Bow-shaped spring-driven suction valve for endoscopes

Abstract

A device, system, and method for a suction valve assembly for a medical device may include a valve body with a valve well and a bow spring within the valve well. A cap is connected to the bow spring such that, when the cap is actuated, the bow spring flexes, thereby opening the valve. When the cap is released, the bow spring expands, thereby closing the valve.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] The present disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices and systems. In a first example, a suction valve assembly for a medical device may include a valve body having a valve well, an inlet channel communicating with the valve well, and an outlet channel communicating with the valve well; and a bow spring configured to move within the valve well, the bow spring including a central arcuate portion having an inner side and an outer side, such that when the bow spring flexes, the central arcuate portion moves toward the outer side, and a valve stem is attached to the inner side of the central arcuate portion of the bow spring. The bow spring may be positioned such that the inner side of the central arcuate portion faces the inlet channel of the valve body, and when the bow spring is unflexed, the bow spring pushes the stem into the inlet channel to close the valve. When the bow spring flexes, the stem is pulled away from the inlet channel to open the valve.

[0004] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, the intake valve assembly can further include a cap accessible from outside the valve body, the cap being mechanically coupled to the bow spring such that actuation of the cap deflects the bow spring and release of the cap undeflects the bow spring.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally, the cap includes a protrusion extending into the valve well that contacts the bow spring. Alternatively or additionally, the valve well extends the length of the longest dimension of the valve body between the top surface and the opposite bottom surface of the valve body, and the inlet channel and the outlet channel are disposed on sides of the valve well.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally, the valve well includes a curved wall and a flat wall extending between a top surface and an opposite bottom surface of the valve body, and one or more of the bow spring and the cap include a shaped portion that abuts at least the flat wall to prevent rotation within the valve body.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally, the upper bow spring anchor and the lower bow spring anchor are each molded portions of the bow spring that abut the flat wall of the valve well to prevent rotation of the bow spring within the valve body.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, the flange of the cap is a molded part of the cap that abuts the flat wall of the valve well to prevent rotation of the flange within the valve well.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, the intake valve assembly further includes a circumferential seal disposed about the valve stem that presses against the inlet opening when the valve is closed.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, the body further includes a collar at the upper opening of the valve well, and the cap further includes a clip that contacts the collar of the body when the valve is in the closed position.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the above examples, the bow spring further includes an anchor having a sloped bottom surface, and the valve well further includes a sloped floor surface that is the inverse of the shape and angle of the sloped bottom surface of the bow spring anchor, such that the sloped bottom surface and the sloped floor surface butt together within the valve well.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the body may comprise a single piece of homogenous material. Alternatively or additionally, the cap may comprise a single piece of homogenous material.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the bow spring comprises a single piece of homogenous material. Alternatively or additionally, the cap, the body, and the bow spring are constructed from polyethylene plastic.

[0014] In another example, an endoscopic surgical device includes an endoscopic probe, a suction valve assembly according to any of the examples above, and a suction source in communication with the inlet channel of the suction valve assembly, wherein opening the valve provides suction to the endoscopic probe from the inlet channel through the valve well to the outlet channel, the outlet passage of the suction valve assembly in communication with the endoscopic probe.

[0015] In another example, a suction valve assembly may be for use with an endoscope having an internal cavity configured to extend into a patient's body cavity. The suction valve assembly includes a valve body having a valve well, an inlet channel communicating with the valve well, and an outlet channel communicating with the valve well; and a bow spring configured to move within the valve well, the bow spring including a central arcuate portion having an inner side and an outer side, such that when the bow spring is flexed, the central arcuate portion moves toward the outer side, and a valve stem is attached to the inner side of the central arcuate portion of the bow spring. The bow spring is positioned such that the inner side of the central arcuate portion faces the inlet channel of the valve body, and when the bow spring is unflexed, the bow spring pushes the stem into the inlet channel to close the valve. When the bow spring is flexed, the stem is pulled away from the inlet channel to open the valve.

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

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Figure 1] 1 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 perspective view of an exemplary suction valve. [Figure 3B] 3B shows an exploded perspective view of the exemplary suction valve of FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary suction valve, the suction valve being in a first configuration. [Figure 5] 5 illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve of FIG. 4, with the suction valve in a second configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics of which are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0019] Detailed Description The present disclosure will be described with reference to an exemplary medical system that may be used for an endoscopic medical procedure. However, it should be noted that this reference to a particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the concepts underlying the disclosed devices and associated methods of use may be utilized in any suitable medical or other procedure. The present disclosure can be understood by reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are designated with the same reference numerals.

