CA2077511A1 - Heat sterilizable electronic video endoscope - Google Patents
Heat sterilizable electronic video endoscopeInfo
- Publication number
- CA2077511A1 CA2077511A1 CA002077511A CA2077511A CA2077511A1 CA 2077511 A1 CA2077511 A1 CA 2077511A1 CA 002077511 A CA002077511 A CA 002077511A CA 2077511 A CA2077511 A CA 2077511A CA 2077511 A1 CA2077511 A1 CA 2077511A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- ccd
- endoscope
- sheath
- tubular housing
- heat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00142—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/50—Constructional details
- H04N23/54—Mounting of pick-up tubes, electronic image sensors, deviation or focusing coils
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
- A61B1/05—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A heat sterilizable electronic video endoscope is provided in which a lens system is mounted by the use of elements such as metal spacers, which are not adversely affected by heat. Similarly, the electronic circuitry is arranged in the center of the endoscope and is formed of heat resistant material. In addition, glass fibers are provided which surround the lens system and the electronic circuitry to further protect it from the heat of sterilization. The light fibers themselves are made of glass and are not adversely affected by the heat sterilizing process.
In addition, a sterilizable sheath may be provided which will extend over the endoscope and has an accordion shaped extension to extend along the electrical cable and light cable for those situations where it is not possible to resterilize the endoscope for a second procedure. In addition, a removable handle can be provided over the sheath which facilitates positioning the endoscope during an operative procedure or investigation.
A heat sterilizable electronic video endoscope is provided in which a lens system is mounted by the use of elements such as metal spacers, which are not adversely affected by heat. Similarly, the electronic circuitry is arranged in the center of the endoscope and is formed of heat resistant material. In addition, glass fibers are provided which surround the lens system and the electronic circuitry to further protect it from the heat of sterilization. The light fibers themselves are made of glass and are not adversely affected by the heat sterilizing process.
In addition, a sterilizable sheath may be provided which will extend over the endoscope and has an accordion shaped extension to extend along the electrical cable and light cable for those situations where it is not possible to resterilize the endoscope for a second procedure. In addition, a removable handle can be provided over the sheath which facilitates positioning the endoscope during an operative procedure or investigation.
Description
2 ~ 7~
HEAT 8T~RILIZABLE ELECTRONIC VIDEO ENDOSCOPE
Technical Field This invention relates to a sterilizable electronic video endoscope and more particularly to one which is sterilizable by heat thereby reducing the sterilizing time required.
Bac~round Art Endoscopes are very expensive instruments which normally are not disposable. Therefore, they must be sterilized between uses on different patients to minimize the possibility of infection and the transmittal of disease. Currently, the only method of sterilizing is by soaking the endoscope in a disinfecting solution such as Cidex. While this solution renders the device essentially sterile, there is still some danger of transmitting disease utilizing soaking solutions.
Endoscopes as presently constructed, cannot be sterilized with heat because the heat causes the adhesive between the compound lenses in the endoscope to come apart. This is particularly true after repeated exposure to high temperatures. Of course, when these lenses fall apart the endoscope is useless and must be repaired or replaced.
Sterilizable or disposable sheaths have been provided on endoscopes which cannot be heat sterilizable as shown in my U.S. Patent No. 4,878,485 and on cameras which cannot be heat sterilizable, as shown in my U.S. Patent No. 4,914,521.
U.S. Patent No. 3,592,199 to Ostensen discloses an autoclavable power pack unit for an endoscope in 2 0 7~
which a combination light source and power pack is autoclavble, including the lens. A tubular portion is mounted on a handle by a pair of clamping screws.
U.S. Patent No. 4,590,923 to Watanabe discloses an arthroscope-video camera assembly that has a video camera enclosed in a stainless steel housing. The housing may be autoclavable for multiple procedures.
U.S. Patent No. 4,646,723 to Arakawa et al.
discloses an endoscope having a lens system. A heat conductive material is provided to permit heat accumulated in the lens system to be emitted to the outside.
U.S. Patent No. 4,745,471 to Takamura et al.
discloses an endoscope in which lenses are separated from one another by an unspecified annular element and mounted in front of a solid-state chip.
U.S. Patent No. 4,762,120 to Hussein discloses an endoscope with a handle that is threadably received in the body of the endoscope.
U.S. Patent No. 4,832,003 to Yabe discloses an electronic endoscope tip having a spacer provided in the lens system.
U.S. Patent No. 4,854,302 to Allred, III
discloses a video equipped endoscope with a needle probe that has a CCD solid-state imager and a probe which i8 sterilizable, as by soakinq. The probe includes a lens, a main rod, seal and fiber optic bundle.
U.S. Patent No. 4,a67,137 to Takahashi discloses an endoscope with lenses separated from one another by an unspecified annular element. The device uses a solid-state image sensor.
