Abstract: A sterile operating room video monitor and video monitor support device are provided to enable a surgeon to more easily conduct endoscopic procedures. A lightweight self-contained monitor module is provided to enable the surgeon to easily manipulate the image on the video monitor of a surgical area. A video support stand which secures the video monitor in the sterile operating field allows a surgeon to precisely place the video monitor at a desired position. The video support stand includes a monitor mount which may have a plurality of apertures communicating with a source of vacuum to hold a sterile drape tightly over the monitor module screen. Alternatively, the drape may be eliminated, and a close tolerance fit is made between the monitor mount and video monitor securing it in the sterile field. This invention allows positioning of the video monitor in the natural line of sight of the surgeon as he or she performs an endoscopic procedure.

Abstract: An improved endoscope has been provided which includes an elongated cylindrical shell housing with a transparent window at the distal end thereof. A removable core has an objective endoscope lens or optics at the distal end thereof and an image sensor mounted within the distal end of the core. A transmitting electronic cable with multiple conductors each has a distal end connected to the image sensor circuit board and a proximal end connected to a video control unit. Signals are transmitted from the control unit to the video monitor which displays the image. A sterile separable channel section, removably receives the core in a defined relationship and has at least one longitudinal channel for transmitting fluids or for receiving an operative instrument or carrying light transmitting fiber. A flexible tube is connected to the proximal end of the channel for supplying fluid or for manipulating the operative instrument from a remote location. The separable channel section is disposable after use on a patient.

Abstract: An endoscope has a sterilizable, elongated, optical capsule section and a separable, disposable, sterile channel section. The capsule has a window at a distal end in front of an image sensor. Image transmitting electronic cables, connected to the image sensor, extend proximally from the capsule. Light transmitting fibers extend from the window proximally for transmitting light to a site under investigation from a remote light source. The cables and the fibers are housed in a common conduit connected to the proximal end of the capsule. The separable channel section has a distal end removably attached to the capsule and has plurality of longitudinal channels for transmitting fluids or for receiving an operative instrument. A flexible tube is connected to the proximal end of each channel for supplying fluid or for manipulating the operative instrument from a remote location. The separable channel section is disposable after use.

Abstract: A miniaturized electronic imaging chip has stratified layers wherein a base silicon layer has a peripheral edge defining an area and a thickness which allows passage therethrough of most UV, visible and IR light. A pixel layer is formed on the back side of this first silicon layer. At least one interconnect layer is bonded to the pixel layer. Electric leads are bump bonded to the bonding pads on the outermost interconnect layer and extend away from it within the area for attachment to means for sensing electrical signals generated by an image projected onto the pixel layer through the silicon layer. Preferably, the leads are perpendicular to the chip. A unique method of manufacturing the miniaturized electronic imaging chip from a standard CCD comprises the steps of shaving a silicon layer, having a peripheral edge defining a second area which is smaller than the first area, on the back side of the standard CCD to a thickness which allows passage of a light image therethrough.

Abstract: An endoscope with separable auxiliary assembly is provided that includes a cylindrical shaped endoscope that is insertable within a sterile end cap with attached sterile drape, the drape being extendable over the length of the endoscope and its trailing cables thus isolating the endoscope and its trailing cables from the environment. A sterile separable channel section is provided that releasably attaches to the end cap. The separable channel section has a plurality of longitudinal channels running therethrough so that operative fluids, gases or operative instruments may be applied to the surgical site. To enable a surgeon to obtain selectable images of an operative site, a detachable viewing head may be attached to the distal end of the endoscope prior to placement of the endoscope inside the end cap.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for enclosing a non-sterile video camera, its trailing cables, and a standard optical connector such as a "C" mount for use of the camera in the sterile environment of an operating room. The apparatus includes a coupler having a first end for attachment to the unsterile optical connector and a second end for attachment to a sterile endoscope. A passageway is formed inside the coupler that extends from the first end to the second end providing an optical pathway whereby an image from the endoscope may be transmitted to the camera. A transparent window is mounted transversely across the passageway between the first and second ends of the coupler which provides a sterile barrier therebetween. A sterile drape is positioned over the first end of the coupler and is secured to a neck portion that joins the first and second ends of the coupler. The sterile drape is secured such that a fluid and airtight seal is formed between the ends of the coupler.

