WO1997015144A9 - Hand-held imaging apparatus for use with endoscopes - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus particularly configured for coupling to the proximal end of a medical endoscope for presenting a video image of the target site at the distal end of the endoscope. The apparatus is comprised of (1) a camera housing containing a solid state electronic imaging sensor, (2) a video monitor, and (3) an endoscope coupler, wherein the camera housing contains no motor driven parts and the housing exterior is dimensioned and shaped so that it can be readily held in a user's hand. The video monitor is configured for detachable attachment to the camera housing via an electromechanical connector which affords both an electrical interconnection and an adjustable substantially rigid structural attachment.

Description

TITLE : HAND HELD IMAGING APPARATUS

FOR USE WITH ENDOSCOPES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a hand held apparatus particularly configured for

attachment to the proximal end of a medical endoscope for producing a video

image representative of a target site at the distal end of the endoscope

Traditionally, when using a medical endoscope, a physician places his eye

directly against an eyepiece at the endoscope's proximal end The typical

endoscope contains a lens at its distal end for gathering an image of the target site

and optically coupling the image via optical fibers to the endoscope eyepiece A

high intensity light source is generally provided for illuminating the target site to

enhance image gathering

In recent years, video monitoring systems for medical applications have been

made available which utilize an electronic camera head for capturing the image at

the endoscope eyepiece The captured image is then relayed via electronic cables

to a cart mounted subsystem which converts the image to a standard NTSC or PAL

video format for driving a CRT (cathode ray tube) monitor Such systems are

marketed commercially by various companies and are typically comprised of a large

mobile cart on wheels which carries camera control electronics, a CRT monitor and

a high intensity light source As a consequence, they are typically cumbersome,

expensive, and occupy a lot of valuable space

Additionally, it is believed that commercially available camcorders have been used in conjunction with flexible horoscopes for industrial applications to provide

a user with a convenient video image remote from a target site at the scope distal

end. Although the size and weight of available camcorders have diminished over

the years, they are still too large and heavy, attributable in part to their motor

driven feed systems, to be conveniently used for many medical procedures

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an apparatus particularly configured for

coupling to the proximal end of a medical endoscope for presenting a video image

of the target site at the distal end of the endoscope.

Apparatus in accordance with the invention is comprised of ( 1 ) a camera

housing containing a solid state electronic imaging sensor, (2) a video monitor, and

(3) an endoscope coupler, wherein the camera housing contains no motor driven

parts and the housing exterior is dimensioned and shaped so that it can be readily

held in a user's hand.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the video monitor is configured

for detachable attachment to the camera housing via an electromechanical

connector which affords both an electrical interconnection and an adjustable

substantially rigid structural attachment.

In the preferred embodiment, the camera housing defines an optical input

port and a video output port. A mount is provided on the housing for

accommodating the endoscope coupler which is configured for detachable rigid

attachment to the endoscope eyepiece. When attached, the endoscope eyepiece can focus an image, via the coupler and through the input port, onto an imaging

sensor in the camera housing. The imaging sensor preferably comprises an array

of charge coupled devices (CCD) mounted at the focal plane of the coupler lens

system. The video output port is preferably formed by one half of an

electromechanical connector configured for detachable attachment to a mating

connector carried by the video monitor, e.g. a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen

In a preferred embodiment, the camera housing output port comprises a female connector (e.g , RJ45) and the video monitor carries a mating male connector The

male and female connectors are constructed so that when engaged, they provide

both an electrical interconnection and a substantially rigid structural attachment.

As a consequence of the rigid attachments between the camera housing, the

video monitor, and the endoscope coupler and eyepiece, a physician is able to hold

the camera housing in one hand and position the endoscope for convenient

manipulation and the video monitor for comfortable viewing.

In accordance with a significant feature of the preferred embodiment, the male connector is connected by a stiff swivel mount to the video monitor for

enabling a physician to adjustably position the monitor relative to the hand held

camera housing to enhance the physician's flexibility of use and viewing comfort.

In accordance with a further feature of the preferred embodiment, a flexible

electric cable can be interposed between the aforementioned male and female

connectors to enable the video monitor to be physically displaced from the camera

housing . This feature enables a physician to selectively mount the monitor in a variety of manners such as on a table, on an I.V. pole, in a sternum or head mount

harness, etc.

In accordance with a still further feature of the preferred embodiment, a

flexible power cable is provided for connecting the camera housing to a power

source. The cable preferably includes a video signal line for driving a remote video monitor or video recorder.

