Hybrid fluid supply system for endoscopes

Abstract

The fluid delivery system for an endoscope includes a first container having an internal volume configured to contain a fluid, a second container having an internal volume configured to contain a fluid, and a coupling mechanism having a first portion and a second portion and a lumen extending therebetween. The first portion of the coupling mechanism is configured to engage with the first container, and the second portion is configured to engage with the second container. The first portion includes a first fluid port in fluid communication with the first container via the lumen, and the first and second containers are in fluid communication via the lumen.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to medical devices and methods of manufacturing medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to coupling mechanisms for delivering fluids and / or gases to endoscopes. [Background technology]

[0002] Endoscopic devices are widely used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During an endoscopic procedure, a physician can use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning as a means of flushing out debris, cleaning optics, and insufflating the working lumen. To enable these capabilities, compressed gas from either a processor or an alternative source is used to increase pressure in a fluid bottle, thereby either insufflating the working lumen or cleaning the lens of the endoscope. Additionally, a peristaltic pump can be used to irrigate the working lumen of debris. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This summary of the disclosure is provided to aid in understanding, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure can be advantageously used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. Thus, while the disclosure is presented in terms of aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that individual aspects can be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that or any other embodiment.

[0004] In one example, a fluid delivery system for an endoscope can include a first container having an interior volume configured to contain a fluid, a second container having an interior volume configured to contain a fluid, and a coupling mechanism having a first portion and a second portion and a lumen extending therebetween, where the first portion of the coupling mechanism can be configured to engage the first container and the second portion can be configured to engage the second container. The first portion can include a first fluid port in fluid communication with the first container via the lumen, and the first and second containers can be in fluid communication via the lumen.

[0005] Alternatively or in addition to any of the embodiments herein, the first container may be an intravenous (IV) bag, and the end of the first portion of the coupling mechanism may be a bag spike configured to be coupled to the IV bag.

[0006] Alternatively, or in addition to any of the embodiments herein, the coupling mechanism may be a cap configured to cover an opening of the second container. Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments herein, the first fluid port can be configured to engage with a first end of a first tube, the first tube having a second end configured to engage with an endoscope.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments herein, the second portion of the coupling mechanism may include a second fluid port configured to engage with a first end of a second tube, the second tube having a second end configured to engage with a fluid supply.

[0008] Alternatively or in addition to any of the embodiments herein, the cap may include a first spring and a second spring configured to actuate the sliding valve mechanism, the sliding valve mechanism configured to move from a first valve position to a second valve position.

[0009] Alternatively or in addition to any of the embodiments herein, the second container can be configured to receive fluid from the first container via a lumen extending from the first portion to the second portion of the coupling mechanism based on pressure in the second container.

[0010] Alternatively or in addition to any of the embodiments herein, the first container may be a first intravenous (IV) bag, and the end of the first portion of the coupling mechanism may include a first bag spike configured to be coupled to the first IV bag, and the second container may be a second IV bag, and the end of the second portion of the coupling mechanism may include a second bag spike configured to be coupled to the second IV bag.

[0011] Alternatively or in addition to any of the embodiments herein, the intermediate portion of the coupling mechanism may include a first fluid port, the intermediate portion being disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the first fluid port being in fluid communication with the first container, the second container, and the third container via the lumens, and the third container may be configured to contain a fluid.

[0012] Alternatively or in addition to any of the embodiments herein, the coupling mechanism may further include an adjustable valve disposed between the first and second portions of the coupling mechanism, the adjustable valve being configured to be adjusted to control fluid flow through a lumen extending between the first and second portions.

[0013] In another example, a coupling mechanism for an endoscope may include a first portion configured to engage a first container, a second portion configured to engage a second container, a lumen extending from the first portion to the second portion, a first fluid port on the first portion in fluid communication with the lumen, and a second fluid port on the second portion configured to be in fluid communication with a volume defined by the second container when the second portion engages the second container.

[0014] Alternatively or in addition to any of the embodiments herein, the second portion may include a valve configured to control fluid flow through a lumen extending from the first portion to the second portion.

[0015] Alternatively or in addition to any of the embodiments herein, the first container may be an intravenous (IV) bag, and the first end of the coupling mechanism may include a bag spike configured to be coupled to the IV bag.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments herein, the coupling mechanism may include a cap, and the cap may include a first portion and a second portion. Alternatively or additionally to any of the above embodiments, the cap may include a biasing system configured to actuate the sliding valve mechanism, which may be configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to pressure on the sliding valve mechanism, the biasing system biasing the sliding valve mechanism to the first position.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments herein, fluid from the second fluid port can pressurize a space in the sliding valve mechanism, thereby moving the sliding valve mechanism from the first position to the second position.

[0018] In another example, a fluid delivery system for an endoscope can include a first container having an internal volume configured to receive a fluid, a second container having an internal volume configured to receive a fluid, and a coupling mechanism having a first portion and a second portion and a lumen extending therebetween, where the first end of the coupling mechanism can be configured to engage the first container and the second end can be configured to engage the second container. The first container and the second container can be in fluid communication via the lumen. The first portion of the coupling mechanism can further include a first fluid port configured to engage the first end of a first tube, the first tube having a second end configured to engage the endoscope, and the second portion of the coupling mechanism can further include a second fluid port configured to engage the first end of a second tube, the second tube having a second end configured to engage the fluid supply.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments herein, the second portion may include a valve configured to control fluid flow through the lumen. Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments herein, the valve may include a sliding mechanism, which may be configured to be actuated between a first position and a second position in response to sensed pressure in a second portion of the coupling mechanism.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the embodiments herein, the valve may include a biasing system configured to actuate the sliding mechanism, which may be configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to pressure on the sliding mechanism, the biasing system biasing the sliding mechanism to a first valve position, the first position may be configured to allow fluid to flow between the first container and the second container via the lumen, and the second position may be configured to block fluid flow between the first container and the second container via the lumen and allow fluid to flow from the second container through the second portion.

[0021] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The following figures and detailed description more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

[0022] The present disclosure may be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of components of an exemplary endoscope. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of components of an exemplary endoscopy system. [Figure 3A] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary endoscope system operated to deliver air to the atmosphere. [Figure 3B] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary endoscope system operated to deliver air to a patient through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 3C] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary endoscope system operated to deliver lens cleaning fluid through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 3D] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary endoscope system operated to deliver irrigation fluid through the patient end of the endoscope. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary hybrid endoscopy system. [Figure 5] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid delivery system for an endoscopic system. [Figure 6] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary coupling mechanism for a fluid supply. [Figure 7] 7 shows a schematic bottom view of the exemplary coupling mechanism of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism of FIG. 6. [Figure 9] 1A-1C show schematic bottom views of an exemplary coupling mechanism including a cap insert. [Figure 10A]10 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism of FIG. 9 including a cap insert, with the sliding mechanism in a first position. [Figure 10B] 10B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism of FIG. 10A including a cap insert, with the sliding mechanism in a second position. [Figure 11A] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary coupling mechanism including a sliding mechanism, with the sliding mechanism in a first position. [Figure 11B] 11B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary coupling mechanism including the sliding mechanism of FIG. 11A, with the sliding mechanism in a second position. [Figure 12] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary coupling mechanism. [Figure 13A] 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism of FIG. 12 with the adjustable valve in a first position. [Figure 13B] 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism of FIG. 12 with the adjustable valve in a second position. [Figure 13C] 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism of FIG. 12 with the adjustable valve in a third position. [Figure 14] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid delivery system for an endoscopic system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] While the present disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure.

[0025] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to an exemplary medical system that can be used in an endoscopic medical procedure. However, it should be noted that reference to this particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the concepts underlying the disclosed devices and associated methods of use can be utilized in any suitable procedure, medical or otherwise. The present disclosure can be understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar reference numerals are used to refer to like or similar parts throughout the drawings.

