Patent ID: 8814781
Filing Date: 2014-08-26
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A sheath assembly for an endoscope, the endoscope having a handle portion and an elongate scope portion extending from the handle portion to a tip, the sheath assembly comprising: an elongate tubular body extending along a longitudinal axis between a first distal end opening located at a distal end thereof and a first proximal end opening located at a proximal end thereof, the body comprising: a first wall section extending radially about the longitudinal axis to define a scope lumen, the scope portion of the endoscope being receivable coaxially in the scope lumen with the distal end of the body being disposed adjacent the endoscope tip and the proximal end of the body being disposed adjacent the handle portion of the endoscope; and a second wall section extending radially about at least a portion of the first wall section and longitudinally along the longitudinal axis between a second distal end opening adjacent the first distal end opening and a second proximal end opening adjacent the first proximal end opening, the first and the second wall sections defining an integral suction lumen therebetween connectable in fluid communication with a first source of negative pressure; and a plug mated with the distal end opening of the body for closing the scope lumen, the plug having a lens surface through which light or other energy is transmissible to or from the endoscope tip; wherein the body further comprises at least one rib member extending along the entire longitudinal axis, the at least one rib member extending radially within the suction lumen from a distal end integral with one of the first and the second wall sections to a proximal end disposed opposite the other one of the first and the second wall sections and being bearable thereon to support the suction lumen when the first source of negative pressure is applied; wherein the first wall section extends radially about a longitudinal axis; wherein the second wall section extends radially about at least a portion of the first wall section of the plug and longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the first wall section between a distal opening and a proximal opening; wherein each of the second wall section of the plug, the proximal opening of the plug, and the distal opening of the plug collectively define a suction opening; wherein a portion of the second wall section of the plug forms a wall that extends longitudinally between the distal and proximal openings, the wall being longitudinally aligned with the at least one rib member.