WO1999008611A1

WO1999008611A1 - Remote control for a surgical device

Info

Publication number: WO1999008611A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/017354
Authority: WO
Inventors: Robert Lee Thompson
Original assignee: Pinotage, Llc
Priority date: 1997-08-21
Filing date: 1998-08-21
Publication date: 1999-02-25
Also published as: AU9029698A

Abstract

A remote controller that can be coupled to a medical instrument to remotely control the operation of the medical instrument. The remote controller is spaced apart from the medical instrument and can be mounted to any convenient supporting surface in the operating room, including a patient, so that manipulation of the remote controller does not inadvertently alter the position of the medical instrument. Control of the medical instrument can be provided by finger operated controls or by voice activation.

Description

REMOTE CONTROL FOR A SURGICAL DEVICE

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 (e) to U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/056,209, filed August 21, 1997, which is incorporated herein by reference, and to U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 60/003,802, filed September 15, 1995. This application is also a continuation of application serial no. 09/065,116, filed April 23, 1998 (which is also incorporated herein by reference), which is a continuation of application no 08/937,238, filed September 16, 1997 (now U.S. Patent No. 5,762,603), which is a continuation of application serial no. 08/708,044, filed August 30, 1996.

Field Of The Invention

The present invention is directed to a controller for a surgical device, and more particularly, to a controller that can be coupled to a surgical device to remotely control the operation of the surgical device.

Discussion Of The Related Art

Many surgical and diagnostic procedures involve the manipulation of one or more medical instruments that are inserted into a body of a patient. One example of a medical instrument that is routinely inserted into the body of the patient is an optical imaging system that is used to view the interior of the body of the patient. Due to the small size requirements imposed by invasive surgical and diagnostic procedures, most optical imaging systems include an assembly of optical fibers and a lens that is inserted into the patient. The assembly of optical fibers and the lens relay light received from the target to the rest of the system (e.g., a CCD camera, amplifiers, an image processor, an image storage device and/or a display, etc.) located outside of the patient. This arrangement permits the portion of the optical imaging system that is inserted into the patient to be quite small. Controls that are used to operate the imaging system are typically limited to enabling and disabling the recording of an image, and are typically mounted to a system housing that encloses the components of the system that remain outside of the body of the patient. Frequently, these controls are mounted to the housing at a significant distance away from the optical fibers and the lens.

Although the use of such optical imaging systems permit a wide variety of surgical and diagnostic procedures to be performed, there are several disadvantages to such conventional imaging systems. For example, because the controls for the imaging system are located at a distance from the optical fibers and the lens, the operation of such imaging systems typically requires two-hands: one hand for guiding the assembly of optical fibers and the lens within the patient, and another for manipulating the controls. Where the distance between the controls and the optical fiber and the lens is significant, two persons may be required to operate the imaging system, with one person guiding the assembly of optical fibers and the lens within the patient, and the other manipulating the controls. Another disadvantage of conventional imaging systems is that the mounting of the controls on the housing of the imaging system greatly increases the likelihood that the physical position of the optical fibers and the lens inside the patient will be disturbed by the manipulation of the controls of the imaging system.

Although the optical imaging systems described above may be used alone for certain medical procedures, they are also frequently used in conjunction with other medical instruments that are inserted into the patient's body along with the optical imaging system. An example of one such medical instrument is shown schematically in Figure 1. The medical instrument 1000 includes a pair of scissor-like grips 1002 that extend outside of the patient and enable the operator (e.g., the surgeon) to control the instrument. At its distal end, the instrument 1000 includes a pair of jaws 1004 that are movable in response to the surgeon moving the grips 1002. When an optical imaging system is used in conjunction with another medical instrument, such as the instrument 1000 depicted in Figure 1 , multiple personnel are typically required. In general, the surgeon operates the medical instrument 1000, while another person controls the operation of the imaging system by positioning the assembly of optical fibers and the lens within the patient to view the surgical site. This involvement of multiple personnel increases the cost of the surgical/diagnostic procedure, and makes the coordinated control of both the optical imaging system and the medical instrument 1000 difficult.

Summary Of The Invention

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a surgical system is provided that includes a surgical instrument and a remote controller. The surgical instrument has a proximal end and a distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a body of a patient. The distal end of the surgical instrument is moveable relative to the proximal end of the surgical instrument. The remote controller is operatively coupled to the surgical instrument and spaced apart from the surgical instrument to remotely control movement of the distal end of the surgical instrument.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a surgical method is provided. The method includes steps of inserting a distal end of surgical instrument through an incision in a body of a patient, the distal end of the surgical instrument being movable relative to a proximal end of the surgical instrument that is outside the body of the patient, and employing a remote controller that is spaced apart from the surgical instrument to remotely alter a position of the distal end of the surgical instrument without changing a position of the proximate end of the surgical instrument.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a surgical system is provided. The surgical instrument includes an endoscope having a body including a distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a patient, and a remote controller that is operatively coupled to the endoscope and spaced apart from the body of the endoscope to remotely control operation of the endoscope.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a device for use with a surgical instrument having a proximal end and distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a patient is provided. The distal end of the surgical instrument includes a component that is movable relative to the proximal end of the surgical instrument. The device includes a remote controller that is configured to be operatively coupled to the surgical instrument and spaced apart from the surgical instrument to remotely control movement of the component of the distal end of the surgical instrument without changing a position of the proximal end of the surgical instrument.

Brief Description Of The Drawings

Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is schematic view of a prior art surgical instrument;

Figure 2 is a front view of a surgical/diagnostic imaging device that may be controlled by embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a partially cutaway side view of the imaging device of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a cutaway top view, taken through line 3-3 in Figure 2, of a sheath cap in the imaging device of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is an enlarged cutaway side view of the upper housing and the lower portion of the imaging device of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a cutaway top view of the upper housing of the imaging device of Figure 2 taken through line 5-5 in Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a cutaway top view of the lower portion of the imaging device of Figure 2 taken through line 6-6 in Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a functional block diagram of a system for controlling the imaging device of Figure 2 and for displaying the images transmitted by the imaging device; Figure 9 is a functional block diagram of an alternate control and display system for the imaging device of Figure 2;

Figure 10 is a cutaway side view of another surgical/diagnostic imaging device that may be controlled by embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 1 1 is a front view of the camera housing of the image device of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a cutaway side view of the camera housing taken through line 11-11 in

Figure 10;

Figure 13 is a front view of a remote control touch panel for a surgical/diagnostic imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 14 is a rear view of the remote control touch panel of Figure 13; Figure 15 is a side view of the remote control touch panel of Figure 13;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a remote control touch panel according to another embodiment of the present invention, mounted to the surgical instrument of Figure 1;

Figure 17 illustrates a remote control touch panel according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 18 illustrates a voice activated remote control according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention is directed to a controller that can be operatively coupled to a medical instrument to remotely control the operation of the medical instrument. According to one aspect of the present invention, the controller can be spaced apart from the medical instrument so that manipulation of the controller does not inadvertently affect the positioning of the medical instrument within the patient. According to another aspect of the present invention, the controller for the medical instrument can be fixably mounted to another medical instrument so that both medical instruments can be manipulated simultaneously.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a remote controller for an endoscopic optical imaging system is provided to control the operation of the imaging system in the patient's body. In one illustrative embodiment discussed below, the remote controller of the present invention is used with the optical imaging devices disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Patent No. 5,762,603 (hereinafter, the '603 patent), entitled "Endoscope Having Elevation and Azimuth Control of Camera Assembly". However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to use with the particular imaging device disclosed in the '603 patent, and can be used with any remotely controllable endoscopic imaging device, as well as other types of medical instruments.

The '603 patent describes a surgical/diagnostic optical imaging device that can be used in interabdominal, interthoracic, and other surgical and diagnostic procedures. The surgical/diagnostic imaging devices of the '603 patent are described below with reference to Figures 2-12.

As shown in Figures 2-4, the surgical/diagnostic imaging device 1 includes an upper housing 3, a camera housing 5, and left and right camera housing supports 7, 9. Before use, the device 1 is inserted into a sterile sheath 11. The device 1 and sheath 11 (collectively, the "camera") are then inserted through an incision into the patient's body (not shown). The camera is inserted so as to place the camera housing 5 in a position from which it can be pointed at the surgical site or the area to be diagnosed. The incision is sealed around the camera with a purse string stitch, thereby preventing leakage of the CO₂ gas which is used to distend the patient's abdomen or chest during surgery or diagnosis. Sheath 11 is constructed of medical-grade plastic provided in a sterilized condition, and is intended to be disposed of after use. Alternately, the sheath 11 can be constructed of heat-resistant materials to allow it to be sterilized using an autoclave, then reused. It will be appreciated that the sterile sheath 11 eliminates the need to sterilize the camera.

