Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/027,245 entitled “Method and Device for Improved Hygiene During Endoscopic Procedures” filed on Sep. 16, 2013, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/847,984 entitled “Endoscope Cover” filed on Jul. 18, 2013. This application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/215,005 entitled “Method and Device for Improved Hygiene During using Endoscopic accessory tools” filed on Mar. 16, 2014, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 61/885,500 entitled “Method and Device for Improved Hygiene During using Endoscopic accessory tools” filed on Oct. 2, 2013. The contents of the above-listed patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to methods and devices that improve hygiene in the endoscopic examination of body organs, the gastrointestinal tract in particular. This invention incorporates a sleeve for an endoscope that remains outside of the patient&#39;s body during an endoscopic exam, and is configured to keep the endoscope clean prior to insertion into the patient&#39;s body. It is also designed to retain any bodily matter within the sleeve itself upon removal of the endoscope from the patient&#39;s body. 
     BACKGROUND 
     An endoscope is a well-known optical system for evaluation of internal organs. Most endoscopic procedures are not sterile procedures. After completion of a cleansing process, the endoscope is handled as a clean object. It is usually kept in clean spaces, transported to the procedure room by a clean hand with or without gloves, placed on a clean surface for assembly to the light source, placed on a bed sheet in the case of a colonoscopy, and then lubricated and inserted into a body cavity. During the procedure, the shaft of the endoscope is usually held by the endoscopist for insertion, withdrawal, and manipulation. The endoscope could be inserted and withdrawn multiple times during a single endoscopic procedure, meaning that with each withdrawal, the shaft of the endoscope touches the external environment including the bedding, examination table and the patient&#39;s external body surfaces. The endoscope is occasionally held by an assistant during the examination base of the procedure. After withdrawal from a body cavity, the endoscope is handled as a contaminated object and is taken to the cleaning room where it is to be cleaned for the next procedure. To improve and upkeep the sanitization aspect of endoscopic procedures, endoscopic centers follow a set of policies set in place by the endoscopic center&#39;s internal policies or regulatory agencies. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, an endoscope sleeve comprises a sleeve defining a lumen for accepting an endoscope in a slidable manner, the sleeve having a proximal end configured to accept the endoscope and a distal end configured to be slidably disposed over the endoscope, wherein the sleeve comprises a compact configuration and an extended configuration. The endoscope sleeve further comprises a retainer configured to be detachably attached to the sleeve, wherein in the compact configuration the retainer is attached to the sleeve and in the extended configuration the retainer is detached from the sleeve allowing the sleeve to be extendable over the endoscope. 
     According to some embodiments, the sleeve comprises a first sleeve and the retainer comprises a second sleeve, and the second sleeve defines the lumen for accepting the endoscope. The second sleeve has a length that is less than a length of the first sleeve. 
     According to some embodiments, the first sleeve and the second sleeve define a cavity therebetween. A fluid port can be in fluid connection with the cavity. The fluid port can be connected to at least one of the first sleeve and the second sleeve. 
     According to some embodiments, the distal end of the sleeve comprises a closure for closing the lumen. The closure can be a re-sealable zipper. 
     According to some embodiments, the proximal end of the sleeve includes a collar configured to secure the sleeve to the endoscope. The proximal end of the sleeve can further comprise a sealing mechanism to seal the collar to the endoscope with a reversible, liquid-tight seal. The sealing mechanism can comprise at least one of an elastomeric material, self-fusing silicon tape, hook and loop fastener, purse string closure, tie-on closure, or pressure sensitive adhesive tape. 
     According to some embodiments, the endoscope sleeve further comprises a wiping material disposed on an inner surface of the sleeve. According to some embodiments, the endoscope sleeve further comprises a wiping material disposed within the cavity. The wiping material can comprise at least one of a hydrophilic foam, gauze, an unwoven material, or flox. 
     According to some embodiments, the sleeve comprises a first sleeve and the retainer comprises a second sleeve including a perforation, wherein the first sleeve is detachable at the perforation. 
     According to some embodiments, the retainer comprises a strap, wherein the strap has a length that is less than a length of the sleeve. 
     According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the sleeve comprises at least one of a transparent material and an elastomeric material. 
     According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the sleeve comprises a flexible material. 
     According to some embodiments, the sleeve in the extended configuration has a length longer than the length of the sleeve in the compact configuration. 
     According to some embodiments, the sleeve has the compact configuration when the retainer is attached to the sleeve. 
     According to some embodiments, the second sleeve includes a proximal end and a distal end, and the proximal ends of the first and second sleeves are attached and the distal end of the second sleeve is removably attached to the first sleeve away from the proximal end of the first sleeve. According to some embodiments, the second sleeve is removably attached at or between a midsection and the distal end of the first sleeve. According to some embodiments, the sleeve comprises a line of weakness extending from the proximal end to the distal end, wherein the line of weakness allows the sleeve to be separated along the line of weakness. 
     According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the sleeve comprises a material that has reduced friction when sliding over the endoscope. 
     According to some embodiments, the endoscope sleeve further comprised an annular squeegee disposed within the lumen, wherein the annular squeegee has an inner circumference and an outer circumference, wherein the annular squeegee is attached to an inner surface of the sleeve along the outer circumference of the annular squeegee. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, a method for enhancing hygiene during transport and/or use of an endoscope, the endoscope having a shaft and a distal end, the shaft comprising a proximal shaft portion and a distal shaft portion, comprises providing a sleeve defining a lumen for accepting the endoscope, the sleeve having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the sleeve further having a retainer, a portion of the retainer being removably attached to the sleeve to maintain at least a portion of the sleeve in a compact format. The method further comprises positioning the sleeve on the endoscope, extending the distal portion of the sleeve beyond the distal shaft portion and the distal end of the endoscope, and sealing the distal portion of the sleeve, thereby enclosing the shaft and distal end of the endoscope within the lumen. The extending the distal portion of the sleeve detaches the portion of the retainer from the sleeve so that at least a portion of the sleeve expands from a compact form to an unpacked form. 
     According to some embodiments, the step of positioning further comprises securing a proximal portion of the sleeve to the endoscope, wherein the endoscope further comprises a conical connection to the proximal shaft portion, and wherein securing the proximal portion of the sleeve to the endoscope comprises securing the proximal portion of the sleeve to the endoscope at the conical connection or at the proximal shaft portion. 
     According to some embodiments, the sleeve further defines a cavity for maintaining a fluid separate from the lumen when the portion of the sleeve is in the compact form, and extending the distal portion of the sleeve releases the fluid in the cavity into the lumen when the portion of the sleeve is in the unpacked form. 
     According to some embodiments, the sleeve further defines a cavity, and extending the distal portion of the sleeve opens the cavity to the lumen. 
     According to some embodiments, the method further comprises transporting the endoscope and the sleeve to a location for use of the endoscope, opening the distal portion of the sleeve, and pulling the distal portion of the sleeve toward the proximal shaft portion of the endoscope to expose the distal shaft portion and the distal end of the endoscope for use. 
     According to some embodiments, the method further comprises introducing a lubricating material into the lumen at least one of before or after extending the distal portion of the sleeve. 
     According to some embodiments, the method further comprises disposing a wiping material in the lumen, and gripping a portion of the sleeve surrounding the wiping material and sliding the portion of the sleeve surrounding the wiping material over the shaft of the endoscope to lubricate or wipe the shaft of the endoscope. 
     According to some embodiments, the method further comprises disposing a wiping material in the lumen, gripping a portion of the sleeve surrounding the wiping material, and moving the distal end and shaft of the endoscope into or out of a body cavity. 
     According to some embodiments, the method further comprises extending the distal portion of the sleeve beyond the distal shaft portion and distal end of the endoscope after the endoscope is withdrawn from the body cavity, and sealing the distal portion of the sleeve, thereby enclosing the shaft and distal end of the endoscope within the lumen. 
     According to some embodiments, the sleeve has a midportion between the proximal portion and the distal portion, and extending the distal portion of the sleeve expands the midportion of the sleeve from the compact form to the unpacked form. 
     According to some embodiments, the step of positioning further comprises securing a proximal portion of the sleeve to the endoscope. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Further objectives and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the description, drawings, and examples. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration showing the endoscope sleeve in the compact format prior to being mounted over the shaft of an endoscope; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross sectional view taken along line A-A in  FIG. 1  showing a lubricant port; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view taken along line B-B in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial longitudinal sectional view taken along line C-C in  FIG. 1  and showing a tubular wiping material and a lubricant port; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial longitudinal sectional view taken along line D-D in  FIG. 1  and showing the proximal end of the endoscope sleeve; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic illustration showing the endoscope sleeve in the compact format mounted over the shaft of an endoscope with the proximal end of the endoscope sleeve fitted over the proximal conical portion of the endoscope shaft; 
         FIG. 7  is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing the endoscope sleeve in the compact format mounted over the shaft of an endoscope with the proximal end of the endoscope sleeve fitted over the proximal conical portion of the endoscope shaft; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial longitudinal sectional view taken along line E-E in  FIG. 6  and showing the proximal end of the endoscope sleeve; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial longitudinal sectional view showing the endoscope sleeve transition from the compact to the unpacked format over the shaft of an endoscope with the proximal end of the endoscope sleeve fitted over the proximal conical portion of the endoscope shaft; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration showing the endoscope sleeve in the unpacked format mounted over the shaft of an endoscope with the proximal end of the endoscope sleeve fitted over the proximal conical portion of the endoscope shaft and the distal end of the endoscope sleep extends beyond the distal end of the endoscope; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial longitudinal sectional view taken along line F-F in  FIG. 10  and showing the proximal end of the endoscope sleeve; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic illustration showing the endoscope sleeve in the unpacked format mounted over the shaft of an endoscope with the proximal end of the endoscope sleeve fitted over the proximal conical portion of the endoscope shaft and the distal end of the endoscope sleeve pulled back to allow the distal end of the endoscope to go beyond the distal end of endoscope sleeve; 
         FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view of the endoscope sleeve and the endoscope taken along line G-G in  FIG. 12  showing a lubricant port; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross sectional view of the endoscope sleeve and the endoscope taken along line H-H in  FIG. 12  and showing a tubular wiping material; 
         FIG. 15  is a cross sectional view of the endoscope sleeve and the endoscope taken along line J-J in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 16  is a partial longitudinal sectional view of the endoscope sleeve and the endoscope taken along line K-K in  FIG. 12  and showing the distal end of the endoscope sleeve; and 
         FIG. 17  is a partial cross-sectional view taken along section C-C in  FIG. 1  when the outer sleeve is in the compact configuration and when the outer sleeve distal end is open, and shows an alternative embodiment in accordance with the principles of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments of the current invention are discussed in detail below. In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other equivalent components can be employed and other methods developed without departing from the broad concepts of the current invention. 
