Patent Application
20070135803
The present invention is directed to minimally invasive surgical procedures. In particular, the invention relates to improved methods, systems and devices for use in transluminal procedures.
There has been a steady progression in surgical procedures to reduce the difficulty for the surgeon and the recovery time required for the patent. Open surgical procedures have given way to laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic procedures are evolving towards minimally invasive surgical procedures.
While these advances are reducing the exterior incisions needed to access the internal organs, other procedures seek to remove external access and instead rely on the naturally occurring openings in the body to provide surgical access. Such procedures enter the body through a natural orifice and then create the surgical access within the body at the desired location.
While intra-abdominal and trans-luminal procedures have been suggested for several years, many problems remain unsolved or with sub-optimum solutions. Specifically, shortcomings exist in methods and instruments to create precise openings in the lumen wall or to close the lumen opening once created. Difficulties remain with creating a sterile surgical environment within the body, particularly in those procedures desiring access via the colon.
In view of the ongoing challenges confronting the advancement of trans-luminal procedures, improvements are still needed. In particular, improvements are needed in the manner by which instruments are controlled, trans-luminal openings are created and sterility is maintained.
In keeping with the foregoing discussion, the present invention takes the form of methods and apparatus for performing endoscopic colectomy that combine the advantages of the laparoscopic and endolumenal approaches. The diseased portion of the colon to be resected is identified using either laparoscopic and/or colonoscopic techniques or using another imaging modality. A colectomy device mounted on a colonoscope grasps the colon wall at two sites adjacent to a diseased portion of the colon. Using laparoscopic techniques, the diseased portion of the colon is separated from the omentum and the blood vessels supplying it are ligated or cauterized. The colon wall is transected to remove the diseased portion and the excised tissue is removed using the laparoscope or drawn into the colectomy device for later removal upon withdrawal of the colonoscope. The colectomy device approximates the two ends of the colon and performs an end-to-end anastomosis. If the part to be resected is a tumor, prior to the resection, the edges of the segment to be resected will be stapled to seal it and prevent spillage of malignant cells to the healthy tissue.
The methods and apparatus of the present invention provide a number of benefits not realized by the prior art approaches to colectomy. As stated above, the purely endolumenal approach does not provide for separation of the colon from the omentum, which is necessary when resecting more than just a small portion of the colon wall. By combining laparoscopic techniques with a colonoscope-mounted colectomy device, the present invention overcomes this deficiency in the prior art allowing a more comprehensive approach to colectomy. Unlike prior art laparoscopic techniques, however, the colon does not need to be exteriorized for excision of the diseased portion or anastomosis of the remaining colon. The colonoscope-mounted colectomy device approximates the ends of the colon and performs an anastomosis from the interior of the lumen of the colon. The excised tissue can be drawn into the colectomy device for removal through the lumen of the colon along with the colonoscope or can be taken out by the laparoscope, which can be done through a very small incision in the patient's skin. The prior art approach also does not protect from leaking of malignant cells to the periphery. This idea will enable sealing of the tissue with staples at its ends to prevent such leakage. Optionally, it will be done with the help of a laparoscopic device that will serve as an anvil. Unlike the prior art procedure, the present invention will optionally use a balloon inflated in the lumen of the colon or any other resected organ before stapling, and by this assure the anastomosis will be ideal with the best possible approximation of the edges.
The use of colonoscopic techniques in the present invention provides another benefit not realized by a purely laparoscopic approach. Since colonoscopic examination is at present the most definitive diagnostic method for identifying diseases of the colon, locating the lesions through the exterior of the colon by laparoscopy or even by direct visualization can be somewhat problematic. Using the colonoscope to identify and isolate the diseased portion of the colon from within the lumen helps assure that the correct portions of the colon wall are excised and makes clean surgical margins without residual disease more assured as well.
In a preferred embodiment, the present invention utilizes a steerable colonoscope as described in U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 09/790,204 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,203); 09/969,927; and 10/229,577, which have been incorporated by reference. The steerable colonoscope described therein provides a number of additional benefits for performing endoscopic colectomy according to the present invention. The steerable colonoscope uses serpentine motion to facilitate rapid and safe insertion of the colonoscope into the patient's colon, which allows the endoscopic colectomy method to be performed more quickly and more safely. Beyond this however, the steerable colonoscope has the capability to create a three-dimensional mathematical model or map of the patient's colon and the location of any lesions identified during the initial examination. Lesions found during a previous examination by CT, MRI or any other imaging technology can also be mapped onto the three dimensional map of the colon. By generating a three dimensional map of the colon, the system knows where each part of the endoscope is in the colon and will be able to localize the two parts of the dissecting and stapling system exactly in the desired location. During surgery, this information can be used to quickly and accurately return the colonoscope to the location of the identified lesions where the colonoscope-mounted colectomy device will be used to complete the endoscopic colectomy procedure.
An aspect of the invention includes a method for performing a transluminal procedure. The method comprises: securing a datum and position indicator to a wall of a target lumen; forming an opening in the wall; advancing an instrument through the opening; and tracking the advancement of the instrument using the datum and position indicator. Additional steps include forming the opening with an instrument coupled to the datum and position indicator, or advancing the instrument through a guide lumen in the datum and position indicator. Additionally, a piercing step can be provided that includes piercing a sheath extending across the guide lumen while advancing the instrument through the lumen in the datum and position indicator. Additionally, a sheath contained in the datum and position indicator can be unrolled while advancing the instrument through the guide lumen. In some embodiments, the method can include the step of rigidizing a guide tube coupled to the datum and position indicator before tracking the advancement of the instrument. An additional step can include sterilizing the wall of the target lumen after securing the datum and position indicator for the wall of the target lumen. In some embodiments, the tracking step comprises providing instrument tracking information to a system used to monitor the progress of the instrument. Additionally, articulation of the instrument can be controlled using information from the tracking step.
Another aspect of the invention is directed to an apparatus for performing a transluminal procedure. The apparatus comprises: a cutting tool; and a datum and position indicator comprising a luminal wall attachment mechanism and an instrument tracking mechanism adapted to monitor passage of an instrument through a luminal wall opening formed by the cutting tool. In some aspects of the invention, the cutting tool is coupled to the datum and position indicator. Additionally, a guide lumen is provided which enables the instrument tracking mechanism to detect passage of an instrument through the guide lumen and through the luminal wall opening formed by the cutting tool. The guide lumen can comprise a rigidizable guide tube. Additionally, in some embodiments, a luminal wall sterilizing mechanism can be provided. In still other embodiments, an instrument tracking monitor in communication with the tracking mechanism to receive instrument tracking information.
Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to an apparatus for performing a transluminal procedure comprising: a cutting tool; a transluminal instrument; and a datum and position indicator comprising a guide lumen, a luminal wall attachment mechanism and an instrument tracking mechanism adapted to detect passage of the instrument through a luminal wall opening formed by the cutting tool. In some embodiments, the guide lumen comprises a sheath and the transluminal instrument comprises a sheath piercing mechanism adapted to pierce the sheath. In still other embodiments, the guide lumen comprises a rolled sheath adapted to unroll as the instrument advances through the guide lumen. The apparatus can also further comprise an instrument control in communication with the instrument tracking mechanism to control articulation of the instrument.
Still another method of the invention comprises a method for providing a sterile field during a transluminal procedure which includes: securing an elongated body to a wall of a lumen; advancing a sterilization device through the elongated body to a position adjacent the lumen wall; and sterilizing a target portion of the lumen wall with the sterilization device. In some embodiments of the method, the sterilizing step comprises spraying a sterile sealant onto the lumen wall. In other embodiments of the method, the sterilizing step comprises securing a patch against and completely covering the target portion of the lumen wall. In still other embodiments of the method, an opening is created through the lumen wall after the sterilizing step.
Yet another apparatus of the invention provides for performing a transluminal procedure comprising: an elongated body comprising a luminal wall attachment mechanism at a distal portion of the elongated body; and a luminal wall sterilization device extending from a proximal portion of the elongated body to the distal portion of the elongated body. In some embodiments of the claims, the sterilization device comprises a sprayer and a sterile sealant source. In other embodiments, the sterilization device comprises a patch, the patch comprising a luminal wall attachment mechanism. Other embodiments provide for a cutting tool extending from a proximal portion of the elongated body to the distal portion of the elongated body.
Still another aspect of the invention provides an apparatus for use in a transluminal procedure, comprising: a housing having a guide lumen and a seal proximal to a distal end of the housing that extends across and completely seals the guide lumen; a fixation element in the housing and adapted to secure the distal end of the housing to tissue; and a channel extending through the side wall of the housing having an outlet in communication with the lumen distal of the seal. A fixation element can also be provided in some embodiment, that comprises a plurality of tines, a shaft and a plurality of wires extending from the shaft, and/or a fixation element adapted to engage with tissue by rotating less than one half of one revolution. In still other embodiment, at least one cutting blade distal to the seal is provided. Where a cutting blade is provided, in some embodiments, it may be disposed entirely within the sidewall of the housing. Additionally, the housing can be a guide tube. In still other embodiments, the guide tube is a semi-rigidizable guide tube.
Yet another aspect of a method of the invention provides a method for performing a transluminal procedure comprising: securing a distal end of a housing to tissue, the housing comprising a guide lumen and a seal proximal to a distal end of the housing that extends across and completely seals the guide lumen; and sterilizing a region within the guide lumen distal to the seal. In some embodiments of the invention, an opening is formed in tissue distal to the seal after the sterilizing step. In still other embodiments, an instrument is advanced through the seal after the sterilizing step.
All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
FIGS. 5A,and 5B illustrate a controllable segmented instrument inside the guide tube and positioned near the stomach wall.
FIG.23 shows a preferable endoscope embodiment having motorized segmented joints.
FIGS. 34 (a) to 34 (c) show articulation of a portion of an endoscope using electro-polymeric materials when the material is contracted and/or expanded.
FIGS. 35 (a) and 35 (b) show perspective and end views, respectively, of a segment capable of bending along at least two axes.
FIGS. 35 (c) and 35 (d) show perspective and end views, respectively, of the segment bending in at least two directions.
FIGS. 35 (e) and 35 (f) illustrate an embodiment of an articulating instrument having a pre-set bias.
FIGS. 36 (a) to 36 (c) show end views of various possible configurations for positioning the electro-polymeric materials about a segment.
FIGS. 37 (a) to 37 (c) show articulation of a portion of an endoscope using electro-polymeric materials positioned between two adjacent segments.
FIGS. 38 (b) and 38 (c) show end views of different configurations for positioning regions of electro-polymeric material about the segment circumference.
FIGS. 39 (a) and 39 (b) show side and cross-sectional end views, respectively, of a continuous band of electro-polymeric material extending over several segments or joints.
FIGS. 40 (a) to 40 (c) show articulation of a portion of an endoscope using electro-polymeric materials positioned over a length of flexible material.
FIGS. 41 (b) and 41 (c) show end views of different configurations for positioning regions of electro-polymeric material about the circumference.
FIGS. 42 (a) and 42 (b) show side and cross-sectional end views, respectively, of-a continuous band of electro-polymeric material extending over a length of the endoscope.
FIGS. 43 (a) and 43 (b) show side and end views, respectively, of a plurality of links connected together via hinges, joints, or universal joints.
FIGS. 43 (c) and 43 (d) show electro-polymeric material formed in individual lengths and in a continuous band, respectively, about a portion of the endoscope.
FIGS. 48 A-F illustrate alternative segment embodiments.
FIGS. 50 A-C illustrate articulating instrument embodiments actuated or manipulated using embodiments of rolled and compound rolled (nested) polymer actuators.
FIGS. 98A-E a illustrate a variety of curves achieved by using two rigidizable guide tubes.
FIGS. 169A-C show an embodiment in which fixation elements are stowed in the guide tube.
FIGS. 170A-B shown an alternative fixation element having a plurality of retractable wires.
FIGS. 172A-D illustrate alternative tissue fixation devices.
FIGS. 215A-D illustrate an procedure intended to manipulate an empty stomach as an alternative to sealing and insufflating the stomach.
FIGS. 219A-C illustrate different views of a cutter assembly.
FIGS. 227A-D illustrate the operation of an integrated fixation and opening guide tube.
FIGS. 230 A-C also illustrate the use of sheaths that are used initially within the guide tube.
Various procedures and techniques have has been proposed for performing the surgery within the body using a natural body orifice to access the internal portion of the body. Procedures that access through a natural body opening to create an artificial opening are often referred to by the bodily orifice used for access such as peroral for entering through the mouth or trans-vaginal for entering through the vagina. Additionally, procedures may be named for the body part in which the access is created such as transgastric for access through the gastric system such as the stomach, trans-colonic for access through the colon, trans-diaphragm for access created through the diaphragm. These procedures may be called out specifically in this application. The term transluminal refers generally to any procedures performed in the body where an access is created into the body to perform a procedure and includes both natural and artificial access into the body. Other procedures that would benefit from the improvements described herein are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,131, U.S. Pat. No. 5,297,536 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,643,653, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0107664, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0025654, and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2005/0148818 each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Embodiments of the present invention provide improved point of departure instrument position and control for transluminal access, as well as improved techniques for forming and closing openings made in support of such procedures.
The guide to 17 may be manipulated into a wide variety of different shapes.
In the illustrated embodiment, the introducer 15 includes a datum and position indicator 25. A datum and position indicator is any device used to measure, track or otherwise indicate the length of an instrument or the portion of an instrument passing by, in proximity to or detected by the datum and position indicator. A datum and position indicator is a convenient reference point that allows the synchronization of internally generated imaging, externally generated imaging or other forms of data to enable a procedure. One or more datum and position indicator could be used in the procedures described herein. Datum and position indicator is used generally to indicate the position of a transmitter, receiver, sensor detector or other component used to measure, track or otherwise indicate the length of an instrument or the portion of an instrument passing by, in proximity to or detected. Additional details of the datum and position indicator are provided below.
As illustrated in
Next, form an opening in the tissue at the landing site.
In the illustrative embodiment where the rigidizable guide lands against the stomach wall, an opening needs to be formed in the stomach wall. The opening could be formed using the needle 27, a knife, needle, laser, or any other surgical cutting tool. Additionally, one or more of the opening techniques detailed below could be used.
In some cases, the formed opening is large enough to provide access to other instruments needed to conduct a procedure. In some alternative tissue opening techniques, the tissue may be opened and subsequently dilated or by using an inventive opening device form and dilate an open in an integrated procedure. One exemplary embodiment is balloon dilation to open the hole in the side of the stomach. Balloon dilation may be available using some of the techniques described in US Patent publication 2005/0107664, incorporated herein by reference. Use of a balloon for opening the lumen perforation is shown in
In some cases, it is desirable to provide insufflation as part of the procedure. If so desired, one or more sealing devices or techniques may be used to provide a gas tight seal to the opening to allow the use of positive pressure to the tissue that is the subject of the procedure. Once the hole is appropriately sealed, one can inflate the periodontal cavity or other cavity to be accessed using the techniques described herein. After positioning the guide tube against the stomach lining and seals are in place, insufflation from the working channel of the scope or small needle may be used locally to inject CO2 or other gases to provide insufflation of the periodontal cavity.
As shown in
In the opened lumen position of
In another illustrative procedures using the instruments described herein, magnets may be appropriately placed within the gut to pull a portion of the small intestine up against the stomach wall as an alternative for gastric by-pass treatments in the small intestine. The rigidized guide may be used to advance the scope into the stomach and place a magnet against the stomach wall. Next, deploy a magnetic element into the small intestine. This may be accomplished using an embodiment of a rigidizable guide described herein equipped with a circumferential tissue grabber as described below in
These and other illustrative advantages techniques are described in greater detail below such as, for example, perforation of tissue using a screw, an RF knife, or needle or other surgical implement; valves, seals or other restrictions to support the insufflation pressure; combinations of various overtube configurations with various degrees of controllable scopes; and the use of a hybrid scopes where only a few of the segments are controllable, in particular only those that segments extending beyond the rigidizable guide tube.
Numerous other details and specifics of the steerable instruments, guide tubes, sheaths, datum and position indicator techniques and devices and other details are described in the following patents and applications, commonly owned by the assignee of this application and each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,468,203; 6,610,007; 6,858,005; 6,837,846; 6,800,056; and U.S. Patent Application Publications: 2003/167007; 2003/171775; 2006/052664; 2005/020901; 2005/165276; 2005/085693; and 2004/176683 (collectively, the “Neoguide applications”).
Steerable Instrument Variations
The steerable segmented controllable instruments described in the Neoguide applications could be used in a wide variety of endoluminal applications. In the first embodiment, the steerable segmented instrument is fully segmented. A fully segmented instrument is articulating and controllable throughout its length or throughout the entirety of the instrument that is implanted into any portions of the body. In a second alternative, the controllable, segmented instrument is only partially segmented and is used in conjunction with a guide tube. In this alternative, the controllable segmented portion of the steerable instrument is only that portion of the instrument that extends beyond the guide tube when the guide tube is fastened or secured within the body to provide a rigidized access port. In yet another alternative, the segmented portion of the controllable instrument has segments whose dimensions and articulation are adapted and depend upon the specifics of the anatomy with which the scope will be utilized. For example, a steerable segmented instrument for use via an esophageal delivery may have more lengthy sections that represent fractional portions of the esophagus. In contrast an instrument adapted for use in the colon may have more segments with smaller dimensions to allow for a greater flexibility given the more tortuous nature of the colon as compared with to the esophagus. It is to be appreciated that the segment and the various configurations may be fully articulating, controllable, passive, under manual control, manipulated by individually applied motors, under the control of a computer, using any of the variety of mechanical actuators, or other combinations of articulation, manipulation and control.
Steerable Instrument
A proximal handle 121 is attached to the proximal end 111 of the elongate body 103. The handle 121 includes an ocular 124 connected to the fiberoptic imaging bundle 113 for direct viewing and/or for connection to a video camera 126. The handle 121 is connected to an illumination source 128 by an illumination cable 134 that is connected to or continuous with the illumination fibers 115. A first luer lock fitting 130 and a second luer lock fitting 132 on the handle 121 are connected to the instrument channels 117, 119.
The handle 121 is connected to an electronic motion controller 140 by way of a controller cable 136. A steering control 122 is connected to the electronic motion controller 140 by way of a second cable 138. The steering control 122 allows the user to selectively steer or bend the selectively steerable distal portion 105 of the body 103 in the desired direction. The steering control 122 may be a joystick controller as shown, or other known steering control mechanism. The electronic motion controller 140 controls the motion of the automatically controlled proximal portion 107 of the body 103. The electronic motion controller 140 may be implemented using a motion control program running on a microcomputer or using an application-specific motion controller. Alternatively, the electronic motion controller 140 may be implemented using a neural network controller.
An axial motion transducer 150 is provided to measure the axial motion of the endoscope body 103 as it is advanced and withdrawn. The axial motion transducer 150 can be made in many possible configurations. By way of example, the axial motion transducer 150 in
The endoscope 100 may be manually advanced or withdrawn by the user by grasping the body 103 distal to the axial motion transducer 150. Alternatively, the first roller 156 and/or second roller 158 may be connected to a motor 162 for automatically advancing and withdrawing the body 103 of the endoscope 100.
In the selectively steerable distal portion 105 of the endoscope body 103, the linear actuators that control the a, b, c and d axis measurements of each section are selectively controlled by the user through the steering control 122. Thus, by appropriate control of the a, b, c and d axis measurements, the selectively steerable distal portion 105 of the endoscope body 103 can be selectively steered or bent up to a full 180 degrees in any direction.
In the automatically controlled proximal portion 107, however, the a, b, c and d axis measurements of each section are automatically controlled by the electronic motion controller 140, which uses a curve propagation method to control the shape of the endoscope body 103. To explain how the curve propagation method operates,
In
Similarly, when the endoscope body 103 is withdrawn proximally, each time the endoscope body 103 is moved proximally by one unit, each section in the automatically controlled proximal portion 107 is signaled to assume the shape of the section that previously occupied the space that it is now in. The S-shaped curve propagates distally along the length of the automatically controlled proximal portion 107 of the endoscope body 103, and the S-shaped curve appears to be fixed in space, as the endoscope body 103 withdraws proximally.
Whenever the endoscope body 103 is advanced or withdrawn, the axial motion transducer 150 detects the change in position and the electronic motion controller 140 propagates the selected curves proximally or distally along the automatically controlled proximal portion 107 of the endoscope body 103 to maintain the curves in a spatially fixed position. This allows the endoscope body 103 to move through tortuous curves without putting unnecessary force on the wall of the colon C.
As mentioned above, such a segmented body may be actuated by a variety of methods. A preferable method involves the use of electromechanical motors individually mounted on each individual segment to move the segments relative to one another.
A single motor, or multiple motors depending upon the desired result and application, may be attached to at least a majority of the segments. An embodiment having a single motor on a segment is illustrated in
Each motor 204 has a rotatable shaft which extends from an end of the motor 204 to provide for the transmission of power to actuate the segments 192. Upon this shaft, a spool 206 may be rotatingly attached with a first end of the cable 208 further wound about the spool 206. The cable 208 may then be routed from spool 206 through a channel 212 which is defined in the cable guide 210 and out through opening 214 (as seen in greater detail in
In operation, when the motor 204 is operated to spin the shaft in a first direction, e.g., clockwise, the spool 206 rotates accordingly and the cable 208 pulls in a corresponding direction on the adjacent segment 192 and transmits the torque to subsequently actuate it along a first axis. When the motor 204 is operated to spin the shaft in a second direction opposite to the first, e.g., counter-clockwise, the spool 206 again rotates accordingly and the cable 208 would then pull in the corresponding opposing direction on the adjacent segment 192 to subsequently transmit the torque and actuate it in the opposite direction.
As seen further in
Prior to insertion into a patient, the endoscope 200 may optionally be configured to have a diagnostic check performed automatically. When the endoscope 200 is wound onto a drum, adjacent segments 192 will have a predetermined angle relative to one another, as determined initially by the diameter of the drum and the initial configuration of the storage unit in which the endoscope 200 may be positioned. During a diagnostic check before insertion, a computer may be configured to automatically sense or measure the angles between each adjacent segments 192. If any of the adjacent segments 192 indicate a relative measured angle out of a predetermined acceptable range of angles, this may indicate a segment 192 being out of position and may indicate a potential point of problems during endoscope 200 use. Accordingly, the computer may subsequently sound an audible or visual alarm and may also place each of the segments 192 into a neutral position to automatically prevent further use or to prevent any trauma to the patient.
The selectively steerable distal portion 24 can be selectively steered or bent up to, e.g., a full 180 degree bend in any direction 26, as shown. A fiberoptic imaging bundle 40 and one or more illumination fibers 42 may extend through the body 21 from the proximal portion 22 to the distal portion 24. Alternatively, the endoscope 20 may be configured as a video endoscope with a miniaturized video camera, such as a CCD or CMOS camera, positioned at the distal portion 24 of the endoscope body 21. The images from the video camera can be transmitted to a video monitor by a transmission cable or by wireless transmission where images may be viewed in real-time and/or recorded by a recording device onto analog recording medium, e.g., magnetic tape, or digital recording medium, e.g., compact disc, digital tape, etc. LEDs or other light sources could also be used for illumination at the distal tip of the end6scope.
The body 21 of the endoscope 20 may also include one or more access lumens 38 that may optionally be used for illumination fibers for providing a light source, insufflation or irrigation, air and water channels, and vacuum channels. Generally, the body 21 of the endoscope 20 is highly flexible so that it is able to bend around small diameter curves without buckling or kinking while maintaining the various channels intact. When configured for use as a colonoscope, the body 21 of the endoscope 20 may range typically from 135 to 185 cm in length and about 13-19 mm in diameter. The endoscope 20 can be made in a variety of other sizes and configurations for other medical and industrial applications.
The controllable portion 28 is composed of at least one segment 30, and preferably several segments 30, which are controllable via a computer and/or electronic controller (controller) 45 located at a distance from the endoscope 20. Each of the segments 30 has tendons mechanically connected to actuators to allow for the controlled motion of the segments 30 in space. The actuators driving the tendons may include a variety of different types of mechanisms capable of applying a force to a tendon, e.g., electromechanical motors, pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic and hydraulic motors, solenoids, shape memory alloy wires, electronic rotary actuators or other devices or methods as known in the art. If shape memory alloy wires are used, they are preferably configured into several wire bundles attached at a proximal end of each of the tendons within the controller. Segment articulation may be accomplished by applying energy, e.g., electrical current, heat, etc., to each of the bundles to actuate a linear motion in the wire bundles which in turn actuate the tendon movement. The linear translation of the actuators within the controller may be configured to move over a relatively short distance, e.g., within a few inches or less such as +/−0.1 inch, to accomplish effective articulation depending upon the desired degree of segment movement and articulation.
It is preferable that the length of the insertable portion of the endoscope comprises controllable segments 30, although a passive proximal portion 22 can also be used. This proximal portion 22 is preferably a flexible tubing member that may conform to an infinite variety of shapes, and may be made from a variety of materials such as thermoset and thermoplastic polymers which are used for fabricating the tubing of conventional endoscopes.
Each segment 30 preferably defines at least one lumen running throughout to provide an access channel through which wires, optical fibers, air and/or water channels, various endoscopic tools, or any variety of devices and wires may be routed. A polymeric covering, or sheath, 39 may also extend over the body of the endoscope 21 including the controllable portion 28 and steerable distal portion 24. This sheath 39 can preferably provide a smooth transition between the controllable segments 30, the steerable distal portion 24, and the flexible tubing of proximal portion 22.
A handle 32 may be attached to the proximal end of the endoscope. The handle 32 may include an ocular connected to the fiberoptic imaging bundle 42 for direct viewing. The handle 32 may otherwise have a connector 54 for connection to a video monitor, camera, e.g., a CCD or CMOS camera, or a recording device 52. The handle 32 may be connected to an illumination source 43 by an illumination cable 44 that is connected to or continuous with the illumination fibers 42. Alternatively, some or all of these connections could be made at the controller 45. Luer lock fittings 34 may be located on the handle 32 and connected to the various instrument channels.
