A digestive tract expander

Abstract

The present invention provides a digestive tract expander, comprising a traction rope, a bracket with an open state and a closed state, the distal end of which is fixedly arranged with the distal end of the traction rope, a push tube slidably sleeved on the traction rope and the distal end of which is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the bracket, a sheath tube slidably sleeved on the push tube, and an operating handle fixedly connected to the proximal end of the sheath tube, the operating handle comprising a shell fixedly connected to the sheath tube, a slider slidably connected to the shell, and a control button connected to the slider and capable of driving the slider to slide, and the push tube is fixedly connected to the slider. The present invention has a simple structure, convenient operation, and obvious effect. It can expand the digestive tract radially and help loosen trapped foreign matter from the mucosal layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention particularly relates to a digestive tract expander. Background Art

[0002] Endoscopic removal of esophageal foreign bodies is one of the most common outpatient and emergency endoscopic procedures, and complex cases may even require hospitalization. The esophagus has three physiological strictures: at the entrance, at the intersection with the aortic arch and left main bronchus, and at the esophageal hiatus in the diaphragm. Foreign bodies are prone to becoming lodged in these strictures. The first stricture, the narrowest part of the esophagus, is also the most common location for esophageal foreign bodies to become lodged. An analysis of 1,190 patients hospitalized for esophageal foreign bodies between July 2011 and July 2017 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University showed that 70% of esophageal foreign bodies became lodged in these strictures.

[0003] The sources of esophageal foreign bodies vary and are geographically distributed. In the inland areas of the Central Plains, the main sources of esophageal foreign bodies are date pits and chicken bones, accounting for 52% of the total. In coastal areas, fish bones (fish bones, turtle shells, shrimp and crab shells, etc.) account for over 43%. A common characteristic of these foreign bodies is their sharp ends, which can easily damage the esophageal mucosa and lead to more serious complications.

[0004] Gastrointestinal endoscopy is the primary treatment for esophageal foreign body incarceration. However, because incarcerated foreign bodies often have sharp ends that penetrate the esophageal mucosa, direct removal using current devices such as forceps is difficult. Forcefully pulling the foreign body upward or pushing it downward can easily further damage the esophageal mucosa, potentially leading to more serious complications.

[0005] The main problem with existing technology for treating esophageal foreign bodies is that it can only apply force perpendicular to the esophagus (pulling or pushing in), but not horizontally (opening the esophagus to the sides). If there were a device that could open the esophagus horizontally along the long axis of the foreign body, it could separate the sharp end of the foreign body from the esophageal mucosa without further damage to the mucosa. Furthermore, the device could change direction under the influence of gravity, esophageal peristalsis, and / or external forces, making it easier to position the sharp end of the foreign body perpendicular to the esophagus. This would allow for safer removal of the foreign body using devices such as forceps. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In response to the above problems, the present invention proposes a digestive tract expander that can expand the esophagus in the radial direction, thereby helping to loosen trapped foreign matter from the mucosal layer without affecting the surgical operation of the surgeon.

[0007] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0008] A digestive tract expander comprises a traction rope, a bracket with an open state and a folded state, the distal end of which is fixedly arranged with the distal end of the traction rope, a push tube slidably sleeved on the traction rope and the distal end of which is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the bracket, a sheath tube slidably sleeved on the push tube, and an operating handle fixedly connected to the proximal end of the sheath tube. The operating handle comprises a shell fixedly connected to the sheath tube, a slider slidably connected to the shell, and a control button connected to the slider and capable of driving the slider to slide. The push tube is fixedly connected to the slider.

[0009] When the digestive tract expander of the present invention is not in operation, the stent is constrained within the sheath and remains in a retracted state. During use, the operator can, with the help of a laryngoscope, insert the sheath into the patient's digestive tract distal to the foreign body. The operator then operates the control knob to drive the slider to slide distally, thereby driving the push tube to slide distally, causing the stent to extend from the sheath. The stent self-expands to an open state, providing support for the digestive tract. Since the stent has pores in the open state, it ensures unobstructed air flow within the digestive tract without affecting the operator's observation of the distal mucosal state of the digestive tract. After the device is removed, the operator pulls back the control knob to drive the slider to slide proximally, thereby driving the push tube to slide proximally, thereby retracting the stent back into the sheath, allowing the entire device to be easily removed from the digestive tract.

