Insertion assistance device for inserting an object into a guiding device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a penetration assisting device for penetrating an object into a guiding device, wherein the penetration assisting device is configured to be connected to the guiding device and is configured to assist in penetrating the object into the guiding device. Herein, the penetration assisting device has a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first opening and the second opening are interconnected by a wall portion. Herein, the first opening is configured as an inlet for introducing the object into the penetration assisting device, and the second opening is configured as an outlet for exiting the penetration assisting device. Herein, the penetration assisting device includes a sub-guiding device. The sub-guiding device is arranged along the wall portion of the penetration assisting device. Herein, the sub-guiding device extends along the direction from the first opening to the second opening. Herein, the sub-guiding device is configured to assist in guiding the object introduced into the penetration assisting device through the first opening in the direction of the second opening.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a penetration aid for penetrating an object into a guide device. The present invention also relates to a guide device Background Art

[0002] During an interventional medical procedure, it is often necessary to insert an object or a medical object into a guide device. The medical object is usually elongated and bendable. The medical object can be, for example, a catheter and / or a guide needle and / or an endoscope. The guide device can be, in particular, a part and / or a port of a robotic system for guiding the medical object during the interventional procedure.

[0003] Inserting the medical object into the guide device is usually done manually. Here, the insertion is usually time-consuming and requires a lot of fine movements. The medical object usually has to be inserted into a small opening, the area of ​​which is barely larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the medical object. In addition, the medical object can bend or bend or otherwise get stuck during the insertion, which further complicates the insertion process. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device which enables an easy insertion of an object into the guide device.

[0005] The object is achieved by a threading aid for threading an object into a guide device and by a guide device. Advantageous developments are described in detail in the following description.

[0006] The present invention relates to a penetration aid for allowing an object to enter a guide device. The penetration aid is configured to be connected to the guide device. In addition, the penetration aid is configured to assist the object to be inserted into the guide device. The penetration aid has a first opening and a second opening, wherein the first and second openings are connected to each other via a wall. The first opening is configured as an entrance for introducing an object into the penetration aid, and the second opening is configured as an exit from the penetration aid. The penetration aid includes a sub-guide. The sub-guide is arranged along the wall of the penetration aid. The sub-guide extends in a direction from the first opening to the second opening. The sub-guide is configured to assist in guiding an object introduced into the penetration aid through the first opening in the direction of the second opening.

[0007] In particular, the object can be a medical object. In particular, the medical object can be designed, for example, as a surgical instrument and / or a diagnostic instrument. In particular, the medical object can be elongated and / or bendable. The medical object can be designed, for example, as a catheter and / or an endoscope and / or a guide needle. In particular, the medical object can be an infusion hose. In particular, the object can be an optical fiber.

[0008] In particular, the guiding device can be part of a robotic system for guiding an object. In particular, the robotic system can be designed to guide the object during a medical intervention procedure or during an interventional medical operation. Alternatively, the guiding device can be a port system or a port. In this case, the port system can be an implantable (subcutaneous) catheter system, which can be pierced from the outside, for example.

[0009] In particular, the insertion aid is designed to simplify the insertion of the object into the guide device.

[0010] In particular, the insertion aid can be connected to the guide device or connected to the guide device. In particular, the connection can be releasable or fixed. In particular, the connection can be realized by means of a clamping system or a screwing system or a plug-in system or a hook system. In other words, the connection can be configured as a clamping connection or a screwing connection or a plug-in connection or a hook connection. In particular, the connection can be welded or riveted. In particular, at least a part of the guide device and a part of the insertion aid can be configured in one piece. In one piece means: the parts are combined in a component. In particular, the component can be made of one part. The connection described can be called a direct connection. Alternatively, the insertion aid can be indirectly connected to the guide device. In other words, the insertion aid can be connected to the guide device via an intermediate device. Here, the object can first be introduced into the intermediate device from the second opening of the insertion aid. Subsequently, the object is introduced into the guide device from the intermediate device. Here, the intermediate device can continue to guide the object in the guide device. In other words, the intermediate device can be connected to the insertion aid and the guide device so that the object is guided from the second opening of the insertion aid through the intermediate device into the guide device. The connection between the intermediate device and the insertion aid and the connection between the intermediate device and the guide device can also be designed as a clamping connection or a screw connection or a plug connection or a hook connection or a riveted connection or a welded connection or a one-piece connection. For example, the intermediate device can be a disinfection device for disinfecting the object. In other words, the insertion aid can be connected to the guide device via a disinfection device.

[0011] In particular, the insertion aid has a first and a second opening. In other words, the insertion aid comprises the first opening and the second opening. In particular, the first opening is used as an entrance for inserting the object into the insertion aid. In particular, the second opening is used as an exit for the object to leave the insertion aid. In particular, the insertion aid is directly or indirectly connected to the guide device at the exit or at the second opening. In particular, the object is inserted into the guide device via the second opening. In particular, the object can be inserted into the insertion aid by a medical staff through the first opening. The medical staff can be a doctor, a nursing staff or a nurse and / or other medical professionals. In particular, the first and / or the second opening can have a circular or oval or angular or square or rectangular or polygonal shape. In other words, the surface of the first and / or the second opening can include such a shape. In particular, the shape of the first opening can correspond to the shape of the second opening. Alternatively, the shapes of the two openings can be different.

[0012] The first opening and the second opening are connected by a wall. In particular, the wall describes the surface of the connection within the two openings. In other words, the wall describes the inner wall of the connection of the first and second openings. The wall or surface surrounds the first and second openings, in particular, along the respective circumference of the first and second openings. In particular, the wall can describe the shortest connection between the two openings. In particular, the shape or configuration of the wall is related to the shape of the openings. In particular, if the first and second openings have the same shape, the surface enclosed by the cross section through the wall can have the same shape as the shape of the openings. In particular, the shortest distance between the first and second openings can be, for example, about 1 cm.