HEAT 8T~RILIZABLE ELECTRONIC VIDEO ENDOSCOPE
Technical Field This invention relates to a sterilizable electronic video endoscope and more particularly to one which is sterilizable by heat thereby reducing the sterilizing time required.
Bac~round Art Endoscopes are very expensive instruments which normally are not disposable. Therefore, they must be sterilized between uses on different patients to minimize the possibility of infection and the transmittal of disease. Currently, the only method of sterilizing is by soaking the endoscope in a disinfecting solution such as Cidex. While this solution renders the device essentially sterile, there is still some danger of transmitting disease utilizing soaking solutions.
Endoscopes as presently constructed, cannot be sterilized with heat because the heat causes the adhesive between the compound lenses in the endoscope to come apart. This is particularly true after repeated exposure to high temperatures. Of course, when these lenses fall apart the endoscope is useless and must be repaired or replaced.
Sterilizable or disposable sheaths have been provided on endoscopes which cannot be heat sterilizable as shown in my U.S. Patent No. 4,878,485 and on cameras which cannot be heat sterilizable, as shown in my U.S. Patent No. 4,914,521.
U.S. Patent No. 3,592,199 to Ostensen discloses an autoclavable power pack unit for an endoscope in 2 0 7~
which a combination light source and power pack is autoclavble, including the lens. A tubular portion is mounted on a handle by a pair of clamping screws.
U.S. Patent No. 4,590,923 to Watanabe discloses an arthroscope-video camera assembly that has a video camera enclosed in a stainless steel housing. The housing may be autoclavable for multiple procedures.
U.S. Patent No. 4,646,723 to Arakawa et al.
discloses an endoscope having a lens system. A heat conductive material is provided to permit heat accumulated in the lens system to be emitted to the outside.
U.S. Patent No. 4,745,471 to Takamura et al.
discloses an endoscope in which lenses are separated from one another by an unspecified annular element and mounted in front of a solid-state chip.
U.S. Patent No. 4,762,120 to Hussein discloses an endoscope with a handle that is threadably received in the body of the endoscope.
U.S. Patent No. 4,832,003 to Yabe discloses an electronic endoscope tip having a spacer provided in the lens system.
U.S. Patent No. 4,854,302 to Allred, III
discloses a video equipped endoscope with a needle probe that has a CCD solid-state imager and a probe which i8 sterilizable, as by soakinq. The probe includes a lens, a main rod, seal and fiber optic bundle.
U.S. Patent No. 4,a67,137 to Takahashi discloses an endoscope with lenses separated from one another by an unspecified annular element. The device uses a solid-state image sensor.
3 207~
U.S. Patent No. 4,971,035 to Ito discloses an endoscope having a CCD image sensor. A spacer is provided in the lens arrangement between the lenses.
While all of the foregoing devices are satisfactory for their intended purpose, none of them provide a heat sterilizable endoscope as suggested by the present invention~
DiQclosure of the Invention In accordance with this invention, a heat sterilizable electronic video endoscope is provided which has a tubular housing with a distal end and a proximate end. A plurality of lenses are pro~ided which form an objective lens system. A lens conversion tube having a diameter less than that of the tubular housing and metal spacers support the lenses in spaced position within the tube at the distal end of the tubular housing for receiving a light ima~e. A CCD is mounted in the tubular housing at the image plane of the objective lens system for sensing an image. Circuitry is connected to the CCD
upstream thereof and provided with a connector. A CCD
electrical cable is provided in a heat resistant sheath having a connector releasably connected to the circuitry connector and extending axially along the tubular housing to the distal end thereof. Light transmitting glass fibers compl~tely surround the lens conversion tube, the CCD, the circuitr~ and the CCD
electric cable.
The endoscope also includes a hollow hand grip having a first end attached to the proximate end of the tubular housing and a first opening at the second end through which the electrical cable extends and a 207~
second opening through which the glass fibers extend.
A light source connector is secured to the glass fibers in the second opening.
The device can also include an outer CCD
alignment tube, an inner CCD alignment tube concentrically mounted within the outer CCD alignment tube, the lens conversion tube being mounted in the distal end of the inner CCD alignment tube and the CCD
being mounted in the proximate end of the outer CCD
alignment tube. An I.R. filter can be mounted in the proximate end of the outer CCD alignment tube in juxtaposition to the proximate end of the inner CCD
alignment tube.
An elongated sterile sheath, having a closed distal end and an open proximate end, is extendable over the tubular housing and the hollow hand grip. An expandable sleeve is attached to the proximate end of the sheath and extendable over the electrical cable and the light transmitting cable. A removable handle can be connected to the sheath, the handle having a bracket extending around the sheath and means for tightening and loosening the bracket.
