FINGER COT CAMERA SYSTEM

• US 20150296111A1
• Filed: 11/25/2013
• Published: 10/15/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2012
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Mayo Foundation For Medical Education And Research (Mayo Clinic)
• Original Assignee: Mayo Foundation For Medical Education And Research (Mayo Clinic)
• Inventors: Rajan, Elizabeth, Lindeen, Kevin
• Application Number:
  US14/647,207
• Publication Number:
  US 20150296111A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00016 using wireless means
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00032 internally powered
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00147 Holding or positioning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/012 characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/05 characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/053 being detachable
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0676 at distal tip of an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0684 using light emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/303 for the vagina, i.e. vaginoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/31 for the rectum, e.g. proctoscopes, sigmoidoscopes , colonoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6826 Finger
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/555 for picking-up images in sites, inaccessible due to their dimensions or hazardous conditions, e.g. endoscopes or borescopes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/57 Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices

Abstract

This document provides methods and devices for medical diagnostic procedures using a camera system. For example, devices having a camera coupled to a finger cot for use during digital exams of body cavities such as the rectum are provided.

Claims

1. A method for performing a digital exam on a mammal, wherein said method comprises inserting a camera within a body cavity of the mammal, wherein said camera is removably coupled to a finger of an operator performing the digital exam.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said mammal is a human.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising transmitting image data from said camera to an external viewing system.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said transmitting comprises a wireless transmission.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein said transmitting comprises a wired transmission.

6. An insertable camera device for performing a visual examination within a body cavity of a mammal, wherein said device comprises a camera attached to a finger cot, wherein said device is configured to be wearable on a finger of an operator and to be inserted within the cavity by the operator wearing the device.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein said mammal is a human.

8. The insertable camera device of claim 6, wherein said device further comprises a lumen configured for passing substances or items therethrough.

9. The insertable camera device of claim 6, wherein said device further comprises a battery configured to provide electrical power to operate said device.

10. The insertable camera device of claim 6, wherein said device further comprises a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit image data captured by said camera.

11. The insertable camera device of claim 6, wherein said device further comprises a light source.

12. The insertable camera device of claim 11, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.

13. A finger cot camera system configured for performing a visual examination within a body cavity of a mammal, wherein said system comprises a camera attached to a finger cot and an external viewing system, wherein said camera is configured to be wearable on a finger of an operator and to be inserted within the cavity by the operator wearing the device, and wherein said external viewing system is configured to receive and display images from said camera.

14. The finger cot camera system of claim 13, wherein said external viewing system is configured to be handheld.

15. The finger cot camera system of claim 13, wherein said mammal is a human.

16. The finger cot camera system of claim 13, wherein said camera further comprises a lumen configured for passing substances or items therethrough.

17. The finger cot camera system of claim 13, wherein said camera further comprises a battery configured to provide electrical power to operate said camera.

18. The finger cot camera system of claim 13, wherein said camera further comprises a wireless transmitter configured to wirelessly transmit image data captured by said camera to said external viewing system.

19. The finger cot camera system of claim 13, wherein said camera further comprises a light source.

20. The finger cot camera system of claim 19, wherein said light source comprises a light emitting diode.