Adapter for attaching a medical instrument to a surgical working channel

Abstract

An instrument adapter for a medical working channel may include: a main body, the main body including a first portion configured for attaching to the medical working channel, and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion along an axial direction of the instrument adapter; a sliding member selectively received within the main body at the second portion, wherein the sliding member is configured to slide along the axial direction with respect to the main body; and a ring nut operably coupled with the main body at the second portion, wherein the ring nut is configured to move the sliding member in response to rotation of the ring nut.

Description

ADAPTER FOR ATTACHING A MEDICAL INSTRUMENT TO A SURGICAL WORKING CHANNELCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 738,491, filed on December 23, 2024, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] During a surgical procedure, a surgical working channel may be inserted into a patient to allow for the introduction of a medical instrument into a patient’s body for treatment or diagnostic purposes. The working channel can comprise a scope, robot, or other tool with an elongated catheter that is configured to be inserted into the patient through an anatomical channel such as a blood vessel, an airway branch of the lung, or another organ. Upon insertion of the working channel, the medical instrument can be attached thereto, and an elongated portion of the medical instrument can be passed through the elongated catheter to a target location within the patient for treatment or diagnostic purposes.SUMMARY

[0003] According to one aspect of the disclosure, an instrument adapter for a medical working channel is provided. The instrument adapter may define an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The instrument adapter may include a main body. The main body may include a first portion configured for attaching to the medical working channel, the first portion defining a predetermined cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction such that at least a portion 1MEI 51555972v.1of a circumferential side of the first portion is open, and a second portion spaced apart from the first portion along the axial direction. The instrument adapter may further include a sliding member selectively received within the main body at the second portion. The sliding member may be configured to slide along the axial direction with respect to the main body. The instrument adapter may further include a ring nut operably coupled with the main body at the second portion. The ring nut may be configured to move the sliding member in response to rotation of the ring nut.

[0004] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an instrument adapter for a medical working channel is provided. The instrument adapter may define an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction. The instrument adapter may include a main body. The main body may include a first portion configured for attaching to the medical working channel, the first portion defining a horseshoe cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction. At least a portion of a circumferential side of the first portion may be open. The instrument adapter may further include a second portion spaced apart from the first portion along the axial direction, and a sliding member selectively received within the main body at the second portion. The sliding member may be configured to slide along the axial direction with respect to the main body. The sliding member may define an inner circumferential surface and may include at least one core rib protruding radially inward from the inner circumferential surface and extending along the axial direction. The instrument adapter may further include a ring nut operably coupled with the main body at the second portion. The ring nut may be configured to move the sliding member in response to rotation of the ring nut.

[0005] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of attaching an instrument adapter to a medical working channel is provided. The instrument adapter may include a main body including a horseshoe section and a threaded section, a sliding member slidably received 2MEI 51555972v.1within the threaded section, and a ring nut rotatably fastened with the threaded section. The method may include sliding the horseshoe section of the main body over a barb of the medical working channel, positioning the instrument adapter to axially align the instrument adapter with the barb of the medical working channel, and rotating the ring nut to slide the sliding member into contact with the barb of the medical working channel.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0006] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an instrument adapter according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 provides an exploded view of the exemplary instrument adapter of FIG. 1.

[0008] FIG. 3 provides a side section view of the exemplary instrument adapter of FIG. 1 in an installed position on a medical working channel.

[0009] FIG. 4 provides a top perspective view of the exemplary instrument adapter of FIG. 1 with a ring nut removed.

[0010] FIG. 5 provides a side section view of the exemplary instrument adapter of FIG. 1 showing a seal.

[0011] FIG. 6 provides a side section view of an exemplary instrument adapter being installed to a surgical working channel and having a medical instrument inserted therein.

[0012] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of an instrument adapter according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 8 provides a side section view of the exemplary instrument adapter of FIG. 7 installed on a medical instrument.3MEI 51555972v.1

[0014] FIG. 9 provides a side section view of an instrument adapter according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 10 provides a cross-section view of the exemplary instrument adapter of FIG. 9 along section 10-10’.

