Electrode device for blocking or modulating nerves in the body

Abstract

A nerve blocking or adjusting device for use in a body according to the present invention includes a main body provided with a shaft, an electrode unit formed by being pulled out from one end of the shaft and blocking or adjusting at least a part of nerves of a tube in the body, an electrode guide provided with a plurality of joint portions and a wire connecting the joint portions to each other to guide the electrode unit, and a driving unit located inside the main body to drive the joint portions and the wire to protrude from one end of the shaft, wherein the driving unit includes a rod block having one end connected to the joint portion and performing forward and backward movements, a wire block supporting the wire and performing forward and backward movements, and a variable connection portion formed to connect the rod block and the wire block to each other and capable of changing a distance between the rod block and the wire block as the rod block and the wire block perform the forward and backward movements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrode device for blocking or modulating nerves in the body. Background Technology

[0002] Nerve block surgery refers to procedures that control an abnormally overactive autonomic nervous system by damaging specific nerves. For example, renal nerve block surgery can treat hypertension and heart disease by damaging the renal sympathetic nerves that lead to the kidneys, while pulmonary nerve block surgery can treat lung diseases by damaging the parasympathetic nerves that lead to the lungs.

[0003] Nerves are typically surrounded by the outer walls of tubes such as blood vessels and bronchi. Therefore, it may be necessary to measure nerve signals by looking through the outer walls of such tubes, or to damage or destroy nerves by transmitting electrical stimulation or various forms of energy to them.

[0004] For example, when performing surgery on the renal arteries, the main renal artery, which is typically 5mm to 7mm in diameter, can be used, or the accessory renal artery, which is typically 1mm to 2mm in diameter. Furthermore, the size of the arteries containing nerves varies from person to person and also depends on their location.

[0005] During the aforementioned surgical procedure, precise positioning of the assembly containing the electrode formed at the end of the catheter around the outer wall of the catheter is crucial. Specifically, in order to effectively block or adjust the nerve, it is necessary to reliably and quickly position the assembly containing the electrode around the outer wall of the catheter, where the nerve is distributed, in a surrounding manner. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] One object of the present invention is to provide an electrode device having a structure in which a plurality of unit elements protrude sequentially and guide electrodes around the outer periphery of a tube within the body.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode device configured such that the actions of protruding a plurality of unit elements and the actions of setting the paths of the plurality of unit elements are linked together.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode device in which the structure of an electrode connected to a plurality of unit elements can be manufactured from a single component without assembly.

[0010] However, the technical problems to be solved in this embodiment are not limited to the above-mentioned technical problems, and other technical problems may also exist.

[0011] Solution for solving the problem

[0012] As a means to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode device for blocking or adjusting nerves in the body, comprising: a main body having a shaft; an electrode unit formed by pulling out from one end of the shaft and used to denervate or adjust at least a portion of nerves in a tube within the body; an electrode conductor having a plurality of joints and wires connecting the plurality of joints to each other to guide the electrode unit; and a drive unit located inside the main body, driving the joints and wires to protrude from one end of the shaft, wherein the drive unit comprises: a rod block having one end connected to the joints and capable of advancing and retracting; a wire block supporting the wires and capable of advancing and retracting; and a variable connection portion formed to connect the rod block and the wire block to each other, and capable of changing the distance between the rod block and the wire block as the rod block and the wire block advance and retract.

[0013] In one embodiment, the drive unit further includes a motor unit, the rod block moves forward and backward via the motor unit, the guide block moves forward and backward side by side with the rod block, and when the rod block moves forward, the distance between the guide block and the rod block increases, and when the rod block moves backward, the distance between the guide block and the rod block decreases.

[0014] In one embodiment, the drive unit further includes a rotating shaft that is rotatable via the motor unit, and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft is threaded. The rod block is configured to engage with the rotating shaft and move forward and backward as the rotating shaft rotates.

[0015] In one embodiment, the drive unit further includes a frame that provides a movement path for the rod block and the conductor block.

[0016] The aforementioned variable connection includes: a lever gear formed on the lever block; a guide gear formed on the guide block; a lever connecting rod connected to the lever gear; and a lever cam connected to the lever connecting rod, the lever cam being movable along with a cam guide formed on the frame.

[0017] In one embodiment, the lever gear is composed of a pinion gear, and the guide gear is composed of a rack that meshes with the lever gear, so as to transmit the rotational motion of the lever gear that occurs when the lever block moves forward and backward as the linear motion of the guide gear.

[0018] In one embodiment, the displacement of the wire protruding from one end of the shaft is less than the displacement of the joint protruding from one end of the shaft, thereby providing a force to pull the joint along the direction surrounding the tube.

[0019] In one embodiment, the joint portion is provided with: a hinge portion formed on one or both sides of the joint portion in the long side direction connected to the adjacent joint portion; and a wire hole formed at a position spaced apart from the rotation center of the hinge portion for insertion of the wire.

[0020] In one embodiment, the joint portion is provided with: a hinge portion formed on one or both sides of the joint portion in the long side direction connected to the adjacent joint portion; and a winding support portion formed on one or both sides in the long side direction to support the adjacent joint portions, wherein the adjacent joint portions are supported by the winding support portion, thereby providing a force to support the plurality of joint portions in a direction opposite to the direction surrounding the tube.

[0021] In one embodiment, the electrode conductor is further provided with a tip connector, which is connected to the ends of the plurality of joints connected in sequence, and is respectively coupled to the ends of the electrode unit and the wire.

[0022] In one embodiment, the aforementioned plurality of joints are made of an elastically deformable material and formed as a single unit.

[0023] Furthermore, a winding support groove is formed between adjacent joints of the aforementioned electrode conductors, wherein the winding support groove is deformed such that at least a portion of it is closed by the force of the aforementioned wire.

[0024] The solutions described above for solving the problem are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the invention. In addition to the exemplary embodiments described above, there may be additional embodiments, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed description.

[0025] Invention Effects

[0026] According to the electrode device of the present invention, multiple joints and leads are linked together by a drive unit, thereby enabling the electrode leads to move in a manner that protrudes from the shaft and surrounds the tube. This minimizes the operating space of the electrode leads, thus allowing for safe and accurate nerve blocking or modulation even in confined spaces. The drive unit can generate lead displacements different from those of the joints, enabling precise and simple withdrawal and positional changes of the electrode leads.

[0027] Furthermore, in the electrode device according to the present invention, the joint can be moved by the motor unit and the rod block, and the wire can be moved by the wire block that is variably connected to the rod block. That is, by means of a single motor unit, the action of protruding the electrode guide and the action of controlling the position of the electrode guide can be performed together, thereby effectively achieving precise action.

[0028] Furthermore, according to the electrode device of the present invention, by forming an electrode conductor for driving multiple joints and integrating the joints into one piece, the manufacturing process of the electrode device can be simplified, the product can be miniaturized, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a side view of an electrode device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the electrode conductor in a state where the guiding electrode unit surrounds the blood vessel.

[0031] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of the components inside the axis of region A shown.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the joint shown.

[0033] Figure 5 It is set in Figure 1 The diagram shows a side sectional view of the drive unit inside the main body.

[0034] Figure 6a This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electrode conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6b This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electrode conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6c This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electrode conductor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7a This is a diagram illustrating the operation process of a drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7b This is a diagram illustrating the operation process of a drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7c This is a diagram illustrating the operation process of a drive unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing an electrode conductor according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can readily implement the embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, for the sake of clear description of the invention in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted, and similar reference numerals have been used for similar parts throughout the specification.

[0042] Throughout this specification, when referring to one part as "connected" to another, it includes not only the case of "direct connection" but also the case of the two being "electrically connected" through other elements. Furthermore, when referring to a component as "including" another component, unless otherwise stated, it means that other components may be further included, not excluded. It should be understood that the possibility of one or more other features or quantities, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not excluded. Additionally, throughout this specification, when one component is "on top of" another component, it includes not only the case where one component is tangent to another component but also the case where another component exists between the two components.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a side view of an electrode device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 The diagram shows the electrode conductor 130 in a state where the guiding electrode unit 120 surrounds the blood vessel. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of the components inside axis 111 of region A shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of a portion of the joint 131 shown. Figure 5 It is set in Figure 1 A side sectional view of the drive unit 140 inside the main body 110 shown.

[0044] Figures 6a to 6c This is a diagram illustrating the operation of an electrode conductor 130 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figures 7a to 7c This is a diagram illustrating the operation process of a drive unit 140 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode device 100 includes: a main body 110, an electrode unit 120, an electrode conductor 130, and a driving unit 140.

[0046] The main body 110 may include: a shaft 111 extending in one direction; a gripping portion 112 configured to connect to the shaft 111 for a surgeon to grip; a guiding operation portion 113 formed on the gripping portion 112 to operate the electrode guide 130; and an electrode operation portion 114 formed on the gripping portion 112 to operate the energy transfer to the electrode unit 120. Elements for driving and controlling the electrode unit 120 and the electrode guide 130 may be disposed inside the main body 110.

[0047] Electrode unit 120 is formed by being pulled out from one end of shaft 111 and is configured to block or adjust at least a portion of nerves distributed in the tissue of tubes within the containing body, depending on the surgeon's operation, etc. Electrode unit 120 is housed inside shaft 111 and can be pulled out to the outside via electrode guide 130, described later, when the electrode device 100 of the present invention is in operation.

[0048] Reference Figure 2 The electrode unit 120 may include a base 121, an electrode portion 122, and a sensor portion 123. For the electrode device 100 of the present invention, the electrode surrounds the outer surface of a tube or tubular tissue V within the body and can transmit energy through the electrode; therefore, the base 121 may be a flexible circuit board (PCB).

[0049] Electrode portion 122 is formed on base portion 121. Figure 2 In one embodiment, the electrode portion 122 may consist of two electrodes extending parallel to each other on the base 121. In this embodiment, the base 121 and the electrode portion 122 may be formed as a tube or the like that extending in the circumferential direction and surrounding the body.

[0050] The electrode portion 122 can be made of a harmless and conductive material, such as stainless steel or gold, to block or denervate, or control or modulate, nerves. Furthermore, the electrode portion 122 can transmit various types of energy from an energy source generator. For example, radio-frequency (RF) energy, electrical energy, laser energy, ultrasonic energy, high-intensity focused ultrasound energy, cryogenic energy, and other thermal energy can be used.

[0051] Furthermore, the electrode portion 122 can be formed as a flexible circuit board for transmitting high-frequency energy, a transducer for transmitting ultrasonic energy, or a metal electrode for transmitting high-voltage energy, in order to transmit energy for damaging nerves.

[0052] Furthermore, a sensor portion 123 may be formed on the base 121. In one example, the sensor portion 123 may be a thermocouple that measures temperature by contacting a tube or the like inside the body. When performing nerve resection surgery using the electrode device 100 according to the invention, the sensor portion 123 can monitor the temperature of the surgical site. For example, the sensor portion 123 may be a pair of thermocouples made of copper and constantan. In another example, the sensor portion 123 may also measure nerve signals from the tube.

[0053] The electrode conductor 130 performs the function of contacting the electrode unit 120 with a tube inside the body. The electrode conductor 130 supports the electrode unit 120 to guide the electrode unit 120 into contact with the tube inside the body.

[0054] Further reference Figures 2 to 4 The electrode conductor 130 provided by the present invention is provided with a plurality of joint portions 131. The plurality of joint portions 131 can form a curved winding path around the outer periphery of the tube V in the body, with respect to the electrode unit 120. Figure 2 as well as Figure 6c The state shown can be a state in which multiple joints 131 are fully pulled out along the winding path of the curve.

[0055] Furthermore, the electrode conductor 130 may also include a tip joint 132 and a wire 133. The tip joint 132 supports the electrode unit 120 and can be coupled to the ends of a plurality of sequentially connected joints 131. The tip joint 132 may be pulled out from one end of the shaft 111 before the plurality of joints 131. Figure 6c As shown, the tip connector 132 can be located near the tube V inside the body, and the tip connector 132 can have a tapered shape whose width or thickness tapers towards the end to prevent interference with the electrode unit 120 or to maximize the surface area of ​​the tube surrounding the body. The end of the electrode unit 120 can be fastened and fixed to the tip connector 132.

[0056] The conductor 133 can be configured to sequentially pass through multiple joint portions 131. (See reference...) Figure 3 as well as Figure 4A wire hole 131c is formed along the long side of the joint portion 131 to allow the wire 133 to pass through. The ends of the wires 133 that pass through the wire holes 131c sequentially can be joined and fixed to the tip connectors 132. The wires 133 can slide relative to each joint portion 131 along the long side inside the wire holes 131c. Therefore, the wires 133 can guide multiple joint portions 131 and tip connectors 132 to be arranged on the winding path and provide a force to pull multiple joint portions 131 and tip connectors 132 in the direction surrounding the tube V.

[0057] The guide wire 133 can protrude from one end of the shaft 111 together with the multiple joints 131. In this case, it can be designed such that the amount of protrusion of the guide wire 133 is less than the amount of protrusion of the joints 131, so that the guide wire 133 can provide a pulling force that gives the multiple joints 131 a winding path.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 The joint portion 131 may be provided with a hinge portion 131a and a winding support portion 131b. As a structure for rotatable connection with adjacent joints, the hinge portion 131a may be formed on one or both sides in the long side direction where the joint portions 131 are connected side-by-side. As shown, the hinge portion 131a may form a rotation axis in a direction intersecting the long side direction and connect with the hinge portion 131a of the adjacent joint portion 131. In each hinge portion 131a, a hinge portion (not shown) may be inserted and fastened along the direction forming the rotation axis.

[0059] The winding support portion 131b is a structure used to support multiple joint portions 131 on the winding path. It can be formed on one or both sides in the long side direction to support adjacent joint portions 131. As shown, the winding support portion 131b can be formed along the inner side of the electrode conductor 130 (where the joint portion 131 is wound) at a position adjacent to the hinge portion 131a. The winding support portion 131b can be formed as a surface having, for example, a predetermined angle and area, and is supported in surface contact with adjacent winding support portions 131b, thereby fixing the winding shape of the electrode conductor 130. The winding support portion 131b and the wire hole 131c can be formed at positions spaced apart from the rotation center of the hinge portion 131a toward the inner side of the tube V facing the body.

[0060] When the wire 133 is pulled further back than the electrode guide 130 (when the length of the wire 133 pulled out from the shaft 111 is shorter than the length of the joint 131), tension can be applied to the wire 133 in the winding direction of the electrode guide 130. Conversely, the winding support 131b can provide a force that supports the joints 131 against each other in the direction that inhibits the winding of the electrode guide 130. The wire 133 and the winding support 131b can form a force balance in opposite directions, thereby fixing the electrode guide 130 on the winding path.

[0061] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, the electrode conductor 130 may include a first joint group 131x and a second joint group 131y. That is, the plurality of joint portions 131 may be divided into a first joint group 131x and a second joint group 131y having different lengths from each other.

[0062] Based on the difference in length, the first joint group 131x can form a first radius of curvature, and the second joint group 131y can form a second radius of curvature larger than the first radius of curvature. This can be seen from... Figure 6c It was confirmed that joints with relatively short lengths (first joint group 131x) can form small radii of curvature, while joints with longer lengths (second joint group 131y) can form large radii of curvature.

[0063] When a path with a smaller radius of curvature is formed through the joint 131 located on the side near the tip connector 132, such as Figure 6c As shown, a path can be formed between the tube and shaft 111 into the body through which the tip connector 132 enters. Furthermore, the electrode conductor 130, including the joint portion 131, can generally have a helical shape.

[0064] The driving unit 140 of the electrode device 100 according to the present invention will be described below.

[0065] The drive unit 140 drives the joint portion 131 and the wire 133 of the drive electrode conductor 130 to protrude from one end of the shaft, and the joint portion 131 and the wire 133 are linked in a manner that the joint portion 131 and the wire 133 have different displacements.

[0066] For example, via the drive unit 140, the wire 133 can protrude from one end of the shaft 111 by a smaller amount (length) compared to the protrusion of the joint portion 131. Corresponding to this difference in the amount of protrusion, the joint portion 131 can be pulled by the wire 133 in one direction (around the tube inside the body) to protrude in a curved winding path. More specifically, the wire 133 can protrude by a relatively smaller amount whenever the joint portion 131 rotates by the winding angle (e.g., 30 degrees) formed by the winding support portion 131b while protruding.

[0067] Refer to 6a to Figure 6c The electrode guide 130 can be housed together with the electrode unit 120 inside the shaft 111, and can protrude from one end forward F in a curved winding path for surgical purposes. Multiple joints 131 can be pulled out sequentially and, based on their displacement difference with the guide wire 133, move along the curved winding path to form a state that surrounds the tube V as a whole. Furthermore, the electrode guide 130 is spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the tube, and the electrode unit 120, located inside the wound electrode guide 130, can be tightly attached to the outer peripheral surface of the tube V.

[0068] According to the present invention, the plurality of joints 131 can be pulled out from the shaft 111 and wound along the direction surrounding the tube V by means of the drive unit 140. Therefore, the operating space of the electrode conductor 130 can be minimized, and the action of blocking or adjusting nerves can be performed safely and accurately even in a narrow space.

[0069] Furthermore, the drive unit 140 generates a displacement of the wire 133 that is different from that of the joint portion 131, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reproducibility of the action path of the electrode conductor 130 of the electrode device 100 according to the present invention.

[0070] The detailed structure and function of the drive unit 140 will be described below.

[0071] The drive unit 140 may include: a frame 141, a motor part 142, a rod block 143, a wire block 144, and a variable connection part 145.

[0072] The frame 141 can be fixed inside the main body and can be provided with guide grooves or guide shafts 142b extending in the front-rear direction. The guide grooves or guide shafts 142b can provide a path for the rod block 143 and the guide block 144 to move.

[0073] The motor unit 142 can be connected to the frame 141 and can be provided with a rotating shaft 142a, wherein the rotating shaft 142a is rotatably supported on the frame 141. For example, the motor unit 142 can receive electrical energy to rotate the rotating shaft 142a.

[0074] One end of the lever block 143 can be connected to the joint portion 131. The lever block 143 can move forward and backward via the motor portion 142. For example, the lever block 143 can move forward and backward by engaging with a rotating shaft 142a, wherein the rotating shaft 142a extends in the front-rear direction and has threads formed on its outer peripheral surface along its long side. The lever block 143 can be configured to engage with a lever 143b that is disposed inside the shaft 111 and extends in one direction (front-rear direction) to support the joint portion 131, and can be slidably disposed in a guide groove or guide shaft 142b of the frame 141, etc.

[0075] In addition to the aforementioned rotating shaft 142a and motor unit 142 structures, the drive unit 140 according to the present invention can also be configured to move the lever block 143 along the front-back direction via various linear actuation methods. For example, the drive unit 140 may include: a linear actuator of the cylinder type including pneumatic, hydraulic or electric types, or a linear actuator of the piezoelectric / ultrasonic type, etc.

[0076] The guide block 144 is formed to support the guide wire 133 and can move forward and backward in conjunction with the rod block 143. The guide block 144 is slidably disposed in the guide groove or guide shaft 142b, etc., and can move forward and backward side by side with the rod block 143.

[0077] The variable connection 145 allows the lever block 143 and the guide block 144 to connect to each other and can change the distance between the lever block 143 and the guide block 144. Specifically, the variable connection 145 can be configured to change the distance between the lever block 143 and the guide block 144 as they move forward and backward. For this purpose, the variable connection 145 may include a lever gear 145a, a guide gear 145b, a lever connecting rod 145c, and a lever cam 145d.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown, a lever gear 145a may be formed on a lever block 143, and a guide gear 145b may be formed on a guide block 144. The lever gear 145a and the guide gear 145b may be configured to mesh with each other, allowing power to be transmitted from the lever gear 145a to the guide gear 145b. For example, the lever gear 145a may consist of a pinion, and the guide gear 145b may consist of a rack that meshes with the lever gear 145a.

[0079] The lever gear 145a can be connected to a connecting rod 145c, and the connecting rod 145c can be connected to the lever gear 145a in such a way that it rotates together with the lever gear 145a as it rotates.

[0080] One side of the connecting rod 145c can be connected to the rod gear 145a, and the other side can be connected to the rod cam 145d.

[0081] A cam guide portion 141a may be formed on one side of the frame 141. The cam guide portion 141a is slidably configured to accommodate a rod cam 145d, which can be configured to slide along a path formed by the cam guide portion 141a. For example, the cam guide portion 141a may be in the form of a groove, which extends in one direction at an inclined angle and is formed to a predetermined depth on one side of the frame 141, and can move with the rod cam 145d inserted into such a cam guide portion 141a. Alternatively, the cam guide portion 141a may be in the form of a slit, which penetrates the frame and extends in one direction, and can move with the rod cam 145d inserted into such a cam guide portion 141a.

[0082] For reference Figure 5 In one embodiment, during power transmission in the motor unit 142, the rotating shaft 142a rotates via the motor unit 142, while the lever block 143 moves along the guide shaft 142b via a thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft 142a. When the lever block 143 moves, the conductor block 144 and the variable connection portion 145 also move together with the lever block 143. Specifically, when the lever block 143 moves, the lever gear 145a formed on the lever block 143, the lever connecting rod 145c connected to the lever gear 145a, and the lever cam 145d connected to the lever connecting rod 145c move together. At this time, the lever cam 145d can move along the path provided by the cam guide portion 141a, while simultaneously causing the lever connecting rod 145c to rotate. Thus, the lever gear 145a rotates together with the connecting rod 145c, and the rotational motion of the lever gear 145a is transmitted to the linear motion of the guide gear 145b formed on the guide block 144, thereby creating a difference in the moving distance between the lever block 143 and the guide block 144.

