Patent ID: 6695774
Filing Date: 2004-02-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An apparatus for aiding in the interpretation and control of a variable direction-of-view endoscopic visualization instrument comprising at least two degrees of freedom, wherein said endosoopic visualization instrument has a distal working vector and a working orientation about said working vector, said apparatus comprising:a handle for controlling the direction of said working vector of said endoscopic visualization instrument; a pointer that indicates a direction, wherein said pointer coincides with said handle; a feature on said handle that indicates a rotational orientation about said direction of said pointer; a first linking system connecting said pointer to said endoscopic visualization instrument, wherein said direction of said pointer corresponds to said direction of said working vector, and wherein changes to said direction of said pointer are equivalent to changes to said direction of said working vector; and a second linking system connecting said handle to said endoscopic instrument, wherein said rotational orientation of said feature corresponds to said working orientation, and wherein changes to said rotational orientation of said feature are equivalent to changes to said working orientation.