METHODS, SYSTEMS AND APPARATUS RELATING TO COLPOSCOPIC-TYPE VIEWING EXTENSION DEVICES
First Claim
1. A handheld imaging and sampling probe system, the handheld probe comprising a proximally located handle and at least one relatively thin extension that extends distally from the handle, wherein the handle is sized and configured to be maintained external to a patient and the extension is of adequate length to at least substantially reach to a cervix of a patient and is sized to be easily and comfortably inserted into a vagina up to a cervix without use of a speculum, the probe further comprising at least one light emitter configured to emit illumination light toward a target tissue within the vagina, at least one imaging system comprising an imaging sensor configured to detect examination light emanating from the target tissue and a viewer configured to provide an image of the target tissue at the handle, and at least one biopsy channel in at least the extension that is configured to transmit to the target tissue a retractable biopsy or surgical device able to retractably contact the target tissue.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Handheld imaging and sampling probe systems, and related devices, kits, methods, etc., that may improve the general comfort of gynecological examinations and/or obtaining samples of cells from the vagina or cervix, and may also improve sample collection and thus possibly improve the sensitivity and specificity. The devices comprise an imaging and sample collection probe sized for easy and comfortable insertion into the vagina without requiring the use of a speculum comprising a proximally located handle and at least one relatively thin extension that extends distally from the handle. The probe further comprises at least one light emitter that emits illumination light toward the target tissue, at least one imaging system that detects and images examination light emanating from the target tissue, and a biopsy channel configured to transmit to the target tissue a retractable biopsy or surgical device able to retractably contact the target tissue, typically to obtain a sample of cells from the target tissue. The system can further comprise a disposable sleeve sized to substantially cover at least the part of the extension to be inserted into the vagina, the sleeve comprising at least one passage configured to securely align with the biopsy channel and sized to transmit the retractable sample collection device.
181 Citations
35 Claims
- 1. A handheld imaging and sampling probe system, the handheld probe comprising a proximally located handle and at least one relatively thin extension that extends distally from the handle, wherein the handle is sized and configured to be maintained external to a patient and the extension is of adequate length to at least substantially reach to a cervix of a patient and is sized to be easily and comfortably inserted into a vagina up to a cervix without use of a speculum, the probe further comprising at least one light emitter configured to emit illumination light toward a target tissue within the vagina, at least one imaging system comprising an imaging sensor configured to detect examination light emanating from the target tissue and a viewer configured to provide an image of the target tissue at the handle, and at least one biopsy channel in at least the extension that is configured to transmit to the target tissue a retractable biopsy or surgical device able to retractably contact the target tissue.
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25. A method of making a handheld imaging and sampling probe system comprising:
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joining a handle sized and configured to be maintained external to a patient and at least one relatively thin extension that extends distally from the handle wherein the extension is of adequate length to at least substantially reach to a cervix of a patient and is sized to be easily and comfortably inserted into a vagina up to a cervix without use of a speculum, providing in or on the extension at least one light emitter configured to emit illumination light toward a target tissue within the vagina, providing in or on the probe at least one imaging system comprising an imaging sensor configured to detect examination light emanating from the target tissue and a viewer configured to provide an image of the target tissue at the handle, and making at least one biopsy channel in at least the extension, the biopsy channel configured to transmit to the target tissue a retractable biopsy or surgical device able to retractably contact the target tissue. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27)
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Specification