Sigmoid splint device for endoscopy

A splint device for use in medical endoscopy to guide an endoscope having an outer diameter, comprising:

• a semi-rigid elongated tubular member having an outer surface, an inner surface, a distal end and a proximal end, said distal end having a first outside diameter and said proximal end having a second outside diameter;
• means for preventing complete entry of said elongated member into a human body during the medical endoscopy;
• first sealing means located at said distal end for sealing the annular space between said elongated member and the endoscope when the endoscope is inside said tubular member, said first sealing means having an opening, said opening having a diameter slightly smaller than or substantially equal to the outer diameter of the endoscope;
• and
• injection means near said proximal end of said tubular member for injecting fluid into said tubular member.

A method of using a sigmoid splint having a tight-fitting distal seal to help introduce an endoscope through the sigmoid colon into the proximal colon to perform a medical procedure, comprising the steps of:

• (a) lubricating the endoscope with a first lubricant;
• (b) introducing the endoscope into the rectum through the anus and then beyond the sigmoid colon having a sigmoid loop;
• (c) partially withdrawing the endoscope so as to straighten the sigmoid colon with the endoscope;
• (d) lubricating said distal seal and the outside surface of said splint with a second lubricant;
• (e) inserting said splint over the endoscope through the anus into the rectum, sigmoid colon and descending colon to prevent reformation of the sigmoid loop;
• (f) advancing the endoscope through the proximal colon while holding said splint in place;
• (g) performing the desired medical procedure;
• (h) withdrawing the endoscope to the transverse colon while holding said splint in place;
• (i) withdrawing said splint;
• and
• (j) withdrawing the endoscope.

A method of using a sigmoid splint that has been coated or impregnated with a hydrophilic substance to introduce a medical instrument through the sigmoid loop in the colon to the cecum to perform a medical procedure, comprising the steps of:

• wetting the coated or impregnated portions of said splint with an aqueous-based solution;
• placing the instrument through said splint;
• connecting a supply of aqueous-based solution to said splint;
• introducing the medical instrument into the rectum through the anus and then into the sigmoid colon having a sigmoid loop;
• inserting one end of the medical instrument into the descending colon;
• partially withdrawing the medical instrument so as to straighten said sigmoid loop;
• inserting said splint over the medical instrument through the anus into the rectum, sigmoid colon and descending colon while injecting said aqueous-based solution into the annular space between said splint and the medical instrument to wet the surfaces of said splint coated or impregnated with said hydrophilic substance and to lubricate the medical instrument;
• advancing the medical instrument through the descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon and into the cecum while performing the medical procedure;
• withdrawing the medical instrument to the transverse colon after completing the medical procedure;
• withdrawing said splint from the colon;
• and
• withdrawing the medical instrument.

A method of using a sigmoid splint that has been coated or impregnated with a hydrophilic substance to introduce a medical instrument through the sigmoid loop in the colon to the cecum to perform a medical procedure, comprising the steps of:

• wetting the coated or impregnated portions of said splint with an aqueous-based solution;
• placing the instrument through said splint;
• placing aqueous-based solution in said colon;
• introducing the medical instrument into the rectum through the anus and then into the sigmoid colon having a sigmoid loop;
• inserting one end of the medical instrument into the descending colon;
• partially withdrawing the medical instrument so as to straighten said sigmoid loop;
• inserting said splint over the medical instrument through the anus into the rectum, sigmoid colon and descending colon while said splint is disposed in said aqueous-based solution in said colon to wet the surfaces of said splint coated or impregnated with said hydrophilic substance and to lubricate the medical instrument;
• advancing the medical instrument through the descending colon, transverse colon, ascending colon and into the cecum while performing the medical procedure;
• withdrawing the medical instrument to the transverse colon after completing the medical procedure;
• withdrawing said splint from the colon;
• and
• withdrawing the medical instrument.