U.S. patent application number 12/338322 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-16 for disposable endoscope.
Invention is credited to Darrell J. HARTWICK.
Application Number | 20090099417 12/338322 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34136250 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090099417 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HARTWICK; Darrell J. |
April 16, 2009 |
DISPOSABLE ENDOSCOPE
Abstract
This invention relates to an endoscope, particularly a
bronchoscope, incorporating one or more multifunctional component
made of a material that is multifunctional. The endoscopes of this
invention comprise at least one multifunctional component having
more than one function wherein the functions were previously
performed separately by individual components.
Inventors: |
HARTWICK; Darrell J.;
(Newton, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULBRIGHT & JAWORSKI, LLP
666 FIFTH AVE
NEW YORK
NY
10103-3198
US
|
Family ID: |
34136250 |
Appl. No.: |
12/338322 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10641065 |
Aug 15, 2003 |
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12338322 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/109 ;
600/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 2017/0023 20130101;
A61B 1/00103 20130101; A61B 90/37 20160201; A61B 1/0051 20130101;
A61B 1/0052 20130101; A61B 1/05 20130101; A61B 1/07 20130101; A61B
1/00071 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/109 ;
600/129 |
International
Class: |
A61B 1/05 20060101
A61B001/05; A61B 1/06 20060101 A61B001/06 |
Claims
1-71. (canceled)
72. An endoscope having a proximal portion and a distal portion,
said endoscope comprising: a tube having a distal end and a
proximal end and having an open lumen disposed from said distal end
to said proximal end, and said tube also having an outer shielding
layer, an inner compressive layer and a middle conductive layer; at
least one tensile member disposed within said compressive layer,
and said tensile member extending from said distal end to said
proximal end of said tube; an electronic chip positioned at the
distal end of said tube, and said electronic chip being
electrically connected to said conductive layer; and, a lens
positioned at the distal end of said tube and connected to the
electronic chip, wherein said inner compressive layer is a light
transmitting material, wherein the tube comprises a flex circuit
which comprises the outer shielding layer and said flex circuit
includes a current carrying component providing current to the
electronic chip, and further comprising at least one wire that is
attached to the electronic chip, and said wire is further disposed
to transmit current to said chip and also disposed to transmit
current to a light source within the endoscope; wherein said
electronic chip includes a video circuit, said video circuit being
disposed to produce an electronic video signal, and said electronic
chip further disposed within said endoscope to bear force as a
tensile maker; said outer shielding layer being disposed about said
endoscope to: (i) protect at least said middle conductive layer and
also said inner compressive layer from mechanical shock forces, and
(ii) provide EMI shielding; and, wherein said tensile member is
disposed to: (i) steer said distal portion of said endoscope to
point to different directions and transmit a video signal and (ii)
transmit electric current within said endoscope; and wherein
the-tensile member is made of at least one of copper, BeCu or
copper-coated steel.
73. The endoscope of claim 72, wherein the tensile member further
provides transmission of light.
74. The endoscope of claim 72, wherein said lumen is filled with a
compressive load bearing material.
75. The endoscope of claim 22, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
carrying component providing current to the electronic chip.
76. The endoscope of claim 75, wherein said lumen is filled with a
load bearing material.
77. An endoscope having a proximal portion and a distal portion
wherein said distal portion comprises (a), (b) and (c) wherein, (a)
is a tube having a distal end and a proximal end with an open lumen
wherein said tube has an outer shielding layer, an inner
compressive layer and a middle conductive layer, wherein one or
more tensile members are positioned within said compressive layer
and said tensile members extend from said distal end to said
proximal end of the tube, (b) is an electronic chip positioned at
the distal end of said tube wherein said electronic chip is
electronically connected to said conductive layer, and (c) is a
lens positioned at the distal end of said tube and connected to the
electronic chip, wherein said inner compressive layer is a light
transmitting material; and wherein the lumen is filled with a
compressive load bearing material.
78. The endoscope of claim 77, wherein the compressive load bearing
material is steel.
79. The endoscope of claim 77, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
carrying component providing current to the electronic chip.
80. An endoscope having a proximal portion and a distal portion
wherein said distal portion comprises (a), (b) and (c) wherein, (a)
is a tube having a distal end and a proximal end with an open lumen
wherein said tube has an outer shielding layer, an inner
compressive layer and a middle conductive layer, wherein one or
more tensile members are positioned within said compressive layer
and extend from said distal end to said proximal end of the tube,
(b) is an electronic chip positioned at the distal end of said tube
wherein said electronic chip is electronically connected to said
conductive layer, and (c) is a lens positioned at the distal end of
said tube and connected to the electronic chip, wherein said
electronic chip is connected to one or more multifunctional wires
wherein said one or more multifunctional wires transmit current to
said electronic chip and transmit current to a light within said
endoscope.
81. The endoscope of claim 80, wherein the multifunctional wires
are made of copper or aluminum.
