A flexible self-locking surgical electrode

Abstract

This invention discloses a flexible self-locking surgical electrode, comprising a gripping part, a main rod, an electrode head, and a pushing mechanism. The first end of the main rod is connected to the gripping part, and the electrode head is hinged to the second end of the main rod. A push rod passes through the inner side of the main rod. A slider is connected to the first end of the push rod facing the gripping part, and the second end facing the electrode head is used to drive the electrode head to rotate around the hinge axis. The pushing mechanism is fixed to the gripping part and includes an operating component, a threaded post with its threaded axial direction aligned with the extension direction of the push rod, and a pushing block screwed to the threaded post. The pushing block is limited by the slider. Under external force, the operating component controls the rotation of the threaded post. When the threaded post rotates, the pushing block slides along the axial direction of the threaded post and drives the push rod to extend and retract via the slider. When the operating component loses external force, the push rod is in a self-locking state. This surgical electrode has two variable operating angles: axial rotation and electrode head bending, and achieves self-locking of the electrode head bending angle, making it highly flexible and stable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to a flexible self-locking surgical electrode. Background Technology

[0002] Surgical electrodes are medical devices used in conjunction with endoscopes for minimally invasive surgery. They primarily utilize the high-energy characteristics of a high-frequency electric field to apply the generated electrothermal energy to the target human tissue, causing tissue vaporization or protein denaturation and coagulation, thereby achieving tissue cutting or blood clotting. Surgical electrodes are generally inserted into the body cavity through a trocar or a special channel of the endoscope. Under these conditions, the operation is quite limited. Most surgical electrode products only provide axial rotation to adjust the position of the electrode head, which is very limited in flexibility. Although there are surgical electrodes with flexible and rotating electrode heads that can facilitate surgery, they cannot achieve self-locking at any angle after bending, which is detrimental to the stability of the surgical electrode operation and also makes it difficult for doctors to use the surgical electrode for extended periods of time.

[0003] Therefore, a surgical electrode that can achieve axial rotation and bending of the electrode head, and achieve bending self-locking, is very important for solving the problems of inconvenience, lack of flexibility and instability of current surgical electrodes. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a flexible self-locking surgical electrode, the main purpose of which is to solve the problems of current surgical electrodes being inconvenient to operate, not flexible enough, and unable to bend and lock themselves.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This application provides a flexible self-locking surgical electrode, including a gripping part, a main rod, an electrode head, and a pushing mechanism. The first end of the main rod is connected to the gripping part, and the electrode head is hinged to the second end of the main rod. A push rod is provided inside the main rod. The first end of the push rod facing the gripping part is connected to a slider, and the second end facing the electrode head is used to drive the electrode head to rotate around the hinge axis. The pushing mechanism is fixed to the gripping part. The pushing mechanism includes an operating component, a threaded post with the threaded axial direction in the same direction as the extension direction of the push rod, and a pushing block screwed to the threaded post. The pushing block is limited by the slider. The operating component controls the rotation of the threaded post under the action of external force. When the threaded post rotates, the pushing block slides along the axial direction of the threaded post and drives the push rod to move in a telescopic manner through the slider. When the operating component loses the external force, the push rod is in a self-locking state.

[0007] In some possible embodiments, the sidewall of the first end of the main rod is provided with an elongated groove along the extension direction of the main rod. The slider includes an inner slider disposed inside the main rod, an outer slider disposed outside the main rod, and a connector passing through the elongated groove to connect the inner slider and the outer slider. The slider can slide along the elongated groove through the connector. The first end of the push rod is connected to the inner slider, and the push block is limited and connected to the outer slider.

[0008] In some possible embodiments, the main rod is rotatably connected to the gripping part with its extension direction as an axis, and a knob is fixed on the outer wall of the main rod. The knob is used to turn and drive the main rod and the electrode head connected to the main rod to rotate.

[0009] In some possible embodiments, the outer wall of the outer slider is provided with an annular groove surrounding the main rod, and the outer wall of the push block is provided with an arc-shaped member that is engaged in the annular groove. When the main rod rotates and drives the annular groove to rotate, the arc-shaped member slides within the annular groove.

