Bow spring driven suction valve for endoscope

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for aspiration valve assemblies for medical devices. The suction valve assembly may include a valve body having a valve well and a bow spring within the valve well. A cap is connected to the bow spring, which, when actuated, flexes the bow spring to open the valve. When released, the bow spring is not flexed and the cap closes the valve.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 490,130, filed March 14, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to valve assemblies and methods, and more particularly to a suction valve assembly and method for an endoscope. Background Technology

[0004] A wide variety of intraoperative medical devices and systems have been developed for medical applications, such as endoscopic surgery. Some of these devices and systems include guidewires, catheters, catheter systems, endoscopic instruments, etc. These devices and systems are manufactured using any of a wide variety of different manufacturing methods and can be used according to any of these methods. Each of these medical devices, systems, and methods is known to have certain advantages and disadvantages. There is currently a need to provide alternative medical devices and systems, as well as alternative methods for manufacturing and using these medical devices and systems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides design, materials, manufacturing methods, and alternatives for use in medical devices and systems. In a first example, a suction valve assembly for a medical device may include a valve body having a valve well, an inlet passage in fluid communication with the valve well, and an outlet passage in fluid communication with the valve well; and a bow-shaped spring configured to move within the valve well, the bow-shaped spring including a central arc segment having inner and outer sides such that the central arc segment moves outward when the bow-shaped spring is bent; and a valve stem attached to the inner side of the central arc segment of the bow-shaped spring. The bow-shaped spring may be positioned such that the inner surface of the central arc segment faces the inlet passage of the valve body, such that when the bow-shaped spring is not bent, it presses the stem into the inlet passage to close the valve. When the bow-shaped spring is bent, it pulls the stem away from the inlet passage to open the valve.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the suction valve assembly may also include a cap accessible from outside the valve body, the cap being mechanically connected to a bow spring such that an actuating cap would bend the bow spring, and a releasing cap would leave the bow spring unbent.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the cap includes a protrusion that contacts the bow spring and extends into the valve well.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the valve well extends the valve body by the longest dimension between the top and opposite bottom surfaces of the valve body, and the inlet and outlet passages are located in the side surface of the valve well.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the valve well includes a curved wall and a flat wall, each extending between the top surface and the opposite bottom surface of the valve body, and one or more of the bow spring and cap include a shaped portion that at least abuts against the flat wall to prevent rotation within the valve body.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the top anchor and the bottom anchor of the bow spring are each shaped parts of the bow spring, which abut against the flat wall of the valve well to prevent the bow spring from rotating within the valve body.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the flange of the cap is the shaped part of the cap that abuts against the flat wall of the valve well to prevent the flange from rotating within the valve well.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the suction valve assembly also includes a circumferential seal disposed around the valve stem, which presses against the inlet opening when the valve is closed.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the body also includes a collar at the opening in the valve well; and the cap also includes a clamp that contacts the collar of the body when the valve is in the closed position.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the bow spring also includes an anchor having an inclined bottom surface; and the valve well also includes an inclined base plate surface that is a mirror image of the shape and angle of the inclined bottom surface of the bow spring's anchor, such that the inclined bottom surface and the inclined base plate surface are in contact within the valve well.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the body comprises a single uniform material component.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally for any of the examples above, the cap comprises a single piece of uniform material.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally for any of the above examples, the bow spring comprises a single piece of uniform material.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, for any of the examples above, the cap, body, and bow spring are made of polyethylene plastic.

[0019] In another example, an endoscopic surgical device includes an endoscope probe; a suction valve assembly according to any of the examples above; and a suction source in fluid communication with an inlet channel of the suction valve assembly, such that opening the valve provides suction to the endoscope probe from the inlet channel through a valve well to an outlet channel. The outlet channel of the suction valve assembly is in fluid communication with the endoscope probe.

[0020] In another example, a suction valve assembly can be used with an endoscope having a cavity configured to extend into a patient's body cavity. The suction valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve well, an inlet passage in fluid communication with the valve well, and an outlet passage in fluid communication with the valve well; and a bow-shaped spring configured to move within the valve well, the bow-shaped spring including a central arc segment having inner and outer sides, such that the bow-shaped spring, when bent, moves the central arc segment outward; and a valve stem attached to the inner side of the central arc segment of the bow-shaped spring. The bow-shaped spring is positioned such that the inner surface of the central arc segment faces the inlet passage of the valve body, such that when the bow-shaped spring is not bent, it presses the stem into the inlet passage to close the valve. When the bow-shaped spring is bent, it pulls the stem away from the inlet passage to open the valve.

