Medical device cap and related systems and methods of use

Abstract

In some respects, the technology described herein relates to a cap for a medical device comprising: a cylindrical body including a central cavity extending longitudinally through the cylindrical body, wherein a radially inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical body extends around the central cavity; and a first protrusion extending from the radially inwardly facing surface, wherein the first protrusion is configured to divert fluid supplied from a fluid cavity of the medical device.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 603,175, filed November 28, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention generally relates to caps for medical devices and related systems and methods. In particular, aspects of the present invention relate to caps for endoscopes or other medical devices. Background Technology

[0003] Endoscopy has gained widespread acceptance in the medical field because it provides a way to perform surgery with minimal patient trauma while allowing physicians to observe the patient's internal anatomy. Over the years, various endoscopes have been developed and classified according to specific applications, such as cystoscopy, colonoscopy, laparoscopy, and upper GI endoscopy. Endoscopes can be inserted through the body's natural orifices or through incisions in the skin. Endoscopes are typically long, thin tubular shafts, rigid or flexible, with a video camera or fiber optic lens assembly at their distal end. The shaft is connected to a handle and is usually viewed via an external screen. Various surgical instruments can be inserted through the working channels in the endoscope to perform different surgical procedures.

[0004] Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an endoscopic procedure in which a physician uses an endoscope and other flexible endoscopic tools to remove cancerous and precancerous lesions from the gastrointestinal tract. During such procedures, the endoscope is typically fitted with a transparent distal cap. This cap allows for improved optics or visualization during ESD by preventing “red-field vision” (a situation where the user cannot properly visualize tissue due to the endoscope camera being very close to it). The distal cap often cannot effectively drain fluids, which can impair the endoscope camera's field of view and increase the difficulty of using endoscopic aids. If water, blood, mucus, or feces accumulate in the distal cap, the user may have to remove the entire endoscope from the patient and clean the distal tip, increasing procedure time, cost, and / or the risk of patient injury.

[0005] This invention can solve one or more of these problems or other problems in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention relate to medical devices and systems for visualizing the internal anatomy of a patient, and related methods of use. Embodiments of the present invention can provide a space-saving component configuration within the tip section of the medical device, and / or can facilitate efficient packaging of necessary elements within the tip section while maintaining its functionality. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein may include one or more features described in conjunction with any of the other disclosed embodiments.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cap for a medical device comprising: a cylindrical body including a central cavity extending longitudinally through the cylindrical body, wherein a radially inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical body extends around the central cavity; and a first protrusion extending from the radially inwardly facing surface, wherein the first protrusion is configured to divert fluid supplied from a fluid cavity of the medical device.

[0008] In some aspects, the cap may include one or more of the following features: A first protrusion is triangular. The cap may also include a lateral cavity extending from a first opening located on a radially inward surface of the cylindrical body and a second opening located on a radially outward surface of the cylindrical body. The lateral cavity is longitudinally aligned with the first protrusion. A second protrusion may extend circumferentially around the radially inward surface of the cylindrical body. The second protrusion is configured to abut against the distal side of the medical device. The second protrusion is located at the longitudinal midpoint of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is configured to be coupled to the distal end of an endoscope. The first protrusion includes a first planar surface transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

[0009] In some aspects, the cap may include one or more of the following features: A first protruding portion further includes a proximal surface substantially parallel to the distal surface of the cylindrical body. The first protruding portion includes an L-shaped cross-section and a first planar portion substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. The first protruding portion includes a movable hinge structure. The first protruding portion is configured to rotate toward a radially inward surface of the cylindrical body. The first protruding portion is curved and extends circumferentially about the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. A second protruding portion extends circumferentially about a radially inward surface of the cylindrical body; and a lateral cavity extends from the radially inward surface of the cylindrical body to a radially outward surface, wherein the lateral cavity is located distal to the first and second protruding portions; wherein the first protruding portion is configured to guide fluid from a fluid cavity of the medical device toward the lateral cavity.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cap for a medical device comprising: a cylindrical body including a central cavity extending longitudinally through the cylindrical body, wherein a radially inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical body extends around the central cavity; and a first protrusion extending from the radially inwardly facing surface, wherein the first protrusion is configured to divert fluid supplied from a fluid cavity of the medical device.

[0011] In some aspects, the cap may include one or more of the following features: A first protrusion is triangular. A lateral cavity extends from a first opening located on a radially inward surface of the cylindrical body and a second opening located on a radially outward surface of the cylindrical body. The lateral cavity is longitudinally aligned with the first protrusion. A second protrusion extends circumferentially about the radially inward surface of the cylindrical body. The second protrusion is configured to abut against the distal side of the medical device. The second protrusion is located at the longitudinal midpoint of the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body is configured to be coupled to the distal end of an endoscope. The first protrusion includes a first planar surface transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. The first protrusion also includes a proximal surface substantially parallel to the distal surface of the cylindrical body. The first protrusion includes an L-shaped cross-section and a first planar portion substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. The first protrusion includes a movable hinge structure. The first protrusion is configured to rotate toward the radially inward surface of the cylindrical body. The first protrusion is curved and extends circumferentially about the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body. The second protrusion extends circumferentially around the radially inward surface of the cylindrical body; and the lateral cavity extends from the radially inward surface of the cylindrical body to the radially outward surface, wherein the lateral cavity is located distal to the first and second protrusions; wherein the first protrusion is configured to guide fluid from the fluid cavity of the medical device toward the lateral cavity.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cap for a medical device comprising: a cylindrical body including a central cavity extending longitudinally through the cylindrical body, wherein a radially inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical body extends around the central cavity; and a first protrusion extending from the radially inwardly facing surface, wherein the first protrusion extends circumferentially around a central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body; wherein the first protrusion includes a movable hinge structure and is configured to rotate toward the radially inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical body. In some aspects, the first protrusion is configured to redirect fluid supplied from a fluid cavity of the medical device. In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a medical device wherein the first protrusion has an L-shaped cross-section. In some aspects, a lateral cavity extends from the radially inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical body to a radially outwardly facing surface.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a cap for a medical device comprising: a cylindrical body including a central cavity extending longitudinally through the cylindrical body, wherein a radially inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical body extends around the central cavity; a first protrusion extending from the radially inwardly facing surface, wherein the first protrusion is triangular; a lateral cavity extending from the radially inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical body to a radially outwardly facing surface, wherein the lateral cavity is longitudinally aligned with the first protrusion; and a second protrusion extending circumferentially around the radially inwardly facing surface, wherein the second protrusion is configured to abut against a distal side of the medical device; wherein the first protrusion is configured to divert fluid supplied from a fluid cavity of the medical device.

[0014] It is understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not intended to limit the invention as defined in the claims. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, apparatus, or device that includes a list of elements may include not only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, apparatus, or device. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “exemplary.” The term “distal” refers to the portion furthest from the user when the device is inserted into the patient. Conversely, the term “proximal” refers to the portion closest to the user when the device is placed in the patient. In the figures, the proximal and distal directions are marked with arrows labeled “P” and “D,” respectively. Although references to endoscopes are made herein, references to endoscopes or endoscopic examinations should not be construed as limiting the possible applications of the disclosed aspects. For example, the disclosed aspects can be used with duodenoscopy, bronchoscopy, ureteroscopy, colonoscopy, catheters, diagnostic or therapeutic instruments or devices, or other types of medical devices. Furthermore, relative terms such as, for example, “about,” “substantially,” and “approximately,” are used to indicate possible variations of ±10% in a specified value or range. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an endoscope system according to various aspects of the present invention and an enlarged view of the distal end of the endoscope of the endoscope system.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the distal tip section of a medical device according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 3This is a perspective view of a cap for use with a medical device according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 According to various aspects of the present invention Figure 3 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the cap.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of another cap used with a medical device according to various aspects of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Reference will now be made in detail to various aspects of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same or similar reference numerals will be used in all the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0022] Embodiments of the present invention aim to improve caps for medical devices and / or facilitate surgery involving capped medical devices. Embodiments of the present invention aim to enhance the physician's ability to clean caps and / or manipulate capped medical devices, such as endoscopes, during surgery.

