US6749601B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Protective sleeve for an endoscopic instrument and related method of use
Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed Inc
•
Filing: 2001-08-03
•
Granted: 2004-06-15
•
Expires: 2021-08-03
Abstract
Abstract A protective sleeve for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument is provided. The protective sleeve includes a flexible tube having an opening at each end of the tube and a length to cover a desired portion of the surgical instrument. At one end of the tube may be an elastic band that allows the sleeve to be positioned over the instrument or to be retracted to reveal the instrument for use. Additionally, the tube may also include a second band that may be fixed or movable. The tube also may have a perforation running along the length of the tube to allow for the sleeve to be easily removed from the instrument. A circumferential perforation may also be provided. A method for using the protective sleeve is also provided.
Inventors
- 👤 Yem Chin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:24
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B46/00; A61B46/10; A61B46/13
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 55
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
A protective sleeve for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument, comprising: a flexible tube having an opening at each end of a proximal end and a distal end of the tube, the tube having a length and being configured to cover at least a distal portion of the surgical instrument that reaches a treatment site in a body lumen; and a distal ring fixedly connected to the tube proximate the distal end of the tube and being sufficiently elastic to substantially close the opening at the distal end of the tube, the distal ring configured to be retractable in a proximal direction relative to the surgical instrument and thereby allow at least a portion of the tube to retract and reveal a distal end portion of the surgical instrument.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
A protective sleeve for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument, comprising: a flexible tube having an opening at each end of a proximal end and a distal end of the tube, the tube having a length and being configured to cover at least a distal portion of the surgical instrument that reaches a treatment site in a body lumen; and a distal ring fixedly connected to the tube proximate the distal end of the tube and being sufficiently elastic to substantially close the opening at the distal end of the tube, the distal ring configured to be retractable in a proximal direction relative to the surgical instrument and thereby allow at least a portion of the tube to retract and reveal a distal end portion of the surgical instrument.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
The protective sleeve of claim 1 , further comprising at least one perforation located along the length of the tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The protective sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the flexible tube is translucent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The protective sleeve of claim 1 , further comprising a second ring positioned at a location along the tube in a direction proximal relative to the distal ring, the distal ring being configured to be retractable towards the second ring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The protective sleeve of claim 1 , further comprising a perforation about a circumference of the tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
The protective sleeve of claim 1 , further comprising a proximal ring proximate the proximal end of the tube.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The protective sleeve of claim 6 , further comprising a third ring located between the proximal and distal rings.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
59 words
The protective sleeve of claim 1 , further comprising: a second ring positioned at a location along the tube in a direction proximal relative to the distal ring, wherein the flexible tube comprises an inner tube portion and an outer tube portion; and the distal ring is located at a point where the inner and outer tube portions meet.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The protective sleeve of claim 8 , wherein the second ring is configured to be affixed to the endoscopic surgical instrument.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
39 words
The protective sleeve of claim 9 , wherein the inner and outer tube portions define a pocket at the distal end portion of the flexible tube, and the distal ring and the second ring are located within the pocket.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The protective sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the tube is coated with a lubricating material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The protective sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the sleeve is movable relative to the proximal end of the tube.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
144 words
A protective sleeve for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument, comprising: a flexible tube having an opening at each of a proximal end and a distal end of the tube to accept the endoscopic surgical instrument, the tube having a length and being configured to cover at least a distal end portion of the endoscopic surgical instrument that reaches a treatment site in a body lumen; a ring associated with the tube and separable from the tube, the ring configured to hold a portion of the tube relative to the surgical instrument; and a perforation located along at least a distal portion of the tube, wherein the tube is configured to peel back along the perforation from the distal end portion of the surgical instrument towards the proximal end of the tube so as to reveal the distal end portion of the surgical instrument.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
144 words
A protective sleeve for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument, comprising: a flexible tube having an opening at each of a proximal end and a distal end of the tube to accept the endoscopic surgical instrument, the tube having a length and being configured to cover at least a distal end portion of the endoscopic surgical instrument that reaches a treatment site in a body lumen; a ring associated with the tube and separable from the tube, the ring configured to hold a portion of the tube relative to the surgical instrument; and a perforation located along at least a distal portion of the tube, wherein the tube is configured to peel back along the perforation from the distal end portion of the surgical instrument towards the proximal end of the tube so as to reveal the distal end portion of the surgical instrument.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
13 words
The protective sleeve of claim 13 , wherein the flexible tube is translucent.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The protective sleeve of claim 13 , wherein the ring is located proximate one of the proximal and distal ends of the tube.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
146 words
A protective sleeve for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument, comprising: a flexible tube having an opening at each of a proximal end and a distal end of the tube to accept the endoscopic surgical instrument, the tube having a length and being configured to cover at least a distal end portion of the endoscopic surgical instrument that reaches a treatment site in a body lumen; a perforation located along at least a distal portion of the tube, wherein the tube is configured to peel back along the perforation from the distal end portion of the surgical instrument towards the proximal end of the tube so as to reveal the distal end portion of the surgical instrument; a first ring proximate one of the proximal and distal ends of the tube; and a second ring proximate the opposite end of the tube from the first ring.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
146 words
A protective sleeve for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument, comprising: a flexible tube having an opening at each of a proximal end and a distal end of the tube to accept the endoscopic surgical instrument, the tube having a length and being configured to cover at least a distal end portion of the endoscopic surgical instrument that reaches a treatment site in a body lumen; a perforation located along at least a distal portion of the tube, wherein the tube is configured to peel back along the perforation from the distal end portion of the surgical instrument towards the proximal end of the tube so as to reveal the distal end portion of the surgical instrument; a first ring proximate one of the proximal and distal ends of the tube; and a second ring proximate the opposite end of the tube from the first ring.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
12 words
The protective sleeve of claim 15 , wherein the ring is elastic.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The protective sleeve of claim 13 , wherein the distal end of the tube is movable relative to the proximal end of the tube.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
17 words
The protective sleeve of claim 13 , further comprising a perforation about a circumference of the tube.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for inserting an endoscopic surgical instrument into a body lumen, comprising: providing a protective sleeve on and over a distal portion of the surgical instrument, the protective sleeve having a member to hold a portion of the sleeve relative to the surgical instrument, a distal end of the sleeve being moveable along the distal portion of the surgical instrument; inserting the surgical instrument into the body lumen; placing the distal portion of the surgical instrument proximate to a treatment site along the body lumen; and moving the distal end of the protective sleeve proximally toward the member to reveal the distal portion of the surgical instrument.
Claim 24
Independent Claim
108 words
A method for inserting an endoscopic surgical instrument into a body lumen, comprising: providing a protective sleeve on and over a distal portion of the surgical instrument, the protective sleeve having a member to hold a portion of the sleeve relative to the surgical instrument, a distal end of the sleeve being moveable along the distal portion of the surgical instrument; inserting the surgical instrument into the body lumen; placing the distal portion of the surgical instrument proximate to a treatment site along the body lumen; and moving the distal end of the protective sleeve proximally toward the member to reveal the distal portion of the surgical instrument.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 20 , further comprising performing a surgical procedure, moving the distal end of the protective sleeve over the distal portion of the surgical instrument, and removing the surgical instrument from the body lumen.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for inserting an endoscopic surgical instrument into a body lumen, comprising: providing a protective sleeve on and over a distal portion of the surgical instrument, a distal end of the sleeve being moveable along the distal portion of the surgical instrument; inserting the surgical instrument into the body lumen; placing the distal portion of the surgical instrument proximate to a treatment site along the body lumen; severing a first ring located at a distal end of the protective sleeve, and moving a distal end of the protective sleeve toward a proximal end of the protective sleeve to reveal the distal portion of the surgical instrument.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for inserting an endoscopic surgical instrument into a body lumen, comprising: providing a protective sleeve on and over a distal portion of the surgical instrument, a distal end of the sleeve being moveable along the distal portion of the surgical instrument; inserting the surgical instrument into the body lumen; placing the distal portion of the surgical instrument proximate to a treatment site along the body lumen; severing a first ring located at a distal end of the protective sleeve, and moving a distal end of the protective sleeve toward a proximal end of the protective sleeve to reveal the distal portion of the surgical instrument.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 22 , further comprising tearing the protective sleeve along a length of the protective sleeve.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 23 , further comprising removing the protective sleeve from the surgical instrument.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 24 , further comprising removing the protective sleeve from the body lumen.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 20 , wherein the step of moving the distal end of the protective sleeve includes moving the distal end of the sleeve relative to the proximal end of the sleeve.
