TIMOTHY J MULHERN
Engineering in Natick, MA
License number
Massachusetts 35870
Issued Date
Mar 22, 1991
Expiration Date
Jun 30, 2018
Type
Mechanical Engineer
Address
Address
Natick, MA 01760
Professional information
Endoscopic Sheath Assemblies Having Longitudinal Expansion Inhibiting Mechanisms
US Patent:
2003008, May 1, 2003
Filed:
Dec 5, 2002
Appl. No.:
10/313848
Inventors:
Bruce Hamilton - Hampstead NH, US
Mark Landman - Sharon MA, US
Steve Martone - Westford MA, US
Timothy Mulhern - Natick MA, US
Mark Landman - Sharon MA, US
Steve Martone - Westford MA, US
Timothy Mulhern - Natick MA, US
International Classification:
A61B001/04
US Classification:
600/116000
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus for inhibiting longitudinal expansion of a body portion of an endoscopic sheath during inflation of an inflatable member are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sheath assembly includes a body portion adapted to encapsulate a distal end of an insertion tube, and an inflatable member coupled to the body portion and adapted to be inflated radially outwardly from the body portion. The sheath assembly further includes an expansion-inhibiting mechanism coupled to at least one of the inflatable member and the body portion. The expansion-inhibiting mechanism advantageously inhibits a longitudinal expansion of the body portion during inflation of the inflatable member. The expansion-inhibiting mechanism may assume a variety of embodiments, including, for example, a non-compliant member, a longitudinally-stretched portion, a reinforcing spring member, a pressure relief device, or a suitable detent mechanism.