Delivery system adapter for endoscope

Abstract

To provide a delivery system adapter for an endoscope.SOLUTION: The present invention is related, in general, to a field of a medical device, especially to adapting the medical device for using a distal part of the medical device in a limited anatomical region. A coupling device may include first and second end parts. The first end part may be configured to be coupled to a locking member of a medical device delivery system. The first end part may include a lumen that extends by penetrating it. The second end part may include a lumen continued to the lumen of the first end part. The second end part may be configured to be coupled to a channel opening of an endoscope. Other embodiments are also contemplated.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to medical device delivery systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Endoscopic procedures may be less invasive than conventional procedures. However, access to target tissue may be limited by the constraints of the particular instrument used. For example, proper positioning, use, and / or deployment of a medical device (e.g., a stent, needle, cutting element, etc.) within an anatomical region (e.g., a body lumen, passageway, vessel, duct, etc.) may require the use of an endoscope with an appropriate working channel length and / or tip configuration to facilitate access to the tissue.

[0003] It is with these considerations in mind that improvements of the present disclosure may be useful. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is an object of the present invention to provide a delivery system adaptor for an endoscope. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one aspect, the system may include a locking member of a medical device delivery system and a coupling device. The coupling device may include a first end including a portion with a threaded outer surface configured to couple to the locking member. The first end of the coupling device may further include a lumen extending therethrough. The coupling device may include a second end including a lumen axially continuous with the lumen of the first end. The second end of the coupling device may be configured to couple to an outlet of an endoscope channel.

[0006] In the described and other aspects of the present disclosure, the first end of the coupling device may include a luer lock fitting. The second end of the coupling device may correspond to a larger inner diameter of the lumen than the first end. The lumen at the second end of the coupling device may include a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter. The second inner diameter may be larger than the first inner diameter. The second portion may be configured to fit over a ridge at the outlet of the endoscope channel. The system may include a cap coupled to the first end of the coupling device. The cap may include a valve. The coupling device may further include an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end. An outer surface of the intermediate portion may include a surface variation. The coupling device may further be configured to couple to a locking member to form a fluid-tight fit. The lumen of the coupling device may include a one-way valve. An inner diameter of at least a portion of the lumen of the coupling device may be in the range of 5-12 Fr. (1.7-4.0 mm). The second end of the coupling device may include a quick disconnect fitting. The first end of the coupling device may be configured to prevent free rotation of the coupling device relative to the locking member when coupled to the locking member, the second end of the coupling device may be configured to prevent free rotation of the coupling device relative to the channel of the endoscope when coupled to the channel of the endoscope, or both. The lumen of the second end of the coupling device may be configured to receive the outlet of the endoscope channel in a fluid-tight fit. When the first end of the coupling device is coupled to the locking member and the second end of the coupling device is coupled to the outlet of the endoscope channel, the lumen of the first end of the coupling device may be configured to pass a delivery sheath of the medical device delivery system into the endoscope channel. The second end of the coupling device may be configured to couple to the outlet of the endoscope channel via a press fit, a turn lock connection, or a clip fit.

[0007] In another aspect, a system for connecting a medical device to an endoscope may include a locking member of the medical device and a coupling device. The coupling device may include a first end including threading along an outer surface thereof configured to be coupled with the locking member, and the locking member may be disposed about a sheath of the medical device. The coupling device may include a second end configured to be coupled with an outlet of a channel of the endoscope. In some embodiments, the coupling device may include a lumen extending longitudinally along the entire length of the first end and the second end. The second end of the coupling device may be configured to couple to the outlet by insertion of the outlet into the lumen.

[0008] In the described and other aspects of the disclosure, the coupling device may be configured to couple to the locking member to form a fluid-tight fit, to couple to the outlet to form a fluid-tight fit, or both. The lumen of the coupling device may include a one-way valve. An inner diameter of at least a portion of the lumen of the coupling device may be in the range of 5-12 Fr. (1.7-4.0 mm). The first end of the coupling device may be configured to prevent free rotation of the coupling device relative to the locking member when coupled to the locking member, and the second end of the coupling device may be configured to prevent free rotation of the coupling device relative to the channel of the endoscope when coupled to the channel of the endoscope, or both. When the first end of the coupling device is coupled to the locking member and the second end of the coupling device is coupled to the outlet of the endoscope channel, the lumen of the first end of the coupling device may be configured to pass a delivery sheath of the medical device delivery system into the endoscope channel. The second end of the coupling device may be configured to couple to the outlet of the endoscope channel via a press fit, a turn lock connection, a quick disconnect fitting, or a clip fit.

[0009] In yet another aspect, a system for coupling a delivery system to an endoscope may include a locking member of the delivery system and an adapter. The adapter may include a first end configured to secure the adapter to the locking member when inserted into a lumen of the locking member of the delivery system. The adapter may include a second end configured to clip onto a ridge of a channel opening of the endoscope. When the second end is clipped onto the ridge of the channel opening, the first end may form a lumen through the adapter providing access to the channel opening.

