Endoscope having a guide tube
US6837846B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 2, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 2, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61M2025/0681
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endoscope having a guide tube is described herein. The assembly has an endoscope which is slidably insertable within the lumen of a guide tube. The guide tube is configured to be rigidizable along its entire length from a relaxed configuration. The endoscope has a steerable distal portion to facilitate the steering of the device through tortuous paths. In the relaxed configuration, a portion of the guide tube is able to assume the shape or curve defined by the controllable distal portion of the endoscope. Having assumed the shape or curve of the endoscope, the guide tube may be rigidized by the physician or surgeon to maintain that shape or curve while the endoscope is advanced distally through the tortuous path without having to place any undue pressure against the tissue walls.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.