Front end assembly, endoscope and guide wire threading method

Abstract

The present invention provides a front-end component, an endoscope and a guidewire threading method, which relates to the technical field of medical devices. The present invention comprises: a front-end housing having an instrument channel, the instrument channel being connected to the instrument tube so that the operating member in the instrument tube can extend out of the front-end housing through the instrument channel; a camera module arranged in the front-end housing to collect images of the target position, the focal length of the camera module being adjustable; and a light spot generation module arranged in the front-end housing, the light spot generation module being able to illuminate the target position and form a light spot; wherein the irradiation direction of the light spot generation module is consistent with the direction of the instrument channel. Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the advantages of being able to more accurately insert the operating member into the slit, reducing the number of repeated attempts, shortening the operation time, and reducing the risk of causing trauma to the tissues around the slit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of medical devices, and in particular to a front end component, an endoscope and a guide wire threading method. Background Art

[0002] A guidewire is a thin, flexible medical device that is used to guide and position other medical devices during endoscopic and interventional procedures. It can pass through narrow or curved blood vessels, catheters, or other body passages to guide endoscopic auxiliary tools to the target location. During this process, medical professionals manually rotate, swing, linearly advance, and / or reciprocate the guidewire and endoscopic auxiliary tools to ensure that they enter or pass through the narrow gap smoothly.

[0003] Currently, the process of inserting a guidewire into a slit mainly relies on the doctor's experience and judgment. Whether the insertion is smooth depends largely on the doctor's operating experience. Even experienced medical professionals sometimes need multiple attempts to successfully enter the slit. Such repeated attempts not only prolong the operation time, but also may increase the risk of trauma to the tissues around the slit. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present application provides a front end component, an endoscope and a guidewire threading method.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides a front-end component, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A front end assembly is applied to an endoscope, the endoscope includes an instrument tube, and the front end assembly includes:

[0007] A front end housing having an instrument channel, wherein the instrument channel is in communication with the instrument tube so that an operating member in the instrument tube extends out of the front end housing through the instrument channel;

[0008] A camera module is arranged on the front end housing to collect images of the target position, and the focal length of the camera module is adjustable; and

[0009] A light spot generating module is arranged at the front end housing, and the light spot generating module can illuminate a target position and form a light spot;

[0010] Wherein, the irradiation direction of the light spot generating module is consistent with the direction of the instrument channel.

[0011] Preferably, the light spot generating module is capable of irradiating the target position and forming at least two light spots, and the camera module focuses on the light spot closest to the target position to estimate the distance between the camera module and the target position.

[0012] Preferably, the light spot generating module comprises an optical fiber and a light source, the optical fiber comprises an input end and an output end, and the light source is configured to provide light to the input end so that the output end outputs light and forms a light spot at a target position.

[0013] Preferably, there are a plurality of optical fibers, and at least the output ends of the optical fibers are arranged in an array with equal spacing, so that the light spots outputted from the output ends form a grid array.

[0014] Preferably, the end face of the output end of the optical fiber is concave.

[0015] Preferably, the front end housing is provided with a positioning structure, and the positioning structure is used to position an operating member passing through the instrument channel in the instrument channel so that the central axis of the operating member coincides with the central axis of the instrument channel.

[0016] Preferably, the positioning structure includes a driving member and a movable component, the movable component includes a positioning part, the movable component is movably arranged on the front end shell, and the driving member is used to drive the movable component to move relative to the front end shell so that the positioning part moves toward the central axis side of the instrument channel.

[0017] Preferably, the positioning parts are arranged in a circle with the central axis of the instrument channel as the center, and there are at least three of them;

[0018] And / or, the positioning portions are arranged at intervals along the central axis direction of the instrument channel.

[0019] In a second aspect, the present application provides an endoscope, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0020] An endoscope comprises a front end component described in the above technical solution.

