Aseptic filling techniques and systems for endoscopes

Abstract

A method and system for refilling a container during an endoscopic procedure. An exemplary reservoir can be placed in selective fluid communication with a water bottle that can form a fluid-tight seal with the reservoir for transferring water from the water bottle to the reservoir.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical fluid containers and methods, and more particularly to methods and / or systems for refilling or providing a refillable container for delivering fluids and / or gases to an endoscope. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 399,543, filed August 19, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] Endoscopic devices are widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During an endoscopic procedure, physicians may use a combination of air lavage, irrigation, and lens cleaning as a means of flushing debris, cleaning the optics, and insufflating the working lumen. To enable these functions, compressed gas from either the processor or an alternative source is used to increase pressure within the fluid bottle to insufflate the working lumen or clean the endoscope lens. A peristaltic pump may also be used to flush debris from the working lumen. One challenge faced during an endoscopic procedure is that the typical water bottles and tubing sets used contain a maximum of one liter of water and are not designed to be refilled. This can force nurses / technicians to change the water bottle multiple times a day. This can introduce multiple opportunities for contamination of the tubing set by contacting non-sterile surfaces or dropping the tubing on the floor.

[0003] The improvements of the present disclosure may be useful in light of these considerations. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary of the disclosure is provided to aid in understanding, as those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may be used advantageously in some instances separately or in other instances in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure. No limitations on the scope of the claimed subject matter are intended by the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this summary. Thus, while the disclosure is presented in terms of multiple aspects or multiple embodiments, it should be understood that each aspect may be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that or other embodiments.

[0005] In a first example, a fitting arranged and configured to couple to one or more water bottles for refilling a fluid reservoir for use in an endoscopic procedure may include a first coupling in fluid communication with a first flow path, a second coupling in fluid communication with a second flow path, a fluid outlet, and an actuatable valve in fluid communication with the first flow path, the second flow path, and the fluid outlet, and the actuatable valve may be configured to selectively fluidly couple the first flow path, the second flow path, and the fluid outlet.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the fluid outlet may be disposed in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first and second flow channels. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the fluid outlet may be provided between the first coupling and the second coupling.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the actuatable valve may include a rotatable valve. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the first coupling portion may include a threaded coupling portion.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the first coupling portion may be configured to engage with external threads on a water bottle. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the second coupling portion may include a threaded coupling portion.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the second coupling portion may be configured to engage with external threads on a water bottle. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the first coupling portion may include a blunt needle tip.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the blunt needle tip may be configured to pierce a pierceable cap of a water bottle. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the second coupling portion may include a blunt needle tip.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the blunt needle tip may be configured to pierce a pierceable cap of a water bottle. In another example, a reservoir positioned and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include a container configured to contain a fluid, the container having a top, a bottom, a water outlet, a gas inlet, and a tubular port extending outwardly from the container at or near the top of the container, the tubular port being configured to pierce a water bottle cap to form a fluid-tight seal between the tubular port and the water bottle cap.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the reservoir may further comprise a removable cap removably secured to the tubular port.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the outer diameter of the tubular port may be approximately the same as the inner diameter of the neck of the water bottle. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the reservoir may be freestanding.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the reservoir may further comprise a water bottle fluidly coupled to the tubular port. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the water bottle may have a volume ranging from about 0.5 liters to about 20 liters.

[0015] In another example, a method for filling a reservoir arranged and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include disconnecting a second end of a water supply tube from a connector in fluid communication with an endoscope, the second end of the water supply tube extending from the second end to a first end in fluid communication with a reservoir of an endoscopic system; placing the second end of the water supply tube in fluid communication with a water bottle; and operating a pump coupled to the water supply tube to pump water from the water bottle through the water supply tube and into the reservoir.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the method may further comprise reversing the direction of flow of the pump before operating the pump.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the water supply conduit may include a lens irrigation conduit. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another example, the water supply line may include an irrigation supply line.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the method may further include bypassing a one-way valve along the irrigation supply line before activating the pump.

[0019] In another example, a reservoir positioned and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include a container configured to contain a fluid, the container having a top, a bottom, a water outlet, a gas inlet, and one or more threaded openings formed in the top of the container, the one or more threaded openings may be configured to threadably engage a water bottle.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the reservoir may further comprise one or more removable caps configured to selectively seal the one or more threaded openings.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the one or more threaded openings may include at least two threaded openings. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the volume of the container may be less than the volume of a water bottle configured to couple to the one or more threaded openings.

[0022] In another example, a reservoir arranged and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure may include a first container configured to contain a fluid and having a first water outlet and a gas inlet, a second container configured to contain a fluid and having a second water outlet, and a chamber in fluid communication with the first container and the second container, and the chamber may include one or more ports configured to selectively fluidly couple the chamber to an external water source.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the first container may be threadably engaged with the chamber. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the second container may be threadably engaged with the chamber.

[0024] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the reservoir may further comprise: a water supply line having a first end, a second end, and a first lumen, the first lumen extending through the water supply line and in fluid communication with the first container, and the second end located outside the chamber and the first container; and a gas supply line having a first end, a second end, and a second lumen, the second lumen extending through the gas supply line and in operative fluid communication with the first container, and the second end located outside the chamber and the first container.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the first lumen may extend through the chamber. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the second lumen may extend through the chamber.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the reservoir may further comprise an irrigation supply tube including a first end, a second end, and an irrigation lumen, the irrigation lumen extending through the irrigation supply tube and in fluid communication with the second container, the second end of the irrigation supply tube being external to the chamber and the second container.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the irrigation lumen may extend through the chamber. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the reservoir may further comprise one or more supports coupled to the chamber, and the one or more supports may be configured to engage with one or more hooks.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment the reservoir may further comprise a divider located within the chamber and dividing the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the divider may be configured to fluidly isolate the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the one or more ports may be configured to selectively fluidly couple the first subchamber or the second subchamber to the external water source.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the one or more ports may include a first port in fluid communication with the first subchamber and a second port in fluid communication with the second subchamber.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the first sub-chamber may be in fluid communication with the first container and the second sub-chamber may be in fluid communication with the second container.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, in another embodiment, the reservoir may further comprise one or more removable seals removably coupled to the one or more ports.

[0034] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description. The scope of the claimed invention is set forth in the appended claims.

[0035] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure. The present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, details of which are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. However, the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. Rather, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing components of an endoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates components of an endoscope system including an endoscope, a light source, a light source connector, a water reservoir, and a tubing assembly for air and lens cleaning fluid delivery. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A illustrates an endoscopic system including an endoscope, a light source, a water reservoir, and a hybrid tubing assembly for air, lens cleaning, and irrigation fluid delivery, operated to deliver air to the atmosphere. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B illustrates the endoscopic system of FIG. 3A being actuated to deliver air to a patient through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C illustrates the endoscopic system of FIG. 3A being actuated to deliver lens cleaning fluid through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D illustrates the endoscopic system of FIG. 3A activated to deliver irrigation fluid through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a hybrid endoscope system including a video processing unit, a connector section, a peristaltic irrigation pump, a water reservoir and head, coaxial gas and lens wash supply tubes, upstream and downstream irrigation supply tubes, and an alternative gas supply tube. [Figure 5A]FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of an exemplary coupling for refilling a refillable fluid reservoir in an open configuration. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows an exploded perspective view of the exemplary fitting of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the joint taken along line 5C-5C of FIG. 5A. [Figure 5D] FIG. 5D shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the fitting of FIG. 5A in a closed configuration. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another exemplary coupling that may be used with the fitting of FIGS. 5A-5D. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary refillable fluid reservoir. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of an exemplary pierceable cap. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B shows a perspective view of another exemplary pierceable cap. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another exemplary refillable fluid reservoir. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another exemplary refillable fluid reservoir system. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of an exemplary method for filling a refillable water reservoir. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] The present disclosure will be described below with reference to an exemplary medical system that may be used in an endoscopic medical procedure. However, this reference to a particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the concepts underlying the disclosed apparatus and associated methods of use may be utilized in any suitable procedure, medical, or other method. The present disclosure can be understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings. The same or similar reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0038] The term "distal" refers to the portion of the device that is furthest from the user when the device is introduced into a patient. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device that is closest to the user when the device is positioned within a patient. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or other variations thereof are intended to encompass non-exclusive inclusions; thus, a process, method, article, or device comprising a list of elements does not necessarily include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or device. The term "exemplary" is used to mean "example" rather than "ideal." Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "about," "approximately," and "substantially" indicate a range of values ​​within + / - 10% of the stated or implied value. Additionally, terms describing the geometry of components / surfaces refer to both exact and approximate shapes.

[0039] It should be noted that although the embodiments of the present disclosure are described with particular reference to bottles (e.g., containers, reservoirs, etc.) and tubing assemblies or sets, such embodiments may be used to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope for a variety of different purposes, including, for example, to facilitate insufflation of a patient, lens cleaning, and / or to clean a working channel to assist in flushing / aspiration of debris during an endoscopic procedure.

[0040] Although this disclosure includes a description of containers and tubing sets suitable for use with an endoscopic system to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope, the devices, systems, and methods of this disclosure may be implemented in other medical systems requiring the delivery of fluids and / or gases and for a variety of other purposes.

[0041] References herein to “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all embodiments necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it may be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless expressly stated otherwise. That is, it is intended that the various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in specific combinations, can be combined or arranged with one another to form other or additional embodiments, or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiments, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0042] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0043] Endoscopic devices are widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During an endoscopic procedure, physicians may use a combination of air lavage, irrigation, and lens cleaning as a means of flushing debris, cleaning the optics, and insufflating the working lumen. To enable these functions, compressed gas from either a processor or an alternative source is used to increase pressure within a fluid bottle to insufflate the working lumen or clean the endoscope's lens. A peristaltic pump may also be used to flush debris from the working lumen. One challenge faced during endoscopic procedures is that typical water bottles and tubing sets used contain a maximum of one liter of water and are not designed to be refilled. This can force nurses / technicians to change water bottles multiple times a day. This can introduce multiple opportunities for contamination of the tubing set by contacting non-sterile surfaces or dropping the tubing on the floor. The methods and systems disclosed herein are intended to reduce or eliminate the need to disconnect the tubing set or use a second bottle.

[0044] 1 and 2, an exemplary endoscope 100 and system 200 are shown, which may include an elongated shaft 100a for insertion into a patient. A light source 205 provides illumination to a distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100, which may house an imager (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imager) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) is housed within a video processing unit 210, which processes signals input from the imager and outputs the processed video signal to a video monitor (not shown) for viewing. The video processing unit 210 also serves as a component of an air / water supply circuit by housing a pressure pump 215, such as an air pump, within the unit.

[0045] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c at a distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a and a flexible curved portion 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible curved portion 105 may include an articulation joint (not shown) to aid in steering the distal tip 100c. The distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 includes a gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 on its end face 100d for supplying gas for insufflation inside the patient at the treatment area and water for cleaning the lenses covering the imaging device. Irrigation openings 225 on the end face 100d provide irrigation fluid to the treatment area on the patient. The distal tip 100c may also include an illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment area and an opening 230 to a working channel 235 extending along the shaft 100a for passing a tool through the treatment area. Working channel 235 extends along shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 located distal to operating handle 115 of endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 may be utilized to seal channel opening 110 against unwanted fluid outflow.

[0046] The operating handle 115 may include multiple knobs 125 (e.g., one knob controls up / down operation and another knob controls left / right operation) for providing remote four-way control of the distal tip via wires connected to articulation joints within the flexible curved section 105. Multiple video switches 130 may be located on the proximal end of the handle 115 for remotely operating the video processing unit 210. The handle 115 also includes dual valve wells 135. One of the valve wells 135 may receive a gas / water valve 140 for actuating the supply of insufflation gas and lens water. A gas supply line 240a and a lens irrigation supply line 245a extend distally from the gas / water valve 140 along the shaft 100a and converge at the distal tip 100c proximal to the gas / irrigation nozzle 220 (FIG. 2). The other valve well 135 receives a suction valve 145 for actuating the suction operation. A suction supply line 250 a extends distally from the suction valve 145 along the shaft 100 a to a junction in fluid communication with the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100 .

[0047] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the video processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilical 260 and a connector portion 265 extending between the flexible umbilical 260 and the video processing unit 210. The flexible umbilical 260 includes a gas (e.g., air or CO2) feed line 240b, a lens wash feed line 245b, a suction feed line 250b, an irrigation feed line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). The connector portion 265 plugs into the video processing unit 210 to connect the light source 205 within the video processing unit to the light guide. The light guide extends along the umbilical 260 and the length of the endoscope shaft 100a and transmits light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. Additionally, connector portion 265 plugs into video processing unit 210 to connect air pump 215 to gas feed line 240 b within umbilical 260 .

[0048] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) is fluidly connected to the endoscope 100 via the connector portion 265 and the umbilical 260. The gas supply tube 240c extends a length from one end located within a gap 275 between the top 280 (e.g., a bottle cap) of the reservoir 270 and the remaining water 285 therein to a detachable gas / lens cleaning connection 290 outside the connector portion 265. The detachable gas / lens cleaning connection 290 may be detachable from the connector portion 265 and / or the gas supply tube 240c. The gas feed line 240b of the umbilical 260 branches within the connector portion 265 and is in fluid communication with the gas supply tube 240c at the detachable gas / lens cleaning connection 290 and the air pump 215. Lens wash tube 245c, one end of which is located at the bottom of reservoir 270, extends a length through top 280 of reservoir 270 to the same removable connection 290 as gas supply tube 240c of connector portion 265. In other embodiments, these connections may be separate and / or separate from one another. Connector portion 265 also has a removable irrigation connection 293 for irrigation supply tubing (not shown) that extends from an irrigation water source (not shown) to irrigation feed line 255b within umbilical 260. Removable irrigation connection 293 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or the irrigation supply tubing (not shown). In some embodiments, irrigation water is supplied via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) from a water source (not shown) independent of reservoir 270. In other embodiments, irrigation supply tubing and lens wash tube 245c may supply water from the same reservoir. Connector portion 265 may also include a detachable suction connection 295 for suction feed line 250b and suction supply line 250a that fluidly connects a vacuum source (e.g., a hospital suction unit) (not shown) to umbilical 260 and endoscope 100. Detachable suction connection 295 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or suction feed line 250b and / or the vacuum source.

[0049] Gas feed line 240b and lens cleaning feed line 245b are fluidly connected to valve well 135 for gas / water valve 140 and are configured to control the supply of gas or lens cleaning solution to distal tip 100c of endoscope 100 upon actuation of the gas / water valve therein. Suction feed line 250b is fluidly connected to valve well 135 for suction valve 145 and are configured to control the suction applied to working channel 235 of endoscope 100 upon actuation of the suction valve therein.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary operation of an endoscopic system 200 including an endoscope such as the endoscope 100 described above will be described. Air from an air pump 215 in the video processing unit 210 flows to a connector portion 265, branches through a gas supply line 240b in the umbilical 260 to a gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115, and flows through a gas supply tube 240c to a water reservoir 270 via a connection 290 on the connector portion 265. When the gas / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, with a user's finger not over the valve, air is allowed to flow out of the valve to atmosphere. In the first position, a user's finger is used to block ventilation to atmosphere. Gas is allowed to flow out of the valve 140, down the gas supply line 240a, and out the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100, for example, to insufflate a treatment site on a patient. When gas / water valve 140 is pushed downward to a second position, gas is prevented from flowing out of the valve, allowing the pressure of air passing from air pump 215 to build up within water reservoir 270. Pressurizing the water source forces water out of lens wash tube 245c, through connector portion 265, umbilical 260, through gas / water valve 140, down lens wash supply line 245a, and converges with gas supply line 240a before exiting distal tip 100c of endoscope 100 via gas / lens wash nozzle 220. Air pump pressure can be calibrated to provide lens wash water at a relatively low flow rate compared to the irrigation water supply.

[0051] The flow rate of the lens cleaning solution is regulated by the gas pressure within the water reservoir 270. As water is forced out of the reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning conduit 245c, if the gas pressure within the water reservoir 270 begins to decrease, the air pump 215 replenishes the lost air supply within the reservoir 270, thereby maintaining a substantially constant pressure and thereby providing a substantially constant lens cleaning flow rate. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be placed in the path of the gas supply conduit 240c to filter out undesirable contaminants or particulate matter from entering the water reservoir 270. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be placed in the path of the lens cleaning supply conduit to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after passing through the valve.

[0052] Because its primary use is to remove debris from the patient's treatment site that would obscure the user's field of view, a relatively high flow rate of irrigation water is typically required compared to lens cleaning. Irrigation is typically achieved through the use of a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) as described. In embodiments with a separate water source for irrigation, tubing located at the bottom of the water source passes through the top of the water source and into the upstream head of the pump. The downstream tubing of the pump is connected via irrigation connection 293 on connector portion 265 to irrigation feed line 255b in umbilical 260 and irrigation supply line 255a of endoscope 100. When irrigation water is needed, activating the irrigation pump, such as by depressing a footswitch (not shown), causes fluid to be pumped from the water source, through irrigation connection 293, through irrigation feed line 255b in the umbilical, down the irrigation supply line in endoscope shaft 100a, and to distal tip 100c. An air vent (not shown) may be included in the top 280 of the water reservoir 270 to equalize pressure within the water source as water is pumped out of the irrigation supply tube. This vent allows air to enter the water source, preventing a buildup of negative pressure within the water source that could create a vacuum that draws unwanted material from the patient through the endoscope and into the water source. In some embodiments, as with the lens wash tube 245c, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be placed in the path of the irrigation supply tube to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir after passing through the valve.

[0053] 3A-3D are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of an embodiment of a hybrid system 300 in which supply lines for irrigation and lens cleaning are connected to and lead out of a single water reservoir. It is contemplated that fluids other than water, such as, but not limited to, saline, may be used. The hybrid system 300 includes a single water reservoir 305, a reservoir cap 310, a gas supply line 240c, a lens cleaning supply line 245c, an irrigation pump 315 with a foot switch 318, an upstream irrigation line 320, and a downstream irrigation supply line 255c. The cap 310 may be configured to sealingly attach to the water reservoir 305, typically by a threaded structure. The cap 310 may include a gasket for sealing the cap 310 to the reservoir 305. The gasket may be an O-ring, a flange, a collar, and / or the like, and may be formed from any suitable material. Several through openings (325a, 325b, 325c) in cap 310 are provided to respectively receive gas supply tube 240c, lens cleaning supply tube 245c, and upstream irrigation supply tube 320. In Figures 3A-3D, the illustrated system includes separate tubes for gas supply, lens cleaning, and irrigation.

