Patent US6277065B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6277065B1
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US
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Anchoring and positioning device and method for an endoscope
Assignee: Boston Scientific Corp
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Filing: 1999-04-30
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Granted: 2001-08-21
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Expires: 2019-04-30
Abstract
Abstract An endoscope has an anchoring and positioning device, in the form of an inflatable balloon, at its distal end section. The distal end of the endoscope has a section length, a major peripheral part, and a minor peripheral part. The inflatable balloon, being shaped as a cradle, circumscribes the major peripheral part of the distal end section. A window section is located on the minor peripheral part. The balloon is capable of spacing the window section from a wall of a passage surrounding the endoscope, thereby providing a good view and sufficient working space for the operation of the endoscope. A catheter to flow a fluid in and out of the balloon is coupled to the balloon.
Inventors
- 👤 Gary Donofrio
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 20:20
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/31; A61B1/00064; A61B1/00071; A61B1/0008; A61B1/00082; A61B1/04; A61B1/05
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 55
Claim 1
Independent Claim
148 words
A device for anchoring and positioning an endoscope against a wall that defines a body cavity, the endoscope having a distal end section including a side-facing working section, the device comprising: an inflatable balloon configured to circumscribe a portion of the distal end section of the endoscope not including the working section, the inflatable balloon having a cradle portion at either a proximalmost end or a distalmost end of the balloon and an annular portion at the other of the proximalmost end or the distalmost end of the balloon, the cradle portion having arcuate ends to be positioned proximate the working section and provide a working space in front of the working section, the working space being in fluid communication with the body cavity when the inflatable balloon is inflated; and an elongated member coupled to the inflatable balloon to introduce a fluid to inflate the inflatable balloon.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
148 words
A device for anchoring and positioning an endoscope against a wall that defines a body cavity, the endoscope having a distal end section including a side-facing working section, the device comprising: an inflatable balloon configured to circumscribe a portion of the distal end section of the endoscope not including the working section, the inflatable balloon having a cradle portion at either a proximalmost end or a distalmost end of the balloon and an annular portion at the other of the proximalmost end or the distalmost end of the balloon, the cradle portion having arcuate ends to be positioned proximate the working section and provide a working space in front of the working section, the working space being in fluid communication with the body cavity when the inflatable balloon is inflated; and an elongated member coupled to the inflatable balloon to introduce a fluid to inflate the inflatable balloon.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The anchoring and positioning device of claim 1 , wherein the arcuate ends are adapted to be located at opposite sides of the working section.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The anchoring and positioning device of claim 1 , wherein the annular portion has a circular circumference.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The anchoring and positioning device of claim 1 , wherein the balloon has an inflated diameter of 20 mm or greater.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The anchoring and positioning device of claim 1 , wherein the balloon is removably attached to the distal end section of the endoscope.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
The anchoring and positioning device of claim 1 , further comprising a cap attached to one end of the balloon to prevent the balloon from moving in an axial direction.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
The anchoring and positioning device of claim 1 , wherein the elongated member is a catheter coupled to the balloon to introduce the fluid into or permit the fluid out of the balloon.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The anchoring and positioning device of claims 7 , wherein the catheter is fastened along an outside portion of the endoscope.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for anchoring and positioning an endoscope, the endoscope having a distal end section including a side-facing working section, the method comprising the steps of: attaching an inflatable balloon to the distal end section, the balloon having a cradle portion at either a proximalmost end or a distalmost end of the balloon and an annular portion at the other of the proximalmost end and the distalmost end of the balloon, the cradle portion having arcuate ends positioned proximate the working section; inserting the distal end section into a body cavity; and inflating the balloon in the body cavity to anchor and position the endoscope so that the inflated balloon circumscribes a portion of the distal end section not including the working section, and the cradle portion provides a working space in front of the working section, the working space being in fluid communication with the body cavity.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
148 words
A method for anchoring and positioning an endoscope, the endoscope having a distal end section including a side-facing working section, the method comprising the steps of: attaching an inflatable balloon to the distal end section, the balloon having a cradle portion at either a proximalmost end or a distalmost end of the balloon and an annular portion at the other of the proximalmost end and the distalmost end of the balloon, the cradle portion having arcuate ends positioned proximate the working section; inserting the distal end section into a body cavity; and inflating the balloon in the body cavity to anchor and position the endoscope so that the inflated balloon circumscribes a portion of the distal end section not including the working section, and the cradle portion provides a working space in front of the working section, the working space being in fluid communication with the body cavity.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the step of inflating balloon spaces the working section from a wall of the body cavity.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 10 , wherein the inflating step occurs after the inserting step.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the annular portion has a circular circumference.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the balloon has an inflated diameter of 20 mm or greater.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the balloon is removably attached to the distal end section of the endoscope.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 9 , further comprising a cap attached to one end of the balloon to prevent the balloon from moving in an axial direction.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 9 , wherein the balloon is inflated by flowing a fluid into the balloon through a catheter coupled to the balloon.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 9 , further comprising the step of deflating the balloon in the body cavity.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 17 , wherein the balloon is deflated by flowing a fluid out of the balloon through a catheter coupled to the balloon.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
114 words
An anchoring and positioning device for use with an endoscope, comprising: an inflatable balloon adapted to be attached to a distal end section of an endoscope having a section length, a major peripheral part, and a minor peripheral part with a window portion, the inflatable balloon including: an axial length corresponding to the section length; a proximalmost end and a distalmost end; and a cradle portion disposed at either the proximalmost end or the distalmostend of the balloon, the cradle portion circumscribing the major peripheral part and having arcuate ends defining a space therebetween for spacing the window section from a wall of a body cavity; and means for inflating and deflating the balloon.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
114 words
An anchoring and positioning device for use with an endoscope, comprising: an inflatable balloon adapted to be attached to a distal end section of an endoscope having a section length, a major peripheral part, and a minor peripheral part with a window portion, the inflatable balloon including: an axial length corresponding to the section length; a proximalmost end and a distalmost end; and a cradle portion disposed at either the proximalmost end or the distalmostend of the balloon, the cradle portion circumscribing the major peripheral part and having arcuate ends defining a space therebetween for spacing the window section from a wall of a body cavity; and means for inflating and deflating the balloon.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
60 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 19 , wherein the balloon further comprises an arcuate length terminating in the arcuate ends, wherein the arcuate ends are adapted to be located at opposite sides of the window section, and the inflatable balloon has an inflated radial dimension to space the window section from the wall of the body cavity.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claims 20 , wherein the arcuate ends are connected at one end of the axial length defining an annular portion.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 21 , wherein the annular portion has a circular circumference.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 22 , wherein the balloon has an inflated diameter of about 20 mm or greater.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
24 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 19 , wherein the balloon is removably attached to the distal end section of the endoscope.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
28 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 19 , wherein the window has a window length less than the section length, thereby providing a remaining section length.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
36 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 19 , further comprising a cap attached to one end of the balloon to prevent the balloon from moving in the axial direction of the distal end section.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
35 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 19 , the means for inflating and deflating the balloon comprises a catheter coupled to the balloon to flow a fluid into or out of the balloon.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
22 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 27 , wherein the catheter is fastened along an outside portion of the endoscope.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
17 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 19 , wherein the cradle portion is substantially C-shaped.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for anchoring and positioning an endoscope, comprising the steps of: attaching an inflatable balloon to a distal end section of an endoscope having a section length, a major peripheral part, and a minor peripheral part with a window portion, the inflatable balloon including: an axial length corresponding to the section length of the distal end section; a proximalmost end and a distalmost end; and a cradle portion disposed at either the proximalmost end or the distalmostend of the balloon, the cradle portion circumscribing the major peripheral part and having arcuate ends defining a space therebetween; inserting the distal end section of the endoscope into a body cavity; and inflating the balloon in the body cavity for anchoring and thereby positioning the endoscope.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
124 words
