System of accessories for use with bronchoscopes

• US 8,663,088 B2
• Filed: 12/02/2009
• Issued: 03/04/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/15/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Greenburg, Benny, Belcher, Danny, Griefner, Gil, Becker, Heinrich
• Primary Examiner(s): Kasztejna, Matthew J
• Assistant Examiner(s): HENDERSON, RYAN N
• Application Number:
  US12/629,857
• Publication Number:
  US 20100198015A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,553 Days
• Field of Search: 600/102, 600121-125, 600/131, 224/217, 224/218, 224/242, 224/247, 224/250, 224/251, 224/255, 229/25, 229/26, 229137-172, 229/175, 229/901.2, 229/901.4, 229/901.8, 229 271- 34, 401/8, D32/02, D32031-2038, D32/04, D3215-230, 220/696, 220/710.5, 220737-379, 220/752, 220/756, 2 16- 24, 2158-170, 206205-2131, 2063151-31511, 43/212, 43/26, 43/541
• US Class Current: 600/102
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00128 mechanical, e.g. for tubes or pipes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00137 End pieces at either end of the endoscope, e.g. caps, seals or forceps plugs
• 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 1/00147 Holding or positioning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/0052 Constructional details of control elements, e.g. handles
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/012 characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/018 for receiving instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/2676 Bronchoscopes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/50 Supports for surgical instruments, e.g. articulated arms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/53 connected to the surgeon's body, e.g. by a belt
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/57 Accessory clamps
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2/20 Clips, i.e. with gripping action effected solely by the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
• CPC Class Codes: F16B 2/243 internal, i.e. with spreading action

Abstract

A clip or flexible handles extension facilitate simultaneous retention and operation of a bronchoscope and associated bronchoscopic tools held in one hand to allow operation by a single practitioner. Also provided is an adapter for the connection port of the working channel of a bronchoscope which performs both sealing and tool-locking functions. Also disclosed is a guide sheath arrangement with a reduced flexibility proximal portion to facilitate insertion of tools into the guide sheath.

Claims

1. A handle extension for use with a handle of a bronchoscope, comprising:

(a) a flexible wrap-around layer provided with complementary regions of a Velcro fastening arrangement configured to form a conical sleeve defining open ends and a through-bore for receiving the bronchoscope handle;

(b) a hand loop extending from a first end of the conical sleeve to a second end of the conical sleeve, the hand loop configured for receiving a palm of a hand of a user; and

(c) an accessory extension strap extending from the flexible wrap-around layer and configured for suspending an accessory below the conical sleeve such that the accessory hangs in an accessory loop defined by the accessory extension strap while the bronchoscope is in use;

wherein the hand loop and the accessory extension strap are configured to allow a user to release said bronchoscope and grab said accessory, thereby causing the bronchoscope to hang from a back of the hand of the user.

2. The handle extension of claims 1, wherein the accessory extension strap is configured with a releasable fastening configuration to releasably form the suspension loop.