Patent Publication Number: US-2023148850-A1

Title: Dynamically retractable camera for video laryngoscope

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119, based on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/280,746 filed Nov. 18, 2021, titled “Dynamically Retractable Camera for Video Laryngoscope,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     This present disclosure relates to video medical devices and, more particular, to a video laryngoscope having an image capturing component for allowing accurate examination of a patient&#39;s upper airway. 
     Endotracheal intubation provides the current preferred method for control of the airway for mechanical ventilation. The process involves passing an endotracheal tube (ETT) through the mouth, past the tongue, and to and through the vocal cords and larynx to seal the airway. This protects the openness of the airway and protects the airway from aspiration of gastric contents, foreign substances, or secretions. 
     Traditional laryngoscopes rely on opening the upper airway to provide a direct line of sight from the medical practitioner&#39;s eye to the larynx. Subsequent developments in laryngoscopes utilized fiberoptic bundles, sometimes coupled to video displays. More recently, laryngoscopes with video cameras have made it possible to display the image of the airway anatomy from a remote position, and in some instances allow the medical technician to identify relevant anatomical landmarks without repositioning the patient. This technology reduces the past problem of difficult intubation when the glottis entrance cannot be adequately seen and further reduces the likelihood of infection by medical personnel being unduly close to the nose and mouth of the patient can be avoided. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  depict a substantially side and partially perspective view of a video laryngoscope having a blade cover configured to receive a detachable video baton therein, in uninstalled and installed configurations, respectively, consistent with embodiments described herein; 
         FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  are isometric and exploded isometric views of a video baton consistent with an embodiment described herein; 
         FIGS.  2 C and  2 D  are side cross-sectional, and rear cross-sectional views, respectively of the video baton of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , in an extended or uncompressed configuration; 
         FIG.  2 E  is a side cross-sectional view the video baton of  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B , in a retracted or compressed configuration; 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are isometric and exploded isometric views of a video baton consistent with a second embodiment described herein; 
         FIGS.  3 C and  3 D  are side cross-sectional, and rear cross-sectional views, respectively of the video baton of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , in a retracted or compressed configuration; and 
         FIG.  3 E  is a side cross-sectional view the video baton of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , in an extended or uncompressed configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. Also, the following detailed description does not limit the invention. 
     Several embodiments of a video-based intubation laryngoscope and system are described that allow for examination of the upper airway during intubation. The system employs video laryngoscope embodiments configured to view a patient&#39;s glottis, reposition the patient&#39;s epiglottis, view the glottic aperture and convey video images of the patient&#39;s upper airway anatomy including the glottis and/or glottic aperture and surrounding area to a video monitor viewable by the laryngoscope user. 
     As described below, exemplary embodiments of the laryngoscope include a housing or blade cover intended for single use into which a reusable video baton is inserted. The video baton includes a video camera and a light source and is brought distally against an optical window located on the posterior side of the blade of the laryngoscope. Images obtained from the video baton are conveyed to a video monitor viewable by the laryngoscope user. The blade is used to reposition the epiglottis by engagement of the patient&#39;s vallecula, or alternatively, directly lifting the epiglottis to reveal the glottic aperture. An ETT loaded with a stylet is inserted into the mouth under direct vision and advanced until the tip of the ETT appears in the video monitor image, at or near the distal portion of the laryngoscope blade and proximal to the glottic aperture. Viewing the monitor, the ETT is then advanced forward through the glottic aperture into the patient&#39;s trachea, while the stylet is removed. 
     The laryngoscope blade cover, which is sometimes referred to as a “stat,” includes a handle portion and a blade portion configured to engage the epiglottis to reveal the glottic aperture. As described herein, different sizes and geometries of laryngoscope blade covers may be provided for use with differently sized patients or patients having different anatomical geometry. Among other features, each laryngoscope blade cover includes an inner chamber that spans from the handle and terminates with an optically clear window on the posterior side of the blade directed toward the distal end. The inner chamber is configured to receive a video camera and lighting unit or video baton therein. As described herein, the video camera unit includes a video camera and a light source to illuminate an anatomical region within the field of view of the lens. The removable video camera and lighting unit is sufficiently sealed within the internal chamber to prevent moisture or fluids from reaching the internal optical electronics of the video camera and lighting member. 
     Consistent with implementations described herein, the video baton includes a dynamically retractable configuration that allows a single video baton to be used with a variety of differently sized and shaped laryngoscope blade covers. As described in detail below, in one implementation, an image capturing assembly is coupled to a sliding shuttle assembly that allows for the image capturing assembly to be freely moved longitudinally within the baton body. The movable components may be sealed with respect to the baton body to prevent ingress of contaminants and to all for reconditioning and sterilization of the video baton between uses. 
       FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  depicts a substantially side and partially perspective view of a video laryngoscope  100  having a blade cover  102  configured to receive a detachable video baton  104  therein in uninstalled and installed configurations, respectively. As shown, video baton  104  includes a substantially rigid handle portion  106 , a flexible coupling element  108  extending from the handle portion  106 , and an image capturing and lighting assembly  110  coupled to a distal end of flexible coupling element  108 . In exemplary implementations, video baton  104  may be intended for multiple uses with individual single-use (i.e., disposable) or sterilizable blade covers  102 , where each individual blade cover  102  is intended for single-use events in a patient. In some embodiments, blade cover  102  may be transparent or opaque and includes a blade cover handle  112  defining a chamber  114  similarly shaped to and slightly larger than the video baton  104 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B , blade cover  102  may include a clip portion  116  that engages a corresponding clip portion  118  of video baton  104  to retain video baton  104  within blade cover  102  during use. For example, as shown in  FIG.  1   , blade cover  102  may be formed of a plastic or polymeric material. Clip portion  116  may include a projection  120  that extends upwardly from blade cover handle  112  and includes a tab portion  122  that extends inwardly therefrom. Corresponding clip portion  118  in video baton  104  includes a notch  123  that aligns with tab portion  122 . During assembly, video baton  104  is seated within chamber  114  in blade cover  102  until tab portion  122  engages video baton  104 . Continued urging of baton  104  within blade cover  102  causes projection  120  to deflect slightly to allow tab portion  122  to become seated within notch  120 . When it is desired to remove video baton  104  from blade cover  102 , projection  120  may be manually deflected (e.g., by a user&#39;s thumb) to allow tab portion  112  to escape notch  120 , thereby allowing video baton  104  to be removed from blade cover  102 . In other implementations, clip portion  116  of blade cover  102  and clip portion  118  video baton  104  may include different configurations, such as a reversed arrangement in which video baton  102  includes the tab portion and blade cover  102  includes the corresponding notch. 
     As further shown in  FIG.  1   , blade cover  102  includes a blade portion  124  that includes a proximal end  124   a  and a distal end  124   b . Distal end  124   b  of blade portion  124  terminates with distal tip  126  for lifting the epiglottis or for engaging the vallecula of a patient to lift the epiglottis to reveal the glottic aperture. Distal end  124   b  further includes a window  128  positioned on the posterior side thereof. As described below, an image capturing assembly in video baton  104  is configured to engage window  128  when video baton  104  is fully inserted into blade cover  102 , as shown in  FIG.  1 B . Consistent with implementations described herein, video baton  104  may be configured adjustable to accommodate insertion within different sized blade covers  102 , while maintaining the image capturing assembly in operational abutment with window  128 . 
       FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  are isometric and exploded isometric views of a video baton  104  consistent with a second embodiment described herein.  FIGS.  2 C and  2 D  are side cross-sectional, and rear cross-sectional views, respectively of video baton  104  in an extended or uncompressed configuration.  FIG.  2 E  is a side cross-sectional view of video baton  104  in a retracted or compressed configuration. As briefly described above, video baton  104  is generally configured for reception within chamber  114  in blade cover  102 , such that flexible coupling element  108  is received within blade portion  124  and handle portion  106  is received within handle  112  of blade cover  102 . As shown in the  FIGS.  2 A- 2 E , consistent with one implementation described herein, video baton  104  includes handle portion  106 , a receptacle assembly  200 , a main rail  202 , a cable guide tube  204 , a shuttle assembly  206 , a biasing element  208 , a sealing element  210 , flexible coupling element  108 , and image capturing and lighting assembly  110 . 
     As described above, handle portion  106  encloses most components of video baton  104  within an inner chamber  212  formed therein (as shown in  FIG.  2 C ) and includes an upper portion  214  and a lower portion  216  that extends downwardly generally perpendicularly from upper portion  214 . As shown in  2 A, upper portion  214  includes an opening  218  that communicates with inner chamber  212  for receiving receptacle assembly  200 . As described above, upper portion  214  of handle portion  106  includes clip portion  118  that engages corresponding clip portion  116  in blade cover  102 . 
     Lower portion  216  of handle portion  106  includes an opening  220  for receiving main rail  202 , shuttle assembly  206 , and sealing element  210 , as described in additional detail below. As shown in  FIG.  2 C , opening  220  also communicates with inner chamber  212 . Consistent with implementations described herein, a generally tubular base portion  222  may be seated within opening  220  in lower portion  216  and secured thereto via, for example, an adhesive, such as an epoxy, ultrasonic welding, etc. Depending on chosen manufacturing method, base portion  222  and handle portion  216  could also be manufactured as a single piece. Base portion  222  may include a central opening  223 , a flange  224  configured to engage an outer end of lower portion  216 , a notched portion  226  for receiving a portion of the sealing element  210 , and a threaded outer surface  228  for engaging an outer collar  229  to retain inner collar  289 , which in turn retains sealing element  210  and main rail  202  in a coupled relationship with handle portion  106 , as described in additional detail below. 
     Receptacle assembly  200  provides an interface between image capturing and lighting assembly  110  and an external video display (not shown). As shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 C , in one exemplary implementation receptacle assembly  200  includes a receptacle housing  230 , a receptacle component  232 , and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)  234 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 B- 2 D , receptacle housing  230  is configured to be received within opening  218  in upper portion  214  of handle portion  106 . Receptacle housing  230  includes a central opening  231  for receiving receptacle component  232  therein and a rear vertical slot  233  for engaging an upper portion of main rail  202  and for accommodating cable guide tube  204 , as shown in  FIG.  2 D , and as described in additional detail below. In some implementations, receptacle housing  230  may further include a bottom slot  235  for receiving a portion of PCBA  234 . Receptacle component  232  may include a connector interface element  236  for interfacing with a video cable (now shown) and PCBA  234 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D , connector interface element  236  may include a multi-pin, magnetic configuration. In other implementations, different connector technologies may be used, such as high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or universal serial bus, type C (USB type C) connectors. 
     Although upper portion  214  and opening  218  are depicted in  FIGS.  2 A- 2 D  as having a generally perpendicular configuration, in other implementations, opening  218 , and receptacle assembly  200  received therein, may include alternative configurations, such as opening  218  extending approximately 135° relative to a longitudinal axis of upper portion  214 . 
     PCBA  234  may include various imaging-related components to facilitate image capture by image capturing and lighting assembly  110  and transmission of captured imagery to an external display device via connector interface element  236 . In some implementations, PCBA  234  may include wireless communications components (e.g., antenna(s), transceiver(s), etc.) for enabling wireless communication of images to a remote device. 
     Main rail  202  includes a generally tubular body  238  configured for reception within inner chamber  212  in lower portion  216  of handle portion  106 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 B and  2 D , main rail  202  includes an upper portion  240  configured to engage rear vertical slot  233  in receptacle housing  230  and a lower portion  242  configured to engage opening  223  in base portion  222 . More particularly, upper portion  240  of main rail  202  may include a pair of flanges  243  about a central aperture  244 . As shown in  FIG.  2 D , upper portion  240  and flanges  243  are sized to engage opposing sides of a lower portion of rear vertical slot  233  in receptacle housing  230 , such that main rail  202  may be positively retained within inner chamber  212  upon assembly of receptacle housing  230  within handle portion  106 . Lower portion  242  of main rail  202  may also include one or more flanges  245  for engaging an open end of base portion  222 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 B , body  238  of main rail  202  further includes opposing longitudinal slots  246 . As described below, longitudinal slots  246  are configured to receive corresponding projections in shuttle assembly  206  to prevent removal and rotation of shuttle assembly  206  relative to main rail  202 . Main rail  202  includes an internal flanged portion  248  for engaging cable guide tube  204 , as described below. Consistent with implementations described herein, main rail  202  may be formed as a two-part assembly (i.e., a split or halved assembly), such that cable guide tube  204  is longitudinally retained relative to main rail  202  upon assembly of video baton  104 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 B- 2 E , cable guide tube  204  includes a generally tubular body configured to be received within body  238  of main rail  202 . Cable