[0010] Preferably, the stent is made of a metal (such as nickel-titanium alloy) with memory effect and superelasticity, or a non-metallic material that can achieve self-expansion.

[0011] Preferably, when in the open state, the stent is cage-shaped, and is shaped to be cage-shaped when expanded during production. In order to adapt to different digestive tract sizes, the diameter of the stent in the expanded state can have various sizes.

[0012] Preferably, the push tube passes through the slider, and the operating handle also includes a first elastic member which is sleeved on the push tube and whose two ends are respectively against the proximal end of the slider or the control button and the shell, thereby assisting in driving the slider and the push tube to move toward the distal end.

[0013] Preferably, the traction rope passes through the slider, and the operating handle also includes a knob rotatably connected to the shell, a limit block rotatably connected to the knob and capable of moving along the axial direction of the shell as the knob is rotated, and a second elastic member with two ends respectively connected to the limit block and the traction rope. When the operating knob is operated to release the bracket but fine adjustment is still required, the knob can be rotated to apply tension to the traction rope, thereby fine-tuning the supporting force and support radius of the bracket.

[0014] Further preferably, the knob and the housing are rotationally connected via a thread.

[0015] Preferably, the control button includes a push button that can be slidably connected to the shell along the axial direction of the shell, a first top block located at the distal end of the push button, a second top block located at the proximal end of the push button, and an avoidance groove formed on the first top block and the second top block for avoiding the push tube. The slider is clamped between the first top block and the second top block so that the slider can slide together with the control button along the axial direction of the shell.

[0016] Further preferably, the operating handle further comprises a locking assembly disposed between the control button and the housing to lock the relative position of the two, and a third elastic member configured to enable the control button to move toward a locked state with the housing. Under the elastic force of the third elastic member, the control button is naturally pushed outward against the housing, at which point the locking assembly is in a locked state, preventing the control button from sliding axially along the housing. When the operator presses the control button, the control button slides inward relative to the housing, placing the locking assembly in an unlocked state. At this point, the control button can slide axially along the housing and slot into the bracket, transitioning between an open state and a retracted state.

[0017] More preferably, the control button also includes a platform whose inner side is fixedly connected to the first top block and the second top block respectively, and a boss fixedly connected to the outer side of the platform and extending radially along the shell, and the boss is fixedly connected to the push button; the locking assembly includes a first tooth formed on the outer side of the platform, and a second tooth formed on the inner surface of the shell and capable of engaging with the first tooth; the third elastic member is arranged between the platform and the slider; when the first tooth and the second tooth are engaged, the locking assembly is in a locked state; when the first tooth and the second tooth are separated, the locking assembly is in an unlocked state.

[0018] More preferably, the avoidance groove is in the shape of an elongated strip, and the length direction of the avoidance groove is consistent with the direction of the elastic force of the third elastic member, so that when the control button is switched between the locked state and the unlocked state, the control button can slide radially relative to the slider along the shell without interfering with the slider.

[0019] More preferably, the slider includes a slider body, a wing formed on the slider body and extending outward, a first mounting hole formed on the slider body for mounting the push tube, and a second mounting hole formed on the slider body for mounting the third elastic member. The operating handle also includes a slide groove formed on the shell and capable of cooperating with the wing, so that the slider will not get stuck when sliding along the axial direction of the shell; the push tube and the traction rope pass through the first mounting hole, and the push tube can be fixed to the slider by bonding or screwing.

[0020] Preferably, the digestive tract expander further comprises an oval guide fixedly arranged at the distal end of the traction rope to reduce damage to the mucosa and other tissues when the instrument moves in the cavity.

[0021] Preferably, the push tube includes but is not limited to a hypotube, a snake tube, a gooseneck tube, a spiral tube, a metal mesh reinforced PTFE tube, and other hollow tubes whose longitudinal stiffness is much greater than the vertical axial stiffness. The material of the push tube may be stainless steel or other tough metals or non-metals, etc., which can provide a reliable pushing force in the axial direction and ensure radial flexibility to meet the needs of the device moving back and forth in the complete digestive tract.

[0022] The distal and proximal ends in this article are defined as the end away from the operator and the proximal end close to the operator when the operator operates the digestive tract expander. The inner end is the direction relatively close to the axis of the operating handle, and the outer end is the direction relatively far from the axis of the operating handle.

[0023] Due to the implementation of the above technical solution, the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0024] The invention has a simple structure, is easy to operate, and has obvious effects. It can expand the digestive tract in the radial direction, and helps to loosen the incarcerated foreign matter from the mucosal layer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the digestive tract stent according to a specific embodiment when it is not in operation (i.e. the stent is retracted into the sheath);

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a digestive tract stent according to a specific embodiment in a working state (i.e., the stent is opened);

[0027] Figure 3 It is a partial cross-sectional view of the operating handle;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a partial exploded view of the operating handle;

[0029] Figure 5 is a three-dimensional diagram of the slider;

[0030] Figure 6 is a three-dimensional diagram of a control button;

[0031] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bracket in a folded state;

[0032] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the bracket in the open state;

[0033] Among them, 1. operating handle; 2. sheath; 3. bracket; 4. push tube; 5. traction rope; 6. guide; 11. shell; 12. control button; 13. slider; 14. third elastic member; 15. knob; 16. slide groove; 17. first elastic member; 18. limit block; 19. second elastic member; 121. push button; 122. boss; 123. platform; 124. first tooth; 125. second tooth; 126. first top block; 127. second top block; 128. avoidance groove; 131. slider body; 132. wing; 133. first mounting hole; 134. second mounting hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following examples are provided to illustrate several specific embodiments of the present invention, but are not intended to limit the present invention to these specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention encompasses all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the scope of the claims.

[0035] Structures not described in detail in the present invention are conventional technical means in this field.

[0036] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, a digestive tract expander is composed of an operating handle 1, a sheath 2, a bracket 3, a push tube 4, a traction rope 5 and other components.

[0037] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the operating handle 1 is composed of components such as a housing 11, a control button 12, a slider 13, and a knob 15.

[0038] like Figure 5As shown, the slider 13 includes a slider body 131, wings 132 formed on the front and rear sides of the slider body 131 and extending outward, a first mounting hole 133 formed on the slider body 131 for mounting the push tube 4, and a second mounting hole 134 formed on the upper surface of the slider body 131 for mounting the third elastic member 14. The first mounting hole 133 is a through hole that passes through the left and right ends (i.e., the proximal end and the distal end) of the slider body 131, and there are preferably two second mounting holes 134, so as to better support the control button 12. The directional words such as front, back, left, and right mentioned here are based on Figure 5 The direction is limited.

[0039] like Figure 3 As shown, the operating handle 1 further includes a slide groove 16 formed on the housing 11 and capable of cooperating with the wing portion 132, ensuring that the slider 13 can move smoothly within the slide groove 16 without getting stuck. The extension direction of the slide groove 16 is consistent with the axial direction of the operating handle 1. The push tube 4 and the traction cable 5 pass through the first mounting hole 133, and the push tube 4 can be fixed to the slider 13 by bonding or screwing. Therefore, when the slider 13 slides within the slide groove 16, it can drive the push tube 4 toward the distal end or the proximal end.

[0040] like Figure 6 As shown, the control button 12 includes a push button 121 for the operator's finger to place and push, and a boss 122 fixedly connected to the inner surface of the push button 121. The plane formed between the inner surface of the push button 121 and the boss 122 can cooperate with the outer surface of the mounting groove on the housing 11 and slide thereon. The control button 12 also includes a platform 123 fixedly connected to the other side of the boss 122. The outer surface of the platform 123 is formed with a first tooth 124, and the inner surface of the mounting groove of the housing 11 is formed with a second tooth 125. The first tooth 124 and the second tooth 125 constitute a locking assembly that can engage and lock with each other. When the first tooth 124 and the second tooth 125 are engaged, the locking assembly is in a locked state; when the first tooth 124 and the second tooth 125 are separated, the locking assembly is in an unlocked state. The control knob 12 also includes a first top block 126 fixedly connected to the distal end of the inner side surface of the platform 123, and a second top block 127 fixedly connected to the proximal end of the inner side surface of the platform 123. The slider 13 is clamped between the first top block 126 and the second top block 127, so that the slider 13 can slide along the axial direction of the control knob 12 along the housing 11. Long strip-shaped avoidance grooves 128 are formed at corresponding positions of the first top block 126 and the second top block 127.

[0041] like Figure 4As shown, two third elastic members 14 are provided between the platform 123 of the control button 12 and the slider 13, which enable the control button 12 to move toward a state locked with the shell 11. The length direction of the avoidance groove 128 is consistent with the direction in which the control button 12 slides to unlock and the direction of the elastic force of the third elastic member 14, so that when the control button 12 switches between the locked state and the unlocked state, the control button 12 can slide relative to the slider 13 along the radial direction of the shell 11 without interfering with the slider 13. Under the elastic force of the third elastic member 14, the control button 12 is pushed outward and pressed against the shell 11 in a natural state, and the first tooth 124 and the second tooth 125 are engaged. At this time, the locking assembly is in a locked state, and the control button 12 cannot slide axially along the shell 11; when the operator presses the control button 12, the control button 12 slides inward relative to the shell 11 until the first tooth 124 and the second tooth 125 are disengaged, and the inner surface of the push button 121 cooperates with the outer surface of the mounting groove on the shell 11. At this time, the locking assembly is in an unlocked state, and due to the presence of the avoidance groove 128, the radial sliding of the control button 12 will not cause the movement of the slider 13. Then, when the operator pushes the push button 121 axially, the slider 13 is driven to slide axially along the shell 11 under the action of the first top block 126 and the second top block 127, thereby causing the push tube 4 and the traction rope 5 to move toward the distal end or proximal end, thereby causing the bracket 3 to switch between the open state and the retracted state.

[0042] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, the digestive tract stent includes an oval or conical guide 6 fixed to the distal end of a traction cable 5 to minimize damage to the mucosa and other tissues during intraluminal movement. The distal end of the stent 3 is fixedly connected to the guide 6 or traction cable 5, while the proximal end is fixedly connected to the distal end of the push tube 4. The stent 3 has both an open and a closed state and is manufactured to assume a cage-like shape when expanded. To accommodate varying digestive tract sizes, the stent 3 can have a variety of diameters when expanded. Stent 3 is constructed from self-expanding materials such as memory alloys like nickel-titanium, superelastic metals, and non-metallic materials.

[0043] The push tube 4 is slidably mounted on the traction cable 5, which can be made of stainless steel or other materials. The push tube 4 includes, but is not limited to, hollow tubing materials such as hypotubes, snake tubes, gooseneck tubes, spiral tubes, and metal mesh-reinforced PTFE tubes, with longitudinal stiffness significantly greater than vertical axial stiffness. The push tube 4 can be made of stainless steel or other flexible metals or non-metals. It can provide reliable axial pushing force while also ensuring radial flexibility to accommodate the forward and backward movement of the device within the complete digestive tract.

[0044] The sheath tube 2 is slidably sleeved on the push tube 4 , and the proximal end of the sheath tube 2 is fixedly connected to the housing 11 of the operating handle 1 .

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the push tube 4 and the traction cable 5 pass through the avoidance groove 128 and the first mounting hole 133. The first elastic member 17 is sleeved on the push tube 4, and its two ends are respectively abutted against the proximal end of the second top block 127 and the housing 11. The traction cable 5 further extends out of the push tube 4. The operating handle 1 also includes a knob 15 rotatably connected to the housing 11 via a thread, a limit block 18 rotatably connected to the knob 15 and capable of moving along the axial direction of the housing 11 as the knob 15 rotates, and a second elastic member 19 whose two ends are respectively connected to the limit block 18 and the traction cable 5. When the control knob 12 is operated to release the bracket 3, but fine adjustment is still required, the knob 15 can be rotated to apply tension to the traction cable 5, thereby fine-tuning the support force and support radius of the bracket 3.

[0046] When the digestive tract stent of the present invention is not in use, the stent 3 is constrained within the sheath 2, remaining in a collapsed position, with the first teeth 124 and second teeth 125 engaged and locked. During use, the operator, with the aid of a laryngoscope, inserts the sheath 2 into the patient's digestive tract distal to the foreign body. The operator then presses the control button 12 to disengage the first and second teeth 124, 125. The operator then pushes the push button 121 further distally. The control button 12 causes the slider 13 to slide distally, which in turn causes the push tube 4 to slide distally, allowing the stent 3 to extend from the sheath 2. The stent 3 then expands to its open position, providing support for the digestive tract. Because the stent 3 has apertures in its open position, it ensures unobstructed airway flow within the digestive tract without hindering the operator's observation of the distal mucosal condition. After removal, the operator pulls back the control button 12, causing the slider 13 to slide proximally, which in turn causes the push tube 4 to slide proximally, allowing the stent 3 to retract into the sheath 2, allowing the entire device to be easily removed from the digestive tract.

[0047] The present invention includes but is not limited to the above embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain more embodiments within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A digestive tract expander, characterized by: The invention comprises a traction rope, a bracket with an open state and a folded state, a distal end of which is fixedly arranged on the distal end of the traction rope, a push tube slidably sleeved on the traction rope and the distal end of which is fixedly connected to the proximal end of the bracket, a sheath tube slidably sleeved on the push tube, and an operating handle fixedly connected to the proximal end of the sheath tube, the operating handle comprising a shell fixedly connected to the sheath tube, a slider slidably connected to the shell, and a control button connected to the slider and capable of driving the slider to slide, the push tube is fixedly connected to the slider; when in the open state, the bracket is cage-shaped; The traction rope passes through the slider, and the operating handle further includes a knob rotatably connected to the housing, a limit block rotatably connected to the knob and capable of moving along the axial direction of the housing as the knob rotates, and a second elastic member having two ends respectively connected to the limit block and the traction rope; The knob and the housing are rotatably connected via a thread; The control button includes a push button that can be slidably connected to the housing along the axial direction of the housing, a first top block located at the distal end of the push button, a second top block located at the proximal end of the push button, and an escape groove formed on the first top block and the second top block for evading the push tube, and the slider is clamped between the first top block and the second top block; The operating handle further includes a locking assembly disposed between the operating button and the housing and capable of locking the relative positions of the two, and a third elastic member that enables the operating button to move toward a locked state with the housing; The control button further includes a platform whose inner side is fixedly connected to the first top block and the second top block respectively, and a boss fixedly connected to the outer side of the platform and extending radially along the shell, wherein the boss is fixedly connected to the push button; the locking assembly includes a first tooth formed on the outer side of the platform, and a second tooth formed on the inner surface of the shell and capable of meshing with the first tooth; the third elastic member is disposed between the platform and the slider; When not in use, the stent is constrained in the sheath and maintains the folded state; when in use, the control button drives the slider, which in turn drives the push tube to slide toward the distal end, causing the stent to extend from the sheath, and the stent self-expands to the open state.

2. The digestive tract expander according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pushing tube passes through the slider, and the operating handle further comprises a first elastic member which is sleeved on the pushing tube and has two ends respectively abutting against the proximal end of the slider or the operating button and the housing.

3. The digestive tract expander according to claim 1, characterized in that: The avoidance groove is in an elongated strip shape, and the length direction of the avoidance groove is consistent with the direction of the elastic force of the third elastic member.

4. The digestive tract expander according to claim 1, characterized in that: The slider includes a slider body, a wing formed on the slider body and extending outward, a first mounting hole formed on the slider body for mounting the push tube, and a second mounting hole formed on the slider body for mounting the third elastic member. The operating handle also includes a sliding groove formed on the shell and capable of cooperating with the wing.

5. The digestive tract expander according to claim 1, characterized in that: The digestive tract expander further includes an oval or conical guide fixedly arranged at the distal end of the traction rope.

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