ACTUATOR FOR MEDICAL DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Patent application

Abstract

According to one aspect, a handle assembly (306) for a medical device may include a handle body (320) and an actuator (350) for controlling the supply of air and liquid to the medical device. The actuator may include a button (318) including a lumen (613) extending through the button, an inner body (461) coupled to the button, the first channel (626) fluidly connected to the lumen, and an outer body (462) coupled to the handle body, the inner body being received by the outer body. The actuator is operable at a number of different positions along the circumference of the handle body, the actuator configured to supply air to the medical device when a user covers the lumen and / or supply liquid to the medical device when a user presses the button.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to actuators for handles of medical devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to adjustable actuators for use with the handles of endoscopes or other medical devices, among other aspects. [Background technology]

[0002] During an endoscopic procedure, a medical professional operating an endoscope often wraps the entire palm of the medical professional's hand around the grip or handle portion of the device. Various actuators on the handle of the endoscope require the medical professional to twist the medical professional's hand frequently and for extended periods during the procedure, which may cause strain or even injury. In some cases, actuation of different scope controls, such as knobs or elevators, may result in excessive movement of the medical professional's thumb or other fingers, which may result in strain on the medical professional's hand. An endoscope operator may experience discomfort in the wrist and hand resulting from holding and manipulating the handle of the endoscope. In some cases, the medical professional may experience symptoms similar to those of carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. When the medical professional experiences fatigue or other pain in the fingers, hand, or wrist, the medical professional may shift from a primary grip position to a secondary grip position, which may be a less powerful grip than the primary grip position (e.g., shifting from a four-finger grip to a three-finger grip). Repeatedly stretching or twisting the fingers to access the various actuators may increase fatigue or other pain.

[0003] When the medical professional repeatedly readjusts the grip of the medical professional's hand during a procedure task, the procedure may be prolonged and the procedure task may become more difficult. Depending on the size of the medical professional's hand, the actuator may be positioned in a non-optimized position, increasing the number of readjustments of the medical professional's hand during the procedure. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure relate, among other things, to systems, devices, and methods for aiding a user's access to actuators on a handle and facilitating a user's hand grip on an endoscope or other medical device. Endoscopes and other medical devices with actuators that are adjustable to accommodate fingers and hands of various sizes can help address fatigue or strain on a user's hand, can help reduce the need to re-adjust the hand grip, and can help address other issues. Each of the aspects disclosed herein can include one or more of the features described in association with any of the other aspects disclosed.

[0005] According to one aspect, a handle assembly for a medical device may include a handle body and an actuator for controlling the supply of air and liquid to the medical device. The actuator may include a button. The button may include a lumen extending therethrough, an inner body coupled to the button, the first channel fluidly connected to the lumen, and an outer body coupled to the handle body, the inner body being received by the outer body. The actuator is operable at a plurality of different positions along a circumference of the handle body, the actuator configured to supply air to the medical device when a user covers the lumen and / or supply liquid to the medical device when a user presses the button.

[0006] In other examples, the handle assembly may include one or more of the following features: The body portion of the button may be coupled to the inner body at a rail portion of the inner body. A recess in the body portion receives the rail portion. The body portion may be U-shaped and includes (i) a first protrusion extending radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the body portion, and (ii) a second protrusion extending radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the body portion on an opposite side of the body portion from the first protrusion. The control knob may be coupled to the handle body. The inner body may include an opening configured to receive the body portion, and the body portion may be configured to move toward or away from the control knob when the body portion moves from a first side of the opening to a second side of the opening opposite the first side. The inner body may be coupled to the outer body via at least one spring. A flexible tube may fluidly connect the lumen to the first channel. The inner body may include a second channel. The inner body may include a recess configured to receive a body portion of the button, and the first channel may extend from a first opening into the recess to a second opening on a first side of the inner body, and the second channel extends from a third opening on the second side of the inner body to a fourth opening on the second side, the second side being opposite the first side of the inner body.

[0007] In other examples, the handle assembly may include one or more of the following features: A distance from a top surface of the button to a radially outer edge of the handle body directly opposite the button relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body may be in the range of 60-70 millimeters. The inner body may be configured to move within the outer body in the direction of a central longitudinal axis of the body portion when a user presses the button to deliver liquid to the medical device. The button may be configured to move relative to the inner body in a direction transverse to the central longitudinal axis. The outer body may be cylindrical. may be rotatably coupled to the handle body. The inner body may be cylindrical. may be coupled to the button. The outer body may abut a resilient portion of the handle body. The outer body may include a pair of connector portions projecting radially outwardly relative to the central longitudinal axis from a radially outer surface of the outer body, each connector portion may be rotatably coupled to the handle body.

