Patent ID: 6767321
Filing Date: 2004-07-27
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A stereo laparoscope for producing a stereoscopic optical image of an intracorporeal region external to the laparoscope, said laparoscope comprising:a plurality of imaging assemblies configured and arranged for receiving light reflected from an intracorporeal region and processing said light into images, said plurality of imaging assemblies further comprising a left imaging assembly and at least a first right imaging assembly and a second right imaging assembly, wherein the first and second right imaging assemblies are each disposed in a fixed orientation relative to the left imaging assembly to thereby maintain a substantially constant separation distance between the left imaging assembly and the right imaging assemblies, respectively, to thereby accomplish a pre-set first selectable depth perception view involving the left imaging assembly and the first right imaging assembly, and a pre-set second selectable depth perception view involving the left imaging assembly and the second right imaging assembly, wherein said pre-set first and second selectable depth perception views comprise, respectively, first and second working distances that are different; selection and processing means for enabling a user to select a combination of a left imaging assembly and a right imaging assembly from among the plurality of imaging assemblies, and causing left and right images to be processed from said left and right imaging assemblies, respectively, in accordance with a selection made by said user; wherein the imaging assemblies are aligned in a single-file sequence in a first lateral direction, such that each imaging assembly is intersected by a first imaginary plane that extends along a field of view of at least one of said imaging assemblies; and means for causing the left and right images to be viewable by an observer.