The camera housing 5 contains a CCD (not shown) and a zoom lens assembly (not shown). A plurality of high intensity lights 13 are mounted within a light housing 15 which extends about the outer circumference of the camera housing 5. The lights 13 are aligned with the focal axis 17 of the CCD, and they illuminate the area at which the camera housing 5, and hence, the CCD are pointed. Further details of the camera housing 5 and the construction and arrangement of the CCD and zoom lens assembly are described in Applicant's co-pending U.S. patent application serial no. 09/126,368, filed July 30, 1998, and entitled, "Imaging Device". When the device 1 is inserted in the sheath 11 , the left and right camera housing supports 7, 9 engage complimentary locking keys 19, 21 within a sheath cap 23. As a result, the camera housing 5 is locked into a position in which the CCD's focal axis 17 is aligned perpendicular to an optically-clear window 25. In addition, as will be described below in connection with Figures 4-6, the locking keys 19, 21 cause the sheath cap 13 to rotate about the longitudinal axis 27 of the camera when the camera housing supports 7, 9 are rotated about that axis.

A camera cable 29 extends between the camera housing 5 and the upper housing 3. The camera cable 29 contains conductors which carry the CCD's signals to the upper housing 3 and which supply electrical power to the CCD and lights 13. An imaging device cable 31 is provided to carry control signals and supply electrical power to the device 1 , and to carry the CCD's signals to the externally-located processing, display and storage devices (not shown) of the imaging system.

The length of the camera housing supports 7, 9 and the length of the sheath 11 are varied to accommodate variation in the thickness of the abdominal walls of patients and to allow the camera to be used in thoracic surgery /diagnosis. Examples of lengths that can be provided include: three, six, and eleven inches below the upper housing 3.

Referring now to Figures 5-7, an elevation motor 51 drives an elevation shaft 53 by means of gears 55, 57. The elevation shaft 53 extends downwardly through the hollow left camera support 7. A ring and pinon gear arrangement 59 at the lower end of the elevation shaft 53 transfers the rotary motion of the elevation shaft 53 to the camera housing 15, thereby causing the camera housing 15 to elevate or depress, depending on the direction of rotation of the elevation motor 51. The camera housing 15 can be elevated 70 degrees above and depressed 90 degrees below a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 27 (Figure 3) of the camera and passing through an intersection of the longitudinal axis 27 and the focal axis 17 of the camera.

The elevation motor 51 is mounted on a plate 63. The plate 63 is rotatably mounted within the upper housing 3 on a bearing 65. An azimuth motor 67 is also mounted on the plate 63. The azimuth motor 67 drives an azimuth gear 69. The azimuth gear 69 engages a housing gear 71 which is attached to the inner surface of the upper housing 3. When the azimuth motor 67 rotates, the plate 63 rotates within the upper housing 3. The plate 63 rotates plus or minus 180 degrees to minimize the amount the camera cable 21 is twisted. Full 360 degree rotation can easily be achieved by using conventional slip rings.

A zoom/focus motor 72 drives gears 73, 75, which rotate a zoom/focus shaft 77. The zoom/focus shaft extends downwardly through the right camera support 9. At the bottom of the focus shaft 77, a ring and pinon arrangement 79 transfers the rotary motion of the focus shaft 77 to a zoom lens mechanism (not shown) within the camera housing 5. Referring now to Figure 8, the imaging device 1 is connected to a control console 101 by means of the imaging device cable 31. Signals from the CCD of the imaging device 1 are amplified by circuits in the control console 101 and directed to a display device 103. In one embodiment, the display device 103 is a conventional television set.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 9, a computer 107 can be interposed between the control console 101 and the display device 103. A plurality of computer programs contained in the computer 107 allow operating team personnel to manipulate and/or store the signals from the imaging device 1.

Figures 10-12 illustrate a second surgical/diagnostic imaging device that can be controlled by a remote controller according to embodiments of the present invention. Referring first to Figure 10, the surgical/diagnostic device comprises two major assemblies: a camera assembly 150 and a disposable sheath assembly 152.

In the camera assembly 150, a rotary stepper motor 154 is rigidly mounted in an upper housing 156. A linear stepper motor 158 and the distal end of a planetary gear assembly 162 are press fitted in a linear stepper motor housing 164. The proximal end of the planetary gear assembly 162 is attached to the upper housing 156 by screws 168.

Three planetary gears 170 (only two of which are shown in Figure 10) are rotatably mounted on pins 172 within the planetary gear assembly 162. The rotary stepper motor 154 drives the planetary gears 170 through a sun gear 174.

The proximal end of a camera support tube 178 is press fitted in the linear stepper housing 164. A camera housing 180 is pivotally mounted between pair of arms 182 (only one of which is shown in Figure 10) that are integral with and extend from the distal end of the camera support tube 178. The linear stepper motor 158 acts through a pushrod 186 and a fork 188 to control the elevation of the camera housing 180.

