CN104883963A

CN104883963A - Catheter with imaging assembly and console with reference library and related methods therefor

Info

Publication number: CN104883963A
Application number: CN201380066809.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·阿林; G·布兰科尼尔; A·萨彻蒂
Original assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC
Current assignee: Nellcor Puritan Bennett LLC; Covidien LP
Priority date: 2012-11-02
Filing date: 2013-10-09
Publication date: 2015-09-02
Also published as: AU2013338470A1; WO2014070396A1; AU2013338470B2; JP2015536192A; EP2914158A1; JP6039098B2; KR20150079897A; TW201431527A; CA2890221A1; MX2015005578A; TWI526190B

Abstract

An imaging system (810) having an imaging assembly (820) having an imaging device (822) for generating imaging signals corresponding to images of anatomy of a patient disclosed. The imaging assembly (820), which may be a component of a feeding tube assembly, transmits the imaging signals generated to a console (814), which presents images generated corresponding to the imaging signals on a display (830). A reference menu (842) is presented on the display including menu items, which correspond to reference materials including photographs (864), video recordings, audio recordings, diagrams, animations, and/or text. Each of the materials provides information about anatomy, patient preparation, imaging catheter preparation, imaging catheter placement, imaging catheter operation, imaging catheter features, console preparation, console operation, console features, system operation, system features, and/or contact information.

Description

The conduit with image-forming assembly and the control station with reference library and correlation technique thereof

Background

The present invention relates to conduit, and relate to the imaging catheter system with the display console having reference material particularly.

Some medical procedures are related to and being positioned in patient body by conduit (such as feed conduit or endoscope) by the nose of patient, mouth or other opening.In many programs, accurately positioning catheter for the success of program and/or the safety of patient most important.Such as, nasal feeding (NG) feed conduit can be inserted by nose, through throat, and down in stomach, or through stomach in the small intestinal of patient, to carry food by pipe to patient.If feed conduit is wrongly positioned in the lung of patient, is so fed to liquid and will be delivered to the lung of patient, cause dangerous and may be fatal result.

Therefore, x-ray imaging device and program are for confirming feed conduit or other type of catheter accurate location in patient body.Particularly, after feed conduit is initially positioned in patient body, the x-ray image of shooting patient.Check that whether suitably x-ray image determine feed conduit location or the need of reorientating.Repeat x-ray image forming program until feed conduit is suitably located.But x-ray image forming program is normally expensive and consuming time.In addition, due to patient's usual long duration use feed conduit, therefore periodically must repeat x-ray image forming program to guarantee that feed conduit does not move or moves.

Summary of the invention

One or more aspect of the present invention can comprise the conduit with image-forming assembly.Conduit can be the feed conduit with image-forming assembly.According to an aspect of the present invention, imaging catheter system can comprise imaging catheter, and this imaging catheter comprises image-forming assembly, and this image-forming assembly has the imaging device for generating the imaging signal corresponding with the image of patient anatomy.Image-forming assembly transmits the imaging signal generated by imaging device.System also comprises control station, and this control station is suitable for receiving the imaging signal transmitted by image-forming assembly and the image presented over the display from imaging signal generation.Control station presents over the display with being suitable for reference menu setecting by comprising menu item.Menu item is corresponding with reference material, described reference material comprise in photo, videograph, audio recording, figure, animation and text any one or multiple.Material provides about any one in anatomical structure, patient's preparation, imaging catheter preparation, imaging catheter placement, imaging catheter operation, imaging catheter feature, control station preparation, consing, control station feature, Dynamic System, system features, contact details, help information and support information or multiple information.Control station can also be configured to over the display simultaneously in referring now to menu and the image generated from imaging signal.Control station is typically configured to and presents graphic user interface over the display.For certain situation, display is the touch-screen display being suitable for the icon presented for being carried out control system by touch display.In other configuration, control station can be configured to present reference material and the image generated from imaging signal over the display simultaneously.When other, each in reference material is preferably located in the catalogue with the title corresponding with corresponding reference material.In referring now to menu when display can be suitable for touch display twice during the period of user in preliminary election.Period can in such as about one second.In addition, reference material be read-only at least partially and in some cases can by upgrade systems soft ware modify.Imaging catheter system can comprise feed conduit assembly, this feed conduit assembly comprises the feed conduit for carrying enteral to be fed to liquid to patient, the feed throughs that this pipe has entrance and exit and extends between described entrance and described outlet, the contiguous outlet location of this imaging catheter is for generating the imaging signal corresponding with the digestive tract of described patient, this image-forming assembly and feed throughs seal to be opened, and is fed to liquid enters image-forming assembly to stop the enteral in feed throughs.System also comprises interface cable usually, and imaging catheter is connected to control station by this interface cable, transfers to control station for by the imaging signal generated by imaging device.

One or more aspect of the present invention can relate to imaging catheter system, this imaging catheter system comprises feed conduit and control station, described feed conduit has the entrance in the source that can be connected to feeding liquid, away from entrance and by feed throughs be fluidly connected to entrance outlet and near outlet arrange imaging device, this imaging device is configured to the production and transfer imaging signal corresponding with the image of the anatomical structure of patient, and described control station comprises display and memorizer, this memorizer has multiple reference materials stored therein, the plurality of reference material is from by photo, videograph, audio recording, figure, animation, select in the group of text and their combination composition.In some cases, each in multiple reference material can provide about the information of at least one in anatomical structure, patient's preparation, imaging catheter preparation, imaging catheter placement, imaging catheter operation, imaging catheter feature, control station preparation, consing, control station feature, Dynamic System, system features, contact details.Preferably, control station is configured to receive imaging signal, presenting at least one image corresponding with imaging signal at least partially over the display and presenting over the display with reference to menu, this reference menu comprises the menu item corresponding with at least one in reference material.At least one in multiple reference material can comprise the photo showing anatomic marker.Anatomic marker can be one in bronchus, larynx, annulus trachealis, cardia, sphincter of pylorus or pylorus, cricoid cartilage, bronchial branches, esophagus joint portion, gastric folds, duodenum pleat and pyloric ostium.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the method that operation has a medical system of Medical Instruments comprises the reference material on access display, and described Medical Instruments comprises the imaging device for generating the imaging signal corresponding with the image of patient anatomy and is suitable for the control station that presented by the image generated from imaging signal over the display.This material comprises the image of the exemplary anatomical structure of the suitable placement of instruction Medical Instruments in patient body.

One or more aspect of the present invention can relate to the method for feed conduit assembly easy to use.According in one or more embodiments of this aspect of the invention, the method can comprise provides feed conduit, this feed conduit have can be connected to feeding liquid source entrance, away from entrance and by feed throughs be fluidly connected to entrance outlet and near outlet arrange imaging device, this imaging device is configured to the production and transfer imaging signal corresponding with the anatomical structure image of patient; And the method can comprise the control station providing and comprise display and memorizer, this memorizer has multiple reference materials stored therein, and the plurality of reference material is selected from the group be made up of audio-visual data (such as video, audio frequency and photo), text data (such as figure, animation and text) and their combination.According to some specific embodiments, each in described reference material can provide about the information of at least one in anatomical structure, patient's preparation, imaging catheter preparation, imaging catheter placement, imaging catheter operation, imaging catheter feature, control station preparation, consing, control station feature, Dynamic System, system features and contact details.In some cases, control station can be configured to receive imaging signal, presenting at least one the corresponding at least partially image with imaging signal at least partially over the display and presenting over the display with reference to menu, this reference menu comprises the menu item corresponding with at least one in reference material.In some cases, control station can be configured to present the photo from multiple reference material and the video image corresponding with the imaging signal from image-forming assembly over the display simultaneously, and wherein photo provides representative anatomic landmarks.According to the other aspect of the present invention, the method can comprise following at least one: additional reference materials is stored in memorizer, remove at least one reference material from memorizer and replace this memorizer with the memorizer upgraded, the memorizer of this renewal has the reference material of renewal stored therein.The situation other according to other, the method can comprise and receives control station from user; And after reception control station, carry out following at least one: additional reference materials is stored in memorizer, remove at least one reference material from memorizer and replace this memorizer with the memorizer upgraded, the memorizer of this renewal has at least one reference material upgraded stored therein.

In an aspect, imaging catheter system generally includes imaging catheter and control station.Imaging catheter comprises the main body of the elongation with relative first end and the second end.Image-forming assembly is at the first end place of the main body of extending and comprise the imaging device of imaging signal of the image of the anatomical structure for generating instruction experimenter.Image-forming assembly is suitable for transmitting the imaging signal generated by imaging device.Electronic memory component has the predefined identifier of the imaging catheter write thereon.Control station comprises display.Control station is configured for the image receiving imaging signal from image-forming assembly and show over the display from imaging signal generation.Control station is configured to read predefined identifier from electronic memory component.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the perspective view of the imaging feed conduit assembly of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the perspective view of the feed conduit assembly in Fig. 1 of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is the signal diagram that comprise the lateral elevational view of the imaging feed conduit system of imaging feed conduit assembly in Fig. 1 and interface cable and control station of display according to one or more aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 4 A is that display illustrates according to the signal of the perspective view of the control station adapter of the feed conduit assembly in Fig. 1 of one or more aspect of the present invention, shows internal part and comprises the feed conduit section of feed conduit;

Fig. 4 B is that display one or more aspect according to the present invention illustrates for the signal of another embodiment of the inlet adapter of imaging feed conduit assembly;

Fig. 5 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the amplification fragment perspective of the distal portions of the feed conduit assembly in Fig. 1 of one or more aspect of the present invention, comprises a part for the image-forming assembly of decomposition, image-forming assembly adapter and feed conduit;

Fig. 6 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the enlarged cross-sectional view of the feed conduit of the feed conduit assembly in Fig. 1 of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the birds-eye perspective of flexible circuit assembly under folded configuration of the image-forming assembly in Fig. 5 of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the face upwarding view of flexible circuit assembly under folded configuration of the image-forming assembly in Fig. 4 of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the fragmented view of the image-forming assembly in Fig. 5 of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 10 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the perspective view of the lid of the image-forming assembly in Fig. 5 of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 11 is the block diagram according to the flexible circuit assembly in Fig. 7 of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 12 and 13 shows according to the circuit diagram of the flexible circuit embodiment in Figure 11 of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 14 is that display is launching the signal diagram of the top plan view under configuration according to the flexible circuit assembly of the image-forming assembly in Fig. 7 of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 15 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the top view of the first substrate of the flexible circuit assembly in Figure 14 of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 16 is the block diagram of the flexible circuit assembly according to one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 17 is the block diagram of the flexible circuit assembly according to one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 18 is the block diagram of the exemplary feed guard system according to one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 19 is the flow chart of display according to the exemplary graphical user screen flow of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 20-31 is the signal diagrams of the exemplary graphical user screen that display can be shown by control station according to one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 32 A is that display illustrates according to the signal of the perspective view of the imaging feed conduit assembly of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 32 B is that display illustrates according to the signal of the decomposition diagram of the imaging feed conduit assembly in Figure 32 A of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 33 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the viewgraph of cross-section of the feed conduit of the imaging feed conduit assembly in Figure 32 A of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 34 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the decomposition diagram of the image-forming assembly of the imaging feed conduit assembly in Figure 32 A of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 35 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the perspective view of the rigid-flex circuits assembly of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 36 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the top plan view of the rigid-flex circuits of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 37 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the lateral elevational view of the rigid-flex circuits of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 38 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the perspective view of the image-forming assembly adapter of the imaging feed conduit assembly in Figure 32 A of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 39 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the perspective view of the image-forming assembly in Figure 34 of one or more aspect of the present invention, wherein therefrom removes housing to show internal part;

Figure 40 is the signal diagram of the longitudinal cross-section view of housing according to the image-forming assembly in Figure 34 of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 41 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the image-forming assembly of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 42 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the viewgraph of cross-section of the control station adapter of the imaging feed conduit assembly of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 43 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the interface cable of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 44 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the perspective view of the flexible circuit assembly of one or more aspect of the present invention, and wherein flexible circuit is in folded configuration; And

Figure 45 is that display is according to the signal diagram of the flexible circuit assembly in Figure 44 of one or more aspect of the present invention at the perspective view launched or in straight configuration;

Figure 46 is that display illustrates according to the signal of the fragmentary perspective view of the imaging catheter system of one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 47 is the signal diagram of the front view of the control station of imaging catheter system according to one or more aspect of the present invention;

Figure 48 comprises display to represent incorrect and the signal diagram of the copy of the photo of the exemplary indicia of correct path; And

Figure 49 A-49C is the photo copy of exemplary indicia, and wherein Figure 49 A shows the copy of bronchial photo, and Figure 49 B shows the photo copy of a part for stomach, and Figure 49 C shows the photo copy of annulus trachealis.

In whole accompanying drawing, the part that corresponding Reference numeral instruction is corresponding.

