Hermetic endoscope assemblage

Abstract

Hermetically sealed enclosures and constructions are disclosed for use in endoscopic systems, particularly endoscope systems with electronic imaging and illumination systems in the enclosures. Compound optical windows are also disclosed for use in the systems. The compound optical windows may have separate panes for an imaging system and an illumination system, and contrast-reducing optical boundaries are between panes.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]A medical endoscope is an instrument used to inspect the inside of a body. A typical endoscope has a distal end comprising an optical or electronic imaging system, a proximal end with control for manipulating the tool and devices far viewing the image, and a solid or tubular elongate shaft connecting the ends. To use an endoscope, a physician inserts the distal end into a patient through a natural orifice or an artificial incision and than pushes the shaft into the patient until the distal end reaches a site of interest. The proximal end remains outside the patient and typically connects to an eyepiece, video monitor, or other equipment. Some endoscopes let the physician pass tools or treatments down a hollow channel, for example, to resect tissue or retrieve objects. Other endoscopes are strictly inspection devices and not used for remote procedures.[0002]After an endoscope is used on a particular patient, the endoscope must be sterilized before it can be used again...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a way to protect the internal parts of an imaging system by using nonmetallic ports and windows made of optical materials such as sapphire. These parts are soldered into a cap-like cover that is then welded onto the endoscope shaft, creating a hermetically sealed objective head that protects both the optical and illumination systems. This assembly method prevents heat damage during assembly and results in improved contrast and image quality through the use of opaque joints and grooves on the optical element surfaces.

Problems solved by technology

The high temperature and pressure within an autoclave can damage or degrade endoscopes and similar instruments, however.

Unfortunately, some of these sealing methods cannot withstand repeated exposure to pressurized steam in an autoclave or to other sterilization conditions.

These sterilization procedures are labor-intensive and expensive.

Worse, they are not always totally effective at disinfecting and decontaminating the instrument.

Disease-causing microorganisms may survive processing, creating a risk of iatrogenic infection to subsequent patients—a complication that contributes to extended hospital stays and increased mortality and morbidity.

Unfortunately, the foregoing needs have not been met by the prior art because the mere design of a hermetic enclosure, which might be capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions, does not automatically satisfy other functional and operational needs.

Some desirable materials that can withstand harsh conditions may not easily join to other desirable materials.

Stainless steel has poor heat conductivity and is relatively heavy, however.

Aluminum is unfortunately prone to oxidation, making it non-ideal for parts that pass into the body; and aluminum is relatively soft, making it non-ideal for parts exposed to friction, scratching, and wear.

As a result of its toughness, titanium traditionally has been difficult to machine, so that titanium parts have bean expansive.

Dissimilar metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium are difficult or impossible to weld to each other via laser welding, arc welding, and similar techniques, however.

This approach precludes the part-by-part selection of metals and alloys, a considerable drawback.

Fusing optical glasses used in objective heads presents similar challenges.

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