Medical devices

Abstract

To favorably perform surgical treatment.SOLUTION: A medical device includes an elongate member, an irrigation port at a proximal end of the elongate member, and a resection assembly extending from a distal end of the elongate member. The elongate member defines a first track and a second track along a longitudinal axis of the elongate member. The resection assembly includes: a first member, including a first portion located along the first track; a second member having a fluid conduit passageway extending along the longitudinal axis so as to be in fluid communication with the irrigation port, the second member also having a third portion located along the second track; and an electrically activatable resection element extending from a distal end of the first member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This document generally relates to, but is not limited to, medical devices, hysteroscopic resection assemblies, and treatment methods that can be used for various surgical procedures. More specifically, the present application relates to, but is not limited to, medical devices, hysteroscopic resection assemblies, and treatment methods that can be used for treating the reproductive system of female patients. [Background Art]

[0002] Proliferation may occur on the lining of the uterus. If left untreated, it can cause discomfort and impair menstruation and fertility. Proliferation may include polyps and uterine fibroids. Uterine polyps are growths that can form on the inner lining of the uterus. When hyperproliferation of endometrial tissue occurs, uterine polyps can form. Polyps attach to the endometrium and can spread into the uterine cavity.

[0003] Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that can develop in the uterine wall. Different types of uterine fibroids include intramural fibroids, submucosal fibroids, subserosal fibroids, and pedunculated fibroids. Intramural fibroids can develop within the muscular wall of the uterus and may cause severe bleeding. Submucosal fibroids can develop inside the uterine cavity or may abut the uterine cavity. Submucosal fibroids can also cause severe bleeding. Subserosal fibroids can develop on the outer wall of the uterus and may cause symptoms of bloating or pressure. Pedunculated fibroids may attach to the uterine wall via a stalk-like growth called a stem.

[0004] When a patient has submucosal fibroids, hysteroscopy can be used to examine the inside of the uterus, and the fibroids can be removed by hysteroscopic resection. The hysteroscope can be inserted through the vagina and through the natural opening of the cervix. Typically, the diameter of the hysteroscope requires dilation of the cervix, which can be painful and may require the patient to be under general anesthesia. As a result, an operating room may be required, and the recovery period due to dilation may be prolonged. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a medical device, a hysteroscopic resection assembly, and a processing method that enable successful surgical procedures. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a hysteroscope with a smaller diameter that allows for less cervical dilation and less anesthesia. This problem can be addressed by providing a hysteroscope having an elongated member including first and second orbitals. For example, the first and second orbitals may include longitudinal lumens or working channels. The resection assembly may retract into and extend from the first and second orbitals. The resection assembly may include a first member having a first portion positioned along the first orbital. The first member may function as a control member for the resection assembly. The resection assembly may also have a second member that can function as a support member for the resection assembly. The second member may have a fluid conduit passage extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The fluid conduit passage in the second member may be fluidically coupled to an irrigation fluid source. This allows the irrigation fluid to be delivered to the target site via the fluid conduit passage in the second member. The first and second orbitals may have dual functionality. The first and second orbitals can provide a structure for delivering the excision assembly to the target site. Furthermore, one or both of the first and second orbitals can supply irrigation fluid to the target site.

[0007] The excision assembly may also have electrically activated excision elements and conductive stabilizing members. In the retracted position, the first and second members may be positioned inside the first and second orbitals. In the extended position, the distal portions of the first and second members may extend from the first and second orbitals. In the extended position, the second member may supply irrigation fluid to the target site via a fluid conduit passage extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The first member may include an electrical insulator positioned around a portion of the electrically activated excision element. The excision element may extend from the first member to form an electrically activated excision loop. The first member may also include a conductive outer tube. The electrically activated excision loop may extend from the distal end of the first member to the conductive stabilizing member. The conductive stabilizing member may extend between the distal end of the first member and the distal end of the second member.

[0008] The elongated component may also include a camera and a suction port. An electrically activatable excision loop can be oriented so that the electrically activatable excision loop is within the camera's field of view and the suction port is above the camera. With the suction port above the camera, if air bubbles form during hysteroscopy, the suction port can draw the bubbles away from the camera's field of view. This can help reduce or minimize the amount of air bubbles that might otherwise obstruct the camera's field of view.

[0009] Potential benefits include the ability to reduce cervical dilation and the amount of anesthesia required for the patient. More specifically, by providing a hysteroscope with a dual-function lumen that provides both the resection assembly and irrigation to the target site, the overall lateral size of the hysteroscope can be reduced, thereby reducing the amount of cervical dilation required and potentially reducing the amount of anesthesia needed for hysteroscopic procedures.

[0010] Another potential advantage concerns devices that, by being small in size, can operate in small areas while still having the ability to remove a large portion of tissue, such as a large uterine fibroid or large polyp.

[0011] A further potential benefit concerns configuring the hysteroscope so that the suction port is located above the camera, thereby expanding the camera's field of view by drawing air bubbles formed during hysteroscopic procedures out of the camera's view. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This shows a hysteroscope with a resection assembly. [Figure 2] Figure 1 shows the elongated component of a hysteroscope. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows the second component of the excision assembly. [Figure 4] Figure 1 shows the second component of the excision assembly. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows the first component of the excision assembly. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the resection assembly extending from the distal end of the hysteroscope. [Figure 7] An alternative example of the excision assembly is shown. [Figure 8] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the excision assembly. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a flowchart showing the reprocessing method for hysteroscopy. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The hysteroscope may include an elongated member that includes first and second orbitals (e.g., lumens or channels). The resection assembly may retract into and extend from the first and second orbitals. The resection assembly may include a first member having a first portion positioned along the first orbital. The first member may function as a control member for the resection assembly. The resection assembly may also have a second member having a fluid conduit passage extending along the longitudinal axis of the elongated member. The fluid conduit passage of the second member may be fluidically coupled to an irrigation fluid source. This allows the irrigation fluid to be delivered to the target site via the fluid conduit passage in the second member. The second member may function as a support member for the resection assembly. The first and second orbitals may have dual functionality. The first and second orbitals may provide a structure for delivering the resection assembly to the target site. Furthermore, one or both of the first and second orbitals may be able to supply irrigation fluid to the target site.

[0014] Figure 1 shows an example of a hysteroscope 100 having a resection assembly 102. The hysteroscope 100 corresponds to a medical device according to the present invention. The resection assembly 102 corresponds to a hysteroscopic resection assembly according to the present invention. Although the hysteroscope 100 is shown as a rigid hysteroscope, the hysteroscope 100 may be a flexible type hysteroscope. The hysteroscope 100 may include a housing 104 that can function to receive various components of the hysteroscope 100. Examples of such components may include, but are not limited to, an endoscope, a light source, an inflow channel, and an outflow channel.

[0015] The hysteroscope 100 may also include an elongated member 106 extending from the housing 104. The elongated member 106 may include a lateral suction port 108 having a suction source connector 110. The suction source connector 110 can facilitate fluid coupling between the lateral suction port 108 and a suction source that can draw fluid from the lateral suction port 108. Thus, substances such as liquids and debris removed from the target site can be removed from the target site and the hysteroscope 100 via the lateral suction port 108. In particular, liquids and debris can travel along the suction port neck 112 from the lateral suction port 108 to the suction source. Although suction has been described as occurring at the lateral suction port 108, suction may occur at different parts of the elongated member 106. For example, in addition or instead, the elongated member 106 may have a suction port located close to the proximal end 114 of the elongated member 106.

[0016] The lateral suction port 108 can be used to remove the irrigation fluid supplied to the elongated member 106 at the irrigation port 116 located at the proximal end 114 of the elongated member 106. The irrigation fluid can be supplied to the elongated member 106 from an irrigation source (not shown) that can be connected to the irrigation port 116. The irrigation fluid can be supplied to the target site via the excision assembly 102.

