EP0574460A1 - An improved micro-endoscope - Google Patents
An improved micro-endoscopeInfo
- Publication number
- EP0574460A1 EP0574460A1 EP19920905759 EP92905759A EP0574460A1 EP 0574460 A1 EP0574460 A1 EP 0574460A1 EP 19920905759 EP19920905759 EP 19920905759 EP 92905759 A EP92905759 A EP 92905759A EP 0574460 A1 EP0574460 A1 EP 0574460A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- endoscope
- micro
- viewing
- light guide
- tube
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000003365 glass fiber Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N silicon dioxide Inorganic materials O=[Si]=O VYPSYNLAJGMNEJ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000011010 flushing procedure Methods 0.000 claims description 16
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 210000004696 endometrium Anatomy 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000002405 diagnostic procedure Methods 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920006332 epoxy adhesive Polymers 0.000 claims description 5
- 241001164374 Calyx Species 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003444 anaesthetic effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 210000003101 oviduct Anatomy 0.000 claims description 4
- 210000000626 ureter Anatomy 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000002620 ureteric effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000377 silicon dioxide Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000003111 delayed effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- 239000010453 quartz Substances 0.000 abstract description 4
- XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silicon Chemical compound [Si] XUIMIQQOPSSXEZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 2
- 229910052710 silicon Inorganic materials 0.000 abstract description 2
- 239000010703 silicon Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 abstract 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 abstract 2
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000472 traumatic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 208000024172 Cardiovascular disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 210000001367 artery Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 201000001883 cholelithiasis Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000001130 gallstones Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 229910052736 halogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 150000002367 halogens Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000013152 interventional procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052724 xenon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N xenon atom Chemical compound [Xe] FHNFHKCVQCLJFQ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/04—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances
- A61B1/042—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor combined with photographic or television appliances characterised by a proximal camera, e.g. a CCD camera
Definitions
- a micro-endoscope comprising a flexible outer tube within which is located an image bundle of silica fibers, at least one light guide tube, a flushing channel and an instrument channel, wherein the distal end of the flexible outer tube is articulated.
- the micro-endoscope may include a wire to control the articulation of the micro-endoscope, one end of the wire being connected to the tip of the distal end of the micro-endoscope and the other end is connected to a handle projecting from the rear end of the micro-endoscope.
- the image bundle is of quartz silica glass fibers each of 2 to 5nm diameter.
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Surgery (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Medical Informatics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Pathology (AREA)
- Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
- Molecular Biology (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Instruments For Viewing The Inside Of Hollow Bodies (AREA)
- Endoscopes (AREA)
Abstract
Micro-endoscope amélioré comprenant un tube externe souple (1) d'une longueur d'insertion de 90 cm à 1,20 m, par exemple du polyuréthane. Dans le tube (1) se trouve un faisceau d'imagerie de fibres de verre au quartz et au silicium (2) ayant chacune un diamètre de 2 à 5 mm, qui agit à la manière d'une lentille d'imagerie. Dans le tube (1) se trouve également un tube de guidage de la lumière (3) abritant un faisceau de fibres de verre (4) à travers lesquelles de la lumière est envoyée vers l'extrémité distale (5) du micro-endoscope. Un canal d'arrivée de liquide (6) s'étend le long du tube (1), ce qui permet d'envoyer un liquide vers l'extrémité distale du tube (1), ainsi qu'un canal destiné aux instruments (17). L'extrémité distale (5) est articulée en (7) pour permettre au micro-endoscope d'effectuer un mouvement d'une amplitude de 90 degrés.Improved micro-endoscope comprising a flexible external tube (1) with an insertion length of 90 cm to 1.20 m, for example polyurethane. In the tube (1) is an imaging bundle of quartz and silicon glass fibers (2) each having a diameter of 2 to 5 mm, which acts like an imaging lens. Also in the tube (1) is a light guide tube (3) housing a bundle of glass fibers (4) through which light is sent to the distal end (5) of the micro-endoscope. A liquid inlet channel (6) extends along the tube (1), which makes it possible to send a liquid to the distal end of the tube (1), as well as a channel for the instruments (17 ). The distal end (5) is articulated at (7) to allow the micro-endoscope to perform a movement with an amplitude of 90 degrees.
