Systems and methods for biofilm removal, including a biofilm removal endoscope for use therewith

摘要

Systems and methods of removing bacterial biofilm from a target site using a biofilm removal endoscope. The endoscope has an insertion portion including an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window and an irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle. The imaging and irrigation channels are permanently affixed relative to one another. The insertion portion is inserted into the patient, with a working end thereof being disposed proximate the target site. The target site is imaged and a flow of fluid is dispensed via the nozzle to mechanically remove bacterial biofilm from the target site.

主权项

1. A system for removal of bacterial biofilm from a target site of a human patient, the system comprising:
a biofilm removal endoscope including:
a handle,a controller maintained by the handle,an insertion portion adapted for bodily insertion and including a working end, the insertion portion forming:
an imaging channel terminating at a viewing window formed in the working end that facilitates imaging of the target site, andan irrigation channel terminating at a nozzle, the nozzle including a tubular body defining a base end assembled to the working end and an opposite leading end projecting distally beyond the viewing window, the tubular body converging along an axis that extends from the base end to an opening in the leading end that is centrally formed relative to the axis, the nozzle coupled with the controller to rotate the nozzle relative to the working end about the axis, wherein the endoscope is configured such that pressurized fluid delivered through the irrigation channel is directed by the nozzle away from the viewing window to impinge upon a layer of bacterial biofilm at the target site.