Accessory actuation device and related methods

Abstract

An actuation device comprising a device body comprising a first securing mechanism configured to attach a proximal end of a first member of a medical device to the device body, and an actuator comprising an operable mechanism and a second securing mechanism configured to attach a proximal end of a second member of the medical device to the actuator. Movement of the operable mechanism from a first position to a second position can be configured to move the second member proximally relative to the first member. Movement of the operable mechanism from the second position to the first position can be configured to move the second member distally relative to the first member. At least one of the first member or the second member of the medical device is configured to be removably attached to the device body or the actuator, respectively.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 601,839, filed November 22, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Several aspects of this disclosure generally relate to medical devices and related methods. Specifically, several aspects of this disclosure relate to accessory actuating devices and methods of using the accessory actuating devices. Background Technology

[0003] Medical devices such as endoscopes (e.g., endoscopes, duodenoscopes, etc.) may include a handle and a sheath / shaft that can be inserted into a subject's body cavity. The sheath may terminate at a distal end, which may include features such as a lifter, optical elements (e.g., a camera, illumination device, etc.), air / water outlets, a working channel opening, and / or accessory devices. An actuator in the endoscope's handle controls the shaft and / or actuable elements at the distal end of the shaft. The sheath may include a working channel with a distal opening at the distal end and a proximal opening (e.g., a port) at the handle. Various accessory devices can be utilized via the working channel or via external arrangements. However, conventional designs present challenges when attempting to simultaneously control the endoscope and use various accessory devices, requiring multiple operators or cumbersome equipment configurations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Examples of this disclosure particularly relate to an actuation device comprising: a device body including a first fixing mechanism configured to attach a proximal end of a first component of the medical device to the device body; and an actuator including an operable mechanism and a second fixing mechanism configured to attach a proximal end of a second component of the medical device to the actuator. Movement of the operable mechanism from a first position to a second position may be configured to move the second component proximally relative to the first component. Movement of the operable mechanism from the second position to the first position may be configured to move the second component distally relative to the first component. At least one of the first component or the second component of the medical device may be configured to be removably attached to the device body or the actuator, respectively.

[0005] Any device or system disclosed herein may have any of the following features. The first fixation mechanism may include a first arm and a second arm. The first member may be configured to extend between the first arm and the second arm. The actuator may be pivotally mounted relative to the device body. The actuator may include a lever capable of moving the actuator about a pivot. A portion of the second fixation mechanism extends substantially perpendicular to a portion of the lever. The device body may be removably secured to an endoscope handle. The device may further include a biasing member configured to bias the actuator in either the first or the second position. The biasing member may be a torsion spring. The second fixation mechanism may include a pair of arms, each arm including a bent portion. The actuation device may be configured to be removably attached to an endoscope handle, and the endoscope handle may include a female mating member. The device body may include a corresponding male mating member for removably coupling the device body to the endoscope handle. The male mating member may be formed of a flexible material. The medical device may be a first medical device. The actuation device may be integrally formed with the handle of a second medical device. The medical device may be a first medical device. The actuation device can be removably secured to the handle of a second medical device. The first component may be a sheath and the second component may be a pull cord. The second component may include at least one protrusion. The second securing mechanism includes at least one hook. The medical device may be a first medical device. The first securing mechanism may be configured to secure the first component of the first medical device relative to the handle of the second medical device. The second securing mechanism may be movable relative to the first securing mechanism such that the second component of the first medical device is movable relative to the first component of the first medical device and the handle of the second medical device.

[0006] In another aspect, the medical system may include: a first medical device having a first handle; and an actuation device comprising a device body and an actuator, the device body including a first fixing mechanism configured to attach a proximal end of a first member of a second medical device to the device body, the actuator including an operable mechanism and a second fixing mechanism configured to attach a proximal end of a second member of the second medical device to the actuator. Movement of the operable mechanism from a first position to a second position may be configured to move the second member relative to the first member. Movement of the operable mechanism from the second position to the first position may be configured to move the second member relative to the first member. The actuation device may be operable from the handle of the first medical device. At least one of the first member or the second member of the second medical device may be configured to be removably attached to the device body or the actuator.

