Endoscope with variable direction of view module

• US 20050177026A1
• Filed: 01/31/2005
• Published: 08/11/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/09/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Karl Storz Imaging, Inc (Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg)
• Original Assignee: Endactive Inc
• Inventors: Hoeg, Hans David, Hale, Eric Lawrence, Schara, Nathan Jon
• Granted Patent: US 7,344,494 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/173
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00183 for variable viewing angles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0051 with controlled bending of insertion part

Abstract

A flexible variable direction of view endoscope with a pivotable view vector and a rotatable distal section.

Claims

1. A variable direction of view endoscope with a modular distal section comprising:

a main shaft;

a rigid distal section connected to said main shaft having a longitudinal axis, wherein said rigid distal section is rotatable relative to said main shaft;

a means for rotating said distal section relative to said main shaft;

a reflector disposed in said distal section pivotable about a pivot axis generally transverse to said longitudinal axis;

a means for rotating said reflector relative to said distal section; and

an objective optical system disposed in said distal section.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said main shaft is flexible.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said means for rotating said distal section comprises a flexible first internal shaft running down the interior of said main shaft.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said means for rotating said reflector comprises a second internal shaft within said first internal shaft.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said second internal shaft houses a fiber optic bundle.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said main shaft is rigid.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an image sensor disposed in said distal section.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for rotating said distal section comprises an actuator disposed in said main shaft.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for rotating said distal section comprises an actuator disposed in said distal section.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for rotating said reflector comprises an actuator disposed in said distal section.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a rotation pick-up means disposed in said distal section.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said rotation pick-up means comprises at least one accelerometer.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an illumination means disposed in said distal section.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a slip-ring for providing electrical power across the rotary interface between said main shaft and said distal section.