Medical device handle stabilization device and medical device

Abstract

To provide a medical device.SOLUTION: There is provided a medical device comprising: a slender handle housing; and an object capture member fixed to the slender handle housing, and including a movable member which is movable from an open position to a closed position with respect to the slender handle housing. In the closed position, the movable member approaches a first part of the slender handle housing, relative to the movable member at the open position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Incorporated by reference) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 760,784, filed November 13, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The disclosures of this specification may be related to the disclosures of PCT International Publication No. 2018 / 017717 and U.S. Patent Application No. 2018 / 0279994A1, which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. [Background technology]

[0004] A wide variety of intravascular medical devices are known. There is a need for improved systems, devices, and methods that facilitate better control, positioning, and usability of medical devices. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure is a medical device handle stabilizer comprising: a body including an elongated concave handle guide, the concave handle guide including a concave channel configured to interface with an elongated handle portion of a medical device to provide stability to the handle portion in at least one direction, the body being biased to an upright resting position when placed on a flat surface, the concave handle guide facing upward when the body is in the upright position.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure is a medical device that includes an elongated handle housing and an object capture member fixed relative to the handle housing, the object capture member including a movable member that is movable relative to the handle housing from an open position to a closed position, wherein in the closed position the movable member is closer to a first portion of the handle than in the open position.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method for reducing movement of a medical device handle during use, the method including: moving a movable member of the medical device handle from a closed position to an open position relative to a handle housing of the medical device handle; positioning an article of clothing or an item of apparel between the movable member and a second portion of the medical device handle; and moving the movable member to the closed position while capturing the article of clothing or apparel to help stabilize the medical device handle.

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure is a medical device that includes an elongated handle housing and a movable handle housing stabilizing member extending away from the elongated handle housing, the movable handle housing stabilizing member having at least one surface adapted to be moved relative to the elongated handle housing to interact with an adjacent object and stabilize the elongated handle housing relative to the adjacent object.

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is a medical device that includes an elongated handle housing and one or more actuatable inputs in operative communication with a cable extending proximally from the elongated handle housing, the proximal region of the cable including a coupler adapted to be coupled to an external imaging console.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is a computer-executable method stored on an external medical imaging console, the computer-executable method including receiving input information indicative of actuation of an input on an elongated medical device handle housing and causing an image displayed on the external medical imaging console to be modified.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure is an elongate medical device sized and configured for intravascular delivery within a subject's body, comprising a deflectable shaft extending distally from a handle portion of the medical device, first and second braided layers each including one or more strands, one of the first braided layer and the second braided layer being disposed radially within and coaxial with the other, and a flexible polymer layer in which the first braided layer and the second braided layer are at least partially embedded, the first braided layer having a first strand structure and the second braided layer having a second strand structure. and a flexible polymer layer, whereby the first braided layer alone is better at transmitting torque than the second braided layer alone and whereby the second braided layer alone is more kink resistant than the first braided layer alone, such that the flexible shaft is better at transmitting torque compared to a second flexible shaft having the second braided layer and not the first braided layer, and the flexible shaft is more kink resistant than a third flexible shaft having the first braided layer but not the second braided layer.

[0012] One aspect of the present disclosure is a medical device including an outer shaft and an inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft, at least one of the outer shaft and inner shaft being axially movable relative to one another, and a flexible seal fixed to at least one of the inner shaft or the outer shaft, the flexible seal extending outside at least a portion of the inner shaft so as to seal a volume of space radially adjacent to the inner shaft from the intrusion of liquid. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system including an operation and a medical device. [Figure 1B]1B illustrates operation of the medical device of FIG. 1A and cross section AA of the device portion. [Figure 2] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary system including a handle assembly having multiple actuators, a steerable sheath, and a medical instrument. [Figure 3Ai] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft with pull wires. [Figure 3Aii] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft with pull wires. [Figure 3Aiii] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft with pull wires. [Figure 3Bi] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft with pull wires. [Figure 3Bii] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft with pull wires. [Figure 3Ci] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft with pull wires. [Figure 3Cii] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft with pull wires. [Figure 3Di] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft with pull wires. [Figure 3Dii] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft with pull wires. [Figure 3Diii] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft with pull wires. [Figure 3Diiii] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft with pull wires. [Figure 3E] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary steerable shaft having one or more pull wires circumferentially woven into the braided wires of the shaft. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an exemplary portion of an exemplary system including a bundle. [Figure 5] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary proximal end of a medical device including a conductor bundle extending into a proximal connector within which a printed circuit board (PCB) is housed. [Figure 6A]1A-1C illustrate a portion of an exemplary medical device including a flexible circuit strip. [Figure 6B] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary proximal portion of the strip. [Figure 6C] FIG. 10 is a detailed view showing an exemplary proximal portion of the strip. [Figure 6D] FIG. 1 is an end view of an exemplary flex strip. [Figure 6E] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary stack of flex strips. [Figure 6F] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary stack of flex strips with ground and shielding strips. [Figure 6G] 10A-10C illustrate an exemplary bundle including tubing around a stack of strips and shielding and grounding strips. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an integrated steerable sheath and medical instrument system, where the system is connected to a console via a connector cable. [Figure 8A] 1A-1C illustrate exemplary handle assemblies that may be used with any of the inner and outer elongate bodies or shafts herein. [Figure 8B] 1A-1C illustrate exemplary handle assemblies that may be used with any of the inner and outer elongate bodies or shafts herein. [Figure 9A] 1A-1C illustrate a portion of an exemplary inner elongate body. [Figure 9B] 1A-1C illustrate a portion of an exemplary outer elongate body. [Figure 9C] 9C illustrates a portion of an exemplary medical device including the elongate body of FIGS. 9A and 9B. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D shows a cross section of the device in the deflectable portion of FIG. 9C. [Figure 10A] 1A-1C illustrate a portion of an exemplary handle assembly. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10 is an exploded view illustrating an exemplary outer elongate body movement subassembly. [Figure 10C]FIG. 57B shows a side cross-sectional view of the handle assembly of FIG. 57A. [Figure 11] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary handle assembly including rotation indicators for a first actuator and a second actuator. [Figure 12A] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary handle stabilization member. [Figure 12B] 61B illustrates an exemplary handle assembly configured for use with the exemplary handle stabilization member in FIG. 61A. [Figure 13] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary handle stabilizer body. [Figure 14] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary handle having an object capturing mechanism for reducing handle movement. [Figure 15] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary handle having an object capturing mechanism for reducing handle movement. [Figure 16] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary handle having an object capturing mechanism for reducing handle movement. [Figure 17] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary handle having an object capturing mechanism for reducing handle movement. [Figure 18] 10A-10C illustrate an example of a handle stabilizer. [Figure 19] 10A-10C illustrate an example of a handle stabilizer. [Figure 20] 1A-1C illustrate an example of a medical device including an elongated handle housing and one or more actuatable inputs. [Figure 21] 1A, 1B, and 1C show exemplary braided structures for medical shafts including a first braided layer and a second braided layer. [Figure 22] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary medical device having a flexible seal for reducing inflow or flow into a portion of the medical device. [Figure 23A] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary medical device having a flexible seal for reducing inflow or flow into a portion of the medical device. [Figure 23B]1A-1C illustrate an exemplary medical device having a flexible seal for reducing inflow or flow into a portion of the medical device. [Figure 23C] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary medical device having a flexible seal for reducing inflow or flow into a portion of the medical device. [Figure 24A] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary medical device having a flexible seal for reducing inflow or flow into a portion of the medical device. [Figure 24B] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary medical device having a flexible seal for reducing inflow or flow into a portion of the medical device. [Figure 25] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary medical device having a flexible seal for reducing inflow or flow into a portion of the medical device. [Figure 26] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary medical device having a flexible seal for reducing inflow or flow into a portion of the medical device. [Figure 27] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary proximal region of a medical device including an exemplary seal therein. [Figure 28] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary proximal region of a medical device including an exemplary seal therein. [Figure 29] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary proximal region of a medical device having a recess formed therein configured to make cleaning difficult. [Figure 30] 1A-1C illustrate an exemplary proximal region of a medical device including an exemplary handle housing having one or more features (eg, protrusions) configured to compress a sealing mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] 1A shows an exemplary embodiment of an integrated manipulation and medical device system. The system 1000 includes a handle assembly 1002 and a manipulation and medical device portion 1004. The manipulation and medical device portion 1004 includes a proximal portion 1006 and a maneuverable portion 1008. The system is adapted to actuate the handle assembly 1002 to manipulate the maneuverable portion 1008 and, optionally, to further actuate the medical device 1010 relative to the manipulation and medical device portion 1004. In this exemplary embodiment, the handle assembly 1002 includes a first actuator 1001, a second actuator 1003, and a third actuator 1005. The first actuator 1001 is adapted to actuate (in this example, rotate) the handle body 1007 to manipulate the maneuverable portion 1008, specifically the outer sheath 1102. The steerable portion 1008 in this embodiment can be steered or bent to the configuration shown in solid lines in FIG. 1A , to the configuration shown in dashed lines, or to any position between the solid and dashed line configurations; in some embodiments, the opposite steerable function is limited to simply straightening the shaft from an initial bent configuration, such as the solid bent configuration in FIG. 1A . In this disclosure, the term "steer" refers to deflection or bending, optionally via actuation of at least one pull wire, although in some cases the term can include rotation (torquing) and axial translation of the shaft. As used herein, the term "pull wire" refers to any element capable of transmitting tension from the proximal end to the distal end region of the device. The pull wire may be made of metal wire such as stainless steel or nickel titanium, either solid or stranded / braided, or may be made of polymers such as aramid fiber (Kevlar®), polyethylene, PTFE, ePTFE, etc., preferably stranded / braided but also in monofilament form.In a preferred embodiment, the pull wire is constructed from an aramid fiber bundle with four 50 denier multifilament (approximately 25 filaments) yarns braided together at a high thread count per inch. The cross-sectional diameter of the wire typically ranges from 0.005 to 0.012 inches, more preferably 0.008 to 0.010 inches, although braided or twisted wires may be flattened or ovalized within the lumen of the device. Preferred construction embodiments are believed to provide optimized strength and abrasion resistance relative to the size required to keep the shaft diameter to a minimum. The optional second actuator 1003 is adapted to actuate (in this example, rotate) the handle body 1007 to rotate (labeled rotational movement "R") the medical instrument 1010 relative to the shaft 1102, and the optional actuator 1005 is adapted to actuate (in this example, axially) the handle body 1007 to move the medical device 1010 axially (distal-proximal) relative to the outer sheath 1102. The proximal portion 1006 is not configured to bend significantly upon manipulation (bending / deflection) of the steerable portion 1008, but the proximal portion can flex and bend to conform to the anatomy within which it is used. In many embodiments, this is achieved by constructing the steerable portion 1008 from a softer or less stiff material and / or composite structure than the proximal portion 1006.