guide tube  204  includes an external flanged portion and projection portions  252  for engaging flanged portion  248  of main rail  202 , as shown in  FIGS.  2 C- 2 E . More specifically, a spacing between an upper surface of flanged portion  250  and a lower surface of projection portions  252  is substantially similar to a thickness of flanged portion  248  in main rail  202 . Upon assembly of main rail  202  about cable guide tube  204 , flanged portion  248  is captured between flanged portion  250  and projection portions  252  to lock cable guide tube  204  relative to main rail  202 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 B- 2 E , cable guide tube  204  includes an upper portion  254  that projects upwardly from flanged portion  248  and is configured to extend into upper portion  214  of handle portion  106  upon assembly. In some implementations, cable guide tube  204  may be secured relative to main rail  202  upon assembly. For example, cable guide tube  204  may be secured via a friction fit between flanged portion  248  of main rail  202  and flanged portion  250  of cable guide tube  204 , an adhesive, etc. In other implementations, cable guide tube  204  is retained within handle portion  106  by virtue of outer collar  229  and biasing element  208 . As shown in  FIG.  2 B , upper portion  254  of cable guide tube  204  includes a cutaway portion  256  that provides egress from cable guide tube  204  for wiring/cabling/flexible PCB  109 , as shown in  FIG.  2 C . In other implementations, alternative mechanisms for supporting wiring/flexible PCB  109  as it egresses cable guide tube  204  may be employed. For example, a support element, such as a rod or bar may be incorporated within cavity  212  in upper portion  214  of handle portion  106  to provide a minimum bed radius over which PCB  109  passes. 
     Shuttle assembly  206  may include an arrangement of telescoping components configured to provide a retractable effective length to video baton  104 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 B- 2 D , shuttle assembly  206  includes an upper shuttle component  260  concentrically receivable within main rail  202 , a lower shuttle component  262  concentrically receivable within upper shuttle  260 , a rigid tube element  264 , and a cap element  266  for ensuring that lower shuttle component  262  is retained within upper shuttle component  260  following assembly. 
     Consistent with implementations described herein, upper shuttle component  260  includes a generally tubular configuration having a pair of opposing anti-rotation projections  268  for interfacing with longitudinal slots  246  in main rail  202  during assembly. Upper shuttle component  260  further includes a pair of opposing anti-rotation channels  269  for engaging corresponding projections  270  in lower shuttle component  262  and a pair of opposing notches  271  for engaging corresponding clip portions in cap element  266 , as described below. 
     Lower shuttle component  262  also includes a generally tubular configuration sized for concentrically fitted reception within upper shuttle component  260 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 B- 2 D , lower shuttle component  262  includes opposing anti-rotation projections  270  for engaging anti-rotation channels  269  in upper shuttle component  260 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 B and  2 C , lower shuttle component  262  includes a stepped inner configuration that includes a first portion  272  having a first inside diameter, a second portion  274  having a second inside diameter, a third portion  276  having a third inside diameter, a fourth portion  278  having a fourth inside diameter, and a fifth portion  280  having a fifth inside diameter. 
     As shown, first inside diameter of first portion  272  is configured to receive one end of biasing element  208  therein, such that biasing element  208  engages an interface shoulder  281  between first portion  272  and second portion  274 . Second inside diameter of second portion  274  is smaller than the first inside diameter of first portion  272 . 
     Third inside diameter of third portion  276  is smaller than the second inside diameter of second portion  274  and is sized to receive rigid tube element  264  therein. As shown in  FIGS.  2 B- 2 D , rigid tube element  264  includes a length substantially similar to shuttle assembly  206  and provides a clear pathway for wires/flexible PCB  109  or other components that extend from receptacle assembly  200  to image capturing and lighting assembly  110 . In some implementations, an upper end of rigid tube element  264  may include a notched portion  277  for allowing wires/flexible PCB  109  to exit rigid tube element  264  when in a fully retracted configuration. 
     Fourth inside diameter of fourth portion  278  is larger than the third inside diameter of third portion  276  and is configured to engage an end of flexible coupling element  108  that extends outwardly from handle portion  106  for insertion within blade cover  102 . Fifth inside diameter of fifth portion  280  is larger than the fourth inside diameter of fourth portion  278  and is configured to engage a portion of sealing element  210 , as described below. 
