Intelligent endoscopy systems and methods

Abstract

Endoscope sheaths and associated endoscopy data collection and analysis systems and methods are described. In one implementation an endoscope sheath include a body and one or more sensors disposed in the body. The sheath may further include a leak detection apparatus configured to detect leaks in the sheath body. In addition, the sheath may include actuator apparatus, such as a balloon catheter or other surgical instrument. Data from the endoscope and endoscope sheath may be collected, fused and displayed for use in medical procedures and / or analysis.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to endoscopy and endoscope sheaths. More particularly but not exclusively, the invention relates to endoscopy sheath apparatus and methods aided by sensors such as pressure, temperature, position detection sensors, leak detection sensors, acoustic sensors and / or other types of sensors, as well as actuators such as balloon actuators, catheters and / or surgical instrument actuators.BACKGROUNDEndoscopy has been used for a variety of diagnostic and surgical procedures in the medical field, as well as other non-medical fields, for many years. In a typical medical endoscopy procedure, an endoscope, which commonly includes a body having flexible and / or rigid structural elements along with an imaging element such as a camera and / or lens assembly and lighting, is inserted into a body orifice such as the nose, throat, or rectum and is then positioned to view conditions inside the body. Some endoscopes are configured in an ingestible...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Currently used endoscope sheaths are costly, one time use disposable components that primarily act as passive covers for the endoscope, without providing any additional diagnostic functionality.

Moreover, in many cases, endoscope sheaths may act to limit or inhibit endoscope functionality by imposing a barrier between the endoscope and the patient's body part being examined.

For example, components incorporated into the endoscope, such as imaging elements, may have reduced optical performance due to the sheath and condensation that may occur between the sheath and the endoscope lens.

While sheaths have been used for some time in endoscopy, they have not been used to provide other sensory inputs or actuator functions to improve diagnosis and treatment.

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