Devices, systems, and methods for applying an elongate member to a medical endoscope

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for applying an elongate member to a shaft of an endoscope. The system can include a flexible elongate member and a tool for applying the elongate member to the shaft of the endoscope. The tool can include an elongate support and a plurality of connectors. The plurality of connectors can be longitudinally spaced along the elongate support. The plurality of connectors can releasably couple with the flexible elongate member at two or more locations along the flexible elongate member when the elongate member is in a helical configuration.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 593,114, filed October 25, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to components and methods for applying elongated members to endoscopes, and more particularly to systems for applying elongated members to medical endoscopes such as endoscopes. Background Technology

[0003] Various intraoperative medical devices and systems have been developed for medical applications, such as transcavitary surgery. Some of these devices and systems include guidewires, catheters, catheter systems, and transcavitary instruments. These devices and systems are manufactured using a variety of different methods and can be used according to any of these methods. Each of the known medical devices, systems, and methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. There is a ongoing need for alternative medical devices and systems, as well as alternative methods for manufacturing and using them. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure provides designs, materials, manufacturing methods, and alternatives for using medical devices and systems. In a first example, a system for applying a flexible elongated member to the axis of an endoscope may include an elongated support, a plurality of connectors spaced longitudinally along the elongated support, and the flexible elongated member, wherein when the flexible elongated member is in a helical configuration, the plurality of connectors are releasably coupled to the flexible elongated member at two or more locations along the flexible elongated member.

[0005] As an alternative to or supplement to any of the above examples, multiple connectors may be releasably connected to the flexible elongated member in a helical configuration at the same circumferentially spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of the flexible elongated member.

[0006] In addition to or supplementing any of the above examples, the system may further include a stop fixed to the end of a flexible elongated member, and the stop may be configured to engage with the end of an axis of the endoscope about which the flexible elongated member is applied, and the stop maintains the position of the end of the flexible elongated member relative to the axis as the elongated support moves longitudinally along the axis and away from the end of the axis.

[0007] As an alternative to or supplement to any of the above examples, the stop may be one of an endoscope clip or a cap.

[0008] In addition to or as a supplement to any of the above examples, the system may also include multiple longitudinally extending rows of multiple connectors, the multiple longitudinally extending rows being circumferentially spaced apart from each other.

[0009] In lieu of or supplementing any of the above examples, the plurality of longitudinally extending rows of connectors may include three longitudinally extending rows of connectors, wherein each row is circumferentially spaced apart in a helical configuration around the flexible elongated member.

[0010] As an alternative to or supplement to any of the above examples, multiple connectors may be arranged in a single longitudinally extending row along the slender support.

[0011] In lieu of or as supplement to any of the above examples, the elongated support may be an elongated sheet of material defining a plurality of connectors.

[0012] In addition to or as a supplement to any of the above examples, the system may also include a handle extending along an elongated support.

[0013] In lieu of or to supplement any of the above examples, one or more of the multiple connectors may be C-clamps.

[0014] In another example, the device may further include an elongated support and a plurality of connectors, wherein two or more of the connectors are longitudinally spaced in a row along the elongated support, wherein when the flexible elongated member is in a helical configuration, the plurality of connectors may be configured to be releasably coupled to the flexible elongated member at two or more locations along the flexible elongated member.

[0015] In lieu of or supplementing any of the above examples, the elongated support member may be a first elongated support member, and the row along the elongated support member may be a first row of a plurality of connectors extending along the elongated support member, and the device may further include: two or more of a plurality of connectors forming a second row of a plurality of connectors extending along a second elongated support member; and two or more of a plurality of connectors forming a third row of a plurality of connectors extending along a third elongated support member, wherein the first elongated support member, the second elongated support member, and the third elongated support member may be circumferentially spaced 120 degrees from each other.

[0016] In lieu of or as supplement to any of the above examples, the elongated support may be an elongated sheet of material defining a plurality of connectors.

[0017] In addition to or as a supplement to any of the above examples, the device may further include a handle extending along an elongated support.

[0018] As an alternative to or supplement to any of the above examples, two or more of the multiple connectors may be C-clamps.

[0019] In another example, the method of applying a flexible elongated member to the axis of an endoscope may further include: positioning the axis of the endoscope in a helical configuration through the flexible elongated member, wherein the flexible elongated member in the helical configuration is connected to a plurality of connectors along an elongated support; fixing an end of the flexible elongated member relative to an end of the axis of the endoscope; and pulling the elongated support along the axis of the endoscope, in a direction away from the end of the axis, to apply the flexible elongated member to the axis.