The handle 32 may be connected to a motion controller 45 by way of a controller cable 46. A steering controller 47 may be connected to the motion controller 45 by way of a second cable 48 or it may optionally be connected directly to the handle 32. Alternatively, the handle may have the steering control mechanism integrated directly into the handle, e.g., in the form of a joystick, conventional disk controllers such as dials, pulleys or wheels, etc. The steering controller 47 allows the user to selectively steer or bend the selectively steerable distal portion 24 of the body 21 in the desired direction 26. The steering controller 47 may be a joystick controller as shown, or other steering control mechanism, e.g., dual dials or rotary knobs as in conventional endoscopes, track balls, touch pads, mouse, or sensory gloves. The motion controller 45 controls the movement of the segmented automatically controlled proximal portion 28 of the body 21. This controller 45 may be implemented using a motion control program running on a microcomputer or using an application-specific motion controller. Alternatively, the controller 45 may be implemented using, e.g., a neural network controller.
The actuators applying force to the tendons may be included in the motion controller unit 45, as shown, or may be located separately and connected by a control cable. The tendons controlling the steerable distal portion 24 and the controllable segments 30 extend down the length of the endoscope body 21 and connect to the actuators.
An axial motion transducer (also called a depth referencing device or datum) 49 may be provided for measuring the axial motion, i.e., the depth change, of the endoscope body 21 as it is advanced and withdrawn. The depth referencing device 49 can be made in many possible configurations. For example, the axial motion transducer 49 in
When the endoscope body 21 is advanced or withdrawn, the axial motion transducer 49 detects the change in position and signals the motion controller 45. The controller can use this information to propagate the selected curves proximally or distally along the controllable portion 28 of the endoscope body 21 to keep the endoscope actively following the pathway selected by the user steering the distal portion 24. The axial motion transducer 49 also allows for the incrementing of a current depth within the colon C by the measured change in depth. This allows the endoscope body 21 to be guided through tortuous curves without putting unnecessary force on the wall of the colon C.
The steerable distal portion, as well as the endoscope and the controllable segments are bendable but preferably not compressible or expansible. Thus, in
In one variation, three tendons are used to actuate each segment, including the steerable distal portion, although four or more tendons could be used. Three tendons can reliably articulate a segment in any direction without having to rotate the segment or endoscope about its longitudinal axis. The three cable tendons 312 are preferably attached at the distal end of the segment 320 close to the segment's edge, spaced equally apart. In
As shown in
Alternatively, if the tendon is a push-pull cable, and each tendon can apply compression as well as tension, then two tendons can control the motion of segment without any biasing element at all.
More than three tendons can also be used to control the bending of a segment.
In all these variations, the circumferential locations of the tendons and/or biasing elements are illustrative and are not intended to be limited to the examples described herein. Rather, they may be varied according to the desired effects as understood by one of skill in the art.
Linked control rings may provide the flexible structure needed to construct the steerable distal portion and the controllable segments. Two examples of the types of control rings that may be utilized are shown. The first is shown in
The vertebra control ring in
The outer edge of the vertebra in
Although
The device is then advanced again in
In addition to measuring tendon displacement, the motion controller can also adjust for tendon stretch or compression. For example, the motion controller can control the “slack” in the tendons, particularly in tendons that are not actively under tension or compression. Allowing slack in inactive tendons reduces the amount of force that is required to articulate more proximal segments. In one variation, the umbilicus at the distal end of the endoscope may contain space to allow slack in individual tendons.
The bending and advancing process can be done in a stepwise or continuous manner. If stepwise, e.g., as the tendon is advanced by a segment length, the next proximal segment 706 is bent to the same shape as the previous segment or distal steerable portion. A more continuous process could also result by bending the segment incrementally as the tendon is advanced. This could be accomplished by the computer control, for example when the segments are smaller than the navigated curve.
Controllable segments, including the steerable distal portion, can be selected to have different dimensions, e.g., different diameters or lengths, even within the same endoscope. Segments of different dimensions may be desirable because of considerations of space, flexibility and method of bending. For example, the more segments in an endoscope, the further it can be steered within a body cavity; however, more segments require more tendons to control the segments.
The tendons that articulate the segments are in mechanical communication with the actuators. However, it may be desirable to have the insertable distal portion of the endoscope be removable from the actuators and controller, e.g., for cleaning or disinfecting. A quick-release mechanism between the proximal end of the endoscope and the actuators is an efficient way to achieve an endoscope that is easily removable, replaceable or interchangeable. For example, the proximal ends of the tendons can be organized to allow predictable attachment to corresponding actuators. The tendons may be organized into a bundle, array, or rack. This organization could also provide other advantages to the endoscope, such as allowing active or passive control of the tendon slack. Furthermore, the proximal ends of each tendon can be modified to allow attachment and manipulation, e.g., the ends of the tendons may be held in a specially configured sheath or casing.
In addition to the above described techniques for articulating instruments, including guide tubes and steerable instruments, activated polymer actuators may also be used as described in greater detail below.
A variety of electromechanical actuators based on the principal that certain types of polymers can change shape under certain conditions of stimulation have been under investigation for decades. During the 1990's, widespread international research was performed, numerous papers were published and several conferences held regarding activated polymer actuators. In January 2001, this research was organized by Yoseph Bar-Cohen in a book he edited entitled “Electroactive Polymer (EAP) Actuators as Artificial Muscles: Reality, Potential and Challenges” (SPIE Press, January 2001). As used herein, activated polymers refer generally to the families of polymers that exhibit change when subjected to an appropriate stimulus. See, for example, Bar-Cohen Topics 1, 3, and 7, Chapters 1 (pp. 1-38), 4 (pp. 89-117), 5 (pp. 123-134), 6 (pp. 139-184), 7 (pp. 193-214), 8 (223-243), and 16 (457-493) all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
One manner of categorizing activated polymers is by type of activation mechanism. Such categorization used by Bar-Cohen, and adopted herein, includes: non-electrically actuated polymers, ionically actuated polymers and electronically actuated polymers. There are numerous subcategories within each type of activation mechanism. Non-electrically activated polymers include chemically activated polymers, shape memory polymers, McKibben artificial muscles, light activated polymers, magnetically activated polymers, thermally activated polymer gels and polymers activated utilizing electrochemical action.
Ionically activated polymers include the groupings of electroactive polymer gels, ionomeric polymer-metal composites, conductive polymers, and carbon nanotubes. In one aspect, the invention provides an articulating instrument that is actuated or manipulated through the controlled use of an ionically activated polymer actuator activated without the use of an electrolyte. In a further aspect, the ionically activated polymer actuator comprises an electroactive polymer gel. In a further aspect, the ionically activated polymer gel actuator comprises a physical gel, a chemical gel, a chemically actuated gel, or an electrically actuated gel. In a further aspect, the ionically activated polymer actuator comprises an ionomeric polymer-metal composite. In a further aspect, the ionically activated polymer actuator comprises a carbon nanotube. In a further aspect, the ionically activated polymer actuator activates resulting in movement of the articulating instrument without the ionically activated polymer undergoing an oxidation/reduction process.
Electronically activated polymers include polymers activated using Coulomb forces, electrical forces, as well as electrostrictive, electrostatic, piezoelectric and/or ferroelectric forces. In a further aspect, the invention provides an articulating instrument that is actuated or manipulated through use of an electromechanical actuator from the category of an electronic electroactive polymer based actuator. In one aspect, an electronic electroactive polymer based actuator is used to articulate the controllable segments of an endoscope, including the distal steerable portion. In another aspect, embodiments of the electronic electroactive polymer based actuator include, but are not limited to, non-doped polymers, dielectric elastomers, electrostatically stricted polymers, electrostrictor polymer (i.e., polyvinylidene fluoride-triflouroethylene copolymer or P(VDF-TrFE)), polyurethane (such as manufactured by Deerfield: PT6100S), silicone (such as manufactured by Dow Corning: Sylgard 186), fluorosilicone (such as manufactured by Dow Corning: 730), fluoroelastomer (such as manufactured by LaurenL143HC), polybutadiene (such as manufactured by Aldrich: PBD), isoprene natural rubber latex, acrylic, acrylic elastomer, pre-strained dielectric elastomer, acrylic electroactive polymer artificial muscle, silicone (CF19-2186) electroactive polymer artificial muscle.
In another aspect, articulating instruments according to embodiments of the present invention employ a plastic actuator formed using a laminate polymer sheet structures including combinations of pre-strained polymers, unstrained polymers, compliant electrodes, active areas creating one planar direction of polymer deformation, active areas creating two planar directions of polymer deformation, compliant electrode patterning that produces multiple degrees of freedom and combinations of the above.
In some embodiments, an activated polymer is pre-strained. It is believed that the pre-strain improves conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. In one embodiment, pre-strain improves the dielectric strength of the polymer. The pre-strain allows the electroactive polymer to deflect more and provide greater mechanical work. Pre-strain of a polymer may be described in one or more directions as the change in dimension in that direction after pre-straining relative to the dimension in that direction before pre-straining. The pre-strain may comprise elastic deformation of a polymer and be formed, for example, by stretching the polymer in tension and fixing one or more of the edges while stretched. In one embodiment, the pre-strain is elastic. After actuation, an elastically pre-strained polymer could, in principle, be unfixed and return to its original state. The pre-strain may be imposed at the boundaries using a rigid frame or may be implemented locally for a portion of the polymer.
In one embodiment, pre-strain is applied uniformly over a portion of an active polymer to produce an isotropic pre-strained polymer. By way of example, an acrylic elastomeric polymer may be stretched by 200-400 percent in both planar directions. In another embodiment, pre-strain is applied unequally in different directions for a portion of the polymer to produce an anisotropic pre-strained polymer. In this case, the polymer may deflect greater in one direction than another when actuated. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that pre-straining a polymer in one direction may increase the stiffness of the polymer in the pre-strain direction. Correspondingly, the polymer is relatively stiffer in the high pre-strain direction and more compliant in the low pre-strain direction and, upon actuation, the majority of deflection occurs in the low pre-strain direction. By way of example, an acrylic elastomeric polymer used may be stretched by 100 percent in a first direction and by 500 percent in the direction perpendicular to the first direction. Additional details related to pre-straining activated polymers may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,664,718 to Pelrine et al. entitled “Monolithic Electroactive Polymers,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
In other aspects of the invention, articulating instruments according to embodiments of the present invention utilize a plastic electromechanical actuator that relies on actuation from other materials, for example, infused mixtures of polymer gels with or without electrorheological fluid, electrorheological fluid, polydimethyl siloxane, polyacrylonitrile, carbon nanotubes and carbon single-wall nanotubes (SWNT).
Articulating instruments include a number of different types of articles including, for example, wireless endoscopes, robotic endoscopes, catheters, specific designed for use catheters such as, for example, thrombolysis catheters, electrophysiology catheters and guide catheters, cannulas, surgical instruments or introducer sheaths or other procedure specific articulating instruments.
Additionally, articulating instruments include steerable endoscopes, catheters and insertion devices for medical examination or treatment of internal body structures. Many such instruments are described in the following U.S. patents and U.S. patent applications, the disclosures of each are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,610,007; 6,468,203; 4,054,128; 4,543,090; 4,753,223; 4,873,965; 5,174,277; 5,337,732; 5,383,852; 5,487,757; 5,624,380; 5,662,587; 6,770,027; 6,679,836 and 6,835,173.
A steerable, multi-segmented, computer-controlled endoscopic device is one specific example useful for discussion purposes to describe some of the embodiments of the present invention. Examples of such endoscopes are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,468,203 and 6,610,007 both assigned to the Applicant. These steerable segmented endoscopes may be utilized for insertion into a patient's body, e.g., through the anus for colonoscopy examinations. An example of such a device and a method for advancement within a patient utilizing a serpentine “follow-the-leader” type motion may be seen in U.S. Pat. No. 6,468,203, which is co-owned and has been incorporated herein by reference above. Each of the segments of the endoscope may be individually actuated and controlled to create arbitrary shapes. Using such a “follow-the-leader” type algorithm, the device may be advanced into tortuous lumens or paths without disturbing adjacent tissue or objects.
Another variation on segment actuation for realizing the “follow-the-leader” motion is described in U.S. Pat. App. Ser. No. 2002/0062062, filed Oct. 2, 2001. As described, one of the variations employs motors on board at least a majority of each individual segment. The motors described therein may be, in some embodiments of the present invention, replaced by electroactive polymer rotary clutch motors, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. Application Publication US 2002/0175598 to Heim et al. entitled, “Electroactive Polymer Rotary Clutch Motors,” or electroactive polymer rotary motors, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. Application Publication US 2002/0185937 to Heim et al. entitled, “Electroactive Polymer Rotary Motors,” both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Adjacent segments may be pivoted relative to one another via hinges or joints. Another variation is described in U.S. Pat. App. Serial No. 2003/0045778, filed Aug. 27, 2002. As described, each of the segments of the multi-segmented endoscope may be actuated by push-pull cables or “tendons” (also known in the art as “Bowden cables”) connected to one or several actuators, e.g., motors, located remotely from the endoscopic device. Each of these publications is co-owned and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
As described herein, active polymer materials may be used in conjunction with multi-segmented articulating instruments to alter the relationship between, for example, two adjacent segments, a plurality of segments, a section of the articulating instrument or the entire length of the articulating instrument. Flexing of a portion of the instrument may result from inducing relative differences in size or length of material, e.g., active polymeric material, placed near, around or otherwise coupled to the instrument such that activation of the polymer results in controlled articulation of the instrument. For example, actuators utilizing an active polymer material may be located on opposing sides of a portion of an endoscope such that activation of the active polymer material results in the scope bending towards the side having the activated polymer actuator. In an alternative embodiment, another actuator utilizing an active polymer material may be located in opposition the earlier mentioned actuator so as to either not contract or to expand along the opposing side to facilitate bending or pivoting of that portion of the endoscope. The resulting shape will have the contracted portion of material along the inner radius, and the un-contracted or expanded length of material along the outer radius.
Consider a segment 10 having a first side 12 and a second side 14. Active polymer material or actuators are provided along the sides (not shown). When neither actuator or material is activated, the segment remains in a neutral position (
It is generally desirable to control the bending of the articulating instrument in all or as many directions as possible as suits the application. In one preferred embodiment, active polymer based actuators provide control rendering a segment capable of bending along at least two axes relative to a segment longitudinal axis. Segment 20 illustrates one configuration to achieve such control and articulation capable of bending along two axes (
In yet another alternative, segment 20′ may represent an initial inactivated state for the segment that is pre-strained or has a bias condition with a predetermined and desired shape or curve. In this illustrative example, the segment 20′ is curved to the right in an inactivated state (
The use of pre-bias is also illustrated with articulating instrument 22 (
Articulating instrument 22 will now be described in relation to a use as a controllable, segmented colonoscope actuated through the use of active polymer layers or actuators. Once the articulating instrument 22 has been lubricated and inserted into the patient's colon through the anus A, the distal end is advanced through the rectum until the first turn in the colon is reached. This first turn is illustrated in
However, beyond the first turns to reach the sigmoid colon, traversing the colon may be thought of as a series of “left hand turns.” Consider, for example, that traversing the colon from the sigmoid colon into the descending colon, the descending colon into the transverse colon, and the transverse colon through the right (heptic) flexture into the ascending colon includes a series of left turns. As such, the pre-bias bend 23 is an example of a left hand pre-bias that may be used to approximate the general orientation of the articulating instrument once the colon has been traversed. In this way, in order for the instrument 22 to traverse the colon the pre-bias is selectively removed as it progresses. The pre-bias may also be removed selectively to more closely approximate the patient's anatomy. In alternative embodiments, the pre-bias may be shaped to any position other than the final position as described above.
There is provided a bendable instrument 22 having an elongate body with a distal end 25 and a proximal end 26. The elongate body is provided with a pre-bias shape. There is least one activated polymer actuator coupled to the elongate body such that when activated the at least one activated polymer actuator alters at least a portion of the elongate body out of the pre-bias shape. In one embodiment, the at least one activated polymer actuator comprises an electrically activated polymer actuator. In another embodiment, the at least one activated polymer actuator comprises an ionically activated polymer actuator. In yet another embodiment, the at least one activated polymer actuator comprises a non-electrically activated polymer actuator. In addition to or in combination with the pre-bias shapes described above, pre-bias shape embodiments also include: a pre-bias shape is related to: a typical pathway used in a surgical procedure, a portion of the vasculature; a portion of the skeleton, the shape of an organ, including both internal and external organ shapes. In some embodiments, the pre-bias shape is related to the internal shape of a portion of a heart, a colon, a gut, or a throat. In some embodiments, the pre-bias shape is related to the external shape of a portion of a heart, a liver, or a kidney.
In some embodiments, an articulating instrument is a restoring force that biases the entire assembly toward a substantially linear configuration in one embodiment, or into non-linear configurations or specialized configurations as described above. As discussed above, actuators may be used to deviate from this substantially linear configuration. It is to be appreciated that any of a number of conventional, known mechanisms can be provided to impart a suitable bias to the articulating instrument. For example, and as previously illustrated, an instrument may be disposed within an elastic sleeve, which tends to restore the system into a configuration determined by the strained, unstrained or otherwise configured shape of the sleeve. Alternatively, springs or other suitably elastic members can be disposed in relation to structural elements of a segment to restore the instrument to a desired configuration, linear, non-linear or other shape as discussed elsewhere. In yet another alternative, the structural elements of the instrument itself may, alone or in combination with other suitable elastic or restorative members to maintain or restore the instrument to a desired configuration.
In some embodiments of the articulating instruments of the present invention, at least two controllable lengths of the sides of an instrument segment are desirable. In some embodiments, at least two controllable segment lengths would be needed to provide two independent axes in order to allow the segment to bend in any number of directions. In some embodiments, each of the sides or controllable lengths are independently actuatable. Alternatively, a single controllable length may be utilized for each axis, along with a biased spring-type element positioned to oppose the controllable length or actuator. In one alternative embodiment, fixed the lengths on the sides of one axis and then vary the length of the opposing sides. With reference to
In another alternative embodiment, three independently controllable actuators or activated polymer material may be coupled to the sides of an instrument to control the actuation of the instrument. Instead of being spaced at 90 degree intervals, as is shown in
In some embodiments, it is preferable to control at least one pair of activated polymer actuators coupled to opposing sides of an instrument. This may result in four independently controllable sides or portions of a segment which may be utilized to determine the bending of the segment. This may facilitate the simplicity of computation for determining the desired or necessary bending. This may further result in desirable controllability and responsiveness when causing a segment to bend. For example,
Although the examples shown above are directed towards specific variations for placement of activated polymer materials and actuators circumferentially about a segment, these examples are intended to be illustrative and other variations and configurations for their placement are included within the scope of this disclosure.
In some embodiments, activated polymer materials and/or activated polymer based actuators may be configured for controlling the length of the sides of portions, or segments, of an articulated instrument to bend or otherwise manipulate the instrument into a desired direction, orientation or configuration. By positioning individually controllable pieces or regions of activated polymer material or actuators such that they may act on the segments of an instrument to modify, shorten, lengthen or otherwise alter the relative positions of segments or portions of the instrument and then controlling the contraction and/or activation of the activated polymers, the articulating instrument segments may be made to bend and flex as desired.
In one embodiment, pieces or lengths of activated polymer materials and/or activated polymer based actuators may be arranged around the periphery or circumference of a hinge or joint 40 between two adjacent segments 42, 44 (FIGS. 37 (a) to 37(c)). The ends of the pieces 50, 52 of activated polymer materials and/or activated polymer based actuators 46, 48 may be fixed to the adjacent segments 42, 44 around the hinge or joint 40. As such, activation of or changes of length of the activated polymer materials and/or activated polymer based actuators 46, 48 will exert forces on the hinge or joint 40 and bend it in its axis of motion. As shown in
To bend the joint or hinge to a first side towards L.sub.1, as shown in
While the embodiment illustrated in
In another alternative embodiment, the design of the articulating instrument may be extended to two axes of bending by using a universal joint instead of a hinge. A universal joint allows for bending in any direction relative to the segment longitudinal axis. In this case, lengths of activated polymer material and/or activated polymer actuators may be arranged around the circumference of the segment across the universal joint such that adjacent segments may be caused to bend in any desired direction. This preferably utilizes at least two lengths of material arranged between the segments such that they are each able to effect motion of the joint in each of the two independent axes. In one embodiment, the minimum number of lengths of material or actuators is two. In other embodiments, any number may be used to cause the desired bending of the universal joint. In another specific embodiment, four lengths of activated polymer material or actuators are arranged in intervals around the periphery of the universal joint such that, when activated, they generate push and/or pull forces in each of the two independent axes of bending. In one embodiment, the interval is 90 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the interval is not a 90 degree interval but instead is in another arrangement suited to the particular geometry of the joint used.
Turning now to FIGS. 38A-C, there is illustrated another embodiment of an activated polymer actuated instrument of the present invention. In this embodiment, a continuous band of activated polymer material is formed into an annular ring 60 having a length and placed about two adjacent segments 62, 64. A hinge 66 is positioned between the segments 62, 64. The activated polymer ring 60 is disposed about the periphery of a hinge 66 that may bend in one or more axes. Alternatively, the segments 62, 64 may be coupled together using a universal joint 66′ that may bend in two or more axes, as shown in
While illustrated with three, any number of individually controllable regions of electro-polymeric material may be created. In some embodiments, the number of regions is greater than or equal to two. In one embodiment, the regions are arranged such that they act in the plane of the axis they control. For instance, three regions 68, 70, 72, as shown in
In yet another variation, a continuous band of electro-polymeric material that is formed in an annular ring and placed around the periphery of a segment may be made to be longer in length so that it extends over several, i.e., over at least two, hinges or universal joints, as shown in
In another embodiment, a multi-segment articulating instrument 90 includes a plurality of individually controllable regions (
In other alternative embodiments, a bendable instrument or articulating instrument does not use segments as in
An exemplary actuation of segment 124 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 40A-C. As shown in
In yet another variation, a continuous band of activated polymer material may be formed in an annular ring and placed around the periphery of a segment 130, e.g., hose, tube, spring or any other continuous material that may be bent or flexed in any direction. In this configuration, as shown in
The activated polymer material 152, 154 used may be made in a single continuous piece, and may be made to cover the entire length of the hose, tube, spring, or other flexible material making up the flexible endoscope structure 150. In this configuration, independently controllable regions 156, 158, 160, 162 of the activated polymer material are created and located so that they are able to exert bending forces on each segment along the length of the endoscope, or as many segments as are contained within the sleeve of the activated polymer material, which may be less than the entire length of the endoscope. The activated polymer material 152, 154 may be fixed to the hose, tube, spring, or other flexible material making up the endoscope at or near the endpoints of each of the segments in order to impart force to the segments to make them bend, or optionally the activated polymer material 152, 154 may be unattached to the structure, and either impart forces to the structure using frictional contact and elasticity or cause the structure to conform to the shape it is controlled to take on with the electrodes.
In yet another variation, a length 180 of hose, tube, spring, or alternate flexible material or structure may be comprised of a plurality of hinges, joints, or universal joints 182 to 192, as shown in
The spacing between the joints 182 to 192 lengthwise down the segment 180 is preferably small relative to the diameter of each link (e.g., 1:1 or less), so that the lengths of straight, un-articulated material covering the joint between adjacent links is correspondingly small. In this way, the series of discrete hinges, joints, or universal joints 182 to 192 may approximate the continuous shape of a flexible material (e.g., a hose, tube, spring, etc.). In this variation, activated polymer material may be used in any of the variations described above.
In one embodiment, illustrated in
Actuation of the activated polymer material may occur in any of a number of ways depending upon the activation mechanism of that particular polymer. For example, the activation may occur for some polymers by placing them, or parts, or regions of them, in the presence of an electric field. In other cases, an activation mechanism may be related to placing an activated polymer in contact with substances that have varying levels of pH. In some embodiments, electrically activated polymer materials and actuators are actuated through use of electric fields order to create the electric fields, electrodes may be used, as shown in
In another variation, the electrodes may be separate materials in very close contact with the electro-polymeric material. The-arrangement of electrodes and electro-polymeric material may be created, e.g., in a sandwich configuration, with each component comprised of a separate piece. The layers may be either flat or tubular. A thin, conductive, flexible material such as Mylar may be used. In order to allow for the contraction, relaxation, and/or expansion of the electro-polymeric material, the layers of the sandwich arrangement may be able to slide relative to each other. For this reason, slippery or lubricious materials may be utilized.
In yet another variation, the electrodes may be bonded directly to the surface of the activated polymer material. In this case, the electrodes are preferably flexible and able to be compressed and expanded so that they may move along with the electro-polymeric material as it is caused to contract, relax and expand. Electrodes made out of flexible material, such as conductive rubber or compliant weaves of conductive material may be used to allow the activated polymer material the maximum range of motion. In some embodiments, flexible methods of attaching the electrodes to the surface of the electro-polymeric material are preferred, such as rubber cement, urethane bonding, or other flexible adhesives. Additional electrode embodiments and compliant electrode embodiments are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,376,971 to Pelrine et al. entitled, “Electroactive Polymer Electrodes,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
In yet another variation, the electrodes may be printed directly onto the surface of an activated polymer material, using a process such as silk-screening with conductive ink, or a reductive process such as is used in the production of printed circuit boards. In this variation, the conductive ink may need to expand and contract along with the movement of the activated polymer material. In order to achieve this, the electrode may be subdivided into regions to allow for gross motions, such as wavy lines or other geometric shapes.
Controlling the voltage potential of each of the individually controllable electrodes effects the control of the shape of the pieces or regions of the electro-polymeric material used to control the shape of the articulating instrument. This may be done by use of a controller that switches each of the electrodes on or off, and controls the voltage at each of the electrodes individually to any desired voltage. This may be accomplished by use of a computer or other programmable controller. The controller will then be capable of actuating each individually controllable region, portion, or piece of electro-polymeric material of the endoscope. In this way, the shape of the entire length of the endoscope may be controlled in any way desired, including the “follow-the-leader” algorithm, as described above.
In yet another variation, a separate connection may be made between each of the individual electrodes and a controller. In this variation, a separate wire or pair of wires, or printed trace comprising a wire, may be used to connect each electrode to a controller, such as is shown in the schematic illustration in
In yet another variation, a network of small controllers that are each capable of switching and controlling a smaller number of electrodes, such as would be required to actuate a single segment of an endoscope, are connected together to a main controller with a data network and a power network, as shown in
In order to cause the segments, regardless of the variation of design selected, to actuate as quickly and responsively as possible, it may be beneficial to actively pull against regions of electro-polymeric material that have been caused to stop contracting and are in the process of relaxing. This has the benefit of decreasing the response time required for a segment to achieve a newly commanded position, as the time for a region or piece of electro-polymeric material to relax passively is longer than that required for the opposing piece or region of electro-polymeric material to pull the segment to the new required position. Using this algorithm, segments, joints or hinges are actively pulled into new positions, instead of allowing them to relax to achieve new positions.
A number of alternative segment embodiments will now be described with regard to
Segment 1802 is an example of an annular and continuous segment having an outer surface 1804 and an inner surface 1806 (
Segment 1810 is generally circular in shape and has an outer surface 1804 and an inner surface 1806 (
Segment 1816 is generally circular in shape and has an outer surface 1804 and an inner surface 1806 (
Segment 1820 is generally circular in shape and has an outer surface 1804 and an inner surface 1806 (
Segment 1825 is generally circular in shape and has an outer surface 1804 and an inner surface 1806 (
Segment 1830 is generally circular and, unlike the earlier segment embodiments, is non-continuous (
It is to be appreciated from the above discussion of the various segments and access ports that at least one of the access ports in a segment has a regular geometric shape. In some embodiments, an access ports has a regular geometric shape selected from the group consisting of: circle, rectangle, oval, ellipse. In other embodiments, an access port may have a compound geometric shape. Additionally, the internal access ports could be of any shape, number, orientation and spatial arrangement with without uniform spacing. For example, in an embodiment where an embodiment of a segment is advantageously combined with a pre-bias shape instrument described above, the segment access ports may be distributed in a manner than recognizes the need for actuators to be positioned to counteract the pre-bias shape. In other embodiments, more than one activated polymer actuator or material is provided through, coupled to or terminated in an access port.
In addition, a sheath 1905 is attached to the outer surface 1816 of the at least two segments. In an alternative embodiment, the sheath 1905 is attached to the inner surface 1806 of the at least two segments. In some embodiments, the sheath is formed from a suitable material known in the medical arts that is durable, flexible and washable so that it may be reused. In other embodiments, the sheath is removable from the segments and disposable. In yet another embodiment, the sheath material comprises a biocompatible material.
Articulating segment 1950 (
While the segments depicted above are closed loops and open loops, the segments may also be used in combination with or replaced by tubes of various lengths if desired. For example, a series of short tubes constructed in a fashion similar to known vascular, biliary or esophageal stents can be used. Such a structure may include the placement of a plurality of actuators positioned between a series of short stent-like elements.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the articulating instrument is actuated, bent or otherwise manipulated using embodiments of the rolled polymer actuators described above. In general, the rolled polymer actuators are extended between a pair of segments 2008. In
Activated segment 2020 includes a cooperative pair of rolled polymers actuators 2025a and 2025b (
Activated segment 2030 includes an alternative embodiment of a cooperative rolled polymer actuator pair. Rolled actuator pairs 2034a, b and 2036a, b are disposed between segments 2008. In one embodiment, the segments 2008 may be manipulated or articulated by having the actuator 2034b push on its attached segment 2008 while the actuator 2034a pulls on its attached segment 2008. In another embodiment, both actuator pairs 2034a, b and 2036a, b are operating in the above described push-pull mode. In another embodiment, less than all the actuators are activated to deflect the segments 2008. Other alternative rolled activated polymer actuator configurations are possible. For example, the reversible aspect described in
Further to the embodiments described in
Connector Assemblies and Drive Systems for Segmented Controllable Instruments
A connector assembly 1120 completes the transmission of power generated by the force generator 1110 and applied to the controllable article 1100. The two portions 1125, 1130 of the connector assembly 1120 are disengagably coupled. The connector portion 1125 is the first connector portion or the force generation side connector. The connector 1130 is the second connector portion or the controllable article side connector portion. When the connector portions 1125, 1130 are in a coupled condition, the force transmission elements 1135 are joined and force generated by the force generator 1110 is applied to the controllable article 1100. When the connector portions 1125, 1130 are not coupled, the connector portion 1130, force transmission elements. 1135 and the controllable article 1100 may be removed, in some embodiments as a single integrated unit, from the connector portion 1125, force transmission elements 1135 and the force generator 1110 or actuators 1115.
The connector assembly 1120 represents one advantage of the present invention. The ability to quickly connect and disconnect the two portions 1125, 1130 allows a single force transmission portion to be used with multiple controllable articles. Currently, articulating instruments such as, for example, endoscopes typically have only 4 cables to provide limited control at the tip of the endoscope. The present invention may be advantageously utilized by existing articulating instruments to allow endoscopes with only a few force transmission elements to be quickly and more readily connected to a force generator. Moreover, connector embodiments of the present invention provide compact organization and efficient coupling of numerous force transmission elements used by highly maneuverable controllable articles. As the degree of control exerted over controllable articles increases, the number of force transmission elements needed to exert that control also increases. Increasing numbers of force transmission elements drive the need for connector solutions such as those presented by embodiments of the present invention that afford a highly compact and organized coupling arrangement of the force transmission elements.
One advantage of the simplified connection/disconnection aspect of the present invention, is that in many instances it may be desirable to have the controllable article easily separable from the actuators, force generators or controllers for cleaning, disinfecting or maintenance. The quick-release characteristics of tee connectors of the present invention enable an efficient way to achieve a controllable article that is easily removable, replaceable or interchangeable. In this manner, a single controller and actuator system may be used to articulate multiple controllable instruments. After one instrument is released, another is quickly and easily connected and ready for service.
Another advantage of the connectors of the present invention is that the proximal ends of the force transmission elements attached to the controllable article can be organized to allow predictable attachment point to the corresponding force transmission elements coupled to the actuators. The plurality of force transmission elements may be organized into a bundle, array, or rack. Such organization provides a known attachment point between the force transmission elements of the actuators to the force transmission elements of the articulating instrument. Additionally, as will be seen in the examples that follow, dozens of force transmission elements will be utilized in advanced articulating instruments. Embodiments of the connectors of the present invention provides a scaleable solution that allows a user, in a single motion, to connect all the force transmission elements coupled to the actuators to those coupled to the controllable article. Moreover, the single action connection feature of some embodiments of the present invention also provides an important safely feature if an unsafe condition arises, the actuators or force generators may be quickly disconnected from the articulating instrument.
As will be detailed below, this organization could also provide other advantages to the controllable article such as allowing active or passive control of the tendon slack. Furthermore, the proximal ends of each tendon can be modified to allow attachment and manipulation, e.g., the ends of the tendons may be held in a specially configured sheath or casing.
Additionally, the connector 1120 may include sensors and/or safety features to help ensure proper operation and articulation of the controllable article. In the discussion that follows, the connector refers to embodiments of the connector 1120 as well as embodiments of the first and second connector portions 1125, 1130. One sensor or feature may indicate or detect translation or movement of the engaging elements (i.e., carriage assemblies 120 described below) or the force transmission elements 1135 themselves. Another sensor or feature may also detect and measure or otherwise quantify the amount of translation or movement of the engaging elements (i.e., carriage assemblies 120 described below) or the force transmission elements 1135 themselves. Another sensor may be utilized to indicate proper engagement of either the connector portions 1125, 1130 or each of the individual engaging elements (i.e., carriage assemblies 120). Another sensor or indicator may be used to generate a signal based on contacting a limit stop or the length of travel of a particular component. Yet another sensor may be used to detect component failure within the connector 1120.
Returning to
The controllable article 1100 is connected to the connector portion 1130 by a plurality of force transmission elements 1135. The controllable article may be any of a number of commercial, industrial or medical devices. These force transmission elements have a first end connected to the controllable elements, modules or components within the controllable article. The controllable article may be, for example, a robotic handler having a number of articulating linkages. In this example, the force transmission elements 1135 attached to the connector 1130 are connected to transmit force to the articulating linkages. In another illustrative embodiment, the controllable article may be a segmented, articulating instrument. In this case, the force transmission elements 1135 attached to the connector 1130 will also be connected so as to transmit force to the individual segments to articulate the instrument. The ends of the force transmission elements 1135 within the connector 1120 are adapted to engage one another when the connector portions 1125, 1130 are coupled. In some embodiments, the first and the second elements are mechanically coupled. Other types of coupling configurations are possible and are described in greater detail below.
A controllable article 1100 includes at least one segment or module, and preferably several segments or modules, which are controllable via a computer and/or electronic controller (controller) 1140 located at a distance from the controllable article 1100. Each of the segments has force transmission elements 1135, tendons, mechanical linkages or elements connected to a force generator 1110 or an actuator 1115 to allow for the controlled motion of the segments or modules. The actuators driving the tendons (as a specific example of a force transmission element 1135) may include a variety of different types of mechanisms capable of applying a force to a tendon, e.g., electromechanical motors, pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic and hydraulic motors, solenoids, shape memory alloy wires, electroactive polymer actuated devices, electronic rotary actuators or other devices or methods as known in the art. If shape memory alloy wires are used, they are preferably configured into several wire bundles attached at a proximal end of each of the tendons within the controller. Segment articulation may be accomplished by applying energy, e.g., electrical current, heat, etc., to each of the bundles to actuate a linear motion in the wire bundles which in turn actuate the tendon movement. The linear translation of the actuators within the controller is configured and scaled in conformity with the desired movement of the controllable article and may vary depending upon application of the controllable article. Some commercial applications may include controllable articles articulating in large movements measured in feet Still other applications, such as for example, medical applications, may find that the controllable article is configured for tighter control to enable more precise movement over a relatively short distance, e.g., within a few inches or less such as .+-.inch, to accomplish effective articulation depending upon the desired degree of segment movement and articulation.
In one specific embodiment, the force generator is a motor. The motor is coupled to a leadscrew assembly, so that when the motor rotates, it transmits torque to the leadscrew. A modified nut on the leadscrew is constrained to prevent rotational motion, so that when the leadscrew is rotated, the nut is translated along the axis of the leadscrew. The torque from the motor is thereby translated into linear motion. In this specific embodiment, the force transmission element is a cable that is connected to the nut on one end and a carriage assembly 120 on the other end. The linear motion of the nut translates into force on the cable. As such, the leadscrew movement is translated into linear movement of a carriage assembly in one connector hence to another carriage assembly in another connector assembly connected to the controllable article. In one specific embodiment, 64 of the leadscrew assemblies are arranged in modules for easy organization and maintenance. The modules are supported in a chassis that also houses the first portion of the connector described above. More or fewer leadscrew assemblies may be used depending upon application.
The housing 109 provides a structural base for supporting the connector assembly 110. In this embodiment, the first connector portion 112 (not shown) is secured within the housing 109. The first connector portion and its carriage assemblies are connected via force transmission elements 130 to actuators 105. While four actuators 105 are illustrated, it is to be appreciated that more actuators may be used to drive a corresponding number of carriage assemblies. The housing 109 also provides an opening 107 configured to receive the second connector portion 114. Optionally, either one or both of the opening 107 or a portion of the second connector portion 114 may be keyed to ensure correct orientation prior to connection. When the second connector portion 114 is placed within the opening 107, the first and second connector portions 112, 114 are brought into engagement using an appropriate quick release mechanism, such as for example a cam actuated lever or other engagement device as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. When the first and second connector portion 112, 114 are engaged, forces generated by actuators 105 are transmitted to the controllable article. In one embodiment, relative movement between the first connector portion and the second connector portion is used to couple the first connector portion to the second connector portion. In one embodiment, nearly vertical movement between the first connector portion and the second connector portion is used to engage the first and second connector portions. In another embodiment, the coupling force between the first and second connection portions acts nearly orthogonal to the direction of movement of the individual connection elements (i.e., carriage assemblies 120) within the first and second connection portions.
The connector 110 embodiment of
It is to be appreciated that both double and single sided connector portions are possible. For example, the double-sided second connector portion may be coupled to two single sided first connector portions (i.e., one single sided first connector engages with the second connector upper face and the other engages with the lower face. Many different connector shapes and configurations are possible. For example, in another alternative configuration, two double-sided second connectors 114 may be engaged by one double sided first connector portion 122 between the double sided second connectors 114 and a it single sided first connector above one and a second single sided first connector below the other second connector portion 114. In each of these alternatives, the mechanical workings within the housing 109 provide proper alignment and quick disconnect between the various connector portions regardless of the numbers used
The connectors and housing 109 may be formed from any suitable material having sufficient strength to transmit the forces or energy used. Suitable materials include metals, plastics, extrusions, injection molded parts, forged, and/or metal injection molded parts. In addition, the bearing surfaces may be coated with suitable low friction coatings to reduce friction losses within the connectors such as between the carriage assemblies and the guideways. One or more surfaces within the connector assembly may be coated as desired Suitable coatings include, for example, Teflon, PTFE, and other low friction coatings. In addition, the bearing surfaces may include a viscous coating or include other bearing structure or surfaces such as, for example, ball bearings, linear bearings, or air bearings and the like.
Connector assembly portion 114 has a plurality of guideways 118 for organizing the array of tensioning-members and/or cables 121 used to control a controllable article. Guideway 118 may be a U-shaped channel formed integrally within housing 114 as illustrated or it may be manufactured separately and attached onto housing 114. As described in greater detail below with regard to
As illustrated in
Guideway 118 may be configured to provide a limited range of travel for the translational movement of cable carriage assemblies 120. For instance, guideway 118 may have a frame stop 119 defined at one end of the guideway 118 so that carriage assemblies 120 may be securely seated and aligned with each rail. Frame stop 119 may define a portion of the guideway that is discontinuous such that a carriage assembly 120 may be seated within the discontinuity. Although the discontinuity is shown in
In the illustrated embodiment of the second connector portion 114, the second connector portion 114 includes a cable passageway or slack area 116. Slack area 116 is an area sufficiently spacious to allow for the inclusion of slack in the tendons and/or cables which may be routed through and/or bend within the passageway 116, as described in further detail below. The passageway 116 may be curved such that controllable article interface 113 and guideway 118 are angled relative to one another, such as the illustrated angle of about 90.degree. but may range between 0.degree. to 180.degree. The slack area angle is measured between a line representing the direction of movement of the carriage assembles—i.e., direction of travel 126—and a line directed towards the articulating instrument through interface 113. The size and exact configuration of the slack area, if included, will depend upon the number size, shape and flexibility of the force transmission elements used in a particular application. As such, the slack area may have any of a wide variety of shapes or curvature to provide an accommodation for the excess or slack cable length temporarily created during movement or manipulation of the controllable article.
In the illustrated embodiment of
One potential problem when engaging connector portions 112, 114 is the proper alignment of the carriage assemblies prior to engagement. Any number of mechanical alignment features and techniques may be used to align the carriage assemblies into a zero or alignment position prior to engagement between a first and a second connector portion.
Also shown in
Although the embodiments of
This feature is not limited to pins and receptacles, since virtually any convenient mechanism for transferring force from the actuator to the force transmission elements would work.
As will be described in greater detail below, embodiments of the transluminal systems and methods described herein may be used to access numerous portions of the body and do so with a wade variety of mapping and imaging systems.
Next, information regarding the detected and localized physiological indication is passed to an image/mapping system (4020). An image/mapping system includes any imaging modality that may provide position, location, tissue type, disease state, or any other information that facilitates correlating the physiological activity to a identifiable and/or localizable position within the anatomy or within a frame of reference. Examples of image/mapping systems include any of the imaging technologies such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), three dimensional CAT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic field locating systems. Examples of image/mapping systems specifically suited for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders include electrocardiogram detection systems, cardiac electrophysiology mapping systems, endocardial mapping systems, or other systems and methods that provide the ability acquire, visualize, interpret and act on cardiac electrophysiological data. An example of such a system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,972 entitled, “Method for Endocardial Activation Mapping Using a Multi-Electrode Catheter” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional examples are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,487,385; U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,972; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,645,064, the entirety of each of these patents is incorporated by reference. Integrated mapping, detection and/or ablation probes and devices may also be delivered using the steerable endoscope of the present invention. One such integrated system is described in US Patent Application Publication US 2003/0236455 to Swanson et al the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Additional other systems may provide mapping, display or position information of a local isochronal activation map of the heart along with the relative position of the endoscope and direction information or movement commands to position the endoscope (or components, elements or systems onboard the endoscope) to provide treatment to the source of the arrhythmia.
Next, information provided, compiled and/or analyzed in the prior steps or other additional information provided by a user or other system used by the user is input into or utilized by the endoscope controller (4030). This step indicates the ability of the endoscope controller to respond to the indication, position, image, mapping and other data and utilize that data for altering the scope configuration, position, orientation or other relational information indicative of the scope controller responding to the information provided. The endoscope is configured to provide of facilitate providing components, elements or systems to facilitate a treatment of the physiological indication being monitored. The controller utilizes the data provided to position the steerable, controllable endoscope into a position related to the location or site that exhibits the errant activity. The proximity of the endoscope to the location or site of the errant activity will vary depending upon, for example, the treatment being implemented, the element, component or system being used to facilitate treatment.
Finally, the position of the endoscope is supplied back into the image or mapping system as a form of feedback to better assist in guiding the endoscope into the desired position to facilitate treatment (4040).
In another embodiment, the system 4000 may include an overall mapping system that provides medically significant data that facilitates a treatment. This overall mapping or imaging system may include mapping or imaging an area of monitored activity. The area of monitored activity includes not only the portion of the body important to the treatment but also imaging information of those other parts of the body not impacted by the treatment but are instead the likely pathway(s) of the steerable, controllable endoscope to reach the area where the treatment will be facilitated. In addition, some embodiments of the system may include the ability to detect, localize or otherwise indicate the position of the treatment area or area of errant activity or conditions subject to treatment. These indications may then be utilized to augment the guidance of the steerable, controllable endoscope into the desired position to facilitate treatment. In addition, other medical imaging and tracking systems may be utilized to provide tracking, guidance and position feedback information to the control of the steerable endoscope. An exemplary system is described by Dumoulin et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 5,377,678 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The above steps are only representative of one embodiment of how physiological indications, and position information may be utilized to improve the guidance system and controls used by steerable endoscopes to ensure the placement of the endoscope to facilitate treatment. It is to be appreciated that the steps were utilized for clarity and ease of discussion. The methods of embodiments of the invention are not so limited. For example, a single system could be used as an integrated indication, imaging, endoscope controller that receives endoscope position feedback in real time. In an alternative example, the physiological indication and image/mapping functions may be combined into a single unit. As such, while the above steps have been described as happening only once or in a serial fashion, it is to be appreciated that the steps may be conducted in as different order or multiple times. Other physiological indication detection and localization systems may be used and will correspond to an appropriate system useful in the treatment being performed. In addition, alternative image and mapping systems may also be employed and may also be selected depending upon the treatment being facilitated through the use of a steerable controllable endoscope of the present invention. The system may also control the movement of the endoscope automatically based on inputs from the user, pre-surgical planning data, or other indications of desired pathways or pathways to avoid. Alternatively, or in addition, a user may input additional guidance or control information into the system for furthering the guidance or desired placement of the endoscope.
Other endoscopic devices may also be used to enhance transluminal systems and methods.
The colectomy device 102 can be permanently or removably mounted on the steerable colonoscope 100. The colectomy device 102 has a distal component 104 and a proximal component 106. The distal component 104 and the proximal component 106 each have an expandable member 108 and a gripping mechanism 110 for gripping the wall of the colon. The expandable member 108 may be an inflatable balloon or a mechanically expandable mechanism. The gripping mechanism 110 may comprise a plurality of circumferentially located ports within which attachment points 112, e.g., needles, hooks, barbs, etc., may be retractably positioned about an exterior surface of the expandable member 108. Alternatively, the gripping mechanism 110 may utilize a vacuum gripper through a plurality of circumferentially located ports around the distal component 104 and/or the proximal component 106 or other known gripping mechanisms. In the case of the vacuum gripper, gripping mechanism 110 is in fluid communication through the ports and through the colonoscope 100 to the proximal end of the colonoscope 100 to a vacuum pump (not shown). At least one, and optionally both, of the distal component 104 and the proximal component 106 are movable longitudinally with respect to the body of the steerable colonoscope 100. Rails, grooves or the like 114 may be provided on the body of the steerable colonoscope 100 for guiding the longitudinal movement of the distal component 104 and the proximal component 106.
In addition, the colectomy device 102 includes a surgical stapler 116 or other anastomosis mechanism. The surgical stapler 116 is carried on either the distal component 104 or the proximal component 106 and a stapler anvil 118 is carried on the other of these components. The surgical stapler 116 may be configured similarly to any number of conventional stapling devices which are adapted to actuate staples into tissue. Another option is that there is a stapler and an anvil on both components for stapling and sealing the edges. Optionally, the colectomy device 102 may include a cutting device and/or electrocautery and/or a laser device for transecting the colon wall. Optionally, the colectomy device 102 may also include a vacuum mechanism or the like for drawing the excised tissue into the colectomy device 102 for later removal along with the steerable colonoscope 100.
Next, the diseased portion of the colon is excised by transecting the colon at the proximal and distal end of the diseased portion. The colon may be transected using laparoscopic techniques or using a cutting mechanism and/or electrocautery device mounted on the colectomy device 102. The excised tissue is removed using the laparoscope or drawn into the colectomy device 102 for later removal upon withdrawal of the steerable colonoscope 100.
The remaining ends of the colon are approximated one to the other by moving the distal component 104 and/or the proximal component 106 longitudinally with respect to the body of the steerable colonoscope 100, as shown by the arrows. Optionally, the proximal component 106 may be longitudinally translated towards the distal component 104 or both components 104, 106 may be approximated simultaneously towards one another. The ends of the colon are stapled to one another to create an end-to-end anastomosis 120 using the surgical stapler 116 and stapler anvil 118 of the colectomy device 102. Once the ends of the tissue have been approximated, staples or other fastening devices, e.g. clips, screws, adhesives, sutures, and combinations thereof etc., may be actuated through the surgical stapler 116 such that they pierce both ends of the tissue against the stapler anvil 118.
In an alternative method using the colonoscope-mounted colectomy device 102, the diseased portion of the colon may be excised using a cutting device within the colectomy device 102 after the ends of the diseased portion have been approximated and anastomosed. The excised tissue is drawn into the colectomy device 102 and removed when the steerable colonoscope 100 is withdrawn from the patient.
In another alternative method, the colectomy procedure may be performed entirely from the endolumenal approach using the colonoscope-mounted colectomy device 102 without laparoscopic assistance. This method would be particularly advantageous for resection of small portions of the colon where it may not be necessary to mobilize an extended portion of the colon from the omentum to achieve successful approximation and anastomosis. The three-dimensional mapping capability of the steerable colonoscope 102 would be used to locate previously identified lesions without laparoscopic assistance. While described for the colon, it is to be appreciated that attachment, movement and joining if tissue using the above described methods and devices may be applied to other portions of the body or to natural and artificial lumens. For example, this technique and the instrument mounted colectomy device 102 may be used to grasp and manipulate other portions of the gut such as the esophagus, the stomach and the small intestine. The device 102 may also be used in the empty stomach manipulation procedure described below with regard to
In another alternative embodiment, a steerable instrument, a guide tube, a datum and position indicator may be adapted to include a spectroscopic instrument. For example, the illumination device 112 and the image capture device 114 may be integrated into a datum and position indicator or a guide tube. As such, while the following description is directed towards an endoscope with spectroscopic capabilities, the spectroscopic qualities may be applied to other components in the system. Regardless of what component the spectroscopic devices and capabilities are provided, the spectroscopic information gathered may be used as another input into the mapping and tracking systems described below in
The fiberoptic spectroscopy device 102 delivers a beam of light with one or more excitation frequencies to illuminate the patient's tissues. The excitation frequencies may comprise UV, IR, NIR, blue light and/or other visible or invisible frequencies of light. The fiberoptic spectroscopy device 102 rotates to scan the tissues as the steerable colonoscope 100 advances or retreats. The fiberoptic spectroscopy device 102 captures the light that returns from the surface of the tissue by reflection, by natural fluorescence and/or by dye-enhanced fluorescence or other known spectroscopic technique. The steerable colonoscope 100 provides position information and the fiberoptic spectroscopy device 102 provides rotational information, as well as spectroscopic imaging data, to create a three-dimensional map of the spectroscopic properties of the tissues. The spectroscopic image of the colon captured by the fiberoptic spectroscopy device 102 may be superimposed on the white light endoscopic image of the colon captured by the steerable colonoscope 100 to facilitate analysis of the tissues and any suspected lesions identified. The spectroscopic examination and the white light endoscopic examination may be performed simultaneously if the wavelengths used for each are compatible and/or if the two images can be separated by appropriate optical or electronic filtering. Alternatively, the spectroscopic examination and the white light endoscopic examination may be performed intermittently or in an alternating fashion so that the wavelengths used do not interfere with one another. The three-dimensional map that is generated will enable the operator to return to an area that had some pathology or was suspected as having one in a previous exam, and then perform spectroscopic analysis of the area, and compare it to the previous picture from the same area.
