Technology for supplying fluid to an endoscope

Abstract

Various embodiments described herein may separate one or more functions / components provided via the tower to mitigate the physical barrier created by the umbilicus and reduce the need to connect the umbilicus to the tower. For example, the liquid source may be worn by the user (e.g., a physician) or the liquid source may be modularly attached to the endoscope (such as the handle of the endoscope). Thus, some embodiments described herein may improve the user experience, such as by giving the user greater freedom of movement, without sacrificing functionality. Some embodiments provide a source and means of using water without the need to physically attach the umbilicus to the tower, improving the user's range and ease of movement by removing the need to navigate around water connectors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of medical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for supplying fluid to an endoscope.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, endoscope devices have been widely used for diagnostic and / or therapeutic procedures. Such endoscope devices sometimes include fluid functions configured to send fluid to the end of the endoscope for spraying onto a target site within the patient's body. In lens cleaning, a liquid such as sterile water is provided at a relatively high pressure and sprayed over the entire camera lens to remove debris from the camera lens. Water sources for lens cleaning and rinsing generally include one or more fluid reservoirs with tube and cap assemblies that connect to the endoscope channel and valve via the umbilicus to create a piping circuit and achieve the described gas and water functions. Such tube and cap assemblies are generally available in various configurations, with a water bottle, a cap that fits a particular bottle, and an array of tubes that can extend through an opening in the cap. The tubes are generally arranged to accommodate a particular configuration of endoscope instruments and valves.

[0003] It is in view of these considerations that improvements in the present disclosure may be useful.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of technical concepts that are further described in the following detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a device comprising an umbilicus, an elongated member, and a handle fixedly connected to the umbilicus and the elongated member. The elongated member may include at least one lumen. The handle may include a control interface and a supply port. The control interface may be operable to control communication between the supply port and at least one lumen. The handle may include at least one electrical connection to the elongated member. A liquid supply source may include an adapter and a reservoir detachably connected to the adapter, the adapter being detachably connected to the handle via the supply port.

[0006] In various embodiments, the liquid supply source includes a pump for flowing fluid from a reservoir into at least one lumen in response to the operation of a control interface. In various such embodiments, the pump includes a peristaltic pump. In some embodiments, the liquid supply source includes a compressed gas container for flowing fluid from a reservoir into at least one lumen in response to the operation of a control interface. In many embodiments, the liquid supply source is located within a wearable device. In many such embodiments, the wearable device includes a backpack. In some such embodiments, the wearable device includes a power supply configured to operate the liquid supply source. In some embodiments, the adapter includes a thread into which the reservoir is screwed. In various embodiments, the supply port includes a thread into which the adapter is screwed. In some embodiments, the control interface includes an air / water valve. In many embodiments, a sensor is included that is communicatively connected to the liquid supply source, the sensor is configured to indicate the location of the control interface, and the liquid supply source includes a pump configured to flow fluid from a reservoir into at least one lumen in response to the location of the control interface indicated by the sensor. In some embodiments, the liquid supply source includes a condenser configured to extract liquid from the atmosphere and pour the liquid into a reservoir. Various embodiments include a gas supply source configured to pressurize the reservoir in response to the operation of a control interface. Some embodiments include a tower containing a video processor, an umbilicus connecting a handle to the tower, and the video processor being connected via the umbilicus to at least one electrical connection in the handle. In some such embodiments, the tower includes a gas supply source configured to pressurize the reservoir in response to the operation of a control interface.

[0007] In another embodiment, the disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising a wearable device, a lengthwise member, a handle, and a liquid supply source. The lengthwise member may include at least one lumen. The handle may be fixedly connected to the wearable device and the lengthwise member. The handle may include a control interface and a supply port. The control interface may be operable to control communication between the supply port and at least one lumen. The handle may include at least one electrical connection between the wearable device and the lengthwise member. The liquid supply source may include an adapter and a reservoir detachably connected to the adapter, the adapter being detachably connected to the handle via the supply port.

