Method and apparatus for endoscopic examination of lesions

Abstract

An apparatus is provided, which utilizes an adjustment platform for supporting a subject during the endoscopic examination. Additionally, a method for performing an endoscopic examination is also provided in which an endoscope is inserted into a subject and the endoscope is maintained at a generally fixed position while the position of the subject is adjusted to advance the endoscope into the subject. Further still, a method is provided for estimating the size of sample tissue using an endoscope and a reference element. Based on known parameters of the reference element, the size of the area being examined can be estimated.

1 . A system for endoscopic examination of a subject, comprising:
 an endoscope;   a positioning system for positioning the subject relative to the endoscope, comprising:
 a platform configured to support the subject; 
 a first angular adjustment mechanism connected with the platform, operable to rotate the subject relative to the endoscope, about a first axis of rotation; 
 a first translation adjustment mechanism connected with the platform, operable to translate the subject relative to the endoscope, along a first axis of translation; and 
   an imaging device operable to obtain images from the endoscope.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the positioning system comprises a second angular adjustment mechanism connected with the platform operable to rotate the subject relative to the endoscope, about a second axis orthogonal to the first axis of rotation. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the positioning system comprises a third angular adjustment mechanism connected with the platform operable to rotate the subject relative to the endoscope, about a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes of rotation. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1  comprising a second translation adjustment mechanism connected with the platform, operable to translate the subject relative to the endoscope, along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis of translation. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4  comprising a third translation adjustment mechanism connected with the platform, operable to translate the subject relative to the endoscope, along a third axis orthogonal to the first and second axes of translation. 
     
     
         6 . A method for performing an endoscopic examination, comprising the steps of:
 providing an endoscope;   placing a subject on a table adjacent the endoscope;   maintaining the endoscope at a generally fixed position while advancing the table toward the endoscope to advance the endoscope in the patient;   adjusting the position or orientation of the table while the endoscope is in the subject, and while the maintaining the endoscope in a generally fixed position; and   using the endoscope to perform a procedure.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the procedure comprises inspecting an internal organ of the subject. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6  wherein the step of placing a subject on a table, comprises placing the subject on a table connected with a positioning device, wherein the positioning device has an adjustment mechanism operable to translate the table along a first axis. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8  comprising the step of translating the table along the first axis while the endoscope is in the subject. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the positioning device has an adjustment mechanism operable to translate the table along a second axis transverse the first axis. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10  comprising the step of translating the table along the second axis while the endoscope is in the subject. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 10  wherein the positioning device has an adjustment mechanism operable to translate the table along a third axis transverse the first and second axes. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10  comprising the step of translating the table along the third axis while the endoscope is in the subject. 
     
     
         14 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A method for performing an endoscopic examination, comprising the steps of:
 providing an endoscope;   placing a subject on a support adjacent the endoscope;   maintaining the endoscope at a generally fixed position while altering the position of the support to advance the endoscope in the subject; and   using the endoscope to obtain an image of a tissue sample within the subject.   
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24  comprising the step of adjusting the position or orientation of the support while the endoscope is in the subject. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24  comprising the step of:
 providing a reference standard with a characteristic having a known dimension; and   introducing the reference standard into the subject while the endoscope is within the subject.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26  wherein the step of using the endoscope to obtain an image comprises using the endoscope to obtain an image of the tissue sample and the reference standard. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27  comprising the step of calculating the size of the tissue sample based upon the image of the tissue sample and the reference standard. 
     
     
         29 - 32 . (canceled)