[0015] The embodiment shown in Figure 1A is an example of a device that includes an integrated handle assembly that is in operative communication with both a manipulatable outer shaft and an inner medical instrument. The handle assembly is integrated in that it is assembled and constructed to be in operative communication with the outer shaft and inner medical instrument prior to packaging and use. "Integrated," when used in the context of an integrated handle assembly, refers to a handle assembly that requires at least a portion of the handle assembly to be destroyed or disassembled before a medical instrument can be removed from within the outer shaft.

[0016] 1B shows an exemplary cross section AA (shown in FIG. 1A) of the manipulation and device portion 1004, specifically the steerable portion 1008. In this embodiment, the medical device 1010 is sized and configured to be disposed within a steerable sheath. The steerable sheath includes an outer shaft 1102 and a set of pull wires 1104 that are axially fixed in a distal region of the steerable portion 1008.

[0017] 1A and 1B may be any medical instrument herein, such as, for example, an ultrasonic instrument. As used herein, "ultrasonic probe" generally refers to an elongated instrument that includes at least one ultrasonic transducer and one or more conductive elements that electrically connect the at least one ultrasonic transducer to a proximal region of the elongated instrument. The proximal region of the ultrasonic probe includes, or is modified to include, at least one proximal contact that is in electrical communication with the at least one ultrasonic transducer and that can be in electrical communication with an electrical contact on another device, cable, or connector, optionally via attachment thereto.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system 10 adapted to function similarly to the system of FIGS. 1A and 1B and also illustrates exemplary internal components of a handle assembly 12 (internal components shown as dashed lines). The handle assembly 12 is integrated with and in operative communication with an outer steerable shaft 20 and a medical instrument 30. The handle assembly 12 includes an actuator 14 adapted to operate the steerable shaft 20 upon actuation relative to a handle body 15. The actuator 14 is in operative communication with the steerable shaft 20 via an actuation control 16 disposed within the handle assembly 12. The medical instrument 30 is disposed within the handle assembly 12 and includes a proximal portion 18 integrated therewith. The actuator 13 is in operative communication with the medical instrument 30, and actuation (in this example, rotation) of the actuator 13 relative to the handle body 15 rotates the medical instrument 30 relative to the outer shaft 20 via a rotation control 1215. The optional third actuator 17 is also in operative communication with the medical instrument 30 and, in this embodiment, is adapted to actuate axially (relative to the handle body 15) to move the medical instrument 30 axially relative to the outer operable shaft 20 via the axial control section 1217.

[0019] The medical device of FIG. 2 can be any medical device herein, such as, for example, an ultrasonic device.

[0020] 3A-3E depict an exemplary embodiment of the distal region of the sheath portion 1208 of the steerable sheath 1202 in the system 1200. For simplicity, the illustrated cross section shows only the outer sheath 1208, not the inner instrument 1212. The outer sheath 1208 preferably has a composite structure to improve torque transmission applied to the outside of the shaft from the proximal end or to resist torque forces applied to the outer sheath 1208 from within the shaft, such as from the instrument 1212. As shown in FIGS. 3Ai-3Aiii, multiple braided elements 1250, preferably formed from metal wires (round, pairs of round, or ribbon) and / or multiple fibers (e.g., aramid or nylon), may be braided directly onto a thin-walled (e.g., 0.0010 inch ± 0.0005 inch) lubricious liner tube 1251, such as PTFE or FEP material, to form the composite. A thermoplastic polymer 1252 (such as Pebax, or nylon, or other common catheter materials, in the durometer range of 25D to 72D) can be thermally laminated using heat shrink tubing (such as FEP), allowing the polymer to reflow onto the braided element 1250 and liner tube 1251 to form a uniform member. The thermoplastic polymer 1252 can also have a radiopaque compound containing materials such as bismuth, barium sulfate, or tungsten, allowing the distal end of the sheath to be visible to the user under fluoroscopy. In the embodiment of FIGS. 3Ai-3Aiii, the pullwire 1104 is preferably parallel to the central access in the steerable (deflectable) portion 1222 of the sheath and is preferably located within a lumen 1253 created within the wall of the steerable sheath 1208. This lumen can be created during the extrusion process of the thermoplastic polymer tube or during a shaft thermal laminate fusion process using a removable mandrel. A pullwire lumen 1253 may further be created by incorporating a pullwire tube 1254 within the wall, preferably temporarily supported by a removable mandrel.A removable mandrel may also be placed along the pull line 1104 or 1104′ during the fusing process, resulting in a somewhat oval lumen 1253 within which the fibrous pull wire can be flattened, providing space for the pull wire to move freely. The tube 1254 may comprise PTFE, FEP, polyimide, or other material that maintains the integrity of the tube 1254 wall during the thermal lamination process up to approximately 500°F. The tube is preferably surrounded and supported by a thermoplastic polymer 1252, which is preferably thermally laminated to the tube. In another embodiment, the pull wire lumen, preferably including the pull wire tube, is incorporated within the weave of the braided element 1250. For example, braided elements 1250 extending in one direction may pass below the pull wire lumen, while braided elements 1250 extending in the opposite direction may pass above the pull wire lumen. The braided reinforcement provides a dimensionally more stable lumen during manipulation of the catheter and also helps ensure lumen straightness, if necessary. Proximal to the steerable portion, the pull wires may extend proximally parallel to the central axis on the same side of the outer sheath 1208, as shown in FIGS. 3Ai-3Aiii. In this and other embodiments described below, an additional pull wire 1104' in an additional pull wire lumen routed through the steerable portion 1222 and within the wall of the sheath 1208 may be required to straighten the steerable portion of the device. This straightening pull wire 1104' is preferably routed within the steerable portion 1222 on the opposite side from the pull wire(s) 1104 used to manipulate (deflection) the steerable portion 1222. In another embodiment (not shown), two lumens and two straightening pull wires 1104' may be used, substantially mirroring the paired pull wire 1104 configuration. These straightening wires may also be configured to allow deflection in the opposite direction by applying tension over a longer distance within the handle (rather than simply straightening).

[0021] During use, the distal catheter section 1223 immediately proximal to the steerable (deflectable) section 1222 may be biased to assume a curve based on the anatomical constraints within which the section 1223 is used. For certain embodiments in which the device is advanced into a cardiac chamber from a groin access, the biased curved section 1223 is expected to be in the range of 5-25 cm in length. During rotation of the sheath shaft 1208 from the proximal end, torque is transmitted to the catheter tip through this distal curved region 1223. Non-uniform cross-section and / or tension of the device in this region 1223 may induce a tendency for the shaft to accumulate torque and suddenly release, resulting in a "whip" or sudden rotational rattle when torque is applied to the device. To minimize the likelihood of whipping, the tension and construction material of the pull wires are optionally distributed around the surface of the curved region 1223. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3Bi-3Biii, the pull wire 1104 may be helically wound around the central axis of the sheath at least in a curved region 1223 proximal to portion 1222. The pull wire in this embodiment may be wound completely around the entire circumference over a length of approximately 10 cm, ranging from 5 to 15 cm. The helix need only be present in the curved region 1223 and then extend straight proximally through the proximal portion 1224 (similar to 1006), thereby minimizing friction within the pull wire lumen and the associated pull wire force required to steer (deflect) the steerable portion 1222. The helix may be straight after at least one full turn, or it may be helically wound the entire length of the shaft. In another embodiment to minimize whip, the pull wire tension may simply be distributed to opposite sides of the shaft. 3Ci-3Cii, deflection of the steerable section 1222 is achieved by two parallel pull wires 1104 positioned adjacent to each other on the same side of the sheath 1208. In a curved region 1223 and proximal portion 1224 (similar to 1006) proximal to the steerable section 1222, the pull wires are routed at 90° from their positions in the steerable section 1222 on opposite sides of the shaft to more evenly distribute tension.While it is preferred that the two parallel pull wires be simultaneously actuated by the handle actuator with equal force, in other embodiments, a force differential can be applied to steer the tip to one side or the other of a plane formed when the two pull wires are actuated with equal force. In other embodiments, any number of pull wires can be routed in a configuration similar to that shown in FIG. 3B or 3C, with multiple proximal pull wires evenly distributed around the circumference of the shaft. Also, as shown in FIGS. 3Ci-3Cii, the pull wires 1104 can be routed proximally along opposite sides of the shaft for most of the length of the proximal shaft portion 1124, but preferably are brought together adjacent to each other again near the proximal end portion of the shaft, allowing the wires to exit together on the same side of the proximal shaft and facilitating their fastening together to the handle components for simultaneous actuation tension.

[0022] Figures 3Di-3Div show another embodiment of a catheter distal region having a similar structure to that described above, but configured instead to provide a distal steerable portion 1222 that can be deflected in two different directions. As shown, two pairs of pull wires 1105 / 1107 and 1106 / 1108 run along the proximal shaft region 1224 and curved region 1223. This is similar to Figures 3Ai-3Aiii, except that the wires are paired on each side of the shaft. The routing may be helical, as in Figures 3Bi-3Bii, or other configurations as discussed. Within the distal steerable portion 1222, the wires are routed 90° from the proximal portion, although other angles are contemplated. At junction 1225 in 1222, one or more of the pull wires (e.g., 1105 and 1107) may terminate and be anchored to the shaft, while the remaining pull wires (e.g., 1106 and 1108) extend to and are anchored at a more distal tip location 1226. This configuration allows for independent actuation of the pull wires terminating at 1225 and 1226, allowing them to form different shapes during actuation. Figure 3Dii shows both lines 1107 and 1108 tensioned to form variable curves in the same direction. Figure 3Diii shows lines 1107 and 1106 tensioned to form an "S" curve. Other configurations are possible.

[0023] To prevent the pull wires from breaking or pulling free when repeatedly tensioned, the pull wires (such as 1104 and 1104′) should be terminated at their distal ends so that they are securely anchored to the wall of the distal steerable shaft portion 1222. In a preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3E , the pull wires 1104 and 1104′ are circumferentially woven into the braided wire 1250 of the distal shaft 1222 (shown without the thermoplastic polymer 1252) after exiting the distal pull wire lumen 1253. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the pull wires 1104 or 1104′ can be wrapped and / or knotted around the outside of the braided wire 1250 for further fixation. The braided wire 1250 can then be trimmed distal to the fixation point, with the woven and / or wrapped pull wires preventing the braided wire from expanding and / or fraying. An additional adhesive, such as a UV cure or cyanoacrylate, can also be used to secure the pull wire to the braid wire. The weave and / or wrap of the pull wire and braid wire is then laminated with a thermoplastic polymer that melts in the space around the wires and cools to secure the wires in place. The thermoplastic polymer can also have a radiopaque compound, including materials such as bismuth, barium sulfate, or tungsten, so that the tip of the sheath is visible to the user under fluoroscopy.

[0024] In further embodiments, the instrument 1212 may also or alternatively be constructed with one or more pull wires to deflect the tip in a manner similar to any of the previous embodiments described for the outer sheath 1208. In addition to routing pull wires within the wall of the tubular member of the instrument 1212, it is contemplated that the pull wires may be routed alongside conductors within the lumen of the tubular element 1212. Actuation of the pull wires may come from an actuator located within the proximal handle 1206. The distal shaft of the instrument 1212 may be formed into a particular shape (e.g., an arcuate shape) that bends into a particular shape as the distal shaft of the instrument 1212 exits the tip of the steerable portion 1222 of the outer sheath 1208. The stiffness of the distal shaft of the instrument 1212 is such that the distal shaft does not substantially deform the outer sheath 1208 while inside, but bends after exiting. The shape may be defined by any one or combination of the following means: heat treatment of the polymeric material, use of a movable or fixed shaped stylet within the inner lumen of the shaft 1212 or within a lumen in the wall of the shaft 1212. Such a stylet may be round, oval, or rectangular in cross section and formed from stainless steel, nitinol, or a rigid polymer such as PEEK, Vestamid, etc. Alternatively, the outer steerable sheath may be bent by methods similar to those described above, with or without further pullwire deflection, and with or without further shaping or deflection of the distal portion of the instrument shaft 1212.

[0025] An aspect of the present disclosure includes a method for disconnecting at least a portion of the system from other components, optionally as part of a repositioning process. In some embodiments, the medical instrument includes one or more electrical contacts coupled to other electrical contacts in electrical communication with an energy console, examples of which are known in the ultrasound arts.

[0026] FIG. 4 illustrates merely a portion of an exemplary medical instrument, such as an ultrasound probe, that may be electrically coupled directly or indirectly to an energy console, such as an ultrasound console.

[0027] Repositioning the device may include severing one or more proximal electrical contacts and moving the tool portion distally from the distal end of the sheath portion. In this embodiment, the instrument portion 1212 includes at least an instrument outer sheath or instrument outer member 2010, a distal working end 1821 (which may include at least one ultrasound transducer), and a conductor bundle 2020. The conductor bundle 2020 extends from the distal working end 1821 through the instrument outer member 2010 to a proximal connector (for clarity, the connector and handle mechanism are not shown in FIG. 18 ). In some embodiments, the medical instrument is used for ultrasound imaging, and optionally, the distal working end 1821 includes a two-dimensional (2D) array of piezoelectric elements mounted on an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0028] FIG. 5 shows merely an exemplary proximal end of a medical device (the medical device is shown at the right), which in this embodiment is an ultrasound probe. The proximal end 2015 of the medical device is adapted to be electrically coupled to a connector cable 270, which is adapted to be electrically coupled directly or indirectly to an energy console, such as an ultrasound energy console. As shown in FIG. 5 , a conductor bundle 2020 extends from a distal region of the medical instrument (distal region not shown) into a proximal connector 2015, which houses a rigid or flexible printed circuit board (PCB) 2030. The connector bundle 2020 includes a plurality of contacts 2024 attached to PCB board contacts 2031 (examples of which are described below). Each individual trace from each contact 2031 is coupled to another, optionally more proximal, portion of the PCB, to an individual exposed contact 2050. The individual PCB traces may also pass through other useful circuitry on the PCB. The exposed contacts 2050 are configured for mechanical engagement for electrical conduction to similar contacts 2060 on a mating connector cable 2070 similar in concept to the proximal instrument connector 1990 described above, connecting the instrument 1204 to a user interface console. The proximal connector 2015 may be incorporated into any of the systems, handles, steerable sheaths, medical instruments, etc. herein.

[0029] Figures 6A and 6B show an exemplary conductor strip (also referred to herein as a flexible circuit strip) 2021 that may be included in any of the conductor bundles herein. The embodiment of Figures 6A and 6B is an example of a conductor strip that may be included in the bundle 2020 of Figures 4 and 5. The embodiment of Figures 6A and 6B may be incorporated into any of the other systems herein.

[0030] As shown in Figures 6A, 6B, and 6G, conductor bundle 2020 includes multiple flex circuit strips, including multiple-wire strips 2021 and conductive strips (only portions of which are shown) for ground 2022 and shield 2023. Each multiple-wire strip includes multiple conductive wires 2025, which are clearly visible in Figures 6B, 6C, and 6D. The number of wires 2025 in Figures 6D-6G is 12, while the number of wires in Figures 6A-6C is 16, both of which are exemplary with respect to the number of wires 2025 that may be used. Each strip 2021 may be approximately 0.072 inches wide and 0.0022 inches thick, and optionally include 16 0.0022 inch wide by approximately 0.0007 inch thick conductive (e.g., copper) wires, each spaced approximately 0.0022 inch apart. The traces are disposed on an insulating substrate layer 2027, such as a polyimide substrate, and the traces may be at least partially covered by a cover layer 2026, such as a photosensitive film cover ("PIC") layer or other dry film solder mask (DFSM), or other similar material. The cover layer generally extends along most of the bundle, except for discrete locations in the proximal and distal regions for electrical coupling. In other embodiments, strip 2021 is approximately 0.055 inches wide and includes 12 conductive traces (see Figures 6D-6G). In other embodiments, strip 2021 is approximately 0.037 inches wide and includes 8 copper conductive traces. The outer strips 2022 and 2023, used for grounding and shielding, may have a similar configuration and dimensions, except that they may include a single full-width strip of copper. As optimized for a 2D piezoelectric array, a stack of approximately seven 16-wire strips 2021 (or nine 12-wire, or fourteen 8-wire) would be required, along with one each of the strips 2022 and 2023 on each side of the stack of multi-wire strips. Figure 6E shows a portion of an exemplary bundle 2020 with nine strips 2021 stacked together. Figure 6F shows a portion of a bundle including nine stacked strips 2021, as well as a ground strip 2022 and a shield strip 2023 (only the top strip is labeled).The complete bundle may optionally be held together with shrink tubing of approximately 0.001 inch wall thickness, such as, for example and without limitation, tubing 2028 in FIG. 6G. The flex circuit dimensions and number of wires described above are for a particular configuration of the piezoelectric array (and / or its ASIC controller) and may be varied depending on how the number and size of the array elements are optimized for a particular application.

[0031] The proximal end of each flex circuit strip has conductive material (e.g., gold-plated copper) exposed over a length of, for example, approximately 3 mm, by removing cover layer 2026 at location 2024. Location 2024 and the other exposed locations described herein are generally referred to as "contacts." As used in this context, it is understood that contacts actually include multiple separated conductive traces (such as those shown in the region locations), each of which is adapted to electrically communicate with its corresponding conductive element. Thus, "contact" is not limited to meaning only a single electrical connection between two conductive elements. While FIG. 6A shows multiple exposed regions 2024, the embodiment of FIG. 6A is initially described herein as if only one exposed region (i.e., region 2024 at the proximal end) were present. Strip 2021 can be fabricated to create electrical connections for conductive traces on PCB 2030 to corresponding exposed contacts 2031, shown in FIGS. 6A-6C . In some embodiments, it is contemplated that 16 individual wires sized and spaced to match the 16 wires in the strip of wires 2021 are provided within a given contact 2031. Anisotropic conductive film (ACF), soldering, conductive adhesive, mechanical connections, or any combination thereof may be used to achieve a suitable electrical connection (electrical coupling) between the strip wires and the PCB contacts.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates an integrated system 1200 of a steerable sheath 1202 and a medical instrument 1204, with the system 1200 connected to a console 4000 via a connector cable 2070. As previously described, such as with respect to FIG. 5, the instrument 1204 includes a proximal connector 2015 that forms a mating connection to the cable 2070. As previously described, it is desirable to reconfigure (e.g., reprocess and reuse) the system 1200. It is further desirable to ensure that the system is reconfigured only by the original manufacturer, and not by unrelated third parties, and that the device is reused only a specified number of times. To control the reconfiguration process, a cryptographic authentication chip (encryption chip) is preferably integrated into the instrument 1204 on the PCB 2030, although other locations, such as within the steerable handle 1206 or tip 3000, are contemplated. The encryption chip is programmable only by the original manufacturer, which controls the authentication key. The console 4000 to which the system 1200 is connected includes a Trusted Platform Module (TPM), which also contains the authentication key. During use of the system 1200, the console 4000 can authenticate the system 1200 via the encryption chip and, if desired, can read and write information to the chip (e.g., via an EEPROM mechanism). In any of the scenarios considered, an RFID chip, preferably an encrypted RFID chip, can be used to read and transmit data between the console, connector, and device.

[0033] As used herein, "cleaning" can refer to any type of cleaning, including, but not limited to, using a cleaning system of cleaners and / or disinfectants to clean the inside of the outer shaft, optionally mechanically scrubbing with small brushes, mechanically cleaning (e.g., wiping, brushing) the outer portion of the outer shaft and / or the outer portion of the shaft of a medical device (e.g., an ultrasound probe) with a cleaner / disinfectant, optionally immersing the shaft in an ultrasonic bath of cleaner / disinfectant for a specified period of time, and optical cleaning methods such as those involving the use of UV light. As used herein, "cleaning" does not refer to a specific cleaning process, but rather to the general concept of cleaning an object.

[0034] The disclosure herein also includes methods of assembling or reassembling any of the subassemblies or assemblies herein, including any of the subassemblies within any of the handle assemblies herein. For example, but not by way of limitation, the disclosure herein includes methods of winding one or more pull wires onto a bearing surface of a spindle support and then around the spindle.

[0035] The methods herein also include manufacturing or constructing any of the individual components of any of the subassemblies or assemblies herein. For example, the present disclosure includes methods of manufacturing components of a handle shell having specific configurations (e.g., guides, walls, etc.) that can accommodate internal parts that enable the assemblies or subassemblies described herein to function as intended.

[0036] Regardless of the reference numbers labeled, any of the handle assemblies, medical instruments, steerable sheaths, and electrical connections described herein can be used together in a system in any combination with one another.

[0037] Any of the techniques, including ultrasound and manipulation techniques, in any of the following U.S. patent references may be incorporated into any of the medical instruments, devices, systems, or methods of use herein, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference: 6100626, 6537217, 6559389, 7257051, 7297118, 7331927, 7338450, 7451650, 7451650, 7527591, 7527592, 7569015, 7621028, 7731516, 7740584, 776683 3, 7783339, 7791252, 7791252, 7819802, 7824335, 7966058, 8057397, 8096951, 8207652, 8207652, 8213693, 8364242, 8428690, 8451155, 8527032, 86 59212, 8721553, 8727993, 8742646, 8742646, 8776335, 8790262, 8933613, 8978216, 8989842, 9055883, 9439625, 9575165, 9639056, and 20080287783.

[0038] Any suitable disclosure above may be incorporated into any of the following embodiments, for example, device, system, and method of manufacture and use aspects incorporated herein, unless otherwise indicated.

[0039] 8A and 8 illustrate merely an exemplary handle assembly that may be in operative communication with the elongate body 117 and the elongate inner body 110. In this exemplary implementation, the handle assembly 120 includes a handle body 123 having an outer surface that may be gripped by a user, a first actuator 121, and a second actuator 122. The actuator 121 may be in operative communication with the elongate body 100, and the actuator 122 may be in operative communication with the elongate inner body 110. The actuator 121 is adapted to be rotated and move axially relative to the handle body 123 (and relative to the second actuator 122). This allows the actuator 121 to cause axial movement of the medical instrument 103 and rotation of the medical instrument 103 relative to the distal end of the elongate inner body 110. The second actuator 122 is adapted to be actuated (e.g., rotated in this embodiment) relative to the handle body 123, thereby causing deflection of the elongate inner body 110. For example, the handle assembly can have internal components that interface with the proximal ends of the tension members (e.g., tension members 111, 112, and 116), such that actuation of actuator 122 causes one or more tension members to cause deflection of the elongate inner body, and thereby deflection of the medical instrument. In this embodiment, actuator 121 is distal to actuator 122, although other designs would contemplate reversing the relative positions of actuator 121 and actuator 122. FIG. 8B shows handle assembly 120 after actuator 121 has advanced distally from the position of actuator 121 in FIG. 8A. This distal advancement advances outer elongate body 100 distally, and therefore, advances the medical instrument distally. Actuator 121 can likewise be retracted proximally relative to its position in FIG. 8B.

[0040] In other designs, actuator 121 may be in operable communication with elongate inner body 110 and actuator 122 may be in operable communication with elongate body 100 .

[0041] Slack may be added to one or more tension members (eg, pull wires) within the handle assembly to better allow the outer elongate body to translate relative to the inner elongate body.

[0042] As described herein, the outer shaft can move axially relative to the inner deflectable shaft. The outer shaft can include sections of material with varying stiffness (e.g., durometer) along at least a portion of the length of the outer shaft. For example, a first section distal to a second section can have a lower durometer than the second section. Because the outer shaft can move axially relative to the deflectable inner shaft and the stiffness of the outer shaft can vary along its length, the degree (or amount) of deflection of the entire device can be selectively controlled by controlling the axial position of the outer shaft (relative to the inner shaft). Thus, axial movement of the outer shaft can selectively control the deflection of the device. For example, a user (e.g., a physician) can change or control where bending occurs along the length of the device (measured from the distal end) by axially moving the outer shaft relative to the inner shaft. Additionally, for example, sections of varying stiffness in the outer shaft can allow for more or less deflection depending on the relative position of the outer shaft relative to the deflectable inner shaft. For example, by deflecting the inner shaft in an area where the outer shaft has a relatively high stiffness, the inner shaft may deflect less than when the outer shaft is deflected in an area where it has a lower stiffness.

[0043] FIG. 9C shows an exemplary device, medical device 130, including an elongate inner body 132 (shown in FIG. 9A) and an elongate outer body 131 (shown in FIG. 9B).

[0044] Figure 9D shows cross section AA shown in the assembly of Figure 9C, which is a cross section at the deflectable section of the device. Portions in Figures 9A-9C are similarly labeled. As can be seen in Figure 9D, tension members 111 and 112 are very close to each other and approximately 180 degrees away from straightening tension member 116.

[0045] As also shown in FIG. 9D , the elongate inner body 110 includes two layers of braided material 119, with the tension member, at least in this section, essentially sandwiched between the two layers of braided material. The two layers of braided material may be, for example, the first and second layers of FIGS. 21A-21C . The annular space 118 allows for freedom of movement and space for optional lubricant. The inner body 110 may be manufactured from a polymeric material, such as, for example, but not limited to, Pebax, optionally containing a lubricating additive. The inner body 110 may include a liner 125, such as a PTFE liner. The cable bundle 105 may be surrounded by one or more insulating layers 126, such as PTFE insulation. The outer member 100 may include a polymeric material 127, such as Pebax. The outer member 100 may also include a radially inner liner 128, such as a PTFE liner. Any of the pull wires (eg, 111, 112, 116) may be disposed within a lumen having a liner, such as a PTFE liner 129.

[0046] Medical device 130 (or independently, either elongate body 132 or elongate body 131) can be operatively connected to any of the handle assemblies herein, including handle assembly 120 shown in Figures 8A and 8B.

[0047] Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E show additional exemplary handle assemblies that may be in operative communication with any of the medical devices, including ultrasound probes, herein. For example, the exemplary handle assemblies shown in Figures 10A-10E may be coupled (directly or indirectly) to and in operative communication with the medical apparatus 130 shown in Figures 9A-9D. In certain embodiments, both the elongate outer body 131 and the elongate inner body 132 are coupled to and in operative communication with the handle assemblies shown in Figures 10A-10E.

[0048] The handle assembly of Figures 10A-10E has similarities to the handle assemblies, individual components, and subassemblies shown in Figures 8A and 8B. Unless otherwise indicated, features and methods of use from Figures 8A-8B that may be incorporated into the handle assemblies in Figures 10A-10E are incorporated by reference into the disclosure of the handle assemblies shown in and described in connection with Figures 10A-10E. Similarly, concepts, features, and methods of use shown in and described in connection with Figures 10A-10E that may be incorporated into other handle assemblies herein are incorporated by reference into the disclosure of any handle assemblies described herein.

[0049] FIG. 10A is a side view of handle assembly 140 with a portion of handle body 141 removed so that some internal components of the handle assembly are visible. Handle assembly 140 includes a first actuator 143 and a second actuator 142; in this embodiment, first actuator 143 is distal to second actuator 142. First actuator 143 can be moved axially and rotated relative to the handle body and relative to the second actuator (actuator 142 in this embodiment). First actuator 143 is in operative communication with an outer elongate body, such as outer elongate body 131 (see FIG. 9B). Axial (distal or proximal) movement of actuator 143 causes axial movement of the outer elongate body, while rotation of actuator 143 causes rotation of the outer elongate body. Second actuator 142 is in operative communication with an inner elongate body, such as inner elongate body 132 (see FIG. 9A). Actuation of the second actuator 142 in rotation in this embodiment causes deflection of the inner elongate body. In this embodiment, a rotatable and axially movable actuator (i.e., first actuator 143) is in operative communication with the outer elongate body.

[0050] The first actuator 143 is coupled to the elongate outer body translation assembly 150, shown in the exploded view of FIG. 10B , such that movement of the first actuator 143 causes movement of the assembly 150. The elongate outer body translation assembly 150 is similarly coupled to the elongate outer body, and movement of the first actuator also causes movement of the elongate outer body. In this embodiment, the outer elongate body is attached to the removable part 153 after being inserted into the channel 156. The removable part 153 and the channel 156 are configured such that the removable part 153 is constrained by at least one inner surface of the channel 156 when inserted into the channel 156. The elongate outer body translation assembly 150 also includes a distal head portion 151 secured to the first actuator. The elongate outer body translation assembly 150 also includes a rotation limiting mechanism, similar to those described herein, that limits rotation of the first actuator 143 and, thereby, rotation of the outer elongate body. Any of the above disclosures regarding rotation limiting subassemblies, functionality, and use are incorporated into this embodiment for all purposes and may be incorporated into this and similar designs. During rotation, (see FIG. 10B) part 157 interacts with part 161, and part 162 interacts with part 158. The physical interaction of these two sets of parts restricts rotation to a desired rotation limit, for example, limiting rotation to a maximum of 630 degrees of outer body rotation (in other embodiments, the allowable rotation may be greater than 630 degrees, for example, 720 degrees or less).

[0051] For example, if it is desired to clean the outer elongate body after use, removable part 153 can be removed from the outer elongate body to remove and clean the outer elongate body from the handle assembly before reinserting and reattaching removable part 153 or a new removable part if part 153 is damaged or destroyed.

[0052] The handle assembly 140 also includes an inner elongate body deflection assembly 146 in operative communication with the second actuator 142. The inner elongate body deflection assembly 146 includes a central gear 147 adapted and configured to rotate when the second actuator 142 is rotated. The central gear 147 interfaces with a first spindle 148 and a second spindle 149 via respective geared interfaces such that rotation of the central gear 147 causes rotation of the spindles in opposite directions. The inner elongate body deflection assembly 146, including the spindles, extends further proximally than the elongate outer body translation assembly 150, which extends through the outer elongate body and further proximally than the outer elongate body within the handle assembly 150. This allows one or more pull wires that are part of the inner elongate body to extend radially outward and interface with a reel 160.

[0053] The lack of interaction between the elongate outer body moving assembly 150 and the elongate inner body moving assembly 146 allows the inner and outer elongate bodies to be controlled independently by the first actuator 143 and the second actuator 142.

[0054] The handle assembly 150 also includes a printed circuit board ("PCB") 170 disposed within the handle body 141, the PCB being in electrical communication with a cable bundle, such as the cable bundle 105 in FIG. 53 or any of the cable bundles herein that communicate with a medical instrument, such as an ultrasound transducer.

[0055] The handle assembly 150 also includes a rotation indicator 180 that can be used to indicate to a user the degree to which at least one of the first and second actuators has been rotated relative to a home or neutral position. The first actuator 143 can include a rotation indicator 181 that is axially aligned with the rotation indicator 180 when the first actuator 143 is in the neutral position, as shown in FIG. 11 . As the first actuator 143 is rotated, the rotation indicator 181 is rotated relative to the axis along which the rotation indicator 180 extends, thereby allowing a user to visually understand that the first actuator 143, and therefore the elongated outer body, has been rotated to a certain extent relative to the neutral position. Similarly, the second actuator 142 can also have a rotation indicator 182 that is axially aligned with the rotation indicator 180 when the second actuator 142 is in the neutral position, as shown in FIG. 11 . When the second actuator 143 is rotated, the rotation indicator 182 is rotated relative to the axis along which the rotation indicator 180 extends, thereby allowing the user to visually understand that the second actuator 143, and therefore the elongated inner body, is deflected to a certain extent relative to the neutral position.

[0056] In some alternative embodiments, the handle assembly can include one or more sensors for tracking how much rotation occurs relative to the outer elongate body or how much deflection occurs in the inner elongate body, hi some embodiments, the handle assembly can include an encoder for each actuator.

[0057] In any of the embodiments herein that include an outer elongate body and an inner elongate body, the device may include one or more lubricants between the inner and outer elongate bodies to reduce friction between the outer and inner elongate bodies, thereby making it easier to move the inner and outer elongate bodies relative to one another. If the medical device needs to be cleaned for reuse, additional lubricant may be added between the inner and outer elongate bodies after the cleaning process.

[0058] It may be beneficial to be able to stabilize, minimize movement of, or maintain the position of a medical device handle while it is in use. For example, a physician may not want to have to hold the handle at all times, but may want the handle to remain in a particular position relative to the patient. For example, if the medical instrument is an imaging instrument (e.g., an ultrasound imaging instrument), the physician may not want the instrument to rotate or move once it is in a desired position to maintain a particular imaging field of view. Currently, a physician may simply position the handle over a portion of the patient's body, but the handle may move as soon as it is placed on the patient. Additionally, for example, it may be desirable for certain medical devices to be stabilized during use to avoid unwanted movement of one or more distal portions of the medical device. Still further, for example, a physician may want to hold the handle with only one hand while using the other hand for something else and may not want to move the handle. FIG. 12A illustrates an exemplary handle stabilization member 190 (which may also be referred to herein as a handle stabilizer) that may provide any of the previously listed functions or benefits, such as stabilizing a medical device handle relative to a portion of a patient and minimizing movement of the handle relative to a portion of a patient. The handle stabilization member 190 includes a handle-receiving guide 191, a patient interface region 192, and, optionally, a stabilization assist region 193. The guide 191 may be configured with any shape that allows it to stably interface with a portion of a handle, such as the merely exemplary handle portion 195 in the exemplary handle assembly shown in FIG. 12B. For example, in this embodiment, the guide 191 has a curved shape that interfaces with the curved shape of the handle portion 195. In this embodiment, the curved shape is U-shaped, but it may also be any other curved shape, such as a C-shape, or any other curved shape that is difficult to define. The guide may also be configured with any curved shape that can stably interface with a portion of a handle. The guide may alternatively have only a flat surface (eg, part square or part rectangle).

[0059] The guide can be configured to prevent movement of the handle in at least one direction (e.g., left-right, proximal-distal, etc.). The constraint on handle movement can also depend on the configuration of the handle. For example, guide 191 is configured as a channel and adapted to prevent left-right movement while allowing the handle to be lifted upward from the open area. If a perfectly cylindrical handle were placed within guide 191, the cylinder would also move proximally or distally within guide 191. A handle portion, such as handle portion 195 in FIG. 12B, can be configured to include one or more movement-restricting regions 196 and 197 that can further limit or minimize handle movement upon interfacing with guide 191. For example, travel limiting regions 196 and 197 have larger outer dimensions than a central region between travel limiting regions 196 and 197, such that when handle portion 195 is placed into guide 191 from above, region 197 prevents pure distal movement of the handle and region 196 prevents pure proximal movement due to the relatively larger dimensions of travel limiting regions 196 and 197. A handle may alternatively have only one travel limiting region or two or more. The central region between regions 196 and 197, and guide 191, may be sized so that handle portion 195 and guide 191 interface with an interference fit.

[0060] The stabilizing member 190 includes a region or portion 192 configured to interface with and optionally conform to a portion of a patient. In this embodiment, the portion 192 interfaces with and conforms to the patient's leg, but it is contemplated that the portion 192 may have any other configuration to interface with and conform to any other surface (e.g., arm, torso, wrist, etc.). The portion 192 may be a rigid material manufactured in the configuration shown, or it may be a flexible material that may more easily conform to various patients. For example, the portion 192 may be a polymeric material that is rigid enough to maintain the position of the member 190 when placed on the patient, but flexible enough to deform when not in use, such as being rolled up to save space during packaging and / or storage. Even if flexible, the portion 192 may be manufactured to more naturally assume the configuration of the portion of the patient on which the portion 192 is placed. For example, the portion 192 may be flexible / foldable, but may have a natural tendency to return to or assume a curved configuration, such as the curved configuration shown in FIG. 12A. Exemplary shapes for portion 192 include a generally U-shape, C-shape, etc., which may facilitate better conformance to the legs and arms. Member 192 may also be rigid or non-deformable and may be manufactured in any desired shape.

[0061] Stabilizing member 190 also includes, in this exemplary embodiment, an optional additional stabilizing aid portion 193 that can act as a counterweight to guide section 191 in which the handle is disposed. Stabilizing aid portion 193 can have any desired shape, configuration, and / or material that provides the desired weight to offset the weight of the handle within the guide. Portion 193 is optional and may not be required. In some embodiments, portion 193 can be made of a different material that provides the counterweight function.

[0062] In this embodiment, portion 193 is shown at one end of stabilizing member 190, guide 191 at the other end, and a patient interface / compatible portion between the two ends.

[0063] Figure 12B shows an exemplary handle assembly configured for use with the exemplary handle stabilization member in Figure 12 A. Other handle assemblies may be used with the stabilization member 190.

[0064] FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary handle stabilization device similar to that shown in FIG. 12A. Similar to the device shown in FIG. 12A, the device of FIG. 13 includes a body member 201 having at least one handle guide 202, the handle guide having at least one surface configured to interface with at least a portion of the medical device handle to provide stability to the handle in at least one direction. The handle guide may optionally include a magnetic material to help stabilize the handle. The handle guide 202 may optionally include a weighted region at the bottom to help stabilize the body member. The body 201 of FIG. 12 includes an elongated channel guide 202 as shown. In this exemplary embodiment, the channel has a constant width along its length, but in other embodiments, the channel may have a non-constant width along its length, and may optionally have a wider width at the first channel end than the second channel end. An optional weighted region (e.g., the bottom) can bias the body toward its natural position on a flat surface, so that when the position of the body relative to the flat surface changes in response to a force, the body is biased back to its natural position when the force is removed. The handle guide or body 201 of FIG. 13 can include any of the features of any of the handle guides or handle guide regions described herein. In use, the handle guide apparatus of FIG. 13, or any alternative thereof, can be interfaced with a medical device handle to increase the stability of the handle.

