Intragastric electrical stimulator

Abstract

The present application provides an intragastric electrostimulator that is easy to insert other medical devices into the esophagus and can also inhibit position deviation in the esophagus. The intragastric electrostimulator 100 has a stimulator body 101, stimulation application electrodes 111, 112, and power supply wires 113, 114. The stimulator body 101 is formed into a long plate shape having flexibility in the long direction for insertion into the esophagus S, and has a first plate member 102, a second plate member 103, and an outer body 104. In the first plate member 102, the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 are respectively protruded and provided on the plate surface on one side. The second plate member 103 overlaps the plate surface on the other side of the first plate member 102 in a manner of sandwiching the power supply wires 113, 114. The outer body 104 overlaps each other to cover the first plate member 102 and the second plate member 103.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an esophageal electrical stimulator, which is disposed in the esophagus and provides electrical stimulation to the inner wall surface of the same esophagus. Background Technology

[0002] In the past, esophageal electrical stimulators have been used to monitor the spinal cord status during surgery by applying electrical stimulation to the inner wall of the esophagus. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an electrode device for monitoring spinal cord function as an esophageal electrical stimulator, which has a first electrode and a second electrode provided on the outer surface of a flexible, cylindrical strip member.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-230

[0006] However, the spinal cord function monitoring electrode device described in the aforementioned Patent Document 1 has the problem that it is difficult to insert other medical devices (such as transesophageal ultrasound probes) into the esophagus because it has a first electrode and a second electrode and the long strip member inserted into the esophagus is formed into a cylindrical shape, and the position of the long strip member positioned in the esophagus is prone to displacement.

[0007] The present invention was made to address the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide an esophageal electrical stimulator that is easy to insert into the esophagus with other medical devices and can also suppress displacement within the esophagus. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is characterized by an esophageal electrical stimulator disposed within the esophagus and providing electrical stimulation to the inner wall surface of the same esophagus, comprising: at least one stimulation application electrode disposed within the esophagus and used to provide electrical stimulation to the inner wall surface of the same esophagus; a stimulator body extending to form a strip of at least a length from the mouth to the larynx and holding the stimulation application electrode; and a power supply wire supplying power to the stimulation application electrode, wherein the stimulator body is formed as a plate having flexibility at least in the long side direction.

[0009] According to the features of the present invention configured in this way, the esophageal electrical stimulator is formed into a flexible flat plate shape in the direction of elongation because the stimulator body inserted into the esophagus is physically difficult to interfere with and easy to insert other medical devices even when other medical devices are inserted into the esophagus, and the positional displacement of the stimulator body in the esophagus can also be suppressed.

[0010] Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that in the esophageal electrical stimulator, the stimulator body is also flexible in the width direction orthogonal to the long side direction.

[0011] According to another feature of the present invention constructed in this way, the esophageal electrical stimulator can be smoothly inserted into or removed from the esophagus because the stimulator body is also flexible in the width direction orthogonal to the long side direction.

[0012] Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that in the esophageal electrical stimulator, the outer edges at both ends of the stimulator body in the width direction are flexible.

[0013] According to another feature of the present invention constructed in this way, the esophageal electrical stimulator has flexible outer edges at both ends in the width direction of the stimulator body, so the outer edges of the stimulator body can deform along the inner wall of the esophagus, thereby facilitating the insertion and removal of the stimulator body and suppressing positional displacement within the esophagus.

[0014] Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that in the esophageal electrical stimulator, the stiffness of the inner portion of the stimulator body, which is greater than that of the outer edge portion at both ends in the width direction, is formed to be higher than that of the same outer edge portion.

[0015] According to another feature of the present invention constructed in this way, the esophageal electrical stimulator is inserted smoothly because the stiffness of the inner portion of the stimulator body that is higher than that of the outer edges at both ends in the width direction is formed to suppress the bending (bending in the long side direction) of the stimulator body when it is inserted into the esophagus.

[0016] Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that in the esophageal electrical stimulator, the stimulator body comprises: a first plate member formed in a plate shape; and a second plate member formed in a plate shape with a width narrower than the first plate member and overlapping the first plate member.

