Medical device system having a removable connector - Patents.com

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to devices, systems, and methods for connecting or disconnecting one or more interposer assemblies to a controller, replacing a used interposer assembly with a new interposer assembly, and connecting or disconnecting a medical device from such interposer assemblies. One or more interposer assemblies for connecting a medical device to a controller may include a housing defining a forward-facing socket for removably receiving a connector of the medical device, and at least one electrical connector on a rear surface of the housing for removably connecting to the controller.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to medical systems, devices, and associated methods for replacing one or more connectors to a controller. Such connectors allow a medical device, such as a scope, to connect to a controller. [Background technology]

[0002] Current medical device systems generally include a medical device, such as a scope, and a controller. The scope can be, for example, an endoscope, a duodenoscope, a gastroscope, a bronchoscope, or any other scope commonly used in the art. The scope can be connected to the controller by attaching a connector of the scope to a plug or port in the controller. A camera and other associated electronics in the scope can transmit images from the visualization components of the scope to the controller through an electrical connection in the port. The scope is typically inserted into the port immediately prior to a procedure and removed after the procedure.

[0003] While such controllers have been found to meet their intended uses, they do come with limitations. For example, the scope is repeatedly inserted and removed from the port over the shelf life of the controller. This can result in wear on the controller port. As the connection between the scope and the controller wears, the likelihood of partial or intermittent operation of the scope increases. Partial or intermittent operation of the scope can result in degradation of the visualization and / or light output performance of the scope, resulting in momentary or permanent loss of visualization during the procedure. This can result in the controller being returned to the manufacturer for repair or replacement.

[0004] These issues can increase the time, cost, and risk of medical procedures requiring scopes and controllers.The systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure may remedy one or more of the deficiencies discussed above or address other aspects of the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Examples of the present disclosure relate, among other things, to systems, devices, and methods for performing one or more medical procedures using a controller having a replaceable interposer assembly. Each of the examples disclosed herein may include one or more of the features described in association with any of the other examples disclosed.

[0006] In one example, an interposer assembly for connecting a medical device to a controller may include a housing defining a forward facing socket for removably receiving a connector of the medical device and at least one electrical connector on a rear surface of the housing. The at least one electrical connector may be configured for removably connecting to the controller. The interposer assembly may further include at least one mechanical fastener on a rear surface of the housing. The at least one mechanical fastener may include a plurality of screws and enable removably connecting to the controller. Additionally, access to the at least one mechanical fastener may be through a socket in the housing. The interposer assembly may also include a gas discharge tube. In an exemplary interposer assembly, the circuit of the gas discharge tube may include a capacitor in parallel with the gas discharge tube. The circuit may also be used for electrical connection to a ground connection in the controller.

[0007] The interposer assembly may further comprise a latch. The latch may include a protrusion for preventing removal of the connector of the medical device from the socket. The latch may be removable from the housing via one or more latch fasteners. The protrusion may protrude radially inward toward the socket and include a rearward facing surface for contact with the connector of the medical device. The protrusion may prevent removal of the connector of the medical device from the socket.

[0008] In an alternative embodiment, an interposer assembly for connecting a medical device to a controller may include a housing defining a forward facing socket for removably receiving a connector of the medical device, and at least one electrical connector on a rear surface of the housing. The housing of the interposer assembly may be shaped to correspond to a shape of a port of the controller. The medical device to be connected to the interposer assembly may include an endoscope. The at least one electrical connector of the interposer assembly may enable a removably connection to the controller. The interposer assembly may further include at least one mechanical fastener on a rear surface of the housing. The mechanical fastener may enable a removably connection to the controller. The at least one mechanical fastener may include a plurality of screws. Access to the at least one mechanical fastener may be through a socket in the housing.

[0009] The interposer assembly may further comprise a gas discharge tube. The gas discharge tube circuit may include a capacitor in parallel with the gas discharge tube, and the circuit may be used for electrical connection to a ground connection in the controller. An alternative embodiment of the interposer assembly may further comprise a latch including a protrusion for preventing removal of the medical device connector from the socket. The latch may be removable from the housing via one or more latch fasteners. The protrusion may protrude radially inward toward the socket and include a rearward facing surface for contact with the medical device connector. The protrusion may prevent removal of the medical device connector from the socket.

[0010] The interposer assembly may include a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) electrically connected to at least one electrical connector. The PCBA may be removably connected to the housing via one or more PCBA connectors. A forward-facing wall of the housing may include a circuit board connector for receipt of a circuit board of a connector of a medical device.

[0011] In an alternative embodiment, the interposer assembly may include a spring pin mount on the forward-facing wall of the housing and in communication with a socket, the spring pin mount for electrical connection to a connector of a medical device.

[0012] An alternative embodiment may include a medical system comprising a controller including at least one port and an interposer assembly. The interposer assembly may be removably coupled to the controller through the at least one port and configured to removably receive a connector of a medical device. The interposer assembly of this embodiment may include a housing defining a forward-facing socket for removably receiving a connector of a medical device. The interposer assembly may also include at least one electrical connector on a rear surface of the housing. The at least one electrical connector may enable a removably connection to the controller.

[0013] An alternative example of the disclosure may relate to a method for connecting a medical device to a controller. The method may include inserting a connector of the medical device into a socket of an interposer assembly, the interposer assembly being positioned within a port of the controller via a releasable connection.

[0014] 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 present disclosure, as claimed.

[0015] 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. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a perspective view of a medical system including a controller, a first interposer assembly, and a second interposer assembly, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] 2 illustrates a front perspective view of the first interposer assembly shown in FIG. 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 2B illustrates a rear perspective view of the first interposer assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] 2A and 2B, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2D] 2A, 2B, and 2C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view of some exemplary components of a medical device, an interposer assembly, and a controller, according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 13A-13C illustrate cross-sectional views of alternative embodiments of exemplary components of a medical device, a second interposer assembly, and a controller, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an example circuit of a gas discharge tube (GDT) return path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Aspects of the present disclosure include devices, systems, and methods for connecting or disconnecting one or more interposer assemblies to a controller, replacing a used interposer assembly with a new interposer assembly, and connecting or disconnecting a medical device from such an interposer assembly. The ability to easily remove an interposer assembly from a controller and replace it with a new interposer assembly can, for example, extend the life of the controller, result in less service or downtime for the controller, reduce costs, increase system performance, and increase user satisfaction.

[0018] Current devices and methods for connecting and disconnecting interposers are limited. For example, when a scope can no longer be connected to a controller due to wear and tear on a port in the controller, the entire controller is taken out of the field and repaired. Only after the controller is repaired is it allowed back into the field. This process can create inefficiencies related to patient scheduling and increased costs to users.

[0019] Therefore, it is necessary to be able to quickly and easily remove an inoperable or damaged interposer assembly of a controller and replace it with a new, working interposer assembly. The ability to swap out an interposer assembly of a controller without removing the controller from the field can reduce the cost and downtime of the controller and reduce the difficulties associated with patient scheduling. Furthermore, the ability to swap out interposer assemblies of different devices, as well as replace the same interposer assembly, into the same controller allows a wider variety of devices (e.g., scopes) to be used with the same controller. For example, a first interposer assembly can be configured to accept a first scope and a second interposer assembly can be configured to accept a different scope. These interposer assemblies that can mate with the same controller can be swapped out such that one controller can be used with both scopes.

[0020] Alternatively, in other embodiments, two interposer assemblies can be coupled to the same controller at the same time, as described below. The two interposer assemblies can each be for the same device, or they can be different from each other, such that, for example, two different devices can be connected to and used with the controller at the same time. In addition, the ability to remove, couple, and replace interposer assemblies over the life of the controller allows the ability to iterate and change the configuration of the scope without requiring a new controller. For example, a newly developed scope and its connectors, for example with the latest imaging or illumination circuitry and components, can be designed to connect with an interposer assembly that is compatible with a controller already in the field.

[0021] 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 portion of the device that is furthest from the user when the device is introduced into a patient. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device that is closest to the user when the device is placed within a subject. 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 necessarily comprise 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" and not in the sense of "ideal". As used herein, the terms "about", "substantially" and "approximately" indicate values ​​within a range of + / - 10% of the stated value.

[0022] Examples of the present disclosure may relate to systems, devices, and methods for connecting, disconnecting, and replacing one or more interposer assemblies to a controller in order to perform a wide variety of medical procedures with a number of different medical devices (e.g., scopes) and one controller. Various examples described herein include medical device systems that include a multi-purpose medical controller, various interposer assemblies that may be removably coupled to the controller, and reusable or single-use / disposable medical devices.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a controller that has the ability to couple to and be detachable from various interposer assemblies to which various medical devices (e.g., scopes) can be connected. Embodiments of the present disclosure also include electrical and mechanical connections of device connectors to the interposer assemblies, and electrical and mechanical connections of the interposer assemblies to the controller.

[0024] Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to a controller having interchangeable interposer assemblies and corresponding medical devices, it will be understood that aspects of the present disclosure have broad application and therefore may be suitable for use with many types of medical controllers, medical devices (such as endoscopes, bronchoscopes, colonoscopes, gastroscopes, duodenoscopes, etc.), and non-medical devices such as borescopes, etc. Accordingly, the following description and illustrations should be considered exemplary in nature and, therefore, not limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0025] 1 illustrates an exemplary medical system 100. The medical system 100 includes a controller 110 and at least one of a first interposer assembly 116 and / or a second interposer assembly 120, which will be described further herein.

[0026] The first interposer assembly 116 may be connected to the controller 110 through the first port 114. Similarly, the second interposer assembly 120 may be connected to the controller 110 through the second port 118. Each of the first port 114 and the second port 118 are similarly shaped to receive the first interposer assembly 116 and the second interposer assembly 120, respectively. For example, the first interposer assembly 116 and the second interposer assembly 120 are shown as being rectangular with curved corners. Thus, each of the first port 114 and the second port 118 are rectangular with curved corners. However, the shapes of the first interposer assembly 116 and the first port 114, and similarly the second interposer assembly 120 and the second port 118, are not limited to rectangular shapes and may be various sizes and shapes (i.e., square, circular, oval, hexagonal, etc.).

[0027] The number of first ports 114 and / or second ports 118 may also vary. For example, the controller 110 may include only one first port 114 or one second port 118. Alternatively, the controller 110 may include two or more first ports 114, two or more second ports 118, or any combination of first ports 114 and second ports 118. For example, the controller 110 may include one first port 114 and two second ports 118. Additionally or alternatively, the locations of the first ports 114 and second ports 118 may vary. For example, the first ports 114 and / or second ports 118 may be located on the front face 113 of the controller 110 (as shown). Alternatively, one or more of the first port 114 and / or second port 118 may be located on a back (not shown) and / or a side of the controller 110 (e.g., a left or right side of the controller 110).

[0028] In alternative embodiments, the first port 114 and / or the second port 118 may be located on different sides of the controller 110. For example, the first port 114 may be located on the front 113 of the controller 110 and the second port 118 may be located on a side or back of the controller 110, or vice versa. The first port 114 and the second port 118 enable mechanical and electrical connections between the first interposer assembly 116 and the second interposer assembly 120, respectively, and the controller 110, e.g., such that the first interposer assembly 116 and / or the second interposer assembly 120 can be in electrical communication with the controller 110. The controller 110 includes the electronics and components necessary to facilitate the electrical connection between the first interposer assembly 116 or the second interposer assembly 120 and the controller 110.

[0029] The controller 110 may further include a power button 111 and a display screen 112. The shape, size, and / or location of the power button 111 is not limited to a circular button on the front surface 113 of the controller 110 as shown. For example, the power button 111 may be located on the rear surface of the controller 110 and / or may be a switch, knob, trigger, or any other control device commonly known in the art. In addition, the display screen 112 may be a touch screen or a simple screen (i.e., non-touch screen). If the display screen 112 is a simple screen, one or more buttons (not shown) on the controller 110 may control its functionality. The controller 110 may also include one or more external displays (not shown), one or more sources of power (e.g., electrical plugs), or additional electrical ports (i.e., HDMI, USB, VGA, etc.) (not shown) to facilitate connection of other peripheral devices.

[0030] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the controller 110 is configured not to have a display screen 112. In such an embodiment, the controller 110 may include one or more external displays (not shown), one or more sources of power (e.g., electrical plugs), or additional electrical ports (i.e., HDMI, USB, VGA, etc.) (not shown) to facilitate connection of other peripheral devices. The controller 110 may include one or more buttons, switches, knobs, triggers, or any other controls commonly known in the art for controlling other functions of the controller or for controlling various functions of a connected device (e.g., lighting, imaging sensor, or other control).

[0031] 2A shows a perspective view of the front of the second interposer assembly 120. The second interposer assembly 120 is comprised of an interposer housing 122. The connector socket 124 is a space within the interposer housing 122 and extends from a front surface 125 of the interposer housing 122, for example, along a central axis A to a socket wall 141 (shown in FIG. 2D ) at the rear of the interposer housing 122. The central axis A extends perpendicularly outward from the socket wall 141 (shown in FIG. 2D ) to the front surface 125 of the second interposer assembly 120. The connector socket 124 is shaped and sized to receive a similarly shaped and sized connector of a medical device (e.g., a scope), for example, as shown in FIG. 3 and described in more detail below.

[0032] Additionally, a latch 126 extends across the top of the interposer housing 122 in a slot 127. The latch 126 and the slot 127 are oriented perpendicular to a central axis A of the interposer housing 122. The latch 126 may be removably coupled to the interposer housing 122 by one or more fasteners 128, for example, at each end of the latch 126. The one or more fasteners 128 may include screws (as shown), nails, bolts, rivets, or any other type of fastener commonly known in the art. Alternatively, the latch 126 may be permanently coupled to the interposer housing 122 via adhesive, press fit, welding, or any other means commonly known in the art. The latch 126 seats in the slot 127 such that the top surface of the latch 126 is flush with the top surface of the interposer housing 122. 3, the latch 126 mechanically fastens the medical device's connector to the second interposer assembly 120 while still allowing a user to easily disconnect the two components. A lower surface 129 of the latch 126 (shown in more detail in FIG. 3 and described further herein) engages with an upper surface of a connector tab of the inserted connector of the medical device, thereby preventing the device connector from being inadvertently removed from the second interposer assembly 120.

[0033] 2A , the latch 126 and the interposer housing 122 may be made of one or more biocompatible materials, such as metals, polymers, or other biomaterials. For example, the latch 126 and the interposer housing 122 may be constructed of stainless steel or plastic. Alternatively, the latch 126 may be molded or 3D printed with a biomaterial, such as plastic, and the interposer housing 122 may be machined from stainless steel. In an alternative embodiment, the latch 126 may be monolithically formed with the interposer housing 122.

[0034] FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the second interposer assembly 120 including a rear wall 130, and FIG. 2C shows an elevated rear view of the rear wall 130 of the second interposer assembly 120. The rear wall 130 may be comprised of an interposer printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). Alternatively, the rear wall 130 may be, for example, a panel in the second interposer assembly 120 that surrounds the PCBA. A number of fasteners 133, for example, screws (as shown), nails, bolts, rivets, or any other type of fastener commonly known in the art, may removably couple the rear wall 130 to the interposer housing 122 of the second interposer assembly 120. Alternatively, the rear wall 130 may be permanently coupled to the interposer housing 122 via adhesive, press fit, welding, or any other means commonly known in the art.

[0035] A plurality of extensions 131 extend perpendicularly from the rear wall 130. A fastener 132 extends from each of the plurality of extensions 131. Each fastener 132 extending from the plurality of extensions 131 allows the second interposer assembly 120 to be removably coupled to the controller 110 of FIG. 1. A user may access the fasteners 132 through the connector socket 124. The number, size, location, and type of fasteners 132, as well as the number, size, and shape of the extensions 131, may vary. For example, the second interposer assembly 120 may include two square extensions 131 from which fasteners 132, such as captive screws, extend. In such an example, the extensions 131 and fasteners 132 may be disposed at diagonal corners of the rear wall 130.

[0036] One or more connectors 136 may also extend vertically from the rear wall 130. The connectors 136 may enable electrical and / or mechanical connection between the second interposer assembly 120 and the controller 110 of FIG. 1. The electrical connection between the second interposer assembly 120 and the controller 110 may enable a user to use a connected device (not shown). For example, when a device is connected to the second interposer assembly 120 and the second interposer assembly 120 is connected to the controller 110 of FIG. 1, a user may be able to control one or more electrical features of the device, such as, for example, an imaging sensor, an illumination source, or other motion controls.