[0007] Any system or apparatus disclosed herein may have any of the following features. The system may further include a third medical device. A first component of the third medical device can be removably attached to a first fixation component. A second component of the third medical device can be attached to a second fixation component. The second medical device may be one of a scalpel, snare, balloon, basket, scalpel, needle, ligation device, clip, forceps, grasper, stapler, suture device, stent, electrocautery device, or biopsy collection device, and the third medical device may be another of a scalpel, snare, balloon, basket, scalpel, needle, ligation device, clip, forceps, grasper, stapler, suture device, stent, electrocautery device, or biopsy collection device and may be different from the second medical device.

[0008] In another aspect, the actuation device may include: a device body including a first fixing mechanism configured to removably attach a first component of the medical device to the device body; and a joystick fixedly coupled to a second fixing mechanism. The second fixing mechanism may be configured to removably attach a proximal end of a second component of the medical device to the joystick. Movement of the joystick from a first position to a second position may be configured to move the second component proximally relative to the first component. Movement of the joystick from the second position to the first position may be configured to move the second component distally relative to the first component.

[0009] Any device or system disclosed herein may have any of the following features: The first fixing mechanism may include at least one fork tooth. The first member may include at least one protrusion. The second fixing mechanism may include at least one hook. The second member may include at least one protrusion.

[0010] It is understood that the overall description above and the detailed description below are exemplary and illustrative only, and not intended to limit the claimed disclosure. Attached Figure Description

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

[0012] Figure 1 A side perspective view of a medical device according to some embodiments is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A medical device that includes a removable actuator.

[0014] Figure 3Showing a method for removably coupling to Figure 2 It is part of an accessory device for a removable actuator.

[0015] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 Additional features of the actuator.

[0016] Figure 5 An embodiment of the coupling mechanism is shown, which is used to couple... Figure 2 The actuator is removably coupled to the handle of the medical device (e.g. Figure 1 (The handle of a medical device).

[0017] Figure 6A and 6B It shows the relationship with Figures 2-4 An exemplary fixing mechanism used in conjunction with the device.

[0018] Figure 7 Show how to use the medical device, for example Figure 1 The medical device and implementation scheme shown in ~6.

[0019] Figure 8 A medical device is shown having an actuation component integrated into a handle of an actuation device. Detailed Implementation

[0020] During endoscopic surgery, one or more accessory devices may pass through the working channel of a medical device (such as an endoscope) to perform the procedure. Alternatively or additionally, external accessory devices may be used. Historically, such procedures may have required more than one operator (e.g., one operator manipulating the endoscope while another actuates the accessory devices). Some procedures may be more advantageous when performed by a single operator.

[0021] Although the term endoscope may be used herein, it should be understood that this disclosure covers actuation mechanisms for use with other devices, including but not limited to duodenoscopes, colonoscopes, ureteroscopes, bronchoscopes, laparoscopes, cystoscopes, hysteroscopes, sheaths, catheters, any other suitable delivery devices, accessory devices, or another type of medical device including actuators. While lateral devices may be referred to, embodiments described herein may also be used with forward devices (e.g., devices with the observation element longitudinally forward), or with a combination of lateral and forward devices. Although the joystick assembly described below is for actuating accessory devices, it should be understood that the assembly described herein may be used to control other aspects of the medical device.

[0022] Figure 1An exemplary medical device 100 (e.g., an endoscope) is depicted, which may be part of a larger medical system (e.g., an endoscope system) and may have a handle 112 and an insertion portion 114. The medical device 100 may also include an umbilical tube 116 for connecting the medical device 100 to a source such as air, water, suction, electricity, etc., and image processing and / or observation equipment. The insertion portion 114 may include a sheath or shaft 118 and a distal end 120. The distal end 120 may include an imaging device 122 (e.g., a camera) and an illumination source 124 (e.g., an LED or fiber optic cable). The distal end 120 may be side-facing. That is, the imaging device 122 and the light source 124 may be radially outward, vertical, substantially vertical, or otherwise transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 118 and the distal end 120. Alternatively, the distal end 120 may be front-facing (the imaging device 122 and / or the light source 124 may face distally).

[0023] The distal end 120 may also include an actuable element (e.g., a lifter 126) for altering the orientation of a tool inserted into the working channel of the medical device 100. The lifter 126 may alternatively be referred to as a swing support, pivot support, lifting base, or any other suitable term. The lifter 126 is pivotable and can be pivoted via, for example, an actuation line extending from the handle 112 through the shaft 118 to the lifter 126, or another control element.