Description
AN IMPROVED MICRO-ENDOSCOPE
This invention relates to an improved micro- endoscope and to the use of such a micro-endoscope in applications in urology, gynaecology, cardiovascular disease and ear-nose and throat.
Various types of micro-endoscopes are known which utilise miniaturised glass fiber optics in urologic and gynaecological applications, which permit the passage of medical instruments within an outer flexible tube, such outer flexible tubes having a relatively small outer diameter in the region of 1 to 4mm. These known micro- endoscopes have a multilayered outer tube of low frictional coefficient materials which are manipulated within the patient's body to carry out examinations or operations. While micro-endoscopes present a great advance in technology on earlier used techniques of endoscopes of larger sizes, the existing micro-endoscopes have the disadvantage that the passive manipulation of the endoscope within the body tract is limited, fiberscopes
require skills and, the invasiveness could be traumatic to the patient. Furthermore, the angle of viewing is limited to direct observation forward from the lens and there is no scope of observing other than in the forward direction areas, unless the scope is twisted and manipulated.
An aim of the present invention is to provide an improved micro-endoscope which facilitates active manipulation via articulation of the distal end of the micro-endoscope and overcomes the above mentioned disadvantage, whilst at the same time having a working channel large enough to carry out interventional procedures such as lasers etc.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a micro-endoscope comprising a flexible outer tube within which is located an image bundle of silica fibers, at least one light guide tube, a flushing channel and an instrument channel, wherein the distal end of the flexible outer tube is articulated. The micro-endoscope may include a wire to control the articulation of the micro-endoscope, one end of the wire being connected to the tip of the distal end of the micro-endoscope and the other end is connected to a handle projecting from the rear end of the micro-endoscope. Conveniently, the image bundle is of quartz silica glass fibers each of 2 to 5nm diameter.
Preferably, the micro-endoscope includes two light guide fibre bundles.
In a preferred construction the insertion length of the micro-endoscope is 90cm to 1.20m.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of hysteroscopy diagnostic procedure to examine the endometrium and fallopian tubes of a patient using the micro-endoscope of
the present invention, comprising the steps of administering a local anaesthetic to the patient, passing the endoscope through the Os into the cervical canal to examine the endometriu . According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of retrograde ureteroscopy using the micro-endoscope of the present invention, comprising the steps of passing the micro- endoscope through the working channel of a rigid cystoscope and entering it into the ureteric orifice of a patient, and manipulating it into the ureter while simultaneously flushing through the flushing channel, the articulated distal end of the micro-endoscope assisting manipulation up to the calyx. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation of a first embodiment of a micro-endoscope; Figure 2 is a cross-section of the micro-endoscope shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side elevation of a second embodiment of a micro-endoscope;
Figure 4 is a cross-section of the micro-endoscope shown in Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic side elevation of a third embodiment of a micro-endoscope;
Figure 6 is a cross-section of the micro-endoscope shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a diagrammatic side elevation of a fourth embodiment of a micro-endoscope;
Figure 8 is a cross-section of the micro-endoscope shown in Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of a first
combination of a direct viewing system;
Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of a second combination of a fiberscope viewing system; and
Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of a third combination of a compact viewing system.
The first embodiment of a fiberoptic articulated micro-endoscope shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a flexible outer tube 1 measuring the insertion length 90 cm to 1.20 m. and made of a low frictional coefficient material such as polyurethane. Located within the tube 1 is an image bundle of quartz silicon glass fibers 2 each of 2-5mm diameter which acts as an image lens. Also located within the tube 1 is a light guide tube 3 which houses a bundle of glass fibers 4 through which light is passed to the distal end'5 of the micro-endoscope. A flushing channel 6 extends the length of the outer tube 1 enabling a fluid to be flushed to the distal end of the tube 1.
