ENDOSCOPIC SHEATH ASSEMBLY
First Claim
1. A sheath assembly for an endoscope, the endoscope having a handle portion and an elongate scope portion extending from the handle portion to a tip, the sheath assembly comprising:
- an elongate tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first distal end opening located at a distal end thereof and a first proximal end opening located at a proximal end thereof, the body comprising;
a first wall section extending radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen, the scope portion of the endoscope being receivable coaxially in the scope lumen with the distal end of the body being disposed adjacent the endoscope tip and the proximal end of the body being disposed adjacent the handle portion of the endoscope; and
a second wall section extending radially about at least a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally along the longitudinal axis between a second distal end opening adjacent the first distal end opening and a second proximal end opening adjacent the first proximal end opening, the first and the second wall sections defining an integral suction lumen therebetween connectable in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure; and
a plug mated with the distal end opening of the body for closing the scope lumen, the plug having a lens surface through which light or other energy is transmissible to or from the endoscope tip.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A sheath assembly for an endoscope includes an elongate tubular body and a plug. The endoscope has a handle portion and a scope portion extending therefrom to a tip. The body includes first and second wall sections and extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second distal openings located at distal and proximal ends thereof, respectively. The first wall section extends radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen. The scope portion is receivable in the scope lumen with the distal and proximal ends. The second wall section extends radially about a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally between second distal and proximal end openings. The first and second wall sections define an integral suction lumen in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure. The plug is mated with the distal end opening and includes a lens surface through which energy is transmissible.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A sheath assembly for an endoscope, the endoscope having a handle portion and an elongate scope portion extending from the handle portion to a tip, the sheath assembly comprising:
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an elongate tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first distal end opening located at a distal end thereof and a first proximal end opening located at a proximal end thereof, the body comprising; a first wall section extending radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen, the scope portion of the endoscope being receivable coaxially in the scope lumen with the distal end of the body being disposed adjacent the endoscope tip and the proximal end of the body being disposed adjacent the handle portion of the endoscope; and a second wall section extending radially about at least a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally along the longitudinal axis between a second distal end opening adjacent the first distal end opening and a second proximal end opening adjacent the first proximal end opening, the first and the second wall sections defining an integral suction lumen therebetween connectable in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure; and a plug mated with the distal end opening of the body for closing the scope lumen, the plug having a lens surface through which light or other energy is transmissible to or from the endoscope tip. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13)
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12. A sheath assembly for an endoscope, the endoscope having a handle portion and an elongate scope portion extending from the handle portion to a tip, the sheath assembly comprising:
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an elongate tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first distal end opening located at a distal end thereof and a first proximal end opening located at a proximal end thereof, the body comprising; a first wall section extending radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen, the scope portion of the endoscope being receivable coaxially in the scope lumen with the distal end of the body being disposed adjacent the endoscope tip and the proximal end of the body being disposed adjacent the handle portion of the endoscope; and a second wall section extending radially about at least a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally along the longitudinal axis between a second distal end opening adjacent the first distal end opening and a second proximal end opening adjacent the first proximal end opening, the first and the second wall sections defining an integral suction lumen therebetween connectable in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure; a plug mated with the distal end opening of the body for closing the scope lumen, the plug having a lens surface through which light or other energy is transmissible to or from the endoscope tip; and a connector extending longitudinally between a forward end portion that coaxially surrounds the first and second proximal end openings and a rearward end portion configured to fit onto the handle portion of the endoscope.
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14. A method for detecting a leak in a sheath assembly, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a sheath assembly comprising an elongate tubular body and a plug, the elongate tubular body comprising first and second wall sections, the first wall section extending radially about a longitudinal axis of the body to define a scope lumen, the second wall section extending radially about at least a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally along the longitudinal axis between a second distal end opening adjacent the first distal end opening and a second proximal end opening adjacent the first proximal end opening, the first and the second wall sections defining an integral suction lumen therebetween connectable in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure, the plug being mated with the distal end opening of the body, the plug having a lens surface through which light or other energy is transmissible to or from the scope tip; immersing a portion of the body into a fluid-filled container; and monitoring the container for the presence of at least one bubble emanating from the portion of the body; wherein the presence of at least one bubble indicates a leak in the portion of the body. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification