Patent Description:
In procedures that utilize medical instruments in combination with endoscopes, the endoscope is typically a rigid or flexible tool that is manipulated separately from the medical instrument. During the procedure, medical personnel hold and guide the endoscope with one hand and the instrument used to treat the patient with the other hand. Depending on the anatomic space to be visualized, physicians will use either a rigid or flexible endoscope. For example, pulmonologists and gastroenterologists use flexible endoscopes and orthopedic surgeons typically use rigid endoscopes, whereas otolaryngologists use either rigid or flexible scopes depending on the surgical application. When using endoscopes with other surgical instrumentation within a confined space, there is often interference between the endoscope and instrument when trying to manipulate within the same anatomic space. This is sometimes referred to as "sword fighting" and can make surgeries technically more difficult and sometimes require another incision or access port to overcome. This is particularly true in orthopedic arthroscopy or when operating in the posterior nasal cavity.

Current implementations of rigid endoscopes have significant limitations with respect to visualizing the patient's body cavity during a procedure. Angled rigid scope visualization often distorts the surgeon's perspective and is cumbersome to use in conjunction with secondary instruments. The surgeon is often handicapped by the rigidity of the endoscope and the angle of visualization when trying to perform tasks in small cavities or in areas difficult to reach with instruments. This is particularly true when trying to operate within the frontal and maxillary sinuses. In pediatric cases, there is often not enough room to insert multiple instruments into a nasal passage or sinus opening at the same time. In addition, during direct laryngoscopy procedures, multiple instruments inserted into the lumen of a rigid laryngoscope makes direct visualization around the endoscope, camera attachment, and instrumentation very difficult.

Likewise, current implementations of flexible endoscopes present their own set of problems. In some current flexible endoscopic systems on the market, a tool is advanced through a tiny instrument channel incorporated within the length of a flexible endoscope. In such systems, the size of the tool is limited to the diameter of the endoscopic channel, and thus greatly limits the tool sizes and options available for endoscopic tissue manipulation. Externally attaching a conventional flexible endoscope to a surgical instrument or device is difficult because the endoscope body is difficult to stabilize, the endoscope hangs off the back of the instrument, and the endoscope does not connect or transfer easily from one instrument to another. Use of currently available flexible endoscopes requires two hands: one hand to manipulate the tip flexion and another hand to stabilize the tip the flexible shaft.

As noted above, current implementations of endoscopes have limitations with respect to their usage with other instruments during procedures. Rigid endoscopes cannot be bent to effectively visualize a body cavity of the patient, and flexible endoscopes cannot be effectively stabilized or easily used in combination with other internal or externally applied instrumentation. In many cases, it may be difficult for the endoscope to visualize the grasping or removing of tissues, and in some hard to reach areas such as the maxillary and frontal sinuses, such a procedure is often done blindly, resulting in incomplete tissue removal.

In order to overcome some of these limitations in flexible and rigid endoscope design and functionality, <CIT> introduced an improved flexible-rigid hybrid design for an endoscope with instrument attachment capabilities for removably coupling and decoupling the endoscope to a proximal handle portion and/or a distal tool portion of a variety of different surgical instruments. The remains however continued need for newer and simplified methods for attachment of endoscopes to various surgical instruments across numerous surgical specialties.

The scope of the present invention is set out in the appended set of claims. The current disclosure describes different attachment mechanisms for attaching an endoscope shaft to various instrumentation. The manner in which an endoscope shaft can be modified, either permanently or temporarily to allow for quick attachment to an instrument (e.g., surgical tool) is further detailed below. Additionally, various adapters are presented that would facilitate attachment of the endoscope shafts to surgical instrumentation. Different instrument types and the modifications necessary to allow endoscope attachment are also provided.

There is a need for improved mechanisms for attaching different types of endoscopes to instruments. To this end, implementations of the present disclosure are directed toward endoscope shaft design and attachment adapters that may be removably or permanently coupled to an endoscope or surgical instrument in a variety of manners and configurations.

As further described below, an endoscope shaft attachment adapter may be advanced over the shaft of the endoscope and secured at a proximal end of the endoscope shaft (e.g., by connecting it to the distal end of the endoscope handle/scope head). This endoscope attachment "sleeve" adapter includes a rigid attachment segment including means for coupling the endoscope to an instrument in a plurality of lengthwise positions. The endoscope attachment adapter may also be configured such that the endoscope may be attached to the instrument in a plurality of different circumferential positions. For example, the endoscope attachment adapter may be configured to rotate about its longitudinal axis, and/or the endoscope.

Re-engineering expenses may prohibit instrument manufacturers from making necessary design modifications to allow for endoscope attachment. A channel adapter that is capable of receiving and securing the endoscope shaft both proximally and/or distally could be clipped to such devices in a customized manner and would make this endeavor more feasible and cost effective.

By virtue of using the endoscope attachment adapters described herein, various technical advantages may be realized. First, the adapters may be used to retrofit existing endoscopes, rigid or flexible, with a rigid attachment segment. The adapter, when retrofitted over the endoscope, may provide for improved and simplified mechanism for removably coupling and decoupling the endoscope to a variety of different instruments. For example, the adapter may be retrofitted over an existing flexible endoscope to convert it to a flexible-rigid hybrid endoscope having the benefits of a flexible distal shaft segment and rigid proximal shaft segment with an instrument attachment mechanism.

The retrofitted adapter may provide a variety of advantages to both physicians and patients. For example, by providing a quick, simplified, and reliable mechanism for removably coupling an endoscope to an instrument, the adapter may save the physician and patient time. Additionally, the adapters described herein may be adapted to be removably coupled to a variety of different instrument types, which may provide additional cost savings and convenience. It may allow for the physician to use an endoscope with a variety of different instruments in a one-handed manner to facilitate a patient procedure. Removable, disposable endoscope and adapter shaft configurations would avoid the need for repeat sterilization and therefore increase operating room efficiency and case turn around. In some cases, this may eliminate the requirement of having a second medical person to help with the procedure, and may permit more office-based surgeries, which may reduce the cost of various procedures.

Further still, the adapter designs and shaft configurations described herein may improve patient comfort by eliminating the need to separately insert an endoscope and instrument into a body orifice (e.g., nose or throat) at the same time. Moreover, the adapter design may improve surgical access, visualization, and instrumentation within conventionally hard to reach anatomic places such as the nasopharynx, frontal sinus, anterior maxillary sinus, tongue base, orthopedic joint space, uterus, abdomen, bladder, etc..

In further implementations, the rigid attachment segment of the endoscope shaft or sleeve adapter may include an improved design for engaging the endoscope in an instrument channel.

In yet further implementations, the rigid attachment segment of the shaft or sleeve adapter may be hinged, allowing for changes in the shape of the rigid shaft to accommodate varying shapes and contours of surgical instruments without allowing for flaccidity which would destabilize the scope when attached to an instrument.

In yet further implementations, sleeve adapters to provide suction and/or irrigation to the endoscope tip or to facilitate attachment of the distal aspect of an endoscope shaft, whether flexible or rigid, to an instrument or instrument shaft are also described.

In yet further implementations, a disposable and/or removable rigid, flexible, or hybrid endoscope shaft may insert into an otherwise disposable or reusable endoscope housing or rigid attachment segment extending from the housing. The disposable shafts may include various instrument channel connectors for the attachment of external instrument configurations to the distal or proximal endoscope shaft. In other embodiments, the removable endoscope shafts may include other adapter features described herein. For example, suction or irrigation channels may be incorporated into the removable shaft. Some disposable shafts might be hinged, malleable, articulating, or irregularly contoured, etc. Combining one or more adapter features into an disposable endoscope shaft that is instrument attachable may obviate the need to utilize additional adapters.

In one embodiment an adapter comprises: a channel running through the length of the adapter from a first opening at a distal end of the adapter to a second opening at a proximal end of the adapter, wherein a shaft of an endoscope is configured to be threaded through the channel; a first coupler configured to removably secure the adapter to a second coupler of the endoscope after the shaft is threaded through the channel, the first coupler comprising the second opening; and a rigid attachment segment comprising a surface configured to removably couple the adapter to an instrument or a second adapter.

In some implementations, the surface of the rigid attachment segment comprises a groove and a section adjacent the groove, the section protruding relative to the groove and comprising a recessed indentation or protrusion. In some implementations, the surface of the rigid attachment segment comprises multiple grooves and multiple sections alternating along the longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment; each of the sections protrudes relative to the grooves and comprises a recessed indentation or protrusion; and the multiple sections and the multiple grooves are configured such that the instrument or the second adapter can be coupled to the adapter in a plurality of lengthwise positions. In some implementations, the adapter further comprises: a rotatable joint attached to the rigid attachment segment and configured to enable longitudinal rotation of the rigid attachment segment relative to the first coupler. The rotatable joint may comprise multiple apertures circumferentially arranged on a periphery of an inner surface of the rotatable joint, wherein the rotatable joint is configured to be secured in an angular position by a block pressed into one of the apertures. The block may be pressed into one of the apertures by a spring contained within a housing of the coupler, wherein rotation of the rigid attachment segment relative to the first coupler with a sufficient torque is configured to cause the block to compress the spring and release the block from one of the apertures. In some implementations, the rotatable joint comprises: a circular extension configured to engage the first connector, the circular extension comprising a first circumferential lip that engages a wider circumferential lip within the first coupler.

In some implementations, the rigid attachment segment has at least two different surfaces running along a longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment, wherein each of the at least two different surfaces comprise: a groove and a section adjacent the groove, the section protruding relative to the groove and comprising a recessed indentation or protrusion. In some implementations, the rigid attachment segment has at least two different surfaces running along a longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment, wherein each of the at least two different surfaces comprises: multiple grooves and multiple sections alternating along the longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment, wherein each of the sections protrudes relative to the grooves and comprises a recessed indentation or protrusion, and the multiple sections and the multiple grooves are configured such that the instrument or the second adapter can be coupled to the surface in a plurality of lengthwise positions.

In some implementations, the rigid attachment segment is configured to be fixed relative to the first coupler.

In some implementations, the adapter further comprises: a distal segment comprising the first opening, wherein the distal segment is configured to stabilize the endoscope and the adapter after the adapter is removably coupled to the endoscope.

In some implementations, a distal end of the rigid attachment segment comprises the first opening.

In some implementations, the second coupler comprises a groove, and the first coupler comprises: a locking screw configured to be threaded into the groove to secure the first coupler to the second coupler; a slidable control configured to slide into the groove of the second coupler to secure the first coupler to the second coupler; or a button coupled to a lever arm, the button configured to be actuated to engage the lever arm into the groove to secure the first coupler to the second coupler.

In some implementations, the rigid attachment segment comprises a hinged joint between two portions of the rigid attachment segment, the hinged joint configured to enable pivoting or rotation of at least one of the two portions about at least one plane.

In some implementations, the adapter further comprises: a hinged joint between the rigid attachment segment and the first coupler, the hinged joint configured to enable pivoting or rotation of the rigid attachment segment.

In some implementations, the adapter further comprises: an integrated cannula, the cannula comprising a suction or irrigation port.

In one embodiment, an endoscope attachment assembly, comprises: an endoscope comprising a shaft and a housing, the housing comprising a first coupler at its distal end; and a first adapter comprising: a channel running through the length of the adapter from a first opening at a distal end of the adapter to a second opening at a proximal end of the adapter, wherein the shaft of the endoscope is configured to be threaded through the channel; a second coupler configured to removably secure the adapter to the first coupler of the endoscope after the shaft is threaded through the channel, the second coupler comprising the second opening; and a rigid attachment segment comprising a surface configured to removably couple the adapter to an instrument or a second adapter.

In some implementations, the first adapter of the endoscope attachment assembly is any of the aforementioned adapters.

In some implementations, the endoscope attachment assembly further comprises: the second adapter, the second adapter comprising a first channel configured to be removably coupled to the rigid attachment segment, and a second channel configured to be removably coupled to an instrument.

In some implementations, the surface of the rigid attachment segment comprises a groove and a section adjacent the groove, the section protruding relative to the groove and comprising a recessed indentation or protrusion, and an interior surface of the first channel comprises a protrusion configured to engage the groove, and a spring-loaded ball configured to engage the recessed indentation of the section.

In some implementations, the surface of the rigid attachment segment comprises multiple grooves and multiple sections alternating along the longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment; each of the sections protrudes relative to the grooves and comprises a recessed indentation or protrusion; and the multiple sections and the multiple grooves are configured such that the instrument or the second adapter can be coupled to the adapter in a plurality of lengthwise positions, wherein an interior surface of the first channel comprises two protrusions and a spring-loaded ball, wherein the rigid attachment segment is configured to be secured to the second adapter by placing the rigid attachment segment into the first channel and sliding the rigid attachment segment relative to the first channel such that two of the grooves of the rigid attachment segment are secured by the two protrusions and the spring-loaded ball is secured in one of the recessed indentations.

In some implementations, the second adapter is an H-channel adapter, wherein one of the first and second channel is a top open channel of the H-channel adapter, and one of the first channel and second channels is a lower open channel of the H-channel adapter.

In some implementations, the endoscope attachment assembly further comprises: the instrument, the instrument comprising: a channel configured to be removably coupled to the rigid attachment segment.

In some implementations, the surface of the rigid attachment segment comprises a groove and a section adjacent the groove, the section protruding relative to the groove and comprising a recessed indentation or protrusion, wherein an interior surface of the instrument's channel comprises a protrusion configured to engage the groove, and a spring-loaded ball configured to engage the recessed indentation of the section.

In some implementations, the surface of the rigid attachment segment comprises multiple grooves and multiple sections alternating along the longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment; each of the sections protrudes relative to the grooves and comprises a recessed indentation or protrusion; and the multiple sections and the multiple grooves are configured such that the instrument or the second adapter can be coupled to the adapter in a plurality of lengthwise positions, wherein an interior surface of the instrument's channel comprises two protrusions and a spring-loaded ball, wherein the rigid attachment segment is configured to be secured to the second adapter by placing the rigid attachment segment into the instrument's channel and sliding the rigid attachment segment relative to the instrument's such that two of the grooves of the rigid attachment segment are secured by the two protrusions and the spring-loaded ball is secured in one of the recessed indentations.

In some implementations, the endoscope comprises a rotatable control positioned at a proximal end of the endoscope, wherein the control is configured to be rotated to digitally adjust an orientation of an image captured by the endoscope.

In some implementations, the endoscope attachment assembly further comprises: the second adapter, the second adapter comprising a first channel configured to be removably coupled to the rigid attachment segment, and a second channel, the second channel comprising a plurality of clips configured to be removably coupled to an instrument.

In one embodiment, an endoscope comprises: a shaft comprising: a distal end; and a proximal end comprising a rigid attachment segment configured to be removably coupled to an instrument, a surface of the rigid attachment segment comprising: a groove and a section adjacent the groove, the section protruding relative to the groove and comprising a recessed indentation or protrusion; and a housing coupled to the shaft.

In some implementations, the surface of the rigid attachment segment comprises multiple grooves and multiple sections alternating along the longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment; each of the sections protrudes relative to the grooves and comprises a recessed indentation or protrusion; and the multiple sections and the multiple grooves are configured such that the instrument can be coupled to the endoscope in a plurality of lengthwise positions.

In some implementations, the endoscope further comprises: a rotatable joint attached to the rigid attachment segment and configured to enable longitudinal rotation of the rigid attachment segment relative to the housing.

In some implementations, the rigid attachment segment has at least two different surfaces running along a longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment, wherein each of the at least two different surfaces comprise: a groove and a section adjacent the groove, the section protruding relative to the groove and comprising a recessed indentation.

In some implementations, the rigid attachment segment has at least two different surfaces running along a longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment, wherein each of the at least two different surfaces comprises: multiple grooves and multiple sections alternating along the longitudinal length of the rigid attachment segment, wherein each of the sections protrudes relative to the grooves and comprises a recessed indentation, and the multiple sections and the multiple grooves are configured such that the instrument can be coupled to the surface in a plurality of lengthwise positions.

In some implementations, the endoscope further comprises a hinged joint between the rigid attachment segment and the housing, the hinged joint configured to enable pivoting or rotation of the rigid attachment segment. In some implementations, the endoscope further comprises an integrated cannula, the cannula comprising a suction or irrigation port.

In one embodiment, an adapter comprises: a closed first channel running through the length of the adapter from a first opening at a distal end of the adapter to a second opening at a proximal end of the adapter, wherein a shaft of an endoscope is configured to be threaded through the closed first channel; a channel housing comprising an open second channel, an interior of the open second channel comprising an attachment mechanism for removably coupling the adapter to an instrument; and a first coupler configured to removably secure the adapter to a second coupler of the endoscope after the shaft is threaded through the channel, the first coupler comprising the second opening.

In some implementations, the attachment mechanism comprises a protrusion configured to engage a groove of the instrument, and a spring-loaded ball configured to engage a recessed indentation of the instrument.

In some implementations, the adapter further comprises: a rotatable joint attached to the channel housing and configured to enable longitudinal rotation of the channel housing segment relative to the first coupler.

In one embodiment, an endoscope attachment assembly comprises: an endoscope comprising a shaft and a housing, the housing comprising a first coupler at its distal end; and an adapter, comprising: a closed first channel running through the length of the adapter from a first opening at a distal end of the adapter to a second opening at a proximal end of the adapter, wherein the shaft is configured to be threaded through the closed first channel; a channel housing comprising an open second channel, an interior of the open second channel comprising an attachment mechanism for removably coupling the adapter to an instrument; and a second coupler configured to removably secure the adapter to the first coupler after the shaft is threaded through the channel, the second coupler comprising the second opening.

In some implementations, the endoscope attachment assembly comprises the instrument, the instrument comprising the handle, wherein the groove and the recessed indentation are on a handle of the instrument.

Other features and aspects of the disclosed technology will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with implementations of the disclosed technology. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of any inventions described herein, which are defined by the claims.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein.

The present disclosure, in accordance with one or more implementations, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The figures are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict example implementations. Furthermore, it should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration, the elements in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale.

Some of the figures included herein illustrate various implementations of the disclosed technology from different viewing angles. Although the accompanying descriptive text may refer to such views as "top," "bottom" or "side" views, such references are merely descriptive and do not imply or require that the disclosed technology be implemented or used in a particular spatial orientation unless explicitly stated otherwise.

The figures are not exhaustive and do not limit the present disclosure to the precise form disclosed.

<FIG> depict an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM>, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side view of adapter <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of adapter <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective view of adapter <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of adapter <NUM>. Adapter <NUM> includes a stationary coupler <NUM>, a rotatable joint <NUM>, and a rigid attachment segment <NUM>.

At a proximal end of adapter <NUM> is an opening <NUM> through connector <NUM>. At a distal end of adapter <NUM> is an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may begin at a distal end of rigid attachment segment <NUM>. From opening <NUM> to opening <NUM> is a channel <NUM> that extends through coupler <NUM> and rigid attachment segment <NUM>. A shaft of an endoscope may be threaded through channel <NUM>, starting at opening <NUM> and moving through opening <NUM>. Once the endoscope shaft is threaded through the channel of adapter <NUM>, adapter <NUM> may be secured at a proximal end of the endoscope shaft by removably coupling adapter connector <NUM> (e.g., to an endoscope connector). The two connectors may be secured via one or more suitable coupling mechanisms, including a twist lock mechanism, an interference fit, a suction fit, a magnetic mechanism, and/or some other mechanism. Although in this example coupler <NUM> is illustrated as a female coupler configured to connect to a male coupler (e.g., at a proximal end of an endoscope shaft), in other implementations coupler <NUM> may be a male coupler configured to connect to a female coupler (e.g., at a proximal end of an endoscope shaft).

In this example, rigid attachment segment <NUM> is four-sided with a square cross section. In other implementations, rigid attachment segment <NUM> may have a different rectangular, circular, or other geometric cross section. On the surface of one of the four sides of segment <NUM> are formed a plurality of grooves/slots <NUM> and a plurality of sections <NUM> that protrude relative to the grooves <NUM>, each of the sections <NUM> having a recessed indentation or hole <NUM>. In this example, the plurality of grooves <NUM> and the plurality of sections <NUM> alternate along the longitudinal length of segment <NUM>. As further described below, at least one groove <NUM> and at least one section <NUM> (e.g., a groove <NUM> adjacent a section <NUM>) may be used to couple the adapter <NUM> to a channel of an instrument in a specific lengthwise position. In this manner, an endoscope with a secured adapter <NUM> may be coupled to a channel of an instrument in a specific lengthwise position. The number of grooves <NUM> and the number of sections <NUM> may depend on the desired number of lengthwise adjustments for coupling adapter <NUM> to an instrument, and the increment of each lengthwise adjustment. The number of grooves <NUM> and number of sections <NUM> may also depend on the width of each groove <NUM> and the width of each section <NUM>. In some implementations, rigid attachment segment <NUM> may have between <NUM> and <NUM> grooves <NUM>, and between <NUM> and <NUM> sections <NUM>. In some implementations, to provide a more secure connection between the endoscope shaft (with adapter) and an instrument, multiple grooves <NUM> and multiple segments <NUM> may be used to connect to the instrument. Although grooves <NUM> and sections <NUM> are formed only on one side of segment <NUM> in this example, in other implementations, further described below they may be formed on two, three, or all four sides.

In alternative implementations, rigid attachment segment <NUM> may utilize some other suitable rigid attachment mechanism that enables attachment of an endoscope with the adapter to an instrument. For example, the adapter may utilize a magnetic attachment mechanism, a snap on attachment mechanism, a top-down ratchet mechanism, an insert ratchet mechanism, and/or an insert twist mechanism as further described in <CIT>. It should be noted that the disclosure is not limited to the specific attachment mechanisms described and illustrated herein, and that other mechanisms for removably coupling the flexible-rigid endoscope to an instrument are contemplated.

As depicted by <FIG>, a rotatable joint <NUM> positioned between rigid attachment segment <NUM> and coupler <NUM> enables rotation of adapter <NUM> about its longitudinal axis (e.g., rotation of rigid attachment segment <NUM> relative to coupler <NUM>). In this manner, an endoscope may be removably coupled to an instrument via rigid attachment segment <NUM> in a plurality of different circumferential positions. Additionally, after coupling, the instrument may be rotated relative to the endoscope, allowing adjustment of the endoscopic image. Rotatable joint <NUM> may be configured to rotate continuously through <NUM> degrees or in stepwise degree increments. For example, depending on the desired number possible circumferential positional adjustments, it may be configured to rotate in stepwise increments of <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, or <NUM>°.

In this example, a coupler <NUM> is secured to an endoscope housing using a twist on male/female attachment mechanism. A locking screw <NUM> is used to secure the female coupler <NUM> to the male coupler of the endoscope (e.g., <FIG>, <NUM>; <FIG> <NUM>) of the endoscope housing. For example, the locking screw <NUM> may engage a groove <NUM> in a male coupler <NUM>. A rotatable, circular joint <NUM> is fused to the rigid attachment segment <NUM>. The rotatable joint engages the coupler <NUM> by a circular extension <NUM> of the rigid attachment segment <NUM> and connector channel <NUM> which passes through its center. A small circumferential lip <NUM> on the proximal end of the circular extension <NUM> engages a wider circumferential lip <NUM> within the distal opening of the coupler housing in a manner that allows rotation movement of the joint. The circular, rotatable joint <NUM> contains a series of small round apertures <NUM> arranged on the periphery of its inner surface. The angular position of the rotatable joint is secured by a small block <NUM> pressed into an aperture <NUM> by a spring <NUM> contained within a channel <NUM> located within the coupler housing <NUM>. When the coupler is secured to an endoscope, forceful rotation the attachment segment relative to the coupler causes the block to compress the spring as the block moves out of its occupied aperture. As the rotation continues, the compressed spring pushes the block into the next aperture thereby securing its new position.

<FIG> illustrate another example endoscope attachment adapter <NUM>, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a side view of adapter <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of adapter <NUM>. Adapter <NUM> includes a stationary coupler <NUM>, a rotatable joint <NUM>, a rigid attachment segment <NUM>, and a distal segment <NUM>. The distal segment <NUM> may vary in length and may be rigid or flexible. In this example, the inclusion of additional distal segment <NUM> may help further stabilize the endoscope and attachment adapter after it is coupled to an endoscope (e.g., by threading the endoscope through a channel running through coupler <NUM>, joint <NUM>, rigid attachment segment <NUM>, and distal segment <NUM>). This may be particularly advantageous when threading the adapter over a flexible endoscope. For example, by changing the length of the distal segment <NUM> and rigid attachment segment <NUM>, a flexible endoscope can be converted into a rigid endoscope or hybrid endoscope with varying lengths of rigid or flexible segments. In some implementations, the distal segment <NUM> may incorporate a circular indentation or other means by which other sleeve adapters more distal to itself can be secured. Such other adapters may include, but are not limited to flexible or rigid sleeve adapters that contain suction/irrigation capabilities and/or sleeve adapters that have an attached channel, tube, magnet, clip(s), suction cup(s), "zip-lock" mechanism, or other mechanism of securing the distal end of the endoscope and sleeve adapter to an instrument shaft or device.

<FIG> illustrate the proximal part of another example endoscope attachment coupler <NUM>, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. In this example, the attachment coupler <NUM> may be a female coupler that twists onto a male coupler <NUM> of an endoscope housing <NUM> and is locked in place by a slidable control <NUM> that functions similar to the locking screw <NUM> shown in <FIG>. The attachment coupler <NUM> includes a rotatable joint <NUM> that enables rotation of rigid attachment adapter <NUM> about its longitudinal axis, in a manner previously described. <FIG> depict a cross-sectional view showing a locking mechanism of coupler <NUM> that includes a slidable control <NUM> (e.g., embedded in the proximal part of coupler <NUM>) that locks the attachment coupler <NUM> to the endoscope housing <NUM> by sliding into a groove <NUM> along the top edge of the male endoscope coupler <NUM>. <FIG> shows the locking mechanism in an unlocked position. <FIG> shows the locking mechanism in a locked position.

<FIG> illustrate a proximal part of another example endoscope attachment coupler <NUM>, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. In this example, the proximal aspect of the attachment coupler <NUM> may twist onto the male coupler <NUM> of an endoscope housing <NUM> and be locked into position by a lever <NUM> actuated (released) by a depressible button <NUM>. The attachment coupler <NUM> includes a rotatable joint <NUM> that enables rotation of rigid attachment adapter <NUM> about its longitudinal axis, in a manner previously described. A depressible button <NUM> attaches to a lever arm <NUM> that may engage a groove <NUM> along the top edge of the male endoscope coupler <NUM>. <FIG> depicts a cross-sectional view showing a locking mechanism of coupler <NUM> that locks rotatable joint <NUM> in place. <FIG> shows the locking mechanism in the unlocked position.

As should be appreciated from the foregoing examples, the adapter may use any suitable mechanism (e.g., screw, slidable control, pressable control, magnetic, twist on spring tension, etc.) that may be actuated to lock the adapter onto the endoscope housing.

<FIG> depict an endoscope <NUM> to which an endoscope adapter may be coupled to, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. The endoscope <NUM> includes a shaft <NUM>, a connector <NUM> adjacent a proximal end of shaft <NUM>, and an endoscope head and/or handle <NUM> adjacent the connector <NUM>. Shaft <NUM> may rigid, flexible (e.g., bendable), removable, disposable, or it may be part rigid, flexible, or malleable (hybrid). As shown in <FIG>, shaft <NUM> may be threaded through a channel of an adapter <NUM> and connector <NUM> of adapter <NUM> may be secured to connector <NUM> of endoscope <NUM>. Although adapter <NUM> is shown removably coupled to the endoscope <NUM> in <FIG>, it should be appreciated that any of aforementioned adapters (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) may be removably coupled to the endoscope <NUM>. It should be further appreciated that any of the aforementioned adapters may either include a rotatable joint or instead be attached to the endoscope in a fixed manner incapable of manual rotation along its longitudinal axis.

In some embodiments, the endoscope shaft (flexible, rigid, or hybrid) may in and of itself be detachable and re-attachable from the endoscope head or rigid attachment segment. Such removable shafts may be capable of receiving an adapter coupler or may instead already have an adapter configuration <NUM> as part of their shaft structure. Detachable shaft configurations of different sizes, shapes, profiles, rigidity, and attachment segment lengths with instrument attachment capabilities would permit single use, disposable sterilized shafts and custom configurations for instrument attachment depending on the surgical application.

Once adapter <NUM> is secured to endoscope <NUM> (e.g., as depicted in <FIG>), endoscope <NUM> may be removably coupled to a channel of an instrument (further discussed below), in a plurality of different lengthwise positions via rigid attachment segment <NUM>, and/or a plurality of different circumferential positions via rotatable joint <NUM>. Although in this example adapter <NUM> includes a rotatable joint for manually rotating the endoscope for image orientation and/or positioning, alternative implementations described below describe an adapter without a rotatable joint that may instead rely on digital image rotation.

<FIG> depicts an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM> removably coupled to an endoscope <NUM> with a flexible shaft <NUM>. In this example, an angled distal part <NUM> of the adapter <NUM> causes the endoscope shaft <NUM> to bend <NUM> degrees after the adapter <NUM> is coupled to the endoscope. <FIG> depicts an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM> removably coupled to another endoscope <NUM> with a flexible shaft <NUM>. This adapter causes the endoscope shaft to take on multiple bends, <NUM>, <NUM>. In these examples, threading the flexible scope through a rigid or semi-rigid adapter with a single bend (adapter <NUM>) or multiple bends (adapter <NUM>) may be difficult. For this reason, the distal segments of the rigid sleeve adapters (<NUM>, <NUM>) may require relief slots along the radius of the bends to facilitate the threading of the scope through the adapter.

<FIG> shows an endoscope <NUM> with a twist-on male coupler <NUM> attached to the endoscope head <NUM>. The coupler has a small groove or slot <NUM> that engages the locking mechanisms, previously described for the attached adapters. <FIG> shows an endoscope <NUM> that contains a rotatable ring <NUM> on the proximal part of the endoscope housing <NUM>. The endoscope shaft <NUM> of endoscope <NUM> includes a non-rotatable adapter on the proximal part of endoscope shaft <NUM> that is coupled in a non-rotatable manner to the endoscope housing <NUM>. The rotatable ring <NUM> may be used to digitally adjust an orientation of captured video/images in real time. Techniques for digitally adjusting the orientation of the captured endoscope video/images in real time are further described in <CIT>, incorporated herein by reference. By virtue of this endoscope configuration, an attachment adapter with a rotatable joint may not be needed to operate the endoscope and capture/observe images at different orientations. This does not preclude, however, endoscopes of this type receiving couplers with a rotatable joint.

As noted above, in some implementations, the endoscope attachment adapter may be configured to be fixed in place as opposed to being capable of rotating about its longitudinal axis. In such instances, the adapter may not include a rotatable joint (e.g., rotatable joint <NUM>). <FIG> depicts one such example of a fixed endoscope attachment adapter <NUM>. In adapter <NUM>, the rigid attachment segment is four-sided with a square cross section. In contrast to rigid attachment segment <NUM>, the attachment mechanism is formed on multiple sides (e.g., two, three, or all four) of the rigid attachment segment of adapter <NUM>. That is, multiple grooves <NUM> and multiple sections <NUM>, each of the sections <NUM> having a recessed indentation or hole <NUM>, are formed on each of the multiple sides of the rigid attachment segment. As such, even though adapter <NUM> is not rotatable about a rotatable joint, it may still be used to couple an endoscope to an instrument channel in multiple circumferential positions by virtue of having the attachment segment formed on the rigid attachment segment.

<FIG> depicts another example of a fixed endoscope attachment adapter <NUM>. As depicted, adapter <NUM> includes a connector <NUM>, rigid attachment segment <NUM>, and distal segment <NUM>. In some implementations, distal segment <NUM> may be omitted. In adapter <NUM>, rigid attachment segment <NUM> is four-sided with a square cross section. In contrast to rigid attachment segment <NUM>, the attachment mechanism is formed on multiple sides (e.g., two, three, or all four) of rigid attachment segment <NUM>. That is, multiple grooves <NUM> and multiple sections <NUM>, each of the sections <NUM> having a recessed indentation or hole <NUM>, are formed on each of the multiple sides of segment <NUM>. Section <NUM> may in some instances be configured to receive adapter sleeves for implementing attachment of the distal scope shaft to an instrument, permitting suction/irrigation for cleaning the endoscope tip, providing a conduit for electrical current to be delivered to the scope or instrument tip, etc..

<FIG> depicts an instrument housing <NUM> that an endoscope attachment adapter (e.g., adapter <NUM>) may be removably coupled to, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. The instrument housing <NUM> may be integrated near the top, on the side (e.g., <FIG>), or underneath the handle portion of an instrument or instrument shaft. For example, the instrument housing <NUM> may be part of a handle of an instrument such as a bipolar suction cautery, coblation wand, laryngeal forceps, sinus forceps, orthopedic articulating forceps, a laryngeal syringe gun, an endoscopic Eustachian tube balloon dilator, an endoscopic tracheal dilator, an endoscopic trans-oral esophageal balloon dilator, injection syringe, or some other instrument. Housing <NUM> utilizes a top-loading ratchet mechanism to secure an adapter <NUM> to the instrument. As such, an endoscope with a coupled adapter <NUM> may be removably coupled in a top-down manner by pushing down the proximal end of the endoscope shaft with the adapter (i.e., pushing down rigid attachment segment <NUM>) into an open channel <NUM> of housing <NUM>.

As depicted, the interior surface of housing <NUM> includes an open channel <NUM>, ridges, pins, or protrusions <NUM>, and spring-loaded protrusion (e.g., spring-loaded ball) <NUM>. Rigid attachment segment <NUM> may be secured in place by i) pushing it down into open channel <NUM> along openings of two adjacent grooves <NUM>; and ii) sliding rigid attachment segment <NUM> relative to open channel <NUM> to position each ridge <NUM> within a respective groove <NUM> of the adjacent grooves <NUM> such that protruding portions <NUM> of sections <NUM> adjacent the grooves <NUM> prevent lifting of the rigid attachment segment <NUM> (i.e., they block ridges <NUM>). Additionally, when the assembly is slid, spring-loaded protrusion <NUM> may be secured within an indentation/hole <NUM> of the section <NUM> positioned between the two grooves <NUM>. To reposition rigid attachment segment <NUM> at a different lengthwise position, the above-described operations may be reversed (i.e., it may be slid out of place, lifted off, and secured along other grooves <NUM>). By way of illustration, <FIG> shows a housing <NUM> removably coupled to a rigid attachment segment <NUM> of an adapter <NUM>. In alternative implementations, the positions of spring-loaded protrusion <NUM> and indentation/hole <NUM> may be reversed, i.e., the indentation <NUM> is part of the housing <NUM> and the spring-loaded protrusion is part of the adapter <NUM>.

By virtue of utilizing this attachment mechanism, the endoscope may be quickly secured within the instrument housing <NUM> at a particular lengthwise position without the requirement of an elongated open channel <NUM>. This type of attachment mechanism may eliminate any rocking of the endoscope shaft within the open channel <NUM> and allow for shorting of the open channel when compared to the depressible button/lever mechanism previously described in <CIT>. Additionally, the top-loading ratchet mechanism described herein provides a quick and simple means for securing an endoscope to an instrument. Coupling, uncoupling, and/or repositioning an endoscope within the instrument is simply a matter of lifting down/up and sliding such that ridges <NUM> are inserted into a particular set of grooves <NUM> and spring-loaded protrusion <NUM> is secured within a particular indentation <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrate another example of an instrument housing <NUM> that an endoscope attachment adapter (e.g., adapter <NUM>) may be removably coupled to, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. In this implementation, the interior surface of housing <NUM> includes an open channel <NUM>, ridges or protrusions <NUM>, and, in this instance, multiple spring-loaded protrusions (e.g., spring-loaded balls) <NUM>. Rigid attachment segment <NUM> may be secured in place by i) pushing it down into open channel <NUM> along openings of two adjacent grooves <NUM>; and ii) sliding rigid attachment segment <NUM> relative to open channel <NUM> to position each ridge <NUM> within a respective groove <NUM> of the adjacent grooves <NUM> such that protruding portions <NUM> of sections <NUM> adjacent the grooves <NUM> prevent lifting of the rigid proximal attachment segment <NUM> (i.e., they block ridges <NUM>). Additionally, when the assembly is slid, spring-loaded protrusions <NUM> may be secured within an indentation/hole <NUM> of the sections <NUM> positioned next to the two grooves <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an H-channel adapter <NUM> that may be removably coupled to the attachment segment of an endoscope shaft, endoscope attachment adapter (e.g., adapter <NUM>), and/or endoscope instrument tools, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. As depicted, H-channel adapter <NUM> includes an upper open channel <NUM> for removably coupling H-channel adapter <NUM> to endoscope attachment adapter <NUM>, and a lower open channel <NUM>, opposite the upper open channel <NUM>, for removably coupling H-channel adapter <NUM> to endoscope instrument tools.

The interior surface of the upper open channel <NUM> includes ridges or protrusions <NUM>, and spring-loaded protrusions (e.g., spring-loaded balls) <NUM>. Rigid attachment segment <NUM> may be secured in place by i) pushing it down into upper open channel <NUM> along openings of two adjacent grooves <NUM>; and ii) sliding rigid attachment segment <NUM> relative to open channel <NUM> to position each ridge <NUM> within a respective groove <NUM> of the adjacent grooves <NUM> such that protruding portions <NUM> of sections <NUM> adjacent the grooves <NUM> prevent lifting of the rigid attachment segment <NUM> (i.e., they block ridges <NUM>). Additionally, when the assembly is slid, spring-loaded protrusions <NUM> may be secured within an indentation/hole <NUM> of the sections <NUM> positioned next to the two grooves <NUM>. In certain semi-rigid or plastic channel and shaft embodiments, a rounded protrusion may suffice instead of a spring loaded protrusion. <FIG> depicts an example of H-channel adapter <NUM> attached to a distal end of an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM>.

The interior surface of the lower open channel <NUM> includes side rails <NUM> for slidably coupling an instrument tool. For example, forceps, suctions, graspers, culture tools, fasteners, staplers, or some other instrument tool contain side grooves or longitudinal slots to engage side rails <NUM> allowing attachment to the underside of the endoscope via lower open channel <NUM>. Although a sliding mechanism is illustrated coupling lower open channel <NUM> to an instrument tool, it should be appreciated that any suitable coupling mechanism may be utilized.

By virtue of utilizing the H-channel adapter <NUM> that may be removably attached to an endoscope attachment adapter (e.g., adapter <NUM>) in a convenient lengthwise position, instrument tools may be attached in a suitable position underneath the endoscope with the adapter <NUM> and H-channel adapter <NUM>. By incorporating several instrument channels offset from one another into the same adapter, multiple instruments could be simultaneously attached to the endoscope at the same time. This would be helpful when performing rigid laryngoscopy when there may be need for a forceps, suction, laser, and endoscope all working together at the same time through a single rigid tube.

In other embodiments, other adapters may be used that have two or more channels that are offset <NUM> degrees from one another in an either side by side, or otherwise offset manner.

<FIG> depicts an endoscope <NUM> coupled to an instrument <NUM> via an H-channel adapter <NUM> in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. The distal shaft <NUM> of the instrument <NUM> is shown to extend underneath the endoscope shaft <NUM>. The proximal shaft <NUM> of instrument <NUM> connects to endoscope <NUM> via H-channel adapter <NUM> and a rigid attachment segment on the shaft of the endoscope (e.g., rigid attachment segment <NUM> of adapter <NUM>) as discussed above. The rigid attachment segment may be part of an adapter (e.g., adapter <NUM>) that couples to a proximal part of the shaft of the endoscope <NUM> or integrated into a proximal part of the shaft of the endoscope <NUM>.

<FIG> depicts an endoscope <NUM> coupled to an instrument <NUM> and instrument shaft <NUM> in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. A top portion of instrument <NUM> includes an open channel that couples to endoscope <NUM> via a rigid attachment segment on the shaft of the endoscope (e.g., rigid attachment segment <NUM> of adapter <NUM>) as discussed above. The rigid attachment segment may be part of an adapter (e.g., adapter <NUM>) that couples to a proximal part of the shaft of the endoscope <NUM> or integrated into a proximal part of the shaft of the endoscope <NUM>. In this embodiment, instrument <NUM> includes a handle mechanism <NUM> to actuate tool tip <NUM> attached to instrument shaft <NUM>. In this manner the instrument and scope are connected and the tool is actuated in a linear, streamlined manner (hand over top of the instrument instead of underneath) avoiding the need for a larger handle angled away from the scope. Additionally, this implementation has the advantage of not requiring a separate H-channel adapter. Rather, the upper channel for coupling to the endoscope is integrated into the instrument <NUM>.

<FIG> depict an assembly including a forceps instrument <NUM> removably coupled to an endoscope <NUM> via an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM>, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. <FIG> depicts a side view of the assembly, <FIG> depicts a perspective view of the assembly, and <FIG> depicts a frontal view of the assembly. After threading it through a shaft of endoscope <NUM>, the endoscope attachment adapter <NUM> may be secured at a proximal end of the shaft of endoscope <NUM>. The forceps instrument <NUM> includes a handle, including an integrated instrument housing <NUM> that endoscope attachment adapter <NUM> is removably coupled to, and a distal tool portion <NUM>. As depicted in this embodiment, the instrument housing channel <NUM> is oriented to the side rather than on the top of the instrument <NUM>. The endoscope attachment adapter <NUM> and the instrument housing <NUM> may be structured in a manner similar to that previously described above. By virtue of using the endoscope attachment adapter <NUM>, a distal portion <NUM> of endoscope <NUM> may be conveniently positioned underneath and adjacent to tool portion <NUM> of forceps instrument <NUM> to capture a suitable image of a patient's cavity.

<FIG> illustrates an H-channel adapter <NUM> that may be removably coupled to an endoscope attachment adapter (e.g., adapter <NUM>) and endoscope instrument tools, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. As depicted, H-channel adapter <NUM> includes an upper open channel <NUM> for removably coupling H-channel adapter <NUM> to an endoscope attachment adapter or to an instrument, and a lower open channel <NUM>, opposite the upper open channel <NUM>, for removably coupling H-channel adapter <NUM> to an endoscope attachment adapter or to an instrument. In alternative implementations, there may be three or more channels integrated into the same adapter offset from one another at different angles. Such implementations would allow multiple instruments and/or endoscopes to be attached together at the same time.

The interior surface of the upper open channel <NUM> includes ridges or protrusions <NUM>, and a spring-loaded protrusion (e.g., spring-loaded ball) <NUM>. Rigid attachment segment <NUM> may be secured in place by i) pushing it down into upper open channel <NUM> along openings of two adjacent grooves <NUM>; and ii) sliding rigid attachment segment <NUM> relative to open channel <NUM> to position each ridge <NUM> within a respective groove <NUM> of the adjacent grooves <NUM> such that protruding portions <NUM> of sections <NUM> adjacent the grooves <NUM> prevent lifting of the rigid attachment segment <NUM> (i.e., they block ridges <NUM>). Additionally, when the assembly is slid, spring-loaded protrusion <NUM> may be secured within an indentation/hole <NUM> of the section <NUM> positioned next to the two grooves <NUM>.

Like the upper open channel <NUM>, the interior surface of the lower open channel <NUM> includes ridges or protrusions <NUM>, and a spring-loaded protrusion <NUM>. In alternative implementations, one or both of channels <NUM> and <NUM> may include at least two spring-loaded protrusions <NUM>. In alternative implementations, one or both of channels <NUM> and <NUM> may include an indentation or non-spring loaded protrusion in place of spring-load protrusion <NUM>.

<FIG> depict an H-channel adapter <NUM> used to removably couple an endoscope <NUM> and forceps instrument <NUM>, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. <FIG> shows a side view. <FIG> shows a perspective view. As depicted, an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM> is coupled to endoscope <NUM>. The upper open channel <NUM> of H-channel adapter <NUM> is removably coupled to rigid attachment segment <NUM> of endoscope attachment adapter <NUM>. The lower open channel <NUM> of H-channel adapter <NUM> is removably coupled to a handle portion of forceps instrument <NUM>. By virtue of using H-channel adapter <NUM> to removably couple endoscope <NUM> to forceps instrument <NUM>, a distal portion <NUM> of endoscope <NUM> may be conveniently positioned adjacent tool portion <NUM> of forceps instrument <NUM> to capture a suitable image of a patient's cavity. Moreover, a variety of other instruments may be removably coupled to the lower channel <NUM> of H-channel adapter <NUM>.

<FIG> depict another implementation of an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM>, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. <FIG> show different perspective views of the adapter <NUM>, and <FIG> show different cross-sectional views of adapter <NUM>. Adapter <NUM> include a proximal part <NUM> including an adapter connector <NUM>, and a distal part <NUM> including a channel housing <NUM> configured to couple to an instrument.