[0054] In other embodiments, the gas supply tube 240c and the lens rinse tube 245c can be combined in a coaxial arrangement. Some exemplary coaxial arrangements are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,239, entitled "INTEGRATED CONTAINER AND TUBE SET FOR FLUID DELIVERY WITH AN ENDOSCOPE," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,256, entitled "TUBING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR FLUID DELIVERY," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the gas supply tube can include a small-diameter lens rinse tube coaxially housed within the gas supply tube and define a lumen having a diameter large enough to supply air to a water source in an annular space surrounding the lens rinse tube to pressurize a water reservoir (see, e.g., gas supply tube 240c and lens rinse supply tube 245c). The lens cleaning supply tube may be configured to exit the lumen defined by the coaxial gas supply tube with any suitable sealing method, such as, for example, a restriction, a fitting, a collar, etc., to effect a transition from a coaxial to a parallel arrangement of the detachable gas / lens cleaning connection to the endoscope connector portion (e.g., connector portion 265 of FIG. 2).

[0055] In various embodiments, different valve (not shown) configurations may be incorporated into the various embodiments disclosed herein, including the tubing of systems 200, 300. For example, an inlet check valve may be placed in the path of gas supply line 240c to help prevent backflow into air pump 215. Increasing pressure in water reservoir 305 creates a pressure differential between the water source and gas supply line 240c, helping to maintain positive pressure in the water source even when large amounts of water are drawn from the water source during irrigation functions. This configuration compensates for the time lag when air is delivered from air pump 215 to water reservoir 305, which can create a negative vacuum within the water reservoir. Similarly, outflow check valves, such as one-way valves with inlets / outlets and valve inserts, may be incorporated into the lens cleaning supply tube 240c, the upstream irrigation supply tube 320, and / or the downstream irrigation supply tube 255c to help prevent backflow of water from either or both of the lens cleaning tube and the irrigation tube in the event of a negative pressure situation, as described above.

[0056] More generally, in some embodiments, a check valve may refer to any type of configuration for passively allowing fluid to flow in only one direction. For example, a check valve may include or refer to one or more of a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, a tilting disk check valve, a flapper valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve, an in-line check valve, a duckbill valve, a pneumatic check valve, a reed valve, and a flow check. Thus, as used herein, a check valve is meant to be distinct from and separate from active valves (e.g., stopcock valves, solenoid valves, peristaltic pumps) that operate in a binary manner as on / off valves or switches that allow flow to be turned on or off.

[0057] During operation of the system of FIGS. 3A-3D, water flow for irrigation can be achieved by operating the irrigation pump 315. Water flow for lens cleaning can be achieved by depressing the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. These functions can be performed independently of one another or simultaneously. When lens cleaning and irrigation are operated simultaneously, as fluid is drawn from the water reservoir 305, the pressure within the system can be controlled to maintain the lens cleaning supply line 240c at the pressure necessary to achieve substantially low-flow lens cleaning while compensating for the reduced pressure within the water reservoir 305 caused by high-flow irrigation. If pressure within the water reservoir decreases due to simultaneous use of the lens cleaning function, the irrigation function, or both functions, the reduced pressure can be compensated for by the air pump 215 via the gas supply line 240c.

[0058] The schematic diagrams of Figures 3A-3D are exaggerated to illustrate the different flow paths possible with hybrid system 300, which has supply conduit 320 for irrigation and supply conduit 240c for lens cleaning connected to and drawing from a single water reservoir 305. As shown in Figure 3A, endoscope 100 is in a neutral state with gas / water valve 140 in the open position. In the neutral state, no gas or lens cleaning solution is delivered to the distal tip of the endoscope. Rather, gas (pressure) is delivered along path A from pressurizing air pump 215, through connector 265, through gas feed line 240b in umbilical 260, and vented to atmosphere through the gas / water valve. Because the system is open with the vent in gas / water valve 140, there is no buildup pressurizing water reservoir 305, and thus no water is forced through lens cleaning supply conduit 240c.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 3B, the endoscope 100 is in a gas delivery state with the gas / water valve 140 in the first position. When gas is needed at the distal tip 100c, for example, to clean the end face 100d of the distal tip or to insufflate the patient's body in the treatment area, the user closes the vent hole in the gas / water valve 140 with a finger, such as a thumb (first position). In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered from the air pump 215 along path B and flows through the gas feed line 240b in the umbilical 260 via the connector portion 265. The gas also passes through the gas / water valve 140 to the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a and out the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. Because the system is open at the gas / lens water nozzle 220, there is no buildup to pressurize the water reservoir, and therefore water is not forced through the lens cleaning supply tube 240c.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 3C , the endoscope 100 is in a lens cleaning solution delivery state with the gas / water valve 140 in the second position. For example, if lens cleaning is required at the distal tip 100c to clean the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c, the user keeps the air / water valve vent closed and pushes the valve 140 down to its deepest point within the valve well 135. The second position shuts off gas supply to both the atmosphere and the endoscope's gas supply line 240a, and opens the gas / water valve 140 to allow lens cleaning water to flow through the lens cleaning supply line 245a within the endoscope shaft 100a and out of the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 of the distal tip 100c. In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered along path C from the air pump 215 through a branch line within the connector portion 265, out of the gas supply tube 240c, and into the water reservoir 305. The gas (pressure) pressurizes the surface of the remaining water 285 in reservoir 305, forcing the water up lens cleaning supply tube 245c and into connector portion 265. The pressurized lens cleaning water is forced through lens cleaning feed line 245b in umbilical 260 and out through gas / water valve 140. Because system 300 is closed, the gas pressure allows the gas pressure to build and maintain a calibrated pressure level within water reservoir 305 rather than being vented to atmosphere or delivered to the patient. This pressure, along with the endoscope feed and supply lines and external tubing, translates the lens cleaning fluid into a range of flow rates.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3D , endoscope 100 is in an irrigation delivery state. This may occur simultaneously with or at a different time than gas delivery and / or lens cleaning. For example, if irrigation is required at distal tip 100 c because the treatment area has poor visibility or is obstructed by debris, the user activates irrigation pump 315 (e.g., by pressing foot switch 318) to deliver water along path D. When pump 315 is activated, water is drawn from water reservoir 305 through upstream irrigation supply tube 320 and pumped along downstream irrigation supply tube 255 c to connector portion 265. Irrigation pump head pressure further forces the irrigation water through irrigation feed line 255 b in umbilical 260, through irrigation supply line 255 a in endoscope shaft 100 a, and out irrigation opening 225 in distal tip 100 c. The irrigation pump pressure can be calibrated along with the irrigation and supply lines and external tubing of the endoscope to deliver a range of flow rates of irrigation fluid.

[0062] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a further embodiment of a hybrid system 400 including a video processing unit 210, a connector portion 265, a peristaltic irrigation pump 315, a water reservoir 405 and a top portion 407, a coaxial gas and lens irrigation supply tube 410, upstream and downstream irrigation supply tubes 320, 255c, and an alternative gas (e.g., CO) supply tube 415. The alternative gas supply tube 415 extends a length from one end located within the gas gap 275 (see FIG. 2) between the top portion 407 of the water reservoir 405 and the remaining water 285 therein, through an additional opening 420 in the top portion of the reservoir, to a removable connection 425 for an alternative gas source (e.g., a CO source within a hospital). When an alternative gas supply, such as CO gas, is desired, the air pump 215 on the video processing unit 210 can be turned off. This allows CO2 gas, rather than air, to flow into the water reservoir 405, pressurizing the water surface. Generally, the flow of CO2 through the endoscope 100 is similar to the flow of air. In the neutral state, CO2 gas flows up the gas supply tube 240c in a reverse direction to the connector portion 265 and up the gas feed line 240b, where it is vented to the atmosphere through the gas / water valve 140. In a first position, the user closes the vent hole in the gas / water valve 140, and CO2 gas flows through the gas / water valve into the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a and is vented through the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. In a second position, the user holds the vent hole in the gas / water valve closed by depressing the valve 140 to the bottom of the valve well 135. The second position shuts off the CO2 gas supply to both the atmosphere and the gas supply line 240a of the endoscope 100 and opens the gas / water valve 140, allowing lens cleaning water to be released from the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c via the lens cleaning supply line 245a of the endoscope shaft 100a. Gas (pressure) within the reservoir 405 is maintained by delivery of gas through the alternative gas (e.g., CO2) supply tube 415. Irrigation functions can be accomplished in a manner similar to the operation described above with respect to FIG. 3D.

[0063] As mentioned above, it may be desirable to provide a refillable water reservoir 270, 305, 405 to reduce the chance of contamination of the tubing set 240c, 245c, 320, 410, 415 during replacement of the water reservoir. FIGS. 5A-5D show various views of an example fitting 500 for facilitating filling and / or refilling of the water reservoir 270, 305, 405. FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of the example fitting 500 in an open configuration. FIG. 5B shows an exploded perspective view of the example fitting 500 of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the example fitting 500 of FIG. 5A taken along line 5C-5C of FIG. 5A. FIG. 5D shows a cross-sectional view of the fitting 500 of FIG. 5A in a closed configuration. Generally, fitting 500 may include a first coupling portion 502, a second coupling portion 504, a connecting member 506, and a valve actuator 508. Connecting member 506 and valve actuator 508 are disposed between first coupling portion 502 and second coupling portion 504.

[0064] The first coupling portion 502 may define a lumen 510 extending from its first end 512 to its second end 514. The lumen 510 may be selectively fluidly connected to the connecting member 506 through actuation of the valve actuator 508. For example, when the valve actuator 508 is in an open configuration, the lumen 510 is in fluid communication with the connecting member 506, and when the valve actuator 508 is in a closed configuration, the lumen 510 is fluidly isolated from the fluid outlet 556 of the connecting member 506. The first coupling member 516 may be disposed adjacent the first end 512 of the first coupling portion 502. The first coupling member 516 may define a plurality of female threads 518 that engage with mating male threads on a water bottle (not explicitly shown). The second coupling member 520 may be disposed adjacent the second end 514 of the first coupling portion 502. The second coupling member 520 may include a circumferentially extending raised ridge or protrusion 522. The raised ridge 522 may be configured to engage a mating recess 524 formed on the inner surface of the connecting member 506. The raised ridge 522 may include features such as, but not limited to, a tapered surface to facilitate assembly of the first coupling portion 502 with the connecting member 506 while preventing accidental disassembly. The second coupling member 520 may have a diameter smaller than that of the first coupling member 516. However, this is not required. In some examples, the second coupling member 520 may have a diameter similar to, the same as, or larger than that of the first coupling member 516. Furthermore, although the first coupling member 516 and the second coupling member 520 are shown as extending collinearly or along the same axis, in some cases the first coupling member 516 may be disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to the second coupling member 520. For example, the first coupling member 516 may be positioned such that its longitudinal axis is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second coupling member 520. This is by way of example only; other configurations or arrangements may be used as desired.

[0065] The second coupling portion 504 may define a lumen 526 extending from its first end 528 to its second end 530. The lumen 526 may be selectively fluidly connected to the connecting member 506 through actuation of the valve actuator 508. For example, when the valve actuator 508 is in an open configuration, the lumen 526 is in fluid communication with the connecting member 506, and when the valve actuator 508 is in a closed configuration, the lumen 526 is fluidly isolated from the fluid outlet 556 of the connecting member 506. A first coupling member 532 may be disposed adjacent the first end 528 of the second coupling portion 504. The first coupling member 532 may define a plurality of female threads 534 that engage with mating male threads on a water bottle (not explicitly shown). A second coupling member 536 may be disposed adjacent the second end 530 of the second coupling portion 504. The second coupling member 536 may include a circumferentially extending raised ridge or protrusion 538. The raised ridge 538 may be configured to engage a mating recess 540 formed on the inner surface of the connecting member 506. The raised ridge 538 may include features such as, but not limited to, a tapered surface to facilitate assembly of the second coupling 504 with the connecting member 506 while preventing accidental disassembly. The second coupling member 536 may have a diameter smaller than that of the first coupling member 532. However, this is not required. In some examples, the second coupling member 536 may have a diameter similar to, the same as, or larger than that of the first coupling member 532. Furthermore, although the first coupling member 532 and the second coupling member 536 are shown as extending collinearly or along the same axis, in some cases the first coupling member 532 may be disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to the second coupling member 536. For example, first coupling member 532 may be positioned such that its longitudinal axis is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of second coupling member 536. This is by way of example only; other configurations or arrangements may be used as desired.

[0066] The connecting member 506 may include a central body portion 542 defining a cavity 544 therein and extending along a first axis. The cavity 544 may be generally cylindrical to receive a mating valve body 546 of the valve actuator 508. The connecting member 506 and the valve actuator 508 may cooperate to function as or form an actuatable valve. It is contemplated that the cavity 544 may take other shapes to accommodate different configurations of the valve actuator 508. A first tubular member 548 defining a lumen 550 may extend from an opening 570 in a sidewall of the central body portion 542. The lumen 550 may fluidly couple the lumen 510 of the first coupling portion 502 to the cavity 544 of the connecting member 506. The second tubular member 552, defining a lumen 554, may extend from an opening 572 in the sidewall of the central body portion 542 in a direction opposite to the first tubular member 548. The lumen 554 may fluidly couple the lumen 526 of the second coupling portion 504 to the cavity 544 of the connecting member 506. The lumens 550, 554 may extend along a second axis that is generally perpendicular to the first axis of the central body portion 542. The first tubular member 548 and the second tubular member 552 may be spaced apart by approximately 180° from one another so as to share a common axis. However, this is not required. The first tubular member 548 and the second tubular member 552 may be spaced apart by an angle greater than or less than 180°, as desired. It is also contemplated that the connecting member 506 may be configured to accommodate three or more coupling portions 502, 504. In such examples, the first tubular member 548, the second tubular member 552, and any additional tubular members may be spaced apart by less than 180° from one another. A fluid outlet 556 may be formed through an end face 558 of the connecting member 506. The fluid outlet 556 may be disposed between the first coupling 502 and the second coupling 504 and may be in selective fluid communication with the lumens 510, 526 of the first coupling 502 and the second coupling 504 to transfer fluid from the water bottle to the water reservoir, as described in more detail herein. In some embodiments, the fluid outlet 556 may be formed in a plane generally perpendicular to the plane of the lumens 510, 526, although this is not required. Other configurations may be used as desired.

[0067] The valve actuator 508 may include an actuating member 560 and a valve disc 546. In some embodiments, the valve actuator 508 may be a stopcock. Other actuable valves, such as, but not limited to, gate valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, globe valves, etc., may be used as desired. The valve actuator 508 may include an actuating member 560, such as, but not limited to, a handle, lever, hand wheel, etc. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuating member 560 may be rotated to move the valve actuator 508 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, the actuating member 560 may be rotated approximately 90 degrees to move the valve disc 546 between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In some embodiments, the actuating member 560 may be rotated less than 90 degrees to partially open or partially close the valve actuator 508. It is contemplated that the amount of rotation required to open and / or close the valve actuator 508 may be determined by the internal structure of the valve actuator 508. In some examples, the actuating member 560 may be rotated greater than or less than 90 degrees. It is further contemplated that the actuation member 560 may be configured to impart a linear force (eg, a sliding motion) to the actuatable valve.

[0068] The valve disc 546 may be configured to be disposed within the cavity 544 of the connecting member 506 and may be generally tubular to facilitate rotation of the valve actuator 508 within the cavity 544. However, other shapes may be used depending on the valve type and / or actuation member 560 used for the valve actuator 508. The valve disc 546 may include a first opening 562 configured to selectively fluidly communicate with the lumen 510 of the first coupling 502, a second opening 564 configured to selectively fluidly communicate with the lumen 526 of the second coupling 504, and an interior cavity 574 of the valve disc 546. For example, when the valve actuator 508 is in the open configuration, the first opening is aligned with the lumen 510 of the first coupling 502 and the second opening 564 is aligned with the lumen 526 of the second coupling 504. When a water bottle is coupled to first coupling 502 and valve actuator 508 is opened, fluid or water may flow from the water bottle, through lumen 510, along first fluid flow path 566, and into cavity 574. The fluid may then exit cavity 574 via fluid outlet 556. Similarly, when a water bottle is coupled to second coupling 504 and valve actuator 508 is opened, fluid or water may flow from the water bottle, through lumen 526, and along second fluid flow path 568 into cavity 574. The fluid may then exit cavity 574 via fluid outlet 556. Fluid outlet 556 may be disposed in a plane generally perpendicular to the planes of first and second fluid flow paths 566, 568. Valve actuator 508 is actuated to a closed configuration to stop fluid flow from flow paths 566, 568 into cavity 574.

[0069] To fill a fluid reservoir (e.g., reservoir 270, 305, 405), the valve actuator 508 can be moved to a closed configuration (FIG. 5D). In this closed configuration, the solid sidewall of the valve body 546 aligns with the openings 570, 572 of the connecting member 506, thereby fluidly isolating the lumens 510, 526 from the cavity 544 and the fluid outlet 556. Then, with the valve actuator 508 in the closed configuration, one or both of the first and second couplings 502, 504 are coupled to a water bottle. For example, a water bottle can be coupled to each coupling 502, 504 as desired. It is contemplated that maintaining the valve actuator 508 in the closed configuration while the water bottles are coupled may allow two or more water bottles to be coupled without spilling water. When the water bottle is coupled to the first and / or second couplings 502, 504, the fluid outlet 556 may align with an opening or port in the fluid reservoir, thereby opening the valve actuator 508. In some cases, a tube or other flow directing mechanism may be used to direct fluid flow from the fluid outlet 556 to the fluid reservoir. Fluid may flow from the water bottle along the first and / or second flow paths 566, 568 to the cavity 574 and into the reservoir through the fluid outlet 556. In some cases, a user may tilt or tilt the coupling 500 to allow water to flow from one water bottle, and then tilt or tilt the coupling in the opposite direction to allow water to flow from the other water bottle.

