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

Abstract

According to one aspect, a handle assembly (300) for a medical device may include a handle body (320) and an actuator (107) for controlling the supply of air and the supply of liquid to the medical device. The actuator may include a button (318) including a hole (309) extending through a top surface (326) of the button, the hole may be offset from the center of the top surface of the button. The actuator may be configured to supply air to the medical device when a user covers the hole 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, among other aspects, to ergonomic actuators for use with the handles of endoscopes or other medical devices. [Background technology]

[0002] During an endoscopic procedure, a medical professional operating an endoscope often wraps the entire palm of their hand around the grip or handle portion of the device. Various actuators on the handle of the endoscope require the medical professional to twist their hand frequently and for extended periods of time during the procedure, which can cause strain or even injury. In some cases, actuation of different scope controls, such as knobs or elevator actuators, can result in excessive movement of the medical professional's thumb or other fingers, which can result in strain on the medical professional's hand. An endoscope operator may experience wrist and hand discomfort resulting from holding and manipulating the handle of the endoscope. In some cases, the medical professional may experience symptoms similar to carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. When a 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 and twisting the fingers to access the various actuators can increase fatigue or other pain.

[0003] If the medical professional repeatedly realigns the hand grip between treatment tasks, the treatment may be prolonged and the treatment tasks may become more difficult. Depending on the size of the medical professional's hands, the actuator may be positioned in a non-optimized position, increasing the number of realignments of the professional's hands during the treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure relate, among other things, to systems, devices, and methods for aiding user 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 configured to accommodate various sizes of fingers and hands can help address fatigue or strain on a user's hands, can help reduce the need for re-adjustment of hand grips, and can help address other issues. Each of the aspects disclosed herein may include one or more of the features described in association with any of the other disclosed aspects.

[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 the supply of liquid to the medical device. The actuator may include a button including a hole extending through a top surface of the button, and the hole may be offset from a center of the top surface of the button. The actuator may be configured to supply air to the medical device when a user covers the hole and / or to supply liquid to the medical device when a user presses the button.

[0006] In other aspects, the handle assembly may include one or more of the following features: The button may be received by a base portion of the handle body. The handle assembly may further include a knob actuator, and the hole may be located between a center of the button and the knob actuator. The button may be oval-shaped, and the handle body may include a distal portion and a proximal portion, the proximal portion including a protruding portion that protrudes radially outward from a central longitudinal axis of the handle body such that a cross-sectional size of the proximal portion exceeds a cross-sectional size of the distal portion, and the base portion may be located entirely on the protruding portion. A top surface of the button may face away from a side of the handle body, and a top surface of the image capture button may face away from a side of the handle body, and the image capture button is configured to control an image sensor of the medical device. The actuator may be a first actuator, and the button may be a first button, and the handle assembly may further include a second actuator for controlling the delivery of suction to the medical device, the second actuator including a second button located entirely on the protruding portion adjacent the first actuator. The protruding portion may be a first protruding portion, and the image capture actuator may be positioned on a second protruding portion of the handle body, and the second protruding portion may protrude outwardly in a direction transverse to the first protruding portion.

[0007] In other aspects, the handle assembly may include one or more of the following features: the button may be rectangular and may extend longitudinally from a first end toward a knob actuator of the handle assembly, defining a gap between the button and the knob actuator; the actuator may be a first actuator, the button may be a first button, and the gap may be a first gap, and the handle assembly further comprises a second actuator for controlling the delivery of suction to the medical device, the second actuator positioned adjacent to the first actuator and including a second button, the second button being rectangular and extending longitudinally from the second end toward the knob actuator of the handle assembly, defining a second gap between the second button and the knob actuator; the button may include a first surface and a second surface, the first surface may be a radially outermost surface relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body and is substantially planar, and the second surface may be a radially outermost surface relative to the central longitudinal axis, extending radially outward from the first end to the first surface. The second surface may be a curved concave surface. The hole may be in the second surface. The handle assembly may further comprise a knob actuator, and the first surface may be positioned closer to the knob actuator than the second surface. The actuator may be the first actuator, and the button may be the first button, and the handle assembly may further comprise a second actuator for controlling the delivery of suction to the medical device. The second actuator may be positioned adjacent to the first actuator and may include a third surface and a fourth surface, and the third surface may be a radially outermost surface relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body and may be substantially planar, and the fourth surface may be a radially outermost surface relative to the central longitudinal axis and may extend radially outward from the second end to the third surface.A first distance from the first surface of the button to a radially outer edge of the handle body diametrically opposite the button relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body may be approximately 70 millimeters, and a second distance from the radially outermost portion of the first end to a radially outer edge of the handle body diametrically opposite the button relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body may be approximately 60 millimeters.