[0065] 13 is an example of a medical device handle stabilizer that includes a body 201 that includes an elongated, concave handle guide 202, the concave handle guide including a recessed channel configured to interface with an elongated handle portion of a medical device to provide stability to the handle portion in at least one direction, the body 201 being biased to an upright, resting position when positioned on a flat surface, the concave handle guide facing upward when the body is in the upright position. The body 201 may include a weighted bottom region and a curved bottom surface that bias the body to the upright, resting position.

[0066] While a medical device handle may interface with a separate stabilizing device such as those in FIGS. 12A and 13 , the handle may alternatively or additionally incorporate one or more features that improve handle stabilization. FIGS. 14-17 illustrate such exemplary handles. In some embodiments, the handle includes a capture mechanism configured and adapted to capture an item placed against a patient during a medical procedure, optionally an item that is draped over the patient. FIGS. 14-17 illustrate exemplary handles including one or more capture mechanisms. FIG. 14 illustrates a capture mechanism including a first portion and a second portion configured to interface with the item and capture the item between the first and second portions. The second portion in this embodiment is movable relative to the first portion and may optionally be biased, such as by being spring loaded, to return toward a home position.

[0067] FIG. 15 shows a first and second capture mechanism of the handle, eg, two clips, that may be adapted to pivot relative to the main handle body.

[0068] One or more capture mechanisms may be disposed on the proximal portion of the handle, such as in Figures 14-17.

[0069] The embodiment of Figures 14-17 is an example of a medical device that includes an elongated handle housing 203 and object capture members (e.g., 205, 206, 207, 208) fixed relative to the handle housing, the object capture members including movable members (e.g., 204, 206) that are movable relative to the handle housing from an open position to a closed position, where in the closed position (such as the closed position shown in Figure 14), the movable members are closer to a first portion of the handle than in the open position. In Figure 14, the object capture member 205 includes flexible teeth adapted to capture an article of clothing. The movable members (e.g., 204, 208, 207) may optionally be spring loaded (biased) to accommodate, for example, varying thicknesses of clothing or pieces of clothing. The movable members may be biased to move from the open position back toward the closed position. The movable members may be fixed relative to the handle housing such that they move axially along the handle housing when moved from the closed position to the open position. The movable member (e.g., 206) may be fixed relative to the handle housing such that the movable member moves radially outward from the handle housing when moving from the closed position to the open position. The medical device handle may have a length, and the object capture members (e.g., 205, 206, 207, 208) are disposed within a proximal half of the handle. The object capture member 206 includes first and second clips that extend in different radial directions relative to the handle housing 203, and portions of each of these clips may be deformed radially outward to an open configuration. The movable members (e.g., 206, 208) may include first and second movable members. The handles of FIGS. 14-17 may be coupled to any of the elongated catheters herein, including any that include an ultrasound imaging element disposed at their distal end. The object capture member (e.g., 206) may be adapted to rotate relative to the elongated handle housing, as illustratively shown in FIG. 15. The medical device handle may include one or more medical device control actuators, which are disposed within a distal half of the medical device handle.14-17 include first and second control actuators that may operate in any manner described herein, for example, to control the inner and outer shafts.

[0070] 18 and 19 illustrate an exemplary handle 203 including one or more features adapted and configured to improve handle stabilization. Each of FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrates a handle 203 including at least one movable extension 210 and 211 (two are included in FIG. 18 ), which is movable relative to the handle's body portion. At least a portion of at least one of the at least one movable extension extends away from the handle's longitudinal axis. The movable extension may not only extend away from the longitudinal axis, as shown in FIG. 18 , but may also be reconfigurable. At least one of the at least one movable extension (e.g., 211) may be rotatable relative to the body portion, as shown in FIG. 19 . At least one of the at least one movable extension, including any feature of a flexible arm of a flexible tripod, may be adapted to be reconfigured (e.g., FIG. 18 ), optionally in one or more positions, and optionally along one or more distinct positions.

[0071] 18 and 19 are examples of medical devices including an elongated handle housing 203 and respective movable handle housing stabilizing members 210 (two shown) and 211 extending away from the elongated handle housing, the stabilizing members having at least one surface adapted to be moved relative to the elongated handle housing to interface with and stabilize the elongated handle housing relative to an adjacent object (e.g., a table). FIG. 19 is an example of a movable handle housing stabilizing member (e.g., 211) extending radially away from the elongated handle housing. FIG. 19 is an example of a movable handle housing stabilizing member including first and second radial protrusions that extend radially away from the handle housing in different radial directions, optionally extending radially 180 degrees apart from each other. FIG. 18 is an example of a movable handle housing stabilizing member including one or more arms (e.g., 210) extending from the handle housing 203, the arms adapted to be reconfigured at one or more positions along their length to stabilize the handle housing relative to an adjacent object. FIG. 18 also illustrates an example of a first arm and a second arm (eg, 210), each having multiple linkages (shown in FIG. 18) to facilitate bending at the respective links.

[0072] Some medical procedures involve viewing one or more images displayed on a display that may be part of a console. In some procedures, there is a sterile field in which the medical practitioner is located, and the display and / or console are outside the sterile field. The medical practitioner must remain within the sterile field but may wish to interface with a display and / or console that is outside the sterile field, and therefore generally must request a technician outside the sterile field to interface directly with the display and / or console to cause some event, such as, for example, changing the view shown on the display (e.g., rotating the view) or changing to a different view.

[0073] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a medical practitioner with the ability to directly control one or more aspects of the display and / or console. Any of the handles herein may include one or more controllers adapted to allow a medical practitioner to interact with the display and / or console to cause certain events to occur therein. The controllers may be one or more of haptic controllers (i.e., adapted to respond to touch (e.g., buttons, sliders, etc.)) and auditory controllers (e.g., responsive to voice commands). The controllers may be in electrical communication with cables extending from the handle. An example of a haptic controller is a button that can be pressed to cause an event to occur.

[0074] Software (computer-executable methods), such as software stored on the console, may be adapted to respond to actuation of the controller to generate an event. For example, the software may cause a change in a displayed image (e.g., an ultrasound image) in response to actuation of the handle controller. The software may be adapted to cause a new image to be displayed on the display in response to actuation of the controller.

[0075] The images that may be stored may be real-time images acquired using an imaging tool or may be stored images, for example, biplanar or triplanar images, or 3D volumes.

[0076] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a medical device including an elongated handle housing 203 and one or more actuatable inputs (generally shown as 220) in operative communication with a cable 221 extending proximally from the elongated handle housing, the proximal region of the cable including a coupler adapted to connect to an external imaging console. While the coupler is not shown in FIG. 20, an example is shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 20 illustrates an example of one or more actuatable inputs including at least one of a tactilely actuatable input or an actuatable auditory input. In the exemplary FIG. 21, four pushable arrow buttons are included as four separate pushable buttons that may have specific functions for controlling one or more aspects of a display on the external console, such as panning through various images, such as images with different viewing angles.

[0077] The present disclosure also includes a computer-executable method, which may be stored on an external medical imaging console, that includes receiving as input information indicating actuation of an input on an elongated medical device handle housing (e.g., 203 of FIG. 20 ) and causing an image displayed on the external medical imaging console to be modified in one or more ways. The modification may include at least one of a new image being displayed, a change in magnification, or an annotation being added to an existing view. The modification may include displaying a different view of a region of the subject's body. The embodiment of FIG. 42 may be configured with an elongated medical device handle housing that includes multiple actuatable inputs, where the modification includes displaying a pre-selected particular image view based on actuation of a first of the multiple actuatable inputs (e.g., any of the buttons shown in FIG. 20 ), where actuation of the first input is associated with and causes the particular image view to be displayed.

[0078] One aspect of the present disclosure is a medical device shaft including a first reinforcement structure and a second reinforcement structure (e.g., a braided material), one radially within the other, where the first reinforcement structure is better adapted for torque response than the second reinforcement structure, and the second reinforcement structure is better adapted for kink resistance than the first reinforcement structure. Medical shafts having reinforcement structures can be used with any of the inner and outer shafts described herein.

[0079] In some embodiments, the reinforcing structure is a braided material. Figures 21A-21C show a first exemplary braided material and a second exemplary braided material, one radially inside the other, which may optionally be implemented in a device such as that shown in Figure 9D. The remainder of the shaft is not shown for clarity. Reinforcing structure 240 is better suited for torque response than reinforcing structure 241, which is better suited for kink resistance than reinforcing structure 240. The combination of the two reinforcing structures 242 provides good pushability and good torque transmission while maintaining flexibility and low force to deflect. First reinforcing structure 240 may be inside or outside second reinforcing structure 241.

[0080] In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 21A-21C, the braided layer 240 has a first number of picks per inch ("PPI") and the second braided layer 241 has a second PPI, where the first PPI is different from the second PPI. In the embodiment of Figures 21A-21C, the first PPI is lower than the second PPI, and the first reinforcing structure 240 is radially inward of the second reinforcing structure 241. In other embodiments, the first PPI may be greater than the second PPI, and the first reinforcing structure may be outward of the second reinforcing structure.

[0081] The shallower angle of reinforcing structure 241 prevents the shaft from being overly compressed, while the steeper angle of reinforcing structure 240 allows it to compress further on its own.

