Medical Devices and Related Systems and Methods

Abstract

A connector assembly (350) for a medical device (300) may include a sleeve (403) configured to fixedly couple to a shaft (351) of the medical device and rotatably couple to a handle (320) of the medical device, a collar (409) configured to be positioned about and coupled to the sleeve such that (i) the collar is movable proximally and distally relative to the sleeve and (ii) the collar is rotatable about the central longitudinal axis when the collar is rotated about the central longitudinal axis, and a biasing member (411). The connector assembly may be configured to transition between a neutral position and an engaged position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to handles, connectors, and shafts of medical devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to, among other aspects, a rotating connector assembly for use with a handle of an endoscope or other medical device. [Background technology]

[0002] During an endoscopic procedure, a medical professional operating an endoscope often wraps his or her entire palm around the grip or handle portion of the device. The presence of various actuators on the endoscope handle requires the medical professional to twist his or her hand and move the handle frequently and for long periods of time during the procedure, which can cause strain or even injury. In some cases, actuation of various scope controls, such as knobs or elevators, can result in the endoscope shaft twisting and can exert excessive force on the endoscope handle, which can result in strain on the medical professional's hands. Endoscope operators can sometimes experience wrist and hand discomfort as a result of holding and manipulating the endoscope handle due to the forces exerted by the twisting of the proximal portion of the endoscope shaft when moving the handle in the operating room. For example, in some cases, medical professionals can 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 transition from a first gripping position to a second gripping position that may not be as strong as the first gripping position, for example, from a four-fingered grip to a three-fingered grip. Repeated flexion and manipulation of the wrist to adjust the positioning of the endoscope may increase fatigue or other pain.

[0003] If a medical professional repeatedly readjusts his or her manual grip between procedural tasks, the procedure may be prolonged and the procedural tasks may become more difficult. Depending on the strength of the medical professional's hands and arms, the forces exerted on the handle by twisting of the proximal portion of the endoscope during the procedure may increase the number of readjustments of the medical professional's hands. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure relate, among other things, to systems, devices, and methods for mitigating forces applied to a medical device handle by twisting of a distal portion of the device. The systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure may facilitate a user's hand grip on an endoscope or other medical device. Endoscopes and other medical devices having a handle that is rotatable relative to a proximal shaft portion may help address fatigue or strain on a user's hand, may help reduce the need to readjust the hand grip, and may help address other issues. Each of the aspects disclosed herein may include one or more of the features described in connection with any of the other disclosed aspects.

[0005] According to one aspect, a connector assembly for a medical device may include a sleeve configured to fixedly couple to a shaft of the medical device and rotatably couple to a handle of the medical device, a collar configured to be positioned about and coupled to the sleeve such that (i) the collar is movable relative to the sleeve in proximal and distal directions and (ii) the sleeve can be rotated about a central longitudinal axis when the collar is rotated about the central longitudinal axis, and a biasing member. The connector assembly may be configured to transition between a neutral position and an engaged position.

[0006] In other aspects, the connector assembly may include one or more of the following features: the knob portion and collar are non-rotatable relative to the handle in a neutral position, and the knob portion and collar are rotatable relative to the handle in an engaged position. The connector assembly may further include a knob portion positioned about the collar, the knob portion may include a rib. The sleeve may include at least one protrusion at a proximal portion of the sleeve, the at least one protrusion configured to be received within a recess in the handle. The biasing member may be a spring. The connector assembly may further include a tube extending through the collar. The sleeve may include a series of longitudinal ribs, and the collar may include a series of longitudinal recesses configured to receive the longitudinal ribs. The longitudinal ribs may be configured to move proximally and distally through the longitudinal recesses. The collar may include a protrusion extending circumferentially about a central longitudinal axis of the collar. The knob portion may include a recess extending circumferentially around a radially inwardly facing surface of the knob portion, which may be configured to receive the protrusion. Each of the collar, knob portion, and sleeve may be generally cylindrical and include respective central longitudinal lumens. The collar may include a set of teeth extending proximally from a proximal end portion of the collar, which may be configured to be received by a complementary set of teeth on the handle. The set of teeth on the collar may be received by the complementary set of teeth on the handle in a neutral position, and the set of teeth on the collar may be spaced apart from the complementary set of teeth on the handle in an engaged position. The collar may be fixedly coupled to the knob portion.