Embodiments of the invention can be advantageously employed in many

different applications including, for example, the endoscopically directed placement

of endotracheal tubes. This procedure involves insertion of the endotracheal tube

through the mouth, down the pharynx past the epiglottis through the vocal cords

and ventricular folds, and into the trachea, bypassing the esophagus. An inherent

difficulty of this procedure is the blind entry past the epiglottis through the vocal

cords. In some instances the passage through the vocal cords is difficult and the

cords can be traumatized or damaged as a result of the tube not being properly

guided. A significant application of the invention is to facilitate endotracheal tube

placement. This is preferably accomplished by using a malleable endoscope that can be bent to the shape of the natural curve of the mouth - tracheal canal. The

preshaped endoscope is then placed into the lumen of the endotracheal tube which

then conforms to the shape of the endoscope. An apparatus in accordance with

the invention is then attached to the eyepiece of the endoscope and allows a

physician holding the camera housing to advance the scope/tube assembly through

the mouth down along a properly positioned laryngoscope. While viewing the image on the video monitor, the physician can visually guide the assembly down

the pharynx through the vocal cords and into position in the trachea. The tube can

then be fixed in place by inflating a balloon at its distal end prior to removing the

scope. This same general procedure can be used for other applications such as

passing an endotracheal tube through the nasal passages.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 is an isometric front view of a first embodiment of a hand held apparatus device in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric rear view of the apparatus of Figure 1 ,

Figure 3 is a left side view partially broke away, of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a right side view, partially broken away, of the apparatus of Figure t ,

Figure 5 is an isometric view of the apparatus of Figure 1 depicting its attachment

to a medical endoscope;

Figure 6 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention including, ( 1 ) a

camera housing, (2) a video monitor, and (3) an endoscope coupler, interconnected together,

Figure 7 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 6 showing the modules

detached and broken away to illustrate internal components,

Figure 8 is an exploded side view of the apparatus of Figure 6, additionally showing a power supply cable,

Figure 9 is a front view of the video monitor of Figure 8; and

Figure 1 0 is a rear view of a battery pack waist belt

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Attention is initially directed to Figures 1 -6 which show a first embodiment

of the invention particularly configured for medical applications. Figures 1 and 2

respectively show front and rear views of an imaging device in accordance with the

invention comprising a hand held housing 1 . The housing 1 includes at its distal

or bottom end a standard endoscopic coupler 2 The coupler 2 is affixed to a

handle 3 by means of a standard c-mount thread 4. Both endoscopic coupler 2 and

device handle 3 can be constructed of either plastic or metal or any suitable rigid

material. The handle 3 is of sufficient length to provide a comfortable grip for the

user Battery charger contacts 8 are located on the rear of the handle 3 for

charging an internal battery via a standard battery charging unit At the proximal

end or top of the handle 3 is a switch 5 that can be easily depressed with the

thumb to turn the device power on and off Affixed to the handle 3 is a swivel

mount 6 The swivel mount 6 supports upper housing 7 containing an LCD (liquid

crystal display) monitor 9 enabling a user to position the LCD monitor screen to

achieve the best viewing angle. User electronic control knobs 1 0 are mounted on

upper housing 7 to enable a user to adjust the picture quality on the LCD screen 9

Knob 1 1 adjusts brightness. Knob 1 2 adjusts contrast and knob 1 3 adjust picture

sharpness. An ACMI (American Cystoscope Manufacturers Inc.) endoscope light

cable adapter 14 is provided to connect an internal light source (Figure 3) via an

external cable to an endoscope (Figure 5) attached to the endoscopic coupler 2 Figure 3 is a cut away view depicting the components within the housing 1 .

An industry standard c-mount thread 4 is cut into the proximal end of the device

handle 3 for attachment of endoscopic coupler 2. Immediately proximal to the c-

mount thread 4 is a camera 1 5 which is preferably comprised of a CCD chip 1 6 at

its distal end and camera electronics 1 7. At the proximal end of the camera

electronics are industry standard connectors 1 8 for affixing electrical wires 1 9 to

power supply 20. Power supply 20 can comprise a 1 6 volt rechargeable battery

power supply housed behind the LCD screen 9 and held in place by backer element

21 .

Laterally opposite to the power supply 20 is a light reflector shield 22 that

is affixed to bracket 23. Directly adjacent the light shield 22 is a high intensity light

bulb 24. Light bulb 24 is connected to the power supply 20 by electrical wires (not

shown) . Immediately distal to bulb 24 is a glass buehl 25 which condenses and

intensifies light emitted by bulb 24. Buehl 25 is terminated in light cable adapter

1 4.

Directly proximal the power supply chamber 26 and light source chamber 27

is the LCD monitor 9 with fully self contained electronics. LCD monitor 9 is

connected to power supply 20 by electrical wires 28 and held in place by frame 29.

