Medical device sheath apparatus and method of making and using same
A medical device sheath apparatus and a method for using the apparatus is described. The sheath may include a self sealing fitting suitable for receiving a medical device, a first sheath for receiving the medical device as it passes through the fitting, and a second sheath surrounding the first sheath. A dilator, coupled to at least the second sheath, may also be provided. The apparatus allows therapeutic or diagnostic energy in such forms as electromagnetic radiation or acoustic to be applied to a treatment area. A method for making the apparatus is also described.
This application claims priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/331,561, entitled MEDICAL DEVICE SHEATH APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING SAME, filed Dec. 30, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if being set forth in its entirety herein, which application claims priority from U.S. Patent Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/418,664, entitled MEDICAL DEVICE SHEATH APPARATUS AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING SAME, filed Oct. 15, 2002, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if being set forth in its entirety herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates generally to systems and methods for treating medical conditions, and more particularly to systems and methods for treating medical conditions associated with a body cavity or lumen.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONEndoscopes are generally used to examine various biological cavities, such as those in the alimentary canal or the bladder. Such may be biological cavities of a human or otherwise. A physician typically has a limited view of the interior of the cavity in which the distal end of the endoscope is located, due to the fact that tube like organs, such as the esophagus, intestine, and bladder, may be relatively soft and pliable such that the organ collapses about the endoscope.
In order to have a better view of the cavity, air or liquid (such as water) may be traditionally forced into the cavity causing the cavity to temporarily expand.
Devices have generally been developed to distend tube-like organs with hardened or scarred tissue. One such device used by physicians is the balloon catheter. In the cardiovascular system, balloon catheters are used to open blocked or significantly narrowed arteries. In the gastrointestinal system, a modified balloon catheter, or balloon dilator, may be used to exert a radial force on the surrounding walls of tube-like organs, for the purpose of dilating strictures. Balloon dilators are commonly used in the gastrointestinal tract for strictures of the esophagus, pylorus, duodenum, sphincter of odi, biliary tree and colon.
Balloon catheters and dilators have also been used for expansion without the exertion of large radial forces. These balloon dilators are instead used to hold an organ open for an extended period of time, usually for a treatment of some kind. This treatment may include delivering medicaments to a specific site within the cardiovascular system, or the activation of a photosensitizing agent in a variety of organs, for example.
Devices have also been proposed to expand non-tubular organs in order to create a uniform surface for the activation of a photosensitizing agent. Such organs include the uterus and the bladder, for example.
Regardless, such distending devices may conventionally be positioned with respect to a target tissue with the aid of guidewires, or specialized introducers, being passed through the lumen of an endoscope, or by being passed “blindly” through connecting body lumens. However, there is typically no direct viewing of the positioning procedure or the target tissue. Therefore, difficulties exist in remotely and effectively treating a disease or ailment. Further, using guidewires typically requires multiple insertions into the cavity to perform a treatment. Generally, the more insertions required, the greater the chance for damage to surrounding tissue. For example, in a typical guidewire related gastrointestinal PDT procedure, a physician typically first inserts an endoscope to determine the treatment site. Once the site is located, a guidewire is typically inserted into the instrument channel of the endoscope. The endoscope is then withdrawn and the guidewire is left behind at the treatment site. Next, a balloon dilator is typically inserted using the guidewire as a central axis. To view the site, the endoscope is then reinserted alongside the dilator. When the procedure is complete, all devices are removed from the site.
In situations where devices are passed either through an endoscope or are passed “blindly”, there is a risk that the device may not be properly positioned at the target tissue, or more significantly, pass into unintended tissue and/or lumens causing harm to the patient. It is generally desirable to mitigate this risk. Further, it is generally desirable to minimize the number of insertions that must be performed to treat an area of interest.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA medical device sheath apparatus including: a fitting being suitable for receiving the medical device in a self sealing manner; a first sheath for receiving the medical device as it passes through the fitting; a second sheath surrounding the first sheath; a dilator defining a treatment area, coupled to at least the second sheath, and being suitable for dilating a bodily cavity and passing therapeutic or diagnostic energy in such forms as electromagnetic radiation or acoustic energy there through; and, a window operatively positioned with respect to the first sheath so as to enable viewing of an area substantially adjacent the second sheath upon insertion of the medical device into the apparatus.
A method for irradiating at least a portion of a bodily cavity including: providing a sheath apparatus including: a fitting being suitable for receiving the medical device in a self sealing manner; a first sheath for receiving the medical device as it passes through the fitting; a second sheath surrounding the first sheath; a dilator defining a treatment area, coupled to at least the second sheath, and being suitable for dilating a bodily cavity and passing therapeutic or diagnostic energy in such forms as electromagnetic radiation or acoustic energy there through; and, a window operatively positioned with respect to the first sheath so as to enable viewing of an area substantially adjacent to the second sheath upon insertion of the medical device into the apparatus; inserting at least a portion of the medical device into the apparatus; positioning the medical device containing apparatus in the bodily cavity using direct viewing through the window and the medical device; and, irradiating the portion of the bodily cavity through the apparatus using the medical device.
A method for making a medical device sheath apparatus including: coupling a first sheath to a fitting being suitable for receiving the medical device in a self sealing manner; coupling a second sheath to the fitting so as to surround the first sheath; coupling a dilator defining a treatment area and being suitable for dilating a bodily cavity and passing therapeutic or diagnostic energy in such forms as electromagnetic radiation or acoustic energy there through to the second sheath; and, coupling the first sheath to a window operatively positioned with respect to the first sheath so as to enable viewing of an area substantially adjacent the second sheath upon insertion of the medical device into the apparatus.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURESUnderstanding of the present invention will be facilitated by consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like parts:
It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the present invention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, many other elements found in endoscopic systems and radiating treatment methods. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other elements are desirable and/or required in order to implement the present invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not facilitate a better understanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements is not provided herein. The disclosure herein is directed to all such variations and modifications to such systems and methods known to those skilled in the art.
According to an aspect of the present invention, a sheath like apparatus may be provided and used that may be advantageously compatible with existing endoscopic equipment, and be used to expand, directly view and irradiate target tissue within a body cavity or lumen. It should be understood that while endoscope sheaths have generally been developed in order to prevent pathogen transfer from a cavity in which the scope is placed to the instrument itself, and in turn from person to person, these devices typically provide no other significant therapeutic benefits or advantages.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sheath-like device which may be used in conjunction with, or otherwise associated with such as by substantially encasing, an endoscope and introduced into a body cavity or lumen. Such a device may allow the cavity or lumen, or portion thereof corresponding to a treatment area, to be formed or dilated to a desired shape, so as to be substantially spherical, cylindrical, ellipsoidal or ovoid, for example. According to an aspect of the present invention, such a device may provide means to inspect, diagnose and/or treat the cavity or lumen with electromagnetic radiation, such as light or acoustic energy such as ultrasound. Energy delivered in this manner may allow for more accurate diagnosis or treatment than may otherwise be conventionally possible. Provided energy may also effect treatment through direct physical effect on surrounding tissue, such as by cauterization or hypothermia, for example. Or, it may effect treatment by causing a chemical reaction, such as in conjunction with a photosensitizing agent or precursor present in target tissue, for example. According to an aspect of the present invention, enhanced visualization of the cavity or lumen being irradiated may be achieved.
