WO2012101549A1

WO2012101549A1 - Endoscope with wireless lens module add-on

Info

Publication number: WO2012101549A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/050240
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stein Kuiper; Bernardus Hendrikus Wilhelmus Hendriks; Ronald Martin Wolf; Jacobus Adrianus Johanna Maria DECKERS
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2011-01-28
Filing date: 2012-01-18
Publication date: 2012-08-02

Abstract

An endoscope that may be used with a wireless lens module that can be attached to an insertion end of the endoscope. The endoscope comprises a hollow elongate tube extending from a handle end to the insertion end of the endoscope for insertion into the body of a patient. A mechanical connector at the insertion end of the endoscope allows for at times attaching the lens module at the insertion end of the endoscope and also for disconnecting the lens module form the endoscope. One or more wireless electrical elements at the insertion end of the endoscope provides wireless electrical power to the lens module. The lens module includes one or more fixed position lenses aligned along the axis of a light path; and one or more electrically-operated, actively-adjustable lens aligned along the axis of a light path. A mechanical connector of the lens module allows the module to be attached in a fixed position at the insertion end of the endoscope. The module includes one or more wireless electrical elements for receiving wireless electrical power from the inductor at the insertion end of the endoscope for operating the actively-adjustable lens. Either the lens module or the endoscope includes an light sensor aligned along the axis of a light path for converting focused light into electronic image signals.

Description

ENDOSCOPE WITH WIRELESS LENS MODULE ADD-ON

The present invention generally relates to endoscopes for viewing a surgical site for minimally invasive surgery. More specifically, this invention relates to the field of imaging apparatus connected to or contained within endoscopes.

An endoscope is an illuminated optic instrument for the visualization of the interior of a body cavity or organ. Typically, the endoscope is a long tube with a light source and a small video camera on the front end and a data cable trailing form the back end. The cable is attached to monitor that shows a magnified internal view of a surgical site.

Endoscopes are available in varying lengths, diameters, and flexibilities that are selected depending on the use. The endoscope may be introduced through a natural opening in the body or it may be inserted through a small incision. Instruments for viewing specific areas of the body include the arthroscope, bronchoscope, laryngoscope, cystoscope, nephoscope, gastroscope, laparoscope, otoscope, and vaginoscope. All of these scopes and other similar scopes are referred to herein as endoscopes.

Endoscopy is the use of an endoscope during a surgical procedure. The purpose of endoscopy is to provide for minimally invasive surgery. In traditional or open surgery, the body is cut opened primarily so that the surgeon can see the site that he is operating on. In minimally invasive surgery, rather than cutting the patient open, endoscopy allows surgeons to operate through small incisions by allowing the surgeon to see the operating site using the endoscope. These less invasive procedures result in less trauma and pain for patients. Surgery through smaller incisions typically results in less scarring, less trauma, reduced infection rates and faster recovery.

US publication 2010/0198009 to Farr et al. (Farr) discloses pluggable and disposable opto-electric modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy. The pluggable modules can include solid state or compact electro-optic illuminating elements. They can also include illuminating optics, imaging optics and/or image capture devices.

WO-9627322 to Adair discloses endoscopes with viewing heads that may contain lenses and the viewing head is connected to a capsule that may contain a CCD device.

In one aspect of the invention of this application, an elongate endoscope is adapted for holding a lens module. The endoscope has an insertion end for insertion into a body. The lens module is mounted on the insertion end of the endoscope for inserting the module into the body while the module is connected to the insertion end of the endoscope. The endoscope comprises a hollow elongate tube extending from a handle end of the endoscope to the insertion end of the endoscope. The endoscope has a transparent window near the insertion end of the endoscope. The endoscope includes an imaging system within the tube, and the imaging system includes an electronic image sensor for converting focused light received through the window into electronic image signals. The endoscope has a mechanical connector near the insertion end of the endoscope for at times attaching the lens module near the insertion end in a fixed position relative to the endoscope so that light passing through the lens module is focused through the transparent window onto the imaging system and at other times detaching the lens module from the endoscope, for example, to sterilize the endoscope. The endoscope also has one or more wireless electrical elements near the insertion end of the tube to provide wireless electrical power to the lens module.

The image sensor of the imaging system may include a CCD device for converting focused light into electronic image signals. The imaging system may also include one or more fixed focus lenses positioned axially in a light path between the window and the image sensor. The imaging system may also include a wireless transmitter for broadcasting electronic image signals from the endoscope. The endoscope including its parts is adapted to reliably withstand repeated autoclaving at 140 degrees C. For example, the insertion end of the endoscope may include LEDs that can withstand sterilization in an autoclave at 140 degrees C and any lenses within the endoscope may be produced from mineral glass and not plastic so that the lenses can withstand sterilization at 140 degrees C.

The connector of the endoscope may be adapted for connecting the lens module axisymmetrically over the insertion end of the endoscope or the connector may be

adapted for connecting the lens module along a lateral wall at the insertion end of the endoscope.

The wireless electrical elements at the insertion end of the tube may be, for example, inductive coils incorporated in a multi-layer circuit board and adapted for providing wireless electricity to respective nearly adjacent (closely spaced) axially aligned inductive elements of the lens module. One of these wireless electrical elements may be adapted for providing control signals for controlling the adjustment of the focus and/or zoom of the lenses of the lens module. Another one of these wireless electrical elements may be adapted for providing electrical power for adjusting the focus and/or zoom of the lenses of the lens module.

In another aspect of the invention herein, a wireless lens module is adapted for connection to the insertion end of an elongate endoscope for insertion into a body. The module includes one or more fixed position lenses axially aligned along the axis of a light path, and includes one or more electrically-operated, actively-adjusted lenses axially aligned along the axis of a light path. The module includes a mechanical connector for at times attaching and holding the lens module in a fixed position, with respect to the endoscope, near the insertion end of the endoscope and at other times detaching the lens module from the endoscope. Also the module has one or more wireless electrical elements at the first end of the lens module for receiving wireless electricity from respective wireless electrical elements near the insertion end of the endoscope for one or more of: operating and controlling the actively-adjustable lens.

In the wireless lens module, one or more fixed position lenses may include plastic lenses. One or more actively-adjustable lenses may include a fluid focused lens; one or more of the actively-adjustable lenses may include a piezoelectricly adjusted lens; and one or more actively-adjustable lenses may include an electromechanically adjusted lens.

In the wireless lens module, the mechanical connector may be adapted for connecting the lens module axisymmetrically over the insertion end of the endoscope, or may be adapted for connecting the lens module along a lateral wall of the endoscope at the insertion end of the endoscope.

The wireless lens module may also include one or more LEDs for providing light for viewing with the endoscope. The wireless lens module may also include an image sensor for converting focused light into wireless electronic image signals, the image sensor may include a CCD light detector and may include an image processor.

In the wireless lens module, the wireless electrical elements may be inductive elements for providing wireless electricity from respective inductive elements in the endoscope near the insertion end of the endoscope for operating or controlling the actively-adjustable lens. One of the wireless electrical elements may be adapted for providing wireless control signals for controlling the adjustment of the focus and/or zoom of the lenses of the lens module, and one of the wireless electrical elements may be adapted for providing electrical power for adjusting the focus and/or zoom of the lenses of the lens module. Also, the image sensor may transmit the image signals through one of the inductors of the lens module to the endoscope.

In the wireless lens module, the one or more electrically-operated, actively-adjusted lenses may include an adjustable-focus lens or a adjustable-zoom lens.

The wireless lens module may include a battery for providing electrical power. Also, the wireless lens module may include an antenna and the lens module may receive signals for controlling the focus or zoom of the lens system through the antenna.

The lens module is intended to be very economical to manufacture from low cost materials and would be expected to be detached and disposed of or recycled after a single use. It would not be designed to withstand even one exposure to sterilization in an autoclave at 140 degrees C.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a wireless lens module is adapted for connection to the insertion end of an elongate endoscope for insertion into a body. The module includes one or more fixed position lenses aligned along an axis of a light path. The module also includes one or more electrically-operated, actively-adjusted lenses aligned along the axis of the light path. The module also provides one or more mechanical connectors for at times attaching and holding the lens module in a fixed position near the insertion end of the endoscope and at other times for detaching the lens module. In this specific example, the module includes an image sensor aligned along the axis of the light path for converting focused light into electronic image signals.

A battery may be included within the lens module for providing power for operating the one or more electrically-operated actively-adjusted lenses as well as for providing power for operating the image sensor. The wireless lens module may also include wireless

communication means for receiving control signals into the lens module for controlling the actively-adjustable lens; and for broadcasting the electronic image signals out of the lens module, the wireless communication means being connected to the battery to operate the wireless communication means, the wireless communication means being connected to the actively adjustable lens to provide control signals to the lens and being connected to the image sensor to receive electronic image signals from the image sensor.

In another aspect of the invention, an endoscope has a wireless lens module connected to an insertion end of the endoscope. The endoscope comprises a hollow elongate tube extending from a manipulation end to the insertion end of the endoscope for insertion into the body. A clear window at the insertion end of the tube admits light to an light sensor within the tube for converting focused light received through the window into electronic image signals. One or more mechanical connectors, at the insertion end of the endoscope, hold the lens module at the insertion end of the endoscope, in a fixed position relative to the endoscope, so that light passing through the lens module is focused through the window and onto the imaging system. One or more wireless electrical elements at the distal end of the endoscope provide wireless electrical power to the lens module.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a lens module is connected to the insertion end of the endoscope. The lens module contains one or more fixed position lenses axially aligned along the axis of a light path and one or more electrically-operated, actively-adjustable lens axially aligned along the central axis of a light path. One or more mechanical connectors cooperate with the mechanical connectors of the endoscope for holding the lens module in a fixed position with respect to the insertion end of the endoscope. The lens module also includes one or more wireless electrical elements for receiving wireless electrical power from respective adjacent cooperating wireless electrical elements at the insertion end of the endoscope. The cooperating wireless electrical elements provide power for operating the one or more actively- adjustable lenses.

Additional objects, features and advantages of the various aspects of the invention herein will become apparent from the following description in conjunction with the following drawings:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the insertion end of an endoscope of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a lens module of the invention connected to an endoscope of the invention.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a lens module of the invention.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates another lens module of the invention.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates yet another lens module of the invention.

The endoscope is relatively expensive and therefore it is reused, and it must be sterilized before each use, typically in an autoclave at 140 degrees C. It would be convenient to include actively-adjusted lenses in the endoscope to provide remote focusing or even zoom capability for the endoscope during use, for example, while viewing the surgical site. However, it is difficult and expensive to provide actively-adjustable lenses that are capable of withstanding repeated sterilization in an autoclave at 140 degrees C. In the invention herein, actively- adjustable lenses are placed in a lens module that is detachable from the endoscope and that may be disposable so that repeated sterilizations of the lens module is not required.

An actively-adjustable lens is a lens that is capable of being adjusted when the lens is inserted in the body of a patient during a surgical procedure. It might be automatically adjusted during the procedure by a controller and/or the surgeon might be able to change the adjustment using a remote user input during the procedure.

A disposable lens module containing an actively-adjusted lens needs to be

manufactured using inexpensive processes and inexpensive materials. Liquid lenses are a type of lens that meet these requirements for disposable lens modules. Also, liquid lenses require very little power to operate compared to more conventional electro-mechanical lens motors and piezo-electric lens motors. Electrical power connections on the endoscope for connection of the lens module must be rugged and hermetically sealed for sterilization. Wireless electrical elements such as planarized inductive coils can be provided in the wall of endoscope that faces the lens module to provide a rugged hermetically sealed power supply. Alternatively, an inductive coil that is axially parallel to a wall of the endoscope can be provided. The respective wireless electrical elements in the endoscope and lens module should be spaced as closely as closely as practicable. Alternatively, batteries can be provided in the lens module to operate the actively- adjustable lens. Electrical signals can also be transmitted through wireless electrical elements from the endoscope to the actively-adjustable lenses to control the focus or zoom of the lens. Alternatively, electrical signals can be provided by broadcasting the signals to an antenna of the lens module.

Focused light from the lens module may be received by an image sensor in the endoscope through a clear window in the endoscope near the connection for the lens module. Alternatively, the image sensor may be positioned in the lens module and image signals may be provided to the endoscope through the wireless electrical elements. Alternatively, a wireless transmitter and antenna may be provided in the lens module for broadcasting the image signals to a local receiver so that images can be displaced to a physician performing a surgical procedure on the patient.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates the insertion end of an endoscope of the invention. In Fig. 1 endoscope 100 is adapted for holding a lens module (shown in Fig. 3) near an insertion end 125 of the endoscope while the insertion end of the endoscope is inserted into the body of a patient, for example, during a surgical procedure. The endoscope includes a hollow elongate tube 120 extending from a handle end (not shown) to the insertion end 125 of the endoscope. A transparent window 130, near the insertion end 125 of the endoscope, admits focused light that has been focused by the lens module.

Focused light being light that has been focused by a lens and unfocused light being light that has not been focused by a lens.

An imaging system 135 is contained within the elongate tube 120. The imaging system includes an electronic image sensor 140 for converting focused light received through the window into electronic image signals.

One or more mechanical connectors 145 near the insertion end of the endoscope hold the lens module in a fixed position near the insertion end so that light passing through the lens module is focused through the transparent window onto the imaging system. One or more wireless electrical elements 150, 152 near the insertion end of the tube provide wireless electricity to the lens module that is mechanically connected by connectors 145. The wireless electricity can be in the form of wireless signals or wireless electrical power that has a sufficiently high baseband frequency to be provided through closely spaced electrical elements, such as a pair of closely spaced inductive coils. The electrical elements of the endoscope cooperate with electrical elements of the lens module to wirelessly transfer electricity to the module. The wireless electrical elements may be inductive elements such as coils of wire. The coils of the endoscope can be positioned either laterally (side-by-side) or axisymmetrically (end-to-end) with respect to the cooperating coil in the lens module. Alternatively, capacitive elements may be used for wireless electrical elements instead of or in combination with inductive elements. The value of the baseband frequency of the wireless electrical elements may be, for example, between 50 hz to 50 mhz. In Fig. 1 , the wireless electrical elements (150, 152) are planarized inductive coils incorporated in a multi-layer circuit board 154 and adapted for providing wireless electricity to respective co-facing axially aligned inductive elements of the lens module.

In the specific embodiment shown herein, the image sensor 140 includes a CCD device 155 for converting focused light into electronic image signals. The image sensor may also include a processor (not shown) for processing the image signals.

The imaging system may also include and one or more fixed focus lenses 160, 165 of mineral glass between the window and the image sensor. The lenses should be mineral glass and not plastic in order to reliably withstand repeated autoclaving at 140 degrees C. The optics within the endoscope should be selected to reduce the cost of the optics within the lens module as much as feasible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the disposable lens modules. The insertion end of the endoscope may include LEDs 180 that can reliably withstand repeated autoclaving at 140 degrees C. Including LED's at the insertion end of the endoscope reduces the need for LED's in the lens module and thus, reduces cost of the lens module.

The imaging system may also include a wireless transmitter 170 with an antenna 175, for broadcasting electronic image signals from the endoscope.

The advantage of including portion of the imaging system within the endoscope, instead of within the lens module, is that the disposable lens module can be made less expensively. Mineral glass lenses can easily withstand sterilization at 140 degrees C. In general, the solid state parts image sensor and wireless transmitter can be economically adapted to withstand such sterilization temperatures. In the endoscope of Fig. 1 the one or more connectors 145 is a single screw connector adapted for connecting the lens module axisymmetrically over the insertion end of the endoscope. Alternatively, the connectors for the lens module can attach and hold the lens module at any other convenient location near the insertion end of the endoscope. For example, in Fig. 2 connectors 240, 245 are a pair of cooperating connectors adapted to hold the lens module connected on a lateral side of the endoscope. Various other types of connectors are well known to those skilled in the art.

In Fig 1 , wireless transmitter 170 is connected through signal conductor 172 to image sensor 140 to receive image signals from the image sensor. The wireless transmitter is also connected to wireless electrical elements 150 for controlling the adjustment of the focus and/or zoom of the lenses of the lens module. Power conductor 185 is connected to the wireless transmitter and to the image sensor to provide electrical power. The other wireless electrical element 152 is also connected to power cable 185 provide electrical power to the lens module.

The optical elements of the endoscope including window 130, fixed lenses 160, 165 and light sensor 165 need to be designed to allow optimal decentering and tilting of the tolerances of the lens module during operation, and allow the optical complexity of the lens module to be minimized to minimize the manufacturing costs of the disposable lens module.

Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a lens module of the invention connected to an endoscope of the invention. In Fig. 2, a wireless lens module 210 is connected to an insertion end 220 of the endoscope 200. The endoscope includes a hollow elongate tube 225 extending to the insertion end of the endoscope for insertion into the body of a patient. The endoscope is provided with a clear window 230 at the insertion end of the tube. Within the tube an light sensor 235 converts focused light received through the window 230 into electronic image signals. The endoscope is provided with mechanical connectors 240, 245 at the insertion end of the endoscope for holding the lens module at the insertion end of the tube so that light passing through the lens module is focused on the imaging system of the endoscope. One or more wireless electrical elements 250 at the distal end of the tube provide wireless electrical power to the lens module.

A lens module 210 is connected to the insertion end of the endoscope. The lens module includes one or more fixed position lenses 255, 260 aligned along the axis of a light path 265. The lens module also includes one or more electrically-operated, actively-adjustable lens 270 aligned along the axis of a light path 265. Mechanical connector 275, 280 holds the lens module in a fixed position with respect to the endoscope at the insertion end of the endoscope. One or more inductors 285 receive wireless electrical power from the inductor 250 at the insertion end of the endoscope for operating the actively-adjustable lens 270.

In the specific embodiment of Fig. 2, connectors 240 and 275 cooperate and connectors 245 and 280 cooperate to hold the lens module 210 in a fixed position along a lateral wall of endoscope 200. The wireless electrical elements 250 and 285 are closely-spaced axially- parallel inductive coils. The actively adjustable lens 270 is a fluid focused lens. In a fluid focused lens the shape of the meniscus of a fluid 271 is controlled by properties of electricity provided to the fluid lens. Light sensor 235 is a CCD (charge coupled diode) device with power provided by conductors 190 and signals transmitted by signal conductors 191. One or more fiber bundles 293 provide light from the insertion end of the endoscope to illuminate the surgical field.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a lens module of the invention. In Fig. 3, lens module 300 is adapted for connection at the insertion end of an elongate endoscope for insertion into the body of a patient. The lens module includes one or more fixed position lenses 330, 335 aligned along the axis of a light path 325. The lens module also includes one or more electrically- operated, actively-adjusted lenses 340, 345 aligned along the axis of a light path. Mechanical connector 350 holds the lens module in a fixed position near the insertion end of the endoscope.

The lens module includes one or more wireless electrical elements 360,365 for receiving wireless electricity from respective wireless electrical elements near the insertion end of the endoscope for one or more of: operating and controlling the actively-adjustable lens.

In the specific embodiment of Fig. 3, mechanical connector 350 is a screw connector that is adapted for connecting the lens module axisymmetrically over the insertion end of the endoscope. A controller 315 controls an electro-mechanical motor 310 which controls the position of zoom lens 345 as indicated by double ended arrow 315. Wireless electrical elements 360, 365 are inductive elements, more specifically planarized inductive coils for receiving electricity from co-facing axially aligned inductive coils in the endoscope. Wireless electrical element 360 is adapted to provide electrical power to the controller 305 and the motor 310. The controller also provides electrical power to the LED's 370, 375. The controller also provides power to control the shape of the meniscus of fluid focus lens 340. Wireless electrical element 365 is adapted to provide signals from the endoscope to control or regulate controller 315.

The lens module is intended to be a low-cost disposable item so that it is not required to sterilize in an autoclave at 140 degrees C. This allows fixed lenses 330, 335 and actively- adjusted lenses 340, 345 to be produced using inexpensive processes and materials such as plastic castings. Fig. 4 schematically illustrates another lens module of the invention. In Fig. 4, a wireless lens module 400 is adapted for connection to the insertion end of an elongate endoscope for insertion into the body of a patient. In the lens module, one or more fixed position lenses 405 are aligned along an axis of a light path 407. Also, one or more electrically-operated, actively- adjusted lenses 420 are aligned along the axis of the light path.

Mechanical connectors 470,475 are adapted to hold the lens module 400 in a fixed position near the insertion end of the endoscope. An image sensor 430 converts focused light into wireless electronic image signals.

In the specific embodiment shown in figure 4, mechanical connectors 470, 475 are adapted for holding the lens module 400 along a lateral wall of the endoscope (similar to the connectors of Fig. 2). The lens module includes a mirror 410 for changing the direction of light path 407 for directing light from a surgical site positioned laterally to the insertion end of the endoscope through the actively-adjusted lenses and onto the image sensor 430. Image sensor 430 may include a CCD light detector 435 which converts focused light from light path 407 into image signals. Image sensor 430 may also include an image processor 440 for generating processed image signals. The lens module may include a wireless transceiver 450 with an antenna 455. The wireless transceiver may receive control signals into the lens module for controlling the actively-adjustable lens; and may broadcast the processed image signals out of the lens module. The wireless transceiver is connected to the battery 460 to operate the wireless transceiver. The wireless transceiver is also connected to the actively-adjustable lens to provide control signals to control the lens and is connected to the image sensor to receive electronic image signals from the image sensor. A battery 460 may be provided to provide electricity to operate lens module. Conductors 480 is provided to provide electrical power from battery 460 to operate the active lens 420, the CCD 435, the signal processor 440, the wireless transceiver 450. Bus 485 provides a path for signals that may be used to control the active lens 420, CCD 435 and processor 440. Bus 485 may also provide a path for raw image signals from CCD 435 to image processor 440 and a path for processed image signals from image processor 440 to wireless transceiver 450.

Fig. 5 schematically illustrates another lens module of the invention, In Fig. 5, a wireless lens module 500 is adapted for connection to the insertion end of an elongate endoscope for insertion into a body of a patient. In the lens module, one or more fixed position lenses 510, 515 have axis that are aligned along an axis of a light path 520. Also, one or more electrically- operated, actively-adjusted lenses 525 are aligned along the axis of the light path. Mechanical connectors 530, 535 are adapted to hold the lens module 500 in a fixed position relative to an endoscope near the insertion end of the endoscope. An image sensor 540 converts focused light from light path 520 into wireless electronic image signals. One or more wireless electrical elements 560, 565 provide wireless electricity to the lens module.

In the specific embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 5, the mechanical connectors 530, 535 are adapted to hold the lens module 500 along a lateral wall of the endoscope (not shown). Thus, the lens module provides a lateral view with respect to the elongate endoscope. Piezoelectric motor 550 moves actively-adjusted lenses 525 in the direction shown by double ended arrow 555 to zoom the image. Wireless electrical elements 560, 565 are inductive coils. Each coil is adapted to receive electricity from a respective parallel immediately adjacent coil in the endoscope (not shown). In this example, coil 560 receives control signals from the endoscope to control the motor 550, and transmits image signals from the CCD image sensor 540 to the endoscope. Coil 565 receives electrical power to operate the CCD image sensor 540 and to operate the electrical motor 550.

Finally, the above-discussion is intended to be merely illustrative of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the appended claims to any particular embodiment or group of embodiments. Each of the systems utilized may also be utilized in conjunction with further systems. Thus, while the present invention has been described in particular detail with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof, it should also be appreciated that numerous modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader and intended spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative manner and are not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that:

a) the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim;

b) the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements;

c) any reference numerals in the claims are for illustration purposes only and do not limit their protective scope;

d) several "means" may be represented by the same item or hardware or software implemented structure or function; and e) each of the disclosed elements may be comprised of hardware portions (e.g., discrete electronic circuitry), software portions (e.g., computer programming), or any combination thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An elongate endoscope (100) for holding a detachable lens module near an insertion end (125) of the endoscope while inserting the insertion end of the endoscope into a body, the endoscope comprising:

a hollow elongate tube (120) extending to the insertion end (125) of the endoscope; a transparent window (130) near the insertion end of the endoscope;

an imaging system (135) within the tube, the imaging system including an electronic image sensor (140) for converting focused light received through the window (130) into electronic image signals;

a mechanical connector (145) near the insertion end of the endoscope for at times holding the lens module attached near the insertion end so that light passing through the lens module is focused through the transparent window onto the imaging system and at other times for detaching the module from the endoscope;

one or more wireless electrical elements (150,152) near the insertion end of the tube to provide wireless electricity to the lens module.

2. The endoscope of claim 1 wherein the image sensor of the imaging system includes a CMOS device or a CCD device (155) for converting focused light into electronic image signals.

3. The endoscope of claim 1 wherein the imaging system includes and one or more fixed focus lenses (160, 165) of mineral glass positioned axially in a light path (166) between the window and the image sensor.

4. The endoscope of claim 1 wherein the imaging system includes a wireless transmitter (170) for broadcasting electronic image signals from the endoscope.

5. The endoscope of claim 1 wherein the endoscope can reliably withstand repeated autoclaving at 140 degrees C.

6. The endoscope of claim 1 wherein connector (145) is adapted for connecting the lens module axisymmetrically over the insertion end of the endoscope.

7. The endoscope of claim 1 wherein the connector (245) is adapted for connecting the lens module along a lateral wall at the insertion end of the endoscope.

8. The endoscope of claim 1 wherein the insertion end of the endoscope includes LEDs (180) that can withstand autoclaving at 140 degrees C.

9. The endoscope of claim 1 wherein the wireless electrical elements (150,152) at the insertion end of the tube are inductive coils incorporated in a multi-layer circuit board and adapted for providing wireless electricity to respective co-facing axially aligned inductive elements of the lens module.

10. The endoscope of claim 1 wherein one of the wireless electrical elements (150, 152) at the insertion end of the tube is adapted for providing control signals for controlling the adjustment of the focus and/or zoom of the lenses of the lens module.

1 1 . The endoscope of claim 1 wherein one of the wireless electrical elements (150, 152) at the insertion end of the endoscope is adapted for providing electrical power for adjusting the focus and/or zoom of the lenses of the lens module.

12. A wireless lens module (300) for connection to the insertion end of an elongate endoscope for insertion into a body, comprising:

one or more fixed position lenses (330, 335) aligned along the axis of a light path;

one or more electrically-operated, actively-adjusted lenses (340, 345) aligned along the axis of a light path;

a mechanical connector (350) for at times attaching the lens module in a fixed position near the insertion end of the endoscope and at other times detaching the lens module from the endoscope;

one or more wireless electrical elements (360,365) at the first end of the lens module for receiving wireless electricity from respective wireless electrical elements near the insertion end of the endoscope for one or more of: operating and controlling the actively-adjustable lens.

13. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 wherein the one or more fixed position lenses (330, 335) include plastic lenses.

14. The wireless lens module of claim 11 wherein the one or more actively-adjustable lenses (340, 345) include a fluid focused lens (340).

15. The wireless lens module of claim 11 wherein the one or more actively-adjustable lenses (340, 345) include a piezoelectricly adjusted lens.

16. The wireless lens module of claim 11 wherein the one or more actively-adjustable lenses (340, 345) include an electromechanically adjusted lens.

17. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 wherein the mechanical connector (350) is adapted for connecting the lens module axisymmetrically over the insertion end of the endoscope.

18. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 wherein the mechanical connector (475) is adapted for connecting the lens module along a lateral wall of the endoscope at the insertion end of the endoscope.

19. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 comprising: a mirror (410) for directing light from a surgical site positioned laterally to the insertion end of the endoscope.

20. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 comprising: one or more LEDs (370, 375) for providing light for viewing with the endoscope.

21 . The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 comprising: an image sensor (430) for converting focused light into wireless electronic image signals, the image sensor including a CCD light detector (435) and an image processor (440).

22. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 wherein the wireless electrical elements are inductive elements for providing electricity from respective inductive elements near the insertion end of the endoscope for operating or controlling the actively-adjustable lens.

23. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 wherein one of the wireless electrical elements (150, 152) is adapted for providing control signals for controlling the adjustment of the focus and/or zoom of the lenses of the lens module.

24. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 wherein one of the wireless electrical elements (150,152) is adapted for providing electrical power for adjusting the focus and/or zoom of the lenses of the lens module.

25. The wireless lens module of claim 20 wherein the image sensor transmits the image signals through one of the inductors of the lens module.

26. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 wherein the one or more electrically-operated, actively-adjusted lenses include an adjustable-focus lens.

27. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 wherein the one or more electrically-operated, actively-adjusted lenses include an adjustable-zoom lens.

28. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 comprising a battery (460) for providing electrical power.

29. The wireless lens module of claim 1 1 comprising an antenna (455) and wherein the lens module receives signals for controlling the focus or zoom of the lens system through the antenna.

30. A wireless lens module (400) for connection to the insertion end of an elongate endoscope for insertion into a body, comprising:

one or more fixed position lenses (405) aligned along an axis of a light path;

one or more electrically-operated, actively-adjusted lenses (420) aligned along the axis of the light path;

one or more mechanical connectors (470,475) for holding the lens module in a fixed position near the insertion end of the endoscope;

an image sensor (430) aligned along the axis of the light path for converting focused light into electronic image signals.

31 . The wireless lens module of claim 29 comprising a battery (460) within the lens module for providing power for operating the electrically-operated actively-adjusted lenses (420) and providing power for operating the image sensor (430).

32. The wireless lens module of claim 29 comprising wireless communication means (450) for receiving control signals into the lens module for controlling the actively-adjustable lens; and for broadcasting the electronic image signals out of the lens module, the wireless communication means being connected to the battery to operate the wireless communication means, the wireless communication means being connected to the actively adjustable lens to provide control signals to the lens and being connected to the image sensor to receive electronic image signals from the image sensor.

33. An endoscope (200) with a wireless lens module (210) connected to an insertion end (220) of the endoscope, the endoscope comprising:

a hollow elongate tube (225) extending from a handle end to the insertion end of the endoscope for insertion into the body;

a mechanical connector (240, 245) at the insertion end of the endoscope for at times attaching the lens module at the insertion end of the endoscope and for at other times releasing the lens module;

one or more wireless electrical elements (250) at the distal end of the tube to provide wireless electrical power to the lens module;

a lens module (210) connected to the insertion end of the tube, including:

one or more fixed position lenses (255, 260) aligned along the axis of a light path (265) one or more electrically-operated, actively-adjustable lens (270) aligned along the axis of a light path (265);

a mechanical connector (275, 280) for holding the lens module in a fixed position at the insertion end of the endoscope;

one or more wireless electrical elements (285) for receiving wireless electrical power from the inductor (250) at the insertion end of the endoscope for operating the actively- adjustable lens;

an light sensor (235) aligned along the axis of a light path (265) for converting focused light into electronic image signals.