[0017] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this way, the esophageal electrical stimulator has a stimulator body comprising: a first plate member formed in a plate shape; and a second plate member formed in a plate shape with a width narrower than the first plate member and overlapping the first plate member. Therefore, it is easy to configure the stimulator body to have a higher stiffness in the inner portion of the stimulator body than the outer edge portion at both ends in the width direction than the same outer edge portion.

[0018] Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that in the esophageal electrical stimulator, the stimulator body is formed such that its width tapers towards the anterior end.

[0019] According to another feature of the invention configured in this way, the esophageal electrical stimulator is narrowed in width due to its shape facing the front end of the stimulator body, thus allowing the stimulator body to be smoothly inserted into the esophagus.

[0020] Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that in the esophageal electrical stimulator, the power supply wire is integrally installed in the stimulator body.

[0021] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this way, since the power supply wire of the esophageal electrostimulator is installed integrally with respect to the stimulator body, the stimulator body can be smoothly inserted into the esophagus, and other medical devices can be easily inserted into the esophagus.

[0022] Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that in the esophageal electrical stimulator, at least two stimulation application electrodes are provided along the long side of the stimulator body.

[0023] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this way, since the esophageal electrical stimulator has at least two stimulation application electrodes along the long side of the stimulator body, positive and negative electrodes can be provided inside the esophagus to apply electrical stimulation. Furthermore, the esophageal electrical stimulator can also apply electrical stimulation simultaneously at desired or multiple locations by providing two or more stimulation application electrodes along the long side of the stimulator body.

[0024] Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that in the esophageal electrical stimulator, the stimulation application electrode protrudes from the plate surface of the stimulator body.

[0025] According to another feature of the invention configured in this way, the esophageal electrical stimulator can effectively contact the inner wall of the esophagus because the stimulation application electrode protrudes from the plate surface of the stimulator body.

[0026] Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that the stimulator body is provided with a scale along its long side in the esophageal electrical stimulator.

[0027] According to another feature of the present invention constructed in this way, since the esophageal electrical stimulator has a scale along the long side of the stimulator body, the amount of insertion of the stimulator body into the body or the position of the stimulation application electrode that has been inserted into the body can also be accurately determined.

[0028] Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that in the esophageal electrical stimulator, the stimulation application electrode is disposed on the spinal cord side of the esophagus within the stimulator body.

[0029] According to another feature of the invention configured in this way, the esophageal electrical stimulator can apply electrical stimulation to the spinal cord precisely and stably because the stimulation application electrode is located on the spinal cord side of the esophagus inside the stimulator body.

[0030] Furthermore, another feature of the present invention is that in the esophageal electrical stimulator, the stimulator body has a stimulation application electrode on one side and the other side is formed as a smooth surface.

[0031] According to another feature of the present invention configured in this way, the esophageal electrical stimulator has a stimulation application electrode on one side of the stimulator body and the other side is formed as a smooth surface, so that other medical instruments such as ultrasound probes can slide smoothly through the esophagus on the other side of the smooth surface. Attached Figure Description

[0032] [ Figure 1 [ ] is an explanatory diagram showing the outline of the external structure and system configuration of an esophageal electrical stimulator according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] [ Figure 2 Viewed from the side Figure 1 A partial side view of the main part of the esophageal electrical stimulator shown;

[0034] [ Figure 3 ] indicates Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view showing the general internal structure of the esophageal electrical stimulator.

[0035] [ Figure 4 ] is a sectional view used to schematically represent the Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the insertion of an esophageal electrical stimulator into the human esophagus.

[0036] [ Figure 5 ] is used to schematically represent the cross-section from Figure 1 The diagram shown in line 5-5 illustrates the insertion of an esophageal electrical stimulator into the esophagus.

[0037] [ Figure 6 [This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the general internal structure of an esophageal electrical stimulator according to a modified example of the present invention;]

[0038] [ Figure 7 [This is a top view illustrating the general external configuration of an esophageal electrical stimulator, a modified embodiment of the present invention.]

[0039] [ Figure 8 [This is a top view illustrating the general external configuration of an esophageal electrical stimulator, a variation of the present invention.] Detailed Implementation

[0040] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the esophageal electrical stimulator of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 The explanation will be provided later. Figure 1 This is a top view showing an outline of the overall structure of the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 of the present invention. Furthermore, Figure 2 It means Figure 1 A side view showing a general outline of the overall configuration of the esophageal electrical stimulator 100. Also, Figure 3 It means Figure 2 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the main components of the internal structure of the esophageal electrical stimulator. Figure 4 It is a schematic representation of... Figure 1 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of a human body with an esophageal electrical stimulator 100 inserted into the esophagus S of a human H.

[0041] This esophageal electrical stimulator 100 is an instrument for placement within the esophagus S of a human H and for applying electrical stimulation to the spinal cord Sp through the inner wall of the esophagus S. This esophageal electrical stimulator 100 is, for example, placed within the esophagus S and applying electrical stimulation to the spinal cord Sp through the inner wall of the esophagus S to monitor for ischemic spinal cord disorders during large artery surgery. Furthermore, in Figure 4 In the diagram, the Spinal cord Sp, which passes through the spine, is represented by a double-dotted line.

[0042] (Composition of the esophageal electrical stimulator 100)

[0043] The esophageal electrical stimulator 100 includes a stimulator body 101. The stimulator body 101 is a component for disposing stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 within the esophagus S, and is constructed as an elongated body extending at least from the mouth M of the human H to the positions within the esophagus S where the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 are respectively disposed. In this case, the stimulator body 101 is configured to be flexible, capable of bending along its long side to elastically deform along the lumen within the human H's body. In this embodiment, the stimulator body 101 is formed to a length (approximately 300 mm) extending at least from the mouth M of the human H to the larynx N. This stimulator body 101 is mainly configured to include a first plate member 102, a second plate member 103, and an outer casing 104.

[0044] The first plate member 102 is a main component inserted along the oral cavity and esophagus S of a human being H, and is formed as a thin plate with a length of at least from the mouth M of the human being H to the larynx N. In this case, the first plate member 102 is configured to have flexibility, which allows it to bend freely and elastically in both the longitudinal and width directions.

[0045] In this embodiment, the first plate member 102 is configured to be made of transparent polycarbonate material with a length of 300 mm, a width of 16 mm, and a thickness of 0.3 mm. In this case, the first plate member 102 is formed with a front end 102a that gradually tapers in width towards the body of the human H. Furthermore, the front end 102a and the rear end 102b opposite to the front end 102a are both formed in an arc shape when viewed from above. Additionally, two stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 are mounted on the first plate member 102, respectively, with their surfaces exposed.

[0046] The second plate member 103 is a component used to locally reinforce the first plate member 102 to increase its rigidity and, together with the first plate member 102, respectively hold the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 and the power supply wires 113, 114, and is mounted on the first plate member 102. More specifically, the second plate member 103 is composed of a flexible, square-shaped thin plate that is shorter in length and width than the first plate member 102. In this embodiment, the second plate member 103 is configured to be formed from transparent polycarbonate material with a length of 255 mm, a width of 8 mm, and a thickness of 0.5 mm.

[0047] The second plate member 103 is attached to the central portion of the first plate member 102 in the width direction using an adhesive (not shown), and is positioned rearward from the front end portion 102a to the rear end portion 102b of the first plate member 102. This reinforces the rigidity of the portion of the first plate member 102 to which the second plate member 103 is attached, making the portion of the second plate member 103, as a whole, difficult to bend or deform. In this case, the flexibility of the outer edge 102c of the portion of the first plate member 102 to which the second plate member 103 is attached is maintained. Furthermore, stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 and power supply wires 113, 114 are respectively disposed between the first plate member 102 and the second plate member 103.

[0048] The outer casing 104 is a thin-film component that integrally covers the first plate member 102 and the second plate member 103. In this embodiment, the outer casing 104 integrally covers the first plate member 102 and the second plate member 103 by heat shrinking a transparent silicone rubber tube. In this case, the outer casing 104 also covers the junction portion protruding from the stimulator body 101 with the power supply wires 113, 114. In this embodiment, the outer casing 104 is formed with a thickness of 0.2 mm on each side after shrinkage. Through this outer casing 104, the surface of the stimulator body 101 where the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 are described later, and their opposite surfaces, are respectively formed as smooth surfaces.

[0049] The stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 are components used to apply electrical stimulation by contacting the inner wall of the esophagus S, and are made of conductive materials such as platinum, copper, or stainless steel. These stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 are mainly composed of contact portions 111a and 112a and connecting portions 111b and 112b, respectively.

[0050] Contact portions 111a and 112a are portions that contact the inner wall surface of the esophagus S and conduct electricity to the same inner wall surface. They are formed by protruding from the surface of the first plate member 102 opposite to the surface to which the second plate member 103 is attached. In this embodiment, contact portions 111a and 112a are each formed in a spherical shape. These contact portions 111a and 112a are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal side of the central portion of the first plate member 102 in the width direction.

[0051] In this case, the arrangement interval between the contact portion 111a and the contact portion 112a is appropriately set according to the size and condition of the esophagus S into which the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 is inserted, the condition of the spinal cord Sp, the voltage value, the current value, or the purpose of energizing. In this embodiment, the arrangement interval between the contact portion 111a and the contact portion 112a is set to 40 mm.

[0052] Furthermore, the contact portion 111a, located on the front end portion 102a side of the stimulator body 101, is positioned at a predetermined interval from the front end portion 102a. In this case, the predetermined interval between the front end portion 102a and the contact portion 111a of the stimulation application electrode 111 is the length of the first flat plate member 102, which is located further from the front end portion 102a than the contact portion 111a, allowing it to adhere to the moist inner wall surface of the esophagus S even if it is bent or deformed, and is approximately 30 mm or more. In this embodiment, the predetermined interval between the front end portion 102a and the contact portion 111a of the stimulation application electrode 111 is set to 50 mm.

[0053] The connecting portions 111b and 112b are portions that are electrically connected to the power supply wires 113 and 114 to receive power supply, and are composed of cylindrical protrusions that protrude from the contact portions 111a and 112a and pass through the first flat plate member 102. Furthermore, since the power supply wires 113 and 114 can be electrically connected to the contact portions 111a and 112a, the connecting portions 111b and 112b can be of any shape.

[0054] Power supply wires 113 and 114 are components used to supply power to the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112. They are constructed by covering conductive metal wires, such as copper wires, with an insulator, such as a resin tube. These power supply wires 113 and 114 can be physically separated, or they can pass through an insulated tube, or two power supply wires 113 and 114 can be twisted together to form a single wire. One end of each power supply wire 113 and 114 is connected to the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 by welding or other connection methods, and the other end is connected to the control device 120, which serves as the power supply, via connection terminals 113a and 114a.

[0055] The control device 120 is a microcomputer comprised of a CPU, ROM, and RAM. It comprehensively controls the operation of the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 by executing a control program (not shown) pre-stored in a storage device. More specifically, the control device 120 outputs an electrical signal for electrically stimulating the spinal cord Sp through the esophagus S to the power supply wires 113 and 114. In this case, the electrical signal is, for example, a pulse signal: a current ranging from 100mA to 300mA at a voltage between 100V and 600V, output at 2ms intervals for a period of 0.05ms. Furthermore, the control device 120 can also supply the electrical signal using one of the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 as either a positive or negative electrode.

[0056] The control device 120 includes an operation panel 121, which comprises an input device consisting of a group of buttons that receive instructions from the user and input them into the control device 120, an indicator light that displays the operating status of the control device 120, and a liquid crystal display. Furthermore, the control device 120 naturally includes a power supply unit that receives external power or electricity and supplies it to the esophageal electrical stimulator 100.

[0057] (Manufacturing of esophageal electrical stimulator 100)

[0058] Next, the manufacturing process of the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 will be described. First, the operator prepares the first plate component 102, the second plate component 103, the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112, and the power supply wires 113 and 114. In this case, the first plate component 102 and the second plate component 103 can be formed by injection molding or cutting of resin material. Furthermore, the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 can be formed by cutting or stamping of metal material.

[0059] Next, after the connection portions 111b and 112b of the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 are respectively installed through the first plate member 102, the operator connects the power supply wires 113 and 114 to these connection portions 111b and 112b respectively. Then, after applying adhesive to one side of the second plate member 103, the operator attaches the second plate member 103 to the first plate member 102 in such a way that it covers the connection portions 111b and 112b and the power supply wires 113 and 114 on the first plate member 102.

[0060] Next, the operator covers the first plate member 102, to which the second plate member 103 has been attached, with the outer casing 104. Specifically, the operator inserts the first plate member 102, to which the second plate member 103 has been attached, into a cylindrical silicone rubber tube, which is the material of the outer casing 104, and heats it, thereby covering the first plate member 102 with the second plate member 103 attached. In this way, the operator can complete the esophageal electrical stimulator 100.

[0061] (Action of the esophageal electrical stimulator 100)

[0062] The operation of the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 configured as described above will be explained. As previously described, this esophageal electrical stimulator 100 is placed in the esophagus S to monitor for ischemic spinal cord injury during large artery surgery and to provide electrical stimulation to the spinal cord Sp. First, the user, such as a physician or nurse, connects the connection terminals 113a and 114a of the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 to the control device 120 and turns the power supply of the control device 120 ON. Thereby, the control device 120 executes a control program (not shown) and enters a standby state.

[0063] Next, the user, such as Figure 4 As shown, the stimulator body 101 is inserted into the mouth M of a patient (human H) who has undergone esophageal electrical stimulator 100, and the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 are positioned at the desired locations within the esophagus S. In this case, since the stimulator body 101 can be freely bent in the longitudinal direction, the user can insert it while bending the stimulator body 101 along the shape within the esophagus S. Furthermore, in this case, since the portion of the stimulator body 101 to which the second plate member 103 is attached on the first plate member 102 has high rigidity, frequent or unwanted bending during insertion is suppressed.

[0064] Furthermore, because the stimulator body 101 is flat, it can be smoothly inserted even when other medical devices are placed in the esophagus S, and displacement of other medical devices can be prevented. Also, as... Figure 5As shown, the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 is inserted while expanding the inner diameter of the esophagus S in the width direction of the stimulator body 101, thereby making it easier for the inner wall of the esophagus S to come into close contact with the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112. Furthermore, in this case, the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 is bent and deformed in a curved shape along the same width direction by the outer edge 102c of the first flat plate member 102, thereby pressing and expanding the lumen of the esophagus S outward to maintain its cavitary state. In addition, in Figure 5 The illustration of the outer casing 104 is omitted in the text.

[0065] Next, the user applies electrical stimulation to the patient's spinal cord Sp. Specifically, the user applies electrical stimulation to the inner wall of the esophagus S through the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 of the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 via the control device 120. In this way, the user can apply electrical stimulation to the spinal cord Sp through the esophagus S. In this case, while the user is applying electrical stimulation to the spinal cord Sp, an evoked potential detection device (not shown) that records the electrical impulses evoked from the spinal cord Sp is separately installed on the patient. This allows for monitoring of the presence of ischemic spinal cord disorders by detecting the evoked potentials generated during electrical stimulation of the spinal cord Sp.

[0066] Furthermore, in this situation, if the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 do not make proper contact with the inner wall of the esophagus S, the user can rotate the stimulator body 101 around its long side or along its long side axis to adjust its position or orientation and ensure close contact between the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 and the inner wall of the esophagus S. Also, when the user inserts other medical devices such as a transesophageal ultrasound probe into the esophagus S, the flat plate shape of the stimulator body 101 allows for smooth insertion of these devices and prevents positional displacement of the stimulator body 101.

[0067] Next, when the user removes the stimulator body 101 from the esophagus S, the electrical stimulation applied by the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 is interrupted by operating the control device 120, and the stimulator body 101 is then pulled out of the esophagus S. In this way, the user can remove the stimulator body 101 from the esophagus S. In this case, because the stimulator body 101 is formed in a flat plate shape, the user can smoothly remove it even if other medical devices are placed in the esophagus S, and the displacement of other medical devices can be suppressed.

[0068] Next, the user disconnects the connection terminals 113a and 114a of the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 from the control device 120 and can end the operation.

[0069] As can be understood from the above operation, according to the above embodiment, since the stimulator body 101 inserted into the esophagus S is formed into a flexible flat plate in the direction of elongation, it is difficult to physically interfere even if other medical devices are inserted into the esophagus S, and other medical devices are easy to insert, and the positional displacement of the stimulator body 101 in the esophagus S can also be suppressed.

[0070] Furthermore, the implementation of this invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments; various modifications can be made without departing from the purpose of this invention. In addition, in the variations shown below, components identical to those in the above embodiments are indicated by corresponding symbols, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0071] For example, in the above embodiment, the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 is configured with two stimulation application electrodes 111, 112. However, the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 may be configured with at least one stimulation application electrode. In the case where the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 is configured with only one stimulation application electrode, the user can place the electrode on the patient to directly or indirectly provide electrical stimulation to the spinal cord Sp, wherein the potential applied to the electrode is of opposite polarity to the potential applied to the stimulation application electrode of the esophageal electrical stimulator 100. Furthermore, the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 may also have three or more stimulation application electrodes, thereby using any of the stimulation application electrodes to provide electrical stimulation to the spinal cord Sp.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stimulator body 101 is configured to be flexible in the width direction orthogonal to the long side direction as well. This allows the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 to be smoothly inserted or removed by gently deforming along the shape within the esophagus S. However, the stimulator body 101 only needs to be configured to have elastic flexibility, at least in the long side direction.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stimulator body 101 is configured such that the outer edges 102c at both ends in the width direction are flexible. This allows the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 to be smoothly inserted by deforming the outer edges 102c of the stimulator body 101 along the inner wall of the esophagus S. Also, the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 is formed into a cylindrical shape by pressing and expanding the inner wall of the esophagus S with the outer edges 102c of the stimulator body 101, facilitating the insertion of other medical devices. However, the stimulator body 101 may also be configured to be flexible across the entire width direction. Alternatively, the stimulator body 101 may be configured to be flexible only at one of the two ends in the width direction. Furthermore, the stimulator body 101 may also be configured to be non-flexible in the width direction.

[0074] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stimulator body 101 is formed as a planar shape extending flatly in both the longitudinal and width directions. However, the stimulator body 101 may also be formed as a flat plate that is bent or flexed from the beginning in the longitudinal and / or width directions. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the stimulator body 101 is configured such that the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 protrude outwards and are convexly bent downwards along the width direction as shown in the attached figure. This allows the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 to make the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 more effectively contact the inner wall surface of the esophagus S. Furthermore, in Figure 6 The external component 104 shown in the diagram is also omitted.

[0075] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stimulator body 101 has a second plate member 103 attached to the central portion of the first plate member 102 in the width direction, and the stiffness of the inner portion between the outer edges 102c at both ends in the width direction is made higher than that of the outer edges 102c. This allows the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 to be inserted smoothly without bending (bending in the long side direction) of the stimulator body 101 when it is inserted into the esophagus S. However, the stiffness of the inner portion between the outer edges 102c at both ends in the width direction may also be made the same as or lower than that of the outer edges 102c.

[0076] Furthermore, by making the thickness of the central portion of the first plate member 102 greater than that of the outer edge portion 102c, the stiffness of the inner portion between the outer edge portions 102c can be made higher than that of the outer edge portion 102c. Also, by attaching a material different from the first plate member 102 (e.g., a different material with higher stiffness than the first plate member 102) to the central portion in the width direction, the stiffness of the inner portion between the outer edge portions 102c can be made higher than that of the outer edge portion 102c.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stimulator body 101 is formed in a projectile shape when viewed from above, with its width tapering from the rear end 102b side toward the front end 102a. This allows the esophageal electrostimulator 100 to smoothly insert the stimulator body 101 into the esophagus S. However, the stimulator body 101 may also be formed with the same width, spanning from the rear end 102b to the front end 102a. Alternatively, the stimulator body 101 may be formed with its width expanding from the rear end 102b toward the front end 102a.

