CA2029862A1 - Deflectable-end endoscope with detachable shaft assembly - Google Patents
Deflectable-end endoscope with detachable shaft assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA2029862A1 CA2029862A1 CA002029862A CA2029862A CA2029862A1 CA 2029862 A1 CA2029862 A1 CA 2029862A1 CA 002029862 A CA002029862 A CA 002029862A CA 2029862 A CA2029862 A CA 2029862A CA 2029862 A1 CA2029862 A1 CA 2029862A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- subassembly
- shaft
- shaft subassembly
- handle
- pull wire
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/303—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the vagina, i.e. vaginoscopes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/00163—Optical arrangements
- A61B1/00165—Optical arrangements with light-conductive means, e.g. fibre optics
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
- A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
- A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
- A61B1/0055—Constructional details of insertion parts, e.g. vertebral elements
- A61B1/0056—Constructional details of insertion parts, e.g. vertebral elements the insertion parts being asymmetric, e.g. for unilateral bending mechanisms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/06—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements
- A61B1/07—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor with illuminating arrangements using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/307—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor for the urinary organs, e.g. urethroscopes, cystoscopes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B1/00—Instruments for performing medical examinations of the interior of cavities or tubes of the body by visual or photographical inspection, e.g. endoscopes; Illuminating arrangements therefor
- A61B1/005—Flexible endoscopes
- A61B1/0051—Flexible endoscopes with controlled bending of insertion part
- A61B1/0057—Constructional details of force transmission elements, e.g. control wires
Abstract
(57) Abstract An endoscope (3) having a deflectable tip configured so as to have a small outer diameter or approximately 0.15 inch or less. The endoscope includes a flexible shaft subassembly (I) comprised of a conduit having a deflectable end segment at its dis-tal end which can be controlled by a manually operable mechanism on a handle subassembly (2) The shaft subassembly further includes a cone subassembly (6) at its proximal end including means for structurally connecting to the handle subassembly (2) Illumination fibers, and imaging fiber, a pull wire and a working channel extend through the shaft subassembly (1) from its distal end to terminals in the cone subassembly for interfacing to the handle subassembly (2). The handle subassembly comprises an optical component which allows for the viewing or an image emanating from the shaft subassembly imaging fiber, a deflection mechanism which incorporates a means for physical displacement and axial displacement of the shaft subassembly pull wire (33), and a locking mechanism for attaching the shaft subassembly to the handle subassembly.
Description
'~ ~
W O YO/10417 ~ ~ f~ .J~ 2 PCT/~S90/01334 DEFLECTAB~E-END ENDOSCOPE ~ITH DEtACHABLE SHAFT ASSEM8LY
;, - gackground of the Inve~lon:
This invention relates generally to endoscopes and more particularly to such instruments which have a flexible shaft and a deflectable end portion controlled 5 via a mechAnism at the proxlmal end.
Endoscopes are used in various medical and industrial applications for viewing unaccessible interior features of cav~ties, tubes or conduits, such ~s body organ~. The present invention i8 particularly concerned with endoscopes o~ flexible and small outside ;~diameter shafts of less than 0.15 inch, useful, for example, a~ ureteroscopes, hysteroscopes, angioscopes, choledochoscope~, and cystoscope~.
~`The prior ~rt i5 replete with endoscopes which incorporate an end portion which can be de~lected, by a user, via a control mechanism at the proximal end o~ the ;idevice. Such endoscopes are characterized by various structural configurations which enable a user to control ;;the de~lection o~ the distal tip o~ the end portion through an ~ngle ~rom approximately 0 degrees to 180 degrees. Ihe following patents are examples of endoscope~ having a deflect~ble tip:
4,653,476 ~onnet 4,580,551 Siegmund 4,577,621 Patel 4,353,358 Emerson 3,788,304 Takahashi Other structures are shown in the following additional patents:
30 3,426,663 3,948,251 4,483,326 4,616,630 3,470,876 4,063,796 ~,503,842 4,617,915 3,572,325 4,066,070 4,503,843 4,630,598 3,610,231 4,175,545 4,543,090 4,633,882 . . , ..
, : , . ~ ,.
,:
WO 90/1041'~ , PC~IIJS~0/01334 3,726,2724,176,662 4,557,253 4,646,722 3,7~8,3044,178,920 4,557,254 4,650,467 ; 3,799,1504,203,430 4,561,427 4,6~1,202 ; 3,7g9,1514,245,624 4,566,437 4,651,718 3,856,0004,271,845 4,567,882 4,653,476 3,880,1484,277,168 4,557,621 4,676,228 ~ 3,892,2284,294,233 4, ~86, g23 4,685,449 3,897,7754,446,444 4,593,680 4,686,963 : 3,91S,1574,447,227 4,601,705 Summarv of the ~nvention The present invention is directed to an improvedendoscope having a deflectable tip configured so as to have a small outer diameter of approximately 0.15 inch or le~s.
lS More specifically, the present invention is directed to ~ flexible sha~t subassembly comprised of a conduit having a deflectable end segment at lts distal end which can be controlled by a manually operable mechanism on a handle subassembly. The shaft subassembly further includes a cone subassembly at its proxim~l end including means for structurally connecting to the handle suba~sembly. Illumination fibers, nn imaging fiber, a pull wire and a working channel extend through the shaft subaæsembly fro~ its distal end to terminals in the cone subassembly ~or interfacing to the handle sub~ssembly. A preferred handle subassembly comprises an optical component which allows for the viewing of an image emanating from the shaft subassembly imaging fiber, ~ deflection mechanism which incorporates a means for physical attach~ent and axial displacement o~ the shaft subassembly pull wire, And ~ locking mechanism for attaching the shaft subassembly to the handle subassembly.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a series of discrete substantially aligned cutouts ~re formed ~n the body o~ the shaft subassembly end segment. The geometry of the cutouts vary , : . : .
: ' !
W090/1~17 ~ PCT/US90/013 ~3~
progressively along the length o~ this deflectable end segment to produce a gradual dlstal tip deflection profile as the end segment is forced to bend by an axial force on the pull wire. The cutouts are preferably of 5 substantially triangular shape in a plane containing the pull wire and imaging fiber.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body of the deflectable end segment is `~ comprised of an elongated flexible multi-lumen ~ody covered tightly with a smooth, thin elastomeric sheath.
The individual lumens in the body provide passageways for the illumination and lmaging fibers, pull wire and a relatively large working channel useful for movement of fluids and/or for passing diagnostic or therapeutic instrument~.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the ;~ conduit connecting the deflectable end port~on to the cone subas6embly comprises an elongated flexible conduit formed o~ two elongated counter wrapped ~lat ribbon coils covered with an elastomeric 6heath over their entire axial length. This conduit configuration provides protection ~or the encased illumination and i~aging fibers and working channel against stresse~ resulting from the flexure, tension or compre~sion imposed upon the shaft subassembly during operation o~ the endoscope.
In accordance with still a further aspect of the preferred embodiment, the handle subassembly provide~ a means to mate with the shaft subassembly and form the complete endoscope unit. Contained wlthin the handle subassembly are: the means to align and optically mate the shaft subassembly imaging fiber bundle with a viewing optics and a focusing mechanism which can be ad~usted through the rotation of a screw mechanism: the means for securing the pull wire contained in the shaft subasæembly to a component whose axial movement i8 controlled by the rotation of a screw mechanism: and a means for securely locking the cone subassembly to the , , . ~ . - ~
.. : . .. . . . .
- ~ .: ,., : . . .. . :
PCl`~US90/01 334 ~ ~ {~ $ ,.
W O YO/10417 ~ ~ f~ .J~ 2 PCT/~S90/01334 DEFLECTAB~E-END ENDOSCOPE ~ITH DEtACHABLE SHAFT ASSEM8LY
;, - gackground of the Inve~lon:
This invention relates generally to endoscopes and more particularly to such instruments which have a flexible shaft and a deflectable end portion controlled 5 via a mechAnism at the proxlmal end.
Endoscopes are used in various medical and industrial applications for viewing unaccessible interior features of cav~ties, tubes or conduits, such ~s body organ~. The present invention i8 particularly concerned with endoscopes o~ flexible and small outside ;~diameter shafts of less than 0.15 inch, useful, for example, a~ ureteroscopes, hysteroscopes, angioscopes, choledochoscope~, and cystoscope~.
~`The prior ~rt i5 replete with endoscopes which incorporate an end portion which can be de~lected, by a user, via a control mechanism at the proximal end o~ the ;idevice. Such endoscopes are characterized by various structural configurations which enable a user to control ;;the de~lection o~ the distal tip o~ the end portion through an ~ngle ~rom approximately 0 degrees to 180 degrees. Ihe following patents are examples of endoscope~ having a deflect~ble tip:
4,653,476 ~onnet 4,580,551 Siegmund 4,577,621 Patel 4,353,358 Emerson 3,788,304 Takahashi Other structures are shown in the following additional patents:
30 3,426,663 3,948,251 4,483,326 4,616,630 3,470,876 4,063,796 ~,503,842 4,617,915 3,572,325 4,066,070 4,503,843 4,630,598 3,610,231 4,175,545 4,543,090 4,633,882 . . , ..
