LASER ENDOSCOPE APPARATUS

Abstract: A laser endoscope includes a micro-thin optic cable assembly (34) which may be inserted into a body cavity by micro-surgical or non-surgical procedures. A coherent tack­ eted fibre optical bundle is provided in the centre of the assembly having a diameter of no more than 3.5 mm with an optical lens system at the distal end (36) for reflecting an image of a portion of the interior of the cavity. A pair of single optical fibres are spirally wound around the cable; one of these fibres carries a laser light beam to the cavity and the other is for redundancy. The proximate end (38) of the optical cable assembly connects to a remote unit (R) wherein a laser diode light source is provided to direct a beam of light into the end (88) of one of the single optical fibres. A TV camera in the remote unit, together with suitable optics, transmit the image from the optical cable to a viewing screen on the remote unit.

Description: This invention relates to endoscope apparatus for viewing and/or treatment within body cavities by non-surgical or micro-surgical procedures. Prior to this invention, laser light beams have been used with endoscopes both for illumination and for treatment of disease in patients. However, most of these instruments have not been of sufficiently small size that they can be passed through the various canals and openings of the body without discomfort to the patient and in some cases surgical procedures are required for introducing the instrument to the desired location within a body cavity. It is therefore desirable to provide endoscope apparatus having a viewing and/or treatment cable assembly which can be inserted into a body cavity through the canals of the body and minimizes discomfort to the patient to the point of being nearly nonexistent, or which can be introduced into the body cavities by use of a needle so as to obviate the necessity for a conventional surgical procedure. US-A-3,858,577 discloses an endoscope of substantial size for performing laser surgery. In this device, light is used through fibre optics to illuminate the operating site and laser light is used to perform a surgical procedure. US-A-4,011,403 discloses a fibre optic laser endoscope. The device utilizes a laser beam as a light source and an optical fibre as a light transmitter. The sensing means includes a TV camera located at the investigated site. The laser beam produces three different wavelengths which produce white light. Also ultraviolet or infrared light can be used. The camera is separate from the fibre optics and the laser. US-A-4,313,431 discloses an endoscope deploying a laser light source with a light conducting fibre. This device is used for irradiating bladder tumors utilizing the laser light beam. US-A-4,327,738, on which the preamble of claim 1 is based, discloses a relatively bulky endoscopic cable assembly for simultaneous visual and ultrasonic imaging of body cavities. For visual imaging the cable assembly includes an optical fibre bundle for transmitting light to the distal end for illuminating the cavity, and a further optical fibre bundle for transmitting an image of the cavity focussed on the distal end by an objective lens system adjacent the distal end. These optical fibre bundles are connected to separate optical cables for connection to a remote unit including a light source and a video camera and viewing screen. US-A-3,089,484 discloses a thin flexible endoscope cable for insertion through narrow passages and ducts of the body, the cable having an outer diameter between 2.25 mm and 3.25 mm and comprising an annular bundle of optical fibres for conducting illuminating light surrounding a central, image transmitting bundle of optical fibres. The invention provides apparatus for viewing and/or treatment within body cavities by non-surgical or micro-surgical procedures, the apparatus comprising a cable for insertion into a body cavity, said cable including optical fibre means for transmitting light therethrough from a proximate end to a distal end of said cable to illuminate the body cavity, a coherent optical fibre bundle having planar proximate and distal ends adjacent the proximate and distal ends respectively of the optical fibre means, and optical lens means at the distal end of the optical fibre bundle to form an image of a portion of the cavity on the distal end of said optical fibre bundle for transmission through the cable; and a remote viewing unit including a light source connectable to the proximate end of said optical fibre means, optical imaging means connectable to the proximate end of said optical fibre bundle for projecting an image of the portion of the body cavity transmitted through said fibre bundle to its proximate end, viewing means connected to the imaging means for displaying the image projected thereby, and focusing means for focusing the image displayed by said viewing means, characterised in that the light source is a laser in that the optical fibre means for illuminating the body cavity comprises a single optical