US20120302836A1 - Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope - Google Patents
Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120302836A1 US20120302836A1 US13/302,394 US201113302394A US2012302836A1 US 20120302836 A1 US20120302836 A1 US 20120302836A1 US 201113302394 A US201113302394 A US 201113302394A US 2012302836 A1 US2012302836 A1 US 2012302836A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- endoscope
- passage
- manifold
- port
- 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
Images
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
- A61B1/012—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 characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor
- A61B1/015—Control of fluid supply or evacuation
-
- 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
- A61B1/00064—Constructional details of the endoscope body
- A61B1/00066—Proximal part of endoscope body, e.g. handles
- A61B1/00068—Valve switch arrangements
-
- 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
- A61B1/00112—Connection or coupling means
- A61B1/00119—Tubes or pipes in or with an endoscope
-
- 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
- A61B1/00112—Connection or coupling means
- A61B1/00121—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle
- A61B1/00128—Connectors, fasteners and adapters, e.g. on the endoscope handle mechanical, e.g. for tubes or pipes
-
- 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
- A61B1/12—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 cooling or rinsing arrangements
-
- 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
- A61B1/12—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 cooling or rinsing arrangements
- A61B1/128—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 cooling or rinsing arrangements provided with means for regulating temperature
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/22—Valves or arrangement of valves
- A61M39/225—Flush valves, i.e. bypass valves for flushing line
Definitions
- the present invention relates to medical devices, in general, and fluid delivery mechanisms for therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopes, in particular.
- a conventional imaging endoscope used for such procedures is formed of a flexible tube that has a fiber optic light guide that directs illuminating light from an external light source to the distal tip, where it exits the endoscope and illuminates the tissue to be examined. Frequently, additional optical components are incorporated, in order to adjust the spread of light exiting the fiber bundle at the distal tip.
- An objective lens and fiber optic imaging light guide communicating with a camera at the proximal end of the endoscope or an imaging camera chip installed at the distal tip produces an image that is displayed to the examiner.
- most endoscopes include one or more working channels, through which medical devices, such as biopsy forceps, snares, fulguration probes, and other tools, may be passed.
- one endoscopic procedure is a colonoscopy, which is an internal examination of the colon by means of an instrument called a colonoscope.
- colonoscopy procedures typically, 5-10% of patients who arrive for the procedure are inadequately prepared (i.e., the colon is not properly cleared) and are, therefore, turned away.
- Some patients who are only marginally unprepared can be fully prepared by a physician or their assistant administering doses of liquid and aspirating the colon.
- these procedures are made more difficult and time consuming because it requires the physician to flush and evacuate stool or other debris, which represents a loss of productivity.
- EGD esophagogastroduodenoscopy
- ERCP endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- fluids are used to flush away bleeding from sites.
- dyes for providing contrast to the site.
- Contrast material, or contrast dye is a substance used to make specific organs, blood vessels, or types of tissue (such as tumors) more visible on X-rays. Common contrast material substances include iodine, barium, and gadolinium.
- Conventional endoscopes allow the introduction of liquids via a separate delivery device, such as a syringe or injection catheter that is passed through its working channel, in order to deliver the liquid to the distal tip of the endoscope to the target site within a patient's body.
- This liquid delivery method involves several steps that include, for example, the user selecting a large capacity syringe (e.g., up to 100 cc), the user pouring a desired liquid into a bowl, the user drawing the liquid into the syringe, the user attaching the syringe to the working channel of the endoscope, and the user squeezing the liquid out of the syringe.
- a large capacity syringe e.g., up to 100 cc
- an endoscope having a simplified way to introduce one or more liquids, such as water, saline, drugs, contrast material, dyes, or emulsifiers, that are used in endoscopic procedures, such as a colonoscopy procedure, an EGD procedure, or an ERCP procedure, etc.
- the endoscopic system should have improved simplicity and ease of use, increased efficiency, and greater clinical productivity and patient throughput.
- an endoscope that can deliver one or more liquids during a procedure and be inexpensive enough to manufacture that the device can be disposable.
- the present invention is a fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope.
- the fluid delivery system includes an imaging endoscope that may be used in combination with multiple fluid delivery mechanisms.
- the imaging endoscope may be designed such that it is sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that it may be considered a single-use, disposable item.
- Certain embodiments of the invention include a single, large fluid source and pump installed upon a reusable operator console in combination with a small, fluid reservoir and pump installed within a proximal connector of the imaging endoscope.
- Other embodiments of the invention include multiple fluid sources that feed a common fluid channel and that are pressurized by a common pump.
- Yet other embodiments of the invention include multiple fluid sources that feed dedicated fluid channels that are pressurized by dedicated pumps, respectively.
- Yet other embodiments of the invention include a small, fluid reservoir and pump installed within a handheld manual controller of the imaging endoscope.
- the multi-fluid endoscopic systems of the present invention provide the user with the flexibility of changing fluids either in advance of a procedure or on-the-fly as needed, instead of relying on fixed fluid sources only.
- the arrangement of fluid sources, pumps and valves within the multi-fluid endoscopic systems of the present invention provide a controlled fluid delivery rate and a controlled way of mixing fluids.
- the endoscope includes a proximal connector, including a manifold that delivers a fluid to one or more lumens in the endoscope.
- Valve spools are selectively actuated to deliver a pressurized liquid to one or more of its lumens.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-fluid endoscopic system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an endoscope proximal connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method of using a multi-fluid endoscopic system of the present invention during a colonoscopy procedure
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-fluid endoscopic system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-fluid endoscopic system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a handheld manual controller that includes a local fluid reservoir in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the integrated fluid reservoir that is installed, optionally, within the handheld manual controller of FIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 8 illustrates a single use endoscope having a proximal connector positioned on a reusable control unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate further details of a proximal connector
- FIG. 9C illustrates a rear surface of a proximal connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10A is a cutaway view of the proximal connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10B illustrates a circuit board retaining feature of the proximal connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a manifold within the proximal connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 12 illustrates a valve spool within a manifold in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
- FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a vacuum line and valve within a manifold in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 14 illustrates a pressure relief valve within a manifold in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an endoscopic system 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
- the endoscopic system 100 includes an imaging endoscope 110 that further includes an endoscope proximal shaft 112 that is electrically, mechanically, and fluidly connected, at one end, to an endoscope proximal connector 114 and, at an opposite end, to a port of a handheld manual controller 116 , and an endoscope distal shaft 118 that is electrically, mechanically, and fluidly connected, at one end, to another port of handheld manual controller 116 and that has an endoscope distal tip 120 located at its opposite end for advancing into a patient's body.
- Imaging endoscope 110 is an instrument that allows for the examination of the interior of a tract, lumen or vessel or hollow organ of a patient. Imaging endoscope 110 further includes an illumination mechanism (not shown), an image sensor (not shown), and an elongate shaft that has one or more lumens located therein. Imaging endoscope 110 may be sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that it is considered a single-use, disposable item, such as is described in reference to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/406,149 filed Apr. 1, 2003, Ser. No. 10/811,781, filed Mar. 29, 2004, and Ser. No. 10/956,007, filed Sep. 30, 2004, all assigned to Scimed Life Systems, Inc./Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., which are incorporated herein by reference.
- the referenced patent applications describe an endoscope imaging system that includes a reusable control cabinet that has a number of actuators or a manually operated handle on the endoscope that controls the orientation of an endoscope that is connectable thereto.
- the endoscope is used with a single patient and is then disposed.
- the endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft that has one or more lumens located therein.
- An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or by manual control.
- the endoscopic system 100 further includes an operator console 122 that is electrically connected to standard I/O devices, such as a video display (not shown) and a keyboard (not shown).
- a fluid source 124 is fluidly connected to the endoscope proximal connector 114 of imaging endoscope 110 via a length of tubing 126 that passes through a pump 128 .
- Fluid source 124 serves as a reservoir that contains a supply of liquid, such as water or saline, for use during a medical procedure.
- Fluid source 124 may take the form of a rigid vessel or a bladder with a capacity of, for example, up to one liter of fluid.
- Fluid source 124 may be a refillable vessel, or alternatively, fluid source 124 is sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that it is considered a single-use, disposable item.
- Tubing 126 is a length of any standard flexible tubing, for example, 1 ⁇ 4-inch tubing, which is also sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that it is considered a single-use, disposable item.
- Pump 128 is, for example, a standard peristaltic pump, that is used to withdraw liquid from fluid source 124 on demand. A peristaltic pump works by means of rollers on rotating arms that pinch the flexible tubing against an arc and, thus, move the fluid along. Pump 128 is capable of delivering, for example, up to 50 pounds/square inch (PSI) of pressure for a flow rate of, for example, 500 ml/min.
- PSI pounds/square inch
- the endoscope proximal connector 114 of imaging endoscope 110 is electrically and mechanically connected to the exterior of operator console 122 , as shown in FIG. 1 , via a quick-release mechanism for making and breaking all electrical, mechanical, and fluid/air/vacuum connections.
- the quick-release mechanism allows endoscope proximal connector 114 to be secured easily to the exterior of operator console 122 .
- Endoscope proximal connector 114 includes wires and tubes that pass through endoscope proximal shaft 112 , then through a handheld manual controller 116 , then through endoscope distal shaft 118 , and then to endoscope distal tip 120 .
- endoscope proximal connector 114 mounted within endoscope proximal connector 114 is a fluid reservoir 130 that has an associated pump (not shown) mounted within operator console 122 .
- Endoscope proximal connector 114 and fluid reservoir 130 are described in more detail in reference to FIG. 2 .
- Endoscope proximal shaft 112 and endoscope distal shaft 118 are formed of a suitably lightweight, flexible material, such as polyurethane or other biocompatible materials. Endoscope proximal shaft 112 and endoscope distal shaft 118 are elongated shafts that have one or more lumens located therein and wiring located therein to support, for example, a working channel, a jet wash mechanism, an illumination mechanism, and an image sensor that are located at endoscope distal tip 120 . Also included within handheld manual controller 116 and endoscope distal shaft 118 are the electrical and mechanical mechanisms for articulating endoscope distal tip 120 for advancing into a patient.
- Handheld manual controller 116 of imaging endoscope 110 is a handheld device that is electrically and mechanically connected to operator console 122 .
- Handheld manual controller 16 accepts inputs from a human operator via standard push buttons, rotary knobs, joysticks, or other activation devices, either singularly or in combination, to control the operation of imaging endoscope 110 , which includes the delivery of pressurized liquid from fluid source 124 .
- a user input device such as a keyboard or other user interface located remotely from the endoscope may accept inputs from a human operator to control the operation of the imaging endoscope 110 , including the delivery of pressurized liquid from fluid source 124 .
- Operator console 122 is a special-purpose electronic and electromechanical apparatus that facilitates, processes, and manages all functions of multi-fluid endoscopic system 100 .
- Operator console 122 is loaded with software for managing, for example, the operation of imaging endoscope 110 and its associated imaging electronics (not shown) in order to create and/or transfer images received from an image sensor within imaging endoscope 110 to the video display for viewing by a user.
- Operator console 122 further manages the operation of all pumps, such as pump 128 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary endoscope proximal connector 114 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
- Endoscope proximal connector 114 includes a proximal connector housing 210 that is formed of a suitably lightweight, rigid material, such as molded plastic.
- An end of tubing 126 which is a single fluid channel, is split into an arrangement of multiple fluid channels 212 , for example, a fluid channel 212 a , 212 b , 212 c , and 212 d .
- Fluid channels 212 a , 212 b , 212 c , and 212 d are fed separately into and along the full length of endoscope proximal shaft 112 to endoscope distal tip 120 .
- Fluid channels 212 a , 212 b , 212 c , and 212 d are used, for example, for supplying fluid, such as water, from fluid source 124 via pump 128 for (1) cooling light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (i.e., the illumination mechanism), (2) supplying a low pressure bolus wash, (3) supplying a high pressure jet wash, and (4) supplying a lens wash, all of which are located at endoscope distal tip 120 .
- Multiple fluid channels 212 are controlled via multiple respective pinch valves 214 .
- fluid channels 212 a , 212 b , 212 c , and 212 d are controlled via pinch valves 214 a , 214 b , 214 c , and 214 d , respectively.
- Pinch valves 214 are standard valves, within which the flexible tubing of fluid channels 212 is pinched between one or more moving external elements, in order to stop the flow of fluid.
- FIG. 2 also shows fluid reservoir 130 fitted into a recessed cavity 216 within endoscope proximal connector 114 .
- Fluid reservoir 130 is fluidly connected to a fluid channel 218 that is fed into and along the full length of endoscope proximal shaft 112 and delivers the fluid from fluid reservoir 130 to endoscope distal tip 120 .
- the flow of fluid is controlled by a pinch valve 220 that is identical to pinch valves 214 .
- Fluid reservoir 130 is in the form of, for example, a disposable, soft, flexible bag or bladder that is easily detachable from fluid channel 218 .
- the capacity of liquid held within fluid reservoir 130 is relatively small, compared with the capacity of fluid source 124 .
- Fluid reservoir 130 may be sized, for example, to hold a small quantity of irrigation liquids, contrast media, medication, or dyes for marking tissue.
- An access door (not shown) may be included within proximal connector housing 210 for installing or removing fluid reservoir 130 as needed before, after, or during a medical procedure.
- the liquid within fluid reservoir 130 may be pressurized with any well-known mechanisms, such as a piston (not shown) that pushes against the bladder that forms fluid reservoir 130 .
- electrical wires pass through endoscope proximal connector 114 between handheld manual controller 116 and operator console 122 for controlling the flow of fluids via the combined functions of pinch valves 214 a , 214 b , 214 c , or 214 d and pump 128 and/or pinch valve 220 and the pressurizing mechanism of fluid reservoir 130 .
- pressurized fluids from fluid source 124 and/or fluid reservoir 130 are delivered along the full length of endoscope proximal shaft 112 to endoscope distal tip 120 , on demand, under the control of electronics located within operator console 122 .
- pump 128 and the pressurizing mechanism of fluid reservoir 130 are activated, and the user controls the on-demand delivery of fluid, for example, to supply a low pressure bolus wash via the working channel of imaging endoscope 110 , to supply a high pressure jet wash at endoscope distal tip 120 , or to supply a lens wash at endoscope distal tip 120 , all via push buttons on handheld manual controller 116 that control pinch valves 214 a , 214 b , 214 c , or 214 d .
- the user controls the on-demand delivery of fluid from fluid reservoir 130 via a push button on handheld manual controller 116 that controls pinch valve 220 and the pressurizing mechanism (not shown) of fluid reservoir 130 , for example, to deliver medication or dye through endoscope distal shaft 118 of imaging endoscope 110 and out of endoscope distal tip 120 to a tissue site within the patient.
- Pressurized fluids from fluid source 124 and/or fluid reservoir 130 may be delivered continuously to the endoscope distal tip 120 to supply cooling to the LEDs.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method 300 of using multi-fluid endoscopic system 100 to handle a poorly prepared patient during a colonoscopy procedure in accordance with the invention.
- Method 300 and multi-fluid endoscopic system 100 are not limited to a colonoscopy procedure.
- Method steps of method 300 may be adapted easily to apply to any of the various medical procedures that use various types of fluid sources, respectively.
- Method 300 includes the steps of:
- Step 310 Preparing the Patient
- a patient consumes a quantity of, for example, a phosphosoda solution or a colyte solution, which serves as a laxative to flush stool out of the patient's colon.
- a patient arrives with no or insufficient preparation and the physician manually clears the patient's colon with a colon preparation endoscope.
- Method 300 proceeds to step 312 .
- Step 312 Connecting Imaging Endoscope to Operator Console
- a user which may be a physician, nurse, or other assistant, attaches endoscope proximal connector 114 of imaging endoscope 110 to the side of operator console 122 and thereby makes all electrical and fluid connections to operator console 122 .
- the user activates operator console 122 .
- Method 300 proceeds to step 314 .
- Step 314 Mounting Fluid Source and Activating Operator Console
- a user mounts fluid source 124 to operator console 122 and, subsequently, connects tubing 126 , at one end, to the outlet of fluid source 124 and, at the opposite end, to a port of endoscope proximal connector 114 , while, at the same time, passing a portion of tubing 126 within pump 128 .
- the user then activates operator console 122 .
- Method 300 proceeds to step 316 .
- Step 316 Selecting and Mounting Fluid Reservoir
- a user selects a fluid reservoir 130 that contains the type of liquid required for the medical procedure, such as a bowel softener in the case of a colonoscopy procedure and, subsequently, mounts fluid reservoir 130 within cavity 216 of endoscope proximal connector 114 .
- Method 300 proceeds to step 318 .
- Step 318 Intubating the Patient
- Step 300 under the control of operator console 122 and by using the controls of handheld manual controller 116 , the physician intubates the patient, by introducing and advancing endoscope distal tip 120 of imaging endoscope 110 into a body cavity of the patient, until such time that the area of the colon to be cleared may be visualized upon video display of operator console 22 .
- Method 300 proceeds to step 320 .
- Step 320 Flushing the Colon
- the user alternately flushes and aspirates the patient's colon, by alternately activating the bolus wash and/or jet wash function and a suction function of multi-fluid endoscopic system 100 .
- the user controls the activation of pump 128 , one or more pinch valves 214 , and a suction/vacuum source (not shown) via the controls of handheld manual controller 116 .
- Method 300 proceeds to step 322 .
- Step 322 Is Colon Clear?
- the user visualizes the colon by using the imaging electronics at endoscope distal tip 120 , in combination with the video display of operator console 122 , to determine whether the bolus wash and/or jet wash of step 320 is effective in breaking down the stool in the patient's colon and, thus, renders the colon clear. If yes, method 300 proceeds to step 326 . If no, method 300 proceeds to step 324 .
- Step 324 Injecting Bowel Softener
- the user injects a bowel softener to help emulsify the stool by controlling pinch valve 220 , such that the bowel softener within fluid reservoir 130 that is mounted within endoscope proximal connector 114 is released and, thus, passes into the patient's colon via fluid channel 218 of endoscope proximal shaft 112 .
- Method 300 returns to step 320 .
- Step 326 Completing the Colonoscopy Procedure
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-fluid endoscopic system 400 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
- Multi-fluid endoscopic system 400 includes imaging endoscope 110 that is connected to operator console 122 via endoscope proximal connector 114 , as described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- Multi-fluid endoscopic system 400 includes pump 128 , as described in reference to FIG. 1 .
- Multi-fluid endoscopic system 400 further includes a plurality of fluid sources 410 , e.g., a fluid source 410 a , 410 b , and 410 c , that feed tubing 126 via a tubing subassembly 412 that brings together the tubing from the separate fluid sources 410 to a common line, i.e., tubing 126 , and wherein each fluid source 410 has an associated pinch valve that allows liquid to reach the pump 128 .
- Each fluid source 410 may take the form of a rigid vessel or a bladder with a capacity of, for example, up to one liter of fluid.
- Each fluid source 410 may be a refillable vessel, or alternatively, each fluid source 410 is sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that it is considered a single-use, disposable item.
- pressurized fluids are delivered along the full length of endoscope proximal shaft 112 to endoscope distal tip 120 on demand, under the control of electronics located within operator console 122 , in similar fashion as described in reference to the endoscopic system 100 of FIG. 1 .
- the inclusion of multiple fluid sources 410 in the endoscopic system 100 allows multiple fluid types, such as saline, irrigation liquids, medication, or dyes, to be delivered, singly or mixed with one another, to imaging endoscope 110 , under the control of operator console 122 and in combination with handheld manual controller 116 for controlling pump 128 and the pinch valves of tubing sub-assembly 412 .
- endoscope proximal connector 114 may include multiple fluid channels 212 and fluid reservoir 130 , as described in reference to FIG. 2 or, optionally, may include a greater or lesser number of fluid channels 212 and not include fluid reservoir 130 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-fluid endoscopic system 500 in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention.
- Multi-fluid endoscopic system 500 includes imaging endoscope 110 that is connected to operator console 122 via endoscope proximal connector 114 , as described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- Multi-fluid endoscopic system 400 also includes multiple fluid sources 410 , e.g., fluid source 410 a , 410 b , and 410 c , as described in reference to FIG. 4 .
- each fluid source 410 has its own dedicated length of tubing 126 and dedicated pump 128 that feed endoscope proximal connector 114 of imaging endoscope 110 .
- fluid source 410 a is fluidly connected to endoscope proximal connector 114 via a length of tubing 126 a that passes through pump 128 a
- fluid source 410 b is fluidly connected to endoscope proximal connector 114 via a length of tubing 126 b that passes through pump 128 b
- fluid source 410 c is fluidly connected to endoscope proximal connector 114 via a length of tubing 126 c that passes through pump 128 b , as shown in FIG.
- Each fluid source 410 therefore, has its own dedicated fluid channel 212 and pinch valve 214 within endoscope proximal connector 114 .
- the dedicated fluid channels 212 pass along the full length of endoscope proximal shaft 112 to endoscope distal tip 120 .
- pressurized fluids are delivered along the full length of endoscope proximal shaft 112 to endoscope distal tip 120 on demand, under the control of electronics located within operator console 122 , in similar fashion as described in reference to multi-fluid endoscopic system 100 of FIG. 1 .
- multi-fluid endoscopic system 100 allows multiple fluid types, such saline, irrigation liquids, medication, or dyes, to be delivered via a dedicated fluid channel 212 to imaging endoscope 110 , under the control of operator console 122 , in combination with handheld manual controller 116 , for controlling pumps 128 a , 128 b , and 128 c and associated pinch valves 214 a , 214 b , and 214 c within endoscope proximal connector 114 .
- endoscope proximal connector 114 may not include fluid reservoir 130 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of handheld manual controller 116 that includes a local fluid reservoir in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
- handheld manual controller 116 includes a controller housing 610 formed of a suitably lightweight, rigid material, such as molded plastic. Controller housing 610 is electrically, mechanically, and fluidly connected, at one end, to endoscope proximal shaft 112 and, at an opposite end, to endoscope distal shaft 118 .
- Mounted within controller housing 610 of handheld manual controller 116 are a plurality of control buttons 612 that allow the physician to manipulate the functions of the endoscope, such as taking a picture, activating light, activating water, activating air, or activating suction at endoscope distal tip 120 .
- a plurality of rotary knobs 614 control the articulation of endoscope distal tip 120 for advancing into the patient, and a working channel access port 616 allows the insertion of a therapeutic or diagnostic instrument into the working channel of endoscope distal shaft 118 .
- handheld manual controller 116 provides an alternative to having a fluid reservoir located within endoscope proximal connector 114 , such as fluid reservoir 130 , as described in reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .
- handheld manual controller 116 further includes an integrated fluid reservoir 618 that has an associated fluid activation button 620 , which provides a conveniently located mechanism for activating the delivery of fluid from integrated fluid reservoir 618 .
- Integrated fluid reservoir 618 is described in more detail in reference to FIG. 7 .
- FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an exemplary integrated fluid reservoir 618 that is installed, optionally, within handheld manual controller 116 .
- Integrated fluid reservoir 618 includes a fluid bladder 710 surrounded on at least two opposite sides by a water bladder 712 .
- the contacting surfaces between fluid bladder 710 and water bladder 712 are represented by a pressure interface 714 .
- the combination of fluid bladder 710 and water bladder 712 that form integrated fluid reservoir 618 is installed into a recessed cavity within controller housing 610 of handheld manual controller 116 .
- Fluid bladder 710 is fluidly connected to a fluid channel that is fed into and along the full length of endoscope proximal shaft 112 to endoscope distal tip 120 .
- Fluid bladder 710 is in the form of a disposable, soft, flexible bladder that is easily detachable from within controller housing 610 .
- Integrated fluid reservoir 618 includes a pinch valve 716 at the outlet of fluid bladder 710 to control the flow of fluid therefrom.
- Water bladder 712 is also in the form of a soft, flexible bladder; however, water bladder 712 is permanently installed within controller housing 610 .
- Integrated fluid reservoir 618 includes a pinch valve 718 at the inlet/outlet of water bladder 712 to control the flow of fluid therethrough.
- Fluid bladder 710 may be sized, for example, to hold a small quantity of irrigation liquids, contrast media, medication, or dyes for marking tissue.
- An access door (not shown) may be included within controller housing 610 of handheld manual controller 116 for installing or removing fluid bladder 710 as needed before, after, or during a medical procedure.
- Integrated fluid reservoir 618 takes advantage of the supply of, for example, water passing through handheld manual controller 116 from, for example, fluid source 124 of the endoscopic system 100 or fluid sources 410 of the endoscopic systems 400 and 500 . More specifically, the flow of water is able to pass in or out of water bladder 712 and, therefore, cause water bladder 712 to expand or contract. When water bladder 712 is expanded, pressure is created against fluid bladder 710 at the pressure interface 714 . As a result, a pressure mechanism is created, and pressurized fluid is forced out of fluid bladder 710 and down the fluid channel of endoscope distal shaft 118 and delivered to endoscope distal tip 120 .
- the user activates the pressure mechanism created by the combination of fluid bladder 710 and water bladder 712 via fluid activation button 620 , which activates any associated pump (not shown) and controls pinch valves 716 and 718 that enable the flow of, for example, water into water bladder 712 and fluid from fluid bladder 710 .
- fluid source 124 , fluid reservoir 130 , fluid sources 410 , and integrated fluid reservoir 618 as described in reference to the endoscopic systems 100 , 400 , and 500 of the present invention, provide the user with the flexibility of changing fluids either in advance of a procedure or on-the-fly as needed, instead of relying on fixed fluid sources only.
- the arrangement of fluid sources, pumps, and valves within the endoscopic systems 100 , 400 , and 500 of the present invention provide a controlled fluid delivery rate and a controlled way of mixing fluids.
- FIG. 8 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a fluid delivery system for an endoscope.
- An endoscopic system 100 includes an imaging endoscope 110 having a handheld manual controller 116 that is used by the physician to operate the endoscope and to steer the endoscope distal tip 120 .
- the proximal end of the endoscope includes a connector 800 that is releasably secured to a reusable console 820 .
- the connector 800 supplies liquids to various lumens in the endoscope in order to perform such functions as bolus wash, jet wash, lens wash, as well as providing vacuum and insufflation.
- the connector 800 is fluidly coupled to a reservoir 810 including a liquid such as water or saline for delivery to the patient.
- the connector 800 also includes a U-shaped loop of tubing 830 which engages the rollers of a peristaltic pump 840 for providing fluid pressure to the liquid in the reservoir 810 such that it can be selectively delivered to the lumens of endoscope to perform the desired tasks.
- the connector 800 is also connected via a tube to a vacuum collection jar 850 that captures retrieved aspirated liquids, debris, tissue samples, etc., from the endoscope.
- FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate further detail of one embodiment of the proximal connector 800 .
- the connector 800 is made from a molded housing having a front and rear half that are joined to a molded fluid manifold.
- the connector 800 is sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture such that it can be a disposable item.
- the connector design could also be made to withstand repeated disinfection procedures that are performed with reusable endoscopes.
- the proximal connector 800 includes a pair of ports 860 , 862 that receive water from and return water to the fluid reservoir 810 shown in FIG. 8 .
- the reservoir is secured to the ports 860 , 862 with a pair of retaining detents 870 , 872 that engage cooperating elements on the reservoir.
- the proximal connector 800 also includes one or more ergonomic hand grips 880 that facilitate the insertion and removal of the proximal connector 800 from the console 820 .
- the proximal connector 800 includes a vacuum port 890 that is connected by a flexible tubing (not shown) to the vacuum collection jar 850 .
- the U-shaped tubing 830 receives fluid from the fluid input port 860 and delivers it under pressure to a fluid manifold tube (not shown) within the connector.
- the rear surface of the connector 800 is shown in FIG. 9C .
- the rear surface includes one or more bosses 900 , 902 , 904 that are received on corresponding guide pegs (not shown) on the console 820 in order to aid in the placement of the proximal connector on the console.
- the proximal connector 800 also includes a number of valve spools 910 , 912 , 914 , 916 that are selectively actuated by an electromagnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other actuator types in order to direct fluids within the manifold to various lumens in the endoscope.
- An electrical connector 930 is seated within an outwardly extending rim 932 on the rear surface of the proximal connector 800 .
- the connector 930 serves to connect electrical components within the endoscope to a corresponding electrical connector on the console.
- FIG. 10A illustrates the internal components of the proximal connector 800 .
- the proximal connector includes a manifold 920 including a number of ports 922 , 924 , 926 that are activated by valve spools to selectively deliver pressurized liquid to various lumens of the endoscope.
- the port 922 delivers liquid for the bolus wash in the endoscope
- a port 924 delivers liquid for a lens wash
- a port 926 delivers liquid for a jet wash.
- the proximal end of the endoscope shaft fits within a receiving portion 940 of the proximal connector 800 .
- the receiving portion 940 includes a number of ribs 950 that retain the proximal end of the shaft such that it cannot be easily pulled from the connector 800 .
- the receiving portion includes an anti-rotation boss 952 that extends through a hole in the endoscope shaft such that the shaft cannot be rotated within the connector.
- a cover 960 is placed over the rear surface of electrical connector 930 to secure the connector 930 with the rear surface of the connector and to act as a splash guard.
- the circuit board 930 is held to the rear surface of the connector 800 behind a lip of the outwardly extending rim 932 on the rear surface of the connector 800 .
- the rim has an opening that exposes the contacts on the connector and a lip that is sized to be smaller than the connector 930 .
- the cover 960 has an outwardly extending rim 962 that fits within the rim 932 in order to compress the circuit board against the inside surface of the outer rim 932 when the cover 960 is secured to the rear surface of the proximal connector 800 .
- a series of molded channels 970 operate to guide the various tubes or lumens in the endoscope to the ports 922 , 924 , and 926 that provide fluids to the endoscope as well as a tube that it is connected to.
- a port 930 provides insufflation gas to the endoscope.
- the proximal connector 800 also includes a four-way port 980 .
- the port 980 directs fluids and air/vacuum to various lumens within the proximal connector 800 .
- the port 980 includes a port 982 that is oriented generally in line with the endoscope and is connected to a working channel lumen of the endoscope (not shown).
- a port 984 extends in a direction perpendicular to the port 982 and in the embodiment shown is connected via a tube (not shown) to the port 922 that supplies water to the port 982 for a bolus wash.
- a port 986 is generally in line with the port 982 and is fluidly coupled by a tube (not shown) to a bolus wash overpressure valve 990 as will be explained in further detail below.
- the port 980 includes a fourth port (not shown) positioned in line with the working channel and beneath the port 986 that is coupled by a tube (not shown) to a vacuum port (also not shown).
- FIG. 11A illustrates further detail of the manifold 920 within the proximal connector.
- the manifold is molded as a separate piece and is joined to front and rear halves of the proximal connector 800 .
- the manifold 920 includes a common tube 1000 which is fluidly connected to each of the ports 922 , 924 and 926 .
- the tube 1000 includes a port 1002 that continually delivers a cooling liquid through a lumen to a heat exchanger (not shown) within the distal tip of the endoscope in order to cool the illumination devices.
- the manifold 920 includes a port 1004 which receives the cooling liquid back from the heat exchanger and supplies it to the port 862 for return to the liquid reservoir.
- FIG. 11B illustrates how the U-shaped flexible tubing 830 is secured within two ports 832 , 834 on the top of the manifold.
- the port 832 is fluidly coupled to the port 860 that receives liquid from the fluid reservoir.
- the port 834 is fluidly coupled to the tube 1000 in the manifold 920 .
- the tubing 830 is preferably made of propylene or other flexible material that can be pressurized by the rollers peristaltic pump 840 on the console 820 .
- FIG. 12 illustrates further detail of the valve spools within the ports connected to the manifold.
- the manifold includes a tube 1000 that contains a pressurized liquid to deliver to each of the various ports.
- liquid within the tube 1000 flows through a cylinder 1010 having an opening 1012 that fluidly connects the cylinder 1010 with the tube 1000 .
- the cylinder 1010 has a first diameter in the space between the port 922 and the tube 1000 and a larger diameter in a region 1016 occupying the remainder of the cylinder.
- a generally cylindrical valve spool, such as valve spool 916 is slidably received within the cylinder 1010 .
- the valve spool includes a pair of O-rings 1018 , 1020 .
- the O-ring 1020 has a smaller diameter that is received within the smaller diameter section 1014 of the cylinder 1010 . Moving the O-ring 1018 into the smaller diameter section 1014 seals the port 922 from receiving fluids from the tube 1000 . Conversely, retracting the valve spool in the cylinder 1010 creates a fluid path between the tube 1000 and the port 922 when the O-ring 1018 is below the port 922 as shown in FIG. 12 .
- the cylinder is chamfered at an area 1026 to prevent the O-ring 1018 from becoming sheared as the valve spool assembly is moved in and out of the cylinder 1010 .
- the chamfer is set at approximately 30 degrees.
- the valve spool also includes a notched section 1020 in which a corresponding tab 1022 from the rear half of the proximal connector is fitted thereby retaining the valve spool in the manifold 920 .
- the valve spool includes a stepped portion 1024 of a smaller diameter that allows the spool to be grasped by an actuator to move the valve spool in and out of the cylinder 1010 .
- FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate the vacuum valve assembly within the manifold.
- the vacuum assembly includes a vacuum port 1050 that is connected by a tube (not shown) to a port on the four-way port 980 that is generally in line with the working channel lumen of the endoscope.
- the valve assembly includes a valve spool 910 having a construction similar to that described above, which is selectively moved by an actuator to provide fluid communication between the vacuum port 1050 and the port 890 that is coupled to the vacuum collection jar.
- FIG. 13A also shows the low pressure bolus wash bypass port 990 that is fluidly connected to the vacuum port 890 .
- liquid supplied from the manifold will open a valve in the low pressure bolus wash bypass port 990 .
- the working channel is prevented from becoming pressurized with a liquid that may splash onto a physician or their assistant.
- the bypass port 990 includes an insert 1060 that secures a ball valve 1070 and biasing spring 1080 in the port 990 .
- the insert 1060 has a lip that mates with the surface of the ball valve 1070 in the port 990 by virtue of pressure from the spring 1080 . Once the pressure of the bolus wash liquid in the port 990 overcomes the spring force of the spring 1080 , the ball valve 1070 is opened thereby allowing passage of liquid through the insert 1060 and port 990 to the vacuum port 890 . Also shown in FIGS.
- the manifold also includes a high pressure bypass valve including a ball valve 1100 and spring 1110 that operate to relieve pressure in the manifold tube 1000 . If pressure within the tube 1000 exceeds the spring force of the spring 1110 , ball valve 1100 is forced open thereby opening a fluid channel between the manifold tube 1000 and the low pressure side of the tubing 830 .
- a metal seating ring within the cylinder of the high pressure bypass valve in order to provide proper mating seal between the cylinder and the ball valve 1100 .
- the present invention is not limited to the configurations of endoscopic systems as described and shown in reference to FIGS. 1 through 15 .
- the present invention may be used with an endoscope that is steered by actuators in the console in response to commands received from a user input device such as a joystick or other mechanism.
- the manifold 620 in the connector 800 may also be used to deliver liquid from alternate fluid source either in the proximal connector or the endoscope such as is shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 .
- Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any arrangement or combination of the fluid delivery mechanisms disclosed herein or others are possible, without departing from the scope of this invention.
Abstract
A fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope. Certain embodiments of the invention include a single, large fluid source and pump installed upon an operator console, in combination with a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a proximal connector of the imaging endoscope, multiple fluid sources that feed a common fluid channel that are pressurized by a common pump, multiple fluid sources that feed dedicated fluid channels that are pressurized by dedicated pumps, and a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a handheld manual controller of the imaging endoscope. The fluid delivery endoscopic systems of the present invention provide the user with the flexibility of changing fluids either in advance of a procedure or on-the-fly as needed, instead of relying on fixed fluid sources only.
Description
- The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/614,868, filed Sep. 30, 2004.
- The present invention relates to medical devices, in general, and fluid delivery mechanisms for therapeutic and diagnostic endoscopes, in particular.
- As an aid to the early detection of disease, it has become well established that there are major public health benefits that result from regular endoscopic examination of internal structures, such as the alimentary canals and airways, e.g., the esophagus, stomach, lungs, colon, uterus, ureter, kidney, and other organ systems. A conventional imaging endoscope used for such procedures is formed of a flexible tube that has a fiber optic light guide that directs illuminating light from an external light source to the distal tip, where it exits the endoscope and illuminates the tissue to be examined. Frequently, additional optical components are incorporated, in order to adjust the spread of light exiting the fiber bundle at the distal tip. An objective lens and fiber optic imaging light guide communicating with a camera at the proximal end of the endoscope or an imaging camera chip installed at the distal tip produces an image that is displayed to the examiner. In addition, most endoscopes include one or more working channels, through which medical devices, such as biopsy forceps, snares, fulguration probes, and other tools, may be passed.
- Navigating the endoscope through complex and tortuous paths in a way that produces minimum pain, side effects, risk, or sedation to the patient is critical to the success of the examination. To this end, modern endoscopes include means for deflecting the distal tip of the endoscope to follow the pathway of the structure under examination, with minimum deflection or friction force upon the surrounding tissue. By manipulating a set of control knobs, the examiner is able to steer the endoscope during insertion and direct it to a region of interest, in spite of the limitations of such traditional control systems, which may be clumsy, non-intuitive, and friction-limited.
- In any endoscopic procedure, there is almost always a need for the introduction and evacuation of different types of fluids, such as water, saline, drugs, contrast material, dyes, or emulsifiers. For example, one endoscopic procedure is a colonoscopy, which is an internal examination of the colon by means of an instrument called a colonoscope. In colonoscopy procedures, typically, 5-10% of patients who arrive for the procedure are inadequately prepared (i.e., the colon is not properly cleared) and are, therefore, turned away. Some patients who are only marginally unprepared can be fully prepared by a physician or their assistant administering doses of liquid and aspirating the colon. However, these procedures are made more difficult and time consuming because it requires the physician to flush and evacuate stool or other debris, which represents a loss of productivity.
- Another endoscopic procedure is an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), which is an examination of the lining of the esophagus, stomach, and upper duodenum by means of an endoscope that is inserted down the throat. During an EGD procedure, the mixing of bile and water creates a lot of captivating bubbles. These bubbles hinder the physician's visibility during the procedure. As a result, a liquid is often introduced to help reduce the bubbles and, thus, improve visibility.
- Yet another endoscopic procedure is an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which is an endoscopic procedure used to identify stones, tumors, or narrowing in the bile ducts. In an ERCP procedure, fluids are used to flush away bleeding from sites. In addition, it is sometimes helpful to introduce dyes for providing contrast to the site. Contrast material, or contrast dye, is a substance used to make specific organs, blood vessels, or types of tissue (such as tumors) more visible on X-rays. Common contrast material substances include iodine, barium, and gadolinium.
- Conventional endoscopes allow the introduction of liquids via a separate delivery device, such as a syringe or injection catheter that is passed through its working channel, in order to deliver the liquid to the distal tip of the endoscope to the target site within a patient's body. This liquid delivery method involves several steps that include, for example, the user selecting a large capacity syringe (e.g., up to 100 cc), the user pouring a desired liquid into a bowl, the user drawing the liquid into the syringe, the user attaching the syringe to the working channel of the endoscope, and the user squeezing the liquid out of the syringe. This cumbersome and time-consuming process is repeated for any and all types of liquids required in any given endoscopic procedure.
- To overcome these and other problems, there is a need for an endoscope having a simplified way to introduce one or more liquids, such as water, saline, drugs, contrast material, dyes, or emulsifiers, that are used in endoscopic procedures, such as a colonoscopy procedure, an EGD procedure, or an ERCP procedure, etc. The endoscopic system should have improved simplicity and ease of use, increased efficiency, and greater clinical productivity and patient throughput. Furthermore, there is a need for improved control of the delivery rate of a liquid and improved mechanisms for mixing two or more fluids. Finally, there is a need for an endoscope that can deliver one or more liquids during a procedure and be inexpensive enough to manufacture that the device can be disposable.
- The present invention is a fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope. The fluid delivery system includes an imaging endoscope that may be used in combination with multiple fluid delivery mechanisms. In one embodiment, the imaging endoscope may be designed such that it is sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that it may be considered a single-use, disposable item.
- Certain embodiments of the invention include a single, large fluid source and pump installed upon a reusable operator console in combination with a small, fluid reservoir and pump installed within a proximal connector of the imaging endoscope. Other embodiments of the invention include multiple fluid sources that feed a common fluid channel and that are pressurized by a common pump. Yet other embodiments of the invention include multiple fluid sources that feed dedicated fluid channels that are pressurized by dedicated pumps, respectively. Yet other embodiments of the invention include a small, fluid reservoir and pump installed within a handheld manual controller of the imaging endoscope. The multi-fluid endoscopic systems of the present invention provide the user with the flexibility of changing fluids either in advance of a procedure or on-the-fly as needed, instead of relying on fixed fluid sources only. Furthermore, the arrangement of fluid sources, pumps and valves within the multi-fluid endoscopic systems of the present invention provide a controlled fluid delivery rate and a controlled way of mixing fluids.
- In yet another embodiment of the invention, the endoscope includes a proximal connector, including a manifold that delivers a fluid to one or more lumens in the endoscope. Valve spools are selectively actuated to deliver a pressurized liquid to one or more of its lumens.