The disposable sheath assembly 152 comprises a sheath 190, a sheath housing 192, and a ring gear 194. The distal portion of the sheath 190 is optically clear. The proximal end of the sheath 190 is adhesively attached within the distal end of the sheath housing 192. The ring gear 194 is adhesively attached within the proximal end of the sheath housing 192.

Prior to use, the camera assembly 150 is inserted into the sheath assembly 152, and the planet gears 170 engage the ring gear. As a result, when the rotary stepper motor 154 is actuated, the camera assembly 150 rotates in relation to the longitudinal axis 202 of the sheath assembly. As is best shown in Figures 11 and 12, a CCD assembly 204 and a lens 206 are mounted within a camera bore 208 in the camera housing 180. A pair of high intensity lights 210 are mounted in bores that are coaxial with the camera bore 208.

A multi-conductor flexcable 212 provides the necessary connections for the CCD assembly 204, for the camera housing lights 210, and for three high intensity lights 214, that are disposed in bores in the pushrod 186. The flexcable 212 extends from the camera housing 180 to the upper housing 156. In the upper housing 156, the flexcable 212 is combined with power and control wires (not shown) for the rotary stepper motor 154 and the linear stepper motor 158 to form the camera assembly cable 218. The camera assembly cable 218 passes through an orifice 220 in the upper housing 152. As with the surgical/diagnostic device of Figures 2-9, the camera assembly cable 218 can connect the camera assembly 150 to an external display device 103 and control console 101 (Figure 8).

In contrast to conventional endoscopic imaging devices that are manually positioned within the body of the patient, the position of the imaging devices of Figures 2-12 within the body of the patient can be remotely controlled from outside the patient's body. Specifically, referring back to Figures 8 and 9, in one embodiment of the present invention, a foot pedal control assembly 105 is provided that allows the surgeon (not shown) to control the imaging device 1. The foot pedal control assembly 105 includes four controls (not shown): (1) camera housing left and right; (2) camera housing up and down; (3) zoom in and out; and (4) light intensity up and down. Signals from the foot pedal control assembly 105 are routed to the control console 101. Circuits (not shown) in the control console 103 convert the control assembly signals into signals which are suitable to control the imaging device 1 , then route the converted signals to the imaging device 1. This foot pedal control assembly 105 is but one example of a remote control assembly that can be used to control the imaging device in accordance with the present invention. Other embodiments of the present invention are directed to alternative remote control assemblies for controlling an imaging device, such as those depicted in Figures 2-12, or other remotely controllable surgical devices. In particular, the present invention is not limited to use solely with optical imaging devices, but can be used to remotely control any medical instrument having a distal end that is inserted into a body of a patient and is capable of movement within the body of a patient relative to a proximal end of the medical instrument.

Figures 13-15 show several different views of a remote control touch panel for an optical imaging device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As discussed above, the remote control touch panel can be spaced apart from the optical imaging device itself, providing great flexibility in the placement of the touch panel. Because the touch panel is not physically mounted to the optical imaging system, inadvertent displacement of the optical imaging device caused by manipulation of the touch panel is advantageously prevented. The remote control touch panel can be positioned where it is most conveniently accessed by an operator. In one embodiment, the touch panel includes an adhesive coating that permits it to be mounted to any supporting surface, including the patient, that is convenient to the operator. Alternatively, the remote control touch panel can be mounted to another medical instrument where it can be conveniently accessed while using the other medical instrument.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the remote control touch panel depicted in Figures 13-15 is constructed from medical-grade plastic that is provided in a sterilized condition, and is intended to disposed of after use. However, it should be appreciated that the remote control touch panel may alternatively be constructed from other materials, such as heat-resistant materials that allow it to be sterilized and re-used.

As shown in Figure 13, the remote control touch panel 1300 includes a number of controls 1310-1360 for controlling the imaging device. In the embodiment depicted, specific controls are provided for the imaging device of Figures 2-12. Each of these controls provides a control signal that can be communicated to a control console (e.g., 101 in Figures 8 and 9) of the imaging device, for example, by a wire that is connected to lead 1370. Alternatively, a wireless transmission medium (not shown) can be used to communicate the control signals to the control console 101. Controls 1310 and 1315 move the camera housing 5 (e.g., Figure 2) up and down in elevation, and controls 1320 and 1325 rotate the camera housing 5 left and right. Controls 1330 and 1335 alter the field of view of the camera by zooming in and out on the target being imaged.

