Medical device with twist drill for breaking stones

Abstract

The present disclosure includes a device for breaking stone, which may optionally include: a first connector (206) forming a first port, the first connector (206) configured to couple with a first evacuation pipe; a second connector (208) forming a second port; a housing (200) and an auger (204). The second connector may be configured to couple with a second evacuation pipe. The housing may have a lumen in fluid communication with the first connector and the second connector. An auger may be located within the lumen adjacent the housing. The auger may be rotatable within the lumen to break stone into fragments to inhibit clogging of the second evacuation tube.

Description

[0001] Priority Statement

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 509,335, filed June 21, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This document relates to medical devices for breaking up physiological stones (commonly referred to as gallstones) using lithotripsy, and more specifically, to techniques for breaking up gallstones using a auger. Background Technology

[0004] Medical endoscopes are used to examine the inside of the human body. A typical endoscope has a distal end that includes an optical or electronic imaging system and a proximal end with controls such as those for manipulation or for viewing images. An extension shaft connects the proximal and distal ends. Some endoscopes allow physicians to pass instruments down one or more working channels, for example, to remove tissue, remove objects, or perform other tasks.

[0005] Advances have been made in the field of endoscopy, particularly in the fragmentation of physiological stones in the bile ducts, urinary tract, kidneys, and gallbladder. Physiological stones in these areas can obstruct the ducts and cause significant pain to patients, therefore, they must be fragmented and / or removed. Various techniques have been developed to fragment stones, including ultrasonic or other acoustic lithotripsy, pneumatic lithotripsy, electro-hydraulic lithotripsy (EHL), and laser lithotripsy. Laser lithotripsy can include the use of green light, YAG, or holmium lasers to fragment the stones. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In stone fragmentation surgery, stones may vary in density and size based on anatomical location and other factors. Harder stones in the urinary system include calcified clumps that may require greater energy to break up. Using laser or acoustic transduction probes to fragment stone clumps in a patient does not guarantee that the stones will be adequately fragmented in all cases to avoid clogging of the instrument. For example, such clogging may occur along the drainage path along which suction is applied to remove fragments. The drainage path may extend from the tip of the stone fragmentation device near the target stone clump, through the device body, and may include a suction or drainage tube connected to the device along which suction is applied to remove fragments. For example, when a stone clump is broken, fractured, or pulverized, the resulting stone fragments may clog the device, such as at the probe tip, within the probe body, near the ultrasound transducer, or in or along the drainage path, or at one or more of these locations. Clogging can impede or block the drainage path, which may reduce or even stop subsequent drainage during the procedure, making subsequent removal of such additional stone fragments from the patient and the device more difficult or time-consuming. In some cases, when a blockage is present, the operator may even need to stop the procedure, such as manually clearing the blockage from the device's drain tube. This may require the assistance of additional personnel, such as technicians or nurses. Sometimes, cleaning tools, manipulating the tubing, or other techniques can be used to manually prevent blockage. However, occasionally it may be necessary to disassemble the device to allow access to the blocked portion of the drain tube to loosen or remove the blockage. In extreme cases, a backup device must be used to replace the blocked device. Preferably, the operator will be able to avoid or otherwise resolve the blockage without having to stop the procedure for manual anti-blockage.

[0007] This disclosure provides, in particular, an apparatus, system, and method for preventing, inhibiting, reducing, or remedying blockages in stone fragmentation devices or systems, such as lithotripsy devices that use acoustic or other types of energy for stone fragmentation and treatment. The apparatus, system, and method described herein may include a dedicated fragmentation device for breaking / fragmenting stones located proximally to the probe along the drainage path. This fragmentation of the stone, or already fragmented stone, can help prevent, inhibit, reduce, or remedy blockages that might otherwise occur along the drainage path without the assistance of this device. This, in turn, can help provide surgeons with a more continuous operation of the lithotripsy device and system without interrupting the procedure due to blockages.

[0008] The device proposed herein utilizes an auger as an anti-clogging mechanism. The device can be integrated into or otherwise included within a lithotripsy unit. For example, the device can be included at one or more locations along the drainage path closer to the probe. However, it is also conceivable that the auger described herein can be used in distal portions of the system, such as, for example, as part of the probe. The device can use the auger to further crush, break down, pulverize, or reduce the size of stone fragments, thereby inhibiting, preventing, reducing, or disrupting clogging at one or more joints, constrictions, or other clogging-prone areas along the drainage path. Attached Figure Description

[0009] In the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, similar reference numerals can describe similar parts in different figures. Similar reference numerals with different letter suffixes can indicate different instances of similar parts. The accompanying drawings generally illustrate the various embodiments discussed in this document by way of example rather than limitation.

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating a portion of a stone-breaking device.

[0011] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of a device for breaking or preventing blockages using an auger in a stone breaking apparatus.

[0012] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating another example of a device that uses an auger for breaking up stones (e.g., to prevent clogging).

[0013] Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating a portion of a method for resolving blockages in a stone-breaking device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Examples of apparatus, systems, and methods for addressing the problem of stone fragment blockage along the drainage path in lithotripsy devices are discussed. A crushing device for crushing stones is disclosed. The crushing device may have an auger for crushing stone fragments at one or more locations along the drainage path. The crushing device may be located proximally to the distal tip of the device, rather than at other distal tips used to provide primary acoustic or stone crushing. The drainage path may extend, for example, between the distal tips of the lithotripsy device at the probe, through the body of the device, and through a suction or drainage tube connected to the device. The crushing device discussed herein may be positioned along the drainage path, for example, proximally to the distal tip and at one or more locations along the drainage tube. The crushing device may be activated continuously, such as for continuously further crushing stones and stone fragments, or may be activated intermittently (e.g., such as according to a prescribed schedule or in response to sensed parameters or other triggers, such as detecting an indication of blockage or detecting one or more conditions indicating a potential blockage).

[0015] Figure 1 This schematic diagram illustrates an example of a portion of a lithotripsy device 100, which may include a fragmentation device 160 for breaking up stones. The lithotripsy device 100 may include a proximal portion 101, a handheld portion 102, and a distal portion 104. The distal portion 104 may be inserted into a patient's opening, such as via an endoscope or other assistive instrument. The lithotripsy device 100 may include a probe 110 with a probe body 112 in the distal portion 104. The fragmentation device 160 may be located proximal to the probe 110, such as at the handheld portion 102 or the proximal portion 101. Figure 1 As shown, the crushing device 160 is located at the proximal portion 101. The crushing device 160 is in fluid communication with a first venting path 130 or channel formed by a first vent pipe 131 or another component. The crushing device 160 is in fluid communication with a second venting path 132 or channel formed by a second vent pipe 133. The crushing device 100 may also include one or more of or in use with an acoustic transducer 120, a handheld device 125, a suction device 140 or other pressure source, and a waste container 142. Optionally, the crushing device 160 may be driven by an actuator 150.

[0016] The lithotripsy device 100 can be configured for the treatment of stones, such as by breaking up and removing them. The lithotripsy device 100 can provide treatment using, for example, ultrasound or other acoustic energy, low-frequency solenoid-driven ballistic impact, or any combination thereof, to break up stones or otherwise treat physiological goals. The lithotripsy device 100 can be a dual-frequency or other multi-frequency device and can allow pulses of both sound waves and ultrasound to break up stones.

[0017] The size and shape of probe 110 may be designed to allow at least partial insertion into the patient. Probe 110 may be an acoustic transmission probe used to transmit acoustic energy from a generator or acoustic transducer to a target stone for fracturing. Probe 110 may be attached to a handheld portion 102 closer to the operator. Probe 110 may be part of a distal portion 104 closer to the treatment site. Depending on the specific probe type and distal probe tip used, the length of probe 110 may be, for example, from about 250 mm to about 600 mm. Depending on the specific probe type and probe tip used, the diameter of probe 110 may be, for example, from about 0.90 mm to about 3.80 mm.

