Endoscope and cleaning device for a medical device

Abstract

The invention relates to an endoscope and a purification device for a medical instrument. The medical device may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an aspiration conduit extending between the handle and an aspiration source. The decontamination device may include a housing having a chamber defining a volume of fluid and an attachment interface configured to attach the decontamination device to a handle of a medical instrument such that the chamber fluidly connects a suction source and a shaft. The purification device may also include an engagement member engageable from an exterior of the housing. The engagement member may be configured to generate a positive pressure pulse within a chamber to energize the volume of fluid from the chamber and remove debris from any of a suction conduit or shaft of the medical device.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Examples described herein relate generally to endoscopes, and more particularly to endoscopes including a shaft purging system. BACKGROUND

[0002] The field of medical endoscopy has experienced significant advancements over the years, leading to the development of various devices and systems that aid clinicians in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. An endoscope is a medical instrument that is inserted into the body to view inside a hollow organ or cavity or to perform a medical procedure. Maintaining the clear visibility and functionality of an endoscope during a medical procedure aids medical professionals in guiding and operating the endoscope.

[0003] One of the challenges encountered during endoscope procedures is the accumulation of debris within the working channels of the endoscope, such as suction channels. This debris can include tissue debris, blood, and other substances that can clog the channels, resulting in reduced efficiency of debris removal and potential complications during the procedure. The small diameter of the working channels in endoscopes makes them particularly susceptible to such clogging. SUMMARY

[0004] In an example, an endoscope can include a control console including control circuitry to control operation of the endoscope during a medical procedure; a suction source to provide suction to the endoscope; a handle configured to be held by a clinician to control the endoscope during the medical procedure; a shaft extending from the handle; a suction line routed at least partially within the handle to fluidly connect the shaft to the suction source; and a purging device fluidly connected to the suction line between the suction source and the shaft, the purging device configured to generate positive pressure pulses to clear debris accumulated within the shaft or the suction line.

[0005] In an example, a purging device for a medical instrument, the medical instrument including a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suction conduit extending between the handle and a suction source, the purging device comprising: a housing including: a chamber defining a volume of fluid; and an attachment interface configured to attach the purging device to the handle of the medical instrument such that the chamber fluidly connects the suction source and the shaft; and an engagement member engageable from an exterior of the housing, the engagement member configured to generate positive pressure pulses within the chamber to energize the volume of fluid from the chamber and clear debris from either of the suction conduit or the shaft of the medical instrument. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] Various examples are illustrated in the drawings. Such examples are illustrative, and are not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive, of the subject matter.

[0007] Figure 1 An example diagram of an example endoscope including an example system for fluid management is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 An example medical device including an example system for fluid management is shown.

[0009] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an example of a purification device is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an example of a purification device is shown. Figure 3

[0011] A cross-sectional view of an example of a purification device is shown. Figure 5

[0012] A perspective view of an example of a purification device is shown. Figure 6 Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an example of a purification device is shown.

[0013] Figure 7 A perspective view of an example of a purification device is shown.

[0014] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an example of a purification device is shown.

[0015] Figure 9 Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an example of a purification device is shown.

[0016] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an example computer-based clinical decision support system (CDSS).

[0017] Figure 11 is a block diagram of an example of a machine that can implement one or more examples.

[0018] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of an example of a purification device is shown.

[0019] Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of an example of a purification device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] ​​Medical instruments (e.g., sheaths, endoscopes, etc.) can include a tubular portion or shaft (elongate member) that can be inserted inside an organ or cavity (or lumen) of a body to aid in diagnosis or treatment (e.g., removal of a stone or tissue from a patient). One or more working channels (e.g., a suction channel or an irrigation channel) can be disposed inside and extend along the length of the tubular portion. To reduce the risk of inadvertently engaging with unintended tissue, the insertable tubular portion can have a smaller diameter than the rest of the endoscope. As a result, the working channel can also have a small lumen diameter. Thus, due to the small diameter of the working channel, tissue debris and foreign objects (e.g., stones and fragments thereof) can accumulate and clog the working channel.

[0021] A fluid management system can be connected to the medical instrument to provide irrigation fluid (e.g., saline) and suction to the endoscope. The fluid management system can include an inflow conduit and an outflow conduit fluidically connected to the irrigation channel and the suction channel of the endoscope, respectively. Similar to the working channel, the inflow conduit and the outflow conduit can become clogged, kinked, or obstructed.

[0022] In this document, “clog” refers to tissue debris, stones (e.g., kidney stones or stone fragments), and other substances that can accumulate and partially or completely obstruct the lumen of a channel, “clogging” refers to the state of partially or completely obstructing the lumen of a channel, and “kinking” refers to the bending, warping, or deforming of a conduit that interferes with the flow of fluid or debris therethrough.

[0023] Clogging in the shaft, suction channel, or outflow conduit can significantly reduce the efficiency of removing tissue debris and stone fragments therethrough. Delayed or inefficient removal of unwanted material from an anatomical site can inhibit or prevent further treatment (e.g., debridement or ablation of a stone), contaminate the anatomical site, or expose the patient to increased risk.

[0024] Various methods have been attempted to prevent or address channel clogging in medical instruments. For example, breaking down unwanted material (e.g., tissue debris or stone fragments) into smaller fragments can reduce the likelihood of clogging in the channel. However, this can consume more energy, take longer to operate, and potentially increase patient risk due to increased operational complexity and time. Fine particles or swarf can reduce visibility in the operating area. Conventionally, clearing is typically performed externally, which can require the clinician to withdraw the scope from the body, flush the blocked scope to unblock it, and insert it into the anatomical site. This approach increases the operating time, increases the clinician’s inconvenience, and can increase the operating risk to the patient.

[0025] The above discussion is meant to provide an overview of the subject of the disclosure. It is not intended to provide an exclusive or exhaustive explanation of the disclosure. The description is included to provide further information about the present patent application. The present disclosure relates to medical devices for removing stones or tissue from within a patient. As such, many medical devices can use the systems, methods, and devices discussed herein. For clarity and conciseness, Figures 1 to 13 Embodiments of the present disclosure will focus on endoscopes as they relate to the present disclosure. However, as discussed herein, the present disclosure can be implemented in other medical devices for removing debris or tissue from within a patient.

[0026] Figure 1 An example diagram of an example endoscope system 100 including an example system for fluid management is shown. The endoscope system 100 can be a lithotripter configured to remove debris from within a patient’s kidney, an ablation device to remove debris from within a patient, any other medical device configured to be inserted into a patient, etc. The endoscope system 100 can include a console 102, an endoscope 104, a handle 106, an irrigation fluid port 108, an aspiration port 110, a shaft 112, an irrigation fluid source 114, an irrigation line 116, an inflow pump 118, an aspiration source 120, an aspiration line 122, a purifier 124, a debris collector 126, a user interface 128, a control module 130, a pressure monitor 132, and a power source 134.

[0027] The console 102 can include control circuitry (e.g., the control module 130, the pressure monitor 132, etc.) for controlling the operation of the endoscope system 100 during a medical procedure. The console 102 can be fluidically connected to the irrigation fluid source 114, the inflow pump 118, the aspiration source 120, and the debris collector 126. The console 102 can also be in communication with the user interface 128, which can be a standalone device or integrated into the console 102.

[0028] The endoscope 104 can be in communication with the console 102 such that the console 102 can control the operation of the endoscope 104. The endoscope 104 can include the handle 106 and the shaft 112. The handle 106 can be configured to be held by a clinician to control the endoscope 104 during a medical procedure. The handle 106 can generally be elongated to improve the ergonomics of the clinician during use of the endoscope 104.

