US6585639B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Sheath and method for reconfiguring lung viewing scope
Assignee: Pulmonx Corp
•
Filing: 2000-10-27
•
Granted: 2003-07-01
•
Expires: 2020-10-27
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus, methods, and kits, are provided for use in combination with a conventional bronchoscope or other lung viewing scope. In particular, sheaths having an inflatable cuff at their distal end are provided to receive a viewing scope through a lumen thereof. The sheaths thus provide an inflatable cuff on a viewing scope assembly so that the scope can be used in procedures which require selective isolation of regions of a patient's lungs. In particular embodiments, the sheaths may include stop elements for properly positioning a viewing scope therein, pressure transducers for providing accurate lung pressure information during procedures, and the like. Methods for using and forming sheaths having inflatable cuffs are also described.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Kotmel
- 👤 Hiep Nguyen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 12:21
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B1/00; A61B1/267; A61B1/2676; A61B1/00064; A61B1/00071; A61B1/0008; A61B1/00082; A61B1/0011; A61B1/00147; A61B1/00154; A61B1/005; A61B1/01; A61B1/012; A61B1/018; A61B5/00; A61B5/03; A61B5/036; A61B5/037
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 65
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for accessing and occluding a lung passageway, said method comprising: providing a viewing scope comprising a flexible elongated body, an optical viewing element, and a light transmitting bundle; providing a sheath comprising a flexible tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, at least a first lumen therethrough, and at least a first inflatable cuff disposed near the distal end; introducing the viewing scope into the lumen of the flexible tubular body of the sheath to form an assembly where a viewing end of the viewing scope is located at the distal end of the sheath; introducing the assembly of the viewing scope and sheath to a lung passageway so that the inflatable cuff lies adjacent to a target location in the passageway; inflating the cuff to temporarily occlude the target location; and advancing a plug element through a lumen of the view scope to the target location.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
151 words
A method for accessing and occluding a lung passageway, said method comprising: providing a viewing scope comprising a flexible elongated body, an optical viewing element, and a light transmitting bundle; providing a sheath comprising a flexible tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, at least a first lumen therethrough, and at least a first inflatable cuff disposed near the distal end; introducing the viewing scope into the lumen of the flexible tubular body of the sheath to form an assembly where a viewing end of the viewing scope is located at the distal end of the sheath; introducing the assembly of the viewing scope and sheath to a lung passageway so that the inflatable cuff lies adjacent to a target location in the passageway; inflating the cuff to temporarily occlude the target location; and advancing a plug element through a lumen of the view scope to the target location.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 1 , further comprising locking the sheath to the viewing scope prior to introducing the assembly to the lung passageway.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein introducing the viewing scope comprises advancing the viewing scope until a distal end of the viewing scope engages a stop element at the distal end of the sheath wherein the stop element prevents further distal advancement of the viewing scope.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 1 , further comprising measuring pressure in the lung passageway using a transducer disposed on the sheath near the distal end of the sheath.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as in claim 1 , wherein the sheath further comprises at least a second inflatable cuff and the method further comprises positioning the second inflatable cuff in a lung passageway at the entrance to one lung and inflating the second cuff to isolate the one lung and permit ventilation of the other lung.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 5 , wherein the at least second inflatable cuff is on a sleeve slideable disposed over the sheath to permit separate positioning of the first and second cuffs.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 5 , wherein the sheath includes at least third and fourth inflatable cuffs spaced-apart from the first and second cuffs and wherein the method further comprises selectively inflating at least one of the second, third, and fourth cuffs to isolate the one lung.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
98 words
A sheath for use in combination with a viewing scope, said sheath comprising: a flexible tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen therethrough; and a first inflatable cuff at the distal end of the flexible tubular body; wherein the flexible tubular body has a length in the range from 40 cm to 70 cm, an inside lumen diameter in the range from 1.5 mm to 10 mm, a wall thickness in the range from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, and the lumen of the flexible tubular body is textured to reduce friction.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
98 words
A sheath for use in combination with a viewing scope, said sheath comprising: a flexible tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen therethrough; and a first inflatable cuff at the distal end of the flexible tubular body; wherein the flexible tubular body has a length in the range from 40 cm to 70 cm, an inside lumen diameter in the range from 1.5 mm to 10 mm, a wall thickness in the range from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, and the lumen of the flexible tubular body is textured to reduce friction.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , further comprising a stop element disposed near the distal end of the tubular body to axially limit the travel of the viewing scope in the lumen.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
35 words
