Depth stop for surgical instruments

Abstract

Disclosed herein are components, systems, and methods to secure and maintain the relative positions of two surgical instruments, such as an endoscope and a cannula. A depth stop includes a locked orientation in which the depth stop is secured to an endoscope and prevents movement of the endoscope relative to the depth stop and the cannula. The depth stop transitions from a locked orientation to an unlocked orientation in which an endoscope is freely movable relative to the depth stop.

Description

DEPTH STOP FOR SURGICAL INSTRUMENTSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 657,038, filed on June 6, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Arthroscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures include the use of cannula(s) to access a surgical site (typically a joint or body cavity). Cannulas facilitate entry and removal of surgical instruments used during the surgical procedure. One advantage over traditional “open” surgery is that arthroscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures access the surgical site through smaller openings, using smaller surgical instruments. The cannula provides a rigid, fixed channel through an incision in the patient’s body to the surgical site.

[0003] As part of endoscopic procedures, common practice involves the use of up to five fingers to hold an endoscope and a cannula at a desired position and depth. This is referred to as the “five finger technique,” during which a surgeon’s pinky is often used to maintain a relative depth between the endoscope and the cannula. Throughout the duration of endoscopic procedures the surgeon may make many adjustments to this relative depth and may also rotate and angulate the cannula. Performing these movements and adjustments using the “five finger technique” may result in poor ergonomics and fatigue in the surgeon’s hand and / or wrist, which supports the weight of the endoscope and attached camera and light cable.

[0004] This disclosure relates generally to arthroscopic and endoscopic devices and methods, and more particularly, to devices that exert a clamping force on an endoscope so as to maintain a relative depth of the endoscope within a cannula during a surgical procedure.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] This disclosure relates to a depth stop used to selectively secure the relative depth of one surgical instrument (e.g., an endoscope) with respect to another surgical instrument (e.g., a cannula). A depth stop advantageously and selectively creates interference or clearance to secure or release the relative depth of the surgical instruments.

[0006] A depth stop includes a retainer that transitions from a locked orientation to an unlocked orientation, and vice versa. In the locked orientation, the retainer exerts a forceagainst the first surgical instrument (e.g., the endoscope) that restricts movement of the endoscope relative to the depth stop. In the unlocked orientation, the retainer exerts less force or no force against the endoscope such that endoscope is movable relative to the depth stop. The depth stop may include a release that is actuable (e.g., by a surgeon) to transition the depth stop from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation. One or more biasing members (e.g., springs) may bias the retainer to the locked orientation.

[0007] Some embodiments described herein relate to a depth stop including a body comprising an upper surface and a lower surface. A body through hole extends through the body along a body axis. The depth stop includes a retainer defining a retainer through hole that extends through the retainer along a retainer axis, and the retainer is positioned between the upper surface and the lower surface such that at least a portion of the retainer through hole is within the body through hole. A biasing member is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the biasing member biases the retainer toward an orientation in which the retainer axis is offset from the body axis.

[0008] In some embodiments the biasing member is positioned between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the biasing member is compressible via pivoting a portion of the retainer toward the upper surface. The retainer is movable between a locked orientation in which the retainer axis is offset from the body axis and an unlocked orientation in which the retainer axis is substantially aligned with the body axis. Embodiments of the depth stop further include a release supported by the body such that the release is movable relative to the body to compress the biasing member and move the retainer toward the unlocked orientation.

[0009] Some embodiments described herein relate to a depth stop including a body having an upper surface, a lower surface, and a sidewall extending therebetween. The body defines a body through hole extending through the upper surface and the lower surface along a body axis, and further defines a recess extending through the sidewall and terminating within the body. A retainer of the depth stop defines a retainer through hole extending through the retainer along a retainer axis. The retainer is positioned such that at least a portion of the retainer through hole is within the body through hole. A release of the depth stop has a first portion positioned within the recess and a second portion positioned outside the recess, and the release is slidable within the recess.

[0010] In some embodiments the body defines a pocket extending from the recess through the body through hole, and the retainer is positioned such that a first portion of the retainer is within the pocket and a second portion of the retainer is within the recess. The pocket includes a distal portion that is opposite the recess with respect to the body through hole, and the retainer is pivotable about a pivot axis that is located within thedistal portion. The body through hole extends through the upper surface and the lower surface along a body axis, and the retainer through hole extends through the retainer along a retainer axis. The release is slidable such that the first portion of the release contacts the second portion of the retainer, and the retainer is pivotable to an orientation in which the retainer axis is aligned with the body axis.

[0011] Some embodiments described herein relate to a depth stop including a body with an upper surface and a lower surface, and the body defines a body through hole extending therethrough along a body axis. A retainer of the depth stop is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface, and the retainer defines a retainer through hole extending through the retainer along a retainer axis. A release of the depth stop is positioned between the upper surface and the lower surface, and the retainer is movable from an unlocked orientation in which the body axis is aligned with the retainer axis to a locked orientation in which the body axis is offset from the retainer axis. Movement of the release relative to the retainer transitions the retainer from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation.

[0012] Some embodiments described herein relate to a method of use of a depth stop. The method includes sliding a release of the depth stop toward a retainer of the depth stop and moving the retainer relative to a first portion of an endoscope positioned within a through hole of the retainer. The method further includes decreasing a force exerted by the retainer on the first portion of the endoscope, and sliding the depth stop relative to the endoscope such that the first portion of the endoscope exits the through hole and a second portion of the endoscope enters the through hole. The method further includes increasing a force exerted by the retainer on the second portion of the endoscope. In some embodiments sliding the release includes compressing a release spring of the depth stop, moving the retainer includes compressing a retainer spring of the depth stop, and moving the retainer includes pivoting the retainer about a pivot point.

[0013] Some embodiments described herein relate to a method of use of a depth stop. The method includes exerting a force on an upper surface of a body of a depth stop. The method further includes moving a retainer relative to a first portion of an endoscope positioned within a body through hole that extends through the upper surface of the retainer. A force exerted by the retainer on the first portion of the endoscope is decreased. According to the method the depth stop slides relative to the endoscope such that the first portion of the endoscope exits the body through hole through the upper surface and a second portion of the endoscope enters the body through hole through a lower surface of the depth stop that is opposite the upper surface. The method includes removing the force from the upper surface, and increasing the force exerted by the retainer on the second portion of the endoscope.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some of these elements may be arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn, are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements and may have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings. The headings and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

[0015] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a depth stop secured to an endoscope and maintaining the position of the endoscope relative to a cannula.

[0016] Figure 2 is a front, top, isometric view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 3 is a rear, bottom, isometric view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 4 is a top plan view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 1.

[0019] Figure 5 is a bottom plan view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 1.

[0020] Figure 6 is a side elevation view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 7 is a top plan view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 1 with a cap of the depth stop removed.

[0022] Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 4 along line 8-8, with the depth stop in a locked orientation.

[0023] Figure 9 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 8, with the depth stop in an unlocked orientation.