fibre whereby said cable has a micro-thin outer diameter not exceeding 3.5 millimetres, and in that interface means are provided for aligning the proximate ends of the single optical fibre and the optical fibre bundle of said cable respectively with the laser light source and the optical imaging means in said remote viewing unit, said interface means including a single interface connector attached to the cable and carrying the proximate ends of both the single optical fibre and the optical fibre bundle for connection directly to the remote viewing unit. Preferably the viewing means comprises a TV camera and a viewing monitor for displaying an image of the image viewed by said TV camera, and the interface means further comprises, in the remote viewing unit, an optical fibre bundle interface including said optical imaging means for projecting an image from said optical fibre bundle on said TV camera, and a laser fibre interface for aligning a light beam from said laser light source with said single optical fibre. The laser light source may be a laser diode. The single optical fibre may be spirally wound around the outside of the cable. Also, additional fibres could be used for transmitting light from a different laser light source, such as an argon laser or YAG laser for laser surgery such as cauterizing tissue or for destorying tumors and other undesirable body growths such as kidney stones and gall stones. It could also be used for destroying placque within an artery, and particularly arteries near the heart. In order that the invention may be better understood, a preferred embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, wherein:- Figure 1 is a perspective view of laser endoscope apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention; Figure 2 is a fragmentary side perspective view of the optical cable assembly of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a greatly enlarged, vertical section, taken along lines 3-3 of Figure 2 showing details of the internal structure of the optical cable assembly; Figure 4 is a vertical section, taken along lines 4-4 of Figure 3, showing the spiral wrapping of the laser light-carrying single optical fibres; Figure 5 is an enlarged longitudinal section of the distal end of the optical cable assembly of Figure 2; Figure 6 is an end elevation of the distal end of the cable assembly shown in Figure 5; Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view of the interface connector on the cable assembly of Figure 2, with parts broken away for clarity of illustration; Figure 8 is a top plan view of the interface connector of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a left end elevation of the interface connector of Figure 7; Figure 10 is an enlarged horizontal section, taken along line 10-10 of Figure 1 showing the interface of the laser light source with the single optical fibre and the interface of the camera with the optical bundle; Figure 11 is a front elevation of the structure shown in Figure 10, with parts broken away for clarity of illustration; Figure 12 is a top plan view of the structure of Figure 10 showing further details of the adjusting devices; and Figure 13 is a block diagram of the circuitry within the remote control unit. A laser endoscope apparatus, as illustrated in Figure 1, comprises a remote control and viewing unit R to which a cable assembly C is removably connected. The remote unit R includes a housing 10 which has a front panel 12 in which viewing monitor 14 is mounted. To the left of the viewing screen are several knobs 16 which provide standard adjustments such as "contrast", "vertical hold" and "brightness". To the right of the screen is an on/off power switch 18 and an on/off switch 20 to energize a laser diode in housing 10. A key lock 22 is provided which must be unlocked to make either of switches 18 and 20 operable and initiates a laser delay. Above the key lock 22 is a focusing knob 24 for focusing the image on viewing screen 14, as will be discussed in more detail below. At the right end of front panel 12 is a face plate 26 in which a receptacle 28 is provided for establishing an interface between remote unit R and the cable assembly C, as will be discussed in more detail. Above receptacle 28 is an arcuate slot 30 in which a knob 32 can be moved from one end to the other to select a laser fiber of the cable assembly C through which a beam of laser light is to be directed. This feature will also be discussed in more detail below. A cable assembly C includes a cable 34 having a tip 36 on the distal end for insertion into a body cavity and an interface connector 38 on the proximate end of the device for plugging into receptacle 28 of remote unit R. Referring again to Figure 1, the general operation of the laser endoscope can be understood. In this regard, by use of an appropriate key (not shown) in key lock 22, power button 18 can be pressed to turn on the power to viewing monitor 14. An electrical interlock is provided to prevent the activation of the laser until the interface connector 38 