U.S. patent application number 12/352179 was filed with the patent office on 2009-11-12 for endoscope anchoring device.
Invention is credited to Oscar R. Carrillo, JR., Kurt Geitz, Gary Leanna, Kevin Richardson.
Application Number | 20090281374 12/352179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40556092 |
Filed Date | 2009-11-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090281374 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leanna; Gary ; et
al. |
November 12, 2009 |
Endoscope Anchoring Device
Abstract
A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen comprises an
elongated body portion defining a lumen and an anchoring mechanism
including an expanding structure on a distal portion of the
elongated body portion. The anchoring mechanism moves the expanding
structure from an insertion configuration in which the expanding
structure is constricted against the device to an operative
configuration in a body in which the expanding structure expands
away from the device without altering a length of the anchoring
mechanism in combination with a control mechanism for selectively
engaging the anchoring mechanism.
Inventors: |
Leanna; Gary; (Holden,
MA) ; Geitz; Kurt; (Sudbury, MA) ; Carrillo,
JR.; Oscar R.; (Attleboro, MA) ; Richardson;
Kevin; (Austin, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FAY KAPLUN & MARCIN, LLP
150 BROADWAY, SUITE 702
NEW YORK
NY
10038
US
|
Family ID: |
40556092 |
Appl. No.: |
12/352179 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61020556 |
Jan 11, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/101 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/00094 20130101;
A61B 1/00082 20130101; A61B 2017/00986 20130101; A61B 2017/3488
20130101; A61B 1/00147 20130101; A61B 1/273 20130101; A61B 1/005
20130101; A61B 1/00018 20130101; A61B 1/00087 20130101; A61B
1/00149 20130101; A61B 1/00006 20130101; A61B 1/00096 20130101;
A61B 17/00234 20130101; A61B 2017/00778 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 1/00 20060101
A61B001/00 |
Claims
1. A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen, comprising:
an elongated body portion defining a lumen; an anchoring mechanism
including an expanding structure on a distal portion of the
elongated body portion, the anchoring mechanism moving the
expanding structure from an insertion configuration in which the
expanding structure is constricted against the device to an
operative configuration in a body in which the expanding structure
expands away from the device without altering a length of the
anchoring mechanism; and a control mechanism selectively engaging
the anchoring mechanism.
2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a control
wire or filament connected to the anchoring mechanism at a distal
end and the control mechanism at a proximal end.
3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the anchoring mechanism
comprises a retractable rib mechanism comprising at least two
longitudinally spanning ribs.
4. The device according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of slits
are located along two radial circumferences of a longitudinal
length of the elongated body portion and each of the ribs extends
out of the device through a first slit and extends back into the
device through a second slit, and wherein the second slit is
longitudinally aligned with the first slit.
5. The device according to claim 3, wherein a material of the ribs
is one of a flexible plastic and a flexible metal.
6. The device according to claim 3, wherein a contacting surface of
each rib is comprises one or both of a high friction material
coating and a ribbed surface with at least one protrusion extending
outward to aid in gripping an inner wall of a lumen.
7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the control mechanism
is an actuator handle which moves in a proximal direction to align
the ribs with respect to the elongated body portion.
8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the elongated body
portion comprises a plurality of slits on a distal portion and
wherein moving the actuator in a distal direction pushes the ribs
distally and causes the ribs to protrude through the slits in a
bowed shape.
9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring mechanism
comprises a plurality of flexible wires extending radially around a
plurality of sections located at a distal end of the elongated body
portion.
10. The device according to claim 9 wherein each flexible wire
extends from a proximal connection to a control wire connected to
the control mechanism to a distal end extending out of a pair of
holes placed on a longitudinal length of the elongated body
portion.
11. The device according to claim 10, wherein, when in the
operative position, the plurality of flexible wires expands
radially outward and conforms to a shape of one of a body lumen and
cavity and wherein, when in a non-operative position, the plurality
of flexible wires constrict radially inward and align to an outer
wall of the device.
12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the anchoring
mechanism comprises one of a flexible wire and a ribbon coiled
around a distal length of the elongated body portion.
13. The device according to claim 12, wherein one of the flexible
wire and the ribbon extends from a proximal connection to the
control mechanism and out of a proximal opening in the elongated
body portion and terminates in a distal opening in the elongated
body portion, assuming a coiled shape between the two openings.
14. The device according to claim 12, wherein, when in the
operative position, a diameter of each coil of the coiled one of
the flexible wire and the ribbon expands to conform to one of a
body lumen and a body cavity and, wherein, when in a non-operative
position, a diameter of each coil constricts radially inward and
aligns to an outer wall of the elongated body portion.
15. A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen, comprising:
an elongated body portion defining a lumen; and an anchoring
mechanism including a wire extending through the device, exiting
the device at a distal opening and extending proximally along an
outer surface of the elongated body portion to attach to a joint
portion of the elongated body portion, the anchoring mechanism
moving the wire between an insertion configuration in which the
wire is seated flush against the outer surface of the elongated
body portion and an operative configuration in which the wire
extends away from the device to engage lumenal tissue.
16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the anchoring
mechanism further comprises an actuator coupled to a proximal
portion of the wire so that movement of the actuator in a proximal
direction, draws the wire into the insertion configuration.
17. The device according to claim 15, wherein the wire is formed of
a shape-memory material, a memorized shape of a portion of the wire
extending from the distal opening along the outer surface of the
elongated body portion is one of substantially circular,
elliptical, petal-shaped, triangular and rectangular.
18. A device for accessing tissue within a body lumen, comprising:
an elongated body portion defining a lumen; and an anchoring
mechanism including an opening formed on a distal portion of the
elongated body portion, the opening permitting an application of a
suction force applied at a proximal end of the device to a target
portion of the body lumen to engage lumenal tissue.
19. The device of claim 18, further comprising a conical abutment
attached to the opening, the conical abutment extending radially
distally out of the elongated body portion to apply the suction
force to the lumenal tissue.
20. The device of claim 18, further comprising a visualization
window formed on a portion of the endoscope radially opposite a
location of the anchoring mechanism.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the priority to the U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/020,556, entitled "Endoscope Anchoring
Device" filed Jan. 11, 2008. The specification of the
above-identified application is incorporated herewith by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Endoscopes are often inadvertently moved away from target
locations within body lumens. This may result from forces
accidentally applied to the endoscope, natural body motion,
muscular activity (e.g., peristalsis) and/or resistances to the
positioning of the endoscope accumulated during insertion. Such
inadvertent movement of an endoscope relative to a target location
may cause discomfort and/or trauma and may complicate and/or reduce
the efficacy of the procedure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention is directed to a device for accessing
tissue within a body lumen, the device comprising an elongated body
portion defining a lumen and an anchoring mechanism including an
expanding structure on a distal portion of the elongated body
portion, the anchoring mechanism moving the expanding structure
from an insertion configuration in which the expanding structure is
constricted against the device to an operative configuration in a
body in which the expanding structure expands away from the device
without altering a length of the anchoring mechanism in combination
with a control mechanism for selectively engaging the anchoring
mechanism.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a device according to a first
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in position within a
body lumen;
[0005] FIG. 2 shows a side view of a device according to a second
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in position within a
body lumen;
[0006] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a device according to a third
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in position within a
body lumen;
[0007] FIG. 4 shows a side view of a device according to a fourth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in position within a
body lumen;
[0008] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a device according to a fifth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in position within a
body lumen;
[0009] FIG. 6 shows a side view of a device according to a sixth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in position within a
body lumen;
[0010] FIG. 7 shows a side view of a device according to a sixth
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in position within a
body lumen;
[0011] FIG. 8 shows a side view of a device according to a seventh
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in position within a
body lumen; and
[0012] FIG. 9 shows a side view of a device according to an eight
exemplary embodiment of the present invention in position within a
body lumen.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The present invention, which may be further understood with
reference to the following description and the appended drawings,
relates to devices and methods for securing endoscopes in desired
positions within body lumens. For example, the present devices and
methods may be used to secure an endoscope in a body lumen such as
the duodenum, esophagus, large intestine, gastrointestinal tract,
etc. It is submitted that, although the exemplary embodiments of
the present invention are described with respect to particular
lumens and procedures, they are not meant to limit the
applicability of the present invention.
[0014] Devices and methods according to the present invention
employ an endoscope provided with a gripping portion formed on a
distal end thereof. It is noted that the use of the term distal
herein refers to a direction away from a user of the device while
the term proximal refers to a direction approaching the user of the
device (e.g., a physician). Proximal portions of the devices
disclosed herein remain external to the patient when in an
operative position while distal portions of the device are inserted
into the body, for example, via a naturally occurring orifice and
one or more body lumens.
[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, a device 100 according to a first
embodiment of the invention includes an endoscope 100 with an
anchoring mechanism 150 formed on a distal end 102 thereof. The
anchoring mechanism 150 engages tissue (e.g., lumenal tissue 140)
to resist movement of the endoscope 101 relative thereto. In use, a
user inserts the endoscope 101 through the lumen 140 to a target
location. Those skilled in the art will understand that the target
location is often specific to the procedure being performed and the
anatomy of the individual patient and may, for example, be located
using a vision system formed in the distal end 102 of the endoscope
101. As would be further understood by those skilled in the art,
the endoscope 101 is preferably sufficiently flexible to conform to
curvatures in the lumen 140 while maintaining a degree of
longitudinal rigidity required to transmit to the distal end 102
forces applied to a proximal portion 104 to urge the endoscope 101
distally through the lumen 140 without bunching in the lumen
140.
[0016] The anchoring mechanism 150 includes a plurality of
retractable ribs 151 coupled to an actuator 120 on a proximal end
104 of the endoscope 101 (i.e., formed on a portion of the
endoscope 101 which remains accessible to the user throughout the
procedure). The ribs 151 are preferably maintained in a retracted
position in which they lie substantially flat along an outer
surface 103 of the endoscope 101 to minimize a profile thereof
during insertion and retraction of the endoscope through the lumen
140 to minimize trauma to lumenal tissue. Then, when the endoscope
101 has reached a desired location within the lumen 140 and it is
desired to maintain the endoscope 101 in this position, the user
operates the actuator 120 to move the ribs 151 away from this
insertion configuration to a deployed configuration in which the
ribs 151 extend radially outward from the outer surface 103 to
frictionally engage the walls of the lumen 140. Proximal ends of
the ribs 151 may, for example, be coupled to a ring 153 slidably
mounted within the outer surface 103 while distal ends of the ribs
151 are fixed in place. In the insertion configuration, the ring
153 is withdrawn proximally so that the ribs 151 lay flat against
the outer surface 103 of the endoscope 101. When the actuator 120
is operated to move the ribs 151 to the deployed configuration, the
ring 153 is urged distally by, for example, a flexible pushing
member 122 coupled between the ring 153 and the actuator 120. As
the ring 153 moves distally, the ribs 151 are longitudinally
compressed causing them to bow radially outward (e.g., via slots in
the outer surface 103). The actuator 120 may then be locked in this
position using any known mechanism (e.g., friction fit, ratchet
mechanism, etc.) to maintain the anchoring mechanism 150 in the
deployed configuration until the user wishes to remove the
endoscope 101 or to move it to another location in the lumen 140.
At this point, the user moves the actuator 120 to its original
position allowing the anchoring mechanism 150 to return to the
insertion configuration with the ribs 151 lying flat within slots
in the outer surface 103. Those skilled in the art will understand
that the anchoring mechanism may be moved from the deployed to the
insertion configuration under a spring bias of the ribs 151,
through the motion of the actuator 120 of via any other suitable
known mechanism.
[0017] The bowed shape and lateral extent of the actuated ribs 151
is preferably selected to engage the walls of a lumen 140 with a
desired force sufficient to hold the endoscope 101 in place in the
lumen 140, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, even when
subjected to inadvertent forces of an expected magnitude. As would
be understood by those skilled in the art, the pushing member 122
may be replaced by a system of filaments and pulleys to move the
ring 153 proximally and distally as desired or by any other
suitable mechanism or combination of mechanisms.
[0018] The ribs 151 preferably comprise a flexible, substantially
biocompatible material (e.g., a plastic such as
Polyetheretherketone ("PEEK"), polyimide, etc. or a metal such as
Nitinol, stainless steel, etc.). Furthermore, the ribs 151 may be
substantially equally dispersed about the circumference of the
endoscope 101 to center the endoscope 101 within the lumen 140.
Alternatively, as would be understood by those skilled in the art,
if it is desired that a particular side of the endoscope 101 be
located adjacent to a wall of the lumen 140, the ribs 151 may be
sized appropriately around the endoscope 101 to achieve any desired
position of the distal end 102 within the lumen 140.
[0019] In addition, the length (extent parallel to a longitudinal
axis of the endoscope 101) and width (extent perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis) of each of the ribs 151 may be the same or, in
the alternative, may vary to achieve any desired distribution of
the anchoring force to the portions of the walls of the lumen 140.
Furthermore, the contacting surface of each of the ribs 151 may be
composed of a high friction material or, alternatively, the
contacting surface may be a ribbed surface with a plurality of
protrusions such as bumps to aid in gripping the walls of the lumen
140, as those skilled in the art will understand. Furthermore, the
ribs 151 may be formed of different shapes and need not be formed
in the arc shape shown in FIG. 1. For example, as shown in FIG. 2,
the device 100 may comprise ribs 152 each of which contains a
series of bends and curves along a longitudinal length thereof. As
would be understood by those skilled in the art, the bends may
increase a gripping force exerted thereby to the lumen 140. The
design of the ribs 152 may comprise any plurality of bends and
curves therein.
[0020] As described above, the endoscope 101 is inserted into the
lumen 140 with the anchoring mechanism 150 in the insertion
configuration (i.e., with the ribs 151 flat against the outer
surface 103) to minimize trauma to the lumen 140. Once a user of
the endoscope 101 has traversed the endoscope 101 to a target area,
the actuator 120 is moved to a distal-most position, thereby
engaging the ribs 151 with the walls of the lumen 140. The actuator
120 may further be provided with a locking feature or friction fit
design to prevent the actuator 120 from sliding prematurely. When a
designated procedure is complete, the actuator 120 may once again
be retracted and the endoscope 101 may be removed from the lumen
140. Although the actuator 120 has been described as a slidable
trigger, the actuator 120 may be triggered in any suitable manner
(i.e., push-button trigger, etc.) without deviating from the spirit
and scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it is noted that
the device 100 may be sized to minimally obstruct a working channel
of an endoscope, so as to allow ample space for tool delivery
therethrough.
[0021] As shown in FIG. 3, a device 200 according to a second
embodiment of the present invention includes an endoscope 201 which
may be employed in a manner similar to that of the embodiment of
FIG. 1. The endoscope 201 may be provided with an actuator 220 that
may be used to retract and expand a anchoring mechanism 250 located
on a distal end 202 thereof. The anchoring mechanism 250 comprises
a series of flexible wires 251, each extending around a section of
the distal end 202 of the endoscope 201. The flexible wires 251 may
be formed of a wire material such as Nitinol or stainless steel
which can withstand high amounts of elastic deformation before a
permanent deformation sets in, as those skilled in the art will
understand. Each of the flexible wires 251 extends out of a
corresponding pair of holes 255 placed separated from one another
around the circumference of the distal end 202 substantially
equally positioned along the length of the endoscope 201. Each of
the flexible wires 251 may be connected, by known means, to an
internally located control cable or filament 222 extending to an
actuator 220 on a proximal portion 204 of the endoscope 201. Each
of the flexible wires 251 acts as a radial spring, wherein each
loop of the flexible wires 251 may be connected to the control
cable or filament 222.
