Gastrointestinal endoscopy with attachable intestine pleating structures
US10463235B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2015 |
| Grant date | Nov 5, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 18, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/0067
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Disclosed herein are intestine pleating attachable structures for use with endoscopes and methods for using said structures. The intestine pleating attachable structures may act in conjunction with a gastrointestinal endoscope and, optionally, a balloon to improve visualization during endoscopic procedures. The intestine pleating attachable structures are coupled to the endoscope shaft, and include at least one flexible appendage to enhance contact between the structure and the intestinal wall. When the endoscope is retracted, the flexible appendage assists in moving the intestinal wall relative to the imaging system. This movement causes the intestine to pleat. Pleating reduces looping, improves efficiency, and results in a less painful endoscopic procedure for the patient. The attachable structures may be used in conjunction with a dome-shaped balloon that is inflated at the distal, imaging end of the endoscope. The balloon is transparent, such that the intestinal wall may still be visualized through the balloon while intestinal matter is prevented from obscuring the image.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.