Patent Description:
Endoscopes include functionality to deliver fluids and suction at a site of a procedure. Tubing for delivering fluids and/or suction extends from a handle of the endoscope, through a shaft of the endoscope, and to a distal tip of the endoscope. During a procedure, body fluids, tissues, or other material can build up in the tubing. In order to aid in reprocessing of reusable endoscopes between procedures, pre-processing is performed in an endoscopy suite. For example, water or other fluids are flushed through the tubing after the endoscope is removed from a patient, in order to clear debris from the air/water and/or suction tubing. The cleaning valve may be inserted into an air/water valve cylinder (i.e., valve well) of an endoscope after the scope is removed from a patient and the procedure valve is removed from the valve cylinder. An operator may then depress a button of the cleaning valve for a predetermined amount of time to flush the air and/or water channels of the endoscope prior to further reprocessing of the endoscope. An important aspect of a single-use valve that it is not inadvertently reused. Another important aspect of a cleaning valve is that it is not confused with a procedural valve and inadvertently used in place thereof during a procedure when the scope is inserted within a patient. It is with all of the above considerations in mind that the improvements of the present disclosure may be useful.

<CIT> relates to an air/water valve assembly for use in an endoscope or other medical equipment. The valve assembly includes a spool and a one-piece sealing member that includes a number of sealing rings. The spool can be injection molded, and the sealing member can be overmolded onto the spool. A spring, retainer, and housing are also included to form the valve assembly. As such, an air/water valve assembly may be made that can be used in a single medical procedure and then discarded in a cost-effective manner.

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a valve assembly for controlling fluid flow through valve wells. The valve assembly may include comprising an interface member and a valve stem to which the interface member is removably couplable. The valve stem may include a proximal portion, a distal portion, two or more orifices, and a lumen in fluid communication with first and second orifices of the two or more orifices. The valve assembly may be configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through a valve well. The second state of the valve assembly may prevent utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through valve wells.

In some embodiments, fluid communication between the first and second orifices via the lumen is blocked in the second state. In various embodiments, the lumen includes a transition deposit comprising a material configured to expand and fill a portion of the lumen when the material is exposed to a liquid. In many embodiments, the proximal and distal portions of the valve stem decouple to transition from the first state to the second state. In several embodiments, the proximal and distal portions of the valve stem are connected by a retention linkage and a separation linkage in the first state and the proximal and distal portions of the valve stem are connected by the retention linkage and not the separation linkage in the second state. In several such embodiments, the separation linkage or the retention linkage is disposed within the lumen. In some such embodiments, the separation linkage or the retention linkage is disposed outside of the lumen. In various such embodiments, the separation linkage comprises a loop disposed on a distal end of the proximal portion of the valve stem or on a proximal end of the distal portion of the valve stem. In multiple embodiments, utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through a valve well comprises one or more of insertion of the valve stem into the valve well, controlling fluid flow through the valve well, and removal of the valve stem from the valve well. In some embodiments, the proximal portion of the valve stem is fixed relative to the distal portion of the valve stem by a molded weak point in the first state, and the proximal portion of the valve stem is slidably coupled to the distal portion of the valve stem in the second state. In some such embodiments, utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through the valve well breaks the molded weak point to transition the valve assembly from the first state to the second state. In various embodiments, the proximal portion of the valve stem is fixed relative to the distal portion of the valve stem by a transition deposit in the first state, and the proximal portion of the valve stem is slidably coupled to the distal portion of the valve stem in the second state. In various such embodiments, exposure of the transition deposit to a liquid from utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through the valve well dissolves the transition deposit to transition the valve assembly from the first state to the second state. Many embodiments include a plurality of radial legs with first and second ends and the first ends are pivotally connected to the valve stem. In many such embodiments, the second ends are retained proximate to the valve stem by a hat slidably coupled to the valve stem in the first state and the second ends are released by the hat in the second state.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a valve well and a valve assembly. The valve well may include a cavity with two or more ports. The valve assembly may be for controlling fluid flow through valve wells. The valve assembly may include a valve stem and an interface member. The valve stem may include a proximal portion, a distal portion, two or more orifices, and a lumen in fluid communication with first and second orifices of the two or more orifices. The interface member may be coupled to the valve well and the valve stem. The valve assembly may be configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through the valve well. The second state of the valve assembly may prevent utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through valve wells.

In some embodiments, utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through the valve well comprises one or more of insertion of the valve stem into the valve well, controlling fluid flow through the valve well, and removal of the valve stem from the valve well. In various embodiments, fluid communication between the first and second orifices via the lumen is blocked in the second state. In many embodiments, the proximal and distal portions of the valve stem decouple to transition from the first state to the second state.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method. The method may include one or more of: exposing a valve assembly to a valve well; and transitioning the valve assembly from a first state to a second state by exposing the valve assembly to the valve well, wherein the second state of the valve assembly prevents utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through valve wells. In some embodiments, exposing the valve stem to the valve well comprises one or more of inserting the valve stem into the valve well, controlling flow of a fluid through the valve well with the valve stem, and removing the valve stem from the valve well:.

A medical cleaning valve (or cleaning valve) may be configured to provide cleaning functionality to air and water channels of an endoscope. In a first configuration, the cleaning valve may provide a continuous feed of air to both air and water channels in a handle and shaft of an endoscope, and through an air/water nozzle at the distal end of the endoscope. In a second configuration, the cleaning valve may feed water into the air channel in the handle and shaft of the endoscope, and through the air nozzle at the distal end of the endoscope. The cleaning valves (or valves) of the current disclosure are generally single-use devices (SUDs) and therefore disposable. Reusing SUDs that are not designed for reprocessing and reuse can result in unnecessary exposure to bacteria. Accordingly, many valves (or valve assemblies) disclosed hereby may be configured to transition from a first state to a second state in response to utilization of the valve to control fluid flow through a valve well. The transition from the first state to the second state may prevent reuse in of one or more valves disclosed hereby. For instance, a lumen between first and second orifices in a valve stem may be blocked or disconnected.

Further, the valve may be made from a limited number of parts and materials, e.g., to limit its cost, so that it may be economically disposable. For example, an interface member may seal an opening to the lumen of the valve. In yet another example, the valve may have a single elastomeric component, or spring cap. Additionally, cleaning valves may have a similar appearance to procedural valves. However, using a cleaning valve in place of a procedural valve may result in fluid flow through an incorrect endoscope channel, e.g., liquid being delivered through the air channel. Also, using a cleaning valve in place of a procedural valve may result in continuous insufflation of air into a patient, such as via both the air and water channels. Accordingly, one or more embodiments disclosed hereby may include cleaning valves with features and/or components that facilitate differentiating them from procedural valves.

It may be understood that the disclosure included herein is exemplary and explanatory only and is not restrictive. As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example," rather than "ideal. " As used herein, the term "proximal" means a direction closer to a surface used by an operator for operating a valve (e.g., an interface member, a user interface, a button) and the term "distal" means a direction away from the surface used by an operator for operating a valve (e.g., a button). Regarding <FIG>, "proximal" may refer to towards the top of the drawing sheet and "distal" may refer to towards the bottom of the drawing sheet. Although endoscopes are referenced herein, reference to endoscopes or endoscopy should not be construed as limiting the possible applications of the disclosed aspects. For example, the disclosed aspects may be used with duodenoscopes, bronchoscopes, ureteroscopes, colonoscopes, catheters, diagnostic or therapeutic tools or devices, or other types of medical devices. Additionally, although cleaning valves are referenced herein, reference to cleaning valves should not be construed as limiting the possible applications of the disclosed aspects. For example, the disclosed aspects may be used with a variety of medical valves for controlling the flow of fluids.

Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the novel embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. The intention is to cover all modification, equivalents, and alternatives within the scope of the claims.

<FIG> illustrates various aspects of a valve assembly <NUM> in conjunction with a valve well <NUM> according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The valve assembly <NUM> may include an interface member <NUM> and a valve stem <NUM> with orifice <NUM>-<NUM>. More generally, a valve assembly may refer to an interface member in conjunction with a valve stem. In various embodiments, the valve assembly <NUM> may be inserted into and/or coupled with the valve well <NUM>. The valve assembly <NUM> and valve well <NUM> may be oriented with proximal end <NUM> and distal end <NUM>. In many embodiments, the interface member <NUM> may be interacted with to move the valve stem <NUM> proximally or distally within the valve well <NUM> to control the flow of fluid through the valve well <NUM>. For instance, valve assembly <NUM> may be utilized to route water to flush out one or more tubes and/or lumens in an endoscopic system. In some embodiments, <FIG> may include one or more components that are the same or similar to one or more other components of the present disclosure. Further, one or more components of <FIG>, or aspects thereof, may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

<FIG> illustrate various aspects of a valve assembly <NUM> in conjunction with a valve well <NUM> according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. More specifically, <FIG> includes a cross-sectional view of valve assembly <NUM> in a first configuration <NUM>-<NUM> and <FIG> includes a cross-sectional view of valve assembly <NUM> in a second configuration <NUM>-<NUM>. The valve assembly <NUM> may include an interface member <NUM> and a valve stem <NUM>. The interface member <NUM> may include an elastic section <NUM>. The valve stem <NUM> may include a first orifice <NUM>-<NUM> and a second orifice <NUM>-<NUM> connected by a lumen <NUM>. The valve well <NUM> may include a cavity <NUM> with ports <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, <FIG> and/or 2B may include one or more components that are the same or similar to one or more other components of the present disclosure. For example, valve stem <NUM> may be the same or similar to valve stem <NUM>. Further, one or more components of <FIG> and/or 2B, or aspects thereof, may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the transition deposit <NUM> may be incorporated into valve assembly <NUM> without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In the first configuration <NUM>-<NUM>, the valve assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the valve well <NUM> with no user input. In the second configuration <NUM>-<NUM>, the valve assembly <NUM> may be coupled to the valve well <NUM> with user input that compresses an elastic section <NUM> of interface member <NUM> and causes the valve stem <NUM> to move distally within the valve well <NUM>. In many embodiments, the second configuration may cause water input via port <NUM>-<NUM> to feed water, via port <NUM>-<NUM>, into the air channel in a handle and shaft of an endoscope (not shown), and through the air nozzle at the distal end of the endoscope.

Additionally, <FIG> illustrate the valve assembly <NUM> in different states. <FIG> illustrates the valve assembly <NUM> in a first state <NUM>-<NUM> and <FIG> illustrates the valve assembly <NUM> in a second state <NUM>-<NUM>. In the first state <NUM>-<NUM>, transition deposit <NUM> may be disposed in the lumen <NUM> in an unexposed state and in the second state <NUM>-<NUM> may transition to an exposed state to block the flow of water through the lumen <NUM>. For example, transition deposit <NUM> may expand due to exposure to a fluid. Accordingly, the transition material may include a material that expands and hardens after exposure to a certain amount of volumetric fluid flow, such as Porex®. In other embodiments, the transition deposit may contract and/or dissolve due to exposure to a fluid (see e.g., <FIG>). In various embodiments, the transition deposit <NUM> may comprise a cylindrical insert in the lumen <NUM>. In some embodiments, the transition deposit <NUM> may be a coating, such as by being powder coated onto a surface.

More generally, one or more components of valve assemblies disclosed hereby may be configured to transition from the first state to the second state in response to utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through a valve well. The transition from the first state to the second state may prevent reuse in of one or more valve assemblies disclosed hereby. For example, one or more components of the valve assembly may be altered, such as by lengthening, transitioning from a first state to a second state (e.g., chemically), shortening, widening, detaching, and the like.

In several embodiments the amount of volumetric flow required for the transition deposit <NUM> to block the lumen <NUM> may be correlated to the particular use and/or amount of time a valve assembly <NUM> is used. For example, properly cleaning (i.e., reprocessing) an endoscope may require water flushing through the air channel of the endoscope for at least <NUM> seconds, requiring the valve assembly <NUM> to remain in the second configuration <NUM>-<NUM> for at least <NUM> seconds. Accordingly, the transition deposit <NUM> may be configured to require an amount of volumetric flow to transition to the second state <NUM>-<NUM> that is equivalent to <NUM> seconds of flow through the air channel. In many embodiments, this technique may simplify or improve cleaning, by requiring the valve assembly <NUM> just be depressed until it is fully transitioned to the second state <NUM>-<NUM> instead of requiring <NUM> seconds be timed.

In another example, a properly cleaning an endoscope may require a specific volume of water be flushed through the air channel of the endoscope. In such other examples, the transition deposit <NUM> may be configured to block the lumen <NUM> after the specific volume of water is flushed through the air channel. In this example, cleaning efficiency/reliability may be improved due to the state transition occurring directly due to volumetric flow, as opposed to an amount of time. This may be due to one or more factors, such as varying flow rates between different endoscopes or varying pressures or flow rates provided by different processor and/or insufflator setups. The processor and/or insufflator setups may comprise the source of flow fed to the valve well of the endoscope. It will be appreciated that although <FIG> illustrates state <NUM>-<NUM> while the valve assembly <NUM> is in the second configuration <NUM>-<NUM>, the transition to the second state <NUM>-<NUM> may occur, at least partially, after the valve assembly <NUM> returns to the first configuration <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g., due to elastic section <NUM> comprising a biasing member to return the valve assembly <NUM> to the first configuration <NUM>-<NUM> in the absence of external input).

Utilization of a valve assembly (e.g., valve assembly <NUM>) to control fluid flow through a valve well may include one or more of coupling the interface member to the valve well, transitioning the interface member from a first configuration to a second configuration, insertion of the distal end of the valve assembly into the proximal end of the valve well, controlling the flow of fluid through the valve well with the valve assembly <NUM>, and removing the valve assembly from the valve well. In many embodiments, the utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through a valve well may cause the transition from the first state to the second state. For example, exposing transition deposit <NUM> to water while using the valve assembly <NUM> to control fluid flow through the valve well <NUM> (e.g., to flush an air channel) may cause transition deposit <NUM> to transition from the first state <NUM>-<NUM> to the second state <NUM>-<NUM>.

In various embodiments, the elastic section <NUM> may function as a biasing member. For example, elastic section <NUM> may bias the interface member <NUM> (and the corresponding valve assembly) into the first configuration <NUM>-<NUM>. In other embodiments, the elastic section <NUM> may not include a biasing member. In such other embodiments, a spring may be used as the biasing member. In some embodiments, the walls of the elastic section <NUM> may have a varying in thickness and or other structures to bias interface member <NUM> into the first configuration <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, the first configuration <NUM>-<NUM> may comprise a standby configuration and the second configuration <NUM>-<NUM> may comprise an actuated configuration.

In several embodiments, the interface member <NUM> may couple with the valve well. In several such embodiments, the interface member <NUM> may exert a force against the valve well <NUM> to bias the interface member in the first configuration <NUM>-<NUM>. In many embodiments, the second configuration <NUM>-<NUM> may cause fluid to flow through the valve well <NUM>. On the other hand, the interface member <NUM> (and remainder of valve assembly) may be coupled to the valve well <NUM> in the first configuration <NUM>-<NUM> without causing fluid to flow through the valve well <NUM>. In many embodiments, the interface member <NUM> may be displaced distally to transition from the first configuration <NUM>-<NUM> to the second configuration <NUM>-<NUM>. Further, the distal displacement of the interface member <NUM> moves the valve stem <NUM> distally within the valve well <NUM>. In some embodiments, interface members may include one or more parts. For example, a finger of an operator may interact with a first part of the interface member and a second part of the interface member may couple with the valve well.

<FIG> illustrate various aspects of a valve assemblies 300A, 300B in conjunction with a valve well <NUM> according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> includes valve assembly 300A and valve well <NUM>. Valve assembly 300A may include interface member <NUM> and valve stem <NUM>. Valve stem <NUM> may include first stem portion <NUM>-<NUM> and second stem portion <NUM>-<NUM> connected by retention linkages <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. The Valve assembly 300B may be the same or similar to valve assembly 300A. In <FIG>, valve assembly 300B may include contact surface <NUM> and separation linkages <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> in addition to the components of valve assembly 300A. Although not labeled, in some embodiments, valve assembly 300A may include contact surface <NUM>. In various embodiments, the first and second stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be able to move relative to each other, such as by telescoping, to transition from a first state to a second state. In some embodiments, <FIG> and/or 3B may include one or more components that are the same or similar to one or more other components of the present disclosure. For example, valve stem <NUM> may be the same or similar to valve stem <NUM>. Further, one or more components of <FIG> and/or 3B, or aspects thereof, may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the retention linkages <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be incorporated into valve assembly <NUM> without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In many embodiments, the first and second stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be able to move relative to each other, such as by telescoping, to transition from a first state to a second state. For instance, one or more weak points (e.g., a thin wall section, perforations, a transition deposit, poor filling, or weakened post molding) may be included, such as via molding, additive manufacturing, subtracting manufacturing, and/or powder coating, at the junction between the first and second stem portion <NUM>. In some such instances, the weak points may allow the stem portions <NUM> to move relative to one another, such as during removal from the valve well or returning from an actuated configuration (e.g., the second configuration) to a standby configuration (e.g., the first configuration). In several embodiments, the retention linkages <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may keep the first and second stem portions <NUM> connected in the second state. In several such embodiments, the retention linkages <NUM> may prevent stem portion <NUM>-<NUM> from remaining in the valve well <NUM> when the valve assembly is removed. Frictional forces corresponding to radial seals <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> on the valve stem <NUM> contacting the cavity of the valve well may cause the first and second stem portions <NUM> to separate during removal from the valve well.

In one or more embodiments disclosed hereby, the first and second stem portions <NUM> may have loops (e.g., separation linkages) that interlock to fit each other. When pressed together (e.g., in the actuated configuration), the loops may press into solid surfaces of the opposing component (e.g., contact surface <NUM>, contact surface <NUM>). When the proximal portion is pulled away from the distal portion during removal, a perforated break point included on one or more of the loops may allow them to come apart. In order to retain the distal stem portion during removal and prevent it from being left in the valve well, the proximal and distal stem portions may be connected by retention linkages.

The separation linkages <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of <FIG> may comprise loops that break and/or become disconnected in the second state. For example, one or more of the separation linkages <NUM> may break apart when the valve assembly 300B is removed from the valve well <NUM>. In various embodiments, the separation linkage <NUM>-<NUM> of stem portion <NUM>-<NUM> may push against the contact surface <NUM> of stem portion <NUM>-<NUM> when the interface member is depressed to transition the valve assembly 300B from the standby configuration to the actuated configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, the separation linkages <NUM> may be disposed inside of the lumen of the valve stem and the retention linkages <NUM> may be disposed on the exterior of the valve stem. However, valve assemblies may include one or more retention linkages and/or one or more separation linkages connecting stem portions <NUM> via a variety of locations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In various embodiments, the linkages may include or be referred to as leashes. In some embodiments, the linkages may comprise a polymer and/or a metal (e.g., nitinol). In several embodiments, the linkages may be integrally molded with the valve stem.

In many embodiments, one or more components and/or features disclosed hereby may be used to differentiate cleaning valves from procedural valves. For example, retention linkages <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may differentiate valve assembly <NUM> from procedural valve assemblies. In another example, the interface member <NUM> may include one or more features for distinction, such as raised surfaces, colors, warning labels, and the like.

<FIG> illustrate various aspects of valve stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> of valve stem <NUM> according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment of a valve stem with first and second stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, retention linkage <NUM>, and separations linkages <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, separation linkage <NUM>-<NUM> is attached to the proximal end of stem portion <NUM>-<NUM> and includes arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, arm <NUM> may pivot and/or be biased into a certain position by a biasing member (e.g., spring). Separation linkage <NUM>-<NUM> is attached to the distal end of stem portion <NUM>-<NUM>, which includes contact surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, <FIG> may include one or more components that are the same or similar to one or more other components of the present disclosure. For example, stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be the same or similar to stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. Further, one or more components of <FIG>, or aspects thereof, may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the separation linkages <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be incorporated into valve stem <NUM> without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In various embodiments, <FIG> illustrates the first stem portion <NUM>-<NUM> with a strong, non-perforated loop and the second stem portion <NUM>-<NUM> with a spring-loaded gate (i.e., arm <NUM>) loop (e.g., separation linkage <NUM>-<NUM>), like a carabiner except the arm <NUM> may be biased open instead of in the closed position. More specifically, <FIG> illustrates the valve stem <NUM> in the first state <NUM>-<NUM>, which may correspond to the standby configuration; <FIG> illustrates the valve stem <NUM> in a transition state, which may correspond to the actuated configuration; and <FIG> illustrates the valve stem <NUM> in the second state <NUM>-<NUM>, which may occur when the valve stem <NUM> is removed from a valve well after the transition state. In the transition state, contact surface <NUM> may push against a proximal end of separation linkage <NUM>-<NUM> to push the second stem portion <NUM>-<NUM> distally in a valve well. Further, the distal end of separation linkage -<NUM>-<NUM> may push past (e.g., by pushing open) the arm <NUM> and allow the arm <NUM> to reclose. When the valve stem is removed the reclosed arm <NUM> forces the separation linkages <NUM> to separate.

<FIG> illustrate various aspects of valve stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The valve stem <NUM> may include stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> and retention linkages <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. <FIG> illustrates valve stem <NUM> in a first state <NUM>-<NUM> and including transition deposit <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate valve stem <NUM> in a second state <NUM>-<NUM>. In some embodiments, <FIG> may include one or more components that are the same or similar to one or more other components of the present disclosure. For example, stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be the same or similar to stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. Further, one or more components of <FIG>, or aspects thereof, may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may be incorporated into valve stem <NUM> without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In the first state <NUM>-<NUM>, transition deposit <NUM> may lock the stem portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> in a compressed position relative to each other. However, in the second state <NUM>-<NUM>, transition deposit <NUM> may be absent and the stem portions <NUM> may be in an extended position relative to each other. Accordingly, in the absence of transition deposit <NUM>, stem portions <NUM> may move relative to one another, such as by telescoping. In many embodiments, transition deposit <NUM> may operate in an opposite manner as the transition deposit <NUM>, such as by dissolving when exposed to a fluid.

In many embodiments, the extended position may expose one or more radial openings <NUM> to prevent reuse of the valve stem <NUM>. In some embodiments, the valve stem <NUM> may include one or more features to lock the stem portions <NUM> in the extended state. For example, a transition deposit similar to transition deposit <NUM> may be used to lock the stem portions <NUM> in the extended state. In other embodiments, the stem portions <NUM> may freely move relative to one another in the second state <NUM>-<NUM>. In various embodiments, controlling fluid flow through a valve well may cause transition deposit <NUM> to dissolve (or at least weaken), allowing the valve stem to transition into state <NUM>-<NUM> when it is removed from a valve well. In several embodiments, transition deposit <NUM> may comprise a glue, such as polyvinyl acetate.

Retention linkages <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> may include corresponding features that prevent stem portions <NUM> from separating when they are removed from a valve well. For example, retention linkages <NUM> may include a collar and/or ledge. In another example, retention linkage <NUM>-<NUM> may include a channel and retention linkage <NUM>-<NUM> may include a protrusion that moves within the channel.

<FIG>B illustrate a valve stem <NUM> with radial legs <NUM> according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The valve stem <NUM> may additionally include hat <NUM>. <FIG> may illustrate the valve stem <NUM> in a first state <NUM>-<NUM> with the hat <NUM> retaining the one or more radial legs <NUM> proximate the valve stem <NUM>. <FIG> may illustrate the valve stem <NUM> in a second state <NUM>-<NUM> with the radial legs <NUM> released by the hat <NUM>. In some embodiments, <FIG> and/or 6B may include one or more components that are the same or similar to one or more other components of the present disclosure. For example, valve stem <NUM> may be the same or similar to valve stem <NUM>. Further, one or more components of <FIG> and/or 6B, or aspects thereof, may be incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the radial legs <NUM> may be incorporated into valve assembly <NUM> without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In various embodiments, valve stem <NUM> may include one or more radial legs <NUM> with a first end connected to the valve stem <NUM>. The hat <NUM> may retain the second end of the radial legs <NUM> proximate the shaft of the valve stem <NUM> until the valve stem is depressed. In various embodiments, the hat <NUM> may include one or more of a cylindrical cuff, a containing tray/box/guard, and the like. In many embodiments, the radial legs <NUM> are in a shortened configuration when they are retained by hat <NUM>. For example, the radial legs may include a bend or a bow in state <NUM>-<NUM>. In some such examples, the bend or the bow may cause the radial legs <NUM> to expand radially and extend proximally when released by the hat. In some embodiments, biasing members, such as springs, may be used to cause the radial legs <NUM> to expand radially and extend proximally.

In the second state <NUM>-<NUM>, the legs may extend and lock, such as against the hat <NUM>, to cause the valve stem <NUM> to lengthen and become inoperable to control the flow of fluid through a valve well. For example, the radial legs <NUM> may be fixed to the valve stem <NUM> and hat <NUM> may be slidably coupled to the valve stem <NUM>. Accordingly, as the valve stem <NUM> is depressed distally (e.g., to transition into the actuated configuration) the second ends of the radial legs <NUM> may move distally enough to no longer be retained by the hat <NUM>. When the radial legs <NUM> are not retained by the hat <NUM>, the radial legs <NUM> may lengthen. When the valve stem <NUM> returns proximally (e.g., to transition back the standby configuration) the radial legs <NUM> may lock, in the lengthened position, against the hat <NUM> to increase the overall length of the valve stem <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A valve assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, 300A, 300B) for controlling fluid flow through valve wells, the valve assembly comprising:
an interface member (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a valve stem (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) to which the interface member is removably couplable, the valve stem including a proximal portion (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>), a distal portion (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>), two or more orifices (<NUM>, <NUM>), and a lumen (<NUM>) in fluid communication with first and second orifices of the two or more orifices,
wherein the valve assembly is configured to transition from a first state (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) to a second state (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>) in response to utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through a valve well (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), and wherein the second state of the valve assembly prevents re-utilization of the valve assembly to control fluid flow through valve wells,
wherein fluid communication between the first and second orifices via the lumen is blocked in the second state.