IP-2024-000024 - [2025] EWHC 492 (IPEC)

Soble discloses a sleeve which is placed over a flexible endoscope. The sleeve has a port, i.e. a side arm, which is connected to a vacuum source. In use, the endoscope is substantially withdrawn from the sleeve when the necessary visualisation is complete, the sleeve’s proximal opening (that nearest the surgeon) is sealed off so that the only passage is between the vacuum source and the distal end of the sleeve which will be close to, for instance, a fragmented stone. The entire sleeve becomes what the Patent calls a suction lumen.

This is Figure 1:

It shows an endoscope 50 over which the sleeve 10 is placed and a port 20 which connects the lumen of the sleeve 30 to a vacuum source.

This is Figure 2:

This figure shows the endoscope withdrawn beyond the opening to the port and the seal 40 closed. The suction via port 20 pulls material from the distal opening 15 of the sleeve.

The invention in Russo is entitled ‘Thumb conformable suction control regulator’. The device is used with medical devices. This is Figure 1:

A catheter 13 is connected to the front inlet 14. The body of the device 11 provides a passage from the front inlet to the exit 16. Suction may be applied at the exit 16. Mid-way is a side stem 18 with an interior oval-shaped passage 19 terminating at an outlet 20, with side ledges 24 and 25. In use a boot cover 12 rests on the side ledges. The boot cover has a flexible top diaphragm 30 and two side vent slots 31 and 32.

Figures 6 and 7 show the boot cover in place and how the device works:

Suction is applied at 16. In the open mode of Figure 6, air may pass through the side vents 31 and 32 reducing or eliminating the suction effect at the front inlet 13. In the closed mode of Figure 7, the surgeon has applied their thumb on to the flexible diaphragm 30, closing the inlets and causing a suction effect to be applied at inlet 13.