In-vivo visualization system

Abstract

Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and resuable components, such as catheters, functional handles, hubs, optical devices, etc. Other embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to features and aspects of an in-vivo visualization system that comprises an endoscope having a working channel through which a catheter having viewing capabilities is routed. The catheter may obtain viewing capabilities by being constructed as a vision catheter or by having a fiberscope or other viewing device selectively routed through one of its channels. The catheter is preferably of the steerable type so that the distal end of the catheter may be steered from its proximal end as it is advanced with the body. A suitable use for the in-vivo visualization system includes but is not limited to diagnosis and/or treatment of the duodenum, and particularly the biliary tree.

1 - 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . A medical device system, comprising:
 an endoscopic device, comprising:
 an endoscopic shaft including a steering section, a working channel, and a viewing channel configured to receive an optical device; and 
 an endoscopic handle coupled to the endoscopic shaft and including a steering mechanism configured to move the steering section; 
   a medical assembly, comprising:
 an elongate shaft configured for passage through the working channel, wherein the elongate shaft includes an articulation section; and 
 a medical handle coupled to the elongate shaft and including an articulation mechanism configured to move the articulation section; and 
   a bar configured to moveably couple the medical assembly to the endoscopic device to permit relative movement between the medical handle and the endoscopic handle.   
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 34 , wherein the bar includes a rigid bar member extending outward from the endoscopic device. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein the bar member includes a longitudinal axis fixedly positioned at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscopic handle. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 36 , wherein the longitudinal axis of the bar member is aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the medical handle. 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein the bar member is fixedly connected to the endoscopic device via a bracket. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 34 , wherein the endoscopic handle includes a locking mechanism configured to limit movement of the steering section. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 34 , wherein the endoscopic device further includes an endoscopic control member connected to the steering section and the steering mechanism such that movement of the steering mechanism relative to the endoscopic handle moves the endoscopic control member and the steering section. 
     
     
         41 . The system of  claim 34 , wherein the medical assembly further includes an elongate control member connected to the articulation section and the articulation mechanism such that movement of the articulation mechanism relative to the medical handle moves the elongate control member and the articulation section. 
     
     
         42 . The system of  claim 34 , wherein the elongate shaft of the medical assembly includes at least one channel. 
     
     
         43 . The system of  claim 34 , wherein articulation mechanism includes a joystick pivotally mounted to the medical handle. 
     
     
         44 . The system of  claim 34 , further including an extension located between the endoscopic device and the medical handle, wherein the extension includes a throughbore configured to receive the bar. 
     
     
         45 . A medical device system, comprising:
 an endoscopic device, comprising:
 an endoscopic shaft including an steering section, a working channel, and a viewing channel configured to receive an optical device; 
 an endoscopic handle coupled to the endoscopic shaft and including a steering mechanism configured to move the steering section; and 
 a port in communication with the working channel; and 
   a medical assembly, comprising:
 an elongate shaft configured for passage through the working channel, wherein the elongate shaft includes an articulation section; 
 a medical handle coupled to the elongate shaft and including an articulation mechanism configured to move the articulation section; and 
 wherein the medical assembly is selectively attached to the port. 
   
     
     
         46 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the medical handle has a longitudinal axis aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the port and the longitudinal axis of the port is positioned at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscopic handle. 
     
     
         47 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the port includes a rigid extension tube configured to receive the medical assembly. 
     
     
         48 . The system of  claim 47 , wherein the medical assembly includes a connector fitting configured for placement within the extension tube. 
     
     
         49 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein the connector fitting is located about a proximal region of the elongate shaft. 
     
     
         50 . The system of  claim 49 , wherein the connector fitting has an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the elongate shaft. 
     
     
         51 . The system of  claim 48 , wherein the connector fitting is located between the elongate shaft and the medical handle. 
     
     
         52 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the port is located distal to the steering mechanism. 
     
     
         53 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the elongate shaft includes a flexible segment and a rigid segment located proximal to the flexible segment. 
     
     
         54 . The system of  claim 45 , wherein the port includes a lumen and the medical assembly is slidingly attached to the lumen of the port.