     Cap element  266  includes a tubular configuration sized for fitted reception within upper shuttle component  260 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 B- 2 D , cap element includes a flanged shoulder portion  282  having an outer diameter greater than an inside diameter of upper shuttle component  262 , such that upon insertion of cap element  266  into upper shuttle component  260 , shoulder portion  282  engages an upper surface of upper shuttle component  262  and prevents removal of lower shuttle component  262 . As shown, cap element  266  further includes a pair of alignment projections  284  for engaging anti-rotation channels  268  in upper shuttle component  260 . Cap element  266  also includes a pair of resilient clip portions  286  for engaging notches  271  in upper shuttle component  260 . In one implementation, clip portions  286  may include a barbed configuration for securing cap element  266  to upper shuttle component  260  during assembly. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  2 B- 2 E , biasing element  208  is configured for concentric receipt within main rail  202 , upper shuttle component  260 , lower shuttle component  262 , and cap element  266 . In one implementation, biasing element  208  includes a helical spring configured to engage flanged portion  250  of main rail  202  on one end and interface shoulder  281  in lower shuttle component  262  on the other end. In this manner, following assembly, lower shuttle component  262  is biased away from handle portion  106  but may be urged toward handle portion  106  by compressing biasing element  208 , thereby shortening an overall length of video baton  104  to fit within a shorter blade cover  102 . Although a helical spring is described and illustrated herein, other alternative biasing mechanisms may be used, such as a resilient, compressible material, one or more flat springs, etc. 
     During assembly of video baton  104 , rigid tube element  264  is seated within third portion  276  in lower shuttle component  262 . Anti-rotation projections  270  in lower shuttle component  262  are then aligned with anti-rotation channels  269  in upper shuttle component  260  and lower shuttle component  262  is slid within upper shuttle component  260 . Cap element  266  is then placed within upper shuttle component  260  and secured with clip portions  276  to form the assembled shuttle assembly  206 . 
     Next, cable guide tube  204  is inserted within one half of main rail  202 , as described above. Biasing element  208  is inserted longitudinally within shuttle assembly  206  such that rigid tube element  264  is concentrically positioned within shuttle assembly  206 . Shuttle assembly  206  is then placed within the half of main rail  202 , such that rigid tube element  265  is concentrically aligned with cable guide tube  204  and biasing element  208  is positioned concentrically over cable guide tube  204 , as shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 D . As briefly described above, anti-rotation projections  268  in upper shuttle component  260  are positioned within longitudinal slots  246  in the half of main rail  202 . Subsequently, the second half of main rail  202  is aligned with the first half of main rail  202  and secured via, for example, an adhesive, such as an epoxy, ultrasonic welding, etc. 
     Assembled main rail  202  is then inserted within base portion  222  of handle portion  106  and receptacle assembly  200  is received and secured within opening  218  in upper portion  214  of handle portion  106 . 
     Consistent with implementations described herein, sealing element  210  may include a cone formed of a resilient material, such as medical grade polyurethane, silicone rubber, or other flexible or rubber-like materials. As shown, sealing element  210  interfaces between lower portion  216  of handle portion  106  and fifth portion  280  of lower shuttle component  262 , as shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 D . Sealing element  210  functions to inhibit the ingress of debris or fluids into handle portion  106  that may cause adversely affect the operation of shuttle assembly  206 . As lower shuttle component  262  is extended or retracted relative to handle portion  106 , sealing element  210  may accommodate the changes without reducing seal function by either collapsing or extending the resilient cone. 
     As shown, sealing element  210 , base portion  222  of handle portion  106 , outer collar  229  and a second collar  289  together function to retain sealing element  210  in a non-rotatable relationship with handle portion  106 . In particular, as shown in  FIG.  2 B , sealing element  210  includes a flanged portion  290 , and a pair of opposing projections  292  having flanged upper surfaces and that project upwardly from flanged portion  290 . Base portion  222  includes notched recesses  226  in threaded portion  228  for accommodating projections  292  during assembly, thereby preventing rotation of sealing element  210  relative to base portion  222  of handle portion  106 . Second collar  289  includes a flanged portion  293  for engaging a lower surface of flanged portion  290  of sealing element  210  and further includes projections  294  for engaging the flanged upper surfaces of projections  292 . As shown in  FIGS.  2 C and  2 D , outer collar  229  includes a flanged lower portion  295  and a threaded portion  209 . During assembly, rotation of outer collar  229  relative to base portion  222  urges flanged lower portion  295  into frictional engagement with a lower surface of flanged portion  293  in second collar  289 , thereby securing sealing element  210  to handle portion  106 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2 E , when in a retracted configuration, first shuttle component  260  and second shuttle component  262  are urged upwardly relative to main rail  202  and against the biasing force of biasing element  208 . To accommodate this position yet retain seal effectiveness, at least a portion of resilient sealing element  210  is inverted or collapsed within main rail  202 . Such a retraction effectively reduces the length of video baton  104 , thus allowing for insertion within different size blade covers  102 . Although a fully retracted implementation is shown in  FIG.  2 E  for exemplary purposes, it should be understood that shuttle assembly  206  may be positioned at any position within its range of travel, which is defined by the lengths of longitudinal slots  246  in main rail  202  and anti-rotation channels  269  in upper shuttle component  260 . 
