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

Abstract

1. A handle assembly (106) for a medical device comprising: a handle body (120); and an actuator for controlling a platform at a distal portion of the medical device, the actuator (107) comprising a contact portion (301) including a first portion (315) disposed on an exterior of the handle body and a second portion (317) disposed on an interior portion of the handle body, the actuator comprising: (i) the contact portion and (ii) an interior body coupled to a shaft within the handle body, the actuator configured to move across an exterior surface of the handle body between a first position and a second position, the actuator configured to move the platform to a third position when a user moves the actuator to the first position and to move the platform to a fourth position when the user moves the actuator to the second position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to actuators and handle assemblies for medical devices. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to ergonomic actuators and handle assemblies for endoscopes or other medical devices, among other aspects. [Background technology]

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

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

[0004] According to one example, a handle assembly for a medical device can include a handle body and an actuator for controlling movement of an actuation wire within the medical device, the actuator comprising a contact portion including a first portion disposed on an exterior of the handle body and a second portion disposed on an interior portion of the handle body, and (i) the contact portion and (ii) an interior body coupled to a shaft within the handle body, the actuator can be configured to move across an exterior surface of the handle body between a first position and a second position, the actuator can be configured to move the actuation wire to a third position when a user moves the actuator to the first position and to move the actuation wire to a fourth position when the user moves the actuator to the second position.

[0005] In another example, the inner body may be an arm extending radially outward from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft and configured to rotate the shaft. A ring may be rotatably coupled to the shaft via a link extending radially outward from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a rod may be rotatably coupled to the ring at a first end and to an actuation wire at a second end. The actuation wire may be coupled to an elevator at a distal end of the medical device. The shaft may be rotatable relative to the handle body and may extend longitudinally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the medical device. The arm may include an opening configured to receive a portion of the second portion of the contact portion. The contact portion may be configured to move along a curved path. The handle body may include a slot extending longitudinally within a concave portion of the exterior surface of the handle body. The slot may include an opening in the first side of the handle body and in the second side of the handle body, the first side being opposite the second side. The contact portion may be disposed between the camera button and the at least one knob actuator. The inner body may include a curved gear disposed inside the handle body, the curved gear may be movable along a curved channel inside the handle body. External teeth of the curved gear may contact external teeth of an adjacent gear to drive rotation of the adjacent gear and the shaft. A ring may be coupled to the shaft via a link extending radially outward from the shaft, and a rod may be rotatably coupled to the ring and the actuation wire. A second portion of the contact portion may include first external teeth configured to contact second external teeth of an adjacent first gear disposed inside the handle body to drive rotation of the shaft. Rotation of the first gear may drive rotation of the adjacent second gear.

[0006] According to one example, a handle assembly for a medical device can include a handle body and an actuator for controlling one or more components at a distal portion of the medical device, the actuator including a contact portion including a first portion disposed on an exterior of the handle body and a second portion disposed on an interior portion of the handle body, and an interior body coupled to (i) the contact portion and (ii) a shaft within the handle body, the actuator can be configured to move across an exterior surface of the handle body to actuate one or more components at the distal portion of the medical device. A proximal portion of the handle body can include an opening extending in an arc across the exterior surface of the handle body, the opening configured to receive the actuator. The one or more components can be an elevator.

[0007] According to one example, a method of moving an elevator at a distal portion of an endoscopic device, the endoscopic device may include a handle body and an actuator, the actuator including a contact portion including a first portion disposed on an exterior of the handle body and a second portion disposed on an interior portion of the handle body, and an inner body coupled to (i) the contact portion and (ii) a shaft within the handle body, the method may include moving the actuator across an exterior surface of the handle body to a first position to move the elevator to a second position, and moving the actuator across an exterior surface of the handle body to a third position to move the elevator to a fourth position. The method may further include moving the first portion of the contact portion along a linear path.

[0008] 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]

[0009] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary endoscope according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary endoscope according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user's hand holding an endoscope handle, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a user's hand holding an endoscope handle, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an endoscope handle assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an endoscope handle assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3C] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inner portion of an endoscopic handle assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an endoscope handle assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a user's hand holding the endoscope handle of FIG. 4A according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an endoscope handle assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4D] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary elevator actuator according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4E] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of an exemplary elevator actuator according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1A-1D are various perspective views of an endoscope handle assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure; [Figure 5B] 1A-1D are various perspective views of an endoscope handle assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure; [Figure 5C] 1A-1D are various perspective views of an endoscope handle assembly according to aspects of the present disclosure; [Figure 5D] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an endoscope handle assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5E] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary actuation mechanism according to aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an endoscope assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] 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 it is introduced into the patient. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the portion 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 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 other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or device, rather than comprising only those elements. 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.

[0011] Embodiments of the present disclosure seek to improve a user's ability to grasp, manipulate, and otherwise apply forces to the handles and handle actuators of a medical device, such as an endoscope, during a medical procedure. Among other aspects, embodiments of the present disclosure can help reduce the need to reposition the user's hand during a procedure, reduce strain on the user's hand from excessive finger movement and / or uncomfortable finger positioning, and maximize muscle strength during manipulation of the medical device.

[0012] 1A and 1B show perspective views of an exemplary endoscopic system 100 including 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. All of the actuators, elevators, knobs, buttons, levers, ports, or caps of the endoscopic system 100 may serve any purpose and are not limited by any particular use, which may be implied by the respective names of each component used herein. The umbilicus 105 may extend from the handle body 120 to auxiliary devices such as a control unit, a water supply, or a vacuum source. Thus, the umbilicus 105 may transmit signals between the endoscope 101 and the control unit to control the illumination and imaging components of the endoscope 101 and / or receive image data from the endoscope 101. The umbilicus 105 may also provide fluid for irrigation from a water supply and / or suction to the distal tip 119 of the shaft 108. Buttons 116 and 118 control valves for suction and fluid supply, respectively. The shaft 108 may terminate at the distal tip 119. The shaft 108 may include an articulation section 122 for bending the distal tip 119 up, down, left, and / or right. Knobs 112 and 114 may be used to control such bending, and locking levers 109 and 110 may lock the knobs 112 and 114, respectively, in a desired position. 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.

[0013] The distal tip 119 may include an imaging device 124 (e.g., a camera) and an illumination source 126 (e.g., an LED or fiber optic). The distal tip 119 may be oriented laterally. That is, the imaging device and illumination source may be oriented radially outwardly, perpendicularly, nearly perpendicularly, or otherwise laterally relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 108 and distal tip 119.

[0014] The distal tip 119 may also include an elevator 128 for changing the orientation of a tool inserted into the working channel of the endoscope 101. The elevator 128 may alternatively be referred to as a swing table, a swivel table, a lift table, or any other suitable terminology. The elevator 128 may be pivotable, for example, via an actuation wire or another control element extending from an elevator actuator 107 on the handle assembly 106, through the shaft 108, to the elevator 128.

[0015] Although the term endoscope may be used herein, it should be understood that other devices may be used in connection with the devices of the present disclosure, including, but not limited to, duodenoscopes, colonoscopes, ureteroscopes, bronchoscopes, laparoscopes, sheaths, catheters, or any other suitable delivery device or medical device.

[0016] When operating the endoscopic system 100, a user may use the user's left hand to hold the handle assembly 106 (shown in FIG. 2A ), while the right hand is used to hold an accessory device and / or operate one or more of the actuators of the handle assembly 106, such as the first and second control knobs 112 and 114, and the first and second locking levers 109 and 110. The user may 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 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 pressing each).