According to an aspect of the present invention, there may be provided and used a sheath-like apparatus into which an endoscope may be inserted, so as to facilitate examination and therapy within a biological cavity using a single insertion of the apparatus. Near an end of the apparatus, a bladder or balloon portion positionable with the aid of an elongated sheath portion may be provided. The balloon portion may be inflated with a suitable fluid, such as a liquid or gas, to thereby cause it to swell and provide an outward force that may tend to dilate or deform a biological cavity into which it is inserted. Such dilation may be of a desirably and predictably smooth shape based upon characteristics of the balloon so as to enhance uniformity or irradiation or illumination provided therethrough. For example, the balloon may be substantially non-distensible. Alternatively, it may be desirable that the balloon portion be distensible or partially distensible based upon intended operational characteristics.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may generally include a fitting which includes a seal housing, a seal which is dimensioned to receive an endoscope while creating a substantially air-tight seal about it, and a seal retainer. The apparatus may generally include a substantially transparent outer sheath including a non-distensible balloon; a substantially transparent inner sheath; a substantially transparent viewing window; a tube positioned between the inner and outer sheaths being suitable for delivering at least one fluid, such as air, to a distal end of the treatment apparatus, such as to terminate distal to the balloon and/or viewing window for the evacuation of matter that may accumulate distal to the balloon and/or window during therapy; and a second tube which terminates within the seal housing and is intended to transport a fluid or air for the purpose of inflating the balloon. The viewing window may have an antireflection coating on one or more surfaces.
The balloon may or may not have either a reflective, partially reflective or absorptive coating applied to one or more surfaces, or a portion thereof, to enhance and/or limit treatment to a specific target area of tissue within a cavity. The balloon may have an optical sensor or sensing fiber affixed to or embedded in it.
By inserting an endoscope into the apparatus, sufficient rigidity may be attained to allow the apparatus to be inserted into a biological cavity such as an esophagus. Once inside the esophagus, a physician may examine the inside of the esophagus by looking through the transparent viewing window, rinse the interior of the esophagus with water or saline that is introduced through the apparatus, introduce air, suction liquid, and properly position the apparatus for therapy. When properly positioned, air may be introduced into the balloon causing the balloon to inflate. The inflated balloon may substantially anchor the apparatus in the biological cavity allowing the endoscope to be withdrawn a distance equivalent to a treatment length. The treatment length may be determined through the endoscope by visual reference to markings within the apparatus or by visual reference to graduations on the endoscope itself, for example. An energy delivering device, such as a light emitting fiber, may then be inserted through an instrument channel in the endoscope, until it contacts the viewing window or a distal end of the apparatus, thereby exposing a portion of the energy delivering device to the cavity, such as a length of light emitting fiber suitable for treating a treatment area of tissue, i.e., a treatment length.
Referring now to
Referring now also to
Terminal fittings of the air/water/suction line 12 and the inflation/deflation line 14 may be respectively connected to sources of air, water, or suction and pressure/vacuum respectively (not shown). Endoscope 50 may be used in conjunction with apparatus 10, such that proximal fitting 20 may provide a primary interface between apparatus 10 and endoscope 50. Proximal fitting 20 may further provide a grip by which to maneuver apparatus 10.
Referring now also to
Referring now also to
Seal 80 may further include a plurality, such as four (4), fin like protrusions 83 extending outwardly from and along tubular portion 86 of seal 80. Of course, any suitable shape for portion 83 may be used though. These protrusions may serve to provide rigidity to tubular portion 86 to prevent roll back upon removal of endoscope 50. Second, when fully assembled in seal housing 90, the distal face of the fins may contact at least one protrusion within the housing 90 to prevent elongation and therefore narrowing of seal 80 when endoscope 50 is inserted through bore 81.
Seal 80 may further include apertures 89 passing through disk portion 82 and being suitable for passing air/water/suction line 12 and inflation/deflation line 14 therethrough. Apertures 89 may be undersized in comparison to tubes being passed through them. Further, disk 82 may include a relatively thicker portion 87 through which apertures 83 pass to provide a greater sealing surface along the length of the inserted lines 12, 14 as they pass through seal 80. Portion 87 of increased thickness may also be configured to act as a key, forcing alignment of apertures 89 of the seal 80 with apertures 74 through seal retainer 70 (
Seal 80 may provide a seal between seal retainer 70 and seal housing 90. Seal 80 may provide a seal about lines 12, 14 where they pass through apertures 89. Seal 80 may provide for a seal between an inner wall of tubular portion 86 and endoscope 50 when endoscope 50 is passed through bore 81. An inner diameter of tubular portion 86 may be relatively undersized, such that when endoscope 50 is passed therethrough, tubular portion 86 expands to allow endoscope passage.
