Shape lockable apparatus and method for advancing an instrument through unsupported anatomy
First Claim
1. Apparatus for advancing a first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument into a hollow body organ of unsupported anatomy, the apparatus comprising:
- a handle;
an overtube coupled to the handle, the overtube having proximal and distal ends, an exterior surface, and an interior surface that defines a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends to permit passage of the first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument; and
a disposable sheath having a first portion that extends through the lumen to provide a barrier between the interior surface and the first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument and a second portion that extends over the exterior surface.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for placing and advancing a diagnostic or therapeutic instrument in a hollow body organ of a tortuous or unsupported anatomy, comprising a handle, an overtube disposed within a hydrophilic sheath, and a distal region having an atraumatic tip. The overtube may be removable from the handle, and have a longitudinal axis disposed at an angle relative to the handle. The sheath may be disposable to permit reuse of the overtube. Fail-safe tensioning mechanisms may be provided to selectively stiffen the overtube to reduce distension of the organ caused by advancement of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument. The fail-safe tensioning mechanisms reduce the risk of reconfiguration of the overtube in the event that the tension system fails, and, in one embodiment, rigidizes the overtube without substantial proximal movement of the distal region. The distal region permits passive steering of the overtube caused by deflection of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument, while the atraumatic tip prevents the wall of the organ from becoming caught or pinched during manipulation of the diagnostic or therapeutic instrument.
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Citations
51 Claims
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1. Apparatus for advancing a first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument into a hollow body organ of unsupported anatomy, the apparatus comprising:
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a handle;
an overtube coupled to the handle, the overtube having proximal and distal ends, an exterior surface, and an interior surface that defines a lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends to permit passage of the first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument; and
a disposable sheath having a first portion that extends through the lumen to provide a barrier between the interior surface and the first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument and a second portion that extends over the exterior surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51)
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Specification