     The endoscope sleeve of the present invention covers a variety of medical instruments and provides improved endoscopic sanitization. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the term endoscope refers to an instrument for visualizing or accessing the interior of a body cavity. Specifically, the covering according to some embodiments of the present invention is suitable for use on colonoscopes, upper G.I. fiberscopes, enteroscopes, sigmoidoscopes, bronchofiberscopes, and the like. 
     The endoscope sleeve embodying this invention enhances sanitization during endoscopic procedure and facilitates the endoscopic procedure in general. According to some embodiments of the invention, the endoscope sleeve comprises two elongated, coaxial, flexible, open-ended, disposable tubular sleeves of different lengths. The inner tube can be relatively shorter and is called the inner sleeve and is disposed within the outer tube that can be relatively longer and is called the outer sleeve. The inner sleeve and outer sleeve can both terminate proximally in the sleeve proximal cuff The distal end of the inner sleeve can connect to the distal end of the outer sleeve. The comparatively shorter length of the inner sleeve to the outer sleeve can result in pleating of the outer sleeve. This is when the endoscope sleeve is in a compact state. Unpacking can occur when the distal end of the outer sleeve and inner sleeve are disconnected, and the outer sleeve can be unfolded to its original size. The outer sleeve can be sized to removably receive an endoscope shaft and can be designed with a length sufficient to extend beyond the full length of an endoscope shaft. A function of the inner sleeve can be to keep the outer sleeve in a compact format. 
     The endoscope sleeve in its compact format can be pulled over the distal end of an endoscope shaft through the proximal opening of the sleeve. The endoscope sleeve can be pulled proximally along the endoscope shaft until it reaches the proximal portion of the endoscope shaft or the graduated endoscope junction that serves to connect the endoscope knob portion to the endoscope shaft. According to some embodiments of the invention, the proximal end portion of the endoscope sleeve terminates in a proximal sleeve cuff that provides a cuff seal which is securely attached to the proximal endoscope shaft or the graduated endoscope junction and creates a liquid-tight seal with the endoscope shaft at the site of attachment. 
     The proximal sleeve cuff seal can include an elastomeric collar or fluted proximal end portion provided with a closure mechanism that includes at least one of the following: a hook-and-loop fastener, a pressure sensitive adhesive provided on the inner surface, a purse string closure, a tie on closure, a pressure sensitive tape on the outer surface, and self-fusing silicon tape or a combination thereof 
     After securing the proximal sleeve cuff, the endoscope sleeve can be changed into its unpacked format. To achieve this format, the distal portion of the outer sleeve is pulled toward the distal portion of the endoscope shaft. By doing this the distal end portion of the inner sleeve can be disconnected from the distal end portion of the outer sleeve along a perforated line  23 . After being released from the inner sleeve, the outer sleeve can be unfolded and pulled over the endoscope shaft until it covers the endoscope shaft in its entirety. The outer sleeve can then be reversibly moved back and forth along the endoscope shaft. 
     The interior surface of the outer sleeve can be made from a material that creates minimal friction over the endoscope shaft. The exterior surface of the outer sleeve can be made from a material that creates adequate friction with the endoscopist&#39;s glove, particularly at its distal end portion. This indicates that the distal end portion of the endoscope sleeve can be grasped by the endoscopist and can be retracted back and forth over the endoscope shaft. 
     The interior surface of the outer sleeve at the distal end portion can be supplemented with an elongated, flexible, open-ended wiping material adhered to the interior surface of the outer sleeve at the distal end portion. This allows the endoscope shaft to be grasped by the tubular wiping material within the distal end portion of the outer sleeve. The distal end portion of the outer sleeve can be moved together with the wiping material in a loose slidable fashion over the endoscope shaft and can wipe the surface of the endoscope shaft when the distal end portion of the outer sleeve is being grasped loosely or can be used to grasp the endoscope shaft to move the endoscope shaft into or out of the body cavity when the distal end portion of the outer sleeve is being grasped firmly. The tubular wiping material may be composed of a hydrophilic foam, gauze, unwoven material, flox, other similar materials, or a combination thereof. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the distal end portion of the outer sleeve is provided with a lubricant port that is used to fill the space between the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve with lubricant material while the endoscope cover is in its compact format. The lubricant port can be used to inject lubricant material inside the outer sleeve over the endoscope shaft in its unpacked format. 
     The distal end of the outer sleeve is also provided with a closure mechanism that enables the sealed closure of the distal end of outer sleeve. This closure mechanism can be a re-sealable zipper, tie down, pull string, or other similar mechanism, or a combination thereof. 
     The distal end portion of the outer sleeve can be supplied with one or multiple annular squeegees on the interior surface. An annular squeegee is a donut-shaped, rubbery protrusion, positioned at an angle to the axis of the distal end portion of the outer sleeve, attached irremovably to the interior surface at the distal end portion of the outer sleeve proximal or distal to the tubular wiping material. The inner ring diameter of the annular squeegee can be sized such that the inner ring creates loose circumferential contact over the endoscope shaft. The angle, shape, and material properties of the annular squeegee can provide a low friction interface between the endoscope shaft and the annular squeegee, and can provide a means for cleaning the endoscope shaft when the distal end portion of the outer sleeve is moved in a loose slidable manner over the endoscope shaft toward the distal end portion of the endoscope shaft during endoscope withdrawal. 
     The endoscope sleeve can be provided with a line of weakness along the entire length of the tube that can be used to tear open the outer and/or inner sleeve for removal of the endoscope shaft out of the endoscope sleeve in a sideways, partial or complete manner. 
     The outer sleeve, particularly the mid portion of the outer sleeve, can be made from transparent material such as a polyolefin film. 
     The distal end portion of the outer sleeve can be made from a less flexible, opaque material. The distal end portion may be molded or cast from an elatomeric material such as silcone, urethane rubber or non-elatomeric material supplied with one or all three components of tubular wiping material, annular squeegee, and lubricant dispenser. 
     The outer sleeve can have a length sufficient to extend beyond the full length of an endoscope shaft. The distal opening of the outer sleeve stays distal to the distal tip of the endoscope shaft in its unpacked format of endoscope cover during storage and transportation. 
     In addition, a method is disclosed for improved hygiene in the endoscopic examination of a patient&#39;s body cavity comprising the following steps. After the cleaning of an endoscope in an endoscope cleaning room, the distal end of the endoscope shaft is inserted into the proximal opening of the endoscope sleeve in its compact format. The endoscope sleeve can be pulled proximally along the endoscope shaft until it reaches either the proximal portion of the endoscope shaft or the graduated endoscope junction that connects the endoscope knob portion to the endoscope shaft. The proximal sleeve cuff is then securely attached to the proximal endoscope shaft or the graduated endoscope junction to create a liquid-tight seal with the endoscope shaft. 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, the endoscope cover lubricant port can be connected to a lubricant tube dispenser and the lubricant material can be injected into the lubricant port by squeezing the lubricant tube dispenser, such that at least part of the space between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve is filled with lubricant material which also soaks the wiping material with lubricant material. At this stage, the endoscope may not be in contact with lubricant material. Alternatively, the wiping material can be soaked with the lubricant material before the wiping material is disposed within the outer sleeve. 
     After securing the sleeve proximal cuff, the endoscope sleeve can be changed from its compact format into its unpacked format. To achieve the unpacked state, the distal portion of the outer sleeve is pulled toward the distal portion of the endoscope shaft. This action disconnects the distal portion of the inner sleeve or other retainer from its connection to the distal portion of the outer sleeve. According to some embodiments, the retainer is at least one strap or ribbon. Once a portion of the retainer is disconnected from the outer sleeve, the outer sleeve can be pulled over the endoscope shaft toward the distal portion of the endoscope shaft. Simultaneously, the endoscope shaft can be lubricated evenly by the lubricant-soaked wiping material as the distal end of the endoscope cover moves along the length of endoscope shaft distally. Finally, the outer sleeve&#39;s distal end can be moved beyond the distal end of the endoscope shaft and the distal end of the outer sleeve can be closed using a zip lock mechanism or other closure mechanisms. The endoscope can then be transported to an examination room for a procedure. 
     Before using the endoscope, the closure mechanism at the distal end of the outer sleeve is opened. The outer sleeved is pulled over the endoscope shaft proximally until the distal end of the endoscope is out of the distal end of the outer sleeve. The distal end of the endoscope is already lubricated and can be inserted into a body cavity. 
     As the endoscope is further inserted into a body cavity, the outer sleeve is pulled over the endoscope shaft proximally. The endoscope shaft is grasped using wiping material supplied at the distal portion of the outer sleeve. At all times, the outer sleeve stays outside of the body cavity at the proximity of the body cavity opening. During the insertion of the endoscope into the body cavity, the outer sleeve&#39;s distal end portion is pulled over the endoscope shaft proximally to allow adequate exposure of the portion of the endoscope shaft that needs to be inserted into the body cavity. The lubricant material can be evenly distributed over the endoscope shaft by the wiping material. During the withdrawal of the endoscope from the body cavity, the outer sleeve is pulled over the endoscope shaft distally to cover the portion of the endoscope shaft that exits from the body cavity. The wiping material can absorb and clean the lubricant material and bodily fluid that is present over the endoscope shaft. After full removal of the endoscope from the body cavity, the outer sleeve can be extended beyond the endoscope tip. After covering the endoscope shaft in its entirety, the closure mechanism of the outer sleeve is sealed and the scope is ready for transportation back to the cleaning room. During endoscope insertion, the outer sleeve prevents all contact of the endoscope with any object in the examination room or with the hands of personnel, thereby reducing the likelihood of contamination of the endoscope shaft. During withdrawal, the outer sleeve prevents any potential contamination of any object or personnel in the examination room by the soiled endoscope. 
