Robotic endoscope with wireless interface

Abstract

An endoscope apparatus and method of operating the same. The endoscope apparatus comprises an endoscope portion and a control and display unit. The endoscope portion preferably comprises: (i) a sensor disposed at a distal end of the endoscope portion and providing endoscope data; (ii) one or more electronically controlled actuators (e.g., electroactive polymer actuators) controlling the operation of the endoscope portion based on received control signals; (iii) a first wireless transceiver coupled to the sensor and the one or more electronically controlled actuators, transmitting received endoscope data from the sensor and forwarding received control signals to the one or more electronically controlled actuators; and (iv) a portable power source (e.g., a battery) coupled to the sensor, the first wireless transceiver, and the one or more electronically controller actuators. The control and display unit preferably comprises: (i) a second wireless transceiver coupled via a wireless link to the first transceiver in the endoscope portion and receiving endoscope data from the first transceiver and transmitting control signals to the first transceiver; (ii) a control portion coupled to the second wireless transceiver and sending control signals to the one or more actuators in the endoscope portion via the first and second wireless transceivers; and (iii) a display portion that displays information received from the sensor via the first and second wireless transceivers. Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for providing single-use endoscopes to one or more hospitals.

Description

[0001] statement of relevant application [0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of US Application Serial No. 09 / 971,419, filed October 5, 2001, entitled "Robotic Endoscope." technical field [0003] The present invention relates to an automatic endoscope, and more particularly, relates to an automatic endoscope suitable for remote control. Background technique [0004] Diagnostic endoscopy is a common procedure in the United States and other countries, probably second only to interventional cardiology in general hospital revenue. [0005] Conventional endoscopy typically uses flexible endoscopes that are manipulated by internal tension wires. These probes typically include devices for illumination, irrigation, and imaging (often with a CCD camera at the distal end), as well as a working channel through which, for example, biopsy forceps, tumor snares, and electrocautery probes can be introduced. device. This device allows physicians to see and treat polyps an...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0006] Even after 20 years of improvements, current endoscopes used in gastroenterology are still complex and expensive

In addition, hospitals must maintain a large inventory of endoscopes on hand

Also, often endoscopes are manually cleaned and sterilized in expensive cleaning machines

As a result, gastroenterology departments in hospitals must invest considerable capital costs in endoscopes and consoles, as well as significant staff time and floor space to store and reprocess endoscopes

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