Portable imaging system employing a miniature endoscope

Abstract

A cart or man-portable system and method for performing endoscopic procedures is provided. A portable display device, such as a laptop computer, is coupled to a handle comprising a miniature camera and fiber optic illumination subsystem. A sterile disposable portion is fitted over the illumination subsystem and inserted into a target area on a patient. Images of the target area are conveyed from the camera to the display device while an endoscopic procedure is performed, thus facilitating real-time diagnosis during the procedure.

1 - 45 . (canceled) 
     
     
         46 . A small diameter endoscope for viewing within a mammalian body comprising:
 an endoscope having a handle connected to a tubular probe for insertion through the skin of a patient, the tubular probe having a diameter of less than  2  mm wherein the endoscope includes an imaging device, a processor and an LED light source; and   a lens at the distal end of the tubular probe that couples an image to the imaging device;   a fluid delivery port; and   a cannula wherein the tubular probe is inserted through the cannula.   
     
     
         47 . The endoscope of  claim 46  further comprising a disposable sheath that encloses a fiber optic imaging tube when the sheath is detachably connected to the handle with a connector, the disposable sheath further including a sheath base and an annular illumination channel having a plurality of optical fibers that are optically coupled with a fiber optic bundle in the sheath base to the light interface. 
     
     
         48 . The probe of  claim 46  further comprising red, green and blue light emitting diodes. 
     
     
         49 . The probe of  claim 46  further comprising laser light source, wherein the laser comprises a gallium nitride diode laser. 
     
     
         50 . The probe of  claim 46  further comprising a battery, an antenna, a wireless receiver and a wireless transmitter that transmits video images to a control unit. 
     
     
         51 . The probe of  claim 46  further comprising of power regulation circuit connected to a battery, the LED light source, the processor and the imaging device. 
     
     
         52 . The probe of  claim 46  further comprising a disposable sheath having a concentric optical fiber array that fills a cavity between an inner tube and an outer tube having a diameter less than 2 mm. 
     
     
         53 . The probe of  claim 46  wherein the probe comprises an imaging fiber bundle that is rigidly connected to the handle, a proximal end of the imaging fiber bundle being optically coupled to the optical coupler. 
     
     
         54 . The probe of  claim 46  wherein the probe comprises imaging tube is detachable from the handle. 
     
     
         55 . The probe of  claim 46  wherein the endoscope is insertable into an orthopedic joint in a body for imaging of the joint without a distending fluid. 
     
     
         56 . The probe of  claim 46  further comprising a second lens that optically couples images to the imaging device. 
     
     
         57 . The probe of  claim 46  wherein the handle is electrically connected to the base unit. 
     
     
         58 . The probe of  claim 57  wherein the base unit comprises a battery charger, a network connection; a transmitter; and/or a facsimile device. 
     
     
         59 . The probe of  claim 46  further comprising a cable connecting the handle to a computer. 
     
     
         60 . The probe of  claim 59  wherein the computer controls operation of the handle. 
     
     
         61 . The probe of  claim 60  wherein the computer comprises a laptop computer and a display. 
     
     
         62 . The probe of  claim 46  wherein the imaging device comprises a CMOS imaging device. 
     
     
         63 . The probe of  claim 46  wherein the imaging device detects light in a range of 300 nm to 1900 nm. 
     
     
         64 . The probe of  claim 46  further comprising an identification circuit that identifies the endoscope. 
     
     
         65 . The probe of  claim 46  wherein the endoscope includes a sheath that comprises an electronic identifier. 
     
     
         66 . The probe of  claim 46  further comprising a cutting element to collect tissue samples. 
     
     
         67 . The probe of  claim 46  wherein the endoscope includes a lens, a mirror or a prism at a distal end for side viewing. 
     
     
         68 . The probe of  claim 46  wherein the endoscope is between 50 mm and 2500 mm in length. 
     
     
         69 . The probe of  claim 46  further comprising a fluid delivery channel for delivering medication or imaging dye to a region of interest in a body lumen or cavity. 
     
     
         70 . The probe of  claim 46  further comprising a control panel on the handle.