Patent Description:
Following an endoscopic procedure, the endoscope and associated equipment are cleaned and/or reprocessed to prevent the spread of infection in a subsequent medical procedure with a different patient. A pre-cleaning step when using conventional endoscopic systems involves flushing air through the air lines and flushing water through the water lines using a procedural endoscopic valve. In some endoscopic systems, the air/water procedural endoscopic valve (which directs air and water from source equipment through respective air and water channels of the endoscope) is replaced with an air/water pre-cleaning valve, which diverts clean water from the source equipment through the air and water channel to flush away any procedural debris that may have entered the air or water channels. In addition to requiring the additional and time-consuming step of replacing the procedural valve with the air/water pre-cleaning valve, each valve must be individually tracked and reprocessed between each procedure.

It with these considerations in mind that a variety of advantageous medical outcomes may be realized by the devices, systems and methods of the present disclosure.

<CIT> discloses an operation valve of an endoscope, the valve comprises a piston-like member arranged inside a cylindrical member freely movably back and forth in an axial direction. The communication state of a plurality of fluid pipelines is switched by moving the piston-like member in the axial direction. There is a plurality of sealing members attached to the piston-like member so as to seal the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical member at a plurality of positions in the axial direction. All of the plurality of seal members are integrally connected and formed in one string and are constituted so as to be freely attached and detached integrally to/from the piston-like member.

In the described and other embodiments, a modular attachment may be insertable into the proximal channel of the valve stem and may move the gating member from the first position to the second position and may move the valve insert from a first position to a second position. The valve stem is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration within a housing of an endoscope. The housing comprises an air outlet port formed within a sidewall of the housing. An air inlet port is formed within the sidewall of the housing and distal to the air outlet port. A water outlet port is formed within the sidewall of the housing and distal to the air inlet port. A water inlet port is formed within the sidewall of the housing and distal to the water outlet port. In the first configuration, air may be flowable from a processing system through the air inlet port and into the valve stem, and water may be flowable from the processing system through the water inlet port, into the valve stem and through the water outlet port. The air may be flowable through a proximal opening of the valve stem into the atmosphere. The air may be flowable through the air outlet port when a proximal opening of the valve stem is blocked. The valve stem may be movable between a first configuration, a second configuration and a third configuration within the housing of the endoscope. In the first configuration, air may be flowable from a processing system through the air inlet port and into the valve stem. The air may be flowable through a proximal opening of the valve stem and into the atmosphere. The air may be flowable through the air outlet port when a proximal opening of the valve stem is blocked. In the second configuration water may be flowable from a processing system through the water inlet port, into the valve stem and through the water outlet port. In the third configuration water may be flowable from a processing system through the water inlet port, into the valve stem and through the air outlet port, and water may be flowable from the processing system through the water inlet port, into the valve stem and through the water outlet port.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an endoscopic system according to claim <NUM>.

The present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting beyond the scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs.

As used herein, the term "distal" refers to the end farthest away from the medical professional when introducing a device into a patient, while the term "proximal" refers to the end closest to the medical professional when introducing a device into a patient.

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, an endoscopic system may include an endoscope handle <NUM> attached to a processing system <NUM> by a length of tubing <NUM> (e.g., universal cord, umbilicus cable, etc.). The processing system <NUM> may include an air source <NUM> (e.g., air pump, etc.), a water source <NUM> (e.g., fluid source, etc.), a water-jet connector <NUM> and a suction connector <NUM>. An insertion tube <NUM>, e.g., configured to be inserted into a patient, may extend from a distal portion of the endoscope handle <NUM>. A first air channel 130a may extend from the air source <NUM>, through the length of tubing <NUM>, to a housing <NUM> (e.g., valve cylinder, air/water port, etc.) within the endoscope handle <NUM>, and a first water channel 132a may extend from the water source <NUM>, through the length of tubing <NUM>, to the housing <NUM>. A second air channel 130b may extend from the housing <NUM> through the insertion tube <NUM>, and a second water channel 132b may extend from the housing <NUM> through the insertion tube <NUM>. In various embodiments, a distal end of the second air channel 130b may include an opening contiguous with an opening at a distal end of the insertion tube <NUM>. In various additional embodiments, a distal end of the second water channel 132b may be fluidly connected to the second air channel 130b proximal to the distal end of the insertion tube <NUM>. The housing <NUM> is removably attachable to the endoscope handle <NUM> and comprises a valve, so that when attached, air, water, suction, or combinations thereof may be deliverable to a patient and controllable by the respective valve(s).

In various embodiments, a water-jet channel <NUM> may extend through the length of tubing <NUM> and the insertion tube <NUM>. A first (e.g., proximal) end of the water-jet channel may be fluidly attached to the water-jet connector <NUM>, and a second (e.g., distal) end of the water-jet channel may include an opening contiguous with an opening at a distal end of the insertion tube <NUM>, e.g., to deliver a water-jet into the patient. In various additional embodiments, a biopsy/suction channel <NUM> may extend through the tubing <NUM>, connect to a suction valve <NUM> within the endoscope handle <NUM>, and extend through the insertion tube <NUM>. A first (e.g., proximal) end of the biopsy/suction channel <NUM> may be fluidly attached to the suction connector <NUM>, and a second (e.g., distal) end of the biopsy/suction channel <NUM> may include an opening contiguous with an opening at a distal end of the insertion tube <NUM> e.g., to provide suction of fluids, e.g., liquids and/or gases, within the patient.

