U.S. patent application number 14/551208 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-26 for adjustable endoscope sheath.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gyrus ACMI, Inc. d.b.a Olympus Surgical Technologies America. Invention is credited to Ming J. Cheng.
Application Number | 20160143511 14/551208 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55969535 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160143511 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cheng; Ming J. |
May 26, 2016 |
ADJUSTABLE ENDOSCOPE SHEATH
Abstract
An endoscope sheath is providing comprising a sheath tube
extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a
distal end, the sheath tube configured to receive at least a
portion of an endoscope; a hub adapter connected to the sheath
tube, the hub adapter including an arm configured to engage at
least a portion of the endoscope so that the hub adapter and the
sheath tube are restricted from rotating about the longitudinal
axis; and a knob configured to engage a shoulder of the endoscope
and the sheath tube so that movement of the knob relative to the
hub adapter moves the sheath tube axially along the longitudinal
axis.
Inventors: |
Cheng; Ming J.; (W. Warwick,
RI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gyrus ACMI, Inc. d.b.a Olympus Surgical Technologies
America |
Southborough |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55969535 |
Appl. No.: |
14/551208 |
Filed: |
November 24, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/123 ;
600/125 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 1/00066 20130101;
A61B 1/00128 20130101; A61B 1/00135 20130101; A61B 1/015 20130101;
A61B 1/126 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 1/00 20060101
A61B001/00; A61B 1/12 20060101 A61B001/12; A61B 1/015 20060101
A61B001/015 |
Claims
1) An endoscope sheath comprising: a sheath tube extending along a
longitudinal axis between a proximal end and a distal end, the
sheath tube configured to receive at least a portion of an
endoscope; a hub adapter connected to the sheath tube, the hub
adapter including an arm configured to engage at least a portion of
the endoscope so that the hub adapter and the sheath tube are
restricted from rotating about the longitudinal axis; and a knob
configured to engage a shoulder of the endoscope and the sheath
tube so that movement of the knob relative to the hub adapter moves
the sheath tube axially along the longitudinal axis without the
endoscope axially moving along the longitudinal axis.
2) The endoscope sheath of claim 1, wherein the knob includes a
first threaded portion and a proximal end of the sheath tube
includes a second threaded portion engaging the first threaded
portion so that movement of the knob moves the sheath tube, the hub
adapter, or both axially along the longitudinal axis.
3) The endoscope sheath of claim 2, wherein the distal end of the
sheath tube includes a sheath tube up including an angled tip,
wherein movement of the knob moves the sheath tube so that the
sheath tube tip is configured to generally align with of the distal
end of the endoscope.
4) The endoscope sheath of claim 3, wherein the knob includes a
through bore configured to receive at least a portion of the
endoscope, the through bore includes a distal section and a
proximal section, the distal section includes the first threaded
portion and the proximal section includes a non-threaded section,
the non-threaded section includes a channel configured to rotatably
engage a rib located on a flange of the shoulder so that the knob
is prevented from axially moving relative to the shoulder when the
knob is rotated.
5) The endoscope of claim 4, wherein the channel includes one or
more slots cooperating to form the channel and the rib extends
partially around the flange so that the knob is removeably
rotationally engaged thereon.
6) The endoscope sheath of claim 1, wherein the arm of the hub
adapter includes a yoke configured to engage a light post on the
endoscope so that the hub adapter and the endoscope sheath are both
restricted from rotating relative to the shoulder.
7) The endoscope sheath of claim 6, wherein the yoke includes a
slot so that the hub adapter can move axially along the
longitudinal axis with the sheath tithe when the knob is moved.
8) The endoscope sheath of claim 2, wherein a hub is fixedly
connected to a proximal end of the sheath tube, the hub including,
the second threaded portion.
9) The endoscope sheath of claim 7, wherein the hub adapter
includes a port for supplying irrigation fluid, suction, or both to
the endoscope sheath, the endoscope, or both. 10) (A method
comprising: providing a sheath tube extending along a longitudinal
axis between a proximal end and a distal end; providing an
endoscope having a proximal end, a distal end and a shoulder
disposed there between; providing a knob between the proximal end
of the sheath tube and the shoulder; engaging a distal end of the
knob with the proximal end of the sheath tube; inserting at least a
portion of the endoscope through a through bore in the knob and
into the sheath tube; and rotating the knob in a first direction, a
second direction, or both relative to the longitudinal axis of the
sheath tube so that the distal end of the sheath tube moves along
the longitudinal axis without the endoscope moving.
11) The method of claim 10, wherein the sheath tube includes an arm
engaging at least a portion of the endoscope so that the sheath
tube is restricted from rotating about the longitudinal axis when
the knob is rotated in the first direction, the second direction,
or both.
12) The method of claim 11, wherein the knob includes a first
threaded portion and the sheath tube includes a second threaded
portion threadably engaging the first threaded portion, the knob
including a thee abutting the shoulder of the endoscope, wherein
rotating the knob in the first direction causes the distal end of
the sheath tube to move axially along the longitudinal axis towards
a distal end of the endoscope without the knob axially moving
relative to the shoulder, and wherein rotating the knob in the
second direction causes the distal end of the sheath tube to move
axially along the longitudinal axis away from the distal end of the
endoscope without the knob axially moving relative to the
shoulder.
13) The method of claim 12, wherein the shoulder of the endoscope
includes a rib and the knob includes a channel rotatably engaging
the rib so that the knob is prevented from axially moving relative
to the shoulder.
14) The method of claim 13, wherein the channel includes one or
more slots cooperating to form the channel and the rib is partially
disposed around a flange of the shoulder so that the knob is
removeably rotationally engaged thereon.
15) The method of claim 14, wherein the method also includes:
introducing an irrigation fluid, suction, or both from a source to
a port on the hub adapter; and supplying the irrigation fluid,
suction, or both to the distal end of the sheath tube so that the
distal end a the endoscope can be cleaned.
16) The endoscope sheath of claim 4 wherein the rib extends around
only a portion of a circumference of the flange, and wherein when
the channel is aligned such that the rib disengages from within the
channel, the knob can be separated from the endoscope. cm 17) An
endoscope sheath comprising: a sheath tube extending along a
longitudinal axis, the sheath tube is configured to receive at
least a portion of an endoscope, the sheath tube includes a sheath
tube tip at a distal end of the sheath tube; a hub adapter located
at a proximal end of the sheath tube, the hub adapter configured to
engage a portion of the endoscope so that the hub adapter and the
sheath tube are restricted from rotating about the longitudinal
axis; and a knob configured to rotatably engage the endoscope and
the sheath tube, wherein rotating the knob causes the sheath tube
tip to move axially along the longitudinal axis relative to a
distal viewing end of the endoscope without the endoscope moving
along the longitudinal axis and without the knob moving along the
longitudinal axis.
18) The endoscope sheath of claim 17, wherein the knob includes a
through bore configured to receive at least a portion of the
endoscope, the through bore includes a distal section and a
proximal section, the distal section includes the first threaded
portion and the proximal section includes a non-threaded section,
the non-threaded section includes a channel configured to rotatably
engage as rib radially extending from a flange that axially extends
from the shoulder so that the knob is prevented from axially moving
relative to the shoulder of the endoscope when the knob is rotated,
and wherein when the rib disengages from within the channel, the
knob can be separated from the endoscope.
19) The endoscope sheath of claim 18, wherein the knob includes a
first threaded portion and a proximal end of the sheath tube
includes a second threaded portion that engages the first threaded
portion, and wherein rotation of the knob causes the sheath tube
and the hub adapter to move axially along the longitudinal axis
without the endoscope and the knob moving along the longitudinal
axis.
20) The endoscope sheath of claim 17, wherein the hub adapter
includes a yoke that is configured to engage a light post on the
endoscope so that the hub adapter and the endoscope sheath are both
restricted from rotating relative to the longitudinal axis, and
wherein the hub adapter also includes a port for supplying
irrigation fluid, suction, or both to the endoscope sheath.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present teachings generally relate to an endoscope
sheath and more specifically to an endoscope sheath that is
moveable relative to an endoscope.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Some endoscope sheaths include one or more features for
cleaning a distal viewing end of an endoscope. To function
properly, these features may require that a distal end the
endoscope sheath be axially aligned with the distal viewing end of
the endoscope. In this regard, if an endoscope sheath is too short,
for example, the distal end of the endoscope sheath may not reach
the distal viewing end of the endoscope, and may be prevented from
properly cleaning the endoscope. If an endoscope sheath is too
long, however, the distal end of the endoscope sheath may interfere
with the distal viewing end of the endoscope and may compromise
visual access into an internal location of a patient. A long
endoscope sheath may also be prevented from properly cleaning the
distal viewing end of the endoscope. Some examples of endoscope
sheaths can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,811,228, 5,554,112 and
5,797,836 and in U.S. Pat. Pubs. 2013/0205936 and 2002/0120180, all
of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for
all purposes.
[0003] Because endoscopes may be provided in various lengths for
accommodating various medical procedures and/or because of length
tolerance variations from the manufacturing processes of endoscopes
and endoscope sheaths, large inventories of endoscope sheaths
having various lengths may be required to ensure proper axial
alignment with the distal viewing end of an endoscope. Accordingly,
it may be desirable to have an endoscope sheath that can engage an
endoscope and then be adjusted to axially align the distal end of
the endoscope sheath with the distal viewing end of the endoscope.
It may also be desirable to provide a method for axially aligning
an endoscope sheath with an endoscope to accommodate endoscope
sheaths and endoscopes of varying lengths.
SUMMARY
[0004] The teachings herein provide an endoscope sheath comprising
a sheath tube extending along a longitudinal axis between a
proximal end and a distal end, the sheath tube configured to
receive at least a portion of an endoscope; a hub adapter connected
to the sheath tube, the hub adapter including an arm configured to
engage at least a portion of the endoscope so that the hub adapter
and the sheath tube are restricted from rotating about the
longitudinal axis; and a knob configured to engage a shoulder of
the endoscope and the sheath tube so that movement of the knob
relative to the hub adapter moves the sheath tube axially along the
longitudinal axis.
[0005] The teachings herein also provide a method comprising
providing a sheath tube extending along a longitudinal axis between
a proximal end and a distal end; providing an endoscope having a
proximal end, a distal end and a shoulder disposed there between;
providing a knob between the proximal end of the sheath tube and
the shoulder; engaging a distal end of the knob with the proximal
end of the sheath tube; inserting at least a portion of the
endoscope through a through bore in the knob and into the sheath
tube; and rotating the knob in a first direction, a second
direction, or both relative to the longitudinal axis of the sheath
tube so that the distal end of the sheath tube moves along the
longitudinal axis.
[0006] The teachings herein further provide an endoscope sheath
that can be quickly adjusted to custom fit endoscopes of varying
lengths.
[0007] Further yet, the teachings provide a method for axially
aligning an endoscope sheath to an endoscope to accommodate
endoscope sheaths, endoscopes, or both having various lengths.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an endoscope
connected to a knob, a hub adapter, and an endoscope sheath in
accordance with the teachings herein;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an
endoscope, a knob, a hub, a hub adapter, and an endoscope sheath in
accordance with the teachings herein;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial perspective view of an
endoscope in accordance with the teachings herein;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an knob in
accordance with the teachings herein;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a system for use with an endoscope and an
endoscope sheath of the teachings herein in accordance with the
teachings herein; and
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates a system for use with an endoscope and an
endoscope sheath of the teachings herein in accordance with the
teachings herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The explanations and illustrations presented herein are
intended to acquaint others skilled in the art with the teachings,
its principles, and its practical application. Those skilled in the
art may adapt and apply the teachings in its numerous forms, as may
be best suited to the requirements of a particular use.
Accordingly, the specific embodiments of the present teachings as
set forth are not intended as being exhaustive or limiting of the
teachings. The scope of the teachings should, therefore, be
determined not with reference to the above description, but should
instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along
with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are
entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including
patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference
for all purposes. Other combinations are also possible as will be
gleaned from the following claims which are also hereby
incorporated by reference into this written description.
[0015] The present teachings provide a system and an endoscope
sheath for use with an endoscope. The system may function to clean
and protect an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, or both. The system
may function to clean and protect a distal end of an endoscope. The
system may function to clean an image sensor, a lens, or a device
located at a distal viewing end of an endoscope. The system may
include one or more irrigation sources supplying an irrigation
fluid to an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal viewing end of
an endoscope, or a combination thereof, and one or more suction
sources pulling suction from an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a
distal viewing end of an endoscope, or a combination thereof. The
one or more irrigation sources, suction sources, or both may be in
constant communication, selective communication, or both with an
endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal viewing end of an
endoscope, or a combination thereof. The system may include one or
more control modules that may function to control the one or more
irrigation sources, suction sources, endoscope sheaths, endoscopes,
or a combination thereof.
[0016] The one or more control modules may function to control an
amount of irrigation fluid, suction, or both supplied, applied, or
pulled to/from an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal viewing
end of an endoscope, an area or location of interest, a surgical
site, or a combination thereof. The one or more control modules may
control a running speed, pumping duration, or both of the one or
more pumps supplying irrigation fluid. The one or more control
modules may control an order of application of irrigation fluid,
suction, or both. The one or more control modules may function to
stop a flow of irrigation fluid or suction, apply a flow of
irrigation fluid or suction, or a combination thereof. The one or
more control modules may include a power source, which may be
electricity, battery, or both. The one or more control modules may
include a microprocessor, a computer, a control algorithm, or a
combination thereof. The one or more control modules may include
one or more user interfaces, one or more pumps, one or more valves,
or a combination thereof.
[0017] The one or more user interfaces may function to provide a
user, such as a surgeon, doctor, or nurse, with the ability to
monitor and/or control the system. The user interface may include
one or more control knobs, buttons, switches, or selectors; one or
more indicators; one or more user controls; one or more devices for
adjusting, changing, or setting a system parameter or function; or
a combination thereof. During use, for example, a user may
activate, adjust, or both one or more of the control knobs,
buttons, indicators, controls, etc. to activate, control, adjust or
a combination thereof one or more pumps, valves, system functions,
or a combination thereof to start, stop, or change a system
function, such as an irrigation function, a suction function, or
application cycle.
[0018] The one or more pumps may function to supply, circulate, or
move irrigation fluid from an irrigation source to a control
module, an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal viewing end of
an endoscope, or a combination thereof. The pump may supply,
circulate, or move irrigation fluid with an impeller. The pump may
function to create a negative pressure (e.g., suction or vacuum).
Preferably, when the pump is activated, an amount of irrigation
fluid is moved, which, during use, may be constant or may
selectively vary. The pump may be a lobe pump, a centrifugal pump,
a positive displacement pump, a rotary positive displacement pump,
a diaphragm pump, a peristaltic pump, a rope pump, a gear pump, a
screw pump, a progressing cavity pump, a roots-type pump, a plunger
pump, or a combination thereof. Preferably, the pump is ,a
peristaltic pump for supplying irrigation fluid through one or more
irrigation lines.
[0019] The irrigation fluid may function to clean an endoscope
sheath, an endoscope a distal viewing end of an endoscope, or a
combination thereof. The irrigation fluid may function to move or
flush particles, opaque fluids, contaminants, cut biological
tissue, blood, obstructions, etc. or a combination thereof from an
endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal viewing end of an
endoscope, a surgical site, or a combination thereof. The
irrigation fluid may function to clean an image sensor, lens or
device of an endoscope while the endoscope and endoscope sheath is
in a patient, The irrigation fluid may be bioabsorbable. During an
application cycle, the irrigation fluid may be applied
continuously, selectively, intermittingly, on-demand, or a
combination thereof. The irrigation fluid may be supplied with a
pump configured to pump the irrigation fluid at a pressure. The
pressure of the irrigation fluid may change as the irrigation fluid
reaches a distal end of an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal
viewing end of an endoscope, or a combination thereof. The
irrigation fluid may be supplied via a gravity feed, and thus, the
pressure of the irrigation fluid may be determined by the height of
an irrigation source. For example, a vertical placement height of
an irrigation source may determine the amount of pressure and/or
force the irrigation fluid applies to a distal end of an endoscope
sheath, an endoscope, a distal viewing end of an endoscope, or a
combination thereof, It may be desirable that the pressure of the
irrigation fluid is sufficiently high so that a flow director may
redirect the irrigation fluid. The flow director may be located at
a distal end of the endoscope sheath. The irrigation fluid may be
applied with a sufficient amount of pressure so that the surface
tension of the irrigation fluid wicks across a distal end of an
endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal viewing end of an
endoscope, or a combination thereof (e.g., the pressure may be low
enough that the irrigation fluid remains in contact with an
endoscope sheath, an endoscope, or both). Preferably, the pressure
is low so that the flow of irrigation fluid is laminar across an
endoscope sheath, an endoscope, an image sensor, lens or device, or
combination thereof. The irrigation fluid may be applied with a
pressure of about 0.10 MPa or more, about 0.20 MPa or more, about
0.30 MPa or more, or even about 0.50 MPa or more. The irrigation
fluid may be applied with a pressure of about 3 MPa or less, about
2 MPa or less, about 1 MPa or less, or even about 0.75 MPa or less.
The pressure of the irrigation fluid may be varied based on a size,
length, or both of an irrigation line extending between an
irrigation source and an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal
viewing end of an endoscope, or a combination thereof.
[0020] The one or more irrigation lines may function to connect an
irrigation source to an endoscope sheath, endoscope, or both. The
one or more irrigation lines may be one or any number of lines
supplying irrigation fluid to an endoscope sheath, endoscope, or
both. The one or more irrigation lines may function to assist in
creating a pressure head so that the irrigation fluid is supplied,
applied, transferred, moved, or a combination thereof to move,
remove, or flush particles, opaque fluids, contaminants, cut
biological tissue, blood, obstructions, or a combination thereof
from a point of interest, an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a
distal viewing end of an endoscope, a surgical site, or from a
combination thereof. The one or more irrigation lines may be
elongated, rigid, flexible, or movable tubes or conduits, or a
combination thereof. The one or more irrigation lines may be made
of a material suitable for use in surgical procedures. The one or
more irrigation lines may also connect a suction source to an
endoscope sheath, an endoscope, or both (i.e., suction may be
supplied through the irrigation lines).
[0021] The suction source may function to move, remove, or flush
particles, opaque fluids, contaminants, cut biological tissue,
blood, obstructions, or a combination thereof from a point of
interest, an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal viewing end
of an endoscope, a surgical site, or from a combination thereof.
The suction source may function to perform a drying function,
remove fluid spots, remove contaminants, or a combination thereof.
The suction source may be a pump, reversal of a motor, a common
suction source, a hospital suction source, or a combination
thereof. The suction source may be configured to pull a sufficient
amount of vacuum through one or more suction lines, irrigation
lines, or both to remove a predetermined amount of fluid in a
predetermined amount of time. For example, the suction source may
pull suction so that 10 ml of irrigation fluid is removed in 1 to 2
seconds. The suction source may pull suction that is continuous,
selective, on-demand, or a combination thereof through one or more
suction lines.
[0022] The one or more suction lines may function to connect a
suction source to an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, or both. The
one or more suction lines may be one or more lines providing a
conduit for suction or vacuum to be pulled by suction source from
an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal viewing end of an
endoscope, or a combination thereof. The one or more suction lines
may function to assist in pulling a vacuum at or near a distal end
of an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal viewing end of an
endoscope, or a combination thereof. The one or more suction lines
may be elongated, rigid, flexible, movable tubes conduits, or a
combination thereof. The one or more suction lines may be made of a
material suitable for use in surgical procedures to pull vacuum or
suction. The one or more suction lines may also connect an
irrigation source to an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, or both
(i.e., irrigation may be supplied through the suction lines). The
suction lines and the irrigation lines may be the same line or may
be different lines. The suction line, the irrigation line, or both
may include one or more valves, fittings, or both.
[0023] The one or more valves may function to allow either a
suction function or an irrigation function to work at a given time.
For example, the one or more valves may function to block one or
more of the irrigation lines or one or more of the suction lines so
that only suction or only irrigation fluid, respectively, is
applied at a given time. The one or more valves may be a check
valve, a back flow preventer, or both. The one or more valves may
be located proximate to an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, an
irrigation source, a suction source, a control module, or a
combination thereof. If more than one valve is present, the valves
may be connected electrically, hydraulically, fluidly, or in a
combination thereof. For example, when one valve is opened another
valve can be closed. If two or more valves are present, the valves
may be operated in a sequence (e.g., one valve opens and closes
before another valve opens); operated simultaneously (e.g. both
valves open at the same time); operated on a delay (e.g. one valve
opens or closes before another valve opens or closes); or in any
combination thereof. The one or more valves may be part of, or in
communication with, a common fitting, located proximate to a common
fitting, or both.
[0024] The one or more common fittings may function to connect one
or more suction lines, irrigation lines, or both to a common line.
The one or more common fittings may function to provide suction and
irrigation fluid to an endoscope sheath, endoscope, or both through
a single port on the endoscopes sheath or endoscope. For example,
the common fitting may connect a suction line and an irrigation
line to a common line that is connected to an endoscope sheath so
that irrigation fluid can be supplied to the endoscope sheath and
after the irrigation fluid is supplied, suction may be applied
through the same line. The one or more common fittings may connect
a one or more suction lines, irrigation lines, or both, to multiple
devices so that the multiple devices may be used simultaneously, in
series, in parallel, or in a combined use. The one or more common
fittings may include two or more openings, three or more openings,
four or more openings, or five or more openings. Each opening may
receive one or more suction lines, one or more irrigation lines, or
both and may fluidly connect the one or more lines together. More
than one common fitting may be used to connect multiple lines
together. For example, a first common fitting with three openings
may be connected to a second common fitting with three openings so
that two lines are connected to one opening of the first common
fitting and one tube is connected to each of the other two
openings. Preferably, the common fitting is generally shaped and
two of the openings lead into a third opening that is connected to
one or more commons line and/or one or more delivery lines.
[0025] The one or more common lines and/or one or more delivery
lines may function to deliver, supply, apply, remove or a
combination thereof irrigation fluid, suction, or both to an
endoscope sheath, an endoscope, or both. The common line may
function to provide a combination of multiple different fluids,
devices, suction levels, fluid pressures, or a combination thereof.
The common line may provide a single access point between an
irrigation source, a suction source, a control module, or a
combination thereof and an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, or both.
The common line may have an increased cross-sectional area (e.g.,
diameter) relative to a cross-sectional area of an irrigation line,
a suction line, or both. The common line may be the same size as
the irrigation lines, suction lines, or both. The common line may
extend between a common fitting and a port of an endoscope sheath,
an endoscope, or both. The common line may function to deliver one
or more fluids to an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, or both during
an application cycle.
[0026] The application cycle may function to clean, protect or both
an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a distal viewing end of an
endoscope, an area or location of interest, a surgical site, or a
combination thereof. The application cycle may function to clean an
imaging lens or device associated with or located at a distal
viewing end of an endoscope. The application cycle may be
sufficiently long so that an image sensor, a lens or device of an
endoscope, a distal viewing end of an endoscope, or a combination
thereof can be cleaned and good images can be obtained therewith.
The application cycle may be a cycle where a one or a combination
of different applications, cycles, sequences, and/or functions are
applied or performed. The application cycle may be a cycle where
irrigation fluid and suction are applied simultaneously, in
sequence, intermittingly, on-demand, or in a combination thereof,
to clean, protect or both an endoscope sheath, an endoscope, a
distal viewing end of an endoscope, or a combination thereof. For
example, an application cycle may include an application of
irrigation fluid followed immediately by an application of suction.
The application cycle may apply a concurrent application of
irrigation fluid and suction. The application cycle may include
only an application of irrigation fluid (i.e., a flushing cycle, a
washing manner, etc.) with no suction. The application cycle may
include only an application of suction with no application of
irrigation fluid. The application cycle may be varied, adjusted,
monitored, and/or controlled by a user, by one or more control
modules, user interfaces, or a combination thereof. For example, a
user may pre-set an application cycle so that one touch of a switch
causes irrigation fluid to run for 5 seconds.
[0027] The endoscope may function to provide a surgeon, a doctor, a
nurse, or other interested persons with visual access into a remote
location, such as an internal location of a patient. The endoscope
may be used in non-invasive surgery. The endoscope may be used for
orthoscopic surgery. The endoscope may be inserted into an incision
in tissue. The endoscope may be inserted into an orifice, such as
an ear, nose, throat, rectum, or urethra. The endoscope may have a
generally circular cross section. The endoscope may include a
tubular section that is generally elongated and generally
cylindrical. The tubular section may extend along a longitudinal
axis toward a distal viewing end. The endoscope may include a hand
piece extending toward a proximal end of the endoscope. The hand
piece may include a shoulder engaging a knob. The hand piece may be
gripped by a user. The tubular section may be inserted into an
endoscope sheath, a sheath tube, or both. The tubular section may
include one or more image sensors, lenses, or devices. The one or
more image sensors; lenses, or devices may be located at a distal
viewing end of the endoscope. The one or more image sensors,
lenses, or devices may function to provide images that are black
and white, color, thermal, or a combination thereof. The one or
more image sensors, lenses, or devices may be located at an angle.
For example, the angle of the one or more image sensors, lenses, or
devices may be about 0.degree., 20.degree., 30.degree., 45.degree.,
6.degree., 70.degree., or a combination thereof. The endoscope may
include a distal end, a distal viewing end, or both.
[0028] The distal viewing end may be the distal end of the
endoscope, the tubular section, or both may be inserted into an
incision in the tissue of a patient, a naturally occurring orifice
or both so that a feature of interest can be viewed using a
minimally invasive means. Accordingly, the distal viewing end of
the endoscope may be the leading portion of the endoscope (i.e.,
the first portion entering a patient). The distal viewing end of
the endoscope may include the one or more image sensors, lenses, or
devices. The distal viewing end of the endoscope may include a
viewing cone or an area extending outwardly therefrom for viewing
an area or location of interest. The distal viewing end may be
moveable, variable, adjustable, or a combination thereof. The
distal viewing end of the endoscope may be configured to be axially
aligned with a distal end of an endoscope sheath, a sheath tube
tip, or both. The distal end of the endoscope may oppose a proximal
end of the endoscope.
[0029] The proximal end of the endoscope may function to be held or
gripped by a user. The proximal end of the endoscope may function
to provide controls to a doctor, a surgeon, a nurse, or other
interested persons. The proximal end of the endoscope may function
to provide power controls, sensing controls, irrigation controls,
suction controls, a connection point to/for outside devices, or a
combination thereof. The proximal end of the endoscope may provide
an interface for connecting other functional components to the
endoscope, such as an imaging device (e.g., a camera). The proximal
end of the endoscope may include a hand piece. During use, the
proximal end of the endoscope may be retained out of a patient
while a distal end of the endoscope is in the patent. The proximal
end of the endoscope may include a visual port.
[0030] The visual port may function to provide a viewing area or
window for observing a feature of interest located at or near a
distal viewing end of the endoscope. The visual port may be an
optical window. The visual port may function to provide an output
so that an image can be displayed on a monitor. The visual port may
include a connector or a plug for connecting to a display monitor.
The visual port may be integrally formed with the endoscope. The
visual port may be removeably coupled to the proximal end of the
endoscope via a threaded engagement. A shoulder may be located
between the proximal and distal ends of the endoscope.
[0031] The shoulder may function to prevent a proximal end of the
endoscope from entering a patient. The shoulder may be a distal or
terminal portion of a proximal end of the endoscope, a hand piece,
or both. The shoulder may be generally vertical, generally flat, or
generally orthogonal relative to a longitudinal axis of a sheath
tube. Once an endoscope is at least partially received into an
endoscope sheath, the shoulder may function to restrict or prevent
the sheath tube from moving towards a proximal end of the
endoscope. The shoulder may function to form a connection with an
endoscope sheath, a knob, or both. The shoulder may include an
undercut, one or more ribs, a projection, or a combination thereof
engaging a knob. The shoulder may include a flange including one or
more ribs.
[0032] The one or more ribs may extend at least partially around
the flange. The one or more ribs may extend circumferentially and
continuously around the flange, intermittently around the flange,
or both. The one or more ribs may extend or project from a shoulder
of the endoscope. The one or more ribs may engage a knob. The one
or more ribs may removeably engage a knob. The one or more ribs may
provide for the knob to rotate about a longitudinal axis of a
sheath tube in a first direction, a second direction, or both. The
one or more ribs may engage the knob and restrict the knob from
moving axially along a longitudinal axis of a sheath tube. One or
more light post may be located between the shoulder and a proximal
end of the endoscope.
[0033] The one or more light posts may function to direct or
provide light from a light source to, or into an endoscope, an
endoscope sheath, or both so that a feature of interest located at
or near a distal viewing end of an endoscope can be illuminated.
The one or more light posts may include a plug or a connector for
connecting a light source. The light source may be a light
waveguide, an optical illuminator, a fiber optic, or a combination
thereof. The one or more light posts may project or extend from the
endoscope upwardly, downwardly, or in a direction there between
relative to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. The one or more
light posts may be integrally formed with the endoscope. The one or
more light posts may be connected to the endoscope. The one or more
light posts may be made of metal, plastic, a biocompatible
material, or a combination thereof. The one or more light posts may
be configured to be engaged by the endoscope sheath. The one or
more light posts may be engaged by an arm of an endoscope sheath,
an arm of a hub adapter, or both. The one or more light posts may
include a recess to be engaged by an arm, a yoke, or both. The one
or more light posts may be engaged by an arm, a yoke, or both to
help restrict or prevent rotation of a hub adapter, a sheath tube,
or both relative to a longitudinal axis of the sheath tube.
[0034] The endoscope sheath may function provide one or more
conduits, lumen, channels, or a combination thereof, for irrigation
devices, suction devices, surgical tools, other functional device
(e.g., a cutting tool, cauterizing tool, or both) or a combination
thereof to extend into or out of a distal end of thereof. The
endoscope sheath may function to provide protective functions,
cleaning functions, washing functions, or a combination thereof to
an endoscope, a surgical tool or device, a functional device, or a
combination thereof. The endoscope sheath may function to clean and
protect a distal viewing end of an endoscope. The endoscope sheath
may include a sheath tube.
[0035] The sheath tube may function to clean and protect an
endoscope. The sheath tube may create one or more conduits for
providing irrigation fluid, suction, or both to a distal end of the
endoscope. The sheath tube may function to receive, engage,
protect, clean, or a combination thereof a distal viewing end of an
endoscope. The sheath tube may include one or more through holes or
bores extending along a longitudinal axis between a proximal end
and a distal end. The sheath tube may be fabricated from a material
suitable for use in medical procedures. The sheath tube may include
one or more positioning devices. The sheath tube may be generally
the same size and shape as an endoscope, a tubular section of an
endoscope, or both, or slightly larger. For example, if tubular
section of an endoscope has a generally circular cross section,
then the sheath tube may also have a generally circular cross
section. The sheath tube may have a shape that is different from an
endoscope. The sheath tube may be any shape configured to receive,
engage, support, or a combination thereof an endoscope, one or more
irrigation devices, one or more suction devices, one or more
surgical tools or devices, one or more other functional devices, or
a combination thereof. The sheath tube may have a uniform wall
thickness, a variable wall thickness, or both. The sheath tube may
function to locate, support, position, or a combination thereof an
endoscope, a distal viewing end of an endoscope, one or more
irrigation devices, one or more suction devices, one or more
surgical tools, one or more other functional device, or a
combination thereof. The sheath tube may include one or more
positioning devices. The one or more positioning devices may
position an endoscope within the sheath tube so that the endoscope
and the sheath tube are concentric, or offset. The sheath tube may
be selectively moved and adjusted relative to the shoulder of the
endoscope. The sheath tube may be selectively moved axially along a
longitudinal axis so that the sheath tube tip located at a distal
end of the sheath tube can be aligned with a distal viewing end of
the endoscope.
[0036] The sheath tube tip may be the distal end of the sheath
tube. The sheath tube tip may function to engage an endoscope, a
distal end of an endoscope, a lens or imaging device, or a
combination thereof. The sheath tube tip may function to direct
irrigation fluid, suction, or both, across a distal end of an
endoscope sheath, a distal viewing end of an endoscope, or both.
The sheath tube tip may act as a distal end stop so that a distal
viewing end of an endoscope is restricted or prevented from passing
through the distal end of the endoscope sheath. The sheath tube tip
may be open, or may function to selectively open, remain open, or
both so that irrigation fluid can exit the sheath tube. The sheath
tube tip may be configured to not interfere with imaging
capabilities of the endoscope. The sheath tube tip may function to
direct a viewing cone of an endoscope. The sheath tube tip may
include an angled tip. The sheath tube tip may extend from a distal
end of the sheath tube at an angle that substantially matches an
angle of a viewing cone. For example, the sheath tube tip may
include an angle on the order of 30-degrees, 45-degrees,
90-degrees, etc. The sheath tube may be selectively moved so that
the sheath tube tip can be axially aligned with the distal viewing
end of the endoscope. A proximal end may be located opposite the
distal end, the sheath tube tip, or both of the sheath tube.
[0037] The proximal end of the sheath tube may function to engage
or connect with a knob. The proximal end of the sheath tube may
include a threaded portion (i.e., the second threaded portion)
engaging a mating threaded portion (i.e., the first threaded
portion) disposed within the knob. The proximal end of the sheath
tube may be connected to a hub adapter, or the hub adapter may be
formed with the sheath tube near the proximal end. A hub may be
fixedly connected or removeably connected to the sheath tube with
one or more mechanical fasteners, such as adhesives, threads, snap
fits, one or two-way connection systems, a series of ribs, or a
combination thereof. The hub may be over molded over a proximal end
of a sheath tube or integrally formed therewith. The hub may
include a threaded portion (i.e., the second threaded portion)
engaging a mating threaded portion (i.e., the first threaded
portion) disposed within the knob.
[0038] The knob may function to be rotated to move the sheath tube
axially along a longitudinal axis of the sheath tube relative to a
distal viewing end of an endoscope, a shoulder of an endoscope, or
both. The knob may include a through bore. At least a portion of
the endoscope, the tubular portion, or both may be received through
the through bore when the endoscope is inserted into the sheath
tube. A proximal end of the knob may include a flange. The flange
may include a face that may be angled or orthogonal relative to a
longitudinal axis of the sheath tube. The face may be configured to
engage the shoulder. The face may abut the shoulder. The knob may
include a first threaded portion disposed at least partially within
the through bore near a distal end or a distal section of the knob.
The first threaded portion may threadably engage a mating second
threaded portion disposed on the hub, a proximal end of the sheath
tube, or both. A smooth or non-threaded portion may be disposed at
least partially within the through bore near a proximal end or a
proximal section of the knob. The through bore may include one or
more projections which may include one or more slots or cutouts
cooperating to form a channel within the through hole, the flange
or both. The slots or cutouts may be formed by piercing or folding
at least a portion of the knob, the flange, or both downwardly
toward the through hole. The channel may extend circumferentially
around the through bore. The channel may be configured to engage
the one or more ribs located on the shoulder of the endoscope, on
the flange of the endoscope, or both. The channel may be configured
so that the knob removably engages the one or more ribs. The
engagement between the channel and the ribs may provide for the
knob to rotate about a longitudinal axis the sheath tube. The
engagement between the channel and the ribs may restrict the knob
from moving axially along a longitudinal axis the sheath tube. The
knob may include one or more gripping ribs on an outer surface or
potion thereof. The one or more gripping ribs may extend generally
parallel to a longitudinal axis of the sheath tube. The one or more
gripping ribs may be gripped by a user to rotate the knob in a
first direction, a second direction, or both.
[0039] Rotating the knob in the first direction, the second
direction, or both may cause the sheath tube to move. Rotating the
knob in the first direction, the second direction, or both may
cause the second threaded portion of the sheath tube, the hub, or
both to move within the first threaded portion of the knob either
towards or away from the shoulder of the endoscope. Accordingly,
rotating the knob in one of the directions may cause the sheath
tube tip to move relative to a distal viewing end of the endoscope.
When the knob is rotated in the first direction, the second
direction, or both and the sheath tube moves, the endoscope may not
move. The sheath tube tip may be axially aligned with the distal
viewing end by rotating the knob in the first direction, the second
direction, or both. A hub adapter may restrict the endoscope sheath
from rotating when the knob is rotated.
[0040] The hub adapter may function to restrict or prevent the
sheath tube from rotating. The hub adapter may engage at least a
portion of the sheath tube and engage at least a portion of the
endoscope and may form a connection there between. The hub adapter
may be integrally formed with the sheath tube or may be
mechanically connected thereto. The hub adapter and the sheath tube
may axially move together relative to a longitudinal axis of the
sheath tube when the knob is rotated, and both may be restricted
from rotating when knob is rotated. The hub adapter may include a
through bore for receiving at least a portion of the sheath tube.
The through bore may include positioning devices such as dimples or
slots that may engage one or more corresponding and mating features
on the sheath tube to prevent the sheath tube from rotating. The
through bore may engage at least a portion of the sheath tube with
an interference fit so that the endoscope sheath and the hub
adapter more axially together relative to a shoulder of the
endoscope when the knob is rotated. The hub adapter may allow for
the sheath tube to move axially relative to a longitudinal axis of
the sheath tube when the knob is rotated, without moving the hub
adapter. The hub adapter may include one or more arms engaging the
light post of the endoscope.
[0041] The one or more arms may function to prevent rotation of the
sheath tube, the hub adapter or both relative to the endoscope. The
one or more arms may cantilever from the hub adapter. The one or
more arms may engage an endoscope, a light post of an endoscope or
both. The one or more arms include a yoke engaging the light post.
The yoke may include a slot allowing axial movement of the sheath
tube and the hub adapter along a longitudinal axis of the sheath
tube. The one or more arms, the yoke, or both may engage the light
post so that the sheath tube can axially move along a longitudinal
axis of the sheath tube, while the hub adapter is restricted from
moving. A port may be located next to the one or more arms on the
hub adapter.
[0042] The port of the hub adapter may function to receive
irrigation fluid, suction, or both from an irrigation source, a
suction source, a control module, or a combination thereof. The
port may function to direct irrigation fluid, section, or both to
an endoscope, a distal viewing end of an endoscope, a sheath tube,
or a combination thereof. The port may be configured to engage a
common line, a common fitting, a valve, or combination thereof to
selectively supply irrigation food, section, or both to the hub
adapter, the endoscope sheath, the endoscope, or a combination
thereof.
