DE202005014449U1 - Human/animal body tissue examining device has retaining mechanism for direct mounting of camera on body and having port for attachment at body, by negative pressure, so that camera is moved together with tissue during movement of tissue - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a camera (3) and a retaining mechanism (14) for direct mounting of the camera on a human or animal body. The mechanism has an intake port for attachment at a body tissue (2) to be examined, by negative pressure, so that the camera is moved together with the tissue during the movement of the tissue. The mechanism has a suction cup (16) and a lens that is integrated in a base of the mechanism.

Description

The The present invention relates to a device for optical examination, in particular of tissue, of the human or animal body according to the preamble of claim 1.

The The company MicroVisionMedical from Amsterdam distributes a handheld device under the brand "Cytoscan" - a camera or a microscope - for Examination of tissue. The known device is in operations at the living body only conditionally suitable, since recordings or examinations by movements of the body, for example, by breathing or heartbeat, difficult or inaccurate or even impossible be made.

Of the The present invention is based on the object, an improved Apparatus for optical examination, in particular of tissue, of human or animal body and an improved method for optical examination of tissue of the human or animal body.

The The above object is achieved by a device according to claim 1. advantageous Further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

One Aspect of the present invention is that the camera especially including optics by means of a holding device directly on the human or animal body, so in particular on the tissue to be examined, is attached. In particular, "attachment" is an exclusive one Attachment of the proposed device to understand; however, this may be just one additional support on the body or to be examined tissue.

The Camera or one of the camera associated holding device is in procedurally attached by vacuum to the tissue to be examined, so that the camera is moved together with the tissue during movements of the tissue.

The Proposed solution can a relative movement between the camera and the body or Prevent tissue, so that more accurate and / or faster examinations possible in particular being elaborate corrections due to shake can be avoided by relative movements.

The Proposed device in particular, directly during to be used for surgery. Preferably, the result becomes a tissue examination or the like. the surgeon or surgical team immediate - almost instantaneous - displayed. As a result, it is then indicated in particular to which tissue it is or which tissues come into question. Alternatively or additionally displayed in which state the examined tissue is located or which states come into question.

Further Aspects, features, properties and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments based on the drawing. It shows:

1 a schematic sectional view of a proposed device according to a first embodiment with an associated control device and display device;

2 a bottom view of the device according to 1 ;

3 a plan view of the device according to 1 ; and

4 a schematic, sectional view of a proposed device according to a second embodiment.

In the figures are for same or similar Parts used the same reference numerals, even if repeated Description is omitted for simplicity.

1 shows a schematic sectional representation of a proposed device 1 according to a first embodiment for optical examination, in particular of tissue 2 , the human or animal body. In particular, the proposed device allows 1 and a determination of the tissue 2 and / or the condition of the tissue 2 , The term "determination of tissue" is to be understood in the present invention as meaning that the tissue, ie the respective type of tissue, is identified. However, other optical investigations are possible.

The device 1 has a camera 3 for the optical examination, in particular for the acquisition of tissue data, of the tissue to be examined 2 on. The term "camera" is to be understood here in a broad sense as an optical detection device. In the following, for simplicity's sake, only the term "camera" will be used.

The camera 3 in the illustrated embodiment preferably has a so-called CCD chip 4 or the like. In particular, a digital optical detection or image capture takes place.

The camera 3 is an optic 5 associated which comprises, for example, one or more lenses. The camera 3 or optics 5 can for focusing an associated drive, such as an indicated motor 6 , a piezoelectric element, another actuator or the like. In the schematic representation according to 1 is also a corresponding actuating mechanism indicated. Depending on the design of the camera 3 or the CCD chip 4 However, such a mechanical focus can also be omitted or realized in any other way.

The camera 3 is preferably in a housing 7 arranged, in particular encapsulated therein.

The optics 5 is preferably in the housing 7 arranged or formed thereof. In particular, the housing 7 bottom side or to be examined tissue 2 formed sufficiently transparent and in particular provided with a suitable optical window or the like, which optionally also a lens 8th the optics 5 can form or have.

The camera 3 is preferably a lighting device 9 assigned, preferably in the common housing 7 is integrated and / or is preferably formed by a light guide or the like. For example, the lighting device is Be 9 or the light guide ring-like in the housing 7 or with respect to the transparent window of the housing 7 or the lens 8th arranged to illuminate the tissue to be examined 2 to allow, as necessary.

