Argon ablation catheter and switching method for argon direct jet side injection
By designing an argon ablation conduit with direct and side nozzles, combined with a sealing ring and electrode structure, the problems of thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer and inaccurate ablation were solved, achieving both protection and precise ablation of the submucosal muscle layer.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NANJING ECO MICROWAVE SYST
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-14
AI Technical Summary
Existing argon ablation catheters are prone to causing thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer when ablating in areas with thin mucosa, and it is difficult to adjust the single jet direction to a suitable direction for precise ablation of the lesion tissue.
An argon ablation catheter was designed, equipped with a direct nozzle and a side nozzle. The direct and side nozzles of argon gas can be switched through a sealing ring and an electrode structure. Physiological saline is injected into the submucosa before ablation to form a water cushion and reduce thermal damage.
This approach protects the submucosal muscle layer, improves the precision and efficiency of ablation, and avoids damage to normal tissues.
Smart Images
Figure CN117379169B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention belongs to the field of argon nozzle technology, specifically relating to an argon ablation conduit and a method for switching between direct and side-spray argon. Background Technology
[0002] Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a non-contact electrocoagulation technique. Under the excitation of a high-frequency current, argon gas is ionized into conductive argon plasma. The argon plasma achieves tissue ablation and coagulation through the thermal effect of conducting the high-frequency current. The argon ablation catheter is a commonly used instrument in APC surgery for tissue ablation and coagulation. It is used in conjunction with a high-frequency electrosurgical unit and an argon gas controller. The high-frequency voltage output by the high-frequency electrosurgical unit and the high-purity argon gas output by the argon gas controller are used to ionize the argon gas at the argon electrode at the end of the argon ablation catheter through discharge, generating argon plasma to ablate and coagulate the tissue. It has advantages such as uniform and controllable electrocoagulation depth, less eschar formation, and less surgical smoke.
[0003] When performing therapeutic mucosal ablation using existing argon ablation catheters (such as Barrett's esophagus, radiation enteritis, and ablation of gastric parietal cells affecting eating), the primary target of these diseases is the mucosal layer cells. During ablation using conventional argon catheters, due to the thin walls of the digestive tract, improper handling of APC treatment can easily cause thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer, and even lead to digestive tract perforation and scar stenosis.
[0004] In addition, existing argon ablation catheters are either direct-spray or side-spray, and can only spray argon ions in a single direction (direct spraying refers to spraying argon ions at the front end of the catheter, and side spraying refers to spraying argon ions to the side of the catheter). Due to the limited bending angle of the gastrointestinal endoscope, for some large-area lesions, it is difficult to adjust the catheter with a single spray direction to a suitable direction to spray and coagulate the lesion tissue, which can easily cause damage to normal tissue and make it difficult to achieve precise ablation of the target tissue.
[0005] Therefore, an argon ablation catheter that can simultaneously meet the requirements of direct and side spraying and effectively solve the problem of thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer has become a focus of attention for many leading researchers in this field. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The primary objective of this invention is to provide an argon ablation catheter that addresses the technical problem of thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer caused by existing argon ablation catheters mentioned in the background art when ablating in areas with thin mucosa.
[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, an argon ablation catheter is proposed, achieved through the following technical solution: An argon ablation catheter includes a catheter body, a sealing ring, and an electrode. One end of the catheter body is provided with a direct injection port for direct injection of argon ions, and a side injection port for side injection of argon ions is provided on the catheter body on the side of the direct injection port. The sealing ring is located at the end of the catheter body, near the direct injection port, and the sealing ring can controllably close the direct injection port. The electrode is located inside the catheter body, near the end of the direct injection port, and an injection cavity for the flow of injection solution is provided inside the electrode.
[0008] In this invention, physiological saline is injected into the submucosal layer to form a water cushion before ablation using the injection cavity inside the electrode. During ablation, only the surface raised mucosa is ablated, thereby reducing thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the catheter body includes a direct nozzle and a side nozzle. The direct nozzle is located at the circular end face of the catheter body, and the side nozzle is located on the side wall of the catheter body near the side nozzle end. The side nozzle and the direct nozzle are distributed perpendicularly to the catheter body. The arrangement of the side nozzle and the direct nozzle facilitates the adjustment of the nozzle direction to spray coagulate directly onto the lesion, thereby achieving precise ablation of the target site and avoiding damage to normal areas.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the side nozzle is smaller than that of the direct nozzle. This arrangement ensures that during direct injection, argon gas mainly flows out from the open direct nozzle under pressure, avoiding the closure of the side nozzle and reducing costs.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sealing ring includes an elastic bellows, an air bladder, and an air bladder mounting groove. One end of the elastic bellows is connected to the sealing ring, and the other end is disposed on the conduit body. The air bladder is disposed in the air bladder mounting groove. After the air bladder is inflated, it seals the end of the sealing ring and drives the sealing ring to move along the conduit body. This arrangement facilitates the enclosure of the electrode within the sealed conductor tube and facilitates the ionization of argon gas ejected from the side nozzle by the electrode, making it convenient to use.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when the airbag is not inflated, the end of the sealing ring is flush with the end of the electrode. After the airbag is inflated, the sealing ring moves and the electrode is covered by the sealing ring. This arrangement facilitates the ionization of argon gas ejected from the side nozzle by the electrode and is convenient to use.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inflated airbag does not contact the electrode end. This arrangement facilitates the ionization of argon gas ejected from the side nozzle by the electrode and makes it convenient to use.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an injection cavity is provided inside the electrode along the electrode extension direction, penetrating the electrode. The electrode is connected to the Luer connector at the handle via an injection tube. This arrangement facilitates the injection of injection fluid into the electrode through the injection tube, thereby raising the thin mucosa and effectively avoiding thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer.
[0015] The second objective of this invention is to propose a method for switching between direct and side-jet argon injection in an argon ablation catheter. The technical problem addressed is that existing argon ablation catheters, as mentioned in the background art, can only perform single direct or side-jet injection and cannot achieve precise ablation of the target. The specific steps are as follows:
[0016] S1. Select direct injection or side injection based on the position of the injection end of the duct body;
[0017] S2. During direct injection, the gas bladder inside the sealing ring is not inflated, and argon gas is ejected from the direct injection port. The electrode excites the argon gas ejected from the direct injection port.
[0018] S3. When switching from direct injection to side injection, the air bladder inside the sealing ring is inflated and expands to seal the direct injection port. At the same time, the air bladder drives the sealing ring to move away from the electrode. Argon gas is then ejected from the side injection port, and the electrode excites the argon gas ejected from the side injection port.
[0019] S4. When switching from side spray to direct spray, the airbag in the sealing ring is deflated, the airbag contracts, and the seal on the direct spray nozzle is released. The sealing ring is reset under the action of the elastic bellows, and argon gas is then ejected from the direct spray nozzle. The electrode excites the argon gas ejected from the direct spray nozzle.
[0020] The beneficial effects of this invention compared to the prior art are:
[0021] The argon gas nozzle of this invention utilizes the injection cavity within the electrode to inject physiological saline into the submucosal layer before ablation to form a water cushion. During ablation, it only targets the raised surface mucosa, thereby reducing thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer. Furthermore, the sealing ring on the catheter body allows for adjustment of the direct and side spraying of the argon gas ablation catheter. For each location, the spraying direction of the argon gas catheter can be adjusted to directly target the target location for ablation, achieving precise ablation of the target and making it convenient to use.
[0022] The argon direct injection and side injection switching method of the present invention allows for free switching between direct injection and side injection of argon gas in the argon nozzle according to the target position during ablation. This solves the problem that it is difficult to align the injection nozzle with the target position during use, making it difficult to achieve precise ablation of the target. It also avoids the need to change argon nozzles with different injection nozzle directions during use, making it convenient to use and improving efficiency. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing ring of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 3 A three-dimensional schematic diagram of the direct injection nozzle after being sealed by a sealing ring;
[0026] Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the direct injection nozzle after the sealing ring is closed;
[0027] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the side-spray to direct-spray conversion in Example 2;
[0028] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the direct injection to side injection conversion in Example 2;
[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-conduit body, 11-direct nozzle, 12-side nozzle, 2-sealing ring, 21-elastic bellows, 22-bellows mounting groove, 23-airbag, 24-airbag mounting groove, 25-tracheal conduit, 3-electrode, 31-injection cavity. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The following will refer to the appendices in the embodiments of the present invention. Figure 1-6 The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. Example 1
[0031] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, an argon ablation catheter includes a catheter body 1, a sealing ring 2, and an electrode 3. One end of the catheter body 1 is connected to a Luer connector, the sealing ring 2 is fitted onto the other end of the catheter body 1, and the electrode 3 is disposed inside the catheter body 1 near the sealing ring 2.
[0032] The catheter body 1 is a hollow tube with a circular cross-section. The entire catheter body 1 is made of standard medical plastic. The catheter body 1 has openings at both ends. One end of the catheter body 1 is fixed with a Luer connector. The Luer connector facilitates the connection of the catheter body 1 with the accessories supplied for the catheter body 1. The other end of the opening of the catheter body 1 is a direct nozzle 11. Argon gas flows from inside the catheter body 1 and can be ejected through the direct nozzle 11.
[0033] In order to achieve precise ablation at the target location and facilitate the nozzle to be adjusted to the appropriate direction for spraying and coagulation at the target location, a circular side nozzle 12 is provided on the side wall of the guide tube 1 near the end of the direct nozzle 11, perpendicular to the side wall of the guide tube 1. The central axis of the side nozzle 12 is perpendicular to the central axis of the direct nozzle 11.
[0034] To facilitate switching between direct and side argon injection (direct injection refers to injecting argon ions at the front end of the catheter, while side injection refers to injecting argon ions to the side of the catheter), a sealing ring 2 is fitted over the direct injection port 11 on the catheter body 1. The sealing ring 2 can seal the direct injection port 11, thereby guiding the argon gas to flow out from the side injection port 12. To reduce production costs, the side injection port 12 can be left unsealed, but its diameter should be smaller than that of the direct injection port 11. In this way, during direct injection, the argon gas flowing inside the catheter body 1 will preferentially exit from the direct injection port 11, which has a larger opening and lower pressure. The smaller amount of argon gas escaping from the side injection port 12 will not affect the surgery. This unsealed side injection port 12 is only a preferred embodiment of this example. To ensure the sealing of the side injection port 12 during direct injection, a controllable inflation bladder can be added to the side injection port 12, and the opening and closing of the side injection port 12 can be controlled by the inflation bladder.
[0035] like Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the sealing ring 2 mainly includes a sealing ring body, an elastic bellows tube 21, and an airbag 23. The sealing ring body is a plastic tube with an annular cross-section. The material of the sealing ring body is the same as that of the catheter body 1, both of which are standard medical plastics.
[0036] The inner diameter of the sealing ring body is the same as the outer diameter of the conduit body 1, and the sealing ring body is fitted onto the end of the conduit body 1 at the direct nozzle 11.
[0037] To facilitate the sealing ring 2 in sealing the direct nozzle 11 on the conduit body 1, an annular airbag mounting groove 24 is recessed perpendicularly to the inner wall of one end of the sealing ring body. The airbag 23 is fixed in the airbag mounting groove 24 with glue. In order to facilitate the confinement of the airbag 23, the annular surface of the outer side of the airbag mounting groove 24 is spaced from the end of the sealing ring body. The annular surface of the inner side of the airbag mounting groove 24 is flush with the end face of the direct nozzle 11 on the conduit body 1. The airbag 23 is embedded in the airbag mounting groove 24.
[0038] Definition: On the airbag mounting groove 24, the direction closer to the duct body 1 is the inner side, and the direction farther away from the duct body 1 is the outer side. One end of the duct body 1 with the direct injection port 11 is the front end, and the other end is the end end.
[0039] The airbag 23 is made of elastic material and is ring-shaped. The airbag 23 is connected to the Luer connector at the end of the tube body 1 through a tracheal tube 25. The airbag 23 is inflated and deflated through the tracheal tube 25. The two annular end faces of the airbag 23 are in contact with the two annular end faces of the airbag mounting groove 24. The annular end face on the inner side of the airbag 23 also abuts against the end face at the front end of the tube body 1. This arrangement allows the airbag 23 to push the sealing ring 2 to move outward along the tube body 1 when it is inflated.
[0040] In order to facilitate the inflation and deflation of the airbag 23 to drive the expansion and contraction of the sealing ring 2, an elastic bellows 21 is also provided on the main body of the sealing ring, and the elastic bellows 21 is installed in the bellows mounting groove 22.
[0041] The bellows mounting groove 22 is located on the sealing ring body at one end away from the airbag mounting groove 24. The bellows mounting groove 22 is distributed along the axial direction of the sealing ring body and has a circular cross-section. The elastic bellows 21 is a bellows made of elastic material. It can be extended under force and can be retracted back to its original position after the applied force is released. The elastic bellows 21 is inserted into the bellows mounting groove 22 and distributed coaxially with the sealing ring 2. One end of the elastic bellows 21 inserted into the bellows mounting groove 22 is connected to the sealing ring body, and the other end is fixed to the guide tube body 1.
[0042] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, regarding the sealing ring 2 sealing the direct injection port 11 for switching between direct and side injection: When switching from direct to side injection, the direct injection port 11 must first be sealed, allowing argon gas to be ejected through the side injection port 12. Specifically, this is achieved by inflating the gas bag 23 through the tracheal tube 25. Because the gas bag 23 is elastic, it expands after inflation. Due to the restriction of the gas bag mounting groove 24, the gas bag 23 expands in two main directions: one is radially along the sealing ring 2. This radial expansion blocks the direct injection port 11, achieving sealing and completing the switch from direct to side injection. Another direction is to expand axially along the sealing ring 2. At this time, since one side of the airbag 23 abuts against the end face of the front end of the conduit body 1, the airbag 23 can push the sealing ring 2 to move outward along the conduit body 1 when it inflates and expands. At this time, the elastic bellows 21 is stretched by force. When the airbag 23 blocks the direct injection port 11, the conversion from direct injection to side injection is completed. In addition, when switching from side injection to direct injection, it is only necessary to release the air inside the airbag 23. At this time, the airbag 23 contracts and resets. At this time, the force applied to the elastic bellows 21 is released. At this time, the elastic bellows 21 resets and pulls the sealing ring 2 to reset, thus completing the conversion from side injection to direct injection.
[0043] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, electrode 3 is a cylindrical electrode needle. Electrode 3 is fixed inside the catheter body 1 at one end near the direct nozzle 11 and is placed in the center. In order to prevent thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer and to achieve the bulging of the mucosa, an injection cavity 31 is opened inside electrode 3 along the length of electrode 3, and the cross-section of injection cavity 31 is circular.
[0044] To facilitate the delivery of the bulging injection solution, an injection tube is provided at one end inside the electrode 3, which is connected to the injection channel 31 on the electrode 3. Physiological saline injection solution for bulging is injected into the injection channel 31 inside the electrode 3 through the injection tube. In addition, in order to ensure the normal use of the electrode 3 and the ionization of argon gas, the injection channel 31 and the injection tube should be set in a position that does not affect the ionization effect of the electrode 3.
[0045] Regarding the position of electrode 3, electrode 3 is positioned near the front end of catheter body 1. The outer end of electrode 3 is flush with the outer surface of sealing ring 2 when it is not inflated. In order to prevent thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer, when it is necessary to raise the mucosa, physiological saline can be injected directly into the submucosal layer through electrode 3 to form a water cushion. During ablation, only the surface raised mucosa is ablated, thereby reducing thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer. At the same time, there is no need to repeatedly inject and change instruments during the operation, which improves the efficiency of the operation. It also prevents the normal area from being punctured due to the exposed electrode 3 when using catheter body 1.
[0046] Meanwhile, since the outer end of electrode 3 is flush with the outer side of the sealing ring 2 when it is not inflated, when the airbag 23 inside the sealing ring 2 is inflated, the airbag 23 will drive the sealing ring 2 to move outward, sealing the direct injection port 11 and covering electrode 3 inside the sealing ring 2.
[0047] During side spraying, in order to facilitate the ionization of argon gas at the side nozzle 12 of electrode 3, the shape of the inflated airbag 23 should be modified so that the inner side of the inflated airbag 23 is concave, so that the inner side of the airbag 23 does not contact the end of electrode 3, thus facilitating the ionization of argon gas at the side nozzle 12 of electrode 3.
[0048] Regarding the injection of electrode 3: In order to prevent thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer, when it is necessary to raise the mucosa, the front end of the catheter body 1 can be directly placed against the position to be raised, and saline can be injected into electrode 3 through the injection tube. Saline can be injected into the submucosal layer through the injection cavity 31 in electrode 3 to form a water cushion. During ablation, only the surface raised mucosa is ablated, thereby reducing thermal damage to the submucosal muscle layer. At the same time, there is no need to repeatedly inject and change instruments during the operation, which improves efficiency. Example 2
[0049] Based on Example 1, this example provides a method for switching between direct and side injection of argon gas in an argon ablation catheter, specifically including the following steps:
[0050] S1. Select direct injection or side injection based on the position of the injection end of the duct body 1.
[0051] S2. During direct injection, the air bladder 23 inside the sealing ring 2 is not inflated. At this time, the direct injection port 11 is opened, and argon gas is directly ejected from the direct injection port 11. Then, a high-frequency current is applied to the electrode 3 set at the direct injection port 11, and the argon gas ejected from the direct injection port 11 is excited by the electrode 3 to form argon ions.
[0052] S3. When switching from direct injection to side injection, the airbag 23 inside the sealing ring 2 is inflated through the tracheal conduit 25. Since the airbag 23 is made of elastic material, it will expand until it blocks the direct injection port 11. Because one side of the airbag 23 abuts against the end face of the front end of the conduit body 1, the inflation and expansion of the airbag 23 can push the sealing ring 2 to move outward along the conduit body 1. At this time, the elastic bellows 21 is stretched by force, and the airbag 23 drives the sealing ring 2 to move away from the electrode 3. At this time, the airbag 23 is not in contact with the electrode 3, and argon gas is ejected from the side injection port 12. Then, a high-frequency current is applied to the electrode 3, and the argon gas ejected from the side injection port 12 is excited by the electrode 3 to form argon ions, thus completing the switch from direct injection to side injection. Figure 5 As shown.
[0053] S4. When switching from side injection to direct injection, the airbag 23 in the sealing ring 2 is deflated through the tracheal conduit 25. The air in the airbag 23 is discharged along the tracheal conduit 25. At this time, the airbag 23 retracts into the airbag mounting groove 24, releasing the seal of the airbag 23 on the direct injection port 11. Simultaneously, the elastic bellows 21 resets under its own elastic force, and drives the sealing ring 2 to reset as well. Since the orifice diameter of the direct injection port 11 is larger than that of the side injection port 12, the argon gas in the conduit body 1 will preferentially be ejected from the direct injection port 11, which has a larger opening and lower pressure. Then, a high-frequency current is applied to the electrode 3 set at the direct injection port 11, which excites the argon gas ejected from the direct injection port 11 to form argon ions, thus completing the switch from side injection to direct injection. Figure 6 As shown.
[0054] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications made to the technical solutions based on the technical concept proposed in this invention shall fall within the scope of protection of this invention.
Claims
1. An argon ablation catheter, characterized in that: The device includes a catheter body (1), a sealing ring (2), and an electrode (3). One end of the catheter body (1) is provided with a direct injection port (11) for direct injection of argon ions. A side injection port (12) for side injection of argon ions is provided on the catheter body (1) on one side of the direct injection port (11). The sealing ring (2) is provided at the end of the catheter body (1) near the direct injection port (11). The sealing ring (2) can controllably close the direct injection port (11). The electrode (3) is provided inside the catheter body (1) near one end of the direct injection port (11). An injection cavity (31) for the flow of injection liquid is provided inside the electrode (3). The sealing ring (2) includes an elastic bellows (21), an airbag (23) and an airbag mounting groove (24). One end of the elastic bellows (21) is connected to the sealing ring (2) and the other end is set on the conduit body (1). The airbag (23) is set in the airbag mounting groove (24). After the airbag (23) is inflated, it seals the end of the sealing ring (2) and drives the sealing ring (2) to move along the conduit body (1). An injection cavity (31) is provided inside the electrode (3) along the extension direction of the electrode (3), and the electrode (3) is connected to the Luer connector at the handle through the injection tube.
2. The argon ablation catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conduit body (1) includes a direct nozzle (11) and a side nozzle (12). The direct nozzle (11) is located at the circular end face of the conduit body (1), and the side nozzle (12) is located on the side wall of the conduit body (1) near the end of the side nozzle (12). The side nozzle (12) and the direct nozzle (11) are distributed perpendicularly to the conduit body (1).
3. The argon ablation catheter according to claim 2, characterized in that: The diameter of the side nozzle (12) is smaller than that of the direct nozzle (11).
4. The argon ablation catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the airbag (23) is not inflated, the end of the sealing ring (2) is flush with the end of the electrode (3). After the airbag (23) is inflated, the sealing ring (2) moves and the electrode (3) is covered by the sealing ring (2).
5. The argon ablation catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inflated airbag (23) does not contact the end of the electrode (3).
6. The method for switching between direct and side-jet argon injection in the argon ablation catheter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. Select direct injection or side injection according to the position of the injection end of the duct body (1); S2. During direct injection, the air bladder (23) inside the sealing ring (2) is not inflated, and argon gas is ejected from the direct injection port (11); S3. When switching from direct injection to side injection, the airbag (23) inside the sealing ring (2) is inflated and expands, sealing the direct injection port (11). At the same time, the airbag (23) drives the sealing ring (2) to move away from the electrode (3), and argon gas is ejected from the side injection port (12). S4. When the side spray is switched to direct spray, the airbag (23) in the sealing ring (2) is released, the airbag (23) contracts, and the seal on the direct spray nozzle (11) is released. The sealing ring (2) is reset under the action of the elastic bellows (21), and argon gas is sprayed out from the direct spray nozzle (11) at this time.