[0020] In lieu of or supplementing any of the above examples, the helical configuration may be a first helical configuration, and the flexible elongated member may be applied to the outer surface of the shaft in a second helical configuration when the elongated support is pulled along the shaft.

[0021] In alternative to or supplementing any of the above examples, the end of the flexible elongated member may be fixed to a stop configured to engage with the end of the endoscope's axis, and fixing the end of the flexible elongated member relative to the end of the endoscope's axis includes engaging the stop with the end of the endoscope's axis.

[0022] As an alternative to or supplement to any of the above examples, the flexible elongated member is connected to an elongated support member to support the flexible elongated member in a helical structure.

[0023] As an alternative to or supplement to any of the above examples, pulling the slender support along the axis or in the direction away from the axis can sequentially disengage multiple connectors from the slender support.

[0024] These and other features and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description, and the scope of protection claimed by the invention is set forth in the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram depicting the components of an illustrative endoscope;

[0027] Figure 2 A schematic diagram depicting the distal end of an illustrative endoscope axis, in which an elongated member extends along the axis;

[0028] Figure 3 A schematic diagram depicts the distal end of an illustrative endoscope axis, in which an elongated member is spirally wound along the axis;

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic perspective view depicts an illustrative tool for applying slender components to slender shafts;

[0030] Figures 5A-5C Depicting the use Figure 4The illustrated tool demonstrates an illustrative technique for applying slender components to slender shafts;

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view depicts an illustrative tool for applying slender components to slender shafts;

[0032] Figure 7 Depicting Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of the illustrative tool shown, featuring slender components;

[0033] Figure 8 A schematic perspective view depicts an illustrative tool for applying slender components to slender shafts; and

[0034] Figure 9 Depicting Figure 8 The illustration shows a schematic perspective view of the tool, which includes slender components.

[0035] While this disclosure is open to various modifications and alternatives, its specific details have been illustrated by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] This disclosure will now be described with reference to illustrative medical systems that can be used in transcavitary medical procedures. However, it should be noted that reference to this particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. This disclosure may be understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are indicated by like reference numerals.

[0037] All numerical values ​​herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about," whether explicitly indicated or not. In a numerical context, the term "about" generally refers to a range of numerical values ​​that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the stated value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" may include numbers rounded to the most significant digit. Unless otherwise stated, other uses of the term "about" (e.g., in contexts other than numerical values) are assumed to have their common and conventional definitions, as understood and consistent with the context of the specification.

[0038] Numerical ranges described by endpoints include all numbers within that range, including the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). Although some suitable dimensions, ranges, and / or values ​​related to various components, features, and / or specifications are disclosed, those skilled in the art astute by this disclosure will understand that expected dimensions, ranges, and / or values ​​may deviate from those explicitly disclosed.

[0039] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural indicators unless otherwise expressly indicated. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally used to mean “and / or” unless otherwise expressly indicated. It should be noted that, for ease of understanding, certain features of this disclosure may be described in the singular, even if such features may be plural or repeated in the disclosed embodiments. Unless expressly stated to the contrary, each instance of a feature may include and / or be covered by the singular disclosure. For the sake of brevity and clarity, not all elements of this disclosure are necessarily shown in the figures, nor are they necessarily described in detail below. However, it should be understood that, unless expressly stated to the contrary, the following discussion is equally applicable to any and / or all components that have a plurality. Furthermore, for clarity, not all instances of certain elements or features appear in every figure.

[0040] It should be noted that references to "one construction," "some constructions," "other constructions," etc., in the specification indicate that the described construction may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with a construction, unless explicitly stated otherwise, that specific feature, structure, or characteristic may be implemented in combination with other constructions, whether explicitly described or not. That is, the various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in a particular combination, are contemplated as being able to be combined or arranged with each other to form other additional constructions, or to supplement and / or enrich the described construction, as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0041] For clarity, certain identifying numerical designations (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used throughout the description and / or claims to name and / or distinguish various described and / or claimed features. It should be understood that the numerical designations are not intended to be limiting and are merely illustrative. In some embodiments, for brevity and clarity, the previously used numerical designations may be modified and deviated from. That is, a feature identified as a “first” element may be subsequently referred to as a “second” element, a “third” element, etc., or may be omitted entirely, and / or different features may be referred to as a “first” element. The meaning and / or name in each case will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0042] The detailed description is intended to illustrate, not limit, this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described can be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The detailed description illustrates exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0043] refer to Figure 1An illustrative example of a medical endoscope in the form of an endoscope 10 is shown in a schematic perspective view. The endoscope 10 may include an elongated tube or shaft 12 configured for insertion into a subject (e.g., a patient).