, : , . ~ ,.
,:
WO 90/1041'~ , PC~IIJS~0/01334 3,726,2724,176,662 4,557,253 4,646,722 3,7~8,3044,178,920 4,557,254 4,650,467 ; 3,799,1504,203,430 4,561,427 4,6~1,202 ; 3,7g9,1514,245,624 4,566,437 4,651,718 3,856,0004,271,845 4,567,882 4,653,476 3,880,1484,277,168 4,557,621 4,676,228 ~ 3,892,2284,294,233 4, ~86, g23 4,685,449 3,897,7754,446,444 4,593,680 4,686,963 : 3,91S,1574,447,227 4,601,705 Summarv of the ~nvention The present invention is directed to an improvedendoscope having a deflectable tip configured so as to have a small outer diameter of approximately 0.15 inch or le~s.
lS More specifically, the present invention is directed to ~ flexible sha~t subassembly comprised of a conduit having a deflectable end segment at lts distal end which can be controlled by a manually operable mechanism on a handle subassembly. The shaft subassembly further includes a cone subassembly at its proxim~l end including means for structurally connecting to the handle suba~sembly. Illumination fibers, nn imaging fiber, a pull wire and a working channel extend through the shaft subaæsembly fro~ its distal end to terminals in the cone subassembly ~or interfacing to the handle sub~ssembly. A preferred handle subassembly comprises an optical component which allows for the viewing of an image emanating from the shaft subassembly imaging fiber, ~ deflection mechanism which incorporates a means for physical attach~ent and axial displacement o~ the shaft subassembly pull wire, And ~ locking mechanism for attaching the shaft subassembly to the handle subassembly.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a series of discrete substantially aligned cutouts ~re formed ~n the body o~ the shaft subassembly end segment. The geometry of the cutouts vary , : . : .
: ' !
W090/1~17 ~ PCT/US90/013 ~3~
progressively along the length o~ this deflectable end segment to produce a gradual dlstal tip deflection profile as the end segment is forced to bend by an axial force on the pull wire. The cutouts are preferably of 5 substantially triangular shape in a plane containing the pull wire and imaging fiber.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, the body of the deflectable end segment is `~ comprised of an elongated flexible multi-lumen ~ody covered tightly with a smooth, thin elastomeric sheath.
The individual lumens in the body provide passageways for the illumination and lmaging fibers, pull wire and a relatively large working channel useful for movement of fluids and/or for passing diagnostic or therapeutic instrument~.
In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the ;~ conduit connecting the deflectable end port~on to the cone subas6embly comprises an elongated flexible conduit formed o~ two elongated counter wrapped ~lat ribbon coils covered with an elastomeric 6heath over their entire axial length. This conduit configuration provides protection ~or the encased illumination and i~aging fibers and working channel against stresse~ resulting from the flexure, tension or compre~sion imposed upon the shaft subassembly during operation o~ the endoscope.
In accordance with still a further aspect of the preferred embodiment, the handle subassembly provide~ a means to mate with the shaft subassembly and form the complete endoscope unit. Contained wlthin the handle subassembly are: the means to align and optically mate the shaft subassembly imaging fiber bundle with a viewing optics and a focusing mechanism which can be ad~usted through the rotation of a screw mechanism: the means for securing the pull wire contained in the shaft subasæembly to a component whose axial movement i8 controlled by the rotation of a screw mechanism: and a means for securely locking the cone subassembly to the , , . ~ . - ~
.. : . .. . . . .
- ~ .: ,., : . . .. . :
PCl`~US90/01 334 ~ ~ {~ $ ,.
handle subassembly in fixed orientation, e.g. via a bayonet mount, whereby the flexure of the deflectable distal end segment is in a plane oriented perpendicular ; to a plane defined by a working c~annel port and light ! :; s post on the cone ~ubassembly.
In accordance with still a further aspect of the preferred embodiment, the shaft subassembly and handle subassembly are provided with watertight seals at all externally exposed mating interfaces to prevent a compromise of internal components resulting from usage and sterilizations.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs Figures lA and lB are respectively side elevation views of the mating shaft ~ubassembly and handle subassembly of the endoscope in accordance with ~ the present invention.
¦ Figures lC and lD are respectively end views of the sha~t subassembly and handle subassembly of Figures lA and lB.
Figure lE is a side elevation view o~ the mated shaft and handle ~ubassemblie~ in accordance with the present ~nvention.
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the shaft subassembly deflect~ble end segment.
Figure 3A i~ a lateral cross sectional view of the deflectable end 6egment taken substantially along the plane 3A-3A of Flgure 2.
Figure 3B lo a longitudinal cross sectional view of the deflectable end ~egment taken substAntlally along the plane 38-3~ of Figure 2.
Figure 3C ls an exploded view of the end portion ta~en substantially along the plane 3C-3C of Figure 2.
Figure 3D is an exploded view of the distal tip of the deflectable end portion shown in Figure 3B.
Figure 4A is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the conduit ln the shaft fiubassembly taken substantially along the plane 4A-4A in Figure lE.
!. . : , ~ .. - : "" ' ' WO90/10417 ~ J~ PCT/US~/Q13~
_5_ .
Figure 4B is a lateral cross sectional view of .
the conduit in the shaft subassembly taXen ~ubstantially ~ along the plane 4B-4B ln Figure lE.
; Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross sectional view Sof the cone subassembly taken substantially along the plane 5-5 of Figure lC.
Figure 6A is a lateral cross sectlonal view of ; the cone subassembly taken ~ubstantially along the plane 6A-6A of Figure lA.
10Figure 6B is a lateral cross sectional view of the cone subassembly taken substantially along the plane 6B-6B in Figure lE.
Fiqure 6C i8 a lateral cross sectional view of the cone ~ubassembly taken substantially along the plane 156C-6C in Figure lA.
Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the handle subassembly taken gubstantlally along the plane 7-7 in Figure lB.
20Attentlon ls initlally dlrected to Figures lA
and lB which respectlvely illustrate a shaft subassembly 1 and a handle subassembly 2 which mate together to form a complete endoscope 3 as deplcted in Figure lE.
Although endoscope 3 as illustrated in the drawing is 25particularly configured for use as a ureteroscope, it should be understood that the feature~ Or the invention are also applicable to endoscopes configured for other applications. Briefly, the endoscope 3 is comprised of two primary subassemblies; namely a shaft subassembly 1 30and a ~andle ~ubassembly 2 which can be readily operatively attached to each other. The handle subassembly 2, normally held in the grip o~ a user, has a rigid ~tructure wlth moveable controls while the shaft subassembly 1, whlch is partially inserted into a cavity 35~.g. a human organ, has a smooth flexlble structure.
The shaft æubassembly 1 in accordance with the invention is basically comprised of ~n elongated , . , ~, :; . . . . . :, .:.. , .... , . , . :
PCI`/US90/0~ 334 L r flexible condult 4 having a deflectable end segment 5 at lts distal end ~nd a rigid cone suba~embly 6 at its - proximal end. The shaft subassembly 1 lnternally .
i contains elongated lllumination fibers, an imaging S fiber, a pull wire and a working channel ~not shown in Figures lA-lE) to be discussed hereinafter. All of these elongated elements terminate in the cone subassembly 6.
The cone su~assembly 6 includes a working channel port 7, configured with a female luer fitting, 6tandard in the medical industry for allowing connection of syringes and other tubing adapters to the internal working channel. The fitting is preferably angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft subassembly for ease of insertion of the diagnostic and/or therapeutic instruments. The subassembly 6 further includes a lightpost 8 preferably comprising an industry standard male terminal having a fine polished end face for coupling a light source to the internal lllumination fibers. An imaging fiber bundle extends through the rigid post 9 and i8 terminated at its end by a small ferrule 10. A pull wire i8 guided through the inner partfi of the cone 6ubassemb1y and i~ securely attached to a llfter 11 which can be axially translated to deflect the end segment 5 as depicted in phantom ln Figure lE. The cone subassembly 6 also includes a male bayonet connector 12 configured around the lifter 11, for interconnection with a female bayonet connector mounted at the distal end 13 of the handla subassembly 2.
The handle subassembly 2 comprises a cylindrical body which contains an eyepiece 14 configured in a focusing ring 15 which rotates around the central axis of the handle subassembly, and a deflection control ring 16. The deflection control ring 16 is an internally threaded mechani~m which rotates from a null positlon (corresponding to an axially aligne~, zero deflection orientation of the distal end segment 5). A~ the rlng 16 , r~
. . , " ~,,,, , ~ .
.
WO90/l0417 ~ J~ PCT/US90/013~
is rotated in one direction, it axially transl~tes the lifter 11 to pull the internal pull wire to gradually deflect the distal tip 18 of the end segment 5. The distal tip 18 can operatively be placed at an angle between 0 degree~ to 180 degrees with respect to the axis of conduit 4. If the deflection control ring 16 i8 rotated to any position the deflected dlstal tlp 18 will remain at that position until the deflection control rinq 16 is rotated again. The distal end 13 of the handle subassembly 2 is internally terminated with a hollow female bayonet connector which tightly mates with its male counterpart 12 on the cone subassembly 6 when coupled together by a user. The central portlon of the proximal end 17 of the eyepiece 14 is conflgured with a optical window for viewing the image emanating from the imaging fiber bundle at ferrule 10.
Coupling the sha~t subassemb1y 1 to the handle subassembly 2, is initiated by holdlng ln one hand, the handle subassembly around the knurled portion 19 and resetting the deflection control ring 16 to its null ! deflection position. With the shaft subassembly 1 held in the other hand with proper orientation, the rigid rod 9 is inserted through the opening at the distal end 13 of the handle subassembly 2. To engage the two connector~, the male and female bayonet connectors of the two subassemblie~ are mated together and the shaft subassembly iB rotated with respect to the handle subassembly or vice versa until it locks. The two units will then be securely coupled and ready for use. To disconnect the shaft subassembly, rotate the deflection ring to the null deflection position and reverse the direction of rotation of the shaft subassembly with respect to the handle subassembly.
Attention is now directed to Figure 2 which illustrates a side elevation view of the deflectable end segment 5 of the shaft assembly 1 o~ Figure lA in lts relaxed straight configuration. ~he distal tip 18 of ., .~ .:
: r ~, go/1 041 7 PCI`/US90~01 3~U
segment 5 constitutes the exit point for the light pumped through the illumination fibers 20, 21 from lightpost 8 and a distal port for the working channel 22. It also provides a viewing window 23A where the S ; image of the scene viewed is formed, by the distal end - ob~ective lens 23 (Figure 3D). To further describe the deflectable end segment 5, cross 8ections taken ~t different positions and planes will be discussed in more '~' ' detail.
Figure 3A shows a lateral cross section view through section 3A-3A of the deflectable end ~egment s of Figure 2. $he structure essentially comprises a flexible multi-lumen, preferably thermoplastic tubing 24 (e.g. polyurethane of a moderate shore hardness). The lS relatively large central lumen 22 defines the worXing channel extending along the longitudinal axis of tubing 24. The tubing wall 25 may include empty channels 26, 27 extending ~long lts length to facilitate flexibility of the deflectable end segment 5. one or more lumens 28, 29 are provlded ln the wall 25 extending along its length for respectlvely accommodatlng lllumlnatlon fibers 20, 21. An additional lumen 30 extends through the tubing wall 25 along the length thereo~ for accommodatinq an imaging fiber bundle 31. In an alternative embodiment lumens 28, 29, 30 may be replaced by a slngular kidney shaped lumen running parallel to the tublng longitudinal axis to accommodate simultaneously the lmaging fiber 31 and illumination fibers 20, 21. A further lumen 32 extends through the tubing wall 25 along the length thereof and accommodates a pull wire 33, preferably formed of stainless steel,. A tubular sheath 34, preferably of thermoplastic elastomeric material, tightly encases the assembled deflectable end segment 5 and extends throughout its length. The sheath 34 is of relatively lower shore hardness than the mult~-lumen tubing 24. All the through lumens shown in Figure 3A may deviate in s~ape from the circular geometry to another, . .
WOgO/10411 ~ PCT/US901013~
_g _ .
e.g. elliptical, to accommodate the same overall functions of the deflectable end segment 5 of Figure 2.
Attention i6 now directed to Figure 38 which ; -shows A longitudinal cross section of the deflectable - s end segment S. A series o~ di~creet substantially aligned cutout6 3s are formed in the wall 25 of the multi-lumen tubing 24 and cut into the working channel 22. The dimension~ of the cutouts are varied progressively along the length o~ the tubing 24 in a unique distribution. These cutouts are substantially triangular in a longitudinal plane containinq the pull wire 33 and the imaging fiber bundle 31. The cutouts start relatively wide at the peripheral wall 25 of the tubing 24 and narrows down towards the tubing axis.
15The distribution of the cutouts is structured to provide lncreased bendability of the tubing 24 progressively toward the dist~l -end. In addition it causes a predetermlned gradual deflection profile of the distal tip 17 in response to the pull wire 33 being pulled proximally. The cutouts geometry and dlstribution w$11 also assure a contlnuous deflection of the distal tip 11 from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, within a plane defined by the straight longitudinal axi~ of the tubing 24, and the pull wire 33. As the deflection is lnitiated, the cutouts will progresslvely start to close. The lmaging fiber 31, and the shore hardness o~
the multi-lumen tubing 24, possess enough stiffness to stralghten out the de~lected end segment ~ro~ lts deflected configuration when the force on the pull wlre 33 ls released at the handle. If deflectlon is required in any other plane, then the shaft subassembly 1 and handle subassembly 2 are rotated as a unit to rotate the deflectable end segment 5. The cutouts may alternatively have geometries with cross sections other than triangular e.g. rectangular, rounded, key-hole shape or a comblnation of some or all of the mentioned configurations. The cutouts separation and distribution . .
. -;... ~: , -, . . . . . .
0/1041t ~ rcr/lJssotol334 , , --10--with respect to either end of the tubing 24 may also vary to obtain the same function of the deflectable end segment S. The working channel 22 in the deflectable end segment S and the conduit 4 are connected together to form a continuous path for the fluids and instruments, by means Or ~ thin wall metal sleeve 18A which is securely ~onded into the proximal end of the working channel 22 in the deflectable end segment S.
Attention is now directed to Figure 3C which shows a lateral cross section view of the distal end 17 of the deflectable end segment. The structure of the distal tip 18 consists essentially of a relatively hard cured adhesive casinq 18A which securely bonds the distal ends of the illumination fibers 20,21, imaging lS fiber 31 and pull wire 33 to the wall 2S of the multl-lumen tubing 24. The adhesive caslng 18A is preferably shaped in a circular cross section, with smooth outside surface finish, to match that of the `i tubing 24 and to provide a smooth transition between the two ~egments. The adhesive casing 18A also provides a physical means to encase the illumination fibers 20, 21 and imaging fiber 31, and to secure the encasement to the distal end of the tubing 24. The walls of the adhesive casing 18A conf$gures a hollow channel 2S throuqhout its length to provide continuity of the working channel 22.
The pull wire 33 is terminated and bonded at the distal end of the tubing 24 (Figure 3D) while the illumination fibers 20, 21, imaging fiber 31 and working channel 22 extend beyond the tubing 24/casing 18A
~unction. $he magnified view (Figure 3D) of the distal end shows that the surface of the distal tip is moderately angled e.g. 45 degrees, in a plane perpendicular to the plane containing the pull wire 33 and imaging fiber 31. The corners 38, 39 and the outer edge 40 of the distal tip are preferably rounded and polished to provide an atraumatic tip con~iguration to - . . .
,, , , . . , -,~
- . .. ~ - . : .,;, :. '.. :. :
,., ....
90/lWl7 ~ s~ PCT/US~/013~
facilitate movement inside delicate relatively soft tissue surfaces, e.g. human organs. The atraumatic tip also provides a means to reduce the difficulty faced when inserting and passing the distal tip through tight orifices or constricted space e.g. seals o~ lntroducers and catheters which are normally used in clinical setups. As al~o illustrated in Figure 3D, the imaging fiber 31 is terminated with a metal sleeYe 41 which encapsulates at its distal end an objective lens 23, e.g. GRIN rod lens. The metal sleeve 41 provides a means to align the longitudinal optical axis o~ the imaging fiber bundle (to minimize coupling loss of the image light rays). The distal end of the imaging ~iber bundle is preferably cut and polished in a p~ane of 90 degrees to its central axis prior to its assembly. The distal end of the imaging fiber 31 and the lens 23 are securely bonded with an optical adhesive which also bonds to the inner surface of the metal sleeve 41. ~he imaging fiber bundle, metal sleeve 41 and lens 23 form a lens subassembly 57, which is securely bonded to the dlstal tip 18. The front surface of lens subassembly 57 i~
placed flush against the distal end of the tip 18.
Attention is now directed to ~igure 4A which shows a longitudinal cross section of the conduit 4 of the shaft subassembly 1. The conduit 4 i8 comprised of coil assembly including two tight wound ~lat metal ribbon coils 42, 43 counter wrapped tight against each other and around a common central longitudlnal axis. ~he material of the co~ 18 i8 preferably spring temper~d stainless steel. The distal end of the coil subassembly i~ terminated with a thin metal bushing 44 that partially encapsulates, and is bonded to the extended windings of the inner coil 42. The insidc diameter of the distal end o~ the bushing 44 is large enough to 81ip, over the proximal end Or the deflectable end portion ~7.
Bushing 44 is securely bonded to the distal ~nd of the conduit 4 and the proximal end o~ the flexible end segment 5.
... . . .-. . . .. .