Preferably, the spectroscopy device 110 is integrated directly into the steerable colonoscope 100, for example by integrating the spectroscopy device 110 into one of the articulating segments of the steerable colonoscope 100. In one particularly preferred embodiment, the spectroscopy device 110 extends around the circumference of the steerable colonoscope 100 and is capable of capturing spectroscopic data simultaneously from a 360-degree circle of tissue around the spectroscopy device 110. Alternatively, the spectroscopy device 110 can be configured to mechanically or electronically scan the tissues around the spectroscopy device 110 as the steerable colonoscope 100 advances or retreats.
The spectroscopy device 110 includes an illumination device 112 delivers a beam of light with one or more excitation frequencies to illuminate the patient's tissues. Preferably, the illumination device 112 delivers a ring of illumination in a 360-degree circle around the spectroscopy device 110. Preferably, the illumination device 112 includes one or more LED's or diode lasers or other known light source internal to the device to produce light at one or more excitation frequencies.
Alternatively, the illumination device 112 may use an external light source and a fiberoptic illumination cable to deliver the beam of light. The excitation frequencies may comprise UV, IR, NIR, blue light and/or other frequencies of light in a visible or invisible range. The spectroscopy device 110 includes an image capture device 114 to capture the light that returns from the surface of the tissue by reflection, by natural fluorescence and/or by dye-enhanced fluorescence or other known spectroscopic technique. Preferably, the image capture device 114 extends around the circumference of the steerable colonoscope 100 and is capable of capturing spectroscopic imaging data simultaneously from a 360-degree circle of tissue around the spectroscopy device 110. In a preferred embodiment, the image capture device 114 utilizes a CCD camera or the like internal to the device to capture the spectroscopic imaging data. The CCD camera may be configured to be sensitive only to the spectroscopic imaging frequencies of interest and/or appropriate optical or electronic filtering may be used. Alternatively, the image capture device may use a fiberoptic imaging cable and an external imaging device, such as a CCD camera, to capture the spectroscopic imaging data. The CCD camera may be configured to capture a wide-angle picture of the interior of the colon. Possible ways to capture a wide-angle picture include, but not limited to, using fish eye lens or spherical lens based camera.
The steerable colonoscope 100 provides position information and the spectroscopy device 110 provides spectroscopic imaging data to create a three-dimensional map of the spectroscopic properties of the tissues. The spectroscopic image of the colon captured by the spectroscopy device 110 may be superimposed on the white light endoscopic image of the colon captured by the steerable colonoscope 100 to facilitate analysis of the tissues and any suspected lesions identified. The spectroscopic examination and the white light endoscopic examination may be performed simultaneously if the wavelengths used for each are compatible and/or if the two images can be separated by appropriate optical or electronic filtering. Alternatively, the spectroscopic examination and the white light endoscopic examination may be performed intermittently or in an alternating fashion so that the wavelengths used do not interfere with one another. Another option is that the spectroscopic device will be located far enough from the tip so the light used for vision will not interfere with the spectroscopic exam.
The spectroscopic imaging data and the white light endoscopic imaging data may be viewed in real-time and/or recorded and stored for later analysis and diagnosis of any suspected lesions that are identified. In one preferred method of using the endoscopic spectroscopy system of the present invention, the spectroscopic examination takes place automatically as the steerable colonoscope 100 is advanced and retracted within the patient's colon. The operator is thus freed up to concentrate on manipulating the steerable colonoscope 100 to navigate the tortuous path of the colon and to perform the white light endoscopic examination. Both the spectroscopic imaging data and the white light endoscopic imaging data are recorded and stored together with the information of their exact location, for later analysis and diagnosis of any suspected lesions that are identified. The endoscopic spectroscopy system may also utilize pattern recognition software or the like to identify potential lesions from the spectroscopic imaging data and/or the white light endoscopic imaging data and to inform the operator that a particular portion of the colon warrants closer examination. This function will preferably be performed in real-time during the colonoscopic examination so that suspected lesions can be immediately investigated. In addition, this function may be performed on the recorded image data to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
In one preferred option the spectroscopic data that was recorded on the way in will be shown to the operator on the way out when the pictures shown are the pictures that were taken earlier from the location where the tip of the colonoscope is currently located. It will be achieved by using the three-dimensional mapping capability of the steerable colonoscope 100.
Another option is that the software that analyzes the spectroscopic data will identify suspected areas and when the colonoscope is withdrawn and arrives at the area of those suspected lesions (that were found on the way in), the system will signal to the operator about the suspected lesion and the operator will perform another spectroscopic exam or take a biopsy from the suspected area or lesion.
The stored imaging data from the endoscopic spectroscopy system and the three-dimensional mathematical model of the colon produced by the steerable colonoscope 100 can also be used for tracking progression of disease over time and/or for navigating the steerable colonoscope 100 to the identified lesions for subsequent surgical intervention.
Selectively Rigidizable Guide Variations
Embodiments of the guide tube and steerable controllable instruments described herein could be used anywhere within the gastrointestinal tract including the upper GI tract, the stomach, the intestines, the colon and the like. It is to be appreciated that the steerable controllable instruments described herein could be used in conjunction with a rigidizable guide tube. In some embodiments, the guide tube is anchored to the tissue of interest, thereafter an opening is formed to provide an access between the interior lumen of the guide tube and the now-open tissue. Thereafter the controllable segmented instrument is maneuvered through the interior lumen of the guide tube out to the opening and then to the body portion of interest. Alternatively, it is also to be appreciated that the controllable segmented instrument may be used without a guide tube. In this manner the controllable segmented instrument may be advanced to a position where an opening is desired in tissue. After forming the opening the controllable segmented instrument may be advanced through the opening to a desired position. Once in the desired position or any desired orientation within the body with respect to particular tissue, the controllable segmented instrument could be placed into a locked position. As a result, one or more working channels within the controllable segmented instrument provide a working pathway for instruments devices or other apparatus to be provided through a lumen on or in the controllable segmented instrument into the tissue now accessed.
Additional details of the rigidizable guide tubes are provided in the following descriptions.
In any of the above examples, the working or rigidizable element channels may be integral structures within the body of working channel 1120. Having an integral structure eliminates the need for a separate lumened structure, e.g., a separate sheath, through which rigidizable element 1136 or any other tools may be inserted. Another variation utilizing multiple channels and multiple rigidizable elements will be described in further detail below. These variations are not intended to be limiting but are merely presented as possible variations. Other structures and variations thereof may be recognized by one of skill in the art and are intended to be within the scope of the claims below.
The structure of the rigidizable element may be varied according to the desired application. The following description of the rigidizable element is presented as possible variations and are not intended to be limiting in their structure.
Rigidizable element 1160 may be comprised of two coaxially positioned tubes, outer tube. 1162 and inner tube 1164, which are separated by a gap 1166 between the two tubes. Inner tube 1164 may define an access lumen 1168 throughout the length of the tube to provide a channel for additional tools or other access devices. Both tubes 1162, 1164 are preferably flexible enough to be bent over a wide range of angles and may be made from a variety of materials such as polymers and plastics. They are also preferably flexible enough such that either the outer tube 1162, inner tube 1164, or both tubes are radially deformable. Once rigidizable element 1160 has been placed and has assumed the desirable shape or curve, a vacuum force may be applied to draw out the air within gap 1166. This vacuum force may radially deform inner tube 1164 and bring it into contact with the inner surface of outer tube 1162 if inner tube 1164 is made to be relatively more flexible than outer tube 1162. Alternatively, if outer tube 1162 is made to be relatively more flexible than inner tube 1164, outer tube 1162 may be brought into contact with the outer surface of inner tube 1164.
In another variation, tubes 1162, 1164 may both be made to be flexible such that they are drawn towards one another. In yet another variation, which may be less preferable, a positive force of air pressure or a liquid, e.g., water or saline, may be pumped into access lumen 1168. The positive pressure from the gas or liquid may force the walls of inner tube 1164 radially into contact with the inner surface of outer tube 1162. In any of these variations, contact between the two tubular surfaces will lock the tubes 1162, 1164 together by frictional force and make them less flexible. An elastomeric outer covering 1169, or similar material, may optionally be placed upon the outer surface of outer tube 1162 to provide a lubricious surface to facilitate the movement of rigidizable element 1160 within the endoscopic device. An example of a device similar to rigidizable element 1160 is discussed in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,733, which has been incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Another variation on the rigidizable element is shown in
Proximal and distal segments of rigidizable element 1170 may hold respective ends of tensioning member 1176, which is preferably disposed within common channel 1174 through rigidizable element 1170. Tensioning member 1176 may be connected to a tensioning housing located externally of a patient. During use when the rigidizable element is advanced distally through a working channel of the present invention, tensioning member 1176 is preferably slackened or loosened enough such that rigidizable element 1170 is flexible enough to assume a shape or curve defined by the working channel. When rigidizable element 1170 is desirably situated and has assumed a desired shape, tensioning member 1176 may be tensioned. This tightening or tensioning of member 76 will draw each segment 1172 tightly against one another along each respective contacting lip 78 such that the rigidizable element 1170 becomes rigid in assuming the desired shape. A lubricious covering, e.g., elastomers, etc., may be optionally placed over at least a majority of rigidizable element 1170 to facilitate movement of the rigidizable element 1170 relative to the endoscopic device. A similar concept and design is discussed in further detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,381, which has been incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
When the rigid shape of rigidizable element 1180 is desired, the pump may then be used to create a negative pressure within common channel 1184 and this negative pressure draws each segment 1182 into tight contact with one another to maintain the desired shape. When the vacuum force is released, each segment 1182 would also be released and would thereby allow the rigidizable element 1180 to be in its flexible state for advancement or withdrawal. Rigidizable element 80 may further be surrounded by an elastomeric or lubricious covering to aid in the advancement or withdrawal of the rigidizable element 80 within the endoscopic device.
An alternative variation on the rigidizable element is illustrated in
Still further alternative aspects of the rigidizable elements used with embodiments of the working channel of the present invention are described with regard to FIGS. 76 to 85. U.S. Patent Application Publication 2003/0233058 filed Oct. 25, 2003 is incorporated herein by reference.
Alternatively, as described in
Proximal inner surface 3219 is slightly curved in a radially outward direction so that, when tension wires 1236 are relaxed, proximal inner surface 3219 can rotate relative to external surface 3220 of an adjacent element. External surface 3220 of each frustoconical element may be straight or contoured to conform to the shape of proximal inner surface 3219, and tapers each element so that distal end 3221 is smaller in outer diameter than proximal end 3222. When frustoconical elements 3215 are nested together, distal inner surface 3218 of each frustoconical element is disposed adjacent to the distal inner surface of an adjoining frustoconical element.
Advantageously, the present configuration provides lumen 1225 with a substantially continuous profile. This permits smooth advancement of an instrument or a device therethrough, and thereby eliminates the need to dispose a separate liner within lumen 1225. To provide a lubricious passageway to further facilitate advancement of the colonoscope, each frustoconical element optionally may incorporate an integral hydrophilic polymeric lining such as polymeric layer 209 described with respect to the preceding embodiment of
In
Referring now to
In
In contrast to previous working channel embodiments, tension wires 3271 of the present working channel are made from a shape memory material, e.g., nickel titanium alloy, or an electroactive polymer known in the art. Tension wires 3271 are fixedly connected to the distal end of working channel 3270 at the distal ends and fixedly connected to a handle or conventional tension control system at the proximal ends. When an electric current is passed through tension wires 3271, the wires contract in length, imposing a compressive clamping load that clamp distal and proximal surfaces 1231 and 1232 of nestable elements 1230 together at the current relative orientation, thereby fixing the shape of working channel 3270. When application of electrical energy ceases, tension wires 3271 re-elongate in length to provide for relative angular movement between nestable elements 1230. This in turn renders working channel 3270 sufficiently flexible to negotiate a tortuous path through the colon, other organs or regions of the body.
To provide working channel 3270 with a fail-safe mode that reduces the risk of undesired reconfiguration of the working channel in the event of tensioning mechanism failure, diametrically disposed tension wires 3271 may be coupled in a serial circuit. Accordingly, when one wire fails, the wire disposed diametrically opposite also re-elongates to maintain a symmetrical clamping load within working channel 3270. Alternatively, all tension wires 3271 may be electrically coupled in a serial electrical circuit. Accordingly, when one of the tension wires fails, working channel 3270 returns to the flexible state.
It should be understood that a tension spring (not shown) or damper (not shown) that are familiar to those of ordinary skill may be coupled between the proximal ends of tension wires to maintain the tension wires in constant tension when the working channel is in a shape-locked state. Such constant tension reduces the risk of reconfiguration of the working channel to its flexible state if nestable elements disposed therein slightly shift relative to adjacent nestable elements.
Alternatively, as illustrated in
When assembled as shown in
Nestable bridge elements 3286 are disposed within working channel 3280 between a predetermined number of nestable elements 3281. Similar to nestable elements 3281, bridge elements 3286 also comprise central bore 3287 that accommodates an instrument or a device, distal surface 3288 that coacts with proximal surface 3283 of a distally adjacent nestable element, and proximal surface 3289 that coacts with distal surface 3282 of a proximally adjacent nestable element 3281. Each bridge element also incorporates plurality of conductive elements 3290 that are disposed azimuthally around central bore 3287, and that preferably couple tension ribbons 3285 occupying the same angular circumferential position within working channel 3280 in a serial electrical circuit.
When an electrical current is passed through tension ribbons 3285, the ribbons contract in length, imposing a compressive load that clamps distal and proximal surfaces of adjacent nestable elements together at the current relative orientation, thereby fixing the shape of working channel 3280. When the energy source ceases providing electricity, tension ribbons 3285 re-elongate to the equilibrium length to provide for relative angular movement between the nestable elements. This in turn renders working channel 280 sufficiently flexible to negotiate a tortuous path through the colon, another organ or region of the body.
Pursuant to another aspect of the present embodiments, tension ribbons 3285 that are disposed at diametrically opposite circumferential positions may be electrically coupled in a serial circuit. Advantageously, this configuration provides working channel 3280 with a fail-safe mode that reduces the risk of undesired reconfiguration of the working channel in the event that one of the electrical circuits established through the tension ribbons is de-energized.
For example, working channel 3280 of
Advantageously, the present invention may reduce the risk of undesired reconfiguration preferably by electrically coupling diametrically disposed tension ribbons in a serial circuit. When tension ribbons Ta are de-energized, tension ribbons Tc also de-energize to provide working channel 3280 with symmetrical tension, as provided by tension wires Tb and the tension wires disposed diametrically opposite thereto (not shown). In this manner, the working channel retains its desired rigidized shape in the event that the tensioning mechanism malfunctions. To immediately return working channel 3280 to its flexible state in the event that any of the tension ribbons are de-energized, all tension ribbons 3285 may be electrically coupled in a serial circuit.
In an alternative embodiment, tension ribbons 3285 may be electrically coupled to rigidize select regions of the working channel without rigidizing the remainder of the working channel. Illustratively, this may be accomplished by coupling longitudinally adjacent tension ribbons in a parallel circuit, and circumferentially adjacent tension ribbons in a serial circuit.
Of course, it will be evident to one of ordinary skill in the art that, while
Referring now to
Grecian links 3350 are disposed within compressive sleeve 3358, which includes first compressive portions 3359 and second compressive portions 3360. In compressive sleeve 3358, the second compressive portions 3360 are aligned with, and apply a clamping force to, overlapping U-shaped arm 3354 and retroflexed arm 3357 of the first and second rims. It will of course be understood that an working channel in accordance with the principles of the present invention couple alternatively be formed using Grecian links 3350 with other clamping systems known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Referring now to
Joint links 3370 are disposed within compressive sleeve 3374, which includes first compressive portions 3375 and second compressive portions 3376. Compressive sleeve 3374 is identical in structure and operation to that described above except that second compressive portions 3376 are aligned with, and apply a clamping force to, socket 3372 within which ball 3371 of an adjacent link is disposed. It will of course be understood that a working channel in accordance with the principles of the present invention could alternatively be formed using joint links 3370 and could employ clamping systems known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Referring now to
In particular, when an electrical current is passed through elongate body 3391, the diameter of each wire lumen 3393 decreases so that the wire lumen clamps around a respective wire 3395. Preferably, both wires 3395 and wire lumen surfaces 3394 are textured to enhance friction therebetween. This prevents further relative movement between elongate body 3391 and wires 3395, and stiffens working channel 3390. When application of the electrical current ceases, wire lumens 3393 increase in diameter to release wires 3395 so that elongate body 3391 may shift relative to wires 3395. This in turn renders working channel 3390 sufficiently flexible to negotiate a tortuous path through the colon, another organ or a body region.
With respect to
In a preferred embodiment, variable diameter links 3401 and rigid links 3402 are formed from respective strips of material that are helically wound in an overlapping fashion to form working channel 3400. Alternatively, each link may be individually formed and disposed in an overlapping fashion.
In
To reduce friction between adjacent elements during relative movement therebetween, proximal portions 3408 include a plurality of slits 3412 disposed contiguous with proximal edge 3413. Slits 3412 also facilitate contraction of proximal portion 3408 of each element around distal portion 3407 of an adjacent element. Each hourglass element 3406 also has central bore 3414 that accommodates an instrument or a device.
When an electrical current is applied to the multiplicity of nestable hourglass elements 3406, proximal portion 3408 of each element contracts in diameter around distal portion 3407 of an adjacent element. The compressive clamping force there applied prevents relative movement between adjacent elements, thereby shape-locking the working channel. When the nestable elements are deenergized, proximal portions 3408 sufficiently relax to permit relative movement between adjacent nestable elements 3406, and thus permit working channel 3405 to negotiate tortuous curves. For purposes of illustration, it should be understood that the figures of the present application may not depict an electrolytic medium, electrodes, wiring, control systems, power supplies and other conventional components that are typically coupled to and used to controllably actuate electroactive polymers described herein.
While the illustrated embodiments described herein refer to an endoscope, it is to be appreciated that other surgical tools may be adapted to become a rigidized using an embodiment of the present invention. Moreover, while described for use with controllable instruments such as endoscopes, it is to be appreciated that embodiments of the expandable working channels described herein may be used in a variety of medical, industrial and therapeutic applications.
Described here are devices, systems, and methods for navigating, maneuvering, positioning or support for delivering an instrument having an external working channel or the external working channel itself into both open and solid regions of the body. While the illustrated embodiments described to herein refer to delivery of external working channels of the present invention in conjunction with surgical, therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures related to the colon or the heart, is to be appreciated that these are only illustrative examples.
While some specific examples are provided for a particular organ such as the colon, the invention is not so limited. It is to be appreciated that the term “region” as used herein refers to luminal structures as well as solid organs and solid tissues of the body, whether in their diseased or nondiseased state. Examples of luminal structures or lumens include, but are not limited to, blood vessels, arteriovenous malformations, aneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas, cardiac chambers, ducts such as bile ducts and mammary ducts, fallopian tubes, ureters, large and small airways, and hollow organs, e.g., stomach, small and intestines, colon and bladder. Solid organs or tissues include, but are not limited to, skin, muscle, fat, brain, liver, kidneys, spleen, and benign and malignant tumors. As such, it is to be appreciated that the external working channel embodiments of the present invention have broad applicability to numerous surgical, therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures.
As shown in
Alternatively, guide tube 14 may also be used with an endoscope having an automatically controlled proximal portion and a selectively steerable distal portion, as described in further detail below. Such a controllable endoscope may have a distal portion which is manually steerable by the physician or surgeon to assume a shape to traverse an arbitrary curved path and a proximal portion which is automatically controlled by, e.g., a computer, to transmit the assumed shape along the proximal portion as the endoscope is advanced or withdrawn. More detailed examples are described in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/969,927, which has been incorporated above by reference in its entirety.
Returning to
Guide tube 14 may be any conventional appropriately flexible conduit which is capable of being rigidized along its entire length. The variation shown in
The outer surface of guide tube 14 preferably has a tubular covering 32 which covers at least a majority of tube 14. Tubular covering 32 may provide a barrier between the debris and fluids of the body environment and the interior guide lumen 16, if also used with covering 26. Moreover, covering 26 may be an integral extension of tubular covering 32 and may accordingly be made from a continuous layer of material. Tubular covering 32 may also provide a lubricous cover to facilitate the insertion and movement of guide tube 14 along the walls of the body lumen as well as to provide a smooth surface inbetween the individual segments 28 to prevent the tissue from being pinched or trapped. Tubular covering 32 may be made from a variety of polymeric materials, e.g., PTFE, FEP, Tecoflex, etc.
Bellows or covering 26 may optionally be appended to the distal end of conventional endoscope shaft 20 or controllable shaft 82. Throughout the description herein, automatically controllable endoscope 82 may be interchanged with conventional endoscope 12 when used in guide tube 14 as well as with the use of bellows or covering 26. Although descriptions on the method of use may describe use with conventional endoscope 12, this is done for brevity and is not intended to be limiting. The description is intended to apply equally to use with controllable endoscope 80 since the two may be easily interchanged depending upon the desired use and result.
Another variation is shown in
Yet another variation is shown in
Alternatively, the covering may simply be a plastic covering or wrapper 64 which is non-elastic, as shown in
For simplicity of illustration, numerous guide tubes described herein do not illustrate a sheath covering as described above. It is to be appreciated that all guide tubes described herein may be configured to include a sheath or wrapper. The use of a liner or she is particularly important in the protection of the sterile field as discussed below.
Semi-rigidizable guides, like partially segmented controllable instruments, have the advantage of simplicity when the surrounding anatomy provides sufficient support for the flexible portion of the instrument or guide. Consider the example where the transluminal procedure involves forming an opening in the wall of the stomach. The flexible proximal portions 9520, 9418 would extend from the mouth through and supported by the esophagus. The rigidizable distal ends would have enough segments 9419, 9519 to provide sufficient curvature, articulation of the stomach walls, and/or access to the desired target location. This example illustrates how the simple design (i.e., fewer segments to control) still retains its functionality.
Multiple Guide Tube Techniques
The rigidizable guide and steerable segmented instrument combination may be advantageously used to perform a wide variety of procedures in the body. One procedure relates to approaching the thoracic cavity by landing the rigidizable overtube onto the stomach, piercing through the stomach wall and advancing the controllable segmented instrument to pierce the diaphragm unaided by an additional rigidizable guide tube. Once through the diaphragm the segmented instrument is navigated, advanced, or otherwise guided into the chest cavity for any procedure that is performed in the thoracic cavity. For example, the segmented instrument working channel or other lumen therein could be used or additional instruments could be provided, for example, for the placement of biventricular leads, or for treatment of atrial fibrillation. Alternatively, a selectively rigidizable guide tube is landed against the stomach wall and after affixing that guide tube, providing an opening in the stomach wall. Thereafter, a second rigidizable guide tube is advanced through the first rigidizable guide tube through the opening in the stomach and to a position on the diaphragm. The second rigidizable guide tube is secured to the diaphragm and an opening in the diaphragm formed. Thereafter a steerable, segmented instrument is advanced navigate through the first and second rigidizable guide tubes to perform any of a variety of trans-diaphragmic procedures within the thoracic cavity. Each of these procedures could be augmented through the use of either or both of the datum and position indicator and the image and mapping system described below.
Another aspect is an overtube inside of an overtube and the external overtube does not leave the stomach. Potentially this overtube anchors to the wall. The internal overtube goes with the scope to the abdominal cavity to support the scope and maintain position. Additional the second scope could be used to anchor onto a second location within the body such as an organ or against the diaphragm wall.
Similar to the semi-rigidizable guide tube described above,
While the above embodiments are described using a rigidizable guide tube alone or a guide tube having onboard visualization capabilities, it is to be appreciated that other alternatives may be used. For example, the guide tube may be advanced along side a steerable, segmented instrument so that visualization from the instrument is used to position the guide tube against the sidewall. Additionally or alternatively, a steerable segmented instrument could be used alone to grasp the stomach wall and then adjust the segmented sections to provide mechanical advantage that can be applied to reposition the stomach. Thereafter, the working channel of the instrument is used to form the opening in the stomach wall while the stomach is maneuvered away from surrounding tissues or structures.
Sealing may also be accomplished using a seal disposed along a guide tube or other lumen attached to the lumen wall or part of a datum and position indicator, for example. Once the lumen access and/or lumen opening is appropriately sealed, one can inflate the periodontal or other appropriately sealed body cavity. Umbrella sealing design is described below and the use of double balloons has been proposed. The balloons are arranged where one balloon is inside the stomach and another connected balloon is on the outside of the stomach so that when inflated the balloons pressed together against the stomach wall capturing the stomach wall between them.
The guide tube may also be used to provide sealing along the lumen. A sealing ring, such as an inflatable ring on the outer wall of the rigidizable guide tube could be used to seal the esophagus above the opening to the stomach. The inflatable ring could be one of a series of selectable rings based spacing along the guide tube outer wall. One or more rings are inflated depending upon a number of factors such as guide tube position and specific patient anatomy. Additionally or alternatively, an inflatable ring or other sealing means could be advanced along the guide tube outer wall and positioned between the guide tube and a portion of the alimentary canal to seal the stomach. As illustrated below, the use of balloons or other seals to be added to the segmented and of the guide to such that a segmented portion of the guide extends through the transluminal opening to provide guidance.
In alternative embodiment, sealing could be provided in a portion of the lumen of the rigidizable guide tube near the distal end or in a position to provide sealing to gases provided through the opening and into the tissue of interest. In other words, sealing of the guide lumen or steerable instrument may be accomplished using seals on, in or about the distal or sealing end of the instrument or guide or be a separate device provide in the area where sealing is desired.
The sealing rings in the illustrative example are circular in shape. Other shapes are possible such as, cylindrical shape. The sealing rings may also have a surface texture that allows better sealing based on the surface properties of the lumen to which the seal will engage. The sealing rings are formed from any medical grade polymer capable of expanding under pressure and maintaining the desired sealing pressure.