[0018] The probe 110 may include a probe body 112 having a lumen 113 therein. The size and shape of the probe body 112 may be designed for insertion into the patient to reach and break up stones. The probe 110 may be elongated and may include a curved section and a distal end for attachment of a probe tip 114. The curved section may be controllable (e.g., via a control knob) to manipulate the probe 110 and / or the probe tip 114 through tortuous anatomical passages (e.g., the stomach, duodenum, kidney, ureter, etc.). The probe 110 may also include one or more working channels (which may be elongated) (e.g., lumen 113). The probe body 112 may include one or more connectors or other attachment mechanisms for engagement with the probe tip 114 or another component. The probe body 112 may allow an operator to manipulate the placement and actuation of the probe tip 114 on or near a target stone.

[0019] The probe tip 114 can be attached to the probe body 112. The size, shape, and arrangement of the probe tip 114 can be designed for breaking, fracturing, or crushing one or more target stones. When the probe tip 114 is attached to the probe body 112 by the end user, the lumen 116 of the probe tip 114 can be aligned with and extend from the lumen 113 of the probe body 112, thereby providing a continuous flushing and / or draining path. The probe tip 114 can have a desired shape or other characteristics, such as a chisel-shaped tip, a square tip, a tip with a larger or smaller surface area facing distally, a varied morphology, various shapes, or be made of various materials, depending on the specific procedure to be performed or the specific target to which the procedure is to be performed.

[0020] Acoustic transducer 120 may, for example, be part of handheld portion 102. Acoustic transducer 120 may be actuated to deliver acoustic energy to the target stone via acoustic transmission probe 110. Acoustic transducer 120 may deliver ultrasonic energy, acoustic energy, or a combination thereof, thereby breaking down the target stone, such as by fracturing. In some cases, acoustic transducer 120 may be configured to deliver impact pulses between various energy levels or energy types. This may include, for example, applying ultrasonic energy with intermittent low-frequency acoustic energy pulses or intermittent ballistic mechanical energy doses. Acoustic transducer 120 may deliver acoustic energy of varying waveforms or frequencies depending on specific operation. For example, acoustic transducer 120 may be operated to select, adjust, or optimize waveforms for one or more parts of a procedure. Acoustic transducer 120 may be acoustically coupled to acoustic transmission probe body 112, thereby delivering acoustic energy down the length of probe body 112 to probe tip 114. In the example, depending on the specific transducer used, the acoustic transducer 120 may have a diameter of about 4 cm to about 6 cm, a length of about 15 cm to about 25 cm, and a weight of about 0.4 kg to about 1.0 kg.

[0021] The handheld device 125 may be shaped and sized to allow an end-user operator to hold and manipulate the lithotripsy device 100. In examples, the handheld device 125 may house all or part of the acoustic transducer 120. The handheld device 125 may include one or more buttons or other user interface devices to allow the operator to control the lithotripsy device 100. For example, the handheld device 125 may include a dial for variable suction control in communication with the suction device 140. In examples, the handheld device 125 may include one or more buttons for applying ultrasonic, acoustic, or other energy from the acoustic transducer 120 to a target stone for fragmentation. In some examples, the lithotripsy device 100 may additionally or alternatively include a foot pedal or other auxiliary actuators, such as for controlling the activation of the acoustic transducer 120.

[0022] A first vent pipe 131 may define a first vent path 130 along which it removes stone fragments. The first vent pipe 131 may be fluidly connected to the lumen 113 of the probe 110 to provide flushing, suction, or both to the lithotripsy device 100. The vent pipe 131 may extend outward from the handle 125 and may be selectively coupled to the crushing device 160. A second vent pipe 133 may define a second vent path 132 along which it removes stone fragments from the crushing device 160 (such as to waste container 142). The second vent pipe 133 may be fluidly connected to a flushing source (not shown) and / or a suction device 140 or other pressure source. The suction device 140 may provide discharge pressure along the length of the first vent pipe 131 and the second vent pipe 133 and through the crushing device 160 to suction fragments of the broken stone along the first vent path 130 from the lumen 113 of the probe 110 to the crushing device 160. Although not specifically shown, the first drain pipe 131 and the second drain pipe 133 may be additionally flushed as needed.

[0023] The suction device 140 may be, for example, a suction pump 141. The suction pump 141 may include a port for drawing a vacuum from the lithotripsy device to generate suction, such as for extracting fluid from the anatomical area into which the probe 110 is inserted.