The distal end 5 of the micro-endoscope is articulated at 7 to enable the micro-endoscope to move through 90 degrees. The control of the articulated end 7 is by means of a thin wire 7a which is connected to a probe 7b at the distal end 5 and passes along the inside of the tube 1 and is connected to a handle 8 which projects from the rear end of the outer tube 1. In operation the surgeon can manipulate the articulated end of the micro-endoscope by pulling or pushing on the handle 8 to bend the distal end of the tube 1 and probe 7b through an angle of 90 degrees. The various tubes carrying the fiberoptics and the flushing and instrument tubes are sealed in the flexible outer tube 1 by an epoxy adhesive 10.
In the second embodiment of the micro-endoscope illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 like parts have the same
reference numerals as in Figures 1 and 2, except that a second light guide tube 3a is included to facilitate the use of the micro-endoscope with a fiberscope system using a CCD-camera, video monitor, video recorder and video printer (see Figures 10 and 11). The outside diameter of the micro-endoscope is 2.2 mm.
Figures 5 and 6 show a third embodiment of the micro-endoscope of the present invention, comprising an outer flexible polyurethane tube 11, the upper half of which houses an image guide 12 with a lens comprising a bundle of quartz silca glass fibers 13. A second tube 14 comprises a bundle of glass fibers 15 through which light is passed to the distal end 16 of the micro-endoscope. The tubes 12 and 14 are sealed in the tube 11 by an epoxy adhesive.
The lower half of the tube 11 has a flushing channel 17 which is semi-circular in cross-section and can also be used as a working channel for the insertion of instruments. The controls and connections for the components 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17 extend from the rear end of the flexible tube 11 via a branch connection 18.
A fourth embodiment of the micro-endoscope according to the invention is shown in Figures 7 and 8 and is similar in construction to that shown in Figures 5 and 6, where like parts have the same reference numerals. The difference between the third and fourth embodiments is that the polyurethane flexible tube 11 is housed in an outer SUS pipe 19 and the light guide fibers 20 surround the image guide 21. The fibers 20 and image guide 21 are secured in position within the tube 11 by an epoxy adhesive. The distal end 22 of the outer SUS pipe 19 may be connected to an end probe 23.
The various embodiments of the micro-endoscope described above may be used with three possible
combinations of direct viewing or recording systems shown in Figures 9 to 11.
Figure 9 illustrates a direct viewing system which includes an eyepiece 24 conected to the end of an image bundle of quartz silicia glass fibers 25. A light source 26 is connected to a light guide tube 27 so that the surgeon may view the operative area by looking into the eyepiece 24.
In the system illustrated in Figure 10 the eyepiece 24 of Figure 9 is replaced by an eyepiece 28 of CCD-camera (not shown) which is connected to a TV monitor 29 and a multi-system video recorder 30. Instead of viewing the operative area directly the CCD - camera focuses on the operation which is transmitted to the TV monitor 29 and may be recorded on the video recorder 30. Thus a group of medical students may view the operation while it is being performed, or the video recording of the operation at a later time and different place, whilst a video printer can also be utilised to print recordings of interest. In the compact system illustrated in Figure 11, the eyepiece 31 of the CCD-camera 32, light source 33 (halogen or Xenon) and a six-inch monitor 34 are mounted in a housing 35 and are connected to the micro-endoscope via a branch connection 36. This construction allows for more than 7000 pixels fiberscope resulting in an improved resolution.
The method of use of improved micro-endoscope will now be described using hysteroscopy diagnostic procedure to examine the endometrium and fallopian tubes of a patient. A local anaesthetic is first administered to the patient and the distal end of the micro-endoscope, carrying the probe, is passed through the Os and into the cervical canal to examine the endometrium, the micro- endoscope is manipulated and passed through the tubal
ostrium opening into the fallopian duct where the surgeon can carry out an examination by using a direct view system or the fiberscope viewing system.
The micro-endoscope of the present invention may also be used to carry out a retrograde ureteroscopy comprising the steps of passing the micro-endoscope through the working channel of a rigid cystoscope and entering the ureteric orifice of the patient. The surgeon then manipulates the distal end of the micro-endoscope into the ureter while simultaneously flushing a fluid through the flushing channel of the micro-endoscope and the micro-endoscope is then further manipulated up to the patient's calyx.