[0010] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are schematic and not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown is typically represented by a single reference numeral. For purposes of clarity, not all components are labeled in every drawing, and not all components of each embodiment are shown, unless illustration is necessary to enable a person skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure. The drawings are as follows: Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, there is provided an adaptor for a delivery system for an endoscope. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] 1A-B illustrate an exemplary medical device delivery system and an exemplary locking member of a medical device delivery system, respectively. [Figure 1B] 1A-B illustrate an exemplary medical device delivery system and an exemplary locking member of a medical device delivery system, respectively. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary endoscope. [Figure 3A] 3A-3B show side and perspective views, respectively, of an adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B]3A-3B show side and perspective views, respectively, of an adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a system for delivering a medical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of components for delivering a medical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 6A-6B show cross-sectional views of an adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 6A-6B show cross-sectional views of an adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] 7A-7B show additional cross-sectional views of an adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] 7A-7B show additional cross-sectional views of an adapter according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 8A-8B show cross-sectional and perspective views, respectively, of a further adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 8A-8B show cross-sectional and perspective views, respectively, of a further adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 9A-9D show cross-sectional and perspective views of additional adapters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 9A-9D show cross-sectional and perspective views of additional adapters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9C] 9A-9D show cross-sectional and perspective views of additional adapters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9D] 9A-9D show cross-sectional and perspective views of additional adapters according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 10A-10B show cross-sectional and perspective views, respectively, of a further adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] 10A-10B show cross-sectional and perspective views, respectively, of a further adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A]11A-11B show cross-sectional and perspective views, respectively, of a further adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 11A-11B show cross-sectional and perspective views, respectively, of a further adapter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a further medical device delivery system that may be used in the various methods of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. The terms used herein are only intended to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit beyond the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs.

[0014] Although embodiments of the present disclosure may be described for brevity with specific reference to a stent delivery system, it should be understood that such delivery systems may be used to deliver a variety of medical devices (e.g., aneurysm coils, needles, cutting elements, biopsy tools, other implants, etc.) into a variety of restricted anatomical regions, including, but not limited to, body lumens (e.g., stomach, pancreaticobiliary tree, colon, duodenum, jejunum, uterus, etc.), passageways, blood vessels, and / or ducts to address a variety of conditions. For example, the delivery system may be a biopsy device, a stent delivery device, a fine needle aspiration (FNA) device, or other medical device.

[0015] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it will be understood that the terms "comprises," and / or "comprising," or "includes," and / or "including," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, regions, steps, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0016] As used herein, the term "distal" refers to the end of the device that is furthest from the medical professional or physician when introducing the device into a patient, and the term "proximal" refers to the end that is closest to the medical professional or physician when introducing the device into a patient.

[0017] 1A-B, a delivery system 100 may be used to deliver a medical device to a target tissue. For example, the medical device may be a stent, a needle, or the like. The delivery system 100 may include a handle 102, a tip 104, and an elongate body, delivery sheath, or shaft, such as shaft 106, extending therebetween. An actuator 108 may be used to advance the shaft 106 and / or a medical device coupled thereto. The delivery system 100 may be used in conjunction with an endoscope, a non-limiting example of which is an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) scope (not shown). A locking member (e.g., locking member 110) may be used to fix the position of the delivery system relative to the endoscope.

[0018] Locking member 110 is shown in more detail in Figure 1B. A first end 112 of locking member 110 may be configured to mate with a handle of a delivery system such that locking member 110 is fixed in position relative to handle 102. For example, threads disposed on an outer surface of first end 112 may mate with corresponding threads on an inner surface of a lumen at the end of handle 102.

[0019] The second end 114 of the locking member 110 may be rotatably fixed to the first end 112 (e.g., to form a single piece), or the second end may be rotatable relative to the first end. The second end 114 may include at least one protrusion or surface texture along its outer surface. The illustrated embodiment shows protrusions 118 and 120 that may be used to allow a user to grip the second end 114. Surface features such as protrusions 118 and 120 may be useful for rotating the second end about a longitudinal axis passing through the second end.

[0020] The locking member 110 may include a lumen 122 extending therethrough. The locking member lumen 122 may extend through the entire length of the locking member. In some embodiments, the locking member 110 may include a separate cylindrical opening 124 that may define the lumen 122 within the locking member 110. The locking member lumen 122 may have an inner diameter equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the shaft 106 of the delivery system 100 that is received therethrough such that the shaft may extend therethrough.

[0021] The second end 114 of the locking member 110 may be configured to couple to a medical device, such as an EUS (not shown), as described above. In many embodiments, the bore 126 of the second end 114 may have threads on its inner surface. For example, the bore 126 may have threads that correspond to the male threads of a Luer lock fitting. The second end 114 may also or alternatively be configured to couple to a port of an endoscope channel having corresponding threads, such that a shaft of the delivery system may extend through the locking member 110, through the port, and into the channel. By coupling the first end 112 of the locking member 110 to the handle 102 of the delivery system 100 and the second end 114 of the locking member 110 to the endoscope, the delivery system 100 may be secured to the endoscope, increasing the stability of the delivery system 100 to facilitate use, manipulation, and / or delivery of the medical device to a target tissue (not shown).

[0022] As will be appreciated, various endoscopes may not be configured to couple directly to a particular delivery system 100. For example, the endoscope and the delivery system 100 may not have compatible threads to allow the two elements to be coupled together. As such, in conventional configurations, to use a desired delivery system 100 for a particular procedure, a physician may be required to use an endoscope that is compatible with the delivery system 100 but that may not be well suited for the particular procedure. For example, various endoscopes may include different working channel lengths, different catheter diameters, different tip configurations, etc. The use of an endoscope that is not ideally suited for a particular procedure may limit the accessibility of the target tissue, may not allow the target tissue to be equally viewed, or may result in other limitations.

[0023] It is with these considerations in mind that improvements of the present disclosure may be useful. For example, the adapters, couplers, coupling members, and the like described herein are disclosed to enable a medical device delivery system, such as the delivery system 100 described in FIGS. 1A-1B, to be coupled to an endoscope 200 (see FIG. 2), and the delivery system and endoscope may not be configured to enable direct coupling to one another. An adapter (e.g., adapter 300) may be coupleable to the delivery system 100 to prevent free rotation of the adapter 300 relative to the locking member 110. In some embodiments, the adapter 300 may be coupleable to the channel 250 of the endoscope 200 to prevent free rotation of the adapter relative to the channel 250 of the endoscope 200, thereby preventing and / or limiting undesired movement of the coupled delivery system relative to the coupled endoscope channel. Thus, improvements of the present disclosure may include enabling the use of the medical device delivery system with a greater variety of endoscopes, improved access and / or visibility of the target tissue in a procedure, improved safety of positioning of the medical device delivery system during a procedure, and / or other advantages.