[0021] In a third aspect, the present application provides a guide wire threading method, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0022] A guidewire threading method, applied to an endoscope described in the above technical solution, comprises the following steps:

[0023] Adjusting the position of the front end housing so that the light spot generating module irradiates the slit and forms at least one light spot on at least one side of the slit;

[0024] Adjusting the focal length of the camera module so that the camera module focuses on the light spot closest to the slit until the camera module is in an optimal focus state;

[0025] Based on the focal length of the camera module in the best focus state, estimating the distance between the camera module and the slit;

[0026] Based on the distance between the camera module and the instrument channel and the distance between the camera module and the slit, calculating the distance that the instrument channel needs to move toward the slit;

[0027] The front end housing is moved based on the distance that the instrument channel needs to move toward the slit so that the instrument channel is opposite to the slit, and an operating member is inserted through the instrument tube so that the operating member enters the slit after passing through the instrument channel.

[0028] The present invention has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0029] By projecting light spots on both sides of the slit, the camera module can focus on the light spot closest to the slit and calculate the distance between it and the light spot based on the focal length of the camera module. From this distance, the distance between the camera module and the slit can be estimated. Since the distance between the camera module and the instrument channel is known during manufacturing, combined with this information, the distance that the front housing needs to move when aligning the instrument channel with the slit can be calculated. This helps doctors insert the operating part into the slit more accurately, reduce the number of repeated attempts, shorten the operation time, and reduce the risk of trauma to the tissue around the slit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0031] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 2 It is the main view of the embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a structural schematic diagram of the light spot generation module.

[0034] Figure 4 is a first cross-sectional view of the front end housing.

[0035] Figure 5 is a second cross-sectional view of the front end housing.

[0036] Figure 6 It is a structural diagram of the positioning structure.

[0037] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram of the structure of an endoscope.

[0038] The markings in the figure are:

[0039] 10. Endoscope; 11. Instrument tube; 100. Front end shell; 110. Instrument channel; 120. Support frame; 200. Camera module; 300. Light spot generation module; 310. Optical fiber; 311. Input end; 312. Output end; 400. Positioning structure; 410. Driving member; 420. Movable assembly; 421. First connecting rod; 422. Second connecting rod; 423. Sliding block; 424. Connecting rod; 421. Positioning portion; 500. Elastic member; 600. Light source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] To make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present invention clearer, the technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other implementation methods obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described here, and the objects distinguished by "first", "second", etc. are generally of one type, and the number of objects is not limited. For example, the first object can be one or more. In addition, "and / or" in the specification and claims represents at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the objects associated with each other are in an "or" relationship.

[0042] In each embodiment of the present application, "proximal end" and "distal end" refer to the position of the endoscope and its components relative to the user in the use environment, wherein the end closer to the user is designated as the "proximal end" and the end farther from the user is designated as the "distal end".

[0043] Combine the following Figures 1 to 7 A front-end component, an endoscope and a kidney stone analysis method provided in the embodiments of the present application are described in detail through specific embodiments and their application scenarios.

[0044] The first aspect of this embodiment provides a detailed description of a front-end component.

[0045] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 7, an embodiment of the present application provides a front-end component, which can be used in an endoscope 10. Exemplarily, the endoscope 10 includes an insertion portion, and the front-end component is located in the insertion portion. Specifically, the front-end component is located at the distal end of the insertion portion. In some embodiments, the front-end component may be a part of the insertion portion. Exemplarily, the front-end component and a part of the insertion portion are an integral structure. In some embodiments, the front-end component is detachably mounted on the insertion portion. Exemplarily, the front-end component is connected to the insertion portion by a snap-on structure and / or bolts. Exemplarily, an instrument tube 11 is provided in the insertion portion, and the instrument tube 11 extends from the proximal side of the insertion portion to the distal side. The instrument tube 11 allows an operating member to enter the insertion portion, for example, a guide wire or an instrument can be inserted into the instrument tube 11.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 The front-end assembly includes a front-end housing 100, a camera module 200 and a light spot generating module 300. Exemplarily, the front-end housing 100 is a basic structural member. Exemplarily, the front-end housing 100 can be an installation base for the camera module 200 and the light spot generating module 300.

[0047] In some embodiments, the front end housing 100 has an instrument channel 110, which is connected to the distal end of the instrument tube 11. It is understood that the instrument channel 110 can be a part of the instrument tube 11. In addition, the instrument channel 110 can also be a channel formed in the front end housing 100, and the instrument tube 11 is connected to the channel. It is understood that the outlet end of the instrument channel 110 faces the distal end side of the front end housing 100, so that the instrument or guide wire can extend to the lesion through the instrument channel 110, for example, the guide wire extends out of the front end housing 100 through the instrument channel 110, and enters the slit.

[0048] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 , the light spot generation module 300 is arranged in the front end housing 100, and the light spot generation module 300 can illuminate the target position and form a light spot. Exemplarily, the light spot generation module 300 can be detachably installed in the front end housing 100, for example, the front end housing 100 is provided with an installation cavity, and the light spot generation module 300 is located in the installation cavity. By setting a limiter between the light spot generation module 300 and the installation cavity, such as glue, bolts and other structures, the light spot generation module 300 can be fixed in the installation cavity. In addition, the light spot generation module 300 can also be integrated into the front end housing 100.

[0049] In some schemes, the irradiation direction of the light spot generation module 300 is consistent with the direction of the instrument channel 110. It can be understood that the irradiation direction of the light spot generation module 300 is from the proximal side of the front end housing 100 to the distal side, that is, the light emitted by the light spot generation module 300 is emitted from the distal end of the front end housing 100 to the side away from the front end housing 100. In some embodiments, the irradiation direction of the light spot generation module 300 is parallel to the axial direction of the instrument channel 110. In this way, when the light spot is irradiated on the target position, the outlet of the instrument channel 110 faces the target position side. When the outlet of the instrument channel 110 needs to be relative (aligned) to the target position, since the outlet of the instrument channel 110 is already facing the target position side, it only needs to move a small distance to achieve relative. The outlet of the instrument channel 110 mentioned here is relative to the target position, which means that the central axis at the outlet of the instrument channel 110 passes through the target position (that is, the outlet of the instrument channel 110 is aligned with the target position). For example, when the outlet of the instrument channel 110 is opposite to the slit, if the guide wire extends from the outlet of the instrument channel 110 along the central axis direction of the instrument channel 110 , the guide wire can enter the slit.

[0050] In some embodiments, reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , the camera module 200 is installed on the front end housing 100, and the focal length of the camera module 200 is adjustable. Exemplarily, the camera module 200 focuses on the light spot irradiated on the target position to estimate the distance between the camera module 200 and the target position. When focusing on the light spot, the focal length of the camera module 200 is adjusted so that the camera module 200 can capture the best image of the target position. Exemplarily, the image acquisition direction of the camera module 200 is consistent with the irradiation direction of the light spot generation module 300, that is, the camera module 200 can capture the light spot generated by the light spot generation module 300.

[0051] In some embodiments, the target position is a slit. In order to insert the guide wire from the first position of the slit, the following method can be used: focus on the first position of the slit through the camera module 200 until the camera module 200 is in the best focus state, at which time the camera module 200 will capture the clearest image of the first position. Then, the distance between the camera module 200 and the first position of the slit is calculated according to the focal length of the camera module 200. Since the relative distance and positional relationship between the instrument channel 110 and the camera module 200 are known, the first distance required to move the instrument channel 110 toward the first position of the slit can be calculated. By controlling the front end housing 100 to move the calculated first distance, the instrument channel 110 can be aligned with the slit. After the guide wire is inserted through the instrument tube 11, the guide wire will be able to enter the slit from the first position of the slit through the instrument channel 110. The first position of the slit is any designated position of the slit, which can be designated according to actual needs. When a guide wire needs to be inserted into the slit, the first position of the slit is the position of the slit where the guide wire needs to be inserted.

[0052] It is understandable that, since the slit is in the shape of a long strip, the camera module 200 cannot accurately focus on the first position of the slit when collecting the image of the slit. If the guide wire needs to be inserted from the first position of the slit, the distance moved by the front housing 100 will be difficult to judge, resulting in the guide wire being unable to be accurately inserted into the slit. However, through the light spot generation module 300, a light spot can be formed near the first position of the slit, for example, a light spot is formed on both sides of the slit, and the light spot is close to the first position of the slit. The camera module 200 can focus on the light spot near the first position of the slit, so as to obtain the clearest image at the first position of the slit. It is understandable that the distance calculated by focusing on the light spot is actually the distance between the light spot and the camera module 200. Since the light spot is close to the first position of the slit, the distance between the light spot and the camera module 200 is substantially equal to the distance between the camera module 200 and the first position of the slit. Therefore, the distance between the camera module 200 and the first position of the slit can be estimated more accurately by this distance.

[0053] Exemplarily, the endoscope 10 can be combined with image processing technology, and an autofocus algorithm can be used to detect image clarity in real time and automatically adjust the focal length until the best focus state is reached, at which time the image obtained is the clearest image. It can be understood that in this embodiment, the clearest image at the first position of the slit is obtained by the autofocus algorithm. The autofocus algorithm gradually adjusts the focal length of the camera module 200 to make the image clear. When the autofocus algorithm adjusts the focal length of the camera module 200 to a certain value, the image of the first position of the slit captured by the camera module 200 is clearer than the image at other focal length values. At this time, the camera module 200 is in the best focus state.

[0054] It is understandable that the use of the focal length of the camera module 200 to determine the distance between the camera module 200 and the light spot is mainly based on the camera imaging principle and geometry. Specifically, the actual distance of the object can be calculated through the focal length of the camera, the sensor size, and the size of the object in the image. This process relies on the principle of similar triangles and is achieved by comparing the size of the object in the image with the actual size. This calculation method is quite mature and will not be repeated here.

[0055] It is understandable that estimating the distance between the camera module 200 and the first position of the slit refers to roughly calculating the approximate value of the distance, not a very high-precision calculation. By calculating the approximate value of the distance, it is possible to roughly understand the distance that the front end housing 100 needs to move, so as to help doctors judge the moving distance of the front end housing 100 based on clinical experience. Compared with the previous judgment based only on the clinical experience of doctors, the combination of calculation results can greatly improve the accuracy of the judgment of the moving distance of the front end housing 100, thereby improving the efficiency of the operation and reducing the risk of trauma to the tissues around the slit.

[0056] According to an optional embodiment, the light spot generation module 300 is capable of irradiating the target position and forming at least two light spots. The camera module 200 focuses on the light spot closest to the target position to estimate the distance between the camera module 200 and the target position. When there are at least two light spots, it is easier to irradiate the light spot around the slit. Compared with a single light spot, when adjusting at least two light spots to irradiate around the slit, it is only necessary to ensure that at least one light spot is on both sides of the slit. In addition, when making the light spot close to the first position of the slit, since there are more than one light spots, only one light spot is required to be close to the first position of the slit. It is understandable that it is easier to adjust at least two light spots and at least one is located at the first position of the slit than to adjust a single light spot to be located around the slit and close to the first position of the slit. This makes it easy for the operator to adjust the position of the light spot and reduces the difficulty of operation and precision requirements.

[0057] According to an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 3 , Figure 4 , the light spot generating module 300 includes an optical fiber 310 and a light source 600, and the optical fiber 310 includes an input end 311 and an output end 312. The light source 600 is configured to provide light to the input end 311 so that the output end 312 outputs light and forms a light spot at the target position. Exemplarily, the light source 600 is disposed at the input end 311 of the optical fiber 310. When the light source 600 emits light, part of the light will be irradiated at the input end 311 and enter the interior of the optical fiber 310. The light entering the interior of the optical fiber 310 is irradiated from the output end 312 through internal reflection. By directing the output end 312 toward the target position, the irradiated light will form a light spot at the target position (refer to Figure 4). In some embodiments, the light source 600 is disposed in the front end housing, and the optical fiber 310 is disposed relatively short. The optical fiber 310 is disposed only in the front end housing portion, so that the light emitted by the light source 600 can be irradiated to the target position through the optical fiber 310 to form a light spot. In some embodiments, the light source 600 is disposed in the endoscope 10, and the optical fiber 310 is disposed relatively long. The optical fiber 310 extends from the front end housing position to the endoscope 10 (refer to Figure 3 ).