[0017] 2A and 2B show an exemplary user's left hand 201 gripping the handle assembly 106. The user's left index finger 230 and middle finger 231 may be used to operate the suction button 116 and the air / water button 118. The user may need to extend and / or strain the index or middle finger to actuate the suction button 116 and / or the air / water button 118. The user may need to extend and / or strain the left thumb and / or hold the left thumb in an uncomfortable position to operate the first and second control knobs 112, 114 and / or the elevator actuator 107. The actuators and handle assemblies discussed herein below may help reduce the required extension distance of the user's fingers and / or hand and / or reduce strain on the user's fingers and / or hand. The handle assembly 106 may have a central longitudinal axis 199 extending longitudinally through the handle assembly 106 .

[0018] A user can position the thumb 202 of a gripping 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 the thumb 202 moves from the first position to the second position, as shown in FIG. 2B , the palm 240 may move away from the handle body 120, and as 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 using the index or middle finger. The actuator and handle assemblies discussed herein below can help reduce the movement of the index and / or ring finger required to actuate the suction button 116 and / or the air / water button 118, and can reduce the thumb movement required to actuate the elevator actuator 107 or other actuators during operation of the endoscope 101.

[0019] 3A and 3B illustrate front and side perspective views of the proximal end of an alternative handle assembly 306, including a handle body 322, an image capture button 304, a first locking lever 309, a second locking lever 310, a first control knob 312, a second control knob 314, an aspiration button 316, an air / water button 318, an umbilicus 305, and an elevator actuator 300. The handle body 322 may have a circular head portion 323 at its proximal end. The remainder of the handle body 322 may extend longitudinally and may taper as the handle body 322 extends distally. In some examples, the head portion 323 may include approximately the proximal half of the handle body 322 from approximately the middle of the handle body 322 to the proximal-most end of the handle body 322. A central rotation knob axis 398 may extend through the first control knob 312 and the second control knob 314. A central longitudinal axis 399 extends longitudinally through the handle assembly 306. A slot 303 is disposed toward the top of the head portion 323 of the handle body 322. The slot 303 is configured to receive a portion of the elevator actuator 300 and permit movement of the elevator actuator 300 along a circular path. The slot 303 may extend in an arc beginning at a point located at the top of the head portion 323 of the handle body 322 and ending at a point on or above an axis parallel to the central rotation knob axis 398, although other arc lengths are contemplated. The image capture button 304 may project outwardly from a curved portion 307 of the handle body 322 that leads to the umbilicus 305, may be disposed between the umbilicus 305 and the elevator actuator 300, and may be spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis 399. The image capture button 304 may have a smooth, flat surface that may allow the user's thumb 202 to easily access the image capture button 304. The image capture button 304 may have a length of 15 millimeters and a width of 10 millimeters.

[0020] The head portion 323 includes a recess 389 on the right side of the handle body 322, which may be defined by a first circular surface 328 that intersects with the curved surface 326. The recess 389 is configured to receive the control knobs 312 and 314. The curved surface 326 may be oriented transverse to the surface 328. The curved surface 326 is disposed on a first side of the head portion 323 and opposite the umbilicus 305. The first control knob 312 is disposed within the recess 309 such that an outer surface of the first control knob 312 coincides or substantially coincides with an edge of the curved surface 326, and the second control knob 314 is disposed outside of the recess 309. The recess 389 allows the control knobs 312 and 314 to be disposed closer to the central longitudinal axis 399, reducing the distance between the various actuators of the handle assembly 306, such as the distance between the first control knob 312 and the elevator actuator 300. By reducing the distance between the various actuators of the handle assembly 306, a user may more easily access the various actuators, such as the first control knob 312, the second control knob 314, and the camera button 304, with one hand, and may reduce the user's finger extension required to actuate each of the various actuators of the handle assembly 306. For example, the control knobs 312 and 314 may be shifted 10 millimeters closer to the central longitudinal axis 399 compared to when the handle body 322 does not include the recess 389. This allows the user's thumb 202, particularly the thumb of a user with a smaller hand, to easily reach / access the control knobs 312 and 314. Additionally, the placement of the control knobs 312 and 314 relative to the central longitudinal axis 399 may reduce the degree of thumb abduction required to reach the control knobs 312 and 314, thus allowing the user to utilize the full force of the muscles to rotate the control knobs 312 and 314.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3B, the first position of the elevator actuator 300 in the slot 303 may be toward the top of the head portion 323. The elevator actuator 300 may include a contact portion 301. The contact portion 301 may include a central portion 313 and upper and lower portions 315 and 317 that are concave from the central portion 313. The central portion 313 projects further outward from the handle body 322 relative to the portions 315 and 317. The upper and lower portions 315 and 317 may extend in opposite directions from either side of the central portion 313. The contact portion 301 may be substantially rectangular and may be curved to be convex toward a user of the endoscope. The portions 315 and 317 and the arrangement of the elevator 300 toward the proximal end of the handle body 322 may allow the user's thumb 202 to easily access and manipulate the extended elevator actuator 300.

