A connector for an ureteroscope

Abstract

A ureteroscope (101) for RIRS is disclosed. The ureteroscope (101) includes a connector (103), a scope straightener sheath (102) and an elongated flexible member (2). The connector is coupled to an inlet port (3) of the ureteroscope (101) and the elongated flexible member (2) is connected to a reusable portion (10) of the ureteroscope (101) and is inserted into the scope straightener sheath (102. Further, the connector (103) includes a conduit (104) with a first port (111), a second port (112) and an elongated flow passage (110), such that the first port (111) and the second port (112) are configured to simultaneously perform irrigation and suction of working fluid upon the vacuum generation device activation, respectively. The ureteroscope (101) of the present disclosure reduces the time taken for treating the subject and also maintain consistent inter renal pressure without causing any complications to the subject during the RIRS procedure.

Description

[0001]A CONNECTOR FOR AN URETEROSCOPE TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to the field of medical devices. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to an invasive medical device, such as an ureteroscope. Further embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a connector for the invasive medical device. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Diagnosing and treating internal organs of a subject’s body is performed using myriad of devices. With advancement in the technology, devices for diagnosis and treatment of internal organs or tissues of subject’s body through minimal invasive techniques has emerged, where some of such devices are arthroscope, laparoscope, ureteroscope, RIRS device, and the like. Usually, the ureteroscope is used to perform invasive procedure for renal analysis or treatment in a subject and such process is known as Retrograde intrarenal surgery (hereinafter referred as RIRS) in the art, for treating kidney stones. The ureteroscope comprises a handle and an elongated flexible tubular member, which is introducible into a subject’s ureter by means of an access sheath. The access sheath includes a dilater and a tube extending from the dilator. The dilator and the tube of the access sheath guides the flexible tubular member of the ureteroscope till it reaches the subject’s kidney, to perform RIRS. Owing to the access sheath having various sizes starting from (inner / outer diameter) – 10 / 12f, 11 / 13f, or 12 / 14f (French diameter 1f = 0.33mm), placing such conventional access sheaths in ureter, becomes cumbersome, since it requires pre-stenting the ureter. In addition, placing conventional access sheath into the ureter, causes ureteric injuries and ureteric avulsion during removing of the access sheath, which is undesired. In addition, the ureteroscope also comprises a connector for irrigating and suctioning of a working fluid into and out of the kidney. The working fluid aids in clear visualization inside the kidney and flush out the pulverized kidney stones from the kidney. In conventional connectors, in order to perform suctioning of the working fluid mixed with pulverized small particles out from the kidney, supply of the working fluid is halted and likewise, when working fluid is supplied, suctioning is halted. In other words, the conventional connector can perform one process at a time, i.e., when irrigation is performed the suction is turned off, and when the suction process is performed irrigation is turned off. Due to structural limitations of the connector, maintaining a predetermined inter renal pressure is cumbersome due to interruption in irrigation and suction processes, during surgery process. Failure to maintain the predetermined inter renal pressure by the ureteroscope or the connector may lead to complications such as Sepsis, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Hematoma, bleeding, or kidney loss, and the like, which is undesired. The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional arts. SUMMARY The shortcomings of the conventional arts are overcome and additional advantages are provided through a connector and a scope straightener sheath for an ureteroscope in a system for performing Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), as disclosed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the disclosure. In one non-limiting embodiment of present disclosure, a ureteroscope is disclosed. The ureteroscope includes a reuseable portion. The reuseable portion includes a handle and an inlet port configured to receive a working fluid. The ureteroscope further includes a disposable portion connectable to the reuseable portion. The disposable portion includes an elongated flexible member defined with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is connectable to the reuseable portion. The ureteroscope further includes a connector connectable to the inlet port. The connector includes a conduit defined with a first end and a second end. The second end is defined as opposite to the first end. The conduit includes a first port defined proximal to the first end. The first port is configured to continuously supply the working fluid into the conduit. Further, the working fluid being supplied at a first pressure. The conduit further includes a second port defined proximal