METHOD FOR DETERMINING A POSITION OF AN INSTRUMENT WITHIN A BODY CAVITY
A method for determining the depth, direction, and/or angle of an instrument inserted into a cavity in which a user compares the light output of a light source assembly at a distal end of the instrument with known light outputs for that light source assembly. The instrument may include a plurality of light source assemblies having light outputs of different colors and intensities. The instrument may be an introducer that enables a port, e.g., a foam port, to be accurately positioned within an incision.
1 . A method for determining a position of an instrument within a body cavity, comprising the steps of:
inserting an instrument into a body cavity, the instrument including at least one light source at a distal end thereof;
repositioning the instrument;
observing an output of the at least one light source; and
determining a position of the instrument by comparing the observed output of the at least one light source to a known output of the at least one light source.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one light source emits light at a constant rate of output.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one light source includes a plurality of light sources each emitting light of a different color or intensity.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the instrument is an access device.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein a template is provided having the known light outputs at given positions within a body cavity.
6 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the instrument further comprises a light sensor.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the instrument is an introducer device.
8 . The method of claim 7 , further comprising the step of:
prior to the inserting step, mounting a port to the introducer such that the introducer and the port are inserted into the body cavity together.
9 . The method of claim 8 , wherein the port is a foam port.
10 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of:
after the determining step, removing the introducer from the body cavity while maintaining the port within the body cavity.