Locking mechanism for endoscopic device

Abstract

A medical device may include a sheath configured for insertion into a patient's body cavity. The distal end of the sheath may include a lifter for changing the orientation of the medical device. A handle may include an actuator. The actuator may be operatively connected to the lifter. Activation of the actuator may cause movement of the lifter. In at least one embodiment of the handle, an engagement portion may protrude from a surface of the handle body toward the actuator. A force applied by the user to at least one of the actuator or the engagement portion may cause the handle to switch between (a) a first embodiment, wherein the engagement portion interacts with the actuator to prevent movement of the actuator relative to the engagement portion, and (b) a second embodiment, wherein the actuator is movable relative to the engagement portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 006,784, filed April 8, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Various aspects of the present invention generally relate to means and methods for preventing movement of components of a medical device. In an embodiment, the present invention relates to means for locking components of a duodenoscope handle. Background Technology

[0004] A duodenoscope may include a handle portion that can be gripped by an operator and may include control elements for functions such as steering, aspiration, water, air, light, and imaging. The duodenoscope may also include a portion that can be inserted into a subject's body. For example, the duodenoscope may include a shaft adapted for insertion into the subject's body. This insertion portion may include one or more lumens. The lumens of the insertable portion of the duodenoscope may support functions such as delivering air, water, aspiration, power, data, light, and / or images. Instruments may also be inserted via a working channel of the shaft. For example, instruments can be inserted into the working channel through a port in or near the duodenoscope handle.

[0005] The distal tip of the duodenoscope may include a lift for changing the orientation of the instrument protruding from the distal end of the working channel. The lift may be controlled via a control mechanism in the handle, such as a lever. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Each of the aspects disclosed herein may include one or more of the features described in combination with any of the other disclosed aspects.

[0007] A medical device may include a sheath configured for insertion into a patient's body cavity. The distal end of the sheath may include a lifter for changing the orientation of the medical device. A handle may have a handle body. The handle may include an actuator. The actuator may be operatively connected to the lifter. Activation of the actuator may cause movement of the lifter. The actuator may be configured to be contacted by a user. In at least one embodiment of the handle, an engagement portion may protrude from a surface of the handle body toward the actuator. A force applied by the user to at least one of the actuator or the engagement portion may cause the handle to switch between (a) a first embodiment, wherein the engagement portion interacts with the actuator to prevent movement of the actuator relative to the engagement portion, and (b) a second embodiment, wherein the actuator is movable relative to the engagement portion.

[0008] Any of the medical devices disclosed herein may include any of the following features: The actuator may include a lever. The actuator may include a protrusion extending radially inward toward a surface of the handle body. The protrusion may be wedge-shaped. The engaging portion may include a hook. In a first configuration, the protrusion may engage with the hook. The hook may be movable to change the handle from a first configuration to a second configuration. The hook may include a first portion projecting radially outward from the handle body in at least a first configuration of the handle, and a second portion projecting radially outward from the handle body in at least a first configuration of the handle. The first portion may be configured to engage with the protrusion in the first configuration of the handle. The second portion may be configured to be pressed radially inward by a user to change the handle from the first configuration to the second configuration. The engaging portion may include a shape memory material. The handle may also include a button configured to apply force to the second portion. The handle may be configured to change from the second configuration to the first configuration by moving the protrusion from a first side of the first portion to a second side of the first portion. The second side may be opposite to the first side. The engaging portion may include a plurality of teeth. The handle can be switched from a first configuration to a second configuration by moving a first portion of the actuator relative to a second portion of the actuator. A contact portion can apply friction to the actuator to prevent movement of the actuator in the first configuration. The contact portion may include a body and a spring disposed in a cavity within the handle body. The actuator may include a wall. In the first configuration, the first portion of the wall may have a first angle relative to a surface of the handle body. In the second configuration, the first portion of the wall may have a second angle relative to a surface of the handle body. The second angle may differ from the first angle. The actuator can move in a first direction and a second direction to move the lifting mechanism. To switch the handle from the first configuration to the second configuration, the actuator can move upward in a third direction substantially perpendicular to each of the first and second directions.

[0009] In another example, a medical device may include a sheath configured for insertion into a patient's body cavity. The distal end of the sheath includes a lifter for changing the orientation of the medical device. A handle may have a handle body. The handle may include an actuator. The actuator may be operatively connected to the lifter. Activation of the actuator may cause movement of the lifter. The actuator may be configured to be contacted by a user. In at least one embodiment of the handle, an engagement portion may protrude from a surface of the handle body toward the actuator. The interaction between the engagement portion and the actuator may be configured to lock the actuator, thereby preventing movement of the lifter. A button pressed on at least one of (a) the surface of the handle body or (b) the actuator may be configured to unlock the actuator, thereby allowing movement of the lifter.

[0010] Any of the medical devices described herein may have any of the following features: The actuator may include a lever. The actuator may include a protrusion extending radially inward toward a surface of the handle body. The engaging portion may include a hook. The protrusion may engage with the hook to lock the lifter. A button may move the hook to unlock the lifter.

[0011] In one example, a method may include contacting an actuator and applying a force to the actuator to move the actuator from a first position to a second position, thereby (a) raising a lifter at the distal tip of the duodenoscope from a lowered configuration to an elevated configuration, and (b) bringing the actuator to an engagement portion on the handle body surface of the duodenoscope and disengaging from contact with the actuator. After disengaging from the actuator, the lifter may remain in the elevated configuration. A force may be applied to the actuator or the engagement portion. The lifter may be moved from the second position to the first position, thereby lowering the lifter from the elevated configuration to the lowered configuration.

[0012] It is understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and illustrative of the claimed invention, and not restrictive. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive contents such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or not inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Where an element is not circular, the term “diameter” may refer to width. The term “far side” refers to the direction away from the operator, and the term “proximal side” refers to the direction towards the operator. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “exemplary.” The terms “about,” “approximately,” or similar terms (e.g., “substantially”) include values ​​plus or minus 10% of the specified value. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0014] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Various aspects of an exemplary handle are shown.

[0015] Figures 2A to 6B An exemplary locking mechanism is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0016] After activating the lift, it may be desirable for the operator to be able to hold the lift in the desired position without maintaining contact with the control mechanism used to activate the lever. Therefore, a locking mechanism is needed for duodenoscope components, such as the lift. Embodiments of the present invention relate to a locking mechanism that prevents movement of the lift control lever when the lever is in one or more predetermined positions. The locking mechanism may, for example, lock the lift lever so that the lift is held in the raised position. After the lift is locked, the user can remove their finger or thumb from the lift lever, thereby allowing the user to freely perform other operations with that finger or thumb.

[0017] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Different views of the duodenoscope handle 10 are shown. Although the term duodenoscope may be used herein, it should be understood that other devices, including but not limited to endoscopes, colonoscopes, ureteroscopes, bronchoscopes, laparoscopes, sheaths, catheters, or any other suitable delivery or medical device, may be used in conjunction with the disclosed locking mechanism. Relative to Figure 1A The view in the middle, Figure 1B The view in the middle is already relative to Figure 1A The view in the image has been rotated, as shown below. Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown in the coordinate system on the graph. Figure 1A As shown, the handle 10 may include a body 12. A lifting actuator, such as a lever 20, can be mounted on a lever 12. Figure 1B The lever 20 is moved in the direction indicated by the middle arrow to provide control of the lift at the distal end of the endoscope. Although lever 20 is depicted, alternative control mechanisms may also fall within the scope of the invention. For example, sliders, knobs, switches, wheels, or other mechanisms may be used. Lever 20 may include an arm 24 and a contact portion 26, which extends radially outward from the arm 24 (in... Figure 1A From the middle to the left and beyond Figure 1B (See page in [the document]). Arm 24 may extend into handle 10 to connect to a cable or other structure (e.g., a shaft) that extends through the endoscope and connects to a lift at the distal end of the endoscope. Movement of arm 24 may raise or lower the lift.

[0018] The contact portion 26 may extend generally parallel to the surface of the body 12. The contact portion 26 may extend generally perpendicular to the arm 24. The contact portion 26 may include ridges or other features to increase friction and / or facilitate gripping between the contact portion 26 and the user's fingers or thumb.

[0019] Handle 10 may also include a steering assembly 60, which may include a knob and / or lever for hinged engagement of the distal endoscope. Umbilical tube 62 may extend from handle 10 and may house cables, ropes, wires, and / or conduits for supplying signals, power, air, and / or water to handle 10 and other parts of the endoscope. Image capture button 68 may allow control of a camera on the distal endoscope for capturing still images. Handle 10 may also have other features such as ports and valves (e.g., for air, water, and / or suction).

[0020] Figures 2A to 6B Various locking mechanisms are described. Figures 2A to 6B The locking mechanism can be used in conjunction with handle 10 or with an alternative handle. Aspects of the locking mechanism described herein can be used individually or in combination. In practical applications, similar reference numerals have been used herein to denote similar structures. Unless otherwise stated, the handle described below may have any of the features of handle 10. Although the figures depict a locking mechanism for locking the lever and the lifter in one position, it should be understood that multiple locking mechanisms can be used to lock the lever and the lifter in different positions. Although the locking mechanism is described relative to the lifter lever and the lifter, it should be understood that the locking mechanism can alternatively be used with other components (e.g., steering components).

[0021] Figures 2A to 2C A first exemplary locking mechanism 100 is shown. The locking mechanism 100 may include an actuator, such as a lever 120 having an arm 124 and a contact portion 126. The lever 120, arm 124, and contact portion 126 may each have any of the features of the lever 120, arm 24, and contact portion 26. A handle 110 including a body 112 may each have any of the features of the handle 10 and the body 12. For example, an image capture button 68 may be disposed on the surface of the body 112. The body 112 is... Figures 2A to 2C The portion is shown as transparent to show the hook 140 (which may be an engagement portion) as described below. It should be understood that, for clarity, other components within the body 112 are not shown except for the hook 140.

[0022] Figure 2A The locking mechanism 100 in the first unlocking configuration is shown. The lever 120 is free to move (subject to other constraints, such as stopping at the end of the range of the lever 120). Figure 2A The arrow in the diagram shows the movement of lever 120 to switch locking mechanism 100 to... Figure 2B The direction of the second locking mode. Figure 2B In the middle, lever 120 cannot be used in the first direction (in Figures 2A to 2C The lever (approximately to the left) may not be able to move in the second direction. Figures 2A to 2C The lever 120 moves (approximately to the right) because a stop or other feature on the arm 124, another part of the lever 120, and / or within the body 112 of the handle 110 prevents the lever 120 from moving beyond the second direction. Figure 2B The location shown.

[0023] The lever 120 may also include a protrusion or fastener 130 extending from the surface of the contact portion 126 facing the body 112. The protrusion 130 extends radially inward from the surface of the contact portion 126 toward the body 112. The protrusion 130 may have any suitable shape. Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the protrusion 130 may be triangular or wedge-shaped. The first side 132 of the protrusion 130 may face in a first direction (in... Figures 2A to 2C The surface of the body 112, which moves from the center to the left, is radially outward inclined or conical. For example... Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the first side 132 may be straight or slightly curved. The second side 134 of the protrusion 130 may extend between the end of the first side 132 furthest in the first direction and the radially inward surface of the contact portion 126.

[0024] Although a portion of the hook 140 may extend to the exterior of the body 112, as will be explained, the majority of the hook 140 may also be disposed within the body 112. The hook 140 may extend from a first end 142 (at its furthest point in a first direction) to a second end 144 (at its furthest point in a second direction) inside the body 112. A shaft 146 may extend from the proximal end 142 toward the second end 144. A hook-shaped portion 148 may extend laterally from the shaft 146. For example, the hook-shaped portion 148 may extend from the shaft 146 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The first end 142 may terminate in a barb 147 and may have a shape similar to the end of a fishhook. In at least some configurations, as described below, the first end 142 (and the barb 147) may extend radially outward through an opening in the body 112, such that the first end 142 extends outside the body 112.

[0025] The protrusion 149 of shaft 146 can be bent to form a generally "U" shape. The protrusion 149 can extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis of hook 140. Apart from the protrusion 149, shaft 146 can be generally straight or can be slightly bent.

[0026] The protrusion 149 can be aligned with and extend into the button 150 on the surface of the body 112. The button 150 can have any suitable component. For example, the button 150 can be formed of a flexible or rigid material. The button 150 may include resilient and / or shape memory components, such that the button 150 is biased to... Figures 2A to 2BThe button 150 may be in its unpressed form. For example, button 150 may include a spring, or a portion of button 150 that is accessible to the user may include a shape memory material. Button 150 may have an inner surface configured to engage with and retain protrusion 149 via friction engagement. Alternatively or additionally, adhesives or other mechanisms may be used to retain protrusion 149 within button 150.

[0027] Leverage 120 can be used Figures 2A to 2C Transformation between different forms. Figure 2A In this configuration, lever 120 can be positioned such that the lift is in a lowered or partially raised position, and lever 120 can move in a first and / or second direction (approximately to the left or right in the accompanying drawings, respectively) to raise or lower the lift. Figure 2B In this configuration, lever 120 can be positioned such that the lift is in the raised position, and lever 120 can be locked and thus prevented from moving in the first direction. Therefore, the lift can be prevented from moving to the lowered position. Alternatively, Figure 2B The locking position of the middle lever 120 can correspond to other configurations of the lift (e.g., a lowering or partially raising configuration).

[0028] exist Figure 2A In the first configuration shown, button 150 can be in a released state, and lever 120 can be positioned further in a first direction than the first end 142 of hook 140 including barb 147. Specifically, the second side 134 of protrusion 130 can be located further in the first direction than the first end 142 of hook 140. Figure 2A In its first configuration, lever 120 can move freely because it is not engaged with hook 140. Lever 120 can be in its unlocked configuration.

[0029] The hook 140 can be positioned within the body 112, such that the second end 144 is positioned adjacent to or touching the inner surface of the body 112. The second end 144 is... Figures 2A to 2C Each of the shapes can have approximately the same position. The protrusion 149 can extend radially outward from the surface of the body 112 into the released button 150. The user can contact the button 150 and thereby transmit a radially inward force on the protrusion 149.

[0030] In order to transfer lever 120 and hook 140 from Figure 2A The first form transformation to Figure 2B In its second form, lever 120 can be used in the second direction (in...) Figures 2A to 2C(Approximately to the right). The first side 132 of the protrusion 130 can slide on the first end 142 of the hook 140 including the barb 147. The shapes of the first side 132 and the first end 142 of the hook 140 including the barb 147 can be complementary, such that the first side 132 of the protrusion 130 can slide over the first end 142 of the hook 140. The contact between the first side 132 of the protrusion 130 and the first end 142 of the hook 140 can provide tactile feedback to the user and indicate the position of the lever 120 and / or the lift controlled by the lever 120.