Abstract: A sterile connector and video camera cover is provided including a connector assembly for connecting a sterile endoscope to an unsterile surgical camera and a light fiber cable. The camera cover is extendable over the camera, its trailing cables and the light fiber cable. The connector assembly includes a coupling and a light fiber connection. The coupling includes a transverse window providing a sterile barrier and an optically clear path for light to pass through. The light source connection is mounted on the connector assembly enabling a light fiber cable to be optically coupled with the fiber optics of an endoscope. The coupling and the light source connector have a common exterior surface and are housed within the connector assembly. An adapter is provided enabling connection of the connector assembly with endoscopes having either threaded connections or compression-type fittings.

Abstract: In accordance with one form of the present invention, a stereoscopic endoscope is provided which has an elongated thin cylindrical barrel with a pair of CCDs mounted transversely within the barrel adjacent the distal end thereof. A pair of objective optics are mounted within the barrel between the distal end thereof and the respective CCDs for focusing an image observed through the endoscope on the CCDs. Image signal transmitting wires connected to each CCD extend longitudinally through the barrel and out the proximal end thereof for transmitting an image signal to a remote location. Light transmitting fibers are tightly packed around the objective optics and the CCDs. A first connector is secured to the proximal end of the wires for connection to a stereoscopic image producing device and a second connector is secured to the proximal of the light transmitting fibers for connection to a light source.

Abstract: A sterilizable video microscope holder for supporting and positioning a video microscope unit in an operating room is provided which has a sterilizable flexible tubular arm, a bundle of optical fibers running through the arm, a support attached to one end of the arm for supporting it in the operating room and a connector at the same end of the arm for holding an end of the fiber optic bundle in aligned positioned for connection to a light source. The arm includes an inner articulated member which is bendable in all directions and will remain in any position to which it is bent and an outer covering over the inner articulated member to protect it from moisture, body oils and chemicals. The connector includes a tubular member for receiving and supporting the first end of the bundle of optical fibers in aligned position and an adaptor at a distal end of the tubular member connected to the first end of the bundle and being connectable to a light source.

Abstract: A miniaturized electronic imaging chip has stratified layers wherein a base silicon layer has a peripheral edge defining an area and a thickness which allows passage therethrough of most UV, visible and IR light. A pixel layer is formed on the back side of this first silicon layer. At least one interconnect layer is bonded to the pixel layer. Electric leads are bump bonded to the bonding pads on the outermost interconnect layer and extend away from it within the area for attachment to means for sensing electrical signals generated by an image projected onto the pixel layer through the silicon layer. Preferably, the leads are perpendicular to the chip.

Abstract: An endoscope has a sterilizable, elongated, optical capsule section and a separable, disposable, sterile channel section. The capsule has a window at a distal end in front of an image sensor. Image transmitting electronic cables, connected to the image sensor, extend proximally from the capsule. Light transmitting fibers extend from the window proximally for transmitting light to a site under investigation from a remote light source. The cables and the fibers are housed in a common conduit connected to the proximal end of the capsule. The channel section has a distal end removably attached to the capsule and has plurality of longitudinal channels for transmitting fluids or for receiving an operative instrument. A flexible tube is connected to the proximal end of each channel for supplying fluid or for manipulating the operative instrument from a remote location. The separable section is disposable after use. The capsule is sterilizable for reuse with another sterile separable section on the next patient.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a windowed self-centering drape for a surgical camera is provided. The drape includes a generally cylindrical body portion and a flexible and elastic distal end. The body portion is flexible and substantially non-elastic. The proximal end of the body portion may include either a roll fold or an accordion fold in order to reduce the size of the drape for storage prior to use. An optically clear window is formed integrally with the elastic distal end. The window may be coated with substances which filter out certain wavelengths of light.

Abstract: An improved endoscope has been provided which includes an elongated cylindrical shell housing with a transparent window at the distal end thereof. A removable core has an objective endoscope lens or optics at the distal end thereof and an image sensor mounted within the distal end of the core. A transmitting electronic cable with multiple conductors each has a distal end connected to the image sensor circuit board and a proximal end connected to a video control unit. Signals are transmitted from the control unit to the video monitor which displays the image. A sterile separable channel section removably receives the core in a defined relationship and has at least one longitudinal channel for transmitting fluids or for receiving an operative instrument or carrying light transmitting fiber. A flexible tube is connected to the proximal end of the channel for supplying fluid or for manipulating the operative instrument from a remote location. The separable channel section is disposable after use on a patient.

Abstract: In accordance with one form of the present invention, a stereoscopic endoscope is provided which has an elongated thin cylindrical barrel with a pair of CCDs mounted transversely within the barrel adjacent the distal end thereof. A pair of objective optics are mounted within the barrel between the distal end thereof and the respective CCDs for focusing an image observed through the endoscope on the CCDs. Image signal transmitting wires connected to each CCD extend longitudinally through the barrel and out the proximal end thereof for transmitting an image signal to a remote location. Light transmitting fibers are tightly packed around the objective optics and the CCDs. A first connector is secured to the proximal end of the wires for connection to a stereoscopic image producing device and a second connector is secured to the proximal of the light transmitting fibers for connection to a light source.

