Modular medical device and method of use thereof

Abstract

The medical device includes a first body including a first actuating member including a first connector and a second actuating member. The medical device includes a second body for attachment to and removal from the first body. The second body includes an actuating wire, a second connector at a proximal end of the actuating wire, and a valve having one or more channels for receiving a substance. Attaching the first body to the second body causes the first connector to engage the second connector, whereby movement of the first actuating member causes corresponding movement of the actuating wire. Moving the second actuating member into the second body to interact with the valve is configured to selectively direct the substance through the one or more channels.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to modular medical systems, devices, and associated methods. For example, the present disclosure includes systems, devices, and associated methods for utilizing modular medical devices that include reusable and disposable components to treat a target site of a subject. [Background technology]

[0002] A particular medical device may be utilized in multiple procedures to treat multiple patients. Such medical devices may undergo thorough sterilization and / or reprocessing prior to reuse to be safely prepared for use in subsequent procedures. However, despite thorough cleaning measures, reuse of medical devices across multiple procedures may result in cross-contamination between patients, which may result in infection and other post-procedure complications for the patient. Disposable medical devices may be employed in place of reusable medical devices, but providing single-use of components may result in increased costs. There may be limited medical devices that are reusable or disposable to provide a balance between minimizing contamination and saving costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Aspects of the present disclosure relate, among other things, to systems, devices, and methods for modular medical devices including disposable and reusable components. Each of the aspects disclosed herein may include one or more of the features described in association with any of the other disclosed aspects.

[0004] According to one example, a medical device comprises a first body including a first actuating member including a first connector and a second actuating member, and a second body for attachment to and detachment from the first body, the second body including an actuating wire, a second connector at a proximal end of the actuating wire, and a valve having one or more channels for receiving a substance, wherein attachment of the first body to the second body causes the first connector to engage the second connector, whereby movement of the first actuating member causes corresponding movement of the actuating wire, and moving the second actuating member into the second body to interact with the valve is configured to selectively direct the substance through the one or more channels.

[0005] Any of the medical devices described herein may include any of the following features: The second actuation member is configured to close at least one opening of the one or more channels by at least partially deforming a valve at the opening. The second body includes a movable valve body disposed within the valve, the movable valve body being biased to a first position by a biasing mechanism disposed relative to the movable valve body. The second actuation member is configured to compress the biasing mechanism and move the movable valve to a second position. The first body includes a channel, and the second body includes a fluid tube configured to receive a substance from a source, the channel configured to receive the fluid tube through the first body. The first body includes an actuator coupled to the first actuation member, and the second body includes a shaft coupled to a distal end of the actuation wire. The actuator is configured to move the first actuation member when the first connector is engaged with the second connector, and to articulate the shaft in response to the first actuation member moving the actuation wire. The first connector includes a gripper and the second connector includes a pair of pins, the pair of pins defining a gap between the pair of pins sized to receive the gripper. The gripper is configured to extend through the gap to engage the pair of pins to couple the first actuation member to the actuation wire. The gripper is configured to extend through the gap in response to the first body rotating in a first direction relative to the second body when the first body is at least partially received within the second body. The gripper is configured to disengage the pair of pins from the gripper in response to the first body rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the second body. The actuation wire is configured to move relative to the second body in response to the first actuation member moving relative to the first body. The first body includes an actuator coupled to a gear, the first actuation member including a gear rack configured to mesh with the gear.The actuator is configured to translate the first actuation member and the first connector by rotating the gear. The actuator further includes a locking mechanism having a pin on the first body and an opening on the second body configured to receive the pin when the first body is received within and rotated relative to the second body, thereby fixing an axial position of the first body relative to the second body.

[0006] According to another example, a medical device includes a proximal handle including a handle housing including a channel, an actuation rod disposed within the handle housing and movable relative to the handle housing, and an actuator movably coupled to the actuation rod, and a shaft assembly including a shaft housing including a fluid tube configured to extend proximally from the shaft housing and extend through the channel of the handle housing, a valve manifold disposed within the shaft housing, and at least one fluid channel defined by the valve manifold and in fluid communication with the fluid tube, and the actuator configured to control fluid communication between the at least one fluid channel and the fluid tube by abutting the actuation rod against the valve manifold to at least partially deform the valve manifold.

[0007] Any of the medical devices described herein may include any of the following features: the valve manifold includes a movable valve body and a biasing mechanism disposed within the valve manifold, the movable valve body being biased to a default position when the biasing mechanism is in an expanded configuration, and the at least one fluid channel being in fluid communication with the fluid tube when the movable valve body is in the default position; the actuator is configured to move the movable valve body to an actuated position by biasing the biasing mechanism to a compressed configuration, and the at least one fluid channel is not in fluid communication with the fluid tube when the movable valve body is in the actuated position. The proximal handle includes a first connector and a second actuation rod coupled to the first connector, the first connector being movable relative to the handle housing in response to movement of the second actuation rod, the shaft assembly includes a second connector and an actuation wire coupled to the second connector, the second connector being movable relative to the shaft housing in response to movement of the actuation wire, and the second actuation rod is configured to move the actuation wire when the first connector is mated with the second connector.

[0008] According to a further example, a medical device includes a first body including an actuator and a movable rod coupled to the actuator and configured to move in response to actuation of the actuator, and a second body selectively attachable to the first body, the second body including a valve having a flexible body and a plurality of channels configured to deliver a substance through the second body, the actuator configured to selectively divert the substance through the plurality of channels in response to moving the movable rod relative to the valve to at least partially deform the flexible body.

[0009] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary medical device including a reusable body and a disposable body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a partial side view of a reusable body of the medical device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 3 is a partial side view of a disposable body of the medical device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial side view of a reusable body coupled to a disposable body of the medical device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a partial side view of the interface between the reusable and disposable bodies of the medical device of FIG. 1, with the medical device in a separated state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a partial side view of the interface between the reusable and disposable bodies of the medical device of FIG. 1, with the medical device placed in an unlocked state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a partial side view of the interface between the reusable and disposable bodies of the medical device of FIG. 1, with the medical device placed in a locked state, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a reusable body and a disposable body of the medical device of FIG. 1, where the reusable body includes a first connector assembly and the disposable body includes a second connector assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the reusable body of the medical device of FIG. 1 with a first connector assembly disposed within the reusable body, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a top view of the disposable body of the medical device of FIG. 1 with a second connector assembly disposed within the disposable body, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 9A is a cross-sectional view of a first connector assembly disengaged from a second connector assembly of the medical device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 9B is a cross-sectional view of a first connector assembly engaged to a second connector assembly of the medical device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 10A is a partial cross-sectional view of a first connector assembly disengaged from a second connector assembly of the medical device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] 10B is a partial cross-sectional view of a first connector assembly engaged to a second connector assembly of the medical device of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of a reusable body of the medical device of FIG. 1 including multiple actuators according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12A] 12A is a partial cross-sectional view of a disposable body of the medical device of FIG. 1 including a valve manifold in a default configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12B] 12B is a partial cross-sectional view of the disposable body of the medical device of FIG. 1 with the valve manifold at least partially deformed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12C] 12C is a partial cross-sectional view of the disposable body of the medical device of FIG. 1 with the valve manifold at least partially deformed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12D] FIG. 12D is a partial cross-sectional view of the disposable body of the medical device of FIG. 1 with the valve manifold at least partially deformed, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The present disclosure relates in certain embodiments to a modular medical device having reusable and disposable components. In some procedures, the reuse of a medical device (e.g., an endoscope) previously utilized in a previous procedure for the same or different patient may be common after the device undergoes sterilization and / or reprocessing measures. Such measures are generally costly and may be incomplete because subsequent patients may be at increased risk of contracting diseases (e.g., infections) due to cross-contamination of equipment from previous medical procedures. While employing a single-use medical device may minimize the cases of utilizing a contaminated device in a subsequent procedure, disposal of a single-use device may not provide an efficient balance between cost savings and minimizing contamination.