[0037] The second interposer assembly 120 may also include a gas discharge tube (GDT) 134 extending vertically from the rear wall 130. The GDT 134 is a type of inert gas-filled tube commonly used as a high-voltage, high-energy, surge protection device for electronic equipment. In particular, the GDT 134 may be used as a protection device for medical systems, including, for example, the medical system 100 shown in FIG. 1, for use with a high frequency electrosurgical generator (not shown). If a device is constructed with one or more conductive components, such as an articulating metal elevator (not shown) in the distal tip of the device, and the device is then connected to the second interposer assembly 120, the output of the high frequency surgical generator during use may inadvertently couple to the distal tip of the connected device instead of the desired target. This may cause a breakdown in the distal tip of the device, which may cause harm to the patient. The GDT 134 may be used in such scenarios to safely dissipate the energy of the electrosurgical generator, thereby avoiding breakdown of the device. Additionally, if the GDT 134 is discharged, it is sometimes necessary to replace the GDT 134 to ensure continued patient safety. By including the GDT 134 on the rear wall 130 of the second interposer assembly 120, it is possible to replace the GDT 134, for example, by installing a new rear wall 130 or by replacing the second interposer assembly 120 with a new second interposer assembly 120.

[0038] 2B and 2C, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the orientation, size, and location of the multiple fasteners 133, the multiple extensions 131 and fasteners 132, the connector 136, and the GDT 134 may vary on the rear wall 130.

[0039] 2D shows a front view of the second interposer assembly 120, looking into the connector socket 124. As described above, the connector socket 124 extends through the interposer housing 122 along the central axis A of the interposer housing 122 to the socket wall 141. In this configuration, the central axis A extends vertically into and out of the page. A bevel 142 (i.e., chamfer) may extend around the inner front edge of the interposer housing 122 around the connector socket 124 for guiding a device connector (not shown) during insertion.

[0040] A plurality of counterbore holes 138 on the socket wall 141 may receive the fasteners 132 shown in FIG. 2B. The fasteners 132 may be accessible by a user through the connector socket 124. The socket wall 141 may further comprise a spring pin mount 140 and a plurality of spring pins 152. The spring pin mount 140 and the spring pins 152 are electrically coupled to the interposer PCBA, which may include or be contained within the rear wall 130, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C. Thus, the electrical connection between the spring pin mount 140, the spring pins 152, and the interposer PCBA of the second interposer assembly 120 may help to enable an electrical connection between the second interposer assembly 120 and a device connector (not shown). The electrical connection between the second interposer assembly 120 and a device connector (not shown) allows a user to control one or more electrical features of the device, such as the imaging sensor, illumination source, or other operational controls, when the second interposer assembly 120 is connected to the controller 110.

[0041] It should be understood that, although of different sizes, the first interposer assembly 116 may include any or all of the above-described components and / or features from FIGS. 2A-2D and 3.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the second interposer assembly 120 in the portion 160 of the controller 110 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and the device connector 340 connected to the second interposer assembly 120. The device connector 340 of this exemplary embodiment further includes a device PCBA 356. The device PCBA 356 is shaped like a thin card, with its thickness oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device connector 340. The device PCBA 356 may be oriented within the device connector 340 such that upon insertion of the device connector 340 into the second interposer assembly 120, the device PCBA 356 is inserted into the interposer PCBA connector 155, thereby creating a mechanical and electrical connection between the two components. The interposer PCBA connector 155 may be secured to a front surface of the rear wall 130 of the second interposer assembly 120, and the interposer PCBA connector 155 may be configured to receive the device PCBA 356 of the device connector 340.

[0043] One or more connectors 136 (described above with respect to FIGS. 2B and 2C ) may be secured to a rear surface of the rear wall 130 of the second interposer assembly 120. The one or more connectors 136 may be configured to be removably coupled to one or more controller connectors 148 of the controller 110, for example, when the second interposer assembly 120 is inserted into the controller 110 through the second port 118. The controller connectors 148 may be fixedly coupled to a controller PCBA 161 in the controller 110 and extend perpendicularly outward from a front surface of the controller PCBA 161. The controller PCBA 161 may be coupled to or oriented adjacent to a portion 160 of the controller 110.

[0044] The device connector 340 may be inserted into the connector socket 124 of the second interposer assembly 120. A device connector tab 342 may be movably coupled to the device connector 340 such that the device connector tab 342 bends at a living hinge 342a, allowing the device connector tab 342 to move radially inward and outward of the second interposer assembly 120, for example, relative to a longitudinal axis of the device connector 340.

[0045] When the device connector 340 is inserted into the second interposer assembly 120, a user may apply pressure radially inwardly to the free end of the device connector tab 342, allowing the protrusion 341 protruding from the device connector tab 342 to slide under the radially inward flange 126a of the latch 126 of the second interposer assembly 120. When the device PCBA 356 connects to the interposer PCBA connector 55, the pressure may be released from the device connector tab 342, allowing the device connector tab 342 to flex radially outwardly, such that the protrusion 341 rests under the latch 126. The radially inward flange 126a prevents or inhibits the device connector 340 from being inadvertently removed from the controller 110 during use. To remove the device connector 340 from the second interposer assembly 120 and the controller 110, a user may apply radially inward pressure to the free ends of the device connector tabs 342, allowing the protrusions 341 to be slid under the radially inward flanges 126a of the latches 126. In this manner, the device connector 340 may be removed from the second interposer assembly 120.

[0046] 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a first interposer assembly 116 within portion 260 of controller 110 (shown in FIG. 1 ) and a device connector 440 connected to the first interposer assembly 116. As described above, the first interposer assembly 116 may be removably coupled to the controller 110 through the first port 114. The device connector 440 may be removably coupled to the first interposer assembly 116 by means of one or more latches 442 and one or more springs 444. The spring(s) 444 may be a coil spring(s) configured to urge the latches 442 radially outward such that a portion of the latches 442 is removably coupled to an interior of the first interposer assembly 116, similar to how the device connector tabs 342 are removably coupled to the latches 126, described above with reference to FIG. 3 . Thus, to remove the device connector 440 from the first interposer assembly 116 , a user may press one or more latches 442 toward the central axis of the device connector 440 .

[0047] The device connector 440 of this example embodiment further includes a device PCBA 456. The device PCBA 456 may be oriented within the device connector 440 such that upon insertion of the device connector 440 into the first interposer assembly 116, for example, through the connector socket 145 of the first interposer assembly 116, the pins 252 on the pin mount 253 of the first interposer assembly 116 contact electrical pads on a face of the device PCBA 456 of the device connector 440, thereby creating an electrical connection between the controller 110 and the device connector 440.

[0048] The connector socket 145 is a space within the first interposer assembly 116 and extends from the front face 123 of the first interposer assembly 116 along the central axis of the first interposer assembly 116 to a rear wall 130' at the rear of the first interposer assembly 116. The rear wall 130' may be comprised of or include the interposer PCBA. Thus, the rear wall 130', and therefore the interposer PCBA, may be in electrical contact with the pins 252 to provide an electrical connection between the first interposer assembly 116 and the controller 110.

[0049] Similar to the connector(s) 136 described above with respect to the second interposer assembly 120, the one or more connectors 136' may be secured to a rear surface of the rear wall 130' of the first interposer assembly 116, such that, for example, the connector(s) 136' are in electrical or physical contact with an interposer PCBA including or within the rear wall 130'. The one or more connectors 136' may be removably coupled to one or more controller connectors 148'. The controller connectors 148' may include any or all of the features of the controller connectors 148 described above with respect to FIG. 3. Additionally, the one or more controller connectors 148' may be secured to the controller PCBA 161' and thus extend outwardly from a surface 246 of the controller PCBA 161'. Thus, when the first interposer assembly 116 is inserted into the controller 110, the connector(s) 136' are electrically and mechanically coupled to the controller connector(s) 148'.

[0050] Furthermore, when the device connector 440 is inserted into the first interposer assembly 116, the device PCBA 456 may be electrically and / or mechanically coupled to the pins 252. For example, the pins 252 may be configured to extend into corresponding holes in the device PCBA 456 to provide an electrical connection between the device PCBA 456 and the first interposer assembly 116. Additionally or alternatively, the pins 252 may be configured to contact the device PCBA 456 such that the device PCBA 456 is electrically coupled to the pins 252 and thus to the first interposer assembly 116. Thus, the device connector 440 may be electrically coupled to the controller 110 via the first interposer assembly 116.

[0051] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary circuit 500 for connection of the GDT 520 to the ground 530 of the controller. For example, the exemplary circuit 500 may be used with the medical system 100 shown in FIG. 1. The GDT 520 may be used to safely dissipate the energy of the electrosurgical generator and avoid dielectric breakdown of the connected device. The circuit 500 includes the GDT 520 and a capacitor 540 in parallel. The GDT 520 and the capacitor 540 are electronically connected to a PCBA, including or within the rear wall 130′ of the first interposer assembly 116 or the rear wall 130 of the second interposer assembly 120, for example, by a PCBA connection 510. The GDT 520 and the capacitor 540 are also electronically connected to the ground 530 of the controller 110. Thus, current flows from the PCBA connection 510 through the GDT 520 and the capacitor 540 to the ground 530 in the controller 110.

