Sheath and medical system

Abstract

The sheath tube (1) of the present application has: an elongated portion (3) having a channel (2) extending in the length direction and having flexibility; a shape fixing mechanism (4) provided to the elongated portion (3) and capable of switching the elongated portion (3) between a bendable state and a shape fixed state; a state sensor (21) detecting the state of the elongated portion (3) switched by the shape fixing mechanism (4); and a gate mechanism (13) disposed at the base end side of the elongated portion (3) and closing the channel (2) when the bendable state of the elongated portion (3) is detected and opening the channel (2) when the shape fixed state of the elongated portion (3) is detected.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with application number 201780088634.9 (application date: April 3, 2017, invention title: "outer tube and medical system"). Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to outer sheaths and medical systems. Background Technology

[0003] It is known that an outer tube is formed by arranging multiple nested annular components into a tubular shape, and the annular components are held together in the longitudinal axis direction by the traction of a thread, thereby maintaining (shape locking) an arbitrary shape through the friction generated between the annular components (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Such an outer tube is inserted into a body cavity in a state where its shape is released and its shape can be freely deformed. Then, shape locking is achieved by the traction of the thread, thereby allowing the medical device to be inserted into the channel without placing a load on the surrounding tissues within the body cavity.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-279412 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] However, the medical device inserted into the outer tube of Patent Document 1 is generally more rigid than the outer tube in the unlocked state. Therefore, if the medical device is mistakenly inserted into the channel of the outer tube in the unlocked state, or if the shape lock is mistakenly unlocked while the medical device is inserted into the channel of the shape-locked outer tube, the following adverse situation will occur: the shape of the outer tube will deform with the medical device, putting a load on the surrounding tissues in the body cavity.

[0009] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide an outer sheath and medical system that can more reliably prevent the application of load to the surrounding intracavitary tissues caused by inserting a medical device into a channel when the shape fixation is released, or by releasing the shape fixation when a medical device is inserted into a channel.

[0010] Methods for solving problems

[0011] One aspect of the invention is an outer sleeve comprising: an elongated portion having a channel extending along its length and being flexible; a shape-fixing mechanism disposed on the elongated portion, capable of switching the elongated portion between a bendable state and a shape-fixed state; and a gate mechanism disposed on the base end side of the elongated portion, wherein when the shape-fixing mechanism switches the elongated portion to a bendable state, the gate mechanism closes the channel, and when the shape-fixing mechanism switches the elongated portion to a shape-fixed state, the gate mechanism opens the channel.

[0012] According to this method, the shape-fixing mechanism switches the elongated section to a bendable state and inserts it into the body cavity, thereby allowing the elongated section to bend to mimic the shape of the meandering body cavity, thus facilitating smooth insertion. With the front end of the elongated section positioned near the treatment area within the body cavity, the shape-fixing mechanism is activated to fix the shape of the elongated section.

[0013] With the elongated section fixed in shape, the gate mechanism is activated to open the channel within the elongated section. Therefore, in this state, a medical device is inserted into the channel from its base, allowing the tip of the medical device to reach the treatment site. Because the elongated section has a fixed shape, even the insertion of a rigid medical device into the channel will not cause any change in its shape, thus avoiding any load on the surrounding tissues within the body cavity.

[0014] Furthermore, when the shape-fixing mechanism prevents the elongated section from being fixed in shape, the gate mechanism closes the channel, thus preventing the insertion of medical devices into the channel. This prevents the insertion of rigid medical devices into the channel of the elongated section, which is not in a shape-fixed state, and thus avoids deforming the shape of the elongated section, thereby preventing the application of load to surrounding tissues within the body cavity.

[0015] In the above-described manner, the outer sleeve may also have a switching blocking part that prevents the shape fixing mechanism from switching the elongated part to a bendable state when a medical device is inserted into the channel.

[0016] In this way, when the medical device is inserted into the channel of the fixed-shape elongated section for treatment, the switching blocking part prevents the elongated section from being switched to a flexible state, thereby preventing the rigidity of the medical device from deforming the elongated section.

[0017] Alternatively, in the above-described manner, the shape-fixing mechanism may have an operating component that moves under the operator's control, thereby switching the elongated section between a bendable state and a shape-fixed state. The switching stop is a stop that abuts against the medical device inserted into the channel and the operating component, preventing the movement of the operating component that switches the elongated section from the shape-fixed state to the bendable state.

[0018] Thus, when the operator manipulates the operating component, its movement switches the elongated section between a bendable state and a fixed shape. When a medical device is inserted into the channel of the elongated section, the stop abuts against the medical device and the operating component. This prevents movement of the operating component that would otherwise switch the elongated section from a fixed shape to a bendable state.

[0019] Alternatively, in the above-described manner, the outer sleeve may have a status sensor that detects the status of the elongated section switched by the shape fixing mechanism, and the gate mechanism may have a gate drive unit that opens or closes the channel according to the status of the elongated section detected by the status sensor.

[0020] Thus, when the status sensor detects that the long strip is in a fixed shape, the gate drive unit opens the channel; when the status sensor detects that the long strip is in a bendable state, the gate drive unit closes the channel.

[0021] Alternatively, in the above-described manner, the outer sleeve may include: a device sensor that detects whether a medical device is inserted into the channel; and a switching blocking part that prevents the shape fixing mechanism from switching the elongated section to a bendable state when the device sensor detects that the medical device is inserted.

[0022] In this way, when the device sensor detects that a medical device is inserted into the channel, the switching stop prevents the elongated section from switching to a flexible state. Thus, when the medical device is inserted into the channel of the fixed-shape elongated section for treatment, the switching stop prevents the elongated section from switching to a flexible state, thereby preventing the rigidity of the medical device from deforming the elongated section.

[0023] Alternatively, in the above-described manner, the shape-fixing mechanism may have an operating component that moves under the operator's control, thereby switching the elongated portion between a bendable state and a shape-fixed state. The switching stop is a locking mechanism that fixes the operating component when the device sensor detects that the medical device has been inserted.

[0024] Thus, when the operator manipulates the operating component, the movement of the operating component switches the elongated section between a bendable state and a fixed shape state. When a medical device is inserted into the channel of the elongated section, the locking mechanism fixes the operating component, thereby preventing the elongated section from switching from a fixed shape state to a bendable state.

[0025] Alternatively, another aspect of the invention is a medical system which will have: an outer sheath of any of the above-described types; and a medical device inserted through the channel of the outer sheath.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to the present invention, the following effect is achieved: it is possible to more reliably prevent the application of load to the surrounding intracavitary tissues caused by inserting a medical device into the channel when the shape fixation is released, or by releasing the shape fixation when a medical device is inserted into the channel. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the outer sleeve of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 2A This indicates the release. Figure 1 A diagram showing the state of the ratchet mechanism of the outer tube.

[0030] Figure 2B It is shown Figure 2A A diagram showing the engaged state of the ratchet mechanism's engagement plates.

[0031] Figure 2C It shows the movement to Figure 2B The diagram shows the state of the ratchet mechanism's engagement plates being disengaged from each other.

[0032] Figure 3 This illustrates how the lever swings to make the ratchet mechanism... Figure 2B state Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the outer casing.

[0033] Figure 4 This illustrates how the lever swings to make the ratchet mechanism... Figure 2C state Figure 1 A longitudinal sectional view of the outer casing.

[0034] Figure 5 This shows the insertion of a medical device into... Figure 3 A longitudinal sectional view of the condition of the outer tube.

[0035] Figure 6 Show Figure 1 The first variation of the outer tube is a longitudinal sectional view showing the state in which the tube body is locked in a fixed shape.

[0036] Figure 7 It shows that it can be deactivated Figure 6 A longitudinal sectional view of the outer tube body in a fixed, locked state.

[0037] Figure 8 It is shown Figure 1 The longitudinal sectional view of the second modified example of the outer sleeve.

[0038] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 1 The longitudinal sectional view of the third modified example of the outer sleeve. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of the outer tube 1 and the medical system 100 of the present invention will be described.

[0040] like Figure 5 As shown, the medical system 100 of this embodiment includes a medical treatment instrument (medical device) 110 such as a gripping forceps for treating the treatment target area and an outer tube 1.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the outer tube 1 of this embodiment has: a long tube body (long section) 3, which has a channel 2 extending along the length direction; and a shape fixing mechanism 4, which switches the state of the tube body 3 between a shape-fixed state and a bendable state.

[0042] The tube body 3, for example, is formed into a tube by arranging multiple nested annular components (not shown). The channel 2 provided in the tube body 3 is a through hole with a circular cross-section and an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the medical treatment device 110 with a circular cross-section.

[0043] The shape fixing mechanism 4 has: an operating part 5, which is provided at the base end of the tube body 3; and a line 7, which is pulled by the operator by operating the operating part 5, so that the nested annular components are tightly attached to each other.

[0044] The operating unit 5 includes: a base component 8 fixed to the base end of the tube body 3; a rod (operating component) 9 mounted on the base component 8 in a manner that allows it to swing about an axis perpendicular to the length axis of the tube body 3; and a pulley 10 fixed to the rod 9 and rotating together with the swing of the rod 9. A line 7 is wound on the pulley 10, and by swinging the rod 9, the pulley 10 is rotated, thereby pulling the line 7. Thus, the shape of the bent tube body 3 can be fixed.

[0045] Between rod 9 and base component 8 Figures 2A to 2CThe ratchet mechanism 11 is shown. The ratchet mechanism 11 has a lever 9 and a pair of engaging plates 12a and 12b, respectively fixed to the base component 8 and made of leaf springs, which become like... by gripping the lever 9. Figure 2B and Figure 3 As shown, the locking plates 12a and 12b are engaged with each other, thereby maintaining the position that fixes the shape of the tube body 3. Furthermore, by gripping the rod 9 more forcefully from the engaged state, like... Figure 2C and Figure 4 As shown, release the locking plates 12a and 12b from each other and return. Figure 2A This allows the line 7 to relax, switching to a state where the tube body 3 can be bent.

[0046] In addition, the operation unit 5 is provided with a gate mechanism 13 that opens and closes the channel 2 of the tube body 3 according to the swing position of the lever 9.

[0047] The gate mechanism 13 includes: a gate component 14, which is disposed on the base component 8 in a direction that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the length axis of the tube body 3; and a force-applying component 15, such as a helical spring, which applies force to the gate component 14 in the direction of closing the channel 2 of the tube body 3.

[0048] The gate component 14, for example, has a through hole 16 identical to the channel 2 of the tube body 3. It is a shaft-shaped component with a circular or polygonal cross-section. By moving it to a position where the through hole 16 aligns with the channel 2, the channel 2 is opened; by moving it to a position where the through hole 16 is offset relative to the channel 2, the channel 2 is closed. In this embodiment, the gate component 14 does not completely close the channel 2, but rather partially closes it, thus preventing the insertion of the medical treatment device 110 into the tube body 3.

[0049] like Figure 1 As shown, the gate component 14 separates from the lever 9 after the lever 9 has swung to the open position, and moves in the direction of closing the channel 2 by the force applied by the force-applying component 15. Then, as... Figure 3 As shown, when the lever 9 swings to the closed position, the lever 9 presses against the gate component 14, overcoming the force of the force-applying component 15 and moving in the direction that opens the channel 2.

[0050] In addition, the operation unit 5 is provided with a switching stop unit 17 that prevents the lever 9 from opening when a medical treatment device 110 is inserted into the channel 2.

[0051] The switching stop 17 has a stop 19 that is force-applied by a force-applying component 18, such as a coil spring, at a position where it is pulled radially outward from the channel 2. Figure 4 As shown, the stop 19 is configured to be pressed into the channel 2 by the lever 9 when the lever 9 is gripped tightly to release the ratchet mechanism 11 from its engaged state.

[0052] That is, such as Figure 5 As shown, a medical treatment device 110 is inserted into the channel 2. With the medical treatment device 110 having a cross-section approximately the same as the cross-section of the channel 2, when the lever 9 is gripped forcefully, the stop 19 abuts against the medical treatment device 110, thus restricting its movement into the channel 2 and preventing the ratchet mechanism 11 from disengaging. On the other hand, as... Figure 4 As shown, when the medical treatment device 110 is not inserted into the channel 2, by gripping the lever 9 tightly, the stop 19 can be protruded into the channel 2, thereby releasing the engagement state of the ratchet mechanism 11.

[0053] The function of the outer tube 1 and the medical system 100 configured as described below will be explained.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, when the medical treatment device 110 is introduced into the body cavity using the outer tube 1 of this embodiment, the ratchet mechanism 11 is released from its locked state and the lever 9 is not gripped. The pulley 10 exerts a weaker traction force on the line 7, and the tube body 3 is able to bend.

[0055] In this state, by inserting the tube body 3 into the body cavity, the tube body 3 can be bent to mimic the shape of the meandering body cavity, and the front end of the tube body 3 can be positioned near the treatment site within the body cavity.

[0056] Thus, when the tube body 3, disposed within the body cavity, is in a bendable state, the rod 9 does not press the gate component 14 of the gate mechanism 13. The gate component 14 is forced in one direction by the force-applying component 15, causing the through hole 16 to be positioned offset from the channel 2. Therefore, even if the medical treatment device 110 is inserted into the through hole 16 from the base end side, the gate component 14 prevents the insertion and prevents it from being inserted into the tube body 3.

[0057] That is, there are the following advantages: even if the operator mistakenly tries to insert the medical treatment device 110 without fixing the shape of the tube body 3, it prevents the highly rigid medical treatment device 110 from being inserted into the tube body 3, which is in a bendable state. Therefore, it prevents the medical treatment device 110 from deforming the tube body 3 and can effectively prevent the application of load to the surrounding intracavitary tissues.

[0058] Furthermore, when the front end of the main body 3 is positioned near the area to be treated, such as Figure 3 As shown, the operator swings the lever 9 toward the base component 8 of the operating part 5 located outside the body in an approaching direction, thereby rotating the pulley 10 and pulling the line 7 to keep the tube body 3 in a meandering shape and fix it.

[0059] At this time, by pressing the lever 9 against the gate component 14 of the gate mechanism 13, the gate component 14 moves against the force of the force-applying component 15, thereby positioning the through hole 16 in a position consistent with the channel 2. Thus, the channel 2 is opened, allowing the medical treatment device 110 to be inserted into the tube body 3. Furthermore, in this state, the lever 9 is fixed relative to the base component 8 by the ratchet mechanism 11 provided between the lever 9 and the base component 8, thus maintaining the state that allows the medical treatment device 110 to be inserted into the tube body 3.

[0060] In this state, such as Figure 5 As shown, the operator inserts the medical treatment device 110 into the channel 2 of the tube body 3, so that the medical treatment device 110 protrudes from the front end of the tube body 3 located near the treatment site, thereby enabling the treatment site to be treated by the medical treatment device 110.

[0061] In this case, the shape of the tube body 3 is fixed by the action of the shape fixing mechanism 4, so that even if the rigid medical treatment device 110 is inserted into the channel 2, the tube body 3 can be prevented from deforming, thereby preventing the burden on the surrounding body cavity.

[0062] Furthermore, according to the outer tube 1 of this embodiment, when the medical treatment device 110 is inserted into the channel 2 of the tube body 3 after the shape is fixed by swinging the rod 9 relative to the base member 8 in a proximal direction, the stop member 19 provided on the base member 8 contacts both the rod 9 and the medical treatment device 110. Therefore, the swinging action of squeezing the rod 9 forcefully to further approach the base member 8 is restricted. As a result, the locking state of the ratchet mechanism 11 is prevented from being released.

[0063] That is, there is an advantage as follows: with the medical device 110 inserted into the channel 2 of the tube body 3 after its shape has been fixed, it is forbidden to release the shape fixation of the shape fixing mechanism 4. Therefore, even if the operator mistakenly performs the operation of releasing the shape fixation, the tube body 3 will not switch to a bendable state. If the tube body 3 is switched to a bendable state while the medical device 110 is still inserted into the channel 2 of the tube body 3 after its shape has been fixed, the rigid medical device 110 will deform the tube body 3 and exert a load on the surrounding tissues in the body cavity. However, according to this embodiment, such an adverse situation will not occur.

[0064] Furthermore, after the medical treatment device 110 is pulled out from the channel 2 of the fixed-shape tube body 3, the stop 19 is released, therefore, as Figure 4As shown, the ratchet mechanism 11 can be released by gripping the lever 9 firmly relative to the base component 8. This reduces the traction force of the line 7, switching the tube body 3 into a bendable state, thereby allowing the tube body 3 to be easily pulled out of the body cavity.

[0065] Furthermore, in the outer sleeve 1 of this embodiment, the operation of releasing the locked state by forcefully gripping the rod 9 is restricted by positioning the stop 19 between the rod 9 and the medical treatment device 110. Alternatively, as shown below... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the ratchet mechanism 11 is constructed to release the locked state by swinging the release lever 20, thereby restricting the operation of the release lever 20 by the stop member 19.

[0066] Additionally, the lever 9 mechanically presses the gate component 14, which applies force to the force-applying component 15 in the direction of closing the channel 2, thereby fixing the shape of the tube body 3 in conjunction with the opening of the channel 2. However, in this embodiment, this method can be substituted, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the angle of the rod 9 is detected by the angle sensor (state sensor) 21. Based on the detection result of the angle sensor 21, the shape of the tube body 3 is fixed and electrically linked to the opening of the channel 2 by the solenoid (gate drive unit) 22 that moves the gate component 14.

[0067] exist Figure 8 In the diagram, reference numeral 23 is the switching control unit, which switches the signal output to the solenoid 22 based on the angle of the rod 9 detected by the angle sensor 21.

[0068] Additionally, by mechanically pressing the stop 19 of the force-applying component 15 with the lever 9 in a manner that prevents it from protruding into the channel 2, the shape fixation of the tube body 3 in the state where the medical treatment device 110 is inserted into the channel 2 is prevented from being released. However, in this embodiment, this method can be substituted, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the presence or absence of medical treatment instruments 110 in the channel 2 is detected by the sensor (equipment sensor) 24. Based on the detection result of the sensor 24, the locking state of the ratchet mechanism 11 is controlled by the solenoid (locking mechanism, switching stop part) 25.

[0069] That is, when the sensor 24 detects that the medical device 110 is not inserted into the channel 2, the control unit 23 allows free switching between the locked and unlocked states of the ratchet mechanism 11 based on the swing of the lever 9. On the other hand, when the sensor 24 detects that the medical device 110 is inserted into the channel 2, the control unit 23 prohibits switching to the unlocked state of the lever 9. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tube body 3 from deforming within the body cavity, thereby preventing the application of load to the tissues within the body cavity.

[0070] In addition, the shape-fixing mechanism 4 can be operated by levers, but this can also be replaced by other methods, such as... Figure 9 The pulley 10 is driven by an electric motor, and the tube body 3 is switched between a fixed shape state and a bendable state via switch 26. In this case, the angle sensor 21 can detect the rotation angle of the pulley 10.

[0071] That is, when the operator operates the switch 26 to fix the shape of the tube body 3, and the angle of the pulley 10 detected by the angle sensor 21 reaches the specified angle range, the control unit 23 actuates the solenoid 22, causing the brake member 14 to move, thereby allowing the medical treatment device 110 to be inserted into the channel 2. On the other hand, when the sensor 24 detects that the medical treatment device 110 is not inserted into the channel 2, when the operator operates the switch 26 to switch the tube body 3 to a bendable state, the pulley 10 rotates, the traction force of the wire 7 is relaxed, and the control unit 23 actuates the solenoid 22, causing the brake member 14 to move, thus preventing the insertion of the medical treatment device 110 into the tissue channel 2.

[0072] Furthermore, when sensor 24 detects that a medical device 110 is inserted into channel 2, even if the operator operates switch 26 to switch the tube body 3 to a bendable state, control unit 23 will not rotate pulley 10, thus maintaining the tube body 3 in a fixed shape. This prevents the tube body 3 from switching to a bendable state while the medical device 110 is inserted into channel 2. In this case, the motor driving control unit 23 and pulley 10 functions as a switching prevention unit.

[0073] Label Explanation

[0074] 1: Outer tube; 2: Channel; 3: Tube body (long strip); 4: Shape fixing mechanism; 9: Rod (operating component); 13: Gate mechanism; 17: Switching stop part; 19: Stop part (switching stop part); 21: Angle sensor (status sensor); 22: Solenoid (gate drive part); 24: Sensor (equipment sensor); 25: Solenoid (locking mechanism, switching stop part); 100: Medical system; 110: Medical treatment device (medical equipment).

Claims

1. An outer sleeve having: The long strip has a channel running through it along its length and is flexible; A shape-fixing mechanism is provided on the elongated section, which enables the elongated section to switch between a bendable state and a shape-fixed state. A state sensor detects the state of the elongated portion as switched by the shape-fixing mechanism, and A gate mechanism is disposed at the base end of the elongated section. When the state sensor detects that the elongated section has switched to a bendable state, the gate mechanism closes the base end of the channel. When the state sensor detects that the elongated section has switched to a fixed shape state, the gate mechanism opens the base end of the channel.

2. The outer sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The outer tube has a switching stop that prevents the shape fixing mechanism from switching the elongated section to a bendable state when a medical device is inserted into the channel.

3. The outer sleeve according to claim 1, wherein, The outer sleeve has: Device sensors detect whether a medical device is inserted into the channel; and The switching blocking part prevents the shape fixing mechanism from switching the elongated part to a bendable state when the device sensor detects that the medical device has been inserted.

4. The outer sleeve according to claim 3, wherein, The shape-fixing mechanism has an operating component that moves under the operator's control, thereby switching the elongated section between a bendable state and a fixed shape state. The switching blocking part is a locking mechanism that fixes the operating component when the device sensor detects that the medical device has been inserted.

5. A medical system having: The outer sleeve as described in any one of claims 1 to 4; and A medical device, which is inserted through the channel of the outer tube.

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