Adapter for attaching devices to endoscopes

摘要

An improved system for attaching devices to the distal end of endoscopic instruments is described. An attachment adapter comprises a distal stop, such as a complete or partial loop or cylinder, which limits the penetration of an endoscope into the adapter. The adapter has at least one flange protruding proximally along the endoscope. The adapter is secured on the endoscope by a securing means, which compresses the flange or flanges sufficiently to provide a friction fit. The flexibility of the inventive adapter system allows the adapter to work reliably with endoscopes that are used, damaged or repaired. The adapter may further provide a slit or window allowing viewing of the vessel wall by a lens on an endoscope, thereby improving the operator's ability to understand the location of the endoscope during operation. The adapter may carry any of a variety of devices, including devices for closing a surgical incision, or treating or manipulating tissue. Improvements are described in a number of areas to allow more flexible pairing of particular endoscopes or endoscopic instruments with devices to be carried on their exteriors, while maintaining a tightly locked position of the external device on the carrier.

主权项

1. An adapter for attaching a device to a distal end of an endoscopic instrument, the adapter comprising:
a distal stop to limit penetration of the endoscopic instrument into the adapter; at least one flange projecting axially from the distal stop and configured for insertion of the endoscopic instrument therein, the flange comprising a non-closed circumference, the flange having at least one longitudinal opening; and a securing element releasably attachable to the flange to compress the flange against the endoscopic instrument to secure the adapter to the endoscopic instrument to prevent motion of the adapter with respect to the instrument, the securing element, when attached to the flange, at least partially wrapping around the flange and the instrument therein, and configured to span the opening of the flange; wherein the flange includes an expandable flange portion defining the opening and a highly expandable membrane portion to accommodate the insertion of an endoscopic device having a diameter greater than that of the distal stop, the membrane portion covering the opening, and the securing element configured to span the membrane portion and the opening.