Surgical devices incorporating reduced area imaging devices

• US 6,211,904 B1
• Filed: 04/06/2000
• Issued: 04/03/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/11/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Micro-Imaging Solutions LLC
• Original Assignee: Micro-Medical Devices, Inc.
• Inventors: Adair, Edwin L., Adair, Randall S., Adair, Jeffrey L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Rao, Andy
• Application Number:
  US09/544,528
• Time in Patent Office: 362 Days
• Field of Search: 348/65, 348/66, 348/67, 348/69, 348/70, 348/75, 348/76, 348/77, 600/109, 600/110, 600/160, 600/172
• US Class Current: 348/76
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00082 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00087 Tools A61B17/00234 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00135 Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0051 with controlled bending of insertion part
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/05 characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/051 Details of CCD assembly
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0607 for annular illumination
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/07 using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 25/167 comprising optoelectronic devices, e.g. LED, photodiodes
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/00 Indexing scheme for arrangements or methods for connecting or disconnecting semiconductor or solid-state bodies as covered by H01L24/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/0002 Not covered by any one of groups H01L24/00, H01L24/00 and H01L2224/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01L 2924/3011 Impedance
• 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

Abstract

Configurations of a reduced area imaging device include the image sensor placed remote from the remaining circuitry, or all of the circuitry to include the image sensor placed in a stacked fashion at the same location. The entire imaging device can be placed at the distal tip of an endoscope or within a simple tubular structure, or the image sensor can be remote from the remaining circuitry, wherein a control box which communicates with the image sensor is placed remotely from the image sensor. The imaging device can be incorporated in the housing of a standard medical camera adapted for use with traditional rod lens endoscopes. In any of the configurations, the image sensor may be placed alone on a first circuit board, or timing and control circuits may be included on the first circuit board containing the image sensor. One or more video processing boards can be stacked in a longitudinal fashion with respect to the first board, or the video processing boards may be placed in the control box. The small size of the tubular structure or microendoscope which houses the imaging device allows its use with many surgical instruments which traditionally do not have integral imaging capability such as Jackson grasping forceps; stent placement catheters; balloon catheters; over-tube tissue separating, dissecting or fulgeration devices; modified endotracheal intubation devices or trochars resulting in unique methods of performing surgical tasks by providing imaging capability throughout all stages of introducing and removing the instruments from within the body of a patient.

Claims

1. A surgical device with removable imaging capability for use at a surgical site, said surgical device comprising:

a microendoscope including an elongate tubular portion having a peripheral wall and a central passageway formed therethrough, an image sensor placed within said central passageway at a distal end of said tubular portion, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a control box remote from said image sensor, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal from said image sensor, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device;

a power supply coupled to said control box and said image sensor for providing power thereto;

grasping forceps including an instrument channel having a central opening formed therethrough, grasping tines having proximal ends connected to one another and distal ends spaced apart a desired distance, said proximal ends being inserted through said central opening, a first member having a distal end attached to said proximal ends of said grasping tines, a second member having a distal end attached to said instrument channel, said first member being movable with respect to said second member to move said grasping tines longitudinally within said instrument channel to cause said distal ends of said grasping tines to be pressed together when entering said central opening or to be spaced apart when exiting said central opening; and

an endoscope tube attached exteriorly of said instrument channel for receiving said microendoscope such that said microendoscope may provide a visual image as said grasping forceps are manipulated within the body of a patient.

2. A device, as claimed in claim 1, further including:

a lens within said passageway of said tubular portion to condition the image of the surgical site prior to being received by said image sensor.

3. A device, as claimed in claim 1, further including:

a plurality of longitudinal channels formed within said peripheral wall of said elongate sheath; and

at least one light fiber in one of said plurality of longitudinal channels and extending to said distal end of said tubular portion, said light fiber communicating with a source of light to illuminate the surgical area under observation.

4. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control box further includes:

a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

5. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and

an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

6. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

48. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

7. A surgical device with removable imaging capability for use at a surgical site, said surgical device comprising:

a microendoscope including an elongate tubular portion having a peripheral wall and a central passageway formed therethrough, an image sensor placed within said central passageway at a distal end of said tubular portion, said image sensor including an array of CMOS pixels defining a profile area and lying in a first plane, said array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon;

a circuit board longitudinally aligned with and electrically coupled to said array of CMOS pixels, said circuit board lying in a second plane which is offset from said first plane and substantially parallel to said first plane, said circuit board including timing and control means for controlling the release of information from said array of CMOS pixels, said timing and control means producing a pre-video signal;

a control box remote from said array of CMOS pixels and said circuit board, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device;

a power supply coupled to said control box, said array of CMOS pixels and said timing and control means providing power thereto;

grasping forceps including an instrument channel having a central opening formed therethrough, grasping tines having proximal ends connected to one another and distal ends spaced apart a desired distance, said proximal ends being inserted through said central opening, a first member having a distal end attached to said proximal ends of said grasping tines, a second member having a distal end attached to said instrument channel, said first member being movable with respect to said second member to move said grasping tines longitudinally within said instrument channel to cause said distal ends of said grasping tines to be pressed together when entering said central opening or to be spaced apart when exiting said central opening; and

an endoscope tube attached exteriorly of said instrument channel for receiving said microendoscope such that said microendoscope may provide a visual image as said grasping forceps are manipulated within the body of a patient.

8. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 7, wherein said control box further includes:

a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

9. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 8, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and

an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

10. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 8, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

11. A surgical device with removal imaging capability for use at a surgical site, said surgical device comprising:

a microendoscope including an elongate tubular portion having a peripheral wall and a central passageway formed therethrough, an image sensor placed within said central passageway at a distal end of said tubular portion said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a control box remote from said image sensor, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal from said image sensor, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device;

a power supply coupled to said control box, said array of CMOS pixels and said timing and control means providing power thereto; and

a stent placement catheter including a tube having a central opening formed therethrough, a stent coil positioned at a distal end of said tube and exteriorly thereof, at least one control wire connected to said stent coil, said at least one control wire extending longitudinally along said tube, said microendoscope being insertable through said central opening such that said microendoscope may provide a visual image as said catheter is manipulated within the body of a patient.

12. A device, as claimed in claim 11, further including:

a lens within said passageway of said elongate tubular portion to condition the image of the surgical site prior to being received by said image sensor.

13. A device, as claimed in claim 11, further including:

a plurality of longitudinal channels formed within said peripheral wall of said elongate tubular portion; and

at least one light fiber in one of said plurality of longitudinal channels and extending to said distal end of said elongate tubular portion, said light fiber communicating with a source of light to illuminate the surgical area under observation.

14. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 11, wherein said control box further includes:

a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

15. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 11, wherein said array of said CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and

an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

16. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 11, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

17. A surgical device with removal imaging capability for use at a surgical site, said surgical device comprising:

a microendoscope including an elongate tubular portion having a peripheral wall and a central passageway formed therethrough, an image sensor placed within said central passageway at a distal end of said tubular portion, said image sensor including an array of CMOS pixels defining a profile area and lying in a first plane, said array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon;

a circuit board longitudinally aligned with and electrically coupled to said array of CMOS pixels, said circuit board lying in a second plane which is offset from said first plane and substantially parallel to said first plane, said circuit board including timing and control means for controlling the release of information from said array of CMOS pixels, said timing and control means producing a pre-video signal;

a control box remote from said array of CMOS pixels and said circuit board, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device;

a power supply coupled to said control box, said array of CMOS pixels and said timing and control means providing power thereto; and

a stent placement catheter including a tube having a central opening formed therethrough, a stent coil positioned at a distal end of said tube and exteriorly thereof, at least one control wire connected to said stent coil, said at least one control wire extending longitudinally along said tube, said microendoscope being insertable through said central opening such that said microendoscope may provide a visual image as said catheter is manipulated within the body of a patient.

18. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein said control box further includes:

a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

19. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and

an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

20. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 17, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

21. A surgical device with removable imaging capability for use at a surgical site, said surgical device comprising:

a microendoscope including an elongate tubular portion having a peripheral wall and a central passageway formed therethrough, an image sensor placed within said central passageway at a distal end of said tubular portion, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a control box remote from said image sensor, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal from said image sensor, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device;

a power supply coupled to said control box and said image sensor for providing power thereto; and

an over-tube device including a guide tube having a central opening formed therethrough, an extension connected to a distal end of said over-tube device and extending distally thereof, and a tissue contacting member attached to said extension for manipulating the tissue of a patient, said microendoscope being insertable through said central opening enabling said microendoscope to view said tissue contacting member and the surrounding surgical area as tissue manipulation occurs.

22. A device, as claimed in claim 21, further including:

a lens within said passageway of said elongate tubular portion to condition the image of the surgical site prior to being received by said image sensor.

