Endoscope with rotating illumination

Abstract

A scope system (100) is provided that includes an elongate tube having a distal portion (102) and a lumen (108) extending therethrough, the distal portion including a distal end section (202) including a pivot arm (206), the scope system further including a plurality of light sources (204) distributed on and connected to the distal end section and the pivot arm, the plurality of light sources being configured to be connected to a power source by electrical wires (302, 304) and conductors.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to medical instruments and, more particularly, to addressing the illumination needs of endoscopic systems in both forward and side-viewing configurations. [Background technology]

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information regarding the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Body cavities and lumens can become blocked or develop tumors in the walls that surround them. In some cases, these blockages or tumors may need to be removed or otherwise treated. Endoscopic or other minimally invasive techniques may be employed to treat these conditions.

[0004] One type of treatment involves the use of a catheter or other endoscopic instrument that is inserted into a body lumen or cavity and toward the area where treatment is desired. Inserting an endoscope into the target area can allow visualization of the target area and identification of the desired procedure and the specific location of the area to be treated.

[0005] Generally, endoscopes are designed to operate with the same basic mechanisms, without any modifications. Endoscopes typically include a camera and a set of wheels that an operator, such as a physician, manipulates with one hand (sometimes the left hand) to control the deflection of the scope, and with the other hand (usually the right hand) to switch between the endoscope's insertion tube and accessory channel to control the advancement of the scope and instrument, respectively, within the patient's body.

[0006] During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures using duodenoscopes and cholangioscopes, navigation to the duodenum and intubation of the minor papilla require varying degrees of illumination from the endoscopic camera system for small and large lumens and / or distant internal features. In particular, the larger gastric lumen requires brighter illumination than the smaller duodenal lumen and the even smaller bile duct lumen. In addition to brightness, the orientation and placement of the illumination elements of the endoscope also play a critical role in the illumination of the patient's internal structures during the procedure and the overall image quality of the endoscope. Keeping the illumination lights integral to the camera elements provides optimal performance while limiting the number, size, and brightness of the illumination components required.

[0007] The placement of the illumination element also plays an important role in reducing shadows caused by the mechanical features of the device, catheter or accessory extensions, or the patient's internal structures. If the illumination element is placed near the edge of the endoscope or along the outer diameter boundary, the internal structures may block the illumination or cause excessive shadowing of the relevant internal structures distal to the endoscope's field of view. When placing the illumination element, consideration must be given to the cholangioscopic or accessory extensions from the duodenoscope to limit the illumination shadowing behind the device with respect to the camera's field of view.

[0008] In the field of endoscopy, dedicated endoscopes are becoming more common. The camera and working channel of a dedicated endoscope can be oriented in a full range from forward-looking to side-looking configurations. The lighting elements are generally located on the non-pivotable distal end section of a dedicated endoscope, and the lighting elements are not located on any components at the distal end that can pivot or rotate, allowing the light to be angled with respect to the axis of the long tube of the endoscope. Illumination elements located only on the distal end section can provide limited image illumination, because the alignment of the camera and lighting elements is not maintained. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In an example, the disclosure provides a scope system, the scope system including an elongate tube including a lumen extending therein, the elongate tube further including a distal portion including a distal end section, the distal end section including a pivot arm, the distal end section defining a forward direction parallel to a length of the distal end section. The scope system further includes at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure including an accessory lumen extending therein, the at least one accessory channel movably disposed at least partially within the lumen of the elongate tube, the at least one accessory channel including a distal section, the at least one accessory channel being movable between a forward viewing configuration and a side viewing configuration. A distal end of the at least one accessory channel is attached to the pivot arm. The scope system further includes a plurality of light sources on and connected to the distal end section. In the forward viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel faces a substantially forward direction. In the side viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel faces an angled direction with respect to the forward direction. The at least one accessory channel and the pivot arm rotate about a pivot point while the at least one accessory channel moves between the forward viewing configuration and the side viewing configuration, the pivot point being fixed relative to the distal end section of the elongated tube. One or more of the plurality of light sources are distributed on and connected to the pivot arm. The pivot arm may be connected to the distal end section by a pivot point support member defining a pivot point, the pivot point support member may include electrical wires configured to connect the plurality of light sources to a power source. The pivot arm may be connected to the distal end section by a pivot point support member defining a pivot point, the pivot point support member may include an internal cavity including electrical wires configured to connect one or more of the plurality of light sources distributed on and connected to the pivot arm to a power source. The pivot arm may include at least one conductor configured to contact a second conductor of the distal end section while the at least one accessory channel moves between the forward viewing configuration and the side viewing configuration.The at least one accessory channel may include a fiber optic illumination cable in a dedicated lumen in the at least one accessory channel, in an overmold on the at least one accessory channel, and / or in or along a wall of the at least one accessory channel. The pivot arm and / or the distal end section may each be individually fully transparent, partially transparent, or opaque. The scope system may further include a power source connected to the multiple light sources. The at least one accessory channel may be configured to secure electrical wires connecting the multiple light sources to the power source and to allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of the at least one accessory channel. The distal portion may include a plurality of individual ribs, at least one of the plurality of individual ribs including a substantially U-shaped cross-section including two sides and an opening, and the plurality of individual ribs may be configured to secure electrical wires connecting the multiple light sources to the power source and to allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of the at least one accessory channel and / or bending of the distal portion.

