Medical systems, devices, and related methods

Abstract

A medical system (10) includes an insertion device (12) comprising a handle (22), an insertion portion (24) having at least one lumen, a port (38) fluidically coupled to the lumen, and a connecting portion (18). The medical system also includes a medical device (14) comprising a handle (50), an insertion portion (52), and a connecting portion (20) configured to couple to the connecting portion of the insertion device. The connecting portion of the medical device is configured to couple to the connecting portion of the insertion device to form an electronic and physical connection between the insertion device and the medical device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to medical systems, devices, and methods. In particular, aspects of the present invention relate to medical systems, devices, and methods for physically and electronically coupling medical devices. Background Art

[0002] Medical devices, such as endoscopes or other suitable insertion devices, are used for various types of diagnostic and surgical procedures, such as endoscopy, laparoscopy, arthroscopy, gynecoscopy, thoracoscopy, cystoscopy, etc. Many of these procedures involve delivering the insertion device to a position in the patient's body. Additionally, many procedures involve delivering the medical device through the cavity in the insertion device. In particular, such procedures can be accomplished by inserting an insertion device (e.g., a duodenoscope) through a surgical incision or via a natural anatomical orifice (e.g., mouth, vagina, or rectum) into the subject's body and performing the procedure or operation with an auxiliary medical device (e.g., a visualization catheter) inserted through the insertion device at the target site.

[0003] The insertion device and the medical device may each have one or more lighting devices (e.g., LEDs), visualization devices (e.g., cameras), etc., which require a power source, a display device, etc. The insertion device and the medical device may each have an umbilicus or other cables or wires to connect the insertion device and the medical device to a power source, a controller, a user interface, a display, etc. The umbilicus or other cables or wires may hinder or impede user movement during the medical procedure and / or may be accidentally twisted or disconnected during the procedure. Additionally, the insertion device and the medical device may each require a separate capital device to power, control, visualize, etc. each of the insertion device and the medical device. Umbilicus, cables, wires, and multiple capital devices may increase the duration, cost, and risk of the medical procedure.

[0004] The apparatus and methods of the present invention may remedy some of the above-mentioned deficiencies or address other aspects of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Examples of the present invention relate, among other things, to systems and devices for coupling a medical device and performing one or more medical procedures with the medical device, and related methods of use. Each of the examples disclosed herein may include one or more of the features described in conjunction with any of the other disclosed examples.

[0006] In one example, a medical system may include an insertion device comprising a handle, an insertion portion having at least one lumen, a port for fluidly coupling to the lumen, and a connecting portion. The medical system may also include a medical device comprising a handle, an insertion portion, and a connecting portion configured to couple to a connecting portion of the insertion device. The connecting portion of the medical device may be configured to couple to a connecting portion of the insertion device to form an electronic and physical connection between the insertion device and the medical device.

[0007] The medical system may include one or more of the following features. The insertion portion of the medical device may be configured to be inserted through a port and through a cavity in the insertion portion of the insertion device. The connection portion of the insertion device may include a recessed port and one or more doors that removably cover the recessed port. The connection portion of the insertion device and the connection portion of the medical device may be configured to be coupled together via a friction fit. The connection portion of the medical device may include one or more extensions that extend from the medical device to open the one or more doors and couple the medical device to the insertion device. The connection portion of the medical device may include a needle, and the connection portion of the insertion device may include a needle hole. The connection portion of the insertion device and the connection portion of the medical device may be coupled via a locking mechanism, and the locking mechanism may include at least two prongs having a widened end and a bendable arm. The connection portion of the insertion device may include at least two prongs having a widened end and a bendable arm, and the connection portion of the medical device may include a notch for receiving some portion of the widened end.

[0008] The medical system may also include a control unit, and the control unit may be physically and electronically connected to the insertion device via the umbilical tube. The control unit may deliver power to both the insertion device and the medical device via the umbilical tube to power one or more distal components on the distal end of the insertion portion of the insertion device, and to power one or more distal components on the distal end of the insertion portion of the medical device. The insertion device may include a controller for receiving signals from the distal component of the insertion device and from the distal component of the medical device. The controller may be configured to demodulate and / or compress received signals from the distal component of the insertion device and from the distal component of the medical device. The demodulation and / or compression may include 64-QAM carrier or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing. The insertion device and the medical device may be powered by a single umbilical tube connected to the insertion device. The single umbilical tube may include a single coaxial cable.

