Integrated multi-functional endoscopic tool
View Patent ↗A system for extending the visual capabilities and working channel of a bronchoscope including a probe having optic and/or tracking capabilities at a distal tip thereof and capable of being advanced through the working channel of a standard bronchoscope. The probe also includes a working channel through which various diagnostic and treatment tools may be advanced.
1. A probe for use through a working channel of a bronchoscope comprising:
a location sensor permanently disposed in a distal end of said probe, said location sensor usable in combination with a location system for determining a location and orientation of said probe distal end;
an open working channel extending axially through said probe;
an optical assembly, usable to communicate visual imagery data to a monitor of an optical scope system, said optical assembly including:
a sealed optic window permanently disposed at a distal end of said probe;
a floor parallel to and spaced apart from said optic window, said location sensor located proximal of said floor;
an internal sidewall surrounding said floor and extending to said sealed optic window, said sealed optic window, floor, and internal sidewall together defining a cavity therebetween;
a plurality of light fibers extending through the probe and terminating at the floor, the plurality of light fibers configured to illuminate the cavity; and
an objective lens extending from said floor to said optic window; and
a steering mechanism capable of deflecting said distal end of said probe.
2. The probe of claim 1 wherein said location sensor comprises an active sensor.
3. The probe of claim 2 wherein said active sensor comprises a magnetic field generator.
4. The probe of claim 1 wherein said location sensor comprises a passive sensor.
5. The probe of claim 4 wherein said passive sensor comprises at least one coil responsive to a magnetic field.
6. The probe of claim 1 wherein said location sensor comprises a 6 degree of freedom sensor.
7. The probe of claim 1 wherein said optical assembly further comprises at least one light source.
8. The probe of claim 1 wherein said optical assembly comprises an optical assembly that operates within the visible spectrum.
9. The probe of claim 1 wherein said optical assembly comprises an infrared optical system.
10. The probe of claim 1 wherein said optic window is flush with a distal end of said probe.
11. The probe of claim 1 wherein said optic window is convex and said objective lens protrudes from a distal end of said probe.
12. The probe of claim 1 wherein said objective lens comprises a CMOS lens.
13. The probe of claim 1 wherein said objective lens comprises a fiberscope.
14. The probe of claim 1 wherein said objective lens comprises a microvideo lens.
15. The probe of claim 1 wherein said objective lens comprises a hybrid between a fiberscope and a video lens.
16. The probe of claim 1 wherein said probe has an outside diameter of less than 2.65 mm.
17. The probe of claim 1 wherein said optical assembly comprises a plurality of light sources.
18. The probe of claim 1 wherein said internal sidewall includes a reflective material.
19. The probe of claim 1 further comprising an optic cleaning system.
20. The probe of claim 19 wherein said optic cleaning system comprises a nozzle directed toward said optical assembly.
21. The probe of claim 20 wherein said optic cleaning system comprises a reservoir located near a proximal end of said probe, in fluid communication with said nozzle.
22. The probe of claim 1 further comprising a tool, extendable from said distal end.
23. The probe of claim 22 wherein said tool extends through said working channel.
24. The probe of claim 22 wherein said tool comprises a needle.
25. The probe of claim 22 wherein said tool comprises a marker delivery needle.
26. The probe of claim 22 wherein said tool comprises a biopsy device.
27. The probe of claim 22 wherein said tool comprises a brachytherapy seed delivery device.
28. The probe of claim 1 wherein said steering mechanism comprises at least one steering wire attached to said probe end.
29. The probe of claim 1 wherein said steering mechanism comprises a passive curve preformed at the distal end of said probe.
30. The probe of claim 1 , wherein said location sensor is located adjacent said floor.
31. The probe of claim 1 , wherein said plurality of light fibers extend around said location sensor.