82. The endoscope of claim 80, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
carrying component providing current to the electronic chip.
83. The endoscope of claim 80, wherein the lumen is filled or
partially filled with a compressive load bearing material.
84. The endoscope of claim 80, wherein the compressive load bearing
material which fills or partially fills the lumen is steel.
85. The endoscope of claim 83, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
carrying component providing current to the electronic chip.
86. The endoscope of claim 80, comprising a multifunctional
component wherein said multifunctional component is selected from
the group consisting of (d), (e) and (f) wherein: (d) is a
multifunctional video circuit wherein said video circuit (i)
transmits a video signal and serves as a tensile member, or (ii)
transmits a video signal and transmits current to the electronic
chip; (e) is the outer shielding layer wherein said outer shielding
layer is multifunctional providing (i) protection and a substrate
for a signal trace, or (ii) protection and EMI shielding, or (iii)
protection and transmission of light; and (f) is the tensile member
wherein said tensile member is multifunctional providing, (i)
steering and transmission of a video signal, or (ii) steering and
transmission of current to a light within said endoscope, or (iii)
steering and transmission of light.
87. The endoscope of claim 86, wherein the multifunctional video
circuit is made of copper or BeCu or copper-coated steel.
88. The endoscope of claim 86, wherein the multifunctional outer
shielding layer is a fluoropolymer.
89. The endoscope of claim 88, wherein the polymer is
polyimide.
90. The endoscope of claim 86, wherein the multifunctional tensile
member is made of polycarbonate, polymethylacrylic, or a composite
of a polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylic or polyvinylchloride
polymer and stainless steel mesh.
91. The endoscope of claim 86, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
carrying component providing current to the electronic chip.
92. The endoscope of claim 83, comprising a multifunctional
component selected from the group consisting of (d), (e) and (f)
wherein: (d) is a multifunctional video circuit wherein said video
circuit: (i) transmits a video signal and serves as a tensile
member, or (ii) transmits a video signal and transmits current to
the electronic chip; (e) is the outer shielding layer wherein said
outer shielding layer is multifunctional providing: (i) protection
and a substrate for a signal trace, (ii) protection and EMI
shielding or (iii) protection and transmission of light; and (f) is
the tensile member wherein said tensile member is multifunctional
providing: (i) steering and transmission of a video signal, or (ii)
steering and transmission of current to a light within said
endoscope, or (iii) steering and transmission of light.
93. The endoscope of claim 92, wherein the multifunctional video
circuit is copper, BeCu or copper-coated steel.
94. The endoscope of claim 92, wherein the multifunctional outer
shielding layer is a fluoropolymer.
95. The endoscope of claim 94, wherein the polymer is
polyimide.
96. The endoscope of claim 92, wherein the multifunctional tensile
member is made of polycarbonate, polymethy/acrylic, or a composite
of a PC, PMMA, or PVC polymer and stainless steel mesh.
97. The endoscope of claim 92, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
carrying component providing current to the electronic chip.
98. An endoscope having a proximal portion and a distal portion
wherein said distal portion comprises (a), (b) and (c) wherein, (a)
is a tube having a distal end and a proximal end with an open lumen
wherein said tube has an outer shielding layer and a conductive
layer, (b) is an electronic chip positioned at the distal end of
said tube wherein said electronic chip is electronically connected
to said conductive layer, and (c) is a lens positioned at the
distal end of said tube and connected to the electronic chip, and
wherein said lumen is filled with a compressive load bearing
material and wherein one or more tensile members are positioned
within said compressive load bearing material and extend from said
distal end to said proximal end of the tube.
99. The endoscope of claim 98, wherein the compressive load bearing
material is made of steel.
100. The endoscope of claim 98, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
carrying component providing current to the electronic chip.
101. The endoscope of claim 98, comprising a multifunctional
component selected from the group consisting of (d), (e) and (f)
wherein: (d) is a multifunctional video circuit wherein said
multifunctional video circuit (i) transmits a video signal and
serves as a tensile member or (ii) transmits a video signal and
transmits current to the electronic chip; (e) is the outer
shielding layer wherein said outer shielding layer is
multifunctional providing (i) protection and a substrate for a
signal trace, (ii) protection and EMI shielding or (iii) protection
and transmission of light; and (f) is the tensile member wherein
said tensile member is multifunctional providing (i) steering and
transmission of a video signal, (ii) steering and transmission of
current to a light within said endoscope, or (iii) steering and
transmission of light.
102. The endoscope of claim 101, wherein the multifunctional video
circuit is made of Copper, BeCu, or copper-coated steel.
103. The endoscope of claim 101, wherein the multifunctional outer
shielding layer is a fluoropolymer.
104. The endoscope of claim 103, wherein the polymer is
polyimide.
105. The endoscope of claim 101, wherein the multifunctional
tensile member is made of polycarbonate, polymethylacrylic, or a
composite of a PC, PMMA, or PVC polymer and stainless steel
mesh.
106. The endoscope of claim 101, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
carrying component providing current to the electronic chip.
107. An endoscope having a proximal end and a distal end wherein
said distal end comprises (a), (b), (c) and (d) wherein, (a) is a
tube having a distal end and a proximal end with an open lumen
wherein said tube has an outer shielding layer, an inner
compressive layer and a middle conductive layer, wherein one or
more tensile members are positioned within said compressive layer
and extend from said distal end to said proximal end of the tube,
(b) is an electronic chip positioned at the distal end of said tube
wherein said electronic chip is electronically connected to said
conductive layer, and (c) is a lens positioned at the distal end of
said tube and connected to the electronic chip, and (d) is a
multifunctional video circuit that transmits a video signal and
electronically connects said electronic chip to said conductive
layer.
108. The endoscope of claim 107, wherein the multifunctional video
circuit is made of Copper, Be Cu or copper-coated steel.
109. The endoscope of claim 107, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
carrying component providing circuit to the electronic chip.
110. The endoscope of claim 107, wherein the lumen is filled with a
compressive load bearing material.
111. The endoscope of claim 109, wherein the lumen is filled with a
compressive load bearing material.
112. The endoscope of claim 107, comprising a multifuctional
component selected from the group consisting of (e) and (f)
wherein: (e) is the outer shielding layer, wherein said outer
shielding layer is multifunctional providing (i) protection and
serves as a substrate for a signal trace, (ii) protection and EMI
shielding or (iii) protection and transmits light; and (f) is the
tensile member, wherein said tensile member provides (i) steering
and transmission of a video signal, (ii) steering and transmission
of current to a light within said endoscope, or (iii) steering and
transmission of light.
113. The endoscope of claim 112, wherein the multifunctional outer
shielding layer is made of a fluoropolymer.
114. The endoscope of claim 113, wherein the multifunctional outer
shielding layer is made of polyimide.
115. The endoscope of claim 112, wherein the multifunctional
tensile member is made of polycarbonate, polymethyl acrylic or a
composite of a PC, PMMA, or PVC polymer and a stainless steel
mesh.
116. The endoscope of claim 112, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
carrying component providing current to the electronic chip.
117. The endoscope of claim 112, wherein the lumen is filled with a
compressive load bearing material.
118. The endoscope of claim 116, wherein the lumen is filled with a
compressive load bearing material.
119. An endoscope having a proximal end and a distal end wherein
said distal end comprises (a), (b) and (c) wherein, (a) is a tube
having a distal end and a proximal end with an open lumen wherein
said tube has an outer shielding layer, an inner compressive layer
and a middle conductive layer, wherein one or more tensile members
are positioned within said compressive layer and extend from said
distal end to said proximal end of the tube, (b) is an electronic
chip positioned at the distal end of said tube wherein said
electronic chip is electronically connected to said conductive
layer, and (c) is a lens positioned at the distal end of said tube
and connected to the electronic chip, and wherein said outer
shielding layer is a multifunctional outer shielding layer
providing: (i) protection and a substrate for a signal trace, (ii)
protection and EMI shielding or (iii) protection and transmits
light.
120. The endoscope of claim 119, wherein the multifunctional outer
shielding layer is made of a fluoropolymer.
121. The endoscope of claim 120, wherein the multifunctional outer
shielding layer is made of polymide.
122. The endoscope of claim 119, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
carrying component providing current to the electronic chip.
123. The endoscope of claim 122, wherein the lumen is filled with a
compressive load bearing material.
124. The endoscope of claim 123, wherein the said tensile member is
a multifunctional tensile member providing (i) steering and
transmission of a video signal, (ii) steering and transmission of
current to a light within said endoscope, or (iii) steering and
transmission of light.
125. The endoscope of claim 119, wherein the lumen is filled with a
compressive load bearing material.
126. The endoscope of claim 119, wherein the said tensile member is
a multifunctional tensile member providing: (i) steering and
transmission of a video signal, (ii) steering and transmission of
current to a light within said endoscope, or (iii) steering and
transmission of light.
127. The endoscope of claim 124, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit which comprises the outer shielding layer and a current
component providing current to the electronic chip.
128. An endoscope having a proximal end and a distal end wherein
said distal end comprises (a), (b) and (c) wherein, (a) is a tube
having a distal end and a proximal end with an open lumen wherein
said tube has an outer shielding layer, an inner compressive layer
and a middle conductive layer, wherein one or more tensile member
is positioned within said compressive layer and extends from said
distal end to said proximal end of the tube, (b) is an electronic
chip positioned at the distal end of said tube wherein said
electronic chip is electronically connected to said conductive
layer, and (c) is an lens positioned at the distal end of said tube
and connected to the electronic chip, and wherein said tensile
member is a multifunctional tensile member providing: (i) steering
and transmission of a video signal; (ii) steering and transmission
of current to a light within said endoscope, or (iii) steering and
transmission of light.