: ~ ;: ., ',., ~': . .-' ' ':` ' ., . '~; ' `
:
W~90/1~17 ~ C~ I'J PCT/US90/013 The coll subassembly is covered by a dual layer of sturdy flexible tubular material preferably comprised of an elastomeric thermoplastic. The initial layer 46 ~ covers the coil subassembly from the cone subassembly 6 5 extending distally along approximately half the length of the conduit 4. A second layer 47 covers the first layer 46 and extends from the cone subassembly 6 distally over the entire length of the coil subassembly ending at the distal end of the bushing 44. Both coverings 46, 47 have smooth inner and outer surfaces and exhibit high elastomeric properties to sustain and support the stresses induced while flexing the coil subassembly. The coverings 46, and 47 enhance the transfer of torque from the proximal end of the endoscope to it~ distal end. In addition, they reinforce the strength of the conduit to withstand the stresses of tension, compresslon, pulling and torsion. A key feature of the coil subassembly ls that it securely houses the imaging ~iber, illuminatlon flber, worXlng channel and pull wire throughout their length from the proximal end of the deflectable end segment S to the distal end of the cone subassembly 6.
Attention is directed now to Figure 4B which illustrates a lateral cross 6ectlon o~ the proxlmal portion o~ condult 4, showing the lateral di6tribution of the imaging ~iber bundle 31, imaging fiber conduit 48, lllumination fibers 20, 21, pull wire 33 and working channel conduit 49. All these elements are loose in the inner space of the coil subassembly throughout its length except at the proximal end where they are securely bonded to the coil subassembly with an exception o~ the pull wlre 33 which runs completely loose.
Attention is now directed to Figure 5 which 6hows a longitudinal cross section of the cone 6ubassembly 6. The cone subassembly includes a rigid structured housing 51 having a distal end 50 which .: , .. ... . ..-. .. .. . . ..
:,. - : : :: .: :
- ~. ., ~ - ..
W090/l~l7 ~ $ ~ 2 PCT/US90~013 receives the proximal end of condult 4. ~he proximal end of conduit 4 is ~ecurely bonded wlthin a through channel S8. The cone subassembly 6 is essentially configured to ' accommodate the terminations of the imaging fiber bundle, illumination fibers, working channel and pull wire all of which emerge from the proxlmal end of the conduit 4. The cone subassembly 6 al80 provides a bayonet connector meàns by which the sha~t subassembly 1 is attached to the handle subassembly 2 in a quick and reliable manner.
An extension of the working channel 59 ~oins the working channel conduit 49 which is securely bonded to the cone housing 51. The curvature in the working channel extension 59 provides a smooth passage for passing rigid and semi-rigid instruments. The imaging fiber bundle 31 is allowed to extend straight out from the proximal end Or the condult 4 and pass centrally through the hollow rigid post 9 and ferrule 10. The image fiber bundle is securely bonded to ferrule 10, which provides mechanical protection for the fiber end which is cut and polished 90 degrees to the proximal end surface o~ the ferrule 10. The length Or the rigid post 9 and subsequently the length of the image flber bundle 31 contained therein is directly related to the proper imaglng ~focus) distance between the ~errule 10 end surface and the viewing lens located within the handle subassembly 2. The concentricity of the proxlmal end o~
post 9 is maintalned to provide ~or proper and efflcient centering o~ the polished end surface 62 of the image fiber bundle 31 with respect to the viewing lens in the handle subassembly 2 when the shaft subassembly 1 and handle subassembly 2 are engaged.
Illumination fibers 20, 21 are routed from the - proximal end of the conduit 4 through an opening 63 ln the lateral side wall of the cone hou~ing 51 and terminate ln the light post adapter 8. ~he light post adapter 8 i~ preferably configured to be compatible with : ' : ', ` . . , WO ~/10417 industry standard fittings. The illumination ~ibers 20, 21 are securely bonded wlth an hardcure adhesive 64 to the light post adapter 8. The illumination fibers 20, 21 are then cut and polished at a 90 degree angle to the lateral end surface 65 of the illumination post 8.
The pull wire 33 is passed through the central area of the cone subassembly 6 and is securely attached and bonded to the movable lifter 11. Figure 6A shows the location of the pull wire AS it passes centrally through the cone assembly 6. The pull wire 33 i8 offset to the side of the central axis of the cone subassembly in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the illumination post 8., the working channel port 7 and the central longitudinal axis of the cone subassembly.
Diametrically opposite to the pull wire, on the lateral inside surface of the cone subassembly is a location key 54 which extends from the laterally centermost portion of the cone subassembly proximaily to the eide of lifter 11. The key function i8 to maintain alignment of the li~ter 11 wlth respect to the illuminatlon post 8 and worklnq channel port 7. The ~ey 54 also prevents rotatlonal movement of lifter 11 about the longitudinal centerline of the cone subassembly. Located at the proximal end o~ the lifter 11 are two radially internally protruding pins 52, 53 (Figure 5) which engage with mating slots in the deflection control mechanism on the handle subassembly 2.
By rotating the deflection control ring 16 on the handle subassembly 2, the lifter 11 will travel smoothly and gradually in a longitudinal path pulling directly behind it the pull wire 33 which in turn causes the distal end segment 5 to bend. The cone subassembly 6 is configured with a bayonet connector mean~ 12 that can be quickly coupled to its counterpart on the handle subassembly 2. Set in a recess of the proximal end of the rigid cone Sl is a elastomeric circular seal 67 which is ~queezed between the distal end o~ the handle - :. : - : -: . : : . ::
- : :~ - : : . ~:
.. .... :: ;
W090/l~17 (~l` PCT/US90/013 subassembly 2 and proximal end of the shaft subassembly 1 when the two subassemblies are mated.
; Figure 6A shows the houslng Sl wall structure which surrounds a key 54, the imaging fiber, illumination flbers, wor~ing channel and pull wire, as they emerge out of the proximal end of the cone housing 51 to their corresponding terminals. These elements are bonded to the inside wall o~ the housing 51 within a central base element 55. In addition, the rigid post 9 O i8 securely threaded and bonded to the central portlon of the houslng Sl.
Attention 18 now directed to Figure 6B whlch shows the extension of the key 54 into a cutout 66 in the lateral wall o~ the lifter 11. The mating o~ key 54 with cutout 66 guarantees allgnment of the llfter 11 wlth respect to the previously mentioned components of the cone subassembly and prevents rotation o~ the llfter 11 .
Figure 6C shows the location of the pull wire wlthln the body ot the axlally movable lifer 11. The pull wire is securely bonded to lifter 11 such that any ax~al movement of the lifter 11 proxlmally or distally causes a subsequent pull or release Or the pull wire 33.
Also shown ln Plgure 6C is a cutaway of the male bayonet connector 12 which i8 to be mated wlth a female bayonet connector located on the handle subassembly 2.
Attention 1~ now dlrecte~ to Figure 7 which 6how~ ~ cros~ sectlon o~ the ~andle subassembly 2. In order to connect the shaft subassembly 1 to the handle ~ubassembly 2, the flber post 9 i8 lnserted into the connector cavlty 71 o~ the handle subassembly 2 and slid proximally unt~l the concentrlc portlon 6~ of the post 9 engages the optical module 72 of the handle subassembly 2. Concurrent with this engagement, the ~ale bayonet pro~eotions 12 on the shaft subassembly are ~nserted into rece~es between the female bayonet pro~ection~ 90 on the handle subassembly. The pins 52, 53 ln the llfter ~ ~90/~ 2 PCT/US90/013~
11 of the shaft subassembly are slid along longitudinal slots in the shuttle 70 of the handle su~assembly. A
rotation of the shaft subassembly 1 with respect to the handle subassembly 2 results in the locking of the male and female bayonet connectors 12, 90 and the engagement of the lifter pins 51, 52 within lateral slots 74 and 75 on the shuttle. By so structurally interconnecting, the shaft and handle subassemblies are automatically operationally connected enabling the user to manipulate the control ring 16 on the handle subassembly for purposes of deflecting the deflectable end segment 5.
The user may also manipulate the distance between the lens in the optics module 73 and the proximal end of the image fiber bundle 62 by turning the focusing ring 15.
The male bayonet connectors 12 on ths shaft subassembly 1 and the female bayonet connectors 90 on the handle subassembly 2 are provided with slight angles such that when engaged the handle subassembly and the shaft 6ubassembly are pulled together. The elastomeric seal 67 then becomes sandwiched between the proximal end of the cone subassembly 6 and the distal end 69 o~ the handle suba6sembly. This sandwiching results in the secure loc~ing together of the two subassemblies.
The proximal end of the shuttle 71 is threaded with external threads 76 which are mated with internal threads 77 of the deflectlon control ring 16. The deflection control ring 16 ~s axially constrained between flanges 78 and 79. Therefore a rotation of the deflectlon control ring causes a long~tudlnal movement of the lifter 11 which results in displacement of the pull wire 33 and subsequently a bendlng of the deflectable end segment 5. The pitch angle of the threads 76, 77 is chosen to allow for a 0-180 degree bend of the segment 5 with less than a single rotation of the deflection control ring 16. The pltch angle is also chosen to minimize the amount of torque necessary to rotate the deflection control ring thus providing .. r.. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... .. . . . ..
t ~/10417 ~- ? o~i~ PCT/US90~013 .J iJ ~
enough axial tension on the pull wire ~ effect deflection of distal end portion 5 in a discrete or continuous fashion. Fiqure 7 illustrates an embodiment ln which a pitch angle of 8 degrees is utilized, though a lesser or greater angle could be tolerated. It is appreciated that alternative embodiments could utilize other structures, e.g. a cam as used ln zoom optical lens, ln place of the threaded deflection control mechanism 16 ~ust described.
An optics module 73 with ~ lens 82 and plane wlndow 83 i8 provided ln the handle subassembly 2 for focusing on the pollshed sur~ace 62 of the lmage fiber bundle 31. The optical module 73 is provided with a concentrlc lumen 72 which when mated wlth the concentric proximal end 61 of the post 9 ensures alignment of the optical fiber bundle 31 with the optical lens 82. The optical module 73 is encased within focusing ring 15.
The focusing ring 15 is internally threaded 85. The internal threads 85 are mated with external threads 84 on the union 80 between the ~ocusing mechanism and the deflection mechanism. Rotation o~ the focusing ring with respect to the handle 79 results in the longitudinal displacement o~ the optics module with respect to the polished proximal end o~ the image fiber bundle 62. It is appreciated that alternative embodiments could use other structures, e.g. a cam mechanism for the longitudinal movement of the optics module.
Seals 86, 87, 88 and 89 are provided to protect the interior of the handle subassembly ~rom water and vapors which might otherwise compromise the handle subassembly during use or sterilizations.
From the foregoing, it should now be appreciated that an improved endoscope has been disclosed herein comprised of ~ reusable handle subassembly and a sha~t subassembly which can be readily attached and detached ~rom the handle subassembly. The connection between the two subassemblies is characterized by a bayonet coupling . -. ~
..
.. ; . . :. . ':
W~,0/10J17 ~ 2 rcT/us90/0l3~
whlch not only structurally connects the two subassemblies but which automatically operationally interconnects a shuttle mechanlsm in the handle . suba~sembly with a lifter in the shaft subassembly for S enabling a user to readily pull on a pull wire extending through the shaft subassembly to a deflection end segment. The shaft subassembly is further characterized by the inclusion of inherent resiliency and tensioning 60 as to normally cause the deflectable end segment to be allgned with the rest of the shaft subassembly when line pull wire is in a relaxed state. The deflectable end segment is characterized by a series of cutouts whose dimensions progressively change from the distal to the proximal end to facilitate gradual and smooth bending of the deflectable end segment.
~, ~ ... :, - :
. . .. : :. .. :, .. - . . ...
.:
: , ,
In accordance with still a further aspect of the preferred embodiment, the shaft subassembly and handle subassembly are provided with watertight seals at all externally exposed mating interfaces to prevent a compromise of internal components resulting from usage and sterilizations.
Brief Description of the Drawinqs Figures lA and lB are respectively side elevation views of the mating shaft ~ubassembly and handle subassembly of the endoscope in accordance with ~ the present invention.
¦ Figures lC and lD are respectively end views of the sha~t subassembly and handle subassembly of Figures lA and lB.
Figure lE is a side elevation view o~ the mated shaft and handle ~ubassemblie~ in accordance with the present ~nvention.
Figure 2 is an isometric view of the shaft subassembly deflect~ble end segment.
Figure 3A i~ a lateral cross sectional view of the deflectable end 6egment taken substantially along the plane 3A-3A of Flgure 2.
Figure 3B lo a longitudinal cross sectional view of the deflectable end ~egment taken substAntlally along the plane 38-3~ of Figure 2.
Figure 3C ls an exploded view of the end portion ta~en substantially along the plane 3C-3C of Figure 2.
Figure 3D is an exploded view of the distal tip of the deflectable end portion shown in Figure 3B.
Figure 4A is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the conduit ln the shaft fiubassembly taken substantially along the plane 4A-4A in Figure lE.
!. . : , ~ .. - : "" ' ' WO90/10417 ~ J~ PCT/US~/Q13~
_5_ .
Figure 4B is a lateral cross sectional view of .
the conduit in the shaft subassembly taXen ~ubstantially ~ along the plane 4B-4B ln Figure lE.
; Figure 5 is a longitudinal cross sectional view Sof the cone subassembly taken substantially along the plane 5-5 of Figure lC.
Figure 6A is a lateral cross sectlonal view of ; the cone subassembly taken ~ubstantially along the plane 6A-6A of Figure lA.
10Figure 6B is a lateral cross sectional view of the cone subassembly taken substantially along the plane 6B-6B in Figure lE.
Fiqure 6C i8 a lateral cross sectional view of the cone ~ubassembly taken substantially along the plane 156C-6C in Figure lA.
Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross sectional view of the handle subassembly taken gubstantlally along the plane 7-7 in Figure lB.
20Attentlon ls initlally dlrected to Figures lA
and lB which respectlvely illustrate a shaft subassembly 1 and a handle subassembly 2 which mate together to form a complete endoscope 3 as deplcted in Figure lE.
Although endoscope 3 as illustrated in the drawing is 25particularly configured for use as a ureteroscope, it should be understood that the feature~ Or the invention are also applicable to endoscopes configured for other applications. Briefly, the endoscope 3 is comprised of two primary subassemblies; namely a shaft subassembly 1 30and a ~andle ~ubassembly 2 which can be readily operatively attached to each other. The handle subassembly 2, normally held in the grip o~ a user, has a rigid ~tructure wlth moveable controls while the shaft subassembly 1, whlch is partially inserted into a cavity 35~.g. a human organ, has a smooth flexlble structure.
The shaft æubassembly 1 in accordance with the invention is basically comprised of ~n elongated , . , ~, :; . . . . . :, .:.. , .... , . , . :
PCI`/US90/0~ 334 L r flexible condult 4 having a deflectable end segment 5 at lts distal end ~nd a rigid cone suba~embly 6 at its - proximal end. The shaft subassembly 1 lnternally .
i contains elongated lllumination fibers, an imaging S fiber, a pull wire and a working channel ~not shown in Figures lA-lE) to be discussed hereinafter. All of these elongated elements terminate in the cone subassembly 6.
The cone su~assembly 6 includes a working channel port 7, configured with a female luer fitting, 6tandard in the medical industry for allowing connection of syringes and other tubing adapters to the internal working channel. The fitting is preferably angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft subassembly for ease of insertion of the diagnostic and/or therapeutic instruments. The subassembly 6 further includes a lightpost 8 preferably comprising an industry standard male terminal having a fine polished end face for coupling a light source to the internal lllumination fibers. An imaging fiber bundle extends through the rigid post 9 and i8 terminated at its end by a small ferrule 10. A pull wire i8 guided through the inner partfi of the cone 6ubassemb1y and i~ securely attached to a llfter 11 which can be axially translated to deflect the end segment 5 as depicted in phantom ln Figure lE. The cone subassembly 6 also includes a male bayonet connector 12 configured around the lifter 11, for interconnection with a female bayonet connector mounted at the distal end 13 of the handla subassembly 2.
The handle subassembly 2 comprises a cylindrical body which contains an eyepiece 14 configured in a focusing ring 15 which rotates around the central axis of the handle subassembly, and a deflection control ring 16. The deflection control ring 16 is an internally threaded mechani~m which rotates from a null positlon (corresponding to an axially aligne~, zero deflection orientation of the distal end segment 5). A~ the rlng 16 , r~
. . , " ~,,,, , ~ .
.
WO90/l0417 ~ J~ PCT/US90/013~
is rotated in one direction, it axially transl~tes the lifter 11 to pull the internal pull wire to gradually deflect the distal tip 18 of the end segment 5. The distal tip 18 can operatively be placed at an angle between 0 degree~ to 180 degrees with respect to the axis of conduit 4. If the deflection control ring 16 i8 rotated to any position the deflected dlstal tlp 18 will remain at that position until the deflection control rinq 16 is rotated again. The distal end 13 of the handle subassembly 2 is internally terminated with a hollow female bayonet connector which tightly mates with its male counterpart 12 on the cone subassembly 6 when coupled together by a user. The central portlon of the proximal end 17 of the eyepiece 14 is conflgured with a optical window for viewing the image emanating from the imaging fiber bundle at ferrule 10.
Coupling the sha~t subassemb1y 1 to the handle subassembly 2, is initiated by holdlng ln one hand, the handle subassembly around the knurled portion 19 and resetting the deflection control ring 16 to its null ! deflection position. With the shaft subassembly 1 held in the other hand with proper orientation, the rigid rod 9 is inserted through the opening at the distal end 13 of the handle subassembly 2. To engage the two connector~, the male and female bayonet connectors of the two subassemblie~ are mated together and the shaft subassembly iB rotated with respect to the handle subassembly or vice versa until it locks. The two units will then be securely coupled and ready for use. To disconnect the shaft subassembly, rotate the deflection ring to the null deflection position and reverse the direction of rotation of the shaft subassembly with respect to the handle subassembly.
Attention is now directed to Figure 2 which illustrates a side elevation view of the deflectable end segment 5 of the shaft assembly 1 o~ Figure lA in lts relaxed straight configuration. ~he distal tip 18 of ., .~ .:
: r ~, go/1 041 7 PCI`/US90~01 3~U
segment 5 constitutes the exit point for the light pumped through the illumination fibers 20, 21 from lightpost 8 and a distal port for the working channel 22. It also provides a viewing window 23A where the S ; image of the scene viewed is formed, by the distal end - ob~ective lens 23 (Figure 3D). To further describe the deflectable end segment 5, cross 8ections taken ~t different positions and planes will be discussed in more '~' ' detail.
Figure 3A shows a lateral cross section view through section 3A-3A of the deflectable end ~egment s of Figure 2. $he structure essentially comprises a flexible multi-lumen, preferably thermoplastic tubing 24 (e.g. polyurethane of a moderate shore hardness). The lS relatively large central lumen 22 defines the worXing channel extending along the longitudinal axis of tubing 24. The tubing wall 25 may include empty channels 26, 27 extending ~long lts length to facilitate flexibility of the deflectable end segment 5. one or more lumens 28, 29 are provlded ln the wall 25 extending along its length for respectlvely accommodatlng lllumlnatlon fibers 20, 21. An additional lumen 30 extends through the tubing wall 25 along the length thereo~ for accommodatinq an imaging fiber bundle 31. In an alternative embodiment lumens 28, 29, 30 may be replaced by a slngular kidney shaped lumen running parallel to the tublng longitudinal axis to accommodate simultaneously the lmaging fiber 31 and illumination fibers 20, 21. A further lumen 32 extends through the tubing wall 25 along the length thereof and accommodates a pull wire 33, preferably formed of stainless steel,. A tubular sheath 34, preferably of thermoplastic elastomeric material, tightly encases the assembled deflectable end segment 5 and extends throughout its length. The sheath 34 is of relatively lower shore hardness than the mult~-lumen tubing 24. All the through lumens shown in Figure 3A may deviate in s~ape from the circular geometry to another, . .
WOgO/10411 ~ PCT/US901013~
_g _ .
e.g. elliptical, to accommodate the same overall functions of the deflectable end segment 5 of Figure 2.
Attention i6 now directed to Figure 38 which ; -shows A longitudinal cross section of the deflectable - s end segment S. A series o~ di~creet substantially aligned cutout6 3s are formed in the wall 25 of the multi-lumen tubing 24 and cut into the working channel 22. The dimension~ of the cutouts are varied progressively along the length o~ the tubing 24 in a unique distribution. These cutouts are substantially triangular in a longitudinal plane containinq the pull wire 33 and the imaging fiber bundle 31. The cutouts start relatively wide at the peripheral wall 25 of the tubing 24 and narrows down towards the tubing axis.
15The distribution of the cutouts is structured to provide lncreased bendability of the tubing 24 progressively toward the dist~l -end. In addition it causes a predetermlned gradual deflection profile of the distal tip 17 in response to the pull wire 33 being pulled proximally. The cutouts geometry and dlstribution w$11 also assure a contlnuous deflection of the distal tip 11 from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, within a plane defined by the straight longitudinal axi~ of the tubing 24, and the pull wire 33. As the deflection is lnitiated, the cutouts will progresslvely start to close. The lmaging fiber 31, and the shore hardness o~
the multi-lumen tubing 24, possess enough stiffness to stralghten out the de~lected end segment ~ro~ lts deflected configuration when the force on the pull wlre 33 ls released at the handle. If deflectlon is required in any other plane, then the shaft subassembly 1 and handle subassembly 2 are rotated as a unit to rotate the deflectable end segment 5. The cutouts may alternatively have geometries with cross sections other than triangular e.g. rectangular, rounded, key-hole shape or a comblnation of some or all of the mentioned configurations. The cutouts separation and distribution . .
. -;... ~: , -, . . . . . .
0/1041t ~ rcr/lJssotol334 , , --10--with respect to either end of the tubing 24 may also vary to obtain the same function of the deflectable end segment S. The working channel 22 in the deflectable end segment S and the conduit 4 are connected together to form a continuous path for the fluids and instruments, by means Or ~ thin wall metal sleeve 18A which is securely ~onded into the proximal end of the working channel 22 in the deflectable end segment S.
Attention is now directed to Figure 3C which shows a lateral cross section view of the distal end 17 of the deflectable end segment. The structure of the distal tip 18 consists essentially of a relatively hard cured adhesive casinq 18A which securely bonds the distal ends of the illumination fibers 20,21, imaging lS fiber 31 and pull wire 33 to the wall 2S of the multl-lumen tubing 24. The adhesive caslng 18A is preferably shaped in a circular cross section, with smooth outside surface finish, to match that of the `i tubing 24 and to provide a smooth transition between the two ~egments. The adhesive casing 18A also provides a physical means to encase the illumination fibers 20, 21 and imaging fiber 31, and to secure the encasement to the distal end of the tubing 24. The walls of the adhesive casing 18A conf$gures a hollow channel 2S throuqhout its length to provide continuity of the working channel 22.
The pull wire 33 is terminated and bonded at the distal end of the tubing 24 (Figure 3D) while the illumination fibers 20, 21, imaging fiber 31 and working channel 22 extend beyond the tubing 24/casing 18A
~unction. $he magnified view (Figure 3D) of the distal end shows that the surface of the distal tip is moderately angled e.g. 45 degrees, in a plane perpendicular to the plane containing the pull wire 33 and imaging fiber 31. The corners 38, 39 and the outer edge 40 of the distal tip are preferably rounded and polished to provide an atraumatic tip con~iguration to - . . .
,, , , . . , -,~
- . .. ~ - . : .,;, :. '.. :. :
,., ....
90/lWl7 ~ s~ PCT/US~/013~
facilitate movement inside delicate relatively soft tissue surfaces, e.g. human organs. The atraumatic tip also provides a means to reduce the difficulty faced when inserting and passing the distal tip through tight orifices or constricted space e.g. seals o~ lntroducers and catheters which are normally used in clinical setups. As al~o illustrated in Figure 3D, the imaging fiber 31 is terminated with a metal sleeYe 41 which encapsulates at its distal end an objective lens 23, e.g. GRIN rod lens. The metal sleeve 41 provides a means to align the longitudinal optical axis o~ the imaging fiber bundle (to minimize coupling loss of the image light rays). The distal end of the imaging ~iber bundle is preferably cut and polished in a p~ane of 90 degrees to its central axis prior to its assembly. The distal end of the imaging fiber 31 and the lens 23 are securely bonded with an optical adhesive which also bonds to the inner surface of the metal sleeve 41. ~he imaging fiber bundle, metal sleeve 41 and lens 23 form a lens subassembly 57, which is securely bonded to the dlstal tip 18. The front surface of lens subassembly 57 i~
placed flush against the distal end of the tip 18.
Attention is now directed to ~igure 4A which shows a longitudinal cross section of the conduit 4 of the shaft subassembly 1. The conduit 4 i8 comprised of coil assembly including two tight wound ~lat metal ribbon coils 42, 43 counter wrapped tight against each other and around a common central longitudlnal axis. ~he material of the co~ 18 i8 preferably spring temper~d stainless steel. The distal end of the coil subassembly i~ terminated with a thin metal bushing 44 that partially encapsulates, and is bonded to the extended windings of the inner coil 42. The insidc diameter of the distal end o~ the bushing 44 is large enough to 81ip, over the proximal end Or the deflectable end portion ~7.
Bushing 44 is securely bonded to the distal ~nd of the conduit 4 and the proximal end o~ the flexible end segment 5.
... . . .-. . . .. .
: ~ ;: ., ',., ~': . .-' ' ':` ' ., . '~; ' `
:
W~90/1~17 ~ C~ I'J PCT/US90/013 The coll subassembly is covered by a dual layer of sturdy flexible tubular material preferably comprised of an elastomeric thermoplastic. The initial layer 46 ~ covers the coil subassembly from the cone subassembly 6 5 extending distally along approximately half the length of the conduit 4. A second layer 47 covers the first layer 46 and extends from the cone subassembly 6 distally over the entire length of the coil subassembly ending at the distal end of the bushing 44. Both coverings 46, 47 have smooth inner and outer surfaces and exhibit high elastomeric properties to sustain and support the stresses induced while flexing the coil subassembly. The coverings 46, and 47 enhance the transfer of torque from the proximal end of the endoscope to it~ distal end. In addition, they reinforce the strength of the conduit to withstand the stresses of tension, compresslon, pulling and torsion. A key feature of the coil subassembly ls that it securely houses the imaging ~iber, illuminatlon flber, worXlng channel and pull wire throughout their length from the proximal end of the deflectable end segment S to the distal end of the cone subassembly 6.
Attention is directed now to Figure 4B which illustrates a lateral cross 6ectlon o~ the proxlmal portion o~ condult 4, showing the lateral di6tribution of the imaging ~iber bundle 31, imaging fiber conduit 48, lllumination fibers 20, 21, pull wire 33 and working channel conduit 49. All these elements are loose in the inner space of the coil subassembly throughout its length except at the proximal end where they are securely bonded to the coil subassembly with an exception o~ the pull wlre 33 which runs completely loose.
Attention is now directed to Figure 5 which 6hows a longitudinal cross section of the cone 6ubassembly 6. The cone subassembly includes a rigid structured housing 51 having a distal end 50 which .: , .. ... . ..-. .. .. . . ..
:,. - : : :: .: :
- ~. ., ~ - ..
W090/l~l7 ~ $ ~ 2 PCT/US90~013 receives the proximal end of condult 4. ~he proximal end of conduit 4 is ~ecurely bonded wlthin a through channel S8. The cone subassembly 6 is essentially configured to ' accommodate the terminations of the imaging fiber bundle, illumination fibers, working channel and pull wire all of which emerge from the proxlmal end of the conduit 4. The cone subassembly 6 al80 provides a bayonet connector meàns by which the sha~t subassembly 1 is attached to the handle subassembly 2 in a quick and reliable manner.
An extension of the working channel 59 ~oins the working channel conduit 49 which is securely bonded to the cone housing 51. The curvature in the working channel extension 59 provides a smooth passage for passing rigid and semi-rigid instruments. The imaging fiber bundle 31 is allowed to extend straight out from the proximal end Or the condult 4 and pass centrally through the hollow rigid post 9 and ferrule 10. The image fiber bundle is securely bonded to ferrule 10, which provides mechanical protection for the fiber end which is cut and polished 90 degrees to the proximal end surface o~ the ferrule 10. The length Or the rigid post 9 and subsequently the length of the image flber bundle 31 contained therein is directly related to the proper imaglng ~focus) distance between the ~errule 10 end surface and the viewing lens located within the handle subassembly 2. The concentricity of the proxlmal end o~
post 9 is maintalned to provide ~or proper and efflcient centering o~ the polished end surface 62 of the image fiber bundle 31 with respect to the viewing lens in the handle subassembly 2 when the shaft subassembly 1 and handle subassembly 2 are engaged.
Illumination fibers 20, 21 are routed from the - proximal end of the conduit 4 through an opening 63 ln the lateral side wall of the cone hou~ing 51 and terminate ln the light post adapter 8. ~he light post adapter 8 i~ preferably configured to be compatible with : ' : ', ` . . , WO ~/10417 industry standard fittings. The illumination ~ibers 20, 21 are securely bonded wlth an hardcure adhesive 64 to the light post adapter 8. The illumination fibers 20, 21 are then cut and polished at a 90 degree angle to the lateral end surface 65 of the illumination post 8.
The pull wire 33 is passed through the central area of the cone subassembly 6 and is securely attached and bonded to the movable lifter 11. Figure 6A shows the location of the pull wire AS it passes centrally through the cone assembly 6. The pull wire 33 i8 offset to the side of the central axis of the cone subassembly in a plane perpendicular to the plane defined by the illumination post 8., the working channel port 7 and the central longitudinal axis of the cone subassembly.
Diametrically opposite to the pull wire, on the lateral inside surface of the cone subassembly is a location key 54 which extends from the laterally centermost portion of the cone subassembly proximaily to the eide of lifter 11. The key function i8 to maintain alignment of the li~ter 11 wlth respect to the illuminatlon post 8 and worklnq channel port 7. The ~ey 54 also prevents rotatlonal movement of lifter 11 about the longitudinal centerline of the cone subassembly. Located at the proximal end o~ the lifter 11 are two radially internally protruding pins 52, 53 (Figure 5) which engage with mating slots in the deflection control mechanism on the handle subassembly 2.
By rotating the deflection control ring 16 on the handle subassembly 2, the lifter 11 will travel smoothly and gradually in a longitudinal path pulling directly behind it the pull wire 33 which in turn causes the distal end segment 5 to bend. The cone subassembly 6 is configured with a bayonet connector mean~ 12 that can be quickly coupled to its counterpart on the handle subassembly 2. Set in a recess of the proximal end of the rigid cone Sl is a elastomeric circular seal 67 which is ~queezed between the distal end o~ the handle - :. : - : -: . : : . ::
- : :~ - : : . ~:
.. .... :: ;
W090/l~17 (~l` PCT/US90/013 subassembly 2 and proximal end of the shaft subassembly 1 when the two subassemblies are mated.
; Figure 6A shows the houslng Sl wall structure which surrounds a key 54, the imaging fiber, illumination flbers, wor~ing channel and pull wire, as they emerge out of the proximal end of the cone housing 51 to their corresponding terminals. These elements are bonded to the inside wall o~ the housing 51 within a central base element 55. In addition, the rigid post 9 O i8 securely threaded and bonded to the central portlon of the houslng Sl.
Attention 18 now directed to Figure 6B whlch shows the extension of the key 54 into a cutout 66 in the lateral wall o~ the lifter 11. The mating o~ key 54 with cutout 66 guarantees allgnment of the llfter 11 wlth respect to the previously mentioned components of the cone subassembly and prevents rotation o~ the llfter 11 .
Figure 6C shows the location of the pull wire wlthln the body ot the axlally movable lifer 11. The pull wire is securely bonded to lifter 11 such that any ax~al movement of the lifter 11 proxlmally or distally causes a subsequent pull or release Or the pull wire 33.
Also shown ln Plgure 6C is a cutaway of the male bayonet connector 12 which i8 to be mated wlth a female bayonet connector located on the handle subassembly 2.
Attention 1~ now dlrecte~ to Figure 7 which 6how~ ~ cros~ sectlon o~ the ~andle subassembly 2. In order to connect the shaft subassembly 1 to the handle ~ubassembly 2, the flber post 9 i8 lnserted into the connector cavlty 71 o~ the handle subassembly 2 and slid proximally unt~l the concentrlc portlon 6~ of the post 9 engages the optical module 72 of the handle subassembly 2. Concurrent with this engagement, the ~ale bayonet pro~eotions 12 on the shaft subassembly are ~nserted into rece~es between the female bayonet pro~ection~ 90 on the handle subassembly. The pins 52, 53 ln the llfter ~ ~90/~ 2 PCT/US90/013~
11 of the shaft subassembly are slid along longitudinal slots in the shuttle 70 of the handle su~assembly. A
rotation of the shaft subassembly 1 with respect to the handle subassembly 2 results in the locking of the male and female bayonet connectors 12, 90 and the engagement of the lifter pins 51, 52 within lateral slots 74 and 75 on the shuttle. By so structurally interconnecting, the shaft and handle subassemblies are automatically operationally connected enabling the user to manipulate the control ring 16 on the handle subassembly for purposes of deflecting the deflectable end segment 5.
The user may also manipulate the distance between the lens in the optics module 73 and the proximal end of the image fiber bundle 62 by turning the focusing ring 15.
The male bayonet connectors 12 on ths shaft subassembly 1 and the female bayonet connectors 90 on the handle subassembly 2 are provided with slight angles such that when engaged the handle subassembly and the shaft 6ubassembly are pulled together. The elastomeric seal 67 then becomes sandwiched between the proximal end of the cone subassembly 6 and the distal end 69 o~ the handle suba6sembly. This sandwiching results in the secure loc~ing together of the two subassemblies.
The proximal end of the shuttle 71 is threaded with external threads 76 which are mated with internal threads 77 of the deflectlon control ring 16. The deflection control ring 16 ~s axially constrained between flanges 78 and 79. Therefore a rotation of the deflectlon control ring causes a long~tudlnal movement of the lifter 11 which results in displacement of the pull wire 33 and subsequently a bendlng of the deflectable end segment 5. The pitch angle of the threads 76, 77 is chosen to allow for a 0-180 degree bend of the segment 5 with less than a single rotation of the deflection control ring 16. The pltch angle is also chosen to minimize the amount of torque necessary to rotate the deflection control ring thus providing .. r.. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . ....... .. . . . ..
t ~/10417 ~- ? o~i~ PCT/US90~013 .J iJ ~
enough axial tension on the pull wire ~ effect deflection of distal end portion 5 in a discrete or continuous fashion. Fiqure 7 illustrates an embodiment ln which a pitch angle of 8 degrees is utilized, though a lesser or greater angle could be tolerated. It is appreciated that alternative embodiments could utilize other structures, e.g. a cam as used ln zoom optical lens, ln place of the threaded deflection control mechanism 16 ~ust described.
An optics module 73 with ~ lens 82 and plane wlndow 83 i8 provided ln the handle subassembly 2 for focusing on the pollshed sur~ace 62 of the lmage fiber bundle 31. The optical module 73 is provided with a concentrlc lumen 72 which when mated wlth the concentric proximal end 61 of the post 9 ensures alignment of the optical fiber bundle 31 with the optical lens 82. The optical module 73 is encased within focusing ring 15.
The focusing ring 15 is internally threaded 85. The internal threads 85 are mated with external threads 84 on the union 80 between the ~ocusing mechanism and the deflection mechanism. Rotation o~ the focusing ring with respect to the handle 79 results in the longitudinal displacement o~ the optics module with respect to the polished proximal end o~ the image fiber bundle 62. It is appreciated that alternative embodiments could use other structures, e.g. a cam mechanism for the longitudinal movement of the optics module.
Seals 86, 87, 88 and 89 are provided to protect the interior of the handle subassembly ~rom water and vapors which might otherwise compromise the handle subassembly during use or sterilizations.
From the foregoing, it should now be appreciated that an improved endoscope has been disclosed herein comprised of ~ reusable handle subassembly and a sha~t subassembly which can be readily attached and detached ~rom the handle subassembly. The connection between the two subassemblies is characterized by a bayonet coupling . -. ~
..
.. ; . . :. . ':
W~,0/10J17 ~ 2 rcT/us90/0l3~
whlch not only structurally connects the two subassemblies but which automatically operationally interconnects a shuttle mechanlsm in the handle . suba~sembly with a lifter in the shaft subassembly for S enabling a user to readily pull on a pull wire extending through the shaft subassembly to a deflection end segment. The shaft subassembly is further characterized by the inclusion of inherent resiliency and tensioning 60 as to normally cause the deflectable end segment to be allgned with the rest of the shaft subassembly when line pull wire is in a relaxed state. The deflectable end segment is characterized by a series of cutouts whose dimensions progressively change from the distal to the proximal end to facilitate gradual and smooth bending of the deflectable end segment.
~, ~ ... :, - :
. . .. : :. .. :, .. - . . ...
.:
: , ,
Claims (16)
1. A shaft subassembly adapted for attachment to a handle subassembly to form an endoscope, said shaft subassembly comprising:
elongated conduit means defining a nominal axis and including a deflectable end segment having proximal and distal ends, said end segment defining a viewing surface at said distal end and further comprising:
an elongated tubular member comprised of a peripheral wall surrounding a channel extending the length thereof;
a plurality of aligned cutouts formed in said peripheral wall spaced along the length thereof, each of said cutouts extending radially inward from the outer surface of said peripheral wall, said cutouts having dimensions which progressively vary with increasing distance from said distal end;
a lumen formed in said peripheral wall extending the length of said tubular member; and a pull wire extending through said lumen having a distal end anchored to said tubular member proximate to said viewing surface and radially spaced form said axis.
elongated conduit means defining a nominal axis and including a deflectable end segment having proximal and distal ends, said end segment defining a viewing surface at said distal end and further comprising:
an elongated tubular member comprised of a peripheral wall surrounding a channel extending the length thereof;
a plurality of aligned cutouts formed in said peripheral wall spaced along the length thereof, each of said cutouts extending radially inward from the outer surface of said peripheral wall, said cutouts having dimensions which progressively vary with increasing distance from said distal end;
a lumen formed in said peripheral wall extending the length of said tubular member; and a pull wire extending through said lumen having a distal end anchored to said tubular member proximate to said viewing surface and radially spaced form said axis.
2. The shaft subassembly of claim 1 further including sheath means mounted on said tubular member around said peripheral wall outer surface for closing said cutouts.
3. The shaft subassembly of claim 2 wherein said pull wire passes through said cutouts.
4. The shaft subassembly of claim 1 further including resilient means for normally biasing said tubular member into substantial alignment with said conduit means axis.
5. The shaft subassembly of claim 4 further including means secured to said pull wire proximal end for pulling said pull wire through said lumen toward said proximal end for progressively collapsing said cutouts to deflect said tubular member distal end out of alignment with said conduit means axis.
6. The shaft subassembly of claim 1 further including an elongated image fiber extending through said conduit means and end segment.
7. The shaft subassembly of claim 1 wherein said conduit means includes an intermediate section having said end segment connected to the distal end thereof and a connector subassembly connected to the proximal end thereof;
said intermediate section comprising a hollow tubular structure formed by at least one flat ribbon coil.
said intermediate section comprising a hollow tubular structure formed by at least one flat ribbon coil.
8. The shaft subassembly of claim 7 wherein said connector subassembly includes bayonet connector means for interconnecting said shaft subassembly to said handle subassembly.
9. An endoscope comprising:
handle subassembly means including user manipulable control means;
shaft subassembly means including elongated tubular means defining a nominal axis;
a pull wire extending through said tubular means for limited reciprocal movement parallel to said nominal axis; and mating attachment means respectively mounted on said handle subassembly means and said shaft subassembly means for structurally interconnecting them and for concurrently operationally connecting said control means to said pull wire.
handle subassembly means including user manipulable control means;
shaft subassembly means including elongated tubular means defining a nominal axis;
a pull wire extending through said tubular means for limited reciprocal movement parallel to said nominal axis; and mating attachment means respectively mounted on said handle subassembly means and said shaft subassembly means for structurally interconnecting them and for concurrently operationally connecting said control means to said pull wire.
10. The endoscope of claim 9 wherein:
said handle subassembly means further includes shuttle means mounted for reciprocal linear movement in response to manipulation of said control means; and wherein said shaft subassembly means further includes lifter means for automatically connecting said pull wire to said shuttle means when said handle subassembly means and said shaft subassembly means are structurally interconnected.
said handle subassembly means further includes shuttle means mounted for reciprocal linear movement in response to manipulation of said control means; and wherein said shaft subassembly means further includes lifter means for automatically connecting said pull wire to said shuttle means when said handle subassembly means and said shaft subassembly means are structurally interconnected.
11. The endoscope of claim 10 wherein said attachment means includes:
bayonet mounting means on said handle subassembly means;
bayonet connector means on said shaft subassembly means configured to attach to said bayonet mounting means only when in a unique orientation relative thereto; and wherein said lifter means automatically connects to said shuttle means when said connector means is in said unique orientation relative to said mounting means.
bayonet mounting means on said handle subassembly means;
bayonet connector means on said shaft subassembly means configured to attach to said bayonet mounting means only when in a unique orientation relative thereto; and wherein said lifter means automatically connects to said shuttle means when said connector means is in said unique orientation relative to said mounting means.
12. The endoscope of claim 11 wherein said shaft subassembly means includes a tubular segment located at one end thereof remote from said connector means, said tubular segment defining a distal tip;
a lumen extending through said tubular segment:
said pull wire extending through said lumen and having a distal end anchored to said distal tip.
a lumen extending through said tubular segment:
said pull wire extending through said lumen and having a distal end anchored to said distal tip.
13. The endoscope of claim 12 wherein said tubular segment is configured so as to readily bend when said pull wire is pulled in a direction away from said distal tip;
said tubular segment comprising a peripheral wall surrounding a central channel extending the length thereof; and a plurality of aligned cutouts formed in said peripheral wall spaced along the length thereof, each of said cutouts extending radially inward from the outer surface of said peripheral wall, said cutouts having dimensions which progressively vary with increasing distance from said distal tip.
said tubular segment comprising a peripheral wall surrounding a central channel extending the length thereof; and a plurality of aligned cutouts formed in said peripheral wall spaced along the length thereof, each of said cutouts extending radially inward from the outer surface of said peripheral wall, said cutouts having dimensions which progressively vary with increasing distance from said distal tip.
14. The endoscope of claim 13 further including sheath means mounted on said tubular segment around said peripheral wall outer surface for closing said cutouts.
15. The endoscope of claim 14 further including resilient means for normally biasing said tubular segment into alignment with said shaft subassembly means axis.
16. The endoscope of claim 9 wherein said shaft subassembly means includes an elongated image fiber extending therethrough substantially parallel to said axis, said image fiber having a first end terminating substantially coincident with the distal end of said shaft subassembly and a second end extending beyond the proximal end of said shaft subassembly;
said handle subassembly means including an eyepiece; and wherein said eyepiece and image fiber second end are substantially aligned when said handle subassembly means and said shaft subassembly means are interconnected.
said handle subassembly means including an eyepiece; and wherein said eyepiece and image fiber second end are substantially aligned when said handle subassembly means and said shaft subassembly means are interconnected.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US07/323,304 US4911148A (en) | 1989-03-14 | 1989-03-14 | Deflectable-end endoscope with detachable flexible shaft assembly |
US323,304 | 1989-03-14 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
CA2029862A1 true CA2029862A1 (en) | 1990-09-15 |
Family
ID=23258612
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
CA002029862A Abandoned CA2029862A1 (en) | 1989-03-14 | 1990-03-12 | Deflectable-end endoscope with detachable shaft assembly |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4911148A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0414885A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JPH05501065A (en) |
AU (1) | AU624704B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2029862A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1990010417A1 (en) |
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- 1989-03-14 US US07/323,304 patent/US4911148A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1990
- 1990-03-12 JP JP2505472A patent/JPH05501065A/en active Pending
- 1990-03-12 CA CA002029862A patent/CA2029862A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1990-03-12 AU AU53494/90A patent/AU624704B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1990-03-12 EP EP19900905773 patent/EP0414885A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-03-12 WO PCT/US1990/001334 patent/WO1990010417A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
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WO1990010417A1 (en) | 1990-09-20 |
JPH05501065A (en) | 1993-03-04 |
US4911148A (en) | 1990-03-27 |
AU5349490A (en) | 1990-10-09 |
AU624704B2 (en) | 1992-06-18 |
EP0414885A1 (en) | 1991-03-06 |
EP0414885A4 (en) | 1991-10-16 |
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