In the embodiment depicted, each of controls 1310 - 1335 is activated by depressing a raised button on an upper surface 1380 of the touch panel. Because each button is raised above the plane of the touch panel 1300, the person operating the imaging device can control the imaging device using only their sense of touch. This form of tactile feedback enables the operator (e.g., the surgeon) to focus their full attention on the procedure being performed. Furthermore, each button can also include raised lettering on the top surface of the button to further aid selection by the surgeon. It should be appreciated that this form of tactile feedback is generally not possible with the foot pedal control assembly 105 (Figures 8 and 9), due to presence of footwear worn by the surgeon.

As shown in Figure 13, the remote control touch panel 1300 also includes controls 1340-1360 for use in conjunction with a computerized control mechanism (e.g., Figure 9) to manipulate and/or store the signals from the imaging device. As described further below, menu control 1340 enables the surgeon to select and adjust control parameters that affect the quality of the image being displayed. Control 1350 enables the surgeon to store one or more snapshots of an image seen by the imaging device at a particular instant in time. For example, snapshots of the image can be stored on any form of storage medium (e.g., disk, tape, etc.) that is coupled to the computer (e.g., 107 in Figure 9). Control 1360 can be used to print a snapshot of an image seen by the imaging device at a particular instant of time, or to print a copy of an image that has been previously stored.

As noted above, menu control 1340 enables the surgeon to control the quality of the image being displayed through a series of pop-up menus that are displayed on a display device (e.g., 103 in Figure 9). For example, when the menu control 1340 is selected, a top level menu is displayed that allows the surgeon to manipulate the nature of the picture displayed, for example, by altering the brightness, contrast, tint, color, etc. Controls 1310 and 1315 can be used to scroll up and down the top-level menu, and control 1350 can be used to select a particular sub-menu from the top-level menu. Upon selection of a particular sub-menu, controls 1320 and 1325 can be used to increase and decrease the value of a particular display parameter, for example, the contrast of the image. Menu control 1340 can also be used to permit the surgeon to select a predefined set of preferred display parameters, or to enable the surgeon to take advantage of the capabilities of the computer by performing other functions (e.g., transmitting an image captured by the system over a transmission line coupled to the computer).

In the embodiment shown in Figures 14 and 15, the remote control touch panel is formed from three layers of medical-grade plastic including upper layer 1510, lower layer 1530, and intermediate layer 1520. Upper layer 1510 includes a plurality of conductive contacts (e.g., 1361, 1316, 1336) corresponding to the plurality of controls 1310-1360. In the lower layer 1530, directly below each of these conductive contacts, is a corresponding contact 1410-1460 that is connected to lead 1370 by a respective one of conductors 1480 (Figure 14). Intermediate layer 1520 separates the conductive contacts in the upper layer 1510 from their corresponding contacts 1410-1460 in lower layer 1530. However, apertures 1540 in the intermediate layer 1520 permit electrical conduction between each set of corresponding contacts in the upper and lower layers when the corresponding control is depressed or activated. According to one aspect of the present invention, lead 1370 may be integrally formed as part of the lower layer 1530. This simplifies the manufacture of the remote control touch panel by reducing the number of distinct elements in the design. Furthermore, as fewer distinct elements need to be aligned (e.g., each of conductors 1480 with each of the conductors in lead 1370) to form the touch panel, the cost of manufacturing the touch panel is reduced, thereby allowing it to be economically disposed of after use.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the lower surface 1490 (Figure 14) of the touch panel is coated with an adhesive and covered by a removable backing (not shown). Removal of the backing permits the touch panel to be mounted to a supporting surface, such as an operating table, or the patient. In this manner, the remote control touch panel can be positioned where it is most conveniently used. In particular, the remote control touch panel 1300 can be positioned so that it is within the field of view of the surgeon during performance of the surgical procedure. Furthermore, because the remote control touch panel is formed from flexible materials, the touch panel can be mounted to irregularly shaped surfaces as well as those that are planar. It should be appreciated that because the remote control touch panel is spaced apart from the rest of the imaging device, the manipulation of controls 1310- 1360 does not inadvertently alter the positioning of the camera.

It should further be appreciated that the embodiments of the remote control touch panel in which the imaging device is positionable by the surgeon's hands provide a number of advantages. In particular, the remote control touch panel can be mounted so that it is within the field of view of the surgeon during the surgical procedure. In addition, it can be mounted so that it is close to the surgeon's hand during all phases of the surgical procedure. Figure 16 illustrates a remote control touch panel for an optical imaging device according to another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is particularly well suited for use in surgical and diagnostic procedures involving other medical instruments, such as the medical instrument described above with respect to Figure 1.

As shown in Figure 16, the remote control touch panel 1600 can be mounted directly to a body of the instrument 1000 at a position outside of the patient and adjacent the grips 1002. The touch panel 1600 includes a mounting element 1610 that is adapted to fit over the body of the instrument 1000 to place the touch panel in the desired location. In particular, mounting surfaces 1640 are disposed on the body of the touch panel 1600 to mate with complementary surfaces on the mounting element 1610. In one embodiment, mounting surfaces 1640 are adapted to slide into slots on the lateral surfaces of the mounting element 1610. In this manner, the touch panel 1600 can be mounted to the right of the body of the instrument, or to the left of the body of the instrument, depending on the preference of the surgeon. Of course it should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the particular slot arrangement shown in Figure 16, as other arrangements can be used to attach the remote control touch panel 1600 to the instrument.

As shown in Figure 16, the remote control touch panel 1600 includes a number of controls or keys 1630 that control the operation of the imaging device. When used in association with the imaging device of Figures 2-12, controls are provided to move the camera housing left and right, move the camera housing up and down, and zoom the camera in and out. In a manner analogous to that described with respect to Figures 13-15, controls can also be provided for taking a still picture, entering a menu on the computerized control mechanism to manipulate the nature of the picture displayed, and printing a still picture of an image. Controls can also be provided to turn the intensity of the lights (e.g., lights 13, in Figure 2) up and down. When used with different surgical devices, the remote control touch panel may, of course, have different controls to perform other functions.

The control signals from the touch panel are communicated to the imaging device by a flexible wire connection 1620. However, it should be appreciated that the touch panel can be coupled to the imaging device using other types of communication medium, such as a wireless transmission system, as noted with respect to the previous embodiment discussed above. In general, direct wiring connections are preferred in most operating room environments to reduce the possibility of a wireless communication system disrupting other equipment in the operating room. However, where a number of directly wired medical device are simultaneously in use, the use of a wireless transmission medium with the remote control touch panel can reduce the possibility of entanglement with other wired medical devices.

As should be appreciated from Fig. 16, the touch panel 1600 can be positioned at the proximal end of the instrument 1000 so that controls 1630 can be easily manipulated by the thumb of the surgeon while maintaining at least one of the surgeon's fingers within the grips 1002 of the instrument. In this manner, the surgeon can use one hand to manipulate both the instrument and the imaging device. In addition, the arrangement of controls or keys 1630 on the touch panel 1600 is easily viewed by the surgeon to select the appropriate commands to control the imaging device. As in the previously described embodiment of Figures 13-15, the touch panel can include raised controls and/or raised lettering to facilitate the surgeon in selecting the appropriate control. Furthermore, as described above with respect to Figures 13- 15, the touch panel 1600 can be disposable or can be capable of being sterilized so that it can be re-used for multiple procedures.

Figure 17 shows a remote control touch panel according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 16, mounting element 1710 is integrally formed with the body of the touch panel 1700. Although mounting element 1710 is disposed to mount remote control touch panel to the right of the instrument, it should be appreciated that mounting element 1710 may alternatively be disposed to mount the touch panel to the left of the instrument. Although each of the embodiments of Figures 16 and 17 has been described as being mounted to a body of another surgical instrument (e.g., 1000 in Figure 1), it should be appreciated that such instruments are often inserted into the patient through a cannula that provides an open passage into the patient. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the touch panel of Figures 16 and 17 can be mounted to the cannula, rather than directly to the body surgical instrument 1000.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that each of the remote control touch panels of Figures 13-17 can be mounted to any supporting surface that is conveniently accessible to the surgeon during the surgical procedure. For example, the adhesive coating on the lower surface 1490 of remote control touch panel 1300 (Figures 13-15) permits touch panel 1300 to be mounted to any supporting surface, such as the operating table, the patient, or a support that can be mounted to another medical instrument. In general, it is preferred that the controls for the imaging device be located adjacent the location of one of the surgeon's hands during the surgical procedure, so that the surgeon can simultaneously and conveniently grasp and/or control the surgical instrument while remotely controlling the imaging device with the same hand. In this manner, each of the embodiments described above permits optimal placement of touch panel for use by the surgeon, without risk of inadvertent movement of the camera during operation of the controls.

