Patent ID: 9370295
Filing Date: 2016-06-21
CPC Classification: A61B

Claim Text:
1. A sterilized, integrated, one time use disposable tissue visualization device, comprising: a handle, the handle comprising a light source; an elongate, rigid tubular probe, extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end affixed to the handle, and a distal end having a sharpened tip; wherein the longitudinal axis extends concentrically along the center of the rigid tubular probe; an elongate optical element extending through the probe, the optical element having a proximal end in optical communication with an image sensor and a distal end; a control on the handle, for axially moving the tubular probe between a proximal position in which the sharpened tip is proximal to the distal end of the optical element, and a distal position in which the sharpened tip is distal to the distal end of the optical element; and a cord integrally connected to the handle, for releasable connection to an external viewing device, wherein the handle is integrally connected to the probe such that the cord, handle, and probe comprise a single integral unit wherein the cord, handle and probe may not be readily removed from one another; wherein the handle, cord and probe are contained in a single sterile package; wherein the optical element has an outside diameter that is smaller than an inside diameter of the tubular probe to define a lumen extending the length of the tubular probe, the lumen configured to deliver a liquid to a tissue site; wherein the distal end of the probe is inclined relative to the longitudinal axis, the point of the sharpened tip of the probe aligned with the longitudinal axis and configured to pierce through tissue along the longitudinal axis; and wherein the distal end of the elongate optical element is configured to provide visualization along the longitudinal axis past the distal end of the probe; wherein an outer diameter of the distal end of the elongate optical element is biased against an inner diameter of the point of the sharpened tip of the elongate tubular probe, the bias configured to press the distal end of the elongate optical element against the distal end of the elongate tubular probe to provide blunting of the elongate tubular probe; and wherein the blunting is configured to prevent damage to a tissue site.