Instrument wetting attachment

Abstract

A biopsy cap may be operably connected to a port of a medical device. The biopsy cap seals a working channel configured to allow passage of devices of different diameters. During endoscopic procedures, the tips of many devices, such as guidewires and catheters, may be wetted prior to use to avoid the creation of excessive drag forces when these devices are inserted into the endoscope working channel. A cap system includes a cap for a port of a first medical device; and a wetting device configured to couple to a portion of the cap and wet a second medical device passing through the cap system.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] Pursuant to 35 USC § 119, this application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 520,392, filed August 18, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Various aspects of this disclosure generally relate to medical device components, assemblies, and related methods. In particular, various aspects of this disclosure relate to devices, systems, and methods for wetting instruments at the biopsy port inlet. Background Technology

[0003] Biopsy caps can be operatively attached to the ports of medical devices such as duodenoscopes, endoscopes, bronchoscopes, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) endoscopes, etc. The biopsy cap seals the working channel, which is configured to allow devices of varying diameters to pass through. The biopsy cap also helps prevent leakage of biofouling. During endoscopic procedures, the tips of many devices (such as guidewires and catheters) may be moistened before use to avoid excessive dragging force when inserting these devices through the working channel of the endoscope. Furthermore, moistening the tips of such devices can prevent them from becoming lodged in the mucosa. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Each aspect disclosed herein may include one or more features described in conjunction with any other disclosed aspect.

[0005] In one example, a cap system may include: a cap for a port of a first medical device; and a wetting device configured to be coupled to a portion of the cap and wet a second medical device passing through the cap system.

[0006] Any device disclosed herein may additionally or alternatively include any combination of the following features: A wetting device may include a bottom membrane located at the bottom of the wetting device. The bottom membrane may be punctured to form an opening in the bottom membrane. A wetting device may include a top membrane located at the top of the wetting device. The top membrane may be punctured to form an opening in the top membrane. The cap system may further include a wetting fluid located between the top and bottom membranes of the wetting device. A flange of the wetting device may define a bottom opening configured to receive that portion of a biopsy cap. The flange may be a bottom portion of the wetting device and may extend below the bottom membrane, wherein the bottom opening is located radially inward of the flange. The flange may define a first opening to adapt to and receive a gripping portion of the cap. The flange may define a second opening to adapt to and receive a connector that attaches the cap's cap to the cap's base. The wetting device may include a sponge configured to retain the wetting fluid. The sponge may be configured to be placed on and attached to said portion of the cap. The sponge may define a through-hole located at the center of the sponge and extending from the top to the bottom of the sponge. The diameter of the through-hole may be approximately 0.05 inches. The cap may further include a coating on at least one outer surface of the sponge.

[0007] In another example, a humidification device may include: a tube having a generally cylindrical shape defining an interior for containing and retaining liquid and allowing a first medical device to pass through, wherein the tube is configured to be placed on top of a base of a cap at the port of a second medical device, the tube including a bottom locking structure for attaching the tube to the base.

[0008] Any device described herein may additionally or alternatively include any combination of the following features. The tube may further include a top opening of a cap configured to receive a cap and a top locking geometry for attaching the tube to the cap.

[0009] In another example, a wetting device may include: a sponge defining a through-hole extending from the top to the bottom of the sponge, the through-hole opening at the top and bottom of the sponge to allow a first medical device to pass through the through-hole, wherein the sponge includes a flange located at the bottom of the sponge defining a bottom opening configured as part of a cap for receiving a port of a second medical device; and a coating on the outer surface of the sponge to inhibit leakage of liquid absorbed by the sponge.

[0010] Any device described herein may additionally or alternatively include any combination of the following features. A flange may include: a first opening configured to adapt to and receive a gripping portion of the cap, and a second opening configured to adapt to and receive a connector that attaches the cap's cap to the cap's base. The wetting device may have a generally cylindrical shape.

[0011] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and are not intended to limit the claimed invention. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements may include not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term “diameter” may refer to width in cases where the element is not circular. The term “far side” refers to a direction away from the operator, and the term “proximal side” refers to a direction towards the operator. The term “exemplary” is used to indicate an “example” rather than an “ideal” meaning. The term “about” or similar terms (e.g., “substantially”) include values ​​+ / - 10% of the stated value. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate various aspects of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An exemplary medical device is described.

[0014] Figure 2A-2C Depicting what can be with Figure 1A-1B The known biopsy cap used in conjunction with exemplary medical devices.

[0015] Figures 3A-3B A biopsy cap system disclosed herein is described.

[0016] Figures 4A-4B Another biopsy cap system of this disclosure is described.

[0017] Figures 5A-5B Another biopsy cap system of this disclosure is described.

[0018] Figure 6 Another biopsy cap system is described.

[0019] Figure 7 Another biopsy cap system of this disclosure is described. Detailed Implementation

[0020] As described in the background section, the tips of many devices (such as guidewires and catheters) may be moistened before the biopsy cap is inserted to avoid excessive drag and prevent the device from becoming lodged in the mucosa. Conventional methods involve pouring water into a kidney-shaped container located on a cart or countertop. However, this method can cause water to splash onto the floor, increasing the risk of user slips. Furthermore, the open water container can quickly become contaminated if biological contaminants accidentally fall into it. Moreover, this method can complicate the process by adding unnecessary steps to device preparation (e.g., pouring water into the kidney-shaped container, immersing the device in water, etc.). Therefore, there is a need for improved devices, systems, and methods for moistening devices.

[0021] Figure 1A An exemplary duodenoscope 10 is depicted, which has a handle 12 and an insertion portion 14. Figure 1B The proximal end of the handle 12 is shown. The duodenoscope 10 may also include an umbilicus 16 for connecting the duodenoscope 10 to a source such as air, water, suction, electricity, etc., and an image processing and / or viewing device. Although this document may refer to a duodenoscope, it should be understood that this disclosure also includes endoscopes, bronchoscopes, gastroscopes, EUS endoscopes, colonoscopes, ureteroscopes, bronchoscopes, laparoscopes, cystoscopes, suction endoscopes, sheaths, catheters, or similar devices. References to duodenoscope herein should be understood to include any of the foregoing medical devices.

[0022] The insertion portion 14 may include a sheath or shaft 18 and a distal tip 20. The distal tip 20 may include an imaging device 22 (e.g., a camera) and a light source 24 (e.g., an LED or optical fiber). The distal tip 20 may be oriented laterally. That is, the imaging device 22 and the light source 24 may be oriented radially outward, vertically, substantially vertically, or otherwise transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 18 and the distal tip 20. Additionally or alternatively, the distal tip 20 may include one or more imaging devices 22 oriented in more than one direction. For example, a first imaging device 22 may be oriented radially outward, and a second imaging device 22 may be oriented distally (substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal tip 20 / shaft 18).

[0023] The distal tip 20 may also include a lifter 26 for changing the orientation of the instrument inserted into the working channel of the duodenoscope 10. The lifter 26 may also be referred to as a swing frame, pivot frame, escalator, or any other suitable term. The lifter 26 may be pivotable, for example, by means of an actuation wire or other control element extending from the handle 12 through the shaft 14 to the lifter 26.

[0024] The distal portion of the shaft 18 connected to the distal tip 20 may have a steerable section 28. The steerable section 28 may be, for example, a hinged joint. The shaft 18 and the steerable section 28 may include various structures known in the art or that may become known in the future.

[0025] Handle 12 may have one or more actuator / control mechanisms 30. Control mechanisms 30 may provide control over the steerable section 28, the lifter 26, and / or allow the supply of air, water, suction, etc. For example, handle 12 may include control knobs 32, 34 for left, right, up, and / or down control of the steerable section 28. For example, one of knobs 32, 34 may provide left / right control of the steerable section 28, and another of knobs 32, 34 may provide up / down control of the steerable section 28. Handle 12 may further include one or more locking mechanisms 36 (e.g., knobs or levers) for preventing steering and / or braking of the steerable section 28 in at least one of the up, down, left, or right directions. Handle 12 may include a lifter control lever 38 (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1B The lifter control lever 38 can raise and / or lower the lifter 26 via a connection between the lever 38 and an actuation wire extending from the lever 38 through the shaft 18 to the lifter 26. Port 40 allows tools to enter the working channel of the duodenoscope 10, pass through the sheath 18, and reach the distal tip 20.

