A esophageal model simulation system, simulation method, and inspection equipment for achalasia

Abstract

The present invention discloses an esophageal model simulation system, simulation method, and inspection equipment for achalasia, relating to the field of mechanical technology for medical simulation equipment. Various esophageal structures are simulated using special materials. These simulated esophageal structures are fixed to a rectangular frame, and the esophageal morphology is changed by external traction to obtain esophageal models with different achalasia morphologies. A valve that can control the emptying rate of the contents and a volume measuring instrument with a scale are externally connected to quantify the esophageal emptying function of the achalasia model. By providing an esophageal model simulation system and simulation method for achalasia morphology, the present invention achieves a reusable, multi-angle simulation of the esophagus of achalasia patients, and accurately assesses the emptying function of various esophageal morphologies through the external connection of valves and measuring instruments. The device does not involve clinical or animal ethics issues, is easy to operate, and is safe and reusable, providing a guarantee for accurately assessing the volume of esophageal retention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of medical simulation equipment machinery, and in particular relates to an achalasia esophageal model simulation system, a simulation method, and clinical high-resolution esophageal manometry and esophageal radiography examination equipment. Background Art

[0002] At present, achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder characterized by aperistalsis of the esophageal body and relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. The resulting esophageal emptying dysfunction can lead to a series of clinical symptoms such as dysphagia, retrosternal pain, and reflux, which seriously reduce the patient's quality of life.

[0003] Current clinical treatments for achalasia aim to reduce lower esophageal sphincter pressure and ultimately improve esophageal emptying function. Therefore, direct and accurate assessment of a patient's esophageal emptying function not only aids in disease diagnosis and severity assessment, but also helps monitor disease progression and treatment efficacy.

[0004] High-resolution esophageal manometry and esophageal angiography are commonly used clinically to evaluate the esophageal emptying function of patients with this disease. In addition, due to ethical and operational difficulties, research on the esophageal emptying function of achalasia is often conducted using the in vivo or isolated esophagus of animals such as mice, rats, and pigs. This has the following disadvantages: First, whether in clinical trials, in vivo or in vitro animal experiments, emptying function monitoring can often only be done through indirect methods such as esophageal manometry or esophageal emptying, and direct and accurate monitoring cannot be achieved; second, it wastes animal resources, as each animal can only simulate one esophageal morphology, and clinical findings show that the esophageal morphology and peristalsis of patients with achalasia vary; third, it takes a lot of time to make the initial model, and even if mechanical obstruction or inflammation methods are used to intervene and shorten the animal model establishment time, it still takes 1-4 weeks, and the survival rate of the model animals cannot be guaranteed; fourth, achalasia is a chronic disease, and some patients have dilated esophagus or even sigmoid colon type, which cannot be simulated in animal esophagus with narrow diameter and varying degrees of muscle stiffness. Therefore, the study of esophageal emptying function in achalasia has always been a difficult point.

[0005] Related research requires a reusable, easy-to-use esophageal model that closely matches the esophagus in achalasia in terms of both morphology and functionality. The model also requires a device that can be connected to precision measuring instruments to dynamically and accurately quantify the volume of retained material in the esophagus and thereby assess esophageal emptying function. Esophageal content volume can be quantified by reading the scale of a volumetric instrument connected to the lower end of the model; existing esophageal models cannot meet these requirements.

[0006] Through the above analysis, the problems and defects of the existing technology are as follows:

[0007] (1) Existing simulation devices cannot directly and accurately evaluate the patient's esophageal emptying function, cannot help analyze disease information and determine severity information, and are not conducive to monitoring disease progression and efficacy information.

[0008] (2) Existing simulation equipment has ethical and operational issues, making it impossible to accurately monitor relevant data and information.

[0009] (3) The animal models constructed using existing technologies waste a lot of animal resources during simulation, resulting in high experimental costs. It also takes 1-4 weeks and cannot guarantee the survival rate of the model animals.

[0010] (4) Existing simulation equipment cannot simulate the esophagus of animals with narrow diameters and varying degrees of muscle layer stiffness, and its practical scope is limited.

[0011] The difficulty of solving the above problems and defects is:

[0012] It is difficult to solve the above-mentioned problem-level defects. First, in clinical work, an examination to accurately evaluate the esophageal emptying function of patients with achalasia has not yet been established. Currently, it can only be estimated through esophageal angiography, but this method can only quantify the height of the esophageal contents. Since the esophagus is a hollow structure, it cannot achieve accurate evaluation; second, in terms of animal models, similar to clinical research, there is no method to accurately quantify the esophageal emptying function, and the existing animal experimental methods have the defect of wasting animal resources to a certain extent; third, the characteristics of esophageal motility and esophageal muscle stiffness in patients with achalasia are relatively special, and it is difficult to simulate them through animal experiments in a short period of time. In addition, the existence of the special type of "late sigmoid colon type" makes the establishment of animal models even more difficult, which brings great difficulties to the comprehensive and accurate evaluation of esophageal emptying function related research.

