Endoscopic valves and valve components

Abstract

Devices, systems, and methods for a valve for a medical device. The valve may include a valve stem. The elongate body of the valve stem may include a first opening and a second opening fluidly connected to each other via a lumen. The valve stem may include one or more seals extending circumferentially around the elongate body. The one or more seals may include a sealing surface that may not be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body, thereby selectively fluidly isolating multiple features, such as multiple openings in a valve well, while the valve stem is configured to move.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to valve assemblies and valve methods, and more particularly to valve stems, valve seals and valve methods for endoscopes. [Background technology]

[0002] A wide variety of intracorporeal 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 can be used according to any one of a variety of 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 medical devices and systems. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing, and use alternatives for medical devices and systems. In a first embodiment, a valve stem for a medical device may include an elongate body, a first opening in the elongate body, a second opening in the elongate body, a lumen extending from the first opening to the second opening, and a seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a sealing surface. In some cases, the sealing surface may not be perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

[0004] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the valve stem may further include a groove defining a surface of the elongate body and extending circumferentially around the elongate body, the groove may be non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body, and the seal is within the groove.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the sealing surface may be flat. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the sealing surface may not be planar. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the sealing surface may be wavy, having two peaks and two valleys.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the seal may be a first seal, the sealing surface may be a first sealing surface, and the valve stem may further comprise a second seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a second sealing surface, wherein the second sealing surface may be non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the first sealing surface is parallel to the second sealing surface. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the first sealing surface may not be parallel to the second sealing surface.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the valve stem may further include a third seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a third sealing surface, wherein the third sealing surface may be non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the elongate body and the seal may be monolithic. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the elongate body may be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0010] In another example, a valve stem for a medical device may be configured to move within a valve well of the medical device, the valve stem may include an elongate body, a first opening in the elongate body, a second opening in the elongate body, a lumen extending from the first opening to the second opening, a first seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a first sealing surface, the first seal being proximal to the first opening, and a second seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a second sealing surface, the first seal being distal to the first opening, wherein the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface may be non-perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, one or both of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface may be flat. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, one or both of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface may be non-planar.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the valve stem may further include a third seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a third seal surface, wherein one or more of the first seal surface, the second seal surface, and the third seal surface may be parallel to at least one other of the first seal surface, the second seal surface, and the third seal surface.

[0013] In another embodiment, a medical device may include a proximal handle, a distal tip unit adapted for insertion into a body cavity of a patient, an elongated tube extending between the proximal handle and the distal tip unit, and a valve in communication with a lumen of the elongated tube to regulate fluid flow through the lumen to the distal tip unit, the valve including a valve well having an inner wall, a first opening, and a second opening, and a valve stem configured to regulate fluid flow within the valve well, the valve stem including an elongated body and a seal defining a sealing surface extending circumferentially around the elongated body, the sealing surface may be configured to engage the inner wall at a first location proximal to the first opening and a second location distal to the second opening, the second location being circumferentially spaced from the first location.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the sealing surface may be flat. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the sealing surface may not be planar. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the elongate body may include a groove defining an outer surface of the elongate body and extending circumferentially around the elongate body, and the seal may extend circumferentially around the elongate body within the groove.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the seal may be a first seal, the sealing surface may be a first sealing surface, and the valve stem may further include a second seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a second sealing surface, the second sealing surface configured to engage the inner wall distal to the first opening and the second opening.

[0016] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent from the following detailed description, and the scope of the claimed invention is set forth in the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] 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. [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of components of an exemplary endoscope. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of components of an exemplary endoscopy system. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary valve stem. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary valve assembly. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a quarter of the exemplary valve assembly shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary valve stem. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary valve stem. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of an exemplary seal arrangement on a valve stem within a valve well. [Figure 9] Schematic diagram of an exemplary seal arrangement on a valve stem within a valve well. [Figure 10] Schematic diagram of an exemplary seal arrangement on a valve stem within a valve well. [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of an exemplary seal arrangement on a valve stem within a valve well. [Figure 12] Schematic diagram of an exemplary seal arrangement on a valve stem within a valve well.

[0018] 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. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present disclosure will be described with reference to an exemplary medical system that can be used in an endoscopic medical procedure. However, it should be noted that reference to this 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 devices and related methods of use can be utilized in any suitable procedure, medical treatment, etc. The present disclosure can be understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are referred to with the same reference numerals.

[0020] All numerical values ​​are assumed herein 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 numbers 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) will be assumed to have their ordinary and accustomed definition as understood from and consistent with the context of this specification, unless otherwise specified.

[0021] 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 motivated by this disclosure will understand that the desired dimensions, ranges, and / or values ​​may deviate from those explicitly disclosed.

[0022] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "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. For ease of understanding, it should be noted that certain features of the present disclosure may be described in the singular even though those features may be multiple or repeated within a disclosed embodiment. Each instance of those multiple features may include and / or be encompassed by a singular disclosure unless expressly stated to the contrary. For purposes of brevity and clarity, not all elements of the present disclosure are necessarily shown in every figure or described in detail below. However, it will be understood that the following description may apply equally to any and / or all components present in more than one instance unless expressly stated to the contrary. Additionally, for clarity, not every instance of some elements or features may be shown in every figure.

[0023] It should be noted that references herein to "embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that while the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, 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 would be within the knowledge of one skilled in the art that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic also applies in connection with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, unless expressly stated to the contrary. That is, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, the various individual elements described below are contemplated as being combinable or configurable with each other to form other and additional embodiments, or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiments, even if not explicitly shown in specific combinations.