[0070] While fitting 500 is illustrated as including threaded couplings 502, 504 for coupling fitting 500 to a water bottle, it is contemplated that other coupling mechanisms may be used as desired. FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another exemplary coupling 600 that may be used in place of one or both of first and second couplings 502, 504 to couple the fitting to a water bottle. Coupling 600 may define a lumen 602 extending from its first end 604 to its second end 606. Lumen 602 may be selectively fluidly connected to connecting member 506 through actuation of valve actuator 508. For example, when valve actuator 508 is in an open configuration, lumen 602 is in fluid communication with connecting member 506, and when valve actuator 508 is in a closed configuration, lumen 602 is fluidly isolated from connecting member 506. First coupling member 608 may be disposed adjacent first end 604 of coupling 600. The first coupling member 608 may include a piercing tip 610, such as, but not limited to, a blunt or sharp needle tip, for piercing a pierceable cap of a water bottle. The piercing tip 610 may extend from a conical region 612 configured to engage the mouth of the water bottle to provide a fluid-tight seal between the coupling member 608 and the water bottle. Piercing the water bottle cap may allow coupling of the fitting 500 to the water bottle without requiring unscrewing of the cap, which could allow atmospheric air to enter (potentially contaminate the water). A second coupling member 614 may be disposed adjacent the second end 606 of the coupling portion 600. The second coupling member 614 may include a circumferentially extending raised ridge or protrusion 616. The raised ridge 616 may be configured to engage a mating recess 524 formed on the inner surface of the connecting member 506. The raised ridge 616 may include features such as, but not limited to, a tapered surface to facilitate assembly with the connecting member 506 of the first coupling portion 502 while preventing accidental disassembly. The second coupling member 614 may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the first coupling member 608. However, this is not required. In some examples, the second coupling member 614 may have a diameter similar to, the same as, or larger than the diameter of the first coupling member 608.Additionally, although the first coupling member 608 and the second coupling member 614 are shown as extending collinearly or along the same axis, in some cases the first coupling member 608 may be disposed at a non-parallel angle relative to the second coupling member 614. For example, the first coupling member 608 may be disposed such that its longitudinal axis is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the second coupling member 614. This is by way of example only. Other configurations or arrangements may be used as desired.

[0071] FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of another exemplary refillable fluid reservoir 700. The reservoir 700 may be configured for use in an endoscopic system and may include similar components to the endoscopes and endoscopic systems described with respect to FIGS. 1-4, although not all features may be described or illustrated unless they pertain to the system's fluid circuitry. The reservoir 700 includes a container 702 configured to hold a fluid 704. In some embodiments, the container 702 may be configured to hold a fluid in a range of about 0.5 liters (L) to about 20 L. However, the container 702 may be configured to hold less than 0.5 L or more than 20 L of fluid, as desired. For example, in some cases, the container 702 may be configured to hold a fluid in a range of 1 to 15 L, in a range of about 3 L to about 10 L, in a range of about 5 L to about 8 L, etc.

[0072] Generally, container 702 can be refilled by placing water bottle 714 upside down at the inlet port, and air 726 is allowed to flow into water bottle 714, as indicated at 728. The air forces water 748 into container 702, as indicated at 750. In some embodiments, water bottle 714 can be a standard 1 L water bottle. In other embodiments, water bottle 714 can have a volume greater than 1 L, such as, but not limited to, 5 L, 10 L, or more. For example, in some cases, water bottle 714 can be configured to supply a sufficient amount of water to container 702 such that water bottle 714 continuously supplies water to container 702 for two or more endoscopic procedures. For example, container 702 may not need to be refilled, and / or water bottle 714 may not need to be replaced for more than one endoscopic procedure or throughout a day of endoscopic procedures.

[0073] The container 702 extends from a first or distal end 706 to a second or proximal end 707. A reduced diameter stem or tubular port 708 may extend away from the first end 706 in a direction opposite the second end 707 of the container 702. Generally, the tubular port 708 may be a hollow cylindrical stem in fluid communication with an opening 710 of the container 702. The hollow cylindrical stem is configured to selectively provide a fluid connection between the exterior of the container 702 and the interior 712 of the container 702 to allow transfer of fluid 704 from a water bottle 714 into the container 702. The tubular port 708 may be formed as a single monolithic structure with the container 702 or a separate component, as desired. The tubular port 708 may have a diameter or cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the first end 706 or the second end 707 of the container 702. In some cases, the tubular port 708 may have a generally cylindrical shape, while the vessel 702 may have a generally rectangular prism shape. However, this is not required. The vessel 702 and / or the tubular port 708 may have any desired shape.

[0074] In some embodiments, an optional support block 716 may extend away from the first end 706, in a direction opposite the second end 707 of the container 702. The support block 716 may define an opening 718 through its thickness. The opening 718 may be sized and shaped to receive the neck 720 of the water bottle 714 and / or the tubular port 708 of the container 702. For example, the tubular port 708 may extend through the opening 718 in the support block 716. When the water bottle 714 is engaged with the reservoir 700, the neck 720 of the water bottle 714 may be disposed within an annular space 722 between the inner wall of the opening 718 and the outer surface of the tubular port 708. The upper edge 724 of the water bottle 714 may engage an upper surface 746 of the support block 716 to maintain the water bottle 714 in an inverted orientation.

[0075] The reservoir 700 may include a gas inlet 730 and a water outlet 732 for coupling to a gas supply line and a water supply line. In some embodiments, the gas inlet 730 and / or the water outlet 732 may be one or more ports for coupling a separately provided gas supply line and / or water supply line. In other embodiments, the gas inlet 730 and / or the water outlet 732 may be part of a gas supply line 734 or a water supply line 736. For example, the reservoir 700 may be connected in fluid communication with a gas supply / alternate gas supply line (i.e., gas supply line) 734 and a lens cleaning supply / irrigation supply line (i.e., water supply line) 736. The gas supply line 734 extends from an exterior second end of the reservoir 700 through a reservoir opening 738 at or adjacent to the first end 706 of the container 702. The shared gas supply conduit 734 may terminate within the reservoir space at or below the opening 738 and, as shown, does not extend into the remaining fluid 704 within the container 702. However, in some cases, the gas supply conduit 734 may extend into the fluid 704. For example, the opening 738 may be located at the bottom or side of the container 702 so that the shared gas supply conduit 734 terminates within the fluid and gas is bubbled through the fluid 704 to pressurize the container 702. The gas supply conduit 734 has a lumen extending therethrough for receiving a flow of air and / or gas. The lumen of the gas supply conduit 734 is in operative fluid communication with the interior of the reservoir 700. The water supply conduit 736 extends from a second end exterior to the reservoir 700 through the reservoir opening 738 and terminates at a first end within the remaining fluid 704 at or substantially at the bottom of the container 702. In some embodiments, the water supply tube 736 may terminate at an opening 738. For example, if the opening 738 is at or adjacent to the second end 707 of the container 702, a dip tube may not be needed. The water supply tube 736 has a lumen extending therethrough for receiving fluid flow therethrough. The lumen of the lens cleaning supply / irrigation supply tube 736 is in selective operable fluid communication with the bottom of the container 702.In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply line 734 and the water supply line 736 may enter the container 702 through a single or common opening 738. For example, the gas supply line 734 and the water supply line 736 may be arranged coaxially as shown. However, this is not required. In some cases, the gas supply line 734 and the water supply line 736 may extend in a side-by-side arrangement or may be separately connected to the container 702 at different locations. The opening 738 may include a grommet, heat seal, or other sealing mechanism configured to fluid-tightly and pressure-tightly seal the container 702 around the lines 734, 736 to enable pressurization of the reservoir. Additionally, a valve (not shown) may be provided in the tubular port 708, thereby allowing the container 702 to be isolated from the water bottle 714 except during periodic fill periods when the water bottle 714 is used to fill the container 702.

[0076] A portion of the gas supply tube 734 and a portion of the lens wash supply tube 736 may each extend from the reservoir 700 and be fluidly connected to the endoscope at a gas / lens wash connection on the connector portion 265 of the umbilical. The gas supply tube 734 is fluidly connected to a gas pump (not explicitly shown) and / or a gas supply line (not explicitly shown), and the lens wash supply tube 736 is fluidly connected to a lens wash supply line (not explicitly shown) in the connector portion 265. Although not explicitly shown, an irrigation supply tube may be coupled to the water supply tube 736 via a manifold to supply irrigation fluid from the reservoir 700, or a separate irrigation supply tube may be provided. For example, the irrigation supply tube (not shown) may extend from a second end on the exterior side of the reservoir 700 through a reservoir opening (not shown) and terminate at a first end within the remaining fluid 704 at or substantially at the bottom of the container 702.

[0077] The reservoir 700 can be filled and refilled as needed by placing the water bottle 714 upside down over the tubular port 708. In some embodiments, the water bottle 714 can include a pierceable cap (see, e.g., FIGS. 8A and 8B ) so that a watertight seal is maintained when the water bottle 714 is inverted. The tubular port 708 can pierce or pierce the cap of the water bottle 714 to allow fluid flow through the cap. Refilling of the reservoir 700 can occur during or between procedures, as needed. The water can be sterile or non-sterile, as desired. For example, sterile water can be used for therapeutic procedures, while non-sterile water can be used for diagnostic procedures. Because the exterior surface of the tubular port 708 is non-sterile, the exterior can be wiped with a disinfectant before filling / refilling and subsequent contact with sterile water. Refilling the reservoir 700 with sterile or non-sterile water can provide more flexibility and reduce the need to store large amounts of sterile water. Additionally, refilling the reservoir 700 through the tubular port 708 eliminates the need to disconnect the reservoir 700 from the tubes 734, 736 throughout the day, thereby eliminating or greatly reducing the need to change water containers and the potential for cross-contamination.