Detailed description of the invention

In one aspect of the method, feed conduit assembly generally includes flexible feed tube, this flexible feed tube has first relative longitudinal end and second longitudinal end, the longitudinal axis extended between first longitudinally holds and second longitudinally holds and the feed throughs limited in this flexible feed tube, and described feed throughs along the longitudinal axle extends between first longitudinal end and second are longitudinally held.Second of inlet adapter adjacent tube is longitudinally held, and is communicated with feed throughs fluid.The source fluid that inlet adapter is configured to be fed to enteral liquid is connected, to be connected to feed throughs with enteral being fed to the source fluid of liquid.Image-forming assembly comprises imaging device.Image-forming assembly is configured for the imaging signal of the gastral image of production and transfer instruction experimenter.First of image-forming assembly and pipe longitudinally hold and is adjacent to be fixed to pipe, and seals with feed throughs and open, and enters image-forming assembly to stop the feeding of the enteral in feed throughs liquid.Feeding exports near image-forming assembly and is communicated with feed throughs fluid for carrying to experimenter enteral to be fed to liquid.Control station adapter is connected to image-forming assembly communicatedly, and control station adapter is configured for and image-forming assembly is connected to control station communicatedly to allow to control station transmission imaging signal.

In again in another, feed conduit system generally includes feed conduit assembly and control station.Feed conduit assembly comprises feed conduit, and this feed conduit has relative first end and the second end and the feed throughs being fluidly connected first end and the second end.Second end of inlet adapter adjacent tube, is communicated with feed throughs fluid.The source fluid that inlet adapter is configured to be fed to enteral liquid is connected, to be connected to feed throughs with enteral being fed to the source fluid of liquid.Can utilize and comprise imaging device and the image-forming assembly being configured for production and transfer imaging signal, the gastral image of this imaging signal instruction experimenter.The first end of image-forming assembly and pipe is adjacent to be fixed to pipe, and seals with feed throughs and open, and is fed to liquid enters image-forming assembly to stop the enteral in feed throughs.Feeding outlet is in inlet adapter and image-forming assembly centre and be communicated with feed throughs fluid for carrying enteral to be fed to liquid to experimenter.Control station comprises display and is operatively coupled to feed conduit assembly and is configured for and receives the imaging signal that transmitted by image-forming assembly and show the image generated by imaging signal over the display.

In another embodiment, feed conduit assembly generally includes flexible feed tube, this flexible feed tube has first relative longitudinal end and the second feed throughs of longitudinally holding and being limited in this flexible feed tube, and this feed throughs extends between the first and second ends.Second of inlet adapter adjacent tube is longitudinally held, and is communicated with feed throughs fluid.Inlet adapter is configured for and is fed to liquid source fluid with enteral and is connected.Image-forming assembly comprises imaging device, for generating the imaging signal of the gastral image of instruction experimenter.Be fixed to feed conduit the first end of image-forming assembly adjacent tube, and fluidly isolate with feed throughs.Control station adapter is fixed to feed conduit near inlet adapter.Control station adapter is connected to image-forming assembly communicatedly, and is configured for and image-forming assembly is connected to control station to allow to control station transmission imaging signal.

In another embodiment again, imaging catheter assembly generally includes the main body of elongation, and the main body of this elongation has the first bulk end and the second relative bulk end; And image-forming assembly, this image-forming assembly is fixed to the first bulk end.Image-forming assembly has away from the first image-forming assembly end of the first bulk end, the second image-forming assembly end being close to the first bulk end and the image-forming assembly longitudinal axis extended between the first image-forming assembly end and the second image-forming assembly end.Image-forming assembly comprises rigid-flex circuits, and this rigid-flex circuits has along image-forming assembly longitudinal axis from the second adjacent image-forming assembly end towards the electronic unit mounting portion that the first image-forming assembly end extends and contiguous first image-forming assembly end and is substantially transverse to the camera mounting portion of image-forming assembly extension.The first flexible segments that electronic unit mounting portion comprises the first rigid portion section of longitudinal separation and the second rigid portion section and is arranged between the first rigid portion section and the second rigid portion section.First electronic unit is arranged in the first rigid portion section of electronic unit mounting portion.Second electronic unit is arranged in the second rigid portion section of electronic unit mounting portion.Video camera is arranged on camera mounting portion, and camera communication be connected to the first electronic unit and the second electronic unit.Rigid-flex circuits is arranged in the housing.Housing circumferentially around rigid-flex circuits at least partially.First flexible segments of electronic unit mounting portion does not have electronic unit mounted thereto, can bend to make rigid-flex circuits at the first flexible segments place.

In one aspect of the method, the imaging catheter system for using when performing medical procedure generally includes imaging catheter and control station.Imaging catheter comprises the main body of the elongation with relative first end and the second end.The image-forming assembly at the first end place of main body is suitable for being inserted in subject.Image-forming assembly comprises imaging device, for generating the imaging signal of the anatomical structure image representing experimenter when image-forming assembly inserts in subject.Image-forming assembly is suitable for transmitting the imaging signal generated by imaging device.Imaging catheter comprises electronic memory component.Control station comprises display, and is configured for and receives the imaging signal that transmitted by image-forming assembly and show the image generated by imaging signal over the display.Control station is configured to, during use imaging catheter, data are write electronic memory component.

In one aspect of the method, the imaging catheter system for using when performing medical procedure generally includes imaging catheter and control station.Imaging catheter comprises the main body of the elongation with relative first end and the second end.The image-forming assembly at the first end place of main body is suitable for being inserted in subject.Image-forming assembly comprises imaging device, for generating the imaging signal of the anatomical structure image representing experimenter when image-forming assembly inserts in subject.Image-forming assembly is suitable for transmitting the imaging signal generated by imaging device.Control station comprises display.Control station is configured for and receives the imaging signal that transmitted by image-forming assembly and show the image generated by imaging signal over the display.Control station is configured to present the image that previously received from image-forming assembly by control station and the present image from the current view data received from image-forming assembly by control station simultaneously.

With reference now to accompanying drawing, and particularly with reference to figure 1-3, imaging catheter is usually by 10 instructions.As disclosed herein, imaging catheter can be armarium, and this armarium is configured for and is inserted in experimenter (the such as mankind or nonhuman subjects) body and is configured to be positioned at the anatomical structure image (such as digital video) providing experimenter in subject afterwards when armarium is inserted in subject and/or at armarium.In the illustrated embodiment in which, imaging catheter is configured to feed conduit assembly 10 and is exemplarily illustrated as nasal feeding feed conduit assembly.Nasal feeding feed conduit assembly 10 can be configured to when feed conduit assembly is inserted in subject and after feed conduit assembly is positioned in subject, provides the digital picture of experimenter's digestive tract or its part, so that confirm the suitable placement of feed conduit assembly in subject.Such as pass through to observe the digital picture obtained from imaging feed conduit assembly user's (such as practitioner) and confirm feed conduit assembly in subject after suitable placement, nasal feeding feed conduit assembly 10 can also be configured to pass enteral feeding and is transported in experimenter's digestive tract by liquid nutritional thing.Be to be understood that, imaging catheter 10 can be configured to dissimilar feed conduit, such as stomach feed conduit or stoma of jejunum feed conduit, or dissimilar armarium can be configured to, such as endoscope or cardiac catheter (such as balloon catheter or cardiac catheter).

Illustrated feed conduit assembly 10 generally includes with the elongation of feed conduit form, roughly flexible main body (usually by 12 instructions), and this main body has longitudinal axis A (Fig. 6), first longitudinal end (or far-end) of opening and second longitudinal end (or near-end) of opening.The feed throughs 14 (Fig. 4-6) limited by feed conduit 12 inner surface longitudinally extends for carrying nutrient (such as, with the form of intestinal nutrient solution) to experimenter between the longitudinal direction end of pipe.In other embodiment (not being such as the conduit of feed conduit), the main body of elongation can have other configuration and can not have for the vertical passage to patient's conveyance fluid.The second end of pipe is attached to for the inlet adapter (usually by 16 instructions) be transported to by liquid nutritional thing in feed throughs 14, and be attached to the first end of pipe 12 by image-forming assembly adapter (usually by 20 instructions) for the image-forming assembly (usually by 18 instruction) at intubation and/or the real time imaging (such as, live video) in production and transfer people digest road afterwards.As used herein, as the reference point of feeding source, inlet adapter 16 limits the near-end of feed conduit assembly 10, and image-forming assembly 18 limits far-end.Feed conduit assembly 10 can also comprise the control station adapter (usually indicating by 22) communicated with image-forming assembly 18, to provide the communication between image-forming assembly and control station 23 (Fig. 3), place like this is described in detail, and the image obtained by image-forming assembly 18 may be displayed on this control station 23.In the illustrated embodiment in which, feed conduit assembly 10, control station 23 with by feed conduit component communication be connected to control station interface cable 242 together with form imaging catheter system, and more specifically form imaging feed conduit system.

With reference to Fig. 1-4, the feed conduit 12 of graphical representation of exemplary comprises two tube section: the first tube section 12a extended between image-forming assembly adapter 20 and control station adapter 22, and the second tube section 12b extended between control station adapter and inlet adapter 16.As below more in detail disclosed in, the first tube section 12a and the second tube section 12b can be fixed to control station adapter 22, makes the first tube section and the second tube section fluid communication with each other to limit feed throughs 14 at least in part.In other embodiments of the invention, pipe 12 can be formed as overall one piece component.

Pipe 12 can comprise the labelling (not shown) of such as scale, and this labelling shows or provides the relative instruction of insertion depth so that suitable intubate.In one example, pipe 12 can have the length between about 36 inches and about 55 inches, but it can have other length in the case without departing from the scope of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 6, the first tube section 12a generally includes one or more electric conductor 24 (in a broad sense, signal transmission component) in the tube wall being usually arranged on the first tube section.Second tube section 12b can not have this electric conductor.The electric conductor 24 of the first tube section 12a is longitudinally advanced along the first tube section (such as along or be parallel to the longitudinal axis of feed throughs 14).At least some in electric conductor 24 can be configured to such as between image-forming assembly 18 and control station 23, transmit imaging signal by control station adapter 22 and interface cable 242.Other electric conductor 24 can be configured to from control station 23 to image-forming assembly 18 transferring electric power, and provides ground connection.Other electric conductor 24 can also be configured to provide other to communicate, and includes but not limited to the two-way communication between control station 23 and image-forming assembly 18.First tube section 12a can comprise dissimilar signal transmission component (such as optical fiber cable or other signal transmission component) to realize the Signal transmissions between image-forming assembly 18 and control station adapter 22.In one or more embodiment of the present invention, at least one in electric conductor 24 is configured to provide electric power from power supply (it can be control station 23) to image-forming assembly 18, but the alternate manner (comprising the image-forming assembly with itself power supply) of powering for image-forming assembly does not deviate from scope of the present invention.

As graphical representation of exemplary, electric conductor 24 can be arranged in the conductor channel 26 of feed conduit 12, makes conductor and feed throughs 14 physically separate or at least fluidly isolate, to stop or to reduce the probability of the feeding liquid contact conductor in feed throughs.As shown in Figure 6, the inner surface limiting a part for the feed throughs 14 in the first tube section 12a has the cross section of circular, and this cross section has and extends internally and the arch section 28 be longitudinally travelled along the longitudinal size of feed conduit assembly or section.Electric conductor 24 can be arranged in the tube wall of the first tube section 12a between the arch section 28 of the inner surface of tube section and outer surface, which provide the configuration as the physical separation above between the disclosed intestinal nutrient solution allowed in electric conductor 24 and feed throughs 14, and area or the volume of feed throughs can be maximized.Longitudinal axis A is through feed throughs 14.Thus, this configuration promotes the flowing of fluid in feed throughs 14 and reduces probability inaccessible in feed throughs.As shown in Figure 5, the substantially uniform wall thickness around passage 14 can reduce contingent material interception or at least can reduce the inaccessible probability formed.Should be appreciated that in the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first tube section 12a can be other configuration.

Feed conduit 12 (comprising such as the first tube section 12a and the second tube section 12b) can be formed by thermoplastic polyurethane polymer's (thermoplastic polyurethane such as, but not limited to aryl, polyether-based) and radiopaque material (such as barium).First tube section 12a and the second tube section 12b can be formed by extrusion process.In the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, pipe 12 can be formed by other material and can otherwise be formed.In a nonrestrictive example, electric conductor 24 or other signal transmission component can extrude to be embedded in the first tube section by conductor jointly with the first tube section 12a.In another example, conductor 24 or other signal transmission component can be fed to by conductor channel 26 after formation first tube section 12a.Such as, can by internally promoting any one introducing in one or more conductor 12 before conductor insertion with pressurized with fluid passage 26.The alternate manner forming the first tube section 12a and/or pipe 12 does not deviate from scope of the present invention.

Return with further reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, illustrated inlet adapter 16 generally includes the first ingress port 30 and the second ingress port 32 be communicated with single outlet port 34 fluid respectively.The inlet adapter 16 of graphical representation of exemplary can be called Y port.First ingress port 30 may be used for the source being connected to liquid nutritional thing (such as intestinal nutrient solution).Such as, what be fed to the fluid communication of liquid with enteral is had the adapter (not shown) of barb can be inserted in the first ingress port 30 and is fixed therein by frictional fit.Therefore, one aspect of the present invention can relate to the configuration of the feed fluid be communicated with feed conduit assembly fluid.The optional cover 35 fastened on inlet adapter 16 can removably be contained in the first ingress port 30 not closed ingress port by during use at ingress port.Second ingress port 32 may be used for being connected to drug source.The first lid 36 optionally fastened and the second lid 37 may be used for the connector or the port that changeably the second ingress port 32 are configured to the various or different adapter usually used together with various drug source respectively.Such as, the first lid 36 can removably be contained in the second ingress port 32, provides the central opening through it, and the size and shape of this central opening is set as mating with catheter syringe.Second lid 37 can removably be contained in the central opening in the first lid 36, thus provides size and shape to be set as the central opening specifically mated with the tip of oral syringe.Inlet adapter 16 can have other shape, size and configuration, or can omit completely in the case without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Inlet adapter 16 can be fixed to the second end or the near-end of pipe 12 adapter weld part (usually by 38 instruction), make the feed throughs 14 of the outlet port 34 of adapter 16 and feed conduit hermetically fluid be communicated with.Adapter weld part 38 is distad tapered from adapter 16 to pipe 12 usually, diameter weld part being had smoothly, reduces roughly continuously.Should be appreciated that in the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, adapter 16 can otherwise be fixed to pipe 12.Such as, inlet adapter 16 can be fixed to pipe 12 by solvent bonding or other technique for fixing.Adapter 16 can by the material identical with feed conduit 12, or the mixing of material, or different but compatible material composition.In one example, adapter 16 is made up of the mixing of polrvinyl chloride and polyurethane elastomer.In another example, the thermoplastic polyurethane of adapter 16 by aryl, polyether-based or the PVC without DEHP form.Adapter 16 can be formed by other types of material in the scope of the invention.

With reference to Fig. 1,2 and 5, image-forming assembly adapter 20 can have second end margin (such as proximal edge) at the first end edge (such as remote edge) being fixed to image-forming assembly 18 and the first end edge being fixed to the first tube section 12a.Image-forming assembly adapter 20 usually limits the feeding be communicated with feed throughs 14 fluid of pipe 12 and exports 40.Feeding outlet 40 can comprise one or more opening (illustrate only a this transverse opening) of the side horizontal expansion by image-forming assembly adapter 20.In the illustrated embodiment in which, the first end of pipe 12 or far-end hold at the second end of image-forming assembly adapter or proximal end and are fixed in image-forming assembly adapter 20, are communicated with to provide the fluid between feed throughs 14 with feeding outlet 40.The contiguous first end of image-forming assembly adapter 20 or far-end can be closed, enter image-forming assembly 18 to prevent the feeding liquid in feed throughs 14.Therefore, image-forming assembly 18 usually seals with feed throughs 14 and opens and be not communicated with feed throughs 14 fluid.On the contrary, be fed to liquid usually laterally to flow out from outlet 40 relative to feed conduit 12.When determining that feed conduit assembly 10 is suitably positioned in patient body, be fed to feeding liquid in inlet adapter 16 or other desirable for liquid can be introduced by the feed throughs 14 of pipe 12 and be drawn by outlet 40 and be incorporated in experimenter's digestive tract.As illustrated in fig. 5, the first end edge of image-forming assembly adapter 20 can have coupling part 42, and the shape of this coupling part 42 and size are set as applicable image-forming assembly 18.Image-forming assembly adapter 20 can integrally be formed with image-forming assembly 18 or can omit, and does not deviate from scope of the present invention.

Electric conductor 24 can embed or otherwise be contained in the wall of image-forming assembly adapter 20, conductor is sealed with feeding outlet 40 and feed throughs 14 and separates, to stop feeding liquid contact conductor.In one embodiment, image-forming assembly adapter 20 can comprise two different pieces fitted together.Part I can limit the feeding outlet 40 receiving as mentioned above liquid from pipe 12, and exports with feed throughs and separate and isolated conductor channel (not shown).Part II can limit coupling part 42 and conductor channel, and this conductor channel extends to conductor channel in Part I so that connection between image-forming assembly 18 and pipe 12 or carry electric conductor 24 between image-forming assembly 18 and pipe 12.Image-forming assembly adapter 20 can omit or can have other shape, size and configuration.In addition, in the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, image-forming assembly 18 can otherwise be fixed to pipe 12.

In one example, image-forming assembly adapter 20 can injection mo(u)lding on the end of feed conduit 12.The direct strain relief being connected the electric conductor 24 provided for extending out to image-forming assembly from the end of feed conduit 12 of image-forming assembly adapter 20 and feed conduit.

With reference to Fig. 5, image-forming assembly 18 can comprise tubular shell 50, is arranged on flexible circuit (" flexible circuit (flex circuit) ") assembly 60 in tubular shell and is fixed to the transparent of tubular shell 50 or translucent cover 70.Flexible circuit generally includes deformable circuit element and is arranged on the parts on deformable circuit element.Deformable circuit element can be smooth (at least distortion before) substrate, and this substrate can bend or otherwise be out of shape, and comprises electric conductor for the electrical connection formed between the various parts that can be arranged on substrate.Within the scope of the present invention, deformable circuit element can be that only part (such as, only at discrete sweep place) is deformable.In the middle of other function, tubular shell 50 can provide the protection for flexible circuit assembly 60, and housing can be waterproof to stop liquid to enter into image-forming assembly 18.Tubular shell 50 has the inner surface limiting axial passage 52, and the shape of this axial passage 52 and size are set as holding the flexible circuit assembly 60 in folded configuration.In one embodiment, tubular shell 50 is formed by roughly flexible material, and the material of this flexibility provides the protection for flexible circuit assembly 60 and allows image-forming assembly 18 bending so that the navigability of feed conduit assembly 10.Second end (such as near-end) of tubular shell 50 can be configured to the coupling part 42 holding image-forming assembly adapter 20, and can adhere on this coupling part 42 so that image-forming assembly is fixed to feed conduit 12.Tubular shell 50 usually can be opaque (by being formed by opaque white color material or there is coating opaque material thereon) to reflect the illumination from light source (such as inner LED 96), and by illumination outwards guide to such as visual field from the far-end of image-forming assembly 18.

Flexible circuit assembly 60 generally includes flexible circuit 80 and the electronic unit (unmarked) be attached on it as described below.In Fig. 5,7 and 8 exemplary display sections fit or folding configuration, the length of flexible circuit assembly 60 can have first and longitudinally hold (such as far-end) and relative second longitudinally end (such as, near-end).Electric conductor 24 can be connected to second of flexible circuit assembly 60 and longitudinally hold (such as, near-end).Camera mounting portion 82 is usually arranged on first of flexible circuit assembly 60 and longitudinally holds (such as, far-end) place.The imaging device (usually by 84 instructions) of such as digital camera can be arranged on camera mounting portion 82.As shown in Figure 8, video camera 84 can have the housing 86 of cubic shape, and this housing 86 has base portion 86A, side 86B, 86C, 86D, 86E and upper surface or first surface 86F.The upper surface 86F of video camera 84 can comprise lens 88.Lens 88 limit from visual field approximately towards outer projection of the far-end of image-forming assembly 18.According to one or more embodiment of the present invention, video camera 84 comprises imaging device (such as cmos imaging equipment).In the embodiment that the present invention is other, video camera 84 can comprise dissimilar solid imaging element, such as the image device of charge-coupled image sensor (CCD) or another kind of type.The configuration electronic equipment of image-forming assembly 18 and the alternate manner of other parts do not deviate from the scope of the invention and may be embodied as variant embodiment.Such as, in another embodiment, flexible circuit assembly 60 can use printed circuit board (PCB) to replace.

Flexible circuit assembly 60 can comprise power supply mounting portion 90 (Fig. 5 and 7) and control or data mounting portion 92 (Fig. 8), and the usual camera mounting portion 82 from fold line longitudinally holds extension towards first of flexible circuit assembly 60 separately.As described in further detail, power suppling part part is arranged on power supply mounting portion 90 usually, and camera control parts are arranged on data mounting portion 92 usually.

With reference to Fig. 7 and 9, the light mounting portion 94 of flexible circuit 60 can be arranged on the 86C place, side of video camera 84.The lateral side edge that light mounting portion 94 is graphically depicted as the flexible circuit of the fold line from power supply mounting portion 90 longitudinally extends towards video camera 84.One or more light source 96 can be arranged on such as light mounting portion 94, for district or the region of the upper surface 86F of the contiguous camera housing 86 of irradiation.In the illustrated embodiment in which, light source is the light emitting diode (LED) 96 be arranged on light mounting portion 94, on the side 86C making LED be arranged on camera housing and lower than or near the upper surface 86F of camera housing.In the illustrated embodiment in which, LED 96 has the light-emitting area 98 being substantially perpendicular to light mounting portion 94, for from the outside projection light of the far-end of image-forming assembly 18.According to illustrated embodiment (Fig. 9), LED 96 and light mounting portion 94 are located relative to video camera 84 and camera mounting portion 82, make the light-emitting area 98 of LED 96 lower than the relatively short distance (such as, 0.408 millimeter) of the upper surface 86F of camera housing 86.Usually, LED 96 has the surround overlapped at least partly by imaging area or the visual field of optional lens 88 with video camera 84.

In another embodiment, one or more LED can be positioned at the distally of video camera.As shown in figure 44, an example of flexible circuit assembly is indicated by Reference numeral 60' usually.As illustrated in the configuration of folded configuration or at least partly assembling, the flexible circuit 80' of flexible circuit assembly 60' can comprise electronic unit mounting portion 90', it is provided with the camera mounting portion 82' of video camera 84' and can install the LED mounting portion 94' of one or more light source (such as four diagram LED 96') thereon.LED mounting portion 94' be typically configured to reside in video camera 84' upper surface on, make LED 96' in video camera distally or depart from video camera.LED mounting portion 94' can comprise the opening 95' aimed at camera lens (not shown), makes LED mounting portion 94' not stop the visual field of video camera 84'.Figure 45 shows the flexible circuit 80' launched in configuration or straight configuration.Flexible circuit can have other configuration and be provided for installing the replacement position of video camera and light source.

With reference to Fig. 9 and 10, video camera 84 and LED 96 are graphically depicted as and are arranged in optically transparent lid 70.Lid 70 can be configured to diffusion from any one light sent one or more LED96, and is filled in particular frequency range by sent light in some cases.Lid 70 can have the outer surface comprising cylindrical attachment part 100 and Dome shaped portion 102, this cylindrical attachment part 100 is configured to be coupled with the far-end of tubular shell 50 or mate, and this Dome shaped portion 102 can stretch out from tubular shell or give prominence to.In one example, the shape of cylindrical attachment part 100 and size can be set as making to form close fit with the inner surface of tubular shell 50.Binding agent may be used for further cylindrical attachment part 100 being fixed to tubular shell 50.Connection between lid 70 and housing 50 can be substantially waterproof to stop liquid to enter into image-forming assembly 18.

According in some embodiments in one or more of the present invention, lid 70 has the inner surface limiting the cavity extended internally from lid near-end.Cavity can provide or limit video camera holding portion 104 and LED holding portion 106.The size and shape of video camera holding portion 104 correspondingly can be set as snugly or closely hold side 86B, 86C, 86D, 86E of video camera 84, and the degree of depth (being indicated by " D " in Fig. 9) being less than camera height (being indicated by " h " in Fig. 9) can be had, video camera is extended from video camera holding portion 104 in lid 70 proximal end.This close fit prevention video camera of video camera 84 in video camera holding portion 104 is aimed at the suitable of video camera 84 relative to moving and being convenient to lid 70 of lid 70.Lid 70 can regulate relative to the location of video camera 84 or be configured to any effect reducing at least in part undesirably to affect the picture quality generated by image-forming assembly 18.In the exemplary embodiment, the ledge extending to the camera housing of video camera holding portion outside can making for promoting assembling by the enable fixture for accurate located camera and lid.In other modification, lid can utilize difference to be configured to and the housing of image-forming assembly or other unit interface.Such as, one or more variant embodiment can comprise any one cylindrical volume had in closed imaging device and one or more light source.

With further reference to Fig. 9, the unwanted light that the inside of lid 70 can also be configured to reduce to be sent by LED 96 enters video camera 84 and is sensed by video camera or detect.In order to minimize or reduce at least in part to enter any reflection of undesirably light in video camera 84, the interior surface 108 relative with video camera that be relative with the upper surface 86F of camera housing 86, lid 70 can be directed or be configured to the upper surface 86F being arranged essentially parallel to camera housing.In addition, the inner surface 110 relative with light that be relative with the light-emitting area 98 of LED 96, lid 70 can be set to lid and surface 108 longitudinal separation that video camera is relative (that is, distad interval).Relatively sharp-pointed angle (such as, right angle) can be implemented by the surface 108 that the inner surface 112 of lid 70 is relative with video camera and be limited, and inner surface 110 is connected to inner surface 108 by this inner surface 112.The light that this configuration should reduce to be sent by LED 96 is to any less desirable internal reflection in video camera 84.

Further with reference to Figure 10, it can be the central distal part 116 of general planar (such as general plane) that the Dome shaped portion 102 of lid 70 outer surface comprises.Distally part 116 extend to the lateral edge of base portion (such as, the near-end of Dome shaped portion) be circle and roughly level and smooth.In addition, the base portion of lid 70 has can cross section size and shape approximately uniform with the cross section size and shape of housing 50, makes lid be transitioned into housing smoothly.Generally, this general shape of lid 70 is called truncated dome shape herein.Smooth central distal part 116 should minimize or at least reduce the distortion of visual field.In the illustrated embodiment in which, smooth central distal part 116 have circular periphery and with visual field formed objects or the area being greater than visual field, to minimize the distortion of visual field further.In addition, the part that lid 70 inner surface is relative with the upper surface 86F of video camera 84 with the planar central part 116 of outer surface also can be smooth and can be arranged essentially parallel to the planar central part of outer surface, and this should minimize or at least reduce the distortion of visual field further.The circular edge of lid 70 can be inserted into the distal part of feed conduit assembly 12 in subject and to improve the comfort level of intubation.