- The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-fluid endoscopic system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an endoscope proximal connector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method of using a multi-fluid endoscopic system of the present invention during a colonoscopy procedure; -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-fluid endoscopic system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-fluid endoscopic system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a handheld manual controller that includes a local fluid reservoir in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of the integrated fluid reservoir that is installed, optionally, within the handheld manual controller ofFIG. 6 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 8 illustrates a single use endoscope having a proximal connector positioned on a reusable control unit in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate further details of a proximal connector; -
FIG. 9C illustrates a rear surface of a proximal connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10A is a cutaway view of the proximal connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10B illustrates a circuit board retaining feature of the proximal connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate a manifold within the proximal connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 12 illustrates a valve spool within a manifold in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a vacuum line and valve within a manifold in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 14 illustrates a pressure relief valve within a manifold in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of anendoscopic system 100 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. Theendoscopic system 100 includes animaging endoscope 110 that further includes an endoscopeproximal shaft 112 that is electrically, mechanically, and fluidly connected, at one end, to an endoscopeproximal connector 114 and, at an opposite end, to a port of a handheldmanual controller 116, and an endoscopedistal shaft 118 that is electrically, mechanically, and fluidly connected, at one end, to another port of handheldmanual controller 116 and that has an endoscopedistal tip 120 located at its opposite end for advancing into a patient's body. -
Imaging endoscope 110 is an instrument that allows for the examination of the interior of a tract, lumen or vessel or hollow organ of a patient.Imaging endoscope 110 further includes an illumination mechanism (not shown), an image sensor (not shown), and an elongate shaft that has one or more lumens located therein.Imaging endoscope 110 may be sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that it is considered a single-use, disposable item, such as is described in reference to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/406,149 filed Apr. 1, 2003, Ser. No. 10/811,781, filed Mar. 29, 2004, and Ser. No. 10/956,007, filed Sep. 30, 2004, all assigned to Scimed Life Systems, Inc./Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc., which are incorporated herein by reference. The referenced patent applications describe an endoscope imaging system that includes a reusable control cabinet that has a number of actuators or a manually operated handle on the endoscope that controls the orientation of an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope is used with a single patient and is then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft that has one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or by manual control. - The
endoscopic system 100 further includes anoperator console 122 that is electrically connected to standard I/O devices, such as a video display (not shown) and a keyboard (not shown). Afluid source 124 is fluidly connected to the endoscopeproximal connector 114 ofimaging endoscope 110 via a length oftubing 126 that passes through apump 128.Fluid source 124 serves as a reservoir that contains a supply of liquid, such as water or saline, for use during a medical procedure.Fluid source 124 may take the form of a rigid vessel or a bladder with a capacity of, for example, up to one liter of fluid.Fluid source 124 may be a refillable vessel, or alternatively,fluid source 124 is sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that it is considered a single-use, disposable item.Tubing 126 is a length of any standard flexible tubing, for example, ¼-inch tubing, which is also sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that it is considered a single-use, disposable item.Pump 128 is, for example, a standard peristaltic pump, that is used to withdraw liquid fromfluid source 124 on demand. A peristaltic pump works by means of rollers on rotating arms that pinch the flexible tubing against an arc and, thus, move the fluid along.Pump 128 is capable of delivering, for example, up to 50 pounds/square inch (PSI) of pressure for a flow rate of, for example, 500 ml/min. - In one embodiment, the endoscope
proximal connector 114 ofimaging endoscope 110 is electrically and mechanically connected to the exterior ofoperator console 122, as shown inFIG. 1 , via a quick-release mechanism for making and breaking all electrical, mechanical, and fluid/air/vacuum connections. The quick-release mechanism allows endoscopeproximal connector 114 to be secured easily to the exterior ofoperator console 122. Endoscopeproximal connector 114 includes wires and tubes that pass through endoscopeproximal shaft 112, then through a handheldmanual controller 116, then through endoscopedistal shaft 118, and then to endoscopedistal tip 120. Additionally, mounted within endoscopeproximal connector 114 is afluid reservoir 130 that has an associated pump (not shown) mounted withinoperator console 122. Endoscopeproximal connector 114 andfluid reservoir 130 are described in more detail in reference toFIG. 2 . - Endoscope
proximal shaft 112 and endoscopedistal shaft 118 are formed of a suitably lightweight, flexible material, such as polyurethane or other biocompatible materials. Endoscopeproximal shaft 112 and endoscopedistal shaft 118 are elongated shafts that have one or more lumens located therein and wiring located therein to support, for example, a working channel, a jet wash mechanism, an illumination mechanism, and an image sensor that are located at endoscopedistal tip 120. Also included within handheldmanual controller 116 and endoscopedistal shaft 118 are the electrical and mechanical mechanisms for articulating endoscopedistal tip 120 for advancing into a patient. - Handheld
manual controller 116 ofimaging endoscope 110 is a handheld device that is electrically and mechanically connected tooperator console 122. Handheld manual controller 16 accepts inputs from a human operator via standard push buttons, rotary knobs, joysticks, or other activation devices, either singularly or in combination, to control the operation ofimaging endoscope 110, which includes the delivery of pressurized liquid fromfluid source 124. Alternatively, a user input device such as a keyboard or other user interface located remotely from the endoscope may accept inputs from a human operator to control the operation of theimaging endoscope 110, including the delivery of pressurized liquid fromfluid source 124. -
Operator console 122 is a special-purpose electronic and electromechanical apparatus that facilitates, processes, and manages all functions of multi-fluidendoscopic system 100.Operator console 122 is loaded with software for managing, for example, the operation ofimaging endoscope 110 and its associated imaging electronics (not shown) in order to create and/or transfer images received from an image sensor withinimaging endoscope 110 to the video display for viewing by a user.Operator console 122 further manages the operation of all pumps, such aspump 128. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of an exemplary endoscopeproximal connector 114 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Endoscopeproximal connector 114 includes aproximal connector housing 210 that is formed of a suitably lightweight, rigid material, such as molded plastic. An end oftubing 126, which is a single fluid channel, is split into an arrangement of multiple fluid channels 212, for example, afluid channel Fluid channels proximal shaft 112 to endoscopedistal tip 120. -
Fluid channels fluid source 124 viapump 128 for (1) cooling light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (i.e., the illumination mechanism), (2) supplying a low pressure bolus wash, (3) supplying a high pressure jet wash, and (4) supplying a lens wash, all of which are located at endoscopedistal tip 120. Multiple fluid channels 212 are controlled via multiple respective pinch valves 214. More specifically,fluid channels pinch valves -
FIG. 2 also showsfluid reservoir 130 fitted into a recessedcavity 216 within endoscopeproximal connector 114.Fluid reservoir 130 is fluidly connected to afluid channel 218 that is fed into and along the full length of endoscopeproximal shaft 112 and delivers the fluid fromfluid reservoir 130 to endoscopedistal tip 120. The flow of fluid is controlled by apinch valve 220 that is identical to pinch valves 214.Fluid reservoir 130 is in the form of, for example, a disposable, soft, flexible bag or bladder that is easily detachable fromfluid channel 218. The capacity of liquid held withinfluid reservoir 130 is relatively small, compared with the capacity offluid source 124.Fluid reservoir 130 may be sized, for example, to hold a small quantity of irrigation liquids, contrast media, medication, or dyes for marking tissue. An access door (not shown) may be included withinproximal connector housing 210 for installing or removingfluid reservoir 130 as needed before, after, or during a medical procedure. The liquid withinfluid reservoir 130 may be pressurized with any well-known mechanisms, such as a piston (not shown) that pushes against the bladder that formsfluid reservoir 130. Additionally, electrical wires (not shown) pass through endoscopeproximal connector 114 between handheldmanual controller 116 andoperator console 122 for controlling the flow of fluids via the combined functions ofpinch valves pinch valve 220 and the pressurizing mechanism offluid reservoir 130. - In operation, and with continuing reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , pressurized fluids fromfluid source 124 and/orfluid reservoir 130 are delivered along the full length of endoscopeproximal shaft 112 to endoscopedistal tip 120, on demand, under the control of electronics located withinoperator console 122. More specifically, pump 128 and the pressurizing mechanism offluid reservoir 130 are activated, and the user controls the on-demand delivery of fluid, for example, to supply a low pressure bolus wash via the working channel ofimaging endoscope 110, to supply a high pressure jet wash at endoscopedistal tip 120, or to supply a lens wash at endoscopedistal tip 120, all via push buttons on handheldmanual controller 116 that controlpinch valves fluid reservoir 130 via a push button on handheldmanual controller 116 that controlspinch valve 220 and the pressurizing mechanism (not shown) offluid reservoir 130, for example, to deliver medication or dye through endoscopedistal shaft 118 ofimaging endoscope 110 and out of endoscopedistal tip 120 to a tissue site within the patient. Pressurized fluids fromfluid source 124 and/orfluid reservoir 130 may be delivered continuously to the endoscopedistal tip 120 to supply cooling to the LEDs. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a flow diagram of anexemplary method 300 of using multi-fluidendoscopic system 100 to handle a poorly prepared patient during a colonoscopy procedure in accordance with the invention.Method 300 and multi-fluidendoscopic system 100 are not limited to a colonoscopy procedure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the method steps ofmethod 300 may be adapted easily to apply to any of the various medical procedures that use various types of fluid sources, respectively.Method 300 includes the steps of: - Step 310: Preparing the Patient
- In this step, in a predetermined time period prior to the time of the colonoscopy procedure, a patient consumes a quantity of, for example, a phosphosoda solution or a colyte solution, which serves as a laxative to flush stool out of the patient's colon. Alternatively, the patient arrives with no or insufficient preparation and the physician manually clears the patient's colon with a colon preparation endoscope.
Method 300 proceeds to step 312. - Step 312: Connecting Imaging Endoscope to Operator Console
- In this step, a user, which may be a physician, nurse, or other assistant, attaches endoscope
proximal connector 114 ofimaging endoscope 110 to the side ofoperator console 122 and thereby makes all electrical and fluid connections tooperator console 122. The user activatesoperator console 122.Method 300 proceeds to step 314. - Step 314: Mounting Fluid Source and Activating Operator Console
- In this step, a user mounts
fluid source 124 tooperator console 122 and, subsequently, connectstubing 126, at one end, to the outlet offluid source 124 and, at the opposite end, to a port of endoscopeproximal connector 114, while, at the same time, passing a portion oftubing 126 withinpump 128. The user then activatesoperator console 122.Method 300 proceeds to step 316. - Step 316: Selecting and Mounting Fluid Reservoir
- In this step, a user selects a
fluid reservoir 130 that contains the type of liquid required for the medical procedure, such as a bowel softener in the case of a colonoscopy procedure and, subsequently, mountsfluid reservoir 130 withincavity 216 of endoscopeproximal connector 114.Method 300 proceeds to step 318. - Step 318: Intubating the Patient
- In this step, under the control of
operator console 122 and by using the controls of handheldmanual controller 116, the physician intubates the patient, by introducing and advancing endoscopedistal tip 120 ofimaging endoscope 110 into a body cavity of the patient, until such time that the area of the colon to be cleared may be visualized upon video display of operator console 22.Method 300 proceeds to step 320. - Step 320: Flushing the Colon
- In this step, under the control of
operator console 122 and by using the controls of handheldmanual controller 116, the user alternately flushes and aspirates the patient's colon, by alternately activating the bolus wash and/or jet wash function and a suction function of multi-fluidendoscopic system 100. In doing so, the user controls the activation ofpump 128, one or more pinch valves 214, and a suction/vacuum source (not shown) via the controls of handheldmanual controller 116.Method 300 proceeds to step 322. - Step 322: Is Colon Clear?
- In this decision step, the user visualizes the colon by using the imaging electronics at endoscope
distal tip 120, in combination with the video display ofoperator console 122, to determine whether the bolus wash and/or jet wash ofstep 320 is effective in breaking down the stool in the patient's colon and, thus, renders the colon clear. If yes,method 300 proceeds to step 326. If no,method 300 proceeds to step 324. - Step 324: Injecting Bowel Softener
- In this step, under the control of
operator console 122 and by using the controls of handheldmanual controller 116, the user injects a bowel softener to help emulsify the stool by controllingpinch valve 220, such that the bowel softener withinfluid reservoir 130 that is mounted within endoscopeproximal connector 114 is released and, thus, passes into the patient's colon viafluid channel 218 of endoscopeproximal shaft 112.Method 300 returns to step 320. - Step 326: Completing the Colonoscopy Procedure
- In this step, under the control of
operator console 122 and by using the controls of handheldmanual controller 116, the user completes the colonoscopy procedure which may include such steps as selecting another type of liquid for installing intofluid reservoir 130 withincavity 216 of endoscopeproximal connector 114. Such fluids include, for example, an India ink for marking a tissue site.Method 300 then ends. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-fluidendoscopic system 400 in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. Multi-fluidendoscopic system 400 includesimaging endoscope 110 that is connected tooperator console 122 via endoscopeproximal connector 114, as described in reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 . Multi-fluidendoscopic system 400 includespump 128, as described in reference toFIG. 1 . Multi-fluidendoscopic system 400 further includes a plurality of fluid sources 410, e.g., afluid source tubing 126 via atubing subassembly 412 that brings together the tubing from the separate fluid sources 410 to a common line, i.e.,tubing 126, and wherein each fluid source 410 has an associated pinch valve that allows liquid to reach thepump 128. Each fluid source 410 may take the form of a rigid vessel or a bladder with a capacity of, for example, up to one liter of fluid. Each fluid source 410 may be a refillable vessel, or alternatively, each fluid source 410 is sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that it is considered a single-use, disposable item. - In operation and with reference to
FIG. 4 , pressurized fluids are delivered along the full length of endoscopeproximal shaft 112 to endoscopedistal tip 120 on demand, under the control of electronics located withinoperator console 122, in similar fashion as described in reference to theendoscopic system 100 ofFIG. 1 . However, the inclusion of multiple fluid sources 410 in theendoscopic system 100 allows multiple fluid types, such as saline, irrigation liquids, medication, or dyes, to be delivered, singly or mixed with one another, to imagingendoscope 110, under the control ofoperator console 122 and in combination with handheldmanual controller 116 for controllingpump 128 and the pinch valves oftubing sub-assembly 412. Furthermore, endoscopeproximal connector 114 may include multiple fluid channels 212 andfluid reservoir 130, as described in reference toFIG. 2 or, optionally, may include a greater or lesser number of fluid channels 212 and not includefluid reservoir 130. -
FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a multi-fluidendoscopic system 500 in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. Multi-fluidendoscopic system 500 includesimaging endoscope 110 that is connected tooperator console 122 via endoscopeproximal connector 114, as described in reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 . Multi-fluidendoscopic system 400 also includes multiple fluid sources 410, e.g.,fluid source FIG. 4 . However, instead of includingtubing sub-assembly 412, each fluid source 410 has its own dedicated length oftubing 126 anddedicated pump 128 that feed endoscopeproximal connector 114 ofimaging endoscope 110. For example,fluid source 410 a is fluidly connected to endoscopeproximal connector 114 via a length oftubing 126 a that passes throughpump 128 a,fluid source 410 b is fluidly connected to endoscopeproximal connector 114 via a length oftubing 126 b that passes throughpump 128 b, andfluid source 410 c is fluidly connected to endoscopeproximal connector 114 via a length oftubing 126 c that passes throughpump 128 b, as shown inFIG. 5 . Each fluid source 410, therefore, has its own dedicated fluid channel 212 and pinch valve 214 within endoscopeproximal connector 114. The dedicated fluid channels 212 pass along the full length of endoscopeproximal shaft 112 to endoscopedistal tip 120. - In operation and with reference to
FIG. 5 , pressurized fluids are delivered along the full length of endoscopeproximal shaft 112 to endoscopedistal tip 120 on demand, under the control of electronics located withinoperator console 122, in similar fashion as described in reference to multi-fluidendoscopic system 100 ofFIG. 1 . However, the inclusion of multiple fluid sources 410 in multi-fluidendoscopic system 100 allows multiple fluid types, such saline, irrigation liquids, medication, or dyes, to be delivered via a dedicated fluid channel 212 toimaging endoscope 110, under the control ofoperator console 122, in combination with handheldmanual controller 116, for controllingpumps pinch valves proximal connector 114. Optionally, endoscopeproximal connector 114 may not includefluid reservoir 130. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of handheldmanual controller 116 that includes a local fluid reservoir in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.FIG. 6 shows that handheldmanual controller 116 includes acontroller housing 610 formed of a suitably lightweight, rigid material, such as molded plastic.Controller housing 610 is electrically, mechanically, and fluidly connected, at one end, to endoscopeproximal shaft 112 and, at an opposite end, to endoscopedistal shaft 118. Mounted withincontroller housing 610 of handheldmanual controller 116 are a plurality ofcontrol buttons 612 that allow the physician to manipulate the functions of the endoscope, such as taking a picture, activating light, activating water, activating air, or activating suction at endoscopedistal tip 120. A plurality ofrotary knobs 614 control the articulation of endoscopedistal tip 120 for advancing into the patient, and a workingchannel access port 616 allows the insertion of a therapeutic or diagnostic instrument into the working channel of endoscopedistal shaft 118. - In the example shown in
FIG. 6 , handheldmanual controller 116 provides an alternative to having a fluid reservoir located within endoscopeproximal connector 114, such asfluid reservoir 130, as described in reference toFIGS. 1 and 2 . In this example, handheldmanual controller 116 further includes an integratedfluid reservoir 618 that has an associatedfluid activation button 620, which provides a conveniently located mechanism for activating the delivery of fluid fromintegrated fluid reservoir 618.Integrated fluid reservoir 618 is described in more detail in reference toFIG. 7 . -
FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an exemplary integratedfluid reservoir 618 that is installed, optionally, within handheldmanual controller 116.Integrated fluid reservoir 618 includes afluid bladder 710 surrounded on at least two opposite sides by awater bladder 712. The contacting surfaces betweenfluid bladder 710 andwater bladder 712 are represented by apressure interface 714. The combination offluid bladder 710 andwater bladder 712 that form integratedfluid reservoir 618 is installed into a recessed cavity withincontroller housing 610 of handheldmanual controller 116. -
