An instrument guide and an endoscope and its method of use

Abstract

This invention provides an instrument guide and an endoscope, as well as a method of using the same, relating to the field of endoscope technology. It solves the problem that existing guide rods are obstructive when not guiding instrument insertion. The instrument guide of this invention is applied to an endoscope and includes a guide wall having a first end, a second end, and a guide surface. The first end is connected to the instrument mouthpiece. When the first end is connected to the instrument mouthpiece, the guide wall has a first state and a second state that can be achieved from the first state through bending. In the first state, the second end is away from the shell wall of the operating part, allowing the guide surface to support and guide the instrument to move smoothly towards the instrument mouthpiece inlet. In the second state, the second end is close to and fixed to the shell wall of the operating part, creating a gap between the guide wall and the shell wall of the operating part for inserting a hand to hold the operating part. The guide wall of this invention can be bent to fix the second end to the shell wall of the operating part, preventing the second end from extending too far outward from the operating part and reducing obstruction to subsequent endoscope operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of endoscopy technology, specifically to an instrument guide and an endoscope, and a method of using the same. Background Technology

[0002] The working principle of existing endoscopes is to insert the endoscope into the human body through natural or man-made cavities for examination or treatment. After the endoscope is inserted into the body, it is necessary to observe the internal condition with the help of lenses and light source systems, and to introduce instruments through instrument channels as needed to cut or obtain tissue from diseased areas within the body.

[0003] When using an instrument, it is necessary to first insert the instrument into the instrument insertion channel through the inlet of the instrument nozzle, then push it into the instrument channel and finally exit it from the distal end of the insertion part to perform the relevant operation.

[0004] During instrument insertion, misalignment with the instrument tip is common, such as the distal end of the instrument touching the end of the instrument stopper, causing the instrument to bend and hindering insertion. To address this, related technologies have provided devices for guiding instrument insertion. These devices utilize a long guide rod as a guide, with one end connected to the endoscope's instrument tip. The surgeon can then use their fingers to hold the guide rod and push the instrument along it, ensuring easy insertion into the endoscope. However, the guide rod extends outwards from the instrument tip towards the proximal end of the endoscope, making it inconvenient for the surgeon when not guiding instrument insertion. If the guide rod were detachably connected to the instrument tip, it would typically be temporarily removed after instrument insertion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to design an instrument guide and an endoscope and a method of using them, so as to solve the problem that the guide rod is in the way when the instrument is not being inserted.

[0006] This invention is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0007] This invention provides an instrument guide applied to an endoscope, comprising a guide wall including a first end, a second end, and a guide surface. The first end of the guide wall is used to connect to the instrument mouthpiece of the endoscope, and the second end of the guide wall is used to be detachably connected to the housing wall of the operating part of the endoscope. When the first end of the guide wall is connected to the instrument mouthpiece, the guide wall has a first state and a second state that can be achieved from the first state by bending. In the first state, the second end of the guide wall is away from the housing wall of the operating part, so that the guide surface can support and guide the instrument to move smoothly towards the entrance of the instrument mouthpiece. In the second state, the second end of the guide wall is close to and fixed to the housing wall of the operating part, so that a gap is formed between the guide wall and the housing wall of the operating part for inserting a hand to hold the operating part.

[0008] With the above-described structure, the guide wall is flexible. This allows the first end of the guide wall, when connected to the instrument nozzle, to bend and fix the second end to the shell wall of the endoscope's operating section. This prevents the second end of the guide wall from extending excessively outwards from the operating section, minimizing its impact on the convenience of subsequent endoscope operations. Simultaneously, since both the first and second ends of the guide wall are connected to the operating section, a ring-shaped grip is formed between the guide wall and the shell wall of the operating section. The center of the grip provides a gap, allowing the hand holding the operating section to be inserted into it. This eliminates the need to place the operating section on the table when the hand needs to relax, as the grip keeps the operating section hanging on the hand without falling. This achieves the purpose of resting the hand while ensuring quick retrieval and subsequent operations when needed.

[0009] Therefore, this instrument guide utilizes a flexible guide wall to guide the instrument smoothly into the instrument mouth. It can also connect the second end of the guide wall to the operating part to reduce the outer dimension without inserting the instrument, thus avoiding obstruction of subsequent endoscopic operations. Furthermore, when the operating part is not needed, the guide wall can be used in conjunction with the operating part to hang on the hand that has released the operating part, allowing the hand to rest and enabling the operating part to be quickly picked up for subsequent operations.

[0010] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following structure is specifically adopted: the second end of the guide wall is provided with a socket, the socket is detachably fitted with a plug, and the plug is used to fix it to the shell wall of the operating part.

[0011] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following structure is specifically adopted: the plug is configured as a pin that matches the socket, so that the plug and the socket can be prevented from being fooled and from rotating during the insertion process.

[0012] When the above-mentioned structure is adopted, the plug is a foolproof pin shaft and the socket is a foolproof pin hole. During the connection between the second end of the guide wall and the operating unit, the second end of the guide wall can be quickly and accurately located and installed. At the same time, it can also ensure that the posture of the second end of the guide wall is uniform and unchanged after being connected to the operating unit, so that the front and back shape of the gap remains roughly unchanged, and the use effect of the guide wall is consistent from front to back.