The advantage of the foregoing described invention is that an endoscope is provided which is heat sterilizable so that it can be quickly made sterile for reuse on one patient after another. For even more rapid reuse, a sterilizable sheath can be placed over the endoscope and replaced after each use.
Additional advantages of this invention will become apparent, from the description as follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
5 2~7~3~1 Br~ef De~criPtion of the Drawinq~
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heat sterilizable endoscope constructed in accordance with this invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the heat sterilizable endoscope of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2, showing the distal end of the sheath;
Figure 4 is a fragmentary enlarged longitudinal section, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2, showing internal deta~ls of the heat sterilizable endoscope;
Figure 5 is an enlarged section, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4, showing details of the lens mounting, CCD and electronics for the heat sterilizable endoscope;
Figure 6 is a vertical section, taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5, showing the mounting for the CCD;
Figure 7 is an end view of the endoscope, taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5; and Figure 8 i8 an exploded view showing further details of the lens mounting, the CCD and associated circuitry.
Best Mo~ for CarrYln~ Out tbe Invention In accordance with this invention, a sterilizable electronic video endoscope is provided, as shown in Figure 1, having a tubular housing 10 with a proximate end connected to a hollow hand grip 12. The proximate end of hand grip 12 has two outlets, a first outlet is for receiving an electrical cable 14 whose distal end extends through a strain relief member 16 and into a connector 18. The other end of electrical cable 14 is fastened to a terminal 20 which is connectable to a 6 207q~
VCR 22. A light cable 24 has a distal end connected to a connector 26 in hand grip 10. The opposite end of light cable 24 is connected to an interface member 28 attachable to a suitable light source 30.
Optionally, a sterilizable sheath S of the type shown in my U.S. Patent No. 4,878,485 for "Rigid Video Endoscope With Heat Sterilizable Sheath" can be provided. The subject matter of that patent is incorporated herein by xeference. The sheath S has a cylindrical body 32 which is receivable over tubular housing 10 and includes an accordion shaped sleeve 34 which is connected to the proximate end thereof and is extendable, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1, over the distal ends of electrical cable 14 and light cable 24.
Conveniently, a handle 36 is removably received over body 32 and has a U-shaped yoke 38 which can be clamped down against the body by tightening a threaded member, such as screw 40 which extends through a bracket 42 at the lower end of the handle and is threadably received in an opening 44 at the lower end of yoke 38. This handle can be sterilized with heat.
The purpose of the sterilizable sheath is to provide the physician and the hospi~al with two options. The endoscope can be resterilized after each use which takes about fifteen minutes, or the sheath can be replaced with another sterilizable sheath so that another operation can be performed immediately.
The distal end of body 32 of sheath S has a transparent window 46, as shown in Figure 3, through which light may be projected from and images received into the end of endoscope E, as will be more clearly apparent from the description below.
7 20~1 The details of the endoscope E can best be seen by referring to Figures 4-8. A cylindrical lens housing 50 houses a lens system comprising multiple lenses, such as lenses 52, 54 and 56 which are separated and held in place by metal spacers 58 and 60, respectively, as shown. The number of lenses and spacers can be varied depending upon the size and use for which the endoscope is designed. However, it is important to note that the metal spacers hold the lenses in proper orientation with respect to each other without the use of adhesives or other materials that are deleteriously affected by heat. Plus, the lens system can be sterilized with heat without coming apart or otherwise degrading. Lens housing 50 is held in place within a collar 62 by means of a set screw 64. This collar in turn is mounted within the distal end of sleeve 66 which is substantially longer than collar 62.
The electronic circuitry 68, as best seen in Figure 5 and 8, includes, in series, an I.R filter 70, a CCD 72, a terminal board 74, terminal array 76, a folded circuit board 78 and a connector 80 having a female receptacle 82 which receives male plug 84 on electrical cable 14.
Advantageously, glass fibers 86 are packed densely circumferentially all the way around the lens system and electronic circuitry thus described and are gathered together within housing 12 and terminate at connector 26 Light cable 24 attaches to connector 24 and supplies light from light source 30. Light for illumination is provided through glass fibers 86 and is reflected from the site under 1nvestigation through the lens system to the CCD where the images are converted into electrical signals to be supplied 8 2~77~11 through electrical cable 14 to VCR 22. Of course, the VCR can be connected to a TV monitor (not shown) so that in addition to recording the event, the physician can look at the monitor to view the site under investigative or operative procedures.
A control 88 can be provided on the side of housing 12 for controlling the VCR. In particular, a pause button is desirable so that recording is only done at the times which the physician considers appropriate.
