Surgery – Diagnostic testing – Detecting nuclear – electromagnetic – or ultrasonic radiation
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-29
2001-02-06
Casler, Brian L. (Department: 3737)
Surgery
Diagnostic testing
Detecting nuclear, electromagnetic, or ultrasonic radiation
C600S476000, C600S473000, C600S478000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06185443
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to interventional devices for use in a body. More particularly, the invention relates to a visible display located at the distal end of an interventional device for use in a body.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Interventional devices are used to perform minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The interventional device can include, without limitation, a catheter, an endoscope, a guide wire, a needle or an introducer. Endoscopes, for example, provide high-resolution detailed views of internal organs and body cavities. Typically, catheters and other interventional devices are used in conjunction with endoscopes to provide an auxiliary diagnostic or therapeutic capability. Positioning and guidance of the interventional device is accomplished readily by direct observation.
Recently, optical biopsy, ultrasound, and other sensor-based diagnostic devices have been incorporated into the interventional device which is used in conjunction with an endoscope and an auxiliary viewing, analysis or externally indicating console. These devices can include an image overlay, numeric data, or other information needed to quantify or recognize a biological (or morphological) region or condition. Attempts have been made to overlay this information onto existing video displays commonly used with endoscopes to provide an image that is easier to interpret and does not require the switching of display screens or otherwise divert the attention of the doctor to other indicia. Adoption of these displays has been slow, however, due to the need to hardwire attachments and other electronics onto existing devices. The adoption process has been further slowed by the need for extensive testing of these attachments to obtain regulatory approvals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to display the additionally available information (e.g., an image, data, or graphical display) within the field of view provided by available interventional devices without the need for device modifications. It is another object of the invention to provide a display which can be included within the interventional device. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a display that is easy to use, requires minimal integration into interventional devices, and readily adaptable to a variety of interventional devices. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a display in conjunction with other integrated imaging, sensing or therapeutic devices cost-effectively and with minimum support hardware or capital equipment. It is yet another object of the invention to provide for disposability and modularity which are beneficial for all interventional devices.
The present invention realizes the foregoing objects and provides additional capabilities, benefits and features. In one aspect, the invention features a display located on a distal end of an interventional device. The display includes an indicator for providing a signal indicative of a bodily condition. The indicator provides a visible signal indicative of the bodily condition within a pre-existing field of view of the interventional device or of a remote display system. The indicator can comprise at least one of the following light emitters (a) a light emitting diode, (b) a liquid crystal display, or (c) a projection display. The indicator can also comprises at least one of the following (a) an optical emitter, (b) a chemical indicator, or (c) a polymeric emitter. The chemical indicator can comprise litmus paper, and the polymeric emitter can comprise at least one organic light emitting diode.
In a detailed embodiment, the display can also include a power source and a sensing system located in the distal end of the interventional device. The power source provides power to the display and can be a small battery. The sensing system provides a signal indicative of the sensed bodily condition to the indicator. The sensing system comprises a sensor or a light source in combination with a light detector. The detector is adapted for monitoring light emissions from the light source. A filter can be disposed adjacent the detector for selectively detecting light emissions having a pre-determined wavelength. Multiple batteries, sensors, light sources, light detectors and filters can be used.
In another aspect, the invention features an interventional device comprising an elongated member and a display. The elongated member is insertible into a body for diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures. A sensing system disposed in the distal end of the elongated member senses a bodily condition. The display is located on a distal end of the elongated member and is coupled to the sensing system for receiving the sensed bodily condition. The display provides a signal indicative of the sensed bodily condition.
The display can include an indicator for providing the signal indicative of the bodily condition within a pre-existing field of view of the interventional device or of a remote display system. The indicator can comprise at least one of the following (a) a light remitter, (b) an optical emitter, (c) a chemical indicator, or (d) a polymeric emitter.
The interventional device can also include a power source and a sensing system located in the distal end of the interventional device. The power source provides power to the display. The sensing system comprises a sensor or a light source in combination with a light detector. A filter disposed adjacent the detector selectively detects light emissions having a pre-determined wavelength. Multiple power sources, sensors, light sources, light detectors and filters can be used.
In yet another aspect, the invention features a method for observing a signal indicative of a bodily condition. An interventional device having a display located on a distal end thereof is inserted into a body. The interventional device contacts tissue in the body to sense a bodily condition therefrom. A signal indicative of the sensed bodily condition can be viewed on the display.
In yet another aspect, the invention features a method for displaying a signal indicative of a bodily condition. An interventional device having a display located on a distal end thereof is inserted into a body. The interventional device is manipulated to contact a region in the body for sensing a bodily condition therefrom. A signal indicative of the sensed bodily condition can be viewed on the display within a pre-existing field of view.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2002559 (1935-05-01), Wappler
patent: 2583937 (1952-01-01), Fossati
patent: 3176114 (1965-03-01), Kneisley
patent: 4233493 (1980-11-01), Nath
patent: 4274706 (1981-06-01), Tangonan
patent: 4289966 (1981-09-01), Roberts
patent: 4340307 (1982-07-01), Diamond et al.
patent: 4472728 (1984-09-01), Grant et al.
patent: 4541272 (1985-09-01), Bause
patent: 4548505 (1985-10-01), Ono
patent: 4556057 (1985-12-01), Hiruma et al.
patent: 4560286 (1985-12-01), Wickersheim
patent: 4570638 (1986-02-01), Stoddart et al.
patent: 4578061 (1986-03-01), Lemelson
patent: 4672972 (1987-06-01), Berke
patent: 4718417 (1988-01-01), Kittrell et al.
patent: 4803992 (1989-02-01), Lemelson
patent: 4813790 (1989-03-01), Frankel et al.
patent: 4872458 (1989-10-01), Kanshira et al.
patent: 4882623 (1989-11-01), Uchikubo
patent: 4894547 (1990-01-01), Leffell et al.
patent: 4895156 (1990-01-01), Schulze
patent: 4898175 (1990-02-01), Noguchi
patent: 4902896 (1990-02-01), Fertig, Sr. et al.
patent: 4928172 (1990-05-01), Uehara et al.
patent: 4930516 (1990-06-01), Alfano et al.
patent: 4938602 (1990-07-01), May et al.
patent: 4981138 (1991-01-01), Deckelbaum et al.
patent: 5001556 (1991-03-01), Nakamura et al.
patent: 5009655 (1991-04-01), Daignault, Jr. et al.
patent: 5021888 (1991-06-01), Kondou et al.
patent: 5034010 (1991-07-01), Kittrell et al.
patent: 5036853 (1991-08-01), Jeffcoat et al.
patent: 5042494 (1991-08-01), Alfano
patent: 5045056 (1991-09-01), Behl
patent: 5056503 (1991-10-01), Nagasaki et al.
patent: 5062428 (1991-11-01), Chance
patent: 5106387 (1992-04
Boston Scientific Corporation
Casler Brian L.
Testa Hurwitz & Thibeault LLP
LandOfFree
Visible display for an interventional device does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Visible display for an interventional device, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Visible display for an interventional device will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2593560