Fluid bladder 710 is fluidly connected to a fluid channel that is fed into and along the full length of endoscopeproximal shaft 112 to endoscopedistal tip 120.Fluid bladder 710 is in the form of a disposable, soft, flexible bladder that is easily detachable from withincontroller housing 610.Integrated fluid reservoir 618 includes apinch valve 716 at the outlet offluid bladder 710 to control the flow of fluid therefrom.Water bladder 712 is also in the form of a soft, flexible bladder; however,water bladder 712 is permanently installed withincontroller housing 610.Integrated fluid reservoir 618 includes apinch valve 718 at the inlet/outlet ofwater bladder 712 to control the flow of fluid therethrough. - The capacity of liquid held within
fluid bladder 710 is relatively small, compared with the capacity offluid source 124 or fluid sources 410.Fluid bladder 710 may be sized, for example, to hold a small quantity of irrigation liquids, contrast media, medication, or dyes for marking tissue. An access door (not shown) may be included withincontroller housing 610 of handheldmanual controller 116 for installing or removingfluid bladder 710 as needed before, after, or during a medical procedure. -
Integrated fluid reservoir 618 takes advantage of the supply of, for example, water passing through handheldmanual controller 116 from, for example,fluid source 124 of theendoscopic system 100 or fluid sources 410 of theendoscopic systems water bladder 712 and, therefore, causewater bladder 712 to expand or contract. Whenwater bladder 712 is expanded, pressure is created againstfluid bladder 710 at thepressure interface 714. As a result, a pressure mechanism is created, and pressurized fluid is forced out offluid bladder 710 and down the fluid channel of endoscopedistal shaft 118 and delivered to endoscopedistal tip 120. In operation, the user activates the pressure mechanism created by the combination offluid bladder 710 andwater bladder 712 viafluid activation button 620, which activates any associated pump (not shown) and controls pinchvalves water bladder 712 and fluid fromfluid bladder 710. - Those skilled in the art will recognize that the method steps of
method 300 may be adapted easily to apply to any of the various medical procedures that use various types of fluid sources, such as shown inFIGS. 1 through 7 . For example,fluid source 124,fluid reservoir 130, fluid sources 410, andintegrated fluid reservoir 618, as described in reference to theendoscopic systems endoscopic systems -
FIG. 8 shows yet another alternative embodiment of a fluid delivery system for an endoscope. Anendoscopic system 100 includes animaging endoscope 110 having a handheldmanual controller 116 that is used by the physician to operate the endoscope and to steer the endoscopedistal tip 120. The proximal end of the endoscope includes aconnector 800 that is releasably secured to areusable console 820. As will be described in further detail below, theconnector 800 supplies liquids to various lumens in the endoscope in order to perform such functions as bolus wash, jet wash, lens wash, as well as providing vacuum and insufflation. Theconnector 800 is fluidly coupled to areservoir 810 including a liquid such as water or saline for delivery to the patient. Theconnector 800 also includes a U-shaped loop oftubing 830 which engages the rollers of aperistaltic pump 840 for providing fluid pressure to the liquid in thereservoir 810 such that it can be selectively delivered to the lumens of endoscope to perform the desired tasks. Theconnector 800 is also connected via a tube to avacuum collection jar 850 that captures retrieved aspirated liquids, debris, tissue samples, etc., from the endoscope. -
FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate further detail of one embodiment of theproximal connector 800. In the example shown, theconnector 800 is made from a molded housing having a front and rear half that are joined to a molded fluid manifold. Theconnector 800 is sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture such that it can be a disposable item. However, the connector design could also be made to withstand repeated disinfection procedures that are performed with reusable endoscopes. - As shown in
FIG. 9A , theproximal connector 800 includes a pair ofports fluid reservoir 810 shown inFIG. 8 . The reservoir is secured to theports detents proximal connector 800 also includes one or more ergonomic hand grips 880 that facilitate the insertion and removal of theproximal connector 800 from theconsole 820. As shown inFIG. 9B , theproximal connector 800 includes avacuum port 890 that is connected by a flexible tubing (not shown) to thevacuum collection jar 850. TheU-shaped tubing 830 receives fluid from thefluid input port 860 and delivers it under pressure to a fluid manifold tube (not shown) within the connector. - The rear surface of the
connector 800 is shown inFIG. 9C . The rear surface includes one ormore bosses console 820 in order to aid in the placement of the proximal connector on the console. In addition, theproximal connector 800 also includes a number of valve spools 910, 912, 914, 916 that are selectively actuated by an electromagnetic, hydraulic, pneumatic, or other actuator types in order to direct fluids within the manifold to various lumens in the endoscope. Anelectrical connector 930 is seated within an outwardly extendingrim 932 on the rear surface of theproximal connector 800. Theconnector 930 serves to connect electrical components within the endoscope to a corresponding electrical connector on the console. -
FIG. 10A illustrates the internal components of theproximal connector 800. The proximal connector includes a manifold 920 including a number ofports port 922 delivers liquid for the bolus wash in the endoscope, aport 924 delivers liquid for a lens wash and aport 926 delivers liquid for a jet wash. - The proximal end of the endoscope shaft fits within a receiving portion 940 of the
proximal connector 800. The receiving portion 940 includes a number ofribs 950 that retain the proximal end of the shaft such that it cannot be easily pulled from theconnector 800. In one embodiment, the receiving portion includes ananti-rotation boss 952 that extends through a hole in the endoscope shaft such that the shaft cannot be rotated within the connector. - A
cover 960 is placed over the rear surface ofelectrical connector 930 to secure theconnector 930 with the rear surface of the connector and to act as a splash guard. As is best shown inFIG. 10B , thecircuit board 930 is held to the rear surface of theconnector 800 behind a lip of the outwardly extendingrim 932 on the rear surface of theconnector 800. The rim has an opening that exposes the contacts on the connector and a lip that is sized to be smaller than theconnector 930. Thecover 960 has an outwardly extendingrim 962 that fits within therim 932 in order to compress the circuit board against the inside surface of theouter rim 932 when thecover 960 is secured to the rear surface of theproximal connector 800. - A series of molded
channels 970 operate to guide the various tubes or lumens in the endoscope to theports port 930 provides insufflation gas to the endoscope. - The
proximal connector 800 also includes a four-way port 980. Theport 980 directs fluids and air/vacuum to various lumens within theproximal connector 800. Theport 980 includes aport 982 that is oriented generally in line with the endoscope and is connected to a working channel lumen of the endoscope (not shown). Aport 984 extends in a direction perpendicular to theport 982 and in the embodiment shown is connected via a tube (not shown) to theport 922 that supplies water to theport 982 for a bolus wash. - A
port 986 is generally in line with theport 982 and is fluidly coupled by a tube (not shown) to a boluswash overpressure valve 990 as will be explained in further detail below. In addition, theport 980 includes a fourth port (not shown) positioned in line with the working channel and beneath theport 986 that is coupled by a tube (not shown) to a vacuum port (also not shown). -
FIG. 11A illustrates further detail of the manifold 920 within the proximal connector. In the embodiment shown, the manifold is molded as a separate piece and is joined to front and rear halves of theproximal connector 800. The manifold 920 includes acommon tube 1000 which is fluidly connected to each of theports tube 1000 includes aport 1002 that continually delivers a cooling liquid through a lumen to a heat exchanger (not shown) within the distal tip of the endoscope in order to cool the illumination devices. In addition, the manifold 920 includes aport 1004 which receives the cooling liquid back from the heat exchanger and supplies it to theport 862 for return to the liquid reservoir. -
FIG. 11B illustrates how the U-shapedflexible tubing 830 is secured within twoports port 832 is fluidly coupled to theport 860 that receives liquid from the fluid reservoir. Theport 834 is fluidly coupled to thetube 1000 in themanifold 920. Thetubing 830 is preferably made of propylene or other flexible material that can be pressurized by the rollersperistaltic pump 840 on theconsole 820. -
FIG. 12 illustrates further detail of the valve spools within the ports connected to the manifold. As indicated above, the manifold includes atube 1000 that contains a pressurized liquid to deliver to each of the various ports. In each of the liquid ports, for example,port 922, liquid within thetube 1000 flows through acylinder 1010 having anopening 1012 that fluidly connects thecylinder 1010 with thetube 1000. Thecylinder 1010 has a first diameter in the space between theport 922 and thetube 1000 and a larger diameter in aregion 1016 occupying the remainder of the cylinder. A generally cylindrical valve spool, such asvalve spool 916, is slidably received within thecylinder 1010. The valve spool includes a pair of O-rings ring 1020 has a smaller diameter that is received within thesmaller diameter section 1014 of thecylinder 1010. Moving the O-ring 1018 into thesmaller diameter section 1014 seals theport 922 from receiving fluids from thetube 1000. Conversely, retracting the valve spool in thecylinder 1010 creates a fluid path between thetube 1000 and theport 922 when the O-ring 1018 is below theport 922 as shown inFIG. 12 . At the transition of the larger and smaller diameters of the cylinder, the cylinder is chamfered at anarea 1026 to prevent the O-ring 1018 from becoming sheared as the valve spool assembly is moved in and out of thecylinder 1010. In one embodiment of the invention, the chamfer is set at approximately 30 degrees. - The valve spool also includes a notched
section 1020 in which acorresponding tab 1022 from the rear half of the proximal connector is fitted thereby retaining the valve spool in themanifold 920. Finally, the valve spool includes a steppedportion 1024 of a smaller diameter that allows the spool to be grasped by an actuator to move the valve spool in and out of thecylinder 1010. -
FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate the vacuum valve assembly within the manifold. The vacuum assembly includes avacuum port 1050 that is connected by a tube (not shown) to a port on the four-way port 980 that is generally in line with the working channel lumen of the endoscope. The valve assembly includes avalve spool 910 having a construction similar to that described above, which is selectively moved by an actuator to provide fluid communication between thevacuum port 1050 and theport 890 that is coupled to the vacuum collection jar.FIG. 13A also shows the low pressure boluswash bypass port 990 that is fluidly connected to thevacuum port 890. If a bolus wash is applied while the physician has a tool in the working channel or while the working channel is blocked, liquid supplied from the manifold will open a valve in the low pressure boluswash bypass port 990. By entering thebypass port 990, the working channel is prevented from becoming pressurized with a liquid that may splash onto a physician or their assistant. - Further detail of the low pressure bolus wash bypass valve is shown in
FIG. 14 . Thebypass port 990 includes aninsert 1060 that secures aball valve 1070 and biasingspring 1080 in theport 990. Theinsert 1060 has a lip that mates with the surface of theball valve 1070 in theport 990 by virtue of pressure from thespring 1080. Once the pressure of the bolus wash liquid in theport 990 overcomes the spring force of thespring 1080, theball valve 1070 is opened thereby allowing passage of liquid through theinsert 1060 andport 990 to thevacuum port 890. Also shown inFIGS. 13B and 14 , the manifold also includes a high pressure bypass valve including aball valve 1100 andspring 1110 that operate to relieve pressure in themanifold tube 1000. If pressure within thetube 1000 exceeds the spring force of thespring 1110,ball valve 1100 is forced open thereby opening a fluid channel between themanifold tube 1000 and the low pressure side of thetubing 830. In some embodiments of the invention, it may be necessary to employ a metal seating ring within the cylinder of the high pressure bypass valve in order to provide proper mating seal between the cylinder and theball valve 1100. - As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of endoscopic systems as described and shown in reference to
FIGS. 1 through 15 . For example, the present invention may be used with an endoscope that is steered by actuators in the console in response to commands received from a user input device such as a joystick or other mechanism. Furthermore, the manifold 620 in theconnector 800 may also be used to deliver liquid from alternate fluid source either in the proximal connector or the endoscope such as is shown inFIGS. 1 and 6 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any arrangement or combination of the fluid delivery mechanisms disclosed herein or others are possible, without departing from the scope of this invention.
Claims (21)
1-31. (canceled)
32. A manifold for fluidly connecting a lumen in an endoscope to a fluid source, the manifold comprising:
a passage configured to retain liquid under pressure for delivery to a lumen in an endoscope;
a port fluidly connected to the passage;
a valve configured to fluidly connect the port to the fluid source, wherein the valve is movable via an actuator; and
a flexible tubing configured to receive fluid from the fluid source and deliver fluid under pressure to the passage.
33. The manifold of claim 32 , wherein the flexible tubing includes a first end and a second end, each of the first end and the second end being connected to a housing of the manifold.
34. The manifold of claim 33 , wherein the flexible tubing is configured to mate with a pump configured to pressurize fluid in the flexible tubing.
35. The manifold of claim 32 , wherein the passage is fluidly connected to a cooling port, the cooling port configured to be continually open and supply liquid to the endoscope.
36. The manifold of claim 32 , wherein the manifold is connected to a proximal connector of the endoscope.
37. The manifold of claim 36 , wherein the passage is fluidly connected to the lumen in the endoscope via a tube disposed within the proximal connector.
38. The manifold of claim 37 , wherein the proximal connector includes at least two fluid connections, the at least two fluid connections configured to mate with the fluid source.
39. The manifold of claim 38 , wherein each of the at least two fluid connections includes a retaining detent configured to engage a cooperating member on the fluid reservoir.
40. The manifold of claim 32 , wherein the actuator is remote from the endoscope.
41. An endoscope, comprising:
a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therein; and
a connector at the proximal end of the shaft for connecting the proximal end of the shaft to a fluid reservoir, the connector comprising:
a manifold having a passage configured to retain liquid under pressure, the passage including:
a selectively closeable port fluidly connected to the lumen in the shaft to receive fluid from the fluid reservoir, wherein the selectively closeable port is associated with a valve configured to selectively connect the lumen to the liquid under pressure retained by the passage; and
an open port configured to continually deliver liquid from the passage to the shaft;
wherein the manifold further includes a receiving port configured to continually receive liquid from the shaft and supply the liquid to the fluid reservoir.
42. The endoscope of claim 41 , wherein the connector includes a flexible tubing configured to receive fluid from the fluid reservoir and deliver fluid to the passage.
43. The endoscope of claim 42 , wherein the flexible tubing includes a first end and a second end secured to the connector.
44. The endoscope of claim 43 , wherein the flexible tubing is configured to mate with a pump that pressurizes fluid in the flexible tubing.
45. The endoscope of claim 42 , wherein the passage includes a high pressure bypass valve that opens to relieve pressure in the passage.
46. The endoscope of claim 41 , wherein the connector includes a bolus wash bypass valve configured to divert liquid from the passage away from a working channel lumen of the endoscope if the working channel is not open.
47. The endoscope of claim 41 , wherein the passage includes a four-way port configured to connect a working channel of the endoscope, a bolus wash port on the passage, a bolus wash bypass port, and a vacuum port.
48. An endoscope, comprising:
a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen therein; and
a connector at the proximal end of the shaft for connecting the proximal end of the shaft to a fluid reservoir, the connector comprising:
a manifold having a passage configured to retain liquid under pressure, the passage including a selectively closeable port fluidly connected to the lumen in the shaft to receive fluid from the fluid reservoir, wherein the selectively closeable port is associated with a valve configured to selectively connect the lumen to the liquid under pressure retained by the passage; and
a flexible tubing configured to receive fluid from the fluid reservoir and deliver fluid to the passage.
49. The endoscope of claim 48 , wherein the flexible tubing includes a first end and a second end secured to the connector.
50. The endoscope of claim 49 , wherein the flexible tubing is configured to mate with a pump that pressurizes fluid in the flexible tubing.
51. The endoscope of claim 48 , wherein the passage includes a high pressure bypass valve that opens to relieve pressure in the passage.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/302,394 US20120302836A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2011-11-22 | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
US15/002,751 US20160135669A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2016-01-21 | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US61486804P | 2004-09-30 | 2004-09-30 | |
US11/239,644 US8083671B2 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2005-09-29 | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
US13/302,394 US20120302836A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2011-11-22 | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/239,644 Continuation US8083671B2 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2005-09-29 | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/002,751 Continuation US20160135669A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2016-01-21 | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120302836A1 true US20120302836A1 (en) | 2012-11-29 |
Family
ID=35530807
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/239,644 Active 2029-04-03 US8083671B2 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2005-09-29 | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
US13/302,394 Abandoned US20120302836A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2011-11-22 | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
US15/002,751 Abandoned US20160135669A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2016-01-21 | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/239,644 Active 2029-04-03 US8083671B2 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2005-09-29 | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US15/002,751 Abandoned US20160135669A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2016-01-21 | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US8083671B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1793726A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006039512A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110295070A1 (en) * | 2010-05-26 | 2011-12-01 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope apparatus |
Families Citing this family (40)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP4342319B2 (en) | 2002-03-19 | 2009-10-14 | バード ダブリン アイティーシー リミティッド | Biopsy device and biopsy needle module usable for biopsy device |
US20070213590A1 (en) * | 2003-10-09 | 2007-09-13 | Gyntec Medical, Inc. | Apparatus and methods for examining, visualizing, diagnosing, manipulating, treating and recording of abnormalities within interior regions of body cavities |
DK1768571T3 (en) | 2004-07-09 | 2012-06-18 | Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc | Biopsy device firing system |
US8083671B2 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2011-12-27 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
US7597662B2 (en) * | 2004-09-30 | 2009-10-06 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Multi-fluid delivery system |
US7517321B2 (en) | 2005-01-31 | 2009-04-14 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Quick cycle biopsy system |
CA2616823C (en) | 2005-08-10 | 2014-06-03 | C.R. Bard Inc. | Single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device usable with various transport systems and integrated markers |
EP1921998B8 (en) | 2005-08-10 | 2021-07-07 | C.R.Bard, Inc. | Single-insertion, multiple sampling biopsy device with linear drive |
US7942809B2 (en) * | 2006-05-26 | 2011-05-17 | Leban Stanley G | Flexible ultrasonic wire in an endoscope delivery system |
