US 5,419,312 A · Multi-function endoscope apparatus

a flexible probe having a medial portion, a first end, and a second end, said first end of said probe being sized for placement within said body cavity;

laser light supply means operatively connected to said probe for delivering laser light thereto;

first light transmission means positioned within said medial portion of said probe for receiving said laser light from said laser light supply means, said first light transmission means comprising at least one elongate primary optical fiber positioned within said medial portion of said probe, said primary optical fiber being operatively connected to said laser light supply means in order to receive said laser light therefrom, said laser light being delivered by said first light transmission means to said body cavity when said first end of said probe is positioned therein;

primary illumination means operatively connected to said probe for delivering illuminating light thereto;

second light transmission means positioned within said medial portion of said probe for receiving said illuminating light from said primary illumination means, said second light transmission means comprising a primary bundle of individual elongate optical fibers, said primary bundle being operatively connected to said primary illumination means in order to receive said illuminating light therefrom, said illuminating light being delivered by said second light transmission means to said body cavity when said first end of said probe is positioned therein;

third light transmission means positioned within said medial portion of said probe for receiving visual images from said body cavity, said visual images being generated by said illuminating light delivered from said second light transmission means into said body cavity, said third light transmission means comprising a secondary bundle of individual elongate optical fibers, said secondary bundle comprising a first end and a second end, said first end of said secondary bundle comprising a transparent cap member secured thereto, said transparent cap member functioning as a lens for directing said illuminating light into said secondary bundle from said body cavity;

observation means operatively connected to said third light transmission means for enabling said visual images received from said third light transmission means to be viewed by an operator of said endoscope apparatus;

protection means for preventing passage of any of said laser light from said laser light supply means into said observation means when said laser light supply means is in operation, said protection means comprising a pivotally movable mirror member positioned in front of said laser light supply means, said mirror member being oriented in a horizontal position when blockage of laser light from said laser light supply means is not desired and oriented in an upwardly tilted position when blockage of laser light from said laser light supply means is desired;

secondary illumination means operatively connected to said probe for delivering additional light thereto;

fourth light transmission means positioned within said medial portion of said probe for receiving said additional light from said secondary illumination means, said fourth light transmission means comprising at least one elongate secondary optical fiber positioned within said medial portion of said probe, said secondary optical fiber comprising a first end and a second end, said second end of said secondary optical fiber being operatively connected to said secondary illumination means;

temperature and fluid pressure sensing means operatively connected to said fourth light transmission means for determining temperature and fluid pressure levels within said body cavity;

fluid transmission means within said medial portion of said probe for delivering fluid materials to and from said body cavity through said probe, said fluid transmission means comprising at least one continuous passageway through said probe from said first end of said probe to said second end of said probe;

tissue potential sensing means positioned within said medial portion of said probe for receiving electrical potentials from tissue materials within said body cavity, said tissue potential sensing means comprising at least one elongate electrically conductive metallic primary wire member positioned within said medial portion of said probe, with at least a portion of said primary wire member extending outwardly from said first end of said probe, said portion of said primary wire member being exposed so that said portion of said primary wire member can directly contact tissue materials;

detection means for detecting and analyzing said electrical potentials from said tissue materials within said body cavity, said detection means being operatively connected to said tissue potential sensing means;

steering means positioned within said medial portion of said probe for manipulating and moving said probe within said body cavity, said steering means comprising a plurality of elongate secondary wire members positioned within said medial portion of said probe, each of said secondary wire members being secured to said probe at said first end of said probe, whereby exertion of force on any of said secondary wire members causes movement of said probe;

and

manipulator means for selectively exerting force on each of said elongate secondary wire members in order to manipulate and move said probe within said body cavity.

Multi-function endoscope apparatus

Life of this patent

Multi-function endoscope apparatus

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12