[0012] Examples of the present disclosure include systems, devices, and methods for a modular medical device including a reusable body (e.g., handle) and a disposable body (e.g., tube) for treating a target treatment site within a subject (e.g., patient). The reusable body may be disposed outside the target treatment site during a procedure such that contamination of the reusable body may be minimized, thereby allowing the reusable body to be reused in subsequent treatments with reduced risk of cross-contamination between patients. At least a portion of the disposable body may be received within the target treatment site during a procedure and disassembled from the reusable body once the treatment is completed, thereby allowing disposal of the disposable body and minimizing subsequent patient contamination.

[0013] In an example, accessing the target treatment site may include intraluminal placement of a medical device within a patient, such as through an anatomical passageway via a natural orifice. The orifice may be, for example, the nose, mouth, or anus, and may be placed in any portion of the GI tract, including the esophagus, stomach, duodenum, large intestine, or small intestine. It may also be placed within the GI tract, other body lumens, or other organs or other body spaces accessible via an orifice within the body. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular medical procedure or treatment site within the body.

[0014] Examples of the present disclosure may relate to devices and methods for performing various medical procedures and / or treating portions of the large intestine (colon), small intestine, cecum, esophagus, any other portion of the digestive tract, and / or any other suitable patient anatomical structure (collectively referred to herein as "target treatment sites"). As noted above, the present disclosure is not limited to any particular medical device or method, and aspects of the present disclosure may be used in connection with any suitable medical tool and / or method at any suitable site within the body.

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to aspects of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. The term "distal" refers to the portion of the device that is furthest from the user when introduced into a patient. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device that is closest to the user when placed within a subject. As used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprising", or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or device that comprises a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or device. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "ideal". As used herein, the terms "about", "substantially", and "approximately" indicate a range of values ​​within + / - 10% of the stated value.

[0016] 1 illustrates an exemplary medical device 100 according to one or more examples of the present disclosure. Medical device 100 may include a first (reusable) body 110, an umbilicus assembly 120, and a second (disposable) body 150. Medical device 100 can have a modular configuration such that first body 110 and second body 150 can be selectively coupled and decoupled from one another, and such that first body 110 and umbilicus assembly 120 can be selectively coupled and decoupled from one another.

[0017] The first body 110 and / or umbilicus assembly 120 may be configured such that the first body 110 and / or umbilicus assembly 120 are reusable across multiple procedures. The second body 150 may be configured such that the second body 150 is disposable after a single use. Thus, at least a portion of the medical device 100 (e.g., the second body 150) may be disassembled and discarded after use in a procedure. In some embodiments, the first body 110 may be coupled to a variety of second (disposable) bodies, each of which may be configured and operable for use in a particular procedure and / or target anatomy.

[0018] 2, the first body 110 can define a reusable proximal handle including a housing 112 having a longitudinal length defined between a proximal end 114 and a distal end 116. The first body 110 can include one or more control knobs movably coupled to the housing 112 at the proximal end 114. In this example, the first body 110 can include a first control knob 115A, a second control knob 115B, and a third control knob 115C. The first control knob 115A and the second control knob 115B can be configured to couple to and control a movable actuation rod disposed within the housing 112 (see FIG. 6). As further described herein, a movable actuation rod disposed within housing 112 may be coupled to one or more components of second body 150, such as shaft 158, such that control knob 115 may be configured to selectively move shaft 158 ​​of second body 150 (e.g., articulate a distal portion of shaft 158). Third control knob 115C may be configured to selectively lock first control knob 115A and second control knob 115B in a fixed position.

[0019] The first body 110 may further include a plurality of actuators (e.g., depressable buttons, rotatable knobs, etc.) at the proximal end 114, such as, for example, a first actuator 117, a second actuator 118, and a third actuator 119. Each of the plurality of actuators may be coupled to and configured to control a corresponding movable rod disposed within the housing 112 (see FIGS. 6 and 11). The movable rod disposed within the housing 112 may be coupled to one or more components of the second body 150, such as elevators or valves, such that the plurality of actuators may be configured to selectively actuate one or more of the elevators or valves of the second body 150. In this example, the first actuator 117 may be coupled to an elevator of the second body 150 disposed at a distal tip 159 of the shaft 158 ​​(see FIG. 1). Pivoting of the actuator 117 may raise the elevator of the second body 150. The second actuator 118 and the third actuator 119 can selectively actuate the valve manifold 170 of the second body 150 (see Figures 12A-12C) to establish fluid communication between the first body 110, the umbilicus assembly 120, the second body 150, and / or an external device 10 fluidly coupled to the medical device 100 (see Figure 1).

[0020] 2 , the first body 110 may include an internal channel 111 disposed within the housing 112 and extending between a proximal end 114 and a distal end 116. The internal channel 111 may be sized and shaped to receive one or more components of the second body 150, such as a fluid tube assembly 155 (see FIG. 3 ). The distal end 116 may be configured to couple with the second body 150 to couple the first body 110 to the second body 150. As illustrated and described in further detail herein, the distal end 116 may be sized and shaped to be at least partially received within the second body 150 to couple the first body 110 to the second body 150, thereby assembling the medical device 100.

[0021] Additionally, first body 110 may include a first connector assembly 130 disposed within housing 112 and extending distally from distal end 116. As described in detail below, first connector assembly 130 may be configured to mate with a corresponding connector assembly (e.g., second connector assembly 160) of second body 150 to operably couple one or more components (e.g., control knob 115, first actuator 117) of first body 110 with one or more components of second body 150 (see FIG. 6 ).

[0022] The medical device 100 may further include a locking mechanism for selectively securing the first body 110 to the second body 150 (see FIGS. 5A-5C). For example, the locking mechanism may include a depressible pin 113 disposed along a distal end 116 of the first body 110. As described in further detail herein, the pin 113 may be biased radially outward from the housing 112 by a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring) disposed against an inner surface of the pin 113, such that the pin 113 may be biased to an extended state in the absence of application of a radially inward force, such as from the second body 150, when the distal end 116 is received within the second body 150.

