Handle for Multifunction Endoscope

Abstract

A multifunction endoscope handle comprises a body cover, a first body cover extension and a second body cover extension. The body cover comprises distal and proximal ends with a waist of therebetween. The proximal and distal end circumferences part each larger than the waist circumference. The body cover also comprises an outer surface tapering from the distal and proximal ends to the waist. Both of the first and second body cover extensions extend radially outwardly directions from the outer surface of the body cover. In some embodiments the proximal circumference is larger than the distal circumference. The outer surface is preferably a smoothly tapering outer surface. The body cover may comprise a plurality of ports at a proximal portion thereof.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 747,780 filed 19 May 2006, entitled Endoscope for Fiber Optic Procedures, Attorney Docket LSCP 1026-1.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to endoscopes, and in particular the configuration of a handle used for a multifunction endoscope.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]An endoscope is an illuminated medical device used look inside the body and examine organs. An endoscope can be rigid or flexible. Endoscopes designed for particular procedures often have specialized names, such as cystoscope (bladder), nephroscope (kidney), bronchoscope (bronchi), laryngoscope (larynx), otoscope (ear), arthroscope (joint) and laparoscope (abdomen). In addition to being used for viewing and examination, endoscopes are often used with various types of medical instruments for diagnostic and therapeutic procedur...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011]A simple endoscope used for examination of an organ may have only two ports, one for the light source and one for the optical image. However, endoscopes used for medical procedures such as ablation of tissue using laser energy will typically have many more ports and therefore make the design of the proximal portion of the endoscope more complicated. The increased complexity includes the presence of tubes, lines, wires and other things extending from the proximal portion of the endoscope. One aspect of the invention is the recognition that different individuals using the same endoscope will often hold and manipulate the endoscope by its proximal portion in different ways. This is particularly true for multifunction endoscopes used for both of viewing and for treatment, at least in part because of the increased complexity of the procedure and the number of things extending from the proximal portion, as well as the personal preferences of the operator.

Problems solved by technology

However, endoscopes used for medical procedures such as ablation of tissue using laser energy will typically have many more ports and therefore make the design of the proximal portion of the endoscope more complicated.

The increased complexity includes the presence of tubes, lines, wires and other things extending from the proximal portion of the endoscope.

This is particularly true for multifunction endoscopes used for both of viewing and for treatment, at least in part because of the increased complexity of the procedure and the number of things extending from the proximal portion, as well as the personal preferences of the operator.

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