[0008] In another aspect, a handle assembly for a medical device may include a handle body and an actuator for controlling one or more functions of the medical device. The actuator may include a button including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface may be a radially outermost surface relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body and may be substantially planar. The second surface may be a radially outermost surface relative to the central longitudinal axis and may extend radially outward from a first end to the first surface and may be concave.

[0009] In other aspects, the handle assembly may include one or more of the following features: The actuator may be configured to (i) provide air to the medical device when a user covers a hole in the button and provide liquid to the medical device when a user presses the button, or (ii) provide suction to the medical device when a user presses the button. The button may include a hole in a top surface of the button, and the hole may be spaced from a center of the button. A first distance from a first surface of the button to a radially outer edge of the handle body diametrically opposed to the button relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body may be about 70 millimeters, and a second distance from a radially outermost portion of the first end to a radially outer edge of the handle body diametrically opposed to the button relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body may be about 60 millimeters.

[0010] In other aspects, a method of operating an endoscope including a handle may include (i) gripping the handle to hold the endoscope, (ii) covering a first button hole to supply air to the distal end of the endoscope, and (iii) displaying on an electronic display the total amount of air supplied to the distal end of the endoscope.

[0011] 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]

[0012] 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] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary endoscope, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary endoscope, according to an aspect 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. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a top view of a proximal portion of an endoscope handle, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of an endoscope handle according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a side view of a proximal portion of an endoscope handle, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of an endoscope handle according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of an endoscope handle according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a proximal portion of an endoscope handle according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B]FIG. 1 is a side view of a proximal portion of an endoscope handle, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. The term "distal" refers to the part of the device that is furthest from the user when it is introduced into the patient. Conversely, the term "proximal" refers to the part of the device that is closest to the user when it 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 "comprises", "comprising", or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or device that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or device. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "ideal". Additionally, relative terms such as, for example, "about", "substantially", "approximately", etc. are used to indicate a possible variation of ±10% of a stated numerical value or range.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to improve a user's ability to grasp, manipulate, and otherwise apply force to the handles and handle actuators of a medical device, such as an endoscope, during a medical procedure, and, as non-limiting exemplary advantages, among other aspects, help reduce the need to reposition the user's hand during a procedure and reduce strain on the user's hand from excessive finger movement. Additionally, aspects of the present disclosure may facilitate accommodating ergonomic grips on the handle for a number of different hand sizes.

[0015] 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 image capture 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. The actuators, elevators, knobs, buttons, levers, ports, or caps of the endoscopic system 100 may all serve any purpose and are not limited by any particular use, which may be implied by the individual naming of each component as used herein. The umbilicus 105 may extend from the handle body 120 to auxiliary devices such as a control unit, a water supply, and / 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 fluids for insufflation to the distal tip 119 of the shaft 108, irrigation from the water supply, and / or air for aspiration. Buttons 116 and 118 control valves for aspiration and fluid (air / water) supply, respectively. The shaft 108 may terminate at the distal tip 119. The shaft 108 may include an articulation section 122 for deflecting the distal tip 119 upward, downward, left, and / or right. Knobs 112 and 114 may be used to control such deflection, and locking levers 109 and 110 may lock knobs 112 and 114, respectively, in the desired position. Handle body 120 may be tapered, narrowing as the handle extends distally such that the profile of handle body 120 is smaller at its distal end than its proximal end.

[0016] The distal tip 119 may include an imaging device (e.g., a camera) and a light source (e.g., an LED or fiber optic). The distal tip 119 may be oriented laterally. That is, the imaging device and light source may be oriented radially outward, perpendicularly, approximately perpendicularly, or otherwise transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 108 and distal tip 119.

