Patent ID: 7993287

Claim:
An endoscopic apparatus comprising: an insertion tube for an endoscope configured for advancement into a patient, the insertion tube having an accessory port, the insertion tube extending distally from the accessory port to a distal tip; a wire guide disposed through the insertion tube for delivery in the patient, the wire guide having a distal portion extending to a distal end and a proximal portion extending from the distal portion to a proximal end, the distal portion extending distally from the accessory port of the insertion tube in substantially the same direction as the distal tip of the insertion tube extends distally from the accessory port, the distal portion having a first segment and the proximal portion having a second segment and a third segment, the second segment being less rigid than the first segment, the second segment having a reduced diameter and extending proximally through the accessory port; the third segment extending proximally from the second segment to the proximal end of the wire guide; the second segment being located distant from the center of the wire guide; the second segment being configured to allow the third segment of the proximal portion to droop relative to gravity when the second segment proximally extends through the accessory port of the endoscope as the distal end of the distal portion extends distally.