Connectors for fluidly connecting medical devices to air and water tubing

Abstract

A connector (20, 60) for fluidly connecting a medical device (1) to an air tube (34) and a water tube (35), comprising a housing (21) having a first through lumen (22) and a second through lumen (25), the first through lumen (22) having a proximal opening (26) configured to couple to the air tube (34) and a distal opening (27) configured to couple to an air port (3) of the medical device, and the second through lumen (25) having a proximal opening (23) configured to couple to the water tube (35) and a distal opening (24) configured to couple to a water port (2) of the medical device. The connector is a two-part connector comprising a proximal part (28) and a distal part (29). The proximal part (28) has proximal openings (26, 23) and the distal part (29) includes distal openings (24, 27). The proximal and distal components are configured to be removably engaged, and the second through-going lumen (25) includes a check valve (10) disposed in the distal component of the housing. The distal openings (24, 27) are configured to be fluidically connected to air-water (AW) ports (3, 2) of the endoscope. The proximal component (28) may include a housing part (61) sized to accommodate the distal component (29).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for fluidly connecting a medical device to an air tube and a water tube. In particular, the present invention relates to a connector for fluidly connecting an endoscope to an air tube and a water tube leading to a water bottle. Background Art

[0002] Endoscopes are imaging devices used to image the interior of the body. They typically have a control handle connected to a long, slender, flexible tubular body with an imaging lens and light at the distal end. Fiber optics are often used to relay light from an illumination source in the handle to the distal end of the slender body. Most endoscopes incorporate air / water channels to deliver air and water to the distal tip for purposes such as cleaning the lens (water) or insufflating tissue near the tip. Air is typically provided by a pump connected to an air line in the endoscope's handle. Water is provided by an external water bottle, which is connected to the endoscope's handle via a water line and pump. Irrigation and flushing tubing sets and systems are described in AU2011316038, US5297537, and US20180206707.

[0003] In some endoscopes, air can be directed through a valve to an external water bottle to pressurize the bottle. In this type of endoscope, the handle has adjacent air and water ports disposed on the handle to fluidly connect the water bottle to the endoscope via air and water tubes. In use, air is pumped from the endoscope through the air tube to the water bottle to pressurize the bottle, and the pressure forces the water in the bottle through the water line into the endoscope to clean the endoscope's lens. Figure 1 FIG2 illustrates this type of system, wherein the handle of an endoscope 1 has protruding water and air ports 2 and 3, a water bottle 4, air and water tubes 5 and 6, a bottle cap 7, and a connector 8. Bottle cap 7 is glued to the distal ends of the air and water tubes. Connector 8 is glued to the distal ends of the air and water tubes and has a distal end 9 sized to fluidically connect with water and air ports 2 and 3. FIG2 illustrates connector 8, tubes 5 and 6, and bottle cap 7 prior to assembly.

[0004] The water bottle, tubing, and connector are typically used for 20 hours before being discarded. This means they are used on several different patients during this time. Although none of these components come into contact with the patient, there is a risk of water flowing back from the endoscope into the water bottle (reflux) during use. This can lead to contamination of the water in the bottle, and when the endoscope is used on different patients using the same water bottle and tubing, this can cause cross-contamination. This problem can be solved by replacing the entire water supply assembly after each patient, although this is a costly and environmentally unfriendly solution.

[0005] To address this issue, some technical solutions have proposed adding a check valve to the fluid conduit to prevent water from flowing back into the bottle. Adding a check valve to existing machines is expensive and time-consuming. An alternative solution is to add a check valve to the water line, as shown in Figure 3. In Figure 3, check valve 10 is placed in water pipe 6. However, while this prevents water from flowing back into the bottle, allowing the bottle to be reused, the remaining parts of the water supply assembly (cap, tube, and connector) must be discarded because they are glued together and cannot be separated from the connector, which may be contaminated. Again, this is an expensive solution.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The applicant has solved the problems of the prior art by providing an improved connector which is provided in two parts, wherein a distal part is detachably attached to a proximal part and wherein the water chamber of the distal part incorporates a one-way valve. Figure 5 The connector is shown in an exploded view, showing the detachable distal and proximal components and the check valve in the distal component. With this connector, after the endoscope has been used on a patient, the connector is removed from the air and water ports of the endoscope, the distal component of the connector is removed from the proximal component, and a replacement distal component is attached to the proximal component to reassemble the connector. The connector is then reattached to the endoscope's ports. This way, only the distal component of the connector must be discarded, while the remaining components (the proximal component of the connector, the attached water and air tubes, the bottle cap, and the bottle) can be reused for the remainder of the recommended 20-hour period. This allows for a kit that includes a water bottle, a tube assembly with a bottle cap, air and water tubes, a connector, and several replacement distal components for the connector. This kit can be used on several patients over a 20-hour period without any risk of cross-contamination.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a connector for fluidly connecting a medical device with an air tube and a water tube, the connector comprising a housing having:

[0009] a first through-going lumen having a proximal opening configured to couple to an air tube and a distal opening configured to couple to an air port of a medical device; and

[0010] a second through-going lumen having a proximal opening configured to couple with a water tube and a distal opening configured to couple with a water port of a medical device;

[0011] Characterized in that the connector is a two-piece connector, which includes a proximal component having a proximal opening and a distal component having a distal opening, wherein the proximal component and the distal component are configured to be detachably engaged, and wherein the second through-going inner cavity includes a check valve arranged in the distal component of the housing.

[0012] In any embodiment, the distal opening is configured to be fluidly connected to an air port and a water port of the scoping device. Typically, these ports are protruding ports.

[0013] In any embodiment, the distal opening is configured to be fluidly connected to an Air-Water (AW) port of the endoscope.

[0014] In any embodiment, each proximal opening includes a groove sized to receive an end of an air tube or a water tube.

[0015] In any embodiment, the diameter of the first through-lumen groove is greater than the diameter of the second through-lumen groove.

[0016] In any embodiment, the proximal component and the distal component are configured for removable friction fit engagement.

[0017] In any embodiment, the proximal end of the distal component of the housing includes a protruding port, and the distal end of the proximal component of the housing includes a female port configured to receive the protruding port to fluidly couple the distal and proximal components of the housing.

[0018] In any embodiment, the proximal component includes a housing part sized to receive the distal component. Figures 9 to 18 An example of this embodiment is shown in FIG.

[0019] In any embodiment, the housing part of the proximal component includes a base portion and a cover portion, the cover portion being hingedly mounted to the base portion and adjustable between an open configuration, wherein the open configuration allows the distal component to be inserted into the housing part, and a closed configuration in which the distal component is enclosed within the housing part. The base portion can be sized to allow all, substantially all, or a portion of the distal component of the housing to be embedded within the base portion when the cover is open.

[0020] In any embodiment, the cover includes a clamp configured to clamp the proximal portion of the housing to an air port or a water port of the medical device when the cover is in the closed configuration. The clamp can be a C-shaped element configured to snap fit to the air port or the water port.

[0021] In any embodiment, the cover includes a clamp configured to clamp the proximal member of the housing to the air port of the medical device when the cover is in the closed configuration.

[0022] In any embodiment, the distal opening of the second through-lumen is proximally recessed relative to the distal opening of the first through-lumen.

[0023] In any embodiment, the connector is essentially composed of a proximal component including a housing part and a cover, a distal component and a check valve. In this embodiment, the distal component and the check valve are handled and removed and discarded after each use, while the proximal component can be reused and replaced only after a limited use period, for example 24 hours.

[0024] The present invention also provides an air and water pipe assembly, comprising:

[0025] A connector according to the present invention;

[0026] a water tube having a distal end fluidly coupled to the first through-going lumen of the connector via the proximal opening; and

[0027] An air tube has a distal end fluidly coupled to the second through-lumen of the connector via the proximal opening.

[0028] In any embodiments, the distal ends of the air tube and the water tube are non-detachably attached to the connector (eg, glued).

[0029] In any embodiment, the assembly includes a bottle cap that is non-detachably connected to the proximal ends of the water and air tubes to fluidly connect the bottle to the air and water tubes when the cap is attached to the bottle. The cap typically includes apertures for receiving the distal ends of the water and air tubes. Typically, the water tubes are secured to the cap such that the distal ends of the tubes extend beyond the cap (allowing the tubes to protrude into the bottle and into the water therein when the cap is attached to the bottle).

[0030] In any embodiment, the water tube has a smaller hole than the hole of the second tube.

[0031] The present invention also provides a kit comprising the assembly of the present invention and further comprising one or more replacement distal components of the connector, the one or more replacement distal components being configured to be removably attached to the proximal component of the connector.

[0032] The present invention also provides a method of using a medical device that employs the air and water tube assembly according to the present invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0033] connecting the distal outlet of the connector of the assembly to the air port and the water port of the medical device;

[0034] pouring water into the bottle and securing the cap to the bottle to fluidly couple the water bottle with the medical device via the water tube and the connector;

[0035] Use of the medical device during a medical procedure (e.g., endoscopy among other observational procedures);

[0036] Disconnect the connectors of the assembly from the air and water ports of the medical device;

[0037] Separating the distal part of the connector from the proximal part and discarding the used distal part;

[0038] attaching a replacement distal member of the connector to the proximal member to reassemble the connector; and

[0039] Attach the reassembled connector to the air and water ports of the medical device.

[0040] In any embodiment, the medical device is an endoscope of the type having adjacent air and water ports on the handle of the endoscope. In any embodiment, the endoscope is an Olympus 025 endoscope. Other endoscopes suitable for use with the connectors, assemblies, and methods of the present invention include the Fuji 088, Fuji 090, and Pentax 072 / 076 endoscopes.

[0041] Another related aspect of the present invention is an adapter for a connector of an air and water line assembly, the adapter allowing a conventional air and water line assembly (e.g., Figure 1 2 ) is connected to the air and water ports of a medical device such as an observation device (e.g., an endoscope, etc.), while allowing the air and water components to be reused in multiple patients. The adapter includes a housing having:

[0042] a distal end having an air port receptacle sized to mate with the air port of the medical device and a water port receptacle sized to mate with the water port of the medical device;

[0043] a proximal end having an air port and a water port configured the same as an air port and a water port of a medical device;

[0044] an air cavity fluidly connecting the air port receptacle and the air port;

[0045] a water chamber fluidly connecting the water port receptacle and the water port; and

[0046] A check valve is provided in the water chamber.

[0047] Typically, the air and water port receptacles at the distal end of the adapter are configured to fluidly connect to the air and water ports of an endoscope, typically an Olympus 025, Fuji 088, Fuji 090, or Pentax 072 / 076 endoscope.

[0048] Further aspects and preferred embodiments of the invention are defined and described in the further claims set out below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 (Prior Art) is an illustration of an endoscope handle, a water bottle, and a known water and air tube assembly for fluidly connecting the water bottle to the endoscope.

[0050] Figure 2 (Prior Art) is Figure 1 Illustration of the exploded view of the water and air pipe assemblies.

[0051] 3 (Prior Art) is an illustration of an endoscope handle, a water bottle, and a water and air tube assembly for the water bottle and endoscope, with a check valve in the water tube.

[0052] Figure 4A is a cross-sectional view of the connector of the present invention, showing the distal component and the proximal component before engagement.

[0053] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A Illustration of a connector with the distal and proximal parts attached together.

[0054] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the air and water tube assembly of the present invention with the cap attached to the water bottle and showing the connectors accessing the air and water ports on the endoscope handle.

[0055] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 An exploded cross-sectional view of the water and air tube assembly of FIG. 1 is shown showing the two-piece connector in a separated configuration.

[0056] Figure 7 This figure shows the air and water ports of an Olympus 025 endoscope.

[0057] Figure 8 is an illustration of a modular adapter for connectors of air and water tube assemblies that allows for Figure 1 The connectors of the conventional air and water tube assembly shown in FIG. 2 are connected to the air and water ports of the scope, allowing the air and water assembly to be used for multiple patients.

[0058] Figure 9 is an illustration of a connector according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which a distal portion of a housing is received within a housing portion of a proximal portion of the housing.

[0059] Figure 10 yes Figure 9, showing an illustration of a connector showing the cover open and the distal part of the housing embedded within the housing part of the proximal part.

[0060] Figure 11 is an exploded view of the air and water tube assembly of the present invention, which incorporates Figure 9 and Figure 10 connector.

[0061] Figure 12 Shown attached to water and air pipes with lid open Figure 9 and Figure 10 A connector showing the base and the clamps on the underside of the cover.

[0062] Figure 13 is an exploded view of the distal component of the connector and the one-way valve before being placed within the distal component.

[0063] Figure 14 is an exploded view of the connector showing how the distal component is embedded within the housing part of the proximal component.

[0064] Figure 15 Shown with the cover open and connected to the water line before the air and water ports of the endoscope are connected. Figures 9 to 14 connector.

[0065] Figure 16 Shown are the connectors attached to the air and water ports of the endoscope before the cover is closed.

[0066] Figure 17 and Figure 18 Shown is how the connector is clamped to the air port when the cover of the housing is closed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] All publications, patent applications, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety.

[0068] Definition and overall preference

[0069] Where used herein, unless otherwise indicated, the following terms are intended to have the following meanings, in addition to any broader (or narrower) meanings that the terms may have in the art:

[0070] Unless the context requires otherwise, as used herein, the singular should be interpreted as including the plural, and vice versa. The term "a" or "an" used with respect to an entity should be interpreted as referring to one or more of that entity. Therefore, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

[0071] As used herein, the term "comprise" or variations thereof (e.g., "includes" or "having") should be interpreted as indicating the inclusion of any recited integer (e.g., a feature, element, characteristic, attribute, method / process step, or limitation) or group of integers (e.g., features, elements, characteristics, attributes, method / process steps, or limitations), but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. Thus, as used herein, the term "comprise" is inclusive or open-ended and does not exclude additional, unrecited integers or method / process steps.

[0072] example

[0073] The present invention will now be described with reference to specific examples. These are exemplary only and are for illustrative purposes only: they are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed patent rights or the scope of the described invention in any way. These examples constitute the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention.

[0074] Referring to the accompanying drawings, first refer to Figure 4A and Figure 4B , shows a connector according to the present invention, which fluidly connects a medical device with an air tube and a water tube, and is generally indicated by the reference numeral 20. The connector 20 includes a housing 21. The housing 21 has a first through-going lumen 22 for air and a second through-going lumen 25 for water. The first through-going lumen 22 has a proximal opening 26 and a distal opening 27. The second through-going lumen 25 has a proximal opening 23 and a distal opening 24. The housing 21 has a proximal part 28 including the proximal openings 23 and 26. The proximal part 28 is configured to be removably engaged with a distal part 29 including the distal openings 24 and 27. The second through-going lumen 25 has a check valve 10 disposed in the distal part of the housing, which, during use, prevents water from flowing back from the endoscope into the water bottle and the tubing.

[0075] For more details, refer to Figure 6 The proximal end of the distal component 29 of the housing has a protruding outlet port 30. The outlet port 30 is configured to frictionally engage with a corresponding socket 31 provided on the distal end of the proximal component 28 of the housing to fluidly couple the distal component 29 and the proximal component 28 together.

[0076] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 6, shows an air and water assembly 33 according to the present invention, which includes a two-piece connector 20, an air tube 34, a water tube 35, and a bottle cap 37. The bottle cap 37 is shown attached to a water bottle 36. The air tube 34 has a distal end 41 and a proximal end 42. The distal end 41 is fluidically connected to the first through-lumen 21 of the connector 20, and the proximal end 42 is connected to the through-hole 40 in the bottle cap 37 for fluid connection with the bottle 36. The water tube 35 has a distal end 38 and a proximal end 39. The distal end 38 is fluidically connected to the second through-lumen 25 of the connector 20, and the proximal end 39 is connected to the through-hole 43 in the bottle cap 37 for fluid connection with the water bottle 36 to pressurize the bottle. Although not shown, the proximal end 39 of the water tube 35 extends into the bottle so that the inlet of the water tube is below the water level in the bottle during use. It will be understood that the air and water tubes shown are relatively short, but in reality they would be longer.

[0077] Figure 5 Also shown is the handle 1 of the endoscope having the air port 3 and the water port 2 . Figure 7 The air port 3 and the water port 2 are shown in more detail.