[0010] In another example, the disclosure provides a scope system, the scope system including an elongated tube including a distal portion including a distal end section, the distal end section including a pivot arm, the distal end section defining a forward direction parallel to a length of the distal end section. The scope system further includes at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure, the tubular structure including an accessory lumen extending therein, the at least one accessory channel movably disposed at least partially within the lumen of the elongated tube, the at least one accessory channel including a distal section, the at least one accessory channel being movable between a forward viewing configuration and a side viewing configuration, and a distal end of the at least one accessory channel connected to the pivot arm. The scope system further includes a plurality of light sources on and connected to the distal end section. The scope system further includes first and second deflection cables connected to a distal portion of the elongated tube and extending proximally along the elongated tube. In the forward viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel faces substantially in a forward direction. In the side-view configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is angled relative to the forward direction. The distal section includes a pivot arm, and while the at least one accessory channel moves between the forward-view configuration and the side-view configuration, the at least one accessory channel and the pivot arm rotate about a pivot point, the pivot point being fixed relative to the distal section of the elongated tube. One or more of the multiple light sources are distributed on and connected to the pivot arm. When the first deflection cable moves proximally, the distal portion of the elongated tube bends in a first direction, and when the second deflection cable moves proximally, the distal portion of the elongated tube bends in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The pivot arm may be connected to the distal section by a pivot point support member that defines a pivot point, and the pivot point support member may include an electrical wire configured to connect the multiple light sources to a power source.The pivot arm may be connected to the distal end section by a pivot point support member defining a pivot point, the pivot point support member further including an internal cavity including electrical wires distributed on the pivot arm and configured to connect one or more of the multiple light sources connected thereto to a power source. The pivot arm may include an electrically conductive function configured to contact an electrically conductive function on the distal end section while the at least one accessory channel is moving between a forward viewing configuration and a side viewing configuration. The at least one accessory channel may include a fiber optic illumination cable in the at least one accessory channel, in an overmold on the at least one accessory channel, and / or in a dedicated lumen in or along a wall of the at least one accessory channel. The pivot arm and / or the distal end section may each individually be fully transparent, partially transparent, or opaque. The scope system may further include a power source connected to the multiple light sources. The at least one accessory channel may be configured to secure electrical wires connecting the multiple light sources to a power source and to allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of the at least one accessory channel. The distal portion can include a plurality of individual ribs, at least one of the plurality of ribs including a substantially U-shaped cross-section including two sides and an opening, and the plurality of individual ribs can be configured to secure electrical wires connecting the plurality of light sources to a power source and to allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of the at least one accessory channel and / or bending of the distal portion. The first deflection cable and / or the second deflection cable are configured to secure electrical wires connecting the plurality of light sources to a power source and to allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of the at least one accessory channel and / or bending of the distal portion.

[0011] In yet another example, the present disclosure provides a scope system. The scope system includes an elongate tube including a lumen therethrough and a distal end section. The scope system further includes an accessory channel movably disposed at least partially within the lumen of the elongate tube. The distal section of the accessory channel is rotatably moveable about a pivot point between a forward facing orientation and an angled orientation, the pivot point being fixed relative to the distal end section of the elongate tube. A light source is fixed to the distal section of the accessory channel such that as the distal section of the accessory channel rotates between the forward facing orientation and the angled orientation, the light source also rotates relative to the distal end section of the accessory channel.

