Patent Description:
Known laparoscopic imaging systems are complex and expensive because of the numerous modules the systems comprise - each module fulfilling a specific function, such as data recordal, providing a light-source, image processing etc. Known systems occupy a lot of space. Only those with adequate training and/or expertise are able to operate and set-up known systems e.g. installing, cleaning and calibrating lighting etc. - before a laparoscopic operation can begin. Known systems have numerous cables and often require dedicated staff to manage the equipment and handle camera cables, light-source cables. Not only do known systems place a burden on an operating procedure because of their complexity but the numerous components and extra staff occupy valuable space in an operating theatre. Further, they provide a plethora of locations where pathogens can be harboured, thus leading to an increased risk of infection. <CIT> discloses an endoscope having a remote controller and a remote interface. <CIT> discloses an endoscope having a flexible shaft. <CIT> discloses an endoscope and image processing system for managing images from multiple cameras. Further document <CIT> discloses a stand-alone laparoscope as set out in the preamble of claim <NUM>.

It is against this background that the present invention has been made. This invention results from efforts to overcome the problems of known laparoscopic systems. Other aims of the invention will be apparent from the following description.

The invention generally resides in a laparoscope that utilises, processes and manages electronic images in a self-contained unit. The laparoscope, by being self-contained, is at least lower cost, more reliable, easier to operate, easier to handle and/or reduces the risk of infection. The laparoscope can be sealed prior to use such that it can be re-used. The laparoscope can be wirelessly connected to peripheral devices, if required.

According to one aspect, the invention resides in a laparoscope, or camera, for a medical procedure according to claim <NUM>. The laparoscope has a body having a distal end for locating in a patient and a proximal end for handling the laparoscope outside the patient, wherein the laparoscope is independently operable and a stand-alone device, the laparoscope having: a camera and a light source, located adjacent the distal end, wherein the camera is positioned on an axis, defined by the proximal and distal ends, and the view from the camera is off-axis. The laparoscope has an operable interface, having a display and control buttons, located adjacent the proximal end, for operating the camera and/or light source; a processor and data storage located in the body, operable to provide an interface for managing the camera, light source and recording images. The laparoscope has a communication module configured to wirelessly transmit images and/or data to a remote monitor and/or server.

The body can have a limb extending therefrom and the processor can reside in the limb. The data storage can be removable from the body. Additionally or alternatively on-board data can be transmitted wirelessly from the laparoscope. The processor can be configured to manage images received from the camera and store them on the data storage or transmit said images. The laparoscope has an operable interface and the processor can be configured to manage the camera, light source and recording of images.

The distal end can be configured as a trocar. However, it is preferable that the camera of the invention is placed in a trocar in use. The camera, or imaging device, located at the distal end of the laparoscopic camera is, preferably a high resolution digital camera. The camera can record in high density, or at <NUM> resolution. The laparoscopic camera can be self-contained such that it is operable without cables or external support devices. It can manage image recording, calibration and storage all within the camera.

The camera is positioned on an axis, defined by the proximal and distal ends, and can be manoeuvrable for enabling the area around the distal end to be viewed. The camera, or image receiving device, can be configured to provide an aligned (zero-degree) view with respect to the axis or can provide a <NUM>-degree view, or can be switchable therebetween. The angle of view can be variable. The angle of view can be variable to provide a complete <NUM>-degree view around the distal end. The view from the imaging camera can be off-axis - to avoid the crease/cutting edge of trocar tip obscuring the view. The light source at the distal end can be positioned to focus upon the centre of the view of the camera imaging device. The light source can be movable in response to camera movement.

A lens can be provided adjacent the distal end, and the lens arranged to co-operate optically with the camera of laparoscope to optimise image quality and/or the range of visibility.

The light source can be positioned offset from the axis defined by the body extending between the ends. A plurality of light sources can be configured on the limb. At least one light source can be positioned at the distal end. At least one light source can be configured on the surface of the limb at the distal end. The light source positioned on the limb at the distal end can be configured to indirectly illuminate a subject to be viewed by the camera i.e. the field of view of the camera can be illuminated by an indirect light source such that the subject is illuminated, at least in part, by incident light.

