Device and system for reducing fluid volume when using fluid to access body lumen

Abstract

To provide a device and a system for reducing fluid volume when using fluid to access a body lumen.SOLUTION: There are provided medical devices and methods. An exemplary medical device for accessing a body lumen along a bile duct and / or a pancreatic duct may include a long-sized member having a distal end and a proximal end. The medical device may be connected to a system configured to supply pressurized fluid to the medical device. The system configured to supply pressurized fluid to the medical device may be configured to supply pressurized fluid at an initial first velocity that decays to a second velocity to facilitate cannula insertion of one or more of the bile duct and the pancreatic duct while mitigating fluid supplied during a procedure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to medical devices and methods for making and using these medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to medical devices for accessing body lumens along the bile and / or pancreatic ducts. [Background technology]

[0002] A wide variety of intracorporeal medical devices have been developed for medical applications, such as endoscopic procedures. Some of these devices include guidewires, catheters, catheter systems, and endoscopic instruments. These devices may be manufactured by any one of a variety of different manufacturing methods and used according to any one of a variety of different methods. Each of the known medical devices and methods has certain advantages and disadvantages. There is a continuing need to provide alternative medical devices and alternative methods for manufacturing and using medical devices. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices and systems. An exemplary medical device for accessing a body lumen of a subject includes a fluid accumulator having a proximal end and a second end configured to receive fluid from a pressurized gas source, a flexible elongate tube having a proximal end and a distal end configured to be directed toward an opening of the body lumen, a lumen extending from the distal end of the flexible elongate tube toward the proximal end of the flexible elongate tube, the lumen selectively communicating with the second end of the fluid accumulator, and a switch configured to adjust communication between the fluid accumulator and the lumen upon actuation of the switch.

[0004] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, actuation of the switch is configured to automatically cause fluid to exit the distal end of the lumen at a first rate at a first time and at a second rate at a second time after the first time, the first rate being greater than the second rate.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, the switch is connected to a valve that selectively blocks fluid flow downstream of the fluid accumulator and upstream of the distal end of the lumen.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, the switch is mechanically connected to the valve. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, a first actuation of the switch is configured to connect the fluid accumulator to the lumen, and a second actuation of the switch is configured to block fluid flow between the fluid accumulator and the lumen.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, the fluid accumulator is a coil of tubing. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, the medical device may further include a first tube portion extending between the fluid accumulator and the switch, and a second tube portion extending between the switch and a third tube portion, the third tube portion comprising a flexible elongate tube.

[0008] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, the medical device may further include a fluid source lumen extending from the fluid accumulator and configured to communicate with the fluid source, and a flow restrictor disposed along the fluid source lumen.

[0009] An exemplary system may include a fluid accumulator and a sphincterotome in communication with the fluid accumulator, the fluid accumulator being upstream of the sphincterotome and configured to accumulate pressurized fluid for selective release through a distal end of the sphincterotome at an initial first rate, the first rate decaying over time to a second rate.

[0010] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, the system may further include a pressurized fluid source upstream of and in communication with the fluid accumulator to supply pressurized fluid to the fluid accumulator.

[0011] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, the second rate is based on the fluid flow rate of the fluid exiting the pressurized fluid source. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, the system may further include a flow restrictor disposed between the pressurized fluid source and the fluid accumulator to restrict flow from the pressurized fluid source to the fluid accumulator.

[0012] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, the system may further include a valve upstream of the sphincterotome and downstream of the fluid accumulator, the valve configured to regulate the flow of fluid from the fluid accumulator to the sphincterotome.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, the system may further include a switch in communication with the valve, the switch configured to be actuated to switch the valve between a closed position in which fluid flow between the fluid accumulator and the sphincterotome is blocked, and an open position in which fluid flows between the fluid accumulator and the sphincterotome.

[0014] An exemplary method of accessing a body lumen of a subject may include extending an elongated tube having a distal end and a lumen through a working channel of an endoscope extending into the subject, directing the distal end of the elongated tube toward an opening of the body lumen, and flowing a fluid from a fluid source through the lumen and out of the distal end of the elongated tube toward the opening of the body lumen, wherein flowing the fluid from the fluid source through the lumen and out of the distal end of the elongated tube includes outputting the fluid from the distal end of the elongated tube initially at a first predetermined rate, the first predetermined rate automatically decaying over time to a second predetermined rate that is non-zero.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, the first predetermined velocity is set to transition the opening of the body lumen from a closed state to an open state. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, a second non-zero predetermined speed is set so that the opening remains open once opened.

[0016] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, the second non-zero predetermined velocity is maintained for a longer period of time than the period during which the fluid is output at the first predetermined velocity. Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, the method may further include opening the valve to allow fluid to flow from the fluid source, through the lumen, and out the distal end of the elongate tube.

[0017] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, the method may further include closing the valve to allow fluid from the fluid source to accumulate in a fluid accumulator in selective communication with the lumen.

[0018] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] The present disclosure may be more fully understood from the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for accessing an opening in a body lumen of a subject. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram of the part of the system shown in FIG. 1 indicated by circle 2. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for accessing a body lumen. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for accessing a body lumen, with body tissue and an endoscopic device shown in cross section. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for accessing a body lumen. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for accessing a body lumen. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary method of using a system for accessing a body lumen. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for accessing a body lumen of a subject used to access the body lumen. [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for accessing a body lumen of a subject used to access the body lumen. [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for accessing a body lumen of a subject used to access the body lumen.

[0020] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, details of which have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] These definitions shall be applied to the following defined terms, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. While the configurations of the present disclosure may be described with specific reference to medical devices and systems (e.g., endoscopic devices, accessory tools, and / or guidewires inserted through a duodenoscope or endoscope, or inserted near or through the papilla, etc.) for selectively accessing, aligning with, and / or cannulating the common bile duct (CBD) or pancreatic duct (PD) during an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedure, it should be understood that such medical devices and systems may be used in a variety of medical procedures requiring navigation of one or more accessory tools through the anatomy of a duct, lumen, vessel, or body lumen, including, for example, therapeutic imaging, balloon angioplasty / angiography procedures, thrombolytic procedures, urological or gynecological procedures, etc. The disclosed medical devices and systems may be inserted through different access points and approaches, for example, percutaneously, endoscopically, laparoscopically, or some combination thereof.

[0022] All numerical values, whether explicitly stated or not, are assumed to be modified herein by the term "about." In the context of numerical values, the term "about" generally indicates a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Other uses of the term "about" (e.g., in contexts other than numerical values) can be assumed to have their ordinary and customary definitions as understood from and consistent with the context of this specification, unless otherwise indicated.

[0023] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range, inclusive of the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). Although certain preferred dimensions, ranges and / or values ​​for various components, features and / or specifications are disclosed, those skilled in the art, armed with this disclosure, will understand that the desirable dimensions, ranges and / or values ​​may deviate from those expressly disclosed.

[0024] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used to include "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. For ease of understanding, it should be noted that certain features of the present disclosure may be described in the singular even though those features may be multiple or repeated within a disclosed embodiment. Each instance of a feature may include and / or be encompassed by the singular disclosure unless expressly stated to the contrary. For purposes of brevity and clarity, not every element of the present disclosure is necessarily shown in every drawing or discussed in detail below. However, it will be understood that the following discussion may apply equally to any and / or all of two or more components unless expressly stated to the contrary. Moreover, for clarity, not every instance of some element or feature is shown in every drawing.

[0025] It should be noted that references herein to "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but that not all embodiments necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to provide the particular feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, unless clearly stated to the contrary, whether explicitly described or not. That is, it is contemplated that various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in specific combinations, can be combined or arranged with one another to form other or additional embodiments, or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiments, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0026] For clarity, certain distinguishing numerical nomenclature (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used throughout the description and / or claims to name and / or distinguish various described and / or claimed features. It should be understood that the numerical nomenclature is not intended to be limiting, but is merely exemplary. In some embodiments, variations and departures from previously used numerical nomenclature may be made for brevity and clarity. That is, a feature identified as a "first" element may later be designated a "second" element, a "third" element, etc., or may be omitted entirely, and / or a different feature may be designated the "first" element. The meaning and / or name in each instance will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0027] The detailed description is intended to illustrate, not limit, the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described can be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The detailed description sets forth exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] As discussed herein, it is desirable for the distal tip of a medical device to be flexible for effective navigation within a body lumen. For example, a flexible distal tip of a medical device can facilitate navigation through narrow passages, such as the papilla of Vater and / or other passages. In some cases, a flexible distal tip of a medical device can facilitate guiding the medical device into a target body lumen located adjacent to and / or within a structure, such as a lesion, stone, or other deposit.

[0029] In some cases, the devices and methods disclosed herein may be useful for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures in the bile and / or pancreatic ducts, among other purposes. Access to the pancreaticobiliary system, as facilitated by the devices disclosed herein, may be necessary to diagnose and / or treat a variety of conditions, including, but not limited to, tumors, gallstones, infections, sclerosis, and pseudocysts. The devices disclosed herein may also be useful for navigation in other parts of the body, such as the cardiovascular system.

[0030] Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can be used to diagnose and treat conditions of the common bile duct, including, for example, gallstones, inflammatory strictures, leaks (e.g., due to trauma, surgery, etc.), cancer, and / or other conditions. An ERCP procedure allows a physician to view the inside of the stomach and / or duodenum through an endoscope. During the procedure, dye is injected into the biliary system and / or pancreatic duct, allowing the area to be viewed on an x-ray. These procedures may require gaining and maintaining access to the papilla of Vater, common bile duct, and / or pancreatic duct, which can be technically challenging, require extensive training and practice to gain proficiency, and may require one or more expensive tools to perform.

[0031] During an ERCP procedure, several steps may be performed while the subject is sedated and / or anesthetized. For example, an endoscope may be inserted from the mouth through the esophagus, into the stomach, and through the pylorus into the duodenum to a location at or near the papilla of Vater (also known as the ampulla of Vater), the opening of the common bile duct and pancreatic duct. Due to the shape of the papilla and the angle at which the common bile duct and pancreatic duct meet the wall of the duodenum, the distal tip of the endoscope is generally positioned just beyond the papilla. Because the endoscope is positioned beyond the papilla, endoscopes typically used in these procedures are side-viewing endoscopes. The side-viewing feature allows for imaging along the side of the distal tip rather than axially at the end of the endoscope. Such an orientation may allow a physician to obtain an image of the inner wall of the duodenum, where the papilla of Vater is located, even when the distal tip of the endoscope is beyond the opening.

[0032] In some cases, a fluid (e.g., a compressible fluid such as a compressible gas, air, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, etc., and / or other suitable fluid) can be delivered to an opening (e.g., the papilla of Vater) of a body lumen of a subject via a catheter, endoscope (e.g., inserted into the subject as described above or otherwise inserted), an endoscopic accessory device, or other suitable elongated medical device. Application of the fluid to the opening may facilitate identification of and / or access to the body lumen by at least partially dilating the opening with the fluid prior to and / or during delivery of a catheter, endoscope, guidewire, etc. to the opening of the body lumen or to a target anatomical structure or tissue distal thereto (e.g., a duct or other suitable structure or tissue). While the flow of fluid may be used to identify and / or dilate the opening to the lumen, it may be desirable to limit or reduce the total amount of fluid delivered to the subject's body lumen, space, or cavity during a procedure.

[0033] The fluid can be delivered to the opening of a body lumen in any suitable manner, such as via a catheter, endoscope, etc. Some exemplary techniques and systems for delivering fluid to the opening of a body lumen are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019 / 0380565, filed June 13, 2019, and entitled DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR ACCESSING A BODY LUMEN, which is incorporated herein by reference for any and all purposes.

[0034] Systems for delivering compressible fluids to openings in body lumens deliver large volumes of gas to a subject's sealed cavity. In some cases, it may take a long time for the subject's body to fully absorb the gas. Depending on the volume of gas, the subject may experience pain, discomfort, and / or abnormal sensations until the gas is fully absorbed or otherwise expelled. Depending on the volume of fluid delivered to the subject, it may result in tissue barotrauma, destruction, rupture, and / or other undesirable effects on the subject's body tissues.

