GB2371753A - Roll-on flared nasendoscope cover - Google Patents

Abstract

Cover for a nasendoscope having a flared profile which provides a snug fitting distal end, and a loose fitting proximal end D. Preferably it is rolled on and the tip A is transparent to maintain image clarity and illumination. It may be made of flexible, synthetic material.

Description

DISPOSABLE COVER FOR FLEXIBLE FIBREOPTIC NASENDOSCOPE This invention relates to a disposal single use sheath to cover a flexible fibreoptic nasendoscope used in medical investigative procedures within hospitals.

Current practice for cleaning and disinfecting endoscopes between patients following internal examinations is wide and varied. However, most departments have adopted a system which uses a glutaraldehyde-based soak.

The endoscope is immersed in this soak for a specified period. Special procedures are required involving the use of expensive extraction fume cupboards and moreover staff may be exposed to hazardous volatile vapour and splashes to the skin and eyes causing burns. As a result gluteraldehyde is subject to the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations, issued by the Department of Health.

The problem of all current disinfectant and sterilization procedures is that there are none that destroy the prion agent that is believed to be responsible for new variant Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, nvCJD.

An alternative to such solutions is to cover the endoscope with a single use sheath made from synthetic flexible materials. Such covers are manufactured and are available but are expensive and are at present only used in private practice in the UK. Furthermore, current sheaths may be awkward to remove and can result in damage to expensive nasendoscope equipment.

This invention provides a transparent and easily removal cover for use in endoscopic examinations and will be in the form of a condom, which is easily applied along the shaft of the nasendoscope in a roll-on procedure. The cover is transparent to ensure no loss of performance of image clarity and illumination.

Accordingly the cover will provide a snug fit around the distal end of the nasendoscope with the remainder of the cover being of a flared profile to provide a lose fit around the shaft and proximal end of the nasendoscope. The cover is made of a flexible, transparent synthetic material.

Preferably the cover is internally lubricated except for the tip and made from elastic material to ensure easy removal and avoid snagging of the nasendoscope. It is to be contained in a sealed packet.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIGURE 1 shows the invention before application FIGURE 2 shows the invention in the unrolled form As shown in figure 1 the cover is illustrated after being removed from its sealed package in its rolled form prior to its application onto a nasendoscope."A"shows the tip of the cover, which is transparent and of a smaller diameter than the remainder to ensure a snug fit at the distal end of the nasendoscope of approximately 4mm diameter. "B"shows the remainder of the cover in its rolled- up form.

Figure 2 illustrates the cover In Its unrolled form showing A (refer figure 1) and the remainder of the cover being of a flared profile. C shows the overall length of the cover and D the loose fitting end.

An example of how this invention is performed would be in the case of an Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon applying the cover onto a nasendoscope before examining the nasal cavity throat and larynx via the nose to undertake an internal assessment. The nasendoscope and its cover is an essential tool in diagnosing many conditions encountered in the Ear, Nose and Throat clinic.

Claims (5)

1. CLAIMS 1. A cover to provide a snug fit around the distal end of a flexible nasendoscope with the remainder of the cover being of a flared profile to provide a loose fit around the shaft and proximal end of the nasendoscope to ensure easy application and removal.

   2. A cover as claimed in Claim 1 which is in a rolled form and is easily applied along the shaft of a nasendoscope in a roll-on procedure.

   3. A cover as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 where the tip of the cover is transparent to ensure no loss of performance of image clarity and illumination.

   4. A cover as claimed in any proceeding claim which is made from a flexible synthetic material.

   Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS 1. A disposable cover adapted for use on a nasendoscope and comprising a condom-like sheath made entirely of flexible synthetic material, having a closed end region and a remaining open-ended region, the closed end region being transparent and of smaller diameter than the remaining region so as to provide a snug fit around the distal end of a flexible nasendoscope, and the remaining open ended region being of a flared profile to provide a loose fit around the shaft and proximal end of the nasendoscope to ensure easy application and removal.
2. 2. A cover as claimed in claim 1 wherein the remaining open ended region is in a rolled form and is easily applied along the shaft of a nasendoscope to ensure easy application and removal.
3. 3. A cover as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the remaining open-ended region is internally lubricated.
4. 4. A cover as claimed in claim 1,2 or 3 which is made of elastic material.
5. 5. A disposable cover for a nasendoscope substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.