[0010] In some possible embodiments, the operating component includes a first bevel gear and a paddle, and the end of the threaded column is provided with a second bevel gear. The first bevel gear is engaged with the second bevel gear. The paddle is used to turn the first bevel gear by external force and drive it to rotate and transmit the rotation to the second bevel gear. The second bevel gear drives the threaded column to rotate. The transmission ratio between the paddle and the threaded column is greater than 1.

[0011] In some possible embodiments, the operating member further includes at least one gear that is sequentially meshed, the paddle being fixed to the first gear, the first bevel gear being fixed to the last gear, and the transmission ratio between any two adjacent gears being greater than 1.

[0012] In some possible embodiments, the electrode head includes a first cutter head, a second cutter head, a connecting rod, and a traction wire. The first cutter head and the second cutter head are connected to the connecting rod. The gripping part is provided with a handle. The traction wire passes through the inside of the main rod and has a first end connected to the connecting rod and a second end connected to the handle. When the handle is gripped, the traction wire is pulled and pulls the connecting rod to control the first cutter head and the second cutter head to close and clamp together.

[0013] In some possible embodiments, the connecting rod is fitted with a spring member. When the handle is gripped, the connecting rod stretches the spring member. When the handle is released, the spring member returns to its original position and drives the connecting rod to reset, causing the first and second cutter heads to open.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0015] This application provides a flexible, self-locking surgical electrode that allows for axial rotation of the electrode head and bending at a certain angle relative to the main rod. This provides highly flexible operation and facilitates adaptation to the surgical environment inside the human body. The bending and rotation of the electrode head are achieved by rotating a threaded column parallel to the main rod, which in turn moves the push block and push rod. Rotating the threaded column is relatively easy, while the reverse rotation is impossible due to the push rod causing the push block to slide on the threaded column, thus achieving self-locking and ensuring a smooth surgical process. Furthermore, this invention provides multiple sequentially meshed gears with a transmission ratio greater than 1 to achieve the rotation of the threaded column. The paddle rotates multiple times while the threaded column rotates only slightly, enabling precise control of the electrode head's bending angle via the paddle. Finally, the electrode head is easy and simple to hold; simply gripping the handle and using the traction line to drive the connecting rod is sufficient. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the embodiments in the drawings do not constitute any limitation on the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the following drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a left view of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of an electrode head and a main rod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the electrode head and main rod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a side cross-sectional view of the gripping part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A schematic diagram of part A.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the gripping portion according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A schematic diagram of part B.

[0025] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a slider according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and equipment should be considered part of the specification.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0029] The inventors discovered that current surgical electrodes used in medical devices suffer from problems such as insufficient operational flexibility, inability to achieve self-locking when the electrode tip is bent, and instability during the surgical process.

[0030] In view of this, refer to Figures 1 to 9 This application provides a flexible self-locking surgical electrode. The electrode head 3 of this surgical electrode can rotate around the axis of the extension direction of the main rod 2, and can be bent by the push and pull of the push rod 6. The sliding of the push block 10 on the threaded column 9 can also achieve the bending self-locking of the electrode head 3. The following is a description in conjunction with specific embodiments.

[0031] Example 1:

[0032] In this embodiment, the flexible self-locking surgical electrode includes a gripping part 1, a main rod 2, an electrode head 3, and a pushing mechanism 4, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the grip part 1 is the part held by the operator. The first end of the main rod 2 is connected to the grip part 1, and the second end is hinged to an electrode head 3 for surgical clamping and heating. The main rod 2 is relatively long, allowing the operator to hold the grip part 1 and insert the main rod 2 into the opening of the human body, controlling the electrode head 3 at its end to perform surgical operations. There is a hinge axis 5 at the hinge point between the electrode head 3 and the main rod 2, allowing the electrode head 3 to swing and bend freely left and right around this hinge axis 5. The main rod 2 is a hollow tube, with a push rod 6 inserted inside the tube on the inner side of the main rod 2. The end of the push rod 6 is hinged to the electrode head 3, and the push rod 6 can push and pull the electrode head 3 to bend it. The second end of the push rod 6 is connected to a slider 7, which can slide on the side wall of the main rod 2 and push and pull the push rod 6, thereby bending the electrode head 3.

[0033] The pushing mechanism 4 is used to drive the slider 7 to slide on the side wall of the main rod 2. The pushing mechanism 4 is fixedly integrated into the inner side of the gripping part 1 and mainly includes the operating component 8, the threaded column 9 and the pushing block 10. The axial direction of the thread of the threaded column 9 is in the same direction as the push-pull direction of the push rod 6. The pushing block 10 is screwed onto the threaded column 9. The operating component 8 is used to drive the threaded column 9 to rotate forward or reverse. The threaded column 9 is rotatably connected to the inside of the gripping part 1. Its position remains unchanged when it rotates. When the thread rotates forward and reverse, it will drive the pushing block 10 screwed onto it to slide. The sliding direction of the thread is also the push-pull direction of the push rod 6. The pushing block 10 is limited and connected to the slider 7. When the pushing block 10 moves on the threaded column 9, it will drive the slider 7 to slide on the main rod 2. Then the slider 7 drives the electrode head 3 to bend through the push rod 6.

[0034] It should be noted that when the threaded column 9 rotates, the push block 10 screwed onto it can slide smoothly along the thread and cause the electrode head 3 to bend. When an external force tries to straighten the bent electrode head 3, the push rod 6 and the slider 7 will sequentially apply a force along the axial direction of the threaded column 9 to the push block 10. This causes the push block 10 to apply a strong force perpendicular to the axial direction of the threaded column 9. Since the thread direction of the threaded column 9 is close to the direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the threaded column 9, the frictional force between the push block 10 and the thread will be much greater than the component force that drives the push block 10 to slide along the thread. At this time, the push block 10 cannot slide on the threaded column 9, thus achieving self-locking. This structure allows the operator to easily change the bending direction of the electrode head 3 through the operating component 8. When the operating component 8 loses its external force, the electrode head 3 cannot change its bending state, which can ensure the stability of the bending of the surgical electrode and facilitate long-term surgery.

[0035] In particular, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, at least one long groove 11 extending along the direction of the main rod 2 is provided on the side wall of the first end connected to the grip part 1. The slider 7 includes three parts: an inner slider 12 that slides on the inner wall of the main rod 2, an outer slider 13 that slides on the outer wall of the main rod 2, and a connector that connects and fixes the inner slider 12 and the outer slider 13. The push rod 6 is located inside the main tube, with one end connected to the inner slider 12, while the push block 10 is limited and connected to the outer slider 13. Since the push rod 6 needs to be located inside the main rod 2 for easy entry into the human body, the slider 7 is divided into two parts: the inner slider 12 and the outer slider 13. The push block 10 pushes the outer slider 13, which in turn drives the inner slider 12 to slide inside the main rod 2 through the connector. The inner slider 12 then pushes the push rod 6, thus bending the electrode head 3. In particular, multiple grooves 11 are provided in a centrally symmetrical manner, and multiple connectors connecting the inner and outer sliders 13 are also provided accordingly, making the sliding of the entire slider 7 on the main rod 2 more stable.

[0036] In this embodiment, the surgical electrode also provides an angle adjustment for the electrode head 3 to rotate about the main rod 2, adapting to more surgical scenarios. The main rod 2 is rotatably connected to the gripping part 1 about its extension direction. A knob 14 is fixedly connected to the outer wall of the main rod 2. The operator rotates the main rod 2 at the connection point with the gripping part 1 by turning the knob 14, thereby driving the electrode head 3 connected to the end of the main rod 2 to rotate. When the main rod 2 and the electrode head 3 rotate, the push rod 6 and the slider 7 will rotate synchronously. However, the push block 10, which is limited by the slider 7, will not rotate with the slider 7 because it is screwed onto the stud. Therefore, if... Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, an annular groove 15 surrounding the main rod 2 is provided on the outer wall of the outer slider 13, and an arc-shaped member 16 is protruding from the outer wall of the push block 10 near the slider 7. The arc-shaped member 16 fits into and abuts against the annular groove 15. When the user moves the dial 14 to make the main rod 2 rotate, the annular groove 15 of the outer slider 13 rotates together. At this time, the arc-shaped member 16 slides along the inner wall of the annular groove 15. In this way, the push block 10 can exert force on the slider 7 without restricting the rotation of the slider 7. Specifically, the arc-shaped component 16 can be configured as a semi-circular semi-enclosed or annular full-enclosed form that fits into the annular groove 15. It should be noted that if it is a semi-circular semi-enclosed annular groove 15, the semi-circular arc-shaped component 16 needs to extend to both sides with the push block 10 facing the slider 7, and cannot exist only on one side of the annular groove 15, to prevent the arc-shaped component 16 of the push block 10 from deviating to one side and losing contact with the slider 7 when the slider 7 rotates. Of course, the arc-shaped component 16 can also be configured to engage with the annular groove 15 or prevent the arc-shaped component 16 from rotating through the inner walls on both sides of the gripping part 1, ensuring that the arc-shaped component 16 abuts against the slider 7.