[0022] As described above in regard to the endoscope 101, when the
endoscope 201 is being traversed to a target area in the body, the
anchoring mechanism 250 is maintained in an insertion configuration
wherein each of the flexible wires 251 is constricted to fit snugly
around a radial portion of the endoscope 201. Specifically,
retraction of the control cable or filament via the actuator 220
may exert a force on each of the flexible wires 251, pulling a
length of each of the flexible wires 251 into the endoscope 201 and
causing the restriction of each of the flexible wires 251 against
the endoscope 201. Once a target area has been reached, the user
moves the actuator 220 distally to expand the flexible wire 251
radially outward to place a desired amount of pressure on the walls
of the lumen 240, securing the endoscope 201 in place.
Specifically, the actuation of the actuator 220 forces a length of
each of the flexible wires 251 out of the endoscope 201, thereby
increasing a radial length of each loop formed therein. The
increased radial length of each of the loops made by the flexible
wires 251 causes a radial expansion, thereby engaging the flexible
wires 251 with the inner walls of a lumen. When the procedure has
been completed, the user operates the actuator 220 to move the
anchoring mechanism 250 to the insertion configuration to release
the endoscope 201 for movement through the lumen 240 to a new
target location or for removal from the body.
[0023] As shown in FIG. 4, a device 300 according to yet another
embodiment of the present invention comprises an endoscope 301 with
a anchoring mechanism 350 located on a distal end 302 thereof. As
with the previously described embodiments, the anchoring mechanism
350 is withdrawn into an insertion configuration before the
endoscope 301 is inserted into a lumen 340 and advanced
therethrough. The anchoring mechanism 350 of the embodiment of FIG.
3 comprises a coil 351 extending around a portion of the distal end
302 of the endoscope 301. As would be understood by those skilled
in the art the coil 351 may be formed of any suitable biocompatible
material such as, for example, Nitinol, preformed stainless steel
wire cables, similar to snare loop cables or polymers.
[0024] A proximal end of the coil 351 may be connected to a
deploying mechanism which is, in turn, coupled to an actuator (not
shown) as in the previous embodiments. The deploying mechanism may
include, for example, a ring 353 coupled to the actuator via a
cable or filament(s) 322 to move the anchoring mechanism 350
between the insertion configuration in which the wire 351 is snugly
received around the distal end 302 of the endoscope 301 and a
deployed configuration in which the wire 351 is radially expanded
to engage tissue of the lumen 340 to anchor the distal end 302 in a
target position. It may be particularly advantageous to employ a
material with shape memory properties herein, as such a material
can retain a deployment shape (i.e., an expanded coil shape) for an
extended period of time while strained to a high level, such as in
the insertion configuration, as detailed below. Actuation of the
coil 351, which may exhibit shape memory properties as noted above,
may be similar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 2. Specifically,
actuation of a proximally located actuator (not shown) may cause
the cable or filament 322 to move distally, thereby causing the
coil 351 to expand radially and conform to the walls of the lumen
340. Conversely, a retraction of the actuator (not shown) may cause
the cable or filament 322 to move proximally, thereby shortening
the radial length of the coil 351 and causing a constriction of the
coil 351 against the endoscope 301. As would be understood by those
skilled in the art, the outer surface of the distal end 302 may
include a recess within which the wire 351 may be received when in
the insertion configuration so that the outer surface is
substantially smooth. The wire 351 can extend out of a proximal
slit 360 formed on the outer surface of the endoscope 301 and coils
around the distal end 302 to a distal slit 361 through which the
wire 351 re-enters the endoscope 301 to which the distal end of the
wire 351 is attached, for example, via any known means such as
bonding or welding. In an alternate embodiment, the wire 351 may be
attached to a component such as a ring, which is, in turn, attached
or releasably attached to the endoscope 301.
[0025] As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the size
and shape of the wire 351 is preferably selected so that a desired
anchoring force is applied to the tissue of the lumen 340 (i.e., a
desired frictional engagement is established between the endoscope
301, and the surrounding tissue) when the anchoring mechanism is in
the deployed configuration. The wire 351 may be formed, for
example, as a substantially planar ribbon with a surface that may
be textured or otherwise treated or coated to enhance the
frictional engagement of the surrounding tissue. In these cases,
the endoscope 301 may include an optional cover which, when in the
insertion configuration, eliminates contact between the wire 351
and the surrounding tissue. The wire 351 may have a cross-section
that is substantially circular, elliptical, triangular, square, or
of any other desired shape. The employment of cross sectional
shapes other than round, smooth shapes provides corners or edges
that may aid in anchoring the wire 351 in the body and provide an
additional locking force thereto. Additionally, the surface of the
wire may be smooth or ribbed with a plurality of protrusions to
increase the gripping ability of the anchoring mechanism 350.
