US6740030B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Endoscope assemblies having working channels with reduced bending and stretching resistance
Assignee: Cogentix Medical Inc
•
Filing: 2002-01-04
•
Granted: 2004-05-25
•
Expires: 2022-01-04
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and methods for endoscope assemblies having working channels with reduced bending and stretching resistance are disclosed. In one embodiment, an endoscope assembly includes a sheath having a body portion adapted to at least partially encapsulate an endoscopic insertion tube, and a working channel attached to the body portion and extending along at least a portion of the body portion. The working channel includes a component for reducing the resistance of the assembly to bending and stretching. In alternate aspects, the working channel may include a cut, a gap, a sliding portion, or an expansion section. Endoscope assemblies having a working channel in accordance with the invention advantageously reduce the articulation and stretching resistance of the assembly during articulation of the endoscope assembly. Also, because the axial forces (tension and compression) within the working channel are reduced, the working channel can be fabricated out of a relatively hard, inelastic material, thereby reducing the friction within the working channel and improving the physician's ability to perform a medical procedure.
Inventors
- 👤 Stephen Martone
- 👤 Katsumi Oneda
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 02:17
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/00064; A61B1/00071; A61B1/00131; A61B1/00135; A61B1/0014; A61B1/005; A61B1/0051; A61B1/0055; A61B1/012; A61B1/018; A61B1/00142; A61B10/00; A61B10/02; A61B10/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 63
Claim 1
Independent Claim
125 words
A sheath assembly adapted for use with an endoscopic insertion tube having a working end adapted to be insertable into a patient, the sheath assembly comprising: a body portion adapted to encapsulate a substantial portion of the insertion tube, including a working end of the insertion tube, the body portion having a distal end adapted to be proximate the working end of the insertion tube when the body portion is positioned to substantially encapsulate the insertion tube; and a working channel attached to the body portion proximate the distal end and having a sliding portion extending along at least a part of the body portion, the sliding portion being axially slideable along the body portion when the working channel is subjected to an axial force.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
125 words
A sheath assembly adapted for use with an endoscopic insertion tube having a working end adapted to be insertable into a patient, the sheath assembly comprising: a body portion adapted to encapsulate a substantial portion of the insertion tube, including a working end of the insertion tube, the body portion having a distal end adapted to be proximate the working end of the insertion tube when the body portion is positioned to substantially encapsulate the insertion tube; and a working channel attached to the body portion proximate the distal end and having a sliding portion extending along at least a part of the body portion, the sliding portion being axially slideable along the body portion when the working channel is subjected to an axial force.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the sliding portion is coupled to the body portion by a sleeve support.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the working channel comprises a collapsible channel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the working channel includes a fitting attached to a proximal end thereof.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
47 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the working channel includes a fitting attached to a proximal end thereof, the assembly further comprising a collar attached to the body portion, the collar slideably receiving and guiding the fitting when the working channel is subjected to the axial force.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a collar attached to the body portion, the collar slideably receiving and guiding a proximal end of the working channel when the working channel is subjected to the axial force.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
60 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the working channel is adapted to slideably receive at least a portion of a medical device having an operating end, the working channel comprising an enlarged end portion proximate the distal end of the body portion, the enlarged end portion being adapted to at least partially receive the operating end of the medical device.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the working channel comprises a channel fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of TEFLON®, urethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, polycarbonate, and polyethylene terephthalate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the body portion includes an end cap adapted to encapsulate a working end of the insertion tube.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
70 words
The assembly of claim 1 wherein the working channel is attached to the body portion proximate a first end of the working channel, the working channel including a second end opposite from the first end, and an expansion section coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the expansion section including an expansion member that is axially expandable when the working channel is subjected to an axial tension force.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
99 words
An endoscopic assembly, comprising: an elongated insertion tube having a working end; a sheath assembly including a body portion that encapsulates a substantial portion of the insertion tube, including the working end of the insertion tube, the body portion having a distal end proximate the working end of the insertion tube; and a working channel attached to the body portion proximate the distal end and having a sliding portion extending along at least a part of the body portion, the sliding portion being axially slideable along the body portion when the working channel is subjected to an axial force.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
99 words
An endoscopic assembly, comprising: an elongated insertion tube having a working end; a sheath assembly including a body portion that encapsulates a substantial portion of the insertion tube, including the working end of the insertion tube, the body portion having a distal end proximate the working end of the insertion tube; and a working channel attached to the body portion proximate the distal end and having a sliding portion extending along at least a part of the body portion, the sliding portion being axially slideable along the body portion when the working channel is subjected to an axial force.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 11 wherein the sliding portion is coupled to the body portion by a sleeve support.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
13 words
The assembly of claim 11 wherein the working channel comprises a collapsible channel.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 11 wherein the working channel includes a fitting attached to a proximal end thereof.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
47 words
The assembly of claim 11 wherein the working channel includes a fitting attached to a proximal end thereof, the assembly further comprising a collar attached to the body portion, the collar slideably receiving and guiding the fitting when the working channel is subjected to the axial force.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
The assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a collar attached to the body portion, the collar slideably receiving and guiding a proximal end of the working channel when the working channel is subjected to the axial force.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
60 words
The assembly of claim 11 wherein the working channel is adapted to slideably receive at least a portion of a medical device having an operating end, the working channel comprising an enlarged end portion proximate the distal end of the body portion, the enlarged end portion being adapted to at least partially receive the operating end of the medical device.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
32 words
The assembly of claim 11 wherein the working channel comprises a channel fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of TEFLON®, urethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, polycarbonate, and polyethylene terephthalate.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
22 words
The assembly of claim 11 wherein the body portion includes an end cap that encapsulates the working end of the insertion tube.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
71 words
The assembly of claim 11 , wherein the working channel is attached to the body portion proximate a first end of the working channel, the working channel including a second end opposite from the first end, and an expansion section coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the expansion section including an expansion member that is axially expandable when the working channel is subjected to an axial tension force.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assembly of claim 11 , further comprising a headpiece attached to the insertion tube.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
183 words
A sheath assembly adapted for use with an endoscopic insertion tube having a working end adapted to be insertable into a patient and a proximal end adapted to remain external to the patient, the sheath assembly comprising: a body portion adapted to encapsulate a substantial portion of the insertion tube, including the working end of the insertion tube, the body portion having first and second ends adapted to be proximate the working and proximal ends, respectively, of the insertion tube when the body portion is positioned to substantially encapsulate the insertion tube; and a working channel attached to the body portion proximate the first end, the working channel having a sliding portion extending along a first part of the body portion, the sliding portion being axially slideable along the first part of the body portion when the working channel is subjected to an axial force, the working channel further including an expansion section coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the expansion section including an expansion member that is axially expandable when the working channel is subjected to the axial force.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
183 words
A sheath assembly adapted for use with an endoscopic insertion tube having a working end adapted to be insertable into a patient and a proximal end adapted to remain external to the patient, the sheath assembly comprising: a body portion adapted to encapsulate a substantial portion of the insertion tube, including the working end of the insertion tube, the body portion having first and second ends adapted to be proximate the working and proximal ends, respectively, of the insertion tube when the body portion is positioned to substantially encapsulate the insertion tube; and a working channel attached to the body portion proximate the first end, the working channel having a sliding portion extending along a first part of the body portion, the sliding portion being axially slideable along the first part of the body portion when the working channel is subjected to an axial force, the working channel further including an expansion section coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the expansion section including an expansion member that is axially expandable when the working channel is subjected to the axial force.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
37 words
The assembly of claim 22 wherein the body portion of the sheath assembly is adapted to be axially stretched onto the insertion tube when the body portion is positioned to at least partially encapsulate the insertion tube.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
42 words
The assembly of claim 22 wherein the expansion section comprises a corrugated member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to the axial force.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
56 words
The assembly of claim 22 wherein the expansion section comprises a corrugated member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to an axial tension force and contract when the working channel is subjected to an axial compression force.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
64 words