[0023] Returning to FIG. 1 , the umbilicus assembly 120 may include an umbilicus tube 122, an umbilicus connector 124, and a number of connections on the umbilicus connector 124. The umbilicus tube 122 may include a number of channels (not shown) configured to receive one or more electronic cables (not shown) from the umbilicus connector 124. The electronic cables may be configured to electrically couple to corresponding electronic cables in the first body 110. In some embodiments, the first body 110 may include a first electronic cable (not shown) disposed within the housing 112 and terminating at a port at the proximal end 114 through which the umbilicus tube 122 is received and having an electrical connector accessible from the port at the proximal end 114. The first electronic cable may be coupled to a second electronic cable disposed within the umbilicus assembly 120 by connecting the electrical connector of the first electronic cable to a corresponding electrical connector of the second electronic cable.

[0024] For example, the electrical connectors of the first electronic cable and the second electronic cable may be manually connected to each other by a user of the medical device 100. In other examples, the corresponding electrical connectors may automatically mate with each other when the first body 110 is coupled to the umbilicus assembly 120. Electronic devices and / or instruments (e.g., imaging devices, lighting devices, sensors, etc.) may be communicatively coupled to the electronic cables of the umbilicus assembly 120 via multiple connectors on the umbilicus connector 124. The umbilicus connector 124 may include at least a first connector 127 (e.g., a first device connection) for coupling an imaging device to the medical device 100 and a second connector 129 (e.g., a second device connection) for coupling a lighting device to the medical device 100.

[0025] In some embodiments, umbilicus assembly 120 and first body 110 may be integral components with one another, such that first body 110 and umbilicus assembly 120 may be fixedly attached to one another. In this example, electronic cables and / or wires from umbilicus connector 124 may extend through umbilicus tube 122 and housing 112. Appropriate electronic connections and other circuitry may be disposed within housing 112 for image capture functions, such as by activating button 126.

[0026] Still referring to FIG. 1 , the second body 150 may define a disposable shaft assembly including a housing 152 having a longitudinal length defined between a proximal end 154 and a distal end 156. The second body 150 may include one or more ports 151 to facilitate access into the housing 152, such as for receipt of one or more devices or instruments. Stated differently, the one or more ports 151 may be sized, shaped, and configured to receive one or more devices (not shown), such as, for example, a sample collection device, a biopsy forceps, a grasper, or any other therapeutic or diagnostic tool, into the second body 150. In this example, biological material (e.g., biohazardous fluid) extracted from the target treatment site by the medical device 100 may be collected in a sample collection device coupled to the second body 150 at the port 151. Thus, the first body 110 and umbilicus assembly 120 can be isolated from receiving such biological matter, thereby minimizing potential contamination of the reusable components of the medical device 100.

[0027] It should be appreciated that by locating the one or more ports 151 on the second body 150 (as opposed to the first body 110), the number of devices passing through the housing 112 is reduced, thereby minimizing wear and tear on the first body 110 (i.e., the reusable handle). In this example, the at least one port 151 may be located along the housing 152 adjacent the distal end 156. The second body 150 may further include a flexible shaft 158 ​​extending distally from the distal end 156, which may include a distal tip 159, where one or more devices received in the second body 150 may exit the shaft 158.

[0028] 3, the second body 150 may include a (disposable) fluid tube assembly 155 coupled to the housing 152 at a proximal end 154. The fluid tube assembly 155 may include a flexible shaft extending proximally from the proximal end 154. The fluid tube assembly 155 may include one or more fluid channels (not shown) extending between a first end of the fluid tube assembly 155 (coupled to the housing 152) and a second end 157 of the fluid tube assembly 155 opposite the first end. For example, the fluid tube assembly 155 may include a suction channel, a water channel, a pressurized air channel, etc. The one or more fluid channels may be configured to receive and / or deliver various fluids during use of the medical device 100, including, for example, water, air, saline, etc.

[0029] In some embodiments, the second end 157 may be coupled to one or more external devices 10, such as, for example, a negative pressure media source, a water supply, a pressurized air source, etc. (see FIG. 1). The external device 10 may include multiple nozzles (e.g., a suction valve nozzle for coupling a negative pressure media source, a water valve nozzle for coupling a water supply, an air nozzle for coupling a pressurized air source, etc.). In this example, fluid delivered from and / or received by the external device 10 can be isolated from the first body 110 and the umbilicus assembly 120 by delivering fluid from and / or to the external device 10 via the fluid tube assembly 155.

[0030] 4, the fluid tube assembly 155 may be sized, shaped, and configured to extend through the housing 112, and in particular through the internal channel 111, when the first body 110 is coupled to the second body 150. In this example, the internal channel 111 may receive the fluid tube assembly 155, and the second end 157 may extend outwardly from the housing 112 at a location adjacent the proximal end 114 (e.g., via a port) to facilitate coupling of the fluid tube assembly 155 to the external device 10. The multiple fluid channels of the fluid tube assembly 155 may be in fluid communication with one or more fluid channels disposed in the housing 152 and shaft 158, such as one or more corresponding suction channels, pressurized air channels, water channels, etc. As described in detail below, the second actuator 118 and the third actuator 119 may be configured to selectively connect and / or disconnect one or more fluid channels of the fluid tube assembly 155 with corresponding fluid channels in the shaft 158.

[0031] It should be appreciated that first body 110 and / or umbilicus assembly 120 may thus be isolated from receiving such fluids, thereby minimizing potential contamination of reusable components of medical device 100. Stated another way, only second body 150 (i.e., the disposable components) may be exposed to fluids during use of medical device 100, and may be disassembled from first body 110 and discarded after use in a procedure. By limiting exposure of first body 110 and umbilicus assembly 120 to fluids and / or biological material, sterilization and reprocessing of first body 110 and umbilicus assembly 120 may be eliminated and / or minimized.

[0032] As briefly described above, the medical device 100 can include a locking mechanism for attaching the first body 110 to the second body 150, where the first body 110 includes a depressible pin 113. The second body 150 can include a groove (not shown) disposed along an inner surface of the proximal end 154, and in particular along a proximal edge of the proximal end 154, which groove aligns with a distal edge of the distal end 116 when the first body 110 is received within the second body 150. The groove can be sized and shaped to receive the depressible pin 113 when the distal end 116 is received within the proximal end 154.

[0033] 9A and 10A, the depressible pin 113 may be disposed within the second body 150 and received within a groove in the proximal end 154 and compressed radially inward (against the radially outward biasing force of a spring) by the inner surface of the proximal end 154. The medical device 100 may be configured such that when the depressible pin 113 is aligned with an opening 153 formed in the groove along the inner surface of the proximal end 154, rotation of the first body 110 relative to the second body 150, or vice versa, can lock the first body 110 to the second body 150.

[0034] 9B and 10B, the pressable pin 113 can extend radially outward from the first body 110 through the second body 150 when aligned with the opening 153. In this example, the radially outward biasing force of a spring urges the pressable pin 113 through the opening 153. When the pressable pin 113 is received through the opening 153, the first body 110 can be axially and rotationally fixed relative to the second body 150. As described in further detail herein, rotation of the first body 110 relative to the second body 150, or vice versa, can couple components of the second body 150 with one or more other components of the first body 110, such as the first connector assembly 130 and the second connector assembly 160.