[0024] 2 illustrates an exemplary endoscope that may be used with the medical device delivery system 100 described with respect to FIGURES 1A-1B. However, it will be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured for use with a variety of endoscopes, and embodiments are not limited to the particular example of FIGURE 2.

[0025] The endoscope 200 may be a gastroscope, bronchoscope, cystoscope, duodenoscope, enteroscope, colonoscope, dual channel gastroscope, or other form of endoscope. The endoscope 200 may include a handle 202, a tip 204, and a shaft 206 (or elongated body, or catheter) extending therebetween, with at least a portion of the tip 204 and shaft 206 configured to be introduced into a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. The handle 202 may include a control section 208, which may include various controls for manipulating and / or fixing the position of the tip 204 and / or shaft 206 from the handle 202. For example, an angle adjustment knob 210, an angle adjustment lock 212, and / or an insertion tube stiffness control 214 may be useful for manipulating the tip 204 and / or shaft 206. A boot 216 may support the shaft 206 extending from the handle 202. At least one remote switch 218a-c may be useful for controlling tools disposed at the tip 204. For example, a suction valve 220 and / or an air / water valve 224, including a vent 222 and a backflow prevention valve 226, may be useful for regulating fluid flow through the tip 204. The universal cord 228 may extend to at least one connector component, including, for example, a suction connector 230, a video processor connection 232, an air supply connector 234, a water supply connector 236, a light source connector 238, an air tube 240, and / or a light guide 242, which may include a quartz lens 244. It should be understood that the endoscope may include a variety of components and / or connections to support various endoscopic procedures.

[0026] The endoscope 200 may include at least one lumen or channel 250 (for simplicity, collectively referred to herein as a "channel") extending longitudinally through the shaft and tip. The channel 250 may be accessible from the end of the handle 202 of the endoscope 200, for example, via a port or outlet, such as a channel opening 246. Various embodiments may include an increased diameter flange or ridge 248 (for simplicity, collectively referred to herein as a "ridge") disposed about the opening of the channel for coupling to a delivery system 100, such as that described in connection with FIG. 1A. It should be understood that many embodiments may not include compatible features for coupling with threads of a locking member 110 of a delivery system 100, such as those described in connection with bore 126 of FIG. 1B.

[0027] Figures 3A-3B show an exemplary adapter 300 for facilitating coupling of a delivery system 100, such as that described with respect to Figures 1A-1B, to an endoscope 200, such as that described with respect to Figure 2. Figure 3A shows a side view of the adapter 300, and Figure 3B shows a perspective view of the adapter 300. The adapters described herein may be made from other suitable materials, including metals, polymers, elastomers, or any combination thereof.

[0028] The first end 302 of the adapter 300 may be configured to couple to the handle 102 of the delivery system 100. The second end 304 of the adapter 300 may be configured to couple to the channel 250 of the endoscope 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 302 may have a smaller outer diameter than the second end 304. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 306 may extend between the first end 302 and the second end 304 and may have a knurled or otherwise textured outer surface for gripping by a user. In some embodiments, the intermediate portion 306 may alternatively or additionally comprise at least one protrusion, such as the protrusion 118 or 120 described with respect to FIG. 1B. It will be appreciated that the intermediate portion 306 may comprise a length "L1", which may correspond to a difference in working length between the shaft 106 of the delivery system 100 and the working channel 250 of the endoscope 200. In many embodiments, the length L1 and the length of the first end 302 may add up to a difference in working length between the shaft 106 of the delivery system 100 and the working channel 250 of the endoscope 200. Thus, the adapter 300 may enable the use of an endoscope 200 with a different working channel length than the delivery system 100. As discussed above, the textured exterior surface, protrusions, or any combination thereof may provide a grip that allows one or both ends of the adapter to be rotated about its longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the second end 304 may include a textured exterior surface and / or at least one protrusion in addition to or instead of the intermediate portion 306. Some embodiments (not shown) may include the first and second ends directly coupled to each other without the intermediate portion 306. In other embodiments, the first and second ends of the adapter may be rotatable relative to each other.

[0029] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the first end 302 of the adapter 300 may include external threads 308 configured to mate with corresponding internal threads of the bore 126 of the delivery system 100. In other embodiments, the first end 302 may include a luer lock configured to mate with the locking member 110 of the delivery system 100. In further embodiments, the first end 302 may include one or more notches 310 or other surface features configured to interact with corresponding surfaces of the locking member 110 of the delivery system 100 to provide a tight coupling of the adapter to the handle.

[0030] In many embodiments, the adapter 300 may include a lumen 312 extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis AA of the adapter, as shown in FIG. 3B. In some embodiments, the lumen 312 may have a diameter "ID1" at the first end 302 that is smaller than a diameter "ID3" at the second end 304. The lumen 312 may have a continuously increasing diameter from the first end 302 to the second end, or the lumen 312 may have a stepped configuration within the adapter 300, for example, having a step with a diameter "ID2". In many embodiments, the lumen 312 may have a diameter D1 at the first end that is larger than an outer diameter of a shaft of a medical device delivery system, for example, a catheter 106 as described with respect to FIG. 1A.

[0031] In many embodiments, the lumen may have a diameter ID3 at the second end 304 that is larger than the diameter of at least a portion of the port of the endoscope channel opening 246. For example, at least a portion of the lumen at the end 304 may be wider than the ridge 248 of the endoscope 200, as described with respect to FIG. 2. The lumen at the second end 304 of the adapter 300 may mate to a port of the endoscope channel 250, as described in more detail below.