[0043] FIG. 1 illustrates an endoscope 60 inserted into an
endoscope sheath 80. At a proximal end 64, the endoscope 60
includes a visual port 62 for viewing a feature of interest located
at, or near a distal viewing end 66 of the endoscope 60. The
endoscope 60 includes a shoulder 68 located between the proximal
and distal ends 64, 66. A light post 70 for connecting illumination
to the endoscope 60 is located between the proximal end 64 and the
shoulder 68. The endoscope sheath 80 includes a sheath tube 82
including a sheath tube tip 88 at a distal end 86 thereof. The
sheath tube 82 receives at least a portion of the endoscope 60
therein. A hub adapter 100 engages at least a portion of the sheath
tube 82 and includes an arm 102 engaging the light post 70 of the
endoscope 60 preventing rotation of the hub adapter 100 and the
sheath tube 82. The hub adapter 100 includes a port 104 receiving
irrigation fluid, suction, or both. A rotatable knob 140 is located
between the hub adapter 100 and the shoulder 68. The knob 140
includes one or more gripping ribs 154.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates an endoscope 60 including similar
features identified in FIG. 1. The shoulder 68 includes a flange
72. The flange 72 includes a rib 74 at least partially disposed
therearound. The knob 140 includes a through bore 142, and at least
a portion of the through bore 142 includes a first threaded portion
144. The knob 140 includes a flange 146. A hub 120 is located at a
proximal end 84 of the sheath tube 82. The hub 120 includes a
second threaded portion 122 for engaging the first threaded portion
144 of the knob 140. The hub adapter 100 engages at least a portion
of the sheath tube 82. The sheath tube 82 extends along a
longitudinal axis 90.
[0045] FIG. 3 illustrates another view of a portion of the
endoscope 60 showing the shoulder 68 and the rib 74 on the flange
72.
[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates another view of the knob 140. The through
bore 142 extends through the entire length of the knob 140 and near
the distal end thereof includes the first threaded portion 144. The
first threaded portion 144 threadably engages the second threaded
portion 122 of the hub 120. Within the through bore 142, the knob
140 includes a pair of projections 148. Each projection 148
includes a cutout 150 cooperating together to form a generally
circumferential channel 152 within the through bore 142. The
channel 152 rotationally engages the rib 74 of the endoscope 60 so
that the knob 140 can rotate about the longitudinal axis 90 of the
sheath tube 82 but restricted from moving axially along the
longitudinal axis 90. The flange 146 includes a face 156 abutting
the shoulder 68 of the endoscope 60.
[0047] With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the arm 102 of the hub adapter
100 engages the light post 70 of endoscope 60 to prevent rotation
of the hub adapter 100 and the sheath tube 82 about the
longitudinal axis 90. The knob 140 can be rotated about the
longitudinal axis 90 in a first direction or in a second direction.
Rotating the knob 140 causes the second threaded portion 122 to
move along the first threaded portion 144 of the knob 140. As the
second threaded portion 122 moves along the first threaded portion
144, the sheath tube 82 correspondingly moves axially along the
longitudinal axis 90. Accordingly, a user can grip one of the
gripping ribs 154 and rotate the knob 140 in the first direction or
the second direction to axially move the sheath tube tip 88 towards
or away from the distal viewing end 66 of the endoscope 60 to
axially align the endoscope sheath 80 and the endoscope 60.
[0048] FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an endoscope cleaning system 2. The
endoscope cleaning system 2 includes an irrigation source 4 and a
suction source 10. The irrigation source 4 and the suction source
10 are in communication with a control module 30 via an irrigation
line 6 and a suction line 12, respectively. The control module 30
includes a pump 14 controlling a flow of irrigation fluid between
the irrigation source 4 and an endoscope sheath 90. The control
module 30 includes a valve 8 controlling suction between the
suction source 10 and the endoscope sheath 90 so that suction can
be turned off during all or portion of an application cycle of
irrigation fluid. The control module 30 includes a power source 20
and a controller and/or microprocessor (not specifically
illustrated) in communication with a user interface 31. The user
interface 31 controls the control module 30. The irrigation line 6
and the suction line 12 are coupled together with a common fitting
16. The common fitting connects the irrigation line 6 and the
suction line 12 to a common line 18/delivery line 42 to supply
irrigation fluid, suction, or both to the endoscope sheath 90 for
cleaning the endoscope 60.
[0049] Any numerical values recited herein include all values from
the lower value to the upper value in increments of one unit
provided that there is a separation of at least 2 units between any
lower value and any higher value. As an example, if it is stated
that the amount of a component or a value of a process variable
such as, for example, temperature, pressure, time and the like is,
for example, from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more
preferably from 30 to 70, it is intended that values such as 15 to
85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 etc. are expressly enumerated in
this specification. For values that are less than one, one unit is
considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01 or 0.1 as appropriate. These
are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible
combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the
highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly
stated in this application in a similar manner.
[0050] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include both endpoints
and all numbers between the endpoints. The use of "about" or
"approximately" in connection with a range applies to both ends of
the range. Thus, "about 20 to 30" is intended to cover "about 20 to
about 30", inclusive of at least the specified endpoints.
[0051] The disclosures of all articles and references, including
patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference
for all purposes. The term "consisting essentially of" to describe
a combination shall include the elements, ingredients, components
or steps identified, and such other elements ingredients,
components or steps that do not materially affect the basic and
novel characteristics of the combination. The use of the terms
"comprising" or "including" to describe combinations of elements,
ingredients, components or steps herein also contemplates
embodiments that consist essentially of the elements, ingredients,
components or steps. By use of the term "may" herein, it is
intended that any described attributes that "may" be included are
optional.
[0052] Plural elements, ingredients, components or steps can be
provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, component or
step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient,
component or step might be divided into separate plural elements,
ingredients, components or steps. The disclosure of "a" or "one" to
describe an element, ingredient, component or step is not intended
to foreclose additional elements, ingredients, components or
steps.
[0053] It is understood that the above description is intended to
be illustrative and not restrictive, Many embodiments as well as
many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to
those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The
scope of the teachings should, therefore, be determined not with
reference to the above description, but should instead be
determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the
full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The
disclosures of all articles and references, including patent
applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for
all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of
subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such
subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventors did
not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed
inventive subject matter.
* * * * *