Patent ID: 6997867
Filing Date: 2006-02-14
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A medical device sleeve, comprising: a flexible tubular member defining a distal opening at a distal end, a proximal opening at a proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal opening to the proximal opening, the tubular member further comprising a port that enters the lumen at a location between the distal opening and the proximal opening, the port dividing the lumen into a distal portion and a proximal portion, the port also for connection to a vacuum source; and a clamp disposed along the flexible tubular member between the port and the proximal opening, configured to allow an elongated instrument to be extended and retracted in the lumen when the clamp is unlocked, and to provide a seal between the tubular member and the instrument when the clamp is locked and the instrument is retracted into the proximal portion of the lumen, such that suction may be applied, via the port, in a space comprising at least a portion of the distal portion of the lumen.