Figure 11 shows the electrical diagram of one or more embodiment according to the present invention for the exemplary electrical system 200 of flexible circuit assembly 60.Figure 12 and 13 graphically shows the circuit diagram of exemplary electrical system 200.Electrical system 200 can comprise electric conductor adapter 202 (such as insulation displacement connector), for holding the electric conductor 24 from outlet transfer device 20.According to illustrated embodiment, electric conductor 24 comprises six signal lines.Six signal lines in illustrated embodiment comprise two power supply line roads (such as, power line 5V and earth lead GND), dual serial order wire (such as, serial time clock line SCL and serial data line SDA) and differential pair (such as, low-voltage differential signal main track LVDS_P and low-voltage differential signal negative wire LVDS_N).Power supply line road (5V and GND) is electrically connected to LED 96 for excitation LED 96.In illustrated circuit system 200, power supply line road direction white light LEDs (the part numbers LW QH8G that such as, can obtain from German OSRAM Opto SemiconductorGmnH or LW VH8G) provides the electric power of 5 volts.Power supply line road (5V and GND) is also electrically connected to dual voltage adjuster 204 or power supply provides electric power for it.Dual voltage adjuster 204 produces two different pressure-wires from the electric power provided by power supply line road.In illustrated circuit system 200, dual voltage adjuster 204 (such as, can from California, the part numbers ISL9016IRUJCZ-T of the Intersil Corporation acquisition of Milpitas) produce the electric power signal of 2.8 volts (such as, simulation supply voltage signal VAA) and the electric power signal (such as, digital supply voltage signal VDD) of 1.8 volts.Dual voltage adjuster 204 is configured to provide by the supply voltage of its generation to agitator 206, serial communication device 208 and video camera 84 and be electrically connected to agitator 206, serial communication device 208 and video camera 84.In exemplary electrical system 200, video camera 84 can be the part numbers MTV9124M01 that can obtain from the Aptina ImagingCorp. of California, San Jose.But, in the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, other video camera or imageing sensor can be used.

Agitator 206 (such as 22MHz agitator) can be electrically connected to video camera 84 and be configured to provide timing signal (EXTCLK) to it.Serial communication device 206 (the I2C bus repeater that such as can obtain from German Philips Semiconducor or NXP B.V) is electrically connected to dual serial order wire (SDA, SCL) and video camera 84, is passed to video camera 84 for permission data (non-picture data) and passes out from video camera 84.Such as, null modem cable (SDA, SCL) can be connected to external computing device by control station adapter 22.External computing device receives the data representing that one or more video camera is arranged, such as, but not limited to resolution and frame rate.Video camera arranges and can be passed to video camera 84 by null modem cable (SDA, SCL) and serial communication device 208.Video camera 84 is at its intubation and/or the image obtaining the experimenter's anatomical structure in visual field afterwards and according to the video camera setting of being transmitted by serial communication device 208 from obtained Computer image genration imaging signal (such as serializing digital video signal).According to the timing signal provided by agitator 206 (EXTCLK), make the operation that performed by video camera 84 synchronous.Video camera 84 outputs signal (such as, serializing digital video signal) for transferring to control station adapter 22 and control station 23 to differential pair line (LVDS_N, LVDS_P).Then, the image obtained by video camera 84 can be carried, process and be checked by control station 23.

Figure 14 illustrates the flexible circuit 80 in expansion or smooth (such as plane) configuration.In expansion configuration, camera mounting portion 82, power supply mounting portion 90, data mounting portion 92 and light mounting portion 94 are all roughly arranged in same level and form single plane surface (such as, installed surface).In one embodiment, when flexible circuit is when launching in configuration, all electronic units for the electrical system (such as, electrical system 200) of image-forming assembly 18 are attached to the installed surface 250 of the single general plane of flexible circuit 80.Therefore, electronic unit can be attached to flexible circuit 80 when launching in configuration so that manufacture at flexible circuit 80.

Figure 14 illustrates the relative position of the electronic unit of above-described exemplary electrical system 200.Particularly, electric conductor adapter 202 (such as, insulation displacement connector) and power supply 204 (such as, dual voltage adjuster) can be attached to the mounting surface 250 of power supply mounting portion 90.Power supply 204 is usually located at and relatively minimizes closer to the configuration (such as, diagram configuration) at electric conductor 24 place entered or reduce the noise on earth lead (GND).Agitator 206 (such as, timing generator) and serial communication device 208 (such as, I ²c bus repeater) mounting surface 250 of data mounting portion 92 can be attached to.Video camera 84 can be attached to the mounting surface 250 of camera mounting portion 82.Due to the serial communication signal that transmits between serial communication device 208 and electric conductor adapter 202 (such as, serial data and serial clock signal) there is the bandwidth lower than the video signal being delivered to electric conductor adapter 202 from video camera 84, therefore serial communication device 208 is arranged to than video camera 84 further from electric conductor adapter 202 by the configuration of graphical representation of exemplary.LED 96 is attached to light mounting portion 94.Camera mounting portion 82 is shaped and is configured so that light mounting portion 94 can be set to flush with the side 86C of camera housing when flexible circuit assembly 60 is in above-described folded configuration.

In one embodiment, the flexible circuit 80 of flexible circuit assembly 60 is odt circuits.Particularly, flexible circuit 80 comprises the first substrate and the second substrate, has top surface and basal surface separately.First substrate and the second substrate can be made up of flexible polyimide thin film.The conductive material (such as, copper) be optionally arranged in the first top surface forms the first circuit pattern (such as, the trace of multiple selectivity connection).Figure 15 illustrates the first circuit pattern for exemplary electrical system 200 according to some aspects of the present invention.The conductive material be optionally arranged on the top surface of the second substrate forms second circuit pattern.First substrate and the second substrate (such as, stacking) parallel to each other are arranged, make the first top surface directly relative with the second substrate basal surface.First circuit pattern and second circuit pattern are electrically connected by using such as through hole, and are connected to form odt circuit with the electronic unit being attached to flexible circuit.In the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, flexible circuit 80 can be made up of other material and can otherwise be formed.

In one embodiment, the light mounting portion 94 of flexible circuit 80 has been configured to the effect of radiator.Conductive material in conductive material in first top surface and the second top surface can use such as through hole to link together, so that heat is transmitted to the second substrate from the first substrate.The trace that second substrate of the light mounting portion of flexible circuit is formed can be wider relative to the trace that the other parts of the first substrate and the second substrate are formed.Such as, wider trace can have the width of about 0.008 inch.The probability that the temperature that this arrangement minimises or the heat that can reduce to be generated by LED96 cause raises, and can allow to provide larger electric current to maximize or to increase the irradiation ability produced by LED 96 to LED 96, prevent simultaneously or reduce the probability to any infringement of LED 96 and the interference to patient caused by less desirable or unacceptable high temperature.

With reference to Fig. 7,8 and 14, in order to change flexible circuit assembly 60 into folded configuration from straight configuration, power supply mounting portion 90 and data mounting portion 92 are folding to form video camera mounting surface 82 between fold line 97 toward each other at the first fold line 97 (Fig. 7 and 8) place.Power supply mounting portion 90 and data mounting portion 92 can fold second time at the second fold line 99 place, make two parts almost parallel and in relation respect to one another.Light mounting portion 94 inwardly can also fold towards camera mounting portion 82.

Due to parts will do not had to be arranged on flexible circuit inner surface or rear surface (that is, parts are installed on a mounting surface), aiming at of assembly process power supply mounting portion 90 and data mounting portion 92 therefore can be promoted.The aiming at of power supply mounting portion 90 and data mounting portion 92 can also improve aiming at of video camera and expectation set.The stress be associated with the fold line 97 and 99 on the either side of video camera mounting surface 82 and power balance each other.Therefore, equivalence or counteractive stress or power induction video camera 84 navigate in certain orientation, lens 88 are aimed at lid 70 and lens 88 observation visual field can with the dead in line of tubular shell 50.

Figure 16 is the block diagram of the exemplary flexible circuit electrical system according to alternative embodiment of the present invention.As shown in the figure, electric conductor comprises four cables of formation four holding wires.Four holding wires in illustrated embodiment comprise two power supply line roads (such as, power line 5V and earth lead GND) and differential pair (such as, low-voltage differential signal main track LVDS_P and low-voltage differential signal negative wire LVDS_N).Microcontroller 210 cooperates with video camera 84 to allow to be integrated in feed conduit assembly 10.Video camera 84 comprises such as I2C order/control interface and serializing digital video output interface.Microcontroller 210 can directly send order and control signal to video camera 84 instead of transmit these signals on pipe lengths.Other operating parameter described herein (exemplary embodiment be such as associated with Figure 11-13) can be implemented in this modification.

In fig. 17, according to one or more other embodiment of the present invention, electric conductor 24 comprises four cables of formation four holding wires.Video camera 84 can be customized to and automatically and/or independently operate according to scheduled operation agreement when powering up or encourage.In this embodiment, video camera 84 does not use or relies on outside input command/control signal.The operating parameter of video camera 84 (such as, but be not limited to exposure, white balance) can pre-programmed, presetting or be for good and all set as such as custom value or the special value of specific or predetermined application.Such as, in one embodiment, custom value will be stored in the memory construction of association usually.Video camera 84 can comprise sequencer (not shown), such as be integrated in the microcontroller in camara module itself, this sequencer has and can carry out disposable programmable memory (OTPM) (not shown) of programming by custom value.Alternatively, video camera 84 can comprise the hardware register (not shown) with custom value stored therein, and in this case, sequencer can be exercisable alternatively.Other operating parameter described herein can be implemented in this embodiment.

Figure 18 illustrates another embodiment again of exemplary flexible circuit electrical system.As shown in figure 18, electric conductor 24 comprises two cables of formation two holding wires.Two holding wires in illustrated embodiment comprise two power supply line roads (such as, power line 5V and earth lead GND), for providing electric power from control station to flexible circuit 60.And if control station 23 can encourage flexible circuit 60 or to flexible circuit 60 provide electric power need can regulation voltage to power to other parts of radio 212A and video camera 84 and flexible circuit 60.Then, video camera 84 can wirelessly send imaging signal (such as video data) by radio 212A to the corresponding radio 212B being positioned at control station place.In an alternate embodiment, control station 23 bidirectionally can communicate to exchange such as non-video data by radio 212A, 212B with video camera 84.There is provided electric power can eliminate needs to limited capacity energy source (such as battery) in camara module itself to video camera 84 by this way.

Reduce holding wire quantity as shown in figs. 16-18 (particularly when with flexible circuit in conjunction with time) can reduce costs and improve the easiness of reliability and assembling.In addition, less conductor can reduce the probability of the connection line improperly of circuit switching and assembly process unintentionally.

With reference to Fig. 2 and 4A, the control station adapter 22 of graphical representation of exemplary comprises connector shell 228 and is fixed to the printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) 230 of connector shell.PCB 230 comprises from the outward extending edge connector 232 of housing 228, the electronic unit mounting portion of PCB is arranged in connector shell 228 and edge connector exposes and therefore can be accessible for being connected on it usually.In the illustrated embodiment in which, connector shell 228 limits pipe connection opening 234, wherein such as fixes the first tube section 12a with the second tube section 12b to be fluidly connected the first tube section and the second tube section by binding agent.Pipe connection opening 234 can partly limit feed throughs 14, or feed throughs can be limited by tube section 12a, 12b completely.In a nonrestrictive example, the one-piece tube 12 in conjunction with section 12a and 12b or replacement section 12a and 12b extends through pipe connection opening 234, makes feed throughs be limited by pipe completely and not be communicated with any part fluid of control station adapter 22.Pipe 12 can be such as fixed in pipe connection opening 234 by binding agent.Control station adapter can have other configuration and can be fixed to feed conduit assembly in other position.

Electric conductor 24 to extend to connector shell 228 from the first tube section 12a and is electrically connected to PCB 230.Interface cable 242 or other signal transmission component removably can be connected to edge connector 232 to realize communication between control station 23 and image-forming assembly 18 and exchanges data.As explained in more detail below, with permission information (namely electronic memory component 243 (such as EEPROM (EEPROM)) can be arranged on PCB 230, data) to store and/or write on PCB 230 and can by control station 23 (that is, the microprocessor 254 of control station 23) or another external device access.PCB 230 can have additional or different electronic unit mounted thereto, or PCB can omit to make electric conductor operatively be connected to PCB 230.

In another embodiment, control station adapter can be formed or be fixed to inlet adapter on inlet adapter.With reference to Fig. 4 B, in one embodiment of the invention, housing 228' and the inlet adapter 16' of control station adapter 22' form.Control station connector shell 228' laterally stretches out from the outlet port 34' of inlet adapter 16'.Similar previous embodiment, current console adapter 22' comprises the PCB 230' with edge connector 232' alternatively, for being connected with making image-forming assembly and console communication.As disclosed above and be explained in more detail below, electronic memory component (such as EEPROM (not shown)) can be arranged on PCB 230'.Feed conduit assembly can comprise the dissimilar connector for image-forming assembly 18 being connected to control station 23.

With reference to Fig. 3, graphical interface cable 242 is included in first interface adapter 244 on the relative longitudinal direction end of cable and the second interface connector 246.First interface adapter 244 removably mates with edge connector 232 and can be electrically connected to edge connector 232, and the second interface connector 246 removably mates with control station 23 and can be electrically connected to control station 23.One in interface connector 244,246 or both have difference adapter (that is, non-universal adapter), this has difference adapter only to mate and to be connected to the corresponding connectors be associated with feed conduit assembly 10 and control station 23.In addition, edge connector 232 or other adapter can be arranged on its shape and corresponding (such as, complementally configuring) first interface adapter 244 optionally with distinctive in the socket that mates.Socket and first interface adapter 244 can comprise provides the connected structure of the frictional fit between adapter and socket (such as raised line or other parts) to stop unexpected disconnection.In the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, the connection between interface cable 242 and control station adapter 22 can have other and configure.

Still with reference to figure 3, interface cable 242 can comprise control appliance (such as button 248) to allow user record still image (such as taking the snapshot image of the real-time video that control station 23 is showing).The actuating of button 248 or other control appliance sends signal to control station 23, and instruction control station recording image information, such as, still image is together with the temporal information of association.In one example, control appliance 248 can near first interface adapter 244 or on first interface adapter 244; Such as, control appliance can than first interface adapter 246 closer to first interface adapter.In one or more exemplary embodiment of the present invention, control appliance can be arranged on first interface adapter or in 12 of first interface adapter inches.Control station 23 can also comprise snapshot controlling functions (such as icon, button or other activated apparatus), it allows user to use control station to take and record snapshot image, this snapshot image can be stored in memory construction alternatively, and can comprise the auxiliary information of such as date and time.In certain situation or embodiment, can predict, during being inserted by feed conduit assembly 10 in patient body, control station 23 can be positioned at the untouchable distance of user's (such as practitioner).Therefore, although image (such as, video) can be observed on control station 23, user can not touch control station to perform additional operations or function to control station during feed conduit assembly 10 inserts.Therefore, by arranging control appliance 248 on interface cable 242, more particularly through the control appliance arranging contiguous first interface adapter 244, user can take and records snapshot image and need not touch control station 23.In the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, interface cable 242 can have other configuration.

As shown in Figure 3, graphic console 23 can comprise control station housing 250, be fixed to the console display 252 (such as LCD or other electronic displays) of housing and setting microprocessor 254 in the housing.In the illustrated embodiment in which, microprocessor 254 is communicated with image-forming assembly 18 with electric conductor 24 by interface cable 242.Microprocessor 254 can be configured to receive the imaging signal that transmitted by image-forming assembly 18 or video signal and show the real time imaging be associated with imaging signal over the display.As below more in detail disclosed in, microprocessor 254 can be configured to display graphics user interface on console display 252 or different display alternatively.Control station 23 can comprise one or more user input device to carry out communicating to use control station 23 to perform various operation with microprocessor 254 to allow user or operator.Display 252 can be touch screen (such as the display of touch screen LCD or other type), and this touch screen also plays user input device.In one embodiment, touch screen allows by being moved apart zooming in or out image with downscaled images size together with enlarged image size or be brought to two finger touch screens.Except touch-screen display 242 or replace touch-screen display 242, other user input device (such as mouse, keyboard, stick or other user input device) can also be set.Some miscellaneous equipments can include but not limited to accept and act on the voice command of clinician or the ability of gesture.These input equipments have below does not need people can the advantage of touch control platform.Other accessory can be utilized in control station 23, include but not limited to power subsystem and universal serial bus.

With reference to Fig. 4 A, as disclosed above, control station adapter 22 on feed conduit assembly 10 can comprise the electronic memory component 243 (such as EEPROM) for storing and/or write data thereon, and these data can by control station 23 or other the inner or external device access be associated with feed conduit assembly (such as enteral feeding pump).In one or more embodiment of the present invention, one or more in following classes information can be arranged on electronic memory component or write electronic memory component.

In a nonrestrictive example, the data relevant to feed conduit assembly 10 can write, store or be otherwise incorporated in electronic memory component 243.Such as, the data of instruction lot number and/or item code (such as, serial number) can write electronic memory component 243, and can be retrieved as predefined identifier by control station 23.In addition, can be included in can so that control station 23 verifies that feed conduit assembly 10 is the information of effective feed conduit that will use together with control station to proprietary Validation Code to provide in electronic memory component 243.Control station 23 can be configured to before permission operation or additional operations, verify that feed conduit assembly is acceptable, suitable, undue or compatible feed conduit assembly by such as performing instruction.When suitably not verifying, such as, if feed conduit assembly 10 does not have effective information (such as can accept code or acceptable predefined identifier), then control station 23 can stop image to show on control station.In addition, the data indicating feed conduit assembly 10 whether to sterilize can write electronic memory component 243.The out of Memory relevant to feed conduit assembly 10 can also write or otherwise be incorporated to electronic memory component 243.Therefore electronic memory component can serve as will provide one or more predefine identifying information (such as, predefined identifier) Verification Components or key, this one or more predefine identifying information can before consing or period utilized by control station.

In another nonrestrictive example, indicate the data (that is, timestamp) of the time relevant to feed conduit assembly 10 can write in electronic memory component 243.Such as, the build date of feed conduit assembly 10 can write electronic memory component 243.When feed conduit assembly 10 is such as connected to control station 23 by interface cable 242, control station can read the data of instruction build date.In a nonrestrictive example, control station 23 can use build date determination feed conduit assembly 10 whether to exceed its storage life.If feed conduit assembly 10 has exceeded its predetermined storage life, so control station 23 can configure or perform programming instruction, and the message that this programming instruction performs and initiates alarm, transmission instruction exceedes storage life and prevention check at least one image from image-forming assembly 18.In another example, when feed conduit assembly 10 is connected with control station 23, control station can be programmed for the date of Start Date or the first time use writing service on electronic memory component 243.The intended life that can be used as this Start Date determining when feed conduit assembly 10 has exceeded or by overdue reference.Such as, after writing electronic memory component 243 Start Date, control station 23 can be configured to use persistent period or the service life of determining feed conduit assembly, and the use persistent period of process and due date (and time) are compared, with determine remaining life or determine the service life of feed conduit assembly, service time or both whether will expire or expire.Other modification can comprise periodically, determine whether current date or use date exceed due date constantly or continuously.If control station 23 determines that the service life of feed conduit assembly 10 expires, so control station can be programmed for and initiate alarm, transmits overdue message in instruction service life, check at least one image at the enterprising line item of the image of any record and prevention from image-forming assembly 18.Can by timestamp is write electronic memory component 243 determine accumulative service time with determine actual use hour.

Control station 23 can be configured to out of Memory to write electronic memory component 243.Such as, control station 23 can be programmed for the serial number or other identifier that write and be associated with control station, makes other control station and miscellaneous equipment (such as enteral feeding pump) can read electronic memory component 243 and determine which control station uses together with selected feed conduit assembly 10.In another non-limiting example, control station can be configured to patient specific information to write electronic memory component 243, this patient specific information comprises the such as name of experimenter (such as patient), the authentication code of experimenter and the out of Memory relevant to patient, include but not limited to, be fed to the feeding timetable of the type of the enteral product of patient and patient, the feeding persistent period, association feeding arrange or other historical information.Before feed conduit assembly 10 is connected to control station 23, patient information can write electronic memory component 243, and control station can be programmed for reading patient information.Alternatively, user can use control station 23 that patient information is write electronic memory component 243.Can to patient information encryption with the confidentiality guaranteeing patient.

In another non-limiting example again, placement-acknowledging time stamp or some other confirmation identifier can write electronic memory component 243 and be identified with the suitable placement indicating feed conduit assembly 10 in patient body.Control station 23 can be configured to, when user is properly positioned to control station instruction feed conduit assembly, timestamp is write electronic memory component 243.Such as, user can touch the button or perform some other operations to confirm suitable placement.Except timestamp or other confirmation identifier, can by user name or other ID write electronic memory component 243.

Figure 19-31 illustrates one or more feature relevant to the exemplary graphical user of control station.One or more in feature described herein can be incorporated in various embodiment of the present invention.Figure 19 is the flow chart of the operation of the graphic user interface of diagram when control station 23 first time energising or when being activated after control station does not reach predetermined amount of time by user's use.Untapped predetermined period can be one month, six months or even 1 year.Other trigger condition that may affect first time startup can comprise power attenuation.

As illustrated, whether user interface screen prompting user is whether the first user (" initial user ") of control station 23 or user are associated with control station with indicating user.If user is initial user, so control station 23 authorizes manager's identity together with for all features of access control platform or the associated permissions of predetermined characteristic to initial user.Therefore, at 302 places, prompting initial user is selected to show in user interface screen with the language exchanged with user (being labeled as " language ").At 304 places, prompting initial user input current date and time, and specify the form being used for displaying time (being labeled as " date/time ") alternatively.At 306 places, initial user is pointed out to input the time-tracking option (labelling " time showing ") shown by user interface alternatively.Initial user can select in the following option one: followed the trail of by control station 23 and show the time on the same day; Followed the trail of and show the elapsed time amount (such as, initiating when inputting patient data) of the present procedure for being undertaken by feed conduit assembly 10 by control station; Followed the trail of and show the elapsed time amount of time on the same day and ongoing present procedure by control station.At 308 places, point out initial user that manager's account is set by input username and password alternatively.

If user's indicating user is not the first user of control station 23, so at 310 places, control station presents logged-on user interface screen to user.User inputs username and password.If user inputs the valid user name and password that associate with it, then user logs in.If control station 23 determines that username and password is not effective, then control station presents login retry (that is, message and another Register meeting) to user.In one embodiment, after the login attempt of predetermined quantity, control station 23 can be reset; All patient datas, user data and device data can deleted, locking or otherwise become inaccessible.If user successfully logs in, then at 312 places, present main separation user interface screen to user.Main separation user interface screen can to user present in following navigation options one or more: utilitarian function, Program Screen, file function and publish.Navigation options can be presented by text and/or graphic icons.In addition, if receive video data when accessing main separation user interface screen from image-forming assembly 18, then a part (be labeled as " preview video " or be graphically expressed as such as film reel icon) for main separation user interface screen is exclusively used in and provides video data to user.As described below, this usually after start program user select to occur during main separation user interface screen.

In one embodiment, control station 23 is configured to the multiple class of subscriber of identification or identity and limits the operation that can be performed by control station according to the classification be associated with each user.Such as, control station 23 can be configured to identification four class of subscribers: operator, manager, ratifier and guardian.The user that control station 23 can be configured to authorised operator's classification checks the video data received from image-forming assembly 18.The user that control station 23 can be configured to authorized administrator classification creates or sets up user account or other operator's account and the data that correspondingly associate store minor structure, and checks the video data received from image-forming assembly 18.The user that control station 23 is configured to mandate ratifier classification checks the video data or imaging data that receive from image-forming assembly 18, and approval data is annotated from the video data or imaging data of image-forming assembly reception.Control station 23 can be configured to authorize the user of guardian's classification to perform maintenance function (such as software upgrading) to control station.But the user of guardian's classification operating console when control station does not store any patient data only authorized by control station 23, such as, before mandate guardian user operation control station, patient data must be deleted from control station.

If user selects utilitarian function from main separation user interface screen, then can present utilitarian function user interface screen to user.Utilitarian function user interface screen is presented to the option of user usually based on the classification be associated with user or identity.If user is operator or ratifier, then can present utilitarian function user interface screen to user.Then, control station can provide " language " discussed above option and " preview video " feature to user.Utilitarian function user interface screen can also provide " User Manager " option to user, " User Manager " options allow users should navigate to User Manager navigate user interface screen, and this screen allows user to change his/her password.If user is manager, then the utilitarian function user interface screen of presenting to user has " language " discussed above, " date/time ", " time showing " and " preview video " option.Can also provide " User Manager " option, this options allow users navigates to User Manager user interface screen.User Manager user interface for manager allows manager to add user by this user interface.The utilitarian function user interface screen of presenting to manager can also have the option being labeled as " resetting/erasing control station ", for resetting control station (such as, delete patient data, user data and device data) or wipe control station (such as, deleting patient data and device data) and upgrade (being labeled as " SW renewal ") for executive software.Except the option of presenting to administrator, the utilitarian function user interface screen of presenting to guardian user provides the option performing guardian's function (being labeled as " guardian's function ") in addition to guardian user.Such as, " guardian's function " can comprise software debugging function.

Refer again to main separation user interface screen, if user selects " Program Screen " option, then show patient information user interface screen by control station 23 to user.Patient information user interface screen prompting user input is to name and the mark of the patient of its performing a programme.If user inputs name and the mark of patient, then to user's display routine main user interface screen, as long as and feed conduit assembly 10 is correctly connected to control station, and control station 23 just starts to receive video data from the image-forming assembly 18 of feed conduit assembly 10.If user does not input name and the mark of patient, such as, patient's name and patient's id field are stayed white, then present blank patient information user interface screen to user.Blank patient information user interface screen allows user to select to advance when not inputting patient information or input patient information.If user selects to input patient information, then user can be rebooted to patient information user interface screen.If user selects to advance when not inputting patient information, then to user's display routine main user interface screen, as long as and feed conduit assembly 10 is correctly connected to control station, control station 23 just starts to receive video data from the image-forming assembly 18 of feed conduit assembly.If feed conduit assembly 10 is not connected to or is connected to control station improperly, then present error message to user.

In one embodiment, manually patient information can be inputted by user.In another embodiment, control station 23 can comprise bar code wrist strap for scan patients to obtain the bar code scanner (not shown) of patient information.In another embodiment again, patient information can be arranged on electronic memory component 243.After feed conduit assembly 10 is connected to control station 23 communicatedly, control station can read and record patient information from electronic memory component 243.This embodiment and/or manually can input embodiment and is combined, to provide the cross-check of patient to guarantee to provide correct medical procedure (such as, enteral is fed to) to correct patient with bar code scanner embodiment.

Illustrated in Figure 20 and 21, replace program main user interface screen and can show the video data that just received from image-forming assembly 18 by control station 23 or the imaging data through playing up or processing.Program main user interface screen can also show following in any one: 350 places display current time (if being selected by user), respectively 352 and 354 display patient's names and identification number (if being inputted by user) and 356 display present procedure elapsed time (if being selected by user).When user inputs patient's name and mark or selects to advance when not inputting patient's name and mark, present procedure elapsed time starts.Program main user interface screen also comprises 358 places for taking the option of snapshot, such as, with icon or the button of text.Snap option 358 allows user to select to store the present frame of the video data collected from image-forming assembly 18 by control station or the imaging data through playing up.Identifying information about snapshot automatically can provide and/or is input on control station for identifying snapshot after a while by user.Disclosed in above, interface cable 242 can comprise control appliance 248, except snap option 358 or replace snap option 358, this control appliance 248 can be arranged on control station 23.At 360 places, program main user interface screen provides file function option (be labeled as " file function " or be illustrated as folder icon) to user, and this file function choosing-item allows user to access the file stored by control station." file function " option can also be directly accessed from main separation user interface screen.When such as selecting " file function " option from the program main user interface screen of Figure 19 A and 19B or main separation user interface screen, user is directed to file function user interface screen.

File function user interface screen presents the directory listing that control station stores to user, and comprises " preview video " discussed above feature.The representative of each catalogue is combined the video data that stores or the imaging data through playing up with a particular feed pipe assembly 10.In one embodiment, control station 23 can read serial number or other unique identifier from control station adapter 22.Serial number or other identifier can, specific to feed conduit assembly 10, make this feed conduit assembly 10 distinguish with other feed conduit assemblies all.In the illustrated embodiment in which, control station adapter 22 comprises the electronic memory component 243 of the identifier storing feed conduit assembly 10.Under the single catalogue that all data of feed conduit assembly 10 reception with specific sequence number or other identifier can be stored in control station 23.From the data of feed conduit assembly 10 reception with different serial number or other identifier can be stored in different directories.

User can select for the catalogue of checking and/or edit from file function user interface screen.When selecting catalogue from file function user interface screen, user is directed to the user interface screen (in Figure 22 and 23 illustrated alternative embodiment) that file function catalogue is selected.This user interface presents the listed files (such as, image file) be associated with selected catalogue.The image that image file representing is selected by snap option by user.User can select at least one file from image directory and pass through " derivation " option 380 export, by " rename " option 382 pairs of file rename, annotate or viewing files by " deletion " option 384 deleted file and by " annotate/check " option 386.

If user selects " derivation " option 380 from file function user interface screen, then show raw/JPEG user interface screen (in Figure 24 and 25 illustrated alternative embodiment).This user interface presents the listed files that is associated with the catalogue previously selected and allows user to select one or more file.User interface allows user to specify specific control station USB (universal serial bus) (USB) at 390 places, and selected file will be derived by this port.The bus of suitable quantity can be set.In one embodiment, two stacking buses are set.In another embodiment, control station 23 can additionally, or alternatively be configured to selected file wirelessly be exported to receiving equipment and/or connected by Ethernet selected file is exported to receiving equipment.At 392 places, once derive selected file, just present to user the option deleting selected file from control station at 392 places.Respectively at 394 and 396 places, prompting user selects file exported as unpressed file (such as, raw file) or file exported as compressed file (such as, jpeg file).

If user selects " rename " option 382 from file function user interface screen, then present rename user interface screen to allow user to file rename to user.In one embodiment, the default form of file is DATE_SUD-SN_PT-NAME_PTID_TIME_SEQ#_.img, wherein

DATE=is characterized as the current date (such as, yyymmdd) of control station setting by " date/time ";

The equipment Serial Number (identifier such as, retrieved from control station adapter 22 by control station 23) that SUD-SN=single uses;

PT-NAME=is as inputted the patient's name inputted by patient information user interface screen by user;

PT-ID=is as inputted the Patient identifier inputted by patient information user interface screen by user;

TIME=is characterized as the current time (such as, hhmmss) of control station setting by " date/time ";

SEQ#=is as the picture number received from image-forming assembly, and the first image wherein sent from image-forming assembly has picture number 1 and the picture number of each image that after this receives increases by one.

In one embodiment, " rename " option 382 allows user only to change the SEQ# part of filename.

If user selects " deletion " option 384 from file function user interface screen, then present to user and delete user interface screen to allow user's deleted file.Delete user interface screen and can provide to user the listed files comprised formerly in selected catalogue.User can select one or more file from catalogue, then selects to delete option (such as, delete button or icon).When user selects to delete option from deletion user interface screen, confirm that user interface screen prompting user is to confirm that selected file should be deleted from control station by deleting.Once user confirms that selected file should be deleted, then the file selected by deleting from control station.

If user selects " annotate/check " option 386 from file function user interface screen, then show and check user interface screen as shown in the alternative embodiment of Figure 26 and 27.Check that user interface screen can show the image be stored in selected file.Check that user interface screen can also provide " annotation " option at 400 places to user and provide " comparing with video " option at 402 places.If user selects " comparing with video " option at 402 places, then control station 23 presents to user and compares user interface screen (in Figure 28 and 29 illustrated alternative embodiment).Relatively the Part I 404 of user interface screen shows the image stored in selected file.Relatively the Part II 406 of user interface screen can show the current video data that received from image-forming assembly 18 by control station or the imaging data through playing up.Can image in one embodiment on both convergent-divergent or pan Part I 404 and Part II 406.Compared by the current video data of the image of previously having caught of the pipe placement of diagram previously in patient body and the current pipe in patient body of diagram being placed, user can determine whether pipe moves in patient body.Additionally, or alternatively, the current information that the image of the pipe previously placed and the current pipe of expression are placed can compare by user, so that current whether being revealed as of assessment pipe is suitably placed.It should be noted that the Part I 404 that compares user interface screen and Part II 406 are illustrated as flatly to aim at; But Part I 404 and Part II 406 can about alternatively arranging (such as, vertically aiming at) each other and can being modified by user in the case without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Relatively user interface screen provides " annotation " option at 408 places to user and provides " Program Screen " option at 410 places.If user selects " Program Screen " option 410, then user reboots to above-described patient information user interface screen by control station.If user selects " annotation " option 408 (Figure 28 and 29) from comparing user interface screen, or from checking that user interface screen selects " annotation " option 400 (Figure 26 and 27), then control station presents illustrated annotation user interface screen in the alternative embodiment of Figure 30 and 31 to user.Annotation user interface screen presents " text " option at 420 places to user, and presents " line " option at 422 places, and presents " approval " option at 424 places, presents " cancelling " option and present " all cancelling " option at 428 places at 426 places.

If user selects " text " option 422, then annotation user interface screen allows user such as to want where to place the center of text by touching or put the part indicating user hitting to the image just shown in annotation user interface screen.After the user's input receiving instruction text position, annotation user interface screen shows additional option to user.Particularly, annotation user interface screen provides option to select the text of name anatomical structure from the text list of anatomical structure to user.Annotation user interface also provides option so that free text is added into image to user.If user selects the text of name anatomical structure from text list, then selected text is apparent in center and selects on the screen on text position user.If user selects to add free text to image, then annotation user interface screen is added keyboard to annotation user interface screen and is therefore allowed user input text.If the keyboard in annotation user interface screen covers the text position that user selects, then the text inputted by user moves up until user completes input text.Once Text Input completes, the screen on the text position that the text inputted just can be selected user at center shows.

If user selects " line " option 422, then annotation user interface screen allows user such as to want where to place the first end of line section by the part indicating user touching or click to the image just shown in annotation user interface screen.Then, where user such as can should be arranged on annotation user interface screen by the second end of drag-and-drop operation indicatrix section.If select " cancelling " option 426, then remove the comment entry (such as, text, line section) of finally not preserving from image.This operation can be repeated until the comment entry of not preserving in the picture remains.If select " all cancelling " option 428, then remove the comment entry of all not preserving from image.

If user selects " approval " option 424, then user can be rebooted to ratifier's user interface screen.Ratifier's user interface screen prompting user inputs his/her username and password.Once input username and password, then control station is attempted user authentication as to be associated with ratifier's identity.If user is certified, then such as the message of " Approved byUSERNAME on DATE at TIME " is added into image (such as, the upper left corner of the image below patient identification), wherein

USERNAME=is as the user name of the active user inputted in ratifier's user interface screen;

Once ratifier user indicates him/her to ratify the placement of pipe, then allow to provide nutrient by feed conduit assembly 10 to patient.Such as, control station can be configured to provide the signal allowing feeding pump operation.

Unless otherwise specified, the execution of the operation otherwise in the embodiments of the invention illustrating herein and describe or the order of implementation optional.That is, unless otherwise specified, operation can perform with any order, and embodiments of the invention can comprise additional operations or the operation fewer than operation disclosed herein.Such as, it is contemplated that, before another operation, operate with another while or perform after another operates or carry out specific operation, in this scope in of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention can realize with computer executable instructions.Computer executable instructions can be organized into one or more computer can executive module or module.Aspect of the present invention can be realized with this assembly of any quantity and tissue or module.Such as, aspect of the present invention to be not limited in accompanying drawing illustrated and described herein specific components or module or specific computer-executable instructions.Other embodiments of the invention can comprise and having than diagram and the more or less functional different assembly of assembly described herein or computer executable instructions.

With reference to Figure 32 A-42, another embodiment of imaging feed conduit assembly is usually by 510 instructions.Disclosed various embodiment above this embodiment is similar to, and similar parts add 500 instructions by the Reference numeral of correspondence.With reference to Figure 32 A and 32B, imaging feed conduit assembly 510 comprises feed conduit 512, (namely the second longitudinal direction of adjacent tube holds, near-end) inlet adapter (usually by 516 instruction), adjacent tube first longitudinally end (that is, far-end) image-forming assembly (usually by 518 instructions) and in the middle of inlet adapter 516 with image-forming assembly 518, be fixed to the control station adapter (usually indicating by 522) of pipe.Imaging feed conduit assembly 510 can use together from control station 23 or different control station or display, shows for such as disclosed one or more image generated by image-forming assembly 518 above.Inlet adapter 516 is similar to inlet adapter 16, and therefore, explains the various features of inlet adapter 516 with reference to previous inlet adapter.Unless separately had appointment below, otherwise the open parts that are also applicable to current feed conduit Assemblies Example 512 relevant to the parts of previous feed conduit Assemblies Example 10 of setting forth above herein.

Pipe 512 can be one-piece tube.With reference to Figure 33, electric conductor 524 (in a broad sense, signal transmission component) longitudinally extends to control station adapter 522 along the whole length of pipe 512 from image-forming assembly 518 substantially.In the illustrated embodiment in which, there are six cables 524 for power for image-forming assembly 518 and at control station (such as, control station 23) and image-forming assembly between transmit data, but more or less cable can be had in the case without departing from the scope of the present invention.In the illustrated embodiment in which, cable 524 be arranged on three separate and in different conductor channel 526.Cable 524 is arranged in pairs, wherein in each same conductor passage 526 to arranging in the pipe wall.In one example, cable 524 and pipe 512 can be simultaneously co-extruded, and cable is embedded in tube wall.After common extruding, cable 524 can, by laser ablation to remove respective sheath and/or mechanically to peel off to expose wire, make cable can be electrically connected to image-forming assembly 518 and control station adapter 522.

With reference to Figure 34-37, image-forming assembly 518 can comprise housing 550, flexible circuit assembly (usually by 560 instructions) (Figure 35) and the lid 570 of elongation, flexible circuit assembly comprises mounted thereto and holds video camera 584 in the housing and light source 596, lid 570 longitudinally holds (such as, far-end) place to be attached to video camera at first of image-forming assembly.In this embodiment, the flexible circuit 580 of flexible circuit assembly 560 can be rigid-flex circuits, and this rigid-flex circuits comprises one or more the isolated rigid structure 561 being arranged on flexible circuit, and it stops bending.Electronic unit (such as above about the electronic unit that previous embodiment describes) is arranged on rigid structure 561.Rigid-flex circuits 560 can bend at bending position 581 place between rigid structure 561, and rigid-flex circuits can be only optionally out of shape at bending position 581 place of the length along folding rigid-flex circuits.Light source 596 and video camera 584 are arranged on the identical distal camera mounting portion 582 of rigid-flex circuits 560, and the longitudinal axis that this camera mounting portion 582 is substantially transverse to image-forming assembly 518 extends.In the illustrated embodiment in which, camera mounting portion 582 one of can have in rigid structure 561 is mounted thereto, and video camera 584 and light source 596 can be fixed to this rigid structure 561.