[0017] The elongated member 106 can define both a first orbital 200 and a second orbital 202 along its longitudinal axis 203, as shown in Figure 2. The first member 204 of the excision assembly 102 can be positioned along the first orbital 200. The first member 204 can be a control member or control arm. The second member 206 of the excision assembly 102 can be positioned along the second orbital 202. The second member 206 can be a support member or support arm. The second member 206 may include a fluid conduit passage 208 extending along its longitudinal axis 203 through which an irrigation fluid ("IR") can be delivered to the target site. The second member 206 can define a lumen 210 of the second member 206 through which the fluid conduit passage 208 extending along its longitudinal axis 203 can open into the lumen 210 of the second member 206. The lumen 210 of the second member 206 can be in fluid communication with the irrigation port 116. The lumen 210 of the second member 206 can extend to an opening 212 at the proximal end of the second member 206. The opening 212 is clearly shown in Figure 3. The opening 212 of the second member 206 can be positioned close to the irrigation port 116 so that the irrigation fluid IR supplied from the irrigation fluid source through the irrigation port 116 can move to the opening 212 of the second member 206. From the opening 212 of the second member 206, the irrigation fluid IR can move through the lumen 210 of the second member 206 to a fluid conduit passage 208 that extends along the longitudinal axis 203.

[0018] In FIG. 4, a fluid conduit passage 208 extending along the longitudinal axis 203 is in fluid communication with the lumen 210 of the second member 206. By being in fluid communication with the lumen 210 of the second member 206 which is in fluid communication with the irrigation port 116, the fluid conduit passage 208 extending along the longitudinal axis 203 is in fluid communication with the irrigation port 116. Accordingly, irrigation fluid IR can exit the lumen 210 of the second member 206 via the fluid conduit passage 208 extending along the longitudinal axis 203 and flow to the target site. In FIG. 4, the second member 206 can be connected to ground. When the second member 206 is connected to ground, the second member 206 may include an insulator 400 disposed around the lumen 210 of the second member 206, and an outer jacket 402 of the second member disposed around the insulator 400. The insulator 400 may be formed from any type of electrically insulating material such as ceramic, any type of polymer, or rubber. The outer jacket 402 of the second member 206 may be formed from a conductive material and can function as a ground for an active ablation element when the ablation assembly 102 is being used to treat a target site. Examples of materials that can be used for the outer jacket 402 of the second member 206 can include stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and the like.

[0019] Returning to FIG. 2, the ablation assembly 102 can include an electrically activatable ablation element 214 disposed within the first member 204 and extendable through the first member. The electrically activatable ablation element 214 can be a conductor and can extend from a power source (not shown) of the hysteroscope 100 to the distal end 216 of the first member 204. A portion of the electrically activatable ablation element 214 can extend out of the first member 204 at the distal end 216 of the first member 204.

[0020] In FIG. 5, the first member 204 can include an insulator 500 disposed around a portion of the electrically activatable ablation element 214. The insulator 500 is located inside the conductive outer tube 502 of the first member 204, and can insulate the electrically activatable ablation element 214 from the conductive outer tube 502. The insulator 500 can be formed from the same electrically insulating material as the insulator 400. The conductive outer tube 502 can be formed from the same conductive material as the outer jacket 402 of the second member 206, and can be electrically coupled to ground to function as a ground for the electrically activatable ablation element 214 when the ablation assembly 102 is being used to treat a target site. The conductive outer tube 502 can also extend within the first track 200.

[0021] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the ablation assembly 102 is shown in a retracted position in which the second member 206 and the first member 204 are disposed substantially inside the elongated member 106. The ablation assembly 102 can be slidable along directions X and Y such that the ablation assembly 102 can be in the retracted position and an extended position. The first member 204 can be slidable within the first track 200 (e.g., a lumen or a channel) along directions X and Y. In addition, the second member 206 can be slidable within the second track 202 (e.g., a lumen or a channel) along directions X and Y. In the retracted position, both the third portion 218 of the second member 206 and the fourth portion 220 of the second member 206 can be disposed along the first track 200. In the retracted position, both the first portion 222 of the first member 204 and the second portion 224 of the first member 204 can be disposed within the second track 202.

[0022] In the extended position, as shown in FIG. 6, the third portion 218 of the second member 206 can be disposed along the first track 200, while the fourth portion 220 of the second member 206 can extend distally from the elongated member 106. In the extended position, as further shown in FIG. 6, the first portion 222 of the first member 204 can be disposed along the second track 202, while the second portion 224 of the first member 204 can extend distally from the elongated member 106.

[0023] The hysteroscope 100 may also include a handle 118. The handle 118 can be used to control the position of the resection assembly 102 from the retracted position shown in Figures 1 and 2 to the extended position shown in Figure 6. In particular, the handle 118 can be moved along direction X to move the resection assembly 102 to the position shown in Figure 6, and along direction Y to move the resection assembly 102 to the positions shown in Figures 1 and 2. During the resection procedure, the resection assembly 102 can extend from an elongated member 106 to resection tissue from a tissue site.

[0024] The excision assembly 102 may also include a first electrical insulator 600 and a second electrical insulator 602. The first electrical insulator 600 may be located at the distal end 216 of the first member 204. The second electrical insulator 602 may be located at the distal end 606 of the second member 206. The first electrical insulator 600 and the second electrical insulator 602 may be formed from the same electrical insulating material as the insulator 400. The electrically activatable excision element 214 may extend between the first electrical insulator 600 and the second electrical insulator 602 to form an electrically activatable excision loop, as shown in Figure 6.

[0025] The electrically activated excision element 214 can be formed from any type of conductive material, such as copper wire, nickel wire, aluminum wire, or steel wire. During the excision procedure, the electrically activated excision element 214 can be used to vaporize the tissue at the target site. To enable vaporization during the excision procedure, a current can be supplied from a power source to the electrically activated excision element 214. The second member 206 may have an outer jacket 402 (Figure 4) formed from one of the conductive materials described above. Furthermore, the outer jacket 402 of the second member 206 can be electrically coupled to earth. The electrically activated excision element 214 can be electrically connected to the second member 206 and the outer jacket 402 of the second member 206, thus providing a path for the current supplied to the electrically activated excision element 214 during tissue vaporization.

[0026] During the resection procedure, the irrigation fluid IR can be supplied to the lumen 210 of the second member 206 as described above and delivered to the target site via the fluid conduit passage 208 extending along the longitudinal axis 203. Thus, the hysteroscope 100 requires only a single member, namely the elongated member 106, which can provide a mechanism for resecting tissue at the target site while simultaneously delivering the irrigation fluid to the target site.

[0027] The elongated member 106 may also include a distal suction port 226 that can be fluidly coupled to a lateral suction port 108. The distal suction port 226 may extend from the distal end 604 of the elongated member 106 to the lateral suction port 108. During the resection procedure, when suction is applied to the distal suction port 226, the debris 608 and irrigation fluid IR can be drawn into the distal suction port 226. Thus, in addition to providing the irrigation fluid 608 and the resection mechanism, a single member such as the elongated member 106 can remove the irrigation fluid IR and debris 608 from the target site during the resection procedure.

[0028] The hysteroscope 100 may include a camera 610 having a field of view 612 positioned at the distal end 604 of an elongated member 106. The resection assembly 102, in particular an electrically activated resection element 214, may be within the camera field of view 612. The operator of the hysteroscope 100 can use the camera 610 to view the target site together with the resection assembly 102. During use of the hysteroscope 100, the operator can use the handle 118 and the camera 610 to control the resection using the electrically activated resection element 214. As shown in Figure 6, the camera 610 is positioned on the upper part of the elongated member 106, while the distal suction port 226 is positioned on the lower part of the elongated member 106 below the camera 610.

[0029] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 7, the camera 610 may be positioned on the lower part of the elongated member 106, while the distal suction port 226 may be positioned on the upper part of the elongated member 106. Here, the distal suction port 226 is positioned above the camera 610. During resection at the target site, air bubbles 700 may form, and if the air bubbles 700 enter the camera field of view 612, they may obstruct the camera's field of view. By orienting the camera 610 below the distal suction port 226, the distal suction port 226 can suction the air bubbles 700 out of the camera field of view 612, thereby providing a clearer camera field of view 612.

[0030] In the embodiments described above, the excision assembly 102 included a second member 206, a first member 204, an electrically activated excision element 214, a first electrical insulator 600, and a second electrical insulator 602. The excision assembly may also include a conductive stabilizing member 800 extending between the distal end 216 of the first member 204 and the distal end 606 of the second member 206, as shown in Figure 8. As shown in Figure 8, the excision assembly 102 includes a first electrical insulator 600 at the distal end 216 of the first member 204 and a second electrical insulator 602 at the distal end 606 of the second member 206. The conductive stabilizing member 800 can provide a path for current supplied to the electrically activated excision element 214 during tissue vaporization. The conductive stabilizing member 800 can be electrically connected to a conductive outer tube 502, thereby providing a path for current in the electrically activated excision element 214 to flow to ground.

[0031] The hysteroscope 100 may be disposed of after a single use. Alternatively, the hysteroscope 100 may be reused multiple times. When the hysteroscope 100 may be reused multiple times, it can be used as described in the reprocessing method 900 shown in the flowchart Figure 9 for the reprocessing method of the hysteroscope 100. As described above, the hysteroscope 100 may be discarded after a single use or reused multiple times. When reused multiple times, the reprocessing method 900 in Figure 9 can be used. The operator who remanufactures the device can collect the used hysteroscope 100 after it has been used in treatment and transport the hysteroscope 100 to a factory or other facility in 902. The used hysteroscope 100 may be transported in a dedicated container to help prevent contamination by other treatments.

[0032] In 904, the operator cleans and sterilizes the used hysteroscope 100. During cleaning, a brush or the like is used to remove any deposits attached to each part of the hysteroscope 100. To remove pathogenic microorganisms originating from blood, bodily fluids, etc., one of the following cleaning solutions may be applied to the hysteroscope 100: an isopropanol-containing cleaning agent, a proteolytic enzyme detergent, or alcohol. The cleaning agent is not limited to the cleaning solutions mentioned above, and other cleaning agents may also be used. During sterilization, autoclaving, ethylene oxide gas sterilization, gamma ray sterilization, hydrogen peroxide, and hydrogen peroxide low-temperature sterilization may be applied to the hysteroscope 100. Due to the structure of the hysteroscope 100, it is easy to clean.

[0033] After cleaning and sterilization, the hysteroscope 100 can be subjected to acceptance testing in 906. During acceptance testing, the hysteroscope 100 can be inspected to determine if it has any significant defects. Furthermore, the number of times the hysteroscope 100 has been reprocessed can be determined. By comparing the number of times the hysteroscope 100 has been reprocessed with a threshold, it can be determined whether the number of times the hysteroscope 100 has been reprocessed exceeds the threshold and therefore should no longer be used.

[0034] Next, in 908, the hysteroscope 100 can be disassembled, where various components of the hysteroscope 100, such as the resection assembly 102 or the elongated member 106, are removed from the hysteroscope 100. Although only the resection assembly 102 and the elongated member 106 are mentioned as being removed, any part of the hysteroscope 100 as described herein can be removed in 908.

[0035] After disassembly in 908, in 910 any component of the hysteroscope 100 deemed to be defective may be replaced. More specifically, if the resection assembly 102 is deemed to be defective, the resection assembly may be replaced in 910. Although the resection assembly 102 is mentioned as being replaced, any part of the hysteroscope 100 as described herein may be replaced in 910.

[0036] After components of the hysteroscope 100 are replaced in 910, the hysteroscope 100 can be reassembled in 912. During reassembly, an identifier can be added to indicate that the hysteroscope 100 has been modified from its original state to include replacement parts (one or more). The identifier may include a label or any other type of mark indicating that the hysteroscope 100 has been reprocessed, modified, or remanufactured.

[0037] Next, in 914, the hysteroscope 100 is inspected and tested. Specifically, the user can verify through various functional tests that the newly formed hysteroscope 100 has the same effectiveness and safety as the original product. After inspection, in 916, the hysteroscope 100 can be sterilized and stored. The hysteroscope 100 can be sterilized with a sterilizing gas such as ethylene oxide gas or propylene oxide gas. After sterilization, the hysteroscope 100 is stored in 916 and can then be shipped in 918.

[0038] While various aspects and features of the subject matter of the present invention have been described, the following numbered embodiments are provided as exemplary embodiments.

[0039] Embodiment 1 is a medical device comprising an elongated member, an irrigation port at the proximal end of the elongated member, and a resection assembly extending from the distal end of the elongated member, wherein the elongated member defines a first and a second orbital along its longitudinal axis, and the resection assembly comprises a first member having a first portion positioned along the first orbital, a fluid conduit passage extending along the longitudinal axis and communicating with the irrigation port, and a second member having a third portion positioned along the second orbital, and an electrically activated resection element extending from the distal end of the first member.

[0040] In Embodiment 2, the subject of Embodiment 1 is further described, wherein the first member is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position along a first track, the first portion and the second portion of the first member are located within the elongated member in the retracted position, and the second portion extends distally from the elongated member in the extended position.

[0041] In Example 3, the themes of Examples 1 and 2 are extended, with the second member being slidable between a retracted position and an extended position along a second track, the third portion and the fourth portion of the second member being located within the elongated member in the retracted position, and the fourth portion extending distally from the elongated member in the extended position.

[0042] In Example 4, the subject matter of Examples 1 to 3 is further expanded, and the excision assembly comprises a conductive stabilizing member extending between the distal end of a first member and the distal end of a second member, a first electrical insulator positioned at the distal end of the first member, and a second electrical insulator positioned at the distal end of the second member, wherein the excision element extends between the first electrical insulator and the second electrical insulator to form an electrically activated excision loop.

[0043] In Example 5, the subject of Example 4 is further comprising an elongated member having a suction port located at or extending from the distal end of the elongated member, and a camera positioned at the distal end of the elongated member, wherein the excision loop is positioned or movable so as to be within the field of view of the camera.

[0044] In Example 6, the subject matter of Examples 4-5 is extended, and the first member comprises a conductive outer tube extending into a first raceway and an insulator disposed inside the conductive outer tube, wherein a portion of the excision element is disposed within the insulator.

[0045] In Example 7, the subject of Example 6 is extended to include the fact that the excision element includes a portion of a conductor extending from the first member.

[0046] In Example 8, the subject matter of Examples 6-7 is extended to include the fact that the conductive outer tube is electrically coupled to earth.

[0047] In Example 9, the subject matter of Examples 6-8 is extended to include a second component comprising an outer jacket formed from a conductive material, wherein the outer jacket is electrically coupled to earth.

[0048] Example 10 is a processing method for processing a medical device, the medical device comprising an elongated member, an irrigation port at the proximal end of the elongated member, and a resection assembly extending from the distal end of the elongated member, wherein the elongated member defines a first and a second orbit along its longitudinal axis, and the resection assembly comprises a first member having a first portion positioned along the first orbit, a fluid conduit passage extending along the longitudinal axis and communicating with the irrigation port, and a second member having a third portion positioned along the second orbit, and an electrically activated resection element extending from the distal end of the first member, the processing method comprising sterilizing the medical device and storing the medical device in a sterile container.

[0049] Example 11 is a hysteroscopic resection assembly comprising a first member, a second member having a lumen and a fluid conduit passage extending along the longitudinal axis of the lumen and communicating with the lumen, and an electrically activated resection element extending from the distal end of the first member.

[0050] In Example 12, the subject of Example 11 further comprises a conductive stabilizing member extending between the distal end of a first member and the distal end of a second member, a first electrical insulator disposed at the distal end of the first member, and a second electrical insulator disposed at the distal end of the second member, wherein the excision element extends between the first electrical insulator and the second electrical insulator to form an electrically activated excision loop.

[0051] In Example 13, the subject of Example 12 is extended to include a first member comprising a conductive outer tube and an insulator disposed inside the conductive outer tube, wherein a portion of the excision element is disposed within the insulator.

[0052] In Example 14, the subject of Example 13 is extended to include the fact that the excision element includes a portion of a conductor extending from the first member.

[0053] In Example 15, the subject matter of Examples 13-14 is extended to include the fact that the conductive outer tube is electrically coupled to earth.

[0054] In Example 16, the subject matter of Examples 13-15 is extended to include a second component comprising an outer jacket formed from a conductive material, wherein the outer jacket is electrically coupled to earth.

[0055] Example 17 is a processing method for processing a hysteroscope comprising a hysteroscopic resection assembly, the hysteroscopic resection assembly comprising a first member, a second member having a lumen and a fluid conduit passage extending along the longitudinal axis of the lumen and communicating with the lumen, and an electrically activated resection element extending from the distal end of the first member, the processing method comprising sterilizing the hysteroscope and storing the hysteroscope in a sterile container.

[0056] Example 18 is a medical device comprising an elongated member, an irrigation port at the proximal end of the elongated member, a suction port at or extending from the distal end of the elongated member, and a camera positioned at the distal end of the elongated member, wherein the elongated member defines a first orbit and a second orbit along its longitudinal axis, and both the first and second orbits are configured to supply an excision assembly and an irrigation fluid to a target site.

[0057] In Example 19, the subject of Example 18 is extended to include the second orbit communicating with the irrigation port, the suction port being located on the first lateral portion of the distal end of the elongated member, and the camera being located on the second lateral portion opposite the distal end of the elongated member below the suction port.

[0058] Example 20 is a method for processing a medical device, the medical device comprising an elongated member, an irrigation port at the proximal end of the elongated member, a suction port at or extending from the distal end of the elongated member, and a camera positioned at the distal end of the elongated member, wherein the elongated member defines a first and a second orbit along its longitudinal axis, and the first and second orbits together are configured to supply an excision assembly and an irrigation fluid to a target site, the processing method comprising sterilizing the medical device and storing the medical device in a sterile container.

[0059] Example 21 is at least one machine-readable medium that, when executed by the processing circuit configuration, contains instructions that cause the processing circuit configuration to perform an operation to carry out any of Examples 1 to 20.

[0060] Example 22 is an apparatus that includes means for carrying out any of Examples 1 to 20.

[0061] Example 23 is a system that implements any of Examples 1 to 20.

[0062] Example 24 is a method that implements any of Examples 1 to 20.

[0063] The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings illustrate, for illustrative purposes, specific examples in which the present invention can be carried out. These examples are also referred to herein as “Examples.” Such examples may include elements other than those illustrated or described. However, the inventors also intend examples in which only the illustrated or described elements are provided. Furthermore, the inventors also intend examples using any combination or permutation of the illustrated or described elements (or one or more embodiments thereof) with respect to a specific example (or one or more embodiments thereof) or to other examples (or one or more embodiments thereof) illustrated or described herein.

[0064] In this specification, the terms “a” or “an” are used to mean one or more, independently of any other instances or uses of “at least one” or “one or more,” as is common in patent literature. In this specification, the term “or” is used to mean non-exclusive “or,” such that “A or B” includes “A but not B,” “B but not A,” and “A and B.” In this specification, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as plain English synonyms for the terms “comprising” and “wherein,” respectively. Furthermore, in the following claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are open-ended, meaning that any system, device, article, composition, formulation, or process that includes elements other than those listed after such terms in the claims is still considered to be within the scope of those claims. Furthermore, in the following claims, terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used merely as labels and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on those subjects.