Although each of the embodiments described above includes controls that are mechanically activated by pressing a control button, the present invention is not so limited. In particular, the present invention is directed to any controller that can remotely control an endoscopic optical imaging device, or a surgical instrument having a movably positionable component. For example, Figure 18 illustrates a voice activated remote control for an optical imaging device. The voice activated remote control 1800 includes a microphone 1810 that is coupled to the control console 101 (e.g., Figure 9) of the imaging device by a cable 1820. Alternatively, the voice activated remote control can be coupled to the control console via a wireless transmission medium. Voice recognition software can be executed on computer 107 (Figure 9) to control the operation of the imaging device in response to predefined commands. For example, the words "left" and "right" can be used to rotate the camera housing left and right, while the words "up" and "down" can be used to position the camera housing in elevation. Other commands can be defined to adjust the field of view of the camera (e.g., "zoom in", "zoom out"), adjust the intensity of the lights (e.g., "bright", "dim"), and to store or print a picture. In this manner, the surgeon can devote his/her full attention to the surgical procedure being performed, as neither the surgeon's hands nor eyes are required to control the operation of the imaging device. The voice activated remote control can include an adhesive backing (not shown) that permits the control to be mounted to any supporting surface that is convenient to access by the surgeon.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be used with a wide variety of medical instruments, and is not limited to use solely with optical imaging devices. For example, any medical instrument that operates by way of electro-mechanical controls can benefit by having a remote control panel that can be mounted in a more convenient location and that prevents inadvertent movement of the instrument during use. In this manner, the present invention may be used with any medical instrument having a distal end that is inserted into a body of a patient and is capable of movement within the body of a patient relative to a proximal end of the medical instrument.

Having described several embodiments of the invention in detail, various modifications and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and improvements are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended as limiting. The invention is limited only as defined by the following claims and the equivalents thereto.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A surgical system, comprising: a surgical instrument having a proximal end and a distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a body of a patient, the distal end of the surgical instrument being moveable relative to the proximal end of the surgical instrument; and a remote controller that is operatively coupled to the surgical instrument and spaced apart from the surgical instrument to remotely control movement of the distal end of the surgical instrument.

2. The surgical system of claim 1 , wherein the remote controller is adapted to control the movement of the distal end of the surgical instrument without altering a position of the proximal end of the surgical instrument.

3. The surgical system of any of claims 1-2, wherein the surgical instrument includes a body that extends between the proximal end and the distal end and defines a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument, and wherein the distal end of the surgical instrument includes a component thereof that is mounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument.

4. The surgical system of claim 3, wherein the component is mounted for pivoting transverse to the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument.

5. The surgical system of any of claims 1-2, wherein the surgical instrument includes a body that extends between the proximal end and the distal end and defines a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument, and wherein the distal end of the surgical instrument includes a component thereof that is mounted for pivoting transverse to the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument.

6. The surgical system of any of claims 1-2, wherein the surgical instrument includes a body that extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the surgical instrument and defines a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument, and wherein the distal end of the surgical instrument is constructed and arranged for movement relative to the proximal end of the surgical instrument in a direction other than along the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument.

7. The surgical system of any of claims 1-6, wherein the surgical instrument is a first surgical instrument, and the remote controller is mountable to a second surgical instrument.

8. The surgical system of claim 7, further comprising: an adapter to mount the remote controller to the second surgical instrument.

9. The surgical system of claim 8, wherein the adapter is constructed and arranged to mount the remote controller to the second surgical instrument in a location where the first and second surgical instruments can be simultaneously controlled.

10. The surgical system of any of claims 1-9, wherein the remote controller is voice activated.

11. The surgical system of any of claims 1 -9, wherein the remote controller is hand activated.

12. The surgical system of any of claims 1-1 1, wherein the remote controller is disposable.

13. The surgical system of any of claims 1-12, wherein the remote controller is provided in a sterilized condition and cannot be re-sterilized after use.

14. A method, comprising steps of: inserting a distal end of a surgical instrument through an incision in a body of a patient, the distal end of the surgical instrument being movable relative to a proximal end of the surgical instrument; and employing a remote controller, spaced apart from the surgical instrument, to remotely alter a position of the distal end of the surgical instrument without changing a position of the proximal end of the surgical instrument.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the surgical instrument includes a body that extends between the proximal end and the distal end and defines a longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument, the distal end of the surgical instrument including a component thereof that is mounted for rotation about the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument, and wherein the step of employing the remote controller includes a step of: employing the remote controller to rotate the component about the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the component is mounted for pivoting transverse to the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument, and wherein the step of employing the remote controller further includes a step of: employing the remote controller to pivot the component transverse to the longitudinal axis of the surgical instrument.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of employing the remote controller includes a step of: issuing a command to the remote controller to remotely alter the position of the distal end of the surgical instrument.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the surgical instrument includes an optical imaging device that is disposed at the distal end of the surgical instrument and is movably mounted relative to the proximal end, and wherein the step of employing includes a step of: issuing a command to the remote controller to move the optical imaging device.

