Fully integrated, disposable tissue visualization device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fully integrated sterilizable one time use disposable tissue visualization device and methods for using such devices. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate the visualization of an internal tissue site while causing a minimum of damage to the surrounding tissue. Further preferred embodiments may allow for the delivery of fluids and other treatment to an internal tissue site.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An integrated, one time use disposable tissue visualization device, comprising:
 a handle;   an elongate rigid tubular probe, extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end affixed to the handle, and a distal end having a sharpened tip;   an image sensor in the handle;   an elongate imaging fiber extending through the probe, the imaging fiber having a proximal end in optical communication with the sensor and a distal end;   a control on the handle, for axially moving the tubular probe between a proximal position in which the sharpened tip is proximal to the distal end of the optical element, and a distal position in which the sharpened tip is distal to the distal end of the optical element;   a lens in optical communication with the distal end of the imaging fiber, and   a mask on the lens, the mask comprising an annular barrier for blocking visible light, surrounding an optically transparent window for increasing a depth of field perceived by the image sensor.   
     
     
         2 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the tubular probe is provided with a lateral deflection. 
     
     
         3 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 1 , further comprising an image capture control on the handle. 
     
     
         4 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 2 , wherein the deflection is in a first direction relative to the longitudinal axis, and the cord is attached to the handle at a second direction relative to the longitudinal axis, approximately 180 degrees offset from the first direction. 
     
     
         5 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 2 , wherein axial proximal movement of the tubular probe deflects the distal end of the optical element laterally by at least about 1 degree. 
     
     
         6 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 1 , wherein the lens has an outside diameter of no more than about 0.75 mm. 
     
     
         7 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 1 , wherein the lens has an outside diameter of no more than about 0.5 mm. 
     
     
         8 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 6 , wherein the window has a diameter within the range of from about 50 microns to about 300 microns. 
     
     
         9 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 8 , wherein the window has a diameter within the range of from about 100 microns to about 200 microns. 
     
     
         10 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 8 , wherein the lens comprises a gradient-index optics lens with a flat distal surface. 
     
     
         11 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 10 , further comprising a plurality of axially extending illumination fibers spaced circumferentially apart around the lens. 
     
     
         12 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 1 , wherein the mask comprises a thin film coating. 
     
     
         13 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 1 , wherein the mask comprises a low reflectance chrome coating. 
     
     
         14 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 1 , comprising an annular lumen extending the length of the tubular probe, and positioned in between the imaging fiber and an inside surface of the elongate probe. 
     
     
         15 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 14 , wherein the lumen is in communication with an injection or aspiration port on the handle. 
     
     
         16 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 1 , wherein the mask has a transmission of light in the visible range of no more than about 10%. 
     
     
         17 . The tissue visualization device of  claim 16 , wherein the mask has a transmission of light in the visible range of no more than about 5%. 
     
     
         18 . A distal end assembly for an elongate viewing instrument, comprising:
 an imaging fiber bundle, having a fiber bundle distal end;   a lens, optically coupled to the distal end of the fiber bundle, the lens having a lens distal end;   a non powered plate, optically coupled to the lens distal end; and   a mask in between the lens and the plate, the mask comprising an annular barrier for blocking visible light, surrounding an optically transparent window through the plate for increasing a depth of field perceived by the viewing instrument.   
     
     
         19 . A distal end assembly as in  claim 18 , wherein the mask is carried by the plate. 
     
     
         20 . A tissue visualization device, comprising:
 a handle;   an elongate tubular probe, extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end affixed to the handle, and a distal end having a sharpened tip;   an image sensor in the handle;   an elongate imaging fiber extending through the probe, the imaging fiber having a proximal end in optical communication with the sensor and a distal end;   a lens in optical communication with the distal end of the imaging fiber, and   a mask in optical communication with the lens, the mask comprising an annular barrier for blocking visible light, surrounding an optically transparent window for increasing a depth of field perceived by the image sensor;   wherein the mask resides in a plane which is spaced apart along an optical path from a focus point for the lens.