Power supply 20 is connected by electrical wires 30 to power on/off switch 5.

Figure 5 depicts the video imaging device as it would be used with standard

endoscope 31 in accordance with the invention. Endoscope 31 is comprised of an

eyepiece housing 32 and endoscope shaft 33. Endoscope shaft 33 can be

constructed from materials that are either flexible, rigid, or malleable. The shaft 33 is preferably comprised of a malleable aluminum alloy shaft. Affixed within the

endoscope shaft 33 are illumination fibers 36 that are used to deliver light from the

light source connector 14 to the shaft's distal end. Light cable 39 is connected to

male connector 14 via female connectors 40 The light is transmitted to the

endoscope via fiberoptics 41 to light cable connector 38 and transmitted via

illumination fibers 36 to the distal tip of the endoscope. Adjacent and parallel to

the ιllumιna^tιon fibers at the distal tip of the endoscope is a lensing system 35 that

captures an image and relays it to an image conduit 34. The image conduit 34

relays the image to a proximal lens system 37 that magnifies and relays the image

from the image conduit to a series of lenses in the endoscopic coupler 2, The

endoscopic coupler lens preferably magnify the image and relay it to the CCD chip

1 6 in camera 1 5. Electronics in the camera 1 5 converts the CCD chip signals to an

appropriate video image format for driving LCD monitor 9.

Attention is now directed to figures 6-9 which depict a preferred structural embodiment 50 of the invention comprised primarily of the following detachable

modules a camera housing 52, a video monitor 54, and an endoscopic coupler 56

The camera housing 52 comprises a hollow body 60 including a bottom

portion 62 and a rounded upper portion 64 enclosing an internal chamber 66 The

body 60 is preferably shaped and dimensioned so that it can be comfortably

supported in the palm of a user's hand. An optical input port 68 and a video

output port 70 are formed in the body 60 for functional interconnection to the

endoscope coupler 56 and video monitor 54, respectively.

More particularly the optical input port 68 is formed by a cylindrical camera mount fitting 74 secured in body opening 76. The camera mount fitting 74 is

configured to detachably accommodate endoscopic coupler 56 which, in turn, is

able to mate with the eyepiece of a standard medical endoscope (shown, for

example, at 31 in Figure 5) to form a substantially rigid structural interconnection

therewith.

One or more circuit boards 80 is mounted in the internal chamber 66 for

carrying a solid state imaging sensor 82, e.g. an array of charge coupled devices

(CCD's) The sensor 82 is located in the chamber 66 such that the collective effect

of the lenses of coupler 56 and mount fitting 74 focuses an optical image, provided

at the eyepiece of a coupled endoscope, onto the sensor 82 The sensor 82 is

responsive to the optical image incident thereon to provide electronic signals

representative thereof (via circuit paths not shown) to a connector 86 comprising

part of the video output port 70 mounted adjacent body opening 88 The

connector 86 comprises an electromechanical connector, preferably a female RJ45

connector, which is able to simultaneously form both an electrical and structural

interconnection with a male RJ45 connector 90 mounted on the video monitor

module 54

In order to positively attach the camera housing 52 and monitor 54, a spring

latch 92 is mounted in the housing 52 adjacent the female connector 86. When

the male connector 90 is inserted into the female connector 86, spring latch 92

engages connector 90 to prevent its withdrawal. A latch release button 96 is

mounted in the housing 52 and accessible to a user via body opening 98. Manual

depression of button 96 forces latch 92 out of engagement with connector 90 enabling it to be withdrawn from connector 86.

Housing 52 further defines an electrical connection, e.g., power cord 1 00, for supplying electrical power to the sensor 82 and video monitor 54. Note that the

housing 52 is devoid of any motors or motor driven parts thus enabling it to be

sufficiently small in size and weight so that it can be comfortably supported in the

palm of a user's hand

The aforementioned male connector 90 is mounted on the video monitor 54,

preferably via a relatively stiff swivel connection 1 04. More particularly, the male

connector 90 is captured in an adapter 1 06 configured to be fastened, as by a

threaded connection, to a ball 1 08. The ball 1 08 is accommodated in a socket 1 1 0 formed in the rear member 1 1 2 of the video monitor housing One or more spring

washers 1 1 6, mounted between housing rear member 1 1 2 and front member 1 1 8,

frictionally engage ball 1 08, holding it tightly in socket 1 1 0. This structure enables

the rear member 1 1 2 to be swiveled with respect to the ball 1 08 which is

essentially fixed to the camera housing 52 via mail connector 90.