[0029] Handle 106 can include an irrigation fluid port 108 and an aspiration port 110. Irrigation fluid port 108 can fluidly connect an irrigation fluid source 114 to shaft 112 to provide irrigation fluid (e.g., water, saline, other biocompatible liquid, etc.) from irrigation fluid source 114 and provide to an operative site (e.g., a distal end of shaft 112). An inflow pump 118 can be configured to provide irrigation fluid to a distal end of shaft 112 via an irrigation line 116 and irrigation fluid port 108. Aspiration port 110 can fluidly connect shaft 112 to a debris collector 126 via an aspiration line 122 to draw debris, fluid, excess irrigation fluid, etc. from a distal end of shaft 112. An aspiration source 120 can provide suction to endoscope system 100 in order to draw debris (e.g., kidney stone fragments, ablated tissue, blood, excess irrigation fluid, etc.) away from a distal end of shaft 112 and toward debris collector 126 via aspiration port 110 and aspiration line 122. Aspiration source 120 can be a pump configured to be able to draw debris away from a distal end of shaft 112. Debris collector 126 can be configured to measure collected debris during a medical procedure.

[0030] Shaft 112 can extend from and be fluidly connected to handle 106. Shaft 112 can include one or more lumens (e.g., a source fluid lumen and an aspiration lumen) that can be fluidly connected to irrigation fluid port 108 and aspiration port 110, respectively, to provide irrigation fluid from irrigation fluid source 114 to a distal end of shaft 112 and draw debris, fluid, etc. from a distal end of shaft 112. Accordingly, irrigation line 116 can be routed at least partially within handle 106 to fluidly connect a distal end of shaft 112 to irrigation fluid source 114, and aspiration line 122 can be routed at least partially within handle 106 to fluidly connect shaft 112 to aspiration source 120.

[0031] Purification device 124 can be fluidly connected to aspiration line 122 between aspiration source 120 and shaft 112. Purification device 124 can be configured to generate positive pressure pulses to clear debris accumulated within shaft 112 or aspiration line 122. In an example, purification device 124 can be completely enclosed by handle 106, can extend at least partially outside of handle 106, or can be completely outside of handle 106.

[0032] The control module 130 can be configured to operate the endoscope system 100, and more specifically, the endoscope 104 and the purge device 124, based on information from at least one of the following: a user via the user interface 128, a pressure within the system detected by the pressure monitor 132, a pump reading from either of the inflow pump 118 or the suction source 120, a power reading from the power source 134, or information from any other component of the endoscope system 100. In an example, the control module 130 can generate a control signal to change an operating parameter of the inflow pump 118 to change an amount of irrigation fluid flowing from the irrigation fluid source 114 to the distal end of the shaft 112. The control module 130 can send a control signal to increase suction provided to the endoscope system 100 via the suction source 120 to increase an amount of fluid or debris suctioned from the distal end of the shaft 112. The control module 130 can send a control signal to operate the purge device 124 to help clear any blockages, kinks, obstructions, or any combination thereof in the shaft 112 or the suction line 122.

[0033] In an example, the control module 130 can receive a signal from the sensor 125 within the purge device 124. The signal from the sensor 125 of the purge device 124 can indicate actuation of the purge device 124. The control module 130 can transmit an activation summary based on the detected actuation of the purge device 124. The activation summary can be configured to notify the clinician that the purge device 124 is activated and include one or more parameters detected by sensors of the endoscope system 100, such as pressure from the pressure monitor 132, pumping rate (e.g., voltage) from the inflow pump 118, pumping rate (e.g., voltage) from the suction source 120, etc. For example, the activation summary can be transmitted to the user interface 128 to provide the clinician with the pressure within the endoscope and the current pressure within the endoscope during activation of the purge device 124. The current pressure can be real-time to display the effectiveness of the activation of the purge device 124.

[0034] Figure 2 An example medical instrument 200 is shown that includes an endoscope 202 (e.g., the endoscope 104( Figure 1 )), a stone ablation device 208, and a purge device 218 (e.g., the purge device 124( Figure 1 )). The endoscope 202 can include an irrigation fluid port 204 (e.g., the irrigation fluid port 108( Figure 1 )) and an elongate member 206 (e.g., the shaft 112( Figure 1 )).

[0035] The medical instrument 200 can be configured to be able to remove debris (e.g., a calculus) from a target region within a patient. Accordingly, the medical instrument 200 can receive irrigation fluid via the irrigation fluid port 204, which can be directed to a distal end of the elongated member 206 and toward the target region to help break apart and extract the calculus from the target region.

[0036] The calculus ablation device 208 can include a shaft 210, a vibration source 212, a collection chamber 214, and an aspiration port 216 (e.g., the aspiration port 110 Figure 1 ). The shaft 210 can be configured to be insertable within the elongated member 206 in order to direct vibrations generated by the vibration source 212 toward a distal end of the elongated member 206. An aspiration source (e.g., Figure 1 the aspiration source 120) of the medical instrument 200 to provide aspiration from the distal end of the elongated member 206 through the irrigation fluid port 204 and the calculus ablation device 208. The calculus can be aspirated through the shaft 210 and toward the collection chamber 214 and the aspiration port 216. In an example, the calculus can be collected within the collection chamber 214 and the remaining fluid and smaller debris can continue through the collection chamber 214 and into the aspiration port 216.

[0037] The calculus, fragments of the calculus, other debris, or combinations thereof can clog within the endoscope 202 or the calculus ablation device 208, thereby preventing irrigation fluid or debris from being aspirated through the endoscope 202 or the calculus ablation device 208. Accordingly, the medical instrument 200 includes a purging device 218, which can be integral with the calculus ablation device 208, attached to the calculus ablation device 208, or connected to both the endoscope 202 and the calculus ablation device 208. The purging device 218 can be configured to generate positive pressure pulses to clear the debris accumulated within any of the elongated member 206, the shaft 210, or within the endoscope 202 or the calculus ablation device 208.

[0038] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an example of a purging device 300 (e.g., the purging device 124 Figure 1 ) is shown. The purging device 300 can be installed within the handle 106 Figure 1 . In an example, the purging device 300 can be installed within the handle 106 such that a portion of the purging device 300 (e.g., the resilient member 310) extends to an exterior of the handle 106 such that an end user can engage the resilient member 310. The purging device 300 can include an aspiration chamber (e.g., the chamber 302) and a sealing member (e.g., the elongated member 316). In Figure 3 , the purging device 300 is shown in a starting position 314.

[0039] Chamber 302 can be configured to hold a volume of fluid 304. Fluid 304 can be aspirated from a distal end of shaft 112( Figure 1 ) by suction source 120 and can include irrigation fluid (e.g., from irrigation fluid source 114), blood, operational debris (e.g., ablated tissue, all or fragments of nephrolithiasis (e.g., kidney stones, urolithiasis, etc.)), or any combination thereof. Chamber 302 can be fluidically connected to suction line (e.g., suction line 122( Figure 1 )) between suction source (e.g., suction source 120( Figure 1 )) or debris collector 126( Figure 1 ) and shaft (e.g., shaft 112( Figure 1 )). Debris within fluid 304 can become clogged, stuck, or can cause an occlusion of fluid 304 from a distal tip of shaft 112 toward debris collector 126 or suction source 120. Such occlusions can hinder a medical professional’s ability to aspirate fluid or debris from a distal end of shaft 112, which can result in poor imaging, poor operational results, etc. As described above, chamber 302 can be disposed within handle 106( Figure 1 ) or can be external to handle 106. Chamber 302 can include a shaft port (e.g., inlet 306), a suction port (e.g., outlet 308), a resilient member 310, and a biasing member 312.

[0040] Inlet 306 can be fluidically connected to shaft 112( Figure 1 ). Thus, fluid 304 (e.g., and any combination of debris) can flow from a distal end of shaft 112 and into chamber 302 via inlet 306. Outlet 308 can be fluidically connected to suction source (e.g., suction source 120( Figure 1 ) such that fluid from a distal end of shaft 112 can flow to suction source 120 via inlet 306, chamber 302, outlet 308, and suction line 122( Figure 1 ).

[0041] Resilient member 310 can be engageable (e.g., by an end user of endoscopic system 100( Figure 1 )) to create a positive pressure pulse (e.g., positive pressure pulse 404( Figure 4 )) within chamber 302. Resilient member 310 can be disposed within purging device 300 such that at least a portion of resilient member 310 can be engaged by an end user of endoscopic system 100( Figure 1 ). For example, at least a portion of resilient member 310 can extend to an exterior of handle 106( Figure 1 ). Biasing member 312 (e.g., a spring) can be disposed within chamber 302. Biasing member 312 can be configured to return resilient member 310 to a starting position 314 after actuation of biasing member 312 is complete.

[0042] The elongate member 316 can extend within the chamber 302 from the biasing member 312 such that when the resilient member 310 is engaged (e.g., by an end user of the endoscope system 100) the elongate member 316 translates within the chamber 302 such that the elongate member 316 blocks the outlet 308 to direct the positive pressure pulse through the inlet 306 and toward the shaft (e.g., the shaft 112 Figure 1 ).

[0043] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of an example of the purging device 300 is shown in an engaged state 402. As discussed herein, moving the purging device 300 from the starting position 314 to the engaged state 402 can move the fluid 304 within the chamber 302 to create a positive pressure pulse 404. Figure 3

[0044] As discussed with reference to the purging device 300, the elongate member 316 can be connected to (e.g., or engageable by) the resilient member 310 such that when the resilient member 310 is engaged by an end user of the endoscope system 100, the elongate member 316 translates. When the elongate member 316 translates, the elongate member 316 can cover the outlet 308 to prevent the fluid 304 within the chamber 302 from flowing out of the outlet 308 and toward the debris collector 126. Because the outlet 308 is blocked by the elongate member 316 when the resilient member 310 is engaged by the end user, the positive pressure pulse 404 is directed toward the inlet 306 to provide energy into the suction line 122 and toward the distal end of the shaft 112. In this way, the positive pressure pulse 404 can remove any debris that clogs or otherwise blocks the shaft 112 or the suction line 122 of the endoscope system 100. Figure 3 Figure 1 Figure 1 Figure 1 Figure 1 Figure 1 Figure 1

[0045] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an example of the purging device 500 is shown. The purging device 500 can be installed within the handle 106. In examples, the purging device 500 can be installed within the handle 106 such that a portion of the purging device 500 (e.g., the flexible diaphragm 510) extends to the outside of the handle 106 such that an end user can engage the flexible diaphragm 510. The purging device 500 can include a fluid chamber 502 configured to hold a volume of fluid (e.g., the fluid 504), a suction inlet 506, a suction outlet 508, a flexible diaphragm 510, and a blocking member 512. As shown, the purging device 500 can be positioned in a rest position 514. Figure 1 Figure 5 ​​​​​​​​​​

[0046] The fluid chamber 502 can be configured to hold a fluid volume of a fluid 504. The fluid 504 can be drawn into the fluid chamber 502 by the suction source 120 ( Figure 1 ) from axis 112( Figure 1 ) and may include irrigation fluid (e.g., from irrigation fluid source 114), blood, procedure debris (e.g., ablated tissue, all or fragments of nephrolithiasis (e.g., kidney stones, urolithiasis, etc.), or any combination thereof. Fluid chamber 502 may be fluidly connected to a suction source (e.g., suction source 120 ( Figure 1 ) or debris collector 126 ( Figure 1 )) and an axis (eg, axis 112 ( Figure 1 )) between the suction line (eg, suction line 122 ( Figure 1 )). Debris within the fluid chamber 504 may become clogged, stuck, or may result in a blockage of the fluid 504 from the distal end of the shaft 112 toward the debris collector 126 or the suction source 120. Such a blockage may prevent the medical professional from being able to aspirate the fluid or debris from the distal end of the shaft 112, which may result in poor imaging, poor procedural results, etc. As described above, the fluid chamber 502 may be disposed within the handle 106 ( Figure 1 ) or may be external to the handle 106. The fluid chamber 502 may include a suction inlet 506, a suction outlet 508, a flexible diaphragm 510, and a barrier member 512.

[0047] The suction inlet 506 can fluidly connect the fluid chamber 502 to the shaft 112 ( Figure 1 ). Fluid 504 can flow from the distal end of shaft 112 and enter fluid chamber 502 through suction inlet 506. Suction outlet 508 can be fluidly connected between fluid chamber 502 and suction source 120 ( Figure 1 ) or debris collector 126 ( Figure 1 ). Thus, the distal end of the shaft 112 can be fluidly connected to the debris collector 126 such that fluid 504 can flow from the distal tip of the shaft 112 and into the suction inlet 506, through the fluid chamber 502, out of the suction outlet 508 and toward the suction source 120 or the debris collector 126 via the suction line 122.

[0048] The flexible membrane 510 can define at least a portion of the fluid chamber 502 and can be engageable (e.g., by the endoscope system 100 ( Figure 6 ) to generate a positive pressure pulse (e.g., positive pressure pulse 604 ( Figure 1 )). The flexible membrane 510 can be disposed within the purification device 500 such that at least a portion of the flexible membrane 510 can be engaged by an end user of the endoscope system 100. For example, at least a portion of the flexible membrane 510 can extend to the handle 106 (Figure 6 ). The flexible diaphragm 510 may include a shape memory material (e.g., a material having elastic properties) such that the flexible diaphragm 510 returns to the rest position 514 when the flexible diaphragm 510 is not engaged by an end user of the endoscope system 100. In an example, the volume of the fluid 504 within the fluid chamber 502 may provide a pressure within the fluid chamber 502 to help urge the flexible diaphragm 510 toward the rest position 514.

[0049] Figure 5 Shown in engaged position 602 Figure 5 5. As discussed herein, moving the purification device 500 from the rest position 514 to the engaged position 602 can move the fluid 504 within the fluid chamber 502 to generate the positive pressure pulse 604.

[0050] As referenced in this article Figure 1 As discussed, the blocking member 512 can be engaged by the flexible membrane 510 such that the blocking member 512 is engaged when the flexible membrane 510 is engaged by the endoscope system 100 ( Figure 1 ). When the blocking member 512 translates, the blocking member 512 can cover the suction outlet 508 to prevent the fluid 504 in the fluid chamber 502 from flowing out of the suction outlet 508 and toward the suction source 120 or the debris collector 126. Because the suction outlet 508 is blocked by the blocking member 512 when the flexible diaphragm 510 is engaged by the end user, the positive pressure pulse 604 is directed toward the suction inlet 506 to provide energy to the suction line 122 ( Figure 1 ) and toward axis 112 ( Figure 1 ) distal end. In this way, the positive pressure pulse 604 can remove the endoscope system 100 ( Figure 1 ) of the shaft 112( Figure 1 ) or suction line 122 ( Figure 7 ) any debris.

[0051] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a purification device (eg, a hand-actuated pressure ball 700) is shown. The hand-actuated pressure ball 600 may be located on the handle 106 ( Figure 1 ) externally, or may be extended so that at least a portion of the hand-actuated pressure bulb 600 extends within the handle 106. The hand-actuated pressure bulb 600 may be fluidly connected to the suction line 122 via a valve 702. The valve 702 may be configured to prevent fluid from flowing into the suction line (e.g., toward the suction source 120 ( Figure 1 ) or debris collector 126 ( Figure 6 ) in any one of the above. Figure 1As shown, valve 702 may include a suction inlet 704 and a suction outlet 606. Suction inlet 704 may fluidly connect valve 702 to shaft 112 ( Figure 1 ). The suction outlet 606 can fluidly connect the valve 702 to the suction source 120 ( Figure 1 ) or debris collector 126 ( Figure 1 ).

