Anoscope

Abstract

An insertion device for use during surgical procedure to enlarge an opening in a patient's tissue to facilitate access to an internal treatment site with a surgical instrument. The insertion device includes an anoscope including a flange, and an elongate body having proximal and distal ends extending distally from the flange along a longitudinal axis. The anoscope may include a configuration that is asymmetrical about a plane extending along the longitudinal axis that bisects the flange.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/880,215 filed Sep. 13, 2010, which claims benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/249,652 filed Oct. 8, 2009, and the disclosures of each of the above-identified applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an insertion device that is adapted for positioning within an opening in tissue to facilitate access to an internal treatment site with a surgical instrument. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an anoscope kit for use with a surgical fastener applying apparatus.

2. Background of Related Art

A medical device used in the dilation and/or inspection of an internal treatment site, e.g., a treatment site within a patient's anus, rectum, and/or colon, is often referred to as an anoscope. Anoscopes generally comprise a hollow body that is configured and dimensioned for insertion into an opening in the patient's tissue; either an opening that is natural and pre-existing, e.g., the patient's anus, or an opening that is formed by a clinician, e.g., an incision. The hollow body of the anoscope will generally include structure that is configured and dimensioned to dilate, and cover, the opening in the patient's tissue, as well as structure at the distal end thereof that is configured and dimensioned to accommodate the target tissue, e.g., hemorrhoidal tissue, such as a gap, notch, or slot.

After positioning the anoscope within the opening in the patient's tissue, the interior of the hollow body provides a passage through which the clinician can inspect the internal treatment site, and perform the surgical procedure. For example, anoscopes are particularly useful in the inspection and treatment of hemorrhoidal tissue, as well as tissue positioned adjacent thereto, e.g., mucosal tissue, during hemorrhoid procedures. During these procedures, the clinician will usually excise the target tissue, and thereafter suture the treated area.

An anoscope including structure that is configured and dimensioned to increase maneuverability and manipulation of the anoscope would be desirable in the interests of allowing a clinician to more easily access the tissue that is the subject of the surgical procedure.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present disclosure, an insertion device is disclosed for use during a surgical procedure to enlarge an opening in a patient's tissue to facilitate access to an internal treatment site with a surgical instrument. The disclosed insertion device includes an anoscope with a flange, and an elongate body having proximal and distal ends that extends distally from the flange along a longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the anoscope includes a configuration that is asymmetrical about a plane extending along the longitudinal axis that bisects the flange.

It is envisioned that the body of the anoscope may include a first opening spaced longitudinally from a second opening, wherein the first and second openings are aligned along the longitudinal axis.

The flange can include first and second circumferentially spaced ends defining a gap therebetween that is configured and dimensioned to receive tissue. In one embodiment, the anoscope includes at least one wing that extends outwardly from the flange relative to the longitudinal axis. For example, the anoscope may include a single wing positioned either adjacent one of the ends of the flange, or alternatively, between the ends of the flange. In another embodiment, rather than just a single wing, the anoscope may include a first wing and a second wing. In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the first wing may extend outwardly from the flange a first distance, whereas the second wing may extend outwardly from the flange a second, greater distance. To enhance maneuverability of the anoscope, the wing(s) may include a lip extending along a periphery creating a surface adjacent the lip to facilitate maneuverability.

The presently disclosed insertion device may also include a dilator that is configured and dimensioned for positioning within the body of the anoscope.

The insertion device may include a port defining a longitudinal opening therethrough that is configured and dimensioned to receive the anoscope, wherein the port itself is configured and dimensioned for positioning within the opening in the tissue. It is envisioned that the port may include a pair of wings extending outwardly therefrom along an axis that is transverse in relation to the longitudinal axis such that the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis define an acute angle therebetween. For example, the angle defined between the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis may be approximately equal to 55°.

The present disclosure also provides in another aspect, an insertion device that includes an anoscope with a flange, and an elongate body having proximal and distal ends that extends distally from the flange along a longitudinal axis. The anoscope includes a configuration that is symmetrical about a plane extending along the longitudinal axis that bisects the flange. The anoscope includes a pair of wings that extend outwardly from the flange relative to the longitudinal axis and curve outwardly away from the distal end, wherein each of the wings includes a lip extending in a proximal direction that is positioned along a peripheral edge thereof.

The distal end of the anoscope preferably includes a closed distal tip that is configured and dimensioned to facilitate atraumatic advancement and/or rotation of the anoscope.

In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, an insertion device is disclosed including a port defining a longitudinal opening therethrough that is configured and dimensioned for positioning within the opening in the tissue, an anoscope that is configured and dimensioned for positioning within the longitudinal opening of the port, and a dilator that is configured and dimensioned for positioning within the body of the anoscope. The anoscope includes a flange, and an elongate body extending distally from the flange along a longitudinal axis. The anoscope has a configuration that is asymmetrical about a plane extending along the longitudinal axis that bisects the flange.

It is envisioned that the anoscope may also include at least one wing extending outwardly from the flange relative to the longitudinal axis.

The port of the insertion device may include a pair of wings that extend outwardly therefrom, wherein at least one of the wings includes an aperture that is configured and dimensioned to receive a flexible member such as a suture to facilitate attachment of the port to the patient's tissue. It is envisioned that the wings may extend outwardly along an axis that is transverse in relation to the longitudinal axis such that the longitudinal axis and the transverse axis define an acute angle therebetween.

These and other features of the presently disclosed insertion device will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the art through reference to the detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of an insertion device including an obturator, an anoscope, and a port in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a side, perspective view of the insertion device of FIG. 1 upon assembly;

FIG. 3 is a side, perspective view of a surgical fastener applying apparatus for use with the presently disclosed insertion device during a surgical procedure;

FIG. 4 is a partial, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a portion of the surgical fastener applying apparatus illustrating anvil and shell assembly components thereof;

FIG. 5 is a top, perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the presently disclosed insertion device with the obturator removed;

FIG. 6 is a top, perspective view of another embodiment of the presently disclosed insertion device with the obturator removed;

FIG. 7 is a side, plan view of the port component of the insertion device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the insertion device of FIG. 1 shown assembled and positioned within a patient;

FIG. 9 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the insertion device of FIG. 1 positioned within a patient following removal of the obturator;

FIGS. 10-12 are proximal, end views of the insertion device positioned within a patient following removal of the obturator illustrating a purse stringing procedure in which a suture is attached to target tissue;

FIG. 13 is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the port component of the insertion device of FIG. 1 and the anvil assembly of the surgical fastener applying apparatus of FIG. 3 positioned within a patient following purse stringing and illustrating attachment of the suture to the anvil assembly of the apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a partial, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the port component of the insertion device of FIG. 1 and the anvil assembly of the surgical fastener applying apparatus of FIG. 3 positioned within a patient following purse stringing and attachment of the anvil assembly to an anvil retainer of the surgical apparatus;

FIG. 15 is a partial, longitudinal, cross-sectional view illustrating a distal end of the surgical fastener applying apparatus of FIG. 3 positioned within the port component of the insertion device of FIG. 1 following approximation of the anvil assembly and the shell assembly of the apparatus; and

FIG. 16 is a partial, longitudinal, cross-sectional view of the distal end of the surgical fastener applying apparatus of FIG. 3 following removal from the port component of the insertion device of FIG. 1 from the patient illustrating the removed target tissue within the shell assembly of the apparatus;

FIG. 17 is a top, perspective view of another embodiment of the presently disclosed insertion device with the obturator removed; and

FIG. 18 is a top, perspective view of still another embodiment of the presently disclosed insertion device with the obturator removed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed insertion device will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements. Throughout the following description, the term “proximal” should be understood as referring to the portion of the insertion device, or component thereof, that is closer to the clinician during proper use, and the term “distal” should be understood as referring to the portion of the insertion device, or component thereof, that is further from the clinician during proper use. Additionally, the terms “hemorrhoidal tissue,” and the like, should be understood as referring to hemorrhoidal tissue, as well as tissue positioned adjacent to hemorrhoidal tissue, including mucosal tissue. While the presently disclosed insertion device is particularly suited for surgical hemorrhoid procedures, the term “hemorrhoid procedure” should be understood to encompass surgical hemorrhoidectomies, hemorrhoidopexies, mucosectomies, procedures for the treatment of colon prolapse, and all such related procedures. The present disclosed insertion device can also be used for surgical procedures other than hemorrhoid procedures.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of the presently disclosed insertion device, which is identified by the reference character 1000. The insertion device 1000 is configured and dimensioned for use during a surgical procedure to enlarge an opening in a patient's tissue to facilitate access to an internal treatment site with a surgical instrument. During the following discussion, the insertion device 1000 will be discussed in the context of a surgical hemorrhoid procedure by way of example, wherein the target hemorrhoidal tissue “H” (see FIGS. 13, 14) is removed from a patient's anal canal using a surgical fastener applying apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an exemplary embodiment of a suitable surgical fastener applying apparatus, which is identified by the reference character 10, will be described, and a brief overview of the structure and operation of the surgical fastener applying apparatus 10 will be provided. Additional details regarding the surgical fastener applying apparatus 10 can be obtained through reference to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/550,443 filed on Aug. 31, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. It should be understood however, that other surgical fastener applying apparatus can be used with the insertion devices disclosed herein.

The surgical fastener applying apparatus 10 includes a handle assembly 12, a central body portion 14 with an outer tube 16, and a distal head portion 18. The handle assembly 12 includes a stationary handle 20, a firing trigger 22, and a rotatable approximation knob 24.

The head portion 18 of the surgical fastener applying apparatus 10 includes an anvil assembly 26 and a shell assembly 28. The anvil assembly is repositionable between an un-approximated position, wherein the anvil assembly 26 is spaced a distance from the shell assembly 28 (as in FIG. 3), and an approximated position, wherein the anvil assembly 26 is closer to the shell assembly 28 to clamp tissue therebetween (see e.g. FIG. 15).

When the surgical fastener applying apparatus 10 is assembled, the anvil assembly 26 is positioned within an anvil retainer 30 that is movable relative to the shell assembly 28 via an operative connection to the approximation knob 24. Accordingly, during use of the surgical fastener applying apparatus 10, rotation of the approximation knob 24 effectuates movement of the anvil retainer 30, and consequently, the anvil assembly 26, in relation to the shell assembly 28 to thereby transition the anvil assembly 26 between the un-approximated and approximated positions.

The surgical fastener applying apparatus 10 further includes a firing mechanism to facilitate the ejection of a plurality of surgical fasteners 32 (FIG. 4) from the shell assembly 28 which are arranged in a circular array(s). The firing mechanism includes the aforementioned firing trigger 20 (FIG. 3), which is operatively connected to a pusher back 34 (FIG. 4) component of the shell assembly 28. Upon actuation (pivoting) of the firing trigger 20, distal movement thereof causes corresponding distal movement of the pusher back 34 via a pusher link to eject the surgical fasteners 32 from the shell assembly 28. Upon ejection from the shell assembly 28, the surgical fasteners 32 are forced into engagement with depressions (pockets) on an anvil plate 36 (FIG. 4) component of the anvil assembly 26 to thereby form the surgical fasteners 32. Contemporaneously with ejection of the surgical fasteners 32, a circular knife member 38 is advanced distally through the pusher back 34 into engagement with the anvil assembly 26 to thereby sever tissue positioned between the anvil assembly 26 and the shell assembly 28.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2, the components and structure of the insertion device 1000 will be discussed in detail. The insertion device 1000 includes an obturator 1100 with a dilating tip 1102, an anoscope 1200, and a port 1300. In one embodiment of the insertion device 1000, it is envisioned that the anoscope 1200 and the port 1300 may be formed, either partially or wholly, from a clear material, e.g., polycarbonate, to facilitate the visualization of target tissue, as well as any adjacent or surrounding tissue, during the surgical procedure. However, alternative materials of construction, e.g., materials allowing less light to pass through the anoscope 1200 and the port 1300, are within the scope of the present disclosure.

The anoscope 1200 includes a dished proximal flange 1202, and a sleeve 1204 with respective proximal and distal ends 1206, 1208 that are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis “Y.” The flange 1202 extends outwardly from the proximal end 1206 of the sleeve 1204 relative to the longitudinal axis “Y,” and includes respective first and second circumferentially spaced ends 1210, 1212. The ends 1210, 1212 of the flange 1202 are connected by an arcuate portion 1214, and define a gap “G”. The arcuate portion 1214 may define an arc of approximately 180°. However, the arc defined by the arcuate portion 1214 may be either larger or smaller in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

The anoscope 1200 further includes a single wing 1216 that extends outwardly from the flange 1202 relative to the longitudinal axis “Y” in a manner resulting in a configuration that is asymmetrical about a plane extending along the longitudinal axis “Y” that bisects the flange 1202. The wing 1216 is configured and dimensioned for manual engagement by the clinician to facilitate manipulation of the anoscope 1200 during the course of the surgical hemorrhoid procedure. In one embodiment of the anoscope 1200, the wing 1216 may be positioned adjacent one of the ends 1210, 1212 of the flange 1202, e.g., the second end 1212, as shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, however, the wing 1216 may be positioned at a location between the ends 1210, 1212 of the flange 1202.

Referring to FIG. 5, an embodiment of the anoscope, generally designated by reference numeral 1200′, is illustrated wherein the wing 1216′ is positioned at a location equidistant from the ends 1210′, 1212′ of the flange 1202′ such that the wing 1216′ is positioned opposite the gap “G”' defined between the ends 1210′, 1212′. The arcuate portion may define an arc of approximately 180°, although smaller or greater arcs are also contemplated. In this embodiment, the configuration is symmetrical about a plane extending along the longitudinal axis “Y” that bisects the flange 1202′, and the wing 1216′ provides the clinician with a way to ascertain the position of the gap “G” to facilitate accurate placement of the anoscope relative to the target tissue H. The wing 1216′ preferably angles upwardly similar to the wings of the embodiment of FIG. 17 and has a lip along a periphery to facilitate maneuverability. The anoscope of FIG. 5 is otherwise the same as the anoscope of FIG. 1 and can be used with the port and dilator of FIG. 1.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the wing 1216 includes a proximal surface 1218 which may be substantially uniform in configuration, i.e., a proximal surface 1218 that is free from any indentations, protrusions, or other such irregularities. Alternatively, the proximal surface 1218 of the wing 1216 may include textured surfaces, or the like to facilitate manual manipulation of the anoscope 1200 by the clinician.

The sleeve 1204 of the anoscope 1200 extends distally from the flange 1202 and defines an internal dimension that allows for removable reception of the obturator 1100 therein. The sleeve 1204 includes a closed distal tip 1220 having an atraumatic, e.g., conical configuration. This configuration facilitates the dilation of tissue, such as the patient's anal canal, and thus, insertion and advancement of the anoscope 1200, as well as rotation of the anoscope 1200 once positioned internally.

In one embodiment of the anoscope 1200a, which can be seen in FIG. 6, the sleeve 1204a may include markings 1222a to assist the clinician in the placement of purse strings. The markings are placed along an exterior of the body, adjacent distal opening 1230a . Preferably, the markings extend around the entire body from edge 1241a to edge 1242a of distal opening 1230a. Specifically, the markings 1222a allow the clinician to easily ascertain the depth to which the anoscope 1200a has been inserted within the opening in the patient's tissue, e.g., the depth within the patient's anal canal. By allowing the clinician to easily determine the depth to which the anoscope 1200a has been inserted, the markings 1222a facilitate the placement of purse strings at a consistent distance from the opening in the patient's tissue. Although five markings 1220 are shown, a different number of markings is also contemplated. In all other respects, anoscope 1200a is the same as anoscope 1200 of FIG. 1 and can be utilized with the port and dilator of FIG. 1.

Returning to FIGS. 1 and 2, the sleeve 1204 also includes an open region 1224 that extends longitudinally therethrough along the axis “Y,” and a bridge 1226 that spans the open region 1224 to thereby divide the open region 1224 into respective proximal and distal openings 1228, 1230. The bridge 1226 may extend across the open region 1224 to define an arc having any suitable dimensions. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the arc defined by the bridge 1226 may extend less than 180°. However, an arc greater than 180° is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

The configuration of the bridge 1226 may be altered or varied in alterative embodiments of the anoscope 1200 to realize any suitable axial length. In one particular embodiment, the bridge 1226 defines an axial length of about 1.5 cm (approximately 0.59 inches), and is positioned such that respective proximal and distal ends 1232, 1234 of the bridge 1226 are located about 3 cm (approximately 1.18 inches) and about 4.5 cm (approximately 1.77 inches) from the proximal end 1206 of the sleeve 1204, i.e., from the point of contact between the flange 1202 and the sleeve 1204. In this embodiment, during the course of a hemorrhoid procedure, upon insertion of the anoscope 1200 into the patient's anal canal, the distal opening 1230 in the sleeve 1204 will be positioned above (proximally) of the dentate line, which is located in the human anal canal about 2 cm (approximately 0.78 inches) from the anus. With the distal opening 1230 positioned proximally of the dentate line, purse stringing, and subsequent tissue removal, will also occur proximally of the dentate line.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 7, the port 1300 of the insertion device 1000 will be discussed. The port 1300 defines an internal dimension that allows for removable reception of the anoscope 1200, and includes a pair of wings 1302 that are configured and dimensioned for manual engagement by the clinician to facilitate handling and manipulation of the port 1300 during the course of the surgical procedure. The wings 1302 extend outwardly from the port 1300 relative to the longitudinal axis “Y.” Specifically, the wings 1302 each extend along an axis “T” (FIG. 7) that is transverse in relation to the longitudinal axis “Y” to subtend an angle a therewith. It is envisioned that the angle a may lie substantially within the range of approximately 45° to approximately 90°. For example, in the embodiment of the port 1300 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7, the axis “T” along which the wings 1302 extends defines an angle of approximately 55° with the longitudinal axis “Y.” However, larger and smaller values for the angle .alpha. are also contemplated.

As best seen in FIG. 1, the wings 1302 of the port 1300 include a pair of apertures 1304 that are configured and dimensioned to receive a flexible member (not shown), such as a suture, that can be secured to the patient's tissue in order to facilitate fixation of the port 1300 relative thereto. However, an embodiment of the port 1300 in which the wings 1302 have a different number of apertures or are devoid of the apertures is also contemplated.

The use and operation of the insertion device 1000 (FIGS. 1, 2) will be discussed in connection with the surgical fastener applying apparatus 10 (FIGS. 3, 4) in the context of a surgical hemorrhoid procedure, it being understood that the other insertion devices (i.e. other anoscopes) disclosed herein would be used in a similar manner. Prior to insertion, the anvil assembly 26 is removed from the anvil retainer 30, and the insertion device 1000 is assembled as illustrated in FIG. 2. Specifically, the anoscope 1200 is positioned coaxially within the port 1300, and the obturator 1100 is positioned coaxially within the sleeve 1204 of the anoscope 1200. The assembled insertion device 1000 is then inserted transanally into an opening in the patient's tissue such that the bridge 1226 is positioned above the dentate line (see FIG. 8). Thereafter, the obturator 1100 is removed, leaving the anoscope 1200 positioned within port 1300, as seen in FIG. 9, such that the port 1300 extends from the patient's anus. Either prior or subsequent to assembly of the insertion device 1000, the port 1300 may be optionally fixed to the patient's tissue by the aforementioned flexible member (not shown).

As seen in FIG. 9, following removal of the obturator 1100, the target tissue, e.g., internal hemorrhoidal tissue “H,” is received by the distal opening 1230 in the sleeve 1204 such that the tissue “H” is positioned within the sleeve 1204 of the anoscope 1200. The clinician then attaches a length of suture to the target tissue “H,” a procedure which is generally referred to as “purse stringing.” Thereafter, the anoscope 1200 can be rotated within the port 1300 to one or more subsequent positions, exemplified in the transition between FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, such that additional internal hemorrhoidal tissue “H,” if any, can be received within the distal opening 1230, and purse stringed.

After purse stringing is completed, the anoscope 1200 is removed from the patient's anus. The anvil assembly 26 (FIG. 13) of the surgical fastener applying apparatus 10 is then inserted through the port 1300 into the patient's anal cavity, and the two ends of the suture “S” are attached to the anvil assembly 26. For instance, in the illustrated embodiment of the surgical fastener applying apparatus 10, the ends of the suture “S” are inserted into aperture 40B of the apertures 40A-40C (FIGS. 3, 4, 13) formed in a center rod 42 component of the anvil assembly 26. The apertures 40A-40C through which the ends of the suture “S” are inserted is dependent upon the amount of tissue the clinician wishes to draw into the shell assembly 28 during approximation of the anvil assembly 26 and the shell assembly 28, the proximalmost aperture 40A providing the greatest amount of tissue. The length of the suture “S” is such that the suture “S” extends from the port 1300 after positioning within the select aperture 40A-40C.

Following attachment of the suture “S” to the center rod 42, the anvil assembly 26 is re-connected to the surgical fastener applying apparatus 10 by positioning the anvil assembly 26 within the anvil retainer 30, as shown in FIG. 14. Next, the approximation knob 24 (FIG. 3) of apparatus 10 is rotated to move the anvil assembly 26 proximally towards the shell assembly 28 such that the target tissue “H” is drawn into, and positioned within, the shell assembly 28, as shown in FIG. 15. The surgical fastener applying apparatus 10 is then fired to sever and fasten the target tissue “H.” After severing of the tissue “H,” the surgical fastener applying apparatus 10 can be removed from the port 1300 with the tissue “H” positioned within the shell assembly 28, as shown in FIG. 16.

With reference now to FIGS. 17 and 18, alternative embodiments of the anoscope component of the presently disclosed insertion device 1000 (FIG. 1) will be discussed. Each embodiment of the anoscope discussed herein below is similar to the anoscope 1200 that was discussed above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, and accordingly, will only be described with respect to any differences therefrom.

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of the anoscope that is identified by the reference character 1400 and is shown positioned within the port 1300. In contrast to the aforedescribed anoscope 1200 (FIGS. 1, 2), which includes only a single wing 1216, the anoscope 1400 includes a first wing 1416A and a second wing 1416B that each extend outwardly from the dished flange 1402. In the illustrated embodiment, the wings 1416A, 1416B are positioned adjacent the ends 1410, 1412 of the flange 1402, respectively. More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the ends 1410, 1412 of the flange 1402, and thus, the wings 1416A, 1416B, are diametrically opposed. In alternative embodiments of the anoscope 1400, however, it is envisioned that the wings 1416A, 1416B may be spaced from the ends 1410, 1412 of the flange 1402.

The structure of the first wing 1416A differs from that of the second wing 1416B such that the configuration of the anoscope 1400 is asymmetrical about a plane extending along the longitudinal axis “Y” that bisects the flange 1402. In the specific embodiment of the anoscope 1400 illustrated in FIG. 17, the first wing 1416A extends outwardly from the flange 1402 a first distance “X1,” whereas the second wing 1416B extends outwardly from the flange 1402 a second, greater distance “X2.” The shorter distance “X1” defined by the first wing 1416A reduces the likelihood that the first wing 1416A will interfere with manipulation of the anoscope 1400 during the surgical procedure via contact with the patient's tissue.

To facilitate manual engagement with the wings 1416A, 1416B, the wings 1416A, 1416B include a raised protrusion 1436. The protrusions 1436 extend away from the wings 1416A, 1416B in a proximal direction to define a height “H,” and corresponding adjacent area 1438 to thereby enhance maneuverability of the anoscope 1400.

In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusions 1436 are configured as ribs, or flanges, 1440 that are positioned adjacent a peripheral edge “P” of the wings 1416A, 1416B. It should be understood, however, that in alternative embodiments of the anoscope 1400, the protrusion 1436 may assume any configuration suitable for the intended purpose of increasing the clinician's control over, and ability to manipulate, the anoscope 1400, and that other configurations for the protrusion 1436 are not beyond the scope of the present disclosure. It is also envisioned that the wings 1416A, 1416B may be devoid of the protrusions 1436 such that the wings 1416A, 1416B include a substantially uniform proximal surface 1418, i.e., a surface that is free from any indentations, protrusions, or other such irregularities, as discussed above with respect to the anoscope 1200 (FIGS. 1, 2).

FIG. 18 illustrates another embodiment of the anoscope that is identified by the reference character 1500 and is shown positioned within the port 1300. Like the anoscope 1400 described with respect to FIG. 17, the anoscope 1500 includes a first wing 1516A and a second wing 1516B that each extend outwardly from the dished flange 1502. However, in contrast to the first and second wings 1416A, 14166 of the anoscope 1400, the structure of the first wing 1516A is identical to that of the second wing 1516B such that the configuration of the anoscope 1500 is symmetrical about a plane extending along the longitudinal axis “Y” that bisects the flange 1502. In the specific embodiment of the anoscope 1500 illustrated in FIG. 18, the first wing 1516A and the second wing 1516B each extend outwardly from the flange 1502 a distance “X3.” The wings 1516A and 1516B curve proximally forming arcuate regions.

To facilitate manual engagement with the wings 1516A, 1516B, as with the aforedescribed anoscope 1400 (FIG. 17), it is envisioned that the wings 1516A, 1516B may each include a raised protrusion 1536. The protrusions 1536 extend away from the wings 1516A, 1516B in the proximal direction to define a height “H2” that is greater than the height “H” defined by the protrusions 1436 included on the wings 1416A, 1416B of the anoscope 1400 (FIG. 17). The increased height “H2” of the protrusions 1536 increases both the depth of the surfaces 1538 defined thereby, as well as the surface area available for contact with the clinician, e.g., with the clinician's finger(s). Thus, the increased height “H2” of the protrusions 1536 further increases the clinician's control over, and ability to manipulate, the anoscope 1500.

Although illustrated as a rib, or flange, 1540 that extends along the peripheral edge “P” of the wings 1516A, 15166, it should be understood that the protrusions 1536 may assume alternative configurations in additional embodiments of the anoscope 1500, and that the protrusions 1536 (as well as protrusions 1436 of FIG. 17) may be spaced from the peripheral edge “P” of the wings without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned that the elements and features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and features of another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A method of surgery, the method comprising:

inserting an anoscope into an anus of a patient with a bridge of the anoscope positioned past a dentate line, the anoscope including a flange and an elongate body having an outer wall, the flange including a wing and having first and second ends spaced apart from one another to define a gap, the wing being positioned about the flange such that the flange is asymmetrical about a vertical plane bisecting the flange, the outer wall defining a proximal opening and a distal opening longitudinally aligned with one another, the bridge separating the proximal opening and the distal opening;

purse-stringing hemorrhoidal tissue positioned within the outer wall of the anoscope, the hemorrhoidal tissue passing through the distal opening of the anoscope; and

withdrawing the anoscope from the anus of the patient.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein purse-stringing the hemorrhoidal tissue includes rotating the anoscope.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein purse-stringing the hemorrhoidal tissue includes attaching a suture to a first portion of the hemorrhoidal tissue positioned within the outer wall of the anoscope and rotating the anoscope to attach the suture to a second portion of the hemorrhoidal tissue.

24. The method according to claim 21, further comprising inserting a surgical stapler into the anus of a patient after withdrawing the anoscope.

25. The method according to claim 21, further comprising assembling an insertion device before inserting the anoscope into the anus of a patient.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein assembling the insertion device includes positioning the anoscope within a port.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein inserting the anoscope into the anus of the patient includes positioning the port in the anus.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising securing the port to the patient.

29. The method according to claim 25, wherein assembling the insertion device includes positioning an obturator within the outer wall of the anoscope.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein inserting the anoscope into the anus of the patient includes observing the position of the bridge within the anus of the patient with the obturator during insertion of the anoscope and withdrawing the obturator from the anoscope after the bridge is positioned past the dentate line.