Endoscopic system with torque transmitting sheath
US9055864B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 2, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 16, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B1/0052
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An endoscopic system includes a sheath having a flexible sheath body. A tip is attached to a distal end of the sheath body. A handle is attached to the proximal end of the sheath body. A steerable section may be provided in the sheath adjacent to the tip. Steering controls may then be provided on the handle for steering the steerable section. Lumens extend from the tip to the handle. The distal end of each lumen is sealed to the tip. Bodily fluids can only enter into the lumens and not other areas within the sheath. In some embodiments, a shapelock assembly has an elongated hollow body positionable within the sheath body. The shapelock body may be switched between generally rigid and flexible conditions. The sheath provides a sterile barrier around the shapelock body. The shapelock assembly can be readily reused and the sheath may be disposable. In other embodiments, the flexible sheath has a composite construction that provides improved torque transmission capabilities.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.