Portable imaging system employing a miniature endoscope

• US 20050283048A1
• Filed: 03/08/2005
• Published: 12/22/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 10/19/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: VisionScope Technologies, LLC
• Original Assignee: VisionScope, LLC
• Inventors: McDonald, James E., Gill, Thomas J.
• Granted Patent: US 8,038,602 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/121
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00059 provided with identification means for the endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00135 Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00142 with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00165 with light-conductive means, e.g. fibre optics A61B1/07 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0607 for annular illumination
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0638 providing two or more wavelengths
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/07 using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0084 for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters A61B5/1459 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/2469 using optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/2476 Non-optical details, e.g. housings, mountings, supports
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0025 for optical correction, e.g. distorsion, aberration

Abstract

A cart or man-portable system and method for performing endoscopic procedures is provided. A portable display device, such as a laptop computer, is coupled to a handle comprising a miniature camera and fiber optic illumination subsystem. A sterile disposable portion is fitted over the illumination subsystem and inserted into a target area on a patient. Images of the target area are conveyed from the camera to the display device while an endoscopic procedure is performed, thus facilitating real-time diagnosis during the procedure.

Claims

1. A method of performing orthopedic surgery comprising:

providing a fiber optic probe having a diameter of less than 3 mm, the probe being connected to a handle;

inserting the probe into a disposable sheath;

inserting the sheath and probe into the patient;

viewing a site within the patient without insertion of a fluid at the site.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing an illumination source having a wavelength in the range of 700 nm-1200 nm.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a light source having a wavelength in a range of 10 nm to 380 m to treat tissue in the patient.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a cart for transport of a system including a computer, a display, and a probe storage.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising providing a laptop computer having a graphical user interface to display one or more images and enter patient data.