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Publication Number
US-12064086-B1
Publication Date
2024-08-20
Expiration Date
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for an endoscope for use in a surgical procedure, e.g., a pediatric trans-nasal endoscopy procedure. The endoscope may include a handle for gripping by a user, and a shaft extending from the handle. The shaft may have a working channel extending longitudinally therethrough and a distal region configured to be inserted into a patient. A fluid control mechanism on the handle may be actuatable by a user to selectively control the flow of at least one of air, suction or water through the working channel. The working channel may include a bifurcation region that splits the working channel into a first channel through which a surgical instrument can be introduced into the working channel, and a second channel configured to selectively convey at least one of air, suction or water into the working channel. A tubing set may be connected to the handle, the tubing set including a second air tube that may be configured to convey air from an air source to a water source so as to pressurize the water source and thereby push water from the water source towards the working channel.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an endoscope for use in a surgical procedure, including a handle for gripping by a user and a shaft extending from the handle. The shaft defines a common working channel extending longitudinally therethrough and configured to directly receive an instrument, and the shaft has a distal region configured to be inserted into a patient. A fluid path is arranged to permit flow into and through the common working channel.
A fluid control valve arrangement is provided on the handle with first, second and third valves, each spring biased toward a respective resting position. Each spring has a button mounted thereto that, when pressed by the user, overcomes the bias to move the valve from a closed position to an open position, where an inlet opening is connected to an outlet opening to permit flow from respective sources of air, suction and water into and through the common working channel.
The invention further includes an air valve arrangement with an air valve inlet and a first air tube connected to the air valve inlet for conveying air into the common working channel. A second air tube is connected such that its outlet is connected to the air valve inlet, conveying air to a water source for pressurizing the water source, and the document also describes a working channel bifurcation region splitting the working channel into a first channel and a second channel.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims. The inventive coverage centers on handle-connected fluid control enabling selective flow of air, suction and water into a longitudinal working channel configured to directly receive an instrument, with air also used to pressurize a water source.
Spring-biased user-actuatable air, suction and water valve arrangement
An endoscope for use in a surgical procedure comprising a handle for gripping by a user; a shaft extending from the handle, the shaft defining a common working channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the common working channel configured to directly receive an instrument therethrough, the shaft having a distal region configured to be inserted into a patient; and a fluid control valve arrangement on the handle, the fluid control valve arrangement including first, second and third valves each of which includes a spring that biases the valves toward their respective resting positions, each spring having a button mounted thereto that, upon being pressed by the user, overcomes the bias of the spring to move the valve from a closed position to an open position at which an inlet opening is connected to an outlet opening to thereby permit flow from respective sources of air, suction and water into and through the common working channel.
Tubing set providing suction, water delivery and air-driven pressurization
An endoscope for use in a surgical procedure comprising a handle for gripping by a user, the handle including an air valve and an air valve inlet; a shaft extending from the handle, the shaft having a working channel extending longitudinally therethrough, the shaft having a distal region configured to be inserted into a patient; and a tubing set connected to the handle, the tubing set including a suction tube configured to generate suction in the working channel, a water tube configured to convey water from a water source towards the working channel, a first air tube connected to the air valve inlet to convey air from an air source to the working channel, and a second air tube connected via its outlet to the air valve inlet to convey air from the air source to the water source so as to pressurize the water source and thereby push water from the water source towards the working channel.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on handle-connected fluid control enabling selective flow of air, suction and water into a longitudinal working channel configured to receive an instrument, with air also used to pressurize a water source.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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