Adapter and method for attaching a medical instrument to a surgical working channel

Abstract

An instrument adapter for a medical working channel may include: a main bracket having a first arm extending along a first curved direction and a second arm extending along a second curved direction opposite the first arm, the main bracket forming a semi-circular arc defining a concave face and a convex face; a first retention feature provided at the concave face of the first arm; a second retention feature provided at the concave face of the second arm, wherein the first retention feature and the second retention feature are at opposite ends of the main bracket; a conduit extending between the convex face of the main bracket and the concave face of the main bracket, the conduit forming a receiving space through the main bracket; and a seal positioned within the receiving space of the conduit.

Description

ADAPTER AND METHOD 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 / 738,482, 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 include a main bracket including a first arm extending along a first curved direction and a second arm extending along a second curved direction opposite the first arm, the main bracket forming a semi-circular arc defining a concave face and a convex face; a first retention feature provided at the concave face of the first 1MEI 51557613v.1arm; and a second retention feature provided at the concave face of the second arm, wherein the first retention feature and the second retention feature are at opposite ends of the main bracket. The instrument adapter may further include a conduit extending between the convex face of the main bracket and the concave face of the main bracket, the conduit forming a receiving space through the main bracket; and a seal positioned within the receiving space of the conduit.

[0004] According to another aspect of the disclosure, an adapter bracket for a medical working channel is provided. The adapter bracket may be attachable to a cylindrical apparatus. The adapter bracket may include a first portion extending along a semi-circular arc between a first end and a second end; a first protrusion tab provided at the first end, the first protrusion tab protruding inward along the semi-circular arc; and a second protrusion tab provided at the second end, the second protrusion tab protruding inward along the semi-circular arc. The adapter bracket may further include a second portion extending from the first portion, the second portion extending outward from the semi-circular arc, wherein the second portion defines a receiving space, and wherein a through hole is defined through the second portion and the first portion.

[0005] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a method of attaching an adapter bracket to a working channel is provided. The adapter bracket may include a main bracket including a first arm extending along a first curved direction and a second arm extending along a second curved direction, a first retention tab at the first arm, a second retention tab at the second arm, and a conduit forming a receiving space through the main bracket. The method may include aligning the conduit of the adapter bracket with a flush port of the working channel; pressing the adapter bracket onto the medical scope, wherein the flush port is accepted within the conduit and wherein each of the first retention tab and the second retention tab are snap fit onto a body of the2MEI 51557613v.1working channel; and inserting a needle through the conduit and into the flush port of the 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 a schematic section view of the exemplary instrument adapter of FIG.1 taken along line A- A.

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

[0009] FIG. 4 provides a top section view of the exemplary instrument adapter of FIG. 1 in the installed position on the medical scope.

[0010] FIG. 5 provides a close-up side section view of the exemplary instrument adapter of FIG. 1 with an instrument inserted and attached thereto.

[0011] FIG. 6 provides a side section view the exemplary instrument adapter of FIG. 1 in an installed position on a medical scope including a ledge.

[0012] FIG. 7 provides a perspective view of an exemplary medical scope showing a flush port.

[0013] FIG. 8 provides a perspective view of the exemplary instrument adapter of FIG. 1 in an installed position on the medical scope with a needle inserted therein.

[0014] FIG. 9 provides a flow chart illustrating a method of attaching an instrument adapter to a medical scope according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.3MEI 51557613v.1DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The subject matter disclosed herein relates in general to medical devices, and more particularly to instrument adapters for attaching medical instruments to 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.

[0016] 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) with 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 the4MEI 51557613v.1like. Accordingly, an adapter capable of coupling to multiple different instruments and working channels would be useful.

[0017] 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.). Additionally or alternatively, adapters may be configured to provide a break point or strategic failure point to protect an attached scope from suffering damage.

[0018] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of an instrument adapter 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Instrument adapter 100 may include a main bracket 102. Main bracket 102 may be semi-circular shaped. For instance, main bracket 102 may include a first arm 104 extending along a first curved direction and a second arm 106 extending along a second curved direction. Second arm 106 may be positioned opposite first arm 104. Thus, main bracket 102 may form a semi-circular arc. First arm 104 and second arm 106 may collectively form a first portion of instrument adapter 100. The semi-circular arc (e.g., the first portion) may define a concave face 108 and a convex face 110 opposite concave face 108.

