Portable endoscope with side-connected disposable components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a handheld endoscope having a single-use disposable component, including a front end (distal end), a cannula, a support, and a rear end (proximal end) port connected to a substantially straight working channel. The cannula can rotate around the main longitudinal axis of the cannula. The endoscope also has a reusable part, including a handle and a display module. The single-use disposable component and the reusable part are physically matched and connected and disassembled and detached through a side connection structure and an independent electrical connector. The handle is equipped with imaging system electronic equipment that supports manual and automatic imaging modes, which are switched through the touch screen on the display module. The reusable part is sealed using various O-rings and / or gaskets, and has good fluid resistance to facilitate disinfection and / or sterilization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to medical instruments for human tissue examination, and endoscopic surgery for urological and gynecological diseases, and more particularly to a portable, handheld, low-cost surgical endoscope device having a disposable part and a reusable part. Background Art

[0002] Conventional endoscopy, or when visual inspection of an organ or the inside of the human body is required, typically uses a complex lens system to transmit the image from the front end of the endoscope to the observer. Rigid endoscopes typically use a relay lens system; flexible endoscopes typically use a fiber optic bundle or objective lens system. Conventional rigid and flexible endoscopes, lenses or fiber optic systems are relatively expensive and are used repeatedly. Therefore, they must be strictly sterilized and disinfected after each use.

[0003] Disposable endoscopes are an emerging category of endoscopic instruments. In some cases, the manufacturing cost of endoscopes can become cheap enough to be used only on a single patient. Disposable or single-use endoscopes reduce the risk of cross-contamination and nosocomial diseases. Some disposable endoscope systems are shown in U.S. Patents Nos. 9,895,048, 9,895,848, 10,278,563 and 10,292,571.

[0004] The subject matter described or claimed in this patent specification is not limited to solving any specific disadvantages or only described in specific embodiments such as those operating in the above environment. On the contrary, the above background is provided only to illustrate the feasibility of some embodiments described herein in the exemplary technical field. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable endoscope having a side-connected disposable component, comprising: (a) a reusable handle, comprising: an elongated side groove located on the side of the reusable handle, the side groove extending along the longitudinal axis of the endoscope; a display module with a screen for displaying images; the display module is mechanically mounted on the reusable handle and can rotate and / or pivot relative to the reusable handle; a signal processing circuit located in the reusable handle and cooperating with the display module; a first electrical connector located on the handle and cooperating with the signal processing circuit; (b) a single-use disposable component, comprising: a socket configured to be detachably snapped onto the side groove and movable along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope to disengage from the side groove; a cannula extending forward from the socket end; wherein the cannula is configured to rotate relative to the socket along the longitudinal axis of the endoscope; a first inner cavity extending from the first rear end port along the longitudinal axis of the endoscope, the first inner cavity starting from the rear ends of both the socket and the handle and terminating at the front end portion of the cannula; an imaging and illumination module, which is located at the front end of the cannula; a second electrical connector, which cooperates with the imaging and illumination module and is configured to be detachably coupled to the first electrical connector to establish an electrical connection between the imaging and illumination module and the signal processing circuit; (c) a control button, which is disposed on at least one of the handle and the display module, and is coupled to the display module, the signal processing circuit and the imaging and illumination module to selectively enable the imaging and illumination module to illuminate the field of view and capture an image, and the display module displays the image.

[0006] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the side slot in the reusable handle extends from the rear end of the handle to the front end of the handle; when snapped into the side slot of the handle, the socket extends from the rear end of the handle to the front end of the handle;

[0007] In some embodiments, the handle comprises an outer wall of multiple components, the multiple components being sufficiently sealed from each other to allow repeated steam sterilization of the handle. The portable endoscope with a side-connected disposable component also includes a removable plug, which is used for repeated steam sterilization, and the plug seals the first electrical connector to seal the handle; O-rings and / or gaskets are used to seal the components of the handle from each other;

[0008] In some embodiments, the first electrical connector is configured to be connected to an external device to transmit images captured by the imaging and illumination module, the external device being one or more of a workstation and an image archiving and / or transmission unit;

[0009] In some embodiments, the portable endoscope with a side-connected disposable member further comprises a cable electrically connecting the second electrical connector to the imaging and illumination module; wherein the cable has a front end portion inside the cannula and a rear end portion outside the cannula and the socket; the rear end portion of the cable is long and flexible enough to allow the cannula to rotate at least 180 degrees about the longitudinal axis of the endoscope relative to the handle when the socket is snapped into the side slot of the handle and the first electrical connector is connected to the second electrical connector;

[0010] In some embodiments, the portable endoscope with a side-mounted disposable component further comprises a second rear end port extending proximally from the rear end of the socket and the handle when the socket is snapped into the side groove of the handle.

[0011] In some embodiments, the portable endoscope with a side-mounted disposable component further comprises an intermediate port that is distal to the handle and proximal to the leading end of the cannula when the socket is snapped into the handle.

[0012] In some embodiments, the portable endoscope having a side-connected disposable component further comprises a second lumen extending along the longitudinal axis of the endoscope and connected to the first rear end port and at least one port fluid line other than the first rear end port.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first port, the first rear port and the center of the display module are on the same vertical plane, and the straight-line distance between them is less than 15 cm, so that the display module and the first rear port are kept in the same field of view and angle for user observation.

[0014] In some embodiments, the handle includes a rechargeable battery; wherein the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the battery, and the battery is charged through the first electrical connector.

[0015] In some embodiments, the signal processing circuit in the handle includes a WiFi circuit; further, it also includes an antenna, which is configured to wirelessly transmit images captured by the imaging and lighting module.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a single-use endoscope disposable component is provided, comprising: a socket extending along a longitudinal axis; a cannula extending distally from the socket; wherein the socket is configured to be detachably snapped into an elongated side groove of a reusable handle, and can be moved along a transverse axis relative to the longitudinal axis to disengage from the side groove; the cannula is configured to rotate relative to the socket along the longitudinal axis; a first inner cavity extending along the longitudinal axis from a first rear end port, the first inner cavity starting at a position at the rear end of the socket and terminating at a front end portion of the cannula; an imaging and illumination module located at the front end of the cannula; an electrical connector that matches and works with the imaging and illumination module; and a cable that electrically connects the imaging and illumination module to the electrical connector, wherein the cable has a front end portion inside the cannula, and a rear end portion outside the cannula and the socket, the rear end portion being long enough and flexible enough to enable the cannula to rotate at least 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis relative to the socket.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a portable endoscope with a side-connected disposable component, comprising: a reusable handle with a gun-style grip, which is convenient for the user to hold in hand; a long side groove, which is located on one side of the reusable handle and above the gun-style grip, and extends along the longitudinal axis of the handle perpendicular to the direction of the gun-style grip; a socket, which is removably connected to the side groove by a snap-on connection; a cannula, whose front end has an imaging module, which extends distally from the socket; a display module with a screen to display images, and the display module is installed on the upper part of the handle to rotate and / or pivot relative to the handle; an image processing circuit, which is located inside the handle and matches the display module for displaying images sent from the imaging module; an electrical connector, which is located on the handle and matches the image processing circuit for receiving images taken by the imaging module located at the front end of the cannula.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for imaging within a patient's body is provided, comprising: providing a cannula extending distally from a socket along the longitudinal axis of the cannula, the cannula and the socket constituting a single-use disposable component of an endoscope; providing a handle as a reusable portion of the endoscope, the handle having a side groove; the side groove extending from a rear end to a front end of the handle along the longitudinal axis; the handle being connected to a display module, the display module rotating and / or pivoting relative to the handle; snapping the socket into the side groove of the handle so that the socket extends from the rear end to the front end of the handle; electrically connecting a portion of the cannula to a portion of the handle. The imaging module at the front end and the circuit of the handle are electrically connected to the display module; the electrical connection includes: a cable connecting the imaging module and the first connector; the socket is provided with a second connector connected to the first connector; the cable has a distal portion passing through the inside of the cannula, and a proximal portion outside the cannula and the socket and exposed to the environment; through the cable, the first and second connectors and the circuit, the image taken by the imaging module is transmitted to the display module for display to the user; the cannula is rotated relative to the socket and the handle to capture the image of the selected area and display the selected image.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method of in-vivo imaging of a patient further comprises: making the exposed portion of the cable long enough to allow the cannula to rotate at least 180 degrees relative to the socket and the handle.

