Endoscopic band ligator

Abstract

The present invention provides a ligating band dispenser that is mounted on the distal end of an endoscope. The ligator is configured to deliver multiple ligating bands to a plurality of internal sites in a patient. The ligating bands are carried on a tubular band carrier member that is retractable relative to the distal end of the endoscope in order to preserve visibility through the endoscope during navigation, then extendable to define a suction chamber for tissue aspiration during band delivery. A tubular band driver member is slidable over the band carrier member and engages bands individually to push them off the distal end of the band carrier and onto a selected treatment site. A single-hand operated control handle for selectively operating the extension of the band carrier and movement of the band driver to release a band is also provided and is slidably and removably mounted to the endoscope shaft.

1 . An endoscopic band ligator comprising: 
 a distal portion mountable on a distal end of an endoscope;    a control wire sheath extending proximally from the distal portion and configured to be placed externally of an endoscope about which the distal portion is mounted; and    a control handle at a proximal end of the control wire sheath configured to be slidably mounted on the exterior of an endoscope shaft.    
     
     
         2 . An endoscopic band ligator as defined in  claim 1  wherein the control handle further comprises operator controls for actuating the band ligator distal portion.  
     
     
         3 . An endoscopic band ligator as defined in  claim 2  wherein the operator controls have distinct ranges of motion to indicate to the user corresponding action at the band ligator distal portion.  
     
     
         4 . An endoscopic band ligator as defined in  claim 3  where in the operator controls are in connection with force limiter that modulates the user's input forces to maintain acceptable non-destructive forces applied to the band ligator components.  
     
     
         5 . An endoscopic band ligator as defined in  claim 4  where in the force limiter comprises a flexible arch that deflects under operational forces and releases engagement with the between the operator controls and the ligator components at a predetermined force level.  
     
     
         6 . An endoscopic band ligator as defined in  claim 1  wherein the distal portion further comprises inner, middle and outer coaxial sleeves longitudinally slidable relative to each other and a first operator control on the control handle is operable to move the middle and outer sleeves relative to the inner sleeve and a second operator control of a control handle operates to move the outer sleeve relative to the middle sleeve to discharge a ligating band.