# US 10,478,205 B2 · Lithotripsy apparatus using a flexible endoscope > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,478,205 B2 - Document ID: US10478205B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/788,027 - Filed: 2017-10-19 - Published: 2018-02-22 - Granted: 2019-11-19 - Earliest claimed: 2012-10-25 - Assignees: Gyrus ACMI, Inc. - Applicants: Gyrus ACMI, Inc. - Inventors: Lawrence J. St. George - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10478205B2 ## CPC - A61B 17/221: Gripping devices in the form of loops or baskets {for gripping calculi or similar types of obstructions (surgical snare instruments A61B17/32056)} - A61B 1/00066: {Proximal part of endoscope body, e.g. handles (A61B1/0052 takes precedence)} - A61B 1/00085: {Baskets} - A61B 1/018: for receiving instruments - A61B 18/26: for producing a shock wave, e.g. laser lithotripsy - A61B 2017/22075: {with motorized advancing or retracting means} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract An apparatus and method are presented comprising an endoscope including a flexible shaft which has an active deflection section at a distal tip, a handle connected to a proximal end of the flexible shaft, a platform mounted to a top portion of the handle and oriented substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of the proximal end of a straight portion of the flexible shaft to provide a substantially straight entry into a working channel of the flexible shaft for an output accessory, a stone retrieval device insertable into the proximal end of the working channel of the endoscope, a lithotripsy shaft including one or more guide features at a distal end of the lithotripsy shaft to facilitate passage of wires or filaments of the stone retrieval device there through, and a lithotripsy shaft driver attached to the platform for driving the lithotripsy shaft under power. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method, comprising: manipulating a deflection section at a distal tip of an endoscope toward a stone within the body; inserting a lithotripsy shaft and a stone retrieval device into a proximal end of a working channel of the endoscope, the lithotripsy shaft and the stone retrieval device configured to extend through the working channel and the deflection section; extending the stone retrieval device from a distal tip of the deflection section through the lithotripsy shaft; capturing a stone with the stone retrieval device and bringing the stone substantially in line with a longitudinal axis of a substantially straight or slightly curved portion of the deflection section; withdrawing the stone retrieval device within the substantially straight or slightly curved shaft of the lithotripsy shaft through a plurality of guide protrusions at a distal tip of the lithotripsy shaft, wherein the plurality of guide protrusions facilitate passage of wires or filaments of the stone retrieval device there through; extending the lithotripsy shaft toward the stone; and driving the lithotripsy shaft under power with a lithotripsy shaft driver toward the stone to break it up with force. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the stone retrieval device is a stone basket. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of guide protrusions further comprise at least one selected from a group comprising beveling, tapering, funnel-shaping, sharp tips, and pointed tips. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The method of claim 3, wherein the lithotripsy shaft driver is driven pneumatically, ultrasonically, mechanically, electromechanically, electromagnetically, or by a combination of different driving power. ### Claim 5 A method, comprising: inserting a stone retrieval device into a proximal end of a lithotripsy shaft through a channel in the lithotripsy shaft; extending the stone retrieval device from a distal tip of the lithotripsy shaft, wherein a plurality of guide protrusions at a distal end of the lithotripsy shaft facilitate passage of wires or filaments of the stone retrieval device there through; translating a longitudinal position of the stone retrieval device, the lithotripsy shaft, or both using a translation mechanism; capturing a stone with the stone retrieval device and bringing it substantially in line with the longitudinal axis of a substantially straight or slightly curved portion of the lithotripsy shaft; and driving the lithotripsy shaft under power toward the stone to break it up with force. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5, further comprising a slide lever control configured to adjust the longitudinal position of the lithotripsy shaft. ### Claim 7 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5, wherein the translation mechanism is contained on a handle. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The method of claim 7, wherein the translation mechanism is a sliding translation stage. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The method of claim 8, wherein the sliding translation stage comprises a lithotripsy shaft driver. ### Claim 10 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5, wherein the plurality of guide protrusions include at least one selected from a list comprising beveling, tapering, funnel-shaping, sharp tips, and pointed tips. ### Claim 11 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5, wherein the plurality of guide protrusions comprise a set of three protrusions on the distal tip of the lithotripsy shaft. ### Claim 12 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5, wherein the plurality of guide protrusions comprise a set of four protrusions on the distal tip of the lithotripsy shaft. ### Claim 13 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5, wherein the plurality of guide protrusions are formed by electrical discharge machining (EDM). ### Claim 14 (depends on 5) The method of claim 5, wherein the lithotripsy shaft is a tubular impact-transmitting shaft.