Endoscope handle with adjustable knob offset

Abstract

An endoscope system including a first reusable handpiece and a second reusable handpiece. The first reusable handpiece is of a different size from the second reusable handpiece, and the first reusable handpiece and the second reusable handpiece are selectively detachable. By varying the size of the reusable handpiece assembly, the user's ergonomics are improved. The ergonomic variations may include reusable handpiece assemblies of different sizes, articulation control unit knobs of different sizes, and / or different distances between the centerline of the housing of the reusable handpiece and the knob, and / or between the backstrap of the reusable handpiece and the knob, and are customizable according to the user's preference.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an endoscope.

Background Art

[0002] Endoscopes are used in a wide variety of medical procedures to visualize the internal cavities of the human body during diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. These procedures are often performed in facilities where there are a number of clinicians performing such procedures. If clinicians prefer different endoscopes for the procedure, the facility may simply have various endoscopes based on the clinicians' preferences or may be using endoscopes that the clinicians do not prefer. Therefore, improvements in this field are needed.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to an endoscope. It is understood that many of the disclosed aspects are applicable to other technical fields, particularly other medical devices.

[0004] Examples of endoscopic instruments are disclosed in International Publication No. WO 2018 / 098465, International Publication No. WO 2018 / 191063, International Publication No. WO 2021 / 026231, International Publication No. WO 2022 / 109488, and International Publication No. WO 2022 / 125550, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The present disclosure provides an endoscopic assembly including a reusable handpiece and a single-use shaft assembly. The reusable handpiece may be detachable from the single-use shaft assembly.

[0006] Preferably, the reusable handpiece is continuously used with a number of disposable shaft assemblies, while the disposable shaft assemblies are optionally detachable from the disposable shaft assemblies so that they can be discarded and / or readjusted after one use.

[0007] A system having a first reusable handpiece and a second reusable handpiece is disclosed. The first reusable handpiece may be of a different size and / or may have at least one different feature from the second reusable handpiece. Both the first reusable handpiece and the first reusable handpiece may optionally be detachable from the disposable shaft assembly. The first reusable handpiece and the second reusable handpiece may alternatively be detachable from the same disposable shaft assembly. The size difference may be a difference in the cross-sectional dimensions, circumference, width, length, and / or volume of the reusable handpiece assembly.

[0008] The first reusable handpiece may include a housing and an articulation assembly, and the articulation assembly may include a first articulation control unit and / or a second articulation control unit. The first and / or second articulation control unit may include a knob(s).

[0009] The distance between the backstrap of the first reusable handpiece and the axis of rotation of the first articulation control of the first reusable handpiece may be different from the distance between the backstrap and the axis of rotation of the first articulation control unit of the second reusable handpiece. Additionally or alternatively, the distance between the backstrap of the first reusable handpiece and the axis of rotation of the second articulation control unit of the first reusable handpiece may be different from the distance between the backstrap and the axis of rotation of the second articulation control unit of the second reusable handpiece.

[0010] The distance between the center line of the first reusable handpiece and the center line of the first articulation control unit (e.g., a knob) of the first reusable handpiece may be different from the distance between the center line of the second reusable handpiece and the first articulation control unit (e.g., a knob) of the second reusable handpiece.

[0011] The knob of the first articulation control unit and / or the knob of the second articulation control unit may be optionally attachable and / or removable to the first reusable handpiece. This is advantageous in enabling the knob(s) to be replaceable to customize the endoscope. For example, the system may include the knob of the first articulation control unit and the knob of the second first articulation control unit. The knob of the first articulation control unit may be of different sizes and / or may have a different number of lobes extending outwardly from an alternative first articulation control unit knob. Both the knob of the first articulation control unit and the alternative first articulation control unit knob are alternatively and selectively detachable from the first reusable handpiece.

[0012] Similarly, the system may include the knob of the second articulation control unit and the knob of the alternative first articulation control unit. Both the knob of the second articulation control unit and the knob of the alternative first articulation control unit are alternatively and selectively detachable from the first reusable handpiece.

[0013] The system further includes a first brake control unit and / or a second first brake control unit. The first brake control unit may include a knob or a lever, and the second brake control unit may include a knob or a lever. The first brake control unit may have a size different from that of the second brake control unit. Both the first brake control unit and the second brake control unit may optionally be detachable from a first reusable handpiece. The difference in size between the first and second brake control units may be a difference in radius and / or circumference (e.g., in the case of a knob) and / or a difference in length.

[0014] One or more of the first articulation control unit, the alternative first articulation control unit, the second articulation control unit, and the alternative second articulation control unit may be sealed aseptically within the kit. The first articulation control unit and / or the second articulation control unit is preferably packaged separately from the knob of the alternative first control unit and / or the knob of the second control unit. The first reusable handpiece, the second reusable handpiece, and the disposable shaft assembly are preferably sealed aseptically within a medical package, either separately or in combination with one or more others of the first reusable handpiece, the second reusable handpiece, and the disposable shaft assembly.

[0015] The system can include a first articulation control unit and an alternative first articulation control unit. The first articulation control unit may be a knob and may have more lobes or fewer lobes than the alternative first articulation control unit (e.g., a knob). Both the first articulation control unit and the alternative first articulation control unit may alternatively and selectively be detachable from the first reusable handpiece. As an advantage, this allows the user to customize the reusable handpiece. In some embodiments, the first articulation control unit includes at least five lobes.

[0016] The system can include a second articulation control unit and an alternative second articulation control unit. The alternative second articulation control unit may be a knob and may have more or fewer lobes than the second articulation control unit (e.g., the knob). Both the second articulation control unit knob and the alternative second articulation control unit knob may be alternatively and selectively detachable with respect to the first reusable handpiece. As an advantage, this allows the user to customize the reusable handpiece. In some embodiments, the first articulation control unit knob includes at least five lobes.

[0017] Further disclosed is a system (e.g., a product line). This system may include a first reusable handpiece and a second reusable handpiece. The first reusable handpiece may be a different size than the second reusable handpiece. Both the first reusable handpiece and the second reusable handpiece may be alternatively and selectively detachable with respect to the disposable shaft assembly. The reusable handpiece may be packaged within a medical package sealed in a sterile state with the disposable shaft assembly. In this configuration, different sized handles are available.

[0018] In some embodiments, the size difference is a difference in the width of the reusable handpiece assembly. In other embodiments, the size difference is a difference in the height of the reusable handpiece assembly. In still other embodiments, the size difference is a difference in the circumference of the reusable handpiece assembly. In other embodiments, the size difference is a difference in the internal volume of the reusable handpiece assembly.

[0019] The system may include a reusable endoscope handpiece and a disposable endoscope shaft assembly. The reusable endoscope handpiece is selectively attachable to and removable from the disposable endoscope shaft assembly. The reusable endoscope handpiece includes a housing, an articulation control unit, and a brake assembly. The articulation and brake assembly includes a first articulation control unit, a second articulation control unit, an articulation brake for selectively locking the rotation of the second articulation control unit relative to the housing of the reusable endoscope handpiece, and an alternative first articulation control unit configured to replace the first articulation control unit of the articulation and brake assembly. Here, the alternative first articulation control unit is longer than the first articulation control unit, and when the alternative first articulation control unit knob is attached to the reusable endoscope handpiece, the distance between the center line of the reusable endoscope handpiece and the center line of the alternative first articulation control unit is greater than the distance between the center line of the reusable endoscope handpiece and the center line of the first articulation control unit when the first articulation control unit is attached to the reusable endoscope handpiece. The first articulation control unit may support the first articulation control unit knob. The first articulation control unit knob may be selectively attachable to either the first articulation control unit or the alternative first articulation control unit.

[0020] The difference in knob size can be a difference in radius, circumference, length, and / or number of lobes.