[0058] It is understood that the optical fiber 310 is capable of transmitting light signals with almost no loss. Therefore, by combining the light source 600 and the optical fiber 310, the generated light spot can be made clearer. In addition, the optical fiber 310 has high flexibility and can be easily bent and moved, so that light can be accurately transmitted to a target location that is difficult to reach. This allows the optical fiber 310 to bend along with the insertion portion and enter the target location to transmit light to a specific area inside the human body.

[0059] According to an optional embodiment, there are multiple optical fibers 310, and at least the output ends 312 of the optical fibers 310 are arranged in an array with equal spacing, so that the light spots output by the output ends 312 form a grid array. At least the output ends 312 of the optical fibers 310 are arranged in an array with equal spacing, which means that the multiple optical fibers 310 are arranged in parallel, and the multiple optical fibers 310 are arranged at equal spacing in the horizontal and vertical directions, so that the light spots irradiated by the output ends 312 of the optical fibers 310 can form a light spot array, for example, the light spot array is a rectangular area. Thereby, a better coverage effect can be formed on the target position, and it can be easier to make at least one light spot approach and be closest to the first position of the slit. In addition, at least the output ends 312 of the optical fibers 310 are arranged in an array with equal spacing, which can also mean that the part of the optical fibers 310 close to the output ends 312 is arranged in an array with equal spacing. It can also make the light spots of the output ends 312 form a light spot array.

[0060] In some embodiments, reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 A support frame 120 is provided on the front end housing 100. The support frame 120 is provided with a plurality of through holes for the optical fibers 310 to pass through. The through holes are arranged in an array with equal spacing. The output ends 312 of the optical fibers 310 are fixed in the through holes. In this way, the support frame 120 can ensure that at least the output ends 312 of the optical fibers 310 are arranged in an array with equal spacing.

[0061] According to an optional embodiment, the end face of the output end 312 of the optical fiber 310 is concave. Exemplarily, an inwardly concave groove is provided at the output end 312 of the light, and the wall surface of the concave groove has a smooth transition. When the light is emitted from the end face of the output end 312, since the end face of the output end 312 is concave, the light will tend to be concentrated at one point, reducing the divergence angle of the light beam, making the emitted light closer to parallel light. In this way, the light spot formed when the light irradiates the target position will not increase significantly, which is conducive to maintaining the brightness of the light spot. At the same time, this is also conducive to the camera module 200 to focus on the light spot, avoiding the situation of interference focusing when adjacent light spots overlap each other when the light spot increases.

[0062] According to an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 5 , Figure 6 , the front end housing 100 is provided with a positioning structure 400, and the positioning structure 400 is used to position the operating member passing through the instrument channel 110 in the instrument channel 110 so that the central axis of the operating member coincides with the central axis of the instrument channel 110. Through the positioning structure 400, when the instrument channel 110 is aligned with the slit, the operating member in the instrument channel 110 is also aligned with the slit. For example, the positioning structure 400 can allow the central axis of the guide wire to coincide with the instrument channel 110, so that when the instrument channel 110 is aligned with the slit, the guide wire will also be aligned with the slit, and the guide wire can be smoothly inserted into the slit by moving it. Generally, the size of the instrument channel 110 is larger than the size of the operating member. For example, when the guide wire is in the instrument channel 110, there will be a certain gap between the guide wire and the instrument channel 110, which may cause the guide wire to be not concentric with the instrument channel 110. In this way, when the instrument channel 110 is aligned with the slit, the guide wire may not be aligned with the slit, which is not conducive to the insertion of the guide wire into the slit. In this solution, by providing a positioning structure 400 , the operating member is urged to be concentric with the instrument channel 110 , thereby facilitating the insertion of the guide wire into the slit.

[0063] In some embodiments, the positioning structure 400 is a component that can be moved in a direction close to or away from the central axis of the instrument channel 110. There are multiple components arranged along the circumference of the instrument channel 110. When the structure moves toward the central axis of the instrument channel 110 under the drive of an external force, it can push the operating member in the instrument channel 110 to be at the central axis position of the instrument channel 110, so that the operating member is concentric with the instrument channel 110. In some embodiments, the positioning structure 400 can be an airbag arranged around the instrument channel 110. The airbag can be an annular airbag, or multiple airbags can be distributed at intervals along the circumference of the instrument channel 110. When the airbag is inflated, it can push the operating member to move toward the central axis of the instrument channel 110, so that the operating member is concentric with the instrument channel 110.

[0064] According to an alternative embodiment, referring to Figure 5 , Figure 6 The positioning structure 400 includes a driving member 410 and a movable assembly 420. The movable assembly 420 includes a positioning portion 421. The movable assembly 420 is movably disposed on the front housing 100. The driving member 410 is used to drive the movable assembly 420 to move relative to the front housing 100 so that the positioning portion 421 moves toward the central axis side of the instrument channel 110. The movable assembly 420 is triggered by the driving member 410 to allow the movable assembly 420 to move relative to the front housing 100, and the front housing 100 can drive the positioning portion 421 to move toward the central axis side of the instrument channel 110 during the movement, so as to push the operating member to be concentric with the instrument channel 110. It can be understood that the number of the positioning portions 421 here can be multiple, and the multiple positioning portions 421 are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the instrument channel 110, and the driving member 410 can drive the movable assembly 420 to drive the multiple positioning portions 421 to move toward the central side of the instrument channel 110 at the same time.

[0065] According to an optional embodiment, at least three positioning parts 421 are arranged circumferentially with the central axis of the instrument channel 110 as the center. The multiple positioning parts 421 can effectively push the operating member to the central axis side of the instrument channel 110, thereby ensuring that the operating member is concentric with the instrument channel 110.

[0066] According to an optional embodiment, the positioning parts 421 are arranged at intervals along the central axis direction of the instrument channel 110. Exemplarily, at least two groups of positioning parts 421 are arranged along the central axis direction of the instrument channel 110, each group of positioning parts 421 includes multiple positioning parts 421, and the multiple positioning parts 421 in each group are distributed at intervals along the circumference of the instrument channel 110. In this way, when the operating member is pushed by the positioning parts 421, the operating member can be pushed from multiple positions, which helps to make the operating member concentric with the instrument channel 110. If the operating member is pushed from only one position, part of the operating member may be located at the center of the instrument channel 110, and it is impossible to ensure that the operating member is completely concentric with the instrument channel 110, which is not conducive to the operating member entering the target position. Therefore, providing multiple positioning parts 421 can more effectively ensure the concentricity of the operating member and the instrument channel 110, and improve the accuracy of the operating member entering the target position.

[0067] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 , Figure 6, the driving member 410 is a driving rope, the movable assembly 420 is a connecting rod structure hinged on the inner wall of the instrument channel 110, and the positioning portion 421 is a portion of the connecting rod structure facing the center side of the instrument channel 110. When the driving rope pulls the connecting rod structure, the positioning portion 421 can move toward the center side of the instrument channel 110. Exemplarily, the connecting rod structure includes a first connecting rod 421 and a second connecting rod 422 located in the instrument channel 110. The first end of the first connecting rod 421 is hinged to the front end housing 100, the second end of the first connecting rod 421 is hinged to the first end of the second connecting rod 422, and the second end of the second connecting rod 422 is hinged to the slider 423. The slider 423 is slidably disposed in the instrument channel 110 along the central axis direction of the instrument channel 110. The driving rope is connected to the slider 423. When the driving rope is pulled, the slider 423 can be pulled to slide along the central axis of the instrument channel 110, so that the first connecting rod 421 and the second connecting rod 422 rotate relative to each other, so that their hinges move toward the central axis of the instrument channel 110. It can be understood that the hinge of the first connecting rod 421 and the second connecting rod 422 is the positioning part 421. Therefore, when the slider 423 slides, the positioning part 421 can move toward the central axis of the instrument channel 110, thereby pushing the operating member to be concentric with the instrument channel 110.

[0068] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 The slider 423 is an annular slider 423, and the position of the middle through hole is provided for the operating member to pass through. The number of the first connecting rod 421 and the second connecting rod 422 are both multiple, and they are arranged one by one. The multiple first connecting rods 421 are distributed along the circumference of the slider 423 at intervals, and the multiple second connecting rods 422 are also distributed along the circumference of the slider 423 at intervals. In this way, multiple positioning parts 421 are formed between the first connecting rod 421 and the second connecting rod 422. When the slider 423 slides, it can drive the multiple positioning parts 421 to move toward the central axis side of the instrument channel 110 at the same time, thereby pushing the operating member to be concentric with the instrument channel 110. It can be understood that an elastic member 500 is provided between the slider 423 and the front end housing 100. The slider 423 is driven to slide in the first direction by the driving rope, and the slider 423 can be pushed to slide in the direction opposite to the first direction by the elastic member 500. In this way, through the cooperation of the driving rope and the elastic member 500, the positioning part 421 can be driven to move toward or away from the central axis side of the instrument channel 110.

[0069] In some embodiments, reference Figure 5 , Figure 6, at least two groups of positioning structures 400 are provided, and the two groups of positioning structures 400 are spaced apart along the central axis direction of the instrument channel 110. In this way, two groups of positioning parts 421 are formed, and the two groups of positioning parts 421 are distributed along the central axis direction of the instrument channel 110. Exemplarily, two groups of first connecting rods 421, second connecting rods 422 and sliders 423 are provided, and the two groups of sliders 423 are linked. For example, a connecting rod 424 is connected between the two sliders 423, so that when one of the sliders 423 is driven to move, the other slider 423 is also driven to follow through the connecting rod 424, so as to realize the synchronous movement of the two groups of positioning parts 421, so as to facilitate the operation member to be pushed to be concentric with the instrument channel 110.

[0070] Reference Figure 6 As shown, the first end of the first connecting rod 421 can be first connected to the fixing ring, which is an annular component, and then the fixing ring is fixed to the front housing 100, so that the purpose of connecting multiple first connecting rods 421 to the front housing 100 can be achieved. It can be understood that in order to allow the two sliders 423 to be linked to each other, the connecting rod 424 can be slidably connected to the fixing ring, and by connecting the driving rope to the connecting rod 424, the connecting rod 424 can be pulled by the driving rope to drive the two sliders 423 to slide together.

[0071] It is understandable that the operating member includes a guide wire or other instruments that need to be inserted into the target position. This embodiment does not limit the specific type of the operating member.

[0072] A second aspect of this embodiment describes an endoscope in detail.

[0073] Reference Figure 7 , an endoscope, comprising a front end assembly of the above embodiment. In this way, the endoscope 10 has the beneficial effects of the above front end assembly, which will not be repeated here. The endoscope 10 referred to in the embodiment of the present application can be a bronchoscope, a pyeloscope, an esophagoscope, a gastroscope, a colonoscope, an otoscope, a rhinoscope, a stomatoscope, a laryngoscope, a colposcope, a laparoscope, an arthroscope, etc. The embodiment of the present application does not specifically limit the type of the endoscope 10.

[0074] The third aspect of this embodiment provides a detailed description of a guide wire insertion method.

[0075] A guidewire threading method, applied to an endoscope of the above embodiment, comprises the following steps:

[0076] S101 , adjusting the position of the front housing 100 so that the light spot generating module 300 irradiates the slit and forms at least one light spot on at least one side of the slit.

[0077] It is understandable that the light spot generating module 300 can emit light, and when the light is irradiated around the slit, a light spot can be formed around the slit. Therefore, the position of the formed light spot can be changed by adjusting the front housing 100 so that the light spot is formed on at least one side of the slit.

[0078] S102, adjusting the focal length of the camera module 200 so that the camera module 200 focuses on the light spot closest to the slit, until the camera module 200 is in an optimal focus state.

