Patent ID: 7335159
Filing Date: 2008-02-26
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. An endoscopic imaging system, comprising: a control cabinet, including: a user input device for receiving control signals from an operator; an image processor for producing images of tissue viewed by the endoscope; a display for displaying the tissue images for a user; an insufflation gas supply for delivering an insufflation gas to a lumen of the endoscope; a gas venting system for removing the delivered gas from a patient; and an endoscope removably secured to the control unit, the endoscope including: an elongated body having a distal end and a proximal end and one or more lumens; one or more distal gas ports at or adjacent the distal end of the endoscope; one or more proximal gas ports spaced proximally from the one or more distal gas ports; wherein the processor controls the insufflation gas supply and the gas venting system such that insufflation gas is delivered to the distal gas ports and withdrawn from the proximal gas ports or vice versa to create a gas bubble that moves with the distal tip of the endoscope as the endoscope is moved to a body lumen.