[0013] To further improve the implementation of this invention, the following structure is specifically adopted: the guide wall is provided with a shape memory alloy body and an electric heater, the plug is provided with a first electrical connection part, and the electric heater is electrically connected to the first electrical connection part through the socket and the plug when they are inserted, so as to heat the shape memory alloy body to reach the shape memory form, so that the shape memory alloy body maintains the guide wall in the second state.

[0014] When the above-mentioned structure is adopted, the guide wall can be maintained in the second state by using an electrically heated shape memory alloy body, which can make the gap have good stability.

[0015] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following structure is specifically adopted: the second end of the guide wall is warped toward the side opposite to the guide surface, and the insertion hole is located on the end face of the second end.

[0016] When the above-mentioned structure is adopted, the second end extends toward the side away from the guide surface to form a warped structure, which not only allows the second end of the guide wall to easily connect with the plug connected to the operating part, but also allows the guide wall to maintain a greater distance from the operating part, thus obtaining a sufficiently wide gap.

[0017] To further improve the implementation of this invention, the following structure is specifically adopted: the guide wall can rotate coaxially with respect to the instrument mouthpiece to adjust the orientation of the guide surface.

[0018] When the above-described structure is used, the surgeon can rotate the guide wall according to their position relative to the operating part, so that the guide surface can change its orientation to suit the surgeon's position, making it easier to insert instruments.

[0019] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following configuration structure is adopted: the guide surface is configured as a grooved surface for confining the instrument to its inner side and moving it toward the inlet of the instrument mouth.

[0020] With the above-described structure, the groove can effectively restrict the movement of the distal end of the instrument within it, making it easier and more convenient for the surgeon to insert the instrument. This allows less attention to be paid to maintaining the movement path of the instrument and to operating the main unit screen and control unit.

[0021] To further improve the realization of the present invention, the following configuration structure is specifically adopted: in the second state, the bending posture of the guide wall conforms to the shape of the back of the hand holding the operating part.

[0022] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following configuration structure is adopted: In the second state, the second end of the guide wall is located at the web of the hand holding the operating part and close to the index finger.

[0023] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following structure is specifically adopted: the guide wall is configured as an elastic element, and can be deformed from the first state to the second state by overcoming its own elasticity.

[0024] To further improve the present invention, the following structure is specifically adopted: the first end of the guide wall is provided with a slope, one end of the slope is connected to the guide surface, and in the direction from the second end to the first end of the guide wall, the slope gradually moves away from the guide surface and can smoothly connect to the inlet of the instrument mouth.

[0025] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following structure is specifically adopted: the back side of the guide wall opposite to the guide surface is set as an arc surface, and the arc length direction of the back side is perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide wall, wherein, in the second state, the gap is formed between the back side and the shell wall of the operating part.

[0026] When the above-mentioned structure is adopted, the back of the guide wall facing the operating part housing wall is set as an arc surface, which can provide a soft touch when in contact with the hand and improve comfort.

[0027] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following structure is specifically adopted: the first end of the guide wall is connected to a plug for detachably fitting onto the instrument mouthpiece. In the first state, the guide surface can support and guide the instrument to move smoothly toward the inlet of the plug.

[0028] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following structure is specifically adopted: the plug body is provided with a sealing plug that is detachably and sealingly connected to its inlet.

[0029] When the above-described structure is adopted, the instrument guide has the function of guiding the instrument to be smoothly inserted into the instrument nozzle, and also has the function of an instrument latch.

[0030] The present invention also provides an endoscope, including an operating part and the aforementioned instrument guide, wherein a first end of the guide wall of the instrument guide is detachably connected to the instrument mouth of the operating part, and a second end of the guide wall is detachably connected to the shell wall of the operating part and is closer to the proximal end of the operating part than the first end.

[0031] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following configuration is adopted: the second end of the guide wall is detachably connected to the side of one end of the pivot of the lever on the housing wall of the operating part.

[0032] When the above-mentioned structure is adopted, the side of the pivot of the lever on the shell wall of the operating part is used to connect to the second end of the guide wall. This makes the guide wall more tortuous from its first end to its second end, which can provide a larger restricted area for the hand holding the operating part along the length of the hand, allowing the operating part to be held more stably in the hand.

[0033] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following configuration structure is adopted: when the second end of the guide wall is connected to the shell wall of the operating part, the lever of the operating part can be rotated to a limit position and abut against the second end of the guide wall.

[0034] When the above-mentioned structure is adopted, the operating part can use the second end of the guide wall connected thereto as a limiting structure, so that the lever that controls the rotation of the traction wheel can be further limited by the abutting relationship with the second end of the guide wall. This can better limit the bending limit of the active bending section of the endoscope insertion part and better prevent damage caused by excessive bending to one side.

[0035] To further improve the implementation of the present invention, the following structure is specifically adopted: the second end of the guide wall is vertically and detachably connected to the shell wall of the operating part.

