A medical device includes a handle including an actuating device, a shaft extending from the handle and having a longitudinal axis, a cam rotatably connected to the handle, wherein the cam includes a first section and a second section, and wherein a distance between a radially outer surface of the first section and a center of the cam is different from a distance between a radially outer surface of the second section and the center of the cam; and an actuation wire extending from the cam to a distal end of the shaft. Rotation of the actuating device rotates the cam, causing the actuating wire to wrap around the first section and the second section to deflect the distal end of the shaft.

A medical device includes an elongate device and one or more processors coupled to the elongate device. The elongate device includes a steerable distal end and a shape sensor located along a length of the elongate device. While the elongate device is being traversed through one or more passageways of a patient, the one or more processors are configured to, based on information from a sensor, monitor an insertion motion of the elongate device, detect a data collection event, and capture, in response to detecting the data collection event, a plurality of points along the length of the elongate device using the shape sensor. The data collection event is at least partially based on a change in direction of the insertion motion of the elongate device.

An objective is to achieve an endoscope in which a distal part of an insertion unit has a reduced diameter, yet the endoscope has good pushability so that buckling at the distal part can be avoided. This endoscope is provided with: an imaging unit having a lens and an imaging element; a resin tube which extends from the imaging unit to the proximal side opposite the distal side, and through which a cable conductively connected to the imaging element is inserted; and an elastic wire which has a distal end disposed outwardly of the imaging element, is inserted in and extends through the resin tube, and has flexibility and bending stiffness.

This invention relates to an endoscopic device, and more particularly but not exclusively to an endoscopic device suitable for use in diagnostic and/or surgical procedures. The endoscopic device includes a base and a shaft extending from the base. The shaft is at least partially flexible and includes a bending section that is selectively displaceable between a straight configuration and a bent configuration. The endoscopic device also includes an actuation arrangement for selectively displacing the bending section between the straight and bent positions. The actuation arrangement includes at least one actuator which is at least partially made from a shape memory alloy, and which is configured to displace the bending section of the shaft when electric current is passed therethrough. The actuator is located inside the base of the device.

A laryngoscope for orotracheal intubation, includes a tubular body that serves as a guide for an endotracheal tube. The tubular body has an adjustable head which is inserted into the pharynx through the mouth following the anatomical curvature until it reaches the larynx and vocal cords. The head may be equipped with a lighting and display system that can be connected to an external screen. The head can be oriented by means of actuators so that it can be directed towards the entrance to the airways,

An arthroscope having an elongated core with a square radial cross section.

Systems and methods for supporting image-guided procedures include an elongate device including a steerable distal end and a shape sensor located along a length of the elongate device and one or more processors coupled to the elongate device. While the elongate device is being traversed through one or more passageways of a patient, the one or more processors are configured to detect a data collection event, and capture, in response to detecting the data collection event, a plurality of points along the length of the elongate device using the shape sensor. In some embodiments, an insertion depth of the elongate device is monitored. In some embodiments, the data collection event is detected when the insertion depth is beyond a threshold insertion depth, no change of the insertion depth is detected for longer than a threshold period of time, or the insertion depth is beyond a threshold retraction distance.

Provided is an endoscope allowing two operating methods, that is, a surgeon's own manual operation and an operating method using a hand other than the surgeon regarding a hardness adjusting operation. An endoscope includes an insertion part having a flexible part; an operating part continuously provided on a proximal end side of the insertion part; a hardness adjusting mechanism serving as a first driving force input member that is provided from the operating part to the flexible part and adjusts the hardness of the flexible part; an operating ring that is provided in the operating part and is manually operated and inputs a driving force to the hardness adjusting mechanism; and a shaft serving as a second driving force input member that is provided separately from the operating ring and inputs a driving force to the hardness adjusting mechanism.

An actuator is provided with a tubular actuator element and a supporting body which supports an inner peripheral surface of the actuator element. An internal pressure of the actuator element is higher than an external pressure of the actuator element.

A system comprises a flexible instrument, a first user input device spaced from the flexible instrument, and a second user input device including a first state and a second state. The system further comprises a control system configured to, based on an input received from the first user input device, control an orientation of the flexible instrument. The control system is further configured to, based on an input received from the second user input device, adjust a stiffness of the flexible instrument. The stiffness of the flexible instrument is lower when the second user input device is in the first state than when the second user input device is in the second state.