Hand-Operated Endoscope For Medical Purposes

• US 20130345503A1
• Filed: 06/06/2013
• Published: 12/26/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg
• Original Assignee: Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg
• Inventors: Friedrich, Markus
• Granted Patent: US 10,588,490 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/103
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00018 using electrical cables
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00034 rechargeable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00045 Display arrangement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00103 designed for single use
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00105 characterised by modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00114 Electrical cables in or with an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00124 electrical, e.g. electrical plug-and-socket connection
• 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 1/044 for absorption imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0661 Endoscope light sources

Abstract

A hand operated endoscope for medical purposes, the endoscope including a separate, modular unit consisting of a camera system with an associate lens system, light source and a transmission system. This unsterilized modular unit can be used in a sterilized housing.

Claims

1. A hand-operated endoscope for medical purposes, with a digital camera system with associated optical unit, with a light source and with a transmission system for transmitting the image data of the camera system or other data to an external receiver, which is associated with a monitor or another visualization device for depicting the image, characterized in that the camera system with associated optical unit, the light source and the transmission system define a module-like component and in that this module-like component is, as a separate component, arranged in a housing in such a way that the component is completely removed from the housing for a reuse of the endoscope, that it is subsequently only the housing that is sterilized and that, finally, the unsterilized component or another unsterilized component is reintroduced into the sterilized housing.

2. The endoscope as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the housing has a lid which can be opened and closed.

3. The endoscope as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the housing has a substantially tubular design, with the lid being situated at the rear end of the housing.

4. The endoscope as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that, when the lid is removed, a tubular part, in particular a funnel, can be placed onto the housing opening for the subsequent introduction of the component into the housing.

5. The endoscope as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the housing has function buttons.

6. The endoscope as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that electric contacts are provided within the housing, which electric contacts are connected to the function buttons and, when the component is inserted into the housing, said electric contacts electrically contact corresponding contacts of this component.

7. The endoscope as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the transmission system is connected to the external receiver by a cable.

8. The endoscope as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the transmission system is connected to the external receiver by radio link.

9. The endoscope as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the component has a rechargeable battery as power supply.

10. The endoscope as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the component has a position sensor.