Surgical access port with embedded imaging device

Abstract

Disclosed is a disposable access port for use in endoscopic procedures, including laparoscopic procedures. The access port includes a cannula with an embedded camera in communication with an external control box. In operation, a trocar is combined with the access port to facilitate insertion of the access port into an anatomical site. Prior to insertion, the camera is pushed inside the cannula, where it remains during insertion. The trocar is removed after the access port has been inserted to allow surgical instruments to access the anatomical site. During removal of the trocar, a portion of the trocar urges the camera out of the cannula, thereby allowing visualization of the anatomical site. The camera can be fixedly or adjustably mounted on the port. A camera may also be mounted on the trocar. The trocar may include irrigation and suction channels to facilitate a clear view of the anatomical site.

1 . A method of deploying an endoscopic viewing device, the method comprising:
 inserting a trocar into an endoscopic port including an imaging device oriented in an outward position;   pushing the imaging device from the outward position to an inward position after the trocar is inserted in the port; and   removing the trocar from the port such that the imaging device is urged from the inward position to the outward position.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising pushing the imaging device from the outward position to the inward position after the trocar is removed from the port, the imaging device being pushed by an abdominal wall. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein, with the imaging device is in the outward position, the imaging device protrudes outwardly from an exterior surface of the port. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein, with the imaging device is in the inward position, the imaging device does not protrude outwardly from an exterior surface of the port or protrudes less than when the imaging device is in the outward position. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein removing the trocar from the port includes a distal tip region of the trocar pushing a portion of the imaging device to move the imaging device radially outward to the outward position, wherein the distal tip region of the trocar is connected to a shaft, the distal tip region being wider than the shaft. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein removing the trocar from the port includes removing the trocar from within a lumen of a cannula of the port, the imaging device being disposed on the cannula. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising imaging an area using the imaging device. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising illuminating an area using a light source of the imaging device. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , comprising imaging the area using the imaging device. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising holding the imaging device in the outward position using a detent mechanism, the imaging device staying in the outward position until the imaging device is pushed toward the inward position. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , comprising:
 sending an image signal from the imaging device; and   receiving the image signal using a controller in communication with the imaging device, wherein the controller provides power and control commands to the imaging device.   
     
     
         12 . A method of using a laparoscopic device, the method comprising:
 inserting a trocar into a laparoscopic port including an imaging device oriented in an outward position;   pushing the imaging device from the outward position to an inward position after the trocar is inserted in the port; and   removing the trocar from the port such that the imaging device is urged from the inward position to the outward position, wherein a distal tip region of the trocar pushes a portion of the imaging device to move the imaging device radially outward to the outward position, wherein the distal tip region of the trocar is connected to a shaft, the distal tip region being wider than the shaft.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein, with the imaging device is in the outward position, the imaging device protrudes outwardly from an exterior surface of the port. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein, with the imaging device is in the inward position, the imaging device does not protrude outwardly from an exterior surface of the port or protrudes less than when the imaging device is in the outward position. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein removing the trocar from the port includes removing the trocar from within a lumen of a cannula of the port, the imaging device being disposed on the cannula. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , comprising providing at least one of irrigation or suction through the lumen. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12 , comprising imaging an area using the imaging device. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , comprising illuminating an area using a light source of the imaging device. 
     
     
         19 . A method of using an endoscopic port assembly, the method comprising:
 inserting a trocar into an endoscopic port including a proximal end, a distal end, an instrument passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a first seal disposed within the passageway, a portion of the instrument passageway including a tubular wall, the first seal movable between an open position at which air may flow through the passageway and a closed position at which air flow through the passageway from the distal end to the proximal end is blocked, wherein an imaging device is mounted to the tubular wall, the imaging device being oriented in an outward position;   pushing the imaging device from the outward position to an inward position after the trocar is inserted in the port; and   removing the trocar from the port such that the imaging device is urged from the inward position to the outward position, wherein a distal tip region of the trocar pushes a portion of the imaging device to move the imaging device radially outward from the tubular wall to the outward position, wherein the distal tip region of the trocar is connected to a shaft, the distal tip region being wider than the shaft.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , comprising:
 moving the first seal to the open position with insertion of an instrument into the passageway; and   moving the first seal to the closed position with removal of the instrument from the passageway.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , comprising blocking, using a second seal, air flow through the passageway with insertion of an instrument into the passageway. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , comprising imaging an area using the imaging device. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein imaging the area includes moving a lens of the imaging device, the lens being adjustably oriented at an angle between about zero degrees and about ninety degrees from a central axis of the tubular wall.