[0021] Finally, a system is disclosed that includes a reusable handpiece and a disposable shaft assembly. The reusable handpiece is selectively detachable from the disposable shaft assembly. The reusable handpiece can include a housing having a control switch thereon. An integrated circuit may be disposed within the housing of the reusable handpiece. The integrated circuit can store the functions of the control switch and the preferred programming for image processing.

[0022] Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings provided herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0023]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 9A

Figure 9B

Figure 9C

Figure 10A

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Figure 10C

Figure 11A

Figure 11B

Figure 11C

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the principles of the present disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and the same will be described using specific language. It will be understood, however, that no limitation of the scope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. Any changes and further modifications to the described embodiments, as well as any further applications of the principles of the present disclosure described herein, are contemplated as would normally occur to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Although one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in great detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features not relevant to the present disclosure may not be shown for clarity.

[0025] Regarding this specification and the claims, it should be noted that singular forms such as "one", "a", "the", etc. include plural referents unless explicitly stated otherwise. By way of example, a reference to "an apparatus" or "the apparatus" includes one or more of such apparatuses and their equivalents. Also, directional terms such as "above", "below", "upper", "lower", etc. are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader to assist in the understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and it should be noted that the use of these directional terms is not intended in any way to limit the features described, illustrated, and / or claimed to a particular direction and / or orientation.

[0026] The present disclosure provides an endoscope assembly 100 that includes a modular and customizable reusable handpiece 200 and a disposable shaft assembly 400. FIG. 1 shows the endoscope assembly 100. More particularly, FIG. 1 shows the endoscope assembly 100 with the reusable handpiece 200 attached to the disposable shaft assembly 400. FIG. 2 shows the endoscope assembly 100 with the reusable handpiece 200 removed from the disposable shaft assembly 400. For example, the reusable handpiece can receive the disposable shaft assembly along a direction transverse (e.g., orthogonal) to the longitudinal axis 250 of the reusable handpiece. In many embodiments, when joining the reusable handpiece and the disposable shaft assembly to each other, the disposable shaft assembly moves relative to the reusable handpiece along a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 350 of the articulation knob and brake assembly 300.

[0027] The reusable handpiece 200 is selectively detachable from the disposable shaft assembly 400 such that the reusable handpiece is continuously used with a number of disposable shaft assemblies while the disposable shaft assembly is discarded and / or readjusted after a single use.

[0028] The reusable handpiece can include a processor and memory that stores settings for a control unit (e.g., buttons) of the reusable handpiece and / or an imaging system connectable to the reusable handpiece. For example, the memory of the reusable handpiece can store user-customized settings for function buttons and image processing (e.g., image capture, image freeze, image color, focus, and / or sensitivity). The processor and / or memory of the reusable handpiece may be included in an electronic integrated circuit (IC).

[0029] The reusable handpiece and / or disposable shaft assembly can include a lock for selectively locking the reusable handpiece and the disposable shaft assembly to each other. A latch handle 500 (e.g., a lever) for actuating a latch mechanism that couples the reusable handpiece and the disposable shaft assembly may be disposed on the reusable handpiece and / or the disposable shaft assembly. An additional locking mechanism such as a magnet may be used alternatively or simultaneously.

[0030] The reusable handpiece can include a handle portion such as a handpiece housing 210 that supports an articulation knob and a brake assembly 300, light such as a light-emitting diode, and / or a control switch 202 for operating a cleaning and / or aspiration fluid path, one or more navigation switches 204 for controlling a console that communicates with the endoscope assembly, and / or an electrical connector 205 for electrically coupling the reusable handpiece to the disposable shaft assembly.

[0031] The disposable shaft assembly can include an insertion tube 401 for insertion into a patient's body, a tube and an electrical connector 402 connected to a console, an access port for selectively accessing the lumen of the disposable shaft assembly (e.g., for taking a sample such as a biopsy) and / or for delivering fluid through the lumen of the disposable shaft assembly, and / or an electrical connector for electrically coupling the disposable shaft assembly to the reusable handpiece.

[0032] The tube and / or electrical connector 402, sometimes referred to as "umbilical," extends from the endoscope assembly to a cartridge (not shown) connectable to a console suitable for use with the endoscope assembly. The tube and / or electrical connector can extend from the disposable shaft assembly and / or from the reusable handpiece. In some embodiments, the umbilical is connected directly to the console, eliminating the need for a cartridge.

[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 3 through 6, the articulation knob and brake assembly of the reusable handpiece can include an up / down articulation control section knob 313, a left / right articulation control section knob 314, an up / down articulation brake, and a left / right articulation brake knob 319. During operation, when the reusable handpiece is attached to the disposable shaft assembly, the articulation of the up / down articulation control section knob causes the distal portion of the disposable shaft assembly to articulate in a first plane, and the actuation of the left / right articulation brake knob causes the distal portion of the disposable shaft assembly to articulate in a second plane that is lateral to the first plane. Preferably, the second plane is orthogonal to the first plane.

[0034] When the reusable handpiece is attached to the disposable shaft assembly, the articulation knob and brake assembly cooperate with the disposable shaft assembly to articulate the distal segment of the disposable shaft assembly and / or resist the rotation of one or more of the articulation knobs with respect to the endoscope assembly. For example, one or more of the articulation shafts 302, 303 and / or the brake shaft 301 of the articulation knob and brake assembly can engage a pulley assembly and / or housing of the disposable shaft assembly. One or more shafts of the articulation knob and brake assembly extend through the pulley assembly and engage the housing of the disposable shaft assembly on the opposite side of the pulley assembly from the articulation knob and brake assembly. In some embodiments, shafts 301, 302, and 303 are concentric with a single axis of rotation.

[0035] With respect to the up / down articulation control section by the articulation knob and brake assembly, the up / down articulation control section knob is supported by an outer housing 312 (see FIG. 5) of the up / down articulation brake.

[0036] Regarding the left and right articulations, the structure and operation of the left and right articulation control unit knob and the brake assembly are the same as those of the up and down articulation control unit knob and the brake assembly. Similar to the up and down articulation control unit knob and the brake assembly, the left and right articulation control unit knob is supported by the outer housing 315 of the left and right articulation control unit knob (see Fig. 6).

[0037] Referring to Fig. 5, it is shown that the outer housing of the up and down articulation brake engages with the up and down articulation shaft and is fixed so as to be relatively rotatable. The outer housing of the up and down articulation brake has a portion 320 arranged to rotatably fix the up and down articulation control unit knob thereto (e.g., via a recess arranged to receive a convex portion of the up and down articulation control unit knob, or vice versa).

[0038] Referring to Fig. 6, it is shown that the outer housing of the left and right articulation brake and the left and right articulation shaft are assembled and fixed so as to be rotatable relative to each other.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, the up-down articulation control unit knob 313, the left-right articulation control unit knob 314, and the left-right articulation brake knob 319 may be removable (or "snap-off") from the rest of the articulation knob and brake assembly. As described above, the outer housing of the up-down articulation brake has a portion arranged to rotatably fix the up-down articulation control unit knob thereto (e.g., via a recess arranged to receive a convex portion of the up-down articulation control unit knob, or vice versa). Similarly, the outer housing of the left-right articulation brake is arranged to similarly fix the left-right articulation control unit knob. The arrangement of the recess and the convex portion allows the up-down articulation control unit knob, the left-right articulation control unit knob, and the left-right articulation brake knob to be easily snapped off or snapped onto the articulation knob and brake assembly. As an advantage, the snap-off function allows the knob to be removed to facilitate cleaning of the reusable handpiece during a procedure.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the reusable handpiece can include a retaining clip 320. The retaining clip is used to fix the articulation knob and brake assembly to the reusable handpiece. The retaining clip can be coupled to the up-down articulation hub to fix the articulation knob and brake assembly. During the intervals between procedures, if necessary to facilitate cleaning, the retaining clip can be removed from the articulation knob and brake assembly, and the articulation knob and brake assembly can be separated from the housing of the reusable handpiece. Once the cleaning is complete, the retaining clip can be used to reattach the articulation and brake assembly to the housing.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 9A through 9C, three reusable handpieces of different sizes are shown. For purposes of illustration only, FIG. 9A is shown as a "small version" of the reusable handpiece 200A. FIG. 9B is shown as a "medium version" of the reusable handpiece 200B. In some embodiments, the medium version may be ten percent (10%) larger than the small version of the reusable handpiece. FIG. 9C shows a "large version" of the reusable handpiece 200C. In some embodiments, the large version may be twenty percent (20%) larger than the small version of the reusable handpiece. It should be understood that various other sizes are possible.

