Fully integrated, disposable tissue visualization device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fully integrated sterilizable one time use disposable tissue visualization device and methods for using such devices. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate the visualization of an internal tissue site while causing a minimum of damage to the surrounding tissue. Further preferred embodiments may allow for the delivery of fluids and other treatment to an internal tissue site.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 203,898, filed Aug. 11, 2015, entitled FULLY INTEGRATED, DISPOSABLE TISSUE VISUALIZATION DEVICE. The contents of the aforementioned application are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as if fully set forth herein. The benefit of priority to the foregoing application is claimed under the appropriate legal basis, including, without limitation, under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Field of the Invention[0003]This application describes embodiments of apparatuses, methods, and systems for the visualization of tissues.[0004]Description of the Related Art[0005]Traditional surgical procedures, both therapeutic and diagnostic, for pathologies located within the body can cause significant trauma to the intervening tissues. These procedures often require a long incision, extensive muscle stripping, prolonged retraction of tissues, denervation ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an imaging device that allows for accurate positioning of the distal end of an elongated body, such as within a joint capsule, for direct visualization during a medical procedure. The device includes an elongated body with a sharpened distal tip, an optical hypotube axially moveable within the body, and a proximal hand piece carrying the elongated body. The device also includes a mask on the lens or in optical communication with the lens to increase the depth of field perceived by the image sensor. The device can provide a diagnostic function and allow for reliable delivery of therapeutic media into a joint while in a physician's office under local anesthetic, thereby avoiding the need for other diagnostic procedures that may be less accurate and / or require a longer wait period.

Problems solved by technology

Traditional surgical procedures, both therapeutic and diagnostic, for pathologies located within the body can cause significant trauma to the intervening tissues.

These procedures often require a long incision, extensive muscle stripping, prolonged retraction of tissues, denervation and devascularization of tissue.

Such procedures can require operating room time of several hours followed by several weeks of post-operative recovery time due to the destruction of tissue during the surgical procedure.

In some cases, these invasive procedures lead to permanent scarring and pain that can be more severe than the pain leading to the surgical intervention.

However, proper visualization of an internal tissue site can be expensive and time-consuming to schedule, such as when magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is required.

Further, other modes of imaging can potentially damage the tissue site, leading to poor diagnosis and extended recovery time.

Images