129. The endoscope of claim 128, wherein said multifunctional
tensile members are made of polycarbonate, polymethyl acrylic, or a
composite of a PC, PMMA, or PVC polymer and a stainless steel
mesh.
130. The endoscope of claim 128, wherein the tube comprises a flex
circuit comprising the outer shielding layer.
131. The endoscope of claim 128, wherein the lumen is filled with a
compressive load bearing material.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an endoscope, particularly a video
bronchoscope, incorporating one or more multifunctional
components.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Generally endoscopes are instruments for visualizing the
interior of a human body and typically comprise a flexible or rigid
outer tube having a lens at the distal end of the tube. Positioned
within the tube are steering components and other components that
transmit a signal to and from the lens. One of the disadvantages of
currently available endoscopes is their expense, which is due in
part to the extensive hand labor involved in their construction by
the serial assembly of numerous small components. The cost of each
of the numerous components wherein each component has a single
function, also contributes to the expense of the endoscopes which
in turn effectively reduces the feasibility of discarding the
endoscope after a single use. Because the endoscopes are not
disposable, they must be made of a material that withstands
repeated cleanings and must be sealed so that unwanted materials
are not transferred from one patient to another. While reusable
endoscopes are currently available, they require frequent costly
repairs and are expensive to clean and maintain.
[0003] Another disadvantage of currently available endoscopes is
their relatively large size, which limits access to particular
areas in a patient and contributes to the physical discomfort
experienced by a patient during manipulation of the endoscope.
Although efforts to reduce endoscope size have been made, they have
met with limited success. Therefore it would be desirable to design
smaller endoscopes, which may also be produced inexpensively, so
that it would be economically feasible to have "disposable"
endoscopes, which could be used once and then discarded.
[0004] Efforts have been made to produce small endoscopes
economically. See for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,773,396 issued Sep.
27, 1988, U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,757 issued Nov. 19, 1996 and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,293,910 issued Sep. 25, 2001. In each of these patents
endoscopes are described that contain various components, each
having a single distinct function.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The endoscopes described herein are designed so that various
components are made of materials that are multifunctional and thus
reduces the number of components, consequently reducing overall
endoscope size. The use of such multifunctional materials also
results in a reduction in labor costs associated with endoscope
production and thus an overall reduction in cost of the finished
product. By reducing their cost, the endoscopes can be economically
produced making it feasible to discard the endoscope after a single
use.
[0006] This invention relates to an endoscope, particularly a
bronchoscope, incorporating one or more multifunctional components
made of a material which is multifunctional, such components are
referred to hereinafter as "multifunctional components." U.S. Pat.
No. 4,832,023 describes a catheter comprising an element composed
of a glass fiber core surrounded by a coiled wire sheath. The
sheath is spaced radially outwardly from the core by a series of
insulative annular spacers. The glass fiber core transmits a laser
signal and the wire sheath provides flexibility and mobility. This
catheter element differs from the multifunctional components in the
endoscopes of this invention in that the catheter element is
composed of multiple materials, i.e., the glass fiber core and
coiled wire sheath, each having its own function: In contrast, each
multifunctional components of this invention are made of a material
that serves more than one function.
[0007] The endoscopes of this invention comprise at least one
multifunctional component having more than one function wherein the
functions were previously performed separately by individual
components. Incorporating more than one function into a single
component allows for the construction of small endoscopes suitable
for small spaces e.g., insertion into smaller body lumens, and a
reduction in the discomfort a patient experiences while undergoing
an endoscopic procedure. In addition, because the number of
components is reduced, so is the labor involved in endoscope
construction and ultimately the cost of the finished product.
Furthermore, by reducing their cost, it is feasible to use the
endoscopes once and then discard them. By eliminating the need to
re-use the endoscope, one reduces the incidence of transferring an
undesirable material, e.g., infectious material, from one patient
to another. Furthermore, endoscopes that are used more than once
must be reprocessed prior to a second use. Thus they must be made
watertight to prevent leakage during repeated immersions in liquid
and also be made of a material that withstands repeated cleaning.
Thus an additional advantage of the disposable endoscopes of this
invention is that they do not need to be completely sealed and do
not need to be made of materials that are reprocessable, e.g.,
resistant to cleaning solutions and high heat.
[0008] In addition to being used for visualizing the interior of a
human body, the endoscopes of this invention may also be used to
deliver a substance through the lumen of the endoscope tube to a
subject in need thereof. For example, any suitable gas, liquid, gel
or powder, e.g., cyanoacrylate adhesive, may be administered
through the lumen. Preferably the substance is a pharmaceutically
acceptable substance. Therapeutic materials, e.g., an antibiotic, a
mycostatic material, or an antineoplastic material, could be
delivered to a subject in need thereof by using the endoscopes of
this invention Open lumens within the endoscopes may also be used
to facilitate the insertion of instruments into a patient.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1A depicts an endoscope with a proximal (10) and distal
(20) portion, a tube (30) with an open lumen (40) and an electronic
chip (70). FIG. 1B depicts a flattened flex circuit (160) with an
electronic chip (70) attached by wires (140) to the flex circuit
and signal processing components (150) attached to the flex
circuit.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross section of an endoscope depicting the
shielding (90), compressive (100) and conductive (110) layers and
an electronic chip (70).