[0024] Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 8, with the depth stop in the locked orientation securing a position of a surgical instrument relative to the depth stop.

[0025] Figure 11 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 10, with the depth stop in the unlocked orientation and the surgical instrument movable relative to the depth stop.

[0026] Figure 12 is a side cross-sectional view of a depth stop in a locked orientation.

[0027] Figure 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 12, with the depth stop in an unlocked orientation.

[0028] Figure 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 12, with the depth stop in the locked orientation securing a position of a surgical instrument relative to the depth stop.

[0029] Figure 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 14, with the depth stop in the unlocked orientation and the surgical instrument movable relative to the depth stop.

[0030] Figure 16 is a side cross-sectional view of a depth stop in a locked orientation securing a position of a surgical instrument relative to the depth stop.

[0031] Figure 17 is a side cross-sectional view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 16, with the depth stop in an unlocked orientation and the surgical instrument movable relative to the depth stop.

[0032] Figure 18 is a top plan view of a depth stop.

[0033] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 18 along line 19-19, with the depth stop in an unlocked orientation and a surgical instrument movable relative to the depth stop.

[0034] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the depth stop illustrated in Figure 19 with the depth stop in a locked orientation securing the surgical instrument relative to the depth stop.

[0035] Figure 21 is a side elevation view of the depth stop, endoscope, and cannula illustrated in Figure 1, showing a method of use of the depth stop.

[0036] Figure 22 is a side elevation view of the depth stop, endoscope, and cannula illustrated in Figure 21 , in use during the method.

[0037] Figure 23 is a side elevation view of the depth stop, endoscope, and cannula illustrated in Figure 22, in use during the method.

[0038] Figure 24 is a side elevation view of the depth stop, endoscope, and cannula illustrated in Figure 23, in use during the method.

[0039] Figure 25 is a side elevation view of the depth stop, endoscope, and cannula illustrated in Figure 24, in use during method.

[0040] Figure 26 is a side elevation view of the depth stop, endoscope, and cannula illustrated in Figure 1, showing another method of use of the depth stop.

[0041] Figure 27 is a side elevation view of the depth stop, endoscope, and cannula illustrated in Figure 26, in use during the method.

[0042] Figure 28 is a side elevation view of the depth stop, endoscope, and cannula illustrated in Figure 27, in use during the method.

[0043] Figure 29 is a side elevation view of the depth stop, endoscope, and cannula illustrated in Figure 28, in use during the method.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] As noted above, during an arthroscopic or endoscopic procedure, a depth stop may be secured to an endoscope to maintain a relative insertion depth of the endoscopewithin a lumen of a cannula. Transitioning the depth stop from a locked orientation to an unlocked orientation releases the depth stop from the endoscope enabling adjustment of the relative insertion depth of the endoscope within the lumen of the cannula.

[0045] It has now been found that the disclosed depth stop can beneficially enable selective engagement / interference and clearance with multiple surgical instruments (e.g., an endoscope and a cannula) to adjust, secure, and maintain, the relative positions of the surgical instruments. For example, a disclosed depth stop may be secured to a portion (e.g., a rigid or flexible shaft / tube) of an endoscope prior to insertion of the shaft into a lumen of a cannula. With the depth stop secured, the shaft may be advanced into and through the lumen of the cannula until the depth stop abuts the cannula thereby halting further advancement of the shaft into the lumen.

[0046] The depth stop can be secured to the endoscope with sufficient force so as to maintain the position of the endoscope relative to the cannula. For example, in the absence of the depth stop, the force of gravity on the endoscope may advance the shaft of the endoscope through the lumen until a distal end of the endoscope contacts patient anatomy within a surgical site or until a handle of the endoscope contacts a proximal end of the cannula. A clamping force that the depth stop exerts against the endoscope is sufficient to resist this relative movement caused by the force of gravity.

[0047] During a procedure, the relative position (e.g., an insertion depth) of the endoscope can be adjusted within the lumen of the cannula. Known practice relies on the aforementioned “five finger technique.” Often a pinky finger is used to hold the endoscope and maintain the desired insertion depth. Reliance on the five finger technique results in poor ergonomics and fatigue in the hand and wrist used to support the weight of the endoscope, which may include an attached camera and light cable.

[0048] Additionally, surgeons often rely on tension in the surrounding tissue to hold the cannula in place during a procedure, without the use of an external fixation device. This increases the risk that the cannula may unintentionally slip further into the surgical site than is desired. Angulation and rotation of the cannula during a procedure may also be beneficial to a successful outcome.

[0049] The disclosed depth stops enable the relative positions of the endoscope and cannula to be maintained in a manner that improves ergonomics and frees up a surgeon’s hands. The depth stop can be manually adjusted along a length of the shaft of the endoscope, and rest on a top face of the cannula to maintain the insertion depth.

[0050] In some embodiments a depth stop comprises a release (e.g., a button with a ramp surface) that creates interference or clearance with a retainer (e.g., a lever) that engages the shaft of the endoscope. The depth stop may have a default configuration or orientation in which the retainer is slanted causing misalignment of through holes of thedepth stop. The default configuration or orientation may be maintained by a biasing force of one or more resilient members (e.g., springs) of the depth stop.

[0051] When an instrument (e.g., an endoscope) is positioned within the through holes of the depth stop and the depth stop is in the default (e.g., locked) orientation, the retainer grasps onto the instrument holding the depth stop in place relative to the instrument. Transitioning the depth stop to an unlocked configuration or orientation (e.g., by pressing the release and / or compressing the one of more biasing members) aligns the through holes of the depth stop and releases the retainer’s grasp on the instrument allowing free relative movement of the depth stop and instrument.

[0052] Referring now to the drawings, and specifically to Figure 1 , some surgical procedures (e.g., arthroscopic and / or endoscopic procedures) involve the insertion of surgical instruments (e.g., an endoscope 110) through an opening (e.g., an incision 114) of a body 116 to view and / or interact with an interior portion of the body 116 (e.g., at a surgical site 118). The opening may be maintained with a working tube, such as a cannula 112, that defines a passageway through the opening, into the interior portion of the body 116, and to the surgical site 118. A cannula holder (not shown) may be used to secure a position of the cannula 112 (e.g., relative to a fixed reference point such as the incision 114 in the body 116 or an operating table upon which the body 116 is supported during the procedure).

[0053] A depth stop 120 may be used to secure a relative position (e.g., an insertion depth) of the endoscope 110 and the cannula 112. In the absence of the depth stop 120, the force of gravity acting on the endoscope 110 will bias the endoscope 110 to be fully inserted into the cannula 112. For example, the endoscope 110 may include an abutment surface 111 (e.g., a bottom of a handle of the endoscope) with a cross- sectional dimension that is larger than a cross-sectional dimension of a lumen 113 of the cannula such that the abutment surface 111 does not fit into and cannot extend through the lumen 113. When the cannula 112 is supported (e.g., by a cannula holder or by tension exerted by the patient’s skin at the incision 114) and the endoscope 110 is not supported (e.g., held by hand), the force of gravity results in the abutment surface 111 contacting the cannula 112.

[0054] When the depth stop 120 is secured to the endoscope 110 (e.g., in the locked orientation), an offset between the abutment surface 111 and the cannula 112 may be maintained without the need for a surgeon’s hand to maintain the offset (e.g., via the “five finger technique”). Transitioning the depth stop 120 to the unlocked orientation releases the depth stop 120 from engagement with the endoscope 110 such that the endoscope 110 is freely movable relative to the depth stop 120 and the cannula 112. According to some embodiments, the depth stop 120 may be movable relative to theendoscope 110 in one direction (e.g., distally) without transitioning the depth stop 120 to the unlocked orientation, but is not movable in the opposite direction (e.g., proximally) without transitioning the depth stop 120 to the unlocked orientation.

[0055] Referring to Figures 2 to 15, the depth stop 120 may include a body 122 having an upper surface 124 and a lower surface 126 opposite the upper surface 124 with respect to a height H1 of the depth stop 120. A body through hole 128 of the depth stop 120 may be defined by the body 122 extending therethrough along a body axis 130. The body through hole 128 may have a circular cross-section and the body axis 130 may be a central axis extending through a center of the circular cross-section. As shown, the body axis 130 may extend through an upper opening 132 defined in the upper surface 124 and through a lower opening 134 defined in the lower surface 126. According to some embodiments, the body axis 130 is normal to both the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126. The body 122 may include a sidewall 136 that extends between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126. The sidewall 136 may be a circumferential sidewall that defines an outer perimeter of the body 122.

[0056] The body 122 may include a recess 138 extending through the sidewall 136 and terminating within the body 122 (e.g., at a base surface 140). A release 162 may be disposed within the body 122 such that a first portion of the body 122 is positioned within the recess 138 and a second portion of the release 162 is positioned outside the recess 138. The release 162 may be slidable within the recess 138 when transitioning the depth stop 120 from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation.

[0057] The body 122 of the depth stop 120 may further define a pocket 168 that extends from the recess 138 and through the body through hole 128 (e.g., terminating within the body 122 at a base surface 169). A retainer 142 may be disposed within the body 122 such that a first portion of the retainer 142 is within the pocket 168 and a second portion of the retainer 142 is within the recess 138 (e.g., so as to engage the release 162). As shown, a portion of the pocket 168 and the recess 138 may be on opposite sides of the body through hole 128. The retainer 142 may be pivotable about a pivot axis or pivot point located within the portion of the pocket 168.

[0058] The depth stop 120 may define a height H1 measured from the upper surface 124 to the lower surface 126 (e.g., in a direction parallel to the body axis 130). Minimizing the height H1 may increase the range of movement between the endoscope 110 and the cannula 112 at which the relative position of the endoscope 110 can be secured. The greater the height H1 of the depth stop 120, the less space that is unoccupied between the bottom of the handle of the endoscope 110 (e.g., the abutment surface 111) and the top of the cannula 112.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the height H1 of the depth stop 120 is less than about 2 inches, for example less than about 1.5 inches. In terms of upper limits, the height H1 may be less than 2 inches, e.g., less than 1.5 inches, less than 1.25 inches, less than 1.0 inches, or less than 0.75 inches. In terms of lower limits, the height H1 may be greater than 0.5 inches, e.g., greater than 0.75 inches, greater than 1.0 inches, or greater than 1.25 inches. In terms of ranges, the height H1 may be between 0.5 inches and 2.0 inches, e.g., between 1.0 inches and 1.75 inches, or between 1.25 inches and 1.6 inches.

[0060] The depth stop 120 may further include a retainer 142 having an upper surface 144 and a lower surface 146 that is opposite the upper surface 144. As shown, the retainer 142 may be in the form of a lever or beam. The retainer 142 may define a retainer through hole 148 that extends through the retainer 142 along a retainer axis 150. The retainer through hole 148 may have a circular cross-section and the retainer axis 150 may be a central axis extending through a center of the circular cross-section. As shown, the retainer axis 150 may extend through an upper opening 152 defined in the upper surface 144 and through a lower opening 154 defined in the lower surface 146. According to some embodiments, the retainer axis 150 is normal to both the upper surface 144 and the lower surface 146.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the retainer 142 may be movable (e.g., pivotable, slidable, etc.) from the unlocked orientation in which the body axis 130 is substantially aligned (e.g., within about 10° or about 5°) with the retainer axis 150 to the locked orientation in which the body axis 130 is offset (e.g., angularly, linearly, or both) from the retainer axis 150. When in the unlocked orientation the retainer 142 may be disposed between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126 such that at least a portion (e.g., up to and including an entirety) of the retainer through hole 148 is within the body through hole 128, as shown in Figure 9.

[0062] Some embodiments of the depth stop 120 may include a retainer biasing member 156 (e.g., a spring) at least partially enclosed within the body 122 (e.g., disposed between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126) such that the retainer biasing member 156 biases (e.g., exerts a biasing force F1 against) the retainer 142 toward the locked orientation. As shown, one or both of the body 122 and the retainer 142 may include a pocket 158, as shown, or alternatively another structure (e.g., a post, adhesive, etc.) that secures the position of the retainer biasing member 156 within the body 122.

[0063] The biasing force F1 may vary based on a number of factors (e.g., including the orientation of the depth stop 120 and an amount of compression of the retainer biasing member 156). According to some embodiments, the biasing force F1 may be betweenabout 0.50 Ibf and about 8.00 Ibf, for example about 2.5 Ibf. In terms of upper limits, the biasing force F1 may be less than 8.0 Ibf, e.g., less than 6.0 Ibf, less than 4.0 Ibf, less than 2.0 Ibf, or less than 1.0 Ibf. In terms of lower limits, the biasing force F1 may be greater than 0.50 Ibf, e.g., greater than 1.0 Ibf, greater than 2.0 Ibf, greater than 4.0 Ibf, or greater than 6.0 Ibf. In terms of ranges, the biasing force F1 may be between 0.50 Ibf and 8.00 Ibf, e.g., between 1.0 Ibf and 6.0 Ibf, or between 2.0 Ibf and 4.0 Ibf.

[0064] The depth stop 120 may be assembled with a retainer biasing member 156 selected to exert a biasing force F1 based on a weight of an instrument (e.g., the endoscope 110) to be supported by the depth stop 120. For example, the retainer biasing member 156 may be supported within the body 122 such that the spring force F1 exerted by the retainer biasing member 156 against the retainer 142 is greater than the weight of the endoscope 110, when the depth stop 120 is in the locked orientation (e.g., when the retainer 142 is engaged with the endoscope 110).

