Optical scanning module and means for attaching the module to medical instruments for introducing the module into the anatomy

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9125552-B2
Application number	US-83095307-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jul 31, 2007
Priority date	Jul 31, 2007
Publication date	Sep 8, 2015
Grant date	Sep 8, 2015

Abstract

A module for attachment to a medical instrument to scan the anatomy with a beam of radiation. The module comprising a housing suitable for insertion in the anatomy that includes a window and a fastener to attach the housing to a medical instrument, an oscillating reflector within the housing that directs a beam of radiation onto the anatomy, and a collector to receive radiation returned from the anatomy.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A medical instrument for scanning the anatomy with a beam of radiation, the medical instrument comprising:
a medical instrument portion that is insertable into a portion of the anatomy; and
a module, the module comprising:
a housing suitable for insertion in the anatomy that includes a window and a fastener to attach the housing to the medical instrument portion such that the module is carried along with the insertable portion of the medical instrument;
an oscillating reflector within the housing that directs a beam of radiation onto the anatomy; and
a radiation collector to receive radiation returned from the anatomy including a detector or collecting fibers connectable to a detector;

wherein the fastener is a linkage having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end of the linkage is attached to the module and the proximal end is pivotally attached to the medical instrument portion;
wherein the linkage comprises first linking members and second linking members disposed on each side of the medical instrument, the first linking members including a shape memory alloy actuator capable of applying a lifting force to move the module by pivoting the linkage about its proximal end.

2. The module of claim 1 wherein in an insertable configuration, the medical instrument includes a longitudinal axis and the module extends from the distal end of the insertable portion of the medical instrument along the longitudinal axis.

3. The module of claim 2 wherein the module is pivotally attached to the distal end of the linkage such that the module can be positioned in a plurality of positions to scan the anatomy.

4. The module of claim 1 wherein the second linking members include a spring elastically opposing the actuator-applied lifting force such that movement of the module is reversible upon removal of the lifting force.

5. The module of claim 4 wherein the shape memory alloy actuator contracts in response to a DC current applied to the shape memory alloy of the actuator.

6. The module of claim 1 wherein the medical instrument is an endoscope.

7. A medical instrument for use with a scanning beam device, the medical instrument comprising:
a medical instrument shaft that is insertable in the anatomy having a distal penetrating tip, a distal end and a proximal end, and a passageway therethrough extending from the proximal end to the distal end; and
a module positioned within the distal end of the medical instrument shaft to scan the anatomy and deployable into the anatomy through the passageway, the passageway being configured to receive the module proximally from the distal penetrating tip, the module comprising:
an oscillating reflector that directs a beam of radiation on the anatomy in a bi-resonant or bi-sinusoidal scan pattern; and
a radiation collector to receive radiation returned from the anatomy including a detector or collecting fibers connectable to a detector; and

a cable extending through the passageway from the module to a scanning beam device, the cable including a counterweight attached to the cable for applying tension to the module after the module has been deployed.

8. A surgical instrument for use with a scanning beam device, the surgical instrument comprising:
an elongate surgical instrument shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, and a channel therethrough, the shaft including a module for scanning the anatomy positioned in the distal end thereof, the module comprising;
a resonant reflector that directs a beam of radiation on the anatomy in a bi-resonant or bi-sinusoidal scan pattern; and
a radiation collector to receive radiation returned from the anatomy including a detector or collecting fibers connectable to a detector;

a plurality of jaw members pivotally disposed on the distal end of the shaft such that the jaw members pivot about a fixed point that is fixed to the distal end of the shaft, the jaw members including grasping or cutting elements positioned in an opposed facing relationship; and
a handle at the proximal end of the shaft operatively configured to open and close the jaw members;
wherein the resonant reflector is disposed between the jaw members and distally from a pivot axis of at least one of the plurality of jaw members, and positioned to scan between the jaw members whether open or closed.

9. A surgical stapler comprising:
a handle portion operably configured to produce a firing motion;
a shaft attached to the handle portion for transferring the firing motion for deploying a staple, the shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a working channel therein;
the shaft including a module for scanning the anatomy, the module being positioned within the working channel at the distal end of the shaft, the module comprising;
a resonant reflector that directs a beam of radiation on the anatomy in a bi-resonant or bi-sinusoidal scan pattern; and
a radiation collector to receive radiation returned from the anatomy including a detector or collecting fibers connectable to a detector;

a surgical stapler end effector distally attached to the shaft, the end effector including a plurality of surgical staples which are deployed in response to the firing motion; and
a firing mechanism responsive to the firing motion that transfers the firing motion to the end effector;
wherein the resonant reflector is positioned to scan the portion of the anatomy that is receivable in the end effector.

Assignees

• Dunki-Jacobs Robert J
• Byrum Randal T
• Sheetz Jane A
• Conlon Sean P
• Youmans David C
• Trusty Robert M
• Bally Kurt R
• Long Gary L
• Ritchie Paul G
• Cropper Michael S
• Huitema Thomas W
• White Bradley E
• Ethicon Endo Surgery Inc

Inventors

• Dunki-Jacobs Robert J
• Byrum Randal T
• Sheetz Jane A
• Conlon Sean P
• Youmans David C
• Trusty Robert M
• Bally Kurt R
• Long Gary L
• Ritchie Paul G
• Cropper Michael S
• Huitema Thomas W
• White Bradley E

Classifications

• A61B1/00096 Primary

  Optical elements · CPC title

• A61B17/29

  Forceps for use in minimally invasive surgery · CPC title

• A61B1/00172

  with means for scanning · CPC title

• A61B5/0084

  for introduction into the body, e.g. by catheters (A61B5/1459 takes precedence) · CPC title

• A61B1/00183

  for variable viewing angles · CPC title