[0013] Furthermore, the insertion aid comprises a sub-guide. In particular, the sub-guide is arranged on the wall. In particular, the sub-guide is designed to guide the object in a direction from the first opening to the second opening. To this end, the sub-guide extends in a direction from the first opening to the second opening. In particular, the sub-guide can start at the first opening and end at the second opening. Alternatively, the sub-guide can start at any position on the wall of the insertion aid and end at the second opening. Alternatively, the sub-guide can start at any position on the wall or start at the first opening and end at any position on the wall close to the second opening. In other words, in this context, "extending in a direction from the first opening to the second opening" means that the sub-guide ends at the second opening or ends closer to the second opening than the first opening, and starts on the wall in a direction towards the first opening as viewed from the second opening. Therefore, the sub-guide comprises a starting point and an end point. The starting point describes the point or position on the wall where the sub-guide starts, and the end point is arranged at or near the second opening. In particular, the sub-guiding device can extend from the first opening straightly and / or curvedly toward the second opening. The straight extension of the sub-guiding device is described by the shortest distance between the starting point of the sub-guiding device and the end point of the sub-guiding device. The curved extension can be a spiral or helical extension in particular. In particular, the sub-guiding device is configured to assist in guiding the object in the direction of the outlet or the second opening. In particular, the object can be inserted into the first opening of the insertion aid by medical personnel. In particular, the first opening can be designed to be large so that the insertion of the object is simple and feasible. In particular, the object can be automatically inserted into the sub-guiding device at the wall by pushing the object in the direction of the second opening in the insertion aid. In particular, the object can then be guided in the sub-guiding device toward the second opening or outlet by pushing the object without bending or getting stuck. In particular, the pushing can be performed manually by medical personnel. Alternatively, the pushing can be performed automatically. In particular, the sub-guiding device can be configured so that the object has almost no gap in the sub-guiding device.

[0014] The inventors have recognized that the insertion aid can be used to avoid or simplify the laborious insertion into the guide device. In particular, the inventors have recognized that the first opening of the insertion aid can be designed to be large so that the object can be easily introduced or inserted into the first opening. The introduction or insertion of the object into the first opening can be performed manually. The inventors have recognized that a sufficiently large first opening leads to time savings during the insertion and that a smaller number of fine movements are required for the insertion. The inventors have also recognized that the sub-guiding device can prevent the object from being bent in the insertion aid and possibly not being able to be advanced as far as the second opening due to the bending.

[0015] According to one aspect of the invention, the partial guide means is designed as at least one groove in a wall of the threading aid.

[0016] In particular, the groove can be designed as a notch or a groove. In particular, the groove can be adapted to the shape of the object. In particular, the shape of the object can be described by a cross section of the object. For example, the cross section of the object can have a circular shape. In particular, the groove can then have a semicircular cross section. In particular, the diameter of the semicircular cross section can be only slightly larger than the diameter of the cross section of the object. In particular, the diameter of the semicircular cross section can be 5% or 10% or 20% larger than the diameter of the cross section of the object. In particular, the cross section of the groove can be rectangular or square or polygonal. In particular, the diameter of the cross section of the groove can then describe the width of the groove parallel to the wall. In particular, the width of the groove can be variable in its extension along the wall.

[0017] In particular, the groove can be milled into the wall. Alternatively, the groove can be produced during a casting process of the penetration aid. Alternatively, the groove can be produced during a pressing process of the penetration aid. Alternatively, the groove can be produced during 3D printing of the penetration aid.

[0018] In particular, the sub-guiding device can include more than one slot. In other words, the sub-guiding device can be designed as more than one slot. In particular, each slot can extend from a first opening of the insertion aid to a second opening of the insertion aid. In particular, the slots can be arranged in parallel. In other words, the slots do not intersect in the wall. In particular, when the slots extend in a curved manner in the wall, all the slots can therefore extend with the same curvature. Alternatively, the radius of curvature of the curved slots is different and the slots are spaced apart so that the slots do not intersect in the wall.

[0019] The inventors have recognized that the object can be guided in at least one slot to the second opening of the penetration aid if the diameter of the cross section of the slot is only slightly larger than the diameter of the cross section of the object. The inventors have recognized that in a penetration aid that can be used for different objects, the diameter of the sub-guiding device should be matched to the object with the largest cross-sectional diameter. Furthermore, the inventors have recognized that if the sub-guiding device comprises more than one slot, the probability that the object penetrates autonomously into one of the slots is greater.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first opening of the penetration aid has a larger area than the second opening.

[0021] In other words, the penetration aid has a larger and a smaller opening. In other words, the penetration aid comprises a larger and a smaller opening. Here, the larger opening of the first opening thus corresponds to the inlet of the penetration aid, and the smaller opening of the second opening thus corresponds to the outlet of the penetration aid. In particular, the shapes of the openings can be identical. Alternatively, the shapes of the openings can be different. In particular, the shape of at least one opening can correspond to the shape of the cross section of the object. In particular, the area of ​​the larger opening can include several times the cross-sectional area of ​​the object. In particular, the area of ​​the larger opening can be twice or ten times or 20 times or 50 times or 100 times the cross-sectional area of ​​the object. In particular, the area can correspond to a multiple between the values ​​of the mentioned cross-sectional areas. In particular, the small opening can be only slightly larger than the cross-sectional area. In particular, the small opening can include an area that is five percent or ten percent or 20 percent or 50 percent larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the object. In particular, the area of ​​the smaller opening can be larger than the cross-sectional area by a factor between the above factors. In particular, the area and shape of the smaller opening can correspond to the cross-sectional area and shape of an object guide in a guide device. In the object guide, the object is guided in the guide device. In particular, the sub-guide device can then end at a smaller opening. In other words, the second opening can be directly connected to the object guide of the guide device. In particular, if the area and shape of the second opening correspond to the cross-sectional area and shape of the object guide at the connection portion, the connection portion can be edgeless.

[0022] The inventors have realized that a large opening as an entrance into the penetration aid simplifies the penetration. The inventors have realized that this saves time when penetrating the object and requires a smaller amount of finesse than if the object is directly inserted into the guide device. Furthermore, the inventors have realized that if the area of ​​the smaller opening, i.e. the area of ​​the outlet of the penetration aid, corresponds to the cross-sectional area of ​​the object guide of the guide device, a frictionless insertion of the object into the guide device by the penetration aid can be ensured. Thus, edges or corners at the connection between the guide device and the penetration aid, at which the object could get caught and / or bend, can be avoided.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, the first opening and the second opening are connected to each other in a funnel shape via a wall of the penetration aid.

[0024] In other words, the wall of the penetration aid forms a funnel shape. In particular, the first opening and the second opening are connected to each other via the wall having the smallest area.

[0025] The inventors have recognized that the funnel shape can prevent bending and / or catching of the object when passing through the insertion aid. In particular, it can be prevented that the object is bent in a U-shape before passing through the second opening and exits the insertion aid again through the first opening. In addition, the inventors have recognized that the funnel shape facilitates the autonomous insertion of the object into the sub-guide.

[0026] According to another aspect of the present invention, the sub-guiding means at least partially extends helically along the wall portion around a connecting line between the first opening and the second opening.

[0027] The connecting line can in particular extend through the respective centers of the first and second openings. In particular, each of the two openings has a center. The centers are connected by the connecting line. The connecting line is here the shortest connection between the centers. The center of an opening can in particular be located or arranged at the center of gravity of the opening. The center of gravity is also referred to as the "geometric center of gravity" or "area center of gravity". In particular, in the case of a circular or square or rectangular opening, the center can be the center point of the opening.

