Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A biliary catheter for use in combination with an endoscope and a guide wire in a biliary procedure for accessing the biliary tree, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a length sufficient to extend through the endoscope to reach the biliary tree; a guide wire lumen extending through the shaft from a proximal port near the proximal end of the shaft to a distal port near the distal end of the shaft; a channel for accessing the guide wire lumen disposed proximal of the distal end of the shaft; and means for limiting access to the guide wire lumen through the channel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
A biliary catheter for use in combination with an endoscope and a guide wire in a biliary procedure for accessing the biliary tree, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end and a length sufficient to extend through the endoscope to reach the biliary tree; a guide wire lumen extending through the shaft from a proximal port near the proximal end of the shaft to a distal port near the distal end of the shaft; a channel for accessing the guide wire lumen disposed proximal of the distal end of the shaft; and means for limiting access to the guide wire lumen through the channel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A biliary catheter as in claim 1, wherein the access limiting means comprises a weakness within a wall of the shaft.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A biliary catheter as in claim 1, wherein the access limiting means comprises a perforated area within a wall of the shaft.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
A biliary catheter as in claim 1, wherein the access limiting means comprises a slit having a width less than a diameter of the guide wire.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
50 words
A biliary catheter as in claim 1, wherein the channel for accessing the guide wire lumen includes a proximal end and a distal end, the catheter further comprising a first opening through a wall of the shaft into the guide wire lumen positioned at the distal end of the channel.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A biliary catheter as in claim 5, further comprising a second opening through the wall of the shaft into the guide wire lumen positioned at the proximal end of the channel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
A biliary catheter as in claim 6, further comprising a tool for guiding the guide wire into the second opening.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
A biliary catheter as in claim 1, wherein the guide wire lumen is formed integral with the shaft.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
26 words
A biliary catheter as in claim 1, further comprising a first ancillary lumen extending through the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
A biliary catheter as in claim 9, further comprising a second ancillary lumen extending through the shaft from the proximal end to the distal end thereof.