ADDING IMAGING CAPABILITY TO DISTAL TIPS OF MEDICAL TOOLS, CATHETERS, AND CONDUITS

摘要

One or more scan illuminators and a plurality of light receivers are provided on the distal end of a tool or other component, so that a plurality of images of a site can be provided in response to output signals from the plurality of light receivers. The output signals from the plurality of light receivers are combined to produce an overall image of the site or a plurality of different images from disparate positions. The plurality of images can be viewed separately to produce a stereo or perspective view, or can be produced using different wavebands of light to provide enhanced information about the site that facilitates use of one or more tools or components at the site. The scan illuminator(s) and plurality of light receivers can be configured to be added to an existing tool or component.