Tubing connector for an endoscope system

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for connecting tubing to an endoscope. A connector for connecting tubing, such as a gas / lens irrigation tube, to a fluid port of an endoscope may include a first end that mates with the tubing and a second end that engages the fluid port of the endoscope. The connector may have a stabilizing component configured to facilitate securing the second end to the endoscope. In some cases, the connector may include a device coupling member configured to couple to the endoscope and a core structure that provides stability to the device coupling member and is configured to couple to the tubing. In some cases, the stabilizing component may include an actuator and a retention component that adjusts in response to actuation of the actuator.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to connector assemblies and methods, and more particularly to tubing connectors and methods for endoscopic systems. This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 399,528, filed August 18, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] A wide variety of intracorporeal and extracorporeal medical devices and systems have been developed for medical applications, such as endoscopic procedures. Some of these devices and systems include guidewires, catheters, catheter systems, endoscopic instruments, and the like. These devices and systems can be manufactured by any one of a variety of different manufacturing methods and used according to any one of a variety of different methods. Each of the known medical devices, systems, and methods has certain advantages and disadvantages. There remains a need to provide alternative medical devices and systems, as well as alternative methods for manufacturing and using the medical devices and systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing methods, and use alternatives for medical devices and systems. In a first embodiment, a connector for connecting a gas / lens irrigation tube to a fluid line of an endoscope may include a core configured to couple to the gas / lens irrigation tube, a device coupling member coupled to the core, the device coupling member defining a first port configured to mate with a first fluid port of an endoscope and a second port configured to mate with a second fluid port of the endoscope, and a stabilizing member configured to facilitate securing the device coupling member to the endoscope.

[0004] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the stabilizing member may include a ring within the first port. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the ring may have an inner surface that tapers towards the central axis of the first port.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the stabilizing member may include a ring and extend distally from the core into the first port. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the core and the stabilizing member may be a unitary part, the device coupling member extending over a portion of the unitary part.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the stabilizing member may include the strap and the strap connector, the strap configured to extend around an umbilical of the endoscope and couple to the strap connector.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the stabilizing member may include a slot extending between an outer surface of the device coupling member and the second port, the slot enabling engagement of the second port with the second fluid port through rotation of the device coupling member.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the stabilizing member may include an actuator and a retention piece in communication with the actuator, the retention piece being in a first configuration relative to the first port when the actuator is in a first position, and the retention piece being in a second configuration relative to the first port when the actuator is in a second position.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the stabilizing member may include a rigid outer member and an engagement member extending from the device coupling member. The first port may be configured to extend around the first fluid port of the endoscope. The rigid outer member is configured to engage the engagement member to secure the device coupling member to the endoscope.

[0010] In another example, a connector for connecting a tube to a fluid port of a medical device may include a first end configured to mate with the tube and including a first lumen and a second lumen coaxial with the first lumen, a second end including a first port in fluid communication with the first lumen and configured to engage with a first fluid port of the medical device, and a second port in fluid communication with the second lumen and configured to engage with a second fluid port of the medical device, and a stabilizing component configured to facilitate securing the second end to the medical device when the first port engages with the first fluid port.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the stabilization component may be configured as a ring within the first port, the ring configured to center the first fluid port within the first port and center the second fluid port within the second port.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the ring may be formed from a rigid material, and the first port and the second port are formed at least in part from a resilient material.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the first lumen and the second fluid lumen may form an elbow between the first end and the second end.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the stabilization component may include a tab at the first end extending transversely to the axis of the first lumen. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the stabilization component may include an elbow joint between the first end and the second end.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the first end may be formed from a rigid material, and the second end may be formed from an elastic material, the elastic material overlapping the rigid material.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the stabilizing component may include a holding component configured to engage a component of an endoscope system. In another example, a connector for connecting a tube to a fluid port of a medical device may include a first end configured to mate with the tube and including a first lumen and a second lumen coaxial with the first lumen, a second end including a first port in fluid communication with the first lumen and configured to engage a first fluid port of the medical device, and a second port in fluid communication with the second lumen and configured to engage a second fluid port of the medical device, an actuator, and a retention piece in communication with the actuator, wherein the retention piece may be configured to be adjusted to a fluid port engaged position within the first port in response to a first actuation of the actuator and to a fluid port disengaged position in response to a second actuation of the actuator.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the retention piece may be biased into the fluid port engaging position. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the material forming the second end may bias the retention piece into the fluid port engaging position.

[0018] 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.

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the 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]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of the components of an exemplary endoscope. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of components of an exemplary endoscopic system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary connector. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary connector. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a schematic end view of the exemplary connector shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector taken along line 7-7 of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary stabilizing member of a core component in a connector. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a connector with an exemplary stabilizing member. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line 10-10 of FIG. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary connector. [Figures 12A-12C] 12A-12C show schematic cross-sectional views of an exemplary connector for mating with a fluid port of an endoscope. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary connector. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary connector. [Figures 16A-16B] 16A and 16B show the example connector of FIG. 15 adjusted between a first position and a second position. [Figures 17A-17B] 17A and 17B show schematic diagrams of an exemplary connector in a first position and a second position. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary connector. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the connector taken along line 19-19 of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present disclosure will now be described 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 may be understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referred to with the same reference numerals.

[0022]

[0023] In this specification, all numerical values ​​are assumed to be modified by the term "about," whether explicitly stated or not. The term "about," in the context of numerical values, refers to a range of numerical values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would generally consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Other uses of the term "about" (e.g., in contexts other than numerical values) may be assumed to have their ordinary and accustomed definition(s) that are understood from and consistent with the context of this specification, unless otherwise specified.

[0023] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range, inclusive of the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). Although certain preferred dimensions, ranges, and / or values ​​for various components, features, and / or specifications are disclosed, one of ordinary skill in the art, given this disclosure, will understand that the desired dimensions, ranges, and / or values ​​may deviate from those explicitly disclosed.

[0024] As used in this specification and the claims, the singular form "a" or "an" includes plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For ease of understanding, some features of the present disclosure may be described in the singular even though those features may be multiple or repeated in the disclosed embodiment(s). Each instance of a plurality of features may include and / or be encompassed by a singular disclosure unless expressly stated to the contrary. For the sake of brevity and clarity, not all elements of the present disclosure are necessarily shown in every figure or described in detail below. It will be understood that the following description may apply equally to any and / or all of the components present in more than one instance, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Also, for clarity, not all instances of some elements or features are shown in every figure.

[0025] References herein to “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but that 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, those skilled in the art will recognize that such particular feature, structure, or characteristic also applies in connection with other embodiments, unless expressly stated to the contrary, whether explicitly stated or not. 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 those skilled in the art.

