Collapsible access channel system

• US 5,503,616 A
• Filed: 01/05/1994
• Issued: 04/02/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 06/10/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Endomedical Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Endomedical Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Jones, Jeffrey S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Apley, Richard J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): FLANAGAN, BEVERLY MEINDL
• Application Number:
  US08/177,779
• Time in Patent Office: 818 Days
• Field of Search: 128/4, 128/844, 128/917, 128/918, 128/919, 128/43, 600/121, 600/123, 600/127, 600/153, 600/156
• US Class Current: 600/153
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00135 Oversleeves mounted on the endoscope prior to insertion
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0014 Fastening element for attaching accessories to the outside of an endoscope, e.g. clips, clamps or bands
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/012 characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/267 for the respiratory tract, e.g. laryngoscopes, bronchoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/273 for the upper alimentary canal, e.g. oesophagoscopes, gastroscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/31 for the rectum, e.g. proctoscopes, sigmoidoscopes , colonoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/32 Devices for opening or enlarging the visual field, e.g. of a tube of the body dilators A61M29/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 17/3431 being collapsible, e.g. made of thin flexible material A61B17/3423 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2017/00296 mounted on an endoscope
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0025 having a collapsible lumen
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0034 characterized by elements which are assembled, connected or fused, e.g. splittable tubes, outer sheaths creating lumina or separate cores making of catheters A61M25/0009
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0035 characterized by a variable lumen cross-section by means of a resilient flexible septum or outer wall
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 2025/0036 with more than four lumina
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 25/0023 by the form of the lumen, e.g. cross-section, variable diameter

Abstract

A channel system for use with a conventional endoscope is provided. The system comprises a collapsible access channel that is connected to a first distal end of the endoscope. The collapsible channel includes an access opening communicating between the two ends of the collapsible channel. The endoscope may be provided with a protective sheath and/or an endcap that is integral with the collapsible channel. The collapsible access channel allows a physician to insert functional instruments such as a biopsy device or tubes for supplying air, water, suction and irrigation.

Claims

1. An access channel system in combination with a conventional endoscope, wherein the endoscope includes an elongated, substantially cylindrical portion having a first distal end and a second proximal end, the access channel system comprising:

a. a collapsible access channel having a first end and a second end, the access channel being adapted to extend freely alongside and exterior to the substantially cylindrical portion;

b. access means within the access channel communicating between the first end and the second end of the access channel; and

c. means to attach the first end of the access channel to the first distal end of the endoscope;

wherein the access channel, once attached to the first distal end of the endoscope, is unattached to the remaining portion of the substantially cylindrical portion of the endoscope so that it may freely move over the surface thereof.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the endoscope is provided with a protective sheath adapted to encompass the elongated portion of the endoscope, the sheath including an endcap adapted to releasably fit over the first end of the endoscope.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the access channel is connected to the protective sheath.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the access channel is connected to the endcap of the protective sheath.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the access channel includes a plurality of channels.

6. An access channel system in combination with a conventional endoscope, wherein the endoscope includes an elongated, substantially cylindrical portion having a first end and a second end, the channel system comprising:

a. a protective sheath adapted to encompass the elongated portion of the endoscope, the sheath including an endcap adapted to releasably fit over the first end of the endoscope;

b. a collapsible access channel having a first end and a second end, the access channel being attached to the endcap and opening thereupon, the access channel being adapted to extend freely alongside and exterior to the elongated, substantially cylindrical portion of the endoscope when the endcap is releasably fit over the first end of the endoscope; and

c. a passageway between the first end and the second end of the access channel providing access to a body cavity;

wherein the access channel is disassociated from the sheath apart from the endcap, and further wherein the access channel is unattached to the substantially cylindrical portion of the endoscope, thereby the access channel is allowed to freely move beneath the sheath and over the surface of the substantially cylindrical portion of the endoscope after the endcap is releasably fit over the first distal end of the endoscope.

7. The system of claim 6 wherein the access channel includes a plurality of channels.

8. An access channel system for use with a conventional endoscope, wherein the endoscope includes an elongated, substantially cylindrical portion having a first end and a second end, the channel system comprising:

a. an endcap adapted to releasably fit over the first end of the endoscope; and

b. a collapsible access channel attached to and opening upon the endcap, the access channel having a first end and a second end, the access channel being adapted to extend freely alongside and exterior to the elongated, substantially cylindrical portion of the endoscope when the endcap is releasably fit over the first end of the endoscope;

wherein the access channel is unattached to the substantially cylindrical portion of the endoscope so that it may freely move over the surface of the substantially cylindrical portion of the endoscope after the endcap is releasably fit over the first distal end of the endoscope.

9. The access channel system of claim 8, wherein the endcap is formed from substantially rigid material.

10. The access channel system of claim 8, wherein the endcap is formed from substantially flexible elastomeric material.