[0078] To fill the container 702, the neck 720 of the water bottle 714 is placed over or over the tubular port 708. In the illustrated embodiment, the neck 720 of the water bottle 714 is placed over the tubular port 708. The tubular port 708 may be sized and shaped to form a fluid-tight seal with the neck 720 of the water bottle 714. However, this is not required. Water flows downward into the container 702 along the flow path 750, while air rises into the water bottle 714 along the flow path 728. Once the water bottle 714 is empty and / or the container 702 is filled to the desired amount, the water bottle 714 may be removed. In some cases, more than one water bottle 714 may be used to fill the container 702.

[0079] In some embodiments, the water bottle 714 may be configured to remain assembled with the reservoir 700 during an endoscopic procedure. In other embodiments, the water bottle 714 may be removed from the reservoir 700 and from a cap or plug (not explicitly shown) that may cover and / or be located within the opening of the tubular port 708 and / or the opening 718 of the support block 716.

[0080] When the water bottle 714 remains assembled with the reservoir 700 and is configured to provide enough water for more than one treatment, it is contemplated that the reservoir 700 may be a freestanding unit provided within each treatment room. For example, the reservoir 700 may be configured to remain within the treatment room. In another example, the reservoir 700 may be provided in a room adjacent to the treatment room, with tubing running through the treatment room. It is envisioned that large-capacity (e.g., greater than 1 L) water bottles 714 may be provided to the medical center pre-filled and stored as needed. Alternatively or additionally, several water bottles 714 may be filled at the medical center. It is also contemplated that the reservoir 700 may include filtration and / or sterilization capabilities to ensure the water is safe for use in treatments. Some suitable sterilization techniques may include, but are not limited to, ultraviolet light, heat, chemical sterilization, etc. Single-use tubing (e.g., gas supply tubing 734, lens wash supply tubing 736, irrigation tubing) may be coupled to the reservoir 700 at ports. For example, reservoir 700 may include valves 740 (such as, but not limited to, stopcocks, ball valves, gate valves, butterfly valves, globe valves, etc.) or other connections (such as, but not limited to, quick connects) that selectively fluidly couple gas supply conduit 734, lens wash supply conduit 736, and / or irrigation conduit with corresponding gas conduits 742 and lens wash conduits 744 within interior 712 of container 702. Valves 740 may be open during use of the endoscope and closed when the system is not in use to maintain sterility of the system. Valves 740 or other connections may be manually operated by a user or automatically actuated via a computer control system.

[0081] 8A shows a perspective view of an exemplary pierceable cap 800. The cap 800 may be configured to secure to the mouth of the water bottle 714. For example, the cap 800 may include an annular slot 802 configured to receive the mouth of the water bottle 714. The cap 800 may be configured to form a snap fit or to threadably engage the water bottle 714. Other mechanical engagements may be used as desired. The cap 800 may further include a recess or depression 804 formed in a top surface 806 of the cap 800 and extending toward a bottom surface 808. The depression 804 may extend less than the entire thickness of the cap 800 so that the cap 800 can maintain sterility when coupled with the water bottle 714. The portion 810 of the cap 800 adjacent the recess 804 may be made sufficiently thin to allow the tubular port 708 to pierce the portion 810 of the cap 800 adjacent the recess 804 and fluidly couple the water bottle 714 to the container 702.

[0082] 8B shows a perspective view of another exemplary pierceable cap 850. The cap 850 may be configured to secure to the mouth of the water bottle 714. For example, the cap 850 may include an annular sidewall 852 configured to surround the mouth of the water bottle 714. The cap 850 may be configured to form a snap fit or to threadably engage the water bottle 714. Other mechanical engagements may be used as desired. The cap 850 may further include perforations 854 formed in a top surface 856 of the cap 850. In the illustrated embodiment, the perforations form an "X" shape, although other shapes and configurations may be used as desired. The perforations 854 may extend less than the entire thickness of the cap 850 so that when the cap 850 is coupled to the water bottle 714, sterility may be maintained while creating a weakened area that allows the tubular port 708 to pierce through the perforations 854 in the cap 850 adjacent the recess 804 to fluidly couple the water bottle 714 with the container 702.

[0083] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another exemplary refillable fluid reservoir 900. The reservoir 900 may be configured for use in an endoscopic system and may include similar components to the endoscopes and endoscopic systems described with respect to FIGS. 1-4 , although not all features may be described or illustrated unless they pertain to the system's fluid circuitry. The reservoir 900 includes a container 902 defining a cavity configured to hold a fluid. The container 902 may be formed from a lightweight, flexible material, such as, but not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminum, nylon, polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the container 902 may be formed from a semi-rigid or rigid material, such as, but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or the like. In some embodiments, the container 902 may be generally translucent, generally opaque, or a combination thereof.

[0084] Container 902 may have a size and shape to hold a volume of fluid. In some cases, the volume of fluid may be approximately 1 liter (e.g., a typical volume of a water bottle provided in a medical procedure). In other embodiments, container 902 may have a volume greater than 1 liter. In still other embodiments, container 902 may have a volume less than 1 liter. When container 902 has a volume less than 1 liter, container 902 may be coupled to a fluid source, such as, but not limited to, one or more water bottles (not explicitly shown), during a procedure. Container 902 is shown as having a generally rectangular prismatic shape, but may take other forms as desired. Reservoir 900 may be provided as a manifold configured to interface with another reservoir to provide a means for refilling the additional reservoir.

[0085] The reservoir 900 may further include multiple ports 904a, 904b, and 904c, each having a removable cap or plug (not explicitly shown). While the reservoir 900 is shown as including three ports 904a-904c, the reservoir 900 may include fewer or more than three ports 904a-904c, as desired. The caps may be configured to form a fluid-tight seal with the ports 904a-904c. The caps may be configured to threadably engage the ports 904a-904c, form a friction fit with the ports 904a-904c, form a snap fit with the ports 904a-904c, or otherwise releasably engage the ports 904a-904c. In some embodiments, the caps may be self-sealing one-way valves. In other embodiments, the caps may be formed from a self-healing material. For example, a needle may be used to pierce the self-healing material, and when the needle is removed, the hole formed by the needle seals without user intervention. Portions of ports 904a-904c may extend into container 902. A removable cap may be removed to selectively fluidly connect a fluid source to container 902 and pour fluid into container 902 through the lumens of ports 904a-904c.

[0086] The reservoir 900 may be fluidly connected to a tubing manifold (not explicitly shown) via a shared gas supply / alternate gas supply line (i.e., gas supply line) 906 and a lens cleaning supply / irrigation supply line 908. The shared gas supply line 906 extends from an exterior second end of the reservoir 900 through a reservoir opening 910 in the top 912 of the container 902. This shared gas supply tubing 906 may terminate within the reservoir space at or below the opening 910 and does not extend into the remaining fluid within the container 902. However, in some cases, the gas supply line 906 may extend into the fluid. For example, the opening 910 may be located in the bottom or side of the container 902 such that the shared gas supply line 906 terminates within the fluid and gas is bubbled through the fluid to pressurize the container 902. The gas supply line 906 has a lumen extending therethrough for receiving a flow of air and / or gas. The lumen of the gas supply conduit 906 is in operative fluid communication with the top 912 of the reservoir 900 .

[0087] A water supply conduit 908 extends from a second end exterior to the reservoir 900 through a reservoir opening 914 and terminates at a first end within the remaining fluid at or substantially at a bottom 916 of the container 902. A lumen extends through the water supply conduit 908 for receiving a fluid flow. The lumen of the lens cleaning / irrigation supply conduit 908 is in selective, operable fluid communication with the bottom of the container 902. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply conduit 906 and the water supply conduit 908 may enter and exit the container 902 through separate openings 910, 914. However, this is not required. For example, the gas supply conduit 906 and the water supply conduit 908 may be coaxially disposed and enter the container 902 through a common opening. The openings may include grommets or heat seals configured to fluid-tightly and pressure-tightly seal the container 902 around the conduits 906, 908. In other embodiments, a manifold may be used to couple the tubes 906, 908 to the reservoir 900 in a fluid-tight manner.

[0088] A portion of the gas supply tube 906 and a portion of the lens wash supply tube 908 may be fluidly connected to the endoscope at a gas / lens wash connection on the umbilical connector portion 265. The gas supply tube 906 is fluidly connected to a gas pump (not explicitly shown) and a gas supply line (not explicitly shown), and the lens wash supply tube 908 is fluidly connected to a lens wash supply line (not explicitly shown) in the connector portion 265. In some examples, the gas supply tube 906 may include a manifold for fluidly coupling a portion of the gas supply tube 906. Similarly, the lens wash supply tube 908 may include a manifold for fluidly coupling a portion of the lens wash supply tube with a shared lens wash / irrigation (or water) supply tube 908. Although not explicitly shown, if so provided, an irrigation supply tube may be coupled to the manifold for supplying irrigation fluid from the reservoir 900. In other cases, a separate irrigation supply tube may be provided.

[0089] The reservoir 900 can be filled and refilled as needed by removing the cap and coupling a water source to the ports 904a-904c. The reservoir 900 is inverted (relative to the orientation shown) so that a water bottle can be secured to the reservoir 900 in an upright orientation (to limit leakage). In some embodiments, the ports 904a-904c may include internal threads 918a, 918b, 918c or other coupling features configured to engage with mating external threads or other coupling features on the water source. Once the water bottle is coupled to the reservoir 900, the reservoir 900 can be returned to its original orientation (e.g., with the ports 904a-904c facing up) to allow gravity to draw water from the water bottle into the cavity of the reservoir 900. Refilling of the reservoir 900 can occur during or between treatments as needed. The water can be sterile or non-sterile, as desired. For example, sterile water may be used for therapeutic procedures, while non-sterile water may be used for diagnostic procedures. Refilling reservoir 900 with sterile or non-sterile water may provide more flexibility and reduce the need to store large amounts of sterile water. Furthermore, refilling reservoir 900 through ports 904a-904c and removable caps eliminates the need to disconnect reservoir 900 from tubing 906, 908 throughout the day, thereby eliminating or significantly reducing the need to change water containers and the potential for cross-contamination.

[0090] In some embodiments, the water bottle can remain coupled to reservoir 900 while the endoscope is in use. For example, container 902 does not necessarily have to store water for use during a procedure. Instead, container 902 can function to transfer water from the water bottle to the endoscope. It is contemplated that not all of ports 904a-904c may have a water bottle coupled to them. For example, two ports 904a and 904b may be coupled to a water bottle, while the third port 904c is closed with a cap. This is merely one example, and other combinations of ports or only a single port may be utilized as desired.

[0091] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of another exemplary refillable fluid reservoir system 1000. The reservoir system 1000 may be configured for use in an endoscopic system and may include similar components to the endoscopes and endoscopic systems described with respect to FIGS. 1-4 , although not all features may be described or illustrated unless relevant to the system's fluid circuit. The reservoir system 1000 includes a first container 1002 defining a cavity configured to hold a fluid and a second container 1004 defining a cavity configured to hold a fluid. In some embodiments, the first container 1002 may be used for insufflation and lens cleaning, while the second container 1004 may be used for irrigation.

[0092] The first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may be formed from a lightweight, flexible material such as, but not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminum, nylon, polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof. In other embodiments, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may be formed from a semi-rigid or rigid material such as, but not limited to, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or the like. In some embodiments, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may be completely translucent, completely opaque, or a combination thereof.

[0093] The first container 1002 and the second container 1004 may have a size and shape to hold a volume of fluid. In some cases, the volume of fluid may be approximately 1 liter (e.g., the typical volume of a water bottle provided in a medical procedure). In other embodiments, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may have a volume greater than 1 liter. In still other embodiments, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may have a volume less than 1 liter. The first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may have any desired shape, such as, but not limited to, a cylinder, a rectangular prism, a flexible bag, etc.

[0094] The first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may each be fluidly coupled to a water reservoir chamber 1006. The water reservoir chamber 1006 may be configured to store excess water that can be used to replenish or supply water to the first and / or second containers 1002 and / or 1004 when they run out of water during an endoscopic procedure. As water is removed from the respective containers 1002, 1004, water may flow from the water reservoir chamber 1006 into the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 (as long as water is present in the water reservoir chamber 1006) without user intervention. The water reservoir chamber 1006 may include an optional divider 1042 disposed within chamber 1018 of the water reservoir chamber 1006 and configured to divide the water reservoir chamber 1006 into a first sub-chamber 1018a and a second sub-chamber 1018b. The first sub-chamber 1018a and the second sub-chamber 1018b may be fluidly isolated from one another.

[0095] The first container 1002 may be coupled to the reservoir chamber 1006 at a first connection location 1008 that defines a through hole. The second container 1004 may be coupled to the reservoir chamber 1006 at a second connection location 1010 that defines a through hole. In some embodiments, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may be threadably engaged with the reservoir chamber 1006 at the connection locations 1008, 1010. In other embodiments, the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 may form a snap fit or a friction fit with the reservoir chamber 1006. The fastening method for coupling the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 to the reservoir chamber 1006 may be selected to form a fluid-tight seal between the first and second containers 1002, 1004 and the reservoir chamber 1006. Although not explicitly shown, gaskets, O-rings, or other sealing members may be disposed between the first and second containers 1002, 1004 and the reservoir chamber 1006 to help form a fluid-tight seal. Fluid may flow from the first subchamber 1018a of the reservoir chamber 1006 along the first flow path 1012 into the interior 1014 of the first container 1002. Similarly, fluid may flow from the second subchamber 1018b of the reservoir chamber 1006 along the second flow path 1020 into the interior 1016 of the second container 1004. When the divider 1042 is not included, fluid may flow from the common chamber into either the first container 1002 or the second container.

[0096] The reservoir chamber 1006 may include a first port 1022a for accepting the flow of water into a first sub-chamber 1018a of the reservoir chamber 1006 and a second port 1022b for accepting the flow of water into a second sub-chamber 1018b of the reservoir chamber 1006. The ports 1022a, 1022b may each include a removable seal 1024a, 1024b, such as, but not limited to, a cap, plug, lid, etc. Because the first flow path 1012 allows air / gas from the first container 1002 to enter at least a portion of the reservoir chamber 1006, the seals 1024a, 1024b may be removably coupled to the ports 1022a, 1022b to allow the seals 1024a, 1024b to remain coupled to the ports 1022a, 1022b when the first container 1002 is pressurized for lens cleaning. In some embodiments, the reservoir chamber 1006 may include only a single port and seal, such as when the divider 1042 is not included.

[0097] The first container 1002 may be connected in fluid communication with the lumen of the gas supply conduit 1026 and the lumen of the water supply conduit 1028. The gas supply conduit 1026 and the water supply conduit 1028 may be provided in a shared length of conduit. The gas supply conduit 1026 and the water supply conduit 1028 may be coaxially arranged such that the water supply conduit 1028 extends through the lumen of the gas supply conduit 1026 along a portion of the length of the gas supply conduit 1026. However, this is not required. In some cases, the gas supply conduit 1026 and the water supply conduit 1028 may extend side by side. The gas supply conduit 1026 extends from a second end to a first end adjacent an opening 1030 in the first container 1002. In a use configuration, the second end of the gas supply conduit 1026 may be external to the first container 1002. The gas supply conduit 1026 has a lumen extending therethrough for receiving a flow of air and / or gas. The lumen of the gas supply conduit 1026 is in fluid communication with the first container 1002. A first end of the gas supply conduit 1026 is selectively in fluid communication with the top 1030 of the first container 1002 in the illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments, the gas supply conduit 1026 may be connected at other regions of the first container 1002, such as, but not limited to, the bottom or side. The water supply conduit 1028 extends from the second end to a first end that extends through the opening 1030 into the interior of the first container 1002. In a use configuration, the second end of the water supply conduit 1028 may be external to the first container 1002. The water supply conduit 1028 has a lumen extending therethrough for receiving a flow of fluid. A second end of the gas supply tube 1026 and a second end of the water supply tube 1028 may be coupled to the manifold (if provided) of the endoscope system or to the connector portion 265. A first end of the water supply tube 1028 is in selective fluid communication with the bottom of the first container 1002.

[0098] In some embodiments, the second container 1004 can be connected in fluid communication with the lumen of the irrigation supply tube 1032. The irrigation supply tube 1032 extends from a second end to a first end that extends through an opening 1034 into the interior 1016 of the second container 1004. In a use configuration, the second end of the irrigation supply tube 1032 can be external to the second container 1004. The irrigation supply tube 1032 has a lumen extending therethrough for receiving a fluid flow. In some cases, the irrigation supply tube 1032 can be coupled to a manifold (if provided). The first end of the irrigation supply tube 1032 is in selective fluid communication with the bottom of the second container 1004.

[0099] A second end of the gas supply tube 1026 and a second end of the lens wash supply tube 1028 can be fluidly connected to the endoscope at a gas / lens wash connection on the umbilical connector portion 265. The gas supply tube 1026 is fluidly connected to a gas pump (not explicitly shown) and a gas supply line (not explicitly shown), and the lens wash supply tube 1028 is fluidly connected to a lens wash supply line (not explicitly shown) in the connector portion 265. The irrigation tube 1032 is fluidly connected to the irrigation supply line 255c via the irrigation pump 315.

[0100] The gas supply tube 1026, the lens cleaning supply tube 1028, and the irrigation tube 1032 may be pre-installed in the reservoir chamber 1006. For example, the gas supply tube 1026 and the lens cleaning supply tube 1028 may be slidably disposed within a first opening 1036 formed in the reservoir chamber 1006. The first opening 1036 may be generally aligned with the first connection location 1008. When the first container 1002 is coupled to the reservoir chamber 1006, the gas supply tube 1026 and the lens cleaning supply tube 1028 may be lowered into the interior 1014 of the first container 1002. The first opening 1036 may include a seal or gasket to provide a pressure-tight seal around the gas supply tube 1026. Similarly, the irrigation tube 1032 may be slidably disposed within a second opening 1038 formed in the reservoir chamber 1006. The second opening 1038 may be generally aligned with the second connection location 1010. When the second container 1004 is coupled to the reservoir chamber 1006, the irrigation tube 1032 may be lowered into the interior 1016 of the second container 1004. The second opening 1038 may include a seal or gasket to provide a pressure-tight seal around the irrigation tube 1032. However, in other embodiments, the gas supply tube 1026, the lens cleaning supply tube 1028, and / or the irrigation tube 1032 may bypass the reservoir chamber 1006 and be coupled to the first container 1002 and / or the second container 1004 at an alternative location.

[0101] The reservoir chamber 1006 may further include one or more supports 1044a, 1044b attached thereto. The supports 1044a, 1044b may be configured to engage one or more hooks, thereby allowing the reservoir system 1000 to be suspended or elevated off the ground. For example, the supports 1044a, 1044b may engage hooks on an IV stand. The supports 1044a, 1044b may be rings, hooks, clasps, or the like. While the supports 1044a, 1044b are shown as being positioned adjacent the top end of the reservoir chamber 1006, it is contemplated that the supports 1044a, 1044b may be positioned in other locations, such as, but not limited to, the underside of the reservoir chamber 1006. Additionally, while the illustrated embodiment includes two supports 1044a, 1044b, fewer or more than two supports may be provided as needed.

[0102] The reservoir system 1000 can be filled and refilled as needed. The first and second subchambers 1018a, 1018b can be filled individually or substantially simultaneously as needed by removing one or both of the seals 1024a, 1024b and coupling a water source to one or both of the ports 1022a, 1022b. In some embodiments, the ports 1022a, 1022b can include female threads or other coupling features configured to engage with mating male threads or other coupling features on the water source. In other embodiments, the ports 1022a, 1022b can be basins configured to receive a flow of water from the water source. For example, water can be poured from the water source into the ports 1022a, 1022b. In some cases, two or more water bottles can be used to fill the first subchamber 1018a and / or the second subchamber 1018b.

[0103] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary method 1100 for filling a refillable water reservoir. The method may be configured for use in an endoscope system and may include similar components to the endoscope and endoscope system described with respect to FIGS. 1-4, although not all features may be described or illustrated unless they are relevant to the system's fluid circuit. Existing components in the endoscope system 200 may be used to refill a water reservoir, such as water reservoirs 270, 305, and 405. As shown in block 1102, when the endoscope 100 is not in use, the user disconnects the end of the water supply line that is in fluid communication with the endoscope 100 from connector portion 265. The water supply line may be either lens wash line 245c or irrigation supply line 325c. Next, as shown in block 1104, the disconnected end of the water supply line may be placed in a water source (e.g., a water bottle) so as to be in fluid communication with the water therein. Next, as shown in block 1106, the flow of the water supply line and / or the pump may be adjusted. This adjustment can vary depending on whether the lens wash tube 245c or the irrigation supply tube 325c is used.

[0104] When the lens wash tube 245c is used, an intermediate portion of the lens wash tube 245c can be positioned within the pump. In some cases, the pump can be the irrigation pump 315. In other embodiments, a separate pump, such as a peristaltic pump, can be provided to pump water from the water source to the water reservoir 270, 305, 405. When the lens wash tube 245c is disposed within the pump, the direction of flow and / or the speed of the pump can be adjusted. For example, the direction of flow through the lens wash tube 245c during refilling of the water reservoir 270, 305, 405 is opposite the direction of flow during use of the endoscope 100.

[0105] The irrigation supply tube 325c may include an outflow check valve or one-way valve to prevent water from flowing back into the water reservoir. If such a valve is provided, the endoscope system 200 may include a bypass to allow backflow of water through the irrigation supply tube 325c, since the direction of flow through the irrigation supply tube 325c during refilling of the water reservoir 305, 405 is opposite the direction of flow during use of the endoscope 100. Because the irrigation supply tube 325c is already assembled with the irrigation pump 315, no adjustments to the middle section of the irrigation supply tube 325c may be required. The direction of the pump 315 may be reversed to reverse the flow of fluid through the irrigation supply tube 325c, and the speed of the pump 315 may be adjusted.

[0106] Once the water supply line is positioned and the pump is adjusted, the water reservoir 270, 305, 405 may be filled, as shown in block 1108. This may involve starting or operating the pump to pump water from the water bottle through the water supply line to the reservoir. The pump may be stopped when the water reservoir 270, 305, 405 is full or when the water source is empty. In some cases, more than one water bottle may be required to fill the water reservoir 270, 305, 405. In such cases, the pump may be stopped when the current water source is empty, the end of the water supply line may be transferred to a new or unused water source, and the pump may be restarted. This may be repeated for as many water sources or water bottles as necessary to fill the water reservoir 270, 305, 405.

[0107] Once the water reservoir 270, 305, 405 is full, the water supply line may be returned to its original configuration, as shown in block 1110. If the lens wash line 245c is being used, the lens wash line 245c may be removed from the pump. If the irrigation supply line 325c is being used, the one-way valve bypass is reversed to again prevent water from flowing back into the water reservoir. The irrigation pump 315 is returned to its original flow direction, and the speed may be adjusted to provide the desired flow rate for the endoscopic procedure. Finally, as shown in block 1112, the end of the water supply line may be disconnected from the water source and coupled with the connector portion 265.

[0108] As can be appreciated, the lengths of the irrigation, lens wash, gas supply, and alternate gas supply tubes can have any suitable size (e.g., diameter). The tube sizes (e.g., diameter) can also vary depending on the application. In one non-limiting embodiment, the irrigation supply tube can have an inner diameter of approximately 6.5 mm and an outer diameter of 9.7 mm. The lens wash supply tube can have an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm. The gas supply tube can have an inner diameter of approximately 2 mm and an outer diameter of 3.5 mm. The alternate gas supply tube can have an inner diameter of approximately 5 mm and an outer diameter of 8 mm.

[0109] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the disclosed apparatus without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with the scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

[0110] All devices and methods described herein are examples of devices and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present disclosure. These examples are merely examples, not the only ways of implementing these principles. Thus, references to elements, structures, or features in the drawings should be recognized as references to example embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the particular elements, structures, or features shown. Other examples of ways of implementing the disclosed principles may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0111] In the foregoing description and the claims, it should be understood that: As used herein, the terms "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions operating both conjunctively and disjunctively. The term "an" or "one or more" as used herein refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "one," "one or more," and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader in understanding this disclosure and / or serve to distinguish regions of associated elements from one another and do not limit the associated elements, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) should be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements, and relative movement between the elements, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to each other. Distinguishing references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, tertiary, quaternary, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0112] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and explanation and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form disclosed herein. Various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the disclosure. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components without departing from the concept, spirit, scope, or characteristics thereof. For example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, various features of certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the present disclosure may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be used with numerous modifications of the structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, components, and other aspects used in the implementation of the present disclosure that are specifically adapted to particular environments and operating requirements, without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple pieces, or elements shown as multiple pieces may be integrally formed, the operation of elements may be reversed or otherwise changed, the size or dimensions of elements may be changed, and features and components of various embodiments may be selectively combined. The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the claimed invention being indicated by the claims and not limited to the foregoing description.

[0113] The claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term "comprises / comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually recited, a plurality of means, elements, or method steps may be implemented by, for example, a single unit or processor. Also, although individual features may be included in different claims, these features may in some cases be advantageously combined, and their inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. Furthermore, reference to the singular does not exclude a plurality. Terms such as "a," "first," and "second" do not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A reservoir positioned and configured to couple to an endoscope for use in an endoscopic procedure, a first vessel configured to contain a fluid and having a first water outlet and a gas inlet; a second container configured to contain a fluid and having a second water outlet; a chamber in fluid communication with the first container and the second container, the chamber including one or more ports configured to selectively fluidly couple the chamber to an external water source; A storage unit comprising:

2. 10. The reservoir of claim 1, wherein the first container is threadably engaged with the chamber.

3. 3. A reservoir according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second container is in threaded engagement with the chamber.

4. a water supply line including a first end, a second end, and a first lumen, the first lumen extending through the water supply line and in fluid communication with the first container, the second end of the water supply line being located outside the chamber and the first container; a gas supply conduit including a first end, a second end, and a second lumen, the second lumen extending through the gas supply conduit and in operative fluid communication with the first container, the second end of the gas supply conduit being located outside the chamber and the first container; The reservoir of any one of claims 1 to 3 further comprising:

5. The reservoir of claim 4 , wherein the first lumen extends through the chamber.

6. 6. The reservoir of claim 4 or 5, wherein the second lumen extends through the chamber.

7. 7. The reservoir of claim 1, further comprising an irrigation supply tube having a first end, a second end, and an irrigation lumen, the irrigation lumen extending through the irrigation supply tube and in fluid communication with the second container, the second end of the irrigation supply tube being located outside the chamber and the second container.

8. The reservoir of claim 7 , wherein the irrigation lumen extends through the chamber.

9. The reservoir of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising one or more supports coupled to the chamber and configured to engage one or more hooks.

10. A reservoir according to any preceding claim, further comprising a divider located within the chamber, dividing the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber.

11. The reservoir of claim 10 , wherein the divider is configured to fluidly isolate the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber.

12. 12. The reservoir of claim 10 or 11, wherein the one or more ports are configured to selectively fluidly couple the first sub-chamber or the second sub-chamber to the external water source.

13. The reservoir of claim 12 , wherein the one or more ports include a first port in fluid communication with the first subchamber and a second port in fluid communication with the second subchamber.

14. 14. A reservoir according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the first sub-chamber is in fluid communication with the first container and the second sub-chamber is in fluid communication with the second container.

15. A reservoir according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more removable seals removably coupled to the one or more ports.

Images