Compositions, methods and apparatus for inhibiting fogging of endoscope lenses
First Claim
1. A method for eliminating fogging of an endoscope lens which comprises:
- introducing a distal end portion of an endoscope into a body;
passing a fluid composition comprising polyalkylene oxide through a conduit in the endoscope; and
contacting a lens associated with said distal end portion of said endoscope with the composition comprising polyoxyalkylene which has been passed through the conduit while said lens remains within the body.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Methods for preventing and/or eliminating fogging of endoscope lenses during an endoscopic procedure which include the steps of introducing an endoscope into a body cavity and contacting the endoscope lens with a biocompatible and biodegradable composition containing a polyalkylene oxide while the lens is positioned within the body. Alternatively, the endoscope may be coated with a biocompatible polyHEMA coating which is activated by a biocompatible solution, such as water or saline, which may be introduced during use through a fluid conduit on the endoscope. Devices for preventing and/or eliminating fogging of endoscope lenses during endoscopic procedures and conveying antifogging solutions to the distal end of the endoscope are also provided, and may include a distensible applicator.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A method for eliminating fogging of an endoscope lens which comprises:
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introducing a distal end portion of an endoscope into a body; passing a fluid composition comprising polyalkylene oxide through a conduit in the endoscope; and contacting a lens associated with said distal end portion of said endoscope with the composition comprising polyoxyalkylene which has been passed through the conduit while said lens remains within the body. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A surgical apparatus comprising:
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a) an endoscope having an elongated insertion member; b) at least one lens disposed adjacent a distal end of said member; c) a reservoir containing an antifogging solution comprising polyalkylene oxide, said reservoir being operatively associated with said member; and d) means for selectively directing a quantity of said solution comprising polyalkylene oxide from said reservoir to said at least one lens while said distal end of said endoscope is positioned within a body. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9)
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10. A surgical apparatus comprising:
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an endoscope having a distal end and a proximal end and a lens disposed at said distal end having an exposed distal surface, said distal lens surface being coated with a composition comprising polyHEMA; and a conduit for conveying fluid from said proximal end to said distal end and directing said fluid onto at least a portion of said distal lens surface. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of preventing fogging of an endoscope comprising:
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coating the distal lens of an endoscope with a solution of polyHEMA; drying the solution to form a polyHEMA coating on the distal lens; inserting the endoscope into a mammalian body; applying antifogging solution to the distal lens surface through a fluid conduit on the endoscope. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification