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SIDE VIEWING OPTICAL FIBER ENDOSCOPE

  • US 20080221388A1
  • Filed: 03/09/2007
  • Published: 09/11/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2007
  • Status: Abandoned Application
First Claim
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1. A side-viewing scope for imaging a region inside a body of a patient, comprising:

  • (a) an optical fiber extending between a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the optical fiber being configured to couple to an external light source to receive light produced by the external light source and to convey the light toward the distal end of the optical fiber for use in illuminating a region disposed adjacent to the distal end of the optical fiber;

    (b) a scanning device that is disposed at the distal end of the optical fiber and coupled thereto, the scanning device having a free end from which light conveyed through the optical fiber is emitted in a first direction, said scanning device only conveying the light that is used to illuminate;

    (c) an actuator for providing a driving force to move the free end of the scanning device in a desired pattern;

    (d) a reflective surface disposed adjacent to the free end of the scanning device, the reflective surface reflecting at least a portion of the light emitted from the free end in a second direction that is generally transverse to the first direction, so that at least the portion of the light reflected from the reflective surface is directed towards a side of the scope; and

    (e) at least one light detector for detecting light from a region disposed at a side of the scope illuminated by the light reflected from the reflective surface, the at least one light detector producing a signal that is usable to produce an image of the region.

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