[0036] When the above-mentioned structure is adopted, the connection between the second end of the guide wall and the shell wall of the operating part is smoother, providing a more comfortable grip when in contact with the hand.

[0037] This invention also provides a method for using an endoscope, specifically: when using the endoscope described above, if an instrument needs to be inserted, ensure that the first end of the instrument guide is connected to the instrument nozzle of the operating part and that the guide wall of the instrument guide is in a first state. Hold the operating part with one hand and control the instrument with the other hand so that its distal end abuts against the guide surface of the guide wall and moves towards the entrance of the instrument nozzle, eventually entering the instrument insertion channel of the operating part. If no instrument needs to be inserted, ensure that the first end of the instrument guide is connected to the instrument nozzle of the operating part and that the guide wall is in a second state. Release the hand holding the operating part and place it in the gap between the guide wall and the shell wall of the operating part, allowing the operating part to fall naturally, so that the operating part is held in the hand in conjunction with the guide wall.

[0038] The present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0039] In this invention, the guide wall is flexible, allowing the first end of the guide wall, when connected to the instrument nozzle, to bend and fix the second end to the shell wall of the endoscope's operating part. This prevents the second end of the guide wall from extending excessively outwards from the operating part, minimizing its impact on the convenience of subsequent endoscope operations. Simultaneously, since both the first and second ends of the guide wall are connected to the operating part, a ring-shaped grip is formed between the guide wall and the shell wall of the operating part. The center of the grip provides a gap, allowing the hand holding the operating part to be inserted into it. This eliminates the need to place the operating part on the table when the hand needs to relax, as the grip keeps the operating part hanging on the hand without it falling. This achieves the purpose of resting the hand while ensuring quick retrieval and subsequent operations when needed. This instrument guide utilizes a flexible guide wall to guide the instrument smoothly into the instrument mouth. When the instrument does not need to be inserted, the second end of the guide wall can be connected to the operating part to reduce the outer dimension and avoid obstructing subsequent endoscopic operations. When the operating part does not need to be operated, the guide wall and the operating part can be used to hang on the hand that has released the operating part, allowing the hand to rest and the operating part to be quickly picked up for subsequent operations. Attached Figure Description

[0040] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0041] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of one side of the endoscope when the guide wall connected to the operating part is in the first state;

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the instrument guide when the guide wall is in the first state;

[0043] Figure 3 The first-view structure shows the endoscope guiding the instrument toward the instrument tip through the guide wall (the instrument is indicated by a thick solid line in the figure);

[0044] Figure 4 The second-view structure shows the endoscope guiding the instrument toward the instrument tip through the guide wall (the instrument is indicated by a thick solid line in the figure);

[0045] Figure 5 The diagram shows a third-view structure in which an endoscope guides an instrument toward the instrument tip via a guide wall (the lever rotated to its extreme position is represented by a dashed line, and the instrument is represented by a thick solid line).

[0046] Figure 6 It is the three-dimensional structure of one side of the endoscope when the guide wall connected to the operating part is in the second state;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the instrument guide when the guide wall is in the second state;

[0048] Figure 8 The first-view structure of the endoscope is shown when the guide wall is in the second state;

[0049] Figure 9 The second-view structure of the endoscope is shown when the guide wall is in the second state;

[0050] Figure 10 The third-view structure of the endoscope is shown when the guide wall is in the second state (the lever rotated to one extreme position is indicated by the dashed line in the figure);

[0051] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the other side of the endoscope when the guide wall connected to the operating part is in the second state;

[0052] Figure 12 The structure of the endoscope's view from distal to proximal end is shown when the guide wall connected to the operating part is in the second state;

[0053] Figure 13 The diagram shows the front view of the endoscope with instruments inserted when the guide wall connected to the operating section is in the second state (instruments are indicated by thick solid lines in the diagram).

[0054] The diagram is marked as follows:

[0055] 10. Instrument guide; 11. Guide wall; 111. Insertion hole; 112. Guide surface; 113. Sloping surface; 114. Back side; 12. Plug; 121. First electrical connection part; 13. Plug body; 131. Sealing plug;

[0056] 20. Gap; 30. Operating part; 31. Lever; 32. Instrument insertion channel; 40. Instrument. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0058] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "head," "tail," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0059] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0060] On the one hand, this application provides a device guide 10, such as Figures 1-13 As shown, it is specifically configured with the following structure:

[0061] In this embodiment, the instrument guide 10 is applied to the endoscope and is used to connect to the operating part 30 of the endoscope. During the insertion of the instrument into the instrument nozzle, it provides a certain guiding effect to keep the instrument straight, reduce the difficulty of instrument insertion, and can be retracted on the operating part 30 when the instrument is not needed, so as not to hinder the subsequent operation of the endoscope.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the instrument guide 10 is in its natural state and includes an elongated guide wall 11. The guide wall 11 has a certain thickness to provide sufficient support for the instrument without deformation that would affect its guidance. One side of the guide wall 11 has a guide surface 112 that extends continuously along its length, and the other side of the guide wall 11 serves as a back surface 114 opposite to the guide surface 112. The two ends of the guide wall 11 along its length are respectively provided with a first end and a second end for connection with the operating part 30, such that the guide surface 112 is located between the first end and the second end.

[0063] The first end of the guide wall 11 is used to connect to the instrument tip of the endoscope. Specifically, it can be matched with the instrument tip for direct connection, or it can be matched with an instrument thimble mounted on the instrument tip for indirect installation on the instrument tip by directly connecting with the instrument thimble. The first end of the guide wall 11 and the directly connected object can be designed for detachable connection, such as by a shaft-hole mating connection, or they can be designed for non-detachable connection, such as by integral injection molding or ultrasonic welding.

[0064] The second end of the guide wall 11 is provided with a corresponding connection structure, which can be used to detachably connect with the housing wall of the endoscope operating part 30.

[0065] The guide wall 11 is flexible and deformable, so that the relative position of its first end and second end can change with different degrees of bending. Figure 2 and Figure 7 The images show the same guide wall 11 in two different postures under different degrees of bending, indicating that the relative positional relationship between its first and second ends is different.

[0066] Figure 2 The guide wall 11 in the middle is its first state, which is its natural state. Figure 7 The guide wall 11 in the middle is its second state, which can be reached from the first state through bending. The second state is a bending state that needs to be maintained under the constraint of continuous force. From Figure 2 and Figure 7 As can be seen from the comparison, the guide wall 11 is flexible, specifically it can bend from the first state to the second state. The guide wall 11 in the first state is straighter than the guide wall 11 in the second state.

[0067] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As shown, when the first end of the guide wall 11 is connected to the instrument mouth, the guide wall 11 can exhibit a first state and a second state. In the first state, the guide wall 11 is in its natural state, and the second end extends outward from the outer wall of the operating part 30, away from the wall of the operating part 30, so that the guide surface 112 can support and guide the instrument to move smoothly from a position away from the instrument mouth to the entrance of the instrument mouth, and finally smoothly enter the instrument mouth. In the second state, the guide wall 11 is bent, and its second end is brought close to and fixed to the wall of the operating part 30. A circumferentially closed gap 20 is formed between the guide wall 11 and the wall of the operating part 30. This gap 20 is located in the necessary path of the hand used to hold the operating part 30, so that the hand used to hold the operating part 30 can naturally grasp the relevant part of the operating part 30 after being inserted into the gap 20.

[0068] In this embodiment, the guide wall 11 is flexible, so that when the first end of the guide wall 11 is connected to the instrument mouth, the second end can be fixed to the shell wall of the endoscope's operating part 30 by bending, thus preventing the second end of the guide wall 11 from extending too far outward from the operating part 30 and reducing the impact on the convenience of subsequent endoscope operations. Simultaneously, since both the first and second ends of the guide wall 11 are connected to the operating part 30, a ring-shaped grip is formed between the guide wall 11 and the shell wall of the operating part 30. The center of the grip provides a gap 20, allowing the hand holding the operating part 30 to be inserted into it. This way, when it is necessary to relax the hand holding the operating part 30, there is no need to place the operating part 30 on the table; the grip allows the operating part 30 to remain suspended in the hand without falling. This achieves the purpose of resting the hand while ensuring that the operating part 30 can be quickly retrieved and used for subsequent operations when needed.

[0069] Therefore, the instrument guide 10, with its flexible guide wall 11, can guide the instrument to be smoothly inserted into the instrument mouth. It can also connect the second end of the guide wall 11 to the operating part 30 to reduce the outer dimension without inserting the instrument, thus avoiding obstruction of subsequent endoscope operations. Furthermore, when the operating part 30 is not operated, the guide wall 11 can be used in conjunction with the operating part 30 to hang on the hand that has released the operating part 30, allowing the hand to rest and enabling the operating part 30 to be quickly picked up for subsequent operations.

[0070] According to some optional embodiments, a matching connector is provided between the second end of the guide wall 11 and the shell wall of the operating part 30, so that the second end of the guide wall 11 can be detachably connected to the shell wall of the operating part 30 of the endoscope.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the second end of the guide wall 11 is provided with a socket 111, and a plug 12 matching the socket 111 is provided at a certain position on the shell wall of the operating part 30, so that the second end of the guide wall 11 can be fixed to a specific position on the operating part 30 by plugging in. Figure 6 As shown, the first end of the guide wall 11 is connected to the instrument mouth of the operating part 30. After bending, the second end is detachably sleeved on the plug 12 through the insertion hole 111, so that the guide wall 11 is kept in the second state.

[0072] The instrument guide 10 is attached to the operating part 30 as a separate component. When the instrument guide 10 is not used on the operating part 30, the plug 12 can be temporarily inserted into the socket 111. When modifying the operating part of an existing endoscope, the plug 12 can be soldered on to create an operating part 30 suitable for the instrument guide 10. Alternatively, the plug 12 can be integrally formed with the shell wall of the operating part 30. That is, the plug 12 can be considered part of the instrument guide 10, used to fix it to the operating part when modifying the operating part of an existing endoscope, or it can be considered part of the operating part 30.

[0073] Of course, the placement of the plug 12 and the socket 111 can be interchanged, allowing the plug 12 to be placed on the second end of the guide wall 11. However, this would create a groove on the shell wall of the operating part 30, which is not conducive to the spatial layout within the operating part 30 and would further reduce the already cramped internal space.

[0074] Preferred, such as Figure 1 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the plug 12 is configured as a pin that matches the socket 111, so that the plug 12 and the socket 111 can be foolproof and prevent rotation during the mating process. For example, the plug 12 is approximately as follows: Figure 5 The structure shown is a D-shaped axial protrusion, and the socket 111 is as follows: Figure 7 The diagram shows a D-shaped blind hole or through hole. Alternatively, the plug 12 can be a cylindrical shaft with axially extending ridges, and the socket 111 can be a circular hole with an axial groove, thus achieving the functions of preventing fooling and rotation during insertion. The plug 12 is a foolproof pin, and the socket 111 is a foolproof pin hole. During the connection between the second end of the guide wall 11 and the operating part 30, the second end of the guide wall 11 can be quickly located and aligned for installation. Simultaneously, it ensures that the posture of the second end of the guide wall 11 remains consistent after connection with the operating part 30, so that the shape and size of the gap 20 formed between the guide wall 11 and the shell wall of the operating part 30 remain approximately constant at different usage times, ensuring that the performance of the guide wall 11 is consistent throughout.

[0075] According to some alternative embodiments, the second end of the guide wall 11 is connected to an adhesive layer, and is detachably fixed to the housing wall of the operating part 30 by the adhesive layer, forming a shape as shown in the figure. Figure 6As shown. The guide wall 11 is connected to the shell wall of the operating part 30 using an adhesive layer, which offers good flexibility. The connection position of the second end of the guide wall 11 on the shell wall of the operating part 30 can be determined arbitrarily according to the situation. Generally, the shell wall of the operating part 30 is relatively smooth, allowing the guide wall 11 to be easily connected to many positions on the shell wall of the operating part 30 via the adhesive layer. While fixing the guide wall 11 to the operating part 30 in this way may result in insufficient stability, it is a more flexible connection method.

[0076] According to some optional embodiments, the guide wall 11 is provided with a shape memory alloy body and an electric heater to utilize the shape memory capability of the shape memory alloy to maintain the guide wall 11 in a second state. Specifically, as Figure 1 As shown, the plug 12 is provided with a first electrical connection part 121, which is connected to a power supply module for supplying power to the electric heater. This power supply module is generally installed inside the housing wall of the operating part 30. The second electrical connection part corresponding to the input and output of the electric heater is provided on the socket 111 at the second end of the guide wall 11. When the electric heater is inserted into the plug 12 through the socket 111, the second electrical connection part of the electric heater and the first electrical connection part 121 on the plug 12 come into contact with each other to achieve electrical connection, so that the electric heater can be powered on and heated up, thereby heating the shape memory alloy body provided on one side of the electric heater. After being heated, the shape memory alloy body reaches its shape memory, so that the shape memory alloy body maintains the guide wall 11 in a second state.

[0077] The electric heater heats the shape memory alloy using conventional methods. The first electrical connection 121 and the second connection can be electrical contacts. The first electrical connection 121 can be located at the end of the plug 12 or on its periphery; correspondingly, the second connection is located at the bottom or wall of the socket 111 (in this case, a blind socket). The electric heater can be a heating wire, and the heating temperature is controlled by a power supply module located inside the operating unit 30 housing.

[0078] In this embodiment, the guide wall 11 is maintained in the second state by using an electrically heated shape memory alloy body, which allows the guide wall 11 to have a stable memory posture, thus allowing the shape and size of the gap 20 to have good stability.

[0079] According to some optional embodiments, the guide wall 11 is configured as an elastic element, allowing it to deform from a first state to a second state by overcoming its own elasticity, and to return to the first state from a non-first state under its own elastic force. Therefore, maintaining the guide wall 11 in a non-first state (such as the second state) requires fixing its first and second ends. For example, the guide wall 11 can be maintained in a memory shape by heating a shape-memory alloy, thus fixing its first and second ends. Alternatively, it can be fixed to the housing wall of the operating part 30 by interlocking the socket 111 with the plug 12, thereby fixing both the first and second ends.

[0080] According to some optional embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7 As shown, the second end of the guide wall 11 is warped to one side relative to the whole. Specifically, the second end of the guide wall 11 bends away from the guide surface 112, and the insertion hole 111 is located on the end face of the second end. In this embodiment, the warped structure formed by the second end extending away from the guide surface 112 not only allows the second end of the guide wall 11 to easily mate with the plug 12 connected to the operating part 30, but also allows the guide wall 11 to maintain a greater distance from the operating part 30, obtaining a sufficiently wide gap 20. Figure 9 As shown, when the second end of the warped guide wall 11 is connected to the plug 12 on the operating part 30 through the socket 111, it can be seen that there is a larger and smoother gap between the second end of the guide wall 11 and the shell wall of the operating part 30.

[0081] According to some optional embodiments, the first end of the guide wall 11 is rotatably connected to the instrument mouth of the operating part 30, so that the guide wall 11 can rotate coaxially relative to the instrument mouth to adjust the orientation of the guide surface 112. For example, the first end of the guide wall 11 is provided with a hole that matches the instrument mouth, and the first end of the guide wall 11 is rotatably directly sleeved with the instrument mouth, so that the guide wall 11 can rotate relative to the instrument mouth. In this embodiment, the surgeon can rotate the guide wall 11 according to their position relative to the operating part 30, so that the orientation of the guide surface 112 changes to adapt to the surgeon's position, in order to facilitate the insertion of instruments.

[0082] According to some optional embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the guide wall 11 is an integral groove, wherein the guide surface 112 on its front side is set as an inwardly recessed groove surface, so that the guide surface 112 can confine the instrument to its inner side and move it toward the inlet of the instrument mouth.

[0083] Preferred, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 7As shown, the back surface 114 of the guide wall 11, opposite to the guide surface 112, is set as an arc surface, and the arc length direction of the back surface 114 is perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide wall 11, making the guide wall 11 a groove with uniform wall thickness at the guide surface 112. Figure 10 As shown, in the second state, a gap 20 is formed between the back surface 114 and the shell wall of the operating part 30.

[0084] In this embodiment, the groove effectively restricts the movement of the distal end of the instrument within it, allowing the surgeon to insert the instrument more easily and conveniently, and shifting less attention from maintaining the movement path of the instrument to operating the main unit screen and the control unit. The rounded back surface of the guide wall 11 facing the control unit 30 housing provides a soft tactile feel when in contact with the hand, improving comfort.

[0085] According to some optional embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, the groove width of the guide surface 112 is set to be larger than the diameter of the instrument mouth, so that the restrictive area of ​​the guide surface 112 for the instrument can be made as large as possible. This not only facilitates the insertion of the instrument into the guide surface 112, but also allows for greater offset margin during the movement of the instrument, making it easier for the surgeon to control the smooth insertion of the instrument into the instrument mouth. The first end of the guide wall 11 is provided with a slope 113. One end of the slope 113 connects to the guide surface 112, and the other end is used to connect to the inlet of the instrument mouth. In the direction from the second end to the first end of the guide wall 11, the slope 113 gradually moves away from the guide surface 112 to form a constricted structure, so that the slope 113 can smoothly connect to the inlet of the instrument mouth, ensuring that the instrument is smoothly inserted into the inlet of the instrument mouth.

[0086] According to some optional embodiments, such as Figure 7 As shown, when the guide wall 11 is in the second state, its curved posture conforms to the shape of the back of the hand holding the operating part 30. Figures 8-10 As shown, when the first end and the second end of the guide wall 11 are respectively connected to the instrument mouth of the operating part 30 and the plug 12 fixed on the shell wall, the guide wall 11 is in the second state. In this state, the orientation of the guide wall 11 can better fit the back of the hand holding the operating part 30.

[0087] According to some optional embodiments, such as Figure 2 and Figure 7As shown, the instrument guide 10 is also provided with a plug 13. Specifically, a plug 13 is sleeved on the first end of the guide wall 11. The plug 13 serves as an intermediate component for detachably fitting onto the instrument mouthpiece, thereby connecting the inlet of the instrument mouthpiece with the slope 113 of the guide wall 11, allowing the guide wall 11 to be indirectly connected to the instrument mouthpiece for use. When the guide wall 11 is in its first state, the guide surface 112 can support and guide the instrument to move smoothly toward the inlet of the plug 13.

[0088] The plunger body 13 can be detachably connected to the first end of the guide wall 11, and the guide wall 11 can rotate coaxially relative to the plunger body 13. Alternatively, the plunger body 13 can be fixedly connected to the first end of the guide wall 11, for example, integrally formed together. When the guide wall 11 needs to rotate coaxially relative to the instrument mouth, it is actually the plunger body 13 that rotates coaxially relative to the instrument mouth.

[0089] like Figure 2 As shown, a sealing plug 131 is formed on the plug body 13. The sealing plug 131 is specifically connected to the plug body 13 via a connecting strap. The sealing plug 131 is generally detachably and sealingly connected to the inlet of the plug body 13. When it is necessary to insert an instrument, the sealing plug 131 is removed to form a shape as shown in the image. Figure 2 The structure shown.

[0090] In this embodiment, after the instrument guide 10 integrates the plug body 13 and the sealing plug 131, it not only has the function of guiding the instrument to be smoothly inserted into the instrument nozzle, but also has the function of instrument plug.

[0091] On the other hand, this application provides an endoscope, which specifically adopts the following configuration:

[0092] In this embodiment, the endoscope is as follows: Figure 1 , Figures 3-6 , Figures 8-13 As shown, it includes an operating part 30, an insertion part connected to the distal end of the operating part 30, and a device guide 10 as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0093] The first end of the guide wall 11 of the instrument guide 10 is detachably connected to the instrument mouth of the operating part 30, either directly or through the plug 13.