[0026] The term "distal" refers to the portion of the device that is furthest from the user when introducing the device into a patient. In contrast, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the device that is closest to the user when placing the device within a patient. Additionally, terms describing the geometry of components / surfaces refer to exact and approximate shapes.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with particular reference to bottles (e.g., containers, reservoirs, etc.) and tubing assemblies or sets. It will be understood that such embodiments may be used to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope for a variety of different purposes, including, for example, insufflating a patient, facilitating lens cleaning, and / or irrigating a working channel to help flush / aspirate debris during an endoscopic procedure.

[0028] It should be noted that references herein to "embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," etc., indicate that the described embodiment(s) may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but that not all embodiments necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, if a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described, unless expressly stated otherwise. That is, various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in specific combinations, are contemplated as being combinable or configurable with each other to form other or additional embodiments, or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiment(s), as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0029] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] Although the present disclosure includes a description of containers and tubing sets suitable for use with an endoscopic system to supply fluids and / or gases to an endoscope, the devices, systems, and methods herein can be implemented in other medical systems requiring the delivery of fluids and / or gases and for a variety of other purposes.

[0031] Endoscopic devices are used to perform diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During an endoscopic procedure, a physician can use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning as a means of flushing debris, cleaning optics, and insufflating the working lumen. To enable these capabilities, compressed gas from either a processor or an alternative source is used to increase pressure within a fluid bottle, thereby either insufflating the working lumen or cleaning the endoscope's lens. Additionally, a peristaltic pump can be used to irrigate the working lumen of debris. One of the challenges faced during endoscopic procedures is that the typical water bottles and tubing sets used contain up to one liter of water and are not designed to be refilled. This can force nurses / technicians to change water bottles multiple times a day, which can introduce multiple opportunities for contamination of the tubing set by either contacting non-sterile surfaces or dropping the tubing on the floor. Disclosed herein are methods and systems for disconnecting the tubing set and reducing or eliminating the need to use a second bottle.

[0032] 1-2, an exemplary endoscope 100 and system 200 are shown, which may include an elongated shaft 100a for insertion into a patient. A light source 205 provides illumination to a distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100, which may house an imaging device (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imaging device) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) is housed in a video processing unit 210, which processes signals input from the imaging device and outputs the processed video signal to a video monitor (not shown) for viewing. The video processing unit 210 also functions as a component of an air / water supply circuit by housing a pressure pump 215, such as an air supply pump, within the unit.

[0033] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c disposed at a distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a and a flexible bending portion 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible bending portion 105 may include an articulation joint (not shown) to assist in steering the distal tip 100c. An end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 includes a gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 for supplying gas to insufflate a treatment area inside a patient and water to clean a lens covering an imaging device. Irrigation openings 225 in the end face 100d provide irrigation fluid to the treatment area of ​​the patient. An illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment area and an opening 230 to a working channel 235 extending along the shaft 100a for passing a tool to the treatment area may also be included on the face 100d of the distal tip 100c. The working channel 235 extends along the shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 located distally of the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 can be utilized to seal the channel opening 110 against unwanted fluid escape.

[0034] The operating handle 115 may include knobs 125 for providing remote four-way control of the distal tip via wires connected to an articulation joint within the bendable flexible section 105 (e.g., one knob controls up / down control and another knob controls left / right control). A plurality of video switches 130 for remotely controlling the video processing unit 210 may be located on the proximal end of the handle 115. Additionally, the handle 115 includes dual valve wells 135. One of the valve wells 135 can accommodate a gas / water valve 140 for supplying insufflation gas and lens water. A gas supply line 240a and a lens irrigation supply line 245a extend distally from the gas / water valve 140 along the shaft 100a and converge at the distal tip 100c, proximal to the gas / irrigation nozzle 220 (FIG. 2). The other valve well 135 accommodates a suction valve 145 for supplying suction. A suction supply line 250 a extends distally from the suction valve 145 along the shaft 100 a to a junction in fluid communication with the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100 .

[0035] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the video processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilical 260 and a connector portion 265 extending therebetween. The flexible umbilical 260 includes a gas (e.g., air or CO2) supply line 240b, a lens rinse supply line 245b, a suction supply line 250b, an irrigation supply line 255b, a light guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). When plugged into the video processing unit 210, the connector portion 265 connects the light source 205 within the video processing unit to the light guide. The light guide extends along the length of the umbilical 260 and endoscope shaft 100a to transmit light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. When plugged into the video processing unit 210, the connector portion 265 also connects the air pump 215 to the gas supply line 240b within the umbilical 260.

[0036] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) is fluidly connected to the endoscope 100 through the connector portion 265 and the umbilical 260. A length of the gas supply tube 240c runs from one end located in a space 275 between the top 280 (e.g., a bottle cap) of the reservoir 270 and the residual water 285 in the reservoir to a removable gas / lens cleaning connection 290 outside the connector portion 265. The removable gas / lens cleaning connection 290 may be detachable from the connector portion 265 and / or the gas supply tube 240c. The gas supply line 240b from the umbilical 260 branches off at the connector portion 265 and is in fluid communication with the gas supply tube 240c at the removable gas / lens cleaning connection 290, which in turn is in fluid communication with the air pump 215. A length of lens cleaning tube 245c, with one end located at the bottom of reservoir 270, passes through top 280 of reservoir 270 to the same removable connection 290 as gas supply tube 240c on connector portion 265. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate and / or may be separated from one another. Connector portion 265 also has a removable irrigation connection 293 for irrigation supply tubing (not shown) that extends from a source of irrigation water (not shown) to irrigation supply line 255b within umbilical 260. Removable irrigation connection 293 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or the irrigation supply tubing (not shown). In some embodiments, irrigation water is supplied via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) from a water source (not shown) separate from water reservoir 270. In other embodiments, irrigation supply tubing and lens cleaning tube 245c may supply water from the same reservoir. Connector portion 265 may also include a removable suction connection 295 for suction supply line 250b and suction supply line 250a that fluidly connects a vacuum source (e.g., hospital suction) (not shown) to umbilical 260 and endoscope 100. Removable suction connection 295 may be detachable from connector portion 265 and / or suction supply line 250b and / or the vacuum source.

[0037] Gas supply line 240b and lens wash supply line 245b are fluidly connected to valve well 135 for gas / water valve 140, such that operation of the gas / water valve within the well controls the supply of gas or lens wash to distal tip 100c of endoscope 100. Suction supply line 250b is fluidly connected to valve well 135 for suction valve 145, such that operation of the suction valve within the well controls suction applied to working channel 235 of endoscope 100.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary operation of an endoscopic system 200 including an endoscope such as the endoscope 100 described above will be described. Air from an air pump 215 in the video processing unit 210 flows through a connection portion 265, is diverted to the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115, flows through a gas supply line 240b in the umbilical 260, through a gas supply tube 240c, and flows to a water reservoir 270 via a connection portion 290 on the connector portion 265. When the gas / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, with a user's finger not on the valve, air can vent from the valve to atmosphere. In the first position, a user's finger is used to block venting to atmosphere. Gas is allowed to vent from the valve 140 down the gas supply line 240a and out the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100, for example, to insufflate a treatment area of ​​a patient. When gas / water valve 140 is pushed downward to a second position, gas is prevented from exiting the valve, allowing the pressure of air passing from air pump 215 to build up in water reservoir 270. By pressurizing the water source, water is forced from lens wash tube 245c, through connector portion 265, umbilical 260, through gas / water valve 140, down lens wash supply line 245a, and merges with gas supply line 240a before exiting distal tip 100c of endoscope 100 via gas / lens wash nozzle 220. The air pump pressure can be calibrated to provide lens wash water at a relatively low flow rate compared to the irrigation water supply.

[0039] The lens cleaning flow volume is governed by the gas pressure within the water reservoir 270. As the gas pressure begins to drop within the water reservoir 270 as water is forced out of the reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning tube 245c, the air pump 215 replaces the lost air supply within the reservoir 270 to maintain a substantially constant pressure, which in turn provides a substantially constant lens cleaning flow rate. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be placed within the path of the gas supply tube 240c to filter out undesirable contaminants or particulates from passing into the water reservoir 270. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be placed within the path of the lens cleaning supply tube to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after it has passed through the valve.

[0040] Because its primary use is to remove debris from the patient's treatment area that would obstruct the user's vision, a relatively high flow rate of irrigation water is typically required compared to lens cleaning. Irrigation is typically achieved through the use of a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump), as described. In embodiments with a separate water source for irrigation, tubing located at the bottom of the water source passes through the top of the water source and is routed through the upstream head of the pump. The downstream tubing of the pump is connected to irrigation supply line 255b of umbilical 260 and irrigation supply line 255a of endoscope 100 via irrigation connection 293 on connector portion 265. When irrigation water is needed, the irrigation pump is activated, such as by pressing a footswitch (not shown), causing fluid to be pumped from the water source, through irrigation connection 293, through irrigation supply line 255b in the umbilical, down the irrigation supply line in endoscope shaft 100a, and to distal tip 100c. An air vent (not shown) may be included in the top 280 of the water reservoir 270 to equalize pressure within the water source as water is pumped from the irrigation supply tube. The air vent allows atmospheric air to enter the water source, preventing the buildup of negative pressure within the water source, which could create a vacuum that sucks unwanted material from the patient, through the endoscope, and back toward the water source. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown), similar to the lens wash tube 245c, can be placed in the path of the irrigation supply tube to help prevent backflow of water into the reservoir after it has passed through the valve.

[0041] 3A-3D are schematic diagrams illustrating the operation of one embodiment of a hybrid system 300 in which supply tubes for irrigation and lens cleaning are connected to and lead from a single water reservoir. It is contemplated that fluids other than water, such as, but not limited to, saline, may be used. The hybrid system 300 includes a single water reservoir 305, a cap 310 for the reservoir, a gas supply tube 240c, a lens cleaning supply tube 245c, an irrigation pump 315 with a foot switch 318, an upstream irrigation tube 320, and a downstream irrigation supply tube 255c. The cap 310 may be configured to sealingly attach to the water reservoir 305, typically via a threaded configuration. The cap 310 may include a gasket to seal the cap 310 to the reservoir 305. The gasket may be an O-ring, a flange, a collar, or the like, and may be formed of any suitable material. Several through openings (325a, 325b, 325c) in cap 310 are provided to respectively receive gas supply tube 240c, lens cleaning supply tube 245c, and upstream irrigation supply tube 320. In Figures 3A-3D, the illustrated system includes separate tubes for gas supply, lens cleaning, and irrigation.

[0042] In other embodiments, the gas delivery tube 240c and the lens cleaning tube 245c may be combined in a coaxial arrangement. For example, the gas delivery tube may define a lumen large enough in diameter to accommodate a smaller diameter lens cleaning tube coaxially received within the gas delivery tube and to provide air to a water source in an annular space surrounding the lens cleaning tube to pressurize a water reservoir (see, e.g., gas and lens cleaning delivery tubes 240c, 245c). Some exemplary coaxial arrangements are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,239, entitled "INTEGRATED CONTAINER AND TUBE SET FOR FLUID DELIVERY WITH AN ENDOSCOPE," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17 / 558,256, entitled "TUBING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR FLUID DELIVERY," the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. The lens cleaning supply tube can be configured to exit the lumen defined by the coaxial gas supply tube in any suitable sealed manner, such as, for example, an aperture, a fitting, a collar, etc., for purposes of transitioning from a coaxial arrangement to a parallel arrangement at a detachable gas / lens cleaning connection to the endoscope connector portion (e.g., connector portion 265 of FIG. 2).

[0043] In various embodiments, different configurations of valves (not shown) may be incorporated into the various embodiments disclosed herein, including the tubing of systems 200, 300. For example, an inflow check valve may be placed in the path of gas supply tubing 240c to help prevent backflow into air pump 215. In this way, the increasing pressure in water reservoir 305 creates a pressure differential between the water source and gas supply tubing 240c, helping to maintain positive pressure in the water source even when large amounts of water may be removed from the water source during the irrigation function. This configuration compensates for any time lag in air being delivered from air pump 215 to water reservoir 305, which could otherwise cause a negative pressure vacuum in the water reservoir. Similarly, outflow check valves, such as one-way valves with inlets / outlets and valve inserts, can be incorporated into the lens cleaning supply tube 240c, the upstream irrigation supply tube 320, and / or the downstream irrigation supply tube 255c to help prevent backflow of water from either or both of the lens cleaning tube and the irrigation tube in the event of a negative pressure situation, as described.

[0044] More generally, in many embodiments, a check valve can refer to any type of configuration for passively allowing fluid to flow in only one direction. For example, a check valve can include or refer to one or more of a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing check valve, a tilting disk check valve, a flapper valve, a stop check valve, a lift check valve, an in-line check valve, a duckbill valve, a pneumatic non-return valve, a reed valve, and a flow check. Thus, as used herein, a check valve is meant to be distinct and different from an active valve that operates binary as an on / off valve or a switch to turn flow on or off (e.g., a stopcock valve, a solenoid valve, a peristaltic pump).

[0045] During operation of the system of FIGS. 3A-3D, water flow for irrigation can be achieved by operating the irrigation pump 315. Water flow for lens cleaning can be achieved by depressing the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. These functions can be performed independently of one another or simultaneously. When lens cleaning and irrigation are operated simultaneously, as fluid is removed from the water reservoir 305, the pressure within the system can be controlled to maintain the lens cleaning supply tube 240c at substantially the pressure required to achieve a lower flow rate of lens cleaning while compensating for the pressure drop within the water reservoir 305 caused by providing a high flow rate of irrigation. When the pressure within the water reservoir is reduced by using the lens cleaning function, the irrigation function, or both functions simultaneously, the reduced pressure can be compensated for by the air pump 215 via the gas supply tube 240c.

[0046] The schematic configuration of Figures 3A-3D is highlighted to illustrate the different flow paths possible in hybrid system 300, with supply tubes for irrigation 320 and lens wash 240c connected to and drawing from a single water reservoir 305. As shown in Figure 3A, endoscope 100 is in a neutral state with gas / water valve 140 in the open position. The neutral state delivers neither gas nor lens wash to the distal tip of the endoscope. Rather, gas (pressure) is delivered along path A from pressurized air pump 215 and vented to atmosphere through gas supply line 240b in umbilical 260 via connector portion 265 and through the gas / water valve. Because the system is open with the vent in gas / water valve 140, there is no buildup to pressurize water reservoir 305, and as a result, water is not forced through lens wash supply tube 240c.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3B , the endoscope 100 is in a gas delivery state with the gas / water valve 140 in a first position. When gas is needed at the distal tip 100c, for example, to clean the end face 100d of the distal tip or to insufflate the patient's body in a treatment area, the user closes the vent of the gas / water valve 140 with a thumb, finger, or the like (first position). In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered from the air pump 215 along path B and flows through the gas supply line 240b in the umbilical 260 via the connector portion 265. The gas passes through the gas / water valve 140 to the gas supply line 240a in the endoscope shaft 100a and exits the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. Because the system is open at the gas / lens water nozzle 220, there is no buildup to pressurize the water reservoir, and as a result, water is not forced through the lens cleaning supply tube 240c.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3C , the endoscope 100 is in a lens cleaning delivery state with the gas / water valve 140 in a second position. When lens cleaning is required at the distal tip 100c, for example to clean the end face 100d of the distal tip 100c, the user keeps the air / water valve vent closed and pushes the valve 140 down to its farthest point in the valve well 135. The second position shuts off gas supply to both the atmosphere and the endoscope gas supply line 240a and opens the gas / water valve 140, allowing lens cleaning water to pass through the lens cleaning supply line 245a in the endoscope shaft 100a and out the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at the distal tip 100c. In this state, gas (pressure) is delivered along path C from the air pump 215, through a branch line in the connector portion 265, out the gas supply tube 240c, and to the water reservoir 305. The gas (pressure) pressurizes the surface of the residual water 285 in the reservoir 305, forcing the water up the lens cleaning supply tube 245c to the connector portion 265. The pressurized lens cleaning water is further forced through the lens cleaning supply line 245b in the umbilical 260 and through the gas / water valve 140. Because the system 300 is closed, the gas pressure is allowed to build and maintain a calibrated pressure level within the water reservoir 305, rather than being vented to atmosphere or delivered to the patient. This pressure, along with the supply line and external tubing of the endoscope, is translated into a range of lens cleaning flow rates.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3D , endoscope 100 is in an irrigation delivery state. This can be performed simultaneously with or at a different time than gas delivery and / or lens cleaning. When irrigation is needed at distal tip 100 c—for example, because visibility in the treatment area is insufficient or blocked by debris, etc.—the user activates irrigation pump 315 (e.g., by depressing footswitch 318) to deliver water along path D. When pump 315 is activated, water is drawn from water reservoir 305 through upstream irrigation supply tubing 320 and pumped along downstream irrigation supply tubing 255 c to connector portion 265. Irrigation pump head pressure also forces irrigation water through irrigation supply line 255 b in umbilical 260, through irrigation supply line 255 a in endoscope shaft 100 a, and out irrigation opening 225 at distal tip 100 c. The irrigation pump pressure, along with the irrigation supply line and external tubing of the endoscope, can be calibrated to deliver a range of flow rates of irrigation fluid.

[0050] 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a further embodiment of a hybrid system 400 including a video processing unit 210, a connector portion 265, a peristaltic irrigation pump 315, a water reservoir 405 and upper portion 407, a coaxial gas and lens wash supply tube 410, upstream and downstream irrigation supply tubes 320, 255c, and an alternative gas supply tube 415 (e.g., CO). A length of the alternative gas supply tube 415 runs from one end located in the gas gap 275 between the upper portion 407 of the water reservoir 405 and the residual water 285 in the reservoir, through an additional opening 420 in the top of the reservoir, to a removable connection 425 for an alternative gas source (e.g., a CO hospital gas source). If an alternative gas supply, such as CO gas, is desired, the air pump 215 on the video processing unit 210 may be turned off, thereby allowing CO gas, rather than air, to flow into the water reservoir 405 and pressurize the water surface. In the neutral state, CO2 gas flows backward through gas supply tube 240c to connector portion 265, through gas supply line 240b, and is vented to atmosphere through gas / water valve 140. In the first position, the user closes the vent hole in gas / water valve 140, allowing CO2 gas to flow through the gas / water valve into gas supply line 240a in endoscope shaft 100a and out gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at distal tip 100c. In the second position, the user pushes valve 140 down to the bottom of valve well 135, leaving the vent hole in the gas / water valve closed. The second position shuts off CO2 gas supply to both atmosphere and gas supply line 240a in endoscope 100 and opens gas / water valve 140, allowing lens cleaning water to pass through lens cleaning supply line 245a in endoscope shaft 100a and out gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 at distal tip 100c. Gas (pressure) within reservoir 405 is maintained by delivery gas through an alternative gas (e.g., CO2) supply tube 415. Irrigation functions can be accomplished in a manner similar to the operation described above with respect to Figure 3D.

[0051] As discussed above, it may be desirable to reduce the chance of contamination of the tubing set 240c, 245c, 320, 410, 415 during water reservoir replacement by providing a larger volume and / or refillable water reservoir. FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid delivery system 500 for an endoscope 510. The fluid delivery system 500 may include a first container 520 having an interior volume 521 configured to contain a fluid 532 (e.g., water). In some cases, the first container 520 may be formed from a lightweight, flexible material such as, but not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminum, nylon, polyethylene (PE), or combinations thereof. In one example, the first container 520 formed from a lightweight, flexible material may be an IV (intravenous) bag. Additionally or alternatively, the first container 520 may be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material. In some cases, the first container 520 may be completely translucent, completely opaque, or a combination thereof.

[0052] The first container 520 may include a carrying handle or hanging hook disposed adjacent its top portion 524. The handle 523 may define an opening or through-hole for receiving a hand or hook therethrough to carry or otherwise support the first container 520. In some embodiments, the handle 523 may be configured to couple to a hook or other mechanism on an endoscope tower. In some cases, the first container 520 may be coupled to the tower via a hanging loop or hook and loop closures. This may allow the first container 520 to be lifted to reduce its footprint on an operating room floor or other flat surface and improve ergonomics because a user may no longer need to bend down to interface with the first container 520.

[0053] The fluid delivery system 500 may include a second container 530 having an interior volume 531 that may be configured to contain a fluid 532 (e.g., water). In some cases, the second container 530 may be formed from a lightweight, flexible material such as, but not limited to, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), aluminum, nylon, polyethylene (PE), or a combination thereof. Additionally or alternatively, the second container 530 may be formed from a rigid or semi-rigid material. In some cases, as shown in FIG. 5, the second container 530 may be a water bottle. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the second container 530 may be a second IV bag and / or other suitable container(s). In some cases, the second container 530 may be completely translucent, completely opaque, or a combination thereof.

[0054] First container 520 can be fluidly coupled to second container 530 via coupling mechanism 550. In some cases, coupling mechanism 550 can include a first portion 551 and a second portion 552, with a lumen (not explicitly shown) extending therebetween.

[0055] The first portion 551 of the coupling mechanism 550 can be configured to engage with a spike port 553 disposed in the bottom portion 528 of the first container 520. For example, the first portion 551 can include a bag spike that can be configured to be inserted into the spike port 553 of the first container 520.

[0056] The first portion 551 of the coupling mechanism 550 can further include a first fluid port 542 that can be in fluid communication with the first container 520 via a lumen. The first fluid port 542 can be in fluid communication with the endoscope 510 via an irrigation supply tube 525 (e.g., a first tube) and / or other suitable tube.

[0057] Irrigation supply tube 525 may include a first end 526 and a second end 542. The first end 526 of irrigation supply tube 525 may be configured to engage with first fluid port 542 via a hose barb arrangement. In some cases, the first end 526 of irrigation supply tube 525 may be configured to engage with first fluid port 542 via an interference fit, a luer lock system, a luer slip system, or any other suitable type of engagement. The second end 527 of irrigation supply tube 525 may be configured to engage with endoscope 510 via a hose barb arrangement. In some cases, the second end 527 of irrigation supply tube 525 may be configured to engage with endoscope 510 via an interference fit, a luer lock system, a luer slip system, or any other suitable type of engagement.

[0058] The second portion 552 of the coupling mechanism 550 may include a cap 540. The cap 540 may be configured to cover an opening of the second container 530. The cap 540 in and / or of the second portion 552 may fit onto the second container (e.g., a bottle) 530 and may be configured to couple to the second container 530 via a threaded fastening mechanism and / or other suitable connection mechanism.

[0059] The second portion 552 of the coupling mechanism 550 may further include a second fluid port 544. The second fluid port 544 may be in fluid communication with the interior volume 531 of the second container 530. A first end 516 of the second tube 515 may be coupled to the second fluid port 544, and a second end 517 of the second tube 515 may be coupled to the endoscope 510. The second tube 515 may be considered a shared tube that may include dual lumens, although this is not required.

[0060] The second container 530 can be in fluid communication with the endoscope via a shared length of gas supply tube 534 and lens wash supply / water supply tube 533 and / or other suitable tubes. The shared length of gas supply tube 534 can extend from a second fluid port 544 in the second portion 552 of the coupling mechanism 550. The shared length of gas supply tube 534 can terminate in the container gap 538 at or below the opening of the second fluid port 544, but does not extend into the residual fluid 532 in the second container 530. However, in some cases, the gas supply tube 534 may extend into the fluid 532. For example, an opening may be in the bottom or side of the second container 530, whereby the shared gas supply tube 534 terminates in the fluid 532 and gas bubbles through the fluid 532, pressurizing the second container 530.

[0061] A lumen can extend through the gas supply tube 534 for receiving a flow of air and / or gas therethrough. The lumen of the gas supply tube 534 can be in operative fluid communication with the interior volume 531 of the second container 530.

[0062] The lens cleaning supply / water supply tube 533 may extend from a second end outside the second container 530 through the second fluid port 544 and terminate at a first end within the residual fluid 532 at or substantially at the bottom of the second container 530. In some embodiments, the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube 533 may terminate at the second fluid port 544. For example, if the opening is at or adjacent to the bottom portion of the second container 530, a dip tube for the water supply tube or a dip tube separate from the water supply tube may not be required.

[0063] A lumen can extend through the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube 533 for receiving a fluid flow therethrough. The lumen of the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube 533 can be in selective operative fluid communication with a bottom portion of the second container 530.

