Multi-use scope

Abstract

An endoscope/triplescope (combined gastroscope, bronchoscope, laryngoscope) device and/or system includes an endoscope having an outer diameter of less than about 4.0 millimeters, in particular less than about 3.5 millimeters, that allows high resolution viewing having a distal element including an optical element that allows four way tip deflection. Further, the device may include a scope stiffening apparatus to minimize the endoscopes flexibility when needed, a foot and hand activation to allow air/water insufflation and image/video capture, a light source, an interior conduit having a diameter greater than about 2 mm, one or more sensor arrays, audio elements for transcription of report, sensors to measure body cavity findings.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device comprising:
 a control element comprising:
 one or more ports; 
 one or more interface elements; and 
 one or more indicators; 
   an elongated element coupled to the control element and having a cross-sectional outer diameter of less than about 3.5 millimeter, comprising:
 a non-collapsible conduit having a diameter in a range between about 1.0 to about 2.5 millimeter in diameter; 
   a distal element coupled to the elongated element comprising:
 an illumination element; and 
   an optical element for transmitting data encoding images and/or video to an external display.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the diameter of the non-collapsible conduit is in a range between about 1.3 to about 2.2 millimeter. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the control element is optionally removable. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein at least one of the interface elements of the control element is a four-way or greater distal element control mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the diameter of the non-collapsible conduit is in a range between about 1.3 to about 2.2 millimeter. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a voice activated and voice dictation reporting system. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the display comprises at least one of a video monitor, wearable electronics, and video goggles. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the optical element is configured to transmit data using at least one of a wired and a wireless transmission. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the optical element has a field of view of at least eighty-five degrees and a depth of view of greater than 5 mm. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the optical element has a field of view of at least eighty-five degrees and a depth of view of greater than 100 mm. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a sound interface in the control element coupled to a computer system to allow dictation of a users voice or voice activation of its features. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising an distance and location sensor that interfaces a computer system to note location and distance of scope from insertion point of scope. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12  wherein the distance and location sensor interacts with at least one of a sensor or marker positioned on a patient during use. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a sensor that measures the luminal diameter and surface features of the body cavity the scope is visualizing 
     
     
         15 . A system comprising:
 a removable control element comprising:
 one or more ports; 
 one or more interface elements; and 
 one or more indicators; 
   an elongated element coupled to the control element having a cross-sectional outer diameter of less than four millimeter, comprising:
 a channel having a diameter of in a range between 1.3 mm to 2.2 mm; 
   a distal element comprising:
 an illumination element; 
 an optical element; and 
   a computer control unit comprising:
 one or more device drivers; 
   a computer; and   a display element.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15  further comprising an audio element. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  further comprising a sensor array. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15  further comprising an illumination source. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , where at least one interface element is configured to send data from at least one of the optical element, the audio element and the sensor array to a computer. 
     
     
         20 . A system comprising:
 an elongated element having an outer diameter of less than four millimeter, comprising:
 a channel having a diameter of at least 1.3 mm and not greater than 2.2 mm; and 
 a conduit that can be used as a feeding tube; 
   a distal element comprising:
 an illumination element; 
 an optical element; and 
   a computer control unit comprising:   a computer; and   a display element.