The improved micro-endoscope of the invention has the following advantages over known micro-endoscopes:
The flexibility of the micro-endoscope and its end articulation allows for a more accurate and a less traumatic examination procedure to be carried out. The steering mechanisms and articulation of the distal tip measuring 2 to 3 cms allow for an excursion of 90 degrees.
The various modifications of the micro-endoscope enable a urologist and a gynaecologist to undertake procedures under direct vision and or remote viewing and recording facilities. The use of quartz silica glass fibers in the image bundle provides a high quality of image relative to its size. These fibers have an excellent mechanical strength, heat and radiation resistance thus having many applications. The micro-endoscope is not only a diagnostic instrument but due to its steerability and the relatively large size working channels, will allow a wide range of accessories such as grasping forceps and stone extractors to be used.
The articulation mechanism enables the tip of the distal end to move 90 degrees in one direction, thus allowing the surgeon to scan and observe an object through an angle of 90 degrees while the viewing angle of the lens is maintained at 70 degrees. The improved micro- endoscope thus enables gall-stones to be observed or destroyed with a laser, by reducing manipulation of the micro-endoscope to a minimum and reducing the invasiveness of the patient. Various other modifications may be made to the micro-endoscope of the present invention. For example, the outside diameter may be reduced to 0.35 mm so that it can be used for viewing coronory arteries with reduced danger of perforating the arterial wails.
Claims
1. An micro-endoscope comprising a flexible outer tube within which is located an image bundle of silica fibers, at least one light guide tube, a flushing channel and instrument channel, wherein the distal end of the flexible outer tube is articulated.
2. A micro-endoscope as claimed in Claim 1, wherein articulation of the outer tube is controlled by a wire connected at one end to the tip of the distal end of the micro-endoscope and the other end is connected to a handle projecting from the rear end of the micro-endoscope
3. An micro-endoscope as claimed in Claims 1 or 2, wherein the image bundle is of quartz silica glass fibers each of 2 to 5nm diameter.
4. An micro-endoscope as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there are two light guide fiber bundles.
5. An micro-endoscope as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the length of the endocope is 90 cm to 1.20 m.
6. An micro-endoscope as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the outer tube is made of a flexible polyurethane.
7. An micro-endoscope as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the image bundle light guide tube, flushing channel and instrument channel are sealed within the outer tube by an epoxy adhesive.
8. A viewing system for use with the micro-endoscope as claimed in the preceding claims, comprising a removable lens eyepiece which is connected to the image bundle of glass fibers and a light source connected to the light guide tube for direct viewing.
9. A viewing system for use with the micro-endoscope as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, comprising a lens eyepiece which is connected to the image bundle of glass
fibers, the viewing end of the eyepiece being connected to a television monitor and a multi-system video recorder, and a light source connected to the light guide tube forming a fiberscope system for simultaneous, remote or delayed viewing and recording for subsequent viewing.
10. A viewing system for use with the micro-endoscope as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, comprising a compact system including a light source, a video display monitor and a CCD-camera located in a housing, the CCD-camera being connected to a lens eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is connectable to the image bundle of glass fibers and the light source is connectable with the light guide tube.
11. A method of hysteroscopy diagnostic procedure to examine the endometrium and fallopian tubes of a patient using the micro-endoscope-as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of administering a local anaesthetic to the patient, passing the micro-endoscope through the Os into the cervical canal to examine the endometrium, the micro-endoscope then being passed through the tubal ostium opening into the fallopian duct.
12. A method of retrograde ureteroscopy using the micro-endoscope as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7, comprising the steps of passing the micro-endoscope through the working channel of a rigid cystoscope and entering it into the ureteric orifice of a patient, and manipulating. it into the ureter while simultaneously flushing through the flushing channel, the articulated distal end of the micro-endoscope assisting manipulation up to the calyx. 13. A micro-endoscope substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.
