# US 9,775,496 B2 · Disposable and reusable complex shaped see-through endoscope

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- Number: US 9,775,496 B2
- Document ID: US9775496B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 14/538,283
- Filed: 2014-11-11
- Published: 2015-05-14
- Granted: 2017-10-03
- Earliest claimed: 2009-10-15
- Assignees: Visualization Balloons, LLC
- Applicants: Visualization Balloons, LLC
- Inventors: Boris Reydel
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9775496B2

## CPC

- A61B 1/00082: {Balloons}
- A61B 1/00101: {the distal tip features being detachable}
- A61B 1/00137: {End pieces at either end of the endoscope, e.g. caps, seals or forceps plugs}
- A61B 1/00142: {with means for preventing contamination, e.g. by using a sanitary sheath}
- A61B 1/04: combined with photographic or television appliances
- A61B 1/12: with cooling or rinsing arrangements
- A61B 1/31: for the rectum, e.g. proctoscopes or sigmoidoscopes
- A61B: DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION (usefulness limited to only animals A61D)

## Abstract

Transparent domes useful for covering at least a lens located on a scope's distal face, taking the form of a single layer membrane affixed to the distal end of the scope, a solid cap attachable to and detachable from the distal end of the scope, or an inflatable and deflatable balloon having an exterior wall for contacting at least the lens at the scope's distal face. Methods for performing diagnostic or diagnostic and therapeutic procedures within bodily cavities including collapsed intestines using transparent domes and scopes.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for performing a gastrointestinal endoscopic imaging procedure within a non-insufflated bowel of a subject, comprising:
a. inserting a gastrointestinal endoscope into the non-insufflated bowel of the subject, wherein the gastrointestinal endoscope comprises a distal face and a visual transmission channel for transmitting images or video information of the endoscope's operation through the transmission channel;
b. providing an inflatable balloon;
c. inflating the balloon;
d. inserting the inflatable balloon into the non-insufflated bowel of the subject;
e. positioning the inflated balloon in contact with the distal face of the gastrointestinal endoscope such that imaging using the visual transmission channel occurs through the inflated balloon;
f. moving the gastrointestinal endoscope within the non-insufflated bowel while the inflated balloon is in contact with the distal face to image portions of the bowel wall along a length of the bowel and though the inflated balloon using the visual transmission channel.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the gastrointestinal imaging procedure is a colonoscopy procedure.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the gastrointestinal imaging procedure is a small bowel enteroscopy procedure.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the patient is not medically sedated.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the balloon is inflated using air.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the balloon is inflated using fluid.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the balloon is inflated prior to insertion into the non-insufflated bowel of the subject.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7, wherein the balloon is further inflated subsequent to insertion into the non-insufflated bowel of the subject.

### Claim 9 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the inflated balloon is positioned in contact with the distal face of the gastrointestinal endoscope prior to insertion of the endoscope and balloon into the non-insufflated bowel of the subject.

### Claim 10 (depends on 9)

The method of claim 9, wherein the gastrointestinal endoscope and balloon positioned in contact with the distal face of the gastrointestinal endoscope are inserted into the non-insufflated bowel of the subject.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1, wherein the balloon is transparent and comprises a proximal base and a distal dome rising from the base and having a tip.

### Claim 12 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, wherein the height from the base to the tip is 1.0 centimeter (cm) or less.

### Claim 13 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, wherein the base of the balloon covers at least the visual transmission channel of the endoscope such that imaging using the visual transmission channel of the endoscope includes the transmission of light through the base and the dome of the balloon.

### Claim 14 (depends on 13)

The method of claim 13, wherein the balloon interior is devoid of internal structure that blocks light transmitted through the base and the dome for imaging using the visual transmission channel.

### Claim 15 (depends on 11)

The method of claim 11, wherein the balloon further comprises an inflatable proximal projecting portion and wherein the method further comprises inflating the proximal projecting portion to engage the endoscope at a location proximal to the distal face of the endoscope to stabilize the balloon in its position in contact with the distal face of the gastrointestinal endoscope such that imaging using the visual transmission channel occurs through the inflated balloon while the proximal projecting portion is inflated and is engaging the endoscope.