Cystoscope with interchangeable tools for docking

Abstract

Cystoscopes and systems are disclosed in which a repository of the cystoscope is configured to receive a cartridge tool and provide access to a working channel of an elongated shaft of the cystoscope. The handle of the cystoscope has a first control for actuating a movable element of the repository. The movable element is configured to engage a cartridge tool received within the repository, thereby performing the functionality of the cartridge tool when the first control is actuated.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 300,800, filed January 19, 2022. Priority to this application is expressly claimed, and the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] Field of the Disclosure The present disclosure relates to devices for managing or treating body tissue that obstructs a hollow body cavity, such as prostatic lobe tissue obstructing the urethra, and more particularly to devices and methods for facilitating the use of a cystoscope for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. [Background technology]

[0003] The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that encases the urethra through which urine leaves the bladder and plays an important role in the male reproductive system. The gland starts small but tends to enlarge as a man ages. An excessively enlarged prostate results in a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to the abnormal but non-malignant (non-cancerous) growth of the prostate gland that is very commonly observed in older men. BPH is a chronic condition that is associated with the development of urinary outlet obstruction or luminal stenosis in the prostatic urethra. Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) refers to an obstruction at the base of the bladder that reduces or stops the flow of urine into the urethra and can be secondary to BPH. A series of related disorders, collectively referred to as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including sexual dysfunction, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, urinary retention, urinary leakage, and urinary tract infections and bladder infections, can occur, which worsen as the abnormal growth of the prostate enlarges and progresses.

[0004] Cystoscopes are important tools used in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures related to conditions such as those mentioned above, whether surgical or minimally invasive, involving the implantation of an expandable device within the prostatic urethra designed to increase the diameter of the urethra. Thus, cystoscopes are used to inspect the urinary tract and often perform minor procedures to diagnose and correct problems in the urinary tract. Cystoscopes consist of a handpiece with a light source and either a fiber optic lens for direct viewing or a system that houses or connects to a camera at the end of the device. Cystoscopes can be rigid or flexible, with flexible versions providing additional patient comfort by allowing the tip to be steered via controls on the handle. Cystoscopes also often include irrigation, where the delivery of saline or other suitable fluids introduced through an appropriate port, such as a Luer connection, is conveyed through the working channel to the distal end of the device to facilitate viewing and imaging by removing debris / blood from the camera's field of view. Procedures can be performed with the cystoscope by advancing an elongated tool or instrument through the working channel. The tool may be a simple grasper or basket or a more complex device delivery and / or retrieval tool, but generally must fit through the irrigation port channel.

[0005] For example, FIG. 1 shows a conventional cystoscope 1 with its distal end fed through the urethra 2 and positioned within the patient's bladder 3. In particular, a separate tool 4 may be introduced through a port 5 of the cystoscope 1. In such prior art embodiments, the tool 4 typically has a control 6 that must be actuated to perform its functionality, such as deploying an expandable implant that helps restore patency to the urethra, or retrieving such an implant, if necessary, as described in co-pending and commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 11,497,637, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This is in addition to manipulating the cystoscope 1 as it is navigated and stabilized in place. As will be appreciated, such additional tools typically add bulk and weight to the construct and require an additional operator to operate the control. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] It would be beneficial to achieve the functionality provided by the separate tools while reducing the bulk and / or weight of the device used to perform the procedure. Likewise, it would be desirable to facilitate operation of the cystoscope and the controls used to achieve the functionality of the separate tools by a single operator. Among other advantages, such technology could represent a simplification of the procedure and reduce the overall time required. The present disclosure, as detailed in the specification and drawings, meets these and other needs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure is directed to a cystoscope having a handle, an elongate shaft defining at least one working channel, a repository configured to receive a cartridge tool and provide access to the working channel, and a first control for actuating a movable element of the repository, the movable element configured to engage a cartridge tool received within the repository, thereby performing the functionality of the cartridge tool when the first control is actuated.

[0008] In one aspect, the cystoscope also has an irrigation port in fluid communication with the working channel, the irrigation port being separate from the repository. The repository can have a seal configured to limit evacuation of irrigation fluid from the working channel when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository.

[0009] In one aspect, the handle may further include a steering control configured to cause selective deflection of the distal end of the elongate shaft. The handle may also include a steering lock configured to maintain the distal end of the elongate shaft at a desired deflection.

[0010] In one aspect, the repository can have a recess such that at least a portion of the docked cartridge tool is within the profile of the handle.