From the foregoing, the advantages of this invention are readily apparent. A relatively simple and compact endoscope is provided which is heat sterilizable so that it can be quickly reused on a second patient after use on a first patient. In addition, where resterilization may not be practical or necessary, a sterilizable sheath can be provided over the endoscope which has a removable handle to help control the positioning of the endoscope during the operative or investigative procedure.
This invention has been described in detail with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, but it will be understood that various other modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of this invention.
U.S. Patent No. 4,971,035 to Ito discloses an endoscope having a CCD image sensor. A spacer is provided in the lens arrangement between the lenses.
While all of the foregoing devices are satisfactory for their intended purpose, none of them provide a heat sterilizable endoscope as suggested by the present invention~
DiQclosure of the Invention In accordance with this invention, a heat sterilizable electronic video endoscope is provided which has a tubular housing with a distal end and a proximate end. A plurality of lenses are pro~ided which form an objective lens system. A lens conversion tube having a diameter less than that of the tubular housing and metal spacers support the lenses in spaced position within the tube at the distal end of the tubular housing for receiving a light ima~e. A CCD is mounted in the tubular housing at the image plane of the objective lens system for sensing an image. Circuitry is connected to the CCD
upstream thereof and provided with a connector. A CCD
electrical cable is provided in a heat resistant sheath having a connector releasably connected to the circuitry connector and extending axially along the tubular housing to the distal end thereof. Light transmitting glass fibers compl~tely surround the lens conversion tube, the CCD, the circuitr~ and the CCD
electric cable.
The endoscope also includes a hollow hand grip having a first end attached to the proximate end of the tubular housing and a first opening at the second end through which the electrical cable extends and a 207~
second opening through which the glass fibers extend.
A light source connector is secured to the glass fibers in the second opening.
The device can also include an outer CCD
alignment tube, an inner CCD alignment tube concentrically mounted within the outer CCD alignment tube, the lens conversion tube being mounted in the distal end of the inner CCD alignment tube and the CCD
being mounted in the proximate end of the outer CCD
alignment tube. An I.R. filter can be mounted in the proximate end of the outer CCD alignment tube in juxtaposition to the proximate end of the inner CCD
alignment tube.
An elongated sterile sheath, having a closed distal end and an open proximate end, is extendable over the tubular housing and the hollow hand grip. An expandable sleeve is attached to the proximate end of the sheath and extendable over the electrical cable and the light transmitting cable. A removable handle can be connected to the sheath, the handle having a bracket extending around the sheath and means for tightening and loosening the bracket.
The advantage of the foregoing described invention is that an endoscope is provided which is heat sterilizable so that it can be quickly made sterile for reuse on one patient after another. For even more rapid reuse, a sterilizable sheath can be placed over the endoscope and replaced after each use.
Additional advantages of this invention will become apparent, from the description as follows, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
5 2~7~3~1 Br~ef De~criPtion of the Drawinq~
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a heat sterilizable endoscope constructed in accordance with this invention;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the heat sterilizable endoscope of Figure l;
Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary horizontal section, taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2, showing the distal end of the sheath;
Figure 4 is a fragmentary enlarged longitudinal section, taken along line 4-4 of Figure 2, showing internal deta~ls of the heat sterilizable endoscope;
Figure 5 is an enlarged section, taken along line 5-5 of Figure 4, showing details of the lens mounting, CCD and electronics for the heat sterilizable endoscope;
Figure 6 is a vertical section, taken along line 6-6 of Figure 5, showing the mounting for the CCD;
Figure 7 is an end view of the endoscope, taken along line 7-7 of Figure 5; and Figure 8 i8 an exploded view showing further details of the lens mounting, the CCD and associated circuitry.
Best Mo~ for CarrYln~ Out tbe Invention In accordance with this invention, a sterilizable electronic video endoscope is provided, as shown in Figure 1, having a tubular housing 10 with a proximate end connected to a hollow hand grip 12. The proximate end of hand grip 12 has two outlets, a first outlet is for receiving an electrical cable 14 whose distal end extends through a strain relief member 16 and into a connector 18. The other end of electrical cable 14 is fastened to a terminal 20 which is connectable to a 6 207q~
VCR 22. A light cable 24 has a distal end connected to a connector 26 in hand grip 10. The opposite end of light cable 24 is connected to an interface member 28 attachable to a suitable light source 30.
Optionally, a sterilizable sheath S of the type shown in my U.S. Patent No. 4,878,485 for "Rigid Video Endoscope With Heat Sterilizable Sheath" can be provided. The subject matter of that patent is incorporated herein by xeference. The sheath S has a cylindrical body 32 which is receivable over tubular housing 10 and includes an accordion shaped sleeve 34 which is connected to the proximate end thereof and is extendable, as shown in dotted lines in Figure 1, over the distal ends of electrical cable 14 and light cable 24.