[0065] According to some embodiments, the biasing force F1, when the retainer 142 is engaged with the endoscope 110, may be between about 100% and about 800% of the weight of the endoscope 110, for example about 300% of the weight of the endoscope 110. In terms of upper limits, the biasing force F1 may be less than 800% of the weight of the endoscope 110, e.g., less than 600%, less than 400%, or less than 200%. In terms of lower limits, the biasing force F1 may be greater than 100% of the weight of the endoscope 110, e.g., greater than 200%, greater than 400%, or greater than 600%. In terms of ranges, the biasing force F1 may be between 100% and 800% of the weight of the endoscope 110, e.g., between 200% and 600%, or between 250% and 400%.

[0066] As shown in Figure 10, the retainer biasing member 156 may be disposed between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126 such that the retainer biasing member 156 is compressible via pivoting a portion of the retainer 142 toward the upper surface 124. The biasing force F1 exerted against the retainer 142 by the retainer biasing member 156 engages the retainer 142 with the surgical instrument (e.g., the endoscope 110) positioned within the retainer through hole 148 with sufficient force to grasp endoscope 110 and maintain the position of the depth stop 120 relative to the endoscope 110 (e.g., supporting a weight of the endoscope 110 against the force of gravity). As shown in Figure 11 , the retainer biasing member 156 may be disposed between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126 and compressible to transition the depth stop 120 from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation. In the unlocked configuration the grasping force of the retainer 142 is reduced (e.g., to zero or close to zero) allowing the depth stop 120 to move freely with respect to the endoscope

[0067] The depth stop 120 may further include a release 162 (e.g., in the form of a button) that is actuatable to operably engage (e.g., directly abut) the retainer 142 and compress the retainer biasing member 156 thereby transitioning the depth stop 120 from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation. The release 162 may include an upper surface 164 and a lower surface 166 and may be disposed within the body 122 (e.g., between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126).

[0068] According to some embodiments, the depth stop 120 may include a release biasing member 170 (e.g., a spring) at least partially enclosed within the body 122 (e.g., disposed between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126) such that the release biasing member 170 biases (e.g., exerts a biasing force F2 against) the release 162 away from the retainer 142. As shown, one or both of the body 122 and the release 162 may include a pocket 160, as shown, or alternatively another structure (e.g., a post, adhesive, etc.) that secures the position of the release biasing member 170 within the body 122.

[0069] As shown in Figure 10, the release biasing member 170 may be disposed between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126 such that the release biasing member 170 is compressible via sliding / translating the release 162 toward the retainer 142. The release 162 may be slidable / translatable along a direction that is offset from (e.g., substantially perpendicular to) the body axis 130. The biasing force F2 exerted against the release 162 by the release biasing member 170 pushes the release away from the retainer 142 allowing decompression of the retainer biasing member 156, thereby transitioning the depth stop 120 to the locked orientation. The release 162 may include an engagement surface 172 that the retainer 142 engages and rides along as the release 162 translates toward and away from the retainer 142. The engagement surface 172 may be a slanted surface (e.g., oblique with respect to the body axis 130, for example as shown in the illustrated embodiments.

[0070] According to one embodiment, translation of the release 162 toward the retainer 142 compresses the release biasing member 170. As the release biasing member 170 compresses, the retainer 142 rides along the engagement surface 172 thereby compressing the retainer biasing member 156 and transitioning the depth stop 120 to the unlocked orientation, as shown in Figure 9. In the absence of an external force being exerted on the release 162, the biasing force F2 exerted by the release biasing member 170 moves the release 162 away from the retainer 162, allowing the retainer 162 to pivot away from the upper surface 124 as the retainer biasing member 156 decompresses and the depth stop 120 transitions to the locked orientation, as shown in Figure 10.

[0071] When the endoscope 110 is secured to the depth stop 120, with the depth stop 120 in the locked orientation, the retainer 142 may be separated from (e.g., not in directcontact with) the engagement surface 172 of the release 162. Movement of the release 162 toward the retainer 142 engages (e.g., abuts) the engagement surface 172 with the retainer 142 and transitions the depth stop 120 to the unlocked orientation.

[0072] As shown in Figures 7 to 11, the depth stop 120 may include both the retainer biasing member 156 and the release biasing member 170 (e.g., first and second biasing members), supported within the body 122 such that the biasing force F1 and the biasing force F2 are offset (e.g., substantially perpendicular) with respect to one another.According to one embodiment, the biasing force F1 may be exerted substantially parallel to the body axis 130 (e.g., away from the upper surface 124 as shown, or alternatively toward the upper surface 124). The retainer 142 may be movable (e.g., pivotable) from the unlocked orientation in which the body axis 130 is substantially aligned (e.g., within about 10° or about 5°) with the retainer axis 150 (e.g., as shown in Figures 9 and 11) to the locked orientation in which the body axis 130 is offset (e.g., by an angle a) from the retainer axis 150 (e.g., as shown in Figures 8 and 10). In the locked orientation, as shown in Figure 8, the angle a may be greater than about 5° for example greater than about 10°, or about 11°.

[0073] As shown in Figures 12 to 15, the depth stop 120 may include both the retainer biasing member 156 and the release biasing member 170 (e.g., first and second biasing members), supported within the body 122 such that the biasing force F1 and the biasing force F2 are substantially parallel with respect to one another (e.g., on opposite sides of the body through hole 128). According to one embodiment, the biasing force F1 and the biasing force F2 may be exerted substantially perpendicular to the body axis 130, and an axis of elongation of the endoscope 110 when extending through the depth stop 120.The retainer 142 may be movable (e.g., slidable / translatable) from the unlocked orientation (e.g., as shown in Figures 13 and 15) to the locked orientation in which the body axis 130 is substantially parallel to and linearly offset (e.g., by a distance J1) from the retainer axis 150 (e.g., as shown in Figures 12 and 14).

[0074] Although the illustrated embodiments are shown as including biasing members (specifically, springs) exerting respective biasing forces against both the retainer 142 and the release 162, some embodiments of the depth stop 120 may include only one or no biasing members. Other mechanisms (e.g., levers, motors, gears, etc.) may be included in the depth stop 120 to move components of the depth stop 120 (e.g., the retainer 142, the release 162, etc.) relative to one another.

[0075] As shown in Figure 7, the depth stop 120 may define an opening 174 of the recess 138 (e.g., formed in the sidewall 136) through which the recess 138 extends into the body 122. The opening 174 may have a cross-sectional dimension C1 (e.g.,measured within a plane that is normal to the body axis 130 and along a direction D1 that is perpendicular to a direction D2 along which the release 162 slides).

[0076] The release 162 may include wings 176 that form an expanded portion of the release 162 with a cross-sectional dimension C2 (e.g., measured in the same plane and along the same direction as the cross-sectional dimension C1). The expanded portion of the release 162 may be sized so as to not fit through the opening 174 (e.g., the cross- sectional dimension C2 may be larger than the cross-sectional dimension C1). Thus, according to some embodiments, the biasing member 170 may bias the release 162 toward the opening 174 until contact of the wings 176 with the body 122 prevents further movement (e.g., exit of the release 162 from the body 122 through the opening 174) of the release 162 relative to the body 122.

[0077] One of the challenges in securing the relative positions of the endoscope 110 and the cannula 112 is exerting enough force against the endoscope 110 with the depth stop 120 to support the weight of the endoscope 110 (and resist movement of the endoscope 110 due to gravity), while not exceeding a force that results in failure of the endoscope 110. The force exerted by the depth stop 120 on or against the instrument (e.g., the endoscope 110) is referred to herein as a gripping force. The amount of gripping force needed to secure the position of the instrument relative to the depth stop 120 may vary based on the weight of the instrument. For example, more gripping force may be needed to secure the position of a heavier endoscope 110 compared to a lighter endoscope 110.

[0078] Some embodiments of the depth stop 120 may be “self-reinforcing” such that the gripping force exerted by the depth stop 120 scales with the weight of the instrument (e.g., the endoscope 110) being supported by the depth stop 120. One example of a self-reinforcing depth stop 120 is shown in Figures 7 to 11. Other embodiments of the depth stop 120 may be “non-self-reinforcing” such that the gripping force exerted against the secured instrument is independent of the weight of the instrument. One example of a non-self-reinforcing depth stop 120 is shown in Figures 12 to 15.

[0079] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, some embodiments of the depth stop 120 may be self-reinforcing and may be devoid of the release 162. As shown, the retainer 142 may be disposed within the depth stop 120 such that a first portion 188 of the retainer 142 extends outside the body 122 such that the first portion 188 is actuable (e.g., movable) by a user of the depth stop 120. A second portion 190 of the retainer 142 may be enclosed within the body 122 such that the retainer 142 is selectively engageable with an instrument (e.g., the endoscope 110) positioned within the body through hole 128.

[0080] The second portion 161 of the retainer 142 may include a head 192 and a neck 194 extending between the head 192 and the first portion 188. The head 192 may havea thickness (e.g., into and out of the page as shown in the illustrated embodiment) that is greater than that of the neck 194. The body 122 may include a ramp surface 196 that defines an elongated slot 198. The second portion 190 and the elongated slot 198 may be sized so that the head 192 rides along the ramp surface 196, but cannot fit through the elongated slot 198, while the neck 194 is thin enough to pass through elongated slot 198.

[0081] As shown in Figure 16, the depth stop 120 may include the retainer biasing member 156 disposed between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126 such that the retainer biasing member 156 is compressible via movement of the retainer 142 toward the upper surface 124. In an unbiased state, the biasing force F1 exerted against the retainer 142 by the retainer biasing member 156 urges the retainer 142 (e.g., a contact surface of the head 192) into contact with the surgical instrument (e.g., the endoscope 110) positioned within the body through hole 138 with sufficient force to grasp the endoscope 110 and maintain the position of the depth stop 120 relative to the endoscope 110 (e.g., supporting a weight of the endoscope 110 against the force of gravity). The greater the weight of the endoscope 110, the greater the gripping force exerted against the endoscope 110 by the retainer 142.

[0082] As shown in Figure 17, the retainer biasing member 156 may be disposed between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126 (e.g., captured by a post 200) and compressible (e.g., via movement of the first portion 188 of the retainer) to transition the depth stop 120 from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation. The retainer 142 may include a slot 202 that receives the post 200 but prevents passage of the retainer biasing member 156, as shown. In the unlocked configuration, the grasping force of the retainer 142 is reduced (e.g., to zero or close to zero) allowing the depth stop 120 to move freely with respect to the endoscope 110. As shown, transitioning to the unlocked orientation may include the head 192 riding the ramp surface 196 away from the endoscope 120.

[0083] Optionally, one or more surfaces of the depth stop 120 that contact the endoscope 110 when in the locked orientation may have a curvature that corresponds to (e.g., matches) an outer surface of the endoscope 110 so as to increase the amount of surface contact (e.g., from one or more points of contact to one or more lines of contact or one or more areas of contact).

[0084] Referring to Figures 18 to 20, some embodiments of a depth stop 220 may be non-self-reinforcing. As shown, the depth stop 220 may include a retainer 222 including a retainer body 224 and a retainer through hole 226 extending therethrough. The retainer through hole 226 may be sized to receive an instrument (e.g., the endoscope 110) and transition from an unlocked orientation (e.g., as shown in Figure 19) to a lockedorientation (e.g., as shown in Figure 20). In the unlocked orientation the endoscope 110 may be movable relative to the depth stop 220, and in the locked orientation the depth stop 220 may be secured to the endoscope 110 such that relative movement is prevented.

[0085] The depth stop 220 may further include a sleeve 230 having a tubular body 232 defining a sleeve through hole 234. The depth stop 220 may further include a release 240 having a body 242 defining a pocket 244 that extends into the body 242 and terminates at a tapered surface 246. According to some embodiments the tapered surface may be conical.

[0086] The depth stop 220 may be assembled such that the retainer 222 extends through the tubular body 232 of the sleeve 230 with a first portion 250 of the retainer 222 extending out through a distal end 236 of the sleeve 230, a second portion 252 of the retainer 222 extending out of a proximal end 238 of the sleeve 230, and a third portion 254 of the retainer positioned within the sleeve through hole 234. The retainer 222 (e.g., the third portion 254) and the sleeve 230 may include corresponding engagement features that prevent relative movement of the retainer 222 and the sleeve 230 in one or more (up to all six) degrees of freedom.

[0087] The corresponding engagement features may include a track and follower (e.g., a projection 256 and a channel 258). As shown, the projection 256 (e.g., one or more projections) may extend outward from an outer surface 228 of the retainer 222 and be received within the channel 258 (e.g., one or more channels) that extends into an inner surface 260 of the tubular body 232. The channel 258 may extend into the tubular body 232 from the proximal end 238 and terminate within tubular body 232 between the proximal end 238 and the distal end 236.

[0088] The sleeve 230 and the release 240 may include corresponding engagement features that facilitate relative movement of the sleeve 230 and the release 240. According to some embodiments, the corresponding engagement features may include corresponding threads. As shown, the sleeve 230 may include external threads 262 formed on the outer surface 264 of the tubular body 232, and the release 240 may include internal threads 266 formed on an inner surface 268 of the body 242 (e.g., closer to the sleeve 230 than the tapered surface 246). Alternative embodiments of the depth stop 220 may include reversed threads (internal on the sleeve 230 and external on the release 240).

[0089] The depth stop 220 may define an unlocked orientation in which the endoscope 110 is movable relative to the depth stop 220. As shown in Figure 19, in the unlocked orientation there may be a gap 270 between at least a portion of the endoscope 110 and a contact surface 272 of the first portion 250 of the release. To transition the depth stop220 to the locked orientation, the release 240 may be rotated (e.g., in a first rotational direction) relative to the sleeve 230 and the retainer 222. When the external threads 262 and the internal threads 264 are engaged, rotation of the release 240 relative to the sleeve 230 results in linear movement of the release 240 toward the endoscope 110.

[0090] The second portion 252 of the retainer 222 may include one or more flexible members (e.g., legs 274) that ride along the tapered surface 246. As the release 240 moves toward the endoscope 110, the legs 274 are forced closer to one another resulting in a contraction of the retainer through hole 226, as shown in Figure 20. As the retainer through hole 226 contracts, the gap 270 is eliminated and the gripping force exerted by the contact surface 272 against the endoscope 110 increases. The gripping force exerted by the retainer is independent of the weight of the endoscope (although a heavier endoscope may require a larger gripping force to secure, the larger gripping force will be generated by additional movement of the release 240 toward the endoscope 110.

[0091] To transition the depth stop 220 back to the unlocked orientation, the release 240 may be rotated (e.g., in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction) relative to the sleeve 230 and the retainer 222. Rotation of the release 240 relative to the sleeve 230 in the second rotational direction results in linear movement of the release 240 away from the endoscope 110. The one or more flexible members (e.g., the legs 274) may be resilient such that as the legs 274 ride along the tapered surface 246 the legs move away from one another resulting in an expansion of the retainer through hole 226.

[0092] One or more surfaces of the depth stop 120 and the depth stop 220 may be contoured or textured to improve grip and / or application of forces to the depth stop 120. For example, a surface 177 of the release 162 and a surface 179 of the sidewall 136 (e.g., that is opposite the surface 177 with respect to the body through hole 128) may both have a curvature (e.g., concave) to improve grip and the application of a force / pressure by a user’s fingers.

[0093] Referring to Figures 1 to 15 and 21-25, a method of use of the depth stop 120 may include sliding the release 162 toward the retainer 142 (e.g., by pressing in on the release 162 as shown in Figure 17). Prior to sliding the release 162, the depth stop 120 may be in the locked orientation and secured to the endoscope 110, as shown in Figure 16. The method may further include moving the retainer 142 relative to a first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 that is positioned within the retainer through hole 148. Additionally, the method may include decreasing a force exerted by the retainer 142 on the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 (e.g., thereby transitioning the depth stop 120 to the unlocked orientation).

[0094] The depth stop 120 may be translated relative to the endoscope 110 such that the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 exits the retainer through hole 148 and a second portion 180 of the endoscope enters the retainer through hole 148 (as shown in Figure 18). With the second portion 180 of the endoscope 110 positioned in the retainer through hole 148 a force exerted by the retainer 142 on the second portion 180 of the endoscope 110 may be increased (e.g., thereby transitioning the depth stop 120 to the locked orientation as shown in Figure 19). The endoscope 110 and the secured depth stop 120 may be advanced toward an upper surface 117 of the cannula 112 (e.g., until the lower surface 126 abuts the upper surface 117 as shown in Figure 20). The endoscope 110, cannula 112, depth stop 120, or any combination thereof may then be released and the relative positions of the endoscope 110, cannula 112, depth stop 120 are maintained.

[0095] According to some embodiments, sliding the release 162 compresses the release biasing member 170 and / or moving the retainer 142 may include compressing the retainer biasing member 156 (e.g., as shown in Figures 11 or 15). Increasing the force exerted by the retainer 142 on the second portion 180 may include decompressing the retainer biasing member 136, the release biasing member 170, or both. Moving the retainer 142 may include pivoting the retainer 142 about a pivot point or pivot axis. The force exerted by the retainer 142 on the first portion 178 may be decreased by aligning the retainer axis 150 with the body axis 130 and / or with a central axis of the endoscope 110 (e.g., a central axis of the first portion 178).

[0096] During the method the retainer 142 and the release 162 may each be at least partially enclosed within the body 122 (e.g., between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126) of the depth stop 120, and sliding the depth stop 120 relative to the endoscope 110 may include simultaneously sliding the retainer 142, the release 162, and the body 122 relative to the endoscope 110.

[0097] The method may further include positioning the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 within the retainer through hole 148, for example as shown in Figure 16). Additionally, the method may include inserting the endoscope 110 into the lumen 113 of the cannula 112 and abutting the cannula 112 (e.g., the upper surface 117) with the depth stop 120 (e.g., the lower surface 126) while the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 is positioned within the retainer through hole 148. According to embodiments of the method, prior to decreasing the force exerted by the retainer 142 on the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110, the force exerted by the retainer 142 on the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 is sufficient to prevent movement of the endoscope 110 relative to the depth stop 120 while abutting the cannula 112 with the depth stop 120.

[0098] Referring to Figures 1 to 11 , 16 to 17, and 26 to 29, a method of use of the depth stop 120 may include exerting a force F3 on the upper surface 124 of the depth stop 120. For example, the force F3 may be exerted by one or more fingers (e.g., at least one finger on either side of the cannula 110) of a surgeon. When the force F3 is exerted against the depth stop 120 and there is a distance between the lower surface 126 of the depth stop 120 and the upper surface 117 of the cannula 112 (e.g., as shown in Figure 23) exerting the force F3 may move the depth stop 120 relative to the endoscope 110 and the cannula 112.

[0099] The movement of the depth stop 120 may occur without pressing the release 162 or compressing the release biasing member 170. The position and orientation of the retainer 142 and the retainer biasing member 156 results in enough compression of the retainer biasing member 156 in response to the exertion of the force F3 on the upper surface 124 to reduce the strength of the grip the retainer 142 has on the endoscope 110 enabling the relative movement. According to some embodiments, this movement is one-directional (i.e. , exerting the force F3 on the lower surface 126 will not result in relative movement of the depth stop 120 and the cannula 110 without pressing the release 162 to transition the depth stop 120 to the unlocked orientation. Moving the retainer 142 may include pivoting the retainer 142 about a pivot point or pivot axis that is within the body 122 (e.g., between the upper surface 124 and the lower surface 126).

[0100] According to some embodiments, a slip force exerted by the depth stop 120, 220 against the endoscope 110 may be between about 15 Ibf and about 500 Ibf, for example about 250 Ibf. Once the slip force is exceeded the endoscope 110 may begin to slide relative to the depth stop 120. In terms of upper limits, the slip force may be less than 500 Ibf, e.g., less than 250 Ibf, less than 100 Ibf, less than 50 Ibf, or less than 30 Ibf. In terms of lower limits, the slip force may be greater than 15 Ibf, e.g., greater than 30 Ibf, greater than 50 Ibf, greater than 100 Ibf, or greater than 250 Ibf. In terms of ranges, the slip force may be between 15 Ibf and 500 Ibf, e.g., between 50 Ibf and 400 Ibf, or between 200 Ibf and 250 Ibf.

[0101] The method may include moving the retainer 142 relative to the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 positioned within the body through hole 128. The force exerted by the retainer 142 on the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 may be decreased prior to sliding the depth stop 120 relative to the endoscope 110. Decreasing the force exerted by the retainer 142 on the first portion 178 may include bringing the retainer axis 150 into closer alignment with a central axis of the endoscope 110 and / or the body axis 130.