Datum and Position Indicator and Other Devices to Track Insertion Depth and Location of an Instrument
A datum and position indicator may be used to measure the amount of instrument inserted into the body (a) at the initial opening such as the mouth, the anus or an artificial opening, (b) attached to the wall of the stomach, the gut or other tissue location where a steerable instrument exits the rigidizable guide and is freely moveable or both (a) and (b).
A datum and position indicator is any device used to measure, track or otherwise indicate the length of an instrument or the portion of an instrument passing by, in proximity to or detected by the datum and position indicator and position indicator. A datum and position indicator is a convenient reference point that allows the synchronization of internally generated imaging, externally generated imaging or other forms of data to enable a procedure. One or more datum and position indicators could be used in the procedures described herein. For example, one datum and position indicator could be provided at the mouth on the guide tube to register the steerable instrument entry into the guide tube. The datum and position indicator at the mouth provides a registry for the amount of guide tube that has been dispensed into the body.
Alternatively or additionally, a datum and position indicator could be positioned at the guide tube distal end at or near the landing site. The datum and position indicator could be part of the guide tube or a separate structure. As such, the datum and position indicator could be positioned where the guide tube is landed and/or secured against the stomach wall or other position in the body. In a configuration where there is a datum and position indicator is placed adjacent the distal end of the overtube, then the zero datum and position indicator point or reference point demarks exit from the stomach and entry into the maneuvering space of the body.
The datum and position indicator point is used to determining and controlling the amount of steerable, controllable instrument inserted into the body past the datum and position indicator. In this configuration an overtube enters the mouth and is landed against the stomach wall. The distal end of the overtube is adapted to secure against the stomach wall using the configurations described herein. The distal end of the overtube contains a datum and position indicator sensor to measure, detect, or otherwise indicate the amount, position, or relationship of the segmented instrument that is entering the periodontal cavity. In some embodiments, the segmented instrument could be segmented only on its distal end. In other embodiments, the number of segmented portions of the segmented instrument corresponds to or is more than the length of the segmented instrument that enters the periodontal cavity.
The information on the length of an endoscope or colonoscope inserted into a body organ within a patient may be used to aid in mapping the body organ, anatomical landmarks, anomalies, etc., and/or to maintain real-time knowledge along the entire length of the endoscope position within the body. This is particularly useful when used in conjunction with various endoscopes and/or colonoscopes having a distal steerable portion and an automatically controlled proximal portion which may be automatically controlled by, e.g., a controller. Examples of such devices are described in detail above.
One method for determining endoscopic insertion depth and/or position is to utilize a fully instrumented endoscopic device which incorporates features or elements configured to determine the endoscope's depth of insertion without the need for a separate or external sensing device and to relay this information to the operator, surgeon, nurse, or technician involved in carrying out a procedure. Another method is to utilize a sensing device separate from and external to the endoscope that may or may not be connected to the endoscope and which interacts with the endoscope to determine which portion of the endoscope has passed through or by a reference boundary. The external sensing device may also be referred to herein interchangeably as a datum or datum device as it may function, in part, as a point of reference relative to a position of the endoscope and/or patient. This datum may be located externally of the endoscope and either internally or externally to the body of the patient; thus, the interaction between the endoscope and the datum may be through direct contact or through non-contact interactions.
An instrumented endoscope may accomplish measurement by polling the status of the entire scope (or at least a portion of the scope length), and then determining the endoscope position in relation to an anatomical boundary or landmark such as, e.g., the anus in the case of a colonoscope. The polled information may be obtained by a number of sensors located along the length of the device. Because the sensed information may be obtained from the entire endoscope length (or at least a portion of its length), the direction of endoscope insertion or withdrawal from the body may be omitted because the instantaneous, or near instantaneous, status of the endoscope may be provided by the sensors.
Aside from endoscopes being instrumented to measure insertion depth, other endoscope variations may be used in conjunction with a separate and external device that may or may not be attached to the body and which is configured to measure and/or record endoscope insertion depth. This device may be referred to as an external sensing device or as a datum or datum device. These terms are used interchangeably herein as the external sensing device may function, in part, as a point of reference relative to a position of the endoscope and/or patient. This datum may be located externally of the endoscope and either internally or externally of the body of the patient; thus, the interaction between the endoscope and the datum may be through direct contact or through non-contact interactions. Moreover, the datum may be configured to sense or read positional information by polling the status of sensors, which may be located along the body of the endoscope, as the endoscope passes into the body through, e.g., the anus. The datum may be positioned external to the patient and located, e.g., on the bed or platform that the patient is positioned upon, attached to a separate cart, or removably attached to the patient body, etc.
If the patient is positioned so that they are unable to move with any significant movement during a procedure, the datum may function as a fixed point of reference by securing it to another fixed point in the room. Alternatively, the datum may be attached directly to the patient in a fixed location relative to the point of entry of the endoscope into the patient's body. For instance, for colonoscopic procedures the datum may be positioned on the patient's body near the anus. The location where the datum is positioned is ideally a place that moves minimally relative to the anus because during such a procedure, the patient may shift position, twitch, flex, etc., and disturb the measurement of the endoscope. Therefore, the datum may be positioned in one of several places on the body.
One location may be along the natal cleft, i.e., the crease defined between the gluteal muscles typically extending from the anus towards the lower back. The natal cleft generally has little or no fat layers or musculature and does not move appreciably relative to the anus. Another location may be directly on the gluteal muscle adjacent to the anus.
A determination of the length of an endoscope or colonoscope inserted into a body organ within a patient, or generally into any enclosed space, is useful information which may be used to aid in mapping the body organ, anatomical landmarks, anomalies, etc., and/or to maintain real-time knowledge of the endoscope position within the body. The term endoscope and colonoscope may be used herein interchangeably but shall refer to the same type of device. This is particularly useful when used in conjunction with various endoscopes and/or colonoscopes having a distal steerable portion and an automatically controlled proximal portion which may be automatically controlled by, e.g., a controller. Examples of such devices are described in detail above.
There are at least two different approaches which may be utilized in determining endoscopic insertion depth and/or position when an endoscope has been inserted within the body. One method is to utilize a fully instrumented endoscopic device which incorporates features or elements which are configured to determine the endoscope's depth of insertion and to relay this information to the operator, surgeon, nurse, or technician involved in carrying out a procedure.
Another method is to utilize a sensing device separate from and external to the endoscope and which interacts with the endoscope to determine which portion of the endoscope has passed through or by a reference boundary. The external sensing device may also be referred to herein interchangeably as a datum or datum device as it may function, in part, as a point of reference relative to a position of the endoscope and/or patient. This datum may be located externally of the endoscope and either internally or externally to the body of the patient; thus, the interaction between the endoscope and the datum may be through direct contact or through non-contact interactions.
Instrumented Endoscopes
One method of determination for endoscopic insertion depth and/or position is through an endoscopic device which may be configured to determine its depth of insertion. That is, an endoscopic device may be configured to indicate the portion of the endoscope that has been inserted into a body organ without the need for a separate or external sensing device. This type of determination may reflect an endoscope configured such that its depth measurement is independent of its progress during insertion or withdrawal into the body organ and instead reflects its depth instantaneously without regards to its insertion history.
Such an endoscopic device may accomplish this, in part, by polling the status of the entire scope (or at least a portion of the scope length), and then determining the endoscope position in relation to an anatomical boundary or landmark such as, e.g., the anus in the case of a colonoscope. The polled information may be obtained by a number of sensors located along the length of the device, as described in further detail below. Because the sensed information may be obtained from the entire endoscope length (or at least a portion of its length), the direction of endoscope insertion or withdrawal from the body may be omitted because the instantaneous, or near instantaneous, status of the endoscope may be provided by the sensors. Directional information or history of the endoscope position during an exploratory or diagnostic procedure may optionally be recorded and/or stored by reviewing the endoscope time history of insertion depth.
One variation is seen in
Endoscope 12 may alternatively be configured to detect and correlate the length of the endoscope 12 remaining outside the body rather than inside the body to indirectly calculate the insertion depth. Moreover, the endoscope 12 may additionally detect and correlate both the length of the endoscope 12 remaining outside the body as well as the length of endoscope 12 inserted within the body. Alternatively, endoscope 12 may sense the location of the orifice or anus 20 along the length of the device and then calculate either the length remaining outside the body or the insertion length relative to the position of anus 20.
Another example of changing environmental factors leading to a change in an output variable is shown in
Another variation on endoscopic sensing may utilize resistivity rather than capacitance. For instance, continuous circuit 14 may be configured into a single printed circuit with an overlay of conductive printed carbon.
Another variation is shown in
Another variation on the type of switch which may be used is light-detecting transducers. The switches S.sub.1 to S.sub.N, may be configured as one of a variety of different types of photo-sensitive switches, e.g., photoemissive detectors, photoconductive cells, photovoltaic cells, photodiodes, phototransistors, etc. The switches S.sub.1 to S.sub.N, may be located at predetermined positions along the length of the endoscope 30. As the endoscope 30 is inserted into the patient 18, the change in ambient light from outside the patient 18 to inside the patient 18 may result in a voltage change in the switches inserted within the body 18. This transition may thereby indicate the insertion depth of the endoscope 30 within the body 18 or the length of the endoscope 30 still located outside the body 18. The types of photo-sensitive switches aforementioned may have a current running through them during a procedure, with the exception of photovoltaic switches, which may be powered entirely by the ambient light outside the body 18.
Another variation is shown in
Yet another example is shown in
As mentioned above, other output variables aside from pressure or force, capacitance, and resistance measurements may also be employed to determine endoscopic insertion depth. For instance, moisture or pH sensors may be utilized since moisture or pH values change dramatically with insertion into the body. Temperature or heat flux sensing may also be utilized by placing temperature sensors, e.g., thermistors, thermocouples, etc., at varying locations along the endoscope body. Temperature sensing may take advantage of the temperature differences between air and the body. Another alternative may include heating or cooling the interior of the endoscope at ranges above or below body temperature. Thus, the resultant heat flux into or out of the endoscope, depending upon the interior endoscope temperature, may be monitored to determine which portion of the endoscope are in contact with the body tissue. Another alternative may include light sensing by positioning. light sensors at locations along the endoscope body. Thus, light intensity differences may be determined between outside and inside the body to map endoscope insertion depth. Alternatively, sound waves or other pressure waves, ultrasound, inductive proximity sensors, etc., may also be utilized.
In utilizing sensors positioned upon the endoscope body, an algorithm may be utilized for determining and recording the insertion depth of the endoscope within a patient, as shown in
Such an algorithm may be implemented with any of the devices described above to eliminate false measurements and to maintain accurate insertion depth measurements. Step 80 indicates the start of the algorithm as the endoscope waits for a sensor to be triggered 82. If a sensor has not been triggered 84, the algorithm would indicate a “No” and the device would continue to wait for a trigger signal. Upon an indication that a sensor has been triggered 84, a comparison of the triggered signal takes place to compare whether the sensed signal is from an adjacent sensor 85 by comparing the triggered sensor information to stored register information in sensor register 88. If the triggered signal is not from an adjacent sensor, the signal is rejected as a false signal 87 and the endoscope goes back to waiting for a sensor to be triggered 82. However, if the triggered signal is from an adjacent sensor when compared to the value stored in register 88, register 88 is updated 86 with the new sensor information and the endoscope then continues to wait for another sensor to be triggered 82.
Endoscopes Using External Sensing Devices
Aside from endoscopes being instrumented to measure insertion depth, other endoscopes may be used in conjunction with a separate device configured to measure and/or record endoscope insertion depth. This separate device may be referred to as an external sensing device or as a datum or datum device. These terms are used interchangeably herein as the external sensing device may function, in part, as a point of reference relative to a position of the endoscope and/or patient. This datum may be located externally of the endoscope and either internally or externally to the body of the patient; thus, the interaction between the endoscope and the datum may be through direct contact or through non-contact interactions. Moreover, the datum may be configured to sense or read positional information by polling the status of sensors or transponders, which may be located along the body of the endoscope, as the endoscope passes into the body through, e.g., the anus. Alternatively, the datum may be configured to detect sensors or transponders only within a limited region or area. The datum may be positioned external to the patient and located, e.g., on the bed or platform that the patient is positioned upon, attached to a separate cart, or removably attached either internally or externally to the patient body, etc.
Any number of technologies may be utilized with tags 94. For instance, one variation may have tags 94 configured as RF identification tags or antennas. Reader 98 may accordingly be configured as a RF receiving device. Each tag 94 may be encoded with, e.g., position information such as the distance of a particular tag 94 from the distal end of endoscope 92. The reader 98 may be configured to thus read in only certain regions or zones, e.g., reader 98 may read only those RF tags passing through opening 100 or only those tags adjacent to anus 20. Alternatively, the RF tags may be configured to transmit the status of, e.g., pressure switches as described above, to datum 96 to determine the length of insertion. Another variation on tags 94 may be to configure the tags for ultrasonic sensing. For example, each tag 94 may be configured as piezoelectric transducers or speakers positioned along the endoscope 92. The reader 98 may thus be configured as an ultrasonic receiver for receiving positional information from tuned transducers or tags 94 each of which relay its positional information. Alternatively, optical sensors may be used as tags 94. In this variation, each tag 94 may be configured as a passive encoded marker located on an outer surface of endoscope 92. These markers may be in the form of a conventional bar code, custom bar code, color patterns, etc., and each may be further configured to indicate directional motion, i.e., insertion or withdrawal. Furthermore, each tag 94 may be configured as active encoded markers, e.g., LEDs which may be blinking in coded patterns. Reader 98 may thus be configured as an optical sensor.
Another alternative may be to configure tags 94 and reader 98 for infrared (IR) sensing in which case IR emitters may be positioned along the length of endoscope 92 such that each IR emitter or tag 94 is configured to emit light at a specific frequency according to its position along the endoscope 92. Reader 98 may thus be configured as an IR receiver for receiving the different frequencies of light and mapping the specific frequency detected against the length of endoscope 92. Yet another alternative may be to have tags 94 configured magnetically such that a magnetic reader in datum 96 can read the position of the device, as described in further detail below.
Yet another alternative may be to configure the datum and endoscope assembly as a linear cable transducer assembly. In this variation, reader 98 may be configured as a transducer having a cable, wire, or some other flexible member extending from reader 98 and attached to the distal end of endoscope 92. While the datum 96 remains external to the patient and further remains in a fixed position relative to the patient, the endoscope 92 may be advanced within the patient while pulling the cable or wire from reader 98. The proximal end of the cable or wire may be attached to a spool of cable or wire in electrical communication with a multi-turn potentiometer. To retract the cable or wire when the endoscope 92 is withdrawn, the spool may be biased to urge the retraction of the cable or wire back onto the spool. Thus, the change of wire length may be correlated to an output of the reader 98 or of the potentiometer to a length of the extended cable and thus the length of the endoscope 92 inserted within the patient.
Yet another alternative may be to mount rollers connected to, e.g., multi-turn potentiometers, encoders, etc., on datum 96. These rollers may be configured to be in direct contact with the endoscope 92 such that the rollers rotate in a first direction when endoscope 92 is advanced and the rollers rotate in the opposite direction when endoscope 92 is withdrawn. The turning and number of revolutions turned by the rollers may be correlated into a length of the insertion depth of endoscope 92.
Yet another alternative may be to use the endoscopes, or any of the endoscopes described herein, in conjunction with conventional imaging technologies which are able to produce images within the body of a patient. For instance, any one of the imaging technologies such as x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic field location systems, etc., may be used in conjunction with the endoscopes described herein for determining the insertion depth.
In yet another alternative, the datum may be used to sense the positional information from the endoscope through the use of one or several pressure sensors located on the datum, e.g., datum 96. The pressure sensor may be positioned upon datum 96 such that it may press up against the endoscope 92 as it is advanced or withdrawn. This pressure sensor may be configured, e.g., as a switch, or it alternatively be configured to sense certain features on the endoscope 92, e.g., patterned textures, depressions, detents, etc., which are located at predetermined lengths or length intervals to indicate to the pressure switch the insertion depth of endoscope 92.
Yet another alternative is to sense changes in the diameter of the endoscope body inserted into the patient, as seen in
If reader 118 were configured as an optical sensor, it may further utilize a light source, e.g., LED, laser, carbon, etc., within datum 116. This light source may be utilized along with a CCD or CMOS imaging system connected to a digital signal processor (DSP) within reader 118. The light may be used to illuminate markings located at predetermined intervals along endoscope 112. Alternatively, the markings may be omitted entirely and the CCD or CMOS imaging system may be used to simply detect irregularities normally present along the surface of an endoscope. While the endoscope is moved past the light source and reader 118, the movement of the endoscope may be detected and correlated accordingly to indicate insertion depth.
In order to determine the direction of the endoscope when it is either advanced or withdrawn from the patient, directional information may be obtained using any of the examples described above. Another example is to utilize at least two or more sensors positioned at a predetermined distance from one another.
A more detailed description for determining the endoscope's direction of travel follows below.
If, however, first sensor 150 does not measure a voltage greater than second sensor 152 in step 172, another determination may be performed in step 176 to determine whether the voltages measured by sensors 150, 152 are equal. If the voltages are not equivalent, the algorithm proceeds to step 180 where yet another determination may be performed in step 180 to determine if both voltages are increasing. If they are not, then step 178 is performed, as described above. If both voltages are increasing, then step 184 may indicate that the endoscope is being withdrawn. At this point, the position of the endoscope and its fractional position, i.e., the distance traveled by the endoscope since its last measurement, may again be determined and the algorithm may then return to step 172 to await the next measurement.
In step 176, if the voltages measured by first sensor 150 and second sensor 152 are equivalent, then the algorithm may wait to determine whether a peak voltage is detected in step 182. If a peak voltage is detected, step 186 increments the insertion count. However, if a peak is not detected, then step 188 decrements the insertion count. Regardless of whether the insertion count is incremented or decremented, the algorithm may return to step 172 to await the next measurement.
Endoscopes Using Magnetic Sensing Devices
One particular variation on measuring endoscopic insertion depth may utilize magnetic sensing, in particular, taking advantage of the Hall effect. Generally, the Hall effect is the appearance of a transverse voltage difference in a sensor, e.g., a conductor, carrying a current perpendicular to a magnetic field. This voltage difference is directly proportional to the flux density through the sensing element. A permanent magnet, electromagnet, or other magnetic field source may be incorporated into a Hall effect sensor to provide the magnetic field. If a passing object, such as another permanent magnet, ferrous material, or other magnetic field-altering material, alters the magnetic field, the change in the Hall-effect voltage may be measured by the transducer.
Another variation is shown in
Alternatively, a number of magnets each having a unique magnetic signature may be placed at predetermined positions along the length of the endoscope. Each magnet 248 may be mapped to its location along the endoscope so when a magnet having a specific magnetic signature is detected, the insertion depth of the endoscope may be correlated. The magnets 248 may have unique magnetic signatures, e.g., measurable variations in magnetic field strength, alternating magnetic fields (if electromagnets are utilized), reversed polarity, etc.
Another alternative for utilizing Hall sensors is seen in
Yet another variation is shown in
The rotation of datum wheel 382 that results when endoscope 386 is moved past can be sensed by a variety of methods. One example includes rotary optical encoders, another example includes sensing the movement of magnets 398 on datum wheel 382 as they rotate relative to a fixed point as measured by, e.g., Hall effect sensors or magnetoresistive sensors. As datum wheel 382 rotates with the linear movement of endoscope 386, datum wheel 382 may directly touch endoscope 386 or a thin material may separate the wheel 382 from the body of endoscope 386.
Examples of External Sensing Devices
The external sensing devices, or datum, may function in part as a point of reference relative to a position of the endoscope and/or patient, as described above. The datum may accordingly be located externally of the endoscope and either internally or externally to the body of the patient. If the patient is positioned so that they are unable to move with any significant movement during a procedure, the datum may function as a fixed point of reference by securing it to another fixed point in the room, e.g., examination table, procedure cart, etc. Alternatively, the datum may be attached directly to the patient in a fixed location relative to the point of entry of the endoscope into the patient's body. The datum variations described herein may utilize any of the sensing and measurement methods described above.
For instance, for colonoscopic procedures the datum may be positioned on the patient's body near the anus. The location where the datum is positioned is ideally a place that moves minimally relative to the anus because during such a procedure, the patient may shift position, twitch, flex, etc., and disturb the measurement of the endoscope. Therefore, the datum may be positioned in one of several places on the body.
While the embodiments and specific examples described above relate to endoscopic procedures, it is to be appreciated that the techniques, devices, and systems used may be adapted for use within the body as part of a datum and position indicator as well as adapted for use in transluminal procedures.
In the most general way, data and position indicator is a reader of a position or proximity sensor placed on an instrument. So long as the reader can detect the position and/or passage of the instrument, the datum aspect is provided in the position of the instrument is known relative to the reader, here he datum and position indicator. As such, even a conventional instrument can be equipped to operate in a system utilizing datum and position indicators and mapping control systems described herein.
The coded strip 1270 could be applied to any instrument. Once a coded strip is added to conventional instrument, then that instrument may be detected by the datum and position indicator. Application of the coded strip 1270 would then make a conventional scope “DPI reader ready”.
As illustrated in
Datum and Position Indicator and Imaging System
The position and datum indicator may be used as part of position detection and control system to provide information for position registration and detection of a controllable instrument moving within the body and/or relative to the datum position indicator.
The surgical instrument 12 may be an instrument or instruments that are flexible, steerable, controllable, rigidizable and combinations thereof or other instruments as described herein. The surgical instrument 12 is modified to include one or more tracking sensors that are detectable by the tracking subsystem 20. It is readily understood that other types of surgical instruments (e.g., a guide wire, a pointer probe, a stent, a seed, an implant, an endoscope, etc.) are also within the scope of the present invention. It is also envisioned that at least some of these surgical instruments may be wireless or have wireless communications links. It is also envisioned that the surgical instruments may encompass medical devices which are used for exploratory purposes, testing purposes or other types of medical procedures including transluminal procedures and other procedures described herein.
Referring to
A dynamic reference frame 19 is attached to the patient proximate to the region of interest within the patient 13. The functionality of the dynamic reference frame 19 may be provided in a stand-alone component or part of another component as described herein, such as a datum position indicator, a guide tube, or other component or instrument. To the extent that the region of interest is a vessel or a cavity within the patient, it is readily understood that the dynamic reference frame 19 may be placed within the patient 13. To determine its location, the dynamic reference frame 19 is also modified to include tracking sensors detectable by the tracking subsystem 20. The tracking subsystem 20 is operable to determine position data for the dynamic reference frame 19 as further described below.
The scan data is then registered as shown at 34. Registration of the dynamic reference frame 19 generally relates information in the scan data to the region of interest associated with the patient. This process is referred to as registering image space to patient space. Often, the image space must also be registered to another image space. Registration is accomplished through knowledge of the coordinate vectors of at least three non-collinear points in the image space and the patient space. Registration may be accomplished using any conventional image registration technique.
Registration for image guided surgery can be completed by different known techniques. First, point-to-point registration is accomplished by identifying points in an image space and then touching the same points in patient space. These points are generally anatomical landmarks that are easily identifiable on the patient. Second, surface registration involves the user's generation of a surface in patient space by either selecting multiple points or scanning, and then accepting the best fit to that surface in image space by iteratively calculating with the data processor until a surface match is identified. Third, repeat fixation devices entail the user repeatedly removing and replacing a device (i.e., dynamic reference frame, etc.) in known relation to the patient or image fiducials of the patient. Fourth, automatic registration by first attaching the dynamic reference frame to the patient prior to acquiring image data. It is envisioned that other known registration procedures are also within the scope of the present invention, such as that disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 09/274,972, filed on Mar. 23, 1999, entitled “NAVIGATIONAL GUIDANCE VIA COMPUTER-ASSISTED FLUOROSCOPIC IMAGING”, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
During surgery, the surgical instrument 12 is directed by the surgeon to the region of interest within the patient 13. The tracking subsystem 20 employs electromagnetic sensing to capture position data 37 indicative of the location and/or orientation of the surgical instrument 12 within the patient. The instrument, via its control system, may also provide position, shape and other information including position information derived from the articulation system of the instrument (i.e., such as detailed above with regard to the connector system for a controllable articulating instrument). The instrument information may also be provided relative to the dynamic reference frame 19. The tracking subsystem 20 may be defined as a localizing device 22 and one or more electro-magnetic sensors 24 may be integrated into the items of interest, such as the surgical instrument 12. In one embodiment, the localizing device 22 is comprised of three or more field generators (transmitters) mounted at known locations on a plane surface and the electromagnetic sensor (receivers) 24 is further defined as a single coil of wire. The positioning of the field generators (transmitter), and the sensors (receivers) may also be reversed, such that the generators are associated with the surgical instrument 12 and the receivers are positioned elsewhere. Although not limited thereto, the localizing device 22 may be affixed to an underneath side of the operating table that supports the patient. Alternatively, the localizing device may be provided on the dynamic reference frame 19. In one embodiment, the dynamic reference device 19 is a datum position indicator described herein adapted to include field generators or other positioning systems described herein.
In operation, the field generators generate magnetic fields which are detected by the sensor. By measuring the magnetic fields generated by each field generator at the sensor, the location and orientation of the sensor may be computed, thereby determining position data for the surgical instrument 12. Although not limited thereto, exemplary electromagnetic tracking subsystems are further described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,913,820; 5,592,939; and 6,374,134 which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, it is envisioned that other types of position tracking devices are also within the scope of the present invention. For instance, non line-of-sight tracking subsystem 20 may be based on sonic emissions or radio frequency emissions. In another instance, a rigid or semi-rigid surgical instrument, such as a rigid endoscope, rigidizable or semi-rigidizable guide to may be tracked using a line-of-sight optical-based tracking subsystem (i.e., LED's, passive markers, reflective markers, etc).
