Physician-accessible laser control from the ureteroscope handle

Abstract

A system for providing medical care is disclosed that includes a first medical instrument and a second medical instrument. The first medical instrument includes a first practitioner interface configured to define a plurality of operating parameters of the first medical instrument. The second medical instrument includes a second practitioner interface configured to define a subset of the plurality of operating parameters. The first practitioner interface is configured for placement and use outside of a sterile field and the second practitioner interface is configured for placement and use within the sterile field. The second practitioner interface is attached or attachable to a handle of the second medical instrument. The handle is configured for manipulation by a practitioner's hand and the second practitioner interface is configured for interaction with one or more tips of the same hand.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to physician-usable laser control from a ureteroscope handle. [Background technology]

[0002] Proper aseptic technique is one of the most basic and essential principles of infection prevention in clinical and surgical environments. The creation and maintenance of a sterile field is an essential element of aseptic technique. The sterile field is an area created by placing sterile surgical drapes around the patient's surgical site and on stands that hold sterile instruments and other items needed during treatment. Healthcare personnel wear appropriate sterile surgical attire to enter the sterile field. Only sterile objects and personnel may be permitted within the sterile field. When a sterile field is created around the treatment site, items below the level of the draped client, such as items on the floor, are outside the sterile field and are not sterile. Only sterile items contain potential infectious agents; when a sterile object comes into contact with a non-sterile object, such as an instrument, surface, or person outside the sterile field, the object is no longer sterile. For example, if a healthcare worker touches an instrument outside the sterile field with a gloved hand, the hand is no longer sterile and therefore is no longer permitted within the sterile field.

[0003] Laser energy is used in a wide variety of medical procedures, including urology, neurology, otolaryngology, ophthalmology, gastroenterology, cardiology, and gynecology. Various procedures, and even different portions of the same procedure, often require different levels and intensities of laser energy, which is applied to cauterize, ablate, destroy, or otherwise treat a patient's tissue or other bodily material. Typically, a user can control and / or modify laser energy settings by entering or adjusting settings on a manually-based control module via a graphical user interface having buttons, dials, or a touchscreen. However, in a surgical environment, the user typically holds at least one medical device by hand, and the control module may not be within reach, which can increase the time and / or number of medical professionals required during a procedure. Furthermore, touching components outside the sterile field (e.g., the control module) while performing a procedure creates sterility and cleanliness issues. This also increases the likelihood of user error, further complicating and prolonging the procedure and exposing the patient to greater risk.

[0004] The systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein can help overcome some of the above-mentioned complications and patient risks by providing the practitioner with a greater level of control over the laser instrument from within the sterile field. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Briefly summarized, disclosed herein is a system for providing medical care, including a first medical instrument and a second medical instrument. The first medical instrument includes a first control module and a first patient interface member coupled to the control module. The patient interface member includes a first distal end configured to engage a patient's body. The first medical instrument further includes a first practitioner interface operably coupled to the control module, the first practitioner interface configured to define a plurality of operating parameters of the first medical instrument. The first practitioner interface is also configured to selectively activate and deactivate the first medical instrument pursuant to providing medical care.

[0006] The second medical instrument includes a second control module and a second patient interface member coupled to the second control module. The second patient interface member includes a second distal end configured to engage a patient's body and a handle coupled to the second patient interface member. The handle is configured to be grasped by a practitioner's hand, and manipulation of the handle operates the second distal end. The handle includes a second practitioner interface configured to define a subset of a plurality of operating parameters of the first medical instrument. During use, the first patient interface member can be coupled to the second patient interface member, and the first distal end can be disposed adjacent to the second distal end.

[0007] The second medical instrument may be an endoscope, or more specifically, a ureteroscope, and the first medical instrument may include a laser, such as a laser optical fiber, disposed within the second patient interface member. The first practitioner interface may include a graphical user interface configured to define a plurality of operating parameters. The first practitioner interface may also include a foot pedal interface configured for selective activation and deactivation of the first medical instrument. During use, the first practitioner interface is positioned outside of the sterile field and the handle is positioned within the sterile field.

[0008] In some embodiments, the operation by manipulating the handle includes steering the second distal end toward a treatment location on the patient's body, and steering the second distal end includes movement of an actuator attached to the handle, the movement of the actuator can be performed with one or more extremities of a practitioner's hand, and defining one or more of the plurality of operating parameters of the first medical instrument via the second practitioner interface can be performed with one or more extremities of the same hand.

[0009] The plurality of operating parameters are changing the state of the first medical device between a standby state and an active state; Selectively enabling and disabling a second practitioner interface; adjusting the laser pulse energy; adjusting the laser pulse frequency; Adjusting the laser pulse width; adjusting the average power of the laser; changing the state of the laser aiming beam of the first medical instrument between an on state, an off state, and a blinking state; or and adjusting the intensity of the aiming beam.

[0010] The subset of the operating parameters is: changing the state of the first medical device between a standby state and an active state; Selectively enabling and disabling a second practitioner interface; adjusting the laser pulse energy; adjusting the laser pulse frequency; Adjusting the laser pulse width; Adjusting the average laser power; Varying the state of the laser aiming beam between an on state, an off state, and a blinking state; or and adjusting the aiming beam intensity.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second practitioner interface is coupled to the first control module via a wireless connection, and the second practitioner interface may include a scrolling device and a selection device. In some embodiments, the second practitioner interface is selectively attachable to the handle.

