Patent ID: 7374533
Filing Date: 2008-05-20
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A variable direction of view endoscope, comprising: an endoscope shaft having a proximal section, a distance section, an interior defined by an outer wall, and a longitudinal axis; and a viewing window located in the distal section of said endoscope shaft through which the view vector defined by an objective optical system in the distal section scans over a range of different view vector directions when moved relative to the longitudinal axis of said endoscope shaft; wherein a portion of the distal section of said endoscope shaft adjacent and proximal to said viewing window has a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said endoscope shaft, wherein at least two regions within said cross section are connectable by a straight line that does not lie within or on the boundary of said cross section and does not lie within the interior of the shaft.