[0042] As an advantage, with reusable handpiece assemblies of different sizes, the user can customize the endoscope to fit in the hand during the procedure. For example, some users may have small hands and prefer a smaller-sized scope to perform the procedure more efficiently and effectively.

[0043] In some embodiments, both the reusable handpiece and the disposable shaft assembly may be of different sizes such that both pieces are of a similar size. In other embodiments, only the various reusable handpiece assemblies may be of different sizes. In this embodiment, the reusable handpiece assemblies of different sizes are configured to be detachable from a disposable shaft assembly of a common size.

[0044] Although shown in three different sizes, the reusable handpiece may be manufactured in only two different sizes, a large version and a small version of the reusable handpiece. In some embodiments, any number of different sizes may be manufactured. The size differences can be due to different measurements. The size differences may be differences in width. The size differences may be due to differences in height. The size differences may be due to differences in circumference. The size differences may be due to differences in internal volume.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 10A through C, the vertical articulation control section knob is illustrated in three different sizes. It is understood that the knob can be any number of sizes. The vertical articulation control section knob is shown for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that all discussions related to the vertical articulation control section knob apply equally to the left and right articulation control section knobs or the left and right articulation brake knobs.

[0046] FIG. 10A is shown as the "small version" of knob 313A for illustrative purposes only. FIG. 10B is shown as the "medium version" of knob 313B. In some embodiments, the medium version may be ten percent (10%) larger than the small version of the knob. FIG. 10C is shown as the "large version" of knob 313C. In some embodiments, the large version may be twenty percent (20%) larger than the small version of the knob. It should be understood that various other sizes are possible.

[0047] In some embodiments, the knob includes an inner surface 330 that defines an opening 340 passing through the knob. In some embodiments, the diameter of the opening or the circumference of the inner surface is the same regardless of the overall size of the knob. The difference in size is due to the difference in the outer perimeter of the outer surface 345 of the knob.

[0048] As an advantage, this allows any size knob to be attached to the same outer housing of the vertical articulation brake or the outer housing of the left and right articulation brakes, rather than requiring different sizes of the outer housing of the vertical articulation brake or the outer housing of the left and right articulation brakes to accommodate different size knobs.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 11A through C, the vertical articulation control section knob is illustrated as three different sizes with different numbers of lobes 318. It is understood that the knob can have any number of lobes. The vertical articulation control section knob is shown for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that all discussions related to the vertical articulation control section knob apply equally to the left - right articulation control section knob or the left - right articulation brake knob.

[0050] FIGS. 11A through C show, for illustrative purposes only, knobs having 5, 6, and 7 lobes respectively. It should be understood that any number of lobes is possible. As an advantage, different numbers of lobes allow the user to customize the knob to their preferred number of lobes.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 12, a reusable handpiece is illustrated. As shown, there is a distance 360 between the axis of rotation of the articulation control section knob and the backstrap 362. This distance can be changed according to the user's preference. One way to change the distance is to use reusable handpiece assemblies of different sizes, as discussed in connection with FIGS. 9A through C. A smaller reusable handpiece assembly results in a smaller distance between the axis of rotation of the articulation control section knob and the backstrap.

[0052] In other embodiments, the distance can be changed by using outer housings of different sizes for the vertical articulation brake or the left - right articulation brake. Further, the housing can be manufactured to laterally offset the knob to increase or decrease the distance between the axis of rotation of the articulation control section knob and the backstrap.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 13, a reusable handpiece is illustrated. The centerline 370 of the reusable handpiece is separated from the centerline 372 of the up / down articulation control unit knob of the first reusable handpiece by a distance 374. The centerline of the reusable handpiece is separated from the centerline 376 of the left / right articulation control unit knob of the first reusable handpiece by a distance 378. These distances can be varied according to the user's preference. One way to vary the distances is to use reusable handpiece assemblies of different sizes, as discussed in connection with FIGS. 9A - C. A smaller reusable handpiece assembly results in a smaller distance between the axis of rotation of the articulation control unit knob and the backstrap. In some embodiments, the distances can be varied by using outer housings of up / down articulation brakes or left / right articulation brakes of different sizes.

[0054] FIG. 14 shows a system such as a product line. This system can include one or more components packaged together or separately in a medical package sealed in a sterile state. The system may include a first reusable handpiece 200A and a second reusable handpiece 200B. In some embodiments, the first reusable handpiece is a different size than the second reusable handpiece. As described above, both the first reusable handpiece and the second reusable handpiece may be selectively detachable from the disposable shaft assembly.

[0055] As shown, the system may further include a first vertical articulation control unit knob 313A, a second vertical articulation control unit knob 313B, and / or a third vertical articulation control unit knob 313C. The vertical articulation control unit knobs preferably have different sizes and / or different numbers of lobes. Further, the system can include a first lateral articulation control unit knob 314A, a second lateral articulation control unit knob 314B, and / or a third lateral articulation control unit knob 314C. The lateral articulation control unit knobs preferably have different sizes and / or different numbers of lobes. Finally, the system can also include a first lateral articulation brake knob 319A, a second lateral articulation brake knob 319B, and / or a third lateral articulation brake knob 319C. The lateral articulation brake knobs preferably have different sizes.

[0056] The system can include outer housings 312A and 312B of vertical articulation brakes of different sizes or an outer housing (not shown) of a lateral articulation brake.

[0057] The system can include any combination of a reusable handpiece assembly, vertical articulation control unit knobs, lateral articulation control unit knobs, lateral articulation brake knobs, outer housings of vertical articulation brakes, and / or outer housings of lateral articulation brakes.

[0058] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, and it is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0059] [Appendix] The following numbered items show specific embodiments that may be helpful in understanding the present disclosure.

[0060] 1. The system includes a first reusable endoscope handpiece and a second reusable endoscope handpiece, the first reusable endoscope handpiece being a different size than the second reusable endoscope handpiece and / or having at least one different feature, and both the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece being alternatively and selectively detachable from a disposable endoscope shaft assembly, the disposable endoscope shaft assembly being configured to articulate a patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly when inserted into a patient's body.

[0061] 2. The first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece each include a housing and an articulation assembly, the articulation assembly including a first articulation control for articulating a patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly along the first direction, the system of claim 1.

[0062] 3. The distance between the backstrap of the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the rotation axis of the first articulation control unit is greater than the distance between the backstrap of the second reusable handpiece and the rotation axis of the first articulation control unit, the system according to item 2.

[0063] 4. The distance between the center line of the first articulation control unit and the center line of the handle portion of the first reusable endoscope handpiece is greater than the distance between the center line of the first articulation control unit and the center line of the handle portion of the second reusable handpiece, the system according to any one of items 2 to 3.

[0064] 5. The system according to any one of items 2 to 4, further comprising a second articulation control unit for articulating the patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly along a second direction that is lateral to the first direction.

