Medical device

Abstract

A stone retrieval suction device facilitates the retention and then relocation and/or removal of objects disposed in a patient's urinary system. The device includes an elongated member for placement in a channel of a flexible ureteroscope. The elongated member defines a suction passageway which extends longitudinally therethrough. The elongated member is flexible enough to bend with the flexible ureteroscope, and it is strong enough to prevent collapse of the suction passageway when suction is provided through the suction passageway by a vacuum source. The elongated member includes a distal portion for contacting and retaining an object when the suction is provided.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A medical device, comprising: 
 an elongated member for placement in a channel of a flexible ureteroscope, the elongated member defining a suction passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, the elongated member bending with the flexible ureteroscope when the elongated member is placed within the channel of the flexible ureteroscope, the suction passageway resists collapsing when suction is provided through the suction passageway by a vacuum source, the elongated member comprising: 
 a proximal portion for communicating with the vacuum source to provide the suction through the suction passageway; and  
 a distal portion for contacting an object and retaining the object in contact with the distal portion when the suction is provided through the suction passageway.  
   
     
     
         2 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the distal portion comprises a tapered tip.  
     
     
         3 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the distal portion comprises a tip comprising a concave portion for contacting the object and retaining the object in contact with the concave portion when the suction is provided through the suction passageway.  
     
     
         4 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the distal portion further comprises a tip comprising a plurality of members extending radially outward from the tip to prevent tissue proximate the object from entering the suction passageway when the suction is provided through the suction passageway.  
     
     
         5 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the distal portion further comprises a tip comprising a concave portion to prevent tissue proximate the object from entering the suction passageway when the suction is provided through the suction passageway.  
     
     
         6 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the elongated member further comprises a mesh to reinforce the elongated member and resist collapse of the suction passageway when the suction is provided through the suction passageway.  
     
     
         7 . The medical device of  claim 6  wherein the mesh extends longitudinally and circumferentially along the elongated member.  
     
     
         8 . The medical device of  claim 6  wherein the mesh comprises stainless steel.  
     
     
         9 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the elongated member further comprises a coil extending longitudinally and circumferentially for reinforcing the elongated member and resisting collapse of the suction passageway when the suction is provided through the suction passageway.  
     
     
         10 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the proximal portion further comprises a luer connector.  
     
     
         11 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the proximal portion communicates with a regulator for regulating the suction through the suction passageway.  
     
     
         12 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the elongated member comprises a biocompatible plastic.  
     
     
         13 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the elongated member comprises a biocompatible polyurethane.  
     
     
         14 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the elongated member comprises a biocompatible rubber.  
     
     
         15 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the elongated member has an outside diameter of between two and three french.  
     
     
         16 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the proximal portion further comprises a handle.  
     
     
         17 . The medical device of  claim 16  wherein the handle comprises a switch for selectively enabling and disabling the suction through the suction passageway when the proximal portion is in communication with the vacuum source.  
     
     
         18 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the distal portion comprises a radiopaque material.  
     
     
         19 . A method of contacting and moving an object disposed in a patient, comprising: 
 providing a vacuum source;    providing a flexible ureteroscope and introducing the ureteroscope into the patient;    providing a medical device comprising: 
 an elongated member for placement in a channel of the flexible ureteroscope, the elongated member defining a suction passageway extending longitudinally therethrough, the elongated member bending with the flexible ureteroscope when the elongated member is placed within the channel of the flexible ureteroscope, the suction passageway resists collapsing when suction is provided through the suction passageway by the vacuum source, the elongated member comprising: 
 a proximal portion for communicating with the vacuum source to provide the suction through the suction passageway; and  
 a distal portion for contacting an object and retaining the object in contact with the distal portion when the suction is provided through the suction passageway;  
 
   introducing the medical device into the channel of the flexible ureteroscope;    positioning the flexible ureteroscope to allow the distal portion to contact the object;    providing suction through the suction passageway and retaining the object in contact with the distal portion; and    moving the retained object from a first location in the patient to a second location.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19  wherein moving the retained object to the second location comprises moving the retained object outside of the patient.  
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 19  wherein moving the retained object to the second location comprises moving the retained object to another location in the patient.