[0102] The depth stop 120 may slide relative to the endoscope 110 such that the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 exits the body through hole 128 through the upperopening 132 in the upper surface 124 and the second portion 180 of the endoscope 110 enters the body through hole 128 through the lower opening 134 in the lower surface 126 of the depth stop 120.

[0103] The method may include removing the force F3 from the upper surface 124 when the second portion 180 of the endoscope 110 is within the body through hole 128, as shown in Figure 24. Removing the force F3 results in the retainer biasing member 156 decompressing thereby increasing the force exerted by the retainer 142 on the second portion 180 of the endoscope 110. The method may include positioning the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 within the retainer through hole 148 (e.g., as shown in Figure 21).

[0104] The endoscope 110 may be inserted into the lumen 113 of the cannula 112, and the cannula 112 (e.g., the upper surface 117) may abut the bottom surface 126 of the depth stop 120 while the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 is positioned within the retainer through hole 148. According to embodiments of the method, prior to decreasing the force exerted by the retainer 142 on the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110, the force exerted by the retainer 142 on the first portion 178 of the endoscope 110 is sufficient to prevent movement of the endoscope 110 relative to the depth stop 120 while abutting the cannula 112 with the depth stop 120.

[0105] The above description of illustrated embodiments, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific embodiments of and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0106] The methods described herein can be performed with variations. For example, many of the methods may include additional acts, omit some acts, and / or perform acts in a different order than as illustrated or described.

[0107] As used herein, “greater than” and “less than” limits may also include the number associated therewith. Stated another way, “greater than” and “less than” may be interpreted as “greater than or equal to” and “less than or equal to.” It is contemplated that this language may be subsequently modified in the claims to include “or equal to.” For example, “greater than 50 percent” may be interpreted as, and subsequently modified in the claims as “greater than or equal to 50 percent.”

[0108] In some embodiments, any or some of the components or steps disclosed herein may be considered optional. In some cases, the disclosed compositions may expressly exclude any or some of the aforementioned elements or steps in thisdescription, e.g., via claim language. For example, claim language may be modified to recite that the disclosed depth stop and / or methods, etc., do not utilize or comprise one or more biasing members exerting respective forces against the retainer and / or release. Such negative limitations are contemplated, and this text serves as support for negative limitations for components, steps, and / or features.

[0109] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A depth stop comprising: a body comprising an upper surface and a lower surface and defining a body through hole extending therethrough along a body axis; a retainer defining a retainer through hole that extends through the retainer along a retainer axis, the retainer disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface such that at least a portion of the retainer through hole is within the body through hole; and a biasing member disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the biasing member biases the retainer toward an orientation in which the retainer axis is offset from the body axis.

2. The depth stop of claim 1 wherein the biasing member is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the biasing member is compressible via pivoting a portion of the retainer toward the upper surface.

3. The depth stop of any one of claims 1 and 2 wherein the depth stop is transitionable between a locked orientation in which the retainer axis is offset from the body axis and an unlocked orientation in which the retainer axis is substantially aligned with the body axis.

4. The depth stop of claim 3, further comprising: a release supported by the body such that the release is movable relative to the body to compress the biasing member and transition the depth stop from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation.

5. The depth stop of claim 4, wherein the biasing member is a first biasing member, the depth stop further comprising: a second biasing member positioned between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the second biasing member biases the release away from the retainer, wherein at least a portion of the release is positioned between the upper surface and the lower surface.

6. The depth stop of claim 5 wherein the second biasing member is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the second biasing member is compressible via sliding the release toward the retainer.

7. The depth stop of any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein: the first biasing member exerts a first biasing force against the retainer to bias the depth stop toward the locked orientation; and the second biasing member exerts a second biasing force against the release to push the release away from the retainer.

8. The depth stop of claim 7 wherein the first biasing force is exerted substantially perpendicular to the second biasing force.

9. The depth stop of any one of claims 7 and 8 wherein the first biasing force is exerted substantially parallel to the body axis.

10. The depth stop of any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein the first biasing force is between about 0.50 Ibf and about 1.00 Ibf.

11. The depth stop of any one of claims 4 to 10 wherein the release has an engagement surface that abuts the retainer during transition from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration.

12. The depth stop of claim 11 wherein the engagement surface is oblique with respect to body axis.

13. The depth stop of any one of claims 11 and 12 wherein the release is slidable along a direction to transition the retainer between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration.

14. The depth stop of any one of claims 3 to 13 wherein an entirety of the retainer through hole is positioned within the body through hole when the depth stop is in the unlocked orientation.

15. The depth stop of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein: the body axis and the retainer axis are angularly offset by less than about 5° when the retainer is in the unlocked orientation, and the body axis and the retainer axis are angularly offset by more than about 5° when the retainer is in the locked orientation.

16. The depth stop of any one of claims 1 to 14 wherein: the body axis and the retainer axis are substantially parallel and linearly offset from one another when the retainer is in the unlocked orientation and when the retainer is in the locked orientation.

17. The depth stop of any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the body axis and the retainer axis are colinear when the retainer is in the unlocked orientation.

18. The depth stop of any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the body has height less than about 0.6 inches, wherein the height is measured from the upper surface to the lower surface along a direction parallel to the body axis.

19. A depth stop comprising: a body comprising: an upper surface; a lower surface; and a sidewall extending therebetween, wherein the body defines a body through hole extending through the upper surface and the lower surface along a body axis, and further defines a recess extending through the sidewall and terminating within the body; a retainer defining a retainer through hole that extends through the retainer along a retainer axis, the retainer positioned such that at least a portion of the retainer through hole is within the body through hole; and a release having a first portion positioned within the recess and a second portion positioned outside the recess, wherein the release is slidable within the recess.

20. The depth stop of claim 19 wherein the body defines a pocket that extends from the recess through the body through hole, and the retainer is positioned such that afirst portion of the retainer is within the pocket and a second portion of the retainer is within the recess.

21. The depth stop of claim 20 wherein the pocket includes a distal portion that is opposite the recess with respect to the body through hole, and the retainer is pivotable about a pivot axis that is located within the distal portion.

22. The depth stop of claim 20 wherein: the body through hole extends through the upper surface and the lower surface along a body axis; the retainer through hole extends through the retainer along a retainer axis; the release is slidable such that the first portion of the release contacts the second portion of the retainer; and the retainer is pivotable to an orientation in which the retainer axis is aligned with the body axis.

23. The depth stop of any one of claims 19 to 22 wherein the recess extends through an opening in the sidewall, the opening has a first cross-sectional dimension, and the first portion of the release has a second cross-sectional dimension that is greater than the first cross-sectional dimension.

24. The depth stop of any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising: a first biasing member positioned between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the first biasing member exerts a biasing force against the retainer away from the upper surface.

25. The depth stop of claim 24, further comprising: a second biasing member positioned between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the second biasing member exerts a biasing force against the release away from the retainer.

