Endoscopic devices and methods using same

US11179027B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of Colorado, a Body Corporate · US

Inventors

• Mark Rentschler · Boulder, US
• Levin Sliker · Colorado Springs, US
• Madalyn Diane Kern · Broomfield, US
• Joseph M. Prendergast · Boulder, US
• William S. Smith · Baltimore, US
• Kyle Galbraith · Santa Rosa, US
• James Depoy · Parker, US
• Karina Rose Laguardia · Boulder, US
• Andrew Patrick Gloor · Salida, US
• Derek Sawyer · Colorado Springs, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 5, 2016
• Grant date: Nov 23, 2021
• Expiry date: Apr 11, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61M25/1011
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The invention provides devices that can be used for any endoscopy procedure. In certain embodiments, the devices of the invention reduce the occurrence of looping in the most difficult segment of the colon to navigate—the splenic flexure. In other embodiments, the devices of the invention make colonoscopies more comfortable for patients and reduce the risk of damage to the colon. In yet other embodiments, the devices of the invention comprise a supportive, friction-reducing device that can be attached to the tip of existing endoscopes to help the scope advance better through the colon and intestinal tract.