Actuators for medical devices and related systems and methods

Abstract

A handle assembly (106) for a medical device, comprising: a handle body (120) and an actuator for controlling a lifter located at a distal portion of the medical device, the actuator (107) comprising: a contact portion (301) comprising a first portion (315) located outside the handle body and a second portion (317) located within an interior portion of the handle body; and an inner body coupled to (i) the contact portion and (ii) the shaft within the handle body, where the actuator is configured to move across an outer surface of the handle body between a first position and a second position, and the actuator is configured to: move the lifter to the third position when a user moves the actuator to the first position; and when the user moves the actuator to the second position, the lifter is moved to the fourth position.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 363,253, filed on April 20, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to actuators and handle assemblies for medical devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to ergonomic actuators and handle assemblies for endoscopes or other medical devices, among other things. Background Art

[0003] During an endoscopic examination, the medical professional operating the endoscope often wraps the entire palm of the hand around the grip or handle portion of the device. The various actuators on the handle of the endoscope require the medical professional to twist the hand frequently and for a long time during the examination, which may cause strain or even injury. In some cases, the actuation of various endoscope controls, such as knobs or lifters, may cause excessive movement of the medical professional's thumb or other fingers, resulting in strain on the medical professional's hand. Endoscope operators may experience wrist and hand discomfort when holding and manipulating the endoscope handle. In some cases, the medical professional may experience symptoms similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or De Quervain's tenosynovitis. When the medical professional experiences finger, hand, or wrist fatigue or other pain, the medical professional may switch from a primary grip position to a secondary grip position that may not be as strong as the primary grip position, such as switching from a four-finger grip to a three-finger grip. Repeatedly stretching or twisting the fingers to reach the various actuators may increase fatigue or other pain.

[0004] When medical professionals repeatedly adjust their hand grip between surgical tasks, surgery time may be prolonged and the surgical task may become more difficult. Depending on the size of the medical professional's hand, the actuator may be located in a non-optimal position, increasing the number of times the professional's hand must readjust during the procedure. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to an example, a handle assembly for a medical device may include: a handle body and an actuator, the actuator being used to control the movement of an actuation line within the medical device, the actuator may include: a contact portion comprising a first portion located outside the handle body and a second portion located within an interior portion of the handle body; and an internal body coupled to (i) the contact portion and (ii) an axis within the handle body, wherein the actuator may be configured to move across an outer surface of the handle body between a first position and a second position, and the actuator may be configured to: move the actuation line to a third position when a user moves the actuator to the first position; and move the actuation line to a fourth position when the user moves the actuator to the second position.

[0006] In another example, the inner body may be an arm extending radially outward from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft and configured to rotate the shaft. The ring may be rotatably coupled to the shaft via a coupling extending radially outward from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft, wherein the rod may be rotatably coupled to the ring at a first end and rotatably coupled to the actuation wire at a second end. The actuation wire may be coupled to a lifter at the distal end of the medical device. The shaft may be rotatable relative to the handle body and extend longitudinally in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the medical device. The arm may include an opening configured to accommodate a portion of the second portion of the contact portion. The contact portion may be configured to move along a curved path. The handle body may include a groove extending longitudinally within a recessed portion of the outer surface of the handle body. The groove may include an opening on a first side of the handle body and a second side of the handle body, wherein the first side may be located on a side opposite to the second side. The contact portion may be located between the camera button and at least one knob actuator. The inner body may include a curved gear located inside the handle body, wherein the curved gear may move along a curved channel inside the handle body. The outer teeth of the curved gear may contact the outer teeth of an adjacent gear to drive rotation of the adjacent gear and the shaft. The ring may be coupled to the shaft via a coupling member extending radially outward from the shaft, and wherein the rod is rotatably coupled to the ring and the actuation wire. The second portion of the contact portion may include a first outer tooth configured to contact a second outer tooth of an adjacent first gear located within the handle body to drive rotation of the shaft. Rotation of the first gear may drive rotation of an adjacent second gear.

[0007] According to one example, a handle assembly for a medical device may include a handle body and an actuator, the actuator being used to control one or more components at a distal portion of the medical device, the actuator may include: a contact portion, which includes a first portion located outside the handle body and a second portion located inside the handle body; and an internal body, which is coupled to (i) the contact portion and (ii) an axis within the handle body, wherein the actuator may be configured to move across the outer surface of the handle body to actuate one or more components at the distal portion of the medical device. The proximal portion of the handle body may include an opening extending in an arc on the outer surface of the handle body, wherein the opening is configured to accommodate the actuator. The one or more components may be a lifter.

[0008] According to an example, in a method of moving an elevator at a distal portion of an endoscopic device, the endoscopic device may include: a handle body; an actuator including a contact portion, the contact portion including a first portion located outside the handle body and a second portion located inside the handle body; and an inner body coupled to (i) the contact portion and (ii) a shaft inside the handle body, the method may include: moving the actuator across an outer surface of the handle body to a first position to move the elevator to a second position; and moving the actuator across the outer surface of the handle body to a third position to move the elevator to a fourth position. The method may further include moving the first portion of the contact portion along a linear path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0010] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 1A and 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary endoscope.

[0011] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 2A and 2B A perspective view of a user's hand holding an endoscope handle.

[0012] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 3A and 3B A perspective view of a portion of an endoscope handle assembly.

[0013] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 3C A perspective view of the interior portion of an endoscope handle assembly.

[0014] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 4A A perspective view of a portion of an endoscope handle assembly.

[0015] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 4B For user's hand grip Figure 4A Perspective view of an endoscope handle.

[0016] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 4C A perspective view of an endoscope handle assembly.

[0017] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 4D and 4E is an exploded view of an exemplary lifter actuator.

[0018] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figures 5A to 5C Various perspective views of an endoscope handle assembly.

[0019] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 5D A cross-sectional view of an endoscope handle assembly.

[0020] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 5E is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary actuation mechanism.

[0021] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an endoscope handle assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to various aspects of the present disclosure, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same or similar reference symbols will be used in the accompanying drawings to represent the same or similar parts. The term "distal" refers to the part farthest from the user when the device is introduced into the patient's body. Relatively, the term "proximal" refers to the part closest to the user when the device is placed in the patient's body. In the figures contained in the present application, the arrows marked with "P" and "D" are used to show the proximal and distal directions in the figures. As used herein, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that the process, method, article or device including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, articles or devices. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than in the sense of "ideal". In addition, relative terms, such as "about", "substantially", "approximately", etc., are used to indicate that the numerical value or range may vary by ±10%.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to improve a user's ability to grasp, manipulate, and otherwise apply force to an actuator of a handle of a medical device, such as an endoscope, during a medical procedure. Embodiments of the present disclosure can help reduce the need to reposition a user's hand during a procedure, reduce stress on a user's hand due to excessive finger movement and / or uncomfortable positioning of the fingers, and maximize muscle strength during operation of a medical device, among other things.

[0024] Figure 1A and 1BA perspective view of an exemplary endoscope system 100 including an endoscope 101 is shown. The endoscope 101 may include a handle assembly 106 and a flexible tubular shaft 108. The handle assembly 106 may include a biopsy port 102, a biopsy cover 103, an image capture button 104, an elevator actuator 107, a first locking rod 109, a second locking rod 110, a first control knob 112, a second control knob 114, a suction button 116, an air / water button 118, a handle body 120, and an umbilicus 105. All actuators, elevators, knobs, buttons, rods, ports, or covers of the endoscope system 100 may be used for any purpose and are not limited to any specific use implied by the respective names of the components used herein. The umbilicus 105 may extend from the handle body 120 to auxiliary devices, such as a control unit, a water supply, or a vacuum source. Thus, the umbilicus 105 can transmit signals between the endoscope 101 and the control unit to control the illumination and imaging components of the endoscope 101 and / or receive image data from the endoscope 101. The umbilicus 105 can also provide fluid for irrigation from a water supply and / or aspirate fluid to the distal tip 119 of the shaft 108. Buttons 116 and 118 control valves for aspiration and fluid supply, respectively. The shaft 108 can terminate at the distal tip 119. The shaft 108 can include a joint section 122 for deflecting the distal tip 119 in an upward, downward, left, and / or right direction. Knobs 112 and 114 can be used to control such deflection, and locking rods 109 and 110 can lock the knobs 112 and 114 in a desired position, respectively. The handle body 120 can taper and can narrow as the handle extends distally, so that the profile of the handle body 120 is smaller at its distal end than at its proximal end.

[0025] The distal tip 119 may include an imaging device 124 (e.g., a camera) and a light source 126 (e.g., an LED or fiber optic). The distal tip 119 may face sideways. That is, the imaging device and light source may be radially outward, perpendicular, approximately perpendicular, or otherwise transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 108 and the distal tip 119.

[0026] The distal tip 119 may also include an elevator 128 for changing the direction of a tool inserted into the working channel of the endoscope 101. The elevator 128 may also be alternatively referred to as a swing frame, a pivot frame, an elevator mount, or any other suitable term. The elevator 128 may be pivoted via an actuation wire or another control element extending from the elevator actuator 107 on the handle assembly 106 through the shaft 108 to the elevator 128, for example.

[0027] Although the term endoscope may be used herein, it should be understood that other devices, including but not limited to duodenoscopes, colonoscopes, ureteroscopes, bronchoscopes, laparoscopes, sheaths, catheters or any other suitable delivery devices or medical devices may be used in conjunction with the devices of the present disclosure.

