Apparatus and method for providing spherical viewing during endoscopic procedures
US6371909B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 19, 1999 |
| Grant date | Apr 16, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 19, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/055
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for providing variable-angle endoscopic views in a cavity, such as an internal cavity in a human patient. The apparatus includes an elongated tubular portion with a viewer at its proximal end and a reflector assembly at its distal end. The reflector assembly includes a first reflector and a second reflector, with the second reflector rotationally mounted to permit its rotation about an axis generally aligned with an optical path portion passing from the first reflector to the second reflector. The viewer is preferably a camera rotatably secured to the apparatus. A rotator controls rotation of the second reflector and the camera, so that rotation of the second reflector causes a corresponding rotation of the camera. The assembly thus permits near-spherical viewing of the cavity without requiring substantial movement of the endoscope.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.