FIBER-OPTIC IMAGE-CARRYING DEVICE

摘要

An elongated image-carrying member (92) that enables microendoscopy to be practiced using normal-sized catheters, includes a drawn, fused, central multifiber micro-unit (82) of about 0.5 mm diameter, having about 2,000 glass fibers in a coherent array, with a polymeric coating (24) bonded to its pristine as-drawn outer surface. This combination achieves sufficient flexiblity and optical qualities to enable effective use to provide vision for inspection of small passages and ducts. Flexible image-carrying members (92) having diameters of 0.5 millimeters or less and catheters of diameters of 3 mm or less incorporating such members and effective working channels are achievable. For vision in remote areas, the micro-unit (82) is employed with a substantially spherical lens (80) with an ocular system (116) for providing a focus range from less than about 2 mm to infinity and having resolution of the detail down to the order of about 0,001 inch. The micro-optical member may be employed with a handpiece (126) in a vision system, the micro-optical member being joined to the handpiece by a detachable connector having a stepped structure for precise alignment between the handpiece (126) and the micro-optical member. By application of a relatively thin coating containing an opaque constituent to the as drawn micro-unit, degradation of the image and avoidance of artifacts caused by wave guiding effects are avoided. Devices with varying bend radiuses are also shown.