Patent ID: 8602980
Filing Date: 2013-12-10
Classification: A61B,G02B

Abstract:
1. A foldable endoscope, comprising: a) a housing having a first and second end and a longitudinal axis, said housing including at least one channel extending between said first and second end, and associated ports at said first and second end for inserting surgical instruments through said housing into a surgical site; b) at least two elongate arms each having a proximal and distal end and each being pivotally connected at said proximal end thereof to said first end of said housing to form at least two pivot connections, each of said at least two elongate arms having at least one light source mounted thereon; c) at least one camera, said at least one camera being mounted on one of said at least two elongate arms adjacent to said distal end thereof; d) a linkage mechanism connected to said at least two elongate arms, said linkage mechanism, upon activation, being configured to pivotally deploy said at least two elongate arms about said at least two pivot connections such that each distal end pivots about its associated proximal end pivot connection to said housing, from a closed position in which said at least two elongate arms are aligned along said housing to an open position in which said distal ends are radially spaced from said housing; and e) an actuator connected to said linkage mechanism, said actuator capable of activating said linkage mechanism, said housing including a center passageway extending through said housing, and wherein said linkage mechanism includes a center spoke connected to a first end of a hollow drive shaft telescopingly movable in and out of said center passageway through a center port at said first end of said housing, said actuator being connected to a second opposed end of said hollow drive shaft.