Position data such as location and/or orientation data from the tracking subsystem 20 is in turn relayed to the data processor 16. The data processor 16 is adapted to receive position/orientation data from the tracking subsystem 20 and operable to render a volumetric perspective image and/or a surface rendered image of the region of interest. The volumetric perspective and/or surface image is rendered 36 from the scan data 32 using rendering techniques well known in the art. The image data may be further manipulated 38 based on the position/orientation data for the surgical instrument 12 received from tracking subsystem 20. Specifically, the volumetric perspective or surface rendered image is rendered from a point of view which relates to position of the surgical instrument 12. For instance, at least one electromagnetic sensor 24 may be positioned at the tip of the surgical instrument 12, such that the image is, rendered from a leading point on the surgical instrument. In this way, the surgical instrument navigation system 10 of the present invention is able, for example, to visually simulate a virtual volumetric scene of an internal cavity from the point of view of the surgical instrument 12 residing in the cavity or from the point of view of the dynamic reference frame 19. It is readily understood that tracking two or more electro-magnetic sensors 24 which are embedded in the surgical instrument 12 enables orientation of the surgical instrument 12 to be determined by the system 10.
As the surgical instrument 12 is moved by the surgeon within the region of interest, its position and orientation are tracked and reported on a real-time basis by the tracking subsystem 20. The volumetric perspective image may then be updated by manipulating 38 the rendered image data 36 based on the position of the surgical instrument 12 or the position of the surgical instrument relative to the dynamic reference frame or datum position indicator. The manipulated volumetric perspective image is displayed 40 on a display device 18 associated with the data processor 16. The display 18 is preferably located such that it can be easily viewed by the surgeon during the medical procedure. In one embodiment, the display 18 may be further defined as a heads-up display or any other appropriate display. The image may also be stored by data processor 16 for later playback, should this be desired.
It is envisioned that the primary perspective image 38 of the region of interest may be supplemented by other secondary images. For instance, known image processing techniques may be employed to generate various multi-planar images of the region of interest. Alternatively, images may be generated from different view points as specified by a user 39, including views from outside of the vessel or cavity or views that enable the user to see through the walls of the vessel using different shading or opacity. In another instance, the location data of the surgical instrument may be saved and played back in a movie format. It is envisioned that these various secondary images may be displayed simultaneously with or in place of the primary perspective image.
In addition, the surgical instrument 12 may be used to generate real-time maps corresponding to an internal path traveled by the surgical instrument or an external boundary of an internal cavity. Map showing the advancement of the instrument along any desired, pre-selected path may also be displayed. The desire to pre-selected path may be generated during pre-surgical planning for a patient specific transluminal procedure as described herein. Real-time maps may be generated by continuously recording the position of the instrument's localized tip, its full extent, its position, shape or state of articulation. A real-time map is generated by the outermost extent of the instrument's position and minimum extrapolated curvature as is known in the art. The map may be continuously updated as the instrument is moved within the patient, thereby creating a path or a volume representing the internal boundary of the cavity. It is envisioned that the map may be displayed in a wire frame form, as a shaded surface or other three-dimensional computer display modality independent from or superimposed on the volumetric perspective image 38 of the region of interest. It is further envisioned that the map may include data collected from a sensor embedded into the surgical instrument, such as pressure data, temperature data or electro-physiological data. In this case, the map may be color coded to represent the collected data. It is also envisioned that the map may be generated to show instrument movement within a cavity having an access through or in proximity to a datum position indicator.
Referring to
To eliminate the flutter of the indicia on the displayed image, position data for the surgical instrument is acquired at a repetitive point within each cycle of either the cardiac cycle or the respiratory cycle of the patient. As described above, the imaging device is used to capture volumetric scan data 42 representative of an internal region of interest within a given patient. A secondary image may then be rendered 44 from the volumetric scan data by the data processor.
In order to synchronize the acquisition of position data for the surgical instrument, the surgical instrument navigation system 10 may further include a timing signal generator 26. The timing signal generator 26 is operable to generate and transmit a timing signal 46 that correlates to at least one of (or both) the cardiac cycle or the respiratory cycle of the patient 13. For a patient having a consistent rhythmic cycle, the timing signal might be in the form of a periodic clock signal. Alternatively, the timing signal may be derived from an electrocardiogram signal from the patient 13. One skilled in the art will readily recognize other techniques for deriving a timing signal that correlate to at least one of the cardiac or respiratory cycle or other anatomical cycle of the patient.
As described above, the indicia of the surgical instrument 12 tracks the movement of the surgical instrument 12 as it is moved by the surgeon within the patient 13. Rather than display the indicia of the surgical instrument 12 on a real-time basis, the display of the indicia of the surgical instrument 12 is periodically updated 48 based on the timing signal from the timing signal generator 26. In one exemplary embodiment, the timing generator 26 is electrically connected to the tracking subsystem 20. The tracking subsystem 20 is in turn operable to report position data for the surgical instrument 12 in response to a timing signal received from the timing signal generator 26. The position of the indicia of the surgical instrument 12 is then updated 50 on the display of the image data. It is readily understood that other techniques for synchronizing the display of an indicia of the surgical instrument 12 based on the timing signal are within the scope of the present invention, thereby eliminating any flutter or jitter which may appear on the displayed image 52. It is also envisioned that a path (or projected path) of the surgical instrument 12 may also be illustrated on the displayed image data 52.
In another aspect of the present invention, the surgical instrument navigation system 10 may be further adapted to display four-dimensional image data for a region of interest as shown in
The surgical instrument navigation system of the present invention may also incorporate atlas maps. It is envisioned that three-dimensional or four-dimensional atlas maps may be registered with patient specific scan data or generic anatomical models. Atlas maps may contain kinematic information (e.g., heart models) that can be synchronized with four-dimensional image data, thereby supplementing the real-time information. In addition, the kinematic information may be combined with localization information from several instruments to provide a complete four-dimensional model of organ motion. The atlas maps may also be used to localize bones or soft tissue which can assist in determining placement and location of implants, or to further coordinate transluminal procedures described herein. U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,090 titled “Method and Apparatus for Virtual Endoscopy” to Verard et al., is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Additional aspects of image guided surgery may also be used to provide imaging and instrument control and guidance for transluminal procedures. As such, embodiments of the present invention also relate to methods and devices for registering an anatomical region with images of the anatomical region, verifying registration of an anatomical region, and dynamically referencing the anatomical region, including the use of datum position indicators to facilitate registration, and one particular example, the registration of a segmented, controllable instrument or guide tubes described above.
Image Guided Surgery (IGS), also known as “frameless stereotaxy” has been used for many years to precisely locate and position therapeutic or medical measurement devices in the human body. Proper localization including position and orientation of these devices is critical to obtain the best result and patient outcome.
Some image guided surgery techniques use an externally placed locating device, such as a camera system or magnetic field generator together with an instrument containing a trackable component or “position indicating element” that can be localized by a locating device or tracking system (collectively referred to hereinafter a “tracking device”). These position indicating elements are associated with a coordinate system and are typically attached to instruments such as surgical probes, drills, microscopes, needles, X-ray machines, etc. and to the patient. The spatial coordinates and often the orientation (depending on the technology used) of the coordinate system associated with the position indicating elements can be determined by the tracking device in the fixed coordinate system (or fixed “frame of reference”) of the tracking device. Many tracking devices may be able to track multiple position indicating elements simultaneously in their fixed frame of reference. Through geometrical transformations, it is possible to determine the position and orientation of any position indicating element relative to a frame of reference of any other position indicating element.
A variety of different tracking devices exist, having different advantages and disadvantages over each other. For example, optical tracking devices may be constructed to enable the highly accurate position and orientation of a tool equipped with position indicating elements to be calculated. However, these optical tracking devices suffer from line-of-site constraints, among other things. Electromagnetic (EM) tracking devices do not require a line-of-sight between the tracking device and the position indicating elements. Electromagnetic tracking devices may therefore be used with flexible instruments where the position indicating elements are placed at the tip of the instruments. One disadvantage, however, is that electromagnetic tracking devices are subject to interference from ferromagnetic materials and conductors. This interference may degrade accuracy when such ferromagnetic materials or conductors are placed in the proximity of position indicating elements or EM tracking devices. Other known tracking devices include, but are not limited to, fiberoptic devices, ultrasonic devices and global positioning (“time of flight”) devices.
By combining data obtained from a tracking device and a position indicating element with preoperative or intraoperative scans (such as for example, x-rays, ultrasounds, fluoroscopy, computerized tomographic (CT) scans, multislice CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanning, positron emission tomographic (PET) scans, isocentric fluoroscope images, rotational fluoroscopic reconstructions, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) images, single photon emission computer tomographer (SPECT) systems, or other images), it is possible to graphically superimpose the location of the position indicating element (and thus any surgical instrument having a position indicating element) over the images. This enables the surgeon to perform an intervention/procedure more accurately since the surgeon is better able to locate or orient the instrument during the procedure. It also enables the surgeon to perform all or part of the procedure without the need for additional x-rays or other images, but instead to rely on previously acquired data. This not only reduces the amount of ionizing radiation the surgeon and patient are exposed to, but can speed the procedure and enable the use of higher fidelity images than can not normally be acquired intra-operatively. Surgical plans may also be annotated onto these images (or indeed used without the images) to be used as templates to guide medical procedures.
Image Guided Surgery can be most effectively performed only if an accurate “registration” is available to mathematically map the position data of position indicating elements expressed in terms of the coordinate system of the tracking device, i.e., “patient space,” to the coordinate system of the externally imaged data, i.e., “image space” determined at the time the images were taken. In rigid objects such as the skull or bones, one method of registration is performed by using a probe equipped with position indicating elements (therefore, the probe itself is tracked by a tracking device) to touch fiducial markers (such as, for example, small steel balls (x-spots) made by the Beekley Corporation, Bristol, Conn.) placed on the patient to obtain the patient space coordinates of the fiducials. These same fiducials are visible on an image such as, for example, a CT scan and are identified in the image space by indicating them, for example, on a computer display. Once these same markers are identified in both spaces, a registration transformation or equivalent mathematical construction can be calculated. In one commonly used form, a registration transformation may be a 4.times.4 matrix that embodies the translations, magnification factors and rotations required to bring the markers (and thus the coordinate systems) in one space in to coincidence with the same markers in the another space.
Fiducial markers used for registration can be applied to objects such as bone screws or stick-on markers that are visible to the selected imaging device, or can be implicit, such as unambiguous parts of the patient anatomy. These anatomical fiducials might include unusually shaped bones, osteophytes or other bony prominence, features on vessels or other natural lumens (such as bifurcations), individual sulci of the brain, or other markers that can be unambiguously identified in the image and patient. A rigid affine transformation such as the 4×4 matrix described above may require the identification of at least three non-collinear points in the image space and the patient space. Often, many more points are used and a best-fit may be used to optimize the registration. It is normally desirable that fiducials remain fixed relative to the anatomy from the time of imaging until the time that registration is complete. In one example, the anatomical fiducial is provided by a datum and position indicator. Because the datum and position indicator may be placed in any position along the lumen or within a portion of the body, it is useful in the precise placement of instruments and in planning access pathways for medical procedures.
Registration for image-guided surgery may be done by different methods. Paired-point registration is described above and is accomplished by a user identifying points in image space and then obtaining the coordinates of the corresponding points in patient space. Another type of registration, surface registration, can be done in combination with, or independent of, paired point registration. In surface registration, a cloud of points is digitized in the patient space and matched with a surface model of the same region in image space. A best-fit transformation relating one surface to the other may then be calculated. In another type of registration, repeat-fixation devices may be used that involve a user repeatedly removing and replacing a device in known relation to the patient or image fiducials of the patient.
Automatic registration may also be done. Automatic registration may, for example, make use of predefined fiducial arrays or “fiducial shapes” that are readily identifiable in image space by a computer. The patient space position and orientation of these arrays may be inferred through the use of a position indicating element fixed to the fiducial array. Other registration methods also exist, including methods that attempt to register non-rigid objects generally through image processing means.
Registrations may also be performed to calculate transformations between separately acquired images. This may be done by identifying “mutual information” (e.g., the same fiducial markers existing in each space). In this way, information visible in one image, but not the other, may be coalesced into a combined image containing information from both. In the same manner, two different tracking devices may be registered together to extend the range of a tracking device or to increase its accuracy.
Following registration, the two spaces (patient and image) are linked through the transformation calculations. Once registered, the position and orientation of a tracked probe placed anywhere in the registered region can be related to, for example, a scan of the region. Typically the tracking device may be connected to a computer system. Scans may also be loaded onto the computer system. The computer system display may take the form of a graphical representation of a probe or instrument's position superimposed onto preoperative image data. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain information about the object being probed as well as the instrument's position and orientation relative to the object that is not immediately visible to the surgeon. The information displayed can also be accurately and quantitatively measured enabling the surgeon to carry out a preoperative plan more accurately.
An additional concept in image guided surgery is that of “dynamic referencing.” Dynamic referencing can account for any bulk motion of the anatomy relative to the tracking device. This may entail additional, position indicating elements, or other techniques. For example, in cranial surgery, position indicating elements that form the dynamic reference are often attached directly to the head or more typically to a clamp meant to immobilize the head. In spine surgery, for example, a dynamic reference attached (via a temporary clamp or screw) to the vertebral body undergoing therapy is used to account for respiratory motion, iatrogentic (e.g., doctor-induced) motion caused by the procedure itself, as well as motion of the tracking device. In an analogous manner, the tracking device itself may be attached directly to the anatomy, moving with the anatomy when it moves. For example, a small camera may be attached to a head-clamp so that movement of the head would produce movement of the camera, thus preserving registration.
“Gating” may also be used to account for motion of the anatomy. Instead of continually compensating for motion through dynamic referencing, “gated measurements” are measurements that are only accepted at particular instants in time. Gating has been used in, for example, cardiac motion studies. Gating synchronizes a measured movement (e.g., heartbeat, respiration, or other motion) to the start of the measurement in order to eliminate the motion. Measurements are only accepted at specific instants. For example, gating during image guided surgery of the spine may mean that the position of a tracked instrument may be sampled briefly only during peak inspiration times of a respiratory cycle.
Both registration and use of an image guided surgery system in the presence of anatomical motion (such as that which occurs during normal respiration) is generally regarded as safer and more accurate if a dynamic reference device is attached prior to registration (and/or if gating is used). Instead of reporting the position and orientation of a position indicating element of a tracked instrument in the fixed coordinate system of the tracking device, the position and orientation of the position indicating element of the tracked instrument is reported relative to the dynamic reference's internal coordinate system. Any motion experienced mutually by both the dynamic reference and the tracked instrument is “cancelled out.”
In some embodiments, the integrated system may include a referencing device. In some embodiments data may be sent and received between the referencing device and computer element. The referencing device may, inter alia, aid in providing image data, location data, position data, coordinate data, and/or motion data regarding an anatomical region of the patient. The referencing device may otherwise enable dynamic referencing of an anatomical region of a patient, (including soft tissues and/or deformable bodies). In one embodiment, the functionality of the referencing device is provided by a datum and position indicator.
In one embodiment, the integrated system may include a tracking device. The tracking device may include an electromagnetic tracking device, global positioning system (GPS) enabled tracking device, an ultrasonic tracking device, a fiber-optic tracking device, an optical tracking device, a radar tracking device, or other type of tracking device. The tracking device may be used to obtain data regarding the three-dimensional location, position, coordinates, and/or other information regarding one or more position indicating elements within an anatomical region of the patient. The tracking device may provide this data/information to the computer element.
In one embodiment, the integrated system may include an imaging device. The imaging device may send and receive data from the integrated system. In one embodiment, the imaging device may be used to obtain image data, position data, or other data necessary for enabling the apparatus and processes described herein. The imaging device may provide this data to the computer element. The imaging device may include x-ray equipment, computerized tomography (CT) equipment, positron emission tomography (PET) equipment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, fluoroscopy equipment, ultrasound equipment, an isocentric fluoroscopic device, a rotational fluoroscopic reconstruction system, a multislice computerized tomography device, an intravascular ultrasound imager, a single photon emission computer tomographer, a magnetic resonance imaging device, or other imaging/scanning equipment
Other devices and or elements such as, for example, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors, electrical sensors, EMG equipment, ECG equipment, or other equipment or sensors may be part of or send and receive data from the integrated system.
Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein may work with various system configurations. Accordingly, more or less of the aforementioned system components may be used and/or combined in various embodiments. It should also be understood that various software modules and control application that are used to accomplish the functionalities described herein may be maintained on one or more of the components of system recited herein, as necessary, including those within individual tools or devices. In other embodiments, as would be appreciated, the functionalities described herein may be implemented in various combinations of hardware and/or firmware, in addition to, or instead of, software.
The imaging and navigation system provides systems and methods for registration of an anatomical region of a patient, verification of the registration of the anatomical region, and dynamic referencing of the anatomical region, wherein the anatomical region may include soft tissue and/or deformable bodies.
In one embodiment, the imaging and navigation system may use a conduit within an anatomical region of a patient to, inter alia, aid in providing image information and position information from within the anatomical region. This conduit may supply sufficient coordinate information regarding the anatomical region to be used for registration of the anatomical region. For example, a coronary artery surrounding the heart may provide sufficient topographical coordinate information regarding the heart to be used as a conduit for registration by a method of the invention.
In one embodiment, a conduit as used herein may include a naturally existing conduit within the anatomical region such as, for example, an artery, vein, or other vessel of the circulatory system; a bronchial tube or other vessel of the respiratory system; a vessel of the lymphatic system; an intestine or other vessel of the digestive system; a urinary tract vessel; a cerebrospinal fluid vessel; a reproductive vessel; an auditory vessel; a cranial ventricle; an otolaryngological vessel; or other naturally occurring conduit existing within the anatomical region of interest.
In some embodiments, an “artificial conduit” may be created within the anatomical region such as, for example, a percutaneous puncture of tissue within the anatomical region by a cannula such as might be caused by a hypodermic needle. The process of insertion of this cannula may, in turn, form an artificial conduit within the anatomical region.
In other embodiments, a conduit may include a manufactured conduit that may be placed within the anatomical region such as, for example, a guide tube, a catheter, hollow endoscope, a tubular vascular guidewire, or other manufactured conduit that may be inserted into the anatomical region of interest. In some embodiments, a manufactured conduit and a naturally existing or artificial conduit may be used together. For example, a catheter, cannula, or tube may be navigated inside a naturally existing vessel of the anatomical region. In some embodiments, a first manufactured conduit may be inserted within a second manufactured conduit, which may in turn be inserted into the anatomical region, an artificial conduit within the anatomical region, or within a naturally existing conduit within the anatomical region. One or more connections may be made between the conduits and the lumen of the body or portion of the body. Those connection points (selected by the user) may then in turn be used to provide additional imaging, control and navigation information into the system for display or use by the user to control instruments in the body.
In some embodiments, a manufactured conduit may be inserted within an anatomical region to at least partially fill and/or conform to the dimensions of a space within that anatomical region. For example, a catheter or other conduit may be fed into a cavity within an anatomical region, such that the catheter coils, bends, folds, or otherwise “balls up” (without obstructing any lumens therein) inside the cavity, thus at least partially filling the volume of, or conforming to the dimensions of, the cavity. The methods described herein may then be performed using the catheter as it exists within the cavity.
In some embodiments, artificial conduits may used in conjunction with natural conduits and/or manufactured conduits (described below). For example, an artificial conduit may be created (e.g., with a needle) in certain tissue (e.g., skin, connective tissue, or other tissue) to reach a natural conduit within the anatomical region (e.g., vein) or to insert a manufactured conduit (e.g., catheter).
In one embodiment, the invention provides a registration device for registration of an anatomical region of a patient. As described below, the registration device may be part of, or be operatively connected to, an integrated system for registration, verification of registration, dynamic referencing, navigation, and/or other functions (hereinafter “integrated system”), which is described in detail below.
In some embodiments, registration device 101 may be freely slidable in within a conduit or portion of a body cavity (i.e., in a cavity accessed using a transluminal procedure described herein). In some embodiments, registration device 101 may be temporarily fixed within a conduit using one or more fixating elements such as, for example, balloons, deployable hooks, cages, stiffening wires, or other fixation elements or techniques described herein.
In one embodiment, registration device 101 may include at least one position indicating element 103. Position indicating element 103 may include an element whose location, position, orientation, and/or coordinates relative to a tracking device may be determined and recorded. As such, the position of position indicating element 103 within the conduit, and thus the position of at least one point of the conduit within the anatomical region of the patient, may be determined. Position indicating element 103 may include a device whose position may be detectable by a tracking device in the frame of reference of the tracking device. For example, position indicating element 103 may include a coil that may produce a magnetic field that is detectable by an electromagnetic tracking device. In one embodiment, position indicating element 103 may include a coil that detects a magnetic field emitted by the electromagnetic tracking device. In some embodiments position indicating elements and their position in the frame of reference of a tracking device may be enabled by “Hall Effect” transducers or superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID). In other embodiments, position indicating element 103 may include an element whose position is detectable by a global positioning system (GPS) enabled tracking device, an ultrasonic tracking device, a fiber-optic tracking device (e.g., Shape-Tape, MEasurand, Inc., Fredricton, New Bruswick), an optical tracking device, or a radar tracking device. Other types of position indicating elements and/or tracking devices may be used. In one embodiment, the tracking device used to detect the position of position indicating element 103 may be part of, or operatively connected to, an integrated system.
Registration device 101 may contain one or more detectable elements (not shown). In one embodiment, detectable elements may be placed on or adjacent to position indicating element 103, such that the location of detectable elements may be correlated to the location and/or orientation of position indicating element 103 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,571, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Detectable elements may include radio-opaque elements or elements that are otherwise detectable to certain imaging modalities such as, for example, x-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computerized tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or other imaging devices. Detectable elements may enable the detection and/or visualization of certain points of reference of registration device 101 within a conduit residing in an anatomical region of a patient, which may aid in registration, verification of registration, dynamic referencing, navigation, and/or other uses.
In the illustrated embodiment, a controllable instrument 107 is extended through a lumen provided in the registration device 101. The controllable instrument 107 contains one or more detectable elements 105a-i placed along segments 107A-107E. In one embodiment, detectable elements may be placed along the controllable instrument 107 such that the location of detectable elements 105a-g may be correlated to the location and/or orientation of position indicating element 103 as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,571, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Detectable elements 105 may include radio-opaque elements or elements that are otherwise detectable to certain imaging modalities such as, for example, x-ray, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, computerized tomography (CT) scans, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or other imaging devices. Detectable elements may enable the detection and/or visualization of certain points of reference of registration device 101 within a conduit residing in an anatomical region of a patient, which may aid in registration, verification of registration, dynamic referencing, navigation, and/or other uses. In this way, the shape and position of the controllable instrument may be obtained relative to the registration device 101.
In one embodiment, position indicating element 103 may be located at or near the tip of registration device 101. In other embodiments, multiple position indicating elements may be located at various points along the length of registration device 101. In another alternative embodiment, the position indicating element is located adjacent an opening formed in a lumen as part of a transluminal procedure or other procedure.
In an operation 203, position information regarding the path of the conduit within the anatomical region may be obtained in the frame of reference of the image(s) taken in operation 201 (i.e., the path of the conduit in “image space”). In one embodiment, the path of the conduit may be obtained through a segmentation process in which the images are examined for the conduit and connected regions within the images (that are identified as the conduit) may be coalesced to determine the spatial pathway of the conduit in the coordinate system of the images. Several such methods are known in the art such as, for example, those outlined by L. M. Lorigo in Lorigo et al., CURVES: Curve Evolution for Vessel Segmentation, 5 Medical Image Analysis 195-206 (2001). This step also includes determining the position of a datum position indicator in the image space.
In an operation 205, the spatial pathway of the conduit in the frame of reference of the patient (i.e., in the “patient space”) may be obtained. In one embodiment, this spatial pathway (or “position data”) may be obtained via a registration device (similar to, or the same as, registration device 101 of
In one embodiment, the registration device may contain a position indicating element at its tip. In an operation 205a, and instrument having position indication elements and/or detectable elements may be inserted into the conduit within in the anatomical region of the patient. In an operation 205b, the registration device may then sample the coordinates of the position indicating elements included within the controllable instrument as the controllable instrument is moved within the conduit, resulting in position information regarding the path and shape of the controllable instrument within the anatomical region in the frame of reference of the tracking device (this may also be referred to as the frame of reference of the patient, i.e., the “patient space”). The operation 205 be also may include the use of the registration device (i.e., datum position indicator) to read/interrogate the position or detectable elements on the controllable instrument while the controllable instrument is moving relative to the datum position indicator.
In other embodiments, the registration device may contain multiple position indicating elements along its length. In these embodiments, the registration device may be inserted into the conduit within the anatomical region of the patient. The coordinates of the multiple position indicating elements may then be detected by a tracking device while the position indicating elements are either moved or kept stationary within the conduit, resulting in position information regarding the path of the conduit within the anatomical region in the frame of reference of the tracking device (i.e., the patient space). In one embodiment, if the registration device contains multiple position indicating elements and their coordinates are sampled within the conduit as the conduit is moving (e.g., movement affecting the anatomical region that in turn affects the conduit), enhanced tempero-spatial information regarding the movement of the patient space may be obtained.
In an operation 207, a registration transformation may be calculated. In some embodiments a registration transformation may include a registration transformation matrix or other suitable representation of the registration transformation.
A transformation is a mathematical tool that relates coordinates from one coordinate system to coordinates from another coordinate system. There may be multiple methods to calculate the registration transformation. One exemplary registration transformation calculation method may include “brute force” approach. A brute force approach may involve treating the pre-registration image data and the registration position data as completely independent datasets and manually attempting to match the two datasets by altering each translation, rotation, and scaling parameter in turn to create the best match. This however, may be inefficient.