[0022] The exterior surfaces of the central portion 313, the upper portion 315, and the lower portion 317 may include gripping protrusions 319. Each gripping protrusion 319 projects from an adjacent portion of the exterior surface that has the gripping protrusion 319. Each gripping protrusion 319 may extend proximally / distally from a side-to-side, transverse, or substantially perpendicular direction. The use of terms such as "upper" or "superior" and "lower" or "lower" as modifiers of structures in the embodiments of the present disclosure refers to the relative positions of the same structures when the endoscope is in a typical position during use, such as the positions shown in the figures.

[0023] The elevator actuator 300 may further include a connector 320 coupled at one end to the contact portion 301 and at the other end to a structure inside the handle body 322 for controlling one or more aspects of the endoscope 101, such as the pivoting of the elevator 128. For example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the connector 320 may extend from an outer surface of the contact portion 301 to a rotatable shaft 330 within the handle body 322. The shaft 330 may be coupled to the ring 334 via a linkage 332 that extends radially outward from the shaft 300 to the ring 334. A rod 336 may be rotatably coupled at a first end 344 to the ring 334 and at a second end 346 to an actuation wire 338 for actuating one or more components of the device, such as the elevator 128. The actuation wire 338 may be movable within a tubular member 340 within the handle body 322. In some examples, the user's thumb 202 can contact the contact portion 301 and apply a force to move the elevator actuator 300 either proximally or distally along the circular path formed by the slot 303. Either proximal or distal movement of the elevator actuator 300 rotates the shaft 330, which in turn rotates the ring 334 via the linkage 332. A first end 344 of the rod 336 can move along a portion of the circular path 342 concentric with the center of the shaft 330, moving a second end 346 connected to an actuation wire 338 or any other control element to, for example, pivot the elevator 128. In some examples, moving the contact portion 301 distally can move the rod 336 and actuation wire 338 distally, and moving the contact portion 301 proximally can move the rod 336 and actuation wire 338 proximally. The shaft 330 may be rotatably coupled to an interior portion of the handle body 322 .

[0024] 4A-4C show a side perspective view of the proximal end of an alternative handle assembly 406, including a handle body 422, an image capture button 404, a first locking lever 409, a second locking lever 410, a first control knob 412, a second control knob 414, a suction button 416, an air / water button 418, an umbilicus 405, and an elevator actuator 400. The handle body 422 includes a head portion 423 at the proximal end of the handle body 422. The head portion 423 may include a sloped surface 425 on a front surface 460 of the handle body 422. The surface 425 may be sloped away from the user relative to the forward facing (i.e., facing the user) outer surface of the handle body 422. As shown in FIG. 4B, the sloped surface 425 of the head portion 423 may allow the user's thumb 202 and wrist to be oriented in a neutral position during operation of the elevator actuator 400 and the image capture button 404. For example, the user's thumb 202 may be tilted at approximately 45 degrees or less when the user is holding the handle assembly 406 .

[0025] The head portion 423 includes a recess 427 located on the right side of the handle body 422 and configured to receive the control knobs 412 and 414. The recess 427 includes a base 429 that is parallel or substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis 499 of the alternative handle assembly 406. The recess 427 allows the control knobs 412 and 414 to be positioned closer to the central longitudinal axis 499, which may reduce the degree of abduction required of the user's thumb 202 to rotate the control knobs 412 and 414. For example, the angular range of abduction of the user's thumb 202 to rotate the control knobs 412 and 414 may be 0 to 90 degrees, which may reduce thumb fatigue during operation of the handle assembly 406.

[0026] The recess 427 of the head portion 423 includes a slot 417 configured to receive a portion of the elevator actuator 400 to allow movement of the elevator actuator 400 along a linear path. The slot 417 may extend longitudinally within the recess 427. As shown in FIGS. 4C-4E, the elevator actuator 400 may include a contact portion 401. The contact portion 401 may include an upper portion 413 extending inwardly from a raised central portion 411 toward a central longitudinal axis 499. The contact portion 401 may include a lower portion 415 extending inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis 499 and opposite the upper portion 413 of the raised central portion 411. An outer contact surface of the upper portion 413 and an outer contact surface of the lower portion 415 may each curve inwardly and transition to substantially flat outer surfaces 433 and 434, respectively. The outer surfaces of the raised central portion 411, upper portion 413, and lower portion 415 may include gripping protrusions (not shown) projecting outwardly away from the translation axis 498 to improve gripping ability and comfort. A central connecting element 424 (shown in FIG. 4D) projects from a lower portion 435 of the contact portion 401 in a direction opposite the raised central portion 411. The central connecting element 424 may be U-shaped, and the contact portion 401 and the central connecting element 424 may form a lumen 437. A portion 421 of the central connecting element 424 may extend through a slot 438 of an arm 419 disposed within the handle body 422. A first end 439 of the arm 419 may be fixedly coupled to the rotatable shaft 431 such that the arm 419 extends radially outwardly from a central longitudinal axis 441 of the shaft 431. A central longitudinal axis 441 of the shaft 431 is shown extending into the plane of the page in Figure 4D. The shaft 431 may be rotatably coupled to a portion of the handle body 422 and may be coupled to one or more actuation wires for actuating one or more components of the device, such as the elevator 128.

[0027] The elevator actuator 400 may be configured to control the pivoting of the elevator 128 by a slider-crank mechanism. The user's thumb 202 may be positioned on the contact portion 401 to move the contact portion 401, including the connection element 424, linearly along a translation axis 498 within the slot 417 of the handle body 422. The linear movement of the contact portion 401 may allow the user's thumb 202 to maintain a natural position during manipulation of the elevator 128 and for the palm 240 to have proper support to properly grip the handle body 422. Movement of the contact portion 401 either proximally or distally and subsequent movement of the rod 421 connected to the contact portion 401 rotates the shaft 431 via the arm 419. The shaft 431 may rotate about an axis 441, which is shown extending into the page of FIG. 4E. The shaft 431 may be coupled to the ring 448 via a link 450 extending radially outward from the shaft 431 to the ring 448. A rod 452 may be coupled at a first end 454 to the ring 448 and at a second end 456 to an actuation wire 446 for actuating one or more components of the device, such as the elevator 128. The actuation wire 446 may be movable within a tubular member 458 within the handle body 422. The portion 421 of the connecting element 424 may move within the slot 417 as the user translates the contact portion 401 along the translation axis 498. The first end 439 of the arm 419 may move along a portion of a circular path 444 concentric with the center of the shaft 431 to rotate the shaft 431 and rotate the ring 448. As the ring 448 rotates, a first end 454 of the rod 452 moves along a curved path defined by the ring 448 and a second end 456 of the rod 452, which is coupled to the actuation wire 446, moves substantially linearly to actuate one or more components of the device. The shaft 431 may be rotatably coupled to an interior portion of the handle body 422. In some examples, the ring 448 may be spaced from the arm 419.

