Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)

1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
MEDICAL ASSEMBLY
2. APPLICANT:
Meril Corporation (I) Private Limited, an Indian company of the address Survey No. 135/139, Muktanand Marg, Bilakhia House, Pardi, Vapi, Valsad-396191 Gujarat, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed:
 
FIELD OF INVENTION
[001] The present disclosure relates to the field of medical devices. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a medical assembly equipped with a locking mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[002] Bronchoscopes are widely used in the visualization and treatment of the respiratory tract. These devices are critical in diagnosing lung diseases, performing biopsies, and delivering therapeutic interventions. Traditionally, bronchoscopes are handheld devices that require precise navigation through a patient’s airway. However, maneuvering these devices presents several challenges due to the intricate structure of the bronchial tree and the need for steady hand control.
[003] Conventional bronchoscopes come with inherent limitations. These devices, essential for procedures involving surgical instrument insertion, require precise handling to maintain stability. Operators must exert continuous effort to guide the scope while ensuring accuracy, often leading to hand fatigue and procedural inefficiencies. Additionally, achieving a consistently clear and steady view of the airway is challenging, increasing the risk of unintended movements that could cause patient discomfort or trauma to surrounding tissues.
[004] Another significant challenge with existing bronchoscopes is the accidental displacement or unintended deployment of medical tools inserted through working channels. The lack of an adequate locking or stabilization mechanism can result in insufficient grip control, leading to procedural errors. This can compromise both the accuracy and safety of the procedure.
[005] Thus, there arises a need for a medical assembly with a locking mechanism that overcomes the limitations associated with conventional bronchoscope devices.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[006] The present disclosure relates to a medical assembly. In an embodiment, the medical assembly includes a barrel and an inner tube. The barrel includes a shaft. The inner tube is disposed within and coupled to the shaft of the barrel. The inner tube includes a lumen configured to receive an elongated member of an endoscope and a longitudinal slit having a first edge and a second edge. The medical assembly further includes a lever coupled to the inner tube. The lever is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In response to the movement of the lever from the first position toward the second position, the slit is configured to expand. In response to the movement of the lever from the second position toward the first position, the slit is configured to contract.
[007] The foregoing features and other features as well as the advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[008] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the apportioned drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, exemplary constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentality disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale.
[009] Fig. 1A depicts a perspective view of a medical assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0010] Fig. 1B depicts an exploded view of the medical assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0011] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B depict perspective views of a barrel 200 of the medical assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] Fig. 2C depicts a transversal cross-sectional view of a shaft 210 of the barrel 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0013] Fig. 2D depicts a perspective view of the barrel 200 of the medical assembly 100, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0014] Fig. 3A and 3B depict perspective views of an inner tube 300 and a lever 400 of the medical assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0015] Fig. 4 depicts an assembly of the barrel 200, the inner tube 300, and the lever 400, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0016] Fig. 5A depicts a closed position of the inner tube 300 of the medical assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0017] Fig. 5B depicts an open position of the inner tube 300 of the medical assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0018] Fig. 6 depicts a front view of an endoscope 600 of the medical assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0019] Fig. 7 depicts a flowchart of method 700 for operating the medical assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0020] Prior to describing the invention in detail, definitions of certain words or phrases used throughout this patent document will be defined: the terms "include" and "comprise", as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation; the term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or; the phrases "coupled with" and "associated therewith", as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have a property of, or the like. Definitions of certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document, and those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that such definitions apply in many, if not most, instances to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.
[0021] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.
[0022] Although the operations of exemplary embodiments of the disclosed method may be described in a particular, sequential order for convenient presentation, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments can encompass an order of operations other than the particular, sequential order disclosed. For example, operations described sequentially may in some cases be rearranged or performed concurrently. Further, descriptions and disclosures provided in association with one particular embodiment are not limited to that embodiment, and may be applied to any embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, for the sake of simplicity, the attached figures may not show the various ways in which the disclosed system, method, and apparatus can be used in combination with other systems, methods, and apparatuses.
[0023] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments. These features and advantages of the embodiments will become more fully apparent from the following description and apportioned claims, or may be learned by the practice of embodiments as set forth hereinafter.
