Method and apparatus for facilitating urological procedures
US6994667B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/07
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A flexible direct vision fiberoptical viewing cable is placed within a urinary catheter with its tip located at a distal end of the catheter such that the surfaces of the distal end of both the viewing cable and the catheter are aligned so as to fit together in such a way as to form a composite smoothly curved surface to facilitate negotiating obstructions. The cable is maintained in this position within the catheter with the surfaces that comprise the tip of the instrument, maintained in alignment. The urethra is then viewed therethrough during all or part of the insertion procedure for observing and identifying obstructions that may be present and thereafter the fiberoptic cable is withdrawn while allowing the catheter to remain in place within the urethra.Another form of instrument includes a working sheath and an obturator. A method is also described for facilitating endoscopic examination and surgical procedures through the sheath.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.