Abstract:
An endoscope (1) having a handle (2) with a handle housing arranged at a proximal end of the endoscope and an insertion tube (3) extending from said handle and terminating in a tip part (5) of a bending section (4) at the distal end of the endoscope, the bending section (4) comprises a distal tubular end segment (61) and a plurality of articulated bending segments (62), the bending section 4) comprises an intermediate segment (66) between the distal end segment (61) and the plurality of articulated bending segments (66), wherein the intermediate segment (66) is longer than a bending segment (62) and the distal end segment (61).
Abstract:
A bending neck for an articulating ultrasound probe has a variable configuration whereby different sections of the bending neck can be bent into different curvatures. In one implementation a rigid member is extended into the bending neck, setting the deflection point for a section of the bending neck at the end of the rigid member. In another implementation the links of the bending neck have different lengths, causing different sections to have different radii of maximum curvature. In another implementation the bending neck is encased in a sheath which exhibits regions of different durometer, thickness, or spacing of points of attachment to the bending neck.
Abstract:
Device for intra-cardiac and intra-vascular surgical procedure comprising an endoluminal ultrasound catheter probe which comprises a flexible tube a working channel for receiving and guiding transcatheter devices or instruments for the surgical procedure, and a three-dimension ultrasonic transducer, wherein the flexible tube has a working channel outlet on the distal end defining a ring-shaped surface, wherein the working channel longitudinal axis is off-centred in respect of the flexible tube longitudinal axis, thus defining a wider section and a narrower section of said ring- shaped surface, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is placed or coupled to the wider section. An embodiment comprises a hatch door for opening and closing the outlet, the hatch door being coupled to said wider section by a hinge, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is placed at said hatch door and the hatch door is hinged to rotate about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube.
Abstract:
A bending neck comprising a plurality of pivotally connected hollow links is formed by machining a tube to form individual, pivotally connected links. A second tube may be located inside the first tube and simultaneously machined with the first tube. Grooves are formed on opposite sides of the outer surface of the second tube to provide a passageway for control cables which control the articulation of the links. In a second implementation indentations are formed in the side of the single tube to form ring-like projections into the inner lumen of each link, through which the control cables may pass.
Abstract:
A probe includes an articulating member with at least two vertebrae elements sequentially arranged along a long axis of the elongate ultrasound imaging probe. The articulating member includes pivots located between the at least two vertebrae elements. The pivots are disposed off-center relative to the at least two vertebrae elements. The pivots are spatially oriented to provide a pivot point for a different articulation direction of a vertebra element. The probe further includes a plurality of guides, including at least one guide for each of the respective different pivot directions. The probe further includes an actuator with a set of controls, each control configured to actuate a different pair of the plurality of guides for controlling opposing articulation directions, wherein the actuator reduces stress induced on at least one of a pushed guide or a non-activated guide, wherein the stress is induced in response to the actuator pulling a guide.
Abstract:
Robotic endoscopes have the potential to help endoscopists position tools during procedures, to propel the endoscope to the desired position, to automate functions and to prevent perforations during procedures. Modular architecture for a continuum robotic endoscope with multiple bending segments along the length of the endoscope. Each of the segments is modular, containing a set of actuation motors that drive short cables in the continuum segments.
Abstract:
A medical device and a system including same are provided. The medical device includes an elongated device body, at least a portion of which is steerable within a body of a subject via at least one control wire; and a plurality of control wire guides disposed along the elongated device body and being deployable to deflect the at least one control wire away from a longitudinal axis of the elongated device body.