Accessory medical device introduction apparatus for endoscopes

Abstract

An accessory device introduction system works in conjunction with an endoscope and enables more than one accessory device to be used at the same time. The system has a plurality of channels which only expand to accommodate said accessory device(s) when introduced. The system further includes an attachment assembly which connects securely to the endoscope by means of a compression friction fit between the endoscope and itself. The attachment assembly also provides at least one accessory port to be presented to an end user to enable the end user to pass an accessory device within said accessory port and channel. The system further includes a multi-channeled endoscope shaft sheath which is connected to the attachment assembly at one end and the distal end of the endoscope shaft at the other end, thereby covering an entire outer shaft diameter length. The shaft sheath has a plurality of channels which correspond to those of the attachment assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An accessory device introduction system which works in conjunction with an endoscope and enables more than one accessory device to be used at the same time, the accessory device introduction system comprising:
 an attachment assembly which connects securely to the endoscope by means of a compression friction fit between the endoscope and itself, the attachment assembly including at least one accessory port and a plurality of channels through which to pass an accessory device within said accessory port and one of the channels; and   a shaft sheath which is connected to the attachment assembly at one end and to a distal end of an endoscope shaft of the endoscope at the other end, thereby covering an entire outer shaft diameter length of the endoscope shaft, the shaft sheath having plurality of channels which correspond to the plurality of channels of the attachment assembly;   wherein the shaft sheath has an open distal end to permit the accessory device to exit at the distal end of the shaft sheath so as to be exposed during use.   
     
     
         2 . The shaft sheath of  claim 1 , wherein the distal end of the shaft sheath is designed so that the shaft sheath cannot be pulled over or pass the distal end of the endoscope. 
     
     
         3 . The accessory device introduction system of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment assembly comprises a fixed portion which connects securely to the endoscope and a rotating portion having a range of motion to rotate around a central axis of the fixed portion, the rotating portion comprising the at least one accessory port. 
     
     
         4 . The accessory device introduction system of  claim 3 , wherein the at least one accessory port and the plurality of channels can be rotated independently of the attachment to the endoscope. 
     
     
         5 . The accessory device introduction system of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment assembly includes a universal griping feature configured to grip endoscopes of different diameters. 
     
     
         6 . The accessory device introduction system of  claim 1 , wherein the open distal end of the shaft sheath is positioned for endoscope visualization during use. 
     
     
         7 . A shaft sheath for use with an endoscope comprising:
 an inner sheath layer; and   an outer sheath layer;   wherein the outer sheath layer is expandable relative to the inner sheath layer to form a working channel to receive an accessory device, and wherein the inner sheath layer is configured to be fitted over an endoscope shaft of the endoscope.   
     
     
         8 . The shaft sheath of  claim 7 , wherein the inner sheath layer is made of a material that is sufficiently elastic to allow a tight fit around the endoscope shaft preventing slippage or movement after being fitted over the endoscope shaft. 
     
     
         9 . The shaft sheath of  claim 7 , wherein the outer sheath layer is made of an elastic material selected for ability to stretch in a radial direction to receive the accessory device and restricted in stretch in a longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         10 . The shaft sheath of  claim 9 , wherein the outer sheath layer is made of a 2-way weft knot fabric. 
     
     
         11 . The shaft sheath of  claim 7 , wherein the inner sheath layer tapers in circumference at a distal end of the shaft sheath. 
     
     
         12 . The shaft sheath of  claim 7 , wherein the shaft sheath is open at a distal end to permit the accessory device to exit at the distal end of the shaft sheath so as to be exposed during use. 
     
     
         13 . The shaft sheath of  claim 12 , wherein the distal end is designed so that the shaft sheath cannot be pulled over or pass a distal end of the endoscope. 
     
     
         14 . The shaft sheath of  claim 7 , wherein the inner sheath layer and the outer sheath layer are joined longitudinally at a joining seam. 
     
     
         15 . The shaft sheath of  claim 14 , wherein the inner sheath layer and outer sheath layer are fixated to each other coaxially along their length at the joining seam to create channels 
     
     
         16 . The shaft sheath of  claim 7 , wherein the inner sheath layer has a lubricous coating on its outer surface to aid passing the accessory device through the working channel. 
     
     
         17 . The shaft sheath of  claim 7 , wherein the outer sheath layer has a lubricous coating on its inner surface to aid passing the accessory device through the working channel. 
     
     
         18 . The shaft sheath of  claim 7 , wherein the outer sheath layer has a lubricous coating on its outer surface to aid passage through a body orifice.