At a proximal end of adapter <NUM> is an opening <NUM> through connector <NUM>. At a distal end of adapter <NUM> is an opening <NUM> through distal part <NUM>. From opening <NUM> to opening <NUM> is a channel <NUM> that extends through connector <NUM> and distal part <NUM>. To separate it from channel housing <NUM>, the channel <NUM> may be closed. A shaft of an endoscope may be threaded through channel <NUM>, starting at opening <NUM> and moving through opening <NUM>. Once the endoscope shaft is threaded through the channel of adapter <NUM>, adapter <NUM> may be secured at a proximal end of the endoscope shaft by removably coupling adapter connector <NUM> (e.g., to an endoscope connector). The two connectors may be secured and locked via one or more suitable coupling mechanisms, including a twist lock mechanism, an interference fit, a suction fit, a magnetic mechanism, and/or some other mechanism and then locked via mechanisms previously described. For example, a locking screw may be used to secure the connector <NUM> to a male coupler of an endoscope. Although in this example connector <NUM> is illustrated as a female coupler configured to connect to a male coupler (e.g., at a proximal end of an endoscope shaft), in other implementations connector <NUM> may be a male coupler configured to connect to a female coupler (e.g., at a proximal end of an endoscope shaft).

Adapter <NUM> includes a rotatable, circular joint <NUM> that enables rotation of adapter <NUM> about its longitudinal axis (e.g., rotation of rigid distal part <NUM> relative to connector <NUM>). For example, the joint <NUM> may be fused to an a proximal end of the rigid distal part <NUM>, and it may be structured and function in a manner similar to that discussed above with reference to joint <NUM>. In this manner, an endoscope may be removably coupled to adapter <NUM> in a plurality of different circumferential positions.

In this example, the channel housing <NUM> of the distal part <NUM> is positioned below channel <NUM>. Channel housing <NUM> includes an open channel <NUM>. An interior surface of open channel <NUM> includes ridges or protrusions <NUM>, and a spring-loaded protrusion (e.g., spring-loaded ball) <NUM>. Channel housing <NUM> may be coupled to a rigid attachment segment having a structure similar to that described above with reference to rigid attachment segment <NUM>.

<FIG> depict an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM> used to removably couple an endoscope <NUM> and forceps instrument <NUM>, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. <FIG> shows a perspective view. <FIG> shows a side view. <FIG> depicts a side view of forceps instrument <NUM>. As depicted, adapter <NUM> is removably coupled to endoscope <NUM> by threading shaft <NUM> of endoscope <NUM> through channel <NUM> (starting from opening <NUM>, and moving through opening <NUM>), and securing coupling adapter connector <NUM> to endoscope <NUM>. For example, connector <NUM> may be secured near a proximal end of shaft <NUM> in a similar manner to that discussed above with reference to coupler <NUM>.

Channel housing <NUM> removably couples adapter <NUM> to forceps instrument <NUM> via open channel <NUM> of adapter <NUM>. The open channel <NUM> of adapter <NUM> is removably coupled to a top of a handle portion of forceps instrument <NUM>, which includes grooves <NUM> and indentation <NUM> on its surface. The forceps instrument <NUM> may be removably secured in place to open channel <NUM> by i) pushing it into open channel <NUM> along openings of the two grooves <NUM>; and ii) sliding the forceps handle relative to open channel <NUM> to position each ridge <NUM> within a respective groove <NUM>. Additionally, after sliding, spring-loaded protrusion <NUM> may be secured within indentation/hole <NUM>.

By virtue of using adapter <NUM> to removably couple endoscope <NUM> to forceps instrument <NUM>, a distal portion of endoscope <NUM> may be conveniently positioned adjacent tool portion <NUM> of forceps instrument <NUM> to capture a suitable image of a patient's cavity. Additionally, adapter <NUM> effectually combines the upper channel of adapter <NUM> with the rotational capability of adapter <NUM> while preserving the lower channel for instrument attachment.

Although <FIG> depict an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM> used to removably couple an endoscope <NUM> and forceps instrument <NUM>, it should be appreciated that adapter <NUM> may couple a variety of different instruments to an endoscope, assuming the instruments have a coupling mechanism compatible with the attachment mechanism of open channel <NUM>. For example, <FIG> shows a suction instrument <NUM> that may removably couple to adapter <NUM> via open channel <NUM>. The suction instrument <NUM> includes a handle portion and a tool portion <NUM>. Incorporated into a surface of a top of the handle portion are grooves <NUM> and indentation <NUM>, which may be used to couple instrument <NUM> to open channel <NUM>.

In certain implementations, it may be advantageous for the rigid proximal attachment segment (e.g., segment <NUM>) of an endoscope adapter (e.g., adapter <NUM>) threaded over a flexible shaft or endoscope shaft to include one or more hinges, allowing for changes in the shape of the endoscope shaft and adapter to accommodate varying shapes and contours of surgical instruments without allowing for flaccidity which would destabilize the scope when attached to an instrument. To this end, <FIG> depicts a portion of an endoscope shaft or attachment adapter <NUM> that is rectangular and includes hinges <NUM>. In this implementation, hinges <NUM> utilize an a joint that enables pivoting or rotation of portions of adapter <NUM> about a single plane. <FIG> depicts a portion of an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM> that is rectangular and includes a ball and socket hinge <NUM>. In this implementation, ball and socket hinge <NUM> enables pivoting or rotation of portions of adapter <NUM> about both a horizontal plane and vertical plane. Although <FIG> illustrate two examples hinge joints that may be utilized, it should be appreciated that other suitable hinge joints may be used.

By virtue of utilizing a hinged adapter, different advantages may be realized depending on the instrument and application. For example, the head of the endoscope may be angled out of the way (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> degrees) of the instrument. This may enable attachment of the endoscope to an instrument or device that itself must remain straight to function. As another example, the adapter may be hinged in two or three locations to bend the scope around the head of the instrument. Additionally, the hinged segments may enable attachment to various contours of instrumentation.

<FIG> depict another embodiment of an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM>, in accordance with implementations of the disclosure. <FIG> illustrate a perspective view of adapter <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional view of adapter <NUM>. Adapter <NUM> includes a coupler <NUM>, a rotatable joint <NUM>, a hinge joint <NUM>, and a rigid attachment segment <NUM>.

At a proximal end of adapter <NUM> is an opening <NUM> through connector <NUM>. At a distal end of adapter <NUM> is an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> may begin at a distal end of rigid attachment segment <NUM>. From opening <NUM> to opening <NUM> is a channel <NUM> that extends through the length of adapter <NUM>. A flexible shaft of an endoscope may be threaded through channel <NUM>, starting at opening <NUM> and moving through opening <NUM>. Once the endoscope shaft is threaded through the channel of adapter <NUM>, adapter <NUM> may be secured at a proximal end of the endoscope shaft by removably coupling adapter connector <NUM> (e.g., to an endoscope connector). The two connectors may be secured in a manner similar to that described above with reference to connector <NUM> of adapter <NUM>.

Rigid attachment segment <NUM> is four-sided with a square cross section. In other implementations, rigid attachment segment <NUM> may have a different rectangular cross section or a circular cross-section. On the surface of one of the four sides of segment <NUM> are formed a plurality of grooves/slots <NUM> and a plurality of sections <NUM> that protrude relative to the grooves <NUM>, each of the sections <NUM> having a recessed indentation or hole <NUM>. Rigid attachment segment <NUM> may be used to couple the adapter <NUM> to an instrument in a manner similar to that discussed above with reference to adapter <NUM>.