[0026] In use, the operator can insert at least a portion of shaft 18 into the subject's body cavity. The distal tip 20 can be navigated to the surgical site within the body cavity. The operator can insert an accessory device (not shown) into port 40 and guide it through the working channel via shaft 18 to the distal tip 20. The accessory device can exit the working channel at the distal tip 20. The user can use lifter control lever 38 to raise lifter 26 and angle the accessory device toward a desired location (e.g., the papilla of the pancreaticobiliary duct). The user can use the accessory device to perform medical procedures.

[0027] Figure 2A-2C An example of a known biopsy cap 200 is depicted. Figure 2A A three-dimensional view of the biopsy cap 200 in its closed configuration is depicted. Figure 2B A perspective view of the biopsy cap 200 in its open configuration is depicted. Figure 2C A side sectional view of a biopsy cap 200 mounted on an access port 214 is depicted. The biopsy cap 200 includes a biopsy cap cover 202 and a biopsy cap base 204 configured to attach to the access port 214. The biopsy cap 200 is an example of a cap that can be used in conjunction with embodiments of this disclosure, but the scope of this disclosure extends to other types and configurations of caps mounted to endoscope access ports.

[0028] Biopsy cap 200 includes a biopsy cap lid 202, a biopsy cap base 204, an upper opening 206, a biopsy cap lid connector 208, a middle opening 210, a gripping portion 212, and a lower opening 224. The biopsy cap base 204 is configured to allow instruments (e.g., catheters) to pass through the middle opening 210 and enter an access port 214. The biopsy cap base 204 is configured to rest on the access port 214 via a lower base fixing region 218. For example, the lower base fixing region 218 includes a flange that adapts to a recess in the access port 214 to secure the biopsy cap base 200 to the access port 214. The biopsy cap base 204 includes a middle opening 210 configured to receive the biopsy cap lid 202 via the upper base fixing region 216. The biopsy cap lid 202 is configured to rest into the middle opening 210 via a lid fixing region 220. For example, the upper base fixing region 216 has a radially inwardly oriented lip 217 that is received in a radially outwardly oriented groove 219 of the cap fixing region 220. Furthermore, the lower portion of the cap fixing region 220 includes a flange 221 that is held below the lip 217 of the upper base fixing region 216. Other methods for removably attaching the cap to the cap base are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0029] When the biopsy cap cap 202 is connected to the biopsy cap base 204, as Figure 2C As shown, the biopsy cap 202 is configured to allow instruments (e.g., catheters, tools, guidewires, etc.) to enter the biopsy cap 202 through the upper opening 206, pass through the slit 222, enter the middle opening 210, pass through the lower opening 224, and enter the access port 214. The gripper 212 is part of the biopsy cap 202 and... Figure 2A and 2C In the configuration shown, the cap 202 extends radially outward at its top relative to the rest of the periphery of the biopsy cap 202. The grip portion 212 includes a flat surface configured for a user to grip and manipulate the biopsy cap 202.

[0030] The biopsy cap cap connector 208 is configured to connect the biopsy cap cap 202 and the biopsy cap base 204. For example, one end of the biopsy cap cap connector 208 is connected to the biopsy cap cap 202, and the opposite end of the biopsy cap cap connector 208 is connected to the biopsy cap base 204. The cap connector 208 is flexible and bendable, thus allowing the biopsy cap 200 to be in a closed configuration (…). Figure 2A and Figure 2C ) and open configuration ( Figure 2B Convert between )

[0031] refer to Figures 3A-3B In one embodiment, the biopsy cap system 300 of this disclosure includes a biopsy cap 302, the biopsy cap comprising, and Figure 2A-2C The same (or similar) elements are described in the description. The biopsy cap system 300 also includes a cup 304 configured to moisten the instrument 320 passing through the biopsy cap system 300.

[0032] Cup 304 includes a top membrane 306, a wetting liquid 308, a bottom membrane 310, and a flange 316. Cup 304 has a generally cylindrical shape that defines an interior for receiving and retaining the wetting liquid 308. Cup 304 is configured to rest on the top 312 of biopsy cap 302. For example, cup 304 may include a bottom opening configured to receive the cap of biopsy cap 302 via flange 316. Flange 316 is the bottom portion of cup 304 that extends beyond bottom membrane 310 and defines a bottom opening radially inward of flange 316. When fitted onto biopsy cap 302, flange 316 is located near biopsy cap 302. Flange 316 includes two openings / grooves: a first opening for fitting around and receiving a gripper 314; and a second opening for fitting around and receiving a biopsy cap cap connector 328. Flange 316 has dimensions and flexibility suitable for friction fit to the cap 302. Flange 316 can be slightly radially outwardly bent to provide a friction fit when attached to the cap 302. Cup 304 can be removed from the cap 312. In other embodiments, cup 304 may be integrally molded with or otherwise manufactured as a single piece with the cap 302, wherein cup 304 and cap 302 are a single integral structure.

[0033] The base membrane 310 may be made of a thin plastic and / or silicone material, allowing the instrument 320 (e.g., catheter, guidewire, etc.) to pierce the base membrane 310, yet being strong enough to retain the moistening fluid 308 before insertion of the instrument 320. The base membrane 310 is attached to the bottom of the cup 304, just above the flange 316, and extends across the top 312 of the biopsy cap 302 when the cup 304 is fitted onto the biopsy cap 302. The base membrane 310 prevents the moistening fluid 308 from flowing into the biopsy cap 302 before the instrument 320 is inserted into the biopsy cap system 300. Once the instrument 320 is inserted into the biopsy cap system 300 and pierces the base membrane 310, the base membrane 310 includes an opening 324 to allow the instrument 320 to pass through the base membrane 310 and into the opening 326 of the biopsy cap 302, and through the access port 318. In some embodiments, the base diaphragm 310 may be made of a material that allows the instrument 320 to pass through the opening 324, but the opening 324 abuts against the outside of the instrument 320 to prevent the leakage of moist liquid 308 into the biopsy cap 302 and / or has such a structure.

[0034] The top membrane 306 may be made of a thin plastic and / or silicone material, allowing the instrument 320 (e.g., catheter, guidewire, etc.) to pierce the top membrane 306, yet being strong enough to retain the moistening fluid 308 before insertion of the instrument 320. The top membrane 306 is attached to the top of the cup 304. The top membrane 306 prevents the moistening fluid 308 from spilling from the cup 304 before the instrument 320 is inserted into the biopsy cap system 300. Once the instrument 320 is inserted into the biopsy cap system 300 and pierces the top membrane 306, the top membrane 306 includes an opening 322 to allow the instrument 320 to pass through the top membrane 306, into the opening 324 of the bottom membrane 310, into the opening 326 of the biopsy cap 302, and through the access port 318. In some embodiments, the top membrane 306 may be made of a material that allows the instrument 320 to pass through the opening 322, but the opening 322 abuts against the outside of the instrument 320 to prevent leakage of moist liquid to the outside of the biopsy cap 302 and / or has such a structure.

[0035] A wetting fluid 308 is placed between the top membrane 306 and the bottom membrane 310 of the cup 304. For example, the wetting fluid 308 may include substances such as water, thickening water (e.g., a substance used to rehydrate patients with dysphagia), hydrogel-like products, etc. As the instrument 320 passes through the opening 322 of the top membrane 306, then sequentially through the wetting fluid 308, the opening 324 of the bottom membrane 310, the opening 326 of the biopsy cap 302, and into the access port 318, the wetting fluid 308 moistens the outer surface of the instrument 320. The instrument 320 can be removed from the biopsy cap system 300, and another instrument 320 can be inserted into the same biopsy cap system 300. Alternatively, the cup 304 can be removed from the biopsy cap 302, and another cup 304 can be attached to the biopsy cap 302 before inserting the next instrument 320.

[0036] refer to Figures 4A-4B In one embodiment, the biopsy cap system 400 of this disclosure includes a biopsy cap 402, the biopsy cap comprising, and Figure 2A-2C The same (or similar) elements are outlined in the description. The biopsy cap system 400 also includes a sponge 404 configured to moisten the instrument 406 passing through the biopsy cap system 400. Figure 4A It is a cross-sectional view of the biopsy cap system 400 at the plane that runs through the middle of the biopsy cap system 400.