[0026] For purposes of clarity, certain numerical terms (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used throughout the specification and / or claims to name and / or distinguish between various features described and / or claimed. This numerical terminology is not intended to be limiting, but is merely exemplary. In some embodiments, variations on and departures from previously used numerical terminology may be made for brevity and clarity. That is, a feature identified as a "first" element may later be referred to as a "second," "third," etc., or may be omitted entirely, and / or a different feature may be referred to as the "first" element. The meaning and / or designation in each instance will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0027] The following detailed description is intended to illustrate, not limit, the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described can be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The detailed description illustrates exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Endoscopes are used to observe a target site within a body cavity of a subject by inserting the long shaft of the endoscope into the body cavity and, if necessary, to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures by inserting instruments / tools into a working channel within the long shaft of the endoscope. Such endoscopes or endoscopic systems may include a fluid / lens cleaning function configured to deliver a fluid, such as a gas (e.g., air, CO2), to the end of the endoscope to insufflate the interior of the subject at the target site. The lens cleaning mechanism may provide sterile water at a relatively high pressure to spray the endoscope's camera lens to remove debris from the camera lens. To rinse the target site of the subject, apart from the air / water supply function, the endoscope or endoscopic system may have an irrigation function that provides a lower pressure, higher volume of water delivered to the target site via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) to provide a clearer field of view for observation and treatment. The water source for the lens cleaning and / or irrigation mechanism may include one or more fluid reservoirs with tubing and cap assemblies that connect with endoscope channels, valves, and / or connectors to create tubing circuits to achieve the described gas and water functions.

[0029] Such tube and cap assemblies may be available in a variety of configurations, including a water bottle, a cap appropriate for the particular bottle, and an array of tubes extendable through openings in the cap. The tubes are typically arranged to accommodate a particular configuration of fittings and valves on the endoscope and are not often modular or optional.

[0030] Upon completion of an endoscopic procedure utilizing a lens cleaning, irrigation, and / or insufflation mechanism, the endoscope is replaced with a new one, and the tubing assembly can be coupled to the new endoscope via a connector between the endoscope (e.g., the endoscope umbilical) and the tubing for the lens cleaning, irrigation, and / or insufflation mechanism. In some cases, the connector can have rubberized features that connect to the endoscope via a friction fit onto the endoscope's fluid port. In some cases, the connector can leak while attached to the endoscope due to wear, manufacturing tolerances, and / or other reasons. Furthermore, because the connector can extend from the endoscope horizontally and / or parallel or substantially parallel to the floor, stresses can be applied to the connector due to gravity acting on a horizontally extending connector. The present disclosure describes various connectors and connector and / or tubing assemblies that address the above-mentioned problems and / or other issues with existing connectors.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary endoscope 100 is shown, and FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary endoscopic system 200. The endoscope 100 may include an elongated tube or shaft 100a configured to be inserted into a subject (e.g., a patient). Details of the endoscope 100 and the endoscopic system 200 may be fully described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0192479A1, entitled "TUBING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR FLUID DELIVERY," filed December 21, 2021, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0032] The light source 205 of the endoscope system 200 may provide illumination to the distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100. The distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100 may house an imager (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imager) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) may be located within a video processing unit 210 that 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 may also serve as a component of an air / water supply circuit by housing a pressure pump 215, such as an air supply pump, within the unit 210. Other suitable pumps for the air / water supply circuit are also contemplated.

[0033] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c (e.g., a distal tip unit) located at a distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a and a flexible curved portion 105 located proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible curved portion 105 may include an articulation joint (not shown) to assist in steering the distal tip 100c. A gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 is located on an end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 for supplying gas for insufflation inside the subject at the treatment site or water for cleaning the lens covering the imaging device. Irrigation openings 225 on the end face 100d provide irrigation fluid to the treatment area of ​​the subject. Also included on face 100d of distal tip 100c may be an illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment area, and an opening 230 to a working channel 235 that extends along shaft 100a for passing a tool to the treatment area. Working channel 235 may extend along shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 positioned distally of operating handle 115 (e.g., proximal handle) of endoscope 100. Biopsy valve 120 may be utilized to seal channel opening 110 against undesired fluid outflow.

[0034] The operating handle 115 may include knobs 125 (e.g., one knob may control up / down steering and another knob may control left / right steering) for providing remote four-way steering of the distal tip via wires connected to articulation joints in the flexible curved portion 105. A plurality of video switches 130 may be located on the proximal side of the handle 115 for remotely operating the video processing unit 210.

[0035] The handle 115 may be provided with dual valve positions 135. One of these valve positions 135 may receive a gas / water valve 140 for operating the insufflation gas and lens water supplies. A gas supply line 240a and a lens cleaning solution supply line 245a extend distally from the gas / water valve 140 along the shaft 100a and meet at a distal tip 100c proximal to the gas / irrigation nozzle 220 (FIG. 2).

[0036] The other valve position 135 may receive a suction valve 145 for actuating a suction operation. A suction supply line 250a may extend distally from the suction valve 145 along the shaft 100a to a junction in fluid communication with the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0037] The operating handle 115 may be 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 may include 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), an electrical signal cable (not shown), and / or other suitable lines, guides, and / or cables. 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 to transmit 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 .

[0038] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) may be fluidly connected to endoscope 100 via connector portion 265 and umbilical 260. Gas supply tube 240c may extend a length from one end located within a gap 275 between top 280 (e.g., a bottle cap) of reservoir 270 and remaining water 285 in the reservoir to a connector 290 outside connector portion 265. Gas feed line 240b from umbilical 260 branches within connector portion 265 and is in fluid communication with gas supply tube 240c at detachable connector 290 and air pump 215. Lens wash tube 245c, one end of which is located at the bottom of reservoir 270, may extend a length through top 280 of reservoir 270 to the same detachable connector 290 as gas supply tube 240c at connector portion 265. In other embodiments, these connections may be separate and / or may be separated from one another. Connector portion 265 may also have 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. In some configurations, irrigation water may be supplied via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) from a water source (not shown) that is independent of water reservoir 270. In other embodiments, irrigation supply tubing and lens wash tubing 245c may be supplied with water from the same reservoir. Connector portion 265 may also include removable suction connections 295 for suction feed line 250b and suction supply line 250a that fluidly connect a vacuum source (e.g., a hospital suction unit) (not shown) to umbilical 260 and endoscope 100.

[0039] Gas feed line 240b and lens cleaning solution feed line 245b may be fluidly connected to valve position 135 for gas / water valve 140, and may be configured such that actuation of gas / water valve 140 in this well controls the supply of gas or lens cleaning solution to distal tip 100c of endoscope 100. Suction feed line 250b is fluidly connected to valve position 135 for suction valve 145, and may be configured such that actuation of suction valve 145 in this well controls the suction applied to working channel 235 of endoscope 100.

[0040] The gas supply tube 240c and the lens wash tube 245c may be coupled in a coaxial relationship, although this is not required. In one example, the gas supply tube 240c may define a lumen having a diameter large enough to include a small diameter lens wash tube 245c coaxially housed therein and to supply air to a water source in an annular space surrounding the lens wash tube to pressurize a water reservoir (e.g., the gas tube 240c and the lens wash supply tube 245c as configured in the connector 290 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). The lens wash supply tube 245c may be configured to exit the lumen defined by the coaxial gas supply tube with any suitable sealing method, such as, for example, a restrictor, a fitting, a collar, and / or a link, to effect a transition from a coaxial to a parallel arrangement of the detachable gas / lens wash connection to the endoscope connector portion 265. In one example, a joint for such a transition is shown in Figures 3 and 4 as connector 290 (eg, a coaxial split connector, although other suitable connector configurations are contemplated).

[0041] 3 and 4 , in one configuration, connector 290 may be in the form of a coaxial split connector configured to couple directly or indirectly at a first end 290a (e.g., a proximal end) to coaxial tube 410 and to couple at a second end 290b (e.g., a distal end) to umbilical 260 (e.g., connector 265 of umbilical 260) of endoscopic system 200. For example, with respect to the configuration shown in FIG. 4 , connector 290 may be coupled directly or indirectly to the endoscope end (e.g., distal end) of coaxial tube 410, thereby coupling the coaxial portion of tube 410 to endoscope 100 via connector 290. In use, connector 290 may allow flow to transition between the coaxial and parallel configurations using flow path K through ports 292 (e.g., a first port 292a for water and a second port 292b for gas), as shown in FIG. In some cases, first port 292 a and second port 292 b may be parallel to one another, although this is not required and other suitable relative positions of first port 292 a and second port 292 b are contemplated. Although connector 290 is shown in FIG. 4 as a coaxial split connector, other suitable connectors 290 may be configured to connect parallel tubes or a single tube to umbilical 260 of endoscopic system 200, as desired.

[0042] In some cases, port 292 may include one or more features configured to facilitate engagement of connector 290 with a fluid port of endoscopic system 200. As shown in FIG. 4 , port 292 may include a feature such as a coupling 299 (e.g., ribs, ridges, etc.) configured to engage with a male feature of a fluid port of an endoscopic system. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more features configured to engage with a fluid port of endoscopic system 200 may take one or more other suitable configurations, including, but not limited to, a one-way valve, a duckbill valve, and / or other suitable features configured to engage with a fluid port of endoscopic system 200.

[0043] 5-19 are configured to improve upon current gas (e.g., air, etc.) and liquid (e.g., water) connectors in endoscopic systems. For example, the disclosed connectors 290 may be configured to prevent or reduce leaks at connections between tubing and the umbilical of an endoscopic system, reduce stress on tubing extending proximally from the connector 290, improve the ergonomics of the connector 290 associated with plugging and unplugging the connector 290 to an endoscope umbilical, reduce the likelihood of cross-contamination when the connector 290 is used for multiple procedures on different subjects, and / or provide one or more other suitable advantages, including, but not limited to, those described herein.

[0044] 5-7 show schematic diagrams of an exemplary connector 290 having a core 296, a device coupling member 298, and a stabilizing member 300. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of connector 290. FIG. 6 is a schematic end view of connector 290 shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of connector 290 taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

[0045] In some cases, significant force may be required to couple the port 292 of the connector 290 to the fluid port of the umbilical via a friction fit or other suitable type of connection; therefore, if the connector is not properly centered relative to the fluid port of the umbilical, the connector 290 may be damaged at or around the port 292. In some cases, damage to or around the port 292 may lead to fluid leakage along the port 292. The connector 290 shown in FIGS. 5-7 may include a stabilizing member 300 within the first port 292a. The stabilizing member 300 is configured to facilitate centering of the first port 292a relative to the first fluid port of the umbilical and to prevent the device coupling member 298 of the connector 290 from being scraped and / or otherwise deformed due to the force required to couple the first fluid port to the first port 292a. The stabilizing member 300 can facilitate centering the first port 292a relative to the first fluid port (i.e., centering the first fluid port within the first port 292a), thereby facilitating centering the second fluid port within the second port 292b or centering the second fluid port relative to the second port 292b.

[0046] In some cases, the stabilizing member 300 may be ring-shaped and may form the proximal end and / or support structure of the first port 292a. The ring-shaped stabilizing member 300 may be configured to position the center of the first port 292a relative to the first fluid port of the umbilical and facilitate engaging or securing the first port 292a to the first fluid port of the umbilical. The ring-shaped stabilizing member 300 may support the shape of the first port 292a by providing a rigid support structure for the first port 292a.

[0047] 7 shows a connector 290 comprising a core portion 296, a device coupling member 298 extending over the core portion 296 (e.g., the material of the device coupling member 298 may overlap the material of the core portion 296), and a stabilizing member 300 that may extend from the core portion 296. In some cases, the core portion 296 may be part of the stabilizing member 300 or may be integrally or monolithically formed with the stabilizing member 300 (e.g., the core portion 296 and the stabilizing member 300 may be a unitary component), although this is not required; the core portion 296 and the stabilizing member 300 may be formed separately.

[0048] Core 296 may be configured to provide a core or support structure for connector 290, as well as a mechanism for isolating the lumens of coaxial tubes coupled to the proximal or first end 290a of connector 290. Core 296 may extend from first end 290a of connector 290 to the proximal end of port 292, although this is not required.

[0049] In some cases, core 296 may have one or more ribs 297 extending radially outward from the portion of core 296 defining lumen or tube 240c, 245c to provide support for the material of device coupling member 298. The distal-most rib 297 of core 296 may form a rigid proximal surface and / or support for port 292. The proximal-most rib 297 may form a proximal support surface that stabilizes connector 290 when connector 290 is connected with a fluid port of an umbilical. Alternatively or additionally, proximal-most rib 297 may provide a surface upon which device coupling member 298 may be formed on core 296.

[0050] The stabilizing member 300 may extend distally from the core portion 296 into the first port 292a. Although other suitable configurations are contemplated, the stabilizing member 300 may include one or more posts 302 and a ring 304. In some cases, one or more of the posts 302 may extend distally from the core portion 296 into the first port 290a of the connector 292. The post may support the ring 304 within the first port 292a.

[0051] 7, the inner periphery of the ring 304 can have a tapered surface 306 that tapers toward the central axis in a direction of inserting the umbilical's fluid port into the first port 292a. The tapered surface 306 can facilitate locating the center of the first port 292a relative to the umbilical's first fluid port, which can facilitate locating the center of the second port 292b relative to the umbilical's second fluid port.