[0094] In such Figure 1 In the case shown, the first end of the guide wall 11 of the instrument guide 10 is connected to the instrument mouth of the operating part 30, and the guide wall 11 is in a first state, gradually moving away from the shell wall of the operating part 30 from the first end toward the proximal end of the operating part 30.

[0095] In such Figure 6 In the case shown, the first end of the guide wall 11 of the instrument guide 10 is connected to the instrument mouth of the operating part 30, the guide wall 11 is in the second state, and the second end of the guide wall 11 is detachably connected to the shell wall of the operating part 30.

[0096] According to some optional embodiments, such as Figure 6 and Figure 9 As shown, the portion of the operating part 30 connected to the second end of the guide wall 11 is located to the side of one end of the pivot of the lever 31. In the second state, the second end of the guide wall 11 is connected to the operating part 30 at the end of the pivot of the lever 31, and is positioned adjacent to the pivot. Thus, the side of the operating part 30 at the end of the pivot of the lever 31 is used to connect to the second end of the guide wall 11, making the second end of the guide wall 11 in the second state closer to the proximal end of the operating part 30 than its first end. This results in the guide wall 11's trajectory from its first end to its second end being as follows... Figure 6 and Figure 11 The more convoluted shape shown provides a larger restricted area for the hand holding the operating unit 30 along the length of the hand, allowing the operating unit 30 to be held more stably in the hand.

[0097] According to some optional embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figure 10 As shown, when the guide wall 11 is in the second state and its second end is connected to the housing wall of the operating part 30, the second end of the guide wall 11 is located adjacent to the lever 31. When the lever 31 of the operating part 30 is rotated to a limit position, it will abut against the second end of the guide wall 11. In this way, the operating part 30 can use the second end of the guide wall 11 connected to it as a limiting structure, so that the lever 31 controlling the rotation of the traction wheel can be further limited by the abutment relationship with the second end of the guide wall 11. This can better limit the bending limit of the active bending section of the endoscope insertion part and better prevent damage caused by excessive bending to one side.

[0098] According to some optional embodiments, such as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, in the second state, the second end of the guide wall 11 is fixed to the side of one end of the pivot of the lever 31, and is located at the web of the hand holding the operating part 30 and close to the index finger. In this way, after releasing the hand holding the operating part 30, the operating part 30 can be held more stably on the hand.

[0099] According to some optional embodiments, such as Figure 7 , Figure 9 and Figure 13As shown, the second end of the guide wall 11 is curved toward the side opposite to the guide surface 112, and the insertion hole 111 is located on the end face of the second end. When the guide wall 11 is in the second state, the second end of the guide wall 11 is detachably connected vertically to the plug 12 on the housing wall of the operating part 30. Maintaining a vertical connection between the second end of the guide wall 11 and the housing wall of the operating part 30 allows the connection between the second end of the guide wall 11 and the housing wall of the operating part 30 to be sufficiently wide, resulting in a smoother transition and providing a more comfortable grip when in contact with the hand.

[0100] On the other hand, this application provides a method of using an endoscope. The endoscope used in this method is specifically the endoscope in any of the above embodiments.

[0101] In some embodiments, when using the endoscope described above, when an instrument needs to be inserted, one hand holds the operating part 30, and the other hand connects the instrument guide 10 to the instrument nozzle of the operating part 30 through the first end of the guide wall 11, ensuring that the guide wall 11 of the instrument guide 10 is in the first state. Then, the hand operating the guide wall 11 controls the rotation of the guide wall 11, so that the guide surface 112 faces in a way that facilitates instrument insertion by the surgeon. Afterwards, the hand freed from the guide wall 11 holds the instrument 40, such as... Figures 3-5 As shown, the distal end of the instrument 40 is pressed against the guide surface 112 of the guide wall 11, and then the instrument 40 is held and continuously moved toward the inlet of the instrument mouth and finally enters the instrument insertion channel 32 of the operating part 30 through the plug body 13 and the instrument mouth.

[0102] In cases where no instrument insertion is required, such as when no instrument is needed at all (in which case the sealing plug 131 seals the inlet of the sealing plug body 13, and no instrument is inserted into the operating part 30), or when the instrument is already in place... Figure 13 Insert the instrument into the insertion channel of the endoscope as shown, but do not use it temporarily. First, ensure that the first end of the guide wall 11 of the instrument guide 10 is connected to the instrument nozzle of the operating part 30, and bend the guide wall 11 to achieve the second state. Then, insert the insertion hole 111 of the second end of the guide wall 11 into the plug 12 on the shell wall of the operating part 30 to fix it, maintaining the second state, so that the guide wall 11 and the shell wall of the operating part 30 surround the hand holding the operating part 30. If the operating part 30 is not to be operated temporarily, the hand holding the operating part 30 can be released and placed in the gap 20 between the guide wall 11 and the shell wall of the operating part 30. After that, the operating part 30 will naturally fall down, so that the operating part 30, together with the guide wall 11, hangs on the hand, allowing the hand holding the operating part 30 to rest, or freeing the hand to perform other operations.

[0103] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An instrument guide for use in an endoscope, characterized in that: include: Includes a guide wall (11), the guide wall (11) includes a first end, a second end and a guide surface (112), the first end of the guide wall (11) is used to connect to the instrument mouth of the endoscope, and the second end of the guide wall (11) is used to be detachably connected to the shell wall of the operating part (30) of the endoscope; When the first end of the guide wall (11) is connected to the instrument mouth, the guide wall (11) has a first state and a second state that can be reached from the first state by bending. In the first state, the second end of the guide wall (11) is away from the shell wall of the operating part (30) so that the guide surface (112) can support and guide the instrument to move smoothly toward the inlet of the instrument mouth; In the second state, the second end of the guide wall (11) is close to and fixed to the shell wall of the operating part (30) so that a gap (20) is formed between the guide wall (11) and the shell wall of the operating part (30) for inserting a hand to hold the operating part (30).

2. The instrument guide according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second end of the guide wall (11) is provided with a socket (111), and a plug (12) is detachably fitted into the socket (111). The plug (12) is used to fix to the shell wall of the operating part (30).

3. The instrument guide according to claim 2, characterized in that: The plug (12) is configured as a pin that matches the socket (111) so that the plug (12) and the socket (111) can be foolproof and prevent rotation during the mating process; And / or, The guide wall (11) is provided with a shape memory alloy body and an electric heater. The plug (12) is provided with a first electrical connection part (121). The electric heater is electrically connected to the first electrical connection part (121) through the socket (111) and the plug (12) when they are inserted, so that the shape memory alloy body can be heated to reach the shape memory form, so that the shape memory alloy body maintains the guide wall (11) in the second state. And / or, The second end of the guide wall (11) is warped toward the side opposite to the guide surface (112), and the insertion hole (111) is located on the end face of the second end.

4. The instrument guide according to claim 1, characterized in that: The guide wall (11) can rotate coaxially with respect to the instrument nozzle to adjust the orientation of the guide surface (112); And / or, The guide surface (112) is configured as a grooved surface for confining the instrument inside it to move toward the inlet of the instrument mouth; And / or, in the second state, the bending posture of the guide wall (11) conforms to the shape of the back of the hand holding the operating part (30); And / or, in the second state, the second end of the guide wall (11) is located at the web of the hand holding the operation part (30) and close to the index finger; And / or, The guide wall (11) is configured as an elastic element and can be deformed from the first state to the second state by overcoming its own elasticity; And / or, The first end of the guide wall (11) is provided with a slope (113), one end of the slope (113) is connected to the guide surface (112), and in the direction from the second end to the first end of the guide wall (11), the slope (113) gradually moves away from the guide surface (112) and can smoothly connect to the inlet of the instrument mouth. And / or, The back surface (114) of the guide wall (11) opposite to the guide surface (112) is set as an arc surface, and the arc length direction of the back surface (114) is perpendicular to the extension direction of the guide wall (11). In the second state, the gap (20) is formed between the back surface (114) and the shell wall of the operating part (30).

5. The instrument guide according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first end of the guide wall (11) is connected to a plug (13) for detachably fitting onto the instrument mouthpiece. In the first state, the guide surface (112) can support and guide the instrument to move smoothly toward the inlet of the plug (13).

6. The instrument guide according to claim 5, characterized in that: The plug (13) is provided with a sealing plug (131) that is detachably and sealingly connected to its inlet.

7. An endoscope, characterized in that: The device includes an operating part (30) and an instrument guide (10) as described in any one of claims 1-6, wherein a first end of a guide wall (11) of the instrument guide (10) is detachably connected to the instrument mouth of the operating part (30), and a second end of the guide wall (11) is detachably connected to the shell wall of the operating part (30) and is closer to the proximal end of the operating part (30) than the first end.

8. An endoscope according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second end of the guide wall (11) is detachably connected to the side of one end of the pivot of the lever (31) on the housing wall of the operating part (30).

9. An endoscope according to claim 8, characterized in that: When the second end of the guide wall (11) is connected to the shell wall of the operating part (30), the lever (31) of the operating part (30) can rotate to a limit position and abut against the second end of the guide wall (11); And / or, The second end of the guide wall (11) is vertically and detachably connected to the shell wall of the operating part (30).

10. A method of using an endoscope, characterized in that: When using the endoscope according to any one of claims 7-9 When an instrument needs to be inserted, ensure that the first end of the instrument guide (10) is connected to the instrument mouth of the operating part (30) and that the guide wall (11) of the instrument guide (10) is in the first state. Hold the operating part (30) with one hand and control the instrument with the other hand so that its distal end abuts against the guide surface (112) of the guide wall (11) and moves toward the entrance of the instrument mouth and finally enters the instrument insertion channel (32) of the operating part (30). Without inserting an instrument, ensure that the first end of the instrument guide (10) is connected to the instrument mouth of the operating part (30) and that the guide wall (11) is in the second state. Release the hand holding the operating part (30) and place it in the gap (20) between the guide wall (11) and the shell wall of the operating part (30). Let the operating part (30) fall naturally, so that the operating part (30) is held in the hand in conjunction with the guide wall (11).

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