[0037] Sponge 404 includes a flange 408, a through-hole 410, and a coating 418. Sponge 404 has a generally cylindrical shape (but other shapes are also within the scope of this disclosure) and is made of a material configured to retain a wet liquid 422. This material can be flexible, compressible, porous, hydrophilic, sterile, and / or disposable. The material can be an open-cell foam. Suitable materials may include polyurethane, polymers with ester and / or ether functional groups, and composite materials.

[0038] Sponge 404 is configured to rest on top of biopsy cap 402. For example, sponge 404 may include a bottom opening configured to receive the cap 412 of biopsy cap 402 via flange 408. Flange 408 is the bottom portion of sponge 404 located near biopsy cap 402 when fitted onto it. Flange 408 includes a first opening for fitting around and receiving a gripper 414; and a second opening for fitting around and receiving a biopsy cap cap connector 412. Flange 408 has dimensions and flexibility suitable for frictional engagement with the cap 412 of biopsy cap 402. When engaged with the cap 412 of biopsy cap 402, flange 408 may be slightly radially outward to provide a frictional engagement. Sponge 404 can be removed from the cap 412 of biopsy cap 402.

[0039] A through-hole 410, located at the center of the sponge 404, has a cylindrical shape with a diameter smaller than that of the sponge 404. This cylindrical shape extends from the top to the bottom of the sponge 404 to allow an instrument 406 (e.g., a catheter, guidewire, etc.) to pass through the through-hole 410 of the sponge 404. For example, once the instrument 406 is inserted into the through-hole 410, the through-hole 410 allows the instrument 406 to enter the opening 420 of the biopsy cap 402 and pass through the access port 416. The diameter of the through-hole 410 may be approximately 0.05 inches, but the sponge 404 may be flexible enough to allow the through-hole 410 to accommodate instruments with a diameter greater than 0.05 inches.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wetting liquid 422 is absorbed by the sponge 404 before it is placed on the biopsy cap 402. Alternatively, the wetting liquid 422 is placed on the sponge 404 after it has been placed on the biopsy cap 402. The wetting liquid 422 includes substances such as water, thickening water (e.g., a substance used to hydrate patients with dysphagia), hydrogel-like products, etc. The wetting liquid 422 wets the instrument 406 as it passes through the top opening of the through-hole 410, then sequentially through the through-hole to contact the wetting liquid 422 in the sponge 404, the bottom opening of the through-hole 410, the opening 420 of the biopsy cap, and into the access port 416. The instrument 406 can be removed from the biopsy cap system 400, and another instrument 406 can be inserted into the same biopsy cap system 400. Alternatively, the sponge 404 can be removed from the biopsy cap 402, and another sponge 404 can be attached to the biopsy cap 402 before inserting the next instrument 406.

[0041] Coating 418 is attached to the outer surface (periphery) of sponge 404. In some embodiments, coating 418 is not attached to the ends (top and bottom) of sponge 404, i.e., the locations where the through-hole 410 begins or ends. In other embodiments, coating 418 is attached to these ends, such that sponge 404 has a coating on all outer surfaces. Coating 418 may be made of a material that inhibits leakage of wetting liquid 422 to the exterior of sponge 404 and / or have such a structure. Suitable coating materials include, for example, plastics, laminated paper, sintered foam, and silicone gel.

[0042] refer to Figures 5A-5B In one embodiment, the biopsy cap system 500 of this disclosure includes a biopsy cap 524, the biopsy cap comprising, and Figure 2A-2C The same (or similar) elements are described in the description. The biopsy cap system 500 also includes a wetting tube 508 configured to wet instruments passing through the biopsy cap system 500.

[0043] The wetting tube 508 has a generally cylindrical shape, defining an interior for containing and retaining a wetting liquid. The wetting tube 508 is configured to rest on top 514 of the biopsy cap base 502 and is coupled to the biopsy cap base 502 via a locking geometry. For example, the wetting tube 508 includes a connecting groove 510 and a flange 512, very similar to... Figure 2C The recess 219 and flange 221 are shown in the diagram. The wetting tube 508 may include a bottom opening configured to receive the top 514 of the biopsy cap base 502 via the flange 512. The flange 512 may be slightly radially inwardly bent when inserted into the biopsy cap base 502, and then return to its unbent position to fit below the lip of the biopsy cap base 502, very similar to the embodiment described above. The flange 512 is the bottom portion of the wetting tube 508 that defines the bottom opening within the flange 512. When fitted onto the biopsy cap base 502, the flange 512 is located inside the biopsy cap base 502.

