System of accessories for use with bronchoscopes

• US 10,383,509 B2
• Filed: 07/21/2015
• Issued: 08/20/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Greenburg, Benny, Blecher, Danny, Griefner, Gil, Becker, Heinrich D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Wujciak, Alfred J
• Application Number:
  US14/804,698
• Publication Number:
  US 20150342444A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,491 Days
• Field of Search: 2482286, 2482287, 2482306, 2482307, 24823171, 24823181, 248 65, 248 70, 248 741, 248 742, 24455, 24456, 24483, 24484, 24485, 24531
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00128 mechanical, e.g. for tubes or pipes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00137 End pieces at either end of the endoscope, e.g. caps, seals or forceps plugs
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0014 Fastening element for attaching accessories to the outside of an endoscope, e.g. clips, clamps or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00147 Holding or positioning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0052 Constructional details of control elements, e.g. handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/012 characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/018 for receiving instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/2676 Bronchoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/50 Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/53 connected to the surgeon's body, e.g. by a belt
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/57 Accessory clamps
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2/20 Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2/243 internal, i.e. with spreading action

Abstract

A clip or flexible handles extension facilitate simultaneous retention and operation of a bronchoscope and associated bronchoscopic tools held in one hand to allow operation by a single practitioner. Also provided is an adapter for the connection port of the working channel of a bronchoscope which performs both sealing and tool-locking functions. Also disclosed is a guide sheath arrangement with a reduced flexibility proximal portion to facilitate insertion of tools into the guide sheath.

Claims

1. A clip for receiving a shaft of a bronchoscope, the clip comprising:

a clamping portion having a C-shape and defining a plane through a center point of the C-shape, the clamping portion including a first arm and a second arm integrally formed with the clamping portion, the first and second arms extending beyond an outer circumference of the C-shape and having a centerline axially aligned with the plane defined by the C-shape;

a bracket for engaging an outer surface of the clamping portion; and

an adjustment mechanism operably coupled to the bracket for adjusting positioning of the clamping portion,

wherein the clamping portion defines a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the plane extending through the center point of the C-shape,

the clamping portion is configured to secure a shaft of a bronchoscope in an angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis, and

the clamping portion is configured to conform about and circumscribe at least 180°

of a rounded surface of the bronchoscope.

2. The clip according to claim 1, further comprising an insert for engaging an inner surface of the clamping portion.

3. The clip according to claim 2, wherein the bracket and the insert each have a substantially C-shaped configuration.

4. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the first arm is in opposed relation to the second arm.

5. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the clamping portion is configured to be engaged by the bracket on an outer surface thereof, the adjustment mechanism extending through the bracket to adjust the positioning of the clamping portion.

6. The clip according to claim 1, wherein the clamping portion is configured to receive a shaft of a bronchoscope without impairing a function of the bronchoscope during a surgical procedure.

7. A clip for receiving a shaft of a bronchoscope, the clip comprising:

a clamping portion having a C-shape and defining a plane through a center point of the C-shape, the clamping portion including a first arm and a second arm, the first and second arms extending beyond an outer circumference of the C-shape and having a centerline axially aligned with the plane defined by the C-shape; and

an adjustment mechanism for adjusting positioning of the clamping portion;

wherein the clamping portion defines a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the plane extending through the center point of the C-shape,

the clamping portion is configured to secure a shaft of a bronchoscope in an angular orientation relative to the longitudinal axis, and

the clamping portion is configured to conform about and circumscribe at least 180°

of a rounded surface of the bronchoscope,

wherein the clamping portion is engaged by a bracket on an outer surface thereof, the adjustment mechanism extending through the bracket to adjust the positioning of the clamping portion.

8. The clip according to claim 7, wherein the first arm is in opposed relation to the second arm.

9. The clip according to claim 7, wherein the first and second arms are integrally formed with the clamping portion.

10. The clip according to claim 7, wherein the clamping portion is configured to receive a shaft of a bronchoscope without impairing a function of the bronchoscope during a surgical procedure.

11. The clip according to claim 7, further comprising an insert for engaging an inner surface of the clamping portion.