The proposed device 1 is preferably via corresponding, flexible cables 10 , which may be combined to form a common line or in a common hose, to an associated control device 11 preferably with a display device 12 connected. This forms a system 13 for optical examination of the tissue 2 or other parts of the human or animal body, in particular for tissue examination, preferably determination of the tissue 2 and / or the condition of the tissue 2 , With regard to the optical detection and the evaluation of the optical data, reference is made, by way of example, to WO 97/15229 A1, which is introduced in this regard as a supplementary disclosure and discloses possibilities of device-specific and procedural implementation.

For example are taken from the optical signals tissue data determined. Being tissue data in particular the sizes and / or number of veins and the speeds of blood flow in the veins in one detected certain tissue area. When the size is in particular the diameter of the wires or a related one Value, like the cross-sectional area or the like, detected, most preferably the mean diameter.

The Number of wires represents a measure of how many wires in a given volume range or throughout optically detected or evaluated tissue area are present. Preferably takes place an additional Evaluation in terms of size, in particular in terms of diameter. This results in a size distribution. Additionally or Alternatively, a detection of the velocity distribution respectively.

Preferably Both the size distribution as well as the velocity distribution - or corresponding to it Distributions or Values - Regarding the to be examined tissue and used as tissue data.

The tissue data is then compared to comparative data of known tissues and / or conditions. Depending on the agreement of the tissue data with the comparison data, the result - in particular the tissue type and / or the state of the examined tissue 2 - Determined and preferably by means of the display device 12 be displayed immediately. If necessary, it can be specified in each case with what probability the determination has been made. Alternatively or additionally, as a result, the tissue and / or states in question can also be determined and, in particular, displayed together with the respective probabilities.

Alternatively or additionally, for example, also a continuous monitoring - for example, for the timely detection of possibly occurring, critical conditions or the like - take place. For example, a shortage of tissue 2 or a rejection reaction in transplanted tissue 2 be recognized early.

According to the proposal, the device 1 a holding device 14 for immediate, especially temporary attachment of the camera 3 on the human or animal body or on the tissue to be examined 2 on, like in 1 indicated. In particular, a fastening of the device takes place 1 or the holding device 14 on the tissue 2 by means of negative pressure, ie by suction. Preferably, the holding device 14 For this purpose, at least one suction opening on the bottom side 15 and / or at least one suction cup 16 on, like in 1 to 3 indicated.

In the illustration example, there are several intake openings 15 bottom side - so on the to examining tissue 2 facing side - arranged, preferably over the circumference of the holding device 14 or its bottom are distributed. Depending on the bottom design and suction, the suction can 15 already enough.

In the illustrated example, the holding device 14 additionally or alternatively to the suction multiple suction cups 16 on, distributed over the circumference, preferably on the outside of the holding device 14 are arranged. The suckers 16 are preferably formed finger or foot-like and very flexible to optimally to the tissue to be examined 2 adapt and be able to suck on it.

To generate the desired negative pressure is the suction 15 and / or suction cups 16 preferably a common vacuum connection 17 assigned.

This is the presentation example on the outside of the holding device 14 arranged and can by means of an appropriate line 10 to the controller 11 or a vacuum pump, not shown, such as a vacuum pump, water jet pump or the like, connected to a suitable negative pressure for fastening the holding device 14 on the tissue 2 to create. In particular, the vacuum connection 17 tube-shaped and with the interior of the holding device 14 connected to the interior and above the connected intake 15 and / or suction cups 16 be able to put under negative pressure.

In the illustration example is preferably a line 10 for the vacuum connection 17 , a lead 10 , in particular an optical waveguide, for the illumination device 9 , a connection or control cable as a conduit 10 for the engine 6 or another drive and / or a connection cable as a line 10 for the camera 3 or the CCD chip 4 intended.

Preferably, the lines 10 sufficiently flexible to allow undisturbed movement of the camera 3 and the holding device 14 along with the tissue 2 For example, when breathing a patient, by the heartbeat or blood circulation or other movements to allow.

The holding device 14 is preferably cap, cup or pot-like for particular detachable recording of the camera 3 or of the housing 7 educated. Preferably, the housing 7 cylindrically shaped and in an adapted recess or recess of the holding device 14 can be used, preferably inserted. The holding device 14 then at least covers the tissue 2 facing bottom side of the housing 7 , When Darstellungsbei game includes the holding device 14 the camera 3 or the housing 7 preferably at least completely peripherally.