[0083] Figures 7a to 7c They can be respectively with Figures 6a to 6c The state corresponding to the state.

[0084] Specifically, in the case where the electrode conductor 130 is located inside the shaft 111 Figure 6a In such a state, such as Figure 7a As shown, the rod block 143 and the wire block 144 can be respectively set at preset positions (O) near the motor section 142. 143 O 144 At this point, rod block 143 and conductor block 144 can be in the closest possible state to each other.

[0085] When the rotating shaft 142a rotates in one direction via the motor unit 142, such as Figure 7b As shown, the lever 143 that meshes with it can move forward by F. By the forward movement F of the lever connected to the lever 143, as... Figure 6bAs shown, the joint portion 131 of the electrode conductor 130 can protrude from one end of the shaft 111.

[0086] At this time, the wire block 144 can follow the rod block 143 forward via the variable connection 145. Specifically, the lever gear 145a formed on the rod block 143 and the wire gear 145b formed on the wire block 144 mesh with each other, so that the wire block 144 can follow the rod block 143 forward.

[0087] At this time, the lever cam 145d can move along the path provided by the cam guide 141a. Through the movement path provided by the cam guide 141a, the lever connecting rod 145c rotates clockwise, and the lever gear 145a connected to the lever connecting rod 145c can rotate together. In addition, the rotation of the lever gear 145a can move the guide block 144 a predetermined distance, regardless of the forward movement of the lever block 143.

[0088] Accordingly, the distance between the rod block 143 and the conductor block 144 can gradually increase. Since the conductor block 144 lags behind the rod block 143, the displacement of the conductor 133 pulled out from one end of the shaft 111 will be less than the displacement of the joint 131 pulled out from one end of the shaft 111. Therefore, the joint 131 is gradually pulled and bent by the conductor 133 in a predetermined direction (the direction around the tube inside the body).

[0089] When lever 143 has fully advanced, as Figure 6c As shown, this completes the pulling out of joint 131. Thus, as... Figure 7c As shown, the moving distance d of conductor block 144 and conductor 133 144 The moving distance d between the rod block 143 and the joint 131 143 Compared to the smaller preset value d (d = d 143 -d 144 ).

[0090] Furthermore, when the rotating shaft 142a of the motor section 142 rotates in the opposite direction, the rod block 143 can retract by R, and the wire block 144 can retract by R along the rod block 143 via the variable connection part 145.

[0091] At this time, the lever cam 145d can move to its original position along the path provided by the cam guide 141a. Through the movement path provided by the cam guide 141a, the lever connecting rod 145c rotates counterclockwise, causing the lever gear 145a connected to the lever connecting rod 145c to rotate together. Furthermore, the rotation of the lever gear 145a can move the guide block 144 a predetermined distance, independent of the forward movement of the lever block 143. Accordingly, the distance between the lever block 143 and the guide block 144 can gradually decrease.

[0092] Through the variable connection portion 145 of the present invention, the conductor block 144 can move forward and backward in a variable distance from the rod block 143. That is, when the rod block 143 moves forward, the distance between the conductor block 144 and the rod block 143 can gradually increase, while when the rod block 143 moves backward, the distance between the conductor block 144 and the rod block 143 can decrease.

[0093] According to the present invention, the joint 131 can be moved by the motor 142 and the rod block 143, and the wire 133 can be moved by the wire block 144 linked to the rod block 143. That is, the action of protruding the electrode guide 130 and the action of setting the electrode guide 130 can be performed by a single motor 142, thereby effectively achieving precise action.

[0094] In addition, the electrode conductor 130 can be positioned to completely surround the tube in the body, and the nerves around the tube can be blocked or adjusted in a single operation, thereby improving the efficiency of the operation.

[0095] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of an electrode conductor 230 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the joint portion 231 of the electrode conductor 230 of the present invention is integrally formed will be described.

[0096] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the joint portion 231 of the electrode conductor 230 can be made of a material such as an elastically deformable polymer, and multiple joint portions 231 can be provided to form an integral structure, such as a living hinge structure.

[0097] like Figure 8 As shown, each joint portion 231 can be integrally formed with adjacent joint portions 231 in the long side direction, and a winding support groove 231b can be formed between adjacent joint portions 231. When the joint portion 231 is located on the winding path, at least a portion of the groove space of the winding support groove 231b can be reduced or closed.

[0098] Specifically, the winding support groove 231b can be recessed into the inner side of the electrode conductor 230 (the side facing the electrode unit 120) in a wedge shape. When the joint portion 231 protrudes, the wedge-shaped winding support groove 231b can be supported in such a way that the sides are in contact with each other.

[0099] Furthermore, according to other embodiments of the present invention, the electrode conductor 230 may also include a wire 233. The wire 233 may be formed to sequentially pass through a plurality of joint portions 231. Similar to the embodiments described above, compared to the electrode conductor 230, the wire 233 is pulled out from the shaft 111 by a shorter distance, thereby guiding the electrode conductor 230 to deform into a shape surrounding the tube, and providing a force that supports at least a portion of the winding support groove 231b by closing.

[0100] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the electrode conductor 230 can ensure reliable actuation of the joint portion, and the electrode conductor 230 can be integrally manufactured. Since there is no need for subsequent assembly of separately manufactured joint components, the manufacturing process can be simplified, the product can be miniaturized, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0101] The above description of the present invention is for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art will understand that it can be easily modified into other specific embodiments without altering the technical concept or essential features of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary in all respects and not limiting.

[0102] Furthermore, the scope of the invention will be indicated by the following claims rather than the detailed description above, and all modifications or alterations to the embodiments derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be understood to be included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electrode device for blocking or modulating nerves in the body, characterized in that, include: The main body is equipped with an axis; An electrode unit is formed by pulling out from one end of the shaft and blocks or modulates at least a portion of the nerves in the tube within the body; An electrode conductor is provided with multiple joints and wires connecting the multiple joints to each other to guide the electrode unit; as well as The drive unit, located inside the main body, drives the joint and the wire protruding from one end of the shaft. The driving unit includes: A lever block, one end of which is connected to the joint and can move forward and backward; A conductor block that supports the conductor and moves forward and backward; A variable connection is provided to connect the rod block and the conductor block to each other, and the distance between the rod block and the conductor block can be changed as the rod block and the conductor block move forward and backward; and Motor section, The lever block moves forward and backward via the motor unit. The conductor block and the rod block move forward and backward side by side, and When the rod moves forward, the distance between the guide block and the rod increases, and when the rod moves backward, the distance between the guide block and the rod decreases.

2. The electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit further includes a rotating shaft, which is rotatable via the motor unit, and the outer peripheral surface of the rotating shaft is threaded. The lever is configured to engage with the rotating shaft and move forward and backward as the rotating shaft rotates.

3. The electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive unit also includes a frame that provides a movement path for the rod block and the conductor block. The variable connection includes: a lever gear formed on the lever block; a guide gear formed on the guide block; a lever connecting rod connected to the lever gear; and a lever cam connected to the lever connecting rod. The lever cam is movable along with the cam guide formed in the frame.

4. The electrode device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The lever gear is composed of a pinion, and the guide gear is composed of a rack that meshes with the lever gear, so as to transmit the rotational motion of the lever gear that occurs when the lever block moves forward and backward as the linear motion of the guide gear.

5. The electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The displacement of the conductor protruding from one end of the shaft is less than the displacement of the joint protruding from one end of the shaft, thereby providing a force to pull the joint along the direction surrounding the tube.

6. The electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The joint is provided with: A hinge portion is formed on one or both sides of the joint portion in the direction of its long side connection to the adjacent joint portion; and A wire hole is formed at a position spaced apart from the rotation center of the hinge portion for inserting the wire.

7. The electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The joint is provided with: A hinge portion is formed on one or both sides of the joint portion in the direction of its long side connection with the adjacent joint portion; as well as A winding support portion is formed on one or both sides along the long side to support the adjacent joint portion. Adjacent joints are supported by the winding support, thereby providing a force that supports the plurality of joints in a direction opposite to that around the tube.

8. The electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode conductor is further provided with a tip connector, which is connected to the ends of the plurality of joints connected in sequence, and is respectively coupled to the ends of the electrode unit and the wire.

9. The electrode device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of joints are made of an elastically deformable material and formed as a single unit, and a winding support groove is formed between adjacent joints of the electrode conductor, wherein the winding support groove is deformed such that at least a portion of it is closed by the force of the wire.

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