Bronchoscope adapter and method

• US 9,986,895 B2
• Filed: 11/26/2014
• Issued: 06/05/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 09/27/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Meloul, Raphael
• Primary Examiner(s): Neal, Timothy J
• Assistant Examiner(s): FAIRCHILD, AARON BENJAMIN
• Application Number:
  US14/554,184
• Publication Number:
  US 20150087900A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,287 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00128 mechanical, e.g. for tubes or pipes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/00133 Drive units for endoscopic tools inserted through or with the endoscope
• 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 1/012 characterised by internal passages or accessories therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/018 for receiving instruments
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 1/2676 Bronchoscopes

Abstract

A bronchoscope adapter is configured for one hand operation by providing a slide lock that is captured within a housing and a retaining nut that can be operated with a single finger or thumb. Rotation of the retaining nut is eased by isolating rotational force from a compression block with a spacer ring.

Claims

1. An adapter for a bronchoscope comprising:

a housing;

a retaining nut configured to mate with the housing, wherein the retaining nut forms a lumen therethrough;

a clamping block defining an inner lumen and contained between the housing and the retaining nut such that tightening the retaining nut against the housing compresses the inner lumen, reducing a diameter of the inner lumen; and

a spacer ring between the retaining nut and the clamping block, wherein the spacer ring transfers axial force from the retaining nut to the clamping block while preventing transmission of rotational force from the retaining nut to the clamping block,

wherein a portion of the clamping block passes through the lumen of the retaining nut.

2. The adapter of claim 1 further comprising a gasket seal contained within the housing such that when the housing is placed over a gasket fitting of a bronchoscope access port, the gasket seal is compressed between the housing and the gasket fitting.

3. The adapter of claim 1 further wherein the housing defines a transverse slot.

4. The adapter of claim 3 further comprising a slide lock contained within the transverse slot.

5. The adapter of claim 4, wherein the slide lock defines a longitudinal slot having a small circular end and a larger circular end,

wherein the larger circular end is sized to fit over a gasket fitting of a bronchoscope access port, and

wherein the smaller circular end is sized to engage a surface of the gasket fitting.

6. The adapter for a bronchoscope of claim 1 wherein the retaining nut comprises an extension usable to tighten the retaining nut with a single finger or thumb.

7. The adapter for a bronchoscope of claim 1 wherein the retaining nut comprises an inner sleeve that extends downwardly inside the housing and acts upon the spacer ring when the retaining nut is tightened.

8. The adapter for a bronchoscope of claim 1 wherein the clamping block is elastomeric.