[0065] 6. The first articulation control unit is a first articulation control unit knob, the second articulation control unit is a second articulation control unit knob, and the first articulation control unit knob and the second articulation control unit knob are selectively detachable from the first reusable endoscope handpiece, the system according to item 5.

[0066] 7. Instead of the first articulation control unit knob, the first reusable endoscope handpiece further includes an alternative first articulation control unit knob that is alternatively and selectively detachable, and the alternative first articulation control unit knob has a lobe that extends outwardly from the first articulation control unit knob, the system according to item 6.

[0067] 8. Further comprising an alternative second articulation control unit knob that is alternatively and selectively detachable from the first reusable endoscope handpiece in place of the second articulation control unit knob, the alternative second articulation control unit knob having a lobe that extends outwardly beyond the second articulation control unit knob, the system of claim 7.

[0068] 9. The first reusable endoscope handpiece is a different size from the second reusable endoscope handpiece, the different size being a difference in the cross-sectional area of the portion arranged to contact the palm of the user's hand during operation of the reusable endoscope handpiece, the system according to any of the preceding claims.

[0069] 10. The first reusable endoscope handpiece is a different size from the second reusable endoscope handpiece, the difference in size being a difference in height, the system according to any of the preceding claims.

[0070] 11. The first reusable endoscope handpiece is a different size from the second reusable endoscope handpiece, and the different size is a difference in total volume, the system according to any of the preceding claims.

[0071] 12. The first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece each include an electronic integrated circuit that stores settings for the control function and / or imaging function of the assembled reusable endoscope handpiece and the disposable endoscope shaft assembly, the system according to any of the preceding claims.

[0072] 13. The settings stored in the electronic integrated circuit of the first reusable endoscope handpiece are different from the settings stored in the second reusable endoscope handpiece, the system of claim 12.

[0073] 14. Both the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece are alternatively and selectively detachable from a second disposable endoscope shaft assembly, the disposable endoscope shaft assembly being of a different size than the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly and / or having at least one different feature, the system according to any of the preceding paragraphs.

[0074] 15. The system according to paragraph 14, wherein the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly is longer than the disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

[0075] 16. The system according to any one of paragraphs 14 to 15, wherein the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly has an insertion tube with a larger diameter than the disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

[0076] 17. The system according to any of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the system is a product line.

[0077] 18. The system includes a reusable endoscope handpiece and a disposable endoscope shaft assembly. The reusable endoscope handpiece is selectively attachable to and removable from the disposable endoscope shaft assembly. The reusable endoscope handpiece includes a housing and an articulation and brake assembly. The articulation and brake assembly includes a first articulation control unit, a second articulation control unit, and an articulation brake for selectively locking the rotation of the second articulation control unit relative to the housing of the reusable endoscope handpiece. The articulation and brake assembly further includes an alternative first articulation control unit configured to replace the first articulation control unit. The alternative first articulation control unit is longer than the first articulation control unit. When the alternative first articulation control unit is attached to the reusable endoscope handpiece, the distance between the center line of the reusable endoscope handpiece and the center line of the alternative first articulation control unit is greater than the distance between the center line of the reusable endoscope handpiece and the center line of the first articulation control unit when the first articulation control unit is attached to the reusable endoscope handpiece.

[0078] 19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the first articulation control unit supports a first articulation control unit knob.

[0079] 20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the first articulation control unit knob is selectively attachable to either the first articulation control unit or the alternative first articulation control unit.

Claims

1. a first reusable endoscope handpiece, and a second reusable endoscope handpiece, wherein the first reusable endoscope handpiece is of a different size and / or has at least one different feature than the second reusable endoscope handpiece, and both the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece are alternatively and selectively detachable from a disposable endoscope shaft assembly and are configured to articulate a patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly when the disposable endoscope shaft assembly is inserted into a patient's body.

2. the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece each include a housing and an articulation assembly, the articulation assembly including a first articulation control for articulating the patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly along a first direction, the system of claim 1.