The assembly of claim 22 wherein the expansion section comprises: a corrugated inner member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated inner member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to the axial force; and a flexible outer member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end and encapsulating the corrugated inner member.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
53 words
The assembly of claim 22 wherein the expansion section comprises: a corrugated inner member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated inner member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to the axial force; and an outer member encapsulating the corrugated inner member.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assembly of claim 22 wherein the expansion section comprises a flexible resilient portion coupled between the sliding portion and the second end.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 22 wherein the sliding portion is coupled to the body portion by a sleeve support.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 22 wherein the working channel includes a fitting attached to the second end thereof.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
32 words
The assembly of claim 22 wherein the working channel comprises a channel fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of TEFLON®, urethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, polycarbonate, and polyethylene terephthalate.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assembly of claim 22 wherein the body portion includes an end cap adapted to encapsulate a working end of the insertion tube.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
164 words
An endoscopic assembly, comprising: an elongated insertion tube having a working end adapted to be insertable into a patient and a proximal end adapted to remain external to the patient; a sheath assembly comprising a body portion that encapsulates a substantial portion of the insertion tube, including the working end of the insertion tube, the body portion having first and second ends proximate the working and proximal ends, respectively, of the insertion tube; and a working channel attached to the body portion proximate the first end, the working channel having a sliding portion extending along a first part of the body portion, the sliding portion being axially slideable along the first part of the body portion when the working channel is subjected to an axial force, the working channel further including an expansion section coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the expansion section including an expansion member that is axially expandable when the working channel is subjected to the axial force.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
164 words
An endoscopic assembly, comprising: an elongated insertion tube having a working end adapted to be insertable into a patient and a proximal end adapted to remain external to the patient; a sheath assembly comprising a body portion that encapsulates a substantial portion of the insertion tube, including the working end of the insertion tube, the body portion having first and second ends proximate the working and proximal ends, respectively, of the insertion tube; and a working channel attached to the body portion proximate the first end, the working channel having a sliding portion extending along a first part of the body portion, the sliding portion being axially slideable along the first part of the body portion when the working channel is subjected to an axial force, the working channel further including an expansion section coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the expansion section including an expansion member that is axially expandable when the working channel is subjected to the axial force.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
34 words
The assembly of claim 33 wherein the body portion of the sheath assembly is axially stretched onto the insertion tube when the body portion is positioned to at least partially encapsulate the insertion tube.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
42 words
The assembly of claim 33 wherein the expansion section comprises a corrugated member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to the axial force.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
56 words
The assembly of claim 33 wherein the expansion section comprises a corrugated member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to an axial tension force and contract when the working channel is subjected to an axial compression force.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
64 words
The assembly of claim 33 wherein the expansion section comprises: a corrugated inner member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated inner member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to the axial force; and a flexible outer member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end and encapsulating the corrugated inner member.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
53 words
The assembly of claim 33 wherein the expansion section comprises: a corrugated inner member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated inner member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to the axial force; and an outer member encapsulating the corrugated inner member.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assembly of claim 33 wherein the expansion section comprises a flexible resilient portion coupled between the sliding portion and the second end.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
19 words
The assembly of claim 33 wherein the sliding portion is coupled to the body portion by a sleeve support.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The assembly of claim 33 wherein the working channel includes a fitting attached to the second end thereof.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
32 words
The assembly of claim 33 wherein the working channel comprises a channel fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of TEFLON®, urethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), acrylic, polycarbonate, and polyethylene terephthalate.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
23 words
The assembly of claim 33 wherein the body portion includes an end cap adapted to encapsulate a working end of the insertion tube.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
15 words
The assembly of claim 33 , further comprising a headpiece attached to the insertion tube.
Claim 49
Independent Claim
199 words
A method of performing a procedure using an endoscopic insertion tube having a working end adapted to be insertable into a patient and a proximal end adapted to remain external to the patient, comprising: providing a sheath assembly having a body portion that encapsulates a substantial portion of the insertion tube, including the working end of the insertion tube, the body portion having a distal end proximate the working end of the insertion tube; providing a working channel attached to the body portion proximate the distal end and having a sliding portion extending along at least a first part of the body portion, the sliding portion being axially slideable along the first part of the body portion when the working channel is subjected to an axial force, the working channel further including an expansion section coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the expansion section including an expansion member that is axially expandable when the working channel is subjected to the axial force; and exerting an axial force on the working channel to axially slide the sliding portion of the working channel along the first part of the body portion and to axially expand the expansion member.
Claim 50
Independent Claim
199 words
A method of performing a procedure using an endoscopic insertion tube having a working end adapted to be insertable into a patient and a proximal end adapted to remain external to the patient, comprising: providing a sheath assembly having a body portion that encapsulates a substantial portion of the insertion tube, including the working end of the insertion tube, the body portion having a distal end proximate the working end of the insertion tube; providing a working channel attached to the body portion proximate the distal end and having a sliding portion extending along at least a first part of the body portion, the sliding portion being axially slideable along the first part of the body portion when the working channel is subjected to an axial force, the working channel further including an expansion section coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the expansion section including an expansion member that is axially expandable when the working channel is subjected to the axial force; and exerting an axial force on the working channel to axially slide the sliding portion of the working channel along the first part of the body portion and to axially expand the expansion member.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method of claim 45 wherein providing a working channel attached to the body portion comprises providing a working channel including an expansion section having a corrugated member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to the axial force.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
71 words
The method of claim 45 wherein providing a working channel attached to the body portion comprises providing a working channel including an expansion section having a corrugated member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to an axial tension force and contract when the working channel is subjected to an axial compression force.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
79 words
The method of claim 45 wherein providing a working channel attached to the body portion comprises providing a working channel including an expansion section comprising: a corrugated inner member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated inner member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to the axial force; and a flexible outer member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end and encapsulating the corrugated inner member.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
68 words
The method of claim 45 wherein providing a working channel attached to the body portion comprises providing a working channel including an expansion section comprising: a corrugated inner member coupled between the sliding portion and the second end, the corrugated inner member including a plurality of corrugations that expand when the working channel is subjected to the axial force; and an outer member encapsulating the corrugated inner member.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 45 wherein providing a working channel attached to the body portion comprises providing a working channel including an expansion section having a flexible resilient portion coupled between the sliding portion and the second end.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 45 wherein providing a working channel attached to the body portion comprises providing a working channel having a sliding portion coupled to the body portion by a sleeve support.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 45 wherein providing a working channel attached to the body portion comprises providing a collapsible channel attached to the body portion.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
48 words
The method of claim 45 wherein providing a working channel attached to the body portion comprises providing a working channel having a first end proximate the distal end and a second end opposite from the first end, the working channel including a fitting attached to the second end.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 45 wherein exerting an axial force on the working channel comprises articulating a bending section of the insertion tube to apply the axial force on the working channel.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 45 wherein exerting an axial force on the working channel comprises stretching the body portion of the sheath assembly onto the insertion tube to apply an axial tension force on the working channel.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 45 , further comprising inserting a medical device through the working channel.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 45 wherein providing a working channel includes providing a working channel having an enlarged end portion, further comprising drawing a medical device into the enlarged end portion of working channel.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 45 , further comprising inserting working end of the insertion tube into a patient.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-05-25 | 2007-11-24 | 2008-05-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-05-25 | 2011-11-24 | 2012-05-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-05-25 | 2015-11-24 | 2016-05-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |