Fluid delivery device for use with endoscopes

Abstract

A system for use with an endoscope is disclosed. An exemplary system (10) may include a sleeve (14) configured to be coupled to the outer surface of an endoscope (12). A housing (16) may be coupled to the sleeve. The housing may have a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a fluid chamber (22) defined within the housing. Multiple openings (26) may be formed in the distal end region. An actuator (30) may be coupled to the proximal end region of the housing and extend proximal. A distal ring member (28) may be located within the housing. The distal ring member may be fixed axially to the sleeve and axially to the housing. The housing is configured to shift between a first position and a second position relative to the endoscope.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a medical device and a method for manufacturing the medical device. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a fluid delivery device for use with an endoscope. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 580,839, filed on September 6, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background Art]

[0002] A wide variety of medical instruments have been developed for medical uses, for example intravascular uses. Some of these devices include guidewires, catheters, endoscopes, and the like. These devices can be manufactured by any one of a variety of different manufacturing methods and can be used in accordance with any one of a variety of methods. Known medical devices and methods each have particular advantages and disadvantages. There remains a need to provide alternative medical devices, and alternative methods for manufacturing and using medical devices. [Summary of the Invention]

[0003] The present disclosure provides designs, materials, manufacturing methods, and alternatives for use for medical devices. A system for use with an endoscope is disclosed. The system comprises: a sleeve configured to be coupled to an outer surface of the endoscope; a housing coupled to the sleeve, the housing having a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a fluid chamber defined within the housing, wherein a plurality of openings are formed in the distal end region; an actuator coupled to the proximal end region of the housing and extending proximally; and a distal ring member disposed within the housing, axially fixed relative to the sleeve and axially fixed relative to the housing, wherein the housing is configured to shift between a first position and a second position relative to the endoscope.

[0004] Additionally or alternatively to any of the above embodiments, the sleeve comprises silicone. In addition to or alternative to any of the above embodiments, the housing includes an inner wall and an outer wall, and the fluid chamber is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0005] In addition to or alternative to any of the above embodiments, the distal end region of the housing has an arc shape. In addition to or alternative to any of the above embodiments, the actuator includes a pull wire.

[0006] In addition to or in lieu of any of the above embodiments, one or more additional actuators are further provided. In addition to or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, a proximal ring member is further provided, which is arranged around the endoscope and configured to be located proximal to the distal ring member.

[0007] In addition to or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, a spacer member extending between the distal ring member and the proximal ring member is further provided. In addition to or alternative to any of the above embodiments, the actuator extends through the proximal ring member.

[0008] In addition to or alternative to any of the above embodiments, one or more coil members configured to be positioned around the endoscope are further provided. In addition to or alternative to any of the above embodiments, the actuator is disposed between the one or more coil members and the outer surface of the endoscope.

[0009] In addition to or alternative to any of the above embodiments, when the housing is in the first position, the distal ring member is positioned adjacent to the proximal end region of the housing.

[0010] In addition to or alternative to any of the above embodiments, when the housing is in the second position, the distal ring member is positioned distal to the proximal end region of the housing.

[0011] A system for use with an endoscope is disclosed. The system comprises a sleeve configured to be coupled to the outer surface of the endoscope; a fluid casing coupled to the sleeve, the fluid casing including an inner wall member, an outer wall member, a fluid chamber defined between the inner wall member and the outer wall member, and an arc-shaped distal surface having a plurality of openings; a distal ring member disposed within the fluid casing and fixed axially with respect to the endoscope, the distal ring member configured to shift the fluid casing between a first position and a second position, wherein when the fluid casing is in the first position, the distal ring member is positioned adjacent to the proximal end region of the fluid casing, and when the fluid casing is in the second position, the distal ring member is positioned distal to the proximal end region of the fluid casing; and an actuator coupled to the fluid casing and extending proximal, the actuator configured to shift the fluid casing between the first position and the second position.

[0012] In addition to or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, a proximal ring member is further provided, which is arranged around the endoscope and configured to be located proximal to the distal ring member.

[0013] In addition to or as an alternative to any of the above embodiments, a spacer member extending between the distal ring member and the proximal ring member is further provided. In addition to or alternative to any of the above embodiments, the actuator extends through a proximal ring member.

[0014] In addition to or alternative to any of the above embodiments, one or more coil members configured to be positioned around the endoscope are further provided. In addition to or alternative to any of the above embodiments, the actuator is disposed between the one or more coil members and the outer surface of the endoscope.

[0015] A method for delivering fluid during an endoscopic procedure is disclosed. The method comprises positioning an endoscope coupled with a fluid delivery system adjacent to a target site. The fluid delivery system comprises a sleeve configured to be coupled to the outer surface of the endoscope; a fluid casing coupled to the sleeve, the fluid casing comprising an inner wall member, an outer wall member, a fluid chamber defined between the inner wall member and the outer wall member, and an arc-shaped distal surface having a plurality of openings; a distal ring member disposed within the fluid casing, configured to shift the fluid casing between a first position and a second position, wherein when the fluid casing is in the first position, the distal ring member is positioned adjacent to the proximal end region of the fluid casing, and when the fluid casing is in the second position, the distal ring member is positioned distal to the proximal end region of the fluid casing; and an actuator coupled to the fluid casing and extending proximal, configured to shift the fluid casing between the first position and the second position. The method further includes shifting the fluid casing toward the second position by acting the actuator, thereby delivering the fluid contained within the fluid chamber out of the fluid casing through the plurality of openings in the arc-shaped distal surface of the fluid casing.

[0016] The above summaries of some embodiments are not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or all implementations of the present disclosure. The drawings and the following detailed description illustrate these embodiments more specifically.

[0017] The present disclosure may be more completely understood by consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary fluid delivery device for use with an endoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of an exemplary fluid delivery device for use with an endoscope. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of an exemplary fluid delivery device for use with an endoscope. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary fluid delivery device for use with an endoscope. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary fluid delivery device for use with an endoscope. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of an exemplary fluid delivery device for use with an endoscope. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view of a portion of an exemplary fluid delivery device for use with an endoscope. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The present disclosure is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. However, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] For terms defined below, these definitions shall apply unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in the present specification. All numerical values are assumed to be modified by the term "about", whether explicitly stated in this specification or not. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numerical values that those skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" may include numbers rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0021] Recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within the range (for example, 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0022] References to "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "other embodiments" and the like in this specification indicate that the described embodiments may include one or more specific features, structures and / or characteristics. However, such phrases do not necessarily mean that all embodiments include the specific features, structures and / or characteristics. Furthermore, when specific features, structures and / or characteristics are described with respect to one embodiment, such features, structures and / or characteristics may be used with respect to other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0023] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings, and like elements in different drawings are designated with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and illustrate exemplary embodiments, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0024] Endoscopes are widely used to treat and / or diagnose many different conditions. Some of these conditions (e.g., hemorrhagic ulcers) can be treated by using a syringe in conjunction with an endoscope to deliver fluid to the treatment site. However, fluid delivery in conjunction with an endoscope can sometimes be difficult. The systems and apparatus disclosed herein are for delivering fluid using (e.g., in conjunction with) an endoscope.

[0025] Figure 1 shows an exemplary system 10 for use with an endoscope 12. System 10 can be fixed to the endoscope 12 and can be used, for example, to deliver fluids to a target. In at least some examples, the target may be a hemorrhagic ulcer. Thus, system 10 can deliver fluids and / or adhesive patches (e.g., fluids or fluid substances that form an adhesive patch) that can help, for example, cover hemorrhagic ulcers, delay or stop bleeding, reduce perforation, reduce stricture formation, or a combination thereof. In addition to treating hemorrhagic ulcers, system 10 can be used to treat patients after tissue resection procedures (e.g., endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal incision, polyp removal, etc.), to reinforce suture lines, to seal fistulas, to treat or close transoral endoscopic myotomy sites, etc. Several additional interventions are also intended for use with system 10.

[0026] System 10 may include a sleeve 14. Generally, the sleeve 14 may be configured to bond to and / or be positioned along the outer surface of the endoscope 12. In some examples, the sleeve 14 may include silicone. Other materials are also possible. The sleeve 14 may help to secure System 10 to the endoscope 12 (e.g., by friction). Other mechanisms for securing System 10 to the endoscope 12 include mechanical bonding, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, and combinations thereof. In some examples, System 10 may be permanently attached to the endoscope 12. In such cases, System 10 may include the endoscope 12. In other examples, System 10 may be attachable to the endoscope 12. In other words, System 10 may be an additional component that can be added to the endoscope 12.

[0027] The fluid casing or housing 16 may be coupled to the sleeve 14. The fluid casing 16 may include an inner wall 18 and an outer wall 20. The fluid chamber 22 may be defined within the fluid casing 16, for example, between the inner wall 18 and the outer wall 20. The fluid casing 16 may have a distal end region and / or a distal surface 24. In some examples, the distal surface 24 may be arc-shaped. One or more openings 26 may be formed in the distal surface 24.

[0028] In general, the fluid casing 16 may be configured to contain a fluid for delivery to an appropriate target location. For example, one or more therapeutic fluids may be contained within the fluid chamber 22 for an intervention aimed at treating a bleeding ulcer. Exemplary fluids may include acrylates, methacrylates, n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate, other materials and / or adhesives. Such fluids may exist as monomers within the fluid chamber 22. This fluid may polymerize to bond wound tissue upon delivery and / or contact with tissue. Other fluids are also conceivable. In at least some examples, the fluid may be biocompatible. The fluid may also have at least some degree of visibility and be visible during the intervention, be effective and / or efficient in treating the appropriate condition (e.g., covering a bleeding ulcer, stopping bleeding, etc.), be relatively fluid and / or easy to apply, and be relatively easy to deliver along the gastrointestinal tract. In some examples, the fluid may form an adhesive patch and / or take the form of an adhesive patch.

[0029] In some examples, the fluid may contain multiple parts or components. In such cases, the two parts may be kept separated by a partition (not shown) within the fluid chamber 22. Upon delivery, the two parts may be mixed and / or combined to form a therapeutic material. For example, one component may contain fibrinogen (e.g., lyophilized pooled human fibrinogen) and the other may contain thrombin (e.g., bovine, human, etc.). In some examples, one or both of the two components may contain calcium salts. Several different parts / components are also possible.

[0030] System 10 may include a distal ring member 28. In at least some examples, the distal ring member 28 may be located within the fluid casing 16. The distal ring member 28 may be axially fixed to the sleeve 14 and / or to the fluid casing 16. As described in more detail herein, the distal ring member 28 may function similarly to a plunger or plunger end of a syringe. For example, since the distal ring member 28 may be axially fixed to the fluid casing 16, the displacement of the distal ring member 28 within the fluid casing 16 due to the movement or translation of the fluid casing 16 can help push the fluid contained in the fluid chamber 22 out of the fluid casing 16 through the opening 26.

[0031] The actuator 30 may be coupled to the fluid casing 16. For example, the actuator 30 may be coupled to the proximal end region of the fluid casing 16 and extend proximal. In some examples, the actuator 30 may be a pull wire. The pull wire 30 may be configured to shift the fluid casing 16. In some examples, the system 10 may include one actuator 30. In other examples, the system 10 may include one or more additional actuators 30.

[0032] One or more coil members 32 may be arranged along the outer surface of the endoscope 12. For example, one or more coil members 32 may surround the endoscope 12 and one or more actuators 30. Thus, the actuators 30 may extend between one or more coil members 32 and the outer surface of the endoscope 12. Alternatively, one or more coil members 32 may surround each of the actuators 30 and extend proximal to the actuators 30.

[0033] In some examples, system 10 may include a proximal ring member 34. The proximal ring member 34 may be located proximal to the distal ring member 28. In some examples, an actuator 30 may extend through the proximal ring member 34. A spacer member 36 may extend between the distal ring member 28 and the proximal ring member 34. The proximal ring member 34, the distal ring member 28, and the spacer member 36 may be fixed to each other axially. For example, the proximal ring member 34 may be fixed axially to the distal ring member 28 by the spacer member 36.

[0034] As described herein, the fluid casing 16 may be configured to shift relative to the endoscope 12 between a first position and a second position, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. For example, when the fluid casing 16 is in the first position, as shown in Figure 2, the distal ring member 28 may be positioned adjacent to the proximal end region of the fluid casing 16. When the fluid casing 16 is in the second position, as shown in Figure 3, the distal ring member 28 may be positioned distal to the proximal end region of the fluid casing 16. Because the fluid casing 16 is movable relative to the distal ring member 28, the distal ring member 28 may shift within the fluid casing 16 and function like a plunger, thereby allowing fluid to be injected from the fluid casing 16 through the opening 26.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a handle 40 coupled to an actuator 30. Generally, the handle 40 can be used to shift the actuator 30 and thus the fluid casing 16. The handle 40 may include a finger pull member 42 that is slidable along the stem 44. A thumb member 46 may be located at the proximal end of the handle 40. The actuator 30 may be coupled to the finger pull member 42 such that retracting the finger pull member 42 along the stem 44 causes the actuator 30, and consequently the fluid casing 16, to retract. As described above, one or more coil members 32 may be positioned around the endoscope 12, or, as shown in Figure 4, one or more coil members 32 may be wrapped around the actuator 30. In Figure 4, one or more coil members 32 are shown together with the actuator 30 extending distally from the coil members 32. In practice, one or more coil members 32 may extend from the handle 40 to a proximal ring member 34.