[0012] Also disclosed herein is an endoscope including a control module and an elongate shaft coupled to the control module. The shaft is configured for insertion into a patient's body, the shaft including a working channel extending along the length of the shaft. A handle at a proximal end of the shaft includes a practitioner interface configured to (i) communicatively couple to a separate medical instrument and (ii) define a set of operating parameters for the separate medical instrument.

[0013] In some embodiments, the endoscope is a ureteroscope, and during use, a fiber optic laser of the instrument can be inserted through the working channel. During use, the handle can be positioned within the sterile field. The shaft can include a steering mechanism configured to articulate a distal portion of the shaft, and the handle can include an actuator operably coupled to the steering mechanism. During use, movement of the actuator is performed by one or more extremities of a practitioner's hand grasping the handle, and defining a set of operating parameters via the practitioner interface is performed by one or more extremities of the same hand. The set of operating parameters can be changing the state of the appliance between a standby state and an active state; Selectively enabling and disabling the practitioner interface; adjusting the pulse energy of the laser; adjusting the pulse frequency of the laser; adjusting the pulse width of the laser; adjusting the average power of the laser; Changing the state of the instrument's laser aiming beam between an on state, an off state, and a flashing state; or and adjusting the intensity of the aiming beam.

[0014] The practitioner interface may be wirelessly coupled to the control module of the instrument, and may include a scrolling device and a selection device. In some embodiments, the practitioner interface is selectively attachable to the handle.

[0015] Also disclosed herein is a medical instrument for performing a lithotripsy procedure, the instrument including a control module and an elongate shaft coupled to the control module. The instrument's laser includes a laser optical fiber extending along the length of the shaft, and a practitioner interface operably coupled to the control module. The practitioner interface includes (i) a graphical user interface for defining a plurality of operating parameters of the instrument, (ii) a foot pedal interface for selectively activating and deactivating the instrument pursuant to performing the lithotripsy procedure, and (iii) a remote interface configured to define a subset of the plurality of operating parameters.

[0016] The shaft may be configured for insertion into a working channel of a ureteroscope. During use, the graphical user interface is positioned outside of the sterile field and the remote interface is positioned within the sterile field.

[0017] The remote interface may be wirelessly coupled to the control module and may include a scrolling device and a selection device. In some embodiments, the remote interface is selectively attachable to a handle of the ureteroscope.

[0018] The plurality of operating parameters are changing the state of the appliance between a standby state and an active state; Selectively enabling and disabling the remote interface; adjusting the pulse energy of the laser; adjusting the pulse frequency of the laser; adjusting the pulse width of the laser; adjusting the average power of the laser; Changing the state of the instrument's laser aiming beam between an on state, an off state, and a flashing state; or and adjusting the intensity of the aiming beam.

[0019] The subset of operating parameters is: changing the state of the appliance between a standby state and an active state; Selectively enabling and disabling the remote interface; adjusting the pulse energy of the laser; adjusting the pulse frequency of the laser; adjusting the pulse width of the laser; adjusting the average power of the laser; Varying the state of the laser aiming beam between an on state, an off state, and a blinking state; or and adjusting the aiming beam intensity.

[0020] During use, interaction with the remote interface is performed with one or more extremities of the practitioner's hand while the handle of the ureteroscope is held in the same hand. Also disclosed herein is a method of performing medical treatment within a patient's urinary tract, the method including advancing an elongate shaft of a ureteroscope along the patient's urinary tract to a treatment location and inserting a laser shaft of a laser medical instrument through a working channel of the ureteroscope, the method further including defining a plurality of operating parameters of the instrument via a graphical user interface of the instrument, actuating the instrument via a foot pedal interface of the instrument, and adjusting a subset of the plurality of operating parameters via a remote interface of the instrument.

[0021] In some embodiments of this method, the remote interface is attached to a handle of a ureteroscope. The method may further include positioning a graphical user interface outside of the sterile field and positioning the remote interface within the sterile field. The method may further include grasping the handle of the ureteroscope with one hand of the practitioner and manipulating the remote interface with one or more tips of the same hand while grasping the handle. In some embodiments, the method further includes manipulating a steering actuator of the ureteroscope to articulate a distal portion of the elongate shaft with the one or more tips of the same hand.

[0022] These and other features of the concepts provided herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the accompanying drawings and the following description, which disclose in more detail certain embodiments of such concepts.

[0023] Embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference symbols indicate similar elements and in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a current embodiment of a medical system within a medical environment. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of an improved medical system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a detailed view of a handle of a second medical instrument of the system of FIG. 2A, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a second embodiment of a medical system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a detailed view of the remote interface of the first medical instrument of FIG. 3A attached to the handle of a second medical instrument, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 3C is a block diagram of a console of the remote interface of FIGS. 3A and 3B, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Before disclosing some specific embodiments in more detail, it should be understood that the specific embodiments disclosed herein do not limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. It should also be understood that certain embodiments disclosed herein may have features that are readily separable from the specific embodiment and that, optionally, can be combined with or substituted for features of any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0026] With regard to the terms used herein, it should also be understood that the terms are for the purpose of describing some particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Ordinal numbers (e.g., first, second, third, etc.) are generally used to distinguish or identify different features or steps within a group of features or steps and do not provide sequential or numerical limitations. For example, "first," "second," and "third" features or steps do not necessarily have to appear in that order, and particular embodiments including such features or steps are not necessarily limited to three features or steps. Labels such as "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "front," "back," etc. are used for convenience and are not intended to imply, for example, any particular fixed position, orientation, or direction. Instead, such labels are used, for example, to reflect relative position, orientation, or direction. The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0027] The directional terms "proximal" and "distal" are used herein to refer to opposite locations on a medical device. The proximal end of the device is defined as the end of the device that is closest to the end user when the device is in use by the end user. The distal end is the end of the device opposite the proximal end along the length of the device, or the end that is farthest from the end user.

