Endoscope gripping device

A gripping device for an endoscope insertion tube utilizing first and second arms that are hingedly attached to one another. Each arm includes an opening to accommodate the insertion tube of an endoscope such that the endoscope insertion tube spans both arms. First and second jaws are associated with first and second arms and are positioned in opposition to one another. The movement of the arms toward one anther causes the jaws to engage the insertion tube which is guided through the arms by the apertures found in the arms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel and useful endoscope gripping device.

Endoscopes are medical devices used to examine the inside a person's body and each generally includes of a long, thin, flexible (or rigid) insertion tube. The terminus of the endoscope tube also is provided with a light and a video camera. Images of the inside of a patient's body are then projected onto a screen. Thus, an endoscope may be used to examine the interior surfaces of an organ or tissue within the body cavity. In addition, the endoscope may also be employed for enabling biopsies and retrieving foreign objects, generally in the gastrointestinal tract.

Practitioners employing endoscopes during endoscopy procedures are susceptible to overuse injuries occurring from repeated microtrauma to a tendon, ligament, or joint, or repeated ischemia to peripheral nerves.

During the endoscopy procedure, the practitioner normally uses the left hand to grip and stabilize the control system such that the left thumb manipulates the control dials. The right hand pinches or grips the insertion tube and the right arm pushes, pulls, and applies torque to the endoscope. Such maneuvers involve the application of relatively high forces by the practitioner. As a consequence, these activities require extreme or prolonged wrist flexion or extension, and radial or ulnar deviation. The combination of high finger forces with awkward wrist postures exacerbates the risk of overuse injury to the practitioner.

In the past, many systems have been proposed for the insertion of medical devices and probes, such as endoscopes. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,520,185 shows a sensor handle assembly for implantation into a body part that carries a force indicator.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,514 shows a device for inserting a flexible element into a soft tissue which includes a pair of tubular portions defining a lumen for a surgical tool. The pair of tubular members each includes slits that may be aligned later to allow the withdrawal of the surgical tube without interfering with the inserted surgical instrument.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,667,068 and 6,976,955, as well as United States Patent Publications 2005/0256375, and 2009/0247827, and Japanese Patent Publication No. JP 9094219 (A), describe cylindrical type handles that surround an endoscope tube, catheter, or other like device, to allow the practitioner to easily grip the probe being inserted into a body cavity.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,741,284 describes a dialyses probe which is maneuvered by the use of a handle having two upstanding parts and wings which enables canular tubes to be withdrawn using only two fingers of the practitioner.

United States Patent Publication 2005/0256371 illustrates a robotic endoscope holder which may maneuver the endoscope using electromechanical mechanisms.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,441,042, 5,702,349, and United States Patent Publication No. 2005/0070852 show clamping or adhesive holding devices for an endoscope tube for use during surgical procedures.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,966,876 teaches a device for holding and positioning an endoscope by the use of two bow-shaped elements which pivot and tend to guide the endoscope during insertion procedures.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,586,553 and 6,679,834 illustrate holders for an endoscope for a cannula which includes a base member that surrounds the tubular portion of the device and holds the same at an angle to the base member.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,727,605 and 6,540,737 describe elongated medical instrument holders which employ supports which allow the practitioner to indirectly grip an elongated medical instrument such as an endoscope when used to enter the body cavity.

A gripping device for an endoscope which greatly relieves stresses on the practitioners hand would be a notable advance in the medical field.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention a novel and useful endoscope gripping device is herein provided.

The endoscope gripping device of the present invention utilizes first and second arms that are pivotally connected to one another via a hinge. Each of the first and second arms includes an aperture which provides a guiding mechanism for an endoscope tube during endoscopy procedures.

Moreover, each of the pivotally arms also is provided with a jaw. The jaws are opposed to one another and are capable of squeezing or clamping the insertion tube when the first and second arms move toward one another. The first and second jaws may include recessed or concave surfaces that are fashioned to fit around the perimeter of the endoscope tube.

The device of the present invention, following insertion of the endoscope tube through the apertures of the pivoting first and second arms, permits the medical practitioner to release or grip the endoscope insertion tube, with the hand of the practitioner being located along the device in an unstressed position.

It may be apparent that a novel and useful gripping device for an insertion tube of an endoscope has been hereinabove described.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a gripping device for an insertion tube of an endoscope which is simple and easy to use and relieves the stresses on the practitioners hand during endoscope maneuvering due to wrist flexion or extension or radial or ulnar deviation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gripping device for the insertion tube of an endoscope which may be readily adapted to use with a lubricated insertion tube of an endoscope and which is disposable following its use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a gripping device for an endoscope that may be activated to firmly grip the insertion tube of the endoscope without slippage allowing the practitioner to insert, withdrawal, or torque the insertion tube during endoscopy procedures.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a gripping device for an endoscope which is relatively simple and economical to manufacture and is adaptable to endoscope tube of varying diameters.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a gripping device for an endoscope which eliminates carpal injuries or tendonitis in the hands of the medical practitioner during use over an extended time period.

The invention possesses other objects and advantages especially as concerns particular characteristics and features thereof which will become apparent as the specification continues.

For a better understanding of the invention reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention which should be taken in conjunction with the above described drawings.

Various aspects of the present invention will evolve from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof which should be referenced to the prior described drawings.

An embodiment of the present invention is depicted in the drawings by reference character10. The gripping device10is intended for use with an insertion tube of an endoscope12which is direct into a body cavity by a medical practitioner. Insertion tube12is usually lubricated and may possess varying diameters. With reference toFIG. 1, it may be observed that gripping device10includes a first arm14and a second arm16. First and second arms14and16are provided with apertures18and20to guide endoscope insertion tube12therethrough apertures18and20may be elongated and serve to guide insertion tube12in spanning arms14and16. In this regard, endoscope insertion tube12is depicted in phantom onFIG. 1, and partially inFIGS. 2 and 5. Arms14and16may be formed of any suitable rigid or semi-rigid materials such as metal, wood, polymeric plastic, and the like.

A hinge22is also found in the device of the present invention. Hinge22rotatably connects first arm14to second arm16for movement according to directional arrows24and26ofFIG. 1. That is to say, arms14and16may rotate towards or away from one another by rotational movement of hinged22about axis28. Hinge22is formed with a slotted receiver30that lies at the terminus of second arm16. A rounded head or tongue32fits within slot34of receiver30and lies at the terminus of first arm14. Pivot pin36,FIG. 1, penetrates slotted receiver30and tongue32and allows the rotational movement of arm14relative to arm16, prior described.

Most notably, a first jaw is associated with and extends from first arm14. Likewise, a second jaw40extends from, and is associated with second arm16. Jaws38and40are essentially protuberances that are opposed to one another. First jaw38is provided with a concave surface42, while second jaw possesses a concave surface44. As shown in drawings,FIG. 2, concave surfaces42and44of jaws38and40, respectively squeeze or clamp insertion tube12when arms14and16are moved toward one another. Such squeezing of jaws38and40prevents the movements of insertion tube12through apertures18and20. Likewise, the movement of jaws14and16away from one another releases endoscope insertion tube12from device10and allows the practitioner to move the same in either direction through apertures18and20, as desired.

In operation, endoscope insertion tube12is inserted within apertures18and20of arms14and16, respectively,FIGS. 1, 2, and 5. Endoscope insertion tube also passes between jaws38and40of arms14and16, respectively. Movement of arms14and16toward one another engages concave surfaces42and44with the outer surface of endoscope insertion tube12and prevents it from moving within apertures18and20. With reference toFIG. 5, it may be observed that a secured grip is achieved with device10when arms14and16squeeze endoscope insertion tube12. Such is the case, even though endoscope insertion tube12is lubricated. It should also be noted that jaws38and40are adaptable to different diameters of insertion tube12. In essence, an ergonomic alignment of cable12with the forearm, wrist, and hand of the practitioner is achieved. Also, the rotation of endoscope insertion tube aligns with the rotation of the forearm of the practitioner, such that the wrist and hand of the practitioner lie in a position of comfort during use. Consequently, device10is held in a relaxed palm and index finger46,FIG. 5. As shown inFIG. 5, index finger46is used as a pointer, while thumb48lies against device10when in use.

While in the foregoing, embodiments of the present invention have been set forth in considerable detail for the purposes of making a complete disclosure of the invention, it may be apparent to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be made in such detail without departing from the spirit and principles of the invention.