[0007] In other aspects, the medical device may include a handle body, a shaft extending longitudinally to a distal tip, and a connector assembly. The connector assembly may include a sleeve fixedly coupled to the shaft and rotatably coupled to the handle body, a collar positioned about and coupled to the sleeve such that (i) the collar is movable proximally and distally relative to the sleeve and (ii) the collar is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis of the medical device during rotation of the collar about the central longitudinal axis, a knob portion positioned about the collar, and a biasing member. The connector assembly may be configured to transition between a neutral position and an engaged position.

[0008] In other aspects, the connector assembly can include one or more of the following features: The collar can include a set of teeth extending proximally from a proximal end portion of the collar, the set of teeth can be configured to be received by a complementary set of teeth on the handle body, The sleeve can include protrusions on a proximal portion of the sleeve, the protrusions configured to be received within recesses in the handle body.

[0009] In another aspect, a method of operating a medical device including a handle and a shaft extending longitudinally from the handle, the method may include distally moving a knob portion of a connector assembly to compress a biasing member of the connector assembly, rotating the knob portion about a central longitudinal axis of the knob portion relative to the handle, and releasing the knob portion to fixedly couple the shaft to the handle. In some examples, distally moving the knob portion of the connector assembly may include moving tines of a collar of the connector assembly away from tines of a proximal end portion of the handle.

[0010] It can 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.

[0011] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary aspects of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [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. 1C is a perspective view of a user's hand holding an endoscope handle (such as the handle of the endoscope of FIGS. 1A and 1B) according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a user's hand holding an endoscope handle (such as the handle of the endoscope of FIGS. 1A and 1B) according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a side view of a portion of an endoscope including a rotating connector assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the rotary connector assembly of FIG. 3 according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the rotary connector assembly of FIGS. 3 and 4 with portions removed to expose internal components according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 4 is a side partial cross-sectional view of a proximal portion of the endoscope of FIG. 3 according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a side partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector assembly of FIG. 3 according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector assembly of FIG. 3 according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector assembly of FIG. 3 according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector assembly of FIG. 3 according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 8D] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rotary connector assembly of FIG. 3 according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to the aspects of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever 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 away from the user when introducing the device into a patient. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the part of the device that is closest to the user when placing the device in a patient. Throughout the figures contained in this application, arrows labeled "P" and "D" are used to indicate 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 may include not only those elements, but also other elements not expressly listed or other elements 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 a stated numerical value or range.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure may improve a user's ability to grasp, manipulate, and otherwise apply forces to handles and handle actuators of medical devices, such as endoscopes, during medical procedures, and may, among other non-limiting exemplary advantages, help reduce the need to reposition the user's hands during a procedure, reducing strain on the user's hands from excessive movement. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also facilitate rotation of a medical device shaft relative to the handle of the medical device.

[0015] 1A and 1B show perspective views of an exemplary endoscopic system 100. The endoscopic system 100 may include an endoscope 101. Although the term endoscope may be used herein, it will be 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 these or other medical devices may incorporate the connector assembly discussed below. 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. All of the actuators, elevators, knobs, buttons, levers, ports, or caps of the endoscope system 100 listed above may serve any purpose and are not limited to any particular use that may be implied by the individual 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 / fluid supply, and / or a vacuum source. Thus, the Umbricus 105 can 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 Umbricus 105 can also provide fluid for irrigation and / or aspirate from a water / fluid supply to the distal tip 119 of the shaft 108. Buttons 116 and 118 control valves for aspiration and fluid supply (e.g., air and water), respectively. The shaft 108 can terminate at the distal tip 119. The shaft 108 can include an articulation section 122 for deflecting the distal tip 119 up, down, 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 in the desired position, respectively. The handle body 120 may be tapered, narrowing 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.

[0016] The distal tip 119 may include an imaging device (e.g., a camera) and an illumination source (e.g., an LED or fiber optic). The distal tip 119 may be side-facing; that is, the imaging device and illumination source may be oriented radially outward, perpendicular, nearly perpendicular, or otherwise transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 108 and the distal tip 119. Alternatively, the distal tip 119 may be forward-facing; that is, the imaging device and illumination device may be oriented generally along the longitudinal axis of the distal tip 119 and the shaft 108.

[0017] When operating the endoscopic system 100, a user may use his or her 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 to 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 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 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 respective axes), and the fingers of the left hand to operate the image capture button 104, the suction button 116, and / or the air / water button 118 (by pressing them, respectively). A user can rotate the handle assembly 106 to rotate the shaft 108 about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 108 to position the distal tip 119 at a target area within a patient's body.

[0018] 2A and 2B show an exemplary user's left hand 201 gripping the handle assembly 106, which may have a central longitudinal axis 199 extending longitudinally through the handle assembly 106. The index finger 230 and middle finger 231 of the user's left hand may be used to operate the suction button 116 and the air / water button 118. The user may position the thumb 202 of the left hand 201 (the gripping hand) 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, the palm 240 may move away from the handle body 120 as the thumb 202 moves from the first position to the second position. With some conventional endoscopes, actuating the actuators 107, 112, 114, 116, 118 on the handle assembly 106 can become more difficult and can increase strain on the user's hand, wrist, and fingers when the user's hand is twisted and / or the user's wrist is bent. The connector assemblies discussed herein below can reduce the strain caused by the awkward positioning of the user's hand during operation of some conventional endoscopes, making actuation of the actuators 107, 112, 114, 116, 118 easier and alleviating wrist pain caused by excessive wrist bending.

[0019] Furthermore, with some conventional endoscopes, a user may have to strain their wrist and / or twist their hand unnaturally to position the shaft 108 and distal tip 119 in the proper position within a patient, such as when a camera at the distal tip 119 is aimed at a target area. For example, with some conventional endoscopes, a user may rotate the handle assembly 106 at an unnatural angle to grasp and manipulate elements of the handle assembly 106. The connector assemblies discussed herein may also facilitate rotation of the shaft 108 and positioning of the distal tip 119 during operation of some conventional endoscopes, thereby reducing and / or alleviating strain on a user's wrist, fingers, and / or hands.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of a portion of an endoscope 300, including a connector assembly 350 coupling a shaft portion 351 to a handle portion 320 of the endoscope 300. The endoscope 300 may have any of the features discussed above in connection with the endoscope 101. The connector assembly 350 may allow a user to rotate the shaft 351 relative to the handle 320 about a central longitudinal axis 399, as indicated by directional arrows B, C in FIG. 3. Specifically, the connector assembly 350 may fixedly couple the handle 320 to the shaft 351 when in a neutral position as shown in FIG. 3. To rotate the shaft 351 relative to the handle 320, a user may depress a knob portion 407 of the connector assembly 350 in a distal direction (shown as arrow A in FIG. 3) to transition the connector assembly from the neutral position to an engaged position, in which the user may rotate the shaft 351 relative to the handle 320 about axis 399. While depressing knob portion 407 distally (with connector assembly 350 in the engaged position), a user is free to rotate shaft 351 about axis 399 relative to handle 320. Handle 320 and shaft 351 remain rotatably coupled together via connector assembly 350 when connector assembly 350 is in the engaged position. When a user releases knob portion 407, connector assembly 350 may transition to a neutral position in which handle 320 is fixedly coupled to shaft 351. In other words, shaft 351 is non-rotatable relative to handle 320 in the neutral position. In some embodiments, connector assembly 350 may be biased toward the neutral position. In other alternative embodiments, connector assembly 350 may be biased toward the engaged position. In such alternative embodiments, a user would depress knob portion 407 proximally to transition connector assembly 350 to the neutral position and release knob portion 407 to transition connector assembly 350 to the engaged position.The operation and structure of the connector assembly will be discussed in more detail herein below with respect to Figures 8A-8D.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a side cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 350. As shown in FIG. 4, the connector assembly 350 includes a knob portion 407. The knob portion 407 is at a radially outermost portion of the connector assembly 350 relative to a central longitudinal axis 399. The knob portion 407 may be generally cylindrical and may include a central longitudinal lumen 477 extending longitudinally therethrough. The knob portion 407 may include tapered proximal and distal ends. The knob portion 407 may be configured to receive a distal portion of the handle 320 and a proximal portion of the shaft 351. A series of projections 389 and recesses 388 may extend longitudinally on the knob portion 407's radially outer surface relative to the axis 399. The series of projections 389 and recesses 388 may be circumferentially spaced about the knob portion 407 and about the axis 399. The series of protrusions 389 and recesses 388 may be configured to facilitate rotation and gripping of knob portion 407 by a user's hand, fingers, and / or thumb to facilitate actuation of connector assembly 350.

[0022] A collar 409 is positioned between the handle 320 and the shaft 351. A radially outer surface of the collar 409, relative to the axis 399, abuts a radially inward surface of the knob portion 407, relative to the axis 399. The collar 409 includes a protrusion 511 that extends circumferentially around the collar 409 and is received within a recess 457 in the knob portion 407. The protrusion 511 can be configured to limit relative radial and linear movement between the knob portion 407 and the collar 409 such that the knob portion 407 and the collar 409 move together (i.e., as a single component). The collar 409 includes teeth 505-509 (shown in FIG. 5) at a proximal-most end thereof that extend circumferentially about the axis 399 and that engage complementary teeth 565 on the distal end portion of the handle 320. Although only teeth 505-509 are shown in FIG. 5, the teeth 505-509 may extend circumferentially about the axis 399, may be evenly spaced from adjacent teeth 505-509, and may extend entirely around the axis 399. A spring 411 is positioned within a central lumen 477 between the collar 409 and the shaft 351 and may extend circumferentially about the axis 399 and the sleeve 403. The proximal-most end of spring 411 may abut a distal-facing surface of collar 409 and the distal-most end of spring 411 may abut a proximal-facing surface 432 of shaft 351. Spring 411 may exert a proximal force on collar 409, urging collar 409 towards handle 320. Spring 411 may be replaced with any other biasing member known in the art, such as a body of shape memory material or other resilient biasing means.

[0023] The sleeve 403 can be fixedly coupled to a proximal end portion of the shaft 351 and can be rotatably coupled to the handle 320. The sleeve 403 can be generally cylindrical and can include a central lumen 405 extending longitudinally therethrough. The sleeve 403 can extend through a central lumen of the collar 409, and a radially outer surface of the sleeve 403 relative to the axis 399 can abut a radially inner surface of the collar 409. In some embodiments, the sleeve 403 can include one or more protrusions 479 extending radially outward relative to the axis 399 that can be received within a recess 481 in the handle 320. The one or more protrusions 479 can allow the sleeve to rotate about the axis 399 relative to the handle 320, but cannot move proximally or distally relative to the handle 320. The sleeve 403 is coupled to the collar 409 in a manner such that the collar 409 can move freely proximally and distally relative to the sleeve 403, and rotation of the collar 409 about axis 399 also causes the sleeve 403 to rotate about axis 399. The sleeve 403 can be fixedly coupled to the shaft 351 such that rotation of the sleeve 403 also causes the shaft 351 to rotate. The sleeve 403 can be metal, plastic, and / or any other suitable material known in the art.

[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of connector assembly 350 with a portion of knob portion 407 removed to expose the internal components of connector assembly 350. Note that spring 411 has been removed from FIG. 5 to more clearly show the other components of connector assembly 350. Teeth 505-509 of collar 409 are shown received by corresponding teeth 565 of handle 320, and protrusion 511 is shown positioned within recess 457. Sleeve 403 may include ribs 501, 502 extending longitudinally along a radially outer surface of sleeve 403. Ribs 501, 502 may be received by recesses 521, 522 in collar 409. Each rib 501, 502 is received by a corresponding recess 521, 522, and any number of ribs and recesses may be included in sleeve 403 and collar 409. The ribs 501, 502 and recesses 521, 522 can facilitate linear movement of the collar 409 in the proximal and distal directions relative to the sleeve 403 and can prevent rotation of the collar 409 about the axis 399 relative to the sleeve 403.

[0025] FIG. 6 shows a side cross-sectional view of endoscope 300, including handle 320, connector assembly 350, and shaft 320. A portion of shaft 351 has been removed in FIG. 6. Inner cables 601, 602 are shown extending from an interior portion of handle 320, through connector assembly 350, and through shaft 320. Inner cables 601, 602 can be positioned within a central longitudinal lumen 651 of connector assembly 350. In some embodiments, central longitudinal lumen 651 can include central lumen 405 of sleeve 403. Inner cables 601, 602 can move freely within and through connector assembly 350, and connector assembly 350 can rotate without moving inner cables 601, 602. The internal cables 601, 602 may include electrical wiring, articulation wires and / or cables, elevator actuation cables, actuation cables for any devices positioned proximal to the handle 320, and / or any other type of cable, wire, or other body known in the art that may include elements for controlling aspects of the distal tip 119.

[0026] FIG. 7 shows a side cross-sectional view of the connector assembly 350, the handle 320, and the shaft 351. In the connector assembly 350 shown in FIG. 7, a tube 705 extends from a proximal portion of the handle 320 through the connector assembly 350 and forms a portion of the shaft 351. The tube 705 is not shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7. The tube 705 may be generally cylindrical and may include a central longitudinal lumen that extends the length of the tube 705. The tube 705 may be fixedly coupled to the sleeve 403 at a proximal end portion of the tube 705. The tube 705 is rotatable as the sleeve 403, the collar 409, and the knob portion 407 rotate about the axis 399. The tube 705 may be configured to receive the inner cables 601, 602 and may extend to a distal end portion of the endoscope 300. In other embodiments, connector assembly 350 may not include tube 705. Tube 705 may be flexible and may be made of any suitable flexible biocompatible material known in the art.

[0027] During operation of the endoscope 300, the connector assembly 350 may allow a user to rotate the shaft 351 relative to the handle 320 without adjusting the user's grip on the handle 320, e.g., without twisting the user's wrist. FIGS. 8A-8D show various positions of the connector assembly 350 as the user manipulates the connector assembly 350 to rotate the shaft 351 relative to the handle 320. Note that the spring 411 has been removed from FIGS. 8A-8D for illustrative purposes only. In FIG. 8A, the connector assembly 350 is shown in a neutral position in which the shaft 351 is coupled to the handle 320 such that rotation of the handle 320 causes rotation of the shaft 351. In the neutral position, the teeth 505-509 of the collar 409 are engaged with the teeth 565 of the handle 320, thereby preventing rotation of the collar 409 relative to the handle 320. The user is not depressing knob portion 407 proximally when connector assembly 350 is in the neutral position.

[0028] In order for a user to rotate shaft 351 about axis 399 relative to handle 320, the user first grasps knob portion 407 and presses knob portion 407 distally. As the user presses knob portion 407 distally, collar 409 moves distally relative to handle 320, as shown in FIG. 8B. As the user moves knob portion 407 distally, the user can compress spring 411, causing teeth 505-509 of collar 409 to be longitudinally spaced apart from teeth 565 of handle 320 (as shown in FIG. 8B). As the user presses knob portion 407 distally, knob portion 407 presses collar 409 distally relative to shaft 403. Once the teeth 505-509 of the collar 409 are longitudinally spaced from the teeth 565 of the handle 320, the user can rotate the knob portion 407 relative to the handle 320 to rotate the collar 409, sleeve 403, and shaft 351 relative to the handle 320 about axis 399. This rotation is indicated by arrow 899 in FIG. 8C. The user also maintains a distal biasing force on the knob portion 407 while rotating the knob portion 407 about axis 399 to prevent the spring 411 from moving the knob portion 407 and collar 409 in a proximal direction. The position of the connector assembly 350 shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C is an engaged position that allows the user to rotate the shaft 351 relative to the handle 320. As collar 409 moves proximally or distally, the radially inward facing surface of collar 409 can slide over ribs 501 , 502 of sleeve 403 .

