Suction valve for medical devices

Abstract

A suction valve for selectively fluidically coupling a suction pump to a working channel is disclosed. An exemplary suction valve (300) may comprise an elongated shaft (302) having a longitudinal axis and extending from a first end (304) to a second end (306), at least one opening (322a, 322b) extending through the side wall (314) of the elongated shaft, a rigid base (326) extending radially outward from the outer surface of the elongated shaft, and a compliant member (352) extending between the first surface of the rigid base and the first end of the elongated shaft. In response to an applied force, the compliant member may be configured to compress the elongated shaft to a working configuration in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft, and in the absence of an applied force, the compliant member may be configured to bias the elongated shaft to a stationary configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to aspiration valves for use with endoscopes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, endoscope devices have been widely used for performing diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During an endoscopic procedure, a physician can use a combination of air, insufflation, and lens cleaning as means to flush debris, clean optical components, and insufflate the working lumen. An aspiration valve can be used to perform an aspiration operation. An aspiration valve for a typical endoscope can have a resting state and an operating state. In the resting state, the aspiration valve can seal the working channel so that insufflation air cannot easily leak from the patient's lumen. In the operating state, the aspiration valve can fluidly couple the endoscope working channel and an aspiration pump so that fluids and tissue samples can be removed from the patient's lumen. A user input may be required to move the aspiration valve from the resting state to the operating state. The aspiration valve can return to the resting state when the user input is released. During an endoscopic procedure, a user may need to seal the aspiration valve from the room atmosphere to generate a therapeutic aspiration.

[0003] There may be a desire to provide a sealing surface for sealing the aspiration valve from the room atmosphere when there is a user input and an aspiration valve that returns to the resting state when there is no user input. In view of these considerations, the improvements of the present disclosure may be useful.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary of the Disclosure is provided for the purpose of aiding understanding, and those skilled in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the Disclosure can be used, advantageously, separately in some examples or in combination with other aspects and features of the Disclosure in other examples. The inclusion or exclusion of elements, components, etc., in this summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Therefore, while the Disclosure is presented in terms of aspects or embodiments, it should be understood that each aspect can be claimed separately or in combination with its embodiment or any other embodiment.

[0005] In a first embodiment, a suction valve for a medical device may include an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis and extending from a first end to a second end, the elongated shaft defining a lumen extending from the second end toward the first end, at least one opening extending through the side wall of the elongated shaft, a rigid base extending radially outward from the outer surface of the elongated shaft, and a compliant member extending between the first surface of the rigid base and the first end of the elongated shaft. In response to an applied force, the compliant member may be configured to compress the elongated shaft to a working configuration in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft, and in the absence of an applied force, the compliant member may be configured to bias the elongated shaft to a stationary configuration.

[0006] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one opening may be located between the second surface of the rigid base and the second end of the elongated shaft.

[0007] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, the rigid base may be positioned between the first and second ends of the elongated shaft. As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, the suction valve may further comprise one or more oriented features extending from the second surface of the rigid base.

[0008] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, one or more orientation features comprise one or more projections extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

[0009] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, the suction valve may further comprise at least one fastening member extending from a rigid base, the at least one fastening member configured to engage with a mating feature in a medical device.

[0010] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one fastening member may include a clip. As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one fastening member may be configured to form a snap fit with a mating feature in the medical device.

[0011] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one fastening member may be formed together with the rigid base as a single monolithic structure. As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, the suction valve may further comprise at least one fastening member formed on a compliant member, the at least one fastening member configured to engage with a mating feature in a medical device.

[0012] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one fastening member may be formed together with the compliant member as a single monolithic structure.

[0013] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one opening extending through the side wall of the elongated shaft may comprise a first opening and a second opening, the first and second openings being spaced approximately 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

[0014] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, when an elongated shaft is in the usage configuration, at least one opening may be aligned with the opening of the medical device.

[0015] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, the rigid base may include one or more openings extending through its thickness. As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, when in use, the compliant member may be compressed to block one or more openings in the rigid base.

[0016] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, when in a stationary configuration, the compliant member may have an outer surface having a substantially oval shape. As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, when in a stationary configuration, the compliant member may have an outer surface having a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0017] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, when in a stationary configuration, the compliant member may have an outer surface having a substantially hemispherical shape. In another example, a suction valve for a medical device may comprise: an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis and extending from a first end to a second end, defining a lumen extending from the first end to the second end; at least one opening extending through the side wall of the elongated shaft; a rigid base extending radially outward from the outer surface of the elongated shaft and positioned between the first and second ends of the elongated shaft; at least one fastening member extending from the rigid base and configured to engage with a mating feature in a medical device; and a compliant member extending between the first surface of the rigid base and the first end of the elongated shaft. In response to an applied force, the compliant member may be configured to compress the elongated shaft to a working configuration in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft, and in the absence of an applied force, the compliant member may be configured to bias the elongated shaft to a stationary configuration.

[0018] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one opening may be located between the second surface of the rigid base and the second end of the elongated shaft.

[0019] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, the suction valve may further comprise one or more oriented features extending from the second surface of the rigid base. As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, one or more orientation features may comprise one or more projections extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

[0020] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one fastening member may be configured to form a snap fit with a mating feature in the medical device.

[0021] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one fastening member may be formed together with the rigid base as a single monolithic structure. As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, when an elongated shaft is in the usage configuration, at least one opening may be aligned with the opening of the medical device.

[0022] In another example, a suction valve for a medical device may comprise: an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis and extending from a first end to a second end, defining a lumen extending from the first end to the second end; at least one opening extending through the side wall of the elongated shaft; a rigid base extending radially outward from the outer surface of the elongated shaft, positioned between the first and second ends of the elongated shaft; a compliant member extending between the first surface of the rigid base and the first end of the elongated shaft; and at least one fastening member formed on the compliant member, configured to engage with a mating feature in a medical device. In response to an applied force, the compliant member may be configured to compress the elongated shaft to a working configuration in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft; and in the absence of an applied force, the compliant member may be configured to bias the elongated shaft to a stationary configuration.

[0023] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, the compliant member may have a substantially cylindrical shape. As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one fastening member may be formed together with the compliant member as a single monolithic structure.

[0024] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, when an elongated shaft is in the usage configuration, at least one opening may be aligned with the opening of the medical device.

[0025] As an alternative to, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, the suction valve may further include one or more orientation features extending from a second surface of the rigid base. In another example, a suction valve for a medical device is an elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis and extending from a first end to a second end, the elongated shaft defining a lumen extending from the second end toward the first end, at least one opening extending through the side wall of the elongated shaft, a platform region extending radially outward from the outer surface of the elongated shaft, and a rigid base including an annular wall extending from the outer edge of the platform region toward the first end of the elongated shaft, the platform region including one or more openings extending through its thickness, the rigid base, a first surface of the platform region, and a compliant member extending between the rigid base and one or more ledges adjacent to the first end of the elongated tubular shaft. In response to an applied force, the compliant member may be configured to compress to move the elongated shaft in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft to a use configuration, and when no applied force is present, the compliant member may be configured to bias the elongated shaft to a rest configuration.

[0026] As an alternative to, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, when in the use configuration, the compliant member may compress to block one or more openings of the platform region.

[0027] As an alternative to, or in addition to, any of the above examples, in another example, when in the use configuration, the compliant member may deform radially outward to contact the inner surface of the annular wall.

[0028] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, when in a stationary configuration, the compliant member may have a first cross-sectional dimension, and when in a working configuration, the compliant member may have a second cross-sectional dimension, the second cross-sectional dimension may be larger than the first cross-sectional dimension.

[0029] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, the suction valve may further comprise one or more oriented features extending from the second surface of the rigid base. As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, one or more orientation features may comprise one or more projections extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

[0030] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, the suction valve may further comprise at least one fastening member extending from a rigid base, which is configured to engage with a mating feature in a medical device.

[0031] As an alternative to or in addition to any of the above examples, in another example, at least one fastening member may be configured to form a snap fit with a mating feature in the medical device.

[0032] These and other features and advantages of this disclosure will be readily apparent from the following detailed description, and the scope of the claimed invention is set forth in the attached claims. The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part of this specification illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to illustrate the principles of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] The components of an endoscope are shown. [Figure 2]The diagram shows the components of an endoscope system, including an endoscope, a light source, a light source connector, a water reservoir, and a tube assembly for delivering air and lens cleaning fluid. [Figure 3] An exemplary top perspective view of a suction valve is shown. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary suction valve along line 4-4. [Figure 5] An exemplary bottom perspective view of a suction valve is shown. [Figure 6] A partially exploded perspective view of an exemplary suction valve with a valve well is shown. [Figure 7] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary suction valve assembled with a valve well and in a stationary or static configuration. [Figure 8] Figure 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary suction valve assembled with a valve well and in an operating or usage configuration. [Figure 9] An exemplary top perspective view of a suction valve is shown. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve in Figure 9 is shown along line 10-10 in Figure 9. [Figure 11] Figure 9 shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary suction valve. [Figure 12] Figure 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary suction valve assembled with a valve well and in a stationary or stationary configuration. [Figure 13] Figure 9 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary suction valve assembled with a valve well and in an operating or usage configuration. [Figure 14] Another exemplary suction valve is shown in a top perspective view. [Figure 15] A cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve in Figure 14 is shown along line 15-15 in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 14 shows a bottom perspective view of an exemplary suction valve. [Figure 17] Figure 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary suction valve assembled with a valve well and in a stationary or stationary configuration. [Figure 18]Figure 14 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary suction valve assembled with a valve well and in an operating or usage configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] This disclosure is applicable to various modifications and alternative forms, the details of which are illustrated by example in the drawings and described in detail. However, it should be understood that the intent is not to limit the invention to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, the intent is to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternative forms that fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0035] This disclosure is described herein with reference to exemplary medical systems that can be used in endoscopic medical procedures. However, it should be noted that references to these specific procedures are provided for convenience only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the underlying concepts of the disclosed devices and associated methods of use can be used in medical or any other suitable procedure. This disclosure can be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings, where the same or similar reference numerals are used to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0036] The term “distal” refers to the part of the device furthest from the user when it is introduced into a patient. In contrast, the term “proximal” refers to the part of the device closest to the user when it is placed within the patient. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus containing an enumeration of elements does not necessarily contain only those elements, but may also contain other elements not expressly enumerated or that are specific to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example,” not “ideal.” Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” indicate a range of values ​​within + / - 10% of the described or implied value. In addition, terms describing the geometric shape of a component / surface refer to the exact shape and the approximate shape.

[0037] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with particular reference to an endoscope suction valve. It should be understood that such embodiments may be used to control fluid flow for a variety of different purposes for which it is desirable to selectively fluidize one or more channels of a device.

[0038] This disclosure includes a description of a suction valve suitable for use with an endoscope system to control suction to an endoscope, but the devices, systems, and methods described herein may be implemented in other medical systems requiring the selective coupling of fluids and / or gases through various channels, and for a variety of other purposes.

[0039] References in this specification such as “an embodiment,” “some embodiments,” and “other embodiments” indicate that the described embodiment(s) may include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but not all embodiments are necessarily required to include those features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, if a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in relation to an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art that it may affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in relation to other embodiments, whether or not it is explicitly stated otherwise. That is, the various individual elements described below are intended to be combinatorial or configurable to form other additional embodiments or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiment(s), even if they are not explicitly shown in specific combinations, as would be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0040] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to multiple subjects unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “or” is generally used to mean “and / or” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] Conventionally, endoscopic devices are widely used for diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. During endoscopic procedures, physicians may use a combination of air, irrigation, and lens cleaning as means of flushing out debris, cleaning optical components, and supplying air to the working lumen. A suction valve may be used to perform suction. A suction valve for a typical endoscope may have a resting state and an operating state. In the resting state, the suction valve may seal the working channel so that air cannot easily leak out of the patient's lumen. In the operating state, the suction valve may fluidly couple the endoscopic working channel with a suction pump so that fluid and tissue samples can be removed from the patient's lumen. User input may be required to move the suction valve from the resting state to the operating state. The suction valve can return to the resting state when the user input is released. During endoscopic procedures, the user may need to seal the suction valve from the room atmosphere to generate therapeutic suction.

[0042] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an exemplary endoscope 100 and system 200 are shown, which may include an elongated shaft 100a that is inserted into the patient. A light source 205 supplies illumination light to the distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100, which can 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 that 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 supply / water supply circuit by housing a pressurizing pump 215, such as an air supply pump, within the unit.

[0043] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c provided at the 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 maneuvering the distal tip 100c. The end face 100d of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 has a gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220 for supplying gas to deliver air to the treatment area inside the patient and supplying water to clean the lens covering the imaging device. An irrigation opening 225 on the end face 100d supplies 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 through 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 the proximal channel opening 110 located distal to the operating handle 115 of the endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 can be used to seal the channel opening 110 to prevent unwanted fluid leakage.

[0044] The operating handle 115 may include knobs 125 for providing remote four-way control of the distal end via wires connected to articulated joints in a bendable flexible portion 105 (for example, one knob controls up-and-down control, and another controls left-and-right control). Multiple video switches 130 for remotely controlling the video processing unit 210 may be located on the proximal end of the handle 115. In addition, the handle 115 includes a dual valve well 135. One of the valve wells 135 can accommodate a gas / water valve 140 for supplying air and lens water. The gas supply line 240a and the lens cleaning supply line 245a extend distally from the gas / water valve 140 along the shaft 100a and merge at the proximal distal end 100c of the gas / cleaning nozzle 220 (Figure 2). The other valve well 135 accommodates a suction valve 145 for suction operation. The suction supply line 250a extends distally from the suction valve 145 along the shaft 100a to a junction that fluidly communicates with the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0045] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the video processing unit 210 via a flexible umbilical 260 and connector portion 265 extending between them. The flexible umbilical 260 has 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 the connector portion 265 is plugged into the video processing unit 210, it connects the light source 205 in the video processing unit to the light guide. The light guide extends along the length of the umbilical 260 and the endoscope shaft 100a to transmit light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. When the connector portion 265 is plugged into the video processing unit 210, it also connects the air pump 215 to the gas supply line 240b in the umbilical 260.

[0046] 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 gas supply tube 240c passes from one end located in the gap 275 between the top 280 of the reservoir 270 (e.g., the bottle cap) 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. A gas supply line 240b from the umbilical 260 branches at the connector portion 265 and fluidly communicates with the gas supply tube 240c at the removable gas / lens cleaning connection 290, and also with the air pump 215. A lens cleaning supply tube 245c, with one end positioned at the bottom of the reservoir 270, passes through the upper part 280 of the reservoir 270 to 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 separated from each other. The connector portion 265 also has a removable irrigation connection 293 for an irrigation supply tube (not shown) extending from an irrigation water supply source (not shown) to an irrigation supply line 255b in the umbilical 260. The removable irrigation connection 293 may be detachable from the connector portion 265 and / or the irrigation supply tube (not shown). In some embodiments, the irrigation water is supplied from a water source (not shown) independent of the water reservoir 270 via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump). In other embodiments, the irrigation supply tube and the lens cleaning supply tube 245c may be supplied with water from the same reservoir. The connector portion 265 may also include a removable suction connector 295 for suction supply lines 250b and 250a, which fluidly connect a vacuum source (e.g., hospital suction) (not shown) to the umbilical 260 and endoscope 100. The removable suction connector 295 may be detachable from the connector portion 265 and / or the suction supply lines 250b and / or the vacuum source.

[0047] The gas supply line 240b and the lens cleaning supply line 245b are fluidly connected to the valve well 135 for the gas / water valve 140, and the operation of the gas / water valve 140 in the well is configured to control the supply of gas or lens cleaning to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. The suction supply line 250b is fluidly connected to the valve well 135 for the suction valve 145, and the operation of the suction valve in the well is configured to control the suction applied to the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0048] Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary operation of the endoscopic system 200, including an endoscope such as the endoscope 100 described above, is explained. Air from the air pump 215 in the video processing unit 210 flows through the connector section 265, branches off to the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115, flows through the gas supply line 240b in the umbilical 260, and also through the gas supply tube 240c, and flows to the water reservoir 270 via the connection section 290 on the connector section 265. When the gas / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, with the user's fingers not on the valve, air can flow out of the valve to the atmosphere. In the first position, the user's fingers are used to block the airflow to the atmosphere. Gas can then flow from the valve 140 down the gas supply line 240a and out from the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 to deliver air to, for example, the patient's treatment area. When the gas / water valve 140 is pushed down to the second position, the gas is prevented from escaping the valve, allowing the pressure of the air passing from the air pump 215 to rise in the water reservoir 270. By pressurizing the water source, water is pushed out from the lens cleaning supply tube 245c, through the connector portion 265, the umbilical 260, through the gas / water valve 140, down the lens cleaning supply line 245a, and merges with the gas supply line 240a before exiting the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 via the gas / lens cleaning nozzle 220. The air pump pressure can be calibrated to provide lens cleaning water at a relatively low flow rate compared to the supply of irrigation water.

[0049] The flow rate volume for lens cleaning is governed by the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270. As water is pushed out of the reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning supply tube 245c, the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270 begins to decrease. The air pump 215 replaces the lost air supply in the reservoir 270 to maintain a substantially constant pressure, thereby providing a substantially constant lens cleaning flow rate. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be placed in the path of the gas supply tube 245c to filter out undesirable contaminants or particulate matter 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 in 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.

[0050] Since the primary application is to remove debris obstructing the user's field of view from the patient's treatment area, a relatively high flow rate of irrigation water is typically required compared to lens cleaning. Irrigation is typically achieved by the use of a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump), as described. In embodiments with a separate water source for irrigation, a tube located at the bottom of the water source passes over the top of the water source and through the upstream head of the pump. The downstream tube of the pump is connected to the irrigation supply line 255b of the umbilical 260 and the irrigation supply line 255a of the endoscope 100 via an irrigation connection 293 on the connector portion 265. When irrigation water is needed, the irrigation pump is activated, for example by pressing a foot switch (not shown), causing the fluid to be pumped from the water source, through the irrigation connection 293, through the irrigation supply line 255b in the umbilical, down the irrigation supply line in the shaft 100a of the endoscope, and flow to the distal tip 100c. To equalize the pressure in the water source as water is pumped from the irrigation supply tube, an air vent (not shown) may be included in the upper part 280 of the water reservoir 270. The air vent allows air to enter the water source and prevents the accumulation of negative pressure in the water source, which could create a vacuum that draws in undesirable substances from the patient through the endoscope back towards the water source. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) similar to that of the lens cleaning supply tube 245c may be placed along the path of the irrigation supply tube to help prevent backflow into the reservoir after water has passed through the valve. In some cases, the irrigation water may be supplied from the water reservoir 270. Several exemplary systems in which supply tubes for irrigation and lens cleaning are connected to and drawn from a single water reservoir are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 558,239, entitled “INTEGRATED CONTAINER AND TUBE SET FOR FLUID DELIVERY WITH AN ENDOSCOPE,” and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 558,256, entitled “TUBING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR FLUID DELIVERY,” by the same applicant, the disclosures thereof of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] When the suction valve 145 is in the neutral or stationary position, and the user's fingers are not on the valve and / or pressing the valve, air can flow into and / or out of the valve 145 into the atmosphere. If suction is desired, the user's fingers are used to block the vent to the atmosphere and to press the suction valve. By pressing the suction valve 145, the suction valve 145 can be moved within the valve well 135, and the working channel 235 can be fluidly coupled to the suction pump (not specified) via the suction supply line 250a.

[0052] An exemplary suction valve 300, which may be used with the endoscope 100 and system 200 described herein, will be described with reference to Figures 3 to 8. Figure 3 shows a top perspective view of the exemplary suction valve 300. Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 300 along line 4-4 in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the exemplary suction valve 300. Figure 6 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the exemplary suction valve 300 having a valve well 135. Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 300 assembled with the valve well 135 and in a stationary or stationary configuration. Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 300 assembled with the valve well 135 and in an operational or use configuration.

[0053] The suction valve 300 may include an elongated shaft 302 extending from a first, i.e., proximal end 304 to a second, i.e., distal end 306. In some cases, the elongated shaft 302 may be a substantially tubular member having a lumen 312 extending from a first opening 308 adjacent to the first end 304 to a second opening 310 adjacent to the second end 306. However, in some embodiments, the lumen 312 may extend for a shorter length than the entire length of the elongated shaft 302. For example, the region of the elongated shaft 302 adjacent to the first end 304 may not include a lumen. The elongated shaft 302 may further include an annular side wall 314. If the lumen 312 extends along the entire length of the elongated shaft 302, the annular side wall 314 may also extend along the entire length of the elongated shaft 302. In other embodiments, the lumen 312 and the annular side wall 314 may extend to a length shorter than the entire length of the elongated shaft 302, and the remaining portion of the elongated shaft 302 has a substantially solid cross-section.

[0054] In some embodiments, the external dimensions or shape of the elongated shaft 302 may vary along its length. For example, the elongated shaft 302 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape adjacent to the second end 306 and a substantially stadium-shaped cross-sectional shape adjacent to the first end 304, as shown in Figure 3. The stadium shape may have two substantially parallel sides connected to each other at both ends by a curve. The wall thickness of the region of the elongated shaft 302 having the stadium-shaped cross-section may not be uniform. For example, as shown in Figure 3, the wall thickness may be greater along the parallel sides adjacent to the curved end than the wall thickness along the parallel sides. In other embodiments, the elongated shaft 302 may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape along its length. In some examples, the diameter of the lumen 312 of the elongated shaft 302 may vary along its length. For example, the lumen 312 may have a first diameter 316 extending from the first end 304 of the elongated shaft to an intermediate position 320, and a second diameter 318 extending from the intermediate position 320 to a second end 306. In some embodiments, the intermediate position 320 may be in or adjacent to a transitional region between a first cross-sectional shape (e.g., a stadium) and a second cross-sectional shape (e.g., a circle). The second diameter 318 may be larger than the first diameter 316, but this is not mandatory. In some embodiments, the diameter of the lumen 312 may be substantially constant or the same along its length. In other examples, the first diameter 316 may be larger than the second diameter 318.

[0055] The elongated shaft 302 may further include one or more openings 322a, 322b extending through the thickness of the side wall 314. One or more openings 322a, 322b may be located in an axial position between the first end 304 and the second end 306 of the elongated shaft 302. In some embodiments, one or more openings 322a, 322b may be located between an intermediate position 320 and the second end 306 of the elongated shaft 302. One or more openings 322a, 322b may be configured to selectively fluidize the lumen 312 of the suction valve 300 with the suction supply line 250a, as described in more detail herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated shaft 302 includes a first opening 322a and a second opening 322b. However, the elongated shaft 302 may include fewer than two or more openings 322a, 322b as needed. If two or more openings 322a, 322b are provided, the openings 322a, 322b may be positioned in similar axial positions along the longitudinal axis 324 of the elongated shaft 302 so that when the suction valve 300 is moved from a dormant or stationary configuration (as shown in Figures 3 to 7) to an operating or use configuration (see, for example, Figure 8), the openings 322a, 322b are axially aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a. The first opening 322a and the second opening 322b may be spaced approximately 180° circumferentially from each other about the longitudinal axis 324 of the elongated shaft 302. However, other circumferential spacings may be used as needed. The circumferential spacing is intended to depend, at least in part, on the number of openings 322a, 322b provided and / or on orientation features configured to align the openings 322a, 322b with the suction supply line 250a.

[0056] The suction valve 300 may further include a rigid base member 326. The base member 326 may be formed from a material that is not easily elastically deformed. Some exemplary materials may include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, polycarbonate, methacrylate, other polymers, metals, metal alloys, and combinations thereof. Generally, the base member 326 has a substantially planar platform region 328 having a circular outer shape and a central hole 330 (see, for example, Figure 4) extending through the thickness of the platform region 328. The central hole 330 may be sized and molded to slidably receive an elongated shaft 302 through it. Although the platform region 328 is shown and described as having a substantially circular outer shape, the platform region 328 may take other shapes, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, or oval, as needed, but is not limited to the following. It is intended that the shape of the platform region 328 may be determined at least in part by the shape of the valve well 135. For example, the shape of the platform region 328 may be similar to the shape of the valve well 135 in order to allow the base member 326 to be placed on the flange 332 of the valve well 135 (see, for example, Figures 7 and 8). Similarly, the central hole 330 may have a substantially stadium-shaped cross-section, similar to the stadium shape of the elongated shaft 302 placed therein. However, the central hole 330 may take other cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, square, rectangular, polygonal, or oval, if necessary, but not limited to the following. It is intended that the shape of the central hole 330 may be determined at least in part by the outer shape of the region of the elongated shaft 302 placed therein. The platform region 328 may extend radially outward from the outer surface of the elongated shaft 302. However, the platform region 328 and / or base member 326 do not have to be attached to the outer surface of the elongated shaft 302, and as a result the elongated shaft 302 may be displaced axially along its longitudinal axis 324, while the base member 326 may be displaced axially to a lesser extent or not at all.

[0057] The base member 326 may include one or more fastening members 334a-d configured to engage with a flange 332 (see, for example, Figures 7 and 8) extending from the collar 336 of the valve well 135. In some embodiments, the fastening members 334a-d may be formed as a monolithic structure with the base member 326. In other embodiments, the fastening members 334a-d may be formed as a separate structure from the base member 326 and then attached to the base member. The fastening members 334a-d may include arm portions 338a-d extending from the second side 344 of the platform region 328 of the base member 326. The arm portions 338a-d may extend at an angle substantially perpendicular to the platform region 328, but this is not required. The arm portions 338a-d may extend at a non-perpendicular angle if necessary. Each of the arm portions 338a-d may include radially extending projections 340a-d. The sides of the arm portions 338a to 338d may include angles or inclinations such that the projections 340a to 340d form peaks. The projections 340a to 340d may be configured to engage with the lower surface of the flange 332, while the inclined surfaces facilitate the assembly and disassembly of the fastening members 334a to 334d with the flange 332. In some cases, the fastening members 334a to 334d may be clips configured to form a snap fit between the valve well 135 and the flange 332. For example, the second side 344 of the base member 326 may rest against the upper surface of the flange 332, while the fastening members 334a to 334d are configured to engage with the lower surface of the flange 332.

[0058] The arm portions 338a to d of the fastening members 334a to d can bend or flex to allow the fastening members 334a to d to engage with the flange 332. Openings 346a to d may be formed in the platform region 328 of the base member 326 adjacent to the fastening members 334a to d to facilitate the bending or curving of the arm portions 338a to d. However, this is not mandatory. The base member 326 is shown to include four fastening members 334a to d, but the base member 326 may include fewer or more than four fastening members 334a to d as needed. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening members 334a to d are spaced about 90° apart circumferentially from each other. However, this is not mandatory. The fastening members 334a to d may be arranged around the base member 326 in any uniform or non-uniform arrangement. It is further intended that the fastening members 334a to 334d may be configured to engage with the flange 332 by means of a screw structure, friction fitting, bayonet locking mechanism, etc.

[0059] The base member 326 may further include one or more orientation features 348a, 348b configured to align with the fitting orientation features 350a, 350b (see, for example, Figure 6) in the collar 336 and / or flange 332 of the valve well 135. In some examples, the orientation features 348a, 348b may be axially extending legs or projections. In some embodiments, the orientation features 348a, 348b may be curved projections configured to fit into recesses 350a, 350b formed in the curved wall of the collar 336, but this is not required. The orientation features 348a, 348b may extend at an angle substantially perpendicular to the platform region 328 of the base member 326, or parallel to the longitudinal axis 324 of the elongated shaft 302, but this is not required. The orientation features 348a and 348b may be sized, shaped, and oriented to align with and fit with corresponding features on the flange 332 (e.g., recesses 350a and 350b). While the base member 326 is shown to include the first and second orientation features 348a and 348b, the base member 326 may, as necessary, include fewer than two or more orientation features 348a and 348b. The orientation features 348a and 348b may be arranged around the base member 326 in any uniform or non-uniform arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation features 348a and 348b are spaced approximately 180° apart circumferentially from each other. However, this is not mandatory. While assembling the suction valve 300 with the valve well 135, the orientation features 348a, 348b may be aligned with the mating recesses or slots 350a, 350b in the collar 336 of the valve well 135. The orientation features 348a, 348b and the mating slots 350a, 350b of the collar 336 may be positioned such that when the suction valve 300 is placed in the valve well 135 and the suction valve 300 is operated to an operating state or usage configuration, at least one of the openings 322a, 322b may be aligned with the opening of the suction supply line 250a. In some examples, the orientation features 348a, 348b may be circumferentially aligned with the openings 322a, 322b. In other examples, the orientation features 348a, 348b may be circumferentially offset from the openings 322a, 322b, as shown in Figure 6.

[0060] In some embodiments, the orientation features 348a, 348b may be combined with fastening members 334a-d. For example, the suction valve 300 may have one or more radially extending projections configured to engage with one or more "J" shaped slots in the collar 336 to form a bayonet locking mechanism, which releasably secures the suction valve 300 to the valve well 135 and maintains proper orientation between the valve well 135 and the openings 322a, 322b in the elongated shaft 302. The reverse configuration is also conceivable, in which one or more "J" shaped slots are formed in the suction valve 300 and one or more projections extend from the collar 336 or flange 332. This is merely an example. However, other coupling mechanisms may be used as needed.

[0061] The suction valve 300 may further include an operating cap or compliant member 352 configured to flex or deform in response to user input. The compliant member 352 may extend from a first end 354 adjacent to the first end 304 of the elongated shaft 302 to a second end 356 adjacent to the first side or upper side 342 of the base member 326. The compliant member 352 may be fixedly coupled to the outer surface of the elongated shaft 302 adjacent to the first end 304 of the elongated shaft 302, or along a portion of the length of the elongated shaft 302 extending between the base member 326 and the first end 304 of the elongated shaft 302. In order to allow a ventilation path when the suction valve 300 is in a resting state, the compliant member 352 is intended not to cover the first opening 308 at the first end 304 of the elongated shaft 302. The compliant member 352 may also be fixedly coupled to the first side 342 of the base member 326. In some cases, the base member 326 may extend radially beyond the second end 356 of the compliant member 352, such that the base member 326 has a larger diameter than the second end 356 of the compliant member 352. However, this is not mandatory. In some embodiments, the compliant member 352 may be overmolded together with the elongated shaft 302 and the base member 326. However, other coupling techniques may be used as needed.

[0062] The compliant member 352 may be formed from a material that undergoes elastic deformation in response to an applied force, allowing it to return to a static configuration or its original configuration when no force is applied. The compliant member 352 may be formed from silicone, polyurethane, or other soft durometer elastomer, rubber, or polymer. The cross-sectional dimensions of the compliant member 352 may decrease from its first end 354 to its second end 356. In some examples, the compliant member 352 may take the shape of an inverted frustocone, but this is not mandatory. In other examples, the compliant member 352 may have a substantially hemispherical or dome-shaped form in its static configuration. The compliant member 352 may take on other shapes, including but not limited to cylindrical, rectangular prism, cube, and oval, as needed. It is further intended that the compliant member 352 may be substantially solid, partially solid, or may define an open cavity 358 within it.

[0063] Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 300 of Figure 3, located within the valve well 135 and in a stationary or stationary configuration. For clarity, the valve well 135 is shown without the rest of the endoscope handle 115. As described above, in the stationary state, suction is not applied to the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100. Instead, a suction pump (not shown) draws air from the atmosphere through the lumen 312 of the elongated shaft 302. To assemble the suction valve 300 with the valve well 135, the second end 306 of the elongated shaft 302 is inserted into the valve well 135. The suction valve 300 may be rotated as needed to align its orientation features 348a, 348b with the fitting slots 350a, 350b in the collar 336 of the valve well 135. The illustrated suction valve 300 includes two orientation features 348a, 348b that are offset approximately 180° from each other circumferentially and offset approximately 90° from the openings 322a, 322b, respectively, so that the suction valve 300 can be assembled with either the first opening 322a or the second opening 322b aligned with the suction supply line 250a. Although not explicitly shown, the suction valve 300 may include visual markings to facilitate assembly of the suction valve with the valve well 135. The elongated shaft 302 can be advanced into the valve well 135 until the second side 344 of the base member 326 contacts the upper surface of the flange 332. Downward movement of the suction valve 300 may allow the fastening members 334a-d to snap-fit ​​with the flange 332 or otherwise engage with the flange 332 to prevent the suction valve 300 from unintentionally disengaging from the valve well 135. However, the suction valve 300 can be removed from the valve well 135 by applying force. For example, sufficient upward force may be used to deflect the arm portions 338a to d radially outward, allowing the suction valve 300 to be removed from the valve well 135.

[0064] As shown in Figure 7, in the stationary configuration, openings 322a and 322b are axially offset from the suction supply line 250a, and the first opening 308 adjacent to the first end 304 of the elongated shaft 302 is open or not blocked. The suction pump (not shown) draws air from the atmosphere through the lumen 312 of the elongated shaft 302, as indicated by arrow 362. In some cases, air may be drawn in through the gap between the second side 344 of the base member 326 and the surface of the flange 332. The side wall 314 of the elongated shaft 302 blocks the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a, preventing suction from being applied to the suction supply line 250a.

[0065] Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 300 of Figure 3, located within the valve well 135 and in an operating or use configuration. When suction in the working channel 235 is desired, the user may, for example, use their thumb or finger 368 to block the first opening 308 at the first end 304 of the elongated shaft 302. In addition to blocking the first opening 308, the user may apply a downward or distal force to the suction valve 300, as indicated by arrow 372, to move the elongated shaft 302 axially along the longitudinal axis 324 of the elongated shaft 302, or parallel to the axis, within the valve well 135. When the elongated shaft 302 is displaced axially, the side wall 360 of the compliant member 352 may deform to allow the elongated shaft 302 to move. For example, the side wall 360 may deform radially outward. This is just one example; the side wall may deform in other ways. The elongated shaft 302 may be displaced distally within the valve well 135 so as to align at least one of the openings 322a, 322b of the elongated shaft 302 with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a. In the illustrated embodiment, the second opening 322b is aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a, fluidly coupling the suction pump to the suction supply line 250a and ultimately to the working channel 235. However, as described above, in some cases, the first opening 322a may be aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a. The base member 326 may be displaced downward into the flange 332 to such an extent that a gap exists between the second side 344 of the base member 326 and the flange 332 before the elongated shaft 302 is operated. The base member 326 may not form a fluid-tight or airtight seal with the surface of the flange 332. However, air leakage at the interface of the base member 326 / flange 332 is negligible and does not impede the ability of the suction pump to draw fluid or debris from the working channel 235. The second side 344 of the base member 326 is intended to include a gasket, O-ring, or other sealing member fixed thereto to form a tighter seal between the second side 344 of the base member 326 and the surface of the flange 332.

[0066] The openings 322a and 322b are intended to be positioned axially along the elongated shaft 302, allowing at least one of the openings 322a and 322b to align with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a when the second end 306 of the elongated shaft 302 engages with the flange 366 in the valve well 135. For example, a user may press down on the first end 304 of the elongated shaft 302 until the second end 306 engages with the radially inwardly extending flange 366. This may produce a mechanical stop that indicates to the user that the suction valve 300 is in operation. As shown in Figure 8, in the operating state or configuration, at least one of the openings 322a, 322b (for example, the second opening 322b in the illustrated embodiment) is axially aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a, and the first opening 308 at the first end 304 of the elongated shaft 302 is blocked or closed (for example, by the user's finger 368). The user's finger 368 may prevent the suction pump from drawing air from the atmosphere. The suction pump (not explicitly shown) draws air from the suction supply line 250a (fluidically coupled to the working channel 235) as indicated by arrow 370. This allows fluid or debris to be removed from the working channel 235 via the suction force from the suction pump. Once the suction procedure is complete, the user can simply remove their finger 368 from the suction valve 300. As shown in Figure 7, the compliant member 352 can spring back to its stationary position without the use of a spring or return automatically, at which point the openings 322a, 322b and the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a will be misaligned. When the suction valve 300 returns to its stationary configuration, any change in the diameter or shape of the elongated shaft 302 is intended to cause a mechanical stop between the elongated shaft 302 and the rigid base 326.

[0067] Another exemplary suction valve 400 that may be used with the endoscope 100 and system 200 described herein is described with reference to Figures 9 to 13. Figure 9 shows a top perspective view of the exemplary suction valve 400. Figure 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 400 along line 10-10 in Figure 9. Figure 11 shows a bottom perspective view of the exemplary suction valve 400. Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 400 assembled with the valve well 135 in a stationary or stationary configuration. Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 400 assembled with the valve well 135 in an operational or use configuration.

[0068] The suction valve 400 may include an elongated shaft 402 extending from a first, i.e., proximal end 404 to a second, i.e., distal end 406. In some cases, the elongated shaft 402 may be a substantially tubular member having a lumen 412 extending from a first opening 408 adjacent to the first end 404 to a second opening 410 adjacent to the second end 406. However, in some embodiments, the lumen 412 may extend for a shorter length than the entire length of the elongated shaft 402. For example, the region of the elongated shaft 402 adjacent to the first end 404 may not include a lumen. The elongated shaft 402 may further include an annular side wall 414. If the lumen 412 extends along the entire length of the elongated shaft 402, the annular side wall 414 may also extend along the entire length of the elongated shaft 402. In other embodiments, the lumen 412 and the annular side wall 414 may extend to a length shorter than the entire length of the elongated shaft 402, and the remaining portion of the elongated shaft 402 has a substantially solid cross-section.

