Button adapter for disposable ureteroscopes

Abstract

An adapter for a disposable medical speculum device includes a body configured to be removably attached to the speculum device. The adapter includes at least one button including an actuator configured to activate at least one circuit within the speculum device to which it is attached. The body is configured to be electrically coupled to a control unit so that when the circuit is activated by the button, a signal is sent from the adapter to the control unit to control the control unit to process an output from the speculum device.

Description

[0001] Priority declaration

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 768,271, filed on November 16, 2018, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to medical devices and methods. Specific aspects generally relate to endoscopic devices and methods. Background Art

[0004] Programmable buttons on endoscopes have been used to control features such as image capture, white balance, lighting control, etc. These buttons have been incorporated into the device, usually somewhere on the handle, and control these endoscope features through direct communication with a control unit connected to the endoscope.

[0005] For disposable endoscopes, it is beneficial to minimize features to reduce component cost. Buttons added to disposable endoscopes can control similar features, but need to be programmed to interface with the control unit. Additional features cannot be added without updating the control unit or adding interface communications to other equipment, such as laser control, video recording, or fluid management. Therefore, there is a need for an adapter that can be optionally connected to a disposable endoscope and contains buttons that can control various features without the need for updating or connecting to the control unit. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to an adapter for a disposable medical scopist device, the adapter comprising a main body configured to be removably attached to the scopist device, the adapter comprising at least one button, the at least one button comprising an actuator configured to activate at least one circuit within the scopist device to which it is attached, the main body being configured to be electrically connected to a control unit so that when the circuit is activated by the button, a signal is sent from the adapter to the control unit to control the control unit to process an output from the scopist device.

[0007] In one embodiment, a circuit switch of at least one circuit is indirectly actuated by a button to prevent a fluid path from entering the scope device.

[0008] In one embodiment, the button is one of a magnet or a conductive material.

[0009] In one embodiment, the adapter includes mating features configured to couple the adapter to the scope device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the mating feature is a clamp.

[0011] In one embodiment, at least one button is configured to interface with an electrical contact pad on the scope device.

[0012] In one embodiment, the control unit includes an image display, and the adapter is configured to control display characteristics of the image display when the adapter is coupled to the scope device.

[0013] In one embodiment, display characteristics include white balance, image capture, and brightness.

[0014] The present disclosure also relates to an adapter for a disposable medical scopist device, the adapter comprising a main body configured to be removably attached to the scopist device, the adapter comprising at least one button, the at least one button comprising an actuator configured to activate at least one circuit within the scopist device to which it is attached, the main body being configured to be electrically connected to at least one external system so that when the circuit is activated by the button, a signal is sent from the adapter to the external system to control the output of the external system to the scopist device.

[0015] In one embodiment, the body is configured to be electrically coupled to first and second external systems.

[0016] In one embodiment, the body is configured to be wirelessly electrically coupled to the first and second external systems.

[0017] In one embodiment, the main body is configured to be directly electrically coupled to the first and second external systems via the control unit, so that the adapter controls the first and second external systems via signals sent through the control unit.

[0018] In one embodiment, the buttons of the adapter are programmed with a first sequence code corresponding to a first external system and a second sequence code corresponding to a second external system, and when the adapter is connected to the endoscope device, each of the first and second sequence codes sends a signal to the control unit to adjust the settings of the corresponding external system.

[0019] In one embodiment, the first external system is a laser system and the second external system is a fluid management system.

[0020] In one embodiment, a circuit switch of at least one circuit is indirectly actuated by a button to prevent a fluid path from entering the scope device.

[0021] The present disclosure also relates to a method for controlling a scopist system from a scopist device, the method comprising positioning an adapter on the scopist device, the scopist device being electrically connected to a control unit, the adapter comprising: a body configured to be removably attached to the scopist device, the adapter comprising at least one button, the at least one button comprising an actuator configured to activate at least one circuit within the scopist device to which it is attached, the body being configured to be electrically connected to at least one external system so that when the circuit is activated by the button, a signal is sent from the adapter to the external system to control the output of the external system to the scopist device, and the button is actuated to control features of the control unit and the external system from the scopist device.

[0022] In one embodiment, a circuit switch of at least one circuit is indirectly actuated by a button to prevent a fluid path from entering the scope device.

[0023] In one embodiment, the button is one of a magnet or a conductive material.

[0024] In one embodiment, the adapter includes mating features configured to couple the adapter to the scope device.

[0025] In one embodiment, at least one button is configured to interface with an electrical contact pad on the scope device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a scope device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a scope device system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A perspective view of an adapter of a speculum device system;

[0029] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 An internal view of electrical components of a speculum device and an adapter of a speculum device system;

[0030] Figure 5 Shows Figure 2 Another internal view of the electrical components of the speculum device and adapter of the speculum device system;

[0031] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of a speculum device;

[0032] Figure 7 The first exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1A schematic diagram of the interfaces between components of a scoposcope device system;

[0033] Figure 8 The second exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the interfaces between components of the endoscope device system; and

[0034] Fig. 9 The third exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the interfaces between the components of the speculum device system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure may be further understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein similar elements are referred to by the same reference numerals. The present disclosure relates to, for example, devices, systems, and methods for removing debris from a lumen (e.g., in vivo). Exemplary embodiments describe a system that includes a disposable endoscope or ureteroscope device (e.g., LithoVue TM ) that includes buttons that can control various features of the scopist device without the need for updating or connecting to a control unit. In some embodiments, the adapter can electrically interface with the scopist device to control various features. In other embodiments, the adapter can wirelessly control various features of the scopist device. It should be noted that the terms "proximal" and "distal" as used herein are intended to refer to directions toward (proximal) and away from (distal) a user of the device (e.g., a physician).

[0036] like Figure 1-6 , in an exemplary embodiment, a speculum system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes a disposable speculum device 102, an adapter 106, and a control unit 120, wherein the disposable speculum device includes a handle 104 that remains outside the living body during use. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the endoscope device 102 may include any endoscope configured for minimally invasive surgery, such as a ureteroscope, for example, a ureteroscope sold under the trade name LithoVue TM or the next generation LithoVue TM. The endoscope device 102 is connected to a control unit 120, such as a computer, with an image display via, for example, a plug. The control unit 120 provides power to the endoscope device 120 and allows the adapter 106 to control various functions of the endoscope system 100. The control unit 120 is also operatively connected to any external equipment or systems, such as, for example, a laser system, a fluid management system, and / or an image / video capture device. Thus, the control unit 120 is able to control various functions of the connected systems and devices. In order for the adapter 106 to control various features of the endoscope system 100, the endoscope device 102 includes electrical contact pads 108 positioned thereon, which are configured to interface with electrical components of the adapter 106. The contact pads 108 provide power from the control unit 120 to the adapter 106. The contact pads 108 also use simple electronic devices to provide an electrical connection between the endoscope device 102 and a plurality of buttons 110 on the adapter 106. For example, as Figure 4-5 , the handle 104 can be internally hardwired to at least one circuit 112 via a switch 114, which can be activated (i.e., opened or closed) when the button 110 on the adapter 106 is pressed. In this embodiment, the circuit 112 is hardwired when closed to send a signal to the control unit 120 through the scope device 102. It is worth noting that although Figure 4-5 A single circuit 112 and button 110 are shown, and any number of circuits may be connected to the contact pad 108 to allow for adaptability of the adapter 106, depending on the number and program of systems connected to the control unit 120. In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit switch 114 is indirectly controlled by the button 110 (i.e., by using a magnet, conductive material, etc.), thereby preventing access to the fluid path of the scope device 102. That is, the contact pad 108 is waterproof, such that all electrical components are protected from external fluids via, for example, a layer of plastic handle material.

[0037] The adapter 106 is configured to be removably attached to a portion of the handle 104 of the scope device 102. Figure 2104. In the embodiment shown, the adapter 106 can be attached to the proximal end of the endoscope device 102. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the adapter 106 can be attached to any part of the endoscope device 102 according to the preference of the doctor performing the operation. In this embodiment, the adapter 106 is a molded component formed of, for example, plastic. The adapter 106 can be molded so that its first surface 122 (i.e., the surface that interfaces with the outer surface of the endoscope device 102) is formed to mate with a specific contour of the outer surface of the handle 104, thereby providing a low-profile addition to the endoscope handle 104. The matching feature 124 (i.e., the clamp) extends from the lateral side of the adapter 106 and can be clamped into the receiving portion (not shown) of the handle 104 to provide a more secure fit between the adapter 106 and the handle 104. Those skilled in the art will understand that although a clamp is shown in this embodiment, any matching feature can be used to couple the adapter 106 to the handle 104, such as, for example, a snap fit or a magnetic connector. A plurality of buttons 110 are incorporated into the adapter 106 and are configured to interface with the electrical contact pads 108 on the scope device 102. It should be understood that although Figure 2-3 Three buttons 110 are depicted, but any number of buttons 110 may be incorporated into the adapter 106 depending on the procedure and / or physician's requirements. Each button 110 is comprised of an actuator, such as, for example, a magnet used in a reed switch or a conductive material used in a capacitive switch, which causes a circuit 112 in the handle 104 to open or close, thereby sending a button press signal to the control unit 120 via the endoscope device 102. Specifically, when each button 110 is pressed, the surface 126 of the button 110 closest to the handle 104 abuts against the plastic material of the handle 104 covering the contact pad 108. This proximity of the button 110 to the circuit 112 is sufficient to actuate the circuit switch 114. As described above, in this embodiment, the button 110 does not directly interact with the circuit 112 to prevent a fluid path from entering the endoscope device 102 and allow the adapter 106 to be an optional component. Therefore, because the adapter 106 is an optional component that can be docked with the handle 104 as needed, the adapter 106 can expand the use and addition of external features of the speculum system 100 without the need to incorporate control designs into the speculum device 102. In addition, the adapter 106 allows for expanded use of features of the disposable ureteroscope while minimizing costs and providing customers with a wider range of features with other equipment (e.g., laser systems, fluid management systems, and image / video capture systems).

[0038] Figure 7An exemplary embodiment of electrical connections and control features between the endoscope device 102, the adapter 106, and the control unit 120 of the exemplary endoscope system 100 is depicted. In this embodiment, when positioned on the handle 104, the adapter 106 is able to control the image display of the control unit 120 through its connection with the endoscope device 120. In an exemplary embodiment, each button can control a different aspect of the image display. For example, a first button can control the white balance of the image display, while a second button controls image capture, and a third button controls the brightness of the image display. However, it should be understood that the buttons 110 can be programmed to control any feature of the display and are not limited to the features identified above. In addition, the adapter 106 can include any number of buttons 110 depending on the procedure or the user's preference.

[0039] See also Figure 7 The control unit 120 is the power source of the scope device and provides power to the adapter 106 when the two components are docked at the contact pads 108. The adapter 106 can be pre-programmed and then controls the display features through its connection with the scope device 100 and the connection of the scope device 100 with the control unit 120.

[0040] Figure 8A scope system 200 is depicted according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The system 200 shows electrical connections and control features between the scope device 202, the adapter 206, the control unit 220, and two external systems, a laser system 230 and a fluid management system 240. Each of the laser system 230 and the fluid management system 240 is electrically connected to the control unit 220 via, for example, a direct line (e.g., a plug). In this embodiment, when positioned on the handle 204, the adapter 206 is capable of controlling the laser system 230 and the fluid management system 240. In an exemplary embodiment, specific signal codes can be pre-assigned to the laser system 230 and the fluid management system 240 via the control unit 220, which allows the adapter 206 to control these features outside of the control unit 220. For example, if the laser system 230 is connected to the control unit 220, a specific code sequence can be entered using the button 210 on the adapter 206. The sequence is sent to the laser system 230 by the control unit 220 to adjust the laser settings or use. If the fluid management system 240 is connected to the control unit 220, the button 210 may be used to enter a different code sequence to send a signal to the fluid management system 240 through the control unit to adjust the fluid management system settings. In another exemplary embodiment, rather than using sequence codes, two separate adapters 206 may be used, a first adapter 206 for the laser system 230 and a second adapter 206 for the fluid management system 240. Because the adapters 206 are removable, when the user wants to control, for example, the laser system 230, the first adapter 206 is simply coupled to the handle 204. If during surgery, the user wants to switch to controlling the fluid management system 240, the user only needs to remove the first adapter 206 from the handle 204 and couple the second adapter 206 programmed to the fluid management system 240 to the handle 204.