The light source can be manoeuvrable for directing emitted light towards the centre of the field of view of the camera. The light source can have a fixed relationship with the camera. A plurality of lights can be provided. The lights can be arranged circumferentially around said axis defined by the limb or by the line-of-sight from the camera sensor.

The display can be a touch-screen display. The buttons can be provided on the touchscreen display.

The display can be visible through an eyepiece, and buttons can be arranged adjacent the eyepiece to be operable to control the camera and/or the light source while images are being viewed through the eyepiece. Settings, an operations menu, and/or control functions of the interface can be provided via the display.

A plurality of cameras can be provided. Two or more cameras can be provided to enable a <NUM>-dimensional image view to be formed. The processor can be configured to move the field of view of the camera in response to operation of the interface.

The processor can be configured to adjust at least one of the focus, depth of field or image parameter. The camera and light source can be adapted to see in low-light conditions. Image parameters can be adjusted by the camera such that at least one or white-balance, contrast, night-vision, infrared imaging can be controlled. Adjustment can be automatic.

The processor can encode the images received by the camera and communicate the image data in real-time, or near real-time with negligible delay, to a monitor for displaying said images and/or a server for recording said images and/or the on-board memory storage on the camera unit. Data, or image data, can be stored and removably located on a memory device located in a slot located at proximal end.

A communication module is configured to enable remote wireless configuration of at least one of the camera, light source or data.

The control or processing apparatus can occupy the space in the lumen of the limb between the ends. A battery can be positioned in the limb and or distal end. The battery can be charged via a wireless connection, for example via an inductive charging circuit.

The distal end can have a trocar tip and the laparoscope is adapted to provide an opening in a body.

Overall, the laparoscope or camera of the invention can be configured for use inside a trocar or with a trocar tip to enable an opening to be created in a patient. Laparoscopic operations required a patient to be partially inflated to enable a surgeon to have a clear view of the area in which they are operating. The abdomen of a patient expands like a balloon. The apparatus required for such operations must enable a patient to remain inflated. Laparoscopic components, therefore, are configured to compliment these requirements by, for example, being suitably shaped for use with a trocar. It is also to be noted that two or more ports can be created in a patient and that the operating environment for a surgeon is often busy with known laparoscopic apparatus, such as light cables, inflation tubes, camera cables and data cables etc. A compact and simple apparatus, that does not compromise on performance, is preferred.

Although significantly simpler and lower cost compared to known laparoscopic systems - making the laparoscope or camera suitable for single-use - the laparoscope or camera of the invention is re-usable. To support re-use, the laparoscope or camera can be placed inside a sheath to keep the unit in a clean, hygienic and hermetically sealing enclosure such that re-use is possible.

A sheath can be provided to enclose a laparoscopic camera as claimed. Said sheath can have a distal end configured to receive the camera and the light source and a proximal end configured to enable a user to view and/or operate the interface. The sheath can be a protective cover. The sheath can be disposable.

In the present invention, a case is configured to enclose the laparoscopic device or camera. The case encloses the laparoscopic camera as claimed, said case having a distal end having a trocar tip and a proximal end configured to enable a user to view and/or operate the interface. The case can be adapted to co-operate with the camera and the light source. The case can enclosably and releasably secure the laparoscope therein. To be clear, the laparoscope, or camera, of the invention is placed in the case, sealed therein, used in an operation, and removed from the case afterwards, such that the camera is re-usable and the case can be disposed of after a single use. The case can temporarily encapsulate the entire laparoscope such that the camera is held in a watertight manner, such as up to IP69, while enabling a user to operate the interface. The case can be shaped to securely or snuggly hold the camera therein.

The case can have a lens adjacent distal end, for co-operation with camera of laparoscope to optimise image quality.

In order that the invention may be more readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the drawings in which:.

In known laparoscopic procedures a trocar <NUM> is typically placed within a cannula <NUM> for insertion into a patient. An optical laparoscope not shown is typically placed within the trocar enabling a surgeon to view, via an eye-piece, through the transparent tip of the trocar to the passage of the trocar tip through a patient and into their abdominal cavity. A dedicated light source is connected via a cable to the optical laparoscope. A camera can be placed at the distal end of the optical laparoscope. Images pass from the tip of the trocar through a series of optical lenses and are typically recorded, via a cable, at a remote recording device and/or shown on a screen within the operating theatre.

