Endoscope having a guide tube

Abstract

An endoscope having a guide tube is described herein. The assembly has an endoscope which is slidably insertable within the lumen of a guide tube. The guide tube is configured to be rigidizable along its entire length from a relaxed configuration. The endoscope has a steerable distal portion to facilitate the steering of the device through tortuous paths. In the relaxed configuration, a portion of the guide tube is able to assume the shape or curve defined by the controllable distal portion of the endoscope. Having assumed the shape or curve of the endoscope, the guide tube may be rigidized by the physician or surgeon to maintain that shape or curve while the endoscope is advanced distally through the tortuous path without having to place any undue pressure against the tissue walls.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 139,289 filed May 2, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 969,927 filed Oct. 2, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 790,204 filed Feb. 20, 2001, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 194,140 filed Apr. 3, 2000, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates generally to endoscopes and endoscopic medical procedures. More particularly, it relates to a method and apparatus to facilitate insertion of a flexible endoscope along a tortuous path using a guide tube apparatus, such as for colonoscopic examination and treatment. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] An endoscope is a medical instrument for visualizing the interior of a patient's body. Endoscopes can be used for a variety of differ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes an endoscopic assembly and method for advancing it through tortuous paths in the body, such as the colon, without excessively contacting the walls of the colon. The assembly includes a flexible guide tube that can be rigidized to hold its shape as it is advanced. The guide tube is made up of individual segments that can move relative to each other, and it can be tensioned to hold its shape. The guide tube can be withdrawn from the body at any point during the procedure. The guide tube has a covering to prevent debris and fluids from entering and to maintain the sterility of the internal lumen. The use of the additional covering also helps to maintain the sterility of the guide tube. Overall, the invention allows for safer and easier exploratory procedures in the body."

Problems solved by technology

Insertion of the colonoscope is complicated by the fact that the colon represents a tortuous and convoluted path.

Considerable manipulation of the colonoscope is often necessary to advance the colonoscope through the colon, making the procedure more difficult and time consuming and adding to the potential for complications, such as intestinal perforation.

However, as the colonoscope is inserted farther and farther into the colon, it becomes more difficult to advance the colonoscope along the selected path.

Friction and slack in the colonoscope build up at each turn, making it more and more difficult to advance and withdraw the colonoscope.

In addition, the force against the wall of the colon increases with the buildup of friction.

In cases of extreme tortuosity, it may become impossible to advance the colonoscope all of the way through the colon.

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