[0024] The distal portion of the shaft 118, connected to the distal end 120, may have a steerable section 128. The steerable section 128 may include, for example, a hinged joint. The shaft 118 and the steerable section 128 may include various structures known in the art or that may become known. In some examples, one or more steering lines may be coupled to the steerable section 128 such that the steerable section 128 articulates in one or more directions when the steering lines are tensioned / relaxed.

[0025] The handle 112 may have a housing 113 that encloses / retains various components of the handle 112. The handle 112 may have one or more actuator / control mechanisms 130. The control mechanism 130 may provide control over the steerable section 128 or allow the supply of air, water, suction, etc. For example, the handle 112 may include control knobs 132, 134 for left, right, up, and / or down control of the steerable section 128. For example, one of the knobs 132, 134 may provide left / right control of the steerable section 128, and the other may provide up / down control of the steerable section 128. The handle 112 may further include one or more locking mechanisms 136, 138 (e.g., knobs or levers) for preventing the steerable section 128 from turning in at least one of the up, down, left, or right directions. The handle 112 may include a lift control mechanism (not shown). The lift control mechanism can raise and / or lower the lift 126. For example, the lift control mechanism can be coupled to a cable that can be coupled to lift 126. Port 140 allows tools or other types of accessory devices to pass through port 140 into the working channel of medical device 100, and reach the distal end 120 via shaft 118.

[0026] In use, the operator can insert at least a portion of shaft 118 into the subject's body cavity. The distal end 120 can be navigated to the surgical site within the body cavity. The operator can insert an accessory device (e.g., an instrument, not shown) into port 140 and allow the accessory device to pass through shaft 118 via the working channel to the distal end 120. The accessory device can exit the working channel at the distal end 120. The user can use the lifting mechanism to raise the lift 126 and tilt the accessory device toward a desired location (e.g., the papilla of the pancreaticobiliary duct). The user can use the accessory device to perform medical procedures.

[0027] Figure 2 A portion of a medical device 100 is shown, which includes a handle 112 and an accessory mounting and actuation device (“actuation device”) 104 for mounting and actuating an accessory device (not shown) used with the medical device 100. Figure 2 A handle is shown, with a portion of housing 113 removed and shaft 118 absent. It should be understood that the medical device 100 may include omitted portions of housing 113 and shaft 118. Handle 112 has a proximal portion 108 and a distal portion 106. Proximal portion 108 may include features such as control mechanism 130. Distal portion 106 may be coupled to shaft 118.

[0028] Actuation device 104 may have device body 110, which includes a first fixing mechanism 142 configured to hold accessory device (in Figure 2 The proximal end (or another portion) of a first component (e.g., a pipe / sheath / coil, not shown) is removably attached to the device body 110. The first securing mechanism 142 may include any suitable structure for receiving and retaining the first component of the attachment device. For example, the first securing mechanism 142 may include a first proximal fork tooth pair 143a and a second distal fork tooth pair 143b. The first proximal fork tooth pair may be separated from each other by a first proximal gap 145a. The second distal fork tooth pair may be separated from each other by a second distal gap 145b. As described in further detail below, the forks 143a, 143b may be configured to removably receive and retain the first component.

[0029] The actuation device 104 further includes an actuator 115, which includes an operable mechanism 144 (e.g., a joystick). The actuator 115 may include a second retaining mechanism 146 configured to be removably attached to a proximal end / portion of a second component (e.g., an actuation line or cable) of the accessory device. The second retaining mechanism 146 may include any suitable structure for removably receiving and retaining the second component. For example, the second retaining mechanism 146 may include, for instance, […]. Figure 2 One or more hooks are shown. In some examples, the second fixing mechanism 146 may include two hooks aligned with each other and having a gap between them. Figure 2 Examples could include hooks such that, although one hook is behind another and in Figure 2 It is not visible in the middle.

[0030] The second fixing mechanism 146 can be fixedly coupled to the operable mechanism 144 such that movement of the operable mechanism 144 will move the second fixing mechanism 146. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the second fixing mechanism 146 can be integrally formed with the operable mechanism 144. For example, in Figure 2 The diagram further shows that the second fixing mechanism 146 can extend from the distal end of the operable mechanism 144 in an approximately right-angle direction. However, Figure 2 The arrangement is merely an example.