In the illustrated example, the holding device 14 at least one sealing ring 18 , a circumferential sealing lip or the like to at least a substantial seal between the holding device 14 and housing 7 to allow so that the interior in the desired wise settable under negative pressure and thereby the holding device 14 on the tissue to be examined 2 is fastened. In addition, the negative pressure in the interior leads to a fixation of the camera 3 or of the housing 7 in or at least on the holding device 14 , Here, however, other constructive solutions are possible.

For an accurate or defined positioning of the camera 3 or of the housing 7 in or on the holding device 14 to ensure the holding device 14 a preferably annular spacer 19 in the interior, on which the camera 3 or their housing 7 defined seated.

The holding device 14 points at least in its bottom area, between the camera 3 or the housing 7 and the tissue to be examined 2 is arranged, sufficient transparency or transparency to allow the desired optical examination. If necessary, the holding device 14 also be made in total from a suitable transparent material, in particular plastic.

In the illustrated example, the holding device forms 14 at least on the bottom side, an optical window for optical examination and optionally has a lens associated with the ground or formed thereof 20 on. The Lens 20 can be rigid or flexible as needed.

The holding device 14 On the one hand, it is designed to be sufficiently flexible in order to allow a suitable adaptation to the respective conditions, and, on the other hand, it is designed to be sufficiently rigid in order to ensure a sufficiently secure mounting and fastening of the camera 3 or of the housing 7 on the tissue 2 to enable.

The holding device 14 is preferably designed such that it the camera 3 and all of the associated parts sufficiently protected or covered so that sterilization of the camera 3 is not required. Rather, the holding device is preferably 14 sterile or sterilizable. The camera 3 For this purpose, it is preferably detachable from the holding device 14 ,

According to one embodiment, the holding device 14 after each use of the camera 3 be dissolved, then sterilized and reused. According to another embodiment, it is in the holding device 14 delivered to a disposable item, the sterile packed and unpacked on the spot and in still sterile condition on the camera 3 put on and used. It is essential here that the holding device 14 the camera 3 sufficiently covered to ensure sufficient sterile conditions during surgery. Accordingly, a sterilization of the camera 3 or of the housing 7 not mandatory.

The wires 10 are preferably from the camera 3 solvable. Accordingly, the line 10 from the associated vacuum connection 17 solvable. The wires 10 can then be sterilized as needed or covered, for example, by a sterile sheath, such as a sterile tube or the like, to meet the sterile conditions required for surgery. Preferably then all lines 10 in a common sterile tube.

The proposed solution is thus characterized in particular by the fact that the camera 3 by means of the holding device 14 such on the body to be examined or to be examined tissue 2 it is arranged that the device 1 along with the tissue 2 or from the tissue 2 is movable to a shake or an unwanted relative movement between the camera 3 and the tissue 2 to exclude or at least minimize.

To move the camera as you wish 3 with the tissue 2 To facilitate, the device has 1 the lowest possible total weight. Preferably, the weight of the device 1 less than 100 g, especially less than 50 g, most preferably substantially 20 g or less. Accordingly, relatively low inertial forces result, so that even with relatively low negative pressure, a sufficiently good or secure attachment of the device 1 to be examined tissue 2 allows, even if the tissue 2 for example, due to the heartbeat, the pulsating blood pressure or the like strongly moved.

Regarding the camera 3 or the CCD chip 4 or the like, it should be noted that the device 1 or the system 13 can optionally be designed to record or capture individual images or continuous film sequences. Depending on requirements, the acquired image data or optical data can also be converted into corresponding information and only this information can be stored and / or displayed. Preferably, however, a mode is available in which at least individual tasks or even film sequences of the tissue 2 preferably be displayed in an enlarged view. In this case, the device stops 1 an optical microscope for the tissue 2 represents.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the proposed device 1 based on 4 explained in more detail. Here, only essential differences compared to the first embodiment will be discussed, so that otherwise arise corresponding advantages, characteristics and aspects as in the first embodiment.

The device 1 according to the second embodiment is in 4 only schematically, shown in section. The device 1 is used in particular for the examination of tissue 2 in the nose of a person not shown. The device 1 is forked with two legs 21 educated. On each leg 21 are a camera 3 with optics 4 and a holding device 14 arranged. The two thighs 21 whose distance is preferably by an adjusting device 22 as customary in binoculars or the like, to adapt to the distance of the nostrils is adaptable, preferably parallel or simultaneously in the two not shown nostrils of a nose, not shown inserted to the inside of the nose tissue 2 , in particular with regard to the blood circulation or perfusion, to be able to examine. This is useful, for example, in an operation to detect the condition of a patient.

