Endoscope having a guide tube
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An endoscope having a guide tube is described herein. The assembly has an endoscope which is slidably insertable within the lumen of a guide tube. The guide tube is configured to be rigidizable along its entire length from a relaxed configuration. The endoscope has a steerable distal portion to facilitate the steering of the device through tortuous paths. In the relaxed configuration, a portion of the guide tube is able to assume the shape or curve defined by the controllable distal portion of the endoscope. Having assumed the shape or curve of the endoscope, the guide tube may be rigidized by the physician or surgeon to maintain that shape or curve while the endoscope is advanced distally through the tortuous path without having to place any undue pressure against the tissue walls.
-
Citations
25 Claims
-
1-19. -19. (canceled)
-
20. A method for advancing a first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument having a steerable distal tip into an unsupported, hollow body organ, the method comprising:
-
providing an apparatus having a handle, an overtube coupled to the handle, the overtube comprising an elongated portion having a distal opening, a lumen extending therethrough to permit passage of the first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument, and a flexible distal region, and an atraumatic tip disposed on the flexible distal region;
inserting the first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument through the lumen so that the steerable distal tip is aligned with the flexible distal region; and
navigating the first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument together with the overtube through the unsupported, hollow body organ by steering the steerable distal tip of the first diagnostic or therapeutic instrument, thereby deflecting the flexible distal region of the overtube. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
-
Specification