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include an air outlet port <NUM>, an air inlet port <NUM>, a water outlet port <NUM> and a water inlet port <NUM> formed within (e.g., extend through) different respective portions/sections of a sidewall of the housing <NUM>. For example, the air outlet port may be proximal to the air inlet port, the air inlet port may be proximal to water outlet port and the water outlet port may be proximal to the water inlet port. In various embodiments, the air outlet port <NUM> may be configured to align with (e.g., fluidly connected to, in fluid communication with, etc.) a proximal end of the second air channel extending through the insertion tube <NUM>, the air inlet port <NUM> may be configured to align with a distal end of the first air channel extending through the length of tubing <NUM>, the water outlet port <NUM> may be configured to align with a proximal end of the second water channel extending through the insertion tube <NUM> and the water inlet port <NUM> may be configured to align with a distal end of the first water channel extending through the length of tubing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, an endoscopic system of the present disclosure may include an endoscopic valve <NUM> (e.g., air/water valve, etc.) disposable within a housing <NUM> of an endoscope handle <NUM> (<FIG>). In various embodiments, the endoscopic valve <NUM> may be configured to move (e.g., switch) between a first configuration (e.g., procedural configuration, medical procedure configuration, etc.) and a second configuration (e.g., post-operative/post-procedural pre-cleaning configuration).

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the endoscopic valve <NUM> may include a valve stem <NUM> defining a proximal channel <NUM> (e.g., air vent channel) with a proximal opening <NUM> and a distal channel <NUM> (e.g., internal channel) with a distal opening <NUM>. The proximal and distal channels <NUM>, <NUM> may be co-extensive to define a contiguous channel through a full length of the valve stem <NUM>. In various embodiments, at least a portion of the valve stem comprising the proximal channel <NUM> may extend beyond (e.g., outside) the housing <NUM> of the endoscope handle <NUM>.

In one embodiment, a first port <NUM> (e.g., proximal port) and a second port <NUM> may be formed within (e.g., extend through) different respective portions/sections of a sidewall of the valve stem <NUM> and in fluid communication with the proximal channel <NUM>. The first port <NUM> may be substantially aligned with the air outlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and the second port <NUM> may be substantially aligned with the air inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. A first seal <NUM> (e.g., one-way seal, O-ring, sealing member, enlarged portion, etc.) may be disposed around an outer surface of the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) between the first and second ports <NUM>, <NUM>. A second seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) distal to the second port <NUM>. A third seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) proximal to the distal opening <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the first seal <NUM> may be a single-direction seal (or one-way seal) configured to sealingly contact an inner wall of the housing <NUM> between the air outlet port <NUM> and air inlet port <NUM> and proximal to the second port <NUM>. The second seal <NUM> may be configured to sealingly contact an inner wall of the housing <NUM> distal to the air inlet port <NUM>. In addition, or alternatively, the first and second seals <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to seal a space between the housing <NUM> and the valve stem <NUM> around (e.g., <NUM>°) the air inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the first port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>. The third seal <NUM> may be configured to sealingly contact an inner wall of the housing <NUM> proximal to the water inlet port <NUM> and distal to the water outlet port <NUM> (e.g., between the water inlet port <NUM> and water outlet port <NUM>).

A gating member <NUM> may be movably (e.g., slidably, etc.) disposed within a distal portion of the proximal channel <NUM>. A lumen <NUM> may extend through a full length of the gating member, e.g., to allow the flow of water/air therethrough. The gating member <NUM> may be configured to move from a first position (e.g., proximal position) substantially adjacent to and in sealing contact with the first port <NUM> (<FIG>) and a second position (e.g., distal position) substantially adjacent to and in sealing contact with the second port <NUM> (<FIG>, discussed below). In various embodiments, the sealing contact between the gating member <NUM> and the first or second port <NUM>, <NUM> may block/prevent the respective flow of air or water into/through the proximal channel <NUM> (discussed below).

A valve insert <NUM> (e.g., duck-bill valve) may be disposed between (e.g., at an approximate junction of) the proximal and distal channels <NUM>, <NUM> and configured to move between a first position (e.g., closed) and a second position (e.g., open).

Referring to <FIG>, with the endoscopic valve <NUM> in the first configuration, e.g., non-depressed within the housing <NUM> and the gating member <NUM> in the first position and in sealing contact with the first port <NUM> and the valve insert <NUM> in the first (e.g., closed) position, air may flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first air channel 130a, through the air inlet port <NUM> of the housing and the second port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, through the lumen of the gating member <NUM> and the proximal channel <NUM> and into the atmosphere through proximal opening <NUM> (see arrow in <FIG> flowing from the air inlet port <NUM> to the proximal opening <NUM>). In addition, with the endoscopic valve <NUM> in the first configuration, the third seal <NUM> may sealingly contact an inner wall of the housing <NUM> such that water may not flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first water channel 132a, through the water inlet port <NUM> and water outlet port <NUM> of the housing and through the second water channel 132b into the patient. Additionally, water may be prevented from flowing through the distal opening <NUM> and the distal channel of the valve stem <NUM> proximally beyond the valve insert <NUM> (e.g., with the valve insert <NUM> in the first position) and into the proximal channel.

In one embodiment, with the endoscopic valve <NUM> in the first configuration and with the proximal opening <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> closed (e.g., blocked/sealed by a thumb or forefinger of a medical professional), air may flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first air channel 130a, through the air inlet port <NUM> of the housing, around the first seal <NUM> (e.g., blowing by the single-direction seal when a threshold level of air pressure is exceeded), through the air outlet port <NUM> and second air channel 130b and into the patient (see arrow in <FIG> flowing from the air inlet port <NUM> to the air outlet port <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, with the endoscopic valve <NUM> in a second configuration, e.g., depressed within the housing <NUM> and the gating member <NUM> in the first position, the first seal <NUM> may be compressed against an inner wall of the housing (e.g., a slanted or angled surface of the housing), such that air cannot flow past the first seal <NUM> and through the air outlet port <NUM>.

In addition, with the endoscopic valve <NUM> in the second configuration, the third seal <NUM> may not sealingly contact an inner wall of the housing such that water may flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first water channel 132a, through the water inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, around an outer surface of the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., distal to the second seal <NUM>), through the water outlet port <NUM> and second water channel 132b and into the patient (see arrow in <FIG> flowing from the water inlet port <NUM> to the water outlet port <NUM>). The second seal <NUM> may sealingly contact an inner wall of the housing <NUM> proximal to the water outlet port <NUM> such that water may not flow proximally beyond the second seal <NUM> (e.g., through the air inlet port <NUM>). Water may be prevented from flowing through the distal opening <NUM> and the distal channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> proximally beyond the closed valve insert <NUM> and into the proximal channel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, an endoscopic system of the present disclosure may further include a modular attachment <NUM> insertable into the proximal channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> to move the endoscopic valve <NUM> from the first configuration to the second configuration. In various embodiments, the modular attachment <NUM> may include a handle <NUM>, a shaft <NUM> attached to or integrally formed with the handle <NUM>, an engagement member <NUM> (e.g., flange, etc.) attached to or integrally formed with the shaft <NUM> and a penetrating member <NUM> attached to or integrally formed with the engagement member <NUM>. A seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer circumference of the shaft <NUM> proximal to the engagement member <NUM>. The engagement member <NUM> and the penetrating member <NUM> may each include a series of ribs disposed along a longitudinal axis of the modular attachment <NUM>. In various embodiments, the engagement member <NUM> may include a cross-sectional outer dimension larger than a corresponding inner dimension of the lumen <NUM> of the gating member <NUM> and the penetrating member <NUM> may include a cross-sectional outer dimension smaller than the outer dimensions of the engagement member <NUM> and the lumen <NUM> of the gating member <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, upon completion of a medical procedure, the insertion tube <NUM> may be removed from within the patient. The modular attachment <NUM> may then be inserted into the proximal channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> to move the endoscopic valve <NUM> from the first to second configuration. In one embodiment, the modular attachment <NUM> may be insertable into the proximal channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> such that a distal end of engagement member <NUM> contacts a proximal end of the gating member <NUM> to move the gating member <NUM> from the first position (e.g., in sealing contact with the first port <NUM>) to the second position (e.g., in sealing contact with the second port <NUM>). The penetrating member <NUM> may extend through the lumen <NUM> of the gating member <NUM> such that a distal end of the penetrating member <NUM> penetrates (e.g., passes through) through the valve insert <NUM> to move the valve insert <NUM> from the first (e.g., closed) to second (e.g., open) position. In various embodiments, the ribs of the engagement member <NUM> and penetrating member <NUM> may be configured to allow water to flow along/around an outer surface of the modular attachment <NUM> and through the distal and proximal channels <NUM>, <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>. In addition, the seal <NUM> may be configured to sealingly contact an inner wall of the proximal channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> proximal to the first port <NUM>, e.g., to block/prevent the flow of water through the proximal channel <NUM> proximally beyond the first port <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the sealing contact between the gating member <NUM> and the second port <NUM> may block/prevent air flow from the processing system <NUM> from entering the proximal channel <NUM> through the air inlet port <NUM>, thereby preventing/blocking the flow of air through the proximal opening <NUM> and/or the air outlet port <NUM>. In addition, water may flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first water channel 132a, through the water inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, around an outer surface of the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., distal to the second seal <NUM>), through the water outlet port <NUM> and second water channel 132b (see arrow in <FIG> flowing from the water inlet port <NUM> to the water outlet port <NUM>). Water may also flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first water channel 132a, through the water inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, through the distal opening <NUM> and the distal channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, through the proximal channel <NUM> (e.g., around the outer surfaces of the penetrating member <NUM>, engagement member <NUM> and shaft <NUM> distal to the seal <NUM> of the modular attachment <NUM>) through the first port <NUM> and through the air outlet port <NUM> and second air channel 130b (see arrow in <FIG> flowing from the water inlet port <NUM> to the air outlet port <NUM>). In various embodiments, the gating member <NUM> and valve insert <NUM> may return to their respective first positions when the modular attachment <NUM> is removed from the proximal channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>. For example, the gating member may be biased (e.g., spring-loaded, etc.) to return to the first position when the modular attachment is removed.

