Self-retracting endoscope
US5738629A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 5, 1995 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 5, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M25/1006
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A first inflatable retraction device has a first inflatable chamber and a non-pressurized chamber inside the main chamber. The non-pressurized chamber is expanded by inflating a second inflatable chamber. The non-pressurized chamber enables the main chamber to remain inflated when an aperture is cut in the envelope of the main chamber, through which treatment is carried out. A second inflatable retraction device has an inflatable retractor and a maintainer. The inflatable retractor retracts the organ and the maintainer maintains the organ in its retracted condition after the inflatable retractor is deflated. The maintainer can be inflatable, and can be inside or outside the inflatable retractor. A self-retracting endoscope has an optical assembly with an expandable retractor fitted to its distal end. The distal end of the endoscope is inserted into the body with the retractor in a collapsed condition. The retractor is then expanded to retract organs that would otherwise obstruct the view from the distal end of the optical assembly. After observations are complete, the retractor is returned to its collapsed condition. An insertion tube enables cylindrical objects, such as packaged i…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.