19. The method of any of claims 17-18, wherein the step of issuing the command includes a step of audibly issuing the command to the remote controller.

20. The method of any of claims 17-18, wherein the step of issuing the command includes a step of pressing a button on the remote controller.

21. The method of any of claims 17-18, wherein the step of issuing the command includes a step of pressing a pedal on the remote controller.

22. The method of any of claims 14-21, further comprising a step of: mounting the remote controller to a surface that is spaced apart from the surgical instrument.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising a step of: adhering an adhesive coating on the remote controller to the surface that is spaced apart from the surgical instrument.

24. The method of any of claims 14-21, wherein the surgical instrument is a first surgical instrument, and wherein the method further comprises a step of: mounting the remote controller to a second instrument.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of mounting includes a step of: mounting the remote controller to the second surgical instrument in a location where the step of employing can be performed while holding the second surgical instrument.

26. The method of any of claims 14-25, further comprising a step of disposing of the remote controller.

27. A surgical system, comprising: an endoscope having a body including a distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a patient; and a remote controller that is operatively coupled to the endoscope and spaced apart from the body of the endoscope, to remotely control operation of the endoscope.

28. The surgical system of claim 27, wherein the endoscope includes an optical imaging device that is mounted to the distal end of the endoscope, and wherein the remote controller is adapted to remotely control operation of the optical imaging device.

29. The surgical system of claim 28, wherein the optical imaging device is movably mounted to the distal end of the endoscope, and wherein the remote controller is further adapted to remotely control movement of the optical imaging device.

30. The surgical system of claim 29, wherein the remote controller is adapted to remotely control movement of the optical imaging device without altering a position of the body of the endoscope.

31. The surgical system of any of claims 29-30, wherein the optical imaging device is rotatably mounted at the distal end of the endoscope, and wherein the remote controller remotely controls rotation of the optical imaging device.

32. The surgical system of any of claims 29-31 , wherein the optical imaging device is pivotally mounted at the distal end of the endoscope, and wherein the remote controller remotely controls pivoting of the optical imaging device.

33. The surgical system of any of claims 28-32, wherein the endoscope further includes a light that is mounted to the distal end of the endoscope proximate to the optical imaging device, and wherein the remote controller is further adapted to remotely control the light.

34. The surgical system of any claims 29-33, wherein the remote controller includes at least one control that controls movement of the optical imaging device.

35. The surgical system of claim 34, wherein the at least one control is voice activated.

36. The surgical system of claim 34, wherein the at least one control is hand activated.

37. The surgical system of claim 34, wherein the at least one control is foot activated.

38. The surgical system of claim 34. wherein the at least one control includes at least one button that controls the movement of the optical imaging device.

39. The surgical system of claim 38. wherein the remote controller includes a controller body, and wherein the at least one button is raised above a surface of the controller body.

40. The surgical system of claim 39, wherein the at least one button includes a tactile feature that is indicative of a direction of the movement of the optical imaging device.

41. The surgical system of any of claims 27-40, wherein the remote controller is mountable to a surgical instrument.

42. The surgical system of claim 41 , further comprising: an adapter to mount the remote controller to the surgical instrument.

43. The surgical system of any of claims 27-33, wherein the remote controller is voice activated.

44. The surgical system of any of claims 27-33, wherein the remote controller is hand activated.

45. The surgical system of any of claims 27-33, wherein the remote controller is foot activated.

46. The surgical system of any of claims 27-45, wherein the remote controller is disposable.

47. The surgical system of any of claims 27-46, wherein the remote controller is provided in a sterilized condition and cannot be re-sterilized after use.

48. A device for use with a surgical instrument having a proximal end and distal end that is adapted to be inserted into a patient, the distal end having a component thereof that is movable relative to the proximal end of the surgical instrument, the device comprising: a remote controller that is configured to be operatively coupled to the surgical instrument and spaced apart from the surgical instrument to remotely control movement of the component of the distal end of the surgical instrument without changing a position of the proximal end of the surgical instrument.

49. The device of claim 48, wherein the remote controller is disposable.

50. The device of any of claims 48-49, wherein the remote controller is provided in a sterilized condition and cannot be re-sterilized after use.

51. The device of any of claims 48-50, wherein the remote controller is hand activated.

52. The device of any of claims 48-50, wherein the remote controller is voice activated.

53. The device of any of claims 48-51 , wherein the remote controller includes at least one button that controls the movement of the component.

54. The device of claim 53, wherein the remote controller includes a controller body, and wherein the at least one button is raised above a surface of the controller body.

55. The surgical system of claim 53, wherein the at least one button includes a tactile feature that is indicative of a direction of the movement of the component.