[0024] The present disclosure pertains to a medical assembly equipped with a locking mechanism that secures an endoscope within a barrel of the assembly to provide stability during medical procedures. For example, the endoscope is a rigid bronchoscope. The assembly prevents accidental movements or displacements of the endoscope, improving precision, reducing operator fatigue, and enhancing safety in medical procedures such as interventional pulmonology. The locking mechanism ensures the endoscope remains in a fixed position, optimizing visibility and control. Additionally, the endoscope is equipped with grips, providing a stable interface for holding and precise guidance. The medical assembly addresses the limitations of traditional tools reducing the risk of patient trauma and improving procedural outcomes.
[0025] Now referring to figures, Fig. 1A depicts a perspective view and Fig. 1B depicts an exploded view of the medical assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The medical assembly 100 (interchangeably referred to as assembly 100 hereafter) is used for examination, diagnosis, and treatment for a number of lung conditions including tumors, cancer, airway blockages, and the like. The assembly 100 has a proximal end 100a and a distal end 100b. The assembly 100 includes a barrel 200, an inner tube 300, a lever 400, and an endoscope 600. The barrel 200 is located at the distal end 100b of the assembly 100. The inner tube 300 is configured to receive and secularly hold the endoscope 600 in a desired position.
[0026] Fig. 2A and 2B depict perspective views of the barrel 200, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The barrel 200 is configured to receive the inner tube 300 and the endoscope 600. The barrel 200 has a proximal end 200a and a distal end 200b. The barrel 200 has a shaft 210 and a head 220. The shaft 210 extends longitudinally from the distal end 200b towards the proximal end 200a of the barrel 200 defining a length. The shaft 210 has a hollow, elongated, tubular structure. The shaft 210 has a lumen 212 that extends along the length of shaft 210. The lumen 212 is configured to accommodate the inner tube 300. The shaft 210 includes at least one ridge 214 depicted more clearly in Fig. 2C provided on an inner surface of the shaft 210 and extending at least partially along the length of the shaft 210. In an embodiment, the ridge 214 extends for a partial length of the shaft 210. The ridge 214 is used for coupling the barrel 200 with the inner tube 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the shaft 210 includes one ridge 214.
[0027] According to an embodiment, the shaft 210 includes at least one groove (not shown) instead of the at least one groove provided on the inner surface of the shaft 210 and extending at least partially along the length of the shaft 210. In an embodiment, the groove extends for a partial length of the shaft 210. The groove is used for coupling the barrel 200 with the inner tube 300.
[0028] The dimensions of the shaft 210 may be chosen based upon procedural requirements. In an embodiment, the length of the shaft 210 may range between 180 mm and 400 mm, the outer diameter of the shaft 210 may range between 3 mm and 7 mm, and the inner diameter of the shaft 210 may range between 6 mm and 1.9 mm. In an example implementation, the length, the outer diameter, and the inner diameter of the shaft 210 are 400 mm, 6 mm, and 5.5 mm, respectively. The shaft 210 may be made of a biocompatible material including, without limitation, medical grade stainless steel, etc. In an example implementation, the shaft 210 is made of SS316.
[0029] The head 220 is provided at the proximal end 200a of the barrel 200 and coupled to a proximal end of the shaft 210. In an embodiment, the head 220 and the shaft 210 are integrally coupled, i.e., they are an integral, continuous member. In another embodiment, the head 220 and the shaft 210 are two separate elements that are coupled with each other a welding technique. The head 220 has a proximal end 220a and a distal end 220b. The head 220 has a hollow cylindrical structure. The head 220 has a lumen 222. The head 220 includes a slot 226 provided on an outer surface of the head 220. The slot 226 extends along a partial circumference of the head 220 and runs from the distal end 220b toward the proximal end 220a, covering only a portion of the length of the head 220. The slot 226 includes an opening 228 provided towards the proximal end 220a of the head 220. The opening 228 is perpendicular to the lumen 222 of the head 220. The opening 228 is configured to receive the lever 400 of the assembly 100. The opening 228 has a resting surface 230 configured to provide a surface to rest the lever 400. The slot 226 includes a sliding surface 232 provided towards the distal end 220b of the head 220. In an embodiment, the sliding surface 232 extends from the distal end 220b to the opening 228 of the slot 226. The sliding surface 232 is configured to facilitate the sliding movement of the lever 400. In an embodiment, the sliding surface 232 of the slot 226 has a concave profile. The lever 400 slides along the concave profile of the sliding surface 232, enabling expansion and contraction of the inner tube 300. The head 220 includes a locking member 224 at the proximal end 220a of the head 220 and adjacent to the opening 228 of the slot 226. The locking member 224 is configured to secure the positioning of the lever 400 within the opening 228, preventing unintended displacement or misalignment during operation. The dimensions of the head 220 may be chosen based on procedural requirements. In an embodiment, the length of the head 220 may range between 80 mm and 100 mm, the outer diameter of the head 220 may range between 20 mm and 40 mm, and the inner diameter of the head 220 may correspond to the inner diameter of the shaft 210. In an example implementation, the length, the outer diameter, and the inner diameter of the head 220 are 80 mm, 30 mm, and 5.5 mm, respectively. The head 220 may be made of a biocompatible material including, without limitation, medical grade stainless steel, etc. In an example implementation, the head 220 is made of SS316.
[0030] In an embodiment, the locking member 224 may be integrally coupled to the head 220 as depicted in Figs. 2A – 2B. In another embodiment, the locking member 224 may be a separate structure that is coupled to the proximal end 220a of the head 220 and adjacent to the opening 228 of the slot 226 (as depicted in Fig. 2D). In an embodiment, the locking member 224 may be fixedly coupled to the head 220 through various coupling techniques, such as, without limitation, press-fitting, threading, welding, adhesive bonding, or fasteners. The choice of the coupling technique depends on the structural requirements and operational conditions of the assembly 100. In an embodiment, the locking member 224 includes a hole 224a (as depicted in Fig. 2D). The hole 224a is configured to receive the elongated member 602 of the endoscope 600. The hole 224a may be provided centrally and is axially aligned with the lumen 222 of the head 220 to facilitate the smooth insertion and positioning of the endoscope 600 within the inner tube 300.
[0031] In an embodiment, the locking member 224 is made of a biocompatible material. In an embodiment, the locking member 224 is made of SS316. The selection of the material is based on factors such as strength, durability, resistance to corrosion, and compatibility with sterilization processes. The dimensions of the locking member 224 may be chosen based on procedural requirements. In an example implementation, the outer diameter of the locking member 224 is 20 mm, the diameter of the hole 224a is 5.5 mm, and the thickness of the locking member 224 is 5 mm. In some embodiments, the locking member 224 may feature additional structural enhancements, such as grooves, notches, or protrusions, to improve engagement with the head 220 and provide added stability. These features can assist in preventing rotational movement and ensuring precise alignment of the endoscope 600 within the barrel 200.
[0032] Figs. 3A and 3B depict perspective views of the inner tube 300 and the lever 400 of the assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The inner tube 300 is disposed within and coupled to the shaft 210 of the barrel 200 (as shown in Fig. 4). The inner tube 300 is configured to securely hold or release the endoscope 600 inserted into the inner tube 300. The lever 400 is used to lock or unlock the endoscope 600 as explained later. The inner tube 300 has a proximal end 300a and a distal end 300b. The inner tube 300 has a lumen 302 configured to accommodate the endoscope 600. In an embodiment, the lumen 302 is configured to receive an elongated member 602 of the endoscope 600.
[0033] The inner tube 300 includes at least one projection 304 provided on an outer surface of the inner tube 300 and extending along at least partial length of the inner tube 300. In an embodiment, the projection 304 extends for the entire length of the inner tube 300. Each of the at least one projection 304 is configured to mate with a corresponding one of the at least one ridge 214 of the barrel 200 and is coupled with the ridge 214. In an embodiment, the projection 304 is fixedly coupled to the ridge 214 using a welding technique. In an example implementation, the projection 304 is coupled to the ridge 214 using ultrasonic welding. The shape and dimensions of the projection 304 correspond to the ridge 214 of the barrel 200. According to an embodiment, when the shaft 210 includes the at least one groove provided on an inner surface of the shaft 210 and extending at least partially along the length of the shaft 210 and the inner tube 300 includes at least projection 304 provided on an outer surface of the inner tube 300 and extending partially along the length of the inner tube 300. Each of the at least one groove is configured to receive and couple with a corresponding projection 304 of the inner tube 300. The groove may be coupled with the projection 304 using, for example, adhesive bonding. In an embodiment, the inner tube 300 includes one projection 304.
[0034] The inner tube 300 includes a longitudinal slit 306 has a first edge 306c and a second edge 306d. The longitudinal slit 306 (hereinafter referred to as slit 306) extends along the length of the inner tube 300. The width of the slit 306 is adjustable. The slit 306 is configured to facilitate the expansion of the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300. The lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 may be configurable to be in a normal state (interchangeably referred to as an original or a closed state) and an expanded state (interchangeably referred to as an open state). In the normal state, the slit 306 has a pre-defined width, i.e., the first edge 306c and the second edge 306d are spaced apart by the pre-defined width, and the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 has a pre-defined diameter. The movement of the first edge 306c of the slit 306 away from the second edge 306d, causes the width of the slit 306 to widen, causing the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 to expand accordingly and be in the expanded state. The dimensions of the inner tube 300 may be chosen based on the endoscope 600 and the procedural requirements. In an embodiment, the length of the inner tube 300 may range between 450 mm and 150 mm. In an example implementation, the length of the inner tube 300 is 400 mm. The inner tube 300 may be made of a biocompatible material including, without limitation, medical grade stainless steel, nitinol, titanium, etc. In an example implementation, the inner tube 300 is made of SS316.
[0035] The lever 400 is coupled to the inner tube 300. The lever 400 extends along the length of the inner tube 300. The lever 400 is configured to expand the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300. The lever 400 is configured to move between a first position 502 to a second position 504 (depicted in Fig. 4). In response to the movement of the lever 400 from the first position 502 towards the second position 504, the slit 306 is configured to expand. Similarly, in response to the movement of the lever 400 from the second position 504 towards the first position 502, the slit 306 is configured to contract (or narrow). In an embodiment, the lever 400 includes a first member 402, a second member 404, and a third member 406. The first member 402 of the lever 400 is coupled to the outer surface of the inner tube 300. The first member 402 may be fixedly coupled on the outer surface of the inner tube 300 using a technique, such as, without limitation, single sheet metal, welding, etc. In an example implementation, the first member 402 is coupled to the outer surface of the inner tube 300 using welding The first member 402 extends along the length of the inner tube 300. In an embodiment, the first member 402 may extend beyond the proximal end 300a of the inner tube 300 in a proximal direction of the inner tube 300. The first member 402 provides structural support and stability to the lever 400. The first member 402 is configured to facilitate expanding and narrowing the gap of the slit 306. The first member 402 may have a pre-defined shape including, but not limited to, cylindrical, cuboidal, triangular, tapered, or wedge-shaped. In an embodiment, the first member 402 is designed as a wedge to provide enhanced support to the lever 400 as shown in Fig. 3A.
[0036] The second member 404 has a first end and a second end. The first end of the second member 404 is coupled at a proximal end of the first member 402. The second member 404 extends away from the inner tube 300 in a predefined direction. In an embodiment, the second member 404 extends away from the inner tube 300 in a perpendicular direction. The second member 404 is disposed within the opening 228 of the slot 226. The second member 404 is configured to reside within the opening 228 of the slot 226 (as shown in Fig. 4). The second member 404 rests on the resting surface 230 of the opening 228 (as shown in Fig. 4). The second member 404 is configured to slide along the resting surface 230 of the opening 228. The third member 406 is coupled to the second end of the second member 404. The third member 406 extends away in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the inner tube 300. The third member 406 is disposed and rests on the sliding surface 232 of the slot 226 (as shown in Fig. 4). The third member 406 is configured to slide on the sliding surface 232 of the slot 226 (as shown in Fig. 4). In an embodiment, the first member 402, the second member 404 and the third member 406 are integrally coupled as depicted in Fig. 3A. It is possible though that the one or more of the first member 402, the second member 404 and the third member 406 are separate components coupled with each other using any suitable technique. The lever 400 may be made of a material including, without limitation, medical grade stainless steel, nitinol, etc. In an example implementation, the lever 400 is made of a medical grade stainless steel.
[0037] The third member 406 is configured to slide between the first position 502 and the second position 504 (shown in Fig 4). The movement of the third member 406 between the first position 502 and the second position 504 causes the expansion/contraction of the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 as explained below with the help of Figs. 5A and 5B. Fig. 5A illustrates the closed position (normal position) of the inner tube 300. In this position, the third member 406 of the lever 400 is positioned at the first position 502 on the sliding surface 232 of the slot 226. The first edge 306c of the slit 306 of the inner tube 300 remains at the pre-defined distance from the second edge 306d. Further, the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 is in a normal state having a pre-defined diameter.
[0038] In response to the movement of the third member 406 from the first position 502 towards the second position 504, the first member 402 of the lever 400 is configured to pull (or move) the first edge 306c of the slit 306 away from the second edge 306d of the slit 306. This leads to widening the width of the slit 306, causing the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 to expand. When the third member 406 is at the second position 504, the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 expands to the fullest and is in the expanded state. In an embodiment, when the third member 406 is at the second position 504, the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 attains its widest width and largest capacity. The inner tube 300 is said to be at the open position at this stage. Fig. 5B illustrates the open position (expanded position) of the inner tube 300. In this position, the third member 406 of the lever 400 is at the second position 504 on the sliding surface 232 of the slot 226. Conversely, in response to the movement of the third member 406 from the second position 504 towards the first position 502, the first member 402 of the lever 400 is configured to pull (or move) the first edge 306c of the slit 306 towards the second edge 306d of the slit 306. This leads to contracting the width of the slit 306, causing the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 to contract. When the third member 406 is at the first position 502, the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 contracts and enters the normal state i. e., returns to the original size. The inner tube 300 is said to be at the closed position at this stage. Fig. 5A illustrates the closed position (normal position) of the inner tube 300. In this position, the third member 406 of the lever 400 is at the first position 502 on the sliding surface 232 of the slot 226. The movement of the lever 400 from the first position 502 to the second position 504 and vice versa, and associated expansion/contraction of the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 facilitates locking and unlocking of the endoscope 600 as explained later.
[0039] The endoscope 600 may be any device capable of visualizing and accessing internal body structures or cavities using a flexible or rigid tube equipped with imaging, illumination, and, optionally, therapeutic or diagnostic tools. Examples of the endoscope 600 may include without limitation, a bronchoscope, a colonoscope, a cystoscope, or an arthroscope, and the like. Fig. 6 depicts a front view of the endoscope 600 of the assembly 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The endoscope 600 has a proximal end 600a and a distal end 600b. The endoscope 600 includes the elongated member 602 and a handle 604. The handle 604 is coupled to a proximal end of the elongated member 602. The elongated member 602 extends longitudinally away from the handle 604 to the distal end of the endoscope 600 defining a length. The lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 is configured to receive the elongated member 602 of the endoscope 600. Similarly, the lumen 222 of the head 220 and the hole 224a of the locking member 224 is configured to receive the elongated member 602 of the endoscope 600. The shaft 210 of the barrel 200 is configured to provide rigidity to the elongated member 602 of the endoscope 600. The elongated member 602 includes one or more a lumen (not shown) configured to accommodate one or more of: an optical fiber, one or more medical instruments such as a camera, an illumination unit, forceps, surgical scissors, or any other relevant instrument, and/or provide a pathway for a fluid to or from the target site (e.g., medication to be delivered to the target site, tissues removed from the target site, etc.) The dimension of the elongated member 602 may be chosen based on procedural requirements. In an embodiment, the length of elongated member 602 may range between 180 mm and 500 mm, and the outer diameter of the elongated member 602 may range between 1.4 mm and 5.5 mm. In an example implementation, the length of the elongated member 602 is 500 mm and the inner diameter of elongated member 602 is 5.5 mm. The elongated member 602 may be made of a biocompatible material including, without limitation, stainless steel, nitinol, titanium, etc. In an example implementation, the elongated member 602 is made of a medical grade stainless steel.
[0040] The handle 604 is provided at the proximal end 600a of the endoscope 600 and coupled with the elongated member 602. The handle 604 allows a healthcare practitioner to hold and manipulate the endoscope 600. The handle 604 includes a first port 604a and a second port 604b. The first port 604a is adapted to accommodate an optical lens configured to facilitate visualization of the target site during the procedure, allowing the healthcare practitioner to observe a target site with clarity. The second port 604b is adapted to accommodate a light source configured to provide adequate illumination to the surgical site. The endoscope 600 described herein is merely exemplary and the teachings of the present disclosure may be extended to any other endoscope without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0041] The endoscope 600 optionally includes a grip 606 provided on an outer surface of the elongated member 602 towards the proximal end of the endoscope 600 , for example, at the junction of the elongated member 602 and the handle 604. The grip 606 extends along at least a portion of the elongated member 602. The grip 606 incorporates an ergonomic pattern that enhances comfort, control, and precision for medical practitioners. In an embodiment, the grip 606 includes a plurality of intersecting ridges arranged in a pre-defined pattern. The intersecting ridges provide additional surface area, ensuring a firm and secure hold, even in challenging surgical environments. The grip 606 may be formed using laser cutting techniques to achieve a precise and intricate design. The grip 606 may be made up of including without limitation SS, nitinol, titanium, etc. In an embodiment, the grip 606 is made of SS316L. The grip 606 of the endoscope 600 improves the safety of the bronchoscopy procedure.
[0042] An embodiment of securing the endoscope 600 within the inner tube 300 is now described. To insert the elongated member 602 of the endoscope 600 into the inner tube 300, the third member 406 of the lever 400 is moved from the first position 502 towards the second position 504 along the sliding surface 232 of the slot 226. This movement of the third member 406 of the lever 400 causes the expansion of the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 as explained earlier. The expanded lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 allows the elongated member 602 to be inserted into the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300.
[0043] Once the elongated member 602 is positioned at a desired position into the inner tube 300, the third member 406 of the lever 400 is moved back from the second position 504 to the first position 502 along the sliding surface 232. As explained earlier, this causes the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 to contract and return to its original state. The diameter of the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 in the original state is designed to match the outer diameter of the elongated member 602 such that when the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300 returns to the original state, the elongated member 602 snugly fits within the lumen 302 of the inner tube 300, preventing any unwanted movement of the elongated member 602 and securely locking the elongated member 602 of the endoscope 600 within the inner tube 300 at the desired position. The secured endoscope 600 enables healthcare practitioners to perform procedures with enhanced precision and control, ensuring optimal performance of the assembly 100.
[0044] Fig. 7 depicts a flowchart of a method 700 of using the assembly 100 for an endoscopy procedure, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Before beginning the method 700, the endoscope 600 is locked with the inner tube 300 as explained earlier.
[0045] At step 701, the distal end 100b of the assembly 100 is inserted into the patient’s body via an appropriate vascular or airway access point, such as the trachea or bronchi, depending on the procedure requirements.
[0046] At step 703, the shaft 210 of the barrel 200 is navigated through the patient’s anatomy to the target site using imaging guidance techniques, such as fluoroscopy or endoscopic visualization. The endoscope 600 remains securely positioned within the inner tube 300.
[0047] At step 705, once the shaft 210 of the barrel 200 along with endoscope 600 reaches a target site, various tasks associated with the endoscopy procedure are performed by the user, e.g., visualizing the target site, removing unwanted tissues from the target site. It is possible that the endoscope 600 may need to be adjusted to achieve an optimal view of the target site. This can be done by manipulating the lever 400 of the assembly 100 to unlock the elongated member 602 as explained earlier, adjusting the position of the elongated member 602 as desired and the relocking the elongated member 602 with the inner tube 300 in a similar manner described earlier.
[0048] At step 707, the assembly 100 is withdrawn from the patient’s body once the procedure is complete.
