Abstract: An endoscope comprises a handpiece housing, an elongate flexible shaft extending from the handpiece housing, a pull wire extending from the handpiece housing into the elongate flexible shaft, and a tensioning mechanism configured to adjust tension in the pull wire. A method for adjusting tension in a pull wire of a controller for an endoscope comprises preparing an endoscope for use before a procedure, adjusting tension in a pull wire for deflecting a flexible elongate shaft of the endoscope to reduce knob dwell, and performing an endoscopic procedure with the endoscope.

Abstract: An articulating medical device including handle and an articulating elongate member extending from the handle. The handle is a housing which includes at least one rotatable member, defining an arcuate track extending for a partial rotation about a center axis of rotation, at least one clamp captured, translatable, and rotatable within the arcuate track, and at least one articulation cable, fastened to the at least one clamp and extending outward from the handle, toward the articulating elongate member, including extending, when under tension, along a first lateral periphery of the at least one rotatable member and within a channel formed in the rotatable member. The at least one clamp translates within the arcuate track to accommodate slack in the at least one articulation cable when the at least one articulation cable is not under tension.

Abstract: An articulating medical device with a handle and an articulating elongate member extending from the handle. The handle has a cavity with at least one first rotatable member. The first rotatable member has a first lever arm and a first termination coupling. Coupled to the termination coupling is at least one first articulation cable. The first lever arm is arranged to limit displacement of slack in the at least one first articulation cable when the at least one first articulation cable is not under tension.

Abstract: An endoscope can include an elongated shaft that includes a distal tip and a displaceable distal region. The endoscope can further include a handle coupled to the elongated shaft and an actuator movable relative to the handle. The endoscope can further include at least one tensioning line extending through at least a proximal portion of the elongated shaft and through a portion of the handle, and the at least one tensioning line can be coupled to the displaceable distal region of the shaft and also can be coupled to the actuator such that movement of the actuator relative to the handle effects angular movement of the displaceable distal region. The endoscope can further include a locking mechanism that prevents angular movement of the displaceable distal region when the locking mechanism is engaged.