DE202007002328U1 - Endoscope, particularly for use in minimally invasive surgery, has an extra, auxiliary, imaging system to aid in insertion of the endoscope in a patient - Google Patents

Abstract

Endoscope (10) has first and second imaging systems (18, 20) arranged within an at least partially tubular shaft (12) that links proximal and distal (14) ends.

Description

The The present invention relates to an endoscope having a proximal one and a distal end, with an at least partially tubular shaft and a first imaging system arranged on or in this, wherein a distal end portion of the shaft defines a longitudinal axis.

Endoscopes of the type described above are in numerous variants in minimally invasive surgery in use. A variant of such endoscopes is constructed such that a user can not look in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the distal end portion of the shaft, but laterally away from it. This is desirable for special surgical procedures in order to observe the lateral operating area while working with an instrument. Such a side view endoscope is for example in the DE 36 21 509 A1 described.

When disadvantageous in such endoscopes has been found that before the endoscope lying structures during insertion of the endoscope into the body of a Patients can not be controlled, resulting in an increased risk of injury results.

It is therefore an object of the present invention, an endoscope of the above described type to improve, in particular a risk of injury during insertion of the endoscope into the body of the patient is reduced.

These Task is in an endoscope of the type described above according to the invention thereby solved, a second imaging system disposed on or in the shaft is provided.

The provide second imaging system has the advantage that it preferably can be designed so that an operator during insertion of the endoscope in the body the patient can recognize structures lying in front of the endoscope. Depending on the design of the endoscope, but then he can with the first imaging system at the same time or when performing the surgical Look in another direction. In any case, so will a risk of injury to the patient when inserting the Endoscope reduced. Especially when used in neurosurgery can be further developed according to the invention Endoscope can be used advantageously, since there is a risk of injury with lasting effects for The patient is especially tall.

Especially simply the structure of the endoscope, if the first and / or the second imaging system at least partially in the form of an optical Systems are formed. Preferably, they can also be in great shape be formed of an optical system.

One especially inexpensive Endoscope leaves form when the first and / or the second optical system are formed in the form of a rod lens system.

advantageously, The first and / or the second imaging system comprise optical components. So lets in a simple way, a beam path for observing and / or Training lighting a surgical field.

Cheap is it, if at least one of the optical components in the form of a Lens, a spacer, a diaphragm, a prism or a Filters is formed. Defining the mentioned optical components but not final List. Other components used in optics may be used for further education an endoscope of the type described above are used. In particular, with the mentioned optical components can be desired beam paths easy produce.

conveniently, The first imaging system forms a primary system and the second imaging system a secondary system. The primary system and the secondary system can in particular in a different resolution and / or differ in a different image size. For example, for insertion of the endoscope a secondary system with a lower resolution readily sufficient, whereas the primary system preferably a high resolution and a big one View angle to observe a surgical site well can. Furthermore, can itself the primary system and the secondary system differ in their construction, the direction and the size of their fields of vision. In particular, the size of an opening angle of the optical is under a field of vision Component in the light entry region of the endoscope, so preferably at the distal end of the same. Furthermore, you can also the viewing directions relative to the longitudinal axis of the distal end portion of the shaft at the primary system and the secondary system be different.

Cheap is it if the first imaging system has a field of vision at the distal end of the endoscope defined, which has a first opening angle. Here can depending on the purpose of a desired field of view by use therefor be given suitable optical components.

It is advantageous if the first opening angle has a value in a range of 10 ° to 80 °. A value of the opening angle in ange Provide a given range allows to observe a surgical site in the desired manner.

Preferably the second imaging system defines a field of view at the distal End of the endoscope, which has a second opening angle. A such design allows it, an opening angle of the second imaging system to choose individually.

Cheap is it if the second opening angle has a value in a range of 10 ° to 80 °. A value of the second opening angle Provide in the specified range ensures that, for example during insertion of the endoscope into the body of the patient all structures are well recognizable, even those not directly in front of the distal end portion of the shaft of the endoscope lie.

According to one preferred embodiment of Invention may be provided that a first optical axis of a most distal component of the first imaging system and the longitudinal axis are inclined relative to each other by a first angle in a range of 0 ° to 150 °. The bigger the Value of the first angle, the stronger the inclination. A first angle of 90 ° thus corresponds to a viewing direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the distal end portion of the shaft.

Further is it cheap when a second optical axis of a distalmost device of the second imaging system and the longitudinal axis relative to each other are inclined at a second angle in a range of 0 ° to 20 °. So the second one Imaging system, in particular for observation during insertion of the Endoscope in the body used by the patient. A second angle of 0 ° means the second imaging system is in the form of a straight eye view optic is.

Around with the first and the second imaging system in different To be able to see directions, it is advantageous if the first optical axis and the second optical axis inclined relative to each other by an inclination angle are, preferably in a range of 10 ° to 80 °.

One Particularly simple construction of the endoscope results when the optical System includes a fiber optic. For example, optical fibers can be made Glass fibers are used to attach to the distal end of the endoscope the optical system entered light to a proximal end of the endoscope.

to simple coupling of light into the fiber optic, it is advantageous if at the distal and / or proximal end of the fiber optic an optical Imaging unit, preferably in the form of a lens arranged is.

Preferably is the optical system in the form of an optical imaging system educated. This allows one to have an operation site in the desired Mapping two-dimensional way.

A especially small design of the endoscope can be characterized in particular achieve that the first and / or the second imaging system an optoelectronic disposed at the distal end of the endoscope Include image capture device. An optoelectronic image capture device allows it to convert a recorded image into electrical signals, so that for transfer of the image from the distal to the proximal end of the endoscope no optical Components are required, but one or more electrical Sufficient lines.

advantageously, The optoelectronic image capture device comprises a CCD chip. A CCD (Charge Coupled Device) chip can, with or without additional optical component, an image of the surgical site or another Place in the body of the patient and converts the image into electrical signals. In particular, such chips are available in high resolution on the market and also have a particularly small size. Another advantage is that such chips are also optional in a simple manner movably store at the distal end of the shaft, so that a Viewing direction in the desired Way can be set. This is particularly advantageous if a field of view, that is the opening angle of the chip, has only a small value.

Especially simply the construction of the endoscope when the shaft is straight is trained.

Around also in body regions To be able to take a look which do not allow straightforward access, it is convenient if the shaft is curved is or a curved one Section has.

In principle, it would be conceivable for an operator to look through an eyepiece arranged at the proximal end of the endoscope and to look into the interior of the patient's body. To allow third parties and in particular several people at the same time to have a look into the body of the patient, it is favorable if an adapter for connecting the endoscope to a camera is provided at the proximal end of the endoscope. In particular, the images generated by the first and second imaging systems can be recorded simultaneously with a camera and displayed on a screen. Of course it is also possible, the to save images created with the camera, as single images or as a movie clip.

According to one another preferred embodiment The invention can be provided that in the region of the proximal End of the endoscope provided a beam path splitting device is for splitting the optical beam path from the proximal one End of the endoscope forth in a first beam path of the first imaging system and in a second beam path of the second imaging system. The optical path splitting device thus has the function that Beam paths of the merge first and second imaging system. This allows it, for example, with a single camera or a single Eyepiece simultaneously from the first and second imaging system take pictures taken.

One a particularly simple construction of the beam path division device can be achieve in that it is designed in the form of a prism.

In principle, it would be conceivable the first and / or the second imaging system and the shaft relative to rotate each other to arrange. It is favorable, however, if that first and / or the second imaging system and the shaft relative are arranged rotatable to each other. Especially if that Endoscope also has tool elements, which are also relatively to the shaft about its longitudinal axis are arranged rotatable, allows the endoscope due to the relative rotatability of the imaging systems and the shaft an optimal observation of an operation site, without the shaft in the body the patient must be turned.

Around to achieve an optimal view in the area of the surgical site it is advantageous if the endoscope comprises at least one illumination device.

Especially easy and inexpensive to manufacture is the endoscope when the at least one illumination device comprises at least one light guide, which differs from a proximal End of the endoscope extends to a distal end of the endoscope. For example, the proximal end of the endoscope may be provided with a source of illumination, For example, a cold light lamp to be connected, the light through the at least one optical fiber to the distal end of the endoscope to be led and go out there and illuminate the surgical site.

A Particularly good illumination of the surgical site can be achieved be that the at least one illumination device is formed is that they emit light at the distal end of the endoscope adjacent to the first and / or the second optical system and / or the first and / or surrounding the second optical system. These Design ensures that always the areas are lit. to which the first and / or the second imaging system are directed to image capture.

Preferably the illumination device comprises a light source which is at the proximal Arranged end of the endoscope and / or detachably connectable to the endoscope is. Depending on the intended surgical procedure, in particular then when the light source is detachable connectable to the endoscope, each optimally suitable Selected light sources become. As light sources are conceivable cold light lamps, light emitting diodes or laser.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:

1 a partially sectioned side view of part of an endoscope; and

2 : A partially sectioned side view of a portion of another embodiment of an endoscope.

This in 1 shown endoscope is generally denoted by the reference numeral 10 Mistake. It includes an elongated tubular shaft 12 with a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16 ,

In the shaft 12 is a first imaging system 18 arranged, which forms a primary system. Further, in the shaft is a second imaging system 20 arranged, which forms a secondary system. Both the first imaging system 18 as well as the second imaging system 20 are at least partially formed as an optical system. The first imaging system 18 is formed in the form of a rod lens system and includes a plurality of concave and convex lenses 22 that is in a parallel to a longitudinal axis 24 of the shaft 12 extending channel 26 are arranged. In an entrance opening 28 at the distal end 14 is a lens 30 used, which is the most distal component of the first imaging system 18 forms and a first optical axis 32 defined, relative to the longitudinal axis 24 at a first angle 34 tilted by about 70 °. The Lens 30 defines a first opening angle 36 which defines a field of view of the Primärsys system and has a value of about 80 °. Would be at the endoscope 10 only the first imaging system 18 provided, it could also be called a side-view endoscope.

The second imaging system 20 includes a in a recess 38 at the distal end 14 of the shaft 12 two lenses 40 comprehensive lens 42 which serves to the lens 42 incident light on a distal end 44 a fiber optic bundle forming an optical fiber 46 map. The objective 42 defines a second optical axis 48 parallel to the longitudinal axis 24 runs and with this thus a second angle 50 of 0 °. Furthermore, the lens defines 42 a second opening angle 52 of about 30 °. Without the primary system, the second imaging system would 20 thus form a straight ahead endoscope.

The channel 26 partially surrounding are optical fibers 54 arranged in the form of glass fibers, which are part of a lighting device 56 are. The latter also includes a light source 58 with a proximal end 60 of the endoscope 10 is preferably releasably connectable. Furthermore, the illumination device comprises 56 another, a light guide forming glass fiber bundle 62 that is adjacent to the fiber optic bundle 46 of the second imaging system 20 is arranged starting from the light source. The light guide 54 and the glass fiber bundle 62 extend to the distal end of the shaft 12 and thus at least partially surround the inlet opening 28 or the recess 38 and allow the illumination of a surgical site with that of the light source 58 generated light. As a light source 58 it is possible to provide a cold light source, for example a halogen lamp, a light-emitting diode or even a laser.

A part of the proximal end 60 of the endoscope forms a beam path division device 64 that attach to the proximal end 16 of the shaft 12 followed. It is preferably designed in the form of a prism and serves to that of the first and second imaging system 18 and 20 merge defined beam paths. Furthermore, the beam path division device is on the proximal side 64 an adapter 66 arranged by means of which the endoscope 10 with a camera 68 is connectable.

The endoscope 10 can be introduced into the body of a patient, wherein in the insertion, that is parallel to the longitudinal axis 24 , an operator by means of the second imaging system 20 can control structures lying in front of the endoscope during forward sliding of the endoscope, whereby a risk of injury to the patient can be minimized or completely excluded. With the first imaging system 18 can then be an operation site, which is laterally of the distal end 14 of the endoscope 10 is observed in the desired manner.

Alternatively, the second imaging system 20 also like the first imaging system in the 1 illustrated endoscope 10 be formed in the form of a rod lens system.

With the beam path splitting device 64 is almost a pupil division, similar to stereoscopic stereoscopic realized, whereby before the pupil of the beam path is separated by the prism. An image inversion system may then in particular be common to the first and second imaging systems 18 and 20 be used.

In 2 is one opposite the endoscope 10 slightly modified embodiment of an overall reference numeral 80 provided endoscope illustrated. It is different from the endoscope 10 in the construction of imaging systems, the endoscope 80 with the reference numerals 82 and 84 are provided. Identical parts of the endoscopes 10 and 80 are for the sake of clarity provided with the same reference numerals.

The first imaging system 82 does not include a rod lens system, but a first optoelectronic image capture device comprising a first CCD chip 86 on which the lens 30 incident light reflects. Electric lines 88 connect the first CCD chip 86 with one at the proximal end 60 of the endoscope 80 arranged adapter 90 , which has another connection line 92 the endoscope 80 with a computer 94 connects, which in turn to a display device in the form of a monitor 96 connected. That with the CCD chip 86 The generated image can easily be displayed on the monitor 96 being represented.

Similarly, the second imaging system includes 84 a second CCD chip 98 , on the of the in the recess 38 arranged lens 40 incident light is displayed. Via electrical lines 100 that the second CCD chip 98 with the adapter 90 Connect, can be analogous to that of the second CCD chip 98 generated image on the monitor 96 being represented.

The first and second imaging systems 82 and 84 are arranged such that the orientations of their optical axes 32 and 48 those of the endoscope 10 correspond. By using the same lens 30 or the same lens 42 are also the respective opening angle 36 and 52 identical. Changes in the angles and / or the fields of view are possible in a simple manner by corresponding selection of optical components or orientation of the optoelectronic image capture devices. It would also be conceivable, the CCD chips 86 and or 98 movable on the shaft 12 to store in order to set a desired viewing direction arbitrarily, that is, a tilt angle of jeweili gene optical axes 32 and 48 relative to the longitudinal axis 24 ,

Optionally, the endoscopes 10 and 80 be formed such that the first imaging systems 18 and 82 and / or the second imaging systems 20 and 84 relative to the shaft 12 around its longitudinal axis 24 are rotatable.

Claims (28)

