Portable arthroscope with periscope optics
US5323767A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 3, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/00188
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A disposable arthroscope for examining the interior of a joint and for carrying out diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within the joint includes an elongated needle and a cap housing which has a base plate. The proximal end of the needle is mounted on the cap opposite the base plate, and the distal end of the needle extends outwardly from the cap. The needle is a hollow tube which surrounds an image guide and a bundle of illuminating fibers that extend through the tube. A lens is attached to the distal end of the image guide and is slightly angled relative to the longitudinal axis of the needle. The proximal ends of both the image guide and the bundle of illuminating fibers extend from the proximal end of the tube and through the cap for exposure at the surface of the base plate. The base plate of the disposable arthroscope is engageable with a camera and with a light source to position the camera in light communication with the image guide, and to position the light source in light communication with the bundle. With these engagements, the combination of disposable arthroscope, light source and camera generate a visual display of an object that is illuminated by the light sourc…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.