Importance

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Abstract

An endoscopic injection needle includes a flexible inner tube having a needle attached at a distal end thereof, a flexible outer jacket extending over the inner tube, and a handle assembly attached to the proximal ends of the inner tube and jacket to move the needle at the distal end of the inner tube relative to the distal end of the jacket. The handle assembly is adapted to be attached firmly to the handle of the endoscope via an attachment. To advance and withdraw the outer jacket, the physician moves a sliding component of the handle assembly, which is connected to the jacket. By moving the sliding component proximally and distally relative to the rest of the handle assembly, the jacket is advanced and withdrawn from the distal end of the endoscope. Once the desired position is achieved for the jacket, the position of the jacket relative to the endoscope can be fixed. After the jacket has been positioned, the physician moves the needle distally relative to the jacket and into the tissue by operating a piston portion of the handle assembly. Further movement of the piston portion of the handle assembly injects fluid from a reservoir in the handle assembly through the inner tubular member and needle, and into the tissue. Hence, the physician has full control of the procedure and does not require the services of an assistant to accomplish the injections.

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First Claim