[0035] 5A-5C, the medical device 100 may include one or more markings along the first body 110 and the second body 150 to facilitate visual identification when the locking mechanism of the medical device 100 is in an unlocked state and a locked state, respectively. As seen in FIG. 5A, when the first body 110 is separated from the second body 150, the depressible pin 113 may be in an extended state protruding radially outward from the distal end 116. A user of the medical device 100 may align the markings on the first body 110 and the second body 150 and insert the first body 110 into the second body 150.

[0036] As seen in FIG. 5B , in response to biasing the first body 110 into the second body 150, the depressible pin 113 can be compressed radially inward and received within a groove disposed along a proximal edge of the proximal end 154. In some embodiments, the depressible pin 113 can be compressed as a result of the second body 150 biasing the depressible pin 113 inward when the distal end 116 is received within the proximal end 154. In other embodiments, a user of the medical device 100 may manually depress the depressible pin 113 (e.g., using the user's hand) to facilitate reception of the first body 110 into the second body 150. With the depressible pin 113 received within the groove of the second body 150, the medical device 100 remains in an unlocked state to allow retraction of the first body 110 to separate the second body 150 from the first body 110.

[0037] As seen in FIG. 5C , in response to rotating the first body 110 relative to the second body 150 (or vice versa), the depressible pin 113 may translate through the groove until aligned with an opening on a proximal edge of the proximal end 154. In this example, the depressible pin 113 may be received within the opening and extend radially outward through the second body 150 at the proximal end 154. In this example, the medical device 100 may be transitioned to a locked state such that the first body 110 is fixedly attached to the second body 150. The medical device 100 may be returned to an unlocked state in response to manually depressing the depressible pin 113 radially inward into the second body 150 and rotating the first body 110 and / or the second body 150 relative to one another to misalign the depressible pin 113 with the opening.

[0038] 6, the medical device 100 may further include one or more connector assemblies for operatively coupling one or more components of the first body 110 (e.g., control knob 115, first actuator 117) with one or more components of the second body 150 (e.g., shaft 158, distal tip 159, etc.). In this example, the first body 110 may include a first connector assembly 130 and the second body 150 may include a second connector assembly 160. The first connector assembly 130 may include a plurality of moveable rods 132 (actuating members) disposed within the housing 112 and moveable relative to the first body 110.

[0039] Each of the plurality of movable rods 132 has a longitudinal length defined between a proximal end 134 and a distal end 136. The proximal end 134 of the plurality of movable rods 132 may have a gear rack 135 along the inside of each of the movable rods 132. The gear rack 135 of each of the movable rods 132 may be configured to mesh with a gear 133, particularly a plurality of teeth of the gear 133, movably coupled to at least one of the plurality of control knobs 115 and / or the first actuator 117. In other words, the movable rods 132, particularly the gear rack 135 and the gear 133, may form a rack-and-pinion assembly with each other. Thus, the plurality of movable rods 132 may be configured to move (e.g., translate) relative to the first body 110 in response to rotation of the control knobs 115A, 115B and / or the first actuator 117 relative to the first body 110. In this example, each control knob 115A, 115B may be coupled to at least one gear 133, which may be coupled to a pair of moveable rods 132 for articulating the shaft 158 ​​in multiple directions (e.g., vertical articulation and lateral articulation). A first actuator 117 may be coupled to a corresponding gear 133 that is further coupled to one moveable rod 132 for actuating (e.g., lifting) an elevator at a distal tip 159.

[0040] 6, each of the plurality of movable rods 132 may further include a gripper tool 138 at the distal end 136. The gripper tool 138 may include a variety of suitable mechanisms for facilitating a connection between the first connector assembly 130 and the second connector assembly 160. For example, the gripper tool 138 may include a hook, an arm, a clip, and / or a variety of other suitable structures. In this example, the first body 110 may be configured such that when the first body 110 is received within the second body 150, at least a portion of the first connector assembly 130, and in particular the gripper tool 138, extends at least partially outwardly from the distal end 116 to couple with the second connector assembly 160. In other embodiments, the first connector assembly 130 may be disposed entirely within the housing 112.

[0041] The second connector assembly 160 may include a number of moveable rods 162 corresponding to the number of moveable rods 132 of the first connector assembly 130. Each of the plurality of moveable rods 162 may include a pair of pins 164 at a proximal end of the moveable rod 162, the pair of pins 164 being separated from one another by a gap 166 therebetween. The gap 166 may be sized and shaped according to a cross-sectional shape of the grasper tool 138, such that the pair of pins 164 are configured to receive the grasper tool 138 within the gap 166 to operably couple the second connector assembly 160 to the first connector assembly 130.

[0042] 6, the second connector assembly 160 may further include a plurality of actuation cables or wires 168 coupled to the distal ends of the plurality of movable rods 162. In some embodiments, the plurality of movable rods 162 may be omitted entirely such that the plurality of wires 168 may be directly coupled to the distal-most pin 164 of the pair of pins 164. The plurality of wires 168 may extend through the housing 152 and the lumen of the shaft 158. The distal ends of at least a subset of the plurality of wires 168 may be coupled to a distal portion of the shaft 158, particularly along an inner surface of the shaft 158 ​​(e.g., an articulation joint) disposed adjacent the distal tip 159. The distal end of at least one of the plurality of wires 168 may be coupled to a device at the distal tip 159, such as an elevator (not shown).

[0043] In some embodiments, the second body 150 may include a floor 161 disposed within the housing 152 and disposed proximate the proximal end 154. The floor 161 may define a proximal cavity within the housing 152 in which the pins 164 of the second connector assembly 160 are received. The floor 161 may be configured to maintain the pins 164 within the proximal cavity prior to assembly of the first body 110 to the second body 150 to prevent the second connector assembly 160 from retracting distally within the housing 152. In other words, the floor 161 may retain the pins 164 within the housing 152 in an area adjacent the proximal end 154 to facilitate connection between the second connector assembly 160 and the first connector assembly 130.

[0044] Still referring to FIG. 6 , the floor 161 may include a plurality of openings extending therethrough for receiving the plurality of movable rods 162 and / or wires 168. In response to the first connector assembly 130 engaging the second connector assembly 160, the first body 110 may be configured to move the plurality of movable rods 162 and / or wires 168 relative to the second body 150 (e.g., via the control knob 115 and the first actuator 117) in response to movement of the plurality of movable rods 132 within the first body 110. It should be appreciated that the plurality of movable rods 162 and / or wires 168 may move through corresponding openings in the floor 161 when the second connector assembly 160 is actuated by the first connector assembly 130. The floor 161 may be further configured to act as a stop limiting the amount of distal translational movement of each wire 168. In other embodiments, the first connector assembly 130 and the second connector assembly 160 may be interchanged, such that the first body 110 may include the second connector assembly 160 and the second body 150 may include the first connector assembly 130.

[0045] 7 illustrates the distal end 116 of the first body 110 and one or more components disposed within the housing 112, including the plurality of gripper tools 138 and the interior channel 111 of the first connector assembly 130. The plurality of gripper tools 138 may be disposed within the first body 110 in an annular arrangement about the inner circumference of the housing 112. It should be understood that the plurality of gripper tools 138 may be disposed within the housing 112 in a variety of other suitable arrangements other than those shown and described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In this example, the first body 110 may include five gripper tools 138, a first pair of which may be coupled to a first control knob 115A for controlling lateral (e.g., left and right) articulation of the shaft 158, a second pair of which may be coupled to a second control knob 115B for controlling vertical (e.g., up and down) deflection of the shaft 158, and a fifth gripper tool 138 may be coupled to a first actuator 117 for controlling an elevator at the distal tip 159.

[0046] The first body 110 may further include a plurality of movable rods 148 (actuating members) disposed within the housing 112 to control one or more components of the second body 150 (e.g., the valve manifold 170). In this example, the first body 110 may include at least a first movable rod 148A having a distal end 149A and a second movable rod 148B having a distal end 149B. In other embodiments, the first body 110 may include additional and / or fewer movable rods. As described in further detail herein, the first movable rod 148A may be movably coupled to a second actuator 118, and the second movable rod 148B may be movably coupled to a second actuator 119 (FIG. 11).

[0047] 8 illustrates the proximal end 154 of the second body 150 and one or more components disposed within the housing 152, including the pins 164 and fluid tube assembly 155 of the second connector assembly 160. The pins 164 may be disposed within the second body 150 in an annular arrangement about an inner circumference of the housing 152. It should be understood that the pins 164 may be disposed within the housing 152 in a variety of other suitable arrangements according to the corresponding positions of the gripper tools 138 within the first body 110.

[0048] The second body 150 can further include a valve manifold 170 disposed proximate the proximal end 154. As described in further detail below, the valve manifold 170 can be configured to interact with one or more of the plurality of movable rods 148 of the first body 110 to control fluid communication between the plurality of fluid channels of the valve manifold 170 (see FIGS. 12A-12C). For example, the movable rod 148 can be configured to selectively divert fluid through the plurality of fluid channels of the valve manifold 170.

[0049] As seen in FIG. 9A, with the distal end 116 received within the proximal end 154, the plurality of gripper tools 138 may be disposed proximate to the plurality of pins 164. For example, FIG. 10A shows each distal end 136 of the first connector assembly 130 disposed adjacent to a pair of pins 164 of the second connector assembly 160, with each gripper tool 138 disposed in alignment with the gap 166. The position of the gripper tool 138 relative to the pins 164 may correspond to the orientation of the first body 110 relative to the second body 150 when the distal end 116 is received within the proximal end 154 (see FIG. 5B). Thus, movement (e.g., rotation) of the first body 110 and / or the second body 150 relative to one another may cause the gripper tool 138 and / or one or more of the pair of pins 164 to move toward one another. Additionally, the depressible pins 113 are received at the proximal end 154 against an inner surface (eg, a groove) of the second body 150, thereby allowing the depressible pins 113 to be compressed radially inward.

[0050] As seen in FIG. 9B, with the first body 110 rotated to a locked position (see FIG. 5C) relative to the second body 150, the position of the gripper tool 138 and the pin 164 can facilitate a connection between the first connector assembly 130 and the second connector assembly 160. For example, FIG. 10B shows each of the multiple gripper tools 138 engaging a pair of pins 164 by extending through the gap 166. In this example, the first connector assembly 130 and the second connector assembly 160 can operably couple the control knob 115 and the first actuator 117 to the wire 168. Additionally, the depressible pin 113 can move along a groove along the inner surface of the proximal end 154 until aligned with the opening 153, thereby extending through the opening 153 and securely coupling the first body 110 to the second body 150. In this example, the first body 110 can be axially and rotatably fixed relative to the second body 150.

[0051] 11 illustrates corresponding connections between actuators 118, 119 on the proximal end 114 of the first body 110 and corresponding moveable rods (actuating members) disposed within the housing 112. As described in detail above, the first body 110 can include a second actuator 118 movably coupled to the first moveable rod 148A and a third actuator 119 movably coupled to the second moveable rod 148B. In this example, the first body 110 can include a coupling mechanism configured to connect each actuator to a corresponding moveable rod.

[0052] For example, the second actuator 118 may be movably coupled to the coupling mechanism 140A via an intermediate rod 142A extending between the second actuator 118 and the coupling mechanism 140A. The intermediate rod 142A may be coupled at a first end to the coupling mechanism 140A and may include a biasing mechanism 146A coupled to the intermediate rod 142A. The biasing mechanism 146A may be configured to apply a radially outward force to the second actuator 118, thereby biasing the second actuator 118 to an extended (non-actuated) position when in a default state.

[0053] 11 , the first movable rod 148A may be directly coupled to the coupling mechanism 140A along a second end different from the first end, and a distal end 149A of the first movable rod 148A may be disposed in a proximal (retracted) state when the second actuator 118 is in an extended (unactuated) position. The coupling mechanism 140A is configured to move (e.g., translate) the first movable rod 148A relative to the housing 112 in response to actuation (e.g., depression) of the second actuator 118, thereby disposing the distal end 149A in the distal (extended) state.

[0054] In this example, actuation of the second actuator 118 can cause compression of the biasing mechanism 146A, translation of the middle rod 142A, and corresponding movement of the coupling mechanism 140A about a fixed pivot pin 144A between opposing first and second ends. In response to the coupling mechanism 140A moving (e.g., pivoting) about the fixed pivot pin 144A, the first moveable rod 148A can move (e.g., translate) distally from the first body 110 in a direction transverse to the (lateral) translation of the middle rod 142A.

[0055] 11, the third actuator 119 may be movably coupled to a coupling mechanism 140B that is substantially similar to the coupling mechanism 140A shown and described above. For example, the second movable rod 148B may be directly coupled to the coupling mechanism 140B, and the third actuator 119 may be coupled to the coupling mechanism 140B via an intermediate rod 142B and a biasing mechanism 146B disposed therebetween. The coupling mechanism 140B may be configured to move (e.g., pivot) about a fixed pivot pin 144B to translate the second movable rod 148A and the distal end 149B. Thus, the third actuator 119 and the second movable rod 148B may be configured and operable similarly to the second actuator 118 and the first movable rod 148A, respectively. As described in further detail herein, the distal end 149A of the first movable rod 148A and the distal end 149B of the second movable rod 148B may be configured to interact with the valve manifold 170 when the first body 110 is coupled to the second body 150.

