Endoscope system comprising sheathing canal

Abstract

The endoscope system comprises the sheathing canal, one end of the sheathing canal is connected with a handle, the other end of the sheathing canal is slidably connected with a head end fixing ring, and a flexible channel is connected between the head end fixing ring and the sheathing canal; an endoscope channel and a suction channel are arranged in the sheath tube, the endoscope channel and the sheath tube are eccentrically arranged, the suction channel has a crescent outline, and the front end of the endoscope is arranged in the endoscope channel in a penetrating manner; the head end fixing ring comprises an inner ring and an outer ring, the outer wall of one side of the inner ring is tangent to the inner wall of the outer ring, a crescent channel is formed between the outer wall of the other side of the inner ring and the inner wall of the outer ring, and the inner ring sleeves the periphery of the endoscope and can axially move along the endoscope; the two ends of the flexible channel are fixedly connected with the crescent channel and the suction channel respectively, in the initial state, the flexible channel is folded in the suction channel, and the head end fixing ring moves away from the far end of the sheathing canal to enable the flexible channel to be unfolded into a tubular working channel. On the basis that the size of the head end of the endoscope is not changed, a stable and larger suction channel is provided, and discharging of large stones is facilitated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and more specifically to an endoscope system including a sheath. Background Technology

[0002] When using a ureteroscope (hereinafter referred to as endoscope A) in conjunction with a ureteral access sheath (hereinafter referred to as sheath B) for lithotripsy, if... Figure 1 As shown, endoscope A is placed in sheath B. Stones are discharged with the water flow through the gap between the inner wall of sheath B and the outer wall of endoscope A. Because the position of endoscope A in sheath B is not fixed, the size of the gap between the inner wall of sheath B and the outer wall of endoscope A is constantly changing. Large stones cannot be discharged smoothly through this gap. Only when... Figure 2 As shown, only by tightly fixing one side of the outer wall of endoscope A to the inner wall of sheath B can a relatively large gap be achieved between the inner wall of sheath B and the outer wall of endoscope A, facilitating the smooth passage of large stones. However, simply fixing endoscope A to sheath B results in an increase in the overall outer diameter of the endoscopic system (the outer diameter of the sheath becomes the outer diameter of the endoscope). Currently, during surgery, the endoscope is usually inserted into the ureter first under the guidance of a guidewire to observe the condition inside the ureter, and then a decision is made as needed whether to insert the sheath. That is, the sheath is smoothly inserted into the body guided by the first inserted endoscope. When the endoscope and sheath are fixed, the outer diameter of the endoscopic system increases, often making it difficult to insert smoothly into the body. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides an endoscope system including a sheath, which integrates the endoscope and the sheath into one unit, providing a stable and larger suction channel space.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0005] An endoscope system including a sheath includes a circular sheath, one end of which is connected to a handle and the other end is slidably connected to a head-end fixing ring, and a flexible channel is connected between the head-end fixing ring and the sheath.

[0006] The sheath has an endoscope channel and a suction channel along a direction parallel to its axis. The endoscope channel is circular. In cross-section, the endoscope channel is eccentrically positioned with respect to the sheath. The suction channel is located on one side of the endoscope channel and has a crescent-shaped outline that surrounds part of the outline of the endoscope channel. The endoscope tip passes through the endoscope channel.

[0007] The head-end fixing ring includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring is fitted inside the outer ring and one side of the outer wall of the inner ring is tangent to the inner wall of the outer ring. A crescent-shaped channel is formed between the other side of the outer wall of the inner ring and the inner wall of the outer ring. The inner ring is fitted around the periphery of the endoscope and can move along the axis of the endoscope.

[0008] The flexible channel is fixed at its distal end to the crescent-shaped channel of the head-end fixing ring and at its proximal end to the suction channel of the sheath. In the initial state, the flexible channel is folded inside the suction channel of the sheath. The head-end fixing ring moves away from the distal end of the sheath, causing the flexible channel to extend from the folded state inside the sheath to the distal end and unfold into a tubular working channel.