[0019] According to at least some embodiments, main bracket 102 may be formed as a singular unitary piece. Thus, first arm 104 and second arm 106 may be collectively formed as a single body forming main bracket 102. Additionally or alternatively, first arm 104 and second arm 106 may be formed separately and joined together (e.g., at a midpoint of main bracket 102).5MEI 51557613v.1Further, main bracket 102 may define a height H (depicted in FIG. 2) along a direction defined axially to each of the first curved direction and the second curved direction. Height H may be defined from a top edge 1021 to a bottom edge 1022 of main bracket 102. Further still, main bracket 102 may extend (e.g., in or along the first curved direction and the second curved direction) between about 140 degrees and about 170 degrees.

[0020] Instrument adapter 100 may include one or more retention features. For instance, instrument adapter 100 may include a first retention tab or protrusion tab 112. First retention tab 112 may protrude from main bracket 102. For instance, first retention tab 112 may protrude from concave face 108 of main bracket 102. In detail, first retention tab 112 may protrude from first arm 104 (e.g., from concave face 108 at first arm 104). First retention tab 112 may be positioned at or near an end of first arm 104. According to some embodiments, first retention tab 112 is provided at a distal end of first arm 104 (e.g., distal to a central point of main bracket 102).

[0021] First retention tab 112 may extend axially with respect to concave face 108. Thus, first retention tab 112 may extend between top edge 1021 and bottom edge 1022 of main bracket 102. First retention tab 112 may be configured to or configured to engage a working channel 10 (see FIG. 4, for example). For instance, first retention tab 112 may be selectively accepted within a recess 12 defined within working channel 10. Accordingly, first retention tab 112 may assist in retaining instrument adapter 100 against working channel 10. Additionally or alternatively, first retention tab 112 may be defined at or on working channel 10 while recess 12 may be defined at or into concave face 108. Accordingly, the retention features between instrument adapter 100 and working channel 10 may be provided as mating protrusions and recesses, and may be switched or reversed according to specific embodiments.6MEI 51557613v.1

[0022] As another or alternative aspect of the retention features of the instrument adapter 1000, the instrument adapter 100 may include a second retention tab or protrusion tab 114.Similar to first retention tab 112, second retention tab 114 may protrude from main bracket 102. For instance, second retention tab 114 may protrude from concave face 108 of main bracket 102. In detail, second retention tab 114 may protrude from second arm 106 (e.g., from concave face 108 at second arm 106). Second retention tab 114 may be positioned at or near an end of second arm 106. According to some embodiments, second retention tab 114 is provided at a distal end of second arm 106 (e.g., distal to the central point of main bracket 102). Thus, first retention tab 112 and second retention tab 114 may be provided at opposite ends of main bracket 102 (e.g., along the curved direction).

[0023] Second retention tab 114 may extend axially with respect to concave face 108. Thus, second retention tab 114 may extend between top edge 1021 and bottom edge 1022 of main bracket 102. Second retention tab 114 may be configured to or configured to engage medical scope or working channel 10. For instance, second retention tab 114 may be selectively accepted within a recess 14 defined within working channel 10 (e.g., similar to recess 12). Recess 14 may be positioned apart from recess 12 (e.g., along a circumferential direction of working channel 10). Accordingly, second retention tab 114 may assist in retaining instrument adapter 100 against working channel 10 (e.g., together with first retention tab 112). Additionally or alternatively, similar to first retention tab 112 above, second retention tab 114 may be defined at or on working channel 10 while recess 14 may be defined at or into concave face 108. Accordingly, the retention features between instrument adapter 100 and working channel 10 may be provided as mating protrusions and recesses, and may be switched or reversed according to specific embodiments.7MEI 51557613v.1

[0024] The first arm 104 and second arm 106 may be configured such that, when an outward force is applied thereto, the first and second arms 104 and 106 can be flexed away from one another to attach to the working channel 10. Further, the first and second arms 104 and 106 can be configured such that, when they are flexed away from one another, the first and second arms 104 and 106 are resiliently biased to more towards one another when the outward force is removed, thereby allowing first and second retention tabs 112 and 114 to be received into recesses 12 and 14, respectively.

[0025] Instrument adapter 100 may include a conduit 120. Conduit 120 may be or form a second portion of instrument adapter 100. Conduit 120 may define an axial direction A, a radial direction R, and a circumferential direction C. It should be noted that the directions used herein are by way of example only, and that conduit 120 (and instrument adapter 100) may be orientated in any suitable direction according to specific applications. Conduit 120 may extend between concave face 108 and convex face 110. For instance, conduit 120 may be defined through main bracket 102. Thus, conduit 120 may form a receiving space 122 through main bracket 102. Additionally or alternatively, conduit 120 (e.g., the second portion of instrument adapter 100) may extend from the first portion (e.g., first arm 104 and second arm 106 collectively).

[0026] Conduit 120 may include a body or body portion 124. Body 124 may extend along the axial direction A. For instance, body 124 may protrude or project from convex face 110 of main bracket 102. Receiving space 122 may be at least partially formed by body 124 (e.g., as seen particularly in FIGS. 1 through 3). Body 124 may at least partially extend about the circumferential direction C. Thus, body 124 may be predominantly cylindrical. For instance, body 124 may have a predetermined diameter radius R1 (e.g., in the radial direction R).8MEI 51557613v.1Additionally or alternatively, body 124 may have one or more apertures or through holes formed therethrough along the radial direction R. As seen particularly in FIG. 1, the one or more apertures may allow for visual observation of receiving space 122.

[0027] Body 124 may define a first edge 126 and a second edge 128 (labeled in FIG. 2). In detail, body 124 may extend along the circumferential direction C between about 220 degrees and about 260 degrees. As shown particularly in FIG. 2, first edge 126 and second edge 128 may be defined at circumferential terminus points of body 124. Thus, first edge 126 and second edge 128 may extend along the axial direction A (e.g., from convex face 110 of main bracket 102).

[0028] Conduit 120 may include a first leg 130. First leg 130 may extend from first edge 126. For instance, first leg 130 may extend along a straight direction from first edge 126 toward bottom edge 1022 of main bracket 102. Referring briefly to FIG. 2, for example, first leg 130 may be predominantly perpendicular with bottom edge 1022 of main bracket 102. Additionally or alternatively, first leg 130 may terminate at bottom edge 1022. First leg 130 may extend along the axial direction A (e.g., together with body 124).

[0029] Conduit 120 may include a second leg 132. Second leg 132 may extend from second edge 128. For instance, second leg 132 may extend along a straight direction from second edge 128 toward bottom edge 1022 of main bracket 102. Referring again to FIG. 2, for example, second leg 132 may be predominantly perpendicular with bottom edge 1022 of main bracket 102. Additionally or alternatively, second leg 132 may terminate at bottom edge 1022. Second leg 132 may extend along the axial direction A (e.g., together with body 124).

[0030] Second leg 132 may be predominantly parallel with first leg 130. For instance, a channel 134 may be formed between first leg 130 and second leg 132. Channel 134 may be fluidly coupled with receiving space 122. Accordingly, channel 134 may extend through main 9MEI 51557613v.1bracket 102 of instrument adapter 100 (i.e., through each of concave face 108 and convex face 110). Further, channel 134 may define a width W1 (e.g., between first leg 130 and second leg 132). Width W1 may be less than a diameter of body 124. As would be understood, the diameter of body 124 may be double the radius R1 defined across receiving space 122 (e.g., parallel with width Wl).

[0031] Conduit 120 may include an end cap 136. End cap 136 may be provided at an axial end of body 124 (e.g., opposite main bracket 102). End cap 136 may axially enclose each of receiving space 122 and channel 134. Thus, end cap 136 may be connected at each of body 124, first leg 130, and second leg 132. According to some embodiments, end cap 136 is integrally formed as a single piece together with body 124, first leg 130, and second leg 132. Additionally or alternatively, end cap 136 may have a through hole 138 defined therethrough along the axial direction A. For instance, through hole 138 may be configured or configured to receive an elongated instrument such as a needle therethrough along the axial direction A (e.g., into receiving space 122). Accordingly, through hole 138 may be positioned or located at or near a central axis point of body 124 along the radial direction R of body 124.

[0032] Instrument adapter 100 may include a threaded coupler 140. Threaded coupler 140 may protrude from end cap 136. For instance, threaded coupler 140 may protrude along the axial direction A from end cap 136 away from receiving space 122. Threaded coupler 140 may be axially aligned with through hole 138. Threaded coupler 140 may be or include a hollow cylinder such that receiving space 122 is fluidly coupled external to instrument adapter 100 via through hole 138 and threaded coupler 140. Accordingly, an instrument or needle may be inserted through threaded coupler 140 and through hole 138.10MEI 51557613v.1

[0033] Threaded coupler 140 may include at least one thread 142. Thread 142 may be defined along an external surface of threaded coupler 140. For instance, thread 142 may extend circumferentially about the external circumferential surface of threaded coupler 140 (e.g., as seen in FIG. 1). Thread 142 may be configured to accept, for example, a threaded nut thereon. In one example, threaded coupler 140 can be a Luer fitting. Referring briefly to FIGS. 5 and 8, a coupler 16 provided on a medical needle may be selectively coupled to threaded coupler 140 via thread 140. Advantageously, the attached needle may be securely fastened to instrument adapter 100 when inserted.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, instrument adapter 100 may include an annular tab 144. Annular tab 144 may protrude from main bracket 102. For instance, annular tab 144 may protrude from concave face 108 of main bracket 10. Annular tab 144 may extend along concave face 108 between each of first arm 104 and second arm 106 (e.g., along the first curved direction and the second curved direction). Thus, annular tab 144 may be positioned between first retention tab 112 and second retention tab 114.

[0035] Annular tab 144 may be provided adjacent to top edge 1021 of main bracket 102. In detail, annular tab 144 may be positioned between top edge 1021 of main bracket 102 and conduit 120. Accordingly, annular tab 144 may be positioned or located spaced apart from receiving space 122 (e.g., above receiving space with reference to FIG. 5). Annular tab 144 may be configured or configured to be received within a circumferential groove or recess formed in working channel 10 (FIG. 7, for example). Accordingly, annular tab 144 may assist in retaining instrument adapter 100 against working channel 10 and restraining movement of instrument adapter 100 (and any subsequently attached needle) along a direction defined between the top edge 1021 and bottom edge 1022 of main bracket 102. Additionally or alternatively, similar to 11MEI 51557613v.1first retention tab 112 and second retention tab 114 above, annular tab 144 may be defined at or on working channel 10 while the circumferential recess may be defined at or into concave face 108. Accordingly, as mentioned above, the retention features between instrument adapter 100 and working channel 10 may be provided as mating protrusions and recesses, and may be switched or reversed according to specific embodiments.

[0036] Referring back to FIG. 1, instrument adapter 100 may include a first flange 150. First flange 150 may be defined at the distal end of first arm 104. For instance, first flange 150 may extend from convex face 110 of first arm 104. As shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 4, first flange 150 may flare out (e.g., from convex face 110) at the distal end of first arm 104. First flange 150 may extend from top edge 1021 to bottom edge 1022 of main bracket 102.Accordingly, first flange 150 may assist in attaching and detaching instrument adapter 100 to and from working channel 10.

[0037] Instrument adapter 100 may include a second flange 152. Second flange 152 may be defined at the distal end of second arm 106. For instance, second flange 152 may extend from convex face 110 of second arm 106. As shown particularly in FIGS. 1 and 4, second flange 152 may flare out (e.g., from convex face 110) at the distal end of second arm 106. Thus, second flange 152 may mirror first flange 150. Second flange 152 may extend from top edge 1021 to bottom edge 1022 of main bracket 102. Accordingly, second flange 152 (e.g., together with first flange 150) may assist in attaching and detaching instrument adapter 100 to and from working channel 10.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, instrument adapter 100 may include a seal 160. Seal 160 may be operably coupled with body 124. In detail, seal 160 may be operably coupled at end cap 136 of conduit 120 at or near through hole 138. Seal 160 may be positioned within receiving space 12212MEI 51557613v.1of conduit 120 (e.g., at body 124). In some instances, at least a portion of seal 160 is recessed or embedded into end cap 136. According to at least some embodiments, seal 160 is an elastomeric seal. Thus, seal 160 may be at least partially resilient, elastic, or otherwise malleable to accommodate a temporary change in shape. Seal 160 may thus include an aperture or hole 162 defined therethrough (e.g., along the axial direction A). Aperture 162 may be axially aligned with through hole 138 such that a needle may be passed through seal 160 and into working channel 10. As would be understood, seal may form a sealed connection with each of the inserted needle and instrument adapter 100.

[0039] Seal 160 may include a projection 164. Projection 164 may be a frustoconical portion or projection. Projection 164 may project, protrude, or otherwise extend toward or into receiving space 122. Projection 164 may taper axially inward toward a distal end thereof (e.g., toward receiving space 122). Thus, projection 164 may be configured or configured to protrude into a flush port 18 of working channel 10 (see FIG. 3, for instance). Thus, seal 160 (e.g., at projection 164) may form a fluid seal between instrument adapter 100 and flush port 18. Further, seal 160 may be visible within conduit 120. For example, when viewing instrument adapter 100 from a direction facing concave face 108 of main bracket 102, seal 160 may be visible or visibly positioned within receiving space 122.

[0040] Instrument adapter 100 may be configured or configured to engage with working channel 10 (e.g., in addition to or alternatively from annular tab 144, first retention tab 112, or second retention tab 114). For instance, referring briefly to FIG. 6, working channel 10 may include a ledge 20. Ledge 20 may protrude from an outer circumferential or convex surface of working channel 10 below an input around which instrument adapter is attached. Ledge 20 may13MEI 51557613v.1provide a surface to accommodate instrument adapter 100 thereon. Thus, instrument adapter 100 may rest on ledge 20 when in an installed position on working channel 10.

[0041] Now that an instrument adapter has been described, a method 400 of attaching a instrument adapter to a medical scope according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG. 9. Method 400 may be applied to instrument adapter 100 as described above, or any other suitable adapter capable of being attached, fixed, or otherwise coupled to a medical scope, instrument, robot, or other device. Certain method steps may be added to or removed from method 400, and the steps may be performed in any suitable order.

[0042] At 402, method 400 may include aligning a conduit of an adapter bracket with a flush port of a medical scope. Referring briefly to FIGS. 7 and 8, the medical scope (e.g., working channel 10) may include a flush port through which certain fluids may be permitted to drain. The flush port may protrude from a main body of the medical scope and may define an inlet aperture, for example. A drain attachment such as a tube or nozzle may be connected at the inlet aperture. Thus, the adapter bracket (e.g., instrument adapter 100) may be aligned such that the conduit (e.g., conduit 120) is aligned axially with the inlet aperture and drain attachment. The axial alignment may thus align a through hole (e.g., through hole 138) with the inlet aperture.

[0043] At 404, method 400 may include pressing the adapter bracket onto the medical scope. For instance, upon aligning the conduit with the flush port, the adapter may be attached to the medical scope such that the flush port is accepted within the conduit (e.g., within receiving space 122). Retention tabs (e.g., first retention tab 112 and second retention tab 114) may be accepted within recesses (e.g., recess 12 and recess, respectively) formed or defined on the medical scope. According to at least some embodiments, the retention tabs are snap fit onto the body of the 14MEI 51557613v.1medical scope. For instance, as the adapter bracket is pressed onto the working channel, the first portion (e.g., first arm 104 and second arm 106) may splay away from each other around the working channel. Thus, the adapter bracket may be at least partially elastic, resilient, or otherwise malleable to have a shape thereof be changed or changeable to then revert or return to its original shape (e.g., when the retention features between the adapter bracket and the working channel are aligned).

[0044] At 406, method 400 may include inserting a needle through the conduit and into the flush port of the medical scope. As mentioned, the conduit may be aligned (e.g., along the axial direction) with the flush port to collectively define an insertion opening or hole. A needle, such as an injection needle or the like, may then be pressed into the conduit to be inserted into the medical scope or robot. In some instances, the needle may then be connected with the adapter, such as by a rotating nut. Advantageously, the needle may be secured to the medical scope via the adapter.

[0045] The detailed description explains embodiments of the disclosure, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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”,15MEI 51557613v.1“an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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).

[0051] 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 is 16MEI 51557613v.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 51557613v.1

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An instrument adapter for a medical working channel, the instrument adapter comprising:a main bracket comprising a first arm extending along a first curved direction and a second arm extending along a second curved direction opposite the first arm, the main bracket forming a semi-circular arc defining a concave face and a convex face;a first retention feature provided at the concave face of the first arm;a second retention feature provided at the concave face of the second arm, wherein the first retention feature and the second retention feature are at opposite ends of the main bracket;a conduit extending between the convex face of the main bracket and the concave face of the main bracket, the conduit forming a receiving space through the main bracket; anda seal positioned within the receiving space of the conduit.

2. The instrument adapter of claim 1 , wherein the conduit defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, and wherein the conduit comprises:a body extending along the axial direction and at least partially about the circumferential direction, the body defining a first edge and a second edge;a first leg extending downward from the first edge;a second leg extending downward from the second edge, the second leg being parallel with the first leg along the axial direction to form a channel therebetween; andan end cap provided at a distal axial end of the body opposite the main bracket.18MEI 51557613v.