<FIG> shows a laparoscopic camera <NUM> according to the invention having a body <NUM> and a limb <NUM> extending therefrom. The body represents the proximal end <NUM> that remains outside of a patient's body during an operation. At the tip of the limb <NUM> is the distal end <NUM>. The distal end <NUM> of the camera <NUM> is located within a trocar <NUM> in place of an optical known laparoscope.

A camera <NUM> and light source <NUM> are located at the tip, or distal end <NUM> of the limb <NUM> of the camera. Images received at the camera are provided to a motherboard <NUM> having a processor (not shown) for processing still images or video footage received by the camera. The processor provides the images to a communications board <NUM> that in turn provides the images to an interface <NUM>. The interface enables the images to be transmitted from the camera <NUM> via a communication device <NUM>. Additionally, or alternatively, the communications board <NUM> can present the images to a display <NUM> located on the camera enabling, preferably on the interface, a user to control the configuration of the camera via control interface <NUM>. Recorded images can additionally or alternatively be obtained from the camera <NUM> via a memory card slot.

Additionally or alternatively, the light source <NUM> can be provided on the side walls of the limb <NUM> around the distal end thereof. Examples are shown in <FIG>. In <FIG>, the source of the light can be via an light emitting surface or film, which is integrated within or attached to the wall of the limb <NUM>. Such a film would encompass or surround the wall of the limb, at least in part, at the distal end of the camera to project light away from the tip on the limb in all directions. The illuminating film can be a thin film polymer light emitting diode (LED), which is substantially two-dimensional like a sheet of paper. The film can be provided as a single unit, or a plurality of film portions can surround the limb in either circumferential or longitudinal strips. The use of a film enables the diameter of the limb to be minimised i.e. the diameter is not influenced by the packaging of alternative light sources.

Additionally or alternatively, the light source can be a low-profile LED device, similar to the type used at the end of the limb. A plurality of LEDs can be used on each side, at equal distances around the perimeter of the limb, when viewed in cross-section. A row of LEDs can be used. The rows can extend longitudinally along the length of the limb <NUM> parallel to an axis defined by the limb. A plurality of LEDs can be used, as shown in <FIG> shows an alternative lighting arrangement that evenly distributes the light by staggering the positions of the light sources around the circumference of the limb. The lines between each light source merely indicate the stepped pattern around the circumference of the limb. The light sources can follow a helical pattern around the surface of the limb. In another alternative layout (not shown), the light sources can be positioned in an asymmetric and non-linear pattern such that patterns of light or shadow are inhibited on the surfaces upon which the light shines.

The light sources <NUM> on the side of the limb can be selectively illuminated. By way of example, the light source can be illuminated only when it has entered the cavity of a patient in to which the camera <NUM> is inserted. With the light source provided at a plurality of points around the circumference, in cross-section, of the limb, the light sources can be controlled only to illuminate in the direction that the at camera <NUM> is focussed upon or is the point of interest of the operator.

By having the light source <NUM> on the side wall of the limb <NUM>, in addition to the end of the limb, the outward facing light from the device functions to illuminate the space in which the tip of the camera <NUM>, i.e. the distal end of the limb <NUM>. This supplementary light provides additional light to support clear images viewable by the camera <NUM> and indirectly illuminate the feature that the camera views.

In known systems, laparoscopic cameras are complex because they use a conventional optical laparoscope with a camera located at the proximal end. Many ancillary devices are required to support known cameras, such as a light-source, recording equipment, camera cables and the like - which are all connected to bulky apparatus in an operating theatre via at least one umbilical cord.

<FIG> shows an end elevation view of the camera <NUM> looking upon the distal end <NUM> such that the footprint of the body <NUM> can be seen with the circular body of the limb <NUM> having the camera <NUM> and light sources <NUM> located thereabout. A lens <NUM> can be provided over the camera to optimise the images received by the camera. Three light sources, such as light emitting diodes, or LEDs, are shown by way of example, although any number of LEDs can be provided.