[0029] When the user has finished rotating shaft 351, the user may release knob portion 407, causing spring 411 to urge knob portion 407 and collar 409 proximally, thereby causing teeth 505-509 of collar 409 to re-engage with teeth 565 of handle 320. FIG. 8D shows connector assembly 350 returned to a neutral position after the user has released knob portion 407, where shaft 351 cannot be rotated about axis 399 relative to handle 320. In comparison to the configuration of FIG. 8A, in FIG. 8D shaft 351 may have been rotated relative to handle 320.

[0030] The medical devices, such as the endoscopes, connector assemblies, and handles of the present disclosure, can assist in ergonomically positioning a user's hands and wrists when operating the endoscope 101 or other medical devices, and can reduce hand strain caused by excessive wrist movement and / or bending when operating the endoscope 101, 300, reducing the risk of the user losing their grip. The medical devices, connector assemblies, and handles can also help prevent a user from repeatedly changing the position of their hands on the handle of the medical device due to fatigue, strain, or other difficulties. Furthermore, the medical devices, connector assemblies, and handles can help facilitate positioning of the distal end portion of the medical device without excessive hand strain caused by rotating the handle. Each of the aforementioned connector assemblies, whether used in conjunction with an endoscope system or any other medical device, can be used to enhance and / or facilitate a user's grip on the handle. Incorporating any portion of the connector assemblies discussed herein into the handle of an endoscope or other medical device can improve a user's operation of the device.

[0031] 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 present disclosure. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon 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. A connector assembly for medical devices, This connector assembly comprises a sleeve, which is configured to be fixedly coupled to the shaft of the medical device and rotatably coupled to the handle of the medical device. The connector assembly comprises a collar, which is configured to (i) move relative to the sleeve in the proximal and distal directions, and (ii) be positioned around and coupled to the sleeve so that when the collar is rotated around the central longitudinal axis, the sleeve can be rotated around the central longitudinal axis. This connector assembly includes a biasing member, The connector assembly is configured to move between a neutral position and an engaged position.

2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a knob portion positioned around the collar, wherein the knob portion includes a rib.

3. The knob portion and the collar are non-rotatable relative to the handle in the neutral position, The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein the knob portion and the collar are rotatable relative to the handle in the engagement position.

4. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes at least one projection in the proximal portion of the sleeve, and the at least one projection is configured to be received in a recess of the handle.

5. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

6. The connector assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a tube extending through the aforementioned collar.

7. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sleeve includes a series of longitudinal ribs, and the collar includes a series of longitudinal recesses configured to receive the longitudinal ribs.

8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the longitudinal rib is configured to move in the proximal and distal directions through the longitudinal recess.

9. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein the collar includes a projection extending circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis of the collar.

10. The connector assembly according to claim 9, wherein the knob portion includes a recess extending circumferentially around the radially inward surface of the knob portion, and the recess is configured to receive the protrusion.

11. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein each of the collar, the knob portion, and the sleeve is cylindrical and includes individual central longitudinal lumens.

12. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the collar includes a series of teeth extending proximal from the proximal end portion of the collar.

13. The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein the series of teeth is configured to be received by a complementary series of teeth of the handle.

14. The connector assembly according to claim 13, wherein the series of teeth of the collar are received by the complementary series of teeth of the handle in the neutral position, and the series of teeth of the collar are spaced apart from the complementary series of teeth of the handle in the engaged position.

15. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein the collar is fixedly coupled to the knob portion.

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