Self-Steering Endoscopic Device

• US 20100268030A1
• Filed: 04/08/2010
• Published: 10/21/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Viola, Frank, Taylor, Eric
• Granted Patent: US 8,444,549 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/117
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00158 using magnetic field
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0055 Constructional details of insertion parts, e.g. vertebral elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/31 for the rectum, e.g. proctoscopes, sigmoidoscopes , colonoscopes

Abstract

An endoscopic device including mechanisms to facilitate insertion of the device is disclosed. The device includes a sensing assembly configured for determining the position of the distal end of the device relative to a lumen. The device may further including a steering mechanism configured to direct the distal end of the device. A controller may be operably connected to the sensing assembly and the steering mechanism. The controller may be incorporated into the endoscopic device. Alternately, the controller may be positioned remote of the endoscopic device.

Claims

1. An endoscopic device comprising:

an elongated tubular body;

a guide member extending distally from said elongated tubular body; and

a sensing assembly operably affixed to said guide member and configured for sensing the location of said guide member relative to a lumen.

2. The endoscopic device of claim 1, wherein said sensing member includes a plurality of sensors.

3. The endoscopic device of claim 2, wherein the sensors are radially spaced about said guide member.

4. The endoscopic device of claim 2, wherein the sensors are radially spaced about said guide member.

5. The endoscopic device of claim 2, wherein the sensing assembly is configured to measure an electrically property between any two of said plurality of sensors.

6. The endoscopic device of claim 2, wherein the sensing assembly is configured to measure an electrically property between any one of said plurality of sensors and the lumen.

7. The endoscopic device of claim 2, wherein the sensors are configured to measure at least one of:

conductance, capacitance, resistance and proximity between at least two of said plurality of sensors.

8. The endoscopic device of claim 1, wherein said sensing assembly is operably connected to a controller.

9. The endoscopic device of claim 1, wherein said sensing assembly includes a plurality of mechanically activated sensors.

10. The endoscopic device of claim 1, further including a steering mechanism operably situated between said elongated tubular body and said guide member.

11. The endoscopic device of claim 10, wherein said steering mechanism is operably connected to said sensing assembly.

12. The endoscopic device of claim 11, wherein said steering mechanism is configured to position said guide member relative to said elongated tubular body.

13. The endoscopic device of claim 10, wherein said steering mechanism includes a plurality of magnetic members and a plurality of corresponding magnets.

14. The endoscopic device of claim 13, wherein said plurality of magnets are configured to be selectively activated.

15. The endoscopic device of claim 14, wherein activation of one of said plurality of electro-magnets causes said guide member to flex in a first direction relative to said tubular body.

16. The endoscopic device of claim 15, wherein activation of a second of said plurality of magnets causes said guide member to flex in a second direction relative to said tubular body.

17. The endoscopic device of claim 1, further including a second sensor mechanism.

18. An endoscopic device comprising:

an elongated tubular body;

a guide member extending distally from said tubular body; and

a steering mechanism operably connected to said elongated tubular body and said guide member for moving said guide member relative to said elongated tubular body.

19. The endoscopic device of claim 18, wherein said steering mechanism is configured to position said guide member relative to said elongated tubular body.

20. The endoscopic device of claim 18, wherein said steering mechanism includes a plurality of magnetic members and a plurality of corresponding magnets.

21. The endoscopic device of claim 20, wherein said plurality of electro-magnets are configured to be selectively activated.

22. The endoscopic device of claim 20, wherein activation of one of said plurality of electro-magnets causes said guide member to flex in a first direction relative to said tubular body.

23. The endoscopic device of claim 22, wherein activation of a second of said plurality of magnets causes said guide member to flex in a second direction relative to said tubular body.

24. The endoscopic device of claim 18, wherein said sensing member includes a plurality of sensors.

25. The endoscopic device of claim 18, further including a sensing assembly mounted on said guide member.