Endoscopic system for optimized visualization

Abstract

This invention may be directed to an endoscopic device. The endoscopic device comprising an elongate member having a distal end, and a cap positioned at the distal end. The cap may have a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end may define at least one recess that does not extend through the cap to the distal end of the cap. The endoscopic device may further include at least one illumination device disposed in the at least one recess.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An endoscopic device comprising:
 an elongate member having a distal end;   a cap positioned at the distal end, the cap having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end defining at least one recess that does not extend through the cap to the distal end of the cap; and   at least one illumination device disposed in the at least one recess.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cap includes a translucent material. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cap is filled with material configured to scatter light. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cap is opaque and includes a transparent portion in the recess. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cap includes an opening extending from the proximal end of the cap to the distal end of the cap, and wherein a lighting device is disposed in the opening. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the lighting device is an optic fiber configured to provide down field illumination. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further including an imaging device at the distal end of the elongate member, wherein the imaging device is received in a viewing port of the cap. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the cap includes a rim that extends over the distal end of the elongate member. 
     
     
         9 . A cap for an endoscopic device, comprising:
 a body defining a lumen extending through the body from a proximal end of the body to a distal end of the body; and   at least one recess extending into the body from a proximal end to a position within the body.   
     
     
         10 . The cap of  claim 9 , wherein the body is filled with material so as to diffuse light. 
     
     
         11 . The cap of  claim 9 , wherein the body is translucent. 
     
     
         12 . The cap of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one recess is arranged at a periphery of the body. 
     
     
         13 . The cap of  claim 9 , wherein the at least one recess has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the lumen. 
     
     
         14 . The cap of  claim 9 , further including at least one cooling channel. 
     
     
         15 . The cap of  claim 9 , further including a viewing port extending from the proximal end of the body to the distal end of the body. 
     
     
         16 . A method of using an endoscopic device, comprising:
 inserting a distal portion of an endoscopic device into a body, the endoscopic device including:   an elongate member having a distal end;   a cap positioned at the distal end of the elongate member, the cap having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end defining at least one recess that does not extend through the cap to the distal end; and   at least one illumination device disposed in the at least one recess;   positioning the distal portion of the endoscopic device proximate a work site within the body; and   activating the at least one illumination device to provide diffused illumination at the worksite.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the endoscopic device further includes a lighting device disposed in an opening of the cap to provide down field illumination. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the cap is filled with material configured to scatter light. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the cap is translucent. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the endoscopic device further includes an imaging device, and further including activating the imaging device to view the work site.