<FIG> shows an end elevation view of the body <NUM> including the interface <NUM> having a display <NUM> and control interface <NUM>. The display can be a touch-screen display having additional control interface buttons on the display.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional representation of the camera <NUM> located within a trocar <NUM>. The camera <NUM> is a reusable unit and is preferably enclosable within a sheath (not shown) in use, and the camera <NUM> would be enclosed within a sheath before being placed within the trocar <NUM>. The sheath is transparent, such that it does not impede upon the images received by the camera.

<FIG> shows a laparoscopic camera <NUM> according to the invention located within a case <NUM>. The case is typically formed from transparent plastic. The case has a trocar tip <NUM> and a lid <NUM> that can be opened about a hinge <NUM> and secured by a lock <NUM> such that the camera <NUM> can be sealed, and hermetically sealed, within the case <NUM>. In this configuration, the camera <NUM> is reusable while the case <NUM> is for single-use. The lid <NUM> is configured to enable full operability of the interface <NUM> and control interface <NUM>, and for the display to be viewed.

<FIG> represents a typical laparoscopic system according to the invention in which a laparoscopic camera <NUM> is located within a case <NUM> and placed within a cannula <NUM>. Images received from the camera <NUM> would be processed on the motherboard <NUM> before being provided to the communications board <NUM> and interface <NUM> of the camera <NUM>. A surgeon would have full control of the camera <NUM> via the interface <NUM> using the control interface <NUM> and display <NUM>. The camera <NUM> is self-contained and can process images received by the camera <NUM>, store said images and allow images to be recorded and taken from the camera <NUM> via the memory card <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the camera can transmit via the communication device <NUM> images and data to a monitor <NUM> and/or a remote server <NUM>. A remote control <NUM> can be used to operate at least one of the camera <NUM>, monitor <NUM> or server <NUM>. The camera <NUM>, monitor <NUM>, remote <NUM> and server <NUM> can communicate and transmit date wirelessly therebetween.

In operation, the camera <NUM> provide a view on the display <NUM> and/or monitor <NUM> through the tip of a trocar <NUM> or the tip of the case <NUM> in which it is placed. In this way a surgeon can see the surgical site where an opening is to be made.

The camera <NUM> provides its own illumination and can automatically adjust the focus, contrast and/or white-balance to optimise the view of the site for the surgeon. Infra-red light sources and image sensing can additionally or alternatively be provided.

The hand-held camera <NUM> can be fully configured and calibrated by directly operating the interface <NUM> of the camera. In subsequent use, images and video can be recorded and stored upon the device and process for removal via a memory card or wireless transmission via the communication device <NUM>. No additional cables, light source or remote monitor are required because the camera is self-contained and a surgeon would have complete operable control of the camera via the interface <NUM>.

By way of example, in use the interface <NUM> can be used to adjust the field of view of the camera via the buttons on the control interface <NUM> or via a control interface <NUM> located directly on the display <NUM>. Image parameters such as white balance, contrast, or modes of vision can be managed automatically by the processor upon the motherboard <NUM> or adjusted by a surgeon via the interface.

The camera and the light source are able to present images representing the view from the distal end <NUM> in either full colour i.e. visible light or in infrared.

The camera sensor <NUM> and the light source <NUM> can be fixed to centre received images on objects aligned with the longitudinal axis of the limb <NUM>. Alternatively, the camera sensor <NUM> and the light source <NUM> located at the distal end <NUM> can be located on a movable or articulated actuator or other such movable device (not shown). The actuator is operable via the interface <NUM> or control <NUM> to change the camera view such that it can pan around said axis enabling a surgeon to adjust the camera view and see around the trocar tip. <FIG> is an example of the system residing within the camera <NUM> thus enabling the camera to be operable as a stand-alone unit, independently of remote devices. To be clear, the laparoscopic camera of the invention can operate to display, manage and record images as a self-contained unit without the need of any external devices or connections such as cables, light source, camera control units or monitors. A system <NUM> residing within the camera <NUM> includes a number of components distributed between the motherboard <NUM> and the communications board <NUM>. The device <NUM> includes a bus <NUM>, at least one processor <NUM>, at least one communication port <NUM>, a main memory <NUM> and/or a removable storage media <NUM> typically a memory card within a memory card slot <NUM>, a read-only memory <NUM> and a random access memory <NUM>. The system also includes a battery <NUM>. The port <NUM> can be complimented by input means <NUM> and an output connection <NUM>.

The processor <NUM> can be any such device such as but not limited to an Intel®, AMD ®, or ARM processor. The processor may specifically be dedicated to the system and camera <NUM>. The port <NUM> can be a wired connection, such as an RS232 connection, or a Bluetooth connection or any such wireless connection. The port can be configured to communicate on a network such as a Local Area Network LAN, Wide Area Network WAN, or any network to which the camera <NUM> connects.

The system <NUM> residing within the camera <NUM> can include an image processor <NUM> to receive data from the camera <NUM> and process the signals received therefrom. The image processor can include a lighting controller <NUM> that can adjust the colour and/or intensity of the light emitted from the light source <NUM>. The image processor can also include a camera configuration module <NUM> for adjusting at least one of the focus or white balance of the image received, by way of example. A video control module <NUM> can be provided to manage, for example, the rate at which video is recorded. An image mode module <NUM> can be provided to enable the operating mode of the camera <NUM> to be switched between, for example, recording image stills, recording video, recording colour images or recording images using night-vision, such as in infrared mode.

Finally, a controller <NUM> can be provided to enable changes to the physical position to the camera <NUM> located at the tip, which can alternatively be operable via an actuator not shown such that the view from the camera can be turned such that full hemispherical vision can be achieved by the camera.

The camera <NUM> can include one or more specific features that optimise the performance and usability.

By way of example, the camera <NUM> can be positioned on an axis, said axis defined as a longitudinal axis extending centrally within the limb <NUM> between the distal end <NUM> and proximal end <NUM> of the camera. The camera <NUM> can be manoeuvrable for enabling the area around the distal end <NUM> to be viewed. The tip of the limb <NUM> can be articulated. Additionally or alternatively the camera <NUM> and light source <NUM> can be positioned on an actuator enabling the rotation and angular adjustment of the camera <NUM>.

The camera has been described as lying on the axis, but can, alternatively, be positioned off-axis to avoid an image being obscured by the crease or cutting edge of a trocar tip obscuring the view.

Light passing through a transparent trocar tip <NUM> can be optically adjusted due to the refractive nature of the trocar tip, which functions as a lens. The camera <NUM> can be provided with a lens <NUM> that functions to compensate for the distortion caused by the trocar tip and, therefore, improves upon the light received by the camera <NUM>. Image adjustment can additionally or alternatively be made by an image processor to compensate for image distortion. The light source <NUM> can be actuatable with the camera such that light emitted from the light source is focussed towards the centre of the field of view of the camera.

Claim 1:
A laparoscope (<NUM>) for a medical procedure, having a body (<NUM>) having a distal end for locating in a patient and a proximal end for handling the laparoscope outside the patient, wherein the laparoscope is independently operable and a stand-alone device, the laparoscope having:
a reusable camera (<NUM>) and a light source (<NUM>), located adjacent the distal end (<NUM>), wherein the camera is positioned on an axis, defined by the proximal (<NUM>) and distal (<NUM>) ends;
an operable interface (<NUM>,<NUM>) having a display (<NUM>) and control buttons (<NUM>) located adjacent the proximal end, for operating the camera and/or light source, wherein the body (<NUM>) of the laparoscope (<NUM>) includes the operable interface (<NUM>,<NUM>);
a processor (<NUM>) and data storage (<NUM>) located in the body (<NUM>) and operable to provide an interface for managing the camera, light source (<NUM>) and recording images; and
a communication module (<NUM>) configured to wirelessly transmit images and/or data to a remote monitor (<NUM>) and/or server, and characterised by the laparoscope including
a case for single-use (<NUM>) having a distal end having a trocar tip (<NUM>) and a proximal end having a lid (<NUM>) configured to hermetically seal the camera (<NUM>) within the case (<NUM>), in use, wherein the lid (<NUM>) is configured to enable a user to view the display and operate the operable interface, wherein the camera (<NUM>) is configured to provide a view on the display (<NUM>) and/or monitor (<NUM>) through the tip of the case (<NUM>) in which it is placed thus enabling a surgeon to see the surgical site where an opening is to be made.