[0016] FIG. 11 provides a flowchart illustrating a method of installing an instrument adapter to a medical working channel according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The subject matter disclosed herein relates in general to medical devices, and more particularly to instrument adapters for attaching medical instruments to medical or surgical working channels. While existing adapters are suitable for their intended purposes, the need for improvement remains, particularly in instrument adapters having the features described herein.

[0018] Embodiments disclosed herein provide for instrument adapters to connect an elongated medical instrument to a surgical working channel, where the surgical working channel is configured to be inserted into a patient (e.g., into a blood vessel, branch of a lung, or into another organ). The elongated medical instrument can be (i) a therapeutic delivery instrument such as, without limitation, an instrument configured to deliver a therapeutic agent (e.g., via a needle) and / or a thermal therapy (e.g., electrocautery, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, cryogenic, or microwave therapy) or (ii) a diagnostic instrument such as, without limitation, a sensor to sense, for example (without limitation), visible light, non- visible light, and / or electrical impedance. In one example, the medical instrument can be a needle insertion instrument having an elongate and flexible needle that extends a length of a catheter of the working channel. The surgical working channel can be defined by, for example, a scope or a robot (e.g., ION robot)4MEI 51555972v.1with an elongated catheter. The elongated catheter can be manually or robotically steerable. A variety of different medical instruments and working channels are used at many different institutions, and these different devices may have different connectors that are incompatible for attaching to one another. It would be useful to incorporate adapters to allow for medical instruments and working channels having incompatible connectors to be attached to one another. Certain instruments may have slightly different dimensions, sizes, gaps, connection means, or the like. Accordingly, an adapter capable of coupling to multiple different instruments and working channels would be useful.

[0019] In some instances, an elongated flexible needle is inserted into and extended through a working channel to a target anatomical location in a patient’s body. The needle may be at least as long as the elongated catheter of the working channel. Maintaining the needle in a predetermined position relative to the working channel becomes imperative to avoid malfunction, breakage, or bending of the needle. Thus, adapters must be able to rigidly attach and support an inserted needle to ensure proper and effective execution of the needle’s purpose (e.g., injection, etc.).

[0020] Referring now to the figures, an instrument adapter 100 according to exemplary embodiments will be described. Instrument adapter 100 may be configured to attach a medical instrument 11 (see FIG. 6) to a working channel. When attached, an elongated portion of the medical instrument 11 may extend through the instrument adapter 100 into the working channel, wherein the elongated portion is configured to deliver a therapeutic agent or perform a diagnostic function. In some instances, the medical instrument 11 may be coupled to instrument adapter 100 after insertion into the working channel. Instrument adapter 100 may define an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. It should be noted that the coordinates are 5MEI 51555972v.1provided by way of example only for purposes of illustration and explanation, and that instrument adapter 100 may be orientated in any suitable direction within any suitable frame of reference according to specific embodiments.

[0021] Instrument adapter 100 may include a main body 102. Main body 102 may include a first portion 104 and a second portion 106. First portion 104 and second portion 106 may be provided sequentially along the axial direction A. For instance first portion 104 may be provided or defined at a proximal end of main body 102 (e.g., adjacent to an instrument) while second portion 106 may be provided or defined at a distal end of main body 102 (e.g., adjacent to a needle). In some instances, first portion 104 and second portion 106 are connected by a midportion or central portion. However, first portion 104 and second portion 106 may abut each other to collectively form main body 102.

[0022] As mentioned, first portion 104 of main body 102 may be configured to attaching, coupling, fixing, or otherwise connecting instrument adapter 100 to an instrument (e.g., such as a working channel 10). First portion 104 may define a predetermined cross-section 108 along the axial direction A. According to at least some embodiments, the predetermined cross-section may be a horseshoe cross-section. However, the predetermined cross-section may be any suitable cross-section defining at least one open side, such as a U cross-section, a three-sided body, a five-sided open hexagon, or the like. In detail, at least a portion of a circumferential side of first portion 104 may be open. As shown particularly in FIG. 2, first portion 104 may include a main curved section 110. Main curved section 110 may extend about the circumferential direction C and the axial direction A. Main curved section 110 may be semi-circular. For instance, main curved section may extend approximately 180 degrees about the circumferential direction C. According to some instances, main curved section 110 may act or operate as a hard stop when 6MEI 51555972v.1instrument adapter 100 is attached to a working channel 10. For example, the working channel 10 may include a barb 12 (labeled in Fig. 3) over which instrument adapter 100 is slid such that the barb 12 contacts curved section 110 to stop instrument adapter 100 from sliding or moving further.

[0023] First portion 104 may include a pair of arms 112. For instance, the pair of arms 112 may include a first arm 1121 and a second arm 1122. First arm 1121 may extend from a first end of main curved section 110. In detail, first arm 1121 may extend or protrude predominantly along a tangential direction (e.g., tangential to the circumferential direction C of main curved section 110) from the first end of main curved section 110. Similarly, second arm 1122 may extend from a second end of main curved section 110. For instance, second arm 1122 may extend or protrude predominantly along a tangential direction from the second end of main curved section 110. First arm 1121 and second arm 1122 may be predominantly parallel with each other. Accordingly, main curved section 110 and the pair of arms 112 may collectively define a horseshoe shape as seen along the axial direction A.

[0024] First portion 104 may define a lip 114. Lip 114 may protrude inward along the radial direction R. Additionally or alternatively, lip 114 may be provided at a distal end of first portion 104. For instance, lip 114 may be positioned proximate to second portion 106 of main body 102. According to some embodiments, lip 114 is provided at or near a midpoint of main body 102. Lip 114 may protrude from each of main curved section 110, first arm 1121, and second arm 1122. Thus, lip 114 may have or define a predominantly horseshoe shape (e.g., similar to first section 104). Further, lip 114 may extend along the circumferential direction C (e.g., about the horseshoe cross-section 108).7MEI 51555972v.1

[0025] Second portion 106 may be defined axially adjacent to first portion 104. Second portion 106 may be spaced apart from first portion 104 (e.g., along the axial direction A). Second portion 106 may be predominantly cylindrical or tubular (e.g., about the circumferential direction C) and may extend along the axial direction A. Thus, second portion 106 may define an inner circumferential surface 116 and an outer circumferential surface 118. As would be understood, inner circumferential surface 116 may face inward along the radial direction R while outer circumferential surface 118 may face outward along the radial direction R.

[0026] Outer circumferential surface 118 may be threaded. For instance, one or more threads 120 may be formed along outer circumferential surface 118. As will be explained, a nut 150 (described below) may be selectively threaded onto outer circumferential surface 118. Threads 120 may thus be formed over at least a majority of outer circumferential surface 118.

[0027] Inner circumferential surface 116 may define a groove 122 therein. In detail, groove 122 may be formed radially into inner circumferential surface 116 and may extend along the axial direction A. According to at least some embodiments, a plurality of grooves 122 may be formed into inner circumferential surface 116. For instance, four grooves 122 may be included and spaced equidistant (e.g., about 90 degrees) from each other about the circumferential direction C. It should be noted that any suitable number of grooves 122 may be formed and the disclosure is not limited to the examples provided herein. Hereinafter, a single groove 122 will be described with the understanding that the description applies to any additional grooves 122 which may or may not be included.

[0028] Groove 122 may include a blind stop 124. For instance, blind stop 124 may be defined at a distal end of groove 122. Blind stop 124 may thus be located proximate or adjacent to first portion 104 of main body 102. As seen particularly in FIG. 2, blind stop 124 may be 8MEI 51555972v.1defined as at least a portion of inner circumferential surface 116 extending further inward along the radial direction R than a bottom-most portion of groove 122. Additionally or alternatively, groove 122 may be open axially at a top of second portion 106. For instance as best seen in FIG.4, groove 122 may be defined through a top edge of second portion 106. Accordingly, as will be explained, a rib (e.g., rib 136) may be free to translate along the axial direction A within groove 122 including upward through the top edge of second portion 106.

