# US 11,432,717 B2 · Endoscope and method of use > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,432,717 B2 - Document ID: US11432717B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/157,949 - Filed: 2018-10-11 - Published: 2019-04-11 - Granted: 2022-09-06 - Earliest claimed: 2017-10-11 - Assignees: Meditrina, Inc. - Applicants: Meditrina, Inc. - Inventors: Csaba Truckai; Britta Nelson; Nicholas Landgraf; Daniel Truckai; Roy Morgan; Khoi Le - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11432717B2 ## CPC - A61B 1/303: for the vagina, i.e. vaginoscopes - A61B 1/00042: {for mechanical operation} - A61B 1/00066: {Proximal part of endoscope body, e.g. handles (A61B1/0052 takes precedence)} - A61B 1/00105: {characterised by modular construction} - A61B 1/00114: {Electrical cables in or with an endoscope} - A61B 1/015: Control of fluid supply or evacuation - A61B 1/018: for receiving instruments - A61B 1/05: characterised by the image sensor, e.g. camera, being in the distal end portion - A61B 17/320016: {Endoscopic cutting instruments, e.g. arthroscopes, resectoscopes (A61B10/0233, A61B17/29, A61B17/3207 take precedence)} - A61B 17/32002: {with continuously rotating, oscillating or reciprocating cutting instruments} - A61B 17/42: Gynaecological or obstetrical instruments or methods {(ligaturing clamps or clips for the umbilical cord A61B17/122; curettage A61B17/320708)} - A61B 90/37: {Surgical systems with images on a monitor during operation} - A61B 2017/4216: {Operations on uterus, e.g. endometrium} - A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D) ## Abstract Disclosed herein are endoscope assemblies, and more particularly endoscopes with a working channel for use in hysteroscopy, and methods of use thereof. Devices and systems related to an integrated hysteroscopic treatment system including an endoscopic viewing system, a fluid management system, a resecting device and a controller for operating all the systems. Also disclosed are integrated hysteroscopic treatment systems that include an endoscopic viewing system, a fluid management system, a resecting device and a controller for operating all the systems. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An endoscope for use with a tool, the endoscope comprising: an elongated shaft having a central axis extending from a proximal end to a working end; an image sensor by the working end; a channel extending from said proximal end to said working end, wherein a distal portion of the channel comprises a superior surface spaced from an inferior surface, the inferior surface having a living hinge, wherein a lateral sidewall comprising an elastomeric material allows the distal portion of the channel to have a first cross-sectional shape that provides an open pathway through the elongated shaft, and wherein advancement of the tool through the channel and against the superior surface and the inferior surface deflects the living hinge without deflecting the tool to expand the channel away from the image sensor to assume a second cross-sectional shape larger than the first cross-sectional shape such that the image sensor remains stationary upon assuming the second cross-sectional shape. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The endoscope of claim 1, wherein the inferior surface includes a non-elastomeric material. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The endoscope of claim 2, wherein said distal channel portion in said first cross-sectional shape maintains a distal open termination by projecting portions of a bottom wall which abut a top wall of said distal channel portion. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The endoscope of claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft extends along a longitudinal axis to an angled section that transitions to said distal portion that extends along a second axis that is offset from said longitudinal axis. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The endoscope of claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft includes a fluid inflow channel communicating with a fluid source. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The endoscope of claim 1, wherein the channel communicates with an outflow pump. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The endoscope of claim 1, wherein the elongated shaft includes a flow channel communicating with a pressure sensor carried in a housing coupled to the shaft. ### Claim 8 An endoscope system for use with a tool, the endoscope system comprising: a handle; an endoscope component including an elongated shaft extending from a proximal housing to a distal section that carries an image sensor, wherein the proximal housing is adapted for detachable coupling to the handle, wherein the distal section is expandable in a direction away from the image sensor upon advancement of the tool to assume an expanded profile while the image sensor remains stationary; wherein the shaft extends along a longitudinal axis to an angled section that transitions to the distal section that extends along a second axis that is offset from the longitudinal axis, wherein the angled section comprises a superior surface spaced from an inferior surface, the inferior surface having a living hinge, wherein advancement of the tool against the superior surface and the inferior surface deflects the living hinge without deformation of the tool. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The endoscope system of claim 8, wherein the angled section has an axial length ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The endoscope system of claim 8, wherein the distal section has an axial length ranging from 5 mm to 20 mm. ### Claim 11 (depends on 8) The endoscope system of claim 8, wherein the second axis is offset from the longitudinal axis by at least 1 mm. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The endoscope system of claim 8, wherein the second axis is offset from the longitudinal axis by 1 mm to 8 mm. ### Claim 13 (depends on 8) The endoscope system of claim 8, wherein the image sensor and a lens are carried in a housing which has a distal housing surface that extends distally beyond an outer thin wall sleeve of the shaft. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The endoscope system of claim 13, wherein said distal housing surface extends distally beyond the thin wall sleeve by 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm.