Miniature endoscope system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a small diameter imaging probe or endoscope, a solid state imaging device, and a light transmitting path that collects light at a distal end of the probe and directs the light along the length of the probe to the imaging device. The invention also relates to a small diameter endoscope having a light transmitting path with a light absorbing layer and a super clad layer defining the image aperture. The invention relates to a small diameter endoscope system for imaging of objects or tissue within a body. An image relay is used to couple image light between optical elements of the probe such that an image is detected by an imaging sensor at a proximal end of the device.

1 . A disposal sheath for endoscopic imaging comprising:
 a sheath assembly for diagnostic imaging, the sheath assembly including an imaging channel having a diameter in a range of 0.6 mm to 1.6 mm, the sheath assembly further having a diameter less than 2 mm;   a fiber optic illumination channel within the sheath assembly that is concentric about the imaging channel, the sheath assembly including a mounting hub attachable to an endoscope handle, the illumination channel having a thickness in a range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm; and   a sterile barrier attached to the mounting hub that can be extended over an endoscope handle.   
     
     
         2 . The disposable sheath of  claim 1  wherein the imaging channel further comprises a proximal lens. 
     
     
         3 . The disposable sheath of  claim 1  wherein the imaging channel comprises a cavity. 
     
     
         4 . The disposable sheath of  claim 1  wherein the imaging channel comprises a glass rod. 
     
     
         5 . The disposable sheath of  claim 1  wherein the illumination channel further comprises a coating. 
     
     
         6 . The disposable sheath of  claim 3  further comprising a light absorbing layer around the cavity. 
     
     
         7 . The disposable sheath of  claim 1  wherein the illumination channel is coupled to a light source with a fiber optic connector. 
     
     
         8 . The disposable sheath of  claim 7  further comprising an endoscope handle having an imaging device for arthroscopic examination. 
     
     
         9 . The disposable sheath of  claim 1  wherein the sheath assembly further comprises a cannula. 
     
     
         10 . An endoscope comprising the disposable sheath of  claim 1  and further including an endoscope handle, and imaging device within the handle that an image from the imaging channel, the image being formed with a first lens at a distal end of the imaging channel and a second lens at a proximal end of the imaging channel. 
     
     
         11 . The endoscope of  claim 10  further comprising a cable connecting the endoscope handle to a computer and a display device. 
     
     
         12 . The disposable sheath of  claim 1  wherein the illumination channel comprises a polymer outer layer. 
     
     
         13 . The disposable sheath of  claim 12  wherein the polymer out layer is extended. 
     
     
         14 . A method of using a sheath assembly for an endoscope comprising:
 attaching a sheath assembly for diagnostic imaging to an endoscope handle, the sheath assembly including an imaging channel having a diameter in a range of 0.6 mm to 1.6 mm, the sheath assembly further having a diameter less than 2 mm and a mounting hub;   coupling light into a fiber optic illumination channel within the sheath assembly that is concentric about the imaging channel, the illumination channel having a thickness in a range of 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm;   extending a sterile barrier attached to the mounting hub over the endoscope handle; and   imaging a region within a body with the sheath assembly and endoscope handle.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising actuating a light source in the endoscope handle that is coupled to the fiber optic illumination channel within the sheath assembly. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising coupling an image to an imaging device in the handle using a proximal lens on the imaging channel. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising coupling an image to an imaging device in the handle through a cavity in the channel. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising imaging with the imaging channel that comprises a glass rod. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising illuminating the region through an illumination channel that further includes a coating. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  further comprising imaging using a light absorbing layer around the cavity. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising coupling a light source to the illumination channel with a fiber optic connector. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising conducting an arthroscopic examination with the endoscope and sheath assembly. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising coupling a cannula to the sheath assembly. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising detaching the sheath assembly from the handle and attaching a second sheath assembly. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising imaging a surgical site with an imaging device in the handle.