[0009] In another aspect, a medical device can include a handle, an insertion portion having at least one lumen, a port for fluidly coupling to the lumen, and a connecting portion configured to couple to another connecting portion of another medical device. The connecting portion can be configured to electronically and physically couple the medical device to the other medical device.

[0010] The medical device may include one or more of the following features. The medical device may also include an umbilical tube coupled to the handle and configured to couple the medical device to the control unit. The umbilical tube may be configured to deliver power to the medical device to power both the medical device and the other medical device. The medical device may also include a controller configured to receive signals from distal assemblies of both the medical device and the other medical device. The controller may be configured to demodulate and / or compress received signals from distal assemblies of both the medical device and the other medical device and transmit the signals to the control unit via the umbilical tube.

[0011] In yet another aspect, a method may include inserting a distal portion of an insertion portion of an insertion device into a patient. The insertion device may include a handle coupled to the insertion portion. The method may further include coupling a handle of a medical device to a handle of the insertion device. The medical device may include an insertion portion coupled to the handle of the medical device, and coupling the handle of the medical device to the handle of the insertion device may form an electronic and physical connection between the medical device and the insertion device. The method may further include inserting the insertion portion of the medical device through a cavity of the insertion device and into the patient, and visualizing and / or performing a procedure in the patient.

[0012] The method may include one or more of the following features. The method may also include coupling a handle of the insertion device to a control unit via an umbilical canal. The insertion device may also include a controller configured to receive signals from distal components of both the insertion device and the medical device. The controller may be configured to demodulate and / or compress received signals from distal components of both the insertion device and the medical device and transmit the signals to the control unit via the umbilical canal. The control unit may be configured to deliver power to both the insertion device and the medical device via the umbilical canal.

[0013] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0015] Figure 1 An exemplary medical system including two medical devices in a coupled configuration according to aspects of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 Shown in an uncoupled configuration according to aspects of the present invention Figure 1 An exemplary medical system in .

[0017] Figure 3 According to various aspects of the present invention, Figure 1 and Figure 2Schematic diagram of a control system for at least a portion of an exemplary medical system.

[0018] Figure 4 Show Figure 1 and Figure 2 An alternative form of a portion of an exemplary medical system.

[0019] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary treatment method according to aspects of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Examples of the present invention include devices and methods for facilitating and improving the efficacy, efficiency, and / or safety of visualizing and / or manipulating tissue during medical procedures. For example, aspects of the present invention may provide a user (e.g., a physician, medical technician, or other healthcare provider) with the ability to physically and electronically connect handles of two medical devices (e.g., an insertion device and a medical device). Aspects of the present invention may also provide a user with the ability to deliver an insertion device to a location within a patient's body and also deliver the medical device to the location within the patient's body through the lumen of the insertion device to, for example, visualize, resect, activate, treat, or otherwise manipulate tissue or material within the patient's body.

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention may relate to systems for performing various medical procedures and methods for obtaining visualization of the pancreaticobiliary system and / or any other suitable patient anatomical structure. Various embodiments described herein may include single-use or disposable medical devices. More specifically, in exemplary embodiments, the medical system may be configured to deliver and position a visualization device and / or access device, such as a needle knife and / or a tome, to access the papilla of Vater or the main papilla. The papilla of Vater typically forms the opening in the duodenum where the pancreatic duct and common bile duct drain into the small intestine. The hepatic duct and gallbladder drain into the common bile duct. Typically, an endoscopic or biliary procedure may require advancing a medical device to a suitable location along the biliary tree, followed by appropriate intervention. The medical devices and methods disclosed herein provide, among other things, access and visualization to the papilla and / or the pancreaticobiliary system (as well as a delivery system for visualization and access devices). For example, the insertion device may be a duodenoscope, which is delivered to access the papilla, and the medical device may be inserted through the duodenoscope and extended distally beyond the insertion portion of the duodenoscope into the bile duct.

[0022] The physical and electronic coupling of the two medical device handles can also allow the two medical devices to be connected to a single piece of capital equipment to power lighting devices (e.g., LEDs), visualization devices (e.g., cameras), etc. of both medical devices and to send / receive information to / from one or more sensors on both medical devices. Some aspects of the present invention can be used to perform endoscopy, laparoscopy, arthroscopy, or other types of procedures. For example, the disclosed aspects can be used with duodenoscopes, bronchoscopes, ureteroscopes, colonoscopes, catheters, diagnostic or therapeutic tools or devices, or other types of medical devices.

