Apparatus for endoscopic examination

US4176662A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventor

• Robert E. Frazer · Tustin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 17, 1977
• Grant date: Dec 4, 1979
• Expiry date: Jun 17, 1997

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61B2090/3929
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An endoscope is disclosed having a propulsion mechanism and at least one transmitter at the distal end transmitting bursts of energy waves (radio frequency or ultrasonic) for tracking the position of the distal end through the use of two or more transducers on the anterior or lateral surfaces of a patient. The propulsion mechanism may consist of two radially expandable bladders separated by an axially expandable bellows with only the forward bladder attached to the distal end so that by expanding and contracting them in proper sequence, propulsion of the endoscope is achieved. Alternate mechanisms comprise compliant paddles on the distal end directly on an articulated section, or compliant paddles on a rotatable sleeve on the distal end. The endoscope has a sheath which includes material having a sharp melting point slightly above body temperature so that the sheath may be made flexible at selected sections by applying current to separate heating wires in the sections of the sheath.