Controllable endoscopic sheath apparatus and related method of use

摘要

A controllable sheath for optimizing the control of surgical instruments at the operation site includes a flexible sheath surrounding an endoscope and including a lumen extending along the walls of the sheath and adjacent to the endoscope. The lumen permits the passage of surgical instruments from the proximal end of the endoscopic device to the operation site. The lumen extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope and deflects at the distal end as desired by the operator's manipulation of a controller device. This distal end deflection may occur through various different techniques where the ability to deflect the lumen gives the operator increased control and maneuverability over the surgical implements located in the lumen. Depending upon the particular requirements of the surgical procedure, the controllable sheath may include any number of lumens capable of distal end deflection.

主权项

1. An apparatus for use with an endoscope, the apparatus comprising:
a plurality of lumens configured to be moveably coupled to opposing outer sides of the endoscope, and configured to be selectively moved longitudinally to extend beyond a distal tip of the endoscope, each of the plurality of lumens having a deflectable distal end configured to accommodate a medical instrument, the deflectable distal end comprising: at least one distal member, and a continuous tubular sheath having a distal end coupled to a proximal end of the distal member; and a plurality of wire members, each of the plurality of wire members extending along one of the plurality of lumens, and being fastened at a distal end to a distal location of an endoscope-facing side of one of the plurality of lumens; wherein each of the plurality of wire members is configured to be manipulated at a proximal end of the wire member to selectively urge deflection of the deflectable distal end of one of the plurality of lumens in a direction inward toward the endoscope, and wherein each of the plurality of wire members has a distal portion extending within the at least one distal member, and a proximal portion extending outside of the continuous tubular sheath, wherein only one of the plurality of wire members extends along each of the plurality of lumens.