Surgery – Endoscope – With guide means for body insertion
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-30
2001-08-21
Dvorak, Linda C. M. (Department: 3739)
Surgery
Endoscope
With guide means for body insertion
C600S116000, C604S096010, C604S097010, C604S103070, C606S192000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06277065
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an anchoring and positioning balloon device deployed using an endoscope. More particularly, the present invention relates to an inflatable balloon used to secure the position of an endoscope when the endoscope is situated within a body cavity. The present invention also relates to a method for anchoring and positioning a balloon device within a body cavity.
Endoscopes are effective devices for diagnosing and treating patients with minimal intervention and discomfort. There are many types of endoscopes configured for different diagnoses and treatments. For example, a duodenoscope is used for examining the duodenum, a colonoscope for examining the colon, and so on. Because of the nature of the operation of an endoscope, it is necessary that the endoscope be flexible and small in diameter in order to follow the tortuous path to various body cavities. A major problem with conventional endoscopes is inadequate stabilization of the endoscope tip after placement at a position for a specific surgical procedure. As a result, endoscopes frequently lose correct orientation and cannulation during surgical procedures. This problem makes the operation of the endoscope much more time-consuming and results in more discomfort to the patient.
Attempts have been made to alleviate this problem by positioning a balloon about a portion of the endoscope tip to secure its position within the duodenum close to the papilla and to provide a leveraged force reaction during stent placement. In such a situation, the balloon is placed opposite to the viewing lens and elevator at the endoscope tip. However, placement of the balloon in this configuration causes a viewing device in the endoscope to be pressed against the mucosa, thus preventing a good view during the operation of the endoscope. A donut-shaped balloon has also been tested but prevented smooth operation of the viewing and working devices of the endoscope.
Thus, there is a need to provide an endoscope with an anchoring and positioning device that provides a solution to aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an endoscope with an anchoring and positioning device that facilitates examination of and surgical procedures within body cavities.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of anchoring and positioning an endoscope within a body cavity.
A still further object of the present invention is to provide both a method and apparatus for anchoring and positioning an endoscope wherein the field of view of the user of the endoscope is not diminished.
Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the objects and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, the present invention comprises an endoscope having a distal end section having a section length, a major peripheral part, and a minor peripheral part. A window section is located on the minor peripheral part. An inflatable balloon having an axial length corresponding to the section length is shaped as a cradle circumscribing the major peripheral part. The balloon is capable of spacing the window section from a wall of a lumen surrounding the endoscope. The present invention also comprises a means for inflating and deflating the balloon.
The present invention further comprises a method for anchoring and positioning an endoscope having a distal end section having a section length, a major peripheral part, and a minor peripheral part with a window portion, including the steps of attaching an inflatable balloon having an axial length corresponding to the section length over the distal end section and a cradle portion circumscribing the major peripheral part, and spacing the window section from a wall of a body cavity, inserting the distal end section of the endoscope into a body cavity, inflating the balloon in the body cavity for anchoring and thereby positioning the endoscope.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
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European Search Report dated Jun. 29, 1999.
Priya Jamidar, MD et al., “Use of an ERCP Stabilizing Balloon to Achieve Catheter Placement and Dilation of High-Grade Biliary Strictures”, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, pp. 354-356.
Boston Scientific Corporation
Dvorak Linda C. M.
Finnegan Henderson Farabow Garrett & Dunner L.L.P.
Ram Jocelyn Debra
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