System for telescopic members passing through elongated tubes - Patents.com

Abstract

An endoscopic device is provided. The endoscopic device may include a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end may be opposite the distal end. The endoscopic device may further include a handle at the proximal end and a tube extending from the handle towards the distal end of the endoscopic device. The endoscopic device may further include an accessory channel. The accessory channel may extend through the tube. The endoscopic device may further include a slider, the accessory channel extending through the slider, and a curved track disposed adjacent the proximal end of the endoscopic device. The slider is movable within the curved track to cause movement of the accessory channel within the tube.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to medical devices, and more particularly to endoscopic systems. [Background technology]

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] A conventional endoscope is a medical device used in a variety of procedures. A physician may insert the endoscope, for example, into a patient's mouth and through the patient's gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The physician may then use various instruments during the procedure to pass through accessory channels located within the outer shaft of the endoscope. As the field of endoscopy advances, new endoscopes are created for specific procedures that change the way a physician holds and manipulates the endoscope.

[0004] Conventional endoscopes are of a fixed length and have one or more accessory channels that are fixed to the proximal and distal ends of the endoscope, where the physician need only advance or retract the accessory relative to the accessory channel while the accessory channel remains stationary.

[0005] One example of a novel endoscope is one in which the physician can advance or retract the accessory channel relative to the outer shaft and independently advance or retract the accessory relative to the accessory channel. Movement of the accessory and accessory channel is accomplished through the handle of the endoscope. This endoscope is described in U.S. Patent No. 20210369090A1.

[0006] As the physician holds this novel endoscope, he or she has only one hand available to control the extension of the accessory channel and / or the instruments passing through the accessory channel. This is because the physician's other hand is usually occupied with steering the endoscope and controlling the various control buttons on the endoscope that control lens cleaning, insufflation, suction, and camera functions. The physician can have a nursing assistant typically control the devices that pass through the accessory channel. However, the physician would prefer, if possible, to control the extension and retraction of the accessory channel itself, as well as the extension and retraction of the accessories relative to the accessory channel. During the procedure, the physician needs to hold the accessory channel stationary in their relative position while advancing the accessories through the accessory channel. In some scenarios, the physician needs to move the accessory channel and the accessories simultaneously. It is therefore desirable to provide the described novel endoscope system with the ability to stably support the accessory channel so that the physician can use his or her hand to manipulate the accessories and does not need to hold the accessory channel constant.

[0007] In addition to the challenges of managing accessory channels and accessories, physicians need not only coarse or larger movements of accessory channels, but also fine or smaller, more precise movements of tubing. For example, during cannulation of the bile duct, physicians need fine controllability. On the other hand, when rapid movements of tubing are required, physicians may desire coarse movements to avoid slowing down the procedure, especially if the movements need to be repeated. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In short, with the described new endoscope, the physician needs the ability to independently control the accessory channels and the accessories passing through them using only one hand. It is desirable to be able to move the accessory channels and accessories independently or simultaneously and with varying degrees of coarse or fine movements depending on the clinical scenario. Due to the fact that the physician only has one hand available to perform these actions, the described new endoscope needs features that allow these movements in a controlled manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In one aspect of the disclosure, an endoscopic device is provided. The endoscopic device may include a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end may be opposite the distal end. The endoscopic device may further include a handle at the proximal end and a tube extending from the handle toward the distal end of the endoscopic device. The endoscopic device may further include an accessory channel. The accessory channel may extend through the tube. The endoscopic device may further include a sliding guide, through which the accessory channel extends, and a track disposed adjacent the proximal end of the endoscopic device. The track may be, for example, curved, straight, or any other suitable shape and / or contour. The sliding guide is movable within the track to cause movement of the accessory channel within the tube. The endoscopic device may further include an access port integral with the sliding guide such that movement of the sliding guide within the track causes movement of the access port. The endoscopic device may further include a roller assembly disposed at the distal end of the handle.