[0020] In some embodiments, the handle is repeatedly sterilized with steam.

[0021] In some embodiments, the handle further comprises several portions of the outer wall that are sealed from one another using O-rings and / or gaskets for steam sterilization.

[0022] In some embodiments, a fluid port is provided proximate to the handle and the socket; and a lumen extends along the longitudinal axis from the port to the front end of the cannula.

[0023] As used herein, the grammatical conjunctions "and", "or" and "and / or" are intended to indicate that the situations, objects or subjects they connect may have or have one or more options. In this way, as used herein, the term "or" means "inclusive or" in all cases, rather than "exclusive or".

[0024] As used herein, the terms "surgery" or "procedure" refer to any physical intervention with patient tissue and do not necessarily involve cutting patient tissue or closing a pre-existing wound. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] In order to further illustrate the above and other advantages and features of the subject matter protected by this patent specification, specific embodiments are described with the accompanying drawings. These drawings should be understood as depicting only exemplary embodiments and should not be considered as limiting the scope of protection of this patent specification or the appended claims. The following drawings are used to specifically and detailedly describe and explain the subject matter of the present invention, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 and Figure 2 They are respectively a right side view and a top view of a portable endoscope with a side-mounted disposable component in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a portable endoscope having a side-mounted disposable component in some embodiments of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a further perspective view of a portable endoscope having a side-mounted disposable component in some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective exploded view showing the sealing structure and other aspects of a portable endoscope having a side-mounted disposable component and a fluid-resistant handle component in some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a sealing structure and other parts of a portable endoscope having a side-mounted disposable component in some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional exploded view of a cannula rotating structure and other parts of a portable endoscope having a side-mounted disposable component in some embodiments;

[0032] Fig. 8A and 8B are cross-sectional views and front views of a portable endoscope cannula rotation structure and other parts having a side-mounted disposable component in some embodiments;

[0033] Fig. 9 is a side view of a portable endoscope WiFi antenna arrangement and other parts having a side-mounted disposable component in some embodiments;

[0034] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a touch-sensitive video display screen in some embodiments;

[0035] Fig.11A and 11B Detailed description of the drawings is provided herein and is a cross-sectional view of a cannula in some embodiments, and a cross-sectional view of a front end portion of a portable endoscope having a side-mounted disposable component. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] A detailed description of preferred embodiments is provided below. Although several embodiments are described, it should be understood that the new subject matter described in this patent specification is not limited to any one embodiment or combination of embodiments described herein, but includes many alternatives, modifications and equivalent forms. In addition, although many specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding, some embodiments can still be implemented without some or even all of these details. Moreover, for the sake of clarity, certain technical materials known in the prior art are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary dilution of the new subject matter described herein. It should be clear that the various features of one or several specific embodiments described here can be used in combination with the features or other features of other described embodiments. In addition, the same figure numbers and indications in the various drawings represent the same elements. All authorized and applied patents mentioned in the specific embodiments are given reference indexes in this patent specification.

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 is a right side view and a top view of a portable endoscope with disposable components according to some embodiments. The portable endoscope 100 includes an elongated cannula 120, and its front end 110 can be inserted into a hollow organ or cavity of the human body. According to some embodiments, the front end 110 is connected to the cannula 120 as a separate front end subassembly. According to some embodiments, the diameter of the front end 110 is greater than about 4.55 mm. For more detailed information about the independent front subassembly of the handheld endoscope, please see: U.S. Patent No. 9,895,048 (hereinafter referred to as the "048 patent"); application number 15 / 462,331, filed on March 17, 2017, and publication number US2017-0188793A1 (hereinafter referred to as the "331 application"); and international patent application number PCT / US18 / 14880, filed on January 23, 2018, and international publication number No. WO0 / 2018 / 136950 (hereinafter referred to as the "880 application"). The front end 110 includes an imaging module and at least one LED light source for observing the inside of an organ or lumen into which the front end 110 is inserted. The front end 110 also includes one or more fluid ports.

[0038] According to some embodiments, cannula 120 is rigid, flexible or semi-flexible and includes one or more fluid channels that are fluidically connected to port 132. Port 132 includes a luer connector to allow port 132 to be leak-proof connected to various medical fluid components (not shown in the figure). One or more fluid channels or lumens in cannula 120 are connected to one or more front-facing fluid ports of front end 110. According to some embodiments, one or more fluid channels or lumens in cannula 120 are also connected to rear ports 130 and 430. Rear ports 130 and 430 also include luer connectors to allow leak-proof connection to various medical fluid components (not shown in the figure). According to some embodiments, rear port 130 is substantially aligned with the main longitudinal axis 124 of cannula 120, thereby providing a substantially straight passageway for rigid or semi-rigid instruments. According to some embodiments, only one rear port 130 is provided, and the second rear port 430 is omitted. The convenience of instrument insertion and operation can be improved by passing through an instrument channel having a straight rear end portion through port 130. It has been found that the instrument port (i.e., port 130 and / or 430) has significant ergonomic benefits if it can generally match the display module 150 and be perpendicular to the center of the display module 150. This arrangement makes it easier to insert surgical instruments into the port 130 or 430 and easier to manipulate the instrument because the instrument is in the same field of view and at the same angle as the display screen as far as the user's eyes are concerned. In particular, the short distance between the port and the display screen allows the operator to limit his / her visual range to a relatively small area. According to some embodiments, the distance d between the rear port (in this case, port 130) and the center of the screen 350 of the display module 150 is less than about 15 cm. According to some embodiments, the distance d is less than about 12 cm. According to some embodiments, the distance d is less than about 10 cm.

[0039] According to some embodiments, all three ports 130, 132, and 430 are connected to the same lumen or channel within the cannula 120; in other embodiments, the ports are connected to two or more separate lumens. When two or more ports are connected to the same lumen in the cannula 120, one or more "duckbill valves" or similar valves can be used to prevent backflow or leakage. According to some embodiments, the wires extending from the LED light source and camera module in the front end assembly 110 are connected to the electrical connector 136 through a separate channel within the cannula 120, and there is at least one fluid channel within the cannula 120. The electrical connector 136 is configured to form a removable electrical connection with the handle electrical connector 144 on the handle 140. Near the fluid port 132 are the support 134 and the socket 138. According to some embodiments, the socket 138 slides (i.e., snaps) into the side groove in the handle 140 (see Figure 4A side groove or slot 440).

[0040] Endoscope 100 includes a handle 140 that is pistol-shaped and sized to be easily gripped by an endoscope operator (e.g., a physician or other medical professional) in a pistol-like manner. Display module 150 is rotatably and / or pivotally mounted on handle 140 via bearings, which may be sliding bearings made of plastic and hinges covered with rubber. Image capture button 142 is also visible on handle 140. According to some embodiments, handle 140 and display module 150 may be reused and constitute reusable portion 402 (in Figure 4A and Figure 4B ). According to some embodiments, the handle 140 includes one or more electronic modules 146, which include at least one of the following electronic components: camera control, video capture, video processing, video / data storage, battery charging and control, touch screen processing, and WiFi communication. According to some embodiments, the electronic module 146 includes an electronic imaging system that supports automatic adjustment of parameters such as exposure control (AEC), gain control (AGO), and white balance (AWB). In addition, the electronic module 146 provides automatic light control (ALC) to control the illumination of the object to be imaged. The camera and illumination modules in the front end 110, and the imaging and control in the electronic module 146 are together constructed as a "well-adjusted" imaging system that can provide a useful "automatic mode". According to some embodiments, the handle 140 is similar to that shown and described in the "048 patent", "331 application" and "880 application", which are generally all gun-style handles that can contain electronic components and work in conjunction with a display, but the significant difference in this application is the detachable connection and interaction of the handle 140 with the disposable component 400.

[0041] Figure 3 1 is a stereoscopic view of a portable endoscope with a side-connected disposable component in some embodiments. The endoscope 100 shown in the figure includes only one rear port 130. In some other embodiments, different disposable components 400 can be made according to the specific needs of the user. In some embodiments, the injection needle of the disposable component emerges from the end of the cannula in a manner similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 10,278,563; or the cannula of the disposable component has a bendable front end similar to that described in U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 447,251 filed on June 20, 2019; or the cannula of the disposable component includes a working channel for surgical instruments to pass through similar to that described in US2019 / 0282071A1; or the cannula of the disposable component is made to scrape or otherwise collect tissue samples similar to that described in U.S. Patent No. 8,460,182. As shown by the dashed arrow, according to some embodiments, the cannula 120 can rotate about its longitudinal axis 124.

[0042] Figure 4A and Figure 4B is a further stereoscopic view of a portable endoscope having a side-mounted disposable component in some embodiments. Figure 4A More clearly shown are the disposable components 400 for single use and the reusable part 402 for multiple use in the endoscope 100. The single-use part 400 includes a cannula 120, a front end 110, an electrical connector 136, ports 130, 132 and 430, and a socket 138. The reusable part 402 includes a handle 140 and a display module 150. As shown by the dotted arrows, the single-use part 400 slides or snaps into the side of the reusable part 402 in the radial direction of the longitudinal axis 124. In particular, the size of the socket 138 of the single-use part 400 is closely fitted but removable with the side groove 440 in the handle 140 of the reusable part 402. The mating connection of the insertion housing 138 and the side groove 440 provides a firm physical connection between the single-use part 400 and the reusable part 401. The electrical connection between the two parts 400 and 402 is established using the electrical connector 136 and the handle electrical connector 144. It has been found that advantages of separating the physical connection from the electrical connection include better resistance of the electronic components to fluid contamination, and easier and more intuitive matching connections between the single-use portion and the reusable portion. In addition, this type of electrical connection can facilitate the option of connecting the single-use portion 402 to an electronic unit such as a cabinet rather than the handle 140. The cabinet can contain a computing device and display, or other image processing and / or image storage equipment, or equipment for transmitting images from portion 402 to a remote location (such as a hospital workstation or a telemedicine facility). According to some embodiments, the electrical connector 136 is connected to the single-use portion 400 via a flexible cable 414, and can enable the cannula to be connected as shown in FIG. Figure 3 The front end portion of the cable 414 is inside the cannula 120, but the rear end portion is outside, exposed to the environment, and has sufficient length and flexibility to allow the cannula 120 to rotate relative to the support 134 and the handle 140.

[0043] Figure 4B More details of the physical and electrical connections between the single-use portion and the reusable portion of the portable endoscope 100 are shown. According to some embodiments, the electrical connectors 136 and 144 use a standard electrical connection scheme such as a micro display port (type DP20) for use with Gen 1 and Gen 2 Thunderbolt interfaces. Figure 4B A male connector 410 is shown that can mate with a female connector 144 on the handle 140. As for the mechanical connection, the socket 138 can include positioning aids, such as positioning balls 460, 462 and 464, which are spring-loaded and can engage with inner grooves 442 and 444 formed in the side groove 440. In addition, the socket 138 is provided with posts 450 and 452, and the inner side of the side groove 440 of the handle 140 is provided with holes 470 and 472 to mate therewith.

