Surgical instrument with stick-on fiber-optic viewing system and method of using
US5667478A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 16, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/3614
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A kit is provided including at least one fiber-optic bundle of the type including a plurality of flexible image fibers having an objective lens attached to one end and a connector attached to the other end. The connector is adapted to mate with a viewing device. A coating of a pressure-sensitive adhesive is also provided to secure the fiber-optic bundle to a selected one of a variety of instruments with the fiber-optic bundle conforming to the profile of that instrument over substantially the entire length with the objective lens positioned so as to include the working element of the instrument in the field-of-view. A positioning device is used to position the objective lens to ensure proper focus. The components of the kit are contained in a sterilizable enclosure which includes a bottom tray and a top cover which may be formed of a spun-bonded polyolefin fiber material.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.