is inserted into receptacle 28. The laser diode can be activated by pressing button 20. Knob 32 will be placed in one of the alternate end positions along arcuate slot 30 so that the laser light beam will be projected along one of two single fibers which form part of cable assembly 34 and will be described in detail below. Once the appropriate selection has been made, the interface connector 38 can be inserted in receptacle 28 and tip 36, as well as a portion of cable assembly 34, can be inserted into the body of the patient either through a natural body canal leading to the area to be investigated or through a needle that has been inserted into the body at an appropriate location. For example, tip 36 and cable assembly 32 can, be inserted in the urinary canal to investigate the bladder or kidneys. Because of the micro-thin diameter of the cable assembly, this can be accomplished with little or no discomfort to the patient. Alternatively, it can be inserted through a needle through the abdominal wall, and this may be done with the use of local anesthetic. With this device the physician can investigate portions of the body which either were not previously accessible or which were accessible only through the use of invasive operative techniques causing much trauma and discomfort to the patient. By way of example, the device can be inserted into the arteries and veins; in the brain; in the spine; and the joints. Most procedures-for which this invention is intended can be performed on an outpatient basis or with a very minimal hospital stay. Once tip 36 has been positioned at the site, the laser button 20 can be activated to energize the laser diode so that the laser light is projected through the single fiber to the site to illuminate it. The reflected light and image from the site is reflected back through the cable assembly for viewing on screen 14. The knobs 16 can be appropriately adjusted to provide the desired brightness, contrast and vertical hold. Also, knob 24 can be adjusted to bring the image into proper focus. Additionally, other physicians can view the screen along with the doctor whereby the device can serve to provide a means whereby more than one physician can be consulted concerning the condition existing within the body and additionally the device can be used as a training tool for students or other doctors. An output port (not shown), which is TV compatible, is provided for video recording. Referring to Figures 2-9, the details of the cable assembly C can be seen. Cable 34 can be of any desired length but typically might be on the order of 1.0 to 1.5 meters in length. Along the center of cable 34; as best seen in Figure 3, is a coherent fiber bundle 40 for transmitting an image from the site in the body cavity back to the viewing screen 14. This coherent fiber bundle can be extruded together during manufacture wherein the individual fibers adhere to each other along their peripheral edges and are coated with a silica coating and a jacket 42 which may be made of Teflon or PVC or some other similar material. Conveniently, coherent fiber bundle 40 can comprise anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 individual fibers having a numerical aperture of 0.28 and having a core diameter of approximately 4 micrometers, the overall diameter with jacket 42 being approximately 0.5 to 2.5 millimeters. A space is provided between inner jacket 42 and an-outer jacket 44 wherein a single laser fiber 46 and a redundant laser fiber 48 run spirally from interface connector 38 at the proximate end of cable assembly C to tip 36 on the distal end of cable assembly C. This outer jacket 44 can also be made of a fluorocarbon material such as Teflon, or PVC. Finally, an outer protective sheathing 50 is provided along a portion of the length of outer jacket 44 and may be made of a fabric braid PVC covering or may be a flexible steel covering. The length of the cable extending beyond sheathing 50 can be on the order of 15 to 20 cm. At the end of the cable, adjacent interface connector 38, a strain relief coil spring 52 is provided having a length on the order of 7 to 9 mm. If desired, additional tubular passageways 54 can be provided in outer jacket 44 for directing CO₂ gas or other fluid from a suitable source located in or adjacent to remote unit R through tip 36 to the desired site in the body cavity to blow away or wash away body fluids such as blood so that the particular area of the site to be viewed can be seen. The total diameter of outer jacket 44 will be on the order of 1.5 to 3.5 mm, whereas the outer diameter of sheathing 50 will be on the order on 5 to 6 mm. However, the sheathing portion 50 will never be inserted into the body cavity and therefore this larger size is not objectionable. Advantageously, a third, single laser fiber, such as fiber 53 shown in phantom in Figures 3 and 4, can be provided for use in laser treatment. For example, a second laser such as an argon laser could be provided in remote unit R and optically coupled with fiber 53 for performing laser surgery