[0028] 5A-5C show a front perspective view and two side views of the proximal end of an alternative handle assembly 506, including a handle body 522, an image capture button 504, a suction button 516, an air / water button 518, an umbilicus 505, and an elevator actuator 500. The handle assembly 506 may further include any of the features described herein in connection with the endoscope 101 and / or any of the features of the handle assemblies 106, 306, and 406, such as a first control knob, a second control knob, a first locking lever, and a second locking lever (not shown) similar to the first control knob 112, the second control knob 114, the first locking lever 109, and the second locking lever 110 of the endoscope 101. The handle assembly 506 may have a central longitudinal axis 599 extending longitudinally through the alternative handle assembly 506.

[0029] A portion 503 of the exterior surface of the handle body 522 is concave. The concave portion 503 is disposed below and longitudinally aligned with the image capture button 504. The concave portion 503 may include a slot 507 extending longitudinally through a central portion of the concave portion 503 and configured to receive a portion of the elevator actuator 500. The slot 507 is formed in the center of the concave portion 503 such that the slot 507 is aligned with the central longitudinal axis 599. The slot 507 allows for movement of the elevator actuator 500 along a curved path, with the elevator actuator 500 configured to slide across the concave portion 503. The elevator actuator 500 includes a contact portion 501 that may be in the shape of a Reuleaux triangle, although other shapes are possible. An outer surface 524 of the contact portion 501 may include a gripping protrusion 509 that protrudes from an adjacent portion of the outer surface 524. In one example, when contact portion 501 moves along slot 507 , the lower surface of contact portion 510 may be flush with outer surface 526 of concave portion 503 .

[0030] To operate the elevator actuator 500, the user's thumb 202 can be positioned on the elevator actuator 500, and the elevator actuator 500 can be moved from a first position (shown in FIG. 5B ) to a second position (shown in FIG. 5C ) along a curved path by moving the thumb 202 proximally. Because the elevator actuator 500 is configured to be operated by moving the user's thumb 202 proximally (compared to moving the thumb 202 distally) to actuate the elevator 128, the user can avoid bending the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint of the thumb 202, thereby reducing thumb stiffness and avoiding loss of grip force on the handle body 120. As shown in FIG. 5B , in the first or initial position, the elevator actuator 500 can be located at the distal end of the slot 507, at the center of the slot 507, or at any other portion distal from the proximal end of the slot 507. As shown in FIG. 5C, the user's thumb 202 can then move the elevator actuator 500 in a proximal direction to manipulate the elevator 128 and, in some examples, actuate the elevator 128. When the user wishes to hold the elevator 128 in position, the user's thumb 202 is extended to hold the contact portion 501 at the proximal end of the slot 507. With the thumb 202 in an extended position compared to a retracted or bent position, the user can more easily maintain a grip on the handle body 522 and reduce fatigue of the thumb 202 during operation of the elevator actuator 500. In some examples, the elevator actuator 500 can have a spring bias toward a particular position, such as a position where the elevator is in an extended or retracted position.

[0031] In one example, the elevator actuator 500 may be configured to control the pivoting of the elevator 128 via a rack and pinion mechanism. As shown in FIG. 5D, the contact portion 501 may be coupled to a curved gear 528 that extends longitudinally from a first end 534 to a second end 536. The second end 532 is disposed distally spaced from a distal end of the contact portion 501. The gear 538 is disposed inside the handle body 522 such that as the contact portion 501 moves proximally or distally, a portion of the gear 528 within the channel 530 also moves in that manner. For example, as the user's thumb 202 moves the contact portion 501 distally along the curved path of the slot 507, the gear 528 moves along the curved path of the channel 530. The channel 530 may extend longitudinally inside the handle body 522 from a first end 538 to a second end 540, which may be disposed distally from the distal end of the slot 507. The channel 530 is configured to receive gear teeth 540 protruding from a side 542 of a linear gear 528. As the linear gear 528 moves proximally or distally along the curved path of the channel 530, the external teeth 540 contact gear teeth 546 of an adjacent gear 544 disposed within the handle body 522 to drive rotation of the gear 544. The gear 544 may be coupled to a rotatable shaft 545 within the handle body 522. As shown in FIG. 5E, the gear 544 and shaft 545 may be coupled to the ring 548 via a coupling 550 extending radially outward from the shaft 545 to the ring 548. A rod 552 may be coupled at a first end 554 to the ring 548 and at a second end 558 to an actuation wire 556 for actuating one or more components of the device, such as the elevator 128. The actuation wire 556 may be movable within a tubular member 562 disposed within the handle body 522. The first end 554 of the rod 552 may move along a circular path 560 concentric with the center of the gear 544, moving the second end 558 coupled to the actuation wire 556 to, for example, pivot the elevator 128.

[0032] 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the proximal end of an alternative handle assembly 606, including a handle body 622, an image capture button 604, a suction button 616, an air / water button 618, and an elevator actuator 600. Handle assembly 606 may further include any of the features of handle assemblies 106, 306, 406, and 506, such as an umbilicus, a first control knob, a second control knob, a first locking lever, and a second locking lever (not shown), similar to umbilicus 105, first control knob 112, second control knob 114, first locking lever 109, and second locking lever 110 of endoscope 101.

[0033] A portion 609 of the exterior surface of the handle body 622 may be concave. The concave portion 609 of the handle body 622 includes a slot 607 configured to receive a portion of the elevator actuator 600 to allow proximal and distal movement of the elevator actuator 600 and limit lateral movement of the elevator actuator 600. The slot 607 may extend longitudinally within the concave portion 609 and a longitudinal axis 698 of the slot 607 may be transverse to a central longitudinal axis of the handle body 622. The elevator actuator 600 may include a contact portion 601. The contact portion 601 may include a flat central portion 602, an upper portion 605, and a lower portion 608. The upper portion 605 and the lower portion 608 may extend in opposite directions from either side of the central portion 602 and curve away from the handle body 622. In another example, the contact portion 601 may be similar to the contact portion 501. A central connecting element 620 extends from the underside 610 of the contact portion 601 to a location inside the handle body 622 adjacent the first gear 626. The connecting element 620 may be movable within the slot 607 along an axis 698. The connecting element 620 may be any suitable shape that secures the connecting element 620 within the slot 607 and allows for proximal and distal movement of the connecting element 620. For example, the connecting element 620 may be I-shaped. A portion 624 of the connecting element 620 is disposed inside the handle body 622.

[0034] The connecting element 620 may include gear teeth 634 at a proximal portion of the connecting element 620 disposed at an end opposite the end of the connecting element 620 coupled to the contact portion 601. The gear teeth 634 may be engaged with a first gear wheel 626 in the handle body 622. The first gear wheel 626 may be fixedly coupled to a shaft 628, which may be rotatably coupled to the handle body 622 within the handle body 622. A second gear 631 may also be coupled to the shaft 628 adjacent to the first gear 626, and may be engaged with a third gear 636 within the handle body 622. A ring 632 (shown in phantom) may also be coupled to the shaft 628, which may be rotatably coupled to a rod 630 (shown in phantom). The ring 632 and rod 630 may have any of the features of the ring 548 and rod 552 discussed above. Translation of the contact portion 601 may move the gear teeth 634, which rotates the first gear 626 and shaft 628, and via the shaft 628, also rotates the ring 632, causing the rod 630 to translate in a proximal or distal direction.

[0035] In one example, the user's thumb 202 may be positioned on the contact portion 601 to move the contact portion 601, including the connecting element 620, in a linear direction along the translation axis 698. When the connecting element 624 moves proximally or distally along the translation axis 698, the gear teeth 634 contact the teeth of the first gear 626, causing the first gear 626 and the second gear 631 to rotate in a first direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). The teeth of the second gear 631 contact the teeth of the third gear 636, causing the third gear 636 to rotate in a second direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise). When the first gear 626 and the second gear 631 rotate in the first direction, the shaft 628 and the ring 632 also rotate in the first direction, causing the rod 630 to move in a proximal or distal direction. A first end 646 of the rod 630 may be coupled to the ring 632, and the first end 646 may rotate about the shaft 628 to move the rod 630 in a proximal or distal direction.

