INFLATABLE MEMBER FOR AN ENDOSCOPE SHEATH

摘要

Apparatus and methods for attaching and forming enclosed inflatable members on an endoscope assembly with a disposable sheath are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a flexible and resilient cuff member that is positioned on the outer surface of the disposable sheath and sealably and fixedly bonded to the sheath cover material at the cuff edges to form an annular space capable of being inflated. The inflatable member formed thereby is inflated through a lumen internal to the sheath that has an opening into the interior annular space. The inflatable member may be inflated to exert a longitudinal force on the insertion tube, thereby moving the endoscope assembly along a body passage. Alternately, a sheath may include a plurality of inflatable cuffs that may be inflated to create an isolated space therebetween within the body passage.

主权项

1. An endoscope assembly adapted to be inserted into an internal body passage, comprising:
an elongated insertion tube; a sheath positioned over the insertion tube; at least two radially expandable flexible members that sealably attach to the sheath to form at least two enclosed spaces capable of inflation, the flexible members being spaced apart along a length of the sheath and defining one or more isolated body spaces that extend between the members when the members are inflated within the body passage;at least one first fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the enclosed spaces; andat least one second fluid passage that fluidly communicates with the one or more isolated body spaces.