[0052] The core portion 296 and stabilizing member 300 shown in Figures 5-7 may be formed from any suitable material. In some cases, one or more materials of the core portion 296 and / or stabilizing member 300 may be more rigid relative to the rigidity of the material of the device coupling member 298. Exemplary suitable materials for the core portion 296 and / or stabilizing member 300 of Figures 5-7 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of metal, polymer, composite, liquid crystal polymer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, and / or other suitable rigid materials. In one example, the core portion 296 may be formed from polycarbonate, although this is not required.

[0053] The device coupling member 298 may completely or at least partially define the port 292 of the connector 290. In some cases, the device coupling member 298 may define one or more of the multiple ports 292 together with the core portion 296 and / or the stabilizing member 300 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 5-7), although this is not required.

[0054] The device coupling member 298 may be formed from any suitable elastic or resilient material configured to provide a friction fit with the fluid port of the umbilical. Exemplary elastic and / or resilient materials suitable for forming the device coupling member 298 include, but are not limited to, one or more of a polymer, a composite, a rubber, an elastomer, a silicone, a polyetheramide (PEBA) block copolymer (e.g., PEBAX or other suitable PEBA block copolymer), an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and / or other suitable materials. In one example, the device coupling member 298 may be formed from a TPE, although this is not required.

[0055] The device coupling member 298 may be configured to couple to the core portion 296 and / or the stabilizing member 300 in any suitable manner. In some cases, the device coupling member 298 may be overmolded onto the core portion 296 and / or the stabilizing member 300, although this is not required, and the device coupling member 298 may be coupled to the core portion 296 and / or the stabilizing member 300 in one or more other suitable manners.

[0056] 8 shows a schematic diagram of a core portion 296 and a stabilization member 300 extending distally from the core portion 296. The proximal-most rib 297 of the core portion 296 may have a larger surface area than the other ribs 297 and may be configured to support a device coupling member 298, as described above, but this is not required. The distal-most rib 297 may have a smaller surface area than the other ribs 297 and may be configured to form the proximal end of the port 292, as described above, but this is not required. In some cases, the core portion 296 may extend proximally from the distal-most rib 297 and may be configured to form the proximal end of the first port 292a.

[0057] The core portion 296 may have a first or proximal end 296a and a second or distal end 296b. The proximal end 296a of the core portion 296 may be configured to receive a coaxial tube. The coaxial tube may engage the proximal end 296a and extend over the core portion 296 until it reaches a stop 308, although this is not required and the coaxial tube may engage the core portion 296 and / or the connector 290 in one or more other suitable manners.

[0058] 9 and 10 illustrate an exemplary configuration of a connector 290 having a stabilizing feature or member 300 within a device coupling member 298. Similar to that described above with respect to the connector 290 of FIGS. 5-7, the device coupling member 298 may at least partially define a plurality of ports 292 and may be formed from a resilient material configured to provide a friction fit with the fluid ports of the umbilical. While a core is omitted from the connector 290 illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, this is not required, and a core 296 similar to that shown in FIG. 8 and / or other suitable cores may be utilized to support the device coupling member 298.

[0059] 9, the stabilizing member 300 of the connector 290 may include a slot 310 extending radially inward from an outer surface 311 of the device coupling member 298 to a second port 292b (e.g., a gas port or other suitable port) and extending proximally inward from an end surface 313. The configuration of the slot 310 may facilitate the second port 292b initially receiving the fluid port of the umbilical in response to rotation of the connector 290.

[0060] Slot 310 may have any suitable depth. In some cases, slot 310 may have a depth sufficient to allow first port 292a to receive and be centered relative to a first fluid port of the umbilical and further allow a second fluid port of the umbilical to engage second port 292b through slot 310.

[0061] In operation, the first fluid port of the umbilical can be inserted into the first port 292a of the connector 290 without the second port 292b necessarily aligning with the second fluid port of the umbilical. Once the first fluid port is partially inserted and centered within the first port 292a of the connector 290, the connector 290 can be rotated. As the connector 290 rotates, the second fluid port can be received in the slot 310 and the second port 292b. In some cases, the connector 290 can be rotated clockwise to engage the second fluid port, but this is not required. Once the connector 290 is rotated to a position where the second port 292b contacts the second fluid port of the umbilical, the connector 290 can be advanced further (e.g., distally) over the first and second fluid ports to fully connect the connector 290 to the umbilical, such that the coupling 299 engages the external coupling on the fluid port. In some cases, the coupling 299 may be omitted.

[0062] 11 shows an exemplary configuration of a connector 290 having a stabilizing mechanism or member 300 configured to wrap around and engage a first locking mechanism 312 (e.g., first strap connector) on the connector portion 265 of the umbilical 260 and / or a second locking mechanism 314 (e.g., second strap connector) on the core portion 296 and / or device coupling member 298 of the umbilical 260. The stabilizing member 300 may take the form of a belt or strap 316. The stabilizing member 300 may extend from one or both of the core portion 296 and the device coupling member 298 of the connector 290, as desired.

[0063] The strap 316 may include one or more engagement features 318 configured to engage with one or both of the first locking feature 312 and the second locking feature 314. The engagement feature 318 may be any suitable feature configured to engage with one or both of the first locking feature 312 and the second locking feature 314. The engagement feature 318 may include, but is not limited to, a hole, a tab, a button, a snap, a clasp, a protrusion, and / or other suitable engagement feature. In one example, the first engagement feature 318a may include a hole configured to engage with the first locking feature 312 (e.g., a post, a protrusion, and / or other suitable locking feature). And, the second engagement feature 318b may include a protrusion configured to engage with the second locking feature 314 (e.g., a hole, an opening, a loop, and / or other suitable locking feature). However, other configurations of the locking features 312, 314 and the engagement feature 318 are also envisioned. Connector 290 and / or connector 265 of umbilical 260 may include one or more buckles or openings through which strap 316 can be threaded, although this is not required.

[0064] In operation, a user may engage first port 292a with first fluid port 266 of (e.g., extending therefrom) connector 265 of umbilical 260 and second port 292b with second fluid port 268 of (e.g., extending therefrom) connector 265. Once engaged, strap 316 may be extended around connector 265 of umbilical 260 and first engagement feature 318a may engage first locking feature 312. Also, strap 316 may be extended further around connector 265 and back to core portion 296 and / or device coupling component 298 and second engagement feature 318b may engage second locking feature 314. Such a configuration allows the connector 290 to be pressed against the connector 265 during use, preventing the connector 290 from disengaging from the umbilical 260 and reducing forces acting on the device coupling member 298 caused by gravity and tubing extending proximally from the connector 290. Additionally, when the strap 316 is utilized as the stabilizing member 300, the first and second ports 292 may be designed to have less interference and / or friction with the fluid ports 266, 268 of the umbilical 260. This may allow the device coupling member 298 to more easily engage the fluid ports 266, 268 than when a tight friction fit is required to connect the connector 290 to the fluid ports 266, 268.

[0065] In some cases, the configuration of connector 290 may include an actuatable stabilizing member 300 that may be configured to adjust relative to device coupling member 298. In one example, stabilizing member 300 may be adjusted to facilitate receiving and further engaging a fluid port from an endoscope umbilical. FIGS. 12A-12C show schematic cross-sectional views of connector 290 including stabilizing member 300 that may be actuatable to facilitate receiving, engaging, and disengaging one or more fluid ports of an endoscope. While connector 290 is shown in FIGS. 12A-12C without a core portion, connector 290 shown in FIGS. 12A-12C may include a core portion configured similarly to core portion 296 or a core portion configured differently from core portion 296.

[0066] The connector 290 with the stabilizing member 300 shown in FIGS. 12A-12C can be configured to receive, engage, and be adjusted to disengage from a fluid port of an endoscope umbilical (e.g., first fluid port 266 and / or other suitable fluid port having engagement mechanism 267). In some cases, the stabilizing member 300 can include an actuator 320 and a biasing member 322. Although FIGS. 12A-12C show the stabilizing member 300 in the first port 292a and configured to receive the first fluid port 266, the stabilizing member 300 can be positioned in other ports of the connector 290 and configured to receive other fluid ports of the endoscope umbilical, as desired.

[0067] The actuator 320 may be configured to extend through a slot 324 that leads from the exterior of the device coupling member 298 to the port 292 (e.g., first port 292a and / or other suitable port) of the connector 290 and / or through the port 292. Alternatively or additionally, the actuatable portion of the actuator 320 may be embedded within the material of the device coupling member 298, which is configured to allow the actuator 320 to be actuated through the material.

[0068] Actuator 320 may include an opening 326 configured to receive a fluid port of the umbilical. In some cases, opening 326 may be in a retention piece 336 of actuator 320, a retention piece 336 coupled to actuator 320, or may be located within retention piece 336. The position of retention piece 336 may be adjusted in response to actuation of actuator 320.

[0069] Opening 326 may have any suitable shape and / or size configured to receive a fluid port when actuator 320 is in the actuated position and to engage a fluid port when actuator 320 is in the rest position. In one example, opening 326 may be circular or substantially circular and sized to receive a fluid port, although this is not required.

[0070] The biasing member 322 can be located within the slot 324 proximate the port 292a of the connector 290. The biasing member 322 can be any suitable type of biasing member configured to facilitate biasing the actuator 320 and / or the retention piece 336 to a resting or engaged position and to facilitate movement of the actuator 320 from a resting or engaged position to an actuated position to receive and / or disengage a fluid port from the stabilization member 300. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12C , the biasing mechanism 322 can be a spring within the slot 324. In another example, the biasing mechanism 322 can be a material of the device coupling member 298 having a spring constant configured to facilitate movement of the actuator 320 and / or the retention piece 336 as described herein. In a further example, the biasing mechanism 322 can be a material having a spring constant inserted within the slot 324 and configured to facilitate movement of the actuator 320 as described herein. The material inserted within the slot 324 may be the same or different from the material of the device coupling member 298 that defines the slot 324. Other suitable configurations for the biasing mechanism 322 are also envisioned.

[0071] 12A-12C illustrate the process of coupling connector 290 with first fluid port 266. Figure 12A illustrates actuator 320 and retention piece 336 of stabilizing member 300 in a first position (e.g., a resting position or a biased position) that may be configured to engage a fluid port of an endoscope.

[0072] 12B shows the actuator 320 and / or retention piece 336 actuated to a second position (e.g., a receiving position or an actuated position) in the direction of arrow A such that the first fluid port 266 may be inserted into the first port 292a by adjusting the connector 290 in the direction of arrow B and advancing the first fluid port 266 through the opening 326 of the actuator 320. When the actuator 320 is actuated in the direction of arrow A, the biasing mechanism 322 may be compressed.

[0073] FIG. 12C shows the first fluid port 266 fully inserted into the first port 292a through the opening 326 and / or retention piece 336 of the actuator 320 such that the engagement feature 267 is aligned with the opening 326. When the force acting on the biasing mechanism 322 in the direction of arrow A is removed from the actuator 320, the actuator 320 may be adjusted (e.g., biased) in the direction of arrow C. This may cause the actuator 320 to engage (e.g., clip and / or otherwise engage) with the engagement feature 267 of the first fluid port 266. In some cases, the biasing mechanism 322 may automatically adjust the actuator 320 in the direction of arrow C when the force in the direction of arrow A is removed from the actuator 320, although this is not required. To disengage the connector 290 from the first fluid port, the steps of FIGS. 12A-12C may be reversed.

[0074] Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a connector 290 including a stabilizing member 300 that can be actuated to facilitate receiving, engaging, and disengaging one or more fluid ports of an endoscope. Although connector 290 is shown without a core portion in Figure 13, connector 290 shown in Figure 13 can include a core portion configured similarly to core portion 296 or a core portion configured differently from core portion 130.

[0075] The connector 290 comprising the stabilizing member 300 shown in FIG. 13 can be configured to be adjusted to receive, engage, and disengage a fluid port (e.g., a first fluid port 266 and / or other suitable fluid port having an engagement feature 267, such as a protrusion as shown in FIG. 13, a slot as shown in FIGS. 12A-12C, and / or other suitable configuration) from an umbilical of an endoscope. In some cases, the stabilizing member 300 can include an actuator 320 having a first component 320a and a second component 320b. The first and second components 320a, 320b are configured to pivot about a pin 328. In some cases, the distal end of the actuator 320 (e.g., the distal ends of the first and second components 320a, 320b) can form a retaining piece(s) 336 configured to engage one or more fluid ports of an endoscope.

[0076] In the configuration of connector 290 shown in Figure 13, the material of device coupling component 298 may be resilient and have a spring constant such that it may act as a biasing mechanism on actuator 320 to bias actuator 320 and / or retention component 336 configured to engage with the fluid port of the umbilical to the rest position shown in Figure 13. Alternatively or additionally, one or more biasing mechanisms (e.g., springs and / or other suitable biasing mechanisms) may be utilized to bias first actuator component 320a and second actuator component 320b to the rest position.

[0077] In operation, a user may adjust the actuator 320 and / or retention piece 336 from a first position (e.g., a closed or rest position) to a second position (e.g., an open, receiving, or engaged position) by engaging the first and second actuator components 320a, 320b and applying a force (e.g., a clamping or squeezing force or movement, and / or other suitable movement, to the actuator components 320a, 320b) in the direction of arrow F. When in the second position, the connector 290 may be moved in the direction of arrow B toward the first fluid port 292 until the engagement feature 267 is located within the first port 266a, such that the actuator 320 and / or retention piece 336 may engage or couple with the engagement feature 267 of the first fluid port 266. Then, once first fluid port 266 is fully inserted into first port 292a and actuator 320, the force in the direction of arrow F may be removed, urging actuator 320 and / or retention piece 336 to a first position to engage engagement feature 267 of first fluid port 266. Although FIG. 13 shows stabilizing member 300 in first port 292a, which may be configured to receive first fluid port 266, stabilizing member 300 may be positioned in other ports of connector 290 and configured to receive other fluid ports of the endoscope umbilical, as desired.

[0078] 13 can be any suitable type of material configured to bias the actuator 320 to a resting position and to minimize or reduce the likelihood of the actuator 320 unintentionally opening a fluid port. Examples of suitable materials for the device coupling member 298 include, but are not limited to, one or more of flexible materials, materials that provide a sealing function, elastomeric materials, EPDM, silicone, PEBA block copolymers, and / or other suitable materials.

[0079] 13 may be made of any suitable type of material configured to be biased by the device coupling member 298 and / or other suitable biasing mechanism material. Examples of suitable materials for the actuator 320 and / or retaining piece 336 include, but are not limited to, one or more of ABS, PP, PVC, polycarbonate, and / or other suitable materials. In one example, the actuator 320 and / or retaining piece 336 may be formed from PVC, although this is not required.

[0080] Figure 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of connector 290 including a stabilizing member 300 that can be actuated to provide a secure engagement between connector 290 and one or more fluid ports of an endoscope. Although connector 290 is shown in Figure 14 without a core portion, connector 290 shown in Figure 14 can include a core portion configured similarly to core portion 296 or a core portion configured differently from core portion 296.

[0081] The connector 290 comprising the stabilizing member 300 shown in FIG. 14 can be configured to be adjusted to receive, engage, and disengage a fluid port of an endoscope umbilical (e.g., a first fluid port 266 having an engagement feature 267, such as a protrusion as shown in FIG. 14 and / or other suitable configuration). In some cases, the stabilizing member 300 can include an outer member or outer component 330, one or more first engagement members or features 332 (e.g., barbs or extensions) extending from the device coupling member 298, and one or more second engagement features or components 334 extending radially inward from an inner surface of the outer component 330.

[0082] 14 , the material of the device coupling member 298 may be resilient and / or elastic such that as the first port 292a of the device coupling member 298 moves in the direction of arrow B and extends over the first fluid port 266, the material of the device coupling member 298 may flex around and engage the first fluid port 266 and the engagement feature 267. In some cases, the tapered surface of the first engagement feature 332 may engage the tapered surface of the second engagement feature 334, compressing the material of the device coupling member 298 tightly around the first fluid port in response to engagement with the first engagement feature 332. However, other suitable configurations are contemplated.

[0083] The first engagement feature 332 can extend completely around the circumference of the device coupling member 298, and / or one or more first engagement features 332 can be spaced apart from one another along the circumference of the device coupling member 298 (e.g., two spaced apart first engagement features 332 as shown in FIG. 14 ). The first engagement feature 332 can have a tapered surface that tapers inwardly in the direction of arrow B and a stepped surface proximal to the tapered surface that is configured to engage the second engagement feature 334 to prevent backing out of the device coupling member 298 from the outer component 330.

[0084] The second engagement feature 334 can extend completely around the inner circumference of the outer component 330, and / or one or more second engagement features 334 can be spaced apart from one another along the inner circumference of the outer component 330 (e.g., two spaced apart second engagement features 334 as shown in FIG. 14 ). The second engagement feature 334 can have a tapered surface that tapers inwardly in the direction of arrow B and a stepped surface distal to the tapered surface that is configured to engage the first engagement feature 332 and prevent backout of the device coupling member 298 from the outer component 330.

[0085] The outer component 330 can be configured to receive the device coupling member 298 and secure the device coupling member 298 therein through engagement of the first and second engagement features 332, 334. The outer component 330 can have an inner diameter of a first distance proximal to the second engagement feature 334 and an inner diameter of a second distance less than the first distance distal to the second engagement feature 334. This allows the outer component 330 to compress the material of the device coupling member 298 against the first fluid port 266 when the steps of the first and second engagement features 332, 334 engage and the first engagement feature abuts an inner surface of the outer component 330 defining the second distance.

[0086] 14 may be any suitable type of material that is rigid yet flexible to allow bending when engaging and / or disengaging the outer component 330 with the device coupling member 298. Examples of suitable materials for the actuator 320 include, but are not limited to, ABS, PP, PVC, polycarbonate, and / or other suitable materials. In one example, the actuator 320 may be formed from PVC, although this is not required.

[0087] The material of the device coupling member 298 of the connector 290 shown in Figure 14 can be any suitable type of material configured to resiliently flex in response to forces acting thereon. Examples of suitable materials for the device coupling member 298 include, but are not limited to, elastomeric materials, EPDM, silicone, PEBA block copolymers, and / or other suitable materials.

[0088] In operation, a user may advance the outer component 330 and device coupling member 298 in the direction of arrow B to engage the first fluid port 266. Once the outer component contacts the umbilical connector (not shown in FIG. 14 ), the device coupling member 298 may be further advanced in the direction of arrow B around the first fluid port 266. As the device coupling member 298 advances, the first engagement feature 332 (e.g., the tapered surface of the first engagement feature 332 and / or other portions of the first engagement feature 332) may extend radially outward from the device coupling member 298 and engage with the second engagement feature 334 (e.g., the tapered surface of the second engagement feature 334 and / or other portions of the second engagement feature 334) extending radially inward from the outer part 330, thereby compressing the material of the device coupling member 298 around the engagement feature 267 of the first fluid port 266 and securing the connector 290 to the first fluid port 266.

[0089] To release the connector 290 from the first fluid port, a radially inward pinching or squeezing force or other suitable force may be applied to the outer surface of the outer part 330. This may cause the device coupling member 298 to adjust in a direction opposite arrow B, thereby disengaging the first and second engagement mechanisms and removing or disengaging the device coupling member 298 from the first fluid port 266. In some cases, when a pinching or squeezing force is applied to the outer part 330, the first and second engagement mechanisms are displaced to allow removal of the device coupling member 298 from the first fluid port 266 and / or the outer part 330. Although connection of the connector 290 to the fluid ports is described with respect to the first port 292a and is shown configured to couple to the first fluid port 266 in FIG. 14 , the stabilizing member 300 may be positioned in other ports of the connector 290 and configured to receive other fluid ports of an endoscope umbilical, as desired.

[0090] 15-16B illustrate a connector 290 having a stabilizing member 300 with an actuator 320 configured to adjust a retention feature 336 (e.g., a clip and / or other suitable retention feature) between a first position configured to receive a fluid port and a second position configured to engage or couple with the received fluid port. FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic perspective view of the connector 290, and FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate schematic perspective views of the components of the stabilizing member 300. In FIGS. 16A and 16B, the device coupling feature 298 is shown in dashed lines to provide a perspective view of the components of the stabilizing member 300. While FIGS. 15-16B illustrate the connector 290 without a core portion, the connector 290 illustrated in FIGS. 15-16B may include a core portion configured similarly to or different from the core portion 296.

[0091] The stabilizing member 300 configuration shown in FIGS. 15-16B may include an actuator 320, a retaining piece 336, and a shaft 338. The shaft 338 may rotate in response to actuation of the actuator 320. In some cases, the distal end face (e.g., the face facing the umbilical connector) may include an opening 340 for receiving the distal end of the shaft 338, although this is not required, and the shaft 338 may remain within the device coupling member 298. The stabilizing member configuration shown in FIGS. 15-16B may operate similarly to a click-activated pen and / or other similar actuation mechanisms, although this is not required.

[0092] 16A shows the retention element 336 in a second position configured to engage a fluid port received from an endoscope within the first port 292a. In addition to the actuator 320, retention element 336, and shaft 338, the illustrated configuration of the stabilization member 300 may include, among other suitable elements, a first thrust element 342 and a second thrust element 344. In some cases, the first thrust element 342 may be configured to rotate about the shaft 338. The second thrust element 344 may be configured to rotate with the shaft 338 in response to movement of the first thrust element 342.

[0093] The retention piece 336 may be any suitable type of retention piece 336 configured to adjust between a first position and a second position. As shown in FIG. 16A , the retention piece 336 may have a first portion 336a, a second portion 336b, and an intermediate portion 336c. The first portion 336a and the second portion 336b may be rounded or may have one or more other suitable configurations configured to receive a fluid port from an endoscope. In some cases, the first portion 336a may be configured to adjust between a first position configured to receive a fluid port and a second position configured to engage the fluid port. The first portion 336a may be positioned within the first port 292a of the connector 290, and the second portion 336b may be positioned within the second port 292b of the connector 290, although this is not required.

[0094] The retention piece 336 may be formed from any suitable material having or configured to be biased. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, metals, polymers, composites, alloys, shape memory materials, plastics, stainless steel, nickel-titanium alloys (e.g., Nitinol), and / or other suitable materials. If the retention piece 336 is not formed from a shape memory material or is not resilient, the retention piece 336 may be configured to be biased to one or more positions by a biasing mechanism (e.g., a spring and / or other suitable biasing mechanism). In some cases, the retention piece 336 may be biased to a fluid port engaging position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 16A ).

[0095] First thrust component 342 may have any suitable configuration configured to rotate about shaft 338 in response to actuation of actuator 320. In some cases, first thrust component 342 may have a substantially rounded cross-section. Also, first thrust component 342 may have a chamfered distal surface or end that may be configured to engage a chamfered proximal surface or end of second thrust component 344.

[0096] Second thrust component 344 may have any suitable configuration configured to rotate with shaft 338 in response to actuation of actuator 320. In some cases, second thrust component 344 may have an oval or elliptical cross-section. Second thrust component 344 may also have a chamfered proximal surface or end that may be configured to engage with a chamfered distal surface or end of second thrust component 344. The oval or elliptical cross-sectional shape of second thrust component 344 may be configured such that an outer surface of second thrust component 344 may engage retaining component 336 to adjust retaining component 336 from a first position to a second position in response to actuation of actuator 320. As shown in FIG. 16A, the second thrust piece 344 is adjusted so that its outer surface, which defines the first height, contacts the intermediate portion 336c of the retaining piece 336, thereby positioning the second portion 336b of the retaining piece 336 in a second position and engaging with the received fluid port (e.g., engaging with an engagement feature or other suitable feature of the received fluid port).

[0097] FIG. 16B shows the actuator 320 actuated in the direction of arrow D. Actuation of the actuator 320 rotates the first thrust component 342 about the shaft 338 such that the distal end of the first thrust component 342 engages the proximal end of the second thrust component 344, rotating the second thrust component 344 with the shaft 338 to the position shown in FIG. 16B. In the position shown in FIG. 16B, the second thrust component 344 is adjusted such that its outer surface, which defines a second height, contacts the intermediate portion 336c of the retaining component 336, thereby positioning the second portion 336b of the retaining component 336 in the first position and receiving the fluid port through the second portion 336b. The second height may be greater than the first height of the second thrust component. 16A and 16B , the second portion 336b of the retention piece 336 is adjusted relative to the first height-defining surface of the second thrust piece 344 when the second height-defining surface is in contact with the intermediate portion 336c of the retention piece 336. To return the retention and stabilizing members to the second position for engagement with the fluid port, the actuator 320 may be further actuated in the direction of arrow D and / or may be actuated in one or more other suitable manners. While the second portion 336b of the retention piece 336 is shown adjusted relative to the first port 292a in FIGS. 16A and 16B , the retention piece 336 may be configured to adjust and retain a fluid port in one or more other suitable ports of the connector 290.

[0098] 12-16B utilizing actuator 320, first engagement feature 332, second engagement feature 334, and / or retention piece 336 may, in use, prevent connector 290 from disengaging from the umbilical while ensuring that connector 290 remains engaged with one or more fluid ports of the umbilical (e.g., of connector 265 of umbilical 260). When the configurations of stabilizing member 300 in FIGS. 11-16B are utilized individually or in combination, the first and second ports of connector 290 may be designed to have less interference and / or friction with the fluid ports of the umbilical, allowing device coupling member 298 to more easily engage the fluid ports than would be the case if a tight friction fit were required to connect connector 290 to the fluid ports.

[0099] 17A and 17B show a configuration of a connector 290 that includes an elbow fitting 346 located between a first end 290a, where the connector 290 can be coupled to a fluid conduit, and a second end 290b, where the connector 290 can be coupled to a fluid port on an endoscope. The lumen of the connector 290 can conform to the angle of the fitting. Thus, the lumen can form an adjustable elbow between the first end 290a of the connector 290 and the second end 290b of the connector 290.

[0100] Elbow fitting 346 may include a ball component 348 and a socket component 350, although this is not required and other suitable configurations for elbow fitting 346 are contemplated. Figure 17A shows ball 348 and first end 290a of connector 290 rotated to a first position within or relative to socket 350. Figure 17B shows ball 348 and second end 290b of connector 290 rotated to a second position within or relative to socket 350. In some cases, when ball 348 and first end 290a of connector 290 are in a first position within or relative to socket 350, stress on the tube and connector may be reduced relative to when ball 348 and first end 290a of connector 290 are in a second position within or relative to socket 350 because first end 290a of connector and the tube connected thereto are positioned in the direction of gravity or the ground rather than extending parallel to the ground from the connection position with the endoscope as shown in FIG. 17B.

[0101] 18 and 19 may include a stabilizing member 300 having a tab 352 and an elbow bend 354 between a first end 290a and a second end 290b of the connector 390 to facilitate tangential positioning of a tube coupled to the connector 290 relative to the umbilical when the connector 290 is coupled to one or more fluid ports of the umbilical. In some cases, the tab may engage with a user's finger to facilitate connecting and / or removing the connector 290 from one or more fluid ports, thereby improving the stability of the connector 290 over time as it is repeatedly engaged and disengaged from the fluid ports.

[0102] FIG. 19 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of connector 290 taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 18. As shown in FIG. 19, elbow bend 354 may be at or about 90 degrees; however, it is contemplated that elbow bend 354 may be at one or more other suitable angles. Additionally, lumen or tube 245c and / or other lumens of connector 290 may follow elbow bend 354 between first end 290a and second end 290b of connector 290. Similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 17A and 17B, the configuration of elbow bend 354 of connector 290 may reduce stress on connector 290 and the tube connected to connector 290 relative to the configuration of connector 290 shown in FIG. 3 because first end 290a of connector 290 and the tube connected thereto are positioned toward gravity or the ground rather than extending parallel to the ground from the connection location with the endoscope, as may occur with the configuration of connector 290 shown in FIG. 3.

[0103] 19, tab 352 may be substantially aligned with port 292 of connector 290 and transverse or substantially transverse to lumen or tube 245c at first end 290a of connector 290. Positioning the tab in a position that is aligned or nearly aligned with port 292 of connector 290 allows tab 352 to be used to apply the necessary force to connector 290 and port 292 to facilitate connection with a fluid port of an endoscope and / or tab 352 to apply the necessary force to connector 290 to facilitate removal of connector 290 from a fluid port of an endoscope.

[0104] Additionally, although not shown, various configurations of connector 290 may utilize one or more coupling components configured to couple connector 290 to one or more of a number of features of endoscopic system 200 while connector 290 is disengaged from the fluid port of endoscope 100. In some cases, the coupling mechanism may be coupled to the tube to maintain the tube in a desired position while packaged.

[0105] The coupling component may have any suitable configuration configured to couple to tubes and / or components of an endoscopic system. Exemplary configurations of coupling components include, but are not limited to, clips, hooks, buttons, hook-and-loop fasteners, magnetic mechanisms on or embedded in connector 290, and / or one or more other suitable configurations. In some cases, the coupling component may be specifically configured to mate with one or more other components of endoscopic system 200, although this is not required.

[0106] In operation, a user may disconnect connector 290 from the fluid port of the umbilical. Once connector 290 is disconnected, the coupling component may be coupled to a processor and / or other suitable mechanism of endoscopic system 200. Such a coupling component may reduce user effort by not requiring the user to hold connector 290 between procedures, and may prevent or mitigate contamination issues by allowing connector 290 to be fixed in a known location between procedures.

[0107] It should be understood that this disclosure is in many respects merely illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This includes, to the extent appropriate, using any feature of one illustrative embodiment in other embodiments. The scope of the invention is, of course, defined by the language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A connector for connecting a gas / lens irrigation tube to a fluid line of an endoscope, comprising: a core configured to couple to the gas / lens flushing tube; a device coupling member coupled to the core, the device coupling member defining a first port configured to couple with a first fluid port of an endoscope and a second port configured to couple with a second fluid port of an endoscope; a stabilizing member configured to facilitate securing the device coupling member to the endoscope; A connector comprising:

2. 2. The connector of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing member includes a ring within the first port, the ring having an inner surface that tapers toward a central axis of the first port.

3. The connector of claim 1 or 2, wherein the stabilizing member includes a ring and extends distally from the core into the first port.

4. The connector of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the core portion and the stabilizing member are an integral part, and the device coupling member extends over a portion of the integral part.

5. 5. The connector of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing member includes a strap and a strap connector, the strap configured to extend around an umbilical of the endoscope and connect to the strap connector.

6. 6. The connector of claim 1, wherein the stabilizing member includes a slot extending between an outer surface of the device coupling member and the second port, the slot enabling the second port to engage with the second fluid port through rotation of the device coupling member.

7. The stabilizing member An actuator; a retaining component in communication with the actuator; 7. The connector of claim 1, wherein the retaining part is in a first configuration relative to the first port when the actuator is in a first position, and in a second configuration relative to the first port when the actuator is in a second position.

8. The stabilizing member a rigid outer member; an engagement member extending from the device coupling member; 8. The connector of claim 1, wherein the first port is configured to extend around the first fluid port of the endoscope, and the rigid outer member is configured to engage the fixation member to secure the device coupling member to the endoscope.

9. 1. A connector for connecting tubing to a fluid port of a medical device, comprising: a first end configured to couple to the tube and including a first lumen and a second lumen coaxial with the first lumen; a second end, a first port in fluid communication with the first lumen and configured to engage a first fluid port of the medical device; a second port in fluid communication with the second lumen and configured to engage a second fluid port of the medical device; the second end including a stabilizing component configured to facilitate securing the second end to the medical device when the first port engages the first fluid port; and A connector comprising:

10. 10. The connector of claim 9, wherein the stabilizing component is configured as a ring within the first port, the ring configured to center the first fluid port within the first port and center the second fluid port within the second port.

11. 11. The connector of claim 9 or 10, wherein the first lumen and the second fluid lumen form an elbow between the first end and the second end.

12. The connector of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the stabilization component includes a tab at the first end extending transversely to the axis of the first lumen.

13. 1. A connector for connecting tubing to a fluid port of a medical device, comprising: a first end configured to couple to the tube and including a first lumen and a second lumen coaxial with the first lumen; a second end, a first port in fluid communication with the first lumen and configured to engage a first fluid port of the medical device; a second port in fluid communication with the second lumen and configured to engage a second fluid port of the medical device; the second end including An actuator; a holding component in communication with the actuator; The retaining component is configured to be adjusted to a fluid port engaging position within the first port in response to a first actuation of the actuator, and to be adjusted to a fluid port disengaging position in response to a second actuation of the actuator.

14. The connector of claim 13 , wherein the retention piece is biased to the fluid port engaging position.

15. 15. The connector of claim 13 or 14, wherein the material forming the second end biases the retention piece to the fluid port engaging position.

Images