[0010] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0011] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A-1B] 1 illustrates an example of an endoscope system. [Diagram 2] 2 illustrates another view of the endoscopic system. [Diagram 3] 2 illustrates another view of the endoscopic system. [Figure 4A-4B] 1 illustrates a perspective view of an endoscopic system. [Figure 5A-5B] 1 illustrates an example of a fine movement actuator for an endoscope system. [Figure 6A-6B] 1 illustrates an example of a roller assembly for an endoscope system. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates another view of a roller assembly of an endoscope system. [Figure 8A-D] 1 illustrates an example of a distal end of an endoscopic system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0014] 1A-B, an endoscopic system 100 is provided. The endoscopic system 100 may be generally in the shape of an elongated tube including a central portion including a distal portion (shown in FIGS. 8A-D), a proximal portion or handle 102, and a tube 120 extending between the handle 102 and the distal portion. As shown (and without limitation), the endoscopic system 100 may include the handle 102 with a distal end 104 and a proximal end 106, a track 108, an accessory channel 110, a sliding member 112, one or more access ports 114, 116, a fine adjustment system or actuator 118, and the tube 120.

[0015] The track 108 may be disposed inside the handle 102 and the slide member 112 may fit along the track 108. In the depicted embodiment, the slide member 112 may be a slider or other moveable piece having a curved profile that matches the curved profile of the track 108, which will be discussed in more detail below, although the slide member 112 may be any other suitable shape, for example, the slide member 112 may be straight. The accessory channel 110 may be connected to the slide member 112 and extend through the slide member 112 such that movement of the slide member 112 advances and retracts the accessory channel 110. The access ports 114, 116 may be connected to the accessory channel 110 and extend through the handle 102 to provide access to the accessory channel 110 from outside the endoscopic system 100. The access ports 114, 116 may also be attached to the slide member 112. The actuator 118 may include, for example, a rack 122 and a pinion 124. An actuator 118 may be connected to the slide member 112 on an opposite side of the slide member 112 from the access ports 114, 116. A tube 120 may be connected to the distal end 104 of the handle 102. An accessory channel 110 may extend from the access ports 114, 116 through the body of the handle 102 and through the tube 120.

[0016] The handle 102 may include a casing that houses the track 108, the sliding member 112, the actuator 118, at least a portion of the accessory channel 110, and the access ports 114, 116. The handle 102 may have a distal end 104 and a proximal end 106, where the distal end 104 refers to the end of the handle 102 disposed closer to the patient's body and the proximal end 106 refers to the end of the handle disposed away from the patient when used for a procedure. The handle 102 may be ergonomically shaped for comfort to the physician when the physician holds the handle 102 during a procedure. For example, the handle 102 may include a gripping support. A body or center of the handle disposed between the distal end 104 and the proximal end 106 may be curved (e.g., semicircular), for example, to accommodate the track 108 and the sliding member 112. The handle 102 may be made of, for example, plastic, such as molded plastic, or metal, and / or any other suitable material.

[0017] The handle 102 is only one possible embodiment of a handle for the endoscopic system 100, and any other compatible handle design capable of controlling the endoscopic system 100 may be used, including variations in the arms or slide members 112 that control various features of the system 100. The handle 102 and various controls, such as the accessory channel 110, the access ports 114, 116, the actuator 118, and / or the slide members 112, may include locking elements that lock the system in various configurations. In certain examples, the handle 102 may include a friction lock, where the various bodies, ports, and slide members may be maintained in their current positions with frictional forces. However, an externally applied force may overcome the frictional forces and still move the controls when desired.