A rotatable joint <NUM> positioned between hinge joint <NUM> and coupler <NUM> enables rotation of adapter <NUM> about its longitudinal axis. Rotatable joint <NUM> may be implemented in a manner similar to that discussed above with reference to rotatable joint <NUM>. The hinge joint <NUM> coupled between rigid attachment segment <NUM> and coupler <NUM> enables additional angling of rigid attachment segment <NUM>. By virtue of utilizing the combination of hinge joint <NUM> and rotatable joint <NUM> in this example, additional degrees of freedom in positioning adapter <NUM> are provided. Adding several hinged joints <NUM> in series allows for even greater changes in attachment shaft contour.

<FIG> depicts a clip-on instrument adapter <NUM> that connects to a hinged attachment adapter <NUM> coupled to endoscope <NUM> which is comprised of endoscope housing <NUM> and flexible shaft <NUM>. Instrument adapter <NUM> contains a channel housing <NUM> that could be used to attach an endoscope attachment segment <NUM>. Additionally, instrument adapter <NUM> includes one or more clips <NUM> that may attach in various configurations to instrument housings and instrument configurations that do not have the necessary slot and groove configuration for direct attachment in the manner described above. For example, a body of ablation wand <NUM> may be snapped on to clips <NUM> in a specific position. Depending on the implementation of clip-on instrument adapter <NUM>, the clips <NUM> may be manufactured to attach to different handles of different instruments of different manufacturers. Although this embodiment shows clips, other manners of attachment could also be used such as magnets, straps, clamps, screws, suction, cables, etc..

<FIG> show perspective and cross-sectional views of an endoscope attachment adapter <NUM> with integrated cannula that may be used to flush/clean the tip of an endoscope. A suction/irrigation port <NUM> would connect proximally via irrigation or suction tubing to a suction/irrigation pump activated by either foot or handheld control. On the distal undersurface of distal end <NUM> of the cannula adapter <NUM> there may be one or more instrument attachment connectors <NUM> that are used to secure the adapter to an instrument shaft in one or more locations. Magnets incorporated within the cannula adapter or instrument shaft may also be used to attach the distal cannula adapter to the instrument shaft. In his example, the cannula adapter may slide over a rigid, flexible, or hybrid endoscope shaft and connect via connector <NUM> to the endoscope coupler (<FIG>, <NUM>) located on the distal endoscope housing, and may have rotation capabilities. The distal segment of the cannula, i.e., that portion of the cannula that extends distal from the rectangular attachment portion <NUM> of the adapter, may also be rigid, flexible, or hybrid.

<FIG> depicts a corkscrew shaped instrument shaft having a proximal end <NUM> and distal end <NUM>. This shape may allow an endoscope shaft having proximal end <NUM> positioned above instrument shaft proximal end <NUM> to pass underneath the instrument shaft (e.g., at segment <NUM>) such that the distal end <NUM> of the endoscope shaft is below distal end <NUM> of the instrument shaft, allowing visualization by the endoscope of a tool tip of the instrument shaft from below rather than above the instrument shaft in a manner similar to the distal configuration of <FIG>. A semi-rigid malleable endoscope shaft adapter that can be bent or molded around an instrument or instrument shaft in a reversible manner is also envisioned. Such an adapter could be used with an endoscope shaft that is malleable. For example, <FIG> depict one example of an endoscope <NUM> having a malleable endoscope shaft <NUM>. As illustrated by <FIG> the malleable endoscope shaft <NUM> may be molded, bent, or otherwise shaped in a reversible manner. To accommodate the malleability of shaft <NUM>, the adapter, pictured in <FIG> may also be malleable.

Although embodiments have thus far been primarily described in the context of endoscope attachment adapters that removably couple to an endoscope and/or instrument used with an endoscope, it should be appreciated that some of the adapter implementations described herein and their associated technical advantages may be realized by directly incorporating their features directly into an endoscope and/or endoscope instrument, whether disposable or reusable. For example, a flexible-rigid hybrid endoscope (e.g., an endoscope having a shaft with a flexible distal end and a rigid proximal end) or a rigid endoscope (e.g., an endoscope having a rigid shaft) may have an endoscope shaft with an integrated proximal attachment segment similar in structural features to adapter <NUM>, adapter <NUM>, adapter <NUM>, adapter <NUM>, adapter <NUM>, adapter <NUM>, or adapter <NUM>. In such implementations, since the structural features of the adapter are incorporated into the endoscope (e.g., at the proximal end of the endoscope shaft), the endoscope connector (e.g., <NUM>) of the adapter may be excluded.

For example, the proximal segment of the endoscope shaft may have a rectangular cross section, similar to the one described above for adapter <NUM>, on which on at least one of the four sides are formed a plurality of grooves/slots <NUM> and a plurality of sections <NUM>, each of the sections <NUM> having a recessed indentation or hole <NUM>. In such implementations, the benefits of this top-down ratchet attachment design may be realized by directly integrating them into the proximal attachment segment of the endoscope shaft. Additionally, the endoscope shaft may be configured to rotate about a rotatable joint. Furthermore, the endoscope shaft may be configured to couple to instrument housing <NUM>, instrument housing <NUM>, or H-channel adapter <NUM>, or H-channel adapter <NUM>. Moreover, the proximal attachment segment of the endoscope shaft may itself include one or more hinges, allowing for changes in the shape of the endoscope shaft to accommodate varying shapes and contours of surgical instruments without allowing for flaccidity which would destabilize the scope when attached to an instrument.

The endoscopes, attachment mechanisms, and instruments described herein may be utilized in any suitable application. For example, they may be utilized in Otorhinolaryngologic (Ear, nose, and throat, ENT) surgical applications. They may also be utilized in other surgical and medical specialties such as general surgery, gastroenterology, pulmonology, urology, plastic surgery, neurosurgery, OB/GYN, and orthopedics for applications such as surgical stapling, tissue ablation, arthroscopic surgery, etc. Commercial, non-surgical, applications for the technology disclosed herein are also applicable.

Although described above in terms of various example implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual implementations are not limited in their applicability to the particular implementation with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other implementations of the application, whether or not such implementations are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described implementation. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present application should not be limited by any of the above-described example implementations.

The terms "substantially" and "about" used throughout this disclosure, including the claims, are used to describe and account for small fluctuations, such as due to variations in processing. For example, they can refer to less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%, such as less than or equal to ±<NUM>%.

To the extent applicable, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. herein are merely employed to show the respective objects described by these terms as separate entities and are not meant to connote a sense of chronological order, unless stated explicitly otherwise herein.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term "including" should be read as meaning "including, without limitation" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide some instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms "a" or "an" should be read as meaning "at least one," "one or more" or the like; and adjectives such as "conventional," "traditional," "normal," "standard," "known" and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as "one or more," "at least," "but not limited to" or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of the term "module" does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in a single package or separately maintained and can further be distributed in multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various implementations set forth herein are described in terms of example block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated implementations and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.

Claim 1:
An endoscope, comprising:
a shaft comprising:
a distal end; and
a proximal end comprising a rigid attachment segment (<NUM>) configured to be removably coupled to an adapter or instrument (<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>) a first surface of the rigid attachment segment (<NUM>) comprising a first groove (<NUM>) and a first section (<NUM>) adjacent the first groove (<NUM>), the first section (<NUM>) protruding relative to the first groove (<NUM>), wherein:
the first section (<NUM>) comprises a protruding portion (<NUM>) that is configured to block the first protrusion (<NUM>) of the adapter or instrument (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and is configured to prevent the lifting of the rigid attachment segment (<NUM>),
and
the first section (<NUM>) comprises a recessed indentation (<NUM>) configured to be engaged by a second protrusion (<NUM>) of the adapter or instrument (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>); and
a housing coupled to the shaft.