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross section of an endoscope depicting the
proximal end (50) and the distal end (60) of the endoscope tube
(30), the shielding (90), compressive (100) and conductive (110)
layers, and a plurality of tensile members (120).
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-section of an endoscope depicting an open
lumen for inserting a therapeutic instrument or fluid (40), an
illuminations source (e.g., a light fiber or white LED) (170),
tensile members (120) and a CCD (70).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The endoscopes of this invention have a proximal portion
(10) and a distal portion (20), wherein the distal portion (20)
comprises a tube (30) having an open lumen (40) and wherein the
tube has a distal end (50) and a proximal end (60), an electronic
chip (70) and a lens (80) as shown in FIG. 1. The tube comprises an
outer shielding layer or sheath layer (90), an inner compressive
layer (100) and a middle conductive layer (110) as shown in FIG. 2.
The endoscope also comprises a plurality of tensile members (120)
which extend from the distal end (50) to proximal end (60) of the
tube (30) and may be positioned such that the tensile members (120)
are surrounded by the compressive layer (100) (see e.g., FIGS.
1-3). The endoscopes described herein differ from those previously
described by comprising components that have multiple functions,
e.g., two or more functions of light transmission, current
transmission, or load bearing properties. For example, one or more
of the layers of the endoscope tube may be made of a material that
also transmits light, e.g., any or all of the outer, middle or
inner layers may transmit light, in addition to providing shielding
(outer layer), signals/current (middle conductive layer), or load
bearing (inner compressive layer). Described herein are endoscopes
comprising various combinations of multifunctional components.
I. Endoscopes Having at Least Multifunctional Wires Transmitting
Power to More than One Element
[0014] The endoscopes of this invention may comprise wires that
transmit power to an electronic chip and to a light in the
endoscope. In particular, the endoscope has a proximal portion (10)
and a distal portion (20) wherein the distal portion (20) of the
endoscope comprises (a), (b) and (c) wherein,
[0015] (a) is a tube (30) having a distal end (50) and a proximal
end (60) with an open lumen (40) which may be filled partially or
completely with a compressive load bearing material wherein the
tube has an outer shielding layer, an inner compressive layer and a
middle conductive layer, wherein one or more tensile members are
positioned within the compressive layer and extend from the distal
end to the proximal end of the tube,
[0016] (b) is an electronic chip (70) positioned at the distal end
(50) of the tube wherein the electronic chip (70) is electronically
connected to the conductive layer, and
[0017] (c) is a lens positioned at the distal end (50) of the tube
and connected to the electronic chip (70), and
wherein the electronic chip (70) is connected to one or more wires
(140) wherein the one or more wires transmit current to the
electronic chip in addition to transmitting current to a light
within the endoscope. See, e.g., FIG. 4. The wires may be made of
e.g., copper, BeCu, or copper-coated steel, and be electronically
connected to the electronic chip and to the light in the
endoscope.
[0018] The endoscopes described herein with or without a lumen
filled with a compressive load bearing material may further
comprise a multifunctional component wherein the multifunctional
component may be one or more of (d), (e) or (f) wherein:
[0019] (d) is a video circuit wherein the video circuit [0020] (i)
transmits a video signal and serves as a tensile member; or [0021]
(ii) transmits a video signal and transmits current to the
electronic chip;
[0022] (e) is a outer shielding layer providing [0023] (i)
protection and a substrate for a signal trace; or [0024] (ii)
protection and EMI shielding; or [0025] (iii) protection and
transmission of light; and
[0026] (f) is a tensile member providing [0027] (i) steering and
transmission of a video signal; or [0028] (ii) steering and
transmission of current to a light within the endoscope; or [0029]
(iii) steering and transmission of light. II. Endoscopes Having
Tensile Members Embedded within Inner Layer of Compressive
Material
[0030] The endoscopes of this invention may have a proximal portion
(10) and a distal portion (20) wherein the distal portion (20)
comprises (a), (b) and (c) wherein,
[0031] (a) is a tube (30) having a distal end (50) and a proximal
end (60) with an open lumen (40), filled partially or completely
with a compressive load bearing material, wherein the tube (30) has
an outer shielding layer (90), and a middle conductive layer (110),
wherein one or more tensile members (120) are positioned within the
compressive layer and extend from the distal end to the proximal
end of the tube,
[0032] (b) is an electronic chip (70) positioned at the distal end
(50) of the tube (30) wherein the electronic chip (70) is
electronically connected to the conductive layer, and
[0033] (c) is a lens positioned at the distal end of the tube and
connected to the electronic chip; wherein this endoscope, having a
lumen filled partially or completely with a compressive load
bearing material, may comprise a multifunctional component which
may be one or more of (d), (e) or (f) wherein:
[0034] (d) is a video circuit wherein the video circuit [0035] (i)
transmits a video signal and serves as a tensile member or [0036]
(ii) transmits a video signal and transmits current to the
electronic chip;
[0037] (e) is an outer shielding layer providing [0038] (i)
protection and a substrate for a signal trace, [0039] (ii)
protection and EMI shielding or [0040] (iii) protection and
transmission of light; or
[0041] (f) is a tensile member providing [0042] (i) steering and
transmission of a video signal, [0043] (ii) steering and
transmission of current to a light within the endoscope, or [0044]
(iii) steering and transmission of light.