[0032] 4 illustrates an exemplary assembly of a delivery system 100 and an endoscope 200 in accordance with one or more embodiments herein. The assembly 400 includes a delivery system 100 with a locking member 110 as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-B, an endoscope 200 as described with respect to FIG. 2, and an adapter 402 that couples an endoscope channel opening to the locking member 110. The adapter 402 may have the same or similar features as the adapter 300 of FIGS. 3A-3B, including a first end that is coupled to the locking member 110, a second end that is coupled to the endoscope channel opening, and a lumen (not shown) extending axially along the entire length of the adapter. The adapter 402 further includes a cap 404 tethered to the side of the second end of the adapter 402, which may be coupled (e.g., clamped) onto the first end of the adapter 402 when the first end is not coupled to the locking member 110, thereby preventing fluid from within the endoscope 200 from flowing through the channel opening (e.g., channel opening 246 described with respect to FIG. 2) and the adapter 402. It will be understood that in some embodiments, the cap may be differently coupled to the adapter or may not be attached.

[0033] When the adapter 402 is used to couple the delivery system 100 to the endoscope 200 as described herein, the shaft 106 of the delivery system may extend through a lumen of the adapter, through the channel opening 246 of the endoscope 200, and through the channel 250. In many embodiments, the adapter 402 may fix the position of the delivery system 100 relative to the endoscope 200, thus providing an operator with stability for manipulating or otherwise using the medical device delivery system during an endoscopic procedure. In many embodiments, the adapter 402 may form a fluid-tight fit with the locking member 110 of the delivery system 100 and / or the channel opening 246 of the endoscope 200.

[0034] 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a system according to one or more embodiments herein. The system may include an endoscope 200, an adapter 502, and a delivery system 100. For clarity, the system in FIG. 5 is shown in a partially exploded view.

[0035] The adapter 502 may be configured to couple the endoscope 200 to the delivery system 100. The endoscope 200 and delivery system 100 are presented as examples with respect to FIG. 5, although it is understood that alternative endoscopes and / or delivery systems (e.g., the delivery device 1200 of FIG. 12) may be used. The adapter 502 may have the same or similar features as the adapter 300 described with respect to FIGS. 3A-B, including a first end coupled to the locking member 110, a second end coupled to the endoscope channel opening 246, and a lumen extending axially along the entire length of the adapter.

[0036] The adapter 502 may include a cap 504 that may be configured to fit over an end of the adapter, and often provide a fluid-tight seal thereon. For example, the cap 504 is configured to fit over the end 512 of the adapter 502. The cap 504 includes threads 506 on an inner surface configured to interact with a corresponding threaded outer surface 520 of the end 512, thereby coupling the cap to the end. However, it will be understood that the cap 504 may additionally and / or alternatively include an inner surface configured to couple with the end of the adapter via a press-fit or friction fit, a suction fit, a quick release connection, and / or other types of fit. For example, the cap 504 may include an inner surface that is smooth or has an inner surface with alternative surface variations. In many embodiments, the cap 504 may be configured to couple with the end 512 of the adapter 502 via a luer lock connection.

[0037] The cap 504 may include one or more valves in some embodiments. For example, a plurality of flaps 508a-b may form a valve at an end of the cap 504. The valve may be liquid-tight when in a closed configuration and may be configured to move to a partially or fully open configuration when pressure is applied to the flaps 508a-b, such as when a tool, catheter, or other medical device is inserted through the valve. In many embodiments, the valve may be configured to maintain a liquid-tight fit around a tool, catheter, or other medical device inserted therethrough. The valve may move between an at least partially open configuration and a closed configuration while coupled or uncoupled to an end of the adapter 502. For example, when the adapter 502 is uncoupled from the delivery system 100, the cap 504 may be coupled to an end 512 (not shown) of the adapter 502 and a tool may be inserted between the flaps 508a-b. A liquid-tight seal may thereby be maintained around the tool. Although the valve has been described as including a flap, it will be understood that the valve may comprise one or more slits, petals, bristles, duckbills, or other suitable configurations. In various embodiments, the valve may be a one-way valve. The cap 504 may be attached to or detached from the adapter 502 via a connector, such as, for example, a tether 510.

[0038] The adapter 502 may include first and / or second ends 512, 514, where the first end is configured to mate with the delivery system 100 and the second end is configured to mate with the endoscope 200. For example, the adapter 502 has a first end 512 configured to mate with the engagement member 110 of the delivery system 100 and a second end 514 configured to mate with the channel opening 246 of the endoscope 200.

[0039] The first end 512 may mate with the delivery system 100 via other suitable connections, including a threaded connection, a snap fit, a press or friction fit, a suction fit, a luer lock connection, a quick release connection, or combinations thereof. For example, the first end 512 of the adapter 502 has an outer diameter "OD1" that may correspond to a diameter "D2" of the bore 126 of the delivery system 100 such that at least a portion of the first end is receivable within the bore. In many embodiments, the first end 512 of the adapter 502 includes threads along at least a portion of its outer surface, the threads configured to interact with corresponding internal threads of the bore 126 of the locking member 110. The first end 512 may include a length L2, as described above with respect to FIG. 3A (not shown).

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, the second end 514 may mate with the endoscope 200 via other suitable connections, including a threaded connection, a snap fit, a press or friction fit, a suction fit, a luer lock connection, a quick release connection, or combinations thereof. For example, the second end 514 may be configured to form a snap fit over the channel opening 246 and the ridge 248 of the endoscope 200. In some embodiments, one or more internal openings in the second end 514 of the adapter 402 may be sized and configured to receive and retain connection features of the endoscope 200 therein. For example, a first internal opening 516 disposed in the second end 514 may have a larger inner diameter ("ID2") than a second internal opening 518 having an inner diameter "ID3". An inner diameter "ID2" of the first inner opening 516 may correspond to an outer diameter of the ridge 248 of the endoscope 200, and an inner diameter "ID3" of the second inner opening 518 may correspond to an outer diameter of the channel opening 246. Thus, the ridge 248 and channel opening 246 of the endoscope 200 may be received within the first and second inner openings 516, 518 to couple the endoscope to the adapter. In many embodiments, the first and second ends 512, 514 of the adapter 502 may include different connection types.

[0041] An intermediate portion 524 of the adapter 502 may extend between the first end 512 and the second end 514. Although the intermediate portion 524 is shown as having a smooth surface, it will be appreciated that its outer surface may include one or more surface alterations, such as texturing similar to that described with respect to the intermediate portion 306 of Figures 3A-3B. The intermediate portion 524 may comprise a length L1, as described above with respect to Figure 3A (not shown).

[0042] It will be appreciated that the adapter 502 may be made from a material that facilitates connection between the endoscope 200 and / or the delivery system 100. For example, the first end 514 of the adapter may be made from an elastically deformable material, such as an elastomer, polymer, etc., that may bend, stretch, or otherwise deform to allow the portion 518 to slide or snap over the ridge 248 of the endoscope 200. As will be appreciated, an adapter comprising a rigid or semi-rigid material may more securely hold the delivery system 100 and / or endoscope 200, and thus the adapter 502 may comprise one or more materials based on the advantages of those properties to the desired function of the adapter. For example, the adapter 300 may comprise a first end 302 and a middle portion 306 made from a metal, such as stainless steel, that may maintain the rigidity of the adapter, as shown in Figures 3A-3B, and the second end 304 may be made from a polymer, elastomer, etc., that may be deformed to allow it to snap over a flange or ridge portion of the endoscope. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0043] The adapter 502 may include a lumen 522 extending longitudinally therethrough. When the second end 514 of the adapter 502 is coupled to the endoscope 200 (e.g., snapped onto the ridge 248 of the channel opening 246), the lumen 522 may provide access to the endoscope (e.g., the channel opening) from the first end 512 through the adapter. The lumen 522 may have a continuous inner diameter from the first end 512 to the second end 514 of the adapter 502. In many embodiments, the lumen 522 may be configured to receive a shaft 106, catheter, or other medical device therethrough and to direct the shaft, catheter, or other medical device into the channel opening 246 of the endoscope 200.

[0044] The lumen may be configured to form a fluid-tight fit with a shaft of a delivery system received therethrough, for example, via a friction fit. For example, the adapter 602 of FIGS. 6A-B may include a lumen 606 therethrough having an inner diameter "ID1" that is greater than the diameter "D" of the delivery system shaft 106 positioned therein, as shown in FIG. 6A. The adapter 602 may include a plurality of flaps 604a-b disposed within the lumen 606 to form a valve capable of forming a fluid-tight fit with the shaft 106. When the shaft 106 is inserted through the lumen, the flaps 604a-b may flex to engage an outer surface of the shaft to form a fluid-tight seal around the shaft, as shown in FIG. 6A. When the shaft 106 is removed, the flaps 604a-b may move to a closed configuration, as shown in FIG. 6B. The valve may be configured to move between a closed configuration and an open configuration based on the application of pressure to the valve, for example, by a catheter, sheath, or other medical device inserted through lumen 606. It will be understood that adapter lumen 606 may incorporate any number of lumen valves, and the lumen valves may be of the same or different types. For example, the lumen valves may comprise one or more slits, flaps, petals, bristles, duckbills, or other suitable configurations. In some embodiments, the lumen valves may be one-way valves. It will be understood that any of the adapters described herein may comprise at least one lumen valve.

[0045] As previously mentioned, adapters according to the present disclosure may include any of a variety of connection types and combinations of connection types. Figures 7A-B, 8A-B, 9A-C, 10A-B, and 11A-B show some examples of adapter ends configured to couple to medical devices, including delivery systems and endoscopes. For the sake of brevity, not all possible permutations of connection types are illustrated, but it will be understood that the types of ends described and / or shown may be combined in any manner to form an effective adapter.

[0046] 7A-B show cross-sectional views of exemplary adapters with alternative end configurations that can be coupled to various medical devices, such as delivery systems with locking members having non-threaded end connections. Adapters 700 and 720 include one or more components similar to those described above, such as, for example, a lumen 522 having an inner diameter ID1, a second end 514 having a first internal opening portion 516 with an inner diameter ID2, a second internal opening portion 518 with an inner diameter ID3, and an intermediate portion 524, but rather than having a threaded first or second end, adapter 700 has a first end 702 with a smooth cylindrical surface 712 for coupling to a matching surface of delivery system 100. Cylindrical surface 712 may have an outer diameter "OD2" that is sized to create a press fit or friction fit with an inner luminal surface of a medical device, such as a locking member of a delivery system having a corresponding inner diameter (not shown). Alternatively, adapter 720 may have a first end 728 with a tapered surface 732. It will be appreciated that tapered surface 732 may form a frusto-conical shape. Tapered surface 732 is illustrated with a medially increasing outer diameter (e.g., from outer diameter "OD4" to outer diameter "OD3"). It will be appreciated that tapered surface 732 may include an angle different from that shown in FIG. 7B to provide a medially decreasing diameter at first end 728 to form, for example, a snap or clip fit (e.g., from OD3 to OD4, not shown). First end 728 may be configured to mate with a corresponding surface of a medical device to couple the medical device to the adapter. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0047] FIG. 8A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary adapter with an alternative end configuration that can be coupled to a medical device, such as an endoscope channel opening. FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of the adapter 800. For simplicity, the adapter 800 is shown with an intermediate portion 524 and an end 512 including a threaded outer surface 520, as described above. It will be appreciated that the adapter 800 may include a second end 804 that may include a constant corresponding lumen inner diameter ID2 for coupling to a matching surface of the endoscope 200. The adapter 700 may include a lumen 810 having two distinct diameters (e.g., ID1 and ID2) as opposed to the three diameters (e.g., ID1, ID2, and ID3) of the lumen 522. The constant diameter ID2 of the second end 804 of the adapter 800 may be sized and configured to couple to a component of a medical device to form a press fit or friction fit, such as with the ridge 248 of the endoscope 200, as described above. As will be appreciated, coupling second end 804 of adapter 502 to ridge 248 via a press fit or friction fit may not require deformation of the adapter, and therefore adapter 800 may be formed from a material having greater stiffness than the material used to form adapter 502. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, second end 806 or the entire adapter 800 may be formed from stainless steel.