[0023] Figure 1 An exemplary endoscopic examination system 100 is illustrated. The endoscopic examination system 100 may include an endoscope 104. The endoscope 104 may include a handle assembly 120 and a flexible tubular shaft 102. The flexibility of the shaft 102 may be sufficient to allow the shaft 102 to bend, facilitating navigation of the shaft 102 through the subject's tortuous anatomical pathways. The shaft 102 may terminate at a distal tip 101. The shaft 102 may include a hinge segment 122 for deflecting the distal tip 101 in upward, downward, leftward, and / or rightward directions. In one example, the hinge segment 122 may provide full recurve (e.g., the distal tip 101 rotates through an arc of 180 degrees) or only partial recurve (e.g., the distal tip 101 rotates through an arc of less than 180 degrees). The endoscope 104 may also include one or more lumens extending therethrough, and one or more openings communicating with the one or more lumens. For example, one or more lumens may extend through the handle assembly 120 and the shaft 102, and one or more openings may be located on the handle assembly 120 and the distal tip 101. The endoscope 104 may be any suitable component for insertion into a patient, such as, for example, an endoscope, gastroscope, ureteroscope, nephroscope, colonoscope, hysteroscope, bronchoscope, cystoscope, duodenoscope, sheath, or catheter.

[0024] One or more auxiliary devices may be operatively coupled to endoscope 104. Exemplary auxiliary devices may include controller 106, imaging system 108, power supply 112, display 114, fluid supply device 116, and / or vacuum source 118, each of which is briefly described below. Controller 106 may include, for example, any electronic device capable of receiving, storing, processing, generating, and / or transmitting data according to instructions given by one or more programs. Controller 106 may be operatively coupled to or as part of endoscope 104 and other auxiliary devices to control one or more aspects of their operation. Power supply 112 may include any suitable power source and associated connectors (e.g., conductive wires) for powering the auxiliary devices and electronic components in endoscope 104. Fluid supply device 116 may include a reservoir, medical irrigation bag, pump, and any suitable connectors (e.g., tubing for fluid connection between fluid supply device 116 and endoscope 104). The pump can supply a pressurized fluid flow to one or more cavities in the endoscope 104, and the pressurized fluid flow can be emitted from the distal tip 101 and / or used to inflate the expandable component present at the distal tip 101. The vacuum source 118 can provide suction or vacuum pressure to one or more cavities of the endoscope, and thus provide suction force or negative pressure to draw material toward and / or into the endoscope 104 and / or to expand and contract the expandable component.

[0025] The imaging system 108 may include imaging electronics to, for example, process signals received from the image sensor in the endoscope 104, send signals for controlling the image sensor, adjust the illumination level of the area observed by the image sensor, and / or facilitate the display of image sensor data on the display 114.

[0026] The distal tip 101 may include one or more image sensors 129 and one or more illuminators 131, which in Figure 1 A magnified view of the distal tip 101 of the endoscope 104 is shown. One or more image sensors 129 may include charge-coupled device image sensors, complementary metal-oxide image semiconductors, etc., coupled to cables or wires traveling through the axis 102 of the endoscope 104. One or more illuminators 131 may include light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc. In some examples, one or more windows (not shown) may be located in front of one or more illuminators 131.

[0027] The distal tip 101 may include one or more fluid cavities 132. The fluid cavity 132 may extend from the proximal portion of the endoscope 104 to the distal tip 101 and may include an opening at the distal front end face 135 of the distal tip 101. The fluid cavity 132 may be a fluid jetting cavity and may include one or more nozzles located at the distal front end face 135. The fluid cavity 132 may be configured to jet fluid away from the distal front end face 135. For example, the fluid cavity 132 may be configured to jet fluid away from the distal front end face 135 in a direction perpendicular to the distal front end face 135. In other examples, the fluid cavity 132 may be configured to jet fluid away from the distal front end face 135 in a direction forming an acute angle with the distal front end face 135. In some examples, the fluid cavity 132 may be configured to jet fluid substantially tangentially and / or across the distal front end face 135, for example, to clean the image sensor 129 or a window on the distal front end face 135 corresponding to the image sensor 129. The embodiments of the distal cap discussed below can be configured to clean the distal cap using one or more fluid chambers 132.