III. Endoscopes Having at Least an Inner Compressive Load Bearing
Light Transmitting Layer
[0045] The endoscopes of this invention may have a compressive
material that transmits light and fills or partially fills the
endoscope lumen. In particular, the endoscopes may have a proximal
portion (10) and a distal portion (20) wherein the distal portion
comprises (a), (b) and (c) wherein:
[0046] (a) is a tube (30) having a distal end (50) and a proximal
end (60) with an open lumen (40), filled partially or completely
with a compressive material. The tube may have an outer shielding
layer (90), an inner compressive layer and a middle conductive
layer (110), wherein one or more tensile members (120) extend from
the distal end to the proximal end of the tube may be positioned
within the compressive material within the lumen;
[0047] (b) is an electronic chip (70) positioned at the distal end
of the tube (30) wherein the electronic chip is electronically
connected to the conductive layer, and;
[0048] (c) is a lens (80) positioned at the distal end of the tube
and connected to the electronic chip, and
wherein the compressive material within the lumen is made of a
material that is both a compressive load bearing material and a
light transmitting material.
[0049] The compressive material may be any compressive material
that is capable of load bearing and capable of transmitting light,
preferably acrylic or polycarbonate. The endoscope may also
comprise at least one other component that is a multifunctional
component. The multifunctional component may be one or more of (d),
(e), (f) or (g), wherein e.g.:
[0050] (d) is one or mores wires (140) attached to the electronic
chip wherein the wires transmit current to the chip and transmit
current to a light source within the endoscope;
[0051] (e) is a video circuit wherein the video circuit [0052] (i)
transmits a video signal and selves as a tensile member or [0053]
(ii) transmits a video signal and transmits current to the
electronic chip;
[0054] (f) is an outer shielding layer providing, [0055] (i)
protection and a substrate for a signal trace, [0056] (ii)
protection and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding or
[0057] (iii) protection and transmission of light; or
[0058] (g) is a tensile member provides [0059] (i) steering and
transmission of a video signal, [0060] (ii) steering and
transmission of current to a light within the endoscope, or [0061]
(iii) steering and transmission of light.
IV. Endoscopes Having at Least a Multifunctional Video Circuit
[0062] The endoscopes of this invention may comprise a video
circuit. In particular, the endoscopes of this invention may have a
proximal portion (10) and a distal portion (20) wherein the distal
portion (20) of the endoscope comprises (a), (b), (c) and (d),
wherein
[0063] (a) is a tube (30) having a distal end (50) and a proximal
end (60) with an open lumen (40) wherein the tube has an outer
shielding layer (90), an inner compressive layer (100) and a middle
conductive layer (110), wherein one or more tensile members (120)
are positioned within the compressive layer and extend from the
distal end to the proximal end of the tube,
[0064] (b) is an electronic chip (70) positioned at the distal end
of the tube wherein the electronic chip is electronically connected
to the conductive layer,
[0065] (c) is a lens (80) positioned at the distal end of the tube
and connected to the electronic chip, and
[0066] (d) is a video circuit that transmits a video signal and
also electronically connects the electronic chip to the conductive
layer.
[0067] The endoscope may further comprise a multifunctional
component which may be one or more of (e) or (f):
[0068] (e) an outer shielding layer, wherein the outer shielding
layer provides [0069] (i) protection and selves as a substrate for
a signal trace, [0070] (ii) protection and EMI shielding or [0071]
(iii) protection and transmits light; and
[0072] (f) one or more tensile members, wherein the tensile member
provides [0073] (i) steering and transmission of a video signal,
[0074] (ii) steering and transmission of current to a light within
the endoscope, or [0075] (iii) steering and transmission of
light.