at the investigative site. laser light for this purpose in the 500 nm. range has been found to be satisfactory. As best seen in Figures 5 and 6, tip 36, which can be made of stainless steel, has a central bore 56 and a tapered outer side wall 58. The distal end of coherent fiber bundle 40 extends into bore 56 and terminates in a polished surface 59. Jackets 42 and 44 are foreshortened and received in a recess 60 in the proximate end of tip 36. The remainder of bore 56 is for locating a lens system which is illustrated by lenses 62. While only a pair of lenses have been shown it will be understood that the entire volume of bore 56 from the distal ends of optical fiber bundle 40 to planar window 64 can be filled with lenses if necessary. Lenses which provide 15, wide angle magnification have been found to be suitable. These lenses are for the purpose of focusing an image reflected from the body cavity so that this image can be transmitted by coherent fiber bundle 40 back to remote unit R. It may be that a lens will be positioned in the place of planar window 64, which can then be omitted. A suitable adhesive, now shown, can be provided in recess 60 for joining the jackets 42 and 44 thereto and to prevent moisture from entering tip 36. As can best be seen in Figure 6, jet openings 66 are positioned around the end of tip 36 and communicate with passageways 54 in outer jacket 44 so that CO₂ gas or other fluid can be expelled through the jet openings to clear away any blood or other body fluids that might interfere with the illumination and reflection of the image of the area of the body cavity being viewed. As pointed out above, the proximate end of cable 34 extends through interface connector 38. Conveniently, as best seen in Figure 7, the coherent fiber bundle 40 extends completely through connector 38 and has a polished end surface 67 which is coterminous with end face 68 of interface connector 38, as shown. Jackets 42 and 44 extend a short distance into a recess 69 in connector 38, as shown. Conveniently, strain relief spring 52 includes a flange 70 by which it is held in place by a lock nut 72 received over threaded neck 74 on interface connector 38. A passageway 76 extends along the upper edge of the neck and communicates with upwardly extending passageway 78 which in turn connects divergent passageways 80 and 82 which in turn interconnect with longitudinal passageways 84 and 86, respectively. Advantageously, spaced above polished end 67 of coherent fiber bundle 40 are a pair of laterally spaced fiber optic pins 88 and 90, respectively. Laser fibers 46 and 48 have been omitted from Figures 7 and 8 for clarity of illustration. However, it will be understood that both fibers will extend through passageways 76 and 78 and that laser fiber 46 will then diverge through divergent pathway 80 and along horizontal pathway 84 and be connected to fiber optic pin 88. Similarly, redundant fiber 48 will pass through passageways 76 and 78 and then diverge through divergent passageway 82 and longitudinal passageway 86 to be connected to fiber optic pin 90. Conveniently, the shape of the opening in receptacle 28 matches that of interface connector 38 to specifically and positively align interface connector 38 within receptacle 28. Interface connector 38 includes a pair of locking grooves 92 and 94 on opposite sides thereof which releasably lock and hold. the interface connector within receptacle 28. It should also be understood that optic fiber pins 88 and 90 are exactly aligned with the respective laser fiber 46 and redundant fiber 48 so that when a laser beam of light is projected through the pins, it will achieve maximum power transfer. This enhances the total amount of light which can be provided at tip 36. Means (not shown) can be provided to control the laser power. Turning now to Figures 10, 11 and 12, further details of the remote control unit R can be seen. For example, locking grooves 92 and 94 cooperate respectively with ball detents 96 and 98, which are held in place by springs 100 and 102, respectively mounted in recesses 104 and 106, respectively. A slide member 108 is mounted for lateral sliding movement in face plate 26 and includes a rearwardly extending optical adapter 110 which receives an illuminator bundle 112 in socket 113 and has optical alignment with laser light beam 114 of diode laser 116. A laser providing light in the infrared and near infrared wavelengths will provide the most illumination at the site. By way of example, light in the range of 790 nm to 860 nm has been found to be satisfactory. The forward end of optical adapter 110 has a socket 117 for receiving selectively either fiber optic pin 88 or 90. As shown in Figure 10, pin 90 is shown as being positioned in the socket, as it would be if the positioning knob 32 is in the position shown in Figure 11. Dummy sockets 118 and 119 may be provided on opposite sides of socket 117 to receive the pin which is not in use. Conveniently, a lever arm 120 is connected to knob 32 by knob shaft 122 and is pivoted about a pivot pin 124 