An endoscope-assisted in-vivo microfluidic in-situ electrospinning nanofiber deposition system

Abstract

The application discloses an endoscope cooperative in-vivo in-situ microfluidic blowing and spinning nanofiber deposition system, which comprises a pilot end, an insertion part, an operation part, a light guide hose, a light guide plug, a display, a light source and a camera device, the pilot end and the operation part are connected through the insertion part, the operation part is connected with the light guide plug through the light guide hose, and the light guide plug is electrically connected with the display, the light source and the camera device respectively. An instrument insertion port and an ocular lens are arranged on the operation part, the light source provides light, the camera device takes pictures and displays through the display, and the instrument insertion port is connected with an air pump and a solution injection pump. A high-precision nozzle is arranged on the pilot end, the high-precision nozzle is connected with a gas-liquid conveying device, the high-precision nozzle and the gas-liquid conveying device are located in the insertion part, the front end surface of the high-precision nozzle exceeds the output port end surface of the pilot end, the high-precision nozzle is connected with the air pump and the solution injection pump through pipelines, and the air pump and the solution injection pump provide liquid and gas for the high-precision nozzle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of medical device technology, specifically relating to an endoscope-assisted in-situ microfluidic blown nanofiber deposition system. Background Technology

[0002] In-situ bioprinting is a technology used directly in a clinical setting, creating or repairing living tissue or organs through printing using bio-inks. The high safety and sterility requirements of this technology make its application in clinical settings challenging. In recent years, in-situ bioprinting has developed rapidly, and numerous studies have shown its great potential in areas such as skin, bone, and cartilage repair.

[0003] Solution blown spinning technology has attracted much attention due to its ability to efficiently prepare fibrous membranes without the use of high-voltage electric fields and high temperatures. Fiber membranes produced by this technology exhibit excellent high porosity and a superior surface area to volume ratio; these unique physical properties make fibrous membranes ideal candidate materials for developing high-performance wound dressings.

[0004] For wound repair in internal environments such as the esophagus, common methods involve covering the wound with prefabricated patches, stents, or topical medications. However, these methods are cumbersome, often involving patch or stent displacement or the need for repeated medication applications. Therefore, a pressing issue is how to develop in-situ deposited fibrous dressings that carry antibacterial substances and adhere firmly to internal wounds such as those in the esophagus, preventing them from falling off. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and provide an endoscope-assisted in-situ microfluidic blown nanofiber deposition system that can perform real-time, controllable and precise fiber deposition in a confined space, uses in-situ deposited fiber dressings, carries antibacterial substances, and adheres to internal wounds such as the esophagus, making it less likely to fall off and promoting wound repair.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is: an endoscope-assisted in-situ microfluidic blown nanofiber deposition system, comprising a pilot end, an insertion part, an operating part, a light guide hose, a light guide plug, a display, a light source, and a camera device. The pilot end and the operating part are connected through the insertion part, and the operating part is connected to the light guide plug through the light guide hose. The light guide plug is electrically connected to the display, the light source, and the camera device respectively. The operating part is provided with an instrument insertion port and an eyepiece. The light source provides illumination, the camera device captures images and displays them on the display, and an air pump and a solution injection pump are connected to the instrument insertion port. The pilot end... A high-precision nozzle is installed on the device. The high-precision nozzle includes a nozzle body, which has a first nozzle body hole, a second nozzle body hole, and a third nozzle body hole. The first nozzle body hole communicates with the second and third nozzle body holes, and the second and third nozzle body holes are parallel to each other. A gas-liquid delivery device is connected to the high-precision nozzle, and the high-precision nozzle and the gas-liquid delivery device are located inside the insertion part. The front end face of the high-precision nozzle extends beyond the output end face of the pilot end. The high-precision nozzle is connected to an air pump and a solution injection pump through pipes, which provide liquid and gas to the high-precision nozzle.

[0007] Preferably, the pilot end includes a rigid pilot end portion and a curved pilot end portion that are fixedly connected in sequence. The curved pilot end portion is connected to the insertion portion. The rigid pilot end portion is provided with an objective lens port, a water and air supply nozzle port, a secondary water supply port, an illumination lens port, and an instrument output port. The objective lens port, the water and air supply nozzle port, the secondary water supply port, the illumination lens port, and the instrument output port are all pipe structures. An objective lens is installed on the objective lens port and is connected to the eyepiece. A high-precision nozzle is installed on the water and air supply nozzle port. The secondary water supply port is connected to the solution injection pump. An illumination lens is installed on the illumination lens port and is connected to the light source. The instrument output port is connected to the instrument insertion port.

[0008] Preferably, the insertion part is a flexible tube structure, and the cross-section of the insertion part is the same as the end face of the rigid part of the pilot end.

[0009] Preferably, steel needles are inserted into the second hole and the third hole of the nozzle body of the high-precision nozzle, respectively. The two ends of the steel needles are open structures, and the cross-section of the steel needles is a circular structure. Air tubes and liquid tubes are connected to the two steel needles respectively. The air tubes are connected to an air pump, and the liquid tubes are connected to a solution injection pump.

[0010] Preferably, the connection and fixation between the steel needle and the air tube and the high-precision nozzle are achieved by applying hot melt adhesive.

[0011] Preferably, a pressure regulator is installed between the air tube and the air pump, and the pressure regulator is used to regulate the gas pressure in the air tube.

[0012] Preferably, the operating part is equipped with an angle knob, an air / water supply button, a suction button, and a clamp for inserting treatment tools. The operating part enables precise rotation, advancement, and bending of the pilot end to adjust the accurate position of the nozzle.

[0013] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0014] 1. The present invention provides an endoscope-assisted in-situ microfluidic blown nanofiber deposition system for the deposition of esophageal wound dressings. Based on endoscopic technology, the present invention can achieve 360° in-situ real-time deposition of fiber dressings in the esophagus, while allowing real-time observation.

[0015] 2. This invention integrates key components such as a high-precision nozzle, a gas-liquid delivery device, and a gas-liquid production device. This system is integrated into an endoscope, enabling real-time fiber deposition within an esophageal model. Furthermore, precise manipulation of the endoscope allows for 360° omnidirectional fiber deposition and real-time monitoring of the deposition process.

[0016] 3. To achieve fiber deposition based on solution spinning technology within the in vivo esophageal environment, high performance requirements are placed on the production equipment. Considering that the cross-sectional diameter of the esophagus is approximately 18mm-25mm, the required fiber deposition equipment must be of appropriate size and capable of 360° omnidirectional fiber dressing deposition on the esophageal wound. This invention integrates an in vivo fiber deposition system based on an endoscope, enabling real-time observation of the internal esophageal environment and omnidirectional fiber deposition.

[0017] 4. This invention not only provides an innovative method for fiber deposition in the in vivo environment, but also greatly improves the precision and safety of treatment. Guided by an endoscope, this fiber deposition device can be used directly in hard-to-reach areas such as the esophagus, providing patients with a more convenient and effective treatment option. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an endoscope-assisted in-situ microfluidic blown nanofiber deposition system according to the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the hardened portion at the leading end of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the high-precision nozzle structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the high-precision nozzle of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the air pump of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the air pressure regulator of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the in-situ fiber deposition system of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram and a comparison of the actual product of the integrated endoscope and in-situ fiber deposition system of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Pilot end; 2. Insertion part; 3. Operating part; 4. Light guide hose; 5. Light guide plug; 10. High-precision nozzle; 11. First hole of nozzle body; 12. Second hole of nozzle body; 13. Third hole of nozzle body; 14. Rigid part of pilot end; 15. Bending part of pilot end; 31. Instrument insertion port; 32. Eyepiece; 141. Objective lens port; 142. Water and air supply nozzle port; 143. Auxiliary water supply port; 144. Illumination lens port; 145. Instrument output port. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments:

[0028] like Figures 1 to 8 As shown, the present invention provides an endoscope-assisted in-situ microfluidic blown nanofiber deposition system, comprising a pilot end 1, an insertion part 2, an operating part 3, a light guide hose 4, a light guide plug 5, a display, a light source, and a camera device. The pilot end 1 and the operating part 3 are connected through the insertion part 2, and the operating part 3 is connected to the light guide plug 5 through the light guide hose 4. The light guide plug 5 is electrically connected to the display, the light source, and the camera device. The operating part 3 is provided with an instrument insertion port 31 and an eyepiece 32. The light source provides illumination, the camera device captures images and displays them on the display, and an air pump and a solution injection pump are connected to the instrument insertion port 31. A high-precision nozzle 10 is installed on the pilot end 1. The high-precision nozzle 10 includes a nozzle body, which has a first nozzle body hole 11, a second nozzle body hole 12, and a third nozzle body hole 13. The first nozzle body hole 11 communicates with the second nozzle body hole 12 and the third nozzle body hole 13, respectively, and the second nozzle body hole 12 and the third nozzle body hole 13 are parallel to each other. A gas-liquid delivery device is connected to the high-precision nozzle 10. The high-precision nozzle 10 and the gas-liquid delivery device are located inside the insertion part 2. The front end face of the high-precision nozzle 10 extends beyond the output end face of the pilot end 1. The high-precision nozzle 10 is connected to an air pump and a solution injection pump through pipes, respectively, and the air pump and the solution injection pump provide liquid and gas to the high-precision nozzle 10.