[0069] In some embodiments, the external dimensions or shape of the elongated shaft 402 may vary along its length. For example, the elongated shaft 402 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape adjacent to the second end 406 and a substantially stadium-shaped cross-sectional shape adjacent to the first end 404, as shown in Figure 9. The stadium shape may have two substantially parallel sides connected to each other at both ends by a curve. The wall thickness of the region of the elongated shaft 402 having the stadium-shaped cross-section may not be uniform. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the wall thickness may be greater along the parallel sides adjacent to the curved end than the wall thickness along the parallel sides. In other embodiments, the elongated shaft 402 may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape along its length. In some examples, the diameter of the lumen 412 of the elongated shaft 402 may vary along its length. For example, the lumen 412 may have a first diameter 416 extending from the first end 404 of the elongated shaft to an intermediate position 420, and a second diameter 418 extending from the intermediate position 420 to the second end 406. In some embodiments, the intermediate position 420 may be in or adjacent to a transitional region between a first cross-sectional shape (e.g., a stadium) and a second cross-sectional shape (e.g., a circle). The second diameter 418 may be larger than the first diameter 416, but this is not required. In some embodiments, the diameter of the lumen 412 may be substantially constant or the same along its length. In other examples, the first diameter 416 may be larger than the second diameter 418.

[0070] The elongated shaft 402 may further include one or more openings 422a, 422b extending through the thickness of the side wall 414. One or more openings 422a, 422b may be located in an axial position between the first end 404 and the second end 406 of the elongated shaft 402. In some embodiments, one or more openings 422a, 422b may be located between an intermediate position 420 and the second end 406 of the elongated shaft 402. One or more openings 422a, 422b may be configured to selectively fluidize the lumen 412 of the suction valve 400 with the suction supply line 250a, as described in more detail herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated shaft 402 includes a first opening 422a and a second opening 422b. However, the elongated shaft 402 may include fewer than two or more openings 422a, 422b as needed. If two or more openings 422a, 422b are provided, the openings 422a, 422b may be positioned in similar axial positions along the longitudinal axis 424 of the elongated shaft 402 so that when the suction valve 400 is moved from a stationary state or stationary configuration (as shown in Figures 9 to 12) to an operating state or usage configuration (see, for example, Figure 13), the openings 422a, 422b are axially aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a. The first opening 422a and the second opening 422b may be spaced approximately 180° apart from each other circumferentially around the longitudinal axis 424 of the elongated shaft 402. However, other circumferential spacings may be used as needed. The circumferential spacing is intended to depend, at least in part, on the number of openings 422a, 422b provided, and / or on orientation features configured to align the openings 422a, 422b with the suction supply line 250a.

[0071] The suction valve 400 may further include a rigid base member 426. The base member 426 may be formed from a material that is not easily elastically deformed. Some exemplary materials may include, but are not limited to, polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, polycarbonate, methacrylate, other polymers, metals, metal alloys, and combinations thereof. Generally, the base member 426 has a substantially planar platform region 428 having a circular outer shape and a central hole 430 (see, for example, Figure 10) extending through the thickness of the platform region 428. The central hole 430 may be sized and molded to slidably receive an elongated shaft 402 through it. Although the platform region 428 is shown and described as having a substantially circular outer shape, the platform region 428 may take other shapes, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, or oval, as needed, but is not limited to the following. It is intended that the shape of the platform region 428 may be determined at least in part by the shape of the valve well 135. For example, the shape of the platform region 428 may be similar to the shape of the valve well 135 in order to allow the base member 426 to be placed on the flange 332 of the valve well 135 (see, for example, Figures 12 and 13). Similarly, the central hole 430 may have a substantially stadium-shaped cross-section, similar to the stadium shape of the elongated shaft 402 that is placed therein. However, the central hole 430 may take other cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, square, rectangular, polygonal, or oval, if necessary, but not limited to the following. It is intended that the shape of the central hole 430 may be determined at least in part by the outer shape of the region of the elongated shaft 402 that is placed therein. The platform region 428 may extend radially outward from the outer surface of the elongated shaft 402. However, the platform region 428 and / or base member 426 do not have to be attached to the outer surface of the elongated shaft 402, and as a result the elongated shaft 402 may be displaced axially along its longitudinal axis 424, while the base member 426 may be displaced axially to a lesser extent or not at all.

[0072] The base member 426 may further include one or more orientation features 448a, 448b configured to align with the fitting orientation features 350a, 350b (see, for example, Figure 6) in the collar 336 and / or flange 332 of the valve well 135. In some examples, the orientation features 448a, 448b may be axially extending legs or projections. In some embodiments, the orientation features 448a, 448b may be curved projections configured to fit into recesses 350a, 350b formed in the curved wall of the collar 336, but this is not required. The orientation features 448a, 448b may extend at an angle substantially perpendicular to the platform region 428 of the base member 426, or parallel to the longitudinal axis 424 of the elongated shaft 402, but this is not required. The orientation features 448a, 448b may be sized, shaped, and oriented to align with and fit with corresponding features on the flange 332 (e.g., recesses 350a, 350b). The base member 426 is shown to include the first and second orientation features 448a, 448b, but the base member 426 may include fewer than two or more orientation features 448a, 448b as needed. The orientation features 448a, 448b may be arranged around the base member 426 in any uniform or non-uniform arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation features 448a, 448b are spaced approximately 180° apart circumferentially from each other. However, this is not mandatory. While assembling the suction valve 400 with the valve well 135, the orientation features 448a, 448b may be aligned with the mating recesses or slots 350a, 350b in the collar 336 of the valve well 135. The orientation features 448a, 448b and the mating slots 350a, 350b of the collar 336 may be positioned such that when the suction valve 400 is placed in the valve well 135 and the suction valve 400 is operated to an operating state or usage configuration, at least one of the openings 422a, 422b may be aligned with the opening of the suction supply line 250a. In some examples, the orientation features 448a, 448b may be circumferentially aligned with the openings 422a, 422b. In other examples, the orientation features 448a, 448b may be circumferentially offset from the openings 422a, 422b, as shown in Figure 10.

[0073] The suction valve 400 may further include an operating cap or compliant member 452 configured to flex or deform in response to user input. The compliant member 452 may extend from a first end 454 adjacent to the first end 404 of the elongated shaft 402 to a second end 456 extending distally to the base member 426. The compliant member 452 may be fixedly coupled to the outer surface of the elongated shaft 402 adjacent to the first end 404 of the elongated shaft 402, or along a portion of the length of the elongated shaft 402 extending between the base member 426 and the first end 404 of the elongated shaft 402. In order to allow a ventilation path when the suction valve 400 is in a resting state, the compliant member 452 is intended not to cover the first opening 408 at the first end 404 of the elongated shaft 402. The compliant member 452 may also be fixedly bonded to the first side 442 and / or outer circumference 474 of the base member 426. In some cases, the compliant member 452 may extend radially beyond the outer circumference 474 of the base member such that the compliant member 452 has a larger diameter than the base member 426. However, this is not mandatory. In some embodiments, the compliant member 452 may be overmolded together with the elongated shaft 402 and the base member 426. However, other bonding techniques may be used as needed.

[0074] The compliant member 452 may be formed from a material that undergoes elastic deformation in response to an applied force and returns to a static configuration or original configuration when no force is applied. The compliant member 452 may be formed from silicone, polyurethane, or other soft durometer elastomer, rubber, or polymer. The cross-sectional dimensions of the compliant member 452 may be substantially uniform from its first end 454 to its second end 456. In some examples, the compliant member 452 may take a cylindrical shape, however this is not required. For example, the outer diameter of the compliant member 452 may increase and / or decrease along its length. In other examples, the compliant member 452 may have a substantially hemispherical or dome-shaped form in its static configuration. The compliant member 452 may take other shapes as needed, including, but not limited to, a frustocone, a rectangular prism, a cube, an oval, and so on. It is further intended that the compliant member 452 may be substantially solid, partially solid, or may define an open cavity 458 within it.

[0075] Figure 12 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 400 of Figure 9, located within the valve well 135 and in a stationary or stationary configuration. For clarity, the valve well 135 is shown without the rest of the endoscope handle 115. As described above, in the stationary state, suction is not applied to the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100. Instead, a suction pump (not shown) draws air from the atmosphere through the lumen 412 of the elongated shaft 402. To assemble the suction valve 400 with the valve well 135, the second end 406 of the elongated shaft 402 is inserted into the valve well 135. The suction valve 400 may be rotated as needed to align its orientation features 448a, 448b with the fitting slots 350a, 350b in the collar 336 of the valve well 135. The illustrated suction valve 400 includes two orientation features 448a, 448b that are offset approximately 180° from each other in the circumferential direction, and each is offset approximately 90° from the openings 422a, 422b, so that the suction valve 400 can be assembled with either the first opening 422a or the second opening 422b aligned with the suction supply line 250a. Although not explicitly shown, the suction valve 400 may include visual markings to facilitate assembly of the suction valve with the valve well 135. The elongated shaft 402 can be advanced into the valve well 135 until the second side 444 of the base member 426 contacts the upper surface of the flange 332. Moving the suction valve 400 downwards may allow the fastening member 434 to snap-fit ​​with the flange 332 or otherwise engage with the flange 332, preventing the suction valve 400 from unintentionally coming out of the valve well 135. However, the suction valve 400 can be removed from the valve well 135 by applying force. For example, sufficient upward force can be used to deflect the arm portions 338a-d radially outward, allowing the suction valve 400 to detach from the valve well 135.

[0076] The compliant member 452 may include a fastening member 434 configured to engage with a flange 332 (see, for example, Figures 12 and 13) extending from the collar 336 of the valve well 135. In some embodiments, the fastening member 434 may be formed as a monolithic structure with the compliant member 452; however, this is not required. The fastening member 434 may include an annular recess 438 formed on the inner surface of the side wall 460 of the compliant member 452. The recess 438 may be defined by a region in the side wall 460 of the compliant member 452 where the thickness is reduced. The bottom surface 440 of the recess 438 may be configured to engage with the lower surface of the flange 332, while the top surface 478 of the recess 438 may rest on the first surface 442 of the base member 426. A second end region 480 of the compliant member 452 may bend radially outward, allowing the fastening member 434 to engage with the flange 332 in a snap-fit ​​manner. In some embodiments, the bottom surface 440 of the recess 438 may extend radially inward to reduce the inner diameter of the compliant member 452, allowing the fastening member 434 to engage with the flange 332. The inner surface 476 of the compliant member adjacent to the second end region 480 of the compliant member may be inclined or angled so that the second end 456 of the compliant member 452 has a reduced wall thickness, allowing the second end 456 to fit onto the collar 336 of the valve well 135.

[0077] In the stationary configuration, as shown in Figure 12, openings 422a and 422b are axially offset from the suction supply line 250a, and a first opening 408 adjacent to the first end 404 of the elongated shaft 402 is open or unblocked. The suction pump (not shown) draws air from the atmosphere through the lumen 412 of the elongated shaft 402, as indicated by arrow 462. In some cases, air may be drawn in through the gap between the second side 444 of the base member 426 and the surface of the flange 332. The side wall 414 of the elongated shaft 402 blocks the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a, preventing suction from being applied to the suction supply line 250a.

[0078] Figure 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 400 of Figure 9, located within the valve well 135 and in an operating or operational configuration. When suction in the working channel 235 is desired, the user may, for example, use their thumb or finger 368 to block the first opening 408 at the first end 404 of the elongated shaft 402. In addition to blocking the first opening 408, the user may apply a downward or distal force to the suction valve 400, as indicated by arrow 472, to move the elongated shaft 402 axially along the longitudinal axis 424 of the elongated shaft 402, or parallel to the axis, within the valve well 135. When the elongated shaft 402 is displaced axially, the sidewall 460 of the compliant member 452 may deform to allow the elongated shaft 402 to move. For example, the sidewall 460 may deform radially outward. This is just one example; the sidewall may deform in other ways. The elongated shaft 402 may be displaced distally within the valve well 135 so as to align at least one of the openings 422a, 422b of the elongated shaft 402 with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a. In the illustrated embodiment, the second opening 422b is aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a, fluidly coupling the suction pump to the suction supply line 250a and ultimately to the working channel 235. However, as described above, in some cases, the first opening 422a may be aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a. The base member 426 may be displaced downward into the flange 332 to such an extent that a gap exists between the second side 444 of the base member 426 and the flange 332 before the elongated shaft 402 is operated. The base member 426 may not form a fluid-tight or airtight seal with the surface of the flange 332. However, air leakage at the interface of the base member 426 / flange 332 is negligible and does not impede the ability of the suction pump to draw fluid or debris from the working channel 235. The second side 444 of the base member 426 is intended to include a gasket, O-ring, or other sealing member fixed thereto to form a tighter seal between the second side 444 of the base member 426 and the surface of the flange 332.

[0079] The openings 422a and 422b are intended to be positioned axially along the elongated shaft 402, allowing at least one of the openings 422a and 422b to align with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a when the second end 406 of the elongated shaft 402 engages with the flange 366 in the valve well 135. For example, a user may press the first end 404 of the elongated shaft 402 until the second end 406 engages with the radially inwardly extending flange 366. This may produce a mechanical stop that indicates to the user that the suction valve 400 is in operation. As shown in Figure 13, in the operating state or configuration, at least one of the openings 422a, 422b (e.g., the second opening 422b in the illustrated embodiment) is axially aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a, and the first opening 408 at the first end 404 of the elongated shaft 402 is blocked or closed (e.g., by the user's finger 368). The user's finger 368 may prevent the suction pump from drawing air from the atmosphere. The suction pump (not explicitly shown) draws air from the suction supply line 250a (fluidically coupled to the working channel 235) as indicated by arrow 470. This allows fluid or debris to be removed from the working channel 235 via the suction force from the suction pump. Once the suction procedure is complete, the user can simply remove their finger 368 from the suction valve 400. As shown in Figure 12, the compliant member 452 can spring back to its stationary position or return automatically without the use of a spring, at which point the openings 422a, 422b and the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a will be misaligned. When the suction valve 400 returns to its stationary configuration, any change in the diameter or shape of the elongated shaft 402 is intended to cause a mechanical stop between the elongated shaft 402 and the rigid base 426.

[0080] Another exemplary suction valve 500 that may be used with the endoscope 100 and system 200 described herein is described with reference to Figures 14 to 18. Figure 14 shows a top perspective view of the exemplary suction valve 500. Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 500 along line 15-15 in Figure 14. Figure 16 shows a bottom perspective view of the exemplary suction valve 500. Figure 17 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 500 assembled with the valve well 135 in a stationary or stationary configuration. Figure 18 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 500 of Figure 14 assembled with the valve well 135 in an operational or use configuration.

[0081] The suction valve 500 may include an elongated shaft 502 extending from a first, i.e., proximal end 504 to a second, i.e., distal end 506. In some cases, the elongated shaft 502 may include a substantially solid proximal end region 508 and a substantially tubular distal end region 510. The elongated shaft 502 may transition from the substantially solid proximal end region 508 to the substantially tubular distal end region 510 in an intermediate transition region 512. The lumen 514 may extend from the transition region 512 to a distal opening 516 adjacent to the second end 506 of the elongated shaft 502. The distal end region 510 of the elongated shaft 502 may further include an annular side wall 518. The lumen 514 and the annular side wall 518 may extend to a length shorter than the total length of the elongated shaft 502, and the remaining portion of the elongated shaft 502 has a substantially solid cross-section.

[0082] In some embodiments, the external dimensions or shape of the elongated shaft 502 may vary along the length of the elongated shaft. For example, the elongated shaft 502 may have a substantially circular cross-sectional shape adjacent to the first end 504 and the second end 506, and a substantially stadium-shaped cross-sectional shape along the intermediate region 520. The stadium shape may have two substantially parallel sides connected to each other at both ends by a curve. The intermediate region 520 may have a length dimension approximately equal to the diameters of the first end 504 and the second end 506, and a short dimension smaller than the diameters of the first end 504 and the second end 506. The transition from the first circular cross-sectional shape adjacent to the first end 504 to the stadium-shaped cross-sectional shape may define one or more ledges 522. The transition from the second circular cross-sectional shape adjacent to the distal end region 510 to the stadium-shaped cross-sectional shape may also define one or more ledges 524. In other embodiments, the elongated shaft 502 may have a substantially uniform cross-sectional shape along its length.

[0083] The elongated shaft 502 may further include one or more openings 526a, 526b extending through the thickness of the side wall 518. One or more openings 526a, 526b may be positioned axially between the transition region 512 and the second end 506 of the elongated shaft 502. One or more openings 526a, 526b may be configured to selectively fluidize the lumen 514 of the suction valve 500 with the suction supply line 250a, as described in more detail herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated shaft 502 includes a first opening 526a and a second opening 526b. However, the elongated shaft 502 may include fewer than two or more than two openings 526a, 526b, as needed. If two or more openings 526a, 526b are provided, the openings 526a, 526b may be positioned in similar axial positions along the longitudinal axis 528 of the elongated shaft 502 so that when the suction valve 500 is moved from a stationary state or stationary configuration (as shown in Figures 14 to 17) to an operating state or usage configuration (see, for example, Figure 18), the openings 526a, 526b are axially aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a. The first opening 526a and the second opening 526b may be spaced approximately 180° circumferentially from each other about the longitudinal axis 528 of the elongated shaft 502. However, other circumferential spacings may be used as needed. The circumferential spacing is intended to depend, at least in part, on the number of openings 526a, 526b provided and / or on orientation features configured to align the openings 526a, 526b with the suction supply line 250a.

[0084] The suction valve 500 may further include a rigid base member 530. The base member 530 may be formed from a material that is not easily elastically deformed. Some exemplary materials, but not limited to, include polypropylene, polystyrene, nylon, polycarbonate, methacrylate, other polymers, metals, metal alloys, and combinations thereof. Generally, the base member 530 may have a substantially planar platform region 532 and an annular wall 534. The annular wall 534 may extend from a first side 536 of the platform region 532 toward a first end 504 of the elongated shaft 502. The platform region 532 may have a substantially circular shape with a central hole 540 (see, for example, Figure 15) extending through the thickness of the platform region 532. The central hole 540 may be sized and molded to slidably receive the elongated shaft 502 through it. The platform area 532 is shown and described as having a substantially circular outline, but the platform area 532 may take other shapes, such as square, rectangular, polygonal, or oval, as needed, but not limited to the following. It is intended that the shape of the platform area 532 may be determined at least in part by the shape of the valve well 135. For example, the shape of the platform area 532 may be similar to the shape of the valve well 135 in order to allow the base member 530 to be placed on the flange 332 of the valve well 135 (see, for example, Figures 17 and 18). Similarly, the central hole 540 may have a substantially stadium-shaped cross-section, similar to the stadium shape of the portion of the elongated shaft 502 that is placed therein. However, the central hole 540 may take other cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, square, rectangular, polygonal, or oval, as needed, but not limited to the following. It is intended that the shape of the central hole 540 may be determined at least in part by the outline of the region of the elongated shaft 502 that is placed therein. The platform region 532 may extend radially outward from the outer surface of the elongated shaft 502.However, the platform region 532 and / or the base member 530 do not have to be attached to the outer surface of the elongated shaft 502, and as a result the elongated shaft 502 may be displaced axially along its longitudinal axis 528, while the base member 530 may be displaced axially to a lesser extent or not at all.

[0085] The base member 530 may include one or more fastening members 542a-d configured to engage with a flange 332 (see, for example, Figures 17 and 18) extending from the collar 336 of the valve well 135. In some embodiments, the fastening members 542a-d may be formed as a monolithic structure with the base member 530. In other embodiments, the fastening members 542a-d may be formed as a separate structure from the base member 530 and then attached to the base member. The fastening members 542a-d may include arm portions 544a-d extending from the second side 538 of the platform region 532 of the base member 530. The arm portions 544a-d may extend at an angle substantially perpendicular to the platform region 532, but this is not required. The arm portions 544a-d may extend at a non-perpendicular angle if necessary. Each of the arm portions 544a-d may include radially extending projections 546a-d. The sides of the arm portions 544a to 544d may include an angle or inclination such that the projections 546a to 546d form a peak. The projections 546a to 546d may be configured to engage with the lower surface of the flange 332, while the inclined surface facilitates the assembly and disassembly of the fastening members 542a to 542d with the flange 332. In some cases, the fastening members 542a to 542d may be clips configured to form a snap fit between the valve well 135 and the flange 332. For example, the second side 538 of the base member 530 may rest against the upper surface of the flange 332, while the fastening members 542a to 542d are configured to engage with the lower surface of the flange 332.

[0086] The arm portions 544a to d of the fastening members 542a to d can bend or flex to allow the fastening members 542a to d to engage with the flange 332. The base member 530 is shown to include four fastening members 542a to d, but the base member 530 may include fewer or more than four fastening members 542a to d as needed. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastening members 542a to d are spaced approximately 90° apart from each other in the circumferential direction. However, this is not mandatory. The fastening members 542a to d may be arranged around the base member 530 in any uniform or non-uniform arrangement. It is further intended that the fastening members 542a to d may be configured to engage with the flange 332 by a screw structure, friction fit, bayonet locking mechanism, etc.

[0087] The base member 530 may further include one or more orientation features 548a, 548b configured to align with the fitting orientation features 350a, 350b (see, for example, Figure 6) in the collar 336 and / or flange 332 of the valve well 135. In some examples, the orientation features 548a, 548b may be axially extending legs or projections. In some embodiments, the orientation features 548a, 548b may be curved projections configured to fit into recesses 350a, 350b formed in the curved wall of the collar 336, but this is not required. The orientation features 548a, 548b may extend at an angle substantially perpendicular to the platform region 532 of the base member 530, or parallel to the longitudinal axis 528 of the elongated shaft 502, but this is not required. The orientation features 548a, 548b may be sized, shaped, and oriented to align with and fit with corresponding features on the flange 332 (e.g., recesses 350a, 350b). While the base member 530 is shown to include the first and second orientation features 548a, 548b, the base member 530 may, as necessary, include fewer than two or more orientation features 548a, 548b. The orientation features 548a, 548b may be arranged around the base member 530 in any uniform or non-uniform arrangement. In the illustrated embodiment, the orientation features 548a, 548b are spaced approximately 180° apart circumferentially from each other. However, this is not mandatory. While assembling the suction valve 500 with the valve well 135, the orientation features 548a, 548b may be aligned with the mating recesses or slots 350a, 350b in the collar 336 of the valve well 135. The orientation features 548a, 548b and the mating slots 350a, 350b of the collar 336 may be positioned such that when the suction valve 500 is placed in the valve well 135 and the suction valve 500 is operated to an operating state or usage configuration, at least one of the openings 526a, 526b may be aligned with the opening of the suction supply line 250a. In some examples, the orientation features 548a, 548b may be circumferentially aligned with the openings 526a, 526b. In other examples, the orientation features 548a, 548b may be circumferentially offset from the openings 526a, 526b, as shown in Figure 16.

[0088] In some embodiments, the orientation features 548a, 548b may be combined with fastening members 542a-d. For example, the suction valve 500 may have one or more radially extending projections configured to engage with one or more "J" shaped slots in the collar 336 to form a bayonet locking mechanism, which releasably secures the suction valve 500 to the valve well 135 and maintains proper orientation between the valve well 135 and the openings 526a, 526b in the elongated shaft 502. The reverse configuration is also conceivable, in which one or more "J" shaped slots are formed in the suction valve 500 and one or more projections extend from the collar 336 or flange 332. This is merely an example. Other coupling mechanisms may be used as needed.

[0089] The base member 530 may further include one or more openings or vents 550a, 550b extending through its platform region 532. The one or more openings 550a, 550b may be spaced circumferentially apart from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the openings 550a, 550b are spaced circumferentially apart by about 180° from one another. However, this is not mandatory. The openings 550a, 550b can be arranged in any uniform or non-uniform arrangement around the central hole 540 of the desired platform region 532. In some examples, the openings 550a, 550b may contact or form part of the central hole 540. In other examples, the openings 550a, 550b may be spaced at any location between the central hole 540 and the annular wall 534. The openings 550a, 550b may allow the suction pump to draw air from the atmosphere when the suction valve 500 is stationary.

[0090] The suction valve 500 may further include an operating cap or compliant member 552 configured to flex or deform in response to user input. The compliant member 552 may extend from a first end 554 adjacent to the first end 504 of the elongated shaft 502 to a second end 556 adjacent to the first side or upper side 536 of the base member 530. The compliant member 552 may be fixedly coupled to one or more upper ledges 522 of the elongated shaft 502 adjacent to the first end 504 of the elongated shaft 502, or along a portion of the length of the elongated shaft 502 extending between the base member 530 and the first end 504 of the elongated shaft 502. The compliant member 552 may also be fixedly coupled to the first side 536 of the base member 530. In some embodiments, the second end 556 of the compliant member 552 may be coupled to the base member 530 at a radial position inside the opening 550, but this is not mandatory. The compliant member 552 may be located inside the annular wall 534 of the base member 530. In some embodiments, the compliant member 552 may be overmolded together with the elongated shaft 502 and the base member 530. However, other coupling techniques may be used as needed.

[0091] The compliant member 552 may be formed from a material that undergoes elastic deformation in response to an applied force, allowing it to return to a static configuration or its original configuration when no force is applied. The compliant member 552 may be formed from silicone, polyurethane, or other soft durometer elastomers, rubber, or polymers. The cross-sectional dimensions of the compliant member 552 may increase and then decrease from its first end 554 to its second end 556. In some examples, the outer surface of the compliant member 552 may be oval-shaped or have a substantially elliptical outer surface. However, this is not mandatory. In other examples, the compliant member 552 may have a substantially hemispherical or dome-shaped form in its static configuration. The compliant member 552 may take on other shapes as needed, including, but not limited to, frustoconical, cylindrical, rectangular prism, cube, and oval shapes. It is further intended that the compliant member 552 may be substantially solid, partially solid, or may define an open cavity 558 within it.

[0092] Figure 17 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 500 of Figure 14, positioned within the valve well 135 and in a stationary or stationary configuration. For clarity, the valve well 135 is shown without the rest of the endoscope handle 115. As described above, in the stationary state, no suction is applied to the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100. Instead, a suction pump (not explicitly shown) draws air from the atmosphere through openings or vents 550a, 550b in the base member 530 and through openings 556a, 556b into the lumen 514 of the elongated shaft 502. To assemble the suction valve 500 with the valve well 135, the second end 506 of the elongated shaft 502 is inserted into the valve well 135. The suction valve 500 may be rotated as needed to align its orientation features 548a, 548b with the fitting slots 350a, 350b in the collar 336 of the valve well 135. The illustrated suction valve 500 includes two orientation features 548a, 548b that are offset approximately 180° from each other in the circumferential direction, and each is offset approximately 90° from the openings 526a, 526b, so that the suction valve 500 can be assembled with either the first opening 526a or the second opening 526b aligned with the suction supply line 250a. Although not explicitly shown, the suction valve 500 may include visual markings to facilitate assembly of the suction valve with the valve well 135. The elongated shaft 502 can be advanced into the valve well 135 until the second side 538 of the base member 530 contacts the upper surface of the flange 332. Downward movement of the suction valve 500 may allow fastening members 542a-d to snap-fit ​​with the flange 332 or otherwise engage with the flange 332 to prevent unintended disengagement of the suction valve 500 from the valve well 135. However, the suction valve 500 can be removed from the valve well 135 by applying force. For example, sufficient upward force may be used to deflect the arm portions 544a to d radially outward, allowing the suction valve 500 to be removed from the valve well 135.

[0093] In the stationary configuration shown in Figure 17, the openings 526a, 526b are axially offset from the suction supply line 250a, and the openings or vents 550a, 550b are opened or unblocked. A suction pump (not explicitly shown) draws air from the atmosphere through the openings or vents 550a, 550b of the base member 530 and into the lumen 514 of the elongated shaft 502 through the openings 556a, 556b, as indicated by arrow 562. In some cases, air may be drawn in through the gap between the second side 538 of the base member 530 and the surface of the flange 332. The side wall 518 of the elongated shaft 502 blocks the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a, preventing suction from being applied to the suction supply line 250a. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the valve well 135 may have a first cross-sectional dimension 568, and the distal end of the valve well 135 may have a second cross-sectional dimension 570. The second cross-sectional dimension 570 of the valve well 135 may be smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension 568 of the valve well 135. This allows the side wall 518 to form a tight fit within the valve well 135 adjacent to the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a, while the gap between the outer surface of the elongated shaft 502 and the valve well 135 proximal to the openings 526a, 526b allows air to flow between the outer surface of the elongated shaft 502 and the valve well 135 and enter the lumen 514 through the openings 526a, 526b.

[0094] Figure 18 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the exemplary suction valve 500 of Figure 14, located in the valve well 135 and in an operating or working configuration. When suction in the working channel 235 is required, the user may apply a downward or distal force to the first end 504 of the elongated shaft 502 to move the elongated shaft 502 axially along or parallel to the longitudinal axis 528 of the elongated shaft 502 within the valve well 135, as indicated by arrow 564. When the elongated shaft 502 is displaced axially, the side wall 560 of the compliant member 552 may deform to allow the elongated shaft 502 to move. For example, the side wall 560 may deform radially outward. When in a stationary configuration, the compliant member 552 may have a first maximum cross-sectional dimension, and when in a working configuration, the compliant member 552 may have a second maximum cross-sectional dimension. The second maximum cross-sectional dimension may be larger than the first maximum cross-sectional dimension so that the side wall 560 contacts the inner surface of the annular wall 534 of the base member 530, forming a seal with respect to the annular wall 334 and preventing air from being drawn in through the opening or vents 550a, 550b.

[0095] The elongated shaft 502 may be displaced distally within the valve well 135 so as to align at least one of the openings 526a, 526b of the elongated shaft 502 with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a. In the illustrated embodiment, the second opening 526b is aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a, fluidly coupling the suction pump to the suction supply line 250a and ultimately to the working channel 235. However, as described above, in some cases, the first opening 526a may be aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a. The base member 530 may be displaced downward into the flange 332 to such an extent that a gap exists between the second side 538 of the base member 530 and the flange 332 before the elongated shaft 502 is operated. The base member 530 may not form a fluid-tight or airtight seal with the surface of the flange 332. However, air leakage at the interface of the base member 530 / flange 332 is negligible and does not impede the ability of the suction pump to draw fluid or debris from the working channel 235. The second side 538 of the base member 530 is intended to include a gasket, O-ring, or other sealing member fixed thereto to form a tighter seal between the second side 538 of the base member 530 and the surface of the flange 332.

[0096] The openings 526a, 526b are intended to be positioned axially along the elongated shaft 502, allowing at least one of the openings 526a, 526b to align with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a when the second end 506 of the elongated shaft 502 engages with the flange 366 in the valve well 135. For example, a user may press the first end 504 of the elongated shaft 502 until the second end 506 engages with the flange 366 extending radially inward. This may produce a mechanical stop that indicates to the user that the suction valve 500 is in operation. As shown in Figure 18, in the operation state or usage configuration, at least one of the openings 526a, 526b (e.g., the second opening 526b in the illustrated embodiment) is axially aligned with the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a, and the openings or vents 550a, 550b are blocked or closed. For example, the interface between the side wall 560 and the annular wall 534 of the compliant member 552 may prevent the suction pump from drawing in air from the atmosphere. It is further intended that the openings or vents 550a, 550b may be blocked by a portion of the compliant member 552 when the compliant member 552 is deformed. The suction pump (not explicitly shown) draws in air from the suction supply line 250a (fluidically coupled to the working channel 235), as indicated by the arrow 566. This allows fluid or debris to be removed from the working channel 235 via the suction force from the suction pump. Once the suction procedure is complete, the user can simply release their finger 368 from the suction valve 500. The compliant member 552 may spring back to a stationary position or return automatically without the use of a spring, as shown in Figure 17, at which point the openings 526a, 526b and the opening 364 of the suction supply line 250a will be misaligned. When the suction valve 500 returns to its stationary configuration, any change in the diameter or shape of the elongated shaft 502 (e.g., one or more lower ledges 524) is intended to create a mechanical stop between the elongated shaft 502 and the rigid base 530.

[0097] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed devices without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other embodiments of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the consideration herein and the practice of the invention disclosed herein. This specification and the examples are for illustrative purposes only, and the true scope and spirit of the invention are intended to be shown by the following claims.

[0098] All apparatus and methods discussed herein are embodiments of apparatus and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of this disclosure. These examples are merely examples and not the only ways of implementing these principles. Therefore, references to elements, structures, or features in the drawings should be understood as references to embodiments of the embodiments of this disclosure and should not be understood as limiting this disclosure to any particular element, structure, or feature shown. Those skilled in the art will be able to recall other examples of ways of implementing the disclosed principles by reading this disclosure.

[0099] In the above description and the following claims, it should be understood that: The phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that, when used herein, can be used both conjunctively and disjunctively. The term “a” or “an” entity, when used herein, refers to one or more of those entities. Thus, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. All references to direction (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, upward, downward, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.) are used solely for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of this disclosure and / or to distinguish the areas of related elements from one another, and do not limit the related elements in particular with respect to the position, orientation or use of this disclosure. References to connections (e.g., attached, joined, connected, and joined) should be interpreted broadly and, unless otherwise indicated, may include intermediate members between sets of elements and relative movement between elements. Therefore, references to connections do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship with one another. References to identification (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0100] The preceding discussions are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the disclosure to one or more forms disclosed herein. It will be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope of the disclosure. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the disclosure can be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and using other elements, materials, and components without departing from the concept, spirit, scope, or characteristics thereof. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together as one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of a particular aspect, embodiment, or configuration of the disclosure can be combined as alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. Those skilled in the art will understand that the Disclosure can be used with many modifications to the structure, arrangement, proportions, materials, components, and other features used in the practice of the Disclosure, which are specifically adapted to particular environmental and operating requirements without departing from the principles of the Disclosure. For example, elements shown as being formed as a single unit can be composed of multiple parts, or elements shown as multiple parts can be formed as a single unit, the operation of the elements can be reversed or otherwise modified, the size or dimensions of the elements can be changed, and the features and components of various embodiments can be selectively combined. Therefore, the embodiments of the Disclosure should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the claimed invention is indicated by the appended claims and is not limited to the foregoing description.

[0101] The following claims are incorporated by this reference into this “Mode for Carrying Out the Invention,” and each claim stands independently as a distinct embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term “comprises / comprising” does not preclude the existence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individually listed, multiple means, elements, or method steps can be implemented, for example, by a single unit or processor. In addition, individual features may be included in different claims, but they may, in some cases, be advantageously combined, and inclusion in different claims does not imply that the combination of features is unfeasible and / or unfavorable. Furthermore, singular references do not preclude plurals. Terms such as “a,” “an,” “first,” and “second” do not preclude plurals. Reference numerals in the claims are provided merely as examples of clarification and should never be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A suction valve for medical devices, An elongated shaft having a longitudinal axis and extending from a first end to a second end, defining a lumen extending from the second end toward the first end, At least one opening extending through the side wall of the elongated shaft, A rigid base extending radially outward from the outer surface of the elongated shaft, A compliant member extending between the first surface of the rigid base and the first end of the elongated shaft, Equipped with, In response to an applied force, the compliant member is configured to compress the elongated shaft in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft to a working configuration, and in the absence of an applied force, the compliant member is configured to bias the elongated shaft to a stationary configuration. Suction valve.

2. The suction valve according to claim 1, wherein the at least one opening is located between the second surface of the rigid base and the second end of the elongated shaft.

3. The suction valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rigid base is disposed between the first end and the second end of the elongated shaft.

4. The suction valve according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising one or more orientation features extending from the second surface of the rigid base.

5. The suction valve according to claim 4, wherein the one or more orientation feature portion comprises one or more projections extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

6. The suction valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one fastening member extending from the rigid base, which is configured to engage with a fitting feature in a medical device.

7. The suction valve according to claim 6, wherein the at least one fastening member is configured to form a snap fit with the fitting feature portion of the medical device.

8. The suction valve according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one fastening member formed on the compliant member, which is configured to engage with a fitting feature portion in a medical device.

9. The suction valve according to claim 8, wherein the at least one fastening member is formed together with the compliant member as a single monolithic structure.

10. The suction valve according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the at least one opening extending through the side wall of the elongated shaft comprises a first opening and a second opening, and the first and second openings are spaced approximately 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft.

11. The suction valve according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein when the elongated shaft is in the usage configuration, the at least one opening is aligned with the opening of a medical device.

12. The suction valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the rigid base includes one or more openings extending through its thickness.

13. The suction valve according to claim 12, wherein, in the above-described configuration, the compliant member compresses to block the one or more openings in the rigid base.

14. The suction valve according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein, when in the aforementioned stationary configuration, the compliant member has an outer surface having a substantially oval shape.

15. The suction valve according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, when in the stationary configuration, the compliant member has an outer surface having a substantially cylindrical shape.

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