[0031] Movement of the operable mechanism 144 can actuate one or more features of the accessory device. For example, movement of the operable mechanism 144 causes a second component of the accessory device (e.g., a control component, such as a wire, cable, cord, etc.) to move relative to a first component of the accessory device (e.g., a sheath, fitting, coil, etc., through which the control component extends). Since the first fixation mechanism 142 can fix the first component of the accessory device relative to the handle 112, movement of the operable mechanism 144 (and the second fixation mechanism 146) causes the second component of the accessory device to move proximally and / or distally relative to the first component of the accessory device, thereby actuating the accessory device. That is, the second fixation mechanism 146 can move relative to the first fixation mechanism 142, and movement of the second fixation mechanism 146 relative to the first fixation mechanism 142 causes the medical device to operate as described in more detail herein.

[0032] In some examples, as explained in more detail below, the operable mechanism 144 can pivot about a pivot axis 148 from a first position to a second position, causing the second component of the accessory device to move proximally relative to the first component of the accessory device. The movement of the operable mechanism 144 from the first position to the second position can be along... Figure 2 The direction of arrow 119 in the diagram. The movement of the actuating device 104 from the second position to the first position can move the second component of the accessory device distally relative to the first component of the accessory device. The movement of the operable mechanism 144 from the second position to the first position can be along... Figure 2 The direction of arrow 117. In some embodiments, the pivot axis 148 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 152 of the handle 112.

[0033] The device body 110 can be removably attached to the handle 112 and can be secured to the handle 112 between the proximal portion 108 and the distal portion 106. In some examples, the device body 110 can be attached to the housing 113 proximal to the port 140. The actuation device 104 can be positioned such that an operator can grip the handle 112 in a conventional manner to operate the control mechanism 130, the valve of the handle 112, and / or other elements of the handle 112, while simultaneously accessing the operable mechanism 144 with their fingers (e.g., little finger). The device body 110 can be removably attached to the handle 112 using any means (e.g., male / female connectors, straps, clamps, etc., described in more detail below). The actuation device 104 can be configured such that it can be selectively moved or moved between various positions on / along the handle 112.

[0034] Figure 3 The proximal end portion 202 of the accessory device 200 is shown for removable coupling to... Figure 2The actuation device 104. The accessory device 200 may have any features of any accessory device known in the art. For example, the accessory device may include a slit, snare, balloon, basket, knife, needle, ligation device, clip, forceps, gripper, anastomosis device, suture device, bracket, electrocautery device, biopsy collection device, or any other accessory device.

[0035] Accessory device 200 includes an outer sheath 204 and an inner pull wire 206. The outer sheath 204 may include a tubing, coil, or any other suitable structure. The outer sheath 204 may define a lumen 205. The inner pull wire 206 is movably positioned within the lumen 205 of the outer sheath 204. For example, the inner pull wire 206 may be longitudinally movable relative to the outer sheath 204 in a proximal and / or distal direction, as indicated by arrow 212. Although the term "pull wire" is used herein, it should be understood that the inner pull wire 206 may also include a cable, wire, or any other type of control member. The inner pull wire 206 may be coupled to a distal element (not shown) such that proximal and / or distal movement of the inner pull wire 206 relative to the outer sheath 204 actuates the distal element. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the pull wire 206 can be used to actuate a variety of types of accessory devices, including those listed above.

[0036] The outer sheath 204 may include an outer sheath attachment member 208, and the pull wire 206 may include a pull wire attachment member 210. Figure 3 An outer sheath attachment member 208 is depicted, which includes a pair of protrusions 209 extending outwardly from the outer sheath 204. For example, the protrusions 209 may extend substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outer sheath 204. Alternatively, the protrusions 209 may extend at another lateral (non-parallel) angle relative to the outer sheath 204 or may extend parallel to the outer sheath 204.

[0037] The outer sheath attachment member 208 can be configured to be received by the first fixation mechanism 142 of the actuation device 104. For example, the protrusions 209 can be positioned such that they are proximal to the first proximal fork pair 143a or between the first proximal fork pair 143a and the second distal fork pair 143b. The outer sheath 204 can be received in the gaps 145a and / or 145b. Thus, the first fixation mechanism 142 can removably fix the outer sheath 204 relative to the handle 112 of the medical device 100. The sheath attachment member 208 and the outer sheath 204 are rotatable when located within the first fixation mechanism 142, such that the outer sheath 204 is rotatable during insertion of the accessory device 200 into the patient's body cavity.

[0038] The wire attachment member 210 may similarly include a pair of protrusions 211 extending outwardly from the wire 206. The protrusions 211 may be integrally formed with the wire 206, or may be formed of a separate material and coupled to the wire 206. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the protrusion 211 and the drawstring 206 can form an approximately T-shape. In other words, the protrusion 211 can be located at the end of the drawstring 206 on its closest side. The protrusion 211 can extend substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the drawstring 206. Alternatively, the protrusion 211 can extend at another lateral (non-parallel) angle relative to the drawstring 206 or can extend parallel to the drawstring 206.

[0039] The pull cord attachment member 210 can be configured to be received by the second fixing mechanism 146 of the actuating device 104. For example, the protrusions 211 can be positioned such that they are received proximal to and engage with the hook of the second fixing mechanism 146. The pull cord 206 can extend between the hooks. When the operable mechanism 144 pivots, the bending shape of the hook of the second fixing mechanism 146 can help retain the attachment member 210. The pull cord 206 can be fixedly coupled to the second fixing mechanism 146 via the pull cord attachment member 210.

[0040] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Movement of the operable mechanism 144 between two or more positions (e.g., between a first position and a second position) can move the outer sheath 204 and the inner pull cable 206 relative to each other. That is, when the pull cable attachment member 210 is attached to the second fixing mechanism 146 and the sheath attachment member 208 is attached to the first fixing mechanism 142, the actuator 115 can cause relative movement between the inner pull cable 206 and the outer sheath 204 via the operable mechanism 144. As described above, the second fixing mechanism 146 can pivot together with the operable mechanism 144, thereby moving the second fixing mechanism 146 proximally and distally relative to the handle 112. As described above, the first fixing mechanism 142 and the outer sheath 204 can be fixed relative to the handle 112. Therefore, movement of the operable mechanism 144 can move the pull cable 206 proximally and / or distally relative to the outer sheath 204. Although the distal end of the accessory device 200 is not depicted, movement of the drawstring 206 can actuate elements at the distal end of the accessory device, such as clamps, grippers, snares, cutting devices, balloons, baskets, knives, needles, ligation devices, grippers, anastomosing devices, suture devices, supports, electrocautery devices, biopsy collection devices, or any other accessory device or any other distal end element.

[0041] See Figure 4This illustration shows a portion of another embodiment of the actuation device 404. The actuation device 404 may be attached to the handle 112 of the medical device 100. Unless otherwise stated herein, the actuation device 404 may include any features of the actuation device 104 described above. Where feasible, reference numerals associated with the actuation device 404 are added with a 300 to the corresponding structure of the actuation device 104 to indicate the same structure. The actuation device 404 may include a device body 410 and an actuator 415, which includes an operable mechanism 444. The operable mechanism 444 may be fixedly coupled to a fixing mechanism 446, which has any features of the second fixing mechanism 146. Although Figure 4 The portion of the actuation device 404 depicted does not show the structure corresponding to the first fixing mechanism 142, but it should be understood that the actuation device 404 can be... Figure 4 The part not shown in the diagram has such an element.

[0042] The operable mechanism 444 is operable to pivot about a pivot 448. A biasing mechanism 450 biases the operable mechanism 444 toward a biased position. The biasing mechanism 450 may be a torsion spring, a coil spring, a movable hinge (e.g., a plastic movable hinge), a leaf spring, or another biasing mechanism. The user of the medical device 100 can operate the device by applying a force to the operable mechanism 444 to overcome the bias of the biasing mechanism 450. The biasing mechanism 450 can bias the operable mechanism 444 at any position, such that the operable mechanism 444 is stationary (in its default natural position) at one or another limit of its rotational movement or somewhere in between. For example, the operable mechanism 444 may be biased distally, such that when the user releases a proximal force on the operable mechanism 444 ( Figure 4 When the counterclockwise force is applied, the operable mechanism 444 can return to the distal offset position. Figure 4 (clockwise rotation).

[0043] When an accessory device (such as accessory device 200) is attached to the actuating device 404, the pull cable 206 or other control element of the accessory device is subsequently biased to its natural rest position based on the bias of the biasing mechanism 450. For example, the pull cable 206 may be biased to a position where the distal end element of accessory device 200 is not yet actuated. In an example, the pull cable 206 may be biased distally. The user can move a feature of the accessory device from the biased position to the applied position, and when the user releases the force that moved the accessory device from the applied position to the biased position, the accessory device will remain in the biased position. In some examples, the biased position may not be the natural rest position of the accessory device.

[0044] Figure 5Further aspects of the medical device 100 are shown. The handle 112 can engage with the actuation device 104 via one or more mating features. Although the actuation device 104 is mentioned herein, it should be understood that... Figure 5 The aspects shown can be used with actuation device 404 or any other actuation device described herein. Mating features may include, for example, male-female mating members. For example, handle 112 may include female mating member 502 and actuation device 104 may include male mating member 504. Figure 5 As shown, the male mating member 504 may be a protrusion extending from the device body 110 of the actuator 104. The protrusion may have a handle 506 and two protrusions 508 extending outward from the handle 506. The shape of the male mating member 504 is merely exemplary, and the male mating member 504 may have any suitable shape. The female mating member 502 may be a recess in the housing 113 of the handle 112. This recess may have a shape complementary to that of the male mating member 504. In some examples, the male mating member 504 may be slid into the female mating member 502 by a user to engage the actuator 104 with the handle 112. The male mating member 504 may be formed of a flexible material, such as rubber, plastic, or other materials.

[0045] One or more portions of the male mating member 504 and / or the female mating member 502 may be formed of, for example, a flexible but rigid material (e.g., nylon, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polycarbonate, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), etc.), allowing the user to removably attach the actuator 104 to the handle 112. Other mating features for engaging the actuator 104 with the handle 112 are also considered. For example, the actuator 104 may be removably coupled to the handle 112 via one or more hook-and-loop connectors, straps, clamps, jaws, slotted connectors, key connectors, torsion connectors, movable plastic springs / clamps, and / or one or more other types of connectors.

[0046] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This illustrates a device for attaching an accessory (e.g., having...) Figure 3 The accessory device 200's outer sheath 204 and the accessory device of the pull cable 206 are connected to the fixing mechanism (e.g., Figure 2 An exemplary mechanism of the first fixing mechanism 142 and / or the second fixing mechanism 146. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The mechanism can replace or be used in combination with the first fixing mechanism 142, the second fixing mechanism 146, the sheath attachment member 208 and / or the pull wire attachment member 210.

[0047] Figure 6AAn attachment member 610 (e.g., for an accessory device) configured to be attached to a fixing mechanism 646 is shown. The attachment member 610 may have any of the properties of a pull-cord attachment member 210, and the fixing mechanism 646 may have any of the features of a second fixing mechanism 146. The fixing mechanism 646 may include a pair of hooks / arms 616, each having a curved portion 618. The attachment member 610 may have a pair of protrusions 611 (having any of the properties of protrusions 211) extending from a central axis 622 (which may be similar to, for example, a pull-cord 206 or an outer sheath 204). A user can position the protrusions 611 against the curved portions 618 of the arms 616 and rotate the attachment member 610 in the direction of the arrow so that the central axis 622 of the attachment member 610 is positioned between the curved portions 618 of the arms 616, thereby securing the attachment member 610 to the fixing mechanism 646. In some examples, the attachment member 610 may be an element of the accessory device 200 (e.g., pull cord 206 or outer sheath 204), and the fixing mechanism 646 may be an element of the actuating device 104 or 404. Alternatively, the attachment member 610 may be an element of the actuating device 104 or 404, and the fixing mechanism 646 may be an element of the accessory device 200.

[0048] Figure 6B An attachment member 608 (e.g., for an accessory device) is depicted configured to attach to a fixing mechanism 642. The attachment member 608 may have any properties of the distal portion 106, and the fixing mechanism 642 may have any properties of the first fixing mechanism 142. The attachment member 608 may include a T-connector having a protrusion (which may form a lateral portion) 609 and a shaft 628. In some examples, the shaft 628 may have any properties of an outer sheath 204 or a pull wire 206. The protrusion 609 may be positioned between the forks / arms 620 of the fixing mechanism 642 (which may have any characteristics of forks 143a, 143b). In some embodiments, the arm 620 may include one or more features for preventing the attachment member 608 from moving into or out of the fixing mechanism 642 (e.g., in-plane bending, snap-fit ​​engagement, rough surface for enhanced frictional engagement, etc.). In some examples, the attachment member 608 may be an element of the accessory device 200 (e.g., pull cord 206 or outer sheath 204), and the fixing mechanism 642 may be an element of the actuating device 104 or 404. Alternatively, the attachment member 608 may be an element of the actuating device 104 or 404, and the fixing mechanism 642 may be an element of the accessory device 200.

[0049] Figure 7 A method 700 for actuating an accessory device using an actuator is shown. Although method 700 includes… Figure 7The steps shown are as described, but it should be understood that other methods of actuating accessory devices are within the scope of method 700, and methods of actuating accessory devices within the scope of this disclosure may include more than Figure 7 The steps shown may include more or fewer steps.

[0050] In step 702, the user can removably attach a pull wire attachment member (including, for example, pull wire attachment member 210 or attachment member 610) of a pull wire (e.g., pull wire 206 or central shaft 622) to a fixation mechanism (e.g., second fixation mechanism 146, fixation mechanism 446, or fixation mechanism 646) of the device body (e.g., device body 110 or device body 410) of an actuating device (e.g., actuating device 104 or actuating device 404). The pull wire can be a pull wire or other control member operable to actuate distal features of the accessory medical device. The pull wire can extend through an outer sheath (e.g., outer sheath 204 or shaft 628). The outer sheath can be inserted into the body cavity of a subject (e.g., a patient undergoing endoscopic treatment), and the pull wire can operablely couple the device to an actuator 115 (e.g., including operable mechanism 444) to actuate the accessory medical device.

[0051] In step 704, the user can attach a sleeve attachment member (e.g., sleeve attachment member 208 or attachment member 608) of the outer sleeve (e.g., outer sleeve 204 or shaft 628) to the first fixing mechanism (e.g., first fixing mechanism 142 or fixing mechanism 642) of the actuating device 104. As described above, the sleeve attachment member can extend outward from the outer portion of the outer sleeve and can form a frictional engagement or other removable engagement with the first fixing mechanism.

[0052] In step 706, the user may actuate the actuator of the actuation device (e.g., actuator 115, operable mechanism 144, or operable mechanism 444) to pull, push, or otherwise move the actuator from a first position to a second position. The user may actuate the actuator with their fingers, for example, while holding the handle (e.g., handle 112) of a medical device (e.g., medical device 100). If the user pulls / pulls the actuator toward the handle, the inner pull cable may move proximally relative to the outer sheath because it is coupled to a second retaining mechanism. In embodiments where the actuator position is biased (e.g., via biasing mechanism 450), the force applied by the user may be sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing mechanism.

[0053] In step 708, the user can release the pressure on the actuator, moving the actuator from the second position to the first position. Alternatively, the user can push or pull the actuator to move it from the second position to the first position. In embodiments of the medical device having a biasing mechanism (such as biasing mechanism 450), the actuator can pivot rearward toward a biased position (e.g., the first position). This causes the inner pull cord to move distally relative to the outer sheath. In some embodiments, the actuator may not be biased in any position, and the user can use their fingers to move the actuator between each position to push and pull the actuator.

[0054] Figure 8 An embodiment of medical device 800 is shown, which includes a handle 812 and a control mechanism 830. Unless otherwise stated herein, medical device 800 may have any operable or structural performance and characteristics of medical device 100. Handle 812 may include an actuation component 804, which may have any of the characteristics of the actuation devices 104, 404 described above, unless otherwise stated herein. Although actuation devices 104, 404 may be detachably coupled to handle 112, actuation component 804 may be integrally formed with handle 812 (directly built into handle 812). In other words, actuation component 804 may be fixedly and non-removably coupled to handle 812. In some examples, the material of the housing 813 of handle 812 may form one or more elements of actuation component 804. In other examples, actuation component 804 may be formed by a separate structure and fixedly and non-removably coupled to handle 812.

[0055] Actuation assembly 804 may include any of the features described above. Actuation assembly 804 may include a first fixing mechanism 842, having any of the properties of fixing mechanisms 142, 442, 642 and / or 646. Actuation assembly 804 may further include an actuator 815, having any of the properties of actuators 115, 415. Actuator 815 may include an operable mechanism 844 (e.g., a joystick), having any of the properties of operable mechanisms 144, 444. Actuator 815 may include a second fixing mechanism 846, having any of the properties of fixing mechanisms 146, 446, 642 and / or 646.

[0056] The actuation component 804 can function according to any of the above principles; for example, the first fixing mechanism 842 can engage the accessory device (in... Figure 8A first component (e.g., a pipe / sheath / coil, not shown, but having any of the performance characteristics of the aforementioned device) is coupled to the actuation assembly 804. A second fixing mechanism 846 can couple the proximal end / part of a second component (e.g., an actuation line or cable) of the accessory device (having any of the performance characteristics of the aforementioned device) to the actuation assembly 804. The first component of the accessory device can be fixed relative to the handle 812 via a first fixing mechanism 842, and the second component of the accessory device can be movable relative to the handle 812 via a second fixing mechanism 846. Therefore, as described above, the actuation assembly 804 can be used to actuate the accessory device.

[0057] Integrating the actuation component 804 into the handle 812 offers advantages such as ease of operation and transport. Because the actuation device 804 is compatible with a variety of accessory devices, it provides the operator with a familiar and consistent actuation process for a range of accessory devices. The medical device 800 also simplifies the assembly of accessory devices that may no longer require a handle.

[0058] It should now be understood that accessory actuators can be removably attached to the handle of a medical device, allowing both the medical device and the accessory device to be operated independently by a single operator. The accessory actuator can be biased into a specific location, positioning the accessory device in a given position and ensuring better surgical procedures. Users of both the medical device and the accessory device are therefore more likely to deliver better patient outcomes for their patients, as all or more of their operational needs can be performed independently without interaction with other medical professionals.

[0059] The embodiments disclosed herein are applicable to a variety of medical and non-medical procedures. Furthermore, certain aspects of the foregoing embodiments may be selectively used in practice, or omitted, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0060] Although the principles of this disclosure have been described herein with reference to illustrative examples for a particular application, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art and who have access to the teachings provided herein will recognize that additional modifications, applications, aspects, and equivalents fall within the scope of the aspects described herein. Therefore, this disclosure should not be considered as limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. An actuating device comprising: The device body includes a first fixing mechanism configured to attach the proximal end of a first component of the medical device to the device body. An actuator, comprising an operable mechanism and a second fixing mechanism configured to attach a proximal end of a second component of the medical device to the actuator, wherein movement of the operable mechanism from a first position to a second position is configured to move the second component proximally relative to the first component, and wherein movement of the operable mechanism from the second position to the first position is configured to move the second component distally relative to the first component. At least one of the first or second components of the medical device is configured to be removably attached to the device body or the actuator, respectively.

2. The actuation device according to claim 1, wherein: The first fixing mechanism includes a first arm and a second arm, and the first member is configured to extend between the first arm and the second arm.

3. The actuation device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the actuator is pivotally mounted relative to the device body, and wherein the actuator includes a lever capable of moving the actuator about a pivot.

4. The actuation device according to claim 3, wherein a portion of the second fixing mechanism extends substantially perpendicular to a portion of the lever.

5. The actuation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device body is removably secured to the endoscope handle.

6. The actuation device according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a biasing member configured to bias the actuator at the first position or the second position.

7. The actuation device according to claim 6, wherein the biasing member is a torsion spring.

8. The actuation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second fixing mechanism comprises a pair of arms, each arm including a bent portion.

9. The actuation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation device is configured to be removably attached to an endoscope handle, the endoscope handle including a female mating member, and the device body including a corresponding male mating member for removably coupling the device body to the endoscope handle.

10. The actuation device according to claim 9, wherein the mating member is formed of a flexible material.

11. The actuation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or 6 to 8, wherein the medical device is a first medical device, and wherein the actuation device is integrally formed with the handle of the second medical device.

12. The actuation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 or 6 to 8, wherein the medical device is a first medical device, and wherein the actuation device is removably attachable to the handle of a second medical device.

13. The actuation device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component is a sheath and the second component is a pull wire.

14. The actuating device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second member includes at least one protrusion, and wherein the second fixing mechanism includes at least one hook.

15. The actuation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 6 to 8, 13 or 14, wherein the medical device is a first medical device, wherein the first fixing mechanism is configured to fix the first member of the first medical device relative to the handle of the second medical device, and wherein the second fixing mechanism is movable relative to the first fixing mechanism such that the second member of the first medical device is movable relative to the first member of the first medical device and the handle of the second medical device.

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