     During use, video baton  104  is inserted into chamber  114  in blade cover  102 , which may be one of a variety of different sizes. Flexible coupling element  108  is inserted into blade portion  124  until image capturing and lighting assembly  110  engages window  128  in distal tip  124   b  of blade portion  124 . Handle portion  106  is inserted into chamber  114  until clip portion  118  in handle portion  106  engages clip portion  116  in blade cover  102  to retain video baton  104  within blade cover  102 . Depending on the size of blade cover  102 , the urging of handle portion  106  within chamber  114  may cause biasing element  208  to compress to shorten the effective length of video baton  300 , as described above, with smaller blade covers requiring more compression than larger blade covers. In this manner, a single re-usable video baton  104  may be used with a variety of differently sized blade covers  102   
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are isometric and exploded isometric views of a video baton  300  consistent with a second embodiment described herein.  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D  are side cross-sectional, and rear cross-sectional views, respectively of video baton  300  in a compressed or retracted configuration.  FIG.  3 E  is a side cross-sectional view of video baton  300  in an uncompressed or extended configuration. As shown in the  FIGS.  3 A- 3 E , consistent with one implementation described herein, video baton  300  includes handle portion  301 , a receptacle assembly  302 , a shuttle assembly  304 , first and second biasing elements  306  and  308 , a collar element  310 , first and second sealing elements  312  and  314 , flexible coupling element  108 , and image capturing and lighting assembly  110 . 
     Similar to handle portion  106  described above, handle portion  301  encloses most components of video baton  104  within an inner chamber  316  formed therein (as shown in  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D ) and includes an upper portion  318  and a lower portion  320  that extends downwardly generally perpendicularly from upper portion  318 . As shown in  FIG.  3 A , upper portion  318  includes an opening  322  that communicates with an upper portion  316   a  of inner chamber  316  for receiving receptacle assembly  302 . Similar to handle portion  106  described above, upper portion  318  of handle portion  301  may also include clip portion  118  that engages corresponding clip portion  116  in blade cover  102 . 
     Lower portion  320  of handle portion  301  includes an opening  324  for receiving shuttle assembly  304  therein, as described in additional detail below. As shown in  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D , opening  324  communicates with a lower portion  316   b  of inner chamber  316 . Lower portion  320  may further include one or more projections  326  for engaging corresponding portions in collar element  310  to secure collar element  310  to handle portion  106  during assembly, as described more fully below. 
     Receptacle assembly  302  provides an interface between image capturing and lighting assembly  110  and an external video display (not shown). As shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 C , in one exemplary implementation receptacle assembly  302  includes a receptacle housing  326 , a receptacle component  328 , and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA)  330 . As shown in  FIGS.  3 B- 3 E , receptacle housing  326  is configured to be received within opening  322  in upper portion  318  of handle portion  301 . Receptacle housing  326  includes a central opening  332  for receiving receptacle component  328  therein. Receptacle component  328  may include a connector interface element  334  for interfacing with a video cable (now shown) and PCBA  330 . As shown in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 D , connector interface element  334  may include a multi-pin, magnetic configuration. In other implementations, different connector technologies may be used, such as high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) or universal serial bus, type C (USB type C) connectors. 
     PCBA  330  may include various imaging-related components to facilitate image capture by image capturing and lighting assembly  110  and transmission of captured imagery to an external display device via connector interface element  334 . In some implementations, PCBA  330  may include wireless communications components (e.g., antenna(s), transceiver(s), etc.) for enabling wireless communication of images to a remote device. 
     Shuttle assembly  304  may include an arrangement of telescoping components concentrically received within lower inner chamber portion  316   b  of lower handle portion  320  configured to provide a retractable effective length to video baton  300 . As shown in  FIGS.  3 B- 3 E , shuttle assembly  304  includes an upper shuttle spacer  336 , an upper shuttle component  338 , an upper shuttle cap  340 , a lower shuttle component  342  concentrically receivable within upper shuttle component  338 , and a lower shuttle spacer  344 . 
     Consistent with implementations described herein, upper shuttle spacer  336  includes a generally tubular element sized to be received within an upper portion of chamber  316   b . An upper portion of upper shuttle spacer  336  is radially enclosed to define a central aperture  346  therethrough that permits a clear pathway for wires or other components that extend from receptacle assembly  302  to image capturing and lighting assembly  110 . As shown, an inside diameter of upper shuttle spacer  336  is sized to receive first biasing element  306  therein, as described below. 
     Upper shuttle component  338  includes a generally tubular element sized for reception within upper portion of chamber  316   b . An outer surface of upper shuttle component  338  is configured to provide an engagement shoulder  348  that defines an outer travel boundary for upper shuttle component  338  within chamber  316   b  and prevents removal of upper shuttle component  338  from handle portion  301  after assembly. As shown in  FIG.  3 B , in one implementation, upper inside surface  350  of upper shuttle component  338  includes a notched or keyed configuration for receiving and engaging upper shuttle cap  340  upon assembly of lower shuttle component  342  and lower shuttle spacer  344  within upper shuttle component  338 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D , a lower portion of upper shuttle component  338  defines an annular chamber  352  for receiving second sealing element  314 , as described below. In one implementation, annular chamber  352  includes an upper aperture  354  sized to allow a portion of lower shuttle component  342  to extend therethrough, as described below. As shown, annular chamber  352  further includes a flanged lower configuration sized to allow second sealing element  314  to be received and retained within annular chamber  352 . 
     Upper shuttle cap  340  may include a tubular component having a central aperture  356  therethrough configured to accommodate the wires/flexible PCB  109  from image capturing and lighting assembly  110 . As shown in  FIG.  3 B , an outer surface of upper shuttle cap  340  may include a correspondingly notched or grooved configuration  351  for interlockingly engaging upper inside surface  350  of upper shuttle component  338  to prevent undesirable removal of upper shuttle cap  340  from upper shuttle component  338  after assembly. 
     Lower shuttle component  342  includes a generally tubular configuration having an upper portion  358  and a lower portion  360 . As shown in  FIGS.  3 B- 3 E , upper portion  358  includes an outside diameter sized for concentric reception within upper shuttle component  338  and lower portion  360  includes a shaft having a reduced outside diameter sized for reception within aperture  354  in annular chamber  352  of upper shuttle component  338 . As shown, lower portion  360  includes a bottom aperture  361  sized to receive and frictionally engage flexible coupling element  108  during assembly. Relative lengths of upper portion  358  and lower portion  360  together define the relative travel distance of lower shuttle component  342  within upper shuttle component  338 . Lower shuttle spacer  344  includes another generally tubular element sized for concentric receipt within upper portion  358  of lower shuttle component  342  and having an open end and a reduced diameter end. In one implementation, lower shuttle spacer  344  may allow for functional modifications during assembly. In one embodiment, when lower shuttle spacer  344  is inserted as shown, the reduced internal diameter of spacer  344  (relative to upper portion  358  of lower shuttle component  342  allows for a reduced diameter biasing element  308  (described below). However, in a second embodiment (not shown), if lower shuttle spacer  344  is inserted into lower shuttle component  342  with its reduced diameter end facing upward, spacer  344  allows for a reduced travel of biasing element  308 , thereby increasing a force with which lower shuttle is biased into an extended or uncompressed state. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D , first biasing element  306  is positioned between upper shuttle spacer  336  and upper shuttle component  338  and functions to bias upper shuttle component  338  downwardly within chamber  316   b . Second biasing element  308  is positioned within lower shuttle spacer  344  and engages upper shuttle cap  340  upon assembly to bias lower shuttle component  342  downwardly within upper shuttle component  338 . In this manner, following assembly, shuttle components  338  and  342  are biased away from handle portion  301  but may be urged toward handle portion  301  by compressing biasing elements  306 / 308 , thereby shortening an overall length of video baton  300  to fit within a shorter blade cover  102 . Although helical springs are described and illustrated herein, other alternative biasing mechanisms may be used, such as a resilient, compressible material, one or more flat springs, etc. 
