US6361540B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for removal of esophageal coins and similarly shaped objects
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2000-04-06
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Granted: 2002-03-26
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Expires: 2020-04-06
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus developed for the safe, non-surgical removal of coin-like obstructing foreign objects from the esophagus is provided. The technique employs radiologic guidance. The apparatus has a pair of gripping jaws which are inserted through a mouth block and into a patient's esophagus. The apparatus provides a protective sheath surrounding the inserted jaws. A handle, remote from the jaws, is used to extend the jaws from the sheath which then grasp the end-on edge of the obstructing object. The apparatus and obstructing object may then be removed through the bite block as a unit. The technique requires no sedation or general anesthesia and minimizes the risk of collateral injury to the esophageal region.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael W. L. Gauderer
- 👤 James M. DeCou
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 09:57
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/22; A61B17/221; A61B17/22031; A61B2017/22035; A61B2017/2215
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus for the removal of foreign objects from the esophagus comprising: a pair of forceps having a first end defining a pair of prongs adapted for engaging a flat edge of a foreign object and a handle end for manipulating the terminal pair of prongs between an open engaging position and a closed, retracted position; and, a cover which extends over the forceps when the forceps are in the closed position, the cover having a terminal opening for the extension there-through of the pair of prongs when in the open engaging position, the cover further defining a pre-established curvature for facilitating the insertion of the cover and the forceps into the esophageal region of a patient.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
117 words
An apparatus for the removal of foreign objects from the esophagus comprising: a pair of forceps having a first end defining a pair of prongs adapted for engaging a flat edge of a foreign object and a handle end for manipulating the terminal pair of prongs between an open engaging position and a closed, retracted position; and, a cover which extends over the forceps when the forceps are in the closed position, the cover having a terminal opening for the extension there-through of the pair of prongs when in the open engaging position, the cover further defining a pre-established curvature for facilitating the insertion of the cover and the forceps into the esophageal region of a patient.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a bite block for placement within the mouth of a patient, the bite block defining a passage there-through and engaging therein the cover and the forceps within the passage.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the bite block passage defines a diameter of at least 2.5 cm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the pair of forceps comprises a pair of endoscopic forceps.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the cover further comprises a radiopaque element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the cover has an outer diameter of between 0.40-1.0 cm.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the removal apparatus has a length of about 20 cm.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the cover is flexible.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for removing an esophageal obstruction comprising: providing a removal apparatus comprising a pair of forceps housed in a retracted closed position within a cover; inserting the removal apparatus through a patient's mouth and into the esophagus adjacent an obstruction; extending the forceps from the cover and into an open prong position; positioning the prongs along opposing edges of the obstruction; grasping the obstruction with the prongs; and, withdrawing the removal apparatus and obstruction from the patient.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
78 words
A method for removing an esophageal obstruction comprising: providing a removal apparatus comprising a pair of forceps housed in a retracted closed position within a cover; inserting the removal apparatus through a patient's mouth and into the esophagus adjacent an obstruction; extending the forceps from the cover and into an open prong position; positioning the prongs along opposing edges of the obstruction; grasping the obstruction with the prongs; and, withdrawing the removal apparatus and obstruction from the patient.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
112 words
An apparatus for the removal of a foreign object from the esophagus comprising: a pair of hinged jaws adapted for engaging a flat edge of a foreign object operatively connected to a handle adapted for manipulating the hinged jaws between an open configuration and a grasping configuration; a cover which extends over the hinged jaws when the jaws are in the grasping position, the cover having a terminal opening for the extension there-through of jaws when in the open configuration; and, a block for placement within the mouth of a patient, the block defining a passage there-through, the passage adapted for the unrestricted movement of the jaws and cover through the passage.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
112 words
An apparatus for the removal of a foreign object from the esophagus comprising: a pair of hinged jaws adapted for engaging a flat edge of a foreign object operatively connected to a handle adapted for manipulating the hinged jaws between an open configuration and a grasping configuration; a cover which extends over the hinged jaws when the jaws are in the grasping position, the cover having a terminal opening for the extension there-through of jaws when in the open configuration; and, a block for placement within the mouth of a patient, the block defining a passage there-through, the passage adapted for the unrestricted movement of the jaws and cover through the passage.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the block passage has a diameter of at least 2.5 cm.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the cover further defines a curve for facilitating the insertion of the apparatus into the esophageal region of a patient.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus according to claim 12 wherein the cover further comprises a flexible material.
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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) | 2005-03-25 | 2005-09-24 | 2006-03-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-03-25 | 2009-09-24 | 2010-03-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-03-25 | 2013-09-24 | 2014-03-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |