Endoscopic tools

Abstract

The present invention relates to an endoscopic tool. A tool for a surgeon to operate a cage assembly to capture an object to be removed from an animal's body. The tool includes a first controller and a second controller. The first controller is adapted to be coupled to the cage assembly to selectively control the cage assembly and move the cage assembly between a first closed position and a second open position. The first controller includes a plunger and a cylinder mechanism; and a handle coupled to the plunger to manipulate the relative position of the plunger relative to the cylinder. A second controller is located adjacent to the first controller and adapted to be coupled to the cage assembly to selectively and independently control rotation relative to the first controller.

Description

[0001] The present invention is a divisional application of the Chinese invention patent application with application number 201680081223.2 (international application number PCT / IB2016 / 051346), application date March 9, 2016, and invention name “Endoscopic Tools”. Technical Field

[0002] The exemplary and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to endoscopes and, more particularly, to apparatus for use with endoscopes. Background Art

[0003] US Patent No. 6,764,499 discloses a medical device having a cage. US Patent No. 8,211,115 discloses a retrieval cage of variable size. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The following summary is intended to be illustrative only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0005] According to one aspect, an exemplary embodiment may be provided in a tool for use by a surgeon to operate a cage apparatus to capture an object to be removed from an animal's body, the tool comprising: a first controller adapted to be coupled to the cage apparatus to selectively control the cage apparatus and move the cage apparatus between a first, closed position and a second, open position, the first controller comprising: a plunger and barrel mechanism; and a handle coupled to the plunger to manipulate the relative position of the plunger with respect to the barrel; and a second controller located proximate the first controller and adapted to be coupled to the cage apparatus to selectively control rotation of the cage apparatus independent of the first controller.

[0006] According to another aspect, an exemplary embodiment may be provided in a tool for a surgeon to operate a cage apparatus to capture an object to be removed from an animal's body, the tool comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis and including a passageway; a first controller comprising a first portion positioned in the passageway of the housing and a second portion extending from the housing; wherein the first controller is adapted to be coupled to the cage apparatus to selectively control the cage apparatus, and wherein the first controller is axially movable in the passageway of the housing to move the cage apparatus between a first closed position and a second open position, and wherein the first controller is rotationally movable in the passageway of the housing to rotate the cage apparatus when in the second open position; and an end surface coupled to the second portion of the first controller, wherein the end surface moves axially with the first controller, and wherein the end surface rotationally moves independently of the first controller such that the end surface remains rotationally fixed when the first controller is rotated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The above aspects and other features are explained in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 It is a side view of the endoscope;

[0009] Figure 2 is a side view of a distal end of an endoscopic tool;

[0010] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 The tools shown are from Figure 1 a side view of the endoscope shown with the distal end extended;

[0011] Figure 4 yes Figures 2 to 3 a perspective view of the proximal end of the endoscopic tool shown;

[0012] Figure 5 The sheath and cage assembly are shown with Figure 4 a schematic diagram of the connections of the components shown;

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 an exploded perspective view of the components shown;

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 and Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the outer sleeve of the illustrated assembly;

[0015] Figure 8 yes Figure 4 and Figure 6 a cross-sectional view of the assembly shown;

[0016] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 a partial cutaway view of the top button and plunger shown;

[0017] Figure 10 yes Figure 4 、 Figure 6 and Figure 8 a perspective view of the plunger shown;

[0018] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of the plunger is shown;

[0019] Figure 12 yes Figure 4 and Figure 8 a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the connector shown; and

[0020] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 An exploded perspective view of the connector is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] See also Figure 1 , shows a side view of an exemplary device 10. The device 10 in this example is an endoscopic medical device that is configured to be partially inserted into a patient's body, such as, for example, through the patient's urethra. The endoscope 10 generally includes a control section 12 and a flexible or semi-flexible shaft 14 connected to the control section 12. In this example, the control section 12 forms a handle of the device. The shaft 14 includes a passive flexure section 16 and an active flexure section (bending section) 18 at the distal end of the shaft 14. A control system 22 for controlling the active flexure section 18 extends from the control section 12 to the active flexure section 18. The control system 22 generally includes a bending control wire, a wire sheath, and an actuator 28. The wire is connected to the actuator 28 at one end and to the active flexure section 18 at a second end.

[0022] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the control section 12 has a user-operated slider or lever (control lever) 30. The lever 30 is connected to an actuator 28. The actuator 28 is adapted to pull and release the wires of the control system 22. When the user moves the lever 30, the actuator 28 moves. The actuator 28 can be, for example, a roller or pulley rotatably connected to the control section 12 to pull one wire while releasing another wire. In alternative embodiments, the actuator can be any suitable type of device, such as a rocker arm adapted to pull and release the wires of the control system 22. In another alternative embodiment in which the control system can have two or more pairs of control wires, the control section will have additional actuators and corresponding controls to drive the additional pairs of curved control wires. In yet other alternative embodiments, the control section can have a knob with a rack and pinion mechanism or other user-operated controls of a suitable control system.

[0023] The shaft 14 is cantilevered from the control section 12. The flexible shaft 14 includes the bending control wires of the control system 22, the fiber optic imaging bundle, the fiber optic illumination bundle, and the working channel. A port 60 for inserting instruments into the working channel 24 of the shaft is positioned on the control section 12. The control section 12 also has a light source column 62 for connecting a light source (not shown) to the illumination bundle. In addition, the control section 12 has an eyepiece 63 for the user to view the image transmitted by the imaging bundle from the front end 20. In alternative embodiments, the flexible shaft can accommodate different systems internally. The shaft 14 generally includes a frame 26, a cover 32, and an objective lens head 34.

[0024] See also Figure 2-Figure 3, showing the distal end of an endoscopic tool 36. Tool 36 is attached to apparatus 10 and is configured to extend from the distal end 20 of shaft 14 out of working channel 24. Tool 36, in this example, is a surgeon-controlled cage device (SCBD). Tool 36 includes assembly 33, which includes a cage device 50 and a sheath 56. Cage device 50 includes a cage segment 52 at its distal end and a shaft segment 54 that extends through sheath 56 to the proximal end of tool 36. Shaft segment 54 acts as a control wire for movement of cage segment 52. Sheath 56 and cage device 50 are longitudinally movable relative to each other to move cage device 50 between a forward position and a rearward position relative to sheath 56. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The shaft segment (control wire) 54 is shown moved forward relative to the sheath 56 so that the cage segment 52 is positioned outside the forward end aperture 66 of the sheath 56. In the forward position of the sheath 56 on the cage device 50, the cage segment 52 is positioned inside the sheath 56; the cage segment 52 is collapsed to a smaller shape by the sheath 56 to fit inside the sheath 56.

[0025] See also Figure 4-Figure 5 In this example, tool 36 includes a control assembly 70. Control assembly 70 is connected to the proximal end of cage device 50 and sheath 56. Control assembly 70 is configured to be attached to control section 12 at port 60 leading to working channel 24. Although features will be described with reference to the exemplary embodiment of the control assembly shown in the drawings, it should be understood that features can be embodied in a variety of alternative forms of embodiment. In addition, any suitable size, shape, or type of element or material may be used.

[0026] In this example, the control assembly 70 includes an outer sleeve 72, a connector 74, and a plunger 76. The connector 74 is configured to connect the control assembly 70 to the control section 12 at the port 60. The outer sleeve 72 is slidably connected to the connector 74, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 In this example, the proximal end of the sheath 56 is attached to the outer sleeve 72 to move the sheath 56 longitudinally when the outer sleeve 72 moves. The plunger 76 is movably mounted to the outer sleeve 72 to slide as indicated by arrow A. Figure 4The plunger 76 is shown in an outward home position relative to the outer sleeve 72. In this outward home position, the plunger 76 can be depressed into the outer sleeve 72, as indicated by arrow B. The proximal end of the shaft section 54 of the cage assembly 50 is attached to the plunger 76 so that the plunger can longitudinally move the shaft section 54 of the cage assembly 50 when the plunger 76 is longitudinally moved. Thus, when the plunger 76 is depressed relative to the outer sleeve 72, the distal end of the cage assembly 50 extends out of the front end aperture 66 of the sheath 54. When the plunger 76 is not depressed, the distal end 52 of the cage assembly 50 retracts toward the front end aperture 66 of the sheath 54.

[0027] In an alternative example, the proximal end of the sheath 56 can be connected to the plunger 76, and the proximal end of the shaft segment 54 of the cage assembly 50 can be connected to the outer sleeve 72. In this alternative example, the plunger 76 can be depressed from its extended home position toward its depressed position on the outer sleeve 72 to move the sheath 56 over the cage segment 52, and the plunger can be released from its depressed position to its extended home position to move the sheath 56 out of the cage segment 52.

[0028] See also Figure 6 , shows an exploded view of the control assembly 70. In the example shown, the control assembly 70 includes two springs 78, 79 and a top button 80. See also Figure 7 , top spring 78 is positioned in region 82 of outer sleeve 72, and bottom spring 79 is positioned in region 83 of outer sleeve 72. This is also Figure 8 but with a slightly different button 80'. The top spring 78 is compressed in Figure 7 The illustrated surface 92 is positioned between the bottom end 90 of the plunger 76 to bias the plunger 76 relative to the outer sleeve 72 in its extended home position. Figure 4 and Figure 8 A top member 88 is connected to the top end of outer sleeve 72 to retain a bottom end 90 of plunger 76 within region 82 .

[0029] The bottom spring 79 biases the outer sleeve 72 away from the connector 74. However, a bottom member 84 is connected to the bottom end of the outer sleeve 72. The bottom member 84 is adjustably positioned on the connector 74. The bottom member 84 has protrusions that are configured to engage grooves 86 in the connector 74 to adjustably lock the longitudinal position of the outer sleeve 72 on the connector 74 at one of a plurality of different longitudinal positions of the connector 74. In the example shown, the outer sleeve 72 can be axially rotated with the bottom member 84 to disengage the grooves 86. The outer sleeve 72 can then be slid longitudinally along the connector 74 to a new longitudinal position. The outer sleeve 72 can then be axially rotated with the bottom member 84 in the opposite direction to reengage with a new pair of grooves 86. This can be used to provide fine adjustment to allow both the cage assembly 50 and the sheath 56 to move together relative to the device 10.

[0030] A top button 80 is attached to the top of the plunger 76. The top button 80 is adapted to rotate axially on the top of the plunger 76. Figure 4 and Figure 6 A top button 80 is shown which covers less than half of the top side of the plunger. Figure 8 and Figure 9 A top button 80' is shown that covers a majority of the top surface. However, both top buttons 80, 80' function in the same manner. Specifically, the top buttons 80, 80' provide a top surface for the user's fingers to press against, yet still allow the plunger 76 to be easily rotated axially on the outer sleeve 72.

[0031] from Figures 9-11 As can be seen in FIG, plunger 76 has a top end 94. Top end 94 has a finger groove 96 to provide better frictional engagement with the user's finger or fingers. Top end 94 has a hole 98. Top buttons 80, 80' have a protrusion 100 extending into hole 98. Buttons 80, 80' can be rotatably mounted to plunger 76 at this protrusion / hole interface. The proximal end of shaft section 54 of cage assembly 50 is fixedly connected to plunger 76 in the passage leading to hole 98. However, shaft section 54 of cage assembly 50 is not directly connected to buttons 80, 80'. Therefore, when a user places their finger on buttons 80, 80', the user can axially rotate cage assembly 50 by axially rotating plunger 76, while buttons 80, 80' and the user's finger on the button do not rotate axially. This provides a more comfortable feel for the user's finger and makes it less likely that the user's finger will slip off the button / plunger assembly during plunger rotation.

[0032] The exemplary embodiment noted above provides a tool comprising a first controller and a second controller. The first controller is formed by a plunger and cylinder mechanism comprising a button 80 and an outer sleeve 72. The first controller is adapted to linearly move the cage assembly. The second controller is formed by a plunger 76 and is adapted to rotate the cage assembly independently of the first controller's control of the linear movement or position of the cage assembly 50. In the example described above, the plunger 76 connects the button 80 to the cage assembly 50 and the cylinder formed by the outer sleeve 72.

[0033] See also Figure 12 and Figure 13 , shows an alternative example of a connector. In this exemplary embodiment, connector 102 is configured to replace connector 74. Connector 102 generally includes an extension shaft 104 and an insert 106, a plunger shaft 108, and two buttons 110. The front end 112 of plunger shaft 108 is adapted to be positioned at port 60 leading to working channel 24. The inwardly facing protrusion of bottom member 84 on outer sleeve 72 is positioned in groove 114. Bottom spring 79 biases outer sleeve 72 away from extension shaft 104, but the inward protrusion on bottom member 84 positioned in groove 114 keeps outer sleeve 72 connected to extension shaft 104. Bottom spring 79 can be compressed to move outer sleeve 72 downward on the outside of extension shaft 104. This allows sheath 56 and cage assembly 50 to move together relative to connector 102 and device 10. The outer sleeve 72 and attached base member 84 can be rotated axially on the extension shaft 104, moving the inward projections on the base member 84 to rotate into the region 116, thereby locking the longitudinal position of the outer sleeve 72 on the connector 102 in the forward position.

[0034] The plunger shaft 108 includes a lateral slot 118 and tooth recesses 120 on opposite sides of the slot 118. The slot 118 allows relative movement of the button 110 along the longitudinal length of the plunger shaft 108. The tooth recesses 120 allow teeth 122 to engage in the tooth recesses 120 to adjustably lock the position of the button 110 relative to the plunger shaft 108. The button 110 protrudes into the slot 118 through a button hole 124 in the inner insert 106. The button 110 can be biased outward by a spring (not shown). The button 110 can be pressed inward to move the teeth 112 out of the tooth recesses 120 and allow the extension shaft 104 (with the inner insert 106 attached) to extend or retract longitudinally along the plunger shaft 108. This feature can be used to allow the tool to be used with different endoscopes having working channels of different lengths. The length of the connector 102 can be adjusted to accommodate working channels of different lengths. Thus, the tool can be used with different types of endoscopes.

[0035] Utilizing the features described herein, an endoscopic tool can be provided that has a rotating plate, such as plunger 76, to axially rotate another component, such as a cage device, for example. The features described herein are not necessarily limited to surgeon-controlled cage devices (SCBDs). The features described herein can be used to integrate a plunger mechanism with an axial rotation mechanism into a single, simplified design.

[0036] In conventional surgeon controlled cage device (SCBD) devices, if the operator of the plunger cage wishes to hold the cage open and rotate the cage, it is difficult to maintain a stable finger position and pressure on the plunger as the plunger rotates.

[0037] Utilizing features as described herein, a mechanism can be provided that allows the operator's finger to maintain pressure on the plunger as it rotates without subjecting the finger used to maintain pressure to rotation. The top surface will rotate independently relative to the plunger. This allows the plunger to rotate freely without the need for adjustment by the finger used to apply downward pressure. The top surface (e.g., such as button 80 or 80') can be attached to the plunger in a manner so as to stabilize the top surface relative to the plunger in the direction of motion (axial direction) that causes the cage to unfold, but without connecting the radial position of the top surface to the radial position or motion of the plunger mechanism. This allows the two components to rotate independently of each other while still maintaining a linear positional relationship.

[0038] In one type of exemplary embodiment, a tool for use by a surgeon in operating a cage apparatus to capture an object to be removed from an animal's body may be provided, the tool comprising a first controller adapted to be coupled to the cage apparatus to selectively control the cage apparatus and move the cage apparatus between a first, closed position and a second, open position, the first controller comprising: a plunger and barrel mechanism; and a handle coupled to the plunger to manipulate the relative position of the plunger with respect to the barrel; and a second controller positioned proximate the first controller and adapted to be coupled to the cage apparatus to selectively control rotation of the cage apparatus independent of the first controller.

[0039] The tool may further include a sheath having a first end and a second end, the sheath being adapted to receive the cage assembly and to longitudinally slide the cage assembly relative to the sheath between a first closed position and a second open position; wherein the sheath is coupled to a first controller for translational movement relative to the cage assembly, and the cage assembly is coupled to a second controller for rotational movement relative to the first controller. The tool may further include a first biasing mechanism operably positioned to bias the plunger relative to the barrel, thereby moving the cage assembly toward the first closed position. The tool may further include a locking mechanism coupled to the first controller to lock the plunger in the second open position. When the locking mechanism locks the first controller, the second controller may remain operational. While the first controller is locked, the second controller may continue to rotate the cage assembly. The tool may further include a second biasing mechanism to bias the cage assembly toward the first closed position relative to the handle and sheath; wherein the cage assembly is rigidly rotationally coupled to the second controller. The second biasing mechanism may be coupled to the second controller to bias the plunger 76 toward moving the cage assembly toward the first closed position. The tool may also include a luer connector, such as connector 74, for example, to selectively couple the tool to an endoscope.