[0079] It can be understood that, since there are multiple light spots, when the light spots are formed around the slit, there will be a light spot that is located closest to the slit.

[0080] S103 , estimating the distance between the camera module 200 and the slit based on the focal length of the camera module 200 in the best focus state.

[0081] It is understandable that the distance calculated by the focal length is actually the distance between the camera module 200 and the light spot. Since the camera module 200 focuses on the light spot closest to the slit, the distance between the camera module 200 and the light spot is approximately equal to the distance between the camera module 200 and the slit. It is understandable that the distance is actually an estimated value of the distance between the camera module 200 and the slit, rather than an exact value.

[0082] S105 . Based on the distance between the camera module 200 and the instrument channel 110 and the distance between the camera module 200 and the slit, calculate the distance that the instrument channel 110 needs to move toward the slit.

[0083] It is understandable that the operator usually operates based on experience when moving the instrument channel 110. Therefore, by combining the estimated distance between the camera module 200 and the slit, the operator can roughly determine the distance that the front housing 100 needs to be controlled to move during manual operation.

[0084] S106, moving the front end housing 100 based on the distance that the instrument channel 110 needs to move toward the slit, so that the instrument channel 110 is opposite to the slit, and extending the operating member through the instrument tube 11, so that the operating member enters the slit after passing through the instrument channel 110.

[0085] The above description is only a specific implementation mode of the present invention, but the protection scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed by the present invention, which should be covered by the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A front end assembly, applied to an endoscope (10), the endoscope (10) comprising an instrument tube (11), characterized in that: The front-end components include: A front end housing (100) having an instrument channel (110), wherein the instrument channel (110) is in communication with the instrument tube (11), so that an operating member in the instrument tube (11) can extend out of the front end housing (100) through the instrument channel (110); A camera module (200) is arranged on the front housing (100) to collect an image of a target position, and the focal length of the camera module (200) is adjustable; and A light spot generation module (300) is arranged on the front end housing (100), and the light spot generation module (300) is capable of irradiating a target position and forming a light spot; Wherein, the irradiation direction of the light spot generation module (300) is consistent with the direction of the instrument channel (110); The light spot generation module (300) is capable of irradiating a target position and forming at least two light spots, and the camera module (200) focuses on the light spot closest to the target position to estimate the distance between the camera module (200) and the target position; The distance between the camera module (200) and the target position is used together with the distance between the camera module (200) and the instrument channel (100) to calculate the distance between the instrument channel (110) and the target position.

2. A front end assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The light spot generating module (300) comprises an optical fiber (310) and a light source (600), wherein the optical fiber (310) comprises an input end (311) and an output end (312), and the light source (600) is configured to provide light to the input end (311) so that the output end (312) outputs light and forms a light spot at a target position.

3. A front end assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: There are a plurality of optical fibers (310), and at least the output ends (312) of the optical fibers (310) are arranged in an array with equal spacing, so that the light spots output by the output ends (312) form a grid array.

4. A front end assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end surface of the output end (312) of the optical fiber (310) is concave.

5. A front-end assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The front end housing (100) is provided with a positioning structure (400), and the positioning structure (400) is used to position an operating member passing through the instrument channel (110) in the instrument channel (110) so that the central axis of the operating member coincides with the central axis of the instrument channel (110).

6. A front end assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The positioning structure (400) includes a driving member (410) and a movable component (420), wherein the movable component (420) includes a positioning portion (421), and the movable component (420) is movably arranged on the front end shell (100), and the driving member (410) is used to drive the movable component (420) to move relative to the front end shell (100) so that the positioning portion (421) moves toward the central axis side of the instrument channel (110).

7. A front end assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The positioning parts (421) are arranged in a circle with the central axis of the instrument channel (110) as the center, and there are at least three of them; And / or, the positioning portions (421) are arranged at intervals along the central axis direction of the instrument channel (110).

8. An endoscope, characterized in that: A front-end component comprising any one of claims 1-7.

Images