[0013] The significance of solving the above problems and defects is:

[0014] Clinical: Currently, high-resolution esophageal manometry, gastroscopy and other examination methods are often used to repeatedly evaluate the occurrence and development of achalasia, including different stages after treatment. This undoubtedly brings great trouble to patients. Solving the above problems can help clinicians better evaluate changes in patients' conditions while reducing physiological damage and psychological stress. Scientific research: After solving the above problems, animal resources can be greatly saved in the detection of esophageal emptying function in achalasia, and the precise simulation and quantification of various clinical esophageal types can be maximized, thereby promoting the development of esophageal dynamics research in achalasia, and even further applied to research related to various gastrointestinal motility disorders, providing assistance for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the disease. Summary of the Invention

[0015] To overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present invention discloses an esophageal model simulation system for achalasia, a simulation method, and clinical high-resolution esophageal manometry and esophageal radiography equipment. The technical solution is as follows:

[0016] According to a first aspect of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention, a method for simulating an esophageal model of achalasia is provided, comprising:

[0017] Special materials are used to simulate various esophageal structures, which are fixed by a rectangular frame. At the same time, the esophageal morphology is changed by external traction to obtain esophageal models with different morphologies of achalasia. A valve that can control the emptying rate of contents and a volume measuring instrument with a scale are connected to the outside of the esophageal model of achalasia to quantify the esophageal emptying function of the achalasia model.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the special material includes polyethylene.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the changing the morphology of the esophagus by pulling with external force includes:

[0020] By moving the movable rulers located on each border of the cube, the point of origin of the inelastic cotton thread connected to the movable rulers is changed, thereby setting or changing the esophageal morphology; and obtaining esophageal models of achalasia of different morphologies.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, the different forms of achalasia esophagus models include: a linear polyethylene achalasia esophagus model, a sigmoid polyethylene achalasia esophagus model, and a late sigmoid polyethylene achalasia esophagus model.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method for obtaining the linear polyethylene achalasia esophagus model includes:

[0023] Four movable rulers are located on the four sides of the rectangular frame, and another movable ruler is fixed at the lower 3 / 4 of the side frame. The other end of the inelastic cotton thread is anchored in the middle of the esophageal model of achalasia.

[0024] Then, use two outer movable rulers to fix them at the upper 1 / 4 and middle part of their respective frames, and anchor the other end of the inelastic cotton thread at the upper 1 / 4 and lower 3 / 4 of the esophageal model of achalasia;

[0025] The method for obtaining the sigmoid colon type polyethylene material achalasia esophagus model comprises:

[0026] Four movable rulers are respectively located at the four sides of the rectangular parallelepiped frame, another movable ruler is fixed at the middle of the side frame, and the other end of the inelastic cotton thread is anchored at the middle of the esophageal model of achalasia. Another movable ruler is fixed at the lower 3 / 4 of the side frame, and the other end of the inelastic cotton thread is anchored at the lower 3 / 4 of the esophageal model of achalasia.

[0027] The method for obtaining the late-stage sigmoid-type polyethylene achalasia esophageal model comprises:

[0028] Four movable rulers are located on the four sides of the rectangular frame, and the other two movable rulers are fixed to the upper 1 / 4 of the sides. The other ends of the inelastic cotton threads are anchored to the upper 1 / 4 of the esophageal model of achalasia.

[0029] Another two movable rulers were fixed at 3 / 4 of their respective borders, and the other end of the inelastic cotton thread was anchored at the lower 3 / 4 of the esophageal model of achalasia.

[0030] According to a second aspect of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention, a system for simulating an esophageal model of achalasia is provided, comprising:

[0031] Achalasia esophagus model;

[0032] The achalasia esophagus model is connected to the apex of a cube device that fixes the simulated esophagus via an inelastic cotton thread and a crocodile clip-like metal structure;

[0033] The movable scale connecting shaft is fixed on the movable scale;

[0034] The outlet of the achalasia esophagus model is connected to a valve connected to the model esophagus;

[0035] The valve connected to the model esophagus is connected to a measuring cup with a scale.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cubic device for fixing the simulated esophagus has multiple vertices; and the movable ruler has multiple vertices.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the achalasia esophagus model is made of polyethylene;

[0038] The valve connected to the model esophagus regulates the emptying rate of the contents of the esophagus model by rotating at different amplitudes;

[0039] The crocodile clip-like metal structure has a blunt head end; the crocodile clip-like metal structure is anchored to the wall of the esophageal model of achalasia.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the achalasia esophagus model includes a linear polyethylene achalasia esophagus model structure, a sigmoid colon type polyethylene achalasia esophagus model structure, or a late sigmoid colon type polyethylene achalasia esophagus model structure.