[0028] The tool 127 can be inserted into the working channel or lumen 125 of the endoscope 104, and the tool 127 can exit from the distal end of the lumen 125. The tool 127 may include, for example, brushes such as wire brushes, guidewires, cutting or grasping forceps, biopsy devices, snares, injection needles, cutting blades, electrosurgical scalpels, scissors, retractable baskets, retrieval devices, ablation and / or electrophysiological catheters, stent placement devices, surgical suture devices, balloon catheters, laser emitting devices, and / or any other suitable therapeutic or diagnostic aids. As shown in the enlarged view of the distal tip 101, the circumference of the tool 127 about its longitudinal axis is less than the circumference about the longitudinal axis of the lumen 125, and its cross-sectional diameter is less than the diameter of the lumen 125.

[0029] Figure 2An exemplary distal portion 201 of a medical device, such as an endoscope 104, is shown, with a cap 225 positioned on the distal portion 201. The cap 225 is shown transparent to show the distal end face 223 of the distal portion 201. The distal portion 201 may include a camera or other image sensor 231, a working channel 229, an illuminator 247, and a fluid cavity 245, such as a fluid jet cavity. The cap 225 may be cylindrical and may include a central cavity 237 formed by a radially inwardly facing surface 236 curved relative to the central longitudinal axis 299 of the cap 225. The central cavity 237 may be sized to receive an axis 222 of the medical device, such that the cap 225 can be removably coupled to the axis 222. The diameter of the central cavity 237 may be substantially equal to the diameter of the axis 222. The radially inward-facing surface 236 of the cap 225 may be circular and may be configured to abut against the radially outward-facing surface 251 of the shaft 222, and the radially inward-facing surface 236 may extend perpendicularly from the distal end face 223. The cap 225 may be configured to fit onto the distal end face 223 of the shaft 222 such that when the cap 225 is coupled to the shaft 222, a first portion 233 of the cap 225 extends distally from the distal end face 223, and a second portion 234 (indicated by the length indicator arrow 295 across the second portion 234 of the cap 225) extends proximally from the distal end face 223. In some examples, the first portion 233 of the cap 225 may be half of the cap 225, and the second portion 234 of the cap 225 may be the other half of the cap 225. In other examples, the first portion 233 of the cap 225 may be one-third of the cap 225, and the second portion 234 of the cap 225 may be two-thirds of the cap 225. In other examples, the first portion 233 can be any other part of the cap 225 other than half or one-third, and the second portion can be the remaining part of the cap 225. The length indicator arrow 295 also indicates the overlapping portion of the cap 225 with the shaft 222. The distal end face 227 of the cap 225 can be located entirely beyond the distal end face 223 of the shaft 222 and can be circular.

[0030] In some examples, the distal face 227 may be curved and may be configured to be non-invasive when abutting against patient tissue. In some examples, the cavity 237 may have a smaller diameter across a first portion 233 of the cap 225 and a larger diameter across a second portion 234 of the cap to provide a stop flange extending circumferentially around a radially inwardly facing surface 236, which may abut against a portion of the distal face 223 (e.g., a radially lateral portion) when the cap 225 is coupled to the shaft 222.

[0031] The lateral cavity 239 may extend through the first portion 233 of the cap 225 and may include a first opening 261 at the radially outermost surface 241 relative to the central longitudinal axis 299, and a second opening 262 at the radially inward surface 236. The lateral cavity 239 may be configured as a fluid outlet cavity, allowing fluid to flow from the inner portion of the cap 225 (e.g., within cavity 237) to the outside of the cap 225. The lateral cavity 239 may be positioned within the first portion 233 of the cap 225 such that when the cap 225 is coupled to the shaft 222, the lateral cavity 239 is entirely located distal to the distal end face 223. In other examples (not shown), when the cap 225 is coupled to the shaft 222, the lateral cavity 239 may be partially located distal to the distal end face 223. Figure 3 As shown, the lateral cavity 239 can be longitudinally aligned with and positioned distal to the protrusion 253 of the cap.

[0032] Figure 3 A perspective view of the cap 225 is shown, in which the cap 225 is shown as transparent to expose its features. A protrusion 255 may extend around the circumference of a radially inward-facing surface 236 and may project toward the central longitudinal axis 299 of the cap 225. Although shown as circular, the protrusion 255 may be any suitable shape, may extend only across a portion of the circumference of the radially inward-facing surface 236, may include multiple protrusions, and / or may be rectangular or any other shape. The protrusion 255 may be positioned at the longitudinal midpoint of the cap 225, or may be positioned at any other location along the length of the cap 225. The protrusion 255 may be configured to abut against the distal face 223 and may help prevent the user from pushing the cap 225 further onto the axis 222. In these respects, the protrusion 255 may help allow the user to properly position the cap 225 onto the axis 222 of the medical device.

