Endoscope with a removable suction tube
US6849042B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 9, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 9, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/012
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endoscope has a removable suction tube to facilitate cleaning and reduce the risk of patient infection. The endoscope includes an elongated flexible probe with a housing at its proximal end to control the direction and operation of the probe and for viewing images carried by optical fibers from the distal end of the probe. A recess or slot extending along either the suction tube or probe enables the suction tube to be removably secured to the probe. A suction tube connector at the proximal end of the suction tube allows the suction tube to be removably secured to the housing and also provides a connector for removable attachment to an external suction line. In the preferred embodiment, the suction tube connector includes means for regulating suction through the suction tube, such as a vent opening that can be manually sealed by a healthcare provider.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.