Surgery – Truss – Perineal
Patent
1990-11-21
1993-02-09
Apley, Richard J.
Surgery
Truss
Perineal
128 4, A61B 106
Patent
active
051846020
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to an endoscope, in particular to an arthroscope having an essentially cylindrical shaft containing optics and optical fibers.
2. Background Information
Such endoscopes are used, in particular in the form of arthroscopes, to examine and treat acute articular joint spaces, and mainly those of the knee joint.
Endoscopes are known, that have an inclined direction of view relative to the optical axis in contrast to straight viewed optical means. The inclined viewing angle makes it possible to substantially widen the viewing area which is set by the direction of insertion by turning the instrument.
It is a disadvantageous fact that the connections, handles and picture analysis systems, in particular the connection piece for the light source, which usually projects radially out from the longitudinal axis of the instrument and the optical fiber cable leading to a light source must also be rotated when the whole instrument is rotated. Because of this the freedom of movement, in particular when implemented for medical use, is substantially impaired. Especially under surgical conditions every conduit which reduces the field of view or the work area acts as a considerable hinderance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of this invention is to improve the ease of handling and at the same time to improve the implementation possibilities of the endoscopes known in the art and as described above.
This object is achieved by providing optics such that, at least at the end request the object to be viewed, the optics are arranged to rotate with respect to the connecting piece.
The invention is based on the realization that by rotating the optical part while the fiber optic light carrier is fixed in position an advantageous possibility exists, to alter the direction of view.
According to the invention, at least the end of the optical means nearer the object is rotatably connected relative to the connection. The rotation angle is preferably 360.degree..
The separate rotatability of the part of the shaft of the endoscope nearer the object enables an allround vision while avoiding that the cable connections, handles and picture analysis or recording devices situated on the ocular side are also undesirably rotated as well.
In accordance with an advantageous feature of the invention the sheath of the endoscope which contains optical means comprises two cylindrically shaped sections, whereby the division between the two sections is preferably situated between two optical elements and thereby allowing the part nearer the object to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the sheath.
The division is located behind the connection for the light source as viewed from the end nearer the object. The part of the endoscope nearer the object comprises the section of the sheath containing optical means nearer the object and a casing arranged concentrically around this section which holds the optical fibers, whereby the section of the sheath nearer the object is rotatable within the casing. The casing which holds the optical fibers is fixed in position relative to the section on the ocular side of the shaft of the endoscope. Only the region of the casing which is nearer the ocular can be rotated. In that way it is guaranteed, that for example picture analysis or picture recording instruments which are installed in the region of the endoscope shaft on the ocular side also are in a fixed position. The rotation of the region of the sheath containing optical means nearer the object also enables an "allround view" due to the sloping direction of view of the implemented optical means.
The rotatable part of the sheath containing optical means preferably stretches as far as a point close to the end facing the operator from where it is easy to handle the instrument. An operational element is preferably situated here which can be reached unproblematically from the outside when the optical fibers which surround the optical means have been previously branched off in a sidew
REFERENCES:
patent: 3297022 (1967-01-01), Wallace
patent: 4153356 (1979-05-01), Hama
patent: 4319563 (1982-03-01), Kubota
patent: 4705023 (1987-11-01), Arai
patent: 4750476 (1988-06-01), Forkner et al.
patent: 4756304 (1988-07-01), Watanabe
patent: 4819620 (1989-04-01), Okutsu
patent: 4874371 (1989-10-01), Comben et al.
Anapliotis Emmanuel
Schich Gisbert
Apley Richard J.
Effner Biomet GmbH
Richard Karen Ann
LandOfFree
Endoscope, in particular an arthroscope does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Endoscope, in particular an arthroscope, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Endoscope, in particular an arthroscope will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-320943