Wall thickness and durometer of silicone composing seal 80 may be adjusted during manufacturing to obtain desired radial force operability. By adjusting the seal length and applying a parylene coating during manufacturing, the friction between the seal and the scope can be adjusted to allow for smooth insertion and removal of the endoscope into and from apparatus 10, for example. The desired friction may also be set so that movement of endoscope 50 relative to the sheath assembly 10 should not inadvertently occur during use, absent force being applied to endoscope 50 by a physician, for example. Tubular portion 86 may be tapered at one or both longitudinal ends to ease insertion and/or removal of endoscope 50, for example. As will be recognized by one possessing an ordinary skill in the pertinent arts, when all three seals are effected, apparatus 10 defines a substantially closed system that can be pressurized.
Referring now also to
Housing 90 may include a portion 92 adapted to receive and position seal retainer 70. A first step that decreases the inner diameter of housing 90 may mate with flat disk portion 82 of seal 80, so as to cooperate as a sealing face. This first step may further include a small channel along its perimeter that mates with o-ring portion 84 of seal 80. A second portion 94 may include internally projecting fins 95 similar to fins 83 (
Referring now also to
Generally, inner sheath 32 may take the form of a thin walled (for example 0.001″) tube that runs substantially the length of the sheath 30. A first end of inner sheath 32 may be tapered to fit over the tapered, circular cross section distal protrusion 98 of seal housing 90. An inner diameter of inner sheath 32 may be sized to allow passage of endoscope 50 therethrough. Inner sheath 32 may also serve to effectively limit an area in which optical fiber 60 (
Generally, air/water/suction line 12 may be small in diameter (for example having a 0.072″ outer diameter) and run substantially the length of sheath 30. Line 12 may terminate substantially at or near distal window 40. As set forth, line 12 may further pass through proximal fitting 20. Further, from the proximal fitting 20 a length of tubing may continue as a pigtail, terminating at a luer lock fitting, for example. To prevent movement of line 12, it may be banded to inner sheath 32. Accordingly, endoscope 50 may be effectively insulated from air/water/suction line 12 by inner sheath 32.
Generally, inflation/deflation line 14 may be small in diameter (for example having a 0.072″ outer diameter) and terminate in a substantially free floating manner within seal housing 90 (
Referring now also to 8A-8F in conjunction with 7A-7D in particular, there are shown various views of an outer sheath suitable for use as outer sheath/balloon 34 of
Referring now also to
Referring now also to
In use, endoscope 50 may be inserted through the seal retainer 70, seal 80 and seal housing 90, and into the inner sheath 32 such that the distal end of the endoscope 50 becomes proximate to the distal end of the inner sheath 32 (i.e., adjacent to the viewing window 40). When endoscope 50 is fully inserted, sheaths 32, 34 may become less flexible in nature due to the more radially rigid endoscope 50 housed within them and is ready to be used in a biological cavity (e.g., an esophagus).
When the distal portion of endoscope 50 is proximate to the distal end of the inner sheath 32, endoscope 50 may be positioned to receive, and transmit, images of a cavity in which the sheath and endoscope are inserted; through the viewing window 40. If the viewing window becomes hazy or is covered by matter (which may be, for example, biological in nature), a physician can direct water or air through the air/water/suction line 12 to remove the matter from the viewing window 40. Similarly, if sufficiently small matter and/or fluid in nature should become adjacent to window 40, the matter may be removed by sucking it through the air/water/suction line 12.
By injecting a suitable material, such as a gas, air or liquid for example, between the inner and outer sheaths 32, 34 (by using inflation/deflation line 14 for example), balloon 104 will tend to inflate and deform a biologic cavity in which it is inserted. Similarly, if fluid pumped into apparatus 10 is withdrawn (for example, by sucking the fluid back out through inflation/deflation line 12), the space between inner and outer sheaths and between the inner sheath and endoscope scope will deflate.
