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Publication Number
US-12458220-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
An endoscope having a multiple diameter working section is disclosed. The endoscope includes a housing, a working section, and a rod-lens optical system. The housing is at a proximal end of the endoscope. The working section is integral with and extends from the housing. The working section includes at least a first section and a second section. The first section is contiguous to the housing, and the second section is at a distal end of the endoscope. The rod-lens optical system is positioned at least partially in the first section of the working section and at least partially in the second section of the working section. The endoscope is defined such that the outer diameter of the first section is larger than the outer diameter of the second section.
Core Innovation
An endoscope includes a handle having a first outer diameter and a working section extending distally from the handle. The working section includes a wall with an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a channel extending through the working section, and the inner surface defines a constant diameter along an entire length of the working section.
The working section includes a first transition section that transitions the first outer diameter to a second outer diameter, where the second outer diameter is less than the first outer diameter. An access section extends distally from the first transition section and has an outer diameter equal to the second outer diameter, with a first thickness in the access section. A second transition section extends distally from the access section and uniformly tapers the second outer diameter to a third outer diameter, where the third outer diameter is less than the second outer diameter; an operative section extends distally from the second transition section and has an outer diameter equal to the third outer diameter, with a second thickness in the operative section less than the first thickness.
The endoscope further includes an optical system disposed within the working section. The second outer diameter is greater than about 6 mm and the third outer diameter is less than about 6 mm, enabling passage of the operative section through a cervical os of a patient while inhibiting passage of the access section through the cervical os.
In embodiments, when a force is applied perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the working section, the force causes the access section to bend less than the operative section.
Claims Coverage
The document includes two independent endoscope claims. Across the independent claims, the inventive subject matter focuses on a distal working-section geometry with a constant-diameter channel and a stepped outer-diameter design that provides cervical-os passage for the operative section while inhibiting passage of the access section.
Constant-diameter channel with stepped outer diameters
A working section extending distally from a handle, with a wall defining an inner surface and an outer surface, the inner surface defining a channel extending through the working section, wherein the inner surface defines a constant diameter along an entire length of the working section.
Transition from handle outer diameter to reduced access and operative outer diameters
The working section includes a first transition section transitioning the first outer diameter to a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter, followed by an access section with an outer diameter equal to the second outer diameter.
Uniform taper to operative section with reduced wall thickness
A second transition section extends distally from the access section and uniformly tapers the second outer diameter to a third outer diameter that is less than the second outer diameter, and an operative section extends distally from the second transition section with an outer diameter equal to the third outer diameter, with a second thickness in the operative section less than the first thickness.
Optical system disposed within the working section
An optical system disposed within the working section.
Cervical os passage enabled for operative section while access section inhibited
The second outer diameter is greater than about 6 mm and the third outer diameter is less than about 6 mm to enable passage of the operative section through a cervical os of a patient while inhibiting passage of the access section through the cervical os.
Access section bends less than operative section under perpendicular force
When a force is applied perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis of the working section, the force causes the access section to bend less than the operative section.
The independent claims share a constant-diameter channel and a stepped outer-diameter working section transitioning to a smaller operative outer diameter with reduced operative wall thickness, combined with a cervical-os passage relationship (operative passes, access inhibited). One independent claim further adds that the access section bends less than the operative section under a perpendicular applied force.
Stated Advantages
Enables passage of the operative section through a cervical os of a patient.
Inhibits passage of the access section through the cervical os of the patient.
In embodiments, when a force is applied perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis, causes the access section to bend less than the operative section.
Documented Applications
Performing procedures by inserting the operative section of the endoscope through a cervical os in a patient (hysteroscopy context as described).
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