Claim 32
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for inserting an endoscopic surgical instrument into a body lumen, comprising: providing a protective sleeve over a distal portion of the surgical instrument, the protective sleeve having a ring separable from the sleeve and configured to hold a portion of the sleeve relative to the surgical instrument; inserting the surgical instrument into the body lumen; placing the surgical instrument in a desired location along the body lumen; tearing the protective sleeve starting from a distal end of the protective sleeve along a length of the sleeve; and removing the torn sleeve from the body lumen.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
97 words
A method for inserting an endoscopic surgical instrument into a body lumen, comprising: providing a protective sleeve over a distal portion of the surgical instrument, the protective sleeve having a ring separable from the sleeve and configured to hold a portion of the sleeve relative to the surgical instrument; inserting the surgical instrument into the body lumen; placing the surgical instrument in a desired location along the body lumen; tearing the protective sleeve starting from a distal end of the protective sleeve along a length of the sleeve; and removing the torn sleeve from the body lumen.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for inserting an endoscopic surgical instrument into a body lumen, comprising: providing a protective sleeve over a distal portion of the surgical instrument; inserting the surgical instrument into the body lumen; placing the surgical instrument in a desired location along the body lumen; severing a first ring located at a first end of the protective sleeve; tearing the protective sleeve starting from a distal end of the protective sleeve along a length of the sleeve; and removing the torn sleeve from the body lumen.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
86 words
A method for inserting an endoscopic surgical instrument into a body lumen, comprising: providing a protective sleeve over a distal portion of the surgical instrument; inserting the surgical instrument into the body lumen; placing the surgical instrument in a desired location along the body lumen; severing a first ring located at a first end of the protective sleeve; tearing the protective sleeve starting from a distal end of the protective sleeve along a length of the sleeve; and removing the torn sleeve from the body lumen.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 28 , further comprising severing a second ring located at a second end of the protective sleeve.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 27 , further comprising tearing the protective sleeve about a circumference of the protective sleeve.
Claim 38
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for inserting an endoscopic surgical instrument into a body lumen, comprising: providing a protective sleeve over a distal portion of the surgical instrument; inserting the surgical instrument into the body lumen; severing a first ring located at a distal end of the protective sleeve; placing the surgical instrument in a desired location along the body lumen; and moving a distal end of the protective sleeve toward a proximal end of the protective sleeve to reveal the distal portion of the surgical instrument.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
84 words
A method for inserting an endoscopic surgical instrument into a body lumen, comprising: providing a protective sleeve over a distal portion of the surgical instrument; inserting the surgical instrument into the body lumen; severing a first ring located at a distal end of the protective sleeve; placing the surgical instrument in a desired location along the body lumen; and moving a distal end of the protective sleeve toward a proximal end of the protective sleeve to reveal the distal portion of the surgical instrument.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 31 , further comprising tearing the protective sleeve along a length of the protective sleeve.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 32 , further comprising removing the protective sleeve from the surgical instrument.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 33 , further comprising removing the protective sleeve from the body lumen.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
88 words
A medical device comprising: an endoscopic instrument; a protective sleeve on and over a distal portion of the endoscopic instrument, the sleeve having an opening at each end of a proximal end and a distal end of the sleeve; and a distal ring fixedly connected to the sleeve proximate the distal end of the sleeve and retractable in a proximal direction relative to the endoscopic instrument and thereby allow at least a portion of the sleeve to retract and reveal a distal end portion of the endoscopic instrument.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
88 words
A medical device comprising: an endoscopic instrument; a protective sleeve on and over a distal portion of the endoscopic instrument, the sleeve having an opening at each end of a proximal end and a distal end of the sleeve; and a distal ring fixedly connected to the sleeve proximate the distal end of the sleeve and retractable in a proximal direction relative to the endoscopic instrument and thereby allow at least a portion of the sleeve to retract and reveal a distal end portion of the endoscopic instrument.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 35 , wherein the sleeve is coated with a lubricating material.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 35 , wherein the distal ring is retractable in the proximal direction relative to the proximal end of the sleeve.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 35 , further comprising at least one perforation located along at least a portion of the length of the sleeve.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
11 words
The device of claim 35 , wherein the sleeve is translucent.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device of claim 35 , further comprising a second ring positioned at a location along the sleeve in a direction proximal relative to the distal ring, the distal ring being retractable towards the second ring.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 35 , further comprising a perforation about a circumference of the sleeve.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 35 , further comprising a proximal ring proximate the proximal end of the sleeve.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 42 , further comprising a third ring located between the proximal and distal rings.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
57 words
The device of claim 35 , further comprising: a second ring positioned at a location along the sleeve in a direction proximal relative to the distal ring, wherein the sleeve comprises an inner sleeve portion and an outer sleeve portion; and the distal ring is located at a point where the inner and outer sleeve portions meet.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 44 , wherein the second ring is configured to fix the sleeve onto the endoscopic instrument.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 45 , wherein the inner and outer sleeve portions define a pocket at the distal end portion of the flexible sleeve, and the distal ring and the second ring are located within the pocket.
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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) | 2007-06-15 | 2007-12-15 | 2008-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-06-15 | 2011-12-15 | 2012-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-06-15 | 2015-12-15 | 2016-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |