Systems and methods for biofilm removal, including a biofilm removal endoscope for use therewith
First Claim
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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 and projecting distally beyond the viewing window, the imaging and irrigation channels -being 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 directly toward the target site and away from the endoscope with the biofilm removal endoscope via the nozzle to mechanically remove a substantial portion of the layer of bacterial biofilm from the surface.
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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.
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Citations
13 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 and projecting distally beyond the viewing window, the imaging and irrigation channels -being 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 directly toward the target site and away from the endoscope 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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Specification