US5688224A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Medical visualization device
Assignee: Intuitive Surgical Operations Inc
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Filing: 1995-10-16
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Granted: 1997-11-18
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Expires: 2015-10-16
Abstract
Abstract A medical visualization device for examination of an anatomical area through a body orifice for diagnosis or local therapeutic treatment. The device comprises a fiber optic handle and a distal tip which incorporates a viewing lens. The distal tip further comprises access means for insertion of hypodermic needle to perform an injection of therapeutic substances.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard E. Forkey
- 👤 David M. Tremblay
- 👤 Christopher B. Smith
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 14:22
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/06; A61B1/07; A61B1/012; A61B1/018; A61B1/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A medical visualization device comprising: handle means for facilitating use of said visualization device, said handle means comprises means for transferring light through said handle means; distal tip means attached to said handle means for insertion into an orifice, said distal tip means comprises a lens means, arranged at a proximal end of said distal tip means, for viewing an area at a distal end of said tip means illuminated by said light from said handle means; and said distal tip means comprises an access port means in a wall of said distal tip means located a predetermined distance from said distal end for enabling insertion of a needle means for providing therapeutic treatment.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A medical visualization device comprising: handle means for facilitating use of said visualization device, said handle means comprises means for transferring light through said handle means; distal tip means attached to said handle means for insertion into an orifice, said distal tip means comprises a lens means, arranged at a proximal end of said distal tip means, for viewing an area at a distal end of said tip means illuminated by said light from said handle means; and said distal tip means comprises an access port means in a wall of said distal tip means located a predetermined distance from said distal end for enabling insertion of a needle means for providing therapeutic treatment.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The medical visualization device as recited in claim 1 wherein said means for transferring light comprises a fiber optic cable extending from a first portion to a second portion of said handle means, said light being emitted adjacent to said lens means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The medical visualization device as recited in claim 2 wherein a light source provides light to said first portion of said handle means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The medical visualization device as recited in claim 1 wherein said lens means provides magnification of said illuminated viewing area.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The medical visualization device as recited in claim 1 wherein said handle means comprises a knurled surface for providing a positive grip when being used.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The medical visualization device as recited in claim 2 wherein said fiber optic cable emits light in the direction of said lens means at an angle conforming with a predetermined slope of said lens means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
113 words
A medical visualization device comprising: handle means for facilitating use of said visualization device, said handle means comprises means for transferring light from a first portion to a second portion; distal tip means having a proximal end attached to said handle means for insertion into an orifice, said light from said second portion of said handle means passes through said distal tip means illuminating an area adjacent to a distal end of said distal tip means; and said distal tip means comprises an access port means in a wall of said distal tip means located a predetermined distance from said distal end for enabling insertion of a needle means for providing therapeutic treatment.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
113 words
A medical visualization device comprising: handle means for facilitating use of said visualization device, said handle means comprises means for transferring light from a first portion to a second portion; distal tip means having a proximal end attached to said handle means for insertion into an orifice, said light from said second portion of said handle means passes through said distal tip means illuminating an area adjacent to a distal end of said distal tip means; and said distal tip means comprises an access port means in a wall of said distal tip means located a predetermined distance from said distal end for enabling insertion of a needle means for providing therapeutic treatment.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The medical visualization device as recited in claim 7 wherein said means for transferring light comprises a fiber optic cable extending from said first portion to said second portion of said handle means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The medical visualization device as recited in claim 8 wherein a light source provides light to said first portion of said handle means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The medical visualization device as recited in claim 7 wherein said handle means comprises a knurled surface for providing a positive grip when being used.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
The medical visualization device as recited in claim 8 wherein said fiber optic cable emits light in the direction of said distal end of said distal tip means.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
123 words
A medical visualization device comprising: a handle having a fiber optic cable light output at a first end and light guide fitting means for connecting to a light source on a second end of said cable; a distal tip attached to said handle, said distal tip comprises a lens at a proximal end positioned adjacent to said fiber optic cable light output of said handle; said lens provides magnification of a viewing area at the distal end of said distal tip; and said distal tip comprises at least one access port in a wall of said distal tip located a predetermined distance from said distal end for enabling an insertion of a needle into said distal tip and guidance to said viewing area.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
123 words
A medical visualization device comprising: a handle having a fiber optic cable light output at a first end and light guide fitting means for connecting to a light source on a second end of said cable; a distal tip attached to said handle, said distal tip comprises a lens at a proximal end positioned adjacent to said fiber optic cable light output of said handle; said lens provides magnification of a viewing area at the distal end of said distal tip; and said distal tip comprises at least one access port in a wall of said distal tip located a predetermined distance from said distal end for enabling an insertion of a needle into said distal tip and guidance to said viewing area.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
41 words
The medical visualization device as recited in claim 12 wherein: said distal tip is secured to said handle by means of a set screw inserted into the handle enabling said distal tip to be easily removed from said handle after use.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for providing therapeutic treatment with a medical visualization device inserted into a body orifice comprising the steps of: providing illumination through a handle of said medical visualization device having a fiber optic cable; attaching a distal tip to said handle, said distal tip comprises a lens positioned adjacent to said illumination from said handle; and inserting a needle in an access port in a wall of said distal tip located a predetermined distance from the distal end of said distal tip for providing said therapeutic treatment to a lighted area at the end of said distal tip.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
99 words
A method for providing therapeutic treatment with a medical visualization device inserted into a body orifice comprising the steps of: providing illumination through a handle of said medical visualization device having a fiber optic cable; attaching a distal tip to said handle, said distal tip comprises a lens positioned adjacent to said illumination from said handle; and inserting a needle in an access port in a wall of said distal tip located a predetermined distance from the distal end of said distal tip for providing said therapeutic treatment to a lighted area at the end of said distal tip.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as recited in claim 14 further comprises the step of providing a light source to said fiber optic cable.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method as recited in claim 14 further comprises the step of securing said distal tip to said handle with a set screw inserted into the handle to enable said distal tip to be easily removed after use.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-11-17 | 2001-05-19 | 2001-11-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-11-17 | 2005-05-19 | 2005-11-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-11-17 | 2009-05-19 | 2009-11-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |