Tip structure for variable direction of view endoscope
US7374533B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2005 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/00183
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A variable direction of view endoscope generally comprising an endoscope shaft, an objective optical system disposed in the distal end of the shaft that defines a view vector movable relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a viewing window located in the distal end of the shaft through which the view vector scans over a range of different view vector directions when moved relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A portion of the distal section of the endoscope shaft adjacent and proximal to the viewing window has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, and at least two regions within the cross section are connectable by a straight line that does not lie within or on the boundary of the cross section. In certain embodiments, cross section comprises at least two disjoint closed sets of points.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.