MINIATURE ENDOSCOPE SYSTEM
The present invention relates to a small diameter imaging probe or endoscope, a solid state imaging device, and a light transmitting path that collects light at a distal end of the probe and directs the light along the length of the probe to the imaging device. The invention also relates to a small diameter endoscope having a light transmitting path with a light absorbing layer and a super clad layer defining the image aperture. The invention relates to a small diameter endoscope system for imaging of objects or tissue within a body. An image relay is used to couple image light between optical elements of the probe such that an image is detected by an imaging sensor at a proximal end of the device.
1 . A disposal sheath for endoscopic imaging comprising:
a sheath assembly for diagnostic imaging, the sheath assembly including an imaging channel having a diameter in a range of 0.6 mm to 1.6 mm, the sheath assembly further having a diameter less than 2 mm;
a fiber optic illumination channel within the sheath assembly that is concentric about the imaging channel, the sheath assembly including a mounting hub attachable to an endoscope handle, the illumination channel having a thickness in a range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm; and
a sterile barrier attached to the mounting hub that can be extended over an endoscope handle.
2 . The disposable sheath of claim 1 wherein the imaging channel further comprises a proximal lens.
3 . The disposable sheath of claim 1 wherein the imaging channel comprises a cavity.
4 . The disposable sheath of claim 1 wherein the imaging channel comprises a glass rod.
5 . The disposable sheath of claim 1 wherein the illumination channel further comprises a coating.
6 . The disposable sheath of claim 3 further comprising a light absorbing layer around the cavity.
7 . The disposable sheath of claim 1 wherein the illumination channel is coupled to a light source with a fiber optic connector.
8 . The disposable sheath of claim 7 further comprising an endoscope handle having an imaging device for arthroscopic examination.
9 . The disposable sheath of claim 1 wherein the sheath assembly further comprises a cannula.
10 . An endoscope comprising the disposable sheath of claim 1 and further including an endoscope handle, and imaging device within the handle that an image from the imaging channel, the image being formed with a first lens at a distal end of the imaging channel and a second lens at a proximal end of the imaging channel.
11 . The endoscope of claim 10 further comprising a cable connecting the endoscope handle to a computer and a display device.
12 . The disposable sheath of claim 1 wherein the illumination channel comprises a polymer outer layer.
13 . The disposable sheath of claim 12 wherein the polymer out layer is extended.
14 . A method of using a sheath assembly for an endoscope comprising:
attaching a sheath assembly for diagnostic imaging to an endoscope handle, the sheath assembly including an imaging channel having a diameter in a range of 0.6 mm to 1.6 mm, the sheath assembly further having a diameter less than 2 mm and a mounting hub;
coupling light into a fiber optic illumination channel within the sheath assembly that is concentric about the imaging channel, the illumination channel having a thickness in a range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm;
extending a sterile barrier attached to the mounting hub over the endoscope handle; and
imaging a region within a body with the sheath assembly and endoscope handle.
15 . The method of claim 14 further comprising actuating a light source in the endoscope handle that is coupled to the fiber optic illumination channel within the sheath assembly.
16 . The method of claim 14 further comprising coupling an image to an imaging device in the handle using a proximal lens on the imaging channel.
17 . The method of claim 14 further comprising coupling an image to an imaging device in the handle through a cavity in the channel.
18 . The method of claim 14 further comprising imaging with the imaging channel that comprises a glass rod.
19 . The method of claim 14 further comprising illuminating the region through an illumination channel that further includes a coating.
20 . The method of claim 19 further comprising imaging using a light absorbing layer around the cavity.
21 . The method of claim 14 further comprising coupling a light source to the illumination channel with a fiber optic connector.
22 . The method of claim 14 further comprising conducting an arthroscopic examination with the endoscope and sheath assembly.
23 . The method of claim 14 further comprising coupling a cannula to the sheath assembly.
24 . The method of claim 14 further comprising detaching the sheath assembly from the handle and attaching a second sheath assembly.
25 . The method of claim 14 further comprising imaging a surgical site with an imaging device in the handle.