[0049] The proposed medical assembly presents several advantages over conventional devices. The medical assembly holds the endoscope at the desired location and prevents unintended movement of the endoscope during the procedure. The holding allows better control, reducing the risk of injury to the body passage and improving the accuracy of therapeutic interventions. The locking facilitates hands-free operation, enabling the physician to focus on instrument manipulation without needing to constantly adjust the endoscope position. The medical assembly enhances patient safety by minimizing unnecessary repositioning and potential trauma. Further, the position of the endoscope can be easily adjusted according to the surgeon’s needs, allowing for improved visibility and flexibility during the procedure. This adjustment enhances control and maneuverability, improves patient safety, and increases the efficacy of endoscopy procedures. Additionally, it reduces the risk of errors and minimizes hand fatigue for healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the medical assembly has a grip provided on the endoscope that provides a stable surface for the healthcare professional to hold and control the endoscope, enabling more precise and stable insertion during procedures.
[0050] The scope of the invention is only limited by the appended patent claims. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings of the present invention is/are used. , Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A medical assembly (100) comprising:
a. a barrel (200) comprising a shaft (210);
b. an inner tube (300) disposed within and coupled to the shaft (210) of the barrel (200), the inner tube (300) comprising:
i. a lumen (302) configured to receive an elongated member (602) of an endoscope (600); and
ii. a longitudinal slit (306) having a first edge (306c) and a second edge (306d); and
c. a lever (400) coupled to the inner tube (300), the lever (400) configured to move between a first position (502) and a second position (504);
d. wherein in response to the movement of the lever (400) from the first position (502) toward the second position (504), the slit (306) is configured to expand;
e. wherein in response to the movement of the lever (400) from the second position (504) toward the first position (502), the slit (306) is configured to narrow.
2. The medical assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
a. the barrel (200) comprises a head (220) coupled to a proximal end of the shaft (210), the head (220) comprising a slot (226) extending partially along the circumference of the head (220), the slot (226) having an opening (228) and a sliding surface (232); and
b. the lever (400) comprises:
i. a first member (402) coupled to an outer surface of the inner tube (300),
ii. a second member (404) disposed within the opening (228) of the slot (226); and
iii. a third member (406) resting on the sliding surface (232) and configured to slide on the sliding surface (232) between the first position (502) and the second position (504).
3. The medical assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the medical assembly (100) comprises a locking member (224) coupled to a proximal end (220a) of the head (220) and comprising a hole (224a) configured to receive the elongated member (602) of the endoscope (600).
4. The medical assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein in response to the movement of the third member (406) of the lever (400) from the first position (502) towards the second position (504), the first member (402) of the lever (400) is configured to move the first edge (306c) of the slit (306) away from the second edge (306d) of the slit (306) and wherein in response to the movement of the third member (406) of the lever (400) from the second position (504) towards the first position (502), the first member (402) of the lever (400) is configured to move the first edge (306c) of the slit (306) towards the second edge (306d) of the slit (306).
5. The medical assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first member (402) of the lever (400) extends beyond the proximal end of the inner tube (300) in a proximal direction.
6. The medical assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shaft (210) comprises at least one ridge (214) provided on an inner surface of the shaft (210) and extending at least partially along the length of the shaft (210) and the inner tube (300) comprises at least projection (304) provided on an outer surface of the inner tube (300) and extending partially along the length of the inner tube (300), wherein each of the at least one projection (304) is configured to mate with a corresponding one of the at least one ridge (214).
7. The medical assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shaft (210) comprises at least one groove provided on an inner surface of the shaft (210) and extending at least partially along the length of the shaft (210) and the inner tube (300) comprises at least projection (304) provided on an outer surface of the inner tube (300) and extending partially along the length of the inner tube (300), wherein each of the at least groove is configured to receive and couple with a corresponding projection (304) of the at least projection (304) of the inner tube (300).
8. The medical assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the medical assembly (100) comprises a grip (606) provided on an outer surface of the elongated member (602) towards a proximal end of the endoscope (600), the grip (606) comprising a plurality of ridges arranged in a predefined pattern.
9. The medical assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the endoscope (600) comprises one of: a bronchoscope, a colonoscope, a cystoscope, or an arthroscope.