[0024] Actuator 150 may be electrically and / or mechanically connected to crushing device 160, thereby providing electrical and / or mechanical energy to crushing device 160 during use. As an example, actuator 150 may be an electric motor 151 or other suitable device that drives the shaft 152 of the auger coupled to crushing device 160. In some examples, as further discussed herein, suction device 140, rather than a dedicated actuator, may be used as an actuator for the auger. Therefore, actuator 150 is an optional component. Actuator 150 may be part of crushing device 100 or may be a separate active device, and may be electrically plugged in or battery-rechargeable. This active device may, for example, be attached to an intravenous infusion stand along with a saline bag for flushing.

[0025] Although not specifically shown, the lithotripsy device 100, and optionally the aspiration device 140, actuator 150, etc., may be controlled, for example, by a control unit or several dedicated control units. The control unit may additionally generate signals or other outputs for treating the anatomical region into which the probe 110 is inserted. In the example, the control unit may manipulate imaging, generate electrical outputs, mechanical outputs, acoustic outputs, fluid outputs, etc., for treating the anatomical region.

[0026] The lithotripsy device 100 may additionally include a crushing device 160. The crushing device 160 may be coupled to a first drain pipe 131 and a second drain pipe 133. Thus, the crushing device 160 may be in fluid communication with the first drain path 130 and the second drain path 132. Indeed, the crushing device 160 may be located anywhere within the lumen 113 of the probe body 112, closer to the proximal end than the distal end of the probe tip 114. The crushing device 160 may be a device added to an existing lithotripsy device 100 lacking such a device. The crushing device 160 may include an auger (discussed later) for stone crushing to reduce, suppress, prevent, or disrupt blockages in the lithotripsy device 100.

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a crushing device 160 is illustrated. The crushing device 160 may include a housing 200, a cavity 202, an auger 204, a first connector 206, and a second connector 208. The auger 204 includes a shank 210 and helical blades 212. The first connector 206 defines a first port 214, and the second connector 208 defines a second port 216.

[0028] like Figure 2 As shown, the housing 200 may be cylindrical or define a cavity 202 in other shapes. The cavity 202 may be large enough to receive the auger 204. The auger 204 may be positioned within the cavity 202 adjacent to the housing 200. The auger 204 may be rotatable relative to the housing 200 within the cavity 202. The auger 204 may be cantilevered within the cavity 202 and may be connected to a shaft 152 at its proximal end 205. As further discussed herein, the shaft 152 may drive the rotation of the auger 204.

[0029] The shank 210 can be coupled to the helical blade 212 along its axial length. The shank 210 can form the inner diameter of the auger 204. The helical blade 212 can be helically wound multiple times and can extend outward from the shank 210. The helical blade 212 can have a pitch between about 2.0 mm and about 5.0 mm. The outermost edge of the helical blade 212 can include the outer diameter of the auger 204. The distance between the outer diameter and the inner diameter, i.e., the strip width, can be between about 0.5 mm and about 1.0 mm.

[0030] The outer diameter of the auger 204 can be between approximately 5 mm and approximately 10 mm from the housing 200. This gap G between the outer diameter OD of the auger 204 and the housing 200 can be large enough to allow non-contact rotation of the auger 204 and to allow flushing and / or suction flow between the outermost edge of the auger 204 and the housing 200. However, the gap G between the outermost edge of the auger 204 and the housing 200 should be small enough to prevent larger stone fragments (LSF) from passing through. Contact between larger stone fragments (LSF) and the auger blades 212 and the housing 200 (including in the area of ​​the gap G) can further break the larger stone fragments (LSF) into smaller stone fragments (SSF), such as dust (D).

[0031] The auger 204 can be driven counterclockwise by the shaft 152 at a high rotational speed, such as from about 1,000 RPM to about 80,000 RPM. Such a high rotational speed can create a spiral flow of larger stone fragments (LSF) and / or smaller stone fragments (SSF) including dust (D). This spiral flow can cause the larger stone fragments (LSF) and / or the smaller stone fragments (SSF) to come into contact with the housing 200, the auger blades 212, and / or the shank 210, thereby further breaking them down into even smaller stone fragments.

[0032] The first connector 206 may be coupled to the housing 200, for example, at the distal portion of the housing 200. The first connector 206 may be configured to connect with a first drain pipe (see...). Figure 1 ( ) to make Luer or other types of connections. The first connector 206 can be configured to integrate with standard pipe sizes for different moving parts in the crusher market. The first connector 206 can define a first port 214. The first port 214 and the first connector 206 can be connected to the lumen 202 and the first venting path (see Figure 1 Fluid communication is possible. For example, the first connector 206 and the first port 214 can typically be aligned with the axis of rotation RA of the auger 204. However, other arrangements of the first connector 206 and the first port 214 relative to the auger 204 (e.g., offset arrangements) are also contemplated.

[0033] The second connector 208 may be coupled to the housing 200, for example, at the proximal portion of the housing 200. The second connector 208 may be configured to connect with a second drain pipe (see...). Figure 1 The second connector 208 can be configured to integrate with standard pipe sizes for different moving parts in the crusher market. The second connector 208 can define a second port 216. The second port 216 and the second connector 208 can be connected to the lumen 202 and the second venting path (see...). Figure 1Fluid communication is maintained. The second connector 208 and the second port 216 may be located near the proximal end 205 of the auger 204. The second connector 208 and the second port 216 may be oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis LA of the shaft 152 and the rotation axis RA of the auger 204 and offset from the longitudinal axis LA of the shaft 152 and the rotation axis RA of the auger 204.

[0034] The auger drill 204 can consist of a shaft 152 and an actuator (see...) Figure 1 The auger 204 can be continuously actuated to rotate. Alternatively or additionally, the auger 204 can be manually actuated and / or actuated automatically (such as in a pulsed manner or according to a predetermined schedule). The auger 204 can be continuously actuated during the surgical procedure, or can be actuated in a controlled electromechanical manner or otherwise in response to triggering conditions (such as an indication of a sensed increase in potential blockage).

[0035] Figure 3 A schematic diagram illustrating another example of a crushing apparatus 160A is shown. Like the crushing apparatus 160, the crushing apparatus 160A may include a housing 200, a cavity 202, an auger 204, a first connector 206, and a second connector 208. The auger 204 includes a shank 210 and helical blades 212. The first connector 206 defines a first port 214, and the second connector defines a second port 216.

[0036] The difference in the crushing device 160A is that the auger 204 is not shaft-driven. Instead, the suction device 140 is in fluid communication with the cavity 202 via a second port 216 and a second connector 208 (and a second drain pipe, not shown). The pressure difference created by the suction device 140 drives the auger 204 to rotate within the cavity 202. Figure 3 In this configuration, the shaft is eliminated and the auger 204 is mounted to the bearing 300, which allows the auger 204 to rotate as driven by a pressure differential. The rotation of the auger 204 can be varied, for example, by varying the suction and / or flushing to adjust the flow rate and thereby adjust the rotation of the auger 204.

[0037] Figure 4A flowchart illustrating a method 400 for preventing clogging of a stone fragmentation device is provided. Method 400 may include receiving fragments of a stone from a stone fragmentation probe located at a distal end of the fragmentation device along a first venting path in step 410 using the fragmentation device. In step 420, method 400 may include breaking the fragments into smaller fragments using an auger of the fragmentation device. In step 430, method 400 may include conveying the smaller fragments from the fragmentation device along a second venting path to a waste container. Method 400 may include driving the auger to rotate between 1000 RPM and 80000 RPM. Method 400 may utilize a pressure differential, a shaft, or other means or methods known in the art to drive the auger. Stone fragmentation may be performed continuously, in a pulsating manner, or in response to an indication of clogging. Stone fragmentation may, for example, use the above-referenced... Figures 1 to 3 Any crushing device discussed can be used to complete this task.

[0038] Each of these non-restrictive examples can exist independently, or can be combined with one or more other examples in various permutations or combinations.

[0039] Example 1 is an apparatus for breaking up kidney stones, which optionally includes: a first connector forming a first port configured to connect to a first drain pipe; a second connector forming a second port configured to connect to a second drain pipe; a housing having a lumen in fluid communication with the first and second connectors; and an auger located within the lumen adjacent to the housing, wherein the auger is rotatable within the lumen to break up the kidney stone into fragments to suppress blockage of the second drain pipe.

[0040] In Example 2, the subject of Example 1 is used, wherein optionally, the outermost diameter of the auger is between approximately 5.0 mm and approximately 10 mm from the housing.

[0041] In Example 3, the subject of Examples 1 and 2 is used, wherein optionally, the auger has a pitch between about 2.0 mm and about 5.0 mm.

[0042] In Example 4, the subject of Examples 1 to 3 is used, wherein optionally, the auger has a strip width between about 0.5 mm and about 1.0 mm.

[0043] In Example 5, the subject of Examples 1 through 4 is presented, where optionally, the auger can rotate between 1,000 RPM and 80,000 RPM to create a spiral flow of debris.

[0044] In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 5 may optionally include a auger connected to a drive shaft at the proximal end of the auger.

[0045] In Example 7, the subject of Example 6 may optionally include a second port that is oriented substantially transverse to the drive shaft and offset from the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.

[0046] In Example 8, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 7 may optionally include a suction device in fluid communication with the lumen via a second port, wherein the pressure difference created by the suction device drives the rotation of the auger within the lumen.

[0047] Example 9 is a system for lithotripsy, optionally comprising: a handpiece; a lithotripsy probe extending from the handpiece; an energy source coupled to the handpiece, the energy source being configured to deliver energy to a distal end of the lithotripsy probe; a first exhaust tube configured to be coupled to the distal end of the probe; a second exhaust tube; a device configured to be coupled to the first and second exhaust tubes, wherein the device includes an auger operable to break stones into fragments; and a waste container configured to receive the fragments via the second exhaust tube.

[0048] In Example 10, the subject of Example 9 may optionally include an actuator configured to drive the rotation of the auger.

[0049] In Example 11, the subject of Example 9 may optionally include a suction device configured to drive the rotation of the auger.

[0050] In Example 12, the subject matter of Examples 9 to 11 may optionally include, wherein the device includes a first connector for selective mechanical connection with a first vent pipe and a second connector for selective mechanical connection with a second vent pipe.

[0051] In Example 13, the subject of Examples 9 to 12, wherein optionally, the outermost diameter of the auger is between about 5.0 mm and about 10 mm from the housing of the device.

[0052] In Example 14, the subject of Examples 9 to 13 is as follows, wherein optionally, the auger has a pitch between about 2.0 mm and about 5.0 mm.

[0053] In Example 15, the subject of Examples 9 to 14, wherein optionally, the auger has a strip width between about 0.5 mm and about 1.0 mm.

[0054] In Example 16, the subject of Examples 9 through 15 is followed, wherein optionally, the auger can rotate between 1,000 RPM and 80,000 RPM to create a spiral flow of debris.

[0055] Example 17 is a method for preventing clogging of a stone crushing device, the method optionally including: receiving stone fragments from a stone crushing probe located at a distal end of the crushing device along a first venting path using the crushing device; crushing the fragments into smaller fragments using an auger of the crushing device; and conveying the smaller fragments from the crushing device along a second venting path to a waste container.

[0056] In Example 18, the subject of Example 17, wherein optionally, the step of using an auger to break debris into smaller pieces includes driving the auger to rotate between 1,000 RPM and 80,000 RPM.

[0057] In Example 19, the subject matter of Examples 17-18 may optionally include driving a auger by applying torque from an actuator via a shaft.

[0058] In Example 20, the subject of Examples 17-18 may optionally include applying a pressure differential to drive a auger.

[0059] Example 21 is at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to perform operations to implement any one of Examples 1 to 20.

[0060] Example 22 is a device that includes an apparatus that implements any one of Examples 1 to 20.

[0061] Example 23 is a system that implements any one of Examples 1 through 20.

[0062] Example 24 is a method that implements any of Examples 1 through 20.

[0063] Each of these non-restrictive examples can exist independently, or can be combined with one or more other examples in various permutations or combinations.

[0064] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples may include elements other than those shown or described. However, the inventors also contemplate examples in which only the elements shown or described are provided. Furthermore, the inventors contemplate examples using any combination or arrangement of the elements shown or described (or one or more aspects thereof), whether relating to a particular example (or one or more aspects thereof) or other examples shown or described herein (or one or more aspects thereof). Terms such as “basically” and “about” are indicated within 10% of the relevant values.

[0065] In the event of any inconsistencies between the usage in this document and any other document incorporated by reference, the usage in this document shall prevail.

[0066] In this document, as is common in patent documents, the terms “a” or “an” are used to include one or more, regardless of any other instances or uses of “at least one” or “one or more.” In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B,” unless otherwise indicated. In this document, the terms “comprising” and “wherein” are used as their common English equivalents. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “comprising” and “including” are open-ended, meaning that a system, apparatus, article, composition, formulation, or method that includes elements other than those listed after the term in a claim is still considered to fall within the scope of that claim. Additionally, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc., are used merely as labels and not intended to impose a quantity requirement on their contents.

[0067] The above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the examples above (or one or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. Other embodiments may also be used by those skilled in the art after reviewing the above description. An abstract is provided to comply with 37 CFR §1.72(b) to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of the technical disclosure. It should be understood that the abstract is not intended to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the above specific embodiments, various features may be combined together to simplify this disclosure. This should not be construed as meaning that any unclaimed disclosed features are essential to any claim. Rather, the inventive subject matter may exist with fewer than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated herein by way of example or embodiment, and each claim is itself a separate embodiment, and these embodiments may be contemplated to be combined with each other in various combinations or arrangements. The scope of the invention should be determined by reference to the appended claims and the full scope of their entitled equivalents.

Claims

1. An apparatus for breaking up kidney stones, the apparatus comprising: A first connector forming a first port, the first connector being configured to connect to a first drain pipe; A second connector forming a second port, the second connector being configured to connect to a second drain pipe; A housing having a cavity in fluid communication with the first connector and the second connector; as well as A spiral drill located within the lumen and adjacent to the housing, wherein the spiral drill can rotate within the lumen to break the stone into fragments to suppress blockage of the second drain pipe.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The outermost diameter of the auger is between approximately 5.0 mm and approximately 10 mm from the housing.

3. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, The auger has a pitch between about 2.0 mm and about 5.0 mm.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The auger has a strip width between about 0.5 mm and about 1.0 mm.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The auger can rotate between 1000 RPM and 80000 RPM to create a spiral flow of the fragments.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The auger is connected to the drive shaft at its proximal end.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The second port is oriented substantially transverse to the drive shaft and offset from the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a suction device in fluid communication with the lumen via the second port, wherein, The pressure difference created by the suction device drives the rotation of the auger within the cavity.

9. A system for lithotripsy, the system comprising: Handheld items; A rock-breaking probe extending from the handheld component; An energy source connected to the handheld device is configured to deliver energy to the distal end of the lithotripsy probe; A first empty tube configured to connect to the distal end of the probe; Second row of empty pipes; A device configured to connect to the first drain pipe and the second drain pipe, wherein the device includes an auger operable to break stones into fragments; as well as A waste container configured to receive the debris via a second vent pipe.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising an actuator configured to drive rotation of the auger.

11. The system of claim 9, further comprising a suction device configured to drive the rotation of the auger.

12. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The device includes a first connector for selective mechanical connection with the first vent pipe and a second connector for selective mechanical connection with the second vent pipe.

13. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The outermost diameter of the auger is between approximately 5.0 mm and approximately 10 mm from the housing of the device.

14. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, The auger has a pitch between about 2.0 mm and about 5.0 mm.

15. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein, The auger has a strip width between about 0.5 mm and about 1.0 mm.

16. The system according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein, The auger can rotate between 1,000 RPM and 80,000 RPM to create a spiral flow of the fragments.

17. A method for preventing clogging of a stone-breaking device, the method comprising the following steps: The stone fragments are received from the stone fragment probe located at the far end of the crushing device along the first emptying path using the crushing device; The fragments are broken into smaller fragments using the auger of the crushing device; as well as The smaller fragments are transferred from the crushing device to the waste container along the second venting path.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The step of breaking the fragments into smaller fragments using the auger includes driving the auger to rotate between 1,000 RPM and 80,000 RPM.

19. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, the method further comprising applying torque from the actuator via a shaft to drive the auger.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 18, the method further comprising applying a pressure differential to drive the auger.

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