[0020] All numerical values ​​herein are deemed to be modified by the term "about," whether explicitly stated or not. The term "about" in the context of numerical values ​​generally refers to a range of numerical values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (e.g., having the same function or result). In many cases, the term "about" may include numerical values ​​that are rounded to the nearest significant figure. Other uses of the term "about" (e.g., in contexts other than numerical values) are deemed to have the ordinary and customary definition understood from and consistent with the context of this specification, unless otherwise specified.

[0021] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range, inclusive of the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). Although several suitable dimensions, ranges, and / or values ​​for various components, features, and / or specifications are disclosed, one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure will understand that the desirable dimensions, ranges, and / or values ​​may deviate from those expressly disclosed.

[0022] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "said" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally used in its sense including "and / or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. For ease of understanding, it should be noted that certain features of the present disclosure may be described in the singular even though the feature may appear multiple times or multiple times within a disclosed embodiment. Unless expressly stated to the contrary, each instance of a feature may include and / or be encompassed by the singular disclosure. For purposes of brevity and clarity, not every element of the disclosure is necessarily shown in every figure or described in detail below. However, it will be understood that the following description may equally apply to any or all components present in plural, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Moreover, for clarity, not every instance of some elements or features may be shown in every figure.

[0023] References herein to "embodiments," "some embodiments," "other embodiments," and the like indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but note that not all embodiments necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with one embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement that particular feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, unless expressly stated to the contrary. In other words, it is contemplated that various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in specific combinations, can be combined or arranged with each other to form other and additional embodiments or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiments, as would be understood by one skilled in the art.

[0024] For clarity, certain distinguishing numerical nomenclature (e.g., first, second, third, fourth, etc.) may be used throughout the specification and / or claims to name and / or distinguish various features described and / or claimed. It will be understood that the numerical nomenclature is not limiting and is for descriptive purposes only. In some embodiments, variations and departures from previously used numerical nomenclature may be made for brevity and clarity. That is, a feature identified as a "first" element may later be referred to as a "second" element, a "third" element, etc., or may be omitted entirely, and / or a different feature may be referred to as the "first" element. The meaning and / or designation in each instance will be apparent to the skilled practitioner.

[0025] The detailed description is intended to be illustrative and not limiting of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described can be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The detailed description illustrates exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

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

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

[0028] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c (e.g., a distal tip unit) located at a distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a and a flexible bend 105 proximal to the distal tip 100c. The flexible bend 105 may include an articulation joint (not shown) to assist in steering the distal tip 100c. The end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 includes a gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 for supplying gas for insufflation of a treatment site within a patient and water for cleaning a lens covering an imager. An irrigation opening 225 in the end face 100d delivers cleaning fluid to the treatment site on the patient. An illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment site and an opening 230 to a working channel 235 extending along the shaft 100a for passing a tool to the treatment site may also be included on the face 100d of the distal tip 100c. The working channel 235 can extend along the shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 located distal to an operating handle 115 (e.g., a proximal handle) of the endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 can be utilized to seal the channel opening 110 to prevent unwanted fluid escape.

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

[0030] The handle 115 may be provided with two valve positions 135. One of these valve positions 135 may receive a gas / water valve 140 for operating the insufflation gas and lens water supply. 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 meet at a distal tip 100c proximal to the gas / irrigation nozzle 220 (FIG. 2).

[0031] The other valve position 135 may receive a suction valve 145 for operating the suction operation. A suction supply line 250a may extend distally from the suction valve 145 along the shaft 100a to a junction that communicates with the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0032] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the image 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 cleaning 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 image processing unit 210, the connector portion 265 connects the light source 205 and the light guide within the image processing unit. The light guide extends along the length of the umbilical 260 and the endoscope shaft 100a and transmits light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. When plugged into the image processing unit 210, the connector portion 265 also connects the air pump 215 to the gas supply line 240b within the umbilical 260.

[0033] A water reservoir or container 270 (e.g., a water bottle) may be in communication with the endoscope 100 via the connector portion 265 and the umbilical 260. A length of gas supply tube 240c runs from one end located in a gap 275 between the top 280 (e.g., a bottle cap) of the reservoir 270 and the remaining water 285 in the reservoir to a removable gas / lens cleaning connection 290 located outside the connector portion 265. A gas supply line 240b from the umbilical 260 branches at the connector portion 265 and communicates with the gas supply tube 240c at the removable gas / lens cleaning connection 290 and the air pump 215. A length of lens cleaning tube 245c, with one end located at the bottom of the reservoir 270, may pass through the top 280 of the reservoir 270 to reach the same removable connection 290 as the gas supply tube 240c on the connector portion 265. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate and / or separate from one another. Connector portion 265 may also have a removable irrigation connection 293 for irrigation supply tubing (not shown) extending from an irrigation water source (not shown) to irrigation supply line 255b within umbilical 260. In some embodiments, irrigation water is supplied via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) from a water source (not shown) separate from water reservoir 270. In other embodiments, irrigation supply tubing and lens cleaning tube 245c may be supplied with 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, which connect a vacuum source (e.g., a hospital suction device) (not shown) to umbilical 260 and endoscope 100.

[0034] Gas supply line 240b and lens cleaning supply line 245b communicate with valve position 135 of gas / water valve 140 and can be configured such that operation of the gas / water valve within the well controls the supply of gas or lens cleaning solution to distal tip 100c of endoscope 100. Suction supply line 250b communicates with valve position 135 of suction valve 145 and can be configured such that operation of the suction valve 145 within the well controls the suction applied to working channel 235 of endoscope 100.

[0035] Suction valve 145 may be configured to allow or prevent suction and / or suction effects within working channel 235. When suction valve 145 is in a valve-closed position (e.g., a first configuration), the flow of suction fluid through working channel 235 may be blocked by suction valve 145. When suction is desired within working channel 235, an operator or user may activate suction valve 145 (e.g., by depressing a button on the valve and / or activating suction valve 145 in one or more other suitable manners) to place suction valve 145 in a valve-open position (e.g., a second configuration). When suction valve 145 is in the valve-open position, a flow path within the suction valve connects working channel 235 to a suction device coupled to suction connection 295, and the suction device may generate a negative pressure that draws fluid into and out of working channel 235 through an outlet provided in the suction valve. When the operator or user releases suction valve 145, valve 145 may return to the valve-closed position, reducing or blocking the flow of suction fluid from working channel 235.

[0036] In some cases, suction valve 145 may direct the flow of aspiration fluid through endoscopic system 200 using the path of least resistance. In some cases, when the aspiration pump is turned on for a procedure, the pump remains on throughout the procedure, continuously aspirating air from flexible umbilical 260, resulting in fluid being aspirated from the line side of endoscope 100 that connects to the port on suction valve 145 and traveling through umbilicus 260. When suction valve 145 is in a first position and / or configuration (e.g., a closed position), suction or negative pressure from the aspiration pump is blocked from working channel 235, allowing fluid to be drawn from the atmosphere through suction valve 145. When suction valve 145 is actuated to a second position and / or configuration (e.g., an open position) (e.g., a button or cap associated with suction valve 145 is pressed and / or actuated in one or more other suitable manners), the opening from the atmosphere through suction valve 145 to the suction pump may be effectively closed or blocked by suction valve 145, opening a fluid path through suction valve 145 between working channel 235 and the suction pump. That is, fluid traveling to the suction pump may follow the path of least resistance, which may change depending on whether suction valve 145 is in a first position (e.g., a closed position) or a second position (e.g., an open position).

[0037] In some cases, the valve stem of suction valve 145 may be configured to fit snugly into a valve well configured to receive the valve stem within endoscope 100. In such a suction valve 145, when the valve stem is in a first position, the snug fit blocks the flow path or increases the flow resistance between working channel 235 and the suction pump and decreases the flow resistance between the atmosphere and the suction pump. Similarly, when the valve stem is in a second position, the snug fit blocks the flow path or increases the flow resistance between the atmosphere and the suction pump and decreases the flow resistance between working channel 235 and the suction pump.

[0038] Suction valves 145 configured to shut off flow using a tight fit between the valve stem and the valve well require a precisely manufactured valve stem. The precision required to manufacture a tight-fitting suction valve requires expensive materials (e.g., metals) and high-precision machinery, and is time-consuming to achieve.

[0039] Additionally, suction valves 145 with tightly fitting valve stems and valve wells are manufactured with at least some clearance to allow for adjustment of the valve stem's position within the valve well. This clearance can result in leaks during use, creating two potential problems that can be noticeable to a physician. First, when the suction valve 145 is in a position that blocks suction from the working channel 235, there is still suction flow through the working channel 235 and suction valve 145 to the suction pump. The smaller the clearance between the valve stem and the valve well, the less unwanted flow there will be through the working channel 235; the larger the clearance, the more unwanted flow there will be through the working channel 235; however, clearance is necessary to facilitate movement of the valve stem within the valve well. In such a configuration of the suction valve 235, when flow is actively moving through the working channel 235, the suction of the suction pump may still draw volume from the body lumen in which the user is working, even when the suction valve 145 is in a position that blocks suction flow from the working channel 235, which may be perceived by the user as "bad venting." Second, when the valve stem of the suction valve 145 is in a position within the valve well to facilitate suction flow through the suction valve 145 between the working channel 235 and the suction pump, flow from the atmosphere to the suction pump may not be completely blocked. Such a leak from the atmosphere reduces the pressure differential between the suction valve and the distal end of the working channel 235, resulting in reduced suction or negative pressure, reduced flow rate, and reduced airflow through the fluid path to the suction pump.

