Fluid seal for endoscope

A seal for use in combination with an elongate device and an endoscope, the elongate device having a non-circular proximal shaft comprising an axial slot therein, the endoscope having a proximal end and a working channel extending therethrough, the seal comprising:

• a body portion having a proximal end adapted for insertion of the elongate device, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of the endoscope, and a lumen extending therethrough adapted to receive the shaft of the elongate device and to provide access to the working channel of the endoscope;
• and
• a means for conforming to the non-circular shaft of the elongate device to inhibit the flow of fluid, the conforming means disposed in the lumen of the body portion.

A seal for use in combination with an elongate device, an endoscope, and a compression mechanism, the elongate device having a shaft having an axial slot therein, the endoscope having a proximal end and a working channel extending therethrough, the seal comprising:

• a body portion having a proximal end adapted for insertion of the elongate device, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of the endoscope, and a variable diameter wall defining a variable diameter lumen extending therethrough adapted to receive the elongate device and to provide access to the working channel of the endoscope wherein the compression mechanism is disposed about the body portion for compressing the variable diameter wall to thereby vary the diameter of the lumen extending therethrough and seal about the shaft.

A seal for use in combination with an elongate device and an endoscope, the elongate device having a shaft with a slot extending therethrough, the endoscope having a proximal end and a working channel extending therethrough, the seal comprising:

• a body portion having a proximal end adapted for insertion of the elongate device, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of the endoscope, and a membrane having an aperture adapted to receive the shaft of the elongate device;
• and
• a mandrel having a geometry conforming to the slot in the shaft, the mandrel disposed in the slot and the aperture such that a fluid seal is established thereby.

A seal for use in combination with a primary device and a secondary device insertable in the primary device, the secondary device having a shaft having an axial slot therein, the primary device having a proximal end and a lumen extending therethrough, the seal comprising:

• a body portion having a proximal end adapted for insertion of the secondary device, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of the primary device, and a wall defining a lumen extending therethrough adapted to receive the secondary device and to provide access to the lumen of the primary device;
• and
• at least one protrusion disposed in the lumen of the body portion, the protrusion extending radially inward from the wall to sealingly engage the axial slot.