13. The instrument adapter of claim 2, wherein a width of the channel between the first leg and the second leg is less than a diameter of the body along the radial direction.

4. The instrument adapter of claim 2, further comprising:a threaded coupler protruding from the end cap along the axial direction, wherein a thread is defined along an external surface of the threaded coupler.

5. The instrument adapter of claim 2, wherein the seal is an elastomeric seal at least partially accommodated within the end cap adjacent to the threaded coupler.

6. The instrument adapter of claim 5, wherein the elastomeric seal comprises a frustoconical projection protruding along the axial direction into the receiving space.

7. The instrument adapter of claim 1 , wherein the first retention feature is a first retention tab extending between a top edge and a bottom edge of the main bracket, and wherein the second retention feature is a second retention tab extending from a top edge to a bottom edge of the main bracket.

8. The instrument adapter of claim 7, further comprising:an annular tab protruding from the concave face of the main bracket, wherein the annular tab is positioned between the first retention tab and the second retention tab.19MEI 51557613v.

19. The instrument adapter of claim 8, wherein the annular tab is provided adjacent to a top edge of the main bracket above the receiving space of the conduit.

10. The instrument adapter of claim 1, further comprising:a first flange extending from the convex face of the first arm at the distal end thereof; and a second flange extending from the convex face of the second arm at the distal end thereof.

11. The instrument adapter of claim 1 , wherein the first retention feature is configured to engage a first corresponding retention feature on a convex face of the medical working channel, andwherein the second retention feature is configured to engage a second corresponding retention feature on the convex face of the medical working channel.

12. The instrument adapter of claim 1, wherein the conduit is positioned at a midpoint of the semi-circular arc.

13. An adapter bracket for a medical working channel, the adapter bracket being attachable to a cylindrical apparatus, the adapter bracket comprising:a first portion extending along a semi-circular arc between a first end and a second end; a first protrusion tab provided at the first end, the first protrusion tab protruding inward along the semi-circular arc;20MEI 51557613v.1a second protrusion tab provided at the second end, the second protrusion tab protruding inward along the semi-circular arc; anda second portion extending from the first portion, the second portion extending outward from the semi-circular arc, wherein the second portion defines a receiving space, and wherein a through hole is defined through the second portion and the first portion.

14. The adapter bracket of claim 13, wherein the second portion defines an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction, and wherein the second portion comprises:a body extending along the axial direction and at least partially about the circumferential direction, the body defining a first edge and a second edge;a first leg extending downward from the first edge;a second leg extending downward from the second edge, the second leg being parallel with the first leg along the axial direction to form a channel therebetween, wherein a width of the channel between the first leg and the second leg is less than a diameter of the body along the radial direction; andan end cap provided at a distal axial end of the body opposite the main bracket.

15. The adapter bracket of claim 14, further comprising:a threaded coupler protruding from the end cap along the axial direction, wherein a thread is defined along an external surface of the threaded coupler.

16. The adapter bracket of claim 14, further comprising:21MEI 51557613v.1an elastomeric seal at least partially accommodated within the end cap adjacent to the threaded coupler, wherein the elastomeric seal comprises a frustoconical projection protruding along the axial direction into the receiving space.

17. The adapter bracket of claim 13, wherein each of the first protrusion tab and the second protrusion tab extend from a top to a bottom of the semi-circular arc.

18. The adapter bracket of claim 13, further comprising:an annular tab protruding inward from the first portion, wherein the annular tab is provided adjacent to a top of the semi-circular arc and positioned between the first protrusion tab and the second protrusion tab.

19. The adapter bracket of claim 13, further comprising:a first flange extending outward from the first portion at the first end; anda second flange extending outward from the second portion at the second end.

20. A method of attaching an adapter bracket to a working channel, the adapter bracket comprising a main bracket comprising a first arm extending along a first curved direction and a second arm extending along a second curved direction, a first retention tab at the first arm, a second retention tab at the second arm, and a conduit forming a receiving space through the main bracket, the method comprising:aligning the conduit of the adapter bracket with a flush port of the working channel;22MEI 51557613v.1pressing the adapter bracket onto the medical scope, wherein the flush port is accepted within the conduit and wherein each of the first retention tab and the second retention tab are snap fit onto a body of the working channel; andinserting a needle through the conduit and into the flush port of the working channel.23MEI 51557613v.1

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