A sheath as in claim 9 , wherein the stop element comprises a barrier which mechanically engages a portion of the viewing scope to prevent further travel by the viewing scope in the distal direction.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , wherein a distal end of the cuff is disposed on the tubular body at a distance from the distal end of the tubular body in the range from 0 to 2 cm.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , wherein the cuff is expandable to a diameter in the range from 5 mm to 2 cm.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
26 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , wherein the cuff is elastic and conforms closely to an exterior surface of the tubular body when not inflated.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , wherein the cuff has a peripheral geometry selected from the group consisting of spherical, cylindrical, disc-like, and double disc-like.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , wherein the cuff has a length in the range from 5 mm to 3 cm.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , wherein the cuff is formed as an eversion at the distal end of the tubular body.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , wherein the lumen of the flexible tubular body is coated with a lubricous coating.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , wherein the lumen is textured with protrusions.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
34 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , further comprising a proximal fitting which can be selectively sealed over the viewing scope when the viewing scope is present in the lumen of the tubular body.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
27 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , wherein the inflatable cuff is connected to an inflation lumen formed within the flexible tubular body to permit inflation thereof.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
32 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , wherein the inflatable cuff is connected to an inflation tube which is disposed externally to the flexible tubular body to permit inflation of the cuff.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , further comprising means on the flexible tubular body for measuring pressure near the distal end of the flexible tubular body.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
23 words
A sheath as in claim 22 , wherein the means comprises a pressure transducer disposed at the distal end of the tubular body.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
22 words
A sheath as in claim 8 , further comprising at least a second inflatable cuff spaced-apart axially from the first inflatable cuff.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
28 words
A sheath as in claim 24 , further comprising a sleeve slidable mounted over the flexible tubular body, wherein the second inflatable cuff is mounted on the sleeve.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
34 words
A sheath as in claim 19 , further comprising at least a third and a fourth inflatable cuff, wherein said second, third, and fourth inflatable cuffs are disposed directly on the flexible tubular body.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for accessing and occluding a lung passageway, said method comprising: providing a viewing scope comprising a flexible elongated body, an optical viewing element, and a light transmitting bundle; providing a sheath comprising a flexible tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, at least a first lumen therethrough, and at least a first inflatable cuff disposed near the distal end; introducing the viewing scope into the lumen of the flexible tubular body of the sheath to form an assembly where a viewing end of the viewing scope is located at the distal end of the sheath; introducing the assembly of the viewing scope and sheath to a lung passageway so that the inflatable cuff lies adjacent to a target location in the passageway; inflating the cuff to temporarily occlude the target location; withdrawing the viewing scope from the sheath; and advancing a plug element through the first lumen of the sheath to the target location.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for accessing and occluding a lung passageway, said method comprising: providing a viewing scope comprising a flexible elongated body, an optical viewing element, and a light transmitting bundle; providing a sheath comprising a flexible tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, at least a first lumen therethrough, and at least a first inflatable cuff disposed near the distal end; introducing the viewing scope into the lumen of the flexible tubular body of the sheath to form an assembly where a viewing end of the viewing scope is located at the distal end of the sheath; introducing the assembly of the viewing scope and sheath to a lung passageway so that the inflatable cuff lies adjacent to a target location in the passageway; inflating the cuff to temporarily occlude the target location; withdrawing the viewing scope from the sheath; and advancing a plug element through the first lumen of the sheath to the target location.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 27 , further comprising locking the sheath to the viewing scope prior to introducing the assembly to the lung passageway.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 27 , wherein introducing the viewing scope comprises advancing the viewing scope until a distal end of the viewing scope engages a stop element at the distal end of the sheath wherein the stop element prevents further distal advancement of the viewing scope.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 27 , further comprising measuring pressure in the lung passageway using a transducer disposed on the sheath near the distal end of the sheath.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method as in claim 27 , wherein the sheath further comprises at least a second inflatable cuff and the method further comprises positioning the second inflatable cuff in a lung passageway at the entrance to one lung and inflating the second cuff to isolate the one lung and permit ventilation of the other lung.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as in claim 31 , wherein the at least second inflatable cuff is on a sleeve slideable disposed over the sheath to permit separate positioning of the first and second cuffs.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 32 , wherein the sheath includes at least third and fourth inflatable cuffs spaced-apart from the first and second cuffs and wherein the method further comprises selectively inflating at least one of the second, third, and fourth cuffs to isolate the one lung.
Claim 37
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for accessing and occluding a lung passageway, said method comprising: providing a viewing scope comprising a flexible elongated body, an optical viewing element, and a light transmitting bundle; providing a sheath comprising a flexible tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, at least a first lumen therethrough, at least a first inflatable cuff disposed near the distal end of the tubular body, and a sleeve slidably disposed over the flexible tubular body and having at least a second inflatable cuff thereon; introducing the viewing scope into the lumen of the flexible tubular body of the sheath to form an assembly where a viewing end of the viewing scope is located at the distal end of the sheath; introducing the assembly of the viewing scope and sheath to a lung passageway in one lung so that the first inflatable cuff lies adjacent to a target location in the passageway and positioning the sleeve so that the second inflatable cuff is in a lung passageway at the entrance to the one lung; inflating the second cuff to isolate the one lung and permit ventilation of the other lung; and inflating the first cuff to temporarily occlude the target location.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
201 words
A method for accessing and occluding a lung passageway, said method comprising: providing a viewing scope comprising a flexible elongated body, an optical viewing element, and a light transmitting bundle; providing a sheath comprising a flexible tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, at least a first lumen therethrough, at least a first inflatable cuff disposed near the distal end of the tubular body, and a sleeve slidably disposed over the flexible tubular body and having at least a second inflatable cuff thereon; introducing the viewing scope into the lumen of the flexible tubular body of the sheath to form an assembly where a viewing end of the viewing scope is located at the distal end of the sheath; introducing the assembly of the viewing scope and sheath to a lung passageway in one lung so that the first inflatable cuff lies adjacent to a target location in the passageway and positioning the sleeve so that the second inflatable cuff is in a lung passageway at the entrance to the one lung; inflating the second cuff to isolate the one lung and permit ventilation of the other lung; and inflating the first cuff to temporarily occlude the target location.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method as in claim 34 , further comprising introducing a plug element to the target location.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 35 , wherein introducing comprises advancing the plug element through a lumen of the view scope to the target location.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 35 , wherein introducing comprises withdrawing the viewing scope from the sheath and advancing the plug element through the first lumen of the sheath.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method as in claim 35 , wherein introducing comprises advancing the plug through a second lumen of the sheath while the viewing scope remains in place in the first lumen of the sheath.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as in claim 34 , further comprising locking the sheath to the viewing scope prior to introducing the assembly to the lung passageway.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
48 words
A method as in claim 34 , wherein introducing the viewing scope comprises advancing the viewing scope until a distal end of the viewing scope engages a stop element at the distal end of the sheath wherein the stop element prevents further distal advancement of the viewing scope.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as in claim 34 , further comprising measuring pressure in the lung passageway using a transducer disposed on the sheath near the distal end of the sheath.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method as in claim 34 , wherein the sheath includes at least third and fourth inflatable cuffs spaced-apart from the first and second cuffs and wherein the method further comprises selectively inflating at least one of the third and fourth cuffs to isolate the one lung.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
112 words
A sheath for use in combination with a viewing scope, said sheath comprising: a flexible tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen therethrough; a sleeve slidably mounted over the flexible tubular body; a first inflatable cuff at the distal end of the flexible tubular body; and a second inflatable cuff disposed on the sleeve and spaced apart axially for the first inflatable cuff; wherein the flexible tubular body has a length in the range from 40 cm to 70 cm, an inside lumen diameter in the range from 1.5 mm to 10 mm, and a wall thickness in the range from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
112 words
A sheath for use in combination with a viewing scope, said sheath comprising: a flexible tubular body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a first lumen therethrough; a sleeve slidably mounted over the flexible tubular body; a first inflatable cuff at the distal end of the flexible tubular body; and a second inflatable cuff disposed on the sleeve and spaced apart axially for the first inflatable cuff; wherein the flexible tubular body has a length in the range from 40 cm to 70 cm, an inside lumen diameter in the range from 1.5 mm to 10 mm, and a wall thickness in the range from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
33 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , further comprising a stop element disposed near the distal end of the tubular body to axially limit the travel of the viewing scope in the lumen.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
35 words
A sheath as in claim 44 , wherein the stop element comprises a barrier which mechanically engages a portion of the viewing scope to prevent further travel by the viewing scope in the distal direction.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , wherein a distal end of the cuff is disposed on the tubular body at a distance from the distal end of the tubular body in the range from 0 to 2 cm.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
39 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , wherein a distal end of the cuff is disposed on the tubular body at a distance from the distal end of the tubular body in the range from 0 to 2 cm.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
26 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , wherein the cuff is elastic and conforms closely to an exterior surface of the tubular body when not inflated.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
26 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , wherein the cuff has a peripheral geometry selected from the group consisting of spherical, cylindrical, disc-like, and double disc-like.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
22 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , wherein the cuff has a length in the range from 5 mm to 3 cm.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
23 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , wherein the cuff is formed as an eversion at the distal end of the tubular body.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , wherein the lumen of the flexible tubular body is coated with a lubricous coating.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
20 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , wherein the lumen of the flexible tubular body is textured to reduced friction.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
A sheath as in claim 53 , wherein the lumen is textured with protrusions.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
34 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , further comprising a proximal fitting which can be selectively sealed over the viewing scope when the viewing scope is present in the lumen of the tubular body.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
27 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , wherein the inflatable cuff is connected to an inflation lumen formed within the flexible tubular body to permit inflation thereof.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
32 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , wherein the inflatable cuff is connected to an inflation tube which is disposed externally to the flexible tubular body to permit inflation of the cuff.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
27 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , further comprising means on the flexible tubular body for measuring pressure near the distal end of the flexible tubular body.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
23 words
A sheath as in claim 58 , wherein the means comprises a pressure transducer disposed at the distal end of the tubular body.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
34 words
A sheath as in claim 43 , further comprising at least a third and a fourth inflatable cuff, wherein said second, third, and fourth inflatable cuffs are disposed directly on the flexible tubular body.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3162190A
Cited
US3866599A
Cited
US3913568A
Cited
US4041936A
Cited
US4148307A
Cited
US4086919A
Cited
US4327720A
Cited
US4453545A
Cited
US4819664A
Cited
US4690131A
Cited
US4716896A
Cited
US4784133A
Cited
US4976710A
Cited
US4961738A
Cited
US4862874A
Cited
US4886496A
Cited
US4846153A
Cited
US4913701A
Cited
US5039461A
Cited
US5285778A
Cited
US5400771A
Cited
US5607386A
Cited
US5645519A
Cited
US5478319A
Cited
US5762604A
Cited
US5660175A
Cited
US5904648A
Cited
WO1999001076A1
Cited
US5954636A
Cited
US6287290B1
Cited
US6258100B1
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-06-30 | 2006-12-30 | 2007-07-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-06-30 | 2010-12-30 | 2011-07-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-06-30 | 2014-12-30 | 2015-07-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |