Medical apparatus for use with an endoscope
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for use with an endoscope, the apparatus comprising:
- a track; and
an accessory adapted to slide along the track external of the endoscope;
wherein the track is adapted to be associated with the endoscope such that bending of the track is substantially decoupled from bending of the endoscope.
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Abstract
A guide system for use with an endoscope, and a method of use is disclosed. The guide system can include a track, in the form of a rail, and a mating member for engaging the rail. The guide system can also include an accessory, such as an accessory guide tube through which a medical instrument can be carried external of the endoscope. An end cap can be provided to support the track relative to the distal end of the endoscope.
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Citations
30 Claims
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1. An apparatus for use with an endoscope, the apparatus comprising:
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a track; and
an accessory adapted to slide along the track external of the endoscope;
wherein the track is adapted to be associated with the endoscope such that bending of the track is substantially decoupled from bending of the endoscope. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14)
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12. The apparatus of claim I wherein the track is supported relative to an endoscope such that the track is capable of moving circumferentially with respect to the endoscope.
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15. An apparatus for use with an endoscope, the apparatus comprising:
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a track adapted to be flexibly supported in spaced relationship from the outer surface of an endoscope; and
a mating member in sliding engagement with the track, the mating member having a length substantially equal to or greater than the length of the track. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17)
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18. The apparatus of 15 comprising a flexible sheath for receiving an endoscope, and wherein the track is supported on a flexible flange extending from the flexible sheath.
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19. An apparatus for use with an endoscope, the apparatus comprising:
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a flexible sheath for receiving an endoscope;
a track supported on the flexible sheath. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A medical apparatus comprising:
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a track; and
a track support for supporting the track externally of a medical device;
wherein the track support is adapted to couple the track with a medical device while permitting circumferential motion of the track relative to the medical device. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A guide system for accessing an internal portion of a body of a patient, the guide system comprising:
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a guide rail;
a rail support for coupling the guide rail to a medical device capable of being introduced into the patient;
a mating member adapted to slidably engage the rail; and
a medical accessory associated with the mating member. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30)
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Specification