Other

Visionscope, Inc.

Micro-invasive Technology, Inc.

John L Bala

Paul Remijan

The Bala Laparoscope System is a reusable and/or disposable embodiment of a modular, surgical laparoscope with removable interchangeable viewing angles that enable one laparoscope to be used in place of two separate conventional laparoscopes with different viewing angles. The invention provides for distal lens cleaning without removing the laparoscope from the body. In addition, the invention provides for integrated image-guided working channels for surgical tools; cauterization and laser ablation and internal drug delivery. The simplicity of its optical design allows a much longer useful instrument life than conventional laparoscopes and essentially eliminates the need to rebuild them.

Bala Laparoscope System

A micro-endoscopic system employs a pulsed xenon light source and novel image collection optics with a fine diameter optical probe for an endoscope. Very bright pulses of light emitted by a xenon flash tube increase the intensity of light incident on the light transmitting optics, allowing a reduction in size of the optical components, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the size of the optical probe. A novel segmented glass image guide directs the reflected light to a sensor array. Segmentation of the image guide avoids the birefringence problems associated with fine diameter glass optical structures. Conventional optical fiber imaging and light delivery apparatus may also be used in conjunction with the pulsed xenon light source.

Micro-endoscopic system

A micro-endoscopic system employs a pulsed xenon light source and image collection optics with a fine diameter optical probe for an endoscope. Very bright pulses of light emitted by a xenon flash tube increase the intensity of light incident on the light transmitting optics, allowing a reduction in size of the optical components, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the size of the optical probe. A segmented glass image guide directs the reflected light to a sensor array. Segmentation of the image guide avoids the stress related problems associated with fine diameter glass optical structures.

A zoom laparoscope having a laparoscope base unit with a proximal end and a distal end and having a sheath with a zoom assembly. In one embodiment, the laparoscope comprises a two dimensional solid state imaging sensor. The laparoscope can contain a sheath locking mechanism located at both its proximal and distal ends. The sheath can comprise a light transmitting material for illumination of a region of interest. In an alternate embodiment, the sheath comprises an attachment for changing the angle of view of the laparoscope. The laparoscope can also contain a handle at its proximal end.

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Pomfret Center, CT, United States of America

John L Bala