[0029] The pilot end 1 includes a rigid pilot end portion 14 and a curved pilot end portion 15, which are fixedly connected in sequence. The curved pilot end portion 15 is connected to the insertion portion 2. The rigid pilot end portion 14 is provided with an objective lens port 141, a water and air supply nozzle port 142, a secondary water supply port 143, an illumination lens port 144, and an instrument output port 145. The objective lens port 141, the water and air supply nozzle port 142, the secondary water supply port 143, the illumination lens port 144, and the instrument output port 145 are all pipe structures. An objective lens is installed on the objective lens port 141 and is connected to the eyepiece 32. A high-precision nozzle 10 is installed on the water and air supply nozzle port 142. The secondary water supply port 143 is connected to the solution injection pump. An illumination lens is installed on the illumination lens port 144 and is connected to the light source. The instrument output port 145 is connected to the instrument insertion port 31.

[0030] The insertion part 2 is a flexible tube structure, and its cross-section is the same as the end face of the rigid part 14 at the pilot end. The gas-liquid conveying device is a flexible tube structure.

[0031] The high-precision nozzle 10 has steel needles inserted into the second hole 12 and the third hole 13 of the nozzle body. The two ends of the steel needles are open and the cross-section of the steel needles is a circular ring. Air tubes and liquid tubes are connected to the two steel needles respectively. The air tubes are connected to the air pump and the liquid tubes are connected to the solution injection pump.

[0032] In this embodiment, the two steel needles are a gas needle and a liquid needle, respectively. This invention aims to enter the esophagus through the instrument channel of an endoscope and complete the fiber deposition task with the assistance of the endoscope. Considering that the width of the flexible endoscope tube is approximately 10 mm, while the diameter of the tube that the instrument channel allows to pass through is approximately 2.8 mm, this places stringent requirements on the dimensions of the designed in-situ fiber deposition system. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the fiber deposition system is compact and efficient, guaranteeing both fiber deposition quality and ease of operation. The high-precision nozzle of this invention has dimensions of approximately 2.5 mm × 2 mm × 6 mm (l × d × h), and its overall dimensions are carefully designed to accommodate the strict limitations of the endoscope instrument channel. The high-precision nozzle features a hollow design with two channels to accommodate the gas and liquid steel needles, forming a coaxial structure. The liquid needle portion can slightly extend beyond the nozzle tip, a design that helps reduce the risk of nozzle clogging.

[0033] The connection and fixation between the steel needle, the air tube, and the high-precision nozzle 10 are achieved by applying hot melt adhesive.

[0034] Given the complexity and precise dimensions of the high-precision nozzle structure, stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing technology was chosen to manufacture the nozzle. SLA 3D printing, as an advanced additive manufacturing technology, has attracted widespread attention due to its superior printing efficiency and forming accuracy. This technology is widely used in industrial manufacturing, biomedicine, soft robotics, electronic sensors, and other fields. SLA technology is based on photopolymerization and forms the nozzle through the principle of zone-selective curing. Typically, SLA uses an ultraviolet laser (wavelength 355 or 405 nm) as the light source and utilizes a vibrating mirror system to precisely control the scanning path of the laser beam. During the SLA process, the laser beam irradiates the surface of the photosensitive material layer by layer, achieving precise light exposure and thus building the printed object layer by layer. The fine spot produced by the focused laser beam provides high spatial resolution, enabling SLA to print more complex parts than traditional manufacturing processes. Currently, SLA technology mainly uses photosensitive resin as the printing material, which is a composite mixture containing photosensitive prepolymers, reactive monomers, photoinitiators, and other additives. Utilizing SLA (Silicon Lamination) photopolymerization 3D printing technology to produce high-precision nozzles not only achieves higher printing accuracy and faster printing speeds but also better controls costs. In this invention, since the designed high-precision nozzle is primarily used for in vivo fiber deposition, biocompatible materials were specifically selected to ensure its safety and effectiveness in in vivo applications.

[0035] A pressure regulator is installed between the air tube and the air pump to regulate the gas pressure in the air tube. In this embodiment, both the air pump and the pressure regulator are existing, mature technologies.

[0036] The operating unit 3 is equipped with an angle knob, an air / water supply button, a suction button, and a clamp for inserting treatment tools. The operating unit 3 enables precise rotation, advancement, and bending of the pilot end 1 to adjust the accurate position of the nozzle.

[0037] The operating unit 3 is an existing control device used to operate and control various functions of the endoscope. The operating unit 3 and the insertion unit 2 constitute an existing endoscope device, model Olympus GIF-HQ290, equipped with an angle knob for controlling endoscope bending, air / water supply buttons, a suction button, and insertion jaws for inserting treatment tools, etc., used to operate and control various functions of the endoscope. It enables precise rotation, advancement, and bending of the endoscope pilot end to adjust the accurate position of the nozzle.

[0038] The high-precision nozzle in this invention is meticulously designed for seamless integration with the endoscope system, facilitating successful intracellular fiber deposition. The core function of the gas-liquid delivery device is to connect the high-precision nozzle to the gas-liquid production unit, namely the air pump and solution injection pump in this invention, ensuring the smooth delivery of pressurized gas and solution to the high-precision nozzle for fiber formation. To accommodate the length limitations of the endoscope, the gas-liquid delivery device needs to be longer than the endoscope tubing. This device mainly comprises a gas-liquid needle and a gas-liquid delivery tube.

[0039] Implementation Process: The endoscope's operating unit controls the rotation, advancement, and bending of the pilot end. Bending of the endoscope is primarily achieved through an electronic control system. The angle knob on the operating unit is connected to the electronic control system. When the doctor rotates the knob, the electronic control system receives a corresponding signal and drives the electric motor or piezoelectric ceramic actuator within the insertion section to move the bending wire, thus bending the endoscope. Simultaneously, the electronic control system can also achieve more precise and complex bending actions, such as the rotation and advancement of the pilot end.

[0040] During the use of an endoscope, doctors can control its various functions using buttons and knobs on the control panel. For example, rotating the angle knob controls the bending direction and angle of the endoscope; the air / water supply and suction buttons control the cleaning and suction functions of the tip; and the forceps jaws are used to insert and remove various instruments. These operations are transmitted to the tip through the endoscope's structure, enabling doctors to observe and treat the area being examined.

[0041] In practical use, a liquid syringe can be used instead of a solution infusion pump. Both the solution infusion pump and the liquid syringe are responsible for the precise delivery of the solution. Hot melt adhesive is used to ensure the connection and fixation between the steel needle, the tubing, and the nozzle. This in-situ fiber deposition system enables precise fiber deposition within the body's internal environment, such as the esophagus, offering new possibilities for the treatment of diseases such as esophageal cancer.

[0042] To achieve fiber deposition in the esophagus, an endoscope needs to be integrated with an in-situ fiber deposition system. First, a high-precision nozzle is connected to a gas-liquid delivery device. Then, through water and air delivery nozzles, the high-precision nozzle and part of the gas-liquid delivery device are slowly inserted into the pilot end and corresponding insertion section. This process requires slow operation, ensuring the nozzle's tip extends approximately 2mm beyond the instrument output port of the pilot end. Once this position is reached, the seamless integration of the fiber deposition system with the endoscope is complete, forming a complete endoscopic-based in-situ fiber deposition system. This integrated system not only provides an innovative method for fiber deposition in the in vivo environment but also significantly improves the precision and safety of treatment. Guided by the endoscope, this fiber deposition device can operate directly on hard-to-reach areas such as the esophagus, providing patients with a more convenient and effective treatment option.

[0043] Fiber dressings are deposited within the esophagus using an in vivo fiber deposition system mounted on an endoscope. The operator must skillfully utilize the endoscope's manipulator to precisely rotate, advance, and bend the endoscope's pilot end to adjust the nozzle's accurate position, thereby achieving precise fiber deposition on the esophageal surface. Before starting, the gas pressure and solution inlet rate need to be adjusted to ensure the stability and uniformity of the fiber production process. Subsequently, the endoscope tubing is inserted into the esophagus for deposition. To simulate the real human esophageal environment, a transparent tube with an inner diameter of 22mm is used, its cross-sectional diameter matching the 18-25mm range of the human esophagus. The required fiber deposition equipment must be of appropriate size and capable of 360° omnidirectional fiber dressing deposition on the esophageal wound. Figure 5 As shown, an endoscope equipped with an in-situ fiber deposition system successfully deposited fibers within a transparent esophagus. The image clearly shows that after deposition, a uniform layer of translucent fiber dressing was coated onto the esophageal surface. This demonstrates that the in-situ fiber deposition system can effectively form the required fiber layer on esophageal wounds, providing an innovative method for the treatment of esophageal diseases. This invention integrates an in-situ fiber deposition system based on an endoscope to achieve real-time observation of the esophageal internal environment and comprehensive fiber deposition.