[0008] In various embodiments, the wearable device includes a gas source for flowing fluid from a reservoir into at least one lumen, depending on the operation of a control interface. In some embodiments, the wearable device includes a wireless transceiver configured to wirelessly connect a video processor to a long member via at least one electrical connection. Some such embodiments include a tower including a video processor and a wireless transceiver configured to connect to a wireless transceiver in the wearable device. In many embodiments, the wearable device includes a condenser configured to extract liquid from the atmosphere and pour the liquid into a reservoir. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part of this specification illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, help to illustrate the principles of this disclosure. [Figure 1] One aspect of this subject matter, according to one embodiment, is shown. [Figure 2] One aspect of this subject matter, according to one embodiment, is shown. [Figure 3] One aspect of this subject matter, according to one embodiment, is shown. [Figure 4A] One aspect of this subject matter, according to one embodiment, is shown. [Figure 4B] One aspect of this subject matter, according to one embodiment, is shown. [Figure 5] One aspect of this subject matter, according to one embodiment, is shown. [Figure 6] One aspect of this subject matter, according to one embodiment, is shown. [Figure 7A] One aspect of this subject matter, according to one embodiment, is shown. [Figure 7B] One aspect of this subject matter, according to one embodiment, is shown. [Figure 7C] One aspect of this subject matter, according to one embodiment, is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Physicians can perform several procedures using an endoscope. During a procedure, physicians often need to move their body relative to the endoscope handle to perform actions crucial to the procedure within the human body. In these cases, the physician's movement may be restricted by the umbilicus, the body of the umbilicus that houses the connection between the scope and the tower. One important function provided by the scope tower is to have a fluid supply source (e.g., water). This fluid supply source can serve to supply water to remove debris from the lens to improve visibility or to flush away debris found within the body. In some procedures, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), endoscopic lumbar sympathectomy (ELS), and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), it can be cumbersome for the physician to continuously try to contort their body to avoid the umbilicus while performing the procedure. Thus, the umbilicus can act as a physical barrier that prevents the individual using the endoscope from moving completely freely. This can limit the range of motion and may require the physician to assume an uncomfortable posture in order to properly perform the procedure.

[0011] To mitigate the physical barriers generated by the umbilicus and reduce the need to connect the umbilicus to the tower, various embodiments described herein may isolate one or more functions / components provided via the tower. For example, a fluid supply source may be attached by the user (e.g., a physician), or the fluid supply source may be modularly attached to the endoscope (e.g., the endoscope handle). Thus, some embodiments described herein can improve the user experience, such as by giving the user greater freedom of movement without sacrificing functionality. Some embodiments provide water supply sources and means without requiring the umbilicus to be physically attached to the tower, improving the user's range of motion and ease of movement by eliminating the need to navigate around water connectors. Various embodiments do not include a physical connection between the scope and the tower, eliminating the need to navigate a connection between the scope and the tower.

[0012] This disclosure is described with reference to exemplary medical systems that may be used in endoscopic medical procedures. However, it should be noted that references to these specific procedures are provided for convenience only and are not intended to limit this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical ideas underlying the disclosed devices and associated uses can be utilized in any appropriate procedure, medical or other means. This disclosure can be understood by referring to the following description and accompanying drawings, where similar elements are given the same reference numerals.

[0013] As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the part of the device furthest from the user when it is introduced into a patient. In contrast, the term “proximal” refers to the part of the device closest to the user when it is placed in a patient. As used herein, the terms “include,” “contains,” or any other variation thereof are intended to be subject to non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus containing a list of elements does not necessarily contain only those elements, but may include other elements not explicitly enumerated, or other elements specific to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example” rather than “ideal.” Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” indicate a range of values ​​within + / - 10% of the described or implied value. Additionally, terms describing the geometric shape of a component / surface refer to the exact shape and the approximate shape.

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with specific reference to tubing assemblies for use in distributing liquids from a reservoir (e.g., a box or bottle) and one or more gases from different sources, but it should be understood that such embodiments may be used to supply liquids and / or gases to and from an endoscope for a variety of different purposes during endoscopic procedures, including, for example, facilitating air insufflation to a patient, lens cleaning, and / or cleaning the working end of the endoscope in a patient, assisting in flushing / rinsing body cavities, and / or removing debris from the endoscope's field of view in a body cavity. The use of “lens cleaning” typically refers to flowing a liquid (e.g., water) into a nozzle or other opening at the distal end of the endoscope, at a higher flow rate and pressure compared to cleaning, for the purpose of cleaning or otherwise scrubbing the lens covering the imaging unit or light source at the distal end of the endoscope.

[0015] This disclosure includes a description of bottle and tube sets (e.g., tube assemblies) suitable for use with an endoscope system to supply fluid to an endoscope, but the devices, systems, and methods described herein can be implemented in other medical systems requiring fluid delivery and for a variety of other purposes.

[0016] References in this specification to “certain embodiments,” “several embodiments,” “other embodiments,” etc., should be noted to indicate that while the embodiments described may include certain features, structures, or characteristics, not all embodiments necessarily include those features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiments. Moreover, where certain features, structures, or characteristics are described in relation to an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of those skilled in the art that they would affect such features, structures, or characteristics in relation to other embodiments, whether or not they are explicitly stated otherwise. In other words, the various individual elements described below, even if not explicitly shown in specific combinations, are considered, as understood by those skilled in the art, to be combinatorial or configurable to form other additional embodiments or to complement and / or reinforce the embodiments described.

[0017] Figures 1 and 2 and their corresponding descriptions illustrate general cases of how fluid may be supplied to the distal end of the endoscope. However, in various embodiments described herein, one or more components within the tower 202 may be relocated to a wearable or portable device, or integrated into the handle 115, in order to improve the usability of the endoscope 100. For example, by relocating one or more components from the tower, the physical barrier to the user generated by the umbilicus 260 may be reduced or eliminated. In various embodiments, reducing the physical barrier to the user generated by the umbilicus 260 may include making the umbilicus 260 more flexible and / or narrower, such as by removing one or more fluid channels passing through the umbilicus. In some embodiments, all physical barriers generated by the umbilicus 260 may be removed, such as by removing all connections between the handle 115 and the tower 202. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0018] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an exemplary endoscope 100 and system 200 are shown, which may include an insertable elongated member 100a into the patient. A light source 205 supplies illumination light to the distal portion 100b of the endoscope 100, which may house an imager (e.g., a CCD or CMOS imager) (not shown). The light source 205 (e.g., a lamp) is housed in a tower 202 which includes a video processing unit 210 or video processor that processes signals input from the imager and outputs the processed video signal for display to a video monitor (not shown). In some embodiments, the tower 202 also functions as a component of an air / water supply circuit by housing a pressurizing pump 215 (i.e., a gas supply source), such as an air supply pump, within the unit. In the illustrated embodiment, the video processing unit 210 of the tower 202 houses the pressurizing pump 215 and the light source 205.

[0019] The endoscopic shaft 100a can include a distal tip portion 100c provided at the distal portion 100b of the shaft 100a, and a proximal flexible bending portion 105 proximal to the distal tip portion 100c. The flexible bending portion 105 can include an articulation joint (not shown) for assisting in steering the distal tip portion 100c. On the end face 100d of the distal tip portion of the endoscope 100, there is a gas / lens cleaning fluid nozzle 220 for supplying gas to send air into the patient's interior in the treatment area and supplying water to clean the lens covering the imager. The cleaning opening 225 of the end face 100d supplies the cleaning fluid to the patient's treatment area. An illumination window (not shown) for transmitting illumination light to the treatment area, and an opening 230 to a working channel 235 extending along the shaft 100a for passing tools to the treatment area may also be included on the face 100d of the distal tip portion 100c. The working channel 235 extends along the shaft 100a to a proximal channel opening 110 positioned distally of the operation handle 115 of the endoscope 100. A biopsy valve 120 may be utilized to seal the channel opening 110 against the outflow of unwanted fluids. In some embodiments, the channel opening 110 may include a luer connection. In some such embodiments, the biopsy valve 120 can be connected to the channel opening 110 via a luer connection. In various embodiments, the biopsy valve 120 may include or refer to one or more of a biopsy cap, a biopsy port cap, and a biopsy port seal. In one embodiment, the biopsy valve 120 can include a polymer cap.

[0020] The operating handle 115 may be provided with knobs 125 for providing remote four-way steering of the distal tip via wires connected to articulated joints in a bendable flexible portion 105 (for example, one knob controls up-and-down steering, and another controls left-and-right steering). Multiple video switches 130 for remotely operating the video processing unit 210 may be located on the proximal end of the handle 115. In addition, the handle is provided with a double valve hole 135 for receiving a gas / lens cleaning solution valve 140 (or air / water valve) for supplying air gas and lens water. The gas supply line 240a and the lens cleaning solution (e.g., liquid) supply line 245a extend distally from the gas / water valve 140 along the shaft 100a and converge at the proximal distal tip 100c of the gas / cleaning solution nozzle 220 (Figure 2). The other valve hole 135 receives a suction valve 145 for performing suction operations. The suction supply line 250a extends distally along the shaft 100a from the suction valve 145 to a junction that communicates with the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0021] The operating handle 115 is electrically and fluidly connected to the tower 202 via a flexible umbilicus 260 and a connector portion 265 extending between the tower 202 and the flexible umbilicus 260. The flexible umbilicus 260 has a gas (e.g., air or CO2) supply line 240b, a lens cleaning fluid supply line 245b, a suction supply line 250b, a cleaning fluid supply line 255b, an optical guide (not shown), and an electrical signal cable (not shown). When the connector portion 265 is plugged into the video processing unit 210, it connects the light source 205 in the video processing unit to the optical guide. The optical guide extends along the length of the umbilicus 260 and the endoscope shaft 100a, transmitting light to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. The connector section 265, when plugged into the tower 202, also connects the air pump 215 to the gas supply line 240b within the umbilicus 260.

[0022] The liquid reservoir 270 (e.g., a water bottle or other type of container for holding a fluid) is fluidly connected to the endoscope 100 via the connector portion 265 and the umbilical 260. A portion of the gas supply tube 240c extends from one end positioned within the void 275 between the upper portion 280 of the reservoir 270 (e.g., a bottle cap or closure device) and the remaining water 285 within the reservoir, to the detachable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290 outside of the connector portion 265. The gas supply line 240b from the umbilicus 260 branches within the connector portion 265 to communicate with the gas supply tube 240c of the detachable gas / lens cleaning fluid connection 290 and the air pump 215. A portion of the lens cleaning fluid tube 245c, one end of which is disposed at the bottom of the reservoir 270, passes through the upper portion 280 of the reservoir and reaches the same detachable connection 290 as the gas supply tube 240c of the connector portion 265. In other embodiments, the connections may be separate, such as located within a wearable or portable device, or on the handle 115, and / or may be separated from each other. The connector portion 265 also has a detachable cleaning fluid connection 293 for a cleaning fluid supply tube (not shown) that extends from a cleaning fluid source (not shown) to the cleaning fluid supply line 255b within the umbilicus 260. In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid is supplied via a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump) from a water source (not shown) independent of the reservoir 270. In other embodiments, the cleaning fluid supply tube and the lens cleaning fluid tube 245c may supply water from the same liquid reservoir. The connector portion 265 can also include a detachable suction connection 295 for the suction supply lines 250b and 250a that communicate a vacuum source (e.g., in-hospital suction) (not shown) to the umbilicus 260 and the endoscope 100.

[0023] The gas supply line 240b and the lens cleaning solution supply line 245b are connected to a valve hole 135 for a gas / water valve 140, and the operation of the gas / water valve in the hole is configured to control the supply of gas or lens cleaning solution to the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100. The suction supply line 250b is connected to a valve hole 135 for a suction valve 145, and the operation of the suction valve in the hole is configured to control the suction applied to the working channel 235 of the endoscope 100.

[0024] Referring to Figure 2, an exemplary operation of an endoscope system 200, including an endoscope such as the endoscope 100 described above, is explained. Air from the air pump 215 in the tower 202 flows through the connector section 265 and branches off to the gas / water valve 140 on the operating handle 115 via the gas supply line 240b in the umbilicus 260, and similarly branches off to the water reservoir 270 via the gas supply tube 240c through the connection section 290 on the connector section 265. When the gas / water valve 140 is in the neutral position, if the user's finger is not on the valve, air can flow out of the valve into the atmosphere. In the first position, the user's finger is used to block the vent to the atmosphere. Gas can flow from the valve 140 down the gas supply line 240a and out of the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 to deliver air to, for example, the patient's treatment area. When the gas / water valve 140 is pushed down to the second position, gas is prevented from escaping the valve, allowing the pressure of the air passing from the air pump 215 to rise in the water reservoir 270. When the water supply source is pressurized, water is pushed out of the lens cleaning fluid tube 245c, through the connector section 265, the umbilicus 260, down the lens cleaning fluid supply line 245a through the gas / water valve 140, merges with the gas supply line 240a, and exits from the distal tip 100c of the endoscope 100 via the gas / lens cleaning fluid nozzle 220. The air pump pressure can be adjusted to provide lens cleaning water at a relatively low flow rate compared to the supply of cleaning fluid.

[0025] The flow rate of the lens cleaning solution is controlled by the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270. As water is pushed out of the reservoir 270 through the lens cleaning solution tube 245c, the gas pressure in the water reservoir 270 begins to decrease. The air pump 215 restores the lost air supply in the reservoir 270 to maintain a substantially constant pressure, and then provides a substantially constant flow rate of lens cleaning solution. In some embodiments, a filter (not shown) may be placed in the path of the gas supply tube 240c to remove undesirable contaminants or particles from passing through the water reservoir 270. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve configuration or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be placed in the path of the lens cleaning solution supply tube to help prevent water from flowing back into the reservoir 270 after passing through the valve.

[0026] Since its primary use is to remove debris obstructing the user's field of view from the patient's treatment area, a relatively high flow rate is typically required for the cleaning solution compared to lens cleaning solution. Cleaning is typically achieved by using a pump (e.g., a peristaltic pump), as described. In embodiments with an independent water supply source for the cleaning solution, a tube located at the bottom of the water supply source passes over the top of the water supply source and is routed to the upstream head of the pump. The downstream tube of the pump 255c connects to the cleaning solution supply line 255b in the umbilicus 260 and the cleaning solution supply line 255a of the endoscope 100 via a cleaning solution connection 293 on the connector portion 265. When cleaning is required, the cleaning pump is operated, for example by pressing a foot switch (not shown), and the fluid is pumped from the water supply source, through the cleaning solution connection 293, through the cleaning solution supply line 255b in the umbilicus, down the cleaning solution supply line in the shaft 100a of the endoscope, and to the distal tip 100c. An air vent (not shown) may be included in the upper part 280 of the water reservoir 270 to equalize the pressure within the water source as water is discharged from the cleaning fluid supply tube. The vent prevents air from flowing into the water source and the accumulation of negative pressure within the water source. Negative pressure can create a vacuum that draws unwanted substances from the patient through the endoscope towards the water source. In some embodiments, an outflow check valve configuration similar to that of the lens cleaning fluid tube 245c or other one-way valve configuration (not shown) may be placed in the path of the cleaning fluid supply tube to help prevent backflow into the reservoir after the water has passed through the valve.

[0027] Figure 3 shows a block diagram of an endoscope system 300, comprising a liquid supply source 308 directly connected to a handle 306, according to one or more embodiments described herein. In the illustrated embodiments, the endoscope system 300 includes a tower 302, an umbilicus 304, a handle 306, a liquid supply source 308, and a long member 310. The tower 302 may include a gas supply source 312, a light source 314, and a video processor 316. By directly connecting the liquid supply source 308 to the handle 306, the umbilicus 304 of the endoscope system 300 has greater flexibility compared to the umbilicus 260 of the endoscope system 200. In many embodiments, the handle 306 may include at least one electrical connection to the long member 310, such as one or more electrical connections between the umbilicus 304 and the long member 310. It will be understood that additional or alternative components may be included in or excluded from the endoscope system 300 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the gas supply source 312 may be integrated with the liquid supply source 308. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0028] In various embodiments, the liquid supply source 308 may provide lens cleaning fluid and / or cleaning fluid to the elongated member 310 based on the operation of a control interface on the handle 306. In various embodiments, the liquid supply source 308 may be detachably connected to the handle 306 and easily interchangeable with additional liquid supply sources. In one or more embodiments, the liquid supply source 308 may include means for flowing the liquid through the handle into the elongated member 310, such as by pressurizing the liquid. In other embodiments, a gas supply source 312 may be used to pressurize the liquid in the liquid supply source 308 and flow the liquid through the handle into the elongated member 310. References to communicating tubes, lines, channels, and / or components will be understood to mean that lumens are included in and / or between them.

[0029] In some embodiments, the handle 306 may include a supply port to which a liquid supply source 308 is connected. The liquid supply source 308 may include an adapter and a reservoir. The adapter may be connected to the supply port and reservoir of the handle 306. In some embodiments, the adapter may include a quick disconnect to allow for easy replacement of the reservoir. In various embodiments, the liquid supply source 308 may include a diaphragm or bladder used to push liquid out of the reservoir. For example, the reservoir may be collapsible, and the liquid supply source 308 may include a compressed gas container that pushes liquid out of the reservoir, such as by filling the bladder in the liquid reservoir. In another embodiment, the adapter of the handle 306 may be connected to a gas supply source and configured to introduce gas into the reservoir and push out the liquid.

[0030] In various embodiments, the handle 306 may include a sensor capable of determining the position of a control interface on the handle. In some such embodiments, a liquid supply source 308 may supply liquid to the elongated member 310 based on data provided by the sensor. Many embodiments may include one or more sensors that are communicatively connected to the liquid and / or gas supply source to control the operation of the liquid and / or gas supply source. In many embodiments, one or more control interfaces described herein may include a suction valve 145 and / or a gas / lens cleaning fluid valve 140. In various embodiments, the light source 314 may be identical or similar to the light source 205. In one embodiment, the light source 314 can provide illumination to the distal end of the elongated member 310 via an optical fiber. The video processor 316 may be identical or similar to the video processing unit 210.