Abstract: A laparoscopic fixation, repair and ligation suture; and device has a central passageway with first and second parallel channels on opposite sides thereof. A suture extends through the central channel passageway and has a loop with a slip knot on the distal end and a pull on the proximal end. By pulling on the pull the loop can be drawn tightly about a tissue to be ligated. A nesting tube is provided in one channel to receive a suture needle attached to a loopless suture to easily suture to a body cavity wall. In another form, a tapered handle frictionally receives a suture needle attached to a looped and slip knotted suture to repair a tear or rupture in a body part by suturing through one or more laparoscopies without tying ligature knots inside the body cavity. In a third form, a curved carrying device in one channel and a ligation assist device in the other channel permits ligation of large vessels attached to a body part by fibrous tissue.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube intubation assist device in which all endoscope is utilized to provide a visual image as an aid in performing the intubation of an endotracheal tube within a patient's trachea. The assist device includes a handle, a malleable elongated insertion section and an endoscope assembly having a viewing end mounted within the insertion section to provide a visual image of the trachea. In use, the endotracheal tube is placed around the insertion section and removably attached to the handle for insertion into the trachea. The malleable insertion section can be bent by the attending medical personnel for providing a custom fit for the patient at hand. The handle of the assist device is also formed with an oxygen supply conduit for supplying oxygen to the patient during the intubation process. Additionally, the handle includes a suction port for attaching a suction tube for evacuation of the trachea during the intubation process.

Abstract: A steerable sheath for use with one of several optical catheters is provided to be positioned in a passageway leading to a body cavity of a patient for observation and/or treatment. The apparatus includes an elongated, deformable, hollow body having a distal end and a proximal end. An optical catheter is removably extendable through the body and has a distal end which is alignable with the distal end of the body and a proximal end extendable outwardly beyond the proximal end of the body. An articulatable hollow, cylindrical member is provided within the sheath body at the distal end thereof and extends along the sheath body for a short distance toward the proximal end. A first generally cylindrical yoke is pivotally mounted about an axis at the proximal end of the sheath body. The proximal ends of a first pair of wires which extend longitudinally within the sheath body from the distal end thereof to the proximal end are attached to the first yoke and offset 90.degree. from the first yoke axis.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, an endoscope is provided which has an imaging tissue or stone removal basket for removal of unwanted tissue or stone from an operative site, such as a body passageway or cavity. The endoscope includes an elongated tube, having a distal end and a proximal end. An elongated basket having a circular distal end with a central opening therein and a proximal end which is attached to the periphery of the distal end of the tube is provided. The basket is formed as a plurality of spaced flexible members which normally bow outwardly between the distal end and the proximal end of the basket. An optic fiber bundle is slidably received within the tube and is of smaller diameter than the tube. Structure is provided for selectively adjusting the optic fiber bundle along the tube so that the distal end of the bundle is selectively located from a position within the circular distal end of the basket to a position at the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: A laparoscopic surgical ligation and electrosurgical coagulation device has an elongated handle sized to be received in a trochar and having a central passageway extending therethrough. A first channel is provided in the handle along one side of the passageway and is generally parallel thereto. A second channel is provided in the handle which is generally parallel to the passageway and spaced from the first channel. A suture extends through the central channel passageway and has a loop with a slip knot on the distal end thereof and a pull on the proximal end thereof, so that by pulling on the pull the loop can be drawn tightly about a tissue to be ligated. An electrosurgical wire is slidably received in the first channel and has an electrically insulated body extending through the first channel with an exposed wire hook formed at the distal end thereof for grasping the tissue to pull it through the suture loop.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention a disposable trochar for use as a gas insufflation needle is provided for insertion through the abdominal wall of a patient and into a body cavity. It has an outer sheath with a tubular body, a distal open end and a proximate open end. The distal end may have means which is expandable after the trochar has been inserted into the body cavity to minimize dislocation of the outer sheath during use. A cannula is removably received within in the sheath which has a sharp distal end extendable beyond the distal end of the sheath and an enlarged head at the proximate end of the cannula. The head has a flat land which is engageable with the proximate end of the sheath to limit the extension of the distal end of the cannula beyond the distal end of the sheath. A rod is mounted within the cannula for longitudinal movement between a retracted position and an extended position.