[0036] Figure 5 shows another exemplary system 110, similar in form and function to other systems disclosed herein, for use with the endoscope 12. System 110 may include a sleeve 114. Generally, the sleeve 114 may be configured to bond to and / or be positioned along the outer surface of the endoscope 12. In some examples, the sleeve 114 may include silicone. Other materials are also possible. The sleeve 114 may help to secure the system 110 to the endoscope 12 (e.g., by friction). Other mechanisms for securing the system 110 to the endoscope 12 include mechanical bonding, adhesive bonding, thermal bonding, and combinations thereof. In some examples, the system 110 may be permanently attached to the endoscope 12. In such cases, the system 110 may include the endoscope 12. In other examples, the system 110 may be attachable to the endoscope 12. In other words, the system 110 may be an additional component that can be added to the endoscope 12.

[0037] The fluid casing or housing 116 may be coupled to the sleeve 114. The fluid casing 116 may include an inner wall 118 and an outer wall 120. The fluid chamber 122 may be defined within the fluid casing 116, for example, between the inner wall 118 and the outer wall 120. The fluid casing 116 may have a distal end region and / or distal surface 124. In some examples, the distal surface 124 may be arc-shaped. One or more openings 126 may be formed in the distal surface 124. Similar to the fluid casing 16, the fluid casing 116 may be configured to contain fluid for delivery to a suitable target location.

[0038] The system 110 may include a distal ring member or distal ring region 128. In at least some examples, the distal ring region 128 may be located within the fluid casing 116. The distal ring region 128 may be axially fixed to the sleeve 114 and / or to the fluid casing 116. As will be described in more detail herein, the distal ring region 128 may function similarly to a plunger or the end of a plunger. For example, since the distal ring region 128 may be axially fixed to the fluid casing 116, the displacement of the distal ring region 128 within the fluid casing 116 due to the movement or translation of the fluid casing 116 can help push the fluid contained in the fluid chamber 122 out of the fluid casing 116 through the opening 26.

[0039] The actuator 130 may be coupled to the fluid casing 116. For example, the actuator 130 may be coupled to the proximal end region of the fluid casing 116 and extend proximal. In some examples, the actuator 130 may be a pull wire. The pull wire 130 may be configured to shift the fluid casing 116. In some examples, the system 110 may include one actuator 130. In other examples, the system 110 may include one or more additional actuators 130. In some examples, one or more coil members (not shown) may be arranged along the outer surface of the endoscope 12 and / or surround each actuator 130.

[0040] In some examples, the system 110 may include a proximal ring member or proximal ring region 134. The proximal ring region 134 may be located proximal to the distal ring region 128. In some examples, the actuator 130 may extend through the proximal ring region 134. A spacer member or spacer region 136 may extend between the distal ring region 128 and the proximal ring region 134. The proximal ring region 134, the distal ring region 128, and the spacer region 136 may be fixed to each other axially.

[0041] In some examples, the proximal ring region 134, the spacer region 136, and the distal ring region 128 may be a single structure having three parts. For example, the proximal ring region 134 may have an enlarged outer diameter relative to the rest and may be located on the proximal side of the fluid casing 116. The distal ring region 128 may be located within the fluid casing 116. The spacer region 136 may extend between the proximal ring region 134 and the distal ring region 128 and may connect them.

[0042] As described herein, the fluid casing 116 may be configured to shift relative to the endoscope 12 between a first position and a second position, as shown in Figures 6 and 7. For example, when the fluid casing 116 is in the first position, as shown in Figure 6, the distal ring region 128 may be positioned adjacent to the proximal end region of the fluid casing 116. When the fluid casing 116 is in the second position, as shown in Figure 7, the distal ring region 128 may be positioned distal to the proximal end region of the fluid casing 116. Because the fluid casing 116 is movable relative to the distal ring region 128, the distal ring region 128 may shift within the fluid casing 116 and function like a plunger, thereby allowing fluid to be injected from the fluid casing 116 through the opening 126.

[0043] Materials that can be used for various components of System 10 (and / or other systems disclosed herein) may include those commonly associated with medical devices. For example, the system may include components made from metals, metal alloys, polymers (some examples of which are disclosed below), metal-polymer composites, ceramics, combinations thereof, or other suitable materials. Some examples of suitable polymers include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), fluoroethylene propylene (FEP), polyoxymethylene (POM, e.g., DELRIN® available from DuPont), polyether block esters, polyurethane (e.g., polyurethane 85A), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyether esters (e.g., ARNITEL® available from DSM Engineering Plastics), ether or ester copolymers (e.g., butylene / poly(alkylene ether) phthalate, and / or other polyester elastomers such as HYTREL® available from DuPont), polyamides (e.g., DURETHAN® or Elf Atochem available from Bayer).CRISTAMID® (available from Atochem), elastomer polyamides, block polyamides / ethers, polyether block amides (PEBA, e.g., available under the trade name PEBAX®), ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), silicone, polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene (e.g., REXELL®), polyester, polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimide (PI), polyetherimide (PEI), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), poly-p-phenylene terephthalamide (e.g., KEVLAR®), polysulfone, nylon, nylon-12 (EMS American Glylon (EMS American Materials may include GRILAMID® (available from Grilon), perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether) (PFA), ethylene vinyl alcohol, polyolefins, polystyrene, epoxy, polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), poly(styrene-b-isobutylene-b-styrene) (e.g., SIBS and / or SIBS50A), polycarbonate, ionomer, biocompatible polymer, other suitable materials, mixtures or combinations or copolymers thereof, polymer / metal composites, etc. In some embodiments, the sheath is miscible with liquid crystal polymer (LCP). For example, the mixture can contain up to about 6% LCP.

[0044] Some examples of suitable metals and metal alloys include stainless steel such as 304V, 304L, and 316LV stainless steel, mild steel, nickel-titanium alloys such as linear elastic and / or superelastic Nitinol, and other nickel alloys such as nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS:N06625 such as INCONEL® 625, UNS:N06022 such as HASTELLOY® C-22, HASTELLOY® C276). UNS:N10276 (registered trademark), other HASTELLOY® alloys, etc., nickel-copper alloys (e.g., UNS:N04400 such as MONEL® 400, NICKELVAC® 400, NICORROS® 400, etc.), nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS:R30035 such as MP35-N®), nickel-molybdenum alloys (e.g., HASTELLOY® ALLOY This includes UNS:N10665 and other B2 (registered trademark), other nickel-chromium alloys, other nickel-molybdenum alloys, other nickel-cobalt alloys, other nickel-iron alloys, other nickel-copper alloys, other nickel-tungsten or tungsten alloys, cobalt-chromium alloys, cobalt-chromium-molybdenum alloys (e.g., UNS:R30003 and other ELGILOY (registered trademark), PHYNOX (registered trademark)), platinum-enriched stainless steel, titanium, combinations thereof, or any other suitable material.

[0045] This disclosure should be understood in many respects as merely illustrative. Modifications may be made in detail, particularly with respect to shape, size, and step arrangement, without exceeding the scope of this disclosure. This may include, to a reasonable extent, the use of any feature of one exemplary embodiment in other embodiments. The scope of this disclosure is, of course, defined by the language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for use with an endoscope, A sleeve configured to be attached to the outer surface of the endoscope, A housing coupled to the sleeve, the housing having a proximal end region, a distal end region, and a fluid chamber defined within the housing, wherein a plurality of openings are formed in the distal end region, An actuator coupled to the proximal end region of the housing and extending proximal, The housing comprises a distal ring member disposed within the housing and fixed axially to the sleeve and axially to the housing, A system in which the housing is configured to shift between a first position and a second position relative to the endoscope.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve contains silicone.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing includes an inner wall and an outer wall, and the fluid chamber is defined between the inner wall and the outer wall.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the distal end region of the housing has an arc shape.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the actuator includes a pull wire.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising one or more additional actuators.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a proximal ring member arranged around the endoscope and configured to be located proximal to the distal ring member.

8. The system according to claim 7, further comprising a spacer member extending between the distal ring member and the proximal ring member.

9. The system according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the actuator extends through the proximal ring member.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising one or more coil members configured to be positioned around the endoscope.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the actuator is disposed between the one or more coil members and the outer surface of the endoscope.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein when the housing is in a first position, the distal ring member is positioned adjacent to the proximal end region of the housing.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein when the housing is in the second position, the distal ring member is positioned distal to the proximal end region of the housing.

14. A system for use with an endoscope, A sleeve configured to be attached to the outer surface of the endoscope, A fluid casing coupled to the sleeve, the fluid casing comprising an inner wall member, an outer wall member, a fluid chamber defined between the inner wall member and the outer wall member, and a curved distal surface having a plurality of openings, A distal ring member disposed within the fluid casing and fixed axially to the endoscope, wherein the fluid casing is configured to shift between a first position and a second position, and when the fluid casing is in the first position, the distal ring member is positioned adjacent to the proximal end region of the fluid casing, and when the fluid casing is in the second position, the distal ring member is positioned distal to the proximal end region of the fluid casing; An actuator coupled to the fluid casing and extending proximal to it, configured to shift the fluid casing between the first position and the second position, A system equipped with these features.

15. The system according to claim 14, further comprising a proximal ring member arranged around the endoscope and configured to be located proximal to the distal ring member.

Images