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, an endoscopic system of the present disclosure may include an endoscopic valve <NUM> (e.g., air/water valve, etc.) disposable within a housing <NUM> of an endoscope handle <NUM> (<FIG>), as discussed above. The endoscopic valve <NUM> may include an inner member <NUM> movably (e.g., slidably, etc.) disposable within a valve stem <NUM>. In various embodiments, the inner member <NUM> and valve stem <NUM> may be configured to move (e.g., switch) the endoscopic valve <NUM> between a first configuration (e.g., air-flow procedural configuration, medical procedure configuration, etc.), a second configuration (e.g., water-flow procedural configuration, medical procedure configuration, etc.) and a third configuration (e.g., post-operative/post-procedural pre-cleaning configuration). In one embodiment, the endoscopic valve <NUM> may be moved to the third configuration upon completion of a medical procedure and with the insertion tube <NUM> removed from within the patient for pre-cleaning.

In one embodiment, the valve stem <NUM> may include an open proximal end <NUM> (e.g., proximal opening), a closed distal end <NUM> (e.g., sealed distal end) and a channel <NUM> extending therebetween (e.g., through a full length of the valve stem). A first port <NUM> (e.g., proximal port, top port, etc.) may be formed within (e.g., extend through) a sidewall of the valve stem <NUM> and in fluid communication with the channel <NUM>, a second port <NUM> (e.g., intermediate port, middle port, etc.) may be formed within (e.g., extend through) a sidewall of the valve stem <NUM> and in fluid communication with the channel <NUM> distal to the first port <NUM> and a third port <NUM> (e.g., distal port, bottom port, etc.) may be formed within (e.g., extend through) a sidewall of the valve stem <NUM> and in fluid communication with the channel <NUM> distal to the second port <NUM>. A first seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) proximal to the first port <NUM>. A second seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) distal to the first port <NUM> and proximal to the second port <NUM> (e.g., between the first and second ports <NUM>, <NUM>). In various embodiments, the second seal <NUM> may be a single-direction seal configured to move or fold from a sealed configuration (e.g., in contact with an inner wall of the housing <NUM>) to an open configuration when a threshold level of air pressure is exceeded. A third seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) distal to the second port <NUM> and proximal to the third port (e.g., between the second and third ports <NUM>, <NUM>). A fourth seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) distal to the third port <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the inner member <NUM> may include an open proximal end <NUM> (e.g., proximal opening), a closed distal end <NUM> (e.g., sealed distal end) and a lumen <NUM> extending therebetween (e.g., through a full length of the inner member <NUM>). A first opening <NUM> (e.g., proximal opening, top opening, etc.) may be formed within (e.g., extend through) a sidewall of the inner member <NUM> and in fluid communication with the lumen <NUM> at a proximal end of the valve stem, and a second opening <NUM> (e.g., distal opening, bottom opening, etc.) may be formed within (e.g., extend through) a sidewall of the inner member <NUM> and in fluid communication with the lumen <NUM> at a distal end of the valve stem <NUM> distal to the first opening <NUM>. A fifth seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the inner member <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) proximal to the first opening <NUM> and proximal to the first port <NUM> and the air outlet port <NUM>. A sixth seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the inner member <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) distal to the first opening <NUM> and the fifth seal <NUM> and proximal to the first port <NUM> and the air outlet port <NUM> (e.g., between the first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM>). A seventh seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the inner member <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) distal to the first opening <NUM> and the sixth seal <NUM> (e.g., between the first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM>) and distal to the first port <NUM>. An eighth seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the inner member <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) distal to the first opening <NUM> and the seventh seal <NUM> (e.g., between the first and second openings <NUM>, <NUM>) and proximal to the second port <NUM> and the air inlet port <NUM>. A ninth seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the inner member <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the valve stem) distal to the second opening <NUM> and the eighth seal <NUM> and distal to the second port <NUM> and the air inlet port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, with the endoscopic valve <NUM> in the first configuration, the valve stem <NUM> may not be depressed within the housing <NUM> (e.g., a distal end of the valve stem <NUM> is separated from a distal end of the housing <NUM> by a distance along a longitudinal axis) and the inner member <NUM> may not be depressed within the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., a distal end of the inner member <NUM> is separated from a distal end of the valve stem <NUM> by a distance along a longitudinal axis).

In the first configuration, air may flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first air channel 130a, through the air inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, through the second port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, through the second opening <NUM> of the inner member <NUM> and through the lumen <NUM> and open proximal end <NUM> of the inner member <NUM> into the atmosphere (see arrow in <FIG> flowing from the air inlet port <NUM> to the open proximal end <NUM>). In various embodiments, the direction of air flow may be controlled by the combined sealing capabilities of the various seals. For example, the second seal <NUM> may block/prevent the flow of air through the air outlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The sealing contact between the fifth seal <NUM> and the inner surface of the channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> may block/prevent the proximal flow of air through the first opening <NUM> of the inner member <NUM> and into the atmosphere. The sealing contact between the sixth seal <NUM> and the inner surface of the channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> may block/prevent the distal flow of air through the first opening <NUM> of the inner member <NUM> and through first port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> into the air outlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The sealing contact between the seventh and eighth seals <NUM>, <NUM> may block/prevent the proximal flow of air through the second opening <NUM> of the inner member and through first port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> into the air outlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The sealing contact between the ninth seal <NUM> and the inner surface of the channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> may block/prevent the distal flow of air through second port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> into the water outlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. The sealing contact between the first seal <NUM> and an inner surface of the housing <NUM> may block/prevent the proximal flow of air through the air inlet port <NUM> into the atmosphere. The sealing contact between the third seal <NUM> and an inner surface of the housing <NUM> may block/prevent the distal flow of air from the air inlet port <NUM> through the third port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> and into the water outlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, with the endoscopic valve <NUM> in the first configuration and the open proximal end <NUM> of the inner member blocked or otherwise obstructed (e.g., by a finger or thumb <NUM> of a medical professional), air may be diverted from exiting into the atmosphere and instead flow from the air inlet port <NUM>, between the housing <NUM> and the valve stem <NUM> by blowing past the second seal <NUM> and through the air outlet port <NUM> and second air channel 130b and into the patient (see arrow in <FIG> flowing from the air inlet port <NUM> to the air outlet port <NUM>).

In addition, in the first configuration, although water may flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first water channel 132a and through the water inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, the water may be prevented from flowing through the water outlet port <NUM> and the second water channel 132b due to the sealing contact between the fourth seal <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> and the inner surface of the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, with the endoscopic valve in a second configuration, the valve stem <NUM> may be depressed (e.g., distally advanced) within the housing <NUM> (e.g., a distal end of the valve stem <NUM> is in contact with or substantially adjacent to a distal end of the housing <NUM>) and the inner member <NUM> may move along with the valve stem <NUM> but is not depressed within (e.g., relative to) the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., a distal end of the inner member <NUM> is separated from a distal end of the valve stem <NUM> by a distance along a longitudinal axis).

In the second configuration the flow of air may be blocked. For example, air may flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the housing <NUM>, valve stem <NUM> and inner member <NUM> as discussed above (<FIG>), but the open proximal end <NUM> may be blocked or otherwise obstructed, e.g., by a finger or thumb of a medical professional, to block/prevent air flow into the atmosphere. In addition, the sealing contact between the second seal <NUM> and the inner surface of the housing <NUM> may block/prevent the proximal flow of air from the air inlet port <NUM>, between the housing <NUM> and the valve stem <NUM>, through the air outlet port <NUM> and second air channel 130b and into the patient. In various embodiments, the sealing contact between the remaining seals (e.g., first seal <NUM>, third seal <NUM>, fifth seal <NUM>, sixth seal <NUM>, seventh seal <NUM>, eighth seal <NUM> and ninth seal <NUM>) may block/prevent the respective flow of air and water as discussed above.

In addition, in the second configuration, water may flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first water channel 132a, through the water inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, through the third port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, through the water outlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the second water channel 132b and into the patient (see arrow in <FIG> flowing from the water inlet port <NUM> to the water outlet port <NUM>). The sealing contact between the third seal <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> and the inner surface of the housing, and the sealing contact between the ninth seal <NUM> of the inner member <NUM> and the inner surface of the valve stem <NUM>, may prevent the proximal flow of water beyond water outlet port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, with the endoscopic valve in a third configuration, the valve stem <NUM> may be depressed (e.g., distally advanced) within the housing <NUM> (e.g., a distal end of the valve stem <NUM> is in contact with or substantially adjacent to a distal end of the housing <NUM>) and the inner member <NUM> may be depressed within the valve stem <NUM> (e.g., a distal end of the inner member <NUM> is in contact with or substantially adjacent to a distal end of the valve stem <NUM>). In one embodiment, a modular attachment <NUM> may be inserted (e.g., distally advanced) into/through the proximal opening <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> to depress (e.g., distally advance) the inner member <NUM> within the valve stem <NUM>. In various embodiments, the modular attachment may include a tenth seal <NUM> configured to sealingly contact the inner surface of the channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> to block/prevent the flow of water through the open proximal end <NUM> of the inner member <NUM>, e.g., to divert the flow of water through the first opening <NUM>.

In the third configuration, air may flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first air channel 130a, through the air inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and through the second port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, but may be blocked from flowing proximally through the channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, e.g., by the sealing contact between the seventh seal <NUM> and the inner surface of the channel <NUM>, and may be blocked from flowing distally through the channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> and through the second opening <NUM> of the inner member <NUM> e.g., by the sealing contact between the eighth seal <NUM>. In addition, the sealing contact between the second and third seals <NUM>, <NUM> and the inner surface of the housing <NUM> may block/prevent the proximal and distal flow of air from the air inlet port <NUM>, between the housing <NUM> and the valve stem <NUM>, through the air outlet port <NUM> (e.g. by second seal <NUM>) and/or the water inlet port <NUM> (e.g., by the third seal <NUM>).

In addition, in the third configuration, water may flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first water channel 132a, through the water inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, through the third port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, through the second opening <NUM> of the inner member, through the water outlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and through the second water channel 132b (see arrow in <FIG> flowing from the water inlet port <NUM> to the water outlet port <NUM>). As above, the sealing contact between the third seal <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> and the inner surface of the housing <NUM> may prevent the proximal flow of water beyond water outlet port <NUM> between the housing <NUM> and the valve stem <NUM>.

In addition, in the third configuration, water may also flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first water channel 132a, through the water inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, through the third port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, through the second opening <NUM> and lumen <NUM> of the inner member <NUM>, through the first opening <NUM> of the inner member <NUM>, through the first port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, through the air outlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and through second air channel 130b (see arrow in <FIG> flowing from the water inlet port <NUM> to the air outlet port <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, an endoscopic system of the present disclosure may include an endoscopic valve <NUM> (e.g., air/water valve, etc.) with the same (or similar) elements as recited in the endoscopic valve <NUM> of <FIG>, and further including an expandable member <NUM> (e.g., seal, etc.) extending through a sidewall of the valve stem <NUM> and around a full circumference of the valve stem <NUM> between the second and third ports <NUM>, <NUM>. In various embodiments, the flow of air and/or water through the endoscopic valve <NUM> when the valve stem <NUM> and inner member <NUM> are in the first configuration (<FIG>) or second configuration (<FIG>) may be identical to the corresponding flow of air and/or water as described above for <FIG>, respectively (see arrows in <FIG> flowing from the air inlet port <NUM> to the open proximal end <NUM> and from air inlet port <NUM> to air outlet port <NUM> and arrow in <FIG> flowing from the water inlet port <NUM> to the water outlet port <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, in the third configuration, air may be blocked from flowing proximally through the channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, e.g., by the sealing contact between the seventh seal <NUM> and the inner surface of the channel <NUM>, and may be blocked from flowing distally through the channel <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM> and through the second opening <NUM> of the inner member <NUM> e.g., by the sealing contact between the eighth seal <NUM>, as discussed above.

In addition, in the third configuration, the inner member <NUM> may extend through the expandable member <NUM> (e.g., through an opening/aperture, not shown) to move the expandable member <NUM> from a first configuration (e.g., the non-expanded configuration of <FIG>) to a second configuration (e.g., the expanded configuration of <FIG>). In the first configuration, the expandable member <NUM> may not form a sealing contact with an inner surface of the housing. By comparison, in the second configuration the expandable member <NUM> may sealingly contact an inner surface of the housing <NUM> proximal to the water inlet port <NUM> and distal to the water outlet port <NUM> (e.g., between the water inlet and outlet ports <NUM>, <NUM>), to block/prevent the flow of water through the water outlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and through the second water channel 132b. In addition, in the second configuration, water may flow from the processing system <NUM>, through the first water channel 132a, through the water inlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, through the third port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, through the second opening <NUM> and lumen <NUM> of the inner member <NUM>, through the first opening <NUM> of the inner member <NUM>, through the first port <NUM> of the valve stem <NUM>, through the air outlet port <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and through second air channel 130b (see arrow in <FIG> flowing from the water inlet port <NUM> to the air outlet port <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, an endoscopic system of the present disclosure may include an endoscopic adaptor <NUM> disposable within a housing <NUM> (<FIG>) of an endoscope handle <NUM> (<FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the housing <NUM> may include an air outlet port <NUM>, an air inlet port <NUM>, a water outlet port <NUM> and a water inlet port <NUM> formed within (e.g., extend through) different respective portions/sections of a sidewall of the housing <NUM>. For example, the air outlet port may be proximal to the air inlet port, the air inlet port may be proximal to water outlet port and the water outlet port may be proximal to the water inlet port. In various embodiments, the air and water inlet and outlet ports may be arranged differently, as long as they align appropriately with their corresponding inlet and outlet channels of the endoscope. In various embodiments, the air outlet port <NUM> may be configured to fluidly receive (e.g., fluidly connected to, in fluid communication with, etc.) a proximal end of the second air channel 130b extending through the insertion tube <NUM>, the air inlet port <NUM> may be configured to fluidly receive a distal end of the first air channel 130a extending through the length of tubing <NUM>, the water outlet port <NUM> may be configured to fluidly receive a proximal end of the second water channel 132b extending through the insertion tube <NUM> and the water inlet port <NUM> may be configured to fluidly receive a distal end of the first water channel 132a extending through the length of tubing <NUM>.

