Patent ID: 6454702
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An endoscopic instrument system, comprising:a) an endoscope having an elongate flexible distal portion and a proximal handle portion for manipulating said distal portion, said distal portion including an optics channel which receives an imaging means and a working channel having an interior surface and an inside diameter, the working channel adapted to receive an endoscopic instrument therethrough; and b) an endoscopic instrument including an elongate flexible tubular member having proximal and distal ends and an outer surface, a control member having proximal and distal ends and extending through said tubular member, an end effector assembly coupled to said distal ends of said tubular member and said control member, and a handle means for moving said control member relative to said tubular member to operate said end effector assembly, wherein said outer surface of said tubular member is provided with a non-circular cross-sectional shape along a portion thereof adapted to reduce backlash when moving said endoscopic instrument relative to said working channel of said endoscope, and has an outside diameter that is substantially equal to the inside diameter of the working channel.