Integrated Multi-Functional Endoscopic Tool
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 catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, said body having an outside diameter of less than 2.65 mm such that it may pass through a working channel of a bronchoscope;
a tool lumen extending through said catheter body;
an optical assembly, usable to communicate visual imagery data to a monitor of an optical scope system;
a tool passable through said tool lumen and extendable from the distal end of the catheter body.
2 . The probe of claim 1 further comprising a location sensor in said catheter body distal end, said location sensor usable in combination with a location system for determining a location and orientation of said probe distal end.
3 . The probe of claim 1 wherein said location sensor comprises an active sensor.
4 . The probe of claim 1 wherein said location sensor comprises a passive sensor.
5 . The probe of claim 3 wherein said active sensor comprises a magnetic field generator.
6 . The probe of claim 4 wherein said passive sensor comprises at least one coil responsive to a magnetic field.
7 . The probe of claim 1 wherein said location sensor comprises a 6 degree of freedom sensor.
8 . The probe of claim 1 wherein said optical assembly comprises an objective lens.
9 . The probe of claim 8 wherein said optical assembly further comprises at least one light source.
10 . The probe of claim 8 wherein said optical assembly further comprises a sealed optic window.
11 . The probe of claim 1 wherein said optical assembly comprises an optical assembly that operates within the visible spectrum.
12 . The probe of claim 1 wherein said optical assembly comprises an infrared optical system.
13 . The probe of claim 10 wherein said optic window is flush with a distal end of said probe.
14 . The probe of claim 10 wherein said optic window is convex and said objective lens protrudes from a distal end of said probe.
15 . The probe of claim 8 wherein said objective lens comprises a CMOS lens.
16 . The probe of claim 8 wherein said objective lens comprises a fiberscope.
17 . The probe of claim 8 wherein said objective lens comprises a microvideo lens.
18 . The probe of claim 8 wherein said objective lens comprises a hybrid between a fiberscope and a video lens.
19 . The probe of claim 1 wherein said optical assembly comprises a plurality of light sources.
20 . The probe of claim 19 wherein said plurality of light sources comprises a plurality of light fibers.
21 . The probe of claim 20 wherein said light fibers terminate at a floor of said optical assembly.
22 . The probe of claim 1 wherein said optical assembly comprises an optical window and a floor spaced apart from said optical window.
23 . The probe of claim 22 wherein said optical assembly further comprises walls extending between said floor and said optical window.
24 . The probe of claim 23 wherein said walls comprise reflective material.
25 . The probe of claim 1 further comprising an optic cleaning system.
26 . The probe of claim 25 wherein said optic cleaning system comprises a nozzle directed toward said optical assembly.
27 . The probe of claim 26 wherein said optic cleaning system comprises a reservoir located near a proximal end of said probe, in fluid communication with said nozzle.
28 . The probe of claim 1 further comprising a tool, extendable from said distal end.