In one embodiment, an adaptor <NUM> of the present disclosure may include an outer housing <NUM> (<FIG>) and an inner member <NUM> (<FIG>) rotatably and coaxially disposed within the outer housing <NUM>. In various embodiments, the adaptor <NUM> may be configured to move (e.g., switch) between a first configuration (e.g., post-operative/post-procedural pre-cleaning configuration), a second configuration (e.g., post-operative/post-procedural pre-cleaning configuration), a third configuration (e.g., post-operative/post-procedural pre-cleaning configuration) and a fourth configuration (e.g., post-operative/post-procedural pre-cleaning configuration) within the housing <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the outer housing <NUM> may include a longitudinal axis with first <NUM>, second <NUM>, third <NUM> and fourth <NUM> openings formed within (e.g., extend through) different radial portions/sections along the longitudinal axis. For example, each opening may be offset along a different <NUM>° radial portion along the longitudinal axis and around a full <NUM>° circumference of the outer housing <NUM>. A first seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the outer housing <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the outer housing) proximal to the first opening <NUM>. A second seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the outer housing <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the outer housing) distal to the first opening <NUM> and proximal to the second opening <NUM> (e.g., between the first and second openings). A third seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the outer housing <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the outer housing) distal to the second opening <NUM> and proximal to the third opening <NUM> (e.g., between the second and third openings). A fourth seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the outer housing <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the outer housing) distal to the third opening <NUM> and proximal to the fourth opening <NUM> (e.g., between the third and fourth openings). A fifth seal <NUM> may be disposed around an outer surface of the outer housing <NUM> (e.g., a full circumference of the outer housing) distal to the fourth opening <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, the inner member <NUM> may include a port <NUM> (e.g., proximal luer port) attached to or integrally formed with a central member <NUM>. A channel <NUM> may extend through the proximal port <NUM> and a portion of the central member <NUM>. An elongate window <NUM> may be formed within (e.g., extend through) a sidewall of the central member and in fluid communication with the channel <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the outer housing <NUM> may be configured to receive a portion of the inner member <NUM> such that the central member <NUM> may be extendable through the longitudinal axis of the outer housing <NUM> with the elongate window <NUM> in fluid communication with each of the first <NUM>, second <NUM>, third <NUM> and fourth <NUM> openings (see <FIG>). In various additional embodiments, the first-fifth seals <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to sealingly contact an inner surface of the housing <NUM> around (e.g., proximal and distal to) a full circumference of each of the openings <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, the first and second seals <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to sealingly contact an inner surface of the housing <NUM> around a full circumference of the first opening <NUM>, the second and third seals <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to sealingly contact an inner surface of the housing <NUM> around a full circumference of the second opening <NUM>, the third and fourth seals <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to sealingly contact an inner surface of the housing <NUM> around a full circumference of the third opening <NUM>, and the fourth and fifth seals <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to sealingly contact an inner surface of the housing around a full circumference of the fourth opening <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the inner member <NUM> may be configured to rotate to four separate/different positions (e.g., first, second, third and fourth configurations) within the outer housing <NUM> to align the elongate window <NUM> with a different one of the openings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, each of which openings are aligned with a different one of the air/water inlet/outlet ports <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> for fluid flow through a selected flow path. For example, in the first configuration, the inner member <NUM> may be disposed within the outer housing <NUM> such that the first opening <NUM> may be substantially aligned with the elongate window <NUM> and in fluid communication with the air outlet port <NUM>. The second <NUM>, third <NUM> and fourth <NUM> openings, e.g., disposed along different <NUM>° radial portions along the longitudinal axis of the outer housing <NUM>, may be out of alignment with the elongate window <NUM> such that the respective air inlet port <NUM>, water outlet port <NUM> and water inlet port <NUM> may be in sealing contact with an inner wall of the outer housing <NUM>. A cleaning solution (e.g., water, enzymatic solution, etc.) or any other fluid may then be introduced from a water source (e.g., syringe, etc.) attached to the proximal port <NUM> through the channel <NUM> and elongate window <NUM> through the air outlet port <NUM> and the second air channel 130b.

In various embodiments, the inner member <NUM> may be rotated between any/all of the four separate/different positions to align the elongate window <NUM> with the desired first, second, third or fourth opening and individually flush (e.g., pre-clean) each of the air/water inlet/outlet ports. For example, from the first configuration, the inner member <NUM> may be rotated <NUM>° within the outer housing <NUM> to the second configuration such that the second opening <NUM> may be substantially aligned with the elongate window <NUM> and in fluid communication with the air inlet port <NUM> and the first <NUM>, third <NUM> and fourth <NUM> openings may be in sealing contact with an inner wall of the outer housing <NUM>. A cleaning solution may then be introduced from the water source attached to the proximal port <NUM> through the channel <NUM>, elongate window <NUM>, opening <NUM>, and through the air inlet port <NUM> and the first air channel 130a.

From the second configuration, the inner member <NUM> may be rotated <NUM>° within the outer housing <NUM> to the third configuration (<FIG>) such that the third opening <NUM> may be substantially aligned with the elongate window <NUM> and in fluid communication with the water outlet port <NUM> and the first <NUM>, second <NUM> and fourth <NUM> openings may be in sealing contact with an inner wall of the outer housing <NUM>. Water may then be introduced from the water source attached to the proximal port <NUM> through the channel <NUM>, elongate window <NUM>, opening <NUM> and through the water outlet port <NUM> and the second water channel 132b.

From the third configuration, the inner member <NUM> may be rotated <NUM>° within the outer housing <NUM> to the fourth configuration (<FIG>) such that the fourth opening <NUM> may be substantially aligned with the elongate window <NUM> and in fluid communication with the water inlet port <NUM> and the first <NUM>, second <NUM> and third openings <NUM> may be in sealing contact with an inner wall of the outer housing <NUM>. Water may then be introduced from the water source attached to the proximal port <NUM> through the channel <NUM>, elongate window <NUM>, fourth opening <NUM> and through the water inlet port <NUM> and the first water channel 132a.