[0035] It is therefore desirable to provide a system that can facilitate opening and maintaining an open body lumen while limiting the amount of fluid delivered to a subject. Such a system may be configured to deliver a high initial flow rate of fluid to a subject to facilitate identifying and / or dilating an opening in a body lumen of a subject, and then deliver a lower flow rate of fluid to the subject to facilitate maintaining the body lumen open. Such a system may reduce or mitigate the amount of fluid required to open the body lumen and maintain the body lumen open. Such a reduction in the total fluid volume delivered to the body lumen may reduce the likelihood of tissue desiccation, rupture, and / or other damage that can result from using high volumes and / or high velocities of gas when dilating tissue.

[0036] 1 and 2 illustrate selective cannulation during an ERCP procedure, which includes positioning a distal portion of a medical device 22 (e.g., a duodenoscope, endoscope, etc.) within the descending duodenum 18 and passing a guidewire 12 and / or an endoscopic accessory device 14 through the medical device 22 toward, against, and / or through a body lumen, such as a major papilla 16 (e.g., the ampulla ostium) near the descending duodenum 18, to access the sphincter of Oddi complex 20. The guidewire 12 and endoscopic accessory device 14 can be advanced toward the major papilla 16 through a working channel 23 of the medical device 22. The guidewire 12 and / or endoscopic accessory device 14 can then be advanced toward and / or through the major papilla 16 to a desired one of the common bile duct 17, pancreatic duct 19, and / or other suitable body lumens.

[0037] Accessing the papilla 16 can be difficult because the opening is small compared to the size (e.g., diameter) of many medical devices, the opening may be completely folded / closed, and / or the opening may extend into the descending duodenum 18 at an angle that may be difficult to visualize and / or access. Therefore, a medical professional may be required to manipulate the endoscopic accessory device 14 and guidewire 12 by manually rotating the medical device 22 and / or using an elevator within the distal end of the medical device 22 to better align or orient the endoscopic accessory device 14 and / or guidewire 12 relative to the medical device 22 and the opening in the papilla 16. A difficult cannulation procedure in which a medical professional is unable to access the sphincter of the rectum within a certain time limit or after a certain number of failed attempts can lead to serious post-procedure complications, such as post-ECRP pancreatitis (PEP).

[0038] As described above, when a medical professional accesses a body lumen (e.g., a duct such as a nipple) by manipulating a medical device toward or into the opening of the body lumen, a compressive force can be applied to the walls of the opening of the body lumen. Compression of the body lumen opening or the body lumen itself can cause buckling, which can be described as an "accordion effect." If a medical device is inserted into a body lumen without the accordion effect, repeated insertion of the medical device and / or guidewire or other instruments to open and / or maintain the patency of the body lumen can cause irritation to body tissue due to friction.

[0039] 3 illustrates an exemplary system 24 for accessing a body lumen without requiring contact from a medical device to open and maintain an opening to the body lumen during a procedure and / or when otherwise positioning a medical device within the body lumen. In some cases, the system 24 can include, among other components, a medical device 22 having a flexible elongate tube 26.

[0040] The tube 26 may have a proximal end 26 a and a distal end 26 b. The distal end 26 b of the tube 26 may be configured to be oriented toward and / or through an opening in a body lumen. The proximal end 26 a of the tube 26 may be connected, coupled, or otherwise in communication with a handle 28.

[0041] A wire filament 30 may extend along the elongate tube 26 and may be energized for purposes of cutting tissue within a subject. The wire filament 30 may have a proximal end (not shown) connected to the working portion 32 of the handle 28 and a proximal portion extending at least partially within the tube 26. The wire filament 30 may also have a distal portion 34 extending outside the elongate tube 26, and a distal end 36 of the filament 30 may be connected to the distal end 26b of the elongate tube 26.

[0042] Wire filament 30 may be received within, or configured to slide within, a lumen of tube 26, at least along a proximal portion of filament 30. In some cases, actuation portion 32 of handle 28 may be manipulated to slide wire filament 30 along (e.g., within) the lumen of tube 26.

[0043] By sliding the wire filament 30, the distal end 26b of the elongate tube 26 may move in response to the sliding of the wire filament 30. Thus, the actuation portion 32 of the handle 28 may be manipulated to control or adjust the position of the distal end 26b of the elongate tube 26. In one embodiment, the actuation portion 32 of the handle 28 may be manipulated to direct the distal end 26b of the tube 26 toward an opening in a body lumen.

[0044] In some cases, the wire filament 30 may be utilized to electrically cut, remove, and / or cauterize targeted tissue. Accordingly, the handle 28 or other appropriate portion of the medical device 22 may include an electrical connection 38 for an energy source (e.g., a radio frequency energy source, etc.) to energize the wire filament 30 and facilitate tissue cutting. By manipulating the actuation portion 32 of the handle 28 to apply tension to the wire filament 30 and adjust the position of the distal end 26b of the tube 26, the wire filament 30 may be spaced from the tube 26 and energized to facilitate cutting of tissue at or adjacent to the opening of the body lumen.

[0045] The medical device 22 may include one or more lumens extending from at least the proximal end 26a of the tube 26 to the distal end 26b of the tube 26. Although not required, at least a portion of the one or more lumens may move with the distal end 26b of the tube 26 (e.g., toward the opening of the body lumen).

[0046] In some cases, a first of the one or more lumens of the elongated tube 26 may have a fluid connection at its proximal end for a pressurized fluid source 40 (e.g., a CO2 tank or other suitable container of fluid). The first lumen may be configured to apply fluid (e.g., gas) from the fluid source 40 to an opening in the body lumen of interest to open or at least partially open an opening for access into the body lumen by the guidewire 12 and / or the elongated tube 26, without the elongated tube 26 contacting or substantially contacting the body lumen. Once the body lumen is open or partially open, the user may energize the wire filament 30 to cut or remove body tissue and further enlarge the opening.

[0047] A second lumen of the one or more lumens may be configured to receive a guidewire 12. The second lumen may extend from the distal end 26b of the tube 26 at least partially along the tube 26 toward the proximal end 26a of the tube 26. In some cases, the guidewire 12 may extend proximally from the open port 45 and / or distally from a distal opening at the distal end 26b of the tube 26. Once positioned within the target body lumen, the tube 26 may be withdrawn from the guidewire 12, and the guidewire 12 may be used to guide a medical device 22 or other instrument to a target area within the body lumen of interest.

[0048] Opening port 45 may be located at the distal end of handle 28, at proximal end 26b of tube 26, and / or at one or more other suitable locations. In some cases, opening port 45 and tube 26 may be configured to allow guidewire 12 to be peeled away from the side of tube 26 for rapid removal or replacement of the device, although this is not required.

[0049] A third lumen of the one or more lumens may be in communication with a contrast agent source and configured to deliver a contrast agent to the body lumen and / or associated tissue of interest. The contrast agent may be supplied to the third lumen, for example, via a syringe attached to a luer connector on the handle 28 and / or via one or more other suitable connections. The contrast agent may be delivered into the body lumen and used to temporarily enhance imaging of the interior of the body lumen, for example, by x-ray, fluoroscopy, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, ultrasound, etc.

[0050] Although not required, a filter (e.g., a 0.1 micro filter and / or other suitable filter) in tubing 42 may be in communication with the first lumen distal or downstream of fluid source 40 and proximal or upstream of the first lumen. Optionally, a flow regulator 44 may be in communication with the first lumen and may be utilized to regulate the flow of fluid from fluid source 40, through a filter (if included) in tubing 42, and to or into the first lumen of tubing 26.

[0051] The flow regulator 44 may include a valve configured to allow a user to vary the flow rate and / or pressure of the fluid through the device 22. In some configurations, the flow regulator 44 may be or include an on / off valve. In one embodiment, the flow regulator 44 may be or include a trumpet valve.

[0052] A relief port and / or valve may be located along the fluid path from the fluid source 40, upstream of the elongated tube 26, to relieve pressure from the system 24 if, for example, an obstruction in the lumen or perhaps a failure of the regulator 44 causes the fluid pressure to become too high for treatment or patient safety. The relief port may include a one-way valve that opens at a certain threshold of pressure and / or may have one or more other suitable configurations.

[0053] In some cases, the pressure of the fluid at the fluid source 40 may be higher than the desired pressure of the fluid at the attached device 14. Therefore, fluid from the fluid source 40 may be supplied through a regulator 44 to reduce the fluid pressure before a pressure relief port or valve. The regulator 44 and / or relief valve may protect the subject and attached device 14 from the higher pressure at the fluid source 40 by adjusting the pressure at the regulator 44 downward or by setting a relief threshold at the relief port or valve to release the fluid pressure if the pressure at the relief port or valve exceeds the relief threshold.

[0054] In some cases, a pressure relief port or valve may be located downstream of the flow regulator 44. In such a case, if the regulator 44 fails or is incorrectly set, the pressure relief valve can open to prevent undesirable high pressures and / or high volumes of fluid from entering the accessory device 14. A suitable range of fluid pressures for the system or device delivered from downstream of the regulator 44 and / or relief valve may be, for example, from about 10 psi (69 kPa) to about 50 psi (345 kPa), and / or other suitable ranges of pressure values.

[0055] 4 shows an enlarged distal end of system 24 supplying fluid 46 to an opening 48 (e.g., the opening defined by major papilla 16) in a body lumen 50 (e.g., the body lumen defined by sphincter of Oddi 20). Although not shown, fluid 46 may come from a fluid source (e.g., fluid source 40 and / or other suitable fluid source) and exit the distal end of tube 26 at a constant or substantially constant rate and / or pressure to condition opening 48 open and maintain opening 48 open.

[0056] To reduce the amount of fluid delivered to a subject during a procedure and the time the subject is subjected to high pressure and / or high flow rates, system 24 may be configured to deliver fluid to a subject at a non-constant flow rate. For example, system 24 may be configured to deliver fluid to a subject at an initial flow rate or exit rate and then decrease the flow rate or exit rate of the fluid delivered to the subject until the flow reaches a desired flow rate or exit rate of the fluid. In some cases, the desired flow rate or exit rate of the fluid is the flow rate or exit rate required to maintain an opening in a body lumen in an open state after initially using fluid to condition the opening from a closed state to an open state. Decreasing the flow rate or exit rate of the fluid delivered to a subject from a first flow rate or exit rate to a second, lower flow rate or exit rate may be performed in a linear manner, a stepwise manner, and / or one or more other suitable methods. Figures 5-10 illustrate systems, components, and methods for delivering fluid to a subject during a procedure at a flow rate or rate that is reduced over time until a predetermined flow rate or rate is reached.

[0057] 5 illustrates a configuration of system 24 configured to deliver fluid to a subject at a first flow rate or exit rate (e.g., an initial flow rate or exit rate), where the flow rate or exit rate of the fluid delivered to the subject may decrease (e.g., decay) over time to a second flow rate or exit rate. In some cases, the second flow rate or exit rate may be based at least in part on the fluid flow rate or exit rate of fluid exiting the pressurized fluid source. The first flow rate or exit rate may be greater than the second flow rate or exit rate.

[0058] Starting at the proximal end of the system 24, the system 24 shown in FIG. 5 includes, among other components, one or more fluid sources 40 (e.g., cylinders or vessels containing pressurized fluid), one or more cylinder pressure gauges 52 configured to provide an indication of the pressure within the one or more fluid sources 40, one or more pressure controllers 54 (e.g., pressure adjustment knobs and / or other suitable pressure controllers) configured to control the pressure or flow rate (e.g., volumetric flow rate) of fluid exiting the one or more fluid sources 40, one or more outlet pressure gauges 56 configured to provide an indication of the pressure or flow rate of fluid exiting the one or more fluid sources 40 downstream of the one or more pressure controllers 54, a fluid source outlet tube 58, and a fluid source outlet tube 58 configured to receive fluid from the fluid source outlet tube 58. The endoscope accessory device 14 may include a pressurization system including a flow restrictor 62 and a fluid accumulator 64, an accumulator outlet tube 66 in communication with an outlet of the fluid accumulator 64 and configured to receive fluid from the fluid accumulator 64, a flow regulator in communication with the accumulator outlet tube 66 and configured to receive fluid from the accumulator outlet tube 66, and a flow regulator outlet tube 72 in communication with the flow regulator 44 and a connector 74 (e.g., a luer connector and / or other suitable type of connector) of the endoscope accessory device 14 (e.g., a sphincterotome and / or other suitable accessory device) to supply fluid passing through the flow regulator 44 to the accessory device 14 to open and hold open an opening in a body lumen of interest over time. The lumen of the elongated tube 26 of the accessory device 14 may extend from the distal end of the elongated tube 26 to the proximal end of the elongated tube 26, through a connector 74, and to a flow regulator outlet tube 72 that selectively communicates with the fluid accumulator 64 via a flow valve 68 (e.g., in the housing, as shown).

[0059] 5 and described above, a single tube or two or more tubes may be utilized as desired. In some cases, the tubes of the system 24 may be combined to form a single lumen or multiple lumens through which fluid from the fluid source 40 passes through the accessory device 14 to the subject.

[0060] The pressure controller 54 may be adjusted to control the pressure or flow rate of the fluid exiting the fluid source 40. In some cases, if included, the fluid source pressure gauge 52 may provide an indication of the pressure upstream of the pressure controller 54 (e.g., in the fluid source 40) or may otherwise provide an indication of the pressure. If included, the fluid source outlet pressure gauge 56 may provide an indication of the pressure or flow rate downstream of the pressure controller 54 (e.g., exiting the pressure controller 54) set by the pressure controller 54 and supplied to the pressurization system 60.

[0061] The pressurized system 60 may be configured to facilitate delivery of fluid to a subject at a pressure or flow rate equal to or less than the pressure or flow rate set by the pressure controller 54 and may include a flow restrictor 62 and a fluid accumulator 64. In some cases, the pressurized system 60 may include a housing to house the flow restrictor 62, the fluid accumulator 64, and / or other suitable components of the pressurized system 60, although this is not required. The flow restrictor 62 may be configured to narrow the fluid flow path to restrict the flow rate of fluid traveling through the flow path given the inlet pressure from the fluid source 40. The flow restrictor 62 may be fixed or, optionally, variable. Other suitable flow restrictors 62 are also contemplated. In some cases, the flow restrictor 62 may be omitted.

[0062] The fluid accumulator 64 may have a proximal end configured to receive fluid from the pressurized fluid source 40 and a second end (e.g., a distal end). As shown in FIG. 5, the fluid accumulator 64 may be a cylinder configured to accumulate fluid when the flow regulator 44 is in a closed state. Other suitable types of fluid accumulators are contemplated, including, without limitation, a coil of tubing, a length of tubing, one or more tanks, a chamber in series with a fluid tubing or flow path of the system 24, and / or other suitable volume configured to apply a compressed fluid volume (e.g., configured to be filled with pressurized fluid) between the flow restrictor 62 and the flow regulator 44 when the flow regulator 44 is in a closed state and output pressurized fluid when the flow regulator 44 is switched to an open state.

[0063] The fluid accumulator 64 may be any suitable type of fluid accumulator. In some cases, the fluid accumulator 64 may be a fixed volume. In such a case, when a constant rate of pressurized fluid is supplied to the accumulator 64 and the flow regulator 44 is opened, the flow rate of fluid delivered to the subject may decay linearly over time from an initial flow rate to a steady-state flow rate.

[0064] The flow regulator 44 may include a flow valve 68 and a switch actuator 70 (e.g., a switch). The flow valve 68 may be within a housing, as shown, and may be configured to regulate flow from the accumulator outlet tube 66 through the flow regulator outlet tube 72 (e.g., regulate flow through one or more lumens of the tubes 66, 72). The tubes 66, 72 and / or their lumens may be coupled and / or in communication with the flow valve 68 in any suitable manner, such that actuation of the flow valve 68 regulates flow through the lumens of the tubes 66, 72.

[0065] The flow valve 68 may be any suitable type of valve that communicates with the flow path of pressurized fluid from the fluid source 40 to the accessory device and that is adjustable between an open state and a closed state. When the flow valve 68 is in a closed state, the fluid accumulator 64 may store pressurized fluid for release under pressure when the flow valve 68 is adjusted to an open state or open position.

[0066] In some configurations, the flow valve may be an on / off valve. Additionally or alternatively, the flow valve 68 may be an adjustable valve having an off configuration that blocks flow through the lumens of the tubes 66, 72 and an adjustable "on" configuration that allows different, adjustable levels of flow through the lumens of the tubes 66, 72. In one exemplary configuration, the flow valve 68 may be or include a trumpet valve, although this is not required.

[0067] The switch or switch actuator 70 may be mechanically, electromechanically, and / or electrically connected to the flow valve 68 such that the switch actuator 70 can be adjusted to adjust the flow valve 68 between an open state and a closed state. In one example, a first actuation of the switch actuator 70 may place the fluid accumulator 64 in communication with the lumen of the accessory device 14, and a second or subsequent actuation of the switch actuator 70 may block fluid flow between the fluid accumulator 64 and the lumen of the accessory device 14.

[0068] The switch actuator 70 may be any suitable type of actuator configured to be adjusted to switch the state of the flow valve 68. As shown in Figure 5, the switch actuator 70 may be a foot pedal. Alternatively, or in addition, the switch actuator 70 may be a button, a dial, a knob, a touchscreen controller, an on / off switch, and / or any other suitable type of switch actuator 70.