[0044] Endoscope 10 may include a proximal portion 14 and a distal portion 16. The distal portion 16 of endoscope 10 may accommodate or be operatively coupled to an imager (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imager) (not shown). In some cases, a light source of the endoscope system including endoscope 10 may deliver illumination light to the distal portion 16 of endoscope 10.

[0045] The endoscope shaft 12 may include a distal end 18 (e.g., a distal end unit adapted for insertion into a patient's body cavity) disposed at a distal portion 16 of the shaft 12 and a flexible bend 20 located proximal to the distal end 18. The flexible bend 20 may include an articulated joint (not shown) that facilitates manipulation of the distal end 18, but this is not required.

[0046] The distal end 18 of the endoscope 10 may include an end face (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 2 The depicted end face 22. In some cases, the end face may have a gas / lens flushing nozzle, a flushing opening, one or more illumination windows, and an opening leading to a working channel extending along axis 12; the gas / lens flushing nozzle is used to supply gas to inflate the patient's interior at the treatment area and to supply water to flush the lens covering the imager; the flushing opening supplies flushing fluid to the patient's treatment area (e.g., the target site); one or more illumination windows transmit illumination light to the treatment area; the opening leading to the working channel extending along axis 12 is used to pass tools to the treatment area. In some examples, the working channel may extend along axis 12 to a proximal channel opening 24 located distal to the operating handle 26 (e.g., the proximal handle) of the endoscope 10. A biopsy valve 28 may be used to seal the channel opening 24 to prevent accidental fluid leakage.

[0047] The operating handle 26 may be provided with one or more knobs 30 for providing actuation via wires connected to a hinge joint in the flexible bend 20, such as remote four-way actuation at the distal end (e.g., one knob controls up-and-down actuation, and another knob controls left-and-right actuation). A plurality of video switches 32 for remotely operating the video processing unit may be arranged on the handle 26 at the proximal portion 14 of the endoscope 10.

[0048] The handle 26 may be provided with a dual-valve mounting position 34. One of the valve mounting positions 34 may have or receive an air / water valve 36 for operating the inflation and lens rinsing operations. The air supply line and lens rinsing supply line may extend distally from the air / water valve 36 along the axis 12 and converge at the distal end 18 near the gas / rinsing nozzle, but this is not required.

[0049] Another valve mounting position 34 may have or receive a suction valve 38 for operating the suction operation. The suction supply line may extend distally from the suction valve 38 along axis 12 to a connection point in fluid communication with the working channel of the endoscope 10.

[0050] Despite about Figure 1 An illustrative endoscope 10 has been described, but other suitable configurations of the endoscope 10 may be considered, and the concepts discussed herein may be applied to one or more other suitable delivery devices. In some examples, an illustrative configuration of the delivery device may include an elongated shaft 12 and a handle 26, as well as other suitable components for use of the delivery device (e.g., endoscope 10, other suitable medical endoscopes, and / or one or more other suitable delivery devices) within a subject.

[0051] Figure 2 A schematic diagram depicts the elongated axis 12 at the distal portion 16 of the endoscope 10. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 As depicted, the elongated shaft 12 may include one or more working channels 40 having openings in the end face 22. Furthermore, the end face 22 may include openings for one or more other channels extending through the elongated shaft 12 of the endoscope 10, including but not limited to one or more suction / aspiration channels 42, one or more flushing channels 44, one or more imaging channels 46, one or more light guide channels, and / or one or more other suitable channels.

[0052] In some cases, one or more elongated members 50 (e.g., one or more flexible elongated members and / or other suitable elongated members) may extend along the elongated axis 12 between the distal portion 16 and the proximal portion 14 of the endoscope 10. Although not strictly necessary, the distal end of the elongated member 50 may be coupled to a stop (e.g., a cap) or other suitable component at the distal portion 16 of the endoscope 10 and coupled to or near the handle 26 at the proximal portion 14 of the endoscope 10. The elongated member 50 can be of any suitable type, including but not limited to coils, cables, tubes, auxiliary working channels, suction channels, gas / liquid channels, light channels, optical channels, and / or other suitable types of elongated members 50. Although the elongated member 50 is depicted in the accompanying drawings and discussed herein as extending along the endoscope 10, it is conceivable that the devices described herein (e.g., the elongated member 50, etc.) may be used with medical endoscopes other than the endoscope 10, or with elongated members of other medical devices (including, but not limited to, elongated members that can be inserted into a patient, such as, but not limited to, transcavitary insertion), and this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0053] The elongated member 50 can extend along the elongated axis 12 of the endoscope 10 during surgery without the need for a fixation mechanism along the elongated axis 12, or alternatively, by using a sheath (e.g., a silicone sheath and / or other suitable type of sheath) or other suitable fixation mechanism applied to the elongated member 50 and the elongated axis 12 to limit or constrain the relative movement of the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated axis 12. When the elongated member 50 is not constrained relative to the elongated axis 12 (e.g., as...), Figure 2 During the deployment, extraction, and / or adjustment of the endoscope 10 within a subject (e.g., a patient), tissue may be clamped by the elongated member 50 and / or between the elongated member 50 and the elongated axis 12 (e.g., due to relative movement between the elongated member 50 and the elongated axis 12).

