George F Strom

US Patent:

47720930, Sep 20, 1988

Filed:

Oct 10, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/917915

Inventors:

John E. Abele - Concord MA
George E. Strom - North Kingstown RI
James F. Hopkins - Marlboro MA
Thomas A. Jellison - Framingham MA
Alice H. Pincus - Andover MA

Assignee:

Microvasive, Inc. - Milford MA

International Classification:

G02B 606
A61B 100
A61N 700

US Classification:

350 9625

Abstract:

An elongated image-carrying member that enables microendoscopy to be practiced using normal-sized catheters, includes a drawn, fused, central multi-fiber micro-unit of about 0. 5 mm diameter, having about 2,000 glass fibers in coherent array, with a polymeric coating bonded to its pristine as-drawn outer surface. This combination achieves sufficient flexibility and optical qualities to enable effective use to provide vision for inspection of small passages and ducts. Flexible image-carrying members having diameter of 0. 5 millimeter or less and catheters of diameter of 3 mm or less incorporating such members and effective working channels are achievable. For vision in remote areas, the micro-unit is employed with a substantially spherical lens with an ocular system for providing a focus range from less than about 2 mm to infinity and having resolution of detail down to the order of about 0. 001 inch. The micro-optical member may be employed with a handpiece in a vision system, the micro-optical member being joined to the handpiece by a detachable connector having a stepped structure for precise alignment between the handle and the micro-optical member. By application of a relatively thin coating containing an opaque constituent to the as drawn micro-unit, degradation of the image and avoidance of artifacts caused by wave guiding effect are avoided.