Small diameter video camera heads and visualization probes and medical devices containing them

1. A video camera head comprising an objective lens assembly and a CMOS sensor;

wherein the CMOS sensor comprises an array of photosensitive elements and electronics adapted to deal with the output signals of the photosensitive elements the electronics implemented together with the array of photosensitive elements on a silicon substrate and in that the silicon substrate comprises no more than two, three, or four electrical connecting pads configured to allow video signals to be sent from the electronics and power to be supplied to the electronics.

2. The video camera head of claim 1 , wherein the objective lens assembly is implemented using wafer level technology.

3. The video camera head of claim 1 , wherein the output video signal is carried by an electric current.

4. The video camera head of claim 1 , wherein the video camera head has a maximum outer diameter of 1.4 mm or less.

5. The video camera head of claim 1 , wherein the electrical connections between the electrically connecting pads and the solid state pick up device are implemented by means of through silicon vias.

6. The video camera head of claim 1 , wherein the photosensitive elements of the solid state pick up device are implemented using back side illumination technology.

7. The video camera head of claim 1 , wherein the length of the objective lens assembly is 2.5 mm or less.

8. The video camera head of claim 1 , comprising an iris created by metalizing one surface of one lens of the objective lens assembly and etching the iris therein.

9. The video camera head of claim 6 , comprising pixel cells having dimensions in the range of 2.2×2.2 microns to 0.9×0.9 microns.

10. A video camera head comprising a 0.7 mm×0.7 mm sensor and an integral 1.4 mm inner diameter light ring.

11. A visualization probe comprising illumination means, an objective lens assembly and a CMOS sensor;

wherein the CMOS sensor comprises an array of photosensitive elements and electronics adapted to deal with the output signals of the photosensitive elements the electronics implemented together with the array of photosensitive elements on a silicon substrate and in that the silicon substrate comprises no more than two, three, or four electrical connecting pads configured to allow video signals to be sent from the electronics and power to be supplied to the electronics and wherein the visualization probe has a maximum outer diameter of 4 mm or less.

12. The visualization probe of claim 11 , wherein the objective lens assembly is implemented using wafer level technology.

13. The visualization probe of claim 11 , wherein the objective lens assembly is implemented using injection molded lenses.

14. The visualization probe of claim 11 , wherein the output video signal is carried by an electric current.

15. The visualization probe of claim 11 , wherein the electrical connections between the electrically connecting pads and the solid state pick up device and the integrated circuitry are implemented by means of through silicon vias.

16. The visualization probe of claim 11 , wherein the photosensitive elements of the solid state pick up device are implemented using back side illumination technology.

17. The visualization probe of claim 11 comprising one or more of:

a) an articulation section;

b) a working channel.

18. The visualization probe of claim 17 , wherein the articulation section is constructed without any hinges and in one piece.

19. The visualization probe of claim 18 , wherein the articulation section is constructed from one plate, and in which each link is cut from the plate precisely by electromagnetic or mechanical apparatus to form a plurality of elements projecting outward from a spine and the projecting elements are then bent to form the individual vertebrae.

20. The visualization probe of claim 17 , wherein the articulation section is constructed from a plurality of ring-shaped elements attached to an elongated flexible axially located component of the visualization probe/medical device, wherein the axially located component passes through the centers of the ring-shaped elements.

21. The visualization probe of claim 16 comprising pixel cells having dimensions that are in the range of 2.2×2.2 microns to 0.9×0.9 microns.

22. A medical device comprising a visualization probe comprised of illumination means, an objective lens assembly and a CMOS sensor;

wherein the CMOS sensor comprises an array of photosensitive elements and electronics adapted to deal with the output signals of the photosensitive elements the electronics implemented together with the array of photosensitive elements on a silicon substrate and in that the silicon substrate comprises no more than two, three, or four electrical connecting pads configured to allow video signals to be sent from the electronics and power to be supplied to the electronics and wherein the medical device has a maximum outer diameter of 4 mm or less.

23. The medical device of claim 22 , wherein the medical device is one of the following:

a) an endoscope;

b) a laparoscope;

c) a guide wire;

d) a flexible, semi-flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid single or multi-lumen tube;

e) scissors;

f) a scalpel;

g) forceps;

h) a spring;

i) a rod;

j) a device used for approximating tissues;

k) a device used for cutting tissues;

l) a device used for sealing tissues;

m) a device for burning objects;

n) a device for coagulating objects;

o) a device for feeding;

p) a device for guiding objects or substances to a location in a body;

q) a device for draining objects or substances from a location in a lumen;

r) a device for delivering objects or substances to a location in a lumen;

s) a device comprising monitoring instruments or sensors;

t) a device comprising diagnosis instruments or sensors; and

u) a wireless in vivo device.

24. The medical device of claim 22 comprising one or more of:

a) an articulation section;

b) a working channel.