[0021] These and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, the scope of the claimed invention being set forth in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram depicting the components of an illustrative endoscope;

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the components of an illustrative endoscope system is shown;

[0025] Figure 3A A schematic perspective view of an illustrative suction valve is depicted;

[0026] Figure 3B Depicting Figure 3A An exploded perspective view of an illustrative suction valve;

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative suction valve is depicted, wherein the suction valve is in a first configuration; and

[0028] Figure 5 Depicting Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of an illustrative suction valve, in which the suction valve is in a second configuration.

[0029] While the invention is adaptable to various modifications and alternatives, its specific details have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The invention will now be described with reference to an illustrative medical system that can be used in endoscopic medical procedures. However, it should be noted that reference to this particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the concepts upon which the disclosed apparatus and related methods of use are based can be used in any suitable surgical, medical, or other field. The invention can be understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are referred to by like reference numerals.

[0031] All numerical values ​​herein are assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether explicitly stated or not. In the context of numerical values, the term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the referenced value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term “about” may include numbers rounded to the nearest significant figure. Unless otherwise specified, other uses of the term “about” (e.g., in contexts other than numerical values) are assumed to have their common and customary definition, as understood and consistent with the context of this specification.

[0032] A description of a range of numbers represented by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (including the endpoints) (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). While some suitable dimensions, ranges, and / or values ​​for various components, features, and / or specifications are disclosed, those skilled in the art, inspired by this invention, will understand that desired dimensions, ranges, and / or values ​​can be derived from those explicitly disclosed.

[0033] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless otherwise expressly indicated. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally used in the sense that it includes “and / or” unless otherwise expressly indicated. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, certain features of the invention may be described in the singular, even if those features may be plural or repeated in the disclosed embodiments. Each instance of a feature may include and / or contain the singular disclosure unless expressly stated otherwise. For simplicity and clarity, not all elements of the invention will necessarily be shown in every figure or discussed in detail below. However, it should be understood that, unless expressly stated otherwise, the following discussion applies equally to any and / or all of the more than one component. Additionally, for clarity, not all instances of some elements or features are shown in every figure.

[0034] It should be noted that references to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that the embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, its use in conjunction with other embodiments is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art, whether explicitly described or not, unless expressly stated otherwise. That is, the various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in a specific combination, are still considered to be combinable or arranged to form other additional embodiments, or to supplement and / or enrich the described embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0035] For clarity, a distinctive numerical designation (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used throughout the specification and / or claims to name and / or distinguish various described and / or claimed features. It should be understood that the numerical designation is not intended to be limiting and is merely illustrative. In some embodiments, for brevity and clarity, the previously used numerical designation may be modified and deviated from. That is, a feature identified as a “first” element may later be referred to as a “second” element, a “third” element, etc., or may be omitted entirely, and / or a different feature may be referred to as a “first” element. The meaning and / or name in each case will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0036] The detailed description is intended to illustrate, and not limit, the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described can be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the invention. The detailed description illustrates exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0037] refer to Figure 1 It describes an illustrative endoscope 100. Figure 2 An illustrative endoscope system 200 is depicted. The endoscope 100 may include an elongated tube or shaft 100a configured for insertion into a subject (e.g., a patient).

[0038] The light source 205 of the endoscope system 200 can feed illumination light to the distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100. The distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100 can house an imager (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imager) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) can be located in a video processing unit 210, which processes the signal input from the imager and outputs the processed video signal to a video monitor (not shown) for viewing. The video processing unit 210 can also function as a component of an air / water supply circuit by housing a pressure pump 215, such as an air pump, within the unit 210.

[0039] The endoscope axis 100a may include a distal tip 100c (e.g., a distal tip unit) disposed at a distal portion 100b of the axis 100a, and a flexible bend 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible bend 105 may include a hinge joint (not shown) to assist in the rotation of the distal tip 100c. On the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 is a gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 for supplying gas to perform intra-patient purging in the treatment area and for supplying water to clean the lens covering the imager. An irrigation opening 225 in the end face 100d supplies irrigation fluid to the patient's treatment area. The end face 100d of the distal tip 100c may also include an illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment area and an opening 230 to a working channel 235 extending along the axis 100a to deliver tools to the treatment area. The working channel 235 may extend along axis 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 located distal to the operating handle 115 (e.g., proximal handle) of the endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 may be used to seal the channel opening 110 to prevent unwanted fluid leakage.

[0040] The operating handle 115 may be provided with a knob 125 for providing remote four-way steering to the distal end via a wire connected to a hinged joint in the flexible portion 105 (e.g., one knob controls up-down steering, and another knob controls left-right steering). A plurality of video switches 130 for remotely operating the video processing unit 210 may be arranged on the proximal side of the handle 115.

[0041] The handle 115 may be provided with a dual-valve position 135. One of the valve positions 135 may receive an air / water valve 140 for operating the blow-in gas and lens water supply. The gas supply line 240a and the lens cleaning supply line 245a travel distally from the air / water valve 140 along axis 100a and converge at the distal tip 100c near the gas / cleaning nozzle 220. Figure 2 ).

[0042] Another valve position 135 can receive a suction valve 145 for suction operation. A suction supply line 250a can travel distally from the suction valve 145 along axis 100a to a junction in fluid communication with the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0043] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the video processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilical cord 260 and a connector portion 265 extending therebetween. The flexible umbilical cord 260 includes a gas (e.g., air or CO2) supply line 240b, a lens cleaning supply line 245b, a suction supply line 250b, an irrigation supply line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). The connector portion 265 connects the light source 205 in the video processing unit to the light guide upon insertion into the video processing unit 210. The light guide travels along the length of the umbilical cord 260 and the endoscope axis 100a to transmit light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. The connector portion 265 also connects an air pump 215 to the gas supply line 240b in the umbilical cord 260 upon insertion into the video processing unit 210.

[0044] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) is fluidly connected to the endoscope 100 via a connector portion 265 and an umbilical tube 260. A length of gas supply tubing 240c extends from one end of an air gap 275 located between the top 280 of the reservoir 270 (e.g., a bottle cap) and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir to a detachable gas / lens cleaning connector 290 located outside the connector portion 265. A gas supply line 240b from the umbilical tube 260 branches in the connector portion 265 to fluidly communicate with the gas supply tubing 240c at the detachable gas / lens cleaning connector 290 and with an air pump 215. A length of lens cleaning tubing 245c, located at one end at the bottom of the reservoir 270, extends from the top 280 of the reservoir 270 to the same detachable connector 290 as the gas supply tubing 240c on the connector portion 265. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate and / or independent of each other. Connector portion 265 may also have a detachable irrigation connection 293 for irrigation supply piping (not shown) traveling from an irrigation water source (not shown) to irrigation supply line 255b in the umbilicus 260. In some embodiments, irrigation water may be supplied from a water source (not shown) independent of the water reservoir 270 via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump). In other embodiments, irrigation supply piping and lens cleaning piping 245c may draw water from the same reservoir. Connector portion 265 may also include a detachable suction connection 295 for fluidly connecting a vacuum source (e.g., hospital house aspiration) (not shown) to the umbilicus 260 and the endoscope 100 to suction supply lines 250b and 250a.

[0045] Gas supply line 240b and lens cleaning fluid supply line 245b are fluidly connected to valve position 135 for gas / water valve 140 and configured to allow operation of the gas / water valve in the well to control the supply of gas or lens cleaning fluid to the distal tip 100c of endoscope 100. Suction supply line 250b is fluidly connected to valve position 135 for suction valve 145 and configured to allow operation of suction valve 145 in the well to control suction applied to the working channel 235 of endoscope 100.

[0046] The suction valve 145 can be configured to allow or prevent suction and / or suction effects in the working channel 235. When the suction valve 145 is in the closed position (e.g., first configuration), the flow of suction fluid through the working channel 235 can be blocked by the suction valve 145. When suction is required in the working channel 235, an operator or user can actuate the suction valve 145 (e.g., by pressing a button on the valve and / or actuating the suction valve 145 in one or more other suitable ways) to bring the suction valve 145 to the open position (e.g., second configuration). When the suction valve 145 is in the open position, a flow passage within the suction valve connects the working channel 235 to a suction device coupled to a suction connector 295, and the suction device can create a negative pressure that draws fluid into and discharges fluid from the working channel 235 through an outlet provided in the suction valve. When the operator or user releases the suction valve 155, the valve 145 can return to its closed position and reduce or block the flow of suction fluid from the working channel 235.

[0047] In some cases, the suction valve 145 can guide the flow of aspirated fluid through the endoscope system 200 using the path of least resistance. In some cases, when the suction pump is turned on for surgery, the pump remains on throughout the procedure and continuously draws air out of the flexible umbilicus 260, which in turn draws fluid from the wire side of the endoscope 100, which travels upward along the umbilicus 260 and connects to the port at the suction valve 145. When the suction valve 145 is in a first position and / or configuration (e.g., the closed position), the suction force or negative pressure from the suction pump is blocked outside the working passage 235, and fluid can be drawn from the atmosphere through the suction valve 145. When the suction valve 145 is actuated to a second position and / or configuration (e.g., the open position) (e.g., when a button or cap associated with the suction valve 145 is pressed and / or actuated in one or more other suitable ways), the opening from the atmosphere through the suction valve 145 to the suction pump can be effectively closed or blocked by the suction valve 145, thus opening the fluid path through the suction valve 145 between the operating passage 235 and the suction pump. Therefore, fluid moving toward the suction pump can follow the path of least resistance, which can change depending on whether the suction valve 145 is in a first position (e.g., the closed position) or a second position (e.g., the open position).

[0048] In some cases, the valve stem of the suction valve 145 may be configured to have a tight fit with a valve well configured to receive the valve stem in the endoscope 100. In this suction valve 145, when the valve stem is in a first position, the tight fit obstructs the flow path between the working passage 235 and the suction pump or increases the resistance to flow therebetween, and reduces the resistance to flow between the atmosphere and the suction pump. Similarly, when the valve stem is in a second position, the tight fit obstructs the flow path between the atmosphere and the suction pump or increases the resistance to flow therebetween, and reduces the resistance to flow between the working passage 235 and the suction pump.

[0049] The suction valve 145, configured to block flow using a tight fit between the valve stem and the valve well, requires a precisely manufactured valve stem. The precision required to produce a suction valve with a tight fit necessitates expensive materials (e.g., metals), highly precise machinery, and a significant time investment.

[0050] Additionally, the suction valve 145, with its tightly fitted stem and well, is manufactured with at least some clearance to allow the stem to adjust its position within the well. This clearance can lead to leakage during use, potentially causing two problems noticeable to a physician. The first problem is that even when the suction valve 145 is in a position designed to block suction from the working channel 235, some suction flow still reaches the suction pump through the working channel 235 and the suction valve 145. The smaller the clearance between the stem and the well, the less unwanted flow occurs through the working channel 235, and the larger the clearance, the more unwanted flow occurs through the working channel 235; however, clearance is still necessary to facilitate movement of the stem within the well. When flow actively moves upward along the working channel 235 in this configuration of the suction valve 235, even when the suction valve 145 is in a position designed to block suction flow from the working channel 235, the user may perceive this suction as a “bad blow” because the suction pump draws volume from the body cavity the user is working in. Secondly, when the valve stem of the suction valve 145 is in the position within the valve well to facilitate suction flow through the suction valve 145 between the working passage 235 and the suction pump, the flow from the atmosphere to the suction pump may not be completely blocked. Any such leakage from the atmosphere can reduce the pressure difference between the suction valve and the distal end of the working passage 235, which can lead to a decrease in suction force or negative pressure, a decrease in flow velocity, and a reduction in the aeration flow through the flow path to the suction pump.

[0051] When intended for repeated use in multiple surgeries, a suction valve 145 configured to operate with a tightly fitting valve stem and valve well can work well enough because the price point of such a suction valve can be high enough to justify manufacturing the suction valve 145 with the materials and the necessary precision to achieve and maintain the required tolerances throughout the service life of the reusable suction valve 145. However, the price point of a single-use suction valve may not allow for the use of the necessary materials, tooling, and / or precision manufacturing required to achieve and / or maintain tolerances throughout the service life of the single-use suction valve.

[0052] The configuration of the suction valve for endoscope 100 and / or other suitable endoscopes discussed in this article addresses the aforementioned problems of existing suction valves and is configured to mitigate and / or eliminate leakage along the unintended flow path through suction valve 145. Figure 3A and Figure 3B A schematic perspective view of an illustrative suction valve 300 configured to solve these problems is depicted.

[0053] like Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the suction valve 300 includes a cap 302, a body 310, and a bow spring 320. The body 310 houses the bow spring 320, which is mechanically connected to the cap 302, which is located above and inserted into the body 310.

[0054] The main body 310 defines the inlet channel 312, the outlet channel 313, and the valve well 314. A collar 316 at the top of the main body 310 abuts against a cap 302. The base plate surface 318 at the bottom of the valve well 314 provides an anchoring surface for the bow spring 320.

[0055] The cap 302 has a wide button surface 303 for the user to press to actuate the valve 300, a flange 304 fitted in the valve well 314 of the body 310, a protrusion 306 that mates with the bow spring 320, and a clip 308 that mates further with the body 310 to secure the cap 302.

[0056] The bow spring 320 has a top anchor 322 and a bottom anchor 323, a central arc segment 324 with an outer surface 324a and an inner surface 324b, and a stem 326 on the inner surface 324b of the arc segment 324. The top anchor 322 has a recess 322a to receive the protrusion 306 of the cap, while the bottom surface of the bottom anchor 324 is shaped to contact the bottom plate surface 318 of the body 310.

[0057] like Figure 4As shown, when not pressed, the cap 302 is positioned upwards. A clip 308 is attached to the underside of the collar 316 of the body 310 to restrict upward movement of the cap. The valve stem 326 of the bow spring 320 is located within the inlet channel 312, which is in fluid communication with the suction source. The position of the valve stem indicates that the valve 300 is closed and no suction is applied at the port of the endoscope probe.

[0058] As shown in the figure, the sealing ring 326a attached to the valve stem 326 abuts against the wall of the inlet passage 312 to ensure a full seal within the closed valve. The sealing ring 326a can be made of any suitable material, such as rubber or flexible plastic, and in some embodiments, a material with significantly greater flexibility than the material of the stem 326 and the wall of the passage 312 can be used. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shape and size of the sealing ring 326a can vary depending on the required seal quality, the desired overall elasticity, and the intended use of the valve 300.

[0059] The central arc segment 324 of the bow spring 320 is shaped to remain unflexible towards a more extended position, thereby pushing against anchors 322 and 323. The bottom anchor 323 contacts the base plate surface 318, which is made of a rigid material, so that the base plate surface 318 does not move relative to the rest of the body 310. Conversely, the top anchor 322 is pushed upward, thereby biasing the cap 302 to an unpressed position.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown, when the user presses the button surface 303 of the cap 302, the flange 304 of the cap 302 slides further into the recess of the valve well 314. When the cap 302 is pressed down fully, the underside of the cap 302 contacts the top of the collar 316. The cap 302 then pushes the top anchor 322 further into the valve well, thereby bending the central arc segment 324 of the bow spring 320. This, in turn, disengages the valve stem 326 from the inlet passage 312 to open the valve 300, thereby allowing suction through the valve and the attached endoscope probe.

[0061] The cross-section of valve well 314 can be of various shapes, but such as Figure 3B As shown, the cross-section can be a generally circular profile with a flat side. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this shape restricts the rotational freedom of the valve components, thereby helping to ensure that the valve stem 326 remains aligned with the inlet passage 312. The flange 304 of the cap 302 and the upper and lower anchors 322, 323 of the bow spring 320 can be shaped to fit smoothly within the cross-sectional shape of the valve well 314 and to abut against a sufficient number of the well's side surfaces to prevent rotation.

[0062] The suction valve 300 can be manufactured from relatively inexpensive materials suitable for disposal after single use. The cap 302, body 310, and bow spring 320 (excluding seal 326a) can each be made from a single piece of polyethylene plastic, and the seal 326a can subsequently be made from a single piece of flexible material (plastic, rubber, etc.). In some embodiments, each of the three plastic parts can be made from the same or similar material, with the thickness and dimensions of each selected to provide the desired elasticity and stiffness. For example, the main arc segment 324 of the bow spring 320 can be thinner than the wall of the body 310, so that the body remains relatively rigid while the bow spring flexes, as described herein. Similarly, some elasticity can be provided in the clip 308 of the cap 302 to allow it to snap into place during assembly while still securing the cap 302 to the body 310 during use. The rod 326 may include a groove or recess sized to receive the seal 326a tightly fitted around the rod 326. In some cases, the seal and valve stem may be co-extruded and molded from one or more materials. In other cases, the valve stem may be integral, allowing the body and seal to be formed from a single material using molding and / or machining techniques. Valve components may be made from other materials. For example, the bow spring may be made from a thin sheet of metal or any suitable elastic material, and other components may be made from a variety of polymers or metals suitable for the functions described herein.

[0063] It should be understood that the present invention is illustrative in many respects only. Changes may be made in details, particularly in terms of shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without departing from the scope of the invention. To the appropriate extent, this may include using any of the features of one exemplary embodiment in other embodiments. Of course, the scope of the invention is defined by the language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A suction valve assembly for a medical device, comprising: The valve body has a valve well, an inlet channel in fluid communication with the valve well, and an outlet channel in fluid communication with the valve well. as well as A bow-shaped spring configured to move within the valve well, the bow-shaped spring including a central arc segment having an inner side and an outer side, such that the bow-shaped spring moves the central arc segment toward the outer side when bent; and a valve stem attached to the inner side of the central arc segment of the bow-shaped spring; The bow spring is positioned such that the inner surface of the central arc segment faces the inlet channel of the valve body, such that the bow spring, when not bent, presses the valve stem into the inlet channel to close the valve; and The bow-shaped spring, when bent, pulls the valve stem away from the inlet passage to open the valve.

2. The suction valve assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A cap accessible from the outside of the valve body, the cap being mechanically connected to the bow spring, such that actuating the cap causes the bow spring to bend, and releasing the cap leaves the bow spring unbent.

3. The suction valve assembly of claim 2, wherein the cap includes a protrusion that contacts the bow spring and extends into the valve well.

4. The suction valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The valve well extends the valve body by the longest dimension between the top surface and the opposite bottom surface of the valve body; and The inlet and outlet channels are located in the side surface of the valve well.

5. The suction valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The valve well includes curved walls and flat walls, each extending between the top surface and the opposite bottom surface of the valve body; and The bow spring and one or more of the cap include a shaped portion that at least abuts against the flat wall to prevent rotation within the valve body.

6. The suction valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the top anchor and the bottom anchor of the bow spring are each formed portions of the bow spring, abutting against the flat wall of the valve well to prevent the bow spring from rotating within the valve body.

7. The suction valve assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the flange of the cap is a shaped portion of the cap and abuts against the flat wall of the valve well to prevent the flange from rotating within the valve well.

8. The suction valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a circumferential seal disposed around the valve stem, the circumferential seal pressing against the inlet opening when the valve is closed.

9. The suction valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The main body also includes a collar at the upper opening of the valve well; and The cap also includes a clip that contacts the collar of the body when the valve is in the closed position.

10. The suction valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, The bow spring also includes an anchor having a sloped bottom surface, and The valve well also includes an inclined base plate surface, which is mirrored in shape and angle with the inclined base surface of the bow spring anchor, such that the inclined base surface and the inclined base plate surface are in contact within the valve well.

11. The suction valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the body comprises a single uniform material element.

12. The suction valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the cap comprises a single uniform material element.

13. The suction valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the bow spring comprises a single piece of uniform material.

14. The suction valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the cap, the body, and the bow spring are made of polyethylene plastic.

15. An endoscopic surgical apparatus comprising: Endoscopic probe; The suction valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the outlet passage of the assembly is in fluid communication with the endoscope probe; as well as A suction source in fluid communication with the inlet channel of the suction valve assembly causes the valve to be opened to provide suction to the endoscope probe from the inlet channel through the valve well to the outlet channel.

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