The holding devices 14 are here again preferably cap-like, in particular pinned, and each surrounded the associated leg 21 at least substantially complete to form a sterile cover. The holding devices 14 serve further - as in the first embodiment - a sterile coverage of the associated cameras 3 ,

In contrast to the first embodiment, however, the suction holes 15 and suckers 16 as well as the vacuum connection 17 omitted, since the holding devices 14 here - at least not primarily - an attachment in the nose, but primarily only a support of the device 1 to serve in the nose. However, the device may 1 if necessary, also clamping over the holding devices 14 hold in the nose. In particular, the holding devices serve 14 but to do so, a defined distance between the in 4 not shown, to be examined tissue 2 and the respective camera 3 to ensure. Accordingly, the holding devices 14 in the second embodiment also a spacer or spacer ring to the tissue 2 form or exhibit.

In general, it should be noted that to optimize the optical properties or the beam path or to avoid unwanted reflections, the holding device 14 optionally with its optical window or with its bottom surface or lens 20 over the entire surface of the tissue to be examined 2 can rest or sit or can be arranged spaced apart or positioned.

As already explained, it can be with the camera 3 generally act to an optical detection device. For example, it can also be just an optical conductor, in particular light guide, or the like, which - together with the optional optics 5 - By means of the holding device 14 directly on the tissue 2 attached or attached. The camera 3 or their CCD chip 4 or other image capture unit can then, for example, in the control device 11 or another unit, not shown, that is separate or separate from the device 1 or holding device 14 be arranged.

In order to allow the simplest possible handling, according to a variant, the lines 10 - if applicable, with the exception of one pipe for the vacuum connection 17 - omitted. In this case, then, for example, a wireless transmission of the optical data, for example by radio, infrared or light, to the control device 11 respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the optical data can also be in the Vorrchtung 1 self-saved. In this case, the device becomes 1 for example, for a short-term examination of the tissue 2 arranged or attached to this. After recording and storing the optical data or image data, the device can then 1 removed and in particular to the control device 11 be connected. Then the stored data can be read out and displayed or evaluated.

Claims (11)

Contraption ( 1 ) for optical examination, in particular of tissue ( 2 ), of the human or animal body, with a camera ( 3 ), characterized in that the device ( 1 ) a holding device ( 14 ) for direct attachment of the camera ( 3 ) on the human or animal body. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the holding device ( 14 ) by means of negative pressure on the tissue ( 2 ) is sucked or fastened. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the holding device ( 14 ) on the bottom side at least one suction opening ( 15 ) for suction or attachment to the body or tissue ( 2 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device ( 14 ) at least one suction cup ( 16 ), preferably a plurality of circumferentially distributed suction cups ( 16 ), and in particular an associated vacuum connection ( 17 ) for suction or attachment to the body or tissue ( 2 ) having. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device ( 14 ) cap, cup or pot-like for particular detachable recording of the camera ( 3 ) is trained. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device ( 14 ) a lens ( 20 ), in particular in a bottom of the holding device ( 14 ) is integrated or formed thereof. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device ( 14 ) is interchangeable and / or designed as a sterile disposable article. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weight of the device ( 1 ) is less than 100 g, in particular less than 50 g, preferably substantially 20 g. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) bifurcated with two legs ( 21 ) is formed, wherein on each leg () a camera ( 3 ), an associated optic ( 5 ) and a holding device ( 14 ) are arranged so that the two legs ( 21 ) parallel to the nostrils for examination of tissue ( 2 ), in particular the blood circulation, in a nose of a person to be examined are insertable, in particular wherein the holding device ( 14 ) a positioning of the respective camera ( 3 ) within the respective nostril. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the holding device ( 14 ) is designed such that the camera ( 3 ) or the holding device ( 14 ) by means of negative pressure on the tissue to be examined ( 2 ) is attachable, in particular so that the camera ( 3 ) together with the tissue ( 2 ) during movements of the tissue ( 2 ) is movable. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device ( 1 ) is designed such that for the determination of the tissue ( 2 ) and / or the state of Fabric ( 2 ), both the sizes and / or number of the veins in a tissue area and the speeds of the blood flow in the veins can be detected as tissue data, in particular where the tissue data are comparable to data of known tissue ( 2 ) and / or known states and, depending on the agreement of the tissue data with the comparison data, the result, namely the tissue ( 2 ) and / or its condition or candidate tissues ( 2 ) and / or states, can be determined and / or displayed.