to the second end and fluidly connectable to a vacuum generation device. The second port upon being connected to the vacuum generation device, generates a second pressure lesser than the first pressure, to drain the working fluid out of the conduit. In an embodiment, the conduit is defined with an elongated flow passage extending between the first end and the second end. The elongated flow passage is in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. In an embodiment, the first port and the second port are positioned radially opposite to each other. The first port and the second port are spaced apart, along the length of the conduit, by a predefined distance ranging between 1 cm to 3 cm. In an embodiment, the vacuum generation device, upon being activated, generates a negative pressure, to drain the working fluid flowing out from the inlet port of the reuseable portion. In an embodiment, the negative pressure generated by the vacuum generation device is configured to drain the working fluid from the second port at a predefined flow rate. In an embodiment, the first port is configured to be connectable to an irrigation line, to receive working fluid to be routed into the inlet port. The second port is configured to be connectable to a suction line, to receive and drain the working fluid flowing out of the inlet port. In an embodiment, wherein each of the first port and the second port of the connector includes an extended portion extending away from the conduit. Further, each of the first port and the second port of the connector includes a flange structure disposed at an end of the extended portion. The flange structure configured to be connectable to the irrigation line. Further, the flange structure configured to be connectable to the suction line. In an embodiment, the connector includes a cap being removably coupled to the second end of the conduit. In an embodiment, the ureteroscope includes a scope straightener sheath connectable to the distal end of the elongated flexible member. In an embodiment, the scope straightener sheath includes a tubular body. The scope straightener sheath further includes a first end and the second end. The second end is opposite to the first end. The scope straightener sheath further includes a hollow cavity extending along a length of the tubular body. The scope straightener sheath further includes a head connectable to the elongated flexible member. the hollow cavity is configured to removably receive the elongated flexible member. In an embodiment, the scope straightener sheath includes a side leg extending away from the tubular body. Further, side leg is positioned proximal to the head. It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure. The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the description. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which: Fig.1 is a perspective view of a ureteroscope for performing Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.2 is a perspective view of a connector of the ureteroscope, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.3a is a perspective view of a scope straightener sheath of the ureteroscope, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.3b is another perspective view of the scope straightener sheath depicting a side leg, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the mechanism and assembly illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The foregoing description has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other methods or systems or assemblies for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, as to its organization, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figure. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure. In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the disclosure. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non- exclusive inclusion, such that the system that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such device / system and methods. In other words, one or more elements in the product proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the devices. Fig.1 illustrates a ureteroscope (101) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ureteroscope (101) is configured perform Retrograde intrarenal surgery (hereinafter referred to as RIRS) to flush and remove kidney stones from inside the kidney. As illustrated in Fig. 1, the ureteroscope (101) includes a reuseable portion (10). The reuseable portion (10) includes a handle (1), an inlet port (3), power supply cables [not shown in Figures], and a plurality of actuators [not shown in Figures]. The power supply cables are coupled to a power source [not shown in Figures], to power the ureteroscope (101) for performing RIRS along with the cameras and the lasers [not shown in Figures]. Further, the handle (1) is configured to aid an operator to hold and grip the ureteroscope (101) for performing RIRS and accommodate the actuators for controlling the cameras and the lasers. In an embodiment, the handle (1) includes plurality of switches (not shown), configured to control the ureteroscope (101) during RIRS. Furthermore, the inlet port (3) is defined away from the handle as can be seen in Figure 1. The inlet port (3) is configured to be connectable with a connector (103) of the ureteroscope (101) to receive a working fluid from the connector (103). Further, the ureteroscope (101) includes a disposable portion (20) connected to the reusable portion. The disposable portion (20) includes an elongated flexible member (2). The elongated flexible member (2) includes a plurality of channels [not shown in Figures]. At least a portion of the elongated flexible member (2) is adapted to be inserted into the subject. In an embodiment, the plurality of channels may be configured to guide working fluids, optical fibers, light beam, retrieval baskets, lasers, push-pull cables and the like, into the subject. Alternatively, the cables, optical fibers, lasers push-pull cables and the like are aligned in the plurality of channels when the elongated flexible member (2) is inserted into the subject. Further, the elongated flexible member (2) includes a proximal end (2a) and a distal end (2b). The proximal end (2a) is coupled with the reuseable portion (10) of the ureteroscope (101), and the distal end (2b) is configured to be inserted into the subject. In an embodiment, the elongated flexible member (2) may be defined with a cavity for receiving a housing [not shown explicitly in figures] having a plurality of control modules for regulating an image capturing unit [not shown explicitly in figures], a light source [not shown explicitly in figures] for viewing inside the kidney of the subject. In an embodiment, the elongated flexible member (2) may be configured to accommodate the image capturing unit along with the light source at the distal end (2b). The image capturing unit along with the light source enables an operator to have a clear vision on internal portions of the subject’s kidney. Referring now to Fig.1 and Fig.2, the system (100) further includes the connector (103) [as can be seen in Fig.2]. The connector (103) is coupled to the ureteroscope (101). In an embodiment, the connector (103) may be made of a polymer material such as Propylene, tetrafluoroethylene, polycarbonate etc. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the connector (103) includes a conduit (104) defined with a first end (103a) and a second end (103b), opposite to the first end (103a). The conduit (104) is defined with an elongated flow passage (110) extending between the first end (103a) and the second end (103b). Further, the first end (103a) of the connector (103) may be fluidically coupled with the inlet port (3) of the ureteroscope (101). The second end (103b) of the connector (103) is configured to receive optical fibers, light beam, retrieval baskets, lasers, push-pull cables and the like. Furthermore, the connector (103) includes a cap (113), that is removably coupled to the second end (103b) of the conduit (104). The optical fibers, light beam, retrieval baskets, lasers, push-pull cables are received in the second end (103b) of the connector (103) by the removal of the cap (113) at the second end (103b) to perform RIRS procedure. The conduit (104) is configured to channelize the working fluid within the elongated flow passage (110) between the first end (103a) and the second end (103b) of the connector (103). In an embodiment, the length of the conduit (104) is in a range of 7.5 cm to 10 cm. Furthermore, the conduit (104) includes a first port (111) defined proximal to the first end (103a). The first port (111) is fluidly connected to the conduit (104) to supply the working fluid into the conduit (104). In an embodiment, the first port (111) is extending away from the conduit (104) at an angle in a range of 70oto 120orelative to lengthwise direction of the conduit (104). In another embodiment, the first port (111) is extending away from the conduit at an angle of 90orelative to lengthwise direction of the conduit (104). In an embodiment, the first port (111) of the connector (103) may be configured to be connectable to an irrigation line (40), where the irrigation line (40) may be fluidly connected to a working fluid reservoir such as but not limiting to a syringe, fluid tank, and the like. The working fluid reservoir is positioned at a height of 40 cm to 60 cm above the kidney subjected to RIRS procedure The first port is fluidly coupled to the irrigation line and the conduit to channelize the working fluid received from the irrigation line to the conduit and into the ureteroscope. The first port (111) of the connector (103) is configured to continuously supply working fluid into the conduit (104) at a first pressure to let working fluid into the inlet port (3) of ureteroscope (101). The working fluid from the conduit (104) is routed into the inlet port (3) of the ureteroscope (101) through the irrigation line. Here, the term ‘continuously’ is referred as the supply of working fluid into the first port (111) of the connector (103) without interruption, until the RIRS procedure is completed. Further, the conduit (104) includes a second port (112), define proximal to the second end (103b) of the connector (104). The second port (112) is fluidly connected to the conduit (104) to drain the working fluid out of the conduit (104). In an embodiment, the second port (112) is extending away from the conduit (104) at an angle 90owith respect to the conduit (104). In another embodiment, the second port (112) is extending away from the conduit (104) in a direction relative to the first port (111) at an angle in a range of 70oto 120owith respect to the conduit (104). The second port (112) of the connector (103) is configured to be connectable to a suction line (30), where the suction line (30) is connected to a vacuum generation device. In an embodiment, vacuum generation device may include, but not be limited to, a vacuum pump, rotary vane pump, diaphragm pump and the like. The vacuum generation device generates a second pressure to receive and drain the working fluid, flowing out of the inlet port (3) of the reuseable portion (10), from the conduit (104) through the second port (112), The first port (111) and the second port (112) are spaced apart by a predefined distance in a range between 1 cm to 3 cm. In an embodiment, the first port (111) and the second port (112) orient in different directions relative to the conduit (104) and relative to each other. In the illustrative embodiment, the first port (111) and the second port (112) are defined radially opposite to each other, such that the first port (111) and the second port (112) are diametrically opposite to each other as best seen in Figure 2. Such configuration of the first port (111) and the second port (112), aids in simultaneous flow of working fluid. In the illustrative embodiment, the first port (111) and the second port (112) are positioned at 180owith respect to each other. In an embodiment, the connector (103) may be structured to resemble a Z-shape, generally defined as a Z- connector. The elongated flow passage (110) is in fluid communication with the first port (111) and the second port (112) of the connector (103). Each of the first port (111) and the second port (112) of the connector (103) includes an extended portion (111a, 112a). The extended portion (111a, 112a) extends away perpendicular to the conduit (104). In an embodiment, the extended portion (111a, 112a) is of cylindrical shape, but not limited to any cuboidal shape, cone shape and the like. The extended portion (111a) of first port (111) is configured to supply the working fluid to the conduit (104) and extended portion (112) of second port (112) is configured to drain the working fluid from the conduit (104). Further, each of the first port (111) and the second port (112) includes a flange structure (111b, 112b) disposed at the end of the extended portion (111a, 112a). In an embodiment, the flange structure (111b, 112b) of the each of the first port (111) and the second port (112) is defined by, but not limited to circular shape, square, rectangular, other geometric shapes and the like. The flange structure (111b, 112b) provides grip for the irrigation line (40) and the suction line (30) connected to the connector (103) at the first port (111) and the second port (112) respectively. In an embodiment, the flange structure (111b, 112b) is defined by a threaded profile to connect and provide grip to the irrigation line (40) and the suction line (30) at the first port (111) and the second port (112) of the connector (103), respectively. The configuration of the connector (103) as disclosed in the present disclosure, aids simultaneous irrigation and suctioning of fresh working fluid into the ureteroscope and spent working fluid from the ureteroscope, respectively. Configuration of the connector (103) including the first port (111) defined proximal to the first end (103a) of the conduit (104) connecting to the irrigation line (40), allows flow of the working fluid into the inlet port (3) of the ureteroscope (101). The flow of the working fluid from the first port (111) to the inlet port (3) of the ureteroscope (101) may be achieved by gravity i.e. at the first pressure. alternatively, the working fluid may be pressurized from the syringe through the first port (111), such that the fluid flows by gravity at constant pressure through the elongated flow passage (110). The working fluid reservoir is positioned at the height ranging from 40 cm to 60 cm above the kidney subjected to RIRS procedure. Such configuration of the working fluid reservoir aids in flow of the working fluid to the kidney by gravity at a predefined flow rate to maintain renal pressure within the kidney. Further, the second port (112) defined proximal to the second end (103b) of the conduit (104) connecting the suction line (30) at the predefined distance, draw in the spent working fluid from the kidney. The suction of the working fluid from the kidney is initiated upon the activation of the vacuum generation device. The vacuum generation device upon activation generates the second pressure that is different from the first pressure. The difference in the first pressure and the second pressure causes a negative pressure at the second port (112) to drain the working fluid out of the conduit (104) through the second port (112) at the predefined flow rate. In an embodiment, the second pressure value set in the vacuum generation device is less than the pressure of the working fluid entering into the subject i.e. the first pressure, and thus a portion of the fresh working fluid continues to flow through the elongated flow passage (110) of the conduit (104). Thus, the irrigation and suctioning of working fluid form through the first port (111) and the second port (112) is performed simultaneously via elongated flow passage (110) without interrupting the process. Therefore, irrigation and suction