14. A viewing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 9 to
11 of the accompanying drawings.
14. A method of retrograde ureteroscopy substantially as hereinbefore decribed with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15. A method of hysteroscopy diagnostic procedure substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 3 August 1992 (03.08.92); original claims 1 and 2 replaced by amended claim 1; new claims 2 and 3 a claims 4-17 unchanged but renumbered as claims 3-15 (3 pages)]
1. A micro-endoscope comprising a flexible oute tube having an outside diameter of 4mm or less withi which is located an image bundle of silica fibres, a
5 least one light guide tube, a flushing channel an instrument channel, wherein the distal end of the flexibl outer tube is articulated, characterised in that th articulation of the outer tube is controlled by a singl wire connected at one end to the tip of the distal end o
10 the micro-endoscope and at the other end is connected to handle projecting from the end of the micro-endoscope.
2. A micro-endoscope as claimed in Claim 1, in whic the articulated distal end of the outer tube allows a excursion of its tip through an angle of 90 degrees whe 5 the wire is pushed or pulled through the endoscope.
3. A micro-endoscope as claimed in Claim 2, in which the articulated end of the outer tube is 2 to 3 cms in length.
4. An micro-endoscope as claimed in any preceding 0 claim wherein the image bundle is of quartz silica glass fibers each of 2 to i-yum diameter.
5. An micro-endoscope as claimed in any preceding claim wherein there are two light guide fiber bundles.
6. An micro-endoscope as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the length of the endocope is 90 cm to
1.20 m.
7. An micro-endoscope as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the outer tube is made of a flexible polyurethane. 8. An micro-endoscope as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the image bundle light guide tube, flushing channel and instrument channel are sealed within the outer tube by an epoxy adhesive. 9. A viewing system for use with the micro-endoscope as claimed in the preceding claims, comprising a removable lens eyepiece which is connected to the image bundle of glass fibers and a light source connected to the light
guide tube for direct viewing.
10. A viewing system for use with the micro-endoscope as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, comprising a lens eyepiece which is connected to the image bundle of glass fibers, the viewing end of the eyepiece being connected to a television monitor and a multi-system video recorder, and a light source connected to the light guide tube forming a fiberscope system for simultaneous, remote or delayed viewing and recording for subsequent viewing. 11. A viewing system for use with the micro-endoscope as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, comprising a compact system including a light source, a video display monitor and a CCD-camera located in a housing, the CCD-camera being connected to a lens eyepiece, wherein the eyepiece is connectable to the image bundle of glass fibers and the light source is connectable with the light guide tube. 12. A method of hysteroscopy diagnostic procedure to examine the endometrium and fallopian tubes of a patient using the micro-endoscope as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of administering a local anaesthetic to the patient, passing the micro-endoscope through the Os into the cervical canal to examine the endometrium, the micro-endoscope then being passed through the tubal ostium opening into the fallopian duct.
13. A method of retrograde ureteroscopy using the micro-endoscope as claimed in any of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of passing the micro-endoscope through the working channel of a rigid cystoscope and entering it into the ureteric orifice of a patient, and manipulating it into the ureter while simultaneously flushing through the flushing channel, the articulated distal end of the micro-endoscope assisting manipulation up to the calyx.
14. A micro-endoscope substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 8 of the accompanying drawings.
15. A viewing system substantially as hereinbefore
described with reference to and as shown in Figures 9 11 of the accompanying drawings.