The present disclosure is not limited to an outer housing <NUM> which includes the first <NUM>, second <NUM>, third <NUM> and fourth <NUM> openings disposed along different <NUM>° radial portions along the longitudinal axis. By way of non-limiting example, the first <NUM>, second <NUM>, third <NUM> and fourth <NUM> openings may be disposed along a variety of different radial portions (e.g., different <NUM>° radial portion, different <NUM>° radial portions, different <NUM>° radial portions, or combinations/variations thereof).

In various embodiments, the ability to switch between different configurations may allow the respective air/water inlet/outlet ports and/or first/second air/water channels to be individually pre-cleaned for a duration or fluid volume as determined to be appropriate by a medical professional. For example, the air outlet port <NUM> and second air channel 130b may require a longer pre-cleaning step than the water outlet port <NUM> and second water channel 132b. In addition, the ability of the adaptor to be fluidly attached to a separate water source may allow the pre-cleaning steps to be performed independently of the processing system, thereby allowing the processing system to be available for additional medical procedures.

Referring to <FIG>, in one embodiment, an endoscopic system of the present disclosure may include an adaptor <NUM> configured to fluidly attach to a suction valve <NUM> and air/water valve <NUM> of an endoscope handle <NUM>. The adaptor <NUM> may include first and second recessed portions <NUM>, <NUM> configured to sealingly receive/engage an outer surface of the suction valve and air/water valve, respectively. A port <NUM> (e.g., proximal luer port) may be attached to or integrally formed with the adaptor <NUM>. A channel <NUM> may extend through the port <NUM> and into first and second recessed portions. The port <NUM> may be configured to fluidly receive a water source (e.g., syringe, not shown). Water may then be introduced from the water source (e.g., syringe, etc.) through the channel <NUM> and into the suction valve and air/water valve to simultaneously flush (e.g., pre-clean) the biopsy/suction channel <NUM> (e.g., fluidly connected to the suction valve) and the first air channel 130a, first water channel 132a, second air channel 130b and second water channel 132b (e.g., fluidly connected to the air/water valve, as discussed above). In various embodiments, the ability of the adaptor <NUM> to be fluidly attached to a separate water source may allow the pre-cleaning steps to be performed independently of the processing system, thereby allowing the processing system to be available for additional medical procedures.

In various embodiments, the adaptor <NUM> may include a single recessed portion to deliver water through the suction valve independent of the air/water valve, or through the air/water valve independent of the suction valve.

In various embodiments, any of the endoscopic valves <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and/or adaptors <NUM>, <NUM> of the present disclosure may further include a surface coated with a disinfecting agent (e.g., detergent, anti-microbial agent, enzymatic agent, etc.) such that the flow of water through the endoscopic valves and/or adaptors may dissolve the disinfecting agent and carry the disinfecting agent into the various air and water channels described above.

The present disclosure is not limited to the flow of air and water through the disclosed endoscopic valves and endoscopic systems, but may include a variety of biologically compatible and/or inert cleaning solutions, gases and fluids.

Claim 1:
An endoscopic valve (<NUM>; <NUM>), comprising:
a valve stem (<NUM>; <NUM>), comprising:
a proximal channel (<NUM>) with a proximal opening (<NUM>) and a distal channel (<NUM>) with a distal opening (<NUM>), the proximal and distal channels defining a contiguous channel,
a first port (<NUM>) formed within a sidewall of the valve stem (<NUM>) and in fluid communication with the proximal channel (<NUM>), and
a second port (<NUM>) formed within the sidewall of the valve stem (<NUM>) and in fluid communication with the proximal channel (<NUM>);
a first seal (<NUM>) disposed around an outer surface of the valve stem (<NUM>) and distal to the first port (<NUM>);
a second seal (<NUM>) disposed around the outer surface of the valve stem (<NUM>) and distal to the second port (<NUM>);
a third seal (<NUM>) disposed around the outer surface of the valve stem (<NUM>) and distal to the second seal (<NUM>);
a gating member (<NUM>) slidably disposed within the proximal channel (<NUM>), wherein the gating member (<NUM>) is configured to move between a first position in sealing contact with the first port (<NUM>) and a second position in sealing contact with the second port (<NUM>), and wherein a lumen (<NUM>) extends through the gating member (<NUM>); and
a valve insert (<NUM>) disposed between the proximal and distal channels (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
a housing (<NUM>) removably attachable to an endoscope handle (<NUM>), wherein the valve stem (<NUM>) is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration within the housing (<NUM>), the housing (<NUM>) comprising:
an air outlet port (<NUM>) formed within a sidewall of the housing (<NUM>);
an air inlet port (<NUM>) formed within the sidewall of the housing (<NUM>) and distal to the air outlet port (<NUM>);
a water outlet port (<NUM>) formed within the sidewall of the housing (<NUM>) and distal to the air inlet port (<NUM>); and
a water inlet port (<NUM>) formed within the sidewall of the housing (<NUM>) and distal to the water outlet port (<NUM>).