[0064] 5, the gas supply tube 534 and the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube 533 may enter the second vessel 530 through a single or common tube (e.g., the second tube 515). For example, the gas supply tube 534 and the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube 533 may be arranged coaxially as the second tube 515. However, this is not required. In some cases, the gas supply tube 534 and the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube 533 may extend in a parallel arrangement, may be separately connected to the second vessel 530 at different locations, and / or may have one or more other suitable configurations.

[0065] The first end 516 of the second tube 515 can be configured to engage with the second fluid port 544 in any suitable manner. In some cases, the first end 516 of the second tube 515 can be configured to engage with the second fluid port 544 via an interference fit, a barb fitting, a luer lock system, a luer slip system, and / or any other suitable type of engagement. In one example, the first end 516 of the second tube 515 can be coupled to the second fluid port 544 via a hose barb arrangement.

[0066] The second end 517 of the second tube 515 can be configured to engage with the endoscope 510 in any suitable manner. In some cases, the second end 517 of the second tube 515 can be configured to engage with the endoscope 510 via an interference fit, a barb fitting, a luer lock system, a luer slip system, or any other suitable type of engagement. In one example, the second end 517 of the second tube 515 can be coupled to the endoscope 510 via a hose barb arrangement.

[0067] It is contemplated that the second container 530 can be filled and refilled as needed by coupling the second container 530 to the first container 520. Refilling the second container 530 can be performed during or between procedures, as needed. The fluid (e.g., water) may be sterile or non-sterile, as desired. In some cases, it may be desirable to refill the second container 530 without having to tip or pour the fluid source. Additionally, it may be desirable to refill the second container 530 to reduce the risk of contamination that can occur when changing containers and / or tubing.

[0068] The first container 520 can be in fluid communication with the second container 530 through a lumen of the coupling mechanism 550, as described. In some cases, the second container 530 can be configured to receive a fluid (e.g., fluid 522) from the first container 520 through a lumen extending from the first portion 551 to the second portion 552 of the coupling mechanism 550 based on the pressure in the second container 530 and / or the pressure differential between the first container 520 and the second container 530. For example, when the interior volume 531 of the second container 530 is depressurized, for example, during a procedure, a valve 539 in the second portion 552 of the coupling mechanism 550 can allow the fluid 522 to escape flowing from the first container 520 to the second container 530 through the lumen of the coupling mechanism 550.

[0069] In some cases, valve 539 may be an adjustable valve such as an umbrella valve, but this is not required. Additionally or alternatively, valve 539 may be a duckbill valve, a one-way valve, a dome valve, or any other suitable valve. In some cases, when fluid 532 in second container 530 is pressurized, the pressure within interior volume 531 of second container 530 increases and valve 539 closes, thereby stopping the flow of fluid from first container 520 to second container 530 through the lumen of coupling mechanism 550. In other cases, when a user requires irrigation with endoscope 510, suction through irrigation supply tube 525 draws fluid from first container 520 through first fluid port 542, and the suction closes valve 539, thereby stopping the flow of fluid through the lumen of coupling mechanism 550 from first container 520 to second container 530 and diverting the fluid through irrigation supply tube 525 to endoscope 510.

[0070] In some cases, the gas supply tube 534 can facilitate the flow of gas (e.g., air, CO2, etc.) from a gas supply (not explicitly shown) through the gas supply tube 534 and into the interior volume 531 of the second container 530. This can allow the gas to pressurize the fluid 532 within the second container 530, thereby closing the valve 539 and forcing the fluid 532 through the water supply tube 533 and through the lens cleaning supply tube and / or irrigation supply tube.

[0071] If the water supply tube 533 is connected to or is part of the lens cleaning supply tube, the volume of flow through the lens cleaning supply tube can be governed by the gas pressure within the second container 530. As the gas pressure begins to drop within the second container 530 (e.g., as water is forced out of the second container 530 through the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube 533), the gas supply tube 534 can supply gas to the second container 530 to replace the volume of water removed from the second container 530, maintaining a substantially constant pressure within the second container 530, which in turn can provide a substantially constant lens cleaning flow rate.

[0072] In some configurations, a filter (not shown) may be placed in the path of the gas supply tube 534 to filter out unwanted contaminants or particulates from passing into the second container 530. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be placed in the path of the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube 533 to help prevent water from flowing back into the second container 530 after it has passed through the valve.

[0073] In some cases, a relatively high flow rate of irrigation water may be required compared to lens cleaning because the primary use of the irrigation system is to clear the patient's treatment area of ​​debris that obstructs the user's vision. In some cases, irrigation may be achieved using a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) in communication with the irrigation supply tube 525.

[0074] In some cases, an air vent (not shown) may be included in the cap 540 of the second portion 552 of the coupling mechanism 550 and / or in one or more other suitable locations of the first container 520, the second container 530, and / or the coupling mechanism 550 to equalize pressure within the second container 530 as water is pumped from the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube 533 and / or the irrigation supply tube 525. The air vent may allow atmospheric air to enter the water source and prevent a buildup of negative pressure within the water source, which may create a vacuum that draws undesirable material from the patient, through the endoscope, and back toward the water source. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be positioned in the path of the irrigation supply tube 525 and / or the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube 533 to help prevent backflow into the second container 530.

[0075] Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of an exemplary coupling mechanism 600 for fluid delivery, Figure 7 shows a schematic bottom view of the exemplary coupling mechanism 600, and Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism 600. Coupling mechanism 600 can be considered one example of coupling mechanism 550.

[0076] 6-8, coupling mechanism 600 may include a first portion 610, a second portion 620, and a lumen 615 extending through first portion 610 and second portion 620. End 611 of first portion 610 may be and / or include a bag spike configured to engage with a spike port of an IV bag (e.g., first container 520 and / or other suitable container). Second portion 620 of coupling mechanism 600 may be a cap 621 configured to cover an opening of a container (e.g., second container 530 and / or other suitable container).

[0077] The cap 621 can be configured to be coupled to the container via a snap fit, an interference fit, or may include a heat seal to seal the container in a fluid and pressure tight manner. In one embodiment, the cap 621 can be configured to be coupled to a container such as a bottle via a threaded fastening mechanism 627, as shown in FIG.

[0078] Coupling mechanism 600 can be made from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, a polymer, a metal, a combination of material types, and / or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, coupling mechanism 600 may be formed entirely or at least partially from one or more polycarbonate materials. If a polymer is selected as the material for coupling mechanism 600, the material can have a durometer in the range of approximately 75A to 90A Shore hardness, among other possible values.

[0079] The first portion 610 of the coupling mechanism 600 may include a first fluid port 622. The first fluid port 622 may include a lumen 623 that may be in fluid communication with the lumen 615. The first fluid port 622 may be configured to engage with an irrigation supply tube (e.g., the irrigation supply tube 525 and / or other suitable irrigation supply tube). The first fluid port 622 may be configured to engage with the irrigation supply tube via an interference fit, a one-way locking mechanism, an adhesive bond, a crimp, or the like. In some cases, the first fluid port 622 may include a barb mechanism, as shown in FIG. 6 . The second portion 620 of the coupling mechanism 600 may include a second fluid port 624. The second fluid port 624 may be in fluid communication with a second container via a lumen 625. The second fluid port 624 may be configured to engage with a second tube (e.g., the second tube 515 and / or other suitable tube) that may accommodate a gas supply tube (e.g., the gas supply tube 534) and / or a water supply tube (e.g., the water supply tube 533), as described with reference to FIG. 5.

[0080] Coupling mechanism 600 can be configured to fluidly couple a first container (e.g., an IV bag) and a second container (e.g., a water bottle) via lumen 615. In some cases, the second container coupled to second portion 620 of coupling mechanism 600 can be configured to accept fluid (e.g., water) from the first container coupled to first portion 610 via lumen 615 extending from first portion 610 to second portion 620 of coupling mechanism 600 based on pressure in the second container (e.g., second container 530). For example, when the interior volume of the second container is depressurized, for example, during a procedure, valve 630 in second portion 620 of coupling mechanism 600 can be configured to vent fluid flowing from the first container to the second container through lumen 615 of coupling mechanism 600. In some cases, when the second container is pressurized, the pressure within the internal volume can cause valve 630 to close, thereby stopping the flow of fluid from the first container to the second container through lumen 615 of coupling mechanism 600. In other cases, when a user requires irrigation at the endoscope, suction through the first tube draws fluid from the first container through first fluid port 622, and the suction closes valve 630, thereby stopping the flow of fluid from the first container to the second container through lumen 615 of coupling mechanism 600 and diverting the fluid through the first tube to the endoscope.

[0081] Valve 630 may be any suitable type of valve. For example, valve 630 may be an adjustable valve, an F-valve, a duckbill valve, a one-way valve, and / or any other suitable type of valve. In one embodiment, valve 630 may be an automatically adjustable umbrella valve configured to adjust based on one or more adjacent pressures.

[0082] In some cases, a gas supply tube coupled to the second fluid port 624 can allow gas (e.g., air, CO2) to flow from a gas supply (not explicitly shown) through the gas supply tube and into the interior volume of the second container. This allows the gas to pressurize the fluid in the second container, thereby closing the valve 630 and forcing the fluid through the second fluid port 624 and the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube. As the gas pressure begins to decrease within the second container as water is forced out of the second container through the lens cleaning supply / water supply tube, the gas (e.g., via the gas supply tube) can replace the volume of water output from the second container to maintain a substantially constant pressure, which in turn can provide a substantially constant lens cleaning flow rate.

[0083] FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of an exemplary coupling mechanism 700 including a cap insert 730, FIG. 10A shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism 700, and FIG. 10B shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism 700. The coupling mechanism 700 may include a first portion 710, a second portion 720, and a lumen 715 extending through the first portion 710 and the second portion 720. The end 711 of the first portion 710 may include and / or may be a bag spike configured to engage with a spike port of an IV bag (e.g., the first container 520 and / or other suitable container). The second portion 720 of the coupling mechanism 700 may be a cap 721 configured to cover an opening of a container (e.g., the second container 530 and / or other suitable container). Other suitable configurations of the coupling mechanism 700 are contemplated.

[0084] The cap 721 may be configured to couple to the container in any suitable manner. In some cases, the cap 721 may be configured to couple to the container via a snap fit, a threaded connection, an interference fit, a heat seal to seal the container in a fluid- and pressure-tight manner, and / or other suitable coupling techniques. In one example, the cap 721 may be configured to couple to a container, such as a bottle, via a threaded fastening mechanism 728.

[0085] Coupling mechanism 700 may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, a polymer, a metal, a combination of materials, and / or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, coupling mechanism 700 may be formed entirely or at least partially from a polycarbonate material. If a polymer is selected as the material for coupling mechanism 700, the material may have a durometer in the range of approximately 75A to 90A Shore hardness, among other possible values.

[0086] First portion 710 of coupling mechanism 700 may include a first fluid port 722 and / or other suitable fluid ports. First fluid port 722 may include a lumen 723 that may be in fluid communication with lumen 715. First fluid port 722 may be configured to engage with an irrigation supply tube (e.g., irrigation supply tube 525) and / or other suitable tubing. In some cases, when irrigation is required, fluid from a first container may flow through lumen 715 and may be directed into lumen 723, as indicated by the dashed arrows.

[0087] The second portion 720 of the coupling mechanism 700 may include a second fluid port 724 and / or other suitable ports. The second fluid port 724 may be in fluid communication with a second container via an opening 725. The second fluid port 724 may be configured to engage a second tube (e.g., second tube 515) and / or other suitable tubes that may accommodate a gas supply tube 726 and a water supply tube 727, as described with reference to FIG.

[0088] 9-10B, the coupling mechanism 700 can include a cap insert 730. The cap insert 730 can be positioned within the cap 721 via a bayonet fit, where one or more notches 739 on the cap insert 730 align with one or more tabs 738 on the second portion 720 of the coupling mechanism 700 for insertion, and the cap insert 730 can be rotated relative to the tabs 738 to secure the cap insert 730 within the cap 721. Additionally or alternatively, the cap insert 730 can be coupled to the cap 721 via one or more other suitable connection techniques.

[0089] In some cases, cap insert 730 may include an air vent 729 to equalize pressure within the second container as water flows from the first container through lumen 715 and into the second container. Air vent 729 may allow air to escape from the second container, thereby preventing a buildup of pressure within the second container.

[0090] The cap insert 730 can include a biasing system 750 configured to actuate a sliding valve mechanism 733, which can include a first sliding valve 731 and a second sliding valve 732. The sliding valve mechanism 733 can be configured to move from a first valve position 740 ( FIG. 10A ) to a second valve position 745 ( FIG. 10B ) in response to pressure at the sliding valve mechanism 733. The first sliding valve 731 and the second sliding valve 733 can be biased toward the first valve position 740, where the first sliding valve 731 is biased toward the second sliding valve 732 via a first spring 734, and the second sliding valve 732 is biased toward the first sliding valve 731 via a second spring 735.

[0091] The first sliding valve 731 and the second sliding valve 732 may have any suitable shape. Exemplary suitable shapes for the first sliding valve 731 and / or the second sliding valve 732 may include, but are not limited to, a rounded cross-sectional shape, a rectangular cross-sectional shape, an oval cross-sectional shape, a circular cross-sectional shape, a square cross-sectional shape, and / or other suitable shapes. In one embodiment, the first sliding valve 731 and / or the second sliding valve 732 may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape to ensure that the holes or openings therethrough remain aligned with or in communication with the lumens or openings 715, 725, 726, 727, 729, 736 of the insert 730. Optionally, an O-ring may be placed around the cap insert 730 to prevent air from escaping from the second container around the cap insert 730.

[0092] In some cases, the second container can be configured to receive fluid (e.g., water) and / or other suitable fluid from the first container via a lumen 715 extending from the first portion 710 to the second portion 720 of the coupling mechanism 700 based on pressure in the second container (e.g., second container 530) and / or other suitable container. For example, when the interior volume of the second container is depressurized, for example, during a procedure, the sliding valve mechanism 733 can be in a first position 740. When the sliding valve mechanism 733 is in the first position 740, the opening 736 in the first sliding valve 731 can align with the lumen 715 of the coupling mechanism 700, thereby allowing fluid flow from the first container to the second container through the lumen 715.

[0093] The cap insert 730 can define a volume of a space 760 within the second container. In some cases, the gas supply tube 726 can allow gas (e.g., air, CO2) to flow from a gas supply (not explicitly shown) through the gas supply tube 726 into the interior volume of the second container. The gas can pressurize the space 760 in the sliding valve mechanism 733 where the first sliding valve 731 and the second sliding valve 732 meet, allowing the sliding valve mechanism 733 to move from a first valve position 740 (e.g., shown in FIG. 10A ) to a second valve position 745 (e.g., shown in FIG. 10B ). For example, as the pressure in space 760 increases, the biasing force of first spring 734 and second spring 735 can be overcome and first sliding valve 731 and second sliding valve 732 begin to move away from each other, first spring 734 and second spring 735 compress, and sliding valve mechanism 733 moves to second valve position 745, as shown in FIG. 10B. When sliding valve mechanism 733 is in second valve position 745, lumen 715 is closed off from the second container coupled to second portion 720 of coupling mechanism 700, thereby stopping the flow of fluid from the first container to the second container through lumen 715 of coupling mechanism 700.

[0094] The opening 737 of the second sliding valve 732 may be aligned with the water supply tube 727 when the sliding valve mechanism 733 is in the second valve position 745. This allows the gas to pressurize the fluid in the second container, forcing the fluid through the water supply tube 727 and through the lens cleaning supply tube / water supply tube.

[0095] 11A shows a cross-sectional view of an example coupling mechanism 800 including a sliding mechanism 830, and FIG. 11B shows a cross-sectional view of an example coupling mechanism 800 including a sliding mechanism 830. Coupling mechanism 800 may include a first portion 810, a second portion 820, and a lumen 815 extending through first portion 810 and second portion 820. Coupling mechanism 800 may be configured to fluidly couple a first container (e.g., an IV bag and / or other suitable container) and a second container (e.g., a water bottle and / or other suitable container) via lumen 815. In some cases, the second container may be configured to accept fluid (e.g., water and / or other suitable fluid) from the first container via lumen 815 extending from first portion 810 to second portion 820 of coupling mechanism 800 based on pressure in the second container (e.g., second container 530 and / or other suitable container).

[0096] End 811 of first portion 810 can include and / or may be a bag spike configured to engage with a spike port of an IV bag (e.g., first container 520 and / or other suitable container). Second portion 820 of coupling mechanism 800 can be and / or include cap 821 configured to cover an opening of a container (e.g., second container 530 and / or other suitable container).

[0097] The cap 821 can be configured to couple to the container in any suitable manner. In some cases, the cap 821 can be configured to couple to the container via a snap fit, an interference fit, a threaded connection, a heat seal to seal the container in a fluid- and pressure-tight manner, and / or other suitable connection technique. In one example, the cap 821 can be configured to couple to the container, such as a bottle, via a threaded fastening mechanism 827.

[0098] Cap 821 may be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, a polymer, a metal, a combination of materials, and / or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, coupling mechanism 800 may be formed entirely or at least partially from a polycarbonate material. If a polymer is selected as the material for coupling mechanism 800, the material may have a durometer in the range of approximately 75A to 90A Shore, among other possible values.

[0099] The first portion 810 of the coupling mechanism 800 may include a first fluid port 822. The first fluid port 822 may include a lumen 823 that may be in fluid communication with the lumen 815. The first fluid port 822 may be configured to engage a first tube (e.g., irrigation supply tube 525) and / or other suitable tube. The second portion 820 of the coupling mechanism 800 may include a second fluid port 824. The second fluid port 824 may be in fluid communication with a second container via the lumen 825. The second fluid port 824 may be configured to engage a second tube (e.g., second tube 515) and / or other suitable tubes that may accommodate a gas supply tube (e.g., gas supply tube 534) and a water supply tube (e.g., water supply tube 533), as described with reference to FIG. 5 .

[0100] An actuation mechanism 840 (e.g., a biasing mechanism or other suitable actuation mechanism) can be configured to actuate a sliding valve 830 in the second portion 820 of the coupling mechanism 800 from a first valve position 831 (e.g., an open valve position as shown in FIG. 11A ) to a second valve position 832 (e.g., a closed valve position as shown in FIG. 11B ). The actuation mechanism 840 can include a pressure sensor 835, the sliding valve 830, and / or one or more other suitable components. In some cases, when the interior volume of the second container is depressurized, the pressure sensor 835 can sense the pressure drop and the sliding valve 830 can automatically move to the first valve position 831, thereby allowing fluid flow from the first container to the second container through the lumen 815 of the coupling mechanism 800. If pressure sensor 835 senses that the fluid in the second container is pressurized, sliding valve 830 can be automatically moved to second valve position 832 where sliding valve 830 closes lumen 815 to the second container, thereby stopping the flow of fluid from the first container to the second container through lumen 815 of coupling mechanism 800. In other cases, if a user requires irrigation at the endoscope, suction through the first tube can draw fluid from the first container through first fluid port 822, and pressure sensor 835 can sense the change in pressure and close valve 830, thereby stopping the flow of fluid through lumen 815 of coupling mechanism 800 from the first container to the second container and diverting the fluid through the first tube to the endoscope.

[0101] In some cases, the gas supply tube can allow gas (e.g., air, CO2) to flow from a gas supply (not explicitly shown) through second port 824 into the interior volume of the second container. This allows the gas to pressurize the second container, thereby closing valve 830 and forcing fluid through the water supply tube and through the lens wash supply / water supply tube.

[0102] Figure 12 shows a schematic view of an exemplary coupling mechanism 900, Figure 13A shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism 900, Figure 13B shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism 900, and Figure 13C shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary coupling mechanism 900. Coupling mechanism 900 can include a first portion 910, a second portion 920, and a lumen 915 extending through first portion 910 and second portion 920.

[0103] Coupling mechanism 900 can be configured to fluidly couple a first container (e.g., an IV bag and / or other suitable container) and a second container (e.g., a second IV bag and / or other suitable container) via lumen 915. In one example, first end 911 of first portion 910 can include and / or be a bag spike configured to engage with the first container (e.g., a spike port on an IV bag and / or other suitable container), and second end 912 of second portion 920 of coupling mechanism 900 can be a second bag spike configured to engage with the second container (e.g., a second spike port on a second IV bag and / or other suitable container). The second container can also include or be coupled to a port for providing a lens cleaning supply and / or a water supply to the endoscope.

[0104] Intermediate portion 913 of coupling mechanism 900 may include a first fluid port 922 and a second fluid port 924. First fluid port 922 may include a lumen 923 that may be in fluid communication with lumen 915. In some cases, first fluid port 922 may be configured to engage with an irrigation supply tube (e.g., irrigation supply tube 525) and / or other suitable tubing. In some cases, first fluid port 922 may be configured to engage with a third container (e.g., a spike port of an IV bag and / or other suitable container). In some cases, second fluid port 924 may include a lumen 925 that may be in fluid communication with lumen 915 of coupling mechanism 900. In some cases, second fluid port 924 may be part of a pressure reducing valve and / or may be configured to couple to a pressure reducing valve (not explicitly shown) via a luer lock, a barbed fitting, or any other suitable connection. In some cases, the second fluid port 924 can be configured to be coupled to a gas supply tube for pressurizing the interior volume of the second vessel via the lumen 915 .

[0105] The intermediate portion 913 may further include an adjustable valve 930 configured to move between at least a first position associated with a first configuration 931 of the adjustable valve 930 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13A ), a second position associated with a second configuration 932 of the adjustable valve 930 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13B ), and a third position associated with a third configuration 933 of the adjustable valve 930 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 13C ). The adjustable valve 930 may include a lumen 934 configured to be in fluid communication with one or more ports of the coupling mechanism 900 when the adjustable valve 930 is adjusted.

[0106] When adjustable valve 930 is in a first position in first valve configuration 931, lumen 934 within adjustable valve 930 may be aligned with lumen 915, and fluid may freely flow within lumen 915 from first portion 910 to second portion 920 due to gravity and / or other suitable forces. When adjustable valve 930 is in a second position in second valve configuration 932, adjustable valve 930 may be rotated so that lumen 934 is no longer aligned with lumen 915, and adjustable valve 930 is closed so that fluid flow is prevented from traveling within lumen 915 between first portion 910, second portion 920, and second fluid port 924. When adjustable valve 930 is in a third position in third valve configuration 933, adjustable valve 930 is rotated so that lumen 934 is aligned with lumen 925. When lumen 934 is aligned with lumen 925 , lumen 925 is in fluid communication with lumen 915 and second portion 920 of coupling mechanism 900 .

[0107] In some cases, when second fluid port 924 is coupled to a gas supply line, adjustable valve 930 can be moved to a third position in third valve configuration 933, and gas (e.g., air, CO2) can flow through lumen 925 into lumen 915, through second portion 920 of coupling mechanism, and into a second container to pressurize the second container. This is just one example. In another example, when adjustable valve 930 is in the third position in third valve configuration 933, lumen 925 can be used as a vacuum lumen to evacuate gas from a second container coupled to second portion 920 of coupling mechanism 900.

[0108] Coupling mechanism 900 can be formed from any suitable material, including, but not limited to, a polymer, a metal, a combination of materials, and / or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, coupling mechanism 900 can be formed entirely or at least partially from a polycarbonate material. If a polymer is selected as the material for coupling mechanism 900, the material can have a durometer in the range of approximately 75A to 90A Shore hardness, among other possible values.

[0109] In some cases, it may be desirable to refill the second container as needed during or between procedures. The coupling mechanism 900 couples the second container to a first container filled with fluid, thereby increasing the amount of fluid available. In some cases, if the first container is an IV bag, the first container can be changed as frequently as needed without having to change the second container / water bottle. This eliminates the need to disconnect the second container from the tubing throughout the day, and by eliminating the need to change the water container, the possibility of cross-contamination is eliminated or greatly reduced.