[0044] Figure 5 4 is an exploded view of a portable endoscope having a side-connected disposable member and a fluid-resistant handle portion according to some embodiments, describing sealing components and other aspects. Many components of the reusable portion 402 are sealed using O-rings and / or gaskets, including left and right handle covers 542 and 540, which are sealed to each other using corresponding O-rings or gaskets 532. Similarly, O-rings 534 are used to seal the front cover 550 and the back cover 552 of the display module 150. O-rings 551 are used to seal the display module 150 with the left handle cover 542. Various other openings are sealed with O-rings (e.g., O-rings 530). Similarly, the front cover 581 and the bottom cover or sheet 583 can be sealed with the left and right handle covers 540 and 542 by O-rings and / or gaskets.

[0045] Figure 5 Also shown is a main printed circuit board 570 with the electronic module 146 mounted thereon. A lithium-ion rechargeable battery 580 is used to power the electronic components, the display module 150, and the front camera module and LED light via the electrical connector 144. In some embodiments, Wi-Fi functionality is also included, such as Figure 5 A WiFi mainboard 582 and a WiFi antenna 584 are shown.

[0046] Figure 6 1 is a perspective view of a sealing structure and other aspects of a portable endoscope having a side-connected disposable component according to some embodiments. O-ring seals 532 and 534 are shown in this view. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The O-ring seals shown and described make the reusable portion 402 of the portable endoscope highly water-resistant. For example, the handle 140 can comply with the IXP 7 standard and can be immersed in a place 0.15 meters to 1 meter below the liquid surface for up to 30 minutes. After use, the reusable portion of the endoscope should be disinfected and / or sterilized before reuse to prevent cross contamination. According to some embodiments, the seals used in the reusable portion 402 as shown and described can also have a certain level of fluid resistance in fluid infiltration such as alcohol for cleaning, disinfection and / or sterilization. According to some embodiments, the electrical connector 144 is sealed using a removable silicone plug (not shown) or otherwise, and the reusable portion 402 can be sterilized by immersion in ethylene oxide (EO). According to some other embodiments, the reusable portion 402 can withstand repeated high-pressure environments, such as hot steam environments at 134°C.

[0047] Figure 77 is a perspective exploded view of the cannula rotation structure and other parts of a portable endoscope with a side-mounted disposable component according to some embodiments. At the front end, the front end 110 shown includes an end seat 710, two or more LEDs (only LEDs 720 and 722 are shown as examples) and a camera module 730. The rear end of the cannula 120 is inserted into the front end of the fluid collection chamber 732. The rear end of the collection chamber 732 is fixed to the support 134, and the rear end of the support 134 is fixed to the base 750. Inside the support 134 is an insertion tube connector 746, and the front end of the cannula connector 746 is set to be able to insert the rear end of the cannula 120. The rear end of the connector 746 is connected to the connector 744, which can be attached to the connector 746 by threads and / or epoxy resin. The connector 744 is connected to the working channel connector 742. The base 750 is held in place by being "sandwiched" between the rear end of the channel connector 742 and the flange on the connector 740. The connector 740 is connected to the tube 754. The rear end of the tube 754 is fixed to the Luer port 756. The tube 754 is configured to rotate freely within the socket 138. The socket 138 and the electrical connector 136 remain fixed relative to the handle 140, while most other components rotate about the axis 124. In particular, according to some embodiments, the following components rotate together about the axis 124 as a unit: the front end 110, the cannula 120, the collection chamber 732, the support 134, the connectors 746 and 744, the working channel connector 742, the base 750, the connector 740, the tube 744 and the Luer connector 756. According to some embodiments, the rotation range of the cannula 120 and other components is limited to slightly less than 360 degrees (for example, as shown in Figure 1). Figure 8B 350 degrees as shown, or at least 180 degrees) so that the flexible cable 414 does not become too tight due to excessive rotation. The base 750 may include a tab 752 that can be inserted into a circular groove 810 on the front face of the socket 138 flange (at Fig. 8A ).

[0048] Fig. 8A and 8B 2 is a cross-sectional view and a front view of a portable endoscope cannula rotation structure and other parts with a side-mounted disposable component according to some embodiments. Figure 7 124). The circular groove 810 can limit the rotation of the cannula 120 and other components. Note that because the cannula contains multiple lumens, the working channel in the cannula can be slightly off-center or off-axis 124. The connector 744 can bring the working channel closer to the centrally located longitudinal axis 124.

[0049] Fig. 91 is a side view of a WiFi antenna arrangement and other aspects of a portable endoscope with a side-mounted disposable component according to some embodiments. The location of the WiFi motherboard 582 and the WiFi antenna 584 are shown. Note that the WiFi antenna 584 can extend to the touch screen of the display module 150 and extend along the back of the touch screen of the display module to reduce the shielding effect of the metal portion of the handle 140. According to some embodiments, the WiFi module and antenna 584 on the motherboard 582 can transmit video to a WiFi receiver (not shown in the figure) such as other external monitors or workstations.

[0050] Fig.10 is a stereoscopic view of a touch-sensitive video display screen according to some embodiments. As described above, the electronic module 146 in the handle 140 includes an electronic imaging system that supports automatic adjustment of parameters such as exposure control (AEC), gain control (AGC), and white balance (AWB). In addition, automatic lighting control (ALC) is also integrated to control the illumination of the imaged object. The camera and lighting module in the front end 110 and the imaging and control in the electronic module 146 are together constructed as a "well-adjusted" imaging system that can provide a useful "automatic mode". However, in some cases, especially in endoscopic examinations, it is sometimes advantageous to use a "manual mode". In the handheld portable endoscope 100, when the front end 110 is in the cavity, the automatic mode works well in most cases. However, in some cases, for example, when the camera on the front end 110 is close to the inner wall of the tissue tangential to the camera module's line of sight, part of the image field (due to the inner wall being close to the illumination LED) is very bright compared to other areas farther away from the LED. In order to better visualize the inner wall (or the part close to the camera), the "manual mode" can be used and all automatic imaging functions can be turned off. exist Fig.10 In the embodiment, a switch button such as one of the corner position buttons 1020, 1022, 1024 and 1026 on the touch screen 350 can switch or convert the automatic mode and the manual mode. According to some other embodiments, in addition to the touch screen button, a hardware button on the handle 140 can be used to switch the automatic mode and the manual mode simultaneously or instead of the touch screen button. In addition, the "manual mode" can have 2 or 3 gears to reduce the LED brightness to facilitate visualization of the target surface. Such automatic mode and manual mode settings are described in U.S. Patent No. 10,292,571.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the automatic mode is configured to fully automatically AGC, AEC and ALC, while the manual mode turns off AGC, AEC and ALC and sets the LED brightness to 50% of its default brightness (or other pre-set brightness, such as 75%). The screen 350 is contactless or touchless operation, so that clinical operators do not need to take off their gloves to press and activate buttons on the screen 150. According to some embodiments, buttons 1020, 1022, 1024 and 1026 are virtual touch buttons that float above the display screen 350. As shown, they can be located near the corners or edges of the screen. The user can move (slide) the "X" or "+" pattern horizontally at position 1030 on the screen 350 to close and hide the floating button. The user can draw a circular motion on the screen (not shown) to call out the floating button.

[0052] Fig.11A and 11B Detailed description of the drawings is provided herein and is a cross-sectional view of a cannula in some embodiments, and a cross-sectional view of a front end portion of a portable endoscope having a side-mounted disposable component. Fig.11A Some example dimensions of the cannula 120 are shown. The cannula 120 has an outer diameter of 4.1 mm. The inner diameter of the working channel lumen is 2.2 mm, and the cable lumen 1102 is oval and has the dimensions shown. The cable lumen 1102 can be used to carry cables to the camera module and LED on the front end 110. Fig. 11B , the size and position of the camera module 730, LEDs 720 and 722 are shown. The square area of ​​the camera module 730 has a side length of 1.05 mm, and the LEDs 720 and 722 are rectangular, and the length of the long side is approximately the same as the side length of the camera 730.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the endoscope 100 described herein can be applied to gynecological diseases. For example, an endometrial biopsy device similar to Pipelle, an endometrial biopsy cannula similar to SoftFlex provided by Integra Live Sciences Corp., New Jersey, an endometrial sampler (EndoSampler) provided by MedGyn, Illinois, and a surgical curette can be inserted into the human body through the working channel to perform an endometrial biopsy.