[0028] When operating the endoscope system 100, the user can hold the handle assembly 106 (shown in FIG. Figure 2A ), while holding the accessory device and / or operating one or more actuators of the handle assembly 106, such as the first and second control knobs 112, 114 and the first and second locking levers 109, 110, with the right hand. The user can grasp the handle assembly 106 by wrapping his hand around the handle body 120. While grasping the handle body 120, the user can use the left thumb to operate the first and second control knobs 112, 114 and the elevator actuator 107 (by rotating about their axes), and can use the left fingers to operate the image capture button 104, the suction button 116, and the air / water button 118 (each by pressing).

[0029] Figure 2A and 2B An exemplary user's left hand 201 is shown grasping the handle assembly 106. The user's left index finger 230 and middle finger 231 can be used to operate the suction button 116 and the air / water button 118. The user may have to stretch and / or tighten their index finger or middle finger to activate the suction button 116 and / or the air / water button 118. The user may have to stretch and / or tighten the left thumb and / or keep the left thumb in an uncomfortable position to operate the first and second control knobs 112, 114 and / or the lifter actuator 107. The actuator and handle assembly discussed below can help reduce the required extension and / or relieve the tension of the user's fingers and / or hand. The handle assembly 106 may have a central longitudinal axis 199 extending longitudinally through the handle assembly 106.

[0030] The user can position the thumb 202 of the grasping hand 201 above the lifter actuator 107 and move the thumb 202 to move the lifter actuator 107 along a circular path from a first position (shown in FIG. Figure 2A ) moves to the second position (shown in Figure 2B ).like Figure 2B As shown, when the thumb 202 moves from the first position to the second position, the palm 240 may move away from the handle body 120, and when the palm 240 moves away from the handle body 120, it may be difficult for the user to reach the suction button 116 and / or the air / water button 118 with the index finger or middle finger. The actuator and handle assembly discussed below can help reduce the movement required by the index finger and / or ring finger to actuate the suction button 116 and / or the air / water button 118, and can reduce the movement required by the thumb to actuate the elevator actuator 107 or other actuators during operation of the endoscope 101.

[0031] Figure 3A and 3BA perspective front view and side view of the proximal end of an additional handle assembly 306 are shown, and the handle assembly 306 includes a handle body 322, an image capture button 304, a first locking rod 309, a second locking rod 310, a first control knob 312, a second control knob 314, a suction button 316, an air / water button 318, an umbilicus 305, and an elevator actuator 300. The handle body 322 may have a rounded head 323 at its proximal end. The remainder of the handle body 322 may extend longitudinally and may narrow as the handle body 322 extends distally. In some examples, the head 323 may include approximately half of the proximal side of the handle body 322 from approximately the center of the handle body 322 to the proximal end of the handle body 322. The central rotation knob axis 398 may extend through the first control knob 312 and the second control knob 314. The central longitudinal axis 399 extends longitudinally through the handle assembly 306. The slot 303 is located at the top of the head 323 of the handle body 322. The slot 303 is configured to accommodate a portion of the elevator actuator 300 and allow the elevator actuator 300 to move along a circular path. The slot 303 can extend in an arc that starts at a point located at the top of the head 323 of the handle body 322 and ends at a point on or above an axis parallel to the central rotation knob axis 398, although other arc lengths are also contemplated. The image capture button 304 can protrude outward from a curved portion 307 of the handle body 322 leading to the umbilicus 305, can be located between the umbilicus 305 and the elevator actuator 300, and can be spaced from the central longitudinal axis 399. The image capture button 304 can have a smooth, flat surface that can allow the user's thumb 202 to easily reach the image capture button 304. The image capture button 304 can be 15 mm in length and 10 mm in width.

[0032] The head 323 includes a recess 389 located on the right side of the handle body 322, and the recess 389 can be defined by a first circular surface 328 intersecting the curved surface 326. The recess 389 is configured to accommodate the control knobs 312 and 314. The curved surface 326 can be transverse to the surface 328. The curved surface 326 is located on a first lateral side of the head 323 and on the opposite side of the umbilicus 305. The first control knob 312 is located within the recess 309, so that the outer surface of the first control knob 312 is aligned or substantially aligned with the edge of the curved surface 326, and the second control knob 314 is located outside the recess 309. The recess 389 allows the control knobs 312 and 314 to be positioned closer to the central longitudinal axis 399, which reduces the distance between the actuators of the handle assembly 306, such as the distance between the first control knob 312 and the elevator actuator 300. By reducing the distance between the actuators of the handle assembly 306, the user can more easily reach the actuators, such as the first control knob 312, the second control knob 314, and the camera button 304, with a single hand, and the distance required for the user's fingers to actuate the actuators of the handle assembly 306 can be reduced. For example, the control knobs 312 and 314 can be moved closer to the central longitudinal axis 399 by 10 millimeters compared to the situation if the handle body 322 does not include the recess 389. This can allow the user's thumb 202, especially the thumb of a user with a smaller hand, to easily reach / touch the control knobs 312 and 314. In addition, the positioning of the control knobs 312 and 314 relative to the central longitudinal axis 399 reduces the degree of abduction required for the thumb to reach the control knobs 312 and 314, thereby allowing the user to use the maximum strength of his muscles to rotate the control knobs 312 and 314.

