A hollow probe enabling insertion and accommodation of endoscopic and other instruments advancing within a lumen includes a central valve unit featuring a central bore and at least one valve for controlling the introduction and withdrawal of fluid into the central bore. A sliding tubular sheath is movably disposed inside the central valve unit. An impermeable flexible sleeve is sealingly anchored to the central valve unit and folds over to cover both the inside and outside of the sheath to sealingly envelop the sheath and contain the fluid, together with the valve unit, while allowing sliding of the sleeve-covered-sheath. An endoscope adapter is mountable to the proximal end of the sleeve-covered-sheath, for allowing insertion of the endoscope through the adapter into the sleeve-covered-sheath, includes at least one gasket for sealing at least one gap between the endoscope and the sleeve-covered-sheath for withholding fluids from escaping.

The present invention discloses a capsule device for pressure measurement. The capsule device comprises a capsule enclosure, a data transmission assembly and a thin film pressure sensor. The capsule enclosure is formed with an accommodating chamber, and the data transmission assembly is arranged in the accommodating chamber. The thin film pressure sensor is attached to the outer surface of the capsule enclosure to measure pressure, and the thin film pressure sensor is connected with the data transmission assembly.

A method and apparatus for positioning a camera to capture images inside a body cavity of a patient during a medical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus includes an insertion tube, a plurality of connected linkages extending from a distal end of the insertion tube, each linkage having a threaded actuator received on a threaded end of a drive shaft extending between the threaded actuator and a proximal end of the insertion tube. The apparatus also includes a camera disposed at a distal end of the plurality of connected linkages. Each connected linkage has at least one associated movement actuated by movement of the threaded actuator in response to rotation of the drive shaft, the associated movements of the connected linkages together operable to facilitate positioning of the camera within the body cavity of the patient.

A method and apparatus for positioning a camera to capture images inside a body cavity of a patient during a medical procedure is disclosed. The apparatus includes an insertion tube, a plurality of connected linkages extending from a distal end of the insertion tube, each linkage having a threaded actuator received on a threaded end of a drive shaft extending between the threaded actuator and a proximal end of the insertion tube. The apparatus also includes a camera disposed at a distal end of the plurality of connected linkages. Each connected linkage has at least one associated movement actuated by movement of the threaded actuator in response to rotation of the drive shaft, the associated movements of the connected linkages together operable to facilitate positioning of the camera within the body cavity of the patient.

A support device for an endoscope comprises a tubular member configured for removable attachment to an outer surface of the endoscope near, or at, its distal end and a plurality of projecting elements extending outward from the outer surface of the tubular member and circumferentially spaced from each other. The device includes an optically transparent cover coupled to the tubular member and configured for covering the distal end of the endoscope when the tubular member is attached to the outer surface of the endoscope. The projecting elements provide support for the endoscope, improve visualization and center the scope as it passes through a body lumen, such as the colon. In addition, the cover seals the distal end of the endoscope to protect the scope and its components from debris, fluid, pathogens and other biomatter.

A support device for an endoscope comprises a tubular member configured for removable attachment to an outer surface of the endoscope near, or at, its distal end and a plurality of projecting elements extending outward from the outer surface of the tubular member and circumferentially spaced from each other. The device includes an optically transparent cover coupled to the tubular member and configured for covering the distal end of the endoscope when the tubular member is attached to the outer surface of the endoscope. The projecting elements provide support for the endoscope, improve visualization and center the scope as it passes through a body lumen, such as the colon. In addition, the cover seals the distal end of the endoscope to protect the scope and its components from debris, fluid, pathogens and other biomatter.

In one embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for performing surgical procedures is disclosed including a flexible entry guide tube, and a first steering device. The flexible entry guide tube has one or more lumens extending along its length from a proximal end to substantially at or near a distal end. At least one of the one or more lumens is an instrument lumen with open ends to receive a flexible shaft of a surgical tool to perform surgery near the distal end of the flexible entry guide tube. The first steering device is insertable into the instrument lumen to shape the flexible entry guide tube as it is inserted through an opening in a body and along a path towards a surgical site. The apparatus may further include a flexible locking device to couple to the flexible entry guide tube and selectively rigidize the flexible entry guide tube to hold its shape. The flexible entry guide tube may be steered by remote control with one or more actuators.

The present invention relates to a cover having a plurality of moveable, external, angled projecting elements for use with flexible medical scoping devices such as endoscopes or enteroscopes. The invention includes the cover with an over cuff and use of the disposable removable covering in methods of medical scoping procedures or examinations. The invention also includes an applicator for assisting in placing the covering about or over a medical device and a kit of parts.

The present invention relates to a cover having a plurality of moveable, external, angled projecting elements for use with flexible medical scoping devices such as endoscopes or enteroscopes. The invention includes the cover with an over cuff and use of the disposable removable covering in methods of medical scoping procedures or examinations. The invention also includes an applicator for assisting in placing the covering about or over a medical device and a kit of parts.

Provided is an endoscope holder capable of turning or swinging an endoscope inserted into a body with the endoscope fixed at a predetermined insertion position. An endoscope holder (1) includes a holder main body (3) having an insertion hole (2), gripping members (7a) and (7b) configured to pinch an endoscope E inserted into the insertion hole (2), first elastic members (12a) and (12b) configured to urge in a direction in which the gripping members (7a) and (7b) are separated from each other, a pressing member (13) configure to press the gripping member (7a) toward the gripping member (7b), a switching mechanism (17) configured to hold or release a pressing state, rollers (10) provided in gripping members (7a) and (7b), and a second elastic member (15) configured to swingably support the gripping member (7b).