A device operable to clean an imaging element of a visualization scope comprises a visualization scope engagement body, a cleaning element having a first end portion thereof located adjacent to a distal end of the visualization scope engagement body and a cleaning head attached to the visualization scope engagement body at the distal end thereof. The first end portion of the cleaning element is engaged with the cleaning head. The cleaning head is movable between a deployed configuration relative to the visualization scope engagement body and a retracted configuration relative to the visualization scope engagement body. A centerline longitudinal axis of the visualization scope engagement body extends through the cleaning head when the cleaning head is in the deployed configuration and does not extend through the cleaning head when the cleaning head is in the retracted configuration. The cleaning element is movable for cleaning debris from the imaging element.

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 the 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.

In accordance with one embodiment, an automated probe system includes a probe configured to be reversibly inserted into a live body part, a robotic arm attached to the probe and configured to manipulate the probe, a first sensor configured to track movement of the probe during an insertion and a reinsertion of the probe in the live body part, a second sensor configured to track movement of the live body part, and a controller configured to calculate an insertion path of the probe in the live body part based on the tracked movement of the probe during the insertion, and calculate a reinsertion path of the probe based on the calculated insertion path while compensating for the tracked movement of the live body part, and send control commands to the robotic arm to reinsert the probe in the live body part according to the calculated reinsertion path.

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.

A medical device may include an insertion portion longitudinally extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The insertion portion may define a channel extending therethrough. The medical device may further include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the insertion portion. The handle may further include an irrigation port in fluid communication with the channel and coupled to a source of irrigation fluid. Additionally, the handle may include an actuator and a pressurizer. Manipulation of the actuator may be configured to actuate the pressurizer to urge irrigation fluid distally through the channel.

A medical device including a main tube having an outer wall, a first lumen, and a camera lumen; a tip housing separately manufactured from the main tube and including a tubular housing part extending from a proximal end to a distal end, a first lumen extension, a camera lumen extension, the tubular housing part enclosing the first lumen extension and the camera lumen extension, and the proximal end of the tip housing mounted at the distal end of the main tube; a camera module; a camera housing positioned in the camera lumen extension and affixing the camera module to the tip housing, the camera housing having a tubular housing part having an inner face; and a support structure including a tubular end part having an outer face adhesively bonded to the inner face of the tubular housing part to secure the camera module to the camera housing.

The present disclosure is directed to a device, system, and related methods for providing visual assistance to the placement of an endoscopic device acts as a cover for protecting both the probe and tube body of an endoscopic device form bacterial biofilm build-up during use. The device comprises a flexible sleeve, the sleeve being at least partially elastic, which is fitted over and encloses the tip of an endoscopic device such as a TEE probe, with the only opening in the sleeve tip being placed to expose the sensor apparatus of the probe. The tip of the sleeve comprises an image capture device which is coupled, via a wired connection that runs through the sleeve, to a control unit having a transceiver, such that captured image data can be transmitted to external devices, or an integrated display device, in real-time, without the transmission being obstructed by the patient’s body. The design of the sleeve also allows it to be used as a conduit for various other transmissions such as fluid and fibre optics.

An access device for accessing an intervertebral disc having an outer shield comprising an access shield with a larger diameter (˜16-30 mm) that reaches from the skin down to the facet line, with an inner shield having a second smaller diameter (˜5-12 mm) extending past the access shield and reaches down to the disc level. This combines the benefits of the direct visual microsurgical/mini open approaches and the percutaneous, “ultra-MIS” techniques.

Systems, apparatuses, and methods are discussed herein for an endoscope. The endoscope has a distal tip with an oblique portion and a flat portion, the oblique portion defines a plane that forms an angle between and including 20 and 40 degrees to a central axis of the endoscope. A related sheath may have similar features at the distal tip.

An ENT tool has a tool chassis having a chassis channel and a tool chassis distal end. A tubular probe is dimensioned to be inserted into a human patient orifice, the probe is rotatable about a probe axis of symmetry, and the probe has a probe proximal end rotatingly connected to the tool chassis distal end. A balloon insertion mechanism is slidingly located within the chassis channel, and is configured to fixedly accept a balloon sinuplasty mechanism penetrating the tubular probe. A guidewire adjustment section is fixedly attached to the balloon insertion mechanism, and the section has a rotatable enclosure. A plurality of rollers are disposed within the enclosure and are configured so that on rotation of the enclosure the rollers grip and rotate a guidewire positioned between the rollers, and, absent rotation of the enclosure, release the guidewire and permit distal and proximal translation of the guidewire.