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US6752801B2
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Metal probe for intracorporeal calculi crushing
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 2002-06-27
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Granted: 2004-06-22
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Expires: 2022-06-27
Abstract
Abstract A metal probe for intracorporeal calculi crushing has a point at its distal end with one or several lateral notches next to the probe end. These notches secure a calculus laterally against an adjacent duct wall and thus prevent it from drawing aside when it is crushed by the notch.
Inventors
- 👤 Konrad Engel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:00
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/22; A61B17/22004; A61B17/22012; A61B17/32; A61B17/320068; A61B2017/320072; A61B2017/320078; A61B90/00; A61B90/39; A61B2090/3937
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A metal probe adapted to be introduced into the lumen of an endoscope, a tip of the probe comprising at least one notch, wherein the probe has an elongated shape comprising a lateral outer circumferential surface, and wherein the notch is positioned on the lateral circumferential outer surface wherein the at least one notch of the probe is used for crushing calculi by longitudinal oscillation of the probe tip and fixating calculi against a joining duct wall, and wherein the notch presents a saw-tooth configuration.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
A metal probe adapted to be introduced into the lumen of an endoscope, a tip of the probe comprising at least one notch, wherein the probe has an elongated shape comprising a lateral outer circumferential surface, and wherein the notch is positioned on the lateral circumferential outer surface wherein the at least one notch of the probe is used for crushing calculi by longitudinal oscillation of the probe tip and fixating calculi against a joining duct wall, and wherein the notch presents a saw-tooth configuration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
54 words
The probe of claim 1 wherein the probe tip comprises more than one notch and all of the notches are oriented in the same direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the probe and wherein said notches are configured to be aligned along a surface line parallel with the longitudinal axis of the probe.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The probe of claim 2 wherein said notches are arranged at mutual spacings and that the nominal diameter of the probe tip is retained for gaps between said notches.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The probe of claim 2 wherein the tip of the probe, with the exception of said notch or notches, is made dark or light-absorbing, respectively, and that said notches are made light or light-reflecting, respectively.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The probe of claim 1 wherein the probe has a cylindrical shape.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
12 words
The probe of claim 1 wherein the probe comprises a rounded end.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for crushing a calculus in a lumen of a human body comprising: introducing a metal probe into an endoscope, wherein the metal probe has an elongated shape comprising a central axis parallel to a lateral outer circumferential surface, a tip of the probe comprising at least one notch positioned in the lateral circumferential surface; advancing the tip of the probe through the endoscope; positioning the tip of the probe adjacent the calculus, wherein the at least one notch is directed against the calculus and the calculus is positioned between a lumen wall and the at least one notch; and applying pressure to the tip of the probe to fix the position of the calculus against the lumen wall.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
120 words
A method for crushing a calculus in a lumen of a human body comprising: introducing a metal probe into an endoscope, wherein the metal probe has an elongated shape comprising a central axis parallel to a lateral outer circumferential surface, a tip of the probe comprising at least one notch positioned in the lateral circumferential surface; advancing the tip of the probe through the endoscope; positioning the tip of the probe adjacent the calculus, wherein the at least one notch is directed against the calculus and the calculus is positioned between a lumen wall and the at least one notch; and applying pressure to the tip of the probe to fix the position of the calculus against the lumen wall.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising oscillating the probe longitudinally along the central axis of the probe.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 7 further comprising oscillating the probe using an impact energy device.
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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) | 2007-06-22 | 2007-12-22 | 2008-06-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-06-22 | 2011-12-22 | 2012-06-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-06-22 | 2015-12-22 | 2016-06-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |