Reusable handle for medical systems and devices

Abstract

A medical device includes a handle including a first body and a second body movable relative to each other, and an actuator including a first housing and a second housing, the first housing movably coupled to the first body, the second housing movably coupled to the second body. The medical device is configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration; in the open configuration, the first body is at least partially decoupled from the second body and the first housing is at least partially decoupled from the second housing; in the closed configuration, the first body is coupled to the second body and the first housing is coupled to the second housing.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 582,861, filed on September 15, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Various aspects of this disclosure relate generally to reusable handles of medical systems and devices, and related methods for treating subjects (e.g., patients) using the reusable handle. In particular, various aspects of this disclosure relate to reusable medical systems, devices, and methods for selectively attaching (and separating from) a medical instrument to a reusable handle device for treating a target treatment site (e.g., a wound) within a subject. Background Technology

[0003] Medical devices intended for single use typically involve the disposal of the entire device; although multiple parts of the device (such as the handle) are not subjected to non-sterile conditions or environments, unlike those parts of the medical device that are housed within a subject and positioned at the subject's target treatment site. Such single-use medical devices may typically include a plastic handle that is discarded after use, thus increasing the environmental burden associated with the use of the medical device. Single-use medical devices often include a single handle design that does not provide flexibility and / or interchangeability for different users (with different hand shapes or sizes), causing ergonomic problems in the use of such devices. Single-use medical devices also lead to increased costs due to the need for complete replacement of the medical device after each single use. The systems, apparatus, and methods of this disclosure may correct one or more of the deficiencies described above, or address other aspects of the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Each of the aspects disclosed herein may include one or more features described in combination with any of the other disclosed aspects.

[0005] This disclosure relates to systems, apparatus, and methods for treating subjects, etc. Aspects of this disclosure relate to reusable handles of medical systems and apparatuses, and methods for selectively attaching (and separating from) medical instruments to (and from) the reusable handle for treating subjects.

[0006] According to one example, a medical device includes a handle and an actuator; the handle includes a first body and a second body movable relative to each other; the actuator includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing being movably coupled to the first body and the second housing being movably coupled to the second body; wherein the medical device is configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, in which the first body and the second body are at least partially disengaged and the first housing and the second housing are at least partially disengaged, and in the closed configuration, the first body is coupled to the second body and the first housing is coupled to the second housing.

[0007] Any of the medical devices described herein may include any of the following features. A first body and a second body jointly define a channel configured to receive a medical instrument when the medical device is in an open configuration. When the medical device is in a closed configuration, the medical instrument is securely attached to the interior of the channel between the first body and the second body. When the medical instrument is received within the channel and the medical device is in a closed configuration, an end effector of the medical instrument is movably coupled to an actuator. The actuator is configured to actuate the end effector in response to simultaneous movement of the first housing and the second housing along the first body and the second body. The end effector is configured to move in response to translation of the actuator along the first body and the second body. The first body and the second body are movably coupled to each other about a joint. The medical device includes a first hinge defining the joint, wherein the first hinge is configured to pivot the first body relative to the second body. The joint is a first joint, and the medical device includes a second hinge defining a second joint, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are jointly configured to pivot the first body and the second body relative to each other. A first hinge is positioned relative to a second hinge adjacent to the proximal ends of the first and second bodies, and the second hinge is positioned relative to the first hinge adjacent to the distal ends of the first and second bodies. The medical device includes a first locking mechanism configured to engage the first and second bodies to secure the medical device in a closed configuration. The first locking mechanism includes a snap-lock on the first body and a boss on the second body, the snap-lock being configured to engage the boss to engage the first body to the second body. The medical device also includes a second locking mechanism configured to engage the first and second bodies to secure the medical device in a closed configuration. The first locking mechanism is positioned relative to the second locking mechanism adjacent to the proximal ends of the first and second bodies, and the second locking mechanism is positioned relative to the first locking mechanism adjacent to the distal ends of the first and second bodies.

[0008] According to another example, the medical device includes a first handle body, a second handle body, a first actuator housing, and a second actuator housing; the second handle body is movably coupled to the first handle body; the first actuator housing is disposed around the first handle body and movably coupled thereto; the second actuator housing is disposed around the second handle body and movably coupled thereto; wherein the first handle body and the second handle body define a handle of the medical device, and the first actuator housing and the second actuator housing define an actuator of the medical device; and wherein when the medical device is in an open configuration, the first handle body and the second handle body are at least partially separated, and the first actuator housing and the second actuator housing are at least partially separated; and when the medical device is in a closed configuration, the first handle body engages the second handle body, and the first actuator housing engages the second actuator housing.

[0009] Any of the medical devices described herein may include any of the following features: The medical device is configured to house a medical instrument between a first handle body and a second handle body when in an open configuration. The medical device is configured to securely attach the medical instrument to the first handle body and the second handle body when in a closed configuration. An actuator is configured to actuate the medical instrument in response to movement of a first actuator housing relative to the first handle body and a second actuator housing relative to the second handle body. The medical device includes at least one joint defining a pivot point between the first handle body and the second handle body; wherein, as the medical device moves between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the at least one joint is configured to pivot the first handle body relative to the second handle body about the pivot point. The medical device includes at least one locking mechanism configured to attach the first handle body to the second handle body as the medical device moves to a closed configuration.

[0010] According to another example, a medical system includes a medical device and a medical tool; the medical device includes a handle and an actuator disposed on the handle; the medical tool includes a shaft, a cable (disposed within the shaft), and an end effector coupled to the cable; wherein the medical device is configured to coupled the medical tool to the handle and the actuator in response to receiving at least a portion of the shaft between a pair of opposing halves of the handle and receiving at least a portion of the cable between a pair of opposing halves of the actuator; and wherein the medical device is configured to control the medical tool by translating the cable relative to the shaft in response to moving the actuator relative to the handle, thereby actuating the end effector.

[0011] It is understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only, and do not limit the claimed invention. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. In cases where the element is not circular, the term “diameter” may refer to width. The term “distal” refers to a direction away from the user / towards the treatment site, and the term “proximal” refers to a direction towards the user. The terms “downward,” “upward,” “lower,” “upper,” “bottom,” and “top” may refer to a direction relative to the element view shown in all the figures. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.” The term “about” or similar terms (e.g., “generally”) include the numerical value + / - 10%. Attached Figure Description

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

[0013] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary medical device in a closed configuration is shown according to some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 2 Some embodiments illustrate a closed configuration. Figure 1 Another 3D view of the medical device.

[0015] Figure 3 According to some embodiments, a configuration in the open position is shown. Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a medical device.

[0016] Figure 4 According to some embodiments, a configuration in the open position is shown. Figure 1 Another 3D view of the medical device.

[0017] Figure 5A Some embodiments show an open configuration for storing medical instruments. Figure 1 A top view of a medical device.

[0018] Figure 5B Some embodiments illustrate a partially closed configuration for securing a medical instrument therein. Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a medical device.

[0019] Figure 5CSome embodiments illustrate a closed configuration for connecting medical instruments. Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of a medical device.

[0020] Figure 6 A perspective view of another exemplary medical device is shown according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Endoscopic and open surgical procedures of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) include, for example, colectomy, bariatric surgery, esophagectomy, biopsy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic submucosal dissection, gastric bypass, and sleeve gastrectomy, among others. Urological procedures of the urinary tract (such as endoscopic urological surgery) require access to various locations within the subject's body, such as the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. In any of these procedures, medical instruments typically pass through the subject's corresponding passageways to locate the target treatment site (e.g., lesion) within the subject's body.

[0022] Embodiments of this disclosure include apparatus, systems, and methods for utilizing a reusable medical device operable for selective attachment to and detachment from a medical instrument housed within a subject. In some embodiments, the reusable medical device may be or may include a handle facilitating transcavitary placement of the medical instrument at a wound site within the subject. The medical instrument may include a shaft, catheter, endoscope (e.g., endoscope, bronchoscope, colonoscope, etc.), tube, or sheath that can be inserted into the gastrointestinal tract and / or urinary tract. The reusable medical device may include a handle interface for controlling the medical instrument and may be located outside the subject's body. The reusable medical device can be sterilized after surgical use and can be used with a variety of medical instruments for various procedures, while providing an intuitive user interface. The medical device may provide a sustainable and reusable handle that facilitates detachment and reattachment to a variety of medical instruments.

[0023] Figures 1 to 2An exemplary medical device 100 in a closed configuration is shown. The medical device 100 may define a handle and / or a user interface for controlling one or more medical tools or instruments. The medical device 100 may include a first (handle) body 102 and a second (handle) body 104, each having a longitudinal length defined between a proximal end 106 and a distal end 108 of the medical device 100. Each of the first body 102 and the second body 104 may define a corresponding half of the handle formed by the medical device 100. In other words, the first body 102 and the second body 104 define a pair of opposing halves of the handle. As described herein, the halves of the medical device 100 may be selectively attached to and detached from each other to respectively engage and disengage at least one medical tool therebetween. Each of the first body 102 and the second body 104 may include a handle interface 110 (e.g., a thumb opening), the handle interface 110 being adjacent to or located at the proximal end 106. When in a closed configuration, the handle interfaces 110 may contact each other and / or be positioned adjacent to each other, thereby collectively forming a single handle of the medical device 100.

[0024] Each of the first body 102 and the second body 104 may include an outlet 112 (e.g., a semi-circular outlet) adjacent to the distal end 108. When in a closed configuration, the outlets 112 may contact each other and / or be positioned adjacent to each other, thereby collectively forming a single outlet 113 (e.g., a circular outlet) of the medical device 100. As described herein, a medical instrument housed in the medical device 100, and particularly housed between the first body 102 and the second body 104, may extend distally outward from the distal end 108 via the outlet 112. It should be understood that the outlets 112 may collectively define an opening having a diameter corresponding to the size (e.g., cross-sectional dimension) of the medical instrument. In other embodiments, the medical device 100 may include the outlet 112, which, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, may have various other suitable diameters and / or shapes beyond those shown and described herein for housing various other medical instruments.

[0025] Still referencing Figures 1 to 2The medical device 100 may also include one or more connectors 114 configured to movably connect the first body 102 and the second body 104 to each other. In this example, the medical device 100 includes a pair of connectors 114, wherein at least one connector 114 is positioned adjacent to the proximal end 106 and the other connector 114 is positioned adjacent to the distal end 108. The connectors 114 may include hinges and may define a pair of pivot / rotation points between the first body 102 and the second body 104. The connectors 114 may be rotatable / pivotable about one or more axes that are generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the medical device 100. Thus, the first body 102 and the second body 104 may be configured to move relative to each other about the pivot points defined at the connectors 114. While a pair of connectors 114 has been shown and described herein, it should be understood that the medical device 100 may include additional and / or fewer connectors 114 without departing from the scope of this disclosure (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 6 ).

[0026] The medical device 100 may include one or more locking mechanisms 116 for securely attaching a first body 102 to a second body 104. The locking mechanism 116 may be configured and operable to provide a single-step action for attaching and disengaging the first body 102 from the second body 104. In this example, the medical device 100 may include a pair of locking mechanisms 116, wherein at least one locking mechanism 116 is positioned adjacent to a proximal end 106 and another locking mechanism 116 is positioned adjacent to a distal end 108. Each of the locking mechanisms 116 may include a snap-lock 118 (e.g., a clamp) and a boss 120 (e.g., a tab, protrusion, etc.), the boss 120 being sized, shaped, and / or otherwise configured to receive the snap-lock 118 for securely attaching the first body 102 and the second body 104 to each other. In other words, the size and shape of the latch lock 118 can be set and / or otherwise configured to engage and / or snap onto the boss 120, thereby attaching the first body 102 and the second body 104 to each other.

[0027] In this example, the first body 102 may include a latch 118 at each of the proximal end 106 and the distal end 108, and the second body 104 may correspondingly include a boss 120 at each of the proximal end 106 and the distal end 108. In other examples, the latch 118 may be positioned along the second body 104, and the boss 120 may be located on the first body 102. In other examples, each of the first body 102 and the second body 104 may include at least one latch 118 of a pair of latch 118 and at least one boss 120 of a pair of bosses 120. While a pair of locking mechanisms 116 have been shown and described herein, it should be understood that the medical device 100 may include additional and / or fewer locking mechanisms 116 without departing from the scope of this disclosure (see [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 6 In some embodiments, when each of the bodies is moved toward and / or away from each other, the locking mechanism 116 may be configured and operable to lock and / or unlock the first body 102 and the second body 104 relative to each other, respectively.

[0028] A plane extending along or parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the medical device 100 may extend through a connector 114 and a locking mechanism 116, such that the plane divides the medical device 100 into a first body 102 and a second body 104. The first body 102 and the second body 104 may each form a half of the medical device 100. The connector 114 is operable to open the medical device 100 (e.g., a flip-top type), as described in more detail below. In some instances, the first body 102 and the second body 104 may be symmetrical to each other, differing in that one of the first body 102 and the second body 104 includes a snap-lock 118 at a given location, and the other of the first body 102 and the second body 104 includes a boss 120 at a corresponding location for engaging with the snap-lock 118 when the first body 102 and the second body 104 are connected to each other.

[0029] Still referencing Figures 1 to 2The medical device 100 may include at least one guide rail 122 positioned along a portion of each of the first body 102 and the second body 104. In this example, at least one guide rail 122 on each of the first body 102 and the second body 104 may extend along the middle portion of the first body 102 and the second body 104, and may be positioned between the proximal end 106 and the distal end 108 of the first body 102 and the second body 104, respectively. The guide rail 122 may be recessed relative to the peripheral portions of the first body 102 and the second body 104. In some examples, one or more of the first body 102 and the second body 104 may include multiple guide rails 122, such as at least one guide rail 122 formed along a top surface adjacent to the locking mechanism 116, and at least one guide rail 122 formed along a bottom surface opposite to the top surface and adjacent to the connector 114.

[0030] In a closed configuration, the guide rails 122 of the first body 102 and the second body 104 may contact each other and / or be positioned adjacent to each other. In an example, in the closed configuration, adjacent guide rails 122 may form a single slot extending longitudinally along the medical device 100. As described herein, the dimensions and shape of the guide rails 122 may be set, and / or otherwise configured, to receive corresponding components of the medical device 100 (e.g., actuators 130 described below) for controlling the movement of said components (e.g., actuators). Each guide rail 122 may have a longitudinal length that defines the path of travel for the component received thereon. In other words, the longitudinal length of the guide rail 122 controls the range of longitudinal translation of the component relative to the first body 102 and the second body.

[0031] The medical device 100 may include an actuator 130 (e.g., a reel) having a first housing 132 and a second housing 134. The first housing 132 and the second housing 134 may define a pair of opposing halves of the actuator 130. Each of the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 may have various suitable sizes, shapes, and / or configurations. For example, the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 may include flanges along each opposing end, with recessed portions disposed between the opposing flanges. It should be understood that each of the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 may each have a larger cross-sectional profile along the opposing flanges relative to the recessed portions.

[0032] In this example, a first housing 132 is movably disposed on a first body 102, and a second housing 134 is movably disposed on a second body 104. As described herein, each housing 132, 134 of the actuator 130 can be selectively attached to and detached from each other in response to corresponding attachment and detachment of the first body 102 and the second body 104. Furthermore, each housing 132, 134 of the actuator 130 can be configured to connect and disconnect a medical instrument to and from the medical device 100 by retrieving at least a portion of the medical instrument between the housings 132, 134. Each housing 132, 134 may include a guide 136 (e.g., a protrusion, tab, finger, etc.), the guide 136 being sized, shaped, and / or otherwise configured to move along corresponding guide rails 122 of the first body 102 and the second body 104, respectively. In this example, the guide 136 of the first housing 132 may extend into the guide rail 122 of the first body 102, thereby connecting the first housing 132 to the first body 102. The guide 136 of the second housing 134 may extend into the guide rail 122 of the second body 104, thereby connecting the second housing 134 to the second body 104.

[0033] Still referencing Figures 1 to 2 Each guide rail 122 may be configured to restrict movement of the corresponding guide 136 in a longitudinal direction, which coincides with the longitudinal extension direction of the guide rail 122. In some embodiments, the guide rail 122 may be configured to inhibit rotation of the actuator 130 relative to the first body 102 and the second body 104. Furthermore, in the open configuration discussed below, the guide rail 122 and the guide 136 may help prevent the actuator 130 from separating from the first body 102 and the second body 104. The actuator 130 may have an alignment mechanism 135, which includes one or more slots 137 (e.g., sockets) and one or more protrusions 138 (e.g., ribs) configured to engage with each other when the medical device 100 is in a closed configuration. In other words, the alignment mechanism 135 can be configured to align the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 with each other when the first body 102 is attached to the second body 104, and vice versa; thereby ensuring proper assembly of the actuator 103 when the medical device 100 is converted to a closed configuration. The alignment mechanism 135 can be disposed between the opposing flanges of the first housing 132 and the second housing 134, such that the respective alignment mechanism 135 can be positioned along the recessed portion of each of the first housing 132 and the second housing 134.

[0034] Figures 3 to 4 A medical device 100 in an open configuration is shown. In this example, the first housing 132 may include a pair of slots 137, and the second housing 134 may include a pair of protrusions 138, such as... Figure 4Specifically, it should be understood that the size and shape of the slot 137 may be set, and / or otherwise configured, to receive the protrusion 138 when the first housing 132 is attached to the second housing 134. When the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 are not properly aligned (for the slot 137 to receive the protrusion 138), the alignment mechanism 135 may be configured to prevent the medical device 100 from changing to a closed configuration. In other words, when the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 are not aligned, the alignment mechanism 135 may prevent the assembly of the actuator 130; and when the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 are not properly aligned with each other, i.e., when the actuator 130 is not in an assembled state, the first body 102 cannot be attached to the second body 104.

[0035] In this situation, due to the misalignment of the first housing 132 and the second housing 134, the first body 102 and the second body 104 are separated from each other, preventing the locking mechanism 116 from engaging the first body 102 and the second body 104. In other embodiments, the alignment mechanism 135 may include additional and / or fewer slots 137 and protrusions 138 compared to those shown and described herein. Alternatively, it should be understood that the first housing 132 may include protrusions 138 and the second housing 134 may include slots 137 without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0036] Still referencing Figures 3 to 4 The medical device 100 may include one or more additional alignment mechanisms to facilitate the movement of the medical device 100 from an open configuration to a closed configuration. Figures 1 to 2 This further facilitates proper alignment between the first body 102 and the second body 104. In this example, the medical device 100 may include one or more channels 126 (e.g., two channels 126) and one or more protrusions 128 (e.g., two protrusions 128); they are configured to engage with each other when the medical device 100 is in a closed configuration. In other words, the channels 126 and protrusions 128 may be configured to align the first body 102 and the second body 104 with each other, thereby ensuring proper assembly of the medical device 100 when transitioning to a closed configuration.

[0037] In this example, the first body 102 may include a pair of channels 126, and the second body 104 may include a pair of protrusions 128. Alternatively, the first body 102 may include both channels 126 and protrusions 128. The second body 104 may include protrusions 128 located at positions corresponding to the channels 126 of the first body 102, and channels 126 located at positions corresponding to the protrusions 128 of the first body 102. It should be understood that the size and shape of the channels 126 may be set, and / or may be otherwise configured to receive the protrusions 128 when the first body 102 is coupled to the second body 104. When the first body 102 and the second body 104 are not properly aligned (for the channels 126 to receive the protrusions 128), the channels 126 and the protrusions 128 may be jointly configured to prevent the medical device 100 from changing to a closed configuration. In other words, when the first body 102 and the second body 104 are misaligned, the alignment mechanism of the channel 126 and the protrusion 128 can inhibit the assembly of the medical device 100, so that the first body 102 cannot be connected to the second body 104 in such misaligned positions.

[0038] Still referencing Figures 3 to 4 Each of the first body 102 and the second body 104 may include a channel 124 and a first cavity 125 formed along respective inner surfaces of the first body 102 and the second body 104. The first cavity 125 may be positioned adjacent to the distal end 108 and may be disposed between the outlet 112 and the channel 124 such that the channel 124 may be located proximally relative to the first cavity 125. In some embodiments, the channel 124 may include multiple portions, wherein at least a first (distal) portion is located distally to the first cavity 125 and at least a second (proximal) portion is located proximally to the first cavity 125. The channel 124 may generally have a circular and / or semi-circular shape configured to receive a first sub-component of the medical instrument (e.g., a shaft, a drawstring, etc.). The first cavity 125 may generally have a square and / or rectangular shape configured to receive a second sub-component of the medical instrument (e.g., a first crimp) for securing the medical instrument to the medical device 100 and particularly to the first body 102 and the second body 104.

[0039] As described herein, the first cavity 125 may be configured to at least partially inhibit movement of one or more portions and / or sub-components of the medical instrument relative to the medical device 100 (and particularly, relative to the first body 102 and the second body 104) by securing a second sub-component (e.g., a first crimp member) therein. Each of the channels 124 may form an open (partial) lumen when the medical device 100 is in an open configuration; and may collectively form a closed channel (lumen) when the medical device 100 is in a closed configuration, the size and shape of which are set and / or otherwise configured to close a corresponding (first) sub-component of the medical instrument. Each of the first cavities 125 may form an open (partial) chamber when the medical device 100 is in an open configuration; and may collectively form a closed chamber when the medical device 100 is in a closed configuration with the first body 102 and the second body 104 connected to each other, the size and shape of which are set and / or otherwise configured to close a corresponding (second) sub-component of the medical instrument.

[0040] Each of the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 of the actuator 130 may include a second cavity 139 formed along the inner surfaces of the first housing 132 and the second housing 134, respectively. The second cavity 139 may generally have a square and / or rectangular shape configured to receive a third sub-component of the medical instrument (e.g., a second crimp) for securing the medical instrument to the actuator 130 and specifically to the first housing 132 and the second housing 134. As described herein, the second cavity 139 may be configured to connect one or more portions and / or sub-components of the medical instrument to the actuator 130 by securing the third sub-component of the medical instrument (e.g., the second crimp) therein. Each of the channels 139 may form an open (partial) chamber when the medical device 100 is in an open configuration; and may collectively form a closed chamber when the medical device 100 is in a closed configuration, the size and shape of which are set and / or otherwise configured to close a corresponding (third) sub-component of the medical instrument.

[0041] In exemplary use, such as Figures 5A to 5C As shown, the medical device 100 can be used to treat a subject (e.g., a patient) using one or more medical tools that facilitate control at a target treatment site within the subject's body. For example, specifically refer to... Figure 5AThe medical device 100 may be configured to house a medical tool 140 within at least one of a first body 102 and a second body 104 when the medical device 100 is in an open configuration. In this example, the medical tool 140 is initially housed within the first body 102. The medical tool 140 may include various suitable instruments, devices, and / or tools. In this example, the medical tool 140 may include a shaft 141, a drawstring 144, and a biasing mechanism 146 (e.g., a spring, such as a coil spring) housed within a channel 124 of the first body 102. The shaft 141 may extend distally from the channel 124 via an outlet 112 of the first body 102. As further described below, the distal end of the medical tool 140 may include one or more end actuators 150 or other elements actuated by, for example, the drawstring 144. The drawstring 144 may be at least partially disposed within the shaft 141 and may be at least partially exposed outside the shaft 141 within the channel 124. For example, a pull wire 144 may extend proximally from the nearest end of a shaft 141, which may be disposed within a channel 124. The pull wire 144 may be movable proximally and distally relative to the shaft 141 and the channel 124.

[0042] The medical tool 140 may include a first crimp 142 (or other protruding element) along a portion of a shaft 141, and the size and shape of a first cavity 125 may be configured and / or otherwise constructed to receive the first crimp 142 for securing the shaft 141 to a first body 102 (and a second body 104, wherein the first crimp 142 is received within a corresponding first cavity 125 of the second body 104). In this configuration, the first cavity 125 may suppress longitudinal translation of the first crimp 142 relative to the first body 102 (and the second body 104), thereby allowing the shaft 141 to be longitudinally fixed relative to the first body 102 (and the second body 104). In some embodiments, the first crimp 142 may have a square and / or rectangular cross-sectional profile corresponding to the cross-sectional profile of the first cavity 125. The width of the first crimping member 142 is greater than the width of the portion of the channel 124 near and far of the first cavity 125, such that the first crimping member 142 is held within the first cavity 125 and movement into the channel 124 is inhibited.

[0043] The medical tool 140 may also include a second crimp 148 (or other protruding element) at the proximal end of the drawstring 144, and the second cavity 139 may be sized and / or otherwise configured to receive the second crimp 148 for securely attaching the drawstring 144 to the first housing 132 (and the second housing 134, when the second crimp 148 is received within a corresponding second cavity 139 of the second housing 134). In this configuration, in response to a corresponding translation of the actuator 130 relative to the bodies 102, 104, the second cavity 139 may allow longitudinal translation of the second crimp 148 relative to the first body 102 (and the second body 104), such that the drawstring 144 is longitudinally movable relative to the channel 124. In some embodiments, the second crimp 148 may have a square and / or rectangular cross-sectional profile (corresponding to the cross-sectional profile of the second cavity 139), such that the second crimp 148 is held within the second cavity 139 and movement into the channel 124 is inhibited. In some embodiments, one or more of the first crimp member 142 and the second crimp member 148 may include an aluminum crimp member.

[0044] Still referencing Figure 5A A biasing mechanism 146 may be disposed around a portion of a draw wire 144, which extends proximally outward from the nearest end of the shaft 141. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 146 may be coupled between the inner surfaces of the first body 102 and the second body 104 (such as within the channel 124) and the surfaces of the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 of the actuator 130. The biasing mechanism 146 may be configured to position the actuator 130 along the distal and / or intermediate portions of the guide rail 122 when in the extended (default) state. In this configuration, the medical device 100 and the medical instrument 140 may together form a medical system 10 for treating a subject.

[0045] When no force is applied to actuator 130, biasing mechanism 146 can be configured to hold pull wire 144 (which is connected to actuator 130 via second cavity 139) in a first (distal) position. With shaft 141, pull wire 144, and biasing mechanism 146 located within channel 124 of first body 102, medical device 100 can change from an open configuration to a partially closed configuration in response to movement of first body 102 and second body 104 toward each other. For example, as Figure 5B As seen, the first body 102 and the second body 104 are movable about the connector 114 (e.g., one of the first body 102 or the second body 104 can pivot about the connector 114 relative to the other of the first body 102 or the second body 104). As described in detail above, as the medical device 100 is in the open configuration ( Figure 5A ), partially closed configuration ( Figure 5B ) and closed configuration ( Figure 5CThe first body 102 and the second body 104 can be aligned with each other, and the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 can be aligned with each other.

[0046] like Figure 5B As seen, the medical instrument 140 may include an end effector 150 at the distal end of shaft 141. The end effector 150 may be coupled to a draw cable 144 such that movement of the draw cable 144 (which may be caused by corresponding movement of actuator 130) provides actuation for the end effector 150. It should be understood that when actuator 130 is in the assembled state and moves proximally and / or distally due to engagement between guide 136 and rail 122, the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 may be configured to move simultaneously on the first body 102 and the second body 104, respectively. As described above, the draw cable 144 may extend through shaft 141 such that the distal end (not shown) of the draw cable 144 may be coupled to the end effector 150. In examples, the end effector 150 may include biopsy forceps, hemostatic clips, or any other suitable mechanism. In some embodiments, the size and shape of the shaft 141 may be set and / or otherwise configured to be received through the subject's esophagus (e.g., via the working channel of an endoscope) for positioning the end effector 150 at the target treatment site.

[0047] Although the medical device 140 is discussed herein as including shaft 141 and end effector 150, this disclosure is not so limited, such that the medical device 140 may include various endoscopes, sheaths, or other suitable insertion devices. Furthermore, although this disclosure may be referred to as endoscopic surgery in several places, it should be understood that the medical device 100 may be used in conjunction with various other surgical procedures to treat other target treatment sites within the body of a subject.

[0048] For reference Figure 5C The medical device 100 is movable into a closed configuration, wherein the first body 102 is coupled to the second body 104 via continuous movement of the first body 102 and the second body 104 toward each other about the connector 114. When the paired locking mechanisms 116 engage, the first body 102 and the second body 104 can be securely attached to each other, as described above. When the medical instrument 140 is coupled thereto, the medical device 100 can be configured and operable to control the actuation of the medical instrument 140 and, in particular, the end effector 150. For example, when positioning the end effector 150 at a target treatment site within the subject's body, actuation of the actuator 130 can provide corresponding actuation of the end effector 150 via movement of the draw wire 144 relative to the axis 141.

[0049] As described above, when the second crimp 148 is received within the second cavity 139, the pull wire 144 can be coupled to the actuator 130 such that movement of the actuator 130 provides a corresponding movement for the pull wire 144. For example, proximal movement of the actuator 130 along the guide rail 122 from a first (farthest) position toward a second (nearest) position can cause a corresponding proximal translation of the pull wire 144 relative to the shaft 141 and the channel 124. Furthermore, proximal movement of the actuator 130 can be configured to move and / or compress the bias mechanism 146, such that the bias mechanism 146 can generate resistance against proximal movement of the actuator 130. In embodiments where the end effector 150 may include a clamp and / or gripper, the actuator 130 can be configured to cause the clamp and / or gripper to move (e.g., open, close, etc.) in response to pulling the pull wire 144 proximal.

[0050] The biasing mechanism 146 can be configured to push the actuator 130 from a second (proximal) position along the guide rail 122 to a first (farthest) position along the guide rail 122, such that removal of the proximal (traction) force on the actuator 130 allows the biasing mechanism 146 to return the actuator 130 to the first (farthest) position. In other words, the biasing mechanism 146 can be configured to bias the actuator 130 and the end effector 150 distally to an unactuated state. Upon termination of use of the medical instrument 140 during surgery, the medical device 100 can move from a closed configuration to an open configuration by disengaging the paired locking mechanisms 116 (e.g., by disengaging the snap lock 118 from the corresponding boss 120). Figure 5A This allows the medical tool 140 to be removed between the first body 102 and the second body 104.

[0051] Specifically, the shaft 141 and the draw wire 144 can be removed from the channel 124 by disengaging the first crimp 142 from the first cavity 125 and the second crimp 148 from the second cavity 139. In this case, the medical instrument 140 can be discarded, and the medical device 100 can be sterilized before its subsequent use with another medical instrument in one or more additional surgeries.

[0052] It should be understood that when the medical device 100 is in an open configuration and a closed configuration, the actuator 130 (and in particular, each of the first housing 132 and the second housing 134) may remain coupled to the first body 102 and the second body 104, respectively. For example, the guide rail 122 may hold the guide 136 therein, thereby causing the first housing 132 and the second housing 134 to remain coupled to the respective first body 102 and the second body 104. In this embodiment, the actuator 130 may be configured and operable only to actuate the end effector 150 without causing a corresponding movement of the shaft 141 (e.g., it may be configured only to move the drawwire 144). In other embodiments, in addition to actuating the end effector 150, the actuator 130 or other elements of the medical device 100 may be configured and operable to move the shaft 141 (e.g., translation, rotation, hinge, pivot, bend, deflect, etc.).

[0053] For reference Figure 6 Another exemplary medical device 200 is shown. Medical device 200 may be generally similar to the medical device 100 shown and described above, except for explicitly indicated differences. Therefore, similar reference numerals are used to identify similar components. Accordingly, medical device 200 may be constructed and operated similarly to medical device 100.