Conveniently, a handle 36 is removably received over body 32 and has a U-shaped yoke 38 which can be clamped down against the body by tightening a threaded member, such as screw 40 which extends through a bracket 42 at the lower end of the handle and is threadably received in an opening 44 at the lower end of yoke 38. This handle can be sterilized with heat.
The purpose of the sterilizable sheath is to provide the physician and the hospi~al with two options. The endoscope can be resterilized after each use which takes about fifteen minutes, or the sheath can be replaced with another sterilizable sheath so that another operation can be performed immediately.
The distal end of body 32 of sheath S has a transparent window 46, as shown in Figure 3, through which light may be projected from and images received into the end of endoscope E, as will be more clearly apparent from the description below.
7 20~1 The details of the endoscope E can best be seen by referring to Figures 4-8. A cylindrical lens housing 50 houses a lens system comprising multiple lenses, such as lenses 52, 54 and 56 which are separated and held in place by metal spacers 58 and 60, respectively, as shown. The number of lenses and spacers can be varied depending upon the size and use for which the endoscope is designed. However, it is important to note that the metal spacers hold the lenses in proper orientation with respect to each other without the use of adhesives or other materials that are deleteriously affected by heat. Plus, the lens system can be sterilized with heat without coming apart or otherwise degrading. Lens housing 50 is held in place within a collar 62 by means of a set screw 64. This collar in turn is mounted within the distal end of sleeve 66 which is substantially longer than collar 62.
The electronic circuitry 68, as best seen in Figure 5 and 8, includes, in series, an I.R filter 70, a CCD 72, a terminal board 74, terminal array 76, a folded circuit board 78 and a connector 80 having a female receptacle 82 which receives male plug 84 on electrical cable 14.
Advantageously, glass fibers 86 are packed densely circumferentially all the way around the lens system and electronic circuitry thus described and are gathered together within housing 12 and terminate at connector 26 Light cable 24 attaches to connector 24 and supplies light from light source 30. Light for illumination is provided through glass fibers 86 and is reflected from the site under 1nvestigation through the lens system to the CCD where the images are converted into electrical signals to be supplied 8 2~77~11 through electrical cable 14 to VCR 22. Of course, the VCR can be connected to a TV monitor (not shown) so that in addition to recording the event, the physician can look at the monitor to view the site under investigative or operative procedures.
A control 88 can be provided on the side of housing 12 for controlling the VCR. In particular, a pause button is desirable so that recording is only done at the times which the physician considers appropriate.
From the foregoing, the advantages of this invention are readily apparent. A relatively simple and compact endoscope is provided which is heat sterilizable so that it can be quickly reused on a second patient after use on a first patient. In addition, where resterilization may not be practical or necessary, a sterilizable sheath can be provided over the endoscope which has a removable handle to help control the positioning of the endoscope during the operative or investigative procedure.
This invention has been described in detail with reference to a particular embodiment thereof, but it will be understood that various other modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of this invention.
Claims (6)
1. A heat sterilizable electronic video endoscope comprising:
an endoscope tubular housing having a distal end and a proximate end;
a plurality of lenses, forming an objective lens system;
a lens conversion tube having a diameter less than that of said tubular housing and metal spacers supporting said lenses in spaced position within said tube at said distal end of said tubular housing for receiving a light image;
a CCD mounted in said tubular housing at the image plane of said objective lens system for sensing an image;
circuitry connected to said CCD upstream thereof and provided with a connector;
a CCD electrical cable in a heat resistant sheath having a connector releasably connected to said circuitry connector and extending axially along said tubular housing and through said distal end thereof;
and light transmitting glass fibers completely surrounding said lens conversion tube, said CCD, said circuitry and said CCD electric cable.
an endoscope tubular housing having a distal end and a proximate end;
a plurality of lenses, forming an objective lens system;
a lens conversion tube having a diameter less than that of said tubular housing and metal spacers supporting said lenses in spaced position within said tube at said distal end of said tubular housing for receiving a light image;
a CCD mounted in said tubular housing at the image plane of said objective lens system for sensing an image;
circuitry connected to said CCD upstream thereof and provided with a connector;
a CCD electrical cable in a heat resistant sheath having a connector releasably connected to said circuitry connector and extending axially along said tubular housing and through said distal end thereof;
and light transmitting glass fibers completely surrounding said lens conversion tube, said CCD, said circuitry and said CCD electric cable.
2. Apparatus, as claimed in Claim 1, further including:
a generally hollow hand grip having a first end attached to said proximate end of said tubular housing and a first opening through which said electrical cable extends and a second opening through which said glass fibers extend; and a light source connector secured to said glass fibers in said second opening.
a generally hollow hand grip having a first end attached to said proximate end of said tubular housing and a first opening through which said electrical cable extends and a second opening through which said glass fibers extend; and a light source connector secured to said glass fibers in said second opening.