[0110] 14 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid delivery system 1000 for an endoscope (e.g., endoscope 510). Fluid delivery system 1000 can include a first container (not explicitly shown) having an interior volume configured to contain a fluid (e.g., water). Fluid delivery system 1000 can include a second container 1030 having an interior volume 1031 that can be configured to contain a fluid 1035 (e.g., water).

[0111] The first container can be fluidly coupled to the second container 1030 via a coupling mechanism 1050. In some cases, the coupling mechanism 1050 can include a first portion 1010, a second portion 1020, and a lumen 1015 extending between the first portion 1010 and the second portion 1020. An end 1011 of the first portion 1010 of the coupling mechanism 1050 can be configured to engage with a spike port disposed on the first container. For example, the first portion 1010 can include a bag spike that can be configured to be inserted into the spike port of the first container. The second portion 1020 of the coupling mechanism 1050 can include a cap 1021 that can be configured to cover an opening of the second container 1030.

[0112] The cap 1021 of the second portion 1020 may fit onto the second container 1030 (e.g., a bottle and / or other suitable container). The cap 1021 may be configured to couple to the second container 1030 in any suitable manner. In one embodiment, the cap 1021 may be configured to couple to the second container 1030 via a threaded fastening mechanism and / or other suitable coupling mechanism.

[0113] The second portion 1020 of the coupling mechanism 1050 may include a fluid port 1024. The fluid port 1024 may be in fluid communication with the interior volume 1031 of the second container 1030. As described elsewhere herein, a first end of a second tube may be coupled to the fluid port 1024, and a second end of the second tube may be coupled to the endoscope. The second tube may be considered a shared tube that may include a dual lumen. The second container 1030 may be fluidly connected to the endoscope via a shared length of a gas supply tube 1025 and a lens wash supply / water supply tube 1026. The shared gas supply tube 1025 extends from the fluid port 1024 of the second portion 1020 of the coupling mechanism 1050.

[0114] The first container can be in fluid communication with the second container 1030 via a lumen 1015 of the coupling mechanism 1050. In some cases, the second container 1030 can be configured to accept a fluid (e.g., water) from the first container via a lumen 1015 extending from the first portion 1010 to the second portion 1020 of the coupling mechanism 1050 based on a pressure in the second container 1030. For example, when the interior volume 1031 of the second container 1030 is depressurized, for example, during a procedure, a valve 1040 in the second portion 1020 of the coupling mechanism 1050 vents the fluid flowing from the first container to the second container 1030 through the lumen 1015 of the coupling mechanism 1050. In some cases, the valve 1040 can be an umbrella valve, a duckbill valve, a one-way valve, a dome valve, or any other suitable valve.

[0115] When the fluid in the second container 1030 is pressurized, the pressure in the interior volume 1031 of the second container 1030 increases and the valve 1040 closes, thereby stopping the flow of fluid from the first container to the second container 1030 through the lumen 1015 of the coupling mechanism 1050. When a user requires irrigation with the endoscope, suction through the water supply tube 1026 draws fluid from the second container 1030 through the fluid port 1024, and the suction closes the valve 1040, thereby stopping the flow of fluid from the first container to the second container 1030 through the lumen 1015 of the coupling mechanism 1050.

[0116] In some cases, the gas supply tube 1025 can allow gas (e.g., air, CO2) to flow from a gas supply (not explicitly shown) through the gas supply tube 1025 and into the interior volume 1031 of the second container 1030. This allows the gas to pressurize the fluid 1035 within the second container 1030, thereby closing the valve 1040 and forcing the fluid through the water supply tube 1026 and through the lens cleaning tube and / or irrigation supply tube.

[0117] Optionally, a floating stop valve 1060 may be positioned within the interior volume 1031 of the second container 1030 adjacent to the water supply tube 1026 to prevent overfilling of the second container 1030 and fluid from entering the lumen of the gas supply tube 1025. For example, the floating stop valve 1060 may be sized and shaped to fit over the end 1027 of the fluid port 1024. When the fluid in the second container 1030 rises due to the volume of the second container 1030 filling from fluid from the first container via the lumen 1015, the floating stop valve 1060 will engage the end 1027 of the fluid port 1024 and prevent fluid from entering the gas supply tube 1025. Optionally, when the fluid in the second container 1030 is lower, the floating stop valve 1060 will descend with the fluid level, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 14 .

[0118] As will be appreciated, the lengths of the irrigation, lens cleaning, gas supply, and alternate gas supply tubing can have any suitable size (e.g., diameter). Additionally, the size (e.g., diameter) of the tubing can vary depending on the application.

[0119] It will be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, merely illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps, without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent appropriate, using any of the features of one illustrative embodiment in other embodiments. The scope of the disclosure is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. 1. A fluid delivery system for an endoscope, comprising: a first container having an interior volume configured to contain a fluid; a second container having an interior volume configured to contain a fluid; a coupling mechanism having a first portion and a second portion and a lumen extending between the first portion and the second portion, the first portion of the coupling mechanism configured to engage the first container and the second portion configured to engage the second container; Equipped with the first portion includes a first fluid port in fluid communication with the first container via the lumen; the first container and the second container are in fluid communication via the lumen; Fluid supply system.

2. 2. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the first container is an intravenous (IV) bag and the end of the first portion of the coupling mechanism is a bag spike configured to be coupled to the IV bag.

3. The fluid delivery system of claim 1 , wherein the coupling mechanism is a cap configured to cover an opening of the second container.

4. 4. The fluid delivery system of claim 3, wherein the first fluid port is configured to engage a first end of a first tube, the first tube having a second end configured to engage the endoscope.

5. 5. The fluid supply system of claim 4, wherein the second portion of the coupling mechanism includes a second fluid port configured to engage with a first end of a second tube, the second tube having a second end configured to engage with a fluid supply.

6. 4. The fluid delivery system of claim 3, wherein the cap includes a first spring and a second spring configured to actuate a sliding valve mechanism, the sliding valve mechanism configured to move from a first valve position to a second valve position.

7. 2. The fluid supply system of claim 1, wherein the second container is configured to receive fluid from the first container via the lumen extending from the first portion to the second portion of the coupling mechanism based on pressure in the second container.

8. 2. The fluid delivery system of claim 1, wherein the first container is a first IV (intravenous) bag, the end of the first portion of the coupling mechanism including a first bag spike configured to be coupled to the first IV bag, and the second container is a second IV bag, the end of the second portion of the coupling mechanism including a second bag spike configured to be coupled to the second IV bag.

9. 9. The fluid supply system of claim 8, wherein an intermediate portion of the coupling mechanism includes the first fluid port, the intermediate portion being disposed between the first portion and the second portion, the first fluid port being in fluid communication with the first container, the second container, and a third container via the lumen, the third container being configured to contain a fluid.

10. 9. The fluid delivery system of claim 8, wherein the coupling mechanism further comprises an adjustable valve disposed between the first portion and the second portion of the coupling mechanism, the adjustable valve configured to be adjusted to control fluid flow through the lumen extending between the first portion and the second portion.

11. 1. A coupling mechanism for an endoscope, comprising: a first portion configured to engage a first container; a second portion configured to engage a second container; a lumen extending from the first portion to the second portion; a first fluid port in the first portion in fluid communication with the lumen; a second fluid port in the second portion configured to be in fluid communication with a volume defined by the second container when the second portion engages the second container; and A coupling mechanism comprising:

12. The coupling mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the second portion includes a valve configured to control fluid flow through the lumen extending from the first portion to the second portion.

13. 12. The coupling mechanism of claim 11, wherein the first container is an intravenous (IV) bag and the first portion includes a bag spike configured to be coupled to the IV bag.

14. The coupling mechanism of claim 11 , wherein the coupling mechanism is a cap, the cap including the first portion and the second portion.

15. the cap includes a biasing system configured to actuate a sliding valve mechanism, the sliding valve mechanism configured to move from a first position to a second position in response to pressure on the sliding valve mechanism, the biasing system biasing the sliding valve mechanism to the first position; Fluid from the second fluid port pressurizes a space in the sliding valve mechanism, thereby moving the sliding valve mechanism from the first position to the second position. The coupling mechanism of claim 14.

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