[0018] The track 108 may be disposed within the handle 102. The track 108 may be integral with the handle 102, such as, for example, the handle 102 casing and the track 108 are one continuous piece. Alternatively, the track 108 may be a separate component from the remainder of the handle 102 that is fixed to the remainder of the handle 102. The track 108 may comprise the same or different material as the handle 102, such as plastic or metal, or any other suitable material. The track or sliding member may be coated with a slippery substance, such as Teflon or silicone grease, to minimize friction and resistance for the user to actuate the sliding member. Additionally, resistance features, such as ridges, may be added to fine-tune the resistance so the user does not accidentally engage the sliding member when manipulating the accessory. These features may also be selectively placed to indicate a particular position to the user via resistance or an audible noise.

[0019] The track 108 may be disposed within the body or center of the handle 102 between the distal end 104 and the proximal end 106 of the handle. The track 108 may form any shape that allows the sliding member 112 to move as it slides along the track 108. For example, the track 108 may be curved. The track 108 may be, for example, semicircular or semi-elliptical in shape. The track 108 may be shaped similarly to the center of the handle 102. For example, the center of the handle 102 may be circular in shape, with the radius of the perimeter curve of the track 108 being less than the radius of the handle 102 such that there is a certain gap between the track 108 and the handle 102 around the entire circumference of the track 108. Additionally or alternatively, the track 108 may be at least partially defined by the handle 102, for example by the inner diameter of a circular portion of the handle 102. For example, the sliding member 112 may contact the inner diameter surface of the handle 102 shell.

[0020] The sliding member 112 may be any component capable of sliding or moving along the track 108. For example, the sliding member 112 may include a number of rollers or bearings. Alternatively or additionally, the track 108 may contain rollers or bearings. Alternatively or additionally, the sliding member may include a low friction contact surface that slides along the radially outer surface of the track 108. Alternatively, the sliding member may include a number of telescopic members that fit within each other and extend and fold to advance and retract. The sliding member 112 may be shaped to fit along the track. For example, the track 108 and the sliding member 112 may both be curved. For example, the track 108 may be a semicircle (i.e., a curve with an approximately constant radius) and the sliding member 112 may be in the shape of an arc with a corresponding radius to fit with the outer periphery of the track 108. The center of the sliding member 112 may have a radius that is greater than the radius of the track 108 and less than the radius of the center of the handle 102. The sliding member 112 may be made from a material capable of sliding along the track 108, such as plastic or metal, or any other suitable material. The sliding member 112 may be constructed entirely from the same material. Additionally or alternatively, the sliding member may include a number of different materials, for example the surface of the sliding member 112 that contacts the track 108 may be a different material than the remainder of the sliding member 112.

[0021] The access ports 114, 116 may be located on the side of the handle 102 and may extend through the casing of the handle 102 such that a portion of the access ports 114, 116 is on the outside of the handle 102 and another portion of the access ports 114, 116 extends into the internal components of the handle 102 where the track 108 and the sliding member 112 are located. The handle 102 may include a single access port or multiple access ports 114, 116. The access ports 114, 116 may be, for example, circular in cross section. The access ports 114, 116 may each include a seal. The access ports 114, 116 may be optionally formed from plastic, although other materials are contemplated. The seal itself may be made of a flexible polymer such as silicone. The access ports 114, 116 may be formed from the same material as the sliding member and / or the accessory channel 110, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the access ports 114, 116 may be formed from a different material than the slide member 112 and / or the accessory channel 110. A portion of the access ports 114, 116 disposed inside the handle 102 may be connected to the slide member 112 such that movement of the slide member moves the access ports 114, 116 relative to the handle 102. The access ports 114, 116 may be releasably connected to the slide member 112 via a mechanism, such as a clutch, for engaging and disengaging with the slide member 112 such that movement of the slide member 112 does not move the access ports 114, 116 when the access ports 114, 116 are disengaged from the slide member.

[0022] The accessory channel 110, sometimes referred to as an elongated body or tube, may be any component or form that extends from the handle to the distal end of the endoscopic system 100 and may be capable of moving relative to the tube 120. The endoscopic system 100 may include multiple accessory channels 110. The accessory channels 110 may vary in size and shape, for example, to accommodate larger or smaller accessories. For example, the accessory channels 110 may vary from system to system. Additionally or alternatively, the accessory channels 110 within the same endoscopic system 100 may vary in diameter relative to each other. The accessory channels 110 may be of any suitable diameter to fit an endoscopic accessory and allow the accessory to pass through the accessory channel 110. A single accessory channel 110 may have multiple accessories running therethrough. The accessory channel 110 may be a tube, for example, a cylindrical tube. Additionally or alternatively, the accessory channel 110 may be a channel or other hollow form extending from the handle, for example from the sliding member 112 and / or the access ports 114, 116, to the distal end of the endoscopic device 100. The accessory channel 110 may be made, for example, from a plastic or polymeric material. The accessory channel 110 may be used to pass various medical tools and accessories through the endoscopic system 100 and access into the patient's body. For example, a camera system may be inserted into one of the accessory channels 110, while various tools such as forceps, sphincterotomes, wires, dilation balloons, extraction balloons, stents, needle knives, hemostatic clips, and any other catheter-based tools may be inserted into the second accessory channel 110. The tools may be advanced through the distal end of the accessory channel 110, where they may be used to operate on the patient.

[0023] The actuator 118 may be any mechanism that allows relatively fine movement of the slide member 112 compared to a surgeon directly feeding components through the access ports 114, 116 and / or directly moving the slide member 112. The actuator 118 may be attached to the end of the slide member 112 such that movement of the actuator 118 moves the slide member 112 and thus the accessory channel 110. For example, the actuator 118 may allow finely controlled movement over relatively short distances, such as short distances that cannot be precisely achieved by manually advancing an accessory through the ports 114, 116. The actuator 118 may include, for example, a rack 122 and a pinion 124. The rack 122 may be a linear rack, including, for example, uniformly spaced teeth. The pinion 124 may be a wheel with teeth that mesh with teeth on the rack 122. Alternatively, the actuator 118 may include a different mechanism, as described below. The actuator 118 may be made, for example, from plastic or metal (or any other suitable material). The actuator 118 may be made from the same or a different material as the sliding member 112.

[0024] The tube 120 may be any hollow tube, such as a circular tube, that can have components extending therethrough. The tube 120 may be made from a polymer extrusion, such as Pebax with a polytetrafluoroethylene liner, and may be reinforced with a coil and / or braided construction to provide sufficient torqueability, extrusion capability, and kink resistance. Other possible materials for the core 14 include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon. The tube 120 may be attached to the distal end of the handle 102 to create a continuous cavity that extends from inside the handle 102 casing through an opening in the tube 120. The tube 120 may extend to the distal end of the endoscopic system 100. For example, the tube 120 may connect the handle 102 to the distal end of the endoscopic system 100.

[0025] During surgery, the surgeon may insert the distal end of a component or accessory through the access ports 114, 116 and into the accessory channel 110. The surgeon may then directly advance or retract the accessory by pushing or pulling a length of the accessory through the access ports 114, 116. Additionally or alternatively, the surgeon may advance or retract the accessory and accessory channel 110 through the tube 120 by moving the access ports 114, 116 attached to the sliding member 112. The sliding member 112 may then slide along the track 108, moving the accessory channel 110 relative to the tube 120. Additionally or alternatively, the surgeon may use the actuator 118 to advance or retract the accessory channel 110 and accessory, for example, by rotating a pinion 124 of the actuator 118. Rotation of the pinion 124 may move the rack 122 upwards or downwards, which in turn moves the sliding member 112 along the track 108. The sliding member 112 may move the accessory channel 110 and accessories extending through the accessory channel 110. During surgery, the surgeon may advance the accessory channel 110 to and from the distal end of the endoscopic system 100.

[0026] 2 illustrates another view of the endoscopic system 100 of FIGS. 1A-B with a portion of the handle 102 casing removed. As shown, the endoscopic system 100 may further include a port adapter 200 and an articulating arm 202.

[0027] The port adapter 200 may connect the access ports 114, 116 to the slide member 112 and / or the accessory channel 110. The port adapter 200 may be a separate component assembled with the access ports 114, 116 and slide member 112, or the unitary component may be manufactured integrally with the access ports 114, 116 and / or slide member 112 such that everything is one continuous piece. The port adapter 200 may be made from the same or different material as the access ports 114, 116 and / or slide member, such as plastic (or any other suitable material). The port adapter 200 may include a hollow channel extending from each of the access ports 114, 116 through the port adapter 200. The accessory channel 110 may fit into the hollow channel of the port adapter 200 such that accessories can pass through the access ports 114, 116, pass through the port adapter 200, and enter the accessory channel 110. The surgeon may advance the access ports 114 , 116 and / or the port adaptors to achieve relatively coarse or large movements of the accessory channel 110 .

[0028] Linking arm 202 may removably connect actuator 118, e.g., rack 122 of actuator 118, to slide member 112. An end of linking arm 202 may connect to an end of slide member 112 opposite the end connected to port adapter 200 via a joint, e.g., a hinge. The opposite end of linking arm 202 may connect to an end of rack 122 via a joint, e.g., a hinge. The pivoting action of the joints at each end of linking arm 202 may allow, e.g., linear movement of actuator 118 to cause curved movement of slide member 112. Linking arm 202 may be made from the same or different material as rack 122 and / or slide member 112, e.g., metal (or any other suitable material) of a plastic material.

[0029] 1A-B and 2 with a portion of the handle 102 casing removed. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an endoscopic system 100 that includes multiple accessory channels 110 and that are received by a set of channels in the port adapter 200. These channels may be accordion structures or extensions from the handle shell or sliding features that are not visible to the operator. Such extensions may be rigid, flexible, or spring mechanisms.

[0030] 4A and 4B illustrate schematic diagrams of an endoscopic system 100, such as the endoscopic system 100 shown in FIGS. 1-3. A linking arm 202, sometimes referred to as a coupling, may connect to a sliding member 112 as shown in FIG. 2, or alternatively, may connect directly to the accessory channel 110 as shown in FIG. 4A. The port adapter 200 may also include a dynamic seal 400 to create a fluid-tight seal between the access ports 114, 116 and the accessory channel 110. The dynamic seal 400 may maintain a fluid-tight seal between the access ports 114, 116 and the accessory channel 110 as the accessory channel 110 and / or the access ports 114, 116 are advanced and retracted relative to each other and / or the tube 120. Additionally or alternatively, one of the access ports, for example the access port 116, may be an irrigation port 116 for fluids. The access port 116 may include a seal to create a fluid-tight seal between the access port 116 and any accessories or components advanced or retracted through the external opening of the access port 116 outside the handle 102 casing.

[0031] 5A-B illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a fine motion actuator 118 of an endoscopic system 100, such as the endoscopic system 100 shown in FIGS. 1-4. FIG. 5A illustrates an embodiment of the rack 122 and pinion 124 of the actuator 118 as shown in FIGS. 1-2. FIG. 5B illustrates another embodiment of the actuator 118, including a chain 502 and a system of gears 500, 504, 506. The gears 500, 504, 506 may be, for example, spur gears. The chain 502 may be any type of chain or strap, such as a link chain, that can mesh with the teeth of the gears 500, 504. The chain 502 and the gears 500, 504, 506 may be made of metal or plastic material (or any other suitable material). The chain 502 and the gears 500, 504, 506 may all be made of the same material or may be different materials.