[0041] See also Figure 8 , the control unit 220 is the power source for the endoscope device 202, and when the two components are docked, the control unit provides power to the adapter 206. Following the arrow from the adapter 206, once the adapter 206 is connected to the endoscope device 202, the button press activates the circuit in the disposable endoscope, which controls the laser system 230 and / or the fluid management system 240 through the connection with the control unit 220.

[0042] Fig. 9A scoposcope system 300 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. In this embodiment, the system 300 also includes a scoposcope device 302, an adapter 306, a control unit 320, and two external systems (a laser system 330 and a fluid management system 340). However, in this embodiment, the laser system 330 and the fluid management system 340 are wirelessly controlled by the adapter 306. In this embodiment, the control unit 320 is a power source for the scoposcope device 302, and the control unit provides power to the adapter 306 when the two components are docked. Specifically, the scoposcope device 302 is electrically connected to the control unit 320 via, for example, a direct line (e.g., a plug). However, the laser system 330 and the fluid management system 340 are independent components that are not directly electrically connected to the control unit 320. Therefore, these systems can receive power from other sources (i.e., an electrical outlet). Once connected to the scoposcope device 302, the adapter 306 is able to send control signals to the laser system 330 and the fluid management system 340 via, for example, shortwave radio frequency. As with the endoscope device 202, specific signal codes may be pre-assigned to the laser system 330 and the fluid management system 340, which allows the adapter 306 to control these features. In another exemplary embodiment, rather than using serial codes, two separate adapters 306 may be used, a first adapter 306 for the laser system 330 and a second adapter 306 for the fluid management system 340. Because the adapters 306 are removable, when a user wants to control, for example, the laser system 330, the first adapter 306 is simply coupled to the handle 304. If during a procedure, the user wants to switch to controlling the fluid management system 340, the user only needs to remove the first adapter 306 from the handle 304 and couple the second adapter 306 programmed to the fluid management system 340 to the handle 304. Thus, when designing an endoscope, this embodiment allows for compatibility with future features and systems that are not available on the market.

[0043] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that changes may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the inventive concept thereof. It should also be understood that structural features and methods associated with one of the embodiments may be incorporated into other embodiments. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but also covers modifications within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A scope system, comprising: Disposable medical speculum devices; Laser systems; Fluid management systems; as well as At least one adapter for the disposable medical speculum device, each of the at least one adapter comprising: a body configured to be removably attached to the disposable medical speculum device, the at least one adapter comprising at least one button, the at least one button comprising an actuator configured to activate at least one circuit within the disposable medical speculum device to which it is attached, the body configured to be wirelessly coupled to the laser system and / or the fluid management system such that when the at least one circuit is activated by the at least one button, a signal is sent from the at least one adapter to the laser system and / or the fluid management system to control an output of the laser system and / or the fluid management system from the disposable medical speculum device, wherein a circuit switch of the at least one circuit is indirectly actuated by the at least one button to prevent a fluid path from entering the disposable medical speculum device, and Wherein, the at least one button is configured to interface with an electrical contact pad on the disposable medical scope device.

2. The scope system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one button is one of a magnet or a conductive material.

3. The scope system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one adapter includes mating features configured to couple the at least one adapter to the disposable medical speculum device.

4. The scope system according to claim 3, wherein: The mating feature is a clamp.

5. The speculum system according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit connectable to the disposable medical speculum device via a wire, wherein The control unit provides power to the disposable medical speculum device, and wherein the disposable medical speculum device provides power to the at least one adapter when the at least one adapter is coupled to the disposable medical speculum device.

6. The scope system according to claim 5, wherein: The control unit includes an image display, and the at least one adapter is configured to control display characteristics of the image display when the at least one adapter is coupled to the disposable medical speculum device.

7. The scope system according to claim 6, wherein: The display characteristics include white balance, image capture, and brightness.

8. The scope system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one adapter includes one adapter configured for wireless control of both the laser system and the fluid management system.

9. The scope system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one adapter includes a first adapter configured for wireless control of the laser system and a second adapter configured for wireless control of the fluid management system.

10. The scope system according to claim 5, wherein: The laser system and the fluid management system are separate components.

11. The scope system according to claim 10, wherein: The laser system and the fluid management system are not directly electrically connected to the control unit.

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