New simple image overlay system using a tablet PC for pinpoint identification of the appropriate site for anastomosis in peripheral arterial reconstruction.

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy and utility of a new image overlay system using a tablet PC for patients undergoing peripheral arterial reconstruction.

Methods: Eleven limbs treated with distal bypass surgery were studied. Three-dimensional images obtained by processing a preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography scan were superimposed onto the back-camera images of a tablet PC.

3-D endoscope using a single CCD camera and pneumatic vibration mechanism.

Background: During endoscopic surgical procedures, surgeons must manipulate an endoscope inside the body cavity to observe a surgical area while estimating the distance between that area and the surgical instruments by reference to a monitor on which the movement and size of the surgical instruments are displayed in 2-D endoscopic images. Therefore, there is a risk of the endoscope or instruments physically damaging body tissues. To overcome this problem, we developed a Ø5-mm, 3-D endoscope using a single 1/10-inch CCD camera and pneumatic vibration mechanism.

A beam-splitter-type 3-D endoscope for front view and front-diagonal view images.

Purpose: In endoscopic surgery, surgeons must manipulate an endoscope inside the body cavity to observe a large field-of-view while estimating the distance between surgical instruments and the affected area by reference to the size or motion of the surgical instruments in 2-D endoscopic images on a monitor. Therefore, there is a risk of the endoscope or surgical instruments physically damaging body tissues. To overcome this problem, we developed a Ø7- mm 3-D endoscope that can switch between providing front and front-diagonal view 3-D images by simply rotating its sleeves.

A new, safer, controllable field-of-view endoscope avoiding movement inside body cavities.

One of the greatest difficulties in endoscopic surgery is the limited field-of-view (FOV) of endoscopes. During endoscopic manipulation in body cavities to expand the FOV, there is the risk of inadvertent damage to body tissues, nerves, and internal organs. The risk increases especially in surgery that is performed inside a very small cavity, or in which body tissues are very fragile.