16. A method of retrograde ureteroscopy substantial as hereinbefore decribed with reference to th accompanying drawings.
17. A method of hysteroscopy diagnostic procedur substantially as hereinbefore described with reference t the accompanying drawings.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9104713 | 1991-03-06 | ||
| GB9104713A GB2255281A (en) | 1991-03-06 | 1991-03-06 | Articulated micro-endoscope |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| EP0574460A1 true EP0574460A1 (en) | 1993-12-22 |
Family
ID=10691079
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP19920905759 Withdrawn EP0574460A1 (en) | 1991-03-06 | 1992-03-06 | An improved micro-endoscope |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0574460A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2255281A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1992015238A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5419312A (en) * | 1993-04-20 | 1995-05-30 | Wildflower Communications, Inc. | Multi-function endoscope apparatus |
| NL9401180A (en) | 1994-07-18 | 1996-03-01 | Draeger Med Electronics Bv | Catheter with multiple sensors at a distance from each other. |
| GB2363334B (en) * | 2000-06-14 | 2002-12-31 | Ismail Khan | A cystoscope |
| GB0130608D0 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2002-02-06 | Psimedica Ltd | Medical fibres and fabrics |
| DE10358817B3 (en) * | 2003-12-16 | 2005-04-14 | Olympus Winter & Ibe Gmbh | Endoscope for urethroscopy with deflection lever operated via operating rod fed through inner shaft adjacent corner edge between straight and curved sections of its outer contour |
| DE202009017097U1 (en) * | 2009-12-18 | 2011-02-24 | Joimax Gmbh | Endoscope especially for minimally invasive spine surgery |
| CA2824524C (en) | 2011-01-25 | 2017-10-17 | Nvision Medical Corporation | Systems and methods for maintaining a narrow body lumen |
| CN105769304B (en) * | 2014-12-22 | 2018-02-02 | 中国科学院沈阳自动化研究所 | A kind of endoscope surgery system and its application towards endometrium reparation |
| US11647899B2 (en) * | 2018-06-14 | 2023-05-16 | Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc. | Devices, systems and methods for accessing a body lumen |
| US20220330792A1 (en) * | 2019-09-09 | 2022-10-20 | Arizona Board Of Regents On Behalf Of The University Of Arizona | Cell-collecting falloposcope and method for ovarian cancer detection |
Family Cites Families (12)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4327738A (en) * | 1979-10-19 | 1982-05-04 | Green Philip S | Endoscopic method & apparatus including ultrasonic B-scan imaging |
| JPH0221041Y2 (en) * | 1983-11-08 | 1990-06-07 | ||
| EP0281161A3 (en) * | 1984-01-03 | 1988-12-14 | Medical Dynamics, Inc. | Cable assembly for laser endoscope apparatus |
| US4589404A (en) * | 1984-01-03 | 1986-05-20 | Medical Dynamics, Inc. | Laser endoscope |
| DE3443337A1 (en) * | 1984-11-28 | 1986-05-28 | Richard Wolf Gmbh, 7134 Knittlingen | INSTRUMENT FOR THE EXAMINATION AND TREATMENT OF BODY CHANNELS |
| US4736733A (en) * | 1987-02-25 | 1988-04-12 | Medical Dynamics, Inc. | Endoscope with removable eyepiece |
| US4782819A (en) * | 1987-02-25 | 1988-11-08 | Adair Edwin Lloyd | Optical catheter |
| US4836189A (en) * | 1988-07-27 | 1989-06-06 | Welch Allyn, Inc. | Video hysteroscope |
| US4899732A (en) * | 1988-09-02 | 1990-02-13 | Baxter International, Inc. | Miniscope |
| US4911148A (en) * | 1989-03-14 | 1990-03-27 | Intramed Laboratories, Inc. | Deflectable-end endoscope with detachable flexible shaft assembly |
| DE3920706A1 (en) * | 1989-06-24 | 1991-01-10 | Foerster Ernst | Catheter for carrying out a biopsy - has mini-endoscope and a forceps combined with an inner sheath which slides in an outer sheath |
| US4994910A (en) * | 1989-07-06 | 1991-02-19 | Acuimage Corporation | Modular endoscopic apparatus with probe |
-
1991
- 1991-03-06 GB GB9104713A patent/GB2255281A/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1992
- 1992-03-06 EP EP19920905759 patent/EP0574460A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1992-03-06 WO PCT/GB1992/000399 patent/WO1992015238A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| See references of WO9215238A1 * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9104713D0 (en) | 1991-04-17 |
| GB2255281A (en) | 1992-11-04 |
| WO1992015238A1 (en) | 1992-09-17 |
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