[0028] Any method disclosed herein includes one or more steps or acts that implement the described method. Method steps and / or acts may be interchanged with one another. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or acts is required for proper operation of an embodiment, the order and / or use of certain steps and / or acts may be changed. Furthermore, only subroutines or portions of methods described herein may be separate methods within the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, some methods may include only some of the steps described in a more detailed method.

[0029] 1 illustrates a current embodiment of a medical system 100 shown in a medical environment. A practitioner 30 (e.g., a doctor) is shown performing an invasive treatment on a patient 50 within a sterile field 60. The system 100 includes two separate medical instruments: a first medical instrument 110 and a second medical instrument 150. The treatment is such that the simultaneous operation of the two medical instruments improves the outcome of the treatment. In the current embodiment shown, the first medical instrument 110 is a urological surgical laser instrument (hereinafter referred to as laser instrument 110) and the second medical instrument 150 is a ureteroscope (hereinafter referred to as ureteroscope 150).

[0030] Laser instrument 110 includes a laser control module 111 operably coupled to a flexible laser shaft 114. Laser shaft 114 includes a fiber optic laser 115 configured to define a laser beam that projects from the distal end of laser shaft 114. In operation, laser 115 is fired (i.e., activated) such that the laser beam is "on."

[0031] The laser instrument 110 includes a graphical user interface (GUI) 112 that allows the practitioner 30 or an assistant to define multiple operating parameters of the laser instrument 110. The laser instrument 110 also includes a foot pedal interface 122 that includes a left foot pedal 123, a right foot pedal 124, and a status button 125. The foot pedal interface 122 is coupled to the control module 111 via a foot pedal connecting wire 116. As shown in FIG. 1 , the laser control module 111 and the foot pedal interface 122 are positioned outside of the sterile field 60. The laser shaft 114 extends across the boundary of the sterile field 60.

[0032] The control module 111 includes logic 130 as described in connection with the state diagram shown in Table 1 below. The laser instrument 110 can generally be placed in an active state and a standby state. Pressing the state button 125 toggles the laser instrument 110 between the active and standby states. When the laser instrument 110 is placed in the standby state, the left and right foot pedals 123, 124 are disabled. When the laser instrument 110 is placed in the active state, pressing the left foot pedal fires the laser 115 according to the parameter settings set for the left pedal, and pressing the right foot pedal fires the laser 115 according to the parameter settings set for the right pedal.

[0033] [Table 1]

[0034] 1 , ureteroscope 150 includes a ureteroscope control module 151 operably coupled to an elongated, flexible shaft 170 configured for insertion into the urinary tract of patient 50. Shaft 170 includes a camera (not shown) at the distal end of shaft 170. During operation, images acquired by the camera are portrayed on a display 105 coupled to ureteroscope control module 151. A working channel 173 extends along shaft 170, and at the proximal end of shaft 170, an access port 177 provides access to working channel 173.

[0035] At the proximal end of shaft 170, handle 175 is coupled to shaft 170. Handle 175 is configured to manipulate shaft 170 during use. Handle 175 includes a steering actuator 176 operably coupled to an articulating distal portion (not shown) of shaft 170 such that manipulation of actuator 176 articulates the distal portion of shaft 170. Wires 155 couple handle 175 to ureteroscope control module 151. As shown in FIG. 1 , ureteroscope control module 151 and display 105 are positioned outside of sterile field 60. Handle 175 and shaft 170 are positioned within the sterile field, and wires 155 extend across the boundary of sterile field 60. As shown in FIG. 1 , the upper body of practitioner 30, including hands 31, is positioned within sterile field 60, and the lower body of practitioner 30, including feet, is positioned outside of sterile field 60.

[0036] During treatment, the flexible shaft 170 of the ureteroscope 150 is inserted into the urinary tract of the patient 50 to the treatment location. The flexible laser shaft 114 is inserted into the working channel 173 of the shaft 170 through an access port 177. The ureteroscope control module 151 renders images on the display 105 as acquired via the camera at the distal end of the shaft 170. The images show tissue and other objects (e.g., kidney stones) at the treatment location. The practitioner 30 performs the treatment via operation of the laser instrument 110 while viewing the images acquired and displayed by the ureteroscope 150.

[0037] A treatment procedure may typically include positioning the working distal end of the laser shaft 114 at a desired location as confirmed by the acquired images. Manipulation of the laser shaft 114 is typically accomplished via manipulation of the shaft 170 of the ureteroscope 150. More specifically, the practitioner 30 positions the distal end of the laser shaft 114 disposed within the working channel 173 by grasping and manipulating the handle 175 to position the distal end of the shaft 170. The practitioner 30 may adjust the insertion depth of the shaft 170 and may also adjust the rotational position of the shaft 170. The practitioner 30 may also manipulate the steering actuator 176 to articulate the distal portion of the shaft 170. Articulating the distal portion of the shaft 170 may effectively aim the distal end of the laser instrument 110 at a desired target for resection or surgery.

[0038] After establishing the desired position and orientation of the distal end of laser instrument 110, practitioner 30 may press left foot pedal 123 or right foot pedal 124 to fire laser 115 according to the treatment. In some cases, it may be desirable to adjust one or more operating parameters of laser instrument 110 after treatment has begun. In such cases, it may be necessary for practitioner 30 or an assistant to interact with GUI 112. Standard aseptic technique requires that the practitioner's upper body (i.e., the portion within sterile field 60) remain within sterile field 60 throughout the treatment. Thus, typical practice involves instructing an assistant to make the parameter adjustments, after which practitioner 30 can confirm the parameter adjustments by viewing GUI 112.

