Abstract:
A laryngoscope with integrated and controllable suction includes a handle and a blade. A suction port is at the proximal end of the handle and is configured for connection to an air source. The suction port defines an opening into one or more air flow paths defined through the laryngoscope, which each terminate at one or more intake ports. In some embodiments, a valve is interposed into each air flow path to regulate air flow along each air flow path. Such a valve is operably connected to a switch mounted on an exterior surface of the laryngoscope, such that manipulation of the switch causes the valve to open or close, thus allowing the physician or other medical professional to control the air flow and selectively apply constant or intermittent suction.
Abstract:
Methods and devices to quickly and accurately locate the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) while performing a sphenopalatine ganglion block procedure that introduces a medication to the SPG. The methods and devices also prevent the medication applied to the SPG from flowing down a patient's throat during the procedure.
Abstract:
A catheter and handle assembly for use in treating tissue. More specifically, the invention relates to a catheter assembly having an elongate shaft, ablation assembly coupled to one end of the shaft, and a handle coupled to the other end of the shaft. The handle facilitates both axial and circumferential positioning of the ablation assembly via the shaft in an airway, conduit, or vessel for treatment of the tissue. Embodiments include the use of a handle to facilitate the axial and circumferential positioning of the shaft and ablation assembly through and independent of a working channel of a bronchoscope during treatment for pulmonary disease like COPD and asthma.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to an achromatic endoscope which employs a diffractive microlens. Along with a broadband rotary joint and a custom 800 nm SD-OCT system, ultrahigh-resolution 3D volumetric imaging over a large area becomes possible. The diffractive microlens can be used directly with a GRIN lens, making the endoscope design simpler and cost effective. Preliminary ex vivo 3D intraluminal imaging was performed with the endoscope in conjunction with a home-built broadband rotary joint and a spectral-domain OCT system, demonstrating the performance of the diffractive endoscope. Considering the miniature OCT imaging probe is the required component for using the OCT technology in internal organs, the proposed approach will have a broad impact on endoscopic OCT imaging by improving OCT resolution in any applications that involve a miniature OCT probe, such as intravascular OCT imaging, gastrointestinal (GI) tract imaging, airway imaging etc.
Abstract:
A handle for longitudinal movement of a first tubular member over a second tubular member includes a handle body, a nose cone, a locking mechanism, and a retraction control. The retraction control has first and second positions relative to the nose cone for transitioning the locking mechanism between locked and unlocked positions thereof and for moving the nose cone between extended and retracted positions thereof. In addition, a support system includes a rail, a lower support, and an instrument support. The lower support is configured to selectively fix the bronchoscope relative to the rail. The instrument support is slidably disposed on and lockable to the rail. The instrument support is configured to releasably couple to a surgical instrument inserted through the bronchoscope to fix the position of a portion of the surgical instrument relative to the bronchoscope.
Abstract:
A video introducer (2) is inserted in an endotracheal tube (1) and is retained by engagement of a connector (28) at the rear end of the introducer with a connector (16) inserted in the rear end (13) of the tube. The introducer (2) includes a shaft (21) integral with the connector (28) and having a channel (22) along its length. A cable (34) connected to a video camera (33) at the patient end of the shaft extends along the channel (22) to an electrical connector (35). The forward end (25) of the shaft (21) projects from the forward end (10) of the tube to provide a leading extension for inserting the tube in the trachea.
Abstract:
The present invention provide a pre-shaped port, at least partially introduced into a body cavity, comprising a body characterized by a distal end and a proximal end; said body comprising at least one throughgoing channel enabling introduction of at least one surgical tool; said distal end comprises at least one extension; wherein said extension is adapted to provide mechanical support to a distally located organ within said body cavity.