[0078] When using, refer to Figure 5 The air and water assembly 33 connects the air port 3 and water port 2 of the endoscope handle 1 to a water bottle 36. The bottle 36 is filled with water, and a bottle cap 37 is attached to the bottle to seal it. During endoscope use, pressurized air is supplied to the endoscope from an external pump. Upon activation, this pressurized air is transferred to the water bottle via the connector 20 and air tube 34 to pressurize the bottle. During pressurization, water in the bottle is forced into the endoscope via the water tube 35 and connector 20. The water is then directed to the distal end of the endoscope via internal tubing for lens cleaning. Diverting the pressurized air flow into the bottle via the air tube 34 prevents water flow. During this process, a check valve in the distal connector component prevents water from flowing back into the tubing and bottle (reflux), ensuring that the proximal connector component, tubing, and water bottle remain sterile. After completing the endoscopic examination of the patient, the connector 20 is removed from the endoscope handle, and the endoscope can then be cleaned and disinfected. To prepare the air and water assembly for the next patient, and to ensure that the tubing, bottle, and water are not contaminated with biological material from the first patient, the distal component 29 of the connector 20 (including the check valve in the second through-lumen) is removed from the proximal component 28 and discarded, and a replacement distal component is connected to the proximal component. The connector is then connected to the air and water ports of the sterilized endoscope, and the endoscopic procedure may be performed on the next patient without any risk of cross-contamination. Thus, using a two-piece connector with a check valve in the water lumen of the distal component allows for multiple reuse of the bottle, water, tubing, and the proximal component of the connector over a 20-hour period, with only the distal component of the connector being discarded after each patient.

[0079] Figure 8 An adapter according to the present invention is shown, which is generally indicated by the reference numeral 50. Components described with reference to the previous embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals. The adapter 50 is designed to be compatible with existing air and water components (e.g. Figure 1 2 ) and is used to convert a conventional one-part connector into an improved two-part connector with a check valve. Adapter 50 includes a housing 51 having a distal end 52. Housing 51 has an air port receptacle 53 sized to mate with air port 3 of endoscope 1 and a water port receptacle 54 sized to mate with water port 2 of the endoscope. Proximal end 55 includes air port 56 and water port 57. Air port 56 and water port 57 are identical to those of an endoscope (in this case, an Olympus 025 endoscope) and are configured to fluidically couple with the air and water receptacles of a conventional connector 8. The adapter includes an air cavity 58 fluidly connecting air port receptacle 53 and air port 56, and a water cavity 59 fluidly connecting water port receptacle 54 and water port 57. A check valve 10 is disposed in water cavity 59 to prevent water from flowing back through the adapter.

[0080] In use, the adapter 50 can be coupled to the connector of a conventional air and water tubing assembly and then attached to the air and water ports of an endoscope. After the endoscopy is completed on the first patient, the adapter is removed from the connector and discarded, and a replacement adapter is attached to the connector before use during the endoscopy procedure on the second patient. The adapter functions in the same manner as the distal end of a two-piece connector, ensuring that if any water backflow occurs, it does not come into contact with the connector, thereby allowing the connector and downstream tubing and bottles to be reused.

[0081] Figures 9 to 18A connector according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown, generally indicated by the reference numeral 60. Components described with reference to the previous embodiments are assigned the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the proximal component 28 of the connector has a housing part 61. The dimensions of the housing part 61 are configured so that the distal component 29 of the connector is embedded. The housing part has a base 62 and a cover 63, which is hingedly mounted to the base and is adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The open configuration allows the distal component 29 to be inserted into the housing part, and in the closed configuration, the distal component 29 is enclosed within the housing part. The base and cover are sized to accommodate and enclose the distal component of the connector when the cover is closed, wherein the distal end of the housing part is open to allow the distal component of the connector to be fluidically connected to the air port and water port of the endoscope. The distal component 29 is shaped such that the distal opening 24 of the second through lumen 25 is proximally recessed relative to the distal opening 27 of the first through lumen 22, which allows the distal opening 24 to fluidly couple with the proximal end 66 of the air tube 3 while also exposing the distal end 67 of the air tube when the connector is coupled to the air tube. Figure 12 and Figure 14 As shown, the underside of the cover 63 incorporates a clamp 64. The clamp 64 is configured to snap around the distal end 67 of the air tube 3 when the cover is closed. Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, an annular flange 69 on the air tube 3 in combination with a clamp 64 is used to lock the connector to the endoscope.

[0082] Equivalent

[0083] The foregoing description details the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention. After considering these descriptions, those skilled in the art may anticipate many modifications and variations in their practice. These modifications and variations are intended to be included in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector (20, 60) for fluidly connecting a medical device (1) to an air tube (34) and a water tube (35), the connector comprising a housing (21) having: a first through lumen (22) having a first proximal opening (26) and a first distal opening (27), wherein the first proximal opening (26) is configured to be coupled to the air tube (34) and the first distal opening (27) is configured to be coupled to the air port (3) of the medical device; and a second through inner cavity (25) having a second proximal opening (23) and a second distal opening (24), wherein the second proximal opening (23) is configured to be coupled to a water pipe (35), and the second distal opening (24) is configured to be coupled to a water port (2) of the medical device; It is characterized by: The connector is a two-piece connector, comprising a proximal part (28) and a distal part (29), wherein the proximal part (28) comprises the first proximal opening (26) and the second proximal opening (23), and the distal part (29) comprises the first distal opening (27) and the second distal opening (24), wherein the proximal part and the distal part are configured to be detachably engaged, and wherein the second through-going lumen (25) comprises a check valve (10) disposed in the distal part of the housing.

2. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 1, wherein The second distal opening (24) is configured to be fluidly connected to a water port (2) of the medical device, and the first distal opening (27) is configured to be fluidly connected to an air port (3) of the medical device.

3. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The medical device is an observation device.

4. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The second proximal opening (23) includes a recess sized to receive the end of a water tube (35), and the first proximal opening (26) includes a recess sized to receive the end of the air tube (34).

5. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 4, wherein: The diameter of the groove of the first through-inner cavity is greater than the diameter of the groove of the second through-inner cavity.

6. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The proximal component (28) and the distal component (29) are configured for releasable friction fit engagement.

7. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The proximal end of the distal component (29) of the housing (21) includes a protruding port (30), and the distal end of the proximal component (28) of the housing includes a recessed port (31), the recessed port (31) being configured to receive the protruding port to fluidly couple the distal and proximal components of the housing.

8. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The proximal component (28) includes a housing component (61) sized to accommodate the distal component (29).

9. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 8, wherein The housing part (61) of the proximal part (28) comprises a base part (62) and a cover part (63), wherein the cover part (63) is hingedly mounted to the base part and can be adjusted between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein the open configuration allows the distal part (29) to be inserted into the housing part, and in the closed configuration, the distal part (29) is enclosed within the housing part.

10. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 9, wherein The cover (63) includes a clamp (64) configured to clamp the proximal part (28) of the housing (21) to the air port (3) or the water port (2) of the medical device (1) when the cover is in the closed configuration.

11. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 9, wherein: The cover (63) includes a clamp (64) configured to clamp the proximal part (28) of the housing (21) to the air port (3) of the medical device (1) when the cover is in the closed configuration.

12. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 11, wherein The second distal opening (24) of the second through lumen (25) is recessed proximally relative to the first distal opening (27) of the first through lumen (22).

13. The connector (20, 60) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The medical device is an endoscope.

14. An air and water pipe assembly (33) comprising: A connector (20, 60) according to any one of the preceding claims; a water tube (35) having a distal end fluidly coupled to the second through-going lumen (25) via the second proximal opening (23); and An air tube (34) has a distal end fluidly coupled to the first through-going lumen (22) via the first proximal opening (26).

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein: The distal ends of the air tube and the water tube are non-detachably attached to the connector (20, 60).

16. An assembly according to claim 14 or 15, comprising a bottle (36) and a bottle cap (37), said bottle cap (37) being non-detachably connected to the proximal parts of said water tube (35) and said air tube (34) to fluidly connect said bottle with said air tube and said water tube when said bottle cap is attached to said bottle.

17. An assembly according to claim 14 or 15, wherein The water pipe (35) has a hole smaller than the hole of the second pipe.

18. A kit comprising an assembly (33) according to any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising one or more replacement distal parts (29) of the connector (20), the replacement distal parts (29) being configured for detachable attachment to the proximal part (28) of the connector.

19. An adapter (50) for a connector (8) of the type described below, said connector fluidly connecting an air and water tube assembly to a first air port (3) and a first water port (2) of a medical device (1), said adapter comprising a housing (51), said housing (51) having: a distal end (52) having an air port receptacle (53) sized to mate with the first air port (3) of the medical device (1), and a water port receptacle (54) sized to mate with the first water port (2) of the medical device; a proximal end (55) having a second air port (56) and a second water port (57) having the same configuration as the first air port (3) and the first water port (2) of the medical device (1); an air cavity fluidly connecting the air port socket (53) and the second air port (56); a water chamber fluidly connecting the water port socket (54) and the second water port (57); and A check valve (10) is arranged in the water chamber.

20. The adapter (50) according to claim 19, wherein the medical device (1) is a scoping device.

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