Conductive Optical Components

Abstract

A device having an optical element having a conductive coating. The device may include an optical element, a conductive material, and at least one connector. The conductive material is disposed on at least a portion of the optical element. For example, the optical element may be an objective lens of an endoscope or an optical coupler. The connector (acting as a terminal) is capable of providing energy (such as electrical energy) to the conductive material. In one aspect, the conductive material is an optically transparent material. Advantageously, the device may allow visualization of an object (such as body tissue or other material) while applying energy to the object via the conductive coating. This allows a user to observe changes in tissue and other materials in real time as energy is delivered.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application number 201680045602.6, application date June 2, 2016, and titled "Conductive Optical Element".

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 728,812, filed June 2, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0004] Minimally invasive and less invasive surgical procedures and interventional treatments are generally safer, faster, and less traumatic to the patient. As a result, these procedures involve less inflammation, postoperative pain, risk of infection, and reduced healing time than more invasive forms of surgery, including both conventional and open surgery.

[0005] In medical applications, less invasive methods generally involve visualization, either direct or remote, using manual or remote instruments for diagnosis, treatment, or manipulation. Applications include surgical procedures using small incisions (known as mini-thoracotomies) and direct visualization of the surgical site. Alternatively, one or more forms of remote visualization may be used, such as inspection of the colon using a flexible colonoscope or visualization of the surgical site using a laparoscope.

[0006] When engaging in remote visualization inside a patient's body, a variety of scopes are used. The scope used depends on the extent to which the physician needs to navigate into the body, the type of surgical instruments used in the operation, and the level of invasiveness appropriate to the type of procedure. For example, visualization of the inside of the gastrointestinal tract may involve the use of endoscopes in the form of flexible gastroscopes and colonoscopes, as well as specialized duodenoscopes with lengths that can extend several feet and diameters that can exceed 1 cm. These scopes can be rotated and articulated or turned by the physician as the scope is navigated through the patient. Many of these scopes include one or more working channels for passing instruments through and supporting the machinery, fluid channels and wash channels for irrigating tissue and washing the scope, insufflation channels for insufflation to improve navigation and visualization, and one or more light guides for illuminating the field of view of the scope.

[0007] In medical applications, smaller and less flexible or rigid scopes or scopes with a combination of flexibility and rigidity are also used. For example, when viewing a joint and performing arthroscopic surgery (such as surgery on the shoulder or knee), a smaller, narrower and much shorter scope is used. When a surgeon uses arthroscopic surgery to repair a meniscus tear in the knee joint, a shorter, more rigid scope is typically inserted through a small incision on one side of the knee joint to visualize the wound while passing an instrument through an incision on the opposite side of the knee joint. The instrument is able to irrigate the scope on the inside of the knee joint to maintain visualization and manipulate tissue to complete the repair.

[0008] Other scopes may be used for diagnosis and treatment using less invasive endoscopic procedures, including, by way of example and not limitation, using scopes to view and treat conditions in the lungs (bronchoscope), mouth (enteroscopy), urethra (cystoscopy), abdomen and peritoneal cavity (laparoscope), nose and sinuses (laryngoscope), anus (sigmoidoscope), chest and thoracic cavity (thoracoscope), and heart (cardioscopy). Additionally, robotic medical devices rely on scopes to enable remote visualization of the area being assessed and treated by the robotic device.

[0009] These and other scopes can be inserted through natural orifices (such as the mouth, sinuses, ears, urethra, anus, and vagina) as well as through the patient's skin, body cavities, skull, incisions and port-based openings in joints, or other medically indicated entry points. Examples of diagnostic uses of endoscopes with visualization using these medical scopes include: studying symptoms of disease, such as chronic ailments of the digestive system (e.g., nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, gastrointestinal bleeding); or confirming a diagnosis (e.g., by performing a biopsy for anemia, bleeding, inflammation, and cancer); or surgical treatment of disease (such as removing a ruptured appendix or cauterizing a bleeding site within the stomach).

[0010] Direct and remote visualization devices, such as scopes used in endoscopic, robotic, and other medical procedures, transmit images to an observer in a variety of ways through the use of image capture elements, including: (i) relay lenses between the objective lens and the eyepiece at the distal end of the scope; (ii) optical fibers; (iii) charge coupled devices (CCDs) and complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensors, as well as other image capture and transmission methods known to those reasonably skilled in the art. A typical endoscope consists of an element that holds the image capture element and (often) a light source (such as light directed by an LED or fiber optic system) that illuminates the field of view of the scope. Often, a video capture system is connected to the visualization device to display on a display a video image that can be viewed by a user during use of the visualization device. The system may include the ability to adjust the focus of the display by manual adjustment or an autofocus capability in a video processor system used with the optical imaging device.

[0011] In both medical and non-medical procedures, additional devices are used with the remote visualization device to achieve treatment or repair. For example, in the case of medical applications, it is common to use a separate device (such as a gripper) to manipulate and move tissue to obtain different vantage points, and a third device to cauterize or ablate tissue (if there is bleeding or disease that can be effectively treated with this method). These devices are often used through different access points (such as separate incisions or ports), or through working channels designed into certain viewing scopes (such as colonoscopes).

[0012] There is a need to improve the overall visualization and manipulation of tissue and other matter by adding more therapeutic and restorative capabilities for use with scopes and other optical elements. Summary of the invention

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the problems of the prior art by providing a device comprising an optical element, one or more conductive coatings, and at least one connector region to deliver energy to the device. The conductive layer coating may be at least partially optically transparent. It may include conductive oxides (such as titanium oxide or aluminum oxide) or other conductive materials.

[0014] The connector region may be configured for connection to an energy supply. The connection to the energy supply may be part of the device. Moreover, the device may be connected to a catheter (such as by a flexible transistor or wire), a cord, or other element connected to the connector and the energy supply. The energy supply may be part of the device. The energy supply may include an electrical generator, an electrosurgical generator, an ablation generator, an argon generator, an ultrasound generator, a plasma generator, or any other form of generator or other energy supply (including a battery) capable of generating energy and transmitting it to or across the optical element or conductive coating.

[0015] The device may be removably placed on the remote visualization device. The device may also be designed as a permanent element of a remote visualization device, such as a viewing mirror.

[0016] The optical imaging element may be configured to shed fluids, debris, and particulate matter, to keep a distance from or contact tissue or other matter, and to manipulate and move tissue or other matter, including manipulating and reorienting tissue to conform to a desired shape or anatomy. The conductive coating may be configured to generate sufficient energy to change tissue or other matter. One or more conductive coatings may be applied to the device to create a single electrode to change tissue or other matter. The conductive coating may also be applied to the device in a variety of patterns to create multiple electrodes to change tissue or other matter in more than one way. Tissue or material changes may include, for example: ablating, ablating, cauterizing, shaping, sealing, dissecting, clearing, resecting, cutting, and coagulating tissue; vaporizing blood or fluids; activating and curing glues and other chemicals or preparations activated by energy; and other results associated with the delivery of energy to manipulate or change matter.

[0017] Areas of the conductive coating may be at least partially optically transparent. Optically transparent areas may overlap and be positionable on tissue and other materials being manipulated and energized. The conductive coating may have a thickness of half a micron or less or such other thickness to produce specific tissue or material changes given the energy supply source and intended application. The conductive coating may be uninsulated, or may be partially insulated or fully insulated by another material, including one or more dielectric coatings or materials.

[0018] The conductive coating may be configured to convert an energy supply source into one or more forms of energy for the alteration of tissue or other matter, including monopolar energy, bipolar energy, argon energy, ablative energy, plasma energy, thermal energy, ultrasound, focused ultrasound, or other forms of energy that can be transmitted across or through the conductive coating to alter tissue or matter. One or more biocompatible materials and any other material that is reasonably suitable may be selected or configured to promote adhesion of the conductive coating and the overall performance of the device.