[0039] 2A illustrates a first embodiment of an improved medical system according to some embodiments. The medical system 200 includes two medical instruments: a first medical instrument 210 and a second medical instrument 250 that are communicatively coupled to each other. By way of example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first medical instrument 210 may be a urological surgical laser instrument (hereinafter referred to as the laser instrument 210), and the second medical instrument 250 may be an endoscope, or more specifically, a ureteroscope (hereinafter referred to as the ureteroscope 250). However, the first medical instrument 210 and the second medical instrument 250 may be any two medical instruments used in combination with each other to perform a medical procedure.

[0040] The laser instrument 210 includes a laser control module 211 operably coupled to a flexible laser shaft 214. The laser shaft 214 includes a fiber optic laser 215 configured to define a laser beam 219 at a distal end 218 of the laser shaft 214. During operation, the laser 215 is fired (i.e., activated to initiate operation of the laser beam 219 and deactivated to terminate operation of the laser beam 219). The laser beam 219 may be directed distally from the distal end 218 as shown. In other words, the laser beam 219 may coincide with a distal extension of the longitudinal axis 214A of the laser shaft 214 at the distal end 218. The laser instrument 210 may also include an aiming light beam 221 directed distally from the distal end 218 as shown. The aiming beam 221 provides a visual indication of the aim point of the laser beam 219. In other words, aiming beam 221 may generate a visible indication (e.g., a dot on tissue or foreign body) of the impact location of laser beam 219. During use, the practitioner may observe the dot via an image provided by ureteroscope 250.

[0041] The laser instrument 210 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) 212 through which a practitioner or assistant, such as practitioner 30 shown in FIG. 1 , can define a number of operating parameters for the laser instrument 210. The laser instrument 210 may also include a foot pedal interface 222 including a left foot pedal 223, a right foot pedal 224, and a status button 225. The foot pedal interface 222 may be coupled to the laser control module 211 via a foot pedal connecting wire 216. In some embodiments, the foot pedal interface 222 may be wirelessly coupled to the laser control module 211. As shown in FIG. 2A , the laser control module 211 and the foot pedal interface 222 are configured to operate outside of the sterile field 60. The laser shaft 214 may be sterilized and thus configured for placement and use within the sterile field 60. During use, the laser shaft 214 extends across the boundaries of the sterile field 60.

[0042] 2A , ureteroscope 250 includes a ureteroscope control module 251 operably coupled to an elongated, flexible shaft 270 configured for insertion into the urinary tract of patient 50 ( FIG. 1 ). Shaft 270 includes a camera (not shown) at a distal end 278 of shaft 270. During operation, images acquired by the camera are rendered on a display 205 coupled to ureteroscope control module 251. A working channel 273 extends along shaft 270, and at a proximal end 279 of shaft 270, an access port 277 provides access to working channel 273.

[0043] At a proximal end 279 of shaft 270, a handle 275 is coupled to shaft 270. Handle 275 is configured to manipulate shaft 270 during use. Handle 275 includes a steering actuator 276 operably coupled to an articulating distal portion (not shown) of shaft 270 such that manipulation of actuator 276 articulates a distal portion 280 of shaft 270. Connecting wire 255 couples handle 275 to ureteroscope control module 251. Ureteroscope control module 251 and display 205 are configured for placement and use outside of sterile field 60. Handle 275 and shaft 270 are sterile and, therefore, configured for placement and use within sterile field 60. During use, wire 255 extends across the boundaries of sterile field 60.

[0044] The laser instrument 210 and the ureteroscope 250 are communicatively coupled to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the laser instrument 210 and the ureteroscope 250 are coupled to one another via bond wires 207. In other embodiments, the laser instrument 210 and the ureteroscope 250 may be wirelessly coupled to one another.

[0045] 2B is a detailed view of a handle 275, according to some embodiments. The handle 275 is configured to be grasped by a practitioner's hand 31. The steering actuator 276 is configured to be operated by one or more extremities 32 of the hand 31, such as, for example, a thumb. The handle 275 includes a remote interface 290 that includes a scrolling device 291 (e.g., a thumbwheel) and a selection device 292 (e.g., a button). The scrolling device 291 and the selection device 292 are configured to be operated by one or more extremities 32 of the hand 31, such as, for example, a thumb. The remote interface 290 is coupled to the laser instrument 210, and more specifically, to the laser control module 211.

[0046] Operation of the scrolling device 291 may include scrolling a screen, scrolling a parameter, incrementing / decrementing a parameter value, etc. Operation of the selection device 291 may include toggling the laser instrument 210 between states, selecting a parameter, and / or selecting a parameter value. The remote interface 290 is coupled to the laser control module 211. In the illustrated embodiment, the remote interface 290 is connected to the laser control module 211 via a wired connection that extends along connecting wire 255, through the ureteroscope control module 251, along bonding wire 207, and to the laser control module 211. In some embodiments, the remote interface 280 may be wirelessly coupled to the laser control module 211.

[0047] Table 2 below illustrates a logic state diagram for laser instrument 210, according to some embodiments. Control module 211 includes logic 230 (FIG. 2A), as described below in connection with the state diagram illustrated in Table 2. Logic 230 may provide for selective enabling and disabling of remote interface 290 via GUI 212. When remote interface 290 is disabled by logic 230, manipulation of scrolling device 291 or selection device 292 has no operational effect on laser instrument 210. In other words, when remote interface 290 is disabled, adjustment of operating parameters of laser instrument 210 is permitted via GUI 212 and prohibited via remote interface 280. When remote interface 290 is enabled by logic 230, adjustment of operating parameters via GUI 212 is prohibited and adjustment of a subset of operating parameters is permitted via remote interface 280.

[0048] Logic 230 may provide for the placement of laser instrument 210 between a standby state and an active state via foot pedal interface 222, as shown in Table 2. Pressing state button 225 toggles laser system 210 between an active state and a standby state. When laser instrument 210 is placed in the standby state, left and right foot pedals 223, 224 are disabled. When laser instrument 210 is placed in the active state, pressing the left foot pedal fires laser 215 according to parameter settings set for the left pedal, and pressing the right foot pedal fires laser 215 according to parameter settings set for the right pedal. In some embodiments, logic 230 may enable remote interface 290 (i.e., selection device 292) to toggle laser instrument 210 between an active state and an active state. In some embodiments, logic 230 may also enable remote interface 290 to toggle laser instrument 210 between a remote interface disabled state and a remote interface enabled state.

[0049] [Table 2]

[0050] The logic 230 may also define a number of operating parameters that may be defined / adjusted via the GUI 212. The operating parameters include: changing the state of the laser instrument between a standby state and an active state; Selectively enabling and disabling the remote interface; adjusting the pulse energy of the laser 215; adjusting the pulse frequency of the laser 215; adjusting the pulse width of the laser 215; adjusting the average power of the laser 215; Varying the state of the laser aiming beam 221 between an on state, an off state, and a blinking state; and adjusting the intensity of the aiming beam 221.

[0051] Logic 230 may also define a subset of the operating parameters that may be adjusted via remote interface 290. The subset of the operating parameters may include: changing the state of the laser instrument between a standby state and an active state; Selectively enabling and disabling the remote interface; adjusting the pulse energy of the laser 215; adjusting the pulse frequency of the laser 215; adjusting the pulse width of the laser 215; adjusting the average power of the laser 215; Varying the state of the laser aiming beam 221 between an on state, an off state, and a blinking state; and adjusting the intensity of the aiming beam 221.

[0052] During treatment, the flexible shaft 270 of the ureteroscope 250 is inserted into the urinary tract of the patient 50 to the treatment location. The flexible laser shaft 214 is inserted into the working channel 273 of the shaft 270 via the access port 277. In some cases, the flexible laser shaft 214 may be inserted such that the distal end 218 of the laser shaft 214 is positioned adjacent to the distal end 278 of the shaft 270. The ureteroscope control module 251 renders images on the display 205 as acquired via the camera at the distal end of the shaft 270. The images show tissue and other objects (e.g., kidney stones) at the treatment location. The practitioner performs the treatment through operation of the laser instrument 210 while viewing the images acquired and displayed by the ureteroscope 250.

[0053] A method of using the system 200 according to a treatment procedure may include positioning the working distal end of the laser shaft 214 at a desired location within the urinary tract. The practitioner may confirm the location of the distal end 218 of the laser shaft 214 by viewing images acquired and displayed by the ureteroscope 250. The practitioner may grasp and manipulate the handle 275 to adjust the position of the distal end 218 of the shaft 270, and, associated therewith, the distal end 218 of the laser shaft 214. The practitioner may adjust the insertion depth of the shaft 270 and may also adjust the rotational position of the shaft 270 within the urinary tract. The practitioner may also manipulate the steering actuator 276 to articulate the distal portion 280 of the shaft 270. Articulating the distal portion 280 of the shaft 270 may effectively direct the laser beam 219 at a desired target for ablation or surgery. The practitioner may also adjust the insertion position of the laser shaft 214 within the working channel 273 so that the distal end 218 of the laser shaft 214 extends a desired distance beyond the distal end 278 of the shaft 270 .

[0054] After establishing the desired position and orientation of the distal tip 218 of the laser instrument 210, the practitioner may press the left foot pedal 223 or the right foot pedal 224 to fire the laser 215 according to the treatment. The practitioner may then adjust the position and / or orientation of the distal tip 218 and again fire the laser 215. Over the course of a treatment, the practitioner may repeatedly adjust the position and / or orientation of the distal tip 218 and fire the laser 215.

[0055] The method may also include defining a plurality of operating parameters of the laser instrument 210 prior to the initiation of treatment. The operating parameters may be defined via the GUI 212. After defining the operating parameters via the GUI 212, the practitioner or an assistant may activate the remote interface 290 via the GUI 212 or the remote interface 290. In some cases, it may be desirable to adjust one or more of a subset of the plurality of operating parameters of the laser instrument 210 after the initiation of treatment. In such cases, the practitioner may make the adjustments from within the sterile field 60 using the remote interface 290. The practitioner may switch the instrument 210 to a standby state by pressing the mode button 225 with a foot outside the sterile field 60 or by pressing the selection device 292 on the remote interface 290. Once the remote interface 290 is activated, the practitioner may personally (i.e., without assistance from another person) adjust one or more of the operating parameters of the subset via the scrolling device 291 and the selection device 292 without leaving the sterile field 60. The practitioner may then switch the laser instrument 210 to an active state.