[0023] Reference will now be made in detail to the examples of the present invention as described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.

[0024] The terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein to refer to the relative positions of components of an exemplary medical device. When used herein, "proximal" refers to a position relatively closer to the outside of the body or closer to a medical professional using the medical device. Conversely, "distal" refers to a position relatively farther away from a medical professional using the medical device or closer to the inside of the body. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "having," or other variations thereof are intended to encompass a non-exclusive scope, such that a device or method that includes a list of elements may include not only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to the device or method. Unless otherwise specified, the term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "exemplary." As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," and "approximately" refer to a range of values ​​that are within + / - 10% of the stated value.

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A medical system 10 including an insertion device 12 and a medical device 14 is depicted. Figure 1 The insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 are shown in a coupled configuration. Figure 2 The insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 are shown in an uncoupled configuration. Figure 1 A first side of the medical device 14 is shown, Figure 2The medical device 14 is shown on a second side opposite the first side. The insertion device 12 can be an endoscope, duodenoscope, bronchoscope, ureteroscope, colonoscope, or other type of medical device. In one aspect, the insertion device 12 can be a disposable type of medical device. In another aspect, the insertion device 12 can be a reusable type of medical device. The medical device 14 can be a catheter having one or more lighting devices (e.g., LEDs) and one or more visualization devices (e.g., cameras), such as the SpyScope manufactured and sold by Boston Scientific Corporation. TM The insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 can be physically and electronically coupled via a connector 16 formed by a connector 18 on the insertion device 12 and a connector 20 on the medical device 14, as shown. Figure 2 shown.

[0026] The insertion device 12 may have a handle portion 22 and an insertion portion 24 that may be inserted into a body cavity of a subject during a medical procedure. The insertion portion 24 may be coupled to the handle portion 22. A strain relief portion 26 may bridge the handle portion 22 and the insertion portion 24. An umbilicus 28 may extend from the handle portion 22, and another strain relief portion 30 may bridge the handle portion 16 and the umbilicus 28. Figure 3 As shown, the umbilicus 28 can be used to connect the insertion device 12 to components or capital equipment, such as a control unit (for providing, for example, optical controls including cameras, video, lights, or other optical controls), an air and / or water supply, and / or a suction supply.

[0027] The handle portion 22 may include a plurality of components used by the operator to control the insertion device 12 before, during, or after a procedure involving the insertion device 12. For example, the handle portion 22 may include a steering assembly 32. The steering assembly 32 may be used to control the deflection of a distal portion (not shown) of the insertion portion 24. The steering assembly 32 may be part of a steering assembly. For example, the steering assembly 32 may include two knobs 34, 36 for deflecting the distal portion of the insertion portion 24. One of the knobs 34, 36 may be used to deflect the distal portion of the insertion portion 24 along a first axis, and the other of the knobs 34, 36 may be used to deflect the distal portion of the insertion portion 24 along a second axis transverse to the first axis. For example, the knob 34 may be operable to deflect the distal portion of the insertion portion 24 in a left / right direction, and the knob 36 may be operable to deflect the distal portion of the insertion portion 24 in an up / down direction. Although not shown, the steering assembly 32 may also include one or more locking mechanisms that may be used to limit movement of the distal portion of the insertion portion 24 in the left / right and / or up / down directions or otherwise lock the position of the distal portion of the insertion portion 24 .

[0028] The insertion device 12 may also include multiple ports and / or valves. For example, the handle portion 22 may include a working channel port 38, which can be used to allow one or more instruments or other devices (e.g., a portion of the medical device 14) to pass through the working channel of the insertion portion 24 to the distal end of the insertion device 12. The working channel port 38 may include a valve to prevent leakage. The insertion device 12 may also include fluid components, such as valves 40, 42 for providing air, water, and / or suction. The valves 40, 42 can be connected to the tubing in the umbilicus 28, the handle portion 22, and / or the insertion portion 24 so that pressing or otherwise actuating the valves 40, 42 allows the corresponding functions. For example, the valve 40 can be used to provide air and / or water through one or more cavities of the insertion portion 24, and the valve 42 can be used to provide suction and can be connected to one or more cavities of the insertion portion 24. The insertion device 12 may also include other components, such as a lifter rod 44, which can be used to move a lifter (not shown) at the distal end of the insertion portion 24 upward and / or downward. For example, where the insertion device 12 is a duodenoscope, the elevator rod 44 may be used.

[0029] Additionally, the distal end of the insertion portion 24 may include one or more distal assemblies 108 ( Figure 3 ), for example, lighting devices (e.g., LEDs), one or more visualization devices (e.g., cameras), etc. The one or more distal assemblies 108 can be coupled to a controller 104 within the handle portion 22 of the insertion device 12 and to the control unit 102.

[0030] The medical device 14 may include a handle portion 50 and an insertion portion 52. Figure 1 As shown, the handle portion 50 can be coupled to the handle portion 22 of the insertion device 12 via the connector 16. The insertion portion 52 is inserted through the working channel port 38 and through the insertion portion 24 of the insertion device 12, so that the insertion portion 52 can extend through the insertion portion 24 and distally beyond the distal end of the insertion portion 24 into the body of a subject during a medical procedure. The insertion portion 52 can be coupled to the handle portion 50. A strain relief portion 54 can bridge the handle portion 50 and the insertion portion 52.

[0031] The handle portion 50 may include a number of components used by an operator to control the insertion device 52 before, during, or after a procedure involving the insertion device 52. For example, the handle portion 50 may include a steering assembly 56. The steering assembly 56 may be used to control the deflection of a distal portion (not shown) of the insertion portion 52. The steering assembly 56 may be part of a steering assembly. For example, the steering assembly 56 may include two knobs 58 and 60 for deflecting the distal portion of the insertion portion 24. One of the knobs 58 and 60 may be used to deflect the distal portion of the insertion portion 52 along a first axis (e.g., left / right), and the other of the knobs 58 and 60 may be used to deflect the distal portion of the insertion portion 52 along a second axis transverse to the first axis (e.g., up / down), as discussed above with respect to the insertion device 12. Although not shown, the steering assembly 56 may also include one or more locking mechanisms that may be used to limit movement of the distal portion of the insertion portion 52 in the left / right and / or up / down directions or otherwise lock the position of the distal portion of the insertion portion 52. Although not shown, the medical device 14 may include a plurality of ports and / or valves.

[0032] Additionally, the distal end of the insertion portion 52 may include one or more distal assemblies 110 ( Figure 3 ), such as, for example, an illumination device (e.g., an LED), one or more visualization devices (e.g., a camera), etc. The one or more distal assemblies 110 can be coupled to a controller 106 within the handle portion 50 of the medical device 14, to a controller 104 within the handle portion 22 of the insertion device 12, and to the control unit 102.

[0033] As described above, the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 can be coupled via the connector 16. The insertion device 12 includes a connector 18 and the medical device 14 includes a connector 20. The connector 18 can be positioned at an intermediate position of the handle portion 22, for example, proximal to the strain relief portion 26 and distal to the steering assembly 32. Similarly, the connector 20 can be positioned at an intermediate position of the handle portion 50, for example, proximal to the strain relief portion 54 and distal to the steering assembly 56. In one aspect, the connector 18 can be a female connector and the connector 20 can be a male connector. In another aspect, the connector 18 can be a male connector and the connector 20 can be a female connector.

[0034] like Figure 2As shown, the connector 18 of the insertion device 12 may include one or more removable doors 62 to form a cover and a recessed port 64. The one or more removable doors 62 may be pivotally coupled to an edge of the recessed port 64, for example, on opposite sides of the recessed port 64. The one or more removable doors 62 may be biased to block the recessed port 64, but may be pivoted to expose or otherwise provide access to the recessed port 64. The removable door 62 may provide access protection to the recessed port 64 when the medical device 14 is not connected to the insertion device 12, for example, during different procedures, during positioning of the insertion device 12, or prior to a medical procedure. The recessed port 64 includes a connecting portion 66, which may include one or more pinholes 68. The connecting portion 66 may extend outward from the recessed port 64 to form one or more pinholes 68. The pinhole 68 may be electronically connected to the controller 104.

[0035] Although not shown, in another aspect, the connector 18 of the insertion device 12 can include a breakaway cover or a split cover. For example, when the connector 20 of the medical device 14 is inserted into or otherwise coupled to the connector 18 of the insertion device 12, the breakaway cover or the split cover can be pierced or removed. The breakaway cover or the split cover can be used in addition to or without the movable door 62. In this regard, the breakaway cover or the split cover can help protect the recessed port 64 or other components of the connector 20. Additionally, the breakaway cover or the split cover can also help indicate whether the insertion device 12 has been previously coupled to and / or used with a medical device.

[0036] The connector 20 of the medical device 14 may include a connecting portion 70 including one or more pins 72. The pins 72 may be electronically connected to the controller 106. The one or more pins 72 may be configured to be received within corresponding pinholes 68 to form an electronic connection between the controller 104 and the controller 106. Figure 2 68, but the present invention is not limited thereto, as connector 20 and connector 18 may include any number of pins, pinholes, or other connecting elements. In one aspect, connector 18 may include six pinholes 68, and connector 20 may include six pins 72.

[0037] The connecting portion 70 may include one or more extensions 74 that surround but are spaced apart from the needle 72. The extensions 74 may extend further away from the handle portion 50 than the needle 72, for example, to protect the needle 72 during coupling with the insertion device 12 and / or to facilitate opening the movable door 62 to allow the needle 72 to couple to the needle aperture 68. Alternatively, the extensions 74 may be configured to abut and surround the connecting portion 66 of the connector 18 on the insertion device. For example, coupling the connector 20 to the connector 18 may create a friction fit between the extensions 74 and the connecting portion 66 to physically couple the medical device 14 to the insertion device 12.

[0038] In one aspect, the amount of force required to disconnect connectors 18 and 20 can be greater than (e.g., approximately twice) the force that can be applied to insertion device 12 and medical device 14 during a medical procedure. Thus, connectors 18 and 20 can help ensure that medical device 14 is disconnected from insertion device 12 by a user or other medical professional only after a medical procedure is completed, when disconnection is required as part of a medical procedure, or as otherwise required.

[0039] although Figure 2 The above discussion discloses an insertion device 12 including a needle hole 68 and a medical device 14 including a needle 72, such that the medical device 14 is inserted into a receptacle of the insertion device 12, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the insertion device 12 may include a needle and the medical device 14 may include a needle hole. Alternatively, the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 may be physically and electronically connected via one or more other technologies. Additionally, as described below with respect to Figure 4 As discussed, connectors 18 and 20 may include one or more contoured shapes to help securely and releasably connect the medical device 14 to the insertion device 12 such that the connection remains during manipulation of one or more of the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 during a medical procedure.

[0040] like Figure 3As shown, the various components of the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 can be connected to form a control system 100. The control system 100 includes a control unit 102. The control unit 102 can be a capital box (e.g., capital equipment) with one or more of a user interface, a display, etc. The control unit 102 can be connected to the insertion device 12 via the umbilical canal 28. When the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 are connected via the connector 16, the control unit 102 can transmit power to both the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 via the umbilical canal 28 and provide grounding. Additionally, the control unit 102 can also receive information and signals from both the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 via the umbilical canal 28 and transmit information and signals to both, so as to perform two-way digital communication. For example, the control unit 102 can be connected to a controller 104 in the insertion device 12 (e.g., in the handle portion 22). Additionally, the control unit 102 can be connected to a controller 106 in the medical device 14 (e.g., in the handle portion 50). In this aspect, controller 106 can be coupled to controller 104 via connector 16 such that controller 106 within medical device 14 is indirectly coupled to control unit 102 via controller 104 within insertion device 12. In another aspect, one or more of insertion device 12, medical device 14, or control unit 102 can provide an indication or signal that insertion device 12 and medical device 14 are compatible, one or more of insertion device 12 and medical device 14 are appropriate for the medical procedure, etc.

[0041] The control unit 102 can receive signals from the distal assembly 108 of the insertion device 12 and from the distal assembly 110 of the medical device 14. In one aspect, the controller 104 can perform digital modulation to combine the video signals from the insertion device 12 and from the medical device 14 into a single conductive medium. For example, the umbilicus 28 can include a single coaxial cable. In this aspect, the video signal from the insertion device 12 can be transmitted on one channel, while the video signal from the medical device 14 can be transmitted on another channel.

[0042] In one example, the control unit 102 may include an eight-pin connector with an umbilical cord 28. Two pins may provide internal integrated circuits to drive distal components 108 and 110 (e.g., LEDs). Four pins may provide two high-speed signal communication lines, and two pins may provide power and ground. Thus, the internal integrated circuits, high-speed signal communication, power, and ground may connect the control unit 102 to the controller 104 in the insertion device 12. In one example, the connectors 18 and 20 may include a six-pin connector. In this regard, two pins may provide internal integrated circuits to drive distal components 110 (e.g., LEDs) of the medical device 14. Two pins may transmit clock or timing information and data, respectively, from an imaging unit at the distal end of the medical device 14. Finally, two pins may be dedicated to power and ground. In this regard, the controller 104 in the insertion device 12 may perform a demodulation or compression process to allow information from both the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 to be transmitted to the control unit 102, while the control unit 102 also provides information, power, ground, etc. to both the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14.

[0043] Additionally, digital modulation may utilize quadrature amplitude modulation ("QAM"). For example, digital modulation may utilize a 64-QAM carrier wave, which allows a single wave to represent six bits of data by manipulating the wave's amplitude and phase into one of sixty-four different discrete states. Alternatively, digital modulation may include orthogonal frequency division multiplexing ("OFDM"). OFDM may utilize multiple subcarriers to transmit information from a single source, which can reduce signal noise and provide high data rate throughput for broadband applications. In this regard, OFDM may allow one set of subcarriers to transmit information from the distal assembly 108 of the insertion device 12 and another set of subcarriers to transmit information from the distal assembly 110 of the medical device 14. Additionally, other digital modulation or data compression techniques may be employed. In any of these aspects, digital modulation or data compression may help combine information signals from the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 and may help reduce the required size of the umbilicus 28 and the number of connecting pins and / or components required to couple the umbilicus 28 to the controller 102, thereby reducing the complexity and / or cost of the umbilicus 28 and other components of the control system 100.

[0044] While the above discussion includes demodulation and / or compression being performed by controller 104 of insertion device 12, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in one aspect, controller 106 of medical device 14 may demodulate and / or compress signals from distal assembly 110 of medical device 14, and controller 104 of insertion device 12 may demodulate and / or compress signals from distal assembly 108 of insertion device 12.

[0045] Figure 4An exemplary locking mechanism 80 is shown that can be used to releasably couple the exemplary connector 18A of the insertion device 12 to the exemplary connector 20A of the medical device 14. Note that for clarity, the Figure 4 The needle and needle hole discussed above are omitted. The locking mechanism 80 may include two prongs 82 extending away from the insertion device 12. The prongs 82 may include a widened end 84 and an arm 86 connected to the handle portion 22 of the insertion device 12. Additionally, the connector 20A of the medical device 14 may include a notch 90 that may be aligned with the widened end 84 to couple the connector 20A to the connector 18A.

[0046] In order that connector 20A is coupled to connector 18A, the connecting portion 70A of connector 20A can be towards the handle portion 22 of insertion device 12, for example, towards the connecting portion 66A of connector 18A extends.Connecting portion 70A can interact with widened end 84 and force arm 86 to bend or bend outwards. Further movement of connecting portion 70A can provide the alignment of widened end 84 and breach 90, and also makes arm 86 return to its normally relaxed unbent position. When widened end 84 and breach 90 are aligned, insertion device 12 and medical device 14 can be coupled, make arm 86 bend outwards and remove the required force of connecting portion 70A from the handle portion 22 of insertion device 12 greater than the force that can be applied to insertion device 12 and medical device 14 during the medical procedure, as discussed above.Arm 86 and breach 90 can have a curved or angled shape, which can help to connect or separate medical device 14 and insertion device 12. Additionally, the user can manually bend arms 86 outward to facilitate coupling or decoupling of medical device 14 and insertion device 12. It should be understood that medical system 10 can include any fastening mechanism for releasably attaching insertion device 12 and medical device 14, for example, including corresponding features for engagement / disengagement.

[0047] Although the locking mechanism 80 is shown as part of the insertion device 12, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the locking mechanism may extend from the medical device 14 and may be releasably secured to a portion of the insertion device 12. Furthermore, in another aspect, the locking mechanism may extend from both the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 and may be releasably secured to the medical device 14 and a portion of the insertion device 12, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, the medical system 10 may include one or more other coupling features to releasably physically and electronically couple the medical device 14 to the insertion device 12.

[0048] Figure 5is a flow chart depicting an exemplary treatment method 500 for treating or visualizing a body cavity of a patient. Method 500 includes step 502, in which a user inserts or positions an insertion portion 24 of an insertion device 12 within a patient's body. Step 502 may include the preliminary step of coupling the insertion device 12 to a capital device, such as a control unit 102, via the umbilicus 28. Step 502 may also include visualizing the interior of the patient with one or more distal assemblies 108 (e.g., lighting and / or imaging devices) located at the distal end of the insertion device 24. Additionally, step 502 may include manipulating the insertion portion 24 via one or more of the steering assemblies 32.

[0049] In step 504, the user may couple the handle portion 50 of the medical device 14 to the handle portion 22 of the insertion device 12. For example, the connector 20 or connector 20A of the medical device 14 may be coupled to the connector 18 or connector 18A, respectively, of the insertion device 12. Additionally, coupling the medical device 14 to the insertion device 12 may include physically and electronically connecting the medical device 14 to the insertion device 12. As discussed above, the connection may be a friction fit ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), which may include profile and offset engagement ( Figure 4 ) or another releasable connection mechanism.

[0050] In step 506, the insertion portion 52 of the medical device 12 can be inserted through the lumen of the insertion device 12. For example, the insertion portion 52 can be inserted through the port 38 in the handle portion 22 and through the insertion portion 24. In one aspect, the insertion portion 52 of the medical device 12 can be delivered to a position aligned with the distal end of the insertion portion 24 of the insertion device 12. In another aspect, the insertion portion 52 of the medical device 12 can be delivered to a position distally beyond the distal end of the insertion portion 24 of the insertion device 12. In this aspect, the distal end of the insertion portion 52 can be controlled via the steering assembly 56. In either aspect, the position of the distal end of the insertion portion 52 of the medical device 14 relative to the distal end of the insertion portion 22 of the insertion device 12 can be controlled via the position of the insertion portion 52 relative to the port 38. In other words, the insertion portion 52 can be distally passed through or inserted through the port 38 so that the distal end of the insertion portion 52 extends relative to the distal end of the insertion portion 22 of the insertion device 12. The insertion portion 52 can also be retracted proximally from the port 38 to withdraw the distal end of the insertion portion 52 relative to the distal end of the insertion portion 22 of the insertion device 12 .

[0051] Next, step 508 may include visualizing and / or performing a procedure within the patient's body. Visualizing and / or performing a procedure may include visualizing, treating, and / or otherwise manipulating tissue or other material within the patient's body. For example, a user may utilize one of the distal assembly 108 of the insertion device 12 or the distal assembly 110 of the medical device 14 to illuminate and / or visualize the interior of the patient. In one aspect, the insertion portion 22 of the insertion device 12 may be used to access and / or visualize the nipple, for example, in step 502, and the insertion portion 52 of the medical device 14 may be extended to access and / or visualize the bile duct of the subject, for example, in step 508. Additionally, signals from the distal assembly 108 or the distal assembly 110 may be transmitted via the umbilicus 28 to the control unit 102 for analysis, storage, display, etc. Furthermore, the insertion device 12 and / or the medical device 14 may include one or more additional medical components (e.g., electrodes, graspers, cutters, etc.) to facilitate treatment of tissue or other material within the cavity.

[0052] The foregoing aspects may allow the medical device 14 to be directly coupled to the insertion device 12 to form a releasable physical and electronic connection. As a result, the insertion device 12 may be coupled to the control unit 102 via the umbilicus 28 without requiring the medical device 14 to be coupled to the control unit 102 or another control unit, thereby reducing the number of cables or wires of the medical system 10. The door 62 or other element may help provide a hinged cover for access protection of the connector 18 on the insertion device 12. The respective sizes and arrangements of the connectors 18 and 20 may help form a friction coupling to secure the medical device 14 to the insertion device 12 via an integrated locking mechanism. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 may include a locking mechanism 80, as described with respect to Figure 4 discussed.