[0031] Figures 4A and 4B show exemplary embodiments of an endoscope system 400 comprising a fluid supply source 408 directly connected to a handle 406, according to one or more embodiments described herein. The endoscope system 400 includes a tower 402, an umbilicus 404, a handle 406, a fluid supply source 408, a long member 410, and a wearable device 424. As shown in Figure 4A, the tower 402 is connected to the handle 406 via the umbilicus 404. The handle 406 may include a supply port 420, a control interface 422, and a portion of a cleaning fluid supply line 412. As shown in Figure 4B, the wearable device 424 may include a belt 426 with a plurality of interchangeable reservoirs 428b, 428c, 428d. In various embodiments, reservoir 428a may be interchangeable with reservoirs 428b, 428c, 428d. It will be understood that additional or alternative components may be included in or excluded from the endoscopic system 400 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0032] The control interface 422 may be used to control communication between the cleaning fluid supply line 412 and / or the lens cleaning fluid supply line 416 and the supply port 420. In various embodiments, the control interface 422 may include an air / water valve. In some embodiments, the handle 406 may include a sensor, which is utilized by the liquid supply source 408, to determine whether to supply liquid to the cleaning fluid supply line 412 or the lens cleaning fluid supply line 416 based on the position of the control interface 422. The liquid supply source 408 may include an adapter 418 and a reservoir 428a. The adapter 418 can be detachably or fixedly connected to the supply port 420 to facilitate communication between the reservoir and the supply port 420. In various embodiments, the supply port 420 may include threads into which the adapter 418 is screwed. In addition, or alternatively, the adapter 418 may include threads into which the reservoir is screwed. In the illustrated embodiment, the umbilicus 404 includes a gas supply line 414, but the umbilicus 404 does not include a cleaning fluid supply line or a lens cleaning fluid supply line. Instead, the liquid for lens cleaning fluid and / or cleaning fluid is supplied via a liquid supply source 408 connected to the handle 406. In the illustrated embodiment, the gas supply line 414 includes a "T" joint that can be used to pressurize the reservoir and push the liquid from the liquid supply source 408 toward the elongated member 410.

[0033] One of the essential components for using liquids (e.g., water) in endoscopic procedures is that the scope has a source for drawing in water. The endoscopic system 400 may allow the physician to have a set of reservoirs 428a, 428b, 428c, 428d (or reservoir 428) that can be quickly switched between. Reservoirs 428 may be disposable or reusable. In some embodiments, reservoir 428 may include a water bottle or packet. Reservoirs 428 may be attached either directly to the scope or via an additional device (e.g., an adapter 418) that acts as a medium between the reservoir and the cleaning fluid supply line 412 and the lens cleaning fluid supply line 416.

[0034] Another important component for using liquid (e.g., water) in endoscopic procedures is the ability to pressurize the water and push it into the water channels of the scope (e.g., cleaning fluid supply line 412 and / or lens cleaning fluid supply line 416). In some embodiments, the liquid supply source 408 includes a diaphragm or bladder that compresses and pushes the liquid in the reservoir. In various embodiments, the compressive force may be achieved by various means such as a piston, hydraulics, an air expansion chamber, a foot pedal, or a gear with a lead screw. A gas supply source may operate on a similar compressive force. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure supply source is provided from the tower 402 via the umbilicus 404 and gas supply line 414. For example, the fluid may be pushed out of the reservoir 428a in a similar manner to the pressurizing pump 215 of the endoscope system 200.

[0035] Figure 5 shows a block diagram of an endoscope system 500 comprising a wearable device 516 incorporating a gas supply source 510 and a liquid supply source 506, according to one or more embodiments described herein. The endoscope system 500 eliminates the physical connection between the tower 502 and the handle 504. Instead, the wearable device 516 includes the gas supply source 510 and the liquid supply source 506. In addition, the tower 502 and the wearable device 516 include wireless transceivers 512, 518 to facilitate communication between the video processor 514 and the elongated member 508 via at least one electrical connection in the handle 504. Thus, in various embodiments, the elongated member 508 may include sensors such as a video camera. In some embodiments, the wearable device 516 or the handle 504 may include a light source connected to the elongated member 508, such as in a similar manner to the light source 314. In one embodiment, the light source may be connected to an optical fiber extending to the distal end of the elongated member 310. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0036] The handle 504 includes a sensor 520 used to activate one or more of the gas supply source 510 and the liquid supply source 506, for example, to determine the position of one or more control interfaces and to supply gas, lens cleaning solution, and / or cleaning solution to the elongated member 508. In some embodiments, the handle 504 includes one or more electrical connections to the elongated member 508. In some embodiments, the liquid supply source 506 may supply liquid at a first flow rate for lens cleaning solution and a second flow rate for cleaning solution. In some such embodiments, the first flow rate may be lower than the second flow rate. It will be understood that additional or alternative components may be included in or excluded from the endoscope system 500 without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the sensor 520 may be excluded from the handle 504. The video processor 514 may be identical or similar to the video processing unit 210.

[0037] Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of an endoscope system 600, comprising a wearable device 608 wirelessly connected to a tower 616, according to one or more embodiments described herein. The endoscope system 600 includes a handle 602, an elongated member 604, a wearable device 608, and a tower 616. The handle 602 may be connected to the wearable device 608 via a supply port 618. In some embodiments, the connection between the handle 608 and the wearable device 608 may be called an umbilicus. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 602 includes a control interface 610 with a sensor 606. In many embodiments, the control interface 610 includes an air / water valve. In various embodiments, the sensor 606 is utilized by the wearable device 608 to determine the position of the control interface 610, and based on the position of the control interface 610, the wearable device 608 may provide one or more of air, lens cleaning fluid, and cleaning fluid to the elongated member 604. In one embodiment, a plurality of control interfaces may be included with a plurality of sensors to control the supply of one or more of air, lens cleaning fluid, and cleaning fluid to the elongated member 604. For example, the user may manually select whether cleaning fluid or lens cleaning fluid is supplied. In one such embodiment, cleaning fluid may be supplied unless the control interface 610 is pressed. In some embodiments, the pump speed may be controlled based on the position of the control interface 610. In some such embodiments, a variable flow rate for lens cleaning fluid and / or cleaning fluid may be supplied based on the position of the control interface 610. It will be understood that additional or alternative components may be included in or excluded from the endoscope system 600 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the sensor 606 may be excluded from the handle 602. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0038] Figures 7A–7C show exemplary embodiments of a wearable device 706 including a liquid supply source 708, according to one or more embodiments described herein. In the illustrated embodiments, the wearable device 706 includes a backpack 710 with straps 712, which is attached to a user 702 using arms 704. The liquid supply source 708 includes a reservoir 714, a pump 716, a power supply 718, a supply tube 720, and a condenser 738. It will be understood that additional or alternative components may be included in or excluded from the wearable device 706 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, a gas supply source may be incorporated into the wearable device 706. In another example, the condenser 738 may be excluded from the liquid supply source 708. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0039] Referring to Figure 7A, in many embodiments, a power supply 718 may be used to operate the pump 716. In various embodiments, the power supply 718 may include a battery. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump 716 includes a peristaltic pump. In other embodiments, one or more of the following can be used: a rotary lobe pump, a progressive cavity pump, a rotary gear pump, a piston pump, a diaphragm pump, a screw pump, a gear pump, and a hydraulic pump. Similarly, one or more gas supply sources described herein may include one or more of the above-mentioned pump types to circulate the gas. In various embodiments, the supply tube 720 may be connected to the handle of the endoscope system, for example, via a supply port, to supply liquid to the endoscope system. The reservoir 714 can be continuously refilled by extracting water from the ambient air using a condenser 738. In the illustrated embodiment, the wearable device 706 includes a backpack. In other embodiments, the wearable device 706 may include a hip belt, such as a front-worn or back-worn fanny pack. In one embodiment, the wearable device 706 may include a backpack combined with a hip belt. More generally, in some embodiments, the wearable device may include portable devices that are not necessarily worn by the user, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, one or more of a liquid source, a gas source, and a wireless transceiver may be carried by the user.

[0040] Referring to Figure 7B, the supply tube 720 may include an upstream tube section 728, a pump tube section 730, and a downstream tube section 732. The upstream tube section 728 may provide communication between the reservoir 714 and the pump 716. The pump 716 may include a rotor 734 and a pump wall 726. As seen in Figure 7C, the rotor 734 has a triangular shape and may include a plurality of rollers 736a, 736b, 736c. During operation, the rotor 734 rotates, causing the rollers 736a, 736b, 736c to compress portions of the pump tube section 730 against the pump wall 726, thereby pushing the liquid from the reservoir 714 into the downstream tube section 732. In various embodiments, the speed at which the rotor 734 rotates may be based on the position of the control interface. As mentioned above, in many embodiments, the position of the control interface may be determined based on sensors.

[0041] In various embodiments, the upstream tube section 728 may be removably connected to the reservoir 714, for example, via a cap. In the illustrated embodiment, the pump wall 726 includes a bend of about 90 degrees, allowing the upstream tube section 728 and the downstream tube section 732 to be oriented at about 90 degrees relative to each other. In other embodiments, the pump wall 726 may include a second bend of about 90 degrees to form a "U" shape, allowing the upstream tube section 728 and the downstream tube section 732 to be oriented at about 180 degrees relative to each other.

[0042] As can be understood, the lengths of the cleaning solution, lens cleaning solution, gas supply, and alternative gas supply tubes may have any preferred size (e.g., diameter). In addition, the size (e.g., diameter) of the tubes may vary depending on the application. In one non-limiting embodiment, the cleaning solution supply tube may have an inner diameter of about 6.5 mm and an outer diameter of about 9.7 mm. The lens cleaning solution supply tube may have an inner diameter of about 5 mm and an outer diameter of about 8 mm. The gas supply tube may have an inner diameter of about 2 mm and an outer diameter of about 3.5 mm. The alternative gas supply tube may have an inner diameter of about 5 mm and an outer diameter of about 8 mm.