EP2061378B1 (en) | 2006-08-21 | 2018-10-03 | C.R.Bard, Inc. | Self-contained handheld biopsy needle |
JP5078309B2 (en) * | 2006-10-04 | 2012-11-21 | オリンパスメディカルシステムズ株式会社 | Endoscope |
PT2086418E (en) | 2006-10-06 | 2011-03-29 | Bard Peripheral Vascular Inc | Tissue handling system with reduced operator exposure |
EP2210564B1 (en) | 2006-10-24 | 2017-06-07 | C.R.Bard, Inc. | Large sample low aspect ratio biopsy needle |
US20080132763A1 (en) * | 2006-12-04 | 2008-06-05 | Isaacson Keith B | Apparatus And Method For An Endoscope Pump |
US20080167527A1 (en) * | 2007-01-09 | 2008-07-10 | Slenker Dale E | Surgical systems and methods for biofilm removal, including a sheath for use therewith |
US9326665B2 (en) * | 2007-01-09 | 2016-05-03 | Medtronic Xomed, Inc. | Surgical instrument, system, and method for biofilm removal |
US8241225B2 (en) | 2007-12-20 | 2012-08-14 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Biopsy device |
EP2303100B1 (en) * | 2008-04-16 | 2020-02-12 | United States Endoscopy Group, Inc. | Adaptor for a water bottle of an endoscope |
US9095328B2 (en) | 2008-12-12 | 2015-08-04 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Endoscopes having multiple lumens for tissue acquisition and removal and related methods of use |
US9572921B2 (en) | 2008-12-17 | 2017-02-21 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Cartridge assembly |
US8412336B2 (en) * | 2008-12-29 | 2013-04-02 | Autonomic Technologies, Inc. | Integrated delivery and visualization tool for a neuromodulation system |
US9320908B2 (en) | 2009-01-15 | 2016-04-26 | Autonomic Technologies, Inc. | Approval per use implanted neurostimulator |
US8494641B2 (en) | 2009-04-22 | 2013-07-23 | Autonomic Technologies, Inc. | Implantable neurostimulator with integral hermetic electronic enclosure, circuit substrate, monolithic feed-through, lead assembly and anchoring mechanism |
WO2011019343A1 (en) | 2009-08-12 | 2011-02-17 | C.R. Bard, Inc. | Biopsy appaparatus having integrated thumbwheel mechanism for manual rotation of biopsy cannula |
CN102686142B (en) | 2009-08-31 | 2014-10-29 | 布拉蔻诊断公司 | In-line gas adaptor for endoscopic apparatus |
US8430824B2 (en) | 2009-10-29 | 2013-04-30 | Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. | Biopsy driver assembly having a control circuit for conserving battery power |
USD640977S1 (en) | 2009-09-25 | 2011-07-05 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Charging station for a battery operated biopsy device |
WO2011032067A1 (en) | 2009-09-14 | 2011-03-17 | Bracco Diagnostics Inc. | In-line gas adaptor for endoscopic apparatus |
ES2513643T3 (en) * | 2010-01-22 | 2014-10-27 | Lifescan, Inc. | Procedure and analyte test system |
JP2011194011A (en) * | 2010-03-19 | 2011-10-06 | Fujifilm Corp | Image capturing apparatus |
JP5968886B2 (en) * | 2010-08-04 | 2016-08-10 | ミニマリー インべーシブ デバイシーズ, インコーポレイテッド | System and method for optimizing and maintaining operative field visualization while using a surgical microscope |
US10456014B2 (en) | 2012-03-30 | 2019-10-29 | United States Endoscopy Group, Inc. | Water bottle cap assemblies for an endoscopic device |
BR112015023708B1 (en) | 2013-03-20 | 2021-10-26 | Bard Peripheral Vascular, Inc. | BIOPSY DEVICE |
US10595714B2 (en) * | 2013-03-28 | 2020-03-24 | Endochoice, Inc. | Multi-jet controller for an endoscope |
ES2726985T3 (en) | 2013-11-05 | 2019-10-11 | Bard Inc C R | Biopsy device that has integrated vacuum |
DK3288467T3 (en) | 2015-05-01 | 2022-01-31 | Bard Inc C R | BIOPSY DEVICE |
CN109475275B (en) * | 2016-05-23 | 2022-04-08 | 安多卓思公司 | Multi-nozzle controller for endoscope |
CN114727743A (en) * | 2019-05-29 | 2022-07-08 | 史赛克公司 | System and method for intraoperative surgical scope cleaning |
EP3782528B1 (en) * | 2019-08-23 | 2023-04-19 | Chang Gul Hong | Fluid supply device for endoscope |
WO2024079685A1 (en) * | 2022-10-13 | 2024-04-18 | Universita' Degli Studi Di Messina | Endoscope with water flushing system |
Citations (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3138104A (en) * | 1962-11-23 | 1964-06-23 | Manostat Corp | Variable feed pump and related method |
US4998527A (en) * | 1989-07-27 | 1991-03-12 | Percutaneous Technologies Inc. | Endoscopic abdominal, urological, and gynecological tissue removing device |
US5273517A (en) * | 1991-07-09 | 1993-12-28 | Haemonetics Corporation | Blood processing method and apparatus with disposable cassette |
US5630795A (en) * | 1991-08-02 | 1997-05-20 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Cleaning tube apparatus for endoscope |
US20030043264A1 (en) * | 2001-09-03 | 2003-03-06 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic endoscope system with liquid supply apparatus |
US6572590B1 (en) * | 2000-07-13 | 2003-06-03 | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | Adjustable quick-release valve with toggle capability |
Family Cites Families (647)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3266059A (en) | 1963-06-19 | 1966-08-16 | North American Aviation Inc | Prestressed flexible joint for mechanical arms and the like |
US3470876A (en) | 1966-09-28 | 1969-10-07 | John Barchilon | Dirigible catheter |
US3572325A (en) | 1968-10-25 | 1971-03-23 | Us Health Education & Welfare | Flexible endoscope having fluid conduits and control |
US3581738A (en) | 1968-11-12 | 1971-06-01 | Welch Allyn Inc | Disposable illuminating endoscope and method of manufacture |
US4108211A (en) | 1975-04-28 | 1978-08-22 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Articulated, four-way bendable tube structure |
JPS5641684Y2 (en) | 1977-11-24 | 1981-09-30 | ||
US4311134A (en) * | 1978-05-19 | 1982-01-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Fluid feeding device for an endoscope |
JPS5568350A (en) * | 1978-11-20 | 1980-05-23 | Olympus Optical Co | Connector for endoscope |
JPS5586436A (en) | 1978-12-22 | 1980-06-30 | Olympus Optical Co | Endoscope |
JPS6041203Y2 (en) | 1979-04-03 | 1985-12-14 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Curved tube part of endoscope |
US4315309A (en) | 1979-06-25 | 1982-02-09 | Coli Robert D | Integrated medical test data storage and retrieval system |
US4294162A (en) | 1979-07-23 | 1981-10-13 | United Technologies Corporation | Force feel actuator fault detection with directional threshold |
JPS5645629A (en) | 1979-09-20 | 1981-04-25 | Olympus Optical Co | System for transmitting data of endoscope |
JPH0122641Y2 (en) | 1979-10-20 | 1989-07-07 | ||
JPS5675131A (en) * | 1979-11-22 | 1981-06-22 | Olympus Optical Co | Endoscope apparatus |
JPS57183822A (en) | 1981-05-01 | 1982-11-12 | Olympus Optical Co | Endoscope |
EP0072257A3 (en) * | 1981-08-12 | 1984-02-01 | KEYMED (MEDICAL & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT) LIMITED | Fibrescope cleaning and disinfection apparatus |
JPS5846308A (en) | 1981-09-12 | 1983-03-17 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Zoom lens for endoscope with moving solid-state image pickup element |
JPS5846930A (en) | 1981-09-17 | 1983-03-18 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Air and liquid sending apparatus of endoscope |
DE3277287D1 (en) | 1981-10-15 | 1987-10-22 | Olympus Optical Co | Endoscope system with an electric bending mechanism |
JPS5869528A (en) | 1981-10-20 | 1983-04-25 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Signal transmission system in endoscope |
JPS58141135A (en) | 1981-10-20 | 1983-08-22 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Image transmitting system of endoscope using solid image sensor |
EP0078017B1 (en) | 1981-10-22 | 1988-03-30 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus with motor-driven bending mechanism |
JPS5878639A (en) | 1981-11-04 | 1983-05-12 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPS5880611A (en) | 1981-11-10 | 1983-05-14 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Objective lens for endoscope |
JPS5886129A (en) | 1981-11-17 | 1983-05-23 | 旭光学工業株式会社 | Flexible tube of endoscope and production thereof |
JPS58132812A (en) | 1982-01-22 | 1983-08-08 | ブリテイツシユ・エアロスペイス・パブリツク・リミテツド・カンパニ− | Controller |
DE3382431D1 (en) | 1982-01-22 | 1991-11-14 | British Aerospace | CONTROL UNIT. |
US4425113A (en) | 1982-06-21 | 1984-01-10 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Flow control mechanism for a plasmaspheresis assembly or the like |
US4491865A (en) | 1982-09-29 | 1985-01-01 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Image sensor assembly |
GB2132378B (en) | 1982-11-19 | 1986-05-21 | Gwyndann Group | Illumination of optical instruments |
JPS59160431A (en) * | 1983-03-01 | 1984-09-11 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Air and liquid feeding apparatus of endoscope |
SE442852B (en) | 1983-04-18 | 1986-02-03 | Saab Scania Ab | PROCEDURE AND DEVICE FOR CONTROL SYSTEM TO ASTADKOMMA Elevated Torque Gradient for Small Maneuvering Disorders |
US4515444A (en) | 1983-06-30 | 1985-05-07 | Dyonics, Inc. | Optical system |
JPS6048011A (en) | 1983-08-27 | 1985-03-15 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope device |
JPS6053919A (en) | 1983-09-05 | 1985-03-28 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Observing and image sensing device for endoscope |
DE3432393C2 (en) | 1983-09-05 | 1986-06-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Tokio/Tokyo | Automatic dimming device for an endoscope |
US4615330A (en) | 1983-09-05 | 1986-10-07 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Noise suppressor for electronic endoscope |
JPH0685762B2 (en) | 1983-09-05 | 1994-11-02 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscopic imaging device |
DE3435598C2 (en) | 1983-09-30 | 1986-06-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., Tokio/Tokyo | Endoscope arrangement |
JPS6077731A (en) | 1983-10-03 | 1985-05-02 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope apparatus using solid-image pick-up element |
JPS6081979A (en) | 1983-10-12 | 1985-05-10 | Omron Tateisi Electronics Co | Image pickup device |
JPS60104915A (en) | 1983-11-11 | 1985-06-10 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
JPS60169818A (en) | 1984-02-15 | 1985-09-03 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Objective lens for endoscope |
JPS60179713A (en) | 1984-02-28 | 1985-09-13 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope device |
US4617915A (en) | 1984-03-27 | 1986-10-21 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Construction of manual control section of endoscope |
JPS60182001U (en) | 1984-05-16 | 1985-12-03 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope with observation surface image projection and recording device |
GB8413059D0 (en) * | 1984-05-22 | 1984-06-27 | Minvade Ltd | Fluid dispensing device |
US4586923A (en) | 1984-06-25 | 1986-05-06 | Cordis Corporation | Curving tip catheter |
JPH0648327B2 (en) | 1984-07-28 | 1994-06-22 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
JPS6150546A (en) | 1984-08-20 | 1986-03-12 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPS6150478A (en) | 1984-08-20 | 1986-03-12 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US4616630A (en) | 1984-08-20 | 1986-10-14 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope with an obtusely angled connecting section |
JPS6142513U (en) | 1984-08-23 | 1986-03-19 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope |
JP2655568B2 (en) | 1984-08-31 | 1997-09-24 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope using solid-state imaging device |
JPH0614707B2 (en) | 1984-08-31 | 1994-02-23 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Imaging device |
JPS6162453A (en) | 1984-09-03 | 1986-03-31 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Tissue biopsy recording apparatus for endoscope |
US4643170A (en) | 1984-12-05 | 1987-02-17 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus |
JPH0535374Y2 (en) | 1984-12-28 | 1993-09-08 | ||
JP2628627B2 (en) | 1985-01-11 | 1997-07-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Aspheric objective lens for endoscope |
US4971034A (en) | 1985-01-16 | 1990-11-20 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Body cavity pressure adjusting device for endoscope and laser medical treatment apparatus including body cavity pressure adjusting device |
US4667655A (en) * | 1985-01-21 | 1987-05-26 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus |
JPS626212A (en) | 1985-07-02 | 1987-01-13 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Image signal processing circuit |
GB2181323B (en) | 1985-10-02 | 1990-06-06 | Olympus Optical Co | Television apparatus |
US4700693A (en) | 1985-12-09 | 1987-10-20 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Endoscope steering section |
JPH07104492B2 (en) | 1985-12-28 | 1995-11-13 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Illumination optical system for endoscope |
US4649904A (en) | 1986-01-02 | 1987-03-17 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Biopsy seal |
US5552115A (en) * | 1986-02-06 | 1996-09-03 | Steris Corporation | Microbial decontamination system with components porous to anti-microbial fluids |
JPH0783486B2 (en) | 1986-02-06 | 1995-09-06 | 株式会社東芝 | Endoscope device |
US4714075A (en) | 1986-02-10 | 1987-12-22 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Biopsy channel for endoscope |
US4897789A (en) | 1986-02-27 | 1990-01-30 | Mcneilab, Inc. | Electronic device for authenticating and verifying disposable elements |
JPH0693777B2 (en) | 1986-02-27 | 1994-11-16 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic endoscopic device |
US4686963A (en) | 1986-03-05 | 1987-08-18 | Circon Corporation | Torsion resistant vertebrated probe of simple construction |
JPS6365840A (en) | 1986-04-04 | 1988-03-24 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPS62261332A (en) | 1986-05-08 | 1987-11-13 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope |
DE3715417A1 (en) | 1986-05-13 | 1987-11-19 | Olympus Optical Co | SEMICONDUCTOR IMAGE GENERATION DEVICE, AND ENDOSCOPE HERE EQUIPPED WITH IT |
US4819077A (en) | 1986-05-14 | 1989-04-04 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Color image processing system |
US4727417A (en) | 1986-05-14 | 1988-02-23 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope video apparatus |
JPH07111500B2 (en) | 1986-05-22 | 1995-11-29 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
US4748970A (en) | 1986-05-30 | 1988-06-07 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope systems |
DE3722075A1 (en) | 1986-07-02 | 1988-03-17 | Toshiba Kawasaki Kk | Image diagnostics system |
JPS6335226A (en) | 1986-07-30 | 1988-02-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPS6338430A (en) | 1986-08-01 | 1988-02-19 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope |
JPS6389138A (en) | 1986-10-03 | 1988-04-20 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Cover of curved pipe for endoscope |
DE3734979A1 (en) | 1986-10-16 | 1988-04-28 | Olympus Optical Co | ENDOSCOPE |
US4895431A (en) | 1986-11-13 | 1990-01-23 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Method of processing endoscopic images |
JP2543862B2 (en) | 1986-12-03 | 1996-10-16 | 株式会社東芝 | Image data management system |
JPS63143025A (en) | 1986-12-04 | 1988-06-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Suction controller of endoscope |
JPS63164935A (en) | 1986-12-27 | 1988-07-08 | 株式会社東芝 | Suction apparatus of endoscope |
JPS63164931A (en) | 1986-12-27 | 1988-07-08 | 株式会社東芝 | Constant pressure apparatus of endoscope |
US4918521A (en) | 1987-01-20 | 1990-04-17 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Solid state imaging apparatus |
US4800869A (en) | 1987-02-13 | 1989-01-31 | Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. | Endoscope |
US4845555A (en) | 1987-02-13 | 1989-07-04 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus |
US4853772A (en) | 1987-02-26 | 1989-08-01 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus having isolated patient and secondary circuitry |
US4869237A (en) | 1987-03-02 | 1989-09-26 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus |
JP2602823B2 (en) | 1987-03-11 | 1997-04-23 | 株式会社東芝 | Liquid feeding device for endoscope |
US4905666A (en) | 1987-03-27 | 1990-03-06 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Bending device for an endoscope |
JPH069540B2 (en) | 1987-04-03 | 1994-02-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPS63286131A (en) | 1987-05-18 | 1988-11-22 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Hue control apparatus of endoscope |
JPS63290539A (en) | 1987-05-22 | 1988-11-28 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Image input apparatus for endoscope |
JPS63290091A (en) | 1987-05-22 | 1988-11-28 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Image data compression device for endoscope |
JP2697822B2 (en) | 1987-05-25 | 1998-01-14 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
JPH07104494B2 (en) | 1987-06-26 | 1995-11-13 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Illumination optical system for endoscope |
US4806011A (en) | 1987-07-06 | 1989-02-21 | Bettinger David S | Spectacle-mounted ocular display apparatus |
US4790294A (en) | 1987-07-28 | 1988-12-13 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Ball-and-socket bead endoscope steering section |
US4796607A (en) | 1987-07-28 | 1989-01-10 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Endoscope steering section |
US4762119A (en) | 1987-07-28 | 1988-08-09 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Self-adjusting steering mechanism for borescope or endoscope |
IT1235460B (en) | 1987-07-31 | 1992-07-30 | Confida Spa | FLEXIBLE ENDOSCOPE. |
US4831437A (en) | 1987-08-11 | 1989-05-16 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Video endoscope system provided with color balance adjusting means |
US4787369A (en) | 1987-08-14 | 1988-11-29 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Force relieving, force limiting self-adjusting steering for borescope or endoscope |
JPS6454978A (en) | 1987-08-26 | 1989-03-02 | Toshiba Corp | Solid-state image pickup element |
US4920980A (en) | 1987-09-14 | 1990-05-01 | Cordis Corporation | Catheter with controllable tip |
JPH0824668B2 (en) | 1987-09-14 | 1996-03-13 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscopic device |
JPS6485631A (en) | 1987-09-28 | 1989-03-30 | Toshiba Corp | Electronic endoscopic apparatus |
US5001556A (en) | 1987-09-30 | 1991-03-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus for processing a picture image of an object based on a selected wavelength range |
US4884134A (en) | 1987-10-07 | 1989-11-28 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Video endoscope apparatus employing device shutter |
JPH0796005B2 (en) | 1987-10-27 | 1995-10-18 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope device |
US4986642A (en) | 1987-11-20 | 1991-01-22 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Objective lens system for endoscopes and image pickup system equipped with said objective lens system |
US5172225A (en) | 1987-11-25 | 1992-12-15 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope system |
US5061994A (en) | 1987-11-25 | 1991-10-29 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope device using a display and recording system with means for monitoring the status of the recording medium |
JPH01160525A (en) | 1987-12-17 | 1989-06-23 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US4928172A (en) | 1988-01-07 | 1990-05-22 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope output signal control device and endoscope apparatus making use of the same |
JP2933165B2 (en) | 1988-01-08 | 1999-08-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
JP2693978B2 (en) | 1988-02-26 | 1997-12-24 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
JPH0773569B2 (en) | 1988-01-14 | 1995-08-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
JPH0673517B2 (en) | 1988-02-04 | 1994-09-21 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope system |
US4901143A (en) | 1988-02-16 | 1990-02-13 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope system provided with a means of imaging frozen pictures having few picture image smears |
JP2594627B2 (en) | 1988-02-26 | 1997-03-26 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
US4931867A (en) | 1988-03-01 | 1990-06-05 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus having an isolation circuit for isolating a patient circuit from a secondary circuit |
US4844071A (en) | 1988-03-31 | 1989-07-04 | Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc. | Endoscope coupler device |
US5005558A (en) | 1988-05-16 | 1991-04-09 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Endoscope |
US5074861A (en) | 1988-05-23 | 1991-12-24 | Schneider Richard T | Medical laser device and method |
JP2917995B2 (en) | 1988-05-25 | 1999-07-12 | 株式会社東芝 | Endoscope device |
JP2821141B2 (en) | 1988-07-28 | 1998-11-05 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Automatic dimming control device for endoscope |
US4882623A (en) | 1988-08-11 | 1989-11-21 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Signal processing apparatus for endoscope capable of changing outline enhancement frequency |
US4899732A (en) | 1988-09-02 | 1990-02-13 | Baxter International, Inc. | Miniscope |
JP2940827B2 (en) | 1988-09-07 | 1999-08-25 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Medical image filing equipment |
US5005957A (en) | 1988-09-07 | 1991-04-09 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Objective lens system for endoscopes |
JP2596810B2 (en) | 1988-09-12 | 1997-04-02 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Optical system for endoscope |
JPH07122692B2 (en) | 1988-09-29 | 1995-12-25 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Objective lens for endoscope |
JP2807487B2 (en) | 1988-11-02 | 1998-10-08 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope device |
US5174293A (en) | 1988-11-17 | 1992-12-29 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Medical apparatus including on isolating transformer apparatus for isolating medical apparatus from non-medical apparatus to prevent electrical shocks to patients |
US4875468A (en) | 1988-12-23 | 1989-10-24 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Elastomer-ePTFE biopsy channel |
US4960127A (en) | 1989-01-23 | 1990-10-02 | L.O.N. Research, Inc. | Disposable transducer manifold |
JP3217343B2 (en) | 1989-03-23 | 2001-10-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Image processing device |
