Method and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for endoluminal access comprising:
- an elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, the elongate body configured for insertion within a body lumen and comprising a plurality of links and at least one tensioning wire, with the elongate body having a first substantially flexible state and a second substantially rigid state;
at least two working lumens extending through the elongate body;
first and second articulating elements disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body with the first articulating element pivotally connected to the elongate body near or at the distal region by a first linkage member pivotally connected to a first hinge on the first articulating element and a second hinge on the elongate body;
a first visualization element on the first articulating element;
a second visualization element on the second articulating element;
wherein the first articulating element is movable from an in-line position to an off-axis position relative to the working axis of the elongate body, and wherein a distal opening of at least one of the working lumens is substantially covered by the first articulating element in the in-line position and is substantially uncovered by the first articulating element in the off-axis position.
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Abstract
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access. An elongate body is configured for insertion within a body lumen, conduit, organ, orifice or passageway, the elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, and an articulating element disposed near the distal region, the articulating element configured to articulate off-axis from the working axis of the elongate body. Methods of using apparatus of the present invention are also provided.
147 Citations
27 Claims
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1. Apparatus for endoluminal access comprising:
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an elongate body having a working axis and a distal region, the elongate body configured for insertion within a body lumen and comprising a plurality of links and at least one tensioning wire, with the elongate body having a first substantially flexible state and a second substantially rigid state; at least two working lumens extending through the elongate body; first and second articulating elements disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body with the first articulating element pivotally connected to the elongate body near or at the distal region by a first linkage member pivotally connected to a first hinge on the first articulating element and a second hinge on the elongate body; a first visualization element on the first articulating element; a second visualization element on the second articulating element; wherein the first articulating element is movable from an in-line position to an off-axis position relative to the working axis of the elongate body, and wherein a distal opening of at least one of the working lumens is substantially covered by the first articulating element in the in-line position and is substantially uncovered by the first articulating element in the off-axis position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for obtaining endoluminal access, the method comprising:
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advancing an elongate body into a body lumen, with first and second articulatable elements disposed near or at a distal region of the elongate body; moving the first articulatable element from a position in-line with or adjacent to a working axis of the elongate body to a position out-of-line with the working axis, thereby at least substantially exposing a distal opening of a working lumen in the elongate body; stereoscopically viewing a surgical site within the body lumen; and passing a diagnostic or therapeutic tool through the working lumen while the first articulatable element is maintained in the out-of-line position. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. Apparatus for obtaining endoluminal access, comprising:
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a substantially flexible elongate body having a working axis and a distal region; at least two working lumens extending through the elongate body; first and second articulating elements, with the first articulating element disposed near or at the distal region of the elongate body and pivotally connected to the elongate body near or at the distal region by a linkage member pivotally connected to a first hinge on the first articulating element and a second hinge on the elongate body, wherein the first articulating element is movable from an in-line position to an off-axis position relative to the working axis of the elongate body, and wherein a distal opening of at least one of the working lumens is substantially covered by the first articulating element in the in-line position and is substantially uncovered by the first articulating element in the off-axis position; and the first and second articulating elements each having a visualization element, to provide stereoscopic visualization. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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Specification