Patent ID: 8747298
Filing Date: 2014-06-10
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A probe manipulator comprising: a substantially cylindrical grip device; and a connection device for releasably connecting the grip device to a probe that has been inserted into a working channel of an endoscope, wherein the grip device comprises a radial slot therein, the radial slot being configured to accept the probe radially therein and wherein the radial slot is radially open to an exterior of the grip device such that the grip device can be slid onto the probe at any point along an entire length thereof and the radial slot is sufficiently deep for the probe to be located in a center of the cylindrical grip device, and wherein the connection device comprises a flexible rod disposed in a recess in the grip device, the recess being located adjacent to the radial slot in the grip device, and a clamping projection on the flexible rod, wherein the flexible rod is configured to bend in a direction away from the radial slot, and wherein the clamping projection is attached to the flexible rod such that when the flexible rod is bent, the clamping projection releases the probe, and when the flexible rod is not bent, the clamping projection holds the probe in place within the radial slot.