Endocoupler system
US5868665A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/00128
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endocoupler system having an endocoupler (110) and a myeloscope (210). The present invention relates to an endocoupler system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an endocoupler system consisting of an endocoupler connected to a myeloscope. The present invention is a system to directly view the pathology of the epidural space in the lower spine region using a miniature endoscopic catheter device. This device is currently used by physicians to diagnose and treat patients who suffer from chronic low back pain. The present invention consists of a developed medical procedure, disposable procedure access kit, multi-lumen steerable catheter (Video Guided Catheter), small fiber optic endoscope (Myeloscope), endocoupler (Endocoupler), light source, and camera system. A major feature of the invention is the ability to orientate the viewing plane with respect to the image transmitted through the image fiber bundle by rotation of the image fiber coupler in a plane that is normal to the central optical axis of the objective lens assembly and image fiber coupler. This is accomplished in the present invention which is designed permitting the endocoupler to rotate allowing the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.