     Various implementations of the invention are shown and described herein with reference to the drawings. As depicted in  FIG. 1 , endoscope sleeve  10  of this invention is an endoscope accessory that can envelop an endoscope shaft and comprises at least one elongated, flexible, open-ended tubular sleeve, with a diameter larger than the diameter of an endoscope shaft. The sleeve  10  can removably receive an endoscope shaft in a loose slidable manner. Sleeve  10  can be substantially coaxially disposed with the endoscope shaft. 
     The endoscope sleeve  10  can be retained in a compact or shortened position. This can be achieved in various ways in accordance with the principles of the invention. The endoscope sleeve  10  can include a retainer, for example, a retainer disposed within the sleeve. The retainer can be any device or mechanism in accordance with the principles of the invention that maintains a portion of the sleeve in a compact format when at least a portion of the retainer is attached to the sleeve, and that allows the portion of the sleeve to achieve an unpacked or extended format when at least a portion of the retainer is detached from the sleeve. According to some embodiments, the retainer can be, for example, at least one of a second or inner sleeve, a strap, a ribbon, or a tab. According to some embodiments, the retainer can be a glue, a seal, or an adhesive. The retainer can be of the type that is releasable so when the unpacked or extended format is needed, the retainer can be released, disengaged or broken, for example. 
     According to some embodiments, the retainer can be a second sleeve that is coaxial with the first sleeve. The endoscope sleeve  10  can thus be composed of two coaxial sleeves, the outer sleeve  11  and the inner sleeve  21 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 . Inner sleeve  21  can have a length that is shorter than the length of the outer sleeve  11 . The outer sleeve  11  terminates proximally at the proximal endoscope cover cuff  30 . The proximal endoscope cover cuff  30  has a proximal opening  13 . The outer sleeve  11  has a midportion  14  and a distal end portion  15  that can be supplied with a lubricant port  51  and that has a distal opening  16  that can be closed using a closure mechanism  17 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 2 , according to some embodiments of the invention, the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  can be supplied with a lubricant port  51 . The lubricant port  51  can be used to introduce a lubricant material into the space  52  between the outer sleeve  11  and the retainer  21 , as in the case when the retainer  21  is a second sleeve. In this case, the lubricant port can be connected to the outer sleeve  11 , the inner sleeve  21 , or can be at the junction between the inner sleeve  21  and the outer sleeve  11 . According to some embodiments, the inner sleeve  21  can have a reservoir within it that can be filled with lubricant, and that can be used to discharge lubricant. In the case that the retainer  21  is a strap, a ribbon, a tab, or another type of retainer, the lubricant port  51  may be used to introduce a lubricant material into the outer sleeve  11  surrounding the endoscope. Alternatively, the lubricant port may be connected to the retainer  21 . The lubricant port may be used to fill a reservoir within the retainer  21 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, as depicted in  FIG. 3 , the interior surface at the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  can be supplied with at least one wiping material  40  disposed within the space  52  between the inner sleeve  21  and the outer sleeve  11  distal end portion  15 . According to some embodiments, the wiping material  40  is an elongated, flexible, open-ended tubular wiping material. The wiping material  40  has an interior surface  41  and an exterior surface  42 . The exterior surface  42  of the tubular wiping material  40  can be adhered to the interior surface of the outer sleeve  11  at the distal end portion  15 . 
       FIG. 4  also shows the distal end portion the endoscope cover  10  in its compact format. In this view, the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is supplied with at least one elongated, flexible, open-ended tubular wiping material  40 , within the space  52  between the inner sleeve  21  and the outer sleeve  11  distal end portion  15 . The wiping material  40  has an interior surface  41  and an exterior surface  42 . The exterior surface  42  of the tubular wiping material  40  can be adhered to the interior surface of the outer sleeve  11  at the distal end portion  15 . The distal end portion of the outer sleeve can also be supplied with a lubricant port  51  that can be used to fill the space  52  with lubricant material. The lubricant port  51  can be positioned near the distal end of the cavity  52 , or in another position, such as over the wiping material  40 , for example. The lubricant port can have a variety of different forms. The lubricant port can be made from a small flexible tubular projection  55  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) that is connected to the cavity  52  as a projection to the inner sleeve  21 . According to some embodiments, the tubular projection  55  extends beyond the distal end  16  of the outer sleeve  11  to allow the cavity  52  to be filled with lubricant. The tubular projection  55  can be pushed inside the sleeve  11  after being used or can be torn away along a perforated line  56  at its base if it is not needed after use. The tubular projection  55  can also be closed with a zip lock or tie down closure. Alternatively the lubricant port can be a button, for example. The lubricant port can be made from a one way valve placed on the outer sleeve or on the inner sleeve. The lubricant can be injected into the reservoir using a syringe that can be connected to the variety of ports mentioned above or through a needle directly into the inner sleeve  21  or outer sleeve  11 . According to some embodiments, the wiping material  40  can be pre-soaked with the lubricant, and the outer sleeve can be provided with or without the lubricant port  51  or other varieties of the port mentioned above. 
