Apparatus for performing diagnostic and therapeutic modalities in the biliary tree

Claim 1

Apparatus for the diagnosis of objects in the biliary tree by means of a contrast agent delivered from a source, said apparatus being directed through the working channel of a duodenoscope and comprising: A. catheter means for being directed through the working channel and the sphincter of Oddi into the biliary tree, said catheter means having proximal and distal ends and proximal and distal portions adjacent to said proximal and distal ends respectively and having first, second and third generally parallel lumens with said first lumen being larger than said second and third lumens, said lumens extending between said proximal and distal portions, each of said lumens having a proximal port and a distal port at said proximal and distal portions of said catheter means, said distal port of said first lumen being located at said distal end of said catheter means, B. sphincterotomy means for cutting the sphincter of Oddi, said sphincterotomy means including a cutting wire extending through said second lumen and externally of said catheter means through said distal port along a length that is coextensive with a part of said distal portion of said catheter means and handle means attached to said catheter means proximal portion and a proximal portion of said cutting wire exiting said proximal port of said second lumen for operating said cutting wire, and C. means for connecting the proximal port of said third lumen to the contrast agent source, said distal port of said third lumen being located at the distal end of said catheter.