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Method and apparatus for magnetically controlling endoscopes in body lumens and cavities

  • US 6,902,528 B1
  • Filed: 04/14/1999
  • Issued: 06/07/2005
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/14/1999
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A magnetically navigable endoscope system comprising:

  • an endoscope having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end having a magnetic body;

    an imaging device which transmits an image, associated with the distal end;

    a display component for displaying the image;

    a magnetic field generating apparatus for generating a magnetic field to move the magnetic body and thus the distal end of the endoscope;

    a controller on the endoscope, adjacent the proximal end, the controller coordinated with the display for controlling the magnetic field generating apparatus to apply a magnetic field to change the position of the magnetic body and thus the position of the distal end of the endoscope, the controller controlling the magnetic field generating apparatus to apply a magnetic field of a specific direction to change the orientation of the magnetic body and thus the orientation of the distal end of the endoscope.

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