[0031] When the first side 132 of the protrusion 130 moves beyond the first end 142 of the hook 140 in the second direction, the first side 132 can apply a radially inward force to the first end 142, causing the first end 142 to be pushed radially inward. The radially outward angle of the barb 147 to the first side 132 of the protrusion 130 can be substantially parallel or otherwise complementary to facilitate the protrusion 130 sliding over the barb 147. The second end 144 can remain substantially stationary. When the hook 140 is pushed radially inward, the hook 140 can adopt a similar... Figure 2C The shape shown will be discussed in further detail below. However, compared with... Figure 2C Compared to its previous form, button 150 can remain unpressed when protrusion 130 moves beyond first end 142, so as to... Figure 2A The first form transformation to Figure 2B The second form.

[0032] Hook 140 can be biased such that after the entire protrusion 130 has moved beyond the first end 142 (such that, as... Figure 2B As shown, the protrusion 130 is in Figure 2A On the opposite side of the first end 142 of the first form, the first end 142 can return to its original position, wherein the first end 142 (including the barb 147) extends radially outward from the surface of the body 112 toward the protrusion 130. After returning to its biased position, the hook 140 can have a... Figure 2A The first form has the same shape.

[0033] exist Figure 2BIn this configuration, the first end 142 of the hook 140, including the barb 147, can extend radially outward beyond the radially innermost end of the second side 134 of the protrusion 130. The first end 142 of the hook 140 can prevent the protrusion 130 and thus prevent the lever 120 from moving in a first direction (to the left in the figure). A force acting on the lever 120 in the first direction (from the user or other types of force) can cause the second side 134 of the protrusion 130 to contact the hook-shaped portion 148 of the hook 140, including the first end 142 and / or the barb 147. The force applied to the protrusion 130 by the hook 140 can be generally in the second direction and can prevent movement in the first direction. For example, as Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the hook-shaped portion 148 and the second side 134 can be approximately parallel to each other.

[0034] To unlock lever 120 (and thus allow movement of the lift controlled by lever 120), button 150 can be pressed by the user, such as... Figure 2C As shown in the third embodiment. Button 150 can apply a radially inward force to protrusion 149, which in turn can cause at least a portion of hook 140 to move radially inward. Alternatively, button 150 can be omitted and the user can directly press protrusion 149 or another portion of hook 140. Hook 140 can be connected to a spring or have shape memory properties, such that hook 140... Figures 2B to 2C The shape is biased. For example, hook 140 can be made of nitinol or another material (e.g., metal or plastic). As another alternative, other suitable mechanisms can be used to press portions of hook 140 (including the second end 144) radially inward. Hook 140 can have any suitable shape to achieve the first end 142 in... Figure 2A , Figure 2B Location and Figure 2C The transition between positions.

[0035] When button 150 is pressed and protrusion 149 is pushed radially inward, the second end 144 of hook 140 can press against the inner surface of body 112, thereby imparting rotational motion to the first end 142, causing it to move radially inward to... Figure 2C The position is shown. The hook 140 may have appropriate flexibility or stiffness to allow radial inward movement of the first end 142 of the hook 140. Alternatively or additionally, radial inward pressing of the protrusion 149 may cause radial inward translation of the hook 140, thereby causing radial inward movement of all portions of the hook 140 including the first end 142.

[0036] The first end 142 may be substantially flush with the surface of the body 112 or may be radially inward of the surface of the body 112. Figure 2CIn the third configuration, the first end 142 may not intersect the protrusion 130 radially. Therefore, the hook 140 may not prevent the lever 120 from moving in the first direction. Alternatively, the first end 142 may be shaped such that the first end 142 and the protrusion 130 intersect each other radially, while the protrusion 130, when radially pressed down, such as Figure 2C As shown, it slides on the first end 142. For example, the barb 147 may have a ramp shape to allow this sliding.

[0037] While pressing button 150, the user can move the unlocking lever 120 in the first direction. After the second end 134 of protrusion 130 is located further away from the first end 142 in the first direction (e.g., away from the first end 142), the user can release button 150 and continue moving lever 130 in the first direction.

[0038] During use, the operator can position the distal end of the duodenoscope in the desired location. The instrument can pass through the sheath of the duodenoscope until it protrudes from the distal end. The locking mechanism 100 can be in the [position missing]. Figure 2A In this configuration, the user can then move lever 120 in the second direction to raise the duodenoscope lift. The user can move lever 120 until the locking mechanism automatically switches to the desired position. Figure 2B The locking mechanism may not require the user to press button 150 to switch to the second configuration. Instead, the geometry and characteristics of the hook 140 and the protrusion 130 facilitate automatic locking once the protrusion 130 passes the first end 142 of the hook 140. The hook 140 can flex radially inward as the protrusion 130 passes the first end 142 of the hook 140. When the lift is in the raised position, the hook 140 can engage the protrusion 130 to lock the lever 120. When the lever 120 is locked, the operator can freely remove their fingers or thumb from the lever 120. When the user wishes to lower the lift, they can press button 150 to move the first end 142 of the hook 140 radially inward, allowing the protrusion 130 to pass radially outward from the first end 142 of the hook 140 as the lever 120 moves in the first direction.

[0039] The parameters of the locking mechanism 100 can be altered to calibrate the amount of force required to lock and / or unlock the lever 120. For example, the size and shape of the first end 142 of the hook 140 (including the barb 147) and the protrusion 130 can be changed to adjust the interaction between those components and the amount of force required to shift the lever 120 to the locked position and the amount of locking force provided. Aspects of the protrusion 149 and / or the button 150 can also be modified to adjust the amount of unlocking force required to unlock the lever 120.

[0040] Figure 3A and Figure 3B An alternative locking mechanism 200 is shown. Locking mechanism 200 may utilize a ratchet mechanism. Locking mechanism 200 may include an actuator, such as lever 220, which may include a contact portion 226. Lever 220 and contact portion 226 may each have a mass of lever 20, 120 and contact portions 26, 226, respectively. Protrusion 230 may extend radially inward from the radially inward surface of contact portion 226 toward the surface of body 212. Body 212 may have any of the features of bodies 12, 112. Protrusion 230 may have pawl-like features and may flex relative to the surface of contact portion 226.

[0041] The body 212 may have teeth 240 formed on its surface in, for example, a serrated pattern. The teeth 240 may form engaging portions. The teeth 240 may be in a second direction (in...) Figures 3A to 3B The second direction (angled to the right) can be the direction in which the lever 220 moves to raise the lift controlled by the lever 220. The tooth 240 can be integrally formed with the body 212, made of the same material as the body 212, or can be formed from a single piece or multiple separate pieces fixed to the body 212. The tooth 240 can extend along all or part of the body 212, along which the lever 220 can move and can protrude from the body 212. For example, the tooth 240 can be positioned along the range where the lever 220 is desired to lock.

[0042] The protrusion 230 and the tooth 240 may have complementary shapes, such that when the lever 220 is at least in the second direction (in Figure 3A and Figure 3B When the lever 220 moves to the right, it can flex radially inward as it engages with the tooth 240 at its radially inward tip and moves on the tooth 240. The engagement of the protrusion 230 with the tooth 240 can provide the user with tactile or auditory feedback that the lever 220 (and the lift controlled by it) is within a specific range of motion. For example, the engagement of the protrusion 230 with the tooth 240 can indicate to the user that the lift has been raised to a specific angle.

[0043] Lever 220 may have a pivotable portion 222. The pivotable portion 222 may pivot to the remainder of lever 220 (e.g., the arm of lever 220). A hinge may be provided between the pivotable portion 222 and the remainder of lever 220. The pivotable portion 222 may be biased to... Figure 3A In this configuration, the radially inner surface of the contact portion 226 is approximately parallel to the surface of the body 212. Bias can occur via a spring at the hinge of the lever 220 or via the shape memory properties of the lever 220. The user can use their thumb or finger to engage the contact portion. Figure 3BThe pivotable portion 222 can be pivoted or switched in the direction indicated by the middle arrow. Pivoting the pivotable portion 222 can cause the protrusion 230 to move radially away from the surface of the body 212 and the tooth 240.

[0044] During use, the operator can position the distal end of the duodenoscope in the desired location. The instrument can pass through the sheath of the duodenoscope until it protrudes from the distal end. The user can then move lever 220 in a second direction while the pivotable portion 222 is in position. Figure 3A In this configuration, the lever 220 is used to raise the duodenoscope's lift. The user can move the lever 220 until the protrusion 230 engages the tooth 240. After the protrusion 230 engages the tooth 240, the lever 220 can move in a second direction (provided that another feature, such as a stop, does not prevent movement beyond a desired range). However, the engagement of the protrusion 230 with the tooth 240 can prevent the lever 220 from moving in the first direction. The engagement between the tooth 240 and the protrusion 230 can lock the lever 220 in a specific position (e.g., where the lift is raised or located in another desired position). When the lever 220 is thus locked, the operator is free to remove their fingers or thumb from the lever 220. When the user wishes to move the lever 220 in the first direction (e.g., to lower the lift), the user can pivot the pivotable portion 222 to... Figure 3B The configuration is shown. Pivoting of the pivotable portion 222 can cause the lever protrusion 230 to disengage from the tooth 240, thereby unlocking the lever 220 and allowing the lever 220 to move in a first direction (e.g., to lower the lift).

[0045] The locking mechanism 200 may include multiple segments with teeth 240 to provide multiple locking positions for the lever 120 and corresponding multiple locking positions for the lift controlled by the lever 120. Smooth segments without teeth 240 may be broken into multiple segments by the teeth 240.

[0046] Figures 4A to 4BA cross-sectional view of another exemplary locking mechanism 300 is shown. The locking mechanism 300 may include an actuator, such as a lever 320 that can control the movement of a lift at the distal end of a duodenoscope. The lever 320 may have any of the characteristics of levers 20, 120, and 220 described above. The lever 320 may have a contact surface 326, an arm 360, and a rotating portion 362 rotatable about axis A. The rotating portion 362 may be washer-shaped and may be located externally or internally to the body 312. The arm 360 may extend radially outward from the rotating portion 362 and may terminate at the contact portion 326. The arm 360 may be narrower than the rotating portion 362. The contact portion 326 may project outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis of the arm 360. The lever 320 may have alternative forms, including those described above with respect to levers 20, 120, and 220.

[0047] The stop 340 can be disposed on the surface of the handle body 312 and can form an engagement portion. The body 312 can have any of the characteristics of the aforementioned bodies 12, 112, and 212. The stop 340 can protrude radially outward from the surface of the handle body 312. The shape and size of the stop 340 can be configured to interact with the radially inward surface of the lever 320. For example... Figure 4A As shown, the stop 340 may have a cross-sectional shape that is part of a circle or an ellipse. The stop 340 may be disposed on one side of the arm 360 or may include a channel formed therein to allow the arm 360 to pass through it.

[0048] The lever 320 can move freely when it is not aligned with and / or engaged with the stop 340. When a portion of the lever 320, such as the inner surface of the contact portion 326, is aligned with and / or engaged with the outer surface of the stop 340, the lever 320 can contact the stop 340, resulting in friction between the lever 320 and the stop 340.

[0049] The frictional force between lever 320 and stop 340 can depend on the characteristics of lever 320 and / or stop 340. For example, the materials used to form the surfaces of lever 320 and stop 340 may affect the frictional force between them. The surface treatment of lever 320 and stop 340 may also affect the frictional force between lever 320 and stop 340. For example, roughening lever 320 and / or stop 340 may increase the frictional force between lever 320 and stop 340. The surface of stop 340 (or lever 320) may include a flexible and / or compressible material (e.g., rubber) to increase the frictional force between lever 320 and stop 340.

[0050] The friction between lever 320 and stop 340 can be calibrated to create a locking effect between them, while allowing the user to manually move lever 320 beyond stop 340. The required friction can depend on the characteristics of the duodenoscope (e.g., the force applied to the duodenoscope lift due to tension on the duodenoscope shaft), user characteristics, type of surgery, or other factors. The friction between lever 320 and stop 340 can be established during manufacturing or can be adjusted by the user.

[0051] although Figure 3A and Figure 3B One stop 340 is shown, but multiple stops 340 may also be used. For example, the stop 340 may be located in a position corresponding to a predetermined configuration of the lift (fully raised, fully lowered, partially raised, etc.). The stop 340 may be located at the end of the travel path of the lever 320 (as long as the lever 320 can travel in either direction), or between the ends of the travel path of the lever 320.

[0052] In use, when a portion of lever 320 is not engaged with stop 340, the user can freely adjust lever 320. When a surface of lever 320 (e.g., the surface of contact portion 326) contacts stop 340, lever 320 can be locked by friction between lever 320 and stop 340. When locked in this way, the user can freely remove their finger or thumb from the lifter. The user can unlock lever 320 by applying sufficient force to overcome the friction between stop 340 and lever 320.

[0053] Figure 4C and Figure 4D Another exemplary locking mechanism 300' is shown. Locking mechanism 300' may have similar functionality to locking mechanism 300. Locking mechanism 300' may have the characteristics of locking mechanism 300, unless otherwise stated herein.

[0054] Although the locking mechanism 300 may include a stop 340 on the outer surface of the body 312, the stop 340' may also be disposed inside the body 312. The stop 340' may be secured to any suitable structure within the body 312.

[0055] The rotating portion 362' can also be disposed within the body 312. The rotating portion 362' can have any of the characteristics of a rotating portion 362, except that the shape of the rotating portion 362' is configured such that the surface of the rotating portion 362' sometimes engages with the stop 340' and otherwise does not engage with the stop 340'. For example, as... Figure 4D As shown, the rotating portion 362' can have a portion with varying radial dimensions. For example... Figure 4D As shown, the rotating portion 362' may have a cutout portion 364 or a recess, thereby causing the corresponding portion of the rotating portion 362' to have a smaller radius than other portions of the rotating portion 362'. When the cutout portion 364 interacts with the stop member 340' ( Figure 4C When aligned, lever 320 can move freely. When the cut portion 364 is not aligned with stop 340', rotating portion 362' can engage with stop 340', thereby generating a frictional force for braking, as described above. Figure 4C and 4D As shown, the cut 364 can form a small subset of the circumference of the rotating portion 362', such that a large portion of the rotating portion 362' is configured to engage with the stop 340'. Alternatively, the cut 364 can include a larger proportion of the circumference of the rotating portion 362'. The rotating portion 362' can include a plurality of cut portions 364 that do not engage with the stop 340' and a plurality of portions that engage with the stop 340'.

[0056] The principles described above regarding locking mechanism 300 also apply to locking mechanism 300', including those concerning the calibration of the frictional force between the rotatable part 362' and the stop 340'. In use, Figure 4C In the first configuration, the stop 340' can be aligned with the cutout 364, and the lever 320 can move freely. In either direction of the cutout 364 is the surface of the rotating portion 362, which can engage with the stop 340'. When the lever 320 rotates, causing the cutout 364 to no longer engage with the stop 340'... Figure 4D When aligned, the stop 340' can engage with the surface of the rotatable portion 362', resulting in friction on the locking lever 320. To unlock the lever 320, the user can apply force to the lever 320 to overcome the friction.

