Endoscopic illumination system, assembly and methods for staged illumination of different target areas
US8512232B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2009 |
| Grant date | Aug 20, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 13, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/01
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The inventive subject matter is generally directed to an illumination system for staged illumination in an endoscopic procedure. The inventive system generally includes an illumination apparatus supporting a light source that is configured for removable assembly with an endoscope. The assembly is configured for insertion into a natural or artificial passageway in a body. The illumination apparatus has one or more light sources providing a first, relatively high level of illumination suitable for imaging a first, relatively large target area, either alone or in combination with a light source for the endoscope, and after removal of the illumination apparatus from the assembly, the endoscope provides a second relatively lower level of illumination suitable for imaging a relatively small target area.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.