Space-optimized visualization catheter with camera train holder

Abstract

Methods and apparatuses for space-optimized visualization catheters are provided. Some embodiments utilize complimentary metal-oxide-semi-conductor (“CMOS”) technology integrated into a CMOS camera train holder system that may be a stand-alone component for use with a visualization catheter, such as a baby endoscope, or may be fabricated/extruded as a part of the catheter itself. Some embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and equivalents thereto provide better direct visual feedback to the medical personnel performing the procedure while providing a similarly-sized outer diameter visualization catheter device having an increased space therein for additional lumens and equipment or by reducing the overall outer diameter of the visualization catheter.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A visualization system comprising:
 a camera train holder comprising:
 a proximal portion configured to receive a visualization sensor; 
 a distal portion configured to receive a lens stack; 
 an inner surface comprising a circular cross-sectional profile; and 
 an outer surface comprising a semi-circular cross-sectional profile; 
 wherein the camera train holder is configured for coupling to an outer sheath. 
   
     
     
         2 . The visualization system of  claim 1 , further comprising an outer sheath disposed about the outer surface of the camera train holder. 
     
     
         3 . The visualization system of  claim 1 , wherein the camera train holder further comprises a light channel extending through the proximal portion and the distal portion. 
     
     
         4 . The visualization system of  claim 1 , wherein the camera train holder further comprises a flush channel extending through the proximal portion and the distal portion. 
     
     
         5 . The visualization system of  claim 1 , further comprising a visualization sensor coupled to the camera train holder. 
     
     
         6 . The visualization system of  claim 1 , further comprising a lens stack coupled to the camera train holder. 
     
     
         7 . The visualization system of  claim 1 , further comprising an outer sheath comprising a working channel, wherein the working channel is coupled through the camera train holder. 
     
     
         8 . The visualization system of  claim 1 , further comprising a light fiber in communication with the camera train holder. 
     
     
         9 . A visualization system comprising:
 a camera train holder comprising:
 a proximal portion configured to receive a visualization sensor; 
 a distal portion configured to receive a lens stack; 
 a working channel extending through the proximal portion and the distal portion; 
 a light lumen extending through the proximal portion and the distal portion configured for accepting a light fiber; 
 wherein the camera train holder is configured for coupling within a lumen of an outer sheath. 
   
     
     
         10 . The visualization system of  claim 9 , further comprising an outer sheath disposed about the camera train holder. 
     
     
         11 . The visualization system of  claim 9 , further comprising the light fiber extending through the light lumen of the camera train holder. 
     
     
         12 . The visualization system of  claim 9 , wherein the camera train holder further comprises a flush lumen extending through the proximal portion and the distal portion. 
     
     
         13 . The visualization system of  claim 9 , wherein the camera train holder further comprises a lens stack flanked by a visualization sensor. 
     
     
         14 . The visualization system of  claim 13 , wherein the visualization sensor comprises a CMOS sensor. 
     
     
         15 . The visualization system of  claim 9 , further comprising an outer sheath coupled to the camera train holder, wherein a portion of the camera train holder overlaps a portion of the outer sheath. 
     
     
         16 . The visualization system of  claim 9 , wherein the camera train holder further comprises an inner surface comprising a circular cross-sectional profile and an outer surface comprising a semi-circular cross-sectional profile. 
     
     
         17 . A method of assembling a visualization catheter comprising:
 providing a camera train holder comprising:
 a proximal portion configured to receive a visualization sensor; 
 a distal portion configured to receive a lens stack; 
   providing an outer sheath comprising a lumen extending through a proximal outer sheath portion and a distal outer sheath portion;   coupling a CMOS sensor and lens stack to the camera train holder.   inserting the camera train holder into the lumen of the distal outer sheath portion.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the camera train holder further comprises an inner surface comprising a circular cross-sectional profile and an outer surface comprising a semi-circular cross-sectional profile. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the camera train holder further comprises a working channel extending through the proximal portion and the distal portion. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the camera train holder further comprises a light lumen extending through the proximal portion and the distal portion, wherein the light lumen is configured for accepting a light fiber.