Electronic unit for operating image-forming assembly 518 can with disclosed similar or identical for the electronic unit of the preceding embodiment operating image-forming assembly 18 above.Except those electronic units, rigid-flex circuits 560 comprises decoupling condenser (usually by 598 instructions), for providing the stable supply voltage with low noise to video camera 84.In the illustrated embodiment in which, decoupling condenser 598 embeds in the camera mounting portion 582 of rigid-flex circuits 560 between the layer of camera mounting portion 582 embedding rigid-flex circuits 560.In this way, decoupling condenser 598 is in close proximity to video camera 584.

With reference to Figure 40 and 42, the size and shape except the cavity in lid 570 sets usually only for holding video camera 584 instead of as except the video camera in preceding embodiment and LED 596, lid 570 can be similar to lid 70.In addition, with reference to Figure 40, lid 570 comprises multiple locking radial raised line 589, and this locking radial raised line 589 is contained in the corresponding locking radial groove 600 that housing 550 inner surface is formed.Joint between locking raised line 589 and locking groove 600 stops the lengthwise movement between housing 550 and lid 570.In the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, lid 570 can have other configuration.

In a nonrestrictive example (Figure 40), housing 550 can be molded and comprise the bending position 593 (having the wall thickness of the housing 550 less than structure 591 place) arranged between longitudinally-spaced reinforcement structure 591 (that is, housing 550 has the wall portion increasing thickness) and reinforcement structure.Strengthen structure 591 to be usually set to be close to the electronic unit on rigid-flex circuits 580 and rigid structure, and bending position 593 is set to the bending position on contiguous rigid-flex circuits usually.By this configuration, lid 550 also promotes image-forming assembly 518 bending at the lengthwise position place that the bending of the chosen position place along its length and prevention electronic unit are positioned at.Housing 550 about the difference of the wall thickness of structure 591 and position 593 can be less than about 25%, be less than about 10% or be less than about 5%.

In another non-limiting example (Figure 41), housing 550 can be molded on lid 570, rigid-flex circuits assembly 560 and image-forming assembly adapter 520 to form integration imaging assembly 518.Such as, lid 570, rigid-flex circuits assembly 560 and image-forming assembly adapter 520 can be placed in the fixture of Overmolded process, then can on parts molded shell 550.Polyurethane or other material can be comprised for Overmolded material.In another embodiment again, housing 550 can preforming and lid 570 and image-forming assembly adapter 520 can such as by solvent bonding or the respective end being fixed to housing in other suitable mode.

With reference to Figure 32 A, 32B, 38 and 39, as previous feed conduit assembly 10, current feed conduit assembly 510 comprises image-forming assembly adapter (usually by 520 instructions).As the preceding embodiment of image-forming assembly adapter 20, current image-forming assembly adapter 520 limits the feed throughs be communicated with feed throughs 514 fluid of pipe 512 and exports 540.In the illustrated embodiment in which, first of pipe 512 is longitudinally held and is held and be fixed in the feed throughs outlet 540 of image-forming assembly adapter 520, is communicated with to provide fluid therebetween.Outlet 540 is closedly contiguous to prevent liquid nutritional thing from entering image-forming assembly 518.Therefore, image-forming assembly 518 is not communicated with feed throughs 514 fluid.As an alternative, nutritional solution is laterally dispensed to patient's (a this transverse opening is only shown Figure 32 and 38) from outlet 540.

With reference to Figure 38 and 39, first of image-forming assembly adapter 520 longitudinally holds (such as, far-end) to be defined for the alignment slot 521 of the near-end holding rigid-flex circuits assembly 560.Alignment slot 521 is convenient to the suitable location of rigid-flex circuits assembly 560 relative to image-forming assembly adapter 520.In the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, image-forming assembly adapter 520 can have other configuration.

With reference to Figure 42, control station adapter 522 can be fixed to feed conduit 512 and laterally can extend from feed conduit 512.The control station adapter 522 of current view comprises housing 728 and PCB 730, inlet adapter adapter 800 and is fixed to the feed conduit adapter 802 of housing.Adapter (such as USB port adapter 532) can be arranged on PCB730 and be connected to PCB 730 communicatedly for by interface cable.In another embodiment, as above about disclosed in previous embodiment, PCB 730 can comprise edge connector.Electronic memory component 743 can be arranged on PCB 730.Housing 728 can limit socket 736, and this socket 736 has for holding the size and shape with the interface connector (not shown) of corresponding size and shape matchingly.Connector cover 737 can be tethered to housing 728, for when connector cover 737 not in use time optionally close socket 736.

Housing 728 can be molded so that adapter is fixed to housing on inlet adapter adapter 800 and feed conduit adapter 802.The near-end of feed conduit 12 is fixed in the interface channel 804 in feed conduit adapter 802.Inlet adapter 516 is connected to control station adapter 522 and limits passage 806 by inlet adapter adapter 800, and inlet adapter 516 is fluidly connected to feed conduit 512 by this passage 806.(not shown) in another embodiment, single-piece feed conduit 512 can be passed the opening in control station adapter 522 and be connected directly to inlet adapter 516.Binding agent can be used or otherwise housing 728 is fixed to feed conduit 512.Housing 728 can be fixed to inlet adapter 516 (being more specifically fixed to the far-end of inlet adapter), makes housing adjoins inlet adapter.In the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, control station adapter 522 can have other configuration.

With reference to Figure 43, for feed conduit assembly 10,510 being connected to another embodiment of the interface cable of control station 23 by 742 instructions.Interface cable 742 is similar to the interface cable 242 of preceding embodiment.As previous interface cable embodiment 242, current interface cable 742 can comprise first interface adapter 744 on the opposite end of cable and the second interface connector 746.The size and shape of illustrated first interface adapter 744 is set as mating the socket 736 of (such as, optionally inserting) control station adapter 522 and is connected with USB port adapter 532 or edge connector or formed with another adapter that control station adapter is associated.First interface adapter 744 comprises ring rib or pearl 770, the inner surface of its engagement receptacle 736 with the sealing substantially liquid-tight with its formation, in case fluid enters into socket.The respective socket and being formed with control station that the size and shape of the second interface connector 746 is set as mating (such as, optionally inserting) control station 23 is connected.First adapter 744 and the second interface connector 746 and respective socket 736 can be configured so that first interface adapter 744 can not mate with the socket on control station 23, and the second interface connector 746 can not mate with the socket 736 of control station adapter 522.In the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, interface cable 742 can have other configuration.

In the illustrated embodiment in which, first interface adapter 744 can comprise imaging signal buffer unit 750 (such as, I ²c buffer unit), this imaging signal buffer unit 750 at image-forming assembly 18, be driven into image signal (such as, I between 518 and control station ²c signal).By being arranged to image signal buffer unit 750 in first interface adapter 744, conductor 24,524 (wire in such as cable) in feed conduit assembly 10,510 separates electric capacity in the same manner with approximate between the conductor (such as, wire) in interface cable 742.This arrangement minimises or the electric capacity that reduces in any one section of system and maximize or improve imaging signal integrity.In addition, can not mate with the second interface connector 746 because control station adapter 22,522 only can mate with first interface adapter, therefore first interface adapter 744 and imaging signal buffer unit 750 will desirably be close to feed conduit assembly 10,510.In the case without departing from the scope of the present invention, interface cable 742 can not comprise imaging signal buffer unit 750 and can have other configuration.

One or more aspect of the present invention can comprise conduit, and this conduit can be the feed conduit with the image-forming assembly having imaging device or sensor.Image-forming assembly can the imaging signal that generated by imaging device of production and transfer.System can comprise and be suitable for receiving imaging signal and the control station presented by the image corresponding with imaging signal over the display.In addition, control station presents over the display with can being configured to reference menu setecting by comprising menu item.Menu item is corresponding with reference material, reference material comprise in photo, videograph, audio recording, figure, animation and text any one or multiple.Material provides about any one in anatomical structure, patient's preparation, imaging catheter preparation, imaging catheter placement, imaging catheter operation, imaging catheter feature, control station preparation, consing, control station feature, Dynamic System, system features, contact details, help information and support information or multiple information.One or more aspect of the present invention can relate to imaging catheter system, the feed conduit of imaging device that this imaging catheter system comprises the entrance with the source that can be connected to feeding liquid, the outlet being fluidly connected to entrance away from entrance and by feed throughs and arranges near outlet, this imaging device is configured to the production and transfer imaging signal corresponding with the anatomical structure image of patient; And relate to the control station comprising display and memorizer, this memorizer has multiple reference materials stored therein, and the plurality of reference material is selected from the group be made up of audio-visual data (such as video, audio frequency and photo), text data (such as figure, animation and text) and their combination.In some cases, each in multiple reference material can provide about the information of at least one in anatomical structure, patient's preparation, imaging catheter preparation, imaging catheter placement, imaging catheter operation, imaging catheter feature, control station preparation, consing, control station feature, Dynamic System, system features, contact details.Preferably, control station is configured to receive imaging signal, presenting at least one image corresponding with imaging signal at least partially over the display and presenting over the display with reference to menu, comprise the menu item corresponding with at least one in reference material with reference to menu.At least one in multiple reference material can comprise the photo showing anatomic marker.Anatomic marker can be one in bronchus, larynx, annulus trachealis, cardia, sphincter of pylorus or pylorus, cricoid cartilage, bronchial branches (bronchial split), esophagus joint portion, gastric folds, duodenum pleat and pyloric ostium.

One or more other aspect of the present invention can relate to the use being convenient to feed conduit assembly or the method providing feed conduit assembly.The method can comprise the feed conduit of imaging device providing the entrance with the source that can be connected to feeding liquid, the outlet being fluidly connected to entrance away from entrance and by feed throughs and arrange near outlet, and this imaging device is configured to the production and transfer imaging signal corresponding with the anatomical structure image of patient; And the control station comprising display and memorizer is provided, this memorizer has multiple reference materials stored therein, and the plurality of reference material is selected from the group be made up of photo, videograph, audio recording, figure, animation, text and their combination.According to some specific embodiments, each in described reference material can provide about the information of at least one in anatomical structure, patient's preparation, imaging catheter preparation, imaging catheter placement, imaging catheter operation, imaging catheter feature, control station preparation, consing, control station feature, Dynamic System, system features and contact details.In some cases, control station can be configured to receive imaging signal, at least one image corresponding with imaging signal presented over the display at least partially, and present over the display with reference to menu, comprise the menu item corresponding with at least one in reference material with reference to menu.In some cases, control station can be configured to present the photo from multiple reference material and the video image corresponding with the picture signal from image-forming assembly over the display simultaneously, and wherein photo provides representative anatomic landmarks or mark.Additional reference materials can be comprised to be stored into according to the method for the other aspect of the present invention and to remove at least one reference material in memorizer, from memorizer and replace at least one this memorizer with the memorizer upgraded, the memorizer of this renewal has at least one reference material upgraded stored therein.Can comprise according to the method for other other situation and receive control station from user; And after reception control station, be stored into by additional reference materials and remove at least one reference material in memorizer, from memorizer and replace at least one this memorizer with the memorizer upgraded, the memorizer of this renewal has at least one reference material upgraded stored therein.

With reference to Figure 46, the entirety of imaging catheter system (broadly, medical system) is indicated by Reference numeral 810 usually.System 810 is comprised imaging catheter (being usually marked as 812) and is such as operatively coupled to the control station 814 of imaging catheter by interface cable 816.Imaging catheter 812 can comprise image-forming assembly 820, and this image-forming assembly 820 has the imaging device 822 for generating the imaging signal corresponding with the object in its visual field.Imaging device normally optical pickocff and can be video camera or optical fiber.Image-forming assembly can also comprise for irradiating visual field or providing the element (such as LED) of illumination to visual field.Image-forming assembly can also comprise one or more parts (such as processor, memory devices) so that FOV of acquisition image, the image of visual field changed into imaging signal and transmission imaging signal.Imaging device generates imaging signal and wirelessly imaging signal is transferred to control station 14 by cable 816 or by any suitable signal procedure or agreement.Other cable can be used in the case without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Control station receives imaging signal and conversion imaging signal from image-forming assembly and is presented on by image on the display 830 housing 832 of control station.Shown in as exemplary in Figure 47, control station can also comprise the on and off switch 834 for optionally encouraging control station.Other control station can be used when not deviating from scope of the present invention.Display preferably responds one or more user input or orders (such as, double-click display) to activate and to present one or more menu, one or more menu described is provided for multiple selections of operating console and image-forming assembly.Such as, one in user's input makes display present reference menu illustrated in Figure 47.

Can present selection or entry 840a, 840 and 840c for the image of storage selecting and check the former procedure that use system performs.Illustrated in Figure 47, control station can be configured to comprise and provide title to be the selection 42 of " REFERENCE_LIBRARY ", this selection is from memory calls with reference to menu, and this reference menu comprises the menu item corresponding with the reference material storehouse be stored in control station memorizer or multiple reference material.Such as, reference material storehouse (it can comprise one or more reference material group) can comprise such as photo, videograph, audio recording, figure, animation and/or text.Reference material provide about anatomical structure, prepare patient, the imaging catheter prepared, imaging catheter is placed in patient body, control station preparations, consing, control station feature, whole system operation, whole system feature and/or may be used for access in the information of the contact details (such as address and/or telephone number) of help further any one or multiple.Can pass through to handle and check other selection or the information that can arrange in a menu near the scroll bar 844 selecting 840a-840c and 842 to locate over the display.In certain embodiments, can along setting command bottom display, instruction and/or navigation icon (such as return icon 850 and check icon 852).