3. Apparatus, as claimed in Claim 1, further including:
an outer CCD alignment tube;
an inner CCD alignment tube concentrically mounted within said outer CCD alignment tube, said lens conversion tube being mounted in the distal end of said inner CCD alignment tube and said CCD being mounted on the proximate end of said outer CCD
alignment tube in the image plane of said lens system.
an outer CCD alignment tube;
an inner CCD alignment tube concentrically mounted within said outer CCD alignment tube, said lens conversion tube being mounted in the distal end of said inner CCD alignment tube and said CCD being mounted on the proximate end of said outer CCD
alignment tube in the image plane of said lens system.
4. Apparatus, as claimed in Claim 3, further including:
an I.R. filter mounted in said proximate end of said outer CCD alignment tube in juxtaposition to the proximate end of said inner CCD alignment tube.
an I.R. filter mounted in said proximate end of said outer CCD alignment tube in juxtaposition to the proximate end of said inner CCD alignment tube.
5. Apparatus, as claimed in Claim 2, further including:
an elongated sterile sheath, having a closed distal end and an open proximate end, extendable over said tubular housing and said hollow hand grip; and an expandable sleeve attached to said proximate end of said sheath and extendable over said electrical cable and a light transmitting cable.
an elongated sterile sheath, having a closed distal end and an open proximate end, extendable over said tubular housing and said hollow hand grip; and an expandable sleeve attached to said proximate end of said sheath and extendable over said electrical cable and a light transmitting cable.
6. Apparatus, as claimed in Claim 5, further including:
a removable handle connectable to said sheath, said handle having:
a bracket extendable around said sheath; and means for tightening and loosening said bracket.
a removable handle connectable to said sheath, said handle having:
a bracket extendable around said sheath; and means for tightening and loosening said bracket.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/769,120 US5188094A (en) | 1991-09-30 | 1991-09-30 | Heat sterilizable electronic video endoscope |
| US769,120 | 1991-09-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2077511A1 true CA2077511A1 (en) | 1993-03-31 |
Family
ID=25084517
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002077511A Abandoned CA2077511A1 (en) | 1991-09-30 | 1992-09-03 | Heat sterilizable electronic video endoscope |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5188094A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2077511A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1993006767A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (48)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5368014A (en) * | 1990-11-21 | 1994-11-29 | Effner Biomet Gmbh | Modular endoscope having easily replaceable parts |
| WO1993001743A1 (en) * | 1991-07-22 | 1993-02-04 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Sterile video microscope holder for operating room |
| EP0658090B1 (en) * | 1992-09-01 | 1998-11-04 | Edwin L. Adair | Sterilizable endoscope with separable disposable tube assembly |
| US5630782A (en) * | 1992-09-01 | 1997-05-20 | Adair; Edwin L. | Sterilizable endoscope with separable auxiliary assembly |
| US5402768A (en) * | 1992-09-01 | 1995-04-04 | Adair; Edwin L. | Endoscope with reusable core and disposable sheath with passageways |
| US5643175A (en) * | 1992-09-01 | 1997-07-01 | Adair; Edwin L. | Sterilizable endoscope with separable disposable tube assembly |
| US5379756A (en) * | 1992-09-11 | 1995-01-10 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Replaceable lens assembly for video laparoscope |
| US5469841A (en) * | 1992-10-29 | 1995-11-28 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus provided with liquid removing mechanism for the electric connector |
| US5810620A (en) * | 1992-10-29 | 1998-09-22 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electric connector provided with a shielding part for electrical contacts at the distal end of the plug |
| US5349941A (en) * | 1993-03-26 | 1994-09-27 | Oktas | Cleanable endoscope |
| AU6622494A (en) * | 1993-04-07 | 1994-10-24 | Optik, Inc. | Endoscope provided with a distally located color ccd |
| US5449720A (en) * | 1993-05-24 | 1995-09-12 | Biotech Australia Pty Limited | Amplification of the VB12 uptake system using polymers |
| US5976076A (en) * | 1995-02-22 | 1999-11-02 | Kolff; Jack | Stereo laparoscope with synchronized optics |
| US5613936A (en) * | 1995-02-22 | 1997-03-25 | Concurrent Technologies Corp. | Stereo laparoscope apparatus |
| FR2737650B1 (en) * | 1995-08-07 | 1997-11-28 | Tokendo Sarl | VIDEOENDOSCOPE |
