Endoscopic handle attachment for use with suture based closure device

An endoscopic handle attachment that is adapted to be secured to an endoscope having a working channel and used in combination with a suture device adapted to extend through the working channel, the suture device including a translation assembly axially translatable within the working channel and a distal assembly and adapted to pass a needle back and forth between the translation assembly and the distal assembly, the suture device including a proximal handle and a translation handle slidingly coupled to the proximal handle and operably coupled to the translation assembly, the endoscopic handle attachment comprising:

• a backbone adapted to conform to an outer surface of the endoscope, the backbone including one or more attachment features that are adapted to enable the endoscopic handle attachment to be releasably secured to the endoscope proximate a handle region of the endoscope;
• a primary arm extending radially outwardly from the backbone;
• a suture device attachment member coupled to the primary arm and adapted to releasably secure the proximal handle of the suture device such that the translation handle may be moved relative to the proximal handle without an operator needing to separately hold the proximal handle;
• and
• a secondary device attachment member coupled to the primary arm and adapted to releasably engage a handle of a secondary device adapted to be used in combination with the suture device.

A suture assembly for use in combination with an endoscope having a working channel and a distal end, the suture assembly comprising:

• a translation assembly axially translatable within the working channel and including:
• a needle configured to carry a suture;
• a distal shuttle configured to releasably secure the needle;
• and
• a sleeve disposable over the distal shuttle, the sleeve movable between a locked position in which the needle is secured to the distal shuttle and an unlocked position in which the needle is releasable from the distal shuttle;
• a distal endcap securable to the distal end of the endoscope and configured to engage the needle when the needle is advanced distally into the endcap and to release the needle when the needle is locked to the distal shuttle and the distal shuttle is withdrawn proximally;
• a proximal handle;
• a translating handle slidingly disposed relative to the proximal handle and operably coupled to the translation assembly;
• a backbone adapted to conform to an outer surface of the endoscope and to be releasably secured to the endoscope proximate an instrument channel port of the endoscope;
• an arm extending radially outwardly from the backbone;
• a suture assembly attachment member coupled to the arm and adapted to releasably secure the proximal handle such that the translation handle may be moved relative to the proximal handle without an operator needing to separately hold the proximal handle;
• and a secondary device attachment member coupled to the arm for securing a handle of a secondary device used in combination with the suture assembly.