Articulation joint for a medical device

#It has become well established that there are major public health benefits from regular endoscopic examinations as an aid to the early detection and treatment of disease of internal structures such as the alimentary and excretory canals and airways, e.g., the colon, esophagus, stomach, urethra, bladder, ureter, kidney, lungs, bronchi, uterus and other organ systems. A conventional imaging endoscope used for such procedures comprises a flexible tube with a fiber optic light guide that directs illuminating light from an external light source to the distal tip where it illuminates the region (i.e., tissue, occlusive objects) to be examined. Frequently, additional optical components are incorporated to adjust the spread of the light exiting the fiber bundle and the distal tip. An objective lens and fiber optic imaging light guide communicating with a camera at the proximal end of the endoscope, or an imaging camera chip at the distal tip, produce an image that is displayed to the operator. In addition, most endoscopes include one or more working channels through which medical devices such as biopsy forceps, snares, fulguration probes, and other tools may be passed.

#Navigation of the endoscope through complex and tortuous paths is critical to success of the examination with minimum pain, side effects, risk, or sedation to the patient. To this end, modern endoscopes include means for deflecting the distal tip of the endoscope to follow the pathway of the structure under examination, with minimum deflection or friction force upon the surrounding tissue, and to survey targeted examination sites. Control cables similar to bicycle brake cables are carried within the endoscope body in order to connect a flexible portion of the distal end to a set of control knobs at the proximal endoscope handle. By manipulating the control knobs, the operator is able to steer the endoscope during insertion and direct it to a region of interest, in spite of the limitations of such traditional control systems, which may be bulky, somewhat non-intuitive, and friction-limited. Common operator complaints about traditional endoscopes include their limited flexibility, limited column strength, and limited operator control of stiffness along the endoscope length.

#For example, conventional, flexible endoscopes are expensive medical devices costing in the range of $25,000, and much more with the associated operator console. The endoscope is expensive because it includes expensive piece parts and requires laborious hand assembly. Because of the expense, these endoscopes are built to withstand repeated disinfections and use upon many patients. Conventional endoscopes are generally built of strong composite structures typically containing metals and plastics that do not degrade under reprocessing. These material structures decrease the flexibility of the endoscope and can compromise patient comfort. Furthermore, conventional endoscopes are complex and fragile instruments that frequently need expensive repair as a result of damage during use or during a disinfection procedure.

#The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

#FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of a video endoscope system in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

#FIGS. 1C and 1D illustrate a more detailed view of an embodiment of the video endoscope of the present invention;

#As indicated above, the present invention is a video endoscope system that allows an operator to access, and view internal body anatomy of a patient as well as to insert surgical instruments into the patient's body. In addition, the endoscope may include integrated diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities to allow the operator to treat the patient in a single procedure. An endoscope of the present invention can be sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture such that the endoscope can be considered a single use, disposable item.

#As shown in FIG. 1A, a video endoscope system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an endoscope 20, a control cabinet 50 and a handheld controller 80. The endoscope 20 has a distal tip 22 that is advanced into a patient's body cavity and a proximal end 24 that is connected to the control cabinet 50. As will be explained in further detail below, the control cabinet 50 includes a number of actuators that control a steering mechanism within the endoscope 20 in order to change the orientation of the distal tip 22. A physician or assistant uses the handheld controller 80 to input control signals that move the distal tip 22 of the endoscope 20. In addition, the control cabinet 50 may include connections to sources of air/gas and a flushing liquid such as water for clearing the endoscope 20, drugs or contrast agents. The control cabinet may also include a network connection (not shown) for allowing the control cabinet to communicate with other control cabinets, computers or the Internet. One or more external monitors, PDAs, printers, video recording systems, storage devices and storage area networks, servers, and hospital information networks or other medical devices can be connected to the control cabinet if desired. The control cabinet 50 also includes imaging electronics to process and/or transfer signals received from an image sensor, signals controlling the image sensor, and patient data to a video display (not shown) for viewing by a physician or technician.

#In the embodiment shown, the endoscope 20 also includes a breakout box 26 that is positioned approximately midway along the length of the endoscope. The breakout box 26 provides an entrance to a working channel and may include an attachment point for a vacuum collection bottle 40 that collects liquids, debris or specimens received from a lumen within the endoscope. The vacuum collection bottle 40 is controlled by a vacuum valve (not shown) that is positioned on the breakout box 26. Alternatively, the valve can be positioned within or connected to the control cabinet 50 and controlled from the handheld controller 80 (see, e.g., FIG. 3D).