Otoscope Providing Multi-Directional Illumination

摘要

An otoscope provides a disposable speculum sleeve that conducts light to a narrow tip holding an electronic camera. By removing the light source from the tip, the diameter of the tip may be further reduced to allow the space of the ear canal to be shared between the otoscope and a tool such as a curette for removing foreign objects or to permit the tip to navigate around ear obstructions. The sleeve may provide for multidirectional illumination of the ear structure for improved visualization. The tip and sleeve may be flexible for increased patient comfort when using a compact tip design.

主权项

1. An otoscope comprising:
a housing adapted for support by a hand of a healthcare professional with the housing in an inspection position adjacent to an outer ear of a patient; an elongate probe element having a proximal end supported by the housing so that a distal end of the elongate probe element may extend along an axis into the ear canal of the outer ear in the inspection position; an electronic camera supported by a distal end of the elongate probe element for viewing into the ear canal when the distal end of the probe element is in the inspection position in the ear canal; and a coaxial sheath positioned around the probe element to conduct light from a proximal end of the sheath to a distal end of the sheath proximate to the electronic camera.