     The distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  also has a distal opening  16  that can be closed using the closure mechanism  17 . The inner sleeve  21  distally has an end portion  22  that connects to the outer sleeve  11  internal surface. The inner sleeve  21  can be disconnected from its end portion  22  along a perforated line  23 . The inner sleeve  21  thus acts as a retainer that maintains a portion of the outer sleeve in a compact configuration. According to some embodiments, the retainer  21  has a different form, such as a strap, a ribbon, or a tab. A portion of the retainer  21  can be removably attached to the outer sleeve  11  which, according to some embodiments, is the only sleeve. One or more straps, ribbons, or tabs, or a combination thereof, can be used to maintain a portion of the outer sleeve  11  in a compact configuration when the detachable portion of the retainer  21  is attached to the at least one flexible sleeve  11 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 5 , the midportion  14  of the outer sleeve  11  can be connected proximally with the endoscope cover proximal cuff  30  which is provided with the endoscope shaft seal mechanism  31  that removably secures the proximal cuff  30  to an endoscope shaft or its proximal junction to the endoscope control knob. The endoscope shaft seal mechanism  31  may be fabricated from an elastomeric material, self-fusing silicon tape, purse string closure, tie-on closure, pressure sensitive adhesive tape, or other similar material or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the proximal cuff  30  can be supplied with other securing mechanisms such as a hook-and-loop fastener, a purse string closure or a tie-on closure on the exterior surface of the proximal cuff  30  (not shown). Alternatively, the proximal cuff  30  may be configured to have a band of pressure sensitive adhesive with a release sheet on the interior surface that can be adhered to the proximal portion of an the endoscope shaft or the graduated, conical endoscope junction after removal of the release sheet (not shown in the figures). 
     As depicted in  FIG. 6 , the endoscope  100  comprises an endoscope knob portion  101  and an endoscope shaft  102 . The endoscope knob  108  is located on the endoscope knob portion  101 . The endoscope knob portion  101  is connected to the endoscope shaft  102  in a graduated endoscope junction  107 , also referred to as a conical connection  107 . The endoscope shaft  102  ends distally at an endoscope tip  103 . The endoscope sleeve  10  can be provided with a line of weakness  18  along the entire length of the tube that can be used to tear open the outer and/or inner sleeve for removal of the endoscope shaft  102  out of the endoscope sleeve  10  in a sideways, partial or complete manner. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 7 , the midportion  14  of the outer sleeve  11  is connected proximally with the endoscope cover proximal cuff  30  which is provided with the endoscope shaft seal mechanism  31  that removably secures the proximal cuff  30  to an endoscope shaft  102  or its graduated endoscope junction  107 . According to some embodiments, the outer sleeve  11  distal end portion  15  is supplied with at least one wiping material  40  within the space  52  between the inner sleeve  21  and the outer sleeve  11  distal end portion  15 . In embodiments that do not include the inner sleeve  21 , the wiping material can be disposed within the outer sleeve  11 . The wiping material can have a tubular form that is co-axial with the outer sleeve. The tubular wiping material can circumscribe the endoscope when the endoscope is inserted into the outer sleeve. The wiping material can also have a rectangular or other form that does not fully circumscribe the endoscope. The wiping material can be multiple. The distal end portion of the outer sleeve can be supplied with a lubricant port  51  that can be used to fill the space  52  with lubricant material. The distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  can also have a closure mechanism  17 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 8 , the midportion  14  of the outer sleeve  11  can be connected proximally with the proximal cuff  30  which is provided with the endoscope shaft seal mechanism  31  that removably secures the proximal cuff  30  to an endoscope shaft  102  or its graduated endoscope junction  107 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 9 , the midportion  14  of the outer sleeve  11  is connected proximally with the proximal cuff  30  which is provided with the endoscope shaft seal mechanism  31  that removably secures the proximal cuff  30  to the endoscope shaft  102  or its graduated endoscope junction  107 . According to some embodiments of the invention, the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  can be supplied with the wiping material  40  within the space  52  between the inner sleeve  21  and the outer sleeve  11 . The distal end portion of the outer sleeve is also supplied with a lubricant port  51  that can be used to fill the space  52  with lubricant material. The distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  also has the closure mechanism  17 . 
     After securing the sleeve proximal cuff  30 , the endoscope sleeve  10  can be changed from its compact format into its unpacked format as shown in  FIG. 9 . In order to accomplish this, the distal portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is pulled towards the distal portion of the endoscope shaft  102 . By doing this a portion of the retainer  21  can be disconnected from the outer sleeve  11 . For example, the retainer can have a perforated line  23  along which the portion of the retainer becomes disconnected from the outer sleeve  11 . The perforated line  23  can be at a distal portion of the retainer  21  such that the distal portion of the retainer  21  detaches from the outer sleeve  11  while the proximal portion of the retainer  21  remains attached to the outer sleeve  11 . According to some embodiments of the invention, the proximal portion of the retainer  21  is attached to the proximal portion of the outer sleeve  11 , and the distal portion of the retainer  21  is removably attached to the distal portion of the outer sleeve  11 . Alternatively, according to some embodiments, the proximal portion of the retainer  21  is attached to the proximal portion of the outer sleeve  11 , and the distal portion of the retainer  21  is removably attached to the midportion of the outer sleeve  11 . When the portion of the retainer  21  becomes disconnected from the outer sleeve  11 , a small portion  22  of the retainer  21  may remain connected to the outer sleeve  11 . 
     Once the portion of the retainer  21  has been detached from the outer sleevel  1 , the outer sleeve  11  can be pulled over the endoscope shaft  102  toward distal portion of the endoscope shaft  102 . When the outer sleeve  11  covers the endoscope shaft  102  in its entirety, the distal end of the outer sleeve  16  is closed using the zip lock or other closure mechanisms  17 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 10 , the outer sleeve  11 , in its unpacked format, can cover the endoscope shaft  102  in its entirety. In this format, the sleeve proximal cuff  30  is secured to the endoscope shaft  102  or its graduated endoscope junction  107 , the midportion  14  of the outer sleeve  11  covers the endoscope shaft  102  and the distal end  16  of the outer sleeve  11  is closed using the zip lock or other closure mechanisms  17 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 11 , the outer sleeve  11 , in its unpacked format, can be connected proximally with the endoscope cover proximal cuff  30  which is provided with the endoscope shaft seal mechanism  31  that removably secures the proximal cuff  30  to an endoscope shaft  102  or its graduated endoscope junction  107 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 12 , the closure mechanisms  17  at the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  in its unpacked format can be opened and the distal end  15  can be pulled proximally over the endoscope shaft  102  to expose the distal shaft portion  105  and the distal end  106  of the endoscope just before the insertion of the distal end  106  into a body cavity. For this purpose, the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is held loosely and moved in a slidable manner over the endoscope shaft  102  to expose the distal end  106  of the endoscope shaft  102  beyond the distal opening  16  of the outer sleeve  11 . While the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is retracted over the endoscope shaft, the midportion  14  of the outer sleeve  11  can be pleated over the endoscope shaft  102  as the shaft is further distally exposed. Then the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is firmly grasped so the distal end  106  of the endoscope can be inserted into a body cavity. After inserting the distal end  106  of the endoscope into the body cavity, the grasp on the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  can be loosened and the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  can be further retracted over the endoscope shaft  102  to expose a few more inches of the endoscope shaft  102 . Then the exposed portion of the endoscope shaft  102  can be pushed further into body cavity. This sequence can be repeated during insertion of the endoscope into the body cavity. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 13 , according to some embodiments of the invention, the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  in its unpacked format can be supplied with a lubricant port  51  that can be capped with lubricant port cap  54 . The lubricant port can be used to fill the space  53  between the outer sleeve  11  and endoscope shaft  102  with lubricant material. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 14 , according to some embodiments of the invention, the interior surface at the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  in its unpacked format can be supplied with at least one elongated, flexible, open-ended tubular wiping material  40 , within the space  53  between the outer sleeve  11  and the endoscope shaft  102 . The wiping material  40  having an interior surface  41  and an exterior surface  42 . The exterior surface  42  of the tubular wiping material  40  is adhered to the interior surface at the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 15 , the midportion  14  of the outer sleeve  11  in its unpacked format covers the endoscope shaft  102 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 16 , the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  in its unpacked format can be supplied with an elongated, flexible, open-ended tubular wiping material  40 , within the space  53  between the outer sleeve  11  and the endoscope shaft  102 , and can be supplied with a lubricant port  51  that can be capped with lubricant port cap  54 . The lubricant port can be used to fill the space  53  between the outer sleeve  11  and endoscope shaft  102  with lubricant material. The distal portion of the retainer  21  may disconnect from the outer sleeve  11  by perforating along a line in the distal portion of the retainer  21 . After disconnecting from the outer sleeve along the perforated line  23 , a small portion  22  may still be connected to the internal surface of the outer sleeve  11 . 
     In another optional embodiment of this invention, as depicted in  FIG. 16 , the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  can be equipped with at lease one annular squeegee  44  on the interior surface of outer sleeve  11 . Annular squeegee/s  44  can be composed of a donut shaped rubbery protrusion with an inner and outer ring. The outer ring can be attached to the interior surface of the outer sleeve  11  at the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  and the squeegee  44  can be positioned at an angle to the axis of the distal end portion of the outer sleeve  11 , as shown. The inner ring diameter of annular squeegee  44  can be sized as such that the inner ring creates loose, circumferential contact over the endoscope shaft  102  surface. The angle, shape, and material properties of annular squeegee  44  can be configured to provide a low friction interface over the endoscope shaft  102  surface to provides a way for cleaning the endoscope shaft  102  surface when the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is moved over the endoscope shaft  102 . 
     The distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  may be molded or cast from an elastomeric material such as silcone rubber or urethane rubber, or a non-elastomeric material supplied with one or all three components of tubular wiping material  40 , annular squeegee  44 , and lubricant dispenser  51  in the configuration shown, or in a similar configuration. 
     The midportion  14  of the outer sleeve  11  is configured to create minimal friction between the interior surface of the outer sleeve  11  and surface of the endoscope shaft  102  and can be reversibly pleated over the endoscope shaft  102 . 
     The forgoing description and the drawings are illustrative of the invention and are not intended as limitations. Still other variants and rearrangements of structural parts are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and will readily present themselves to those skilled in the art. 
     In use, the endoscope sleeve  10  is mounted over the endoscope shaft  102 . This can be performed in an endoscope cleaning room before transporting the endoscope  100  to the examination room. For mounting the endoscope sleeve  10  over the endoscope shaft  102 , the proximal opening  13  of the endoscope sleeve  10  is pulled over the endoscope tip  106  and the sealing collar  30  is pulled along the endoscope shaft  102  proximally until the proximal opening  13  of the endoscope sleeve  10  reaches the proximal portion of the endoscope shaft  102  or the graduated endoscope junction  107 . Then, the sealing collar  30  of the endoscope sleeve  10  is secured to the proximal portion of the endoscope shaft  102  or the graduated endoscope junction  107 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, a lubricant material can be introduced into the endoscope sleeve using at least one of the lubricant injection ports. To do this, the lubricant port cap  54  is removed from the port  51  to open the said port on the distal end portion of the outer sleeve. The port is connected to a lubricant dispenser and lubricant is injected through the port  51  to fill the space  52  between the outer sleeve  11  and the inner sleeve  21  with lubricant material. Alternatively, the port  51  can be used to inject lubricant material into the space  53 . Alternatively, other ports such as port  55  can be used to fill the space  52  with lubricant material and after use the port can be pushed inside the sleeve  11  or it can be removed by tearing along a perforated line  56 . 
     According to some embodiments of the invention, once the sealing collar  30  of the endoscope sleeve  10  is secured to the proximal portion of the endoscope shaft  102  or the graduated endoscope junction  107 , the endoscope sleeve  10  can be changed from its compact format into its unpacked format. To do this, the distal portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is pulled toward the distal portion of the endoscope shaft  102 . With this action, the distal portion of the retainer shown as sleeve  21 , can be disconnected from the outer sleeve  11  along a perforated line  23 . Then the outer sleeve  11  is pulled over the endoscope shaft  102  toward the distal portion of the endoscope shaft  102 . The length of outer sleeve  11  is sized so that after securing the endoscope shaft seal  30  at the proximal portion of the endoscope shaft  102  or the graduated endoscope junction  107 , the distal opening  16  of the outer sleeve  11  can extend beyond the distal end  106  of the endoscope. When the outer sleeve covers the endoscope shaft  102  in its entirety, the distal end of the outer sleeve  16  is closed using the zip lock or other closure mechanisms  17 . During this process the space  52  opens up and the lubricant material is now present between the outer sleeve  11  and endoscope shaft  102  in space  53 . The endoscope shaft  102  is evenly lubricated with wiping material that moves distally over the shaft of endoscope  102 . 
     The scope is transferred to the examination room for performing the procedure. Just prior to insertion of the endoscope shaft into the patient&#39;s body cavity, the closure mechanisms  17  at the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  in its unpacked format is opened and the outer sleeve  11  distal end  15  can be pulled proximally over the endoscope shaft  102  to expose the distal portion  105  of the endoscope shaft and the distal end  106  of the endoscope is exposed. For this purpose, the distal portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is held loosely and moved in a slidable manner over the endoscope shaft  102  to expose the distal end  106  of the endoscope beyond the distal opening  16  of the endoscope outer sleeve  11 . While the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is retracted over the endoscope shaft, the midportion  14  of the outer sleeve  11  can be pleated over the endoscope shaft  102  as the shaft is further exposed distally. Then the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is firmly grasped so the distal end  106  of the endoscope can be inserted into a body cavity. After inserting the endoscope shaft into the body cavity, the grasp on the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is loosened and the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is further retracted over the shaft of endoscope  102  to expose a few more inches of the endoscope shaft  102 . Afterwards, the exposed portion of the endoscope shaft  102  can be further pushed into body cavity. This sequence can be repeated during insertion of the endoscope into the body cavity. 
     The distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  stays at the proximity but outside of the body cavity opening at all times. 
     During withdrawal of endoscope shaft  102  from the body cavity, the sequence that is mentioned above can be reversed. The distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is firmly grasped to pull the endoscope shaft  102  a few inches out of the body cavity. Then the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is loosely grasped and moved forward in a loose slidable fashion over the endoscope shaft  102  to cover the exposed portion of the endoscope shaft  102 . This sequence is repeated during withdrawal of the endoscope out of the body cavity until the distal end  106  of the endoscope is out of the body cavity. Then, the distal end portion  15  of the outer sleeve  11  is pulled over and beyond the distal end  106  of the endoscope and the closure mechanism  17  is closed. 
     The endoscope  100  can then be transported to the endoscope cleaning room for the cleaning process while the endoscope shaft  102  is completely enclosed in outer sleeve  11 . 
     To remove the endoscope sleeve  10  from the endoscope  100 , the sealing collar  30  can be opened and the endoscope shaft  102  can be pulled out of the endoscope sleeve  10 . Alternatively, the sleeve  10  can be opened along a line of weakness  18  extending from the proximal end to the distal end, and the endoscope shaft  102  can be removed out of sleeve  10  in a sideways manner. 
     The embodiments illustrated and discussed in this specification are intended only to teach those skilled in the art how to make and use the invention. In describing embodiments of the invention, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected. The above-described embodiments of the invention may be modified or varied, without departing from the invention, as appreciated by those skilled in the art in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the claims and their equivalents, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Technology Category: 1