[0019] The optical coupler and / or its connector and energy supply may have one or more feedback elements for determining the extent of the change in tissue or substance. These feedback elements may include one or more temperature sensors, thermocouples, or other elements for measuring the change, influence, or effect of one or more forms of energy when applied to tissue or other substance.

[0020] In another embodiment, a method includes: contacting at least a portion of a tissue or substance with an optical element; applying energy to a coating on the optical element; and altering the portion of the tissue or substance by conducting energy to or through the portion of the tissue or substance using the coating on the optical element as an electrode for delivering energy.

[0021] Changing tissue or other matter may include heating, cauterizing, shaping, sealing, dissecting, resecting, clearing, cutting, bonding, coagulating, ablating, ablating, or other manipulations involving contacting tissue or matter with energy delivered through or across the coating. Applying energy may include applying bipolar electrical energy through or across the surface of the optical element. Contacting tissue or matter may include bonding tissue or matter, coagulating, sealing blood vessels of tissue, or other manipulations involving contacting tissue or matter with energy delivered by a coating on the optical element.

[0022] One or more coatings used on the optical element may have different water contact angles to promote different performance elements of the optical element, including coatings with water contact angles that produce hydrophilic properties, hydrophobic properties, and superhydrophobic properties. One or more of these coatings may also have anti-reflective properties to reduce or minimize the reflection of light in the field of view of the viewing mirror, and other variations of coatings may have scratch resistance and other hardness properties to protect the optical element. These coatings may also be conductive, and may be transparent.

[0023] Embodiments of the optical element may include the ability to irrigate tissue or matter and inject one or more drugs, gels or other compounds into the target area for powering and manipulation by the device. In another aspect, a scope is a device for viewing within the body.

[0024] One embodiment includes a device comprising: an optical element; a conductive material disposed on at least a portion of the optical element; and at least one connector capable of providing energy to the conductive material. In another aspect, the optical element is integrally mounted on a distal end of a scope. The optical element may be a lens, and wherein the portion is an outer distal surface of the lens. Also, the scope may be a device for in vivo observation.

[0025] In another aspect, the connector is configured to connect to an energy supply source. The conductive material may be at least partially transparent. And, the device may further include an energy supply source. For example, the energy supply source may be selected from the group consisting of: an electrical generator, an electrosurgical generator, an ablation generator, an argon generator, an ultrasound generator, a cyrogenerator, and a plasma generator.

[0026] Another embodiment includes an assembly comprising: an image capture device having a viewing end; a positioning assembly supporting the viewing end; a conductive surface on the viewing end, the conductive surface positioned and configured to conduct energy on the viewing end; and an energy supply source connection configured to supply energy to the conductive surface. The positioning assembly may include an elongated member configured for insertion through a confined opening. The positioning assembly may also include a control member coupled to an end of the elongated member opposite the viewing end.

[0027] The image capture device may be configured to transfer fluid to the viewing end. The image capture device may, for example, include a working channel. And, the working channel may be configured to transfer fluid.

[0028] In another aspect, the conductive surface can be optically transparent. Also, the conductive surface can be capable of overlapping or conforming to tissue.

[0029] The conductive surface may be connected to an energy supply through a second conductive surface, such as a platinum surface.

[0030] Advantages of these embodiments include: (i) improved visualization in fluids, debris, and blood; (ii) the ability to turn a scope into a treatment device by delivering energy to a target area through an optical element on the scope, thereby eliminating the need to engage in separate instrument replacement to deliver energy to tissue or other substances; (iii) the ability to provide anti-fogging capabilities for the lens; (iv) the ability to control energy delivery to treat narrow to wider areas of matter and tissue without losing the target area due to the ability to maintain visualization throughout the application of energy; (v) the ability to use the working channel at any time in certain variations of the device to deliver supplemental devices (such as, grippers) while maintaining the ability to deliver energy; and (vi) other benefits, including improvements in procedures in medical applications (such as in diathermy, electrocautery, electrosurgery, biopsy, ablation, ablation, fog reduction), as well as improvements in non-medical applications (such as pipeline inspection and repair using remote visualization). These and other features and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description and drawings, which describe both preferred and alternative embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 a cross-sectional side elevation view showing a device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the device comprising an optical coupler attached to the distal end of an endoscope;

[0032] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A cross-sectional side elevation view of an optical coupler;

[0033] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 A rear cross-sectional elevation view of an optical coupler;

[0034] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 Another cross-sectional view of the device;

[0035] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view showing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 Show Figure 5 Another cross-sectional view of the device;

[0037] Figure 7 Show Figure 5 Another cross-sectional view of the device;

[0038] Fig. 8A , Figure 8B and Figure 8C A cross-sectional view showing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B A cross-sectional view showing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Fig.10 A cross-sectional view showing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C A cross-sectional view showing a device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Fig.12 a schematic diagram showing an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0043] Fig.13 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown and wherein a conduit provides energy from an energy supply source to a connector in the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully below. In fact, these embodiments can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; moreover, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "includes" and variations thereof are used synonymously with the term "comprises" and variations thereof, and are open, non-restrictive terms.

[0045] The inventors have perceived that, despite the many benefits associated with using image capture devices to improve visualization, including remote visualization, to diagnose and treat patients in a medical setting, or to view and treat conditions in non-medical applications alone, these techniques still present significant problems that require improvement. Image capture elements quickly become shrouded in fluid, debris, and particulate matter, which obscures visualization. Additionally, image capture elements may be dependent on instruments and other elements to provide treatment and modify, manipulate, and repair matter.

[0046] In non-medical applications, less invasive inspection and repair of remote areas and defects in non-medical settings (whether involving sewers, hydraulic lines, oil pipelines, gas pipelines, or other non-medical areas where inspection and / or repair can be obtained with less disruption and intrusion) is generally preferred over opening the area in a more invasive manner for inspection and repair.

[0047] In non-medical applications, direct visualization can be achieved by using small ports. For example, by drilling holes into a pipeline line at specific points to inspect the pipeline. Another example is using a borescope to remotely navigate and advance through a pipeline line to visualize the inspected area for possible remote repair.

[0048] For non-medical applications, such as oil pipeline inspection, robotic arms with gripping and articulation capabilities are used together with remote visualization devices for diagnosis and repair.

[0049] Remote visualization devices and associated elements are also common to non-medical scopes used for remote visualization, including rigid and non-rigid borescopes, videoscopes, flexoscopes, fiberscopes, and other scopes used for remote visualization in non-medical applications.

[0050] In general, the inventors have found that it is necessary to advance, retract and replace these instruments through incisions, ports, working channels or other access points. This approach means that the correct instrument is not always easily available when needed. For example, when performing laparoscopic surgical cases, when the doctor participates in the fine dissection of the tissue to access the treatment point, the blood vessel can be cut and bleeding occurs. The doctor may not have a cautery or vascular sealing instrument in one of the ports used to advance and retract the instrument in the patient's body for treatment. When this happens, when the doctor retracts one of the instruments and inserts a cautery device or a vascular sealing device (referred to as a device replacement) to try and then find the bleeding site and stop the bleeding, the bleeding will continue. Due to the time spent to complete the device replacement, the bleeding area may become full of blood, thereby obscuring the location of the bleeding. In addition, during this time, the inspection mirror may become covered with blood, debris or other fluids, or may fog up to cause additional problems that complicate finding and handling the bleeding site.

