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Efficient continuous flow irrigation system

  • US 8,226,549 B2
  • Filed: 10/11/2007
  • Issued: 07/24/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/11/2006
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of establishing a continuous fluid flow through and within a body tissue cavity during an endoscopic procedure, comprising the steps of:

  • providing a continuous flow irrigation endoscope at least partially within a tissue cavity, the endoscope comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end;

    an outer tube, wherein at least a portion of the outer tube has a first diameter;

    an inner tube located within the outer tube, the inner tube having a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter, wherein the inner tube further defines within the outer tube a closed cavity within the body of the endoscope, the closed cavity surrounding an entire circumference of the inner tube; and

    wherein the endoscope further comprises;

    an inflow port formed on an outer circumferential portion of the outer tube at about a proximal end thereof and being configured to allow fluid to enter through the outer tube and into the closed cavity;

    a plurality of perforations formed on an outer circumferential portion of the outer tube at about a distal end thereof and being configured to allow fluid to exit the closed cavity;

    an outflow port formed on an outer circumferential portion of the inner tube at about a proximal end thereof and being configured to allow fluid and/or tissue debris to exit the body of the endoscope through the inner tube;

    wherein a cross-sectional area of the outflow port is about equal to a cross-sectional area of the inner tube,wherein a cross-sectional area of the outflow port is about equal to a cross-sectional area of a distally located opening being in communication with the outflow port, and wherein the inner and the outer tubes touch each other at their distal most ends, the distally located opening representing openings of both the tubes at a position where the tubes make a fluid tight contact with each other, andwherein the inner channel accommodates an optical channel;

    providing an inflow peristaltic pump in communication with the inflow port of the endoscope, to provide fluid into the tissue cavity;

    providing an outflow peristaltic pump in communication with the outflow port of the endoscope, to remove fluid from the tissue cavity through the tube of the endoscope;

    selecting an outflow rotational speed for the outflow peristaltic pump;

    selecting a maximum flow rate at which fluid enters the tissue cavity and, based on the maximum flow rate, selecting an inflow rotational speed for the inflow peristaltic pump;

    activating the inflow peristaltic pump and the outflow peristaltic pump, to allow fluid to flow through the inflow port of the endoscope and into the tissue cavity, and from the tissue cavity through the outflow port of the endoscope, so that pressure inside the tissue cavity rises to a set pressure cavity; and

    maintaining the set pressure cavity for a period of time.

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