[0036] The handle assembly 306, 406, 506, 606 and actuators 300, 400, 500, 600 of the present disclosure can assist in ergonomically positioning a user's fingers when operating an endoscope 101 or other medical device, and can reduce hand strain caused by excessive finger movement and / or finger extension when operating an endoscope 101, reducing the likelihood that the user will lose their grip. The handle assembly 306, 406, 506, 606 and actuators 300, 400, 500, 600 of the present disclosure can reduce the percent maximum voluntary contraction (%MVC) of muscles, particularly the extensor digitorum, brachioradialis, and palmaris longus, during an endoscopic procedure or any medical procedure. The handle assembly 306, 406, 506, 606 and actuators 300, 400, 500, 600 can also help prevent repeated repositioning of a user's hand on a medical device handle due to fatigue, strain, or other difficulties. Each of the handle assemblies 306, 406, 506, 606 and actuators 300, 400, 500, 600 described above may be used to enhance and / or facilitate a user's grip on the handle, whether used in conjunction with an endoscope system or any other medical device. Any portion of the handle assembly or actuator discussed herein may be incorporated into the handle of an endoscope or other medical device to improve a user's manipulation of the device. The handle assemblies 306, 406, 506, 606 and actuators 300, 400, 500, 600 of the present disclosure may allow multiple users having different sized hands and / or fingers to comfortably use the same handle assembly.

[0037] 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. A handle assembly for a medical device, The handle body and An actuator for controlling the movement of an actuation wire within a medical device, wherein the actuator is The contact portion includes a first portion located outside the handle body and a second portion located inside the handle body, The actuator comprises (i) the contact portion and (ii) an internal body connected to the shaft inside the handle body, The actuator is configured to move across the outer surface of the handle body between a first position and a second position, and the actuator is configured to move across the outer surface of the handle body between a first position and a second position. When the user moves the actuator to the first position, the actuation wire moves to the third position. A handle assembly configured to move the actuation wire to a fourth position when the user moves the actuator to the second position.

2. The handle assembly according to claim 1, wherein the internal body is an arm that extends radially outward from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft and is configured to rotate the shaft.

3. The handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a ring is rotatably connected to the shaft via a connecting portion extending radially outward from the central longitudinal axis of the shaft, and a rod is rotatably connected to the ring at a first end and to the actuating wire at a second end.

4. The handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the actuation wire is connected to a lifting platform at the distal end of the medical device.

5. The handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the shaft is rotatable with respect to the handle body and extends longitudinally laterally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the medical device.

6. The handle assembly according to claim 2, wherein the arm includes an opening configured to receive a portion of the second portion of the contact portion.

7. The handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact portion is configured to move along a curved path.

8. The handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the handle body includes a slot extending longitudinally within a concave portion of the outer surface of the handle body.

9. The handle assembly according to claim 8, wherein the slot includes openings on a first surface of the handle body and a second surface of the handle body, the first surface being opposite to the second surface.

10. The handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the contact portion is located between the camera button and at least one knob actuator.

11. The handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the internal body includes a curved gear disposed inside the handle body, and the curved gear is movable along a curved channel inside the handle body.

12. The handle assembly according to claim 11, wherein the external teeth of the curved gear contact the external teeth of an adjacent gear to drive the rotation of the adjacent gear and the shaft.

13. The handle assembly according to claim 12, wherein the ring is connected to the shaft via a connecting portion extending radially outward from the shaft, and the rod is rotatably connected to the ring and the actuation wire.

14. The handle assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second portion of the contact portion includes a first external tooth configured to contact a second external tooth of an adjacent first gear located inside the handle body to drive the rotation of the shaft.

15. The handle assembly according to claim 14, wherein the rotation of the first gear drives the rotation of an adjacent second gear.

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