[0033] like Figure 3B As shown, the first position of the elevator actuator 300 in the slot 303 may be toward the top of the head 323. The elevator actuator 300 may include a contact portion 301. The contact portion 301 may include a central portion 313, and a top portion 315 and a bottom portion 317 that are recessed from the central portion 313. The central portion 313 further protrudes outward from the handle body 322 relative to the portions 315 and 317. The top portion 315 and the bottom portion 317 may extend in opposite directions from opposite sides of the central portion 313. The contact portion 301 may be substantially rectangular and may be curved so that it is convex toward the user of the endoscope. The portions 315 and 317, and the positioning of the elevator 300 toward the proximal end of the handle body 322, may allow the user's thumb 202 to easily reach and operate the extended elevator actuator 300.

[0034] The outer surfaces of the central portion 313, the top portion 315, and the bottom portion 317 may include gripping protrusions 319. Each gripping protrusion 319 protrudes from an adjacent portion of the outer surface having a gripping protrusion 319. Each gripping protrusion 319 may extend from side to side, laterally, or substantially vertically relative to the proximal / distal direction. In embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "top" or "upper" and "bottom" or "lower" or similar terms as modifiers of structures refers to the relative position of the structure when the endoscope is in a typical position during use, such as the position shown in the figure.

[0035] The elevator actuator 300 may also include a connector 320 having one end coupled to the contact portion 301 and another end coupled to a structure within the handle body 322 for controlling one or more aspects of the endoscope 101, such as the pivoting of the elevator 128. For example, Figure 3C As shown, the connector 320 can extend from the outer surface of the contact portion 301 and within the handle body 322 to a rotatable shaft 330. The shaft 330 can be coupled to the ring 334 via a coupling 332 extending radially outward from the shaft 300 to the ring 334. The rod 336 can be rotatably coupled to the ring 334 at a first end 344 and can be rotatably coupled to an actuation wire 338 at a second end 346 to actuate one or more components of the device, such as the elevator 128. The actuation wire 338 can move within a tubular member 340 within the handle body 322. In some examples, the user's thumb 202 can contact the contact portion 301 and apply a force to move the elevator actuator 300 proximally or distally along the circular path formed by the slot 303. The proximal or distal movement of the elevator actuator 300 causes the shaft 330 to rotate, and subsequently causes the ring 334 to rotate via the coupling 332. For example, the first end 344 of the rod 336 can move along a portion of the circular path 342 concentric with the center of the shaft 330, causing the second end 346 coupled to the actuation wire 338 or any other control element to move to pivot the elevator 128. In some examples, moving the contact portion 301 distally can move the rod 336 and the actuation wire 338 distally, while moving the contact portion 301 proximally can move the rod 336 and the actuation wire 338 proximally. The shaft 330 is rotatably coupled to the inner portion of the handle body 322.

[0036] Figures 4A to 4CA perspective side view of the proximal end of an additional handle assembly 406 is shown, the handle assembly 406 including a handle body 422, an image capture button 404, a first locking lever 409, a second locking lever 410, a first control knob 412, a second control knob 414, a suction button 416, an air / water button 418, an umbilicus 405, and an elevator actuator 400. The handle body 422 includes a head 423 located at the proximal end of the handle body 422. The head 423 may include an angled surface 425 on a front side 460 of the handle body 422. The surface 425 may be angled relative to a forward-facing (i.e., user-facing) outer surface of the handle body 422 and away from the user. As shown in FIG. Figure 4B As shown, the angled surface 425 of the head 423 can allow the user's thumb 202 and wrist to be oriented in a natural position during operation of the elevator actuator 400 and the image capture button 404. For example, when the user grasps the handle assembly 406, the user's thumb 202 can be at an angle of approximately 45 degrees or less.

[0037] The head 423 includes a recess 427 located on the right side of the handle body 422, which is configured to accommodate the control knobs 412 and 414. The recess 427 includes a base 429 that is parallel or substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 499 of the additional handle assembly 406. The recess 427 allows the control knobs 412 and 414 to be positioned proximal to the central longitudinal axis 499, and can reduce the degree of abduction required for the user's thumb 202 to rotate the control knobs 412 and 414. For example, the degree of abduction of the user's thumb 202 to rotate the control knobs 412 and 414 can range from 0 to 90 degrees, which can reduce thumb fatigue during operation of the handle assembly 406.

[0038] The recess 427 of the head 423 includes a slot 417 configured to receive a portion of the lifter actuator 400 and allow the lifter actuator 400 to move along a linear path. The slot 417 may extend longitudinally within the recess 427. Figures 4C to 4E As shown, the elevator actuator 400 may include a contact portion 401. The contact portion 401 may include an upper portion 413, which extends inwardly from the elevated central portion 411 to the central longitudinal axis 499. The contact portion 401 may include a lower portion 415, which extends inwardly to the central longitudinal axis 499 and is located on the opposite side of the elevated central portion 411 from the upper portion 413. The outer contact surface of the upper portion 413 and the outer contact surface of the lower portion 415 may each bend inwardly and each transform into a generally flat outer surface 433 and 434. The outer surfaces of the elevated central portion 411, the upper portion 413, and the lower portion 415 may include gripping protrusions (not shown) that protrude outwardly away from the translation axis 498 to improve gripping ability and comfort. The central connecting element 424 (shown in Figure 4D) protrudes from the bottom 435 of the contact portion 401 and in the opposite direction of the raised central portion 411. The central connecting element 424 can be U-shaped, and the contact portion 401 and the central connecting element 424 can form an inner cavity 437. The portion 421 of the central connecting element 424 can extend through the slot 438 of the arm 419 located in the handle body 422. The first end 439 of the arm 419 can be fixedly coupled to the rotatable shaft 431, so that the arm 419 extends radially outward from the central longitudinal axis 441 of the shaft 431. Figure 4D The central longitudinal axis 441 of the shaft 431 is shown extending into the page. The shaft 431 can be rotatably coupled to a portion of the handle body 422 and can be coupled to one or more actuation wires for actuating one or more components at the device, such as the elevator 128.

[0039] The elevator actuator 400 can be configured to control the pivoting of the elevator 128 via a slider crank mechanism. The user's thumb 202 can be positioned on the contact portion 401 to cause the contact portion 401, including the connecting element 424, to move in a linear direction along the translation axis 498 within the slot 417 of the handle body 422. Movement of the contact portion 401 in a linear direction allows the user's thumb 202 to maintain a natural position during operation of the elevator 128 and provides adequate support for the palm 240 to properly grasp the handle body 422. Movement of the contact portion 401, and subsequently the rod 421 connected to the contact portion 401, either proximally or distally, causes the shaft 431 to rotate via the arm 419. The shaft 431 can rotate about the axis 441, and in Figure 4E 417. The shaft 431 can be coupled to the ring 448 via a coupling 450 extending radially outward from the shaft 431 to the ring 448. The rod 452 can be coupled to the ring 448 at a first end 454 and to the actuation wire 446 at a second end 456 to actuate one or more components of the device, such as the elevator 128. The actuation wire 446 can move within a tubular member 458 within the handle body 422. When the user translates the contact portion 401 along the translation axis 498, the portion 421 of the connecting element 424 can move within the groove 417. The first end 439 of the arm 419 can move along a portion of a circular path 444 that is concentric with the center of the shaft 431 to rotate the shaft 431, thereby causing the ring 448 to rotate. When the ring 448 rotates, the first end 454 of the rod 452 moves along the curved path defined by the ring 448, and the second end 456 of the rod 452 coupled to the actuation wire 446 moves substantially linearly to actuate one or more components of the device. The shaft 431 can be rotatably coupled to the inner portion of the handle body 422. In some examples, the ring 448 can be spaced apart from the arm 419.

[0040] Figures 5A to 5CA perspective front view and two side views of the proximal end of an additional handle assembly 506 are shown, including a handle body 522, an image capture button 504, a suction button 516, an air / water button 518, an umbilicus 505, and an elevator actuator 500. The handle assembly 506 may also include any of the features described herein with respect to the endoscope 101 and / or any of the features of the handle assemblies 106, 306, and 406, such as a first control knob, a second control knob, a first locking rod, and a second locking rod (not shown) similar to the first control knob 112, the second control knob 114, the first locking rod 109, and the second locking rod 110 of the endoscope 101. The handle assembly 506 may have a central longitudinal axis 599 extending longitudinally through the additional handle assembly 506.

[0041] A portion 503 of the outer surface of the handle body 522 is concave. The concave portion 503 is positioned below the image capture button 504 and is longitudinally aligned with the image capture button 504. The concave portion 503 may include a slot 507 that extends longitudinally through a central portion of the concave portion 503 and is configured to accommodate a portion of the lifter actuator 500. The slot 507 is formed at the center of the concave portion 503 so that the slot 507 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis 599. The slot 507 allows the lifter actuator 500 to move along a curved path, and the lifter actuator 500 is configured to slide across the concave portion 503. The lifter actuator 500 includes a contact portion 501, which may be in the shape of a Reuleaux triangle, but other shapes are also contemplated. The outer surface 524 of the contact portion 501 may include a gripping protrusion 509 that protrudes from an adjacent portion of the outer surface 524. In one example, when the contact portion 510 moves along the groove 507 , the bottom surface of the contact portion 501 can be flush with the outer surface 526 of the concave portion 503 .

[0042] To operate the elevator actuator 500, the user's thumb 202 may be positioned above the elevator actuator 500 and the elevator actuator 500 may be moved along a curved path from a first position (shown in FIG. 1 ) to a second position (shown in FIG. 1 ) by moving the thumb 202 proximally. Figure 5B ) moves to the second position (shown in Figure 5C Because the elevator actuator 500 is configured to operate by moving the user's thumb 202 proximally to actuate the elevator 128 (as opposed to moving the thumb 202 distally), the user can avoid flexion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of the thumb 202, which can reduce thumb stiffness and avoid loss of grip on the handle body 120. Figure 5B As shown, in the first or initial position, the elevator actuator 500 can be located at the distal end of the slot 507, the center of the slot 507, or any other portion away from the proximal end of the slot 507. Figure 5C500. As shown, the user's thumb 202 can then move the elevator actuator 500 proximally to operate the elevator 128, and in some examples, actuate the elevator 128. When the user wants to maintain the position of the elevator 128, the user's thumb 202 will extend to maintain the contact portion 501 at the proximal end of the slot 507. Because the thumb 202 is in an extended position rather than a retracted or bent position, the user can more easily maintain a grip on the handle body 522 and reduce fatigue of the thumb 202 during operation of the elevator actuator 500. In some examples, the elevator actuator 500 can have a spring bias toward a particular position, such as a position in which the elevator is in an extended or retracted position.

[0043] In one example, the lifter actuator 500 may be configured to control the pivoting of the lifter 128 via a rack and pinion mechanism. Figure 5D As shown, the contact portion 501 can be coupled to a curved gear 528 that extends longitudinally from a first end 534 to a second end 536. The second end 532 is located distally of the contact portion 501 and spaced apart from the distal end of the contact portion 501. The gear 538 is positioned within the handle body 522 so that when the contact portion 501 moves proximally or distally, a portion of the gear 528 also moves within the channel 530. For example, when the user's thumb 202 moves the contact portion 501 distally along the curved path of the slot 507, the gear 528 moves along the curved path of the channel 530. The channel 530 can extend longitudinally from the first end 538 to a second end 540 within the handle body 522, and the second end 540 can be positioned distally from the distal end of the slot 507. The channel 530 is configured to receive the gear teeth 540 that protrude from the lateral side 542 of the linear gear 528. When the linear gear 528 moves proximally or distally along the curved path of the channel 530, the outer teeth 540 contact the gear teeth 546 of the adjacent gear 544 located in the handle body 522 to drive the rotation of the gear 544. The gear 544 can be coupled to a rotatable shaft 545 in the handle body 522. Figure 5E As shown, the gear 544 and shaft 545 can be coupled to the ring 548 via a coupling 550 extending radially outward from the shaft 545 to the ring 548. The rod 552 can be coupled to the ring 548 at a first end 554 and coupled to an actuation wire 556 at a second end 558 to actuate one or more components of the device, such as the elevator 128. The actuation wire 556 can move within a tubular member 562 located within the handle body 522. For example, the first end 554 of the rod 552 can move along a circular path 560 concentric with the center of the gear 544 and cause the second end 558 coupled to the actuation wire 556 to move to pivot the elevator 128.

[0044] Figure 6A cross-sectional view of the proximal end of an additional handle assembly 606 is shown, which includes a handle body 622, an image capture button 604, a suction button 616, an air / water button 618, and an elevator actuator 600. Handle assembly 606 may also include any of the features of handle assemblies 106, 306, 406, and 506, such as an umbilicus, a first control knob, a second control knob, a first locking lever, and a second locking lever (not shown), similar to umbilicus 105, first control knob 112, second control knob 114, first locking lever 109, and second locking lever 110 of endoscope 101.

[0045] A portion 609 of the outer surface of the handle body 622 may be recessed. The recessed portion 609 of the handle body 622 includes a slot 607 configured to accommodate a portion of the elevator actuator 600, allowing the elevator actuator 600 to move in the proximal and distal directions, and limiting the elevator actuator 600 from moving in the lateral direction. The slot 607 may extend longitudinally within the recessed portion 609, and the longitudinal axis 698 of the slot 607 may be transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the handle body 622. The elevator actuator 600 may include a contact portion 601. The contact portion 601 may include a planar central portion 602, a top portion 605, and a bottom portion 608. The top portion 605 and the bottom portion 608 may extend in opposite directions from opposite sides of the central portion 602 and bend away from the handle body 622. In another example, the contact portion 601 may be similar to the contact portion 501. The central connecting element 620 extends from the bottom surface 610 of the contact portion 601 to a position inside the handle body 622 adjacent to the first gear 626. The connecting element 620 can move along the axis 698 in the slot 607. The connecting element 620 can be any suitable shape that fixes the connecting element 620 in the slot 607 and allows the connecting element 620 to move in the proximal and distal directions. For example, the connecting element 620 can be I-shaped. A portion 624 of the connecting element 620 is positioned in the handle body 622.

[0046] The connecting element 620 may include gear teeth 634 at the proximal portion of the connecting assembly 620, and the gear teeth 634 are positioned at an end of the connecting element 620 opposite to the end of the connecting element 620 coupled to the contact portion 601. The gear teeth 634 can mesh with a first gear 626 in the handle body 622. The first gear 626 can be fixedly coupled to the shaft 628, and the shaft 628 can be rotatably coupled to the handle body 622 in the handle body 622. The second gear 631 can also be coupled to the shaft 628, adjacent to the first gear 626, and can mesh with a third gear 636 in the handle body 622. The ring 632 (shown in phantom) can also be coupled to the shaft 628, and the ring 632 can be rotatably coupled to the rod 630 (shown in phantom). The ring 632 and the rod 630 can have any of the features of the ring 548 and the rod 552 discussed above. Translation of contact portion 601 may move gear teeth 634, which may rotate first gear 626 and shaft 628 and cause ring 632 to also rotate via shaft 628 to translate rod 630 proximally or distally.

[0047] In one example, the user's thumb 202 can be positioned on the contact portion 601 to move the contact portion 601 including the connection element 620 in a linear direction along the translation axis 698. When the connection element 624 moves proximally or distally along the translation axis 698, the gear teeth 634 contact the teeth of the first gear 626, causing the first gear 626 and the second gear 631 to rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). The teeth of the second gear 631 contact the teeth of the third gear 636, causing the third gear 636 to rotate in a second direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). When the first gear 626 and the second gear 631 rotate in the first direction, the shaft 628 and the ring 632 also rotate in the first direction to move the rod 630 in the proximal or distal direction. The first end 646 of the rod 630 can be coupled to the ring 632, and the first end 646 rotates around the shaft 628 to move the rod 630 in the proximal or distal direction.

[0048] The handle assembly 306, 406, 506, 606 and actuator 300, 400, 500, 600 of the present disclosure can help the user position the fingers in an ergonomic manner when the user operates the endoscope 101 or other medical devices, which can reduce hand strain caused by excessive movement and / or extension of the fingers when the user operates the endoscope 101, and can reduce the chance of the user losing his grip. The handle assembly 306, 406, 506, 606 and actuator 300, 400, 500, 600 of the present disclosure can reduce the percentage of maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) of muscles, especially the extensor digitorum, brachioradialis and palmaris longus during endoscopic surgery or any medical surgery. In addition, the handle assembly 306, 406, 506, 606 and the actuator 300, 400, 500, 600 can help prevent the user's hand from repeatedly positioning on the handle of the medical device due to fatigue, strain or other difficulties. Each of the above-mentioned handle assemblies 306, 406, 506, 606 and actuators 300, 400, 500, 600, whether used in combination with an endoscope system or any other medical device, can be used to enhance and / or facilitate the user's grip on the handle. Any portion of the handle assembly or actuator discussed herein can be incorporated into the handle of an endoscope or other medical device to improve the user's operation of the device. The handle assembly 306, 406, 506, 606 and actuators 300, 400, 500, 600 of the present disclosure can allow multiple users with hands and / or fingers of different sizes to comfortably use the same handle assembly.

[0049] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed apparatus and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the features disclosed herein. The description and embodiments should be considered exemplary only.

Claims

1. A handle assembly for a medical device, comprising: handle body; as well as An actuator for controlling the movement of an actuation wire in a medical device, the actuator comprising: a contact portion including a first portion located outside the handle body and a second portion located inside the handle body; as well as an inner body coupled to (i) the contact portion and (ii) the shaft within the handle body, wherein the actuator is configured to move across an outer surface of the handle body between a first position and a second position, and the actuator is configured to: When a user moves the actuator to the first position, the actuation wire is moved to a third position; and When a user moves the actuator to the second position, the actuation wire is moved to a fourth position.

2. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner body is an arm extending radially outward from a central longitudinal axis of the shaft and is configured to rotate the shaft.

3. A handle assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ring is rotatably coupled to the shaft via a coupling member extending radially outward from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft; and wherein the rod is rotatably coupled to the ring at a first end and to the actuation line at a second end.

4. The handle assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation wire is coupled to an elevator at a distal end of the medical device.

5. The handle assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft is rotatable relative to the handle body and extends longitudinally in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the medical device.

6. The handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the arm includes an opening configured to receive a portion of the second portion of the contact portion.

7. A handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact portion is configured to move along a curved path.

8. A handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handle body includes a slot extending longitudinally within a recessed portion of the outer surface of the handle body.

9. The handle assembly of claim 8, wherein the slot includes openings on a first side of the handle body and a second side of the handle body, wherein the first side is on a side opposite to the second side.

10. A handle assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the contact portion is located between a camera button and at least one knob actuator.

11. The handle assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner body comprises a curved gear located within the interior of the handle body, wherein the curved gear is movable along a curved channel within the interior of the handle body.

12. The handle assembly of claim 11, wherein the outer teeth of the curved gear contact the outer teeth of an adjacent gear to drive rotation of the adjacent gear and the shaft.

13. The handle assembly of claim 12, wherein a ring is coupled to the shaft via a coupling extending radially outward from the shaft, and wherein a rod is rotatably coupled to the ring and the actuation wire.

14. The handle assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion of the contact portion includes first external teeth configured to contact second external teeth of an adjacent first gear located within the handle body to drive rotation of the shaft.

15. The handle assembly of claim 14, wherein rotation of the first gear drives rotation of an adjacent second gear.

16. A handle assembly for a medical device, comprising: handle body; as well as An actuator for controlling the movement of an actuation wire within the medical device, the actuator comprising: a contact portion including a first portion located outside the handle body and a second portion located inside the handle body; as well as an inner body coupled to (i) the contact portion and (ii) the shaft within the handle body, wherein the actuator is configured to move across the outer surface of the handle body between a first position and a second position, and the actuator is configured to: When a user moves the actuator to the first position, the actuation wire is moved to a third position; and When a user moves the actuator to the second position, the actuation wire is moved to a fourth position.

17. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the inner body is an arm extending radially outward from a central longitudinal axis of the shaft and is configured to rotate the shaft.

18. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the ring is rotatably coupled to the shaft via a coupling extending radially outward from a central longitudinal axis of the shaft; and wherein the rod is rotatably coupled to the ring at a first end and to the actuation wire at a second end.

19. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the actuation wire is coupled to an elevator at a distal end of the medical device.

20. The handle assembly of claim 18, wherein the shaft is rotatable relative to the handle body and extends longitudinally in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the medical device.

21. The handle assembly of claim 17, wherein the arm includes an opening configured to receive a portion of the second portion of the contact portion.

22. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the contact portion is configured to move along a curved path.

23. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the handle body includes a groove extending longitudinally within a recessed portion of the outer surface of the handle body.

24. The handle assembly of claim 23, wherein the slot includes openings on a first side of the handle body and a second side of the handle body, wherein the first side is on a side opposite the second side.

25. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the contact portion is located between the camera button and at least one knob actuator.

26. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the inner body includes a curved gear located within the interior of the handle body, wherein the curved gear is movable along a curved channel within the interior of the handle body.

27. The handle assembly of claim 26, wherein the outer teeth of the curved gear contact the outer teeth of an adjacent gear to drive rotation of the adjacent gear and the shaft.

28. The handle assembly of claim 27, wherein a ring is coupled to the shaft via a coupling extending radially outward from the shaft, and wherein a rod is rotatably coupled to the ring and the actuation wire.

29. The handle assembly of claim 16, wherein the second portion of the contact portion includes first external teeth configured to contact second external teeth of an adjacent first gear located within the handle body to drive rotation of the shaft.

30. The handle assembly of claim 29, wherein rotation of the first gear drives rotation of an adjacent second gear.

31. A handle assembly for a medical device, comprising: handle body; as well as An actuator for controlling one or more components at a distal portion of the medical device, the actuator comprising: a contact portion including a first portion located outside the handle body and a second portion located inside the handle body; as well as an inner body coupled to (i) the contact portion and (ii) the shaft within the handle body, Wherein the actuator is configured to move across the outer surface of the handle body to actuate the one or more components at the distal portion of the medical device.

32. The handle assembly of claim 31, wherein the proximal portion of the handle body includes an opening extending in an arc on an outer surface of the handle body, wherein the opening is configured to receive the actuator.

33. The handle assembly of claim 31 , wherein the one or more components are lifters.

34. In a method of moving an elevator at a distal portion of an endoscopic device, the endoscopic device comprising: handle body; an actuator including a contact portion including a first portion located outside the handle body and a second portion located within an interior portion of the handle body; and an inner body coupled to (i) the contact portion and (ii) the shaft within the handle body, the method comprising: moving the actuator across the outer surface of the handle body to a first position to move the lifter to a second position; as well as The actuator is moved across the outer surface of the handle body to a third position to move the elevator to a fourth position.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising moving the first portion of the contact portion along a linear path.

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