[0052] In embodiments, the capacitor 540 may be a 5 kV, 470 pF capacitor. With this configuration, any inadvertent coupling of the high frequency surgical generator to a connected device, such as, for example, an endoscope, will be safely dissipated through the GDT 520. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2B and 2C, by including the GDT 520 on the removable first interposer assembly 116 and / or second interposer assembly 120, it is possible to quickly and safely replace the GDT 520, for example, by installing a new first interposer assembly 116 and / or a new second interposer assembly 120, or by installing a new back wall 130 in the second interposer assembly 120, or a new back wall 130' in the first interposer assembly 116.

[0053] It should also be understood that any of the medical systems and devices described herein may be used in a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic medical procedures in which the use of a controller is required. Such procedures may include Esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), cancer treatment, kidney or bladder biopsy or resection, other procedures in which an endoscope and controller are required, or any other therapeutic or diagnostic procedure. For example, by having a reliable electrical and mechanical connection between a medical device (e.g., a scope) and a controller, the embodiments described herein may help to reduce procedure time, increase tissue treatment effects, reduce risks to subjects, etc.

[0054] Although the exemplary embodiment described above has been disclosed in the context of a medical system comprising a controller and at least one replaceable interposer, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the principles described above may be applied to any medical device or method and may be implemented in different ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the claims. In particular, structural details, including manufacturing techniques and materials, are well within the understanding of those skilled in the art and have not been described in detail herein. These and other modifications and variations are well within the scope of the present disclosure and may be envisioned and implemented by those skilled in the art.

[0055] Moreover, although certain exemplary embodiments may be collectively illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent mechanisms designed to accomplish the same or similar purpose may substitute for the specific embodiments described and shown herein. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of the various embodiments. Upon review of the description, combinations of the above-described embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

[0056] Although the principles of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to exemplary embodiments of certain applications, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art and with access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, embodiments, and equivalent substitutions that are all within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Thus, the present disclosure should not be considered as limited by the foregoing description.

[0057] Other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered merely as exemplary, and departures in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An interposer assembly for connecting a medical device to a controller, the interposer assembly comprising: a housing defining a forward-facing socket for removably receiving a connector of the medical device; at least one electrical connector on a rear surface of the housing for removable connection to the controller; and An interposer assembly comprising:

2. The interposer assembly of claim 1 , further comprising at least one mechanical fastener on a rear surface of the housing, the at least one mechanical fastener for removable connection to the controller.

3. The interposer assembly of claim 2 , wherein access to the at least one mechanical fastener is through the socket in the housing.

4. The interposer assembly of claim 2 , wherein the at least one mechanical fastener comprises a plurality of screws.

5. The interposer assembly of claim 1 further comprising a gas discharge tube.

6. 6. The interposer assembly of claim 5, wherein the gas discharge tube circuit includes a capacitor in parallel with the gas discharge tube, the circuit being for electrical connection to a ground connection within the controller.

7. The interposer assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a latch including a protrusion for preventing removal of the connector of the medical device from the socket.

8. The interposer assembly of claim 7 , wherein the latch is removable from the housing via one or more latch fasteners.

9. 8. The interposer assembly of claim 7, wherein the protrusion protrudes radially inward toward the socket and includes a rearward-facing surface for contact with the connector of the medical device to prevent removal of the connector of the medical device from the socket.

10. The interposer assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) electrically connected to the at least one electrical connector.

11. The interposer assembly of claim 10 , wherein the PCBA is removably connected to the housing via one or more PCBA connectors.

12. The interposer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the forward-facing wall of the housing includes a circuit board connector for receiving a circuit board of the connector of the medical device.

13. 10. The interposer assembly of claim 1, further comprising a spring pin mount on a forward-facing wall of the housing and in communication with the socket, the spring pin mount for electrical connection to the connector of the medical device.

14. The interposer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the housing has a shape that corresponds to a shape of a port of the controller.

15. The interposer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the medical device is an endoscope.

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