[0033] The protrusion 253 may be located distal to the protrusion 255 and adjacent to the lateral cavity 239. In other examples, the protrusion 253 may be located on the side of the central cavity 237 opposite to the lateral cavity 239, or may be located at any other location distal to the protrusion 255. The protrusion 253 may be triangular and may be configured to redirect fluid exiting from the fluid cavity 245 of the medical device. The angles of the triangular shape of the protrusion 253 may point proximally and may be configured to align with the fluid cavity 245 of the medical device. The protrusion 253 may be configured to facilitate redirection of fluid movement toward the radially inward-facing surface 236, which may facilitate cleaning debris from the cap 225.

[0034] Figure 4An enlarged portion of the cap 225 is shown, with a portion indicated by crosshairs. The protrusion 253 can be configured to be positioned within the fluid movement path from the fluid cavity 245. The lateral surface 471 of the protrusion 253 can be planar and angled relative to the central longitudinal axis 299 of the cap 225. The lateral surface 471 can be configured to redirect fluid movement from the fluid cavity 245. Figure 4 As shown, the protrusion 253 may abut against the protrusion 255. In other examples, the protrusion 253 may be spaced apart from the protrusion 255. The proximal surface 472 of the protrusion 253 may be substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 299. Surfaces 471, 472 may be configured to direct fluid flow from the fluid cavity 245 toward the radially inward-facing surface 236 of the cap 225 to clean the cap 225. In some examples, the protrusion 253 may be configured to disperse or otherwise guide fluid from the fluid cavity 245 in multiple directions, such as in a conical or fan-shaped pattern. After deviating from the protrusion 253, the redirected fluid from the fluid cavity 245 may be configured to directly guide debris away from the cap 225 and / or toward the lateral cavity 239. The proximal-facing surface 356 of the protrusion 255 may be configured to abut against the distal surface 223.

[0035] In operation, the user engages the cap 225 to the shaft 222 by sliding the second portion 234 of the cap 225 onto the shaft 222 (e.g., proximally) until the protrusion 255 abuts against the distal end face 223. In some examples, the cap 225 may not include the protrusion 255, and the user may simply slide the cap 225 onto the shaft 222. Then, in some examples, the user may align the protrusion 253 longitudinally with the fluid cavity 245. The user may then actuate the fluid supply device, for example, via the controller 106, to supply fluid flow to the fluid cavity 245. Once fluid flow is activated, fluid may be discharged from the fluid cavity 245, deflected from the protrusion 253, and moved toward the radially inward-facing surface 236 of the cap 225 to aid in cleaning the cap 225. In some examples, the fluid flow may displace debris out of the central cavity 237 and / or out of the lateral cavities 239.

[0036] Figure 5 A perspective view of an alternative embodiment of cap 525 is shown. Cap 525 is shown as transparent to allow for observation of portions of cap 525, and cap 525 may have any of the features described herein with respect to cap 225. Cap 525 may include a proximal end 561, a distal end face 527, a first portion 533, a second portion 534, a radially outward-facing surface 541, a radially inward-facing surface 536, a protruding portion 553, a circular protruding portion 555, and a central cavity 537. The circular protruding portion 555 may be substantially identical to protrusion 255.

[0037] like Figure 5 As shown, the protrusion 553 may have a curved body extending longitudinally from a radially inward surface 536 toward the central longitudinal axis 599 of the cap 525. The protrusion 553 may have an L-shaped cross-section with a first planar portion 583 and a second planar portion 584. The first planar portion 583 may be substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 599, and the second planar portion 584 may be substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 599. The protrusion 553 may span the fluid cavity 245 ( Figure 2 The distal opening of the cap 525 extends and can be configured to direct fluid flow toward the radially inward-facing surface 536 of the cap 525. The protrusion 553 can be configured not to obstruct the working channels 125, 229 of the medical device. In some examples, the protrusion 553 can be curved and can extend about a central longitudinal axis 599. The protrusion 553 can extend radially inward from the radially inward-facing surface 536 to a first end 582 of the protrusion 553.

