Modular wireless large bore vacuum universal endoscope and vacuumscope
Inventors
Clayman, Ralph V. • Kaler, Kamaljot S. • Heidari, Andrew Emon • Patel, Roshan M. • Landman, Jamie • Jiang, Pengbo
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12653614-B2
Publication Date
2026-06-16
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present technology relates to ureteroscopy, laser ablation of ureteral and renal stone, capture and removal of stone fragments. In one embodiment, the device includes an optical instrument operably connected to a large vacuum channel that is about 1.5 mm to about 8.0 mm in width. In another embodiment, the device includes two single-time use disposable or potentially reusable units, such as a large vacuum endoscope removal tip and a wireless and modular battery-powered handpiece.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a modular wireless “vacuumoscopy” universal endoscope for ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy, using an optical instrument fluidly connected to a single vacuum channel. A central bar is disposed only at a distal end of the single vacuum channel across a diameter of the single vacuum channel such that the central bar divides only the distal end of the single vacuum channel into two halves to prevent clogging. The central bar comprises one or more ports, a light source, and one or more optical elements, and one or more guidewires are disposed through the single vacuum channel and through the one or more ports to promote controlled movement of the optical instrument.
The optical instrument further includes a plurality of irrigation channels arrayed around an outer circumference of the single vacuum channel. An array of optical materials is located around the outer circumference of the single vacuum channel for achieving visualization, and a control mechanism is located around the outer circumference of the single vacuum channel for achieving manipulation of the optical instrument. Visualization and imaging are described as achievable using a fluid/LIQUID light waveguide, including the ability to reposition an imaging chip toward the handle to free space for a larger suction port.
The invention is further characterized by integration of wireless and modular features, including an optional self-contained battery pack and wireless communication (Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi). The described instrument is modular/disposable in arrangement, and includes manipulation features such as magnetic guidewire steering and an ergonomic one-handed handle. The patent also documents performance results for stone-fragment clearance and occlusion behavior across fragment sizes using tested scope tips.
Claims Coverage
The document includes three independent claims with a shared inventive core: an optical instrument fluidly connected to a single vacuum channel with a distal central bar that divides only the distal end into two halves to prevent clogging, while enabling irrigation, visualization, manipulation, and guidewire-controlled movement through ports.
Distal central bar dividing the vacuum channel to prevent clogging with ports, light source, and optical elements
An optical instrument fluidly connected to a single vacuum channel, wherein the optical instrument comprises a central bar disposed only at a distal end of the single vacuum channel across a diameter of the single vacuum channel such that the central bar divides only the distal end of the single vacuum channel into two halves to prevent clogging; wherein the central bar comprises one or more ports, a light source, and one or more optical elements.
Irrigation and visualization around the vacuum channel with manipulation control
A plurality of irrigation channels arrayed around an outer circumference of the single vacuum channel; an array of optical materials located around the outer circumference of the single vacuum channel for achieving visualization; and a control mechanism located around the outer circumference of the single vacuum channel for achieving manipulation of the optical instrument.
Guidewire routing through the vacuum channel and through central-bar ports to promote controlled movement
One or more guidewires disposed through the single vacuum channel and through the one or more ports to promote controlled movement of the optical instrument.
Device with distal central bar ports for smooth controlled movement and visualization elements
A device wherein an optical instrument is fluidly connected to a single vacuum channel, with a central bar disposed only at a distal end across a diameter dividing only the distal end into two halves to prevent clogging; wherein the central bar comprises one or more ports and one or more guidewires are disposed through the single vacuum channel and through the one or more ports to promote smooth controlled movement; and wherein the central bar comprises a light source and one or more optical elements, with irrigation channels around the vacuum channel, an array of optical materials for visualization, and a control mechanism around the outer circumference for manipulation.
Method of removing biopsied tissue or stone particle/fragment using the clog-preventing vacuum channel device
A method of removing a biopsied tissue or stone particle or fragment thereof from an individual by providing a device comprising an optical instrument fluidly connected to a single vacuum channel with a distal central bar dividing only the distal end into two halves to prevent clogging, irrigation channels around the vacuum channel, an array of optical materials for visualization, and a control mechanism for manipulation; wherein the central bar comprises one or more ports, a light source, and one or more optical elements; wherein one or more guidewires are disposed through the single vacuum channel and through the one or more ports to promote controlled movement of the optical instrument; and removing the biopsied tissue or stone particle or fragment thereof from the individual.
Across the independent claims, the central inventive theme is maintaining a single vacuum channel with a distal central bar that divides only the distal end into two halves to prevent clogging, while providing ports with a light source and one or more optical elements, irrigation channels and an array of optical materials for visualization, and a control mechanism enabling manipulation, with guidewires routed through the vacuum channel and through the ports for controlled movement. A method claim applies the device to removing biopsied tissue or stone particles/fragments from an individual.
Stated Advantages
Improved stone-fragment clearance efficiency.
Reduced complications risk via disposable use (sterilization concerns).
Increased portability and cost reduction.
Documented Applications
Ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy and related procedures involving removal of stone fragments.
Suction-based biopsy of polyp and/or tumor, including suction in a bronchus, colon, or any gastrointestinal tract area of a subject.
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