A method for anchoring and positioning an endoscope, comprising the steps of: attaching an inflatable balloon to a distal end section of an endoscope having a section length, a major peripheral part, and a minor peripheral part with a window portion, the inflatable balloon including: an axial length corresponding to the section length of the distal end section; a proximalmost end and a distalmost end; and a cradle portion disposed at either the proximalmost end or the distalmostend of the balloon, the cradle portion circumscribing the major peripheral part and having arcuate ends defining a space therebetween; inserting the distal end section of the endoscope into a body cavity; and inflating the balloon in the body cavity for anchoring and thereby positioning the endoscope.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 30 , further comprising the step of spacing the window section from a wall of a body cavity.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method according to claim 31 , wherein the spacing step occurs after the inserting step.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method according to claim 30 , wherein the inflatable balloon comprises an arcuate length terminating in the arcuate ends located in at opposite sides of the window portion and a radial diameter to space the window section from the wall of the body cavity.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method according to claim 33 , wherein the arcuate ends are connected at one end of the axial length defining an annular portion.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method according to claim 34 , wherein the annular portion has a circular circumference.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 35 , wherein the balloon has an inflated diameter of about 20 mm or greater.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method according to claim 30 , wherein the balloon is removably attached to the distal end section of the endoscope.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method according to claim 30 , wherein the balloon is inflated by flowing a fluid into the balloon through a catheter coupled to the balloon.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method according to claim 30 , further comprising the step of deflating the balloon in the body cavity.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method according to claim 39 , wherein the balloon is deflated by flowing a fluid out of the balloon through a catheter coupled to the balloon.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 30 , wherein the cradle portion is substantially C-shaped.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
127 words
An anchoring and positioning device for use with an endoscope, comprising: an inflatable balloon adapted to be attached to a distal end section of the endoscope having a distal end section having a section length, a major peripheral part, and a minor peripheral part with a window portion, the inflatable balloon including: an axial length corresponding to the section length; a proximalmost end and a distalmost end; a cradle portion disposed at either the proximalmost end or the distalmostend of the balloon, the cradle portion circumscribing the major peripheral part and having arcuate ends defining a space therebetween for spacing the window section from a wall of a body cavity; and a catheter coupled to the balloon to permit fluid flow into balloon and inflate the balloon.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
127 words
An anchoring and positioning device for use with an endoscope, comprising: an inflatable balloon adapted to be attached to a distal end section of the endoscope having a distal end section having a section length, a major peripheral part, and a minor peripheral part with a window portion, the inflatable balloon including: an axial length corresponding to the section length; a proximalmost end and a distalmost end; a cradle portion disposed at either the proximalmost end or the distalmostend of the balloon, the cradle portion circumscribing the major peripheral part and having arcuate ends defining a space therebetween for spacing the window section from a wall of a body cavity; and a catheter coupled to the balloon to permit fluid flow into balloon and inflate the balloon.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
24 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 42 , wherein the catheter permits fluid flow out of the balloon to deflate the balloon.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
53 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 43 , wherein the inflatable balloon comprises an arcuate length terminating in the arcuate ends located in at opposite sides of the window section, and the inflatable balloon has an inflated radial dimension to space the window section from the wall of the body cavity.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
27 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 44 , wherein the arcuate ends are connected at one end of the axial length defining an annular portion.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 45 , wherein the annular portion has a circular circumference.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
23 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 46 , wherein the balloon has an inflated diameter of about 20 mm or greater.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
24 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 42 , wherein the balloon is removably attached to the distal end section of the endoscope.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
36 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 42 , further comprising a cap attached to one end of the balloon to prevent the balloon from moving in the axial direction of the distal end section.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
The anchoring and positioning device according to claim 42 , wherein the cradle portion is substantially C-shaped.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-08-20 | 2005-02-19 | 2005-08-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-08-20 | 2009-02-19 | 2009-08-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-08-20 | 2013-02-19 | 2013-08-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |