Fluid collecting sheaths for endoscopic devices and systems

Abstract

A system includes an endoscope defining a proximal end, a distal end and an elongated shaft extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the endoscope. A fluid collecting sheath defines a proximal end and a distal end. The fluid collecting sheath is configured for insertion into a vaginal opening. The fluid collecting sheath includes fluid collecting apertures defined at the distal end of the fluid collecting sheath. A fluid line is in fluid communication with the fluid collecting apertures. A channel is formed in the fluid collecting sheath. The channel extends between the proximal end and the distal end of the fluid collecting sheath. The channel defines an opening therein. The channel of the fluid collecting sheath is configured to operably engage the elongated shaft of the endoscope by passing the elongated shaft of the endoscope through the opening of the channel.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A fluid collecting sheath comprising:
 a proximal end having a first diameter;   a distal end having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter;   a proximal orifice defined in the proximal end, wherein the proximal orifice is configured to selectively expand in width to operably engage an elongated shaft of an endoscope;   an outer edge configured to collapse for insertion into a patient's vagina and flex to conform to and create a seal against walls of the patient's vagina; and   a fluid line forming a fluid drain at the distal end.   
     
     
         22 . The fluid collecting sheath of  claim 21 , wherein the proximal orifice is configured to fixedly engage an elongated shaft of an endoscope, such that the fluid collecting sheath and the endoscope are movable in concert with one another. 
     
     
         23 . The fluid collecting sheath of  claim 21 , wherein the fluid line is configured to couple to a vacuum source. 
     
     
         24 . The fluid collecting sheath of  claim 21 , further including a collection vessel in fluid communication with the fluid line, wherein the collection vessel is configured to receive fluid captured by the fluid drain. 
     
     
         25 . The fluid collecting sheath of  claim 21 , further including a collar extending from the fluid line, wherein the collar is configured to be secured to an endoscope. 
     
     
         26 . The fluid collecting sheath of  claim 25 , wherein the collar is at least partially elastic. 
     
     
         27 . The fluid collecting sheath of  claim 21 , wherein the fluid collecting sheath and the fluid line are a single integrally formed structure in which the fluid line extends within the fluid collecting sheath between the proximal end and the distal end of the fluid collecting sheath. 
     
     
         28 . The fluid collecting sheath of  claim 21 , wherein the fluid collecting sheath tapers along its length forming a conical shape. 
     
     
         29 . A system, comprising
 an endoscope defining a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated shaft extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the endoscope; and   a fluid collecting sheath configured for insertion into a vaginal opening, wherein the fluid collecting sheath includes:
 a proximal end having a first diameter; 
 a distal end having a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is greater than the first diameter; 
 a proximal orifice defined in the proximal end of the fluid collecting sheath, wherein the proximal orifice is configured to selectively expand in width to operably engage the elongated shaft of the endoscope; 
 an outer edge configured to collapse for insertion into a patient's vagina and flex to conform to and create a seal against walls of the patient's vagina; and 
 a fluid line forming a fluid drain at the distal end of the fluid collecting sheath. 
   
     
     
         30 . The system of  claim 29 , further including a vacuum source in fluid communication with the fluid line, wherein the vacuum source is configured to apply negative pressure to the fluid drain to draw fluid through the fluid line. 
     
     
         31 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the proximal orifice is configured to fixedly engage the elongated shaft of the endoscope, such that the fluid collecting sheath and the endoscope are movable in concert with one another. 
     
     
         32 . The system of  claim 29 , further including a collection vessel in fluid communication with the fluid line, wherein the collection vessel is configured to receive fluid captured by the fluid drain. 
     
     
         33 . The system of  claim 29 , further including a collar extending from the fluid line, wherein the collar is configured to be secured to the endoscope. 
     
     
         34 . The system of  claim 33 , wherein the collar is at least partially elastic. 
     
     
         35 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the fluid collecting sheath and the fluid line are a single integrally formed structure in which the fluid line extends within the fluid collecting sheath between the proximal end and the distal end of the fluid collecting sheath. 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 29 , wherein the fluid collecting sheath tapers along its length forming a conical shape. 
     
     
         37 . A system, comprising
 an endoscope defining a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated shaft extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the endoscope; and   a fluid collecting sheath defining a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the fluid collecting sheath is configured for insertion into a vaginal opening, wherein the fluid collecting sheath includes:
 a plurality of distal-facing fluid collecting apertures defined at the distal end of the fluid collecting sheath; 
 a fluid line in fluid communication with the plurality of distal-facing fluid collecting apertures; and 
 a channel configured to selectively expand in width to operably engage the elongated shaft of the endoscope. 
   
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 37 , wherein the channel of the fluid collecting sheath is configured to fixedly engage the elongated shaft of the endoscope therein, such that the fluid collecting sheath and the endoscope move in concert with one another. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 37 , further including at least one drip flange formed at the distal end of the fluid collecting sheath, wherein the at least one drip flange is configured to direct fluid away from the channel of the fluid collecting sheath. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 37 , further including a collection vessel in fluid communication with the fluid line, wherein the collection vessel is configured to receive fluid captured by the plurality of distal-facing fluid collecting apertures.