[0012] Other areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0013] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, various aspects thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which components are not necessarily to scale and in which like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout the various views. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a side view of an example of a steerable endoscopic system according to the principles of the present disclosure; [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a side view of an example of a distal portion of a steerable endoscopic system in a bent state in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a side view of another example of a distal portion of a steerable endoscopic system in a side-view configuration according to the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates a perspective view of yet another example distal portion of a steerable endoscopic system including a light source in the distal end section in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5]1 illustrates a perspective view of yet another example distal portion of a steerable endoscopic system incorporating a light source on a pivot arm in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a perspective view of yet another example of a distal portion of a steerable endoscopic system in a side-view configuration including a light source on a pivot arm in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a perspective view of yet another example distal portion of a steerable endoscopic system including a pivot arm and a light source on the distal end section in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 13 shows a top view of yet another example of a distal portion of a steerable endoscopic system including an electrically conductive feature on the distal end section. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example distal end section of a steerable endoscopic system including a wire routing feature according to the principles of the present disclosure; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0016] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0017] When assigning reference numerals to elements in each drawing, it should be noted that the same numerals are used for the same elements even if the same elements are displayed in different drawings. Furthermore, in describing one aspect of the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related well-known configuration or function would make the gist of one aspect of the present disclosure unclear, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0018] In the following discussion, the terms "proximal" and "distal" are used to describe both axial ends of the instrument and the axial ends of the functional members of the various components. The term "proximal" is used in its conventional sense to refer to the end of the instrument (or component) that is closest to the medical practitioner during use of the assembly. The term "distal" is used in its conventional sense to refer to the end that is first inserted into a patient or that is closest to the patient during use. The term "longitudinal" is used to refer to an axis that is aligned with the proximal-distal axis of the instrument (or component). The terms "radially" and "radially" are used to refer to elements, surfaces, or assemblies that may extend perpendicularly from a longitudinal axis relative to one another. The terms "circumferential", "circumferentially" and "circumferential" are used to refer to elements, surfaces, or assemblies that radiusfully surround a longitudinal axis relative to one another.

[0019] The use of the articles (a, an, the) and similar referents in relation to describing this disclosure (particularly in relation to the claims at the end of the document) shall be construed to refer to both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of the term "plurality" is defined by the applicant in its broadest sense, and means a number greater than one, overriding any other implied definition or limitation, either before or after, unless the applicant clearly asserts otherwise. The indication of ranges of values ​​herein merely serves as a shorthand method of individually referring to each of the values ​​falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each of the values ​​is incorporated in the specification as if it were individually indicated herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.

[0020] As used herein, the terms "comprise," "include," "having," "has," "can," "contain," and variations thereof are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not exclude the possibility of additional actions or structures. The present description also contemplates other examples that "comprise," "consist," and "consist essentially of" the examples or elements presented herein, whether or not expressly stated.

[0021] In describing the elements of this disclosure, 1 st , 2 nd Terms such as, first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used herein. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another and do not limit the corresponding elements without regard to the nature or order of the corresponding elements.

[0022] Unless otherwise specifically defined, all terms used herein, including technical and technical terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Such terms are to be interpreted as meanings equivalent to the contextual meaning in the relevant field, as defined in commonly used dictionaries.

[0023] As used herein, the term "about" when used in relation to a stated numerical value or range means a deviation of no more than ±15% from that numerical value. For example, numerical values ​​that vary by ±15%, ±14%, ±10%, or ±5%, etc., meet the definition of "about" unless a narrower definition is given in a specific instance.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, an example endoscopic system 100 is shown. The endoscopic system 100 may be generally formed as an elongated tube including a distal portion 102, a central portion 106, and a proximal, or handle portion 104. The central portion 106 may be a flexible, elongated tube having at least one lumen 108 that extends throughout the length of the central portion 106. The central portion 106 may connect the distal portion 102 and the handle portion 104 together. The lumen 108 of the central portion 106 also extends through the distal portion 102 and the handle portion 104 of the endoscopic system 100. The central portion 106 may be made of a braided material, such as pebax with a polytetrafluoroethylene liner to provide sufficient torqueability and pushability. Other possible materials for the central portion 106 include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. The endoscope system 100 further includes two accessory channels 110, 112, each having a lumen extending therein. The first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 may be designed as separate elongated tubes that may be movable within the lumen 108 of the endoscope system 100, such that the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 may move lengthwise relative to the central portion 106. Although the example of the endoscope system 100 includes two accessory channels, i.e., the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112, one or even three or more accessory channels may be used. For example, one larger accessory channel may be used to accommodate a larger endoscopic tool. Furthermore, instead of separate first accessory channel 110 and second accessory channel 112, one elongated tube with two or more lumens extending therein may be used. The first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 may have a diameter ranging anywhere from 1 to 10 millimeters. In a particular example, the first accessory channel 110 may be 4.2 millimeters in diameter and the second accessory channel 112 may be 3.7 millimeters in diameter.A first accessory channel 110 and a second accessory channel 112 may extend proximally from or through the handle portion 104, through the lumen 108, and into the distal portion 102. Various tools, instruments, and cameras may be inserted into and withdrawn from the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112.

[0025] 2, a side view of a distal portion 200 of an example steerable endoscopic system is shown in a bent state. The distal portion 200 may have a flexible ribbed configuration with a number of individual ribs 114 connected together to form an elongated tube having a lumen. The ribs 114 may be made of a variety of materials, such as polycarbonate, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyoxymethylene. The first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 may extend through the ribs 114 to a distal end section 202 of the distal portion 200.