of the working fluid take place simultaneously without interruption, unlike conventional connectors, which require stalling [stoppage of flow] of either irrigation and suctioning, while performing the other. In an embodiment, the first pressure of the working fluid is greater than the second pressure generated by the vacuum generation device. In addition, due to simultaneous irrigation and suction of the working fluid upon vacuum generation device activation, consistent inter renal pressure is maintained without causing any complications. In addition, the time for operating the subject is also reduced by simultaneous irrigation and suctioning of the working fluid upon the vacuum generation device activation, when compared with the conventional RIRS. Internal renal pressure, also referred as intrarenal pressure (IRP), is crucial for maintaining kidney function and overall health of the kidney. Intrarenal pressure plays a key role in regulating sodium excretion and blood pressure in the kidney. Excessive IRP or lower IPR can lead to complications such as Sepsis, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), Hematoma, bleeding, or kidney loss, Referring now to Fig.1 in tandem with Figs.3a and 3b, the system (100) further includes a scope straightener sheath (102) [best seen in Figs.3a and 3b] connectable to the distal end (2b) of the elongated flexible member (2). The scope straightener sheath (102) includes a tubular body (105). The tubular cross section of the tubular body (105) allows easy access to the urethra. Further, the scope straightener sheath (102) is defined with a first end (102a), and a second end (102b) opposite to the first end (102a). The scope straightener sheath (102) may be defined with a hollow cavity (102e), extending along the length of the tubular body (105). In an embodiment, the second end (102b) may be bendable, with or without drainage port or may have multiple holes of 2 cm for draining urine out from the subject. In another embodiment, the second end (102b) may non- bendable for draining urine out from the subject. Further, the scope straightener sheath (102) includes a head (102d) connectable to the elongated flexible member (2). The head (102d) may be configured to help the operator to insert the scope straightener sheath (102) into a urethra of the subject. Further, the head (102d) may also be configured to receive the distal end (2b) during insertion of the elongate flexible member (2). The hollow cavity (102e) is configured to guide the elongated flexible member (2) of the ureteroscope (101). Further, the hollow cavity (102e) may be configured to removably receive the elongated flexible member (2). In an embodiment, as shown in Fig.3b, the scope straighter sheath (102) includes a side leg (102c), extending away from the tubular body (105). The side leg (102c) is configured to function as an outlet for emptying the blader. The side leg (102c) of the scope straightener sheath (102) is positioned proximal to the head (102d) of the scope straightener sheath (102). In an embodiment, length of the scope straightener sheath (102) for female subject is in the range of 8-10 cm [as can be seen in Fig.3a]. In an embodiment, length of the scope straightener sheath (102) for male subject is in the range of 24 to 28 cm [as can be seen in Fig.3b]. Further, the scope straightener sheath (102) of the present disclosure is compact and smaller in size. This configuration of the scope straightener sheath (102) provides access to reach the scope straightener sheath (102) only till a vesico-ureteric junction (VUJ) of urethra. Further, the elongated flexible member (2) is inserted into the head (102d), passes through the hollow cavity (102e) and reaches the VUJ. Thereafter, the elongated flexible member (2) may have a direct access to the ureter without the scope straightener sheath (102). Therefore, the scope straightener sheath (102) may help to pass the elongated flexible member (2) directly into the ureter, without accessing the scope straightener sheath (102) till entry of kidney, which causes undesired ureteric injuries. In an operational embodiment, to perform RIRS the operator inserts the second portion (102b) of the scope straightener sheath (102) inside the subject’s urethra. Due to the smaller size of the scope straightener sheath (102), it is possible that the scope straightener sheath (102) may only reach till the vesico-ureteric junction (VUJ). Thus, allowing direct access to the ureter. Therefore, by excluding the complete insertion of the scope straightener sheath (102) into the ureter of the subject, it is possible to reduce time for dilation and radiation to place the sheath, thereby reducing overall time of the RIRS. The RIRS treatment system (100) includes the ureteroscope (101), and other supporting components such as vacuum generation device and the like. Once the scope straightener sheath (102) is inserted into the urethra, the elongated flexible member (2) of the ureteroscope (101) is pushed from the first end (102a) into the head (102d) through the hollow cavity (102e), until the elongated flexible member (2) reaches the vesico- ureteric junction (VUJ). Further, the elongated flexible member (2) may have direct access to the ureter, and the elongated flexible member (2) is pushed until it enters the kidney of the subject. After