mounted in face plate 26. The lower end of arm 120 is bifricated to form a slot 126, seen in Figure 11, through which a pin 128 which is connected to sliding member 108 extends. As previously mentioned, when the lever arm is in the position shown in Figure 11, socket 118 will be aligned with fiber optic pin 90. However, when the lever arm is moved to the dotted line position shown in Figure 11, socket 119 will then be aligned with optic fiber pin 88. Thus, either single laser fiber 46 or redundant fiber 48 can be selected for projecting the beam of laser light. Socket 117 must be precisely aligned with laser beam 114 to provide maximum coupling and preserve the integrity of the laser beam. This arrangement maximizes the amount of light available at the site. The purpose of the two fibers 46 and 48 is for redundancy in the event that one or the other of the fibers breaks. Thus, it does not matter in which position the lever arm is placed so long as the fiber which is placed actively in the system does not have a discontinuity which would prevent operation of the device. In that unlikely event, the interface connector 38 need merely be withdrawn from receptacle 28 and knob 32 moved to the opposite position to locate socket 117 to receive the fiber optic pin for the other single laser fiber. A stationary lens tube 130 is aligned with proximate end of coherent fiber bundle 40 when interface connector 38 is in place. This tube can include one or more lenses such as lenses 132 and 134. This lens system serves to project the image transmitted by coherent fiber bundle 40 to camera 136 which has a forwardly projecting focal adapter 138 in to which the end of optical assembly 130 is slidably received. A dust and light shield 139 is provided on the end of adapter 138. Conveniently, camera 136 is mounted for back and forth movement on spaced parallel support rods 140 and 142 respectively mounted in a frame within remote control unit R. A rack 144 is mounted longitudinally on the bottom of the camera and is connected to a gear or pinion 146. The gear, in turn, is connected to a shaft 148 which may have a bevel gear 150 on the outer end thereof. Bevel gear 150 meshes with a second bevel gear 152 on shaft 154 connected to focusing knob 24. Thus, by turning focusing knob 24 one way or the other, the camera can be moved back and forth until the image projected therein is brought into proper focus for viewing on screen 14. A block diagram of the remote control unit R is illustrated in Figure 13 showing diagramatically the general arrangement of all of the electronic elements which make up the remote control unit R and which are standard off-of-the-shelf items available to one skilled in the art for performing the video imaging described. From the foregoing, the advantages of this invention are readily apparent. A device has been provided which has a micro-thin probe that can be inserted into the human body in almost any desired location to observe a condition which exists at that location. Such positioning of the device can be done, in many cases, through existing body canals. In other instances, it can be inserted through a small needle which can be accomplished by the use of only local anesthetic. Furthermore, with the remote control unit, a means is provided for displaying on a monitor an image of the interior of the body cavity at the desired location for the operating physician to see as well as other physicians and persons in attendance. A single laser light beam can be used to illuminate the interior of the body cavity at the desired site by the use of a single laser light beam, and particularly a light beam in the infrared or near infrared spectrum. This is possible by so precisely aligning the laser light beam with the single laser fiber to assure maximum coupling and preserve the integrity of the laser beam. Furthermore, the coherent optical bundle provides a means for transmitting the reflected image from the site to the camera. To enhance this projection a lens system is provided at the site within the probe and at the other end of the optical cable in the remote control unit. A novel interface provides for the transmission of both the laser light and the reflected light image from the site to the camera. Also, means can be provided, such as passageways for introducing jets of carbon dioxide gas or other fluid for clearing away blood or other body fluids from the site area to enhance viewing. It will also be understood that an additional laser light source could provide laser light of sufficient energy through one or more fibers either in or along the coherent bundle for actually performing operative procedures as is well understood by one skilled in the art. Finally, the endoscopic cable can be installed on one side of a grasping tool, such as forceps so that the surgeon can see and grasp an element which is to be removed, such as a kidney stone. It will be understood that the term "micro-thin" as used herein shall mean and refer to a cable assembly having a diameter which does not exceed 3.5 mm.

