Articulation joint for a medical device

Abstract

A video endoscope system includes a reusable control cabinet and an endoscope that is connectable thereto. The endoscope may be used with a single patient and then disposed. The endoscope includes an illumination mechanism, an image sensor, and an elongate shaft having one or more lumens located therein. An articulation joint at the distal end of the endoscope allows the distal end to be oriented by the actuators in the control cabinet or actuators in a control handle of the endoscope. Fluidics, electrical, navigation, image, display and data entry controls are integrated into the system along with other accessories.

1 - 8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . An articulation joint, comprising:
 an elongate member;   a central lumen disposed through the elongate member;   a plurality of lumens disposed through a wall of the elongate member; and   the elongate member including a plurality of living hinges, wherein:
 each living hinge is disposed between a pair of opposing apertures in the wall of the elongate member; and 
 longitudinally adjacent living hinges are circumferentially offset from each other. 
   
     
     
         10 . The articulation joint of  claim 9 , wherein longitudinally adjacent living hinges are disposed about 90° from one another. 
     
     
         11 . The articulation joint of  claim 9 , wherein longitudinally adjacent living hinges are disposed about 120° from one another. 
     
     
         12 . The articulation joint of  claim 9 , wherein the opposing apertures are V-shaped. 
     
     
         13 . The articulation joint of  claim 9 , wherein each living hinge has a closing angle of about 30°. 
     
     
         14 . The articulation joint of  claim 9 , wherein:
 the elongate member further includes alternating sections formed from a first material and a second material; and   the first material has a higher durometer than the second material.   
     
     
         15 . The articulation joint of  claim 14 , further including a plurality of lumens extending through the elongate member along a longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of lumens are disposed only through sections formed from the first material. 
     
     
         16 . The articulating joint of  claim 9 , further including a plurality of lumens extending through the elongate member along a longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of lumens are disposed through a widest spacing of each of the plurality of living hinges. 
     
     
         17 . The articulating joint of  claim 9 , further including a plurality of lumens extending through the elongate member along a longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of lumens are offset from each of the plurality of living hinges.