Method of using an optical female urethroscope
US5855549A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 3, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 3, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2217/007
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A female urethroscope includes a detachable, disposable semi-flexible sheath for insertion into a female's urethra. The sheath is provided with plurality of channels. One of the channels may receive an endoscope for optical examination of an operative site within the urethra. The remaining channels may be used for suction, drainage, or irrigation of the operative site. The disposable sheath provides a significant improvement in the efficiency and sterility of internal surgical procedures, and is specifically sized and configured for comfortable use in the female's urethra. Further, the urethroscope includes an inflation medium for applying pressure to, and relieving such pressure from, the interior walls of the female's urethra. In a particular embodiment for use as a female urethroscope, the urethroscope has a tube-shaped member having an insertion portion dimensioned for comfortable insertion into a female patient's urethra. The overall diameter of the distal end of the instrument preferably is less than about 7 mm, and most preferably is less than about 4 mm. The length of an insertion portion preferably is less than about 150 mm.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.