[0054] Although the foregoing has been described in detail for the sake of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be made without departing from the principles of the invention. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the processes and devices described herein. Therefore, the present embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the body of work described herein is not limited to the details given herein, which may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An endoscope comprising a reusable handle, a single-use disposable component and a control button; The reusable handle comprises: A long side groove is located on a side of the reusable handle, the side groove extends along the longitudinal axis of the endoscope, and the side groove extends from the rear end of the handle to the front end of the handle; a display module with a screen to display images; wherein the display module is mechanically mounted on the reusable handle and can rotate and / or pivot relative to the reusable handle; a signal processing circuit, located in the reusable handle, and working in conjunction with the display module; A first electrical connector, located on the handle, and working in conjunction with the signal processing circuit; The disposable component comprises: a socket configured to be removably snapped into the side groove and movable along an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the endoscope to disengage from the side groove, wherein when snapped into the side groove of the handle, the socket extends from the rear end of the handle to the front end of the handle; a cannula extending from the socket toward the front end; wherein the cannula is configured to rotate relative to the socket along the longitudinal axis of the endoscope; a first lumen extending from a first rear end port along the longitudinal axis of the endoscope, the first lumen starting at the rear ends of both the socket and the handle and terminating at the front end portion of the cannula, the first rear end port being substantially aligned with the main longitudinal axis of the cannula, the first rear end port being substantially compatible with the display module and being perpendicular to the center of the display module; An imaging and illumination module located at the front end of the cannula; a second electrical connector, cooperating with the imaging and illumination module and configured to be detachably coupled to the first electrical connector to establish an electrical connection between the imaging and illumination module and the signal processing circuit; The control button is arranged on at least one of the handle and the display module, and is coupled with the display module, the signal processing circuit, and the imaging and lighting module to selectively enable the imaging and lighting module to illuminate the field of view and capture an image, and the display module displays the image.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle comprises an outer wall of several components which are sufficiently sealed from one another to allow the handle to be repeatedly steam sterilized.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also included is a removable plug that seals the first electrical connector to seal the handle for repeated steam sterilization.

4. The endoscope according to claim 2, characterized in that: Also included are O-rings and / or gaskets that seal the components to each other.

5. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first electrical connector is configured to be connected to an external device to transmit images captured by the imaging and illumination module, wherein the external device includes one or more of a workstation and an image archiving and / or transmitting unit.

6. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a cable that electrically connects the second electrical connector to the imaging and lighting module; wherein the cable has a front end portion inside the cannula and a rear end portion outside the cannula and the socket; the rear end portion of the cable is long enough and flexible enough that the cannula can be rotated at least 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the endoscope relative to the handle when the socket is snapped into the side groove of the handle and the first electrical connector is connected to the second electrical connector.

7. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is a second rear end port extending proximally from a rear end of the socket and the handle when the socket is snapped into the side slot of the handle.

8. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is an intermediate port that is distal to the handle and proximal to the front end of the cannula when the socket is snapped into the handle.

9. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The endoscope also includes a second lumen extending along the longitudinal axis of the endoscope and connected to the first rear end port and at least one port fluid pipeline other than the first rear end port.

10. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first rear end port and the center of the display module are on the same vertical plane, and the straight-line distance between them is less than 15 cm, so that the display module and the first rear end port are kept in the same field of view and angle for user observation.

11. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The handle includes a rechargeable battery; wherein the first electrical connector is electrically connected to the battery, and the battery is charged through the first electrical connector.

12. The endoscope according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal processing circuit in the handle includes a WiFi circuit; further, it also includes an antenna, which is configured to wirelessly transmit images captured by the imaging and lighting module.

Images