[0041] According to a third aspect of the disclosed embodiment of the present invention, a clinical high-resolution esophageal manometry and esophageal angiography examination device equipped with the achalasia esophageal model system is provided.

[0042] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments disclosed in the present invention may have the following beneficial effects:

[0043] The present invention provides an esophageal model simulation system for achalasia to simulate the esophagus with achalasia. Loss of peristalsis of the esophagus body is a major characteristic of achalasia.

[0044] This invention provides an esophageal model simulation system and method for achalasia, enabling a reusable, multi-angle simulation of the esophagus of achalasia patients. Using external valves and measuring instruments, it accurately assesses the emptying function of various esophageal morphologies. This device, which is safe, reusable, and simple to operate, is safe and reusable, ensuring accurate assessment of esophageal retention volume, regardless of clinical or animal ethics.

[0045] The device provided by the present invention can be used to simulate various esophageal structures using special materials. The model is fixed via a rectangular frame, and the esophageal shape is changed by external traction. A valve that controls the emptying rate of its contents and a graduated volume measurement instrument are connected to the model to quantify the esophageal emptying function of achalasia models, thereby providing a reference for clinical research.

[0046] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a flow chart of the esophageal model simulation system method for achalasia provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of an esophageal model simulation system for achalasia provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 3 This is a top view of the vertex of a cubic device for fixing a simulated esophagus provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 4 It is a side view of a movable scale provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the connection of a valve device connected to a model esophagus provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 6 2 is a schematic diagram of connecting the inelastic cotton thread provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of an alligator clip-like metal structure provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 1-Figure 7 Middle: 1. Vertices of the fixed esophagus-simulating cube, where a to h are different vertices; 2. Movable rulers, where i to l are the movable rulers located on each side of the cube; 3. Achalasia esophagus model; 4. Valve device connected to the model esophagus; 5. Measuring cup with scale; 6. Wide side of the movable ruler; 7. Long side of the movable ruler; 8. Connecting shaft of the movable ruler; 9. Inelastic cotton thread; 10. Alligator clip-like metal structure.

[0056] Figure 8 This is an application diagram of a linear polyethylene achalasia esophagus model provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 9 This is an application diagram of a sigmoid colon-type polyethylene material achalasia esophagus model provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 10 This is an application diagram of a late-stage sigmoid-type polyethylene esophageal model of achalasia provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein, with examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, when referring to the drawings, identical numerals in different figures represent identical or similar elements, unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments are not intended to represent all possible embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatus and methods consistent with certain aspects of the present disclosure, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0060] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a method for simulating an esophageal model of achalasia, comprising:

[0061] S101, using special materials to simulate various esophageal structures, and fixing the simulated esophageal structures with a rectangular frame;

[0062] S102, changing the esophagus morphology by external traction to obtain different morphological esophageal models of achalasia;

[0063] S103, a valve capable of controlling the emptying rate of contents and a volume measuring instrument with a scale are connected to the outside of the esophageal model of achalasia, so as to quantify the esophageal emptying function of the esophageal model of achalasia.

[0064] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the special material includes polyethylene.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the changing the morphology of the esophagus by pulling with external force includes:

[0066] By moving the movable rulers located on each border of the cube, the point of origin of the inelastic cotton thread connected to the movable rulers is changed, thereby setting or changing the esophageal morphology; and obtaining esophageal models of achalasia of different morphologies.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the different forms of achalasia esophagus models include: a linear polyethylene achalasia esophagus model, a sigmoid colon type polyethylene achalasia esophagus model, and a late sigmoid colon type polyethylene achalasia esophagus model.