entering into the kidney [thus, a desired region within the kidney], the image capturing unit and the light source present at the distal end (2b) of the elongated flexible member (2) aids in visibility of the desired region of the kidney for identifying stone’s location. Once the stones are identified, the operator irrigates the working fluid from the first port (111) of the connector (103) into the plurality of channels of the elongated flexible member (2), to supply fresh working fluid in the kidney. The working fluid from the first port (111) flows into the plurality of channels of the elongated flexible member (2) by means of gravity i.e. at the first pressure. Once irrigated, the operator pulverizes the stone into small particles through lasers, water jets, and the like, which may be communicated via the second end (103b) of the connector (103) to pulverize the kidney stones. After pulverizing, the stone is shattered to small particles, which gets mixed in the working fluid. The small size particles and dust of the pulverized kidney stone may get mixed in the working fluid, which needs to be flushed out of the kidney as they prevent visibility for the operator to perform further treatment in the kidney. The small particles and dust of the pulverized stone mixed with the working fluid inside the kidney, are flushed out via the second port (112) of the connector (103), through suction line (30). The suction line (30) removes the spent working fluid from the kidney by the negative pressure at the second port (112) of the connector (103). The negative pressure is created due to the pressure difference between the first pressure of working fluid at the first port (111) and the second pressure at the second port (112) created by the vacuum generation device. Further, once the spent working fluid reaches the conduit (104) through the inlet port (3) of the ureteroscope (101), the negative pressure created by the vacuum generation device at the second port (112) may drain out the spent working fluid out of the conduit (104). During the draining of spent working fluid from the conduit (104), at least a portion of fresh working fluid also get mixed with the spent working fluid and is channelized through the second port (112) of the connector (103) out from the ureteroscope (101). Such configuration of the connector (103) aids simultaneous irrigation and suctioning of fresh working fluid and spent working fluid, respectively upon activation of the vacuum generation device. The first port (111) of the connector (103) irrigates fresh working fluid into the subject via the elongated flow passage (110) of conduit (104) by gravity and via the same the elongated flow passage (110) without disturbing the irrigation, from the second port (112) suctioning of the spent working fluid is removed from the kidney. In the connector (103) there will be the selective application of the pressure i.e., once the small particles and dust of the pulverized stone mixed with the working fluid inside the kidney, the vacuum generation device is activated to create the second pressure to draw in the spent working fluid without disturbing the irrigation of the working fluid from the first port (111) of the connector (103). Therefore, irrigation and suction of the working fluid take place simultaneously without interrupting each other. Thus, due to simultaneous irrigation and suction of the working fluid upon the vacuum generation device activation, consistent inter renal pressure is maintained without causing any complications to the subject. Further, the vacuum generation device includes an additional outlet port for discharging the spent working fluid from kidney during surgery. Such additional port in the vacuum generation device discharges the spent working fluid from the vacuum generation device and run the vacuum generation device continuously without turning off. In addition, time for operating the subject is also reduced by simultaneous irrigation and suctioning of the working fluid, when compared with the conventional RIRS. Further, due to simultaneous irrigating and suctioning of the working fluid, clogging of the small particles and dust of the pulverized stone are eliminated. The system (100) reduces the overall operating time for the subject, maintains the inter renal pressure within the kidney and prevents uretic injuries to the subject during removal of the scope straightener sheath (102), respectively. The ureteroscope (101), as disclosed in the present disclosure, simple in construction and reduces number of components for performing RIRS. Equivalents: to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity. It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.” In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group. While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS: Content Reference numerals System 100 Ureteroscope 101 Reuseable portion 10 Disposable portion 20 Handle 1 Inlet port 3 Elongated flexible member 2 Proximal end 2a Distal end 2b Scope straightener sheath 102 First end 102a Second end 102b Side leg 102c Head 102d Hollow cavity 102e Connector 103 Elongated flow passage 110 First end 103a Second end 103b First port 111 Second port 112 Cap 113 Suction line 30 Irrigation line 40 Conduit 104 Tubular body 105 Extended portion 111a, 112a Flange structure 111b, 112b

Claims

We claim:

1. A ureteroscope (101) comprising: a reuseable portion (10) including a handle (1) and an inlet port (3) configured to receive a working fluid; a disposable portion (20) connectable to the reuseable portion (10), the disposable portion (20) including an elongated flexible member (2) defined with a proximal end (2a) and a distal end (2b), wherein the proximal end (2a) connectable to the reuseable portion (10); and a connector (103) connectable to the inlet port (3), the connector (103) comprising: a conduit (104) defined with a first end (103a) and a second end (103b) opposite to the first end (103a), the conduit (104) comprising: a first port (111) defined proximal to the first end (103a), the first port (111) being configured to continuously supply the working fluid into the conduit (104), and the working fluid being supplied at a first pressure; and a second port (112) defined proximal to the second end (103b) and fluidly connectable to a vacuum generation device, the second port (112) upon being connected to the vacuum generation device, generates a second pressure lesser than the first pressure, to drain the working fluid out of the conduit (104).

2. The ureteroscope (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the conduit (104) is defined with an elongated flow passage (110) extending between the first end (103a) and the second end (103b), and wherein the elongated flow passage (110) is in fluid communication with the first port (111) and the second port (112).

3. The ureteroscope (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first port (111) and the second port (112) are positioned radially opposite to each other, and wherein the first port (111) and the second port (112) are spaced apart, along the length of the conduit (104), by a predefined distance ranging between 1 cm to 3 cm.

4. The ureteroscope (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vacuum generation device, upon being activated, generates a negative pressure, to drain the working fluid flowing out from the inlet port (3) of the reuseable portion (10).

5. The ureteroscope (101) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the negative pressure generated by the vacuum generation device is configured to drain the working fluid from the second port (112) at a predefined flow rate .

6. The ureteroscope (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first port (111) is configured to be connectable to an irrigation line (40), to receive working fluid to be routed into the inlet port (3), and wherein the second port (112) is configured to be connectable to a suction line (30), to receive and drain the working fluid flowing out of the inlet port (3).

7. The ureteroscope (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first port (111) and the second port (112) of the connector (103) comprises: an extended portion (111a, 112a) extending away from the conduit (104); and a flange structure (111b, 112b) disposed at an end of the extended portion (111a, 112a), the flange structure (111b) configured to be connectable to the irrigation line (40) and the flange structure (112b) configured to be connectable to the suction line (30).

8. The ureteroscope (101) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connector (103) comprises a cap (113) being removably coupled to the second end (103b) of the conduit (104).

9. The ureteroscope (101) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a scope straightener sheath (102) connectable to the distal end (2b) of the elongated flexible member (2).

10. The ureteroscope (101) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the scope straightener sheath (102) comprises: a tubular body (105); a first end (102a) and a second end (102b) opposite to the first end (102a); a hollow cavity (102e) extending along a length of the tubular body (105); and a head (102d) connectable to the elongated flexible member (2), wherein the hollow cavity (102e) being configured to removably receive the elongated flexible member (2).

11. The ureteroscope (101) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the scope straightener sheath (102) comprises a side leg (102c) extending away from the tubular body (105), the side leg (102c) being positioned proximal to the head (102d).

Images