[0008] In other examples, the handle assembly may include one or more of the following features: The outer body may include a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet offset from the fluid inlet by about 90 degrees relative to a central longitudinal axis of the outer body, an air inlet, and an air outlet offset from the air inlet by about 90 degrees relative to a central longitudinal axis of the outer body. The outer body may include a first recess in a radially outer surface relative to the central longitudinal axis of the outer body and a second recess in a radially outer surface relative to the central longitudinal axis of the outer body, the second recess being positioned opposite the first recess of the outer body. Each of the first recess and the second recess may be configured to receive a resilient portion of the handle body. The actuator may be pivotable about the first axis. The inner body may be movable along a second axis transverse from the first axis.

[0009] In another aspect, a handle assembly for a medical device may include a handle body and an actuator for controlling the delivery of fluid to the medical device. The actuator may include a button including a lumen extending through the button, an inner body coupled to the button, and an outer body coupled to the handle body. The inner body may be received by the outer body, and the actuator may be movable relative to the handle body to a plurality of different positions on the handle body. The actuator may be configured to deliver fluid to the medical device when a user presses the button.

[0010] In other examples, the handle assembly may include one or more of the following features: The actuator may be movable along a first axis relative to the handle body. The inner body may be movable along a second axis transverse from the first axis relative to the outer body. When the inner body moves along the second axis, it may be configured to transition from (i) a first operational state in which no fluid is supplied to the medical device to (ii) a second operational state in which fluid is supplied to the medical device. The outer body may include a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet offset from the fluid inlet by about 90 degrees relative to a central longitudinal axis of the outer body, and the actuator may be pivotable about the first axis. The inner body may be movable along a second axis transverse from the first axis.

[0011] In another aspect, a method of operating an endoscope including a handle is disclosed. The method may include moving a first button from a first position on the handle to a second position different from the first position on the handle, gripping the handle to hold the endoscope, and pressing the first button to supply fluid to the endoscope. The method may further include at least one of (a) covering a lumen of the first button to supply air to the endoscope, and (b) moving the first button from the second position on the handle to a third position different from the first and second positions on the handle.

[0012] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary aspects of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Figure 1A] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary endoscope according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary endoscope according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user's hand holding an endoscope handle, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user's hand holding an endoscope handle, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of an endoscope handle according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an actuator of the endoscope handle of FIG. 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the actuator of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 6 is a perspective view of a button of the actuator of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the actuator of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] 6 is a cross-sectional exploded view of the actuator of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the actuator of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the actuator of FIG. 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9A] 6A-6C are perspective, partial cross-sectional views of the actuator of FIG. 5 in various operational states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9B] 6A-6C are perspective, partial cross-sectional views of the actuator of FIG. 5 in various operational states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10A] 6A-6C are perspective, partial cross-sectional views of the actuator of FIG. 5 in various operational states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B] 6A-6C are perspective, partial cross-sectional views of the actuator of FIG. 5 in various operational states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 1A-1D are top and bottom views of an endoscope handle including an adjustable actuator, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 1A-1D are top and bottom views of an endoscope handle including an adjustable actuator, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 11A and 11B in various positions according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustable actuator of FIG. 12 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 14A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an endoscope handle assembly including an adjustable actuator, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 14B] 14B is a perspective view of a portion of the endoscope handle assembly of FIG. 14A including an adjustable actuator, with a portion of the endoscope handle removed to expose an interior portion of the endoscope handle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15A] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views of the adjustable actuator of FIG. 12 in different operating states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15B] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views of the adjustable actuator of FIG. 12 in different operating states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16] 13A-13C are cross-sectional views of the adjustable actuator of FIG. 12 in different operating states, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Reference will now be made in detail to aspects of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. The term "distal" refers to the part of the device that is furthest from the user when the device is introduced into the patient. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the part of the device that is closest to the user when the device is placed within the patient. Throughout the figures contained in this application, arrows labeled "P" and "D" are used to indicate the proximal and distal directions in the figures. As used herein, the terms "comprising / consisting of," "comprising / consisting of," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion such that a process, method, article, or device that includes a recitation of elements does not comprise only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly recited or inherent to such process, method, article, or device. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" and not "ideal." Additionally, relative terms such as, for example, "about," "substantially," and "approximately" are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% in stated numerical values ​​or ranges.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to improve a user's ability to grasp, manipulate, and otherwise apply forces to the handles and handle actuators of medical devices such as endoscopes during medical procedures, and, as non-limiting exemplary advantages, help reduce the need to reposition the user's hands during a procedure and reduce strain on the user's hands from excessive finger movement, among other aspects.

[0016] 1A and 1B show perspective views of an exemplary endoscopic system 100. The endoscopic system 100 may include an endoscope 101. The endoscope 101 may include a handle assembly 106 and a flexible tubular shaft 108. The handle assembly 106 may include a biopsy port 102, a biopsy cap 103, an imaging button 104, an elevator actuator 107, a first locking lever 109, a second locking lever 110, a first control knob 112, a second control knob 114, a suction button 116, an air / water button 118, a handle body 120, and an umbilicus 105. All of the actuators, elevators, knobs, buttons, levers, ports, or caps of the endoscopic system 100 may serve any purpose and are not limited by any particular use, which may be implied by the respective names of each component used herein. The umbilicus 105 may extend from the handle body 120 to auxiliary devices such as a control unit, a water supply, or a vacuum source. Thus, the umbilicus 105 may transmit signals between the endoscope 101 and the control unit to control the illumination and imaging components of the endoscope 101 and / or receive image data from the endoscope 101. The umbilicus 105 may also provide fluid for irrigation from a water supply and / or suction to the distal tip 119 of the shaft 108. Buttons 116 and 118 control valves for suction and fluid supply, respectively. The shaft 108 may terminate at the distal tip 119. The shaft 108 may include an articulation section 122 for bending the distal tip 119 up, down, left, and / or right. Knobs 112 and 114 may be used to control such bending. Locking levers 109 and 110 may lock the knobs 112 and 114, respectively, in a desired position. The handle body 120 may be tapered. The handle body 120 may narrow as the handle extends distally such that the profile of the handle body 120 is smaller at its distal end than at its proximal end.

[0017] The distal tip 119 may include an imaging device (e.g., a camera) and an illumination source (e.g., an LED or fiber optics). The distal tip 119 may be oriented sideways, i.e., the imaging device and illumination source may face radially outward, perpendicularly, nearly perpendicularly, or otherwise transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 108 and distal tip 119.

[0018] Although the term endoscope may be used herein, other devices may be used in connection with the devices of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, duodenoscopes, colonoscopes, ureteroscopes, bronchoscopes, laparoscopes, sheaths, catheters, or any other suitable delivery device or medical device, It should be understood that any of the actuator embodiments described herein may be incorporated into any of these or other medical devices.

[0019] When operating the endoscopic system 100, a user may use the user's left hand to hold the handle assembly 106 (shown in FIG. 2A ), while the right hand is used to hold an accessory device and / or operate one or more of the actuators of the handle assembly 106, such as the first and second control knobs 112 and 114, and the first and second locking levers 109 and 110. The user may grasp the handle assembly 106 by grasping the handle body 120 with the user's hand. When grasping the handle body 120, the user may use the thumb of the left hand to operate the first and second control knobs 112 and 114, and the elevator actuator 107 (by rotating them about their axes), and the fingers of the left hand to operate the imaging button 104, the suction button 116, and the air / water button 118 (by pressing each).

[0020] 2A and 2B show an exemplary user's left hand 201 gripping the handle assembly 106. The user's left index finger 230 and middle finger 231 may be used to operate the suction button 116 and the air and water button 118. The user may need to extend and / or strain the index or middle finger to actuate the suction button 116 and / or the air and water button 118. Actuators described herein below may help reduce the required extension distance of the user's fingers and / or hand and / or reduce strain on the user's fingers and / or hand. The handle assembly 106 may have a central longitudinal axis 199 extending longitudinally through the handle assembly 106.

[0021] A user can position the thumb 202 of a gripping hand 201 over the elevator actuator 107 and move the elevator actuator 107 along a circular path from a first position (shown in FIG. 2A ) to a second position (shown in FIG. 2B ) by moving the thumb 202. As shown in FIG. 2B , as the thumb 202 moves from the first position to the second position, the palm 240 can move away from the handle body 120. As the palm 240 moves away from the handle body 120, the user can have difficulty reaching the suction button 116 and / or the air and water buttons 118 using the index or middle finger. The actuators described herein below can help reduce the movement of the index and / or ring finger required to actuate the suction button 116 and / or the air and water buttons 118 during operation of the endoscope 101.