[0026] In a further embodiment of the present invention, as shown
in FIG. 5, the anchoring mechanism 450 comprises a flexible wire
451 which is formed as a unitary element with a cable or filament
extending through an endoscope 401. A distal end of the anchoring
wire 451 may be attached to a joint portion 452 on the endoscope
401 while a proximal end of the anchoring wire 451 may be connected
to an actuator (not shown) located on a proximal portion of the
endoscope 401. The anchoring wire 451 may span the longitudinal
length of the endoscope 401 and extend therefrom via an opening or
slit 460 located on a distal length. A distal length of the
anchoring wire 451, which is comprised of a shape memory material
such as Nitinol, may be shape memorized in a shape such as a series
of petals or a series of bends which expand radially outward from
the endoscope 401 when actuated. Those skilled in the art will
understand that the anchoring wire 451 may move into its memorized
shape through the application of heat, through the action of body
heat, by applying a small electrical jolt thereto. Alternately, the
anchoring wire 451 may run alongside a portion of the outer body of
the endoscope 401, wherein the wire 451 may be joined to the
endoscope 401 along a distal length thereof with length of the
joint portion 452 being indicative of a longitudinal length of the
anchoring portion of the anchoring mechanism 450.
[0027] In a further embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the
anchoring mechanism 550 may comprise an anchoring wire 551 which
extends out of an endoscope 501 via an opening 560 provided on a
distal portion thereof. The anchoring wire 551 is further attached
to a distal portion of the endoscope 501 at a joint portion 552. In
an insertion configuration, an actuator (not shown) located on a
proximal portion of the endoscope 501 may be retracted to keep a
portion of the anchoring wire 551 extending between the joint
portion 552 and the opening 561 constricted against the body of the
endoscope 501. Accordingly, when the anchoring mechanism 550 is
actuated, as shown in FIG. 7, a length of the anchoring wire may
extend out of the opening 561 and may be further actuated to assume
a shape memorized configuration which, in this embodiment, may be a
coiled shape. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of anchoring
wires 551 may be provided wherein, when actuated, the plurality of
anchoring wires 551 extend around the circumference of the
endoscope 501 and provide an anchoring means on all sides
thereof.
[0028] It is submitted that the features of each of the
aforementioned embodiments of the present invention may be combined
in any manner to create a device having desired performance
characteristics without deviating from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. For example, the anchoring mechanisms according
to any of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention may be
employed in a sterility sheath or other device through which an
endoscope or other device is to be inserted to anchor the sheath in
a desired location within a body lumen. Such an embodiment may add
to the utility of the present invention when traversing difficult
regions of the digestive tract and through other tortuous parts of
the body, as those skilled in the art will understand. Those
skilled in the art will understand that, although devices such as
the endoscopes and sheaths described herein are often inserted into
body lumens via naturally occurring body orifices, these devices
may be inserted into hollow organs or body lumens via surgical
openings, wounds, etc. as desired without impacting the operation
of the anchoring mechanisms.
[0029] In another embodiment, the anchoring device of the present
invention may be integral to an endoscope or, alternatively, can be
fixedly or releasably attachable to an endoscope. Furthermore, the
anchoring device need not cover the full length of the endoscope to
which it is attached but rather, may alternately be attached only
to a distal portion thereof. In such an embodiment, the anchoring
mechanism may be actuated in a manner similar to that of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-4, wherein the actuating cable or filament
may extend either outside of the endoscope or within a working
channel of the endoscope. In another embodiment, the anchoring
device may be integral to a sheath, wherein wires of the anchoring
device may be embedded within the sheath and the distally located
anchoring mechanism may extend out of the device along a distal
length. As indicated above, the device of the present invention may
be employed in a sterility sheath. Alternatively, any of the
embodiments of the invention may be incorporated in an endoscope or
other device through a surrounding sheath. In such an embodiment,
the user moves the endoscope or other device through the sheath to
a target location and deploys the anchoring mechanism. The
anchoring mechanism pushes the flexible sheath out ward into
contact with the lumenal tissue to anchor the sheath and the
endoscope in place.