[0078] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stimulator body 101 is constructed by enclosing the power supply wires 113 and 114 within the first flat member 102 and the second flat member 103. Therefore, since the power supply wires 113 and 114 are integrally installed with respect to the stimulator body 101, the stimulator body 101 can be smoothly inserted into the esophagus S, and it is easy to insert other medical devices into the esophagus S. However, the power supply wires 113 and 114 may also be physically separated from the first flat member 102 and the second flat member 103 within the stimulator body 101. Furthermore, the power supply wires 113 and 114 may be constructed as flexible, flat cables, in addition to linear wires.

[0079] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 are formed by protruding from the plate surface of the stimulator body 101. This allows the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 to effectively contact the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 with the inner wall surface of the esophagus S. However, the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 may also be formed in a planar manner without protruding from the plate surface of the stimulator body 101. Additionally, besides being spherical, the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 may also be formed as plate-like or thin-film flat plates, or as layers with conductive material vapor-deposited on them.

[0080] Also, such as Figure 7 As shown, the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 can also be configured to extend planarly in the width direction of the first plate member 102 and make surface-to-surface contact with the inner wall of the esophagus S. Furthermore, in Figure 7 In the diagram, the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112, which are extended into strips and formed into sheets, films, or layers, are coated to represent this.

[0081] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stimulator body 101 is formed with a length of 300 mm, a width of 16 mm, and a thickness of 1.2 mm. However, the dimensions of each part of the stimulator body 101 are appropriately set according to the size and length of the inserted object, i.e., the cavity, and are not limited to the above embodiment.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the stimulator body 101 is constructed by covering the entire body with the outer casing 104 while the second flat plate member 103 is overlapped on the first flat plate member 102. However, the stimulator body 101 only needs to be formed as a flat plate that is flexible in the long side direction. Therefore, the stimulator body 101 may also be constructed with only the first flat plate member 102, or the covering by the outer casing 104 may be omitted.

[0083] Furthermore, the first plate member 102 and the second plate member 103 can be made of resin materials other than polycarbonate resin, such as flexible polyvinyl chloride resin, polypropylene resin, polyamide resin, polyethylene resin, ABS resin, polystyrene resin, etc. Also, the first plate member 102 and the second plate member 103 can be made of translucent or opaque materials in addition to transparent materials. Furthermore, the outer casing 104 can also be made of materials other than silicone rubber, such as various resin materials.

[0084] Also, such as Figure 8 As shown, the stimulator body 101 may also be configured with a scale 130 along its long side. This allows the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 to accurately determine the insertion depth of the stimulator body 101 into the body or the position of the inserted stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 via the scale 130. In this case, the scale 130 may display the length from the front end 102a of the stimulator body 101, or the length from the stimulation application electrode 111 or the stimulation application electrode 112. Furthermore, the scale 130 may be formed on the surface of the outer casing 104 by printing, or it may also be formed on the surface of the first plate member 102 or the second plate member 103 covered by the outer casing 104 by printing.

[0085] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the contact portions 111a and 112a are provided on the plate surface of the first plate member 102 opposite to the plate surface to which the second plate member 103 is attached. That is, the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 are provided on the spinal cord Sp side of the esophagus S within the stimulator body 101. In this way, the esophageal electrical stimulator 100 can apply electrical stimulation to the spinal cord Sp with good precision and stability. However, the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 do not necessarily need to be provided on the spinal cord Sp side of the stimulator body 101 as long as they can contact the inner wall surface of the esophagus S and energize the same inner wall surface. Therefore, the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 may, for example, be provided on at least one of the two sides (the surfaces in the thickness direction of the stimulator body 101) of the stimulator body 101. Furthermore, by pre-positioning the stimulation application electrodes 111 and 112 on both sides of the two plates of the stimulator body 101, the trouble of considering the orientation of the plates when inserting the stimulator body 101 into the esophagus S can be eliminated.

[0086] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the entire surface of the stimulator body 101, excluding the contact portions 111a, 112a such as the plate surface where the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 are located, the opposite surface thereon, and the two side surfaces, is covered by the outer casing 104, thereby forming a smooth surface. This reduces frictional resistance when the esophageal electrostimulator 100 is inserted into or withdrawn from the esophagus S, allowing for smooth insertion and removal, and also facilitating the insertion and removal of other medical devices. However, in the stimulator body 101, only the plate surface where the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 are located, the opposite surface thereon, and any one of the two side surfaces may be formed as a smooth surface. In this case, it is sufficient to form a smooth surface on the plate surface or the opposite surface of the plate surface where the stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 are located in the stimulator body 101. Furthermore, in the stimulator body 101, the non-smooth surfaces of the plate surface where stimulation application electrodes 111, 112 are provided, their opposite surfaces, and the two side surfaces are formed into rough surfaces or other surfaces with fine irregularities, thereby increasing the frictional resistance in the esophagus S and suppressing positional displacement.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the intraesophageal electrical stimulator 100 is disposed within the esophagus S of a human H. However, the intraesophageal electrical stimulator 100 can also be used on organisms other than humans H, such as pets like dogs or cats, or livestock like cattle, horses, or pigs, i.e., on animals.

[0088] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0089] H: Human

[0090] S: Esophagus

[0091] M: Mouth

[0092] N: Throat

[0093] Sp: spinal cord

[0094] 100: Esophageal electrical stimulator

[0095] 101: Stimulator Body

[0096] 102: First flat plate component

[0097] 102a: Front end

[0098] 102b: Rear end

[0099] 102c: Outer edge

[0100] 103: Second flat plate component

[0101] 104: Exterior body

[0102] 111, 112: Stimulation application electrodes

[0103] 111a, 112a: Contact parts

[0104] 111b, 112b: Connecting parts

[0105] 113, 114: Power supply wires

[0106] 113a, 114a: Connecting terminals

[0107] 120: Control device

[0108] 121: Control Panel

[0109] 130: Scale

Claims

1. An esophageal electrical stimulator, disposed within the esophagus and providing electrical stimulation to the inner wall surface of the same esophagus, characterized in that, have: At least one stimulation-applying electrode is disposed within the esophagus and is used to provide electrical stimulation to the inner wall surface of the same esophagus; A stimulator body extending into a strip at least from the mouth to the larynx and holding the stimulation application electrodes; and Power supply wires, which supply electricity to electrodes that apply the stimulation. The stimulator body is formed as a flat plate of a width that is flexible at least in the long side direction while pressing and expanding the lumen of the esophagus outward. The stimulation application electrodes are provided at least two at a predetermined interval along the long side of the central portion of the stimulator body in the width direction.

2. The esophageal electrical stimulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stimulator body is also flexible in the width direction orthogonal to the long side direction.

3. The esophageal electrical stimulator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The outer edges at both ends of the stimulator body in the width direction are flexible.

4. The esophageal electrical stimulator according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the stimulator body, the stiffness of the inner portion of the part that is more rigid than the outer edge portion at both ends in the width direction is formed to be higher than that of the same outer edge portion.

5. The esophageal electrical stimulator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The stimulator body comprises: The first flat plate component is formed in a flat plate shape; and The second plate member is formed as a plate with a narrower width than the first plate member and overlaps with the first plate member.

6. The esophageal electrical stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The stimulator body is formed such that its width tapers towards the front end.

7. The esophageal electrical stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The power supply cable is integrally installed on the stimulator body.

8. The esophageal electrical stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The stimulation application electrode protrudes from the plate surface of the stimulator body.

9. The esophageal electrical stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The stimulator body has graduations along its long side.

10. The esophageal electrical stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The stimulation application electrode is located on the spinal cord side of the esophagus within the stimulator body.

11. The esophageal electrical stimulator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The stimulator body has the stimulation application electrode on one side and the other side is formed as a smooth surface.

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