[0068] like Figure 2-Figure 7 As shown, the esophageal model simulation system for achalasia provided by the disclosed embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0069] Fixing vertex 1 of the cubic device simulating the esophagus, where a to h are different vertices;

[0070] A movable ruler 2 located on each border of the cube, where i~l are the movable rulers;

[0071] Achalasia esophagus model made of polyethylene3;

[0072] a valve device 4 connected to the model esophagus;

[0073] Measuring cup with scale 5;

[0074] Move the broad side of the ruler 6;

[0075] Move the long side of the ruler 7;

[0076] The movable scale is connected to the shaft 8;

[0077] Inelastic cotton thread 9; used to connect to the moving scale 2 via the moving scale connecting shaft 8;

[0078] Alligator clip-like metal structure 10. Used to anchor to the esophageal model wall;

[0079] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the vertices 1 of the cubic device for fixing the simulated esophagus are each provided with a fixed axis connected to a cotton thread, and the other end of the cotton thread is provided with an alligator clip-like structure that can be anchored to the simulated esophagus wall.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a movable ruler 2 is located on each border of the cube. The starting point of the cotton thread is changed by moving the ruler, thereby setting or changing the model shape; it is connected to a cotton thread and an alligator clip that can change the shape of the esophageal wall by pulling with external force.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the crocodile clip-like metal structure 10 has a slightly blunt tip, and the esophageal wall of the model is made of a material that is not easily damaged.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the achalasia esophagus model 3 is connected to a shaft 8 connected to a movable scale and a vertex 1 of a cubic device that fixes the simulated esophagus via an inelastic cotton thread 9 and an alligator clip-like metal structure 10, and is fixed to a movable scale 2 (a movable scale on the edge of the cubic frame). The outlet of the achalasia esophagus model 3 is connected to a valve 4 connected to the model esophagus (a valve that can adjust the emptying rate of the esophagus model contents by varying the rotation amplitude) and a graduated measuring cup 5 (a measuring cup with a graduated outer wall).

[0083] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0084] Example 1

[0085] The method for using the achalasia esophageal model simulation system provided in the disclosed embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0086] The present invention establishes an esophageal model 3 of achalasia made of polyethylene material, places it in a rectangular parallelepiped frame, and connects a valve 4 connected to the model esophagus at the outlet of the esophageal model 3. The rate of discharge of esophageal contents can be regulated by rotating the valve 4 connected to the model esophagus at different amplitudes. At the same time, to determine the volume of discharged contents, a graduated measuring cup 5 is placed at the outlet of the valve 4 connected to the model esophagus. Figure 8 This is a linear polyethylene esophagus model for achalasia.

[0087] The longitudinal axis of the esophagus has a moderate degree of tortuosity. The movable ruler (il) is located on the four frames. k is fixed to the lower 3 / 4 of the frame where it is located. The other end of the cotton thread is anchored to the middle of the polyethylene esophageal model with achalasia. j and l are fixed to the upper 1 / 4 and middle part of their respective frames. The other end of the inelastic cotton thread 9 is anchored to the upper 1 / 4 and lower 3 / 4 of the esophageal model 3 with achalasia.

[0088] Example 2

[0089] like Figure 9 As shown, a sigmoid type achalasia esophagus model (made of polyethylene) is provided.

[0090] The longitudinal axis of the esophagus is significantly tortuous, with the right side of the esophagus obviously curved and L-shaped. The movable rulers (il) are located on the four frames respectively. k is fixed to the middle part of the frame where it is located. The other end of the cotton thread is anchored to the middle part of the polyethylene esophageal model with achalasia. j is fixed to the lower 3 / 4 of the frame where it is located. The other end of the inelastic cotton thread 9 is anchored to the lower 3 / 4 of the esophageal model 3 with achalasia.

[0091] Example 3

[0092] like Figure 10 As shown, a late-stage sigmoid achalasia esophageal model (made of polyethylene) is provided.

[0093] The sigmoid colon type esophagus has not been intervened for a long time, and food continues to accumulate in it. Due to the effect of gravity, the degree of esophageal tortuosity increases, forming this type of esophagus. The movable ruler (il) is located on the four frames, i and l are fixed at the upper 1 / 4 of their frames, and the other end of the cotton thread is anchored at the upper 1 / 4 of the achalasia esophagus model. k and j are fixed at the 3 / 4 of their frames, and the other end of the inelastic cotton thread 9 is anchored at the lower 3 / 4 of the achalasia esophagus model.

[0094] In the above-mentioned Examples 1 to 3, m represents the valve connected to the model esophagus in the corresponding embodiment; n represents the measuring cup with scale in the corresponding embodiment.

[0095] The technical solution of the present invention is further described below in conjunction with specific experiments.

[0096] With the valves initially closed, 100 ml of barium sulfate solution was injected into each of the various models provided in Examples 1-3 using a syringe as a contrast agent. The emptying rate was v. The valves were closed at time points T0 min, T1 min, T2 min, and T5 min, and the volume of the barium sulfate solution in the measuring cup was read. Repeating these experiments for various esophageal model morphologies yielded the following experimental parameters, as shown in the table below:

[0097]

[0098] In the table, 1-10 are the experimental data of the linear esophagus model; 11-20 are the experimental data of the sigmoid colon esophagus model; 21-30 are the experimental data of the late sigmoid colon esophagus model.

[0099] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate other embodiments of the present disclosure after considering the specification and practicing the disclosure disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the present disclosure that follow the general principles of the present disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The description and examples are to be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the appended claims.

[0100] It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the exact structures described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure should be limited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for simulating an esophageal model of achalasia, characterized in that: The achalasia esophageal model simulation method comprises: The various esophageal structures simulated by the rectangular frame are fixed, and the esophageal morphology is changed by external traction to obtain different esophageal models of achalasia; A valve capable of controlling the emptying rate of the contents and a volume measuring instrument with a scale are connected to the outside of the esophageal model of achalasia to quantify the esophageal emptying function of the esophageal model of achalasia; The different forms of achalasia esophagus models include: a linear polyethylene achalasia esophagus model, a sigmoid colon type polyethylene achalasia esophagus model, and a late sigmoid colon type polyethylene achalasia esophagus model; The method for obtaining the linear polyethylene achalasia esophagus model comprises: Four movable rulers are located on the four sides of the rectangular frame, and another movable ruler is fixed at the lower 3 / 4 of the side frame. The other end of the inelastic cotton thread is anchored in the middle of the esophageal model of achalasia. Then, use the movable ruler to fix it at the upper 1 / 4 and middle part of the respective frame, and anchor the other end of the inelastic cotton thread at the upper 1 / 4 and lower 3 / 4 of the esophageal model of achalasia; The method for obtaining the sigmoid colon type polyethylene material achalasia esophagus model comprises: Four movable rulers are respectively located at the four sides of the rectangular parallelepiped frame, another movable ruler is fixed at the middle of the side frame, and the other end of the inelastic cotton thread is anchored at the middle of the esophageal model of achalasia. Another movable ruler is fixed at the lower 3 / 4 of the side frame, and the other end of the inelastic cotton thread is anchored at the lower 3 / 4 of the esophageal model of achalasia. The method for obtaining the late-stage sigmoid-type polyethylene achalasia esophageal model comprises: Four movable rulers are located on the four sides of the rectangular frame, and the other two movable rulers are fixed to the upper 1 / 4 of the sides. The other ends of the inelastic cotton threads are anchored to the upper 1 / 4 of the esophageal model of achalasia. Another two movable rulers were fixed at 3 / 4 of their respective borders, and the other end of the inelastic cotton thread was anchored at the lower 3 / 4 of the esophageal model of achalasia.

2. The esophageal achalasia model simulation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The various esophageal structures are simulated using polyethylene material.

3. The esophageal achalasia model simulation method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The methods of changing the esophagus's shape by external traction include: By moving the movable rulers located on each border of the cuboid, the issuing point of the inelastic cotton thread connected to the movable rulers is changed, thereby setting or changing the esophageal morphology; and obtaining esophageal models of achalasia of different morphologies.

4. An achalasia esophagus model simulation system for implementing the achalasia esophagus model simulation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The achalasia esophagus model simulation system comprises: Achalasia esophagus model; The achalasia esophagus model is connected to the apex of a cube device that fixes the simulated esophagus via an inelastic cotton thread and a crocodile clip-like metal structure; The movable scale connecting shaft is fixed on the movable scale; The outlet of the achalasia esophagus model is connected to a valve connected to the model esophagus; The valve connected to the model esophagus is connected to a measuring cup with a scale; The achalasia esophagus model includes a linear polyethylene achalasia esophagus model structure, a sigmoid colon type polyethylene achalasia esophagus model structure or a late sigmoid colon type polyethylene achalasia esophagus model structure.

5. The esophageal model simulation system for achalasia according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cubic device for fixing the simulated esophagus has multiple vertices; and the movable ruler has multiple vertices.

6. The esophageal model simulation system for achalasia according to claim 4, characterized in that: The achalasia esophagus model is made of polyethylene; The valve connected to the model esophagus regulates the emptying rate of the contents of the esophagus model by rotating at different amplitudes; The crocodile clip-like metal structure has a blunt head end; the crocodile clip-like metal structure is anchored to the wall of the esophageal model of achalasia.

7. A clinical high-resolution esophageal manometry and esophageal imaging device equipped with the achalasia esophageal model system according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

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