[0043] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed devices without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Other embodiments of this disclosure will also be apparent to those skilled in the art, considering the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This specification and examples are for illustrative purposes only, and the true scope and technical idea of ​​the invention are intended to be shown by the following claims.

[0044] All apparatus and methods discussed herein are examples of apparatus and / or methods implemented in accordance with one or more principles of this disclosure. These examples are merely illustrative and not the only ways of implementing these principles. Accordingly, references to elements, structures, or features in the drawings should be understood as references to examples of embodiments of this disclosure and should not be understood as limiting this disclosure to specific elements, structures, or features illustrated. Other examples of forms of implementing the disclosed principles will be recalled by those skilled in the art who have read this disclosure.

[0045] In the foregoing description and the following claims, it will be understood that: The terms “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” as used herein are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in their function. The entity of the term “one (a)” or “one (an)” refers, as used herein, to one or more of those entities. Thus, the terms “one (a)” (or “one (an)”), “one or more,” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. All references to directions (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, up, down, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, counterclockwise, etc.) are used solely for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of this disclosure and / or to distinguish areas of related elements from one another, and do not limit the elements relevant in particular with respect to the location, orientation, or use of this disclosure. References to connections (e.g., attached, linked, connected, and joined) should be interpreted broadly and, unless otherwise indicated, may include intermediate members between sets of elements and relative movement between elements. Therefore, references to connections do not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and have a fixed relationship with one another. Identifying references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to imply importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another.

[0046] The preceding discussions are presented for illustrative and explanatory purposes and are not intended to limit the disclosure to one or more forms disclosed herein. It will be understood that various additions, modifications, and substitutions can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the concepts, technical ideas, and scope of the disclosure. In particular, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the principles of the disclosure can be embodied in other forms, structures, arrangements, proportions, and with other elements, materials, and components without departing from the concepts, technical ideas, scope, or characteristics thereof. For example, various features of the disclosure may be grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of a particular aspect, embodiment, or configuration of the disclosure may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or configurations. It will be understood to those skilled in the art that the disclosure can be used with many modifications, such as structures, arrangements, proportions, materials, and components used in the implementation of the disclosure, that are particularly suited to specific environmental and operating requirements without departing from the principles of the disclosure. For example, an element shown as being formed as a single unit may consist of multiple parts, or an element shown as multiple parts may be formed as a single unit, the operation of an element may be reversed or changed to something else, the size or dimensions of an element may be changed, and the features and components of various embodiments may be selectively combined. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not limiting, and the scope of the claimed invention is indicated by the appended claims and is not limited to the foregoing description.

[0047] The following claims are incorporated by reference into this detailed description, and each claim stands independently as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. In the claims, the term “includes / contains” does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although listed individually, multiple means, elements or method steps may be implemented, for example, by a single unit or processor. In addition, individual features may be included in different claims, but they may be advantageously combined in some cases, and inclusion in different claims does not mean that the combination of features is unfeasible and / or unfavorable. Furthermore, singular references do not exclude plurals. Terms such as “one (a),” “one (an),” “first,” “second,” etc., do not exclude plurals. Reference numerals in the claims are provided merely as clear examples and should never be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A long member containing at least one lumen, A handle fixedly connected to a long member, the handle including a control interface and a supply port, the control interface being operable to control communication between the supply port and the at least one lumen, and the handle including at least one electrical connection to the long member, A liquid supply source comprising an adapter and a reservoir detachably connected to the adapter, wherein the adapter is detachably connected to the handle via the supply port, The apparatus includes a condenser configured to extract a liquid from the atmosphere and pour the liquid into the reservoir.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid supply source includes a pump for flowing fluid from the reservoir into the at least one lumen in accordance with the operation of the control interface.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pump includes a peristaltic pump.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid supply source includes a compressed gas container for flowing fluid from the reservoir into the at least one lumen in accordance with the operation of the control interface.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the liquid supply source is located within a wearable device.

6. The wearable device includes a backpack, according to claim 5.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the wearable device includes a power source configured to operate the liquid supply source.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adapter includes a screw thread into which the reservoir is screwed.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the supply port includes a thread into which the adapter is screwed.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control interface includes an air / water valve.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a sensor communicatively connected to the liquid supply source, the sensor configured to indicate the position of the control interface, and the liquid supply source comprising a pump configured to flow fluid from the reservoir into the at least one lumen according to the position of the control interface indicated by the sensor.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising a gas supply source configured to pressurize the reservoir in response to the operation of the control interface.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a tower including a video processor, wherein an umbilicus connects the handle to the tower, and the video processor is connected via the umbilicus to the at least one electrical connection in the handle.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the tower includes a gas supply source configured to pressurize the reservoir in response to the operation of the control interface.

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