SEGMENTED COLONOSCOPE
First Claim
1. A colonoscope comprising:
- an elongated body extending between a proximal and a distal end;
a tip arranged on the distal end of the elongated body; and
a handle arranged on the proximal end of the elongated body;
wherein the elongated body generally increases in diameter and flexibility from the distal end to the proximal end.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A colonoscope includes an elongated body extending between a proximal and a distal end, a tip arranged on the distal end of the elongated body, and a handle arranged on the proximal end of the elongated body, wherein the elongated body generally increases in diameter and flexibility from the distal end to the proximal end. The elongated body preferably has a plurality of segments, each more proximal segment having a larger diameter than each adjacent more distal segment and/or each more proximal segment being more flexible than each adjacent more distal segment. A method for manufacturing a colonoscope includes selecting a length for each segment such that a most distal segment will extend far enough into a corresponding most distal section of the colon to be examined with each more proximal segment advanced through a corresponding more proximal section of the colon.
63 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A colonoscope comprising:
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an elongated body extending between a proximal and a distal end; a tip arranged on the distal end of the elongated body; and a handle arranged on the proximal end of the elongated body; wherein the elongated body generally increases in diameter and flexibility from the distal end to the proximal end. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for manufacturing a colonoscope, the method comprising the steps of:
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selecting a number of segments for the colonoscope corresponding to the number of sections of a colon to be examined during a complete colonoscopy; selecting a length for each segment such that a most distal segment will extend far enough into a corresponding most distal section of the colon to be examined with each more proximal segment advanced through a corresponding more proximal section of the colon; and assembling a colonoscope based on the selections. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A colonoscope comprising:
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an elongated body extending between a distal and a proximal end, and having a plurality of segments each more distal segment being less flexible and narrower than each adjacent more proximal segment; a tip arranged on the distal end of the elongated body; and a handle arranged on the proximal end of the elongated body. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification