System for telescoping component through elongate tube

Abstract

An endoscope device is provided. The endoscopic device may include a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end may be opposite the distal end. The endoscopic device may further include a handle at the proximal end and a tube extending from the handle toward a distal end of the endoscopic device. The endoscopic device may further include an accessory channel. The fitting channel may extend through the tube. The endoscopic device may further include: a slider through which the accessory channel extends; and a curved track disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the endoscopic device. The slider is movable within the curved track to move the accessory channel within the tube.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to medical devices, and more particularly to endoscopy systems. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] Traditional endoscopes are medical devices used in various surgeries. A physician can insert an endoscope, for example, into a patient's mouth and through the patient's gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The physician can then use various instruments during surgery that pass through accessory channels located within the outer shaft of the endoscope. As the field of endoscopy develops, new endoscopes are being created for specific surgeries that change the way a physician holds and operates an endoscope.

[0004] Conventional endoscopes have one or more accessory channels that have fixed lengths and are fixed at the near and far ends of the endoscope. In this case, the physician only needs to advance or retract the accessory relative to the accessory channel while the accessory channel remains stationary.

[0005] An example of a novel endoscope is an endoscope that allows a physician to advance or retract an accessory channel relative to an outer shaft, and to advance or retract an accessory independently relative to the accessory channel. Movement of the accessory and the accessory channel is performed at the handle of the endoscope. Such an endoscope is described in US20210369090 A1.

[0006] When the physician holds this novel endoscope, the physician has only one available hand to control the extension of the accessory channel and / or the instrument passing through the accessory channel. This is because the physician's other hand is usually occupied to control the endoscope and the manipulation of the various control buttons of the endoscope that control lens washing, insufflation, suction and camera functions. The physician may have a nurse assistant who usually controls the device passing through the accessory channel. However, the physician prefers to have control over the extension and retraction of the accessory channel itself (if possible) and the extension and retraction of the accessories relative to the accessory channel. During surgery, the physician requires the accessory channel to remain stationary in its relative position while they advance the accessories through the accessory channel. In some scenarios, the physician requires the accessory channel and the accessories to move simultaneously. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the described novel endoscope system with a function that can stabilize and support the accessory channel so that they can use their hands to manipulate the accessories and do not have to hold the accessory channel all the time.

[0007] In addition to the challenges of accessory channels and accessory management, physicians also require coarse or relatively large movements of accessory channels and fine or relatively small, more precise movements of conduits. For example, during cannulation of a bile duct, physicians require fine adjustment capabilities. On the other hand, when rapid movement of a conduit is required, physicians may want coarse movement so as not to delay the procedure, especially when they must perform that movement repeatedly.

[0008] In summary, with the novel endoscope described, the physician needs the ability to independently control the accessory channel and the accessories passing through the accessory channel using only one hand. It is desirable to be able to move the accessory channel and the accessories independently or simultaneously (depending on the clinical scenario) and with varying degrees of gross or fine movement. Due to the fact that the physician has only one available hand to perform these actions, the novel endoscope described requires features that make these movements possible in a controlled manner. Summary of the invention

[0009] In one form of the present disclosure, an endoscopic device is provided. The endoscopic device may include a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end may be opposite to the distal end. The endoscopic device may further include a handle at the proximal end and a tube extending from the handle toward the distal end of the endoscopic device. The endoscopic device may further include an accessory channel. The accessory channel may extend through the tube. The endoscopic device may further include: a sliding guide through which the accessory channel extends; and a track that is disposed adjacent to the proximal end of the endoscopic device. The track may, for example, be curved, straight, or any other suitable shape and / or profile. The sliding guide may be movable within the track to move the accessory channel within the tube. The endoscopic device may further include an access port that is integrated with the sliding guide so that the access port moves when the sliding guide moves within the track. The endoscopic device may further include a roller assembly disposed in the distal end of the handle.