FR2642297A1 (en) * | 1989-02-02 | 1990-08-03 | Sinergy Sa | APPARATUS FOR IRRIGATION AND SUCTION FOR USE IN ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY |
JPH0617942B2 (en) | 1989-02-15 | 1994-03-09 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic endoscopic device |
US5018509A (en) | 1989-02-21 | 1991-05-28 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope insertion controlling apparatus |
JP2542089B2 (en) | 1989-03-16 | 1996-10-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Light source device for endoscope |
JP2559510B2 (en) | 1989-04-06 | 1996-12-04 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscopic device |
US4919112B1 (en) | 1989-04-07 | 1993-12-28 | Low-cost semi-disposable endoscope | |
JPH0681614B2 (en) | 1989-04-12 | 1994-10-19 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic endoscopic device |
US4996974A (en) | 1989-04-17 | 1991-03-05 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Adjustable steering control for flexible probe |
JPH02277015A (en) | 1989-04-19 | 1990-11-13 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope objective optical system |
US5198931A (en) | 1989-04-19 | 1993-03-30 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Objective optical system for endoscopes |
JPH034831A (en) | 1989-06-01 | 1991-01-10 | Toshiba Corp | Endoscope device |
US4979497A (en) | 1989-06-06 | 1990-12-25 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope |
US5068719A (en) | 1989-06-07 | 1991-11-26 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope photometric apparatus |
US5040069A (en) | 1989-06-16 | 1991-08-13 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope with a mask bump bonded to an image pick-up device |
US4982725A (en) | 1989-07-04 | 1991-01-08 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus |
US5322506A (en) * | 1989-07-31 | 1994-06-21 | C. R. Bard, Inc. | Irrigation system with high flow bypass for use with endoscopic procedure |
CA1337714C (en) | 1989-07-31 | 1995-12-12 | Karen E. Kullas | Irrigation system for use with endoscopic procedure |
JP3017245B2 (en) | 1989-09-22 | 2000-03-06 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
US5331551A (en) | 1989-10-02 | 1994-07-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope image recording system for compressing and recording endoscope image data |
US5209220A (en) | 1989-10-05 | 1993-05-11 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope image data compressing apparatus |
US4941456A (en) | 1989-10-05 | 1990-07-17 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Portable color imager borescope |
US4941454A (en) | 1989-10-05 | 1990-07-17 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Servo actuated steering mechanism for borescope or endoscope |
JP2920670B2 (en) | 1989-10-13 | 1999-07-19 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
US5140265A (en) | 1989-12-20 | 1992-08-18 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd | Eddy current flaw detecting endoscope apparatus which produces signals which control other devices |
US5049989A (en) | 1990-01-04 | 1991-09-17 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Method and circuit for reducing the influence of a bright image area in an endoscope image signal |
DE4000410C2 (en) | 1990-01-09 | 1998-05-14 | Baeuerle Dieter | Endoscope with an instrument channel |
US5290283A (en) | 1990-01-31 | 1994-03-01 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Power supply apparatus for electrosurgical unit including electrosurgical-current waveform data storage |
US5820591A (en) | 1990-02-02 | 1998-10-13 | E. P. Technologies, Inc. | Assemblies for creating compound curves in distal catheter regions |
US5208702A (en) | 1990-04-11 | 1993-05-04 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Objective lens system for endoscopes |
US5191878A (en) | 1990-04-12 | 1993-03-09 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope device |
JPH0427285A (en) | 1990-04-13 | 1992-01-30 | Toshiba Corp | Image recorder |
JP3041015B2 (en) | 1990-04-18 | 2000-05-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope image file system |
US5431645A (en) | 1990-05-10 | 1995-07-11 | Symbiosis Corporation | Remotely activated endoscopic tools such as endoscopic biopsy forceps |
JPH0422327A (en) * | 1990-05-18 | 1992-01-27 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope line control device |
US4989581A (en) | 1990-06-01 | 1991-02-05 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Torsional strain relief for borescope |
JPH0452614A (en) | 1990-06-20 | 1992-02-20 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
JP2649185B2 (en) | 1990-06-25 | 1997-09-03 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Ultrasonic inspection equipment |
JPH0759236B2 (en) | 1990-06-29 | 1995-06-28 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscopic treatment device |
US5115136A (en) * | 1990-08-06 | 1992-05-19 | Olympus Corporation | Ultraviolet remote visual inspection system |
US5379757A (en) | 1990-08-28 | 1995-01-10 | Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. | Method of compressing endoscope image data based on image characteristics |
JP2848574B2 (en) | 1990-09-21 | 1999-01-20 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Color shift correction device |
JP3003944B2 (en) | 1990-10-04 | 2000-01-31 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Solid-state imaging device |
JPH06104102B2 (en) | 1990-10-09 | 1994-12-21 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic endoscopic device |
US5133336A (en) * | 1990-10-22 | 1992-07-28 | Endoscopy Support Services, Inc. | Disposable liquid supply system for use in an endoscope |
JP2598568B2 (en) | 1990-11-20 | 1997-04-09 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
NL194053C (en) | 1990-12-05 | 2001-05-03 | Koninkl Philips Electronics Nv | Device with a rotationally symmetrical body. |
JP3007698B2 (en) | 1991-01-25 | 2000-02-07 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope system |
JP3041099B2 (en) | 1991-02-01 | 2000-05-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
US5400769A (en) | 1991-02-18 | 1995-03-28 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electrically bendable endoscope apparatus having controlled fixed bending speed |
US5223982A (en) | 1991-03-05 | 1993-06-29 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Objective lens system for endoscopes |
JP3063784B2 (en) | 1991-03-26 | 2000-07-12 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope device |
JP3078085B2 (en) | 1991-03-26 | 2000-08-21 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Image processing apparatus and image processing method |
US5201908A (en) | 1991-06-10 | 1993-04-13 | Endomedical Technologies, Inc. | Sheath for protecting endoscope from contamination |
US5159446A (en) | 1991-06-21 | 1992-10-27 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope system provided with a separate camera controlling unit and motor controlling unit |
US5257628A (en) | 1991-07-11 | 1993-11-02 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Ultrasound internal examination system |
EP0692265B1 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 2000-05-24 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Fluid management system |
US5889670A (en) | 1991-10-24 | 1999-03-30 | Immersion Corporation | Method and apparatus for tactilely responsive user interface |
US5485316A (en) | 1991-10-25 | 1996-01-16 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Illumination optical system for endoscopes |
US5855560A (en) | 1991-11-08 | 1999-01-05 | Ep Technologies, Inc. | Catheter tip assembly |
US5271381A (en) | 1991-11-18 | 1993-12-21 | Vision Sciences, Inc. | Vertebrae for a bending section of an endoscope |
US5228356A (en) | 1991-11-25 | 1993-07-20 | Chuang Keh Shih K | Variable effort joystick |
US5469840A (en) | 1991-12-10 | 1995-11-28 | Olympus Optical, Ltd. | Electromotive warping type endoscope with velocity control |
WO1993013704A1 (en) | 1992-01-09 | 1993-07-22 | Endomedix Corporation | Bi-directional miniscope |
US5267956A (en) * | 1992-02-05 | 1993-12-07 | Alcon Surgical, Inc. | Surgical cassette |
US5892630A (en) | 1992-02-10 | 1999-04-06 | Linvatec Corporation | Disposable endoscope |
US5645075A (en) | 1992-02-18 | 1997-07-08 | Symbiosis Corporation | Jaw assembly for an endoscopic instrument |
US5658238A (en) | 1992-02-25 | 1997-08-19 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus capable of being switched to a mode in which a curvature operating lever is returned and to a mode in which the curvature operating lever is not returned |
JP2660994B2 (en) | 1992-03-02 | 1997-10-08 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
US5299559A (en) | 1992-03-13 | 1994-04-05 | Acuson Corporation | Endoscope with overload protective device |
DE4237286A1 (en) | 1992-04-06 | 1994-05-05 | Laser Medizin Zentrum Ggmbh Be | Method and device for increasing the efficiency of an optical work shaft for photo-thermotherapy |
JP3302074B2 (en) | 1992-04-23 | 2002-07-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope device |
JPH05307139A (en) | 1992-04-28 | 1993-11-19 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope objective |
US5619380A (en) | 1992-05-25 | 1997-04-08 | Olympus Optical Co. Ltd. | Objective optical system for endoscopes |
US5325845A (en) | 1992-06-08 | 1994-07-05 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Steerable sheath for use with selected removable optical catheter |
US5311858A (en) | 1992-06-15 | 1994-05-17 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Imaging tissue or stone removal basket |
US6449006B1 (en) | 1992-06-26 | 2002-09-10 | Apollo Camera, Llc | LED illumination system for endoscopic cameras |
US5482029A (en) | 1992-06-26 | 1996-01-09 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Variable flexibility endoscope system |
US5342299A (en) | 1992-07-06 | 1994-08-30 | Catheter Imaging Systems | Steerable catheter |
US5402768A (en) | 1992-09-01 | 1995-04-04 | Adair; Edwin L. | Endoscope with reusable core and disposable sheath with passageways |
US5347989A (en) | 1992-09-11 | 1994-09-20 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Control mechanism for steerable elongated probe having a sealed joystick |
EP0587514A1 (en) | 1992-09-11 | 1994-03-16 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Processor module for video inspection probe |
JP2790948B2 (en) | 1992-09-25 | 1998-08-27 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Signal processing circuit of electronic endoscope device |
US5495114A (en) | 1992-09-30 | 1996-02-27 | Adair; Edwin L. | Miniaturized electronic imaging chip |
US5412478A (en) | 1992-09-30 | 1995-05-02 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope system which changes over switches in interlocking relation to each other within video processor and image display apparatus to perform display of endoscope image |
JP3372273B2 (en) | 1992-10-01 | 2003-01-27 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope device |
US5685821A (en) * | 1992-10-19 | 1997-11-11 | Arthrotek | Method and apparatus for performing endoscopic surgical procedures |
WO1994009694A1 (en) | 1992-10-28 | 1994-05-11 | Arsenault, Dennis, J. | Electronic endoscope |
US5674182A (en) | 1993-02-26 | 1997-10-07 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope system including endoscope and protection cover |
JP3219521B2 (en) | 1993-03-01 | 2001-10-15 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Endoscope |
US5695450A (en) | 1993-03-05 | 1997-12-09 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Cover-type endoscope apparatus |
ATE225964T1 (en) | 1993-03-31 | 2002-10-15 | Luma Corp | INFORMATION MANAGEMENT IN AN ENDOSCOPY SYSTEM |
JPH0795982A (en) | 1993-04-19 | 1995-04-11 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Disposable medical device |
JPH06327628A (en) | 1993-05-20 | 1994-11-29 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Signal processing circuit of synchronous electronic endoscope equipment |
DE4320962C2 (en) | 1993-06-24 | 1997-04-17 | Osypka Peter | Catheter made of a flexible plastic tube |
US5447148A (en) | 1993-07-08 | 1995-09-05 | Vision Sciences, Inc. | Endoscopic contamination protection system to facilitate cleaning of endoscopes |
US5721566A (en) | 1995-01-18 | 1998-02-24 | Immersion Human Interface Corp. | Method and apparatus for providing damping force feedback |
US5731804A (en) | 1995-01-18 | 1998-03-24 | Immersion Human Interface Corp. | Method and apparatus for providing high bandwidth, low noise mechanical I/O for computer systems |
US5805140A (en) | 1993-07-16 | 1998-09-08 | Immersion Corporation | High bandwidth force feedback interface using voice coils and flexures |
US5739811A (en) | 1993-07-16 | 1998-04-14 | Immersion Human Interface Corporation | Method and apparatus for controlling human-computer interface systems providing force feedback |
US5701140A (en) | 1993-07-16 | 1997-12-23 | Immersion Human Interface Corp. | Method and apparatus for providing a cursor control interface with force feedback |
US6057828A (en) | 1993-07-16 | 2000-05-02 | Immersion Corporation | Method and apparatus for providing force sensations in virtual environments in accordance with host software |
US5724264A (en) | 1993-07-16 | 1998-03-03 | Immersion Human Interface Corp. | Method and apparatus for tracking the position and orientation of a stylus and for digitizing a 3-D object |
US5767839A (en) | 1995-01-18 | 1998-06-16 | Immersion Human Interface Corporation | Method and apparatus for providing passive force feedback to human-computer interface systems |
US6014630A (en) | 1993-08-26 | 2000-01-11 | Patient Education Services, Inc. | Customized system for providing procedure-specific patient education |
US5419772A (en) * | 1993-09-29 | 1995-05-30 | Teitz; Bernard R. | Surgical irrigation apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing wounds and surgical areas during surgery |
JP3236716B2 (en) | 1993-10-15 | 2001-12-10 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Shield structure of electronic endoscope device |
JP3271838B2 (en) | 1993-10-18 | 2002-04-08 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Image processing device for endoscope |
US5436640A (en) | 1993-10-29 | 1995-07-25 | Thrustmaster, Inc. | Video game and simulator joystick controller with geared potentiometer actuation |
US5868666A (en) | 1993-11-26 | 1999-02-09 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope apparatus using programmable integrated circuit to constitute internal structure thereof |
US5659334A (en) | 1993-12-15 | 1997-08-19 | Interlink Electronics, Inc. | Force-sensing pointing device |
US5789047A (en) | 1993-12-21 | 1998-08-04 | Japan Gore-Tex, Inc | Flexible, multilayered tube |
US5473235A (en) | 1993-12-21 | 1995-12-05 | Honeywell Inc. | Moment cell counterbalance for active hand controller |
JPH07191265A (en) | 1993-12-27 | 1995-07-28 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope optical system |
US5841126A (en) | 1994-01-28 | 1998-11-24 | California Institute Of Technology | CMOS active pixel sensor type imaging system on a chip |
US5464007A (en) | 1994-02-23 | 1995-11-07 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Fluid insensitive braking for an endoscope |
ATE207269T1 (en) | 1994-02-23 | 2001-11-15 | Smith & Nephew Inc | CAMERA HEAD WITH MEMORY |
JPH07299029A (en) | 1994-03-11 | 1995-11-14 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscopic device |
US5819736A (en) | 1994-03-24 | 1998-10-13 | Sightline Technologies Ltd. | Viewing method and apparatus particularly useful for viewing the interior of the large intestine |
US5590660A (en) | 1994-03-28 | 1997-01-07 | Xillix Technologies Corp. | Apparatus and method for imaging diseased tissue using integrated autofluorescence |
US5685823A (en) | 1994-03-30 | 1997-11-11 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | End structure of endoscope |
US5704896A (en) | 1994-04-27 | 1998-01-06 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Endoscope apparatus with lens for changing the incident angle of light for imaging |
US5591202A (en) | 1994-04-28 | 1997-01-07 | Symbiosis Corporation | Endoscopic instruments having low friction sheath |
US5605545A (en) * | 1994-05-05 | 1997-02-25 | Northgate Technologies Incorporated | Tubing system for delivering fluid to a surgical site |
US5496260A (en) | 1994-05-16 | 1996-03-05 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Torque override knob for endoscopes, borescopes, or guide tubes |
US5460490A (en) * | 1994-05-19 | 1995-10-24 | Linvatec Corporation | Multi-purpose irrigation/aspiration pump system |
JP3482238B2 (en) | 1994-05-27 | 2003-12-22 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope imaging device |
US5518502A (en) | 1994-06-08 | 1996-05-21 | The United States Surgical Corporation | Compositions, methods and apparatus for inhibiting fogging of endoscope lenses |
NL9401107A (en) | 1994-07-01 | 1996-02-01 | Cordis Europ | Controlled bendable catheter. |
JPH0819507A (en) | 1994-07-07 | 1996-01-23 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US5821920A (en) | 1994-07-14 | 1998-10-13 | Immersion Human Interface Corporation | Control input device for interfacing an elongated flexible object with a computer system |
US5708482A (en) | 1994-09-08 | 1998-01-13 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Image-signal clamping circuit for electronic endoscope |
US5647840A (en) | 1994-09-14 | 1997-07-15 | Circon Corporation | Endoscope having a distally heated distal lens |
US5829444A (en) | 1994-09-15 | 1998-11-03 | Visualization Technology, Inc. | Position tracking and imaging system for use in medical applications |
US5698866A (en) | 1994-09-19 | 1997-12-16 | Pdt Systems, Inc. | Uniform illuminator for phototherapy |
JPH08106043A (en) | 1994-10-05 | 1996-04-23 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Objective lens for endoscope |
US5873816A (en) | 1994-11-02 | 1999-02-23 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope having an insertional portion a part of which is a conductive armor |
US5695491A (en) | 1994-11-22 | 1997-12-09 | Washington Research Foundation | Endoscopic accessory and containment system |
US5836869A (en) | 1994-12-13 | 1998-11-17 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Image tracking endoscope system |
US5569159A (en) | 1994-12-16 | 1996-10-29 | Anderson; Keven C. | Endoscopic sleeve |
JP3331273B2 (en) | 1994-12-26 | 2002-10-07 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope |
US5762995A (en) | 1995-01-13 | 1998-06-09 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Flexible sheathing tube construction, and method for fabrication thereof |
US6690963B2 (en) | 1995-01-24 | 2004-02-10 | Biosense, Inc. | System for determining the location and orientation of an invasive medical instrument |
JP3070032B2 (en) | 1995-02-14 | 2000-07-24 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope hand operation structure |
US5702754A (en) | 1995-02-22 | 1997-12-30 | Meadox Medicals, Inc. | Method of providing a substrate with a hydrophilic coating and substrates, particularly medical devices, provided with such coatings |
JP3500219B2 (en) | 1995-03-03 | 2004-02-23 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
US5876326A (en) | 1995-03-10 | 1999-03-02 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope with grounded spirally-wound lead wires |
DE19510712C2 (en) | 1995-03-15 | 2001-03-29 | Dmv Medizintechnik Gmbh | Method and device for introducing a gas |
GB9506954D0 (en) | 1995-04-04 | 1995-05-24 | Street Graham S B | Method and apparatus for image enhancement |
JP3498426B2 (en) | 1995-05-16 | 2004-02-16 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope flexible tube |
US6080104A (en) | 1995-05-16 | 2000-06-27 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic endoscope system |
US5703724A (en) | 1995-05-16 | 1997-12-30 | Fuji Photo Film, Co., Ltd. | Objective lens system for endoscope |
US5830124A (en) | 1995-05-18 | 1998-11-03 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Guide structure for electronic endoscope systems |
US5691898A (en) | 1995-09-27 | 1997-11-25 | Immersion Human Interface Corp. | Safe and low cost computer peripherals with force feedback for consumer applications |
WO1996039917A1 (en) | 1995-06-07 | 1996-12-19 | Chilcoat Robert T | Articulated endospcope with specific advantages for laryngoscopy |
US5589854A (en) | 1995-06-22 | 1996-12-31 | Tsai; Ming-Chang | Touching feedback device |
US5812983A (en) | 1995-08-03 | 1998-09-22 | Kumagai; Yasuo | Computed medical file and chart system |
US5788714A (en) | 1995-08-14 | 1998-08-04 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Flexible tube for an endoscope |
US5785521A (en) * | 1995-08-31 | 1998-07-28 | Biolase Technology, Inc. | Fluid conditioning system |
US5724068A (en) | 1995-09-07 | 1998-03-03 | Microsoft Corporation | Joystick with uniform center return force |
US5959613A (en) | 1995-12-01 | 1999-09-28 | Immersion Corporation | Method and apparatus for shaping force signals for a force feedback device |
US5999168A (en) | 1995-09-27 | 1999-12-07 | Immersion Corporation | Haptic accelerator for force feedback computer peripherals |
US5810715A (en) | 1995-09-29 | 1998-09-22 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope provided with function of being locked to flexibility of insertion part which is set by flexibility modifying operation member |
US6283960B1 (en) | 1995-10-24 | 2001-09-04 | Oratec Interventions, Inc. | Apparatus for delivery of energy to a surgical site |
US6100874A (en) | 1995-11-17 | 2000-08-08 | Immersion Corporation | Force feedback mouse interface |
US5860953A (en) | 1995-11-21 | 1999-01-19 | Catheter Imaging Systems, Inc. | Steerable catheter having disposable module and sterilizable handle and method of connecting same |
US6007531A (en) | 1995-11-21 | 1999-12-28 | Catheter Imaging Systems, Inc. | Steerable catheter having disposable module and sterilizable handle and method of connecting same |
US6061004A (en) | 1995-11-26 | 2000-05-09 | Immersion Corporation | Providing force feedback using an interface device including an indexing function |
US6078308A (en) | 1995-12-13 | 2000-06-20 | Immersion Corporation | Graphical click surfaces for force feedback applications to provide user selection using cursor interaction with a trigger position within a boundary of a graphical object |