[0044] Additionally, the wetting tube 508 may include a top opening configured to receive the biopsy cap 504 via a locking geometry, such as... Figure 5B As shown. The top of the wetting tube 508 may include a geometry similar to the top of the biopsy cap base 204 / 502 (as described above), such that the wetting tube 508 can be received and attached to the biopsy cap cap 504.

[0045] The through-hole through the wetting tube 508 has a cylindrical shape and its diameter is smaller than that of the wetting tube 508. The through-hole extends from the top to the bottom of the wetting tube 508 to allow instruments (e.g., catheters, guidewires, etc.) to pass through the wetting tube 508. For example, once an instrument is inserted into the through-hole, the through-hole allows the instrument to enter the top 514 of the biopsy cap base 502 and pass through the access port 516.

[0046] The wetting tube 508 can be removed from the biopsy cap base 502. In other embodiments, the wetting tube 508 may be integrally molded with or otherwise manufactured as a single piece with the biopsy cap base 502, wherein the wetting tube 508 and the biopsy cap base 502 are a single structure.

[0047] A wetting liquid is placed into the wetting tube 508. For example, the wetting liquid may include substances such as water, thickening water (e.g., a substance used to rehydrate patients with dysphagia), hydrogel-like products, etc. Figure 5A As shown, the wetting tube 508 can wet the instrument before the top opening receives the biopsy cap cap 504. For example, the instrument is wetted with a wetting liquid as it passes through the wetting tube 508 and then sequentially through the biopsy cap base 502 and the access port 516. Alternatively, as... Figure 5B As shown, the wetting tube 508 can wet the instrument after receiving the biopsy cap cover 504 through a locking geometry via a top opening. For example, the instrument is wetted with a wetting liquid as it passes through the biopsy cap cover 504, then sequentially through the wetting tube 508, the biopsy cap base 502, and the access port 516. The instrument can be removed from the biopsy cap system 500, and another instrument can be inserted into the same biopsy cap system 500. Alternatively, the wetting tube 508 can be removed from the biopsy cap base 502, and another wetting tube 508 can be attached to the biopsy cap base 502 before inserting the next instrument.

[0048] refer to Figure 6 In one embodiment, the biopsy cap system 600 of this disclosure includes a biopsy cap 622, the biopsy cap comprising, and Figure 2A-2C The same (or similar) elements are outlined in the description. The biopsy cap system 600 also includes a cup 604 configured to moisten instruments passing through the biopsy cap system 600 (as indicated by arrow 616).

[0049] Cup 604 includes a slit 606, a connecting groove 608, a flange 610, a wetting liquid 612, and a main opening 614. Cup 604 has a generally cylindrical shape that defines an interior for receiving and retaining the wetting liquid 612. Cup 604 is configured to rest on a biopsy cap base 620. For example, cup 604 may include a bottom opening configured to fit within an opening of biopsy cap base 620 via the connecting groove 608 and the flange 610. The connecting groove 608 is the middle portion of cup 604 that connects the top portion of cup 604 and the flange 610. The connecting groove 608 and the flange 610 have dimensions and flexibility suitable for frictional fitting into the opening of biopsy cap base 620. The flange 610 may bend slightly radially inward upon insertion into biopsy cap base 620 and then return to its unbent position to fit below the lip of biopsy cap base 620, very similar to the embodiment described above. Flange 610 is the bottom portion of cup 604, defining a bottom opening within flange 610. When fitted onto biopsy cap base 620, flange 610 is located inside biopsy cap base 620. Cup 604 can be removed from biopsy cap base 620. In other embodiments, cup 604 may be integrally molded with biopsy cap 622 or otherwise manufactured as a single piece, wherein cup 604 and biopsy cap 622 are a single structure.

[0050] In some embodiments, cup 604 includes a top membrane. The top membrane may be made of a thin plastic and / or silicone material, allowing an instrument 616 (e.g., a catheter, guidewire, etc.) to pierce the top membrane, yet being robust enough to retain the moistening fluid 612 before insertion of the instrument 616. The top membrane is attached to the top of cup 604. The top membrane prevents the moistening fluid 612 from leaking from cup 604 before the instrument 616 is inserted into biopsy cap system 600. Once the instrument 616 is inserted into biopsy cap system 600 and pierces the top membrane, the top membrane includes an opening to allow the instrument 616 to pass through the top membrane, into the slit 606 and biopsy cap opening 626 of cup 604, and through access port 624. In some embodiments, the top membrane may be made of a material and / or have a structure that allows the instrument 616 to pass through, but the top membrane may have an opening that seals against the outside of the instrument 616 to prevent leakage of the moistening fluid to the outside of cup 604.

[0051] A wetting liquid 612 is placed in a cup 604. For example, the wetting liquid 612 may include substances such as water, thickening water (e.g., a substance used to rehydrate patients with dysphagia), hydrogel-like products, etc. The wetting liquid 612 wets the instrument 616 as it passes through the main opening 614, then sequentially through the wetting liquid 612, the slit 606, the biopsy cap base 620, and into the access port 624. The instrument 616 can be removed from the biopsy cap system 600, and another instrument can be inserted into the same biopsy cap system 600. Alternatively, the cup 604 can be removed from the biopsy cap base 620, and another cup 604 can be attached to the biopsy cap base 620 before inserting the next instrument.

[0052] refer to Figure 7 In one embodiment, the wetting system 700 of this disclosure includes a biopsy cap 708, the biopsy cap comprising, and Figure 2A-2C The same (or similar) elements are described in the text. The wetting system 700 includes a biopsy cap base 702 configured to store a wetting gel 704.

[0053] A wetting gel 704 is inserted into the opening of the biopsy cap base 702 via an application device 710 (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments, the wetting gel 704 is applied through a slit in the biopsy cap 708. The wetting gel 704 may comprise a hydrogel-like product. The wetting gel 704 moistens the instrument as it passes through the wetting gel 704 in the biopsy cap base 702 and then through the access port 706. The instrument can be removed from the biopsy cap system 700, and another instrument can be inserted into the same biopsy cap system 700.

[0054] While the principles of this disclosure have been described herein with reference to illustrative examples of specific applications, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art, upon receiving the teachings provided herein, will recognize additional modifications, applications, and equivalent substitutions falling within the scope of the examples described herein. Furthermore, various elements from each presented embodiment can be combined to achieve the same or similar results as one or more of the disclosed embodiments. Therefore, this invention should not be considered as limited to the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A hat system, comprising: Cap for the port of the first medical device; as well as A humidification device configured to be attached to a portion of the cap and to humidify a second medical device passing through the cap system.

2. The cap system of claim 1, wherein the wetting device includes a bottom film located at the bottom of the wetting device.

3. The cap system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom membrane can be punctured to form an opening in the bottom membrane.

4. The cap system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wetting device includes a top film located at the top of the wetting device.

5. The cap system of claim 4, wherein the top membrane can be punctured to form an opening in the top membrane.

6. The cap system according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: The wetting liquid located between the top and bottom membranes of the wetting device.

7. The cap system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flange of the wetting device defines a bottom opening configured to receive said portion of the biopsy cap.

8. The cap system of claim 7, wherein the flange is the bottom portion of the wetting device and extends below the bottom film, wherein the bottom opening is located radially inside the flange.

9. The cap system of claim 8, wherein the flange defines a first opening to adapt to and receive the grip portion of the cap.

10. The cap system of claim 9, wherein the flange defines a second opening to fit around and receive a connector that connects the cap's cap to the cap's base.

11. The cap according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the wetting device comprises a sponge configured to retain a wet liquid.

12. The cap of claim 11, wherein the sponge is configured to be placed on and attached to the portion of the cap.

13. The cap of claim 12, wherein the sponge defines a through hole located at the center of the sponge and extending from the top of the sponge to the bottom of the sponge.

14. The cap of claim 13, wherein the through hole has a diameter of about 0.05 inches.

15. The cap according to claim 12, further comprising a coating on at least one outer surface of the sponge.

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