Single operator medical device handles and related methods of use

Abstract

The invention is directed to improved handles for medical devices. Embodiments of the invention include handles that allow for the device's introduction, positioning, and actuation with a single hand of an operator, handles that allow an operator to simultaneously position and manipulate two devices relative to each other as well as relative to an additional medical device, such as an endoscope, and handles that allow an operator to simultaneously manipulate an endoscope and an additional medical device without the help of an assistant.

1 . A medical device, comprising:
 a sheath including a lumen, a distal end, and a proximal end;   an end effector unit and an elongate member connected to the end effector unit and extending proximally from the end effector unit within the lumen of the sheath, the end effector unit and sheath movable relative to each other to achieve a first state of the end effector unit when the end effector unit is within the lumen of the sheath and a second state of the end effector unit when the end effector unit extends from the distal end of the sheath; and   a handle connected to the proximal end of the sheath and a proximal end of the elongate member, the handle comprising an actuator to selectively actuate the end effector unit between the first and second states,   wherein the handle is configured to allow a single hand of an operator to simultaneously be positioned to actuate the end effector unit via the actuator and grasp and manipulate the sheath.   
     
     
         2 - 54 . (canceled)