[0032] The control gear 500 may be located on a side of the handle 102 case that is accessible to the surgeon from outside the handle 102 case. The chain may optionally be formed into a loop, with one end of the chain 502 loop wrapped around the control gear 500 and the link of the chain 502 meshing with the teeth of the control gear 500. The secondary gear 504 may be moved closer to the distal end 104 of the handle 102 than the control gear 500. A second end of the chain 502 loop may be wrapped around the secondary gear 504 and the link of the chain 502 meshing with the teeth of the secondary gear 504. The sliding member gear 506 may be located adjacent to the secondary gear 504. The teeth of the sliding member gear 506 may mesh with the teeth of the secondary gear 504. The end of the sliding member 112 closest to the gears 504, 506 may have teeth 508, for example on a radially inner surface of the sliding member 112. The teeth of the slide member gear 506 may fit and mesh with the teeth 508 on the surface of the slide member 112 .

[0033] To effect fine movements during surgery, the surgeon may spin or rotate the control gear 500. The control gear 500 may engage the chain 502, thus moving the chain 502 which meshes with the teeth of the control gear 500. The chain 502 may further engage the secondary gear 504, thus moving the secondary gear 504, which in turn may rotate the sliding member gear 506. This rotation of the sliding member gear 506, which directly engages the sliding member 112, may move the sliding member 112 along the track 108. In short, as a result of this mechanical arrangement, the surgeon may directly control the movement of the sliding member 112 along the track 108 via the manipulation of the control gear 500.

[0034] Figures 6A-B illustrate another view of an endoscopic system 100, such as the endoscopic system shown in Figures 1-5. The endoscopic system 100 may further include a roller assembly 600 disposed within the handle 102 casing proximate the distal end 104 of the handle 102, as shown in Figure 6A.

[0035] 6A illustrates a more detailed view of the port adapter 200. The ports 114, 116, the port adapter 200, and / or the sliding member 112 may all be one unitary component that slides along the track 108. The sliding member 112, the port adapter 200, and / or the track 108 may be curved. The curve of the sliding member 112, the port adapter 200, and / or the track 108 may match the curved shape of the handle 102 such that the sliding member 112, the port adapter 200, and / or the track 108 slides along the curved shape of the handle during retraction and / or extension of the accessory channel 110.

[0036] The track 108 may extend from the port openings 114, 116 to the roller assembly 600 near the distal end of the handle 102, or along any portion therebetween. The curved portion of the port adapter 200 and / or sliding member 112 may be shorter in length than the track 108 and may only extend along a portion of the track 108 at a time. The port adapter 200 may include a handle and / or finger rest 606 for use by the physician during surgery to advance and retract the sliding member 112. The casing of the handle 102 may have cutouts 608 (or other suitable structure) on the side of the handle with the ports 114, 116 and port adapter 200 to allow the port adapter 200 and sliding member 112 to move and slide without interference from the casing of the handle 102.

[0037] FIG. 6B illustrates a close-up, more detailed view of the roller assembly 600. The roller assembly 600 may include two side plates 602 on opposing sides of the roller assembly. The side plates 602 may be connected or attached to the handle 102 casing. The roller assembly 600 further includes a number of rollers 604 extending between the two side plates 602. The roller assembly may have multiple rollers, for example, five rollers as shown in FIGS. 6A-B, but may alternatively have more or fewer. The rollers 604 may be any component that can support and guide the accessory channel 110 and allow the accessory channel 110 to advance and retract through the roller assembly 600 and / or the tube 120. The rollers 604 may also prevent tangling or twisting of the accessory channel 110. The rollers 604 may spin relative to the side plates 602. Alternatively, the rollers 604 may be stationary or fixed, and the accessory channel 110 slides over the rollers 604. Each roller 604 may be a single integral piece, or may include multiple components, such as a rod that extends through the side plate 602 and slides over the rod to rotate the component that contacts the accessory channel 110. The rollers 604 and end plate 603 may be made, for example, from a plastic or metal material (or any other suitable material). The rollers may be coated with a substance that reduces friction, such as Teflon or silicone grease.

[0038] 7 illustrates another view of the endoscopic system 100 and the roller assembly 600. FIG 7 shows how one or more accessory channels 110 may extend through the roller assembly 600 before extending into the tube 120.

[0039] 8A-D illustrate the distal end of the endoscopic system 100 shown in FIGS. 1-7. The distal section or tip 800 may have a flexible rib-like structure with a number of individual ribs 802 connected together to create an elongated tube of ribs. These ribs 802 may be made from a variety of materials, such as polycarbonate, nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyoxymethylene. The accessory channel 110 may pass through the ribs 802 to the distal section 800. The distal tip 800 may also include an opening 808 in the elongated tube of ribs that provides access to a point outside the endoscopic system 100. A portion of the accessory channel 110 may protrude through the opening 808 in the elongated tube of ribs when the endoscopic system 100 is in a side-viewing position, for example. The distal tip 800 may include a pin 806 that may create a pivot point about which the distal tip may rotate to the position shown in FIG. 8C.

[0040] The distal end 800 may move between a forward-looking position as shown in FIG. 8A and a side-looking position as shown in FIG. 8C. LED lights 804 may be placed on the distal end 800 to aid in navigation through the patient's body. The accessory channel 110 may rotate with the distal end 800 between the side-looking and forward-looking configurations. As seen in FIG. 8C, when in the side-looking configuration, the distal portion of the accessory channel 110 folds outwardly of the confinement of the rib 802 and then curves back into the distal end 800. To facilitate movement between the two configurations, the rib 802 may have a U-shaped or V-shaped design with openings that allow the accessory channel 110 and / or tube 120 to move freely in and out of the rib 802.

[0041] To move the distal end 800 from a forward-looking position to a side-looking position, the accessory channel 110 and / or tube 120 may be pushed distally relative to the handle 102 and tube 120, exerting a force on the distal end 800 through the accessory channel 110. The resulting force causes the distal end 800 to rotate about the pivot point of the pin 806, thereby moving the accessory channel 110 and distal end 800 to the side-looking configuration. To move back to the forward-looking configuration, a proximal force may be exerted on the accessory channel 110 relative to the handle 102 and tube 120, thereby transferring a proximal force to the distal end 800. The proximal force then causes the distal end 800 to rotate again in the opposite direction about the pivot point of the pin 806, thereby moving the accessory channel 110 and distal end 800 back to the forward-looking configuration.

[0042] Due to this design, the ribs 802 may be shaped to minimize contact between individual ribs 802. For example, the ribs 802 shown in this embodiment have a substantially U-shaped cross-section with an opening and two sides. Each side of the rib 802 may be diamond shaped when viewing the system 100 from the side. The diamond shape reduces the contact points between each rib 802, thus minimizing friction and allowing the distal portion 800 to bend more easily into a folded configuration and maximizing flexibility.

[0043] The distal end 800 may include rollers 810 to facilitate movement of the tubes 120 and / or accessory channels 110 through the distal end 800 and between forward and side viewing positions. For example, the rollers 810 may be located on the ribs 802 immediately adjacent the elongated tube openings 808. By minimizing friction with the rollers, the force transmitted to the tubing is increased to prevent the formation of tangles in the tubing or accessories. The ribs 802 may contain one or more rollers 810 proximal to the distal end 800. For example, there may be multiple rollers 810, each on each rib 802, such that the rollers 810 are spaced at different points along the distal end 800. Additionally or alternatively, a single rib 802 may include one or more rollers 810 on the rib 802. The rollers 810 may be any type of suitable roller for assisting in the extension and retraction of tubing and / or accessories, such as the tube 120, the accessory channel 110, and / or the accessory through the accessory channel 110. The rollers 810 may be, for example, cylindrical rollers 810 disposed on pins fixed to the ribs 802 such that the cylindrical rollers 810 rotate. Additionally or alternatively, the rollers 810 may be, for example, bearings. The rollers 810 may be, for example, plastic, metal, composite, or any other suitable material. The rollers 810 may be made from the same material as the ribs 802. Additionally or alternatively, the rollers 810 may be a different material than the ribs 802.