[0028] In particular, helical means that the sub-guiding device extends at least partially helically along the wall. In particular, helical is used synonymously with helical. As described above, the starting point of the sub-guiding device is arranged closer to the first opening than the end point of the sub-guiding device. In other words, the end point is arranged closer to the second opening than the starting point. The sub-guiding device extends from the starting point to the end point on the wall of the insertion aid. In particular, the sub-guiding device then extends at least partially helically or helically between the starting point and the end point. Here, the starting point and the end point are arranged at different angles relative to the connecting line. In particular, an angular difference between the starting point and the end point can be defined. The angular difference can be defined as the angle between the shortest connection from the starting point of the sub-guiding device to the connecting line and from the end point of the sub-guiding device to the connecting line in the circumferential direction. The angular difference can be between 0° and 360°. In particular, the angular difference can be 5° or 10° or 20° or 30° or 40° or 50° or 60° or 70° or 80° or 90° or 100° or 150° or 200° or 250° or 300° or 350°. In particular, the angular difference can be between the values ​​of the listed possible angular differences. In particular, the sub-guide device can include at least one turn around the connecting line. This means that the sub-guide device extends helically or spirally at least once completely around the connecting line by 360°. In other words, one turn means that the sub-guide device extends helically or spirally along the wall around the connecting line by 360°. In particular, the sub-guide device can include more than one turn. Alternatively, the sub-guide device can include no turns. The starting point and the end point are then at least partially connected to each other helically or spirally by the sub-guide device without additional turns.

[0029] In particular, at least one subsection of the sub-guide device may not extend in a spiral or helical manner. In other words, the subsection of the sub-guide device may extend in a straight line. A subsection describes a section of the sub-guide device. Here, a straight line means that the sub-guide device extends without bending in this section or subsection. Alternatively, a straight line can mean that the subsection of the sub-guide device extends along the wall in a projection parallel or perpendicular to the connecting line. In particular, the linearly extending subsection of the sub-guide device can be arranged at the starting point and / or at the end point of the sub-guide device. Alternatively or additionally, one or more linear subsections can be arranged between the starting point and the end point of the sub-guide device.

[0030] In particular, the sub-guiding device can comprise a plurality of grooves. In particular, the individual grooves are then at least partially arranged or interlaced in a spiral or helical shape, so that the grooves do not cross. In particular, the grooves can be arranged in parallel.

[0031] The inventors have recognized that the helical or spiral shape of the sub-guide simplifies the insertion of the object. In particular, the probability that the object will be inserted autonomously into the sub-guide is thereby increased. Furthermore, if the sub-guide extends at least partially helically, the advancement of the object in the insertion aid can be performed in a particularly stable manner. Stable means that the object is guided in the sub-guide during the entire insertion process and cannot slip out of the sub-guide.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, the sub-guiding device has a first sub-opening with a first area and a second sub-opening with a smaller second area. Here, the first sub-opening and the second sub-opening are connected to each other via a sub-wall portion with a tapered cross section. Here, the first sub-opening is arranged on the first opening of the penetration assisting device, and the second sub-opening is arranged on the second sub-opening of the penetration assisting device.

[0033] In particular, the second sub-opening can correspond to the second opening. In particular, the first sub-opening can be arranged directly on the first opening. Alternatively, the first sub-opening can be arranged on the wall portion at a distance from the first opening. In particular, "arranged at the first opening" can mean that the first sub-opening is arranged closer to the first opening than the second sub-opening. In particular, the first sub-opening corresponds to the starting point of the sub-guiding device and the second sub-opening corresponds to the end point of the sub-guiding device.

[0034] In particular, the first sub-opening is configured to be larger than the second sub-opening. In other words, the first area of ​​the first sub-opening is larger than the second area of ​​the second sub-opening. In particular, the first sub-opening corresponds to a large sub-opening, while the second sub-opening corresponds to a small sub-opening. In particular, the openings are connected to each other by means of sub-walls with a tapered cross section. In particular, "tapered cross section" means that the cross section of the sub-guiding device decreases in the direction of the second sub-opening. In particular, the largest cross section of the sub-guiding device corresponds to the first sub-opening, while the smallest surface of the sub-guiding device corresponds to the second sub-opening. In particular, the cross section between the first sub-opening and the second sub-opening decreases continuously. In particular, the groove includes a sub-wall. In particular, the groove can be configured in a funnel-shaped manner between the first sub-opening and the second sub-opening. In other words, the sub-wall of the groove can have a funnel shape that is open on one side.

[0035] In particular, the area of ​​the first sub-opening or the first area can be several times larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the object. In particular, the area of ​​the first sub-opening or the first area can be several times larger than the area of ​​the second sub-opening or the second area. In particular, the area of ​​the second sub-opening is only slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the object. For example, the area of ​​the second sub-opening is only 5 percent or 10 percent or 20 percent larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the object. The area of ​​the first sub-opening can be arbitrarily larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the object. In particular, the area of ​​the first sub-opening can be twice as large or four times as large or ten times as large as the cross-sectional area of ​​the object.

[0036] The inventors have recognized that the tapering cross-section of the sub-wall portion of the sub-guiding device simplifies the direct insertion of the object into the sub-guiding device for medical personnel. In particular, insertion into the larger first sub-opening requires less time and requires a smaller amount of fine movements than inserting the object directly into the object guide portion of the guiding device. This is particularly helpful if the first sub-opening is arranged directly on the first opening. In addition, the inventors have recognized that the tapering cross-section simplifies the autonomous insertion of the object into the sub-guiding device. Here, the object is particularly easy to penetrate into the following area, in which the cross-section of the sub-guiding device is significantly larger than the cross-section of the object. Nevertheless, due to the tapering of the cross-section of the sub-guiding device towards the second opening, the object can still be accurately guided because the object has an increasingly smaller gap in the sub-guiding device in the direction of the second sub-opening.

[0037] According to a further aspect of the invention, the penetration aid comprises at least one sensor which is designed to detect successful penetration of the object through the penetration aid.

[0038] In particular, the sensor is able to detect when the object passes through the second opening of the penetration aid. In other words, the sensor recognizes when the object has been successfully pushed through the second opening.

[0039] In an embodiment, the sensor can also detect the advancement of the object. In other words, the sensor can detect how far the object has been pushed through the penetration aid. In particular, the sensor can detect the tip of the object. The tip of the object is the area of ​​the object that is first pushed through the second opening or passes through the second opening. For example, the tip can comprise between 0.5 cm and 2 cm of the object.

[0040] The sensor can include an imaging sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can include an electrical sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor can include an optical sensor.

[0041] The inventors have realized that if the medical staff obtains feedback about successful penetration via the sensor, the medical staff's workflow can be optimized. In this way, the medical staff can recognize when the object is hooked in the penetration aid and / or otherwise stuck and / or bent and thus cannot pass through the second opening of the penetration aid. Furthermore, the inventors have realized that in this way, the object can be prevented from being damaged due to over-advancement when it is hooked, stuck and / or bent.

[0042] According to another aspect of the invention, the sensor comprises at least one light sensor.

[0043] In particular, the light sensor can be designed as a light barrier. In particular, the light barrier can include a transmitter and a receiver. In particular, the transmitter can be designed to emit light, in particular optical light. The receiver can be designed to receive or detect the optical light. In particular, the transmitter and the receiver can be oriented in such a way that the light emitted by the transmitter falls on the receiver, so that the receiver can detect the light. In particular, at least one light sensor can be arranged on the second opening or the second sub-opening. In particular, the transmitter can be arranged on one side of the second opening and the receiver can be arranged on the opposite side of the second opening. In particular, at least one light sensor designed as a light barrier can be arranged in such a way that the light barrier is interrupted when the object is pushed through the second opening or passes through the second opening. In particular, the interruption of the light barrier indicates that the object has successfully passed through the insertion aid. The interruption of the light barrier indicates that the object shields the light emitted by the transmitter, so that the receiver detects less light or no light.

[0044] In an embodiment, a plurality of light sensors can be provided in the insertion aid. In particular, a plurality of light sensors can be provided along the sub-guiding device. In particular, the light sensors of the plurality of light sensors can be configured as a plurality of light gratings. In particular, the light sensors of the plurality of light sensors can be configured so that the light sensors respectively detect that the object has passed through a subsection of the sub-guiding device. In particular, the object then interrupts the light grating. In other words, a plurality of light sensors can be configured so that the sub-guiding device is divided into a plurality of subsections. A light sensor is provided at the end point of each subsection. If the light sensor detects the object, the medical staff can assume that the object has successfully passed through the subsection of the sub-guiding device that is provided upstream of the corresponding light sensor. In particular, the subsections of the sub-guiding device can be of the same size. Alternatively, the subsections can be of different sizes.

[0045] Alternatively, a plurality of light sensors can be arranged in the penetration aid in such a way that the passage of the object through a subsection of the penetration aid can also be detected if the object has not penetrated the sub-guiding device. For this purpose, for example, a plurality of light sensors can be arranged on a wall of the penetration aid. In particular, a plurality of light sensors can be arranged randomly on the wall. Alternatively, a plurality of light sensors can be arranged on the wall at fixed distances from one another.

[0046] The inventors have recognized that a light sensor is a simple means of detecting the passage of the object and thus providing information about successful penetration. Furthermore, the inventors have recognized that the use of a plurality of light sensors brings the advantage that the medical staff knows into which subsection of the penetration aid the object has been advanced. This is particularly helpful when troubleshooting if the object has been hooked and / or stuck and / or bent.

[0047] According to another aspect of the invention, the sensor comprises at least one impedance sensor.

[0048] In particular, the impedance sensor is used to detect the passage of the object at the impedance sensor. In particular, the impedance sensor can be arranged at the second opening of the penetration aid or at the second sub-opening. In order to be able to detect with the aid of the impedance sensor, at least one sub-region of the object must be designed to be electrically conductive and / or magnetic. In particular, the tip of the object can be designed to be electrically conductive and / or magnetic. In particular, the impedance sensor can then detect when the tip or the electrically conductive and / or magnetic sub-region of the object passes the impedance sensor or is pushed past the impedance sensor.

[0049] In particular, the impedance sensor can be designed inductively. For this purpose, the tip or at least a sub-region of the object is designed to act magnetically. For this purpose, the impedance sensor is designed as a coil. The coil can be arranged, for example, on the sub-guiding device so that when the object penetrates the sub-guiding device, the object is pushed through the coil. In particular, the coil can be arranged around the second opening so that when the object passes through the second opening to leave the penetration aid, the object is pushed through the coil. In particular, the object passing through the coil can cause an induced voltage in the coil. In particular, the induced voltage can be measured. In particular, the induced voltage can be used as a sensor signal to indicate or display the passage or successful penetration of the object.

[0050] In an embodiment, more than one impedance sensor or a plurality of impedance sensors can be arranged in the penetration aid. The plurality of impedance sensors can be arranged in the penetration aid similarly to the description of the arrangement of a plurality of light sensors.

[0051] The inventors have recognized that an impedance sensor is another possibility for detecting the advancement or successful penetration of the object through the penetration aid. The inventors have recognized that the impedance sensor is particularly suitable for detecting objects having at least one electrically conductive and / or magnetic subregion and / or tip. The inventors have recognized that in this way, feedback can be given to medical personnel on the successful penetration of the object through the penetration aid.

[0052] According to another aspect of the present invention, the penetration aid comprises an X-ray sensor.

[0053] In particular, the X-ray sensor can include an X-ray source and an X-ray detector. In particular, the X-ray source can be designed to emit X-ray radiation. In particular, the X-ray detector can be designed to detect X-ray radiation. In particular, the X-ray source can be a transmission anode X-ray source or a rotating anode X-ray source. In particular, the X-ray detector can be a flat image detector or an X-ray flat image detector. This can be a semiconductor or scintillation X-ray detector. In particular, the X-ray detector can be a digital X-ray detector.

[0054] In particular, the X-ray source is oriented such that the emitted X-ray radiation is detected by the X-ray detector. In particular, the penetration aid is arranged between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector. In particular, the X-ray detector can detect or detect or record an X-ray image of at least the second opening of the penetration aid when the penetration aid is fluoroscopically viewed by X-ray radiation. In particular, the X-ray detector can detect or detect or record an X-ray image of the penetration aid when the penetration aid is fluoroscopically viewed by X-ray radiation. In particular, the material-specific absorption coefficient of the material used to produce the penetration aid is different from the material-specific absorption coefficient of the material of the object. In particular, at least one subregion of the object can be made of the material. In particular, the absorption coefficient of the material of the penetration aid can be less than the absorption coefficient of the material of the object. For example, the penetration aid can be made of plastic, while the object is made of metal. In particular, at least one subregion of the object can be made of a material that is visible in the X-ray image. In particular, the material of the object can also be an alloy. In particular, the material of the object can be, for example, stainless steel and / or polytetrafluoroethylene (abbreviation: PTFE or Teflon). In particular, the object can include a so-called radiopaque length in a subregion that is visible in the X-ray image.

