Biological navigation device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device for navigation through a biological anatomy, the device comprising:
- a tube configured to be advanced through the biological anatomy, the tube having a tube lumen therein;
a steering portion configured to bend to orient the device, said steering portion comprising an actuator for controlling the steering portion;
a reciprocating portion comprising a first tubular reciprocating element and a second tubular reciprocating element, the first tubular reciprocating element attached to a distal end of the steering portion, the second tubular reciprocating element mounted to and surrounding the first tubular reciprocating element, wherein an entirety of the second tubular reciprocating element is configured to longitudinally translate relative to the first tubular reciprocating element, wherein the second tubular reciprocating element remains coaxial with the first tubular reciprocating element during longitudinal translation of the second tubular reciprocating element relative to the first reciprocating element;
a visualization element for visualizing the biological anatomy; and
a distal tip at a distal end of the second tubular reciprocating element having a tip lumen therein continuous with the tube lumen, the tip lumen configured to hold the visualization element therein;
wherein longitudinal translation of the second tubular reciprocating element causes corresponding longitudinal translation of the visualization element held within the tip lumen of the distal tip.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Biological navigation devices and methods are disclosed. The devices can be used as or to support colonoscopies or endoscopes. The devices can have longitudinally extensible cells that can be selectively inflated. The devices can have articulable links. The devices can be removably attached to elongated elements, such as colonoscopes or other endoscopes.
335 Citations
12 Claims
-
1. A device for navigation through a biological anatomy, the device comprising:
-
a tube configured to be advanced through the biological anatomy, the tube having a tube lumen therein; a steering portion configured to bend to orient the device, said steering portion comprising an actuator for controlling the steering portion; a reciprocating portion comprising a first tubular reciprocating element and a second tubular reciprocating element, the first tubular reciprocating element attached to a distal end of the steering portion, the second tubular reciprocating element mounted to and surrounding the first tubular reciprocating element, wherein an entirety of the second tubular reciprocating element is configured to longitudinally translate relative to the first tubular reciprocating element, wherein the second tubular reciprocating element remains coaxial with the first tubular reciprocating element during longitudinal translation of the second tubular reciprocating element relative to the first reciprocating element; a visualization element for visualizing the biological anatomy; and a distal tip at a distal end of the second tubular reciprocating element having a tip lumen therein continuous with the tube lumen, the tip lumen configured to hold the visualization element therein; wherein longitudinal translation of the second tubular reciprocating element causes corresponding longitudinal translation of the visualization element held within the tip lumen of the distal tip. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
-
-
9. A device for navigation through a biological anatomy, the device comprising:
-
a tube configured to be advanced through the biological anatomy, the tube having a tube lumen therein; a steering portion configured to bend to orient the device; an actuator for actuating the steering portion to control the orientation of the device; a reciprocating portion comprising a first tubular reciprocating element and a second tubular reciprocating element, the first tubular reciprocating element attached to a distal end of the steering portion, the second tubular reciprocating element mounted to the first tubular reciprocating element, wherein an entirety of the second tubular reciprocating element is configured to longitudinally translate relative to the first tubular reciprocating element, wherein the second tubular reciprocating element remains coaxial with the first tubular reciprocating element during longitudinal translation of the second tubular reciprocating element relative to the first reciprocating element; and a distal tip at a distal end of the second tubular reciprocating element having a tip lumen therein continuous with the tube lumen, the tip lumen configured to hold a visualization element therein; wherein longitudinal translation of the second tubular reciprocating element causes corresponding longitudinal translation of the visualization element held within the tip lumen of the distal tip. - View Dependent Claims (10)
-
-
11. A device for navigation through a biological anatomy, the device comprising:
-
a tube configured to be advanced through the biological anatomy, the tube having a tube lumen therein; a steering portion configured to bend to orient the device, the steering portion comprising a plurality of pivotable links connected by a control cable; a reciprocating portion comprising a first tubular reciprocating element and a second tubular reciprocating element, the first tubular reciprocating element attached to a distal end of the steering portion, the second tubular reciprocating element mounted to and surrounding the first tubular reciprocating element, wherein the second tubular reciprocating element is configured to longitudinally translate relative to the first tubular reciprocating element, wherein the second tubular reciprocating element remains coaxial with the first tubular reciprocating element during longitudinal translation of the second tubular reciprocating element relative to the first reciprocating element; and a distal tip at a distal end of the second tubular reciprocating element having a tip lumen therein continuous with the tube lumen, the tip lumen configured to hold a visualization element therein; wherein longitudinal translation of the second tubular reciprocating element causes corresponding longitudinal translation of the visualization element held within the tip lumen of the distal tip. - View Dependent Claims (12)
-
Specification