SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BIOFILM REMOVAL, INCLUDING A BIOFILM REMOVAL ENDOSCOPE FOR USE THEREWITH
First Claim
1. A method of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient, the method comprising:
- providing a bacterial biofilm removal system including;
a biofilm removal endoscope having an insertion portion terminating at a working end, the insertion portion forming an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window disposed at the working end, andan irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle carried at the working end, the imaging and irrigation channels be permanently affixed relative to one another;
inserting the insertion portion into the patient;
disposing the working end proximate the target site, the target site including a layer of bacterial biofilm adhered to a surface;
imaging the target site with the biofilm removal endoscope via the viewing window; and
dispensing a flow of fluid toward the target site with the biofilm removal endoscope via the nozzle to mechanically remove a substantial portion of the layer of bacterial biofilm from the surface.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.
113 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A method of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient, the method comprising:
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providing a bacterial biofilm removal system including; a biofilm removal endoscope having an insertion portion terminating at a working end, the insertion portion forming an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window disposed at the working end, and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle carried at the working end, the imaging and irrigation channels be permanently affixed relative to one another; inserting the insertion portion into the patient; disposing the working end proximate the target site, the target site including a layer of bacterial biofilm adhered to a surface; imaging the target site with the biofilm removal endoscope via the viewing window; and dispensing a flow of fluid toward the target site with the biofilm removal endoscope via the nozzle to mechanically remove a substantial portion of the layer of bacterial biofilm from the surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system for removal of bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient, the system comprising:
a biofilm removal endoscope including; a handle, an insertion portion adapted for bodily insertion, the insertion portion forming; an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window that facilitates imaging of the target site, and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle projecting distally beyond the viewing window, wherein the endoscope is configured such that pressurized fluid delivered through the irrigation channel is directed by the nozzle away from the viewing window to impinge upon a layer of bacterial biofilm at the target site. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
Specification