[0057] Figures 5A to 5C Another exemplary locking mechanism 500 is shown. The locking mechanism 500 may include an actuator, such as a lever 520, which may have any of the features of levers 20, 120, 220, and 320. The lever 520 may include an actuation component 580 that causes the lever 520 in a first configuration ( Figure 5A and Figure 5B ) and second form ( Figure 5C Switching between () and (). Actuation component 580 may include button 582. Button 582 may extend through the center or other part of lever 520 or be adjacent to lever 520.

[0058] exist Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the middle, button 582 is shown in the pressed position. Figure 5CA button 582 is shown in its unbiased neutral position, in which it is not pressed. A spring 592 is arranged around a shaft 584 of the button 582 to bias the button 582 to... Figure 5C In the unpressed position. An alternative mechanism for spring 592, such as a shape memory material, can be used to bias button 582 to... Figure 5C In the form of.

[0059] Wall portions 586 and 588 may extend at least partially around shaft 584 and spring 592. For example, wall portions 586 and 588 may be parts of a structure (e.g., a tube) that is completely circumferentially around shaft 584. Alternatively, wall portions 586 and 588 may be discrete parts that are only partially around shaft 584. Wall portions 586 and 588 may be straight or curved.

[0060] The wall portion 588 may include a movable portion 590. Figure 5A and Figure 5B In the activated state, when the button is pressed / activated, the movable portion 590 can form a ramped edge. The movable portion 590 can form a radially inward portion of the wall portion 588 (facing the surface of the body 512, which can have any of the characteristics of bodies 12, 112, 212, and 312). In the activated state ( Figure 5A and Figure 5B In this configuration, the movable portion 590 can be angled relative to the remainder of the wall portion 588 toward the wall portion 586. Figure 5C In this configuration, where button 582 is in its neutral, inactive position, the wall portion 588, including the movable portion 590, can be generally straight, and the movable portion 590 can be generally parallel or coaxial with the remaining non-movable portions of the wall portion 588. In the straight configuration of the wall portion 588, the movable portion 590 and the entire wall portion 588 can be generally parallel to the wall portion 586. The straight wall portion 588 and the wall portion 586 can be generally perpendicular to the surface of the body 512. Figure 5C In this configuration, wall portions 588 and 586 may have radially inward ends adjacent to or touching the surface of the body 512. Button 582 may be operably coupled to movable portion 590 to activate movable portion 590 so that wall portion 588... Figure 5C The roughly straight shape transforms to Figure 5A and Figure 5B An angled shape.

[0061] The surface of body 512 may include cavity 594. Cavity 594 may have any suitable shape. For example, cavity 594 may have square sides or a circular cross-section. When the lifter is in the raised position, cavity 594 may be positioned corresponding to the position of lever 520. Body 596 may be movably disposed within cavity 594 and may be connected to spring 598 or other biasing mechanism. Body 596 may form an engagement portion. Body 596 may include, for example, a ball bearing. Body 596 may be biased to... Figure 5A and Figure 5C In the form of the body 596, at least a portion of the body 596 extends radially outward from the surface of the body 512.

[0062] When lever 520 is not aligned with cavity 594 (e.g.) Figure 5A As shown, lever 520 can move freely to raise or lower the lift. When the user moves lever 520 to actuate the lift, the user can press button 582, thereby causing the movable part 590 to engage... Figure 5A and Figure 5B The angled shape. When the movable part 590 is in the angled shape, such as Figure 5B As shown, the radially inward edge of the movable portion 590 can move on the body 596 and a radially inward force can be applied to the body 596 to push the body 596 within the cavity 594. When the lever 520 is in Figure 5B When in the raised position, the elevator can be in the raised position.

[0063] When the elevator is raised (or at the same level as) Figure 5B and Figure 5C When the lever 520 is in its corresponding lockable position (as opposed to another lockable position in its original form), the user can release the lever 520 and button 582. After releasing button 582, the movable part 590 can be switched to... Figure 5C The configuration shown indicates that the movable portion 590 is generally straight relative to the rest of the wall portion 588. The movable portion 590 can swing away from the wall portion 586 to transform it to... Figure 5C The movable part 590 may no longer apply force to the body 596, so the spring 598 can take a neutral form, and the body 596 can move radially outward. Figure 5C The body 596 can be disposed on the radially outer side of the radially inward ends of the wall portions 586 and 588. Figure 5C In its form, body 596 can prevent body 596 from operating in the first direction (in... Figures 5A to 5C (from center to left) or in the second direction (in) Figures 5A to 5C(From center to right). The characteristics of the body 596 and the spring 598 (e.g., the mass or volume of the body 596 or the stiffness of the spring 598) allow the body 596 to move... Figure 5C The shape has sufficient elasticity to prevent lever 520 from moving. Therefore, in Figure 5C In this configuration, lever 520 can be in a locked state.

[0064] To unlock lever 520, press button 582 to switch lever 520 to... Figure 5B The movable part 590 can apply a radially inward force to the body 594 to push the body 596 within the cavity 594, thereby allowing the lever 520 to move in a first or second direction.

[0065] although Figures 5A to 5C A wall portion 588 with a movable portion and a wall portion 586 without a movable portion are shown. However, it should be understood that the wall portion 586 may also include a movable portion that can be converted between a configuration in which it is angled toward the wall portion 588 and a configuration in which it is generally straight relative to the rest of the wall portion 586. This additional movable portion can be conveniently used in multiple locking positions via multiple cavities 594 (each having a body 596 disposed therein).

[0066] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Another exemplary locking mechanism 600 is shown. The locking mechanism 600 may have an actuator, such as a lever 620 (which has the features of levers 20, 120, 220, 320, 520) and a body 612 (which has the features of bodies 12, 112, 212, 312). The lever 520 may be positioned about a pivot point in the first and second directions (in...) Figure 6A and Figure 6B The elevator can be moved up or down to raise or lower it.

[0067] The body 612 may include features 640 formed on its surface. For example, feature 640 may include a protrusion, a channel, a notch, and / or other structures. The lever 620 may have complementary structures (not shown) on its radially inward surface. For example, the lever 620 may include a protrusion configured to engage a channel of feature 640 or a notch configured to engage a protrusion of feature 640. Although Figure 6A A feature 640 is shown, but it should be understood that multiple features may be set on the surface of the body 612.

[0068] exist Figure 6A In this configuration, lever 620 can move in either the first or second direction to actuate the lift. Lever 620 can also move in a third direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second directions. Figure 6A and 6B Move from center to left. When lever 620 is aligned with feature 640 and lever 620 moves upward on the third side... Figure 6B In the illustrated configuration, lever 620 can engage with feature 640 to hold lever 620 in a position along a first / second direction in which feature 640 is disposed. Feature 640 can thus be used to lock lever 620, thereby preventing rotation of lever 620 and movement of the lift controlled therethere. To unlock lever 620, lever 620 can be moved in a fourth direction (to the right).

[0069] Feature 640 may be located on surface 612 at a position where the lifter is desired to be locked. For example, feature 640 may be located at a position along a first / second direction, corresponding to the position of lever 620 in a raised, lowered, or partially raised configuration of the lifter.

[0070] Although the principles of the invention have been described herein with reference to illustrative examples for specific applications, it should be understood that the invention is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art and who access the teachings provided herein will recognize that additional modifications, applications, and substitutions of equivalents fall within the scope of the examples described herein. Therefore, the invention should not be considered limited to the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A medical device comprising: A sheath configured to be inserted into a patient's body cavity, wherein the distal end of the sheath includes a lifter for changing the orientation of the medical device. as well as A handle, the handle having a handle body, wherein the handle includes: An actuator, wherein the actuator is operatively connected to the lift, wherein activation of the actuator causes movement of the lift, wherein the actuator is configured to be contacted by a user, and wherein the actuator includes a protrusion; and In at least one configuration of the handle, the engaging portion protrudes from the surface of the handle body toward the actuator, wherein the engaging portion includes a hook comprising a first part and a second part; The radially inward pressing force applied by the user to the second part causes the handle to switch between (a) a first configuration, wherein the first part engages with the protrusion of the actuator to prevent movement of the actuator relative to the engagement portion, and (b) a second configuration, wherein the actuator is movable relative to the engagement portion. In at least the first configuration, each of the first portion and the second portion protrudes radially outward from the handle body.

2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a lever.

3. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the protrusion extends radially inward toward the surface of the handle body.

4. The medical device of claim 3, wherein the protrusion is wedge-shaped.

5. The medical device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein in the first configuration, the protrusion engages with the hook, and wherein the hook is movable to allow the handle to be switched from the first configuration to the second configuration.

6. The medical device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the engagement portion comprises a shape memory material.

7. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the handle further comprises a button configured to apply force on the second portion.

8. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the handle is configured to switch from the second form to the first form by moving the protrusion from a first side of the first portion to a second side of the first portion, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side.

9. The medical device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the engagement portion comprises a plurality of teeth.

10. The medical device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the handle is switched from the first configuration to the second configuration by moving a first portion of the actuator relative to a second portion of the actuator.

11. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the engagement portion comprises a body and a spring disposed in a cavity of the handle body.

12. The medical device of claim 11, wherein the actuator includes a wall, wherein in the first configuration, a first portion of the wall has a first angle relative to a surface of the handle body, and wherein in the second configuration, the first portion of the wall has a second angle relative to the surface of the handle body, wherein the second angle is different from the first angle.

13. The medical device of claim 12, wherein the actuator is movable in a first direction and a second direction to cause movement of the lifter, and wherein, in order to change the handle from the first configuration to the second configuration, the actuator moves upward in a third direction perpendicular to each of the first and second directions.

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