[0040] A suction valve 145 configured to operate with a tightly fitting valve stem and valve well may perform adequately if intended for reuse across multiple procedures, because the price range for such a suction valve can be high enough to justify manufacturing the suction valve 145 with materials and the necessary precision that can achieve and maintain the desired tolerances over the life of the reusable suction valve 145. However, the price range for a disposable suction valve may not allow for the materials, tooling, and / or precision manufacturing required to achieve and / or maintain the tolerances over the life of the disposable suction valve.

[0041] The suction valve configurations of endoscope 100 and / or other suitable scopes described herein are configured to address the above-mentioned concerns with existing suction valves and to reduce and / or eliminate leakage along unintended flow paths through suction valve 145. Figures 3A and 3B show schematic perspective views of an exemplary suction valve 300 configured to address these concerns.

[0042] 3A and 3B, the suction valve 300 includes a cap 302, a body 310, and a bow spring 320. The body 310 houses the bow spring 320, which is disposed on top of the body 310 and is mechanically coupled to the cap 302 inserted into the body 310.

[0043] Body 310 defines inlet channel 312, outlet channel 313, and valve well 314. A collar 316 at the top of body 310 interfaces with cap 302. A floor 318 at the bottom of valve well 314 serves as a fixing surface for bow spring 320.

[0044] Cap 302 has a wide button face 303 that the user presses to activate valve 300, a flange 304 that fits within valve well 314 in body 310, a protrusion 306 that interfaces with bow spring 320, and a clip 308 that further interfaces with body 310 to secure cap 302 in place.

[0045] The bow spring 320 has an upper anchor 322 and a lower anchor 323, a central arcuate portion 324 with an outer surface 324a and an inner surface 324b, and a valve stem 326 on the inner surface 324b of the arcuate portion 324. The upper anchor 322 has a recess 322a that receives the protrusion 306 of the cap, while the bottom surface of the lower anchor 324 is shaped to contact the floor surface 318 of the body 310.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4, the cap 302 is positioned in an upward position when not depressed. A clip 308 is connected to the underside of the collar 316 of the body 310 to limit upward movement of the cap. The valve stem 326 of the bow spring 320 is positioned within the inlet channel 312, which is in communication with the suction source. The valve stem position means that the valve 300 is closed and no suction is applied to the tip of the endoscopic probe.

[0047] As shown, a sealing ring 326a attached to the valve stem 326 interfaces with the walls of the inlet channel 312 to ensure an adequate seal within the closed valve. The sealing ring 326a may be any suitable material, such as rubber or a flexible plastic, and in some implementations may be significantly more flexible than the material of the stem 326 and the walls of the channel 312. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the shape and size of the sealing ring 326a may vary depending on the desired sealing quality, overall resiliency needed, and the expected use of the valve 300.

[0048] Central arcuate section 324 of bow spring 320 is shaped to relax toward its longer position and press against anchors 322 and 323. Lower anchor 323 is in contact with floor 318 and is made of a rigid material so that floor 318 does not move relative to the rest of body 310. Instead, upper anchor 322 is pressed upward, biasing cap 302 to its unpressed position.

[0049] 5, when a user presses down on button surface 303 of cap 302, flange 304 of cap 302 slides further into the recess in valve well 314. When cap 302 is pressed fully downward, the underside of cap 302 may contact the top of collar 316. Cap 302 then pushes upper anchor 322 further into the valve well, deflecting central arcuate portion 324 of bow spring 320. Valve stem 326 then disengages from inlet channel 312, opening valve 300 and allowing suction through the valve and an attached endoscopic probe.

[0050] The cross-section of valve well 314 can take on a variety of shapes, but as shown in Figure 3B, the cross-section can be a generally circular profile with one side flattened. Those skilled in the art will recognize that such a shape limits the rotational freedom of the valve components, thereby allowing valve stem 326 to remain aligned with inlet channel 312. Flange 304 of cap 302 and upper and lower anchors 322, 323 of bow spring 320 are all shaped to fit smoothly within the cross-sectional shape of valve well 314 and can abut enough sides of the well to prevent rotation.