[0029] Instrument adapter 100 may include a sliding member 130. Sliding member 130 may be selectively received within main body 102. For instance, sliding member 130 may be predominantly positioned within or along second portion 106 of main body 102. Sliding member 130 may be configured to slide along the axial direction A with respect to main body 102.Sliding member 130 may be predominantly coaxial with second portion 106. For instance, sliding member 130 may be positioned within second portion 106 along the radial direction R. Further, sliding member 130 may define a through channel 131 along the axial direction A (e.g., such as to receive a needle or instrument therethrough).

[0030] Sliding member 130 may include a body 132 and a nipple or neck 134 extending from body 132 along the axial direction A. Body 132 may be predominantly cylindrical. Sliding member 130 may include a rib 136. According to some embodiments, sliding member 130 may include a plurality of ribs (e.g., two ribs, three ribs, four ribs, etc.). In this instance, each of the plurality of ribs may be spaced equidistant about body 132. For the sake a brevity, a single rib 136 will be described herein with the understanding that the description may apply to any suitable number of ribs which may be included in specific embodiments.

[0031] Rib 136 may protrude along the radial direction R from body 132. Moreover, rib 136 may extend generally along the axial direction A. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2, rib 136 may 9MEI 51555972v.1extend along a majority of the axial length of body 132. Rib 136 may be configured to be accepted within groove 122 of second portion 106 of main body 102. As mentioned, a top portion of groove 122 may be open along the axial direction A. Accordingly, rib 136 may be accepted within groove 122 when sliding member 130 is inserted into second portion 106 of main body 102.

[0032] Neck 134 may extend from body 132 along the axial direction A. For instance, neck 134 may extend generally upward (e.g., away from main body 102) along the axial direction A. According to some embodiments, neck 134 may be at least partially tapered along the axial direction A (e.g., away from body 132). An extending length of neck 134 may vary according to specific embodiments. According to at least one embodiment, an extending length of neck 134 may be approximately equal to an extending length of body 132. For instance, a length of neck 134 may be about 1.2 times a length of body 132 or at least 1.0 to at most 3.0 times a length of body 132.

[0033] Referring briefly to FIGS. 7 and 8, in some examples, neck 134 may include a body portion 1341 and an insert 1342 inserted into body portion 1341. Body portion 1341 may be predominantly elongated along the axial direction A. For instance, an extending length of body portion 1341 may be at least 3 times and at most 5 times the length of body 132 of slider 130. Insert 1342 may be received within a distal end of body portion 1341. For instance, insert 1342 may be threaded, press fit, friction fit, or otherwise permanently or semi-permanently inserted into body portion 1341. Additionally or alternatively, insert 1342 may be integrally formed (e.g., as a single unitary piece) together with body portion 1341.

[0034] According to at least some embodiments, body portion 1341 defines an inner circumferential surface 1343. Inner circumferential surface 1343 may taper at a first end (e.g., a 10MEI 51555972v.1distal end) thereof. For instance, inner circumferential surface 1343 defines a conical or tapered shape at or near a meeting point between sliding member 130 and working channel 10 (e.g., at a post or inlet of working channel 10). Thus, an inner diameter of body portion 1341 at a distal end thereof (e.g., at insert 1342) may be greater than the inner diameter of body portion 1341 at the proximal end thereof (e.g., adjacent to working channel 10). In other words, the inner diameter of body portion 1341 can decrease as the body portion 1341 extends from its distal end towards its proximal end. Advantageously, a medical device 11 may be guided into working channel 10 through instrument adapter 100 to avoid damage to the needle by way of potential misalignment.

[0035] Neck 134 may include at least one thread 138. In some examples, neck 134 may define a Luer fitting. Thread 138 may be an external thread. Thus, thread 138 may be formed along an outer or external surface of neck 134. Thread 138 may be configured to attach to or thread into a medical instrument. Advantageously, after inserting a device (e.g., a medical device such as a needle insertion device as part of the medical instrument) into adapter 100, the medical instrument 11 may be secured to adapter 100 via thread 138. Moreover, in the instance where neck 134 is elongated and includes body portion 1341 and insert 1342, thread (e.g., Luer fitting) 138 may be formed at or along insert 1342.

[0036] Instrument adapter 100 may include a seal 140 (see e.g., FIGs. 3 and 5). Seal 140 may be positioned at or along a proximal end of sliding member 130 (e.g., within second portion 106 of main body 102). According to at least some embodiments, seal 140 includes an elastomeric seal. Thus, seal 140 may be at least partially resilient to adjust shape with respect to a contact point (e.g., at working channel 10). Referring briefly to FIGS. 3 and 5, seal 140 may be positioned at a proximal axial end of body 132 of sliding member 130. Seal 140 may include a neck portion 142 and a flange portion 144. Neck portion 142 of seal 140 may be at least partially 11MEI 51555972v.1received or positioned within sliding member 130. For instance, neck portion 142 may be pressed into through channel 131. Flange portion 144 may extend radially from a bottom of neck portion 142 (e.g., external to through channel 131). Thus, at least a portion of flange portion 144 may contact a bottom surface of body 132 of slider 130.

[0037] Seal 140 may be configured to translate along the axial direction A. For instance, as sliding member or slider 130 moves axially, seal 140 may also move (e.g., together) with sliding member 130. Seal 140 may thus be restricted from rotating about the circumferential direction (e.g., similar to sliding member 130). According to at least some embodiments, instrument adapter 100 is configured to attach to a working channel 10 (FIG. 5). Working channel 10 may include a post, nozzle, inlet, or the like 12 protruding therefrom. When installed, sliding member 130 may be axially aligned with post 12. As sliding member 130 is tightened (explained below), seal 140 may contact post 12 to form a seal therearound. For instance, flange portion 144 may be pressed onto a top edge of post 12.

[0038] Instrument adapter 100 may include a ring nut 150. Ring nut 150 may be operably coupled with main body 102. For instance, ring nut 150 may be threaded onto second portion 106 of main body 102 (e.g., at threads 120). Additionally or alternatively, ring nut 150 may be operably coupled with sliding member 130. In detail, ring nut 150 may be configured to translate, slide, or otherwise move sliding member 130 along the axial direction A when rotated (e.g., in response to rotation of ring nut 150). Thus, as ring nut 150 is tightened, sliding member 130 (and seal 140) is moved axially toward working channel 10 (e.g., toward post 12).

[0039] Instrument adapter 100 may include a core tube 160 (e.g., as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10). Core tube 160 may be positioned within sliding member 130 (e.g., within neck 134). For instance, core tube 160 may be positioned within body portion 1341 of neck 134. Core tube 16012MEI 51555972v.1may be positioned at a radial center of neck 134. Additionally or alternatively, core tube 160 may extend along the axial direction A. Core tube 160 may be predominantly cylindrical so as to define a through hole along the axial direction A. Accordingly, an elongate portion of the medical instrument (e.g., a needle) may be inserted and stabilized within core tube 160.Advantageously, relatively long needles or instruments may be utilized with certain embodiments of instrument adapter 100 and may be fully supported.

[0040] Instrument adapter 100 may include a core rib 162 (e.g., as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10). According to at least some embodiments, a plurality of core ribs 162 are provided. For instance, at least four core ribs 162 may be provided, however the number of core ribs 162 may vary according to specific embodiments and the disclosure is not limited to the examples provided herein. For the sake of brevity, a single core rib 162 will be described with the understanding that the description applies to each included core rib 162 according to specific embodiments.

[0041] Core rib 162 may be positioned within sliding member 130. In detail, core rib 162 may extend between an outer circumferential surface of core tube 160 and an inner circumferential surface of sliding member 130 (e.g., neck 134). Moreover, core rib 162 may extend along the axial direction A. According to some embodiments, core rib 162 extends an entire length of core tube 160 along the axial direction A. Accordingly, core rib 162 (or the plurality of core ribs) may support and secure core tube 160 within neck 134 of sliding member 130.

[0042] According to at least some embodiments, core rib 162 protrudes radially inward from the inner circumferential surface of sliding member 130 (e.g., at neck 134). For instance, core tube 160 may be omitted such that only core rib 162 (or the plurality of core ribs) are provided.13MEI 51555972v.1In such instances, core rib 162 may aid in guiding an inserted instrument (e.g., such as a relatively long needle) toward and into the working channel 10 (e.g., at post 12).

