Endoscope with actively cooled illumination sources
US7413543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 29, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 19, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2090/309
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endoscopic imaging system includes a reusable control cabinet having a number of actuators that control the orientation of a lightweight endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope is used with a single patient and is then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet. The endoscope is coated with a hydrophilic coating that reduces its coefficient of friction and because it is lightweight, requires less force to advance it to a desired location within a patient.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.