[0051] Scopes with working channels produce similar limitations. For example, when performing colonoscopy and removing precancerous polyps to diagnose the presence of cancer, blood vessels may be accidentally cut, causing lower gastrointestinal bleeding. To treat bleeding, the physician must perform instrument replacement, withdraw the device from the working channel of the long, flexible scope (200 cm long) and insert a cauterization device and advance it downward along the working channel of the scope. Then, the position of the scope and the bleeding site must be confirmed (because the scope is movable), and then cauterization is attempted to resolve the bleeding. This effort may be hindered by fluid, debris, and blood, which obscures the visualization of the scope. In addition, the application of cauterization is very limited. This is because the cauterization device can be limited to no wider than the diameter of the working channel in the scope, which is typically between 2 mm and 3 mm. Therefore, the cauterization lesions of current devices are typically only a few millimeters wide, making multiple cauterization attempts necessary to treat longer or wider or uneven bleeding areas with current technology.

[0052] This same set of problems and others apply to other scope applications, including treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In addition, other problems and limitations apply to scopes that do not have a working channel but must be advanced some distance from the user. For example, such problems arise in borescopes in non-medical applications and in certain ENT medical applications. These problems also apply to other applications that rely on scopes for visualization, including robotic navigation and robotic surgery and treatment.

[0053] Embodiments of the present disclosure overcome these problems by providing a device having an optical element having a conductive coating. Figure 1As shown in , a device 11 of an embodiment includes an optical element 10, a conductive material 302, and at least one connector 300. The conductive material 302 is disposed on at least a portion of the optical element 10. For example, the optical element may be an objective lens or an optical coupler of an endoscope 110. The connectors (acting as terminals) 300, 300a, 300b are capable of providing energy (such as electrical energy) to the conductive material 302. In one aspect, the conductive material is an optically transparent material.

[0054] Advantageously, the device 11 allows visualization of an object simultaneously with the application of energy to the object, such as body tissue or other material 200, via the conductive coating. This allows the user to observe changes in the tissue or other material in real time as the energy is delivered. For example, the device 11 can provide electrical energy via the transparent conductive material 302 to cauterize the tissue 200 while directly observing the tissue through the endoscope 72 and the optical elements on the endoscope.

[0055] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in , in an embodiment, the optical element 10 can be a type of optical coupler that includes a visualization section 12 at a distal end 14 and an attachment section 46 at a proximal end 48. The optical coupler 10 is configured to be attached to a remote visualization device (such as, an endoscope 72) via the attachment section 46. In an embodiment, the optical coupler 10 includes a transparent material, at least a portion of which can cover the optical area of ​​the endoscope 72 below to keep it free of debris that obscures it in the body. Moreover, the outer surface of the optical coupler 10 can displace fluid, blood, debris, and particulate matter on the tissue being inspected by the endoscope 72. Additional details of such an optical coupler are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0110097 filed on September 17, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0056] Reference again Figure 1 , the visualization section 12 includes a distal outer surface 16 spaced apart from the proximal surface 22. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the visualization section 12 covers some or all of the optical area of ​​the endoscope 72. Figure 1In the embodiment, the outer surface 16 has a rounded, convex shape. For example, the outer surface 16 continuously curves from the first outer side boundary 18 across to the relative second outer side boundary 20 of the visualization section 12. In an embodiment, the outer surface may also be convex but centrifugal, concave, flat, or positioned at an angle to the optical lens of the endoscope. For example, the outer surface may be positioned at an angle that is tilted away from, or alternatively tilted to, the optical lens of the endoscope. A healthcare worker can advance the outer surface 16 into contact with tissue or other material 200, and still maintain visualization due to the design of the optical coupler. In addition, by contacting the tissue or other material with the optical coupler on the viewing scope, the healthcare worker is able to displace fluids, blood, debris, and particulate matter from the field of view. This provides better observation of the tissue or material below for evaluation and treatment, including energy delivery by the device. The shape of the outer surface 16 can be non-traumatic.

[0057] Also, in other embodiments, the device may have one or more channels to allow instruments to pass through the sight glass and the device, or to provide irrigation or insufflation, or to expose the light guide of the sight glass to change the properties of the light in certain environments. For example, these channels may be hollow and pass through the outer surface of the device. The channel may also be self-sealing and therefore not pass all the way through the outer surface of the device to close the channel when it is not in use. In other embodiments, there may be more than one channel. One channel may be aligned with the working channel of the device and the sight glass, allowing instruments to pass through. Another channel may allow fluid and air to be emitted from the sight glass and pass through the device. A third channel may divert fluid from the fluid water on the sight glass to the working channel in the device and out over the outer surface of the device.

[0058] The visualization section 12 can be formed from a range of materials that provide improved visualization of the object for the endoscope 72. For example, the visualization section can be formed from a transparent material that can transmit an optical image of the surface area. Although any type of (at least partially) transparent material can be used, a material that adheres (and remains adhered) well to the conductive material 302 is particularly desirable. Particularly suitable are materials with attractive refractive indices and light transmittance levels. When used with energy applications, stability is also desired to minimize the impact of the substrate on the conductive material and the impact of energy delivery on optical properties. For example, polycarbonate materials are quite suitable materials for the visualization section due to their refractive index and performance over a variety of temperature ranges. Additional materials include acrylic resins, polystyrene, cyclic olefin copolymers, polyetheramides, glass, silicones, and other optical materials. These materials provide a combination of relatively low refractive indices, high light transmittance, and appropriate temperature performance, including insulating properties and relatively low thermal expansion levels when used with various forms of energy applications.

[0059] In other embodiments, devices using more than one material may connect the materials by glue or other chemical bonds, molding the materials together, overmolding one material over another, placing mechanical connectors between or on the materials, or a combination of the above. Connections may also be made by coating one material onto another, screwing one material onto another, or other means of connecting one material to another, where at least one of the materials is a substrate for a conductive coating.

[0060] The term "transparent" as used herein is not always limited to optical transparency. Differently, transparency may include the ability or property of passage of energy waves, including infrared and / or ultraviolet rays. Transparency also need not be limited to complete transparency, and can instead refer to some ability to facilitate or allow passage of light rays (e.g., translucency).

[0061] Alternatively, coupler 10 may not be formed of a transparent material, and in embodiments can be made of one or more materials suitable for a particular remote visualization application. In embodiments, for certain applications, the coupler may act as a support and applicator for conductive material 302, and it may have either limited or no ability to improve visualization.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown in , the attachment section 46 may include a cylindrical wall 50 extending from the proximal end 48 of the optical element 10. Generally, the attachment section 46 is configured to match the visualization section 12 and fix it to the end of the endoscope 72 or other optical imaging device. To this end, the size of the cylindrical wall 50 is suitable for defining the hollow cylindrical opening 70 so as to achieve a press or other firm fit to the distal end of the endoscope 72. It should be noted that the attachment section 46 may also include other structures to facilitate attachment, and / or may be fixed by welding, adhesives, screwing, mechanical connectors, interference between one or more materials and the optical imaging device, or such other forms of connection between the device and the remote / optical imaging device. Moreover, the attachment section 46 does not need to have a cylindrical shape, but can be formed to match the distal shape of various optical imaging devices or remote visualization devices. Alternatively, the shape of the attachment section can be suitable for facilitating other functions of the device, including making the shape of the side and distal end conform to tissues and substances and more effectively manipulating tissues and substances. When contacting tissues and other substances, the shape and material can be selected to make the device less traumatic. The visualization section of the device can also be integrated into a remote visualization device.

[0063] like Figure 1 and Figure 4As shown in , endoscope 72 includes a sheath 76 having a distal end and supporting an optical assembly. Sheath 76 is a generally elongated member configured to enter and extend through a passageway to provide remote visualization in the body and other passageways. In some embodiments, the endoscope includes some form of positioning assembly (e.g., a hand control) attached to the proximal end of sheath 76 to allow an operator to steer the scope. In other embodiments, the scope is part of a robotic element that provides steerability and positioning of the scope relative to a desired point to investigate and focus the scope. Sheath 76 also includes a distal end 74 (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 4 ), the distal end extends into the cylindrical opening 70 of the optical coupler 10.

