Two-way fluid valve for bronchoscopy

Abstract

A device, system, and method for a two-way valve assembly for a medical device. The two-way valve assembly has a knob mounted within the valve body, two inlet passages connected to an aspiration source and a gas source, an outlet passage connected to a fluid channel in an endoscope, and an internal channel connecting one of the two inlet passages to the outlet passage. A spring presses the knob into the valve body, sealing the channels and openings along the passages. When the knob is rotated, one or more guide pins on the knob slide along one or more guide grooves on the body, connecting the other inlet passage to the outlet passage. This allows the same fluid channel in the endoscope to be used for both aspiration, when removing fluid from a patient, and gas delivery, when insufflating air.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to an aspiration tube of an endoscope. In particular, the present disclosure relates to, but is not limited to, a two-way hydrodynamic valve within an endoscope.

Background Art

[0002] Endoscopic examination provides a minimally invasive means for visually examining internal body cavities. Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic diagnostic technique for directly examining the airways of the lungs by inserting a long, thin endoscope (or bronchoscope) from the patient's trachea to the airways of the lungs. Some bronchoscopes are equipped with an aspiration tube that can drain fluid from the airways before and during the examination.

[0003] Another means often performed before or after bronchoscopy is insufflation, which supplies gas (usually oxygen, air, or carbon dioxide) to the airways under positive pressure. By examining the insufflated airways, air leakage in the patient's respiratory system can be detected.

[0004] Switching between endoscopic examination and insufflation takes unnecessary time and may cause additional trauma. Therefore, there is a need for a device that allows medical professionals to apply both aspiration and insufflation as needed during bronchoscopy procedures.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure provides alternative designs, materials, manufacturing methods, and uses for medical devices and medical systems. In a first example, a two-way valve assembly for a medical device may include a knob, a valve body, and a spring. The knob includes a knob barrel having a side wall and an internal channel passing between an inlet opening and an outlet opening in the side wall, and one or more guide pins. The valve body includes a valve well surrounding the knob barrel, first and second inlet passages communicating with the valve well, an outlet passage communicating with the valve well, and one or more guide grooves, each receiving one of the one or more guide pins. The spring applies a force pressing the side wall of the knob barrel against the inner surface of the valve well. The knob rotates relative to the valve body between a first position in which the inlet opening of the knob barrel seals with the first inlet passage of the valve body and the outlet opening of the knob barrel seals with the outlet passage of the valve body, thereby allowing the first inlet passage to communicate with the outlet passage via the internal channel of the knob, and a second position in which the inlet opening of the knob barrel seals with the second inlet passage of the valve body and the outlet opening of the knob barrel seals with the outlet passage of the valve body, thereby allowing the second inlet passage to communicate with the outlet passage via the internal channel of the knob. Each of the one or more guide pins moves from the first base of the guide groove corresponding to the first position of the knob to the second base of the guide groove corresponding to the second position of the knob as the knob rotates.

[0006] In lieu of or in addition to any of the above examples, the valve assembly may further include an end cap attached to the valve body on the opposite side of the knob, and the spring is attached to the valve body and the end cap to push the end cap away from the valve body and push the knob into the valve body.

[0007] In lieu of or in addition to any of the above examples, the knob may further include a pole that penetrates the valve body and extends into the end cap, the pole having a key at its distal end shaped to engage with a keyhole in the end cap.

[0008] In lieu of or in addition to any of the above examples, the valve assembly may further include a tube within an internal channel of the knob barrel, the tube having protrusions at the inlet and outlet openings such that a seal is formed when the knob barrel is pressed against the valve well.

[0009] In lieu of or in addition to any of the above examples, the exit opening of the knob barrel may span a side wall angle equal to or greater than the rotation angle between the first and second positions.

[0010] Alternatively, or in addition to, any of the above examples, the guide grooves may be molded to have a protrusion between a first base corresponding to a first position of the knob and a second base corresponding to a second position of the knob, so that when the knob is rotated between the first and second positions, the knob barrel is lifted relative to the valve well, thereby releasing the contact between the knob barrel and the valve well.

[0011] In lieu of or in addition to any of the above examples, the one or more guide pins may be a plurality of guide pins extending radially from the knob and arranged radially symmetrically around the knob, and the one or more guide grooves may be a plurality of guide grooves formed around the valve body and arranged radially symmetrically.

[0012] In lieu of or in addition to any of the above examples, the side walls of the knob barrel and the inner walls of the valve body may be cylindrical, tapering from top to bottom. In lieu of or in addition to any of the above examples, the knob may include a handle of a size and shape that can be grasped and rotated with one hand.