The monitor housing front member 1 1 8 is configured to be secured to rear

member 1 1 2 by appropriate fastening (not shown) A liquid crystal display 1 22 and

lens 1 24 are mounted between the rear and front housing members 1 1 2, 1 1 8. The

display 1 22 is electronically driven from signals provided by male connector 90, for

displaying an image on the front screen face 1 24 of housing front member 1 1 8.

An adjustment wheel 1 25 is preferably provided to adjust display brightness.

The short power cord 1 00 terminates in connector 1 30 configured for

interconnection with connector 1 32 on power cable 1 34. Power cable 1 34 preferably includes an in-line voltage converter 1 36 for converting standard AC

power line voltage to low voltage DC. Converter 1 36 is adapted to be connected

via connector 1 38 on cable 1 40 to a standard power plug 1 42. Power cable 1 34

preferably also includes a video signal line extending from camera housing 52 via

power cord 1 00 to a video connector 144 for optionally driving a remote video

device, e.g. , display or VCR.

Figure 1 0 illustrates a waist belt 1 50 having fastenable ends 1 51 A, 1 51 B

which can be worn by a user to carry a battery pack 1 52. A power cord 1 54 is

electrically connected to the battery pack and extends from the waist belt 1 50

terminating in connector 1 56. Connector 1 56 is configured for coupling to

connector 1 30, alternative to the power cable 1 34. The use of the battery pack

waist belt 1 50 frees the physician user from having to be tethered to an AC outlet.

From the foregoing, it should now be appreciated that a camera housing has

been disclosed herein characterized by being light in weight and small in size

attributable to its containing a solid state imaging sensor but being devoid of any

motor driven parts. As a consequence, it can be readily configured, as shown in

Figures 6-9 so it can be held in a physician user's palm By connecting the camera

housing 52 via a detachable substantially rigid connection to an endoscope, the

user is able to readily hold the housing and conveniently manipulate the endoscope

as by applying an axial pulling or pushing force. Further, by connecting the camera

housing via an adjustable electromechanical connector to a video monitor, the user

is able to readily swivel the monitor to a comfortable viewing position The

adjustable electromechanical connector preferably provides a stiff swivel substantially rigid structural attachment enabling the user to handle the apparatus

50 with an attached endoscope as an essentially integral structure. The detachable

electromechanical connection between the camera housing and video monitor also

enables the user to selectively interpose a flexible cable to enable the video monitor

to be mounted remote from the camera housing, as on a table or I.V. pole, for

certain medical procedures.

Although a limited number of specific embodiments have been described

herein, it should be understood that various modifications will occur to those skilled

in the art which are intended to be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1 An apparatus suitable for attachment to the proximal end of an endoscope

for displaying to a user a video image representative of a target site at the distal

end of said endoscope, said apparatus comprising.

a housing devoid of motor driven parts and externally configured to be held

in a user's hand;

a coupler mounted on said housing for coupling to the proximal end of an

endoscope;

a solid state imaging sensor mounted in said housing responsive to an optical

image presented by said endoscope proximal end for producing electronic signals

representative thereof; and

a video monitor responsive to said electronic signals for producing a video

image representative of said optical image

2 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said housing defines an optical input port,

and wherein

said coupler is located adjacent to said optical input port for detachably

mounting said endoscope proximal end adjacent thereto.

3 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said housing has a video output port

comprised of a first electromechanical connector; and wherein

said video monitor carries a second electromechanical connector configured to mate with said first electromechanical connector for providing both an electrical

interconnection and a substantially rigid structural attachment.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said first and second electromechanical

connectors are configured for selective attachment and detachment.

5 The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said video monitor is adjustably mounted

to said housing for adjustable movement relative thereto.

6 The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said second electromechanical connector

is mounted for swivel movement relative to said video monitor to enable adjustment

of the relative orientation between said housing and said video monitor.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said video monitor is comprised of a solid

state display.

8. A video imaging apparatus suitable for attachment to the proximal end of an

endoscope for displaying an image of a target site at the distal end of said endoscope, said apparatus comprising:

a housing configured to be held in the user's hand;

a coupler mounted on said housing configured to substantially rigidly couple

to the proximal end of an endoscope,

an imaging sensor mounted in said housing responsive to visual image information supplied by said endoscope for producing electronic signals

representative thereof;

a display device responsive to said electronic signals for producing a visual

representation of said visual image information; and

detachable electromechanical connector means for electrically

interconnecting and substantially rigidly structurally attaching said display device

to said housing.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said housing is devoid of any motor driven

parts .

1 0. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said connector means includes a swivel

connection mounted between said display device and said housing for adjusting the

orientation of said display device relative to said housing.

1 1 . The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said display device comprises a liquid

crystal display.

1 2. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said imaging sensor is comprised of charge

coupled devices.