[0064] The sheath 76 may include one or more openings or lumens extending therethrough for various purposes. Figures 1 to 4 , the sheath 76 defines a first lumen 100, a second lumen 102, and a third lumen 104. Each lumen extends from the proximal end of the sheath 76 to the distal end 74. The first lumen 100 can, for example, provide a passageway in which a light guide 106 can be positioned to transmit light toward the distal end 74. The second lumen 102 can provide a passageway to accommodate a remote visualization lens, camera, sensor, fiber, or other element 108 for bringing visual information back to the proximal end of the sheath 76. The third lumen 104 can provide a passageway through which additional instruments (such as guide wires, catheters, biopsy forceps, guidewires, or other instruments 202) can extend to reach tissue or other material 200.

[0065] As mentioned above, Figures 1 to 4 The sheath 76 in the embodiment of the present invention provides access to the optical assembly. In some embodiments, the optical assembly includes a light guide 106, an image capture element 108, and an objective lens 110. As also mentioned above, the light guide 106 can transmit light from the proximal end of the sheath 76 to the distal end to illuminate the body tissue 200. The objective lens 110 is positioned at the distal end of the optical fiber 108 and is configured to guide and focus the reflected light back to the distal end of the optical fiber. In general, the objective lens 110 can be any optical device capable of transmitting and refracting light, including a composite lens that includes an array of lenses having a common axis.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 4 , when the attachment section 46 is secured, the cylindrical wall 50 extends over the outer surface 78 of the distal end 74 of the sheath 76. Also, the proximal surface 22 abuts the end surface 80 on the distal end of the sheath 76. Also, the third lumen 104 is aligned with the hollow instrument socket 40 defined in the visualization section 12 of the optical coupler 10.

[0067] like Figures 1 to 4As shown in , conductive material 302 can be applied in a variety of configurations to produce one or more electrode designs, depending on the desired effect on tissue and other substances. The electrode design can be changed to accommodate the needs of other applications, such as suppressing fogging of remote visualization elements or generating a combination of capabilities (such as visualization elements that can be intermittently or continuously heated to suppress or prevent fogging). When it is necessary to contact and cauterize or ablate tissue or other substances, the electrode design can also address the ability of the conductive material 302 to quickly increase energy delivery.

[0068] Heating the optical lens components with a conductive coating allows continuous heating to prevent significant temperature differences at the end of the scope or optical element. (The distal end is where the camera is often located and fogging can be a problem there.) The temperature difference can form fogging, thereby obscuring visualization through the scope or optical element. In addition, the material of the optical coupler (e.g., such as silicone and polycarbonate) has insulating properties that promote anti-fogging. Anti-fogging can be achieved, for example, by heating the optical element to about body temperature. Without being bound by theory, the inventors believe that the temperature difference at the distal end of the scope can range from about 95 degrees Fahrenheit to 110 or even 120 degrees Fahrenheit, particularly in the case of using certain heat generating instruments, such as ultrasonic scalpels, which raise the temperature around the end of the scope. Generally, the power and temperature of anti-fogging applications are lower than cauterization or other tissue modification temperatures.

[0069] In some embodiments, the conductive material may be in the form of layers, strips, particles, nanoparticles, or other shapes applied in some discrete, continuous, or intermittent patterns and various combinations thereof. Variations in the shape or pattern of application of the conductive material are possible within the ability to add one material to another by adhering or combining coatings and other materials to achieve a desired result.

[0070] The conductive material can include a transparent conductive oxide (TCO), a conductive metal (such as platinum), a polymer, or an organic semiconductor, or such other material that can conduct or transmit energy across the device. The term "layer" refers to at least some areas of the conductive material 302 having a relatively uniform thickness and / or the application method of the conductive material 302. For example, the conductive material can be formed or applied by various methods: dipping, deposition coating, spraying, sputtering, ultrasonic application, brushing, painting, or such other application of the conductive material that can form a layer or other pattern on the intended substrate. In some embodiments, the conductive material can have a uniform material thickness. In other embodiments, the conductive material can have a varying thickness. No portion of the conductive material 302 needs to have an exact thickness - it can vary continuously throughout. Instead, the material thickness can vary according to the intended electrode function, such as the target resistance level (and its variation) across the coating for a specific application.

[0071] In addition, the conductive material 302 may be applied to form specific shapes (other than layers) intended to apply energy to matter in different patterns and densities. Moreover, the conductive material 302 may be applied in a non-layered manner, such as by being formed in a mold and then adhered, welded, or otherwise attached to an optical coupler. Again, the shape of the conductive material 302 may instead correspond to the desired pattern of energy application formed by the conductive material, including specific electrode designs involving the conductive material and connectors to the conductive material 300.

[0072] In an embodiment, a layer of conductive material is applied to the distal end 14 of the optical element such that it extends over a portion of the visualization section 12. In one embodiment, the portion of the visualization section 12 covered by the conductive material includes the entire distal, outer surface area 16 of one side of the visualization section. However, the portion of the visualization section may include only a portion of the surface area of ​​one side of the visualization section, or may include one or more gaps between multiple applications of the conductive material layer, depending on the desired electrode design and the desired results. For example, the conductive material 302 may cover only the area within the field of view of the objective lens 110 of the endoscope 72, or may be applied in a portion of the field of view or even outside of the field of view. In other alternatives, the conductive material 302 may be applied in a pattern (bands, strips, dimples, gaps, undulations, curves, circles, semicircles), irregularities, and other such methods to create an electrode to achieve the desired results of applying energy to the device 200.

[0073] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown in , the device 11 may also include one or more connectors 300 to provide energy to the conductive material. In this embodiment, the connector includes a first positive terminal 300a and a second negative terminal 300b. Current flows from the positive terminal through the conductive material 302 (powering the conductive material) and out through the negative terminal.

[0074] The terminals themselves can include inert electrodes such as graphite (carbon), platinum, gold, and rhodium. In addition, the terminals may include copper, zinc, lead, and silver or aluminum, or a conductive material or any other material known to those skilled in the art to be suitable for transmitting energy. Wires 304 or other power transmission devices connect the electrodes to a power cable (not shown) and may be embedded within the sheath 76 of the endoscope 72 and extend parallel to and near the hollow instrument socket 40.

[0075] Alternatively, a wire or other power delivery device may be passed through (not shown) the visualization section in the instrument socket 40. The wire may also be delivered in another alternative manner, including inductive transmission of current to the device or a battery embedded in the device. Power may also be supplied by current from a battery, catheter, cable, radio waves, or other power delivery device or method that can extend a distance to a terminal or connector.

[0076] For example, Fig.13 An energy conduit 500 is shown configured to extend through a channel of a delivery conduit. The energy conduit includes a connector 502 at its distal end. The elongated body of the energy conduit 500 defines an irrigation channel 506. The energy conduit is connected to an energy supply source and / or irrigation source 504 at its proximal end. The energy conduit 500 is configured to extend through the scope and into a working channel 508 of the optical coupler 10. Extension continues until the connector 502 abuts and / or otherwise mates or connects with a corresponding contact or terminal 300 that communicates with the working channel.

[0077] The one or more terminals 300 may be any means (including radio waves, induction, or other wireless connections) of delivering some kind of energy to the conductive material 302. For example, the conductive material itself may form or include the terminals 300 in the case of wireless excitation of the conductive material or the conductive material being stretched into a shape for mating or communicating with, for example, an energy generator (or other energy supply source).

[0078] It should be noted that the optical element 10 (in the form of a coupler, lens, coupler or other attachment, or integrated as part of a scope) can be used with a range of different scopes or other image capture devices. The term coupler is used more generally herein to refer to an optical element that is attached to or integrated as part of a scope, which may include optical elements integrally formed or attached to a scope or other technologies for capturing and transmitting images. The term "coupler" as used herein refers to a coupler, cap, or lens that is manufactured separately and / or may be attached separately at a later time.

[0079] The optical element can be adapted for use with optical capture elements of various sizes (e.g., including relatively large telescopes). Alternatively, the optical element 10 can be an objective lens of a telescope, wherein the device 11 is formed by placing a conductive material 302 on at least a portion of the lens of the telescope; and providing at least one terminal 300 to provide energy to the conductive material 302 on the lens. This is useful, for example, to prevent fogging on the lens. The optical element can also be used with or be part of a microscope in the same manner. Other observation scopes that can be used with or for the optical element include: deep water telescopes, condenser scopes, colposcopes, logging while drilling tools, fiberscopes, videoscopes, crossscopes, stereoscopes, and nosescopes.

[0080] Moreover, the term "endoscope" generally refers to any viewing scope used on or in medical applications, including the body (human or other), and includes, for example, laparoscopes, arthroscopy, colonoscopes, bronchoscopes, enteroscopes, cystoscopes, laparoscopes, laryngoscopes, sigmoidoscopes, thoracoscopes, cardioscopes, and saphenous vein harvesters with viewing scopes, whether robotic or non-robotic; and also includes viewing scopes used in non-medical applications, such as, for example, borescopes, videoscopes, flexible viewing scopes, and fiberscopes, whether robotic or non-robotic and including any other viewing scopes disclosed herein.

[0081] The term "image capture device" as used herein also need not refer to a device having only a lens or other light directing structure. Instead, for example, the image capture device can be any device capable of capturing and relaying an image, including (i) a relay lens between the objective lens and the eyepiece at the distal end of the viewing scope; (ii) an optical fiber; (iii) a charge coupled device (CCD); (iv) a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) sensor. The image capture device can also be simply a chip for sensing light and generating an electrical signal to communicate corresponding to the sensed light, or other technology for transmitting an image. The image capture device can have a viewing end (where light is captured), and the conductive surface 302 can extend over a portion of the image capture element or can be applied to other embodiments away from the image capture element. In general, the image capture device can be any device capable of observing an object, capturing an image, and / or capturing video.

[0082] Although one specific embodiment of an optical coupler is described above, additional types of optical couplers may include some type of conductive material applied thereto. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0209074, filed on February 16, 2012 (which disclosure is hereby incorporated by reference herein) discloses several variations of optical elements to which conductive materials may be applied.

[0083] For example, the present disclosure Figure 5 Another embodiment of an optical element 10 is shown attached to an endoscope 72. Figure 5 , a portion of the outer surface 16 of the visualization section 12 is dome-shaped, and the dome-shaped portion of the outer surface of the visualization section is within the field of view A of the endoscope 72. For the dome shape, conductive material 302 may be required over an increased surface area with a smoother transition (compared to Figures 1 to 4 , if the entire dome is covered), or the conductive material 302 may be applied only within field of view A.

[0084] In general, a dome shape can improve imaging with increased working space because organs can be pushed out of view, or this and other shapes can be utilized to optimize field of view, optical clarity, conformity of the lens to target tissue or other material. Other performance-related reasons for adapting the shape of an optical element include desire for light transmission, material adhesion between shapes, and navigation through specific areas (including target lumens).

[0085] As another example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 An exemplary optical element 10 is shown engaging an area of ​​a body cavity 200. First, the optical element 10 is placed in contact with the area of ​​the body cavity 200. Then, the physician can place the medical device 202 ( Figure 6 ) is inserted into the third lumen 104 of the sheath 76 of the endoscope 72. The medical instrument is passed through the instrument port 40 in the optical element, and then the medical instrument 202 pierces the barrier section 42 and the outer surface 16 of the optical element 10 (the present disclosure) Figure 7 ). A medical procedure can then be performed on the area of ​​body cavity 200 using the medical instrument.

[0086] The barrier section 42 is a portion of the visualization section 12 that is interposed between the environment (prior to passage of the medical device 202) and the instrument receptacle 40. In one aspect, the barrier section can be coated with an insulating material 310 to prevent the medical device 202 from making direct contact with the conductive material 302. The insulating material 310 can, for example, extend from the outer surface 16 and have the same thickness as or greater than the layer of conductive material 302. Advantageously, the insulating material 310 can prevent a disruption in the conductivity of the conductive material 302 (such as caused by a metallic instrument) from causing a short circuit to the conductive material layer being powered. Alternatively, the insulating material can simply be a more resilient physical shield to prevent damage by the medical device 202.

[0087] Fig. 8AA cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an optical element attached to an endoscope 72 is shown. This embodiment includes a biopsy forceps 61 placed through one of the lumens 104 of the endoscope 72 and through the instrument port 40 of the optical element 10.

[0088] exist Fig. 8A In the figure, the jaws of the biopsy forceps 61 are open. Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view with the jaws of the biopsy forceps closed to obtain a biopsy sample from a body cavity 200 . Figure 8C is a cross-sectional view of the biopsy forceps being withdrawn after a biopsy sample has been taken.

[0089] exist FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C In an embodiment of the present invention, the optical element 10 has a frustoconical shape with a wider base extending toward the distal end. In this embodiment, the conductive material 302 is relatively flat and can be easily applied to a relatively flat tissue surface. Moreover, the conductive material 302 can be in a layer with an opening surrounded by the insulating material 310. As described above, this can prevent shorting of the biopsy forceps 61 to the conductive material or damage to the conductive material by the biopsy forceps 61. Moreover, the electrodes 300a and 300b can extend downward along the angled sides of the frustoconical shape and may or may not be partially insulated or fully insulated.

[0090] Fig.9A and Fig. 9B Another embodiment of an optical element 10 having an angled outer surface 16 is shown. For example, the optical element 10 can be an optical coupler mounted to a borescope 77. The optical coupler 10 has a visualization section 12 having a first outer boundary 515 and a second outer boundary 516. The first outer boundary 515 and the second outer boundary 516 extend outward from the borescope at an angle. The outer surface 514 of the coupler 10 is also angled so that it includes a first segment 514a and a second segment 514b. In this configuration, the conductive material layer 302 is similarly layered.

[0091] Fig. 9B Show Fig.9A An optical element 10 is provided that views a weld stuck between two plates 88, 90. Advantageously, the electrodes 300 are capable of delivering energy to the conductive layers 302 that can heat and / or modify the angled plates 88, 90 to, for example, repair the weld while the weld is directly viewed by an operator.

[0092] Fig.10An optical element 10 is shown attached to an endoscope having an auxiliary channel via a third lumen 104. A nozzle 943 is provided at the distal end of the auxiliary channel 104 for transporting fluid, air or other substances. The optical coupler includes a chamber 945 extending around the long axis of the scope, which is capable of receiving fluid 947 from the auxiliary fluid channel 104 and the nozzle 943. This allows the fluid 947 to pass through and through the instrument port 40 in the optical element 10. The channel can be used to transport fluids (including water or saline) to irrigate tissue or flush debris from the field of view, or to clean the outer surface of the coupler, or to transport drugs and other chemicals and other substances (such as air, CO2, argon and other substances to affect the target tissue or other substances). In Fig.10 In a similar way Figures 1 to 4 The conductive material 302 is applied in a layer in a manner as described above. The openings may extend through the conductive material 302 to facilitate aspiration of the external environment and to apply positive pressure to the instrument receptacle when the instrument is deployed externally.

