Methods and devices of imaging and biopsy

Abstract

Certain embodiments include an endoscope and methods for imaging using the endoscope. The endoscope may include an imaging channel and a tip positioned at one end of the imaging channel, the tip adapted to collect light from a field of view that extends 360° around at least a portion of the endoscope and to transmit the light to the imaging channel. Certain embodiments may also utilize various sensors, controllers and processing mechanisms to record and process images into a representation, move the endoscope in and out of the endometrial cavity, and to biopsy a portion of the endometrium.

1 . A method for imaging an endometrial cavity, comprising:
 positioning an endoscope at least partially within the endometrial cavity; and   imaging tissue within the endometrial cavity around a circumference of at least a portion of the endoscope.   
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 obtaining a plurality of images of the endometrial cavity by moving the endoscope through at least a portion of the endometrial cavity and imaging tissue around the circumference of at least a portion of the endoscope at a plurality of positions within the endometrial cavity;   storing the plurality of images; and   processing the images with an image data processing system to create at least one representation of at least a portion of the endometrial cavity.   
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 2 , further comprising displaying the at least one representation to a viewing device. 
     
     
         4 . A method as in  claim 2 , further comprising illuminating the endometrial cavity and acquiring the light radiating from the endometrial cavity. 
     
     
         5 . A method as in  claim 2 , further comprising performing the imaging of tissue around the circumference of at least a portion of the endoscope in the absence of distending media in the endometrial cavity. 
     
     
         6 . A method as in  claim 2 , where the system alleviates the experience or skill required from the user commonly needed for hysteroscopy in order to image the endometrial cavity. 
     
     
         7 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein the endoscope includes at least one of a reflective element and a refractive element. 
     
     
         8 . A method as in  claim 7 , further comprising performing the imaging using a specific wavelength or a specific bandwidth of light. 
     
     
         9 . A method as in  claim 7 , further comprising performing the imaging using at least one of visible, ultra-violet and infrared wavelength light. 
     
     
         10 . A method as in  claim 7 , further comprising performing the imaging using at least one of reflected imaging, scattered light imaging and florescence imaging of the endometrial cavity.