| 摘要 |
A colonic overtube (1) for maintaining a sigmoid colon in a straightened configuration has a proximal end (2) for location externally of a colon, and a distal end (3) for insertion into a colon. A colonoscope lumen (4) extends through the overtube (1) to facilitate passing the overtube (1) over a colonoscope. The overtube (1) has a convoluted corrugation (5) which extends along the entire length of the overtube (1) from the proximal end (2) to the distal end (3). The corrugated configuration of the overtube (1) provides the overtube (1) with laterally flexibility so that the overtube (1) may flex substantially without kinking during advancement of the overtube (1) through a colon. A flexible seal, in the form of a tubular silicone sheath (6) of film material, is provided at the distal end (3) of the overtube (1) for sealing between the overtube (1) and a colonoscope extending through the colonoscope lumen (4). The flexible nature of the seal (6) enables the seal (6) to adapt itself to the size of the colonoscope extending through the colonoscope lumen (4) to achieve a secure, effective seal between the overtube (1) and a colonoscope regardless of the colonoscope size. |
