Boston Scientific Corporation

Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.

Scott E Swaffar

Mark L Adams

Russell Francis Durgin

Mark Mallaby

John E Hutchins

Martin G Donofrio

Tracy Gandolfi

Mike Mangano

Ronald David Adams

Michael S Banik

Joseph E Young

Oscar R Carrillo, Jr

Jan B Yates

Kenneth E Hughes

David P Gordon

Lauren O Main

Charles H Pugsley, Jr

Jeremy M Harris

Alan A Alten

Bob Reynolds

Michael B Mosholder

Norman J Hedman

Robert G Reynolds

Oscar R Carillo, Jr

The present invention provides an apparatus for, and a method of, accurate positioning of endoscopic instruments. Accurate positioning of the instruments is accomplished through the inclusion of a steering ability within the device. After the endoscopic instrument is properly positioned, the present invention may use rapid exchange technology, soft locks, and mechanical locks to maintain the position of the endoscopic instrument. Rapid exchange technology is used to minimize displacement forces present on the guidewire or catheters. Soft locks and mechanical locks resist movements caused by displacement forces.

Method of and apparatus for positioning and maintaining the position of endoscopic instruments

An endoscopic stapler includes a stapling head which is removably locatable on the distal end of an endoscope. The stapling head includes a stationary part which houses a removable staple cartridge and a movable part which includes an anvil for receiving and bending the ends of staples fired from the stationary part. The staple cartridge preferably houses two semi-circular rows of staples which are staggered relative to each other. The movable part is coupled to the stationary part by a threaded shaft which engages a worm gear in the stationary part and a first rotatable control wire is coupled to the worm gear. A substantially semi-circular firing cam is located proximal of the staple cartridge in the stationary part. The firing cam has an interior splined surface which is engaged by a spline gear coupled to a second rotatable control wire. In one embodiment, a knife is coupled to the firing cam so that tissue is cut subsequent to stapling. In another embodiment, laser-optical paths are provided for cutting tissue after stapling. The proximal end of the stapling head is coupled to a sleeve having lumen for the control wires and a lumen for a standard endoscope. In another embodiment, a modified endoscope is provided with lumena for the control cables. The modified endoscope is removably attached to the stapling head by either a screw connection or a snap connection.

Endoscopic stapler

An instrument for obtaining tissue samples from a site deep within the body. The instrument has an elongated proximal portion that is constructed to follow a long, torturous path to the site and has a distal end constructed to sever and remove a tissue sample from the body, including tissue specimens, polyps or the like. The instrument is constructed to take multiple biopsy samples without being withdrawn from the body. The instrument includes a tissue sample retractor. The retractor is axially movable between an extended tissue-engaging position and a retracted position. There is an open passage into which the retractor moves when moving from the extended to the retracted position. The retractor has a distal end portion constructed to engage tissue and apply axial transporting force thereto while moving from the extended to the retracted position. The retractor is constructed to be advanced and retracted repeatedly to accumulate a series of samples in the instrument.

Movable sample tube multiple biopsy sampling device

Moveable sample tube multiple biopsy sampling device

Growing community of inventors

Bloomington, IN, United States of America

Scott E Swaffar