[0054] Constraining the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated axis 12 with a sheath may increase the overall diameter of the elongated axis 12 and the elongated member 50, which may affect the compatibility of the elongated axis 12 with the outer sheath and thus increase the likelihood of tissue trauma and / or abrasion during the navigation of the elongated axis 12 to the target site and / or retrieval of the elongated axis 12 from the subject. Furthermore, using a sheath extending along the elongated axis 12 may impede the movement of the elongated axis 12 (e.g., potentially stiffening and / or reducing the flexibility of the elongated axis 12) and / or the elongated member 50, which may reduce the elongated axis 12's ability to navigate tortuous paths.

[0055] Helically winding the elongated member 50, which extends along the elongated axis 12, around the elongated axis 12 can help secure the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated axis 12. This helical winding can be facilitated by a tool that helps secure the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated axis 12. This securing of the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated axis 12 will only minimally increase the overall diameter of the endoscope 10 along the elongated axis 12, while maintaining the mobility of the endoscope 10 (e.g., the flexibility of the elongated axis 12 and the elongated member 50). This tool can facilitate a quick and direct setup of the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated axis 12.

[0056] Figure 3 A schematic perspective view depicts an elongated member 50 spirally wound around an elongated shaft 12. However, spirally winding the elongated member 50 around the elongated shaft 12 can be cumbersome due to various factors, including but not limited to the lengths of the elongated shaft 12 and the elongated member 50, the rotational stiffness of the elongated shaft 12 and / or the elongated member 50, and / or other suitable factors. Therefore, tools can be used to facilitate spirally winding the elongated member 50 around the elongated shaft 12.

[0057] The tool can be configured to receive and hold the elongated member 50 in an initial or first helical configuration until the elongated member 50 is applied to the outer surface of the elongated shaft 12, such that the elongated member 50 has a subsequent or second helical configuration. This tool allows the user to quickly and effectively constrain the cable along the elongated shaft 12 of the endoscope 10.

[0058] Figure 4 A schematic perspective view depicts an illustrative configuration of a tool 52 configured to facilitate the application of an elongated member 50 to an elongated shaft 12. The tool 52 may be configured to receive and hold the elongated member 50 in an initial helical configuration until the elongated member 50 is applied to the outer surface of the elongated shaft 12, thereby giving the elongated member 50 a subsequent helical configuration. The initial first configuration of the elongated member 50 in the tool 52 may have an inner diameter configured to receive or fit over the outer surface of the elongated shaft 12.

[0059] Tool 52 may include one or more elongated support members 54 (e.g., a spine member, etc.), multiple connectors 56 configured to connect or engage with the elongated member 50, and a handle 58. However, tool 52 may have one or more other suitable components.

[0060] Tool 52 may include any suitable number of elongated support members 54. For example, tool 52 may include a single elongated support member 54, two elongated support members 54, three elongated support members 54, five elongated support members 54, and / or any other suitable number of support members. In one example, tool 52 may include three elongated support members 54, such as... Figure 4 It is described, but it is not necessary.

[0061] When tool 52 includes two or more elongated support members 54, the elongated support members 54 can be spaced apart from each other in any suitable manner to support the elongated member 50 within the connector 56. In some cases, the two or more elongated support members 54 can be circumferentially equidistant around the circumference of an imaginary cylinder, thus being configured to be helically equidistant around the elongated member 50 coupled to the connector 56.

[0062] When tool 52 includes two or more elongated support members 54, tool 52 may also include one or more connecting segments 60 configured to connect the two or more elongated support members 54. Any suitable number of connecting segments 60 can be used. In some examples, when tool 52 includes multiple elongated support members 54, tool 52 may include two connecting segments 60. In one example, as shown... Figure 4As depicted, the tool 52 may include three circumferentially spaced elongated supports 54 and two connecting segments 60, with a first connecting segment 60a at a first end 52a of the tool 52 (e.g., the distal end of the tool 52) and a second connecting segment 60b at a second end 52b of the tool 52 (e.g., the proximal end of the tool 52), but this configuration is not necessary, and the connecting segments 60 may be constructed in other suitable ways.

