Endoscopic contamination protection system to facilitate cleaning of endoscopes
US5518501A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 21, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B46/10
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A coupling cartridge and end cap for protecting an endoscope from contamination during use. The coupling cartridge provides fluid communication between a pair of external fluid conduits and respective channels formed in an endoscope insertion tube, and between a biopsy channel port projecting from the cartridge and an additional insertion tube channel. In one embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by an external fluid control unit that is electrically controlled by respective switches mounted on the control handle of the endoscope. In another embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by a valve mechanism in the coupling cartridge that is controlled by either an actuator on the cartridge or an actuator on the control handle that is mechanically coupled to the valve mechanism. The coupling cartridge may be removed from endoscope after an endoscopic procedure for disposal or rigorous cleaning. The end cap fits onto the distal end of the insertion tube to isolate it from external contamination. A viewing window, an illumination window, and a biopsy channel project from the distal end of the insertion tube and are received…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.