Minimally Invasive Imaging Systems

Abstract

Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive imaging system. Systems according to embodiments of the invention include: an access device having a proximal end and distal end and an internal passageway extending from the proximal to distal end; and an elongated member dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device and having a proximal and distal end. In the systems of the invention, at least one of multiple visualization elements and multiple illumination elements are positioned among the distal ends of the access device and the elongated member. Also provided are methods of using the systems in imaging applications, as well as kits for performing the methods.

1 . A minimally invasive imaging system, the imaging system comprising:
 (a) an access device having a proximal end and distal end and an internal passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end; and   (b) an elongated member dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device and having a proximal and distal end;   wherein at least one of multiple visualization elements and multiple illumination elements are positioned among the distal ends of the access device and the elongated member.   
   
   
       2 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 1 , wherein multiple visualization elements are positioned among the distal ends of the access device and the elongated member. 
   
   
       3 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 2 , wherein the multiple visualization elements are positioned at the distal end of the elongated member. 
   
   
       4 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 3 , wherein the multiple visualization elements are positioned to provide for at least one of enhanced field of view and stereoscopic view. 
   
   
       5 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 2 , wherein the multiple visualization elements are positioned at the distal end of the access device. 
   
   
       6 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 2 , wherein a first visualization element is positioned at the distal end of the elongated member and a second visualization element is positioned at the distal end of the access device. 
   
   
       7 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 1 , wherein multiple illumination elements are positioned among the distal ends of the access device and the member. 
   
   
       8 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 7 , wherein multiple illumination elements are positioned at the distal end of the elongated member. 
   
   
       9 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 7 , wherein multiple illumination elements are positioned at the distal end of the access device. 
   
   
       10 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 1 , wherein the visualization elements are selected from CCD and CMOS sensors. 
   
   
       11 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 1 , wherein the illumination elements are light emitting diodes. 
   
   
       12 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongated member further comprises a tissue modifier. 
   
   
       13 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 1 , wherein the tissue modifier is chosen from an electrode, cutting element and laser. 
   
   
       14 . The minimally invasive imaging system according to  claim 1 , wherein the elongate member further includes an irrigation lumen and an aspiration lumen. 
   
   
       15 . A method of imaging an internal target tissue of a patient, the method comprising:
 (a) positioning a minimally invasive access device having a proximal end and distal end and an internal passageway so that the distal end is near the target tissue; and   (b) slidably moving an elongated member having a proximal and distal end through the internal passageway of the access device so that the distal end of the elongated member is operably positioned relative to the target tissue;   wherein at least one of multiple visualization elements and multiple illumination elements are positioned among the distal ends of the access port and the elongated member;   (c) illuminating the target tissue with at least one of the multiple illumination elements; and   (d) obtaining image data of the target tissue with at least one of the visualization elements.   
   
   
       16 - 28 . (canceled) 
   
   
       29 . A kit comprising:
 (a) a minimally invasive access device having a proximal end and distal end and an internal passageway extending from the proximal to distal end; and   (b) elongated member dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device and having a proximal and distal end;   wherein at least one of multiple visualization elements and multiple illumination elements are positioned among the distal ends of the access device and the catheter.   
   
   
       30 - 42 . (canceled) 
   
   
       43 . A minimally invasive access device having a proximal end and distal end and an internal passageway extending from the proximal to distal end, wherein at least one of multiple visualization elements and multiple illumination elements are positioned at the distal end of the access device. 
   
   
       44 . The minimally invasive access device according to  claim 43 , wherein the access device comprises multiple illumination elements. 
   
   
       45 . The minimally invasive access device according to  claim 43 , wherein the access device comprises multiple visualization elements. 
   
   
       46 . The minimally invasive access device according to  claim 43 , wherein the access device comprises multiple illumination elements and multiple visualization elements. 
   
   
       47 - 48 . (canceled)