Another exemplary method may include an Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm, one version of which is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,166, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Another exemplary registration transformation calculation method is known as singular valued decomposition (SVD) in which the same point locations are identified in each coordinate system (e.g., the image space and the patient space). Other imaging systems, techniques and procedures may also be employed such as those described in US Patent Application Publication US 2004/0024309 filed Apr. 30, 2003 titled “System For Monitoring The Positions of A Medical Instrument With Respect to A Patient's Body” by Maurice R. Ferre, et al.; US Patent Application Publication US 2002/0077544 filed Sep. 20, 2001 titled “Endoscopic Targeting Method and System” by Ramin Shahidi.; U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2006/0036162 filed Jan. 27, 2005 titled “Method and Apparatus For Guiding A Medical Instrument to A Subsurface Target Site in a Patient” by Ramin Shahidi et al., and U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2006/0173287 filed Dec. 19, 2003 titled “Method and Arrangement for Tracking A Medical Instrument” by Joerg Sabczynski, et al., each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
In an operation 209, the image information of the anatomical region (image space) and the position information of the path of the conduit within the anatomical region (patient space) may be registered or mapped together using the registration transformation. The registration or mapping may be performed by bringing the coordinates of the anatomical region derived from the image data (the image space) into coincidence with the coordinates of the conduit within the anatomical region derived from the tracking device/position indicating element (the patient space). In some embodiments, additional coordinate sets may also be “co-registered” with the image and tracking device data. For example, a magnetic resonance image dataset may be first co-registered with a computerized tomography dataset (both image space), which may in turn be registered to the path of the conduit in the frame of reference of the patient (patient space).
The result of mapping the image space data and the patient space data together may include or enable accurate graphical representations (e.g., on the original image data, surgical plan or other representation) of an instrument or other tool equipped with a position indicating element through the anatomical region. In some embodiments, this navigation may enable image guided surgery or other medical procedures to be performed in/on the anatomical region. Additionally, graphical representations may also be prepared for the position of the datum position indicator, the proposed surgical path, and the actual path taken, for example. User interface and controls will allow the user to indicate a new desired path and the new desired path may be provided as an input to a control system used to articulate or manipulate the steerable, controllable instrument.
In an operation 311, the one or more position indicating elements may be moved within the anatomical region as their positions are sampled by the tracking device. The transformed location (as calculated using the registration transformation of operation 307) of the one or more position indicating elements as they are moved may be displayed on the image. Errors in the registration may be indicated by movement of the one or more position indicating elements outside of the registered path within the anatomical region (e.g., such as outside a conduit registered within the anatomical region). The absence of errors may be used to verify that desired track is being followed.
The location of the one or more position indicating elements within the anatomical region may then be imaged using an imaging device such as, for example an x-ray device, ultrasound device, fluoroscopy device, computerized tomography (CT) device, positron emission tomography (PET) device, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or other imaging device. The visualized location of the position indicating elements within the anatomical region may then be compared to points within the anatomical region as obtained by a registration. Discrepancies between the images of the position indicating elements and the points obtained by the registration may be indicative of errors in the registration. In one embodiment, this operation may be performed entirely numerically and automatically, e.g., through the use of a computer to compare the two paths.
In one embodiment, a controllable instrument or other component may include a position indicating element or device whose position may be detectable in a frame of reference of a datum and position indicator. For example, a position indicating element may include a coil that may produce a magnetic field that is detectable by an electromagnetic tracking device location on or incorporated into a datum and position indicator. In one embodiment, a datum and position indicator includes an electromagnetic tracking device that detects a magnetic field emitted by position indicating element placed on an instrument (see
The datum and position indicator may contain a pressure sensor, an electromyograph (EMG) sensor, an electrocardiograph (ECG) sensor or other devices or sensors, which may be used to gate the sampling of the reference sensors, to measure blood pressure, air pressure, or other quality or characteristic of the body.
The datum and position indicator may also be used to dynamically reference an anatomical region of a patient. In some embodiments, one or more of the devices and/or processes described herein may be used with each other in various combinations. For example, a datum position indicator alone or optionally attached to a guide tube and a controllable instrument may be used to perform registration and referencing of an anatomical region. Those having ordinary skill in the art will realize that similar devices and techniques according to the invention may be used in the lung to map out pulmonary pathways, in the colon to map out parts of the digestive system, the urethra to map out the urinary system, or in other areas of the human or mammalian anatomy to map or image other areas.
A guide tube may be introduced into a patient through an orifice (natural or artificial) of the patient such as, for example, the mouth, the nose, the urethra, the anus, the vagina, an incision into the circulatory system, the diaphragm or the esophagus, a manufactured channel created during a surgical procedure, or other orifice (whether naturally existing or created) in the patient. The datum position indicator may be introduced through a portal, over a guidewire or any other method as known in the art. Datum and position indicator may be introduced through an orifice into a lumen or region of the patient such as, for example the bronchial tree, the digestive tract, the esophagus, or other regions of the anatomy of the patient.
Datum and position indicator may be placed using conventional techniques (e.g., fluoroscopy) to a position in the body. A placement target may include something of interest such as, for example, a stenosis, an aneurysm, a tumor, a polyp, a calcification, or other element or condition of interest. Is should be noted that the placement target may exist in another anatomical region of the body but the target is selected in a lumen that will provide access to the target area of interest. Additionally, the target need not exist in the precise anatomical system in which datum and position indicator and other elements of the invention are placed, but may be nearby, such as a tumor present in the same or adjacent tissue to that being monitored by datum and position indicator. By selecting specific locations for the placement of the datum and position indicator and hence the location of the opening creating for a transluminal procedure, more precise access to target regions may be obtained.
Datum and position indicator may be fixed in place to prevent motion within the lumen using the techniques described herein or other fixation techniques. The datum and position indicator may be fixed in place in through the use of an inflatable member such as, for example, a balloon. In some embodiments, datum and position indicator may be fixed using deployable cages, hooks, insertable stiffening wires, vacuum devices, helical catheter arrangement designed to maintain datum and position indicator location within an anatomical region or conduit therein, or other methods known in the art or described elsewhere in this application. In some embodiments, datum and position indicator may be fixed as described herein or using known fixation techniques at several locations or continuously along its length, not just the tip, so that the datum position indicator and the instrument (guide tube, flexible tube or other lumen attached to it) datum does not move independently of the anatomy or change its shape once placed.
As discussed above, a controllable instrument may be inserted into a lumen of datum or in proximity to a datum and position indicator. The controllable instrument may contain multiple position indicating elements enabling position information of position indicating elements and ultimately, the lumen to be determined.
In one embodiment, the 2D anatomical region may be optionally co-registered with a preoperative image, where applicable. For example, if a pre-operative scan (e.g., MRI, abdominal or thoracic cavity image, or other scan) were conducted and revealed a tumor or other lesion, the preoperative scan may be co-registered with an image taken for registration purposes prior to registration with the position of the datum position indicator.
In some embodiments, during registration, a three dimensional path of the center of the registration device (the “centerline”) may be calculated in the coordinate system of the previously obtained images of the anatomical region. In some embodiments, a three-dimensional (3D) map of the anatomical area of interest and/or the location of at least part of datum and position indicator may be constructed during this calculation. Simultaneous biplane fluoroscopy, multi-slice CT, or other fast 3D image acquisition of the anatomical region may be used, in conjunction with images (those mentioned above or other images) of the anatomical region to construct the 3D map and/or the location of at least part of the datum and positioning device and surrounding anatomical features. A 3D mathematical map of the structure of the anatomical region to be navigated beyond the tip of datum and position indicator 701 may also be constructed using the images (those mentioned above or other images) or scan information of the anatomical region (particularly if a contrast agent or other imaging assistance agents has been introduced therein). In some embodiments, the image data (e.g., the 3d model/map) regarding the anatomical region and the lumen, opening and cavity beyond may be expressed as a 3D spline, parametric equations, voxels, polygons, coordinate lists, or other indicators of the walls or path of the component structures, or simply a “skeleton” of the central axis (centerline) of the component tubes and structures, existing in the coordinate system of the image devices.
Other surrounding areas of interest may also be incorporated into the map. In vascular surgery, for example, the 3D map may include the vessels enhanced at the end of the datum and position indicator showing the path to a tumor, lesion, or area of investigation or interest such as, for example, the location of a prior biopsy sample or other testing.
The 3D map of an instrument relative to or within a datum and position indicator may be reconstructed from images constrained within datum and position indicator, from the image of datum and position indicator itself, from images taken from the instrument, and/or from other images or source of information regarding the 3D path. This 3D path may form the coordinates of the path of the instrument in the “image space” or coordinate system of the imaging device.
During registration of an anatomical region, a tracking device on the instrument may be activated and the coordinates of the instrument's path in a coordinate system of the datum and position indicator or the coordinates in the frame of reference of a coordinate system created by controllable instrument (if used) may be determined. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by sliding the instrument through datum and position indicator while a tracking device (on the datum position indicator, a device in the body or external to the body) simultaneously samples the coordinates of the instrument, the shape of the instrument or other position/orientation information from the instrument. This essentially retraces the image space path that had been traversed and provides a corresponding set of position data in the “patient space” or coordinate system of the tracking system. The position data obtained may also be expressed as a 3D spline, parametric equations along the registration tube, coordinate lists, or other suitable formats.
A registration transformation may then be calculated. As noted herein, there may be multiple methods to calculate the registration transformation. In an exemplary registration transformation calculation method, the (x, y, z) positions may be parameterized as a function of distance along the path traveled by the instrument. In one embodiment, at the start of position data collection, instrument is located within datum and position indicator at the time of imaging (e.g., x-ray and/or other imaging data) to determine its path (i.e., S(0)). As the instrument is moved within and beyond the datum and position indicator, position indicating element moves a distance, S(t), which can be estimated from the (x, y, z) position of position indicating element using the incremental Euclidian distance, i.e. sqrt((x.sub.k-x.sub.i).sup.2+(y.sub.k-y.sub.i).s−up.2+(z.sub.k-z.sub.i).sup.2), where Pk=(x.sub.k, y.sub.k, z.sub.k) are the position indicating element coordinates at the k.sup.th sample and Pi=(x.sub.i, y.sub.i, z.sub.i) are the sensor coordinates of the i.sup.th sample. In general, the criteria for selecting i and k may be as follows:
1 set S=0 set sample=0 NEXT_i: set i=P (sample) NEXT_k: set sample=sample+1 set k=P (sample) set time=sample+1 if sqrt((x.sub.k−x.sub.i).sup.2+(y.sub.k−y.sub.i).sup.2+(z.sub.k−z.sub.i).sup.2)>threshold distance {S=S+sqrt((x.sub.k−x.sub.i).sup.2+(y.sub.k−y.sub.i).sup.2+z.sub.k−z.sub.i).sup.2)//distance from sample 0 to sample k.//calculate corresponding point in image space, of distance S from the start set sample=sample+1 if more samples: go to NEXT_i }else {if more samples: go to NEXT_k}
Once position indicating element moves more than a predefined amount (the threshold distance), S can be calculated from the image data showing the path of the instrument. Unless this is done, noise will be continually added to the estimate of S, and the estimates of S will always be higher than the correct measurements. At corresponding values of S, the data from the image data (image space) is matched to the position indicating element space data (patient space), producing a high quality paired point matching at locations all along the instrument path beyond the datum and position indicator.
Having determined an image space set of coordinates of the path of datum and position indicator and a patient space set of coordinates of the same path, registration may be performed between the position data of the patient space and the imaging data of the patient space. As discussed, this registration may involve calculation of a transformation matrix to bring the two sets of data from different coordinate systems into coincidence with one another. In one embodiment, additional coordinate sets may also be “co-registered” with the image and tracking coordinates. In a non-rigid registration, the registration matrix may be allowed to vary over time and location in the registered region.
Once an anatomical region has been registered, a tube, a navigation device, therapeutic tools, needles, probes, flexible endoscopes, stents, coils, drills, ultrasound transducers, pressure sensors, or indeed any flexible or rigid device that is equipped with a position indicating element may be inserted into the respective conduit and used for navigation purposes, for a therapeutic or other medical procedure, or for other purposes. In one embodiment, the registration may be used to generate or highlight an image wherein the navigable conduit is visible. The position indicating element of the device or tool may be tracked by a tracking device, and the position of the device or tool may be displayed in the generated or highlighted image, enabling navigation. Additionally, verification of the registered area according to the methods described herein (or other methods) may also be performed.
In some embodiments (e.g., where contrast agent was injected into regions distal to the tip of a datum and position indicator or tube used for registration), regions distal to the tip of the datum and position indicator may be displayed in an image and navigated as well.
In some embodiments, the invention may include a computer-implemented integrated system (“integrated system”) for performing one or more of the methods described herein, including any of the features, function, or operations described herein (as well as other methods such as, for example, therapeutic, diagnostic, or other methods). The integrated system may also enable any of the devices, elements, or apparatus described herein (as well as other apparatus).
Computer element 801 may include one or more servers, personal computers, laptop computers, or other computer devices. Computer element 801 may receive, send, store, and/or manipulate any data necessary to perform any of the processes, calculations, or operations described herein (including any of the features, functions, or operations described in
According one embodiment, computer element 801 may host a control application 809. Control application 809 may comprise a computer application which may enable one or more software modules 811a-811n
In some embodiments, computer element 801 may contain one or more software modules 811a-811n enabling processor 803 to receive, send, and/or manipulate imaging data regarding the location, position, and/or coordinates of one or more instruments, devices, detectable elements, position indicating elements, or other elements of the invention inside an anatomical region of a patient. This imaging data may be stored in memory device 805 or other data storage location.
In some embodiments, one or more software modules 811a-811n may also enable processor 803 to receive, send and/or manipulate data regarding the location, position, orientation, and/or coordinates of one or more position indicating elements or other elements of the invention inside the anatomical region of the patient. This data may be stored in memory device 805 or other data storage location.
In some embodiments, one or more software modules 811a-811n may also enable processor 803 to calculate one or more registration transformations, perform registration (or mapping) of coordinates from two or more coordinate systems according to the one or more transformation calculations, and produce one or more images from registered data. In some embodiments, images produced from image data, position data, registration data, other data, or any combination thereof may be displayed on display device 817.
In some embodiments, one or more software modules 811a-811n may also enable processor 803 to receive, send, and/or manipulate data regarding the location, orientation, position, and/or coordinates of one or more position indicating elements for use in constructing a rigid-body description of an anatomical region of a patient. In some embodiments, one or more software modules 811a-811n may enable processor 803 to create of dynamic, deformable, and/or other models of an anatomical region of the patient, and may enable the display of real time images regarding the anatomical region. In some embodiments, these images may be displayed on display device 817.
In one embodiment, integrated system 800 may include a registration device 821 (the same as or similar to registration device 101 of
In one embodiment, integrated system 800 may include a referencing device 823 (the same as or similar to referencing device 101 of
In one embodiment, integrated system 800 may include a tracking device 825. In one embodiment, tracking device 825 may be operatively connected to computer element 825 via an input/output 813. In other embodiments, tracking device 825 need not be operatively connected to computer element 825, but data may be sent and received between tracking device 825 and computer element 813. Tracking device 825 may include an electromagnetic tracking device, global positioning system (GPS) enabled tracking device, an ultrasonic tracking device, a fiber-optic tracking device, an optical tracking device, a radar tracking device, or other type of tracking device. Tracking device 825 may be used to obtain data regarding the three-dimensional location, position, coordinates, and/or other information regarding one or more position indicating elements within an anatomical region of the patient. Tracking device 825 may provide this data/information to computer element 801.
In one embodiment, integrated system 800 may include an imaging device 827. In one embodiment, data may be sent and received between imaging device 827 and computer element 813. This data may be sent and received via an operative connection, a network connection, a wireless connection, through one or more floppy discs, or through other data transfer methods. Imaging device 827 may be used to obtain image data, position data, or other data necessary for enabling the apparatus and processes described herein. Imaging device 827 may provide this data to computer element 813. Imaging device 827 may include x-ray equipment, computerized tomography (CT) equipment, positron emission tomography (PET) equipment, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment, fluoroscopy equipment, ultrasound equipment, an isocentric fluoroscopic device, a rotational fluoroscopic reconstruction system, a multislice computerized tomography device, an intravascular ultrasound imager, a single photon emission computer tomographer, a magnetic resonance imaging device, or other imaging/scanning equipment
Other devices and or elements such as, for example, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, motion sensors, electrical sensors, EMG equipment, ECG equipment, or other equipment or sensors may be included in and/or may send and receive data from integrated system 800. Additionally, any therapeutic diagnostic, or other medical tools or devices may also be included in and/or may send and receive data from integrated system 800.
In one embodiment, the various instruments and/or devices described herein may be interchangeably “plugged into” one or more inputs/outputs 813a-813n. In some embodiments, the software, hardware, and/or firmware included integrated system 800 may enable various imaging, referencing, registration, navigation, diagnostic, therapeutic, or other instruments to be used interchangeably with integrated system 800.
Those having skill in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein may work with various system configurations. Accordingly, more or less of the aforementioned system components may be used and/or combined in various embodiments. It should also be understood that various software modules 811a-811n and control application 809 that are used to accomplish the functionalities described herein may be maintained on one or more of the components of system recited herein, as necessary, including those within individual medical tools or devices. In other embodiments, as would be appreciated, the functionalities described herein may be implemented in various combinations of hardware and/or firmware, in addition to, or instead of, software. U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2005/0182319 titled “Method and Apparatus for Registration, Verification and Referencing of Internal Organs” to Neil David Glossop is incorporated herein by reference.
Other details of imaging, registration and other details are provided in the following patent and publication, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: U.S. Patent application publication 2002/0077544 to Shahidl; U.S. Patent application publication 2006/0036162 to Shahidl; U.S. Ser. No. 2006/0173287 to Sabcyznski et al.; U.S. Patent application publication 2005/0182319 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,090 to Verard et al.
In addition to described embodiments, a datum and position indicator may also include the use of any proximity sensors and position indicators, such as, for example, capacitance proximity sensors and probes, photoelectric sensors, inductive sensors, magnetic sensors, ultrasound sensors and RFID-based tracking systems. Data and position and indicator embodiments encompass both contact and non-contact position detectors between datum and instrument passing adjacent to the datum. Alternative configurations include orientations where an instrument: (a) passes through a continuous ring datum; (b) passes through a partial ring datum; (c) passes along side a datum or (d) moves within a detectable zone of a proximity sensor or other detector on the datum position indicator. The datum and position indicator could be placed inside or outside of the body. Surfaces on a datum position indicator may be adapted to the point of transluminal entry, the surrounding tissue or structures where the datum position indicator will be used.
As has been previously illustrated, a datum and position indicator may also be incorporated into a rigidizable controllable overtube that is affixed to the wall of a lumen, such as the stomach wall. The distal end of a rigidizable overtube containing a datum and position indicator at a fixation point indicates the amount of, or length of, an instrument that has passed through the transluminal opening. Additional datum and position indicator configurations include a first datum and position indicator point located on the first rigidizable tube. This first datum and position indicator could be located at the entry point in the body, such as the mouth or at the exit point of the first rigidizable tube, i.e., the distal end of the first or primary rigidizable tube. A second rigidizable guide tube (i.e., the secondary guide tube) may be used having a second datum and position indicator to indicate the entry into or exiting from the second rigidizable guide tube.
In another alternative embodiment, a datum and position indicator could be provided independently of the rigidizable guide tube or it could be integrated into the guide tube. The datum and position indicator landing pad could contain a base adapted for securing to a portion of the body and a datum and position indicator to provide access through the pad and adapted to receive a segmented controllable instrument.
Alternatively, the datum and position indicator landing pad could include a suturing mechanism or a filling mechanism to form and or close an opening made to allow a segmented instrument to advance through the datum and position indicator into a portion of the body.
Numerous alternative configurations are available for the datum position indicator. As described above the datum position indicator may be configured for placement adjacent the anus as would be suited for trans-colonic procedures. The datum position indicator I also have adaptable surfaces as provided by the inflatable bladder in
Datum and position indicators according to the present invention may also be utilized with multiple guide tips.
Additionally, because of the individualized nature of each procedure depending upon the patient's physiology and the specific procedure being performed and that the desired path may be unique for each patient, the DPI may be provided in a wide array of alternative embodiments and with a variety of different functional capabilities. There are embodiments having one or more additionally functionality—may be a part of a flexible tube, a rigidizable or semi-rigidizable guide tube, or as a standalone component transported by another instrument
The distal end of the rigidizable guide may be provided with an integrated tissue cutter and datum and position indicator reader. For example, in a viewing the distal end of a rigidizable guide tube and on there could be a number of concentric rings of various instrumentation. For example, the outermost ring could include a vacuum port to apply vacuum to the distal end to allow it to seat against and secure to the tissue wall. The next innermost ring could be a cutter or some device used to form the opening in the stomach wall and interior of the cutting ring could be a datum and position indicator which could be fully enclosed or simply edge mounted on the end to re-register the passage of the amount of the controllable instrument that moves past the datum and position indicator. Alternatively the datum and position indicator could also be a ring, adapted to size an adapted to receive the steerable controllable instrument.
As illustrated in examples that follow, a datum and position indicator may be combined with one or more functions in support of a transluminal procedure. Examples of features that may be incorporated into a datum and position indicator are, by way of example and not limitation:
As an additional feature to ensure safe and proper target tissue opening, embodiments of the datum and position indicator may also include instruments or components to measure or detect surrounding tissue (i.e., 1D, 2D or 3D imaging capabilities).
For example, a datum and position indicator may optionally include an ultrasound transducer or other detection or imaging system to provide additional information about attachment site. These components may have the volumetric imaging capabilities described above to create a volume about the datum and position indicator to aid in positioning instruments within volume and performing procedures. An ultrasound probe is provided to measure lumen wall thickness at selected opening site to ensure that fixation elements are driven into the tissue to the desired depth. As such the ultrasound probe may be used as input to system to select proper depth for fastener penetration. The ultrasound probe may be used to identify structure, tissue, organs on the opposite side of the wall to confirm location of target tissue opening site—i.e., compare to expected opening site from previous surgical planning. The ultrasound probe may also act as a safety device to ensure proximity, spacing, distance or other position information for organs, tissue, structure and other anatomy that is behind the target opening location.
Datum and Position Indicator Configurations and Examples
As illustrated above, the datum and position indicator may be a stand alone component as illustrated in
Attachment at Landing Site
One advantage of using a rigidizable overtube adapted on the distal end to grip the tissue is that the guide tube may be manipulated to provide mechanical advantage to the grip tissue. For example, it is possible to maneuver the rigidizable guide tube through the mouth via esophagus and into the stomach to a position opposite the stomach wall from the liver or other organ. The fixed guide tube could then be used to apply manipulating force to the stomach to alter the placement or the stomach relative to adjacent structures. Using the tissue gripping means disposed on the distal end of the rigidizable guide tube the stomach lining may be gripped and maneuvered away from the liver or other organ. Thereafter, cutting means may be advanced through the guide tube and use to cut or provide an opening in the stomach lining. In contrast to conventional cutting systems the inventive device and methods allow the stomach lining to be pulled away from surrounding tissue and organs so that when the stomach lining is cut the adjacent tissue or organ is in a safe position. The rigidizable guide may be placed against the lesser curvature of the stomach, affixed to the stomach lining using non-penetrating fixation implements as described herein. Once secured to the stomach lining, the stomach may be maneuvered away from surrounding tissues prior to forming an opening in the stomach wall. Once the hole is formed in the side wall the tissue can be released back or held in that position while the instruments are advanced through the rigidizable scope now in a locked position to provide a stable guide for precise placement of the instruments to access the organs as desired. In one embodiment, such configuration is used to access the liver or gall bladder.
Additional techniques to hold the guide tube to the stomach wall include the use of vacuum ports, staples, hooks, barbs or other mechanical gripping devices or fasteners.
In addition, there is a combination at the tip of the overtube of an anchoring mechanism to secure the wall of the organ such as the stomach. For example, the tip of the overtube could be provided with suction and staples to secure the tissue.
Another option is to have several hooks, for example, NiTi hooks, that would be pushed out from the edge of the tip as the means to anchor to the wall. These hooks would be curved so that they may for example, curve within and not curved within the stomach wall tissues so that they pierced to enter and pierced to exit the stomach wall on the same side or can pierce to enter at one side pierced to exit on the second side and then reenter to engage on the second side without harm to adjacent tissue or structures.
A variety of gripping or securing means may be provided on the distal end of the rigidizable scope. The rigidizable guide tube distal end therefore includes embodiments having attachment or securing implements to fix the position of the guide tube to the bodily tissue or structure. A variety of suitable gripping or securing means are described in the following patents or patent publications that are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,443,484; 5,613,937; 5,865,791; 5,964,782; 6,183,486; 6,206,696; 6,228,023; 6,506,190; 6,663,640; 2001/0001825; 2002/0107531; 2002/0120254; 2003/0078604; 2004/0087831; 2004/0054335; 2003/0144694; 6,716,196; 6,663,639; 6,139,522; 6,068,637; 5,702,412; 5,577,993; 5,573,496; 5,488,958; 5,407,427; 5,582,577; 5,681,341; 5,873,876; 5,925,064; 5,928,264; 5,984,896; 6,110,187; 6,123,667; 6,620,098; 6,626,930; 6,698,433; 6,743,220; 2002/0032415; 2002/0099410; 2003/0176883; 2004/0087967; 2004/0093023; 2004/0116949; 2004/0133220; and 2004/0133229.