[0011] In one aspect, the cystoscope also includes at least one cartridge tool having an elongated distal portion configured to extend into the working channel and having a body releasably attached to the repository. The cartridge tool can have a movable element that is engaged by a movable element of the handle when the cartridge tool is docked in the repository such that functionality of the cartridge tool is performed by manipulation of the first control.

[0012] The present disclosure is also directed to a cystoscope system that may include a cystoscope having a handle, an elongated shaft defining at least one working channel, a repository configured to receive a cartridge tool and provide access to the working channel, and a first control for actuating a movable element of the repository, the movable element configured to engage a cartridge tool docked in the repository and thereby perform the functionality of the cartridge tool when the first control is actuated, and at least one cartridge tool, the cartridge tool having an elongated distal portion configured to extend into the working channel and having a body releasably attached to the repository.

[0013] In one aspect, the cartridge tool can have a movable element that is engaged by a movable element of the handle when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository such that functionality of the cartridge tool is performed by operation of the first control unit.

[0014] In one aspect, the cystoscope can have an irrigation port in fluid communication with the working channel such that the repository includes a seal configured to limit the escape of irrigation fluid from the working channel when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository.

[0015] In one aspect, the cystoscopy system can have a plurality of cartridge tools, at least two of which may have different functionality and / or at least two of which may have different sized expandable implants.

[0016] The present disclosure is also directed to a method of using a cystoscope, which may include providing a cystoscope having a handle, an elongated shaft defining at least one working channel, a repository configured to receive a cartridge tool and provide access to the working channel, and a first control for actuating a movable element of the repository, docking the cartridge tool with the cystoscope such that an elongated distal portion of the cartridge tool extends through the working channel and a body of the cartridge tool is releasably attached within the repository, where docking the cartridge tool causes the movable element of the repository to engage the cartridge, and actuating the first control to perform the functionality of the cartridge tool.

[0017] In one aspect, irrigation fluid can be supplied to the working channel through an irrigation port, and docking the cartridge tool engages a seal that limits the evacuation of irrigation fluid from the working channel into the repository.

[0018] In one aspect, a steering control on the cystoscope handle can be operated to cause selective deflection of the distal end of the elongate shaft, and a steering lock on the cystoscope handle can be operated to maintain the distal end of the elongate shaft at a desired deflection.

[0019] In one aspect, the cartridge tool can have a movable element that is engaged by a movable element of the handle when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository such that functionality of the cartridge tool is performed by operation of the first control unit.

[0020] In one aspect, the cartridge tool may be replaced with a different cartridge tool.

[0021] Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following more particular description of the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters generally refer to the same parts or elements throughout the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the male anatomy, including the lower portion of the bladder and the prostatic urethra in a physiological configuration typical of a patient suffering from BPH, showing an example of the prior art involving passing a cystoscope and a separate tool through the prostatic urethra to access the bladder and adjacent prostate gland. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a schematic elevational view of a cystoscope according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams illustrating a detailed view of the handle of the cystoscope of FIG. 2, showing controls for steering and for implementing the functionality of a cartridge tool according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams illustrating a detailed view of the handle of the cystoscope of FIG. 2, showing a repository for docking a cartridge tool according to one embodiment; [Diagram 5] 1A and 1B are schematic illustrations of an elevational view of a cartridge tool for docking with a cystoscope according to one embodiment; [Figure 6] 1A and 1B illustrate diagrams of a handle of a cystoscope according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A-1D are schematic illustrations of different views of a handle of a cystoscope according to one embodiment; [Figure 8] 3A-3C are schematic diagrams illustrating cutaway views showing details regarding a selectively deflectable distal end of the cystoscope of FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment; [Figure 9] 13A-B are schematic illustrations of a repository in a cystoscope handle for docking a cartridge tool according to one embodiment; [Figure 10] 13A-13C are schematic illustrations of the use of a cartridge tool actuator of a cystoscope to implement cartridge tool functionality according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] 13A-13C are schematic illustrations of the use of a cartridge tool actuator of a cystoscope to implement cartridge tool functionality according to one embodiment. [Figure 12] 13A-13C are schematic illustrations of the use of a cartridge tool actuator of a cystoscope to perform functionality of a cartridge tool in an initial, non-deployed position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] 13A-13C are schematic illustrations of the use of a cartridge tool actuator of a cystoscope to perform the functionality of a cartridge tool in a fully deployed position, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] At the outset, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particularly illustrated materials, architectures, routines, methods, or structures, which may vary, and thus, although several such options similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the practice or embodiments of the present disclosure, the preferred materials and methods are described herein.