Referring now to
The target region may be affected by a disease or ailment such as Barrett's Esophagus and may additionally contain a photosensitizing agent or precursor such as that described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,955,490, 5,422,093, 5,234,940, 5,211,938, 5,097,262 and in James C. Kennedy et al., Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) and Photodiagnosis (PD) Using Endogenous Photosensitization Induced by 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (ALA): Mechanisms and Clinical Results, 14 J. C
After the balloon 104 is inflated, the physician may pull on the endoscope 50 while holding the proximal fitting 20 thereby withdrawing the endoscope 50 relative to the viewing window 40; the endoscope being proximally withdrawn to a second position, thereby defining a treatment region between the distal end of the endoscope 50 and the proximal end of the viewing window 40 (
Referring now also to
After the target region has been effectively treated, the combination of the endoscope 50, inner sheath 32, and outer sheath 34 may be removed in a manner similar to that by which the combination was inserted. Specifically, the light emitting fiber 60 may be withdrawn back into the endoscope 50, and the endoscope 50 is pushed back to the first position at which its distal end is proximate to the distal end of the inner sheath 32, while the balloon 104 remains inflated. Subsequently, the balloon 104 may be deflated. After deflating the balloon 104, the combination of the endoscope 50, inner sheath 32, and outer sheath 34 may be removed from the biologic cavity, such as an esophagus. Alternatively, apparatus 10 may be left in place to facilitate effecting other treatments or procedures, in which case endoscope 50 may be withdrawn, and if necessary or desirable, balloon 104 inflated to maintain its relative position in the cavity while endoscope 50 is being withdrawn.
According to an aspect of the present invention, seal 80 may take the form of a locking or passive seal.
According to an aspect of the present invention, air/water/suction line 12 could be split into an air/water line and a suction line. The air/water line would continue to use the hood feature on the distal window for displacing the spray of fluid. The suction line may be provided with a separate bore through the distal window 40 that was not hooded, to allow direct suction for example. An additional suction port could be positioned proximal to the balloon to remove fluid build up during treatment. According to an aspect of the present invention, air/water/suction line 12 could be removed altogether, which could allow for the removal of the outer sheath and the necessary bonding sites on the proximal fitting 20 and distal window 40. In such a case, balloon 104 may be adhered proximally and distally to the inner sheath 32. The inner sheath 32 may be allowed to communicate with the balloon 104.
According to an aspect of the present invention, air/water/suction line 12 could be removed altogether, which could allow for the removal of the inner sheath and the necessary bonding sites on the proximal fitting 20 and distal window 40. In such a case, balloon 104 may be adhered proximally and distally to the outer sheath. The outer sheath may be allowed to communicate with the balloon 104.
According to an aspect of the present invention, the inflation/deflation line could be removed and an air and suction feature inherent to endoscope 50 used to inflate and deflate the sheath respectively.
According to an aspect of the present invention, markings may be provided so as to be viewable using endoscope 50. According to an aspect of the present invention, reference points for determining a distance that the endoscope is withdrawn for treatment may take the form of markings at the distal end of the air/water/suction line 12 within the region of the balloon 104, inner sheath 32 or outer sheath 34, for example. This would allow the user to directly view how far back endoscope 50 is moved.
According to an aspect of the present invention, it may be desirable to at least partially inflate balloon 104 to improve viewing through window 40.
Although the aforementioned describes preferred embodiments of the invention, the invention is not so restricted. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed preferred embodiments of the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For example, although the invention was described as being used in a esophagus, it could be used in any biological cavity sized to receive an endoscope (e.g., bladder, colon, etc.). In addition, although the invention was described as treating Barrett's Esophagus, it could be used to treat or diagnose other diseases or ailments such as colon or bladder cancer.
According to an aspect of the present invention, fiber 60 may be replaced by, or supplemented with, another medical treatment device or apparatus. By way of nonlimiting example, one or more ultrasound applicators could be sheathed by apparatus 10 so as to permit treatment, or the application of a procedure, to tissue via a cavity in which apparatus 10 has been inserted.
Accordingly, it should be understood that the apparatus and method described herein are illustrative only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention, which is indicated by the following claims. Accordingly, alternatives which would be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the teachings herein disclosed, are hereby within the scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A medical device sheath apparatus comprising:
- a fitting being suitable for receiving said medical device in a self sealing manner;
- a first sheath for receiving said medical device as it passes through said fitting;
- a second sheath surrounding said first sheath;
- a dilator defining a treatment area, coupled to at least said second sheath, and being suitable for dilating a bodily cavity and passing therapeutic electromagnetic radiation there through; and,
- a window operatively positioned with respect to said first sheath so as to enable viewing of an area substantially adjacent said second sheath upon insertion of said medical device into said apparatus.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said medical device comprises an endoscope comprising a channel suitable for receiving an optical fiber suitable for irradiating biologic material through said dilator.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said dilator is substantially non-distensible.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said fitting comprises:
- a seal housing; and,
- a seal secured by said housing and comprising a bore being suitable for receiving said medical device and sized to provide an air seal against an outside diameter of said medical device.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said seal comprises at least one elastomeric material.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising at least one retainer securing said seal to said housing.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said seal, housing and retainer are integral.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tube having an end positioned with respect to said window to enable introduction of a material substantially adjacent to said window through said fitting.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tube having an end positioned with respect to said window to enable evacuation of material from an area substantially adjacent to said window through said fitting.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said window is substantially transparent.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said window comprises at least one anti-reflective coating.
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first and second sheaths are adapted such that said medical device provides sufficient rigidity to insert said apparatus into a bodily cavity.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first sheath and fitting are coupled so as to permit a substantially distal portion of said medical device to be displaceable within said treatment area.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for inflating said dilator wherein said means for inflating further comprises means for inflating said first sheath.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one marking on said first sheath, second sheath or dilator being suitable for determining a position of a substantially distal portion of said medical device using said medical device.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said at least one marking is directly viewable.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said first sheath and fitting are configured to define a substantially closed space upon insertion of said medical device.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said dilator and first sheath define a second substantially closed space.
19. A method for irradiating at least a portion of a bodily cavity comprising:
- providing a sheath apparatus comprising: a fitting being suitable for receiving said medical device in a self sealing manner; a first sheath for receiving said medical device as it passes through said fitting; a second sheath surrounding said first sheath; a dilator defining a treatment area, coupled to at least said second sheath, and being suitable for dilating a bodily cavity and passing therapeutic or diagnostic energy there though; and, a window operatively positioned with respect to said first sheath so as to enable viewing of an area substantially adjacent said second sheath upon insertion of said medical device into said apparatus; and,
- inserting at least a portion of said medical device into said apparatus;
- positioning said medical device containing apparatus in said bodily cavity using direct viewing through said window and said medical device; and,
- irradiating said portion of said bodily cavity through said apparatus using said medical device.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising partially withdrawing said medical device with respect to said apparatus prior to said irradiating, and advancing an irradiating device through said medical device to facilitate said irradiating, wherein said apparatus positioning remains substantially unchanged during said partial withdrawing of said device and advancing of said irradiating device.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising withdrawing said irradiating device through said medical device after to said irradiating, and advancing said medical device with respect to said apparatus after said irradiating.
22. The method of claim 21, further comprising dilating said portion of said bodily cavity prior to said irradiating using said device containing apparatus.
23. The method of claim 22, further comprising un-dilating said bodily cavity after said irradiating using said apparatus.
24. The method of claim 23, further comprising removing said device containing apparatus after said irradiating.
25. The method of claim 19, wherein said positioning and irradiating occur in a single insertion into said bodily cavity.
26. The method of claim 19, wherein said medical device includes an irradiating device, further comprising partially withdrawing said medical device with regard to said apparatus, wherein said apparatus and irradiating device positioning with respect to said bodily cavity remains substantially unchanged during said partial withdrawing of said medical device.
27. A method for making a medical device sheath apparatus comprising:
- coupling a first sheath to a fitting being suitable for receiving said medical device in a self sealing manner;
- coupling a second sheath to said fitting so as to surround said first sheath;
- coupling a dilator defining a treatment area and being suitable for dilating a bodily cavity and passing therapeutic electromagnetic radiation there through to said second sheath; and,
- coupling said first sheath to a window operatively positioned with respect to said first sheath so as to enable viewing of an area substantially adjacent said second sheath upon insertion of said medical device into said apparatus.
28. The method of claim 27, further comprising passing at least one air, water or suction line through said fitting.
29. The method of claim 28, further comprising banding said at least one air, water or suction line to said inner sheath.
30. The method of claim 28, further comprising securing said at least one of said at least one air, water or suction line substantially adjacent to said window.
31. The method of claim 27, further comprising coupling said second sheath to said window.
32. A medical device sheath apparatus comprising:
- a fitting being suitable for receiving said medical device;
- a seal being suitable for receiving said medical device through said fitting;
- a sheath for receiving said medical device through said fitting and seal;
- a dilator defining a treatment area, coupled to said sheath, and being suitable for dilating a bodily cavity and passing energy therethrough; and,
- a window operatively positioned with respect to said sheath so as to enable viewing of an area substantially adjacent to said sheath upon insertion of said medical device into said apparatus.
33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said medical device comprises an endoscope comprising a channel or attachment suitable for receiving an instrument suitable for passing a form of energy through said dilator.
34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said endoscope comprises at least one of an irradiating fiber and ultrasound transducer.
35. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein at least one of said dilator and sheath is substantially non-distensible.
36. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein at least one of said dilator and sheath is substantially distensible.
37. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said fitting comprises:
- a seal housing; and,
- a seal secured in said housing and comprising a bore being suitable for receiving said medical device and sized to provide an air seal against an outside diameter of said medical device.
38. The apparatus of claim 37, further comprising at least one retainer securing said seal to said housing.
39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said seal, housing and retainer are integral.
40. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein said seal comprises at least one elastomeric material.
41. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a tube having an end positioned with respect to said window to enable introduction of a material substantially adjacent to said window through said fitting.
42. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising a tube having an end positioned with respect to said window to enable evacuation of material from an area substantially adjacent to said window through said fitting.
43. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said window is substantially transparent.
44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein said window comprises at least one anti-reflective coating.
45. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said sheath is sufficiently flexible such that said medical device provides sufficient rigidity to insert said apparatus into a bodily cavity.
46. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said sheath and fitting are coupled so as to permit a substantially distal portion of said medical device to be displaceable within said treatment area.
47. The apparatus of claim 32, further comprising at least one marking on said sheath, medical device or dilator being suitable for determining a position of a substantially distal portion of said medical device.
48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein said at least one marking is directly viewable using said medical device.
49. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein said sheath and fitting are configured to define a substantially closed space upon insertion of said medical device.
50. The apparatus of claim 47, further comprising a second sheath secured to said fitting such that said dilator and second sheath define a second substantially closed space.
51. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein said housing defines an internal bore corresponding to said bore of said seal, and said housing bore comprises a plurality of internal steps.
52. The apparatus of claim 51, wherein said housing further comprises a first bonding location for said first sheath and a second bonding location for said second sheath.
53. A method for making a medical device sheath apparatus comprising:
- coupling a first sheath to a fitting being suitable for receiving said medical device in a self sealing manner;
- coupling a second sheath to said fitting so as to surround said first sheath;
- coupling a dilator defining a treatment area and being suitable for dilating a bodily cavity and passing therapeutic or diagnostic energy there through to said second sheath; and,
- coupling said first sheath to a window operatively positioned with respect to said first sheath so as to enable viewing of an area substantially adjacent said second sheath upon insertion of said medical device into said apparatus.
Type: Application
Filed: Sep 23, 2005
Publication Date: Apr 6, 2006
Inventors: Marc Friedman (Needham, MA), Shawn Moynihan (Lowell, MA), Anthony Smith (Medway, MA)
Application Number: 11/234,836
International Classification: A61B 1/00 (20060101);