V. Endoscopes Having at Least a Multifunctional Outer Shielding
Layer
[0076] The endoscopes of this invention may comprise a
multifunctional outer shielding layer. In particular, the
endoscopes of this invention have a proximal portion (10) and a
distal portion (20) wherein the distal portion (20) of the
endoscope, comprises (a), (b) and (c) wherein,
[0077] (a) is a tube (30) having a distal end (50) and a proximal
end (60) with an open lumen (40) wherein the tube has an outer
shielding layer (90), an inner compressive layer (100) and a middle
conductive layer (110), wherein one or more tensile members (120)
are positioned within the compressive layer (100) and extend from
the distal end to the proximal end of the tube,
[0078] (b) is an electronic chip (70) positioned at the distal end
of the tube wherein the electronic chip is electronically connected
to the conductive layer, and
[0079] (c) is a lens (80) positioned at the distal end of the tube
and connected to the electronic chip, and
[0080] wherein the outer shielding layer (90) is a multifunctional
component providing: [0081] (i) protection and selves as a
substrate for a signal trace, [0082] (ii) protection and EMI
shielding or [0083] (iii) protection and transmission of light.
VI. Endoscopes Having at Least Multifunctional Tensile Members
[0084] The endoscopes of this invention may comprise
multifunctional tensile members. In particular, the endoscopes of
this invention having a proximal portion (10) and a distal portion
(20) wherein the distal portion comprises (a), (b) and (c)
wherein,
[0085] (a) is a tube (30) having a distal end (50) and a proximal
end (60) with an open lumen (40) wherein the tube has an outer
shielding layer (90), an inner compressive layer (100) and a middle
conductive layer (110), wherein one or more tensile members (120)
are positioned within the compressive layer and extend from the
distal end to the proximal end of the tube,
[0086] (b) is an electronic chip (70) positioned at the distal end
(50) of the tube wherein the electronic chip (70) is electronically
connected to the conductive layer (110), and
[0087] (c) is a lens (80) positioned at the distal end (50) of the
tube and connected to the electronic chip,
[0088] wherein the tensile member (120) is a multifunctional
component providing: [0089] (i) steering and transmission of a
video signal, or; [0090] (ii) steering and transmission of current
to a light within the endoscope, or [0091] (iii) steering and
transmission of light. Preferably the tensile member provides
steering and transmits current to a light source. The tensile
member may be made of copper, BeCu, or steel.
[0092] In endoscopes of this invention comprising multifunctional
wires, the multifunctional wires may attach the electronic chip to
the conductive layer and may be attached to a light source within
the endoscope providing current to both the electronic chip and the
light source. Such multifunctional wires may be composed of copper
or aluminum.
[0093] In endoscopes of this invention comprising, multifunctional
video circuits, the multifunctional video circuit may be made of
e.g., copper, BeCu or copper-coated steel, and also serves as a
tensile member directing the movement of the endoscope.
[0094] In the endoscopes of this invention comprising a
multifunctional outer shielding layer, the multifunctional outer
shielding layer may protect the internal components of the
endoscope from physical trauma, as well as protect the subject from
contacting the internal components, and may also serve as a pathway
for a signal or return signal. The multifunctional outer shielding
may be made of a material that provides protection from physical
trauma and provide EMI. Such materials may be any current carrying
metal, e.g., copper or aluminum. Preferably the outer shielding
layer is a tubular flex circuit which comprises the endoscope
components on its inner surface (see FIG. 1B.)
[0095] The multifunctional tensile members may be made of a
material suitable for providing both steering and transmission of a
video signal. Such materials include, e.g., copper, BeCu or
copper-coated steel. Preferably, the tensile members may be
connected to the electronic chip and transmit current to the
chip.
[0096] Preferably, the multifunctional components are tensile
members made of a material suitable for providing both steering and
transmission of current to a light within the endoscope. Such
materials include, e.g., copper, BeCu, or copper-coated steel. The
tensile member may be connected to the light and a current
source.
[0097] The multifunctional components may be tensile members made
of a material suitable for providing both steering and transmission
of light. Such material includes, e.g., polycarbonate,
polymethylmethacrylic, or a composite of a polymer for example,
polycarbonate, polymethyl, methacrylic, polyvinylchloride and a
stainless steel mesh. The light transmitting material may be
surrounded by any material that is used conventionally for tensile
members, for example stainless steel.
[0098] The compressive load bearing material which partially or
completely fills the lumen of the endoscope of this invention is
preferably stainless steel and may be in addition to the
compressive layer and may be made of the same material as the
compressive layer. The lumen may be filled with a load bearing
compressive layer, which eliminates the need for an inner
compressive layer forming part of the tube.
[0099] The outer shielding layer (90) of the endoscope tube may be
a polymer for example polyamide or any fluoropolymer such as PTFP,
TFE, e.g. polyamide. The middle conductive layer (110) may be a
polymer fill, e.g., glass, metal or ceramic fibers and may be
co-extruded e.g., as a metal or plastic braid. Glass or ceramic
elements would need to be "metal coated glass" or "metal coated
ceramic" to make them conductive Carbon fibers may also be
sufficiently conductive. The inner compressive layer (100) may be a
lubricious and/or scratch resistant material, e.g., PTFE and its
variants, ETFE, TFE, etc.