[0065] The above description is illustrative and not limiting. For example, the above embodiments (or one or more embodiments thereof) can be used in combination with each other. Those skilled in the art can use other embodiments by considering the above description. The abstract is provided in accordance with 37 C. FR § 1.72(b) to enable readers to quickly grasp the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the above “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention,” various features may be grouped together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be interpreted as meaning that any unclaimed features of the disclosure are essential to any claim. Rather, the subject matter of the invention may reside in fewer features than all the features of a particular embodiment of the disclosure combined. Therefore, the following claims are incorporated into the “Modes for Carrying Out the Invention” as examples or embodiments, and each claim is considered independent as a separate embodiment, and such embodiments can be combined with each other in various combinations or permutations. The scope of the invention should be determined based on both the appended claims and the entire scope of the equivalent rights granted to such claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 100 Hysteroscope 102 Excision Assembly 104 Housing 106 Components 108 Lateral suction port 110 Suction source connection part 112 Suction port neck 114 Proximal end 116 Irrigation port 118 Handle 200 First Orbit 202 Second Orbit 203 Longitudinal axis 204 First component 206 Second component 208 Fluid conduit passage 210 Lumen 212 Opening 214 Excision elements 216 Distal end 218 Part 3 220 Part 4 222 Part 1 224 Part 2 226 Distal suction port 400 Insulator 402 Outer Jacket 500 Insulator 502 Conductive outer tube 600 First electrical insulator 602 Second electrical insulator 604 Distal end 606 Distal end 608 fragments 610 Camera 612 Camera field of view 700 bubbles 800 Conductive stabilizing member IR irrigation fluid

Claims

1. A long, slender component, An irrigation port located at the proximal end of the elongated member, The system comprises a cutting assembly extending from the distal end of the elongated member, The aforementioned elongated member is A first trajectory and a second trajectory are defined along the longitudinal axis of the elongated member, The aforementioned excision assembly is A first member including a first portion arranged along the first track, A second member having a fluid conduit passage extending along the longitudinal axis and communicating with the irrigation port, and a third portion arranged along the second trajectory, An electrically activatable excision element extending from the distal end of the first member, A conductive stabilizing member extending between the distal end of the first member and the distal end of the second member, A first electrical insulator is disposed at the distal end of the first member, The present invention includes a second electrical insulator disposed at the distal end of the second member, The aforementioned excision element is A medical device extending between the first electrical insulator and the second electrical insulator.

2. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the first member is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position along the first track, the first portion and the second portion of the first member are positioned within the elongated member in the retracted position, and the second portion extends distally from the elongated member in the extended position.

3. The medical device according to claim 1, wherein the second member is slidable between a retracted position and an extended position along the second track, the third portion and the fourth portion of the second member are positioned within the elongated member in the retracted position, and the fourth portion extends distally from the elongated member in the extended position.

4. The excision element is The medical device according to claim 1, comprising extending between the first electrical insulator and the second electrical insulator to form an electrically activatable excision loop.

5. The aforementioned elongated member is A suction port located at the distal end of the elongated member, or extending from the distal end of the elongated member, The system further comprises a camera positioned at the distal end of the elongated member, The aforementioned excision loop is The medical device according to claim 4, which is positioned or movable so as to be within the field of view of the camera.

6. The first member is, A conductive outer tube extending into the first orbital, The conductive outer tube comprises an insulator disposed inside the conductive outer tube, A portion of the aforementioned excision element is The medical device according to claim 4, which is disposed within the insulator.

7. The medical device according to claim 6, wherein the excision element includes a portion of a conductor extending from the first member.

8. The medical device according to claim 6, wherein the conductive outer tube is electrically coupled to earth.

9. The second member includes an outer jacket formed from a conductive material, The medical device according to claim 6, wherein the outer jacket is electrically coupled to earth.

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