[0093] The present disclosure Fig.11A is a cross-section of an optical element 10 having a concave outer surface 16 attached to an endoscope 72 proximate tissue filled with blood 800 . Fig. 11B The optical element 10 is shown pressed against a cavity in tissue 200 and trapping an opaque liquid 91 . Fig. 11C Fluid is shown from instrument socket 40 flushing trapped opaque liquid 91. Advantageously, when the pressure of the introduced fluid exceeds the pressure applied by optical element 10 against body cavity 200, fluid 891 will flush trapped opaque liquid 91 from that area.

[0094] exist Fig.11A and Fig. 11B In the embodiment of the present invention, a conductive material 302 is applied in a recessed layer, which is similar to the recessed outer surface 16. The terminal 300 extends along the side of the optical element 10 to contact the end of the recessed conductive material 302.

[0095] Devices and Applications of Conductive Materials

[0096] The conductive material 302 of various embodiments of the device 11 can be used to deliver many energy types and be employed in many medical and non-medical applications. Examples of such energy types and applications are provided below for illustrative purposes and should not be considered limiting.

[0097] like Fig.12, the conductive material 302 is a resistor and / or capacitor attached to an energy supply 94 via terminals 300a and 300b and connector 304 and cable 96. The connector 304 may extend through, for example, the endoscope sheath 76 and into the cable 96 attached to the proximal end of the endoscope. Those connectors may be connected to the energy supply 94, which may be, for example, one or more forms of energy for the alteration of tissue or other matter, including monopolar energy, bipolar energy, argon energy, ablation energy, plasma energy, thermal energy, microwave energy, ultrasound, focused ultrasound, or other forms of energy (including the generation and transmission of a variety of energy forms that can be transmitted across or through the conductive coating to alter tissue or matter (including for therapeutic effects)). These can be delivered by direct current, alternating current, pulsed current, and various other forms of energy delivery.

[0098] There are many ways to deliver energy to the terminals 300 and the conductive material 302. The cable 96 can deliver power to the conductive material via the terminals 300, 300a, 300b. The cable can reach the terminals by, for example, being adjacent to and outside the scope or wrapping around the outside of the scope 72. Alternatively, the cable 96 or connector 304 can be attached to an energy delivery catheter that passes down the working channel of the scope (e.g., the first lumen 100) and docks with the terminals. At its distal end, the energy delivery catheter can be connected to an electrical terminal in the working channel of the lens 110. The connector 304 can also be embedded in the sheath 76 of the endoscope 72 and extend parallel to and near the hollow instrument socket 40. These connectors can include flexible loops, one or more coatings, wires, conductive springs, inductive materials for receiving and transmitting power, cables, or other such methods for transmitting power from an energy supply source toward a delivery point.

[0099] In another embodiment, the electric energy generator can include a signal generator, such as a function generator, an RF signal generator, a microwave signal generator, a pitch generator, an arbitrary waveform generator, a digital pattern generator, or a frequency generator. Existing electrosurgical generators can be used, with the advantage that they meet the standards necessary for medical use. These generators can provide power to an electronic device that generates a repetitive or non-repetitive electronic signal (in either the analog domain or the digital domain). The range of the RF signal generator can be several kHz to 6 GHz. Microwave signal generators can cover a much wider frequency range, from less than 1 MHz to at least 20 GHz. Some models are up to 70 GHz in the case of direct coaxial output, and up to hundreds of GHz when used with an external waveguide source module. Moreover, FM and AM signal generators can be used.

[0100] The benefit of these various generators and others is that they provide a specific form of power for a directional application where one form of power has advantages over the other. For example, when cutting and coagulating tissue, unipolar electricity is generally more effective at cutting and coagulating through tissue than bipolar energy. However, unipolar energy requires the use of a grounding pad to avoid arching of the unipolar energy to unintended areas. Therefore, a grounding pad can be used with unipolar applications to affect tissue and prevent burns, arching, and subsequent energy to the patient caused by unipolar energy (the grounding pad completes the circuit of the energy through the patient.).

[0101] In contrast, bipolar electrical energy has a complete circuit in the device itself, and therefore the energy travels through and across the device, affecting the tissue, but does not arch through the body. With this approach, bipolar electrical energy can be very effective for forming lesions, sealing blood vessels, and other applications involving targeted treatment of tissue. However, due to the involved aspects of bipolar electrical energy, it is often less effective as an alternative to a surgical scalpel for cutting and coagulating through tissue. Similarly, microwave energy can be used for certain types of ablation of tissue due to its unique tissue action, and bipolar energy can be used for other types of ablation. Other forms of energy (such as FM energy) can be used because the frequency does not excite certain accessory elements (such as nerve bundles).

[0102] The ablation generator can be used in a non-heat driven procedure to surgically separate soft tissues by using radio frequency energy to excite electrolytes in a conductive medium such as a saline solution to produce a precisely focused plasma field. The energized particles or ions in the plasma field can have sufficient energy to break or separate organic molecular bonds within the soft tissue at relatively low temperatures (i.e., typically between 40°C and 70°C). This enables the ablation device to remove the target tissue volumetrically with minimal damage to surrounding tissue. Ablation can also provide hemostasis and tissue contraction capabilities. The amount of power delivered can be determined by the field strength and can be adjusted based on local environmental conditions.

[0103] Ablation can be used at a temperature range typically up to 90°C.

[0104] The ultrasonic generator can generate sound waves having a frequency greater than approximately 20 kilohertz (20,000 Hz). The ultrasonic waves can be conducted to the tissue 200 through the conductive material 302. The ultrasound waves can be absorbed by body tissues, particularly ligaments, tendons, and fascia or other substances.

[0105] Ultrasound devices can operate at frequencies typically from 20 KHz up to several GHz. The therapeutic ultrasound frequencies used are typically between 0.7 and 3.3 MHz. Ultrasound energy or TENS energy can accelerate the healing process by increasing blood flow in the treated area, reduce pain (due to a reduction in swelling and edema), and gently massage the tendons and / or ligaments in the treated area.

[0106] Ultrasound can also be non-invasive or invasive to ablate tumors or other tissues. This can be done using a technique called high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), also known as focused ultrasound surgery (FUS surgery). The procedure uses frequencies that are typically lower than medical diagnostic ultrasound (250-2000 kHz). Other general conditions that can be treated using ultrasound include examples such as: ligament sprains, muscle strains, tendinitis, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, metatarsalgia, facet joint irritation, impingement syndrome, bursitis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and scar tissue adhesions.

[0107] The device 11 also allows the medical practitioner to perform, among other things, cauterization of tissue, sealing of blood vessels, tissue dissection and excision, tissue shaping, tissue cutting and coagulation, tissue ablation, and heating of instruments, all at the exact location that the practitioner is viewing. This at least partially addresses the problem of aspects of performing endoscopic surgery blindly. It may also eliminate the need to replace one device with another to apply energy to tissue or matter, or to deflect tissue or other matter, or to engage in other manipulations while maintaining visualization.

[0108] More specific medical applications include, among others, applying energy to affect tissue in trauma cases, arthroscopic surgery, spinal surgery, neurosurgery, shoulder surgery, lung tumor ablation, ablation of cancerous tissue in bladder cancer patients, cauterization for women's health issues such as endometriosis, or ablating uterine tissue. In these applications (and others listed herein), the device can be used to contact tissue and then cauterize, ablate, or shape the tissue (e.g., as done with ablative energy in shoulder surgery), thereby creating unique performance attributes by allowing the physician to see changes in the tissue in real time, such as through optically clear lenses and coatings.

[0109] The device can also be used to heat optically clear lenses to prevent fogging during applications involving laparoscopes, borescopes, videoscopes, or other optical capture techniques.

