LOW PROFILE ENDOSCOPE

• Main Author: MELSHEIMER, Jeffry S
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 29.01.2020
• Subjects: DIAGNOSIS; HUMAN NECESSITIES; HYGIENE; IDENTIFICATION; MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; SURGERY

An endoscope and a vision system including the endoscope and an electrical-light connector are provided. A distal tip of the endoscope includes a lens and image device. The distal tip is illuminated by light conductors extending within the endoscope. A serial connector is formed along the proximal region of the endoscope having a window segment and a plurality of ring conductors separated by insulators. When the serial connector is received by the electrical-light connector, light and power and electronic signals are communicated therebetween. The electrical-light connector may be removably attached from the endoscope to permit the exchange of different medical devices that are navigated to a treatment site over the endoscope. The window segment may comprise a proximal refractor that receives light radially and communicates light longitudinally to the light conductors. A distal refractor may receive the light from the light conductors and direct it radially to the distal tip.