[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the head end fixing ring is connected to the sheath via a linear drive assembly. The linear drive assembly is used to connect the head end fixing ring and the sheath, and to drive the head end fixing ring to move along the axial direction of the sheath.

[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the linear drive assembly includes a set of connecting rods, with the distal end of the connecting rods fixed to the head end fixing ring, and the proximal end passing through the sheath tube and connected to the push rod slidably connected to the handle; when the push rod moves to the distal end, it drives the head end fixing ring to move to the distal end through the connecting rod, thereby causing the flexible channel to unfold.

[0011] As a preferred technical solution, two connecting rods are provided, and the two connecting rods are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the endoscope channel of the sheath.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution, a connecting rod channel is provided parallel to its axis inside the wall of the sheath, and the connecting rod passes through the connecting rod channel.

[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the handle is provided with a sliding groove, the push rod is slidably disposed in the sliding groove, and the push rod is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the connecting rod.

[0014] As a preferred technical solution, a damping structure is provided between the push rod and the slide groove.

[0015] As a preferred technical solution, the flexible channel is made of medical polymer material.

[0016] As a preferred technical solution, the flexible channel is made of polyether block polyamide.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution, the wall thickness of the flexible channel is 0.05 to 0.2 mm.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0019] The endoscopic system including a sheath of the present invention integrates the endoscope and the sheath into one unit. The endoscope and the sheath are eccentrically positioned to maximize the radial dimension of one side of the suction channel. The distal end fixing ring of the sheath can move along the axis of the endoscope and drive the flexible channel to unfold. This ensures that in the initial state, only the tip of the endoscope with a smaller outer diameter can be inserted into the ureter, ensuring smooth entry of the endoscope into the human body. Then, as needed, the tip fixing ring is pushed in along the endoscope, and the flexible channel unfolds to form a complete working channel with the suction channel of the sheath. The present invention can provide a larger and more stable suction channel without changing the size of the endoscope tip, which is beneficial for the expulsion of large stones.

[0020] The endoscopic system of the present invention, which includes a sheath, has a head-end fixing ring connected to a push rod slidably mounted on the handle end via a connecting rod that passes through the sheath. Pushing the push rod at the handle end moves the head-end fixing ring, thereby unfolding the flexible channel. The system is simple in structure and easy to operate. A damping structure is provided between the push rod and the sliding groove on the handle, requiring a certain amount of external force to slowly push the push rod. This avoids the risk of accidental impact causing the head-end fixing ring to move, resulting in damage to the ureteral mucosa or even ureteral rupture, thus ensuring high safety. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the endoscope and the sheath in the existing technology;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the combination of an endoscope and a sheath provides the maximum suction channel in existing technologies.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the distal end of the sheath in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the handle end in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the sheath;

[0027] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the head-end fixing ring;

[0028] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Reference numerals: 1-Sheath, 11-Endoscope channel, 12-Aspiration channel, 13-Connecting rod channel, 2-Head end fixing ring, 21-Inner ring, 22-Outer ring, 23-Crescent-shaped channel, 3-Handle, 31-Slide groove, 4-Connecting rod, 5-Push rod, 6-Flexible channel, 7-Endoscope. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely represents selected embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] This experimental example provides an endoscope system including a sheath, such as Figures 3-6 As shown, it includes a circular sheath 1, one end of which is connected to a handle 3, and the other end is slidably connected to a head end fixing ring 2.

[0032] The sheath 1 has an endoscope channel 11 and a suction channel 12 arranged parallel to its axis. The endoscope channel 11 is circular. In cross-section, the endoscope channel 11 is eccentrically positioned with respect to the sheath 1. The suction channel 12 is located on one side of the endoscope channel 11 and has a crescent-shaped outline that surrounds part of the outline of the endoscope channel 11. The front end of the endoscope 7 passes through the endoscope channel 11.

[0033] The head-end fixing ring 2 includes an inner ring 21 and an outer ring 22. The inner ring 21 is fitted inside the outer ring 22 and one side of the outer wall of the inner ring 21 is tangent to the inner wall of the outer ring 22. A crescent-shaped channel 23 is formed between the other side of the outer wall of the inner ring 21 and the inner wall of the outer ring 22. The inner ring 21 is fitted around the periphery of the endoscope 7 and can move along the axial direction of the endoscope 7.

[0034] A flexible channel 6 connects the head-end fixing ring 2 and the sheath 1. The distal end of the flexible channel 6 is fixed to the crescent-shaped channel 23 of the head-end fixing ring 2, and the proximal end is fixed to the suction channel 12 of the sheath 1. In the initial state, the flexible channel 6 is folded inside the suction channel 12 of the sheath 1. The head-end fixing ring 2 moves away from the distal end of the sheath 1, causing the flexible channel 6 to extend and unfold from the folded state inside the sheath 1 into a tubular working channel. Preferably, the flexible channel 6 is made of a medical polymer material, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or polyether block polyamide (Pebax); preferably, polyether block polyamide is used, and the wall thickness of the flexible channel 6 is 0.05-0.2 mm, preferably 0.1 mm.

[0035] In one specific embodiment, the head-end fixing ring 2 is connected to the sheath 1 via a linear drive assembly. The linear drive assembly connects the head-end fixing ring 2 and the sheath 1 and drives the head-end fixing ring 2 to move along the axial direction of the sheath 1. Specifically, the linear drive assembly includes a set of connecting rods 4. The distal end of the connecting rod 4 is fixed to the head-end fixing ring 2, and the proximal end passes through the sheath 1 and is connected to a push rod 5 slidably connected to the handle 3. When the push rod 5 moves distally, it drives the head-end fixing ring 2 to move distally through the connecting rod 4, thereby causing the flexible channel 6 to unfold. Preferably, there are two connecting rods 4, which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the endoscope channel 11 of the sheath 1. Preferably, a connecting rod channel 13 is provided parallel to the axis of the sheath 1, and the connecting rod 4 passes through the connecting rod channel 13. The handle 3 is provided with a groove 31, and the push rod 5 is slidably disposed in the groove 31, and the push rod 5 is fixed to the proximal end of the connecting rod 4. Preferably, a damping structure is provided between the push rod 5 and the slide groove 31. For example, an elastic damping material is provided in the slide groove 31 to increase the friction between the push rod 5 and the slide groove 31. The elastic damping material can be rubber, silicone, or other materials. The push rod 5 can be slowly pushed under the action of a certain external force to avoid accidental collision with the push rod 5, which could cause the head fixing ring 2 to move, resulting in damage to the ureteral mucosa or even ureteral rupture.

[0036] In the initial state, the push rod 5 on the endoscope handle 3 is at the side furthest from the tip of the endoscope 7. The two connecting rods 4 connected to the push rod 5 also pull the tip fixing ring 2, which is fixed to it, to the distal end of the sheath 1. The flexible channel 6, which is bonded to the tip fixing ring 2, is folded inside the crescent-shaped suction channel 12 of the sheath 1. First, the endoscope 7 is inserted into the human body. During the insertion process, the condition inside the ureter can be observed. Then, the push rod 5 on the handle 3 is pushed to move closer to the tip of the endoscope 7. The connecting rods 4 and the tip fixing ring 2 also move towards the tip of the endoscope 7. The flexible channel 6, which is bonded to the tip fixing ring 2, is pulled out and unfolded from the crescent-shaped suction channel 12 of the sheath 1, finally unfolding into a complete working channel. The working state after the flexible channel 6 is fully unfolded is as follows: Figure 7 As shown.

[0037] This invention integrates the endoscope and the sheath into one unit, with the endoscope and sheath being eccentrically positioned to maximize the radial dimension of the suction channel on one side. The head fixing ring at the front end of the sheath can move along the axis of the endoscope and drive the flexible channel to unfold. This ensures that in the initial state, only the endoscope can be inserted into the ureter, and then the head fixing ring can be pushed in along the endoscope as needed. The unfolded flexible channel forms a complete working channel with the suction channel of the sheath, providing a larger suction channel, which is beneficial for the expulsion of large stones.

[0038] Of course, the present invention may have other various embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and essence of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various corresponding changes and modifications according to the present invention, but these corresponding changes and modifications should all fall within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An endoscope system comprising a sheath, characterized in that: It includes a circular sheath (1), one end of which is connected to a handle (3), and the other end is slidably connected to a head end fixing ring (2), and a flexible channel (6) is connected between the head end fixing ring (2) and the sheath (1); The sheath (1) is provided with an endoscope channel (11) and a suction channel (12) along a direction parallel to its axis. The endoscope channel (11) is circular. In cross-section, the endoscope channel (11) is eccentrically positioned with respect to the sheath (1). The suction channel (12) is located on one side of the endoscope channel (11) and has a crescent-shaped outline surrounding part of the outline of the endoscope channel (11). The front end of the endoscope (7) passes through the endoscope channel (11). The head-end fixing ring (2) includes an inner ring (21) and an outer ring (22). The inner ring (21) is fitted inside the outer ring (22) and one side of the outer wall of the inner ring (21) is tangent to the inner wall of the outer ring (22). A crescent-shaped channel (23) is formed between the other side of the outer wall of the inner ring (21) and the inner wall of the outer ring (22). The inner ring (21) is fitted around the outer periphery of the endoscope (7) and can move along the axis of the endoscope (7). The flexible channel (6) is fixed at its distal end to the crescent-shaped channel (23) of the head-end fixing ring (2) and at its proximal end to the suction channel (12) of the sheath (1). In the initial state, the flexible channel (6) is folded inside the suction channel (12) of the sheath (1). The head-end fixing ring (2) moves away from the distal end of the sheath (1) so that the flexible channel (6) extends from the folded state inside the sheath (1) to the distal end and unfolds into a tubular working channel.

2. The endoscope system including a sheath according to claim 1, characterized in that: The head end fixing ring (2) is connected to the sheath (1) via a linear drive assembly. The linear drive assembly is used to connect the head end fixing ring (2) and the sheath (1) and drive the head end fixing ring (2) to move along the axial direction of the sheath (1).

3. The endoscope system including a sheath according to claim 2, characterized in that: The linear drive assembly includes a set of connecting rods (4), with the distal end of the connecting rod (4) fixed to the head end fixing ring (2), and the proximal end passing through the sheath (1) and connected to the push rod (5) slidably connected to the handle (3); when the push rod (5) moves to the distal end, it drives the head end fixing ring (2) to move to the distal end through the connecting rod (4), thereby driving the flexible channel (6) to unfold.

4. The endoscope system including a sheath according to claim 3, characterized in that: There are two connecting rods (4), which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the endoscope channel (11) of the sheath (1).

5. The endoscope system including a sheath according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sheath (1) has a connecting rod channel (13) running through its wall parallel to its axis, and the connecting rod (4) passes through the connecting rod channel (13).

6. The endoscope system including a sheath according to claim 3, characterized in that: The handle (3) is provided with a groove (31), the push rod (5) is slidably disposed in the groove (31), and the push rod (5) is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the connecting rod (4).

7. The endoscope system including a sheath according to claim 6, characterized in that: A damping structure is provided between the push rod (5) and the slide (31).

8. The endoscope system including a sheath according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible channel (6) is made of medical polymer material.

9. The endoscope system including a sheath according to claim 8, characterized in that: The flexible channel (6) is made of polyether block polyamide.

10. The endoscope system comprising a sheath according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The wall thickness of the flexible channel (6) is 0.05 to 0.2 mm.

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