New Image Industries, Inc.

Acuimage Corporation

P Michael Williams

Ronald R Williams

Steven M Mortensen

A micro video imaging camera has a detachable distal module which is replaceable with one of different characteristics (e.g., angled), and sterilizable. Thus a non-replaceable CCD and video transmitter are connected to an inner body which comprises in effect a lens tube. The module comprises an outer body encasing the inner body which has a filter (optional) at its tip and a magnifying lens optically connected to an image conduit optical segment. The inner body receives the image conduit, the output of which is focused by the lens in the inner body on a CCD microprocessor. The model may be replaced with an angular distal end or lenses of different fields of view. Fiber optic light filaments may be used to illuminate the field of view of the tip of the module, either housed internally or externally of the inner body.

Modular view lens attachment for micro video imaging camera

A miniaturized video image device 22 includes a video image sensor 32 provided in optical communication with a probe 40 which is comprised of a rod lens or fiber optics or the like. The probe 40 includes a tip deflection wire 64 for deflecting and positioning the distal end 62 of the probe 40. A balloon 70 is provided adjacent the distal end 62 of the probe 40 in order to assist in positioning the distal end 62 and to allow for the performing of various surgical techniques. Additionally conduits 72, 78 and ports are provided for providing fluids to the distal end 62 in order to flush distal end 62 and for additionally allowing aspiration of fluids from the distal end 62 as a procedure is being performed. In an embodiment the probe 40 is rotatable with respect to the housing 30 containing the image sensor 32 in order to allow the distal end 42 to be deflected in a desired direction.

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San Carlos, CA, United States of America

P Michael Williams