A SUCTION DEVICE FOR AN ENDOSCOPE

摘要

A sleeve (10) is provided for placing over a flexible endoscope (50). The sleeve (10) has a port (20) between its distal (15) and proximal openings (25) and the port (20) is connected to a vacuum source. Once the endoscope (50) is retracted proximal to the suction port (20), the sleeve's proximal opening (25) is sealed off and the entire sleeve is turned into a suction lumen. Devices and methods in accordance with the invention provide improvement in removing materials from body cavities, especially in removing stones from the upper urinary tract.