[0048] 9A-B show cross-sectional views of adapters 900, 930, 940 having a quick release connection or quick disconnect fitting for coupling to a delivery system 100 or an endoscope 200. FIG. 9C shows a perspective view of the adapter 900 of FIG. 9A or the adapter 930 of FIG. 9B. FIG. 9D shows a cross-sectional view of an adapter 950 having a lockable quick release connection or quick disconnect fitting for coupling to a delivery system 100 or an endoscope 200. As will be appreciated, the quick release connection may allow for easy and / or rapid coupling and / or decoupling of the adapter 900, 930, 950 to the endoscope 200. For example, the adapter 900, 930, 950 may be adapted to easily couple to the channel opening 246 of the endoscope 200 over the ridge 248 without requiring deformation of the adapter. For simplicity, adapters 900, 930, 950 are shown having mid-portion 524 and end portion 512, respectively, that include threaded exterior surface 520 for coupling to delivery system 100, as described above. Like components of adapters 900, 930 are described together for further simplicity. An adapter 950 having an alternative lockable configuration is described below.

[0049] Adapters 900, 930 can have respective second ends 902, 914 that include quick release connections with one or more spring-loaded bearings 908a-b. Bearings 908a-b can be biased by spring 912 or springs 916a-b such that the bearings extend partially into lumen 906, reducing lumen inner diameter ID2 to a smaller inner diameter "ID4" at the location of their extension into lumen 906. When ridge 248 of endoscope 200 is introduced into lumen 906 at second end 902, 904 of adapter 900, 930, ridge 248 presses against bearings 908a-b, overcoming the spring force of springs 912 or 916a-b and causing the bearings to move radially outward in the direction of arrow "A" and increasing the effective inner diameter of the lumen from ID4 to a diameter sufficient to allow ridge 248 to pass.

[0050] As the bearings 908a-b move radially outward, pressure is applied to the angled surfaces 910a-b of the spring extensions 920a-b. In some embodiments, a separate angled surface may be paired with each bearing. In other embodiments, a single angled surface and / or spring extension may extend circumferentially around the adapter lumen 906. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0051] The angled surfaces 910a-b convert the force applied by the radially outward movement of the bearings 908a-b into springs 912 or 916a-b. In FIG. 9A, a single spring 912 extends circumferentially around the lumen 906. In FIG. 9B, multiple springs 916a-b may be used. The springs 916a-b may, for example, be relatively smaller in cross-sectional area than the spring 912 and therefore more easily compressible. However, a single larger spring 912 may be useful to convert the force from the movement of each bearing into a spring.

[0052] For example, when pressure on bearings 908a-b is released from within lumen 906 as ridges 248 pass through the bearings, springs 912, 916a-b may expand, causing angled surfaces 910a-b to transmit a radially inward force (e.g., in the direction of arrows "B") to bearings 908a-b. Thus, bearings 908a-b may protrude partially into lumen 906, thereby reducing their corresponding diameter. Thus, ridges 248 may be locked within adapters 900, 930, locking the adapters to endoscope 200.

[0053] In many embodiments, the locking of the ridges 248 in the adapter 900 may cause the ridges 248 to press against an O-ring 922 positioned in the lumen 906. In many embodiments, the O-ring 922 may be positioned in a portion of the lumen 906 with an inner diameter ID2. The O-ring 922 may form a press fit or seal with the ridges 248 to prevent fluid flow from the channel 250 from leaking past the end 902 of the adapter. The O-ring 922 may be formed of a silicone, polymer, or elastomer suitable for forming a fluid-tight seal. Although not shown for simplicity, it will be appreciated that any of the embodiments described herein may include an O-ring 922 or similar sealing element.

[0054] 9D, for simplicity, adapter 950 is illustrated as including various elements described with respect to FIGS. 9A-C, such as lumen 906, bearings 908a-b, spring 912, O-ring 922, arrows A, B, and inner diameters ID2, ID4. It will be understood that embodiments may alternatively or additionally include other elements described herein. For example, spring 912 may be replaced by springs 916a-b.

[0055] The adapter 950 can also include a number of additional or alternative structural members, such as a central coupler 952, an outer collar 954, and an inner collar 956. The structural outer collar 954 can be rotatably disposed about the central coupler 952 at an end 966. The inner collar 956 can be circumferentially disposed within the central coupler 952, with the central coupler 952 defining a lumen 906. In various non-limiting examples, the inner collar 956 can be biased in the direction of arrow E by the spring 912, for example, via the force of the spring 912 on a spring interface 962 of the inner collar 956.

[0056] In many embodiments, the internal threads 958 of the outer collar 954 may interact with the external threads 960 of the central coupler 952 such that rotation of the outer collar 954 in one direction relative to the central coupler 952 can cause the outer collar 954 to move longitudinally in the direction of arrow "E" while the central coupler 952 remains stationary. Rotation of the outer collar 954 in the other direction relative to the central coupler 952 can cause the outer collar 954 to move longitudinally in the direction of arrow "F" while the central coupler 952 remains stationary. It will be appreciated that the central coupler 952 may alternatively be rotated and / or moved relative to the outer collar 954, for example, while the outer collar 954 remains stationary.

[0057] Movement of outer collar 954 in the direction of arrow F relative to central coupler 952 imparts a force and corresponding movement in the direction of arrow "G" to bearings 908a-b. However, angled surface 964 of central coupler 952 orients the bearings 908a-b to simultaneously extend radially inward into lumen 906 along arrow B as they move in the direction of arrow F. Thus, bearings 908a-b may reduce lumen inner diameter ID2 to a smaller inner diameter "ID4" at the location of their extension into lumen 906. Additionally, movement of bearings 908a-b may overcome the bias of spring 912, causing inner collar 956 to move in the direction of arrow F relative to central coupler 952, correspondingly compressing spring 912.

[0058] While compressed, spring 912 may bias inner collar 956 to move in the direction of arrow E. However, the interaction of threads 958 and threads 960 may lock the positions of central coupler 952 and outer collar 954 relative to one another, thereby locking the positions of bearings 908a-b and inner collar 956 relative to central coupler 952 and outer collar 954.

[0059] However, movement of outer collar 954 in the direction of arrow E relative to central coupler 952 reduces or relieves the force of outer collar 954 on bearings 908a-b in the direction of arrow F. Thus, inner collar 956 may move with the bias of spring 912 in the direction of arrow E. Protrusion 968 of central coupler 952 may apply pressure to bearings 908a-b, causing them to move along angled surface 964 in the directions of arrows A and E. Thus, bearings 908a-b may increase lumen inner diameter ID4 to larger inner diameter "ID2" at the point of their extension into lumen 906.

[0060] It will be appreciated that end 966 may be positioned over ridge 248 of endoscope 200 while outer collar 954 is moved along arrow E relative to central coupler 952 (e.g., while adapter 950 is in an unlocked configuration). Outer collar 954 can then be rotated relative to central coupler 952 to move outer collar 954 along arrow F to restrict inner lumen diameter of adapter 950 from ID2 to ID4 distal to ridge 248. Thus, adapter 950 may be secured or fixed to endoscope 200 (e.g., with adapter 950 in a locked configuration). It will be appreciated that a lockable or fixable coupling of the adapter to an endoscope may improve stability of the coupled system during a procedure and increase ease of operation for the physician.

[0061] FIG 10A shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary adapter 1000 with a partial turn lock connection coupleable to a medical device, such as an endoscope channel opening. FIG 10B shows a perspective view of the adapter 1000. For simplicity, the adapter 1000 is shown with an intermediate portion 524 and an end portion 512 including a threaded outer surface 520, as described above. It will be appreciated that the adapter 1000 may include an end portion in lieu of end portion 512, such as end portion 702 or end portion 728, as described above.

[0062] The adaptor 1000 may include a first end 1002 with one or more recesses 1006a-b along an inner wall of a lumen 1004 extending therethrough. The recesses 1006a-b may be configured to receive correspondingly sized and positioned protrusions of a medical device (not shown) at the adaptor's first end 1002. As can be seen, the recesses 1006a-b are oriented within the inner wall of the adaptor 1000 and are generally parallel to the longitudinal axis AA of the lumen 1004. A blind recess 1008a-b is associated with each of the recesses 1006a-b. The blind recesses 1008a-b are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lumen 1004 and are configured to lock an associated protrusion of a medical device therein. Thus, once the prongs of the medical device are aligned with the recesses 1006a-b and the medical device is fully inserted into the lumen 1004 corresponding to the first end 1002, rotation of the medical device relative to the adapter 1000 (or vice versa) causes the prongs of the medical device to be received within the blind recesses, thereby coupling the medical device to the adapter 1000. Although the blind recesses 1008b are not visible in FIGS. 10A-B, it will be understood that each recess of an adapter having a partial turn lock connection may similarly be L-shaped, curved, or other shape. In some embodiments, the partial turn lock connection may be coupled via a quarter turn, a third turn, a half turn, or other partial turn about an axis "AA" that extends longitudinally through the center of the lumen 1004. In some embodiments, the partial turn lock may comprise a luer lock fitting.

[0063] FIG 11A illustrates an exemplary cross-sectional view of an adapter 1100 having a threaded connection suitable for coupling to a medical device, such as an endoscope 200s. FIG 11B illustrates a perspective view of the adapter 1100. End 512, including intermediate portion 524 and threaded outer surface 520, as well as axis AA described above, are included in adapter 1100, although it will be appreciated that alternative ends may be used. For example, adapter 1100 may include end 702 or end 728 as described above, rather than end 512.

[0064] The adaptor 1100 may include a first end 1102 that may include threads 1104 disposed on an inner surface of a lumen 1106 extending through the adaptor 1100. The diameter of the lumen 1106 may be larger at the first end 1102 than at the second end 512 of the adaptor 1100 in many instances. For example, the lumen 1106 may have a diameter of ID2 at a portion corresponding to the end 1102, as described above. The threads 1104 and the threaded outer surface 520 may include the same or different thread profiles, e.g., having the same or different pitch, depth, and / or directionality.

[0065] The threads 1104 can mate with a medical device having corresponding threads on its outer surface. In some embodiments, the medical device can include a surface alteration, such as one or more discrete protrusions, that can be rotated into engagement with the threads 1104 of the adapter 1100, for example, by rotating the adapter about axis AA relative to the medical device, by rotating the medical device about axis AA relative to the adapter, or both.

[0066] As discussed above, each adapter end may be coupled to a medical device by a respective action, for example, by rotation or insertion of a medical device into the lumen of the adapter. It will be understood that each device may be respectively detached from the medical device by an opposite action. For example, adapters coupled via rotation may be detached via rotation in the opposite direction (e.g., adapter 502, 602 to end 512 and / or adapter 1000, 1100 to corresponding end 1002, 1102). In another example, the adapters may be detached via insertion of a medical device into its lumen or via insertion of an adapter end into a lumen of a medical device, respectively removal (e.g., adapter 700 to end 514, 702; adapter 720 to end 514, 728; adapter 800 to end 804; and / or adapter 900, 930 to end 902, 914). Additionally, while each of the illustrated adapters is shown with one female fitting and one male fitting, it will be understood that an embodiment may include any combination of ends described herein. By way of example, an adapter may include first end 512 and second end 702, or an adapter may include first end 514 and second end 914 as described herein (not shown). Thus, a variety of medical device connections may be achieved via the adapters of the present disclosure.

[0067] FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative delivery device 1200 that may be coupled with one or more adapters described herein. For example, the delivery device 1200 may be configured to deliver a needle to a target tissue. The handle 1202 may be used to control tool deployment through a catheter end 1206, and the catheter 1208 extends between the handle and the catheter end. The locking member 1210 may be disposed on the end of the handle 1202 and may comprise one or more similarities to the locking member 110 as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-B. For example, at least one protrusion 1220 may be used to grip the locking member 1210 (similar to protrusions 118, 120), and the lumen 1222 may be configured to couple with an adapter as described herein (e.g., an adapter with end 512). The catheter 1208 may be configured to extend through an adapter (not shown) similar to the shaft 106. Using the control knob 1212, a tool (not shown), such as a needle, can be extended from the catheter end 1206, for example, a repeatable predetermined distance following a corresponding rotation of the control knob 1212. The locking knob 1214 can be used to fix the position of the tool relative to the delivery device 1200. One or more echogenic, radiopaque, colored, otherwise imageable markings, or any combination thereof, can be disposed along the sliding portion 1216 extending between the control knob 1212 and the locking knob 1214, the catheter 1208, or the catheter end 1206, which can aid in determining the positioning of the delivery system. It should be appreciated that coupling the delivery device 1200 with an adapter, as described herein, can enable the delivery system to be coupled and used during a procedure in conjunction with various other medical devices, such as the endoscope 200.

[0068] The components may be coupled and / or separated prior to or during the procedure according to the physician's needs and / or convenience. It will also be appreciated that the adapter may be provided with various dimensions corresponding to the dimensions of the medical device desired to be used. For example, the catheter diameter D may be in the range of 5-12 Fr (1.7-4.0 mm). For a catheter having a diameter D in the range of 5-12 Fr (1.7-4.0 mm), the corresponding inner diameter ID1 of the adapter may be in the range of 5-12 Fr (1.7-4.0 mm), or in the range of 5-13 Fr (1.7-4.3 mm), e.g., substantially the same as or slightly larger than D. In various non-limiting examples, the catheter diameter D may be in the range of 6-11 Fr (2.0-3.7 mm), e.g., in the range of 6-8 Fr (2.0-2.7 mm), or in the range of 9-11 Fr (3.0-3.7 mm). The threads described herein may be right-handed or left-handed. In some embodiments (not shown), the threads may be configured to mate with threads of multiple pitches and / or sizes, thereby increasing the adaptability of the adapter to larger medical device arrays.

[0069] In various embodiments, the total longitudinal length of the adapter may be in the range of 2-3 cm, or in the range of 1-4 cm, although the total longitudinal length of the adapter may be in the range of 1-15 cm. In many embodiments, the sum of the lengths of the middle portion and the first end of the adapter, marked as L1 and L2, respectively, in FIG. 3A, may be in the range of 1-2 cm. However, the sum of the lengths of the middle portion and the first end of the adapter may have a length in the range of 1-15 cm. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0070] All of the devices and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed in light of this disclosure without undue experimentation. Although the devices and methods of the present disclosure have been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it may be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be applied to the devices and / or methods described herein, and to the steps or sequence of steps of the methods, without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A system comprising: A locking member of a medical device delivery system a coupling device, the first end of the coupling device including a portion having a threaded outer surface configured to couple to the locking member, the first end further including a lumen extending therethrough; a second end of the coupling device having a lumen axially continuous with the lumen of the first end, the second end configured to couple to an outlet of an endoscope channel; and A system comprising:

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the coupling device comprises a luer lock fitting.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second end of the coupling device corresponds to a larger inner diameter of the lumen than the first end.

4. 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the lumen at the second end of the coupling device comprises a first portion having a first inner diameter and a second portion having a second inner diameter, the second inner diameter being larger than the first inner diameter, and the second portion configured to fit over a ridge at the exit of the endoscope channel.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a cap coupled to the first end of the coupling device.

6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the cap comprises a valve.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the coupling device further comprises an intermediate portion between the first end and the second end, an outer surface of the intermediate portion comprising a surface alteration.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the coupling device is further configured to couple to the locking member to form a fluid-tight fit.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the lumen of the coupling device comprises a one-way valve.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein an inner diameter of at least a portion of the lumen of the coupling device is in the range of 5 to 12 Fr (1.7 to 4.0 mm).

11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the second end of the coupling device comprises a quick disconnect fitting.

12. the first end of the coupling device is configured to prevent free rotation of the coupling device relative to the locking member when coupled to the locking member; the second end of the coupling device is configured, when coupled to a channel of an endoscope, to prevent free rotation of the coupling device relative to the channel; or The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the system is both.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the lumen at the second end of the coupling device is configured to receive an outlet of an endoscope channel in a fluid-tight fit.

14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein when the first end of the coupling device is coupled to the locking member and the second end of the coupling device is coupled to an outlet of an endoscope channel, the lumen of the first end of the coupling device is configured to pass a delivery sheath of the medical device delivery system into the endoscope channel.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the second end of the coupling device is configured to couple to an endoscope channel outlet via a press fit, a turn lock connection, or a clip fit.

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