[0038] The protrusion 553 may be movable and may be a movable hinge structure. For example, the protrusion 553 may include a movable hinge structure configured to allow the protrusion 553 to rotate about a pivot point 591. Although not shown, in some examples, the protrusion 553 may rotate to a position substantially flush with the radially inward-facing surface 536. The protrusion 553 may be oriented as... Figure 5 The extended position shown is offset, and when a threshold amount of force is applied to the protrusion 553, it can rotate to a position substantially flush with the radially inward-facing surface 536.

[0039] In some examples, the protrusion 553 can be configured to direct fluid toward the radially inward-facing surface 536 when a user applies a small amount of water through the fluid cavity 245 (e.g., a short pulse of fluid ejected from the fluid cavity 245, such as applying fluid flow to the fluid cavity 245 for 3 seconds or less). In this example, when the user maintains fluid flow through the fluid cavity 245 for an extended period of time (e.g., more than 3 seconds or any other threshold period of time, such as more than 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 15 seconds, or 30 seconds), the protrusion 553 can be rotated to a retracted position by the force exerted by the fluid flow from the fluid cavity 245, in which the protrusion 553 is substantially flush with the radially inward-facing surface 536. When the protrusion 553 is rotated to the retracted position, the fluid cavity 245 can be operated for normal irrigation, e.g., in which fluid is discharged distally toward the patient's body cavity.

[0040] Any of the caps 225 and 525 described herein may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, PEBAX, or any other suitable material. Any of the caps 225 and 525 may be one-piece or made of multiple materials. In some examples, cap 225 may be made of any suitable polymer material and may be optically transparent or partially transparent. In any of the above embodiments, caps 225 and 525 may include one or more components that are metal, polymer, machined, molded, stamped, insert-molded, or any combination thereof. Any aspect of any of the above embodiments of caps 225 and 525 may be incorporated into any of the other caps 225 and 525 described herein.

[0041] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed apparatus and methods without departing from the scope of the invention. Other aspects of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of this specification and the features disclosed herein. This specification and embodiments should be considered as exemplary only.

Claims

1. A cap for a medical device, comprising: A cylindrical body, the cylindrical body including a central cavity extending longitudinally through the cylindrical body, wherein a radially inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical body extends around the central cavity; and A first protrusion extending from the radially inward-facing surface, wherein the first protrusion is configured to redirect fluid supplied from the fluid cavity of the medical device.

2. The cap of claim 1, wherein, The first protruding part is triangular.

3. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a lateral cavity extending from a first opening located on a radially inward surface of the cylindrical body and a second opening located on a radially outward surface of the cylindrical body.

4. The cap of claim 3, wherein, The lateral cavity is longitudinally aligned with the first protruding portion.

5. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a second protrusion extending circumferentially around the radially inward surface of the cylindrical body.

6. The cap of claim 5, wherein, The second protruding portion is configured to abut against the distal side of the medical device.

7. The cap of claim 6, wherein, The second protruding portion is located at the longitudinal midpoint of the cylindrical body.

8. The cap of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cylindrical body is configured to be attached to the distal end of the endoscope.

9. The cap according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first protruding portion includes a first planar surface that is transverse to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

10. The cap of claim 9, wherein, The first protruding portion also includes a proximal surface that is substantially parallel to the distal surface of the cylindrical body.

11. The cap of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first protruding portion includes an L-shaped cross-section and a first planar portion that is substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

12. The cap of any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first protruding portion includes a movable hinge structure.

13. The cap of claim 12, wherein, The first protrusion is configured to rotate toward the radially inward surface of the cylindrical body.

14. The cap of claim 1, wherein, The first protruding portion is curved and extends circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

15. The cap according to claim 1, further comprising: A second protruding portion extending circumferentially around the radially inwardly facing surface of the cylindrical body; as well as A lateral cavity extending from the radially inward surface of the cylindrical body to the radially outward surface, wherein the lateral cavity is located distal to the first protrusion and the second protrusion; The first protruding portion is configured to guide fluid from the fluid cavity of the medical device toward the lateral cavity.

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