[0030] In yet another alternate embodiment, the device of the
present invention, as described in FIGS. 3-5 may comprise any
plurality of anchoring wires, wherein the increased number of wires
may directly correlate to an increased gripping force exerted by
the anchoring mechanism or to a more evenly distributed anchoring
force, as those skilled in the art will understand.
[0031] In another alternate embodiment, the device of the present
invention may employ suction to aid in anchoring the endoscope at a
target site within the body. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, an
endoscope 600 is provided with an opening 602 fluidly coupled to a
suction lumen (not shown) along a lateral side of a distal portion
thereof. The opening 602 is sized to permit a cone 604 to extend
therefrom. The cone 604 is a hollow element extending from a
minimum diameter at a proximal lip 606 to a maximum diameter at a
distal lip 608. The proximal lip 606 further comprises a flange 610
that flutes outward to assume a diameter greater than a diameter of
the proximal lip 606. The flange 610 may preferably be permanently
attached to the endoscope 600 to prevent the cone 604 from being
dislodged therefrom.
[0032] The cone 604 is formed of a substantially flexible
biocompatible material to permit proximal and/or distal deflection
thereof during insertion to a target location in a body lumen 640.
Once the target location has been reached, suction is applied at a
proximal end of a lumen 614 of the endoscope 600 to cause the cone
604 to attach to a wall of the body lumen 640. A guiding device 612
is then inserted into the lumen 614 to a location extending
partially laterally out of the lumen 614 and into the cone 604, as
shown in FIG. 8. A guide wire 616 is actuated to extend distally
out of the guiding device 612 and attach to the wall of the body
lumen 640. An attachment 618 of the guide wire 616 may comprise,
for example, a knot, hook, latch, or other attachment mechanism
known in the art. Thus, suction applied to the cone 604 helps
maintain a position of the cone 604 against the wall of the body
lumen 640 while the attachment 618 of the guide wire 616 locks the
endoscope and further aids in preventing longitudinal movement of
the cone against the wall of the body lumen 640. The embodiment of
FIG. 8 permits a centering of a position of the endoscope relative
to walls of the body lumen 640. Alternatively, the cone 604 may
assume any suitable dimension to permit any positioning of the
endoscope 600 relative the body lumen 640, as those skilled in the
art will understand.
[0033] FIG. 9 depicts another alternate embodiment of the present
invention, in which a suction opening is formed through a wall of
an endoscope 700. Specifically, the endoscope 700 is formed
substantially similarly to the endoscope 100 with the exception of
a suction window 702 formed on a portion of an outer wall thereof.
The suction window 702 may be dimensioned to suit the requirement
of a body lumen 740 into which the endoscope 700 is inserted.
Furthermore, the suction window 702 may extend over any portion of
the endoscope 700 wall without deviating from the spirit and scope
of the present invention. A visualization window 704 may be formed
on the endoscope 700 on a location opposite the suction window 702.
The visualization window 704 may be formed as an outlet for distal
ends of optical fibers extending longitudinally through the
endoscope 700, as those skilled in the art will understand.
Alternatively, the visualization window 704 may permit
visualization of the body lumen 740 using any means known in the
art. Positioning the visualization window 704 opposite the suction
window 702 allows an unobstructed view of the body lumen 740 in an
operative configuration. Specifically, when a suction force is
applied to a proximal portion of the lumen 706 of the endoscope
700, the suction window 702 is automatically drawn into contact
with an adjacent surface of the body lumen 640, thus centering the
visualization window 704 therein.
[0034] The present invention has been described with reference to
specific exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will
understand that various modifications and changes may be made to
the embodiments. The specification is, therefore, to be regarded in
an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
* * * * *