[0110] To further elaborate on medical applications, the use of the device in diathermy applications is a useful area, whether it is achieved using short wave radio frequency (in the range of 1-100 MHz) or microwave energy (typically 915 MHz or 2.45 GHz). Diathermy used in surgical procedures can include at least two types. Monopolar energy is the case where the current is passed from one electrode near the tissue to be treated to another fixed electrode elsewhere in the body. Typically, this type of electrode is placed in a specific location on the body, such as in contact with the buttocks or around the legs. Alternatively, bipolar energy can be used, where the two electrodes are mounted in close proximity, thereby creating a closed circuit on the device (in this case, the two separate conductive material portions 302 on the optical element 10), and the current passes only through or only on the tissue being treated. The advantage of bipolar electrosurgery is that it prevents the current from flowing through other tissues of the body and is concentrated only on tissues that are in contact with or in close proximity to the electrodes. This is useful, for example, in microsurgery, laparoscopic surgery, cardiac surgery, and other surgeries, including those on patients with pacemakers and other devices and conditions not suitable for use with other forms of energy.

[0111] Electrocautery is a procedure that uses heat conduction from an electric current to modify tissue. The procedure is used to stop bleeding from small blood vessels (larger vessels can be ligated) or for cutting through soft tissue. High frequency alternating current is used in electrocautery performed in either a monopolar or bipolar manner. The high frequency alternating current can be a continuous waveform (to cut tissue) or an intermittent type (to coagulate tissue). In the monopolar type, the tissue to be coagulated / cut will be in contact with a small electrode, while the surface area of ​​the exit point of the circuit is large, such as at the buttocks, to prevent electrical burns. The heat generated depends on the size of the contact area, the power setting or frequency of the current, the duration of application, and the waveform. A constant waveform generates more heat than an intermittent waveform (generally) because the frequency used in cutting tissue is set higher than the frequency in the coagulation mode. Bipolar electrocautery establishes a circuit between two points to affect tissue or other material.

[0112] As another option, conductive layer 302 and device 11 can be used for thermal cauterization in the range of 50°C to 100°C, or even in the range of 50°C to 70°C, or at lesser temperatures if desirable, with a range of powers applied as appropriate for the application. Advantageously, the ability to visualize as various forms of energy are applied by the device allows for accurate delivery of energy, including varying the level of energy and resulting temperature, using power settings appropriate for a particular application, applying energy over longer periods of time to broaden coverage, applying energy across multiple electrodes for multiple effects, and the ability to stop the process with greater confidence that tissue or other material has been satisfactorily transformed. (Of course, this advantage applies to other applications of device 11 - real-time visual monitoring of energy application allows for more accurate application.).

[0113] Optical element 10 can also be beneficial in non-medical applications. Multiple embodiments of the optical element can be attached to the far end (objective) of a borescope, or to a micro video camera or a conventional video camera, a viewing scope, or a static camera, or any other visualization device that would benefit from improved visualization and energy delivery in fluids, debris and / or blood. This allows improved observation and the ability to repair in pipes, holding tanks, containers, inside hydraulic lines, and other situations where visualization may otherwise be impaired (including when the fluid is opaque, such as petroleum products, sewage, food, paint). Biopharmaceutical manufacturing, pharmaceutical products, and other applications will benefit from this innovation, as well as eliminating the need to drain pipes or containers (e.g., oil tanks) or open lines for inspection.

[0114] The size or amount of flexibility of the optical element can be scaled for a specific application, such as displacing a large volume of fluid when inspecting a large area. The shape of the optical element can be generally flat, convex (with varying levels of curvature), angled, inclined, stepped, or otherwise shaped for a specific task. For example, the optical element can be shaped as a square, or shaped as an angular shape to displace an opaque fluid in the corner of a slot to inspect a seam. Inspection of joints, welds, joints can be performed in pipes, pipelines, tubes, tunnels, and other pathways for: corrosion, pipes, flexible and non-flexible tubular components, or cracks, surface deviations, and other inspection and repair points.

[0115] The optical element can be used in conjunction with an image capture element and a robotic vehicle or robotic arm to observe a remote location. An optical component with a working channel will allow the device to be passed through the optical element for repair using screws, adhesive patches, glue, chemicals, welding, brazing, and other repair and touch-up applications. In embodiments, the optical element can be formed of a material that withstands the acidity, alkalinity, high heat, or viscosity of the fluid that is displaced by the optical element. In embodiments, the device can be a single-use disposable device or a reusable device.

[0116] Advantageously, embodiments of device 11 provide the ability to apply energy via conductive material 302 in these various non-medical applications. The energy provided to the object being viewed may heat, alter, or otherwise affect the object being viewed by optical element 10.

[0117] Conductive material composition

[0118] Conductive material 302 can have various compositions and can be applied to optical element 10 in various ways. Examples of such compositions and applications are provided below for illustrative purposes, and they should not be considered limiting. For medical applications, conductive material 302 is preferably capable of withstanding sterilization, such as by gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, steam, or other forms of sterilization.

[0119] The conductive coating / electrically responsive coating can be applied in a variety of configurations to produce one or more electrodes. The electrodes can be optically transparent and have a variety of thicknesses, including half a micron or less, and much greater thicknesses, depending on the desired effect on the tissue or other substance.

[0120] The conductive material can be at least partially transparent, and can include, for example, any member of the general class of materials known as transparent conductive oxides (TCOs), of which titanium oxide (TiO2) and aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) are two examples. It can also involve the use of other conductive materials applied in a manner that permits visualization, such as silver and gold nanoparticles, and other conductive materials applied in a manner that allows energy conduction and visualization.

[0121] The optical diffraction index of the visualization material includes materials having a refractive index ranging from 1.3 to 2.3, the refractive index depending on the application, the desired light transmission level, the overall optical performance and other factors. The transparent conductive oxide may include a transparent material having a band gap having an energy corresponding to wavelengths shorter than the visible range of 380 nm to 750 nm. The film of the TCO can have, for example, a conductivity that varies across points on its surface. In one aspect, the film has no or substantially no pores, pinholes and / or defects. In another aspect, the number and size of pores, pinholes and / or defects in the layer do not adversely affect the performance of the layer in the device. The film thickness can range from less than 1 to about 3500 nm. In embodiments, different manufacturing methods and intended applications can result in different thicknesses, such as films having thicknesses of approximately 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1300, and 1500 nm.

[0122] The transparent conductive film can be indium tin oxide, zinc oxide doped with Al or Ga, titanium oxide doped with Ta or Nb, tin oxide doped with F, and mixtures thereof. The oxide layer can be formed by direct oxidation of an ultra-thin metal layer or by depositing an oxide. The TCO material can have a polycrystalline, crystalline, or amorphous microstructure to affect film properties, including, for example, transmittance and conductivity, among other properties.

[0123] Biocompatible TCOs can also be used as transparent conductive materials. These include, for example, aluminum oxide (Al2O3), hydroxyapatite (HA), silicon dioxide (SiO2), titanium carbide (TiC), titanium nitride (TiN), titanium dioxide (TiO2), zirconium dioxide (ZrO2). These materials can be n-doped with other metals such as aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gallium (Ga), magnesium (Mg), cadmium (Cd), indium (In), tin (Sn), scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr) and boron (B). P-doping can also be achieved with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), among others.

[0124] TiO2 can act as a biocompatible material; it offers the possibility of coating substrates at temperatures ranging from room temperature to hundreds of degrees Celsius. TiO2 has a number of different polycrystalline phases, which can depend on the initial particle size, initial phase, dopant concentration, reaction atmosphere, and annealing temperature. TiO2 films are typically synthesized by a number of methods, including sol-gel, thermal spraying, and physical vapor deposition.

[0125] Transparent conductive aluminum-doped zinc oxide thin film (Al x Zn y Oz , ZnO:Al) contain small amounts (usually less than 5% by weight) of aluminum. The underlying substrate can have an impact on the structure of the growth and the optoelectronic properties of the film of the material. Even if the substrate is the same, the layer thickness (deposition time, position on the substrate) itself affects the physical values ​​of the deposited thin film.

