| abstract |
A probe for use with an endoscopic suction-irrigation instrument is disclosed which permits a second probe to be inserted therethrough. The suction-irrigation instrument has a cannula, a fluid chamber having at least one port for irrigation and suction and a proximal opening, and a first seal in the proximal end of the fluid chamber. The fluid chamber has a distal end communicating with the cannula. The probe has a proximal handle portion, a middle portion, and a hollow distal portion. The handle portion has an axial passageway and a second seal therein. The middle portion extends from the handle portion through the first seal at the end of the fluid chamber and through the fluid chamber. The middle portion has an outer diameter shaped to contact the first seal such that the proximal end of the fluid chamber is sealed. The middle portion is also shaped to be smaller than the inner diameter of the fluid chamber, and the middle portion is provided with a second axial internal passageway extending therethrough. The distal portion extends at least partially through the cannula and has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cannula. A second probe may be inserted through the second seal of the first probe, through the axial passageway in the handle portion, through the internal passageway in the middle portion, and out through the distal portion and the cannula. |