[0056] FIG. 3A illustrates a second embodiment of a medical system, according to some embodiments. System 300 may be similar in some respects to components of system 200 described in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B. It will be understood that all illustrated embodiments may have similar features. Accordingly, similar features are indicated by similar reference numerals, with the leading digit increased by "3." For example, a handle is indicated as "275" in FIGS. 2A and 2B, and a similar handle is indicated as "375" in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Accordingly, relevant disclosures set forth above regarding similarly identified features may not be repeated below. Furthermore, certain features of system 200 and related components illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B may not be indicated or identified by reference numerals in the drawings or specifically described in the following description. However, such features may be clearly the same or substantially the same as features shown in and / or described in connection with other embodiments. Accordingly, relevant descriptions of such features apply equally to features of system 300. Any suitable combination of the features and variations thereof described with respect to the system 200 and components shown in Figures 2A and 2B may be used with the system 300 and components of Figures 3A and 3B, and vice versa.

[0057] System 300 includes two medical instruments: a first medical instrument 310 and a second medical instrument 350. By way of example, in the illustrated embodiment, first medical instrument 310 may be a urological surgical laser instrument (hereinafter referred to as laser instrument 310) and second medical instrument 350 may be a ureteroscope (hereinafter referred to as ureteroscope 350). However, first medical instrument 310 and second medical instrument 350 may be any two medical instruments used in combination with each other to perform a medical procedure.

[0058] The laser instrument 310 includes a laser control module 311 operably coupled to a flexible laser shaft 314. The laser shaft 314 includes a fiber optic laser 315 configured to define a laser beam 319 at a distal end 318 of the laser shaft 314. During operation, the laser 315 is fired (i.e., activated) such that the laser beam 319 is "on." The laser beam 319 may be directed distally from the distal end 318, as shown. The laser instrument 310 may also include an aiming light beam 321 directed distally from the distal end 318, as shown. The aiming beam 321 may provide a visual indication of the aim point of the laser beam 319. In other words, the aiming beam 321 may generate a visual indication (e.g., a dot on tissue or a foreign object) of the impact location of the laser beam 319. During use, the practitioner may observe the dot via an image provided by the ureteroscope 350.

[0059] The laser instrument 310 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) 312 through which a practitioner, such as practitioner 30 shown in FIG. 1 , or an assistant, may define a number of operating parameters of the laser instrument 310. The laser instrument 310 may also include a foot pedal interface 322 including a left foot pedal 323, a right foot pedal 324, and a status button 325. The foot pedal interface 322 may be coupled to the laser control module 311 via a foot pedal connecting wire 316. In some embodiments, the foot pedal interface 322 may be wirelessly coupled to the laser control module 311 via a wireless module 335. As shown in FIG. 3A , the laser control module 311 and the foot pedal interface 322 are configured to operate outside of the sterile field 60. The laser shaft 314 may be sterilized and thus configured for placement and use within the sterile field 60. During use, the laser shaft 314 extends across the boundaries of the sterile field 60. The laser control module 311 also includes remote communication logic 333 stored in memory 330, which may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0060] The laser instrument 310 includes a remote interface 390 wirelessly coupled to the laser control module 311. The remote interface 390 includes a housing 393 and a console 395 disposed within the housing 393. The housing 393 is configured to be attached to the handle of the ureteroscope 350, as described below. The remote interface 390 also includes a scrolling device 391 and a selection device 392. The scrolling device 391 and the selection device 392 are configured to be operated by one or more tips 32 of the practitioner's hand 31 (FIG. 3B). The remote interface 390 can be sterilized and, therefore, is configured for placement and use within the sterile field 60.

[0061] 3A, ureteroscope 350 includes a ureteroscope control module 351 operably coupled to an elongated, flexible shaft 370 configured for insertion into the urinary tract of patient 50 (FIG. 1). Shaft 370 includes a camera (not shown) at a distal end 378 of shaft 370. During operation, images acquired by the camera are rendered on a display 305 coupled to ureteroscope control module 351. A working channel 373 extends along shaft 370, and at a proximal end 379 of shaft 370, an access port 377 provides access to working channel 373.

[0062] At the proximal end 379 of the shaft 370, a handle 375 is coupled to the shaft 370. The handle 375 is configured to manipulate the shaft 370 during use. The handle 375 includes a steering actuator 376 operably coupled to an articulating distal portion (not shown) of the shaft 370 such that manipulation of the actuator 376 articulates a distal portion 380 of the shaft 370. A connecting wire 355 couples the handle 375 to the ureteroscope control module 351. The ureteroscope control module 351 and the display 305 are configured for placement and use outside of the sterile field 60. The handle 375 and shaft 370 are sterile and, therefore, configured for placement and use within the sterile field 60. During use, the wire 355 extends across the confines of the sterile field 60.

[0063] 3B is a detailed view of a handle 375 with a remote interface 390 attached, according to some embodiments. The handle 375 is configured to be grasped by a practitioner's hand 31. A steering actuator 376 is configured to be operated by one or more extremities 32 of the hand 31, such as a thumb.

[0064] The handle 375, as shown, is configured to attach to a remote interface 390. The remote interface 390 may be attached to the handle 375 such that the practitioner 30 can access and operate the scrolling device 391 and the selection device 392 with one or more extremities 32 of the hand 31. The remote interface 390 may be attached to the handle via any suitable attachment mechanism, such as, for example, adhesive, an elastic band extending around the handle 375, or a corresponding snap-fit ​​feature.

[0065] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a console 395 of the remote interface 390. The console 395 includes components that facilitate signal communication between the remote interface 390 and the laser control module 311. Communications logic 403 and remote logic 404, stored in a memory 402 comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium, operate a processor 401 in accordance with the operation of the remote interface 390. A signal conditioner 406 converts electrical signals from the scrolling device 391 and the selection device 392 for operation by the processor 401. A wireless module 405 communicates with a corresponding wireless module 335 ( FIG. 3A ) of the laser control module 311 according to a protocol defined by the communications logic 403 and corresponding remote communications logic 333 stored in the memory 330 of the laser control module 311. An internal power source 407 (e.g., a battery) provides regulated power to the other components of the console 395. In an alternative embodiment, the remote interface 390 may be coupled to the laser control module 311 via a wired connection. In such an embodiment, the console 395 may include fewer components or may be omitted altogether.

[0066] Some specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, and while those specific embodiments have been disclosed in some detail, those specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the concepts provided herein. Further adaptations and / or modifications may become apparent to those skilled in the art, and the broader aspects encompass those adaptations and / or modifications as well. Thus, departures from the specific embodiments disclosed herein may be made without departing from the scope of the concepts provided herein. The technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment will be described below. [Appendix 1] 1. A system for providing medical care, comprising: A first medical device, a first control module; a first patient interface member coupled to the first control module, the first patient interface member comprising a first distal end configured to engage a body of a patient; a first practitioner interface operably coupled to the first control module, the first practitioner interface comprising: defining a plurality of operating parameters of the first medical device; a first medical device configured to selectively activate and deactivate the first medical device in accordance with providing the medical care; and a second medical device, a second control module; a second patient interface member coupled to the second control module, the second patient interface member comprising a second distal end configured to engage a body of a patient; and a handle coupled to the second patient interface member at a proximal end of the second patient interface member; the handle is configured to be grasped by a practitioner's hand; Manipulation of the handle moves the second distal end; the handle comprises a second practitioner interface, the second practitioner interface configured to define a subset of the plurality of operating parameters of the first medical instrument; and a second medical instrument. [Appendix 2] 10. The system of claim 1, wherein during use, the first patient interface member is coupled to the second patient interface member. [Appendix 3] 3. The system of claim 2, wherein during use, the first distal end is positioned adjacent to the second distal end. [Appendix 4] 4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second medical instrument is an endoscope. [Appendix 5] 4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second medical instrument is a ureteroscope. [Appendix 6] 4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first medical instrument comprises a laser. [Appendix 7] 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the laser includes a laser optical fiber extending along the length of the first patient interface member. [Appendix 8] 4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first practitioner interface includes a graphical user interface configured to define the plurality of operating parameters. [Appendix 9] 4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first practitioner interface includes a foot pedal interface configured for selective activation and deactivation of the first medical instrument. [Appendix 10] In use, the first practitioner interface is positioned outside of a sterile field; 4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, during use, the second practitioner interface is positioned within the sterile field. [Appendix 11] moving the second distal end includes steering the second distal end toward a treatment location on the patient's body; 4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein steering the second distal end comprises movement of an actuator attached to the handle. [Appendix 12] In use, movement of the actuator is performed by one or more tips of a practitioner's hand; 12. The system of claim 11, wherein, during use, defining the subset of the plurality of operating parameters of the first medical instrument via the second practitioner interface is performed with one or more tips of the same practitioner's hand. [Appendix 13] The plurality of operating parameters are: changing the state of the first medical device between a standby state and an active state; selectively enabling and disabling the second practitioner interface; changing the state of a laser aiming beam of the first patient interface member between an on state, an off state, and a flashing state; or 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising adjusting one or more of: laser pulse energy, laser pulse frequency, laser pulse width, average power of the laser, or intensity of the laser aiming beam. [Appendix 14] The subset of the plurality of operating parameters comprises: changing the state of the first medical device between the standby state and the active state; changing the state of the laser aiming beam between the on state, the off state, and the blinking state; Selectively enabling and disabling the second practitioner interface; or 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising adjusting one or more of the laser pulse energy, the laser pulse frequency, the laser pulse width, the average power of the laser, or the intensity of the laser aiming beam. [Appendix 15] 4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second practitioner interface is wirelessly coupled to the first control module. [Appendix 16] The second practitioner interface includes: A scrolling device; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: a selection device. [Appendix 17] 4. The system of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the second practitioner interface is selectively attachable to the handle. [Appendix 18] An endoscope, A control module; an elongate shaft coupled to the control module; the shaft is configured for insertion into a patient; The shaft a working channel extending along the length of the shaft; a handle at the proximal end of the shaft, the handle comprising a practitioner interface configured to communicatively couple to a separate medical instrument and define a set of operating parameters for the medical instrument. [Appendix 19] 19. The endoscope of claim 18, wherein the endoscope is a ureteroscope. [Appendix 20] 20. The endoscope of claim 18 or 19, wherein, during use, the optical fiber laser of the medical instrument is inserted through the working channel. [Appendix 21] 20. The endoscope of claim 18 or 19, wherein during use, the handle is positioned within a sterile field. [Appendix 22] the shaft comprising a steering mechanism configured to articulate a distal portion of the shaft; 20. The endoscope of claim 18 or 19, wherein the handle comprises an actuator operably coupled to the steering mechanism. [Appendix 23] In use, actuation of the actuator is performed by one or more extremities of a practitioner's hand gripping the handle; 23. The endoscope of claim 22, wherein, during use, defining the set of operating parameters via the practitioner interface is performed at one or more tips of the same hand. [Appendix 24] The set of operating parameters comprises: changing the state of the medical device between a standby state and an active state; selectively enabling and disabling the practitioner interface; Varying the state of the laser aiming beam of the medical instrument between an on state, an off state, and a blinking state; or 21. The endoscope of claim 20, comprising adjusting one or more of: a laser pulse energy, a laser pulse frequency, a laser pulse width, an average power of the laser, or an intensity of the laser aiming beam. [Appendix 25] 20. The endoscope of claim 18 or 19, wherein the practitioner interface is wirelessly coupled to a control module of the medical instrument. [Appendix 26] The practitioner interface includes: A scrolling device; 20. The endoscope of claim 18 or 19, comprising a selection device. [Appendix 27] 20. The endoscope of claim 18 or 19, wherein the practitioner interface is selectively attachable to the handle. [Appendix 28] 1. A medical device for performing a lithotripsy procedure, comprising: A control module; an elongate shaft coupled to the control module; an optical fiber laser extending along the length of the shaft; a practitioner interface operably coupled to the control module, the practitioner interface comprising: a graphical user interface for defining a plurality of operating parameters of the medical device; a foot pedal interface for selectively activating and deactivating the medical instrument in accordance with performing the lithotripsy procedure; a remote interface configured to define a subset of the plurality of operating parameters. [Appendix 29] 29. The medical instrument of claim 28, wherein the shaft is configured for insertion into a working channel of a ureteroscope. [Appendix 30] In use, the graphical user interface is located outside the sterile field; 30. The medical device of claim 28 or 29, wherein during use, the remote interface is positioned within the sterile field. [Appendix 31] 30. The medical apparatus of claim 28 or 29, wherein the remote interface is wirelessly coupled to the control module. [Appendix 32] The remote interface includes: A scrolling device; 30. The medical apparatus of claim 28 or 29, comprising a selection device. [Appendix 33] 30. The medical instrument of claim 28 or 29, wherein the remote interface is selectively attachable to a handle of a ureteroscope. [Appendix 34] The plurality of operating parameters are: changing the state of the medical device between a standby state and an active state; selectively enabling and disabling the remote interface; Varying the state of the laser aiming beam of the medical instrument between an on state, an off state, and a blinking state; or 30. The medical instrument of claim 28 or 29, comprising adjusting one or more of laser pulse energy, laser pulse frequency, laser pulse width, laser average power, or intensity of the laser aiming beam. [Appendix 35] The subset of the plurality of operating parameters comprises: changing the state of the medical device between the standby state and the active state; selectively enabling and disabling the remote interface; changing the state of the laser aiming beam between the on state, the off state, and the blinking state; or 35. The medical instrument of claim 34, comprising adjusting one or more of the laser pulse energy, the laser pulse frequency, the laser pulse width, the average power of the laser, or the intensity of the laser aiming beam. [Appendix 36] 30. The medical instrument of claim 28 or 29, wherein, during use, interaction with the remote interface is performed with one or more extremities of the practitioner's hand while the handle of the ureteroscope is grasped with the same hand.

Claims

1. 1. A system for providing medical care, comprising: A first medical device, a first control module; a first patient interface member coupled to the first control module, the first patient interface member comprising a first distal end configured to engage a body of a patient; a first practitioner interface operably coupled to the first control module, the first practitioner interface comprising: defining a plurality of operating parameters of the first medical device; a first medical device configured to selectively activate and deactivate the first medical device in accordance with providing the medical care; and a second medical device, a second control module; a second patient interface member coupled to the second control module, the second patient interface member comprising a second distal end configured to engage a body of a patient; and a handle coupled to the second patient interface member at a proximal end of the second patient interface member; the handle is configured to be grasped by a practitioner's hand; Manipulation of the handle moves the second distal end; the handle includes a second practitioner interface, the second practitioner interface configured to define a subset of the plurality of operating parameters of the first medical instrument.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein, in use, the first patient interface member is communicatively coupled to the second patient interface member.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein, in use, the first distal end is positioned adjacent to the second distal end.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second medical instrument is an endoscope.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second medical instrument is a ureteroscope.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first medical instrument comprises a laser.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the laser includes a laser optical fiber extending along the length of the first patient interface member.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first practitioner interface includes a graphical user interface configured to define the plurality of operating parameters.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first practitioner interface includes a foot pedal interface configured for selective activation and deactivation of the first medical instrument.

10. In use, the first practitioner interface is positioned outside of a sterile field; The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, in use, the second practitioner interface is positioned within the sterile field.

11. moving the second distal end includes steering the second distal end toward a treatment location on the patient's body; The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein steering the second distal end comprises movement of an actuator attached to the handle.

12. In use, movement of the actuator is performed by one or more tips of a practitioner's hand; 12. The system of claim 11, wherein during use, defining the subset of the plurality of operating parameters of the first medical instrument via the second practitioner interface is performed with one or more tips of a hand of the same practitioner.

13. The plurality of operating parameters are: changing the state of the first medical device between a standby state and an active state; Selectively enabling and disabling the second practitioner interface; changing the state of the laser aiming beam of the first patient interface member between an on state, an off state, and a flashing state; or The system of claim 6 , comprising adjusting one or more of laser pulse energy, laser pulse frequency, laser pulse width, average power of the laser, or intensity of the laser aiming beam.

14. The subset of the plurality of operating parameters comprises: changing the state of the first medical device between the standby state and the active state; changing the state of the laser aiming beam between the on state, the off state, and the blinking state; Selectively enabling and disabling the second practitioner interface; or 14. The system of claim 13, comprising adjusting one or more of the laser pulse energy, the laser pulse frequency, the laser pulse width, the average power of the laser, or the intensity of the laser aiming beam.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second practitioner interface is wirelessly coupled to the first control module.

16. The second practitioner interface includes: A scrolling device; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a selection device.

17. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second practitioner interface is selectively attachable to the handle.

Images