An endoscope apparatus and method of operating the same. The endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope portion and a control and display unit. The endoscope portion preferably comprises: (i) a sensor disposed at a distal end of the endoscope portion and providing endoscope data; (ii) one or more electronically controlled actuators (e.g., electroactive polymer actuators) controlling the operation of the endoscope portion based on received control signals; (iii) a first wireless transceiver coupled to the sensor and the one or more electronically controlled actuators, transmitting received endoscope data from the sensor and forwarding received control signals to the one or more electronically controlled actuators; and (iv) a portable power source (e.g., a battery) coupled to the sensor, the first wireless transceiver, and the one or more electronically controller actuators. The control and display unit preferably comprises: (i) a second wireless transceiver coupled via a wireless link to the first transceiver in the endoscope portion and receiving endoscope data from the first transceiver and transmitting control signals to the first transceiver; (ii) a control portion coupled to the second wireless transceiver and sending control signals to the one or more actuators in the endoscope portion via the first and second wireless transceivers; and (iii) a display portion that displays information received from the sensor via the first and second wireless transceivers. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for providing single-use endoscopes to one or more hospitals.

Robotic endoscope with wireless interface

A video image display (30) is attached to a video endoscopic surgical component such as video endoscope, an endoscopic surgical instrument, a carrier for coupling the endoscope and the instrument, or a cannula through which the endoscope or the instrument is passed into a body part. Attachment is by means of an attachment mechanism (95) which may be adjusted to enable the display position to be varied with respect to the component to which it is attached. According to another embodiment, a carrier in the form of an elongated tube (490) is employed to combine and relate the movement of the endoscope (495) and endosurgical instrument (510), which, by means of the carrier, may be jointly inserted into a body part either directly or through a cannula, enabling the surgeon to operate both the endoscope and the instrument with a single hand. A video display (500) attached to the endoscope or carrier and positioned near the instrument actuation handle (480) provides the surgeon with a visual perspective similar to that encountered in open surgery.

System and method for endoscopic imaging and endosurgery

A medical imaging recording and viewing system adapted for use interchangably with a variety of endoscopes. The system includes a portable hand-held device that may be removably placed within a cradle affixed to the endoscope. An interface between an image acquisition device of the endoscope and the portable device permits images to be transmitted to and stored within the portable device. The portable device also may include a viewing screen to permit a user to view the images. A docking station may receive the portable device for transferring images to a separate viewing device and for recharging the battery of the portable device.

Endoscopic digital recording system with removable screen and storage device

A reduced area imaging device is provided for use in medical or dental instruments such as an endoscope. In a first embodiment of the endoscope, connections between imaging device elements and between a video display is achieved by hard-wired connections. In a second embodiment of the endoscope, wireless transmission is used for communications between imaging device components, and/or for transferring video ready signals to a video display. In one configuration of the imaging device, the image sensor is placed remote from the remaining circuitry. In another configuration, all of the circuitry to include the image sensor is placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. The entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope. Alternatively, the image sensor can be placed remote from the remaining circuitry according to the first configuration, and control box is used which communicates with the image sensor and is placed remotely from the endoscope. Further alternatively, the imaging device can be incorporated in the housing of a standard medical camera which is adapted for use with traditional rod lens endoscopes. In any of the configurations or arrangements, the image sensor may be placed alone on a first circuit board, or timing and control circuits may be included on the first circuit board containing the image sensor. The timing and control circuits and one or more video processing boards can be placed adjacent the image sensor in a tubular portion of the endoscope, in other areas within the endoscope, in the control box, or in combinations of these location.

Reduced area imaging device incorporated within wireless endoscopic devices

Methods and devices are described for performing a combined hysteroscopy and endometrial sampling. Techniques for improving visual images include forward facing fluid ports for clearing tissue debris and LED positioning and design. Manufacturability is improved through separately formed tip and shaft pieces. User interface features are described including user-friendly handle-mounted buttons as well the use of an interactive integrated touch screen display. The handle and display can be mated to a docking station for storage and recharging batteries.

Method and apparatus for hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy

A portable, hand-held endoscopic camera having all of the necessary components for performing endoscopic procedures comprises power source means, lens means, light source means, and video camera means. The portable endoscopic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of systems and includes a highly efficient means for focusing the illumination of the light source. The lens means includes a fiber bundle and the light source means includes a bulb. The bulb is positioned in an abutting relationship with the fiber bundle, thereby focusing light into the fiber bundle. The camera is selectively operable in a cordless and cord-operated mode.

Hand-held portable endoscopic camera

An adaptable, portable hand-held fiber optic camera for producing video images of an object having all of the necessary components for performing fiber optic procedures comprises a power source, a lens system, a light source, and a video camera assembly. The portable fiber optic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of lens systems. The lens system is electrically, removably coupled to the video camera assembly and the light source.

Hand held, portable camera with adaptable lens system

A portable, hand-held endoscopic camera having all of the necessary components for performing endoscopic procedures comprises power source means, lens means, light source means, and video camera means. The portable endoscopic camera is adaptable to a wide variety of systems and includes a low wattage light source means. The camera is self-contained. A kit is also provided, the kit having all of the components necessary for performing endoscopic procedures.

Hand-held portable camera for producing video images of an object

A portable, handheld endoscopic camera (10) having all of the necessary components for performing endoscopic procedures comprises power source means (179), lens means (88), light source means (94), and video camera means (67). The portable endoscopic camera (10) is adaptable to a wide variety of systems and includes a low wattage light source means (94). The camera (10) is self-contained. A kit (600) is also provided, the kit (600) having all of the components necessary for performing endoscopic procedures.

Gary Handelin

Papers

Hand-held portable endoscopic camera

Hand held, portable camera with adaptable lens system

Hand-held portable camera for producing video images of an object

Hand-held, portable endoscopic camera and kit