[0055] In particular, the X-ray detector can continuously detect X-ray images. Alternatively, the X-ray detector can be activated by medical personnel to detect a single X-ray image. In particular, then at least the position of a sub-region of the object visible in the X-ray image can be determined. In particular, then it can be determined whether the object has passed through the second opening and has been successfully penetrated.

[0056] The inventors have recognized that it is particularly simple to determine or detect the position or advancement of the object in the penetration aid at any point in time with the help of an X-ray sensor. In addition, the inventors have recognized that it is possible to detect any arbitrary position of the object in the penetration aid with the help of an X-ray sensor. In addition, the inventors have recognized that many objects for medical applications contain a so-called "radiopaque length". In medical applications, this is to be able to see the object in an X-ray image of the patient. The inventors have recognized that the "radiopaque length" can also be used to detect the position or advancement of the object or successful penetration of the penetration aid.

[0057] According to another aspect of the invention, the sensor comprises a camera.

[0058] In particular, the camera can be arranged at the second opening or the second sub-opening of the penetration aid. In particular, the camera can be designed to detect an optical image. In particular, the camera can detect when the object passes through the second opening. In particular, the camera can thereby detect a successful penetration.

[0059] The inventors have recognized that, with the aid of a conventional camera, successful penetration of the object through the penetration aid can be detected. In addition, the inventors have recognized that the camera can provide a visual impression for medical personnel.

[0060] According to another aspect of the present invention, the penetration aid comprises a lubricant dispenser for outputting lubricant to improve the sliding ability of the object on the wall portion and / or the sub-wall portion.

[0061] In particular, the lubricant dispenser can automatically wet the wall and / or the sub-wall with the lubricant when dispensing the lubricant. In particular, the lubricant dispenser can wet the wall and / or the sub-wall with the lubricant at fixed time intervals. Alternatively or additionally, the lubricant dispenser can wet the wall and / or the sub-wall with the lubricant before the object is passed through the penetration aid.

[0062] In particular, “wetting” means that the lubricant is applied as a thin layer to the wall and / or the partial wall. To this end, the lubricant distributor discharges the lubricant.

[0063] In particular, the lubricant can drip into the threading aid through the first opening of the threading aid or be applied to the wall and / or the sub-wall. In particular, a small amount of lubricant is dripped into the threading aid so that no or only little lubricant leaves through the second opening.

[0064] Alternatively, the lubricant can be atomized by a lubricant distributor and sprayed in this manner onto the wall and / or the partial wall.

[0065] Alternatively, the lubricant dispenser can be operated by medical personnel. In particular, after operating a button or a lever or a pump lever, the lubricant dispenser can wet the wall and / or the sub-wall with the lubricant or discharge the lubricant. Alternatively, the medical personnel can manually apply the lubricant in the lubricant dispenser to the wall and / or the sub-wall, for example, with the help of fingers. The lubricant dispenser can then be, for example, a container. The container can be, for example, a glass bottle or a plastic bottle.

[0066] In particular, when a lubricant is used, the penetration aid can be made, for example, of silicone or plastic or ceramic, as used in 3D printing methods, or of medical stainless steel or any plastic or any ceramic, etc. In particular, the wall and / or the sub-wall of the penetration aid can be made of at least one of these materials. In particular, at least the wall and / or the sub-wall can be coated with one of these materials. In particular, the penetration aid can thus be manufactured by means of 3D printing or a casting method or a pressing method, etc.

[0067] In particular, water or a sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, for example, can be used as lubricant.

[0068] The inventors have recognized that wetting the wall and / or the sub-wall with the aid of a lubricant simplifies the insertion of an object. In particular, the lubricant can simplify the advancement of an object, since the object slides more easily on the wall and / or the sub-wall wetted with the lubricant. The probability that the object gets caught or sticks to the wall and / or the sub-wall wetted with the lubricant can thus be minimized.

[0069] According to a feasible aspect of the present invention, the wall portion and / or the sub-wall portion is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0070] In particular, the entire penetration aid can be made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Alternatively, the wall and / or the partial wall can be coated with PTFE.

[0071] The inventors have recognized that the objects slide particularly well on PTFE. Therefore, if the wall and / or the sub-wall are made of PTFE or coated with PTFE, no lubricant is needed to simplify the passage of the object through the penetration aid.

[0072] According to another aspect of the invention, the object and the penetration aid each comprise at least one magnetically active subregion. In this case, the at least one magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid is arranged at the second opening of the penetration aid.

[0073] In particular, the at least one magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid can include a ferromagnetic material. In particular, the at least one magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid can be a permanent magnet. Alternatively, the at least one magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid can be an electromagnet. In particular, the magnetic effect of the electromagnet can be activated and deactivated or switched on and off. In other words, the at least one magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid can be activated and deactivated or switched on and off when it is designed as an electromagnet. In particular, the electromagnet can be activated or switched on when the object is in the vicinity of the electromagnet.

[0074] In particular, the magnetically active subregion of the object can include the tip of the object. In other words, in particular, the tip of the object can be designed to be magnetically active. In particular, the magnetically active subregion of the object can be formed from a ferromagnetic material. In particular, the tip of the object can include a permanent magnet. Alternatively, the tip of the object can include an electromagnet. In particular, the tip of the object can then be attracted in the direction of the magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid by the magnetic effect of the magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid. In particular, the magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid can be arranged in such a way that the object is attracted in the direction of the second opening. In particular, for this purpose, the magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid is arranged at the second opening of the penetration aid. Alternatively, a subregion of the object that is different from the tip can be designed to be magnetically active. In particular, the magnetically active subregion of the object can include the entire object.

[0075] The inventors have recognized that the insertion of the object through the penetration aid can be simplified by a magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid, which at least temporarily magnetically acts on a magnetically active subregion of the object. In particular, a bending of the tip of the object can be prevented if the tip is attracted by the magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid. In particular, the magnetically active subregion of the penetration aid at the second opening can assist in guiding the object out of the penetration aid through the second opening.

[0076] According to another aspect of the invention, a plurality of magnetically active sub-regions of the penetration aid are arranged along the sub-guiding device. In this case, the plurality of magnetically active sub-regions of the penetration aid can be activated independently of one another. In this case, the plurality of magnetically active sub-regions of the penetration aid can be activated so that they guide the magnetically active sub-regions of the object in the penetration aid.

[0077] In particular, the plurality of magnetically active sub-regions of the penetration aid are designed as a plurality of electromagnets. In particular, the electromagnets can attract the magnetically active sub-regions of the object. In particular, the electromagnets can be activated in sequence. In other words, the electromagnets can be activated in a sequence or order. In particular, the electromagnets can be activated during the penetration of the penetration aid. In particular, the electromagnet arranged at the smallest distance from the first opening is activated first. Subsequently, the electromagnet arranged at the smallest distance from the last active electromagnet is activated. Here, the last active electromagnet is deactivated. The sequence is continued. The last electromagnet of the sequence is arranged at the second opening or second sub-opening of the penetration aid. In particular, the electromagnet can be arranged along a sub-guiding device from the first opening to the second opening. In this way, the object can be guided along the sub-guiding device. In particular, it is then not necessary to manually advance the object in the penetration aid. If the sub-guiding device comprises more than one slot, such an electromagnet sequence can be arranged on each slot. In particular, all electromagnets having the same distance from one of the openings can then be activated simultaneously. In particular, only one electromagnet per slot is activated simultaneously.

[0078] The inventors have realized that it is possible to guide the object through the insertion aid by means of a sequence of activatable electromagnets, thereby accelerating the insertion and making it less prone to errors. In addition, the inventors have realized that the autonomous insertion of the object into the sub-guiding device can be assisted and accelerated by means of electromagnets.

[0079] The invention also relates to a guiding device comprising the above-mentioned penetration aid. Here, the guiding device is designed as a guiding object.

[0080] The guide device is designed in particular for guiding the object. The guide device can be designed in particular as described above. The insertion aid is designed as described above and serves to simplify and accelerate the insertion of the object into the guide device.

[0081] The inventors have recognised that the penetration aid can be connected or combined with a guiding device in order to simplify and accelerate the penetration of the object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0082] The characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention described above become clearer and easier to understand in conjunction with the following drawings and descriptions thereof. The drawings and descriptions should not limit the present invention and its embodiments in any way. In different drawings, the same parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals. The drawings are generally not to scale.

[0083] The accompanying drawings show:

[0084] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a penetration aid according to the present invention is shown;

[0085] Figure 2 A second embodiment of a penetration aid according to the invention is shown;

[0086] Figure 3 A third embodiment of a penetration aid according to the invention is shown;

[0087] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of a penetration aid including a sensor according to the present invention is shown;

[0088] Figure 5 A fifth embodiment of a penetration aid according to the present invention comprising a plurality of sensors is shown;

[0089] Figure 6 A sixth embodiment of a penetration aid according to the invention is shown;

[0090] Figure 7 A seventh exemplary embodiment of a penetration aid according to the invention comprising a plurality of magnetically active sub-regions is shown;

[0091] Figure 8 An embodiment of a guiding device comprising a penetration aid according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Figure 1 A first embodiment of a penetration aid 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0093] The penetration aid 1 comprises a first opening 11 and a second opening 12. Here, the area of ​​the first opening 11 is several times larger than the area of ​​the second opening 12, for example 20 times larger. In the embodiment shown here, the area of ​​the second opening 12 is only slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the object 2 that is to be penetrated into the guide device 5 through the penetration aid 1. The second opening 12 can, for example, be ten percent larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the object 2. The object 2 can, in particular, be a medical object. In particular, the object 2 can be a guide needle or a catheter or an optical fiber or the like. The penetration aid 1 also comprises a wall 13. The first opening 11 and the second opening 12 are connected in a funnel shape by the wall 13. The wall 13 describes the internal connection of the two openings 11, 12. The first and second openings can, for example, be spaced apart from each other by about 1 cm. The penetration aid 1 also comprises a sub-guiding device 111. The sub-guiding device 111 is arranged along the wall 13. The sub-guiding device 111 comprises a first sub-opening 15 and a second sub-opening 16. Here, the first sub-opening 15 comprises a larger area than the second sub-opening 16. The second sub-opening 16 corresponds to the second opening 12. Thereby, the area of ​​the second sub-opening 16 is only slightly larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the object 2. In particular, the area of ​​the second sub-opening 16 can be, for example, ten percent larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the object 2. In addition, the area of ​​the second sub-opening 16 and the cross-sectional area of ​​the object 2 can have the same shape. In particular, both areas can be circular. The area of ​​the first sub-opening 15 can, for example, be twice as large as the cross-sectional area of ​​half of the object 2. In particular, the area of ​​the first sub-opening 15 and the cross-sectional area of ​​half of the object 2 can have the same shape, in particular a semicircular shape. The first sub-opening 15 is arranged on the first opening 11 of the penetration aid 1. The first sub-opening 15 and the second sub-opening 16 are connected by a sub-wall portion having a tapering cross-sectional area. In particular, the first sub-opening 15 and the second sub-opening 16 can be connected in a funnel-shaped manner to a half-open funnel. In an alternative embodiment, the first sub-opening 15 and the second sub-opening 16 can be of the same size. The connecting portion or sub-wall portion extends in the wall portion 13 in the form of a groove 14. The groove 14 extends helically or spirally along the wall portion 13 in the direction from the first sub-opening 15 to the second sub-opening 16. The spiral shape or helical shape extends around a connecting line 17 between the center or center point or center of gravity of the first opening 11 and the center or center point or center of gravity of the second opening 12. In an alternative embodiment, only at least a part of the groove 14 extends helically or spirally. In particular, a sub-section of the groove 14 can extend in a straight line.In particular, the subsection of the groove 14 at the first sub-opening 15 and / or the subsection of the groove 14 at the second sub-opening 16 or the subsection of the groove 14 between the openings 15, 16 can extend in a straight line. In an alternative embodiment, the entire groove 14 can extend in a straight line. In particular, the groove 14 then extends along the shortest path on the wall 13 in the direction from the first opening 11 to the second opening 12.

[0094] Figure 2 A second embodiment of a penetration aid 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0095] The insertion aid 1 Figure 2 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 corresponds largely to the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 1 The embodiment shown in FIG.

[0096] However, the first sub-opening 15 of the sub-guiding device 111 is not directly disposed on the first opening 11. The first sub-opening 15 is disposed spaced apart from the first opening 11. In other words, the first sub-opening 15 is not flush with the edge of the penetration aid 1 at the first opening 11.

[0097] Figure 3 A third embodiment of a penetration aid 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0098] The insertion aid 1 Figure 3 The embodiment shown in corresponds largely to that in Figure 1 The embodiment shown in .

[0099] In this embodiment, the sub-guiding device 111 includes a plurality of grooves 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d, 14e. Here, the grooves 14a, ..., 14e can be arranged arbitrarily spaced apart from each other. However, the grooves 14a, ..., 14e should be arranged so that they can be separated from each other and do not overlap or cross. Each of the grooves 14a, ..., 14e starts at the first sub-opening 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f, 15g, 15h, 15i, 15j, 15k, 15l. Here, the portion of the groove starting at the sub-opening 15f, 15g, 15h, 15i, 15j, 15k, 15l is Figure 3, wherein the sub-opening is arranged on the side of the penetration aid 1 facing the observer of the figure. Each of the grooves 14a, ..., 14e ends in a second sub-opening 16 which is identical to the second opening 12 of the penetration aid 1. All grooves 14a, ..., 14e extend in parallel along the wall 13 in a spiral or helical shape. None of the grooves 14a, ..., 14e intersects another groove 14a, ..., 14e.

[0100] In an alternative embodiment, the first sub-openings 15a, ..., 151 do not start directly at the first opening 11, but are formed according to Figure 2 The second embodiment in FIG. 1 is arranged at a distance from the large opening 11 .

[0101] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of a penetration aid 1 according to the invention is shown, which comprises sensors 31 , 32 .

[0102] The insertion aid 1 Figure 4 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 corresponds largely to the embodiment shown in FIG. Figure 1 In an alternative embodiment, the sub-guiding device 111 can be configured as follows: Figure 2 and 3 Constructed as described.

[0103] In this embodiment, a sensor is arranged at the second opening 12 of the insertion aid 1. The sensor comprises a transmitter 31 and a receiver 32. The sensor is designed to detect that the object 2 has successfully passed through the insertion aid 1. In particular, the sensor can be a light sensor or a light barrier. In this case, the transmitter 31 emits light, which is detected by the receiver 32. If the object 2 is pushed through the second opening 12, the object 2 covers the transmitter 31 from the perspective of the receiver 32, and the receiver 32 no longer receives light or receives less light. This signals that the object 2 has successfully passed through the second opening 12.

[0104] In an alternative embodiment, the transmitter 31 can also be an X-ray source and the receiver 32 can be an X-ray detector. With the aid of the X-ray source and the X-ray detector, the second opening 12 of the penetration aid 1 can be detected in an image manner and a successful penetration can be detected or inferred therefrom. In particular, the X-ray source and the X-ray detector can be oriented such that the entire penetration aid 1 can be imaged on the X-ray detector. Thus, the position of the object 2 in the entire penetration aid 1 can also be detected.

[0105] In another alternative embodiment, the sensor can include an impedance sensor. In particular, a subregion of the object 2 can be designed to be electrically conductive or magnetic. The subregion can be, in particular, the tip 21 of the object. When the tip 21 passes through the impedance sensor, the impedance sensor measures the change in impedance. Successful penetration can be detected or inferred from this.

[0106] In another alternative embodiment, the sensor comprises a camera. The camera is capable of detecting at least one optical image of the second opening 12. In particular, the camera is capable of detecting a plurality of images. In this way, successful penetration can be detected.

[0107] Figure 5 A fifth embodiment of a penetration aid 1 according to the invention is shown, which comprises a plurality of sensors 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f.

[0108] The insertion aid 1 Figure 4 The embodiment shown in corresponds largely to that in Figure 1 In an alternative embodiment, the sub-guiding device 111 can be as shown in Figure 2 and 3 is constructed as described in .

[0109] Each of the sensors comprises a transmitter 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f and a receiver 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f. Each transmitter 31a, ..., 31f is associated with one receiver 32a, ..., 32f. The sensors 31a, ..., 32f are arranged along the sub-guiding device 111. The sensors 31a, ..., 32f are arranged so that the transmitters 31a, ..., 31f, the receivers 32a, ..., 32f "monitor" the sub-sections of the sub-guiding device 111 in pairs. If the transmitters 31a, ..., 31f, the receivers 32a, ..., 32f detect the passage of the object 2 in pairs, it can be assumed that the object 2 has successfully passed the sub-section of the sub-guiding device 111 located upstream of the corresponding transmitter 31a, ..., 31f, the receiver 32a, ..., 32f pair. In this case, "upstream" means a subsection of the sub-guiding device 111 which is closer to the first opening 11 than the corresponding transmitter 31a, ..., 31f, receiver 32a, ..., 32f pair which detects the passage of the object 2. The position of the object 2 in the penetration aid 1 can thereby be determined.

[0110] The sensor can be used as Figure 4In particular, the sensor can be configured as a plurality of light sensors or light barriers.

[0111] Figure 6 A sixth embodiment of a penetration aid 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0112] The insertion aid 1 comprises a sub-guide 111 which comprises a plurality of turns. In other words, in this embodiment, the sub-guide 111 is arranged along the wall 13 in such a way that it circles the connecting line 17 between the center or center point or center of gravity of the first opening 11 and the center or center point or center of gravity of the second opening 12 several times. One circle corresponds to "circling" the connecting line 17 by 360°. The sub-guide 111 is thus formed in a spiral or helical manner with a plurality of turns. The number of turns can be arbitrary.

[0113] according to Figures 1 to 5 All exemplary embodiments of can alternatively include a partial guide device 111 designed in this way.

[0114] Figure 7 A seventh exemplary embodiment of a penetration aid 1 according to the invention is shown, which comprises a plurality of magnetically active subregions 41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e, 41f, 41g, 41h, 41i.

[0115] The insertion aid 1 Figure 7 The embodiment shown in corresponds largely to that in Figure 1 In an alternative embodiment, the penetration aid having a plurality of magnetically active sub-regions 41a, ..., 41i can be as shown in Figures 2 to 6 is constructed as described in .

[0116] Each magnetically acting sub-region 41a, ..., 41i is configured as an electromagnet. In other words, a plurality of magnetically acting sub-regions 41a, ..., 41i correspond to a plurality of electromagnets 41a, ..., 41i. Therefore, each magnetically acting sub-region 41a, ..., 41i can be switched on or off or activated or deactivated. A plurality of electromagnets 41a, ..., 41i are activated or deactivated by means of a control device 42. A plurality of electromagnets 41a, ..., 41i are arranged along the sub-guiding device 111. The electromagnet 41i is arranged at the second opening 12 or at the second sub-opening 16. The control device 42 activates or deactivates each electromagnet 41a, ..., 41i so that only one electromagnet 41a, ..., 41i is always activated. The electromagnets 41a, ..., 41i are therefore activated in a certain order. Here, the electromagnet 41a with the smallest spacing from the first opening 11 is first activated. After that, the electromagnet 41b, etc., which has the smallest distance from the last active electromagnet 41a, is activated. Finally, the electromagnet 41i arranged at the second opening 12 is activated. The sub-region of the object 2 is magnetically configured. In other words, the object has a sub-region that acts magnetically. The sub-region that acts magnetically can be configured as a ferromagnet or a permanent magnet or an electromagnet, etc. in particular. The sub-region that acts magnetically of the object can be the tip 21 of the object 2 in particular. The tip 21 of the object 2 is the sub-region of the object 2 that is first pushed through the penetration aid 1. In other words, the tip 21 of the object 2 is the sub-region of the front of the object 2. The tip 21 can include, for example, 0.5 to 2 cm. Alternatively, at least one other sub-region of the object 2 can be configured magnetically. By activating the electromagnets 41a, ..., 41i, the object 2 can be gradually "attracted" or guided through the sub-guiding device 111. Therefore, there is no need to actively, manually advance the object 2 in order to move the object 2 in the direction of the second opening 12. By means of the electromagnets 41a, ..., 41i, the object 2 can be guided from the first opening 11 to the second opening 12. The number of the electromagnets 41a, ..., 41i is arbitrary.

[0117] In an alternative embodiment, only one magnetically active subregion 41i of the penetration aid 1 can be provided at the second opening 12 or the second sub-opening 16. In this case, the magnetically active subregion 41i of the penetration aid 1 can be designed as a ferromagnet or a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The tip 21 of the object 2 is also designed to be magnetically active here. When the object 2 is guided through the second opening 12, the magnetically active subregion 41i of the penetration aid 1 helps to guide the tip 21 of the object 2. This prevents the object 2 from bending or getting stuck when passing through the second opening 12.

[0118] Figure 8 An embodiment of a guiding device 5 comprising a penetration aid 1 according to the invention is shown.

[0119] The guiding device 5 comprises an object guide 51. Along the object guide 51, the object 2 is guided in the guiding device 5. With the aid of the insertion aid 1, it is simplified to insert the object 2 into the object guide 51. For this purpose, the insertion aid 1 is connected to the guiding device 5 so that the second opening 12 leads into the object guide 51. The area of ​​the second opening 12 is here as large as the cross-sectional area of ​​the object guide 51 at the connection 6. In addition, the shapes of these two areas are the same. Therefore, it is possible to provide an edge-free transition from the insertion aid 1 to the object guide 51 for the object 2. The connection 6 can be configured as a plug-in connection or a screw connection or a clamping connection or a clamping connection or a riveted connection or a welded connection or as a one-piece connection, etc.

[0120] In an alternative embodiment, an intermediate device can be provided between the insertion aid 1 and the guide device 5, which intermediate device can be connected to the insertion aid and the guide device as described above. In particular, the intermediate device can include an object guide, which extends the object guide 51 of the guide device and is directly flush with the second opening 12. In particular, the intermediate device can be connected to the second opening 12 so that the connection is designed to be edgeless.

[0121] In the case where it is not yet clear but reasonable and within the scope of the invention, the various embodiments, their various sub-aspects or features can be combined or interchanged with each other without departing from the scope of the invention. In the case of transferability, the advantages of the invention described with reference to the exemplary embodiments also apply to other exemplary embodiments not explicitly mentioned.

Claims

1. A penetration assisting device (1) for penetrating an object (2) into a guiding device (5), wherein the penetration assisting device (1) is configured to be connected to the guiding device (5), wherein the penetration assisting device (1) is configured to assist in penetrating the object (2) into the guiding device (5), wherein the penetration assisting device (1) has a first opening (11) and a second opening (12), wherein the first opening (11) and the second opening (12) are interconnected by a wall portion (13), wherein the first opening (11) is configured as an inlet for introducing the object (2) into the penetration assisting device (1), and the second opening (12) is configured as an outlet for leaving the penetration assisting device (1), wherein the penetration assisting device (1) includes a sub-guiding device (111), wherein the sub-guiding device (111) is provided along the wall portion (13) of the penetration assisting device (1), wherein the sub-guiding device (111) extends along a direction from the first opening (11) to the second opening (12), wherein the object (2) introduced into the penetration assisting device (1) through the first opening (11) is guided in the sub-guiding device (111) in a direction towards the second opening (12), wherein the sub-guiding device (111) extends along the wall portion (13) at least partially in a spiral shape around a connecting line (17) located between the first opening (11) and the second opening (12), and wherein the sub-guiding device (111) is configured as more than one groove (14) in the wall portion (13) of the penetration assisting device (1), wherein the groove extends curvilinearly in the wall portion, and the curvature radii of the curved grooves are different and the grooves are spaced apart such that the grooves do not intersect in the wall portion.

2. The penetration assisting device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first opening (11) has a larger area than the second opening (12).

3. The penetration assisting device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the first opening (11) and the second opening (12) are interconnected by the wall portion (13) in a funnel shape.

4. The penetration assisting device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sub-guiding device (111) includes a first sub-opening (15, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e, 15f, 15g, 15h, 15i, 15j, 15k, 15l) having a first area and a second sub-opening (16) having a smaller second area, wherein the first sub-opening (15,..., 15l) and the second sub-opening (16) are interconnected by a sub-wall portion having a tapered cross-section, wherein the first sub-opening (15,..., 15l) is provided on the first opening (11) of the penetration assisting device (1), and the second sub-opening (16) is provided on the second opening (12) of the penetration assisting device (1).

5. The penetration assistance device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, the penetration assistance device further comprises: at least one sensor (31, 31a, 31b, 31c, 31d, 31e, 31f, 32, 32a, 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e, 32f), wherein the sensor (31, …, 32f) is configured to detect that the object (2) has successfully passed through the penetration assistance device (1).

6. The penetration assistance device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the sensor (31, …, 32f) comprises at least one optical sensor.

7. The penetration assistance device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the sensor (31, …, 32f) comprises an impedance sensor.

8. The penetration assistance device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the sensor (31, …, 32f) comprises an X-ray sensor.

9. The penetration assistance device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the sensor (31, …, 32f) comprises a camera.

10. The penetration assistance device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, the penetration assistance device comprises a lubricant dispenser for outputting a lubricant to improve the sliding ability of the object (2) on the wall portion (13) and / or the sub-wall portion of the penetration assistance device (1).

11. The penetration assistance device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the object (2) comprises a magnetically acting sub-region, wherein the penetration assistance device (1) comprises at least one magnetically acting sub-region (41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e, 41f, 41g, 41h, 41i), wherein the magnetically acting sub-region (41a, …, 41i) of the penetration assistance device (1) is provided at the second opening (12).

12. The penetration assistance device (1) according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of magnetically acting sub-regions (41a, …, 41i) of the penetration assistance device (1) are arranged along the sub-guiding device (111), wherein a plurality of magnetically acting sub-regions (41a, …, 41i) of the penetration assistance device (1) can be activated independently of each other, wherein a plurality of magnetically acting sub-regions (41a, …, 41i) of the penetration assistance device (1) can be activated such that they guide the magnetically acting sub-region of the object (2) in the penetration assistance device (1).

13. A guiding device (5), the guiding device comprising the penetration assistance device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the guiding device (5) is configured to guide the object (2).

Images