(not shown) in certain embodiments, can predict, and display 30 is simultaneously in the image referring now to menu 42 and generate from the imaging signal that imaging device provides.(not shown) in other embodiments, can predict, when sense uniquely input time (such as when user in preselected time section during touch display twice) display 30 in referring now to menu.(not shown) in other embodiment again, can predict, when being selected by user, display 30 presents icon, and this icon is in referring now to menu.Alternatively, control station 14 can comprise and can press to make display 30 in the button referring now to menu.

In certain embodiments, control station can present reference material (all reference materials as noted above) and the image generated from imaging signal simultaneously.Such as, as Figure 29 graphical representation of exemplary, the photo of typical anatomical features or labelling can show in a part for display, and can show in another part of display from the live video that the imaging signal transmitted by image-forming assembly generates.Therefore, user can be compared by the live video that generated by imaging signal transmit from image-forming assembly and the reference photo comprising anatomical features or anatomic marker, comes the where location of recognition imaging assembly in patient body.In addition, shown in as exemplary in Figure 31, reference material (such as photo 864) can present over the display, and one or more text reference or labelling 866 provide identifying information or description (such as the title of anatomic landmarks or target anatomic feature).Anatomic landmarks can be any one in bronchus, larynx, annulus trachealis, cardia, sphincter of pylorus and pyloric ostium.As apparent from Figure 29 and Figure 31 relatively can further, visual reference material can present in an only part for display or on whole display.As shown in Figure 3, when an only part for display is used for presenting visual reference material, other designator (such as icon 420,422,424,426 and 428) and one or more vision identification identifier 872a, 872b and 872c can show over the display.Alternatively, as shown in figure 31, when whole display is used for presenting visual reference material, in any one or multiple and visual state identifier 772a-872c in icon 420,422,424,426 and 428 any one or multiplely can be presented on visual reference material.In other cases, such as, operating console can be carried out by choice menus, to show as the bronchial photo copy of the representativeness presented exemplary in Figure 49 A; As the copy with the photo of the representational stomach of gastric folds presented exemplary in Figure 49 B; And the photo copy of the representative annulus trachealis without any identifier or labelling presented as exemplary in Figure 49 C.

Reference material can also present directiveness and instruct.Such as, control station can be configured to be operated to show and comprise the signal that is correct and incorrect path contrasted as shown in figure 48 and illustrate.The other contiguous real time imaging from imaging device of embodiment imagination or live video image present the signal diagram of Figure 48 simultaneously, to provide further guidance during use.

In some embodiments of the invention, can arrange or storage medium in the catalogue with the title corresponding with specific reference material.Such as, system manual operation section can be stored in the catalogue that title is " SYSTEM_OPERATION_MANUAL ".In certain embodiments, reference material can save as read-only file, guarantees that content remains unchanged.Alternatively, oral comment, sidenote and other annotation can be input in reference material and to be stored as new file, and any one in one or more of this new file and each in the reference material in reference library has or do not have particular association or link.

It is also envisioned that when upgrading software, reference material file can be revised.Therefore, each software metric tools can also be used for for system update and improve reference material.In other cases, system for this field can be sent to service, be manufactured or maintenance prevention by user, additional reference information can comprise in memory there, reference material that is that remove or do not remove any storage or that exist or its part.In other cases, by memory member wherein being replaced the system upgrading and receive at service, manufacture or repairing facility place, thus the reference material of renewal can be provided.

According to the specific program used for imaging catheter system, system can also comprise the conventional feed conduit assembly such as had for carrying enteral to be fed to the feed conduit of liquid to patient.Usual conventional feed conduit comprises the feed throughs extended between inlet and outlet.Imaging catheter can be close to the outlet location of feed conduit, for generating the imaging signal corresponding with the specific part (such as, the stomach of patient) in people digest road.In some cases, opening expecting that the feed throughs of image-forming assembly and feed conduit seals, being fed to liquid to stop the enteral in feed throughs and entering image-forming assembly, causing potential damage.In use, reference material (such as video, photo or figure) is periodically accessed over the display to verify the suitable placement of Medical Instruments in patient body.

One or more other aspect of the present invention can relate to can be accessed by control station and have the computer-readable medium of the multiple data structures corresponding with reference material in reference library stored thereon, each wherein in reference material can be audio-visual information, comprise such as, photo, video file, audio files and their combination and comprising such as schemed, the text message of sketch and text message or graphical information.The reference material of the reference library in computer-readable medium provides the information about at least one in anatomical reference or feature or anatomic marker, the operational order of at least one in imaging catheter, control station, feed conduit, and about the contact details of at least one in system, feed conduit and control station.Further aspect can relate to provides computer-readable medium, this computer-readable medium has the stored thereon multiple data structures comprising the reference library of reference material, and by add additional reference materials or with upgrade or reference material that the reference material revised replaces existence upgrade the reference library of reference material.The non-limiting example of computer-readable medium comprises memory devices and can be the medium based on optics and magnetic base medium, and wherein any one can be erasable, programmable or permanent.

In the reference material of reference library any one can in any format or file type store, such as, but be not limited to aiff, wav, xmf, fits, tiff, avi, asf, wma, wmv, 3gp, flv, f4v, iff, jpg, bmp, mpeg, mp4, rm, ogg, pdf, rtf and txt, wherein any one can adopt any one in primitive form and compressed format.Any one in this reference material can be protected; in order to avoid in use revised by health care supplier or deleted, but it can by such as revising the titular technical staff of maintenance or manufacturing facility or service facility, revise or delete.

As explained above, control station can be configured to the multiple class of subscriber of identification (that is, identity), and limits the operation that can be performed by control station according to the classification be associated with each user.Such as, control station can be configured to identification four class of subscribers: operator, manager, approval and maintenance.According to class of subscriber, can change with reference to menu to be suitable for technology and the needs of user.Such as, the user that control station can be configured to authorized administrator classification creates or sets up user account or other operator's account and the data that are correspondingly associated store minor structure, and checks video data.Control station can be configured to authorize the user of approval classification check video data and approval data annotated on video data.Control station can be configured to authorize other user of maintenance class to perform maintenance function (such as software upgrading and Timing) to control station.If control station can be programmed for only when not having patient data to be stored on control station, authorize other user operation control station of maintenance class.

Describe in detail of the present invention in after, being apparent that, when not deviating from as claim the scope of the invention limited, can modifying and modification.Due to when do not deviate from of the present invention in scope, can carry out various change to said structure, product and method, what the description therefore comprised is intended to be exemplary and do not have limited significance with all the elements shown in accompanying drawing.Such as, show simultaneously and can be included in after operator or user indicated and identify current reference anatomic landmarks by the photographs caught and annotate alternatively from imaging system with reference to anatomic landmarks, little by little show next labelling or the sequence notation of expection.When introducing the element of aspect of the present invention or embodiment, article " ", " being somebody's turn to do " and " described " are intended to mean one or more element.Term " comprises ", " comprising " and " having " is intended to be comprising property and mean can also have add ons except listed element.

Claims (amendment according to treaty the 19th article)

1. a method for feed conduit assembly easy to use, comprising:

Feed conduit is provided, described feed conduit have can be connected to feeding liquid source entrance, away from described entrance and by feed throughs be fluidly connected to described entrance outlet and near described outlet arrange imaging device, described imaging device is configured to the production and transfer imaging signal corresponding with the image of the anatomical structure of patient; And

There is provided control station, described control station comprises display and memorizer, and multiple reference material stores in which memory, and described multiple reference material is from by photo, videograph, audio recording, figure, animation, select in the group of text and their combination composition, each in described multiple reference material provides about anatomical structure, patient prepares, imaging catheter prepares, imaging catheter is placed, imaging catheter operates, imaging catheter feature, control station prepares, consing, control station feature, Dynamic System, the information of at least one in system features and contact details, wherein said control station is configured to receive described imaging signal, present at least one image corresponding with described imaging signal on the display at least partially, and presenting the reference menu comprised with at least one the corresponding menu item in described reference material on the display, at least one in described multiple reference material comprises the image showing representative anatomic landmarks or mark.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein said control station is configured to present the image of the representative anatomic landmarks of described display or mark and the video image corresponding with the described imaging signal from described image-forming assembly on the display simultaneously.

3. method according to claim 1, also comprise following at least one: be stored into by additional reference materials and remove at least one reference material in described memorizer, from described memorizer and replace described memorizer with the memorizer upgraded, the reference material wherein upgraded is stored in the memorizer of described renewal.

4. method according to claim 1, at least one in wherein said multiple reference material comprises the signal diagram for feed conduit being inserted the correct and incorrect path in patient comprising contrast.

5. an imaging catheter system, the contiguous feed conduit assembly location of described imaging catheter system, described feed conduit assembly comprises the feed conduit for carrying enteral to be fed to liquid to patient, and described imaging catheter system comprises:

Imaging catheter, comprises image-forming assembly, and described image-forming assembly has the imaging device for generating the imaging signal corresponding with the image of the anatomical structure of patient, and described image-forming assembly transmits the described imaging signal generated by described imaging device; And

Control station, be suitable for receiving the described imaging signal that transmitted by described image-forming assembly and the image generated from described imaging signal being presented over the display, described control station is suitable on the display optionally in referring now to menu, described reference menu comprises the menu item corresponding with reference material, described reference material is from comprising photo, videograph, audio recording, figure, select in the reference material group of at least one in animation and text, each in described material provides about anatomical structure, patient prepares, imaging catheter prepares, imaging catheter is placed, imaging catheter operates, imaging catheter feature, control station prepares, consing, control station feature, Dynamic System, the information of at least one in system features and contact details, at least one in described reference material comprises the image showing representative anatomic landmarks or mark.

6. imaging catheter system according to claim 5, the described image that wherein said control station presents described reference menu on the display simultaneously and generates from described imaging signal.

7. imaging catheter system according to claim 5, the described image that wherein said control station presents described reference material on the display simultaneously and generates from described imaging signal.

8. imaging catheter system according to claim 5, each in wherein said reference material is arranged in the catalogue with the title corresponding with corresponding reference material.

9. imaging catheter system according to claim 5, wherein said display is suitable for presenting described reference menu when user touches described display twice during preselected time section.

10. imaging catheter system according to claim 9, wherein revises described reference material by upgrading systems soft ware.

11. imaging catheter systems according to claim 5, the feed throughs that wherein said feed conduit has entrance and exit and extends between described entrance and described outlet, the contiguous described outlet location of described imaging catheter, for generating the imaging signal corresponding with the digestive tract of described patient, described image-forming assembly and described feed throughs seal to be opened, and is fed to liquid enters described image-forming assembly to stop the enteral in described feed throughs.

12. imaging catheter systems according to claim 5, wherein said control station is configured to graphic user interface to present on the display.

13. imaging catheter systems according to claim 12, wherein said display is touch-screen display, is suitable for the icon presented for controlling described system by touching described display.

14. imaging catheter systems according to claim 12, wherein said control station is configured to present reference material and the video signal from described image-forming assembly on the display simultaneously.

15. imaging catheter systems according to claim 5, also comprise interface cable, described imaging catheter is connected to described control station by described interface cable, transfers to described control station for by the described imaging signal generated by described imaging device.

Claims

1. a method for feed conduit assembly easy to use, comprising:

Control station is provided, described control station comprises display and memorizer, multiple reference material stores in which memory, described multiple reference material is from by photo, videograph, audio recording, figure, animation, select in the group of text and their combination composition, each in described multiple reference material provides about anatomical structure, patient prepares, imaging catheter prepares, imaging catheter is placed, imaging catheter operates, imaging catheter feature, control station prepares, consing, control station feature, Dynamic System, the information of at least one in system features and contact details, wherein said control station is configured to receive described imaging signal, present at least one image corresponding with described imaging signal on the display at least partially, and present the reference menu comprised with at least one the corresponding menu item in described reference material on the display.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein said control station is configured to present the photo from described multiple reference material and the video image corresponding with the described imaging signal from described image-forming assembly on the display simultaneously, and wherein said photo provides representative anatomic landmarks.

4. method according to claim 1, also comprise following at least one: be stored into by additional reference materials and remove at least one reference material in described memorizer, from described memorizer and replace described memorizer with the memorizer upgraded, wherein at least one reference material upgraded is stored in the memorizer of described renewal.

Control station, be suitable for receiving the described imaging signal that transmitted by described image-forming assembly and the image generated from described imaging signal being presented over the display, described control station is suitable on the display optionally in referring now to menu, described reference menu comprises the menu item corresponding with reference material, described reference material is from comprising photo, videograph, audio recording, figure, select in the reference material group of at least one in animation and text, each in described material provides about anatomical structure, patient prepares, imaging catheter prepares, imaging catheter is placed, imaging catheter operates, imaging catheter feature, control station prepares, consing, control station feature, Dynamic System, the information of at least one in system features and contact details.