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Publication Number
US-11439375-B2
Publication Date
2022-09-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
An endoscopic snare net comprises a net engaging a loop, such as by weaving the loop through a mesh of the net, and a tube having a lumen through which the net and loop may be extended and withdrawn by a control wire. The loop has one or more corners or a collared, free-floating slip tether or both thereof, which prevent the net from sliding free of the loop as the loop is retracted into the lumen of the tube, even if the loop is over-extended beyond the end of the tube.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention is an endoscopic snare net device that includes a shaped loop and a net engaging the shaped loop. The distal end of the loop is shaped to expand as the distal end of the loop exits a tube having a lumen, while the proximal end of the loop exits the lumen with at least two corners comprised of a first corner on a first side and a second corner on a second opposite side. The second corner is closer to the tube than the first corner when extended from the tube, and each corner comprises a first bend angular direction, a second bend angular direction opposite the first, and a third bend angular direction opposite the second.
Each of the at least two corners extends outwardly from an imaginary line extending from a central longitudinal axis of the tube, when the loop is extended from the tube. The net engaging the shaped loop forms a distinct pocket within the net as the proximal end of the loop and the net are pulled into the tube as the loop closes. The tube having the lumen is configured and arranged to accept introduction of the loop and snare net through the lumen.
The net is engaged on the shaped loop such that an engaged loop is woven through holes in the net so that the net is retained on the shaped loop. The net is secured at the distal end of the shaped loop, and the net engaging the at least two corners of the shaped loop at the proximal end retains the net from sliding forward on the shaped loop during extension of the shaped loop and net from the lumen and during retraction of the shaped loop and net into the lumen.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines a tube-delivered shaped loop with a woven-retained snare net, including outward-extending proximal corners that retain the net during extension and retraction and generate a distinct pocket in the net during loop closure. The independent claim includes multiple inventive features, with dependent claims refining corner geometry, net attachment, and tether arrangement details.
Tube-delivered shaped loop with expanding distal end
A shaped loop having a distal end of the loop shaped to expand as the distal end of the loop exits a tube having a lumen.
Proximal corners extending outwardly from tube axis
The proximal end of the loop having at least two corners exiting the lumen after the distal end exits the tube, the corners extending outwardly from an imaginary line extending from a central longitudinal axis of the tube when the loop is extended.
Corner bend angular direction arrangement
Each of the at least two corners comprises first, second, and third bend angular directions arranged such that each corner extends outwardly, with the bend directions alternating in opposite angular directions.
Distinct pocket formed within net during loop closure
A net engaging the shaped loop such that a distinct pocket is formed within the net as the proximal end of the loop and the net are pulled into the tube, as the loop closes.
Woven through net holes retained on shaped loop
Net engaged on the shaped loop such that the engaged loop is woven through holes in the net so that the net is retained on the shaped loop.
Secured distal end of net on shaped loop
The net being secured at the distal end of the shaped loop.
Corner-based retention to prevent net sliding during extension and retraction
Net engaging the at least two corners of the shaped loop at the proximal end of the shaped loop, the at least two corners shaped such that the corners retain the net from sliding forward on the shaped loop during extension from the lumen and retraction into the lumen.
Lumen configured to accept introduction through tube
The tube having the lumen configured and arranged to accept the introduction of the loop and snare net through the lumen of the tube.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on a tube-delivered expanding shaped loop whose outward-extending proximal corners and woven net retention cooperate to prevent net sliding during extension and retraction and to create a distinct pocket within the net when the loop closes.
Stated Advantages
Forms a distinct pocket within the net as the loop closes.
Retains the net on the shaped loop and prevents the net from sliding forward during extension from the lumen and retraction into the lumen.
Prevents the net from sliding off the loop during over-extension.
Documented Applications
Endoscopic capture of an object/polyp using the snare net device with a distinct pocket formed in the net during retraction and loop closure.
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