Actuation Apparatus and Method

Abstract

An endoscopic accessory medical device is provided. The device can include a handle, a flexible shaft, and an end effector. The handle can include an actuator for operating the end effector through a wire or cable pulling member that extends through the flexible shaft. The handle and actuator can be operable with a single hand, such that the operation of the end effector can be accomplished with the same hand that is used to hold the handle and advance the end effector through an endoscope. The handle can include an actuation mechanism that is decoupled from operation of the end effector when the actuator is in a first open position, which becomes operatively coupled to the end effector when the actuator is moved to a second position, such as by squeezing the actuator, and which operates the end effector when the actuator is moved further to a third position.

1 . A medical device comprising:
 a flexible shaft comprising a pulling member movable within the flexible shaft;   a sleeve fixed to a proximal portion of the pulling member;   an actuator apparatus comprising a gripping member for releasably engaging the sleeve;   an end effector operatively associated with a distal end of the pulling member;   wherein the actuator apparatus has a first configuration in which the gripping member is disengaged from the sleeve, and a second configuration wherein the gripping member engages the sleeve.   
   
   
       2 . The medical device of  claim 1  wherein the gripping member comprises a coil spring. 
   
   
       3 . A medical device comprising:
 a flexible shaft capable of being deformed to form a loop;   a control wire movably disposed within the flexible shaft;   an end effector operatively associated with a distal end of the control wire;   an actuator lever movable to provide operation of the end effector; and   an apparatus for providing a pulling force to the proximal end of the control wire, wherein the apparatus releasably engages the proximal end of the control wire in response to movement of the actuator lever.   
   
   
       4 . A method of operating a medical device comprising the steps of:
 obtaining an medical device comprising a flexible shaft, an end effector operatively associated with a distal end of the shaft, the end effector having at least two configurations, an actuator operatively associated with a proximal end of the shaft; and an elongate member extending at least partially through the flexible shaft;   moving the actuator from a first position, wherein movement of the actuator from the first position effects coupling of movement of the actuator with movement of the elongate member;   moving the actuator from a second position, wherein movement of the actuator from the second position is operative to move the elongate member, and wherein movement of the elongate member is effective to change the configuration of the end effector; and   returning the actuator to the first position, wherein returning the actuator to the first position effects decoupling of movement of the actuator from movement of the elongate member.   
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the step of moving the actuator from the second position effects pulling of the elongate member. 
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the actuator is operable from an open configuration to a closed configuration. 
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 4  further comprising the step of placing at least a portion of the flexible shaft in a looped configuration without movement of the actuator and without actuation of the end effector.