An endo-nasal endoscope with an expanded tip

Abstract

This invention discloses an end-expandable neuroendoscopy, belonging to the field of medical device technology. The invention includes an endoscope body, an end-expanding mechanism, and a control handle. The endoscope body is a hollow tubular structure with an imaging channel, an illumination channel, and an instrument channel inside. Multiple radially extending storage grooves are formed on the distal wall of the tube. The end-expanding mechanism is located inside the endoscope body and includes a drive rod sleeved outside the imaging channel and multiple arc-shaped expansion flaps. One end of the drive rod extends through the control handle, and the other end is hinged to the arc-shaped expansion flaps. In the closed state, the arc-shaped expansion flaps are completely stored in the storage grooves. By rotating the expansion adjustment knob on the control handle, the drive rod can be moved axially, controlling the arc-shaped expansion flaps to flip out or retract from the storage grooves, thus achieving the opening and closing of the end. This invention has a simple and compact structure, allowing for channel establishment and surgical operation to be completed in a single insertion, effectively reducing brain tissue damage and simplifying the surgical procedure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to an end-expandable neuroendoscopy. Background Technology

[0002] Neuroendoscopic surgery is one of the main development directions of modern minimally invasive neurosurgery, with advantages such as minimal trauma, rapid recovery, and good therapeutic effects. In neuroendoscopic surgery, a surgical channel needs to be established from the scalp to the lesion site so that the endoscope and surgical instruments can enter the cranium for manipulation.

[0003] Currently, there are two main methods for establishing surgical access in clinical practice: one is to use a rigid working channel, which involves first puncturing the lesion site with a puncture needle, then gradually expanding the channel, and finally inserting the rigid working channel; the other is to use a balloon dilator, which involves first inserting the balloon into the target position, and then inflating it to create the access.

[0004] However, existing technologies have the following drawbacks: 1. It requires separate dilation instruments and working channels, which increases the number of surgical instruments and the complexity of operation, and prolongs the operation time; 2. The expansion process requires multiple operations, which can easily cause mechanical damage to the surrounding fragile brain tissue, leading to inflammation or edema; 3. The endoscope is separated from the working channel, which requires the channel to be established before the endoscope is inserted, increasing the number of surgical steps and risks; 4. The inner diameter of a rigid working channel is fixed and cannot be flexibly adjusted according to the size of the lesion, while balloon dilators have the risk of rupture and cannot maintain a stable shape after dilation. 5. Some integrated dilatation endoscopes use an external dilatation structure or multiple independent drive rods, which are complex in structure, have high manufacturing costs, and are prone to problems of asynchronous drive.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of neuroendoscopy with a simpler structure and higher reliability, which can integrate the dilation function with the endoscope body without affecting the endoscope's insertion capability, simplifying the surgical procedure, reducing brain tissue damage, and improving surgical safety. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution provided by the present invention is as follows: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an end-expandable neuroendoscopy includes an endoscope body, an end-expanding mechanism, and a control handle. The endoscope body is a hollow tubular structure with an imaging channel, an illumination channel, and an instrument channel inside. The proximal end of the endoscope body is fixedly connected to the control handle, and at least three radially extending storage grooves are formed on the distal end of the tube wall. The storage grooves are evenly distributed along the circumference. The end expansion mechanism is disposed inside the endoscope body and includes a drive rod sleeved outside the imaging channel and at least three arc-shaped expansion flaps; one end of the drive rod extends out of the control handle, and the other end is hinged to one end of the arc-shaped expansion flap, the other end of which is a free end; in the closed state, the arc-shaped expansion flap is completely housed in the receiving groove, and its outer surface is flush with the outer surface of the endoscope body; The control handle is equipped with an expansion adjustment knob, which is sleeved on the drive rod and fixedly connected to the drive rod. By rotating the expansion adjustment knob, the drive rod can be moved axially, thereby controlling the arc-shaped expansion petal to rotate outward around the hinge point and flip out of the storage groove, realizing the opening and closing of the end.

[0007] Furthermore, the width of the receiving groove is slightly greater than the thickness of the arc-shaped expansion petal.

[0008] Furthermore, the number of arc-shaped expansion lobes is three, which are correspondingly arranged in three evenly distributed storage grooves.

[0009] Furthermore, the arc-shaped expansion valve is made of medical-grade flexible polymer material, with a smooth surface and biocompatibility.

[0010] Furthermore, the expansion adjustment knob is threadedly connected to the control handle. The expansion adjustment knob has an external thread on its outer side, and the control handle has an internal thread that mates with the external thread of the expansion adjustment knob. The axial movement of the drive rod is achieved through threaded transmission.

[0011] Furthermore, a limiting block is provided inside the end of the storage groove away from the operating handle to limit the rotation direction of the arc-shaped expansion petal.

[0012] Furthermore, the imaging channel and the end expansion structure are located at the center of the endoscope body, and there are two illumination channels symmetrically distributed on both sides of the imaging channel; the instrument channel is located directly below the imaging channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the position of the arc-shaped expansion of the end expansion structure is offset from the lighting channel.

[0014] Furthermore, a transparent protective cover is provided on the distal end face of the endoscope body, and the transparent protective cover covers the exit of the imaging channel and the illumination channel.

[0015] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are: 1. It adopts a central sleeve type single drive rod structure, which is simple and compact, has low manufacturing cost, and good drive synchronization. 2. It adopts a fully embedded hidden expansion design. When closed, the expansion flap is completely flush with the outer wall of the endoscope body, without increasing the outer diameter and without affecting the endoscope's ability to pass through narrow bone openings and brain tissue gaps, thus reducing the risk of scratching and damaging brain tissue during insertion. 3. The expansion structure is integrated with the endoscope body, eliminating the need for a separate working channel. Channel establishment and surgical procedures can be completed in one insertion, significantly simplifying the surgical process and shortening the operation time. 4. The expansion process is driven by a single drive rod, which is simple to operate, and the operating space can be flexibly adjusted according to the size of the lesion through threaded transmission; 5. The arc-shaped expansion flap is made of flexible material with a smooth surface, which provides uniform pressure on the brain tissue during expansion, significantly reducing mechanical damage to the brain tissue. 6. A limiting block is provided inside the storage groove to restrict the rotation direction of the expansion valve and prevent the expansion valve from reversing. 7. The position of the arc-shaped dilation flap is staggered from the lighting channel to avoid interference with the lighting system when the dilation flap moves, thus ensuring the stability of the surgical lighting; 8. The overall structure is simple and reliable, with no complex transmission mechanism, low failure rate, easy to disinfect and maintain, and suitable for clinical application. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the end-expansion mechanism of the end-expansion neuroendoscopy of the present invention in the closed state. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope body of the end-expanding neuroendoscopy of the present invention in the radial direction. Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope body of the end-expanding neuroendoscopy of the present invention along the axial direction. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the endoscope body in the radial direction with the end expansion mechanism of the end-expanding neuroendoscopy of the present invention in the open state.

[0017] Figure label: 1-Endoscope body, 11-Imaging channel, 12-Illumination channel, 13-Instrument channel, 14-Storage groove, 141-Limiting block, 15-Transparent protective cover, 2-End expansion mechanism, 21-Drive rod, 22-Arc-shaped expansion flap, 3-Control handle, 31-Expansion adjustment knob. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0019] Example: An end-effector neuroendoscopy according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, specifically, it includes an endoscope body 1, an end dilation mechanism 2, and a control handle 3.

[0020] like Figure 2 As shown, the endoscope body 1 is a hollow tubular structure made of medical-grade 304 stainless steel, with a length of 150mm, an outer diameter of 4.0mm, and a wall thickness of 0.4mm. The endoscope body 1 contains an imaging channel 11, two illumination channels 12, and an instrument channel 13. The imaging channel 11 is located at the center of the endoscope body, has a diameter of 1.2mm, and houses a 0° direct-view electronic imaging system. This system is connected to the camera host and monitor via an electronic interface at the rear of the control handle 3, providing clear and stable imaging. The two illumination channels 12 are symmetrically distributed within the imaging channel 11. On both sides (at 90° and 270° positions), an illumination fiber is housed inside to provide uniform, shadow-free surgical illumination; the instrument channel 13 is located directly below the imaging channel 11 (at 180° position) and can accommodate commonly used surgical instruments such as suction devices, bipolar electrocautery, and biopsy forceps; the distal end face of the endoscope body 1 is provided with a transparent protective cover 15, which is made of medical-grade sapphire glass with a thickness of 0.2 mm, covering the exit of the imaging channel 11 and the illumination channel 12 to protect the optical system from contamination by cerebrospinal fluid and blood.

[0021] Three radially extending storage grooves 14 are formed on the distal wall of the endoscope body 1. The storage grooves 14 are evenly distributed along the circumference, spaced at 120° intervals, and located at 0°, 120° and 240° positions respectively, completely offset from the illumination channels 12 on the left and right sides (90° and 270°). The storage grooves 14 are 0.55mm wide, 0.5mm deep and 10mm long. Each storage groove 14 has a limiting block 141 inside at the end (distal end) away from the control handle 3. The limiting block 141 is integrally formed with the endoscope body 1 and is used to limit the rotation direction of the arc-shaped expansion flap 22 to prevent it from reversing.

[0022] like Figure 3As shown, the end expansion mechanism 2 is disposed inside the endoscope body 1, including a drive rod 21 and three arc-shaped expansion flaps 22; the drive rod 21 is a hollow tubular structure made of medical-grade stainless steel, with an inner diameter of 1.3 mm and an outer diameter of 1.5 mm, sleeved on the outside of the imaging channel 11, leaving a gap of 0.05 mm between it and the imaging channel 11, and can slide freely along the axial direction of the imaging channel 11; the proximal end of the drive rod 21 extends through the control handle 3, and the distal end is hinged to the proximal end of the three arc-shaped expansion flaps 22 via a micro pin; the three arc-shaped expansion flaps 22... The arc-shaped expansion flaps 22 are respectively disposed in the three receiving grooves 14, with their distal ends being free ends; the thickness of the arc-shaped expansion flaps 22 is 0.5 mm, slightly smaller than the width of the receiving grooves 14, to ensure smooth insertion and removal; in the closed state, the arc-shaped expansion flaps 22 are completely housed in the receiving grooves 14, with their outer surface flush with the outer surface of the endoscope body 1, without increasing any outer diameter; the arc-shaped expansion flaps 22 are made of medical-grade silicone with a Shore hardness of 50A, a smooth surface, and good biocompatibility, and exert uniform pressure on the brain tissue during expansion.

[0023] The control handle 3 is fixed to the proximal end of the endoscope body 1, and is made of medical ABS plastic injection molding. It conforms to ergonomic design and is easy to hold. The control handle 3 is provided with an expansion adjustment knob 31, which is sleeved on the outside of the proximal end of the drive rod 21 and fixedly connected to the drive rod 21 by welding. The outer side of the expansion adjustment knob 31 is provided with an external thread, and the corresponding position of the control handle 3 is provided with an internal thread that mates with the external thread. The axial movement of the drive rod 21 is realized through thread transmission.

[0024] The method of using the distal dilatation neuroendoscopy is as follows: (1) Preoperative preparation: Check whether the imaging system and illumination system of the neuroendoscopy are normal, repeatedly test the dilation adjustment knob 31 to ensure that the arc-shaped dilation flap 22 can open and close flexibly, and confirm that the dilation flap is completely embedded in the storage groove 14 in the closed state, with the outer surface flush with the endoscope body 1 and no protruding parts. (2) Insertion of endoscope: Adjust the arc-shaped dilation flap 22 to a completely closed state. At this time, the diameter of the end of the neuroendoscopy is still 4.0 mm, which is the same as the outer diameter of the ordinary neuroendoscopy. It is slowly inserted into the cranium through a bone hole with a diameter of about 5 mm on the skull. Under the real-time guidance of the 0° direct imaging system, it is gently passed through the gap between brain tissues to reach the lesion site. (3) Expanding the channel: Slowly rotate the expansion adjustment knob 31 on the control handle 3, which drives the drive rod 21 to move forward axially along the imaging channel 11 via threaded transmission; Figure 4As shown, when the drive rod 21 moves forward, it pushes the three arc-shaped expansion flaps 22 hinged to it to rotate outward around the hinge point and gradually flip out of the receiving groove 14, so that the endoscope tip slowly expands and forms a stable operating space around the lesion; the limiting block 141 at the distal end of the receiving groove 14 can limit the rotation direction of the arc-shaped expansion flaps 22. (4) Surgical operation: The lesion is clearly observed through the monitor, and the corresponding surgical instruments are inserted through the instrument channel 13 to perform lesion removal, hemostasis, irrigation and other operations; during the operation, the arc-shaped expansion valve 22 remains stable, providing a clear operating field and sufficient operating space for the surgical instruments; (5) Remove the endoscope: After the operation, first remove all surgical instruments from the instrument channel 13, then slowly rotate the expansion adjustment knob 31 in the opposite direction to drive the drive rod 21 to move backward, pull the arc-shaped expansion valve 22 to rotate inward, and completely retract it into the storage groove 14 to restore the original diameter of the endoscope tip. Finally, slowly remove the endoscope from the cranium.

[0025] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above. This description is not restrictive, and the accompanying drawings are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. In conclusion, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A distal dilatational neuroendoscopy, characterized in that, It includes an endoscope body (1), an end dilation mechanism (2), and a control handle (3); The endoscope body (1) is a hollow tubular structure with an imaging channel (11), an illumination channel (12) and an instrument channel (13) inside. The proximal end of the endoscope body (1) is fixedly connected to the control handle (3), and at least three radially extending storage grooves (14) are provided on the distal end tube wall. The storage grooves (14) are evenly distributed along the circumferential direction. The end expansion mechanism (2) is located inside the endoscope body (1) and includes a drive rod (21) sleeved outside the imaging channel (11) and at least three arc-shaped expansion flaps (22); one end of the drive rod (21) extends out of the control handle (3) and the other end is hinged to one end of the arc-shaped expansion flap (22), and the other end of the arc-shaped expansion flap (22) is a free end; in the closed state, the arc-shaped expansion flap (22) is completely housed in the receiving groove (14), and its outer surface is flush with the outer surface of the endoscope body (1); The control handle (3) is provided with an expansion adjustment knob (31). The expansion adjustment knob (32) is sleeved on the drive rod (21) and fixedly connected to the drive rod (21). By rotating the expansion adjustment knob (31), the drive rod (21) can be driven to move axially, thereby controlling the arc-shaped expansion petal (22) to rotate outward around the hinge point and flip out from the storage groove (14) to realize the opening and closing of the end.

2. The end-expanding neuroendoscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The width of the receiving groove (14) is slightly greater than the thickness of the arc-shaped expansion petal (22).

3. The distal dilatational neuroendoscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of the arc-shaped expansion petals (22) is three, which are correspondingly arranged in the three evenly distributed storage grooves (14).

4. The distal dilatational neuroendoscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The arc-shaped expansion valve (22) is made of medical flexible polymer material, with a smooth surface and biocompatibility.

5. The distal dilatational neuroendoscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The expansion adjustment knob (31) is threadedly connected to the control handle (3). The outer side of the expansion adjustment knob (31) is provided with an external thread, and the control handle (3) is provided with an internal thread that matches the external thread of the expansion adjustment knob (31). The axial movement of the drive rod (21) is realized through thread transmission.

6. The end-expanding neuroendoscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The storage groove (14) has a limiting block (141) inside the end away from the operating handle (3) to limit the rotation direction of the arc-shaped expansion petal (22).

7. The distal dilatational neuroendoscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging channel (11) and the end expansion structure (2) are located at the center of the endoscope body (1). There are two illumination channels (12), which are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the imaging channel (11). The instrument channel (13) is located directly below the imaging channel (11).

8. The distal dilatational neuroendoscopy according to claim 7, characterized in that, The position of the arc-shaped expansion petal (22) of the end expansion structure (2) is offset from that of the lighting channel (12).

9. The end-expanding neuroendoscopy according to claim 1, characterized in that, The distal end face of the endoscope body (1) is provided with a transparent protective cover (15), which covers the exit of the imaging channel (11) and the illumination channel (12).

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