Ureteroscope and Associated Method For The Minimally Invasive Treatment of Urinary Stones

摘要

A passively flexible ureteroscope having a diameter of less than about 2.5 millimeters is provided. The ureteroscope may help overcome many of the problems associated with the prior art devices and methods for removing kidney stones. The ureteroscope includes an elongate member having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and an inner conduit that extends longitudinally between the proximal and distal portions. The elongate member is made from a passively flexible material that is capable of being inserted and directed through a patient's body cavity, such as the ureter, by manual direction and pressure so that minimal, if any, additional mechanical or steering mechanisms are present. An imaging device and light source are provided at the distal portion of the elongate member to allow for positioning the device with respect to the stone. A laser fiber can be directed through the conduit to destroy a targeted stone.

主权项

1. A device for removing a stone from a body cavity comprising:
an elongate member having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and an inner conduit extending longitudinally between the proximal and distal portions, wherein the elongate member is passively flexible and has a diameter that is less than about 2.5 mm; a port disposed towards the proximal portion of the elongate member and in communication with the conduit; an opening disposed at the distal portion of the elongate member and in communication with the conduit; an optical device disposed towards the proximal portion of the elongate member; and at least one light source disposed towards the proximal portion of the elongate member.