[0063] When connecting segment 60 is included, connecting segment 60 can have any suitable construction. For example, the shape of connecting segment 60 can have a linear portion, an arcuate portion, a circular or annular shape, and / or other suitable construction. In some examples, connecting segment 60 can have an arcuate construction, for example... Figure 4 The description.

[0064] The connector 56 may have any suitable configuration configured to connect to the elongated member 50 (e.g., releasably coupled to and / or connected to the elongated member 50 in one or more other suitable ways) and retain the elongated member 50 in the helical configuration until the elongated member 50 is to be released from the connector 56. In some cases, when the elongated member 50 is in the helical configuration, the connector 56 may be configured to connect to the elongated member 50 at two or more locations along the elongated member 50 (e.g., the elongated member 50 is fully or at least partially in the first helical configuration).

[0065] Suitable types of connectors 56 include, but are not limited to, snap-fit ​​connectors, clip connectors, latch connectors, C-shaped connectors, releasable adhesive connectors, strap or band connectors, and / or other suitable types of connectors. In some examples, different connectors 56 used in tool 52 may have the same or different connection types. In some examples, and as... Figure 4 As depicted, connectors 56 can all be C-clamp connectors 56 (e.g., C-clamps) configured to receive elongated members 50 via an engaging engagement. While connectors 56 can face any suitable direction, in some examples, C-clamp connectors 56 may be configured to face the first end 52a of the tool 52, such that a smaller force may be required to disengage the elongated member 50 from the connector 56 when the tool 52 is adjusted along the elongated axis 12 from the distal to the proximal direction compared to the second end 52b of the connector 56 facing the tool, but this is not necessary.

[0066] The connectors 56 can be supported by the elongated support members 54 in any suitable manner. In some examples, the connectors 56 may be longitudinally spaced apart from each other in a row along the elongated support members 54 (e.g., the connectors 56 along the elongated support members 54 may be configured to engage with the elongated members 50 at the same circumferential location and longitudinally spaced apart when the elongated members 50 are in a helical configuration), but this is not required, and the connectors 56 supported by the elongated support members 54 may be laterally (e.g., circumferentially) offset from each other, longitudinally formed from each other, and / or constructed relative to the elongated support members 54 in one or more other suitable manners. When the connectors 56 are longitudinally spaced apart from each other, the spacing may be based on the desired pitch of the turns or rings of the first helical configuration, but this is not required. When the tool 52 includes three elongated support members 54 (e.g., as shown in the image), the spacing may be based on the desired pitch of the turns or rings of the first helical configuration. Figure 4 When depicted, the elongated supports may be circumferentially spaced apart (e.g., spaced approximately 120 degrees apart), and two or more connectors 56 may extend along the first elongated support 54 in a first row, two or more connectors 56 may extend along the second elongated support 54 in a second row, and two or more connectors 56 may extend along the third elongated support 54 in a third row. Other suitable configurations may also be considered.

[0067] Any suitable number and spacing of connectors 56 can be used to support each loop of the elongated member 50 in the first helical configuration when the elongated member 50 is applied to the elongated shaft 12. In some cases, the number and spacing of connectors 56 may depend on one or more factors, including but not limited to the number of elongated supports 54 used, the length of each elongated support 54, the desired number of loops in the first helical configuration of the elongated member 50 when the elongated member 50 is within the tool 52, the desired spacing between the loops of the first helical configuration, the pitch of the loops of the first helical configuration, the diameter of the loops, the length of the elongated member 50, and / or other suitable factors. In some cases, the number and / or spacing of connectors 56 may set the diameter and pitch of the loops of the first helical configuration of the elongated member 50, which may be determined as the desired pitch for achieving a second helical configuration of the elongated member 50 around an elongated shaft 12 of a known diameter. In one example configuration and as shown... Figure 4 As depicted, each of the three elongated supports 54 may include or otherwise support twelve connectors 56, for a total of 36 connectors, but other suitable numbers of connectors 56 may be used as needed.

[0068] The handle 58 may have any suitable construction. In some cases, the handle 58 may be configured for a user to hold and adjust the tool 52 in a distal to proximal direction. Examples of suitable constructions for the handle 58 may include, but are not limited to, a fin-like construction, a ring-like construction configured to receive a user's fingers, a notch for receiving a user's fingers, a directional indicator indicating the direction of use of the tool 52, and / or other suitable constructions. In some examples, and as shown in... Figure 4 As depicted, the handle 58 may be a fin-shaped handle extending radially outward from the middle or central elongated support 54 of three equidistant elongated supports 54, and may have a directional inclination toward the second end 52b of the tool 52 and / or other suitable directional inclination (e.g., the handle 58 may be angled toward the second end 52b or angled in one or more other suitable ways). Furthermore, although Figure 4 Only a single handle 58 extending from a single elongated support 54 is depicted, but the tool 52 may include multiple handles 58 and / or handles 58 may extend from multiple elongated supports 54.

[0069] Figures 5A-5C A system 8 for applying an elongated member 50 to an elongated shaft 12 of an endoscope 10 is described, as well as a method or technique for applying the elongated member 50 to the elongated shaft 12 of the endoscope 10. In some examples, the system 8 may include the elongated member 50, a tool 52, and / or one or more additional or alternative components.

[0070] like Figure 5A As depicted, the system may include a tool 52 and an elongated member 50 received in and coupled to a connector 56. While other suitable configurations of the tool are considered, the tool 52 may include three elongated supports 54 having longitudinally spaced connectors 56 on each elongated support 54, forming three rows of connectors circumferentially spaced. The elongated member 50 may be received in the connector 56 by a snap-fit ​​or clamp-fit ​​and / or by one or more other suitable connection techniques.

[0071] As described above, the elongated member 50 can have any suitable length, and when the elongated member 50 is in the first helical configuration and connected to the connectors 56 of the tool 52, the elongated member 50 may or may not have sufficient length to connect to all the connectors 56 of the tool 52. For example, as Figure 5A As depicted, not all connectors 56 are coupled or connected to the elongated member 50.

[0072] In some cases, the elongated member 50 may be pre-connected to the connector 56, such that the system 8 is provided to the user with the elongated member 50 in the first helical configuration and connected to the connector 56 of the tool 52 (e.g., in packaging). In other cases, the tool 52 may be provided to the user without the elongated member 50 positioned within the tool 52 in the first helical configuration. When the tool 52 is provided without the elongated member 50 connected to the connector 56, the user can connect the elongated member 50 to the connector 56 by snapping the elongated member 50 into the connector 56, for example, to position and hold the elongated member 50 in the first helical configuration.

[0073] Figure 5A An elongated member 50 is depicted connected to a continuous connector 56. However, in order to produce the desired pitch, reduce the force required to disconnect the elongated member 50 from the connector 56 of the tool 52, and / or for one or more additional or alternative purposes, one or more connectors 56 may be skipped when the elongated member 50 is connected to the connector 56.

[0074] Figure 5B A system 8 is depicted in which the elongated shaft 12 of the endoscope 10 is positioned on the tool 52 within an elongated member 50 of a first helical configuration. In some examples, the elongated shaft 12 may be inserted into a second end 52b of the tool 52 connected to the elongated member 50 and pass through the tool 52 such that the distal end of the elongated shaft 12 extends through a first end 52a of the tool 52.

[0075] The distal end of the elongated member 50 may not be constrained by or engaged with the connector 56 of the tool 52. In some examples, the distal end of the elongated member 50 may be unconstrained by the tool 52 so as to be configured to be engaged and / or fixed to the distal end of the elongated shaft 12.

[0076] Figure 5C System 8 is depicted in which a portion of an elongated member 50 is released from the connector 56 of the tool 52 and wound around the elongated shaft 12 in a second helical configuration to form a loop 66 (e.g., a coil), wherein the loop 66 of the second helical configuration has a different pitch than the first helical configuration. In some examples, the pitch of the second helical configuration may be greater than the pitch of the first helical configuration, but this is not required. In some examples, the pitch of the elongated member 50 may be determined based on the diameter and pitch of the loop 62 in the first helical configuration.

[0077] To wind the elongated member 50 around the elongated shaft 12, the user can secure or fasten the distal end or other suitable portion of the elongated member 50 at a location on the elongated shaft 12 distal to the tool 52 (e.g., at the distal end of the elongated shaft 12). Once the elongated member 50 is secured relative to the elongated shaft 12, the user can pull (e.g., retract) the tool 52 in a proximal direction (e.g., from the first end 52a of the tool 52 to the second end 52b of the tool 52 and away from the distal end of the elongated shaft 12), and thus pull the elongated support 54 (e.g., the user can pull the tool 52 while gripping the handle 58 and / or gripping the tool 52 in one or more additional or alternative ways), which may cause the elongated member 50 (e.g., sequentially) to be released from the connector 56 and wound around the elongated shaft 12, forming a loop 66 with the desired pitch. Fixing the distal end or other suitable portion of the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated shaft 12 can help maintain the position of the distal end or other suitable portion of the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated shaft 12 as the tool 52 and the elongated support 54 move longitudinally away from the distal end of the elongated shaft 12.

[0078] The elongated member 50 (e.g., the distal end of the elongated member 50) can be secured relative to the elongated shaft 12 (e.g., relative to the distal end of the elongated shaft 12) using a stop 64 (e.g., releasably secured, permanently secured, etc.). Suitable examples of suitable constructions for the stop 64 for securing the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated shaft 12 include, but are not limited to, one or more caps (e.g., such as those connected to or configured to be connected to the distal end of the elongated shaft 12). Figure 5C (as depicted), one or more adhesives, one or more wraps or tapes, one or more silicone wraps, one or more clips, one or more tapes, and / or one or more other suitable constructions.

[0079] Once the elongated member 50 is applied to the elongated shaft in the desired configuration, the user can apply one or more retaining components to the elongated member 50 and the elongated shaft 12 (e.g., applying retaining components intermittently) such that the elongated member 50 maintains the desired configuration (e.g., a second helical configuration) around the elongated shaft 12. In some cases, the retaining component may resemble the stop 64, but this is not required. Suitable examples of methods for securing the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated shaft 12 along its length may include, but are not limited to, one or more caps, one or more adhesives, one or more wraps or tapes, one or more silicone wraps, one or more clips, one or more strips of tape, and / or may be used to secure it relative to the elongated shaft 12 in one or more other suitable ways.

[0080] Although a retaining element can help maintain the desired configuration of the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated shaft 12, the retaining element may not be necessary. For example, in some cases, the force applied to the elongated shaft 12 by the elongated member 50 in a second helical configuration may be sufficient to maintain the elongated member 50 in its configuration around the elongated shaft 12.

[0081] By applying the elongated member 50 in a second helical configuration to the elongated shaft 12, and optionally applying a fixing component to both the elongated member 50 and the elongated shaft 12, the elongated shaft 12 can maintain the desired flexibility and retain a smaller outer diameter compared to using a sleeve applied along the elongated shaft 12 to hold the elongated member 50 relative to the elongated shaft 12. Furthermore, the tight helical winding of the elongated member 50 along the elongated shaft 12, achievable according to this disclosure, can prevent or mitigate tissue clamping between the elongated member 50 and the elongated shaft 12, which can reduce potential tissue trauma during the positioning and / or retrieval of the elongated shaft 12 within the subject.

[0082] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A schematic perspective view depicts an illustrative configuration of a tool 52 configured to facilitate the application of an elongated member 50 to an elongated shaft 12, wherein the tool 52 has a single elongated support 54, and connecting members 56 are arranged in a single longitudinally extending row (e.g., longitudinally spaced). The tool 52 of system 8 can be configured to receive the elongated member 50 and retain it in an initial helical configuration or a first helical configuration of a ring 62 having a desired pitch, for example... Figure 7 As depicted, until the elongated member 50 is applied to the outer surface of the elongated shaft 12, such that the elongated member 50 has a subsequent or second helical configuration. The first helical configuration of the elongated member 50 in the tool 52 may have an inner diameter configured to receive or fit over the outer surface of the elongated shaft 12.

[0083] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As depicted, the slender support 54, connector 56, and handle 58 can be similar to Figure 4 The tool 52 depicted has a similar configuration to the one with three elongated supports 54. However, this is not necessary, and the configuration of one or more elongated supports 54, connectors 56, and handles 58 of a tool 52 having a single elongated support 54 or other suitable number of elongated supports 54 can be similar to that of a tool 52 having a single elongated support 54 or other suitable number of elongated supports 54. Figure 4 The depicted structure has three slender support members 54.

[0084] Figure 8 and Figure 9A schematic perspective view depicts an illustrative configuration of a tool 52 configured to facilitate the application of an elongated member 50 to an elongated shaft 12, wherein the elongated support 54 of the tool 52 may be formed from an elongated sheet of material 68. The tool 52 of the system 8 may be configured to receive the elongated member 50 and retain it in an initial or first helical configuration of a ring 62 having a desired pitch, for example... Figure 9 As depicted, until the elongated member 50 is applied to the outer surface of the elongated shaft 12, such that the elongated member 50 has a subsequent or second helical configuration. The first helical configuration of the elongated member 50 in the tool 52 may have an inner diameter configured to receive or fit over the outer surface of the elongated shaft 12.

[0085] The material sheet 68 can be formed from any suitable material. Examples of suitable materials for forming the sheet 68 include, but are not limited to, polymers, flexible polymers, metals, plastics, rubber, silicone, fabrics, and / or other suitable materials.

[0086] The elongated support member 54 formed from sheet 68 can have any suitable construction. In some examples, sheet 68 can be formed as an arcuate construction (e.g., C-shaped), such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The description is as described, but other suitable constructions may be considered.

[0087] The outer surface 70 of the piece 68 can be configured for a user to grip. The outer surface 70 may not have any gripping features or markings, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The tool 52 is depicted and allows the user to grip it by applying radially inward pressure to the opposite side of the plate 68. However, the outer surface 70 may include one or more features configured to aid in gripping the tool 52 and adjusting the tool 52 relative to the elongated shaft 12. These features may include, but are not limited to, a handle 58, one or more indentations, one or more bumps or protrusions, one or more openings, a non-slip coating, and / or one or more other features that aid in gripping the tool 52.

[0088] The inner surface 72 of piece 68 (e.g., the surface opposite to the outer surface 70) may include and / or define a connector 56. In some examples, the connector 56 may be formed in the inner surface 72, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As described above, but this is not necessary, and connector 56 can be in a manner similar to that discussed above and in... Figure 4-7 The connector 56 depicted extends from the elongated support 54 in a manner and / or one or more other suitable manner from the inner surface.

[0089] The connector 56 may be configured to extend the entire width or circumference of the sheet 68, but this is not required. Additionally or alternatively, one or more connectors 56 on the inner surface 72 of the sheet 68 may extend less than the entire width or circumference of the sheet 68. In some examples, the connectors 56 on the inner surface 72 of the sheet 68 may be circumferentially spaced apart from each other, similar to the case where the tool 52 discussed above may include multiple elongated supports 54.

[0090] It should be understood that this disclosure is illustrative in many respects. Changes in detail may be made, particularly in terms of shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Where appropriate, this may include using any feature of one example embodiment in other embodiments. The scope of the invention is, of course, defined by the language expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for applying a flexible, elongated member to the axis of an endoscope, the system comprising: Slender support component; Multiple connectors, the multiple connectors being spaced apart longitudinally along the elongated support member; as well as Flexible slender components, and When the flexible elongated member is in a helical configuration, the plurality of connectors are releasably connected to the flexible elongated member at two or more locations along the flexible elongated member.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of connectors are releasably connected to the flexible elongated member in the spiral configuration at the same circumferential positions spaced apart longitudinally along the flexible elongated member.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: A stop, the stop being fixed to the end of the flexible elongated member, and The stop is configured to engage with the end of the axis of the endoscope, the flexible elongated member is applied around the axis, and the stop maintains the position of the end of the flexible elongated member relative to the axis as the elongated support moves longitudinally along the axis and away from the end of the axis.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: The plurality of longitudinally extending rows of the plurality of connectors are circumferentially spaced from each other.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The plurality of connectors are arranged in a single longitudinally extending row along the elongated support.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The elongated support member is an elongated sheet of material that defines the plurality of connectors.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1-6, further comprising: A handle extending along the elongated support.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein, One or more of the plurality of connectors are C-clamps.

9. An apparatus comprising: Slender support component; as well as A plurality of connectors, wherein two or more of the plurality of connectors are longitudinally spaced in a row along the elongated support member, and When the flexible elongated member is in a helical configuration, the plurality of connectors are configured to be releasably connected to the flexible elongated member at two or more locations along the flexible elongated member.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein, The elongated support member is a first elongated support member, and the row along the elongated support member is a first row of the plurality of connectors extending along the elongated support member, and the device further includes: Two or more of the plurality of connectors in the second row of the plurality of connectors extending along the second elongated support member; and Two or more of the plurality of connectors in the third row of the plurality of connectors extending along the third elongated support member, and The first slender support member, the second slender support member, and the third slender support member are circumferentially spaced 120 degrees apart from each other.

11. A method for applying a flexible, elongated member to the axis of an endoscope, the method comprising: The axis of the endoscope is positioned as a helical structure passing through the flexible elongated member, wherein the flexible elongated member in the helical structure is connected to a plurality of connectors along an elongated support member; The end of the flexible elongated member is fixed relative to the end of the axis of the endoscope; and Pull the elongated support along the axis of the endoscope, in a direction away from the axis, to apply the flexible elongated member to the axis.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein: The spiral structure is a first spiral structure; and When the elongated support is pulled along the axis, the flexible elongated member is applied to the outer surface of the axis in a second helical configuration.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The end of the flexible elongated member is fixed to a stop, the stop being configured to engage with the end of the shaft of the endoscope, and fixing the end of the flexible elongated member relative to the end of the shaft of the endoscope includes: The stop is connected to the end of the shaft of the endoscope.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11-13, further comprising: The flexible elongated member is connected to the elongated support member to support the flexible elongated member in the helical structure.

15. The method according to any one of claims 11-14, wherein, Pull the elongated support member along the axis and in the direction away from the axis, so that the plurality of connectors disengage from the elongated support member in sequence.

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