Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. the catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.

This invention relates to a method of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for bladder cancer and its use as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy in the treatment of bladder cancer. The invention provides a composition comprising hexyl 5-ALA ester (HAL) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for use in a method of photodynamic therapy for bladder cancer, wherein said composition is instilled into the bladder of a patient in need of such treatment and the inside of said bladder is exposed to blue light having a fluence rate of 1.5 to 12.5 mW/cm2.

A medical device may include a sheath extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The medical device may further include a light source coupled to the sheath. The light source may have a first state in which light is not emitted distally of sheath and a second state where the light source emits a visual pattern distally of the distal end of the sheath. The visual pattern may represent a cross-sectional dimension of a structural feature of the sheath.

A medical device may include a sheath extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The medical device may further include a light source coupled to the sheath. The light source may have a first state in which light is not emitted distally of sheath and a second state where the light source emits a visual pattern distally of the distal end of the sheath. The visual pattern may represent a cross-sectional dimension of a structural feature of the sheath.

According to one aspect, an endoscope system may include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal portion configured for insertion into a subject. The distal portion may have a distal end. The shaft may also include a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The lumen may be configured to receive an instrument extendable through the lumen of the shaft. The endoscope system may also include a visualization system coupled to the shaft for visualizing a region distal to the distal end of the shaft. The endoscope system may also include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the shaft. The handle may be configured for gripping by a user. The handle may include a shaft control system for controlling operation of the shaft. The handle may also include an instrument control system for controlling operation of an instrument extendable through the shaft.

According to one aspect, an endoscope system may include a shaft having a proximal end and a distal portion configured for insertion into a subject. The distal portion may have a distal end. The shaft may also include a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The lumen may be configured to receive an instrument extendable through the lumen of the shaft. The endoscope system may also include a visualization system coupled to the shaft for visualizing a region distal to the distal end of the shaft. The endoscope system may also include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the shaft. The handle may be configured for gripping by a user. The handle may include a shaft control system for controlling operation of the shaft. The handle may also include an instrument control system for controlling operation of an instrument extendable through the shaft.

A sheath for an imaging device may include a shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end; a holder coupled to the proximal end of the shaft; a retainer positioned in the lumen of the shaft, wherein the retainer includes an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration; and a light positioned on the distal end of the shaft.

The present disclosure is directed to a medical device. Systems and methods are provided for utilizing a laser to break a kidney stones into smaller fragments and/or dust, and removing particles, stone fragments and/or stone dust from a patient. The medical device may include a delivery device including a tube, and an elongate member having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end, wherein the elongate member is configured to move axially relative to the tube and apply suction through the distal end.

An attachment for an imaging device may include a first sheath including a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a second sheath positioned around an exterior of the first sheath; and a connector coupled to the first sheath and configured to be coupled to the imaging device.

An attachment for an imaging device may include a first sheath including a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end; a second sheath positioned around an exterior of the first sheath; and a connector coupled to the first sheath and configured to be coupled to the imaging device.