Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus and method for machining or disintegrating a calculi in place in a urinary tract. The apparatus includes a flexible, hollow endoscope which can be inserted into a ureter in its flexible state and a relatively rigid hollow tube which can be inserted into a passageway through the endoscope to straighten it. Optionally, a guide wire can be inserted in the ureter to the position of the calculi before inserting the endoscope for guiding the endoscope into the ureter. The passageway through the endoscope is larger than the rigid hollow tube. An optical system that may be made up of optical fibers can be received in and extend through the endoscope to view the calculi. A wave guide wire can be extended through the relatively rigid tube and connected to a transducer to disintegrate the calculi. The relatively rigid tube can be moved laterally in the endoscope to bring the wave guide into engagement with the calculi to facilitate disintegrating the calculi. An irrigation means can be connected to the hollow endoscope. The endoscope can have several passageways.

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First Claim