Patent ID: 6599237
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
A method for facilitating endoscopic examination or surgical procedure performed on a patient, said method comprising:providing a multiple use working sheath having an elongated tubular body with a central longitudinal lumen of sufficient size to accommodate elongated surgical or viewing devices that are to be inserted through the lumen of the sheath into the body of patient, said lumen having an opening at a proximal and distal end thereof, providing the sheath with at least one longitudinally extending separation line defined by a longitudinal weakness therein that facilitates progressive splitting open of the sheath when a device that is larger than the internal diameter of the sheath is passed through the lumen thereof, placing said sheath within the body of the patient, allowing the sheath to remain in contact with the body of the patient until the examination or surgery is complete, inserting and removing one or more surgical devices that are larger than the lumen of the working sheath to cause the sheath to split open progressively along a separation line from pressure provided by a tip of the device as the device is inserted therein, conducting said examination or procedure while the split-open sheath remains in place for enabling the sheath to serve as an artificial protective liner in the body of the patient through which it is passed to minimize tissue trauma while reducing discomfort and pain during the procedure, and thereafter removing the sheath from the body.