channel that is provided in an outer side portion of the catheter having the curved shape outer than the forceps channel and into which the camera shaft can be inserted. Curvature of the camera shaft is less than curvature of the catheter. The camera shaft is formed into a curved shape by using a shape memory alloy.