JP3627344B2 (en) | 1996-01-09 | 2005-03-09 | フジノン株式会社 | Fluid delivery device for body cavity inspection device |
EP0918485B1 (en) | 1996-01-11 | 2008-07-30 | Symbiosis Corporation | Flexible microsurgical instruments incorporating a sheath having tactile and visual position indicators |
EP0879268A1 (en) | 1996-02-09 | 1998-11-25 | Surface Solutions Laboratories, Inc. | Water-based hydrophilic coating compositions and articles prepared therefrom |
ES2241037T3 (en) | 1996-02-15 | 2005-10-16 | Biosense Webster, Inc. | PRECISE DETERMINATION OF THE POSITION OF ENDOSCOPES. |
US6453190B1 (en) | 1996-02-15 | 2002-09-17 | Biosense, Inc. | Medical probes with field transducers |
EP1481635B1 (en) | 1996-02-15 | 2007-11-07 | Biosense Webster, Inc. | Movable transmit and receive coils for a location system |
US5868664A (en) | 1996-02-23 | 1999-02-09 | Envision Medical Corporation | Electrically isolated sterilizable endoscopic video camera head |
US5933809A (en) | 1996-02-29 | 1999-08-03 | Medcom Solutions, Inc. | Computer software for processing medical billing record information |
US5704371A (en) | 1996-03-06 | 1998-01-06 | Shepard; Franziska | Medical history documentation system and method |
US6050718A (en) | 1996-03-28 | 2000-04-18 | Immersion Corporation | Method and apparatus for providing high bandwidth force feedback with improved actuator feel |
JP3315859B2 (en) | 1996-04-03 | 2002-08-19 | 旭光学工業株式会社 | Electronic endoscope |
US5843000A (en) | 1996-05-07 | 1998-12-01 | The General Hospital Corporation | Optical biopsy forceps and method of diagnosing tissue |
EP0904127B1 (en) | 1996-05-17 | 2005-02-23 | Biosense Webster, Inc. | Self-aligning catheter |
DE19721713C2 (en) | 1996-05-24 | 2003-08-07 | Pentax Corp | Electronic endoscope |
US6496099B2 (en) | 1996-06-24 | 2002-12-17 | Computer Motion, Inc. | General purpose distributed operating room control system |
US6911916B1 (en) | 1996-06-24 | 2005-06-28 | The Cleveland Clinic Foundation | Method and apparatus for accessing medical data over a network |
US5823948A (en) | 1996-07-08 | 1998-10-20 | Rlis, Inc. | Medical records, documentation, tracking and order entry system |
US5857963A (en) | 1996-07-17 | 1999-01-12 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Tab imager assembly for use in an endoscope |
US5830180A (en) * | 1996-07-17 | 1998-11-03 | Aquarius Medical Corporation | Fluid management system for arthroscopic surgery |
JP3708238B2 (en) | 1996-08-08 | 2005-10-19 | オリンパス株式会社 | Manufacturing method of gradient index optical element |
JP3688822B2 (en) | 1996-09-03 | 2005-08-31 | 株式会社東芝 | Electronic medical record system |
US5882293A (en) | 1996-09-05 | 1999-03-16 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Treatment accessories for endoscope |
US6078353A (en) | 1996-09-12 | 2000-06-20 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | All-pixels reading type electronic endoscope apparatus |
US6002425A (en) | 1996-09-12 | 1999-12-14 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | All pixels read type electronic endoscope system |
US6221070B1 (en) | 1996-10-18 | 2001-04-24 | Irvine Biomedical, Inc. | Steerable ablation catheter system having disposable shaft |
US5828197A (en) | 1996-10-25 | 1998-10-27 | Immersion Human Interface Corporation | Mechanical interface having multiple grounded actuators |
EP0873013A3 (en) | 1996-11-05 | 2001-01-03 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Decoding of real time video imaging |
US5876331A (en) | 1996-11-12 | 1999-03-02 | Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc. | Endoscope with improved flexible insertion tube |
US5941817A (en) | 1996-11-14 | 1999-08-24 | Vista Medical Technologies, Inc. | Endoscope wherein electrical components are electrically isolated from patient-engaging components |
JP3448169B2 (en) | 1996-11-14 | 2003-09-16 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | All-pixel readout electronic endoscope |
US6142956A (en) | 1996-11-25 | 2000-11-07 | Symbiosis Corporation | Proximal actuation handle for a biopsy forceps instrument having irrigation and aspiration capabilities |
US5897507A (en) | 1996-11-25 | 1999-04-27 | Symbiosis Corporation | Biopsy forceps instrument having irrigation and aspiration capabilities |
US6128006A (en) | 1998-03-26 | 2000-10-03 | Immersion Corporation | Force feedback mouse wheel and other control wheels |
JP3615890B2 (en) | 1996-12-04 | 2005-02-02 | フジノン株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
JP3532368B2 (en) | 1996-12-10 | 2004-05-31 | 富士写真フイルム株式会社 | Endoscope |
US5950168A (en) | 1996-12-18 | 1999-09-07 | Knowmed Systems | Collapsible flowsheet for displaying patient information in an electronic medical record |
US6007482A (en) | 1996-12-20 | 1999-12-28 | Madni; Asad M. | Endoscope with stretchable flexible sheath covering |
US5821466A (en) | 1996-12-23 | 1998-10-13 | Cable Design Technologies, Inc. | Multiple twisted pair data cable with geometrically concentric cable groups |
US6030360A (en) | 1996-12-30 | 2000-02-29 | Biggs; Robert C. | Steerable catheter |
US6146355A (en) | 1996-12-30 | 2000-11-14 | Myelotec, Inc. | Steerable catheter |
JPH10192220A (en) | 1997-01-14 | 1998-07-28 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US5876427A (en) | 1997-01-29 | 1999-03-02 | Light Sciences Limited Partnership | Compact flexible circuit configuration |
JP2815346B2 (en) | 1997-01-31 | 1998-10-27 | 株式会社亀田医療情報研究所 | Medical planning support system |
US5928136A (en) | 1997-02-13 | 1999-07-27 | Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. | Articulated vertebra for endoscopes and method to make it |
JP3853899B2 (en) | 1997-02-27 | 2006-12-06 | オリンパス株式会社 | Composite coaxial cable for electronic endoscope and electronic endoscope |
JPH10260348A (en) | 1997-03-19 | 1998-09-29 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Objective for endoscope |
US5876373A (en) | 1997-04-04 | 1999-03-02 | Eclipse Surgical Technologies, Inc. | Steerable catheter |
DE19714167B4 (en) * | 1997-04-07 | 2010-01-28 | Hahn, Rainer, Dr. | Device for supplying treatment medium in hard tissue and use of such |
US5873877A (en) | 1997-04-11 | 1999-02-23 | Vidamed, Inc. | Medical probe device with transparent distal extremity |
US5827186A (en) | 1997-04-11 | 1998-10-27 | Light Sciences Limited Partnership | Method and PDT probe for minimizing CT and MRI image artifacts |
US6020876A (en) | 1997-04-14 | 2000-02-01 | Immersion Corporation | Force feedback interface with selective disturbance filter |
DE19880445D2 (en) | 1997-04-16 | 2002-08-14 | Storz Karl Gmbh & Co Kg | Endoscopic system |
CA2289940A1 (en) | 1997-05-12 | 1998-11-19 | Mlk Software | The centralized collection of geographically distributed data |
WO1998058593A2 (en) | 1997-06-23 | 1998-12-30 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Image guided surgery system |
US5991729A (en) | 1997-06-28 | 1999-11-23 | Barry; James T. | Methods for generating patient-specific medical reports |
JPH1126423A (en) * | 1997-07-09 | 1999-01-29 | Sugai:Kk | Method and apparatus for processing semiconductor wafer and the like |
JPH1132986A (en) | 1997-07-16 | 1999-02-09 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope system |
DE19731894C1 (en) | 1997-07-24 | 1999-05-12 | Storz Karl Gmbh & Co | Endoscopic instrument for performing endoscopic interventions or examinations and endoscopic instruments containing such an endoscopic instrument |
US5956689A (en) | 1997-07-31 | 1999-09-21 | Accordant Health Services, Inc. | Systems, methods and computer program products for using event specificity to identify patients having a specified disease |
US6184922B1 (en) | 1997-07-31 | 2001-02-06 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscopic imaging system in which still image-specific or motion picture-specific expansion unit can be coupled to digital video output terminal in freely uncoupled manner |
CN100381853C (en) | 1997-08-01 | 2008-04-16 | 奥林巴斯株式会社 | Objective of endoscope |
US6059719A (en) | 1997-08-06 | 2000-05-09 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope system |
US6132369A (en) | 1997-08-21 | 2000-10-17 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Opening/closing and flow rate controller for an endoscope pipe |
US5956690A (en) | 1997-09-03 | 1999-09-21 | The Detroit Medical Center | Bundled billing accounting computer systems |
US6043839A (en) | 1997-10-06 | 2000-03-28 | Adair; Edwin L. | Reduced area imaging devices |
US5929901A (en) | 1997-10-06 | 1999-07-27 | Adair; Edwin L. | Reduced area imaging devices incorporated within surgical instruments |
US6211904B1 (en) | 1997-09-11 | 2001-04-03 | Edwin L. Adair | Surgical devices incorporating reduced area imaging devices |
US5980468A (en) | 1997-09-22 | 1999-11-09 | Zimmon Scientific Corporation | Apparatus and method for serial collection storage and processing of biopsy specimens |
JPH11112889A (en) | 1997-09-29 | 1999-04-23 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Signal transmission circuit for solid-state image pickup element |
US5986693A (en) | 1997-10-06 | 1999-11-16 | Adair; Edwin L. | Reduced area imaging devices incorporated within surgical instruments |
US6310642B1 (en) | 1997-11-24 | 2001-10-30 | Micro-Medical Devices, Inc. | Reduced area imaging devices incorporated within surgical instruments |
US5991730A (en) | 1997-10-08 | 1999-11-23 | Queue Corporation | Methods and systems for automated patient tracking and data acquisition |
US6095971A (en) | 1997-10-22 | 2000-08-01 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope fluid controller |
US6104382A (en) | 1997-10-31 | 2000-08-15 | Immersion Corporation | Force feedback transmission mechanisms |
US6020875A (en) | 1997-10-31 | 2000-02-01 | Immersion Corporation | High fidelity mechanical transmission system and interface device |
IL122111A (en) | 1997-11-04 | 2004-06-01 | Sightline Techn Ltd | Video rectoscope |
US5935085A (en) | 1997-11-24 | 1999-08-10 | Stephen W. Welsh | Method for prepping a patient for an endoscopic procedure |
US6982740B2 (en) | 1997-11-24 | 2006-01-03 | Micro-Medical Devices, Inc. | Reduced area imaging devices utilizing selected charge integration periods |
US5980454A (en) | 1997-12-01 | 1999-11-09 | Endonetics, Inc. | Endoscopic imaging system employing diffractive optical elements |
JP3370916B2 (en) | 1997-12-11 | 2003-01-27 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | An electronic endoscope device that displays a display without a scope |
US6032120A (en) | 1997-12-16 | 2000-02-29 | Acuson Corporation | Accessing stored ultrasound images and other digital medical images |
US6847933B1 (en) | 1997-12-31 | 2005-01-25 | Acuson Corporation | Ultrasound image and other medical image storage system |
US6489987B1 (en) | 1998-01-09 | 2002-12-03 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus |
DE19802572A1 (en) | 1998-01-23 | 1999-08-05 | Siemens Health Service Gmbh & | Medical system architecture |
US6216104B1 (en) | 1998-02-20 | 2001-04-10 | Philips Electronics North America Corporation | Computer-based patient record and message delivery system |
US7090683B2 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 2006-08-15 | Hansen Medical, Inc. | Flexible instrument |
US20020087048A1 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 2002-07-04 | Brock David L. | Flexible instrument |
US7169141B2 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 2007-01-30 | Hansen Medical, Inc. | Surgical instrument |
US20020095175A1 (en) | 1998-02-24 | 2002-07-18 | Brock David L. | Flexible instrument |
US6309347B1 (en) | 1998-03-17 | 2001-10-30 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Air and water supply system for endoscopes |
US6141037A (en) | 1998-03-18 | 2000-10-31 | Linvatec Corporation | Video camera system and related method |
JP3367415B2 (en) | 1998-03-18 | 2003-01-14 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Flexible tube for endoscope and method for manufacturing the same |
US6155988A (en) | 1998-03-26 | 2000-12-05 | Nivarox-Far S.A. | Device for taking samples, for example for a biopsy, and rack system fitted to such a device |
JP4175711B2 (en) | 1998-03-31 | 2008-11-05 | オリンパス株式会社 | Imaging device |
US6067077A (en) | 1998-04-10 | 2000-05-23 | Immersion Corporation | Position sensing for force feedback devices |
US6545703B1 (en) | 1998-06-26 | 2003-04-08 | Pentax Corporation | Electronic endoscope |
JP2000019427A (en) | 1998-07-06 | 2000-01-21 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Image-pickup device assembly unit for endoscope |
US6149607A (en) | 1998-08-04 | 2000-11-21 | Endonetics, Inc. | Multiple sample biopsy device |
US6139508A (en) | 1998-08-04 | 2000-10-31 | Endonetics, Inc. | Articulated medical device |
DE19836481C1 (en) | 1998-08-12 | 2000-03-30 | Storz Karl Gmbh & Co Kg | Handle for a medical instrument |
JP2000066115A (en) | 1998-08-21 | 2000-03-03 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Light source device for endoscope |
US6620189B1 (en) * | 2000-02-28 | 2003-09-16 | Radiant Medical, Inc. | Method and system for control of a patient's body temperature by way of a transluminally insertable heat exchange catheter |
US6488619B1 (en) | 1998-09-08 | 2002-12-03 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Distal endoscope part having light emitting source such as light emitting diodes as illuminating means |
US6478730B1 (en) | 1998-09-09 | 2002-11-12 | Visionscope, Inc. | Zoom laparoscope |
JP4223596B2 (en) | 1998-09-16 | 2009-02-12 | Hoya株式会社 | Electronic endoscope system |
US6929602B2 (en) * | 1998-09-28 | 2005-08-16 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Endoscope apparatus |
JP3669471B2 (en) | 1998-09-30 | 2005-07-06 | フジノン株式会社 | Video signal transmission device |
US6690410B1 (en) | 1999-06-09 | 2004-02-10 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Image processing unit with expandable image signal processing capability and endoscopic imaging system |
JP4014186B2 (en) | 1998-11-30 | 2007-11-28 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
US6234958B1 (en) * | 1998-11-30 | 2001-05-22 | Medical Access Systems, Llc | Medical device introduction system including medical introducer having a plurality of access ports and methods of performing medical procedures with same |
US6238335B1 (en) * | 1998-12-11 | 2001-05-29 | Enteric Medical Technologies, Inc. | Method for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease and apparatus for use therewith |
US6152877A (en) | 1998-12-16 | 2000-11-28 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Multimode video controller for ultrasound and X-ray video exchange system |
US6574629B1 (en) | 1998-12-23 | 2003-06-03 | Agfa Corporation | Picture archiving and communication system |
US6381029B1 (en) | 1998-12-23 | 2002-04-30 | Etrauma, Llc | Systems and methods for remote viewing of patient images |
US6083152A (en) | 1999-01-11 | 2000-07-04 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Endoscopic insertion tube |
US6597390B1 (en) | 1999-01-11 | 2003-07-22 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus |
JP4183819B2 (en) | 1999-01-26 | 2008-11-19 | オリンパス株式会社 | Medical image filing system |
US6346075B1 (en) | 1999-02-01 | 2002-02-12 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Air and water supply valve structure in endoscope |
JP3809026B2 (en) | 1999-02-02 | 2006-08-16 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Endoscope air supply safety device |
JP2000231062A (en) | 1999-02-09 | 2000-08-22 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscopic device |
JP2000236555A (en) | 1999-02-12 | 2000-08-29 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Electronic endoscope device |
US6602185B1 (en) | 1999-02-18 | 2003-08-05 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Remote surgery support system |
US6425858B1 (en) | 1999-03-19 | 2002-07-30 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope apparatus having magnification changing function |
US6715068B1 (en) | 1999-03-31 | 2004-03-30 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Multi-microcomputer system |
US6565554B1 (en) | 1999-04-07 | 2003-05-20 | Intuitive Surgical, Inc. | Friction compensation in a minimally invasive surgical apparatus |
JP3574590B2 (en) | 1999-04-14 | 2004-10-06 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Endoscope flexible tube |
JP3579615B2 (en) | 1999-05-07 | 2004-10-20 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope with variable magnification function |
US6902527B1 (en) | 1999-05-18 | 2005-06-07 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope system with charge multiplying imaging device and automatic gain control |
US6375635B1 (en) * | 1999-05-18 | 2002-04-23 | Hydrocision, Inc. | Fluid jet surgical instruments |
US6928490B1 (en) | 1999-05-20 | 2005-08-09 | St. Louis University | Networking infrastructure for an operating room |
DE19924361C2 (en) | 1999-05-27 | 2002-05-08 | Winter & Ibe Olympus | endoscope |
DE19924440A1 (en) | 1999-05-28 | 2000-12-07 | Storz Karl Gmbh & Co Kg | Shaft for a flexible endoscope |
JP3394742B2 (en) | 1999-05-31 | 2003-04-07 | オリンパス光学工業株式会社 | Data filing system for endoscope |
IL130486A (en) | 1999-06-15 | 2005-08-31 | Given Imaging Ltd | Optical system |
JP2001008199A (en) | 1999-06-24 | 2001-01-12 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Electronic endoscope device |
JP2001061861A (en) | 1999-06-28 | 2001-03-13 | Siemens Ag | System having image photographing means and medical work station |
DE19932022A1 (en) | 1999-07-09 | 2001-02-08 | Etm Endoskopische Technik Gmbh | Endoscopic device, especially for emergency intubation |
JP2001034631A (en) | 1999-07-22 | 2001-02-09 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Image file device and data base production method of the image file device |
JP3565099B2 (en) | 1999-08-02 | 2004-09-15 | 富士写真光機株式会社 | Endoscope fluid supply device |
US6785410B2 (en) | 1999-08-09 | 2004-08-31 | Wake Forest University Health Sciences | Image reporting method and system |
EP1077041B1 (en) | 1999-08-17 | 2010-11-10 | Fujinon Corporation | Mechanical- and electrical-mode changeable endoscope conduit controller |
JP2001061764A (en) | 1999-08-25 | 2001-03-13 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Endoscope device |
US6796939B1 (en) | 1999-08-26 | 2004-09-28 | Olympus Corporation | Electronic endoscope |
US6651669B1 (en) | 1999-09-07 | 2003-11-25 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Systems and methods to identify and disable re-used single use devices based on cataloging catheter usage |
JP2003508150A (en) | 1999-09-08 | 2003-03-04 | キューロン メディカル,インコーポレイテッド | Systems and methods for monitoring and controlling use of medical devices |
US6905462B1 (en) | 1999-09-08 | 2005-06-14 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope image pickup optical system |
US6697101B1 (en) | 1999-09-20 | 2004-02-24 | Pentax Corporation | Electronic endoscope |
DE19945228C1 (en) | 1999-09-21 | 2001-06-07 | Storz Karl Gmbh & Co Kg | Medical instrument |
JP2001095747A (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2001-04-10 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Electronic endoscope |
JP4317297B2 (en) | 1999-09-30 | 2009-08-19 | フジノン株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
US6780151B2 (en) | 1999-10-26 | 2004-08-24 | Acmi Corporation | Flexible ureteropyeloscope |
US6749560B1 (en) | 1999-10-26 | 2004-06-15 | Circon Corporation | Endoscope shaft with slotted tube |
US6611846B1 (en) | 1999-10-30 | 2003-08-26 | Medtamic Holdings | Method and system for medical patient data analysis |
JP4424795B2 (en) | 1999-11-04 | 2010-03-03 | Hoya株式会社 | End of the endoscope |
DE10055725B4 (en) | 1999-11-11 | 2007-12-27 | Pentax Corp. | Electronic endoscope system |
DE10056178B4 (en) | 1999-11-12 | 2008-04-17 | Pentax Corp. | Electronic endoscope system with multiple video processors |
US6677984B2 (en) | 1999-11-30 | 2004-01-13 | Pentax Corporation | Electronic endoscope system |
US6533722B2 (en) | 1999-12-03 | 2003-03-18 | Pentax Corporation | Electronic endoscope having reduced diameter |
JP3689294B2 (en) | 1999-12-13 | 2005-08-31 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Endoscopic flexible tube and method for manufacturing endoscope flexible tube |
DE19961027B4 (en) | 1999-12-16 | 2007-01-18 | Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. Kg | Medical instrument for treating tissue or bone cement in the human or animal body |
GB2357856B (en) | 1999-12-29 | 2001-12-19 | Keymed | Annular light source in borescopes and endoscopes |
JP3842941B2 (en) | 2000-01-14 | 2006-11-08 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Electronic endoscope |
DE10102433B4 (en) | 2000-01-21 | 2008-07-10 | Pentax Corp. | Flexible tube for an endoscope |
US6699179B2 (en) | 2000-01-27 | 2004-03-02 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Catheter introducer system for exploration of body cavities |
US7204821B1 (en) * | 2000-01-31 | 2007-04-17 | Ethicon, Inc. | Surgical fluid management system with suction control |
US6589162B2 (en) | 2000-02-21 | 2003-07-08 | Pentax Corporation | Endoscope system and video camera for endoscope |
US6398724B1 (en) | 2000-03-16 | 2002-06-04 | Medivision, Inc. | Focusable optical instrument with a sealed optical system having no internal optical moving parts |
JP3488170B2 (en) * | 2000-03-21 | 2004-01-19 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
US6800056B2 (en) | 2000-04-03 | 2004-10-05 | Neoguide Systems, Inc. | Endoscope with guiding apparatus |
US6468203B2 (en) | 2000-04-03 | 2002-10-22 | Neoguide Systems, Inc. | Steerable endoscope and improved method of insertion |
US6842196B1 (en) | 2000-04-04 | 2005-01-11 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Method and system for automatic correction of motion artifacts |
JP2001353124A (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2001-12-25 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Endoscopic apparatus |
IL135571A0 (en) | 2000-04-10 | 2001-05-20 | Doron Adler | Minimal invasive surgery imaging system |
US6673012B2 (en) | 2000-04-19 | 2004-01-06 | Pentax Corporation | Control device for an endoscope |
AU2001248487A1 (en) | 2000-04-21 | 2001-11-07 | Universite Pierre Et Marie Curie (Paris Vi) | Device for positioning, exploring and/or operating in particular in the field ofendoscopy and/or minimally invasive surgery |
EP1149555A3 (en) | 2000-04-24 | 2002-04-17 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Fluorescent endoscope apparatus |