[0051] The suction valve 300 can be manufactured from relatively inexpensive materials suitable for disposal after a single use. The cap 302, body 310, and bow spring 320 (except for seal 326a) can each be manufactured from a single piece of polyethylene plastic, and seal 326a can be manufactured from a single piece of a flexible material (plastic, rubber, etc.). In some embodiments, each of these three plastic pieces is made from the same or similar material, with the thickness and dimensions of each piece selected to provide the required resilience and hardness. For example, the main arcuate portion 324 of bow spring 320 can be thinner than the wall of body 310, allowing the bow spring to flex as described herein while the body remains relatively rigid. Similarly, the clip 308 of cap 302 can have some slack to snap into place during assembly while still securing the cap 302 to the body 310 during use. The stem 326 may include a groove or recess sized to receive the seal 326a, which fits tightly around the stem 326. In some cases, the seal and valve stem may be co-extruded and molded with one or more materials. In other cases, the valve stem may be monolithic, with the body and seal formed from a single material using molding and / or machining techniques. Valve components may be made from other materials. For example, the bow spring may be made from a thin sheet of metal or a suitable resilient material, and other components may be made from various polymers or metals suitable for the functions described herein.

[0052] It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, merely illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and order of steps, without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to the extent appropriate, using any feature of one example embodiment in another embodiment. The scope of the invention is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. 1. A suction valve assembly for a medical device, comprising: a valve body having a valve well, an inlet channel in communication with the valve well, and an outlet channel in communication with the valve well; a bow spring configured to move within the valve well, the bow spring including a central arcuate portion having an inner side and an outer side, the central arcuate portion moving toward the outer side when the bow spring is flexed, and a valve stem attached to the inner side of the central arcuate portion of the bow spring; the bow spring is positioned such that the inner surface of the central arcuate portion faces the inlet channel of the valve body, and when the bow spring is unflexed, it presses the stem into the inlet channel to close the valve; A suction valve assembly wherein deflection of the bow spring pulls the stem away from the inlet channel, thereby opening the valve.

2. 2. The intake valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising a cap accessible from outside the valve body, the cap being mechanically coupled to the bow spring such that actuation of the cap causes the bow spring to flex and release of the cap causes the bow spring to unflex.

3. The intake valve assembly of claim 2 , wherein the cap includes a protrusion extending into the valve well that contacts the bow spring.

4. the valve well extends the length of the longest dimension of the valve body between the top surface and the opposite bottom surface of the valve body; The suction valve assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inlet channel and the outlet channel are disposed on sides of the valve well.

5. the valve well includes a curved wall and a flat wall extending between a top surface and an opposite bottom surface of the valve body; 5. The intake valve assembly of claim 1, wherein one or more of the bow spring and the cap include a shaped portion that abuts at least the flat wall to prevent rotation within the valve body.

6. 6. The intake valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the upper bow spring anchor and the lower bow spring anchor are each molded portions of the bow spring that abut the flat wall of the valve well to prevent rotation of the bow spring within the valve body.

7. 7. The suction valve assembly of claim 5 or 6, wherein the flange of the cap is a molded part of the cap that abuts the flat wall of the valve well to prevent rotation of the flange within the valve well.

8. An intake valve assembly according to any preceding claim, further comprising a circumferential seal disposed about the valve stem that presses against the inlet opening when the valve is closed.

9. the body further includes a collar at an upper opening of the valve well; The suction valve assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the cap further comprises a clip that contacts the collar of the body when the valve is in a closed position.

10. the bow spring further includes an anchor having a sloped bottom surface; 10. The suction valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the valve well further includes a sloped floor surface that is the inverse of the shape and angle of the sloped bottom surface of the bow-shaped spring anchor, such that the sloped bottom surface and the sloped floor surface butt together within the valve well.

11. An intake valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the body comprises a single piece of homogeneous material.

12. The intake valve assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the cap comprises a single piece of homogeneous material.

13. An intake valve assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the bow spring comprises a single piece of homogenous material.

14. 14. The intake valve assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the cap, body, and bow spring are constructed from polyethylene plastic.

15. 1. An endoscopic surgery device, comprising: an endoscopic probe; 15. The suction valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein an outlet passage of the suction valve assembly communicates with the endoscope probe; a suction source in communication with the inlet channel of the suction valve assembly; An endoscopic surgery device, wherein opening the valve provides suction to the endoscopic probe from the inlet channel through the valve well and into the outlet channel.

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