In-vivo visualization system

Abstract

Several embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to medical visualization systems that comprise combinations of disposable and reusable 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 . An endoscopic device, comprising:
 a handle having an actuation device;   a shaft extending from the handle and having a first lumen and a second lumen, wherein the first lumen is a working channel for receiving a medical instrument;   a tubular member fixed to the shaft and extending within the second lumen; and   an articulation joint attached to a distal end of the shaft, wherein the articulation joint is configured to bend in at least two directions.   
     
     
         35 . The endoscopic device of  claim 34 , wherein the articulation joint includes a first opening at a first longitudinal position in an outer surface of the articulation joint, and wherein the articulation joint is configured to bend at the first longitudinal position. 
     
     
         36 . The endoscopic device of  claim 35 , wherein the articulation joint includes a second opening at a second longitudinal position in the outer surface of the articulation joint, and wherein the articulation joint is configured to bend at the second longitudinal position. 
     
     
         37 . The endoscopic device of  claim 36 , wherein the first opening and the second opening are located on opposite sides of the articulation joint, and each of the first opening and the second opening is V-shaped. 
     
     
         38 . The endoscopic device of  claim 34 , further comprising an imaging device, wherein the second lumen is for receiving at least one cable for the imaging device. 
     
     
         39 . The endoscopic device of  claim 34 , further comprising:
 a plurality of steering lumens extending within the articulation joint; and   a plurality of steering wires, each of the steering wires corresponding to and extending through a respective steering lumen.   
     
     
         40 . The endoscopic device of  claim 34 , wherein the first lumen, the second lumen, and the tubular member extend into the articulation joint. 
     
     
         41 . An endoscopic device, comprising:
 a handle having an actuation device;   a shaft extending from the handle; and   an articulation joint attached to a distal end of the shaft, wherein the articulation joint includes a first opening at a first longitudinal position extending from the outer surface of the articulation joint toward a central axis of the shaft, and wherein the articulation joint is configured to bend at the first longitudinal position.   
     
     
         42 . The endoscopic device of  claim 41 , further comprising:
 a distal tip attached to a distal end of the articulation joint;   a first lumen extending through the shaft and the articulation joint and terminating at a first opening in the distal tip; and   a second lumen extending through the shaft and the articulation joint and terminating at a second opening in the distal tip.   
     
     
         43 . The endoscopic device of  claim 42 , further comprising a tubular member fixed to the shaft and disposed within at least one of the first lumen or the second lumen, wherein the tubular member extends within the shaft and the articulation joint. 
     
     
         44 . The endoscopic device of  claim 42 , further comprising:
 an imaging device attached to the distal tip; and   an imaging cable extending from the imaging device in a proximal direction toward the handle,   wherein a portion of the imaging cable is disposed with the tubular member.   
     
     
         45 . The endoscopic device of  claim 41 , further comprising:
 a plurality of steering lumens extending within the articulation joint; and   a plurality of steering wires, each of the steering wires corresponding to and extending through a respective steering lumen.   
     
     
         46 . The endoscopic device of  claim 45 , wherein a distal end of each of the steering wires is attached to the distal tip, and wherein the articulation joint bends based on a movement of the steering wires in one or more of a proximal direction or a distal direction. 
     
     
         47 . The endoscopic device of  claim 41 , wherein the shaft includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a coiled member disposed within the outer layer and the inner layer. 
     
     
         48 . An endoscopic device, comprising:
 a handle having an actuation device;   a plurality of steering wires extending from the actuation device;   a shaft extending from the handle, the shaft including an imaging channel and a plurality of steering wire lumens;   a tubular member fixed to the shaft and extending within the imaging channel; and   an articulation joint attached to a distal end of the shaft, wherein actuation of the actuating device causes the plurality of steering wires to deflect the articulation joint from a position parallel to a longitudinal axis of the shaft.   
     
     
         49 . The endoscopic device of  claim 48 , further comprising:
 a distal tip attached to a distal end of the articulation joint;   an imaging device attached to the distal tip; and   an imaging cable extending from the imaging device in a proximal direction toward the handle,   wherein a portion of the imaging cable is disposed with the tubular member.   
     
     
         50 . The endoscopic device of  claim 49 , wherein a distal end of each of the plurality of steering wires is attached to the distal tip, and wherein the articulation joint is deflected based on a movement of each of the plurality of steering wires in one or more of a proximal direction or a distal direction 
     
     
         51 . The endoscopic device of  claim 48 , further comprising:
 a first opening at a first longitudinal position on a first side of the shaft; and   a second opening at a second longitudinal position on a second side of the shaft opposite the first side,   wherein the articulation joint bends at the first longitudinal position or the second longitudinal position when the plurality of steering wires deflects the articulation joint.   
     
     
         52 . The endoscopic device of  claim 48 , wherein the shaft includes an outer layer, an inner layer, and a coiled member disposed within the outer layer and the inner layer. 
     
     
         53 . The endoscopic device of  claim 51 , wherein the coiled member includes a braided polymer or a braided wire.