[0100] The endoscope tube (30) may be constructed using flex
circuit technology to combine the outer shielding layer and a
current carrying component of the endoscope. A flat flex circuit
may be rolled up into a tube and sealed, e.g., by seam welding or
by interconnecting mechanical tabs. The current carrying components
may be positioned within the flex circuit or along the inner
surface of the tubular flex circuit and be connected to a power
source, an electronic chip and/or a light source.
[0101] The lens (80) may be the final optical component in the
endoscope tube (30), as viewed distal to proximal (or in direction
of light travel; opposite the scope user's perspective). The lens
(80) may cover the electronic imaging chip (70), preferably either
a CCD (charge coupled device) or a CMOS based chip, which is less
costly, Connected to and behind the electronic chip are wires (140)
leading away from the chip. Preferably, signal processing
components (150) are positioned alongside or immediately behind the
chip (70) (FIG. 1), for signal conditioning purposes, e.g.,
protecting a transmitted signal from various noise sources and
interference. The signal processing component may be an amplifier
circuit. In the endoscope of this invention, one or more of these
components, e.g., the current carrying component, may be formed
onto the distal end (50) of the endoscope, or dispersed along the
inner radius of the tube, e.g. the inner radius of a coiled
up/rolled up flex circuit (160) (FIG. 1). A advantage of forming
the components onto the distal tip of the endoscope or dispersing
the components along the inner radius of the tube formed from a
flex circuit, is the avoidance of noise. Furthermore, this
arrangement of the components provides an assembly advantage,
allowing for automated equipment to add the components to the
endoscope tube. This avoids traditional hand assembly, which
typically increases the cost of current endoscopes. The electronic
components can be miniaturized and attached to a flex circuit
before it is rolled up, either manually or by automated
equipment.
[0102] A large amount of white light is essential for proper
functioning of CCD and other electronic imaging components. This is
traditionally provided by a separate light transmission component
typically made of bundles of drawn glass, with the individual
fibers about 0.001 inches to about 0.002 inches in diameter. The
transmission of light may be accomplished by constructing
components, which previously did not transmit light through the
endoscope, of a light transmitting material. For example, one or
more of the outer shielding layer (90), middle compressive layer
(100) or inner conductive layer (110) of the tube (30) may be made
of a light transmitting material to transmit white light through
the tube and from one end of the tube to the other. The tensile
members (120) may also be made of a light transmitting material and
thus not only steer the endoscope but also provide light. Such
light transmitting materials include e.g., acrylic, or
polycarbonate.
[0103] Current endoscopes may be steered by means of tensile
members, which are usually wires extending from the distal to the
proximal portion of the endoscope. These wires are usually braided
wire rope to increase flexibility. The wires are usually disposed
in opposing pairs--pulling on one causes that side of the scope to
decrease in length at the distal tip, pulling/steering the device
toward that side. Pulling the other wire causes the device to first
straighten and then deflect in the opposite direction. Plastic and
alternate materials have found little application as control wires
or cables because their modulus of elasticity is one or two orders
of magnitude less than metals. In the endoscopes of this invention,
the mechanical tensile members (120) may be constructed of a
material that also serves to carry current. The tensile members
(120) may carry current instead of, or in addition to, traces
(formed, e.g., by photolithography or other means) on the flex
circuit. Materials suitable for current carrying tensile members
includes, e.g., copper, BeCu or copper-coated steel. The tensile
members may carry current and they may be coated with an extruded
or shrink wrap polymer that is common to the wire rope industry,
e.g., PTFE, ETFE or nylon.
[0104] The tensile members in the endoscopes of this invention may
be surrounded by a compression component, e.g., an extension spring
(a spring with the coils touching one another) which balances the
tensile steering. The compressive load may be shared by one or more
of the other endoscope components resulting in compressive layers
within the endoscope tube. A material that is suitable for bearing
a compressive load is any high modulus material 10,000,000 to
50,000,000 psi, e.g., steel, copper, BeCu, aluminum or tungsten The
compressive load bearing material may be coaxial with the tensile
members.
[0105] The endoscope tube may also comprise an "objective head" or
distal tip component, which holds all of the components discussed
supra, e.g., tensile members (120), a component that transmits
light, a chip (70) and tens (30) in proper alignment. The objective
head may also serve as a lens barrel for the imaging elements,
e.g., the chip, the wires, the lens and the component that
transmits light, or as a stiff anchoring point for the deflection
wires/tensile members (120). This objective head may or may not use
a machined component.
[0106] The endoscopes of this invention comprise a proximal portion
and a distal portion wherein the distal portion comprises a tube
having an open lumen and wherein the tube has a distal end and a
proximal end, an electronic chip and a lens, Described herein are
additional components that have multiple functions, herein referred
to as "multifunctional components," and it is envisaged that the
endoscopes of this invention may comprise any combination of the
multifunctional components described herein.
* * * * *