[0052] During standard operation, fluid (e.g., fluid 710) can flow freely from the suction inlet 704, through the valve 702, out the suction outlet 706, and via the suction line 122 toward the suction source 120 or the debris collector 126. If a blockage is detected in any of the suction line 122, the shaft 112, or the suction inlet 704, the hand-actuated pressure bulb 700 can be activated by the endoscope system 100 ( Figure 1 ) is engaged by an end user to generate a positive pressure pulse 708. The valve 702 can be configured to block the suction outlet 706 in response to the positive pressure pulse 708 so as to direct the positive pressure pulse 708 through the suction inlet 704 and toward the distal end of the shaft 112. In this way, the positive pressure pulse 708 can remove any blockage or otherwise obstructing the endoscope system 100 ( Figure 1 ) of the suction inlet 704, the shaft 112 ( Figure 1 ) or suction line 122 ( Figure 1 ) debris.

[0053] In an example, the valve 702 can be configured to block the suction outlet 706 using a mechanical restriction (e.g., a shutoff valve), a butterfly valve (e.g., activated when the hand-actuated pressure bulb 700 is engaged by an end user), an actuated valve (e.g., activated when the hand-actuated pressure bulb 700 is engaged by an end user), a ball valve, etc. In an example, the control module 130 can be configured to block the suction outlet 706 upon detecting that the valve 702 and the shaft 112 ( Figure 8 ) activates or generates an alarm when a high pressure is detected between the distal end of the shaft 112 and the suction source 120, such as instructing the end user to activate the hand-actuated pressure ball 700. The control module 130 can also send a control signal to the valve 702 to change the flow of fluid within the valve 702 and prevent the flow of fluid toward the suction source 120 or the debris collector 126 to direct the fluid through the suction outlet 706 and flow toward the distal end of the shaft 112 ( Figure 1 ).

[0054] Figure 8 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a purification device 800. The purification device 800 can be mounted on the handle 106 ( Figure 8) within the handle 106, such that a portion of the purging device 800 (e.g., the engagement surface 816) extends to an exterior of the handle 106 so that an end user can engage the engagement surface 816. The purging device 800 can include a housing 802 that includes an attachment interface 824 and defines an aspiration chamber 804 that can be filled with a fluid 806 (e.g., the fluid 304, the fluid 504, or the fluid 710), a shaft port 808, an aspiration port 810, a plunger 812, a biasing member 814, an engagement surface 816, and an engagement housing 818. As Figure 1 shown, the purging device 800 is in a rest position 820.

[0055] The housing 802 can define the aspiration chamber 804 and can be configured to attach the purging device 800 to the scope 104 via the attachment interface 824. As Figure 1 shown, the purging device 800 can be attached to the handle 106 between the aspiration port 110 and the aspiration line 122. The attachment interface 824 can include a seal to prevent leakage during operation of the purging device 800. Each purging device (e.g., the purging device 124, the purging device 300, the purging device 500, and the hand-actuated pressure bulb 700) can be similarly attached to the scope 104 so that the purging device fluidically connects the aspiration port 110 to the aspiration line 122 toward the suction source 120 or the debris collector 126.

[0056] The aspiration chamber 804 can be configured to hold a volume of the fluid 806. The fluid 806 can be aspirated from a distal end of the shaft 112( Figure 1 ) by the suction source 120 and can include an irrigation fluid (e.g., from the irrigation fluid source 114), blood, operational debris (e.g., ablated tissue, all or fragments of nephrolithiasis (e.g., kidney stones, urolithiasis, etc.)), or any combination thereof. The aspiration chamber 804 can be fluidically connected to an aspiration line (e.g., the aspiration line 122( Figure 1 ) and a shaft (e.g., the shaft 112( Figure 1 )). Debris within the fluid 806 can become clogged, stuck, or can cause an occlusion of the fluid 806 from the distal tip of the shaft 112 toward the debris collector 126 or the suction source 120. Such an occlusion can hinder a medical professional’s ability to aspirate fluid or debris from the distal end of the shaft 112, which can result in poor imaging, poor operational results, etc.

[0057] The shaft port 808 can be fluidically connected to the shaft 112( Figure 9 ) so that the shaft port 808 fluidically connects the aspiration chamber 804 to the distal end of the shaft 112 via the aspiration line 122( Figure 1 ). The aspiration port 810 can be fluidically connected to a suction source (e.g., the suction source 120( Figure 9)), so that fluid from the distal end of shaft 112 is drawn into suction line 122, into suction chamber 804 via shaft port 808, and back into suction line 122 via suction port 810 toward suction source 120 or debris collector 126.

[0058] The plunger 812 can extend into the suction chamber 804. The plunger 812 can be configured to displace a volume of fluid 806 when actuated (e.g., moved from the rest position 820 to the working position 902) to generate a positive pressure pulse (e.g., positive pressure pulse 904 ( Figure 1 )).

[0059] The purification device 800 may include an engagement housing 818 and an engagement surface 816. The engagement surface 816 and the engagement housing 818d may contain a plunger 812 and a biasing member 814. The engagement surface 816 may be configured to be engaged by the endoscope system 100 ( Figure 9 ) is engaged by a user to operate the purification device 800 and operates the purification device 800 between the rest position 820 and the working position 902 to generate a positive pressure pulse 904.

[0060] The biasing member 814 can be disposed within the engagement surface 816 and the engagement housing 818 such that the biasing member 814 connects the engagement surface 816 to the plunger 812. The biasing member 814 can be configured to return the plunger 812 to the rest position 820 after actuation (e.g., after the end user ceases engaging the engagement surface 816). In other words, the biasing member 814 can be configured to pull the plunger 812 toward the engagement surface 816 such that the sealing member 822 ceases to block the shaft port 808 after the end user ceases engagement with the engagement surface 816.

[0061] The plunger 812 may include a sealing member 822. The sealing member 822 may be attached to a portion of the plunger 812 disposed within the aspiration chamber 804. The sealing member 822 may be configured to extend into the shaft port 808 to seal the shaft port 808 and direct the positive pressure pulse 904 ( Figure 8 ) toward axis 112 ( Figure 1 )guide.

[0062] Figure 8 Shown in working position 902 Figure 1 As discussed herein, moving the purification device 800 from the rest position 820 to the working position 902 can direct the fluid 806 within the suction chamber 804 into the shaft port 808 to direct the positive pressure pulse 904 toward the shaft 112 ( Figure 1 ) of remote transmission.

[0063] As reference Figure 1The plunger 812, and more specifically, the sealing member 822, can be sized such that the sealing member 822 can seal the shaft port 808 to fluidically disconnect the shaft port 808 from the suction chamber 804. Movement of the plunger 812 can generate and direct a positive pressure pulse 904 toward the distal end of the shaft 112 when moving the purging device 800 from the rest position 820 to the working position 902. Figure 1 ). Thus, the positive pressure pulse 904 can remove any debris that is clogged or otherwise obstructing the shaft port 808 of the endoscope system 100 Figure 1 ), the shaft 112 Figure 1 ), or the suction line 122 Figure 1 ). Moreover, the plunger 812 can be configured such that a portion of the plunger 812 extends within the shaft port 808, which can help break up any clogs, obstructions, etc. that are formed within the shaft port 808.

[0064] Any of the purging devices (e.g., the purging device 124, the purging device 300, the purging device 500, or the purging device 800) can be configured to be removably secured to a handle (e.g., the handle 106 Figure 10 ) and fluidically connected between a suction line (e.g., the suction line 122 Figure 1 ) and a suction source (e.g., the suction source 120 Figure 1 ). The purging device can also be configured as an attachment that is configured to be removably secured to the handle 106 Figure 1 ) and fluidically connected to a suction line (e.g., the suction line 122 Figure 11 ).

[0065] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of an example computer-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) 1000 configured to control one or more aspects of the endoscope system 100 based on inputs from any one component of the endoscope system (e.g., the inflow pump 118, the suction source 120, the user interface 128, the control module 130, the pressure monitor 132, or the power source 134 (all shown in Figure 2 ). The CDSS 1000 can be integrated into the control module 130 or can be in communication with the control module 130. In an example, the CDSS 1000 can include an input interface 1004 (e.g., the user interface 128 Figure 3 ) through which patient-specific medical information (e.g., age, weight, gender) or procedure-specific information (e.g., abnormal location, planned path of the procedure, planned steps of the procedure, etc.) can be provided as input features to an artificial intelligence (AI) model 1006; a processor 1008 that performs inference operations (e.g., the control module 130Figure 5 )) in which input from any of the components of the endoscope system, signals transmitted based on engagement with either of the first or second engagement members, medical information, operation-specific information, and the like are applied to an AI model to generate a suggested medical operation; and a user interface (UI) through which the suggested medical operation is communicated to a user, such as a clinician.

[0066] In some embodiments, the input interface 1004 can be a direct data link between the CDSS 1000 and one or more medical devices (e.g., the endoscope system 100) that generate at least some of the input features. For example, the input interface 1004 can transmit input from any one of the components of the endoscope system, medical information, operation-specific information, and the like directly to the CDSS 1000 during a therapeutic and / or diagnostic medical operation. For example, the input interface 1004 can direct data between the CDSS 1000 and a sensor (e.g., the sensor 125, the pressure monitor 132, and the like). Additionally or alternatively, the input interface 1004 can be a classic user interface that facilitates interaction between a user and the CDSS 1000. For example, the input interface 1004 can facilitate a user interface through which a user can manually input medical information, operation-specific information, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the input interface 1004 can provide the CDSS 1000 with access to an electronic patient record from which one or more input features can be extracted. Such an electronic patient record can be stored on the database 1002. In any of these cases, the input interface 1004 can be configured to collect one or more of the following input features associated with a particular patient at or before a point in time at which the CDSS 1000 is used to assess the safest and most effective operation to complete a planned medical operation.

[0067] Based on one or more of the above-described input features, the processor 1008 performs an inference operation using the AI model 1006 to generate the safest and most effective medical operation to perform the medical task. For example, the input interface 1004 can deliver any medical information, medical operation information, output from any one of the components of the endoscope system, or signals transmitted based on engagement with either of the first or second engagement members into an input layer of the AI model 1006, which propagates these input features through the AI model 1006 to an output layer. The AI model 1006 can provide a computer system with the ability to perform a task without being explicitly programmed by making inferences based on patterns discovered in data analysis. The AI model 1006 explores the research and construction of algorithms (e.g., machine learning algorithms) that can learn from existing data and make predictions on new data. Such algorithms operate by building an AI model from example training data in order to make data-driven predictions or decisions represented as outputs or evaluations.

[0068] In an example, the CDSS 1000 can transmit an activation summary based on the detected actuation of the purifier 124. The activation summary can be configured to inform the clinician that the purifier 124 was activated and include one or more parameters detected by the sensors of the endoscope system 100, such as pressure from the pressure monitor 132, pumping rate (e.g., voltage) from the inflow pump 118, pumping rate (e.g., voltage) from the suction source 120, etc. For example, the activation summary can be transmitted to the user interface 128 to provide the clinician with the pressure within the endoscope and the current pressure within the endoscope during the activation of the purifier 124. The current pressure can be real-time to display the effectiveness of the activation of the purifier 124.

[0069] In an example, the computer-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) 1000 can also be used to control one or more of the inflow pump 118, the suction source 120, the user interface 128, the control module 130, the pressure monitor 132, the power source 134, or the purifier 124 based on any information collected via components of the endoscope system 100 or from patient information provided to the endoscope system 100 or the computer-based clinical decision support system (CDSS) 1000.

[0070] There are two common modes of machine learning (ML): supervised ML and unsupervised ML. Supervised ML uses prior knowledge (e.g., examples that relate inputs to outputs or outcomes) to learn the relationship between inputs and outputs. The goal of supervised ML is to learn a function that best approximates the relationship between the training inputs and outputs given some training data, so that the ML model can implement the same relationship to generate a corresponding output given an input. Unsupervised ML is the training of a ML algorithm using information that is neither classified nor labeled, and allows the algorithm to act on that information without guidance. Unsupervised ML is useful in exploratory analysis because it can automatically identify structures in the data.

[0071] Common tasks for supervised ML are classification problems and regression problems. Classification problems, also known as categorization problems, aim to classify items into one of several categorical values (e.g., is the object an apple or an orange?). Regression algorithms aim to quantify some items (e.g., by providing a score to some inputted value). Some examples of commonly used supervised ML algorithms are logistic regression (LR), Naive-Bayes, random forest (RF), neural networks (NN), deep neural networks (DNN), matrix factorization, and support vector machines (SVM).

[0072] Some common tasks for unsupervised ML include clustering, representation learning, and density estimation. Some examples of commonly used unsupervised ML algorithms are K-means clustering, principal component analysis, and autoencoders.

[0073] Another type of ML is federated learning (also known as collaborative learning), which trains an algorithm across multiple decentralized devices that hold local data without exchanging the data. This approach contrasts with traditional centralized machine learning techniques, where all local datasets are uploaded to one server, and more classic decentralized approaches, which typically assume that local data samples are identically distributed. Federated learning enables multiple participants to build a common, robust machine learning model without sharing data, allowing for the resolution of key issues such as data privacy, data security, data access permissions, and access to heterogeneous data.

[0074] In an example, the AI model can be trained continuously or periodically by the processor 1008 prior to the inference operation. Then, during the inference operation, the patient-specific input features provided to the AI model can propagate from the input layer through one or more hidden layers and ultimately to the output layer corresponding to the recommended medical operation. For example, if the patient’s age, the patient’s size, or any other medical information of the patient and medical information such as the patient’s location indicate that the sample can be difficult to obtain, the processor 1008 can recommend a small version of the endoscope, recommend a different path for the imaging and sampling work to be maximized, or recommend a maximum energy for any cutting, ablation, or removal operation.

[0075] During and / or after the inference operation, the output interface 1010 can communicate any of the safest and most effective medical operations to a user via a user interface (UI) and / or automatically cause any component of the endoscope system to perform the desired action. For example, if the imaging quality is poor, the processor 1008 can transmit a signal to the light source control unit to change the brightness, color, saturation, or any other light parameter of the transmitted light, send a control signal to the fluid source to change the fluid supplied to the pump, send a signal to the pump to change the speed or volume of the fluid supplied to the imaging site, send a signal to the pump to increase or decrease the amount of suction provided to the imaging site. These are exemplary actions that can be taken by the CDSS 1000 to aid in the guidance and operation of the medical operation. However, the inventors of the present disclosure have envisioned any aspect of how the CDSS 1000 can aid in the medical operation, such as preoperative planning, intraoperative execution, or postoperative analysis operations, among others.

[0076] Figure 8A block diagram of an example machine 1100 is shown, on which any one or more of the techniques (e.g., methods) discussed herein can be performed. As described herein, examples may include logic or multiple components or mechanisms within machine 1100, or may be operated by logic or multiple components or mechanisms within machine 1100. A circuit system (e.g., processing circuit system) is a collection of circuits including hardware (e.g., simple circuits, gates, logic, etc.) implemented in the tangible physical form of machine 1100. The membership of a circuit system can change over time. A circuit system includes components that can, individually or in combination, perform a specified operation when in operation. In an example, the hardware of the circuit system can be variably designed to perform a specific operation (e.g., hardwired). In an example, the hardware of the circuit system can include variably connected physical components (e.g., execution units, transistors, simple circuits, etc.), including machine-readable media that can be physically modified (e.g., magnetically, electrically, removably positioned, or invariant polymer particles, etc.) to encode instructions for a specific operation. When the physical components are connected, the underlying electrical properties of the hardware components change, for example, from an insulator to a conductor, or vice versa. The instructions enable embedded hardware (e.g., an execution unit or loading mechanism) to create a member of the circuit in hardware via variable connections to perform a portion of a specific operation when in operation. Thus, in an example, the machine-readable medium element is part of the circuit system or is communicatively coupled to other components of the circuit system when the device is in operation. In an example, any physical component can be used in more than one member of more than one circuit system. For example, in operation, an execution unit can be used in a first circuit in a first circuit system at one point in time and reused by a second circuit in the first circuit system or a third circuit in the second circuit system at a different time. The following are additional examples of these components of the machine 1100.

[0077] In an alternative embodiment, the machine 1100 may operate as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networked deployment, the machine 1100 may operate in the capacity of a server machine, a client machine, or both in a server-client network environment. In an example, the machine 1100 may act as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (P2P) (or other distributed) network environment. The machine 1100 may be a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a network appliance, a network router, a switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executing instructions (sequentially or otherwise) specifying actions to be taken by the machine. Furthermore, while a single machine is illustrated, the term "machine" shall also be taken to include any collection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein, such as cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), or other computer cluster configurations.

[0078] The machine 1100 can include a hardware processor 1102 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 1104, a static memory (e.g., for firmware, microcode, a basic-input- output (BIOS), and a mass storage device 1108 (e.g., a hard disk drive, a tape drive, a flash drive, or other block devices) some or all of which can communicate with one another via an interlink 1130 (e.g., a bus). The machine 1100 can further include a display unit 1110, an alphanumeric input device 1112 (e.g., a keyboard), and a user interface (UI) navigation device 1114 (e.g., a mouse). In an example, the display unit 1110, input device 1112 and UI navigation device 1114 can be a touch screen display. The machine 1100 can additionally include a signal generation device 1118 (e.g., a speaker), a network interface device 1120, and one or more sensors 1116, such as a global positioning system (GPS) sensor, compass, accelerometer, or other sensor. The machine 1100 can include an output controller 1128, such as a serial (e.g., universal serial bus (USB), parallel, or other wired or wireless (e.g., infrared (IR), near field communication (NFC), etc.) connection to communicate or control one or more peripheral devices (e.g., a printer, card reader, etc.).

[0079] The hardware processor 1102, main memory 1104, static memory 1106, or mass storage device 1108 can be or include machine-readable media 1122, on which are stored one or more sets of instructions or data structures 1124 (e.g., software) representing any of the technologies described herein. The instructions 1124 can also reside, completely or at least partially, within the main memory 1104, static memory 1106, or within the hardware processor 1102 during execution thereof by the machine 1100. The main memory 1104, the static memory 1106, or the mass storage device 1108, or any combination thereof, can constitute machine-readable media 1122. While the machine-readable media 1122 is illustrated as single medium, the term “machine-readable media” can include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) configured to store the one or more instructions 1124.

[0080] The term“machine-readable medium” can include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 1100 and that causes the machine 1100 to perform any one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure, or that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions. Non-limiting machine-readable medium examples can include solid-state memories, optical media, magnetic media, and signals (e.g., radio frequency signals, other optical-based signals, audio-based signals, etc.). In examples, the non-transitory machine-readable medium includes a machine-readable medium with a plurality of particles having invariant (e.g., rest) mass, and therefore are matter compositions. Accordingly, the non-transitory machine-readable medium is a machine-readable medium that is not a transitory propagating signal. Specific examples of non-transitory machine-readable media can include nonvolatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., Electrically Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

[0081] In examples, the information stored or otherwise provided on the machine- readable medium 1122 can represent instructions 1124, such as the instructions 1124 themselves or a format from which the instructions 1124 can be derived. Such formats from which the instructions 1124 can be derived can include source code, encoded instructions (e.g., in a compressed or encrypted form), packaged instructions (e.g., divided into multiple packages), etc. The information representing the instructions 1124 in the machine-readable medium 1122 can be processed by processing circuitry into instructions to implement any of the operations discussed herein. For example, deriving the instructions 1124 from the information (e.g., processing by the processing circuitry) can include compiling (e.g., from source code, object code, etc.), interpreting, loading, organizing (e.g., dynamically or statically linking), encoding, decoding, encrypting, decrypting, packaging, unpackaging, or otherwise manipulating the information into the instructions 1124.

[0082] In examples, the derivation of the instructions 1124 can include assembly, compilation, or interpretation of the information (e.g., by the processing circuitry) to create the instructions 1124 from some intermediate or preprocessed format provided by the machine-readable medium 1122. When provided in multiple parts, the information can be combined, unpacked, and modified to create the instructions 1124. For example, the information can be in multiple compressed source code packages (or object code or binary executable code, etc.) on one or more remote servers. The source code packages can be encrypted when transferred over a network, and decrypted, unzipped, assembled (e.g., linked), and compiled or interpreted (e.g., into a library, standalone executable, etc.) at a local machine as necessary, and executed by the local machine.

[0083] The instructions 1124 may also be sent or received over a communication network 1126 via the network interface device 1120 using a transmission medium using any of a variety of transmission protocols (e.g., frame relay, Internet Protocol (IP), transmission control protocol (TCP), user datagram protocol (UDP), hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP), etc.). Example communication networks may include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a packet data network (e.g., the Internet), a LoRa / LoRaWAN or satellite communication network, a mobile phone network (e.g., a cellular network such as one that complies with 3G, 4G LTE / LTE-A, or 5G standards), a plain old telephone (POTS) network, and a wireless data network (e.g., the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 902.11 family of standards, referred to as the IEEE 902.15.4 family of standards, a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, etc.). In an example, the network interface device 1120 may include one or more physical jacks (e.g., Ethernet, coaxial, or telephone jacks) or one or more antennas to connect to the communication network 1126. In an example, the network interface device 1120 may include multiple antennas to enable wireless communication using at least one of single-input multiple-output (SIMO), multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), or multiple-input single-output (MISO) technology. The term "transmission medium" shall be deemed to include any intangible medium that can store, encode, or carry instructions for execution by the machine 1100, and includes digital or analog communication signals or other intangible media to facilitate communication of such software. A transmission medium is a machine-readable medium.

[0084] Figure 1 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a purification device 1200. The purification device 1200 can be implemented as any other purification device disclosed herein, such as the purification device 218 ( Figure 12 )、Purification device 300( Figure 13 )、Purification device 500( Figure 2 ) or purification device 800( Figure 3 ), and thus can be mounted on the handle 106 ( Figure 5 ) Figure 8 As shown, the decontamination device 1200 can include a plumber snake, such as a rigid member 1202. The rigid member 1202 can be coupled to the inner surface of the elastic member 310. Thus, when the elastic member 310 is engaged by a clinician, the rigid member 1202 can move with the elastic member 310. The movement (e.g., translation, extension, etc.) can cause the rigid member 1202 to engage obstructed debris within the inlet 306, thereby allowing fluid to flow from the inlet 306 to the outlet 308.

[0085] Figure 121 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of a purification device 1300. The purification device 1300 can be implemented as any other purification device disclosed herein, such as the purification device 218 ( Figure 1 )、Purification device 300( Figure 13 )、Purification device 500( ​ )、Purification device 800( ​ ) or purification device 1200( ​ ), and thus can be mounted on the handle 106 ( ​ ) ​ As shown, purification device 1300 may include a pipe pig, such as rigid member 1202 and spring element 1302. Rigid member 1202 may be coupled to an inner surface of resilient member 310, and spring element 1302 may be coupled to an opposite end of rigid member 1202. Spring element 1302 may be positioned within inlet 306 or outlet 308.

[0086] In an example, a first of the spring elements 1302 can be positioned within the inlet 306, and a second of the spring elements 1302 can be positioned within the outlet 308. In this way, the rigid member 1202 can be configured to engage debris within the chamber 302 or induce a disturbance in the fluid within the chamber 302 to remove debris accumulation in any one or more of the chamber 302, the inlet 306, or the outlet 308. As discussed herein, because the rigid member 1202 can be coupled to the inner surface of the elastic member 310, engagement of the elastic member 310 by a user can cause movement, translation, etc. of the rigid member 1202 or the spring elements 1302.

[0087] The following non-limiting examples detail certain aspects of the present subject matter that address the challenges and provide the benefits discussed herein, among others.

[0088] Example 1 is an endoscope comprising: a handle configured to be gripped by a clinician to control the endoscope during a medical procedure; a shaft extending from the handle; a suction line routed at least partially within the handle to fluidly connect the shaft to a suction source; and a purge device fluidly connected to the suction line between the suction source and the shaft, the purge device being configured to generate positive pressure pulses to clear debris accumulated within the shaft or the suction line.

[0089] In Example 2, the subject matter described in Example 1 optionally includes, wherein the decontamination device includes: a chamber configured to hold a volume of fluid, the chamber including an inlet fluidly connected to the shaft and an outlet fluidly connected to the suction source; a plunger extending into the chamber, the plunger configured to displace the volume of fluid when actuated to generate the positive pressure pulse; and a biasing member configured to return the plunger to a starting position after being actuated.

[0090] In Example 3, the subject matter described in Example 2 optionally includes, wherein the plunger includes: a sealing member attached to a portion of the plunger disposed within the chamber, the sealing member configured to extend into the outlet to seal the outlet to direct the positive pressure pulse toward the shaft.

[0091] In Example 4, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 1-3 optionally includes, wherein the decontamination device includes: a fluid chamber configured to hold a volume of fluid and including a suction inlet fluidly connected to the shaft and a suction outlet fluidly connected to a suction source; and a flexible diaphragm defining at least a portion of the fluid chamber and configured to displace the volume of fluid when actuated to generate a positive pressure pulse.

[0092] In Example 5, the subject matter described in Example 4 optionally includes, wherein the decontamination device includes: a blocking member configured to be engaged by the flexible diaphragm when the flexible diaphragm is actuated to seal the suction outlet and direct the positive pressure pulse through the suction inlet and toward the shaft.

[0093] In Example 6, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 1-5 optionally includes, wherein the decontamination device includes: a hand-actuated pressure bulb fluidly connected to the suction line via a valve configured to block suction through the suction line when the hand-actuated pressure bulb is actuated to direct the positive pressure pulse toward the suction inlet.

[0094] In Example 7, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 1-6 optionally includes, wherein the decontamination device is configured as an accessory configured to be removably secured to a handle and fluidly connected to the suction line and the suction source.

[0095] In Example 8, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 1-7 optionally includes, wherein the decontamination device is configured as an accessory configured to be removably secured to a handle and fluidly connected to the suction line.

[0096] In Example 9, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-8 optionally include, wherein the purging device comprises: a suction chamber configured to hold a volume of fluid and fluidically connected to a suction line between a suction source and the shaft, the suction chamber including a shaft port fluidically connected to the shaft and a suction port fluidically connected to the suction source; an elastic member engageable to create a positive pressure pulse within the suction chamber; and a biasing member disposed within the suction chamber and configured to return the elastic member to a starting position after actuation.

[0097] In Example 10, the subject matter of Example 9 optionally includes, wherein the purging device comprises: an elongate member extending within the suction chamber from the elastic member, the elongate member translating within the suction chamber when the elastic member is engaged such that the elongate member blocks the suction port to direct the positive pressure pulse through the shaft port and toward the shaft.

[0098] In Example 11, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-10 optionally include, wherein the endoscope is a lithotripter configured to remove debris from within a kidney of a patient.

[0099] In Example 12, the subject matter of any one or more of Examples 1-11 optionally include, wherein the endoscope comprises: a console including control circuitry to control operation of the endoscope during a medical procedure; a sensor configured to detect actuation of the purging device.

[0100] In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 optionally includes, wherein the control circuitry is configured to: transmit an activation summary to notify a clinician that the purging device is activated based on the detected actuation of the purging device.

[0101] In Example 14, the subject matter of Example 13 optionally includes, wherein the activation summary includes a first pressure relative to a pressure within the endoscope during activation of the purging device and a second pressure relative to a current pressure within the endoscope.

[0102] Example 15 is a purging device for a medical instrument, the medical instrument including a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and an aspiration tube extending between the handle and an aspiration source, the purging device comprising: a housing including a chamber defining a volume of fluid and an attachment interface configured to attach the purging device to the handle of the medical instrument such that the chamber fluidically connects the aspiration source and the shaft; and an engagement member engageable from an exterior of the housing, the engagement member configured to generate a positive pressure pulse within the chamber to energize the volume of fluid from the chamber and dislodge debris from either of the aspiration tubing or the shaft of the medical instrument.

[0103] In Example 16, the subject matter described in Example 15 optionally includes, wherein the housing includes: an aspiration source port configured to connect to the aspiration source; and an aspiration tubing port configured to connect to the aspiration tubing to fluidically connect the purging device and the shaft of the medical instrument.

[0104] In Example 17, the subject matter described in Example 16 optionally includes: a plunger extending into the chamber, the plunger configured to displace the volume of fluid to generate the positive pressure pulse when actuated; and a biasing member configured to return the plunger to a starting position after actuation.

[0105] In Example 18, the subject matter described in Example 17 optionally includes, wherein the plunger includes: a sealing member attached to a portion of the plunger disposed within the chamber, the sealing member configured to extend into the aspiration tubing port to direct the positive pressure pulse through the aspiration tubing port and toward the shaft.

[0106] In Example 19, the subject matter described in any one or more of Examples 16-18 optionally includes, wherein the engagement member includes a flexible diaphragm defining at least a portion of the chamber and configured to displace the volume of fluid to generate the positive pressure pulse when actuated.

[0107] In Example 20, the subject matter described in Example 19 optionally includes a blocking member configured to be engaged by the flexible diaphragm when the flexible diaphragm is actuated to seal the aspiration source port and direct the positive pressure pulse through the aspiration tubing port and toward the shaft.

[0108] Example 21 is a method, system, or apparatus including any of the elements of any of Examples 1-20.

[0109] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific examples in which the application can be practiced. These examples are also referred to as an“examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown or described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown or described are provided. Moreover, the present inventors also contemplate examples using any combination or permutation of those elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), either with respect to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof), or with respect to other examples (or one or more aspects thereof) shown or described herein.

[0110] All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as if each were individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated references should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

[0111] In this document, the term“a” is used to include one or more than one, independent of any other instance or use of“at least one” or“one or more.” In this document, the term“or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive or, such that“A or B” includes“A but not B,”“B but not A,” and“A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In the appended claims, the terms“including” and“comprising” are used as the plain English equivalents of the respective terms“including” and“comprising.” Also, in the following claims, the terms“first,”“second,” and“third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects.

[0112] As used herein, the term“about” means approximately, around, roughly, or approximately. When the term“about” is used in conjunction with a numerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundaries above and below the stated numerical values. Generally, the term“about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below the stated value by a variance of 10%. In one aspect, the term“about” means plus or minus 10% of the numerical value of the number with which it is being used. Therefore, about 50% means in a range of 45% to 55%. Numerical ranges herein that are listed as being between endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range and fractions thereof (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, 4.24, and 5). Similarly, numerical ranges herein that are listed as between endpoints include sub-ranges that are included between the range endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1-1.5, 1.5-2, 2-2.75, 2.75-3, 3-3.90, 3.90-4, 4-4.24, 4.24-5, 2-5, 3-5, 1-4, and 2-4). It should also be understood that all numbers are modified in all instances by the term“about” n the absence of“about,” the numerical value is to be taken as exact.

[0113] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one or more aspects thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Other examples can be used in addition, for example, by one of ordinary skill in the art reviewing the above description. The Abstract is provided to allow a quick determination of the disclosure's purpose. It is not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Further, in the above Detailed Description, various features can be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as intending that the disclosed features are necessarily bound together in the same embodiment. In addition, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the explicitly disclosed embodiments. Rather, the scope of the disclosure is to be determined by the claims and their equivalents. The Abstract is provided to allow a quick determination of the disclosure's purpose. It is not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

[0114] The devices disclosed herein can be designed to be disposed of after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multiple times. In either case, however, a device can be reconditioned for reuse after at least one use. Reconditioning can include an combination of the steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning and / or replacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. In particular, the device can be disassembled, and any number of the particular pieces or parts of the device can be selectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and / or replacement of particular parts, the device can be reassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, or by a surgical team immediately prior to a surgical procedure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that reconditioning of a device can utilize a variety of different techniques for disassembly, cleaning / replacement, and reassembly. Use of such techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all within the scope of the present application.

[0115] Preferably, the applications described herein will be processed before surgery. First, a new or used instrument is obtained and if necessary cleaned. The instrument can then be sterilized. In one sterilization technique, the instrument is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic or bag. The container and instrument are then placed in a field of radiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation, x-rays, or higher-energy electrons. The radiation kills bacteria on the instrument and in the container. The sterilized instrument can then be stored in the sterile container. The sealed container keeps the instrument sterile until it is opened in the medical facility. The device can also be sterilized using any other technique known in the art, including but not limited to beta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

[0116] CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0117] This patent application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to Kester Batchelor, U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 632,451 (Attorney Docket No. 5409.894PRV), entitled “Shaft Purification System for Endoscope,” filed on April 10, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Claims

1. An endoscope, comprising: a handle configured to be held by a clinician to control the endoscope during a medical procedure; a shaft extending from the handle; an aspiration line routed at least partially within the handle to fluidly connect the shaft to a suction source; as well as A purge device is fluidly connected to the suction line between the suction source and the shaft, the purge device being configured to generate positive pressure pulses to clear debris accumulated within the shaft or the suction line.

2. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The purification device comprises: a chamber configured to hold a volume of fluid, the chamber comprising: an inlet fluidly connected to the shaft; and an outlet fluidly connected to the suction source; a plunger extending into the chamber, the plunger configured to displace the volume of fluid when actuated to generate the positive pressure pulse; and A biasing member is configured to return the plunger to a rest position after actuation.

3. The endoscope according to claim 2, wherein: The plunger comprises: A sealing member is attached to the portion of the plunger disposed within the chamber, the sealing member being configured to extend into the outlet to seal the outlet, thereby directing the positive pressure pulse toward the shaft.

4. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The purification device comprises: a fluid chamber configured to hold a volume of fluid, the fluid chamber comprising: a suction inlet fluidly connected to the shaft; and a suction outlet fluidly connected to the suction source; and A flexible diaphragm defines at least a portion of the fluid chamber and is configured to displace the volume of fluid when actuated to generate the positive pressure pulse.

5. The endoscope according to claim 4, wherein: The purification device comprises: A blocking member is configured to be engaged by the flexible diaphragm when the flexible diaphragm is actuated to seal the suction outlet and direct the positive pressure pulse through the suction inlet and toward the shaft.

6. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The purification device comprises: A hand-actuated pressure bulb is fluidly connected to the suction line via a valve, the valve being configured to block suction through the suction line when the hand-actuated pressure bulb is actuated to direct the positive pressure pulse toward a suction inlet.

7. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: The attachment is configured to be removably secured to the handle and fluidly connected between the suction line and the suction source.

8. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The decontamination device is configured as an attachment configured to be removably secured to the handle and fluidly connected to the aspiration line.

9. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: The purification device comprises: a suction chamber configured to hold a volume of fluid and fluidly connected to the suction line between the suction source and the shaft, the suction chamber comprising: a shaft port fluidly connected to the shaft; and a suction port fluidly connected to the suction source; a resilient member engageable to generate the positive pressure pulse within the suction chamber; and A biasing member is disposed within the suction chamber and is configured to return the resilient member to a starting position after actuation.

10. The endoscope according to claim 9, wherein: The purification device comprises: An elongated member extends from the resilient member within the suction chamber, the elongated member translating within the suction chamber when the resilient member is engaged such that the elongated member blocks the suction port to direct the positive pressure pulse through the shaft port and toward the shaft.

11. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein: The endoscope is a lithotripter configured to remove debris from within the patient's kidney.

12. The endoscope according to claim 1, wherein The endoscope comprises: a console including control circuitry for controlling operation of the endoscope during a medical procedure; A sensor is configured to detect actuation of the purification device.

13. The endoscope according to claim 12, wherein: The control circuit is configured to: Based on the detected actuation of the decontamination device, an activation summary is sent to notify the clinician that the decontamination device is activated.

14. The endoscope according to claim 13, wherein: The activation profile includes a first pressure relative to a pressure within the endoscope during activation of the decontamination device and a second pressure relative to a current pressure within the endoscope.

15. A decontamination device for a medical device, the medical device comprising a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a suction conduit extending between the handle and a suction source, the decontamination device comprising: a housing comprising: a chamber defining a volume of fluid; and an attachment interface configured to attach the decontamination device to the handle of the medical instrument such that the chamber fluidly connects the suction source and the shaft; and An engagement member is engageable from outside the housing, the engagement member being configured to generate a positive pressure pulse within the chamber to energize the volume of fluid from the chamber and clear debris from either the aspiration conduit or the shaft of the medical device.

16. The purification device according to claim 15, wherein: The housing comprises: a suction source port configured to connect to the suction source; and An aspiration tubing port is configured to connect to the aspiration tubing to fluidly connect the purge device and the shaft of the medical device.

17. The purification device according to claim 16, comprising: a plunger extending into the chamber, the plunger configured to displace the volume of fluid when actuated to generate the positive pressure pulse; as well as A biasing member is configured to return the plunger to a starting position after actuation.

18. The purification device according to claim 17, wherein: The plunger comprises: A sealing member is attached to the portion of the plunger disposed within the chamber, the sealing member being configured to extend into the aspiration conduit port to direct the positive pressure pulse through the aspiration conduit port and toward the shaft.

19. The purification device according to claim 16, wherein: The engagement member includes a flexible diaphragm defining at least a portion of the chamber and configured to displace the volume of fluid when actuated to generate the positive pressure pulse.

20. The purification device according to claim 19, comprising: A blocking member is configured to be engaged by the flexible diaphragm when the flexible diaphragm is actuated to seal the suction source port and direct the positive pressure pulse through the suction conduit port and toward the shaft.

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