[0024] For clarity, certain distinguishing numerical nomenclature (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used throughout the specification and / or claims to name and / or distinguish various described and / or claimed features. It should be understood that the numerical nomenclature is not intended to be limiting and is merely exemplary. In some embodiments, variations and departures from previously used numerical nomenclature may be made for brevity and clarity. That is, a feature identified as a "first" element may later be referred to as a "second" element, a "third" element, 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.

[0025] The detailed description is intended to illustrate and not to limit the 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 disclosure. The detailed description illustrates exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0026] Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary endoscope 100 is shown, and Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary endoscopic system 200. Endoscope 100 may include an elongated tube or shaft 100a configured to be inserted into a subject (e.g., a patient).

[0027] The light source 205 of the endoscope system 200 may feed illumination light to the distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100. The distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100 may house an imaging device (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imaging device) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) may be located within a video processing unit 210, which processes signals input from the imaging device and outputs the processed video signal to a video monitor (not shown) for viewing. The video processing unit 210 may also function as a component of an air / water delivery circuit by housing a pressure pump 215, such as an air delivery (feed) pump, within the unit 210.

[0028] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c (e.g., a distal tip unit adapted for insertion into a patient's body cavity) located at a distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a and a flexible curved section 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible curved section 105 may include an articulation joint (not shown) to assist in steering the distal tip 100c. A gas / lens wash nozzle 220 is located on an end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 for supplying gas to insufflate the interior of the patient at the treatment area and for supplying water to wash the lens covering the imaging device. Irrigation openings 225 in the end face 100d provide irrigation fluid to the treatment area of ​​the patient. 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 to the treatment area may also be included on face 100d of distal tip 100c. Working channel 235 may extend along shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 positioned distally of an operating handle 115 (e.g., a proximal handle) of endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 may be utilized to seal channel opening 110 against unwanted fluid escape.

[0029] The operating handle 115 may be provided with knobs 125 for providing remote 4-way steering of the distal tip (e.g., one knob controls up / down steering and another knob controls left / right steering) via wires connected to articulation joints in the bendable flexible section 105. A plurality of video switches 130 for remotely operating the video processing unit 210 may be located on the proximal end of the handle 115.

[0030] The handle 115 may be provided with two valve positions 135. One of the valve positions 135 may have or receive a gas / water valve 140 for operating the insufflation gas and lens water delivery operations. As shown in FIG. 2, 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 / rinsing solution nozzle 220.

[0031] The other valve position 135 may have or receive a suction valve 145 for operating 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.

[0032] The operating handle 115 may be electrically and fluidly connected to the image processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilical 260 and a connector portion 265 that extend between the operating handle 115 and the image processing unit 210. The flexible umbilical 260 includes a gas (e.g., air or CO2) delivery line 240b, a lens cleaning fluid delivery line 245b, a suction delivery line 250b, an irrigation delivery line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). When plugged into the image processing unit 210, the connector portion 265 connects the light source 205 within the image 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. Connector portion 265 also connects air pump 215 to gas delivery line 240 b within umbilical 260 when plugged into video processing unit 210 .

[0033] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle and / or suitable reservoir or container) may be fluidly connected to endoscope 100 through connector portion 265 and umbilical 260. A length of gas supply tubing 240c runs from one end positioned in a space 275 between a top 280 (e.g., a bottle cap) of reservoir 270 and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir to a detachable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290 outside connector portion 265. Gas delivery line 240b from umbilical 260 branches within connector portion 265 to fluidly communicate with air pump 215 as well as gas supply tubing 240c at detachable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290. A length of lens cleaning solution tubing 245c may have one end located at the bottom of reservoir 270 and pass through top 280 of reservoir 270 to a removable connection 290 on connector portion 265, similar to gas supply tubing 240c. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate and / or isolated 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 delivery line 255b within umbilical 260. In some embodiments, irrigation water is supplied via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) from a water source (not shown) separate from water reservoir 270. In other embodiments, irrigation supply tubing and lens cleaning solution tubing 245c may be supplied with water from the same reservoir. Connector portion 265 may also include a detachable suction connection 295 for suction delivery line 250 b and suction supply line 250 a that fluidly connect a vacuum source (e.g., hospital suction) (not shown) to umbilical 260 and endoscope 100 .

[0034] Gas delivery line 240b and lens cleaning solution delivery line 245b may be fluidly connected to valve position 135 for gas / water valve 140 and configured to control the supply of gas or lens cleaning solution to distal tip 100c of endoscope 100 by operation of gas / water valve 140 in the well. Suction delivery line 250b is fluidly connected to valve position 135 for suction valve 145 and configured to control suction applied to working channel 235 of endoscope 100 by operation of suction valve 145 in the well.

[0035] 2 illustrates an exemplary operation of an endoscopic system 200 including an endoscope such as the endoscope 100 described above. Air from an air pump 215 in the video processing unit 210 flows through a connector portion 265 and branches to flow through a gas delivery line 240b in the umbilical 260 to a gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115, and through a gas supply tubing 240c via a connection 290 on the connector portion 265 to a water reservoir 270. When the gas / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, i.e., when a user's finger is not on the valve, air can vent from the valve 140 to atmosphere. In the first position, a user's finger is used to block the vent to atmosphere. Gas can flow from 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 area of ​​a patient. When gas / water valve 140 is pushed downward to a second position, gas is prevented from exiting valve 140, thereby allowing the pressure of air from air pump 215 to build up in water reservoir 270. Pressurizing the water source forces water from lens cleaning solution tubing 245c through connector portion 265 and umbilical 260, down lens cleaning solution supply line 245a, through gas / lens cleaning solution nozzle 220, and into gas supply line 240a before exiting distal tip 100c of endoscope 100. The air pump pressure may be calibrated to provide lens cleaning water at a relatively lower flow rate than the irrigation water supply.

[0036] The volume of lens cleaning solution flow is governed by the gas pressure within the water reservoir 270. As the gas pressure begins to drop within the water reservoir 270 as water is forced out of the reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning solution tubing 245c, the air pump 215 replenishes the lost air supply within the reservoir 270 to maintain a substantially constant pressure, which in turn provides a substantially constant lens cleaning solution flow rate. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be placed within the gas supply tubing 240c pathway to prevent unwanted contaminants or particulate matter from entering the water reservoir 270. In some embodiments, a one-way valve arrangement (not shown), such as a backflow prevention valve, may be placed within the lens cleaning solution supply tubing pathway to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after it has passed through the valve.

[0037] Because its primary use is to remove debris from the patient's treatment area that would obscure the user's field of view, irrigation typically requires a relatively higher flow rate than lens cleaning solution. As mentioned above, irrigation is typically achieved through the use of a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump). In configurations with a separate water source for irrigation, tubing located at the bottom of the water source may pass through the top of the water source and through the upstream head of the pump. The tubing downstream of pump 255c is connected to irrigation delivery line 255b in umbilical 260 and irrigation supply line 255a of endoscope 100 via irrigation connection 293 on connector portion 265. When irrigation water is needed, operating 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 delivery line 255b in umbilical 260, down the irrigation supply line in shaft 100a of endoscope 100, 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 tubing. The vent allows atmospheric air to enter the water source to prevent a buildup of negative pressure within the water source, which could create a vacuum that draws unwanted material from the patient through the endoscope toward the water source. In some configurations, a one-way valve arrangement (not shown), such as an anti-reflux valve, may be placed in the path of the irrigation supply tubing as well as the lens cleaning solution tubing 245c to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir after passing through the valve.

[0038] Suction valve 145 may be configured to provide or prevent suction and / or suction effects within working channel 235. When suction valve 145 is in a valve-closed position (e.g., a first configuration), the flow of suction fluid through working channel 235 may be blocked by suction valve 145. When suction is desired within working channel 235, an operator or user may actuate suction valve 145 (e.g., by depressing a button on the valve and / or activating suction valve 145 in one or more other suitable manners), thereby causing suction valve 145 to move to a valve-open position (e.g., a second configuration). When suction valve 145 is in the valve-open position, a flow channel within the suction valve may connect working channel 235 to a suction device coupled to suction connection 295, and the suction device may generate negative pressure that draws fluid into and out of working channel 235 through an outlet provided in the suction valve. When the operator or user releases the aspiration valve 145 , the valve 145 will return to its valve closed position and reduce or block the flow of aspiration fluid from the working channel 235 .

[0039] In some cases, suction valve 145 may rely on the path of least resistance to direct the flow of aspiration fluid through endoscope system 200. In some cases, when the aspiration pump is turned on for a procedure, the pump remains on throughout the procedure and continuously draws air from flexible umbilical 260, thereby drawing fluid from the line side of endoscope 100 that extends through umbilical 260 and connects to the port of suction valve 145. When suction valve 145 is in a first position and / or configuration (e.g., a closed position), suction or negative pressure from the aspiration pump will be blocked from working channel 235 and will draw fluid from the atmosphere through suction valve 145. When suction valve 145 is actuated to a second position and / or configuration (e.g., an open position) (e.g., when a button or cap associated with suction valve 145 is depressed and / or actuated in one or more other suitable manners), the opening from the atmosphere through suction valve 145 to the suction pump may be effectively closed or blocked by suction valve 145, and a fluid path between working channel 235 and the suction pump through suction valve 145 may be open. Thus, fluid traveling toward the suction pump may follow the path of least resistance, and the path may change depending on whether suction valve 145 is in a first position (e.g., a closed position) or a second position (e.g., an open position).

[0040] In some cases, the valve stems of gas / water valve 140 and / or suction valve 145 may be configured to have a close fit with valve wells configured to receive the valve stems within endoscope 100. In such gas / water valves 140 and suction valves 145, when the valve stems are in a first position (e.g., a closed position), the close fit blocks a fluid pathway or increases resistance to flow between the fluid lines (e.g., gas delivery line 240b, lens cleaning fluid delivery line 245b, suction delivery line 250b) of endoscopic system 200 and working channel 235. Similarly, when the valve stems are in a second position, the close fit opens a fluid pathway and reduces resistance to flow between the fluid lines and working channel 235.

[0041] Gas / water valves 140 and / or suction valves 145 configured to shut off flow using a tight fit between the valve stem and the valve well require precisely manufactured valve stems. The precision required to manufacture suction valves with a tight fit requires expensive materials (e.g., metals), high-precision machinery, is time-consuming to achieve, and suffers from inconsistent manufacturing tolerances.

[0042] Additionally, valves with tightly fitting valve stems and valve wells are manufactured with at least some clearance to allow the valve stem to adjust its position within the valve well, which can lead to leakage. Leakage due to clearance between the valve stem and the valve well can be exacerbated by multiple valve well openings located close to each other. This clearance can lead to leakage during use and can result in at least two problems that are easily noticeable to physicians.

[0043] The first problem is that when the valve is in a position intended to block flow from the working channel 235, there will still be some flow through the working channel 235. A smaller gap between the valve stem and the valve well will result in less undesired flow through the working channel 235, and a larger gap will result in more undesired flow through the working channel 235, but the gap is necessary to facilitate movement of the valve stem within the valve well. When flow is actively moving through the working channel 235 in a valve configured in this way, the user may perceive suction as "insufficient air delivery" and / or experience leakage at the distal end of the endoscope shaft 100a, even when the valve is in a position intended to block flow from the working channel 235.

[0044] A second problem is that when the valve stem of the valve is in a position within the valve well that facilitates flow between the working channel 235 and the fluid line, the desired flow may be insufficient or weaker than desired or expected due to fluid escaping through gaps from its intended path. In one embodiment, when the valve stem of the suction valve 145 is configured to have a tight fit with the valve well and is in a position within the valve well that facilitates suction flow through the suction valve 145 between the working channel 235 and the suction pump, flow from the atmosphere to the suction pump will not be completely blocked. Any such leakage from the atmosphere can reduce the pressure differential between the distal end of the working channel 235 and the suction valve 145, which can lead to reduced suction or negative pressure, reduced flow rate, and aerated flow through the fluid path to the suction pump.

[0045] Valves configured to operate with a closely fitting valve stem and valve well will likely perform sufficiently well when intended for reuse over multiple procedures because the price point of such valves will likely be high enough to justify manufacturing them from the precision and materials necessary to achieve and maintain the desired tolerances over the life of a reusable valve. However, the price point of a single-use valve may not allow for the necessary materials, tooling, and / or precision manufacturing required to achieve and / or maintain the tolerances over the life of a single-use aspiration valve.

[0046] In some cases, applying a compliant seal to the central shaft can create a valve stem configured to completely seal the fluid path through the valve within the endoscope, while reducing manufacturing precision and costs compared to valve stems configured to seal the fluid path using a close fit with the valve well. When using a compliant seal, the seal may be applied to the central shaft as a separate component and / or to the central shaft (e.g., the valve shaft or elongated body of the valve shaft) through a suitable application technique, such as insert molding or overmolding. However, because such a seal is applied in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft, it may not be usable in all situations. For example, due to multiple openings in a valve well in which the valve stem is or will be disposed that are circumferentially spaced and axially overlapping or have edges adjacent to the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the central shaft, a seal extending in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and covering one or more of the multiple openings may not completely seal such multiple openings.

[0047] Valve configurations for suitable scopes, such as the endoscope 100 discussed herein, are configured to address the aforementioned concerns with existing valves and reduce and / or eliminate leakage through the valve. The valve configurations discussed with respect to Figures 3-12 may include a valve stem having one or more seals that extend circumferentially around a central shaft or elongate body and form a sealing surface that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

[0048] 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary valve stem 300 for use with endoscope 100 (e.g., a medical device assembly). While valve stem 300 shown in FIG. 3 may be configured for use with suction valve 145, valve stem 300 may additionally or alternatively be configured for use with gas / water valve 140 and / or any suitable valve having similar features and / or characteristics as suction valve 145 and / or gas / water valve 140, but with seals and / or openings in different locations and configured for a specific purpose (e.g., seals and / or openings may be configured and / or positioned to be adjustably aligned with openings in valve wells).

[0049] Valve stem 300 may have any suitable configuration configured to adjust its position within the valve well and / or to adjustably fluidly couple the working channel 235 with the fluid lines of endoscopic system 200. In some embodiments, valve stem 300 may be elongate and may include one or more openings and one or more lumens extending between the one or more openings.

[0050] 3 may include an elongate body 302. The elongate body 302 may include a first portion 302a and a second portion 302b. The first portion 302a of the elongate body 302 may be an engagement portion configured to operate to adjust the position of the valve stem 300 within the valve well.

[0051] In some cases, the first portion 302a may be configured to couple with a button or cap for the valve that a user can interact with to adjust the position of the valve stem 300 within the valve well, although this is not required. Exemplary coupling mechanisms suitable for connecting the button or cap to the first portion 302a may include additional or alternative coupling mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, adhesives, threaded connections, luer lock connections, snap connections, ball-and-detent connectors, frictional fastenings, and the like. The first portion 302a of the elongated body 302 may also include one or more “key” features configured to engage with key features of the valve well to enable a desired orientation of the valve stem 300 within the valve well. The second portion 302b of the elongated body 302 may be configured to be positioned within the valve well, and the second portion 302b may include features for facilitating fluid flow between the fluid lines and the working channel 235 of the endoscopic system 200 and / or for blocking fluid flow between the fluid lines and the working channel 235.

[0052] The valve stem 300 may include one or more openings in the elongate body 302. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the valve stem 300 may include a first opening 304 in the elongate body 302, a second opening 306 in the elongate body 302, and a third opening 308 in the elongate body 302, although other suitable configurations are contemplated. In some cases, one or more of the openings in the valve stem 300 may be radial or side openings, and one or more openings may be axial or end openings. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , the first opening 304 and the second opening 306 may be radial openings located at the same first axial location along the longitudinal axis A of the elongate body 302, and the third opening 308 may be an axial opening located at a second axial location along the longitudinal axis A of the elongate body 302 distal to the first axial location. In some cases, the axial locations of the openings may be based on or determined from the centers of the openings.

[0053] The valve stem 300 may include one or more lumens extending between one or more openings in the valve stem 300. As shown in Figure 3, the lumen 310 may extend between the third opening 308, the first opening 304, and the second opening 306. Other suitable configurations of the lumen 310 and / or openings 304, 306, 308 are contemplated that facilitate adjusting the fluid path through the valve based on the position of the valve stem 300 relative to the valve well.

[0054] The valve stem 300 may include one or more seals configured to move with the valve stem 300 within the valve well. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 , the valve stem 300 may include a first seal 314, a second seal 316, and a third seal 318 extending radially outward from an outer surface 312 of the elongated body 302, where the first seal 314 may be located proximal to the first and second openings 304 and 306, the second seal 316 may be located distal to the first and second openings 304 and 306, and the third seal 318 may be located distal to the second seal. Other suitable configurations of seals for the valve stem 300 are contemplated.

[0055] Each of the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 may include a sealing surface 321, which is a portion of the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 configured to engage an interior wall surface of the valve well. Although not required, the sealing surface 321 may be or include an outermost portion of the seal 314, 316, 318. In some cases, the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 and / or their plurality of sealing surfaces 321 may be circumferentially symmetric about one or more planes extending through the elongate body 302, although this is not required and the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 and / or sealing surface 321 may be circumferentially asymmetric.

[0056] In some cases, two or more of the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 may be parallel to one another (e.g., equal distances between two or more of the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 around the entire circumference of the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318). Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 may not be parallel to at least one other of the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 (e.g., one or more of the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 may have varying distances between them around the circumference of the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318). In one embodiment, when the valve stem 300 includes a first seal 314, a second seal 316, and a third seal 318, the sealing surface 321 of the first seal 314 and the sealing surface 321 of the second seal 316 may be parallel and not planar, and the sealing surface 321 of the third seal 318 may be planar and not parallel to the sealing surfaces 321 of the first seal 314 and the second seal 316.

[0057] The elongated body 302 and the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 may be formed from any suitable material. In one embodiment, the elongated body 302 may be formed from one or more suitable materials, such as a metal, a polymer, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), liquid silicone rubber (LSR), etc. In another embodiment, the seals 314, 316, 318 may be formed from one or more suitable materials, such as an elastomeric material, a polymer, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a liquid silicone rubber (LSR), etc.

[0058] In some cases, the elongate body 302 may be formed from a first material and the seals 314, 316, 318 may be formed from a second material, which may be the same or different from the first material. In some embodiments, the elongate body 302 and the seals 314, 316, 318 may be monolithic or otherwise formed as a single unitary structure from a single material. In other embodiments, the elongate body 302 may be formed from a hard or rigid polymer and the seals 314, 316, 318 may be formed from a flexible and / or resilient polymer, although this is not required.

[0059] The material of the seals 314, 316, 318 may be elastomeric and may have any suitable durometer. In some embodiments, the material of the seal 179, when formed on or as part of the elongated body 302, may have a durometer in the range of about 20-80 Shore A, about 30-60 Shore A, about 50-75 Shore A, and / or other suitable values ​​within one or more other suitable durometer ranges, but may be softer or harder depending on the geometry used for the seal and the desired degree of interference between the inner surface of the valve well and the seals 314, 316, 318. In some embodiments, the seals 314, 316, 318 may be formed from silicone having a durometer in the range of 50-75 Shore A, although this is not required.

[0060] The seals 314, 316, 318 may have any suitable shape configured to form a barrier to fluid along the space between the inner wall of the valve well and the elongated body 302. For example, suitable shapes and / or configurations of the seals 314, 316, 318 may include, but are not limited to, O-rings (e.g., circular cross-section), flat O-rings, X-shaped cross-section O-rings, wiper seal rings, disc-shaped rings, pre-configured seals applied to circumferentially extending recesses, and other suitable shapes and / or configurations of the seals 314, 316, 318, such as, but not limited to, O-rings (e.g., circular cross-section), flat O-rings, X-shaped cross-section O-rings, wiper seal rings, disc-shaped rings, pre-configured seals applied to circumferentially extending recesses, and the like.

[0061] The seals 314, 316, 318 of the valve stem 300 may be configured about the elongated body 302 in any suitable manner for interacting with (e.g., contacting) and / or maintaining contact with one or more interior walls of the valve well, and the valve stem 300 is configured to adjust its position to create a barrier to fluid flow. Illustratively, the seals 314, 316, 318 may extend entirely or at least partially circumferentially around the elongated body 302 of the valve stem 300, or may extend radially outward from the outer surface 312 of the elongated body 302. For example, the seals 314, 316, 318 may have a radius R2 between the outermost portions of the seals 314, 316, 318 and the central longitudinal axis A of the elongated body 302, which may be greater than the radius R1 between the outer surface 312 of the elongated body 302 and the central longitudinal axis A.

[0062] The sealing surface 321 and / or seals 314, 316, 318 may be non-perpendicular or configured to be non-perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the elongated body 302. The sealing surface 321 and / or seals 314, 316, 318 may be non-perpendicular (e.g., non-circumferentially perpendicular) to the central longitudinal axis A when multiple outer circumferential portions of the seals 314, 316, 318 configured to engage the inner wall surface of the valve are located at different axial positions along the central longitudinal axis A, such as multiple portions of (e.g., multiple points on) the outermost periphery of the sealing surface 321 (e.g., the outermost periphery around the seals 314, 316, 318 when the seals have a rounded or circular cross-section). Non-perpendicular sealing surfaces and / or seals 314, 316, 318 are described in more detail below with respect to Figures 8-12.

[0063] The sealing surface 321 and / or seals 314, 316, 318 that are not circumferentially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A may be planar or non-planar. In some embodiments, the sealing surface 321 and / or seals 314, 316, 318 that are planar and not circumferentially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A may have all points on their outermost periphery lying in a single plane (e.g., the outermost periphery around the seals 314, 316, 318 when the seals have rounded or circular cross-sections). In other embodiments, the sealing surface 321 and / or seals 314, 316, 318 that are not circumferentially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A and are non-planar may have multiple points on their outermost periphery lying in two or more planes, at least one of the multiple planes being non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. In some embodiments, when the non-planar sealing surface 321 is wavy, the sealing surface 321 may have two peaks and two valleys, and the outermost points of the sealing surface 321 may, but need not, lie in two or more different planes. Furthermore, although not required, the sealing surfaces 321 may be symmetrical about at least one plane that divides the elongated body 302 in half. Planar and non-planar sealing surfaces and / or seals 31, 316, 318 are described in more detail below with respect to Figures 8-12.

[0064] In some cases, the seals 314, 316, 318 may be positioned within recesses 319 and / or may include recesses 319 (e.g., suitable recesses such as grooves defining the surface of the elongate body 302) adjacent to the seals 314, 316, 318. The recesses 319 (e.g., grooves) shown in FIG. 3 may extend circumferentially around the elongate body 302 and define passages configured to receive the seals 314, 316, 318, while providing space for the seals 314, 316, 318 to flex in response to the sealing surfaces 321 of the seals 314, 316, 318 engaging the inner wall surface of the valve well. Alternatively or additionally, recess 319 may be configured adjacent one or more of seals 314, 316, 318 to provide space for flexing of seals 314, 316, 318 in response to sealing surfaces 321 of seals 314, 316, 318 engaging the inner wall surface of the valve well. For example, when multiple seals 314, 316, 318 are formed integrally with elongate body 302, multiple recesses 319 may extend along each seal on one or both of the proximal and distal sides of the multiple seals 314, 316, 318 to provide space for flexing of multiple seals 314, 316, 318 in response to sealing surfaces 321 of multiple seals 314, 316, 318 engaging the inner wall surface of the valve well.

[0065] The recesses 319 can have any suitable configuration. In some cases, one or more of the recesses 319 may have a cross-section that is completely perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis A of the elongate body 302, and one or more of the recesses 319 may be sized to accommodate a seal that extends circumferentially around the elongate body 302 and has a seal surface that is pre-formed such that it is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the elongate body 302 when the seal is applied to the elongate body 302 (e.g., it may have a width between the proximal and distal edges of the recess 319 on the outer surface 312 of the elongate body 302). Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the recesses 319 may have a seal receiving surface that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the elongate body 302.

[0066] If recess 319 has a seal receiving surface (e.g., a surface of elongate body 302 within recess 319 configured to receive the seal) that is not perpendicular to longitudinal axis A, seals 314, 316, 318 received within recess 319 may have any annular shape and be resilient, such that seals 314, 316, 318 take the shape of recess 319 when applied to elongate body 302, thereby creating seal surface 321 that is not perpendicular to longitudinal axis A. Alternatively, seals 314, 316, 318 may be preformed to have a seal surface 321 that is not perpendicular to longitudinal axis A that matches the shape of the seal receiving surface of recess 319 that is not perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.

[0067] Recess 319 may have any suitable cross-sectional shape. In some cases, recess 319 may have a V-shaped cross-section, a U-shaped cross-section, a rounded cross-section, etc. In one embodiment, recess 319 may have proximal and distal sidewalls that taper axially inward with axially inner ends terminating at the vertical base of recess 319 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4 ), although other suitable configurations are contemplated.

[0068] As described in more detail below, the elongate body 302 and the seals 314, 316, 318 may be of unitary construction. When the valve stem 300 is constructed as a unitary construction, the plurality of recesses 319 may extend circumferentially around the elongate body 302 in proximity to the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 (e.g., in proximity to the seals 314, 316, 318 as well as at proximal and / or distal locations) to provide space for the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 to flex or curve as they engage the inner wall of the valve well.

[0069] Figure 4 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary valve stem 300 within the valve well 320 shown in Figure 3. Valve well 320 may have one or more openings including, for example, a proximal opening 322 (e.g., a first opening) configured to receive valve stem 300, a distal opening 324 (e.g., a second opening), and an intermediate opening 326 (e.g., a third opening), which may extend from a proximal position 326a to a distal position 326b. Alternatively or additionally, valve well 320 may have one or more other suitable configurations.

[0070] 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a quarter view (e.g., 90 degrees) of an exemplary valve stem 300 within the valve well 320 shown in FIG. 4. The valve well 320 may have an interior wall 323 extending between one or more openings of the valve well 320. For example, as described above, the interior wall 323 of the valve well 320 may extend (e.g., be in fluid communication with) a proximal opening 322 configured to allow movement of the valve stem 300 within the valve well 320, a distal opening 324 configured to couple with a first tubing of the endoscopic system 200, and an intermediate opening 326 configured to couple with a second tubing of the endoscopic system 200. The intermediate opening 326 may extend from a proximal location 326a in the lumen of the valve well 320 to a distal location 326b configured to couple with the second tubing of the endoscopic system 200. The lumen of the valve well 320 may be at least partially defined by an inner wall 323 configured to receive the valve stem 300 for movement therein.

[0071] In some cases, one or more of the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 may have sealing surfaces 321 that are configured to be non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the elongated body 302 based on the location of one or more openings in the valve well 320. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the sealing surfaces 321 of the plurality of seals 314, 316, 318 may not be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A because there is limited, if any, axial spacing between the circumferentially spaced proximal and intermediate openings 322, 326 (and / or other suitable openings or features) of the valve well 320. In one embodiment, the axial spacing between the distal end of the proximal opening 322 of the valve well 320 and the proximal end of the intermediate opening 326 may be approximately 0.020 inches (approximately 0.51 mm), and the first seal 314 is configured to engage a portion of the sealing surface 321 that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A with a surface of the inner wall 323 of the valve well 320 proximal to a proximal location 326a of the intermediate opening 326, and to engage a portion of the sealing surface 321 with a surface of the inner wall 323 of the valve well 320 distal to the proximal opening 322 of the valve well 320, thereby preventing fluid from passing between the distal opening 324 and the atmosphere and / or between the intermediate opening 326 and the atmosphere. In some cases, a key feature of the first portion 302a of the elongate body 302 may facilitate aligning a predetermined portion of the sealing surface 321 with an associated opening of the valve well 320, although this is not required.

[0072] 6 and 7 show perspective views of an example valve stem 300 in which the seals 314, 316, 318 are integral with (e.g., integrally formed with) the elongate body 302, and the seals 314, 316, 318 have sealing surfaces 321 that are not circumferentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the elongate body 302. The example valve stem 300 shown in FIG. 6 omits the recesses 319 in or near the seals 314, 316, 318. The example valve stem 300 shown in FIG. 7 includes proximal and distal recesses 319 proximate the seals 314, 316, 318. A valve stem 300 in which seals 314, 316, 318 are integral with the elongated body 302 is described, for example, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 485,771, filed October 12, 2023, entitled "VALVE AND VALVE COMPONENTS FOR AN ENDOSCOPE," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

[0073] 8-12 show schematic partial views of an exemplary configuration of a valve stem 300 within an exemplary configuration of a valve well 320, where a seal 313 having a sealing surface 321 extends circumferentially around the elongated body 302 and is non-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the elongated body 302. In FIGS. 8-12, the elongated body 302 and seal 313 of the valve stem 300 are shown in side view, and the valve well 320 is shown in cross section.

[0074] Valve well 320 is shown to include an interior wall 323 and one or more openings (e.g., one or more first openings 330 (e.g., inlet or outlet openings) and one or more second openings 332 (e.g., the other of the inlet or outlet openings)), which may be similar to or different from proximal opening 322, distal opening 324, and intermediate opening 326 described above. Suitable features of valve well 320 and / or elongate body 302, such as first opening 330, second opening 332, may be opposed to one another and / or spaced apart from one another at other suitable intervals. In some embodiments, at least some of the features of valve well 320, such as first opening 330, second opening 332, may be positioned at approximately 90 degrees to one another and / or at one or more other suitable angles to one another.

[0075] Seal 313 may be configured similarly to seals 314, 316, and 318 and / or may have features similar to those of seals 314, 316, and 318 described above. While not shown in FIGS. 8-12, the illustrated configuration of elongated body 302 may include one or more recesses 319 as described above. Seal 313 shown in FIGS. 8-12 is configured based on the location of an opening in valve well 320 and has a sealing surface 321 that is not perpendicular to longitudinal axis A. Seal 313 may be symmetrical about a plane separating the front and back views of valve stem 300, such that seal 313 has the same configuration on the illustrated side of valve stem 300 as on the non-illustrated side of valve stem 300, although this is not required.

[0076] The configuration of valve stem 300 within valve well 320 shown in Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary configuration of seal 313 having a sealing surface 321 that is circumferentially planar rather than perpendicular to longitudinal axis A of elongated body 302 and fluidly seals first opening 330 from second opening 332. The sealing surface 321 shown in Figure 8 engages surfaces of inner wall 323 at a location distal to first opening 330 and a location proximal to second opening 332, thereby fluidly sealing first opening 330 from a circumferentially opposed second opening 332 of valve well 320, the first opening 330 and second opening 332 being at the same axial location along longitudinal axis A.

[0077] 8 illustrates three points 802, 804, and 806 on the outermost periphery of sealing surface 321 of seal 313. As shown in FIG. 8, first point 802 is at a first axial position X1, second point 804 is at a second axial position X2 proximal to first axial position X1, and third point 806 is at a third axial position X3 proximal to second axial position X2. Because two or more of points 802, 804, and 806 are at different axial positions, sealing surface 321 and / or seal 313 may be considered not perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.

[0078] 8, when connected to a point in space (e.g., in or out of the plane of the page at the axial location of one of the points on the outermost periphery of sealing surface 321), lie within a single plane 810 with other points along the outermost periphery of sealing surface 321 of seal 313. As a result, sealing surface 321 and / or seal 313 may be planar.

[0079] The configuration of valve stem 300 within valve well 320 shown in Figure 9 includes an exemplary configuration of seal 313 having a sealing surface 321 that is not circumferentially planar and not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of elongated body 302 and fluidly seals first opening 330 from second opening 332. The sealing surface 321 shown in Figure 9 engages a surface of inner wall 323 at a location proximal to first opening 330 and distal to second opening 332, thereby fluidly sealing first opening 330 from a circumferentially opposed second opening 332 of valve well 320, the first opening 330 and second opening 332 being at the same axial location along longitudinal axis A.

[0080] 9 illustrates four points 902, 904, 906, and 908 on the outermost periphery of sealing surface 321 of seal 313. As shown in FIG. 9, first point 902 is at a first axial position X1, second point 904 is at a second axial position X2 distal to first axial position X1, third point 906 is at a third axial position X3 distal to second axial position X2, and fourth point 908 is at a fourth axial position X4 distal to third axial position X3. Because two or more of points 902, 904, 906, and 908 are at different axial positions, sealing surface 321 and / or seal 313 illustrated in FIG. 9 may not be considered perpendicular to longitudinal axis A.

[0081] 9 are located within two separate planes 910, 912. For example, the first point 902 and the second point 904, together with at least a third point (e.g., the third point may be in space but not necessarily on the seal 313) that is in the same axial position as one of the first point 902 and the second point 904, define a first plane 910, and the third point 906 and the fourth point 908, together with at least a third point (e.g., the third point may be in space but not necessarily on the seal 313) that is in the same axial position as one of the third point 906 and the fourth point 908, define a second plane 912 that is not coplanar with the first plane 910. As a result, the sealing surface 321 and / or the seal 313 do not have to be planar. This is because when multiple points on the outermost periphery of sealing surface 321 are connected with a point in space (e.g., inside or outside the plane of the paper at the axial position of one of the multiple points on the outermost periphery of sealing surface 321), they define two or more planes.

[0082] The configuration of the valve stem 300 in the valve well 320 shown in Figure 10 includes an exemplary configuration of a seal 313 having a sealing surface 321 that is circumferentially planar rather than perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the elongated body 302 and fluidly seals a first opening 330 from an axially spaced second opening 332 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 10 because the second opening 332 is behind the elongated body 302). The sealing surface 321 shown in Figure 10 engages the surface of the inner wall 323 at a location distal to the first opening 330 and a location proximal to the second opening 332 (not fully shown in Figure 10 because the second opening 332 is on the back side of the valve well 320), thereby fluidly sealing the first opening 330 from the second opening 332 that is circumferentially offset at or about 90 degrees from the first opening 330, which is axially distal to the location of the first opening 330. In some cases, although not required, the axial positions of the openings 330, 332 may be determined from the axial positions of the centers of the openings 330, 332.

[0083] The configuration of the valve stem 300 in the valve well 320 shown in Figure 11 includes an exemplary configuration of a seal 313 having a sealing surface 321 that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the elongated body 302 and is not circumferentially planar, and that fluidly seals a first opening 330 from an axially spaced second opening 332 (shown in dashed lines in Figure 11 because the second opening 332 is behind the elongated body 302). The sealing surface 321 shown in Figure 11 engages the surface of the inner wall 323 at a location distal to the first opening 330 and at a location proximal to the second opening 332 (not fully shown in Figure 11 because the second opening 332 is on the back side of the valve well 320), thereby fluidly sealing the first opening 330 from the second opening 332 that is circumferentially offset at or about 90 degrees from the first opening 330, and that is axially distal to the location of the first opening 330.

[0084] The configuration of the valve stem 300 in the valve well 320 shown in FIG. 12 includes an exemplary configuration of a seal 313 having a sealing surface 321 that is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A of the elongated body 302 and is not circumferentially planar, and that fluidly seals two circumferentially opposed first openings 330 from axially spaced second openings 332 (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 12 because the second openings 332 are behind the elongated body 302). The sealing surface 321 shown in FIG. 12 engages the surface of the inner wall 323 at distal positions of the plurality of first openings 330 and at proximal positions of the second openings 332 (the second openings 332 are not fully shown in FIG. 12 because they are on the back side of the valve well 320), thereby fluidly sealing the plurality of first openings 330 from the second openings 332, which are circumferentially offset by 90 degrees or approximately 90 degrees from each of the first openings 330, and the second openings 332 are at axial positions distal to the axial positions of the plurality of first openings 330.

[0085] It will be understood that the present disclosure is in many respects merely illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly with respect to shape, size, and procedural arrangement, without exceeding the scope of the present disclosure. This may include, to the extent appropriate, using any of the features of one example embodiment in another embodiment. The scope of the invention is, of course, defined in the language expressed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A long body and a first opening in the elongated body; a second opening in the elongated body; a lumen extending from the first opening to the second opening; a seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a sealing surface; 1. A valve stem for a medical device comprising: A valve stem for a medical device, wherein the sealing surface is not perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

2. a groove defining a surface of the elongate body and extending circumferentially around the elongate body; The valve stem of claim 1 , wherein the groove is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body, and the seal is within the groove.

3. 3. The valve stem of claim 1, wherein the sealing surface is flat.

4. A valve stem according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the sealing surface is non-planar.

5. 5. The valve stem of claim 4, wherein the sealing surface is wavy having two peaks and two valleys.

6. the seal is a first seal, the seal surface is a first seal surface, and the valve stem is a second seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a second sealing surface; A valve stem according to any preceding claim, wherein the second sealing surface is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

7. The valve stem of claim 6 , wherein the first sealing surface is parallel to the second sealing surface.

8. 8. The valve stem of claim 6 or 7, wherein the first sealing surface is not parallel to the second sealing surface.

9. a third seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a third sealing surface; A valve stem according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the third sealing surface is not perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

10. A valve stem according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate body and the seal are of unitary construction.

11. A valve stem according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate body is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

12. 1. A valve stem for a medical device, the valve stem configured to move within a valve well of the medical device, the valve stem comprising: A long body and a first opening in the elongated body; a second opening in the elongated body; a lumen extending from the first opening to the second opening; a first seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a first sealing surface, the first seal being proximal to the first opening; a second seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a second sealing surface, the first seal being distal to the first opening; A valve stem for a medical device, wherein the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are not perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate body.

13. The valve stem of claim 12 , wherein one or both of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are flat.

14. 14. The valve stem of claim 12 or 13, wherein one or both of the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface are non-planar.

15. a third seal extending circumferentially around the elongate body and defining a third sealing surface; 15. A valve stem as described in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein one or more of the first sealing surface, the second sealing surface, and the third sealing surface are parallel to at least one other of the first sealing surface, the second sealing surface, and the third sealing surface.

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