| EP0774231A1 (en) * | 1995-11-20 | 1997-05-21 | Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. | Battery powered electronic video endoscope |
| FR2751197B1 (en) * | 1996-07-18 | 1998-09-04 | Tokendo Sarl | DISTAL DEVICE FOR VIDEOENCOSCOPIC PROBE, AND VIDEOENDOSCOPIC PROBE PROVIDED WITH SUCH DEVICE |
| DE19631840A1 (en) * | 1996-08-07 | 1998-02-12 | Winter & Ibe Olympus | Endoscope optics |
| US5894369A (en) * | 1996-11-15 | 1999-04-13 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Lens device with anti-fogging |
| DE19647855B4 (en) * | 1996-11-19 | 2007-09-27 | Henke-Sass Wolf Gmbh | Fully autoclavable electronic endoscope |
| US5810790A (en) | 1996-11-19 | 1998-09-22 | Ebling; Wendell V. | Catheter with viewing system and port connector |
| JPH10258034A (en) * | 1997-03-19 | 1998-09-29 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Photographing apparatus for endoscope |
| EP1009277B9 (en) * | 1997-08-27 | 2005-04-06 | Pinotage, LLC | Controllable multi-directional surgical positioning device |
| US5868667A (en) * | 1998-03-27 | 1999-02-09 | Ethicon, Inc. | Pressure-equalizing cap |
| DE19912657C1 (en) * | 1999-03-20 | 2000-10-05 | Winter & Ibe Olympus | Medical endoscope with video camera |
| US6767321B2 (en) | 1999-10-04 | 2004-07-27 | Robert Czarnek | Stereo laparoscope with discrete working distance |
| US6572536B1 (en) | 1999-11-05 | 2003-06-03 | Visionary Biomedical, Inc. | Autoclavable flexible fiberscope |
| US20030215128A1 (en) * | 2001-09-12 | 2003-11-20 | Pinotage Llc | System and method for obtaining and utilizing maintenance information |
| AU2001289056A1 (en) | 2000-09-11 | 2002-03-26 | Pinotage, Llc | System and method for obtaining and utilizing maintenance information |
| US6558316B2 (en) * | 2001-06-27 | 2003-05-06 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope optical system including composition having durability to a sterilization treatment |
| US7410462B2 (en) * | 2004-12-13 | 2008-08-12 | Gyrus Acmi, Inc. | Hermetic endoscope assemblage |
| US20090118577A9 (en) * | 2005-12-13 | 2009-05-07 | Gyrus Acmi, Inc. | Medical device made with a super alloy |
| US8814779B2 (en) | 2006-12-21 | 2014-08-26 | Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. | Stereoscopic endoscope |
| US8556807B2 (en) * | 2006-12-21 | 2013-10-15 | Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. | Hermetically sealed distal sensor endoscope |
| DE102010022430A1 (en) * | 2010-06-01 | 2011-12-01 | Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Field of view device for an endoscope |
| JP6348061B2 (en) | 2011-05-12 | 2018-06-27 | デピュー シンセス プロダクツ, インコーポレーテッドDePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Sub-row parallel digitizer system and method for hybrid stacked image sensor using vertical interconnect |
| JP5941753B2 (en) * | 2012-05-28 | 2016-06-29 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | Electronic endoscope apparatus, imaging module, and imaging lens molding method |
| KR102143807B1 (en) | 2012-07-26 | 2020-08-31 | 디퍼이 신테스 프로덕츠, 인코포레이티드 | Camera system with minimal area monolithic cmos image sensor |
| US10568496B2 (en) | 2012-07-26 | 2020-02-25 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Continuous video in a light deficient environment |
| MX346174B (en) | 2012-07-26 | 2017-03-10 | Depuy Synthes Products Inc | Ycbcr pulsed illumination scheme in a light deficient environment. |
| AU2014233193B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2018-11-01 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Controlling the integral light energy of a laser pulse |
| WO2014144947A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | Olive Medical Corporation | Super resolution and color motion artifact correction in a pulsed color imaging system |
| BR112015022884A2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2017-07-18 | Olive Medical Corp | minimize i / o image sensor and driver counts in endoscope applications |
| AU2014233464B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2018-11-01 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Scope sensing in a light controlled environment |
| US10517469B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2019-12-31 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Image sensor synchronization without input clock and data transmission clock |
| US10084944B2 (en) | 2014-03-21 | 2018-09-25 | DePuy Synthes Products, Inc. | Card edge connector for an imaging sensor |
| DE112019006478B4 (en) * | 2018-12-28 | 2023-11-16 | Hoya Corporation | Endoscope and endoscope system |
| DE102019003840A1 (en) * | 2019-06-03 | 2020-12-03 | Karl Storz Se & Co. Kg | Video endoscope and procedure for configuring a video endoscope |
Family Cites Families (22)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR1335031A (en) * | 1962-06-27 | 1963-08-16 | Periscopic device with front pupil and optical element attached to its cooling sheath | |