Claims: Apparatus for viewing and/or treatment within body cavities by non-surgical or micro-surgical procedures, the apparatus comprising a cable (34) for insertion into a body cavity, said cable including optical fibre means (46) for transmitting light therethrough from a proximate end to a distal end of said cable to illuminate the body cavity, a coherent optical fibre bundle (40) having planar proximate and distal ends (67,59) adjacent the proximate and distal ends respectively of the optical fibre means (46), and optical lens means (62) at the distal end of the optical fibre bundle (40) to form an image of a portion of the cavity on the distal end of said optical fibre bundle for transmission through the cable; and a remote viewing unit (R) including a light source (116) connectable to the proximate end of said optical fibre means (46), optical imaging means (132,134) connectable to the proximate end of said optical fibre bundle (40) for projecting an image of the portion of the body cavity transmitted through said fibre bundle to its proximate end, viewing means (136,14) connected to the imaging means for displaying the image projected thereby, and focusing means (24,144-154) for focusing the image displayed by said viewing means, characterised in that the light source (116) is a laser, in that the optical fibre means (46) for illuminating the body cavity comprises a single optical fibre whereby said cable (34) has a micro-thin outer diameter not exceeding 3.5 millimetres, and in that interface means are provided for aligning the proximate ends of the single optical fibre (46) and the optical fibre bundle (40) of said cable (34) respectively with the laser light source (116) and the optical imaging means (132,134) in said remote viewing unit (R), said interface means including a single interface connector (38) attached to the cable (34) and carrying the proximate ends of both the single optical fibre (46) and the optical fibre bundle (40) for connection directly to the remote viewing unit (R). Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the viewing means comprises a TV camera (136) and a viewing monitor (14) for displaying an image of the image viewed by said TV camera, and the interface means further comprises, in the remote viewing unit (R), an optical fibre bundle interface (130) including said optical imaging means (132,134) for projecting an image from said optical fibre bundle (40) on said TV camera, and a laser fibre interface (108,110) for aligning a light beam from said laser light source (116) with said single optical fibre (46). Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the laser light source (116) is a laser diode. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, wherein said optical imaging means (132,134) includes a stationary optical system within said remote unit (R) with which said optical fibre bundle (40) is alignable, and means for movably adjusting said camera (136) with respect to said stationary optical system to focus thereon the image projected from said optical fibre bundle. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, further including a redundant optical fibre (48) having a distal end adjacent said distal end of said optical fibre bundle (40) and a proximate end adjacent said proximate end of said optical fibre bundle, a pair of spaced optic fibre pins (88,90) in said interface connector aligned respectively with the proximate ends of said single optical fibre (46) and said redundant optical fibre (48), socket means (117) in said laser fibre interface (110) for selectively receiving one of said optic fibre pins in one end thereof and aligning one of them with the beam of light from said laser light source (116), and means (32) for selectively shifting said socket means for alignment with the desired one of said pins prior to insertion of said interface connector. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including at least one tubular passageway (54) extending along said optical cable (34) from its proximate end to its distal end for supplying a fluid to temporarily clear away blood or other matter at the viewing site within the body cavity to enhance viewing. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further including an inner jacket (42) surrounding said optical fibre bundle (40), around which said single optical fibre (46) is wound, and an outer jacket (44) surrounding said inner jacket and said single optical fibre. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said inner and outer jackets (42,44) terminate short of said distal ends of said optical fibre bundle (40) and said single optical fibre (46) and wherein said distal end (59) of said optical fibre bundle terminates short of said distal end of said single fibre, said cable being fitted with a tubular tip (36) having a central passageway lying along an axis with a first end (60) attached to said distal end of said jackets and a second end (64) coterminous with said distal end of said single fibre (46). Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said single optical fibre (46) is spirally wound around the outside of said optical fibre bundle (40).

Inventors: BARATH, JAMES D., CASE, STEVEN K.
Applicants: MEDICAL DYNAMICS, INC.
Application year: 1984
Main classification: A61B1
IPC codes: A61B1, A61B18, G02B23