[0053] One or more of the above aspects may allow the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 to be powered by a single power source, for example, within the control unit 102, via a single umbilical cannula 28. The control unit 102 may provide power to both the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14. The power may be sufficient to power the lighting devices (e.g., LEDs), visualization devices (e.g., cameras), and other components on both the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14. In addition, one or more of the above aspects may allow output signals, such as video output signals, from one or more distal assemblies 108 on the insertion device 12 and the distal assembly 110 on the medical device 14 to be output to the control unit 102 and, for example, displayed on a monitor via a single umbilical cannula 28. Furthermore, one or more of the above aspects may allow the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 to be securely and releasably coupled to each other without requiring any additional coupling mechanism. Additionally, the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 may be powered and configured to transmit information using a reduced number of cables or wires during a medical procedure, thereby improving usability during the medical procedure. Additionally, the insertion device 12 and the medical device 14 may be held and / or manipulated together without the need for additional coupling mechanisms.

[0054] The medical system 10 , control system 100 , and method 500 may be used to perform any of the above-described procedures without the need for additional umbilicus, wires, cables, etc., which may reduce overall procedure time, component costs, and / or reduce risk to the subject.

[0055] Although the principles of the present invention are described herein with reference to illustrative aspects for specific applications, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art and understanding the teachings provided herein will recognize that additional modifications, applications, aspects, and equivalents are within the scope of the various aspects described herein. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A medical system comprising: an insertion device comprising a handle, an insertion portion having at least one lumen, a port fluidly coupled to the lumen, and a connecting portion; a medical device comprising a handle, an insertion portion, and a connecting portion configured to couple to the connecting portion of the insertion device; as well as control unit, wherein the connecting portion of the medical device is configured to couple to the connecting portion of the insertion device to form an electronic and physical connection between the insertion device and the medical device, wherein the control unit is physically and electronically coupled to the insertion device via an umbilical canal, The insertion device includes a controller configured to receive signals from one or more distal components of the insertion device and from one or more distal components of the medical device, and wherein the controller of the insertion device is configured to transmit signals from the one or more distal components of the medical device to the control unit.

2. The medical system of claim 1, wherein the insertion portion of the medical device is configured to be inserted through the port and through a lumen in the insertion portion of the insertion device.

3. The medical system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the connection portion of the insertion device comprises a recessed port and one or more doors removably covering the recessed port. 4 . The medical system of claim 3 , wherein the connecting portion of the insertion device and the connecting portion of the medical device are configured to couple together via a friction fit.

5. The medical system of claim 4, wherein the connecting portion of the medical device comprises one or more extensions that extend from the medical device to open the one or more doors and couple the medical device to the insertion device.

6. The medical system of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the connecting portion of the medical device comprises a needle, and wherein the connecting portion of the insertion device comprises a needle port.

7. The medical system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the connecting portion of the insertion device and the connecting portion of the medical device are coupled via a locking mechanism, wherein the locking mechanism comprises at least two prongs having widened ends and bendable arms.

8. The medical system of claim 7, wherein the connecting portion of the insertion device comprises at least two prongs having widened ends and bendable arms, and wherein the connecting portion of the medical device comprises notches for receiving portions of the widened ends.

9. A medical system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit transmits power to both the insertion device and the medical device through the umbilical canal to power the one or more distal components on the distal end of the insertion portion of the insertion device, and to power the one or more distal components on the distal end of the insertion portion of the medical device.

10. The medical system of claim 1, wherein the controller of the insertion device is configured to demodulate and / or compress received signals from a distal component of the insertion device and from the one or more distal components of the medical device.

11. The medical system of claim 10, wherein the demodulation and / or compression comprises 64-QAM carrier or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing.

12. The medical system of claim 1, wherein the umbilicus comprises a single umbilicus coupled to the insertion device, and wherein the insertion device and the medical device are powered by the single umbilicus coupled to the insertion device.

13. The medical system of claim 12, wherein the single umbilicus comprises a single coaxial cable.

14. The medical system of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the controller of the insertion device is coupled to a controller of the medical device, wherein the controller of the medical device is indirectly coupled to the control unit.

15. The medical system of claim 14, wherein the controller of the medical device is configured to demodulate and / or compress received signals from the one or more distal components of the medical device.

16. The medical system of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the connecting portion of the insertion device further comprises a rip-open cover, such that the rip-open cover is pierced when the connecting portion of the medical device is coupled to the connecting portion of the insertion device.

17. The medical system of any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the control unit is configured to provide an indication that the insertion device and the medical device are compatible to perform a medical procedure.

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