[0082] The first and second reinforcing structures may be embedded in the polymeric material using conventional manufacturing techniques.

[0083] The medical shaft may be adapted to be deflected, steered, or any other term used to change the configuration of the shaft. The shaft may have one or more pull wires disposed between the first and second reinforcing structures to cause deflection in any number of directions.

[0084] The reinforcing structure may extend along any desired length of a portion of the shaft, for example, at least within the portion adapted to be deflected, steered, bent, etc., as desired.

[0085] There is no exact angle at which the braids need to be formed, they can be different and still provide the functionality presented herein.Similarly, the PPIs do not need to be an exact number, they can be different and still provide the functionality presented herein.

[0086] One or more pull wires may be woven into the outer reinforcing structure, the inner reinforcing structure, or both, an example of which is shown in the embodiment of Figure 9D.

[0087] In any of these embodiments, a flat material may be used for the inner braid and the outer braid is a non-flat material, such as a round material. This may help reduce the size of the inner reinforcing structure. The inner braid may be flat or round, and the outer braid may be flat or round.

[0088] The embodiments in FIGS. 21A-21C (as well as FIG. 9D) are examples of first and second braided layers that may be incorporated into an elongate medical device. The elongate medical device may be sized and configured for intravascular delivery within a subject's body and may include a deflectable shaft extending distally from a handle portion of the medical device, the deflectable shaft including first and second braided layers (e.g., 240, 241), each including one or more strands (as shown in FIGS. 21A-21C), one of the first and second braided layers disposed radially within and coaxial with the other, and a flexible polymer layer in which the first and second braided layers are at least partially embedded, the first braided layer being at least partially embedded within the flexible polymer layer, the first braided layer being at least partially embedded within the first strand. 21A-21C include a flexible polymer layer having a strand structure, and a second braided layer having a second strand structure, which makes the first braided layer alone better at transmitting torque than the second braided layer alone and which makes the second braided layer alone more kink-resistant than the first braided layer alone; a flexible shaft (such as a shaft including 242) having the second braided layer and better at transmitting torque compared to a second flexible shaft having no first braided layer, and which is more kink-resistant than a third flexible shaft having the first braided layer but no second braided layer. The embodiment of FIGS. 21A-21C can include one or more pull wires, such as those in the embodiment of FIG. 9D. The pull wires can be at least partially woven into at least one of the first braided layer or the second braided layer.

[0089] One aspect of the present disclosure is a medical device including an outer shaft and an inner shaft axially movable relative to one another and a flexible seal disposed to seal against ingress of fluid into the space between the outer and inner shafts. Some medical devices may allow blood to flow between the two shafts during use. FIGS. 22-26 illustrate a medical device that may prevent blood from entering the space between the shafts. The seal may be fixed (directly or indirectly) to at least one of the inner and outer shafts and may extend outside at least a portion of the inner shaft to seal against ingress of fluid into the space between the outer and inner shafts. A rotation limiter is described herein to prevent the seal from being over-rotated and potentially tearing.

[0090] 22 is a side view of the distal region of a medical device including an outer shaft and an inner shaft, at least one of which may be moved relative to the other using any desired handle structure. The medical device includes a flexible seal 254, in this embodiment in the form of a bellows, that allows relative axial and, optionally, relative rotational movement. The seal in this embodiment is coupled directly to the outer shaft 250 and to a tip portion 252 (e.g., including an ultrasound transducer) that is axially fixed to the inner shaft 255. The seal may be made of a material that allows it to move axially and, optionally, rotationally.

[0091] 23A-26 show a medical device having a flexible seal 254 in the proximal region of the device. Like parts may be identified by like reference numbers. Any description above having a seal on the distal shaft may also be associated with a seal in the proximal region. In FIGS. 23A-23C, the flexible seal 254 is coupled to at least one of the inner or outer shaft, but need not be directly coupled thereto, but is axially fixed thereto.

[0092] Any of the flexible seals herein may take any configuration, such as a bellows, a flexible bag, a balloon, etc. The flexible seal may be adapted to be inflated and may be in fluid communication with a fluid source, such as the fluid source of FIG. 26. Any of the flexible seals herein may be configured to allow at least one of axial and rotational movement of the flexible seal.

[0093] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to hemostatic valves, some of whose designs can present challenges when attempting to clean them. Figures 27-29 are such examples. In Figure 27, there are two seals, which are easier to sterilize but more difficult to clean. The second seal may be an ePTFE seal, and the first seal may be a common valve.

[0094] 27 and 28 are examples of hemostatic valves for medical devices that include a seal constructed from a material that can be penetrated when bodily fluids contact the seal, the seal interacting with an axially movable elongate shaft of the medical device. In FIG. 28, the seal may be, at least in part, an open-cell material such as foam. The interior edge of the seal may also be coated with silicone. The remainder of the medical device is not shown for clarity.

[0095] Figure 27 shows a device with a common hemostatic valve 261, an ePTFE seal 262 adapted to allow gases to enter and exit but not body fluids, and a dead-end gap 263 formed by the two seals that allows gases to enter but is more difficult for body fluids and other materials to enter.

[0096] In FIG. 28, the proximal region of the medical device includes an open cell foam or ePTFE or similar material seal 265 that is permeable to bodily fluids but difficult to clean.

[0097] 29 is an example of a proximal region of a medical device that includes a difficult to clean and rinse recess 270. Other exemplary components are numbered.

[0098] 30 shows a proximal portion of a medical device that includes a handle housing or shell 280, a hemostatic valve body 281, a hemostatic valve seat 282, and multiple handle shell protrusions 283 (extending radially inward) that hold the hemostatic valve body and seat in place and create compression to form a tight hemostatic seal. This design eliminates the need for a valve cap.

[0099] One aspect of the present disclosure is portions of the handle that are difficult to clean to manage reprocessing. Figure 29 shows such an example, with a dead-end space that makes it difficult to clean, possibly requiring fabrication of a new part before the device can be reused. The handle may also have a filter on top, allowing air to escape and avoid trapping. Figure 29 shows the handle of a medical device, with an open chamber formed internally within a portion of the handle having at least one dimension that is 1 cm or less, optionally 9 mm or less, optionally 8 mm or less, optionally 7 mm or less, optionally 6 mm or less, optionally 5 mm or less, optionally 4 mm or less, optionally 3 mm or less, and optionally 2 mm or less.

[0100] Figure 30 shows a medical device handle outer shell (a body positioned to be held by a user) that includes multiple internal features formed within the shell, each of which is sized and configured to interface with at least one of the hemostatic valve body and the hemostatic valve sheet, such that when the handle is assembled, the multiple shell features hold the hemostatic valve body and the hemostatic valve sheet in position relative to each other, creating compression and creating a seal.

[0101] [Embodiment] (1) An elongate medical device sized and configured for intravascular delivery within a subject, comprising: a deflectable shaft extending distally from a handle portion of the medical device, a first braided layer and a second braided layer each including one or more strands, wherein one of the first braided layer and the second braided layer is disposed radially within and coaxial with the other; a flexible polymer layer in which the first braided layer and the second braided layer are at least partially embedded, the first braided layer has a first strand structure and the second braided layer has a second strand structure, whereby the first braided layer alone is better at transmitting torque than the second braided layer alone, and whereby the second braided layer alone is more kink resistant than the first braided layer alone; the flexible shaft is better at transmitting torque compared to a second flexible shaft having the second braided layer and not having the first braided layer; A medical device comprising a deflectable shaft, wherein the flexible shaft comprises a flexible polymer layer that is more kink resistant than a third flexible shaft having the first braided layer but not the second braided layer. (2) The medical device of embodiment 1, wherein the first strand structure of the first braided layer comprises a number of pieces per inch ("PPI") of the first strand structure that adapts the first braided layer to be better at transmitting torque than the second braided layer. (3) The medical device of embodiment 1, wherein the second strand structure of the second braided layer comprises a number of pieces per inch ("PPI") of the second strand structure that adapts the second braided layer to be more kink resistant than the first braided layer. (4) The medical device described in embodiment 1, wherein the first strand structure has a first number of points per inch ("PPI"), which is different from the second number of points per inch of the second strand structure. (5) The medical device of embodiment 1, further comprising one or more pull wires disposed at least partially radially between the first braided layer and the second braided layer.

[0102] (6) The medical device of embodiment 5, wherein one or more of the one or more pull wires are at least partially woven into at least one of the first braided layer or the second braided layer. (7) The medical device of embodiment 5, wherein a first pull wire of the one or more pull wires disposed on a first side of the flexible shaft and a second pull wire of the one or more pull wires disposed on a second side of the flexible shaft are spaced at least 135 degrees apart from the first pull wire. (8) A medical device handle stabilization device, comprising: a body including an elongated concave handle guide, the concave handle guide including a concave channel configured to interface with an elongated handle portion of a medical device to provide stability to the handle portion in at least one direction; 1. A medical device handle stabilizer comprising: a body that is biased to an upright resting position when placed on a flat surface, and wherein the concave handle guide faces upward when the body is in the upright position. (9) The stabilization device of embodiment 8, wherein the body includes a weighted bottom region and a curved bottom surface, the weighted bottom region and the curved bottom surface biasing the body toward the upright resting position. (10) The stabilization device of embodiment 8, wherein the channel has a length and a constant width along the length.

[0103] (11) The stabilization device of embodiment 8, wherein the channel has a length and a non-constant width along the length. (12) an elongated handle housing; an object capturing member fixed to the handle housing, the object capturing member including a movable member movable from an open position to a closed position relative to the handle housing; A medical device wherein in the closed position, the movable member is closer to a first portion of the handle than in the open position. (13) The medical device of embodiment 12, wherein the movable member is biased to return from the open position toward the closed position. (14) The medical device of embodiment 12, wherein the movable member is fixed relative to the handle housing such that the movable member moves axially along the handle housing when moved from the closed position to the open position. (15) The medical device of embodiment 12, wherein the movable member is fixed relative to the handle housing such that the movable member is moved radially outward from the handle housing when the movable member moves from the closed position to the open position.

[0104] (16) The medical device of embodiment 12, wherein the medical device handle has a length and the object capture member is disposed within a proximal half of the handle. (17) The medical device of embodiment 16, wherein the medical device handle includes one or more medical device control actuators, the one or more medical device control actuators being disposed within a distal half of the medical device handle. (18) A medical device according to embodiment 17, wherein a first medical device control actuator of the one or more medical device control actuators is in operative communication with a first medical device elongate shaft. (19) The medical device of embodiment 18, wherein a second medical device control actuator of the one or more medical device control actuators is in operative communication with a second medical device elongate shaft, the second shaft being different from the first shaft. (20) A medical device as described in embodiment 12, wherein the object capture member includes a first component and a second component, the first component being the movable member, and the second component not being movable relative to the handle housing.

[0105] (21) The medical device of embodiment 12, wherein the movable member is spring-loaded. (22) The medical device of embodiment 12, wherein the movable member includes one or more radially movable clips. (23) The medical device of embodiment 12, wherein the movable member includes a first movable member and a second movable member. (24) The medical device of embodiment 12, further comprising an elongated shaft extending distally from the elongated handle housing, the elongated shaft being secured to an imaging member (e.g., an ultrasound transducer) adapted and configured to generate information used to create an image of an area of ​​a subject. (25) The method device according to claim 12, wherein the object capturing member is adapted to rotate relative to the elongated handle housing.

[0106] (26) A method for reducing movement of a medical device handle during use, comprising: moving a movable member of the medical device handle from a closed position to an open position relative to a handle housing of the medical device handle; Positioning an article of clothing or apparel between the movable member and a second portion of the medical device handle; and moving the movable member to the closed position while capturing the garment or piece of clothing to help stabilize the medical device handle. (27) The method of claim 26, wherein moving the movable member from the closed position includes moving the movable member axially along the handle housing. (28) The method of claim 26, wherein moving the movable member from the closed position includes moving a portion of the movable member radially away from the handle housing. (29) The method of embodiment 26, wherein the second portion of the medical device handle includes the handle housing. (30) The method of claim 26, wherein moving the movable member to the closed position includes releasing the movable member to return the movable member to a naturally biased closed position.

[0107] (31) The method of claim 26, wherein the movable member is a spring-loaded component, and moving the movable member includes moving the spring-loaded component to the open position. (32) The method of embodiment 26, wherein the moving step includes moving the movable member relative to one or more medical device control actuators. (33) The method of embodiment 32, wherein a first medical device control actuator of the one or more medical device control actuators is in communication with the medical device shaft. (34) The method of embodiment 26, wherein the medical device handle is in operative communication with an imaging unit. (35) The method of embodiment 26, wherein the moving step includes moving a movable member disposed in a proximal half of the handle.

[0108] (36) The method of embodiment 26, further comprising generating an image of the body part using an imaging element of the medical device, wherein stabilizing the medical device handle reduces undesired movement of the image. (37) an elongated handle housing; a movable handle housing stabilizing member extending away from the elongated handle housing, the movable handle housing stabilizing member having at least one surface adapted to be moved relative to the elongated handle housing to interact with an adjacent object and stabilize the elongated handle housing relative to the adjacent object. (38) The medical device of embodiment 37, wherein the movable handle housing stabilizing member extends radially away from the elongated handle housing. (39) The medical device of embodiment 38, wherein the movable handle housing stabilization member includes first and second radial protrusions extending radially away from the handle housing in different radial directions, optionally extending radially 180 degrees apart from each other. (40) The medical device of embodiment 39, wherein the first radial protrusion and the second radial protrusion are configured to be movable between a closed position and an open position, and when in the open configuration, a portion of each of the first radial protrusion and the second radial protrusion is radially further away from the handle housing than when in the closed position.

[0109] (41) The medical device of embodiment 37, wherein the movable handle housing stabilizing member includes one or more arms extending from the handle housing, the arms adapted to be reconfigured at one or more positions along their length to stabilize the handle housing relative to an adjacent object. (42) A medical device according to embodiment 41, wherein the first arm and the second arm each have multiple linkages to facilitate bending at the respective links. (43) an elongated handle housing; one or more actuatable inputs in operable communication with cables extending proximally from the elongated handle housing; A medical device, wherein the proximal region of the cable includes a coupler adapted to be coupled to an external imaging console. (44) The medical device of embodiment 43, wherein the one or more actuatable input units include at least one of a tactilely actuatable input unit or an auditory actuatable input unit. (45) The medical device of embodiment 43, wherein the one or more actuatable inputs are adapted to modify an image presented on the external imaging console.

[0110] (46) The medical device of embodiment 45, wherein the one or more actuatable input units are adapted to cycle through a plurality of different images, each representing a different view of an area of ​​the subject's body. (47) A computer-executable method stored on an external medical imaging console, comprising: receiving an input indicative of an actuation of an input on the elongated medical device handle housing; causing an image displayed on the external medical imaging console to be modified. (48) The computer-executable method of embodiment 47, wherein the modification includes at least one of a new image being displayed, a change in magnification, or an annotation being added to an existing view. (49) The computer-executable method of embodiment 47, wherein the modification includes displaying a different view of an area of ​​the subject's body. (50) The computer-executable method of embodiment 47, wherein the elongated medical device handle housing includes a plurality of actuatable inputs, and the modification includes displaying a preselected particular image view based on activation of a first input of the plurality of actuatable inputs, the activation of the first input being associated with the particular image view and causing the particular image view to be displayed.

[0111] (51) A medical device, an outer shaft and an inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft, an outer shaft and an inner shaft, at least one of which is axially movable relative to the other; a flexible seal secured to at least one of the inner shaft or the outer shaft, a flexible seal extending outside at least a portion of the inner shaft to seal a volume of space radially adjacent the inner shaft from the ingress of liquid. (52) The medical device of embodiment 51, wherein the flexible seal is disposed in a distal region of the medical device, and the flexible seal is fixed to the outer shaft. (53) The medical device of embodiment 50, wherein the flexible seal is arranged to prevent intrusion of liquid into a volume of space between the outer shaft and the inner shaft. (54) The medical device of embodiment 51, wherein the flexible seal has a distal region that is secured to a medical instrument disposed at the distal end of the medical device. (55) The medical device of embodiment 51, wherein the flexible seal has a bellows configuration.

[0112] (56) The medical device of embodiment 51, wherein the inner shaft is coupled to a handle portion of the medical device such that the inner shaft can be moved axially relative to the outer shaft, and the outer shaft is axially fixed to the handle portion. (57) The medical device of embodiment 56, wherein the outer shaft includes one or more pull wires, the one or more pull wires being in operative communication with the handle portion to deflect the outer shaft upon actuation of the one or more pull wires. (58) The medical device of embodiment 51, wherein the flexible seal has flexibility adapted to be rotated in response to relative rotation between the inner shaft and the outer shaft. (59) The medical device of embodiment 51, wherein the flexible seal is inflatable and in communication with a fluid source for inflating the flexible seal, or the medical device is adapted to be in communication with the fluid source for inflating the flexible seal.

Claims

1. an elongated handle housing; an object capturing member fixed relative to the elongated handle housing, the object capturing member including a movable member movable relative to the elongated handle housing from an open position to a closed position; In the closed position, the movable member is closer to a first portion of the elongated handle housing than in the open position; The movable member is biased to return from the open position toward the closed position; a medical device in which an object is trapped by being pinched between the movable member and the first portion of the elongated handle housing when the movable member is biased to return from the open position toward the closed position, the distance between the movable member and the first portion of the elongated handle housing varies depending on the thickness of the object located between the movable member and the first portion of the elongated handle housing, and the object is trapped between the movable member and the first portion of the elongated handle housing by the biasing force applied to the movable member to return from the open position toward the closed position.

2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the movable member has a plurality of teeth adapted to capture the object.

3. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the movable member is fixed relative to the elongate handle housing such that the movable member moves axially along the elongate handle housing when the movable member is moved from the closed position to the open position.

4. 10. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the movable member is fixed relative to the elongate handle housing such that the movable member is moved radially outward from the elongate handle housing when the movable member moves from the closed position to the open position.

5. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the elongated handle housing has a length and the object capturing member is disposed within a proximal half of the elongated handle housing.

6. The medical device of claim 5 , wherein the elongated handle housing includes one or more medical device control actuators, the one or more medical device control actuators disposed within a distal half of the elongated handle housing.

7. The medical device of claim 6 , wherein a first medical device control actuator of the one or more medical device control actuators is in operative communication with a first medical device elongate shaft.

8. 8. The medical device of claim 7, wherein a second medical device control actuator of the one or more medical device control actuators is in operative communication with a second medical device elongate shaft, the second medical device elongate shaft being different from the first medical device elongate shaft.

9. 2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the object capture member includes a first component and a second component, the first component being the movable member and the second component not being movable relative to the elongated handle housing.

10. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the movable member is spring loaded.

11. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the movable member includes one or more radially movable clips.

12. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the movable member comprises a first movable member and a second movable member.

13. 10. The medical device of claim 1, further comprising an elongated shaft extending distally from the elongated handle housing, the elongated shaft secured to an imaging member adapted and configured to generate information used to create an image of an area of ​​a subject.

14. The medical device of claim 13 , wherein the imaging member is an ultrasound transducer.

15. The medical device of claim 1 , wherein the object capturing member is adapted to rotate relative to the elongated handle housing.

Images