Introducer sheaths for endoscopes and related methods
Inventors
Winegar, Thomas William • Garofalo, Rosemary Michelle
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12256898-B2
Publication Date
2025-03-25
Expiration Date
Abstract
A sheath for inserting a cannula of an endoscope into a cavity of a patient is described herein. The sheath comprises an introducer, a support channel and a pull-tab. The introducer has an open end being sized and shaped to accept a tip of the cannula and a tip end adapted to be deflected in an outward direction by the tip of the cannula passing into the introducer. The support channel is adapted to receive a shaft of the cannula and guide the tip of the cannula into the introducer; and the pull provides a finger hold for a user to grasp the sheath. In some aspects, the introducer includes a plurality of extending segments having a normally closed position defining a conical exterior shape of the introducer, with the plurality of tapered segments adapted to be separated by the tip of the cannula passing through the introducer.
Core Innovation
A sheath is provided for facilitating insertion of a cannula of an endoscope into an internal space of a patient. The sheath includes an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve configured to work together during insertion, with the inner sleeve adapted to receive a shaft of the cannula and an introducer positioned at a distal end of the outer sleeve. The introducer has a tip end and an open end at a distal end of the introducer, where the open end is sized and shaped to accept a tip of the cannula.
The sheath includes an introducer tip end adapted to be deflected in an outward direction. The outward deflection is effected as the cannula tip passes through or as the inner sleeve inserts into the introducer, enabling the introducer to accommodate the cannula while facilitating passage into tight orifices and internal spaces. Conical introducer embodiments include a normally closed exterior shape formed by tapered segments that separate radially when the cannula tip passes through.
In some embodiments, the sheath system further includes an outer sleeve including a pawl, and an inner sleeve including one or more ratchet features configured to engage the pawl while the inner sleeve slidably receives the shaft of the cannula. The disclosed sheath can further include user-grasp and retention features, such as a pull-tab for a user finger hold and retention/clasps to secure the cannula. The system is described for diagnostic imaging procedures, including advancing through the vaginal canal to dilate the cervix/internal space, optionally leaving the cannula in place while removing the sheath.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim covers a sheath with an outer sleeve and an inner sleeve that cooperate with a distal introducer configured to accept a cannula tip and deflect outward, and it includes a pawl and ratchet features arrangement. The inventive features are further refined by dependent claims into specific deflection mechanisms, normally closed biased introducer configurations, conical or segment-splittable introducer geometries, and optional clasp and grasp/retention features.
Sheath with ratchet-and-pawl outer and inner sleeves
An outer sleeve including a pawl; and an inner sleeve including one or more ratchet features configured to engage the pawl, the inner sleeve slidably disposed in the outer sleeve and adapted to receive a shaft of the cannula.
Distal introducer with cannula-tip accepting open end and outward-deflectable tip end
An introducer positioned at a distal end of the outer sleeve, the introducer having a tip end and an open end at a distal end of the introducer, the open end being sized and shaped to accept a tip of the cannula, the tip end adapted to be deflected in an outward direction.
Inner-sleeve-driven outward deflection of introducer tip end
When a distal end of the inner sleeve is inserted into the introducer, the introducer tip end can be deflected outward by the inner sleeve.
Normally closed biased introducer
The introducer is biased in a normally closed position.
Cannula-tip-driven outward deflection of introducer tip end
When the cannula tip is inserted into the introducer, the tip end is deflected in the outward direction by the cannula tip.
Normally closed conical introducer with tapered segments separating radially
The introducer includes an outer ring and multiple tapered segments that normally form a conical exterior shape and separate radially when the cannula tip passes through.
Removable clasp securing cannula shaft in inner sleeve
The inner sleeve includes a clasp adapted to removably secure the shaft of the cannula in the inner sleeve.
Across the independent claim and its refinements, the coverage centers on a sheath for endoscope cannula insertion into an internal space using a ratchet-and-pawl outer/inner sleeve arrangement and a distal introducer with an open end sized to accept the cannula tip and a tip end adapted to deflect outward. Additional coverage includes normally closed introducer biasing, outward deflection driven by the inner sleeve or the cannula tip, conical exterior introducer geometries with radially separating tapered segments, and removable clasp features to secure the cannula.
Stated Advantages
Facilitates insertion of an endoscope cannula into an internal space of a patient by using an introducer with a tip end deflected in an outward direction.
Supports passage through tight orifices by accommodating the cannula tip via outward deflection of the introducer.
Documented Applications
Advancing the cannula and sheath through the vaginal canal to dilate the cervix/internal space for hysteroscopy-related procedures.
Performing diagnostic imaging procedures.
Optionally leaving the cannula in place while removing the sheath.
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