[0043] Now that the overall design of an instrument adapter has been discussed, a method 400 of attaching an instrument adapter (e.g., instrument adapter 100) to a working channel will be described with reference to FIG. 11. Method 400 may be applied to instrument adapter 100 or any other suitable adapter capable of guiding, stabilizing, and securing a medical instrument to a working channel. The method steps described herein may be performed in any suitable order, and additional steps may be included or omitted according to specific applications.

[0044] At 402, method 400 may include sliding an instrument adapter (e.g., instrument adapter 100) over a barb (e.g., barb 12) of a working channel (e.g., working channel 10). In detail, as discussed above, the instrument adapter 100 may include a section having a horseshoe section or cross-section. According to some embodiments, the section may include a lip (e.g., lip 114 of FIG. 1). As shown particularly in FIG. 5, the barb 12 of the working channel 10 may include a flange protruding radially therefrom. The lip 114 may thus be positioned underneath the flange of the barb 12 (e.g., along the axial direction A). Accordingly, the instrument adapter may be restrained from movement along the axial direction A.

[0045] At 404, method 400 may include positioning the instrument adapter to axially align the instrument adapter with the barb of the working channel. For instance, upon positioning the lip 114 with respect to the flange of the barb 12, an axial through hole of the instrument adapter 100 may be aligned (e.g., along the axial direction A) with an axial through hole of the barb 12. In some instances, the horseshoe section may include a hard stop (e.g., at main curved section 110, described above). Accordingly, the axial through hole of the instrument adapter 100 may be14MEI 51555972v.1aligned with the axial through hole of the barb 12 when the instrument adapter 100 is slid to a maximum insertion point over the barb 12.

[0046] At 406, method 400 may include rotating a ring nut to slide a sliding member into contact with the barb 12 of the working channel 10. As mentioned above, a ring nut (e.g., ring nut 150) may be threadedly coupled with the instrument adapter 100. Moreover, a sliding member (e.g., sliding member 130) may be positioned within a main body of the instrument adapter 100 to selectively move or slide axially with respect to the main body of the instrument adapter 100. Thus, when the ring nut 150 is tightened, or threaded onto the main body, the sliding member 130 may be moved along the axial direction toward the barb 12 of the working channel 10. In some instance, a seal (e.g., seal 140) is included at sliding member 130 to ensure an aligned and sealed connection between the instrument adapter 100 (e.g., the sliding member 130) and the barb 12 of the working channel 10.

[0047] The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0048] The term “about” is intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application.

[0049] It should also be noted that the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, “upper”, “lower”, and the like may be used herein to modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial, sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless specifically stated.

[0050] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly 15MEI 51555972v.1indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, element components, and / or groups thereof.

[0051] While the disclosure is provided in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the disclosure is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the disclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Additionally, while various embodiments of the disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the exemplary embodiment(s) may include only some of the described exemplary aspects. Accordingly, the disclosure is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description.

[0052] Embodiments illustrated under any heading or in any portion of the disclosure may be combined with embodiments illustrated under the same or any other heading or other portion of the disclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. For example, and without limitation, embodiments described in dependent claim format for a given embodiment (e.g., the given embodiment described in independent claim format) may be combined with other embodiments (described in independent claim format or dependent claim format).

[0053] Numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention defined in the claims. It is16MEI 51555972v.1intended that the present invention need not be limited to the described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following claims, and equivalents thereof.17MEI 51555972v.1

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An instrument adapter for a medical working channel, the instrument adapter defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, the instrument adapter comprising:a main body, the main body comprising:a first portion configured for attaching to the medical working channel, the first portion defining a predetermined cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction such that at least a portion of a circumferential side of the first portion is open, anda second portion spaced apart from the first portion along the axial direction; a sliding member selectively received within the main body at the second portion, wherein the sliding member is configured to slide along the axial direction with respect to the main body; anda ring nut operably coupled with the main body at the second portion, wherein the ring nut is configured to move the sliding member in response to rotation of the ring nut.