US6582536B2 (en) | 2000-04-24 | 2003-06-24 | Biotran Corporation Inc. | Process for producing steerable sheath catheters |
US6860849B2 (en) | 2000-05-08 | 2005-03-01 | Pentax Corporation | Flexible tube for an endoscope |
US6663598B1 (en) | 2000-05-17 | 2003-12-16 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Fluid seal for endoscope |
US6468204B2 (en) | 2000-05-25 | 2002-10-22 | Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd. | Fluorescent endoscope apparatus |
US6829003B2 (en) | 2000-06-02 | 2004-12-07 | Pentax Corporation | Sampling pulse generator of electronic endoscope |
JP2002007134A (en) | 2000-06-26 | 2002-01-11 | Denso Corp | Program introduction system |
US6475141B2 (en) | 2000-06-29 | 2002-11-05 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope device using separated area photometry |
US6530882B1 (en) | 2000-06-30 | 2003-03-11 | Inner Vision Imaging, L.L.C. | Endoscope having microscopic and macroscopic magnification |
JP4574806B2 (en) | 2000-07-04 | 2010-11-04 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
JP4472130B2 (en) | 2000-07-14 | 2010-06-02 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope device |
JP3945133B2 (en) | 2000-08-02 | 2007-07-18 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope observation window cleaning device |
US6717092B2 (en) | 2000-08-11 | 2004-04-06 | Pentax Corporation | Method of manufacturing treatment instrument of endoscope |
JP2002065582A (en) | 2000-08-25 | 2002-03-05 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Electronic endoscope device |
US6540669B2 (en) | 2000-08-31 | 2003-04-01 | Pentax Corporation | Flexible tube for an endoscope and electronic endoscope equipped with the flexible tube |
JP3927764B2 (en) | 2000-09-01 | 2007-06-13 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Endoscope flexible tube |
JP3673157B2 (en) | 2000-09-05 | 2005-07-20 | オリンパス株式会社 | Electric angle type electronic endoscope device |
US6595913B2 (en) | 2000-09-07 | 2003-07-22 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Cable structure in electronic endoscope |
US6605035B2 (en) | 2000-09-07 | 2003-08-12 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope |
JP2002078674A (en) | 2000-09-08 | 2002-03-19 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Curved surface structure of endoscope |
JP3835146B2 (en) | 2000-09-13 | 2006-10-18 | フジノン株式会社 | Flexible tube and manufacturing method thereof |
JP3533163B2 (en) | 2000-09-18 | 2004-05-31 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Endoscope tip |
EP1365686A4 (en) | 2000-09-23 | 2009-12-02 | Ramin Shahidi | Endoscopic targeting method and system |
US6785414B1 (en) | 2000-09-28 | 2004-08-31 | Media Cybernetics, Inc. | System and method for establishing an aggregate degree of brightness for each primary color to create a composite color digital image |
JP3923718B2 (en) | 2000-10-02 | 2007-06-06 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
JP3600194B2 (en) | 2000-10-02 | 2004-12-08 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
US6663561B2 (en) | 2000-10-05 | 2003-12-16 | Pentax Corporation | Video endoscope system |
US7106479B2 (en) | 2000-10-10 | 2006-09-12 | Stryker Corporation | Systems and methods for enhancing the viewing of medical images |
EP1339330B1 (en) | 2000-12-06 | 2007-08-08 | Wilson-Cook Medical Inc. | Ligating band delivery apparatus |
US6716226B2 (en) | 2001-06-25 | 2004-04-06 | Inscope Development, Llc | Surgical clip |
JP2002185873A (en) | 2000-12-13 | 2002-06-28 | Asahi Optical Co Ltd | Video signal output device |
JP4786790B2 (en) | 2000-12-14 | 2011-10-05 | Hoya株式会社 | End of the endoscope |
JP3961765B2 (en) | 2000-12-28 | 2007-08-22 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Electronic endoscope system |
US6758806B2 (en) | 2001-01-12 | 2004-07-06 | Napoli, Llc | Endoscopic devices and method of use |
US6699181B2 (en) | 2001-01-19 | 2004-03-02 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Connector device for endoscope |
US6736773B2 (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2004-05-18 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Endoscopic vision system |
US6454162B1 (en) | 2001-01-25 | 2002-09-24 | David Teller | Process for controlling the misuse of disposable medical products |
US6975968B2 (en) | 2001-02-08 | 2005-12-13 | Olympus Corporation | Medical system control apparatus, and method for dealing with trouble with the medical system control apparatus |
US6871086B2 (en) | 2001-02-15 | 2005-03-22 | Robin Medical Inc. | Endoscopic examining apparatus particularly useful in MRI, a probe useful in such apparatus, and a method of making such probe |
US6986686B2 (en) | 2001-02-23 | 2006-01-17 | Olympus Corporation | Electrical plug for supplying electric power from a power supply to a medical instrument |
JP4005318B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2007-11-07 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Flexible endoscope device |
JP3958526B2 (en) | 2001-02-28 | 2007-08-15 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Observation site display system for electronic endoscope apparatus |
JP4643044B2 (en) | 2001-03-16 | 2011-03-02 | 富士フイルム株式会社 | Electronic endoscope apparatus having a zooming function |
JP4578708B2 (en) | 2001-03-26 | 2010-11-10 | オリンパス株式会社 | Biological tissue clip device |
JP3922890B2 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2007-05-30 | フジノン株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
DE10214174B4 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2008-08-28 | Fujinon Corp. | Curvature actuating device for an endoscope |
JP3962553B2 (en) | 2001-03-30 | 2007-08-22 | フジノン株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
JP2002306509A (en) | 2001-04-10 | 2002-10-22 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Remote operation supporting system |
US6669629B2 (en) | 2001-04-24 | 2003-12-30 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Endoscope system comprising an electrically bendable endoscope |
JP2003010101A (en) | 2001-04-27 | 2003-01-14 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Imaging method and device of endoscope system |
JP3720727B2 (en) | 2001-05-07 | 2005-11-30 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope shape detection device |
US6808491B2 (en) | 2001-05-21 | 2004-10-26 | Syntheon, Llc | Methods and apparatus for on-endoscope instruments having end effectors and combinations of on-endoscope and through-endoscope instruments |
US6846286B2 (en) | 2001-05-22 | 2005-01-25 | Pentax Corporation | Endoscope system |
JP2002345733A (en) | 2001-05-29 | 2002-12-03 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Imaging device |
JP4172922B2 (en) | 2001-05-30 | 2008-10-29 | Hoya株式会社 | Electronic endoscope system and usage recording method of electronic endoscope system |
JP2002357773A (en) | 2001-06-04 | 2002-12-13 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Optical component and endoscope and endoscopic optical system using the same |
JP4338337B2 (en) | 2001-06-15 | 2009-10-07 | Hoya株式会社 | Electronic endoscope apparatus for performing color adjustment processing and video scope of electronic endoscope apparatus |
JP2003000536A (en) | 2001-06-26 | 2003-01-07 | Pentax Corp | Electronic endoscope |
US6976954B2 (en) | 2001-06-29 | 2005-12-20 | Pentax Corporation | Endoscope system |
US6855109B2 (en) | 2001-07-18 | 2005-02-15 | Pentax Corporation | Portable endoscope |
US6614969B2 (en) | 2001-07-26 | 2003-09-02 | The Ludlow Company, Lp | High speed electronic remote medical imaging system and method |
US6745065B2 (en) | 2001-08-02 | 2004-06-01 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope apparatus |
US6916286B2 (en) | 2001-08-09 | 2005-07-12 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Endoscope with imaging probe |
US6764442B2 (en) * | 2001-08-10 | 2004-07-20 | Pentax Corporation | Liquid and gas supply apparatus and portable endoscope with the same |
JP3870049B2 (en) | 2001-08-17 | 2007-01-17 | Necトーキン株式会社 | Electromagnetic relay device |
US6749561B2 (en) | 2001-08-23 | 2004-06-15 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Autofocusing endoscopic system |
US6758807B2 (en) | 2001-08-27 | 2004-07-06 | Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd. | Electronic endoscope with power scaling function |
GB2369730B (en) | 2001-08-30 | 2002-11-13 | Integrated Syst Tech Ltd | Illumination control system |
US6728599B2 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2004-04-27 | Computer Motion, Inc. | Modularity system for computer assisted surgery |
US6692431B2 (en) | 2001-09-07 | 2004-02-17 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Endoscopic system with a solid-state light source |
US6764441B2 (en) | 2001-09-17 | 2004-07-20 | Case Western Reserve University | Peristaltically self-propelled endoscopic device |
JP3624288B2 (en) | 2001-09-17 | 2005-03-02 | 株式会社日立製作所 | Store management system |
JP2003098435A (en) | 2001-09-21 | 2003-04-03 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Zoom optical system |
JP2003107370A (en) | 2001-09-27 | 2003-04-09 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Manufacturing method of tip optical component of endoscope |
US6977670B2 (en) | 2001-09-28 | 2005-12-20 | Pentax Corporation | Method and apparatus for selective registration of endoscopes with database |
US6980227B2 (en) | 2001-10-01 | 2005-12-27 | Pentax Corporation | Electronic endoscope with light-amount adjustment apparatus |
US20030161105A1 (en) | 2001-10-04 | 2003-08-28 | Vijay Kataria | Thermal dissipation assembly for electronic components |
JP3869698B2 (en) | 2001-10-23 | 2007-01-17 | ペンタックス株式会社 | Electronic endoscope device |
JP2003188489A (en) | 2001-12-14 | 2003-07-04 | Pentax Corp | Substrate structure for electronic scope |
JP2003180628A (en) | 2001-12-14 | 2003-07-02 | Pentax Corp | Board structure of electronic scope |
US7520853B2 (en) | 2001-12-28 | 2009-04-21 | Karl Storz Imaging, Inc. | Updateable endoscopic video imaging system |
JP3791777B2 (en) | 2001-12-28 | 2006-06-28 | オリンパス株式会社 | Electronic endoscope |
US6960161B2 (en) | 2001-12-28 | 2005-11-01 | Karl Storz Imaging Inc. | Unified electrical and illumination cable for endoscopic video imaging system |
DE50208839D1 (en) | 2002-02-07 | 2007-01-11 | Storz Karl Gmbh & Co Kg | Spacer for lens system |
JP4197877B2 (en) | 2002-02-25 | 2008-12-17 | オリンパス株式会社 | Electric bending endoscope apparatus and calibration method |
DE10209124A1 (en) | 2002-03-01 | 2003-10-16 | Wolf Gmbh Richard | Suction valve for an endoscope |
DE10209986B4 (en) | 2002-03-07 | 2004-07-29 | Stm Medizintechnik Starnberg Gmbh | Endoscope shaft with a movable end section |
JP4026744B2 (en) | 2002-03-22 | 2007-12-26 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope suction valve |
US7137981B2 (en) | 2002-03-25 | 2006-11-21 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Endoscopic ablation system with a distally mounted image sensor |
US6774624B2 (en) | 2002-03-27 | 2004-08-10 | Ge Medical Systems Global Technology Company, Llc | Magnetic tracking system |
US6858014B2 (en) | 2002-04-05 | 2005-02-22 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Multiple biopsy device |
JP4131011B2 (en) | 2002-04-09 | 2008-08-13 | Hoya株式会社 | Endoscopic sputum treatment device |
US6711426B2 (en) | 2002-04-09 | 2004-03-23 | Spectros Corporation | Spectroscopy illuminator with improved delivery efficiency for high optical density and reduced thermal load |
US6830545B2 (en) | 2002-05-13 | 2004-12-14 | Everest Vit | Tube gripper integral with controller for endoscope of borescope |
JP2004029554A (en) | 2002-06-27 | 2004-01-29 | Olympus Corp | Image pickup lens unit and image pickup device |
JP2004088713A (en) | 2002-06-27 | 2004-03-18 | Olympus Corp | Image pickup lens unit and image pickup device |
US6824539B2 (en) | 2002-08-02 | 2004-11-30 | Storz Endoskop Produktions Gmbh | Touchscreen controlling medical equipment from multiple manufacturers |
US6863668B2 (en) | 2002-08-16 | 2005-03-08 | Edwards Lifesciences Corporation | Articulation mechanism for medical devices |
US6892090B2 (en) | 2002-08-19 | 2005-05-10 | Surgical Navigation Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for virtual endoscopy |
JP4169549B2 (en) | 2002-09-06 | 2008-10-22 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
WO2004025963A1 (en) | 2002-09-13 | 2004-03-25 | Karl Storz Imaging, Inc. | Video recording and image capture device |
JP4323150B2 (en) | 2002-09-30 | 2009-09-02 | オリンパス株式会社 | Electric bending endoscope |
JP4323149B2 (en) | 2002-09-30 | 2009-09-02 | オリンパス株式会社 | Electric bending endoscope |
JP4311994B2 (en) | 2002-09-30 | 2009-08-12 | オリンパス株式会社 | Electric bending endoscope |
JP4200731B2 (en) | 2002-10-23 | 2008-12-24 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope forceps plug |
EP1504712B1 (en) | 2002-10-29 | 2009-12-02 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope information processor and processing method |
US7195588B2 (en) | 2004-03-01 | 2007-03-27 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope image pick-up apparatus |
US6884392B2 (en) * | 2002-11-12 | 2005-04-26 | Minntech Corporation | Apparatus and method for steam reprocessing flexible endoscopes |
US6962564B2 (en) | 2002-12-02 | 2005-11-08 | Hickle Randall S | Systems and methods for providing gastrointestinal pain management |
US7538761B2 (en) | 2002-12-12 | 2009-05-26 | Olympus Corporation | Information processor |
JP4265909B2 (en) | 2002-12-25 | 2009-05-20 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
US6908427B2 (en) | 2002-12-30 | 2005-06-21 | PARÉ Surgical, Inc. | Flexible endoscope capsule |
JP2004251779A (en) | 2003-02-20 | 2004-09-09 | Fuji Photo Optical Co Ltd | Three-dimensional shape detector for long flexible member |
JP2004275360A (en) | 2003-03-14 | 2004-10-07 | Olympus Corp | Endoscope system |
JP4139920B2 (en) * | 2003-03-28 | 2008-08-27 | フジノン株式会社 | Endoscope pipe structure |
US20040199052A1 (en) | 2003-04-01 | 2004-10-07 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Endoscopic imaging system |
US6943946B2 (en) | 2003-05-01 | 2005-09-13 | Itt Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc. | Multiple aperture imaging system |
WO2004096008A2 (en) | 2003-05-01 | 2004-11-11 | Given Imaging Ltd. | Panoramic field of view imaging device |
JP4229754B2 (en) | 2003-05-15 | 2009-02-25 | オリンパス株式会社 | Objective lens and endoscope using the same |
US7090637B2 (en) | 2003-05-23 | 2006-08-15 | Novare Surgical Systems, Inc. | Articulating mechanism for remote manipulation of a surgical or diagnostic tool |
JP4245985B2 (en) | 2003-05-30 | 2009-04-02 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope objective lens |
JP4383107B2 (en) | 2003-07-04 | 2009-12-16 | オリンパス株式会社 | Objective optical system |
DE10334562B4 (en) * | 2003-07-29 | 2005-06-09 | Erbe Elektromedizin Gmbh | Surgical instrument |
WO2005023082A2 (en) | 2003-09-09 | 2005-03-17 | Image In Ltd. | Endoscope |
US6905057B2 (en) | 2003-09-29 | 2005-06-14 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Surgical stapling instrument incorporating a firing mechanism having a linked rack transmission |
AU2004281764B2 (en) | 2003-10-14 | 2011-04-07 | Neurologix Research, Inc. | Methods and compositions for the treatment of neurological disease |
JP2005160660A (en) | 2003-12-02 | 2005-06-23 | Olympus Corp | System and method for examination management |
US7413542B2 (en) * | 2004-01-29 | 2008-08-19 | Cannuflow, Inc. | Atraumatic arthroscopic instrument sheath |
JP4249064B2 (en) | 2004-03-10 | 2009-04-02 | オリンパス株式会社 | Endoscope |
US7708688B2 (en) | 2004-03-15 | 2010-05-04 | Paradigm Optics, Incorporated | Polymer endoscopic shaft |
JP2005268609A (en) | 2004-03-19 | 2005-09-29 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Multilayer lamination multi-pixel imaging element and television camera |
US7444004B2 (en) | 2004-03-29 | 2008-10-28 | Fujifilm Corporation | Image recognition system, image recognition method, and machine readable medium storing thereon an image recognition program |
US20050288545A1 (en) | 2004-03-31 | 2005-12-29 | Jun Matsumoto | Flexible tube for endoscope and method for manufacturing the same |
JP2005301434A (en) | 2004-04-07 | 2005-10-27 | Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd | Examination reservation method and system, and server used therefor |
DE102004018128A1 (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2005-11-03 | Olympus Winter & Ibe Gmbh | Endoscope with different heights |
US7231122B2 (en) | 2004-04-08 | 2007-06-12 | Omniguide, Inc. | Photonic crystal waveguides and systems using such waveguides |
JP4530759B2 (en) | 2004-04-09 | 2010-08-25 | オリンパス株式会社 | Method for manufacturing endoscope flexible tube |
US8517921B2 (en) | 2004-04-16 | 2013-08-27 | Gyrus Acmi, Inc. | Endoscopic instrument having reduced diameter flexible shaft |
US20050234507A1 (en) | 2004-04-16 | 2005-10-20 | Jeff Geske | Medical tool for access to internal tissue |
US7773110B2 (en) | 2004-04-16 | 2010-08-10 | Fujinon Corporation | Electronic endoscope apparatus |
JP3714360B1 (en) | 2004-05-10 | 2005-11-09 | コニカミノルタオプト株式会社 | Optical glass element and manufacturing method thereof |
JP4495512B2 (en) | 2004-05-11 | 2010-07-07 | パナソニック株式会社 | Solid-state imaging device |
US7160247B2 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2007-01-09 | Linvatec Corporation | Endoscope with large diameter distal end |
US7445603B2 (en) | 2004-05-12 | 2008-11-04 | Zkz Science Corp. | Apparatus for removable distal internal cassette for in situ fixation and specimen processing with serial collection and storage of biopsy specimens |
CN1984597A (en) | 2004-05-13 | 2007-06-20 | 斯特赖克Gi有限公司 | Disposable set for use with an endoscope |
BRPI0510986A (en) | 2004-05-13 | 2007-12-04 | Stryker Gi Ltd | method for cutting and sealing multiple light disposable tube |
US20050267417A1 (en) | 2004-05-25 | 2005-12-01 | Secrest Dean J | Irrigating biopsy inlet valve |
JP2005334257A (en) | 2004-05-26 | 2005-12-08 | Fuji Film Microdevices Co Ltd | Endoscope |
US7678117B2 (en) | 2004-06-07 | 2010-03-16 | Novare Surgical Systems, Inc. | Articulating mechanism with flex-hinged links |
DE102004027850A1 (en) | 2004-06-08 | 2006-01-05 | Henke-Sass Wolf Gmbh | Bendable section of an introducer tube of an endoscope and method for its manufacture |
JP2006006834A (en) | 2004-06-29 | 2006-01-12 | Pentax Corp | Electronic endoscope system |
US7276023B2 (en) * | 2004-08-25 | 2007-10-02 | Bht Hygienetechnik Gmbh | Device for checking endoscope channels |
US8062214B2 (en) * | 2004-08-27 | 2011-11-22 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Tissue resecting system |
US7276032B2 (en) * | 2004-09-29 | 2007-10-02 | Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc. | Biopsy apparatus and method |
US20060068360A1 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2006-03-30 | Scimed Life Systems, Inc. | Single use fluid reservoir for an endoscope |
US8083671B2 (en) | 2004-09-30 | 2011-12-27 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope |
US6981945B1 (en) | 2004-11-12 | 2006-01-03 | Artann Laboratories, Inc. | Colonoscope handgrip with force and torque monitor |
WO2006135934A2 (en) * | 2005-06-13 | 2006-12-21 | Smith & Nephew, Inc. | Surgical fluid management |
US20070043262A1 (en) * | 2005-08-18 | 2007-02-22 | Sightline Technologies Ltd. | Fluid supply for endoscope |
-
2005
- 2005-09-29 US US11/239,644 patent/US8083671B2/en active Active
- 2005-09-30 EP EP05802250A patent/EP1793726A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-09-30 WO PCT/US2005/035226 patent/WO2006039512A1/en active Application Filing
-
2011
- 2011-11-22 US US13/302,394 patent/US20120302836A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2016
- 2016-01-21 US US15/002,751 patent/US20160135669A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3138104A (en) * | 1962-11-23 | 1964-06-23 | Manostat Corp | Variable feed pump and related method |
US4998527A (en) * | 1989-07-27 | 1991-03-12 | Percutaneous Technologies Inc. | Endoscopic abdominal, urological, and gynecological tissue removing device |
US5273517A (en) * | 1991-07-09 | 1993-12-28 | Haemonetics Corporation | Blood processing method and apparatus with disposable cassette |
US5630795A (en) * | 1991-08-02 | 1997-05-20 | Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. | Cleaning tube apparatus for endoscope |
US6572590B1 (en) * | 2000-07-13 | 2003-06-03 | Merit Medical Systems, Inc. | Adjustable quick-release valve with toggle capability |
US20030043264A1 (en) * | 2001-09-03 | 2003-03-06 | Asahi Kogaku Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic endoscope system with liquid supply apparatus |
US6881188B2 (en) * | 2001-09-03 | 2005-04-19 | Pentax Corporation | Electronic endoscope system with liquid supply apparatus |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110295070A1 (en) * | 2010-05-26 | 2011-12-01 | Olympus Corporation | Endoscope apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1793726A1 (en) | 2007-06-13 |
US20060106285A1 (en) | 2006-05-18 |
WO2006039512A8 (en) | 2007-04-05 |
US8083671B2 (en) | 2011-12-27 |
US20160135669A1 (en) | 2016-05-19 |
WO2006039512A1 (en) | 2006-04-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8083671B2 (en) | Fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope | |
US7597662B2 (en) | Multi-fluid delivery system | |
US10362926B2 (en) | Low-cost instrument for endoscopically guided operative procedures | |
USRE46007E1 (en) | Automated control of irrigation and aspiration in a single-use endoscope | |
US8333690B2 (en) | Endoscopic fluid feed system | |
EP1804639B1 (en) | Manually controlled endoscope | |
US20070043262A1 (en) | Fluid supply for endoscope | |
WO2014065901A1 (en) | Low-cost instrument for endoscopically guided operative procedures | |
KR20070065302A (en) | Control system for supplying fluid medium to endoscope | |
US20170172389A1 (en) | Endoscopic treatment instrument, treatment instrument unit, and treatment system | |
JP7449970B2 (en) | Device for controlling fluid flow direction and method of operating the device | |
US11375885B2 (en) | Multi-jet controller for an endoscope | |
JP3806933B2 (en) | Endoscope device | |
US20240065531A1 (en) | Hand-held endoscopic system with a single-use cannula and a single-use access sheath | |
US20220296086A1 (en) | Multi-jet controller for an endoscope | |
JP4338423B2 (en) | Endoscope fluid delivery device | |
CN116211231A (en) | Disposable section of endoscope and endoscope |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |