Systems and methods employing a bite block insert for positioning and stabilizing external instruments deployed within the body
AssigneeCuron Medical, Inc.
InventorsScott West, David S. Utley, John W. Gaiser
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for positioning and stabilizing an external instrument during insertion of the instrument through the oral cavity (e.g., insertion of a catheter through the oral cavity and into the esophagus or cardia for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)). The systems and methods provide a gripping tool for association with a bite block, capable of selectively moving between an open position in which the instrument may be inserted or removed, and a closed position in which the external instrument is held in a fixed position.
Claims46
An apparatus comprising
- a bite block, and
- first and second gripping jaws carried by the bite block, the jaws capable of selectively moving between an open spaced-apart position and a closed-adjacently spaced position.
An apparatus comprising
- a bite block,
- first and second gripping jaws carried by the bite block, and
- an actuator mechanism capable of selectively moving the jaws between an open spaced-apart position and a closed adjacently-spaced position.
A gripping apparatus for association with a bite block comprising
- first and second gripping jaws carried by the bite block, the jaws capable of selectively moving between an open, spaced-apart position and a closed, adjacently-spaced position.
A gripping apparatus for association with a bite block comprising
- first and second gripping jaws carried by the bite block, and
- an actuator mechanism capable of selectively moving the jaws between an open, spaced-apart position and a closed, adjacently-spaced position.
A gripping tool for association with a bite block comprising
- an element selectively movable between an open condition accommodating passage of an external instrument through the bite block and a closed condition gripping an exterior instrument in the bite block.
A method of utilizing a bite block incorporating a gripping tool comprising
- first and second gripping jaws carried by the bite block, and
- an actuator mechanism capable of selectively moving the jaws between an open, spaced-apart position and a closed, adjacently-spaced position
- comprising the steps of
- inserting the bite block into an individual's mouth,
- moving the jaws to the open position,
- inserting an external instrument,
- positioning the external instrument as desired,
- moving the jaws to the closed position,
- performing a desired procedure,
- moving the jaws to the open position,
- removing the external instrument, and
- removing the bite block from the individual's mouth.
A method of utilizing a bite block incorporating a gripping tool comprising
- first and second gripping jaws carried by the bite block, and
- an actuator mechanism capable of selectively moving the jaws between an open spaced-apart position and a closed adjacently-spaced position
- comprising the steps of
- inserting the bite block into an individual's mouth,
- moving the jaws to the open position,
- inserting an external instrument,
- positioning the external instrument as desired,
- moving the jaws to the closed position,
- performing a desired procedure,
- moving the jaws to the open position,
- altering the position of the external instrument,
- moving the jaws to the closed position,
- performing another desired procedure,
- moving the jaws to the open position,
- removing the external instrument, and
- removing the bite block from the individual's mouth.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.