2. The instrument adapter of claim 1, further comprising:a seal positioned at a proximal end of the sliding member, wherein at least a portion of the seal is received within the sliding member.

3. The instrument adapter of claim 2, wherein the seal is configured to translate along the axial direction together with the sliding member and is restricted from rotating about the circumferential direction.18MEI 51555972v.

14. The instrument adapter of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the main body defines a lip protruding inward along the radial direction at a proximal end thereof.

5. The instrument adapter of claim 4, wherein the lip extends along the circumferential direction about the predetermined cross-section.

6. The instrument adapter of claim 1, wherein the sliding member comprises:at least one rib protruding along the radial direction and extending along the axial direction.

7. The instrument adapter of claim 6, wherein the main body comprises an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, and wherein the main body defines at least one groove protruding inward into the inner circumferential surface thereof, the at least one groove being configured to accept the at least one rib therein.

8. The instrument adapter of claim 7, wherein the at least one rib comprises a plurality of ribs spaced apart along the circumferential direction, and wherein the at least one groove comprises a plurality of grooves spaced apart along the circumferential direction.

9. The instrument adapter of claim 1 , wherein the sliding member comprises a neck, the neck comprising at least one external thread.19MEI 51555972v.

110. The instrument adapter of claim 1, further comprising:a core tube positioned within the sliding member, the core tube extending a length of the sliding member; anda plurality of ribs extending between an inner circumferential surface of the sliding member and an outer circumferential surface of the core tube.

11. The instrument adapter of claim 1 , wherein a distal end of the sliding member is configured to attach to a needle.

12. An instrument adapter for a medical working channel, the instrument adapter defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, the instrument adapter comprising:a main body, the main body comprising:a first portion configured for attaching to the medical working channel, the first portion defining a horseshoe cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction, wherein at least a portion of a circumferential side of the first portion is open, anda second portion spaced apart from the first portion along the axial direction; a sliding member selectively received within the main body at the second portion, wherein the sliding member is configured to slide along the axial direction with respect to the main body, wherein the sliding member defines an inner circumferential surface, and wherein the sliding member comprises at least one core rib protruding radially inward from the inner circumferential surface and extending along the axial direction; and20MEI 51555972v.1a ring nut operably coupled with the main body at the second portion, wherein the ring nut is configured to move the sliding member in response to rotation of the ring nut.

13. The instrument adapter of claim 12, wherein the inner circumferential surface of the sliding member tapers at a proximal end thereof such that an inner diameter of the sliding member at the proximal end is less than an inner diameter of the sliding member at a distal end thereof.

14. The instrument adapter of claim 12, wherein the first portion of the main body defines a lip protruding inward along the radial direction at a distal end thereof.

15. The instrument adapter of claim 14, wherein the lip extends along the circumferential direction about the horseshoe cross-section.

16. The instrument adapter of claim 12, wherein the sliding member comprises:at least one rib protruding along the radial direction and extending along the axial direction.

17. The instrument adapter of claim 16, wherein the main body comprises an outer circumferential surface and an inner circumferential surface, and wherein the main body defines at least one groove protruding inward into the inner circumferential surface thereof, the at least one groove being configured to accept the at least one rib therein.21MEI 51555972v.

118. The instrument adapter of claim 17, wherein the at least one rib comprises a plurality of ribs spaced apart along the circumferential direction, and wherein the at least one groove comprises a plurality of grooves spaced apart along the circumferential direction.

19. A method of attaching an instrument adapter to a medical working channel, the instrument adapter comprising a main body comprising a horseshoe section and a threaded section, a sliding member slidably received within the threaded section, and a ring nut rotatably fastened with the threaded section, the method comprising:sliding the horseshoe section of the main body over a barb of the medical working channel;positioning the instrument adapter to axially align the instrument adapter with the barb of the medical working channel; androtating the ring nut to slide the sliding member into contact with the barb of the medical working channel.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the horseshoe section of the main body comprises an annular lip, and wherein the annular lip is positioned under an overhang of the barb of the medical working channel.22MEI 51555972v.1

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