[0037] Example 2:

[0038] In this embodiment, the rotation of the threaded column 9 is controlled by the operating component 8, which in turn causes the electrode head 3 to bend. The operating component 8 can be a gear lever 18, directly fixed to the end of the threaded column 9. By moving the gear lever 18, the rotation of the threaded column 9 is controlled, thereby controlling the bending of the electrode head 3. However, this method of moving the gear lever is relatively laborious and cannot quickly and efficiently control and fine-tune the bending angle of the electrode head 3. Figure 6As shown, the operating component 8 provided in this embodiment includes a first bevel gear 17 and a paddle 18. The paddle 18 can be turned by the operator's external force, driving the first bevel gear 17 to rotate. A second bevel gear 19 is provided at the end of the threaded column 9. The first bevel gear 17 meshes with the second bevel gear 19. The first bevel gear 17 can drive the second bevel gear 19 to rotate, thereby driving the threaded column 9 to rotate. Ordinary gears could be used for transmission, but due to the limited internal space of the grip 1 and for ease of operation, the bevel gear allows the operating component 8 to be bent at a 90-degree angle to the threaded column 9, making it easier to insert into the grip 1. The paddle 18 is also closer to the fingers for easier operation. In particular, the transmission ratio between the paddle 18 and the threaded column 9 is greater than 1. The paddle 18 needs to be turned more than once to rotate the threaded column 9 one revolution. The paddle 18 requires less effort to turn and can more precisely adjust the rotation angle of the threaded column 9.

[0039] In this embodiment, the operating component 8 further includes at least one gear 20 that is sequentially meshed, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the paddle 18 is fixed to the first gear 20 from bottom to top, while the first bevel gear 17 connecting the second bevel gear 19 is fixed to the last gear 20 at the top. Here, the transmission ratio of any two adjacent gears 20 is greater than 1, achieving multi-stage reduction. The bending angle of the electrode head 3 can be precisely controlled by the paddle 18. In addition, this multi-stage gear reduction mechanism can easily control the rotation of the threaded column 9 through the paddle 18, while the rotation of the threaded column 9 is difficult to drive the paddle 18. Therefore, it can also play a role in limiting the bending of the electrode head 3. In particular, the angle value is also printed on the paddle 18, which can be intuitively adjusted according to the corresponding angle.

[0040] In particular, in some embodiments, the operating component 8 can be replaced with an electric motor or other electric mechanism for driving, and can be manually adjusted by a switch or set and controlled by system software to achieve a more precise and convenient operation.

[0041] Example 3:

[0042] like Figure 4As shown, the electrode head 3 in this embodiment includes a first blade 21, a second blade 22, a connecting rod 23, and a traction wire 24. A handle 26 is provided at the grip portion 1. The first blade 21 and the second blade 22 are connected to the first end of the connecting rod 23, and the second end of the connecting rod 23 is connected to the handle 26 via the traction wire 24. The traction wire 24 also passes through the inside of the main rod 2 for easy access to the human body. The operator pulls the traction wire 24 by gripping the handle 26, which in turn pulls the connecting rod 23 and controls the first blade 21 and the second blade 22 to close and clamp, allowing surgery on specific parts of the human body. Here, because this embodiment has a limiting device for the bending of the electrode head 3, the traction wire 24 will not change the bending angle of the electrode head 3 when the connecting rod 23 is pulled. Furthermore, a sleeve is fitted inside the main rod 2 for the traction wire 24, which can regulate the traction path of the traction wire 24. Specifically, a spring 25 is fitted around the outside of the connecting rod 23. When the operator grips the handle 26, the traction line 24 pulls the connecting rod 23, causing it to lengthen and stretch the spring 25. When the operator releases the handle 26, the spring 25 automatically returns to its original position due to its elasticity, causing the connecting rod 23 to reset. The first and second cutting heads 21 and 22 open. The spring 25 ensures that the first and second cutting heads 21 and 22 automatically separate when the surgical electrodes are not in operation. Furthermore, the control circuitry, including the electrical wires for the surgical electrodes, is integrated into the inner wall of the main rod 2, ensuring a clean and simple design for the portion entering the body. Additionally, an insulating sleeve is fitted around the outer wall of the main rod 2 to prevent electrical leakage at the point of contact with the body, ensuring the smooth progress of the surgery.

[0043] The above embodiments illustrate only one implementation of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flexible self-locking surgical electrode, characterized in that, The device includes a grip, a main rod, an electrode head, and a pushing mechanism. The first end of the main rod is connected to the grip, and the electrode head is hinged to the second end of the main rod. A push rod passes through the inner side of the main rod. A slider is connected to the first end of the push rod facing the grip, and the second end facing the electrode head drives the electrode head to rotate around the hinge axis. The pushing mechanism is fixed to the grip and includes an operating component, a threaded column whose thread axial direction is the same as the extension direction of the push rod, and a pushing block screwed to the threaded column. The pushing block is limited by the slider. Under external force, the operating component controls the rotation of the threaded column. When the threaded column rotates, the pushing block slides along the axial direction of the threaded column and drives the push rod to extend and retract via the slider. When the operating component loses external force, the push rod is in a self-locking state. The side wall of the first end of the main rod is provided with an elongated groove along the extension direction of the main rod. The slider includes an inner slider disposed inside the main rod, an outer slider disposed outside the main rod, and a connector that passes through the elongated groove and connects the inner slider and the outer slider. The slider can slide along the elongated groove through the connector. The first end of the push rod is connected to the inner slider, and the push block is limited and connected to the outer slider. The outer wall of the outer slider is provided with an annular groove surrounding the main rod, and the outer wall of the push block is provided with an arc-shaped component. The arc-shaped component is inserted into the annular groove. When the main rod rotates and drives the annular groove to rotate, the arc-shaped component slides in the annular groove.

2. The flexible self-locking surgical electrode as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The main rod is rotatably connected to the gripping part with its extension direction as the axis. A knob is fixed on the outer wall of the main rod. The knob is used to turn and drive the main rod and the electrode head connected to the main rod to rotate.

3. The flexible self-locking surgical electrode as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The operating component includes a first bevel gear and a paddle. The end of the threaded column is provided with a second bevel gear. The first bevel gear is engaged with the second bevel gear. The paddle is used to rotate by external force, drive the first bevel gear to rotate and transmit the power to the second bevel gear. The second bevel gear drives the threaded column to rotate. The transmission ratio between the paddle and the threaded column is greater than 1.

4. A flexible self-locking surgical electrode as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The operating component further includes at least one gear that is sequentially meshed, the paddle is fixed to the first gear, the first bevel gear is fixed to the last gear, and the transmission ratio between any two adjacent gears is greater than 1.

5. A flexible self-locking surgical electrode as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The electrode head includes a first cutter head, a second cutter head, a connecting rod, and a traction wire. The first cutter head and the second cutter head are connected to the connecting rod. The gripping part is provided with a handle. The traction wire passes through the inside of the main rod and is connected to the connecting rod at one end and the handle at the other end. When the handle is gripped, the traction wire is pulled and pulls the connecting rod to control the first cutter head and the second cutter head to close and clamp together.

6. A flexible self-locking surgical electrode as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The connecting rod is fitted with a spring. When the handle is gripped, the connecting rod stretches the spring. When the handle is released, the spring returns to its original position and drives the connecting rod to reset, causing the first and second cutter heads to open.

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