Axial visualization systems

• US 8,758,229 B2
• Filed: 12/20/2007
• Issued: 06/24/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 12/21/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. (Intuitive Surgical Holdings, LLC)
• Original Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. (Intuitive Surgical Holdings, LLC)
• Inventors: Rothe, Chris A., Peh, Ruey-Feng, Tam, Edmund, Saadat, Vahid
• Primary Examiner(s): Nia, Alireza
• Application Number:
  US11/962,029
• Publication Number:
  US 20090275799A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,378 Days
• Field of Search: 600/164, 600/170, 600/171, 600114-116, 600/106, 600/127, 600/129
• US Class Current: 600/115
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0008 characterised by distal tip features
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00082 Balloons
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00085 Baskets
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00089 Hoods
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00096 Optical elements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00135 Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00154 using guiding arrangements for insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/005 Flexible endoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/015 Control of fluid supply or evacuation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/018 for receiving instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/04 combined with photographic or television appliances
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00577 Ablation
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0031 Implanted circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02007 Evaluating blood vessel condition, e.g. elasticity, compliance
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6882 Anchoring means

Abstract

Axial visualization systems which utilize axially aligned imaging instruments for visualizing through an imaging hood purged of blood via a transparent fluid are described where an imaging element extending from a support shaft may be aligned within a working lumen defined through a deployment catheter. The imaging element may be positioned distal to the hood in its collapsed state and within the hood in its expanded state. The imaging element may be configured to seat itself securely within the catheter or to angle itself to adjust the viewing angle. Additionally, a disposable visualization sheath having a transparent lens may also be utilized to house an imaging instrument therein.

Claims

1. An axially oriented imaging system for visualizing tissue, comprising:

a deployment catheter defining at least one lumen therethrough, the catheter including a distal end;

a non-inflatable barrier or membrane projecting distally from the deployment catheter and defining an open area therein, wherein the open area is in fluid communication with the at least one lumen and with an environmental external to the barrier or membrane such that a fluid introduced through the at least one lumen is temporarily contained within the open area by the barrier or membrane; and

an imaging element positioned upon an extendable member slidably positioned through the catheter, wherein the imaging element is positioned distal to the barrier or membrane when in its collapsed low-profile configuration and within the barrier or membrane when in its deployed configuration while maintaining axial alignment with respect to a longitudinal axis of the catheter; and

wherein the distal end of the catheter includes a surface shaped to contact the imaging element when the imaging element is translated proximally and to prevent further proximal translation of the imaging element.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the imaging element comprises a CCD, CMOS, or optical fiber imager.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein the imaging element defines a tapered interface with respect to the distal end of the deployment catheter such that the imaging element is seated within a distal end of the deployment catheter when positioned within the barrier or membrane.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the imaging element defines a housing extending laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein proximal withdrawal of the imaging element within the barrier or membrane angles the imaging element.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a visualization sheath slidably containing the imaging element therewithin.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the deployment catheter is steerable.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the barrier or membrane is comprised of a compliant material.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein the barrier or membrane comprises a frame of superelastic or shape memory allow.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the barrier or membrane is conically shaped.

10. The system of claim 1 wherein the barrier or membrane comprises at least one support member.

11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a pump for urging fluid into the barrier or membrane.

12. The system of claim 1 further comprising a fluid reservoir fluidly coupled to the barrier or membrane.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein the fluid comprises saline, plasma, water, or perfluorinated liquid.