[0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0012] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Examples of endoscopy systems are shown;

[0013] Figure 2 Another view of the endoscope system is shown;

[0014] Figure 3Another view of the endoscope system is shown;

[0015] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A schematic diagram of the endoscope system is shown;

[0016] Figure 5A and Figure 5B An example of a fine motion actuator for an endoscope system is shown;

[0017] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B An example of a roller assembly for an endoscope system is shown;

[0018] Figure 7 Another view showing a roller assembly of an endoscope system; and

[0019] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D An example of the distal end of an endoscope system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0021] refer to Figure 1A to Figure 1B , an endoscope system 100 is provided. The endoscope system 100 can be generally formed as an elongated tube, the elongated tube including a distal portion ( FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D ), a proximal portion or handle 102, and a central portion including a tube 120 extending between the handle 102 and the distal portion. As shown (but not limited to), the endoscope system 100 may include a handle 102 having a distal end 104 and a proximal end 106, a track 108, an accessory channel 110, a sliding member 112, one or more access ports 114, 116, a fine adjustment system or actuator 118, and a tube 120.

[0022] The track 108 can be disposed inside the handle 102, and the sliding member 112 can be assembled along the track 108. In the depicted embodiment, the sliding member 112 can be a slide or other movable member having a curved profile that matches the curved profile of the track 108, which will be discussed in more detail below, but the sliding member 112 can be a slide of any other suitable shape, for example, the sliding member 112 can be straight. The accessory channel 110 can be connected to the sliding member 112 and extend through the sliding member, so that movement of the sliding member 112 advances and retracts the accessory channel 110. Access ports 114, 116 can be connected to the accessory channel 110 and extend through the handle 102 to provide access to the accessory channel 110 from the outside of the endoscope system 100. The access ports 114, 116 can also be attached to the sliding member 112. The actuator 118 can include, for example, a rack 122 and a pinion 124. The actuator 118 may be connected to the sliding member 112 at a location of the sliding member 112 opposite the access ports 114, 116. The tube 120 may be connected to the distal end 104 of the handle 102. The fitting passage 110 may extend from the access ports 114, 116, through the body of the handle 102, and through the tube 120.

[0023] The handle 102 may include a housing that encloses the track 108, the sliding member 112, the actuator 118, at least a portion of the accessory channel 110, and the access ports 114, 116. The handle 102 may have a distal end 104 and a proximal end 106, wherein, when used for surgery, the distal end 104 refers to the end of the handle 102 that is closer to the patient's body, and the proximal end 106 refers to the end of the handle that is further away from the patient. The handle 102 may be ergonomically shaped to be comfortable for the physician when the physician holds the handle 102 during surgery. For example, the handle 102 may include a grip support. The body or central portion of the handle disposed between the distal end 104 and the proximal end 106 may be, for example, curved (e.g., semicircular) to accommodate the track 108 and the sliding member 112. The handle 102 may be made of, for example, plastic (e.g., molded plastic), or metal, and / or any other suitable material.

[0024] The handle 102 is only one potential embodiment of a handle for the endoscope system 100, and any other compatible handle design capable of controlling the endoscope system 100 may be used, including changes on the arm or sliding member 112 regarding various features of the control system 100. The handle 102 and various controls (such as the accessory channel 110, the access ports 114, 116, the actuator 118, and / or the sliding member 112) may include locking elements that lock the system in various configurations. In some examples, the handle 102 may include a friction lock, wherein friction forces may be utilized to maintain the various bodies, ports, and sliding members in their current positions. However, externally applied forces may overcome the friction forces and still move the controls when desired.

[0025] Track 108 can be disposed within handle 102. Track 108 can be, for example, integral with handle 102, such that handle 102 housing and track 108 are one continuous piece. Alternatively, track 108 can be a separate component from the rest of handle 102 that is fixed to the rest of handle 102. Track 108 can include the same or different material as handle 102, such as plastic or metal, or any other suitable material. Tracks or sliding members can be coated with lubricating substances (such as Teflon or silicone oil) to minimize friction and resistance to actuating the sliding member by the user. Additionally, resistance features such as bumps can be added to fine-tune resistance so that the user does not accidentally engage the sliding member when manipulating the accessory. These features can also be selectively placed to indicate a specific position to the user via resistance or audible noise.

[0026] Track 108 can be disposed within the body or central portion of handle 102, between distal end 104 and proximal end 106 of the handle. Track 108 can be formed in any shape that allows movement of sliding member 112 as it slides along track 108. For example, track 108 can be curved. The shape of track 108 can be, for example, semicircular or semi-oval. Track 108 can be shaped similar to the central portion of handle 102. For example, the shape of the central portion of handle 102 can be circular, wherein the radius of the outer peripheral curve of track 108 is smaller in size than the radius of handle 102, so that there is a constant gap between track 108 and handle 102 around the entire circumference of track 108. Additionally or alternatively, track 108 can be at least partially defined by handle 102, such as defined by the inner diameter of the circular portion of handle 102. For example, sliding member 112 can contact the inner diameter surface of the housing of handle 102.

[0027] The sliding member 112 can be any component that can slide or move along the track 108. For example, the sliding member 112 can include a plurality of rollers or bearings. Alternatively or additionally, the track 108 can include rollers or bearings. Alternatively or additionally, the sliding member can include a low friction contact surface that slides along the radial outer surface of the track 108. Alternatively, the sliding member can include a plurality of telescopic members that fit within each other and extend and collapse to advance and retract. The sliding member 112 can be shaped to fit along the track. For example, both the track 108 and the sliding member 112 can be curved. For example, the track 108 can be semicircular (i.e., a curved portion with a substantially constant radius), and the sliding member 112 can be in the shape of an arc with a corresponding radius for matching with the outer circumference of the track 108. The radius of the center of the sliding member 112 can be greater than the radius of the track 108 and less than the radius of the central portion of the handle 102. The sliding member 112 can be made of a material that can slide along the track 108, such as plastic or metal or any other suitable material. The sliding member 112 may be constructed entirely of the same material. Additionally or alternatively, the sliding member may include a plurality of different materials, for example, the surface of the sliding member 112 that contacts the track 108 may be a different material than the rest of the sliding member 112 .

[0028] The access ports 114, 116 can be disposed on one side of the handle 102 and extend through the housing of the handle 102, so that a portion of the access ports 114, 116 is outside the handle 102, and another portion of the access ports 114, 116 extends into the inner compartment of the handle 102, in which the track 108 and the sliding member 112 are disposed. The handle 102 may include a single access port or multiple access ports 114, 116. The cross-section of the access ports 114, 116 may be, for example, circular. The access ports 114, 116 may each include a seal. The access ports 114, 116 may optionally be formed of plastic, but other materials are also contemplated. The seal itself may be made of a flexible polymer such as silicone. The access ports 114, 116 may, for example, be formed of the same material as the sliding member and / or the accessory channel 110. Additionally or alternatively, the access ports 114, 116 may be formed of a material different from the sliding member 112 and / or the accessory channel 110. Portions of access ports 114, 116 disposed within handle 102 may be connected to sliding member 112 such that movement of the sliding member causes movement of access ports 114, 116 relative to handle 102. Access ports 114, 116 may be removably connected to sliding member 112 via a mechanism (such as a clutch) for engaging and disengaging with sliding member 112 such that movement of sliding member 112 does not cause movement of access ports 114, 116 when access ports 114, 116 are disengaged from the sliding member.

[0029] The accessory channel 110 may also be referred to as an elongated body or elongated tube, and may be any component or formation extending from the handle to the distal end of the endoscope system 100 and capable of moving relative to the tube 120. The endoscope system 100 may include a plurality of accessory channels 110. The accessory channel 110 may vary in size and shape, for example to accommodate larger or smaller accessories. For example, the accessory channel 110 may vary within a certain range between systems. Additionally or alternatively, the diameters of the accessory channels 110 within the same endoscope system 100 may vary within a certain range relative to each other. The accessory channel 110 may be any diameter suitable for fitting endoscope accessories and allowing accessories to pass through the accessory channel 110. A single accessory channel 110 may have multiple accessories extending therethrough. The accessory channel 110 may be, for example, a tube, such as a cylindrical tube. Additionally or alternatively, the accessory channel 110 may be a channel or other hollow formation extending from the handle (e.g., from the sliding member 112 and / or the access ports 114, 116) to the distal end of the endoscope device 100. The accessory channels 110 can be made of, for example, a plastic or polymer material. The accessory channels 110 can be used to provide access for various medical tools and accessories through the endoscope system 100 and into the patient's body. For example, a camera system can be inserted into one of the accessory channels 110, while various tools such as forceps, sphincterotomes, wires, dilation balloons, extraction balloons, stents, needle knives, hemostatic clips, and any other catheter-based tools can be inserted into a second accessory channel 110. These tools can be advanced beyond the distal ends of the accessory channels 110, where they can be used to operate on the patient.

[0030] The actuator 118 can be any mechanism that enables relatively fine movement of the sliding member 112 compared to the surgeon directly advancing the component through the access ports 114, 116 and / or directly moving the sliding member 112. The actuator 118 can be attached to the end of the sliding member 112 so that movement of the actuator 118 causes movement of the sliding member 112 and, therefore, movement of the accessory channel 110. For example, the actuator 118 can achieve fine controlled movement over a relatively short distance (e.g., a short distance that cannot be accurately accomplished by manually advancing the accessory through the ports 114, 116). The actuator 118 can include, for example, a rack 122 and a pinion 124. The rack 122 can be, for example, a linear rack including uniformly spaced teeth. The pinion 124 can be a gear having teeth that mesh with teeth on the rack 122. Alternatively, the actuator 118 can include a different mechanism, as explained below. The actuator 118 may be made of, for example, plastic or metal (or any other suitable material). The actuator 118 may be made of the same material as the sliding member 112 or a different material.

[0031] Tube 120 can be any hollow tube that can have parts extending through it, such as a circular tube. Tube 120 can be made of polymer extrusions, such as pebax with a polytetrafluoroethylene liner, and can be reinforced with coils and / or braided structures to provide enough torsionability, pushability and kink resistance. Other potential materials for central portion 14 include but are not limited to polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon. Tube 120 can be attached to the distal end of handle 102 to create a continuous cavity extending from the inside of handle 102 shells and passing through the opening of tube 120. Tube 120 can extend to the distal end of endoscope system 100. For example, tube 120 can connect handle 102 to the distal end of endoscope system 100.

[0032] During operation, the surgeon may insert the distal end of a component or accessory through the access ports 114, 116 and into the accessory channel 110. The surgeon may then directly advance or retract the accessory by pushing or pulling a length of the accessory through the access ports 114, 116. Additionally or alternatively, the surgeon may advance or retract the accessory and the accessory channel 110 through the tube 120 by moving the access ports 114, 116 attached to the sliding member 112. The sliding member 112 may then slide along the track 108 and move the accessory channel 110 relative to the tube 120. Additionally or alternatively, the surgeon may use the actuator 118, for example, by rotating the pinion 124 of the actuator 118, to advance or retract the accessory channel 110 and the accessory. The rotation of the pinion 124 may cause the upward or downward movement of the rack 122, which in turn moves the sliding member 112 along the track 108. The sliding member 112 may cause movement of the accessory channel 110 and the accessory extending through the accessory channel 110. During operation, the surgeon may advance the accessory channel 110 to and from the distal end of the endoscopic system 100 .

[0033] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1A to Figure 1B Another view of the endoscope system 100, wherein a portion of the handle 102 housing is removed. As shown, the endoscope system 100 can further include a port adapter 200 and a link arm 202.

[0034] The port adapter 200 can connect the access ports 114, 116 to the sliding member 112 and / or the accessory channel 110. The port adapter 200 can be a separate component assembled with the access ports 114, 116 and the sliding member 112, or can be integrally manufactured with the access ports 114, 116 and / or the sliding member 112 so that the integral component is all one continuous piece. The port adapter 200 can be made of the same or different material as the access ports 114, 116 and / or the sliding member, such as plastic (or any other suitable material). The port adapter 200 can include a hollow channel extending from each of the access ports 114, 116 through the port adapter 200. The accessory channel 110 can fit into the hollow channel of the port adapter 200 so that accessories can pass through the access ports 114, 116, through the port adapter 200, and into the accessory channel 110. The surgeon can advance the access ports 114, 116 and / or the port adapter to achieve relatively rough or large movement of the accessory channel 110.

[0035] The link arm 202 can removably connect the actuator 118 (e.g., the rack 122 of the actuator 118) to the sliding member 112. The end of the link arm 202 can be connected to the end of the sliding member 112 opposite the end connected to the port adapter 200 via a joint (e.g., a hinge). The opposite end of the link arm 202 can be connected to the end of the rack 122 via a joint (e.g., a hinge). The pivoting action of the joints at the respective ends of the link arm 202 enables, for example, linear movement of the actuator 118, thereby causing bending movement of the sliding member 112. The link arm 202 can be made of the same or different material as the rack 122 and / or the sliding member 112, such as metal or plastic material (or any other suitable material).

[0036] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1A to Figure 1B and Figure 2 Another view of the endoscope system 100 with a portion of the handle 102 housing removed. Figure 3 An example of an endoscope system 100 including a plurality of accessory channels 110 and an example of the accessory channels 110 being received by a set of channels of a port adapter 200 is shown. These channels can be made invisible to the operator using an accordion structure, or an extension or sliding feature from the handle housing. Such an extension can be rigid, flexible, or a spring mechanism.

[0037] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Schematic diagrams of an endoscope system 100 are shown, such as FIG. Figure 3 The link arm 202 (which may also be referred to as a joint) may be connected to the sliding member 112 (eg, Figure 2 ), or alternatively may be connected directly to the accessory channel 110 (as shown Figure 4A 120). The port adapter 200 may also include a dynamic seal 400 to create a fluid-tight seal between the access ports 114, 116 and the accessory channel 110. The dynamic seal 400 may allow the fluid-tight seal to be maintained between the access ports 114, 116 and the accessory channel 110 as the accessory channel 110 and / or the access ports 114, 116 are advanced and retracted relative to each other and / or relative to the tube 120. Additionally or alternatively, one of the access ports (e.g., the access port 116) may be a flush port 116 for fluid. The access port 116 may include a seal to create a fluid-tight seal between the access port 116 and any accessory or component that is advanced or retracted to the exterior of the handle 102 housing through the exterior opening of the access port 116.

[0038] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B An example embodiment of a fine motion actuator 118 of an endoscopy system 100 , such as the actuators shown in FIGS. 1-4 , is presented. Figure 5A As shown in Figure 1 to Figure 2 A rack 122 and pinion 124 embodiment of the actuator 118 is shown. Figure 5B Another embodiment of the actuator 118 of a system including a chain 502 and gears 500, 504, 506 is shown. The gears 500, 504, 506 may be, for example, spur gears. The chain 502 may be any type of chain or belt capable of meshing with the teeth of the gears 500, 504, such as a link chain. The chain 502 and the gears 500, 504, 506 may be made of metal or plastic material (or any other suitable material). The chain 502 and the gears 500, 504, 506 may all be made of the same material, or may be different materials.

[0039] The control gear 500 may be disposed on a side of the handle 102 housing that is accessible to the surgeon from the outside of the handle 102 housing. The chain may optionally be formed as a loop, wherein one end of the chain 502 loop is wound around the control gear 500, and the links of the chain 502 are meshed with the teeth of the control gear 500. The pinion gear 504 may be displaced closer to the distal end 104 of the handle 102 than the control gear 500. The second end of the chain 502 may be wound around the pinion gear 504, and the links of the chain 502 are meshed with the teeth of the pinion gear 504. The sliding member gear 506 may be disposed adjacent to the pinion gear 504. The teeth of the sliding member gear 506 may be meshed with the teeth of the pinion gear 504. The end of the sliding member 112 closest to the gears 504, 506 may have teeth 508, for example, on the radially inner surface of the sliding member 112. The teeth of the sliding member gear 506 may fit and mesh with the teeth 508 on the surface of the sliding member 112 .

[0040] During operation, in order to cause fine movement, the surgeon may rotate or turn the control gear 500. The control gear 500 engages the chain 502, and thus may cause movement of the chain 502 meshing with the teeth of the control gear 500. The chain 502 further engages the pinion gear 504, and thus such movement of the chain 502 may cause movement of the pinion gear 504, which in turn may cause the sliding member gear 506 to rotate. Such rotation of the sliding member gear 506, which directly engages the sliding member 112, may cause movement of the sliding member 112 along the track 108. In summary, due to this mechanical arrangement, the surgeon may directly control the movement of the sliding member 112 along the track 108 via manipulation of the control gear 500.

[0041] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Another view of an endoscope system 100, such as the endoscope system shown in Figures 1 to 5, is shown. The endoscope system 100 can further include a roller assembly 600 disposed within the housing of the handle 102 near the distal end 104 of the handle 102, such as Fig. 6A shown.

[0042] Fig. 6A A more detailed view of the port adapter 200 is shown. The ports 114, 116, the port adapter 200, and / or the sliding member 112 can all be a single, unitary component that slides along the track 108. The sliding member 112, the port adapter 200, and / or the track 108 can be curved. The curvature of the sliding member 112, the port adapter 200, and / or the track 108 can match the curved shape of the handle 102 so that the sliding member 112, the port adapter 200, and / or the track 108 slide along the curved shape of the handle during retraction and / or extension of the accessory channel 110.

[0043] The track 108 may extend from the port openings 114, 116 to the roller assembly 600 near the distal end of the handle 102, or along any portion therebetween. The curved portion(s) of the port adapter 200 and / or the sliding member 112 may be shorter in length than the track 108 and extend along only a portion of the track 108 at a time. The port adapter 200 may include a handle and / or finger rest 606 for use by a physician to advance and retract the sliding member 112 during operation. The housing of the handle 102 may have a cutout section 608 (or other suitable structure) on one side of the handle having the ports 114, 116 and the port adapter 200 to allow movement and sliding of the port adapter 200 and the sliding member 112 without interference from the housing of the handle 102.

[0044] Figure 6B A close-up, more detailed view of the roller assembly 600 is shown. The roller assembly 600 may include two side panels 602 on opposite sides of the roller assembly. The side panels 602 may be connected or attached to the handle 102 housing. The roller assembly 600 further includes a plurality of rollers 604 extending between the two side panels 602. The roller assembly may have a plurality of rollers, such as FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B The five rollers shown are shown, but there may alternatively be more or fewer rollers. The rollers 604 may be any component capable of supporting and guiding the accessory channel 110 and enabling the accessory channel 110 to be advanced and retracted through the roller assembly 600 and / or the tube 120. The rollers 604 may also prevent the accessory channel 110 from kinking or twisting. The rollers 604 may rotate relative to the side plate 602. Alternatively, the rollers 604 may be stationary or fixed, with the accessory channel 110 sliding over the rollers 604. Each roller 604 may be a single integral piece, or may include multiple components, such as a rod extending through the side plate 602, with a rotating component sliding onto the rod and contacting the accessory channel 110. The rollers 604 and the end plate 603 may be made of, for example, a plastic or metal material (or any other suitable material). The rollers may be coated with a friction reducing substance, such as Teflon or silicone grease.

[0045] Figure 7 Another view of the endoscope system 100 and the roller assembly 600 is shown. Figure 7 It is shown how one or more fitting passages 110 may extend through the roller assembly 600 before extending into the tube 120 .

[0046] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8D Figures 1 to Figure 7800. The distal portion or distal end 800 can have a ribbed flexible construction in which a plurality of individual ribs 802 are connected together to create an elongated rib tube. These ribs 802 can be made of a variety of materials, such as polycarbonate, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyoxymethylene. The accessory channel 110 can pass through the ribs 802 to the distal portion 800. The distal end 800 can also include an opening 808 in the elongated rib tube that provides access to a point external to the endoscope system 100. For example, when the endoscope system 100 is in a side-viewing position, a portion of the accessory channel 110 can protrude through the opening 808 of the elongated rib tube. The distal end 800 can include a pin 806 that can create a pivot point about which the distal end can be rotated to Figure 8C The location shown in .

[0047] The remote end 800 can be Fig. 8A The forward position shown is similar to that shown in Figure 8C The distal end 800 can be moved between the side viewing positions shown. An LED light 804 can be placed on the distal end 800 to aid in navigation through the patient's body. The accessory channel 110 can rotate with the distal end 800 between the side viewing configuration and the front viewing configuration. Figure 8C 802 and then bend back into the distal end 800. To facilitate movement between the two configurations, the rib 802 may have a U-shaped or V-shaped design with an open section that allows the fitting channel 110 and / or tube 120 to move freely in and out of the rib 802.

[0048] To move the distal end 800 from the forward-looking position to the side-looking position, the accessory channel 110 and / or tube 120 can be pushed in a distal direction relative to the handle 102 and tube 120, applying a force to the distal end 800 through the accessory channel 110. The resulting force causes the distal end 800 to rotate about the pivot point of the pin 806, thereby moving the accessory channel 110 and the distal end 800 to the side-looking configuration. To move back to the forward-looking configuration, a proximal force can be applied to the accessory channel 110 relative to the handle 102 and tube 120, thereby transmitting the proximal force to the distal end 800. The proximal force then causes the distal end 800 to rotate again in the opposite direction about the pivot point of the pin 806, thereby moving the accessory channel 110 and the distal end 800 back to the forward-looking configuration.

[0049] Due to this design, the ribs 802 can be shaped to allow for minimal contact between the individual ribs 802. For example, the ribs 802 shown in this embodiment have a generally U-shaped cross-section with one opening and two sides. When viewing the system 100 from a side angle, each side of the ribs 802 can be diamond-shaped. The diamond shape reduces the contact points between each rib 802, thereby minimizing friction, and allowing the distal portion 800 to be more easily bent into a curved configuration and allowing for maximum flexibility.

[0050] The distal end 800 may include rollers 810 to facilitate movement of the tube 120 and / or the accessory channel 110 through the distal end 800 and between the forward and side view positions. For example, the rollers 810 may be disposed on the rib 802, proximate to the opening 808 of the elongated rib tube. Minimizing friction with the rollers increases the force transmission conduit to prevent kinks from forming in the conduit or fitting. The rib 802 may include one or more rollers 810 proximal to the distal end 800. For example, there may be a plurality of rollers 810, each on a respective rib 802, such that the rollers 810 are spaced apart at different points along the distal end 800. Additionally or alternatively, a single rib 802 may include one or more rollers 810 on the rib 802. The rollers 810 may be any type of suitable roller for assisting in the extension and retraction of conduits and / or fittings (e.g., tubes 120, fitting channels 110, and / or fittings passing through fitting channels 110). Roller 810 can be, for example, a cylindrical roller 810 that is set on a pin fixed in rib 802 so that cylindrical roller 810 rotates freely. Additionally or alternatively, roller 810 can be, for example, a bearing. Roller 810 can be, for example, plastic, metal, composite, or any other suitable material. Roller 810 can be made of the same material as rib 802. Additionally or alternatively, roller 810 can be a different material from rib 802.

[0051] The endoscope system 100 described herein can be used in a variety of medical procedures. Although the embodiments described herein are shown with reference to the field of endoscopy and endoscopic retrograde pancreatocholangiopancreatography, these embodiments can be used in a variety of other medical procedures, including endoscopic submucosal dissection and any other endoscopic procedure that benefits from having multiple instruments at the same time and / or the ability to see from both forward and side angles.

[0052] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and thus variations that do not depart from the essence of the present disclosure are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An endoscopic device, comprising: remote; proximal; a handle at the proximal end; a tube extending from the handle toward a distal end of the endoscopic device; a fitting passage extending at least partially through the tube; a slide to which the fitting channel is coupled; as well as a curved track included in the handle, wherein at least a portion of the curved track is disposed proximal to the tube, The slide can move in the curved track to move the accessory channel in the tube.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The accessory passage extends through the slider.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising an access port connected to the slider providing access to the accessory passage.

4. The device as claimed in claim 3, wherein: The slider is fixed relative to the access port so that when the slider moves within the curved track, the access port moves.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a roller assembly disposed in the handle, the roller assembly comprising one or more rollers, wherein the roller assembly supports the accessory channel as the accessory channel is advanced toward the distal end.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The one or more rollers are arranged in a row such that the fitting channel fits between the rows of rollers.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The roller assembly is disposed at the distal-most end of the handle, proximal to the tube.

8. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a port adapter connected to the access port and the accessory channel.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein: The slide can be locked in place while the accessory channel is advanced.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lock, wherein the lock is configured to prevent the slider from moving relative to the curved track.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein: The handle comprises a circular segment, wherein the curved track follows the curvature of the circular segment.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising a camera disposed near a distal end of the endoscopic device.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising a rib-like structure at a distal end of the device, wherein at least one rib of the rib-like structure comprises a roller.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein: The handle includes a curved portion, wherein a radius of the curved track matches a radius of the curved portion of the handle.

15. A scope system, comprising: remote; a proximal end, the proximal end being opposite to the distal end; a handle at the proximal end; a tube extending from the handle toward a distal end of the endoscopic device; a fitting passage extending through the tube; a slide to which the fitting channel is coupled; a track included in the handle and disposed proximally of the tube; an access port integrated with the slider such that the access port moves when the slider moves within the track; as well as a camera disposed near a distal end of the scope system; Wherein, the slide is movable within the track to move the fitting passage and the access port relative to the tube.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein: The slider is fixed relative to the access port so that when the slider moves within the track, the access port moves.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein: The speculum system includes a rib structure at a distal end of the system, the rib structure including one or more ribs, wherein at least one rib includes a roller.

18. The system of claim 15, further comprising a roller disposed near a distal end of the scope system.

19. An endoscopic device, comprising: remote; a proximal end, the proximal end being opposite to the distal end; a handle at the proximal end; a tube extending from the handle toward a distal end of the endoscopic device; a fitting passage extending through the tube; a slide member located inside the housing of the handle, the accessory channel being coupled to the slide member; a track included in the handle and disposed proximally of the tube; and The sliding member is movable within the housing of the handle. wherein the track guides the moving direction of the sliding member, and Wherein movement of the slider relative to the track causes movement of the fitting channel relative to the tube.

20. The device of claim 19, further comprising a roller assembly located within the housing of the handle, wherein the roller assembly includes one or more rollers, wherein the roller assembly supports the accessory channel as the accessory channel is advanced toward the distal end.

21. The device of claim 19, further comprising a roller disposed near the distal end of the endoscopic device.

Images