[0069] During operation, system 24 may be utilized to allow fluid to accumulate or be pressurized within fluid accumulator 64, such that when switch actuator 70 is adjusted or actuated to adjust flow valve 68 from a closed state to an open state, pressurized fluid can be delivered at a relatively high flow rate from fluid source 40 and fluid accumulator 64 through the lumen of accessory device 14 to the subject at a relatively high exit rate. The first flow rate may be determined by the source pressure set in pressure controller 54, which may be the maximum pressure achieved within fluid accumulator 64 when the flow valve is in a closed state. Thus, when fluid accumulator 64 is positioned downstream of flow restrictor 62, has a defined volume, and is pressurized by fluid from fluid source 40, the maximum flow rate of fluid exiting fluid accumulator 64 may be determined by the first pressure within accumulator 64 and the inherent flow resistance of the flow path downstream of fluid accumulator 64. With the flow valve 68 in an open state, fluid flow from the fluid accumulator 64 is caused by the flow restrictor 62 between the fluid source 40 and the fluid accumulator 64 to exit the fluid accumulator 64 faster than the fluid enters it, resulting in an initial relatively high flow rate and fluid exit rate from the distal end 26b of the elongated tube 26 decreasing over time until a steady-state flow rate or exit rate (e.g., a second flow rate or rate) is reached that is determined by, among other factors, 1) the pressure set in the pressure controller 54 and 2) the configuration of the flow restrictor 62. The second flow rate or rate may be considered the steady-state flow rate or rate that occurs when fluid enters the fluid accumulator 64 at the same rate as it exits it. The flow valve 68 then closes or begins to close, resetting the system 24 and allowing pressurized fluid to again fill the fluid accumulator 64, so that the process of delivering high-pressure or high-flow fluid to the target can be repeated as needed.

[0070] The configuration of system 24 may be configurable and / or adjustable to obtain a desired flow rate, velocity, or pressure of fluid delivered to a subject over time. For example, the configuration (e.g., size, shape, etc.) of fluid accumulator 64, the fluid pressure set in pressure controller 54, and the configuration (e.g., size, shape, etc.) of flow restrictor 62 may be configured or adjustable such that the peak flow rate (e.g., initial or first flow rate), flow rate decay rate (e.g., slope from peak flow rate to steady-state flow rate), ramp duration (e.g., transition time from peak pressure or flow rate to steady-state pressure or flow rate), and / or steady-state pressure or flow rate (e.g., second flow rate) can be set at a desired level (e.g., a level sufficient to open an opening to a body lumen, maintain the opening open, deliver no more than a desired amount of fluid to a subject, etc.). In some cases, among other factors, the fluid pressure value set in the pressure controller 54 can determine the peak or first flow rate or exit rate, the fluid pressure and / or flow rate set in the configuration of the pressure controller 54 and flow restrictor 62 can determine the steady state or second flow rate or exit rate, and the size of the fluid accumulator 64 and the characteristics of the fluid path downstream of the accumulator 64 can determine the pressure or flow rate decay rate and / or the duration between the peak or first flow rate or exit rate and the steady state or second flow rate or exit rate.

[0071] The system 24 shown in FIG. 5 may deliver gas from the accessory device 14 at a relatively high initial flow rate or exit fluid velocity upon actuation or opening of the flow valve 68 to facilitate dilating or otherwise opening a body lumen opening, and then automatically reduce the flow rate or exit rate of fluid delivered to the subject to a level sufficient to maintain the opening of the body lumen, allowing for placement of one or more medical devices within the body lumen. The reduced flow rate may significantly reduce the total gas volume delivered to the subject during a procedure compared to existing systems that deliver fluid to a subject for the purpose of opening a body lumen. The reduced total gas volume delivered to the subject may reduce risks associated with inflating and pressurizing a closed or normally closed body lumen in a subject undergoing a procedure. Furthermore, reducing the fluid flow rate or pressure may reduce the overall stress applied to affected tissues and structures over the time that pressurized fluid is delivered to the subject and may also reduce the risk of unintended effects, such as tissue desiccation and / or other effects, due to tissue being exposed to a large volume of drying fluid expanding from a compression source.

[0072] Figure 6 illustrates a further configuration of system 24 that operates similarly to the configuration of system 24 described above with respect to Figure 5, with the configuration of system 24 of Figure 6 having a pressurized system 60 including a fluid source 40, a flow restrictor 62, and a fluid accumulator 64. In some cases, pressurized system 60 may include a housing that houses fluid source 40, flow restrictor 62, fluid accumulator 64, and / or one or more other suitable components of pressurized system 60.

[0073] 6, the pressurization system 60 may have a releasable connection with the accumulator outlet tube 66. In such a configuration, the pressurization system 60 may be detached from the accumulator outlet tube 66 and reused for subsequent treatments on other subjects, allowing the tubes 66, 72 and flow regulator 44 to be discarded.

[0074] Additionally, the flow regulator 44 may be configured in a handheld manner, as shown in Figure 6. While Figure 5 illustrates a flow regulator 44 configured as a foot pedal and Figure 6 illustrates a handheld flow regulator 44, the configuration of system 24 shown in Figures 5 and 6 allows for the use of a foot pedal flow regulator 44, a handheld flow regulator 44, and / or other suitably configured flow regulators 44.

[0075] In one configuration of the handheld flow regulator 44, the flow valve 68 may include a plurality of positions 76 (e.g., gripping positions) configured to receive a user's fingers when the flow valve 68 is grasped. Additionally, the switch actuator 70 may be configured as a button (as shown in FIG. 6 ), a trigger, and / or other suitable actuator when the flow valve 68 is configured to be grasped by a user's hand. In operation, a user may grasp the flow valve 68 so that their fingers wrap around the flow valve 68 and actuate the switch actuator 70 by pressing the switch actuator 70 with the thumb of the hand grasping the flow valve 68, or in one or more other suitable manners that facilitate providing a desired flow of pressurized fluid to a subject, although other configurations are contemplated.

[0076] 7 is a schematic flow diagram of an exemplary technique 100 for accessing a body lumen of a subject. In some cases, system 24, or a system similar to system 24 described above, may be utilized to access a body lumen of a subject. While technique 100 may be utilized to access the openings of other body lumens, technique 100, in one embodiment, may be utilized to access the major papilla of a subject for entry into the common bile duct and / or pancreatic duct.

[0077] An exemplary technique 100 may include extending (102) an elongated tube of an accessory device (e.g., elongated tube 26 of accessory device 14, such as a sphincterotome, and / or other suitable elongated tube) through a working channel of an endoscope inserted into a lumen of a subject (e.g., the lumen of the duodenum and / or other suitable body lumen of a subject). The endoscope may be inserted into the lumen using any suitable known technique. The elongated tube may be extended through the working channel of the endoscope, as desired, before or after the endoscope is positioned within the lumen of the subject.