[0054] The medical device 200 may include a first body 202 and a second body 204 movably coupled to each other about a connector 214. The connector 214 may be positioned adjacent to a proximal end 206. The connector 214 may include a hinge defining a single pivot point between the first body 202 and the second body 204. Thus, the first body 202 and the second body 204 may be configured to move relative to each other about the single pivot point defined at the connector 214. In some embodiments, the hinge of the connector 214 may be disengaged, such as by removing a pin (not shown) from the connector 214, thereby allowing the first body 202 and the second body 204 to be separated from each other, such as for cleaning the medical device 200. The first body 202 and the second body 204 may be reattached to each other by re-inserting the pin into the hinge of the connector 214, thereby reconnecting the first body 202 and the second body 204 at the connector 214. Relative to medical device 100 (where connector 114 may be pivotable / rotatable about one or more axes that are generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of medical device 100), connector 214 may be pivotable / rotatable about an axis that is transverse to (e.g., generally perpendicular to) the central longitudinal axis of medical device 200.

[0055] In this example, the first body 202 may not have a handle interface, and the second body 204 may include a handle interface 210 (e.g., a thumbhole) at the proximal end 206. Therefore, the medical device 200 may include only a single handle interface 210. Figure 6 As shown, the connector 214 may be adjacent to and adjacent to the handle interface 210 of the second body 204, and may be located at the nearest side end of the first body 202.

[0056] Still referencing Figure 6 The medical device 200 may include a locking mechanism 216 for securely attaching a first body 202 to a second body 204. In this example, the medical device 200 may include a single locking mechanism 216 positioned adjacent to a distal end 208. The locking mechanism 216 may include a pair of latches 118 on the first body 202 and a pair of bosses 120 on the second body 204. The respective size and shape of the pair of latches 118 may be configured to engage and / or fasten to the corresponding boss 120, and the size and shape of each of the pair of bosses 120 may be configured to receive the corresponding latch 118 for securely attaching the first body 202 and the second body 204 to each other. The location of the locking mechanism 216 is merely exemplary, and the medical device 200 may include a plurality of locking mechanisms 216 along the length of the medical device 200.

[0057] While the principles of this disclosure have been described herein with reference to exemplary examples of specific applications, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art and those who have access to the teachings provided herein will recognize that additional modifications, applications, and substitutions of equivalents fall within the scope of the examples described herein. Therefore, the invention should not be construed as being limited by the foregoing detailed descriptions.

Claims

1. A medical device comprising: The handle includes a first body and a second body, the first body and the second body being movable relative to each other; and An actuator, the actuator including a first housing and a second housing, the first housing being movably connected to a first body and the second housing being movably connected to a second body; The medical device is configured to move between an open configuration and a closed configuration, wherein in the open configuration the first body is at least partially detached from the second body and the first housing is at least partially detached from the second housing, and in the closed configuration the first body is coupled to the second body and the first housing is coupled to the second housing.

2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the first body and the second body jointly define a channel configured to receive medical instruments when the medical device is in the open configuration.

3. The medical device of claim 2, wherein when the medical device is in the closed configuration, the medical tool is securely attached to the interior of the channel between the first body and the second body.

4. The medical device of claim 3, wherein when the medical tool is housed within the channel and the medical device is in the closed configuration, the end effector of the medical tool is movably coupled to the actuator.

5. The medical device of claim 4, wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the end effector in response to simultaneous movement of the first housing and the second housing along the first body and the second body.

6. The medical device of claim 5, wherein the end effector is configured to move in response to translation of the actuator along the first body and the second body.

7. The medical device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first body and the second body are movably connected to each other about the connector.

8. The medical device of claim 7, further comprising a first hinge defining the connector, wherein the first hinge is configured to pivot the first body relative to the second body.

9. The medical device of claim 8, wherein the connector is a first connector, and the medical device includes a second hinge defining a second connector, wherein the first hinge and the second hinge are configured to pivot the first body and the second body relative to each other.

10. The medical device of claim 9, wherein the first hinge is positioned relative to the second hinge as proximal to the first body and the second body, and the second hinge is positioned relative to the first hinge as distal to the first body and the second body.

11. The medical device according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a first locking mechanism configured to connect the first body and the second body to each other, thereby securing the medical device to the closed configuration.

12. The medical device of claim 11, wherein the first locking mechanism comprises a snap lock on the first body and a boss on the second body, the snap lock being configured to engage the boss to connect the first body to the second body.

13. The medical device according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises: A second locking mechanism is configured to connect the first body and the second body to each other, thereby securing the medical device to the closed configuration.

14. The medical device of claim 13, wherein the first locking mechanism is positioned relative to the second locking mechanism as proximal to the first body and the second body.

15. The medical device of claim 14, wherein the second locking mechanism is positioned relative to the first locking mechanism as adjacent to the distal ends of the first body and the second body.

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