[0026] The distal end section 202 may define a forward direction parallel to the length of the distal end section 202. The distal end section 202 may include a pivot arm 206. The pivot arm 206 may be connected to the distal end section 202 by a pivot point support member 208. The pivot point support member 208 may create a pivot point about which the pivot arm 206 may rotate relative to the distal end section 202 to the position shown in FIG. 3. The pivot arm 206 may be moved between a forward viewing configuration as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and a side viewing configuration as shown in FIG. 3. In the forward viewing configuration, the distal sections of the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 face substantially in a forward direction. In the side viewing configuration, the distal sections of the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 face substantially in an angled direction with respect to the forward direction. A light emitting diode (LED) light source 204 or multiple LED light sources 204 may be disposed on the distal end section 202 to aid in navigation through the patient's GI tract. Alternatively, the LED light source 204 or multiple LED light sources 204 may be disposed at other locations on the distal end section 202, such as on the pivot arm 206. The LED light source 204 or multiple LED light sources 204 may be distributed, disposed on, or connected to the pivot arm 206 and / or the distal end section 202.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3, the distal ends of the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 may be fixed to the pivot arm 206. Thus, the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 may rotate with the pivot arm 206 as the pivot arm 206 is moved between the side-view and forward-view configurations. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 in the forward-view configuration, and FIG. 3 shows the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 in the side-view configuration. As shown in FIG. 3, in the side-view configuration, rotation of the pivot arm 206 causes the distal portions of the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 to bend out of the confines of the rib 114 and then bend back toward and into the pivot arm 206. Thus, in the forward viewing configuration, the curvature angle or bend radius of the distal end section 202 is the same as the curvature angle of the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112, such that the first accessory channel 110, the second accessory channel 112, and the distal end section 202 of the endoscopic system 100 are substantially parallel, whereas in the side viewing configuration, the curvature angle or bend radius of the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 is greater than the curvature angle of the distal end section 202, such that the distal portions of the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 extend outside the lumen of the distal end section 202. To facilitate movement between the side viewing and forward viewing configurations, when viewed in cross section, some of the ribs 114 may have a U- or V-shaped design, which has an open section that allows the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 to freely move in and out of the ribs. Some proximal ribs 114 may have a circular circumference, be continuous in the circumferential direction, and have no open sections that allow the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 to freely enter and exit the rib 114.

[0028] To move the pivot arm 206 from the forward viewing configuration to the side viewing configuration, the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 can be pushed in a distal direction relative to the handle portion 104 and the central portion 106, thereby applying a force to the pivot arm 206 through the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112. The resulting force causes the pivot arm 206 to rotate about the pivot point support member 208, thereby moving the first accessory channel 110, the second accessory channel 112, and the pivot arm 206 to the side viewing configuration. To move back to the forward viewing configuration, a proximal force can be applied to the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 relative to the handle portion 104 and the central portion 106, thereby transmitting a proximal force to the pivot arm 206. The proximal force then causes the pivot arm 206 to rotate again in the opposite direction about the pivot point support member 208, thereby moving the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 and the pivot arm 206 back to the forward viewing configuration. To ensure that the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 move together during these movements, the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 can be secured together at any point along the length of the endoscopic system, or even along the entire length. In one example, the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 can be secured together using plastic tubing throughout the entire length of the central portion 106. In another example, the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 can be secured together at a portion of the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 that extends outside the constrained range of the distal portion 102 when the endoscopic system 100 is in the side viewing configuration. In another example, various other methods and structures can be used to assist in transitioning first accessory channel 110 and second accessory channel 112 between the forward and side-looking configurations.In other examples, rather than using one pivot arm 206, multiple pivot arms may be used, i.e., a first pivot arm for the first accessory channel 110 and a second pivot arm for the second accessory channel 112. In yet other examples, each of the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 may be moved between the front-view and side-view configurations independently of each other. In still other examples, the number of degrees of rotation of the pivot arms between the front-view and side-view configurations may vary, perhaps ranging from 45 degrees to greater than 135 degrees.

[0029] In addition to the ability to switch between forward and side-viewing configurations, the distal portion 102 of the endoscopic system 100 may also bend and rotate as desired. FIG. 1 shows the distal portion 102 in a straight configuration, and FIG. 2 shows the distal portion 102 in a bent configuration. The endoscopic system 100 may include a first drive member 116, a second drive member 118, and a third drive member 120. The first drive member 116, the second drive member 118, and the third drive member 120 may extend through the ribs 114. The first drive member 116, the second drive member 118, and the third drive member 120 may be fixedly attached to the distal end section 202 and extend through or outside of the lumen to the handle portion 104. The first drive member 116 may be fixed to one wall of the distal end section 202, and the second drive member 118 and the third drive member 120 may be fixed to an opposing wall of the distal end section 202. The first drive member 116 may be pulled proximally to move the distal portion 102 from the straight configuration shown in FIG. 1 to the bent configuration shown in FIG. 2. As the first drive member 116 is moved proximally, a force may be applied to the distal end section 202 through the first drive member 116. This force may cause the flexible ribbed body of the distal portion 102 to bend into the configuration shown in FIG. 2. The second drive member 118 and the third drive member 120 may be pulled proximally to return the distal portion 102 to the straight configuration again. By moving the second and third drive members 118, 120 in a proximal direction, a force may be applied to the distal end section 202 through the second and third drive members 118, 120, which may move the distal portion 102 back to a straight configuration. In some examples, the distal portion 102 may include additional drive members fixedly attached to the distal end section 202 and extend through or external to the lumen into the handle portion 104. The first, second, and third drive members 116, 118, and 120 may be drive mechanisms, deflection wires, or deflection cables.

[0030] The first drive member 116, the second drive member 118, and the third drive member 120 may also secure the individual ribs 114 of the distal portion 102 together. The first drive member 116, the second drive member 118, and the third drive member 120 may extend through small holes in each of the individual ribs 114, and sufficient tension may be applied to the first drive member 116, the second drive member 118, and the third drive member 120, thereby securing the ribs 114 together along the first drive member 116, the second drive member 118, and the third drive member 120. With this design, the ribs 114 may be shaped to minimize contact between the individual ribs 114. Both sides of the ribs 114 may be diamond shaped when the endoscopic system 100 is viewed in the side view shown in FIGS. 1-3. The diamond shape reduces the contact points between each rib 114, thereby reducing friction and allowing the distal portion 102 to bend more easily into a bent configuration, maximizing flexibility. Optionally, the first drive member 116, the second drive member 118, and / or the third drive member 120 may also include built-in electrical wiring, such that the first drive member 116, the second drive member 118, and / or the third drive member 120 may function as a circuit for an LED light source 204 or multiple LED light sources 204. In other examples, the ribs 114 may be connected to each other using a variety of other methods, such as mechanical hinges, adhesives, and other well-known means. Additionally, additional elongate members may extend through the ribs 114 to further support the distal portion 102, as well as the first drive member 116, the second drive member 118, and the third drive member 120.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, in certain examples, the electrical wire 306 may be secured adjacent to a drive member, such as the first drive member 116, such that the electrical wire 306 may act as a circuit for providing power from a power source to the LED light source 204 or LED light sources 204. The electrical wire 306 may be secured adjacent to the drive member by additional tubes, mechanical features, or other integral means that allow the wire to move freely during articulation of the first drive member 116, the second drive member 118, and the third drive member 120 and / or the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112. In other examples, the electrical wire 304 may be secured adjacent to a feature of the rib 114 such that the electrical wire 304 may act as a circuit for providing power from a power source to the LED light source 204 or LED light sources 204. The electrical wire 306 may be secured adjacent the rib 114 via additional tubing, mechanical features, or other integral means that allow the wire to move freely during articulation of the first drive member 161, the second drive member 118, and the third drive member 120 to allow bending of the distal portion 102 and / or the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112. As shown in FIG. 3, the electrical wire 302 may be secured adjacent to the first accessory channel 110. In yet another example, the electrical wire 302 may be secured adjacent to the second accessory channel 112. The first accessory channel 110, the second accessory channel 112, and the electrical wire 302 may be secured together at portions of the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112 that extend outside the constrained range of the distal portion 102 when the endoscopic system 100 is in the side-viewing configuration. Alternatively, the first accessory channel 110, the second accessory channel 112, and the electrical wire 302 may be secured together using plastic tubing along the entire length of the central portion 106. Alternatively, the electrical wire 302 may be incorporated into the first accessory channel 110 and / or the second accessory channel 112 via a reinforcing coil wire, a dedicated wire lumen, or other integration means.Alternatively, the electrical wire 302 may be secured adjacent the first accessory channel 110 and / or the second accessory channel 112 by additional tubes, mechanical features, or other integral means that allow the wire to move freely during articulation of the first, second, and third drive members 116, 118, and 120 and / or the first accessory channel 110 and the second accessory channel 112. Alternatively, the electrical wire 302 may be contained within another tube having a lumen at the distal portion that allows the wire to move freely during articulation in the distal direction. The electrical wire 302 may function as a circuit for the LED light source 204 or multiple LED light sources 204 to provide power from a power source to the LED light source 204 or multiple LED light sources 204. In yet another example, the fiber optic illumination cable may be incorporated into the first accessory channel 110 or the second accessory channel 112 via one or more lumens dedicated to the fiber optic illumination cable, an overmold, or other means for securing other optical fibers in or along the walls of the first accessory channel 110 or the second accessory channel 112. Examples of power sources may include batteries. The power source may be included in the pivot arm 206, the distal portion 102, the central portion 106, and / or the handle portion 104. The power source may be alternating current ("AC"), a battery, or otherwise provided, and may be internal or external to the body of the endoscopic system, or may be within any piece of equipment to which it is connected. Electrical wires may extend from the handle portion 104 to the distal portion 102, between a light source on the pivot arm and / or the distal end section and a light source in the handle portion 104.