26. A depth stop comprising: a body comprising an upper surface and a lower surface and defining a body through hole extending therethrough along a body axis; a retainer disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface and defining a retainer through hole extending through the retainer along a retainer axis; anda release positioned between the upper surface and the lower surface, wherein the retainer is movable from an unlocked orientation in which the body axis is aligned with the retainer axis to a locked orientation in which the body axis is offset from the retainer axis, and wherein movement of the release relative to the retainer transitions the retainer from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation.

27. The depth stop of claim 26, further comprising a retainer spring positioned between the upper surface and the lower surface to bias the retainer toward the locked orientation.

28. The depth stop of any one of claims 26 and 27, further comprising a release spring positioned between the upper surface and the lower surface to bias the release away from the retainer.

29. A method of use of a depth stop, the method comprising: sliding a release of the depth stop toward a retainer of the depth stop; moving the retainer relative to a first portion of an endoscope positioned within a through hole of the retainer; decreasing a force exerted by the retainer on the first portion of the endoscope; sliding the depth stop relative to the endoscope such that the first portion of the endoscope exits the through hole and a second portion of the endoscope enters the through hole; and increasing a force exerted by the retainer on the second portion of the endoscope.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein sliding the release comprises compressing a release spring of the depth stop.

31. The method of any one of claims 29 and 30 wherein moving the retainer comprises compressing a retainer spring of the depth stop.

32. The method of any one of claims 29 to 31 wherein moving the retainer comprises pivoting the retainer about a pivot point.

33. The method of any one of claims 29 to 32 wherein decreasing the force exerted by the retainer on the first portion comprises aligning a central axis of the retainer through hole with a central axis of the endoscope.

34. The method of any one of claims 29 to 33 wherein the release and the retainer are at least partially enclosed within a body of the depth stop, and wherein sliding the depth stop relative to the endoscope comprises simultaneously sliding the retainer, the release, and the body relative to the endoscope.

35. The method of claim 29 wherein: sliding the release comprises compressing a release spring of the depth stop; moving the retainer comprises compressing a retainer spring of the depth stop; and increasing the force exerted by the retainer on the second portion includes decompressing both the release spring and the retainer spring.

36. The method of any one of claims 29 to 35, further comprising: positioning the first portion of the endoscope within the through hole of the retainer.

37. The method of any one of claims 29 to 36, further comprising: inserting the endoscope into a lumen of a cannula; and abutting the cannula with the depth stop while the first portion of the endoscope is positioned within the through hole of the retainer.

38. The method of claim 37 wherein prior to decreasing the force exerted by the retainer on the first portion of the endoscope, the force exerted by the retainer on the first portion of the endoscope is sufficient to prevent movement of the endoscope relative to the depth stop while abutting the cannula with the depth stop.

39. A method of use of a depth stop, the method comprising: exerting a force on an upper surface of a body of a depth stop; moving a retainer relative to a first portion of an endoscope positioned within a body through hole that extends through the upper surface of the retainer; decreasing a force exerted by the retainer on the first portion of the endoscope;sliding the depth stop relative to the endoscope such that the first portion of the endoscope exits the body through hole through the upper surface and a second portion of the endoscope enters the body through hole through a lower surface of the depth stop that is opposite the upper surface; removing the force from the upper surface; and increasing the force exerted by the retainer on the second portion of the endoscope.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein moving the retainer comprises compressing a retainer spring of the depth stop.

41. The method of any one of claims 39 and 40 wherein moving the retainer comprises pivoting the retainer about a pivot point.

42. The method of any one of claims 39 to 41 wherein decreasing the force exerted by the retainer on the first portion comprises aligning a central axis of a retainer through hole defined by the retainer with a central axis of the endoscope.

43. The method of any one of claims 39 to 42, further comprising: positioning the first portion of the endoscope within the through hole of the retainer.

44. The method of any one of claims 39 to 43, further comprising: inserting the endoscope into a lumen of a cannula; and abutting the cannula with the bottom surface of the depth stop while the first portion of the endoscope is positioned within the through hole of the retainer.

45. The method of claim 44 wherein prior to decreasing the force exerted by the retainer on the first portion of the endoscope, the force exerted by the retainer on the first portion of the endoscope is sufficient to prevent movement of the endoscope relative to the depth stop while abutting the cannula with the depth stop.

46. A depth stop comprising: a body comprising an upper surface and a lower surface and defining a body through hole extending therethrough;a retainer comprising a contact surface disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface such that at least a portion of the contact surface is within the body through hole; and a biasing member disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the biasing member biases the retainer toward the lower surface.

47. The depth stop of claim 46 wherein the retainer comprises a portion opposite the contact surface, the portion extending through an opening in the body that is between the upper surface and the lower surface.

48. The depth stop of claim 47 wherein the body comprises a ramp surface that slopes away from the opening as the ramp surface approaches the bottom surface.

49. The depth stop of claim 48 wherein the retainer comprises a head that includes the contact surface and an abutment surface that abuts the ramp surface as the depth stop transitions from a locked orientation to an unlocked orientation.

50. The depth stop of claim 49 wherein the retainer comprises a neck between the portion and the head, the ramp surface defines an elongated slot having first thickness, the head having a second thickness greater than the first thickness, and the neck having a third thickness that is less than the first thickness such that the neck can pass through the elongated slot and the head does not fit through the elongated slot.

51. The depth stop of any one of claims 48 and 49 wherein the biasing member is disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface such that the biasing member is compressible to transition the depth stop from the locked orientation to the unlocked orientation.

52. A depth stop comprising: a sleeve comprising a tubular body and a sleeve through hole extending therethrough from a distal end of the tubular body to a proximal end of the tubular body; a retainer comprising a first portion extending away from the distal end of the tubular body, a second portion extending away from the proximal end of the tubular body, and a third portion between the first portion and the second portion, the third portion disposed within the sleeve through hole between the distal end and the proximal end;a release defining a pocket, the release coupled to the sleeve such that the second portion of the retainer is disposed within the pocket, the release comprising a tapered surface that faces the pocket, wherein the second portion of the retainer abuts the tapered surface.

53. The depth stop of claim 52 wherein the depth stop defines an unlocked orientation in which the retainer through hole is larger and a locked orientation in which the retainer through hole is smaller.

54. The depth stop of claim 53 wherein transitioning the depth stop from the unlocked orientation to the locked orientation includes movement of the tapered surface toward the sleeve to compress the second portion.

55. The depth stop of claim 54 wherein the second portion of the retainer includes one or more flexible members movable toward one another.

56. The depth stop of any one of claims 54 and 55 wherein the sleeve and the release comprise corresponding threads, and when the corresponding threads are engaged rotation of the release relative to the sleeve moves the tapered surface toward the sleeve.

57. The depth stop of any one of claims 52 to 56 wherein the sleeve and the retainer comprise corresponding engagement features that restrict relative movement of the retainer and the sleeve in one or more degrees of freedom.

58. The depth stop of claim 57 wherein the corresponding engagement features comprise a projection extending from an outer surface of the third portion of the retainer and a channel extending into an inner surface of the sleeve.

Images