[0024] It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the disclosure only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0025] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only exemplary embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. The term "exemplary" as used throughout this description means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other exemplary embodiments. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments of the specification. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments of the specification may be practiced without these specific details.

[0026] For convenience and purposes of clarity only, directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, upper, lower, over, above, below, below, rear, back, and front may be used with respect to the accompanying drawings. These and similar directional terms should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any way.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, 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.

[0028] With respect to the orientation and anatomy-related language of the various structures described herein, the terms "proximal" and "distal" refer to the perspective of a medical professional, such as a urologist, operating the cystoscopic system of the present disclosure. Thus, the features of the cystoscopic system that are held by the urologist's hand are at the "proximal" end, and the assembled system and imaging sensor are located at the "distal" end of the cystoscopic system.

[0029] As discussed above, the techniques of the present disclosure include providing a system incorporating a cystoscope and an interconnecting cartridge tool. The cystoscope includes a handle configured to facilitate guiding a distal end of the cystoscope through a patient's anatomy and includes at least a first control configured to actuate a movable element of the cartridge tool. Thus, a single user may operate both the cystoscope and the cartridge tool.

[0030] To aid in the explanation of the techniques of the present disclosure, FIG. 2 is a schematic elevational view of a cystoscope 10 having an elongated shaft 12 defining a working channel (not shown in this view). At the distal end of the shaft 12 is an imaging sensor 14, which is coupled to a cable 16 having an appropriate connector 18 for coordinating with a monitor or other type of display. The shaft 12 can have a variety of lengths based on criteria such as at least the intended procedure. For example, the shaft 12 can have a working length of 22 cm to 60 cm, preferably 33 cm to 40 cm, and most preferably 37 cm to 40 cm. As a corollary thereof, the length of the shaft 12 can be sufficient to allow a desired view of the patient's anatomy. An irrigation port 20, such as a Luer connector, is in fluid communication with the working channel defined by the shaft 12. At the proximal end of the cystoscope 10 is a handle 22, which is configured to allow an operator to manipulate the cystoscope 10 as the distal end of the cystoscope 10 is advanced through the patient. In one aspect, this involves applying a rotational torque to the shaft 12 via the handle 22. Additionally, the shaft 12 may be deflectable, as known in the art and described in further detail below, and the distal end may be steered to help guide advancement through the patient. Thus, the handle 22 may include a steering control 24, which is coupled to one or more steering wires (not shown in this view) such that the distal end of the shaft 12 is selectively deflectable to adjust the angle of the imaging sensor 14 to obtain a desired view or to facilitate navigation through the patient's anatomy. Similarly, the handle 22 may also have a steering lock 26 to hold the distal end of the shaft 12 at a desired degree of deflection. Additionally, the handle 22 features an actuator 28, which controls a movable element (not shown in this view) that engages the cartridge tool when the cartridge tool is docked within a repository (also not shown in this view) of the handle 22, as described in more detail in the discussion below.

[0031] Further details of the proximal portion of the handle 22 are shown in the detailed view of FIG. 3, which shows the actuators, including the steering control 24, steering lock 26, and cartridge tool actuator 28. Similarly, FIG. 4 is another detailed view showing the repository 30, which is configured as a recess or cavity defined by the handle 22. Thus, at least a portion of the proximal end of the cartridge tool is within the profile of the handle 22 when the tool is docked, helping to minimize the bulk of the assembled system. Within the repository 30 is an access 32 configured to allow a distal portion of the cartridge tool to extend into the working channel of the shaft 12 when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository 30. Since the irrigation port 20 is in fluid communication with the working channel of the shaft 12 as described above, the access 32 can have a seal 34 to limit the evacuation of irrigation fluid, particularly when the cartridge tool is docked and extends through the access 32. As shown, a movable element 36 is disposed within the repository 30 and is coupled to the cartridge tool control actuator 28 so as to be able to engage the cartridge tool when docked.

[0032] As will be appreciated, the techniques of the present disclosure represent multiple advantages. By providing the cartridge tool actuator 28 on the handle 22, a single operator can simultaneously perform the functionality of the cartridge tool while also maneuvering and guiding the cystoscope 10, including by operating the steering control 24 and / or steering lock 26. By integrating the necessary controls for both the cystoscope 10 and the cartridge tool into the handle 22, bulk is reduced and allows for use by a single operator. In particular, the cartridge tool actuator 28 can be used to perform the functionality of any type of cartridge tool that is docked thereto. For example, a typical procedure may include an operator using their thumb to engage the steering control 24 and their index finger to engage the cartridge tool actuator 28, requiring only one hand to operate both the cystoscope 10 and the cartridge tool as needed.

[0033] Additionally, because the irrigation port 20 represents a dedicated pathway to the working channel of the shaft 12, irrigation only needs to be connected once at the beginning of a procedure. In contrast, conventional cystoscope designs, such as the one shown in FIG. 1, typically involve separate tools employing irrigation ports, requiring reconfiguration of the irrigation pathway when the tool is being used. Additionally, because the irrigation port 20 only connects to an appropriate source of irrigation fluid, a known and reliable connection, such as a Luer connector, may be used, and a dedicated interface is made using a seal 34 with the cartridge tool. Connection to the irrigation port 20 only needs to be made once, even when multiple cartridge tools are exchanged. Additionally, the techniques of the present disclosure include employing a single working channel to deliver irrigation fluid and providing access to the cartridge tool such that the diameter of the working channel may be optimized for maximum irrigation flow rate.

[0034] Turning now to FIG. 5, an elevational view of an exemplary cartridge tool 40 is shown. Generally, the cartridge tool 40 includes a body 42 that is configured to mate with the repository 30 of the handle 22, such as via a snap-fit ​​connection or other suitable attachment, and the cartridge tool 40 interconnects with the cystoscope 10 to allow their movements to be synchronized. However, it should also be understood that the cystoscope 10 may already be positioned within the patient's anatomy when the cartridge tool 40 is inserted through the access 32 and docked with the handle 22. For example, a given procedure may involve the use of multiple cartridge tools having different functionality, or different cartridge tools may be selected to deliver devices of different sizes. Thus, the cystoscope 10 may be maintained in a desired position within the patient while different cartridge tools 40 are exchanged. The cartridge tool 40 includes an elongated distal portion 44 configured to extend into the working channel of the shaft 12. As mentioned above, the cartridge tool actuator 28 is coupled to the movable element 36, which engages a complementary movable element in the body 42 to perform the functionality of the cartridge tool 40, which may include deployment or retrieval of a prostatic urethral implant, as described above. Thus, each of the functionality performed by the various embodiments of the cartridge tool 40 may still share the same ability to dock within the repository 30 and share the same interface as the cartridge tool actuator 28 and the movable element 36. As will be appreciated, these features reduce the learning curve of operation of the cystoscope 10, as the same controls, including the cartridge tool actuator 28, are used regardless of the type of cartridge tool employed. In one aspect, multiple cartridge tools 40 may be used during one procedure by redeploying the cartridge tool actuator 28 as each tool is replaced.

[0035] Additional views of the handle 22 are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. In the side view of FIG. 6, the handle 22 is shown with the repository 30 open upward and the movable element 36 disposed therein. Near the distal portion of the handle 22 are the irrigation port 20 and the cable 16 for the imaging sensor 14. This view also depicts the cartridge tool actuator 28, as well as the steering control 24 and steering lock 26. In the bottom three-quarter view of FIG. 7, the irrigation port 20 and the cable 16 are again visible near the distal portion of the handle 22. The steering control 24 is shown in this embodiment configured as a lever positioned midway through its range of travel. Moving the steering control 24 from this midway position results in deflection of the distal end of the shaft 12 as described above. Further details are shown in the cutaway view of FIG. 8. In particular, the cartridge tool actuator 28 rotates the hub 46 about an axle 48 and, depending on which direction the hub 46 is rotated, tension can be selectively applied to either of the steering wires 50 .

[0036] Also shown in FIG. 8 is tubing 52 coupling irrigation port 20 with valve 54 at the proximal end of working channel 56 defined by shaft 12 as described above. At the distal end of repository 30 is access 32 and seal 34 through which elongated distal portion 44 of cartridge tool 40 extends into working channel 56 when the tool is docked. Seal 34 is configured to limit evacuation of irrigation fluid from access 32 when cartridge tool 40 is docked. Further details, including the location of seal 34 within access 32, are depicted in the partial three-quarter top view shown in FIG. 9. Also shown is coupling of irrigation port through tubing 52 and valve 54.

[0037] 10 is another cutaway view of the handle 22 showing the cartridge tool 40 docked within the repository 30. The elongated distal portion 44 (not shown in this view) is introduced through the access 32, and the body 42 is secured in place via a releasable attachment 56. At a minimum, the cartridge tool actuator 28 is used to actuate the movable element 36, which engages a complementary element within the cartridge tool 40 to perform its functionality. For example, FIG. 11 depicts the internal components of the cartridge tool 40, with the body 42 shown in perspective (dashed lines). The movable element 58 within the body 42 is configured to be engaged by the movable element 36 of the handle 22. Correspondingly, when the cartridge tool actuator 28 is actuated, the movable element 36 translates distally, which, upon engagement, also translates the movable element 58 distally. With this movement, the cartridge tool 40 performs its functionality, for example, by deploying an expandable implant to restore patency to the prostatic urethra, although other cartridge tools may be configured to achieve different functionality. In some embodiments, the cartridge tool 40 can have functionality with additional controls that can be disposed on the body 42 for manipulation by an operator when the cartridge tool 40 is docked to the handle 22.

[0038] A schematic depiction of the use of the cystoscope 10 and cartridge tool 40 in accordance with the technology of the present disclosure is shown by Figs. 12 and 13, with Fig. 12 corresponding to the cartridge tool actuator 28 in an initial, undeployed position with the movable element 36 at its most proximal position, and Fig. 13 corresponding to the cartridge tool actuator 28 in a fully deployed position with the movable element 36 at its most distal position 40. In this embodiment, the cartridge tool actuator 28 is configured as a plunger, and when it is fully depressed, the movable element 36 moves from a proximal position shown in Fig. 12 to a distal position shown in Fig. 13. The movable element 36 of the handle 22 engages a complementary movable element 58 of the cartridge tool 40, resulting in an equivalent distal movement. The cartridge tool 40 is configured to convert this translational movement into a desired functionality, such as by deploying an expandable implant. Various linkages within the cartridge tool 40 may be used based on the desired functionality, such as by converting the relative distal movement of the movable element 36 into proximal movement, if necessary. Additionally, the cartridge tool actuator 28 may employ gearing or other suitable couplings to vary the ratio of movement between the cartridge tool actuator 28 and the moveable elements depending on the intended use.

[0039] The exemplary embodiments disclosed above are intended merely to illustrate various utilities of the present disclosure. Numerous modifications, variations, and combinations of the functional elements and features of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and thus, it will be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically disclosed, and the principles of the present disclosure may be readily extended to other applications with appropriate modification.

[0040] All patents and publications are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Although the present disclosure has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments and optional features, it will be understood that modifications and variations of the concepts disclosed herein may be made by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0041] [Embodiment] (1) A cystoscope, A handle and an elongate shaft defining at least one working channel; a repository configured to receive a cartridge tool and provide access to the working channel; a first control for actuating a movable element of the repository; Including, The cystoscope, wherein the movable element is configured to engage a cartridge tool docked within the repository, thereby performing the functionality of the cartridge tool when the first control is actuated. (2) A cystoscope as described in embodiment 1, further comprising an irrigation port in fluid communication with the working channel, the irrigation port being separate from the repository. (3) A cystoscope as described in embodiment 2, wherein the repository further includes a seal configured to limit the escape of irrigation fluid from the working channel when a cartridge tool is docked within the repository. (4) A cystoscope as described in embodiment 1, wherein the handle further includes a steering control configured to cause selective deflection of the distal end of the elongated shaft. (5) A cystoscope as described in embodiment 4, wherein the handle further includes a steering lock configured to maintain the distal end of the elongated shaft at a desired deflection.

[0042] (6) A cystoscope as described in embodiment 1, wherein the repository includes a recess such that at least a portion of a docked cartridge tool is within the profile of the handle. (7) A cystoscope as described in embodiment 1, further comprising at least one cartridge tool, the cartridge tool having an elongated distal portion configured to extend into the working channel and having a body releasably attached to the repository. (8) A cystoscope as described in embodiment 7, wherein the cartridge tool has a movable element that is engaged by the movable element of the handle when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository so that functionality of the cartridge tool is performed by operation of the first control unit. (9) A cystoscope system, comprising: A cystoscope having a handle, an elongate shaft defining at least one working channel, a repository configured to receive a cartridge tool and provide access to the working channel, and a first control for actuating a movable element of the repository, the movable element configured to engage a cartridge tool docked within the repository, thereby performing the functionality of the cartridge tool when the first control is actuated; at least one cartridge tool having an elongated distal portion configured to extend into the working channel and having a body releasably attached to the repository; 1. A cystoscopy system comprising: (10) A cystoscopy system as described in embodiment 9, wherein the cartridge tool has a movable element that is engaged by the movable element of the handle when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository so that functionality of the cartridge tool is performed by operation of the first control unit.

[0043] (11) The cystoscope system of embodiment 9, wherein the cystoscope further includes an irrigation port in fluid communication with the working channel, and the repository further includes a seal configured to limit the escape of irrigation fluid from the working channel when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository. (12) A cystoscopy system as described in embodiment 9, further comprising a plurality of cartridge tools. (13) A cystoscopy system as described in embodiment 12, wherein at least two of the plurality of cartridge tools have different functionality. (14) A cystoscopy system as described in embodiment 12, wherein at least two of the plurality of cartridge tools have expandable implants of different sizes. (15) A method of using a cystoscope, comprising: providing a cystoscope having a handle, an elongate shaft defining at least one working channel, a repository configured to receive a cartridge tool and provide access to the working channel, and a first control for actuating a movable element of the repository; docking a cartridge tool with the cystoscope such that an elongated distal portion of the cartridge tool extends through the working channel and a body of the cartridge tool is releasably attached within the repository, whereby docking the cartridge tool causes the movable element of the repository to engage the cartridge; activating the first control to perform functionality of the cartridge tool; A method comprising:

[0044] (16) The method of embodiment 15, further comprising supplying irrigation fluid to the working channel through an irrigation port, wherein docking the cartridge tool engages a seal that restricts the escape of irrigation fluid from the working channel into the repository. (17) The method of embodiment 15, further comprising operating a steering control of the handle of the cystoscope to cause selective deflection of a distal end of the elongate shaft. (18) The method of claim 15, further comprising operating a steering lock on the handle of the cystoscope to maintain the distal end of the elongate shaft at a desired deflection. (19) The method of embodiment 15, wherein the cartridge tool has a movable element that is engaged by the movable element of the handle when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository such that functionality of the cartridge tool is performed by operation of the first control unit. (20) The method of claim 15, further comprising replacing the cartridge tool with a different cartridge tool.

Claims

1. A cystoscope, A handle and an elongate shaft defining at least one working channel; a repository configured to receive a cartridge tool and provide access to the working channel; a first control for actuating movable elements of the repository; Including, The cystoscope, wherein the movable element is configured to engage a cartridge tool docked within the repository, thereby performing the functionality of the cartridge tool when the first control is actuated.

2. The cystoscope of claim 1 , further comprising an irrigation port in fluid communication with the working channel, the irrigation port being separate from the repository.

3. The cystoscope of claim 2 , wherein the repository further comprises a seal configured to limit evacuation of irrigation fluid from the working channel when a cartridge tool is docked within the repository.

4. The cystoscope of claim 1 , wherein the handle further includes a steering control configured to cause selective deflection of a distal end of the elongate shaft.

5. The cystoscope of claim 4 , wherein the handle further includes a steering lock configured to maintain the distal end of the elongate shaft at a desired deflection.

6. The cystoscope of claim 1 , wherein the repository includes a recess such that at least a portion of a docked cartridge tool is within a profile of the handle.

7. The cystoscope of claim 1 , further comprising at least one cartridge tool, the cartridge tool having an elongated distal portion configured to extend into the working channel and having a body releasably attached to the repository.

8. The cystoscope of claim 7, wherein the cartridge tool has a movable element that is engaged by the movable element of the handle when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository such that functionality of the cartridge tool is performed by operation of the first control unit.

9. 1. A cystoscope system comprising: a cystoscope having a handle, an elongate shaft defining at least one working channel, a repository configured to receive a cartridge tool and provide access to said working channel, and a first control for actuating a movable element of said repository, said movable element configured to engage a cartridge tool docked within said repository, thereby performing the functionality of said cartridge tool when said first control is actuated; at least one cartridge tool, the cartridge tool having an elongated distal portion configured to extend into the working channel and having a body releasably attached to the repository; 1. A cystoscopy system comprising:

10. The cystoscopy system of claim 9, wherein the cartridge tool has a movable element that is engaged by the movable element of the handle when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository such that functionality of the cartridge tool is performed by operation of the first control unit.

11. The cystoscope system of claim 9, wherein the cystoscope further includes an irrigation port in fluid communication with the working channel, and the repository further includes a seal configured to limit the escape of irrigation fluid from the working channel when the cartridge tool is docked within the repository.

12. The cystoscopy system of claim 9 further comprising a plurality of cartridge tools.

13. The cystoscopy system of claim 12 , wherein at least two of the plurality of cartridge tools have different functionality.

14. The cystoscopy system of claim 12 , wherein at least two of the plurality of cartridge tools have expandable implants of different sizes.

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