Umbilical cable used in cooperation with medical device

Abstract

A medical device (100) may include a first portion. The first portion of the medical device may have a handle (112), a shaft (102) attached to the handle, and a distal assembly (126) at a distal end of the shaft. The medical device may also include an umbilical cable (104) releasably attached to the handle of the first portion.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 578,165, filed August 23, 2023, pursuant to 35 USC § 119, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The various aspects of this disclosure generally relate to medical device components, assemblies, and related methods. In particular, the various aspects of this disclosure relate to reusable umbilicus cables, etc., used in conjunction with medical devices. Background Technology

[0003] Medical devices (e.g., duodenoscopes, endoscopes, bronchoscopes, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), etc.) are used in endoscopic procedures where the device comes into contact with the patient. After an endoscopic procedure, the medical device can be cleaned for use in another endoscopic procedure. Alternatively, the medical device can be a single-use device to minimize cross-contamination between patients; after an endoscopic procedure, the device can be discarded, and a new device can be used for the next endoscopic procedure. Summary of the Invention

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

[0005] In one example, a medical device may include: a first portion having a handle, a shaft attached to the handle, and a distal assembly at the distal end of the shaft; and an umbilical cable releasably attached to the handle of the first portion.

[0006] Any device disclosed herein may additionally or alternatively include any of the following features in any combination. The umbilical cable may include a tether branching from the body of the umbilical cable. The tether may include at least one button at the end of the tether furthest from the body of the umbilical cable, wherein the at least one button is configured to control the imaging function of the medical device. The end of the tether furthest from the body may include an engagement feature for securely and releasably engaging a handle portion of the first part. The engagement feature may be configured to securely and releasably engage multiple different locations of the handle portion. The tether may have a shape or protrusion to engage a corresponding shaped portion in the body of the handle portion, wherein the protrusion may be a snap-fit ​​engagement, a friction engagement, or a relative sliding engagement, which securely retain the tether to the handle portion and allow release after use. The engagement feature may include a magnet attached to the handle portion via a metallic feature of the handle portion. The engagement feature may include a C-shaped connector. The umbilical cable may be configured to be connected to the handle portion at a connection point via mating physical and electrical connections that securely and releasably attach the umbilical cable to the handle portion. The umbilical cable may include a stem connection end, wherein the stem connection end includes an umbilical cable connector, a flexible printed circuit board, and a heat sink. The umbilical cable may include a stem connection end transducer located within the stem connection end, wherein the stem connection end transducer can convert multiple electrical signals into multiple optical signals for transmission through circuitry in the umbilical cable body to a controller connection end. The umbilical cable may include a controller connection end transducer located within the controller connection end, wherein the controller connection end transducer can convert multiple optical signals into multiple electrical signals for transmission to a controller. The medical device may further include one or more fluid lines removably attached to the umbilical cable by clips, wherein the one or more fluid lines are secured to the stem. The umbilical cable may include flexible circuitry located in the end of the umbilical cable closest to the stem when connected. The flexible circuitry may include: at least one umbilical cable connector connection portion attached to at least one electrical connection portion of the stem; at least one umbilical cable cable connection portion attached to a cable within the umbilical cable; and an outer layer including at least one additional flexible circuitry.

[0007] In another example, an umbilical cable may include: a body including circuitry for transmitting power, imaging signals, and light or optical signals; a handle connection end at a first end of the body, wherein the handle connection end is configured to be releasably connected to a handle of a medical device; and a controller connection end at a second end of the body opposite the handle connection end, wherein the controller connection end is configured to be releasably connected to a controller.

[0008] Any device described herein may additionally or alternatively include any of the following features in any combination. The umbilical cable may further include a handle connection end converter located within the handle connection end, wherein the handle connection end converter converts multiple electrical signals into multiple optical signals for transmission via circuitry to a controller connection end. The umbilical cable may further include a controller connection end converter located within the controller connection end, wherein the controller connection end converter converts multiple optical signals into multiple electrical signals for transmission to a controller. The umbilical cable may further include a light source located within the housing of the handle connection end.