23. A device, as claimed in claim 21, further including:

a plurality of longitudinal channels formed within said peripheral wall of said elongate tubular portion; and

at least one light fiber in one of said plurality of longitudinal channels and extending to said distal end of said elongate tubular portion, said light fiber communicating with a source of light to illuminate the surgical area under observation.

24. A device, as claimed in claim 21, wherein said tissue contacting member is a separating bead having a spherical shape especially adapted for tissue separation.

25. A device, as claimed in claim 21, wherein said tissue contacting member is a hook-shaped structure enabling tissue cutting.

26. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 21, wherein said control box further includes:

a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

27. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 21, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and

an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

28. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 21, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

29. A surgical device with removable imaging capability for use at a surgical site, said surgical device comprising:

a microendoscope including an elongate tubular portion having a peripheral wall and a central passageway formed therethrough, an image sensor placed within said central passageway at a distal end of said tubular portion, said image sensor including an array of CMOS pixels defining a profile area and lying in a first plane, said array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon;

a circuit board longitudinally aligned with and electrically coupled to said array of CMOS pixels, said circuit board lying in a second plane which is offset from said first plane and substantially parallel to said first plane, said circuit board including timing and control means for controlling the release of information from said array of CMOS pixels, said timing and control means producing a pre-video signal;

a control box remote from said array of CMOS pixels and said circuit board, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device;

a power supply coupled to said control box and said image sensor for providing power thereto; and

an over-tube device including a guide tube having a central opening formed therethrough, an extension connected to a distal end of said over-tube device and extending distally thereof, and a tissue contacting member attached to said extension for manipulating the tissue of a patient, said microendoscope being insertable through said central opening enabling said microendoscope to view said tissue contacting member and the surrounding surgical area as tissue manipulation occurs.

30. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 29, wherein said control box further includes:

a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

31. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 29, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and

an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

32. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 29, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

33. A surgical device with removable imaging capability for use at a surgical site, said surgical device comprising:

a microendoscope including an elongate tubular portion having a peripheral wall and a central passageway formed therethrough, an image sensor placed within said central passageway at a distal end of said tubular portion, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a control box remote from said image sensor, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal from said image sensor, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device;

a power supply coupled to said control box and said image sensor for providing power thereto; and

a balloon catheter including a guide tube having a distal end, a periphery, and a central opening formed therethrough, a balloon attached around said distal end and said periphery of said guide tube, at least one hole formed through said distal end of said guide tube, means to introduce gas through said at least one hole, said introducing means communicating with a source of air to inflate said balloon, wherein said microendoscope is insertable through said central opening to enable the microendoscope to provide a visual image as said balloon catheter is manipulated within the body of a patient.

34. A device, as claimed in claim 33, further including:

a lens within said passageway of said elongate tubular portion to condition the image of the surgical site prior to being received by said image sensor.

35. A device, as claimed in claim 33, further including:

a plurality of longitudinal channels formed within said peripheral wall of said elongate tubular portion; and

at least one light fiber in one of said plurality of longitudinal channels and extending to said distal end of said elongate tubular portion, said light fiber communicating with a source of light to illuminate the surgical area under observation.

36. A device, as claimed in claim 33, further including:

a stop cock placed in line with said introducing means to control flow of air through said holes.

37. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein said control box further includes:

a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

38. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and

an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

39. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 33, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

40. A surgical device with removable imaging capability for use at a surgical site, said surgical device comprising:

a microendoscope including an elongate tubular portion having a peripheral wall and a central passageway formed therethrough, an image sensor placed within said central passageway at a distal end of said tubular portion, said image sensor including an array of CMOS pixels defining a profile area and lying in a first plane, said array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon;

a circuit board longitudinally aligned with and electrically coupled to said array of CMOS pixels, said circuit board lying in a second plane which is offset from said first plane and substantially parallel to said first plane, said circuit board including timing and control means for controlling the release of information from said array of CMOS pixels, said timing and control means producing a pre-video signal;

a control box remote from said array of CMOS pixels and said circuit board, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device;

a power supply coupled to said control box, said array of CMOS pixels and said timing and control means providing power thereto; and

a balloon catheter including a guide tube having a distal end, a periphery, and a central opening formed therethrough, a balloon attached around said distal end and said periphery of said guide tube, at least one hole formed through said distal end of said guide tube, a means to introduce gas through said at least one hole, said introducing means communicating with a source of air to inflate said balloon, wherein said microendoscope is insertable through said central opening to enable the microendoscope to provide a visual image as said balloon catheter is manipulated within the body of a patient.

41. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 40, wherein said control box further includes:

a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

42. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 40, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and

an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

43. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 40, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

44. A surgical device with removable imaging capability for use at a surgical site, said device comprising:

a microendoscope including an elongate tubular portion having a peripheral wall and a central passageway formed therethrough, an image sensor placed within said central passageway at a distal end of said tubular portion, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

a control box remote from said image sensor, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal from said image sensor, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device;

a power supply coupled to said control box and said image sensor for providing power thereto; and

an endotracheal intubation assembly including an endotracheal tube having an open distal end, an inflatable balloon surrounding said endotracheal tube near said distal end thereof, and means communicating with said inflatable balloon for selective inflation of said inflatable balloon, a centering tube removably inserted through said endotracheal tube, said centering tube having a distal end positioned adjacent said open distal end of said endotracheal tube, wherein said microendoscope is removably inserted through said centering tube to enable said microendoscope to provide a visual image as said endotracheal tube is manipulated to intubate a patient.

45. A device, as claimed in claim 44, wherein said centering tube further includes:

a plurality of peripheral channels formed in said centering tube and extending along the length thereof, said plurality of peripheral channels allowing fluid or gas to be introduced therethrough.

46. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 44, wherein said control box further includes:

a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

47. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 44, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and

an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

49. A surgical device in the form of an entry trochar with integral imaging capability for use at a surgical site, said surgical device comprising:

a cylindrical tube having a proximal end and a distal end;

an entry port connected to said proximal end of said cylindrical tube allowing surgical instruments to be placed through said cylindrical tube for performing surgical procedures at the surgical site;

an imaging section connected to said distal end of said cylindrical tube and having a viewing end for viewing the surgical site, said imaging section having an image sensor mounted within said imaging section, said image sensor lying in a first plane and including an array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon, said image sensor further including circuitry means on said first plane and coupled to said array of CMOS pixels for timing and control of said array of CMOS pixels, said image sensor producing a pre-video signal;

means mounted to said cylindrical tube for rotating the imaging section to expose said viewing end to the surgical site;

a control box remote from said image sensor, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal from said image sensor, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device; and

a power supply coupled to said control box and said image sensor for providing power thereto.

50. A device, as claimed in claim 49, further including:

a lens mounted to said viewing end of said imaging section to condition an image prior to being received by said image sensor.

51. A device, as claimed in claim 49, further including:

a light source mounted within said imaging section; and

a plurality of light fibers mounted within said imaging section, communicating with said light source and extending toward said viewing end of said imaging section for providing a distributed light source to the surgical site.

52. A device, as claimed in claim 49, wherein said control box further includes:

a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

53. A device, as claimed in claim 49, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of said passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and

an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

54. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 49, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.

55. A surgical device in the form of an entry trochar with integral imaging capability for use at a surgical site, said surgical device comprising:

a cylindrical tube having a proximal end and a distal end;

an entry port connected to said proximal end of said cylindrical tube allowing surgical instruments to be placed through said cylindrical tube for performing surgical procedures at the surgical site;

an imaging section connected to said distal end of said cylindrical tube and having a viewing end for viewing of the surgical site, said imaging section having an image sensor mounted within said imaging section, said image sensor including an array of CMOS pixels defining a profile area and lying in a first plane, said array of CMOS pixels for receiving images thereon;

a circuit board longitudinally aligned with and electrically coupled to said array of CMOS pixels, said circuit board lying in a second plane which is spaced from said first plane and substantially parallel to said first plane, said circuit board including timing and control means for controlling the release of information from said array of CMOS pixels, said timing and control means producing a pre-video signal;

a control box remote from said array of CMOS pixels and said circuit board, said control box including circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal, and for converting said pre-video signal to a post-video signal which may be received by a standard video device;

a power supply coupled to said control box, said array of CMOS pixels and said timing and control means providing power thereto; and

means mounted to said cylindrical tube for rotating the imaging section to expose said viewing end to the surgical site.

56. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 55, wherein said control box further includes:

a supplementary circuit board for digitally enhancing the pre-video signal, said supplementary circuit board coupled to said circuitry means for receiving said pre-video signal and for converting said pre-video signal.

57. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 55, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of passive CMOS pixels, wherein individual passive CMOS pixels of said array of passive CMOS pixels each includes a photo diode for producing photoelectrically generated signals; and

an access transistor communicating with said photo diode to control the release of said photoelectrically generated signals.

58. A surgical device, as claimed in claim 55, wherein said array of CMOS pixels further includes:

an array of active CMOS pixels, wherein individual active CMOS pixels within said array of active CMOS pixels each includes an amplifier.