Shaft for a flexible endoscope and flexible endoscope
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A shaft adapted for a flexible endoscope, comprising:
- a tube having an outer surface adapted to be in contact with a body tissue of a patient; and
said outer surface includes a plurality of depressions of microscopic width, depth, and length;
wherein said plurality of depressions reduces friction as said tube slides along the body tissue.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A shaft is provided for a flexible endoscope. The shaft has a tubular mantle whose outer surface contacts a body tissue of a patient during use of said endoscope. The outer surface of said shaft is microscopically roughened, for example by sand blasting.
217 Citations
33 Claims
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1. A shaft adapted for a flexible endoscope, comprising:
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a tube having an outer surface adapted to be in contact with a body tissue of a patient; and
said outer surface includes a plurality of depressions of microscopic width, depth, and length;
wherein said plurality of depressions reduces friction as said tube slides along the body tissue. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A flexible endoscope having a shaft, comprising:
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a tube having an outer surface adapted to be in contact with a body tissue of a patient; and
said outer surface includes a plurality of depressions of microscopic width, depth, and length;
wherein said plurality of depressions reduces friction as said tube slides along the body tissue. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A shaft adapted for a flexible endoscope, comprising:
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a tube having an outer surface adapted to be in contact with a body tissue of a patient;
said outer surface includes a plurality of depressions; and
said plurality of depressions have an average roughness value of approximately 0.1 μ
m to approximately 1.6 μ
m;
wherein said plurality of depressions reduces friction as said tube slides along the body tissue.
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20. A method for providing a shaft adapted for a flexible endoscope, comprising the steps of:
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providing a tube having an outer surface adapted to be in contact with a body tissue of patent; and
providing a plurality of depressions of microscopic width, depth, and length on the outer surface;
wherein said plurality of depressions reduces friction as said tube slides along the body tissue. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A method for providing a flexible endoscope having a shaft, comprising the steps of:
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providing a tube having an outer surface adapted to be in contact with a body tissue of a patient; and
providing a plurality of depressions of microscopic width, depth, and length on the outer surface;
wherein said plurality of depressions reduces friction as said tube slides along the body tissue. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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Specification