[0022] 3 shows a top view of an alternative handle assembly 306. The handle assembly 306 includes an imaging button 304, a first locking lever 309, a second locking lever 310, a first control knob 312, a second control knob 314, an adjustable air and water actuator 350 including an air and water button 318 and an actuator body 340, a handle body 320, and an umbilicus 305. A central rotation knob axis 398 may extend through the first control knob 312 and the second control knob 314. The air and water button 318 may be movable toward or away from the first control knob 312 and the second control knob 314. Also, the handle assembly 306 may be movable toward or away from a central longitudinal axis 399. The central longitudinal axis 399 is shown extending through the page of FIG. 3. The air-water button 318 may be movable along an axis 397 that transverses from the rotation knob axis 398. The axis 397 may not intersect the central longitudinal axis 399. Depending on the size of the user's hand and / or fingers, the user may adjust the positioning of the air-water button 318 to allow the user's fingers to more easily access the air-water button 318. For example, by moving the air-water button 318 away from the first control knob 312 and the second control knob 314 and toward the umbilicus 305, the user may need to wrap the user's fingers around a smaller portion of the circumference of the handle body 320 to access the air-water button 318 when gripping the handle body 320. The user may move the air-water button 318 to adjust the distance or width 381 from the top of the air-water button 318 to the opposite side 382 of the handle body 320. In some examples, width 381 may be adjusted between 60 and 70 mm inclusive, as shown in Figure 3. The attributes described herein in relation to air and water button 318 may also be applied to a suction button on a handle assembly of the medical device to control actuation of suction applied at a distal portion of the medical device.

[0023] FIG. 4 shows a side cross-sectional view of an air-water actuator 350 including the air-water button 318 and the actuator body 340. The actuator body 340 can include an inner movable body 461 and an outer fixed body 462. The outer fixed body 462 can be configured to receive the inner movable body 461. The inner movable body can include an opening 447 configured to receive the air-water button 318. The sliding rail 442 can protrude from an inner surface of the inner movable body 461. The sliding rail 442 can be parallel to the axis 397. Further details of the actuator body 340 are described in connection with FIGS. 7-10. The upper edge portions 551, 552 (shown in FIG. 5) of the inner movable body 461 and the outer fixed body 462 can be angled and can be substantially parallel to the axis 397.

[0024] 5 shows a perspective view of the air-water actuator 350 including the air-water button 318 and the actuator body 340. As shown in FIG. 5, the sliding rail 442 is a substantially straight rectangular protrusion configured to engage with a channel 626 (shown in FIG. 6) of the air-water button 318 to retain the air-water button 318. The opening 447 can be substantially rectangular. The air-water button 318 can move within the opening 447. In some examples, the inner movable body 461 can include two sliding rails 442 on opposing inner surfaces of the inner movable body 461, and each sliding rail 442 can be configured to be received by a channel 626 of the air-water button 318.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the air / water button 318 removed from the actuator body 340. The air / water button 318 can include a cap portion 611 including a central lumen 613 and a body portion 615 coupled to the cap portion 611. The cap portion 611 can be substantially oval or circular. It can include a cavity or recessed portion 617 that receives the body portion 615. The body portion 615 can include a U-shaped portion 619 and protrusions 621, 622 that protrude outwardly from the U-shaped portion 619 on either side of the U-shaped portion 619. Each protrusion 621, 622 can include a ribbed portion 623, 624 configured to facilitate a user gripping each protrusion 621, 622. The U-shaped portion 619 can include two legs 619a and 619b and a central lumen 629 that extends longitudinally through the U-shaped portion 619. Two gaps 627, 628 (one each in each leg 619a and 619b) may extend proximally from the distal ends 631, 632 of the U-shaped portion 619. The legs 619a, 619b of the U-shaped portion 619 may be configured to move toward the central longitudinal axis 699 of the U-shaped portion 619 when a user applies pressure to each protrusion 621, 622, and may be biased toward the position shown in FIG. 6 (the neutral position) such that the legs 619a, 619b of the U-shaped portion 619 return to the neutral position when a user releases pressure from the protrusions 621, 622.

[0026] 7A and 7B show an exploded view of the air-water actuator 350 including the air-water button 318 and the actuator body 340, and a side cross-sectional exploded view of the air-water actuator 350, respectively. As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 7B, the springs 701, 702 are coupled to a bottom surface 703 of the external fixed body 462 and a bottom surface 704 of the internal movable body 461. When a user presses the air-water button 318, the internal movable body 461 can move within the external fixed body 462 and compress the springs 701, 702. The external fixed body 462 can include a water inlet channel 706 and a water outlet channel 707, and an air inlet channel 708 and an air outlet channel 709. The internal movable body 461 can include a bottom portion 710 including a water-liquid channel 711 and an air channel 712, and a top portion 713 including a recess 715 and a sliding rail 442. 8-10, the water / liquid channel 711 may include two outlet openings (not shown) configured to align with the water inlet channel 706 and the water outlet channel 707 of the external fixation body 462. The air channel 712 may include a first opening (not shown) configured to align with an opening of the air inlet channel 708, a second opening configured to align with an opening of the air outlet channel 709, and an opening into the recess 715.

[0027] As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, the air-water actuator 350 includes a flexible tube 850 that fluidly connects the lumen 613 of the air-water button 318 to the air channel 712. The tube 850 may be fixedly coupled to an opening of the lumen 613 and may form an airtight seal with the lumen 613, and may be fixedly coupled to an opening of the air channel 712 and may form an airtight seal with the air channel 712. The tube 850 may be sized to allow the air-water button 318 to move between the ends on either side of the opening 447 while maintaining a fluid connection between the lumen 613 and the air channel 712. In FIGS. 10A-10B, the tube 850 has been removed for purposes of clarity only to facilitate illustrating the fluid flow in various states of the air-water actuator 350. Tube 850 travels through gaps 627 , 628 in body portion 615 in a manner that allows for movement of tube 850 without kinking tube 850 or impeding air flow therethrough.

[0028] 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B show the air-water actuator 350 in various operating states, with portions of the air-water actuator 350 shown in cross section to show the fluid flow path through the air-water actuator 350 in various operating states. In general, the air-water actuator 350 allows a user to deliver a flow of air or pressurized air to a patient's anatomy through one or more channels of an endoscope or other medical device. When a user leaves the lumen 613 of the air-water button 318 uncovered, the air flow from the air supply is allowed to vent to the atmosphere outside the medical device and the patient. When a user covers the lumen 613 of the air-water button 318 with a finger or other part of the user's body, the air flow from the air supply flows through the endoscope or other medical device and exits the distal end of the device into the patient's anatomy. To deliver water to the distal end of the endoscope or other device, a user must press the air-water button 318 to deliver a liquid, such as water, to the water channel of the endoscope or other device. When the user releases the air / water button 318, the supply of liquid to the distal end of the endoscope or other device is stopped. Arrows are shown throughout Figures 9A-10B to designate the fluid flow paths of liquid and air.

[0029] 9A shows a first state of the air-water actuator 350 in which neither air nor liquid is supplied to the distal portion of the medical device. In the first state, the user has not covered the lumen 613 and has not pressed the air-water button 318. Air flow through the air inlet channel 708 flows through the air channel 712 and tube 850 and exits the lumen 613 in the first state.

[0030] FIG. 9B illustrates a second state of the air-water actuator 350 when a user covers the lumen 613 with a finger or other body part, thus preventing the venting of air from the lumen 613. In the second state, air flows through the air inlet channel 708, the air channel 712, and out the air outlet channel 709, traveling toward the distal end of the endoscope or other medical device. Air can flow into the tube 850 and out the air outlet channel 709, as shown. In the second state, air is delivered to the patient through the air channel of the endoscope or other medical device. In both the first and second states of the air-water actuator 350, the user is not pressing the air-water button 318, and the springs 701, 702 (not shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B) are in an extended position.

[0031] FIG. 10A shows the air-water actuator 350 in the first or second state described above, illustrating fluid flow through the water inlet 706. In the first or second state, liquid (such as water) is not provided to the water outlet channel 707 and is not provided to the patient through the endoscope or other medical device. As shown in FIG. 10A, the inner movable body 461 blocks fluid from the water inlet channel 706 from entering the water outlet channel 707, preventing liquid from being provided to the endoscope or other medical device. The water-liquid channel 711 is not aligned with the water inlet channel 706, and when water is not provided to the water outlet channel 707, the springs 701, 702 are in an extended state.

[0032] FIG. 10B illustrates the air-water actuator 350 in a third state with the user covering the lumen 613 and depressing the air-water button 318 to compress the springs 701, 702 and move the inner movable body 461 toward the bottom surface 703 of the outer stationary body 462. When the springs 701, 702 are fully compressed, the fluid channel 711 of the inner movable body 461 may be in alignment with the water inlet channel 706 and the water outlet channel 707. The water / fluid channel 711 may fluidly connect the water inlet channel 706 with the water outlet channel 707. As shown by the fluid flow arrows in FIG. 10B, liquid may travel through the water inlet channel 706, the water / fluid channel 711, and the water outlet channel 707 to deliver liquid to the patient via the endoscope or other medical device. The user may hold the air-water button 318 in the third state to continue delivering liquid to the patient. The air-water button 318 may then be released to stop the delivery of liquid to the patient. When the user releases the air-water button 318, the air-water actuator 350 transitions from the third state to either the first state or the second state (shown in FIG. 10A ) and the inner moveable body 461 moves through the opening 447 via force from the springs 701, 702 transitioning from a compressed state to an extended state.

[0033] During operation, a user can adjust the positioning of the air-water button 318 by pinching the protrusions 621, 622 and moving the air-water button 318 along the slide rail 342 to a position suitable for the user. The user may then proceed to operate the medical device, transitioning the air-water actuator 350 between the first, second, and third states described above. The air-water actuator 350 may be integral with the handle assembly 306. For example, it may be integral with the handle body 320 if a portion of the handle body 320 forms the external fixation body 462.

[0034] 11A and 11B illustrate top and bottom views of the handle assembly 1101. The handle assembly 1101 includes an imaging button 1104, a first locking lever 1179, a second locking lever 1110, a first control knob 1178, a second control knob 1114, an adjustable air and water actuator 1150 including an air and water button 1118, a handle body 1120, and an umbilicus 1105. A central rotation knob axis 1143 may extend through the first control knob 1178 and the second control knob 1114. The air and water button 1118 may be movable toward or away from the first control knob 1178 and the second control knob 1114. The button 1118 may be pivotable about a pivot axis 1129. In some examples, the pivot axis 1129 may be aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the handle body 1120. In other examples, the pivot axis 1129 may be spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis of the handle body 1120. The button 1118 may be configured to pivot such that the button 1118 moves substantially along the circumference of the handle body 1120. It may be moved to decrease or increase the length a user needs to reach the button 1118 with the user's finger. FIG. 12 shows the air-water actuator 1150 with the button 1118 in various positions and how the central longitudinal axis 1149 of the button 1118 moves as the air-water actuator 1150 is pivoted about the pivot axis 1129. In some examples, the air-water actuator 1150 may be configured to pivot a total of about 30 degrees about the pivot axis 1129.

[0035] 13 shows an exploded perspective view of the air and water actuator 1150 including the button 1118, the inner body 1161, and the outer body 1162. The outer body 1162 may include a liquid and water inlet 1106, a liquid and water outlet 1107, an air inlet 1108, an air outlet 1109, two connector portions 1170, 1171, a central lumen 1175, a body 1176, a protrusion 1177, and a central longitudinal axis 1399. The body 1176 may be cylindrical. The protrusion 1177 may extend longitudinally outward from a first end of the body 1176. The protrusion 1177 may be cylindrical. It may have a smaller circumference than the body 1176. The central lumen 1175 may connect to an opening 1183 in the protrusion 1177 and may be configured to receive the inner body 1161. The body 1176 may include recesses 1187, 1188 on a radially outer surface relative to the central longitudinal axis 1399, and the recesses 1187 may be configured to receive rubber rings / rubber linings 1415, 1416 (shown in FIG. 14B ). In other examples, the body 1176 may not include the recesses 1187, 1188.

[0036] Each of the liquid and water inlet 1106, the liquid and water outlet 1107, the air inlet 1108, the air outlet 1109, and the two connector portions 1170, 1171 may be cylindrical and may protrude radially outward from the body 1176 relative to a central longitudinal axis 1399. In some examples, the liquid and water inlet 1106 and the liquid and water outlet 1107 may be offset 90 degrees from each other relative to the longitudinal axis 1399. The air inlet 1108 and the air outlet 1109 may be offset 90 degrees from each other relative to the longitudinal axis 1399. The connector portions 1170, 1171 may be positioned on opposite sides of the body 1176 and may extend radially outward in opposite directions from the central longitudinal axis 1399 of the body 1176. The liquid and water inlet 1106 and the air inlet 1108 may be aligned longitudinally. The liquid and water outlet 1107 and the air outlet 1109 may be longitudinally aligned. The connector portion 1171 may be positioned between the liquid and water inlet 1106 and the liquid and water outlet 1107. The liquid and water inlet 1106, the liquid and water outlet 1107, the air inlet 1108, and the air outlet 1109 may each include a lumen 1190, 1191, 1192, 1193, respectively, each of which may open into and be fluidly connected to the lumen 1175. Each of the connector portions 1170, 1171 may include a recess 1194, 1195, each of which extends toward the central longitudinal axis 1399. Each of the recesses 1194, 1195 does not open into the lumen 1175.

[0037] The inner body 1161 may be cylindrical. It may be configured to be positioned within the lumen 1175 of the outer body 1162. The inner body 1161 may include a threaded portion 1167 at a first longitudinal end of the inner body 1161, which may be configured to couple to (e.g., mate with) the button 1118. The inner body 1161 may include a first tubular three-way branched inner channel 1169 having a first branch that extends from a first opening 1147 at a first end of the threaded portion 1167 to an interior portion of the inner body 1161. The inner body 1161 may also include a second branch extending from the first branch to a second opening 1196 on a radially outer surface relative to the central longitudinal axis of the inner body 1161, and a third branch extending from the first branch to a third opening 1197 on a radially outer surface relative to the central longitudinal axis of the inner body 1161. When the inner body 1161 is coupled to the button 1118, the first inner channel 1169 is fluidly connected to the lumen 1113. The inner body 1161 may further include a second inner channel 1166 extending through the inner body 1161 from a fourth opening 1198 on the radially outer surface relative to the central longitudinal axis of the inner body 1161 to a fifth opening 1199 on the radially outer surface relative to the central longitudinal axis of the inner body 1161. The second opening 1196 and the third opening 1197 can be configured to align with the lumens 1192, 1193, respectively. The fourth opening 1198 and the fifth opening 1199 can be configured to align with the lumens 1191, 1190, respectively. The second opening 1196 and the third opening 1197 can be offset 90 degrees from each other around the circumference of the radially outer surface of the inner body 1161. The fourth opening 1198 and the fifth opening 1199 can be offset 90 degrees from each other around the circumference of the radially outer surface of the inner body 1161. The first internal channel 1169 can be configured to fluidly connect the air inlet 1108 to the air outlet 1109. The second internal channel 1166 can be configured to fluidly connect the liquid / water inlet 1106 to the liquid / water outlet 1107.When the air-water actuator 1150 is fully assembled, the spring 1156 can couple the second end 1155 of the inner body 1161 to an interior portion of the outer body 1162 , such as a bottom interior surface of the body 1162 .

[0038] FIG. 14A shows an exemplary portion of a handle assembly 1406. The handle assembly 1406 includes an imaging button 1411, a general purpose actuator 1412, a first control knob 1478, a second control knob 1479, an adjustable suction actuator 1410, an adjustable air-water actuator 1150 including an air-water button 1118, and a handle body 1420. The air-water button 1118 is positioned adjacent to the first control knob 1478 at a proximal portion of the handle body 1420. FIG. 14B illustrates a partial cross-sectional view of the handle body 1420, the adjustable suction actuator 1410, and the adjustable air-water actuator 1150. Each connector portion 1170, 1171 of the air-water actuator 1150 is rotatably coupled to the handle body 1420. A rubber ring 1415 and / or other rubber lining is coupled to a portion of the handle body 1420 and configured to receive the outer body 1162. The rubber ring 1415 may be configured to prevent movement of the button 1118 during operation of the handle assembly 1406. For example, the rubber ring 1415 may be configured to hold the outer body 1162 in place while a single finger force is applied to the button 1118. A user may move the position of the button 1118 by applying a threshold amount of force to force the outer body 1162 to slide against the rubber ring 1415 as the air-water actuator 1150 pivots about the connector portions 1170, 1171. The suction actuator 1410 can have any of the features described herein in connection with the air-water actuator 1150 and includes similar structure and functionality for delivering suction to the medical device and allowing adjustment of the positioning of the actuator 1410, and the rubber ring 1416 can interact with the suction actuator 1410 in a manner similar to how the rubber ring 1415 interacts with the air-water actuator 1150.

[0039] In describing Figures 15A, 15B, and 16, a medical device refers to a medical device to which the air-water actuator 1150 is connected, such as an endoscope or other medical device that includes a handle assembly 1406. Figure 15A illustrates the air-water actuator 1150 in a first operational state in which neither air pressure nor fluid is supplied to the medical device. The flow arrows through the air inlet 1108, the first interior channel 1169, and the lumen 1113 indicate the path of air flow when a user does not cover the lumen 1113 with a finger or other body part.

[0040] To transition from the first operational state to the second operational state shown in Figure 15B, the user must cover the lumen 1113 with a finger or other part of the body to prevent air from exiting the lumen 1113. As shown by the flow arrows in Figure 15B, when the air-water actuator 1150 is in the second operational state, air flow travels through the air inlet 1108, the first internal channel 1169, and exits through the air outlet 1109 to be delivered to the medical device. In both the first and second operational states, the user applies no pressure to the button 1118 and the spring 1156 is in the extended (steady state, unloaded) position.

[0041] FIG. 16 shows the air-water actuator 1150 in a third operational state in which fluid is delivered to the medical device. The flow arrows through the liquid-water inlet 1106, the second internal channel 1166, and the fluid / water outlet 1107 show the path of liquid-water flow when the user presses or applies pressure with a finger or other part of the user's body on the button 1118 such that the spring 1156 transitions to a fully compressed (loaded) state. When the user presses the button 1118, the internal body 1161 moves through the external body 1162, the first internal channel 1169 moves out of alignment with the air inlet 1108 and the air outlet 1109, and the second internal channel 1166 moves into alignment with the liquid-water inlet 1106 and the liquid-water outlet 1107, allowing fluid to flow from the inlet 1106 to the outlet 1107. When the user releases the button 1118, the air-water actuator 1150 transitions from the third operational state to the first operational state.

[0042] The handle assemblies 306, 1101, 1406 and actuators 350, 1150 of the present disclosure may assist in ergonomically positioning a user's fingers when operating an endoscope 101 or other medical device, and may reduce hand strain caused by over-movement and / or overstretching of the fingers when operating an endoscope 101, reducing the likelihood that the user will lose their grip. The handle assemblies 306, 1101, 1406 and actuators 350, 1150 may also help prevent repeated repositioning of the user's hand on the medical device handle due to fatigue, strain, or other difficulties. Each of the handle assemblies 306, 1101, 1406 and actuators 350, 1150 described above may be used to enhance and / or facilitate a user's grip on the handle, whether used in conjunction with an endoscope system or any other medical device. Any portion of the handle assemblies or actuators described herein may be incorporated into the handle of an endoscope or other medical device to improve the user's operation of the device. The handle assemblies 306, 1101, 1406 and actuators 350, 1150 of the present disclosure may allow multiple users having different sized hands and / or fingers to comfortably use the same handle assembly.

[0043] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed apparatus and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the features disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and embodiments be considered as illustrative only.

Claims

1. 1. A handle assembly for a medical device, comprising: The handle assembly includes a handle body; the handle assembly includes actuators for controlling air and liquid delivery to the medical device; the actuator comprises a button, the button including a lumen extending therethrough; the actuator comprises an inner body coupled to the button, a first channel of the inner body fluidly connected to the lumen; the actuator comprises an outer body coupled to the handle body, the inner body being received by the outer body; The actuator is operable at a plurality of positions along the circumference of the handle body, and the actuator comprises: supplying air to the medical device when a user covers the lumen or supplying liquid to the medical device when a user presses the button; or When a user covers the lumen, air is supplied to the medical device, and when a user presses the button, liquid is supplied to the medical device. The handle assembly is configured as follows.

2. The handle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the body portion of the button is coupled to the inner body at a rail portion of the inner body, and a recess in the body portion receives the rail portion.

3. 3. The handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the body portion is U-shaped and includes: (i) a first protrusion extending radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the body portion; and (ii) a second protrusion extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the body portion on an opposite side of the body portion from the first protrusion.

4. 3. The handle assembly of claim 2, further comprising a control knob coupled to the handle body, the inner body including an opening configured to receive the body portion, and the body portion configured to move toward or away from the control knob when the body portion moves from a first side of the opening to a second side of the opening opposite the first side.

5. The handle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the inner body is coupled to the outer body via at least one spring.

6. The handle assembly of claim 1 , wherein a flexible tube fluidly connects the lumen to the first channel, and the inner body includes a second channel.

7. the inner body includes a recess configured to receive a body portion of the button; the first channel extends from a first opening into the recess to a second opening on a first side of the inner body; 7. The handle assembly of claim 6, wherein the second channel extends from a third opening on a second side of the inner body to a fourth opening on the second side, the second side being opposite the first side of the inner body.

8. 2. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the distance from a top surface of the button to a radially outer edge of the handle body immediately opposite the button relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body is in the range of 60 to 70 millimeters.

9. the inner body is configured to move within the outer body in a direction along a central longitudinal axis of the body portion when a user presses the button to deliver fluid to the medical device; The handle assembly of claim 2 , wherein the button is configured to move relative to the inner body in a direction transverse to the central longitudinal axis.

10. the outer body is cylindrical and rotatably coupled to the handle body; The handle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the inner body is cylindrical and is coupled to the button.

11. The handle assembly of claim 10 , wherein the outer body abuts a resilient portion of the handle body.

12. 11. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the outer body includes a pair of connector portions projecting radially outward from a radially outer surface of the outer body relative to the central longitudinal axis, and each connector portion is rotatably coupled to the handle body.

13. The outer body includes: a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet offset from the fluid inlet by approximately 90 degrees relative to a central longitudinal axis of the outer body; An air inlet; an air outlet offset from the air inlet by approximately 90 degrees relative to the central longitudinal axis of the outer body; The handle assembly of claim 10, comprising:

14. the outer body comprising: a first recess in an outer surface of the outer body radially relative to the central longitudinal axis; a second recess in a radially outer surface of the outer body relative to the central longitudinal axis, the second recess being positioned on an opposite side of the outer body from the first recess; Including, The handle assembly of claim 10 , wherein each of the first recess and the second recess is configured to receive a resilient portion of the handle body.

15. 15. A handle assembly according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the actuator is pivotable about a first axis and the inner body is movable along a second axis transverse to the first axis.

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