Endoscope ( 10 ; 80 ) having a proximal and a distal end ( 60 ; 14 ), with an at least partially tubular shaft ( 12 ) and a first imaging system arranged on or in it ( 18 ; 82 ), wherein a distal end portion of the shaft ( 12 ) a longitudinal axis ( 24 ), characterized in that a second on or in the shaft ( 12 ) ( 20 ; 84 ) is provided. Endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and / or the second imaging system ( 18 . 20 ; 82 . 84 ) at least partially in the form of an optical system ( 18 . 20 ; 82 . 84 ) are formed. Endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that the first and / or the second optical system ( 18 ) in the form of a rod lens system ( 18 ) are formed. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second imaging system ( 18 . 20 ; 82 . 84 ) comprise optical components. Endoscope according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the optical components in the form of a lens ( 22 . 30 . 40 ), a spacer, a diaphragm, a prism or a filter is formed. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first imaging system ( 18 ; 82 ) forms a primary system and that the second imaging system ( 20 ; 84 ) forms a secondary system. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first imaging system ( 18 ; 82 ) a field of view at the distal end ( 14 ) of the endoscope ( 10 ; 80 ) defining a first opening angle ( 36 ) having. Endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that the first opening angle ( 36 ) has a value in a range of 10 ° to 80 °. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second imaging system ( 20 ; 84 ) a field of view at the distal end ( 14 ) of the endoscope ( 10 ; 80 ) defining a second opening angle ( 52 ) having. Endoscope according to claim 9, characterized in that the second opening angle ( 52 ) has a value in a range of 10 ° to 80 °. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first optical axis ( 32 ) of a distalmost device ( 30 ) of the first imaging system ( 18 ; 82 ) and the longitudinal axis ( 24 ) relative to each other by a first angle ( 34 ) are inclined in a range of 0 ° to 150 °. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second optical axis ( 48 ) of a distalmost device ( 40 ) of the second imaging system ( 20 ; 84 ) and the longitudinal axis ( 24 ) relative to each other by a second angle ( 50 ) are inclined in a range of 0 ° to 20 °. Endoscope according to claim 12, characterized in that the first optical axis ( 32 ) and the second optical axis ( 48 ) relative to each other by an inclination angle ( 70 ), preferably in a range of 10 ° to 80 °, are inclined. Endoscope according to one of claims 2 to 13, characterized in that the optical system ( 18 . 20 ; 82 . 84 ) a fiber optic ( 46 ). Endoscope according to claim 14, characterized in that at the distal and / or proximal end of the fiber optic ( 46 ), an optical imaging device ( 42 ), preferably a lens ( 42 ) is arranged. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical system ( 18 . 20 ; 82 . 84 ) is formed in the form of an optical imaging system. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second imaging system ( 82 . 84 ) one at the distal end of the endoscope ( 80 ) arranged optoelectronic image capture device ( 86 . 98 ). Endoscope according to claim 17, characterized in that the optoelectronic image capture device ( 86 . 98 ) a CCD chip ( 86 . 98 ). Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Shank ( 12 ) is formed in a straight line. Endoscope according to one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the shaft ( 12 ) is curved or has a curved portion. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at the proximal end ( 60 ) of the endoscope an adapter ( 66 ) for connecting the endoscope ( 10 ) with a camera ( 68 ) is provided. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the region of the proximal end ( 60 ) of the endoscope ( 10 ) a beam path splitting device ( 64 ) is provided for splitting the optical beam path from the proximal end ( 60 ) of the endoscope ( 10 ) in a first beam path of the first imaging system ( 18 ) and in a second beam path of the second imaging system ( 20 ). Endoscope according to claim 22, characterized in that the beam path division device ( 64 ) is formed in the form of a prism. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or the second imaging system ( 18 . 20 ; 82 . 84 ) and the shaft are arranged rotatable relative to each other. Endoscope according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the endoscope ( 10 ; 80 ) at least one illumination device ( 56 ). Endoscope according to claim 25, characterized in that the at least one illumination device ( 56 ) at least one light guide ( 54 . 62 ) extending from a proximal end ( 60 ) of the endoscope ( 10 ; 80 ) to a distal end ( 14 ) of the endoscope ( 10 ; 80 ). Endoscope according to one of claims 25 or 26, characterized in that the at least one illumination device ( 56 ) is designed such that it emits light at the distal end ( 14 ) of the endoscope ( 10 ; 80 ) adjacent to the first and / or second optical system ( 18 . 20 ; 82 . 84 ) and / or the first and / or the second optical system ( 18 . 20 ; 82 . 84 ) surrounding. Endoscope according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the illumination device ( 56 ) a light source ( 58 ), which at the proximal end ( 60 ) of the endoscope ( 10 ; 80 ) and / or with the endoscope ( 10 ; 80 ) is releasably connectable.