[0032] Examples of connections between the distal end section and the pivot arm may include direct wiring between the distal end section and the pivot arm, the pivot point support member being a conductive element, the pivot point support member including an internal cavity configured to allow for a wire connection between the instrument sections, and / or additional mechanical conductors or conductive features on the distal end section and / or pivot arm configured to maintain connectivity between the distal end section and the pivot arm during articulation.

[0033] 4, a perspective view of a distal portion 300 of yet another example steerable endoscopic system is shown including a light source 352 on the distal tip section 202 and a camera 350 within a catheter in the pivot arm 206. The light source 352 is only on the distal tip section 202 and not on the pivot arm 206. The pivot arm 206 and / or the distal portion 300 may be or include fully transparent, partially transparent, or opaque elements.

[0034] 5, a perspective view of another example distal portion 400 of a steerable endoscope system is shown, including a light source 406 on a pivot arm 402 that also includes a camera 404 in the catheter. The light source 406 is only on the pivot arm 402 and not on the distal end section. The pivot arm 402 and / or the distal portion 400 may be or include fully transparent, partially transparent, or opaque elements. By locating the light source 406 on the pivot arm 402, alignment of the camera 404 with the illumination may be maintained at all times as the pivot arm 402 rotates from a forward viewing configuration to a side viewing configuration. Examples of light sources 406 may include light emitting diodes ("LEDs"), optical fibers, light pipes, or any other components or methods of providing illumination. The light source may be incorporated into any portion of the endoscope system, such as the pivot arm 402, the distal portion, the ribs, the accessory channel, and / or the central portion.

[0035] 6, a perspective view of another example distal portion 500 of a steerable endoscopic system in a side-view configuration is shown, including a light source 506 only on the pivot arm 502. As previously described, the pivot arm 502 can be moved to the side-view configuration by pushing the first accessory channel 514 and the second accessory channel 516 distally, causing the pivot arm 502 to pivot about the pivot point support member 510 and the camera 504 and light source 506 to face the side view. A drive member 512 is visible and is fixedly attached to the distal end section 518. The drive member 512 can be a drive mechanism, a deflection wire, or a deflection cable. On each side of the pivot arm 502 is a conductive function member 508. The conductors 508 can be connected to conductive function members or conductors on and / or within the distal end portion 518. The conductors 508 may be configured to maintain contact with an electrically conductive feature or conductor on and / or within the distal end section 518 throughout a full rotation of the pivot arm 502, thereby ensuring a connection between the light source 506 and a power source. The pivot point support member 510 may include an internal cavity configured to route electrical wires between the pivot arm 502 and the distal end section 518.

[0036] Referring to Figure 7, a perspective view of a distal portion 600 of another example steerable endoscopic system is shown including a light source 606 on a pivot arm 602 and a light source 610 on the distal end section. The pivot arm 602 is in a forward viewing configuration in Figure 7 with the camera 604 facing forward, i.e., toward the distal side of the endoscopic system. As shown in Figure 7, the electrical wires 608 include a pivot point support member 612 as part of the wire conduction path from the light sources 606, 610 to the power source.

[0037] 8, a top view of a distal portion 700 of another example steerable endoscopic system is shown including an electrically conductive function 704 on a distal end section 708. The electrically conductive function 704 is configured to maintain connectivity between the distal end section 708 and the pivot arm 702 throughout a full rotation of the pivot arm 702, thereby ensuring a connection between the light source 706 and the power source.

[0038] 9, a perspective view of a distal end section 800 of yet another example steerable endoscopic system is shown including wire routing features 802, 804 configured to secure electrical wires adjacent to rib features of the distal portion.

[0039] While the present disclosure has been described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, the disclosure is not limited thereto and various modifications and changes may be made thereto by those skilled in the art to which the disclosure pertains without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0040] The subject matter of the present disclosure may also relate to the following aspects, among others:

[0041] A first aspect is directed to an elongate tube including a lumen extending therethrough, the elongate tube further including a distal portion including a distal end section, the distal end section including a pivot arm, the distal end section defining a forward direction parallel to a length of the distal end section, at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure including an accessory lumen extending therethrough and movably disposed within at least a portion of the lumen of the elongate tube, the tubular structure including a distal section, the distal end section being movable between a forward looking configuration and a side looking configuration, a distal end of the at least one accessory channel being attached to the pivot arm, and a distal end of the at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure including an accessory lumen extending therethrough and movably disposed within at least a portion of the lumen of the elongate tube, the distal end of the at least one accessory channel including a distal section and movable between a forward looking configuration and a side looking configuration. a plurality of light sources on and connected to the end section, wherein in a forward viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel faces substantially in a forward direction, and in a side viewing configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel faces in an angled direction with respect to the forward direction, while the at least one accessory channel moves between the forward viewing configuration and the side viewing configuration, the at least one accessory channel and the pivot arm rotate about a pivot point, the pivot point being fixed with respect to the distal end section of the elongated tube, and one or more of the plurality of light sources are distributed on and connected to the pivot arm.

[0042] A second embodiment relates to the scope system of embodiment 1, wherein the pivot arm is connected to the distal end section by a pivot support member defining a pivot point, the pivot point support member including an electrical wire configured to connect the multiple light sources to a power source.

[0043] A third aspect relates to the scope system of aspects 1 or 2, wherein the pivot point support member includes an internal cavity containing electrical wires configured to connect one or more of the multiple light sources distributed on the pivot arm and connected thereto to a power source.

[0044] A fourth aspect relates to a scope system of any of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the pivot arm includes at least one conductor configured to contact a second conductor of the distal end section throughout movement of the at least one accessory channel between the forward viewing configuration and the side viewing configuration.

[0045] A fifth aspect relates to a scope system of any of aspects 1 to 4, wherein at least one accessory channel includes a fiber optic illumination cable within a dedicated lumen in the at least one accessory channel, in an overmold on the at least one accessory channel, and / or within or along a wall of the at least one accessory channel.

[0046] A sixth aspect relates to the scope system of any of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the pivot arm and / or the distal end section are each independently fully transparent, partially transparent, or opaque.

[0047] A seventh aspect relates to the scope system of any one of aspects 1 to 6, further including a power source connected to the multiple light sources.

[0048] An eighth aspect relates to a scope system of any of aspects 1 to 7, wherein at least one accessory channel is configured to secure electrical wires connecting multiple light sources to a power source and allow the electrical wires to move freely while the at least one accessory channel is moved.

[0049] A ninth aspect relates to the scope system of any of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the distal portion includes a plurality of individual ribs, at least one of the plurality of individual ribs including a substantially U-shaped cross-section including two sides and an opening, and the plurality of individual ribs are configured to secure electrical wires connecting the plurality of light sources to a power source and to allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of the at least one accessory channel and / or bending of the distal portion.

[0050] A tenth aspect relates to the scope system of any of aspects 1-9, further including first and second deflection cables connected to a distal portion of the elongated tube and extending proximally along the elongated tube, wherein when the first deflection cable is moved proximally, the distal portion of the elongated tube bends in a first direction, and when the second deflection cable is moved proximally, the distal portion of the elongated tube bends in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

[0051] An eleventh aspect relates to a scope system of any of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the first deflection cable and / or the second deflection cable are configured to secure electrical wires connecting multiple light sources to a power source and allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of at least one accessory channel and / or bending of the distal portion.

[0052] A twelfth aspect relates to a scope system including an elongated tube having a lumen extending therethrough and a distal end section, and an accessory channel movably disposed within at least a portion of the lumen of the elongated tube, the distal section of the accessory channel being rotatably movable between a forward facing orientation and an angled orientation about a pivot point, the pivot point being fixed relative to the distal end section of the elongated tube, and a light source being fixed to the distal section of the accessory channel such that as the distal section of the accessory channel rotates between the forward facing orientation and the angled orientation, the light source also rotates relative to the distal end section of the elongated tube.

[0053] In addition to the features described in each of the independent aspects above, some examples may exhibit, individually or in combination, optional features described in dependent aspects and / or disclosed in the preceding description and illustrated in the drawings.

Claims

1. 1. A scope system, comprising: an elongate tube including a lumen extending therethrough, the elongate tube further including a distal portion including a distal end section, the distal end section including a pivot arm, the distal end section defining a forward direction parallel to a length of the distal end section; at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure including an accessory lumen extending therethrough, movably disposed within at least a portion of the lumen of the elongate tube, the at least one accessory channel including a distal section, movable between a forward looking configuration and a side looking configuration, a distal end of the at least one accessory channel attached to the pivot arm; a plurality of light sources on and connected to the distal end section; Including, In the forward-looking configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel faces substantially in the forward direction; In the side view configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is oriented at an angle with respect to the forward direction; while the at least one accessory channel moves between the forward viewing configuration and the side viewing configuration, the at least one accessory channel and the pivot arm rotate about a pivot point, the pivot point being fixed relative to the distal end section of the elongated tube; A scope system, wherein one or more of the multiple light sources are distributed on and connected to the pivot arm.

2. the pivot arm is connected to the distal end section by a pivot point support member that defines the pivot point; The scope system of claim 1 , wherein the pivot point support member includes electrical wires configured to connect the multiple light sources to a power source.

3. the pivot arm is connected to the distal end section by a pivot point support member that defines the pivot point; 2. The scope system of claim 1, wherein the pivot point support member includes an internal cavity containing electrical wires distributed on the pivot arm and configured to connect the one or more of the multiple light sources connected thereto to a power source.

4. 2. The scope system of claim 1, wherein the pivot arm includes at least one conductor configured to contact a second conductor of the distal end section while the at least one accessory channel moves between the forward viewing configuration and the side viewing configuration.

5. 2. The scope system of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory channel includes a fiber optic illumination cable within a dedicated lumen in the at least one accessory channel, in an overmold on the at least one accessory channel, and / or within or along a wall of the at least one accessory channel.

6. 10. The scoping system of claim 1, wherein the pivot arm and / or the distal end section are each independently fully transparent, partially transparent, or opaque.

7. The scope system of claim 1 , further comprising a power source connected to the plurality of light sources.

8. 2. The scope system of claim 1, wherein the at least one accessory channel is configured to secure electrical wires connecting the multiple light sources to a power source and to allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of the at least one accessory channel.

9. the distal portion includes a plurality of individual ribs, at least one of the plurality of individual ribs including a substantially U-shaped cross-section including two sides and an opening; 2. The scope system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of individual ribs are configured to secure electrical wires connecting the plurality of light sources to a power source and to allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of the at least one accessory channel and / or bending of the distal portion.

10. 1. A scope system, comprising: an elongate tube including a lumen extending therethrough, the elongate tube further including a distal portion including a distal end section, the distal end section including a pivot arm, the distal end section defining a forward direction parallel to a length of the distal end section; at least one accessory channel including a tubular structure including an accessory lumen extending therethrough, movably disposed within at least a portion of the lumen of the elongate tube, the at least one accessory channel including a distal section, movable between a forward looking configuration and a side looking configuration, a distal end of the at least one accessory channel attached to the pivot arm; a plurality of light sources on and connected to the distal end section; first and second deflection cables connected to the distal portion of the elongate tube and extending proximally along the elongate tube; Including, In the forward-looking configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel faces substantially in the forward direction; In the side view configuration, the distal section of the at least one accessory channel is oriented at an angle with respect to the forward direction; the distal end section includes a pivot arm, and while the at least one accessory channel moves between the forward viewing configuration and the side viewing configuration, the at least one accessory channel and the pivot arm rotate about a pivot point, the pivot point being fixed relative to the distal end section of the elongated tube; one or more of the plurality of light sources are distributed on and connected to the pivot arm; A scope system, wherein when the first deflection cable is moved proximally, the distal portion of the elongated tube bends in a first direction, and when the second deflection cable is moved proximally, the distal portion of the elongated tube bends in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

11. the pivot arm is connected to the distal end section by a pivot point support member that defines the pivot point; The scope system of claim 10 , wherein the pivot point support member includes electrical wires configured to connect the multiple light sources to a power source.

12. the pivot arm is connected to the distal end section by a pivot point support member that defines the pivot point; 11. The scope system of claim 10, wherein the pivot point support member includes an internal cavity containing electrical wires distributed on the pivot arm and configured to connect the one or more of the multiple light sources connected thereto to a power source.

13. 11. The scope system of claim 10, wherein the pivot arm includes a conductive function member configured to contact a conductive function member on the distal end section while the at least one accessory channel moves between the forward viewing configuration and the side viewing configuration.

14. 11. The scope system of claim 10, wherein the at least one accessory channel includes a fiber optic illumination cable within a dedicated lumen in the at least one accessory channel, in an overmold on the at least one accessory channel, and / or within or along a wall of the at least one accessory channel.

15. The scoping system of claim 10 , wherein the pivot arm and / or the distal end section are each independently fully transparent, partially transparent, or opaque.

16. The scope system of claim 10 , further comprising a power source connected to the plurality of light sources.

17. The scope system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one accessory channel is configured to secure electrical wires connecting the multiple light sources to a power source and to allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of the at least one accessory channel.

18. the distal portion includes a plurality of individual ribs, at least one of the plurality of individual ribs including a substantially U-shaped cross-section including two sides and an opening; 11. The scope system of claim 10, wherein the plurality of individual ribs are configured to secure electrical wires connecting the plurality of light sources to a power source and to allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of the at least one accessory channel and / or bending of the distal portion.

19. 11. The scope system of claim 10, wherein the first deflection cable and / or the second deflection cable are configured to secure electrical wires connecting the multiple light sources to a power source and to allow the electrical wires to move freely during movement of the at least one accessory channel and / or bending of the distal portion.

20. 1. A scope system, comprising: an elongate tube having a lumen extending therethrough and a distal end section; an accessory channel movably disposed within at least a portion of the lumen of the elongated tube; Including, a distal section of the accessory channel is rotatably movable about a pivot point between a forward orientation and an angled orientation, the pivot point being fixed relative to the distal end section of the elongate tube; A scope system, wherein a light source is fixed to the distal section of the accessory channel, and when the distal section of the accessory channel rotates between the forward orientation and the angled orientation, the light source also rotates relative to the distal end section of the elongated tube.

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