Patent ID: 8226549
Filing Date: 2012-07-24
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A method of establishing a continuous fluid flow through and within a body tissue cavity during an endoscopic procedure, comprising the steps of: providing a continuous flow irrigation endoscope at least partially within a tissue cavity, the endoscope comprising a body having a proximal end and a distal end; an outer tube, wherein at least a portion of the outer tube has a first diameter; an inner tube located within the outer tube, the inner tube having a second diameter which is smaller than the first diameter, wherein the inner tube further defines within the outer tube a closed cavity within the body of the endoscope, the closed cavity surrounding an entire circumference of the inner tube; and wherein the endoscope further comprises: wherein the inner channel accommodates an optical channel; providing an inflow peristaltic pump in communication with the inflow port of the endoscope, to provide fluid into the tissue cavity; providing an outflow peristaltic pump in communication with the outflow port of the endoscope, to remove fluid from the tissue cavity through the tube of the endoscope; selecting an outflow rotational speed for the outflow peristaltic pump; selecting a maximum flow rate at which fluid enters the tissue cavity and, based on the maximum flow rate, selecting an inflow rotational speed for the inflow peristaltic pump; activating the inflow peristaltic pump and the outflow peristaltic pump, to allow fluid to flow through the inflow port of the endoscope and into the tissue cavity, and from the tissue cavity through the outflow port of the endoscope, so that pressure inside the tissue cavity rises to a set pressure cavity; and maintaining the set pressure cavity for a period of time.