# US 10,945,588 B2 · Fully integrated, disposable tissue visualization device

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- Number: US 10,945,588 B2
- Document ID: US10945588B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 16/565,095
- Filed: 2019-09-09
- Published: 2020-01-02
- Granted: 2021-03-16
- Earliest claimed: 2015-08-11
- Assignees: Trice Medical, Inc.
- Applicants: Trice Medical, Inc.
- Inventors: Richard H. Washburn, II; Alfred J. Intintoli; Andrew C. Davison
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10945588B2

## CPC

- A61B 1/00071: {Insertion part of the endoscope body (A61B1/0055 takes precedence)}
- A61B 1/00066: {Proximal part of endoscope body, e.g. handles (A61B1/0052 takes precedence)}
- A61B 1/00096: {Optical elements}
- A61B 1/00108: {characterised by self-sufficient functionality for stand-alone use}
- A61B 1/015: Control of fluid supply or evacuation
- A61B 1/045: Control thereof
- A61B 1/05: characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion
- A61B 1/07: using light-conductive means, e.g. optical fibres
- A61B 1/12: with cooling or rinsing arrangements
- A61B 1/313: for introducing through surgical openings, e.g. laparoscopes
- A61B 1/317: for bones or joints, e.g. osteoscopes or arthroscopes
- A61B 17/3478: {Endoscopic needles, e.g. for infusion (biopsy needles A61B10/0233; catheters with injection needles A61M25/0067)}
- A61B 1/00103: {designed for single use}
- A61B 1/00188: {with focusing or zooming features}
- A61B 90/361: {Image-producing devices, e.g. surgical cameras}
- A61B 2017/003: {Steerable}
- A61B 2090/306: {using optical fibres}
- A61B 2217/007: with irrigation system
- A61M 5/3286: {Needle tip design, e.g. for improved penetration}
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}

## Abstract

The present invention relates to a fully integrated sterilizable one time use disposable tissue visualization device and methods for using such devices. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate the visualization of an internal tissue site while causing a minimum of damage to the surrounding tissue. Further preferred embodiments may allow for the delivery of fluids and other treatment to an internal tissue site.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A visualization device, comprising:
a handpiece;
an outer tubular body having a proximal end affixed to the handpiece and a distal end;
an elongate optical element extending through the outer tubular body and comprising an image sensor at the distal end, the elongate optical element comprising a first linear section extending from the handpiece, a bent section extending from the first linear section and a second linear section extending from the bent section, a distal end of the second linear section defining a distal end of the elongate optical element, the second linear section substantially parallel to the first linear section;
wherein the bent section comprises a bend extending radially away from a longitudinal axis of the first linear section; and
wherein when the outer tubular body is mounted to the handpiece, the bent section abuts against an inner surface of the outer tubular body to bias the distal end of the elongate optical element to an edge of the distal end of the outer tubular body.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The visualization device of claim 1, wherein the bent section is located at a position about 50-90% of the length of the elongate optical element from the handpiece.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The visualization device of claim 2, wherein the bent section is located at a position about 70% of the length of the elongate optical element from the handpiece.

### Claim 4 (depends on 2)

The visualization device of claim 2, wherein the bent section is located at a position about 80% of the length of the elongate optical element from the handpiece.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The visualization device of claim 2, wherein the bent section is located at a position about 90% of the length of the elongate optical element from the handpiece.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The visualization device of claim 1, wherein the bent section comprises a degree of bending of about 35 degrees.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The visualization device of claim 1, wherein the bent section comprises a degree of bending of about 10 degrees.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The visualization device of claim 1, wherein the distal end of the elongate optical element is configured to provide illumination.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The visualization device of claim 1, wherein the first linear section comprises about 40% of the length of the elongate optical element.