[0040] An exemplary embodiment may be provided in a tool for a surgeon to operate a cage device to capture an object to be removed from an animal's body, the tool comprising a housing having a longitudinal axis and including a passageway; a first controller comprising a first portion positioned in the passageway of the housing and a second portion extending from the housing; wherein the first controller is adapted to be coupled to the cage device to selectively control the cage device, and wherein the first controller is axially movable in the passageway of the housing to move the cage device between a first closed position and a second open position, and wherein the first controller is rotationally movable in the passageway of the housing to rotate the cage device when in the second open position; and an end surface coupled to the second portion of the first controller, wherein the end surface moves axially with the first controller, and wherein the end surface rotationally moves independently of the first controller such that the end surface remains rotationally fixed when the first controller is rotated.

[0041] The tool may also include a sheath having a first end and a second end, the sheath being adapted to receive the cage assembly and to allow the cage assembly to slide longitudinally relative to the sheath between a first closed position and a second open position; and wherein the cage assembly is coupled to a first control for translational movement relative to the sheath, and wherein the sheath is coupled to the housing. The tool may also include a first biasing mechanism operably positioned to bias the first control relative to a passage in the housing, thereby urging the basket assembly toward the first closed position. The tool may also include a locking mechanism coupled to the housing to lock the first control in the second open position. When the locking mechanism locks the first control in the second open position, the first control remains rotationally operable. The tool may also include a luer connector to selectively couple the tool to an endoscope.

[0042] It should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative. Those skilled in the art may devise various alternatives and modifications. For example, the features recited in the various dependent claims may be combined with one another in any suitable combination. Furthermore, features from the different embodiments described above may be selectively combined to form new embodiments. Therefore, this description is intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tool for use by a surgeon operating a cage device to capture an object to be removed from the body of a human or animal, the tool comprising: a housing having a longitudinal axis and including a passageway; a first controller comprising a first portion positioned in the passageway of the housing and a second portion extending from the housing, wherein the first controller is adapted to be coupled to the cage assembly to selectively control the cage assembly, and wherein the first controller is axially movable in the passageway of the housing to move the cage assembly between a first closed position and a second open position, and wherein the first controller is rotationally movable in the passageway of the housing to rotate the cage assembly when in the second open position; as well as an end surface coupled to the second portion of the first controller, wherein the end surface is configured to move axially with the first controller, and wherein the end surface is configured to move rotationally independent of the first controller to remain rotationally fixed when the first controller is rotated, wherein the end surface includes a top button.

2. The tool according to claim 1, further comprising: A sheath having a first end and a second end, the sheath being adapted to receive the cage assembly and to longitudinally slide the cage assembly relative to the sheath between the first closed position and the second open position.

3. The tool of claim 2, wherein the cage assembly is coupled to the first controller for translational movement relative to the sheath.

4. The tool of claim 2 or 3, wherein the sheath is coupled to the housing.

5. The tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a first biasing mechanism operably positioned to bias the first control relative to the passageway in the housing to urge the cage assembly toward the first closed position.

6. The tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a locking mechanism coupled to the housing to lock the first control in the second open position.

7. The tool of claim 6, wherein the first control remains rotationally operable when the locking mechanism locks the first control in the second open position.

8. The tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a luer connector to selectively couple the tool to an endoscope.

9. The tool of claim 8, wherein the housing is slidable relative to the luer connector.

10. The tool of claim 9, further comprising: a first biasing mechanism operably positioned to bias the first control relative to the housing to urge the cage assembly toward the first closed position; as well as A second biasing mechanism is operably positioned to bias the housing away from the luer connector.

11. The tool of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first control comprises a plunger.

12. The tool of claim 11, wherein the top end of the plunger includes a finger groove configured to provide a greater amount of frictional engagement with a user's finger.

13. The tool of claim 11, wherein the top button comprises a protrusion extending into a hole in the top end of the plunger.

14. The tool of claim 11, wherein the plunger is coupled to a shaft of the cage assembly.

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