[0044] The endoscopic system 100 described herein may be used in a variety of medical procedures. Although the embodiments described herein are shown with reference to the field of endoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures, the embodiments may be used in a variety of other medical procedures, including endoscopic submucosal dissection, and any other endoscopic procedure where it would be advantageous to have multiple instruments at once and / or the ability to view from both a forward looking oblique and a side looking oblique perspective.

[0045] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and thus variations that do not depart from the substance of the disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as departures from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. An endoscopic device, comprising: A distal end. A proximal end; a handle at the proximal end; a tube extending from the handle toward the distal end of the endoscopic device; an accessory channel extending at least partially through said tube; a slide, the accessory channel being coupled to the slide; and a curved track contained within the handle, at least a portion of the curved track being disposed proximal to the tube; Including, The slider is movable within the curved track to cause movement of the accessory channel within the tube.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the accessory channel extends through the slider.

3. The device of claim 1 , further comprising an access port connected to the slider that provides access to the accessory channel.

4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the slider is fixed relative to the access port such that the access port moves when the slider moves within the curved track.

5. 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a roller assembly disposed within the handle, the roller assembly including one or more rollers, the roller assembly supporting the accessory channel as it advances toward the distal end.

6. The device of claim 5 , wherein the one or more rollers are arranged such that the accessory channel fits between rows of the rollers.

7. The device of claim 5 , wherein the roller assembly is disposed at a distal-most end of the handle proximal to the tube.

8. The device of claim 3 , further comprising a port adapter connected to the access port and the accessory channel.

9. The device of claim 1 , wherein the slider is capable of locking in place while the accessory channel is advanced.

10. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a stop configured to prevent movement of the slider relative to the curved track.

11. The device of claim 1 , wherein the handle includes a circular portion and the curved track follows the curve of the circular portion.

12. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a camera disposed near the distal end of the endoscopic device.

13. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a rib structure at the distal end of the device, at least one rib of the rib structure comprising a roller.

14. The device of claim 1 , wherein the handle includes a curved portion, and a radius of the curved track matches a radius of the curved portion of the handle.

15. 1. A scope system, comprising: A distal end. a proximal end opposite the distal end; and a handle at the proximal end; a tube extending from the handle toward the distal end of the endoscopic device; an accessory channel extending through the tube; a slide, the accessory channel being coupled to the slide; and a track contained within the handle and positioned proximal to the tube; an access port integral with the slider such that the access port moves when the slider moves within the track; a camera disposed near the distal end of the scope system; Including, The slider is movable within the track to cause movement of the accessory channel and the access port relative to the tube.

16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the slider is fixed relative to the access port such that when the slider moves within the track, the access port moves.

17. The system of claim 15 , wherein the scope system includes a ribbed structure at the distal end of the system, the ribbed structure including one or more ribs, and at least one rib includes a roller.

18. The system of claim 15 , further comprising a roller disposed near the distal end of the scope system.

19. 1. An endoscopic device, comprising: A distal end. a proximal end opposite the distal end; and a handle at the proximal end; a tube extending from the handle toward the distal end of the endoscopic device; an accessory channel extending through the tube; a slider located inside the housing of the handle, the accessory channel being coupled to the slider; and a track contained within the handle and positioned proximal to the tube; Including, the slider is movable within the housing of the handle; The track guides the direction of movement of the sliding part, A device wherein movement of the slider relative to the track causes movement of the accessory channel relative to the tube.

20. 20. The device of claim 19, further comprising a roller assembly positioned inside the housing of the handle, the roller assembly including one or more rollers, the roller assembly supporting the accessory channel as it advances toward the distal end.

21. The device of claim 19 , further comprising a roller disposed near the distal end of the endoscopic device.

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