A wide variety of distal fixation means are possible as illustrated in
The Use of Tines and Rotational Anchoring Mechanisms
Another attachment mechanism for securing the rigidizable tube against the tissue wall is a pincher-type device with moveable tines. When the pincher is positioned against the tissue and then advanced into the tissue, usually by rotation the tines relative to the tissue, the tines are driven into the tissue. As a result, the tissue is gripped in two or more separate positions in a controllable manner. The rotation of the tines determines the depth into which the tines penetrate. It is to be appreciated that some tine embodiments described herein fully engage into tissue by rotating less than one revolution and do so without penetrating completely through the target tissue. The tines may also be adapted to move toward each other when a mechanical or other motive mechanism is activated. As such when activated the at least one tine and the tissue it grips is advanced towards the other tine and the tissue attached to it. When positioned at the distal or landing end of a rigidizable guide tube, the tissue is attached to the rigidizable guide tube by piercing, gripping and joining the tissue together. The tines and other fixation elements described herein may be designed to penetrate only the surface of the tissue, deep into the tissue without piercing the tissue and to pierce the tissue. It is to be appreciated that a single design adequate to pierce tissue could be used but with controlled activation so that the tissue fixation could be at the surface, deep into but not piercing through the tissue or piercing through the tissue. Control of the depth of penetration could be controlled by limiting or increasing the amount of tine rotation.
In one representative embodiment, a guide tube has on its distal end a circular ring or a semi-circular ring having a plurality of tines that when twisted in one direction are adapted to advance into and engage adjacent tissue. When advanced in the opposite direction or when turned in the opposite direction, the tines withdraw from and pull out of the tissue. If stowed in the sidewall of the guide tube, then the tine ring or the tines are actuated to rotate out from a recess in the guide tube sidewall. As they rotate out, the tines engage into the tissue, thereby securing the distal end of the rigidizable tube against the tissue. The tine shape, size, depth of engagement, dimensions and other factors are specially adapted to pierce completely through the tissue that the rigidizable tube is to engage against. In alternative embodiments, the tine shape, size, depth of engagement, dimensions and other factors are specially adapted to engage only superficially in the tissue near the distal end of the rigidizable tube. In yet another alternative, the tine shape, size, depth of engagement, dimensions and other factors are specially adapted to engage fully within but not penetrate through the tissue against which the rigidizable guide tube will be landed.
A tissue anchor described below is adapted for passage through a lumen formed in, for example, a fixation element lumen in a guide tube, datum position indicator or other component adapted to be fixed to the wall of a lumen in support of transluminal procedures. One or more tissue anchors may be arranged around a portion of an instrument to engage that instrument to the lumen wall. One or more tissue anchors may be arranged around the distal end of a guide tube, or a datum position indicator as illustrated herein. This enables the tissue anchor to be advantageously used to anchor the guide tube, datum position indicator or other component to a lumen at the desired location in support of a transluminal procedure. The target tissue may be, for example, peritoneum, pleura, endocardium, organ capsules, skin or any other tissue depending upon the selected target for creating the opening in support of a transluminal procedure. The size of the engagement elements in a particular tissue anchor may be selected to remain within and affixed to a lumen wall or to penetrate through a lumen wall. Scaling a tissue anchor to the appropriate size is done using conventional techniques.
In the description that follows, tissue anchors will be described in use with a guide tube. It is to be appreciated that the tissue anchors and the other fixation elements described herein may be used to secure other components to a lumen wall or other portion of the anatomy. The guide tube, or other device to be anchored is inserted into a lumen of a patient undergoing a surgical procedure. Tissue grasping features at a distal end of the tissue anchor are manipulated to be positioned adjacent and move into the target tissue to anchor the guide tube, datum and position indicator or other component into a desired position so that a surgeon may more readily perform the intended surgical procedure. The tissue grasping end of the tissue anchor may be adapted to articulate at an angle by controlling the opposite end such that the tissue grasping end or surface becomes substantially orthogonal to the surface of the target tissue to facilitate grasping the target tissue.
Tissue anchor 20 may include an axial lock 50 that locks the outer tube 22 relative to the guide tube to prevent relative axial movement therebetween. In one embodiment, axial lock 50 includes a housing 52 having a standard Luer connector 53 for securing the axial lock 50 to the proximal end 55 of catheter 24. The axial lock 50 further includes a glandular member (not shown) disposed between the housing 52 and the outer tube 22. A cap 56, when screwed onto the housing 52, compresses the glandular member in a tight sealing engagement relative to the outer tube 22 to reduce any axial movement therebetween. This tight sealing engagement is also effective in reducing the possibility of leakage of fluids or the injected gas from the body cavity. Such a locking device is typically termed a Touhy-Borst, which may be purchased from the Becton-Dickinson Corporation, Franklin Lakes, N.J., U.S.A. It is to be appreciated that other suitable locks which axially lock the outer tube 22 relative to the guide tube may be used.
The tissue anchor 20 may also include a rotational lock 60 constructed and arranged to rotationally lock outer tube 22 and the shaft 26. In this illustrative example, rotational lock 60 is of a similar construction to axial lock 50. It should be understood, however, that rotational lock 60 may be any suitable locking device or arrangement adapted for rotationally locking two concentric members. Accordingly, the rotational lock 60 includes a housing 62 having a standard Luer connector 63 formed within housing 62. A plug 64 is secured to outer tube 22 and is adapted for insertion into the Luer connector 63 for securing the outer tube 22 to the housing 62. The rotational lock 60 further includes a glandular member (not shown) formed within the housing 62. The shaft 26 passes through the glandular member and is attached to the knob 24. A cap 66, having an opening to allow the shaft 26 to pass therethrough, is also provided. When cap 66 is screwed onto the housing 62, the glandular member is compressed in a tight sealing engagement relative to the shaft 26 to reduce the rotational movement thereof, as well as to reduce the possibility of leakage of fluids or gas.
During a surgical procedure, guide tube is inserted into a body cavity of a patient. The tissue anchor 20 is then inserted into the guide tube (if not already present in a sidewall fixation channel) and positioned such that the distal end 30 having the tissue grasping member 32 touches the target tissue. One or more tissue anchors may be disposed on the distal end or tissue contacting portion of the guide tube or datum position indicator. Next, the knob 34, together with the shaft 26, is rotated, for example, in a counter-clockwise manner, such that the nearly horizontally opposing tips 40, embed into and secure the guide tube against the target tissue. The rotational lock 60 is then locked such that any additional rotation of the shaft 26 relative to the outer tube 22 is reduced. This, in return, reduces any inadvertent releasing of the target tissue. Once the desired guide tube axial displacement is achieved, the axial lock 50 is locked to reduce any further axial movement of the tissue anchor 20 relative to the guide tube and to reduce any leakage therebetween. To release the target tissue, the shaft 26 is rotated in an opposite direction, for example, clockwise, whereby the prongs 36, 38 of the tissue grasping member 32 release from the target tissue allowing the guide tube or datum position indicator to be withdrawn. In one embodiment, the movement of all tissue anchors 20 may be synchronized to engage and disengage the target tissue simultaneously. Alternatively, each individual tissue anchor may be controlled independently.
The outer tube 22 has an outer diameter sized to accommodate the guide tube tool channel and an inner diameter sized to accommodate the shaft 26. In one embodiment, the outer tube 22 has an outside diameter approximately equal to that of a typical catheter needle (for example, 17 gage or 0.058 in.) and has a wall thickness of about 5-10 mills, although a thicker or thinner wall may be suitable. Also, although the shaft 26 is shown and described as a semi-rigid cylindrically-shaped shaft, the shaft may be formed of a cable or a tube of any cross-sectional shape, and may be stiff or flexible and may be made of any suitable material, including, for example, stainless steel or plastic. The tissue grasping member 32 may be connected to the shaft by any suitable means such as crimping or brazing.
In the embodiment described with reference to
The shaft 106 is formed of a flexible material such as stainless steel, plastic or any other suitable material. The material chosen is sufficiently flexible to allow rotation of the shaft 106 about is axis when the shaft is in a bent configuration, as will be appreciated hereinafter.
When the inner tube 104 is retracted within the outer tube 102, the two remain substantially coaxial with each other (as shown in
In use, the tissue anchor 100, if not already present in the tool channel of a guide tool sidewall, is inserted into a guide tube tool channel and is positioned such that the tissue grasping member 112 is in proximity to the target tissue. However, in contrast to the example of
Continuing with reference to
In the embodiment described with reference to
Although the embodiment described with reference to
Referring now in particular to
A second sliding actuator 150 may be provided in the handle 140 which translates linear motion of the actuator 150 to rotational motion of the shaft 106. This may be accomplished with a helix 152 formed on the proximal end 108 of the shaft 106, and a cam follower 156 formed on the actuator 150. Thus, as the actuator 150 slides relative to the handle 140, the cam follower 156 forces the shaft 106 to rotate. It is to be appreciated that the helix 152 may be integrally formed with the proximal end 108 or may be a separate member attached to the proximal end 108, as desired.
Again, an axial lock 160 may be formed on the actuator 150 to lock the actuator 150 relative to the handle 140 to reduce any translation relative therebetween, which would ultimately result in a rotation of the shaft 106.
Although the actuators 142, 150 are housed within a handle 140, as shown in the embodiments with respect to
The embodiment described with reference to
The tissue grasping member 210 is formed with a helix, such as a helical groove 221 in a body 222, which is received within a housing 224. The housing 224 is formed with a cam follower 226, which is adapted to engage the groove 221. The housing 224 is attached to the inner tube 206 if an articulating tissue anchor is employed, as in this example. Thus, when the shaft 208 moves axially relative to the inner tube 206, the tissue grasping member 210 rotates relative to the housing 224, thereby causing the prongs 214, 216 of the tissue grasping member 210 to grasp the target tissue. Those skilled in the art will recognize in view of this disclosure that although the body of the tissue grasping member is formed with a helix and the cam follower is formed on the housing, the opposite may be true, wherein the housing may include a helix, which may be a groove or a raised portion, and the cam follower may be formed on the tissue grasping member.
As described above with reference to the embodiment of
Movement of the inner tube 206 and the shaft 208, in the example of
As discussed with reference to the embodiment of
According to another aspect of the invention, it may be advantageous to use a plurality of tissue anchors of the present invention during a surgical procedure so as to stabilize a tissue structure for reconstruction, for example. In addition, a plurality (four, for example) may be used to stabilize the heart during a “beating heart” procedure. Other applications of a single or multiple tissue anchors according to the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
In addition, as should be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this disclosure, any of the disclosed devices, as well as any other suitable device, used to actuate the inner tube or the shaft, may be used in any of the embodiments. Also, although the helix shown in the examples described herein used to translate linear motion to rotational motion is in the form of a groove or a raised portion, a spring may be used as the helix. Thus, as used herein, the term helix means any helically shaped form or helical member used to transform linear motion to rotational motion. U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,023 titled “Tissue Pick and Method for Use in Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures” to Zaslavsky et al., filed Feb. 17, 1999 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
In contrast to lumen 1531, 1538, the lumen 1601 of the embodiment of
In contrast to earlier tine embodiments where the tines run in a somewhat parallel but intersecting pathway, the tines illustrated in
In use, the tissue anchor 1621 is applied to the target tissue by, in one example, separately placing first the outer flange ring 498, then the inner flange ring 497 to secure the end of the guide tube 496. The target wall tissue T is drawn into the lumen of guide tube 496 using vacuum as indicated by the arrow. When the locking features 501 of the outer ring 498 coincide with the locking features 502 of the inner ring 497, the outer 498 and inner 497 rings become locked together. As the flange rings 497, 498 are rotated in opposite directions, the staple members 499, 500 of the inner 497 and outer rings 498 penetrate the vessel walls in opposite directions as shown in
Alternatively, the inner 497 and outer rings 498 of the tissue anchor can be applied simultaneously to grasp the tissue wall at the target wall site T by then pressing the staple members 499, 500 into the tissue wall T while counter-rotating the inner 497 and outer 498 rings. This could best be done with an instrument that holds and rotates the inner 497 and outer 498 rings mechanically. Once held by vacuum, a transluminal opening may be formed in the tissue T using the techniques described herein. Then, as illustrated in
In contrast to the fixed features contained on disk 1674 in
The ability to withdraw a fixation element into the side wall of the guide tube is also illustrated in
An alternative fixation element 1695′ having a plurality of retractable wires 1696 is illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment of
The applicator illustrated in
It is to be appreciated that when multiple guide tubes are used, the guide tube may be secure to tissue using any number of different fixation methods and mechanisms.
A method for reducing the likelihood of inadvertent organ or tissue damage while piercing a wall in the body is illustrated in the flow chart 1770 in
FIGS. 215A-D illustrate an procedure intended to manipulate an empty stomach as an alternative to sealing and insufflating the stomach.
As described above in
Another solution for performing the transluminal opening is to form one or more intersecting cut lines so that the opening is made but the tissue remains available for a later closing procedures following the completion of the procedures using the controllable segmented instrument and the guide tube. For example, a cross-cut could be used whereby forming in a circular opening for flaps for contiguous flaps that will open out to allow an instrument to pass through and yet when the procedure is completed the four flaps may be brought together and then secured in a cross fashion to close them up. Could be a cross (X) cut or intersecting arcs as described below and illustrated in cutting devices elsewhere in this application. Such cutting features may also be part of integrated instrument or stand alone instrument.
Perforation of tissues using screws, RF knife, needle, cross-lay to cut tissue into 4 or more flaps. Microwave cutting techniques, laser cutting techniques, local applications of chemicals to lacerate burn or otherwise form opening within the tissue
Alternatively, anchors could be provided against the tissue at on or more predetermined locations about a hole so that when the hole is formed the anchor or staple points are then used to manipulate the tissue to form the opening. In one embodiment, the anchor staples are the 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock positions. In another alternative, the staples are positioned at a 45° angle within a cross-cut piece of tissue. In each of these embodiments as the screw is advanced through the tissue the stapled tissue is moved apart.
A cross-cut could be used to form an opening in the tissue and may provide advantages to later closure and healing as the flaps formed from the cross-cut are simply brought together. The width of the cross cuts being to adjust the size of the resulting opening. Cross-cut is merely an example for a plurality of radially expending cuts that together provide the desired access. Non-circular partial cuts may also be used depending upon the desired opening shape to be formed.
One area of interest in all surgery and of growing interest in transluminal procedures is the formation of and the healing of the transluminal opening. The various illustrations that follow address some of the needs for precise, repeatable and simple open procedures. An particularly for open procedures that will heal quickly and without post operative complication.
FIGS. 219A-C illustrate different views of a cutter assembly 2190. As illustrated in
An umbrella configuration could be used wherein the umbrella is advanced through the opening made in the lumen into an open position thereby forming a fill able lumen thereafter the screw would be reversed back out of the opening then that action would bring the umbrella into intimate contact or into sealing relation with the wall thus providing a lumen through the wall that is now sealed to support the application of pressure. An umbrella configuration would keep the anchors and tissue folded back so that lumen opening remains clear. As such, the flaps created after performing the transluminal opening may be held back using an umbrella like seal 2220 as best seen in
Several alternative dilation techniques may also be used to assist in forming transluminal openings and alternatives to create opening in tissue at landing site of the guide tube.
There could also be a cutting implement positioned on the distal end of the steerable, segmented instrument advanced through the selectively rigidizable guide tube. Upon reaching the location for creating the transluminal opening, there are numerous hybrid implements that form and then dilate an opening in tissue. Dilation cutter embodiment could be the cutter as part of an expanding helical design so that the further in the helical member is advanced the larger the diameter the opening is so thereby allowing one to create a hole and then open the created hole all in a single step.
Dilation of the transluminal opening once formed seeks to resolve the question of how to open the transluminal hole. Balloon dilation to open the hole in the side of the stomach as well as balloon dilation may be available using some of the techniques described by Kalloo, et al. incorporated by reference above.
In some cases, the formed opening is large enough to provide access to other instruments needed to conduct a procedure. In some alternative tissue opening techniques, the tissue may be opened and subsequently dilated or by using an inventive opening device form and dilate an open in an integrated procedure. After forming the opening, dilate the opening to allow additional tools to pass.
Pneumatic muscle 2210 may be used for dilation.
Additionally, as best seen in
Other techniques to open the lumen wall. Place the screw against the wall of the tissue and then us the screw end to form the hole. Next, advance catheter through the rigidizable tube having on its distal end a cross-cut instrument or other cutting instrument. Alternatively, the screw may be equipped with blades within the lead screw. For example, the screw may have a cross-shaped knife on the top. In use, one would land with the rigidizable guide tube, apply suction to hold the tissue there and then cut. In another alternative. a coil of wire which could be rigid wire or SMA wire as it is advanced through the tissue it cuts the tissue. In a shaped memory alloy version of this technique the coil of wire is formed from a coil that when activated the coil expands. The coil also has an expanding diameter or an expanding helix or other shape. As a result, as it is advanced into the tissue the tissue is pulled apart. In the embodiment of the rigid coil environment, the rigid coil has an expanding diameter or alternatively a expanding helix. As the rigid coil is advanced through and the tissue advances up to helix the tissue is pulled apart into ever expanding opening based on the size and dimension of helix. Any of these coil embodiments could have on their tip a short needle tip that is used to cut through the tissue.
The concept of using a screw is analogous to a dry wall screw. Drywall screws are originally slotted screws that are advanced and thereafter a pin or other spreading device is advanced through the middle of the split screw to cause it to flare out and form a larger opening. The same principal is applied to the examples here.
In yet another alternative, the helix or rigid coil or other coil embodiments could be a hollow needle and control the shape of the opening and remove tissue as it enters the hollow tip. In this way the hollow needle is used to remove a tiny core of material that once completely removed forms an opening in the tissue.
In yet another alternative opening procedure, a stent may be used to create an opening as illustrated in
Another useful in creating a lumen opening is the split tube or the three corner opening .
Sealing Methods and Devices
Once the transluminal hole is appropriately sealed, one can inflate the periodontal cavity. An umbrella sealing design could be used. Alternatively, a double balloon where one balloon is inside the stomach and another connected balloon is on the outside of the stomach so that when inflated the balloons pressed together against the stomach wall capturing the stomach wall between them. Additionally, a sealing ring, such as an inflatable ring on the outer wall of the rigidizable guide tube could be used to seal the esophagus above the opening to the stomach. The inflatable ring could be one of a series of selectable rings based spacing along the guide tube outer wall. One or more rings are inflated depending upon a number of factors such as guide tube position and specific patient anatomy. Additionally or alternatively, an inflatable ring or other sealing means could be advanced along the guide tube outer wall and positioned between the guide tube and a portion of the alimentary canal to seal the stomach.
In alternative embodiment, sealing could be provided in a portion of the lumen of the rigidizable guide tube near the distal end or in a position to provide sealing to gases provided through the opening and into the tissue of interest. In other words, sealing of the guide lumen or steerable instrument may be accomplished using seals on, in or about the distal or sealing end of the instrument or guide or be a separate device provide in the area where sealing is desired.
In another alternative to seal the guide tube to the lumen wall, a deflated bladder may be provided that is inflated after the guide tube is secured to the lumen wall.
While the bladder/tine configuration is different, the bladder operates to seal the guide tube to the lumen wall in a similar fashion. First, an un-inflated bladder on distal end of the guide tube lands on the lumen wall. Next, press against bladder (i.e., deform it) so as to engage the tines into and secured to the lumen wall. If needed by the tine design, twist to engage tines fully. Once the tines are fully engaged, inflate bladder to seal the distal end to the lumen wall. As described above in FIGS. 220A-B, an umbrella seal 2220 may be spread around opening or use an umbrella type seal described above to line the opening once created.
Sealing techniques also include a closed umbrella that is advanced through the small opening in the wall and once the umbrella passes the wall, it opens out to where by pulling in the proximal direction the umbrella sit against the wall to provide a seal. Additionally, a second seal may be provided on the inside of the wall that is pushed down against the opening and is also used to fill against the umbrella.
We may use full circle or partial circle umbrella style seals. Partial circle umbrellas include those with less than a full circular coverage or multiple non-overlapping sectors or flaps. In an embodiment where a screw or helix is used to make or dilate an opening, an umbrella with fill or partial flaps could be advanced through the opening and deployed to form a seal. Similarly, one could use a screw to open and then anchor against the tissue wall. After anchoring, provide an umbrella or other sealing device to open against the anchor and seal or configure a seal, restriction or other closure device within the screw to act as a seal.
Creating and Maintaining a Sterile Field
A multi-function applicator may be used to create and/or maintain the sterile field. This may be done as an alternative to sterilization. Instead of sterilizing the target lumen, just seal the tissue area by spraying on sealant or applying a bandage over the area. As described above with
The spray nozzles described above with regard to
FIGS. 227A-D illustrate the operation of an integrated fixation and opening guide tube 2270. The guide tube 2270 includes a tine activation channel 2271 connected to the tines 2272 that operate through the distal end of the guide tube. A cutter system 2275 is within the side wall of the guide tube and has a pair of arc shaped blades 2276. A sheath 2274 is also provided at the distal end of the guide tube. The sheath 2274 unrolls as an instrument advances through the guide tube lumen towards and through the opening. The sheath 2274 may also be used to provide a sterile barrier for sterilization procedures as described above. As shown in
In addition, there are provided inventive applications for trans-luminal procedures including the use of an overtube that also maintains a sterile field of operation.
Use of Liners and Sheaths to Maintain a Sterile Field
The internal part of the overtube can be kept sterile such that a sterile scope will maintain its sterility as it goes through into the peritoneal cavity. Once the procedure is over we can then leave the overtube attached to the wall and withdraw the scope and then insert a separate device to the overtube. For example, a stapler with a small CCD or optic wire provisionalization as an option to seal the port of entry. Additionally, we then incorporate the rim or the edge of the overtube pressure sensors to ensure sure the seal maintains the contact with the suction and/or staples so that it maintains sterility of the attachment.
In another alternative, the rigidizable overtube used in trans-gastric applications is used to provide a sterile field for access into the body. A cover may be provided on the the scope with an overtube that is sterile on the inside but is not sterile on the outside so we would fill the tip and have a sterile closed tube. Then as the the tube is inserted through the wall, the inside of the tube maintains the sterility. As the controllable instrument advances through the tube within the sterile liner, and it thereafter maintains a sterile environment up to the point that the tissue is pierced.
A sheath may be applied to instrument prior to introduction into guide or through lumen.
The techniques and instruments described herein may also be used in procedures having a combination of internal and externally provided devices. One example would be a transluminal procedure used to guide an instrument to access or manipulate externally provided devices or implements.
Another advantageous combination of the rigidizable endoscope is used within the body to provide a navigation pathway or a selectively steerable segmented instrument. A device to be used within the body is passed through the skin with a scope adjacent the position of the scope now inside the body. For example, one could introduce the device through the skin using a small needle or trocar or introducer. The device introduced to the skin is then manipulated or secured from inside the body using the steerable segmented instrument. Thereafter the steerable instrument may be used to manipulate the delivery, use or employment of the device within the body. The examples of devices that may be used in this technique include for example, a stent, an implantable device, a pacing lead, or other pharmacological materials or agents, staples, barbs, or other implantable devices.
The instruments, systems and methods described herein provide for new procedures enabled by the inventive devices and methods. The rigidizable guide and steerable segmented instrument combination may be advantageously used to perform a wide variety of procedures in the body. One procedure relates to approaching the thoracic cavity by landing the rigidizable overtube onto the stomach, piercing through the stomach wall and advancing the controllable segmented instrument to pierce the diaphragm unaided by an additional rigidizable guide tube as best seen in
Another concept is the use of one or more rigidizable guide tubes to provide a trans-gastric-diaphragmic access to the thoracic cavity. First rigidizable overtube could be landed against the stomach wall thereafter a second rigidizable guide tube advanced through the first passes through the stomach wall and is advanced into an engaging position with the diaphragm. The second rigidizable tube distal end could be sealed against the diaphragm tissue in a number of ways. For example, 2 magnets placed on opposite sides could be used for sealing. Alternatively balloons could be used to seal the rigidizable scope against the diaphragm. These concepts alternatively the sealing techniques described herein could also be used to seal either or both of the rigidizable guide tubes 1 and 2 described for the transgastric trans-diaphragm seal. As such this provides a transgastric trans-diaphragm thoracic surgical technique and access. Using these and other technique described herein enables a new access port of access methods through the thoracic cavity.
Another access point provided by embodiments of present inventions include a trans-esophageal-trans-diaphragm access method. This method provides trans-diaphragm access through the esophagus rather than the stomach. In this method a rigidizable overtube is advanced through the esophagus until it is inferior to the diaphragm. Thereafter one or more rigidizable tubes could be used to sit the, to provide access through and secure against the inner wall of the esophagus thereafter advanced through the first rigidizable scope a second rigidizable scope that is anchored to the diaphragm and then access form through the diaphragm using the second stage described herein and using these first and second rigidizable scopes an access pathways provided into the thoracic cavity that is transesophageal and transdiaphragmic. Alternatively a single rigidizable endoscope could be used for this and other techniques. The single transesophageal transdiaphragmic rigidizable tube could be dimensioned in size with various sections and locking mechanisms to be adapted for this particular physiology. It is to be appreciated that longer and less articulable sections may be used in the esophageal portion while a smaller and more articulating or more bendable sections may be used in the portion of the rigidizable tube that exits the esophagus and is attached to the diaphragm. As such, as with the steerable segmented instruments, the selectively rigidizable guides may also contain segments of various sizes depending upon the specific application, physiology and anatomy.
Uses in Natural and Artificial Openings
The embodiments described herein have primarily used applications for the use of controllable rigidizable guide tubes and a steerable segmented instruments. It is to be appreciated that the transgastric applications and uses within the gastrointestinal tract or the gut are nearly exemplary of some of the uses for the combination techniques described herein. It is to be appreciated that any opening or orifice either natural or artificial formed in the body may be used to provide the access points or the anchoring positions for the rigidizable guide tubes described herein. For example, as as illustrated in
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.
This application claims the benefits of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/717,230 filed Sep. 14, 2005, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60717230 | Sep 2005 | US |