[0126] Variations in the physical values ​​of the grown film can also be achieved by changing process parameters such as temperature or pressure or by adding additives to the process gases such as oxygen or hydrogen. Typically, zinc oxide is n-doped with aluminum. Alternatively, n-doping can be accomplished with metals such as copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gallium (Ga), magnesium (Mg), cadmium (Cd), indium (In), tin (Sn), scandium (Sc), yttrium (Y), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr) and boron (B). P-doping of ZnO can be accomplished with nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P).

[0127] In addition, incorporating sub-wavelength metallic nanostructures into TCOs can result in changes in wavelengths where the TCO becomes transparent. Embedded particle materials can also be used to control absorption and scattering at desired wavelengths. Other optical effects of the material can also be affected, including absorption, scattering, light trapping or detrapping, filtering, light-induced heating, and others. These effects can be engineered using the particle morphology, including size, shape, density, uniformity, consistency, spacing, placement, and random or periodic distribution.

[0128] The substrate of the electrode of the present invention can be made of any suitable material, wherein the transparent electrode structure of the present invention is applied on the material. This can include another conductive material or a dielectric material. In an illustrative example, the optical element 10 serves as a substrate. Other substrates include glass, semiconductors, inorganic crystals, rigid or flexible plastic materials, among other materials. Illustrative examples are silicon dioxide (SiO2), borosilicate (BK7), silicon (Si), lithium niobate (LiNbO3), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), among other materials.

[0129] Organic materials can also act as conductive materials. These include networks of carbon nanotubes and graphene (which can be made highly transparent to infrared light), as well as networks of polymers such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) and its derivatives.

[0130] Polymers can also act as conductive materials. For example, conductive polymers such as derivatives of polyacetylene, polyaniline, polypyrrole or polythiophene, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and PEDOT:poly(styrene sulfonate) PSS. In addition, poly(4,4-dioctylcyclopentadithiophene) doped with iodine or 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone (DDQ) can be used. Other polymers with n-type or p-type dopants can also be used.

[0131] Conductive material films can be deposited on substrates by various deposition methods, including metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), metal organic molecular beam deposition (MOMBD), spray pyrolysis and pulsed laser deposition, dip coating, painting, gluing or other applications suitable for appropriately adhering the conductive material to a given substrate for a specific application. Fabrication techniques for TCOs include magnetron sputtering of films, sol-gel technology, electrodeposition, vapor deposition, DC magnetron sputtering, RF magnetron sputtering or a combination of both sputtering deposition methods, ultrasonic delivery and welding. In addition, high quality deposition methods using, among others, thermal plasma (low pressure (LP), metal organic (MO), plasma enhanced (PE)) chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electron beam evaporation, pulsed laser deposition and atomic layer deposition (ALD) can be applied.

[0132] Thin films that are only a few nanometers thick (such as ALD) can be flexible and therefore less prone to cracking and forming and spreading harmful particles inside the human body or inside a given non-medical inspection site. Moreover, low and high protein binding affinity coatings can be deposited by ALD. These coatings are particularly useful in diagnostics and in the field of preparation and for surface coatings against bacterial growth.

[0133] Pre- and post-deposition treatments, such as treatment with oxygen plasma, can be combined with thermal treatments to obtain improved conductive material properties. Oxygen plasma may be preferred when the substrate or conductive material will be subjected to high temperatures. Conductive material films can have a wide variety of material properties depending on changes in process parameters. For example, varying process parameters can result in a wide variety of conductivity properties and morphologies of the film.

[0134] The term "connector" as used herein should be interpreted broadly to mean any structure that enables the transmission of electrical or other energy to the conductive coating. The term "connector" can refer to a permanent connection (soldering, gluing, twisted wire, conductive path with a conductive coating) or a replaceable connector (such as a plug and harness assembly), or other ways of transmitting energy from an energy supply source toward a conductive coating. It does not need to be a physical connection that leads all the way to the coating. For example, it can be connected via an electromagnetic field (such as by inductance). The term "connector" may also include structures and / or functional parts that allow, mediate, improve or otherwise facilitate connection. A specific type of connector is a terminal, which can be, for example, an area of ​​conductive material that is provided so as to or can be electrically coupled to an energy supply source. The terminal can, for example, be a conductive metal layer disposed on a surface and shaped to be in contact with the end of a wire on an energy supply conduit.

[0135] A "connector area" is an area where a connector can be attached, mounted, coated, glued, attached, adhered, layered, overlapped, or can otherwise communicate energy to the conductive coating.

[0136] Many aspects of systems, devices, and methods have been described. Nevertheless, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, other aspects are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use with an image capture device, comprising: an optical coupler having a visualization section at a distal end and an attachment section at a proximal end for attachment to the image capture device, the visualization section of the optical coupler being configured to allow transmission of an optical image through the optical coupler; a conductive material disposed over at least a portion of the visualization section, wherein the conductive material is at least partially transparent; a working channel, the working channel being located in the visualization section for receiving instruments or fluids or for passing instruments or fluids; an insulating material extending from an outer surface of the visualization section between a portion of the working channel and the conductive material; and At least one connector capable of providing energy to the conductive material.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The image capture device is a viewing scope.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The optical coupler includes a lens.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The optical coupler is integrally mounted on the distal end of the sight glass.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The optical coupler is a lens.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: A portion of the optical coupler is a portion of an outer, distal surface of the lens.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive material is a coating disposed on a portion of the optical coupler.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive material includes a conductive oxide.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The conductive oxide is selected from the group consisting of conductive titanium oxide and conductive aluminum oxide.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The connector is configured to be connected to an energy supply. The device according to claim 10 , further comprising the energy supply source.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive material is configured to receive electrical energy from the connector and to generate and transfer thermal energy to tissue disposed adjacent to the conductive material.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising an optically transparent dielectric layer configured to generate a capacitive field between the conductive material and tissue.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The conductive material includes at least two parallel conductive strips.

15. An image capture assembly comprising: an image capture device having a viewing end; an optical coupler having a visualization section at a distal end and an attachment section at a proximal end for attachment to a viewing end of the image capture device, the visualization section of the optical coupler being configured to allow transmission of an optical image through the optical coupler; a conductive surface on the visualization section, wherein the conductive surface is an optically transparent surface; a working channel, the working channel being located in the visualization section for receiving instruments or fluids or for passing instruments or fluids; an insulating material extending from an outer surface of the visualization section between a portion of the working channel and the conductive material; and An energy supply source connection is configured to supply energy to the conductive surface.

16. The image capture assembly of claim 15, wherein: The viewing end includes a viewing mirror lens.

17. The image capture assembly of claim 16, wherein: The conductive surface comprises a coating on the sight glass lens.

18. The image capture assembly of claim 15, wherein: The assembly includes at least one connector coupled to the conductive surface.

19. The image capture assembly of claim 18, further comprising a conductor electrically coupled to the connector at a distal end, supported by a positioning assembly, and connected to the energy supply connection at a proximal end.

20. The image capture assembly of claim 15, wherein: The energy supply connection includes a conduit configured to transmit power from an energy supply to the image capture device.

21. The image capture assembly of claim 15 comprising a plurality of non-overlapping conductive surfaces.

22. The image capture assembly of claim 15, wherein: The conductive surface is connected to the energy supply connection through a second conductive surface, and the second conductive surface includes platinum.

23. The image capture assembly of claim 15, wherein: The energy supply source connection comprises stainless steel.

24. The image capture assembly of claim 18, wherein: The conductive surface is configured to receive electrical energy from the connector and to generate and transfer thermal energy to limit fogging.

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