| US3261349A (en) * | 1963-08-29 | 1966-07-19 | American Cystoscope Makers Inc | Endoscope |
| US3592199A (en) * | 1970-02-09 | 1971-07-13 | Medical Products Corp | Autoclavable surgical instrument illumination |
| US4319563A (en) * | 1977-12-02 | 1982-03-16 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope with a smoothly curved distal end face |
| US4590923A (en) * | 1983-04-18 | 1986-05-27 | Watanabe Robert S | Arthroscope-video camera assembly |
| EP0162100A4 (en) * | 1983-11-08 | 1987-09-02 | Laserscope Inc | Endoscopic device having handle assembly and catheter assembly. |
| JPS6142513U (en) * | 1984-08-23 | 1986-03-19 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope |
| JPS61250605A (en) * | 1985-04-27 | 1986-11-07 | Power Reactor & Nuclear Fuel Dev Corp | Image fiber with optical waveguide |
| US4706654A (en) * | 1985-08-16 | 1987-11-17 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope having internal pressure communication means |
| DE3715417A1 (en) * | 1986-05-13 | 1987-11-19 | Olympus Optical Co | SEMICONDUCTOR IMAGE GENERATION DEVICE, AND ENDOSCOPE HERE EQUIPPED WITH IT |
| US4832003A (en) * | 1986-09-12 | 1989-05-23 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope tip |
| JPS63123011A (en) * | 1986-11-12 | 1988-05-26 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
| GB2197496B (en) * | 1986-11-13 | 1990-01-24 | Keymed | Borescopes. |
| JP2572394B2 (en) * | 1987-03-19 | 1997-01-16 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope |
| SE458072B (en) * | 1987-07-03 | 1989-02-20 | Ericsson Telefon Ab L M | DEVICE FOR AT VARIOUS TEMPERATURE KEEPING AN OPTICAL LENS IN DESIRED LOCATION IN A LENS FITTING |
| US4854302A (en) * | 1987-11-12 | 1989-08-08 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Video equipped endoscope with needle probe |
| EP0337142B1 (en) * | 1988-03-31 | 1993-12-29 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Holding of a ball lens in a metal tube, particularly for optoelectronic modules and method of its fabrication |
| US4878485A (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1989-11-07 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Rigid video endoscope with heat sterilizable sheath |
| US4914521A (en) * | 1989-02-03 | 1990-04-03 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Sterilizable video camera cover |
| JP2981556B2 (en) * | 1989-02-28 | 1999-11-22 | 旭光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope tip |
| US4921326A (en) * | 1989-03-23 | 1990-05-01 | Victor F. Wild | Fiber optic probe |
| US4993405A (en) * | 1989-05-15 | 1991-02-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Imaging apparatus |
-
1991
- 1991-09-30 US US07/769,120 patent/US5188094A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1992
- 1992-08-28 WO PCT/US1992/007298 patent/WO1993006767A1/en active Application Filing
- 1992-09-03 CA CA002077511A patent/CA2077511A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1993006767A1 (en) | 1993-04-15 |
| US5188094A (en) | 1993-02-23 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US5188094A (en) | Heat sterilizable electronic video endoscope | |
| EP0813384B1 (en) | Sterilizable endoscope with separable auxiliary assembly | |
| US5704892A (en) | Endoscope with reusable core and disposable sheath with passageways | |
| US5402768A (en) | Endoscope with reusable core and disposable sheath with passageways | |
| US6132211A (en) | Portable dental camera, system and method | |
| US5682199A (en) | Video endoscope with interchangeable endoscope heads | |
| US5124797A (en) | Modular view lens attachment for micro video imaging camera | |
| US5817015A (en) | Endoscope with reusable core and disposable sheath with passageways | |
| US5496259A (en) | Sterile protective sheath and drape for video laparoscope and method of use | |
| EP0316244B1 (en) | Video equipped endoscope with needle probe | |
| US5495286A (en) | Sterile video microscope holder for operating room | |
| US4722000A (en) | Adapter for endoscopic camera | |
| US5329936A (en) | Portable arthroscope with periscope optics | |
| US5411500A (en) | Portable arthroscope with disposable probe | |
| EP0498114A1 (en) | Portable arthroscope with periscope optics | |
| US20010056223A1 (en) | Video gynecological examination apparatus | |
| WO1990008511A1 (en) | Sterilizable video camera cover | |
| GB2313010A (en) | Hand held diagnostic instrument with video imaging | |
| US5323767A (en) | Portable arthroscope with periscope optics | |
| AU662348B2 (en) | Portable arthroscope | |
| US5951463A (en) | Hand-held endoscopic viewing system | |
| JP3306155B2 (en) | Endoscope device | |
| JP3386187B2 (en) | Rigid endoscope device | |
| JPH06138397A (en) | Image pickup device for endoscope | |
| JPH0410806B2 (en) |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |