Endoscopic valve devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

A valve assembly including a valve shaft that is shiftable within a valve well from an off position that blocks fluid communication between ports within the valve well to an on position that allows fluid communication between the ports, wherein the valve shaft is stable in either the off position or the on position, and no force is required to maintain the valve shaft in that position once the valve shaft is moved to either the off position or the on position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to devices (including, but not limited to, components and assemblies), systems, and methods for controlling the flow of material through a valve. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for controlling the flow of material through a valve assembly usable in a medical device, such as an endoscope.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 442,789, filed February 2, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. [Background technology]

[0002] Various devices including valve assemblies for controlling fluid flow during various medical procedures are known in the art. For example, during a medical procedure, materials may be delivered to an anatomical site (e.g., fluids may be delivered for irrigation, etc.) and / or materials may be aspirated from an anatomical site (e.g., fluids or biological materials may be removed from an anatomical site). A valve assembly may be used to control the flow of such materials. Endoscopes are common medical devices used to introduce or remove substances from an anatomical site and typically include a valve assembly. Endoscopes typically have an insertion tube with a working channel through which substances (e.g., fluids such as gases or liquids), devices, instruments, or tools may be introduced to, or substances may be removed or aspirated from, an anatomical site. The valve assembly is typically associated with the control handle of the endoscope and provides fluid communication between a fluid supply and / or vacuum source and the insertion tube of the endoscope to control the flow of materials through the endoscope. The valve assembly typically includes a valve well and a valve shaft. The valve shaft is shiftable within the valve well between an off position, in which the valve assembly is in an off / closed configuration, and an on position, in which the valve assembly is in an on / open configuration. In the off configuration, the valve assembly blocks fluid communication between the fluid / suction source and the insertion tube of the endoscope. When the valve assembly is shifted to the on configuration (typically by being depressed toward the handle), fluid communication is established between the fluid / suction source and the working channel of the endoscope, allowing fluid to be supplied and / or suction / negative pressure to be applied to the insertion tube of the endoscope.

[0003] Typically, a suction source coupled to an endoscope operates continuously during a procedure. However, it is generally desirable to limit the application of suction during a procedure. For example, in certain endoscopic procedures, it is desirable to maintain insufflation of an anatomical site to improve visualization of the treatment target site and / or to irrigate the target site, such as by supplying fluid to the target site. In such cases, the valve assembly is typically biased to an off configuration. In some cases, the application of suction may be limited to reducing fluid delivery and / or removing other material (e.g., biological material) from the target site. To apply suction, a medical professional must actively depress the valve actuator; otherwise, the valve actuator, when in a neutral configuration (when no actuating force is applied), is biased to the off position. This can be tiring during lengthy procedures that periodically require suction, even intermittently. There remains a need for improvements in endoscopic valves, such as actuators for suction valves. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This Summary is provided to explain in a simplified form a selection of concepts that are described in more detail in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to necessarily identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the various aspects and features of the present disclosure, whether described in this Summary or not, can be advantageously used separately in some cases or in combination with other aspects and features of the present disclosure in other cases. No limitation on the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by the inclusion or exclusion of elements, components, etc. in this Summary.

[0005] In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, an actuatable member for a valve assembly of a medical device has a proximal end and a distal end and further includes a user engagement element along the proximal end of the actuatable member and a shaft along the distal end of the actuatable member. In some aspects, the shaft is positionable within a valve well of the valve assembly and is shiftable within the valve well along an actuation axis between an on position, in which the valve assembly is in an on configuration, and an off position, in which the valve assembly is in an off configuration, and the actuatable member is retained in each of the on position and the off position even when no actuation force is applied to the actuatable member.

[0006] In some embodiments, the actuatable member is held in each of the on and off positions by an actuation component of one of the shaft and the user engagement element.

[0007] In some embodiments, the user engagement element is movable relative to the shaft. In some embodiments, the user engagement element and the shaft rotate relative to one another to shift the shaft between the on position and the off position. In some embodiments, the user engagement element moves axially along the actuation axis relative to the shaft. In some embodiments, the user engagement element and the shaft move axially together along the actuation axis.

[0008] In some embodiments, the shaft includes one of a cam surface and a cam follower configured to effect movement of the shaft between the on position and the off position upon engagement with the other of the cam surface and the cam follower associated with the valve assembly. In some embodiments, the shaft includes proximal and distal cam surfaces, each extending circumferentially around the shaft. In some embodiments, the user engagement element includes a radially inward cam follower that engages the cam surface of the shaft to rotate the shaft between the on position and the off position. In some embodiments, the cam follower alternately holds the cam surface in the on position or the off position. In some embodiments, the shaft includes one of a movable cam follower and a vertically extending cam surface, the cam surface having an on rest position for the cam follower, where the cam follower holds the shaft in the on position, and an off position for the cam follower, where the cam follower holds the shaft in the off position.

[0009] In some embodiments, the shaft rotates between the on position and the off position. In some embodiments, the shaft shifts axially between the on position and the off position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the actuatable member further includes a biasing element arranged to bias the user engagement element proximally to a neutral position, and sequential application and removal of a distal actuation force to the user engagement element alternates the neutral position between the on position and the off position.

[0011] In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, an actuatable member assembly for a valve assembly of a medical instrument includes an actuatable member having a user engagement element along a proximal end thereof and a shaft along a distal end thereof, and a collar extending circumferentially around the shaft, the collar configured to operably engage with the valve assembly to mount the actuatable member relative to the valve assembly. In some embodiments, the shaft is positionable within a valve well of the valve assembly and shiftable within the valve well along an actuation axis between an on position, in which the valve assembly is in an on configuration, and an off position, in which the valve assembly is in an off configuration, wherein one of the user engagement element, the shaft, and the collar includes a cam surface, and another of the user engagement element, the shaft, and the collar includes a cam follower configured to engage the cam surface to effect movement of the shaft between the on position and the off position.

[0012] In some embodiments, the actuatable member assembly further includes a biasing element arranged to bias the user engagement element proximally to the neutral position, and the neutral position is alternated between the on position and the off position by sequential application and removal of a distal actuation force to the user engagement element to move the cam follower along the cam surface.

[0013] In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, a method of actuating a valve assembly of a medical device includes applying an actuation force to an actuatable member of the valve assembly and releasing the actuation force to place the valve assembly in one of an on configuration and an off configuration, and applying an additional actuation force to the actuatable member and releasing the actuation force to place the valve assembly in the other of the on configuration and an off configuration.

[0014] In some embodiments, the actuatable member is located in a neutral position without application of an actuation force to the actuatable member, and a biasing element biases the actuatable member back to the neutral position upon release of the actuation force.

[0015] In some embodiments, application of an actuation force to the actuatable member initiates a shift of the valve assembly from one of an on configuration and an off configuration to the other of an on configuration and an off configuration, and release of the actuation force allows the biasing element to complete the shift of the valve assembly from one of an on configuration and an off configuration to the other of an on configuration and an off configuration, such that the valve assembly is maintained in the other of an on configuration and an off configuration when the actuatable member returns to its neutral position.

[0016] In some embodiments, releasing the actuation force allows the valve assembly to shift from one of an on configuration and an off configuration to another of an on configuration and an off configuration.

[0017] 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. While the following disclosure is presented in terms of aspects or embodiments, each aspect may be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that or any other embodiment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example embodiment of an endoscope including one or more valves formed in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one example embodiment of a valve assembly actuatable member formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure and configured for attachment to the endoscope shown in FIG. [Figure 3A]FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view of an example embodiment of a valve assembly including an actuatable member positioned to place the valve assembly in an off configuration, the actuatable member being shown as being along line IIIA-IIIA in FIG. 2. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B shows a view similar to that of FIG. 3A with the actuatable member pushed distally. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C shows a view similar to that of FIG. 3B with the actuatable member pushed further distally. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D shows a view similar to that of FIG. 3C with the actuatable member released from the position of FIG. 3C and moved back toward the proximal position. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E shows a view similar to that of FIG. 3C with the actuatable member fully released and returned to the neutral position shown in FIG. 3A etc., with the valve assembly in the on position in the on configuration. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a bottom perspective view of an example of an embodiment of a collar element such as that of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an elevational view of an example embodiment of a valve assembly actuatable member attached to an example embodiment of a valve well and valve collar formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure and shown in cross section, the valve assembly actuatable member configured for attachment to an endoscope such as that shown in FIG. 1 . [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows an elevation view of an example of an embodiment of a valve assembly including an actuatable member such as that shown in FIG. 5, with the actuatable member including a valve port positioned to place the valve assembly in an off configuration. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows a view similar to that of FIG. 6A with the actuatable member pushed distally. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C shows a view similar to that of FIG. 6B with the actuatable member pushed further distally. [Figure 6D] FIG. 6D shows a view similar to that of FIG. 6C with the actuatable member released from the position of FIG. 6C and moved back toward the proximal position. [Figure 6E]FIG. 6E shows a view similar to that of FIG. 6D with the actuatable member further released from the position of FIG. 6C and returned to the initial position of FIG. 6A, with the valve port positioned such that the valve assembly is in the on configuration. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows an elevation view of an example embodiment of a valve assembly actuatable member attached to an example embodiment of a valve well and valve collar formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure and shown in cross section, the valve assembly actuatable member configured for attachment to an endoscope such as that shown in FIG. 1 . [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows an elevation view similar to that of FIG. 7A with modified actuation mechanism components. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A shows an elevation view of an example of an embodiment of a valve assembly comprising an actuatable member such as that shown in FIG. 7A, with the valve assembly in an off configuration and the actuatable member comprising a valve port arranged such that the actuatable member is in a first stable position. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B shows a view similar to that of FIG. 8A with the actuatable member pushed distally. [Figure 8C] FIG. 8C shows a view similar to that of FIG. 8B with the actuatable member released from the position of FIG. 8B and in a second stable position. [Figure 8D] FIG. 8D shows a view similar to that of FIG. 8C with the actuatable member pushed distally to release it from the second stable position of FIG. 8C and return it to the first stable position of FIG. 8A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to scale. The accompanying drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected therein may be altered. For example, devices may be enlarged so that details are discernible, while devices are intended to be reduced in size, for example, with respect to fitting into a working channel of a delivery catheter or endoscope. For purposes of clarity and conciseness, not every element is shown in every figure, and not every element of each embodiment is shown unless illustration is necessary to enable those skilled in the art to understand the disclosure. The following detailed description may be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like elements.

[0020] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments. The present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may vary. All devices, systems, and methods described herein are examples of devices and / or systems and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present disclosure. These example embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes and are merely examples, not the only way, of implementing these principles. Thus, references to elements, structures, or features in the drawings should be recognized as references to example embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the particular elements, structures, or features shown. Other examples of ways of implementing the disclosed principles may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present subject matter. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still further embodiments. Accordingly, the present subject matter is intended to cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0021] The present disclosure has been described in this application at various levels of detail. In some instances, details that are not necessary for one of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure or that obscure other details may be omitted. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting beyond the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, technical terms used herein should be understood as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs. All of the devices and / or methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure.

[0022] As used herein, "proximal" refers to the direction or location closest to the user (e.g., a healthcare professional, clinician, technician, operator, or physician, such as a medical professional, clinician, technician, operator, or physician, and such terms are used interchangeably herein without limitation and include an automated controller system, etc.) who will be using the device (e.g., introducing, implanting, placing, or delivering the device into a patient) and / or closest to the delivery device; and "distal" refers to the direction or location furthest from the user (e.g., introducing, implanting, placing, or delivering the device into a patient) and / or closest to the delivery device. "Longitudinal" means extending along the longer or greater dimension of an element. A "longitudinal axis" extends along the longitudinal extent of an element, but is not necessarily straight, and does not necessarily maintain a constant configuration when the element is flexed or bent; "axis" refers generally along the longitudinal axis. However, it can be understood that references to axial or longitudinal movement with respect to the above-described systems or elements thereof need not be strictly limited to axial and / or longitudinal movement along the longitudinal or central axis of the referenced element. "Central" means at least approximately bisecting the center point and / or being approximately equidistant from the periphery or boundary, and "central axis," with respect to an opening, means a line at least approximately bisecting the center point of the opening; where the opening comprises, for example, a tubular element, channel, cavity, or hole, the central axis extends longitudinally along the length of the opening. As used herein, "lumen," "channel," "hole," or "passage" is not limited to a circular cross-section. As used herein, a "free end" of an element is a terminus beyond which the element does not extend. Unless otherwise specified, terms such as at, on, adjacent to, or along, are used interchangeably herein without limitation and are intended to indicate general relative spatial relationships, rather than precisely defined locations. Finally, reference to "at" a location or site is intended to include the location of and / or near (e.g., along, adjacent, etc.) the location or site.

[0023] Various medical devices include valve assemblies for regulating or controlling fluid delivery (irrigation) or fluid withdrawal (aspiration) to an anatomical site. While the present disclosure describes an aspiration valve, it can be understood that the principles of the present disclosure need not be so limited.

[0024] The suction valve assembly of the medical device is arranged to apply suction from a suction source to an anatomical site via a flexible tubular element or the like that can be configured and positioned relative to the anatomical site. The suction source can be a pump or other mechanism that generates a vacuum that is applied to the anatomical site via the flexible tubular element. In the off configuration of the valve assembly, fluid communication between the suction source and the flexible tubular element is interrupted or blocked so that suction is not applied to the anatomical site, and thus the valve can be considered to be in a closed configuration. In the on configuration of the valve assembly, the suction source is fluidly coupled with the flexible tubular element, such as to suction the anatomical site, and thus the valve can be considered to be in an open configuration.

[0025] A valve assembly of a medical device typically includes an actuatable member movable within the valve well along an actuation axis to shift the valve assembly between an off position, which places the valve assembly in an off configuration, and an on position, which places the valve assembly in an on configuration. The actuatable member may include a user-engagement element and a valve shaft. Various valve assemblies have various arrangements of ports and channels that place a fluid source, such as a suction source, in and out of fluid communication with an anatomical site. For example, in some valve assemblies, the fluid / suction source is fluidly coupled to a source port in the valve well that extends generally transverse to the actuation axis of the valve shaft. In such valve assemblies, the application port (through which a fluid / suction applicator applies fluid / suction to an anatomical site) is generally axially aligned with the actuation axis of the valve shaft. In other valve assemblies, the fluid / suction source is fluidly coupled to a source port in the valve well that is generally axially aligned with the actuation axis of the valve shaft. In such valve assemblies, the application port in the valve well extends transversely to the actuation axis of the valve shaft. The principles of the present disclosure may be applied to any configuration of a valve assembly. In either configuration, a valve well channel extends through the valve well, fluidly connecting the axial and lateral ports of the valve well. The actuatable member of the valve assembly is movably mounted within such valve well channel to shift axially and / or rotationally between on and off positions, thereby shifting the valve assembly between corresponding on and off configurations. The actuatable member has an axial flow path therethrough (extending generally along the actuation axis of the actuatable member) and / or a lateral flow path therethrough. When the valve shaft is in the on position, the flow path through the actuatable member fluidly couples the source and application ports of the valve well. When the valve shaft is in the off position, the actuatable member blocks fluid communication between the source and application ports of the valve well.

[0026] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described. For convenience, they will be described in terms of a valve assembly having a supply port fluidly coupled to a suction source and a suction application port fluidly coupled to a suction applicator. However, it will be understood that the principles of the present disclosure are applicable to valve assemblies other than those configured to apply suction. The suction source may be a pump or any other mechanism capable of generating a vacuum, as known to those skilled in the art. The suction applicator may be any tubular element capable of applying suction from a suction source to an anatomical site, such as an insertion tube of an endoscope (e.g., having a suction lumen and / or working channel extending therethrough).

[0027] In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, rather than the actuatable member being biased to the off position as in prior art valve assemblies (particularly inhalation valve assemblies), the actuatable member remains stable in both the on and off positions and is actively actuated to move between such stable on and off positions. The term "stable," as used herein with respect to a position, means that the position is independently maintained and does not move without the application of a force. In other words, the actuatable member is held in each of the on and off positions even without the application of an actuating force. The actuatable member may reside in one of the on and off positions until actively actuated to move to the other of the on and off positions, and then remain in the other position until actively actuated again to shift back to one of the on and off positions. For example, the actuatable member may be in the on position until actively actuated to shift to the off position, and then remain in the off position until actively actuated to move to the on position. Once returned to the on position, the actuatable member remains in the on position until actively actuated by the user to move to the off position again. References to active actuation or the like, as used herein, should be understood as actuation (e.g., movement) by a user (e.g., a medical professional) upon application of an actuation force (e.g., an external force such as an intentional actuation force typically applied by depressing an actuatable member in a direction toward the housing / handle to which the valve assembly is attached), as opposed to current valve assemblies which automatically return to the same position.

[0028] According to various principles of the present disclosure, a valve assembly includes an actuatable member movable relative to a valve well. Specifically, in some embodiments, the actuatable member includes a valve shaft having a port and a flow channel that is shiftable between fluid communication with the port in the valve well, thereby shifting the valve assembly between an on configuration and an off configuration. For example, one example embodiment of a valve shaft formed according to various principles of the present disclosure includes a laterally extending port and an axially extending port fluidly coupled via a fluid channel (e.g., the fluid channel extends axially between the ports). The laterally extending port of the valve shaft is movable between fluid communication with the laterally extending port defined in the valve well and not in fluid communication. In the on position of the valve shaft, the laterally extending port of the valve shaft is in fluid communication with the laterally extending port of the valve well, thereby fluidly connecting the laterally extending port of the valve well with the axially extending port of the valve well via the fluid channel and the axially extending port of the valve shaft. This configuration of the valve assembly is considered the on configuration. In the off position of the valve shaft, the laterally extending ports of the valve shaft are not in fluid communication with the laterally extending ports of the valve well, and the laterally extending ports of the valve well are not in fluid communication with the axially extending ports of the valve well. This configuration of the valve assembly is considered the off configuration.

[0029] In some embodiments, axial movement of the actuatable member causes rotational movement of the valve shaft to shift the valve shaft between the off position and the on position. In some embodiments, axial movement of the actuatable member causes axial movement of the valve shaft to shift the valve shaft between the off position and the on position. In some embodiments, axial movement of the actuatable member causes both rotational and axial movement of the valve shaft to shift the valve shaft between the off position and the on position.

[0030] The actuatable member is maintained in one of the on and off positions until actuated to the other of the on and off positions. According to various principles of the present disclosure, a portion of the actuatable member includes an actuation component configured to engage with an actuation component on another portion of the valve assembly to shift the actuatable member between an on position and an off position. For example, in some embodiments, the valve shaft of the actuatable member includes an actuation component that operably couples to an actuation component on a user engagement element of the actuatable member or operably engages with a collar component of the valve assembly. Application of an actuation force to the actuatable member operably engages the actuation components with each other to shift the position of the actuatable member between an on configuration and an off configuration. Furthermore, the actuatable member is configured to remain in the on configuration until an actuation force is applied, and to remain in the off configuration until an actuation force is similarly applied. According to various principles of the present disclosure, an actuation component on a part of the actuatable member maintains the actuatable member in the on position and maintains the actuatable member in the off position. Thus, the valve assembly is maintained in an on configuration or an off configuration without the need to apply a continuous force to the actuatable member to maintain the valve assembly in the selected configuration.

[0031] Various embodiments of valve devices (including, but not limited to, components and assemblies), systems, and methods are described below with reference to examples shown in the accompanying drawings. References herein to “one embodiment,” “embodiment,” “some embodiments,” “other embodiments,” etc., indicate that one or more particular features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics according to the principles of the present disclosure may be included in connection with the embodiment. However, such references do not necessarily imply that all embodiments include the particular feature, structure, concept, and / or characteristic, or that one embodiment includes all features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics. Some embodiments may include one or more such features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics in various combinations thereof. One or more of the features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics described with reference to one embodiment can be combined with one or more of the features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics of any of the other embodiments provided herein. That is, any of the features, structures, concepts, and / or characteristics described herein can be mixed and matched to create hybrid embodiments, and such hybrid embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, references in various places herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, and separate or alternative embodiments do not necessarily mutually exclude other embodiments. Moreover, various features, structures, concepts, and / or properties of the disclosed embodiments are independent and distinct from one another and may be used or exist individually or in various combinations to create alternative embodiments that are considered part of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to only the embodiments specifically set forth herein; it would be extremely tedious to describe all of the many possible combinations and subcombinations of features, structures, concepts, and / or properties, and the example embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present disclosure.The various dimensions provided herein are examples, and one of ordinary skill in the art can readily determine the appropriate range of standard deviation and allowable variation therefrom that is covered by this disclosure and any claims associated therewith. The following description is merely illustrative of embodiments and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] In the drawings, common features are identified by common reference elements, and for brevity and convenience, without intent to be limiting, descriptions of common features are generally not repeated. For purposes of clarity, not all components having the same reference number are numbered. Also, groups of similar elements may be indicated by numbers and letters. Generally, reference to one or more such elements or such elements as a group may be made by the number alone (without including the letter associated with each similar element). In the following description, similar elements or components among the various illustrated embodiments of the valve assembly and related components are generally designated by similar reference numbers incremented by a factor of 100, and redundant descriptions are generally omitted for brevity. Also, certain features in one embodiment may be used across different embodiments but are not necessarily labeled separately when appearing in different embodiments.

[0033] Referring now to the drawings, an example embodiment of a valve assembly 100 formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 1 as being provided in the example embodiment of an endoscope 1000. While endoscope 1000 is an example embodiment to which the principles of the present disclosure may be applied, the various principles of the present disclosure may also be applied to control fluid flow to other medical instruments, the details of which are not critical to the present disclosure. Additionally, although reference is made to a suction valve, the disclosed principles and embodiments may also be applied to other valves, such as fluid supply / irrigation valves.

[0034] The illustrated example embodiment of the valve assembly 100 is mounted to a control handle 1010 of the endoscope 1000 to regulate the flow of a substance (e.g., a fluid) between an insertion tube 1020 of the endoscope 1000 and a suction source 1100. The endoscope 1000 has a connector cord 1030 that extends to a scope connector 1032 that can fluidly couple the endoscope 1000 (and valve assembly 100) to the suction source 1100. The connector cord 1030 may alternatively be referred to herein, without limitation, as an umbilical cord, umbilicus, universal cord, etc. The scope connector 1032 may couple the endoscope 1000 via the connector cord 1030 to various components and devices, such as a fluid source (for supplying air, carbon dioxide, water, saline, or other gases or liquids), electrical connections, light sources, visualization elements (e.g., fiber optics, cameras, etc.), or other components and devices usable with the endoscope 1000. The insertion tube 1020 has a fluid lumen extending therethrough to a distal end that is positionable (insertable, navigable, etc.) relative to an anatomical site (e.g., within a patient). Similarly, the connector cord 1030 has a fluid lumen extending therethrough for fluidly coupling the suction source 1100 to the control handle 1010 (e.g., via a scope connector 1032). The fluid lumens through the insertion tube 1020 and connector cord 1030, as well as the distal end of the insertion tube 1020, may have well-known features formed in a manner known to those skilled in the art and are not shown to simplify the drawings by eliminating details in the endoscope 1000 of FIG. 1 that are not necessary to understand the present disclosure.

[0035] The valve assembly 100 includes an actuatable member 110 configured to be shifted between an on position and an off position along an actuation axis A upon application of an actuation force. Typically, this actuation force is applied along the actuation axis A in a distal direction, such as toward a control handle 1010 housing the valve assembly 100, by a user of the valve assembly 100, such as a medical professional. When the valve assembly 100 is in the on configuration, the source and apply ports of the valve assembly 100 are in fluid communication. For example, with reference to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a suction source 1100 may be fluidly coupled to the insertion tube 1020 of the endoscope 1000 to apply suction when the valve assembly 100 is in the on configuration. When the valve assembly 100 is in the off configuration, the source and apply ports of the valve assembly 100 are not in fluid communication (typically, are sealed from one another). For example, with reference to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the endoscope 1000 does not apply suction when the valve assembly 100 is in the off configuration.

[0036] Furthermore, in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, when an actuation force applied to change the configuration of valve assembly 100 from one of the on and off configurations to the other is removed, valve assembly 100 remains in the other configuration. In other words, if an actuation force is applied to the actuatable member while valve assembly 100 is in the on configuration to change the configuration of valve assembly 100 to the off configuration, valve assembly 100 will remain in the off configuration once the actuation force is no longer applied to the actuatable member. Conversely, if an actuation force is applied to the actuatable member while valve assembly 100 is in the off configuration to change the configuration of valve assembly 100 to the on configuration, valve assembly 100 will remain in the on configuration once the actuation force is no longer applied to the actuatable member. Thus, the actuatable member 110 has a first stable position in which the actuatable member 110 is in one of the on position and the off position, thereby placing the valve assembly 100 in the corresponding on position or off position, and a second stable position in which the actuatable member 110 is in the other of the on position and the off position, thereby placing the valve assembly 100 in the corresponding on position or off position.

[0037] The actuatable member 110 of the valve assembly 100 may have ports that correspond to ports in valve wells of the valve assembly 100 and that are movable into and out of fluid communication with the ports in the valve wells to shift the valve assembly 100 between on and off configurations. In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, at least one component of the actuatable member 110 includes an actuation mechanism configured to shift a port defined in the actuatable member 110 into and out of fluid communication with a port in another component of the valve assembly 100, such as a port in a valve well of the valve assembly 100. The component of the actuatable member 110 having the port is axially movable along, rotatable about, or axially movable and rotatable about the actuation axis A to shift the actuatable member 110 between the on and off positions so that the port of the actuatable member 110 is in or out of fluid communication with the port of the valve well of the valve assembly 100. The actuation mechanism includes an actuation component that is operably engageable with another actuation component on the actuatable member 110 or another component of the valve assembly 100. The actuation component may be a cam follower and / or a cam surface, as described below.

[0038] An example embodiment of an actuatable member 210 of a valve assembly 200 formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 2 separated from an endoscope (such as the endoscope 1000 shown in FIG. 1). The illustrated example embodiment of the actuatable member 210 includes a valve shaft 220 and a user engagement element 230 operably coupled to one another. The valve shaft 220 extends generally along the distal end 211 of the actuatable member 210, and the user engagement element 230 extends generally along the proximal end 213 of the actuatable member 210. The valve shaft 220 and the user engagement element 230 are generally axially and rotationally movable relative to one another about an actuation axis A. A biasing element 212 may be positioned relative to the valve shaft 220 and the user engagement element 230 to maintain the user engagement element 230 spaced apart from the valve shaft 220 in a neutral configuration, as shown in FIG. 3A. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A-3E, a collar 240 is attached around the valve shaft 220 and the user engagement element 230 and can maintain the relative positions of the valve shaft 220 and the user engagement element 230 relative to one another and to the valve well 250 of the valve assembly 200. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3E, the collar 240 has a shaft retaining wall 242 extending radially inward from a generally cylindrical skirt 244 of the collar 240. A biasing element 212 can be disposed between the shaft retaining wall 242 and the user engagement element 230 to bias the user engagement element 230 away from the valve shaft 220. The shaft retaining wall 242 also defines a shaft retaining opening 245 (as shown in FIG. 4) through which the valve shaft 220 extends. Valve shaft 220 may include a circumferential groove 225 (shown, for example, in FIG. 2 ) that engages with a shaft-retaining opening 245 in collar 240 to limit axial movement of valve shaft 220 relative to collar 240. Collar skirt 244 defines an axially extending slot 247. User engagement element 230 has a skirt 234 (extending distally from user engagement surface 232) that is axially movable relative to and partially resides within collar skirt 244.The skirt 234 has a radially outwardly extending protrusion 236 that is configured to extend into a corresponding axially extending slot 247 defined in the collar skirt 244 to limit movement of the user engagement element 230 relative to the collar 240 to axial movement along the actuation axis A.

[0039] In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, axial movement of the actuatable member 210 along the actuation axis A causes rotational movement of the valve shaft 220 relative to the user engagement element 230 and the valve well 250, shifting a laterally extending (extending transversely to the actuation axis A) valve shaft port 222 defined in the valve shaft 220 between an on position and an off position. In the on position of the valve shaft 220, the valve shaft port 222 is fluidly coupled to and generally aligned with a laterally extending valve well port 252 defined in the valve well 250. In the off position of the valve shaft 220, the valve shaft port 222 is not in fluid communication with (and is typically sealed off from) the laterally extending valve well port 252 defined in the valve well 250. The laterally extending port 222 of the valve shaft 220 is in fluid communication with the axially extending port 224 via a valve shaft channel 226 that extends generally axially through the valve shaft 220. The axially extending port 224 of the valve shaft 220 is in fluid communication with the axially extending port 254 of the valve well 250. Thus, when the laterally extending port 222 of the valve shaft is in fluid communication with the laterally extending port 252 of the valve well, the laterally extending port 252 of the valve well is in fluid communication with the axially extending port 254 of the valve well, thereby allowing suction to be applied through the valve assembly 200.

[0040] 2 and 3A-3E, application of an actuation force F to the user-engagement element 230 of the actuatable member 210 (e.g., relative to its user-engagement surface 232) in a distal direction (toward the distal end 211 of the actuatable member 210) results in axial movement of the user-engagement element 230 along the actuation axis A, which translates into rotational movement of the valve shaft 220 about the actuation axis A. The rotation of the valve shaft 220 shifts the valve shaft 220 from one of an on / off position to the other of the on / off positions relative to the valve well 250. Unlike conventional valve assemblies that return to the off position when the actuation force applied to the actuatable member is removed, in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, the valve shaft 220 remains in the on or off position when the actuation force F that placed the valve shaft 220 in such position is removed.

[0041] To provide such relative rotational movement between the valve shaft 220 and the valve well 250, the user engagement element 230 is rotationally fixed relative to the valve well 250 of the valve assembly 200, while the valve shaft 220 rotates relative to the valve well 250. In the example embodiment of the valve assembly 200 shown in FIGS. 2, 3A-3E, and 4, a collar 240 disposed about the valve shaft 220 and the user engagement element 230 is rotationally fixed relative to the valve well 250 within the valve assembly 200 (shown in FIGS. 3A-3E). The user engagement element 230 is rotationally fixed relative to the collar 240, as described above, and therefore rotationally fixed relative to the valve well 250. The valve shaft 220 is rotatable relative to the user engagement element 230 and the collar 240, and therefore rotatable within the valve well 250. The collar 240 may be mounted and rotationally fixed relative to the valve well 250 in any of a variety of ways known to those skilled in the art. For example, collar 240 may include an axially extending protrusion 246 (as shown in FIG. 4 ) configured to engage a corresponding seat (not shown, but may be of a configuration known to those skilled in the art) in valve well 250 to rotationally lock collar 240 relative to valve well 250. Collar 240 may further include one or more protrusions 248 extending radially inward from collar skirt 244 and configured to engage valve well 250 to secure collar 240 thereto. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3E , collar 240 is attached to valve well 250 via an optional valve well nut 260 (which is coupled, e.g., threadedly coupled, to valve well 250). A radially inwardly extending protrusion 248 on the skirt 244 of the collar 240 engages with a radially outwardly extending circumferential flange 262 on the valve well nut 260, thereby attaching the collar 240 to the valve well nut 260 and, therefore, to the valve well 250 to which the valve well nut 260 is attached.This prevents rotation of the collar 240 relative to the valve well 250 and prevents rotation of the user engagement element 230 relative to the collar 240 while allowing the valve shaft 220 to rotate relative to the valve well 250 .

[0042] In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 2, 3A-3E, and 4, an actuation mechanism 270 is disposed relative to the valve shaft 220 and the user engagement element 230 to actuate and rotate the valve shaft 220 relative to the valve well 250. The actuation mechanism 270 is configured to translate axial movement of the user engagement element 230 along an actuation axis A into rotational movement of the valve shaft 220. Rotation of the valve shaft 220 sequentially rotates the laterally extending valve shaft port 222 into and out of fluid communication with the laterally extending valve well port 252 of the valve well 250, thereby sequentially shifting the valve assembly 200 between an on configuration and an off configuration, as shown in FIGS. 3A-3E and described in further detail below. In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, when no actuation force is applied to the actuatable member 210, the valve shaft 220 remains in a selected position (either an on position or an off position).

[0043] An example embodiment of an actuation mechanism 270 comprising a cam surface 280 and corresponding cam follower 290 configured to translate axial motion of the user engagement element 230 into rotational motion of the valve shaft 220 is shown in Figures 2 and 3A-3E. In the illustrated example embodiment, the cam surface 280 (including a proximal cam surface 280p and a distal cam surface 280d) extends circumferentially around the outer surface of the valve shaft 220, and the cam follower 290 extends radially inward from the skirt 234 of the user engagement element 230. However, the reverse arrangement, in which the cam follower extends radially outward from the valve shaft 220 and moves along a cam surface along the inner surface of the skirt 234 of the user engagement element 230, is also within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0044] Operation of an actuation mechanism 270 formed in accordance with various principles of the present disclosure can be understood with reference to the sequential positions of the cam follower 290 relative to the cam surface 280 shown in FIGS. 3A-3E (the arrows in FIGS. 3A-3E indicate the subsequent movement of the cam follower 290). The valve assembly 200 is shown in FIG. 3A in an off configuration, in which the valve shaft 220 is in the off position and the laterally extending valve shaft port 222 is not aligned with and in fluid communication with the laterally extending valve well port 252. Additionally, the actuation member 210 is in a neutral configuration in FIG. 3A, with no actuation force applied. In the neutral configuration of the actuation member 210, the cam follower 290 of the actuation mechanism 270 rests within the proximal valley 282p of the proximal cam surface 280p, as shown in FIG. 3A. As can be seen, proximal valley 282p of proximal cam surface 280p defines a resting position for cam follower 290. Thus, when cam follower 290 is located in proximal valley 282p, cam follower 290 will remain in position unless or until an actuation force F is applied to user engagement element 230 causing cam follower 290 to move out of proximal valley 282p. Proximal valley 282p can be considered to define a proximal limit stop for proximal movement of user engagement element 230.

[0045] When an actuation force F is applied to the user-engagement element 230 to actuate the actuation mechanism 270, the cam follower 290 moves distally with the user-engagement element 230 and engages the distal ramped surface 284d of the distal cam surface 280d, as shown in FIG. 3B. The ramped surface 284 of the cam surface 280 extends transversely to a plane perpendicular to the actuation axis A and between the valleys 282 and peaks 286 of the cam surface 280. Because the cam follower 290 is rotationally constrained (because the cam follower 290 extends from the user-engagement element 230, which is rotationally fixed relative to the collar 240, which, as described above, is rotationally fixed relative to the valve well 250), further axial movement of the cam follower 290 along the ramped surface 284 of the cam surface 280 causes rotation of the valve shaft 220. Specifically, further distal axial movement of the user engagement element 230 relative to the valve shaft 220 causes rotation of the valve shaft 220 in a counterclockwise direction, or to the right in FIG. 3B , when viewed from the proximal end 213 of the actuatable member 210. As the valve shaft 220 rotates, the cam follower 290 moves along the distal ramp surface 284d of the distal cam surface 280d and comes to rest within the distal valley 282d of the distal cam surface 280d, as shown in FIG. 3C . The distal valley 282d can be considered to define a distal limit stop for the distal movement of the user engagement element 230. As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 3B and 3C , rotation of the valve shaft 220 rotates the laterally-extending valve shaft port 222 closer to the laterally-extending valve well port 252. 2, each of the proximal cam surface 280p and the distal cam surface 280d includes four sets of valleys 282, ramps 284, and peaks 286 that extend around the valve shaft 220. Thus, as the cam follower 290 moves along the distal ramps 284d from a substantially mid-position (as shown in FIG. 3B) to the distal valleys 282d (as shown in FIG. 3C), the valve shaft 220 rotates 1 / 8 of a turn (45°) about the actuation axis A.

[0046] Upon removal of actuation force F from user engagement element 230, biasing element 214 may move user engagement element 230 proximally toward proximal end 213 of actuatable member 210, as shown in FIG. 3D. In the opposite direction from that described above with reference to FIG. 3B, cam follower 290 moves proximally with user engagement element 230 to engage proximal ramped surface 284p of proximal cam surface 280p, as shown in FIG. 3D. As described above with respect to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the constraint on axial movement of cam follower 290 causes further axial movement of cam follower 290 along ramped surface 284 of cam surface 280, causing rotation of valve shaft 220. 3D and 3E, further proximal axial movement of user engagement element 230 relative to valve shaft 220 causes movement of cam follower 290 along proximal ramped surface 284p of proximal cam surface 280p, causing rotation of valve shaft 220 in a counterclockwise direction (as viewed from proximal end 213 of actuable member 210, or to the right in FIG. 3D) from the position shown in FIG. 3D to the position shown in FIG. 3E. Thus, cam follower 290 moves along proximal ramped surface 284p from a generally midpoint (as shown in FIG. 3D) to proximal valley 282p (as shown in FIG. 3E), causing valve shaft 220 to rotate an additional ⅛ of a turn (45°) about actuation axis A. 3D with 3E, rotation of valve shaft 220 rotates laterally-extending valve shaft port 222 closer to laterally-extending valve well port 252. Furthermore, as can be seen by comparing Figures 3E with 3A, the sequence of movement of actuatable member 210 from applying actuation force F to user engagement element 230 to removing actuation force F (allowing biasing element 212 to return actuatable member 210 to the neutral configuration) moves laterally-extending valve shaft port 222 into fluid communication with laterally-extending valve well port 252.

[0047] As can be seen, when the cam follower 290 is located within the proximal valley 282p (as shown in FIG. 3A or FIG. 3E ), the cam follower 290 does not move, and therefore the valve shaft 220 does not rotate until the actuatable member 210 is actuated. Thus, the valve shaft 220 remains in its position (either on or off) and the valve assembly 200 remains in its configuration (either on or off) until the actuatable member 210 is actuated. Thus, to shift the valve assembly 200 to a different configuration, a user of the valve assembly 200 need only apply an actuation force F to the actuatable member 210 for a limited time to shift the valve shaft 220 to a different position. Once the actuation force F is applied to shift the valve shaft 220 and valve assembly 200, it is not necessary to continuously apply the actuation force F to maintain the valve shaft 220 and valve assembly 200 in their shifted position / configuration.

[0048] Instead of an actuation mechanism being disposed relative to the valve shaft and user-engagement element of the actuatable member to shift the valve shaft between on and off positions (shifting the valve assembly between on and off configurations), an actuation mechanism may be disposed relative to the actuatable member and collar of the valve assembly to shift the valve shaft between on and off positions. In this case, the user-engagement element may or may not move relative to the valve shaft as the valve shaft moves to change the configuration of the valve assembly. In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, the actuatable member in such embodiments has a neutral configuration such that the actuation mechanism leaves the valve assembly in the shifted configuration even when no actuation force is applied to the actuatable member.

[0049] Figure 5 illustrates an example embodiment of an actuatable member 310 that includes an actuation mechanism 370 positioned relative to the actuatable member 310 and other components of the valve assembly. Similar to the example embodiments of the actuatable member 210 illustrated in Figures 2, 3A-3E, and 4, the actuatable member 310 illustrated in Figure 5 includes a valve shaft 320 and a user engagement element 330 operably coupled to one another. The valve shaft 320 extends generally along the distal end 311 of the actuatable member 310, and the user engagement element 330 extends generally along the proximal end 313 of the actuatable member 310. The user engagement element 330 may be integrally formed with the valve shaft 320 (e.g., as the proximal end 323 thereof) or may be formed separately from the valve shaft 320 and optionally movable relative to the valve shaft 320.

[0050] In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6E, a collar 340 is disposed about an actuatable member 310, and an actuation mechanism 370 is disposed relative to the actuatable member 310 and the collar 340. The collar 340 is attached to a valve well 350 of the valve assembly 300 and is rotationally fixed relative to the valve well 350, such as by methods known to those skilled in the art. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6E, the collar 340 is attached to the valve well 350 in the manner shown in FIGS. 2, 3A-3E, and 4. For convenience, and not by way of limitation, components shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6E that are similar to components shown in FIGS. 2, 3A-3E, and 4 are designated with like reference numerals increased by 100, and for brevity, and not by way of limitation, reference is made to the description thereof in connection with FIGS. 3A-3E.

[0051] The actuation mechanism 370 is configured to translate axial movement of the actuatable member 310 into rotational movement of the valve shaft 320. Specifically, distal and proximal axial movement of the actuatable member 310 along actuation axis A causes a portion of the actuation mechanism 370 associated with the valve shaft 320 to engage a portion of the actuation mechanism 370 associated with the collar 340, resulting in rotation of the valve shaft 320 relative to the valve well 350, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6E . As the valve shaft 320 rotates, a laterally extending valve shaft port 322 defined in the valve shaft 320 is rotated into and out of fluid communication with a laterally extending valve well port 352 in the valve well 350 of the valve assembly 300, thereby shifting the valve assembly 300 between an on configuration and an off configuration, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6E and described in further detail below.

[0052] Optionally, the user engagement element 330 is formed separately from and rotatable relative to the valve shaft 320, such that axial movement of the user engagement element 330 causes axial movement of the valve shaft 320 to actuate the actuation mechanism 370, thereby rotating the valve shaft 320 without rotating the user engagement element 330 (such as for user comfort). For example, the example embodiment of the user engagement element 330 shown in FIG. 5 includes a proximally-facing user engagement surface 332 disposed along the proximal end 313 of the actuatable member 310, the user engagement surface 332 being formed separately from and disposed on and covering the proximal end 323 of the valve shaft 320. The axial extension 334 extends distally toward and around the valve shaft 320, with a radially inward protrusion 336 engaging a groove 325 extending circumferentially around the proximal end 323 of the valve shaft 320, coupling the user engagement element 330 to the valve shaft 320 while optionally allowing relative rotational movement therebetween.

[0053] Application of an actuation force F to the user-engagement surface 332 of the user-engagement element 330 causes distal axial movement of the actuatable member 310 (toward the distal end 351 of the valve well 350) and actuation of the actuation mechanism 370 to rotate the valve shaft 320. Optionally, a biasing element 312 biases the user-engagement element 330 proximally when the actuation force F is removed. The biasing element 312 may be disposed between the user-engagement element 330 (e.g., its underside) and a shaft retaining wall 342 extending radially inward from a generally cylindrical skirt 344 of the collar 340, the shaft retaining wall 342 defining a shaft retaining opening 345 through which the valve shaft 320 passes. Proximal movement of the actuatable member 310 (e.g., to an initial position of the actuatable member 310 prior to application of the actuation force F) causes further actuation of the actuation mechanism 370 to complete the rotation of the valve shaft 320, shifting it from one of the on and off positions to the other. In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, when no actuation force is applied to the actuatable member 310, the valve shaft 320 remains in the other of the on and off positions (the position to which the valve shaft 320 was shifted by the actuation force F).

[0054] The example embodiment of actuation mechanism 370 shown in Figures 5 and 6A-6D includes a cam surface 380 extending circumferentially along the inner surface of the generally cylindrical skirt 344 of the collar 340 and a cam follower 390 extending radially outward from the outer surface of the valve shaft 320. However, the reverse arrangement, in which the cam follower extends radially inward from the inner surface of the collar skirt 344 and moves along a cam surface extending circumferentially around the outer surface of the valve shaft 320, is also within the scope of this disclosure. Specifically, the example embodiment of cam follower 390 shown in Figures 5 and 6A-6E includes a proximal cam follower 390p and a distal cam follower 390d axially spaced apart from one another, with the cam surface 380 extending therebetween. 5 and 6A-6E, proximal cam follower 390p includes a plurality of proximal cam followers 390p circumferentially spaced apart from one another around valve shaft 320, and distal cam follower 390d includes a plurality of distal cam followers 390d circumferentially spaced apart from one another around valve shaft 320. Cam surface 380 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart cam surfaces 380, each cam surface 380 having a proximally-facing inclined surface 382p (facing proximal cam follower 390p) and a distally-facing inclined surface 382d (facing distal cam follower 390d). Proximal cam follower 390p has a sloped surface 392p that faces proximally-facing sloped surface 382p of cam surface 380, and distal cam follower 390d has a sloped surface 392d that faces distally-facing sloped surface 382d of cam surface 380. Sloped surfaces 382, ​​392 extend transversely to a plane perpendicular to actuation axis A. As can be seen with reference to FIGS. 6A-6E , distal axial movement of actuatable member 310 causes sloped surface 392p of proximal cam follower 390p to move axially into engagement with proximally-facing sloped surface 380p of cam surface 382. Continued distal axial movement of actuatable member 310 then causes sloped surface 392p of proximal cam follower 390p to move along proximally-facing sloped surface 380p of cam surface 382, ​​thereby causing rotation of valve shaft 320 relative to collar 340 and, therefore, valve well 350.Similarly, proximal axial movement of actuatable member 310 causes ramp surface 392d of distal cam follower 390d to move axially into engagement with distally facing ramp surface 380d of cam surface 382. Continued proximal axial movement of actuatable member 310 then causes ramp surface 392d of distal cam follower 390d to move along distally facing ramp surface 380d of cam surface 382, ​​causing further rotation of valve shaft 320 relative to collar 340 and therefore valve well 350. As can be seen, rotation of valve shaft 320 relative to valve well 350 shifts transversely extending valve shaft port 322 relative to transversely extending valve well port 352 between fluid communication and non-fluid communication.

[0055] The operation of the actuatable member 310 and actuation mechanism 370 shown in Figure 5 can be understood with reference to the successive positions of the cam follower 390 relative to the cam surface 380 shown in Figures 6A-6E (the arrows in Figures 3A-3E indicate the subsequent movements of the cam follower 290). The valve assembly 300 is shown in Figure 6A in an off configuration in which the valve shaft 320 is in an off position and the laterally extending valve shaft port 322 is not aligned with and in fluid communication with the laterally extending valve well port 352. Additionally, the actuatable member 310 is in a neutral configuration in Figure 6A with no actuation force applied.

[0056] When actuation force F is applied to user engagement element 330, actuation member 310 is moved distally toward distal end 301 of valve assembly 300, actuating actuation mechanism 370 as shown in FIGURE 6B. Specifically, proximal cam follower 390p moves distally with user engagement element 330, causing ramped surface 392p of proximal cam follower 390p to engage proximally-facing ramped surface 380p of cam surface 382. Because collar 340 is fixed against rotation relative to valve well 350, ramped surface 392p of proximal cam follower 390p remains axially distally engaged with proximally-facing ramped surface 382p of cam surface 380, causing proximal cam follower 390p to move along proximally-facing ramped surface 382p of cam surface 380, rotating valve shaft 320 relative to valve well 350 (clockwise as viewed from proximal end 313 of actuatable member 310, i.e., to the left in FIG. 6B , to the position in FIG. 6C ). This causes laterally-extending valve shaft port 322 to move relative to laterally-extending valve well port 352, as shown in FIG. 6C . Cam surface 380 may define a stop surface 386 that proximal cam follower 390p contacts to prevent further rotation of proximal cam follower 390p during rotation of valve shaft 320. Thus, the stop surface 386 on the cam surface 380 can serve as a distal limit stop for the rotational (and typically distal axial) movement of the valve shaft 320 .

[0057] When actuation force F is removed from user engagement element 330, biasing element 312 allows user engagement element 330 to move proximally toward proximal end 303 of valve assembly 300, as shown in FIG. 6C. Proximal movement of valve shaft 320 causes ramped surface 392d of distal cam follower 390d to engage distally facing ramped surface 380d of cam surface 382. Because collar 340 is fixed and does not rotate relative to valve well 350, ramped surface 392d of distal cam follower 390d continues to axially proximally engage distally facing ramped surface 382d of cam surface 380, causing distal cam follower 390d to move along distally facing ramped surface 382d of cam surface 380, thereby causing further rotation of valve shaft 320 (in the same direction as ramped surface 392p of proximal cam follower 390p moving along proximally facing ramped surface 382p of cam surface 380). This causes laterally extending valve shaft port 322 to move further relative to laterally extending valve well port 352. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 6E , when actuatable member 310 is again in the neutral position, laterally extending valve shaft port 322 is in fluid communication with laterally extending valve well port 352. Distal cam follower 390d may be stopped from further rotational movement by engaging stop surface 386 on cam surface 380. Stop surface 386 on cam surface 380 may thus serve as a limit stop for rotational (and typically proximal axial) movement of valve shaft 320.

[0058] 6A-6E and their description above, rotation of the valve shaft 220 caused by distal movement of the valve shaft 220 (when actuation force F is applied) and movement of the ramped surface 392p of the proximal cam follower 390p along the proximal-facing ramped surface 382p of the cam surface 380 rotates the valve shaft 220 45° from the first neutral position. Further rotation of the valve shaft 320 caused by proximal movement of the valve shaft 320 and movement of the ramped surface 392d of the distal cam follower 390d along the distal-facing ramped surface 382d of the cam surface 380 rotates the valve shaft 320 an additional 45° from the first neutral position. Thus, upon completion of the actuation movement of the valve shaft 320 (application and release of actuation force F to the actuatable member 310), the valve shaft 320 is rotated 90°, which moves the laterally extending valve shaft port 322 into or out of alignment with the laterally extending valve well port 352. Repeated up and down movements of the valve shaft through 90° then move the lateral bore through the valve shaft between being aligned and in fluid communication with the laterally extending port in the valve well, and being out of alignment and in fluid communication with the laterally extending port in the valve well.

[0059] As noted above, the principles of the present disclosure encompass various arrangements and configurations of actuation mechanisms positioned and configured relative to components of a valve assembly to shift the valve assembly between stable on and off configurations while the actuatable member remains in a neutral configuration in either configuration of the valve assembly. For example, instead of the above-described example embodiment of an actuation mechanism shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6D in which a cam follower is associated with the valve shaft of the actuatable member and a cam surface is associated with the collar of the valve assembly, a generally reversed configuration is also within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. An example embodiment of a valve assembly including an actuation mechanism comprising a cam follower associated with the collar of the valve assembly and a cam surface associated with a portion of the actuatable member of the valve assembly is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A-8D. For convenience, and not intended to be limiting, components shown in FIGS. 7 and 8A-8D that are similar to components shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6E are designated with like reference numerals increased by 100, and for brevity, and not intended to be limiting, reference is made to the description thereof in connection with FIGS. 3A-3E. As in the example embodiments described above, the actuation mechanism is positioned and configured to engage the actuatable member and the collar of the valve assembly to shift the laterally extending port in the valve shaft of the actuatable member relative to the laterally extending port in the valve well of the valve assembly to shift the valve assembly between an on configuration and an off configuration, while the actuatable member remains in a neutral configuration in either configuration of the valve assembly. However, in contrast to the example embodiments described above, the laterally extending port in the valve shaft is moved axially (as opposed to rotationally as described with respect to the example embodiments above) into and out of fluid communication with the laterally extending port in the valve well.

[0060] In the example embodiment of the actuatable member 410 shown separately in Figures 7A and 7B and attached to the valve assembly 400 in Figures 8A-8D, the actuation mechanism 470 includes a cam surface 480 and a cam follower 490. Similar to the example embodiment shown in Figures 5 and 6A-6E, a collar 440 is disposed about the actuatable member 410, and the actuation mechanism 470 is disposed relative to the actuatable member 410 and collar 440. The collar 440 is attached to the valve well 450 of the valve assembly 400 and is rotationally fixed relative to the valve well 450, such as by methods known to those skilled in the art. In the example embodiment shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 8A-8D, the collar 440 is attached to the valve well 450 in the manner shown in Figures 2, 3A-3E, and 4. Accordingly, components shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 8A-8D that are similar to components shown in Figures 2, 3A-3E, and 4 are designated with like reference numerals increased by 200, and for purposes of brevity, and not intended to be limiting, reference is made to the description thereof in connection with Figures 2, 3A-3E, and 4.

[0061] In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6E, in the exemplary embodiment of an actuation mechanism 470 attached to an actuatable member 410 shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8A-8E, a cam surface 480 is provided on the outer surface of a valve shaft 420 of the actuatable member 410, and a cam follower 490 extends from a collar 440 disposed around the actuatable member 410 to interact with the cam surface 480. Also, in contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6A-6E, instead of the valve shaft 420 rotating between an on position and an off position, the valve shaft 420 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 8A-8E moves axially along an actuation axis A between an on position and an off position. Specifically, the valve shaft 420 extends through a shaft retaining opening 445 in a shaft retaining wall 442 that extends radially inward from a skirt 444 of the collar 440. The valve shaft 420 has an axially extending groove 427 that engages a radially inwardly extending protrusion 447 on the collar 440 (e.g., extending radially inward from the shaft retaining wall 442), thereby preventing the valve shaft 420 from rotating relative to the collar 440. Because the collar 440 is attached to the valve well 450 as described above with respect to the example embodiments of Figures 2, 3A-3E, and 4, the collar 440 does not rotate relative to the valve well 450, and therefore the valve shaft 420 (which is rotationally fixed relative to the collar 440) does not rotate relative to the valve well 450. Thus, axial translation of the actuable member 410 along the actuation axis A upon application of an actuation force F to the user engagement element 430 causes axial translation of the valve shaft 420, moving the laterally extending port 422 defined in the valve shaft 420 relative to the laterally extending port 452 defined in the valve well 450.

[0062] The cam surface 480 of the actuation mechanism 470 provides an off-stop surface 482 for the cam follower 490 to hold the valve shaft 420 in the off position relative to the valve well 450. As the actuatable member 410 moves distally along the actuation axis A from the off position to the on position, the cam follower 490 moves along the on-slope surface 484 from the off-stop surface 482 to an on-stop surface 486. When the cam follower 490 seats on the off-stop surface 482, the valve shaft 420 is held in a stable on position relative to the valve well 450. The valve shaft 420 may remain in such a stable on position even when no actuation force F is applied to the valve shaft 420, until a further actuation force F is applied to move the actuatable member 410 back to the off position. As actuatable member 410 moves distally from the on position to the off position along actuation axis A, cam follower 490 moves along off ramp surface 488 from on stop surface 486 back to off stop surface 482, shifting valve shaft 420 from the stable on position to the stable off position. Optionally, biasing element 412 biases user engagement element 430 proximally to shift the position of valve shaft 420 when actuation force F applied to user engagement element 430 is removed, such that valve shaft 420 moves to the stable on or off position when actuation force F applied to user engagement element 430 is removed.

[0063] 7A and 7B , the cam follower 490 includes a radially inwardly extending cam finger 492 configured to sequentially engage the off stop surface 482, the on ramp surface 484, the on stop surface 486, and the off ramp surface 488 of the cam surface 480 when the valve shaft 420 is shifted axially along the actuation axis A between the off and on positions to shift the valve assembly 400 between the off and on configurations. The cam finger 492 may be biased laterally across the actuation axis A to facilitate movement of the cam finger 492 relative to the various features of the cam surface 480. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 7A , the cam finger 492 is biased to a generally vertical neutral position (e.g., along the actuation axis A) by being attached to a cam biasing element 494 attached to the shaft retaining wall 442. In the example embodiment shown in Figure 7B, the cam fingers 492 are attached to cam biasing elements 494' stamped from a separate wall 442', which may be positioned relative to the shaft retaining wall 442 so that the cam fingers 492 extend into the cam surfaces 480. For convenience, and not intended to be limiting, references herein to the cam biasing element 494 are intended to encompass references to the cam biasing element 494' shown in Figure 7B. In some embodiments, the cam biasing element 494 is biased from its neutral position when the cam follower 490 is positioned against at least one of the stop surfaces 482, 486 and / or against at least one of the ramp surfaces 484, 488. For example, when the cam follower 490 is on at least one of the stop surfaces 482, 486, it can be biased from its neutral position to bias the cam finger 492 into a fixed position against the associated ramp surface 484, 488, thereby moving the cam finger 492 to the other of the stop surfaces 482, 486.

[0064] In the example embodiment of actuation mechanism 470 shown in Figures 7A, 7B, and 8A-8E, a distal position of valve shaft 420 closer to distal end 401 of valve well 450 is the on position, and a proximal position of valve shaft 420 closer to proximal end 403 of valve well 450 is the off position. However, the present disclosure also encompasses the reverse configuration, with appropriate modifications that may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art. Operation of actuation mechanism 470 formed according to various principles of the present disclosure may be better understood by reference to the sequential positions of cam follower 490 relative to cam surface 480 shown in Figures 8A-8D.

[0065] The operation of the actuation mechanism 470 shown in Figures 7A and 7B can be understood with reference to the sequential positions of the cam follower 209 relative to the cam surface 230 shown in Figures 8A-8C. The user-engagement element 430 of the actuatable member 410 has been omitted for ease of illustration and is not intended to represent the absence of the user-engagement element 430 in the actuatable member 410. The valve assembly 400 is shown in an off configuration in Figure 8A, in which the valve shaft 420 is in the off position and the laterally-extending valve shaft port 422 is not aligned with and not in fluid communication with the laterally-extending valve well port 452. The cam finger 492 is located within the off stop surface 482 at the distal end 488d of the off ramp surface 488. As can be appreciated, this position can act as a limit stop that limits the proximal movement of the valve shaft 420 relative to the valve well 450 by preventing further proximal movement of the valve shaft 420 (e.g., when urged toward the proximal end 403 of the valve assembly 400 by the biasing element 412).

[0066] To shift the valve assembly 400 to the on configuration, the actuatable member 410 is moved distally, as shown in FIG. 8B. For example, application of a distal actuation force F to the user engagement element 430 at the proximal end 413 of the actuatable member 410 causes the actuatable member 410 to move distally from the proximal end 403 of the valve assembly 400 toward the distal end 401 of the valve assembly 400. The cam fingers 492 are positioned relative to the on ramp 484 of the cam surface 480 such that when distal movement of the actuatable member 410 moves the valve shaft 420, and therefore the cam surface 480, distally, the cam fingers 492 move upward along the on ramp 484. The proximal end 484p of the on-inclined surface 484 may function as a limit stop for distal movement of the actuatable member 410 (towards the distal end 401 of the valve assembly 400) because once the cam fingers 492 reach the proximal end 484p of the on-inclined surface 484, the cam fingers 492, and therefore the valve shaft 420, cannot move further proximally. When the cam fingers 492 are disposed at the proximal end 484p of the on-inclined surface 484, the cam biasing element 494 is biased laterally away from its neutral position (e.g., away from actuation axis A along which the cam biasing element 494 extends in the generally vertical neutral position), compressing the biasing element 412 of the actuatable member 410. A lateral stop 485 may be provided against the proximal end 484p of the on-inclined surface 484 to stop the cam biasing element 494 from returning to its neutral position.

[0067] When the actuation force F is removed from the user-engagement element 430, the biasing element 412 allows the actuatable member 410 to move proximally toward the proximal end 403 of the valve assembly 400, as shown in FIGURE 8C. Such proximal movement of the actuatable member 410 causes proximal movement of the valve shaft 420, which in turn moves the lateral stop 485 of the cam surface 480 proximally, allowing the cam biasing element 494 to move laterally toward its neutral position (e.g., toward actuation axis A). However, as the cam finger 492 moves laterally toward its neutral position and the valve shaft 420 moves proximally, the cam finger 492 engages the on stop surface 486, which prevents further proximal movement of the valve shaft 420, thereby retaining the valve shaft 420 in the on configuration, as shown in FIGURE 8C. A lateral stop 487 may be provided along the on stop surface 486 to prevent further lateral movement of the cam biasing element 494 toward its neutral position and further stabilize the position of the cam finger 492 relative to the on stop surface 486. This stably holds the valve shaft 420 in the on position in which the laterally extending port 422 of the valve shaft is in fluid communication with the laterally extending port 452 of the valve well, as shown in FIG.

[0068] 8D , to return the valve shaft 420 from the on position to the off position, an additional actuation force F is applied to the actuatable member 410 (e.g., relative to the user engagement element 430) in a distal direction (toward the distal end 401 of the valve assembly 400). Such actuation force F causes the valve shaft 420 to move distally relative to the cam fingers 492, causing the lateral stops 487 along the on stop surfaces 486 to move distally relative to the cam fingers 492, with the cam biasing elements 494 continuing to bias the cam fingers 492 toward their neutral position. The distal movement of the valve shaft 420 relative to the cam fingers 492 moves the cam fingers 492 into engagement with the proximal ends 488p of the off ramp surfaces 488. 8B , the biasing element 412 is compressed and can act as an additional limit stop against distal movement of the actuatable member 410 relative to the valve well 450. When the actuatable member 410 is in the position shown in FIG. 8C , the biasing element 412 is compressed and can act as an additional limit stop against distal movement of the actuatable member 410 relative to the valve well 450.

[0069] Removal of actuation force F from user engagement element 430 when cam finger 492 is disposed at proximal end 488p of off-ramp surface 488 allows biasing element 412 to move actuatable member 410 proximally toward proximal end 403 of valve assembly 400. Proximal end 488p of off-ramp surface 488 may be sloped to move cam finger 492 laterally, and / or cam biasing element 494 may remain biased to move cam finger 492 laterally, to the other side of lateral stop 487 and toward off-ramp surface 488. Thus, continued proximal movement of valve shaft 420 (caused by biasing element 412) allows cam finger 492 to move along off-ramp surface 488 and back toward off-stop surface 482. Once the cam finger 492 reaches the off stop surface 482, the actuatable member 410 cannot move further proximally and the valve shaft 420 remains in the off position and the laterally extending port 422 of the valve shaft is not in fluid communication with the laterally extending port 452 of the valve well until an actuation force F is again applied to the actuatable member 410. The actuatable member 410 is again in the neutral position as shown in FIG. 8A , the valve shaft 420 is in the off position, and the valve assembly 400 is in the off configuration.

[0070] As noted above, in the example embodiments of the actuatable member 210 and associated actuation mechanism 270 shown in Figures 2, 3A-3E, and 4, and the example embodiments of the actuatable member 310 and associated actuation mechanism 370 shown in Figures 5 and 6A-6D, the associated valve shaft 220, 320 rotates between an on position and an off position. However, the axial position of the valve shaft 220, 320 relative to the associated valve well 250, 350 may be the same neutral position in both the on and off positions. In accordance with various principles of the present disclosure, indicators, such as windows, may be provided along the actuatable member 210, 310 to indicate the position of the valve shaft 220, 320 and / or the configuration of the associated valve assembly 200, 300. For example, the position of an indicator on the valve shaft 220, 320 relative to the engagement element 230, 330 may indicate the position of the valve shaft 220, 320 relative to the user engagement element 230, and therefore the position of the valve shaft 220, 320 relative to the collar 240, the valve well 250, and the laterally extending port 252 in the valve well.

[0071] Various additional advantages of the various aspects, features, components, and structures of the valve shaft and associated seal member, as well as the valve assembly and endoscope, as described above, in addition to those described above, may be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

[0072] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present description is merely a description of illustrative examples of embodiments and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure. It will be understood that the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to a variety of medical devices, instruments, tools, etc., for accessing and applying suction and / or irrigation to anatomical sites, including, for example, endoscopes, gastroscopes, duodenoscopes, catheters, ureteroscopes, bronchoscopes, colonoscopes, arthroscopes, cystoscopes, hysteroscopes, etc., and having integrated features for suction and / or irrigation of anatomical sites. Furthermore, the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to reusable or single-use devices, instruments, tools, etc.

[0073] All devices and methods described herein are examples of devices and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of the present disclosure. These examples are not the only way to implement these principles; they are merely examples and are not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, references to elements, structures, or features in the drawings should be understood as references to example embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the particular elements, structures, or features shown. Other examples of ways to implement the disclosed principles may occur to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. For example, the various elements and components of the valve assemblies described herein may be directly or indirectly coupled or engaged with one another, regardless of how such connections are shown in the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations can be applied to the disclosed devices, systems, and / or methods and / or the sequence of steps of the methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the present disclosure. Various features described with respect to one embodiment may typically also be applied to other embodiments, whether explicitly shown or not. The various features described herein may be used alone or in any combination thereof. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to only the embodiments specifically described herein, but that all substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art be included within the spirit, scope and concept of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0074] The above description has broad applicability and is presented for purposes of illustration and explanation, and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form disclosed herein. Various additions, modifications, and substitutions may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the disclosure. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the present disclosure may be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and using other elements, materials, and components without departing from the concept, spirit, scope, or characteristics thereof. For example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, various features of certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the present disclosure may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Although the present disclosure is presented in terms of embodiments, various individual features of the present subject matter need not all be present to achieve at least some of the desired properties and / or advantages of the present subject matter or such individual features. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure may be used with numerous modifications or variations in the structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, components, and other aspects used in implementing the disclosure, specifically adapted to particular environments and operating requirements, without departing from the principles, spirit, or scope of the disclosure. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed from multiple pieces, or elements shown as multiple pieces may be integrally formed, the operation of elements may be reversed or otherwise altered, and the size or dimensions of elements may be changed. Similarly, although operations or actions or steps are described in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring such a specific order to achieve desired results, or that all operations or actions or steps should be performed. Furthermore, other implementations are within the claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the claimed subject matter is indicated by the claims and is not limited to the foregoing description or the specific embodiments or configurations described or illustrated herein. In view of the above, individual features of any embodiment can be used and claimed separately or in combination with features of that or any other embodiment, and the scope of the subject matter is indicated by the claims and is not limited to the foregoing description.

[0075] In the foregoing description and claims, it should be understood that: As used herein, the phrases "at least one," "one or more," and "and / or" are open-ended expressions operating both conjunctively and disjunctively. Terms such as "a," "the," "first," and "second" do not exclude a plurality. For example, "a" when used herein refers to one or more of that entity. Thus, the terms "a," "one or more," and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. 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. As used herein, the conjunction "and" includes each of the structures, components, features, or equivalents so combined, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, and the conjunction "or" includes one or the other of the structures, components, features, or equivalents so combined, singly and in any combination and number, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader in understanding this disclosure and / or serve to distinguish regions of associated elements from one another, and are not intended to limit the associated elements, particularly with respect to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, engaged, and joined) should be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between and relative movement between groups of elements, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, connection references do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship to one another. Distinguishing references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, tertiary, quaternary, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0076] The claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the terms "comprises" and "including" do not exclude the presence of other elements, components, features, groups, regions, integers, steps, operations, etc. Also, although individual features may be included in different claims, these features may in some cases be advantageously combined, and their inclusion in different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and / or advantageous. Also, reference to the singular does not exclude a plurality. Reference signs in the claims are provided merely as a clarifying example and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. An actuatable member for a valve assembly of a medical device, comprising: The actuatable member has a proximal end and a distal end, a user engagement element along the proximal end of the actuatable member; and a shaft along the distal end of the actuatable member, the shaft is positionable within a valve well of the valve assembly and is shiftable within the valve well along an actuation axis between an on position, in which the valve assembly is in an on configuration, and an off position, in which the valve assembly is in an off configuration; The actuatable member is maintained in each of the on position and the off position even when no actuation force is applied to the actuatable member.

2. The actuatable member of claim 1 , wherein the actuatable member is held in each of the on position and the off position by an actuation component of one of the shaft and the user engagement element.

3. The actuatable member of claim 1 or 2, wherein the user engagement element is movable relative to the shaft.

4. An actuatable member according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the user engagement element and the shaft rotate relative to one another to shift the shaft between the on position and the off position.

5. An actuatable member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the user engagement element moves axially along the actuation axis relative to the shaft.

6. An actuatable member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the user engagement element and the shaft move together axially along the actuation axis.

7. 7. An actuatable member according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shaft includes one of a cam surface and a cam follower configured to effect movement of the shaft between the on position and the off position upon engagement with the other of the cam surface and cam follower associated with the valve assembly.

8. An actuatable member according to any preceding claim, wherein the shaft includes proximal and distal cam surfaces each extending circumferentially around the shaft.

9. 9. The actuatable member of claim 7 or 8, wherein the user engagement element includes a radially inward cam follower that engages the cam surface of the shaft to rotate the shaft between the on position and the off position.

10. An actuatable member according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the cam follower alternately holds the cam surface in the on position or the off position.

11. 11. An actuatable member according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the shaft includes one of a movable cam follower and a vertically extending cam surface, the cam surface having an on rest position for the cam follower, whereby the cam follower holds the shaft in the on position, and an off position for the cam follower, whereby the cam follower holds the shaft in the off position.

12. An actuatable member according to any preceding claim, wherein the shaft rotates between the on position and the off position.

13. An actuatable member according to any preceding claim, wherein the shaft shifts axially between the on position and the off position.

14. 14. The actuatable member of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a biasing element arranged to bias the user engagement element proximally to a neutral position, wherein successive application and removal of a distal actuation force on the user engagement element alternates the neutral position between the on position and the off position.

15. 1. A method of actuating a valve assembly of a medical device, comprising: placing the valve assembly in one of an on configuration and an off configuration by applying an actuation force to an actuatable member of the valve assembly and releasing the actuation force; applying an additional actuation force to the actuatable member and then releasing the actuation force to place the valve assembly in the other of an on configuration and an off configuration; A method for providing the above.

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