[0009] In another example, a method for attaching a reusable umbilical cable to a first medical device handle and a second medical device handle may include: attaching a handle connection end of the umbilical cable to the first medical device handle; disconnecting the handle connection end of the umbilical cable from the first medical device handle; and attaching the handle connection end of the umbilical cable to the second medical device handle.

[0010] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit the claimed invention. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term “diameter” may refer to the width in the case where an element is not circular. The term “far side” refers to the direction away from the operator, and the term “proximal side” refers to the direction towards the operator. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.” The term “about” or similar terms (e.g., “substantially”) include values ​​within ±10% of the stated values. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various aspects of this disclosure and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary medical device of this disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 An exemplary medical system of this disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 An exemplary umbilical cable of this disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 An exemplary shank connection end of an exemplary umbilical cable of this disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 5An exemplary flexible circuitry for use within an exemplary umbilical cable of this disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 6 An exemplary fluid conduit attached to an exemplary umbilical cable of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] As discussed in the background section, medical devices come into contact with patients during endoscopic procedures. After the procedure, the medical device can be cleaned or discarded to avoid cross-contamination between patients. However, improper sterilization of the medical device can lead to cross-contamination between patients. Furthermore, discarding the medical device after each procedure generates significant waste and higher costs. Therefore, there is a need for improved devices, systems, and methods to prevent cross-contamination between endoscopic patients.

[0019] Figure 1 An exemplary medical device 100 is shown, comprising two releasably connected parts: an umbilical cable 104 (which may be reusable) and a second part 101 (which may be disposable and / or other disposable type). The second part 101 may consist of a handle 112 and an insertion portion 124. Although this document may refer to a choledochoscope as medical device 100, it should be understood that this disclosure also covers duodenoscopes, endoscopes, bronchoscopes, gastroscopes, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), colonoscopes, ureteroscopes, bronchoscopes, laparoscopes, cystoscopes, aspiration endoscopes, sheaths, catheters, similar devices, or any other medical device that can be used in conjunction with an umbilical cable / cable for transmitting electrical signals, power, etc. References to choledochoscopes herein should be understood to cover any of the aforementioned medical devices.

[0020] The handle 112 may have one or more actuators / control mechanisms. The control mechanisms may provide control over the steerable section, lifter, and / or imaging functions, and / or may allow the supply of air, water, suction, etc. For example, the handle 112 may include control knobs 120, 122 for left, right, up, and / or down control of the steerable section of the sheath or shaft 102. For example, one of the knobs 120, 122 may provide left / right control of the steerable section, while the other may provide up / down control of the steerable section. The handle 112 may further include one or more locking mechanisms (e.g., knobs or levers) for preventing the steerable section from turning and / or braking in at least one of the up, down, left, or right directions. The handle 112 may include a lifter control lever (e.g., if the medical device 100 is a duodenoscope). The lifter control lever can raise and / or lower the lifter through its connection with an actuation wire that extends from the lever through shaft 102 to the lifter.

[0021] The insertion portion 124 includes a sheath or shaft 102 and a distal end 126. The distal end 126 includes an imaging device 118 (e.g., a camera (such as a CCD camera), or other image sensor (including analog or digital sensors)), one or more light sources 116 (e.g., LEDs or optical fibers), a working channel 114, and channels 128 and 130 for, for example, aspirating and flushing fluids. The distal end 126 is shown distally / forwardly, with its components facing distally. However, the distal end 126 can be laterally oriented. That is, the imaging device 118 and light source 116, and optionally one or more other distal components (including openings in channels 114, 128, and 130), can be radially outwardly oriented, perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or otherwise transverse to the longitudinal axis of shaft 102 and the distal end 126. Additionally or alternatively, the distal end 126 may include one or more imaging devices 118 oriented in more than one direction. For example, the first imaging device 118 may be radially outward, while the second imaging device 118 may be oriented to the distal side (generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the distal end 126 / axis 102).

[0022] The distal portion of the shaft 102 connected to the distal end 126 may have a steerable section. The steerable section may be, for example, a hinged joint. The shaft 102 and the steerable section may include various structures known in the art or that may become known. The suction channel 128 is a lumen extending through the insertion portion 124 and providing suction functionality at the distal end 126. The flushing channel 130 is a lumen extending through the insertion portion 124 and providing flushing functionality at the distal end 126 for cleaning the imaging device 118 or cleaning the treatment site for better visualization.

[0023] The umbilical cable 104 is releasably attached to the handle 112 and is intended to connect the handle 112, shaft 102, distal end 126, and components at distal end 126 to various sources, such as power supplies, imaging device controls, image processing, light sources, light controls, and / or display / observation devices. The umbilical cable 104 includes cables / wires and electronics to support the transmission of power and control signals from the control box (not shown) to the second part 101, particularly to any of a variety of image sensors (e.g., imaging device 118) and light sources 116 (e.g., LEDs). The cable also includes cables / wires and electronics to support the transmission of image data from the imaging device 118 to the control box for processing.

[0024] The umbilical cable 104 may include a flexible tether 106 branching from the main body portion of the umbilical cable 104. For example, the tether 106 may be radially outward, perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or otherwise transverse to the longitudinal axis of the main body portion of the umbilical cable 104. The tether 106 includes at least one button 108 at its free end furthest from the main body portion of the umbilical cable 104. The button 108 is electrically connected via a cable / conductor within the tether 106 to other cables / conductors in the main body portion of the umbilical cable 104. When pressed, the button 108 controls the image / video capture function or any other desired function of the medical device 100.

[0025] In some embodiments, the free end of the tether 106 includes engagement features for securely but releasably engaging the handle 112. This allows the user to securely attach the free end of the tether 106 and its button 108 to a location on the handle 112 that is ergonomically designed for use during surgery. In some embodiments, the handle 112 may include multiple different locations for attaching the free end of the tether 106 to the handle 112, allowing the user to select the optimal, desired position for use. Alternatively, the free end of the tether 106 and the button 108 may not be attached to the handle 112, allowing them to be placed in any desired position for use.

[0026] In some embodiments, the free end of the tether 106 may be shaped (e.g., a rectangular outer profile) or have a protrusion to engage a corresponding shaped portion, such as channel 110, in the body of the handle 112. This engagement may be a snap-fit, friction fit, relative sliding, or other engagement that securely holds the tether 106 to the handle 112 but allows release after use. As another example, in some embodiments, the free end of the tether 106 includes a magnet attached to the handle 112 via a metal feature embedded in the handle 112. For example, a small piece of metal may be located inside the body of the handle 112 at a suitable location for placing the button 108. The exterior of the body of the handle 112 may have suitable indicators / markers for user identification of the placement of the free end of the tether 106 and its magnet. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the handle 112 includes a magnet attached to a metal feature at the free end of the tether 106.

[0027] In some embodiments, the umbilical cable 104 may be connected to the handle 112 at a connection point 105. This connection is achieved through any suitable electrical and physical / mechanical connection, which enables the umbilical cable 104 to be securely and releasably attached to the handle 112 and allows the transmission of electrical signals, power, etc., between the umbilical cable 104 and the second portion 101 of the medical device 100. The physical connection may include mating physical connections. In one aspect, the umbilical cable 104 may include a female connector, and the handle 112 may include a male connector, which will combine... Figure 2The following description is provided. On the other hand, the handle 112 may include a female connector, and the umbilical cable 104 may include a male connector. The umbilical cable 104 and the handle 112 may include any suitable electrical connector, including pins, plugs, ports, solder joints, etc. Below... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The discussion includes additional details regarding embodiments of the electrical connection between the umbilical cable 104 and the handle 112.

[0028] In use, the operator can attach the umbilical cable 104 to the handle 112 and attach the free end of the tether 106 to an ergonomic position on the handle 112. The operator can then insert at least a portion of the shaft 102 into the subject's body cavity. The distal end 126 can be navigated to the surgical site within the body cavity. The operator can insert an accessory device (not shown) into a port (not shown) of the handle 112 and allow the accessory device to pass through the shaft 102 via the working channel 114 to the distal end 126. The accessory device can be withdrawn from the working channel 114 at the distal end 126. The operator can use the accessory device to perform medical procedures. After the procedure, the accessory device can be removed from the working channel 114, and the shaft 102 can be removed from the body cavity. The operator can then disconnect the umbilical cable 104 from the handle 112 and disconnect the free end of the tether 106 from the handle 112. The second portion 101 of the medical device 100 can be discarded in at least some embodiments. And in some embodiments, the umbilical cable 104 can be cleaned and reused with another medical device in subsequent procedures.

[0029] Figure 2 A medical system is shown that includes multiple medical devices, including an endoscope or duodenoscope 240 (also referred to as a master endoscope) and a medical device 200, which is identical to medical device 100 except as discussed below. As is known in the art, medical device 200 may be a cholangioscope used in conjunction with a duodenoscope, for example for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures.

[0030] Like medical device 100, medical device 200 includes a handle 212 (with... Figure 1 The invisible entry port 215), shaft 202, and umbilical cable 204. These components are similar to... Figure 1 The corresponding component described in the document.

[0031] Umbilical cable 204 includes a female connector 204a configured to be releasably connected to a male connector 205a of an extension 205. The extension 205 is permanently attached to and extends from the shank 212. The extension 205 includes a tube with a wire / cable extending from the interior of the shank 212 and connecting to the male connector 205a. Thus, the female connector 204a and the male connector 205a provide a connection point between the shank 212 and the umbilical cable 204. The female connector 204a and the male connector 205a can be any suitable known wire / cable connector, such as pins, plugs, ports, solder joints, etc.

[0032] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, tether 206 is similar to tether 106, except that tether 206 includes a C-connector 214 at its free end furthest from the main body of umbilical cable 204. C-connector 214 includes a button 208, similar to button 108. For example, button 208 is connected to a wire that passes through tether 206 and enters the main body of umbilical cable 204. When pressed, button 208 can be configured to control the image / video capture function of medical device 200.

[0033] The medical device 200 may include flexible tubes 250 and 252 for providing aspiration and flushing functions, respectively, at the distal end, to clean the imaging device or clear the treatment site for better visualization. For example, the flushing tube 252 includes a lumen extending into the handle 212 and connected to the insertion portion 224 for providing a flushing function at the distal end. Similarly, the aspiration tube 252 includes a lumen extending into the handle 212 and connected to the insertion portion 224 for providing aspiration functions at the distal end.

[0034] Duodenoscope 240 may be a standard duodenoscope. For example, duodenoscope 240 may include a handle 241 having an access port 244. Access port 244 may receive shaft 202 for insertion into a subject. For example, shaft 202 may pass through access port 218, through shaft 242, and be inserted into the subject's body.

[0035] The handle 212 of the medical device 200 can be connected to the duodenoscope handle 241 via a strap or other similar connector, as is known in the art. A C-connector 214 can be connected to the duodenoscope handle 241 at any desired longitudinal location along the duodenoscope handle 241. For example, the C-connector 214 can be connected at any ergonomic location on the duodenoscope handle 241. In other embodiments, the C-connector can be connected at a location on the handle 212. The C-connector 214 can be made of a semi-flexible material configured to attach to the duodenoscope handle 241. Furthermore, the "C" end of the C-connector 214 can be bent inwards and outwards to secure it to the duodenoscope handle 241. In one aspect, the size and flexibility of the C-connector 214 allow it to achieve a frictional fit with the duodenoscope handle 241. On the other hand, the C-connector 214 can be attached to the duodenoscope handle 210 by hook and loop fasteners (e.g., Velcro) or other suitable means to securely attach and releasably attach the C-connector 214 to the duodenoscope handle 241. Alternatively, the C-connector 214 may include a magnet attached to the duodenoscope handle 241 by a longitudinally extending magnetic metal strip on the outside (or inside) of the duodenoscope handle 241. Alternatively, the C-connector 214 and its button 208 can remain unattached to the duodenoscope handle 241 during use and can be placed in any desired location.

[0036] Embodiments of reusable umbilical cables and disposable second parts (e.g., handles and insertion portions) of medical devices can provide one or more of the following benefits. First, the disposable second part minimizes cross-contamination between subjects due to inadequate cleaning of the reusable medical device (including endoscopes). For example, one or more areas of an endoscope may not be adequately sterilized during cleaning, potentially leading to cross-contamination between subjects. However, discarding the parts of the endoscope that come into contact with the subject while reusing components that may not come into contact with the subject (e.g., umbilical cables) minimizes the possibility of cross-contamination.

[0037] Second, reusable umbilical cables and disposable second parts can reduce or eliminate the cost and logistical issues associated with cleaning reusable endoscopes. Although reusable umbilical cables may require cleaning, a less stringent cleaning procedure may be necessary because they do not come into contact with the subject. Third, reusable umbilical cables and disposable second parts can facilitate connection to the controller after the cholangioscopy is connected to the duodenoscope. For example, the second part of the cholangioscopy can be secured to the duodenoscope before the umbilical cable is connected, such as... Figure 2 As shown. This sequence may be easier to perform because the umbilical cable does not obstruct the connection between the choledochoscope and the duodenoscope.

[0038] Fourth, a reusable umbilical cable and a disposable second part can result in a lower overall cost, especially compared to fully disposable medical devices / endoscopes. For example, including a button for controlling video / image capture in the reusable umbilical cable can reduce overall cost. Furthermore, incorporating light-receiving circuitry into the umbilical cable, for example, can reduce the amount of copper conductors and overall cost, and reduce system radiation emissions. Additionally, placing an LED in the umbilical cable can reduce overall cost and keep the LED's heat away from the subject's body.

[0039] Fifth, the reusable umbilical cable and disposable second part can reduce the weight of a single-use device by up to approximately 50%, which could help improve sustainability and reduce environmental impact. Additional benefits may include the potential reduction in storage packaging size and lower overall transportation costs.

[0040] Figure 3 Depicting what can be used Figure 1 and Figure 2 An embodiment of the umbilical cable 300 of the umbilical cable 104 or umbilical cable 204 shown in the illustration. The umbilical cable 300 may include... Figure 1 104 umbilical cable and Figure 2 The umbilical cable 204 comprises the same (or similar) elements. For example, the umbilical cable 300 may include elements similar to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The rope shown (although) Figure 3 (Not shown in the image). The umbilical cable 300 is connected at the handle connection end 310 to a portion of the medical device (e.g., the second part 101 of the medical device 100) and at the controller connection end 312 to a controller (e.g., a control box). The umbilical cable 300 also includes wires and / or optical path assemblies extending within a main, elongated, flexible tube 302 between the handle connection end 310 and the controller connection end 312. The wires and / or optical path assemblies may include cables, wires, optical fibers and / or illumination optical fibers for transmitting electrical signals, such as image sensor data, imager command signals, and power, between the medical device and the controller. The wires and / or optical path assemblies may also transmit optical and / or optical command signals from the controller to the medical device.

[0041] The handle connection end 310 includes a welded connection portion 304 (e.g., in the form of a bump, ball, etc.) for releasable electrical connection to a corresponding electrical connection portion at the handle of the medical device, which in turn can be electrically connected to flexible circuitry within the handle. In some embodiments, the welded connection portion 304 may be directly connected (e.g., via a wire) to the flexible circuitry housed within the handle connection end 310. These flexible circuits can provide image processing (e.g., magnification, filtering, etc.), power, and / or electrical energy.

[0042] The controller connection 312 includes a welded connection 314 (e.g., in the form of a bump, ball, etc.) for releasable electrical connection to a corresponding electrical connection at a controller (e.g., a control box; not shown), which in turn is electrically connected to control / power / optical components and circuitry within the controller. In some embodiments, the welded connection 314 may be directly connected (e.g., via a wire) to a flexible circuit housed within the controller connection 312. The flexible circuit may provide image processing (e.g., magnification, filtering, etc.), power, and / or electrical energy.

[0043] The distal end of a medical device (e.g., medical device 100) may include an imaging device (e.g., imaging device 118) that captures image data of a subject. The imaging device transmits this image data as an electrical signal to a handle (e.g., handle 112), where flexible circuitry in the handle can perform basic processing on the image data. The image data is then transmitted as an electrical signal to a handle connection 310 of the umbilical cable 300 via a connection between a welded connection 304 and a corresponding connection in the handle. As the image data is transmitted (e.g., via wires or optical path components within the tube) to a controller connection 312, further processing can be performed in one or more flexible circuits within the umbilical cable 300. In some embodiments, a transducer within the handle connection can convert the electrical signal into an optical signal for transmission via an optical path component to the controller connection 312, which may also have a transducer to convert the optical signal (e.g., carrying image data) back into an electrical signal for transmission to a controller. The controller receives and processes electrical signals at controller connection 312 (e.g., in the controller's processor), resulting in, for example, an image being displayed on a monitor.

[0044] The wiring and / or optical path components also transmit light and / or optical signals, as well as power, from the controller to the handle of the medical device. At least two paths / implementations exist for light transmission that allow the light source to be located away from the distal end of the medical device. This reduces heat from the distal end and its associated drawbacks.

[0045] In the first embodiment, the umbilical cable 300 includes a light source, such as an LED, located within a housing at the handle connection end 310. A controller sends power signals and / or control signals to the light source via an optical path assembly at the tube 302. The light source receives the signals and provides light. Through the connection from the handle connection end 310 to the handle, the light is transmitted into the optical cable and to the distal end of the shaft of the medical device.

[0046] In the second embodiment, the controller includes a light source (e.g., an LED). The controller sends power signals and / or control signals to the light source within the controller. The light source then sends light to the controller connection end 312 of the umbilical cable 300, through an optical path assembly (e.g., an optical fiber) within the tube 302, and to the handle connection end 310, where the light is transmitted through an optical fiber connector to the optical fiber within the handle and the shaft of the medical device, reaching the distal end of the device.

[0047] Figure 4 An embodiment depicting a portion of the umbilical cable's stem connection end (shown within the dashed lines) and a portion of a medical device connected to the umbilical cable (e.g., a portion of the stem). The umbilical cable may include a connecting... Figure 3 The discussion focuses on many of the same (or similar) components. The shank connection of the umbilical cable includes an umbilical cable connector 406, a flexible printed circuit board 408, a heat sink 410, a light source 411 (e.g., an LED), and a flexible PCB extension 412. The heat sink 410 has a heat conductor for absorbing heat, and the flexible PCB 408 includes a copper plate for the heat sink 410. The flexible PCB extension 412 extends from the flexible PCB 408 and enters the tube of the umbilical cable, carrying the optical signal from the controller.

[0048] The umbilical connector 406 is configured to be removably attached to one end of a handle connector 416 on the handle of a medical device (which may be a single-use device). The other end of the handle connector 416 is attached to one or more optical fibers 418 (e.g., optical fibers for illumination) that extend through the handle and the axis of the medical device to a distal end. In operation, a light source 411 transmits light through the umbilical connector 406 to the handle connector and the optical fibers 418, and to the distal end of the axis.

[0049] Figure 5 A flexible circuit 500 for use within an umbilical cable is shown, such as any umbilical cable illustrated and described herein. The flexible circuit 500 is thin and may have a coiled / spiral / rolled shape or form. Figure 5 The flexible circuit 500 can be included in the end of the umbilical cable, which is closest to the handle of the medical device when connected. (The first configuration is shown), the second substantially planar flat configuration (not shown), and any other shape desired based on its flexibility.

[0050] The flexible circuitry includes an umbilical connector connection portion 502, an umbilical cable connection portion 506, an outer layer 504, and flexible circuitry 508 and other circuitry located within the outer layer 504. The umbilical connector connection portion 502 is attached to an electrical connection portion, such as a solder connection portion 304, which is electrically connected to a corresponding connection portion on the handle. The umbilical cable connection portion 506 is attached to a cable within the umbilical cable. Connection portions 502 and 506 may each include a pattern of a solder connection portion (e.g., solder bumps).

[0051] The outer layer 504 is an insulating layer that provides a ground plane for shielding and impedance control. The outer layer 504 also covers circuitry 508 and other circuitry within the flexible circuitry 500. Circuitry 508 may be arranged in an interleaved manner within the outer layer 504. Circuitry 508 may include a microcontroller, as well as various repeater or driver circuitry. The microcontroller provides communication between the medical device's buttons and the umbilical cable. The microcontroller also communicates with an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) located in the handle of the medical device. The EEPROM stores data required to operate the camera and provides a secure area to prevent reuse. The repeater circuitry may be analog and / or LVDS (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) circuitry, depending on the type of camera used in the medical device. For example, a digital camera may use an LVDS repeater, while an analog camera would use an analog amplifier / cable driver. Other circuitry may include LED and driver circuitry for lighting, or LED transceiver circuitry for fiber optic data transmission.

[0052] Figure 6 Fluid conduits 606, 608 are shown attached to umbilical cable 604 (such as any umbilical cable shown and described herein). Fluid conduits 606, 608 may include couplings Figure 2 The tubes 250 and 252 describe fluid management lines (e.g., for flushing and aspiration). Fluid lines 606, 608 can be attached to the umbilical cable 604 via clips 610. In some embodiments, clips 610 are molded into the outer surface of the umbilical cable 604. Clips 610 allow fluid lines 606, 608 to be removably attached to the umbilical cable 604 for ease of management of various lines.

[0053] In some embodiments, fluid lines 606, 608 may be placed through one or more dedicated lumens within the umbilical cable 604. For example, the umbilical cable may have one or two lumens, opening at each end of the umbilical cable 604 for insertion of lines 606, 608 prior to surgery. After surgery, lines 606, 608 can be removed from the umbilical cable 604. Lines 606, 608 are secured to a disposable second portion (including the handle), thus being disposable and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

[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 will recognize, upon receiving the teachings provided herein, 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, the invention should not be considered as limited to the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A medical device comprising: The first part has a handle, a shaft attached to the handle, and a distal assembly at the distal end of the shaft. as well as The umbilical cable is releasably attached to the handle of the first portion.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein, The umbilical cable includes a tether branching off from the main body of the umbilical cable.

3. The medical device according to claim 2, wherein, The tether includes at least one button at the end of the tether furthest from the body of the umbilical cable, wherein the at least one button is configured to control the imaging function of the medical device.

4. The medical device according to claim 2, wherein, The end of the tether furthest from the body includes a engagement feature for securely and releasably engaging the handle of the first portion.

5. The medical device according to claim 4, wherein, The engagement feature is configured to engage multiple different positions of the handle in a fixed and releasable manner.

6. The medical device according to claim 4, wherein, The tether has a shape or protrusion to engage a corresponding shaped portion in the body of the handle, wherein the protrusion is a snap-fit ​​engagement, friction engagement, or relative sliding engagement that securely holds the tether to the handle and allows release after use.

7. The medical device according to claim 4, wherein, The engagement feature includes a magnet, which is attached to the handle via a metallic feature of the handle.

8. The medical device according to claim 4, wherein, The engagement feature includes a C-shaped connector.

9. The medical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The umbilical cable is configured to be connected to the handle at a connection point via mating physical and electrical connections that securely and releasably attach the umbilical cable to the handle.

10. The medical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The umbilical cable includes a handle connection end, wherein the handle connection end includes an umbilical cable connector, a flexible printed circuit board, and a heat sink.

11. The medical device according to claim 10, wherein, The umbilical cable includes a stem connection end converter located within the stem connection end, wherein the stem connection end converter converts multiple electrical signals into multiple optical signals for transmission to a controller connection end via circuitry in the body of the umbilical cable.

12. The medical device according to claim 10, wherein, The umbilical cable includes a controller connection converter located within the controller connection end, wherein the controller connection converter converts multiple optical signals into multiple electrical signals for transmission to the controller.

13. The medical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the medical device further comprises: One or more fluid lines are removably attached to the umbilical cable by clips, wherein the one or more fluid lines are secured to the handle.

14. The medical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The umbilical cable includes a flexible circuit located at the end of the umbilical cable closest to the stem when connected.

15. The medical device according to claim 14, wherein, The flexible circuit includes: at least one umbilical cable connector connection portion attached to at least one electrical connection portion of the handle portion; at least one umbilical cable connection portion attached to a cable within the umbilical cable; and an outer layer including at least one additional flexible circuit.

Images