[0056] 12A-12C, the housing 152 of the second body 150 is depicted with a valve manifold 170 disposed proximate the proximal end 154. The valve manifold 170 may include a flexible body 172 including a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. The flexible body 172 may be formed from a variety of elastic materials capable of moving, bending, and / or at least partially deforming in response to application of a force thereto, such as by one or more components (e.g., a moveable rod) of the first body 110. In some embodiments, the flexible body 172 may be formed from an elastic membrane, rubber, and / or a variety of other flexible materials capable of selective deformation. As described in detail herein, the proximal end of the flexible body 172 may be configured and operable to interact with one or more components (e.g., multiple movable rods) of the first body 110 in a first region 176, a second region 178, etc.

[0057] The valve manifold 170 may include a number of fluid channels extending through the flexible body 172, such as between a proximal end and a distal end. The multiple fluid channels may extend from the fluid tube assembly 155 and be received in the valve manifold 170, thereby providing fluid communication between the external device 10 and the shaft 158. In some embodiments, the fluid channels in the valve manifold 170 may be integrated with the fluid channels in the fluid tube assembly 155, while in other embodiments, the valve manifold 170 and the fluid tube assembly 155 may include corresponding fluid channels coupled to one another within the housing 152.

[0058] 12A , the valve manifold 170 may further include a cavity 171 disposed within the flexible body 172, and one or more of the multiple fluid channels may extend into the cavity 171. Thus, one or more of the multiple fluid channels in the valve manifold 170 may be in fluid communication with the cavity 171. In this example, a first fluid channel of the valve manifold 170 may be segmented into a first segment 173A and a second segment 173B by the cavity 171. In other words, the cavity 171 may be disposed in series along the first fluid channel such that the first fluid channel is separated into a pair of segments 173A, 173B.

[0059] Additionally, the cavity 171 may be disposed in series along the second fluid channel of the valve manifold 170 such that the second fluid channel is divided into a first segment 174A and a second segment 174B. The third fluid channel of the valve manifold 170 may be divided into a first segment 175A and a second segment 175B, with the first segment 175A extending from the fluid tube assembly 155 into the flexible body 172 and the second segment 175B extending from the port 151 into the flexible body 172. It should be appreciated that each of the second segments of the fluid channel extends through the distal end 156 and the longitudinal length of the shaft 158, terminating in an opening located at the distal tip 159 (FIG. 1).

[0060] In this example, the first fluid channel (i.e., first segment 173A and second segment 173B) may define a water channel, the second fluid channel (i.e., first segment 174A and second segment 174B) may define a pressurized air channel, and the third fluid channel (i.e., first segment 175A and second segment 175B) may define a suction and working channel. It should be understood that additional and / or fewer channels may be included in the valve manifold 170 and / or the fluid tube assembly 155 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the fluid tube assembly 155 may include one or more fluid channels that are not coupled to the valve manifold 170, such as, for example, a fourth fluid channel 121. In this example, the fourth fluid channel 121 may extend through the housing 152 into the shaft 158 ​​and terminate at the distal tip 159. In this example, the fourth fluid channel 121 may include a pressurized water channel.

[0061] 12A-12C, the valve manifold 170 can further include a movable valve 180 disposed within the cavity 171. The movable valve 180 can include a movable valve body 182 (hereinafter, "body 182") having a longitudinal length defined between a proximal end 184 and a distal end 186. In this embodiment, the body 182 can have a cylindrical shape corresponding to the cross-sectional profile of the cavity 171. The movable valve 180 can further include an internal lumen 188 disposed through the body 182, such as at the proximal end 184. The internal lumen 188 can be sized, shaped, and configured to extend between one or more sides of the body 182, thereby facilitating fluid communication between one or more sides of the body 182.

[0062] In this embodiment, the internal lumen 188 can define a T-shaped channel extending through the body 182 and terminating in three openings along three different sides of the body 182 (e.g., a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a proximal end 184). Thus, the internal lumen 188 can facilitate fluid communication between at least three sides of the body 182. In other embodiments, the internal lumen 188 can include a variety of other suitable sizes, shapes, and / or configurations other than those illustrated and described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The movable valve 180 can further include one or more seals 183 (e.g., gaskets, O-rings, etc.) coupled to and disposed about an exterior of the body 182. The one or more seals 183 can be configured to form an airtight fluid seal against an interior wall of the flexible body 172 that defines the cavity 171.

[0063] 12A-12C , one or more seals 183 may facilitate movement of the movable valve 180 relative to the cavity 171 by slidably engaging an inner wall of the flexible body 172. In this example, the movable valve 180 may include a first pair of seals 183 adjacent a proximal end 184 and a second pair of seals 183 adjacent a distal end 186. The first pair of seals 183 may be separated from one another on each side of the body 182 by an opening of an internal lumen 188. As described in further detail below, the movable valve 180 may be configured to move relative to the flexible body 172 within the cavity 171 to selectively adjust fluid communication between a plurality of fluid channels in the valve manifold 170.

[0064] Valve manifold 170 may further include a biasing mechanism 181 (e.g., a spring) disposed within cavity 171. Biasing mechanism 181 may include a distal end and a proximal end, with the proximal end coupled to movable valve 180 at distal end 186. The distal end of biasing mechanism 181 may be coupled to an inner wall of flexible body 172 defining cavity 171, such that biasing mechanism 181 may be disposed between movable valve 180 and the inner wall defining cavity 171. Biasing mechanism 181 may be configured to apply a proximal force to distal end 186, thereby biasing movable valve 180 in a proximal direction when biasing mechanism 181 is in the expanded configuration (FIG. 12A). As further described herein, the biasing mechanism 181 may be moved to a compressed configuration (FIG. 12C) in response to the movable valve 180 moving distally relative to the cavity 171.

[0065] 12A-12C, the valve manifold 170 may include one or more vents forming openings in the flexible body 172, the openings being in fluid communication with one or more of the plurality of fluid channels. The one or more vents may connect the one or more fluid channels to atmospheric pressure from the interior cavity of the housing 152. In this example, the valve manifold 170 may include at least a first vent 177 and a second vent 179 disposed along a proximal end of the flexible body 172. The first vent 177 may be disposed adjacent to a first region 176 along the proximal end of the flexible body 172, and the second vent 179 may be disposed adjacent to a second region 178 along the proximal end of the flexible body 172. As described further herein, the first body 110 may be configured to selectively open and close the first vent 177 and the second vent 179 by moving the first region 176 and the second region 178, respectively, to control fluid communication between the fluid channels of the valve manifold 170.

[0066] According to an exemplary method of using medical device 100, first body (reusable handle) 110 may be coupled to second body (disposable tube) 150 (FIG. 1) in response to receiving distal end 116 within proximal end 154 (FIG. 4). Umbilicus assembly 120 may be coupled to first body 110 via a corresponding port along housing 112. In other embodiments, first body 110 and umbilicus assembly 120 may be unitary components such that housing 112 and umbilicus tube 122 are fixedly secured to one another.

[0067] The fluid tube assembly 155 can extend through the internal channel 111 (FIG. 2) and exit the first body 110 at a corresponding port on the housing 112. The fluid tube assembly 155 can be fluidly coupled at a distal end 157 to the external device 10 to provide fluid communication between the second body 150 and the external device 10 through the first body 110 (FIG. 1). As described in detail above, the fluid tube assembly 155 can shield the first body 110 and the umbilicus assembly 120 from fluid communication with the second body 150, particularly the fluid channels that receive and / or deliver various fluids and biological materials during a procedure.

[0068] The housing 112 can be locked to the housing 152 via receipt of the depressible pin 113 within the opening 153 (FIGS. 5A-5C). It should be appreciated that the locking mechanism of the medical device 100 (e.g., the depressible pin 113 and the opening 153) can prevent disengagement of the first body 110 from the second body 150 during use of the medical device 100 during a procedure. The first connector assembly 130 can engage the second connector assembly 160 in response to the proximal end 154 receiving the distal end 116 and the first body 110 rotating relative to the second body 150 (or vice versa) when the medical device 100 is assembled (FIGS. 9A-10B).

[0069] With the first connector assembly 130 coupled to the second connector assembly 160 (via engagement of the grasper tool 138 with the pin 164), a user of the medical device 100 can actuate one or more control knobs 115 on the first body 110 to control articulation of the shaft 158 ​​and distal tip 159 on the second body 150 (FIG. 1). As mentioned above, each control knob 115 can be coupled to at least one gear 133, which can be further coupled to at least one pair of moveable rods 132 along a gear rack 135 (FIG. 6). Thus, rotation of the control knob 115 can provide translation of the moveable rods 132 relative to the housing 112 and corresponding translation of the wires 168 relative to the housing 152. With the distal end of each wire 168 coupled to the inner surface of the shaft 158 ​​, the control knob 115 can control the articulation (eg, lateral and vertical deflection) of the shaft 158 ​​and distal tip 159 .

[0070] Additionally, the plurality of movable rods may extend into the second body 150 to control actuation of one or more components of the second body 150, such as fluid communication between fluid channels of the valve manifold 170. As described above, each of the second actuator 118 and the third actuator 119 may be movably coupled to a corresponding movable rod 148A, 148B via a coupling mechanism 140A, 140B (FIG. 11). Actuation of the second actuator 118 and / or the third actuator 119 may provide translation of the movable rods 148A, 148B relative to the housing 112 and the housing 152. With distal ends 149A, 149B received within the housing 152 and disposed adjacent to the valve manifold 170, the second actuator 118 and the third actuator 119 may control operation of the valve manifold 170.

[0071] With particular reference to FIG. 12A, the valve manifold 170 is shown in an unactuated state with the first and second movable rods 148A and 148B separated from the proximal end of the flexible body 172. The positions of the first and second movable rods 148A and 148B correspond to the unactuated states of the second and third actuators 118 and 119, respectively. In this example, the movable valve 180 can remain in a first (proximal) position with the biasing mechanism 181 in an extended (default) configuration. It should be understood that the first (proximal) position can define a default position of the movable valve 180. Furthermore, the proximal end of the flexible body 172, particularly the first and second regions 176 and 178, remain in the first (unactuated) position. Thus, the first and second vents 177 and 179 can be maintained in an open state.

[0072] In this example, a fluid (e.g., water) received within the first segment 173A of the first fluid channel may be maintained within the valve manifold 170 while the movable valve 180 is disposed in a first (proximal) position. For example, a fluid received within the cavity 171 via the first segment 173 may be prevented from extending into the second segment 173B due to the relative positioning of the plurality of seals 183, particularly the distal-most seal 183 on the distal end 186. Thus, the distal-most seal 183 may be disposed between the outlet of the first segment 173A to the cavity 171 and the inlet of the second segment 173B from the cavity 171, thereby sealing off the fluid from the first segment 173A within the cavity 171.

[0073] Still referring to FIG. 12A, with the movable valve 180 in the first (proximal) position, the fluid (e.g., pressurized air) received within the first segment 174A of the second fluid channel may be received into the cavity 171 and into the internal lumen 188 aligned with the outlet of the first segment 174A into the cavity 171. When the first movable rod 148A is separated from the proximal end of the flexible body 172, particularly the first region 176, the first vent 177 may be maintained in an open configuration. Thus, the fluid received in the lumen 188 may be directed to the first vent 177 that provides access to the interior atmosphere of the housing 152. In some embodiments, the fluid (e.g., pressurized air) received within the cavity of the housing 152 may be expelled from the second body 150, such as through one or more openings (not shown) on the housing 152.

[0074] It should be appreciated that when movable valve 180 is in the first (proximal) position, it may facilitate access to both second segment 174B and first vent 177 via internal lumen 188. Valve manifold 170 may be configured such that fluid received from first segment 174A (e.g., pressurized air) is directed to first vent 177 (e.g., atmospheric pressure) instead of second segment 174B as the path of least resistance.

[0075] The first segment 175A of the third fluid channel may be fluidly coupled to a negative pressure source such that negative pressure may be generated through the valve manifold 170 via the first segment 175A. With the second moveable rod 148B separated from the proximal end of the flexible body 172, and in particular the second region 178, the second vent 179 may be maintained in an open configuration. Thus, any negative pressure received at the first segment 175A may be directed to the second vent 179, which provides access to the interior atmosphere of the housing 152.

[0076] 12B, the valve manifold 170 is depicted in a first actuation state in which the second moveable rod 148B is translated distally and abuts the proximal end of the flexible body 172, which corresponds to an actuation state of the third actuator 119. In some embodiments, the medical device 100 may be configured to generate feedback (e.g., audible, tactile, etc.) in response to the valve manifold 170 transitioning to the first actuation state, such as in response to the second moveable rod 148B interacting with the flexible body 172.

[0077] The proximal end of the flexible body 172, particularly the second region 178, can move to a second (actuated) position in response to the second moveable rod 148B applying a distal force. In this example, the flexible body 172 at the second region 178 can be at least partially deformed in response to the distal translation of the distal end 149B, thereby changing the second vent 179 from an open configuration (FIG. 12A) to a closed configuration. When the second vent 179 is closed, fluid (e.g., negative pressure) generated in the first segment 175A can travel through the second segment 175B. It should be appreciated that the second segment 175B can extend through the shaft 158 ​​and terminate at the distal tip 159 (FIG. 1), such that suction can be provided at the distal tip 159 during a procedure. Thus, the third actuator 119 may be configured to control fluid communication through a third fluid channel of the valve manifold 170 .

[0078] 12C, the valve manifold 170 is depicted in a second actuation state in which the first movable rod 148A is translated distally and abuts the proximal end of the flexible body 172, corresponding to an actuation state of the second actuator 118. In this example, the second movable rod 148B may be returned to a proximal position such that the distal end 149B no longer abuts the flexible body 172. In some embodiments, the medical device 100 may be configured to generate feedback (e.g., audible, tactile, etc.) in response to the valve manifold 170 transitioning to the second actuation state, such as in response to the first movable rod 148A interacting with the flexible body 172. In this example, the movable valve 180 remains in the first (proximal) position with the biasing mechanism 181 in the extended (default) configuration.

[0079] The proximal end of the flexible body 172, particularly the first region 176, can move to a second (actuated) position in response to the first movable rod 148A applying a distal force. In this example, the flexible body 172 at the first region 176 can be at least partially deformed in response to the distal translation of the distal end 149A, thereby changing the first vent 177 from an open configuration (FIG. 12A) to a closed configuration. When the first vent 177 is closed and the movable valve 180 is maintained in a first (proximal) position relative to the cavity 171, fluid (e.g., pressurized air) received from the first segment 174A can move through the inner lumen 188 and into the second segment 174B.

[0080] It should be appreciated that the second segment 174B can extend through the shaft 158 ​​and terminate at a distal tip 159 (FIG. 1) such that fluid can be delivered from the distal tip 159 to provide venting during a procedure. Accordingly, the second actuator 118 can be configured to control fluid communication through the second fluid channel of the valve manifold 170. With the movable valve 180 maintained in the first (proximal) position and the biasing mechanism 181 in the extended (default) configuration, fluid (e.g., water) received into the valve manifold 170 from the first segment 173A of the first fluid channel remains within the cavity 171 and is sealed from accessing the second segment 173B by one or more seals 183.

[0081] 12D, the valve manifold 170 is depicted in a second actuation state in which the first movable rod 148A has been translated further distally and abuts the proximal end of the flexible body 172, corresponding to a second actuation state of the second actuator 118. In some embodiments, the medical device 100 may be configured to generate feedback (e.g., audible, tactile, etc.) in response to the valve manifold 170 moving to a third actuation state, such as in response to the distal end 149A contacting the flexible body 172. In this example, the movable valve 180 has been moved (e.g., translated) to a second (distal) position with the biasing mechanism 181 in a compressed configuration within the cavity 171. It should be understood that the second (distal) position defines an actuation position of the movable valve 180.

[0082] The proximal end of the flexible body 172, and in particular the first region 176, can move to a third (actuated) position in response to the distal end 149A applying a distal force. It should be understood that the applied force is relatively greater than the force applied by the distal end 149A in FIG. 12B. In this example, the flexible body 172 can be at least partially deformed to abut the proximal end 184 and translate the movable valve 180 relative to the cavity 171. In this example, fluid communication between the first segment 174A and the second segment 174B of the second fluid channel is no longer provided through the inner lumen 188 due to the repositioning of the movable valve 180, such that fluid (e.g., pressurized air) received through the valve manifold 170 via the second fluid channel is terminated.

[0083] Additionally, when the distal end 186 is moved distally relative to the cavity 171, the one or more seals 183 can move to establish fluid communication between the first segment 173A and the second segment 173B of the first fluid channel. In this example, the one or more seals 183 are moved so that they no longer impede fluid (e.g., water) received into the cavity 171 from the first segment 173A from being received into the second segment 173B. It should be appreciated that the second segment 173B can extend through the shaft 158 ​​and terminate at a distal tip 159 (FIG. 1) such that fluid can be delivered from the distal tip 159 to provide irrigation during a procedure. Thus, the second actuator 118 can be configured to control fluid communication through the first fluid channel of the valve manifold 170.

[0084] Actuation of the first actuator 117 can provide translation of at least one movable rod 132 relative to the housing 112 and corresponding translation of at least one wire 168 relative to the housing 152 (via the connection between the first connector assembly 130 and the second connector assembly 160), thereby causing actuation of a device (e.g., an elevator) at the distal tip 159.

[0085] Once a procedure with the medical device 100 is completed, the user can disassemble the first body 110 from the second body 150 by actuating the depressible pin 113 and rotating the first body 110 relative to the second body 150 (or vice versa). When the first body 110 is rotated relative to the second body 150, the first connector assembly 130 can disengage the second connector assembly 160. With the depressible pin 113 removed from the opening 153, the first body 110 can be pulled in a proximal direction to retract the distal end 116 from within the proximal end 154. Once the second body 150 is decoupled from the first body 110 and the fluid tube assembly 155 is retracted from the internal channel 111, the second body 150 can be discarded by the user of the medical device 100. The first body 110 and / or umbilicus assembly 120 may be reprocessed and cleaned for further use, given that multiple fluid channels containing biological material (e.g., biohazardous fluids) were contained within the second body 150.

[0086] Each of the aforementioned systems, devices, assemblies, and methods may be used to treat a target treatment site with a modular medical device capable of selective assembly and disassembly. By providing a medical device with reusable and disposable components that can establish mechanical, electrical, and fluid connections with one another, instances of material waste from fully disposable devices, and cross-contamination between patients from the use of fully reusable devices, may be minimized.

[0087] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed devices and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the features disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as illustrative only.

Claims

1. A first body, comprising: a first actuating member including a first connector; a second actuating member; and a first body including the same; a second body for attachment to and detachment from the first body, the second body including: an actuating wire; a second connector at a proximal end of the actuating wire; a valve having one or more channels for receiving a substance; and a second body including the same; and wherein attaching the first body to the second body causes the first connector to engage the second connector, whereby movement of the first actuating member causes a corresponding movement of the actuating wire, and moving the second actuating member within the second body to interact with the valve is configured to selectively direct the substance through the one or more channels. A medical device.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the second actuating member is configured to close at least one opening of the one or more channels by at least partially deforming the valve at the opening.

3. The medical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second body includes a movable valve body disposed within the valve, the movable valve body being biased to a first position by a biasing mechanism disposed relative to the movable valve body.

4. The medical device according to claim 3, wherein the second actuating member is configured to compress the biasing mechanism and move the movable valve to a second position.

5. The first body includes a channel, the second body includes a fluid tube configured to receive the substance from a source, and the channel is configured to receive the fluid tube through the first body, the medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The first body includes an actuator coupled to the first actuating member, and the second body includes a shaft coupled to the distal end of the actuating wire, the medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The actuator is configured to articulate the shaft in response to the actuator moving the first actuating member and the first actuating member moving the actuating wire when the first connector is engaged with the second connector, the medical device according to claim 6.

8. The first connector includes a gripper, the second connector includes a pair of pins, and the pair of pins define a gap sized to receive the gripper therebetween, the medical device according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The gripper is configured to engage the pair of pins by extending through the gap to couple the first actuating member to the actuating wire, the medical device according to claim 8.

10. The gripper is configured to extend through the gap in response to the first body rotating in a first direction relative to the second body when the first body is at least partially received within the second body, the medical device according to claim 9.

11. The gripper is configured to disengage the pair of pins from the gripper in response to the first body rotating in a second direction opposite the first direction relative to the second body, the medical device according to claim 10.

12. The medical device according to claim 6, wherein the actuating wire is configured to move relative to the second body in response to movement of the first actuating member relative to the first body.

13. The medical device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first body includes an actuator coupled to a gear, and the first actuating member includes a rack gear configured to mesh with the gear.

14. The medical device according to claim 13, wherein the actuator is configured to translate the first actuating member and the first connector by rotating the gear.

15. The medical device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a locking mechanism having a pin on the first body and an opening on the second body configured to receive the pin when the first body is received within the second body and rotated relative to the second body, thereby fixing an axial position of the first body relative to the second body.

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