A distally flexible introducer sheath, ureteroscope, and methods of use thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a distal end bendable guide sheath, a ureteroscope and a use method thereof, and relates to the technical field of medical devices. The distal end bendable guide sheath comprises a sheath pipe base, a sheath pipe and an adjusting base, wherein the proximal end of the sheath pipe is installed on the sheath pipe base, the distal end of the sheath pipe is a bendable structure, a through hole is arranged on the adjusting base, the through hole is a channel for the insertion part of the ureteroscope to enter the sheath pipe, the adjusting base is rotatably installed on the sheath pipe base, the distal end of the sheath pipe is adjusted to bend through the rotation of the adjusting base, the distal end of the insertion part is driven to bend through the bending of the sheath pipe, and the insertion part is abutted against the inner wall of the sheath pipe through the abutment of the through hole and the insertion part. The guide sheath can further drive the distal end of the insertion part to bend through the bending of the distal end of the sheath pipe, so that the insertion part can reach a preset limit bending angle; on the other hand, when the bending angle of the sheath pipe is adjusted, the gap between the guide sheath and the insertion part can be increased, and it is avoided that the stones need to be crushed to a small enough particle size.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a distal flexible guide sheath, a ureteroscope, and a method of using the same. Background Technology

[0002] A ureteroscope is a commonly used medical device that can be inserted directly into the body to examine the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, and urethra for any abnormalities. It provides doctors with ample diagnostic information to aid in disease treatment. With advancements in medical technology, the development of minimally invasive surgery concepts, and increased public awareness of their health, ureteroscopic lithotripsy is becoming increasingly popular among patients and clinicians.

[0003] In ureteroscopic lithotripsy, a crucial step is the insertion of a guide sheath into the patient's body. This sheath creates a channel connecting the external environment to the internal organs, reducing the risk of injury caused by repeated insertion and removal of the ureteroscope during the procedure. The gap between the guide sheath and the insertion point of the ureteroscope also creates a pathway for the stone fragments to pass through. Because stones are scattered throughout the kidney, and some even reside within narrow spaces, the ureteroscope and guide sheath need to be flexible to improve stone clearance. Therefore, current technologies provide distally flexible guide sheaths and distally flexible ureteroscopes.

[0004] However, during the distal bending of the ureteroscope insertion section, the small gap between the insertion section and the guide sheath means that adjusting the bending angle can cause the insertion section to come into contact with the inner wall of the guide sheath, thus limiting further bending and preventing the ureteroscope insertion section from reaching the preset limit bending angle. On the other hand, to facilitate bending, the insertion section is usually positioned at the center of the guide sheath. When the central axis of the insertion section coincides with the central axis of the guide sheath, the gap between them is small, allowing only small-sized stones to pass through. This necessitates using laser to pulverize the stones to a sufficiently small size. During laser lithotripsy, the laser not only acts on the stones but also inevitably damages human tissue. The smaller the stones are pulverized by the laser, the greater the damage to the human body.

[0005] Therefore, providing a guide sheath that can not only increase the bending angle of the insertion part, but also increase the gap between the guide sheath and the insertion part has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention discloses a distal flexible guide sheath, a ureteroscope, and a method of using the same, in order to solve the technical problems in the related art where the limit of the bending angle of the ureteroscope insertion part is limited by the guide sheath, and the gap between the guide sheath and the insertion part is small.

[0007] To solve the above problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A first aspect of the invention provides a distally flexible guiding sheath.

[0009] The present invention relates to a distally flexible guide sheath, comprising a sheath seat, a sheath, and an adjustment seat. The proximal end of the sheath is mounted on the sheath seat, and the distal end of the sheath has a flexible structure. The adjustment seat is provided with a through hole, which serves as a channel for the insertion part of a ureteroscope to enter the sheath. The adjustment seat is rotatably mounted on the sheath seat. The bending of the distal end of the sheath is adjusted by the rotation of the adjustment seat, and the bending of the sheath drives the bending of the distal end of the insertion part. Simultaneously, the abutment between the insertion part and the through hole drives the insertion part to abut against the inner wall of the sheath.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the through hole gradually decreases from the inlet end to the outlet end of the through hole.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the through hole gradually increases from the inlet end to the outlet end of the through hole.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the through hole remains consistent from the inlet end to the outlet end of the through hole.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjustment seat includes a base and a rotating part, the through hole is provided on the base, and the base and the rotating part are an integral structure.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet end of the through hole is provided with a guide portion, and the guide portion is located on the inner walls of the upper and lower sides of the base, and / or the guide portion is located on the inner walls of the left and right sides of the base.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjusting seat is further provided with a traction component, one end of which is fixedly connected to the adjusting seat, and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the flexible structure at the distal end of the sheath.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the traction assembly includes a first traction rope and a second traction rope, the first traction rope and the second traction rope being located on both sides of the through hole, and both the first traction rope and the second traction rope being at the same height as the central axis of the sheath.

[0017] A second aspect of the present invention provides a ureteroscope.

[0018] The ureteroscope of the present invention includes a scope body and a guide sheath, wherein the guide sheath is a distally flexible guide sheath as described in any of the technical solutions of the present invention, the sheath tube of the guide sheath is used to accommodate the insertion part of the scope body, and the distal end of the insertion part is a flexible structure.

[0019] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of using a ureteroscope.

[0020] The method of using a ureteroscope according to any one of the technical solutions of this invention includes the following steps:

[0021] Step S100: Assemble the insertion part into the sheath of the guide sheath;

[0022] Step S200: Control the distal end of the insertion portion to bend;

[0023] Step S300: When the insertion part abuts against the sheath and the bending angle of the insertion part is less than the preset bending angle, control the distal end of the sheath to bend, and make the bending angle of the insertion part reach the preset bending angle, and form a gap between the insertion part and the sheath.

[0024] The technical solution adopted in this invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0025] This invention relates to a distally flexible guide sheath. The distal end of the sheath tube is flexible. When the distal end of the insertion part is bent to its maximum adjustable bending degree, the bending of the distal end of the sheath tube is adjusted by rotating the adjusting seat. This bending of the distal end of the sheath tube further drives the distal end of the insertion part to bend, allowing the insertion part to reach a preset limit bending angle. On the other hand, when the adjusting seat is rotated to a certain angle, the wall surface of the through hole abuts against the insertion part. When the through hole abuts against the insertion part, the adjusting seat continues to rotate, causing the wall surface at the through hole to apply a pushing force to the insertion part, causing the insertion part to move closer to the side of the sheath tube's bend until the wall surface of the insertion part is in contact with the wall surface of the sheath tube's bend side. If the adjusting seat continues to rotate, the insertion part will always remain in close contact with the wall surface of the sheath tube's bend side, thereby increasing the gap between the guide sheath and the insertion part. This gap allows larger stones to pass through, avoiding the need to crush the stones to a sufficiently small particle size and reducing the harm to the human body.

[0026] The distal flexible guide sheath of the present invention solves the technical problems in the related art where the limit of the bending angle of the ureteroscope insertion part is limited by the guide sheath, and the gap between the guide sheath and the insertion part is small.

[0027] Furthermore, the preferred technical solution of the present invention can also achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0028] In the preferred embodiment of this invention, the distal flexible guide sheath has a gradually decreasing diameter at the outlet end of the through hole from the inlet end to the outlet end. This means the outlet end has a smaller diameter. Compared to a smaller diameter at the inlet end or a design where the inlet and outlet diameters are the same, the smaller diameter at the outlet end allows for greater displacement of the insertion part when the through hole abuts against the insertion part and the adjusting seat rotates by the same angle. This makes it easier for the wall of the insertion part to fit against the wall of the bent side of the sheath. Furthermore, the gradually decreasing diameter at the outlet end of the through hole, meaning it has a trumpet-shaped structure with a larger inlet diameter, also guides the insertion of the insertion part, facilitating accurate insertion into the through hole. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the distal flexible guide sheath and the insertion part in a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a front view of the distal flexible guide sheath and the insertion part in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 AA section view;

[0033] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Enlarged view of section A;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the gap formed when the insertion part is located in the middle of the sheath;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the gap formed when the insertion part fits against the wall of the sheath;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a first perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the cooperation between the adjustment seat and the insertion part;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a second perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the cooperation between the adjustment seat and the insertion part;

[0038] Figure 9This is a front view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, showing the cooperation between the adjustment seat and the insertion part;

[0039] Figure 10 This is a first perspective view of the adjustment seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 11 This is a second perspective view of the adjustment seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 12 This is a front view of the adjustment seat according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 13 This is a first perspective view of the sealing element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 14 This is a second perspective view of the sealing element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 15 This is a front view of the sealing element according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 BB section view;

[0046] Figure 17 This is a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the ureteroscope usage method of the present invention.

[0047] In the figure: 10, sheath seat; 101, end face; 1011, first opening; 102, shell; 1021, receiving cavity; 103, second step; 11, sheath; 111, gap; 12, adjusting seat; 121, through hole; 1211, inlet end; 1212, outlet end; 1213, guide part; 122, base; 1221, fixing part; 123, rotating part; 124, first traction rope; 125, second traction rope; 13, sealing element; 131, second opening; 132, gasket; 1321, deformation part; 133, arc surface structure; 134, extension part; 135, first step; 20, insertion part. Detailed Implementation

[0048] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0049] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0050] In the various embodiments of this application, "proximal end" and "distal end" refer to the position of the endoscope and its accessories relative to the user in the usage environment. The end closer to the user is designated as the "proximal end," and the end farther from the user is designated as the "distal end."

[0051] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figures 1 to 17 The present application provides a detailed description of the distal flexible guide sheath, ureteroscope, and their usage methods through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] This embodiment provides a detailed description of the distal flexible guide sheath of the present invention.

[0054] The distal flexible guide sheath of this embodiment includes a sheath seat 10, a sheath 11, and an adjustment seat 12. The proximal end of the sheath 11 is mounted on the sheath seat 10, and the distal end of the sheath 11 has a flexible structure. The adjustment seat 12 is provided with a through hole 121, which is the channel for the insertion part 20 of the ureteroscope to enter the sheath 11. The adjustment seat 12 is rotatably mounted on the sheath seat 10. The bending of the distal end of the sheath 11 is adjusted by the rotation of the adjustment seat 12, and the bending of the distal end of the insertion part 20 is driven to bend by the bending of the sheath 11. At the same time, the insertion part 20 is driven to abut against the inner wall of the sheath 11 by the contact between the through hole 121 and the insertion part 20. Figures 1-4 A schematic diagram showing the insertion part 20 engaging with the guide sheath is shown. The flexible structure at the distal end of the sheath tube 11 can be the same as in the prior art; specifically, the flexible structure may be, for example, a snake bone structure, a pulsator tube structure, etc., which will not be described in detail here.

[0055] Figure 5 A schematic diagram is shown of the gap 111 formed when the insertion part 20 is located in the middle of the sheath tube 11 (that is, the way the insertion part 20 and the sheath tube 11 are connected in the prior art). Figure 6 A schematic diagram shows the gap 111 formed by the fit between the insertion part 20 and the wall of the sheath 11. The gap 111 can serve as a stone extraction channel. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The comparison shows that the width of the gap 111 formed when the insertion part 20 is attached to the wall of the sheath tube 11 can be doubled at its maximum compared to the width of the gap 111 formed when the insertion part 20 is located in the middle of the sheath tube 11.

[0056] In this embodiment, the distal end of the flexible guide sheath 11 is flexible. When the distal end of the insertion part 20 is bent to its maximum adjustable bending degree, the bending of the distal end of the sheath 11 is adjusted by rotating the adjusting seat 12. This bending of the distal end of the sheath 11 further drives the distal end of the insertion part 20 to bend, allowing the insertion part 20 to reach a preset limit bending angle. On the other hand, when the adjusting seat 12 rotates to a certain angle, the wall surface of the through hole 121 abuts against the insertion part 20. When the through hole 121 abuts against the insertion part 20, the adjusting seat 12... 2. Continued rotation applies a pushing force to the wall surface at the through hole 121, causing the insertion part 20 to move closer to the curved side of the sheath 11 until the wall surface of the insertion part 20 is in contact with the curved side wall surface of the sheath 11. If the adjusting seat 12 is rotated further, the insertion part 20 will always remain in close contact with the curved side wall surface of the sheath 11, thereby increasing the gap 111 between the guide sheath and the insertion part 20. This gap 111 allows larger stones to pass through, avoiding the need to crush the stones to a sufficiently small particle size, thus reducing the harm to the human body. In other words, the distal flexible guide sheath of this embodiment solves the problems in related technologies where the limit bending angle of the ureteroscope insertion part 20 is limited by the guide sheath, and the gap between the guide sheath and the insertion part 20 is small.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the through hole 121 gradually decreases from the inlet end 1211 to the outlet end 1212; or the diameter of the through hole 121 gradually increases from the inlet end 1211 to the outlet end 1212; or the diameter of the through hole 121 remains constant from the inlet end 1211 to the outlet end 1212. The inlet end 1211 of the through hole 121 refers to the end where the insertion part 20 is inserted into the through hole 121; the outlet end 1212 of the through hole 121 refers to the outlet of the insertion part 20 after passing through the through hole 121. Figures 7-9 As shown. The inlet end 1211 of the through hole 121 can also be described as the end of the through hole 121 near the end face 101 of the sheath seat 10; the outlet end 1212 of the through hole 121 can also be described as the end near the through hole 121 near the sheath 11. In the preferred embodiment, the distal flexible guide sheath, in all three structures, allows the wall of the through hole 121 to abut against the insertion part 20 when the adjusting seat 12 is rotated to a certain angle, and applies a thrust to the insertion part 20 through the wall of the through hole 121, so that the wall of the insertion part 20 fits against the wall of the bent side of the sheath 11.

[0058] Preferably, the diameter of the through hole 121 gradually decreases from the inlet end 1211 to the outlet end 1212. This structure makes it easier for the wall surface of the insertion part 20 to fit against the wall surface of the curved side of the sheath 11. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the distal flexible guide sheath has a gradually decreasing diameter from the inlet end 1211 to the outlet end 1212, meaning the diameter at the outlet end 1212 is smaller. Compared to a smaller diameter at the inlet end of the through hole 121 or a scheme where the inlet and outlet ends 1212 have the same diameter, the smaller diameter at the outlet end 1212 allows for easier insertion when the through hole 121 abuts against the insertion part 20 and the adjusting seat 12 rotates by the same angle. The insertion part 20 has a larger displacement, which makes it easier for the wall surface of the insertion part 20 to fit into the wall surface of the curved side of the sheath 11. On the other hand, from the inlet end 1211 to the outlet end 1212 of the through hole 121, the diameter of the through hole 121 gradually decreases, that is, the through hole 121 has a trumpet-shaped structure, and the diameter at the inlet end 1211 of the through hole 121 is larger. The larger diameter at the inlet end 1211 can also guide the insertion of the insertion part 20, which is conducive to accurately inserting the insertion part 20 into the through hole 121.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjusting seat 12 includes a base 122 and a rotating part 123, a through hole 121 is provided on the base 122, and the base 122 and the rotating part 123 are an integral structure, such as... Figures 10-12 As shown. Figures 7-9 A schematic diagram of the insertion part 20 engaging with the through hole 121 is shown. In this preferred embodiment, the distal flexible guide sheath has the through hole 121 disposed on the base 122, and the base 122 and the rotating part 123 are integrally formed. Thus, when the rotating part 123 rotates and drives the sheath tube 11 to bend, the rotation of the rotating part 123 can drive the base 122 and the through hole 121 located on the base 122 to rotate in the same direction. This allows the wall surface of the through hole 121 to abut against the insertion part 20 and push the insertion part 20 to move towards the bending side of the sheath tube 11, thereby achieving the contact between the wall surface of the insertion part 20 and the wall surface of the bending side of the sheath tube 11.

[0060] Preferably, the adjusting seat 12 is snapped onto the housing 102 of the sheath seat 10. Specifically, the rotating part 123 of the adjusting seat 12 is snapped onto the housing 102, and the base 122 is located within the receiving cavity 1021 of the housing 102. Figures 1-3As shown. When the base 122 is located within the receiving cavity 1021 of the housing 102, the central axis of the through hole 121 coincides with the central axis of the sheath 11. Preferably, the rotating part 123 is a knob structure, and the rotating part 123 is dampedly connected to the housing 102, so that when the rotating part 123 rotates to a preset position, it can be fixed by the friction between the rotating part 123 and the housing 102. However, it is not limited to this; the rotating part 123 and the housing 102 can also be connected by gears, which similarly requires an external force to drive the rotating part 123 to rotate.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet end 1211 of the through hole 121 is provided with a guide portion 1213, and the guide portion 1213 is located on the inner walls of the upper and lower sides of the base 122, and / or the guide portion 1213 is located on the inner walls of the left and right sides of the base 122. Figure 11 A schematic diagram shows guide portions 1213 provided on the inner walls of the upper and lower surfaces of the base 122. Preferably, the guide portion 1213 has a concave arc-shaped structure, thereby making the opening size formed at the guide portion 1213 larger. Simultaneously, the opening has an arc-shaped concave surface, which facilitates guiding the insertion portion 20 into the through hole 121. Figure 11 As shown. In this preferred embodiment, the distal flexible guide sheath has a guide portion 1213 at the inlet end 1211 of the through hole 121, which guides the insertion portion 20 to be accurately inserted into the through hole 121.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, the adjusting seat 12 is further provided with a traction assembly. One end of the traction assembly is fixedly connected to the adjusting seat 12, and the other end of the traction assembly is fixedly connected to a flexible structure at the distal end of the sheath 11. Preferably, the traction assembly includes a first traction rope 124 and a second traction rope 125. The first traction rope 124 and the second traction rope 125 are located on both sides of the through hole 121, and both the first traction rope 124 and the second traction rope 125 are at the same height as the central axis of the sheath 11. Figure 3 As shown. Figure 10 and Figure 11 As shown, fixing parts 1221 are provided on both sides of the through hole 121 on the base 122. The two fixing parts 1221 are used to fix the first traction rope 124 and the second traction rope 125, respectively. In the preferred embodiment, the distal flexible guide sheath has the first traction rope 124 and the second traction rope 125 at the same height as the central axis of the sheath tube 11, so that there is no angle between the first traction rope 124 and the second traction rope 125 and the sheath tube 11. The tension of the first traction rope 124 and the second traction rope 125 can be directly applied to the sheath tube 11, thereby ensuring the reliability of the guide sheath bending.

[0063] Specifically, in combination Figure 1 and Figure 8As shown, when the rotating part 123 rotates clockwise, the distal end of the sheath 11 bends to the right of the sheath 11, and the wall surface of the through hole 121 on the left side of the insertion part 20 abuts against the insertion part 20, driving the insertion part 20 to move to the right of the sheath 11, and causing the wall surface of the insertion part 20 to fit against the right wall surface of the sheath 11, thereby forming a large gap 111 between the wall surface of the insertion part 20 and the left wall surface of the sheath 11. This gap 111 can be used for stone removal. The formed gap 111 is as follows: Figure 6 As shown. When the rotating part 123 rotates counterclockwise, the distal end of the sheath 11 bends to the left of the sheath 11, and the wall surface of the through hole 121 located on the right side of the insertion part 20 abuts against the insertion part 20, driving the insertion part 20 to move to the left of the sheath 11, and causing the wall surface of the insertion part 20 to fit against the left wall surface of the sheath 11, thereby forming a large gap 111 between the wall surface of the insertion part 20 and the left wall surface of the sheath 11. This gap 111 can be used for stone removal. The formed gap 111 is as follows: Figure 6 As shown.

[0064] Example 2

[0065] This embodiment provides a more detailed description of the distal flexible guide sheath of the present invention. This embodiment only describes the differences from Embodiment 1; the identical parts will not be detailed again.

[0066] The distal flexible guide sheath of this embodiment also includes a seal 13. The end face 101 of the sheath seat 10 has a first opening 1011. The seal 13 is installed at the end face 101 and has a second opening 131. The diameter of the second opening 131 is smaller than the diameter of the insertion part 20. When the insertion part 20 is inserted into the second opening 131, the second opening 131 deforms along the insertion direction of the insertion part 20, maintaining an interference fit between the seal 13 and the insertion part 20. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. The central axis of the first opening 1011 and the central axis of the second opening 131 are both aligned with the central axis of the through hole 121, so that the first opening 1011, the second opening 131 and the through hole 121 are on the same straight line, which is beneficial for the insertion part 20 to be inserted into the sheath tube 11.

[0067] In this embodiment, the distal flexible guide sheath has a first opening 1011 on the end face 101 of the sheath seat 10. A sealing member 13 is installed on the end face 101, and the sealing member 13 has a second opening 131. The insertion part 20 can enter the sheath tube 11 through the first opening 1011 and the second opening 131. Furthermore, since the diameter of the second opening 131 is smaller than the diameter of the insertion part 20, when the insertion part 20 is inserted into the second opening 131, the second opening 131 can be deformed along the insertion direction of the insertion part 20, and the sealing member 13 and the insertion part 20 can maintain an interference fit. This can enhance the tightness of the fit between the insertion part 20 and the sealing member 13, thereby enhancing the sealing between the insertion part 20 and the second opening 131. This can prevent external gas from entering the sheath tube 11, thus ensuring the internal environment and the negative pressure environment inside the sheath seat 10 and the sheath tube 11 during negative pressure stone removal.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal 13 includes a gasket 132, and a second opening 131 is located at the center of the gasket 132, such as Figure 13 , Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown. Preferably, the thickness of the gasket 132 gradually increases from the center of the second opening 131 towards the edge of the gasket 132, as shown. Figure 16 As shown. In this embodiment, the distal flexible guide sheath has a gradually increasing thickness of the pad 132 from the center of the second opening 131 toward the edge of the pad 132. That is, the pad 132 is thinner closer to the center of the second opening 131, thereby reducing the strength of the pad 132 at the second opening 131 and avoiding the need for the user to use a lot of force to insert the insertion part 20 into the sheath tube 11 through the second opening 131.

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment, from the center of the second opening 131 towards the edge of the gasket 132, the side of the gasket 132 near the end face 101 of the sheath seat 10 has an arcuate structure 133, and the arcuate structure 133 matches the arcuate surface of the insertion portion 20, such as... Figure 14 and Figure 16 As shown. In this preferred embodiment, the distal flexible guide sheath, from the center of the second opening 131 towards the edge of the gasket 132, has an arc-shaped structure 133 on the side of the end face 101 of the sheath seat 10, which matches the arc-shaped structure of the insertion part 20. This increases the contact area between the gasket 132 and the insertion part 20, and enhances the tightness of the fit between the gasket 132 and the insertion part 20, thereby further enhancing the seal between the insertion part 20 and the second opening 131.

[0070] Specifically, the gasket 132 is made of rubber. Since the diameter of the second opening 131 is smaller than the diameter of the insertion part 20, during the process of the insertion part 20 being inserted into the second opening 131, the second opening 131 is opened by the pushing force of the insertion part 20, and the gasket 132 is deformed along the insertion direction of the insertion part 20, thereby increasing the contact area between the gasket 132 and the insertion part 20. Furthermore, the side of the gasket 132 near the end face 101 of the sheath seat 10 is set as an arc surface structure 133, which allows the arc surface structure 133 to fit with the arc surface of the insertion part 20, thereby enhancing the tightness of the fit between the gasket 132 and the insertion part 20, and further enhancing the sealing between the insertion part 20 and the second opening 131. Figure 4 The deformable part 1321 in the figure shows a schematic diagram of the gasket 132 after it has been deformed along the insertion direction of the insertion part 20.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the seal 13 further includes an extension 134, which is fixed to the side of the gasket 132 away from the end face 101. The outer diameter of the extension 134 is smaller than the outer diameter of the gasket 132, and a first step 135 is formed at the connection between the extension 134 and the gasket 132. Figure 4 and Figure 13 As shown. The inner diameter of the housing 102 of the sheath seat 10 is smaller than the inner diameter of the end face 101, and a second step 103 is formed at the connection between the housing 102 and the end face 101. The first step 135 is engaged with the second step 103, and the side of the gasket 132 is fitted against the inner wall of the end face 101, and the side of the extension 134 is fitted against the inner wall of the housing 102, as shown. Figure 4 As shown. The inner diameter of the housing 102 is smaller than the inner diameter of the end face 101, meaning that the inner diameter of the housing 102 on the side closest to the end face 101 is smaller than the inner diameter of the end face 101. In this preferred embodiment, the distal flexible guide sheath directly engages the first step 135 with the second step 103, allowing the seal 13 to be installed and fixed without any other components. Furthermore, the side of the gasket 132 fits against the inner wall of the end face 101, and the side of the extension 134 fits against the inner wall of the housing 102, which enhances the stability of the seal 13 installation and prevents the first step 135 from slipping off the second step 103.

[0072] Specifically, when the insertion part 20 is inserted into the sheath 11 through the second opening 131, the gasket 132 is pushed by the insertion part 20, causing the gasket 132 to deform along the insertion direction of the insertion part 20, which may cause the first step 135 to slip off from the second step 103. In this preferred embodiment, the distal flexible guide sheath, by adding an extension 134 and making the side of the extension 134 fit against the inner wall of the housing 102, increases the contact area between the seal 13 and the inner wall of the housing 102, thereby enhancing the stability of the seal 13 installation and preventing the first step 135 from slipping off from the second step 103. On the other hand, when the gasket 132 deforms along the insertion direction of the insertion part 20, a squeezing force is generated at the second opening 131 toward the edge of the gasket 132. Through the action of this squeezing force, the side of the gasket 132 and the side of the extension 134 can fit more tightly against the inner wall of the housing 102, thereby preventing the first step 135 from slipping off from the second step 103.

[0073] Example 3

[0074] This embodiment provides a detailed description of the ureteroscope of the present invention.

[0075] The ureteroscope of this embodiment includes a scope body and a guide sheath, wherein the guide sheath is a distally flexible guide sheath of any of the technical solutions in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, and the sheath tube 11 of the guide sheath is used to accommodate the insertion part 20 of the scope body, and the distal end of the insertion part 20 is a flexible structure. Figures 1-3 A schematic diagram of the guide sheath and insertion part 20 engaging is shown. The flexible structure at the distal end of the insertion part 20 can be the same as in the prior art; specifically, the flexible structure can be, for example, a snake-bone structure, a pulsator tube structure, etc., which will not be described in detail here. Preferably, the proximal end of the insertion part 20 is made of a rigid material so that the insertion part 20 can be driven to move towards the curved side of the sheath tube 11 through the abutment of the through hole 121, thereby achieving abutment between the insertion part 20 and the inner wall of the curved side of the sheath tube 11. The rigid material is, for example, a metal material.

[0076] The ureteroscope of this embodiment, having a distal flexible guide sheath in either Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2, not only allows the insertion part 20 to reach a preset limit bending angle, but also increases the gap 111 between the guide sheath and the insertion part 20, avoiding the need to pulverize the stone into sufficiently small particles and reducing harm to the human body. In other words, the ureteroscope of this embodiment solves the problems in related technologies where the limit bending angle of the ureteroscope insertion part 20 is limited by the guide sheath, and the gap between the guide sheath and the insertion part 20 is small.

[0077] Example 4

[0078] This embodiment provides a detailed description of how to use the ureteroscope of the present invention.

[0079] Figure 17 The method of using a ureteroscope according to any of the technical solutions in Embodiment 3 is shown. For example... Figure 17 As shown, the method of using a ureteroscope in any of the technical solutions in Example 3 includes the following steps:

[0080] Step S100: Assemble the insertion part 20 into the sheath tube 11 of the guide sheath;

[0081] Step S200: Control the bending of the distal end of the insertion part 20;

[0082] Step S300: When the insertion part 20 abuts against the sheath tube 11 and the bending angle of the insertion part 20 is less than the preset bending angle, the distal end of the sheath tube 11 is controlled to bend, and the bending angle of the insertion part 20 reaches the preset bending angle, and a gap 111 is formed between the insertion part 20 and the sheath tube 11.

[0083] The method of using the ureteroscope described in this embodiment can refer to the bending method of the ureteroscope or the method of establishing the ureteroscope stone retrieval channel.

[0084] In this embodiment, the method of using a ureteroscope involves controlling the distal end of the sheath 11 to bend when the insertion part 20 abuts against the sheath 11 and the bending angle of the insertion part 20 is less than a preset bending angle. This bending of the distal end of the sheath 11 further drives the distal end of the insertion part 20 to bend, allowing the insertion part 20 to reach the preset limit bending angle. Furthermore, controlling the distal bending of the sheath 11 also increases the gap 111 between the guide sheath and the insertion part 20, avoiding the need to pulverize the stone into sufficiently small particles, thereby reducing harm to the human body. In other words, this embodiment of the method of using a ureteroscope solves the problems in related technologies where the limit bending angle of the ureteroscope insertion part 20 is limited by the guide sheath and the gap between the guide sheath and the insertion part 20 is too small.

[0085] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element. Furthermore, it should be noted that the scope of the methods and apparatuses in the embodiments of this application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, but may also include performing functions substantially simultaneously or in the reverse order, depending on the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0086] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A distally flexible guiding sheath, characterized in that, The device includes a sheath seat (10), a sheath (11), and an adjustment seat (12). The proximal end of the sheath (11) is mounted on the sheath seat (10), and the distal end of the sheath (11) is a flexible structure. The adjustment seat (12) is provided with a through hole (121), which serves as a channel for the insertion part (20) of the ureteroscope to enter the sheath (11). The adjusting seat (12) is rotatably mounted on the sheath seat (10). The rotation of the adjusting seat (12) adjusts the bending of the distal end of the sheath (11), and the bending of the sheath (11) drives the bending of the distal end of the insertion part (20). At the same time, the contact between the through hole (121) and the insertion part (20) drives the insertion part (20) to contact the inner wall of the sheath (11). The adjusting seat (12) includes a base (122) and a rotating part (123). The through hole (121) is provided on the base (122), and the base (122) and the rotating part (123) are an integral structure. When the rotating part (123) rotates and drives the sheath (11) to bend, the rotation of the rotating part (123) can drive the base (122) and the through hole (121) located on the base (122) to rotate in the same direction.

2. The distal flexible guiding sheath according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the through hole (121) gradually decreases from the inlet end (1211) to the outlet end (1212) of the through hole (121).

3. The distal flexible guide sheath according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the through hole (121) gradually increases from the inlet end (1211) to the outlet end (1212) of the through hole (121).

4. The distal flexible guiding sheath according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the through hole (121) remains consistent from the inlet end (1211) to the outlet end (1212) of the through hole (121).

5. The distal flexible guide sheath according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet end (1211) of the through hole (121) is provided with a guide part (1213), and the guide part (1213) is located on the inner wall of the upper and lower sides of the base (122), and / or the guide part (1213) is located on the inner wall of the left and right sides of the base (122).

6. The distal flexible guiding sheath according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The adjusting seat (12) is also provided with a traction component. One end of the traction component is fixedly connected to the adjusting seat (12), and the other end of the traction component is fixedly connected to the flexible structure at the distal end of the sheath (11).

7. The distal flexible guiding sheath according to claim 6, characterized in that, The traction assembly includes a first traction rope (124) and a second traction rope (125). The first traction rope (124) and the second traction rope (125) are located on both sides of the through hole (121). The first traction rope (124) and the second traction rope (125) are both at the same height as the central axis of the sheath (11).

8. A ureteroscope, characterized in that, It includes a mirror body and a guide sheath, wherein the guide sheath is a distally flexible guide sheath as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, and the sheath tube (11) of the guide sheath is used to accommodate the insertion part (20) of the mirror body, the distal end of the insertion part (20) being a flexible structure.

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