Bronchoscope Adapter and Methods for Using the Same

Abstract

Bronchoscope adapters and methods of using the same are provided. Aspects of the adaptors include a body having a passageway, a mechanical ventilator access port, a bronchoscope access port configured to receive a bronchoscope into the passageway, and an exit port. The bronchoscope access port comprises a reversibly adjustable inner diameter component that provides locking of the bronchoscope at desired position. The adaptors find use in a variety of different applications.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e), this application claims priority to the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62 / 002,081 filed May 22, 2014, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.INTRODUCTION[0002]Bronchoscopy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons and other trained medical professionals. A fibrotic bronchoscope consists of a long, flexible tube containing several elements: an illumination device for the field distal to the tip of bronchoscope; an image-capturing system delivering a live-video feed with the capability of taking still photos, all through a flexible optical fiber connected to an external light source; and a working channel, via which, both diagnostic and therapeutic instruments, and agents (such as biopsy forceps, aspiration needle, brushes, laser, cryo, radiofrequency probe, fiducial markers, medications, etc.) are inserted or instil...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The adapter enhances precision and accuracy of bronchoscopic procedures by allowing single-operator control, reducing the need for additional personnel, and maintaining an airtight ventilator system, thereby improving diagnostic yields and reducing operational costs.

Problems solved by technology

This undesired and inevitable movement of bronchoscope relative to the endotracheal tube with the existing devices, could move the EWC tip far away from the intended target, and completely negates the tremendous effort made to navigate to and then lock the EWC tip at the intended target.

This undesired movement causes several problems: missing the target without awareness of operator, resulting in poor precision leading to reduction of the diagnostic yield, or requiring repeated navigation to the same target, increasing in the operational time.

The existing practice increases the complexity of an already complicated multi-person procedure that requires delicate coordination between the bronchoscopist and the assistants.

Current conditions greatly add to the cost of the operation and more so, often result in missing the intended targets of the procedure that depend on the high precision of the operators.

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