[0044] This invention involves inserting a flexible tube into the human esophagus via the mouth. The operator can adjust its direction, curvature, and focal length using the operating components on the endoscope. Furthermore, various surgical instruments can be easily used through the instrument insertion port on the endoscope, enabling the endoscope to perform surgical procedures within the body. A schematic diagram of the endoscope is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, endoscopic in vitro and in vivo support enables precise deposition of fibrous dressings on esophageal wounds, thus providing more effective support for the treatment of esophageal cancer patients.

[0045] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments described herein are intended to help the reader understand the principles of the invention, and should be understood that the scope of protection of the invention is not limited to such specific statements and embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various other specific modifications and combinations based on the technical teachings disclosed in this invention without departing from the spirit of the invention, and these modifications and combinations are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An endoscope-assisted in-situ microfluidic blown nanofiber deposition system, characterized in that: The device includes a pilot end (1), an insertion part (2), an operating part (3), a light guide hose (4), a light guide plug (5), a display, a light source, and a camera. The pilot end (1) and the operating part (3) are connected through the insertion part (2). The operating part (3) is connected to the light guide plug (5) through the light guide hose (4). The light guide plug (5) is electrically connected to the display, the light source, and the camera. The operating part (3) is provided with an instrument insertion port (31) and an eyepiece (32). The light source provides illumination, and the camera performs imaging and displays the image on the display. An air pump and a solution injection pump are connected to the instrument insertion port (31). A high-precision nozzle (10) is installed on the pilot end (1). The high-precision nozzle (10) includes a nozzle body. The nozzle body is provided with a first nozzle body hole (11), a second nozzle body hole (12) and a third nozzle body hole (13). The first nozzle body hole (11) is connected to the second nozzle body hole (12) and the third nozzle body hole (13) respectively. The second nozzle body hole (12) and the third nozzle body hole (13) are parallel to each other. The high-precision nozzle (10) is connected to a gas-liquid delivery device. The high-precision nozzle (10) and the gas-liquid delivery device are located in the insertion part (2). The front end face of the high-precision nozzle (10) extends beyond the output end face of the pilot end (1). The high-precision nozzle (10) is connected to an air pump and a solution injection pump through pipes respectively. The air pump and the solution injection pump provide liquid and gas to the high-precision nozzle (10). The pilot end (1) includes a rigid pilot end portion (14) and a curved pilot end portion (15) fixedly connected in sequence. The curved pilot end portion (15) is connected to the insertion portion (2). The rigid pilot end portion (14) is provided with an objective lens port (141), a water and air supply nozzle port (142), a secondary water supply port (143), an illumination lens port (144), and an instrument output port (145). Both the lens port (144) and the mechanical output port (145) are pipe structures. An objective lens is installed on the objective lens port (141), and the objective lens port (141) is connected to the eyepiece (32). A high-precision nozzle (10) is installed on the water and air supply nozzle port (142). The auxiliary water supply port (143) is connected to the solution injection pump. An illumination lens is installed on the illumination lens port (144), and the illumination lens port (144) is connected to the light source. The instrument output port (145) is connected to the instrument insertion port (31). The insertion part (2) is a flexible tube structure, and the cross-section of the insertion part (2) is the same as the end face of the pilot end rigid part (14); The high-precision nozzle (10) has steel needles inserted into the second hole (12) and the third hole (13) of the nozzle body. The two ends of the steel needles are open structures, and the cross-section of the steel needles is a circular structure. Air pipes and liquid pipes are connected to the two steel needles respectively. The air pipes are connected to the air pump, and the liquid pipes are connected to the solution injection pump. The high-precision nozzle is approximately 2.5 mm × 2 mm × 6 mm in length, width and height.

2. The endoscope-assisted in-situ microfluidic blown nanofiber deposition system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connection and fixation between the steel needle and the air tube and the high-precision nozzle (10) are achieved by applying hot melt adhesive.

3. The endoscope-assisted in-situ microfluidic blown nanofiber deposition system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure regulator is installed between the air pipe and the air pump, which is used to regulate the gas pressure in the air pipe.

4. The endoscope-assisted in-situ microfluidic blown nanofiber deposition system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The operating part (3) is equipped with an angle knob, an air and water supply button, a suction button and a clamp for inserting treatment tools. The operating part (3) enables precise rotation, advancement and bending of the pilot end (1) to adjust the accurate position of the nozzle.

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