[0017] Although the term endoscope may be used herein, it is understood that other devices may be used in connection with the devices of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, a duodenoscope, colonoscope, ureteroscope, bronchoscope, laparoscope, sheath, catheter, or any other suitable delivery device or medical device, and any of the actuator embodiments discussed herein may be incorporated into any of these or other medical devices.

[0018] When operating the endoscopic system 100, a user may use their 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, 114 and the first and second locking levers 109, 110. The user may grip the handle assembly 106 by wrapping the user's hand around the handle body 120. When gripping the handle body 120, the user may use the left thumb to operate the first and second control knobs 112, 114 and the elevator actuator 107 (through rotation about their axes), and the fingers of the left hand to operate the image capture button 104, the suction button 116, and the air / water button 118 (by depressing each).

[0019] 2A and 2B show an exemplary user's left hand 201 gripping the handle assembly 106. The user's index finger 230 and middle finger 231 may be used to operate the suction button 116 and the air / water button 118. The user may have to extend and / or strain the index or middle finger to actuate the suction button 116 and / or the air / water button 118. Actuators described herein below may help reduce the required reach 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.

[0020] A user may position the thumb 202 of a grasping hand 201 over the elevator actuator 107 and move the thumb 202 to 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 ). As shown in FIG. 2B , when the thumb 202 moves from the first position to the second position, the palm 240 may move away from the handle body 120, and when the palm 240 moves away from the handle body 120, the user may have difficulty reaching the suction button 116 and / or the air / water button 118 with the index or middle finger. The actuators discussed herein below may help reduce the movement required of the index and / or ring finger to actuate the suction button 116 and / or the air / water button 118 during operation of the endoscope 101.

[0021] 3A, 3B, and 3C show top, perspective, and side views of an alternative handle assembly 300 including an image capture button 304, a first locking lever 311, a second locking lever 310, a first control knob 312, a second control knob 314, an air / water actuator 350 including an air / water button 318, an aspiration actuator 351 including an aspiration button 319, a handle body 320, and an umbilicus / ambiscus connector 305. A central rotation knob shaft 398 may extend through the first control knob 312 and the second control knob 314.

[0022] The air / water button 318 may be configured to control the supply of air and liquid / water to a distal portion of the medical device. The air / water button 318 may include a first surface 326 that is curved and extends from a first end 331 to a second surface 327. The first surface 326 may be a concave surface and may extend radially outward from the first end 331 relative to a central longitudinal axis 399, and the second surface 327 may be substantially planar and may be the radially outermost portion relative to the central longitudinal axis 399 of the air / water button 318. The central longitudinal axis 399 is shown extending through the page in FIG. 3A. The second surface 327 may be positioned closer to the first control knob 312 and the second control knob 314 than the first surface 326. The width of the handle body 320 from the radially outermost portion of the air / water button 318 relative to the axis 399 to the opposite side 347 of the handle body 320 may increase as the air / water button 318 extends toward the first control knob 312.

[0023] In some examples, the width of the handle body 320 from the radially outermost portion of the air / water button 318 relative to the axis 399 to the opposite side 347 of the handle body 320 (such as the radially outer edge of the handle body on the opposite side 347) may increase from about 60 mm to about 70 mm (inclusive) as the air / water button 318 extends toward the first control knob 312. The air / water button 318 may include a lumen leading to a hole 309 configured to allow air flow from an air source to vent out of the handle body 320. The hole 309 may be positioned on the first surface 326, and the hole 309 may be spaced from a center of the air / water button 318. In other examples, the air / water button 318 may include a stepped surface, where each of the first surface 326 and the second surface 327 are substantially planar and the first surface 326 does not have any curvature (not shown). By making the first surface 326 curved and / or stepped relative to the second surface 327, the air / water button 318 may accommodate a number of different hand sizes by allowing access to the air / water button 318 at multiple perimeters of the handle body 320. Depending on the size of the user's hand and / or fingers, the user may access the air / water button 318 at the first surface 326, the second surface 327, or both the first surface 326 and the second surface 327. For example, a user may wrap their fingers around a smaller portion of the circumference of the handle body 320 to access the first surface 326 of the air / water button 318 when gripping the handle body 320, compared to when the user wraps their fingers around a larger portion of the circumference of the handle body 320 to access the second surface 327 of the air / water button 318 when gripping the handle body 320.

[0024] The suction button 319 may include a first surface 328 and a second surface 329. The first surface 328 and the second surface 329 may have any of the characteristics described with respect to the first surface 326 and the second surface 327. The first surface 328 may be longitudinally aligned with the first surface 326, and the second surface 329 may be longitudinally aligned with the second surface 327. In some examples, the first surface 328 may be spaced from the central longitudinal axis 399 the same distance as the first surface 326 is spaced from the central longitudinal axis 399, and the second surface 329 may be spaced from the central longitudinal axis 399 the same distance as the second surface 327 is spaced from the central longitudinal axis 399.

[0025] The handle body 320 may include a first base portion 333 configured to receive the air / water button 318 and a second base portion 334 configured to receive the suction button 319. In some examples, the first base portion 333 and the second base portion 334 are molded as part of and integrally with the handle body 320. The first base portion 333 and the second base portion 334 may be substantially rectangular or elliptical, may extend circumferentially about a central axial longitudinal axis 399, and may be positioned adjacent to the first control knob 312 and on an opposite side of the axis 399 from the image capture button 304. The air / water button 318 may be configured to move toward the central longitudinal axis 399 within the first base portion 333 when a user presses the air / water button 318, and the suction button 319 may be configured to move toward the central longitudinal axis 399 within the second base portion 334 when a user presses the suction button 319.

[0026] 4 shows a perspective view of a proximal portion of an alternative handle assembly 400. The handle assembly 400 may include a first locking lever 411, a second locking lever 410, a first control knob 412, a second control knob 414, an air / water actuator 450 including an air / water button 418, a suction actuator 451 including a suction button 419, and a handle body 420. The air / water button 418 may be circular in cross section and may include a lumen leading to a hole 409 in a radially outer upper surface 459 of the button 418. The lumen and hole 409 are configured to allow air flow from an air source to be vented out of the handle body 420. The hole 409 may be offset and / or spaced from the center of the surface 459 of the air / water button 418. In some examples, the hole 409 may be positioned on a first half surface 459 of the air / water button 418 closer to the first control knob 412, which may help prevent accidental insufflation or application of an air supply to a distal portion of the medical device and may prevent accidental covering of the hole 409 by a user's finger. By positioning the hole 409 off-center and closer to the control knob 412, enough surface area of ​​the surface 459 remains for a user to place their finger on the surface 459 without covering the hole 409. In some examples, the top surface 459 of the air / water button 418 may slope or decline in a circumferential direction about a central longitudinal axis 499 of the handle body 420, toward or away from the knob 412 / 414.

[0027] 5 shows a perspective view of a proximal portion of an alternative handle assembly 500. The handle assembly 500 may include a first locking lever 511, a second locking lever 510, a first control knob 512, a second control knob 514, an air / water actuator 550 including an air / water button 518, a suction actuator 551 including a suction button 519, and a handle body 520. The air / water button 518 may be substantially rectangular (with rounded corners) or oval in shape and may extend from a first end 561 adjacent the first control knob 512 to a second end 562 adjacent the handle body 520. The air / water button 518 may include a lumen leading to a hole 509 in a radially outer upper surface of the button 518 configured to allow air flow from an air source to vent out of the handle body 520. The hole 509 may be offset and / or spaced from the center of the radially outer top surface of the air / water button 518 and may be positioned anywhere on the surface. The radially outer top surface of each of the air / water button 518 and the suction button 519 may be planar and extend longitudinally parallel to the central knob axis 596. The radially outer top surface of the suction button 519 may be substantially rectangular (with rounded corners) or oval in shape and may extend from a first end 563 adjacent the first control knob 512 to a second end 564 adjacent the handle body 520. The air / water button 518 and the suction button 519 may have a sufficient longitudinal length such that the first end 561 and the first end 563 each may overhang the first control knob 512 to create a first gap between the first control knob 512 and the air / water button 518 and a second gap between the suction button 519 and the first control knob 512. A portion of the air / water button 518 may extend away from the handle body 520 in the direction of the knob axis 596 , and a portion of the suction button 519 may extend away from the handle body 520 in the direction of the knob axis 596 .

[0028] 6A and 6B show perspective views of a proximal portion of an alternative handle assembly 600. The handle assembly 600 may include an air / water actuator 650 including an air / water button 618, an aspiration actuator 651 including an aspiration button 619, a handle body 620, and an image capture button 641. The handle assembly 600 may have any of the features discussed herein with respect to the other handle assemblies 106, 300, 400, 500. The air / water button 618 may be elliptical in cross section and may include a concave upper surface 671 and a lumen that leads to a hole 609 in the upper surface 671 and is configured to allow air flow from an air source to vent from the handle body 620. The hole 609 may be offset from the center of the upper surface 671 as in the embodiment described above. The aspiration button 619 may include a concave upper surface 672 and may be positioned adjacent to the air / water button 618. Each of the air / water button 618 and the suction button 619 may be received by a base portion 633, 634, respectively, on the handle body 620. The handle body 620 may include a distal portion 685 and a protruding portion 684 at a proximal portion of the handle body 620. The protruding portion 684 may protrude radially outward from the distal portion 685 of the handle body 620 relative to a central longitudinal axis 699 of the handle body 620. Each of the air / water button 618 and the suction button 619 may be positioned entirely on the protruding portion 684, and each of the base portions 633, 634 may be integral with and part of the protruding portion 685. The circumference of the handle body 620 about the axis 699, including the protruding portion 684, may be greater than the circumference of the handle body 620 about the axis 699 at the distal portion 685. Each of the top surfaces 671, 672 of the air / water button 618 and the suction button 619 may extend longitudinally at an angle relative to the central axis 699 and central knob axis of the handle assembly 600 and may be angled toward the image capture button 641 and a user of the device.

[0029] The image capture button 641 may protrude radially outward from the handle body 620 and may extend and face proximally as it extends radially outward. The image capture button 641 may be spaced from the protruding portion 685 and may be rectangular in shape. The radially outer upper surface of the image capture button 641 faces the same side of the handle body 620 as the sides of the handle body 620 that the surfaces 671, 672 of the buttons 618, 619 face.

[0030] In general, the air / water actuator 318, 418, 518, 618 allows a user to supply a pressurized air flow to a patient's anatomy through one or more channels of the endoscope or other medical device. When the user leaves the hole 309, 409, 509, 609 of the air / water button 318, 418, 518, 618 uncovered, the air flow from the air supply is allowed to vent to the atmosphere outside the medical device and the patient. When the user covers the hole 309, 409, 509, 609 of the air / water button 318, 418, 518, 618 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 out the distal end of the device into the patient's anatomy. To supply water to the distal end of the endoscope or other device, the user must press the air / water button 318, 418, 518, 618 and supply a liquid, such as water, to the water channel of the endoscope or other device. When the user releases the air / water button 318, 418, 518, 618, the supply of liquid to the distal end of the endoscope or other device is stopped.

[0031] In some aspects of the disclosure, a flow meter and / or flow sensor may be incorporated into the handle assembly 106, 300, 400, 500, 600 to monitor the airflow and / or volume of air delivered to the patient. The status of the volume of air infused may be displayed electronically by an electronic display connected wirelessly or via one or more wires to the handle assembly 106, 300, 400, 500, 600. The status of the volume of air infused to the patient may be displayed via a graphical user interface and / or audible feedback may be provided to the user, such as a warning message of the total volume of air infused to the patient. In some examples, a bar graph on the graphical user interface may indicate the total volume of air infused, and the bar graph may change color (such as from blue to red) when a threshold level of air is reached, indicating, for example, that a potentially dangerous total volume of air has been delivered to the patient. In some examples, a pressure transducer may be located at a distal portion of the device and may be used to measure a threshold amount of pressure due to the air infused to the patient. In some examples, a compressible gas reading device may be used to monitor the infused air.

[0032] The handle assemblies 106, 300, 400, 500, 600 and buttons / actuators 318, 319, 418, 419, 518, 519, 618, 619 of the present disclosure may assist in ergonomically positioning a user's fingers when operating an endoscope 101 or other medical device, may reduce hand strain caused by excessive finger movement and / or extension, and may reduce the chance that a user loses their grip when operating an endoscope 101. The handle assemblies 106, 300, 400, 500, 600 and actuators 318, 319, 418, 419, 518, 519, 618, 619 may also help prevent repeated repositioning of a user's hand on the medical device handle due to fatigue, strain, or other difficulties. Each of the aforementioned handle assemblies 106, 300, 400, 500, 600 and actuators 318, 319, 418, 419, 518, 519, 618, 619 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 assembly or actuator discussed 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 106, 300, 400, 500, 600 and actuators 318, 319, 418, 419, 518, 519, 618, 619 of the present disclosure may allow multiple users having different sized hands and / or fingers to comfortably use the same handle assembly.

[0033] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed devices and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the features disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and embodiments be considered as illustrative only.

Claims

1. 1. A handle assembly for a medical device, comprising: The handle body and an actuator for controlling air and liquid supply to the medical device, the actuator comprising a button including a hole extending through a top surface of the button, the hole being offset from a center of the top surface of the button; The actuator is providing air to the medical device when the user covers the hole; and / or A handle assembly that dispenses fluid to the medical device when a user presses the button.

2. The handle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the button is received by a base portion of the handle body.

3. The handle assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a knob actuator, the hole being positioned between a center of the button and the knob actuator.

4. 3. The handle assembly of claim 2, wherein the button is oval-shaped, the handle body has a distal portion and a proximal portion, the proximal portion including a protruding portion that protrudes radially outward from a central longitudinal axis of the handle body such that a cross-sectional size of the proximal portion exceeds a cross-sectional size of the distal portion, and the base portion is positioned entirely on the protruding portion.

5. 5. The handle assembly of claim 4, wherein the top surface of the button faces away from a side surface of the handle body, the top surface of an image capture button faces away from the side surface of the handle body, and the image capture button is configured to control an image sensor of the medical device.

6. 5. The handle assembly of claim 4, wherein the actuator is a first actuator, the button is a first button, and the handle assembly further comprises a second actuator for controlling the supply of suction to the medical device, the second actuator including a second button positioned adjacent to the first actuator and fully on the protruding portion.

7. 6. The handle assembly of claim 5, wherein the protruding portion is a first protruding portion, the image capture button is located on a second protruding portion of the handle body, and the second protruding portion protrudes outward in a direction transverse to the first protruding portion.

8. The handle assembly of claim 1 , wherein the button is rectangular and extends longitudinally from a first end of the handle assembly toward a knob actuator, defining a gap between the button and the knob actuator.

9. 9. The handle assembly of claim 8, wherein the actuator is a first actuator, the button is a first button, the gap is a first gap, and the handle assembly further comprises a second actuator for controlling the supply of suction to the medical device, the second actuator positioned adjacent to the first actuator and including a second button, the second button being rectangular and extending longitudinally from a second end toward the knob actuator of the handle assembly and defining a second gap between the second button and the knob actuator.

10. 10. The handle assembly of claim 1, wherein the button includes a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being a radially outermost surface relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body and being substantially planar, and the second surface being a radially outermost surface relative to the central longitudinal axis and extending radially outward from a first end to the first surface.

11. The handle assembly of claim 10 , wherein the second surface is a curved concave surface.

12. The handle assembly of claim 10 , wherein the hole is in the second surface.

13. The handle assembly of claim 10, further comprising a knob actuator, the first surface being positioned closer to the knob actuator than the second surface.

14. 11. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein the actuator is a first actuator, the button is a first button, and the handle assembly further comprises a second actuator for controlling the supply of suction to the medical device, the second actuator being positioned adjacent to the first actuator and including a third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface being a radially outermost surface relative to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body and being substantially planar, and the fourth surface being a radially outermost surface relative to the central longitudinal axis and extending radially outward from a second end to the third surface.

15. 11. The handle assembly of claim 10, wherein a first distance from the first surface of the button to a radially outer edge of the handle body diametrically opposite the button relative to the central longitudinal axis of the handle body is approximately 70 millimeters, and a second distance from a radially outermost portion of the first end to a radially outer edge of the handle body diametrically opposite the button relative to the central longitudinal axis of the handle body is approximately 60 millimeters.

Images