[0013] In another example, a medical system for bronchoscopy includes an endoscope having a fluid channel inside, a two-way valve assembly according to any of the above examples communicating with the fluid channel of the endoscope, a suction source communicating with a first inlet passage of the two-way valve assembly so that suction is applied through the fluid channel of the endoscope when the two-way valve assembly is in a first position, and a gas source communicating with a second inlet passage of the two-way valve assembly so that gas is supplied through the fluid channel of the endoscope when the two-way valve assembly is in a second position.

[0014] In lieu of or in addition to any of the above examples, the endoscope may be a bronchoscope suitable for diagnostic and / or surgical dissection of the human respiratory system. In lieu of or in addition to any of the above examples, the gas source may be a gas source suitable for insufflation during bronchoscopy.

[0015] In lieu of or in addition to any of the above examples, the gas may be indoor air, air in a container, or oxygen. In another example, a method for operating a medical system may use any of the medical systems described above and includes the steps of deploying an endoscope into the patient's respiratory system, removing fluid from the patient's respiratory system by suction through the fluid channel of the endoscope while the two-way valve is in a first position, rotating the knob of the two-way valve assembly from the first position to a second position, and delivering the gas deployed through the fluid channel of the endoscope to the patient.

[0016] Alternatively, or in addition to any of the above examples, rotating the knob of the two-way valve assembly from the first position to the second position can be done with one hand while operating the endoscope with the other.

[0017] These features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as other features and advantages, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description. The scope of the present invention is set forth in the appended claims. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various embodiments and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of an exemplary endoscopic component is shown. [Figure 2] A partial perspective view of an exemplary endoscopic handle and a two-way valve is shown. [Figure 3] An exploded perspective view of an exemplary two-way valve is shown. [Figure 4] A perspective view of an exemplary valve knob is shown. [Figure 5] A perspective view of an exemplary valve body is shown. [Figure 6A] A partial perspective view of an exemplary two-way valve as seen from above is shown. [Figure 6B] A partial perspective view of an exemplary two-way valve as seen from below is shown. [Figure 7A] Front and rear perspective views of an exemplary two-way valve in a first position are shown. [Figure 7B] Front and rear perspective views of an exemplary two-way valve in an intermediate position are shown. [Figure 7C] Front and rear perspective views of an exemplary two-way valve in a second position are shown. [Figure 8] An exemplary barb connector and an outlet passage are shown.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] The present disclosure is capable of various modifications and alternative forms, and details thereof are illustrated in the drawings and will be described in detail below. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0020] Detailed Description Here, the present disclosure will be described with reference to an exemplary medical system that can be used in endoscopic medical procedures. However, it should be noted that this reference to this particular procedure is provided for convenience only and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the concepts underlying the disclosed devices and related methods of use can be utilized in medical or other suitable procedures. The present disclosure can be understood by referring to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are assigned the same reference numerals.

[0021] In this specification, all numerical values are considered to be modified by the term "about," whether explicitly stated or not. The term "about" in the context of a numerical value generally refers to a range of numerical values (e.g., numerical values having the same function or result) that a person skilled in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value. In many cases, the term "about" may include numerical values that are rounded to the nearest significant digit. Other uses of the term "about" (e.g., in contexts other than numerical values) are understood from the context of this specification and are considered to have their ordinary customary definitions consistent therewith, unless otherwise specified.

[0022] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numerical values within that range including the endpoints (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5). Although some suitable dimensions, ranges, and / or values for various components, features, and / or specifications are disclosed, those skilled in the art will understand that desirable dimensions, ranges, and / or values may deviate from those explicitly disclosed.

[0023] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “one,” “it,” and “the foregoing” 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 include “and / or” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For ease of understanding, note that certain features of this disclosure may be described in the singular form even if the feature is plural or appears repeatedly within the disclosed embodiments. Unless expressly stated to the contrary, each instance of a feature may include and / or be encompassed within the singular disclosure. For the sake of brevity and clarity, not all elements of this disclosure are necessarily shown in each figure or described in detail below. However, unless expressly stated to the contrary, it should be understood that the following descriptions may apply similarly to any or all of the multiple components. Furthermore, for clarity, not all instances of some elements or functions are shown in each figure.

[0024] References to “embodiments,” “some embodiments,” and “other embodiments” in this specification indicate that the described embodiments may include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but it should be noted that not all embodiments necessarily include those specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, if certain features, structures, or characteristics are described in relation to one embodiment, it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to realize those features, structures, or characteristics in relation to other embodiments, whether explicitly stated or not, unless explicitly stated otherwise. In other words, the various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in specific combinations, can be considered as understandable to those skilled in the art to form other additional embodiments or to complement and / or enhance the described embodiments by combining or arranging them.

[0025] For clarity, specific identifying numerical nomenclature (e.g., 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc.) may be used throughout the specification and / or claims to name and / or distinguish the various features described and / or described in the claims. It will be understood that numerical nomenclature is not restrictive and is for illustrative purposes only. In some embodiments, for the sake of brevity and clarity, changes and deviations from previously used numerical nomenclature may be made. That is, a feature identified as the “1st” element may later be called the “2nd” element, the “3rd” element, etc., or may be omitted entirely, and / or a different feature may be called the “1st” element. The meaning and / or designation in each case will be obvious to an experienced practitioner.

[0026] The detailed description is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the various elements described can be arranged in various combinations and configurations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The detailed description illustrates exemplary embodiments of the disclosure.

[0027] Referring to Figure 1, an exemplary endoscope 100 is shown. The endoscope 100 may include a long tube or shaft 100a configured to be inserted into a subject (e.g., a patient).

[0028] The light source can supply illumination light to the distal section 100b of the endoscope 100. The distal section 100b of the endoscope 100 may house an imager (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imager) (not shown). The light source (e.g., a lamp) may be placed within an image processing unit that processes the signal input from the imager and outputs the processed video signal to a video monitor for confirmation.

[0029] The endoscope shaft 100a may include a distal tip 100c (e.g., a distal tip unit) located at the distal end 100b of the shaft 100a, and a flexible bend 105 on the proximal side of the distal tip 100c. The flexible bend 105 may include an articulated 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 / suction nozzle for supplying gas to infuse air into the treatment area in the patient's body and for removing fluid by suction during the procedure. An irrigation opening on the end face 100d supplies cleaning fluid to the treatment site in the patient. An illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment site may also be included on the face 100d of the distal tip 100c. A working channel may extend along the shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 located distal to the operating handle 115 (e.g., a proximal handle) of the endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 can be used to seal the channel opening 110 and prevent the leakage of unwanted fluid.

[0030] The operating handle 115 may be provided with knobs 125 for providing remote four-way steering at the distal end via wires connected to the articulated joints of a bendable flexible portion 105 (for example, one knob controls vertical steering and another controls horizontal steering). Multiple video switches 130 for remotely controlling a video processing unit (not shown) may be located on the proximal end of the handle 115.

[0031] The handle 115 may be provided with two valve positions 135. One of the valve positions 135 can accommodate a fluid valve 140 for operating the air supply gas supply operation and the suction line, as will be further described herein. The other valve position 135 can accommodate a water valve 145 connected to the irrigation line and a source (not shown) for supplying irrigation fluid.

[0032] Within the operating handle 115, the fluid valve 140 may communicate with an input port for receiving a gas source and / or suction source. The input port may be in the form of a barb connector 150, as shown in Figure 2. The two-way valve 200 includes an outlet passage (described further below) sized to receive the barb connector 150 of the operating handle 115. The position of the two-way valve 200 determines whether the work line, including the barb 115, the fluid valve 135, and the gas / suction nozzle of the endoscope 100, functions as an air supply line or a suction line.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the two-way valve 300 includes a knob 302, a tube 304, a body 306, a spring 308, and an end cap 310. The body 306 fits into the end cap 310, and the knob 302 is attached to the end cap 310 by the spring 308 and is pulled toward the end cap 310.

[0034] Figure 4 shows a knob 302, which includes a knob handle 402 that is sized and positioned to be grasped and turned with one hand. The knob handle 402 is shown as a vertically extending flat tab, but those skilled in the art will understand that other shapes and positions are also possible.

[0035] Below the handle 402 is a knob barrel 404. The knob barrel 404 has curved side walls that allow the knob 302 to rotate during operation. A pole 406 with a rectangular key portion 408 extends from the bottom of the knob barrel 404. By considering the outer surface of the knob barrel 404 as a tapered cylinder with a vertical axis of rotational symmetry, and positioning the pole 406 at the center of its vertical axis of symmetry, the rotation of the knob 302 is made possible.

[0036] The knob barrel 404 has a channel 410 extending through two openings 412 and 414 in the side wall that are opposite to each other. The outlet opening 414 is significantly wider than the inlet opening 412 so that the outlet opening maintains communication with the corresponding passage in the valve body 306 even when the knob 302 is rotated. In order for the outlet opening 414 to contact the same passage in the valve body 306 at both positions of the knob 302, the outlet opening 414 spans an arc of the side wall that is at least equal to the total rotation angle of the knob 302 between the valve positions.

[0037] The tube 304 is fitted into the channel 410 while the valve 300 is in use. In some embodiments, the tube 304 is made of a deformable material with ridges around the openings 412 and 414 to hold the tube 304 within the channel 410 and to enhance the seal.

[0038] A guide pin 416 extends from the knob 302 onto the knob barrel 404 at the base of the knob handle 402. The guide pin 416 extends radially outward from the knob barrel 404 so that it is stopped by the top of the valve body 306 when the barrel is inserted into the body. The illustrated valve design includes three guide pins 416, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the number of guide pins can be more or fewer.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the valve body 306 includes first and second inlet passages 510, 512 and one outlet passage 514. The three passages 510, 512, and 514 each open into a valve well 504, which is also open at the top and bottom. The inner surface of the valve well 504 is a tapered cylinder with a shape similar to the side wall of the knob barrel 404, so that the barrel fits into the well while the knob pole 406 extends from the bottom of the valve body 306. Along the top of the valve body 306 are three guide grooves 516 sized and positioned to receive the valve guide pin 416 when the knob barrel 404 is inserted into the valve well 504. Each guide groove 516 is curved and has a first groove base 516a and a second groove base 516b, which represent the lowest point of each groove and are separated by a raised portion 516c. The illustrated valve design includes three guide grooves 516, but those skilled in the art will recognize that the number of guide grooves 516 corresponds to the number of guide pins 416, and that the number of guide grooves can be greater or less than this.

[0040] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, when the knob 302 is positioned in the well of the valve body 306, the key portion 408 is inserted into the keyhole 608 of the valve end cap 310 and then rotated to hold it in place. The spring 308 pushes the valve body 306 upward relative to the knob 302 fixed inside the cap 310, effectively pulling the knob 302 towards the valve body 306.

[0041] When the knob 302 is inserted into the well of the valve body 306, the guide pin 416 contacts the guide groove 516. Figure 7A shows the guide pin 416 in a first position, with each guide pin 416 positioned within the first base 516a of the respective guide groove 516. The knob barrel 404 is firmly fitted into the valve well 504. The force of the spring 308 presses the side wall of the knob barrel 404 against the inner surface of the valve well 504, ensuring a seal between the raised portion of the tube 304 surrounding the inlet opening 412 and the first inlet passage 510. The raised portion of the tube 304 surrounding the outlet opening 414 provides a similar seal to that of the outlet passage 514.

[0042] The first inlet passage 510 may be connected to, for example, a suction source. The suction source may be, for example, a suction pump that operates and is maintained throughout the procedure. Depending on the setup and equipment, other negative pressure sources may also be available.

[0043] Figure 7B shows the intermediate position when the valve 300 moves between the first position shown in Figure 7A and the second position shown in Figure 7C. The operator pulls and rotates the handle 402 to move the knob 302 away from the first position. At this time, the upward force applied to the knob 302 loosens the seal between the inlet opening 412 and the first inlet passage 510. Each pin 416 contacts the raised portion 516c of the respective guide groove 516, thereby preventing the knob barrel 404 from contacting the valve well 504 during the transition. The intermediate position shown in Figure 7B is unstable, and the action of the spring 308 on the knob 302 guides the valve to either the first or second position, where the knob barrel 404 is seated and one of the two inlet passages 510 or 512 is connected.

[0044] As the knob 302 rotates beyond the intermediate position, the guide pin 416, which contacts a guide groove 516 that curves downward toward the second base 516b, pulls the knob 302 toward the second position shown in Figure 7C. Here, the knob barrel 404 is again firmly seated and pressed against the valve well 504, forming a seal between the inlet opening 412 and the second inlet passage 512. The wider outlet opening 414 remains sealed with the outlet passage 514 as described above.

[0045] The second inlet passage 512 may be connected to a gas supply line suitable for air delivery, such as room air, containerized air, or oxygen. In some embodiments, an air pump may be operated and maintained during the procedure. A cartridge, tank, or other contained air source may be used, and other positive air pressure sources may be available depending on the setup and equipment.

[0046] The endoscope handle 115 can be connected to the two-way valve 300 in various ways, such as by mating the barb connector 150 with the exit passage 514. As shown in Figure 8, the exit passage 514 may include holes 802 and 804 from the outer surface to the inner surface of the passage 514. Holes 802 and 804 are radially opposite to each other and offset in the axial direction. Adhesive is injected into hole 802 to fill the space between the inside of passage 514 and the outside of the barb connector 150, covering the barbs and ensuring a strong bond between the two parts. As the space is filled, the displaced air is expelled through the smaller hole 804.

[0047] It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, merely illustrative. Modifications to the details, particularly with respect to shape, size, and step arrangement, may be made without exceeding the scope of this disclosure. This may include, to a reasonable extent, the use of features from one embodiment in other embodiments. Naturally, the scope of the invention is defined by the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

1. A two-way valve assembly for medical devices, knob, Valve body, and Including a spring, The aforementioned knob is A knob barrel having a side wall and an internal channel passing between the inlet opening and outlet opening of the side wall, Includes one or more guide pins, The valve body is The valve well surrounding the knob barrel, A first inlet passage and a second inlet passage communicating with the valve well, An outlet passage communicating with the aforementioned valve well, and One or more guide grooves, each of which includes one or more guide grooves that receive one or more of the one or more guide pins, The spring applies a force that presses the side wall of the knob barrel against the inner surface of the valve well. The knob is relative to the valve body, The inlet opening of the knob barrel forms a seal with the first inlet passage of the valve body, and the outlet opening of the knob barrel forms a seal with the outlet passage of the valve body, thereby forming a first position in which the first inlet passage communicates with the outlet passage via the internal channel of the knob, The inlet opening of the knob barrel forms a seal with the second inlet passage of the valve body, and the outlet opening of the knob barrel forms a seal with the outlet passage of the valve body, so that the second inlet passage rotates between a second position in which it communicates with the outlet passage via the internal channel of the knob. A valve assembly in which each of the one or more guide pins moves from a first base of the guide groove corresponding to the first position of the knob to a second base of the guide groove corresponding to the second position of the knob as the knob rotates.

2. The valve assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an end cap attached to the valve body on the opposite side of the knob, wherein the spring is attached to the valve body and the end cap to push the end cap away from the valve body and push the knob into the valve body.

3. The valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein the knob further includes a pole that penetrates the valve body and extends into the end cap, the pole having a key portion at its distal end that is shaped to engage with a keyhole in the end cap.

4. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a tube within the internal channel of the knob barrel, wherein the tube has protrusions at the inlet opening and the outlet opening such that a seal is formed when the knob barrel is pressed against the valve well.

5. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the outlet opening of the knob barrel spans an angle of the side wall equal to or greater than the rotation angle between the first position and the second position.

6. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each of the guide grooves is molded to have a raised portion between a first base corresponding to the first position of the knob and a second base corresponding to the second position of the knob, so that when the knob is rotated between the first and second positions, the knob barrel is lifted relative to the valve well, thereby releasing contact between the knob barrel and the valve well.

7. The one or more guide pins are a plurality of guide pins that extend radially from the knob and are arranged radially symmetrically around the knob at intervals. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the one or more guide grooves are a plurality of guide grooves formed around the valve body and arranged at radially symmetrical intervals.

8. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the side wall of the knob barrel and the inner wall of the valve body are cylindrical, tapering from top to bottom.

9. The valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the knob has a handle of a size and shape that allows it to be grasped and rotated with one hand.

10. A medical system for bronchoscopy, An endoscope having a fluid channel inside, A two-way valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which communicates with the fluid channel of the endoscope, A suction source communicating with the first inlet passage of the two-way valve assembly so that suction is applied through the fluid channel of the endoscope when the two-way valve assembly is in the first position, A medical system comprising a gas source communicating with a second inlet passage of the two-way valve assembly so as to supply gas through the fluid channel of the endoscope when the two-way valve assembly is in a second position.

11. The medical system according to claim 10, wherein the endoscope is a bronchoscope suitable for diagnosis and / or surgical dissection of the human respiratory system.

12. The medical system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the gas source is a gas source suitable for air insufflation during bronchoscopy.

13. The medical system according to claim 12, wherein the gas is indoor air, air in a container, or oxygen.

14. A method for operating the medical system according to claim 12 or 13, The steps include deploying the endoscope into the patient's respiratory system, The steps include removing fluid from the patient's respiratory system by suction through the fluid channel of the endoscope while the two-way valve is in the first position, The steps include rotating the knob of the two-way valve assembly from the first position to the second position, A method comprising the step of delivering gas, which has been deployed through the fluid channel of the endoscope, to the patient.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the rotation of the knob of the two-way valve assembly from the first position to the second position is performed with the user's other hand while the user operates the endoscope with one hand.

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