     Collar element  310  comprises a generally tubular element configured to engage handle portion  301  to retain shuttle assembly  304  within chamber  316   b . As shown in  FIGS.  3 B- 3 E , collar element  310  may include one or more keyed notches  362  on an upper inside surface thereof for engaging projections  326  in lower portion  320  of handle portion  301 . Upon assembly, keyed notches  362  interact with projections  326  to secure collar element  310  to handle portion  301 . 
     A lower portion of collar element  310  defines an annular chamber  364  for receiving first sealing element  312 , as described below. In one implementation, annular chamber  364  includes an upper aperture  366  sized to engage engagement shoulder  348  in the outer surface of upper shuttle component  338  when upper shuttle component  338  is in an extended configuration, as shown in  FIG.  3 E . As shown, annular chamber  364  further includes a flanged lower configuration sized to allow first sealing element  312  to be received and retained therein. 
     Consistent with implementations described herein, first and second sealing elements  312 / 314  include resilient seals, such as wiper seal. As shown in  FIGS.  3 C- 3 D , wiper seals  312 / 314  are sized for receipt within respective annular chambers  364 / 352  and include internal annular V-shaped grooves to allow sealing elements  312 / 314  to deflect upwardly or downwardly upon movement of upper shuttle component  338  and lower shuttle component  342 , respectively. Sealing elements  312 / 314  function to inhibit the ingress of debris or fluids into handle portion  301  or between upper and lower shuttle components  338 / 342  that may cause adversely affect the operation of shuttle assembly  304 . 
     During assembly of video baton  300 , sealing elements  312 / 314  are inserted into respective annular chambers  364 / 352 . Lower shuttle spacer  344  is inserted into upper portion  358  of lower shuttle component  342  and second biasing element  308  is inserted into lower shuttle spacer  344 . The combined lower shuttle assembly is then inserted into upper shuttle component  338  and retained therein by upper shuttle cap  340 . 
     Flexible coupling element  108  and wires/flexible PCB  109  are inserted through bottom aperture  361  in lower shuttle component  342  and wires/flexible PCB  109  are threaded through upper shuttle component  342 . Upper shuttle spacer  336  is inserted into chamber  316   b  and first biasing element  306  is placed within upper shuttle spacer  336 . Upper shuttle component  338  is then inserted into chamber  316   b  with first biasing element  306  engaging upper shuttle spacer  336  and upper shuttle component  342 /upper shuttle cap  340 . Wires/flexible PCB  109  are threaded through upper shuttle cap  340  and into upper chamber  316   a  for connection to PCBA  330  during assembly of receptacle assembly  302  to handle portion  301 . 
     During use, video baton  300  is inserted into chamber  114  in blade cover  102 , which may be one of a variety of different sizes. Flexible coupling element  108  is inserted into blade portion  124  until image capturing and lighting assembly  110  engages window  128  in distal tip  124   b  of blade portion  124 . Handle portion  301  is inserted into chamber  114  until clip portion  118  in handle portion  301  engages clip portion  116  in blade cover  102  to retain video baton  300  within blade cover  102 . Depending on the size of blade cover  102 , the urging of handle portion  301  within chamber  114  may cause biasing elements  306 / 308  to compress to shorten the effective length of video baton  300 , with smaller blade covers requiring more compression than larger blade covers. In this manner, a single re-usable video baton  300  may be used with a variety of differently sized blade covers  102   
     The foregoing description of exemplary implementations provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments described herein to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the embodiments. 
     Although the invention has been described in detail above, it is expressly understood that it will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that the invention may be modified without departing from the spirit of the invention. Various changes of form, design, or arrangement may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the above-mentioned description is to be considered exemplary, rather than limiting, and the true scope of the invention is that defined in the following claims. 
     No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the invention unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise. 
     Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in the claims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote any priority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another, the temporal order in which acts of a method are performed, the temporal order in which instructions executed by a device are performed, etc., but are used merely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain name from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) to distinguish the claim elements. Similarly, relative terms, such as “upper/lower”, “front/rear”, and “forward/backward” are used to depict relative positioning with respect to described components and do not refer to absolute or gravity-based relative positions. Embodiments described herein may be implemented in any suitable orientation.