[0078] The distal end of the elongated tube extending through the working channel of the endoscope may be directed toward the opening of the target body lumen (104). In some cases, after the endoscope is positioned proximate to the opening of the body lumen, advancing the distal end of the elongated tube through the endoscope may automatically direct the distal end of the elongated tube toward the opening of the body lumen. For example, a visualization system associated with the endoscope can be used to position the opening of the distal end of the endoscope proximate to the opening of the body lumen. Furthermore, the endoscope may have a ramp or other elevator feature for guiding the elongated tube out of the opening within the endoscope so that the distal opening of the elongated tube, which is in communication with the fluid lumen, is directed toward or near the opening of the body lumen. Alternatively, or in addition, the elongated tube may include or be coupled to a wire that can be tensioned at its proximal end to bend the distal end of the elongated tube in a predetermined direction to control the position of the distal opening of the elongated tube as it exits the endoscope.

[0079] Technique 100 may further include flowing (106) fluid from a fluid source (e.g., fluid source 40 and / or other suitable fluid source) through the lumen of the elongate tube and out of the distal opening of the elongate tube toward the opening of the body lumen. The flow of fluid from the fluid source through the lumen of the elongate tube may be initiated by adjusting or activating a switch controller (e.g., switch actuator 70 or other suitable switch controller) in communication with a valve (e.g., valve 68 or other suitable valve) to open the valve and allow pressurized fluid to flow from the accumulator and fluid source to the lumen of the elongate tube and to the subject. The accumulator may be selectively in communication with the lumen of the elongate tube via a flow valve, and activation or adjustment of the valve (e.g., in response to activation of the switch controller) may automatically flow fluid from the accumulator out of the lumen of the elongate tube.

[0080] When the valve is in the open state, pressurized fluid from the fluid source and accumulator may flow to or toward the opening of the body lumen at an initial first predetermined flow rate and then at a second non-zero predetermined flow rate. The flow rate of fluid to or toward the opening of the body lumen may automatically decay from the first predetermined flow rate to the second predetermined flow rate. Although not required, one or more of the configurations of system 24 described herein can be utilized to supply fluid to the opening of the body lumen at an initial predetermined fluid flow rate that automatically decays with a linear decay to the second predetermined flow rate.

[0081] Additionally, the switch controller may be adjusted to close the valve after draining all or at least a portion of the fluid from the accumulator, thereby preventing fluid from the fluid source and accumulator from reaching or otherwise flowing to the attached device. Thus, closing the valve allows fluid from the fluid source to accumulate in the fluid accumulator, which "refills" the system so that fluid can be delivered at the first predetermined flow rate on subsequent occasions.

[0082] A first predetermined flow rate or pressure of fluid supplied to the opening of the body lumen may result in a force acting on the opening of the body lumen sufficient to adjust the opening of the body lumen to an open state. A second predetermined flow rate or pressure of fluid supplied to the opening of the body lumen may result in a force acting on the opening and the body lumen sufficient to maintain the opening of the lumen open during the procedure. Because the surface area the fluid acts on to maintain the opening and the body lumen open is greater than the surface area the fluid acts on when it is used to adjust the opening of the body lumen to an open state, a lower pressure or flow rate of fluid may be used to maintain the opening of the lumen open than would be used to open the opening. By using a lower flow rate, exit velocity, or stagnation pressure to maintain the opening of the body lumen open in this manner, less fluid may be infused into the subject during the procedure than if the same flow rate required to open the opening of the body lumen were used during the entire procedure, which reduces injury to the subject.

[0083] While the steps described above may provide a method for accessing a body lumen, variations of these methods are also envisioned to achieve the same or similar goals. 8-10 illustrate fluid 46 acting on an opening 48 of a major papilla 16 in a subject's sphincter of Oddi complex (e.g., defining a lumen leading to the common bile duct 17 and pancreatic duct 19) to adjust the opening 48 from a closed state to an open state and to maintain the opening 48 in an open state. The fluid 46 may be supplied to the subject from a system such as system 24 described herein and / or from other suitable systems configured to reduce a fluid flow rate from an initial fluid flow rate to a second fluid flow rate during or after adjusting an opening of a body lumen to an open state and to maintain the opening in an open state using the reduced second fluid flow rate. Assuming that a force approximately the same as or similar to that required to open the opening 48 is required to maintain the opening 48 in an open state, the force is equal to the pressure multiplied by the surface area in contact with the pressure, and therefore, a fluid 46 at a pressure lower than the force required to open the opening 48 can be utilized to maintain the opening 48 in an open state.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 8 , a medical device 22 (e.g., an endoscope, duodenoscope, etc.) is positioned in a subject's duodenum with its opening 75 facing the opening 48 of the major papilla 16, with the opening 48 in a closed state. The distal tip of the elongated tube 26 of the system 24 may be directed to exit the opening 75 of the medical device 22, and a fluid 46 may be output toward the opening 48 at a first predetermined velocity. The fluid 46 may contact the surface area of ​​the opening 48 in the closed state and must have sufficient pressure to overcome the natural force of the sphincter of Oddi complex 20 to adjust the opening 48 from the closed state to an open state. In some cases, the initial flow rate or exit velocity of the fluid 46 (resulting in a stagnation pressure at the tissue surface) may be set based on the expected size of the first surface area, although this is not necessary to generate the desired force on the surface area of ​​the closed opening 48 to open the opening 48 while reducing the volume used to open the opening 48.

[0085] The first surface area may depend on the shape of the primary teat 16 in the closed position and the configuration of the fluid 46 exiting the attachment device 14 and contacting the primary teat 16, as shown in Figure 8. However, to illustrate the first surface area in one example, it may be assumed that the first surface area may be approximated by a circle having a diameter SA1, as shown in Figure 8. When the diameter of the circle is SA1, the circle has a diameter SA1(D SA1 ) distance squared and multiplied by π, approximately 3.14 × (1 / 2 × D SA1 ) 2 The surface area of ​​the surface can be defined as:

[0086] 9 shows the opening 48 in an open state. At this point, fluid 46 can enter the body lumen 50, and the flow rate of the fluid 46 may begin to decay from a first predetermined flow rate to a second predetermined flow rate that is slower than the first flow rate and sufficient to maintain the opening 48 in the body lumen 50 in an open state.

[0087] FIG. 10 illustrates the opening 48 remaining open. As shown in FIG. 10, the fluid 46 may act on a surface area (e.g., a second surface area) of the opening 48 and the body lumen 50 along the length SA2 to maintain the opening 48 open during a procedure on a subject. Comparing the first surface area acted upon by the fluid 46 as shown in FIG. 8 with the second surface area acted upon by the fluid 46 as shown in FIG. 10, it can be seen that the second surface area (e.g., when the opening 48 is in an open state) is greater than the first surface area (e.g., when the opening 48 is in a closed state). Therefore, the flow rate or fluid pressure at the opening 48 that can be utilized to maintain the opening 48 open is lower than the flow rate or fluid pressure at the opening 48 that is required to adjust the opening 48 to the open state.

[0088] The second surface area may depend on the shape of the opening 48 and body lumen 50 along the length SA2, as shown in Figure 10, and the configuration of the fluid 46 exiting the attachment device 14 and contacting the primary papilla 16. However, to illustrate the second surface area in one example, the second surface area may be represented as SA2,D SA2 can be approximated by a bottomless and topless cylinder with a length or height of distance (D SA2 ) times the circumference of the opening 48.

[0089] Example of fluid flow during treatment In one exemplary configuration of system 24, carbon dioxide gas (CO2) may be delivered to the distal end of a sphincterotome catheter to access and distend the greater duodenal papilla (Papilla of Vater). In this example, the CO2 lumen of the catheter may have an exit diameter of 0.016 inches (406 μm), and the gas delivery system may be designed to deliver fluid from the catheter at a first predetermined flow rate and exit velocity when gas flow is initially triggered, followed by a linear decay to a second predetermined flow rate and exit velocity.

[0090] When the flow rate for CO2 delivery is set at 1.0 liter per minute (lpm) (e.g., 16.67 milliliters / second) at the fluid source, the resulting exit velocity of gas exiting the sphincterotome and entering the subject is 128.5 meters / second (m / s), which is sufficient to regulate the major duodenal papilla. When the flow rate for CO2 delivery is set at 0.5 lpm, the exit velocity of gas exiting the sphincterotome and entering the subject is 64.25 m / s, which is sufficient to maintain the opening of the major duodenal papilla in an open state.

[0091] In some procedures, gas is delivered to the major duodenal papilla for 45 seconds to adjust and maintain the papilla open during the procedure. If gas is delivered to the papilla at a rate required to initially open the papilla (e.g., 1.0 liter / min in this example) for the entire 45 seconds of gas delivery, 750.15 milliliters of fluid can be delivered to the subject. If gas is delivered to a subject via a system configured to reduce the pressure or flow rate of fluid delivered to the subject as described herein or otherwise, with a first predetermined flow rate of 1.0 lpm, a second predetermined flow rate of 0.5 lpm, and a decay rate from the first to the second predetermined flow rate of 0.52 ml / s, the volume of fluid delivered to the subject over the 45 seconds of fluid delivery to the subject is 441.73 milliliters.

[0092] The volume of fluid delivered to a subject during 45 seconds of fluid delivery using a regulated decaying flow rate system utilizing the parameters of this example is approximately 58.89% of the volume delivered by a system that does not reduce the flow rate after the nipple opens. Additionally, in a decaying system using a decay rate of 0.52 ml / s, the flow rate is reduced from a first predetermined flow rate (1.0 lpm) for 16 seconds and maintained at a second predetermined steady-state flow rate (0.5 lpm) that is not zero for 29 seconds (e.g., longer than the time the fluid is delivered at the first predetermined flow rate), which exerts less force (e.g., less trauma) on body tissues in contact with the fluid flow compared to a constant flow rate system that delivers fluid at a constant rate set to a rate required to generate sufficient force to open the nipple opening.

[0093] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is, in many respects, merely illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This may include, to the extent appropriate, the use of any of the features of one illustrative embodiment used in other embodiments. The scope of the invention is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. 1. A medical device for accessing a body lumen of a subject, comprising: a fluid accumulator having a proximal end and a second end configured to receive fluid from a pressurized gas source; a flexible elongate tube having a proximal end and a distal end configured to be directed toward an opening in a body lumen; a lumen extending from the distal end of the elongated flexible tube toward the proximal end of the elongated flexible tube, the lumen selectively communicating with the second end of the fluid accumulator; a switch configured to regulate communication between the fluid accumulator and the lumen upon actuation of the switch; A medical device comprising:

2. 10. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the actuation of the switch is configured to automatically cause fluid to exit the distal end of the lumen at a first rate at a first time and at a second rate at a second time after the first time, the first rate being greater than the second rate.

3. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the switch is connected to a valve that selectively blocks fluid flow downstream of the fluid accumulator and upstream of the distal end of the lumen.

4. a first actuation of the switch to place the fluid accumulator in communication with the lumen; The medical device of claim 1 , wherein a second actuation of the switch is configured to interrupt fluid flow between the fluid accumulator and the lumen.

5. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the fluid accumulator is a coil of tubing.

6. a first tube portion extending between the fluid accumulator and the switch; a second tube portion extending between the switch and the third tube portion; The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the third tube portion comprises the flexible elongate tube.

7. a fluid source lumen extending from the fluid accumulator and configured to communicate with a fluid source; a flow restrictor disposed along the fluid source lumen; The medical device of claim 1 further comprising:

8. a fluid accumulator; a sphincterotome in communication with the fluid accumulator; A system comprising: the fluid accumulator is upstream of the sphincterotome and is configured to accumulate pressurized fluid for selective release through the distal end of the sphincterotome at an initial first rate, the first rate decaying over time to a second rate.

9. The system of claim 8 , further comprising a source of pressurized fluid upstream of and in communication with the fluid accumulator for supplying pressurized fluid to the fluid accumulator.

10. 10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a valve upstream of the sphincterotome and downstream of the fluid accumulator, the valve configured to regulate fluid flow from the fluid accumulator to the sphincterotome.

Images