3. the distance between a backstrap of the first reusable endoscope handpiece and a rotation axis of the first articulation control is greater than the distance between a backstrap of the second reusable handpiece and the rotation axis of the first articulation control, the system of claim 2.

4. the distance between a centerline of the first articulation control and a centerline of a handle portion of the first reusable endoscope handpiece is greater than the distance between the centerline of the first articulation control and a centerline of a handle portion of the second reusable handpiece, the system of claim 2.

5. further comprising a second articulation control for articulating the patient-insertable portion of the disposable endoscope shaft assembly along a second direction that is transverse to the first direction, the system of claim 2.

6. the first articulation control is a first articulation control knob and the second articulation control is a second articulation control knob, The system according to claim 5, wherein the first articulation control unit knob and the second articulation control unit knob are selectively detachable from the first reusable endoscope handpiece. **Claim 7** The system further includes an alternative first articulation control unit knob that is alternatively and selectively detachable from the first reusable endoscope handpiece instead of the first articulation control unit knob, The system according to claim 6, wherein the alternative first articulation control unit knob has a lobe that extends outwardly beyond the first articulation control unit knob. **Claim 8** The system further includes an alternative second articulation control unit knob that is alternatively and selectively detachable from the first reusable endoscope handpiece instead of the second articulation control unit knob, The system according to claim 7, wherein the alternative second articulation control unit knob has a lobe that extends outwardly beyond the second articulation control unit knob. **Claim 9** The first reusable endoscope handpiece is a different size from the second reusable endoscope handpiece, The system according to claim 1, wherein the different size is a difference in the cross-sectional area of a portion arranged to contact the palm of the user's hand during operation of the reusable endoscope handpiece. **Claim 10** The first reusable endoscope handpiece is a different size from the second reusable endoscope handpiece, and the different size is a difference in height. The system according to claim 1. **Claim 11** The first reusable endoscope handpiece is a different size from the second reusable endoscope handpiece, and the different size is a difference in total volume. The system according to claim 1. **Claim 12** The system according to claim 1, wherein the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece each include an electronic integrated circuit that stores settings for the control function and / or imaging function of the assembled reusable endoscope handpiece and the disposable endoscope shaft assembly. **Claim 13** The system according to claim 12, wherein the settings stored in the electronic integrated circuit of the first reusable endoscope handpiece are different from the settings stored in the second reusable endoscope handpiece.

14. Both the first reusable endoscope handpiece and the second reusable endoscope handpiece are alternatively and selectively detachable from a second disposable endoscope shaft assembly, wherein the disposable endoscope shaft assembly is of a size different from the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly and / or has at least one different feature, the system according to claim 1.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly is longer than the disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

16. The system according to claim 14, wherein the second disposable endoscope shaft assembly has an insertion tube with a larger diameter than the disposable endoscope shaft assembly.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is a product line.

18. Comprising a reusable endoscope handpiece and a disposable endoscope shaft assembly, wherein the reusable endoscope handpiece is selectively attachable to and removable from the disposable endoscope shaft assembly, the reusable endoscope handpiece includes a housing, an articulation and brake assembly, the articulation and brake assembly includes a first articulation control unit, a second articulation control unit, and an articulation brake for selectively locking the rotation of the second articulation control unit relative to the housing of the reusable endoscope handpiece, including an alternative first articulation control unit configured to replace the first articulation control unit of the articulation and brake assembly, wherein the alternative first articulation control unit is longer than the first articulation control unit. A system in which, when the alternative first articulation control unit is attached to the reusable endoscope handpiece, the distance between the center line of the reusable endoscope handpiece and the center line of the alternative first articulation control unit is greater than the distance between the center line of the reusable endoscope handpiece and the center line of the first articulation control unit when the first articulation control unit is attached to the reusable endoscope handpiece.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the first articulation control unit supports a first articulation control unit knob.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the first articulation control unit knob is selectively attachable to either the first articulation control unit or the alternative first articulation control unit.

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